THE MANILA TIMES | MAY 5, 2019

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MAY 5, 2019

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BY CATHERINE S. VALENTE

M

Duterte admin gets record-high satisfaction

ALACAÑANG on Saturday rejected the challenge of opposition Senate candidate Gary Alejano to President Rodrigo Duterte and his spokesman Salvador Panelo to resign over the oustDuterte matrix that linked a lawyers’ group and several MEDIA OUTkTS TO AN ALLEGED destabilization plot. ³Call A2

Prostrate workers and the vanishing trade unions SUNDAY STORIES MARLEN V. RONQUILLO

I

N the early ‘80s, it was not boxing bouts that crippled the metropolis and placed all life at a standstill. It was the sea of makeSHIFT PLACARDS AND CLENCHED kSTS HOISTED BY sunburned workers during their traditional April-May protest marches.

From the factory towns in the Camanava, the workers would emerge in small groups, then converge to form a potent MASS FOR THE MARCH ALONG THE DEkNED route. Along the way, the intense blaze of

ÂłRonquillo A5

HOME ON THE RANGE

A member of the Aeta community that was affected by the 6.1 quake that hit Luzon cooks food at a temporary shelter made up of leaves and bamboo in Porac, Pampanga. At least 125 houses in Barangay Diaz collapsed when the temblor hit last month, leaving four Aetas dead. PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA

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

ÂłSatisfaction A2

NUPL CLAIMS BASELESS – MILITARY Ex-speaker THE Armed Forces of the Philippines will present proof that would refute the claims of the National Union of People’s Lawyers’ (NUPL) that members of the group are in danger because of the military’s attempts to link them to communist REBEL GROUPS AN OFkCIAL SAID ON 3ATURDAY Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, military spokesman, said in a statement that they respect the Supreme Court’s decision to grant the group’s petition for a writ of

UN report suggests measures on how to fix Nature PARIS: Revamping global food production, RETOOLING THE kNANCIAL SECTOR MOVING BEyond GDP as a measure of progress and other “transformative changes� are needed to save Nature and ourselves, a major UN biodiversity report is set to conclude.

Delegates from 130 nations wrap up week-long negotiations in Paris Saturday on the executive summary of a 1,800-page

THE Duterte administration got an “excelLENTu SATISFACTION RATING IN THE kRST QUARTER of 2019, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.

The survey, conducted from March 28 to 31, 2019, found that 81 percent of Filipinos voiced satisfaction with the governMENT WHILE PERCENT WERE DISSATISkED The remaining 10 percent were neither SATISkED NOR DISSATISkED FOR A NET SATISFACtion rating of +72, 6 points higher than the +66 “good� net satisfaction rating recorded in December 2018.

It is also 2 points higher than the +70 recorded by the administration in December 2017.

The administration received generally

tome authored by 400 scientists, the kRST 5. GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE of Nature — and its impact on humanity — in 15 years.

The bombshell Summary for Policymakers, to be unveiled on May 6, makes for very grim reading.

Up to a million of Earth’s estimated

ÂłNature A2

HIS BETS

President Rodrigo Duterte raises the hands of Roman Romulo (right) and Vico Sotto, who is running for mayor in Pasig City. Romulo hopes to again represent the city at the House of Representatives. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Amparo and habeas data. NUPL members claimed their lives were in danger because the military has been linking them to the Communist Party of the Philip-

pines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Arevalo said the military would present evidence to refute the claims of the NUPL. “ We h a v e communicated ÂłMilitary A2 with the OSG (Office of

Nograles dies at 71

FORMER House Speaker Prospero Nograles died on Saturday at the age of 71, his son, Cabinet Secret a r y Ka r l o Nograles said. “Papa Q Ex-House leader p a s s e d Prospero Nograles away peacefully, surrounded by his family. May we please ask for your continued prayers. He IS kNALLY AT PEACE u .OGRALES SAID in a statement. “Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of you for being a part of Papa Boy Nogie’s life and journey,� he added.

The late speaker is survived by his wife Rhodora Bendigo Nograles and children Kristine Elizabeth Nograles Hugo, Karlo, PBA party-list Rep. Jericho Jonas Nograles, and Margarita Ignacia Nograles.

The Cabinet secretary said his father “was a driven public servant who loved his family and faithfully served his constituents.� g(IS kFTEEN YEARS IN PUBLIC SERVICE ‡ PUNCTUATED BY HIS ELECTION AS THE kRST House Speaker from Mindanao — was

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SUNDAY May 5, 2019

NKorea fires short-range ‘projectiles’ into sea S EOUL: North Korea launched several unidentified projectiles into the sea on Saturday, the South Korean military said, IN WHAT COULD BE 0YONGYANG S kRST SHORT RANGE missile launch for more than a year as it seeks to up pressure on Washington with nuclear talks deadlocked.

The United States and North Korea have been at loggerheads since the collapse of a summit between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump in February, when the two sides clashed over sanctions and the extent of Pyongyang’s concessions on its atomic arsenal.

North Korea “fired a number of short-range projectiles� from Hodo peninsula near the east coast town of Wonsan in a northeast direction from 9:06 a.m. (0006 GMT) to 9:27 a.m., the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

The projectiles traveled from 70 to 200 kilometers (45 to 125 miles) toward the East Sea, also

known as the Sea of Japan, the JCS added.

The last North Korean missile launch was in November 2017.

4HE LATEST kRING COMES JUST A day after South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Pyongyang should show “visible, concrete and substantial� denuclearization action if it wants sanctions relief.

That issue was also at the center of the February talks in Hanoi, where North Korea demanded immediate sanctions relief, but the two sides disagreed on what Pyongyang should give up in return.

Earlier this week, North Ko-

rean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui warned Washington of an “unwanted outcome� if it did not adjust its stance on economic sanctions.

Saturday’s launch “does not violate Kim Jong Un’s self-imposed missile-testing moratorium,� which “only applied to intercontinental-range ballistic missiles,� said North Korea analyst Ankit Panda.

The South’s presidential Blue House said it was monitoring the situation and “closely sharing information with the United States.�

It later said the North’s launch on Saturday was against a military agreement signed by the two Koreas in Pyongyang last year, and this leaves Seoul “greatly concerned.� “We call for North Korea’s active participation in making efforts for the prompt resuming of dialogue,� it said in a statement.

Since the collapse of the Hanoi summit between Kim and Trump, South Korean president Moon Jae-

IN ‡ WHO BROKERED THE kRST MEETing between the mercurial leaders — has tried to salvage diplomacy, but Pyongyang has remained largely unresponsive.

Kim slammed the South in a speech to his country’s rubberstamp legislature last month, saying it should not “pose as a meddlesome ‘mediator’� between the US and Pyongyang.

Last week, on the anniversary of the Panmunjom summit between Moon and Kim, Pyongyang’s state media KCNA said Washington and Seoul “keep pushing the situation of the Korean peninsula and the region to an undesirable phase,� criticizing their joint military exercises.

Saturday’s launch came days before US special representative Stephen Biegun visits Japan and South Korea next week.

Washington had said Biegun would discuss “efforts to advance THE kNAL FULLY VERIkED DENUCLEarization of North Korea� with OFkCIALS IN 3EOUL AND 4OKYO AFP

Q SATISFACTION FROM A1

Duterte admin gets good ratings on 11 performance subjects.

The administration netted an “excellent� + 72 net satisfaction rating, a record-high, on “helping the poor.�

It received “very good� net satisfaction ratings on reconstructing Marawi City, at +58, and kGHTING TERRORISM ALSO AT The administration recorded “good� net satisfaction ratings ON kGHTING CRIMES AT REConciling with communist rebels at a record-high +45, reconciling with Muslim rebels at +44, eradicating graft and corruption at +41, foreign relations at +41, defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippines Sea at +40 and ensuring that no family will ever be hungry at +37.

It scored a “moderate� ranking ON kGHTING INlATION AT The administration’s overall net satisfaction rating also increased in all areas.

The survey was conducted among 1,440 Filipinos aged 18 years old and above.

It had sampling error margins of Âą2.6 percent for national percentages and Âą5 percent each for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas and Mindanao.

‘Hard slap’ MalacaĂąang said the record high satisfaction rating was a “hard slapâ€? on the opposition

and detractors who “doubted the President’s policies.�

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said the rating was the highest received by any administration since SWS started doing surveys in February 1989. “The efforts of this Administration in serving the nation and the Filipinos are starting to bear fruit,� he said in a statement. “Our countrymen’s towering satisfaction in favor of our hardships and attainments is a hard slap on the face of the opposition and our detractors who, from day one, never gave the leadership of President Duterte a chance to show them his competence in administering the nation’s affairs,� he added.

Panelo urged the opposition to stop “unleashing negative forces against the government.� “We reiterate our call to them to wake up from their stupor and instead of unleashing negative forces against the government they should contribute to the building of our nation lest they be crushed by the stallions of change galloping across the land,� he said. “While they continue with their political offensives against us, we endlessly grind for our nation’s interests and betterment. And as we have repeatedly said, they can always do their worst and we will do our best,� Panelo added.

RALPH EDWIN U. VILLANUEVA AND CATHERINE VALENTE

Q NATURE FROM A1

UN report suggests

BAY CLEANUP Miss Teen Philippines 2019 candidates clean a portion of the Manila Bay on Saturday. PHOTO BY ENRIQUE AGCAOILI

Q CALL FROM A1

Palace Panelo dismissed Alejano’s claim that the oust-Duterte matrix was “utTERLY IRRESPONSIBLEu AND UNVERIkED “It’s arrant nonsense, like all his other statements,� Panelo told The Manila Times in a text message. “Other than saying that, his challenge is undeserving of a response,� he added.

On Friday, Alejano hit Panelo for supposedly misleading the public that the matrix was gathered from reliable intelligence information. “The fact that they (Duterte and Panelo) made it appear that the matrix was culled from serious in-

Q MILITARY FROM A1

NUPL CLAIMS the Solicitor General) as our statutory counsel and prepared the refutation of all the baseless claims of NUPL,� Arevalo said. “We are committed to tell the Honorable Supreme Court nothing but the truth when we present our side that the acts attributed to the [Armed Forces] are mere imputations and allegations. We have pieces of evidence to refute NUPL’s

Q NOGRALES FROM A1

Ex-speaker dedicated to uplifting the welfare of Dabawenyos and the people of

telligence gathering when it was not already spells dishonesty. They are fooling the people,� Alejano said. “They have done a grave disservice to the Filipino people. I call on spokesperson Panelo and President Duterte to resign,� he added.

4HE MATRIX PUBLISHED kRST ON The Manila Times linked several groups to a supposed ouster plot against Duterte.

Among those tagged were the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, and media organizations VERA Files, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and Rappler.

The groups denied the allegations and slammed the Duterte administration for putting the lives of journalists and human rights

lawyers in danger.

Panelo had said information on the matrix came from the President himself, and that it came from a “foreign source.�

On Friday, Panelo said he “never changed� his story on the matrix, saying that the President himself might have instructed the unknown source to send the diagram.

0ANELO MADE THE CLARIkCATION a day after admitting that he got his copy of the matrix from an unknown source via text message. “I never changed my tune with respect to the source of the matrix. I said, and I’ll repeat, it was the President who told me about the matrix,� he told reporters in an interview. “Now, when I said that the dia-

gram was sent to me by a texter whose number does not appear in my directory, it only means that that texter could have been obviously instructed by the President to send me that matrix,� he added.

4HE 0ALACE OFkCIAL ALSO NOTED THAT the unknown sender “must be� a STAFF OF THE /FkCE OF THE 0RESIDENT “Regardless from whatever number it was sent, I can assure that the matrix sent to me came from the President. The sender must be ONE OF THE STAFF IN THE /FkCE OF THE President,� Panelo said. “Considering as well the fact that the President did not correct or rectify what was released only means that it was the matrix being referred to by the President,� he added.

baseless claims,� he added.

Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., one of the respondents in the petition, maintained that NUPL is one of the groups that had been instigating terror among communities and putting the blame on the military. “The [Supreme Court] also knows that we, in the [Armed Forces], are in the best position to secure you, not from [Armed Forces] attacks because we don’t do that, but from your comrades who have the habit of attacking

your own kind then blame the government,� he said.

Parlade said some NUPL members are from the CPP’s underground movement. “But does it change the fact you are members of the Lupon ng Manananggal ng Bayan (Lumaban), the underground movement of the CPP hiding under the cloak of the legal front NUPL? No. And look how safe you are as you exploit the protection of our democracy, even as you advance your revolution to establish your proletarian

dictatorship,� he said.

The writ of Amparo is granted t o a ny p e r s o n w h o s e r i g h t to life, liberty and security is threatened or violated by private persons or public officials.

It covers extralegal killings and enforced disappearances.

The Supreme Court also referred NUPL’s petition to the Court of Appeals and ordered the lower court to hear the case on May 14 and decide on the petition within 10 days after it was submitted for resolution.

ROY D.R. NARRA

Mindanao,� he said.

The former House leader graduated from the Ateneo School of Law and landed on second place in the 1971 Bar Examinations.

As a lawyer, he represented vic-

tims of human rights violations.

He joined the campaign of Corazon !QUINO ‡ WHO LATER BECAME PRESIdent — in the 1986 snap elections.

He was a former congressional REPRESENTATIVE OF $AVAO #ITY S kRST

DISTRICT SERVING HIS kRST TERM IN 1989. He was elected to the same post in 1995. He again served as lawmaker at the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010.

REINA C. TOLENTINO

8 million species face extinction, many of them within decades, according to a draft version obtained by Agence France-Presse.

All but 7 percent of major maRINE kSH STOCKS ARE IN DECLINE OR exploited to the limit of sustainability. At the same time, humanity dumps up to 400 million tons of heavy metals, toxic sludge and other waste into oceans and rivers each year.

Since 1990, Earth has lost 2.9 million hectares — an area more than eight times the size of Germany or Vietnam — of forests that play a critical role in absorbing record-level CO2 emissions.

The heavily negotiated text does not make explicit policy recommendations, but will serve “as A BASIS FOR REDEkNING OUR OBJECtives� ahead of a key meeting of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in China next fall, said Yunne Jai Shin, a researcher at the Research Institute for Development in Marseilles.

But the pressure to set clear targets — similar to the cap on global warming in the 2015 climate treaty inked in the French capital — has sparked calls for a “Paris moment� on biodiversity.

absorb CO2, has risen four-fold in just 13 years in Asia, and doubled worldwide since 1990. “Feeding the world in a sustainable manner entails the transformation of food systems,� the report notes.

Local food production, less demand for meat, fewer chemical inputs, use of renewable power, SUSTAINABLE LIMITS FOR kSHERIES A sharp decline in tropical deforestation — all are feasible and would help restore Nature.

The report also spotlights “harmful subsidies� that encourage environmentally damaging kSHING AGRICULTURE LIVESTOCK RAISing, forestry and mining.

A downward spiral

The report cites estimates that tax HAVENS kNANCE ABOUT PERCENT OF vessels implicated in unregulated kSHING AND AN EQUAL SHARE OF THE soy and beef sectors that are ravaging the Amazon.

The summary for policymakers maps out what Watson calls “several plausible futures,� some inviting, others less so.

One labelled “economic optimism� sees burgeoning international trade unfettered by regula‘Harmful subsidies’ tion. Population growth slows, but per capita consumption is high, The new report details how hu- leading to more climate change mans are undermining Earth’s and pollution. capacity to produce fresh water, A “reformed markets� variclean air and productive soil, to ant would feature more policies name a few “ecosystem services.� aimed at poverty alleviation and The direct causes of Nature’s protecting the environment, but degradation — in order of im- consumer demand remains high, portance — are shrinking habitat IF MORE EQUALLY DISTRIBUTED and land-use change, hunting for “Global sustainable developfood or illicit trade in body parts, ment� would see politicians and climate change, pollution, and the public prioritize environmenpredatory or disease-carrying alien tal issues and strict regulations.

SPECIES SUCH AS RATS MOSQUITOES Policies and education promote and snakes. low population growth, sustain“There are also two big indirect able production and a concept drivers of biodiversity loss and of progress based on well-being, climate change — the number not just gross domestic product of people in the world and their (GDP). People eat a lot less meat, growing ability to consume,� and energy consumption declines.

Robert Watson, chairman of “All variations of this archetype the Intergovernmental Science- ARE BENEkCIAL FOR BIODIVERSITY u THE Policy Platform on Biodiversity underlying report says. and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), In a kindred world, internatold AFP. tional institutions weaken, but The way humanity produces, regional ones pick up the slack distributes and consumes food toward the same ends. — accounting for a third of land, Finally, the last two scenarios 75 percent of fresh water use and — “business-as-usual� and “reA QUARTER OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMIS- gional competition� — plunge sions — is especially destructive, the planet into a nightmarish, the report shows. downward spiral of conflict, Fertilizer use, which degrades GROWING INEQUALITY AND CONTINUthe soil’s ability to grow plants and ing degradation of Nature. AFP

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The Sunday Times

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SUNDAY May 5, 2019

A3

Oil firms impose big-time price cut O

BY JORDEENE B. LAGARE

IL companies announced a bigtime price cut on Saturday, a week after raising pump prices by nearly a peso.

Phoenix Petroleum was the first to implement the price ad-

justment on Saturday, reducing the prices of diesel and gasoline

by 80 centavos per liter and P1 per liter, respectively.

Seaoil said it would cut the cost diesel and kerosene by 80 centavos per liter each and the price of gasoline by 90 centavos per liter effective 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2019.

Petro Gazz will also reduce the prices of diesel and gasoline

by 80 centavos per liter and P1 per liter, respectively, on Monday at 6 a.m.

Meanwhile, Pilipinas Shell will slash the cost of diesel and kerosene by 80 centavos per liter each and gasoline by 90 centavos per liter on Tuesday.

Other firms are expected to follow suit.

I n d u s t r y p l aye r s r e d u c e d pump prices despite the inching up of global crude prices on Friday. Reuters reported that Brent crude oil futures gained 10 cents to $70.85 per barrel while the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed 13 cents to $61.94 a barrel.

This brings the selling price of diesel to P43.54-P47.85 per liter, gasoline to P52.84-P60.86 p e r l i t e r, a n d k e r o s e n e by P47.19-P57.40 per liter.

Last week, the cost of diesel increased by 80 centavos per liter, gasoline by 75 centavos per liter, and kerosene by 90 centavos per liter.

Gordon warns netizens vs social media abuses SEN. Richard Gordon has warned netizens not to commit abuses by posting malicious and libelous materials online.

He issued the warning following the arrest of Rodel Jayme, who on Friday admitted that he created the website that was used to help propagate the so-called “Ang Totoong Narcolist� videos, “Don’t abuse the social media.

You may think you can post just about anything which are libelous or downright falsehoods. The Revised Penal Code prohibits libel and this had been adopted in the Cybercrime Law,� Gordon said. “Republic� Act 10175 or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012� recognizes the vital role of information and communications industries such as content production, telecommunications, broadcasting electronic commerce, and data processing, in the nation’s overall social and economic development and the importance of providing an environment conducive to the development, acceleration,

and rational application and exploitation of information and communications technology to attain free, easy, and intelligible access to exchange and/or delivery of information.

Gordon said the law also protects and safeguards the integrity of computer, computer and communications systems, networks, and databases, and the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and data stored therein, from all forms of misuse, abuse, and illegal access by making punishable under the law such conduct or conducts.

Hence, it adopted measures to effectively prevent and combat such offenses by facilitating their detection, investigation, and prosecution of those behind it.

Libel committed through a computer system or any other similar means which may be devised in the future, is one of the punishable acts provided under the cybercrime law, the senator said.

JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

Bam vows to push removal of excise tax on fuel SEN. Paolo Benigno “Bam� Aquino 4th on Saturday vowed to push for the removal of the excise tax on fuel under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law, saying high oil prices also BURDEN kSHERMEN Aquino made the commitment BEFORE kSHERFOLK GROUPS FROM THE province of Cavite who endorsed his bid for a second term in the Senate. “Malaking bagay po iyong suporta ng ating mangingisda sa Cavite. Sa totoo lang po, naghahanap sila ng tulong para sa kanilang hanapbuhay at nandito naman po tayo para bigyang tutok po iyan sa Senado (The support of OUR kSHERFOLK FROM #AVITE IS A BIG help. They’re looking for help for their livelihood and we are committed to push it in the Senate),�

Aquino said.

In his speech during a meeting with fisherfolk in Rosario, the senator said fishermen are also affected by the excise tax on fuel. “Nauunawaan ko na kinakain ng mataas na presyo ng petrolyo ang gastusin ng mga mangingisda (I understand that the expenses OF THE kSHERMEN ARE BEING SWAL-

lowed by the high price of petroleum products),� he said, citing a study by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that more than half of THE OPERATING EXPENSE OF kSHERMEN goes to fuel. “Maliit na nga ang kita ng ating mga mangingisda, hindi tama na lalong nababawasan pa ito dahil sa mataas na presyo ng petrolyo (It is not right that the meager income OF OUR kSHERMEN IS FURTHER REDUCED by the high price oil),� said AquiNO WHO kLED THE "AWAS 0RESYO sa Petrolyo Bill on May 2018 to suspend the collection of excise tax on fuel under the Train Law. “Ang mahihirap, lalo na ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda, ang nasa isip ko noong isinulong natin ang Bawas Presyo Bill na naglalayong tanggalin ang dagdag buwis sa mga produktong petrolyo (The poor, parTICULARLY FARMERS AND kSHERFOLK WERE IN my mind when I pushed for the Bawas Presyo Bill seeking to lower the tax on petroleum products),� he added.

Aquino was one of four senators WHO VOTED AGAINST THE RATIkCATION of the Train Law, aware that the excise tax on fuel will increase the prices of food and other goods.

JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

Q Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go waves to Cainta residents who lined the streets during his campaign motorcade in Rizal on Saturday. PHOTO BY ORVEN VERDOTE

PH joins Asean maritime drills in Singapore THE Philippine Navy will participate in the second part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Plus Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Combined Maritime Exercise that will be held in Singapore.

4HE kRST PART OF THE !$-- 0LUS Combined Maritime Exercise was held in South Korea, where the Philippines participated in a series of CONkDENCE BUILDING ACTIVITIES “The Philippine Navy once again achieved its objective by participating

in this maritime exercise. We are really looking to step up in this multinational arena and know that we can be at par with our counterparts,� Capt. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Naval Task Group 80.6 commander, said in a statement.

Brunei, China, India, Malaysia,

Singapore and the Republic of Korea also joined the exercise.

Other countries such as Australia, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are expected to join the exercises in Singapore.

ROY D.R. NARRA

Lacson decries puny payment for victims of Martial Law 3%. 0ANkLO ,ACSON ON 3ATURDAY said justice continues to elude Martial Law victims as he cited the ruling of a US judge awarding a pittance to those who suffered abuses. g$ON T WE kND IT RATHER ODD

if not anomalous, that victims of martial law abuses are getting a tiny drop in the bucket as compensation, while an American lawyer has been awarded by an American judge a huge 30% of the total amount being sought by Filipinos?� Lacson tweeted.

Robert Swift, the American lawyer who led the successful class suit against former President Ferdinand Marcos and his family in Hawaii, is kNALLY GETTING PAID AFTER MORE THAN three decades of litigation.

A United States judge granted a

30-percent attorney’s fee for Swift to be sourced from the compensation for martial law victims.

Under the deal, Swift would get $4.125 million out of the settlement proceeds worth $13.75 million.

Victims belonging to the group, Samahan ng Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (Selda) earlier sought to block Swift’s request for a 30-percent fee.

Lawyer Jake Lopez, one of the original members of Selda, said the entire settlement proceeds should be given to the victims.

Swift, however described Selda’s position on a 5-percent counsel’s fee as an “insult and far less than the 15 percent [the group] insisted that class members pay it, in writing, for doing no legal work.�

“No attorney would take a personal injury case on a 5-percent contingency,� he added, noting that the percentage in attorney’s fees usually ranged from 25 to 30 percent.

Former Commission on Human Rights chairman Loretta Ann Rosales, a martial law victim, said her group, Claimants 1081, had once opposed a 30-percent counsel’s fee, but realized the amount was “fair.� “Why not? Without Bob Swift’s efforts, nothing would come of this,� she said.

At least 140 victims of torture, summary execution and enforced disappearance during the Marcos dictatorship or members of their families each received a check for P77,500 as part of the compensation awarded by a Hawaii district

court, which ruled on a class action suit against the estate of Marcos.

It was the third payout ordered by the court after Marcos was overthrown in 1986.

The amount will be sourced from the sale of paintings recovered from Vilma Bautista, a former secretary of the former First Lady, Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos.

4HE /FkCE OF THE 3OLICITOR 'ENeral had tried to block the latest settlement, claiming it was “grossly disadvantageous� to the Philippine government.

A New York judge rejected the opposition and gave the go-signal for the distribution. The Philippine government will receive $4 million under the settlement.

JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

Co-ownership of inherited property Dear PAO, My father died in July 2009. In August of the same year, my mother obtained a loan from a certain bank and mortgaged a farmland which they bought during their marriage. My mother failed to pay her obligation, so the bank foreclosed the mortgage in 2011. The property was sold in a public auction and the bank emerged as the highest bidder. !FTER ONE YEAR THE CERTIkCATE OF title over the property was canceled and a title was issued in the name of the bank. I learned about the transaction when I went home to the province because I was the one who received a notice from the bank demanding my mother to vacate the property. May I know if I have any right over the farmland which was already registered in the name of the bank?

Erwin

under Article 493 of the said law which states: “Each co-owner shall have DEAR PAO the full ownership of his part and of the fruits and benefits pertaining thereto, and he may therefore alienate, assign or mortgage it, and even Dear Erwin, The property relation of your par- substitute another person in ents was dissolved upon the death its enjoyment, except when of your father in July 2009. This is personal rights are involved. in accordance with Article 99 (1) But the effect of alienation of the Family Code of the Philip- or the mortgage, with respect pines. Correlative thereto, Article to the co-owners, shall be 777 of the New Civil Code of the limited to the portion which Philippines states that “the rights may be allotted to him in the to the succession are transmitted division upon termination of from the moment of the death of the co-ownership.�

In a similar situation, the Suthe decedent.�

Thus, you became a co-owner of preme Court through Associate the farmland upon your father’s Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe said demise in July 2009. Your mother in the case of Magsano, et al. vs. cannot validly enter into a trans- Pangasinan Savings and Loan action involving your share in the Bank Inc. and Spouses Manuel, SAID PROPERTY 4HIS kNDS SUPPORT et al., (GR 215038, Oct. 17, 2016):

PERSIDA ACOSTA

“Besides, the fact that the respondent bank succeeded in consolidating ownership over the subject property in its name did not terminate the existing co-ownership between it and petitioners. In Nufable v. Nufable, the Court had the occasion to rule: “A co-owner does not lose his part ownership of a co-owned property when his share is mortgaged by another co-owner without the former’s knowledge and consent as in the case at bar. It has likewise been ruled that the mortgage of the inherited property is not binding against coheirs who NEVER BENEkTTED “x x x When the subject property was mortgaged by Angel Custodio, he had no right to mortgage the entire property but only with respect to his Âź pro indiviso share as

the property was subject to the successional rights of the other heirs for the late Esdras.

Moreover, in case of foreclosure, a sale would result in the transmission of title to the buyer which is feasible only if the seller can be a position to convey ownership of the things sold. And in one case, it was held that a foreclosure would be ineffective unless the mortgagor has title to the property to be foreclosed.

Therefore, as regards the remaining ž pro indiviso share, the same was held in trust for the party rightfully entitled thereto, who are the private respondents herein.�

Applying the above-quoted decision in your situation, the mortgage entered by your mother involving the entire property is void. Your mother

can only dispose or mortgage her proportionate share in the farmland. Therefore, the bank merely stepped into the shoes left by your mother; hence, a co-ownership exists between you and the bank. The bank held in trust your proportionate share over the farmland even if the whole property is covered

BY A CERTIkCATE OF TITLE ISSUED TO its name.

This opinion is solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. The opinion may vary when the facts are changed or further elaborated.

We hope that we were able to enlighten you on the matter.

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public AtTORNEY S /FkCE 1UESTIONS FOR Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net

A4

Opinion

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

The Sunday Times

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E d i to r i a l Comprehensive cleanup must go beyond Manila Bay

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E are encouraged to see the Manila Bay cleanup, which has been long overdue. But so long as the effort focuses only on the beachfront and the bay itself, this much-awaited initiative may be all for nothing soon after the cleanup crew is gone. &OR GREATER IMPACT AND LONGER LASTING BENEkT WHAT IS NEEDED is a comprehensive program that addresses not only Manila Bay itself, but also the Pasig River system, Laguna de Bay and its surrounding mountains. We need to address the sources of pollution and not merely pick them where they are deposited.

First, the government should also clean up the Pasig River.

4HIS RIVER IS THE MAJOR BODY OF WATER THAT lOWS TO AND FROM Manila Bay, along with the tide. We stress our support for the rehabilitation of part of the shoreline and the requirement for establishments along Roxas Boulevard to develop their respective sewerage treatment plants (STPs). But that should not only be replicated along other areas around Manila Bay, such as Southern Metro Manila and Cavite and other provinces, but also throughout the 27-kilometer stretch of Pasig River and its tributaries.

Pasig River has the unfortunate reputation of being the toilet bowl of Metro Manila. Some 65 percent of the pollution there is effluent from households, which should be serviced by a sewerage treatment infrastructure developed by the two water concessionaires. So far, they have not delivered. They should be made to do so.

The rest of the pollutants come from industrial and solid wastes, based on reports. And so if the river is the toilet bowl, then Manila Bay is the septic tank, because the Pasig empties enormous volumes of water into the bay.

Imagine the foregone revenues from tourism and recreational activities because Manila Bay and the Pasig River are unsafe, in fact, toxic in some parts. If tiny Boracay can account for a third of all tourism output, imagine how much more potential may be offered by Metro Manila and its environs.

Natural endowment Much of that can also be said of Laguna de Bay, where swift action is also needed to preserve the rapidly diminishing qualities needed to sustain life in the greater metropolitan area and Calabarzon. For our foreign readers, Calabarzon is the acronym for Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon — all provinces near Metro Manila.

Like the Pasig River and Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay is in peril because of pollution and overdevelopment. That body of water is one of the biggest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia, making it an important source of drinking water and freshwater fish for the capital region.

In fairness, there have been initiatives to develop parts of the lakeshore, but much more needs to be done. Also, the cleanup DRIVE TO MANAGE THE COMMERCIAL kSH PENS IN THE LAKE NEEDS TO be sustained and enforced without letup.

Like Manila Bay and Pasig River, the lake has tremendous tourism and transportation potential. Imagine if a commuter can bypass EDSA and cut across by ferry from Metro Manila to Rizal and Laguna provinces.

Regretfully, the lake is heavily silted like the bay and the river. The average depth of the lake is only 2.8 meters. Worse, dredging was halted during the Aquino administration and the issues have not been resolved under the Duterte government.

Looking beyond dredging, we also wish to see a massive reforestation program to prevent more silt from the mostly denuded mountains around it from flowing further into the lake. That requires more tree-planting activities in the Sierra Mountain range that bounds the Laguna de Bay in the northeast. The same goes for the Caliraya volcanic plateau to the east of the lake, and the mountains of Laguna and Batangas to the south and the southeast.

We are not experts, though. But the bottom line is that the cleanup should go far beyond the Manila Bay shoreline.

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

The Sunday Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 204

DANTE A. ANG, Chairman Emeritus RENE Q. BAS, Publisher Emeritus NERILYN A. TENORIO, Publisher-Editor ARNOLD E. BELLEZA, Executive Editor LEENA C. CHUA, News Editor LYNETTE O. LUNA, National Editor TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA, Lifestyle Editor PERRY GIL S. MALLARI, Sports Editor DINO RAY V. DIRECTO 3RD, Motoring Editor CONRAD M. CARIÑO, Special Sections Editor LEA MANTO-BELTRAN, Supplements Editor ALVIN I. DACANAY, Assistant Business Editor MARIO F. FETALINO, Assistant Business Editor REMIA B. EUGENIO, Deskman (Regions) MARISHELLE R. MEDINA, Deskman JOMAR CANLAS, Chief of Reporters RENE H. DILAN, Chief Photographer DANTE F. M. ANG 2ND, President and CEO BLANCA C. MERCADO, #HIEF /PERATING /FkCER RODA A. ZABAT, Advertising Director VICENTE P. CRUZ, JR., Circulation Director DENISE O. CALNEA, Marketing Communications and Services Director Telephone All Departments: 524-5665 to 66; Subscription: 524-5664 Local 222 Advertising: 524-5664 Local 121 Telefax: 310-5895 or e-mail advertising@manilatimes.net www.manilatimes.net • e-mail newsdesk@manilatimes.net Letters to the Editor THE MANILA TIMES is published daily at 2/F Sitio Grande, 409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila 1002 The owners, managers, publishers and editors do not necessarily share the opinions expressed and the statements made by individual authors of columns, commentaries and other articles published in The Manila Times.

Why the climate is changing

T

HE students are on the streets, waving banners, banging drums, singing, chanting and calling for an end to the causes driving climate change that is wrecking the planet. They see the global warming caused by huge amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane gases heating up the environment and causing the melting of the ice cap on a gigantic scale never seen before. They want to CLOSE COAL kRED POWER PLANTS AND governments to install renewable wind and solar power farms and geothermal generators to provide the electricity we need.

They are the voice of the planet; they are its feelings and its cry for help. The planet is, in many ways, dying and the human species, its MAGNIkCENT CREATION IS A VENGEFUL child killing its parent by savage greed. The warmer atmosphere is

lives of ordinary Filipino people when I went to visit the Aeta indigenous farmers in our Preda fair trade mango project sometime ago. They live on the mountains evaporating more water from the of Zambales. They were once foroceans, causing more frequent est dwellers, hunters and gatherers. powerful rainstorms as never be- They survived for 30,000 years, fore. They, the children, the teenag- anthropologists say.

They are an amazing people, ers, the youth, want and demand a clean planet free from poison with a culture and customs that chemicals and pollution and the would put many a Western community to shame. They have burning of fossil fuels.

They say enough, stop it and give more gender equality — women us and our future children a clean as tribal leaders, men that carry planet. They want to stop the acid the children on their backs, a RAIN )T IS POISONING THE kSH AND THE plant-based medical practice that LAND AND THE PEOPLE THAT EAT THE kSH has kept them alive for thousands They are demanding the skeptical of years. They are under threat reluctant politicians to take political from climate change. They have action to cut CO2 gases and stop the lost their rainforests, and the climate will never revert again to be damage to the planet.

I saw the negative and damaging A BALANCED HARMONIOUS INlUENCE impact of climate change on the for growth if we do not stop the

REFLECTIONS

FR. SHAY CULLEN, SSC

warming. The greed of the ruling elite families with international corporations devastated the rainforests by cutting and exporting logs to rebuild Europe and Japan after the Second World War. Only 3 percent of forest cover is left in isolated areas around the nation. The bare hills were stripped of their topsoil by the increased rainfall. The brown earth was eroded and washed into the sea. This soil covered the CORAL AND THE SMALLER kSH DIED OUT AND THE BIGGER kSH MIGRATED TO DEEPER WATERS #OASTAL kSHER families were catching less and in THE DEEPER WATERS FOREIGN kSHING lEETS RAIDED THE 0HILIPPINE SEAS as the Chinese do today.

Only rough grass and bushes grow on the bare mountains. The climate has changed as a result. The

ÂłCullenA5

A call for bishops ‘to deal with a heretical pope’ First of Two Parts

We are addressing this letter to you [cardinals and bishops]: first, to accuse Pope Francis of the canonical delict of heresy, and second, to request that you take the steps necessary to deal with the grave situation of a heretical pope. We take this measure as a last resort to respond to the accumulating harm caused by Pope Francis’ words and actions over several years, which have given rise to one of the worst crises in the history of the Catholic Church. — Open letter by clergy and theologians, Easter Week 2019

FAITH HEALER RICARDO SALUDO souls, by God’s grace.

‘Be faithful bishops of the Church’

After citing the allegedly heretical statements and actions of the Holy Father, the letter urges bishops: “We, therefore, appeal to you as our spiritual fathers, vicars of Christ within your own jurisdictions and not vicars of the Roman T has come to this: After two pontiff, publicly to admonish years of urging Pope Francis Pope Francis to abjure the herto clarify or correct statements esies that he has professed.‌ “Given the open, comprehensive and actions allegedly violating Church doctrines, dozens of and devastating nature of the heresy theologians and clergy have ac- of Pope Francis, willingness publicly cused him of heresy, and called to admonish Pope Francis for heresy on his fellow bishops to publicly appears now to be a necessary conCENSURE HIM )T IS PERHAPS THE kRST dition for being a faithful bishop of time in centuries, if not ever, that the Catholic Church.â€?

The letter’s addendum further this has happened.

The above-quoted letter by states: “Before the pope can be more than 30 signatories — and judged a heretic, he must be admoncounting — comes after years of ished to abandon heresy and must controversy over the Holy Fa- contumaciously defend his error in ther’s statements and actions re- response to such admonition.�

So, there’s the drill, if the bishlating to sexual and family morals, the primacy of Catholicism as ops oblige: They tell Francis of the true faith, and most recently, heresies in his words and actions and if he fails to make amends, he the clergy sex abuse crisis.

What happens next can spark is proven a heretic and, therefore, Church-shaking conflict among a non-Catholic who can’t be pope.

The letter is available at https:// the hierarchy and the faithful, if not a split in the two-millennia- assets.documentcloud.org/docuold, billion-strong worldwide ments/5983408/Open-LetterCatholic congregation, previously to-the-Bishops-of-the-Catholic. rent by the 11th Century Eastern pdf, and its summary at https:// Orthodox schism and the 16th assets.documentcloud.org/documents/5983080/Open-Letter-toCentury Protestant Reformation.

This two-part article sum- Bishops-of-Catholic-Church-a.pdf.

There is also an online petition marizes the accusations and evidence presented, and assesses for the bishops to investigate possible outcomes for Pope Fran- Pope Francis for heresy: https:// CIS AND THE lOCK HE SHEPHERDS www.change.org/p/the-collegePlus, what the faithful should do o f - b i s h o p s - o f - t h e - c a t h o l i c to safeguard the faith and their church-appeal-to-the-bishops-

I

to-investigate-pope-francis-forheresy-bcce228e-da31-42d596cb-d10d398cc6bc.

In sum, the dubia asked if AL altered Church teachings on these issues, including the ban on the divorced and remarried Clarify, correct and charge RECEIVING COMMUNION AFkRMED

by Popes St. John Paul 2nd and In its summary, the letter’s sig- Benedict 16th (https://sspx.org/ natories say it is “the third stage en/letter-four-cardinals-popein a process that began in the francis). As with the clergy and summer of 2016.� First, there scholars’ letter, Francis did not was a private letter by some 40 directly address the dubia; nor clergy and scholars to cardinals did he grant the cardinals’ reand Eastern Catholic patriarchs, quest to discuss the matter. “pointing out heresies and other 7ITH NO CLARIkCATION OR CORRECserious errors that appeared to be tion, concerned clergy and scholars contained in or favored by Pope have now charged the Holy Father Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation with heresy, and called on bishops Amoris laetitia� (AL) on family to openly admonish him for statements and actions allegedly underand sexuality issues.

In July 2017, with no papal mining tenets of Catholic faith and action on concerns raised in the morals. Below, in layman’s terms, kRST STATEMENT A g&ILIAL #ORRECTION are the main heresies Francis is on Account of the Propagation accused of propagating: — There are moral edicts that of Heresies� was sent to Francis himself by much the same group man might not be able to obey of clergy and scholars, plus others even with God’s grace. — Breaking a divine law in a sesharing their views. The Correctio Filialis may be read at: http://www. rious manner with full knowledge correctiofilialis.org/wp-content/ and willfulness — as mortal sin is UPLOADS #ORRECTIO kLIA- DEkNED ‡ MIGHT NOT BE A MORTAL sin in certain circumstances. lis_English_1.pdf. It declares: — Obeying God’s commandment “Most Holy Father, With profound grief, but moved could be a sin in certain instances. — While the Church prohibits BY kDELITY TO OUR ,ORD *ESUS #HRIST

by love for the Church and for the taking new spouses while still PAPACY AND BY kLIAL DEVOTION TO- married under canon law, conward yourself, we are compelled to science can rightly determine address a correction to Your Holi- that this act “can sometimes be ness on account of the propagation morally right, or requested or of heresies effected by the apostolic even commanded by God.� — It is false that the only exhortation Amoris laetitia and by other words, deeds and omissions sexual acts between husband and wife are morally allowed. of Your Holiness.� — In divine revelation and Also in 2016, in a private communication to Francis, four lead- natural law, there are no absolute ing cardinals, including the former prohibitions forbidding certain head of the Vatican supreme court, actions in all circumstances. — God wills that there be difraised five dubia or questions about statements in AL’s Chapter ferent religions, both Christian 8, especially on how culpable are and non-Christian.

Next Sunday, we will look into divorced Catholics who remarry WITHOUT THEIR kRST MARRIAGES BEING key evidence cited by the letter, annulled, and whether they may and its possible repercussions for receive absolution in confession the hierarchy and the faithful.

Let us pray for our One, Holy, Cathand the Eucharist at Mass without olic and Apostolic Church. Amen. ceasing adulterous acts.

The Sunday Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

Opinion

A5

Q RONQUILLO FROM A1

Prostrate workers and the vanishing trade unions 2019 Campaign: same song, different tune MIRRORLESS M

the sun served as steroid and animator of the protesters’ spirits. Somewhere along the line, a haunting song about workers’ exploitation would break out, the out-of-tune but inspired singsong on the ultimate lament of the ploretariat.

That was the fiery time of angst and uneasy peace — and that was before the appropriation by the government apparatchiks of the clenched fist.

That an old man with a failing health can beat the war drums for these workers’ protests cannot happen in this day and age. But then, the mere summons from Felixberto Olalia, the left-wing labor leader and veteran of many struggles, could empty out the factory towns to supply the warm bodies for the protest marches.

I was then a cub scout, a tiny, tiny cog in the effort to form a newspaper union in one of the crony newspapers, the exact time when the labor front was a major newspaper beat and coverage of labor’s affairs meant bloody STRIKES THE UNCOWED DEkANCE OF labor to the Martial Law regime and a nascent subsector called overseas employment was hitting its stride. That time, truly, was an interesting time for labor. Men of a certain age who belonged to the working class, this typist included, remembered those dangerous but interesting times.

During those dangerous times, one thing stood out. Organized labor, probably because of its PURE UNSELkSH DEDICATION TO THE causes of the working man, was respected. The leaders of the major labor centers and federations were nationally recognized names. The mediation unit of the Ministry of Labor was one of the agency’s busiest and most important divisions. Only the paid thugs of the employers crossed picket lines. The word “scab� disappeared from the jargon of organized labor.

The bloody strikes are gone.

The state of the working man is synonymous with “ endo .� The sea of clenched fists, makeshift placards and sunburned faces are no longer fixtures of the months of April and May. The so-called bloggers-influencers are better known than the national heads of labor centers and national federations. This century may not turn out another Felixberto Olalia. While there were marches and protests across the country on Wednesday, Labor Day 2019, we saw none of the potency and power of the labor protests of the past.

The labor beat is almost nonexistent. When was the last time a major labor story — a labor story not about Chinese workers that brazenly and deliberately violate PH labor laws — ran above the fold?

Organized labor, the numbers

explain its sorry state best, is down to a little over 6 percent of the total non-agri workforce.

The number of workers with collective bargaining agreements is 7 percent, the small disparity explained by some employers that opt to offer collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations voluntarily, even before the establishment of a formal trade union.

What happened to the courage and resolve of the Filipino worker? On the May 1 celebration of Labor Day this year, not one from the punditry revisited this question. The “why� has an easy answer. The trinity that used to make up the labor side of the Philippine economy — government represented by DoLE, the employers and the workers — is now a two-party structure, with the government side and the employers’ side represented in that diminished equation. For all intents and purposes, labor has lost its voice. With a negligible 6 percent density vis-a-vis the total number of workers in establishments with 20 or more workers, organized labor can be ignored by both government and employers.

Who, after all, cares about the weak and the vulnerable?

So it came to pass that the weak and timid clamor from labor, that the minimum wage should be a living wage of at least P710 daily, just fell on deaf ears. It was

ruled out by employers and the foreign chambers of commerce as utterly ridiculous. And ruled out by the government as a nonissue.

The Duterte administration may have risen to power on the back of the frustrations of the working man with the Aquino administration. But like the Aquino administration, it is more preoccupied with GDP pursuit and its ambitious “Build, Build, Build� than looking after the woes and plaints of the vulnerable.

The uncaring Congress has not even updated the Labor Code. It has failed to end contractualization. The BPO workers are still outside of the ambit of the Code despite the sector’s rise to a close-to-$30-billion-ayear segment of the economy.

The institutions would continue trampling upon the basic rights of the working man because the trade unions are weak and the leverage that they used to possess is all but gone.

In an environment where workers cannot rise to the summons of solidarity, resolve and courage — and cannot commandeer the mass of sunburned faces for LONG MARCHES OF CLENCHED kSTS AND makeshift placards — the footnote status of workers in society will be the sad reality for the long haul.

Unless, of course, they realize that they have to unite, strengthen their ranks and rise from their prostrate status.

When does banking become thieving?

T

HE trip I had to Real, Quezon OVER THE WEEKEND WAS BENEkcial, not as much for the expected joy of watching grandchildren frolicking in ocean waves on the beach as for the discussion I had with a comrade whose vehicle I RENTED FOR THE TRAVEL &OR THE kRST time, I heard, as shared with me by the comrade, that in the United States, corruption in government IS MADE DIFkCULT BY ONE LITTLE LEGAL provision: anybody who deposits $10,000 in the bank is subject to investigation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

A little Google search yielded this information: Federal law requires banks to report all cash transactions over $10,000 to the federal government, and it is a crime for bank customers to deposit or withdraw cash in amounts just under $10,000 in order to avoid that reporting requirement.

At any rate, it becomes evident that if that legal provision were in place in the Philippines, it could account for the solution of not just corruption in government but also such other social ills as illegal drugs trade and illegal gambling, like jueteng. For where else will operators of illegal activities keep their money but in the banks? How else will illegal traders conduct business but through the banks?

I cited an interview I had with Bato dela Rosa sometime ago, when he declared that the way to kill the illegal drugs trade in the country was at the source, otherwise there would always be markets for illegal drugs manufacturers. “Yes,� said the comrade, “but payments for the transactions are always coursed through the banks.

Illegal drugs traders will have a lot

private bank savings account on a time deposit for earning interest MY SAY before the money is expended for the intended purposes.

According to the source, from 2014 to 2017, more than P1.7 billion from the provincial cofof explaining to do.� fers underwent such diversion.

I cited that jueteng collec- Technically speaking, such act by tions are moved by payloaders THE PROVINCIAL OFkCERS IS ALLOWED in huge warehouses. under the rules of the Commission “Come on, no matter how huge of Audit (CoA) — but only insofar those warehouses are, they can con- as the money so diverted belongs tain only so many coin collections. in the category of idle funds. For The bulk of money from illegal FUNDS EARMARKED FOR SPECIkCALLY gambling is stashed in the banks.�

DEkNED PURPOSES INVESTING THEM The discussion on corrupt mon- for the purpose of earning interest ey was actually triggered by our becomes irregular — all the more common search for how corrup- so if that interest goes not to the tion may be ended in the country provincial coffers but to the pockfor good. We ended up expressing ets of individuals. agreement with President Rodrigo It is for this reason that we raise Duterte’s increasing inclination the question: When does banking toward declaring a revolutionary become thieving? government. That appeared to us Is it not the moment the legality to be the only way, no other. of banking becomes an instrument Meanwhile, my mind was me- for enriching the pockets of govandering into a case I stumbled ERNMENT OFkCIALS upon lately as relayed to me by an In the case of the P1.7 billion at acquaintance from Puerto Princ- issue, I leave it up to the knowledgeesa, Palawan. He was a retired able to compute how much interest geodetic engineer from the city’s the amount could raise in a year’s Community Environment and time. It could come up to a fortune .ATURAL 2ESOURCES /FkCE #ENRO — and that’s how much thieving who had a passion for monitor- has been undertaken by banking ing shenanigans in the provincial for some gubernatorial and mayoral government. In some of those incumbents in order to fund their government misdemeanors, he campaign for reelection. might have been even involved That’s just too bad for Palawan. during his tenure at the agency. Delivery of basic services to the His latest sleuthing unearthed a people has suffered greatly. For inmodus operandi: a top executive stance, hundreds of schoolchildren of the province colludes with key have been denied the additional officers that have control over classrooms they needed and for disbursements of funds appro- which that amount was origipriated for various activities and nally intended. Public health care projects of the LGU. What do they also suffered. Ditto with urgently do? They divert those funds to a needed infrastructure projects. In

MAURO GIA SAMONTE

Palawan’s overall drive for development, all these services were made to take the back seat in order TO GIVE PRIORITY TO CERTAIN OFkCIALS NEED TO MAKE MONEY kRST According to my source, the latest reports said a concerned citizen named Manssueto Durana Fuertes has lodged a complaint before the Ombudsman against the provincial OFkCIALS INVOLVED IN THE ANOMALY Among those named in the complaint were Gov. Jose Alvarez and Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, for violation of the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act, for technical malversation under Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code and for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.

Come to think of what those ofkCIALS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO THIEVing people’s money by the mere legality of the banking system. If a law were in place in the Philippines adopting the $10,000-ceiling for nonsuspicion of ill-gotten wealth by a depositor, then the kGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION MAY BE EFfectively carried out in the country.

Under such a law, depositing more than $10,000 automatically makes the depositor suspect and subject to investigation. Who would dare, then, deposit P1.7 billion!

Now we come down to the ULTIMATE CONCERN 7HO WILL kLE such a law? Legislators who make a grand killing out of that law’s absence? We can’t expect them to make that sort of law.

My comrade and I ended up getting firmer in our resolve to back President Duterte’s increasing inclination toward establishing a revolutionary government.

Then and only then will banking be no longer thieving.

FOCUS

Sri Lanka attack mastermind used chatrooms to sway suicide bombers COLOMBO: While Sri Lanka Easter suicide attacks mastermind Zahran Hashim used social media to publicly call for the death of nonMuslims, he worked for months in private chatrooms to persuade six YOUNG MEN TO SACRIkCE THEMSELVES

Muslim community leaders say.

Christians and foreign tourists were badly hit in the attacks on three churches and three hotels that killed 257 people, but Sri Lanka’s Muslim community has also been badly scarred and has been looking into the backgrounds of Hashim and his

jihadist acolytes.

Hashim, who died in an attack on the Shangri-La hotel on April 21, inspired wealthy brothers Ilham Ibrahim and Inshaf Ibrahim to join and bankroll his assault, police and fellow Muslims said. “We suspect the two brothers used their money from the spice BUSINESS TO kNANCE THE BOMBINGS u one police investigator said. “It seems the indoctrination was via the internet — Facebook and YouTube.�

Neighbors of the Ibrahim brothers said they were secretive but

devout Muslims. They were not active members of a congregation, community leaders said. “We believe Zahran radicalized these people using Facebook,� said R. Abdul Razik, a leader of the moderate Ceylon Thowheed Jama’ath (CTJ) group. “Especially in the past year, he has been openly calling for the killing of non-Muslims.�

Investigators and community leaders believe the group also used social media private messenges to keep in touch without being noticed by the authorities.

Warnings failed The CTJ and the main body of Islamic clerics, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, had alerted Sri Lanka’s security establishment to Hashim and his acolytes, but said their warnings failed to get serious attention.

The Sri Lankan government has already acknowledged that foreign intelligence warnings about the attacks were not passed on to ministers. “We asked the intelligence agencies to take down the Facebook

ÂłFocusA6

EDICAL experts say that the best remedy for dehydration during extreme warm weather is water. But Manila Water customers are asking, “where?� *** If cloud seeding must be done, it should be over major dams that supply water to Metro Manila and not over the city itself.

Quora says: “A cloud seeding program could cost $27 to $214 per acre-foot of water in a lowcost scenario and $53 to $427 per acre-foot in a high-cost scenario.�

I am not very sure who will spearhead the move. Will it be MWSS, NIA, DA, DENR, Philippine Air Force or Pagasa? *** Headline says, “China’s stealth kGHTER MAY SIGNAL @GREATER THREAT IN 0ACIkC ‡ 53 OFkCIAL u /F COURSE

one has to magnify the threat when asking for next year’s budget. !ND THEY ARE THE SAME OFkCIALS THAT say that the US is way ahead of China the past year. *** I am quite surprised that the 2019 midterm election campaign activities have not been making such a huge impact on media’s top stories over the past weeks. Even social media’s attention has been DIVIDED BY THE kNAL SEASON OF THE “Game of Thrones,� “Avengers: The End Game� and the guessing game on who would bag the role of the next Darna. A series of earthquakes and a waterless Metro Manila also stole some of the attention away from the upcoming election. *** With just a week to go, the Duterte administration received an “excellent� satisfaction rating in the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS). A previous S&P credit rating upgrade also resulted in a positive market reaction and an upward currency rate. This can possibly boost the chances of the administration’s senatorial slate.

However, Otso Diretso’s candidates have turned religious, expecting “miracles� to happen come judgment day. Moses parting the Red Sea comes to mind. *** The Senate is gearing up to investigate the existence of an organization allegedly bringing in foreign doctors to the Philippines to illegally practice medicine. This serious matter endangers the lives of patients if found true. Dubious backgrounds of foreign doctors prescribing medicines without supervision is horrifying. We sincerely hope that the Philippine

ROLLY G. REYES Medical Association and the Professional Regulatory Commission will not play dead on this matter. *** A total of 1,800 out of the 8,155 examinees who took the 2018 Bar examinations passed. That’s a mere 22.07 percent of the total examinees who completed the exams. But congratulations to those who made it. Your parents surely must be proud. *** The NBI is likely to grant Rodel Jayme state witness status over the “Bikoy� videos, which accused President Rodrigo Duterte’s family (son Paolo, son-in-law Manases Carpio and youngest daughter Kitty) and former aide, senatorial bet Christopher “Bong� Go, of involvement in the narcotics trade.

How I wish Vice President Leni would wait for sufficient facts kRST BEFORE DECLARING THAT g"IKOYu should be placed under protective custody or be enrolled in the Witness Protection Program. I just wonder if she would ask the same if “Bikoy� spilled the beans against the Liberal Party. In the same breath, she blurted, “we don’t even know if he is real.� Why then recommend protection for someone you’re not even sure exists?

Jayme said he was approached

BY AN ,0 SUPPORTER IDENTIkED AS “Maru Nguyen� or “Maru Xie.�

According to him, he agreed to set up the website after being assured that the efforts would center on the achievements of the previous governance. A canary can vigorously chirp to the tune of “Yellow Bird.� And some people might try to perch themselves precariously “up high in banana tree.� *** Reading too much criminal investigative terminology, I just realized that bank owners are “persons of interest.� *** A gentle reminder to senior citizens who think they are still young AS THEY TRY TO KEEP THEMSELVES kT remember the popular album of The Ventures “Walk, Don’t Run.� *** A new snack delicacy is born.

A mixture of Bulacan’s bibingka and Chinese tikoy is now being called “Bikoy.� *** Good work, good deeds and good faith to all.

Q CULLEN FROM A4

Why the climate is changing rice harvest that should feed millions of people has been lost in recent years. Prices have risen through corruption and mismanagement.

Rural poverty has increased, and the poor have abandoned the land and the shores and migrated, like refugees, to the slums of the big cities. There they live in squalor, a ONCE PROUD SELF SUFkCIENT PEOPLE

reduced to barely surviving. They squat in the shadows of the rich that live in luxurious condominiums. They eat pagpag to survive — that is the boiled leftovers scraped from the food plates of the rich that eat in the posh restaurants and hotels.

But the Aetas have not become refugees in their own country. They have struggled to survive by continuing to adapt to climate change by planting and growing their own root crops, vegetables in a natural and organic way. They produce fair trade organic mangoes, the only such group to do so interNATIONALLY CERTIkED BY .ATURLAND They live in poor villages but eat and produce healthy, nutritious, natural grown food.

Susan, an Aeta village chief, explains how they experience climate change. She tells of the unexpected rainstorms that destroy the mango blossoms. There have been no mango fruits for three years on

their mountains. It is the rebuke of a wounded and hurt nature. It feels the pain of neglect and convulses in agony with the death of plants and forest animals driven to extinction. Landslides scar the hills, rivers are polluted, chickens die, children cry and sickness visits more frequently.

We are destroying our own habitat and eliminating our role as the planet’s self-awareness.

When we are at war with the earth, we are at war with ourselves. When we hurt planet Earth, we hurt ourselves for we are one with it. We, humans, have evolved from its soil, its chemistry and its life forms. The earth is our mother that gave us life, and we are its consciousnesses.

Through us, the planet and the universe reflects and contemplates its own self because we are its brain, the thinking being and the planet is conscious and self-aware through us.

Every one of us has to redeem the failures of the human race that is destroying ourselves and the earth. We must cry out and take to the streets in peaceful nonviolent protest and claim our rights as belonging to a clean healthy planet, of which we are an intimate part.

www.preda.org

A6

Opinion

The Sunday Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

Future of our planet requires deeper cooperation, long-term thinking allow rapid responses to shocks when they do occur.

There is some progress to report.

UNITED NATIONS: For most of the 7 billion people on the planet, global ! JOINT ASSESSMENT OF kNANCING institutions are remote, far removed global sustainable development, from their day-to-day existence. Yet, just completed by the United Nations — in collaboration with our global institutions matter.

They shape the global systems other international institutions, — such as international trade rules including the International Mone— that will enable the more than tary Fund, World Bank, and World 3 billion poor people worldwide, 4RADE /RGANIZATION ‡ kNDS THAT who live on less than about 20 private sector interest in sustainyuan a day, to rise out of poverty. ABLE kNANCE IS GROWING Investors gradually realize that the In 2015, the world’s leaders agreed on the transformative way corporations manage environ2030 Agenda for Sustainable mental and social risks can impact Development, which laid out a kNANCIAL PERFORMANCE 3USTAINABLE path to shared prosperity and development is also increasingly sustainability. But implementing incorporated in public budgets and the 2030 Agenda requires a fun- development cooperation.

But these changes are not damental shift toward sustainhappening at nearly the reABILITY IN OUR kNANCIAL SYSTEMS The global financial archi- quired scale, nor with the necestecture must enable trade and sary speed. For example, annual CAPITAL TO lOW ACROSS BORDERS IN A spending on education in the way that is stable and sustainable. poorest countries alone would This would help fund necessary need to more than triple to investments, including in resil- achieve universal education asient infrastructure, and help put pired to under the 2030 Agenda.

The gap in infrastructure fiCOUNTRIES ON A SOUND kNANCIAL footing. The architecture should nancing in developing countries also protect against shocks, but remains on the order of hundreds BYÂ LIU ZHENMIN

Q FOCUS FROM A5

Sri Lanka page of Zahran because he was polluting the minds of Sri Lankan Muslims,� Razik said. “We were told it is better to allow him to have the page so that the authorities could keep an eye on what he was doing.�

Another moderate Islamic group, the Sri Lanka Thowheed Jama’ath (SLTJ) said it called a press conference in 2017 to warn authorities about Hashim, but no action was taken. “Zahran indoctrinated people using social media. He was spewing an IS brand of propaganda that somehow appealed to the bombers,� SLTJ spokesman Thawseef Ahamed told AFP. A fuller reckoning of those involved in the attacks was only released by authorities this week, revealing at least two sets of brothers.

Ilham Ibrahim died at the Shangri-La hotel, while his brother Inshaf Ibrahim bombed THE #INNAMON 'RAND Ringleader Hashim also died at the Shangri-la, while his yet-to-be named brother blew himself up when surrounded on April 26 near the eastern coastal town of Kalmunai.

He was with three widows of the Easter bombers when police and troops laid siege to the house.

Sixteen people were killed there, including six children, relatives of Hashim, and members of his National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ) movement, which has since been banned.

Killed children The pregnant wife of Ilham Ibrahim, Fathima Ilham, blew herself up when police raided the family HOME IN #OLOMBO HOURS AFTER THE bombings. She also killed her two CHILDREN AND THREE POLICE OFkCERS Mohamed Azzam Mubarak Mohamed has been named as the bomber who targeted the KingsBURY HOTEL IN #OLOMBO (IS WIFE is now in police custody.

A fourth hotel was on the bombers’ list. The would-be attacker, Abdul Latheef, failed to set off his explosives. He detonated it a few hours later at a small motel, killing himself and two other people.

Latheef studied aeronautical engineering at Kingston University in Britain and did post-graduate studies in Melbourne, Australia.

Australian media said he was under investigation in 2014 by the country’s counter-terrorism unit and may have traveled to Syria.

He also came into contact with Hashim through Facebook posts and Youtube videos.

The men who bombed the three churches have been named as Ahmed Muaz, Mohamed Hasthun and Mohamed Nasser Mohamed Asad. The three were hardly known within their communities, according to Muslim leaders.

AFP

of billions of dollars.

In today’s interconnected world, major challenges cannot be solved by countries acting alone. Rather than retreating from multilateralism, the international community must strengthen collective action.

International trade has made a significant contribution to economic growth and development. When we work together, we can achieve great things for the good of all people.

The Belt and Road Initiative is an example of how countries ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO kND NEW paths to prosperity. The resulting infrastructure will enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe, and expand connections with Africa and South America.

It provides important opportunities for countries to deepen cooperation and deliver sustainable infrastructure.

Achieving sustainable development — particularly eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and combatting climate change — requires a long-term perspective, with governments, the private sector, and

civil society working together.

Yet most private capital markets are short-term oriented and put pressure on corporate executives to DEMONSTRATE PROkTS ON A QUARTERLY basis. A more uncertain world begets even more short-term behaviour.

Private businesses hesitate to commit funds to long-term investment projects if economic prospects are unclear. During PERIODS OF kNANCIAL INSECURITY

households often focus on their immediate needs.

If the Belt and Road Initiative could take a long-term perspective, it will help to build long-term, STABLE AND SUSTAINABLE kNANCING into the multilateral system. It can be at the forefront of efforts to counter short-term behavior.

Aligning both private and public incentives with sustainable development, and better measuring of the impact of investments and policies on sustainability, will further our global efforts. Private kNANCIAL MARKETS IN #HINA LIKE those in many other middleincome countries, are growing in size and importance.

If markets are to become a

tool that promotes sustainability, rather than short-term speculation, the policies need to be carefully designed. For example, governments can price externalities, such as the cost of environmental pollution, ensuring that the true costs of investments are recognized and considered.

Requiring more meaningful disclosure by corporations on social and environmental issues can help. According to a KPMG survey of about 5,000 companies from 49 countries conducted in 2017, 75 percent now publish corporate responsibility reports and 60 percent include some sustainability information in THEIR kNANCIAL kLINGS Their efforts should be further encouraged so that some internationally recognized standards in sustainability reporting could BE AGREED IN THE FUTURE #OUNTRIES can also promote long-term investing by supporting efforts to build indices for stock markets that includes companies with sustainable business practices. #HINA ALSO BLAZES THE TRAIL IN GREEN kNANCE 4HE GREEN CREDIT

GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE #HINA "ANKING 2EGULATORY #OMMISSION in 2012, is a pioneer example of standards that promote loans to more climate-friendly projects.

-OREOVER #HINA IS A LEADER IN green bond issuances. Lessons LEARNED BY #HINA AND OTHERS CAN be shared through international platforms, such as the United .ATIONS TO kND SYNERGIES AND strengthen policy frameworks.

At this time when greater global cooperation is needed, the multilateral system is under stress because of a backlash against globalization in some parts of the world. Initiatives like Belt and Road can and should demonstrate the positive power of global cooperation.

It can help reshape both naTIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL kNANCIAL systems in line with sustainable development. If we fail to do so, we will fail to deliver sustainable development for all. The very future of our planet is at stake. IPS

Liu Zhenmin is undersecretary general for Economic and Social Affairs at the United Nations.

Are migrant workers humans or commodities?

BY THALIF DEEN UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations has estimated a hefty $466 billion as remittances from migrant workers worldwide in 2017—and perhaps even higher last year.

These remittances, primarily from the US, Western Europe and Gulf nations, go largely to low and middle-income countries, “helping to lift millions of families out of poverty,� says UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres.

But most of these migrant workers are known to pay a heavy price, toiling mostly under conditions of slave labor: earning low wages, with no pensions or social security, and minimum health care.

As the United Nations commemorated Labor Day on May 1, the plight of migrant workers is one of the issues being pursued by the Geneva-based International Labor Organization (ILO), a UN agency which celebrates its centenary this year promoting social justice worldwide.

In a December 2018 report, the ILO said: “If the right policies are in place, labor migration can help countries respond to shifts in labor supply and demand, stimulate innovation and sustainable development, and transfer and update skills�.

However, a lack of international STANDARDS REGARDING CONCEPTS DEkNItions and methodologies for measuring labour migration data still needs to be addressed, it warned.

But much more daunting is the current state of the migrant labor market which has been riddled with blatant violations of all the norms of an ideal workplace.

Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam, A MEMBER OF THE 5. #OMMITTEE on Migrant Workers, told IPS rising populist nationalism world over is giving rise to rhetoric with unfounded allegations and irrational assessments of the worth of migrant workers to economies of many migrant receiving countries in the world.

Since migrant workers remain voiceless without voting or political rights in many such receiving countries, they are unable to mobilize political opinion to counter assertions against them, he said. “And migrant workers are now being treated in some countries as commodities for import and export at will, not as humans with rights and responsibilities,� said Ambassador Kariyawasam, a former Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations.

Unless these trends are reversed soon, he warned, not only human worth as a whole will diminish, but it can also lead to unexpected social upheavals affecting economic and social well-being of some communities in both sending and receiving countries of migrant workers.

At a UN press conference April 10, ILO Director-General Guy 2YDER SAID THE ),/ #ENTENARY IS A TIME TO AFkRM WITH CONVICTION that the mandate and standards

Africa, the London-based Amnesty International (AI) said there were some positive developments at a legislative level in Morocco, Qatar and the UAE with respect to migrant labor and/or domestic workers.

But still migrant workers continued to face exploitation in these and other countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Saudi Arabia, in large part due to kafala (sponsorship) systems, which limited their ability to escape abusive working conditions.

In Morocco, the parliament set by the Organization remain mated at over 240 million worldof extraordinary importance and wide. And an increasingly large passed a new law on domestic relevance to people everywhere. number of countries, including workers, entitling domestic workHe called for a future where la- Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bah- ers to written contracts, maximum bor is not a commodity, where de- rain and the United Arab Emirates working hours, guaranteed days cent work and the contribution of (UAE), are home to most migrant OFF PAID VACATIONS AND A SPECIkED minimum wage. each person are valued, where all workers from Asia.

Despite these gains, the new law BENEkT FROM FAIR SAFE AND RESPECT)N A BACKGROUND BRIEkNG DURING ful workplaces free from violence a high-level plenary meeting of the still offered less protection to doand harassment, and in which General Assembly in April, the ILO mestic workers than the Moroccan WEALTH AND PROSPERITY BENEkT ALL said conditions of work need to be ,ABOR #ODE WHICH DOES NOT REFER 4ARA #AREY SENIOR CONTENT AND improved for the roughly 300 million to domestic workers, AI said.

In Qatar, a new law partially remedia relations manager at Equal- working poor — outside of migrant moved the exit permit requirement, ity Now told IPS poverty and poor labor — who live on $1.90 a day. employment opportunities are a Millions of men, women and chil- allowing the vast majority of miPUSH FACTOR FOR SEX TRAFkCKING dren are victims of modern slavery. grant workers covered by the Labor There are many cases in which Too many still work excessively long Law to leave the country without women and girls in African coun- hours and millions still die of work- seeking their employers’ permission.

However, the law retained some tries are promised legitimate work related accidents every year.

AND ARE THEN TRAFkCKED INTO PROS“Wage growth has not kept pace exceptions, including the ability titution. This happens within with productivity growth and the of employers to request exit percountries, across borders, and from share of national income going to mits for up to 5 percent of their Africa to places in Europe and the workers has declined. Inequali- workforce. Exit permits were still Middle East, she pointed out. ties remain persistent around the required for employees who fell And recently, the police in Nige- world. Women continue to earn outside the remit of the Labor Law, ria estimated 20,000 women and around 20 per cent less than men.� including over 174,000 domestic girls had been sold into sexual “Even as growth has lessened in- workers in Qatar and all those slavery in Mali: equality between countries, many working in government entities.

In the UAE, the authorities intro“The new trend is that they told of our societies are becoming more them they were taking them to unequal. Millions of workers re- duced several labor reforms likely to Malaysia and they found them- main disenfranchised, deprived of BE OF PARTICULAR BENEkT TO MIGRANT selves in Mali. They told them fundamental rights and unable to workers, including a decision to THEY WOULD BE WORKING IN kVE STAR make their voices heard,� accord- allow some workers to work for multiple employers, tighter regularestaurants where they would be ING TO THE BACKGROUND BRIEkNG paid $700 per month.�

In its 2018 review of human tion of recruitment processes for The number of migrants is esti- rights in the Middle East and North domestic workers and a new low-

cost insurance policy that protected private sector employees’ workplace benefits in the event of job loss, redundancy or an employer’s bankruptcy, according to AI. Meanwhile, as the ILO pointed out in a report in May 2017, current sponsorship regimes in the Middle East have been criticized for creating an asymmetrical power relationship between employers and migrant workers — which can make workers vulnerable to forced labor.

Essential to the vulnerability of migrant workers in the Middle East is that their sponsor controls a number of aspects related to their internal labor market mobility — including their entry, renewal of stay, termination of employment, transfer of employment, and, in some cases, exit from the country, the report noted.

Such arrangements place a high responsibility — and often a burden — on employers. To address these concerns, alternative modalities can be pursued which place the role of regulation and protection more clearly with the government.

This report demonstrates that reform to the current sponsorship arrangements that govern temporary labour migration in the Middle East WILL HAVE WIDE RANGING BENEkTS m from improving working conditions and better meeting the needs of employers, to boosting the economy and labour market productivity.

-EANWHILE IN ITS u#ENTURY 2ATIkCATION #AMPAIGN u ),/ HAS INVITED its 187 member States to ratify at least one international labour #ONVENTION IN THE COURSE OF

with a commitment to apply a set of standards governing one aspect of decent work to all men and women, along with one political commitment supporting sustainIPS able development for all.

˜ The Manila Times

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Regions

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

A7

P H I VO LC S WA R N S Z A M B OA N G A

Prepare for the ‘Big One’

BY ANTONIO P. RIMANDO

Z

AMBOANGA CITY: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned residents of Zamboanga City to prepare for the “Big One� after the coastal community recorded at least 10 earthquake SWARMS DURING THE kRST FOUR MONTHS OF Phivolcs Region 9 Director Allan Labayog described an earthquake swarm “as a sequence of tremors

which are low in intensity, some of which residents cannot feel but ARE RECORDED BY SENSITIVE SCIENTIkC

instruments.�

Admitting there is no way of knowing why earthquake swarms happen, Labayog told the city government to prepare an appropriate plan and make inventory of all government buildings and private establishments.

He stressed that earthquake swarms usually “indicate two things — that plates beneath the earth’s surface may be releasing energy and pressure which is a normal occurrence, or that the

plates may be releasing pressure in preparation for a bigger earthquake with a strong intensity.�

Labayog urged local public and PRIVATE HOSPITAL OFkCIALS gTO HAVE a preparedness audit of their doctors and nurses and emergency room personnel and facilities to receive patients should a major tremor occur.�

The warning was issued after two earlier earthquakes of magnitude 6.1 hit Central Luzon and 6.5 rocked Eastern Visayas and some

parts of Western Visayas.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs central ofkCIALS IN -ANILA REPORTEDLY ALLAYED fears of Mindanao residents that “the next tremor could happen in the country’s second largest island region.�

A Phivolcs website noted that on Aug. 16, 1976, “a major earthquake generated by the Cotabato trench with a resulting tsunami which heavily destroyed many Cotabato City structures, with huge tidal waves engulfed the provinces

bordering the Moro Gulf especially on the shores of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.�

The Pagadian tsunami, which swept several of the city’s coastal barangay (villages) at dawn, killed close to 1,000 people and injured many others, the website said.

It added that a month before the Pagadian tremor and tsunami, “two quakes reportedly hit Zamboanga City that also had epicenters near the area of the main shock.�

Councilor, 4 others hurt Pampanga shows appreciation for Go’s help in La Union ambush BALAOAN, La Union: A reelectionist municipal councilor and his four aides were wounded in an ambush by unidentified armed men in Balaoan, La Union on Friday. Police Chief Capt.

Juanito Buaron Jr said Councilor Rogelio Concepcion and his aides Christian Estrada, 30; Bernabe Ordinario Sr., 47; Teodorico Magleo, 43; and Mark Francis Arciaga, 20, had come from a wake when their convoy was fired upon with M-14 Armalite rifles as they traveled along Nagsabaran Road in Balaoan.

The Commission on Elections earlier declared

Balaoan as one of the “areas of concern� in La Union for the May 13 elections.  Attending doctors at the Balaoan District Hospital said Concepcion suffered a gunshot wound in the leg. His aides were wounded in different parts of the body.

Concepcion, a relative of slain vice mayor Alfred Concepcion and running under the team of Mayor Aleli Concepcion, herself an ambush survivor in November 2018, was transferred to Lorma Hospital in San Fernando City.

Police were conducting investigation into the Friday night attack.

WILLIAM JUN GARCIA

Nationinbriefs 5.5 MAGNITUDE QUAKE SHAKES MINDORO A MAGNITUDE 5.5 tectonic quake jolted Occidental Mindoro on Saturday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The agency said the epicenter of the earthquake was traced 7 kilometers southwest of the town of Rizal. Employees of the Occidental Mindoro State College felt the tremor at 9:10 a.m. “The shaking was strong. Even the glass windows were rattling,� Cathy Alacaba, one of the employees said in Filipino. “It was still shaking when we were coming out of the building,� another employee said. Electricity supply was cut off in the town of San Jose immediately after the quake.

NIKKI DE LOS REYES

PRO MIMAROPA DEPLOYS TROOPS TO SECURE POLLSÂ CAMP EFIGENIO Navarro, Calapan City: Police Regional Office (PRO) Mimaropa on Friday deployed 4,690 personnel in the island region to ensure safe and secure elections on May13. PRO Mimaropa Regional Director Brig.

Gen. Tomas Apolinario Jr. said the police personnel would be deployed to 1,552 voting centers and 2,679 clustered precincts with 1,831,328 registered voters in 1,460 barangay (villages) on election day. In addition, 65 teams composed of 622 Philippine National Police (PNP) officers would also be deployed as Quick Reaction Forces, composed of 429 from regional headquarters and 470 military personnel to strategically address conflict situations in their area during the election period. Mimaropa is comprise of the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. The deployment was attended by Monalisa Mamukid, Commission on Elections Mimaropa director; Brig. Gen. Lauro Tianchon, Western Command deputy commander; Col. Antonio Lastimado, Army’s 203rd Brigade deputy commander; Col. Maria Asuncion Placino, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations–Southern Luzon (DIPO-SL) executive officer; Col. Joselito Nicodemus, of DIPO-SL personnel management division and Senior Supt. Ma. Arlene Gillera, assistant regional director for administration and operations, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. Mamukid thanked the military and PNP personnel and reminded them to perform their tasks with a high degree of efficiency and expertise to uphold the sanctity of votes.

ROSELLE R. AQUINO

1,524 FIREARMS, COCAINE BRICKS SEIZED IN CARAGA REGION BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte: Four months of intensified operations resulted in the confiscation of at least 1,524 firearms in the Caraga Region since January. Police Brig. Gen. Gilbert DC Cruz, Philippine National Police in Caraga Region (PNP-13) director, presented the seized firearms to Police Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, deputy PNP Chief of Operations, during his visit recently. Cruz said 136 firearms were confiscated during the implementation of Comelec gun ban, 67 were unlicensed or homemade guns turned-over to the police stations, and 1,321 were turned-over for safekeeping, including those surrendered by the political aspirants. The operations also led to the arrest of 94 gun ban violators and 688 wanted persons. Cruz said PNP-13 topped the crime solution efficiency in the last quarter of 2018 and in the first quarter of 2019 from the 17 police regional offices nationwide. He added that various police units in Caraga retrieved 157 bricks of cocaine estimated by the Dangerous Drugs Board to worth P900 million.

Meanwhile, Gamboa lauded the accomplishments of PNP-13 and commended the series of police outreach programs in the far-flung areas.

ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

BARELY a week after visiting Porac town to assist earthquake victims, former special assistant to the President (SAP) and 2019 Senate candidate Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go on Friday went around Pampanga in a motorcade and attended gatherings of community leaders.

'O kRST VISITED 0AMPANGA WHEN he accompanied President Duterte for an ocular inspection of the damage caused by the April 22 earthquake in Porac. He then assured the people that the government would extend to them all available assistance.

He expressed his gratitude for the support he received from PampangueĂąos, many of whom came out in the streets, cheering his name, waving at him and EVEN TAKING SELkE WITH HIM AS HIS convoy passed through Angeles City, San Fernando City, and the towns of Mabalacat, Bacolor and Mexico.

The former SAP said he would go around the country until the last minute of the campaign period not only to campaign but to meet the people, hear their concerns and leave a smile on their faces.

During a meeting in Angeles City, he thanked the leaders of the province and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for her endorsement.

Earlier, Arroyo lauded the big

Q Pampanga folks give Senate candidate Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go a warm welcome to show their appreciation for his assistance when a 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Luzon on April 22.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO help of Malasakit Center to the victims of the Luzon earthquake.

She noted that Go assured the victims that if Philhealth insurance could not cover the cost of their treatment, the Malasakit Center would help pay the balance.

Go vowed to continue serving the Filipino people, including the people of Pampanga, noting that since the Malasakit Center has proven its worth in the Porac tragedy, he aims to expand its branches once elected to the Senate. “We plan to establish more such

centers. To sponsor legislation to institutionalize it. It is a big help.

Like during the recent earthquake, the Malasakit Canter was able to respond right away especially in the treatment of victims who had no funds,� he said.

There are now 34 Malasakit Centers in various areas of the country.

Go said he would also help in the President’s campaign against the scourge of criminality, corruption and illegal drugs.

He added he would push for a Magna Carta for Barangay Of-

kCIALS g) KNOW HOW DIkCULT THE WORK OF a barangay VILLAGE OFkCIAL IS )N Davao, for 18 years, these barangay OFkCIALS WERE THE ONES GREETING ME me at City Hall everyday.�

He said they deserve better benEkTS CONSIDERING THE SERVICE THEY provide to their constituents.

Go noted that their term was cut short because of the postponement of barangay elections, and he was looking at the possibility of extending the term of incumbent VILLAGE OFkCIALS

Marawi Muslims to spend Ramadan in tents (First of 2 parts) MARAWI CITY: On Monday, May 6, thousands of Muslims would, for the third time, spend the holy month of Ramadan in shanties and tents, while the government lead agency in rebuilding Marawi City Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) is still too slow in processing Kathanor A WAY OF PROkLing through asurvey.

Alvin Sampaco Ali, son of the late Marawi City Mayor Sultan Bato Ali, the legendary Sultan of Lanao, turned to God when he was left out during the Kathanor. “God will take care of them,� Ali said after falling in line for more than half a day and not being accommodated due to the very slow and disorderly conduct of THE PROkLING BY GOVERNMENT PERsonnel. He added, “It was not really Kathanor but ‘kazambolgaw’ (disorderly conduct).�

Kathanor is a Maranao term which means “to make orderly�

AS A BIOMETRICS BASED PROkLING OF Marawi’s internally displaced persons (IDPs) aimed at determining the real identity of legitimate evacuees. The data obtained from it would be the basis of the government and humanitarian agencies to extend assistance to the evacuees.

Others blame the politicians for remaining silent about the Kathanor. One victim who asked not TO BE IDENTIkED SAID IF ONLY LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFkCIALS PUSHED THEIR way in behalf of the displaced residents, the government would listen to them and unnecessary delay might have been avoided.

While the government maintains it was on track in rebuilding Marawi and still within its

MARAWI IN RUINS

 A Maranao woman expects to find something of value in the debris of the houses hit by aerial and mortar bombs at the height of the Marawi Siege which started May 23, 2017 and lasted for five months. PHOTO BY MASIDING NOOR YAHYA timetable, the victims displaced by the siege, complaints about the delay and indifference towards the evacuees’ sufferings are mounting especially on social media platforms.

became the capital of the undivided Lanao province. Following Commonwealth Act 592 in 1940, Dansalan was converted into a city. It was the last city chartered under the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

Once a thriving city Still a ghost town Before the siege, Marawi was the thriving capital city of Lanao del Sur and had about 400,000 residents called Maranaos who speak the Maranao language.

They were named after the term “ranao� which means “lake� upon whose shores Marawi lies.

Marawi City used to be known as Dansalan and was officially created as a municipality under the Moro Province in 1907, and

Whatever is being said about Marawi after the siege, the fact remains that its commercial and cultural centers were desecrated and it remains a ghost town, a “no man’s land� where no one is allowed to enter without military permission.

Several Otso Diretso Senate candidates who visited Marawi recently and talked to residents in

temporary shelters and tents observed that the city “remains a ghost town.�

They wondered where billions of pesos in rehabilitation funds to rebuild Marawi went.

They said that as of April 2018, the government had released about P5.2 billion for the rehabilitation efforts.

The observation was just among the many expressed by others who personally saw the situation.

As of this posting, Ground Zero or what is also called the Most Affected Area remains a “no man’s land� and internally displaced persons hardly feel the rehabilitation the TFBM reportedly started.

MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

A8

News

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

˜ The Manila Times

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El Shaddai endorses 14 Senate candidates

BY NEIL JAYSON N. SERVALLOS

C

ATHOLIC charismatic group El Shaddai, widely perceived to vote as a bloc, endorsed 14 Senate candidates on Saturday, less than two weeks before the midterm elections.

Mike Velarde, El Shaddai founder, met with the Senate bets and made the announcement after a prayer rally in Parañaque City.

Among those who received El Shaddai’s backing were Hugpong ng Pagbabago bets reelectionist Senators Cynthia Villar, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel 3rd.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s

Senate bets sign youth covenant SENATE bets Erin Tañada, Samira Gutoc, Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, Florin Hilbay, Neri Colmenares and Leody de Guzman on Saturday signed a covenant that seeks to advance aspirations of the youth.

The signing of the covenant was held by the National Union of Students of the Philippines, together with the Rise for Education Alliance, College Editors Guild of the Philippines, among others, in Quezon City.

Colmenares said he signed the agreement because the youth agenda is important in national discourse.”

“Agree ako sa kanilang agenda. In fact, marami akong bills na nandoon sa youth agenda nila. ‘Yung libreng edukasyon sa kolehiyo, ‘yung paglaban sa mabagal at mahal na internet, at dagdag na budget sa edukasyon (I agree with their agenda.

In fact, I had many bills that are in the youth agenda. Free college education, fighting slow and expensive internet, and more budget for education),” he said.

“I believe in the merits of the youth covenant and the importance of the youth in the coming elections,” Colmenares said.

The covenant contained a pledge to advance the youth’s aspirations.

It called on the signatories to advance and support education and employment for all, youth empowerment, end to discrimination, better telecommunications and internet, improved healthcare and mental health awareness, environmental preservation, and respect to universal rights.

Hilbay echoed Colmenares.

“I don’t think any senatorial candidate should oppose youth empowerment, free education, anti-discrimination, protection of the environment,” he said.

REINA TOLENTINO

former top aide, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Corrections chief Ronald dela Rosa, former presidential adviser Francis Tolentino; Ilocos Norte Gov. Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos, former senators Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. were also endorsed, as well as independent bets Mary Grace Poe, Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, Willie Ong and Otso Diretso bet Sen.

Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino 4th.

Velarde said they selected the candidates who the group believes can help solve problems on crime, poverty, job inadequacies and the drug menace, among others.

“These are the candidates that are near to our hearts. In all times, not just during the elections,” he said.

El Shaddai has been known to endorse candidates who would stand against legislation that opposes teachings of the Catholic Church and who would take a stand against death penalty among others.

Go said his stand on capital punishment depends on whether or not it would end illegal drugs.

Revilla declined to say anything

about death penalty, saying he would talk about it in the run-up to the May 13 polls.

He vowed to serve with “utmost honesty” if he gets elected.

Founded by Velarde in 1981, El Shaddai, which claims to have 9 million members in the Philippines and 2 million more among the expatriate Filipino community, is one of the largest lay Catholic organizations in the world.

While Catholic Church leaders have been strongly discouraged from endorsing candidates, the group turns to members of the lay community to organize “discernment circles” to help the electorate know their candidates and choose those “promoting the common good.”

MONEY FLOWS

A man holding wads of cash hands money to a woman in Manila. Concerned residents in Manila who observed the distribution of money to voters sent this photo to The Manila Times.

n Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go greets Muslims in Manila.

Bong Go to Muslims: Peace is at hand SENATE aspirant Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go assured Muslims that their dream of lasting peace in Mindanao is at hand.

“Sa mga kapatid kong Muslim, alam nyo po ang hinahangad nating long and lasting peace po sa Mindanao ay andyan na po. Magtulungan po tayo para makamit natin ito (To my muslim brothers and sisters, you know that the lasting peace in Mindanao that we aspired for is here. Let us help each other),” Go said after attending the Sahro Ramadhan Kanduli at the Baseco Compound in Manila on Friday. “ Sa pananampalataya at paminsan sa ibang mga bagay, magkaiba po tayo ng pinaniniwalaan.

Pero iisa lang naman po ang pangarap natin na kabutihan para sa ating bayan (We may differ in faith and in other things, but we all want what is best for the nation),” he said.

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the governing body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), resumed its session last month following its March 29 inauguration.

BARMM was formed after the ratification in January of the Bangsamoro Organic (BOL) Law pursuant to a peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

President Rodrigo Duterte said the BOL would help secure peace in Mindanao.

Go also called for unity and respect among Filipinos of different faiths.

He noted that Duterte treated Muslims and Christians equally when he was the mayor of Davao City.

Go thanked the organizers and guests of the Baseco event after they expressed their support to his candidacy. He vowed to serve Filipinos well should he win a seat at the Senate.

Among others, Go said he would help the President bring progress and development, particularly in poor areas in Mindanao.

“‘Pag naging maunlad ang Mindanao, hindi na kailangan mapalayo sa kanilang pamilya ang ilan nating kapatid na Muslim para lamang maghanap ng mas magandang kapalaran dito sa Metro Manila (If Mindanao becomes progressive, Muslim would no longer have to travel to Metro Manila to search for better opportunities),” he said.

He ticked off several projects such as the Mindanao Rail Project (Phase 1), a single track rail running through Digos, Davao, and Tagum cities in Region 11. It is expected to be operational in 2022.

Also part of the big-ticket infrastructure projects in the island is the P5.4-billion MalitubogMaridagao Irrigation Project in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces, and the expansion and improvement of the Davao International and Laguindingan airports.

Also in the pipeline is the P21.2billion Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector, which aims to improve and construct 280 kilometers in roads and bridges in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Tawi-Tawi province until 2020.

“Kung masaya kayo, ipagpatuloy natin yung pagbabagong nasimulan in Pangulong Duterte, yung kampanya sa kriminalidad, kampanya sa corruption at kampanya sa iligal na droga (If you are happy with these projects, let s continue with the initiatives of the President — his campaign against crime, corruption and illegal drugs),” Go said.

In addition, Go said he would push for improved delivery of health services and the establishment of more Malasakit Centers.

The Malasakit Center makes it easier for poor patients to get medical and financial assistance from the government by bringing together in one room concerned agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and Philhealth.

PNP dismantles 245,716 illegal campaign posters A TOTAL of 245,716 illegal posters and other campaign materials have been dismantled by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Police Col. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesman, said police authorities and Commission on Elections (Comelec) representatives removed and tore down illegal and misplaced posters of election candidates from January 13 to May 3.

Campaign materials are not allowed in trees, light posts, electrical wires, schools, waiting sheds, sidewalks, traffic signs, bridges, barangay

RUINED

Residents collect materials that they can recycle a day after a fire hit their community in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City.

Dozens of families were left homeless by the blaze on Friday. PHOTO

BY ROGER RANADA

halls, health centers, public shrines, public transport terminals, airports, seaports, government patrol cars and ambulances, overpasses and underpasses, center islands, and public announcement boards.

Police removed the most number of illegally placed campaign materials in Bicol with 36,885 pieces, followed by Northern Mindanao with 31,041, and Central Luzon with 21,734.

They also removed 18,358 illegal campaign materials in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and

Quezon); 17,942 in Western Visayas; 17,736 in Davao Region; 16,233 in Central Visayas; 12,678 in Bangsamoro Region; 12,482 in Cagayan Region; 11,259 in Ilocos Region; and 10,950 in Cordillera Region.

Some 9,705 illegally placed campaign materials in the Zamboanga Peninsula were removed; 9,690 in Eastern Visayas; 9,552 in Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City); 5,226 in National Capital Region; and 3,646 in Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque,

Romblon and Palawan).

Caraga Region had the least number of removed illegally placed campaign materials with 598.

Banac said there were still campaign materials tacked in places not allowed by the Comelec.

“We urge and call upon all supporters of candidates to obey the Comelec rules on proper placement of campaign posters and materials to maintain discipline and order in public places,” he said.

“We commend all those who follow the rules and have voluntarily

removed or transferred their posters and campaign materials to the proper and authorized places designated by the Comelec,” he added.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, a candidate whose campaign materials are found in undesignated areas can be tried for an election offense.

If found guilty, a candidate may be sentenced to one to six years imprisonment, disqualified from holding public office and deprived of the right to vote.

ROY D.R. NARRA

Business Times Q keep in view Business leaders to watch out for

Barbara Kitane

CEO and President Ampersand Design Co. (HK) Ltd. and Ampersand Design Think Lab Corp. (Philippines)

Email: bizreports@manilatimes.net

B1

The offspring of entrepreneurial parents, who are printing industry icons, is blazing her own trail in the market. She’s unearthing unique stories to spark conversations, understanding and collaboration through developing and designing content in print, digital and space.

BY ANTONIO Q. ALABASTRO BARBARA Kitane grows her own people FROM RAW TALENT 3HE kNDS THE WAYS AND structure to best do things. Her company says it “unearths, tells real stories and shapes experiences to spark openness, conversations, understanding and collaboration by developing and designing content in print, digital and space.� “Branding is what you have proven to be, through time, in both great power and crisis. That people have come to know you and trust you, that is your brand,� says "ARBARA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFkCER #%/ AND president of Ampersand Design Co. (HK) and Ampersand Design Think Lab Corp.

(Philippines).

Her company is registered in Hong Kong as Ampersand Design Co. (HK) Ltd. to capitalize on a year-long contract for packaging design and design for the biggest health and cosmetics distribution company in the region, possibly the world, A.S. Watson H&B Asia. “Branding is misconstrued as the logo and as looking good,� she tells Keep in View IN HER OFkCE IN 0OBLACION ONE OF Manila’s oldest town centers in Makati City and now, a bohemian dining precinct.

Barbara continues: “A brand and the branding process are like a person’s character. It’s the most important tangible and intangible asset that delivers more on the kNANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY u Having accumulated work experiences in Italy and China, Barbara believes that she has been absorbing best practices in airport design, marketing and branding. She says that branding an airport is destination marketing. It’s knowing the cultural and tourism jewels around the area, knowing the revenue sources for the airport and why planes should land there.

Barbara is a “shrink disguised as interviewer,� according to Txabi Aboitiz, FORMER CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFkCER OF Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. She shepherded the editorial team, which created the 140-page book Why Me? Our 10 Tenets — culled from the collective wisdom of Aboitiz executives — produced by CGKformaprint Inc. in 2018.

The Aboitiz Group’s holding company commissioned Firetree Press, the publishing trademark of Ampersand Design Co. (HK) Ltd., to conceptualize, create and manage content and produce Why Me? She was two years old when printing icon parents Camil Protacio Gahol and Emil Avena Kitane started the 45-yearold CGKformaprint Inc. It churned out OFkCE FORMS IN THEIR %SPAÄA 3TREET PRINTing shop. The couple had met earlier in a printing press and fell in love.

Dad Emil is exacting in typography and editorial layouts. He takes care of production. To this day, he marks errors he challenges himself to spot in National Geographic, Fortune and Time magazines with his signature red Pilot sign pen. He is uncompromising in his quality standards ON PROCESS AND kNAL OUTPUT "ARBARA SAYS “If you are diligent with the process, then quality is a matter of course,� Dad tells daughter.

Barbara’s self-starter parents encouraged the game of risks play and independence as learning from failures. They love to sing and dance and have a sense of humor, she says. She attended nursery in the neighborhood Romper House in Kamuning, Quezon City.

Her instincts in risk-taking, building capability and having fun along the way were shaped by years spent growing up in Barrio Kapitolyo. She was the youngest among competitive and fun-loving bigger KIDS LIVING IN A ROW OF kVE TO SEVEN APARTments, with a running brook at their back door. They played tumbang preso (knock down the prisoner). They threw rubber slippers as pamato (something to throw at) to knock down an empty can.

At 23, she wanted to live on her own.

So, she would not have to room-in with other people in less secure neighborhoods, Barbara’s strong-willed mom challenged her to close an P8-million-peso sale for an Ayala property development as down payment. She would be at clients’

SUNDAY MAY 5, 2019

Her life, a passion project

“

Branding is misconstrued as the logo and as looking good. Branding and the branding process are like honing a person’s character. It’s the company’s most important tangible and intangible asset OFkCES BY A M AND DO EIGHT APPOINTments daily. She closed P13 million in three months on accounts she had been building relationships with, on strategy she observed that worked. She became top sales grosser.

Having lesser challenges and learning on her third year in CGK bored her. She wanted to focus on ideas with editors, designers and photographers.

One evening, hanging out with expat FRIENDS IN %RMITA S GLORY DAYS IN

she met a German photographer for National Geographic , Gunther Deichmann. He agreed to print with her a hardbound book, which won an award the following year.

Faaabulous 1 and 2 by Rupert Jacinto international award-winning portrait photographer, bagged for CGK the “Best Printer Award� from the Printing Industries Association of the Philippines (PIAP).

Clients submitted to the PIAP competition their CGK printing jobs, which garnered “Best Printer for Coffee Table Books, Annual Reports, Catalogues, Packaging and Brochure Awards� between 2010 and 2013. !T +ITANE lED FROM PRINT AND PAPER

landing in Milan for a masters in fashion BUYING 4HE kRST &ILIPINO STUDENT OF )STItuto Marangoni, she graduated magna cum laude. Founded by a tailor, who trained pattern makers and seamstresses, Marangoni produced alumni such as Italian fashion

designers Franco Moschino, Alessandra Facchinetti (she headed Gucci after Tom Ford) and Domenico Dolce (the other half of the luxury house Dolce & Gabbana) as well as French celebrity dresser Julie de Libran and award-winning Indian designer Rahul Mishra among others.

Barbara attended an intermediate Italian language class, waited tables and taught business English to pad her allowance. She went to aperitivo (cocktails) to network and have dinner.

Working as executive assistant to then vice chairman of Hugo Boss Donna, -ASSIMO 3UPPANCIG REkNED "ARBARA S preferences, narratives and idea of brands. She learned so much staying so close to him for 20 months.

After 20 years managing Escada and Hugo Boss, Suppancig became CEO and partner in 2002 of Valextra, the extreme luxury BRAND SINCE 4HIS g)TALIAN (ERMESu of a perfect boss was never late. His clothes were arranged according to seasons, colors, typography, in intervals of 5 centimeters from each other. He wore artisanal brands Barbara had never heard of. He only smiled when she did a perfect job. Otherwise, he’d tell her to do it again, not telling her what, where and why something was wrong.

S h e came home in 2009 and returned to CGK as executive vice president. In

three years, she doubled sales with the same people and equipment. Competitors printed her job orders. She attracted new clients. “I want to brand an airport, a town, and create a community that’s sustainable and culturally diverse,� says this leader of the branding, design and publishing company that started in 2015 as CGKCreatives.

As mother to Gabriel, 13, and Mayumi, 8, Barbara simply glows when recounting her kids’ interests and activities. “They both like cooking, are very outdoorsy and are lovely huggers. They like staying home and inviting friends over, which I highly encourage.

We often go to the farm (the Kitanes have a property in Tagaytay) and are involved in my creative and business decisions.

Family dinners, at home or in a restaurant, are always the venue to sketch and discuss characters or ideas. Friday dinner is a tradition the Kitanes started since Barbara and her two siblings were in the university.

She says: “Related to our belief that passion, pleasure and purpose are one, you really never turn off. Work is not work if these three factors are present. “And because I continually conceive business projects along those lines, I attract people who live by the same vision and values.�

Lead the way Barbara, we are right behind you.

ABOUT ME ROLE MODEL I admire my mother’s strength.

She is resilient.

GOAL I want to brand and create a community that’s sustainable, a culturally diverse community. I want to brand an airport and a town.

FIRST PAYING JOB I was a salesperson with CGKformaprint Inc. I went with the delivery.

MORNING ROUTINE I wake up at 5:45 a.m. I meditate, pray and work out. I spot my day with breathers at 8:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and before I sleep at 10:30 p.m.

Breathers are a time of alignment with my team and my source of strength.

SPECIAL SKILL I learn fast.

TIME SPENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA Thirty minutes a week – just to check on people I admire, learn from them and laugh at their witticisms.

Q Ideas come alive in Barbara’s studio-office located in the trendy Poblacion precinct and chilling with her team and executive creative director Frey Cabading.

B2

Business Times

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

Editor: Edwin P. Sallan Email: edwin.sallan@manilatimes.net

A gathering of game-changers

˜˜ The Sunday Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Save the environment, save taxes W

HO would have thought that having a green mind will actually save you taxes? In 2016, President Benigno Aquino 3rd signed into law Republic Act (RA) 10771, the “Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016,� granting special tax deductions and duty-free importation of capital equipment for companies that provide and sustain “green jobs� as certified by the Climate Change Commission (CCC). The CCC is the sole policy-making body responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating government programs toward mitigating climate change. “Green jobs,� as defined in RA 10771, refer to employment that contributes to preserving or restoring the quality of the environment, be it in the agriculture, industry or services sector. Quite recently, the Department of Finance (DoF), together with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Regulations (RR) 5-2019, implementing the tax provisions of RA 10771. We look into the salient provisions of RR 5-2019.

Only qualified “business enterprises� as certified by the CCC may avail of the tax incentives. These refer to establishments engaged in the production, manufacturing, processing, repacking, assembly, or sale of goods and services, including service-oriented enterprises; self-employed or own-account workers; micro, small; and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and community-based business enterprises.

A qualified business enterprise shall be entitled to a deduction from its taxable income equivalent to 50 percent of total expenses for skills training and research and development subject to the following conditions: – The deduction shall be availed of during the taxable year the expenses were paid or incurred; – The taxpayer can substantiate the amount of the deduction with sufficient documents (invoices, official receipts, and other adequate records) that show that the expenses for skills training and research and development generate and sustain green jobs; – The deduction is in addition to the allowable, ordinary, and necessary business deductions under the Tax Code.

In order to avail of the tax incentives under the regulations, business enterprises shall: – File an application with the NCC for a certification that the enterprise is qualified to avail of the tax incentives under RR 5-2019; – Submit the certification issued by the NCC with the BIR Revenue District Office (RDO) to update the enterprise’s registration; – Submit the following documents with the RDO upon filing of the taxpayer’s income tax return/annual information return: A sworn list of the total expenses paid for skills training and research and development for the year; A sworn list of the activities and projects undertaken, indicating the amount, place, and manner the expenses were paid or incurred; A sworn declaration that the expenses paid for skills training and research and development have a direct connection to the activities and projects that generate and sustain green jobs.

THE FINE PRINT

RON ARRIESGADO

Q Young students at a Junior Chamber International Makati event.

BY YUGEL LOSORATA

T

HE long-thriving business community in the city of Makati is a perfect backdrop for Junior Chamber International (JCI) Makati to push its vision of encouraging young professionals to become LEADERS IN THEIR kELDS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL BY MINDSET In its 55 years of existence, it has significantly contributed to enriching the country’s business landscape, with notable members who are likewise corporate honchos having diligently served as officers in the past, including Landco Pacific Corp. founder Alfred Xerez-Burgos and Chowking creator and former St. Luke’s Medical Center board of trustees chairman Robert F. Kuan.

Small wonder that JCI Makati, among the most active in JCI Philippines’ roster of over 250 local organizations, is still one of the most effective leadership organizations in the land. 2019 JCI Makati

President Kurt Ryan J. Soliman is now at the forefront of leading it to even greater heights. “Our aim is to provide the opportunity for young professionals to develop their skills in leadership, social responsibility, professional speaking, public r e l a t i o n s, a n d e n t r e p r e n e u r ship necessary to create positive change,� said Soliman.

Under his guidance, JCI Makati has spearheaded groundbreaking projects such as The 1st Kindergarten Teachers Empowerment Summit, JCSeeding in Plants, #WeMenCare Community Projects, Girl Empowerment Summit,

Cardrawling Project, Bean of Hope, Agri-Cool-Tour, and JCI Uplift Training Program which was later adopted as a national program by JCI Philippines. Its 2019 battlecry “Empowered for Greatness� has certainly rallied the spirits of the group to turn goals into reality.

Organized in March 1964, with Marcos Aragon as charter president, the chapter has produced many outstanding projects like Alay Lakad and Bb. Pilipinas. Yes, the Makati Jaycees was the brainchild of the country’s biggest beauty pageant after coming up with “an extensive plan to attract beautiful ladies from the entire archipelago.�

Soliman is aware of JCI Makati’s colorful history as he is equally bent on leading the pack into the next decade. He shared: “Our commitment to the Vision 2020 that was set last year has led us to passionately create innovative programs and ground breaking

Pork apocalypse

E

NJOY your bacon, your ham, your lechon kawali while you can, folks, because this time next year it might be as rare and expensive as unicorn meat. !FRICAN SWINE lU A DISease that fortunately does not affect humans — at least not so far — is apparently in the process of wiping out the pig population in China, and has spread to neighboring countries. The Philippines has MANAGED TO KEEP THE lU FROM ENTERING THIS country, but it is only a matter of time: China is the world’s largest producer of pork, the second largest consumer of pork, and is the 10th largest exporter, and has let the disease, which kills every pig it infects, get completely out of control.

The epidemic began as a minor outbreak among 400 hogs in Shenyang last year, and HAS SPREAD DESPITE EFFORTS BY #HINESE OFkCIALS to keep it in check. So far this year, about one million hogs have been culled, and experts are estimating that at least 100 million will be exterminated this year. The US Department of Agriculture has forecast that China will lose 134 million hogs this year between the disease and efforts to stop it; that is almost twice the entire pig population of the US. 4HE kRST EFFECT OF THE EPIDEMIC SENT GLOBAL PORK prices soaring. Wholesale prices are already 20 percent higher than in 2018, and are still climbing. The second effect has created actual shortages of pork in some countries, particularly Vietnam WHERE THE SWINE lU HAS SPREAD 4HE IMPACT HAS not been severe in the Philippines. Not yet. Although pork prices are slightly higher than they were at this time last year.

That would change, however, and likely soon, given this country’s somewhat dependent trade relationship with China. China’s import appetite for pork would make exporting pork more attractive than producing it for the domestic market.

The situation is being aggravated at the moment by the US-China trade war, because China has imposed a 60 percent tariff on pork imports from the US. Unless the Philippines imposes some kind of controls on exports — which would be very much out of character for the present administration — prices would skyrocket here, and supplies would be constrained. Food prices

in general would likely increase, because pork is an ingredient in many other products.

If tighter supply and higher prices are the WORST EFFECTS OF THE SWINE lU EPIDEMIC SUFFERED by the Philippines, the country should consider itself lucky, because as the problem spreads in China and other places, the risk BEN THAT THE DISEASE WILL kND ITS WAY KRITZ here grows. Increased exports to China mean that imports would likely increase as well. The authorities here are CONkDENT THAT SWINE lU COULD BE KEPT AWAY from the Philippines, and to be fair, the country does have a reasonably good record of preventing others’ epidemics from taking hold here; the Philippines has largely been on the sidelines in crises such as the SARS outbreak, various bird lU OUTBREAKS AND THE HUMAN VARIETY OF SWINE lU A FEW YEARS AGO 4HE !FRICAN SWINE lU IS SO VIRULENT HOWEVER

and so little understood by researchers at this point that one small slip that allows the disease to take hold here would be a disaster. The Department of Agriculture should already be considering the epidemic a virtual domestic crisis in order to forestall the development of a real crisis, because as the Chinese experience so far has shown, reacting to the outbreak rather than anticipating it is futile.

While we’re on the topic of food, I have a minor beef (see what I did there) with the growing food-delivery business around Metro Manila.

Having spent the past few nights in town, I’ve had the opportunity to try various services, with mixed results; Zomato has proven reliable, Grab Food has been hit-or-miss due to an apparent shortage of drivers.

One annoyingly consistent problem I have encountered, however, is a limit on how much one could order online. Most restaurants do not accept cash orders over P750, which would be okay if so many restaurants had apparently not heard of credit cards.

Get it together, local restaurant industry.

Feeding two people on P750 given the prevailing prices on most menus is not easy, and being obliged to do so is often enough to convince us to put some pants on and walk downstairs to get something at Wendy’s.

ROUGH TRADE

ben.kritz@manilatimes.net

strategies aimed to position us to achieve our goals this year.�

JCI is nonprofit, international, and nongovernment organization of people between 18 to 40 years old, with members in about 125 countries. Over the years it has encouraged members to participate in social and economic development in the name of goodwill, understanding, and cooperation. “I strongly believe that JCI Makati is primed with an opportunity to inspire and enable our next generation of young leaders to create positive change within their community, among their friends, and most importantly, within themselves,� said Soliman, “Our call for action forges a path for greatness as we embrace our true potential.�

Simply put, when dynamic people with entrepreneurial and pay-it-forward mindset work together for good causes, the result is a better world.

Ron Arriesgado is a tax lawyer, a transfer pricing specialist, and is a partner at the LMA Law Offices in Makati City. He has managed and resolved taxation issues of local and multinational entities; resolved various tax assessment cases issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue; and provided clients with the proper tax strategies to cancel or substantially lower tax assessments, among others.

Why Baguio can be the next PH startup hub THERE are a few cities in the Philippines that can contend for the SECOND MOST SIGNIkCANT TECH HUB after Metro Manila, including Cebu, Cavite and many others. There’s also a dark horse candidate in this race: Baguio. Although known to most Filipinos as the prime destination for summer getaways, owing to its year-round cold weather, the mountain city is also well suited to serving the unique needs of tech startups.

Grab is perhaps the most famous tech tenant in Baguio (it has a branch OFkCE THERE BECAUSE IT OFFERS 'RAB4AXI to local commuters). But there are a growing number of homegrown tech STARTUPS THAT HAVE AN OFkCE OR OPerations in Baguio, including fellow taxi-hailing platform Micab, coworking space Calle Uno, and language services provider Vivixx Academy.

Here are three reasons that Baguio is emerging as a startup hub, as seen through the lens of one startup ALREADY BENEkTING FROM ITS MANY natural advantages in FullSuite, a kNANCIAL AND BUSINESS CONCIERGE LED

by Chief Strategist Maggie Po. Most know Silicon Valley as the home of tech giants, the region rose in large part on the strength of nearby universities, particularly Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley. These institutions provided stakeholders at every level of the startup: students became interns, graduates became early employees if not founders, and professors became advisors and even investors.

Baguio has a similar fertile ground for a tech ecosystem, as it is a quintessential college town. The city has two lAGSHIP UNIVERSITIES IN 5NIVERSITY OF the Philippines Baguio and St. Louis University, in addition to over two dozen other colleges and universities.

This critical mass of higher education institutions will provide the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation key to a startup hub, especially as formal

linkages are made.

FullSuite, for example, has already established partnerships with area universities, who send their best graduates to FullSuite for internships and entry-level positions.

These linkages are a win-win-win: Young professionals get to work at a top tech company, the business gets top talent, and the city grows as a tech hub.

Baguio has a low cost of living.

Since most startups begin by bootstrapping, the cost of living in a particular city should be a concern.

In Baguio, it’s very cheap, beginning with real estate. A three-bedroom condo can cost as little as P25,000, so startups can easily run a hacker house-style setup that would be inconceivable in more developed urban markets like Manila or Cebu.

0REMIUM OFkCE SPACE IS ALSO SUBstantially cheaper.

Utilities like water and electricity also do not have the premium sticker tag that they do in the country’s capital. It’s not uncommon to pay under P1,000 for both water and electricity bills. Fruits and vegetables are also cheaper, since many of these are grown within city limits or outlying areas. FullSuite has smartly been able to translate this affordability into perks, offering catered daily lunches from a US-trained chef to all employees.

Taken altogether, the peso can go a lot further in Baguio than it can in other urban cities. This will allow founders to enjoy high-quality living without needing to spend heavily from their scarce funds. Such is the ideal: founders and team members are then free to focus entirely on building their startup.

Baguio has a greater level of mobilITY 4RAFkC IN -ANILA IS NOT ONLY AN inconvenience, it translates to a direct loss on business. A study from the Boston Consulting Group calculated

that Filipinos lose over 16 days a year STUCK IN TRAFkC A kGURE THAT TRANSLATES into a loss of P100,000.Another estimate placed the cost on the entire economy at a staggering P4 trillion. )F TRAFkC IS BAD FOR BUSINESS IT S even worse for startups. As a founder, you don’t want your morning and evening commute to eat up a SIGNIkCANT AMOUNT OF YOUR WORKING day. Baguio offers a better alternaTIVE 7HILE TRAFkC HAS RISEN IN RECENT years due to the rising population, it still does not compare to Manila.

4RAVEL TIME IS SIGNIkCANTLY LESS in Baguio, and the city itself is selfcontained. You can take a lunch meeting with a client off-site and taxi back — or even walk back — to YOUR OFkCE WITHIN TO MINUTES FullSuite takes full advantage of this centrality, offering meet-and-greets monthly for locals who want an inside view of a top tech company in the heart of Baguio.

Building Baguio as the next startup hub. There should be a conscious initiative across multiple stakeholder groups — founders, investors, policy-makers, university administrators, and more — to develop Baguio’s capacity as a startup and tech hub. Doing so not only builds Baguio, but builds brands, and we need to look no further than the FullSuite example to see just how much this is true.

Since FullSuite’s founding, the company has quickly grown to over sixty accountants and other business PROFESSIONALS WHO CATER TO THE kNANCE and admin needs of companies in the Philippines and all over the world.

We need to hold up FullSuite as a example of a successful case study for fellow entrepreneurs across the Philippines in order to convey a powerful message: You, too, can leverage Baguio’s unique advantages to build something great.

JAMES TATEL

The Sunday Times

w w w.manilatimes.

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

Sunday Business & I.T.

Q Ribbon Communications Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President for Business Development Patrick Joggerst discusses the results of the survey at Perspective19 in Washington DC

PCIEERD today: Catalyzing research outputs into operational technologies “W

IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS

Enterprises to bet on UC solutions

C

LOUD-based communications provider Ribbon Communications revealed recently key results from a research study it undertook to understand the purchase drivers and buying behaviors of micro, small and medium enterprises, and large companies around the world.

4HE RESULTS WERE kRST UNVEILED BY Patrick Joggerst, chief marketing OFkCER AND EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT 2IBbon Communications, in his keynote speech at the Perspectives19 conference at the JW Marriott (OTEL ON !PRIL The survey found that of the organizations who have not yet INVESTED IN UNIkED COMMUNICATIONS 5# TECHNOLOGY PERCENT of large (more than 1,000 employEES COMPANIES AND PERCENT OF SMALL EMPLOYEES PLANNED to adopt some form of UC in the next two years.

The numbers were even more striking for mid-sized companies, with 67 percent of those with 21 to 100 employees and 71 percent of those with 101 to 1,000 employees predicting the same timeframe.

“Clearly, the UC value proposition resonates across cross-market and cross-industry no matter the size of the company,� said JogGERST g/UR kNDINGS HIGHLIGHT THE significant market opportunity to serve these organizations, and results also provided us with some UNEXPECTED kNDINGS WHICH WE LL BE sharing on a regional basis over the next few months, starting in Europe.� “For example, UC adoption is MORE ADVANCED PERCENT IN LARGE companies than in small ones (10 PERCENT INVERTING THE NOTION THAT SMALLER COMPANIES ARE THE kRST TO leverage new technologies. Our research also highlights security’s key role in a comprehensive UC solution,� Joggerst continued. “A staggering 56 percent of our respondents have been victim-

ized by attacks running the gamut from distributed denial-of-service $$O3 ATTACK TO ROBOCALLS AND percent of our respondents want their UC providers to be responsible for providing protection.� !DDITIONAL kNDINGS INCLUDE – The UC market still offers a number of growth prospects — 2IBBON ESTIMATES THAT THE AVAILable US market comprises 85 million seats. m ! SIGNIkCANT NUMBER PERCENT OF 5# ADOPTERS PURCHASED their service from “traditional� providers (LECs in the US and national carriers in the rest of the WORLD WITH THE NEXT PERCENT of buyers evenly split between competitive carriers and IT services companies. Mobile carriers, on the other hand, only accounted for 4 percent of purchases. m 4HE NUMBERS CHANGE SIGNIkcantly for those who have not yet purchased UC services. Their stated preferences run to traditional PROVIDERS PERCENT AND MOBILE CARRIERS PERCENT FOLLOWED by cable companies, competitive carriers, equipment providers and IT services companies each

accounting for 11 percent of stated intention. – Of the 83 percent of respondents who felt that UC providers should be responsible for the security of IP communications, 18 percent were willing to pay extra for this capability.

2IBBON S GLOBAL SURVEY REACHED 4,800 decision-makers in 23 countries at businesses ranging in size from five to many thousands of employees, asking questions aimed at understanding who these companies are buying services from today, how they use collaboration tools and video conferencing, how they are managing their IT and their ADOPTION OF UNIkED COMMUNICAtions. The companies represented a wide range of industries.

2ESPONDENTS WERE LOCATED IN the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, &RANCE 'ERMANY (ONG +ONG

India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, the United !RAB %MIRATES 5NITED +INGDOM and the United States.

NEWSBYTES.PH

The perils of online dating sites A LOCAL party-list group has cautioned Filipino women abroad against the dangers of seeing strangers they met through online dating sites. “There is a dark side to chat and dating sites,� said ACTS-OFW party-list Rep. Aniceto Bertiz 3rd. “The ugly truth is that human traffickers as well as sexual predators also prowl these sites to stalk potential victims.�

The ACTS-OFW representative made the statement after a 35-year-old Army captain in Cyprus confessed to killing seven women and young girls, including three Filipinos, in the Mediterranean island-country. “They deceptively use bogus profiles to start and cultivate relationships, with the intent of eventually entrapping would-be victims,� Bertiz said. “It is not unusual for these monsters to lure targets with promises of a better life, including higher-paying job prospects.�

The police in Cyprus said the confessed serial-

killer, now in custody, used a popular online dating site to catch his victims.

Bertiz acknowledged that online dating sites have become increasingly popular among overseas Filipinos with the advent of mobile phone applications. “It can be lonely when you are working and living alone in a foreign country, away from your family and friends,� said Bertiz.

The three Filipinos believed to be among the victims in the Cyprus serial-killing case have been identified as Mary Rose Tiburcio, 38; Arian Palanas Lozano, 28; and Maricar Valdez Arquiola, 30.

All three were previously reported as missing in Cyprus, where they were employed as household service staff earning 400 euros (P23,000) monthly.

Their bodies were recovered from an abandoned mine site that has turned into a lake some 20 miles

from Nicosia, the national capital.

It is also believed that among the victims was Sierra Graze Seucalliuc, Tiburcio’s six-year-old child with her former Romanian boyfriend.

The authorities in Cyprus said the suspect’s other victims were a 36-year-old Romanian mother and her 8-year-old daughter, and a woman of Nepalese or Indian descent whose body was retrieved from a military firing range.

A group of German tourists accidentally stumbled upon Tiburcio’s body on April 14, breaking the serial-killing case wide open.

In Lozano’s case, the suspect admitted to the police that he choked the victim to death while having sex with her.

The suspect also said during police interrogation that he had a thing for Filipino women. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, and our thoughts and prayers are with them,�

Bertiz, himself a former overseas worker, said.

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E want to work closely with potential adopters to ensure that our research outputs are converted directly INTO PROJECTS WITH REAL ECONOMIC

social and environmental values,� said Eric Paringit, Ph.D., the new executive director of Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and %MERGING 4ECHNOLOGY 2ESEARCH AND $EVELOPMENT 0#)%%2$ “This will test the mettle of technologies nearing maturity in a REAL SETTING WHERE 2 $ PRODUCTS blend in with other vital elements, human or otherwise.�

Manila Times’ Tech Space caught up with Dr. Paringit at the +APIHAN AT (UNTAHAN A GATHERING of technology experts and enthuSIASTS AT 6ERJANDEL (OTEL IN 1UEzon City under the sponsorship of the UP Diliman-based EMC2 fraternity which is celebrating its golden anniversary of founding.

Dr. Paringit is the new chief of THE 0#)%%2$ UNDER THE $EPARTment of Science and TechnolOGY $O34 4HE COUNCIL RECENTLY LAUNCHED THE (YBRID %LECTRIC 4RAIN (%4 NOW SHUTTLING BEtween the Calamba and Alabang routes under the Philippine NaTIONAL 2AILWAY ADMINISTRATION !LSO IN THE PIPELINE IS THE (%4 ROAD COUNTERPART THE (YBRID %LECTRIC 2OAD 4RAIN (%24 WHICH will be rolled out in smart cities of the near future.

The DoST executive added: “The Automated Guideway 4RANSIT !'4 IS BEING FURTHER developed in an urban-center SETTING /THER NEW PROJECTS worth mentioning are CatchAll ##46 BASED APPREHENSION

the colorum vehicle detecting Dilaw, the LOCALsim traffic simulator (which replicates TRAFkC CONDITIONS IN THE LOCAL context like U-turns, truck bans, NUMBER CODING ETC AND 3UPPORT FOR START UP 2UROK"IKE Due to its ties with industry, 0#)%%2$ HAS A BIG ROLE TO PLAY in engaging research activities WITH A SIGNIkCANT LEVEL OF INDUSTRY applications. Paringit is pushing for a greater involvement of the regions in industry-oriented research to promote equity and open up collaborations with nontraditional partners, institutions and organizations.

A conventional approach is certainly not in the cards in responding to the looming global threat of global warming. For instance, there may not be enough available acreage to accommodate the scale of tree planting that needs to be undertaken to help reduce the rising global temperature to 1980s level. A disruptive strategy is in order instead.

Dr. Paringit disclosed that his organization has supported a research program on climate MODELING THAT REkNES THE GRANUlarity and improves the reliability of such model on a regional scale.

(E CONTENDED THAT WHILE THE program may not directly touch on adaptation and mitigation

TECH SPACE TONY MAGHIRANG strategies, it is still an important input in prescribing measures to address climate change down to the nearest square kilometer.

The council has also thrown its support to ground-breaking work in estimating blue carbon from mangroves, corals and sea grasses. A departure from the GREEN CARBON SCHEME E G TREES

a blue carbon strategy effectively enhances local efforts to conserve coastal ecosystems and improves resilience in mitigating global warming.

Looking ahead to 2020 and beyond, Dr. Paringit was particularly excited about the Maritime Innovation Initiative which seeks to lift the country’s seafaring ways away from its rudiments.

(E NOTED g7E WILL UNVEIL PROJects that will tip the tide of our reputation from internationally respected seafarers to maritime technologists working on different fronts, from innovative PASSENGER FERRIES TO SMART kSHing vessels to cargo routing and logistics optimization.� $URING HIS TALK AT +APIHAN AT (UNTAHAN THE 0#)%%2$ HEAD stressed that convergence has to happen in two main areas: the partnership in doing reSEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 2 $ and tapping into the immense opportunities for technology transfer in the mainstream comMERCIAL MARKET (E PROPOSED AN accelerated and systematic appraisal of commercially viable technologies and the conduct of relevant activities like a periodic auction that will link the emerging technologies with prospective investors and adaptors.

Dr. Paringit warmed up some MORE TO THE SUBJECT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES (E ANNOUNCED THAT A call for proposals will be made soon on Data and Decision SciENCE $$3 AND ON )NTEGRATED and Intelligent Sensors and !CTUATORS ))3! $$3 SUPPORTS the governance structure and practice for smart cities, while the IISA prepares local industries in achieving Industry 4.0 readiness.

Dr. Paringit holds a Doctor of Engineering degree from the Tokyo Institute of Technology.

(IS EXPERTISE IS ON REMOTE SENSing technologies and geospatial applications. Before assuming HIS PRESENT POST AT 0#)%%2$ HE worked on a couple of DoST-supported research programs, most NOTABLY THE $ISASTER 2ISK AND Exposure Assessment for Mitigation or Dream Program which harnessed Lidar technology to map out flood-prone areas in the country and helped catalyze a shift in disaster management approaches.

Helping organizations grow beyond expectations TO help organizations across industries gain the visibility, control and agility required to accelerate growth, Oracle NetSuite announced a series of new innovations within the NetSuite solution, including new industry cloud solutions. “Our mission has always been to deliver a unified cloud suite that supports organizations in any industry, at any stage of growth,� said Evan Goldberg, executive vice president of Oracle NetSuite. “With new innovations spanning comMERCE AND kNANCE TO (2 AND SUPply chain as well as new industry cloud solutions, we are delivering exponential value for our customers by helping them unlock new

possibilities and achieve unprecedented growth.�

The latest updates to NetSuite include new analytics, commerce, FINANCIAL (2 MARKETING PROJECT management and supply chain capabilities. The new capabilities help organizations reduce IT complexity, streamline business processes, simplify global trade, improve decision making, and enhance the customer and employee experience.

Analytics: Powerful new consumergrade data exploration and visualization capabilities within the SuiteAnalytics Workbook give nontechnical users rapid and meaningful insights INTO CRITICAL kNANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL metrics to enhance decision making

across the entire organization.

Commerce: Thirty new extensions to SuiteCommerce enhance the customer experience by enabling business users to easily add new functionality.

In addition, users can now integrate important third-party tools and product feeds to create compelling, fresh content without developer help.

Financials: New accounting features, including lease accounting, selfbalancing segments and rules-based, auto-matching bank transactions, HELP CUSTOMERS STREAMLINE kNANCIAL management and dramatically imPROVE EFkCIENCIES Global trade: .EW GLOBAL kNANCIAL management capabilities simplify tax changes, foreign currency expense

reports and intercompany trade processes, while new localizations support customers headquartered or operating subsidiaries in some of the largest economies in the world.

HR: New capabilities within SuitePeople help customers streamline AND SECURE (2 PROCESSES AND DELIVER a better employee experience by introducing new self-service features for employees, advanced security capabilities for employee data, industrySPECIkC FUNCTIONALITY FOR CUSTOMERS with large volumes of hourly workers and providing real-time insights from across the entire employee lifecycle.

Marketing: Updates to the Oracle Bronto Marketing platform help marketers deliver more relevant and

consistent brand experiences by providing increased visibility into commerce data, improving campaign 2/) MEASUREMENT OPTIMIZING EMAIL delivery, accelerating ecommerce platform integrations and enabling faster product enablement.

Project management: Updates to the rules-based approval engine, PROJECT BUDGETING AND CHARGED BASED billing capabilities provide customers WITH INCREASED VISIBILITY INTO PROJECT reporting, stronger control over time and expense approvals, and the agility to open up potential new revenue sources and business models.

Supply chain: A new allocation and commitment engine allows customers to automatically determine the

best way to allocate product, quickly identify potential issues and generate recommendations for resolution.

To help customers achieve the benefits of the cloud in as little as 45 days, NetSuite is accelerating its investment in SuiteSuccess.

SuiteSuccess is a pre-configured industry cloud solution, built on industry-leading practices, that combines deep domain knowledge WITH PRE BUILT WORKlOWS +0)S AND dashboards. The latest additions to SuiteSuccess include expanded vertical capabilities, new localizations and the launch of a new and fully integrated planning and budgeting cloud service that can be activated in as little as 30 days.

Sunday Business & I.T.

B4

SUNDAY MAY 5, 2019

www manilatimes.net

Editor: Jing Garcia

OPPO A5s: Powerful smartphone

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OR those looking into high-quality yet in a mere 0.08 seconds. reasonably priced smartphone, consider 13MP dual rear the latest OPPO A5s as your upgrade. The cameras, 8MP latest follow-up to the best-selling OPPO A3s is front camera packed with the most essential and high-quality OPPO has successfully established features rolled into one. The A5s is a top-notch itself as a pioneer in smartphone camera technology. This is no difsmartphone that also won’t hurt the wallet. ferent for OPPO A5s, which comes

Stylish exterior

thinnest at just 0.64mm thick.

Equipped with a sublime 6.2-inch LCD waterdrop screen with a 19:9 aspect ratio and a 1520x720-pixel resolution, OPPO A5s’ screen design draws its inspiration from a water droplet on the verge of falling. An earpiece, camera and light sensor have all been integrated into the waterdrop at the top of the screen. This gives an 89.35 percent screen-to-body ratio that allows users to enjoy an unparalleled, immersive experience.

OPPO A5s leverages 3D thermal-bending technology that allows for the four curved edges to sit more snugly in one’s hand.

Given this, the device is also able to achieve being the industry’s

4230mAh battery, 3GB RAM Gamers are up for a treat as the A5s is powered by a 4230mAh large-capacity battery. The unit supports up to 13.5 hours of video playback, thanks to AI algorithm optimization and a low power-consumption MTK6765 processor. Its 2.3GHz CPU and 3GB RAM enable several applications to run seamlessly at the same time, effectively eliminating freezing and serving multiple user scenarios. OPPO A5s also comes with a rear fingerprint scanner, allowing users to unlock their devices quickly and securely

with an 8MP front camera and F2.0 aperture. Thanks to AI and big data technologies, the front camera offers more natural and personalized BEAUTIkCATION OPTIONS DELIVERING the stunning selfies in a flash.

OPPO A5s is also equipped with 13MP+2MP dual rear cameras, which enable excellent background blur, to help users stand out in their portraits.

The multi-frame anti-shake technology ensures a smoother, more stable video shooting experience. OPPO A5s with 3G RAM also supports AR stickers. These include AR stickers that respond to facial movements, as well as foreground and music stickers, opening up a more dynamic and engaging photo experience.

Efficient ColorOS 5.2.1 The OPPO A5s runs on the streamlined ColorOS 5.2.1. With new features such as smart bar, smart scan, music on display, video editing, and more, OPPO A5s is a joy for people who are always on-the-go. In particular, smart scan and smart bar are two stand-out functions. Smart scan scans business cards to easily transform paper business cards into electronic ones. It also supports scan and image translation, providing invaluable assistance when traveling abroad.

Moreover, smart scan could convert images into editable text, allowing users to seamlessly work between formats. Meanwhile, smart bar is a productivity tool that allows users to quickly switch between applications, conveniently reply to text MESSAGES AND TRANSFER kLES WHILE playing games or watching videos.

It also supports multiple shortcut tools, such as cutting and screen recording, making life and work MORE EFkCIENT OPPO A5s is available in two colors — black and red, priced at just P6,990.

Setting a new standard Galaxy A20, A10: Elevating everyday essentials in smartphone gaming REALME PH is all set to take on the midrange price segment with its newest smartphone for the Philippine market, the realme 3 Pro. Scheduled for launch on May 17, the midrange champion realme 3 Pro is a gamer’s top choice for casual mobile gaming while delivering the holy trinity of smartphones: optimal system performance, superior cameras and long battery life.

Following the success of the budget disruptor realme 3, realme Philippines is setting its sights on changing the midrange game.

The realme 3 Pro boasts an Adreno 616 GPU and a 10nm process-built Snapdragon 710 AIE processor for the best gaming capabilities and image processing capacity in its price range. Its 25MP front camera with 4-in-1 pixel synthesis feature WILL SURELY ELEVATE SELkE PHOTOGraphy while the 16 megapixel + 5 megapixel rear shooter supported by a Sony IMX 519 image sensor delivers pro-like shots.

The phone’s newly optimized chroma boost and nightscape mode and the newest realme camera feature ultra-HD mode take users’ photography experience further.

the robust smartphone market by giving Filipinos the mobile experience they need and deserve at a very accessible price,� said Jacky Chen, realme Philippines’ chief

THE Samsung Galaxy A20 and A10 just hit the stores recently to give users an upgraded smartphone experience with innovative features.

technology for a better overall viewing experience.

friends and family and watch their favorite videos without having to worry about battery life. Its fast-charging feature allows them to charge the phone back to 100 percent quickly.

Galaxy A20 Galaxy A10

The device can breeze through many hours of use with its 4045mAh-batTERY WITH A 6//# lASH CHARGE and 20W charging power. “The realme squad here in the Philippines is growing as more Filipinos clamor for real value. We take pride in knowing that with just a little more than six months in the country, we have stirred

OPERATING OFkCER u 4HIS IS WHY WE are ecstatic to share with everyone that we are launching the realme 3 Pro. With this device, our beloved fans can now play games and take photos like a pro.�

The Philippines is the third country to welcome this midrange champion after its launch in India and Indonesia.

The Galaxy A20 offers a full immersive experience with its range of exciting features.

Its versatile dual-rear camera mimics human sight and can take a shot of what one truly sees. Choose between the 13-megpaixel main camera or the 5-megapixel 123-degree wide-angle lens, which can capture the world without any restrictions. Its 8-megapixel front camera comes with smart BEAUTY AND SELkE FOCUS TO ENHANCE SELkES WITH A BLUR EFFECT for dramatic bokeh shots. Users can also add a dash of fun to THEIR SELkES WITH LIVE STICKERS

STAMPS AND kLTERS Immersive viewing is now easily within reach with the Galaxy A20’s 6.4� HD + super Amoled INkNITY 6 DISPLAY ! MORE ENGAGing time awaits users who like to stream movies and TV shows, play games, and browse social media because of its 91.8-percent screento-window ratio. The device is even equipped with Dolby Atmos

Users can stay connected all day with the smartphone’s 4000mAh battery, which allows them to keep in touch with

The Galaxy A10 sports equally impressive specs and capabilities. Its 13-megapixel rear-lens and 5-megapixel front camera can take stunning shots even in challenging environments like low-light situations.

The Galaxy A10 comes with A u ($ INkNITY 6 DISPLAY 90-percent edge-to-edge display. Users can watch content in vivid colors and browse social media with maximized screen viewing experience.

Lastly, the smartphone comes with better memory and processor for faster usage. The LExynos 7884 Octa Core 1.6GHz allows for multitasking on multiple apps, and the 2GB + 32GB storage can be expanded up to 512 GB. Both the Galaxy A20 and A10 are available at the suggested retail price of P9,990 and P6,990, respectively. Both smartphones come in blue and black colors.

Social media and its impact on Philippine elections

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OW that the Philippine election day is next week, would social media have an impact in informing, and mobilizing voters? Or convince them to vote for a certain candidate? Social media was a game-changer in the 2016 elections according to the Asia Foundation, where it sparked political discourse never seen in the country’s election history. I now have my doubts about the social media engagement leading to the 2016 election after Facebook’s recent removal of accounts with coordinated inauthentic behavior.

I am looking forward to Facebook’s announcement of its first research grants to over 60 researchers from 30 academic institutions across 11 countries who are studying the impact of social media on democracy and elections. The research initiative began last

LET’S TALK #SOCIAL NOEMI LARDIZABAL-DADO year after revelations of foreign INlUENCE CAMPAIGNS ON THE US election and the Brexit vote in Britain. It selected them under a review process by the Social Science Research Council and the independent group Social Science One. “To assure the independence of the research and the researchers, Facebook did not play any role in the selection of the individuals or their projects and would have no ROLE IN DIRECTING THE kNDINGS OR conclusions of the research,� said Facebook executives Elliot Schrage and Chaya Nayak. Researchers would view which websites users linked out to between January 2017 and February 2019, and data from Crowdtangle, a tool used

by publishers that shows them how content is being posted on Facebook. The Facebook data sets would include data on total shares from a URL, engagement statistics and fact-checking ratings from third parties.

These research studies would be useful to future elections. One study is on “False News on Facebook during the 2017 Chilean Elections,� which would examine the breadth, sharing and users’ consumption of misinformation on Facebook. Another study aims to investigate the demographic characteristics of users who shared mainstream and hyperpartisan news in Brazil in 2017 and 2018. There is “Understanding Problematic Sharing Behavior on Facebook,� including sharing dubious news and falsehoods.

One just needs to visit tsek.ph, a collaborative fact-checking project for the Philippines’ 2019 elections, to see the extent of disinformation.

The Philippines might not be part of the current Facebook research but I am interested to see if “likes,� “most shared,� “most popular� in Facebook impact votes. Does social media popularity convert to actual votes? The April 2019 Nationwide Survey on the May 2019 Senatorial Elections of Pulse Asia shows an awareness level of 94 percent and above brings a Senate candidate closer to the magic 12. An awareness of 99 percent is not an assurance that respondents would vote for this Senate candidate yet a 96 percent awareness brought one candidate within the Top 12.

Speaking of awareness, the listening tool (https://influencers. listen.ph/phelections2019) of fellow blogger Anton Sheker provides Facebook insights.

Together with my BlogWatch colleague, we monitor the stats for our internal use. The most popular, most viewed, fastest

growing and most liked in the period of March 25- March 31, 2019 is Senate candidate Doc Willie Ong. The listen.ph tool also shows Doc Ong is the most engaging and has the most shared posts. He also has the highest number of followers on Instagram. However, in the latest Pulse Asia survey, his awareness level is only at 57 percent. The Facebook stats of Doc Ong did not convert to offline awareness or some of the respondents have no access to the internet?

While raising awareness is important, increasing conversion rates is the next step. This means influencing a friend or family member to vote for a candidate.

Word-of-mouth (WOM), is a source of information. When social media was not around, voters used WOM to decide based on opinions from their inner circle.

Voters need accurate information

on which to base their decisions. We must continue to kND THE TRUTH AND EXPOSE THE lies that confronts us in our social media platforms. The impact of social media on the Philippine elections then relies on a call to action. One action is to influence five or more PEOPLE WHO WOULD INlUENCE kVE OTHER PEOPLE TO VOTE YOUR list of candidates. Tell personal stories of the candidates and not just their achievements. I observed on my social media posts that friends are asking who to vote for. One need not wait for these questions to appear on your messenger or on your friend’s wall post. Only eight days left before the elections. Let’s make each day count by raising awareness and convincing friends and family that separation and balance of powers is vital for a democratic government.

World

The Sunday Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Japan’s new emperor seeks world peace TOKYO: Emperor Naruhito urged Japan to work together for world PEACE AS HE MADE HIS kRST PUBLIC appearance on Saturday in front OF A CHEERING lAG WAVING CROWD of tens of thousands. “I sincerely wish that our country, hand-in-hand with foreign countries, seeks world peace and further development,� said the 59-year-old Naruhito, who ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne on Wednesday.

Japan’s 126th emperor wore a morning coat to make the brief appearance on a glass-covered balcony of the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, along with other adult royals, including Empress Masako.

Masako donned an elegant yellow, long-sleeved dress with a matching hat and pearl necklace.

Emperor and empress emeritus, Akihito and Michiko, did not join their children as they have decided TO WITHDRAW FROM OFkCIAL DUTIES after their three-decade reign. !KIHITO

WAS THE kRST *APAnese emperor to abdicate in more than two centuries.

The royal family was scheduled to make a total of six appearances throughout the day, with some 50,000 people gathered before the main gate of the palace before THE kRST ONE ACCORDING TO NATIONAL broadcaster NHK. More elaborate festivities are planned for October 22 when he and Masako will appear in traditional robes for a palace ceremony before parading through the streets of Tokyo to be congratulated by a host of world leaders and royals.

AFP

NKorea cuts rations after worst harvest UNITED NATIONS, United States: North Korea has cut food rations to their lowest level ever for this time of year and may be forced to further slash them without international aid, a United Nations report warned on Friday (Saturday in Manila).

About 10.1 million North Koreans — 40 percent of the population — suffer from severe food shortages following the worst harvest in a decade, according to an assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program.

Experts from the two UN organizations traveled to North Korea in April and in November 2018 to carry out the food security assessment, visiting cooperative farms, rural and urban areas and distribution centers.

The WFP-FAO team found that the government food distribution system — on which a large portion of the population relies — had been forced to cut rations to 300 grams per person per day since January, down from 380 grams during the same period in 2018.

Many families eat very little protein, surviving on a diet of rice and kimchi cabbage most of the year. “This is worrying because many communities are already extremely vulnerable and any further cuts to already minimal food rations, could push them deep into a hunger crisis,� said Nicolas Bidault, who co-led the mission. “There are concerns that in the absence of substantial external assistance, rations may be further cut during the critical months of June-October, at the peak of the lean season,� said the report.

Humanitarian intervention Hundreds of thousands of North Koreans died during a devastating famine in the 1990. The country has been struggling for decades with food shortages that the West blames on Pyongyang’s leaders.

North Korea’s crop production is estimated this year at 4.9 metric tons, the lowest yield since the 2008-2009 season and 12 percent below the near-average level for last year.

The report warned the food crisis could become critical in the coming months and concluded that a “humanitarian intervention is therefore urgently required to mitigate the food production shortfall.�

The harvest losses were attributed to dry spells, heatwaves and flooding, but the report also pointed to sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council as having an“unintended negative impact� on agriculture.

Sanctions such as a ban on imports of fuel, machinery and spare parts have hit farmers hard, reducing irrigation that protects crops from heatwaves and droughts.

The report is expected to revive calls, possibly from Russia, for the Security Council to grant more sanctions exemptions for humanitarian aid.

The United States, European countries and Japan blame North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of pouring funds into its nuclear and ballistic weapons programs, instead of feeding his people.

The United Nations has launched an appeal for $120 million to fund humanitarian aid to North Korea in 2019, but it has only received six percent of that amount, mostly from Russia. AFP

SUNDAY

May 5, 2019

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Thai king crowned in regal splendor

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ANGKOK: Thailand’s King Maha 6AJIRALONGKORN WAS OFkCIALLY CROWNED ON 3ATURDAY AMID THE SPLENDOR OF THE COUNTRY S 'RAND 0ALACE TAKING THE CENTRAL ROLE IN AN ELABORATE CENTURIES OLD ROYAL CEREMONY THAT WAS LAST HELD ALMOST SEVEN DECADES AGO

The coronation represents a renewal of the monarchy’s power after the October 2016 death at age 88 of Vajiralongkorn’s revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

It also comes amid more than a decade of political strife, including a 2014 military coup and a contentious election less than two months ago.

After completing the rites, VaJIRALONGKORN ISSUED HIS kRST ROYAL command, which is supposed to set the tone for his reign. It closely echoed the words of his father’s kRST COMMAND “I will pursue, preserve and extend, and reign with righteousNESS FOR THE BENEkT AND HAPPIness of the people forever,� the king said, according to an unofkCIAL TRANSLATION The 66-year-old Vajiralongkorn has served as king for more than two years since assuming the throne. On Saturday, he received his crown from the chief Brahmin, a Hindu priest who played a guiding role in the mixed BuddhistHindu ceremony, which was televised live across the nation on all channels.

The king, known as Rama X for being the 10th monarch in the Chakri dynasty, then placed atop his head the crown, which is more than 200 years old. The “Great Crown of Victory� is 66 centimeters (26 inches) high, weighs 7.3 kilograms (16 pounds) and is ornamented with diamonds set in gold enamel. It was one of several pieces of royal regalia presented in homage to his power.

The king began the coronation proceedings wearing a simple white robe as he entered a small

pavilion where he was briefly showered with water from several holy rivers and ponds and other sources. Other water was poured on him from old royal water vessels. The rite, known as the Royal 0URIkCATION #EREMONY TOOK PLACE amid music from drums, conch shells and other instruments. OutSIDE THE PALACE ARTILLERY WAS kRED in a salute to the monarch.

A second rite, the Royal Anointment Ceremony, completed the consecration portion of his coronation, giving him the legitimacy of being a fully sovereign king. Vajiralongkorn — having changed into gold-embroidered

royal vestments — was seated on an octagonal throne, with the sides representing the cardinal points of the compass, and a dignitary seated at each point. Each poured holy water over the king’s hand, along with a ninth representing the heavens.

That rite ended with the monarch being presented with a ninetiered white umbrella of state, symbolizing his full consecration. g4HIS CEREMONY IS SIGNIkCANT TO Thailand because the monarchy ... is a very important institution of our country and is the soul of our nation,� said Naowarat Buakluan, a civil servant. “If you ask why the ceremony is being held this year when his majesty has already ascended the throne, it’s because this is the right moment. Previously we Thais were mourning the loss of our beloved late king.�

Vajiralongkorn since taking the throne has tightened control over royal institutions and acted to increase his influence

in his country’s administration. The powers he acquired centralize royal authority in his hands and make explicit his right to intervene in government affairs, especially in times of political crisis.

He inherits a nation in political turmoil, with the powerful army entrenched in government for five years after staging a coup in 2014. An election held in March has been widely seen as rigged through convoluted election laws to favor the military and its preferred candidate, Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led the coup and has headed the government since then.

Vajiralongkorn, said prominent intellectual and social critic Sulak Sivaraksa, “doesn’t like ceremony himself, personally, but when it is performed he wants it to be proper.� When his father was cremated in 2017, Vajiralongkorn “insisted that everything had to be done properly.�

AP

ENTHRONED In this image made from video, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn sits on the throne in front of Queen Suthida as he is officially crowned king at the Grand Palace, Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Bangkok, Thailand. THAI TV POOL VIA AP

US to sell mansion tied to Malaysia scandal KUALA LUMPUR: US authorities are seeking to sell a $39-million luxury mansion in Los Angeles allegedly BOUGHT BY A -ALAYSIAN kNANCIER with money looted from scandalhit state fund 1MDB, court documents showed.

Billions of dollars were purportedly pilfered from the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund by former prime minister Najib Razak and his cronies, and spent on everything from high-end real estate to artworks.

Financier Low Taek Jho is suspected of playing a central role in the fraud and has been charged in absentia in Malaysia and America,

which is seeking to recover assets allegedly bought with looted funds via civil lawsuits.

Among these assets is the mansion in Beverly Hills, a wealthy area of LA that is home to many Hollywood stars, said to have been bought by Low in 2012 with stolen money.

US prosecutors and Low’s holding company that owns the property have agreed to try to sell it, ACCORDING TO DOCUMENTS kLED IN A California court Friday. “The property is at risk of deterioration and damage as it will likely be uninhabited during� ongoing legal action unless it is

SOLD THE kLINGS SAID “The expense of keeping the property is excessive and/or is disproportionate to its fair market value,� they added.

The US legal action linked to the mansion will continue despite the agreement. Proceeds from any eventual sale will be held in a government account until the action ENDS THE kLINGS SAID Low’s spokesman in a statement welcomed the “mutual effort to preserve the property’s value while ensuring the owners’ claims are protected and may proceed in a timely fashion.�

The current whereabouts of Low,

who gained a reputation as a jetsetting playboy, are unknown. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The 1MDB scandal played a huge part in the election loss last year of Najib’s coalition, which had governed Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957.

The ex-leader has since been arrested over the fraud and went on trial last month.

Malaysia’s new government has reopened investigations into 1MDB and vowed to get back stolen money.

The US is getting ready to return about $200 million of recovered funds to Malaysia, Bloomberg News reported this week.

AFP

AT LEAST 9 DEAD AS CYCLONE BARRELS INTO BANGLADESH KHULNA, Bangladesh: Cyclone Fani, one of the biggest to hit India in years, barreled into Bangladesh on Saturday after leaving a trail of deadly destruction in India.

Thanks to mass evacuations well ahead of time though, a major human disaster of the kind seen in previous cyclones looked to have been averted.

Bangladeshi police said nine people perished even before the eye of the storm crossed the border on Saturday morning.

Eight others died in India, press reports SAID ALTHOUGH OFkCIALS COULD NOT CONkRM this.

More than 1.6 million people have been TAKEN TO SHELTERS "ANGLADESHI OFkCIALS TOLD Agence France-Presse, with at least 36 vilLAGES lOODED AFTER A STORM SURGE BREACHED embankments in coastal areas.

The dead included a minor in Barguna DISTRICT ON THE COAST AND kVE OTHERS KILLED by lightning in the northern district of Kishoreganj. “At least 63 people were also injured,�

3HAHEEN 3ULTANA A DISASTER MINISTRY OFkcial, told Agence France-Presse, with more than 2,000 houses destroyed.

“We are mooring our boat because it’s the only means of income for us. Only !LLAH KNOWS WHEN WE CAN GO BACK TO kSHING AGAIN u !KBAR !LI A kSHERMAN NEAR the town of Dacope in Bangladesh, told Agence France-Presse while battling surging waves to tie his boat to a tree.

With the storm weakening into a deep depression but still packing a punch, winds of up to 70 kilometers (45 miles) per hour and heavy rain battered overnight and on Saturday morning the Indian state of West Bengal and its capital Kolkata, including the Sundarbans mangrove for-

WRECKED

People collect debris on the train tracks at the damaged railway station in Puri in the eastern Indian state of Odisha on May 4, 2019, after Cyclone Fani swept through the area. AFP PHOTO

est area. “It’s a total mess in islands of the Sunderbans as the cyclone has destroyed everything in its path, fuelling fears rivers could burst their banks and leave vast areas underwater,� said Manturam Pakhira, Sunderbans affairs minister. g3EVERAL HOMES HAVE BEEN lATTENED

roofs blown off, electric poles and trees toppled.�

Several hundred thousand people were told to evacuate coastal areas of West Bengal before the arrival of Fani (“snake� in Bengali), with 5,000 leaving the lowlying areas and old, dilapidated buildings of Kolkata, home to 4.6 million people. “Nearly a dozen people were trapped as an old building in the northern part of the city has collapsed,� mayor Firhad Hakim said. “They have been rescued and shifted to a safer place.�

Flying trees Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoping to be reelected in India’s ongoing election, tweeted that on Monday he would visit

Odisha, the state’s 46 million people among India’s poorest and the worst affected.

Odisha was where Fani made landfall on Friday, packing winds gusting up to 200 kilometers (125 miles) an hour, sendING COCONUT TREES lYING KNOCKING DOWN power lines and cutting off water and telecommunications.

Eight people were killed in Odisha, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported, including a teenage boy crushed under a tree and a woman hit by concrete debris.

5NABLE TO CONkRM THE DEATH TOLL /DISHA DISASTER MANAGEMENT OFkCIAL 0RABHAT Mahapatra told Agence France-Presse there were about 160 people injured in the Hindu pilgrimage city of Puri alone. “It just went dark and then suddenly WE COULD BARELY SEE kVE METERS IN FRONT of us,� said one Puri resident. “The wind is deafening.�

PTI reported that a construction crane collapsed and that a police booth was dragged 60 meters by the wind. Electricity pylons were down, tin roofs were ripped off and windows on many buildings were smashed.

AFP

C2

World

The Sunday Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

Trump, Putin discuss Venezuela, ‘Russian Hoax’

W

ASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin discussed what Trump again DISMISSED AS THE g2USSIAN (OAXu IN THEIR kRST known phone call since the release of special counsel Robert Mueller’s report on Russia’s extensive meddling during the 2016 election campaign. Putin chuckled about Mueller’s conclusions, Trump said.

During their conversation on Friday, which the White House and Kremlin said lasted more than an hour, they also discussed a possible three-party arms control pact with China, North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, Ukraine and the crisis in Venezuela, where Moscow is propping up the current government over the US-backed opposition. “We had a good conversation about many things,� Trump told REPORTERS IN THE /VAL /FkCE Trump said the two leaders were considering a new nuclear agreement

“where we make less and they make less. And maybe even where we get rid OF SOME OF THE TREMENDOUS kREPOWER that we have right now.� He said they had discussed the possibility of including China in the deal and that China would “very much would like to be a part of� it.

But more interesting, perhaps, was what was left unsaid.

Trump said that, at no point, did he warn Putin not to meddle in the next election. And while he and 0UTIN DID DISCUSS -UELLER S kNDINGS

they appeared to gloss over Mueller’s description of the extensive efforts

Russia took to interfere in the 2016 election, including the 25 Russians indicted for that effort. “We discussed it,� Trump said of the report. “He actually sort of smiled when he said something to the effect that, ‘It started off as a mountain and it ended up being a mouse,’� Trump said of Putin. “But he knew that because he knew there was no collusion whatsoever. So pretty much that’s what it was.�

Trump has repeatedly declined to publicly rebuff Putin for the 2016 operation. And their latest conversaTION SUGGESTS THAT -UELLER S kNDINGS have done little to persuade Trump of the gravity of the threat of foreign election interference or derail his efforts to forge a closer relationship with Putin.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders later said Trump didn’t tell Putin not to meddle in the 2020 election because he’s made that clear in the past. “He doesn’t need to do that every two seconds,� she said.

Mueller’s report concluded that Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election was “sweeping and systematic.� Ultimately, Mueller’s investigators did not find a criminal conspiracy between Russia and the Trump campaign, but they found multiple contacts. Indeed, the report concluded that “the Russian government perceived it would BENEkT FROM A 4RUMP PRESIDENCY and worked to secure that outcome, and that the Campaign expected IT WOULD BENEkT ELECTORALLY FROM information stolen and released through Russian efforts.�

Trump has focused only on Mueller’s top-line conclusions, hailing the lack of evidence of a conspiracy as a political win.

Trump tweeted after the call that the two had discussed the “Russian Hoax� among other topics. “As I have always said, long before the Witch Hunt started, getting along with Russia, China, and everyone is a good thing, not a bad thing,� he wrote.

AP

Plane crashes into Florida river, no deaths A charter plane carrying 143 people and traveling from Cuba to north Florida ended up in a river at the end of a runway on Friday night, though no critical injuries or deaths were reported, officials said.

A Boeing 737 arriving at Naval Air Station Jacksonville from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with 136 passengers and seven aircrew slid off the runway into the St. Johns River, a NAS Jacksonville news release said.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office posted on Twitter that a marine unit responded to assist. The plane was in shallow water and not submerged.

Everyone on the plane was alive and accounted for, the agency posted, with 21 adults transported to local hospitals in good condition.

A photo posted by deputies shows a Miami Air International logo on the plane. The company didn’t immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press.

Capt. Michael Connor, the commanding officer of NAS Jacksonville, said during a news conference that

passengers were a mix of civilian and military personnel. Some were staying in the area, while others were set to fly on to other parts of the country.

While the crash certainly wasn’t ideal, Connor acknowledged that it could have been much worse. “I think it is a miracle,� Connor said. “We could be

talking about a different story this evening.�

It wasn’t known how long it would take to remove the plane from the river, but Connor said the landing gear appeared to be resting on the river bed, making it unlikely for the aircraft to float away. He said crews began working to contain any jet fuel

leaks almost immediately after securing the passengers’ safety.

Liz Torres told the Florida TimesUnion that she heard what sounded like a gunshot Friday night from her home in Orange Park, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of NAS Jacksonville. She then drove down to a Target parking lot where police and firefighters were staging to find out more.

AP

WATERY LANDING

In this photo released by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, authorities work at the scene of a plane in the water in Jacksonville, Florida on Friday (Saturday in Manila).

JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF’S OFFICE VIA AP

Budget office: $177B in added costs from Trump drug plan WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump adminISTRATION S PLAN TO EASE THE kNANCIAL hit of prescription drugs prices for Medicare beneficiaries will cost taxpayers another $177 billion over 10 years, congressional budget experts said on Thursday.

The estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget /FkCE COULD AFFECT PROSPECTS FOR one of the administration’s centerpiece proposals to make prescription drugs more affordable for patients. President Donald Trump and leading lawmakers of both parties want to act before the 2020 elections.

The Trump administration DISPUTED THE BUDGET OFkCE S CON-

clusion, saying its proposed drug pricing regulation should result in savings.

Under the administration’s plan, drugmaker rebates now paid to insurance companies and their middlemen would instead go directly to seniors in Medicare’s Part D program when they kLL THEIR PRESCRIPTIONS Rebates are a largely unseen part of the complex world of drug pricing.

Drugmakers pay the money in part to get favorable placement for their medications among a health plan’s covered drugs.

Insurers say rebates help keep premiums in check. But when

Worldinbriefs DOZENS OF ROCKETS FIRED AT ISRAEL FROM GAZA, ISRAEL RESPONDS GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories: Gaza militants on Saturday fired a barrage of dozens of rockets at Israel, which responded with strikes that killed a Palestinian, officials said, as a fragile ceasefire again faltered. Israel said around 90 rockets were fired from the Palestinian enclave and its air defenses intercepted dozens of them. The army said it had targeted two rocket launchers in Gaza with an air strike in response and its tanks had hit a number of military posts used by Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the territory. A Gazan security source said that a series of Israeli strikes hit at least three separate areas of the Gaza Strip and that three “resistance fighters� were wounded. The Gazan health ministry reported one person killed and several wounded. No casualties had been reported on the Israeli side.

EUROPEAN ROYALS ATTEND FUNERAL OF LUXEMBOURG’S GRAND DUKE JEAN LUXEMBOURG: Several hundred people joined European royalty, including Britain’s Princess Anne and King Philippe of Belgium, at Saturday’s funeral for Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Jean, who died last month at the age of 98.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was also present as mourners gathered at the Luxembourg cathedral. Grand Duke Jean reigned for 36 years but stepped aside in 2000 in favour of his eldest son Henri. The grand duke served in the British army, taking part in the D-Day landings and then the advance into Luxembourg.

PATIENTS GO TO kLL THEIR PRESCRIPtions, their copays are usually calculated based on the list price of medications, not the discounted price after rebates.

Awarding the discounts directly to patients would reduce copays for many Medicare benEkCIARIES But CBO concluded that drug companies are unlikely to lower list prices across the board in response to the administration plan. Instead, they would reimburse pharmacies for discounts provided to individual seniors as THEY kLL THEIR PRESCRIPTIONS 4HE BUDGET OFkCE SAID THE BOTtom line would be an increase

in premiums, which are split between the government and seniors. Because the government subsidizes about 75% of the cost, that would add $170 billion to program spending from 20202029. Medicaid spending would also increase by $7 billion. g3OME BENEkCIARIES WOULD PAY lower prices on their prescription DRUGS AND FOR SOME BENEkCIARIES

those reductions would be greater than their premium increases,� the CBO analysis said. “For other beneficiaries — namely those who use few drugs or drugs withOUT SIGNIkCANT REBATES ‡ THE PREmium increase would outweigh the price reductions.�

AP

SRI LANKA CATHOLICS TURN TO TV MASS AMID BOMB THREAT COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church will televise a private Sunday mass after canceling regular services over fears of a repeat of Easter suicide bombings that killed 257 people, a spokesman said. Father Edmund Tillakaratne said public masses were suspended for a second week, but a service conducted by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith will be broadcast on national television. Ranjith, who is also archbishop of Colombo, said Thursday that a “reliable foreign source� had alerted him to possible attacks this weekend, leading him to cancel Sunday services for the second week. Official sources said the Thewatte National Basilica, just outside Colombo, was the suspected target.

CYPRUS POLICE CHIEF SACKED AS ANGER GROWS OVER KILLINGS NICOSIA: Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades on Friday (Saturday in Manila) sacked the country’s police chief, as shock over the murders of seven foreign women and girls gave way to outrage at the authorities for a botched response. The president fired top police officer Zacharias Chrysostomou a day after Justice Minister Ionas Nicolaou announced his resignation over the case. The killings came to light in mid-April when heavy rains brought the body of 38-year-old Filipina Mary Rose Tiburcio to the surface of the disused mine shaft where it had been hidden. That triggered a murder investigation which led to the arrest of army captain Nicos Metaxas, 35, on April 18. Days later, authorities found the body of a second woman in the shaft, believed to be Arian Palanas Lozano, 28, also from the Philippines. The suspect then guided investigators to a well near an army firing range, where police found the body of a third victim , an unidentified woman of Asian origin. On Sunday, police recovered the remains of a fourth victim, stuffed in a suitcase at the bottom of a toxic man-made lake next to a disused mine southwest of the capital Nicosia.

AFP

w w w.manilatimes.net

Ëœ The Manila Times (SGD.) Sec. FORTUNATO T. DE LA PEĂ‘A (DOST) Rep: Engr. Eduardo V. Manalili (SGD.) Dr. ROBERTO S. SORIANO (UP-NHRC)

RESOLUTION NO. 25-0818 August 28, 2018 – 181st Board Meeting

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

Applicants may apply for rate adjustments prior to the next detailed review or CPC renewal in cases where the proponent could justify such rate adjustments .

2.4 Service Quality Standards and Service Level Targets; Sanctions 2.4.a

Implementing Rules and Regulations Adoption of the NWRB Economic Regulatory Framework (“REVISED TARIFF METHODOLOGY - 2018�)

WHEREAS, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) regulates water utilities as part of its economic regulation function; WHEREAS, there are challenges in the current economic regulatory framework of 1:5% WKDW QHHG WR EH DGGUHVVHG VXFK DV VPDOO ZDWHU VHUYLFH SURYLGHUV ÂżQG LW GLIÂżFXOW to comply with NWRB requirements, tariffs adopted can hardly sustain operations, and ODFN RI LQFHQWLYHV WR LQFUHDVH HIÂżFLHQF\ WHEREAS, in response to these challenges, the World Bank-Water and Sanitation Program sponsored a project entitled “Economic Regulatory Framework for NWRBâ€? under the Expanded Small Water Utilities Improvement and Financing Technical Assistance – Phase 2 (ESWIF2); WHEREAS, the NWRB Economic Regulatory Framework has been developed with the end view of establishing appropriate regulation for small water utilities (Light-Handed Regulation), and in support of the initiative to strengthen NWRB to prepare it to serve as the economic regulator of all Level III water service providers; WHEREAS, the salient features of the NWRB Economic Regulatory Framework has been presented by the consultant during the 125th meeting of the Board held on December 11, 2013 and considerable work has been done to improve the said framework, including the conduct of consultations with Bank reviewers, NWRB management, NEDA and some water utilities of varying capacities; WHEREAS, the Final Report on the NWRB Economic Regulatory Framework submitted by the consultant has been accepted by NWRB in its letter of September 1, 2014 with D UHTXHVW IRU WKH FRGLÂżFDWLRQ RI WKH ,PSOHPHQWLQJ 5XOHV DQG 5HJXODWLRQV ,55 YLV a-vis the capacity building of NWRB staff, to be able to successfully implement the recommendations in the Final Report; WHEREAS, the varying capabilities and needs of water utilities have been recognized and the tariff setting mechanism rationalized, to provide incentives to increase HIÂżFLHQF\ RI ZDWHU XWLOLWLHV WHEREAS, categorization of water utilities with the appropriate ‘Revised Tariff Methodology 2018’ will pave the way for the sustainability of operations and/or full cost recovery with a reasonable rate of return, as the case may be; WHEREAS, the NWRB Economic Regulatory Framework Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) which sets out the policies, requirements, and processes in the implementation of the said framework has been formulated; WHEREAS, the adoption of the NWRB Economic Regulatory Framework will not only establish appropriate regulation for small water utilities but it will also harmonize the existing computation of the rate of return used by NWRB and NEDA;

Economic Regulatory Framework “Revised Tariff Methodology - 2018�

WHEREAS, the water sector in the Philippines is highly fragmented with approximately 3,000 water utilities of varying types that are operating outside Metro Manila. Of these 3,000, there are about 500 water districts, 470 local government unit (LGU)-run water utilities, 1,700 community-based water service providers, a mix of Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Associations (RWSAs), Barangay Waterworks and Sanitation Associations (BWSAs), cooperatives, and homeowners associations.

WHEREAS, there are some government agencies with overlapping mandates in the water sector, among which are the following: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), and the LGUs. Of the said entities, NWRB, LWUA and the LGUs exercise economic regulation function.

WHEREAS, in surveys conducted by the IPA Energy + Water Economics Ltd. (IPA), it was found out that the overlapping functions of some agencies led to the confusion of water service providers, which resulted in the discouragement of the latter from complying with regulation and their failure to secure licenses.

WHEREAS LW LV FOHDU IURP WKH IRUHJRLQJ WKDW WKH FRXQWU\ QHHGV D ZHOO GHÂżQHG regulatory framework that is responsive to challenges facing the sector in particular, if the long-term vision of “access to safe, adequate and sustainable water supply for all by 2025â€? is to be achieved.

WHEREAS, in the process of encouraging the water utilities to come forward to be registered and regulated, there should be a mechanism to capacitate these water utilities in order that they will be able to comply with the requirements of registration and regulation. Moreover, it will be helpful to simplify the tariff methodology and the requirements of registration and regulation to the extent that particular risks involved in each category of water utilities will allow.

WHEREAS, the revised tariff model had been pilot tested to select water utilities and a presentation was made to the Board during its 163rd and 166th meeting held on February 27, 2017 and May 24, 2017, respectively, on the comparison of results of the existing and new/revised tariff methodology; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved, that the Board approves the adoption of the NWRB Economic Regulatory Framework (“Revised Tariff Methodology - 2018�) for the regulation of water utilities as follows:

Section 3. Regulation of Category “B� Water Utilities Category “B� WUs shall have the same requirements and compliance as that of Category “A�, but are not entitled to Return on Investment.

Section 4. Regulation of Category “Câ€? Water Utilities &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 3XEOLF &RQYHQLHQFH 9DOLGLW\ 7KH &3& YDOLGLW\ RI &DWHJRU\ Âł&´ :8V VKDOO EH ÂżYH \HDUV 4.2 Tariff Model. The tariff methodology for Category “Câ€? WUs is very simple, thus: 4.2.a. Determination of Annual Revenue Requirement – This consists of annual operating and other expenses, loan amortizations, and a provision for depreciation reserve, which shall provide for all property used in the service.

1) Operating and other expenses –The WU will be required to determine estimated operating expenses for one year, to be applied throughout a ¿YH \HDU SHULRG IROORZLQJ WKH DSSURYDO RI &3& LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI QHZ rates.

NOW, THEREFORE, in view of the foregoing and in support of the initiative to strengthen NWRB and prepare it for the medium-term target, the following rules and regulations are hereby promulgated:

This should already include any provision for contingencies and for working capital requirements.

Rule 1 Categorization of Water Utilities

2) Loan Amortization – In the event that the WU secures or will secure ¿QDQFLQJ IRU WKH SXUFKDVH RI SURSHUW\ HTXLSPHQW DQG PDWHULDOV WR EH used in its operations, the annual amortization or expected annual amortization for the subject loan shall be included in the revenue requirement.

6HFWLRQ 'HWHUPLQLQJ WKH 3URÂżOH RI WKH :DWHU 8WLOLWLHV 1.1 1:5% VKDOO GHWHUPLQH WKH FDWHJRU\ DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH SURÂżOH RI WKH :8 LQ WKH application form submitted..

3) Depreciation Reserve – The WU shall compute for the necessary amount to be set aside as depreciation reserve, which shall be equal to the straight-line depreciation of its property used in operations based on the estimated years of useful life of each property and the current UHSODFHPHQW FRVW PDUNHW YDOXH RI WKH SURSHUW\ WR EH YHUL¿HG E\ WKH NWRB technical staff. The property referred to herein shall include all assets of the WU, including donated assets.

A.

CATEGORIZATION OF WATER UTILITIES (WUs)

1.2.a. Category A: Privately-run – WUs that are owned and/or operated by private HQWLWLHV H[FOXGLQJ VXEGLYLVLRQV XQGHU &DWHJRU\ & RU QRQ SUR¿W RULHQWHG 1.2.b. Category B: Government-run – WUs that are owned and operated by the government and/or Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), i.e., water districts and LGU-run WUs, etc.

1.2.c. Category C: Community-based – WUs that are owned and operated by the following entities: cooperatives, RWSAs, BWSAs, homeowners’ DVVRFLDWLRQV HWF H[FHSW WKRVH ZKLFK RSW WR EH FDWHJRUL]HG DV SUR¿W oriented.

Provided that, if upon the determination of the Board, the WU may be FODVVLÂżHG DV FDWHJRU\ $ IRU UHDVRQ RI VXVWDLQDELOLW\ DQG RU SXEOLF LQWHUHVW

Service Quality Standards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? WUs shall be required to maintain the following service quality standards: 1) Potable water quality 2) NRW: < = 25% 3) Continuity: > = 12 hrs.

4) Operating Ratio: < = 80%

&XVWRPHU )HHGEDFN ! VDWLVÂżHG

2.4.b. Service Level Targets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In addition to the foregoing service quality standards, the WUs need to commit on a 10-year target set by the NWRB and the WUs on a case to case basis, to wit: 1) Further reduction of NRW 2) Continuous water supply to gradually increase until it reaches 24 hours 3) Increase in water pressure 4) Increase in service coverage

1.2 The WU shall be categorized as follows: WHEREAS, NEDA had reviewed and commented on the revised tariff methodology for the different categories of water utilities and NWRB had addressed its concerns in its communication to NEDA dated March 14, 2017;

C3

The WU may have an independent determination of the amount that should be considered as depreciation reserve, provided it can justify the said amount. For instance, if the WU has plans of procuring new HTXLSPHQW LQ WKH QH[W ÂżYH \HDU SHULRG WKH GHSUHFLDWLRQ RI WKH FXUUHQW asset may already be considered as depreciation reserve.

4.2.b. Determination of Tariff â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The tariff shall be computed by dividing the estimated annual revenue requirement over the estimated annual volume.

Section 2. Regulation of Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? Water Utilities Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? :8V RSHUDWLQJ IRU SURÂżW 1. Privately-owned or privately run WUs; or 2. Government-owned and government-run WUs that RSWHG WR EH FODVVLÂżHG RU 1:5% KDV FODVVLÂżHG DV Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;?; or

Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bâ&#x20AC;?

Government-owned and government-run WUs that do not opt WR EH FODVVLÂżHG DV Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? or NWRB KDV FODVVLÂżHG DV Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bâ&#x20AC;?

3. Community based WUs that:

Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Câ&#x20AC;?

Community-based WUs that: 1) Are not operating for SURÂżW 2) Have not expanded/ are not expanding outside their original area of jurisdiction; or 3) Do not opt to EH FODVVLÂżHG DV Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;?/â&#x20AC;?Bâ&#x20AC;? or 1:5% KDV FODVVLÂżHG as Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Câ&#x20AC;?

a) Have expanded/ are expanding outside original area of jurisdiction, or E 2SWHG WR EH FODVVLÂżHG RU 1:5% KDV FODVVLÂżHG DV Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;?

B.

REGULATION STRUCTURE

Particulars &HUWLÂżFDWH of Public Convenience (CPC) Validity Tariff Model Tariff Review

Review of business plan

Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;?

10 years

Tariff model A/B Mandatory every ÂżYH \HDUV SDUW RI operations and ÂżQDQFLDO UHYLHZ RU motu propio Upon application

Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bâ&#x20AC;?1 2QO\ WKH FHUWLÂżFDWH LV not required

Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Câ&#x20AC;?

5 years

Tariff model A/B

Long-hand calculation or using Tariff Model C (YHU\ ÂżYH \HDUV RU as necessary

Mandatory every ÂżYH \HDUV SDUW RI operations and ÂżQDQFLDO UHYLHZ RU motu propio Upon application

Application for CPC Renewal

CPC Renewal may 1R FHUWLÂżFDWH EH ÂżOHG RQ RU EHIRUH the date of expiration Operations and 0DQGDWRU\ HYHU\ ÂżYH 0DQGDWRU\ HYHU\ ÂżYH ÂżQDQFLDO UHYLHZ years or motu propio years or motu propio

2.1.a. CPC validity of Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? WUs shall be ten (10) years, unless otherwise revoked or cancelled.

2.1.b. Application for renewal of CPC shall be submitted at least one (1) year prior to expiration..

2.1.c. NWRB may, on its own, decide to renew/extend the CPC of a particular WU if, upon reasonable assessment of the NWRB such is warranted to keep tariffs at reasonable levels or to allow the investor to recover its investment.

2.1.d. A detailed review shall be conducted at the middle of the ten-year period RU HYHU\ ÂżYH \HDUV 7KH GHWDLOHG UHYLHZ VKDOO FRYHU ERWK WKH :8ÂśV RSHUDWLRQDO DQG ÂżQDQFLDO SHUIRUPDQFH WR GHWHUPLQH ZKHWKHU WDULII may be maintained, reduced, or increased; 2) standards and targets may be revised; and 3) the WU should be sanctioned or penalized for noncompliance with standards/targets or rewarded for exceeding standards/ targets. Provided, that the NWRB may motu propio conduct audit/review RI WKH RSHUDWLRQDO DQG ÂżQDQFLDO GRFXPHQWV DQ\WLPH DW LWV GLVFUHWLRQ IRU DQ\ reason whatsoever.

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For WUs that voluntarily submit to NWRB regulation.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the NWRB Economic Regulatory Framework IRR is attached and incorporated as part of this resolution; RESOLVED FURTHERMORE, that the required public dissemination for the IRR to take effect shall be complied as follows: 1.

2.

The IRR shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation.

The IRR shall be posted in the NWRB website. A Memorandum Circular shall be sent to WUs registered with the NWRB for information. $ FRS\ RI WKH ,55 VKDOO EH IXUQLVKHG WR WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH 1DWLRQDO Administrative Register, U.P. Law Center, in accordance with E.O. 292 dated July 25, 1987.

7KH ,55 VKDOO EH HIIHFWLYH ÂżIWHHQ GD\V DIWHU LWV SXEOLFDWLRQ LQ D QHZVSDSHU RI national circulation.

RESOLVED FINALLY, that the IRR shall be applicable to all CPC petitions/ applications, renewal, increase of rates, and/or other related petitions submitted before RU ÂżOHG XSRQ RU DIWHU WKH HIIHFWLYLW\ RI WKH ,55 VKDOO EH JRYHUQHG XQGHU WKLV UHJXODWLRQ framework. This, notwithstanding, all water rates duly approved under the 5-year tariff methodology (old) shall remain valid and subsisting until a new water rate under the revised tariff methodology (2018) shall have been issued.

(SGD.) Sec. ROY A. CIMATU (DENR) Rep: Usec. Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr. Chairman (SGD.) Sec. ERNESTO M. PERNIA (NEDA) Rep: DDG Rolando G. Tungpalan Vice-Chairman Members: (SGD.) Sec. MENARDO I. GUEVARRA (DOJ) Rep: Asst. Chief State Counsel Ruben F. Fondevilla

Upon application for CPC, Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Câ&#x20AC;? WUs will submit a tariff and service proposal containing the following data: 4.3.a. Data on Compliance with Minimum Service Quality Standards 1) Water quality 2) Non-revenue water 3) Continuity of supply 4) Operating Ratio 4.3.b. Water Demand and Supply Analysis 1) Current Demand 2) Non-revenue water levels 3) Water production requirement 4) Current water sources 4.3.c. Current and Estimated Operating Expenses 1)

Direct expenses a) Labor b) Power c) Chemicals d) Bulk water e) Repairs and maintenance of property used in service

2)

Total amount of indirect expenses

2.2 The Tariff Model. It computes for the basic average tariff/tariff adjustment according WR SODQQLQJ EXVLQHVV SHULRG SURMHFW FDVK Ă&#x20AC;RZV )XUWKHU LW LQFOXGHV EXW QRW OLPLWHG to investments, unrecovered investment, investment not recoverable during the current business period. The allowable return on investment shall not exceed 12 percent.

All Category â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? applicants shall submit a bankable Business Plan which includes the following:

_________________________________________________________ 1

4.3 Tariff and Service Proposal &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 3XEOLF &RQYHQLHQFH 9DOLGLW\ DQG 'HWDLOHG 5HYLHZ

2.2.a. Service Quality Standards and Yearly Service Level Targets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Current and Proposed 1) Water quality 2) Service connections 3) Non-revenue water 4) Continuity of supply 5) Water pressure 2.2.b. Water Demand and Supply Analysis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Current and Proposed 1) Population, growth, and density for area currently served and proposed expansion areas 2) Demand projection based on service coverage targets 3) Non-revenue water levels 4) Water production requirement 5) Water sources 6) New water sources 7) Analysis of demand vs. supply 2.2.c. Revenue â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Current and Proposed 1) Billed volume 2) Basic water revenue 3) Other operating revenues 4) Collection period: days in accounts receivable 5) Bad debts 2.2.d. Operating Expenses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Current and Proposed 1) Direct expenses a) Labor b) Power c) Chemicals d) Bulk water e) Repairs and maintenance of property used in service 2)

Indirect Expenses a) General and administrative expense b) Management fee c) Outsourcing costs d) Taxes e) Others

2.2.e. Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Current and Proposed 1) Details and condition of property used in service, their replacement costs and their useful lives 2) Nature of the proposed CAPEX and pre-feasibility study 3) Impact of proposed CAPEX on service levels 4) Impact of proposed CAPEX on tariff 2.2.f. Loan Details 1) Loan Amortization Schedule 2) Loan Agreements 2.2.g. Yearly Audited Financial Statement 2.3 Interim Rate Adjustments

WARNING TO THE PUBLIC The Manila Times is warning the public that certain individuals posing as our employees have been threatening to publish articles against some companies. Anyone who receives a call from these extortionists should report the matter to the police.

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

4.3.d. Book value, condition and useful life of each property currently used in service 4.3.e. Loan Details, if applicable 1) 2)

Loan Amortization Schedule Loan Agreement

4.3.f. Yearly Audited Financial Statements 4.4. Interim Rate Adjustments Applicants may apply for rate adjustments prior to the next detailed review or CPC renewal in cases where the proponent could justify such rate adjustments or restructuring of water rate.

Section 5. Transitory Provisions 5.1 The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) shall be publicly disseminated as follows: a)

The IRR shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation.

b)

The IRR shall be posted in the NWRB website. A Memorandum Circular shall be sent to WUs registered with the NWRB for information.

F $ FRS\ RI WKH ,55 VKDOO EH IXUQLVKHG WR WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH 1DWLRQDO $GPLQLVWUDWLYH Register, U.P. Law Center, in accordance with E.O. 292 dated July 25, 1987.

5.2 This IRR shall be applied to CPC petitions/applications, renewal, or increase of rates submitted to NWRB after effectivity of the IRR. This notwithstanding, all water rates duly approved under the 5-year tariff methodology (old) shall be valid and subsisting until a new water rate under the revised tariff methodology (2018) shall have been issued.

5.2.a

$OO SHWLWLRQV DSSOLFDWLRQV ÂżOHG EHIRUH WKH HIIHFWLYLW\ RI WKLV ,55 WKH ZDWHU tariff of which shall be processed under the 5-year tariff methodology (old); provided that, processing shall be within one year after the effectivity of the new tariff methodology; Provided further, that for any reason, petitions/applications that are with rates which were not processed within one year after effectivity of the QHZ ,55 WKH VDPH VKDOO EH UHÂżOHG RU WKHLU VXSSRUWLQJ GRFXPHQWV DQG data requirements adjusted and resubmitted according to the present methodology, in which case, the new tariff methodology shall be used in the determination of the water tariff.

Section 6. Effectivity 7KLV ,PSOHPHQWLQJ 5XOHV DQG 5HJXODWLRQV VKDOO EH HIIHFWLYH ÂżIWHHQ GD\V DIWHU LWV publication in a newspaper of national circulation.

The BOARD adopted by consensus the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the NWRB Economic Regulatory Framework Policy.

MT - May 5, 2019

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ILO marks centenary with presentation of ILO-EU studies Belmonte-led QC council project wins intl award on freedom of association and collective bargaining A

S the International Labor Organization (ILO) celebrates 100 years of advancing social justice and decent work, it has gathered partners to address challenges pertaining to basic rights of workers such as freedom of association and collective bargaining.

One of ILOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staunch partners is the European Union and proof of this are the collaborative projects undertaken by the two organizations. Ambassador Franz Jessen of the EU Delegation to the Philippines lauded the project that â&#x20AC;&#x153;promotes and advances the ILO International Labor Standards and Decent Work in the context of expanding trade and investments.â&#x20AC;?

The project outputs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; tools, manuals and reports â&#x20AC;&#x201D; were presented at a Stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Forum held during ILOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centenary celebration at The Manila Peninsula.

Top representatives from the ILO, EU and tripartite partners from government and civil society were

Q In photo are Atty. Gillaume of The Department of Justice; Verna Viajar of ILO CO Manila; Khalid Hassan, director of ILO CO Manila; Director Senen Perlada of The Department of Trade and Industry; Atty Sonny Matula of the Nagkaisa workers coalition; Director-General Jose Roland Moya of Employers Confederation of the Philippines/ ECOP; Assistant Secretary Benjo Santos Benavidez of The Department of Labor and Employment; Diane Respall of ILO CO Manila; Florencia Cabatingan of Nacusip workers union; and Susanita Tesiorna, president of the Alliance of Workers in the Informal Economy/Sector (ALLWIES). present and witnessed the unveiling Freedom of Association projects, sue a human-centered agenda for the of concrete outputs and results un- promotes and advances International future of work â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one where increased der the â&#x20AC;&#x153;EU GSP+ Freedom of As- Labor Standards and decent work in investments in the institution of work sociation and Collective Bargaining the context of expanding trade and are guaranteed through ensured col(FoACB)â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strengthening the investments. This stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forum lective representation of workers and Impact of Trade on Employment in is a step towards that direction,â&#x20AC;? said employers through social dialogue.â&#x20AC;?

The forum culminated with the the Philippines (EU-Strengthen).â&#x20AC;? Khalid Hassan, director, ILO Country /FkCE FOR THE 0HILIPPINES g!S ),/ formal turnover of the outputs by the â&#x20AC;&#x153;ILOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collaboration with the EU marks 100 years, we continue to purILO to the EU and tripartite partners. under the Trade, Employment and

Q With Robredo and Limjoco, (fifth and sixth from left, standing) are (standing, from left) Robert Lim, PCCI assistant vice president for North Luzon; Roberto Amores, PCCI director for SME and Exports and chairman of the agriculture and fishery committee; John Martin Barredo, PCCI regional governor for South Luzon; Teresita Leabres, PCCI AVP for South Luzon; Clarin Tobias, PCCI regional governor for South Luzon; Samie Lim, PCCI past president and director for tourism, retail and franchising; Pete Dumana,PCCI AVP for NCR and Julie Quiroga, PCCI regional governor for NCR; (seated, from left) Delia Jimenez, PCCI NCR secretary general representing Usec Dy; and Lacuna.

Maynilad inaugurates second water treatment plant in Muntinlupa WEST Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) recently inaugurated its second water treatment plant in Barangay Putatan, Muntinlupa City. The Putatan Water Treatment Plant 2 (PWTP 2), which sources raw water from Laguna Lake, is part of Mayniladâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water security program that aims to minimize dependence on the Angat Dam. Maynilad Chairman Manuel Pangilinan said the PWTP 2 is proof of Mayniladâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to continue meeting its service obligations as specified

Q Joining Manny Pangilinan (fifth from left) during the PWTP 2Â inauguration are (from left) Generoso Dungo, Laguna Lake Development Authority assistant general manager; Rep. Winston Castelo of Quezon City; Rep. Rufino Biazon of Muntinlupa; Michael Salalima, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority deputy chief of staff; Ramoncito Fernandez, Maynilad president and CEO; Reynaldo Velasco, MWSS administrator; Jose Ma. Lim, MPIC president and Maynilad board director; Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones (partly hidden); Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Moragas SĂĄnchez; National Security Council Deputy Director General Vicente Agdamag; Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi; and Rep. Bayani Fernando of Marikina City. in the concession agreement. Pangilinan said that Maynilad the area to tap raw water from Besides the PWTP 1 and 2, plans to build more facilities in Laguna Lake.

Red Cross assists Chuzon employees, Aeta community THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to assist communities affected by the magnitude 6.1 earthquake in Porac, Pampanga, including the displaced indigenous people and the survivors of the Chuzon Supermarket collapse.

PRC, led by Chairman Richard Gordon, partnered with the Department of Health to provide psychosocial support to the survivors, mostly employees of Chuzon, and bereaved families of the strong earthquake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important that we work

together in this time of need.

The Red Cross is supporting government efforts to alleviate the suffering of people who lost their friends and families and the population who were forced to flee their homes regardless of their race,â&#x20AC;? Gordon said.

PRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welfare teams have conducted psychosocial support to 20 employees of Chuzon Supermarket and 12 survivors currently admitted at Julio B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando.

A group of volunteers, headed

by Deputy Secretary General Dr. Susan Mercado, also reached out to the displaced Aeta community in Porac on April 24 by providing welfare services to 55 families (207 individuals). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Aetas refuse to stay in any type of concrete evacuation center as they are traumatized by the shaking. There are also those with pre-existing mental health issues who are further triggered into depression and anxiety,â&#x20AC;? Mercado said on a Facebook post.

Q PRC welfare team provides psychosocial support to Luzon earthquake survivors admitted at JBL Memorial Regional Hospital in Pampanga.

Q Around 30 students join EnerSmart program. testing laboratories. an important activity of the DoE The activity was concluded with in order to increase the awareness the EnerKidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pledge of commit- of younger generation Filipinos MENT TO ADOPT ENERGY EFkCIENCY on the importance of energy in and conservation measures. their lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want our children Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi to participate in public debates places the EnerSmart program as on national energy programs and

ILOCOS Norte Gov. Maria Imelda Josefa â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imeeâ&#x20AC;? Marcos questions the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Rice Import Liberalization Law because of the exclusion of farmers from the Program Steering Committee (PSC) tasked to implement projects funded by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The IRR cannot subvert the spirit and mandate of the law to make farmers part of the Program Steering Committee,â&#x20AC;? Marcos said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is extremely unfair and unwise to deny our farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; representation in the PSC when they are in the best position to provide information to ensure proper implementation of RCEF funded projects. The IRR should be amended immediately to give our farmers a voice in the PSC, â&#x20AC;? Marcos added.

The Federation of Free Farmers, the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries and the Samahang In-

dustriya ng Agrikultura have expressed strong disappointment over the IRR. The IRR includes only the heads of government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, National Food Authority, National Irrigation Administration and National Economic and Development Authority as members of the PSC. The Rice Tariffication Law, which lifted restrictions on the entry of imported rice into the country, allots an initial budget of P10 billion for the RCEF. The RCEF is where the tariff collected from all imported rice under the liberalized rice import regime would go.

The RCEF would be used to provide needed assistance to farmers so as to lower the cost of rice production and make the Philippines competitive with other rice-producing countries such as Vietnam and Thailand. At present, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rice production cost is at P12 a kilo while it is only P6 a kilo in other countries in the region.

Mayor Bautista orders creation of QC governance transition team TO prepare for a smooth transition to the next administration on June 30, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista issued Executive Order 5 creating the QC Governance Transition Team.

The transition team shall be composed of the following: the City Mayor as chairman, City Administrator as vice chairman, and all the HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND OFkCES The team shall also include Atty.

Ana Lyn Baltazar-Cortez, director of Department of the Interior and Local Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;QC, and Brian Lu, chairman of Council of Sectoral Representatives as members.

The transition team shall perform an inventory of all of the city governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real or immovable properties, such as land, buildings, infrastructure facilities, improvements and machin-

ery. There shall also be an inventory of all movable properties such as veHICLES OFkCE EQUIPMENT FURNITURE

kXTURES AND SUPPLY STOCKS The team shall also be incharge of assembling all documents or records and Full Disclosure Policy Documents such as annual budget and accomplishment reports, among others.

In addition, the EO requires the submission of courtesy resigNATION LETTERS OF ALL OFkCERS OF THE city government occupying plantilla positions on co-terminus status, including consultants not later than June 24.

The order took effect on April 8.

Mayor Bautista is on his third and kNAL TERM AS CITY MAYOR AND HAS DEcided not to seek an elective post in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national and local polls.

Aetas children goes to Zoobic Safari

DoE-CWPO conducts seminar for EnerKids THE Department of Energy-Consumer and Welfare Promotion OfkCE $O% #70/ IN PARTNERSHIP with the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) conducted an energy consumer education for students, known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;EnerSmartâ&#x20AC;? on March 19 at the DoE Training Room.

Around 30 Grade 5 EnerKids from the different GSP Councils of Lipa City, Batangas, and Pangasinan attended the lecture to appreciate the value of energy in their everyday lives.

Students were shown various rock samples to illustrate the process of energy resource development. Thereafter, they had the opportunity to visit and explore the lighting and appliance TESTING GEOSCIENTIkC RESEARCH AND FUEL

the government transparent and at the same time, makes people aware of their rights, the laws, and the corresponding consequences of their violations,â&#x20AC;? said Belmonte. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through this app, the people can easily refer to our ordinances without actually having to dig up the entire internet just to cite some provisions.

They just have to download the app once, and they can already access all our laws in this database, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why it is a lot easier to search,â&#x20AC;? she added.

In November 2018, the Quezon City Council, headed by Belmonte, launched the Batas QC App in its bid to raise awareness on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laws and counter ordinance violations, while providing accessibility and transparency as the app also features announcements, schedules, and infographics relevant to the city.

The award was given at the Philippine OpenGov Leadership Forum held on April 25.

Gov. Imee Marcos questions the IRR of the Rice Import Liberalization Law

PCCI, OVP ink SME promotions deal VICE President Maria Leonor â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Leniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Robredo and national leaders of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), headed by its president Ma. Alegria â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bingâ&#x20AC;? SibalLimjoco, witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that seeks to boost the growth of women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as supported by Angat Buhay. The MoU, forged during the South Luzon Area Business Conference at The Legend Palawan Hotel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, was signed by UndersecreTARY 0HILIP &RANCIS $Y FOR THE /FkCE OF the Vice President and Nora Lacuna, chairman of PCCI Corporate Social Responsibility Committee.

THE Quezon City local governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mobile application for city ordinances, the Batas QC App, bagged an international award for â&#x20AC;&#x153;delivering citizen-centric servicesâ&#x20AC;? through innovation and use of modern technology.

The Batas QC App is one of the recipients of the OpenGov Asia Excellence Award for Innovative and Disruptive Use of Technology in Delivering Citizen-centric Services and is the only local government initiative that received the award together with other national agencies.

1UEZON #ITY 6ICE -AYOR *OSEkNA â&#x20AC;&#x153;Joyâ&#x20AC;? Belmonte, who led the Quezon City Council in passing the ordinance for the Batas QC App, expressed gratitude for the recognition saying that the said award motivates the council more to implement innovative and radical measures in dealing with the different challenges in the city. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This app is something that empowers us. It is something that makes

policies,â&#x20AC;? Sec. Cusi stated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our strategic partnership with the Girl Scouts of the Philippines will accelerate the awareness and will further empower the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young women and children on energy matters,â&#x20AC;? Sec. Cusi concluded.

ON April 27, The Kiwanis presidents from Philippine Luzon District, Division 3A with Lieutenant Governor Elect Glenda Hufano brought the Aetas children from Aningway- Sacatihan Elementary School to Zoobic Safari in Subic to learn and enjoy.

The children were treated with superior and inspiring animalbased experiences that connect people with wildlife and conservation action and for them to understand the unique habitats and landscapes in our care to inspire environmental action now and in the future.

The Kiwanis Presidents who attended the events were Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas of Makati, Ezelle

Gascon of Manila Bay, Lorna Ballesteros of Malate West and Carrie Manlangit of Malate Central. The kids were treated with 11 activities inside Zoobic Safari and were given lunch, snacks, slippers and shirts.

Sports

SSUNDAY MAY 5, 2019 M

D1

www.manilatimes.net

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN EDDIE G. ALINEA

The day Pacquiao was deprived of victory

M

AY 8, 2004, was the day Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao first fought Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez .

The 12-round matchup, held at the MGM Grand Arena, was for Marquezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WBA and IBF featherweight titles, resulted in a split decision draw, thus, depriving the now Philippine Senator of what could have been his fourth championship in three weight divisions.

Five years prior on Dec. 14, 1998, Pacquiao had crowned HIMSELF THE 7"# lYWEIGHT TITLIST following an 8th round knocking out of Thai title-defending Chatchai Sasakul.

Three years later, he, likewise, dethroned super bantamweight belt holder Lehlo Ledwawba, also via stoppage in six rounds on June

IN HIS kRST kGHT ON THE 53 SOIL AND kRST TOO UNDER THE tutelage of Hall of Famer-to-be Freddie Roach.

And a year before the Marquez 1 encounter, the Pacman, subdued another Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera in TKO in 11 adding the RING 126-pound diadem to his fast growing collection.

It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t surprising, therefore, that our own Manny would be tagged favorite in that Marquez 1 showdown between two of the WORLD S MOST POPULAR kGHTERS The soon-to-be â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fighter of the Decadeâ&#x20AC;? honoree of the Boxing Writers Association of America readily showed his worth before then still doubting boxing world by catching Marquez cold, dropping him to the canvas three times right in the opening bell.

The Mexican, however, showed great fighting heart to recover from that nearly knockdowns and went on to emerge the winner in the majority of the rounds hence largely on account of his effective counterpunching.

At the end of the close encounter, both combatants expressed belief they had done enough to win. The bout ended in a controversial draw. Final scores submitted by the three judges saw one awarding victory to Marquez, 115-110, the same scorecard given by another showing Pacquiao the victor.

The third judge scored it even 113-113. That judge admitted later, though, having erred scoring the kRST ROUND AT FOR 0ACQUIAO instead of standard 10-6, as the two other judges did, on three knockdown round .

Had the judge , who saw the first round Pacquaio the winNER

INSTEAD OF ON the way to an even 113-113, Pacquiao would have been a split decision winner and declared the new WBA and IBF featherweight champ.

Four years later on March 15, 2008, Pacquiao bounced back and avenged his 2004 frustration by scoring a 12-round decision over Marquez in their second meeting to strip the Mexican of his WBC superfeatherweight plum.

Pacquiao even extended his luck by annexing, too, the WBC lightweight crown at the expense of David Diaz (TKO in 9), IBO/Ring junior welterweight over Ricky Hatton (KO in 2), WBO welterweight against Miguel Cotto (TKO in 12), and WBC super-welterweight over Antonio Margarito (12 round decision).

He did that in the span of mere two years until 2008 to become the only man on planet Earth to be crowned world champion in eight weight divisions.

Q CJ McCollum AFP PHOTO

Blazers pull out 4OT win in longest NBA playoff game since 1953 L

OS ANGELES: CJ McCollum delivered 41 points as the Portland Trail Blazers edged the Denver Nuggets 140-137 in four overtimes Friday (Saturday in Manila) in the longest NBA playoff game in 66 years.

The game featured 24 lead changes but the Blazers came out on top to take a 2-1 lead in the second round Western Conference series. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have never been involved a game like that in regular season or playoffs,â&#x20AC;? said Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was an amazing effort by both teams.â&#x20AC;?

It was just the second quadru-

ple-overtime playoff game in NBA history, joining a 1953 game between the Boston Celtics and the Syracuse Nationals.

Damian Lillard added 28 points for Portland who can go up 3-1 with a victory in game four at home on Sunday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was the craziest game I have ever been a part of,â&#x20AC;? said Lillard.Jamal Murray scored 34

points, and Nikola Jokic collected 33 points, 18 rebounds and 14 assists for the Nuggets, who used their inside game to keep the score close in the extra sessions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We fought, we fought, we fought. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all you can ask for.

It was a hell of basketball game by two very good basketball teams,â&#x20AC;? said Denver coach Mike Malone.

McCollum played over 60 minutes and connected on 16 of 39 kELD GOALS AS HE WENT ON A RUN IN the fourth quarter and the beginNING OF THE kRST OVERTIME (E SAID he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tired. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is what I am built for,â&#x20AC;? said McCollum. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is why I condi-

tion all summer. That is why I work on my diet. That is why I get my sleep and my massages. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is what we live for. We got to get some sleep and take advantage of our time. They are coming off a seven game series and so we will see them in a couple of days.â&#x20AC;?

Jokic also logged massive minutes, playing a historic 65, the most ever by a seven footer in the playoffs.

Will Barton made one of two free throws, giving Denver a 134133 lead with one minute left in the fourth overtime. Rodney Hoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baseline jumper then put Portland in front 135-134 with 44

Beermen to up aggression in Game 3 DEFENDING champion San Miguel Beer wants ride the momentum of its previous win to pull away further from Magnolia in Game 3 of THE BEST OF SEVEN kNALS OF 3EASON Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen leveled the series 1-1 with a 108-101 victory on Friday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will be an interesting game because it now boils down to a best-of-five series,â&#x20AC;? said SMB coach Leo Austria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know it is good also that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always ahead in any series but I know it is not going to be so easy because Magnolia will come out hard.â&#x20AC;? )T WAS A NIGHT OF PROLIkC SCORING for SMB as seven Beermen scored in DOUBLE kGURES Â&#x2021; *UNE -AR &AJARDO (16), Alex Cabagnot (16), Chris Ross (15), Marcio Lassiter (15), Arwind Santos (13), Terrence Romeo (13) and Christian Standhardinger (13).

Austria also commented on Romeoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two successive technical fouls. He made a hard chest pass to referee Peter Balao, resulting in HIS kRST TECHNICAL FOUL AND ARGUED WITH GAME OFkCIALS â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will take that positively because he (Romeo) is a warrior but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll tell him itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the proper way. He wants to win but he should be mature, and I think he will realize it,â&#x20AC;? said Austria of the three-time PBA scoring champion.

Q Terrence Romeo of San Miguel Beer drives on Magnoliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Justin Melton and Paul Lee (No. 3) during Game 2 of the bestof-seven finals of Season 44 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA MEDIA BUREAU PHOTO Meanwhile, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero commended his wards but told them to be aggressive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now a best-of-five series.

Sportsinbrief GO FOR GOLD-CSB PUMMELS PETRON-LETRAN INPBA D-LEAGUE GO for Gold-CSB cruised past Petron-Letran 107-87 on Thursday in the 2019 PBA D-League at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. Go for Gold-CSB rose to a 4-3 card in the Aspirants Group, while ending Petron-Letranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two-game win streak and drop it to 5-3.

BETTEN RELISHES SUN LIFE 5150 TRIUMPH SAM Betten (center) displays his medal as he poses with fellow Australians runner-up Alex Polizzi (left) and Mitch Robins after topping the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pro division of the inaugural Sun Life 5150 triathlon in Naga City, Cebu on Sunday. Betten, who has ruled a number 5150 races in the country before yielding to compatriot Mitch Robins in Subic last year, pulled away from a tight battle with Polizzi after the opening swim leg, leaning on a strong

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just see our adjustments in the next game. We need to dictate the tempo of the game, play defense and be aggres-

sive. But I love the effort of my players,â&#x20AC;?said Victolero.

The Hotshots won Game 1, 99-94.

JOSEF T. RAMOS

bike ride to post a 1:59.32 clocking in the 1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run race. Polizzi clocked 2:03.55 for second while Robins struggled in the bike part and wound up third in 2:05.34 with Dan Brown finishing fourth in 2:27.21 in the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pro division.

BANDOLIS, VILLANUEVA EYE TWINKILL IN PPS DIPOLOG GUIA Bandolis and Ashton Villanueva hope to live up to the hype as they go for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;doubleâ&#x20AC;? in their respective divisions in the PPS-PEPP

seconds to go.

Paul Millsapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s layup gave the Nuggets into a 136-135 lead with SECONDS TO PLAY Hood nailed a shot from beyond the arc to give PortLAND A LEAD WITH seconds remaining.

Jokic had a chance to tie it but missed one of two free throws to MAKE IT WITH kVE SECONDS on the clock.

Portlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seth Curry then nailed a pair of clutch free throws FOR A LEAD WITH SEConds left. Denverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feeble attempt at a long inbounds pass was intercepted and the clock ran out. AFP

NCR dominates Palaro anew DAVAO CITY: National Capital Region was declared champion of the Palarong Pambansa for the 15th straight year in the culmination of the 62nd edition of the annual competition on Saturday here.

NCR collected 86 gold, 71 silver, and 56 bronze medals during the six-day tilt organized by the Department of Education and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Southern Tagalog-Calabarzon finished second (66-49-73) and Western Visayas third (49-40-58).

Host Davao Region finished with 13-22-37 slate.

NCR won 32 gold medals in swimming and nine in taekwondo in the secondary division.

NCR bets also broke 14 Palaro records in athletics, swimming, and archery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are happy because we have prepared for this game. The taste of victory is much sweeter when you really worked hard for it,â&#x20AC;? said NCR coach Goldwin Monteverde.

Meanwhile, Calabarzon topped the elementary division with 29 gold, 19 silver, and 24 bronze medals.

NCR finished second (19-27-22) and Western Visayas third (17-17-23).

Calabarzon also topped the Para Games with 25 gold, five silver, and six bronze medals followed by Western Visayas with 1919-15. JEAN RUSSEL V. DAVID

Daryl Uy national age-group tennis tournament which gets going today (Sunday, May 5) at the Mibang Tennis Club in Dipolog City. Five other singles titles are up for grabs, including in the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 12and 14-and-U and the 10-unisex with five doubles crowns also set to be disputed in the 14- and 18-U (boys and girls) and 10-unisex.

SAN BEDA THUMPS TRESTON COLLEGE IN 25TH FR. MARTINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CUP THE San Beda Red Lions posted their second straight win in the Group A Seniors Division of the continuing 25th Fr. Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup Summer League, with a 78-75 thrashing of Treston College. In the Juniors A Division, Treston College secured its second victory by demolishing St. Patrick, 88-67.

ZVEREV SHOCKED BY GARIN IN MUNICH BERLIN: World No. 3 Alexander Zverev suffered a shock defeat in the quarterfinals of the Munich Open on Saturday. Zverev lost 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 to Chileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cristian Garin, who sits 44 places below him in the ATP rankings, to end his hopes of a record third successive title in Munich. The reigning ATP Finals champion survived three match points in the second set before wasting two himself in the third and ultimately suffering his first defeat in ten games on the Munich clay. AFP

D2

Nascar

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

The Sunday Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Q Kyle Larson (No. 42) flips as he makes contact with Jeffrey Earnhardt (No. 81) on the back stretch during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, April 28, 2019, in Talladega, Ala. AP PHOTO

Larson rolled but Talladega delivered for NASCAR

C

BY JENNA FRYER

HARLOTTE, N.C.: Anything and everything could have gone wrong at Talladega Superspeedway, where the cars were too fast, engine makers feared their motors couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go 500 miles without overheating and drivers insisted they had no idea whatsoever how they planned to race.

It could have been a disaster.

But NASCAR made adjustments ON THE lY AND FELT CONkDENT 4ALLAdega was going to be a good show, even as insiders worried the event WOULD BE EITHER TERRIBLY BORING or, more concerning, a dangerous WRECKFEST All things considered, NASCAR PRODUCED ONE OF THE BETTER 4ALLADEGA RACES IN RECENT MEMORY EVEN THOUGH

+YLE ,ARSON BARREL ROLLED DOWN THE !LABAMA TRACK ON THE LAST LAP OF 3UNDAY S RACE 4ALLADEGA IS DANGEROUS THE SPEEDS SEEMED DICEY AND THE PRESENT .!3#!2 kELD HAS SIGNIkCANT TALENT DISCREPANCIES 4HE VETERANS UNDERSTOOD THAT CLOSING RATES WERE UNCOMFORTABLY QUICK AND DRIVERS UNABLE TO adjust would steamroll over the cars IN FRONT OF HIM

4HAT MEANS WRECKS 4HE SEASON OPENING $AYTONA RUN TWO months ago under an old rules package, had been a demolition DERBY AND THERE WAS EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE 4ALLADEGA WITH SO MUCH UNCERTAINTY AND NEW RULES WAS GOING TO BE $AYTONA REDUX %XCEPT IT WASN T AND .!3#!2 CHIEF RACING DEVELOPMENT OFkCER 3TEVE / $ONNELL TOLD 4HE !SSOCIATED 0RESS THE SERIES FELT CONkDENT it had a package that could deliver SAFE AND EXCITING RACING â&#x20AC;&#x153;Until an actual race takes PLACE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU LL SEE u / $ONNELL SAID -ONDAY

adding testing and data had given .!3#!2 ENGINEERS CONFIDENCE SAFETY HAD NOT BEEN COMPROmised. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You go into the event CONFIDENT IN WHAT YOU DO u 4HERE WERE SO MANY UNKNOWNS

THOUGH AND THE kRST PRACTICE UNDER THE RULES PACKAGE WAS JARRING BECAUSE CARS TOPPED MPH IN

THE kRST SESSION 4HE ENGINE MAKERS approached NASCAR and said attrition was going to be an issue, so .!3#!2 MADE A MIDDAY ADDITION OF A INCH WICKER STRIP TO THE TOP OF THE SPOILER BEFORE kNAL PRACTICE 2YAN .EWMAN THEN HIT mph, logging the speed as he led a SINGLE kLE GROUP OF CARS THROUGH THE DRAFT TO ANOTHER PACK .EWMAN HAS TAKEN MANY A TRIP THROUGH THE AIR AT 4ALLADEGA AND TOLD ."# 3PORTS SPEEDS WERE gWAY TOO FAST 7E VE ESTABLISHED THAT OVER THE LAST YEARS 4HAT S WHEN CARS GET AIRBORNE u )T FELT OMINOUS HEADED TOWARD THE GREEN lAG "UT / $ONNELL SAID .!3#!2 STAUNCHLY BELIEVED IT had landed on a combination that WOULD MAKE FOR VERY GOOD RACING In the end, Chase Elliott got his kRST WIN OF THE SEASON Â&#x2021; kRST FOR MALIGNED #HEVROLET kRST FOR (ENDRICK -OTORSPORTS Â&#x2021; IN AN ACTION PACKED event in which the 38 lead changes WERE THE MOST SINCE 4HERE

WERE PASSES UNDER GREEN AND EARLY CONCERN OVER DANGEROUSLY FAST closing rates instead allowed drivers TO PULL OFF BOLD AND BRAZEN MOVES 4HE DRAMA LEADING INTO THE RACE WILL QUICKLY BE FORGOTTEN 4HE LASTING MEMORY OF 3UNDAY WILL BE THAT .!3#!2 HAD ONE OF ITS kNEST MOMENTS IN A VERY LONG TIME 4HE RACING was white-knuckled and the strong crowd was breathless until Elliott TOOK THE CHECKERED lAG 4HEN THE FANS ROARED IN APPROVAL FOR .!3#!2 S NEW FAVORITE SON A second-generation superstar.

4ALLADEGA FOR YEARS WAS %ARNHARDT COUNTRY AND THAT SHIFTED WHEN %LLIOTT FROM NEARBY 'EORGIA AND THE SON OF (ALL OF &AMER "ILL %LLIOTT FELT THE ROUSING APPROVAL FROM THE AUDIENCE %VERYone knows NASCAR attendance IS SLUMPING BUT THE FANS STILL SHOW UP AT 4ALLADEGA WHICH HAS EMBRACED ITS IMAGE AS THE PARTY stop on the NASCAR circuit and BECOME A BUCKET LIST EVENT FOR THE TRAVELING SPORTS FAN g4HE POST RACE WAS UNBELIEVABLE u %LLIOTT SAID g) VE NEVER HAD A CROWD

THAT FELT LIKE IT WAS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDS 4HAT S ONE OF THE COOLEST MOMENTS OF MY RACING CAREER u (IS VICTORY WAS MEMORABLE Â&#x2021; AND SO WAS THE ,ARSON ROLL WHICH .!3#!2 IS ALREADY RESEARCHING (IS CAR TOOK lIGHT SEEMINGLY BY ITSELF AFTER HE D BEEN HIT AND SPUN THROUGH TRAFkC AND ONCE IT WAS OFF ITS WHEELS

THE #HEVROLET ROLLED AT LEAST A HALF DOZEN TIMES #HIP 'ANASSI 2ACING TOOK THE CAR AFTER THE RACE BUT IT IS AVAILABLE TO .!3#!2 ENGINEERS EAGER TO STUDY what caused the spectacular roll. / $ONNELL SAID .!3#!2 HOPED TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING BY THE END OF THE WEEK AND THAT WHILE EARLY SPECULATION IS THAT IS DAMAGE TO ,ARSON S CAR MADE IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO GOING AIRBORNE gWE VE GOT TO LOOK AT EVERYTHING u ,ARSON WAS NOT INJURED A TESTAMENT TO .!3#!2 S SAFETY improvements, but the incident should not be brushed aside. And IF THAT IS THE LONE COMPLAINT FROM what could have been a chaotic weekend, then NASCAR did a VERY GOOD JOB AT 4ALLADEGA AP

NASCAR throws the flag on trying to liven up qualifying

Q Austin Dillon, driver of the (No. 3) Dow Chevrolet, leads the field to the green flag during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 28, 2019 in Talladega, Alabama. AFP PHOTO

NASCAR abandoned its years-long bid to add excitement to qualifying and announced Wednesday it will return to single-car laps after the current format became a laughingstock.

All three national series will make the change at all oval tracks, starting this weekend at Dover.

NASCAR for more than five years has used a group qualifying format, but a new rules package this season created an unintended consequence: drivers could game the system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The teams are always going to do what benefits them the most and unfortunately that was waiting, drafting,â&#x20AC;? said Scott Miller, senior vice president of competition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a very compelling show. We owe it to our fans to provide something that is worth watching.â&#x20AC;?

Miller did not concede it as a victory for the teams, who found every loophole to their benefit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think anybody is at fault. It is something we tried, to try to provide a good show, we were optimistic and it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work out,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe we should have been more proactive, maybe they should have been active. Whatever.â&#x20AC;?

NASCAR was adamant it was trying to keep qualifying entertaining for fans because singlecar runs are tedious, but teams continued to find loopholes that made the format a farce. Most drivers waited until the very last moment to pull off pit lane for their qualifying run; and all 12 drivers in the final round at California in March missed the cutoff point to even register a lap.

NASCAR officials were furious and for the past month considered various options, but the emphasis on aerodynamic draft created through the new rules package backed the series into a corner. Teams wanted an aero pull and waited for another driver to go first, and they showed no intention of stopping despite several NASCAR attempts to tighten the rules.

Elimination-style rounds were also cut. Television partners Fox Sports and NBC Sports are tasked with showing qualifying, which had been knockout rounds completed within an hour. Both TV partners indicated to NASCAR they could still produce an interesting show with single-car qualifying, which played a part in NASCARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to go back to a

format most find technical and rather boring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all seen how group qualifying evolved, and with the teams all waiting until the last minute, it became problematic from a content standpoint and also from a storytelling standpoint for the broadcaster and radio perspective,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was very hard to figure out who was doing what when it was (happening) only in two minutes. This is also about restoring general order.â&#x20AC;?

NASCAR said the single-car qualifying format will be in effect for the rest of the season, though group qualifying will remain in place at road courses.

The qualifying order draw will be determined by the previous raceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starting lineup. The session should still be completed in an hour, with potentially two cars half a lap apart making runs at the same time, and the networks will rely on technology to enhance the production. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We obviously want to put on the best show we can and it obviously didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work out the way we thought it would,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are in the business of racing and putting on a good show at the same time.â&#x20AC;?

AP

The Sunday Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Motor Sports

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

D3

Interlagos holds â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Senna Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Brazil SAO PAULO: The Interlagos racing circuit held a "Senna Day" to celebrate the life of Formula One great Ayrton Senna on Thursday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Brazilianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death.

The event began with a fun run around the famous circuit in Sao Paulo where the three-time world champion had twice tasted victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix in front of his adoring public in 1991 and 1993.

Karting races were also on the program, as well as laps of the track in a specially commissioned super-touring McLaren, the British team with which Senna won the world title in 1988, 1990 and 1991.

Senna died after a crash at the San Marino GP at the Imola circuit on May 1, 1994 at the age of just 34. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was the example of someone who wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afraid to fight to realize his dreams and who was proud of being Brazilian,â&#x20AC;? said Bianca Senna, the late racerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s niece who looks after the Ayrton Senna Institute, which is involved in education projects in socially disadvantaged areas.

Fans could admire paraphernalia from Sennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career, as well as try out race simulators that reproduce his greatest triumphs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was my biggest hero. I was 10

the day he died and still today I try to imitate his style when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m on track,â&#x20AC;? said Marcos Vinicius Martins, a driver who took part in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Senna Day.â&#x20AC;?

It is a homage to a man who was voted Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest sportsman (with 47 percent of the vote) by some distance ahead of football great Pele (23 percent), in a poll conducted in his home town of Sao Paulo in 2014.

Amongst the gems from the Senna collection fans could admire karts he raced during childhood as well as racing suits, helmets and trophies from his professional career that garnered 41 GP victories.

That was a golden era for F1 when Sennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rivalry with Frenchman Alan Prost â&#x20AC;&#x201D; his team-mate at McLaren for two seasons in 1988-89 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; was one of the most gripping in the sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history.

Prost outdid Senna by winning four world titles, including beating his team-mate in a dramatic and controversial 1989 championship battle.

Sennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death sent a nation into mourning and sparked an outpouring of grief around the world.

AFP

Q Estafano Rivera maneuvers his Honda EG hatchback in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Slalom championship. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Estefano Rivera wins back-to-back slaloms C

BY MIKE POTENCIANO

IRCUIT and slalom champion Estefano Rivera won two consecutive National Slalom races in dominant fashion at the Clark Global City and Robinsons Starmills in San Fernando, Pampanga recently.

Q People visit the grave of Brazilianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s F1 driver Ayrton Senna in Sao Paulo, Brazil on May 1, 2019, paying tribute to the 25th anniversary of his death during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. AFP PHOTO

4HE YOUNGER 2IVERA TOPPED THE OVERALL STANDINGS AFTER WINNING TWO OF THE THREE LEGS

and also dominated the Front 7HEEL $RIVE CATEGORY !FTER FINISHING THIRD IN THE FIRST LEG %Stefano has mastered his PMMS

4EAM S (ONDA %' HATCHBACK and pushed the car to its limits. g)T WAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL TIME for our team as we won backTO BACK SLALOM RACES u SAID Estefano after the third leg in Pampanga. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Winning the Front

7HEEL $RIVE CLASS AND OVERALL best time for the second time in a row is more than what we COULD ASK FORĂ&#x153;u The team had to contend WITH VETERAN FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CHAMPIONS *EVOY -ORENO AND AND HIS OLDER BROTHER DEFENDing slalom champion Milo 2IVERA IN THE FIRST LEG %STEFANO WORKED VERY HARD ON HIS set up after the first leg and posted the best time of 39.10 SECONDS IN THE SECOND LEG (IS MAIN RIVAL THEN WAS TEAMMATE 0OWEE "ASE WHO DID A FANTASTIC 39.8 seconds.

In the tight track of the third leg

AT 3AN &ERNANDO %STEFANO AGAIN REGISTERED THE OVERALL BEST TIME OF SECONDS 6ETERAN RACER Richard Gallardo took second place with a time of 44.70 seconds WHILE -ORENO kNALLY GOT A CLEAN RUN WITH SECONDS )N A VERY CLOSE FOURTH PLACE WAS "ASE WITH 44.8 seconds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;San Fernando was really MADE FOR OUR CAR AND MY SET UP u Estefano said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We lead from START TO kNISH AND JUST KEPT IMPROVING OUR TIMES AHEAD OF THE others. We are happy that we are now leading the championship and we hope to keep the MOMENTUM UP TO THE END u

Asian Formula revisited Conclusion AST weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s column on the 2002 Asian Formula 2000 (AF2000) was supposed to be the last par but I found it compelling to extend the piece since the outcome of the concluding race was a dramatic one for me.

L

Zhuhai finals With Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meckel Aliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNF (did NOT kNISH RESULT IN THE LAST RACE IN "IRA

4HAILAND ) TOOK OVER THE LEAD IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP BY ONLY ONE POINT OVER 3INGAPORE S $ENIS ,IAN 3O IT WOULD BE a tossup between us three for the 2002 AF2000 championship.

4HE kNAL TWO RACES WERE TO BE HELD IN :HUHAI #HINA AND ) FELT CONkDENT AS WE WERE PART OF THE kRST RACE THERE SIX YEARS EARLIER WITH THE SAME CAR IN MY ROOKIE YEAR 7HILE THE 0ORSCHE #ARRERA #UP !SIA and three other race series were joining THE !& THE CROWD WAS NOT AS BIG COMPARED TO THE RACES "UT THE ATMOsphere in the pits was just as electrifying!

Bad start %VEN THOUGH ) HAD RACED AT THIS TECHNICAL TRACK BEFORE ) COULD NOT GET GOOD TIMES IN PRACTICE AT :HUHAI )T MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE PRESSURE OR THE SET UP AS DURING QUALIFYING

) WENT OFF INTO THE GRAVEL TRAP 4HE CAR WAS BEACHED ON THE kRST TURN AND THE SESSION had to be stopped while they pulled my CAR OUT &OR A TITLE CONTENDER THIS WAS DEkNITELY EMBARRASSING ) COULD ONLY TAKE SIXTH IN BOTH QUALIFYING SESSIONS AND MY CONkDENCE WAS WAY down after that. My title competitors were up there with Lian taking pole and Ali at FOURTH ,IAN S POLE POSITION GAVE HIM ONE extra point and both of us were now tied going to the last two races.

7E HAD A LOT OF NEW DRIVERS IN THIS RACE IN PREPARATION FOR THE INVITATIONAL RACE in Macau two months after. These were FAST *APANESE DRIVERS AND SINCE THEY DIDN T QUALIFY FOR THE SERIES AND WERE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR POINTS THEY DROVE LIKE kamikazes! This was going to be a challenge because they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care if they bumped you or not.

Penultimate race 2IGHT FROM THE START THERE WERE A LOT OF dicing and bumping going on. I had to GIVE WAY EVERY TIME THE KAMIKAZES IN FRONT

cars. The rule states that jumpstarts should BE PENALIZED WITHIN THE kRST THREE LAPS OF the race by a stop and go penalty. Since NO CAR WAS CALLED IN ) THOUGHT THE START was good and no one would be penalized.

4HE BUMPING BETWEEN *APANESE DRIVERS WAS HARDER THAN EVER AND ) KNEW ) HAD TO tried to take each other out. With a lot of STAY COOL ,IAN WAS IN SECOND PLACE )HARA ACTION GOING ON THE TRACK ) WAS ABLE TO IN THIRD AND ) WAS IN FOURTH WHICH WAS OVERTAKE THE TWO TITLE CONTENDING DRIVERS enough to win the title by one point. So WHEN WE CROSSED THE kNISH LINE ) WAS CELin the race!

Lian had transmission problems early ebrating like crazy in my car!

ON AND kNISHED NINTH !LI AND ) DICED FOR A while but he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep me behind. My Champion SAFE BUT SURE PACE PROVED TO BE GOOD ENOUGH for a minute TO kNISH THIRD IN THE !& #HAMPIONSHIP RACE BEHIND LADY DRIVER +EIKO )HARA OF *APAN 7HEN ) CAME INTO THE PITS ) was jumping up and down with AND :ARITH !LkAN OF -ALAYSIA ) TOOK THE LEAD AGAIN BY SIX POINTS OVER MY &ILIPINO MECHANICS 4HEN

,IAN AND ) BELIEVE ) WAS THE ONLY ONE I was suddenly told by the race happy with my result. I knew that taking officials that there might be the championship was not going to be some penalties for the leaders EASY BUT AT LEAST ) WAS BACK TO MY OLD for jumping the start.

3O ) COULDN T BELIEVE IT CONkDENT kGHTING SELFĂ&#x153; when they announced that !LkAN WOULD BE PENALIZED BY Controversial start SECONDS 4HIS ELEVATED ,IAN !FTER CHECKING THE MATH ) HAD TO BE WITHIN TO kRST )HARA TO SECOND AND ME two positions behind Lian to win the title. UP TO THIRD PLACE (OWEVER

3O ) DECIDED TO DRIVE AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE kRST PLACE HAD MORE POINTS SO AND BE BEHIND HIM IN THE kNAL RACE "UT I would lose the title by one THERE WERE HEAVY RAIN CLOUDS GATHERING AND point instead of winning it!

SOON LIGHT SHOWERS STARTED TO FALL DOWN -Y HEAD WAS TURNING AND ) while we were on the grid. We were all on COULDN T BELIEVE ITĂ&#x153; %VEN MY slick tires and you can imagine the stress team couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t comprehend what happened and they told we were experiencing.

4HEN SUDDENLY THE MARSHALS FRANTICALLY me to protest the decision.

Aside from Alfianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jumpcame out and told us that there would be START A LOT OF PEOPLE ALSO SAW a change of the start procedure â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we were GOING TO USE A lAG INSTEAD OF THE LIGHTS THAT that Ihara jumped the start. So FAILED TO TURN ON #AN YOU IMAGINE A #HI- I protested the result and inNESE MARSHAL TRYING TO TALK IN %NGLISH WITH CLUDED )HARA AS HAVING JUMPED ALL OF US REVVING OUR ENGINES 4HE PROPER the start as well. The organizers way was to delay the start of the race and took more than two long hours CALL ALL THE DRIVERS TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THE deliberating the protest. In the new start procedure. It was a recipe for a END THEIR INITIAL DECISION STOOD disaster and all of these were happening AS IS !LkAN DROPPED DOWN TO RIGHT BEFORE MY MOST IMPORTANT RACE EVERĂ&#x153; 10th place with the 30-second After a long wait and with all the en- PENALTY AND NO OTHER WAS DRIVER GINES BOILING WE WERE SHOWN THE GREEN penalized. My protest was basilAG BY THE START MARSHAL (OWEVER THE cally thrown out the door and red lights also came on at the same time. I literally cried in frustration!

4HE STARTER LOWERED THE lAG WHILE THE LIGHTS were still on and I saw the two cars of Al- Worst heartache ever kAN AND )HARA STARTED THEN BRAKING HARD

That was the first and only since the red lights were still on. ,ATER THE LIGHTS THEN TURNED TO GREEN time that I cried after a race and off we went. I knew that there might in my more than 20 years of be some jumpstart penalties for those two RACING ) COULDN T BELIEVE THAT )

TURBO TIMES

was robbed of the title in the end. I ended UP AS kRST RUNNER UP BY JUST ONE POINT FROM the AF2000 championship.

4HE OTHER TEAMS COULDN T BELIEVE IT ALSO and wanted me to appeal the matter to the &)! (OWEVER THAT WOULD ENTAIL A FEE OF

WHICH ) DIDN T HAVE !FTER A FEW WEEKS THE !& 46 special of the Zhuhai race showed the START LINE INCIDENT 4HE HOST *ONATHAN 'REEN MENTIONED DURING THE REPLAY OF

THE kNAL RACE START THAT !LkAN AND )HARA DEkNITELY JUMPED THE START AS CAUGHT BY THEIR CAMERA )T WAS A SMALL MORAL VICtory for me and took out the anger that stayed in me.

We still had some good races after the AF2000 debacle and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to note THAT ) JUST TOLD MYSELF g.EVER 3AY $IEĂ&#x153;u There are a lot of other heartache stories of other racers that I can tell next week.

3O PLEASE STAY TUNEDĂ&#x153;

Golf

Q Jason Dufner plays his shot from the 16th tee during the second round of the 2019 Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club on Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina. AFP PHOTO

E1

SUNDAY MAY 5, 2019

www.manilatimes.net

SKoreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ryu takes one-shot LPGA lead SAN FRANCISCO: South Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ryu 3O YEON kRED A TWO UNDER PAR ON &RIDAY 3ATURDAY IN -ANILA TO TAKE A ONE SHOT LEAD OVER COMPATRIOT +IM 3EI YOUNG AND !MERICAN 2YANN / 4OOLE IN THE ,0'! -EDIHEAL #HAMPIONSHIP 2YU WHO SHARED THE kRST ROUND LEAD WITH 3OUTH +OREA S *I %UN HEE AND !NNE VAN $AM OF THE .ETHERLANDS CHIPPED IN FOR BIRDIE AT THE PAR THREE TH BUT SHE BOGEYED THE TH AS SHE TOILED THROUGH A gGRINDINGu BACK NINE g)T WAS JUST A GRINDING DAY u SAID 2YU WHO HAD A HOLE TOTAL OF SEVEN UNDER PAR AT ,AKE -ERCED IN $ALY #ITY #ALIFORNIA g) JUST GRINDED AND GRINDED AND GRINDED ) ONLY MADE ONE BIRDIE AND ONE BOGEY ON THE BACK NINE ) ACTUALLY DIDN T REALLY HAVE MANY BIRDIE CHANCES u 3 H E S A I D T H E C H A N G E A B L E WINDS MADE THINGS DIFFICULT

MAKING IT gTOUGH TO MAKE A DECISIONu g)T FELT LIKE THE WIND WAS REALLY STRONG INTO A SHOT

AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STOPPED u SHE SAID g"UT ) SHOT TWO UNDER PAR Â&#x2021; NEVER COMPLAIN WITH TWO UNDER PAR u 2YU WHOSE SIX ,0'! 4OUR TITLES

INCLUDE THE 53 7OMEN S /PEN AND THE !.! )NSPIRATION HAD GAINED GROUND EARLY WITH BIRDIES AT THE SECOND AND FOURTH 3HE SAID SHE HAD A GOOD FEELING STANDING OVER HER CHIP AT AND HER INTUITION PROVED GOOD g) TRIED TO VISUALIZE IT CLEARLY AND THEN ) MADE IT u SHE SAID g) GUESS IF YOU BELIEVE IT YOU CAN DO IT g4HAT S THE BEHAVIOR ) REALLY NEED TO HAVE FOR THE WEEKEND u $ESPITE THE DIFkCULT AFTERNOON CONDITIONS / 4OOLE BIRDIED THREE OF HER LAST FOUR HOLES IN A +IM JOINED / 4OOLE ON WITH A BOGEY FREE CAPPED BY A BIRDIE AT THE NINTH DESPITE BATTLING BACK PAIN /VERNIGHT CO LEADER *I CARDED A TO JOIN A GROUP SHARING FOURTH ON 3HE WAS TIED WITH COMPATRIOTS 0ARK )N BEE #HOI (E YONG AND #HOI .A YEON AND %NGLAND S #HARLEY (ULL #HOI (E YONG CLIMBED THE LEADERBOARD WITH A #HOI .A YEON CARDED A 0ARK SIGNED FOR A AND (ULL POSTED A 6AN $AM SLUMPED TO A THAT LEFT HER AT EVEN P A R A N D T I E D F O R ST AFP

Q Ryu So-yeon of South Korea hits on the 11th hole during the second round of the LPGA Mediheal Championship at Lake Merced Golf Club on Saturday in Daly City, California.

AFP PHOTO

Dufner surges up Quail Hollow leaderboard with 2nd rd 63 W

!3().'4/. *ASON $UFNER kRED SEVEN BIRDIES AND AN EAGLE IN AN EIGHT UNDER PAR ON &RIDAY 3ATURDAY IN -ANILA TO PUT HIMSELF IN UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY ATOP THE 7ELLS &ARGO #HAMPIONSHIP LEADERBOARD g)T HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE ) VE BEEN IN THE LEAD OR COMPETING FOR A TOURNAMENT u SAID $UFNER A FORMER TOP PLAYER AND WINNER OF THE 0'! #HAMPIONSHIP WHO HAS SLUMPED TO TH IN THE WORLD RANKINGS g"UT ) KNOW WHAT THAT FEELS LIKE ) M JUST GOING WITH IT YOU KNOW u $UFNER

SET AN EARLY TARGET IN THE SECOND ROUND AT 1UAIL (OLLOW IN #HARLOTTE .ORTH #AROLINA

BUILDING AN UNDER TOTAL OF THAT PUT HIM ONE STROKE IN FRONT OF *OEL $AHMEN AND -AX (OMA $AHMEN WHO SHARED THE OVERNIGHT LEAD WITH .ORTHERN )RELAND S 2ORY -C)LROY CARDED HIS SECOND STRAIGHT WHILE (OMA HAD EIGHT BIRDIES IN HIS TO REACH UNDER -C)LROY MEANWHILE CARDED A FOR AND SHARED FOURTH PLACE WITH !MERICAN 0ATRICK 2EED WHO CARDED A

)T WAS A FURTHER STROKE BACK TO %NGLAND S *USTIN 2OSE )RELAND S 3EAMUS 0OWER !USTRALIAN *ASON $AY AND !MERICAN 0AT 0EREZ $UFNER S ROUND MATCHED THE LOWEST OF HIS CAREER 4HE LAST TIME HE

POSTED A IT WAS IN THE 0'! #HAMPIONSHIP WHERE HE WENT ON TO WIN HIS LONE MAJOR TITLE TO DATE (E BIRDIED TWO OF HIS kRST THREE HOLES AND BOUNCED BACK FROM A BOGEY AT THE FOURTH WITH AN EAGLE AT THE PAR kVE SEVENTH (E BIRDIED THE EIGHTH THEN PICKED UP FOUR MORE BIRDIES COMING IN $UFNER WHO HAS MISSED EIGHT CUTS IN PRIOR TOURNAMENTS SINCE THE CURRENT SEASON OPENED LAST /CTOBER HAS MADE WHOLESALE CHANGES IN A BID TO STOP THE ROT (E S ON HIS FOURTH CADDIE OF THE

US PGA WELLS FARGO CHAMPIONSHIP SCORES LOS ANGELES: Leading scores after Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second round of the US PGA Wells Fargo Championship (par71, USA unless noted): 131 - Jason Dufner 68-63 132 - Joel Dahmen 66-66, Max Homa 69-63 136 - Rory McIlroy (NIR) 66-70, Patrick Reed 67-69 137 - Justin Rose (ENG) 70-67, Seamus Power (IRL) 69-68, Jason Day (AUS) 68-69, Pat Perez 69-68 138 - Brendon Todd 68-70,

Sebastian Munoz 68-70, Martin Laird (SCO) 67-71, Kyle Stanley 69-69 139 - Im Sung-jae (KOR) 70-69, Fabián Gómez (ARG) 70-69, Aaron Wise 69-70, Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) 72-67, Lucas Glover 70-69, Vaughn Taylor 68-71, Richy Werenski 70-69 140 - Tom Hoge 70-70, Kevin Streelman 71-69, Jim Knous 68-72, Jason Kokrak 70-70, Paul Casey (ENG) 69-71, Matt Jones (AUS) 7070, Doc Redman 70-70 AFP

YEAR AND PARTED WITH SWING COACH #HUCK #OOK g) THINK ) M ON MY FOURTH OR kFTH PUTTER THIS YEAR ) M ON MY FOURTH OR kFTH DRIVER MY FOURTH OR kFTH GOLF BALL FOURTH OR kFTH LOB WEDGE u $UFNER SAID g) M TRYING TO kND STUFF THAT S GOING TO WORK u (E ADMITS THAT HE FEELS A SENSE OF URGENCY g-Y WINDOW S PRETTY SHORT ON MY CAREER u HE SAID g) VE PROBABLY GOT THREE OR FOUR MORE REALLY GOOD YEARS LEFT IN ME SO ) M NOT TRYING TO BE MEDIOCRE OR AVERAGE u "UT HE ALSO KNOWS THAT ONE GREAT ROUND IS JUST A STEPPING STONE g) M JUST HAPPY TO BE PLAYING THE WEEKEND u $UFNER SAID -C)LROY HAD CERTAINLY LOOKED MORE LIKELY TO BE LEADING THE CHARGE INTO THE WEEKEND BUT HE CLOSED OUT HIS SECOND ROUND WITH A DOUBLE BOGEY AND A BOGEY AT THE EIGHTH AND NINTH HOLES ! DAY AFTER GETTING THE MOST OUT OF HIS ROUND -C)LROY SAID gIT WAS THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE u !LTHOUGH HE HIT OF FAIRWAYS Â&#x2021;FOUR MORE THAN HE DID ON 4HURSDAY Â&#x2021; -C)LROY NEEDED PUTTS g9OU KNOW ) TURNED A INTO A

u HE SAID g'OLF IT S A FUNNY GAME AND THESE THINGS HAPPEN u AFP

FROM ZHANG TO KUANG: GOLFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S REMARKABLE JOURNEY IN CHINA SHENZHEN, China: 7HEN :HANG ,IANWEI BECAME THE kRST #HINESE PLAYER TO WIN A %UROPEAN 4OUR EVENT IN YEAR OLD +UANG 9ANG HADN T EVEN BEEN BORN 4HE PAIR PART OF A RECORD HOME GROWN PLAYERS IN THIS WEEK S TH 6OLVO #HINA /PEN ILLUSTRATES JUST HOW FAR GOLF HAS COME IN THE WORLD S MOST POPULOUS NATION 6ETERAN :HANG WHO TURNED ON 4HURSDAY ONLY STARTED PLAYING WHEN HE WAS BECAUSE GOLF THEN DEEMED A BOURGEOIS PURSUIT WAS BANNED IN #HINA UNDER -AO :EDONG :HANG THE ONLY MAN TO HAVE PLAYED IN ALL EDITIONS OF THE #HINA /PEN WINNING IT IN IS NOW THE DADDY OF #HINESE PRO GOLF THE PRECURSOR OF A WAVE OF YOUNG #HINESE PLAYERS HOPING TO MAKE IT BIG 0RECOCIOUS AMATEUR +UANG

YEARS HIS JUNIOR IS JUST ONE OF A HORDE OF TEENAGERS TEARING UP #HINESE FAIRWAYS Â&#x2021; AND HE MADE AN IMPRESSIVE DEBUT WITH A kRST ROUND ONE UNDER PAR ON 4HURSDAY g)T S A DIFFERENT ERA AND A DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT FOR THESE KIDS COMING THROUGH NOW u A SMILING :HANG TOLD !&0 AFTER RECEIVING A HUGE BIRTHDAY CAKE FROM ORGANIZERS AT THE END OF HIS OPENING ROUND g) M NOT JEALOUS OF THE OPPORTUNITIES THEY HAVE NOW u ADDED :HANG WHO WAS UNABLE TO TURN PROFESSIONAL UNTIL WHEN HE WAS YEARS OLD g4HEY HAVE A BETTER CHANCE TO LEARN THE GAME BUT THEY HAVE MUCH TOUGHER COMPETITION THAN ) DID 7HEN ) BEGAN THERE WAS NO PROFESSIONAL GOLF IN #HINA u 7HILE GOLF WAS BANNED DURING :HANG S FORMATIVE YEARS +UANG HAS BEEN SWINGING A CLUB SINCE HE WAS TWO YEARS OLD g) STARTED PLAYING GOLF AT THE AGE OF u SAID :HANG WHO BEGAN IN THE MID S AT :HUHAI 'OLF #LUB

ACROSS THE 0EARL 2IVER DELTA FROM 3HENZHEN WHEN -AO S BAN ON GOLF WAS LIFTED g"UT ) HAD TO WAIT A VERY LONG TIME TO TURN PROFESSIONAL )T TOOK YEARS BECAUSE OF PROCEDURES WITH THE #HINA 'OLF !SSOCIATION AND THE GOVERNMENT u

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Very impressiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; #HINESE GOLF IS NOW UNDOUBTEDLY ON THE RISE &ENG 3HANSHAN HAS WON A WOMEN S MAJOR AN /LYMPIC BRONZE AND BEEN WORLD NUMBER ONE 4HIS WEEK S #HINA /PEN IS THE kRST FULL FIELD %UROPEAN 4OUR EVENT WHERE

Q Fourteen year-old Kuang Yang of China reacts after a putt during the second round of the China Open golf tournament in Shenzhen, in Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern Guangdong province on May 3, 2019. AFP PHOTO

MORE THAN A QUARTER OF THE PLAYERS ARE #HINESE g) VE BEEN COMING OUT HERE SINCE ABOUT IT HAS CHANGED HUGELY IN THAT TIME u SAID "EN #OWEN THE %UROPEAN 4OUR S $EPUTY #HIEF /PERATING /FkCER )NTERNATIONAL g4HE NUMBER OF PLAYERS WE SEE COMING THROUGH THE RANKS ON THE %UROPEAN 4OUR HAS BEEN VERY IMPRESSIVE AND NOW WE SEE THEM PLAYING 0'! 4OUR AND A LOT ON THE !SIAN 4OUR u 0INT SIZED +UANG WHO LOOKS EVERY BIT AS YOUNG AS HIS YEARS

ISN T EVEN THE YOUNGEST PLAYER AT THE #HINA /PEN WHICH IS CO SANCTIONED BY THE %UROPEAN AND !SIAN 4OURS 4HAT DISTINCTION BELONGS TO YEAR OLD AMATEUR -A "INGWEN FROM "EIJING (OWEVER MANY #HINESE TEENAGERS HAVE SHONE ALL TOO BRIElY NONE MORE SO THAN 'UAN 4IANLANG WHO AT BECAME THE YOUNGEST PLAYER TO MAKE THE CUT AT THE 53 -ASTERS IN

BUT HAS SINCE DROPPED OUT OF THE LIMELIGHT #URRENT WORLD NUMBER ,I (AOTONG WHO HAS WON TWICE ON THE %UROPEAN 4OUR AND PLAYED THE kRST TWO ROUNDS OF LAST MONTH S -ASTERS WITH 4IGER 7OODS IS AN EXCEPTION AND NOW AGED HE IS TIPPED BY MANY TO BECOME #HINA S kRST MEN S MAJOR WINNER

School first, golf second g) THINK FOR #HINESE GOLF THIS TOURNAMENT HAS BEEN HUGE FOR US ESPECIALLY AS YOU CAN SEE OTHER #HINESE PLAYERS ARE DOING WELL ON THE BIGGER TOURS NOW u ,I SAID g3O ) THINK OUR GAME IS GOING TO GROW AND GROW g) THINK +UANG NEEDS TO GRAB THE CHANCE TO GET THE EXPERIENCE AS THE MORE YOU LEARN NOW THE QUICKER YOU WILL GROW u

+UANG S BIGGEST OBSTACLE IS NOT THE BURDEN OF EXPECTATION BUT HIS SCHOOLWORK g) DIDN T HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO PRACTISE THIS WEEK AS ) HAVE JUST FINISHED MY MID TERM EXAMS u SAID +UANG WHO IS NATURALLY LEFT HANDED BUT PLAYS RIGHT HANDED g3CHOOL IS STILL MY MAIN FOCUS u 4HE LANDSCAPE WAS VERY DIFFERENT IN WHEN 3WEDISH CAR GIANTS 6OLVO VENTURED BEHIND THE BAMBOO CURTAIN AND HELPED CREATE THE kRST #HINA /PEN JUST YEARS AFTER THE COUNTRY S kRST GOLF COURSE OPENED 4HE SAME YEAR ALSO SAW #HINA S kRST INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT Â&#x2021; THE 7ORLD #UP OF 'OLF AT

-ISSION (ILLS 3HENZHEN WON BY THE !MERICAN PAIR &RED #OUPLES AND $AVIS ,OVE ))) :HANG HAD JUST TURNED PRO AND HE MADE HISTORY IN *ANUARY WHEN HE BECAME THE kRST #HINESE GOLFER TO WIN A %UROPEAN 4OUR EVENT AT THE #ALTEX -ASTERS IN 3INGAPORE EDGING OUT THE GREAT 3OUTH !FRICAN %RNIE %LS (E THEN WON THE #HINA /PEN TITLE AND A YEAR LATER WAS THE kRST #HINESE TO PLAY AT THE 53 -ASTERS g) M VERY HAPPY TO HAVE TAKEN PART IN ALL 6OLVO #HINA /PENS u SAID :HANG g"UT THE HAPPIEST THING FOR ME IS TO SEE THE GOOD #HINESE PLAYERS COMING THROUGH u AFP

E2

Golf

The Sunday Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

Month between majors leaves little time to get ready

C

BY DOUG FERGUSON

HARLOTTE, N.C.: The Masters in his rearview mirror, Justin Rose is excited about what he calls the next stage of the golf year.

Except in this case, objects might be closer than they appear.

Because while the next major is IN TWO WEEKS THE kRST ONE ENDED only two weeks ago.

Still fresh for Rose is a Masters PLAN THAT WENT AWRY &OR A kVE MONTH STRETCH NO ONE PLAYED better than Rose. He won twice, WAS RUNNER UP TWICE AND HAD A PAIR OF THIRD PLACE kNISHES OVER tournaments that took him to No. IN THE WORLD (E TOOK A kVE WEEK BREAK TO RECHARGE FELT A LITTLE lAT IN HIS RETURN DURING THE &LORIDA SWING AND THEN MISSED THE CUT AT !UGUSTA .ATIONAL FOR THE kRST TIME 4HERE S NO TIME TO RElECT 4HE 0'! #HAMPIONSHIP MOV ING TO -AY FOR THE kRST TIME SINCE IS CAUSING 2OSE AND SEVERAL OTHER PLAYERS TO ADJUST THEIR PLANS 4HE NEW SCHEDULE FEATURES A MAJOR A MONTH WHICH DOESN T ALLOW players time to think, much less play. g)T IS DIFFERENT FOR SURE u 2OSE SAID 4UESDAY AT 1UAIL (OLLOW g4HERE WAS A BIG FOCUS ON !UGUSTA

AND THEN IN SOME WAYS YOU HAD UNTIL THE 5 3 /PEN SO YOU COULD forget about major championship GOLF FOR AT LEAST A FEW WEEKS u 4HE 7ELLS &ARGO #HAMPIONSHIP kGURED TO BE A BIG WINNER IN THE COMPACT SCHEDULE 4HE TOURNA

MENT TYPICALLY HAD ONE OF THE STRONGEST FIELDS OF -AY AND now that only four weeks separate the Masters from THE 0'! #HAMPIONSHIP

IT WOULD SEEM TO BE THE perfect place to get GEARED UP FOR THE next major.

That hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been the case.

Missing from the kELD THIS WEEK IS 4I GER 7OODS WHO RARELY MISSED 1UAIL (OLLOW WHEN HIS HEALTH WAS IN GOOD ORDER (E SAID LAST WEEK THAT WINNING THE -ASTERS FOR HIS kRST MAJOR TITLE IN YEARS TOOK A LOT OUT OF HIM AND HE SIMPLY WASN T READY TO get back to work just yet.

That means he will not compete BETWEEN MAJORS FOR THE SEVENTH time in his career. On two of those occasions, he won the next major Â&#x2021; THE 0'! #HAMPIONSHIP IN !UGUST AND THE 5 3 /PEN IN *UNE RIGHT BEFORE RECONSTRUCTIVE KNEE SURGERY (E MISSED THE CUT AT THE 5 3 /PEN IN WHEN HE TOOK OFF NINE WEEKS TO DEAL WITH THE DEATH OF HIS FATHER With only a month between ma JORS DOES A PLAYER RISK LOSING FORM IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME g4HIS SEEMS LIKE A LEADING QUES

Q Dustin Johnson lines up a putt on the sixth green during the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, S.C., Sunday, April 21, 2019. Johnson was the third round leader but shot a six over par 77 during the final round. AP PHOTO

TION u (ENRIK 3TENSON SAID WITH A grin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is there someone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go ING TO DO THIS IN PARTICULAR 3OME ONE WHO MAYBE WON AT !UGUSTA u Maybe.

But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not JUST 7OODS T h a t S C H E D U L E ALSO kTS *US tin Thomas, the No. 5 play ER IN THE WORLD WHO PULLED OUT OF 1UAIL (OLLOW as a precaution be cause of a wrist injury.

"RYSON $E#HAMBEAU IS not on the list to play next week in Dallas, meaning he also will go a month between majors.

Others are not too far re MOVED $USTIN *OHNSON THE .O PLAYER IN THE WORLD PLAYED AT (ILTON (EAD THE WEEK AFTER THE -ASTERS AND IS LIKELY TO HAVE THREE WEEKS OFF BEFORE THE 0'! #HAM PIONSHIP UNLESS HE DECIDES TO ADD Dallas at the last minute. Ditto for &RANCESCO -OLINARI AND 8ANDER Schauffele.

2OSE AND 2ORY -C)LROY ARE PLAY ING ONLY AT 1UAIL (OLLOW BETWEEN THE MAJORS AND 2ICKIE &OWLER AP PEARS TO HAVE THE SAME PLAN Brooks Koepka is keeping a RELATIVELY BUSY SCHEDULE (E PLAYED last week in New Orleans with HIS BROTHER AND +OEPKA HAS COM MITTED TO PLAYING NEXT WEEK IN THE !4 4 "YRON .ELSON MAINLY because he prefers to play the week before a major.

g)T S WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU u SAID 3TENSON WHO IS KEEPING THE BUSIEST SCHEDULE OF ALL "ECAUSE HE WAS RECOVERING FROM AN ARM INJURY LATE LAST YEAR AND DID NOT MAKE HIS kRST 0'! 4OUR START UNTIL -EXICO #ITY IN LATE &EBRUARY THE 3WEDE IS PLAYING SEVEN OUT OF EIGHT WEEKS g) LIKE THE SCHEDULE WITH US HAVING ONE BIG EVENT EVERY MONTH NOW u 3TENSON SAID g)T GIVES THE players a chance â&#x20AC;&#x201D; if majors are your focus â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to prepare more in the way you like, if you want to play the week before or you want TO PLAY THE WEEK AFTER WHATEVER is your preference. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something WE LL GET USED TO )T WILL BE A YEAR OR so before we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talk about how IT WAS BACK IN THE DAY u 2OSE ORIGINALLY LOOKED AT THE MAJORS IN DAY BLOCKS MEANING HE WOULD ARRIVE EARLY THE WEEK END BEFORE TO PREPARE TAKE OFF ON -ONDAY AND THEN EASE HIS WAY INTO THE WEEK 4HAT DIDN T WORK OUT FOR HIM AT !UGUSTA BECAUSE HE FELT HE HAD BEEN AT THE TOURNAMENT SITE too long.

3O IT S BACK TO THE OLD WAY OF THINKING AMID A NEW SCHEDULE He plans a trip to Bethpage in the MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK THEN WILL RE turn home to the Bahamas to relax AND HEAD BACK TO ,ONG )SLAND EARLY DURING 0'! WEEK â&#x20AC;&#x153;My preparation going into the 0'! HAS CHANGED BECAUSE OF THE RUN UP INTO !UGUSTA u 2OSE SAID g3O YOU RE ALWAYS ADAPTING AND ALWAYS LEARNING AND TRYING NOT TO MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES u 7HETHER THAT PLANS WORKS DE PENDS ON THE SCORE 4HAT MUCH ABOUT GOLF HASN T CHANGED AP

Woods uses leaderboard to interpret Augusta roars

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP GOLF WRITER CHARLOTTE, N.C.: Tiger Woods knew he was back in the game at the Masters when Francesco Molinari hit into the water on the 12th hole and made double bogey.

From there, Woods relied on his vast experience at Augusta National.

That meant using his sight to understand the sounds.

In an interview last week with GOLFTV, Woods said one key to the back nine at the Masters is knowing where the leaderboards are located. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I got down to 13, I got a chance to look at the board and see where everyone stood,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;OK, the next board I see is not until 15, because thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no board on 14.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; So I get a good understanding, see where they all are, look at what holes theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on in case I hear any roars who that might be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s significance to certain roars,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I want to know what players are in what position so after I played 14 and headed to 15, I have a pretty good understanding of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on.â&#x20AC;?

Woods and Molinari made birdie on the 13th to reach 12 under, tied with Xander Schauffele, who had birdied the 14th. He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hear a big roar ahead on the 15th for either Schauffele, who made par, or Brooks Koepka, who narrowly missed a 20-foot eagle putt that would have given him the lead.

Woods made birdie on the 15th to take the lead, and his 8-iron to 2 feet on the 16th gave him a two-shot lead. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I end up taking the lead at 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they posted the number there,â&#x20AC;?

Woods said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hit it close on 16, so as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m leaving 16 tee box, I take one last look at 15, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last time we see the board until 17 green. And so trying to get an understanding who is ahead of me, what their scenarios are, where they might make birdies. If I make birdie here and get to 14 (under), how many guys have a chance to get to 14-under par? ... Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just trying to figure all that out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And meanwhile thinking, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;OK, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just focus on my game.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; But also, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to know the scenarios. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like any other sport. You want to know time and distance, you want to know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on so you can play the appropriate shots.â&#x20AC;?

He played enough right shots to win a fifth green jacket.

BACK TO WASHINGTON The PGA Tour left Washington again last year when Quicken Loans did not renew its title sponsorship of the event run by the Tiger Woods Foundation.

The nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital will get another taste of the best in golf.

Wells Fargo announced a five-year extension of its title sponsorship through 2024, which includes a trip to the TPC Potomac at Avenel Farms in 2021 when its normal host course, Quail Hollow, prepares for the Presidents Cup that year.

When Quail Hollow hosted the 2017 PGA Championship, the Wells Fargo Championship moved to Eagle Point in Wilmington that year.

Kendall Alley, the regional president for Wells Fargo, said the tour recommended TPC Potomac and officials liked what they saw. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We listened to the players who told us they enjoy playing the golf course,â&#x20AC;?

Alley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historically been in the summer, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have it in the first part of May, which is the bloom season in D.C. So I think it will be a great time for us to be there.â&#x20AC;?

In some respects, the tournament is going back in time.

The Kemper Open was held at Quail Hollow from 1969 until it moved to Washington in 1980, held at Congressional. But after seven years at Congressional, it moved to the new TPC Avenel, which did not open to rave reviews. The field suffered until the course was redesigned and renamed in 2007.

Quail Hollow will host the Wells Fargo Championship next year and in 2022

through 2024. It also is expected to get another PGA Championship.

CHIPPING AWAY One week might be enough for Chip McDaniel to shorten his road to the PGA Tour.

McDaniel graduated from Kentucky last year and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get out of the second stage of Q-school, leaving him no status anywhere. He spent the next three months working on his game, tried a few minitour events and signed up for a qualifying tournament with hopes of playing the Mackenzie Tour in Canada this summer.

And then he made it through a Monday qualifier in Florida for the PGA Tour event in the Dominican Republic. And in the final, blustery round at Puntacana, McDaniel closed with a 63 to tie for fifth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That changed my schedule,â&#x20AC;? he said.

McDaniel got into the Texas Open, where he shot 69 in the second round to make the cut before failing to make the 54-hole cut.

FedEx Cup points are valuable, no matter how few, and McDaniel now is the equivalent of No. 192 in the FedEx Cup standings. He withdrew from Mackenzie Tour qualifying and hopes to earn enough points to finish equal to Nos. 126-200 to get into the Web.com Tour Finals.

The top 25 from that four-tournament series earn PGA Tour cards.

He gets another chance this week.

McDaniel was among four players who qualified Monday for the Wells Fargo Championship. If he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t finish among the top 10 at Quail Hollow, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s off to Dallas for another Monday qualifier at the AT&T Byron Nelson.

He also is hopeful for sponsor exemp-

GOLF NOTES tions to help him along the way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about making the most of whatever opportunities you get,â&#x20AC;? he said.

PETERSON PERSPECTIVE Former NCAA champion John Peterson has decided to come out of retirement, this after it took two tries to retire. He told a Louisiana radio show that he was inspired

by Tiger Woods winning the Masters, and he also cited Patrick Cantlay, who briefly had the lead on the back nine at Augusta National until bogeys on the 16th and 17th dropped him into a tie for ninth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m watching this kid Patrick Cantlay, who in 2011 finished second to me in the national championship when he was at UCLA, and he finished ninth in the Masters,â&#x20AC;? Peterson told ESPN Radio Baton

Q Tiger Woods AFP PHOTO

Rouge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I beat him, and I beat him a lot. And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Man, that could be me.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; And then Tiger wins, and his story was just too inspiring honestly. I quit my job seriously the next day after the Masters.â&#x20AC;?

Peterson apparently wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t inspired

by Patrick Reed winning the Masters the year before. Reed tied for third in the 2011 NCAA tournament. Reed was among 12 players who finished behind Peterson at the NCAAs and went on to win on the PGA Tour.

DIVOTS Even with the move to May, the PGA Championship will keep its traditional

pairing of the last three major champions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Tiger Woods, Brooks Koepka and Francesco Molinari. ...

This is the final week for players to finish among the top 70 in PGA Championship Points to qualify for the next major. PGA points are effective PGA Tour earnings starting from the 2018 Players Championship. Among those just outside the top 70 going into the Wells Fargo Championship are Sam Ryder (No. 72), followed by Bronson Burgoon and Sung Kang. The PGA Championship could go further down the list to fill the field if necessary. ... Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reason the Ladies European Tour event this week is called the Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic. The 56-player field will play at least nine holes of one of their opening two rounds under eco-friendly LED floodlights. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s believed to be the first day-night professional golf tournament. ... Augusta National Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amateur champion Jennifer Kupcho and runner-up Maria Fassi were among those who qualified for the U.S. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open.

STAT OF THE WEEK Since her rookie season on the LPGA Tour in 2015, Minjee Lee has had sub-70 scores in 43% of her rounds.

FINAL WORD â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were very excited about the May change before Tiger made his fireworks in Georgia.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America, on the PGA Championship moving to May in a year Tiger Woods won the Masters.

AP

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E4

Golf

FOR announcements on tournaments, rankings and other golf-related events, email the sports editor at pgs_mallari@manilatimes.net mes net

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

The Sunday Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Top pros, ams brace for Delimondo duel

Q Winner Michael Miguel (middle) hoists his trophy with Turkish Airlines general manager Erhan Balaban (right) and flying chef Ergin Ozkan during the 2019 Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, Philippine Qualifying event at the Tagaytay Midlands Goff Club in Tagaytay City on Friday.

PHOTO BY ROGER RAĂ&#x2018;ADA

Miguel dominates TAWGC qualifying event

BY JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA MICHAEL Miguel of Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club ruled the 7th Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup (TAWGC) Amateur Series Philippine qualifying event on Friday at the Tagaytay Midlands Golf Course in Talisay, Batangas.

Miguel, a Team Mizuno pro-am, kRED A THREE OVER PAR FOR points to emerge as the grand winNER IN THE ONE DAY QUALIkCATION TILT FOR THE WORLD S LARGEST CORPORATE golf tournament.

4HE WIN EARNED THE YEAR OLD golfer a spot in the Turkish Airlines

main tourney in Antalya, Turkey late this year. g) M VERY PROUD OF COURSE !ND ) M VERY EXCITED TO COMPETE AND looking forward to represent the Philippines in Turkey,â&#x20AC;? Miguel told The Manila Times.

-IGUEL WILL lY TO 4URKEY BUSINESS CLASS PLUS A kVE STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION COURTESY OF 4URKISH Airlines.

(E BESTED PARTICIPANTS AMONG THEM CLOSE CONTENDERS IN !LEX 9U POINTS !RIEL /NG POINTS AND %NRICO !NGELES POINTS g!CTUALLY ) WASN T ABLE TO PREPARE BECAUSE ) WENT TO %UROPE FOR A VACATION "UT ) THINK MY GAME IS

BETTER WITHOUT PRACTICE HONESTLY u SAID -IGUEL A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR WHO ALSO PRACTICES GRAPHIC design.

(E ADDED THAT HE LACKS THE TIME to prepare for the main tournament. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be going to Korea a week before so when I land here, there WILL JUST BE TWO DAYS BEFORE ) lY TO Turkey. So, maybe Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have no time TO PRACTICE u It was Miguelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first time to JOIN THE QUALIkER WHICH WAS ON ITS FOURTH EDITION IN THE COUNTRY sponsored by the national flag CARRIER OF 4URKEY Miguel has under his belt four INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THE

Fil-Am Invitational Tournament annually held in Baguio City.

Should he win in Turkey, Miguel WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO PLAY WITH world-renowned golfers in the 4URKISH /PEN Meanwhile, Turkish Airlinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GENERAL MANAGER IN THE COUNTRY %RHAN "ALABAN SAID THE PARTICIPANTS CAN LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER EDITION OF THE QUALIFYING COMPETITION next year.

The Turkish Airlines World Golf #UP IS AN ANNUAL CORPORATE AMAteur golf tournament that began in ,AST YEAR THE GLOBAL TOURNEY BROKE RECORDS BY HOLDING QUALifying events around the world.

Pascua, Gan shine in CCIP Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golf Cup !.4/.)/ 0ASCUA AND /LIVER 'AN shared the top honors in the CCIP 0RESIDENT S 'OLF #UP ON !PRIL AT THE ,EGENDS #OURSE OF the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Carmona, Cavite.

0ASCUA EMERGED AS THE LOW GROSS CHAMPION AFTER SCORING A WHILE 'AN CLINCHED THE LOW NET PLUM WITH A NET *OEY 3AN *UAN CLAIMED THE #LASS ! CROWN BY BEATING $ANNY 'UTIERrez with the most number of pars AFTER BOTH PLAYERS SCORED IDENTICAL S *AMES 9U kNISHED THIRD WITH a net 70. )N #LASS " 2OLLY $ETABALI CARDED A NET TO WIN VIA COUNTBACK AGAINST 'ERRY 0UNZALAN AND "ENNIE $E ,EON Norman Damilig sizzled with A TO WIN THE #LASS # PLUM ONE stroke ahead of Gil Dela PeĂąa AND *UAN -IGUEL 3UAREZ BY TWO ,ADIES CHAMPION 'RACE -ON-

Q Winners of the CCIP Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golf Cup 2019 pose with CCIP officers Elaine Ladera (VP for public information), Diego Buenaflor (VP for special project), Trina Aquino (VP for sports and recreation), Emil Virtudes (CCIP president), and Edwina Villarosa (VP for membership). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO TILLA PUNCHED AN EAGLE AIDED TO OVERPOWER *HEN #ALIBUSO AND 6ICKY (ERRERA 4HE CHARITY TOURNAMENT WAS OR-

GANIZED BY #HAMBER OF #OSMETICS 0ROCEEDS OF THE TOURNAMENT WILL )NDUSTRY OF THE 0HILIPPINES )NC BENEkT THE ##)0 S LIVELIHOOD AND ##)0 IN CELEBRATION OF ITS TH OUTREACH PROGRAMS anniversary.

JEAN RUSSEL V. DAVID

Plana wins Manila 2nd Cobra-Puma Scramble Golf Southwoods Tournament opens June 19 membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; monthly tilt JUN 0LANA GARNERED 3TABLEFORD POINTS TO EMERGE AS MEN S CHAMPION DURING THE -ANILA 3OUTHWOODS MEMBERS MONTHLY TOURNAMENT ON !PRIL IN #ARmona, Cavite.

2AUL -AGPANTAY kNISHED SECOND WITH +EVIN #UA HAD A TO DISPOSE -AICO !NGELES VIA COUNTBACK IN MEN S )) -EN S ))) CHAMPION $ENNIS #HAN WON VIA COUNTBACK IN THE BACK NINE AGAINST 2ENAULT 4AN AFTER BOTH SCORED *OJO 'UINTU kNISHED WITH A TO BEAT 3TEVEN 7ANG by one stroke in menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IV. Meanwhile, Julius Santos topped the seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; diviSION WITH A AGAINST -ENTZ $EGUITO S /THER CHAMPIONS IN THE SENIORS DIVISION WERE -ARIO .AVAL $IDI 'ONZALES AND /SCAR &IEL In the super seniors, Polo Pantaleon defeated Jun &ONTANILLA BY TWO POINTS

,ADIES DIVISION CHAMPIONS WERE 3EON 9EOB "AE LADIES ) Â&#x2021; 3ANDY $ONG LADIES )) Â&#x2021; AND ,EE (YEON 3UK LADIES ))) Â&#x2021; 3HIN 3UZUKI TOPPED THE JUNIOR BOYS CATEGORY WITH A BEATING 6INCE 4IAMSIC S 4IAMSIC ON THE OTHER HAND SUBDUED !LEXA 4AN

IN THE JUNIOR GIRLS CATEGORY

THE ND #OBRA 0UMA 3CRAMBLE 'OLF 4OURNAMENT WILL TEE OFF ON *UNE AT THE "EVERLY 0LACE 'OLF AND #OUNTRY #LUB IN -EXICO 0AMPANGA The tournament will only allow to COMPETE THE FIRST TEAMS TO REGISTER %NTRY FEE IS 0 PER TWO MAN team.

4EAM COMPOSITION WILL BE A TWO MAN PLAY WHICH CAN EITHER BE MALE male, female-female or male-female.

4HE MINIMUM COMBINED HANDICAP

IS AND THE MAXIMUM IS BASED ON THE *UNE UNIFIED NATIONAL HANDICAPPING SYSTEM 2EGISTERED PLAYERS CAN ENJOY A SPECIAL RATE OF 0 PER PRACTICE ROUND for one month.

An all-expense paid trip to JoHOR "ARU -ALAYSIA AND A CHANCE TO COMPETE IN THE #OBRA 0UMA 2EGIONAL 'OLF 4OURNAMENT AWAITS the low gross and low net team CHAMPIONS

1st Melencio Policarpio Sr. Memorial Cup opens May 24 THE ST -ELENCIO 0OLICARPIO 3R -EMORIAL #UP WILL TEE OFF ON -AY AT THE !PO 'OLF and Country Club in Davao City.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Tournamentâ&#x20AC;? will follow a bestball format in the front nine and A ONE BALL TWOSOME PLAY AT THE BACK NINE /N COURSE REGISTRATION BEGINS AT A M FOLLOWED BY THE TEE OFF FROM A M TO A M %NTRY FEE PER TEAM COMPOSED OF AN

AMATEUR AND CADDY IS PEGGED AT 0

4HE TOURNAMENT IS LIMITED TO SLOTS AND REGISTRATION WILL BE ON A kRST COME

kRST SERVE BASIS #HAMPION WILL RECEIVE A TROPHY PLUS 0 CASH WHILE THE kRST RUNNER UP AND SECOND RUNNER UP WILL GET A TROPHIES AND 0 AND 0 CASH RESPECTIVELY &OR INQUIRY CONTACT 2ANDY 0OLICARPIO AT

THE men of the Philippine Golf The National Pro-Am serves Tour test their mettle in team play, AS THE SECOND LEG OF THE 0'4 S hoping to draw the best from their MILESTONE TH SEASON AFTER 4HE amateur partners in the Delimon- Country Club Invitational two DO .ATIONAL 0RO !M kRING OFF -AY WEEKS AGO WITH ACTION HEATING 9 at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas.

Jobim Carlos, hobbled by injury the last six weeks, wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be around to defend the title he won with DJ Padilla last year to take a MUCH NEEDED REST BUT teams are all geared up for three days of battle in alternate shot format at the CHALLENGING WIND RAKED

hazard-laden layout.

Tonton Asistio and Jude Eustaquio, for one, are GOING ALL OUT TO RECLAIM THE CROWN THEY SNARED IN Q Tonlits Asistio (left) will be banking on old VIA SUDDEN DEATH pal Jude Eustaquio as they seek for a second over Jelbert Gamolo and pro-am crown in three years. *OLO -AGCALAYO BUT THE REST HAVE up next month with the four-leg also toughened up in time for the Visayas swing of the nationwide event sponsored by Delimondo, CIRCUIT PUT UP BY )#43) THE PREMIER CORNED BEEF AND OR+ICKING OFF THE BUSY STRETCH OF ganized by Pilipinas Golf 4OURNAMENTS )NC IN RECognition of the amateursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; role in boosting Phl golf and at the same time to provide them the exposure they need as they hone up for the pros. ! TOTAL OF 0 MILLION will be up for grabs in the HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH ONLY THE TOP TEAMS AFTER HOLES OF stroke play disputing the TOP PURSE OF 0

&OR DETAILS CALL *OCELYN $UQUE AT OR AT JOCELYNDUQUE pgt.ph.

The field features a mix of long-time partners and new team-ups with last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth Q Richard Abaring (left) hopes to complete PLACERS 2ICHARD !BARING an unfinished business with Juan Alba in the renewing his ties with National pro-am.

Juan Alba, so do Jer- CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS son Balasabas and Ernesto Lim, THE CIRCUIT IS THE )#43) #LUB &ILIZanieboy Gialon and Ian Daga- pino de Cebu Invitational on June TAN 2ICHARD 3INFUEGO AND ,ORNA TO BE FOLLOWED BY THE "ACOLOD 4ABUENA %LMER 3ALVADOR AND /LI- 'OLF #HALLENGE ON *UNE AND ver Gan, Ferdie Aunzo and George THE .EGROS /CCIDENTAL #LASSIC ON Punasen, and Artemio Murakami *UNE BEFORE WINDING UP IN and Takuya Kawamura. )LOILO ON *UNE "UT SOME TOP PROS ARE COMING !FTER THE 2IVIERA #LASSIC ON !UG into the event hopeful of a strong THE TOUR GOES SOUTH FOR ANkNISH WITH NEW AMATEUR PARTNERS other four-stage Mindanao swing INCLUDING *HONNEL !BABA WITH STARTING WITH THE 0UEBLO DE /RO "OBBY )Ă&#x201E;IGO 4ONY ,ASCUĂ&#x201E;A WITH #HAMPIONSHIP ON 3EPT 4HE -OULAY 2HOUNIMI *AY "AYRON Del Monte Championship will be with Mon Salazar, Marvin Duman- HELD NEXT ON 3EPT BEFORE THE dan with Dan Cruz, Jet Mathay 2ANCHO 0ALOS 6ERDES AND !PO HOST WITH 2YAN -ONSALVE *OENARD THE NEXT TWO STOPS ON 3EPT 2ATES WITH )AN -ACEDA AND $UTCH AND /CT RESPECTIVELY 4HE Guido Van der Valk with Kim Wan CIRCUIT ENDS UP WITH THE TRADITIONAL Soo. ,UISITA )NVITATIONAL ON .OV

NGAP to hold SEA Games qualifying tilt THE .ATIONAL 'OLF !SSOCIATION OF the Philippines (NGAP) will hold a two-stage qualifying tournament FOR THE UPCOMING 3OUTHEAST !SIAN 3%! 'AMES THAT THE COUNtry will be hosting in November.

The event, open to all amateur Filipino golfer will be played at THE (ACIENDA ,UISITA 'OLF AND #OUNTRY #LUB ON *UNE TO AND *UNE TO 0ARTICIPANTS MUST BE IN A GOOD standing with the NGAP and must satisfy all the requirements imposed by the governing body.

0LAYERS MUST HAVE A VALID HANDICAP INDEX OF OR LOWER ISSUED BY A BONAkDE GOLF BODY AS OF -AY

4HE QUALIkER WILL BE COMPOSED OF TWO STAGES OF HOLES EACH using stroke play.

3TAGE ONE WILL ACCEPT THE kRST PLAYERS TO REGISTER WHEREIN THE TOP PLAYERS AND TIES WITHIN STROKES OF THE LEADING SCORE WILL ADVANCE TO THE SECOND STAGE The stage two of the qualifier will determine the top three PLAYERS WHICH WILL FORM THE SEA Games team as set by the COMMITTEE Entry fee for the qualifying TOURNAMENT IS PEGGED AT 0

&OR INQUIRIES CONTACT .'!0 AT

Sta. Lucia Global Invitational rolls off May 10 THE ND 3TA ,UCIA 'LOBAL )NVITATIONal Golf tournament will tee off on -AY AT THE 3UMMIT 0OINT 'OLF AND Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas.

List up is ongoing with tournaMENT FEE OF 0

INCLUSIVE OF GREEN FEE TWIN CART SHARING LUNCH

RAFlE ENTRY AND GIFT CERTIkCATES /N COURSE REGISTRATION STARTS AT A M FOLLOWED BY SHOTGUN TEE OFF AT A M 4HE COMPETITION WILL FOLLOW A

3YSTEM MODE OF PLAY The tournament is presented by 3TA ,UCIA ,AND )NCORPORATED AND 3TA ,UCIA 'LOBAL -ARKETING )NC 4OURNAMENT PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE 3TA ,UCIA &OUNDATION )NC AND THE *ESUS ,OVES THE ,ITTLE Children Foundation. &OR DETAILS CONTACT

OR

The Sunday Times

Inspiration.

Celebrity.

Style.

May 5, 2019 Volume 118 | No. 90

JESSE JEWEL MANUEL James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital Chief

A dutiful son and devoted doctor of Olongapo •

LITERARY LIFE

FILIPINO CHAMPIONS

ARTS AWAKE

Women dominate Umpil awards ardss F2

Fond farewells to Times’ Ate Zen

Museo de Intramuros opens period collections to public lic F8

F3

Literary Life SUNDAY May 5, 2019

F2

Women writers rule Umpil awards Q (Front row, from left) Awardees Gina Marissa Tagasa, Bathaladâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richellet Chan, Lilia T. Tio, Grace D. Chong, Alice M. Sun-Cua, Ester T. Tapia and Dinah T. Roma pose for photos with (back row, from left) Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas officers Aldrin Pentero, Fidel Rillo, Michael M. Coroza, John Iremil E. Teodoro, Louie Jon A. Sanchez and John Enrico C. Torralba. PHOTOS BY ALVIN I. DACANAY

BY ALVIN I. DACANAY

A

N esteemed Filipino writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; group formally honored this year seven creative writers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; of which six are women, including a television scriptwriterâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; as well as a professor and literary organization from Cebu province, for their contributions to Philippine literature.

In a ceremony at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on April 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; more THAN A MONTH AFTER THEIR NAMES WERE kRST announced on Facebook â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union in the Philippines or Umpil) bestowed the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas (National Disciple of Balagtas Award) on poets Godehardo B. Calleja, Dinah T. Roma and Ester T. Tapia; childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book author Grace D. Chong; kCTIONIST AND ESSAYIST ,UNA 3ICAT #LETO POET AND ESSAYIST !LICE - 3UN #UA and TV scribe Gina Marissa Tagasa for lifetime achievement.

It also conferred the Gawad Paz Marquez Benitez (Paz Marquez Benitez Award) for outstanding teacher of literature on University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu professor and Palanca AWARD WINNER ,ILIA 4 Tio, and the Gawad Pedro Bucaneg (Pedro Bucaneg Award) for outstanding literary organization on Bathalan-ong Halad sa

Q Luna Sicat-Cleto.

Dagang Inc. (Bathalad).

4HE kRST AWARD WAS NAMED AFTER CELebrated Filipino poet laureate and FloRANTE AT ,AURA &LORANTE AND ,AURA AUTHOR Francisco Balagtas; the second, after the fictionist and educator who penned g$EAD 3TARS u WIDELY REGARDED AS THE kRST modern Filipino short story in English; and the third, after the Ilokano poet who REPUTEDLY WROTE THE kRST VERSION OF THE epic "IAG NI ,AM ANG ,IFE OF ,AM ANG /N #ALLEJA 5MPIL SAID THE YEAR old Albay nativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poems in Bikolnon â&#x20AC;&#x153;offer lightness and insight, illumined by meditation borne of his own adventures that may wander here and there, but will certainly return to his poetic Rawis.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;In his poetry, the native sensibility is beautifully shaped, as well as resolute in its devotion to being a Bikolnon and a vagabond,â&#x20AC;? it added.

The literary organization PRAISED THE WAY ,A 5NION BORN Chong, in writing stories for children, â&#x20AC;&#x153;deploys narrative AS AN EFkCACIOUS MANNER OF awakening and illumination.â&#x20AC;?

In her stories, it noted, she sowed â&#x20AC;&#x153;the seed of values enriched by [a] Christian perspectiveâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;in its growth, in every flip of her books, hope is reaped, time and again, this fruit of faith, not only in the word, but also in the Word beCAME lESH u â&#x20AC;&#x153; To U m p i l , you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine how honored I am for this recognition,â&#x20AC;? said the 73-year-old author of The Boy Who Had &IVE ,OLAS The Magic of Apo Mayor and No ,IPSTICK FOR -OTHER

who recounted how awestruck she was by the â&#x20AC;&#x153;beautifully writtenâ&#x20AC;? Filipino words in &LORANTE AT ,AURA when she came upon it in high school, where the

THE Literary Life page of The Sunday Times Magazine is now accepting contributions of new, original and unpublished short fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry, preferably in English, from emerging and established writers. Works must be encoded in Microsoft Word using the typefaces Arial, Times New Roman, or Palatino Linotype, font size 12 and letter-sized paper (8.5 x 11 inches),

medium of instruction then was English; and how she tried â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and failed â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to write stories in Filipino when she concentrated on writing full-time years later. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please be assured that this true-blue Ilokana who writes only in English will treasure this Gawad Balagtas forever and ever,â&#x20AC;? she added.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Brilliant voiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 4HE WRITERS GROUP CALLED 7ESTERN 3AMAR born Roma â&#x20AC;&#x153;a brilliant voice,â&#x20AC;? and honored her for â&#x20AC;&#x153;her poetry woven by myriad sojourns to the self and to the world, made more vibrant by an almost entire life of being a vagabond and pilgrim in various lands and shrines of the poetic.â&#x20AC;?

In accepting her prize, the 51-year-old author of A Feast of Origins and GeogRAPHIES OF ,IGHT recalled the days she spent alone writing in the pink room of her childhood home, preparing her for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;lifelong vocation of writing of poetry,â&#x20AC;? which has, over the decades, become â&#x20AC;&#x153;like prayingâ&#x20AC;? for her, allowing her to enter â&#x20AC;&#x153;a zone of mindfulness.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Poetry, many say, is the genre of the moment, as writing or reading it allows us to slow down, savor what is said of human experiences that pass by so quickly.

It freezes us to relive with fresh insight what we have often been quick to forget in our pursuit of debilitating productivity.

It makes us more engaged witnesses to life,â&#x20AC;? Roma said.

5MPIL HAILED THE YEAR OLD 3ICAT #LETO S kCTION IN &ILIPINO AS EMBODYING gA distinct female voice, one that embodies COURAGE AND DARING EMERGING IN THE kELD of stories and truth-telling, unburdened by marginality nor woundedness, with no other desire but to capture in words the Filipino struggle and values.â&#x20AC;?

In her speech, the Makinilyang Altar (Typewriter Altar) and Mga Prodigal (The Prodigals) novelist used the image of the gPRACTICE HOUSEu OF THE 3CHOOL OF (OME Economics in UP Diliman â&#x20AC;&#x201D; where students learn about housework, including taking care of dolls that they pretend are real babies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in saying that in many aspects, â&#x20AC;&#x153;ang panulat ay parang gaya ng practice house na iyon. Malingat ka lang ay makakabagsak ka talaga na batang buhay na nasobrahan sa sabon (writing is like that practice house. One careless move and you could really drop a live baby bathed with too much soap).â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;May bahagi sa kCTION WRITING na alam mo, bilang manunulat, na tumatawid ka lang talaga sa alambre ng totoo at gawagawa lang, at kailangang dahan-dahanin ang pagtapak at baka bumulusok sa ere 4HERE IS A PART IN kCTION WRITING THAT YOU know, as a writer, that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re crossing on a wire between whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real and makebelieve, and you must tread carefully or else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll plunge in the air).â&#x20AC;?

The organization recognized 64-year-

OLD 3UN #UA gFOR WEAVING EXQUISITE TRAVEL narratives that invite readers to inhabit in their imagination the places visited by her body and soul.â&#x20AC;?

It also praised â&#x20AC;&#x153;her writings that celebrate her Filipino, Chinese and Ilonggo heritage, wherever life would bring her; [and her giving] giving a beautiful voice to a humanist cosmopolitan sentiment that could only come from a pilgrim with an open mind and heart.â&#x20AC;? g3TRUGGLING BOTH WRITING AND BEING A practicing obstetrician-gynecologist have ITS PARTICULAR CHALLENGES u 3UN #UA SAID in her speech. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both activities are exciting and exhilarating, although many times it can become very physically demanding as one matures and ages.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The arts certainly give the science a human face, making one realize time and again that patients are not only gravidocardiacs, who are pretty clumpy, or women in severe hypotension because of acute blood loss after a delivery, but also human beings with their own pecularities, their own hopes and dreams. Human beings to be loved,â&#x20AC;? the travel essayist behind Riding 4OWARDS THE 3UNRISE and Autumn in Madrid and Other Travel Tales added.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tireless desireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The union paid tribute to Tagasa â&#x20AC;&#x153;for her many decades of rendering various dramas that not only offer morals, but more so, mirror the many colors and complexities of Filipino life, and of ferrying these in the predominant media of radio, televiSION AND kLM u It said her scripts â&#x20AC;&#x153;manifest the tireless desire of the Filipino to transcend his every struggle through time,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;her eye and care for character, restraint in dramatic encounters and narrative tightening have become hallmarks and models for many who follow her footsteps.â&#x20AC;?

The ,OVINGLY 9OURS (ELEN scripwriter regarded the recognition from Umpil as among the highest she has received in her more-than-three-decade career as a TV writer. This, she said, was not only given by her colleagues in the industry, but also by her fellow writers in literature and the academe.

Receiving the award, she added, made it clear to her â&#x20AC;&#x153;na ang sining at panitikan ay hindi lamang dapat para sa iilan, kundi sa pangkahalatang masa din. Na ang mga antolohiya at soap operas at seryeng ito ay patuloy pa ring inaakap ng pangkaraniwang manonood na Pilipino [at] nagsasalarawan din po ng kanilang sakit ng buhay, ligaya, lahat po (that the arts and literature are not only for a few, but also for the masses. That TV anthologies, soap operas and series continue to be embraced by ordinary Filipino viewers, and depict their pains in life, joy, everything),â&#x20AC;? she added.

As for Cebu province-born Tapia, Umpil described her as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;powerful and lyrical

and saved in either .doc or .rtf format. Each short story and creative nonfiction piece should be between ten (10) and twenty (20) pages (double-spaced), while each poem should be limited to only one (1) page (single-spaced).

Works littered with glaring grammatical and typographical errors will not be considered. Send your works to the literary editor, Alvin I. Dacanay, at literarylife[at]

voiceâ&#x20AC;? whose poems in Cebuano â&#x20AC;&#x153;bloom surreal beauty that challenges the readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IMAGINATION TO ASSERT FREEDOM TO DEkNE what is woman, what is human and what is just to create and recreate the self.â&#x20AC;?

The 61-year-old co-author of 3INUG ANG and Duhawit, an urban development adviser currently based in Nepal, expressed happiness over the honor accorded to her, noting that she is only the third Cebuano POET TO RECEIVE IT AFTER -ELCHOR 5 9BURAN and Marjorie Evasco, whom she acknowledged in the audience.

The group applauded Tioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;intelligence, fortitude and devotion to championing the cause of the teaching of Cebuano and Philippine literature to many generations of students in Cebu, and her peerless writing of scholarly articles on literature and Cebuano culture.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This, for me, is a validation for my decision to become a literature teacher, because when my father was still alive, he would have wanted me to go into business. But I pleaded with him until he said yes,â&#x20AC;? the 63-year-old Tio said.

And the organization praised Cebubased Bathaladâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tirelessness â&#x20AC;&#x153;in launching the careers of young writers in the #EBUANO LANGUAGEu FOR kVE DECADES AND called the contribution of this â&#x20AC;&#x153;guardian and nurturer of dreams and aspirationsâ&#x20AC;? in â&#x20AC;&#x153;sharing and enrichingâ&#x20AC;? Cebuano literature today â&#x20AC;&#x153;is beyond compare.â&#x20AC;?

Richellet Chan, Bathalad secretary for BUDGET AND kNANCE ACCEPTED THE "UCANEG award on her groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behalf, admitting that it was enough for them to be able to write their stories and poems and die content with that knowledge.

But receiving this honor, she said, is â&#x20AC;&#x153;something that a writer or writers are happy about, kasi binabasa tayo (because it means we are being read).â&#x20AC;?

Umpil held the awarding ceremony as part of its 45th national writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; congress, which has â&#x20AC;&#x153; Panitikan, Galing at Ginhawa u ,ITERATURE (EALING and Wellness) as its theme. During the congress, award-winning writers Noel 0INGOY *OHN ,ABELLA AND 6ICTOR %Mmanuel Carmelo Nadera Jr. discussed â&#x20AC;&#x153; Panitikan at Galing â&#x20AC;? in one forum; AND 3YLVIA #LAUDIO 3OOEY 6ALENCIA AND Michael Carlo Villas tackled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Panitikan at Ginhawaâ&#x20AC;? in another.

3INCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN THE Balagtas prize has been awarded to more than 200 writers. These include National !RTISTS FOR ,ITERATURE &RANCISCO !RCELLANA

%DITH , 4IEMPO AND 2AMON , -UZONES

.6- 'ONZALEZ !MELIA ,APEĂ&#x201E;A "ONIFACIO AND 2OLANDO 3 4INIO

AND #IRILO & "AUTISTA AND 2ESIL " -OJARES 4HE LATE 0RESIDENT $IOSDADO 0 -ACAPAGAL HISTORIAN 2ENATO #ONSTANTINO SCREENWRITER 2ICARDO g2ICKYu ,EE AND kLMMAKER -ARIO / (ARA ALSO received this award.

manilatimes[dot]net. Kindly put the genre and title of the work in the emailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subject line (example: Short Story: Dead Stars). Authors whose creative works are published in the magazine agree to have these included in literary anthologies that The Manila Times may conceive and publish in the future. Full copyright ownership of the works shall remain with their respective authors.

Filipino Champions The Sunday Times

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

F3

Zenaida Erispe is her name

BY ROMY MARIĂ&#x2018;AS

I

T was not until she retired in April this year that I came to know her surname. Zeny and I have been COLLEAGUES IN A NEWSPAPER OFkCE FOR YEARS SINCE BUT WE SELDOM SOCIALIZED EXCEPT DURING #HRISTMAS parties or anniversary celebrations of The Manila Times.

Maybe the reason was that she was with Layout and I was with Editorial as copy editor, which deployment leaves little time for lengthy conversation or even small talk. , DP ROGHU WKDQ =HQ\ E\ Ă&#x20AC;YH \HDUV (sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 65, and the mandatory retirement age for Filipinos like the two of us working in the private sector is 60).

Silent and efficient on the job, she told me that she did not retire when she was supposed to because she still was enjoying the work, and not the least the company of young people (reporters, correspondents, researchers) in the newsroom.

And never mind that she lived in the province of Cavite, south of Manila, meaning it was a daily commute of four KRXUV WZR ZD\ IRU KHU WR RXU RIĂ&#x20AC;FH LQ Manilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic Intramuros district.

Zeny also told me that when she did finally decide to leave her job for good last March, it did not take her long to do so, partly because she had longed for spending more time with her two grandchildren.

At The Manila Times, she was motherly, especially to the editorial assistants and other layout people less than half her age.

Occasionally, she would bring to the office suman and other delicious rice cakes from Cavite for all of us in Editorial.

On her last day at work one day last April, Zeny surprised female editors Tessa, Lynette, Leena, Remia and Lea DQG UHSRUWHU ,]D E\ JLYLQJ HDFK RI WKHP SDSHU Ă RZHUV YDVHV LQFOXGHG LQ PRVWO\ yellow, red, pink and white.

I was not to be left out.

Zeny gave me a beach towel, also in yellow, and I think I was the more surprised receiver of a Christmas gift in April. The cloth did not come wrapped in a box or placed inside a paper bag. Zeny handed it to me, and, well, you can say I stammered as I got it from her.

Thank you very much, Zenaida â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zenyâ&#x20AC;? Erispe and I know youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take good care of your grandkids.

Just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to take your main- Ate Zen, as sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fondly called in the office, has decades of work in the publishing industry, the last 11 years spent at The tenance medicines and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be alright. Manila Times as layout artist for the Sports Section and The Sunday Times Magazine.

The retiring staff (fourth from left) on her last day with the Lifestyle and Entertainment section and The Sunday Times Magazine team and co-layout artists: (from left) Nika Roque, Iza Iglesias, Editor Tessa Mauricio-Arriola, Adrian Agustin, Christina Alpad, Arlo Custodio and Arturo Concepcion.

D

With the Layout team composed of Joanna Umadhay (carrying daughter Janella), Marjorie Dizon, (standing, back) Guian Karlo Avante, Concepcion, Horacio Makabenta and head layout artist Peter Baga.

Kyra Luthi raises awareness on abuse via #BreakingSilence

OMESTIC violence is a taboo issue that most Filipinos do not discuss in the open. Although we have grown leaps and bounds from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s where women were not encouraged to work and have a life apart from their husbands, there is still a stigma connected with talking about what happens behind closed doors.

In a culture like ours, women, though revered, are also taught to conduct themselves in a specif ic way as to not gain unwarranted attention. When husbands cheat or mistreat their wives, the women are often told, â&#x20AC;&#x153; baka naman kasi hindi ka mabuting asawa .â&#x20AC;? Instead of asking the perpetrators to take accountability, the blame is placed on womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing and actions.

This is the culture that Kyra Luthi aims to break through the #BreakingSilence Movement. Kyra, who graduated with a degree from San Beda College Alabang, has had experience as an artist and a producer in the entertainment industry before becoming an educator of public speaking, personality development, stage performance, and leadership skills.

Herself a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse, Kyra started sharing her story three years ago when VKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW UHDOL]HG WKDW VKH ZDV QRW WKH only one with said experiences. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I first started to speak up DERXW P\ VWRU\ , UHDOL]HG WKHUH ZHUH many more stories out there. This was when I decided to become an advocate and a counselor for victims.

This drove me to meet various people including my partner who is a professional therapist and counselor in Los Angeles. Together, we established a movement here in the Philippines.

It is a very challenging advocacy

THE THOUGHT JUNKIE CARLA BIANCA RAVANES-HIGHAM

tive.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; These statements often give the SHUSHWUDWRUV WKH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W RI WKH GRXEW instead of fully supporting the victim and often the reason why victims often remain silent leading to issues to not be completely addressed,â&#x20AC;? Kyra noted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Staying silent have lasting effects on the victim because being YLFWLPL]HG KDV ORQJ WHUP SV\FKRlogical effects such as self-harm, sel f-blame, depre s sion , a n x iet y and post traumatic stress disorder.

These are issues that need to be addressed and it begins with being brave enough to say something.â&#x20AC;?

Kyra started #BreakingSilence in the

because it is still considered a taboo issue but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another reason we want to push for it,â&#x20AC;? she related.

The #BreakingSilence Movement ai ms to â&#x20AC;&#x153;redef i ne and rei mpose people of the gravity of the act.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to be reminded that it is an illegal, immoral, and criminal act. It has to be taken seriously because it can happ e n a ny wh e r e â&#x20AC;&#x201D; school, work, pu bl i c pl ac e s , transportation, a nd of cou r se, homes,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Ky r a u nde r stands that while the rest of world have been more open in hearing DQG V\PSDWKL]ing with victims, the country is not quite ready for it due to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;baka namanâ&#x20AC;? culture. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a culture wherei n some body opens up a bout bei n g a victim and people tend to say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;maybe it wa s your fault why it happened,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;maybe you we were wea r i n g some - Kyra Luthi aims to break the innate Filipino â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;baka namanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; thing provoca- culture through the movement.

hopes of encouraging others to understand the importance of opening up about sexual abuse and harassment of any kind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Perpetrators need to face the consequences of their actions no matter how small it is. It could be catcalling, indecent proposals at work (promotion in exchange of sexual favors), seductive touching and texting, these things may seem harmless at first but disturbing and harmful if it continues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is very important to talk about domestic violence and sexual abuse openly just as we are able to talk about murder, theft, and other criminal acts. Let us open our eyes and finally admit that it exists and that it is critical for it to be discussed and addressed. People need to hear and see that there are people supporting them. This way, we are able to dissuade perpetrators from committing the act, and empower the survivors to speak up,â&#x20AC;? she stressed.

#BreakingSilence, which is composed of a network of survivors, psychologists, counselors, therapists, legal, and political firms from all over the world aims to raise awareness through events and projects that also serve as a helpline for victims. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For anyone who is a victim, we are here to encourage you to speak up about it. I know it can be difficult at first but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s normal. There are people who can help you, support you so please do not be afraid.

You are not alone in this. You are a strong and brave individual capable of doing great things. We will help you through this, in whatever way we can. Together, we can win this fight,â&#x20AC;? Kyra concluded.

To know more about #BreakingSilence you may follow them on Facebook and Instagram @breakingsilencemvmt and @breakingsilence_mvmt.

www.carlabiancaravanes.com

Composed of a network of survivors, psychologists, counselors, therapists, legal, and political firms from all over the world, the advocacy aims to raise awareness through events and projects that also serve as a helpline for victims.

Cover Story The Sunday Times

F4

SUNDAY MAY 5, 2019 COVER AND INSIDE PHOTOS

BY J.GERARD SEGUIA

Jesse Jewel Manuel

James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital Chief

A dutiful son and devoted doctor of Olongapo

Q Dr. Jesse Manuel as Chief of Hospital is a leader by example and guided daily

by James L. Gordon Memorial Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slogan of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;service, compassion and excellence.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

BY IZA IGLESIAS

L

AWS and advances have been made toward the improvement of healthcare in the Philippines but many issues that need to be addressed still remain in order to genuinely achieve a high quality AND COST EFkCIENT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM ESPECIALLY FOR government-owned hospitals.

Topping the list of problems that plague public hospitals are the shortage of doctors, specialists and nurses; insufĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW PHGLFDO HTXLSPHQW DQG VXSSOLHV and the lack of hospital beds amid the KLJK LQĂ X[ RI SDWLHQWV DPRQJ RWKHUV which all point to the lack of funds to raise salaries, purchase necessities and H[SDQG IDFLOLWLHV Thankfully, despite this vicious cycle of problems in public healthcare, there likewise remains a noble number of medical professionals who truly live out their Hippocratic Oath to treat the sick, especially the underprivileged, and do their best to make them well DPLG D ZDQWLQJ HQYLURQPHQW The Sunday Times Magazine had the privilege of meeting and witnessing one such physician at work all the way in Olongapo City at the local governPHQW¡V -DPHV / *RUGRQ 0HPRULDO +RVSLWDO )RU WKHUH 'U -HVVH -HZHO

The Sunday Times

magazine TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA Editor ALVIN I. DACANAY Literary Editor CHRISTINA ALPAD IZA IGLESIAS Staff Writers ARLO CUSTODIO Deskman *** PETER NATHANIEL S. BAGA MARJORIE T. DIZON ENRICO D. BERATA JOANNA C. UMADHAY HORACIO MAKABENTA Layout Artists *** DANTE FRANCIS M. ANG 2ND President & CEO

0DQXHO DV &KLHI RI +RVSLWDO OHDGV LQVSLULQJO\ DQG E\ H[DPSOH LQ OLYLQJ RXW their slogan of â&#x20AC;&#x153;service, compassion DQG H[FHOOHQFHÂľ GHVSLWH WKH RGGV

Dutiful son 'U 0DQXHO WRRN XS %6 0HGLFDO 7HFKQRORJ\ IRU SUH PHG DW WKH )DU (DVWHUQ 8QLYHUVLW\ )(8 1LFDQRU 5H\HV 0HGLFDO )RXQGDWLRQ JUDGXDWLQJ LQ +H went straight to medical school still at )(8 DQG SURFHHGHG ZLWK KLV LQWHUQVKLS DW WKH IRUPHU *HRUJH 'HZH\ +RVSLWDO in Olongapo back when it was still a 86 1DYDO )DFLOLW\ )LQDOO\ JUDGXDWLQJ LQ KH LPPHdiately passed the board and became a resident doctor at the Philippine 2UWKRSHGLF &HQWHU Traversing the tough and lengthy road toward becoming a medical doctor with neither a break QRU KLWFK 'U 0DQXHO¡V Ă&#x20AC;UVW ZRUGV WR The Sunday Times Magazine FDPH TXLWH D VXUSULVH ´0\ Ă&#x20AC;UVW DPELWLRQ ZDV WR EHFRPH D ODZ\HU Âľ KH FRQIHVVHG ´+RZHYHU ang father ko kasi LV D IUXVWUDWHG GRFWRU +H FDPH IURP D SRRU IDPLO\ LQ *XDJXD 3DPSDQJD ZKLOH my mother was also the daughter of a poor IDPLO\ LQ =DPEDOHV ´%HFDXVH RI Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO FRQVWUDLQWV P\ father needed to work right away because KH LV VHFRQG LQ D EURRG RI QLQH +H RSWHG to take education for two years just so he FRXOG VXSSRUW WKH IDPLO\ Âľ 7KH 0DQXHOV HYHQWXDOO\ EHFDPH Olongapo locals since it was here their father and mother met while working IRU WKH 86 1DY\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doon sila nagkita and after they retired, they put up small business na medyo sinwerte naman ng konti 7KHQ my father influenced all of us, his three children, to become doctors and UHDOL]H KLV GUHDP 7KH HOGHVW RQH P\ DWH LV D GRFWRU LQ WKH 86 WKHQ LW¡V PH and our youngest is now working in VRXWKHUQ 0DQLOD DV D FDUGLRORJLVW ,

*** Telephone: 524-5664 to 66 Telefax: 521-6897 â&#x20AC;˘ 521-6872 Subscription: 528-1319 www.manilatimes.net Website lifestyle@manilatimes.net E-mail

The ~Manila Times is published daily at 2/F Sitio Grande, 409 Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila 1002

Q Under Manuelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watch, the public hospital strives to give the best medical care to every patient who walks through their doors, regardless of social status.

Q Manuel (center) is proud to work with a very dedicated team of hospital employees who share his attitude in public service: (From left) Howard Lazo, Wenvir Leyson, Princess Honeylaine Sungalong, Tosca Camille Guiao, Jesse Jewel Manuel, Johanne Baluyut, Karen Bernardo, Jeffrey Cava, Jan Erico Pabustan and Bernard Soriano. was the only one who decided to come EDFN WR 2ORQJDSR Âľ

Serendipity According to the 53-year-old medical practitioner, he only really planned to practice his specialty as an orthopedic VXUJHRQ DW -DPHV / *RUGRQ DPRQJ D few hospitals as doctors often do, but IDWH VWHSSHG LQ VRPHWLPH LQ :LWK 0DQXHO¡V UHSXWDWLRQ DV D NLQG and conscientious doctor, well-liked and respected by colleagues, staff and SDWLHQWV DOLNH 2ORQJDSR &LW\ 0D\RU 5ROHQ 3DXOLQR VLQJOHG KLP RXW WR EHFRPH +RVSLWDO $GPLQLVWUDWRU WKDW \HDU ´, UHDOO\ ZDQWHG WR JR EDFN WR P\ roots at the very least practice as a surgeon here, but baka serendipity na din , KDG EHHQ SUDFWLFLQJ KHUH VLQFH DIWHU FRPSOHWLQJ P\ residency program and my appointment as hospital adminLVWUDWRU RQO\ FDPH \HDUV ODWHU 7KHQ ZKHQ 'U $UWXUR 0HQGR]D UHWLUHG DV &KLHI RI Hospital, the mayor asked me to assume his position DQG , DFFHSWHG WR

WDNH RYHU Âľ KH QDUUDWHG *RLQJ IXUWKHU EDFN 0DQXHO LQIRUPHG The Sunday Times Magazine that it ZDV WKHQ PD\RU DQG QRZ 6HQDWRU 5LFKDUG ´'LFNÂľ *RUGRQ ZKR VWDUWHG WKH -DPHV / *RUGRQ 0HPRULDO +RVSLWDO LQ QDPLQJ LW DIWHU KLV IDWKHU /HIW EHKLQG E\ WKH 86 1DY\ WKH IDFLOLW\ became a government unit-sponsored hospital with 305 bed-capacity, and D IXOO\ HTXLSSHG ODERUDWRU\ UDGLRORJ\ GHSDUWPHQW DQG RSHUDWLQJ URRP ,W HYHQ KDG D GUXJ WHVWLQJ FHQWHU DW WKDW WLPH WKHUHE\ HDUQLQJ -DPHV / *RUGRQ WKH GLVWLQFWLRQ DV WKH YHU\ Ă&#x20AC;UVW / * 8 hospital such capability in the 3KLOLSSLQHV 8QGHU 'U 0DQXHO¡V watch, he tries his very best to keep the hospital as accessible and HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW DV EHIRUH JLYHQ the limitations of

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Cover Story The Sunday Times

SUNDAY MAY 5, 2019

Q The designated HIV Treatment Hub assures patients of confidential and free HIV testing.

Q Modern machines are readily available at the Dialysis Center.

that so long as government hospitals strive to make the best out of allocated funds and properly prioritize, it can rise above the dreary state that most other institutions DOORZ WKHPVHOYHV WR GHWHULRUDWH

Q With careful planning, budgeting and prioritizing, Dr. Manuel has managed to upgrade the hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operating room into a stateof-the-art medical facility.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Obligated to allâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; True to every line of his Hippocratic oath, which holds doctors to â&#x20AC;&#x153;special obOLJDWLRQV WR DOO P\ IHOORZ KXPDQ EHLQJV Âľ he is happy to share that their patients FRPH IURP RXWVLGH 2ORQJDSR DV ZHOO ´7KLV KRVSLWDO KDV EHHQ DQ ,62 FHUWLĂ&#x20AC;HG KRVSLWDO VLQFH DQG ZH FDWHU WR DV PDQ\ SDWLHQWV DV ZH FDQ ,Q fact, while 50 percent of our patients here do come from Olongapo, the other 50 come from nearby municipalities OLNH IRU H[DPSOH =DPEDOHV %DWDDQ DQG HYHQ 3DPSDQJD Natutuwa nga kami dito dahil pinagkakatiwalaan nila kami,â&#x20AC;? KH DYHUUHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Halos lahat ng mga complicated cases in hospitals surrounding Olongapo are usually referred to us and we DFFHSW WKHP %HFDXVH WKH WKUXVW RI WKH hospital is to be serve as a public hospital we make sure to take in patients ZKR DUH LQ WKH ORZHU VRFLDO VWUDWD 6R most of our beds here are concentrated PRUH RQ VHUYLQJ WKH SRRU Âľ Private practice, meanwhile, is still pursued at the hospital in order to maintain its /HYHO VWDWXV DV D WUDLQLQJ KRVSLWDO â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yung mga consultants namin dito are the ones who train the new doctors to become specialists, and they only UHFHLYH DQ KRQRUDULXP EHFDXVH RI Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO FRQVWUDLQWV 7KLV LV RQH RI WKRVH DJHQFLHV Ă&#x20AC;QDQFHG E\ WKH /*8 VR hindi talaga nila kayang magbigay ng positions for consultants, so to compensate, we allow them to do private practice so WKH\ FDQ FRQWLQXH WR WHDFK $V RI KLV FXUUHQW FRXQW 'U 0DQXHO LV SURXG WR KDYH FRQVXOWDQWV DQG UHVLGHQWV DW -DPHV / *RUGRQ 0HPRULDO +RVSLWDO ´:H KDYH VORWV IRU UHVLGHQWV LQ HDFK GHSDUWPHQWV Kaya lang ang nagiging problema lang natin dito is the QXPEHU RI DSSOLFDQWV IRU UHVLGHQF\ ,Q UHVLGHQWV HDUQHG 3 HDFK ZKLFK LV QRZ XS WR 3 %XW HYHQ if we found a way to increase salaries, LW LV VWLOO GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW WR HQWLFH WKHP ZLWK WKDW DPRXQW 7KDW¡V ZK\ ,¡P JUDWHIXO that we have interns in their place to DXJPHQW RXU ZRUNIRUFH Âľ

Challenges 'U 0DQXHO DGPLWV WKDW GHVSLWH WKH DFKLHYHPHQWV RI -DPHV / *RUGRQ 0HPRULDO +RVSLWDO WKHUH DUH VWLOO PDQ\ areas in the institution that needs LPSURYHPHQW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kaya ko naman nagustuhan ang offer to head the hospital is that they wanted me to make this hospital a YHU\ HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW RQH DJDLQ WR EH DEOH WR serve patients who need help the most, regardless of religion, social status and SROLWLFDO DIĂ&#x20AC;OLDWLRQ ,W¡V IRU WKLV YHU\ UHDVRQ WKDW , DFFHSWHG WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FH kasi KRVSLWDO PXVW EH UHDOO\ DSROLWLFDO Kaya DOWKRXJK , DP D SROLWLFDO DSSRLQWHH na-

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Q Using available technology, patient records are digitally organized at this Olongapo hospital, minimizing long-lines typically associated with government institutions

Q The chief with the energetic nurses on duty during The Sunday Times Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit. kikita nila ZKDW , LQVWLOOHG KHUH LV WKDW we have to be neutral and we have to JLYH WKH KLJKHVW PHGLFDO VHUYLFHV $QG we have to give it to those who need it PRVW Âľ KH GHFODUHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mas maraming problema dito dati.

Alam mo yung notion of a public hospital? You can really see it here â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;diâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ba?

Yung mga QHJDWLYH $OO RI WKLV LV ZKDW continues to challenge me, just like WKH SDVW QHJDWLYHV ZKLFK ,¡YH WXUQHG DURXQG VLQFH :K\" %HFDXVH , DP IURP KHUH Âł , ZDV ERUQ KHUH , ZDV UDLVHG KHUH DQG , ZDV JLYHQ WKH FKDQFH WR VHUYH KHUH $QG iba yun Âł QRW PDQ\ are given a chance to pay it forward at WKH YHU\ SODFH WKH\ FDOO KRPH 7R EH JLYHQ WKDW RSSRUWXQLW\ , WUHDVXUHG LW And ang ginagawa lang natin is to live E\ H[DPSOH kasi yun lang ang nakikita kong dahilan para mabago natin lahat,â&#x20AC;?

WKH JRRG GRFWRU UHODWHG KLV YLHZV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang challenge lang naman dito every day is how to make ends meet because RI RXU Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO FRQVWUDLQWV Alam mo naman, napakaraming ahensya ng gobyerno na kailangang pondohan 6R with these guys, natuto akong makipagFRPSURPLVH Pangalawa, ang challenge ay left and right criticisms which weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re being bombarded with everyday espeFLDOO\ DW WKLV WLPH >FDPSDLJQ SHULRG@

Q The ER team ready and equipped for emergencies.

Ang sinasabi ko sa kanila donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose focus kasi our job is to be an apolitical LQVWLWXWLRQ $OO ZH KDYH WR GR LV GR RXU job and at the end of the day all of it ZLOO FRPH WR SDVV 3ROLWLFV VKRXOG QHYHU LQĂ XHQFH XV RXU MREV Âľ KH DGGHG 'HVSLWH HQFRXQWHULQJ GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW VLWXDWLRQV HYHU\ VR RIWHQ 0DQXHO Âł ZKR is in every way a spirited and caring leader according to the hospital staff Âł VWDWHG KH LV PRUH WKDQ SURXG RI KLV co-workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;contribution to society as WKH\ WLUHOHVVO\ GR IRU WKH LQVWLWXWLRQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know what, here in our hospital, ang lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila, RXU MRE LV D WKDQNOHVV MRE %HFDXVH SDWLHQWV KHUH H[SHFW XV WR GR RXU MRE ZH VKRXOGQ¡W KDYH WR ZDLW IRU WKDQN \RX And we also have to brace ourselves for any comments or criticisms and we GRQ¡W KDYH WR WDNH WKHP DV QHJDWLYHV We have to accept comments because yon ang nakita nila. However unfair, we have to take them constructively so we FDQ LPSURYH RXU VHUYLFHV Âľ

Developments ´0RGHVW\ DVLGH IURP WKH WLPH , KHOG RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KHUH LQ WKHUH KDYH EHHQ VR many improvements that have taken place in the hospital including employ-

Q With the Dialysis Center staff.

Q The medical institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drug testing center is the first local government unit-based hospital drug testing center in the Philippines.

HHV¡ DWWLWXGH Âľ 'U 0DQXHO EHJDQ ZKHQ asked to touch on the developments he KDV SXW LQ SODFH ´:KHQ , VWDUWHG RXW hindi maganda yung state ng KRVSLWDO DW WKDW WLPH Sira ang ating [ UD\ wala tayong mga gamot, supplies, ang DWLQJ Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO VWDWXV ZDV UHDOO\ GRZQ LQFOXGLQJ WKH PRUDO RI WKH VWDII â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang ginawa ko Ă&#x20AC;UVW DQG IRUHPRVW ZDV WR VHW P\VHOI DV DQ H[DPSOH kasi ang sa akin ang OHDGHUVKLS LV YHU\ VLPSOH <RX just have to have to practice what you SUHDFK DQG ZDON \RXU WDON â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yun ang aking principle in life and nakita naman nila, from there na pwedeng magbago. ´7KH FKDQJHV LQ DWWLWXGH , EHOLHYH LV one of the biggest improvements because given na kasi yung WDQJLEOH RQHV Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support naman na from the private institutions and government as far DV IXQGLQJ LV FRQFHUQHG :H¡UH GRLQJ D lot of renovations, which is funded both E\ WKH ORFDO DQG QDWLRQDO JRYHUQPHQW Sabi ko nga sa kanila, dapat suklian natin ng magandang serbisyo ang mga binibigay sa atin,â&#x20AC;? KH DGGHG )LQDOO\ DVNHG WR GHVFULEH WKH IXOĂ&#x20AC;OOment of a doctor-leader in a public KRVSLWDO 'U 0DQXHO HDVLO\ UHVSRQGHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you give help, nakikita mo yung tao na nagigipit, at natulungan mo kahit konti. Pag nabigay mo yung pag-asikaso

sa kanila, na-address yung kailangan nila, makikita mo silang nakangiti and priceless yon.â&#x20AC;?

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Fun Times The Sunday Times

F6

»horoscope

THE SUNDAY CROSSWORD

Anagram Nicknames 2

By Merl Reagle May 5, 2019

...You seem different somehow This puzzle is part of Merl's best-of series 1 5 9 13 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 29 30 31 32 34 37 38 40 41 43 44 45 48 52 53 55 56 57 59 63 65 68 69 70 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 81 83 84 85 88 91 92

ACROSS Damn Yankees dame Bucket o’ bolts Part of a comet’s head Goes through, as a check Where the Great Zab flows Commedia dell’___ Luang Prabang’s nation British medical journal It borders Lake Titicaca Ex-prime minister with a 90-mile-an-hour fastball?

What the hold holds Wireless alert Home of Florida’s Herald 1965 protest anthem, “___ of Destruction” Elem. or tech.

Actress-turnedgrease monkey?

Make mends Argues a case Goose genus Certain race pace Shelf-service lane Mo. zone Sci-fi classic, The Mind of Mr. ___ Città where Keats died Athenian lawgiver Church section Hush-hush org.

Turner and others Conductor Dorati TV actor who’s fond of Cubans?

Burden Rommel’s quietus Flea inflictions “Heeere’s Johnny!”, e.g.

Big name in small blocks Writer-director-surgeon?

SRO lack Morse morsel Great hatred Reacts to an intro Sources of trouble Writer with his own line of fish products?

Bash by Bacchus “It’s ___ unusual day ...”

Piece of 125 Across Words to a traitor “___ all a good night” Maui goose Brittle item

95 96 97 99 101 102 105 109 110 111 112 113 115 119 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 25 26 28 32 33

Six-gun site Bergen’s boob Tide or Surf In due time Melted Defunct detergent brand Absorbing playwright?

Some babies Single-no-more response Cuban-coffee ingredient Chou’s end Purchase options on Wheel of Fortune Author who’s always a bad witness?

Brit’s baby buggy Legal fee payer Cozy corner Isle of exile H. Rickover’s alma mater John Henry’s tool Lake where Perry beat the British Signs of hope, perhaps Dantean river DOWN Backtalk Azurite, for one Film star once accused of being a “wooden” actor?

It means “water” Scottish dish Peter in Captain Blood Had a little lamb?

Antonym of “aristocrats” Study sessions Outboard backup Mell Lazarus comic strip Sean who played Samwise Complains loudly Hispanic Placed inside: abbr.

Massage targets Actor Christopher Scatter Colloquial clothes Proverbial waste-maker A gnaw-it-all Pool halls?

TV commercial award

Gift givers! For info on Merl’s books, visit www.sundaycrosswords.com.

1

2

3

4

5

19

20

23

24 27

32

6

39

53 57

13

70

54

31

48

61

102 103 104

105

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111

77 81 85

86

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82

87

88

95

99

89

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101 108

112

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109 114 119

122

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35 Rub with a file 36 Marked with an X LQVWHDG RI D ¥ 39 Choreographer Alicia 42 Go on the rd.

44 Rich, as food 46 Blind ___ 47 Presidential helicopter pilot, e.g.

49 An actress really, really early in her career?

50 Instruction book 51 Stocks, bonds, CDs, etc.

54 M. Friedman’s forte 56 French article 58 Legless critters 60 Atlas blowup 61 A cowboy steps in it 62 On edge 63 Hemingway title character 64 “Funny, but when you’re ___ ... ” 66 Chihuahua lizard

67 Boat on the Mekong 72 Pants-patch spot 73 Crayola color, Burnt ___ 75 Thunder Bay prov.

79 Applications 80 Flower seed, e.g.

82 Persian queen 86 Up ___ (to prison) 87 Poop (out) 89 Shade provider 90 They’re often hard to beat 92 Color choices 93 The Eocene, for one 94 Resembling pitch 98 Like caplets 100 Ski-lift frame 101 Step on it 102 Coins and Frisbees 103 Mo or Stew of Arizona 104 Spy org. in Our Man Flint (or an amazed exclamation) 106 Bible possessive 107 Pavarotti, for one

90

96

106 107

116

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Watch for jealousies. Stand up for yourself. Start computing expenses. You can make extra cash for a few days. Have patience with traffic or delays.

73

80

98

51

69

72

93

50

62

68

76

92

49

56

60

84

91

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is a 6 -- Slow down, and smell the roses. Guard against fears and impetuous action. Begin a good phase for studying. It’s easier to concentrate today and tomorrow.

42

47

55

67

79

18

37

46

71

83

17

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

41

75

16

22

45

66

15

30

59

65

14

36

58

64

97

12

40

52

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11

26

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44

115

10

29

34

78

9 21

43

63

8

25

28

33

38

7

108 Longtime New York Times critic Vincent 114 Penguin’s name in Outland 116 Rorem of music

120 121

117 “There but for the grace of God ___” 118 Dock workers’ org.

120 “___ takers?”

121 Human Factor

C A A N

A S S T A D H E R E

P A R S E C

B R E A S T B E A T I N G

L I K E P E A S I N A P O D

A I L L O V E S A E T E BO VO T A S H N E S B MO I E N T S E S S U S PO S H T O E N L A A Y

S A A K T S T U F U P T H E I NN S A N T Y I S A E RRO L E A U D S S T U T T E R E OD I T L Y T O I L E P UN A A GR A ND U S OR S E S R A L I AW I NG MOMA N A N EW

ON E I F I NG T OWN B R I R E A T O P I L S O L E A N ON E A S S S T O H EMU R OR OS S V Y T R E D A AG C A N A ND A D A P P S P A T

M Y T H H O T P O T A T O P L S

ON K P K A N I S T O L AWE L OO A NN S E T C A S H E ROE N A NC T I O COR A NN H I S I N T E S T T H A T A R R A Y E E P I E E ND

S E N D

S O I R

LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Monitor the news, weather and traffic before setting off. An exploration or investigation calls you out. Obstacles and challenges could block the road. Find another way.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- You can adapt to a financial challenge. Plan and strategize, rather than making big decisions or moves. Consider impacts to investments and long-term goals.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is an 8 -Compromise, and keep a sense of humor with your partner today. Slow the action to avoid accidents and errors.

Consider consequences before making a move.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is a 6 -- Favor gentle pressure and finesse over brute force, which could result in breakage. An upset can motivate you to try something new. Nurture your health, and rest.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) -- Today is a 6 -- Your objectivity is calming to others. Navigate an obstacle with romance, family or creativity. Avoid impetuosity or impulsiveness. Withhold judgment. Take it easy.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is a 5 -- Think about things for a while. Avoid overstimulation, and stay close to home. You’re especially productive behind closed doors. Slow down, and consider your options.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is a 7 -Domestic projects provide satisfying and practical results.

Adapt to a structural breakdown. Clean messes, dig in the garden, and share something delicious with family.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Stay out of someone else’s argument. Tempers could spark. Do your part of a group effort. Keep bargains and agreements.

Prioritize planning over action.

(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)

SUDOKU

N E S T E A

solutions. Ignore distractions, and anticipate upcoming changes. You can forge ahead with determination.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Energy surges are predicted. You’re more assertive over the next few days. Wear your power suit to advocate for goodness, truth and beauty.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Stay calm in a chaotic professional situation. Consider options and

Solution: ¶2I 7XUNH\V DQG 3ROLWLFLDQV (Apr 28) U B A N G I

Today’s Birthday (05/05/19). Luck smiles on your family finances this year. Detailed organization lays the groundwork for growth. Creative expression flowers this summer, before a different path appears. Your investigation strikes gold next winter, leading to a shift with your creative arts. Get your message out far and wide.

SUNDAY May 5, 2019

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.

Arts Awake SUNDAY May 5, 2019

The Sunday Times

F7

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hadestownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; leads Tony Award nominations with 14 nods

N

EW YORK: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hadestown,â&#x20AC;? singer-songwriter AnaĂŻs Mitchellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Broadway debut, earned a leading 14 Tony Award nominations followed by the jukebox musical â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Too Proud,â&#x20AC;? built around songs by the Temptations, which received a dozen nominations.

The musical Hadestown, which intertwines the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Perse-

Best Actor in A Play nominee Jeff Daniels inâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;To Kill A Mockingbird.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

phone, bested more familiar names, including stage adaptations of the hit movies â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tootsieâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beetlejuice,â&#x20AC;? which both also got best musical nods. The giddy, heartwarming â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Promâ&#x20AC;? rounds out the best new musical category.

Hadestown also was the only new musical on Broadway directed by a woman, Tony Award nominee Rachel Chavkin, who earned another one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying not to swear, but I am so proud of the 14 nominations. There is just not a weak spot on the team.

There is no place where we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all been working our asses off to make this show feel as ancient and as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as possible, simultaneously,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The best-play nominees are the Northern Irish drama â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Ferryman,â&#x20AC;? from Jez Butterworth; James Grahamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ink,â&#x20AC;? about Rupert Murdoch; Taylor Macâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Broadway debut,

Santino Fontana (center) in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tootsie,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a modern rendition of the 1982 film where a struggling actor impersonated a woman to get more jobs. Dustin Hoffman played Tootsie in the movie.

The cast of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Be More Chill,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a musical based on the bestselling book is nominated for Best Score.

Bryan Cranston is nominated for Best Actor in A Play for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Network,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a satirical play about media.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicusâ&#x20AC;?; Tarell Alvin McCraneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Choir Boyâ&#x20AC;?; and Heidi Schreckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;What the Constitution Means to Me,â&#x20AC;? a personal tour of the landmark document at the heart of so many American divisions.

Des McAnuff, who directed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Too Proud,â&#x20AC;? pointed to the timeliness of his musical, which charts the rise, VDFULĂ&#x20AC;FHV DQG FKDOOHQJHV IDFLQJ WKH 1950s group that sang â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baby Loveâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Girl.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think when people come to the ,PSHULDO 7KHDWUH WKH\¡OO Ă&#x20AC;QG WKDW the story is as pertinent now as it was when they lived it,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It applies to Black Lives Matter and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on in this country in terms of the tensions today.â&#x20AC;?

Laurie Metcalf got an acting nod for Hillary and Clinton and if she wins the Tony this year, she will be WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW SHUVRQ WR ZLQ DFWLQJ 7RQ\V three years consecutively. (She won in 2018â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three Tall Womenâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Dollâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House, Part 2â&#x20AC;? in 2017).

A sweet â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kiss Me, Kateâ&#x20AC;? and a dark â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oklahoma!â&#x20AC;? make up the best musical revival category; they were the only eligible nominees. The best play revival nominees are â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arthur Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All My Sons,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;The Boys in the Band,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Burn This,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Torch Songâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Waverly Gallery.â&#x20AC;?

Ali Stroker, the first actress who needs a wheelchair for mobility known to have appeared on a Broadway stage, earned a Tony nomination for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rodgers &amp; Hammersteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oklahoma!â&#x20AC;?

AndrĂŠ De Shields earned his third Tony nomination for playing Hermes in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hadestownâ&#x20AC;? and is gunning for KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW ZLQ LQ D FDUHHU VSDQQLQJ years. He said he felt relief and gratitude for all the support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Living the dream is one thing, but if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stick around long enough to enjoy the dream when it becomes a reality, then what good is the dream?

So here I am. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m living the dream for a horde of people,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Nominees for best actor in a play include Paddy Considine from â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Ferryman,â&#x20AC;? Bryan Cranston in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Network,â&#x20AC;? Jeff Daniels in â&#x20AC;&#x153;To Kill a

Reeve Carney (left) and Eva Noblezada in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hadestown,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; directed by Rachel Chavkin.

Ephraim Sykes, Jawan Jackson, Jeremy Pope, Derrick Baskin and Jame Harkness in a scene from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Too Proud,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a musical that follows the group behind the hits â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My Girl,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Baby Love,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Temptations. AP PHOTOS

Mockingbird,â&#x20AC;? Adam Driver from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Burn Thisâ&#x20AC;? and Jeremy Pope in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Choir Boy.â&#x20AC;? Pope is also up for a featured role in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Too Proud.â&#x20AC;?

The category of best actress in a play includes Annette Bening in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arthur Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All My Sons,â&#x20AC;? Laura Donnelly in â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Ferryman,â&#x20AC;? Elaine May in â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Waverly Gallery,â&#x20AC;? Janet McTeer in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bernhardt/Hamlet,â&#x20AC;? Metcalf in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hillary and Clintonâ&#x20AC;? and Schreck from â&#x20AC;&#x153;What the Constitution Means to Me.â&#x20AC;?

Nominated for best actor in a musical are Brooks Ashmanskas from â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Prom,â&#x20AC;? Derrick Baskin in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Too Proud,â&#x20AC;? Alex Brightman from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beetlejuice,â&#x20AC;? Damon Daunno in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rodgers &amp; Hammersteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oklahoma!â&#x20AC;? and Santino Fontana in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tootsie.â&#x20AC;?

Patrick Page, who has appeared in over a dozen Broadway shows including â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dr. Seussâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;The Lion Kingâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,â&#x20AC;?

HDUQHG KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW 7RQ\ QRPLQDWLRQ IRU playing Hades in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hadestown.â&#x20AC;?

Nominees for best leading actress in a musical are Stephanie J. Block in â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Cher Show,â&#x20AC;? Caitlin Kinnunen

and Beth Leavel both in â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Prom,â&#x20AC;?

Eva Noblezada in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hadestownâ&#x20AC;? and Kelli Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kiss Me, Kate.â&#x20AC;?

Block, a veteran of Broadway shows such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Mystery of Edwin Droodâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Falsettos,â&#x20AC;? got her third nomination for playing one of three actresses who portray the title character in â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Cher Show.â&#x20AC;?

Hollywood A-listers Cranston, Driver, May and Daniels made the cut but some of their starry colleagues did not, including Kerry Washington, Daniel Radcliffe, Armie Hammer, Ethan Hawke, Joan Allen, Michael Cera, Lucas Hedges and Keri Russell.

For a few theater veterans behind the scenes, the nominations were doubly good: Ann Roth was nominated for creating the costumes for both â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicusâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;To Kill a Mockingbird,â&#x20AC;? while William Ivey Long earned nods for both â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beetlejuiceâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tootsie.â&#x20AC;?

The awards will be presented June 9 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. James Corden, the host of CBSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Late Late Showâ&#x20AC;? and a Tony winner himself, will host.

AP

Âťnccaupdates

International Dance Day celebrated in Capiz THE National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) led

by Chairman and National Artist Virgilio Almario and National Committee on Dance led by Shirley Halili-Cruz once again organized â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dance Xchange: The Philippine International Dance Workshop and Festival.â&#x20AC;?

Held on April 26 to 30 in Roxas City, Capiz, the festival carried the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cultural Connectivity through Dance.â&#x20AC;?

Dance Xchange is the Philippine celebration of International Dance Day every April 29. The International Dance Day (IDD) was created by the Dance Com-

mittee of the International Theatre Institute-Unesco which marks the birthdate of Jean-Georges Noverre, the creator of modern ballet.

IDD aims to promote dance in all its forms across the world, including the Philippines, to make people aware of the value of dance, share the joy of dance with others and, enable the dance community to promote their work on a broad scale, so that governments and opinion leaders are aware of the value and importance of dance and support it.

Dance Xchange is also held in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 154, declaring the last week of April as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;National Dance Week.â&#x20AC;? The program aims to enhance

knowledge and skills of the dancers, dance teachers and choreographers on dances of the different countries as creative expression of their culture.

With the number of international participating delegates, Dance Xchange provided a venue for exchange of ideas and showcase the unique dances of each participating country.

Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forum, dance workshops were conducted by dance directors from participating countries for teachers. Festival of dance performances, outreach performances, and cultural tour shall ensued.

International participants from Bangladesh, Belgium, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia,

International Dance Day aims to share the joy of dancing in all its forms across the world.

Iran, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Taiwan and Thailand joined 21 dance troupes from across the country in the four-day dance extravaganza.

Dance Xchange is one of the banner projects of the NCCA made possible through partnerships with local government units.

GenSan mounts successful SOX summer writing camp SOX Writers, in partnership with the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) and NCCA, conducted the SOX Summer Writing Camp from April 29 to May 2 in General Santos City.

The inaugural SOX Summer Writing Camp aims to contribute to the growing literary scene in Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN or SOX). It

also aspires to develop and promote the writing talents of young writers in the region, encouraging them to produce literary works that represent and highlight the diversity and richness of the cultures in SOX. The camp saw aplenty of plenary lecture, namely, introduction to writing and literature; specialized lectures

RQ SRHWU\ HVVD\V DQG Ă&#x20AC;FWLRQ DV ZHOO as a zine-making activity and zine fest.

Specifically, high school, senior high, and college students from different parts of the region underwent general and specialized creative writing workshops where thereafter they had to write creative works and publish them in zines.

For the past few years, there have been several events to help grow the literary scene in the region. Still, it is undeniable that access to bigger writing opportunities remains outside the region. As such, the SOX Summer Writing Camp also aims to encourage institutional support from concerned agencies and writing communities in the Philippines.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope this inaugural event will be successful and open numerous opportunities for writers in the SOX region. We hope that this will garner the support of our local institutions towards literary efforts in the region and give SOX literature a chance to prosper,â&#x20AC;? shared says camp director Kurt Comendador.

Arts Awake The Sunday Times

F8

May 5, 2019 SUNDAY

Museo de Intramuros is now open to the public.

Admission is free.

Museo de Intramuros

– a house of period art collections A grand showcase of Filipino artistry developed from merging indigenous and foreign craftsmnaship

L

ITERALLY meaning “within the walls” in Spanish, Intramuros or the Walled City was synonymous to the City of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, at the time of the Spanish colonial period. It was then the seat of government and political power as well as the center of religion, education and commerce.

The defensive walls were constructed to protect the city from foreign invasions in the 16th century by the colonial government – like the attack of Chinese pirates led by Limahong in 1574. The standard way of life within the Walled City became the standard of life throughout the archipelago. Suburbs or arrabales and other towns were referred to as “extramuros” or “outside the walls.”

It was from Intramuros that Manila galOHRQV VDLOHG WKH 3DFLÀF 2FHDQ IRU FHQWXULHV carrying goods to and from Acapulco, Mexico. A landmark by the Pasig River attests to the 400 years trade exchange in 1964 between the two countries.

Intramuros was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945, damaging and obliterating some of the churches, universities, heritage houses and government buildings. It was where the Japanese Imperial Army made their last stand against Allied forces and Filipino guerrillas during World War 2. Only the San Agustin Church remained standing.

Presidential Decree 1616 signed on April 10, 1979 created the Intramuros Administration (IA), tasked to rebuild, redevelop, administer and preserve the remaining pre-war buildings, structures DQG IRUWLÀFDWLRQV RI WKH :DOOHG &LW\ Since then, IA had been successful in restoring the walls, the sub-features RI WKH IRUWLÀFDWLRQ DQG WKH FLW\ ZLWKLQ Ayuntamiento de Manila was rebuilt in 2013, and the San Ignacio Church and Convent has been reconstructed as the Museo de Intramuros.

Intramuros Administration House of Period Art As the Philippines celebrate National

Heritage Month this May, the Department of Tourism (DOT) invites the public to explore and learn about Philippine culture and history by visiting Museo de Intramuros in Manila.

Managed by the Intramuros Administration (IA), which is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Museo de Intramuros is located in two important reconstructions inside the walled city – the San Ignacio Church and Convent and the Mission House of the Society of Jesus.

Designed to house the period art collections of IA that includes ecclesiastical art, furniture, vestments, and textiles and other artifacts, the museum opened to the public on May 2. Admission is free.

Museo de Intramuros’ official opening on April 29 was among the highlights of the Intramuros Administration’s 40th anniversary as an institution.

The current in-house exhibition presents the story of the evangelization of the Philippines from the perspective of the Filipinos. It explores changes in the Filipino psyche as colonization introduced a new religion and culture to the natives.

With the display of rel ig ious images belonging to the IA collection, the exhibition highlights Filipino artistry that developed from the merging of indigenous and foreign craftsmanship.

Exhibition components Curated by Esperanza Gatbonton, Gino Gonzales, Cecilia dela Paz, Santiago Pilar and Martin Tinio, the exhibition has six components:

The Tourism secretary with the curatorial consultants and pioneer champions of the Intramuros district.

Images of the Religious Orders and the Immaculate Conception for viewing on the ground floor.

Relics and figures from the The Immaculate Conception; The 'Establishment Religious Order; The Patronato Real of a Parish and Sacred Vessels' and the establishment of Parishes; exhibit on the Religious Colonial Paintings; The second floor.

establishment of a parish and sacred vessels; and The Indio Response.

In her 1981 book Philippine Religious Imagery, co-curator Gatbonton wrote, “This collection of the Intramuros Administration is extremely valuDEOH EHFDXVH LW UHSUHVHQWV WKH ÀUVW UHDO attempt to collect and preserve within the Philippines an important aspect of the country’s cultural heritage.

“The collection affords the viewer a panorama of the various styles and enables him to compare them with the artifacts done abroad in the same medium. We, Filipinos, have always tended to accept that we were the pas-

sive receiver of artistic stimuli from abroad. This collection proves that the Philippines was as much a giver.”

At the museum’s opening, DOT Secreta r y and Chai r man of the IA Board of Administrators Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said, “IA’s ded ication i n ensu r i ng that the tangible treasures that immortalize our history are now accessible to the public is commendable.”

She congratulated IA Administrator Guiller Asido and the cultural workers behind the museum and added that the

project, rooted in passion and a deep love of country, must be emulated and replicated.

“The Department of Tourism will be investing in the promotion of cultural tourism in the years to come.

We’re doing it not just because we need to expand our tourism products, engage a specific market and increase revenue. Cultural tourism is telling the world our narrative. It is also a platform to ensure that our heritage structures and objects such as these will be preserved and enjoyed by our progeny,” Puyat said.

Graffiti artists gather in QC

Street art has become widely popular in the Philippines with the graffiti often leaving a message for the viewer to decipher.

PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

OVER 60 international and local graffiti artists gathered for the International Meeting of Styles (MOS) at the parking grounds of the Anonas LRT City Center in Quezon City on April 26 to 28 showcasing their own individual styles and ideas.

With origins in Germany dating back to 2002, the event has been held annually in more tthan 25 countries around Europe, various parts of America and Asia. p This marks the sixth year that MOS was held iin the Philippines.

Street art has become widely spread in the Philippines through different social media platforms and the graffiti often leaves a mesp ssage for the viewer to decipher.