THE MANILA TIMES | MAY 09, 2019

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Trade deficit widens to $3.14B in March ++

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•• 5 SECTIONS PAGES • VOL. 120 NO. 208 32

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

Bikoy runs circles around govt with loadedquestion fallacy First word ET’s take Pe t e r Joemel Advincula at his word that he is the real “Bikoy� — the hooded man in the series of online videos who accused the family of President Rodrigo Duterte of having links to the illegal drug trade. At his press conference, he declared: “I am Bikoy. I am a real PERSON AND NOT A kGMENT OF THE IMAGInation as some people are saying.�

OBSERVER YEN MAKABENTA

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Trusted since 1898

‘LP, Magdalo, media conspiring vs Duterte’ M

BY CATHERINE S. VALENTE

ALACAĂ‘ANG on Wednesday accused the Liberal Party (LP), Magdalo party-list GROUP AND CERTAIN MEDIA OUTkTS AS BEing part of a “deliberateâ€? conspiracy to discredit President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration and boost the Senate bids of opposition Otso Diretso candidates.

Those named denied the charge and denounced the government of again attempting to discredit its critics via “silly diagrams� and fabrications, following the release of an initial oust-Duterte matrix last month.

0ALACE OFkCIALS SAID -ALACAĂ„ANG WAS leaving it to the Department of Justice to DETERMINE WHETHER CHARGES SHOULD BE kLED against the alleged conspirators.

In a news conference, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo and Presidential Communications Sec-

retary Martin Andanar presented expanded charts tagging the LP, “Yellows,�

Magdalo and media groups as having been involved in the release of the “Ang Totoong Narcolist� videos that claimed Duterte’s family received payoffs from illegal drug syndicates. “The President has received intelligence information that has been validated and appears to show that

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A Filipino who is being deported to the US

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IN MY LINE HEY OF SIGHT say t h a t sometimes TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN kCTION OR THAT truth is ironic and funny.

This is what’s happening to Walter Manuel Prescott, 69, who was born in the Philippines to a Filipino mother and American father.

RAMON T. TULFO

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To back or to block Duterte and his candidates Last of 2 parts

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DRY RUN Board of Election officers test the votecounting machines at the Araullo High School in Manila on Wednesday.

PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA

REPUBLIC SERVICE RICARDO SALUDO

ITH the Duterte administration soaring to “excellent� ratings in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey in March, as the May 13 elections approach, the opposition is intensifying political attacks, especially online, by phone, and in campaigning by the Liberal Party (LP), leftist groups fronting for communist rebels, and anti-Duterte Christian factions.

ÂłSaludoA5 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

CO M E L E C :

Vote-buying ‘has become a big problem’ THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has tapped the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to combat vote-buying during the May 13 elections.

Comelec Commissioner Al Parreno on Wednesday admitted that vote-buying was a

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What’s inside TAGLE ENDORSES LAY CRITERIA NewsA2 FOR VOTING DISQUALIFICATION CASE FILED VS REMULLA RegionsA7

Royal baby BRITAIN’S Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (right), and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose for a photo with their newborn son in St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on May 8, 2019. The couple, however, kept the world guessing as to the name of their son.

AFP PHOTO

THE DIVINE DIVA AND AGE-APPROPRIATE MUSIC

EntertainmentD2

POLL WATCHDOG ALL SET FOR MONDAY’S ELECTIONS

THE Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the Commission on Elections’ citizen arm for the May 13 midterm polls, is all set to carry out its mandate of acting as a watchdog and conducting an unofkCIAL PARALLEL QUICK COUNT

PPCRV Chairman Myla Villanueva SAID A TOTAL OF IDENTIkCATION cards had been shipped to poll watchers, who at the closing of more than 85,000 clustered precincts in around 36,000 voting centers, would retrieve and send the fourth copy of election

returns (ERs) to the Pope Pius 12th Catholic Center in Manila. “Those physically generated ERs are to be validated against electronically transmitted returns,� PPCRV Executive Director Maribel Buenaobra said.

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READY FOR QUICK COUNT A PPCRV official shows to media the computers that will be used by volunteers on May 13, election day.

PHOTO BY ENRIQUE AGCAOILI

Senate drops hearing; IBP nixes ‘Bikoy’ plea A Senate panel has called off a hearing on claims that President Rodrigo Duterte’s family had received drug syndicate payoffs, noting that accuser Peter Joemel Advincula also attempted to link former President Benigno “Noynoy� Aquino 3rd and other politicians to illegal drugs.

Advincula, who says he is the “Bikoy� in the “Ang Totoong Narcolist� videos, sought the legal assistance of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), but the group turned down his request.

Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd on Wednesday said

Advincula had tried to link Aquino, Sen. Leila de Lima and some politicians in Bicol to the illegal drug trade.

He said Advincula, who was then jailed at the National Bilibid Prison (NBP), sent him A SWORN AFkDAVIT IN $ECEMBER 2016 claiming that he saw de Lima — who was then the Justice secretary — meeting with drug syndicate members at Misibis Bay, a resort owned by businessman Elizalde Co. He also claimed that in April 2011, De Lima had brought

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Ex-Civil Service chief David passes away at 73 FORMER Civil Service Commission (CSC) chairman and political activist Karina Constantino David died on May 7 at the age of 73.

In a statement, her family announced her passing “with utmost grief.� “Much of her life was Q Karina spent serving the Filipino Constantino David people in her work as professor, activist, community organizer and public servant. She was a patriot in the true sense of the

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News

˜ The Manila Times THURSDAY May 9, 2019

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Q The controversial matrix shown by presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo at a briefing in MalacaĂąang on Wednesday. PHOTO BY CATHERINE S. VALENTE

‘LP, Magdalo, media conspiring

TAG L E TO P R I E S TS:

Endorse lay group’s criteria for voting

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BY CATHERINE A. MODESTO

UIS Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Manila archbishop, has urged priests to endorse the voting criteria of the lay group People’s Choice Movement (PCM) in their archdiocese.

Tagle, in a pastoral letter, said, “We want to share to you the discernment process undergone by the PCM. I urge you to share this initiative of the lay faithful with the lay groups, youth organizations, circles of discernment in your parish as a guide to their own discernment.�

He also asked the clergy in the Manila archdiocese to include the prayer for “integrity and peaceful� conduct of elections in daily Masses leading up to Election Day. In early March, about 100 lay leaders from interfaith-based group PCM endorsed 10 Senate aspirants, eight of whom were from the opposition.

These candidates were Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, Jose Manuel “Chel� Diokno,

civic leader Samira Gutoc, former solicitor general Florin Hilbay, election lawyer Romulo “Romyâ€? Macalintal, former senator Manuel “Marâ€? Roxas 2nd, former deputy speaker Lorenzo g%RINu 4AĂ„ADA .ERI #OLMENARES

and reelectionist Senators Paulo Benigno “Bam� Aquino 4th and Mary Grace Poe. The slate picked by leaders of various Catholic, Protestant and evangelical groups in a selection convention considered their opposition to federalism and their belief in God. The PCM also factored in the candidates’ integrity, competence, and faithfulness to public service and the law.

Its chairman, Ricky Javier, said the country needed lawmakers who would address “important issues right now,�

such as corruption and political dynasties.

The group chose 10 from a kELD OF CANDIDATES TO RESPECT the personal preferences of the faithful, PCM member Alex Lacson said.

Former senator Sergio OsMEĂ„A RD AND LABOR LEADER Leody de Guzman almost made it to the list of the group.

The PCM aims to provide voter education to the 62 million total registered voters because 95 percent or 54.8 million of whom “do not have time to research [and do not] have means or access to information about the candidates, their qualifications, performance, positions on important issues [and] platform, as well as the crucial issues or scandals involving the candidates.�

14 killed in poll-related incidents since January A total of 14 people had been killed in 31 electionrelated violent incidents since January 13, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PNP chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters on Tuesday that 49 other people were injured in such incidents.

Of the 31 cases, shooting accounted for 21; mauling, two; threat, two; and one each for asSAULT STABBING SLAPPING HARASSMENT STRAkNG

robbery and grave threat.

Albayalde noted that 192 people were also injured in poll-related violent incidents during the 2016 election season and 142 in 2013. “I am not saying that we are doing a good job but, of course, with these incidents [from January 2019], we aim to fully implement our police intervention in order for the election-related violent incidents [to] not increase,� he said.

According to Albayalde, they were inclined to recommend that the whole province of Abra be placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) because of reported

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election-related violent incidents there.

Intense political rivalry and history of such incidents have landed some towns in Abra on the list of election hotspots.

Albayalade said “the same politicians and candidates� were the reasons why some areas in Abra were perennially tagged as election hotspots. “It’s because we have the same politicians and candidates... The politicians who are running before, they are still the ones running now, and the ones who lost are the ones running again, so it’s one of the factors,� he added.

Albayalde said the presence of communist rebels and private armed groups caused many parts of Abra to be classified as election hotspots.

He noted, however, “[t]his [tagging of some parts of the province as election hotspots] is a huge improvement because Abra was under Comelec control in 2013.�

ROY D.R. NARRA

there is a deliberate attempt to discredit this administration, as well as to boost the candidacies of the opposition senatorial candidates,� Panelo told reporters. “And it appears that there are certain groups who are working together to achieve this goal. This group appears to be the Liberal 0ARTY 3OME PERSONALITIES IDENTIkED AS ADVOCATES OR VERY ACTIVE IN social media, dishing out anti-Duterte statements and sentiments and validated to be allied with the Liberal Party,� he added.

ng mga akusasyon sa mga kritiko nya, tapos kami ang nag di-discredit (Duterte has killed thousands of Filipinos, has billions of pesos in hidden wealth, demolished democratic institutions, cursed God and invented accusations against his critics, and we’re the ones discrediting)?� Trillanes said.

‘Present evidence’

VERA Files President Ellen Tordesillas, who was prominently TAGGED IN THE kRST MATRIX CHALLENGED 0ANELO TO gPRESENT EVIDENCE

not just silly diagrams.�

Panelo named former Aquino administration spokesman The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Edwin Lacierda, blogger Eduardo “Cocoy� Dayao, communist which was also included in the expanded diagrams, called the leader Jose Maria “Joma� Sison, Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th, conspiracy allegation “a piece of unadulterated crap.� web developer Rodel Jayme, a certain Bong Banal and other LP g!T BEST THIS IS YET ANOTHER BADLY CONCOCTED kCTION MEANT TO members and supporters. scare their perceived enemies but which only ends up making “The activities revealed a very active collaboration between them look ridiculous,� it said.

A GROUP OF %DWIN ,ACIERDA ‡ HE S IDENTIkED WITH THE ,IBERAL “We stress again this government’s criminal endangerment Party — Cocoy Dayao, Joma Sison, Antonio Trillanes, Rodel of people it accuses of serious offenses without an iota of Jayme, Bong Banal, Arman Pontejos, and other Liberal Party evidence. But we say let them try their worst. They cannot groups and supporters,� he said. scare the community of independent Filipino journalists into Panelo claimed that Banal, who was described as a known LP silence,� the NUJP added. advocate, was the “narrator� of the “Ang Totoong Narcolist� vidRappler said the allegations had “long moved from laugheos, based on voice recognition “through oral spectral process.� able to farce.�

4HE 0ALACE OFkCIAL ALSO SHOWED A PHOTO OF *AYME ‡ WHO WAS “As technology has proven, a lie told a million times becomes arrested last week and charged with inciting to sedition for alleg- the truth. More so when it’s a concerted campaign from social edly uploading the videos — with Vice President Maria Leonor media, government co-opted media, and from the podium of “Leni� Robredo, another critic of the Duterte.

POWER -ALACAĂ„ANG u IT SAID Jayme was also described as an “artistâ€? and “photojournalistâ€? “It’s clear there will be consequences if journalists keep askwho provided visual representations and images for different ing questions. But independent media will not be silenced or “black propagandasâ€? that were used by Rappler, a news organi- intimidated by silly diagrams and lousy scripts.â€?

ZATION THAT WAS INCLUDED IN THE kRST MATRIX Others named in the new diagrams were reelectionist Sen. ’Bikoy,’ not ‘Bikoy’ Paolo Benigno “Bam� Aquino 4th, Senate candidates Manuel “Mar� Roxas 2nd and Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano.

The release of the expanded diagrams came two days after Peter Joemel Advincula, who claimed to be Bikoy in the “Ang Totoong ‘Gawa-gawa lang ‘yan’ Narcolist� videos, came forward and offered to present evidence against the Dutertes.

LP President and Otso Diretso campaign manager Sen. Francis Panelo, who had dismissed Advincula as a “pawn� in the “Kiko� Pangilinan dismissed the allegations. “black propaganda� being waged by the President’s critics, said “This is the nth time that the administration, when confronted the latter’s voice did not match that of Bikoy. with controversy, falsely accuses the LP of being involved in “[I]f you listen, you will notice that the accent of the Bikoy ouster plots. Gawa-gawa lang ‘yan (That’s just fabricated).� in the video has an Ilocano accent, while Bikoy who represents “Ang hindi gawa-gawa na dapat nilang ipaliwanag ay bakit himself as Peter Advincula has a Bicolano accent, because he is walang nahuhuli na mga drug lord o pinaparusahan na opisyal a Bicolano from Sorsogon,� he said. ng Customs sa paulit-ulit na pagpuslit ng toneladang shabu Advincula had sought the aid of the Integrated Bar of the (methamphetamine hydrochloride) sa BoC (Bureau of Cus- Philippines (IBP), which on Wednesday denied his request toms). ‘Yan ang dapat nilang aksyunan (What isn’t made up for free legal assistance based on standards set by its National and what they should explain is why no drug lords have been Center for Legal Aid. “In the pursuit of its mandate to provide access to justice to ARRESTED AND WHY NO #USTOMS OFkCIALS HAVE BEEN PUNISHED OVER the repeated entry of tons of shabu through the BoC. That’s what the poor and the marginalized, the IBP cannot be seen to be siding with or going against any candidate or political party,� they should take action on),� he added.

Lacierda, who was the spokesman of Duterte’s predecessor, Be- IBP President Abdiel Fajarco said in a statement.

NIGNO g.OYNOYu !QUINO RD MOCKED -ALACAĂ„ANG FOR RESORTING to the issuance of a “grade school matrixâ€? to push an ouster plot. Validated by Duterte “I understand that my name was linked because I am active liker of Gary Alejano’s posts on FB (Facebook),â€? he said Asked about the source of the diagrams, Panelo replied that it in a statement. was Duterte himself. “In the words of Sir Walter Scott, ‘What a tangled web we “Presidente ‘yun (He’s President). He has many sources.

WEAVE IF AT kRST WE PRACTICE TO DECEIVE ) HAVE NO INVOLVEMENT Knowing him, as one who is [an] effective president, he would whatsoever with the ‘Bikoy’ video,� he added, referring to the have validated every information he has received,� he said when hooded man who claims to have facilitated drug payoffs.

PRESSED AS TO WHETHER THE INFORMATION WAS VERIkED OR IF IT CAME Alejano categorically denied any involvement in the “Ang from foreign sources.

Totoong Narcolist� videos. “It was shared to him; he validated it, and he (Duterte) wants “I do not know Bikoy and have not met him ever,� he said, the public to know about it,� Panelo said.

ADDING THAT g-ALACAĂ„ANG HAS A LONG HISTORY OF RELEASING UNIt would be the Justice department’s responsibility to validated information to the publicâ€? and that they “backtrack determine how to proceed following the release of the latest or change tune in the middle of the issue.â€? diagrams, he added.

Trillanes said Duterte should be blamed for discrediting “Pag-aaralan nila Secretary Menardo [Guevarra] kung anong his administration. magandang demanda against them (They will study what cases “Si Duterte ang nagpapatay ng libu-libong Pilipino, may SHOULD BE kLED AGAINST THEM u 0ANELO SAID WITH REPORTS FROM JAVIER JOE ISMAEL bilyun-bilyong pisong tagong yaman, gumigiba sa mga demoAND GLEE JALEA cratic institutions, minumura ang Diyos, at nag iimbento

‘Very active collaboration’

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Choose bets who care for country – Aquino SEN. Paolo Benigno “Bam� Aquino 4th on Wednesday called on the Catholic faithful to choose candidates who would work for the welfare of the nation.

The senator thanked the Sangguniang Layko ng Pilipinas, the lay arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, for supporting him and nine other Senate candidates endorsed by the People’s Choice Movement (PCM). “Nanawagan ako sa lahat ng mga kapatid sa Katoliko, sama-sama nating ipanalo sa halalan ang tunay na makakabuti sa ating bayan (I call on our Catholic brothers and sisters, let us join hands to secure the victory of those who will do good for our country),� Aquino said in a statement.

Aquino topped the PCM’s selection process, garnering 120 votes from 130 representatives from various Catholic, evangelical and Protestant groups.

The PCM based its selection on character and honor, competence and abilities, and faithfulness TO PUBLIC SERVICE TO 'OD TO THE Constitution and to the law.

Aquino also thanked the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines for supporting his candidacy. “The full support and recognition of the labor sector to our advocacy to promote their welfare is a big help [to our candidacy],� he said in Filipino.

Aquino vowed to push the passage of the Security of Tenure Bill to end labor contractualization

if he wins another term in the Senate.

He also thanked the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa Anakpawis and Confederation for Unity, Recognition AND !DVANCEMENT OF 'OVERNMENT Employees for helping him in his reelection bid.

-EANWHILE -ICROkNANCE “Nanay� OR MICROkNANCE BENEkCIARIES thanked Aquino for helping uplift lives through his Free College Law and other laws in support of microentrepreneurs.

They declared their support for the senator during a sectoral meeting in Tacloban City.

In his speech, Aquino said he drew inspiration from community-based mothers in pushing for the passage of the Free College Law, saying he wanted to help FULkLL THEIR DREAMS OF SEEING THEIR children obtain a college degree.

If he wins a second term, Aquino promised to push for the passage of his Trabaho Center Bill, which aims to solve the problem of jobs mismatch and high unemployment rate. “Kung makakabalik tayo sa Senado, isusulong ko ang Trabaho Center Bill kung saan pagtatagpuin ang mga naghahanap ng trabaho at ang mga kumpanyang naghahanap ng empleyado (If I win another term, I will push the Trabaho Center Bill where the job seekers meet with companies that are looking for employees),�

Aquino said.

BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO AND JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

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Govt to fast track infra projects T

BY RALPH EDWIN U. VILLANUEVA

HE government will accelerate the implementation of projects under the Build Build Build program, which was delayed because the government had to OPERATE ON A REENACTED BUDGET FOR THE kRST four months of the year, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd.

Dominguez said the Departments of Public Works and Highways and of Transportation would be asked to move the projects faster “to offset the losses.�

This would mean fast-tracking the bidding process and the infrastructure spending. “We will now accelerate the implementation so we can catch up.

All our plans of catching up really

depend on the weather. So, if we continue getting good weather, we WILL DEkNITELY CATCH UP u HE SAID Dominguez stressed the need to pass the national budget on time.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the budget bill into law in April after weeks of quarrel between the Senate and the House of Representatives over budget realignments and allegations of “pork� insertions.

Duterte vetoed P75 billion worth of programs and projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways itemized by the House, as well as 12 other rider provisions. “It is very important for us, even for the next budget, to pass it on time. We missed spending P1 billion A DAY IN THE kRST FOUR MONTHS THAT could have gone to hiring more people to construct roads, to provide health care, better education,� he added.

Dominguez expressed hope that those who would win in the midterm elections would have the heart to respond to the government’s needs. “We are expecting that Congress will be responsive to good ideas that WILL BENEkT THE &ILIPINO PEOPLE ) cannot predict who’s going to win but we

think that whoever will win will have the heart for the Filipinos,� he said. “We know that the Senate and the House will certainly be supportive,� he added.

Meanwhile, Dominguez said the government would soon issue the Marawi bond for the rehabilitation of the war-torn city. “We are going to time that. The Marawi expenditures right now IS kNANCED BY THE '!! 'ENERAL Appropriations Act) and we have enough funds for those in the moment. When we start getting into the bigger expenditures, then we will be issuing the Marawi bonds,� he said.

Dominguez said the city had yet to be cleared of unexploded bombs.

US seeks bigger drills with PH

THE United States Army wants larger joint exercises with the Philippine Army, as it seeks to increase the number of soldiers who will join next year’s counterterrorism exercises from 900 to 1,500.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Army SPOKESMAN SAID -AJ 'EN *OHN *OHNSON THE 53 !RMY 0ACIkC #OMmand deputy commanding general, made the proposal during his visit to the army headquarters at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Tuesday.

Zagala said Johnson met with Lt. 'EN -ACAIROG !LBERTO THE 0HILIPpine Army chief, and proposed the holding of large scale that will focus on counterterrorism for the Salaknib (shield) exercises for 2020.

Salaknib exercises are army-to-army drills between Manila and Washington conducted yearly since 2015 as part of the mutual

defense treaty between the two nations.

For next year, Zagala said Johnson was proposing the deployment of more troops. “It’s still a proposal; it’s a proposed concept and although both armies are committed to it, we are still waiting FOR THE kNAL PLAN 4HIS IS HOWEVER

for next year’s drills and planning is in process,� Zagala told reporters.

According to Zagala, 900 US soldiers and 1,800 Filipino troops participated in this year’s Salaknib exercises. “This is all about making us more ready and whatever challenges the future might hold. We are committed to this region, the design of Salaknib 2020 exercise is purposeful in demonstrating that commitment,� Johnson said in a statement.

DEMPSEY REYES

Marylou Maliper, 44 MARYLOU Maliper, wife of The Manila Times photojournalist Ruy L. Martinez, died on May 6, 2019 at the age of 44.

She left behind three children — Ma. Lourdes, 15; Ma. Victoria, 13; and

Ma. Kristina, 11.

Her remains are at Room 104 of St. Peter Chapels in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. Cremation will be on Sunday, May 12, 2019.

TIGHT GUARD

Police officers escort a van carrying vote counting machines (VCMs) to be distributed in Manila. The Commission on Elections expects the delivery of VCMs and other election paraphernalia to be completed by Sunday for the midterm elections on Monday. PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA

Go vows to push workers’ welfare SENATE hopeful Christopher ,AWRENCE g"ONGu 'O REITERATED his commitment to promote the welfare of Filipino workers and support government programs that would encourage more investors to open business in the country and provide more jobs.

'O MADE THE STATEMENT DURING his visit to a Michael Kors factory in Bacolor, Pampanga, which employs thousands of Filipino workers, including Aetas — indigenous people mostly living in mountainous areas of Luzon. “I thank Superl Philippines Inc. — they provided 14,000 jobs here. Aetas were part of those given

Are pets allowed on a public bus?

Dear PAO, I’m a registered voter in Bicol where I grew up, but I currently reside in Quezon City. Two months ago, I booked a bus going to Bicol for the election weekend because I intended to exercise my right to vote. A few days ago, I rescued a kitten that was left abandoned on the streets. Now, I am faced with the dilemma of what to do with the kitten while I am in Bicol. I live alone, and I do not know anyone who would be willing to take my kitten in for a few days. Yesterday, I checked the rates of pet hotels and learned that it is very expensive. Thus, I’m considering bringing my pet with me to Bicol, but I am uncertain if the bus company would allow a kitten on the bus.

Am I allowed to bring a pet with me on a public bus?

Mary Dear Mary, Yes, you are allowed to bring your

be carried by the owner so long as the animals are free from foul odor and the he/she maintains DEAR PAO cleanliness and sanitation, taking into consideration the next riding passenger. Further, the possessor or pet owner shall be responsible kitten with you on the bus during for the damage that the pet may your trip to Bicol. On April cause, including the cleaning and 15, 2019, the Land Transporta- sanitation of the PUV, as may be tion Franchising and Regulatory necessary, and “3. Safety, convenience and Board issued Memorandum Circular 2019-019, amending comfort of the passengers shall not paragraph 24 of Memorandum IN ANY WAY BE SACRIkCED u This opinion is solely based Circular 2011-004 or the “Terms AND #ONDITIONS OF #ERTIkCATE OF on the facts you have narrated Public Convenience� of public and our appreciation of the utility vehicles (PUV). This recent same. The opinion may vary amendment allows pet animals when the facts are changed or inside PUVs under the following further elaborated. We hope that we were able to enlighten conditions: “1. These animals must be put you on the matter. inside carriers/cages and placed at the designated animal compart- Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily ment of the PUV, should there be column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief other passengers inside the PUV, “2. If there are no other pas- Acosta may be sent to dearpao@ sengers, pet may be allowed to manilatimes.net

PERSIDA ACOSTA

JOBS u 'O SAID IN &ILIPINO 4HE FORMER GOVERNMENT OFkCIAL urged workers to do their job well and to prove that Filipinos were truly industrious and kind.

'O VISITED THE FACTORY ON 4UESday upon the invitation of the OWNERS AS WELL AS 0AMPANGA 'OV Lilia Pineda and House Speaker 'LORIA -ACAPAGAL !RROYO He expressed hopes that other businessmen and multinational companies operating in the country would employ locals, especially indigenous peoples.

'O NOTED THAT $AVAO #ITY WHERE he worked for almost two decades as top aide of then-Mayor Rodrigo

Duterte, had passed an anti-discrimination law to ensure everyone — including indigenous peoples — were treated equally and given equal opportunity, particularly on work opportunities.

The Senate candidate said that if elected, he would work to protect the rights and promote the welfare of laborers. “I will prioritize the welfare and interest of workers should I win a SEAT IN THE 3ENATE u 'O SAID He stressed the need to balance the interest of workers and of investors.

He said he would support legislation that would encourage more

investors to come into the country.

'O ASSURED THE FACTORY WORKERS that he and the President would always be willing to address their concerns.

As part of his legislative agenda, 'O SEEKS TO CHAMPION THE CAUSE of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to increase the income of ordinary Filipinos. !MONG OTHERS 'O PROPOSES to support MSMEs through free business training, easier credit access with low interest and shared manufacturing machinery.

'O ALSO VOWED TO PROMOTE LOCAL industries to increase the income of local communities.

‘You don’t need money to reach the people’ HIS opponents may have spent hundreds of millions of pesos to boost their candidacy, but Senate hopeful Rodrigo “Jiggy� Manicad Jr. believes that he has an edge despite his puny campaign budget. “One thing I’m happy to show through my low-budget campaign is that you don’t need money to reach as many people as you can,� Manicad said in a statement. “If you really want to serve, if you have the heart, YOU LL kND VOLUNTEERS AND DONORS WHO DON T EXPECT ANYTHING IN RETURN 9OU LL kND A WAY u HE ADDED Manicad, who is seeking an elective position for THE kRST TIME MADE THE STATEMENT AFTER HIS CAMPAIGN photos went viral on social media, reaching nearly 4.5 million netizens on Facebook.

In the post, which has been shared 26,000 times and liked 70,000 times as of Wednesday, Manicad featured photos of his lone sports utility vehicle that he used to visit different provinces.

The former broadcast journalist admitted that this was markedly different from the campaigns of most other candidates. “One need not come from a prominent family OR HAVE MILLIONS IN FUNDS TO PUT UP A GOOD kGHT u Manicad said.

The Hugpong ng Pagbabago bet also shared that since he did not have coordinators and staff on the ground, he and two associates had been doing their own postering for the campaign.

Manicad said the simplicity of his campaign stemmed from his desire “not to muddle his objectives with favors owed to other politicians and businessmen who may contribute millions of pesos into his campaign.� “Ipinangako ko po sa inyo na hinding hindi ako magnanakaw kasi alam ko po ang epekto nito sa poorest of the poor na akin ring nakasalamuha sa aking mahigit 23 years na pagiging mamamahayag (I promised that I will not steal because I know its effect on the poor with whom I rubbed elbows during my 23 years as a journalist),� Manicad said. “Kaya’t naniniwala ako na dapat sa kampanya pa lang ay tapat na po tayo at hindi nagpapagamit sa iba. Maliit lang man po ang budget natin, mayaman naman po tayo sa tiwala at suporta ng taumbayan (That’s why I believe that during the campaign period we should remain true and not allow others to use us.

I may have a small budget, but I am rich in the support and trust of the people),� he added.

Manicad estimates that he spent P2 million in pre-campaign expenses.

In comparison, the 10 highest spenders spent an average of P205 million each as shown in a tally of the estimated advertisement spending of Senate candidates before the election period by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.

CATHERINE S. VALENTE

A4

Opinion

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

E d i to r i a l Make it clear to the world: PH is not a dumpsite

T

HE nation must be breathing a sigh of relief that the Canadian government has apparently begun making arrangements to take back, at its own expense, 69 containers of trash shipped from that country into the Philippines in 2013 and 2014. But this resolution of the Canadian trash scandal should not be the end of our efforts to rid the Philippines of other countries’ garbage.

President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier expressed exasperation over the unresolved issue and demanded that Canada remove the waste that has been festering for too long at the port in Manila by May 15.

Although the Bureau of Customs has reported that the Canadian authorities are unlikely to be able to meet that deadline due to various import requirements, the necessary work at least seems to have gotten underway at last.

The Canadian trash shipment is just one of many cases of unwanted and hazardous waste being dumped on the Philippines by shippers from other countries. In recent months, foreign trash has been discovered in Cebu and Northern Mindanao.

If our authorities do not act aggressively to prevent it, the problem for the Philippines is bound to grow worse, compared with that for other countries such as China, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia as their governments have started imposing bans on most waste imports.

China at one time was the world’s largest importer of waste, particularly plastic waste, which could be recycled into thousands of cheap products. But the Chinese government has been making an effort to clean up the country’s poor reputation for environmental protection, and to that end imposed a ban on 34 categories of imported waste last year. The ban will take effect in two steps this year and next, but its impact on neighboring countries was felt almost as soon as it was announced. Countries like the US, Japan and South Korea that generate enormous amounts of waste and had been relying on China to dispose of it were suddenly left scrambling for new destinations.

The Philippines, with its unfortunate reputation for having weak import controls and a casual attitude toward environmental risks, naturally became an attractive alternative.

Neighboring countries that were also targeted recognized the implications of the Chinese ban much more quickly and imposed their own restrictions. But not fast enough, in some cases; as of late last year, an estimated 30,000 containers of waste were sitting stranded in Thai ports, and Vietnam had some 9,000, most of them in the already badly congested port of Cat Lai. Those examples should serve as a warning of what could happen in the Philippines if quick action is not taken. The country does have import regulations that apply to various forms of waste and scrap materials, but these are too often abused by unscrupulous traders and pliable Customs personnel. Likewise, we have a very strong law in RA 9003, the Solid 7ASTE -ANAGEMENT !CT BUT IT HAS PROVEN DIFkCULT TO ENFORCE because the country’s waste management infrastructure is so inadequate for our growing population.

For the country’s protection, the government should impose an immediate, comprehensive ban on waste imports, INCLUDING THOSE DODGY PRODUCT CLASSIkCATIONS THAT ALLOW waste to enter the country, such as “raw materials� or “scrap for recycling.� More focus should also be given to developing waste management and recycling facilities, and rigorously enforcing existing environmental laws.

A clear message needs to be sent that the Philippines is not the world’s dumpsite, and it needs to be sent now, before we kND OURSELVES GRAPPLING WITH A PROBLEM THAT MAKES #ANADA S UNWANTED TRASH LOOK INSIGNIkCANT BY COMPARISON ~

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 208

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. CARIĂ‘O, 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 XXX NBOJMBUJNFT OFU t F NBJM OFXTEFTL!NBOJMBUJNFT OFU Letters to the Editor THE MANILA TIMES is published daily at 2/F Sitio Grande, 409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila 1002 The owners, managers, publishers and editors do not necessarily share the opinions expressed and the statements made by individual authors of columns, commentaries and other articles published in The Manila Times.

A Filipino in New Zealand (My speech at a forum sponsored by the Asean-New Zealand Business Council held on May 8,

AT THE !UCKLAND OFkCE OF the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade:)

I

AM deeply honored to be given the opportunity to say a few words about my country.

I am not a businessman. I am an academic. While I support my government, in line with my role in society as a purveyor and shaper of critical thinking, I am also an occasional critic of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, whom I generally support but whose flaws I call out and do not tolerate, but only because like any ordinary Filipino, I want him to succeed. There is so much at stake, and my country has so much to offer not only to its people, but to its friends

ON THE CONTRARY ANTONIO CONTRERAS in the global community.

The Philippines is more than the images of crime, and of the alleged brutal drug war that you read and hear about in the media. It is a country that offers so many economic opportunities.

While the World Bank may have downgraded our growth forecast to 6.4 percent, the Philippines remains as one of the few countries expected to post a GDP growth rate higher than its performance last year in the Asean region.

The Asian Development Bank counts as contributing factors the country’s low unemployment rate, sustained rise in overseas workers’ remittances, and slow-

ing inflation. Also positively contributing is the increased level of public investments in social services and infrastructure.

While we face challenges from natural and political causes, my country has always been known to bounce back. We have an enormous level of social capital, that we have survived not only supertyphoons but also major political upheavals. Anderson Cooper of CNN said, after watching how we were able to smile, laugh and play basketball in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan, that my country and people are teaching the rest of the world how to live and survive.

The Philippines has become the focus of much attention in mainstream Western media, perhaps owing to our controversial 0RESIDENT )N kVE DAYS WE WILL have our midterm elections,

and on that day, millions of our citizens will cast their votes for half of our Senate, all members of our House of Representatives AND ALL LOCAL OFkCIALS TO PROVE TO the world that we are a vibrant democracy, despite the bad press that we have been getting.

New Zealand is now home to thousands of Filipino migrants and their families, and among these thousands are two of my SIBLINGS ONE OF MY IN LAWS kVE of my nieces and nephews, two of their spouses, one of whom is a Filipino migrant and another is a Kiwi, and one half-Kiwi of a granddaughter from my niece.

They remain part of my family, as all those other thousands of Filipinos who have made New Zealand their home remain part of theirs.

The Filipino diaspora is known to be one of those who insist on serv-

ÂłContrerasA5

Q MAKABENTA FROM A1

Bikoy runs circles around govt with loaded-question fallacy The Senate and government investigators will quickly see the hole or fallacy in Bikoy’s allegations, if they compare his accusation to the classic loaded question taught in logic and rhetoric class: “Have you stopped beating your wife?�

The question contains an incriminating assumption that the questioned person will seem to admit to if they answer the question instead of challenging it. If the person questioned answers “Yes,� then that implies that he has previously beaten his wife. A loaded question may be asked to trick the respondent into admitting something that the questioner believes to be true, and which may in fact be true. So the previous question is “loaded,� whether or not the respondent has actually beaten his wife — and if the respondent answers anything other than “yes� or “no� in an attempt to deny having beaten his wife, the questioner can accuse him of “trying to dodge the question.�

Similarly, Bikoy’s allega tion against Paolo Duterte and Manases Carpio would go nowhere if it is challenged.

foundling, in the inevitable live TV coverage of the inquiry.

To get this far without offering an iota of proof for his accusation, Advincula seems to have already accomplished something.

Yet Advincula has done nothing to merit an inquiry, where he can repeat his insidious claims.

Like the "beating your wife" question, the charge of drugdealing against Duterte and Carpio is unanswerable unless Advincula fills the blanks.

It was humbling and sporting of Bong Go to immediately disrobe to show his back as totally unmarked by a dragon tattoo.

This puts awkward pressure on Paulo Duterte to also do the same. But he would be dumb to consent to such an imposition.

If Duterte and Carpio meekly bare their backs, the loadedquestion fallacy directed at them will have already succeeded.

Govt investigation

If the Senate conducts an inquiry at Advincula’s request, he will have gotten some ambitious people believing in his allegations.

Lacson was the first to bite at the apple dangled by Advincula.

Objective: Senate inquiry Quick as a bat, Lacson, as chairman of the Senate Com"UT THEN HERE COMES 3EN 0ANkLO mittee on Public Order and Lacson proposing to conduct a Dangerous Drugs, sent AdvinSenate inquiry on Bikoy’s allega- cula an invitation to a Senate tions. He wants to be the investi- inquiry as early as tomorrow.

With more discernment, Sengator of the allegations, ignoring the fact that both the National ate President Vicente Sotto 3rd Bureau of Investigation and the declared that Advincula should Philippine National Police are first provide solid evidence to already hard at work investigat- back his allegations.

Sotto noted Advincula’s “dark ing Bikoy and his claims.

As Advincula said during his past,� having been jailed for press conference at the Integrated swindling.

MalacaĂąang contends that it was Bar of the Philippines, what he wants most is the chance to repeat the separate probes by the PNP and his accusations in a Senate inquiry. the NBI that forced Advincula to He wants to star, like Grace Poe the surface and declare he is “Bikoy.â€?

Presidential spokesman and chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo said the PNP had zeroed in on Advincula following the arrest of Rodel Jayme, owner and administrator of the social media page on which the series of “Bikoy� videos were posted.

It was the NBI which did much of the sleuthing that led to Jayme’s arrest. “The PNP is coming out with a full report on this case,� Panelo said. “It will show that there are people behind the scheme to oust the President. “Information about the criminal background of Advincula has started to come out. It appears that he was incarcerated in 2012 for conviction of illegal recruitment and large-scale estafa, as well as for theft.�

Advincula also used to be a seminarian, a background Albayalde said he could have used to deceive people. “He talks well and can convince people,� Albayalde said.

The “Bikoy� series of controversial videos alleged the drug trade involvement of the President’s son Paolo Duterte, former top presidential aide Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go and Manases Carpio, the husband of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Advincula’s surfacing is a sigNIkCANT DEVELOPMENT THAT SHOWS there are people behind the ouster plot against the President.

A Senate inquiry at Advincula’s request will turn the Bikoy probe into a circus. Senators will grill the PNP and NBI on what they have already established. They will let Advincula orate to his heart’s content.

Loaded question fallacy The loaded or complex question fallacy is common in everyday life. One example is the question;

“What type of therapy is most effective in treating homosexuality?�

The question contains an unstated and controversial assumption. Failure to recognize the assumption will fix the framework of discussion in a way that begs important questions. The most important issues may be settled before the discussion has started. If we accept the statement of the question, “what is the most effective treatment for homosexuality?,� then the whole discussion will presuppose some very dubious assumptions: first, that homosexuality is a disease that should be treated; and second, that homosexuality is bad like a disease and should be eliminated.

Revealing these concealed assumptions will make the question irrelevant (we shall not ask how to treat homosexuality if it is neither a disease nor undesirable).

Similarly, revealing the controversial and insidious assumptions concealed in the accusations against Duterte and Carpio could have the effect of destroying the fundamental question raised about their integrity.

Begging the question occurs when the conclusion is used as a premise. The conclusion here is that Duterte and Carpio are part of the illegal drug trade.

Advincula has offered no basis whatever for this conclusion.

The three questions I have discussed here — the beating your wife question, the treating homosexuality question, and the Duterte family’s drug dealing — are all loaded-question fallacies.

A fallacy, says my Collins English dictionary (21st century dition), is �an incorrect or misleading notion or opinion based on inaccurate facts or invalid reasoning.�

yenmakabenta@yahoo.com

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

Opinion

A5

Q SALUDO FROM A1

Top 10 cities of the world To back or to block Duterte and his candidates M

What could well be the most potent broadside against President Rodrigo Duterte and his Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP) candidates is Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s plan to hold nationally televised hearings this week featuring one Peter Joemel Advincula, who claimed to be the hooded “Bikoy� figure accusing Duterte’s family and key associates of narcotics involvement.

Lacson already hit Duterte by delaying for four months the 2019 budget, ironically with Cabinet help, claiming anomalies with nil evidence. Now, in a bid to block HnP’s looming landslide, Lacson wants to fill the airwaves with Advincula’s anti-Duterte claims, which have attracted just several thousand shares and views online, and minimal coverage from major media other than pro-LP entities.

Thankfully, just before presstime, Lacson canceled Advincula’s appearance after Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd revealed that the self-style whistleblower TRIED TO LINK !QUINO OFkCIALS TO drugs. So, in trying to tar Duterte, the opposition might just get dirt on its leaders, too.

It’s the economy — and more With many positives lifting administration ratings, it’s no wonder that Lacson and the LP are resorting to black propaganda. The first part of this article detailed how President Duterte reversed the explosion in crime and contraband under his predecessor Benigno Aquino 3rd, plus the coddling of grafttainted associates (https:// w w w. m a n i l a t i m e s. n e t / w hy filipinos-back-duterte-and-hiscandidates/548486/).

This concluding column assesses Duterte’s gains in the economy

and foreign relations, and his Charter change agenda. Then, readers can decide if, as one Bacolod critic claimed, “Only people with low-level IQ and without personal principles will continue to support this rogue president.�

Author-professor Richard Heydarian said both Aquino and Duterte ratings gained from the economy’s enhanced growth in this decade, boosted by Arroyo-era fiscal reforms, plus rock-bottom world interest rates after the 2008 global recession.

Still, there are significant differences between the two regimes. Aquino underspending slowed gross domestic product (GDP) expansion. Incredibly, public works spending fell by half in the first semester of 2011, his first full year in office. And in 2014 and 2015, some 15 percent of the budget was unspent.

Annual GDP growth fell to 6.1 percent in his last two full years, from 7.1 percent in 2013.

Under Duterte, underspending dropped to 3 percent in 2016, then 1-2 percent afterward. Infrastructure posted double-digit growth, rising 26 percent in January-February this year, despite delays in the 2019 budget. GDP growth hit 6.9 and 6.7 percent in 2016 and 2017, but slowed last year amid rising prices and interest rates, and US-China trade frictions.

With growth up, poverty incidence fell by nearly one-third to 16.1 percent of families early last year, from 22.2 percent in 2015, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) estimates. Average income rose 21.2 percent in 2015-18, up from 15.3 percent in 2012-2015. Unemployment in March was 5.2 percent, against 6.1 percent in April 2016.

Bottom line: While the economy did well in the past decade, Filipinos saw Duterte rolling out

more public works and services and better alleviating poverty.

No wonder his administration got a record +72 net satisfaction rating for “helping the poor� in the March SWS survey.

Making friends with all In world affairs, Duterte again reversed Aquino, cussing thenUS President Barack Obama early in his rule, the first among several world figures hit by his colorful language. And recasting foreign policy went far beyond four-letter words.

From confrontation and lawsuits, Duterte sought dialogue and cooperation with China.

He downplayed the July 2016 Hague ruling against Beijing’s “nine-dash line� claim over nearly all of the South China Sea. He also slowed implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) for greater American military deployment, with access to several bases.

Besides China, Duterte enhanced ties with Japan and Russia, obtaining arms from all three, after decades of mainly US weapons aid and purchases. He resisted pressure from international rights advocates, including the United Nations. And when overseas Filipino workers suffered abuse in Kuwait, Duterte took strong action, including suspending OFW deployment, and got better treatment.

These policies eased regional tensions, and as analysts have noted, actually led China to follow certain provisions of the Hague ruling, like stopping reclamation in the Spratlys and allowing Filipino fishermen back to Scarborough Shoal. Keeping American forces off our bases also avoided dragging the country into Washington’s frictions

with Beijing and Pyongyang.

The big test for Duterte’s foreign policy would be dealing with Chinese actions like alleged HARASSMENT OF OUR kSHERMEN AND the swarming of maritime militia near Philippine-occupied PagAsa Island. So far, both sides are maintaining dialogue.

Most Filipinos seem satisfied with Duterte’s approach. In the 373 kRST QUARTER POLL IN -ARCH

his government netted “very good� ratings for “Foreign relations� (+41, same for “Eradicating corruption�), and “Defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea� (+40). These grades are just below those for “Fighting crimes� (+48), “Reconciling with communist rebels� (a new recordhigh +45), and “Reconciling with Muslim rebels� (+44); and higher than reducing hunger (+37) and kGHTING INlATION

Who wants federalism?

In choosing its oppositionpacked senatorial lineup, the Church-backed People’s Choice -OVEMENT 0#- kRST SCREENED out candidates who supported federalism, arguing that the country was not ready for it, even though most Filipinos would probably support increased power and funds for the regions.

On Monday, the electorate will show which leaders they support: those backing Duterte’s agenda, including federalism, and those opposing it. Now, are you dumb and unprincipled if you pick “senatoriables� who back the President in eradicating crime, corruption, contraband and drugs?

0LUS kGHTING POVERTY TERRORISM and insurgency; building massive infrastructure and good relations with all nations; and advancing Charter change for more countryside clout and cash?

Maybe not.

Q TULFO FROM A1

A Filipino who is being deported to the US Prescott, a former World Bank employee, renounced his US citizenship after he retired from the Bank.

He then applied for reacquisition of Filipino citizenship which was approved.

But irony of ironies, the Bureau of Immigration wants to deport Prescott for being an undesirable alien.

His crime? Prescott’s wife, a Filipina from whom he is divorced, kLED A DEPORTATION CASE AGAINST him for allegedly falsifying his application for naturalization.

Prescott says his ex-wife wants to have him deported to the US so she could have his World Bank pension when he dies.

No amount of protestation that he is a Filipino citizen moved the Bureau of Immigration, which had Prescott confined at the immigration jail in Bicutan, Taguig.

Raymond Smith, a Briton and former detainee at the immigration jail, has described the place as a hellhole in a five-part series of articles that this column published recently.

Former justice secretary Leila de Lima revoked Prescott’s Filipino citizenship and had him placed in jail for deportation.

Prescott languished in jail for many years until someone tipped off Persida Acosta, chief

of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), about his plight.

Acosta, a female knight (for lack of an equivalent term for women) in shining armor, filed a petition for habeas corpus with the Manila Regional Trial Court against de Lima and the Bureau of Immigration.

This is probably the first time a subordinate in the Department of Justice (DoJ) has filed a court case against his/her superior and a colleague in the same department.

The PAO and the Immigration bureau are both under the Justice department.

But Acosta doesn’t care; she

wants justice for Prescott.

Until now, the habeas corpus petition (a petition to produce Prescott before the court and have him released) is pending in the Manila RTC. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who succeeded de Lima, are respondents in the habeas corpus case.

Prescott, however, has been released on Acosta’s recognizance.

He is now at a PAO safehouse somewhere in Metro Manila.

Prescott is a beneficiary of the milk of human kindness courtesy of PAO’s Acosta.

May Acosta’s tribe increase.

Bright future for outsourcing

O

UTSOURCING is without a doubt the jewel in the crown of the burgeoning Philippine economy. In just 25 years, the industry has grown to contribute 11 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), employ 1.2 million professionals — in exciting career paths — reverse the OFW brain drain, and largely justify the building of BGC, Eastwood and swaths of Ortigas and Makati.

Yet, recently, the industry narrative has moved from exciting

ing. A future that could generate 30 million extra high-paying skilled jobs, and take the industry from its current $24 billion to over $600 billion in revenues. This is the "next wave" of outsourcing, which is not only 30 times bigger than current, but offers a broader range of higher-skilled jobs, higher salaries, and an unmatched resilience to automation and AI. So, where will these 30 million jobs come from? Answer: the

HARVARD VERITAS

DEREK GALLIMORE growth and potential, to talk of a sunset industry, skill shortages, and decline due to market saturation, automation and AI. In stark contrast, evidence points not towards a decline, but an exponentially brighter future for Philippine outsourc-

small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector of the "West."

Outsourcing, as a result of the high initial infrastructure costs and logistics of the early days, has historically been exclusively available to big conglomerates of the world. SMEs were excluded because they didn’t have the scale. But with advanced technology, cheap telecommunications and cloud-based infrastructure, outsourcing has never been more

ÂłHarvard VeritasA6

Y professors at the Harvard Graduate School of Design used to tell us, “The 21st century will be a Re-century: Re-imagine, re-plan, re-design, re-use, re-duce, recycle, and redevelop toward an urban renaissance.� Today, I think we are steadily getting there.

According to a research conducted by the IESE Business School, around 70 percent of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050. In the same study, cities are shown to generate 80 percent of wealth worldwide. Yet, despite this fact, cities are facing big economic, demographic, social and environmental challenges. As architects and urban planners, it is our duty to plan and design the natural and built environment to improve people’s quality of life. It will be helpful for us to learn from some of the best cities around the world. In the list of the top 10 cities of the world, we see cities that rank the highest in terms of livability, smart city design, green urbanism, resilience, urban mobility, safety, urban gateway and tourism.

According to The Economist’s Global Liveability Index 2018, political and social stability, access to healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure indicate better living conditions in a city. Vienna topped the rankings, followed by Melbourne, Osaka, #ALGARY AND 3YDNEY AT kFTH PLACE Aside from Vienna’s interesting cultural scene, green and walkable city center, and iconic cafÊs, the city administers remarkable and efficient social housing, public transport and healthcare systems.

Smart city design is the solution chosen by several top cities to the environmental challenges of the 21st century. In New York, the smartest city, according to the IESE Cities in Motion Index, smart city systems are addressing urban ISSUES LIKE STREET LIGHTING EFkCIENCY

water quality and conservation, waste management, and air quality. For example, The Big Belly in New York City is an automated trash can that runs on solar power and is equipped with wireless sensors that detect trash levels and send information to a system that schedules trash collection. It also includes a trash compactor THAT ALLOWS THE BIN TO HOLD kVE times more trash than the regular TRASH CAN 2ETROkTTED ,%$ LIGHTS

automated meter reading (AMR) units that track water usage, and digitized air monitoring systems all help the city to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Monitoring is a common denominator among smart city systems because only a proactive system can be considered smart — prevention costs much less than mitigation.

It will be very interesting to look into smart city projects in London, Paris, Tokyo, Reykjavik, Singapore, Seoul, Toronto, Hong Kong and Amsterdam because these cities follow New York in the rankings.

For the greenest cities, six of the top 10 are Scandinavian countries: Copenhagen (1st), Amsterdam (2nd), Stockholm (3rd), Reykjavik (6th), Helsinki (9th) and Oslo (10th). Three are in the Americas: Vancouver (4th), Curitiba (5th) and San Francisco (8th). London is at seventh place. Curitiba is the first sustainable city in Brazil.

The city has more than 50 square meters of green space per capita — much more than the UN recommends — which is remarkable considering that the popu-

lation almost tripled in the past 20 years. Instead of spending much more on engineering solutions for diverting waterways, the mayor decided to develop a large green belt around the city to solve its flooding problems.

Urban resilience is the capacity of communities to survive, adapt and grow no matter what kind of chronic stresses and acute shocks they experience. Here in the Philippines, weather disasters are a constant threat. We must remember that a city’s resilience is largely a design issue. We can design buildings and infrastructure that can withstand earthQUAKES AND lOODING 4ORONTO

Vancouver, Calgary, Chicago, AND 0ITTSBURGH ARE THE kVE MOST resilient cities in the world.

When it comes to urban mobility, Hong Kong ranks first, followed by Zurich, Paris, Seoul, Prague, Vienna, London and Singapore at 8th place.

According to the Sustainable Cities Mobility Index, Singapore is currently investing in developing a more integrated bus system that will cater to the expected 6 million population by 2030. The same study revealed how the small city state is a perfect testing ground for driverless vehicles. Selfdriving technology companies in Singapore are developing autonomous truck fleets that will operate on public roads.

The next four categories for the top 10 cities in the world reveal a close connection between being safe and innovative and attracting tourists through gateway cities. Bangkok, London and Paris are the top three tourist cities.

Dubai, the top gateway city with the highest international arrivals, ranks fourth in the top 10 tourist cities. Airports are gateways to cities all over the world, and they GIVE VISITORS A kRST IMPRESSION OF the people and their culture. Top cities in the world have worldclass international airports. These countries are leaders in innovative technology, such as what we see in Singapore and New York.

Seoul, Paris and Tokyo are also among the highly sought after tourist destinations. People seem to be drawn by the culture and society of these cities, but they are also attentive to the safety features of the places they visit.

Tokyo, Singapore and Osaka are the top three safest cities in the world, and they are also among the most visited ones, too.

In 2021, the Philippines will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Magellan on Philippine shores and the introduction of Christianity by Spanish missionaries. To mark the 500 years of Westernization and arrival of Christianity, we are hoping for a revival — a sociopolitical, economic, urban/regional, cultural, spiritual and environmental renaissance in our country. We can develop a culture of integrity by addressing corruption to strengthen good governance, criminality to enhance peace and order, and climate change to reinforce environmental sustainability. If we work well on these, Philippine cities will one day be included in the top 10 cities of the 21st century.

I am also hoping to explore possible opportunities to partner not only with New Zealand universities but with the Filipino community to advance scholarly inquiries in Philippine Studies.

As a fast-growing migrant community of New Zealand, there is so much that can be explored in terms of research and academic partnerships on Filipinos here in New Zealand. Problems and potentials that diasporic communities like the Filipinos face

are always a fertile ground for social science research.

Another potential area to explore is the possibility of establishing language and culture programs, either in universities or in partnership with Filipino groups.

The possible audience for these are not only New Zealanders but second-to-third generation Filipinos who would like to re-learn, or learn, the history, culture, language and even politics of the Filipino homeland.

FELINO A. PALAFOX, JR.

Q CONTRERAS FROM A4

A Filipino in New Zealand ing a bridge between the Filipino homeland and their host lands. As such, they are not just markets or consumers, but are also innovators, entrepreneurs, creators and INVESTORS THAT CAN MEDIATE THE lOW of goods, services, ideas and images between New Zealand and the Philippines, strong enough to bind us together as partners and friends.

We always say it is more fun in the Philippines. This is our brand. Please don’t believe everything that is bad about us

that you read or watch in mainstream and social media. We are still very much a fun place. *** I am in New Zealand upon the invitation of the New Zealand Asia Institute of The University of Auckland, where I am on a shortterm visit as a Visiting Scholar.

Aside from the forum on May 8, I am scheduled to speak in a roundtable discussion at the Center for Strategic Studies (CSS), Victoria University in Wellington

at noon today on the topic “The Philippines, US, China and Asean in the Context of the West Philippine Sea under the Duterte Administration: Issues, Challenges and Uncertainties.� Tomorrow, I am scheduled to speak in a seminar organized by the Center for Defense and Strategic Studies (CDSS) of Massey University (Wellington campus) on the topic “Rodrigo Duterte as Ideology: Why People Love Him Despite His Flaws?� I will be speaking on

the same topic on Monday, May 13, at the University of Auckland.

My being here in New Zealand means that I will be unable to vote in the midterm elections on Monday. But I am hoping that my engagements here will compensate for my failure to exercise my duty as a citizen. As an academic, I can always try presenting a fair, objective and balanced view of our country to a foreign audience to dispel the lies and myths that emanate from partisan apologists and blind haters.

A6

Opinion

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

Election is all about pride and prejudice

I

AM a Catholic. I hope that priests will not berate me as a sinner if I vote for candidates they don’t like. *** According to Wikipedia under the tag “Otso Diretso�: “Otso Diretso’s 8-point slate platform address the following issues such as poverty alleviation, a more robust economy with more jobs and lower prices of goods, a peaceful home and nation for THE BENEkT OF &ILIPINO CHILDREN

improved education and free college tuition that will lead to jobs, FAIR WAGES AND PROkT FOR LABORERS FARMERS AND kSHERMEN EXpanded rights for senior citizens and PWDs, national security, and judicial reform.�

After reading about some recent developments — that President Rodrigo Duterte had SIGNED A LAW THAT WOULD EXEMPT kRST TIME JOBSEEKERS FROM PAYing fees for government-issued documents; about LandBank’s report that the peso strengthened as local market sentiment

eral Oscar Albayalde, police investigators discovered that Bikoy was convicted in a large-scale illegal recruitment case, for which HE SERVED SIX YEARS IN JAIL If this is true, he should fear more improved; and the Philippine THE WRATH OF THE /&7S HE CHEATED *** Statistics Authority (PSA) saying Just to update everyone, here THAT !PRIL INlATION HAD SLOWED to 3 percent, the slowest pace in is the list of endorsements from 16 months since the 2.9 percent various groups.

El Shaddai: Cynthia Villar, in December 2017, I thought for a while that Otso Diretso was Christopher “Bong� Go, Ronald campaigning for PDP-Laban and dela Rosa, Imee Marcos, Aquilino Hugpong ng Pagbabago.

0IMENTEL RD &RANCIS 4OLENTINO

*** Sonny Angara, Bong Revilla, JingPeter Joemel Advincula, alias goy Estrada, JV Ejercito, Nancy “Bikoy,� claimed that he surfaced Binay, Grace Poe, Paolo Benigno because he feels apprehensive for “Bam� Aquino 4th and Willie Ong. his safety. Whaaaat? He appeared Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC): Chrishooded in a silhouetted video topher Lawrence “Bong� Go, blurting out accusations left and Ronald dela Rosa, Sonny Angara, right and now he realized that his Cynthia Villar, Pia Cayetano, safety was threatened? &RANCIS 4OLENTINO )MEE -ARCOS

It is easy to presume that the “dark Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon “Bong� image� was recorded to hide his eyes Revilla, Jr., Grace Poe, Nancy READING A SCRIPT -Y LITTLE kNGER HURTS Binay and Lito Lapid. from scratching my head.

CBCP Episcopal Commission According to PNP Police Gen- on the Laity: Gary Alejano, Bam

MIRRORLESS

ROLLY G. REYES

There’s too much at stake for Trump to leave the Pentagon in limbo WASHINGTON,DC: At a time when America is facing a potential military confrontation with Iran, an escalating trade war with China and a showdown with North Korea, you’d THINK 0RESIDENT 4RUMP WOULD WANT a permanent secretary of defense to oversee Pentagon plans.

But Patrick Shanahan is still cooling his heels as acting secretary, awaiting a formal nomination THAT WAS EXPECTED NEARLY TWO WEEKS ago, after Shanahan was cleared in A CONlICT OF INTEREST PROBE 4HE nomination sits and waits, and SOME PROMINENT 4RUMP SUPPORTers who back Shanahan are beginning to voice concerns.

Newt Gingrich, former House SPEAKER AND A 4RUMP CONkDANT TOLD ME 4UESDAY HE THINKS 3HANAHAN would be a “very� good defense secretary and added: “I hope the president will nominate Shanahan as quickly as possible. It will strengthen Shanahan’s hand in reforming the Pentagon bureaucracy.� *ACK +EANE A 4RUMP ADVISER AND retired Army general who could probably have had the Pentagon job himself if he’d wanted it, says HE S ALSO MYSTIkED BY THE DELAY Asked if Shanahan should be NOMINATED +EANE SAID g) DEknitely think so,� because it would boost his standing in dealing with allies and potential adversaries. +EANE EXPLAINED g)N MY DISCUSsions with [Shanahan], I’m convinced he understands the issues and is seized with the urgency to reform the department.� Gingrich offered a similar assessment of Shanahan as a potential change agent: “Shanahan has a clear vision of the technology investments needed to maintain superiority over the Chinese military and the management EXPERIENCE WITH BIG SYSTEMS TO TURN that vision into reality.�

So why, at a time when Shanahan is gaining GOP support after a somewhat tepid initial reaction, is the president waiting? As with so MANY ASPECTS OF 4RUMP S BEHAVIOR

it’s a mystery. Maybe he thinks the optics aren’t right, given that ShanaHAN WAS A FORMER TOP EXECUTIVE AT Boeing, a company that’s now mired IN CONTROVERSY OVER THE -AX Perhaps he wants a bigger name that will add luster to his administration. /R MAYBE AS 4RUMP HAS SHOWN in his treatment of former SecreTARY OF 3TATE 2EX 4ILLERSON FORMER Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen and former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, the president just likes to keep people dangling in limbo, to the point of personal humiliation.

Whatever the reason, the White House’s reluctance to designate a permanent successor to Mattis is THREATENING TO BECOME A 4RUMP “moment,� adding to speculation about uncertain presidential decision-making at a time when he has big national-security problems accumulating in a wobbly stack that

WASHINGTON POST WRITERS GROUP

DAVID IGNATIUS includes Iran, China and North Korea — not to mention Russia, 6ENEZUELA 4URKEY AND 3YRIA Shanahan’s priorities, should he BE NOMINATED AND CONkRMED SEEM CLEAR 4HE FORMER "OEING PRODUCTION engineer wants to consolidate and modernize a Pentagon bureaucracy that’s notoriously stove-piped and resistant to change. In setting his tentative agenda, he has worked closely with Gen. Joseph Dunford, the widely respected chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

4HE APPROACH $UNFORD AND 3HAnahan have discussed would seek to better coordinate the geographical nodes, known as combatant commands, that now dominate resources and planning. Rather than segmenting the world through these regional commands, the aim would be to focus more top-level attention on China and Russia, the global strategic priorities. Shanahan wants senior leaders to devote at least 10 percent of their time collectively to China, and 10 percent to Russia.

Dunford described the global planning effort in an interview !PRIL 7ITHOUT EXPLICITLY ENdorsing Shanahan, he said that his MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE WOULD BE a plus in reforming past practices AT THE 0ENTAGON g4HE ONLY WAY you can drive a cultural change in the Pentagon is if the secretary of defense makes it a priority. Shanahan came in without any baggage about how we used to do things. !S A BUSINESS EXECUTIVE HE S interested in outcomes.�

Shanahan faced considerable skepticism when he was named acting secretary last December. Critics worried that he lacked Mattis’ MILITARY EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL stature — and a willingness to push BACK AGAINST 4RUMP WHEN NECESSARY 4HOSE QUESTIONS PERSIST BUT Shanahan has won some converts among those, like Gingrich and Keane, who favor modernizing the Pentagon’s hide-bound systems and its preservation of legacy weapons.

Shanahan’s boosters argue that he is a tough manager who’s willing to knock heads and who understands the technologies — from space SYSTEMS TO ARTIkCIAL INTELLIGENCE TO cloud computing — that will be central to any Pentagon transformation.

But after more than four months with a vacancy at the top of the Pentagon, the biggest argument in Shanahan’s favor is simply that America needs a defense secretary — now.

(C) 2019, WASHINGTON POST WRITERS GROUP

&OLLOW $AVID )GNATIUS ON 4WITTER @IgnatiusPost.

Aquino, Neri Colmenares, Cel $IOKNO 3AMIRA 'UTOC &LORIN Hilbay, Romy Macalintal, Grace 0OE -AR 2OXAS AND %RIN 4AĂ„ADA 4RADE 5NION #ONGRESS OF THE 0HILIPPINES 45#0 .ERI #OLmenares, Sonny Matula, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Bam Aquino, Pia Cayetano, Christopher “Bongâ€? Go, Ronald dela Rosa, Imee Marcos AND &RANCIS 4OLENTINO *** What can I say about the demise of &ORMER 3PEAKER 0ROSPERO .OGRALES *R I have known this down-toearth legislator for years now. He enters a room and will lighten it up, quickly trigger vibrant smiles and respectful glances. He listens, he laughs heartily at times that you would not even suspect that he was a 1971 bar topnotcher, second only to my childhood friend Mayor Henry Villarica.

In her eulogy, Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s described Nograles as her “dear friend� of MORE THAN YEARS HAVING kRST

met him during their teenage years. At the time, Nograles and Arroyo’s future husband Jose Miguel were classmates at the !TENEO DE -ANILA 5NIVERSITY AND

later, the Ateneo Law School.

Arroyo fondly remembers Nograles as a man who loved to sing Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.� Nograles was also popular among the House staff as he treated them like family.

Arroyo said Nograles sang this song when he attended the last reunion of their Ateneo college batch, which graduated in 1967.

4HEIR BATCHMATES SANG THE SAME song when they visited Nograles’ wake last Monday night, May 6. “What I would like to tell Boy today is, yes, Boy, what a wonderful world you helped to create, with your friendship, with your work....

I will miss you,� said Arroyo. “We thank you, Boy, for everything you’ve given our country, the people you worked with, and how you made their life a wonderful life because of what

you meant to them,� she added.

4HE 3PEAKER ALSO SAID SHE BElieves God had given Nograles a “little postponement� of his death, just so the former Davao congressman would be the one to tell his daughter Migs that she PASSED THE BAR EXAMS “You know two nights ago, in the Mass in the evening, the presiding priest said something about death, [that it] cannot be postponed. But even as I was saying that, I was thinking, I think Boy was able to get a little postponement from the Lord so he could be the one to announce that Migs had [passed] the bar.

Congratulations, Migs, and congratulations, Boy.�

Migs was seen tearing up during this part of GMA’s speech. &AREWELL MY DEAR FRIEND 9OUR FOOTPRINTS DEkNITELY MADE A MARK IN the sands of time. I will cherish the memories associated with you forever. *** Good work, good deeds and good faith to all.

FOCUS

New royal baby a boost for Charles camp LONDON: 4HE ARRIVAL OF 0RINCE Harry and Meghan’s baby, who is due to be shown off to the world on Wednesday, is a further boost for heir to the throne Prince Charles.

Charles, who is gradually taking over royal duties from his mother Queen Elizabeth 2nd, now sits at the head of a 10-strong group of royals including his two sons Princes William and Harry and their wives and children.

Reaching double figures, they are increasingly forming the core group of the royal family, overshadowing Charles’s siblings: Princess Anne and Princes Andrew and Edward. g4HE ONES THAT ARE REALLY TAKING over and doing most of the work now are Charles’s family,� royal BIOGRAPHER 0ENNY *UNOR TOLD !&0 “William and Harry are now full-time royals. And now they both have wives also working for the family firm, we will increasingly see more of them.�

William and his wife Kate have three young children: Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte.

And a first baby for Harry and his wife Meghan makes Charles a grandfather for the fourth time.

Charles, now 70, is as active as ever on topics that consume him, such as climate change, urban planning and helping disadvantaged youngsters.

He often says his relentless activism is due to fear of his grandchildren asking him why he did not act when he had the chance — knowing that he cannot be so outspoken when he

becomes king.

Face of Britain abroad Queen Elizabeth herself signalled that the future focus of the monarchy would be on Charles and his clan at the close of her 2012 diamond jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne.

Ra t h e r t h a n the entire House of Windsor emerging onto the Buckingham Palace balcony, just the sovereign, Charles and his family appeared before the crowds.

Change in the royal family comes at a glacial pace. But Queen Elizabeth has gradually been managing down her workload in recent years, passing on duties.

She stopped long-haul travel after 2011 and has not left Britain since 2015.

Instead, Charles and Camilla have taken on what have become quasi-state visits overseas.

William and Kate have also undertaken some heavyweight trips to major states, while Harry and Meghan, married last May, have CONDUCTED THEIR kRST TWO TOURS 4HE THREE COUPLES WILL IN-

creasingly be the face of the monarchy outside Britain.

Charles and co step up Charles has begun leading the nation’s remembrance of its war dead and accompanying Queen Elizabeth in opening parliament — two key annual moments of symbolism for the monarch.

And last year the Commonwealth heeded Queen Elizabeth’s call for Charles to eventually succeed her as the international famILY S NONHEREDITARY kGUREHEAD Queen Elizabeth’s official engagements have dropped from

425 in 2012 to 283 last year, with most of those now behind the palace walls.

Charles carried out the most engagements among the royals in 2018, followed by his younger siblings.

William, Kate, Harry and Meghan were well behind. HowEVER THAT IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE in the coming years.

Andrew’s reported attempts to muscle in and land royal roles for his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have been elbowed aside. “He’s tried, but Prince Charles was very resistant,� said Junor. AFP

Q HARVARD VERITAS FROM A5

Bright future for outsourcing AFFORDABLE ACCESSIBLE AND lEXIBLE — perfect for the SMEs. Despite the name, the SME sector is anything but small.

Our research shows the "the West" (mainly English-speaking countries), is home to 35 million SMEs, which represent 95 percent of the total number of busiNESSES 4HEY COLLECTIVELY EMPLOY 100 million people — 60 percent of the workforce — and produce $12 trillion in revenues — or 50 percent of the global GDP. Ironically, the biggest barrier to SMEs outsourcing is simply their awareness, education and comfort around the opportunity. Overcoming these hesitations will lead to an inflection point, and broad adoption of outsourcing.

4O DATE THE ENTIRE OUTSOURCing industry — employing 1.2 million people — is supported by just 15,000 large corporate clients, most of whom have been outsourcing for 20 plus YEARS &OR PERSPECTIVE PERcent of large corporations outsource whereas only 0.5 percent of SMEs outsource — so there

are still 35 million SMEs out there, yet to outsource.

As already mentioned, technology is advancing hand in hand with globalization at breakneck SPEED 4HE YOUNGER GENERATION OF &ILIPINOS ARE NOW COMPLETELY connected to the Western world.

4HEY GROW UP ON A DIET OF 9OU4UBE .ETFLIX ."! BASKETBALL

Hollywood movies and Silicon 6ALLEY START UPS 4HEY COMMUnicate via the same apps as their Western counterparts and partake in the same forums and online coding academies.

Historically, human labor markets are rigidly restricted to geographical locations; however, with digitization and globalization, the world’s employment is moving towards "one" marketplace, as will the educational and professional spaces.

People across the globe now work from behind computer screens, and communicate via a homogeneous SUITE OF WORKPLACE SOFTWARE 4HIS computer interface means that the geographical location of the worker is becoming almost irrelevant.

4HIS PROVIDES AN INCREDIBLE OP-

PORTUNITY FOR &ILIPINOS TO SHINE ON the world stage like never before.

Now, more than ever, it doesn’t matter where you were born, where you were schooled, or where you are sitting. It’s just a matter of who can produce great work, at WHAT COST 4HERE HAS NEVER BEEN a point in history where employment has been more meritocratic.

4HIS GLOBALIZATION MEANS THAT Western employers will naturally look to the Philippines — and other low-cost destinations — to provide THEIR STAFkNG INSTEAD OF JUST THEIR own geographically constrained HOMETOWN 4HE 0HILIPPINES IS INcreasingly the destination-of-choice for SMEs, due to its outsourcing pedigree, cultural alignment, young educated workforce and grasp of the English language.

Outsourcing and offshore employment have been proven by large corporations — while adoption by the SMEs has been slow, globalization and technology will speed this along.

4HE ONLY CONSTRAINT TO THE Philippines is the effective promotion of its services, and

efficient ways of connecting the employers with the employees.

4HE WORLD IS BECOMING INCREASingly "digital," and so, it is essential that the Philippines’ outsourcing sector is better represented online.

5NTIL NOW THERE HAS BEEN NO outsourcing marketplace, and THIS IS DESPERATELY NEEDED 4HE country’s outsourcing suppliers are disaggregated, and are in need of a coordinated sophisticated approach to marketing and promotion of their sector to the world market.

4HESE FACTORS ARE COMING TOgether now though, and combining to create a perfect opportunity, which is a win-win for all MARKET PARTICIPANTS 4HIS IS AN EXCITING TIME FOR THE 0HILIPPINES

Derek Gallimore is the founder of Outsource Accelerator, the world’s leading outsourcing marketplace and advisory platFORM &IND OUT MORE ABOUT IT on www.outsourceaccelerator. com or reach out to derek@ outsourceaccelerator.com.

Regions

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Remulla in hot water for alleged vote-buying CAVITE gubernatorial candidate Juanito Victor “Jonvic� Remulla is facING A DISQUALIkCATION CASE BEFORE THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) for alleged vote-buying.

The complaint was filed on Wednesday by a certain Efepania Sunico, a resident of Bacoor City, Cavite, through counsel Mynoa Sto. Domingo, as an offshoot of the arrest of several Remulla supporters by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) last week for alleged vote-buying. “We have lots of evidence to prove that vote-buying was committed by Remulla supporters [after their rally last Saturday in Bacoor]. We have video, photos and testimonies of witnesses showing that they handed out P200 [to those who attended the rally] placed inside brown envelopes,�

Sto. Domingo told reporters.

4HE LAWYER CLARIkED THAT THE DISQUALIkCATION CASE kLED BY HER CLIENT had nothing to do with politics. “She did it on her own volition.

She’s a voter who likes to correct wrongdoings during elections thus SHE kLED A PETITION TO DISQUALIFY 2Emulla,� she added. g$EkNITELY 2EMULLA S OPPONENT has nothing to do with this,� Sto. Domingo said.

The lawyer also claimed that she was just helping Sunico and was doing it pro bono or for free.

Petitioner, she said, was among those who had received money from Remulla’s leaders and used it as evidence in the petition.

According to Sto. Domingo, the vote-buying incident involving ReMULLA WAS NOT CONkNED TO "ACOOR City, saying it also happened in Imus

and other municipalities of Cavite.

She explained that if Remulla was proven guilty, he would be perpetually barred from holding any public OFkCE AND WOULD ALSO BE HELD CRIMInally liable punishable by one to six years in prison. “We are confident that the Comelec will swifly act on the case,� Sto. Domingo said.

She pointed out that if the case would not be resolved after the elections and Remula won in the elections, it would be highly possible that he would not be proclaimed.

Remulla has been Cavite governor for two terms.

He is running agains Erineo “Ayong� Maliksi, who also served as Cavite governor for three terms.

In her nine-page petition, Sunico cited the incidents that transpired last May 4 during Remulla’s political rally inside the plaza in Barangay Zapote 5, Bacoor City.

She claimed that prior to the conduct of the rally, Remulla’s campaign coordinators commanded the crowd to fall in line and distributed several wrist bands, which the people wore while waiting for the respondent and his partymates.

After Remulla’s speech, Sunico added, those who wore the bracelets formed a line and “as they approached a group of respondent’s coordinators, each person in line was handed with a brown envelope and t-shirts....� “The respondent’s audacious and abhorrent acts of vote-buying constrained one of the wtinesses to use her mobile phone to take pictures and video to properly document the ongoing irregularities,� the petition said.

WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL

2 vote-buyers fall in Quezon TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon: Two men were arrested here on two separate occasion for vote-buying. At 5 p.m. on Tuesday, personnel of the Tagkawayan Municipal Police Station intercepted Fredilino Cunanan, 45, while they were conducting Oplan Sita at the vicinity of Barangay Tabason.

He was onboard a motorcycle and was held for not wearing a helmet. Upon verification of his driver’s license and documents of his vehicle, a sample ballot accidentally fell out of his open body bag.

The sample ballot is under the political party of mayoral candidate Roberto de Vero and had a P500 bill attached to it.

Police found in his possession 13 more sample ballots with P500 bills, two pieces of P200 bills and THREE IDENTIkCATION CARDS At 7 p.m. at the same checkpoint, Darius Bonifacio, 47, of Tagkawayan, was also intercepted for overloading his motorcyle.

He was also found with a sample ballot of De Vero with a P500 bill.

BELLY M. OTORDOZ

Davao City council pays tribute to Nograles DAVAO CITY: Members of the 18th council of the city government of Davao paid final tribute to former House speaker Prospero Nograles during their regular session on Tuesday.

On the same day, former Bayan Muna party-list representative Joel Virador succumbed to cancer at the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital in Davao City.

Virador, 52, served as a representative of Bayan Muna during the 13th Congress from 2004 to 2007.

Nograles died on May 4 from respiratory failure, secondary to pneumonia. He was 71.

In their deliberations, the members of the council recognized the contributions of Nograles who served his first term as a district representative of Davao City from 1989 to 1992, in 1995, and for consecutive terms from 2001 to 2010.

City councilor Pilar Braga took the privilege hour during the session and asked the members of the council to value the contributions of the late speaker to Davao City and the rest of the country.

Nograles served as House speaker during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2008. “Nograles served Davao City and his constituents, and even the entire country when he was the Speaker of the House,� Braga said.

Another member of the council,

Rene Elias Lopez, said he would pass a resolution to rename DoĂąa Vicenta Road as Prospero Nograles Road in honor of the late speaker.

Meanwhile, Virador, together with other Makabayan members of the House of Representatives Teodoro “Teddyâ€? CasiĂąo, Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza, Rafael Mariano and Crispin Beltran, was sued for rebellion during the Arroyo administration.

The charged Makabayan lawmakers were known then as the Batasan 6.

The Supreme Court dismissed the rebellion cases against them in 2006. “He (Virador) was proud, honored to become an activist waging collective struggles and campaigns for the good of our country and people since his student days until he took a leave due to a lingering sickness,� Bayan Muna Rep. Karlos Zarate said in a statement also on Tuesday.

Zarate described Virador as “a true nationalist, respected and SELlESS MASS LEADER AS WELL AS A fearless human rights defender and competent legislator.�

Virador’s remains lie in state at the Philippine Independent Church on Torres Street in Davao City.

His remains will be transferred to his home in Makilala, North Cotabato on Thursday.

ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

A7

Gordon’s racial slur vs Igorots slammed

BY DEXTER A. SEE

B

AGUIO CITY: Thousands of Igorots in different parts of the world are up in arms against Sen. Richard Gordon for his alleged racial slur against their fellow Igorots whom he described as “beggars.�

The viral video of Gordon describing Igorots as such circulated on social media recently and earned the ire of netizens who bashed the senator for his unfair remarks against indigenous peoples (IPs) during a public hearing of the Senate Commit-

tee on Government Corporation and Public Enterprises in relation to a proposed bill that seeks to create the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-TubaTublay Development Authority. “You know where the Igorots are? They are now going down

like the Aetas to make palimos (beg for alms) because Baguio is already deteriorated,� the senator told former La Trinidad mayor Edna Tabanda during the public hearing.

Some netizens criticized Gordon for using such uncalled for remarks that depicted the Igorots as beggars when, in fact, many of them have gone down to the lowlands and bought pieces of property, which they are now tilling.

Gordon made the remarks when Tabanda was defending the rights of the IPs over their ancestral domain and introduced herself as an Igorot.

The netizens also criticized Rep. Mark Go for his failure to defend the Igorots during the public hearing as he did nothing to correct Gordon and prevent Tabanda from being unduly interrupted.

The netizens urged local governments in the Cordillera Administrative Region to pass legislation to denounce Gordon’s malicious allegations against Igorots.

They said it was unfortunate that Igorots were being likened to beggars when most of them are actually learned and professionals who are gainfully employed locally and overseas.

BATAAN’S BET

Residents of Bataan give Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, a candidate for senator in the May 13 elections, a rousing welcome when he visited the province on Tuesday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Bataan goes all out for Bong Go FORMER special assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go on Tuesday thanked the people of Bataan for their overwhelming support during his motorcade around the province. “Thank you very much for your very warm welcome. It makes the grueling campaign easier for me. I am here not just to campaign but more important, I can personally get to touch base with you and hear for myself what your needs are so I will know how to help you,� Go said.

He said that if elected to the Senate, he would give his full support to the programs and policies of President Rodrigo Duterte, especially those on corruption, criminality and drugs.

Go added that he would work to promote THE WELFARE OF FARMERS AND kSHERMEN “One of our priorities is agriculture. We WILL SUPPORT THE FARMERS AND kSHERMEN BY giving them an alternative livelihood. We are also going to propose a pension plan for farmers,� he said.

Go told the people of Bataan that they could count on him to support government projects that would bring development to the province and uplift their lives.

He cited the proposed Bataan-Cavite Bridge Project, which calls for the construction of a 25-kilometer tollway bridge that will connect Mariveles, Bataan and Naic, Cavite.

The project, estimated to cost at least $2 billion, will boost economic activity and provide faster transportation of people and goods.

Go noted that the province was already enJOYING THE BENEkTS OF COMPLETED INFRASTRUCTURE projects under the Duterte administration, such as the Bagac-Mariveles Road.

The P716.2-million project involved the construction of 20.61-km of road sections connecting the Bataan Export Zone and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The road project cuts travel time between the two areas from 120 minutes to only 90 minutes.

Go said several farm-to-market roads have been constructed in various municipalities of the province that would help farmers bring down transport and other logistical costs involved in selling their produce.

He added that he would push for additional funding for the upgrade of the facilities and equipment of public hospitals, and sponsor a bill that would institutionalize the Malasakit Centers and allow the establishment of such centers in more provinces and key urban areas of the country.

A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Center is a program of the Duterte administration

meant to make it easier and faster for poor PATIENTS TO AVAIL OF MEDICAL AND kNANCIAL assistance from the government by bringing together in one room concerned agencies like the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and PhilHealth. “You already have a Malasakit Center here at the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center. It is the 34th such medical assistance center established in the country,� he said.

Other priority concerns under Go’s legislative agenda in-

clude programs for education, housing for the poor, long-term sports development, fire protection and prevention, localized peace talks, barangay welfare, creation of a Department of Overseas Filipino Workers and IMPROVED BENEkTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Vaccination key to meningococcal disease prevention

BY MAYLENE STEPHANIE S. VIRAY THE potentially fatal meningococcal disease can be prevented through vaccination, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV ) said.

Speaking during the celebration of the World Meningitis Day on April 24, foundation Executive Director Lulu Bravo stressed the importance of educating the public to prevent the spread of meningococcemia, as well as to allay the fears of the public so they do not panic.

She explained that meningococcal disease was potentially life-threatening and should always be viewed as a medical emergency, as the disease infects the bloodstream. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, the same bacteria that causes meningitis.

She added that the disease could spread easily from person to person through respiratory droplets, which was why those who live in close quarters including dorms, prisons and hospice were most vulnerable.

Bravo cited the case of Baguio City in 2004, where Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center were reported to have admitted daily patients exhibiting meningococcemia-like symptoms.

The following year, meningococcemia became a full-blown scare that put a damper on city tourism, owing to the little knowledge that the people had about meningococcemia then.

With this in mind, Bravo added that the foundation did not want to cause hysteria, but it also did not want Filipinos to be complacent. “Over time we’ve seen fewer and fewer people getting infected. As a result, people forget to consider meningitis when someone gets really sick so we need to remind everyone about its potential danger.�

Meningitis is defined as an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms often include sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck, although there are other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and confusion.

A8

News

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

INC backs Abby, Isko

BY NEIL JAYSON N. SERVALLOS AND CATHERINE A. MODESTO

T

HE Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has endorsed the mayoral candidacy of Makati Mayor Abigail “Abby� Binay and former Manila vice mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno� Domagoso.

The INC also expressed it support for Binay’s slate and for Domagoso’s running mate, reelectionist Vice Mayor Maria Shielah “Honey� Lacuna.

With its membership of close to 2 million, INC is known to

vote as a bloc during elections.

Binay confirmed the INC’s endorsement. “Maraming-maraming salamat po sa Iglesia ni Cristo, sa pamumuno ni Kapatid na Eduardo Manalo (INC executive

minister), sa inyong patuloy na suporta at pakikipagtulungan sa amin upang maisakatuparan ang magagandang plano para sa Makati at sa lahat ng mamamayan dito (I thank the Inglesia ni Cristo under the leadership of Bro. Eduardo Manalo for its continued support, enabling us to implement our plans for Makati and its citizens),� she said.

The INC also endorsed reelectionists Vice Mayor Monique “Nik� Lagdameo and Makati Second District Rep.

Luis Campos, Binay’s husband, along with other candidates under her local slate Team Performance.

Former vice president Jejomar “Jojo� Binay, who is running for first district representative, was also included in the INC endorsement.

Domagoso also confirmed the INC’s endorsement in a text message. He thanked the religious group for backing his mayoral bid.

He and Lacuna are running under the banner of Asenso

ManileĂąo political party. “Nagpapasalamat po tayo kay kapatid na Eduardo V. Manalo at sa mga kapatid sa Iglesia sa pagtitiwala nila sa atin (We are thankful to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo and the Iglesia members for their trust),â€? Domagoso said. “Kung kami man po ay mahalal, makakaasa po ang bawat ManileĂąo na pagbubutihin namin ni Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna ang aming trabaho para maiangat ang antas ng pamumuhay sa Lungsod ng Maynila (If we get elected, every Mani-

leùo can expect that Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna and I will do our best to uplift lives in the City of Manila),� he added.

Moreno has pledged to push for the creation of a student allowance program, under which public school students would receive P1,000 monthly financial assistance.

He also promised to clean the “filthy� city.

Moreno is running against incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap� Estrada and former mayor Alfredo “Fred� Lim.

Q DROPS FROM A1

Senate drops hearing; IBP nixes Aquino, along with several Cabinet members and then-Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, to a syndicate house where the president received two envelopes containing money.

Given Advincula’s new line — that President Duterte’s eldest son, former Davao City vice mayor Paolo “Pulong� Duterte; son-in-law Manases “Mans� Carpio, husband of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte; and former top aide and now Senate candidate Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go, among others, had received payoffs — Sotto said “the person is not credible at all.�

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, on the other hand, said he cancelled a Fri-

day public hearing given questions over Advincula’s credibility. “SP (Senate President) Sotto said it all. We are now recalling the letter of invitation sent to Advincula yesterday. Notices will be sent out for the cancellation of the committee on Friday. Enough of this nonsense,� Lacson said on Twitter.

Sotto, meanwhile, urged Advincula to “come out clean� regarding those who might have told him to make the accusations.

Advincula surfaced on Monday — following last week’s arrest of Rodel Jayme, said to have been responsible for uploading the “Ang Totoong Narcolist� videos — and claimed that he was ready to testify against the Dutertes.

He sought assistance from the IBP, but the national organization of lawyers on Wednesday said it could not agree to his request for free legal assistance based on standards set by its National Center for Legal Aid. “In the pursuit of its mandate to provide access to justice to the poor and the marginalized, the IBP cannot be seen to be siding with or going against any candidate or political party,� IBP President Abdiel Fajardo said in a statement.

It noted that, “Communications and documents submitted during consultation shall remain privileged and confidential.�

FROM REPORTS BY BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO AND JOMAR CANLAS

VOTE BUYING?

Q WATCHDOG FROM A1

Poll watchdog all set for elections Around 300 volunteer encoders are expected to be on hand every day from May 13 to 27.

The PPCRV has again tapped the AMA Education System, which provided 100 computers, as its information technology partner for the

elections.

Telecommunications company PLDT Inc. helped with the setting up of transparency servers through which organizations will receive electronic copies of ERs from Precinct Count Optical Scanners.

PPCRV co-founder Henrietta de Villa said the Manila Electric Company had also assured the watchdog of adequate power during the elections.

The PPCRV also has a generator on hand in the event an outage occurs.

CATHERINE A. MODESTO

A man shows a Manila resident an identification card before handing the latter cash. The same man had been seen going around Manila distributing money to residents.

Q DAVID FROM A1

Ex-Civil Service chief David word,� the family said. “As a professional, she was the epitome of discipline, intelligence and integrity; as a wife, mother and grandmother, she was the perfect EXAMPLE OF PATIENCE SELlESSNESS AND UNCONditional love,� they added. g)N LIEU OF lOWERS THE FAMILY REQUESTS FOR prayers for the repose of her soul.�

David served as undersecretary at the Department of Social Welfare and Development and chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council before then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed her CSC chairman in 2001.

She is survived by her husband Randy David, their children and grandchildren.

Politicians, activists and historians paid tribute to her, with Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez calling David a “true exemplar� of public service, patriotism and progressive values. “Aaminin ko (I have to admit), you were one of the few people I was always deathly afraid of disappointing, dahil sobrang taas ng respeto ko sa'yo (Because I have a high amount of respect for you),� he wrote on Facebook. “Special prayers for Karina and the David and Constantino families,� tweeted environ-

mental policy expert and former Ateneo School of Government Dean Tony La ViĂąa. “Ang sandali naman ng reunion ng favorite protest singers ko. Paalam, Ma’am Karina (The reunion of my favorite protest singers was too short. Goodbye Ma’am Karina),â€? historian and Manila Times columnist Xiao Chua wrote on Facebook.

David, along with Becky Demetillo, were the faces of the protest duo Inang Laya in the 1990s. “Yesterday (Tuesday) was probably one of the saddest days of our lives,� said activist group Every Woman. “Yesterday, we lost a sister, a friend, a comrade, a mentor and so much more. Maraming maraming salamat para sa lahat, Karina (Thank you very much for everything, Karina).�

Chris Millado, Cultural Center of the Philippines vice president and artistic director, wrote on Facebook: “Paalam at maraming salamat, Karina Constantino David sa maraming taong ginugol mo sa paglikha ng mapagpalayang sining (Farewell and thank you, Karina Constantino David, for the many years that you spent creating art that fosters freedom).�

REINA C. TOLENTINO AND ARIC JOHN SY CUA

Q VOTE-BUYING FROM A1

Comelec: Vote-buying major problem as the poll body launched Task Force Kontra Lagay, which he said would “address the complaints and needs of our countrymen.�

Vote-buying had increased because cheating could no longer be done via the electoral system itself, he claimed. “The vote-counting machines of the Comelec have been proven to be tamper proof. So politicians now resort to vote buying as the only way to rig the system. It has become a big problem that we now have to face head on,�

Parreno said.

He added that prosecution would not be easy, so the task force’s primary aim would be to inform the public and then gather informaTION TO SUPPORT THE kLING OF CASES “We are sending a message to complainants and witnesses that they are not alone‌ If there is a need for a case build up and investigation, don’t be afraid because the PNP, the NBI and the Comelec will support you in your

complaints. We will be here to investigate and prosecute,� Comelec Legal Division chief John Rex Laudiangco said.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, “any person who gives, offers or promises money or ANYTHING OF VALUE GIVES OR PROMISES ANY OFkCE or employment, franchise or grant, public or private, or makes or offers to make an expenditure directly or indirectly, or cause an expenditure to be made to any person association, corporation, entity, or community in order to induce anyone or the pubic in general to vote for or against any candidate or withhold his vote in the election, or to vote for or against any aspirant for the nomination or choice of a candidate in a convention or similar selection process of a political party,� is guilty of an election offense. )T CARRIES A PENALTY OF PERPETUAL DISQUALIkCATION FROM HOLDING ANY PUBLIC OFkCE AND ONE to six years imprisonment.

WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL

CURRENCY RATE P52.11 TO $1

PSEi 7,926.69 UP 0.20%

THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019 ASIAN STOCKS: W S h a n g h a i 1 . 1 2 %

What’s inside A CLOSER LOOK AT CAUSES OF MONEY PROBLEMS BusinessB2 – MONEY MAX

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AGRICULTURE GROWTH SLOWS TO 0.67% IN Q1

ÂťBusinessB2

SM GROUPINCOME RISES BY 26% TO P10.7B IN Q1

ÂťCorporate NewsB3

CHINA EXPORTS FALL AHEAD OF TRADE TALKS

ÂťForeign BusinessB5

Business Times www.manilatimes.net

W S i n g a p o re 0 . 8 7 %

W Seoul 0.41%

W To k yo 1 . 4 6 %

W Jakarta 0.43%

ÂłSlow B4

T

W H o n g Ko n g 1 . 2 3 %

W B a n g ko k 0 . 9 4 %

Trade deficit widens to $3.14B in March

BY ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

T

HE country’s trade deficit widened to $3.14 billion in March from $2.34 billion a year ago and $2.79 billion in February as imports expanded and exports contracted, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday.

In a statement, the state-run statistics agency SAID TOTAL EXPORT SALES IN THE THIRD MONTH OF THE year slipped by 2.5 percent to $5.88 billion from $6.02 billion in 2018, while inbound shipments increased by 7.8 percent to $9.01 billion from $8.36 billion year-on-year. )T BLAMED THE EXPORT DECREASE ON THE decline in sales of machinery and transport equipment (-10.2 percent), other manufactured goods (-8.1 percent), electronic prod-

‘Economy Govt eyes ‘A’ rating via panel to slow in 2019’

PHILIPPINE economic growth is EXPECTED TO SLOW THIS YEAR WITH risks to it primarily driven by government underspending and tight liquidity in the financial market, economists say ahead of THE RELEASE OF kRST QUARTER GROSS domestic product data today.

During the Security Bank Economic Forum in Makati City on Wednesday, economist and Foundation for Economic Freedom &%& 0RESIDENT #ALIXTO #HIKIAMCO said 2019 growth “should be between 5.8 percent and 6.2 percent.�

B1

THE government said on Wednesday it would form an interagency committee to create a roadmap on and systemize the Philippines’ pursuit of securing an “A� investment-grade credit rating from international debt watchers before President Rodrigo Duterte ends his term.

In a briefing in MalacaĂąang, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

MORE TO FOLLOW (MTF)

SAMANTHA POBLACION Due to space constraints, More To Follow (MTF) will instead be published on Friday.

Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the roadmap, to be kNALIZED NEXT WEEK WOULD SHOW “the commitment of key economic and infrastructure officials and agencies to get our efforts properly credited to ‘A’ before 2022 and help further bring about more BENEkTS TO THE ECONOMY AND TO our people.� “We shall direct our efforts in

addressing the issue of further increasing our per capita income, enhancing our potential output, STRENGTHENING OUR EXTERNAL PAYments buffers, keeping prices stable, fortifying public finance and elevating governance standards,� he added.

His statement comes a week after S&P Global Ratings raised the

ÂłPanel B2

PSEi recovers ahead of GDP data, MB meeting THE stock market recovered from intraday losses on Wednesday as investors repositioned portfolios ahead of the release of gross do-

mestic product (GDP) data and of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) policymaking Monetary

ÂłMeeting B5

B

ucts (-3.7 percent), and metal components (-1.2 percent).

It attributed the import increase to cereals and cereal preparations, miscellaneous manufactured articles, telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery, other food and live animals, plastics in primary and nonprimary forms, industrial machinery and equipment, and electronic products.

ÂłWidens B2

A cover-up by any other name

ACK on May 1, my colleague Emeterio Sd. Perez revealed in his regular column about all things related to listed companies that cement giant Holcim Philippines Inc. (HLCM) had apparently violated SEC and PSE rules that require the prompt disclosure of information that might materially affect a publicly-listed COMPANY S kNANCIAL STATUS AND market value.

As a matter of fact, let’s just drop the “apparently,� because Holcim Philippines did commit a blatant, documented violation of public disclosure rules.

As I discovered in the course of investigating the matter myself

ROUGH TRADE BEN KRITZ for a follow-up story this past Monday (“Holcim: Ruling covered by confidentiality rules,�

May 6), Holcim’s handling of the controversy looks less like a “nondisclosure� and more like an effort to cover up an embarrassing and potentially costly problem.

4O BRIElY SUMMARIZE THE PROBlem Holcim Philippines seems

ÂłKritz B5

Lobien Realty Group, PPC One Estate introduce Upper Class Tower

HE continued demand for office spaces in the Philippines has led to the rise of the Upper Class Tower, nestled in the busy district of Quezon City.

Considered as the first office project of PPC One Estate Corp., the real estate arm of the PPC Group of Companies, the 26-stoRY 'RADE ! OFkCE BUILDING IS SET to cater to multinational and BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING (BPO) companies in the country. “The BPO Industry is one of the most dynamic and fastest GROWING INDUSTRIES IN THE 0HILIPPINES AND IS ALSO ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROVIDERS OF JOBS FOR &ILIPINOS FOR THE PAST kVE YEARSu 00# explained in a statement. “PPC One Estate Corp. is primarily FOCUSING ON THE "0/ INDUSTRY TO BUY LAND BUILD "0/ CERTIkED and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) accredited BUILDINGS AND LEASE OUT TO BIG

multinational corporations in THE "0/ )NDUSTRY u )N SUPPORT OF THIS WORLD CLASS

STATE OF THE ART BUILDING PROJECT ENDEAVOR 00# HAS PARTNERED WITH PROPERTY SERVICES COMPANY ,OBIEN 2EALTY 'ROUP ,2' AS ITS EXCLUSIVE PROJECT LEASING consultants on April 2. g3HEILA ,OBIEN AND HER TEAM WERE PRESENT FROM START TO kNISH &ROM PRE CONSTRUCTION STAGE

DESIGN GROUND BREAKING UNTIL TOPPING OFF u ,2' SAID IN A STATEMENT g7E ARE TASKED TO FIND THE BEST TENANTS THAT WOULD SUIT THE LANDLORD S GOALS IN MIND 7E WILL BE THEIR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT AND PARTNER OFFERING EXPERT ADVICE u 4HE PROJECT HAD ITS TOPPING OFF

CEREMONY ON !PRIL AND WILL BE READY FOR OCCUPANCY BY THE THIRD QUARTER OF ,2' TARGETS TO HAVE THE BUILDING FULLY OCCUPIED BEFORE THE BUILDING COMPLETION g4HE UNIT WILL BE HANDED OVER IN A WARM SHELL CONDITION COMPLETE WITH ACOUSTIC TILES T RUNNERS AND VARIABLE REFRIGERANT lOW 62& !IRCONDITIONING SYSTEM AS WELL AS A CLEAR CEILING HEIGHT OF METERS u ,2' ADDED 7ITH A GROSS LEASABLE AREA OF 24,510 square meters, the Upper #LASS 4OWER HAS ALLOTTED THE GROUND FLOOR FOR RETAIL OUTLETS WHILE THE TH TO TH lOORS ARE FOR OFkCE SPACES PPC One Estate Corp. is a 100 PERCENT &ILIPINO OWNED COMPANY ESTABLISHED TO SERVE THE EVER GROWING DEMAND FOR WORLD CLASS OFkCE spaces and facilities, particularly for the BPO Industry. )T AIMS TO BUILD MORE 0%:! ACCREDITED BUILDINGS WITH ENOUGH lOORS TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS

of BPO companies. “70 percent of BPO compaNIES ARE BASED IN -ETRO -ANILA AND WE ARE TARGETING PRIME locations situated in major THOROUGHFARES FOR EASE OF ACCESS AND MAXIMUM VISIBILITYu THE company explained. /N THE OTHER HAND ,2' IS A FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE CONSULTANCY AND PROPERTY INVESTMENTS STRATEGY kRM ESTABLISHED BY REAL ESTATE EXPERT 3HEILA ,OBIEN WHO SITS AS ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFkCER 4HE kRM S CORE TEAM HAD SUCcessfully handled more than EXCLUSIVE ARRANGEMENTS AND PROJECT LEASING PROJECTS FOR 0RIME AND 'RADE ! COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS ACROSS THE COUNTRY S MAJOR BUSINESS DISTRICTS LEASING OUT more than 2-million square METERS OF OFkCE AND COMMERCIAL SPACE TO HIGH QUALITY TENANTS AND DELIVERED MULTI BILLION WORTH OF REAL ESTATE REVENUES TO LANDLORDS AND INVESTORS

Q Present at the topping off ceremony (from left) Jericho Linao, LRG chief operating officer; Architect Jose Siao Ling and Associates president; Sheila Lobien, LRG chief executive officer; Kristine Co, PPC One Estate Corp. chief compliance officer; Ronnie Co, PPC One Estate Corp. CEO; Mariano See Diet, Monolith Construction and Development Corp. president and CEO; Steph Ng, LRG associate director; Issobelle Antonio, LRG assistant manager; Enrico Isla, LRG manager; and JM Figurasin, LRG manager.

Q Signing the contract (from left) Ronnie Co, PPC One Estate CEO; Sheila Lobien, LRG CEO; and Kristine Co, PPC One Estate CCO. Q Aerial view of the Upper Class Tower in Quezon City.

B2

Business Times

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

Agri growth slows to 0.67% in Jan-March

BY EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

P

HILIPPINE agriculture output grew by 0.67 PERCENT IN THE kRST THREE MONTHS OF SLOWER than the 1.08 percent growth in the same period last year, the government reported on Wednesday.

The decline in volume of production was seen in the crop subsector, the Philippine Statistics Authority said, noting production increases in THE LIVESTOCK POULTRY AND kSHERIES subsectors.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the growth decline in the crops subsector for the first three MONTHS OF HAD BEEN EXPECTED due to El NiĂąo and as harvest was just starting. “The sector will recover in the second quarter because of increased harvest in 3 regions which surpassed damage to rice crops by about 200,000 MT (metric tons),â€? Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel PiĂąol

told The Manila Times. “Livestock and poultry will continue to pull up agriculture performance especially with ASF (African swine fever) threat causing spikes in pork prices worldwide,� he added.

Total value of farm produce based ON CURRENT PRICES LIKEWISE POSTED ITS kRST decline since 2016, reaching P429.7 billion from last year’s P444 billion.

The crops sub-sector, which comprised the bulk of agriculture output at 52.71 percent of the total, contracted by 1.01 percent from 1.10 percent a year earlier. Palay and corn production growth fell by 4.46 percent and 2.07 percent, respectively, from 4.61 percent and 4.66 percent a year earlier.

cent from $14.39 billion last year.

4O INCREASE EXPORTS THE .ATIONAL Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is urging local producers to diversify their products and seek 4OTAL EXTERNAL TRADE IN GOODS new markets, especially those abroad. reached $14.89 billion, up 3.5 per“To match this effort, the government

Q WIDENS FROM B1

Trade

Livestock production, accounting for 17.11 percent of the total output, grew by 1.25 percent, a reversal from last year’s 2-percent growth. This secTOR S ACCELERATION IN THE kRST QUARTER was driven by higher outputs for cattle, hog and dairy.

Poultry remained the subsector to top last year’s results, increasing by 5.41 percent as against the 5.24 percent in January-March 2018. It accounted for 16.74 percent of total output driven by 4.34-percent and 8.78-percent improvements on chicken and chicken egg production, respectively.

4HE kSHERIES SUBSECTOR WHICH ACcounted for 13.45 percent of total farm output, went up by 0.97 perCENT BUT SIGNIkCANTLY LOWER THAN THE 2-percent growth forecast set by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The growth was also a reversal from last year’s 4.58-percent negative growth and 1.93-percent EXPANSION IN THE LAST QUARTER OF $ECLINES WERE NOTED IN MILKkSH TILA-

PIA TIGER PRAWN YELLOWkN TUNA AND seaweed production.

In value terms, the crops, livestock and poultry sub-sectors grossed P235.4 billion, P75.4 billion, and P55.4 billion, respectively, all were contractions from last year based on current prices. The GROSS VALUE OF kSHERIES OUTPUT REACHED P63.5 billion, a 7.81-percent increase from P58.8 billion a year ago.

Meanwhile, farmgate prices dropped by 3.76 percent from January to March, with decrements recorded ACROSS ALL SUB SECTORS EXCEPT kSHERIES

PSA said.

For this year, the DA is aiming for the country’s agricultural growth of as HIGH AS PERCENT AS IT EXPECTS SUBsectors to bounce back. In 2018, the agency set a 4-percent growth target but fell short at 1.04 percent.

Farm output accounted for about a tenth of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in recent years.

4HE GOVERNMENT WILL RELEASE ITS kRST quarter GDP data today.

CONTINUES TO EXPLORE NONTRADITIONAL markets, such as Eastern European countries, and is seeking to strengthen ties with traditional trading partners,�

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said in a statement.

According to him, the Trade departMENT S %XPORT -ARKETING "UREAU IS looking at non-electronic products, including cars, desiccated coconut, coconut oil, and footwear and wearABLES AS NEW EXPORT GROWTH DRIVERS “Recently, the Philippines has also secured a commitment from the United Kingdom on continuing the same level of market access to UK POST "REXIT SIMILAR TO THE %5 S %Uropean Union) Generalized Scheme of Preferences,� he said.

Under this scheme, vulnerable developing countries pay fewer or NO DUTIES ON EXPORTS TO THE REGIONAL bloc, giving them valuable access to markets there.

The NEDA chief also said the Philippines and South Korea’s move to pursue a bilateral free trade agreeMENT COULD ALSO INCREASE EXPORTS “To put the Philippines in a more competitive stance, it is crucial to open up domestic sectors to foreign participation through the proposed amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Retail Trade Act and Public Services Act,� Pernia added.

This, he said, will help attract mulTINATIONAL kRMS TO INVEST AND SET UP their manufacturing operations in the country.

MANAGEMENT ACTION

REYNALDO LUGTU JR. Due to space constraints, Management Action will instead be published on Friday.

A closer look at causes of money problems H MONEY MAX AVE you repeatedly encountered money problems despite having multiple sources of funds? Your habit of spending beyond means may be a money disorder. Brad Klontz, a psychologist and assistant professor AT #REIGHTON 5NIVERSITY DEkNED money disorder as a chronic pattern of self-defeating or selfDESTRUCTIVE kNANCIAL BEHAVIORS Simply put, a money disorder is a set of behaviors related to being bad with money. Klontz says A PERSON MAY BE EXPERIENCING this when their behavior leads to SIGNIkCANT CONSEQUENCES IN LIFE )F YOU LET YOUR BAD kNANCIAL behavior control you, it may impair your health, relationships, and career. In the United States, mental health professionals use different strategies to diagnose money disorders. These can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. !T kRST GLANCE A MONEY DISORder may look like a simple matter of overspending. But the truth is there is a variety of conditions with causes and symptoms associated to it.

ShahramHeshmat, an associate professor emeritus at the University of Illinois characterized Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD) as a continued repetition of a person’s buying behavior despite adverse consequences.

As e-commerce sites evolve and become more common, your chances of having CBD will likely increase. Online shopping platforms keep on improving their products and features, making it easier for buyers to browse and spend. Compulsive spending cooccurs with other mental illnessES LIKE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY Heshmat added that spending addictions mostly develop at the age 30 or when people achieve kNANCIAL INDEPENDENCE Another cause of money prob-

JOSH MASCARIĂ‘AS lems is pathological gambling.

A compulsive or pathological gambler is someone unable to resist his or her gambling impulses. An article published in Psychology Today claims that the urge to gamble can become so great that the tension caused by it can only be relieved by continuous gambling. A pathological gambler, simply, is an occasional gambler who eventually shifts to habitual gambling. When this behavior progresses, the gambler will gamble more money (or worst, assets) leading to severe kNANCIAL PROBLEMS 9OU LL KNOW that someone’s turning into a pathological gambler when he OR SHE EXPLICITLY DISPLAYS THE need to gamble with increasing amounts of money. This person DOES IT TO ACHIEVE EXCITEMENT AND satisfaction. !CCORDING TO +LONTZ kNANCIAL INkDELITY IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF problematic behavior that doctors can’t easily diagnose. It is a FORM OF kNANCIAL CHEATING THAT partners commit to each other.

In an article by Dr. S. O. Junare and Frena Patel in the Journal of Business Management and Social 3CIENCES 2ESEARCH kNANCIAL INkdelity includes hiding purchases from spouses, having secret credit cards, or hiding personal bank accounts. Michelle Jeanfreau, a professor at the University of Southern Mississippi says that many couples just don’t comMUNICATE THEIR EXPECTATIONS ON spending. On the other hand, Michael Mong, Jeanfreau’s coAUTHOR ON A kNANCIAL INkDELITY study, says that you can’t be honEST ABOUT kNANCES UNTIL YOU HAVE

ÂłMoney Max B4

Corporate News SM Group income rises by 26% to P10.7B in Q1 ˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

L

ISTED SM Investments Corp. saw its consolidated net income grow to P10.7 BILLION IN THE kRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR ON THE BACK OF ITS BANKING UNITS STRONG kNANCIAL RESULTS

The Sy-led conglomerate told the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday that the amount was A PERCENT INCREASE FROM 0 billion in the same period in 2018, and that consolidated revenues jumped by 15 percent to P109 billion from P95 billion.

Its banks contributed 42 perCENT OF THE 3- 'ROUP S PROkT ITS PROPERTY BUSINESS PERCENT AND retail segment, 18 percent.

On a standalone basis, BDO

5NIBANK POSTED A 0 BILLION net income in January to March, a PERCENT SURGE FROM 0 BILLION in the same period last year, on the back of expanded core banking operations, recovery of trading gains, and strong bank fees and life insurance premiums.

Its net interest income grew by 25 percent to P27.7 billion, driven by the continued growth in customer loans, and current account and savings account expansion.

Bloomberry earnings down 40% in Jan-March BLOOMBERRY Resorts Corp. saw its consolidated net income plunge to 0 BILLION IN THE kRST QUARTER OF THE year due to lower foreign-exchange gains and higher interest expense as a result of the full drawdown of its P73.5-billion syndicated loan.

In a disclosure on Wednesday, the Razon-led integrated casino and resort operator said the amount was A PERCENT DECLINE FROM 0 billion in the same period last year.

The loan was used to eliminate previous debt obligations and finance the acquisition of land from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. for the phase 2 expansion of its resort.

Net revenues grew by 5 percent to P10.8 billion in January to March from P10.3 billion year-on-year.

Consolidated earnings before in-

terest, tax, depreciation and amortization (ebitda) stood at P4.5 billion IN THE kRST THREE MONTHS A PERCENT drop from 2018’s P4.5 billion. Its RESORT CONTRIBUTED 0 BILLION TO the ebitda, but was offset by the P131-million negative ebitda from its resort in South Korea.

Gross gaming revenues (GGR) hit 0 BILLION ALSO LOWER BY PERCENT FROM THE YEAR AGO kGURE AS 6)0 VOLUMES AND 6)0 ''2 DECLINED BY percent and 1 percent, respectively.

In contrast, consolidated nongaming revenues saw a 25-percent growth to end the quarter with P1.9 billion, compared with P1.54 billion posted in the 2018 period.

"LOOMBERRY SHARES SHED CENTAVOS OR PERCENT TO kNISH AT P11.70 each on Wednesday.

ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

China Banking Corp. reported that its net income rose by 24 PERCENT TO 0 BILLION IN THE kRST three months. Its net interest income soared by 12 percent to P5.9 billion in the period, boosted by a 41-percent jump in loan revenues.

Property arm SM Prime said on &RIDAY ITS NET PROkT CLIMBED BY percent to P8.8 billion in the quarTER FROM 0 BILLION YEAR ON YEAR Its consolidated revenues rose by PERCENT TO 0 BILLION FROM P23.3 billion. Of the latest amount, ITS MALL BUSINESS CONTRIBUTED percent and its residential business, 35 percent. Its recurring-income portfolio, such as hotels, convention centers and commercial properties, accounted for the rest.

SM Prime subsidiary SM De-

Value

Chg

%Chg

PSEi

7,926.69

16.06

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All Shares

4,876.98

-9.57

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Financials

1,768.30

18.61

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Industrial

11,655.01

-4.69

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Holding Firms

7,620.22

51.57

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1,613.73

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Mining and Oil

7,570.08

-158.57

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Property

4,174.75

-35.15

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LISTED 8990 Holdings Inc. reported on Wednesday its consolidated net income climbed by 13 percent to P4.67 billion last year from P4.14 billion in 2017. In a disclosure, the mass-housing developer said consolidated revenues jumped by 15 percent to P11.74 billion in 2018 from P10.18 billion in 2017, buoyed mainly by real-estate sales, which hit P11.67 billion.

Its Luzon projects contributed 56 percent of the company’s total revenues; those in the Visayas, 32 percent; and those in Mindanao, 11 percent.

SERVICES

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ALL SHARES

RCBC sees steady net profit in 2019 RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) is expecting its net income to be steady this year after it saw its profit increase in the first quarter. “We [posted] P4.3 billion last year, so we should be doing the same this year,� RCBC Corporate Planning Group head Chrissy Alvarez told reporters in a roundtable on Wednesday.

According to her, growth for the next three months will be driven by the bank’s core business. “We have made P1.3 billion in the first quarter, and while most of this is from trading gains, we expect that for the latter part of the year, the driver will be our core business,�

Alvarez said.

In a disclosure, the Ty-led bank said its P1.3-billion unaudited consolidated net income was a 15.3-percent surge from P1.1 billion in the same period last year. Non-interest income increased by 71 percent to P2.9 billion, which was said to have come from stronger contributions in treasuryrelated and fee-based income. The bank booked P1.4 billion in trading and foreign-exchange gains, and P1.1 billion in fee-based income, which includes card-related

velopment Corp. saw its revenues grow by 23 percent to P9.2 billion from P7.5 billion in the quarter, with the growth attributed to higher construction accomplishments in 2015 to 2017.

SM Retail, meanwhile, posted a 5-percent increase in its net INCOME TO 0 BILLION FROM 0 billion. Its revenues increased by 13 percent to P79 billion. “We continued to deliver double digit growth to both our top and BOTTOM LINE IN THE kRST QUARTER Performance was strong across our businesses, particularly for our banks,� SM President Frederic DyBuncio said.

SM Investments shares increased

by P17 or 1.79 percent to close at 0 APIECE ON 7EDNESDAY

and trust fees, and fees on investment banking and loans.

RCBC said it was able to sustain its core business growth, with net interest income increasing by 10 percent to P5.3 billion and fee-based income by 31 percent in the quarter. It also announced that it was set to launch a sustainability bond in the second quarter after finalizing its Sustainable Finance Framework. “We are looking at a minimum amount or at least close to‌P5 billion to issue, but it depends on the market,â€? RCBC Treasury Group head Horacio Cebrero 3rd said.

According to him, the framework demonstrates the bank’s strategy to deploy sustainable financing instruments to fund loans and its own projects that have clear environmental and/or social benefits. Sustainable financing instruments include green, social and sustainability bonds; green loans; and other debt financing instruments that fund eligible green and social assets that conform to international and regional sustainable finance principles PNB ended flat at P26.00 each on Wednesday.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

8990’s 2018 income up 13% to P4.67B

HOLDING FIRMS

Index

B3

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

MINING AND OIL

Its rental income generated P12.5 million, slightly up from P10.2 million year-on-year.

Gross income also increased by 14 percent to P6.46 billion last year from the P5.65 billion in 2017. “It comes [as] no surprise that [the] momentum in our real-estate business has remained strong throughout the year,� 8990 said in the disclosure. “Our company is built on solid ground and the excellent results in 2018 reflects the strong interest for our products even at a time when inflation has been moving up,� it

added.

8990 increased its capital expenditures from P8 billion last year to P12 billion this year to sustain its real-estate business’ strong momentum and help its revenues grow to P13.5 billion. It expects the amount to be “generated mostly from its projects in Luzon, particularly from its largest project to-date, Urban Deca Homes Manila in Tondo.�

8990 Holdings expects to generate P20 billion in sales from that project, which will offer a total of 13,000 units to homebuyers.Â

Other ongoing projects include Deca Clark Resorts Residences in Pampanga province; Urban Deca Homes Marilao in Bulacan province, Urban Deca Homes Hampton and Urban Deca Homes Mahogany in Cavite province; Deca Homes Pavia Resorts Residences 2 and Deca Homes in Sta. Barbara town, Iloilo province; Deca Bacolod in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental province, Urban Deca Homes Tisa 2 and Urban Deca Homes H. Cortes in Cebu province; and Deca Homes Mulig in Davao City.

LISBET K. ESMAEL

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

Security Name $\DOD /DQG ,QF SM Prime Holdings, Inc. ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &RQWDLQHU 7HUPLQDO 6HUYLFHV ,QF %'2 8QLEDQN ,QF Ayala Corporation -ROOLEHH )RRGV &RUSRUDWLRQ 60 ,QYHVWPHQWV &RUSRUDWLRQ *OREH 7HOHFRP ,QF JG Summit Holdings, Inc. 8QLYHUVDO 5RELQD &RUSRUDWLRQ 0HWURSROLWDQ %DQN 7UXVW &RPSDQ\ $OOLDQFH *OREDO *URXS ,QF %ORRPEHUU\ 5HVRUWV &RUSRUDWLRQ %DQN RI WKH 3KLOLSSLQH ,VODQGV Megaworld Corporation Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc. 5RELQVRQV 5HWDLO +ROGLQJV ,QF 0HWUR 3DFLÂżF ,QYHVWPHQWV &RUSRUDWLRQ 3/'7 ,QF ' / ,QGXVWULHV ,QF

Last Price 47 39.5 135 139.9 901 303 966 1,999.00 65.8 165 74.1 14.4 11.7 85.45 5.56 2.36 70.65 4.23 1,245.00 10.54

Chg 0.05 -0.55 -1.4 4 1 -1 17 9 2.25 3.6 0.25 -0.44 -0.46 0.6 -0.21 -0.11 -2.35 -0.06 -9 -0.26

%Chg 0.11% -1.37% -1.03% 2.94% 0.11% -0.33% 1.79% 0.45% 3.54% 2.23% 0.34% -2.96% -3.78% 0.71% -3.64% -4.45% -3.22% -1.40% -0.72% -2.41%

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Volume 21,210,700.00 10,024,600.00 2,836,710.00 2,817,350.00 340,900.00 947,300.00 274,680.00 130,400.00 3,056,360.00 1,149,750.00 2,407,690.00 12,025,000.00 14,364,200.00 1,758,580.00 25,254,400.00 55,031,000.00 1,707,390.00 28,381,000.00 91,700.00 10,239,400.00

Value(P) 990,462,030.00 394,237,030.00 381,671,324.00 380,613,726.00 305,401,000.00 286,891,396.00 260,651,195.00 259,904,305.00 192,373,682.00 185,959,346.00 176,308,766.50 174,450,830.00 167,899,504.00 146,679,360.00 143,649,701.00 132,128,800.00 120,953,139.00 120,673,440.00 113,324,505.00 108,744,746.00

DPRXQWV LQ SHVR H[FHSW IRU YROXPH FKJ

TOP GAINERS

FINANCIALS

INDUSTRIAL

PROPERTY

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

INDEX HISTORY Date May 8, 2019 May 7, 2019 May 6, 2019 May 3, 2019 May 2, 2019 Apr 30, 2019 Apr 29, 2019 Apr 26, 2019 Apr 25, 2019 Apr 24, 2019 Apr 23, 2019 Apr 22, 2019 Apr 17, 2019 Apr 16, 2019 Apr 15, 2019 Apr 12, 2019 Apr 11, 2019 Apr 10, 2019 Apr 8, 2019 Apr 5, 2019 Apr 4, 2019 Apr 3, 2019 Apr 2, 2019 Apr 1, 2019 Mar 29, 2019 Mar 28, 2019 Mar 27, 2019 Mar 26, 2019 Mar 25, 2019 Mar 22, 2019

Open 7,903 7,872 7,973 8,004 7,953 7,892 7,861 7,893 7,848 7,799 7,827 7,840 7,833 7,800 7,888 7,971 7,991 7,976 7,879 7,866 7,893 7,880 7,854 7,923 7,891 7,898 7,916 7,875 7,994 7,957

High 7,927 7,922 7,974 8,078 8,041 7,953 7,897 7,900 7,894 7,847 7,835 7,859 7,861 7,860 7,915 7,980 8,000 8,009 7,955 7,887 7,898 7,895 7,894 7,924 7,921 7,898 7,916 7,911 7,994 8,032

Low 7,755 7,861 7,851 7,968 7,947 7,889 7,846 7,840 7,832 7,799 7,770 7,818 7,824 7,799 7,788 7,881 7,956 7,953 7,879 7,866 7,836 7,861 7,854 7,810 7,887 7,856 7,841 7,869 7,808 7,951

Close 7,927 7,911 7,862 7,968 8,002 7,953 7,897 7,868 7,894 7,847 7,819 7,832 7,835 7,826 7,788 7,881 7,956 8,009 7,916 7,873 7,854 7,895 7,879 7,840 7,921 7,876 7,861 7,907 7,863 8,013

CLOSE

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Security Name Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corporation “A�

Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corporation “B�

Concepcion Industrial Corporation Imperial Resources, Inc. Phinma Corporation Victorias Milling Company, Inc. SFA Semicon Philippines Corporation Solid Group, Inc. JG Summit Holdings, Inc. Phinma Petroleum and Geothermal, Inc. 'HO 0RQWH 3DFLÂżF /LPLWHG 8 6 'ROODU 'HQRPLQDWHG Series A-1 Preference Shares %'2 8QLEDQN ,QF Alliance Select Foods International, Inc. $SROOR *OREDO &DSLWDO ,QF Oriental Peninsula Resources Group, Inc. 8QLYHUVDO 5RELQD &RUSRUDWLRQ Philippine Realty & Holdings Corporation SBS Philippines Corporation Easycall Communications Phils., Inc. $VLD 8QLWHG %DQN &RUSRUDWLRQ

Volume Value Last Price 52,500,000.00 581,000.00 0.012 11,100,000.00 133,200.00 0.012 100.00 4,545.00 45.45 4,000.00 7,640.00 1.91 100.00 940 9.4 1,596,000.00 4,377,610.00 2.64 70,000.00 88,490.00 1.28 130,000.00 172,090.00 1.38 3,056,360.00 192,373,682.00 65.8 21,000.00 75,610.00 3.67 41,000.00

420,072.00

2,817,350.00 380,613,726.00 1,110,000.00 866,230.00 14,400,000.00 625,900.00 51,000.00 45,410.00 1,149,750.00 185,959,346.00 540,000.00 250,550.00 40,200.00 362,655.00 98,000.00 1,078,378.00 1,110.00 64,216.00

Chg 0.001 0.001 3.4 0.11 0.47 0.13 0.05 0.05 2.25 0.11

%Chg 9.09% 9.09% 8.09% 6.11% 5.26% 5.18% 4.07% 3.76% 3.54% 3.09%

10.4

0.3

2.97%

139.9 0.79 0.044 0.91 165 0.46 9.24 11 58.1

4 0.02 0.001 0.02 3.6 0.01 0.19 0.2 1.05

2.94% 2.60% 2.33% 2.25% 2.23% 2.22% 2.10% 1.85% 1.84%

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TOP LOSERS

HIGH

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

Security Name ,WDOSLQDV 'HYHORSPHQW &RUSRUDWLRQ &HQWUR (VFRODU 8QLYHUVLW\ 6ZLIW )RRGV ,QF &RQYHUWLEOH 3UHIHUUHG Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. /0* &KHPLFDOV &RUSRUDWLRQ )LOLQYHVW 'HYHORSPHQW &RUSRUDWLRQ First Gen Corporation MRC Allied Incorporated 0DQLOD %XOOHWLQ 3XEOLVKLQJ &RUSRUDWLRQ GT Capital Holdings, Inc. &LW\ /DQG 'HYHORSHUV ,QF DMCI Holdings, Inc. Max’s Group, Inc. /HLVXUH 5HVRUWV :RUOG &RUSRUDWLRQ Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc. +DUERU 6WDU 6KLSSLQJ 6HUYLFHV ,QF 7UDQVSDFL¿F %URDGEDQG *URXS ,QWHUQDWLRQDO ,QF 3KLOZHE &RUSRUDWLRQ Roxas and Company, Inc. 3UHPLXP /HLVXUH &RUS

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Volume 5,021,200.00 15,400.00 67,000.00 38,567,000.00 22,000.00 1,221,500.00 3,371,600.00 21,840,000.00 1,794,000.00 105,560.00 10,000.00 4,704,600.00 2,131,700.00 1,638,000.00 55,031,000.00 4,594,000.00 7,000,000.00 1,980,000.00 31,000.00 21,160,000.00

Value Last Price Chg %Chg 26,671,645.00 5.11 -0.68 -11.74% 107,855.00 7 -0.88 -11.17% 88,440.00 1.32 -0.11 -7.69% 107,134,320.00 2.76 -0.21 -7.07% 86,000.00 3.91 -0.29 -6.90% 18,070,160.00 14.24 -0.96 -6.32% 68,067,346.00 20 -1.25 -5.88% 7,724,350.00 0.345 -0.02 -5.48% 984,630.00 0.55 -0.03 -5.17% 90,902,480.00 855 -44 -4.89% 7,800.00 0.78 -0.04 -4.88% 51,624,506.00 10.8 -0.54 -4.76% 31,259,188.00 14.6 -0.7 -4.58% 6,341,680.00 3.79 -0.18 -4.53% 132,128,800.00 2.36 -0.11 -4.45% 12,076,890.00 2.6 -0.12 -4.41% 2,348,350.00 0.335 -0.015 -4.29% 5,938,970.00 2.95 -0.13 -4.22% 51,400.00 1.6 -0.07 -4.19% 14,908,890.00 0.7 -0.03 -4.11%

B4

Corporate News

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

PNB raises P13.87B from bond offering T

BY MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

HE Philippine National Bank (PNB) has generated P13.87 billion in fresh funds from its maiden fixed-rate peso bond issuance.

In a roundtable on Wednesday, over the announced issue size of 0." 0RESIDENT AND #HIEF %XECU- P5 billion.

TIVE /FkCER 7ICK 6ELOSO SAID THE “What’s good about this issutwo-year bonds were three times ance is that 6,200 investors par-

ticipated and [it was] sold by 711 domestic branches,� Veloso said.

The bonds carried a coupon of 6.25 percent.

Veloso also noted that proceeds from the bond issuance were intended to be used to fund PNB’s EXPANSION IN THE LOAN MARKET specifically in the commercial banking space. g!SIDE FROM BUSINESS EXPANSION

the bond issuance is part of our

efforts to diversify our funding SOURCES TO MEET THE kNANCIAL NEEDS of our growing customer base,� he added.

The transaction was a joint effort of PNB and sole arranger and book runner, Standard Chartered Bank.

The PNB chief added that the LENDER ALSO SIGNED ITS kRST SYNDIcated loan for its Tokyo branch. “In April 24, PNB acting through its Tokyo branch successfully

4RINIDAD *R TOLD A ROUNDTABLE THAT gkSCAL underspending risk is already happening, WITH DISCLOSURES MADE BY SENIOR kNANCE OFkCIALS THAT NOT JUST THE BUDGET DEkCIT IS below target, but we are losing P1 billion The economy grew by 6.2 percent in 2018, election spending and the continued a day in terms of spending.� down from 6.7 percent the year before, and growth in the business-process outsourcing Latest available data showed that the fell short of the government’s 6.5-to-6.9- SECTOR ARE EXPECTED TO DRIVE GROWTH kRST QUARTER BUDGET SHORTFALL OF 0 percent revised downward target for that year. )N THE NEXT FEW YEARS #HIKIAMCO SAID billion was 40.6-percent lower than the “Headwinds include the budget delay; THE 0HILIPPINES IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE P152.171 billion posted a year ago. It was EXPORT SLOWDOWN HIGHER INTEREST RATES RELA- posting strong growth, which should “be also 52 percent or P98.108-billion lower tive to 2018; higher oil prices; increasing between 5 to 7 percent,� depending “on than programmed.

CURRENT ACCOUNT DEkCIT %L .IÄO AND OTHER further economic reform measures.�

This was blamed on the delayed approblems, from measles outbreak to [the] He urged the government to continue proval of the 2019 national budget, which current water shortage,� Chikiamco said. implementing reforms to achieve inclusive forced the government to operate on last Low agricultural productivity and the growth. year’s budget since the start of 2019 until UNDIVERSIkED EXPORT BASE WOULD CONTINUE “There are still structural problems, and April, when President Rodrigo Duterte we have a lot of work to do especially in signed it. to weigh on growth, he added.

'LOBAL POLITICAL EVENTS INCLUDING "REXIT reducing poverty,� the FEF chief said. “The worry I have with the budget apthe ongoing trade war between the United proval delay is that we may not see a strong States and China, and the global ecobomic ‘Already happening’ OR ROBUST kSCAL STIMULUS u 4RINIDAD SAID slowdown would also affect the Philippine He pointed out that budget delays, Also on Wednesday, Philippine National coupled with the institutional constraints economy, according to him.

He pointed out, however, that this year’s Bank (PNB) chief economist Francisco on spending because of this year’s midterm elections, meant that the government would not be able to spend its programmed funds for infrastructure. “Missing a strong fiscal

Q SLOW FROM B1

‘Economy to slow in 2019’

closed and signed [a] $250 million three-year syndicated term loan facility with a large group of international and regional Japanese banks,� he said.

The bank recently reported that its total resources reached P1.03 trillion at the end of March 2019, up P176 billion or 21 percent compared to year-ago.

PNB also reported that its consolidated net income hit P1.9

stimulus makes us very hostaged to a global macro slowdown,� he said.

4RINIDAD EXPECTS THE ECONOMY TO GROW BY 6.4 percent, marginally up from last year’s 6.2 percent, but within the government’s downwardly revised 6.0-to-7.0-percent target for 2019. g)F INlATION IS BENIGN AND YOU HAVE THAT particular risk facing us and the challenge offshore, maybe its timely for some monetary accommodation,� he said. “And the initial one I see would be liquidity injection by way of 1-2-percent bank reserve cut because the second risk I see is that domestic liquidity backdrop is tightening,� the economist added.

He noted that this was evident in the latest available data, which showed that credit and liquidity growth have slowed to single digits.

To address this, Trinidad said monetary authorities were likely to implement a 1-2 percentage points cut to banks’ reserve requirement at their Monetary Board today.

They are also likely to cut interest rates by 50-75 basis points starting in the second half of the year, he added.

ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES AND MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

BILLION IN THE kRST THREE MONTHS of 2019, up 26 percent from P1.5 billion in the same period last year. “The growth in operating income was driven primarily by improvements in net interest income AND TRADING AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE gains,� the bank said.

PNB shares rose by 5 centavos or 0.09 percent to close at P54.05 each on Wednesday.

Q MONEY MAX FROM B2

A closer look a clear picture of your own. Data gathered by the two show that more organized individuals ARE LESS LIKELY TO COMMIT kNANCIAL INkDELITY You basically have nothing to hide when you FOLLOW A SOUND kNANCIAL PLAN Klontz concluded that, sometimes, hitting rock bottom can end someone’s bad kNANCIAL BEHAVIOR /FTENTIMES WORST CASE SCENARIOS FORCE A PERSON TO kNALLY ADDRESS their behavior, put an end on it, and seek professional help. Reaching out to a friend or a family member can also help someone overcome money issues. Joining a support group is advisable to those with problematic kNANCIAL BEHAVIORS So if you’re struggling with one of the causes mentioned above, remember you’re not alone.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Josh MascariĂąas is a content writer at MonEYMAX 3AVE MONEY ON CAR INSURANCE CREDIT cards, and loans when you compare and apply AT WWW MONEYMAX PHĂœ 6ISIT OUR WEBSITE TO know more.

Q PANEL FROM B1

Govt eyes ‘A’ rating country’s credit status from “BBB� to “BBB+� with a stable outlook. It is two notches above the minimum investment grade rating and a notch away from “A� level ratings.

The Philippines, the credit rating agency SAID COULD EXPECT ANOTHER UPGRADE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS IF THE GOVERNMENT MAKES SIGNIkCANT GAINS IN ITS kSCAL REFORM PROGRAM OR IF ITS EXTERNAL POSITION IMPROVES SUCH THAT ITS STATUS AS A NET EXTERNAL CREDITOR BECOMES MORE SECURE over the long term.

According to Guinigundo, the government would gradually move to sustain policy and structural reforms, not only to attain the coveted “A� rating, but also to “sustain our economic growth.� “We want to make sure that employment opportunities are available and to make a dent in terms of our efforts to reduce poverty in the Phiippines,� he said.

Guinigundo also said the government “must do a Catriona [Gray] swirl to be noticed, to be set apart from the rest,� referring to the Filipino-Australian Miss Universe whose slowmotion twirl during the swimsuit portion of the international beauty competition in Thailand last year made a sensation on the internet. !LSO AT THE BRIEkNG &INANCE 3ECRETARY #ARLOS Dominguez 3rd called the “BBB+� rating a gDEkNITIVE WINu FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND said it would attract more foreign investments. “It is important to note that institutional investors already consider us ‘single A- rated’ and are willing to accept lower interest rates to invest in our products. They believe we can do it and we must show them that, indeed, we can,� he added.

The upgraded rating, according to him, was a result of President Duterte’s decision to invest IN GAME CHANGING REFORMS SUCH AS THE 4AX Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) AND RICE TARIFkCATION LAWS 4HE 4RAIN LAW $OMINGUEZ EXPLAINED INcreased the government’s ability to fund public investments, with less reliance on loans. g7HEN WE DO BORROW WE PRIORITIZE OFkCIAL development assistance or ODA, as it has cheaper and longer terms of repayment, as opposed to borrowing from private capital markets,� he said.

The Finance chief urged Congress to pass THE REMAINING TAX REFORM BILLS TO gCOMPLETE THE PROCESS OF MAKING THE TAX SYSTEM SIMPLER

FAIRER AND MORE EFkCIENT u “Generally, S&P is telling us that we need to continue strengthening governance, policy and reform measures,� Dominguez said.

National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said the rating upgrade would result in interest payment savings of at least P3 billion through 2022.

This, she added, is just from commercial bond issuances.

De Leon also said the upgrade “is really an inspiration for us to do more, to do our best.�

RALPH EDWIN U. VILLANUEVA

Foreign Business China exports fall ahead of trade talks B ˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

EIJING: China’s exports fell more than expected in April while imports rose, OFkCIAL DATA SHOWED ON 7EDNESDAY AHEAD of high-stakes talks aimed at resolving a trade war with the United States.

The world’s two leading econoMIES FACE A POSSIBLE MAKE OR BREAK MOMENT WHEN TOP NEGOTIATORS MEET IN 7ASHINGTON THIS WEEK FOLLOWING MONTHS OF FRAUGHT TALKS 53 0RESIDENT $ONALD 4RUMP HAS UPPED THE ANTE WITH PLANS TO MORE THAN DOUBLE TARIFFS ON BILLION IN #HINESE GOODS ON &RIDAY

THE LAST DAY OF A TWO DAY VISIT BY 0RESIDENT 8I *INPING S POINT MAN 6ICE 0REMIER ,IU (E 4HE TRADE WAR HAS BATTERED SHIP-

MENTS BETWEEN THE ECONOMIC GIANTS )N !PRIL #HINA S EXPORTS ACROSS THE 0ACIkC FELL PERCENT FROM A YEAR EARLIER WHILE IMPORTS FROM THE 53 FELL PERCENT ACCORDING TO THE DATA FROM #HINA S CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION 4HE POLITICALLY SENSITIVE TRADE SURPLUS WITH THE 53 REMAINED LARGE WIDENING TO BILLION LAST MONTH FROM BILLION IN -ARCH ,AST YEAR IT HIT A RECORD BILLION

Q KRITZ FROM B1

A cover-up ANXIOUS TO HAVE QUIETLY GO AWAY IN THE COMPANY SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH 3EASIA .ECTAR 0ORT 3ERVICES )NC 3.03) WHEREBY THE LATTER WOULD BUILD AND OPERATE A PORT TERMINAL IN "ATAAN FOR (OLCIM S EXCLUSIVE USE FOR A YEAR PERIOD 4O BUILD THE TERMINAL TO (OLCIM S SPECIkCATIONS 3.03) OBTAINED NEARLY 0 BILLION IN LOANS (OLCIM HOWEVER

DID NOT KEEP UP ITS END OF THE BARGAIN SO IN /CTOBER LAST YEAR 3.03) PETITIONED THE 2EGIONAL 4RIAL #OURT IN "ATAAN FOR RELIEF /N .OVEMBER THE "ATAAN 24# ORDERED THE GARNISHMENT OF A 0 BILLION ACCOUNT OF (OLCIM AT -ETROBANK THIS ESSENTIALLY FROZE THAT ACCOUNT WHICH APPROXIMATES THE AMOUNT OF LOANS 3.03) INCURRED IN BUILDING THE PORT FACILITY AS SECURITY AGAINST A POTENTIAL kNAL RULING IN 3.03) S FAVOR )N $ECEMBER (OLCIM SOUGHT ARBITRATION OF THE DISPUTE m IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT WITH 3.03) THAT IT HAD DECLARED VOID m THROUGH THE 0HILIPPINE $ISPUTE 2ESOLUTION #ENTER 0$2# 5NDER THE RULES GOVERNING ARBITRATION THE PROCEEDINGS OF A CASE ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY CONkDENTIAL WHILE IT IS STILL ONGOING !CCORDING TO THE RULES OF THE 03% AND THE 3ECURITIES 2EGULATION #ODE (OLCIM SHOULD HAVE MADE PROMPT DISCLOSURES ABOUT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CASE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MOST PARTICULARLY WHEN THE "ATAAN 24# ORDERED THE GARNISHMENT OF THE 0 BILLION -ETROBANK ACCOUNT LAST .OVEMBER (OLCIM DID DISCLOSE THAT IT HAD BEEN SERVED NOTICE OF 3.03) S COURT kLING ON /CTOBER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DISCLOSURE RULES BUT NEVER MENTIONED THE 0 BILLION GARNISHMENT

WHICH WAS WHAT -R 0EREZ POINTED OUT IN HIS -AY COLUMN 4HE kRST AND SO FAR ONLY TIME (OLCIM ACKNOWLEDGED THE GARNISHED -ETROBANK ACCOUNT WAS ON -AY IN A gCLARIkCATION OF NEWS REPORTu REQUESTED

BY THE 03% )N THAT DISCLOSURE (OLCIM MADE A RATHER BIZARRE CLAIM 4HE COMPANY TOOK THE POSITION THAT SINCE THE DISPUTE WITH 3.03) WAS UNDER ARBITRATION IT WAS PROSCRIBED FROM DISCLOSING ANY DETAILS RELATED TO IT BECAUSE OF THE CONkDENTIALITY RULE .EVERTHELESS (OLCIM SAID IT HAD ACTUALLY DISCLOSED THAT ITS -ETROBANK ACCOUNT HAD BEEN GARNISHED kRST IN ITS /CTOBER DISCLOSURE TO THE 03% AND AGAIN IN ITS !NNUAL 2EPORT RELEASED IN &EBRUARY gUNDER @/THER .ON #URRENT !SSETS AS @OTHER kNANCIAL ASSETS WHICH REFER TO @DEPOSITS MADE FOR FUTURE OBLIGATIONS u 4HAT EXPLANATION WAS UTTERLY RIDICULOUS &IRST OF ALL (OLCIM COULD NOT CLAIM THAT ITS /CTOBER DISCLOSURE REFERRED TO THE -ETROBANK ACCOUNT IN ANY WAY BECAUSE THE GARNISHMENT ORDER WAS NOT ISSUED BY THE "ATAAN 24# UNTIL .OVEMBER 3ECOND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO MENTION OF THE CASE ON ANY OF THE PAGES OF (OLCIM S ANNUAL REPORT 4HERE IS INDEED A kNANCIAL STATEMENT ENTRY IN THE AMOUNT OF 0

ON PAGE OF THAT REPORT AS (OLCIM DESCRIBED IN ITS -AY EXPLANATION TO THE 03% BUT THE REPORT DESCRIBES IT

Q MEETING FROM B1

PSEi recovers "OARD -" MEETING TODAY 4HE BELLWETHER 0HILIPPINE 3TOCK %XCHANGE INDEX 03%I RALLIED AT THE LAST MINUTE kNISHING UP BY PERCENT OR POINTS TO

)T FELL BY AS MUCH AS PERCENT in intraday trading.

4HE WIDER !LL 3HARES DECLINED BY PERCENT OR POINTS TO END AT

2EGINA #APITAL $EVELOPMENT #ORP HEAD OF SALES ,UIS ,IMLINGAN SAID SHARES WERE SOLD DOWN HEAVILY FOR MOST OF THE DAY AS SENTIMENT WAS DAMPENED BY RENEWED TRADE TENSIONS BETWEEN THE 5NITED 3TATES AND #HINA ,IMLINGAN WAS REFERRING TO NEWS THAT 7ASHINGTON WOULD IMPOSE ON &RIDAY 53 TIME A PERCENT TARIFF ON SOME BILLION WORTH #HINESE GOODS )T IS CURRENTLY AT PERCENT 53 0RESIDENT $ONALD 4RUMP ORDER THE TARIFF THROUGH A 4WITTER POST OVER THE WEEKEND AND THREATS OF ANOTHER ROUND OF DUTIES ON BILLION WORTH OF #HINESE GOODS COULD BE IMPOSED gSHORTLY u g(OWEVER AT CLOSING MANY DECIDED TO CHERRY PICK KEY NAMES AS MANY AWAIT FOR THE

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

'LOBAL MARKETS HAVE TAKEN A BEATING THIS WEEK AS INVESTORS grow increasingly concerned that THE #HINA 53 TRADE DEAL WHICH LAST WEEK APPEARED ALL BUT READY TO SIGN COULD FALL THROUGH 53 NEGOTIATORS ACCUSED "EIJING OF RENEGING ON COMMITMENTS MADE DURING MONTHS OF TALKS FOCUSING ON CLAMPING DOWN ON THEFT OF 53 TECHNOLOGY AND REDUCING #HINA S MASSIVE SUBSIDIES g)F 4RUMP S THREAT BECOMES REALITY IT WILL BE A GAME CHANGER FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY u SAID 3TEVE #OCHRANE CHIEF !0!# ECONOMIST AT -OODY S !NALYTICS ADDING THE worst-case scenario would result in A 53 RECESSION AND A RAPID REDUCTION OF GROWTH IN #HINA

THUS g/THER kNANCIAL ASSETS REPRESENT BOTH DEPOSITS MADE FOR FUTURE OBLIGATIONS AND MINIMUM MINE REHABILITATION FUND REQUIRED BY THE $%.2 TO COVER SITE RESTORATION COST AMOUNTING TO 0 BILLION AND 0 MILLION RESPECTIVELY u 4HERE IS NO POSSIBLE WAY THAT ANYONE WITHOUT PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF THE CASE WITH 3.03) COULD KNOW THAT THE g0 BILLIONu INCLUDES THE 0 BILLION -ETROBANK ACCOUNT

AND EVEN THEN ONE WOULD HAVE TO BE AN EXTREMELY SHARP ACCOUNTANT TO SPOT IT DISGUISED AS IT IS AS A gDEPOSIT FOR FUTURE OBLIGATIONS u !NOTHER ENORMOUS PROBLEM FOR (OLCIM IS THAT IT HAS GROSSLY MISINTERPRETED THE CONkDENTIALITY RULE TO A DEGREE THAT LOOKS LIKE AN INTENTIONAL ATTEMPT TO HIDE THE -ETROBANK GARNISHMENT !CCORDING TO A LEGAL OPINION OBTAINED BY 4HE -ANILA 4IMES UNDER THE !LTERNATIVE $ISPUTE 2ESOLUTION !CT !$2 ,AW OF 2! gINFORMATION IS CONkDENTIAL ONLY IF IT IS EXPRESSLY INTENDED

BY THE SOURCE NOT TO BE DISCLOSED OR OBTAINED UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WOULD CREATE A REASONABLE EXPECTATION ON BEHALF OF THE SOURCE THAT THE INFORMATION SHALL NOT BE DISCLOSED u !S A LISTED COMPANY (OLCIM CANNOT HAVE ANY gREASONABLE EXPECTATIONu THAT MATERIAL INFORMATION CAN BE CONSIDERED CONkDENTIAL AND NOT DISCLOSED TO THE 03% )N SPITE OF DOING SO BELATEDLY AND IN HIGHLY QUESTIONABLE TERMS ON -AY OF THIS YEAR (OLCIM IS CLEARLY IN VIOLATION OF BOTH 03% RULES AND THE 3ECURITIES 2EGULATION #ODE )T IS EASY ENOUGH TO GUESS WHY (OLCIM 0HILIPPINES WOULD WANT TO TRY TO COVER UP THE UNFAVORABLE NEWS THAT ONE OF ITS ACCOUNTS HAD BEEN LOCKED UP BY A COURT ORDER 4HE 0 BILLION THAT IS CURRENTLY OUT OF (OLCIM S REACH IS THE EQUIVALENT OF ABOUT PERCENT OF THE COMPANY S 0 BILLION MARKET CAP 4HAT IS A PROPORTION THAT CAN TRIGGER SERIOUS MOVEMENT IN A COMPANY S SHARE PRICE AND NOT IN A GOOD WAY (OLCIM 0HILIPPINES IS ALREADY FACING A NUMBER OF REGULATORY AND LEGAL ISSUES AND HAS BEEN FENDING OFF RUMORS THAT PARENT COMPANY ,AFARGE(OLCIM IS LOOKING TO DUMP THE LOCAL UNIT ONE MORE PROBLEM FROM THE COMPANY S POINT OF VIEW WOULD BE ONE TOO MANY (OLCIM S APPARENT PLAN WAS TO TAKE THE CASE WITH 3.03) TO ARBITRATION AND PREVAIL ON -ETROBANK TO RELEASE ITS ACCOUNT BEFORE ANYONE FOUND OUT ABOUT IT IF IT INCURRED A PENALTY FOR NON DISCLOSURE AFTER THE FACT THAT WOULD BE A RELATIVELY MINOR PRICE TO PAY -ETROBANK HOWEVER REFUSED TO PLAY ALONG AND DENIED (OLCIM S REQUEST AS THE GARNISHMENT WAS THE RESULT OF A COURT ORDER

THE BANK WOULD NOT ACT TO THE CONTRARY WITHOUT AN ORDER FROM THE SAME OR HIGHER COURT TO DO SO 4HAT HAS LEFT (OLCIM 0HILIPPINES LOOKING RATHER FOOLISH FACING NOT ONLY POTENTIAL 3%# AND 03% SANCTIONS BUT ALSO POSSIBLY HAVING RUN AFOUL OF THE RULES OF THE !$2 ,AW AND FATALLY DAMAGED ITS POSITION IN THE DISPUTE WITH 3.03) 7HAT (OLCIM S REAL GOALS MAY HAVE BEEN IS A MATTER FOR SPECULATION IT WOULD BE A REASONABLE GUESS

HOWEVER THAT BECOMING AN OBJECT LESSON FOR WHAT HAPPENS WHEN FOREIGN CORPORATIONS ARE CAUGHT BEHAVING BADLY IS NOT ONE OF THEM

BEN KRITZ MANILATIMES NET

RELEASE OF ;kRST QUARTER '$0= AND THE OUTCOME OF THE "30 MEETING BOTH HAPPENING u ,IMLINGAN EXPLAINED )N A SEPARATE COMMENT 0 0 4RADE /NLINE SALES ASSOCIATE 'ABRIEL *OSE 0EREZ SAID MARKET PLAYERS REPOSITIONED PORTFOLIOS ON EXPECTATIONS OF GOOD '$0 DATA g!LL THAT S LEFT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS WOULD BE HOW 53 MARKETS MOVE IN THE FOLLOWING NIGHTS AND THEwECONOMIC DATA u he added. )N THE REGION MARKETS CONTINUED TO FALL OVER THE 53 #HINA TENSIONS 4OKYO WAS DOWN BY PERCENT 3HANGHAI DROPPED PERCENT

(ONG +ONG DECLINED PERCENT 3EOUL LOST PERCENT *AKARTA DECREASED PERCENT

3INGAPORE SLID PERCENT AND "ANGKOK SHED PERCENT )N THE 53 .ASDAQ WAS DOWN THE MOST BY PERCENT FOLLOWED BY THE $OW *ONES

WHICH SLID BY PERCENT AND 3 0 WHICH DIPPED BY PERCENT )N -ANILA ONLY HOLDING kRMS AND kNANCIAL SECTORS kNISHED IN THE GREEN UP PERCENT AND PERCENT RESPECTIVELY -ORE THAN MILLION ISSUES WERE TRADED VALUED AT 0 BILLION ,OSERS LED WINNERS TO WHILE ISSUES were unchanged. ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

4EPID GLOBAL DEMAND FOR #HINA S GOODS HAVE HEIGHTENED THE RISK FOR "EIJING WHICH POSTED PERCENT ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE kRST QUARTER HAVING DECELERATED EVERY QUARTER LAST YEAR @$OWNBEAT PROSPECTS #HINA S EXPORTS TO THE WORLD SANK PERCENT ON YEAR LAST MONTH WHILE IMPORTS ROSE PERCENT PRODUCING A TRADE SURPLUS OF BILLION %CONOMISTS POLLED BY "LOOMBERG HAD EXPECTED A PERCENT RISE IN EXPORTS WITH IMPORTS PROJECTED TO FALL PERCENT g4ODAY S EXPORTS DATA SUPPORT OUR VIEW THAT THERE IS REAL RISK OF DOUBLE DIP IN GROWTH AND "EIJING CANNOT AFFORD TO STOP EASING YET u

SAID ,U 4ING AN ECONOMIST AT .OMURA BANK g7ITH THE RAPID ESCALATION OF THE TRADE CONlICT WITH THE 53 WE BELIEVE "EIJING WILL LIKELY STEP UP EASING MEASURES AGAIN u HE WROTE in a note.

"EIJING HAS MOVED TO JUMPSTART ITS COOLING ECONOMY THIS YEAR WITH MASSIVE TAX CUTS AND FEE REDUCTIONS AND A TARGETED REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF CASH THAT SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED BANKS MUST HOLD IN RESERVE ANNOUNCED ON -ONDAY "UT THE CENTRAL BANK HAS YET TO cut interest rates. )N -ARCH #HINA S EXPORTS UNEXPECTEDLY JUMPED PERCENT

AND ANALYSTS CAUTION IT IS DIFkCULT TO COMPARE TRENDS AT THE START OF

B5

THE YEAR OWING TO THE #HINESE .EW 9EAR HOLIDAY WHICH FELL IN &EBRUARY /VER THE kRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE YEAR #HINA S EXPORTS ROSE ONLY PERCENT ON YEAR WHILE IMPORTS DROPPED PERCENT BOTH DOWN FROM THE kNAL QUARTER OF LAST YEAR g%VEN IF A LAST MINUTE DEAL IS STRUCK THIS WEEK TO AVOID FURTHER TARIFFS THE DOWNBEAT PROSPECTS FOR GLOBAL GROWTH WILL PROBABLY MEAN THAT EXPORT GROWTH REMAINS SUBDUED u SAID *ULIAN %VANS 0RITCHARD OF #APITAL %CONOMICS $ATA LAST WEEK SHOWED #HINA S FACTORY ACTIVITY SOFTENED IN !PRIL

WITH THE NEW EXPORT ORDERS SUB INDEX RISING FROM -ARCH BUT REMAINing in contraction territory. AFP

Toyota 2018 profit drops by 25% TOKYO: Japanese car giant Toyota said on Wednesday its annual NET PROkT FELL BY A QUARTER DESPITE RECORD SALES BLAMING INVESTMENT LOSSES ‡ BUT IT FORECAST AN UPTURN in the year ahead.

4OYOTA S BOTTOM LINE FOR THE PAST YEAR WAS PUSHED DOWN BY SOME BILLION YEN IN BOOK LOSSES ON ITS INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO 4HE MAKER OF THE #AMRY SEDAN AND 0RIUS HYBRID SAID NET PROkT WAS DOWN PERCENT FROM ITS BEST EVER RESULT THE YEAR BEFORE AT TRILLION YEN BILLION IN THE YEAR TO -ARCH 4HE kRM FORECAST NET PROkT TO RISE PERCENT IN THE COMING YEAR TO TRILLION YEN 3ENIOR MANAGING OFkCER -ASAYOSHI 3HIRAYANAGI BLAMED gTHE DETERIORATION OF THE STOCK MARKET IN THE CURRENT PERIODu FOR THE INVESTMENT LOSSES (E ADDED THE kGURES SUFFERED IN COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEAR S BILLION YEN BOOST FROM 53 TAX REFORM 3ALES ROSE PERCENT TO A RECORD TRILLION YEN LEAVING AN OPERATING PROkT OF TRILLION YEN WHICH WAS UP PERCENT YEAR ON YEAR !CCORDING TO LOCAL MEDIA IT WAS THE

kRST TIME A *APANESE COMPANY HAD EVER LOGGED SALES OVER TRILLION YEN 4OYOTA EXPECTS OPERATING PROkT FOR THE CURRENT YEAR TO -ARCH WILL INCREASE PERCENT TO TRILLION YEN 3ALES FORECAST TO SAG PERCENT TO TRILLION YEN g4OYOTA HAS CRUISED STEADILY COMPARED WITH ITS RIVALS u SAID ANALYST 3ATORU 4AKADA AT 4)7 A 4OKYO BASED RESEARCH AND CONSULTING kRM g4HE kRM LARGELY SHOWED A REASONABLE PERFORMANCE AROUND THE WORLD AT A TIME WHEN THE GLOBAL MARKET IS SLOWING DOWN u HE SAID

Brexit ‘relocation talks’ 4AKADA WAS NOT SO OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE OUTLOOK OF THE AUTO INDUSTRY *APANESE CARMAKERS HAVE ENJOYED A heyday in recent years with the North !MERICAN MARKET STEADILY RECOVERING FROM THE kNANCIAL CRISIS OF THE LATE S AND #HINA GROWING INTO A MAMMOTH MARKET HE NOTED g"UT THE OUTLOOK FOR THE TWO BIGGEST MARKETS IS NOW MURKY WHILE MATERIAL COSTS ARE RISING u HE SAID g!LSO THEY CAN T EXPECT THE ONE TIME IMPACT OF 53 TAX CUTS WHICH

TEMPORARILY BOOSTED THEIR PROFIT BEFORE 4OUGH FACTORS OUTNUMBERED POSITIVE ONES u HE TOLD !&0 4HE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT FOR COMPANIES LIKE 4OYOTA HAS ALSO BEEN CLOUDED BY THE 53 #HINA TRADE WAR AND CONTINUED UNCERTAINTY FROM "REXIT 4OYOTA EXECUTIVES HAVE SAID PREVIOUSLY THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO AVOID A NEGATIVE IMPACT IN THE EVENT OF A NO DEAL "REXIT )TS ASSEMBLING PLANT IN "URNASTON IN CENTRAL %NGLAND WHICH PRODUCES VEHICLES PER DAY WOULD BE AFFECTED The plant operates under Toyota’s FAMOUS gJUST IN TIMEu SYSTEM HOLDING LIMITED STOCK ON SITE AND RELYING ON lEXIBLE IMPORTS OF MILLIONS OF COMPONENT CAR PARTS FROM THE %5 g)F "RITAIN kNALLY LEAVES THE %5

AUTOMAKERS ARE LIKELY TO ACCELERATE RELOCATION TALKS )T IS NATURAL FOR THEM TO MOVE TO A PROkTABLE PLACE u 4AKADA SAID 4OYOTA SHARES WERE DOWN SOME TWO PERCENT LATE IN THE MORNING BUT TRIMMED THE LOSSES BY AROUND HALF AFTER THE RESULTS AND GUIDANCE WERE announced price.

AFP

World China looking at brain implant to treat addicts Trump, SKorea president discuss NKorea situation U B6

˜ The Manila Times

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

SHANGHAI: Patient Number One is a thin man, with a scabby face and bouncy knees. His head, shaved in preparation for surgery, is wrapped in a clean, white cloth.

Years of drug use cost him his wife, his money and his selfrespect, before landing him in this drab yellow room at a Shanghai hospital, facing the surgeon, who, in 72 hours, will drill two small holes in his skull and feed electrodes deep into his brain.

The hope is that technology will extinguish his addiction, quite LITERALLY WITH THE lIP OF A SWITCH The treatment — deep brain stimulation (DBS) — has long been used for movement disorders like Parkinson’s. Now, THE kRST CLINICAL TRIAL OF $"3 FOR methamphetamine addiction is being conducted at Shanghai’s Ruijin Hospital, along with parallel trials for opioid addicts. And THIS TROUBLED MAN IS THE VERY kRST patient.

The surgery involves implanting a device that acts as a kind of pacemaker for the brain, electrically stimulating targeted areas.

While Western attempts to push forward with human trials of DBS for addiction have foundered, China is emerging as a hub for this research.

Scientists in Europe have struggled to recruit patients for their DBS addiction studies, and comPLEX ETHICAL SOCIAL AND SCIENTIkC questions have made it hard to push forward with this kind of work in the United States, where the devices can cost $100,000 to implant.

China has a long, if troubled, history of brain surgery on drug addicts. Even today, China’s pu-

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nitive anti-drug laws can force addicts into years of compulsory treatment, including “rehabilitation� through labor. It has a large patient population, government funding and ambitious medical device companies ready to pay for DBS research.

There are eight registered DBS clinical trials for drug addiction being conducted in the world, according to a US National Institutes of Health database. Six are in China.

But the suffering wrought by the opioid epidemic may be changing the risk-reward calculus for doctors and regulators in the US. Now, the experimental surgery Patient Number One is about to undergo is coming to America. In February, the US Food and Drug Administration greenlighted a clinical trial in West Virginia of DBS for opioid addicts.

Patient Number One insisted that only his surname, Yan, be published; he fears losing his job IF HE IS IDENTIkED He said doctors told him the surgery wasn’t risky. “But I still GET NERVOUS u HE SAID g)T S MY kRST time to go on the operating table.�

Three of Yan’s friends introduced him to meth in a hotel room shortly after the birth of his son in 2011. They told him: “Just do it once, you’ve had your kid, you won’t have problems.�

Smoking made Yan feel faint and slightly unhinged. Later, he found meth brought crystalline focus to his mind, which he directed at one thing: Cards. Every time Yan smoked, he gambled. And every time he gambled, he lost — all told, around $150,000 since he started using drugs.

AP

S President Donald Trump spoke over the phone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in about the recent developments in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), White House said in a statement. “The two leaders discussed recent developments regarding the DPRK and how to achieve the final, fully verified denuclearization of the DPRK,� the statement said, without of-

fering more details.

According to the presidential Blue House of South Korea, Moon and Trump talked over the phone FOR MINUTES AND THEY SHARED A view that it was “very effective�

for the two governments to closely cooperate and tackle the DPRK’s recent projectile launches in an appropriate manner.

Stephen Biegun, US special representative for DPRK, was scheduled to visit Seoul from Thursday to Friday, meeting with South Korean officials on the denuclearization issue, the State Department said last week.

Several projectiles were launched on May 4 toward the northeast

President: Sri Lanka now safe for tourists

STONE BULL

A girl hugs The Bund Bull sculpture as she poses for a picture for her family in Shanghai on Wednesday. The Bund Bull was made for the Bund Financial Square and designed by the sculptor Arturo Ugo Di Modica, the designer of the world famous Wall Street charging bull. AFP PHOTO

Speeding Bangladesh arrests suspected IS militant car kills 2 in Japan TOKYO: A car slammed into a group of 16 mostly kindergarten children who were strolling on a sidewalk in the lakeside city of Otsu in western Japan, leaving two dead, police said Wednesday.

The accident occurred in the morning after the compact car bumped into another passenger car at an intersection and veered off to the sidewalk, Shiga prefectural police said. The children aged 2 to 3 were escorted by three teachers.

A girl and a boy, both 2 years old, were pronounced dead after they were rushed to a hospital, police said. It was not clear whether they were among the four children police earlier said were left unconscious by the impact.

Conditions of others in the group were not immediately known.

The drivers, a 62-year-old woman in the compact car and a 52-year-old woman in the other vehicle, were arrested on the spot for alleged negligence, police said.

In Japan children usually walk to school in groups.

AP

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s counter-terrorism police have arrested a suspected Islamic State (IS) member who returned to the country after kGHTING FOR THE MILITANT GROUP IN Syria, police said Wednesday.

Dhaka launched a major crackdown against homegrown extremist outfits following an attack by a local outfit on a cafe in the capital in 2016 that killed 22 people, including 18 foreigners.

Police said Motaj Abdul Majid +AkLUDDIN "EPARI

JOINED )3

in Syria after he traveled to the war-torn country from Saudi Arabia, where he was born to a Bangladeshi parent.

He returned to Bangladesh in February and made contact with a new faction of local IS-inspired Islamist extremist outfit Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), blamed for a series of attacks, including the 2016 cafe attack, counterterrorism official Wahiduzzaman Noor told AFP. Officers arrested Bepari near

a mosque in Dhaka’s Uttara neighbourhood on May 5, and he has been charged under anti-terrorism laws for alleged plans to establish a caliphate in the moderate Muslim-majority country, Noor added. “He went to Syria in 2018 and fought for the IS.�

Bepari’s arrest came after counter-terrorism police alerted airport authorities about the possible return of more than 50 Bangladesh-origin IS extremists after the group’s defeat in

Syria, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka police Mohibul Islam Khan told AFP. This is the latest in a series of IS-related security incidents in Bangladesh.

Last week, Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen said the British-born Shamima Begum, who married an IS militant in Syria and whose parents held Bangladeshi citizenship, would “face the death penalty� for terrorism if she came to the South Asian country.

AFP

Canadian drug convict to appeal death sentence BEIJING: A Canadian man handed the death penalty for drug smuggling in China will appeal his sentence today, May 9, in a case that has deepened the diplomatic rift between Beijing and Canada.

The appeal comes against the backdrop of Beijing’s anger over the December arrest of Meng Wanzhou, a senior executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei, who faces a US

extradition hearing in Canada on Wednesday.

Robert Lloyd Schellenberg was sentenced to death on drug trafkCKING CHARGES IN *ANUARY Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau denounced the decision as “arbitrarily� chosen.

Schellenberg’s appeal would take place Thursday morning at the Dalian Intermediate People’s Court in northeastern Liaoning province, a source familiar with

the case told AFP. The Dalian court declined to comment. The provincial level Liaoning High People’s Court did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

China would “protect the legal rights� of Schellenberg during his lawsuit, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng ShUANG AT A PRESS BRIEkNG “China is a country ruled by law,� he said.

But Ottawa remains “extremely concerned that China has chosen to apply the death penalty, a cruel and inhumane punishment,� Canadian foreign ministry spokesman Brittany Fletcher said in an email to AFP. #ANADIAN OFkCIALS PLAN TO ATtend Thursday’s hearing. “Canada has requested, and will continue to seek, clemency for Mr Schellenberg,� she said.

AFP

10 killed, 24 wounded in Pakistan bombing LAHORE, Pakistan: A suicide bomber attacked security forces guarding a famous Sufi shrine in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore on Wednesday, killing at least 10 people and wounding 24 others, police said. /FkCIALS SAID IT WAS NOT CLEAR if the target was the shrine itself, known as Data Darbar, or police outside guarding it. Hundreds of pilgrims were inside and outside the shrine, where a local Sufi saint is buried, when the blast took place.

Sufism refers to a mystical strain of Islam that often involves reverence for local holy figures and shrines. Sunni extremists view Sufism with hostility and HAVE CARRIED OUT ATTACKS ON 3Uk celebrations and shrines across the Muslim world. In Pakistan, militants carry out near-daily attacks targeting security forces.

DEADLY SITE

Security officials examine the site of a bomb blast outside a Sufi shrine in Lahore, Pakistan on Wednesday. A blast at one of Pakistan’s oldest and most popular Sufi shrines killed at least 10 people and wounded 24 in the eastern city of Lahore. AFP PHOTO Lahore police chief Ghazanfar Ali said five police and three passers-by were killed in the attack, adding that the toll could rise

from the DPRK’s east coast city of Wonsan for 21 minutes, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The projectiles traveled some 70 to 200 kilometers into eastern waters.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday noted in an interview with Fox News Sunday that US objective of DPRK’s moratorium of testing was “focused on intercontinental missile system,� suggesting Pyongyang did not break its promise. GLOBAL TIMES

as some of the wounded were in critical condition.

Raja Basharat, a senior provincial minister in the Punjab

government, said the bomber might have caused more casualties if he had managed to enter THE SHRINE g/UR POLICE OFkCERS

SACRIkCED THEIR LIVES TO SAVE INnocent people,� he said. “The fasting month of Ramadan began yesterday and this act of terrorism shows terrorists have no religion,� he added.

Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, the governor of Punjab province, told reporters that those who carried out Wednesday’s attack were the “enemy of Islam and humanity.� “God willing, the security forces with the cooperation of whole nation will defeat these terrorists,� he added.

Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the bombing.

Pakistanis in large numbers visit the shrine, where a pair of suicide attacks in 2010 killed and wounded dozens of people.

Lahore is the capital of eastern Punjab province, which has seen similar attacks in recent years. AP

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s president said “99 percent� of the remaining suspects in the Easter attacks on churches and hotels had been arrested and their explosive materials seized, and it was safe for tourists to return to the Indian Ocean island nation. “The country is in a safe position right now,� President Maithripala Sirisena said in an interview with The Associated Press. “Our intelligence divisions have IDENTIkED HOW MANY TERRORISTS ARE there and 99 percent of them have been arrested. One or two may have been left and they too will be arrested,� he said.

Sirisena spoke hours after an interim report was submitted by A COMMITTEE HIS OFkCE FORMED TO examine why Sri Lankan security forces did not heed Indian intelligence information ahead of the attacks that killed more than 250 people.

Sirisena declined to discuss the report but said that “heads of security divisions have failed to take appropriate measures and failed to inform me too.�

The President also said “all� of the suspects’ explosives, weapons, safe houses and training centers had been found in the 16 days since the blasts rocked the island off India’s southern tip.

Acting police chief CD Wickramaratne said in a statement Monday that authorities had also seized improvised explosive devices and hundreds of swords, $140,000 in cash in bank accounts and $40 million in assets including land, houses, vehicles and jewelry connected to the suspects.

Those things weren’t discovered earlier because of “weaknesses� in Sri Lanka’s intelligence divisions, Sirisena said.

Officials say the coordinated suicide bombings on Easter morning were carried out by Sri Lankan militants targeting churches full of people and luxury hotels in the capital, Colombo.

Since Sri Lanka’s civil war ended a decade ago, the country has built a vast tourism sector that draws visitors to its beaches, wildlife and ancient temples.

The dead included dozens of foreigners.

Sirisena was out of the country on a private trip to Singapore on the day of the attacks. Upon his return, he demanded the resignation of his defense secretary and chief of police.

Sirisena said on Tuesday the VIOLENCE WASN T A PROBLEM SPECIkC to Sri Lanka, instead ascribing it to “global terrorism.�

(E SAID COUNTRIES kGHTING INTERnational terrorism had voluntarily sent intelligence experts to the island who are collaborating with local intelligence units.

Police say two previously littleknown radical Islamist groups — National Towheed Jamaat and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim — conspired in the attacks.

AP

˜ The Manila Times THURSDAY May 9, 2019

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FBI clears Trump of spying in ‘16 polls WASHINGTON, D.C.: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Chris Wray said Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) that he did not consider court-approved FBI surveillance to be “spying� and said he had no evidence the FBI illegally monitored President Donald Trump’s campaign during the 2016 election.

His comments at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing broke from Attorney General William Barr, who has described as “spying� FBI surveillance during its investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Barr has not said such surveillance was necessarily improper, but Trump nonetheless seized on those comments to suggest his campaign was spied on in an illegal and unprecedented act.

Asked by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen if he would say that the FBI was “spying� when it investigates suspected terrorists and mobsters while following “investigative policies and procedures,� Wray replied, “Well, that’s not the term I would use.�

He added: “I believe that the FBI is engaged in investigative activity, and part of investigative activity includes surveillance activity of different shapes and sizes. And to me, the key question is making sure that it’s done by the book, consistent with our lawful authorities.

That’s the key question. Different people use different colloquial phrases.�

Wray declined to discuss in detail the FBI’s investigation into the Trump campaign because of an ongoing Justice Department inspector general probe into the origins of the Russia inquiry.

Barr has said he expected the watchdog report to be done in May or June.

But asked whether he was aware of evidence that the FBI had illegally spied on the Trump campaign, Wray said, “I don’t think I personally have any evidence of that sort.�

Barr is investigating whether there was a proper basis for the FBI to open a counterintelligence investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia.

The recently concluded investigation from special counsel Robert Mueller did not find a criminal conspiracy between the campaign and the Kremlin to tip the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. “The attorney general is seeking to understand better the circumstances at the department and the FBI relating to how this investigation started, and we’re working to help him get that understanding,� Wray said about the Justice Department’s review. I think that’s part of his job and part of mine.�

AP

World

B7

Iran withdraws from nuke deal T

EHRAN, Iran: Iran on Wednesday announced it was partially withdrawing from the nuclear deal it struck with world powers, its state-run news agency reported, a year to the day that US President Donald Trump pulled America from the accord.

The terms of the withdrawal remain unclear, though the IRNA news agency said President Hassan Rouhani would explain Iran’s decision in letters to leaders of Britain, France and Germany that will be handed to ambassadors in Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif separately would write to the European Union, the agency said.

The semi-official ISNA news agency reported late Tuesday that Zarif had left for Moscow to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral and international issues, without elaborating.

Details of the letters, all to signers of the 2015 accord, would not be publicly disclosed, it said.

4HE LETTERS WILL COME AS OFkCIALS in the Islamic Republic previously warned that Iran might increase its uranium enrichment, potentially pulling away from a deal it has sought to salvage for months. “The decision of the high security council to ‘stop acting on some of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s commitments under the JCPOA (nuclear deal)’ was communicated to the heads of state of the coun-

tries� still party to the deal — Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, the ministry said.

It said deputy Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had handed the decision to the AMBASSADORS OF THE kVE COUNTRIES in a meeting on Wednesday.

The meeting came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Iran of planning “imminent� attacks on a hastily organized visit to neighbouring Iraq on Tuesday.

Pompeo made a lightning visit Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) to Baghdad aimed at showing support for the Iraqi government as the US has been picking up intelligence that Iran is threatening American interests in the Middle East.

The top American diplomat’s unannounced trip to the Iraqi capital began and ended after nightfall under heavy security following the abrupt cancellation of a visit to Germany.

Journalists from the AP and other organizations accompanying Pompeo were not told of his new destination until his plane left for Baghdad and were not allowed to

NUKE DEVELOPMENT

Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is seen touring the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, a secret location found 270 kilometers south of Tehran. Iran said on Wednesday it would no longer respect limits it agreed on its enriched uranium and heavy water stocks under a 2015 nuclear deal with major powers. AFP PHOTO report on his whereabouts until after his plane had taken off for London.

The secretary told reporters on THE lIGHT THAT HIS MEETINGS WITH Iraq’s president and prime minister were intended to demonstrate US support for “a sovereign, independent� Iraq, free from the INlUENCE OF NEIGHBORING )RAN Already, the White House has announced the deployment of a US aircraft carrier and a bomber wing to the Persian Gulf because of potential threats from Iran. A

53 OFkCIAL IN 7ASHINGTON SAID THE intelligence information, which prompted that move included indications Iran, had put short-range ballistic missiles aboard boats in or NEAR THE 0ERSIAN 'ULF 4HE OFkCIAL agreed to discuss the sensitive situation only on condition of not being quoted by name.

The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog says Iran has continued to comply with the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal, which saw it limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of eco-

nomic sanctions. But American sanctions have wreaked havoc on Iran’s already-anemic economy, while promised help from European partners in the deal haven’t alleviated the pain.

The US last week stopped issuing waivers for countries importing Iranian crude oil, a crucial source of cash for Iran’s government. It also halted waivers allowing Iran to store excess heavy water in Oman and to swap enriched uranium for raw yellowcake with Russia.

AP

1 dead, 8 wounded in Colorado high school shooting HIGHLANDS Ranch, Colo.: Two students OPENED kRE ON 4UESDAY 7EDNESday in Manila) inside a charter SCHOOL IN AN AFlUENT SUBURB OF Denver, not far from Columbine High School, killing a teenager, wounding eight and spreading terror before they were taken into custody, authorities said.

Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said the pair walked into the STEM School Highlands Ranch and began shooting students in two classrooms. Within minutes, deputies at a nearby sheriff’s department substation entered the school and arrested the two suspects after a struggle. g!S OFkCERS WERE ARRIVING AT THE school, they could still hear gunshots,� Douglas County Undersheriff Holly Nicholson-Kluth said. !UTHORITIES IDENTIkED ONE OF THE suspects late Tuesday as 18-yearold Devon Erickson.

AP

HUG OF LOVE

A police officer hugs his kids after they were evacuated to the Recreation Center at Northridge in Colorado. One student was killed and eight others were injured during a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch last May 8, 2019. AFP PHOTO

US asylum seekers can wait in Mexico during hearing — court Trump lost more than $1B from ‘85 to ‘94 SAN Diego: A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday (Wednesady in Manila) that the Trump administration can make asylum seekers wait in Mexico for immigration court hearings while the policy is challenged in court, handing the president a major victory, even if it only proves temporary.

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals — a frequent target of the President’s complaints — reversed a decision by a San Francisco judge that would have prevented asylum seekers from being returned to Mexico during the legal challenge.

The case must still be considered

on its merits and could end up at the Supreme Court. But allowing the policy to remain in effect in the meantime lets the administration carry out an unprecedented change to US asylum practices.

The administration has said it plans to rapidly expand the policy across the border, which would have far-reaching consequences for asylum seekers and Mexican border cities that host them while their cases wind through clogged US immigration courts. Cases can take several years to decide.

The policy was challenged by 11

Central Americans and advocacy groups that argued it jeopardized asylum seekers by forcing them to stay in Mexico, where crime and drug violence were prevalent.

US District Court Judge Richard Seeborg agreed April 8 and said the policy should be halted because it failed to evaluate the dangers migrants faced in Mexico.

The administration introduced its “Migrant Protection Protocols� policy on January 29 in San Diego and later expanded it to Calexico, California, and El Paso, Texas.

Under the policy, asylum seekers

Worldinbriefs EX-WHITE HOUSE LAWYER DEFIES HOUSE SUBPOENA WASHINGTON, D.C.: A former White House lawyer defied a congressional subpoena on Tuesday, setting the Trump administration on course for another collision with the Democratic-led House over its pursuit of documents related to the Russia investigation. Don McGahn’s refusal to provide the documents to the House Judiciary Committee came at the instruction of the White House, which suggested the documents could be subject to executive privilege. Such a claim can shield some presidential material from disclosure. President Donald Trump has defied requests from House Democrats since the release of special counsel Robert Mueller’s report last month.

AP

US PREGNANCY DEATHS UP PREGNANCY-related deaths were rising in the United States and the main risk factor was being black, according to new reports that highlight racial disparities in care during and after childbirth. Black women, along with Native Americans and Alaska natives, were three times more likely to die before, during or after having a baby, and more than half of these deaths were preventable, Tuesday’s report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concludes. Although these deaths are rare — about 700 a year — they have been rising for decades.

AP

MEXICO CONFIRMS 13 DEAD IN JET CRASH MONTERREY, Mexico: Mexican authorities found Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) human remains that confirm the death of the 13 people on board a luxury jet that crashed over the weekend in the north of the country. The private plane took off Sunday from Las Vegas and was traveling to the Mexican city of Monterrey, but crashed in a mountainous area difficult to access, where forensic experts had to arrive

report to a border crossing in the morning. The US government provides transportation to immigration court and returns them to the border after the hearing.

The US has returned 3,267 Central American asylum seekers through three border cities, Mexico’s immigration agency said Monday.

4HE ADMINISTRATION BRIElY HALTed the policy after Seeborg’s ruling, but resumed on April 16, sending 673 people to Tijuana from San Diego since then, 298 to Mexicali from Calexico and 967 to Ciudad Juarez from El Paso.

The policy was introduced to deal with a growing number of asylum-seeking families from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador arriving at the US border with Mexico. Under a court order, children generally cannot be detained more than 20 days, which has led to widespread releases of families almost immediately after they are stopped by authorities.

The January launch followed months of delicate talks between SENIOR 53 AND -EXICAN OFkCIALS that culminated in dual announcements after a meeting in November in Houston.

AP

by helicopter. The experts “recovered all the bodies — there are 13 of them,� Coahuila state attorney general Gerardo Marquez said.

AFP

3 BETS FIGHT FOR SOUTH AFRICA POLLS JOHANNESBURG: South Africa goes to the polls Wednesday with the leaders of the three main parties vying for votes in a race that could test the ruling ANC’s long-held dominance. Cyril Ramaphosa, the leader of the ruling ANC party, took the country’s reins last year after a dramatic and varied career intertwined with the birth of modern South Africa. Mmusi Maimane, 38, is the first black leader of the Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s main opposition party. Julius Malema, 38, is a former ANC youth leader who launched the Economic Freedom Fighters party in 2013 and, against all the odds, has turned it into a political force.

AFP

TRAIN ACCIDENT INJURES 20 IN GERMANY A TRAIN accident near Rendsburg in northern Germany has injured at least 20 people, local media Focus Online reported on Wednesday. The train collided with a semitrailer at a level crossing in the town of Alt Duvenstedt in the early morning, according to a police statement. Many rescue workers were on site and a helicopter was dispatched to transfer the injured.

GLOBAL TIMES

AUSTRALIAN PM EGG-THROWER CHARGED A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian Prime Minister (PM) Scott Morrison with an egg on Tuesday as he campaigned for a May 18 general election had been charged with assault, police said. Security guards pounced on the protester, who was wearing a beanie and casual clothes, and dragged her away moments after the attack. “The prime minister was attending an event at Albury Entertainment Centre, when a woman approached him from behind and allegedly struck him with an egg to the back of his head.�

GLOBAL TIMES

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The New York Times reported Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) that US President Donald Trump’s businesses lost more than $1 billion from 1985 to 1994, based on tax information the newspaper acquired.

The Times said it had acquired printouts from the future president’s official Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax transcripts, including kGURES FROM HIS FEDERAL TAX FORM The newspaper said Trump reported business losses of $46.1 million in 1985, and a total of $1.17 billion in losses for the 10year period.

After comparing Trump’s information with that of other “high-income earners,� the Times concluded that Trump “appears to have lost more money than nearly any other individual American taxpayer.�

Because of his business losses, the newspaper reported, Trump did not pay income taxes for eight of the 10 years.

The House Ways and Means Committee has asked the IRS to provide Trump’s personal and business returns for 2013 through 2018. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday refused to do so, saying the panel’s request “lacks a legitimate legislative purpose.�

AP

Business Partners ηϭϬ ZĞƐƚŚĂǀĞŶ ^ƚ͘ ^ĂŶ &ƌĂŶĐŝƐĐŽ ĚĞů DŽŶƚĞ͕ ĂƌĂŶŐĂLJ ƵŶŐĂĚ YƵĞnjŽŶ ŝƚLJ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ϭϭϬϱ dĞů EŽ͗ нϲϯϮ͘ϯϳϭ͘ϭϭϭϭ &Ădž EŽ͗ нϲϯϮ͘ϯϳϭ͘ϭϮϴϴ tĞďƐŝƚĞ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ƐďƐƉŚ͘ĐŽŵ

zĂƐŚĂŶŽ DĂůů &͘ /ŵƉĞƌŝĂů ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ĐŽƌŶĞƌ dĞƌŵŝŶĂů ZŽĂĚ ŝƚĂŶŽ͕ >ĞŐĂnjƉŝ ŝƚLJ͕ ůďĂLJ ϰϱϬϬ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ tĞďƐŝƚĞ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ůŽƚƵƐďůƵŚŽƚĞů͘ĐŽŵ

/ŵŵĂĐƵůĂƚĞ ŽŶĐĞƉĐŝŽŶ ĐĂĚĞŵLJ / ŽŶ WůĂĐŝĚŽ ĂŵƉŽƐ ǀĞ͕͘ WŽďůĂĐŝŽŶ͕ ŝƚLJ ŽĨ ĂƐŵĂƌŝŹĂƐ͕ ĂǀŝƚĞ ϰϭϭϰ нϲϯͲϰϲͲϰϭϲͲϯϲͲϯϲ Žƌ нϲϯͲϰϲͲϴϱϬͲϯϭͲϯϭ ŝŶĨŽΛŝĐĂͲĚĂƐŵĂƌŝŶĂƐ͘ĞĚƵ͘ƉŚ

ŽŽŬ ŶŽǁ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ŵLJƐƚĞƌLJŵĂŶŝůĂ͘ĐŽŵ

ϭϱϴϴ D͘,͘ ĚĞů WŝůĂƌ Žƌ͘ WĞĚƌŽ 'ŝů ^ƚƐ͕͘ DĂůĂƚĞ͕ DĂŶŝůĂ ϭϬϬϭ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ dƌƵŶŬůŝŶĞ͗ ;нϲϯϮͿ ϮϰϮͲϬϭϮϭ ǁǁǁ͘ƉĂŐĐŽƌ͘ƉŚ ͮ ǁǁǁ͘ĨĂĐĞŬ͘ĐŽŵͬƉĂŐĐŽƌ͘ƉŚ

ϵϭϮͲϵϮϴ ZĞŝŶĂ ZĞŐĞŶƚĞ ^ƚ͕͘ ŝŶŽŶĚŽ͕ DĂŶŝůĂ dĞů͘ ;ϬϮͿ ϯϴϱͲϵϵϵ ͮ ;ϬϮͿ ϮϱϮͲϭϵϵϵ DŽďŝůĞ͗ ;ϬϵϭϳͿ ϭϯϵͲϱϵϵϵ

ĞŶƚƵƌLJ ŝƚLJ DĂůů ͮ :ƵƉŝƚĞƌ ͮ LJĂůĂ DĂůůƐ dŚĞ ϯϬƚŚ ͮ >ŝďŝƐ

Ğ >Ă ^ĂůůĞ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ DĞĚŝĐĂů ĞŶƚĞƌ dĞů͘ EŽ͗͘ ĂǀŝƚĞ ůŝŶĞ ;ϬϰϲͿ ϰϴϭͲϴϬϬϬ DĂŶŝůĂ ůŝŶĞ ;ϬϮͿ ϵϴϴͲϯϭϬϬ

ZŝŐŚƚ ĂƌƐ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ dĞů͗ нϲϯϮ ϲϮϲ ϯϴϮϱ DŽď͗ нϲϯϵϭϳ ϴϰϵ ϳϮϳϰ tĞďƐŝƚĞ ͗Ͳ ŚƩƉ͗ͬ​ͬǁǁǁ͘ƌŝŐŚƚͲĐĂƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ

WŽůĂƌŝƐ ĞŶƚĞƌ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͕ϯƌĚ &ůŽŽƌ͕ϰϴ WŽůĂƌŝƐ ^ƌĞĞƚ͕DĂŬĂƟ ŝƚLJ

ĚĚ͗͘ ϭϮϬϬ ZŝnjĂů ǀĞŶƵĞ džƚĞŶƐŝŽŶ͕ KůŽŶŐĂƉŽ͕ ĂŵďĂůĞƐ WŚŽŶĞ͗ ϬϵϮϵ ϯϭϰ Ϭϵϲϯ

/D^͕ D d ůĚŐ͕͘ ͘ ƌŶĂŝnj ǀĞŶƵĞ ĐŽƌ͘ &͘ ͘ ,ĂƌƌŝƐŽŶ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ WĂƐĂLJ ŝƚLJ WŚŽŶĞ͗ ;ϬϮͿ ϴϯϰ ϱϳϴϯ

Ϯϴ sĂůĞŶĐŝĂ ^ƚ͕͘ ^& D͕ YƵĞnjŽŶ ŝƚLJ ϱϯϯͲϯϭϭϴ ͮ ůŬƚĂĚǀĞƌƟƐŝŶŐΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ 'Ğƚ hŶůŝŵŝƚĞĚ >ŝƐƟŶŐƐ͕ hŶůŝŵŝƚĞĚ >ĞĂĚƐ ĂŶĚ ZĞĂů ƐƚĂƚĞ ZD ĨŽƌ &Z ͘

d͗ ϰϱϬͲϭϮͲϭϯ dK ϭϱ ͮ ͗ ŬĞŶƐƚĂƌƚƌĂǀĞůΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ ͗ ϲϬϬ EĂŬƉŝů ^ƚ͘ DĂůĂƚĞ͕ DĂŶŝůĂ ͮ &ĂĐĞŬ͗ <ĞŶƐƚĂƌ dƌĂǀĞů

ǁǁǁ͘ŚŽƵƐĂů͘ĐŽŵ ͮ DŽďŝůĞ͗ ;нϲϯͿ ϵϭϳ ϳϳϭ ϳϭϳϭ ͮ ŝŶĨŽΛŚŽƵƐĂů͘ĐŽŵ

ϮŶĚ &ůŽŽƌ͕ &ŽƌĂ DĂůů dĂŐĂLJƚĂLJ ͮ ϬϵϬϵ͘ϴϮϳ͘ϰϮϴϳ ͮ ϬϵϮϳ͘ϱϱϯ͘ϲϰϴϱ D ZZ/Kdd ,Kd >^ dZ s > Z/>>/ Ed>z ůĂƌŬ DĂƌƌŝŽƩ ,ŽƚĞů ͮ ϱϰϬϬ DĂŶƵĞů ͘ ZŽdžĂƐ ,ŝŐŚǁĂLJ͕ ůĂƌŬ &ƌĞĞƉŽƌƚ ŽŶĞ͕ WĂŵƉĂŶŐĂ͕ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ϮϬϮϯ

ϰƚŚ >ĞǀĞů dǁŽ Ͳ Žŵ ĞŶƚĞƌ͕ KĐĞĂŶ ƌŝǀĞ DĂůů ŽĨ ƐŝĂ ŽŵƉůĞdž͕ WĂƐĂLJ ŝƚLJ dĞů͘ нϲϯϮ ϴϳϰϴϴϴϴ DŽďŝůĞ͗ нϲϯϵϭϳϮϰϯϴϬϬϬ ǁǁǁ͘ůĂũĞƵŶĞƐƐĞ͘ƉŚ ĚĚƌĞƐƐ͗ ϮϭϬϴ D͘, Ğů WŝůĂƌ͕ DĂůĂƚĞ͕ DĂŶŝůĂ dĞů͘ EŽ͗͘ ;ϬϮͿ ϱϮϲ Ϭ ϴϴϴͬ ϱϱϵ ϵ ϴϵϬ DŽďŝůĞ͗ ϬϵϭϳͲϱϵϱͲϴϬϲϬ ŵĂŝů͗ ƌĞƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶΛĂƌŵĂĚĂŵĂŶŝůĂ͘ĐŽŵ ͮ tĞďƐŝƚĞ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ĂƌŵĂĚĂŵĂŶŝůĂ͘ĐŽŵ WĞŶƚŚŽƵƐĞ͕ ůĂďĂŶŐ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ ĞŶƚĞƌ <D Ϯϱ tĞƐƚ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ ZŽĂĚ ůĂďĂŶŐ͕ DƵŶƟŶůƵƉĂ ŝƚLJ͕ ϭϳϳϬ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ;ϬϮͿ ϴϱϲͲϳϳϬϬ ͮ ϴϴϲͲϲϵϭϲ ŝŶĨŽΛƋƵĂŶƟƚLJƐŽůƵƟŽŶ͘ĐŽŵ ǁǁǁ͘ƋƵĂŶƟƚLJƐŽůƵƟŽŶ͘ĐŽŵ

ϱ& &ĞůŝnjĂ ůĚŐ͕͘ s͘ ͘ ZƵĮŶŽ ^ƚ͕͘ >ĞŐĂƐƉŝ sŝůůĂŐĞ͕ DĂŬĂƟ ŝƚLJ͕ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ϭϮϮϵ ͮ н ϲϯ Ϯ ϳϱϭ ϰϵϮϵ

d͗ ;нϲϯϮͿ ϵϳϱ ϮϮϭϱ D͗ ;нϲϯͿ ϵϭϳ ϴϰϭ Ϯϴϴϯ t͗ ŬŵĐŵĂŐŐƌŽƵƉ͘ĐŽŵ

ϱƚŚ &ůŽŽƌ͕ D'& ŚĂŵƉĂĐĂ ůĚŐ͘ ϭϱϲ ŵŽƌƐŽůŽ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ >ĞŐĂƐƉŝ sŝůůĂŐĞ͕ DĂŬĂƟ ŝƚLJ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ͕ ϭϮϮϵ ,ŽƚůŝŶĞ͗ нϲϯ ;ϬϮͿ ϴϭϳͲϯϮϮϯ ͮ ǁǁǁ͘ĚĞƌŵĐůŝŶŝĐ͘ĐŽŵ͘ƉŚ

ϳϬϲ ^ŚĂǁ ŽƵůĞǀĂƌĚ WĂƐŝŐ ŝƚLJ dĞů͗͘ н ϲϯ Ϯ ϯϭϴ ϱϴϴϴ ǁǁǁ͘ƉƌŝǀĂƚŽŚŽƚĞů͘ĐŽŵ

Y,W ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĞŶƚĞƌ͕ ƌƐĞŶĂů ^ƚ͕͘ ƌƐĞŶĂůͲ ĚƵĂŶĂ͕ /ůŽŝůŽ ŝƚLJ͕ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ϱϬϬϬ dĞů͘ EŽ͗ ;ϲϯͿ;ϯϯͿ ϯϯϳ ϯϬϱϭͬ ϯϯϱ Ϭϵϯϱ Ͳ &Ădž EŽ͗͘ ;ϲϯͿ;ϯϯͿ ϯϯϱ ϬϬϮϲ &ďͲ ŚƩƉƐ͗ͬ​ͬǁǁǁ͘ĨĂĐĞŬ͘ĐŽŵͬƋƵŝdžŵĂƌƚͬ

ϰϱϲ hŶŝƚĞĚ EĂƟŽŶƐ ǀĞ͕͘ ƌŵŝƚĂ͕ DĂŶŝůĂ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ

dĞůƐ͘ ϱϮϭͲϯϬͲϴϱ ϱϮϰͲϬϳͲϮϮ Ğůů EŽ͗͘ ;ϬϵϭϴͿ ϱϯϱͲϬϰͲϵϵ

ϭϭͬ& ^ƵŶ >ŝĨĞ ĞŶƚƌĞ͕ ϱƚŚ ǀĞŶƵĞ ŽƌŶĞƌ ZŝnjĂů ƌŝǀĞ ŽŶŝĨĂĐŝŽ 'ůŽďĂů ŝƚLJ͕ dĂŐƵŝŐ͕ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ͕ ϭϲϯϰ

ϭϬϯ &͘ ĂůĚĞƌŽŶ ^ƚ͕ ĂŐƵŝŽ͕ ĞŶŐƵĞƚ >ĂŶĚůŝŶĞ ͗ ;ϬϳϰͿ ϰϰϮ ϳϬϲϲ ͬ ϰϰϮͲϴϲϰϱ DŽďŝůĞ͗ ;ŐůŽďĞͿ ϬϵϮϲϳϯϱϴϴϰϬ ͬ ;ƐŵĂƌƚͿ ϬϵϭϴϯϬϰϳϯϭϱ ͬ ;ƐƵŶĐĞůůͿ ϬϵϯϯϱϴϬϰϲϳϭ ŵĂŝů͗ ďĞŶŐƵĞƚƉƌŝŵĞŚŽƚĞůΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ

^ŵĂůůǀŝůůĞ ŽŵƉůĞdž͕ ƋƵŝŶŽ ǀĞ͕͘ ^ĂŶ ZĂĨĂĞů͕ /ůŽŝůŽ ŝƚLJ ; ĂƉŝƚĂůͿ͕ /ůŽŝůŽ͕ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ϱϬϬϬ EŽ͘ ;ϬϯϯͿͲϯϮϬͲϳϵϳϮ ͬ нϲϯϵϱϱϯϲϰϮϴϱϲ ͬ нϲϯϵϮϭϴϬϬϵϵϲϰ ͬ нϲϯϵϮϵϱϯϴϲϯϱϵ ͗ ŝůŽďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐŚŽƚĞůΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ͘ƉŚ ͬ ŝůŽŝůŽďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐŚŽƚĞůΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ͘ƉŚ tĞĚƐŝƚĞ ͬ &ď WĂŐĞ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ŝůŽŝůŽďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐŚŽƚĞů͘ĐŽŵ͘ƉŚ ͬ ŚƩƉƐ͗ͬ​ͬǁǁǁ͘ĨĂĐĞŬ͘ĐŽŵͬ ŝďŚ͘ůŽĐŬŚĞĂƌƚ ͬ ŚƩƉƐ͗ͬ​ͬǁǁǁ͘ĨĂĐĞŬ͘ĐŽŵͬ/ůŽŝůŽ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ,ŽƚĞůͬ ,ŽƚĞů <ŝŵďĞƌůLJ dĂŐĂLJƚĂLJ ƌŝƐĂŶƚŽ D͘ ĞůŽƐ ZĞLJĞƐ ǀĞ͘ ;ĨŽƌŵĞƌůLJ ŵĂĚĞŽ ZĚ͘Ϳ ƌŐLJ͘ <ĂLJďĂŐĂů EŽƌƚŚ͕ dĂŐĂLJƚĂLJ ŝƚLJ dĞů͘ ;ϬϰϲͿ ϰϴϯͲϴϴϴϴ ͮ ͗ ƚĂŐĂLJƚĂLJΛŚŽƚĞůŬŝŵďĞƌůLJ͘ĐŽŵ

ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ŽƐƚ ƐƟŵĂƟŶŐ WƌŽĐƵƌĞŵĞŶƚ WƌŽũĞĐƚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ

BAYVIEW BARBER SHOP AND REFLEXOLOGY

'ƌĞĞŶ ĞĂĐŚ ϭ͕ ZĞĚŽŶĚŽ WĞŶŝŶƐƵůĂ͕ ƌŐLJ ĂǁĂŐ͕ ^ƵďŝĐ ĂLJ &ƌĞĞƉŽƌƚ ŽŶĞ͕ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ϮϮϮϮ dĞů EŽ͗͘ ;ϬϰϳͿ ϯϬϲ ϱϭϬϬ ͮ &Ădž EŽ͗͘ ;ϬϰϳͿ ϮϱϮ ϮϳϬϮ

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ĚĚƌĞƐƐ͗ ηϭϯϵ ^ĂŶ ŐƵƐƟŶ // ͘ ŐƵŝͲ ŶĂůĚŽ ,ŝŐŚǁĂLJ ĂƐŵĂƌŝŹĂƐ͕ ĂǀŝƚĞ ŝƉ ŽĚĞ͗ ϰϭϭϰ ͮ dĞů͗ ;ϬϮͿ ϱϮϵͲϲϭϭϰ

ϴϯϵϬ ƌ͘ ^ĂŶƚŽƐ ĂǀĞŶƵĞ͕ ƌŐLJ͕ & ,ŽŵĞƐ͕ ^ƵĐĂƚ͕ WĂƌĂŹĂƋƵĞ ŝƚLJ

AgriBusiness Traditional rice shows good promise Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY CONRAD M. CARIĂ&#x2018;O

A

PROJECT being undertaken by the Ilocos Norte Research and Experiment Center (Inrec), hosted by the DepartMENT OF !GRICULTURE $! )LOCOS 2EGION OFkCE

showed a number of traditional rice varieties HAVE A BETTER NUTRITIONAL PROkLE THAN MODERN varieties and respectable yields.

Funded by the Bureau of Agricultural Research, the project â&#x20AC;&#x153;Collection, Characterization, and Seed Multiplication of Traditional Rice Varieties in Region 1â&#x20AC;? aims to collect, characterize and evaluate traditional varieties to mass produce them so quality seeds can be provided to stakeholders such as rice growers and scientists. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Studies showed that traditional rice varieties contain less fat versuss hybrid rice, making them an excellent source of minerals and vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, iron, ribolAVIN VITAMIN $ )T IS ALSO KNOWN TO POSSESS HIGH AMOUNTS OF kBER AND lesser sugar,â&#x20AC;? DA-Ilocos Region said in a statement.

It added that traditional rice varieties carried exceptional characteristics like resistance to pests and diseases, and high-yielding capabilities. There are also traditional ride varieties that building blocks to develop new varieties through genetic engineering.

Project leader and Inrec Center chief Wilma Ibea said that the conSERVATION AND PROkLING OF TRADITIONAL varieties also reinforced genetic improvement, leading to the development of new and better varieties.

Under the project, 71 traditional rice varieties were collected from different municipalities of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan, and planted in the

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

EDITOR: Conrad M. CariĂąo

experimental farm at Inrec in Batac, Ilocos Norte, during the wet season of cropping years from 2014 to 2017.

Growth cycle traits, vegetative properties and reproductive traits before and after harvest were the primary data gathered during characterization following the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Descriptors for Wild and Cultivated Riceâ&#x20AC;? by Bioversity International, International Rice Research Institute, and The Africa Rice Center.

However, out of the 71 varieties, only 53 survived and were categorized because some did not adapt locally. Some were prone to the rice blast disease.

Promising varieties The isik pugot came out to be the most promising traditional rice variety, producing the most number of productive tillers resulting in a yield of 4.3 tons per hectare.

Ibea said isik pugot could be recommended to farmers, especially those in rainfed and lowland areas.

Other promising traditional

Q Photo shows a farm planted to a traditional rice variety in the Ilocos Region, where a project to identify varieties that can provide good yields and better nutrition in currently being undertaken. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO varieties include kamurus, gal-ong, makandaras and black rice, which are all drought-tolerant and need lesser amount of fertilizers. They also provide good eating qualities

and nutritional content.

To date, there are nine farmers and 12 local government units who have adopted and are continuously planting traditional

Searca, UPLB study calamansi marketing in Oriental Mindoro A BASELINE study for the project â&#x20AC;&#x153;Upgrading the Calamansi Value Chain toward Improving the Calamansi Industry of Oriental Mindoroâ&#x20AC;? was recently conducted in three municipalities of the province to improve the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketing of the commodity.

A team from the University of the Philippines Los BaĂąos (UPLB) and partners from Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology (MinSCAT) in collaboration with the Philippine-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) took part in the marketing study conducted from April 22 to 26.

Matilde Maunahan, study leader and university researcher of the UPLB Postharvest Horticulture and Training Research Center, led the value chain analysis and market study component of the project.

The study was conducted among the farmer-members of the Victoria Kalamansi Farmers Federation (VKFF), traders and processors in the towns of Victoria, Naujan and San Teodoro in Oriental Mindoro.

According to the study, the calamansi industry in San Teodoro town has expanded its market from the good marketing strategies of its farmer-members. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The study said the calamansi concentrate processed in said town has already reached the markets of Valenzuela in Metro Manila and Oriental Mindoroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighboring provinces of Romblon, Batangas and Marinduque,â&#x20AC;? Searca said in a statement.

Calamansi processing In terms of innovation, the members have designed their processing equipment that does not require trimming the stem before juice extraction.

B9

In Naujan, the Mangyan-run Tugdaan processing plant also continues to thrive in production. The plant is now being relocated to a new and better building.

The Mangyans get their organically grown raw materials from the farms of other members of their community.

The study said all three local traders in Victoria, Naujan and San Teodoro towns ship their produce mainly to bodega (storage) in Divisoria and Pasig in Metro Manila, and in Batangas. They get their supplies of calamansi from the farmer-members of VKFF. However, Maunahan said the tradersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; main concern was the decreasing supply of calamansi as its lean production months is approaching.

The organization continues to produce calamansi concentrate, which is an additional source of income for its members. Raw materials are gathered from members, each owning at least 1 hectare of land planted with calamansi.

Thelma Paris, the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gender specialist and focus group discussion facilitator, said the project team learned VKFFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market was still limited. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thus, proper marketing and delegation of tasks among members are imperative to overcome this limitation,â&#x20AC;? Paris said.

The baseline study showed that of the eight groups of processors interviewed, six were led by females who were either the general managers or the processors-in-charge.

Two calamansi processors interviewed in Naujan and San Teodoro were both headed by women, the study said.

Females involved in the processing of calamansi have been observed to have better interpersonal skills, which are needed in the marketing of products.

LEANDER C. DOMINGO

rice varieties that came out of the project. Each farmer-participant was given 40 kilograms of seeds while 350 kilograms were provided to LGUs.

NEW SEARCA DIRECTOR Glenn Gregorio has been appointed as the new director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca), an inter-government treaty organization hosted by the Philippine government on the campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baùos (UPLB). He will have a three-year term from May 1, 2019. Gregorio is also an academician at the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) of the Philippines and is currently a professor at the Institute of Crop Science of the UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science. He served the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for almost 30 years, and was crop breeding manager for corn at the East-West Seed Company Inc. from 2015 to 2018. Gregorio obtained his PhD in Genetics, MS in Plant Breeding and BS in Agriculture at UPLB. SEARCA PHOTO

Dairy farming for rice growers MUĂ&#x2018;OZ, Nueva Ecija: Farmers worried on the possible adverse effects of Republic Act (RA) 11203, or the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rice Tariffication Law,â&#x20AC;? can adopt carabao dairying to increase their incomes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In due time, the tended animals can give daily income because of their milk yield,â&#x20AC;? said Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) Executive Director Arnel del Barrio. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the animals grow in number, the income may be comparable or even better than in rice farming.â&#x20AC;?

He also said farmers could set aside certain areas of their farm to grow corn and sorghum that could be processed into silage, which has a growing demand as animal feed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have examples of farmers and entrepreneurs who made good in carabao dairying and rice farming at the same time and in silage-making,â&#x20AC;? the PCC executive director said.

The PCC has one of its successful examples Melchor Correa, 47, of San Jose City, who was formerly into subsistence farming.

Correa heard about the Carabao Development Program of PCC,

which provided assistance to him to start a carabao-based enterprise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From one, he built a herd of 30 dairy buffaloes, with some of them lactating,â&#x20AC;? del Barrio said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His buffaloesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; average daily milk yield recorded the other year was 57 liters, which he sold for P54 each liter or P3,028.â&#x20AC;?

Moises Alfonso, 25, also of San Jose City and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, also became interested in carabao dairying and chose not to pursue a career manning ships. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moises saw how his late father, Carlito, then a subsistence farmer, engaged in carabao dairying and how he improved their family life through these enterprises,â&#x20AC;? del Barrio said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When his father got sick, this young man did not hesitate to take over in managing their dairy farm and their rice farm.â&#x20AC;?

Alfonso is now tending a herd of 51 carabaos that produce P2,000 to P4,000 daily from milk production.

CONRAD M. CARIĂ&#x2018;O

SCUs and unifying R&D efforts (First of two parts)

O

NE of my wishes is that in the near future, state colleges and universities (SCUs) would become one of the main pillars for agricultural research and development (ARD) complemented with stronger extension programs to transfer matured technologies to smallholder farmers AND kSHERFOLK I even believe SCUs can take the lead in the research for commodities that still do not have a research institution, like corn, coffee, cacao and other high-value crops that have export potential in raw, SEMI PROCESSED AND kNISHED FORM One good example is the Visayas State University that has taken the R&D lead for root crops through its Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center, which marked its 41st year of existence in December 2018.

When generally speaking about research in the Philippines, however, much still needs to be done.

In the farming sector, most smallholder farmers still rely on folk knowledge which can negate the use of high-yielding plant varieties. And since much of them are not reached by extension workers, they end up listening more to salesmen of chemical inputs.

The lack of coordination between industry/business and research institutions also hampers the efforts of

micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to go into value adding or processing. The creation of more MSMEs in the agriculture/agribusiness sector is also hampered by that.

The lack of matured technologies that address the needs of FARMERS kSHERFOLK AND OTHER SMALLholders in the agriculture sector, and agribusinesses (particularly MSMEs) can be traced to two factors: lack of funding for R&D; and fragmented research efforts.

According to 2014 Unesco data, the Philippines spent $880 million in R&D, representing 0.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Furthermore, the country had 189 researchers per million population, Unesco data showed. These are paTHETIC kGURES WHEN COMPARED TO OUR Southeast Asian neighbors.

Singapore, for example, invested $10 billion for R&D in 2014, representing 2.2 percent of GDP. Also, it had 6,668 researchers per million population.

Unesco 2014 data also showed Malaysia spent $9.7 billion for R&D or 1.3 percent of GDP. It had 2017 researchers per million population.

While Indonesia had the same R&D to GDP rate of 0.1 percent, it spent more than twice for R&D or $2.1 billion. If there is any consolation for the Philippines, Indonesia only has 89 researchers per million population.

The fact that R&D efforts in the Philippines are fragmented is already obvious, as there are research agencies with overlapping functions while matured technologies are not reaching THE INTENDED BENEkCIARIES AS FAST AS possible. More appreciation should also be given to social preparation for rural communities, especially those that are terribly backward when it comes to technology adoption.

Fragmented R&D efforts is also obvious in the lack of collaboration between industries and SCUbased research institutions, based on The Global Total Competitiveness Report 2017-2018.

According to the report, where the lowest score was 100, the Philippines got 59 points for university-industry collaboration in R&D, 75 for quality OF SCIENTIkC RESEARCH INSTITUTION AND 45 for capacity for innovation.

Malaysia, on the other hand, scored 11 for university-industry collaboration in R&D, 24 for qualITY OF SCIENTIkC RESEARCH INSTITUTION

and 31 for capacity for innovation.

Active participation by universities Universities in the Philippines, however, have also been active in research, according to 2015 Unesco data, spending $298 million or more than the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $263 million. The private sector led research spending in

quality, reducing costs, and providing spillovers in the manufacturing and services industries.

Now, the tough question is â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who takes the ARD lead in the country so the efforts and resources SCUs invest for research would have an impact? the country at $316 million, according Today, the Bureau of Agricultural to 2015 Unesco data.

Research (BAR) and Philippine Overall R&D spending in the Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, country still remains very low and Natural Resources Research and needs to be addressed. Also, and Development (Pcaarrd), more funding should be given which both coordinate research to the research efforts of SCUs, efforts for the agriculture sector, most of which are located in the could share leadership in ARD by countryside putting them in the having a shared research agenda best position to help level up the and even control public investcountryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agriculture sector. ments in agricultural research to Also, the primary concern for avoid, among others, duplication SCU-based research should be AND CONlICT IN RESEARCH EFFORTS technology generation tailored to In tandem with extension agenthe needs of the communities in cies, the two institutions should their areas, so poverty reduction also take the lead in putting in place could ultimately be achieved. innovation, which should be about Furthermore, from treating â&#x20AC;&#x153;invention + commercialization.â&#x20AC;? research as an expense, the bureauTwo critical components of a recracy and SCUs must regard such search roadmap usually overlooked as investments. According to the under the traditional research parInternational Food Policy Research adigm are assessment of market Institute, ARD has a societal return potential and implementation. This estimated at 48 percent per year. means a new research paradigm of I also agree with the view of being â&#x20AC;&#x153;demand-drivenâ&#x20AC;? should be respected colleague Dr. Rolando put in place, with technologies that Dy of the University of Asia and have commercial potential getting THE 0ACIkC THAT !2$ HAS PROVEN priority funding for research. itself effective at increasing farm With the shared BAR-Pcaarrd productivity, enhancing product leadership for ARD pushing for de-

mand-driven paradigm, SCUs can produce new technologies that can be adopted by producers and MSMEs that could provide the following benEkTS UPGRADING AND IMPROVEMENT OF operations, greater on-farm yields, high product quality, cost savings and improved sustainability.

Finally, SCUs can take the lead in ARD efforts for other high-value crops with export potential like coffee, cacao, banana and pineapple, corn and sugarcane. Also include tuna, shrimps and seaweeds on the list.

I have already come across R&D efforts from SCUs for some of those high-value crops, which can be leveled up if the shared BAR-Pcaarrd leadership would set the overall research agenda for ARD. And the Commission of Higher Education could be the coordinating agency for that since it has jurisdiction over SCUs. I also believe that many SCUs are more than willing to take the lead for the ARD of a certain farm commodity since that would also improve their â&#x20AC;&#x153;brand image.â&#x20AC;?

I had the opportunity to discuss these concerns when I was invited by the President Ramon Magsaysay State University to their recent anniversary symposium.

In the next installment of this two-part series, I will discuss among numerous issues the possible merging of the BAR and Pcaarrd.

B10

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R-PSG-19-00111-SP GIOVANNI FRANCESCO MARGAROLI, ANNABELLE ARCILLA MARGAROLI, Petitioners, X ----------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE

6HDOHG %LGV LQ WKUHH FRSLHV 3XUVXDQW WR 6HF RI 5HYLVHG ,55 RI 5$ DOO HQWULHV W\SHZULWWHQ ZLWK WKH LWHP V GHVFULEHG LQ WKH DFFRPSDQ\LQJ %LGGHUÂśV 7HQGHU IRU WKH 3URFXUHPHQW RI )RRG 6XSSOLHV 3URFXUHPHQW RI 'UXJV DQG 0HGLFLQHV 3URFXUHPHQW RI Medical, Dental and Laboratory Supplies, Procurement of Other Supplies & Materials and 5HSDLU 5HQRYDWLRQ RI )DFLOLWLHV LQ WKH WRWDO DPRXQW RI Five Million Seven Hundred Six Thousand Thirty-Five Pesos and Seventy-Two Centavos (P5,706,035.72) for the use of 313 +HDOWK 6HUYLFH $ FRPSOHWH VHW RI %LGGLQJ 'RFXPHQWV PD\ EH SXUFKDVHG E\ LQWHUHVWHG bidders from May 8, 2019 to May 28, 2019 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 P.M during working days DQG XSRQ SD\PHQW RI D QRQUHIXQGDEOH IHH IRU WKHLU ELGGLQJ GRFXPHQWV 3UH %LG &RQIHUHQFH will be held on May 16, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. Last day of submission of bids is until May 28, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. DQG PXVW EH VXEPLWWHG WR +6 %LGV DQG $ZDUGV &RPPLWWHH %$& DW WKH +6 &RQIHUHQFH 5RRP 2SHQLQJ RI %LGV LV RQ WKH VDPH WLPH GDWH DQG SODFH DQG ZLOO EH RSHQHG in the presence of participating bidder.

ORDER %HIRUH WKH &RXUW LV D 3HWLWLRQ IRU WKH $GRSWLRQ RI PLQRU 0DULHEHOOH Arcilla (hereinafter referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;minorâ&#x20AC;?) filed on 16 January 2019 by SHWLWLRQHUV VSRXVH *LRYDQQL )UDQFHVFR 0DUJDUROL DQG $QQDEHOOH $UFLOOD Margaroli, seeking that after due notice and hearing, a decree of adoption of said minor, issue.

2Q )HEUXDU\ 3HWLWLRQHUV VSRXVH ILOHG WKHLU 0DQLIHVWDWLRQ DQG Compliance, to which were attached necessary documents in support RI WKH LQVWDQW 3HWLWLRQ )LQGLQJ WKH &RPSOLDQFH LQ RUGHU OHW WKH DWWDFKHG annexes in the same be admitted to form part of the records of this case.

SUMMERHILLS HOME DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (Owner/Developer) has filed with this Office a sworn registration statement for the sale of subdivision house & lot at BELA ROSA RESIDENCES EXTENSION ORFDWHG DW %UJ\ Sta. 7HUHVLWD 6WR 7RPDV %DWDQJDV and more particularly described DV /RW % 3VG and covered TCT No. T-0562018003425. The project is under %3 6RFLDOL]HG +RXVLQJ

All papers relative thereto shall upon request and payment of processing fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon.

*HQHUDO 7HUPV DQG &RQGLWLRQ DQG VSHFLÂżFDWLRQ RI WKH LWHPV XQGHU WKLV ,QYLWDWLRQ WR %LG PD\ REWDLQ RQ WKH DERYH DGGUHVV IRU LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG FRPSOLDQFH E\ WKH %LGGHU

Meanwhile, after going through the Petition and the attachments submitted, WKH &RXUW ÂżQGV WKH VDPH VXIÂżFLHQW LQ IRUP DQG VXEVWDQFH

7KH 313 +6 %$& UHVHUYHV WKH ULJKW WR DFFHSW RU UHMHFW DQ\ ELG SURSRVDO WR DQQXO WKH bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby LQFXUULQJ DQ\ OLDELOLW\ WR WKH DIIHFWHG %LGGHU RU %LGGHUV

WHEREFORE, premises considered, let the instant Petition be heard on -XQH DW RÂśFORFN LQ WKH DIWHUQRRQ $Q\ LQWHUHVWHG SHUVRQ PD\ ÂżOH with the Court on or before the scheduled hearing his Opposition to the instant Petition by specifying the grounds therefor.

Absent legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith EH LVVXHG DIWHU ÂżYH GD\V IURP the last day of publication.

Please be guided accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Court Social Worker is hereby directed to submit to the Court within a period of not later than ten (10) days before the scheduled hearing, her Child and Home Study Reports as regards the Petition in accordance with Section 12 (5) and (6) of A.M. No. 02-6-02-SC.1 As well, she is hereby directed to conduct counseling sessions with the biological parent of said minor on the matter of the adoption and to submit to the Court her report thereon within the same period.

Very truly yours, (SGD.) ALBERTO A AVILA Police Colonel &KDLUPDQ %LGV DQG $ZDUGV &RPPLWWHH

MT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 9 & 11, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (STR)

Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE HEALTH SERVICE &DPS %JHQ 5DIDHO 7 &UDPH 4XH]RQ &LW\

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF MINOR MARIEBELLE ARCILLA,

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

Calamba City, Laguna, 2nd day of April 2019.

Recommending Approval: Engr. EMMANUEL G. GLIPO Head- Permits, Registration and Licensing Unit

/HW D FRS\ RI WKLV 2UGHU EH IXUQLVKHG WKH 2IÂżFHV RI WKH 6ROLFLWRU *HQHUDO and the City Prosecutor of Pasig, in accordance with Section 12 (6), above.

Also, the petitioners are hereby directed to publish this Order before hearing on the Petition once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of JHQHUDO FLUFXODWLRQ LQ WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV WR EH GHWHUPLQHG E\ WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH &OHUN of Court, Regional Trial Court of Pasig City, at petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expense, in accordance with Section 12 (4), above. The petitioners are directed to coordinate with said 2IÂżFH IRU WKLV SXUSRVH

Approved by: Engr. FRANCIS D. ORDENIZA 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

MT - May 9, 2019

Any incorrect advertisement published in The Manila Times Classified Ads must be brought to our attention on the same day the advertisement came out. We will not be held liable for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

Other settings in this case are on 25 June, 8 and 15 August, 10 and 24 September 2019, all at 1:30 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the afternoon.

SO ORDERED. 4 March 2019. Pasig City.

(SGD.) MARIA ROWENA MODESTO-SAN PEDRO Presiding Judge _______________________ 1 Rule on Adoption.

MT - May 9, 16 & 23, 2019

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

5 6

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF OVER/UNDER RECOVERIES BASED ON THE FORMULA ON THE VARIOUS AUTOMATIC COST ADJUSTMENT AND TRUEUP MECHANISMS AND CORRESPONDING CONFIRMATION PROCESS PURSUANT TO ERC RESOLUTION NO. 16, SERIES OF 2009, AS AMENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 21, SERIES OF 2010, FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 2016 TO DECEMBER 2018

9.

ERC CASE NO. 2019-013 CF

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 29 March 2019, Applicant Cagayan Electric Power DQG /LJKW &R ,QF &(3$/&2 ÂżOHG DQ Application dated 26 March 2019, seeking the Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval of its over or under recoveries based on the formulae for various DXWRPDWLF FRVW DGMXVWPHQWV DQG WUXH XS PHFKDQLVPV DQG FRUUHVSRQGLQJ FRQÂżUPDWLRQ process for the period of January 2016 to December 2018, pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 16, Series of 2009, as amended by ERC Resolution No. 21, Series of 2010.

The pertinent allegations of the said Application are hereunder quoted as follows: 1.

Applicant is a corporation duly organized and existing by virtue of the laws of WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV ZLWK SULQFLSDO RIÂżFH DW &(3$/&2 $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ %XLOGLQJ )U 0DVWHUVRQ $YHQXH 8SSHU %DOXODQJ &DJD\DQ GH 2UR &LW\ where it may be served with summons and other legal processes. It is the exclusive franchise holder issued by Congress of the Philippines to operate an electric light and power services in the City of Cagayan de Oro and the Municipalities of Tagoloan, Villanueva and Jasaan, all in the Province of Misamis Oriental.

2.

Pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 16, Series of 2009, entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Resolution Adopting the Rules Governing the Automatic Cost Adjustment and TrueXS 0HFKDQLVPV DQG &RUUHVSRQGLQJ &RQÂżUPDWLRQ 3URFHVV IRU 'LVWULEXWLRQ Utilitiesâ&#x20AC;?, as DPHQGHG E\ 5HVROXWLRQ 1R 6HULHV RI DSSOLFDQW LV ÂżOLQJ its consolidated application for the approval of over/ under recoveries on its implementation of the automatic cost adjustment and true-up mechanisms mentioned in said resolutions.

3.

Section 2 of the said Resolution governs the recovery of these pass-through costs: 1) generation, 2) transmission, 3) system loss, 4) lifeline subsidy, 5) local franchise and business taxes.

4.

Applicant applied the formulas provided under the foregoing resolutions and determined that it has incurred under-recoveries and made over-recoveries in the implementation of the above-mentioned automatic cost adjustments and true-up mechanisms .

1 2 3 4 5

A summary of the allowable pass through costs, computed in accordance with the above-mentioned automatic cost adjustments mechanism, vis-a-vis the actual revenues, from January 2016 to December 2018, for generation, transmission, system loss, lifeline subsidy and senior citizen subsidy rates, showed a total under-recovery of PhP 1,630.86 million, as presented in the table below:

Allowable Passthru Cost, in Million Peso Generation Rate 17,981.89 Transmission Rate 2,006.97 System Loss Rate 1,274.23 Lifeline Subsidy Rate 226.54 Senior Citizen Subsidy Rate 0.30 TOTAL 6.

7.

Actual Revenue, in Million Peso 16,395.09 2,055.83 1,183.01 224.82 0.31

(Over)/ Underrecovery, in Million Peso 1,586.80 (48.86) 91.22 1.72 (0.02) 1,630.86

The computation of the above (Over)/ Under recoveries are hereto attached as Annex â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aâ&#x20AC;? and series (for Generation), Annex Âł%´ DQG VHULHV IRU 7UDQVPLVVLRQ

Annexes â&#x20AC;&#x153;Câ&#x20AC;? (for System Loss), Annex â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dâ&#x20AC;? (for Lifeline Subsidy Rate) and Annex â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eâ&#x20AC;? (for Senior Citizen Subsidy Rate) 3UHYLRXV 2YHU 8QGHU 5HFRYHU\ $SSOLFDWLRQV which are still pending. - Applicant had two over-recovery applications which are still pending and are both GHHPHG VXEPLWWHG IRU UHVROXWLRQV VLQFH )RUPDO Offer of Evidence were already GXO\ ÂżOHG 7KHVH WZR DSSOLFDWLRQV DUH GRFNHWHG DV (5& &DVH 1R &) DQG (5& &DVH 1R &) 7KH RYHU XQGHU UHFRYHULHV RI WKHVH applications are shown in the tables below:

(5& &DVH 1R &) ZKLFK FRYHUV SHULRG -XO\ WR 'HFHPEHU

1 2 3 4 5

Generation Rate Transmission Rate System Loss Rate Lifeline Rate Sub-total Inter-class Cross- Subsidy Charge TOTAL

Allowable PassActual Through Cost, Revenue, in in Million Peso Million Peso 17,845.78 17,719.72 4,901.57 5,294.64 1,714.21 1,723.71 467.45 462.66 24,929.02 25,200.72

(Over)/ UnderRecovery, in Million Peso 126.05 (393.07) (9.49) 4.80 (271.71) 8.03 (263.68)

(5& &DVH 1R &) ZKLFK FRYHUV WKH SHULRG -DQXDU\ WR 'HFHPEHU

1 2 3 4 5

Generation Rate Transmission Rate System Loss Rate Lifeline Subsidy Rate Senior Citizen Subsidy Rate TOTAL 8.

1 2 3 4

Allowable PassActual Through Cost, in Revenue, in Million Peso Million Peso 10,458.49 10,419.50 1,671.06 1,691.74 824.62 847.14 176.56 188.16 0.18 0.26

(Over)/ UnderRecovery, in Million Peso 39.00 (20.68 ) (22.52) (11.60) (0.08) (15.89)

Since the two applications are still pending, Applicant most respectfully prays that it be allowed to consolidate the over-under recoveries covered in these two applications with the instant application, thus the consolidated over-under recoveries will result in the total net under-recovery in the amount of Php 1,351.29 as shown in the table below:

Generation Rate Transmission Rate System Loss Rate Lifeline Subsidy Rate

Allowable PassActual Through Cost, in Revenue, in Million Peso Million Peso 46,286.16 44,534.31 8,579.59 9,042.20 3,813.06 3,753.86 870.55 875.64

(Over)/ UnderRecovery, in Million Peso 1,751.85 (462.61) 59.20 (5.09)

0.47

0.57

(0.10) 8.03 1,351.29

The consolidation of the over-under recoveries of the two pending applications is appropriate considering that the two application are deemed submitted IRU UHVROXWLRQ )XUWKHUPRUH WKH UHFRYHU\ LV XUJHQWO\ QHHGHG by Applicant for LWV RSHUDWLRQDO H[SHQVHV DQG PHHW LWV ÂżQDQFLDO REOLJDWLRQV WR FUHGLWRUV DQG XOWLPDWHO\ HQDEOH LW WR VHUYH LWV FXVWRPHUV UHOLDEO\ DQG HIÂżFLHQWO\

10. Applicant proposes to recover the total under-recovery in the amount of PhP 1,351.29 to its electricity customers for a period of three (3) years, or until said DPRXQW LV IXOO\ UHFRYHUHG %DVHG RQ WKH VDLG UHFRYHU\ SHULRG DQG HVWLPDWHG energy consumption of 3,671,222,197 kWhr, the net amount to be recovered will be PhP 0.3681 per kWhr. The table below shows the amount to be refunded to or collected from the customers for each of the pass-through costs.

CAGAYAN ELECTRIC POWER AND LIGHT CO., INC. (CEPALCO), Applicant. x--------------------------------------------------------------x

5.

Senior Citizen Subsidy Rate Cross Subsidy TOTAL

1 2 3 4 5 6

Amount to be (Refunded to)/ Collected from Customers, P/kWh 0.4772 (0.1260) 0.0161 (0.0014) (0.00003) 0.0022 0.3681

Rate Component Generation Rate Transmission Rate System Loss Rate Lifeline Subsidy Rate Senior Citizen Subsidy Rate Inter-class Cross Subsidy Rate TOTAL

11. The computations of the proposed refundable or collectible rates are hereto DWWDFKHG DV $QQH[ Âł)â&#x20AC;?.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 4, MANILA GERALD G. LAI Petitioner, - versus R-MNL-17-02740-CV CONSOLACION M. LAI, Respondent. x------------------------------x DECISION Through this case, petitioner Gerald G. Lai seeks to have his marriage to respondent Consolacion M. Lai solemnized on August 20, 2002 be declared YRLG DE LQLWLR on the ground of (1) respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s psychological incapacity as provided under Article RI WKH )DPLO\ &RGH DQG DEVHQFH RI PDUULDJH OLFHQVH 1 An investigation to determine collusion between parties was conducted by Assistant City Prosecutor Magnolia P. Gonzales FRQVLGHULQJ WKDW QR $QVZHU KDV EHHQ ÂżOHG E\ WKH UHVSRQGHQW despite the service of summons through publication.2 Her Report3 in the collusion investigation dated May 24, 2018 states that no HYLGHQFH RI FROOXVLRQ H[LVWV EHWZHHQ WKH SDUWLHV LQ ÂżOLQJ WKH above-captioned case.

During pre-trial,4 parties stipulated on the jurisdiction of the court, the fact of marriage between the parties on August 20, 2002 and that the parties have three (3) children namely: (a) Christian Gerald Malihan (15 years old); (b) Chelsea Glace M. Lai (12 years old); and (c) Cyd Gaveriel M. Lai (9 years old). ([KLELWV ZHUH PDUNHG EHIRUH WKH %UDQFK &OHUN RI &RXUW GXULQJ pre-trial conference.5 Petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Evidence: The evidence is furtherance of the relief sought consists of the testimonies of the petitioner, representative from City Civil Registrar of San Juan, Lyka C. Malihan, Lolita Malihan DQG 5RZHQD %HOHQ %DVHG RQ WKH -XGLFLDO $IÂżGDYLW DQG WKH 6XSSOHPHQWDO -XGLFLDO $IÂżGDYLW RI WKH SHWLWLRQHU KLV UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK WKH UHVSRQGHQW ZDV ÂżOOHG ZLWK FRQĂ&#x20AC;LFWV DQG PLVXQGHUVWDQGLQJV +H VWDWHG WKDW VXLFLGDO tendencies and disturbing behavior of the respondent manifested even when they were still in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship.

He added that during the said stage of relationship, respondent attempted to swallow moth balls after a heated argument. In a separate occasion, he heard the respondent punched her stomach while she was pregnant with their second child in one of their SKRQH FRQYHUVDWLRQV 3HWLWLRQHU DOVR WHVWLÂżHG WKDW UHVSRQGHQW asks for reimbursement of the expenses she incurred for the needs of their children.

On the other hand, petitioner stated that contrary to what was VWDWHG LQ WKHLU PDUULDJH FRQWUDFW WKH\ GLG QRW H[HFXWH DQ $I¿GDYLW of Cohabitation since they did not cohabitate as husband and wife IRU ¿YH \HDUV +H DGGHG WKDW WKH\ VWD\HG LQ RQH DSDUWPHQW IRU about three (3) months only. To prove the same, he presented a &HUWL¿FDWLRQ IURP WKH &LW\ &LYLO 5HJLVWU\ 'HSDUWPHQW6 ([KLELW ³%´

VWDWLQJ WKDW WKH DWWDFKPHQW RI $IÂżGDYLW RI &RKDELWDWLRQ LV PLVVLQJ Thereafter, the representative from the Local City Registry of San Juan, Maria Victoria Inecio, appeared and brought with her D &HUWLÂżFDWLRQ IURP WKH &LW\ &LYLO 5HJLVWUDU RI 6DQ -XDQ 3DUWLHV VWLSXODWHG DPRQJ RWKHUV WKDW WKHUH LV QR $IÂżGDYLW RI &RKDELWDWLRQ XVXDOO\ DWWDFKHG LQ WKH 0DUULDJH &HUWLÂżFDWH DQG WKDW WKH SKUDVH ÂłPLVVLQJ DWWDFKPHQW´ ZDV LQGLFDWHG RQ WKH VDLG &HUWLÂżFDWLRQ Respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger sister Lyka C. Malihan was next presented as petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s witness. She stated that petitioner and UHVSRQGHQW OLYH ZLWK KHU LQ WKHLU IDPLO\ KRPH LQ 7RQGR ZKHUH ÂżVW ÂżJKWV FXUVLQJ DQG UXPEOH DUH FRPPRQ 6KH PDQLIHVWHG WKDW respondent is strict and violent especially during the time when respondent took care of her when their mother died. Injuries were DOVR VXVWDLQHG GXULQJ ÂżJKWV DPRQJ KHU UHVSRQGHQW DQG WKHLU brother Melvin. She observed that respondent display of violent behavior was because it was the same treatment their mother showed to the respondent.

Witness Malihan further reveal that violence remains prevalent during marriage between the parties. Partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; frequent DUJXPHQWV XVXDOO\ DERXW ÂżQDQFLDO PDWWHUV UHVXOWV WR SK\VLFDO altercation and use of vulgar words. These behaviors were likewise experienced by partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; children. Ms. Malihan observed respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disturbing behavior when respondent destroyed petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothes, hid his passport and swallowed â&#x20AC;&#x153;zonroxâ&#x20AC;? while pregnant during an argument with the petitioner.

Subsequently, respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aunt Lolita Malihan took the witness stand. She narrated that parties lived with her in her house at Calo, Laguna after they left the family home of respondent in Tondo, Manila. She manifested that she takes care of the partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; children and manages the monthly remittances of the petitioner for his children. She stated that she witnessed the altercations of the parties including the time when respondent was sent out of the house because she is now the one handling the remittances and not any more the respondent. )LQDOO\ &OLQLFDO 3V\FKRORJLVW 5RZHQD %HOHQ ZDV SUHVHQWHG DV SHWLWLRQHUÂśV ZLWQHVV %DVHG RQ KHU LQWHUYLHZ ZLWK WKH UHVSRQGHQW VKH HVWDEOLVKHG WKDW UHVSRQGHQW LV VXIIHULQJ IURP %RUGHUOLQH Personality Disorder. Such condition makes the respondent LQFDSDEOH RI IXOÂżOOLQJ KHU PDULWDO REOLJDWLRQ RI VKDULQJ PXWXDO love, respect and cohabitate with petitioner as his wife. She FRQÂżUPHG WKDW UHVSRQGHQWÂśV YLROHQW RXWEXUVWV WRZDUGV KHU FKLOGUHQ and siblings, uncontrollable anger and her unstable emotional behavior more so her recurrent suicidal gestures stemmed from the respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s formative years to adulthood. The physical beating experienced by the respondent from her mother and her environment in Tondo had caused the respondent to develop insecurities that led her to become egocentric, resentful and manipulative by using suicidal gestures as a means of getting attention. She further stated that her condition is grave and incurable since her behavior is deeply ingrained in her personality perceiving such as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;normalâ&#x20AC;? condition.

COURTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RULING After having reviewed the records of this case and the DSSOLFDEOH ODZV DQG MXULVSUXGHQFH WKLV FRXUW ÂżQGV WKH LQVWDQW Petition to be partly meritorious.

In declaring the marriage between the parties null and void on the ground of psychological incapacity under Article 36 of WKH )DPLO\ &RGH RI WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV WKLV FRXUW JLYHV ZHLJKW WR the expert testimony of the psychologist corroborated by the petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s witnesses.

The testimony of the expert witness Clinical Psychologist 5RZHQD %HOHQ ZLOO UHDGLO\ VKRZ WKH SV\FKRORJLFDO LQFDSDFLW\ RI the respondent Consolacion M. Lai to comply with her marital obligation to petitioner. This has been bolstered by the statements of the other witnesses describing the disturbing behavior of the respondent. $UWLFOH RI WKH )DPLO\ &RGH SURYLGHV SV\FKRORJLFDO incapacity as a ground to declare a marriage null and void.

It states that:

ART. 36. A marriage contracted by any party who, at the time of the celebration, was psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage, shall likewise be void even if such incapacity becomes manifest only after its solemnization.

To determine whether psychological incapacity exists, the Supreme Court in the case of 5HSXEOLF YV -DYLHU DQG 0HUFDGR -DYLHU7 characterized the same as follows: The incapacity must be grave or serious such that the party would be incapable of carrying out the ordinary duties required in marriage; it must be rooted in the history of the party antedating the marriage, although the overt manifestations may emerge only after the marriage; and it must be incurable or, even if it were otherwise, the cure would be beyond the means of the party involved.

In sum, the psychological incapacity of a spouse must be characterized by (a) gravity; (b) juridical antecedence; and (c) incurability.8 The above-stated characteristics are present in this case. The respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s violent, demanding and controlling behavior makes her unable to discharge the basic obligations of marriage - love, respect, concern and support with her husband, the petitioner.

Respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incapacity is so grave that her manipulative behavior causes serious distress and disability in her relationship with the petitioner. Manifestation of this behavior is shown when the petitioner willingly risks the life of her unborn child by punching her stomach while pregnant and destroying the personal effects of the petitioner just to get what she wants.

Respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inability to perform her marital obligation is of a juridical antecedence as it already exists even before their marriage. Respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior of causing interpersonal damage towards her husband, children and siblings was rooted from the disturbing environment the respondent experienced from her formative years until her adulthood stage.

The incurability of the respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s psychological incapacity was also shown in this case. Respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disturbing behavior is embedded in her and uses it as her coping mechanism in managing any situation. According to the Clinical Psychologist, respondent would always be in denial of her psychological incapacity as she perceives it as being â&#x20AC;&#x153;normal.â&#x20AC;?

7KXV KDYLQJ VXIÂżFLHQWO\ HVWDEOLVKHG WKDW UHVSRQGHQW KDV grave and incurable psychological incapacities with juridical antecedence which have been existing prior to the marriage, the court then has no other recourse but to uphold the law and grant the relief prayed for in the petition.

On the other hand, the marriage between the parties cannot be declared null and void based on the absence of marriage license.9 In this case, petitioner asserts that his marriage with the respondent was celebrated without marriage license since they did not meet the requirements provided in Article 34 of the )DPLO\ &RGH +H DUJXHG WKDW WKH VWDWHPHQW LQ WKHLU &HUWLÂżFDWH of Marriage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ÂłQR PDUULDJH OLFHQVH ZDV QHFHVVDU\ WKH PDUULDJH EHLQJ VROHPQL]HG XQGHU $UWLFOH RI ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU 1R 209â&#x20AC;? is incorrect considering that he and the respondent did QRW FRKDELWDWH DV KXVEDQG DQG ZLIH IRU DW OHDVW ÂżYH \HDUV without legal impediment to marry. To prove the same, petitioner SUHVHQWHG D &HUWLÂżFDWLRQ IURP WKH &LW\ &LYLO 5HJLVWUDU RI 6DQ -XDQ10 ([KLELW Âł%´ ZKLFK VWDWHV WKDW WKH 0DUULDJH &RQWUDFW RI *HUDOG G. Lai and Consolacion C. Malihan has a missing attachment of $IÂżGDYLW RI &RKDELWDWLRQ The court is not convinced. $UWLFOH RI WKH )DPLO\ &RGH SURYLGHV Art. 34. No license shall be necessary for the marriage of a man and a woman who have lived together as KXVEDQG DQG ZLIH IRU DW OHDVW ÂżYH \HDUV DQG ZLWKRXW DQ\ legal impediment to marry each other. The contracting SDUWLHV VKDOO VWDWH WKH IRUHJRLQJ IDFWV LQ DQ DIÂżGDYLW before any person authorized by law to administer RDWKV 7KH VROHPQL]LQJ RIÂżFHU VKDOO DOVR VWDWH XQGHU oath that he ascertained the qualifications of the contracting parties are found no legal impediment to the marriage. %DVHG RQ WKH IRUHJRLQJ QR PDUULDJH OLFHQVH LV QHFHVVDU\ for a marriage to be valid if the man and the woman have lived WRJHWKHU DV KXVEDQG DQG ZLIH IRU DW OHDVW ÂżYH \HDUV ZLWKRXW DQ\ OHJDO LPSHGLPHQW WR PDUU\ 6XFK VKDOO EH VWDWHG LQ DQ DIÂżGDYLW executed under oath by the man and the woman. ,Q WKLV FDVH WKH $IÂżGDYLW RI &RKDELWDWLRQ LV missing as stated LQ WKH &HUWLÂżFDWLRQ IURP WKH &LW\ &LYLO 5HJLVWUDU RI 6DQ -XDQ ,W GRHV QRW VWDWH FOHDUO\ WKDW QR DIÂżGDYLW ZDV H[HFXWHG E\ WKH SDUWLHV 9HULO\ WKH &HUWLÂżFDWLRQ RQO\ FRQÂżUPV WKDW WKH $IÂżGDYLW LV PLVVLQJ or lost. Thus, this court cannot declare a marriage null and void EDVHG RQ D PLVVLQJ $IÂżGDYLW RI &RKDELWDWLRQ WHEREFORE, in view of the foregoing, judgment is hereby rendered declaring the marriage contracted by petitioner GERALD G. LAI and respondent CONSOLACION M. LAI, solemnized on August 20, 2002 in San Juan City, all its effects under the law NULL AND VOID AB INITIO conformably with Article 36 of the )DPLO\ &RGH RI WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV DV DPHQGHG Pursuant to the provisions of A.M. No. 02-11-10-SC (Rule on Declaration Absolute Nullity of Marriages and Annulment of Voidable Marriages): D 'LUHFWLQJ WKH %UDQFK &OHUN RI &RXUW WR HQWHU WKLV MXGJPHQW XSRQ LWV ÂżQDOLW\ LQ WKH %RRN RI (QWU\ RI -XGJPHQW DQG WR issue an Entry of Judgment in accordance thereto; and (b) Directing the Civil Registrar of San Juan to cause the registration of the entry of judgment in the book of marriages.

Upon Compliance, a Decree of Nullity of Marriage shall be issued.

Let a copy of this Decision be published11 once in a newspaper of general circulation and furnish the parties and their counsels DV ZHOO DV WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH 6ROLFLWRU *HQHUDO DQG WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH City Prosecutor for their information.

SO ORDERED. Manila, Philippines, March 29, 2019.

(SGD.) JOSE LORENZO R. DELA ROSA Presiding Judge 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11

Records, Page 217-256, Amended Petition.

Page 71, Records.

Page 93, Records.

Page 309-310, Records.

Page 185, Records.

Page 209, Records.

G.R. No. 210518, April 18, 2018, citing Santos vs. CA, et al.

Ibid.

Art. 4. The absence of any of the essential or formal requisites shall render the marriage void DE LQLWLR except as stated in Article 35 (2).

Records, p. 209.

Sec. 9, Rule 13 Rules of Court.

MT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 9, 2019

12. In support of this application, the applicant has attached the following additional supporting documents:

Annex Document â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gâ&#x20AC;? )XOO\ DFFRPSOLVKHG 6XSSOLHU DQG 'DWD 6KHHW IRU WKH Year â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hâ&#x20AC;?

3RZHU %LOOV DQG FRUUHVSRQGLQJ 'HELW &UHGLW PHPRV LI DQ\ RI 3RZHU Suppliers and Transmission Company â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;?

2IÂżFLDO 5HFHLSWV ,VVXHG E\ Power Suppliers and Transmission Company â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jâ&#x20AC;? )XOO\ DFFRPSOLVKHG 6WDWLVWLFDO 'DWD 6KHHW IRU WKH <HDU â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kâ&#x20AC;?

Summary of Pilferage Cost Recoveries â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lâ&#x20AC;? )XOO\ DFFRPSOLVKHG $FWXDO ,PSOHPHQWHG 5DWHV 6KHHW IRU WKH <HDU â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mâ&#x20AC;? )XOO\ DFFRPSOLVKHG /LIHOLQH 'LVFRXQW 6KHHW IRU WKH <HDU â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nâ&#x20AC;? )XOO\ DFFRPSOLVKHG 6U &LWL]HQ 'LVFRXQW 6KHHW IRU WKH Year â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; &RQVXPHU %LOOV IRU 1RQ OLIHOLQH &XVWRPHUV VDPSOH ELOOV SHU FXVWRPHU class per month) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pâ&#x20AC;? &RQVXPHU %LOOV IRU /LIHOLQH &XVWRPHUV VDPSOH ELOO SHU OLIHOLQH EUDFNHW SHU month) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Qâ&#x20AC;?

ConsumHU %LOOV IRU 6HQLRU &LWL]HQ &XVWRPHUV VDPSOH ELOO IRU consumption per month) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Râ&#x20AC;?

Monthly Computation of Implemented Generation Rate â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sâ&#x20AC;?

Computation of Implemented Transmission Rates â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tâ&#x20AC;?

Monthly Computation of Implemented System Loss Rate â&#x20AC;&#x153;Uâ&#x20AC;?

Computation of Implemented Lifeline Rate â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vâ&#x20AC;?

Computation of Senior Citizen Subsidy Rate 13. Applicant has no over RU XQGHU UHFRYHULHV RI /RFDO )UDQFKLVH DQG %XVLQHVV Taxes.

PRAYER :+(5()25( SUHPLVHV considered, CEPALCO respectfully prays of this Honorable Commission, after due notice and proceedings, that the determination of the RYHU RU XQGHU UHFRYHULHV EH FRQÂżUPHG DQG DSSURYHG DQG WKDW LW EH DOORZHG WR UHIXQG or UHFRYHU DV DSSURSULDWH WKH IROORZLQJ DPRXQWV IRU D SHULRG VSHFLÂżed below, or until such amount is fully refunded or recovered:

Rate Component 1. Generation 2. Transmission 3. System Loss 4. Lifeline Subsidy 5. Senior Citizen Subsidy Rate 6. Inter-class Cross Subsidy Charge

(Over)/ Under Recovery, in Million Peso 1,751.85 (462.61) 59.20 (5.09) (0.10) 8.03

Recovery/ Recovery/ Refund (Refund) Rate, Period, Years P/ kWh 3 0.4772 3 (0.1260) 3 0 .0161 3 (0.0014) 3 (0.00003) 3 0.0022

Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, pre-trial conference, and presentation of evidence on 21 May 2019 (Tuesday) at ten oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.) at 15th )ORRU (5& +HDULQJ 5RRP 3DFLÂżF &HQWHU %XLOGLQJ 6DQ 0LJXHO Avenue, Pasig City.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by ÂżOLQJ ZLWK WKH &RPPLVVLRQ D YHULÂżHG 3HWLWLRQ WR ,QWHUYHQH DW OHDVW ÂżYH (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1)

The petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and address;

2)

The nature of petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

3)

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect WR WKH VXEMHFW PDWWHU RI WKH FDVH PD\ ÂżOH WKHLU 2SSRVLWLRQ RU &RPPHQW thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicant rests its case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required , but the document , letter, or writing should contain the following: 1)

The name and address of such person;

2)

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3)

The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing.

Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other SHUWLQHQW UHFRUGV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKH &RPPLVVLRQ GXULQJ WKH VWDQGDUG RIÂżFH KRXUV WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO AGNES VST DEVANADERA and the Honorable Commissioners CATHERINE P. MACEDA, ALEXIS M. LUMBATAN and PAUL CHRISTIAN M. CERVANTES, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 22nd day of April 2019 in Pasig City.

MT - May 9, 2019

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Commissioner

EDITORS AND DESKMEN Competencies â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent command of written and spoken English â&#x20AC;˘ Degree holder preferably in journalism, communications, or related discipline (e.g. political science or economics with journalism experience) â&#x20AC;˘ Experience in editing news, analytical reports and columns â&#x20AC;˘ Strong news judgment and familiarity with local issues, as well as an understanding of relevant world affairs â&#x20AC;˘ $ELOLW\ WR ZULWH DQG HGLW ZLWK Ă&#x20AC;DLU DQG VSHHG WR PHHW WLJKW deadlines â&#x20AC;˘ )DPLOLDU ZLWK 0LFURVRIW 2IÂżFH VRFLDO PHGLD DQG VHDUFK engines â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to lead and organize a team well â&#x20AC;˘ Good attitude, willingness to adjust to new systems and ability to respect authority within the organization REPORTERS Competencies â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent command of written and spoken English â&#x20AC;˘ Degree holder preferably in journalism, communications, or related discipline â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to establish and maintain a network of contacts in government and the private sector as source of information and analysis â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to identify the angle of news from a raft of available information or seek out information to build a solid news story â&#x20AC;˘ Familiarity with local issues and an understanding of relevant world affairs â&#x20AC;˘ $ VHQVH RI VSHHG DQG DFFXUDF\ LQ ZULWLQJ DQG ÂżOOLQJ UHDO time stories to the news desk to meet tight deadlines â&#x20AC;˘ Knows Microsoft Office, social media and search engines â&#x20AC;˘ A good team player, but is able to work independently within the perimeters of a given assignment â&#x20AC;˘ Good attitude, willingness to adjust to new systems and ability to respect authority within the organization Interested applicants, please send a full resume, specifying your subject of expertise, with links to samples of online work or appropriate attachments.

Please email your resumĂŠ at: hrd@manilatimes.net, or you may apply personally at ) 6LWLR *UDQGH %OGJ $ 6RULDQR $YHQXH ,QWUDPXURV 0DQLOD )RUPHUO\ 75% %OGJ RU \RX PD\ FDOO Irish de Guzman at 524-5664 local 122.

Classified Ads

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY FRANCHISING SERVICE, CENTRAL OFFICE $ %RQLIDFLR $YHQXH FRUQHU WK $YHQXH FRUQHU 5DLOURDG 6WUHHW South Harbor, Port Area, Manila 5H $SSOLFDWLRQ IRU )LUVW $PHQGPHQW RI &HUWLÂżFDWH of Public Convenience (CPC) to effect the Permanent Addition of the ships, MB â&#x20AC;&#x153;MAILLIW,â&#x20AC;? MB â&#x20AC;&#x153;ORIENT SECOND WINDâ&#x20AC;? and MB â&#x20AC;&#x153;ORIENT SEACREST,â&#x20AC;? to WKH FRPSDQ\ÂśV Ă&#x20AC;HHW WR Rperate in the liner service for the carriage of passengers only DORQJ 6HDVLGH %RXOHYDUG 0DQLOD %D\

ORIENTCRAFT MARINE SERVICES SPECIALIST, INC. Applicant. x-------------------------------------------------x

CASE NO. MNL-2016-005-FS

ORDER (SECOND NOTICE OF HEARING) 7KLV UHIHUV WR WKH $SSOLFDWLRQ IRU )LUVW $PHQGPHQW RI &HUWLÂżFDWH RI Public Convenience (CPC) to effect the Permanent Addition of the ships, MB â&#x20AC;&#x153;MAILLIW,â&#x20AC;? MB â&#x20AC;&#x153;ORIENT SECOND WINDâ&#x20AC;? and MB â&#x20AC;&#x153;ORIENT SEACREST,â&#x20AC;? WR WKH FRPSDQ\ÂśV Ă&#x20AC;HHW WR RSHUDWH LQ WKH OLQHU VHUYLFH IRU WKH FDUULDJH RI SDVVHQJHUV RQO\ DORQJ 6HDVLGH %RXOHYDUG 0DQLOD %D\ ÂżOHG E\ Applicant on 07 March 2019.

The following are the particulars of the ships, and the Applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposed rates: I.

Ship Particulars

Name of Ship

:

MB â&#x20AC;&#x153;MAILLIWâ&#x20AC;?

2IÂżFLDO 1XPEHU Type of Ship +XOO Gross Tons <HDU %XLOW 3ODFH RI %XLOW Date of Issuance of CO Date of Issuance of CPR

: Passenger

)LEHUJODVV : 26.29

*HQHUDO 7ULDV &DYLWH : 10 April 2014

:

:

:

MB â&#x20AC;&#x153;ORIENT SECOND WINDâ&#x20AC;?

Passenger )LEHUJODVV 6.00

*HQHUDO 7ULDV &DYLWH 30 June 2017

:

:

30 June 2017

Name of Ship 2IÂżFLDO 1XPEHU Type of Ship +XOO Gross Tons <HDU %XLOW 3ODFH RI %XLOW Date of Issuance of CO Date of Issuance of CPR

:

:

:

:

MB â&#x20AC;&#x153;ORIENT SEACRESTâ&#x20AC;?

Passenger )LEHUJODVV 6.00

*HQHUDO 7ULDV &DYLWH 30 June 2017

:

30 June 2017

10 April 2014

:

II. Rates SCHEDULE OF RATES P180.00/pax Notice is hereby given that the said Application will be heard by this Authority on 15 May 2019 at 10:00 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the morning, 7th )ORRU )UDQFKLVLQJ 6HUYLFH +HDULQJ 5RRP DW WKH DERYH DGGUHVV The Applicant shall publish this Order once in a newspaper of general FLUFXODWLRQ DW OHDVW ÂżYH GD\V SULRU WR WKH VFKHGXOHG GDWH RI KHDULQJ 7KH $SSOLFDQW VKDOO VXEPLW D ZULWWHQ )RUPDO 2IIHU RI (YLGHQFH GXULQJ WKH KHDULQJ RU ÂżYH GD\V WKHUHDIWHU WITNESS WKH +RQRUDEOH 2IÂżFHU ,Q &KDUJH 2IÂżFH RI WKH $GPLQLVWUDWRU VADM NARCISO A VINGSON JR., this 06th day of May 2019 at Manila, Philippines.

BY AUTHORITY OF THE MARINA ADMINISTRATOR: (Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 11-14 dated 22 August 2014) (SGD.) MA. CONCEPCION C. ARBOLARIO OIC-Director )UDQFKLVLQJ 6HUYLFH MT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 9, 2019

5(38%/,& 2) 7+( 3+,/,33,1(6 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 4XH]RQ &LW\

5(38%/,& 2) 7+( 3+,/,33,1(6 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 4XH]RQ &LW\

EXCELITE CATV BATANGAS, INC. Applicant BMC CASE NO. 2019-046 x---------------------------------------------x

EXCELITE CATV BATANGAS, INC. Applicant BMC CASE NO. 2019-047 x---------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Applicant, EXCELITE CATV BATANGAS, INC., is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of Philippine Laws, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (S.E.C.), and pursuant to the provisions of Executive Order No. 436 and Executive Order No 205, request for the issuance of a &HUWLÂżFDWH RI $XWKRULW\ &$

to install, operate and maintain a Cable Television (CATV) System in MAGALLANES, CAVITE.

Applicant, EXCELITE CATV BATANGAS, INC., is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of Philippine Laws, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (S.E.C.), and pursuant to the provisions of Executive Order No. 436 and Executive Order No 205, request for the issuance of a &HUWLÂżFDWH RI $XWKRULW\ &$

to install, operate and maintain a Cable Television (CATV) System in INDANG, CAVITE.

Applicant, further requests for the issuance of a Provisional Authority (PA) SHQGLQJ ÂżQDO GHWHUPLQDWLRQ RI the application.

Applicant, further requests for the issuance of a Provisional Authority (PA) SHQGLQJ ÂżQDO GHWHUPLQDWLRQ RI the application.

In view thereof, this will be heard by this Commission on MAY 27, 2019, (Monday) at ten oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.) at the Legal %UDQFK rd )ORRU 17& %XLOGLQJ National Telecommunications &RPPLVVLRQ %,5 5RDG (DVW 7ULDQJOH 'LOLPDQ 4XH]RQ &LW\ wherein applicant shall present its compliance with the Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jurisdictional requirements, as well as its evidences, if warranted.

In view thereof, this will be heard by this Commission on MAY 27, 2019, (Monday) at ten oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.) at the Legal %UDQFK UG )ORRU 17& %XLOGLQJ National Telecommunications &RPPLVVLRQ %,5 5RDG (DVW 7ULDQJOH 'LOLPDQ 4XH]RQ &LW\ wherein applicant shall present its compliance with the Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jurisdictional requirements, as well as its evidences, if warranted.

However, should the hearing date be declared a holiday or non-working day due to force majeure, the said hearing shall be held on the NEXT regular working day.

However, should the hearing date be declared a holiday or non-working day due to force majeure, the said hearing shall be held on the NEXT regular working day.

$W OHDVW ÂżIWHHQ GD\V EHIRUH WKH date of hearing, applicant shall have published the Notice of Hearing once in one (1) newspaper of general circulation and have served copies of the Notice of Hearing and the application including all annexes attached therewith to all the affected parties by registered mail or through personal delivery, as furnished by the Commission.

$W OHDVW ÂżIWHHQ GD\V EHIRUH WKH date of hearing, applicant shall have published the Notice of Hearing once in one (1) newspaper of general circulation and have served copies of the Notice of Hearing and the application including all annexes attached therewith to all the affected parties by registered mail or through personal delivery, as furnished by the Commission.

Any party opposed to the granting of the application is hereby directed to appear at the scheduled hearing and PXVW ÂżOH LWV YHULÂżHG RSSRVLWLRQ RQ RU before the date of hearing, furnishing the applicant with a copy of the VDPH )DLOXUH RQ WKH SDUW RI DQ\ DIIHFWHG SDUW\ WR ÂżOH LWV RSSRVLWLRQ RQ time and to appear at the scheduled hearing shall be construed as a waiver of its right to be heard and the Commission shall proceed to hear and decide the application on its merit.

Any party opposed to the granting of the application is hereby directed to appear at the scheduled hearing and PXVW ÂżOH LWV YHULÂżHG RSSRVLWLRQ RQ RU before the date of hearing, furnishing the applicant with a copy of the VDPH )DLOXUH RQ WKH SDUW RI DQ\ DIIHFWHG SDUW\ WR ÂżOH LWV RSSRVLWLRQ RQ time and to appear at the scheduled hearing shall be construed as a waiver of its right to be heard and the Commission shall proceed to hear and decide the application on its merit.

WITNESS, the HON. GAMALIEL A. CORDOBA, Commissioner, National Telecommunications Commission, this 16th day of APRIL, 2019.

WITNESS, the HON. GAMALIEL A. CORDOBA, Commissioner, National Telecommunications Commission, this 16th day of APRIL, 2019.

(SGD.) ADRIANO B. CONSUNJI Chief, Commission Secretariat

(SGD.) ADRIANO B. CONSUNJI Chief, Commission Secretariat

MT - May 9, 2019

MT - May 9, 2019

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

5(38%/,& 2) 7+( 3+,/,33,1(6 3529,1&( 2) &$9,7( 081,&,3$/,7< 2)

THURSDAY May 9, 2019 Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 99, Quezon City, Metro Manila

6 6

AFFIDAVIT OF HEIRS/NON-TENANCY/AGGREGATE LANDHOLDINGS IN THE ENTIRE PHILIPPINES We, JOCELYN E. MENDIOLA, widow, PATRICIA IRIS M. TANCHULING, married to Vincent Raymond Tanchuling, GABRIEL JOSE E. MENDIOLA, PDUULHG WR /DUD /RX 0HQGLROD )LOLSLQRV of legal age with residence at 307 Cadena de Amor AAV, Alabang Muntinlupa City, after having been sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose and say; ³7KDW ZH RZQ D WRWDO DJJUHJDWH ODQGKROGLQJ WKDW GRHV QRW H[FHHG ¿YH KHFWDUHV including the area of two (2) hectares, more or less, that were are acquiring from EDWIN $ 0(1',2/$ GHFHDVHG XQGHU 'RF 1R 3DJH 1R %RRN 1R ;;,9 6HULHV RI RI 1RWDU\ 3XEOLF $WW\ &DHVDU $ *XHU]RQ GDWHG )HEUXDU\ ´ 2. That subject lots are untenanted/no farm workers.

3. That deceased and the heirs have no other agricultural land in the entire Philippines H[FHSW WKDW VWDWHG LQ 3URYLQFLDO $FFHVVRU &HUWLÂżFDWLRQ $)),$17 6$<(7+ 121( Taguig City Place (SGD.) JOCELYN MENDIOLA

$)),$17 GABRIEL JOSE E. MENDIOLA

$)),$17

B11

PATRICIA ANNE D. FLORES, Petitioner, CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-18-01154-CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage

- versus CARLOS LLAMAS FLORES IV, Respondent. x-----------------------------------------x SUMMONS (by Publication)

March 4, 2019 Date PATRICIA IRIS M. TANCHULING $)),$17

With Marital Consent (SGD.) VINCENT RAYMOND TANCHULING (SGD.) LARA LEYIN LOU 68%6&5,%(' $1' 6:251 WR EHIRUH PH WKLV 0DUFK DW 7DJXLJ &LW\ DIÂżDQWV H[KLELWLQJ WR PH WKHLU LGHQWLÂżFDWLRQV 6&,' LVVXHG DW 0XQWLQOXSD RQ 35& LVVXHG DW 0$1,/$ RQ '/ 1R LVVXHG DW 0XQWLQOXSD RQ 127$5< 38%/,& Doc. No. 361 Page No. 74 %RRN 1R /;;,,, Series of 2019 MT - Apr. 25, May 2 & 9, 2019

TO: CARLOS LLAMAS FLORES IV, No. 22 Austin Street, Provident Village Marikina City G R E E T I N G S: WHEREAS, a petition for Declaration of Absolute Nullity of Marriage, which was solemnized on May 6, LQ 0DULNLQD &LW\ DV VWDWHG LQ WKH &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 0DUULDJH KDV EHHQ FRPPHQFHG E\ SHWLWLRQHU 3DWULFLD $QQH ' )ORUHV DJDLQVW UHVSRQGHQW &DUORV /ODPDV )ORUHV ,9 WHEREAS, on March 19, 2018 this Court issued Summons in the above-entitled case, but was returned unserved on April 3, 2018 on the ground that the respondent could not be found at the given address as the respondent was in another country; WHEREAS RQ 0D\ SHWLWLRQHU WKURXJK FRXQVHO ÂżOHG D 0RWLRQ IRU /HDYH WR 6HUYH 6XPPRQV E\ 3XEOLFDWLRQ, which was denied on June 25, 2018 for not being compliant with Section 17, Rule 14 of the Rules of Court;

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.

WHEREAS RQ -XO\ SHWLWLRQHU WKURXJK FRXQVHO ÂżOHG D 0RWLRQ IRU /HDYH WR 6HUYH 6XPPRQV E\ 3XEOLFDWLRQ WHEREAS, on August 6, 2018, the case was transferred to Hon. Judge Lily Ann M. Padaen pursuant to Administrative Order 92-2018; WHEREAS RQ -DQXDU\ SHWLWLRQHU ÂżOHG D 0RWLRQ IRU 5HFRQVLGHUDWLRQ, which was granted by this &RXUW RQ )HEUXDU\ GLUHFWLQJ WKH VKHULII WR VHUYH WKH VXPPRQV DJDLQ LQ WKH JLYHQ DGGUHVV RI WKH respondent CARLOS LLAMAS FLORES IV at 22 Austin St., Provident Village, Marikina City. Should such personal service be ineffectual, serve the summons by publication. In addition, a copy of the summons shall be served on the respondent at his last known address by registered mail, at the expense of the petitioner.

WHEREAS RQ )HEUXDU\ WKH VXPPRQV LVVXHG RQ )HEUXDU\ ZDV UHWXUQHG XQVHUYHG on the ground that the respondent was not around at the time of service as the respondent was temporarily out of the country; WHEREAS, in the petition, the relief prayed for is hereby quoted as follows: â&#x20AC;&#x153;WHEREFORE SUHPLVHV FRQVLGHUHG LW LV UHVSHFWIXOO\ SUD\HG RI WKLV +RQRUDEOH &RXUW WKDW DIWHU GXH WULDO MXGJPHQW EH SURPXOJDWHG GHFODULQJ WKH PDUULDJH RI WKH SDUWLHV WR EH NULL and VOID AB INITIO. 2WKHU UHOLHIV MXVW DQG HTXLWDEOH XQGHU WKH SUHPLVHV DUH OLNHZLVH SUD\HG IRU ´ NOW THEREFORE, YOU, respondent CARLOS LLAMAS FLORES IV, ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the last issue of publication to ANSWER the petition DQG WR FRS\ IXUQLVK WKH SHWLWLRQHU ZLWK D FRS\ RI \RXU $QVZHU DW 1R % -XQH 6W %DKD\ 7RUR 4XH]RQ &LW\ <RX DUH UHPLQGHG RI ,%3 2&$ 0HPRUDQGXP RQ 3ROLF\ *XLGHOLQHV GDWHG 0DUFK WR REVHUYH UHVWUDLQW LQ ÂżOLQJ D PRWLRQ WR GLVPLVV DQG LQVWHDG DOOHJH WKH JURXQGV WKHUHRI DV GHIHQVHV LQ WKH $QVZHU ,I \RX IDLO WR $QVZHU ZLWKLQ WKH WLPH Âż[HG WKH &RXUW VKDOO RUGHU WKH 3XEOLF 3URVHFXWRU WR LQYHVWLJDWH ZKHWKHU collusion exists, in accordance with Section 8(3) of A.M. No. 02-11-10-SC >5XOH RQ 'HFODUDWLRQ RI $EVROXWH 1XOOLW\ RI 9RLG 0DUULDJHV DQG $QQXOPHQW RI 9RLGDEOH 0DUULDJHV@ The Respondent in an action for Annulment of Marriage, Declaration of Nullity and Legal Separation PXVW VWULFWO\ REVHUYH WKH DERYH SUHVFULEHG SHULRG WR ÂżOH $QVZHU WHEREFORE, let this summons be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks, in a QHZVSDSHU RI JHQHUDO FLUFXODWLRQ WR EH VHOHFWHG E\ UDIĂ&#x20AC;H SXUVXDQW WR 3 ' DW WKH H[SHQVH RI WKH petitioner. Likewise, let a copy of the summons be sent by registered mail to the respondent at his last known address, also at the expense of petitioner and to submit to this Court proof of compliance therewith.

WITNESS THE HON. LILY ANN M. PADAEN, Acting Presiding Judge of this Court, this 10th day of April, 2019.

Copy furnished:

(SGD.). ATTY. ANNA PAULA A. BORGOĂ&#x2018;OS %UDQFK &OHUN RI &RXUW

OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL No. 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village 0DNDWL &LW\ 0HWUR 0DQLOD

Patricia Anne D. Flores 3HWLWLRQHU % -XQH 6WUHHW %DKD\ 7RUR 4XH]RQ &LW\

Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Ma. Christina Osoteo 3XEOLF 3URVHFXWRU 'HSDUWPHQW RI -XVWLFH %XLOGLQJ 4XH]RQ &LW\ +DOO &RPSOH[ 'LOLPDQ 4XH]RQ &LW\

Carlos L. Flores 5HVSRQGHQW $XVWLQ 6WUHHW 3URYLGHQW 9LOODJH 0DULNLQD &LW\

Atty. Myline J. Urmenita LUTELLA LAW OFFICES &RXQVHO IRU WKH 3HWLWLRQHU 8QLW 0 % th )ORRU 0H]]DQLQH 9LFWRULD 6WDWLRQ *0$ .DPXQLQJ 'LOLPDQ 4XH]RQ &LW\

MT - May 9 & 16, 2019

TTHURSDAY H U RSDAY MAY 9,, 2019

Public Square

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For contributions, email to publicsquare@manilatimes.net

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SM wins top award in 2019 International VM Awards S

M Supermalls was hailed as the Grand Prix Winner in the International VM Awards by Retail Expo for SM City DasmariĂąasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pinball-machine themed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Interstellar Holidayâ&#x20AC;? Christmas display at the awarding ceremony held in Olympia, London on May 1.

SM City DasmariĂąas also won in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shopping Centers, Town Centers and Airportsâ&#x20AC;? category, besting SM South Luzonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dinos in the Mallâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jungle Safari in the Mallâ&#x20AC;? campaigns.

SM was shortlisted for SM Megamallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;DREAMagination Christmasâ&#x20AC;? and SM Aura Premierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sparkling

Christmas in the Wild,â&#x20AC;? under the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Use of Digitalâ&#x20AC;? category.

SM is the sole Philippine shopping mall brand to receive an International VM Award, and was the only Philippine brand shortlisted in the categories, along with global retail labels, such as Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Ted Baker and John Lewis & Partners.

On its third year, Retail Design Expoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International VM Awards recognize the most outstanding visual merchandising executions and examples of pointof-purchase, window dressing, and displays across all seasons and sectors.

For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com.

Young animators showcase Earth Day film â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Halimaw sa Basuraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FOR International Earth Day 2019, a group of non governmental organizations and different sectors joint forces in celebrating it but this time not to clean up the Pasig River, which what usually was the project, but an educational film showcasing the push for children to reuse, reduce, recycle and recover plastics.

On May 4, the American Association of the Philippines (AAP), Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), Canadian Embassy, iAcademy, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Philippine Coast Guard 126 Auxiliary and The Philippine Coastguard JOINT FORCES FOR THE kLM SHOWING of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Halimaw sa Basura.â&#x20AC;?

Attended by different representatives from the organizations stated, Ma. Isabella Parca, one of the producer and animator explained on why they produced the film about taking care of the environment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our school thesis together with my two co-members, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational and about time to disseminate the information,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are thankful that the Canadian Government through the Canadian Embassy bought THE RIGHTS TO SHOWCASE THE kLM u After the Memorandum of Agreement signing at PUP Sta Mesa, the organizing committee together with AAP, iAcademy, Philippine Coastguard Auxiliary 126, PRRC as well as La Conso-

Q Animators Alexis Tiffany Nicolas, Ma. Isabella Parca and Alexa Tracy Nicolas lacion College Pasig student- Pasig to showcase again the film animators Alexa Tracy Nicolas to the young students.

For more information, and Alexis Tiffany Nicolas, went to Pineda Elementary School in email grace@tagmedia.asia.

Bar topnotchers in Muntinlupa to receive cash incentives from LGU THE local government of Muntinlupa rejoices with bar topnotchers Sean James Borja (Top 1) and Patricia Sevilla (Top 7), both residing in the city, for acing the 2018 Bar Examinations.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi lauded the bar topnotchers, along with other city residents who passed the bar exams, during the local governMENT S lAG RAISING RITES ON -AY Through the Muntinlupa Scholarship Program, Borja is set to receive P100,000 cash incentive while Sevilla will receive P25,000.

Sevilla, an alumna of Muntinlupa Science High School, thanked the local exec for investing in the education of local residents. She

Q Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (5th from left) lauds lawyers Sean James Borja (Top 1, not in the photo) and Patricia Sevilla (Top 7, 2nd from left) on May 6 for acing the recent bar exams. Also recognized in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flag raising rites are lawyers Errol Cabrera (4th from left) and Nemei Santiago (5th from left). vowed to be a lawyer who ensures the quality of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s justice system â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that justice is upheld, voices are heard and rights fullyprotected. Other bar passers from Muntinlupa were Errol Cabrera and

Nemei Santiago.

Muntinlupa City pioneers in incentivizing residents who earn top ranks in Professional Licensure Examinations, including bar examinations.

On May 3, the Supreme Court released the results of the 2018 Bar Examinations. Out of 8,158 takers, a total of 1,800 passed the Bar exams with a passing rate of 22.07 percent.

Teaching children through Read and Apply for Progress project TEACHING the schoolchildren to cope and improve with their readership would alleviate, if not eradicate, the number of â&#x20AC;&#x153;frustration readersâ&#x20AC;? especially in the Grades 1, 2 and 3. The reading program initiative is in line with the Millennium Development Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education, Education for All (EFA) Goal on Improving the Quality of Education And Every Child a Reader Program (Ecarp).

Among the initiatives being done in the schools are conducting the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arrest the Frustration Readers Programâ&#x20AC;? in Grades 1, 2 and 3; implementation of the Philippine-Informal Reading Inventory for Grades 2 to 6 and Early Grade Reading Assessment toolkit for Grade 1; establishment of mini-libraries in the classrooms; establishments of reading clinic and other initiatives.

In Alinguigan 1st Elementary School, the result of the Phil-IRI

pre-test in School Year 2018-2019 showed that there are at least 21 frustration readers in Filipino from Grades 3 to 6, consisting OF EIGHT 'RADE STUDENTS kVE in Grade 4, three in Grade 5 and kVE IN 'RADE 4O ADDRESS THE problem the proponent initiated a project entitled, Project RAP (Read and Apply for Progress).

Upon receiving the approval, the proponent immediately conducted the project with the concerted effort of the reading coordinator, Gina Bayucan, with the supervision of the school head and cooperation of the advisers of each class.

On Nov. 5, 2018, advisers Janet Angellano (Grade 3), Elena Zipagan (Grade 4), Gladys Daguro (Grade 5) and the Grade 6 adviser and the proponent Marilou RaĂąon accompanied their students who are included to the project at the Grade VI room where it will be conducted. The students enjoyed reading words with a, e, I, o, u for

heritage, has abundant natural resources and its people are hardworking, resilient, adventurous and gifted with a natural flair for entertainment and the arts,â&#x20AC;? Marcos said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So many of the big names in the cultural scene, creative arts, tourism and entertainment hail from the Visayas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and it is

DUTY Free Philippines (DFP) is thanking all chocolate lovers with the launch of its major reward program â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Chocolate VIP Membership.

Under the said program, customers who have purchased at least $150 worth of confectionaries and snacks, single or accumulated receipts within a day will be entitled to a Chocolate VIP membership card.

The privileges include 10 percent discount on chocolate pasalubong packs; 20 percent discount on individual chocolate items; 10 percent

discount on snacks and biscuits; and 5 percent discount on chips The rewards are getting better as DFP has prepared a special gift pack for customers who will accumulate $1,000 worth of purchase within one year or members who shop during his/her birthday.

According to DFP Chief OperatING /FkCER 6ICENTE 0ELAGIO !NGALA

the launch of the reward program is part of the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to giving customers great value.

Angala also noted that the membership has no expiration and renewal of the card is no longer required.

EasyRFC basket financing now available for Shopee purchases FOR the past years, online shopping has grown exponentially among Filipinos who now see e-commerce as convenient, more affordable, way of purchasing products.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in the country, has pursued creative ways of attracting online shoppers and those who have not yet jumped on the bandwagon to try out and enjoy their app. With this goal in mind, Shopee has partnered with trusted and time-tested Radiowealth Finance Corporation (RFC) to make shopping easier on the budget with what they call AS gBASKET kNANCINGu g@"ASKET kNANCING IS A PERSON-

ALIZED kNANCIAL AND ON DEMAND lending service meant to assist customers who need to purchase an item online through installment,â&#x20AC;? explained RFC Head of Business Development Victor Belgar.

The EasyRFC Shopping Credits WILL PROVIDE QUALIkED 3HOPEE USERS an option of availing a loan from P7,000 to a maximum of P60, 000. Shopee users can choose among loan term spreads of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Once approved, customers will receive their approved vouchers embedded in their Shopee accounts, which they can easily use upon checkout.

For more information visit https://shopee.ph/.

Calcium Cee Flyer pieces VITAMIN C is one of the most important nutrients needed by our immune system. Apart from boosting our defenses, it also promotes tissue growth and repair. It also aids in the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absorption of Calcium.

Calcium Ascorbate in Calcium-Cee is specifically formulated to maximize the benefits of Vitamin C and calcium. It is not acidic, unlike regular Ascorbic Acid, which makes it safe to take even on an empty stomach.

It also contains no sodium, unlike other supplements that use

Sodium Ascorbate. Sodium is linked to heart and kidney diseases, as well as hypertension.

With Calcium-Cee, you get a high level of protection without the side effects.

Calcium-Cee not only boosts your immune system, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a strong anti-oxidant that destroys free radicals that are known to cause cancer. It also helps in lowering blood cholesterol levels, and keeps you looking young and healthy.

Calcium-Cee is availble in all leading drugstores nationwide.

Scientific studies debunk vaping myths

Q The Read and Apply for Progress project makes a dent in Alinguigan 1st Elementary School, City of Ilagan, Isabela.

THE kRST WEEK AS THEY GO WITH THE video as one. For the succeeding days it was done individually with the reading coordinator.

Combining the result of the Pagbasa at Pang-unawa, six were independent, nine became instructional and three falls within frustration in

reading with comprehension.

The result showed that the Read and Apply for Progress project made a big improvement on the reading and comprehension level of the Alinguigan 1st Elementary 3CHOOL FRUSTRATION READERS SPECIkcally the 18 targeted pupils.

Imee Marcos calls for a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;One Visayasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; development roadmap SENATORIAL candidate and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos aims to spearhead the crafting of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Visayasâ&#x20AC;? development masterplan to transform the island group into an economic and techno hub as well as an arts, culture and tourism center for the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Visayan group of islands has a rich cultural and historical

Duty Free PH launches rewards program for chocolate lovers

about time that this part of the country be enabled not only to have its fair share in the benefits, but be a dynamic mover of development now going on in the country,â&#x20AC;? she added.

For 2019, the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priority infrastructure projects in Visayas under the Build, Build, Build program are the P754 mil-

lion for the New Bohol (Panglao) International Airport; P450 million for the Catbalogan airport in Samar; P50 million for the Tacloban airport in Leyte; P282 million for the New Cebu International Container Port Project; and P75 million for the rehabilitation and improvement of various ports and wharves.

MISLEADING and contradictory information on the effects of ecigarettes may be keeping more adult smokers from switching to less harmful vaping.

In the past couple of years, RIGOROUS SCIENTIkC RESEARCH HAS been published to understand the impact of e-cigarettes given their rapid popularity. Evidence shows that short and long-term use of e-cigarettes poses not only a reduced risk compared to smoking, but suggests that it can be used as an effective means of helping adult smokers quit.

Myth 1: E-cigarettes contain tobacco An e-cigarette is a type of electronic nicotine delivery systems (Ends). It is a battery-operated device that heats a cartridge of fluid that is typically made up of nicotine, propylene, glycol, glycerin, and flavorings. The liquid is converted into a mist, which is inhaled, or commonly known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;vaped.â&#x20AC;? Unlike conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco.

Myth 2: E-cigarettes are more toxic than cigarettes A 2017 study by Cancer Research UK, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading independent charities dedicated to cancer research found that people who stopped smoking and switched to e-cigarettes or nicotine replacements have significantly lower levels of toxic and cancer causing substances in their bodies compared to those who continued to smoke.

Myth 3: E-cigarette vapor is harmful to bystanders Three separate studies by Maciej Goniewicz of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Igor Burstyn of Drexel University, and Public Health England, conclude that e-cigarette aerosols contain very low levels of toxicity and pose no apparent concern to bystanders.

Given these and numerous other credible studies, e-cigarettes provide a credible alternative to cigarettes and build a strong case as an effective strategy in harm reduction and smoking cessation.

Sports

TTHURSDAY MAY 9, 2019 M

C1

www.manilatimes.net

Q Kyle Lowry (No. 7) of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as T.J. McConnell (No. 12) of the Philadelphia 76ers defends in the second half during Game Five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday in Toronto, Canada.

AFP PHOTO

L

OS ANGELES: The Toronto Raptors dismantled the Philadelphia 76ers and the Denver Nuggets dominated Portland Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) to take commanding leads in their NBA playoff series.

The Raptors overpowered the 76ers 125-89 to take a 3-2 lead in THEIR BEST OF SEVEN %ASTERN #ONFERence second-round series.

With 76ers star center Joel Embiid ailing, Toronto took full advantage ON THEIR HOME lOOR AND CAN BOOK A PLACE IN THE %ASTERN #ONFERENCE kNALS WITH A VICTORY IN GAME SIX IN Philadelphia on Thursday.

The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 25 points and 19 rebounds, defeated the Trail Blazers 124-98 for a 3-2 series lead and will also try to wrap up their 7ESTERN #ONFERENCE CLASH ON THE ROAD

Raptors crush Sixers, Nuggets rout Blazers to gain NBA series edge

on Thursday.

Six Nuggets players SCORED IN DOUBLE kGURES AND four scored at least 16 points.

Paul Millsap scored 12 of his 24 IN THE kRST QUARTER AS $ENVER BOLTED to a 31-25 lead.

Jamal Murray scored 11 of his 18 in the second quarter, helping Denver break open the game with a burst of three straight baskets that pushed the Nuggetsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lead to 61-43 and Denver, who never trailed, were away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this series heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been phenomenal,â&#x20AC;? Denver coach Mike Malone

said of Murray. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impacted the game in so many ways: scoring, playmaking and rebounding, and I think heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playing some pretty good defense as well.â&#x20AC;?

Damian Lillard scored 2 2 points f o r the Trail Blazers, who face an ELIMINATION GAME FOR THE kRST TIME in this post-season.

2ODNEY (OOD AND :ACH #OLLINS scored 14 points each off the bench, BUT #* -C#OLLUM WAS THE ONLY other Portland starter in double kGURES WITH POINTS Portland missed 12 straight shots in the third, connecting on JUST SEVEN OF FROM THE lOOR IN the period to head into the fourth quarter trailing 93-65.

They couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the deficit below 20 points in the final frame.

In a hard-fought series between closely matched teams, Malone said, it was a notable achievement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For us to come out here tonight and build a 30-point lead and play the defense that we did for three and a half quarters was remarkable,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Siakam shines In Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big win, forward Pascal Siakam scored 25 points to lead six 2APTORS PLAYERS IN DOUBLE kGURES Star forward Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds and was able to rest the majority of the fourth quarter as the Raptors dominated every phase of the contest.

The outcome was enough to make Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s center Em-

Portlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kanter seeks Ramadan advice from NBA great Olajuwon LOS ANGELES: Portland Trail Blazers center Enes Kanter said Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d sought the advice of NBA great Hakeem Olajuwon on how to maintain his level of play while fasting during Ramadan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I texted Hakeem, because I met him, like, two years ago and I know what he did in, I think it was 1995, when he won the MVP in the playoffs,â&#x20AC;? Kanter told reporters as the Blazers prepared to take on the Denver Nuggets in game kVE OF THEIR 7ESTERN #ONFERENCE second-round series. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I texted him and was like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hey, how did you fast through Ramadan and play at a really high level?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Kanter said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And he gave me some tips. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He gave me what he was eating, when he would wake up â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Like at 4 in the morning â&#x20AC;&#x201D; how much water he was drinking and stuff.â&#x20AC;?

Kanterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is marked by fasting from sunrise to sunset, also precludes him from taking medication for his injured shoulder during the hourse he fasts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I took medicine at, like, 4 in the morning and I will take medicine again right before the game, be-

Q Terrence Jones AFP FILE PHOTO

cause I can break my fast before the GAME u +ANTER SAID g"UT ) LL BE kNE u Turkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kanter said he thought the spiritual lift of observing Ramadan countered any physical detriment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it just gives you so much positive vibes that just go out there to say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You know what, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing this for God, so God (will) help me.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Nigerian-born Olajuwon, who powered the Houston Rockets to a pair of NBA titles, told The Undefeated in 2017 that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;spiritual mindsetâ&#x20AC;? of fasting gave him the stamina required to play. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through Allahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mercy, I always felt stronger and more energetic during Ramadan.â&#x20AC;?

George, Westbrook undergo surgery /KLAHOMA #ITY 4HUNDER STARS 2USsell Westbrook and Paul George have both undergone successful SURGERIES TO kX INJURIES AHEAD OF next season, the club announced on Wednesday.

Westbrook went under the knife to repair a ligament in his left hand and had also undergone an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee, the club said.

The 2016-2017 NBA MVP is

Westbrook and George were key figures once again for the Thunder this season before the team exited in the opening round of the playoffs.

Westbrook averaged a tripledouble for the third consecutive year (22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, ASSISTS THE kRST PLAYER IN ."! history to accomplish the feat.

George meanwhile averaged career highs in points (28), rebounds (8.2), assists (4.1) and AFP steals (2.21).

TNT pins hope on import Jones TNT KaTropa head coach Bong Ravena said they would be highly reliant on the prowess of their import former Houston Rocket Terrence Jones in Season 44 Philippine BasKETBALL !SSOCIATION #OMMISSIONER S #UP STARTING -AY The 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;9 Jones, also a former Kentucky Wildcat, is known for his post up plays and impeccable shooting.

Jones is a welcome reinforcement as TNT bids to go deeper into the playoff round after a QUARTERkNAL kNISH IN THE 0HILIPPINE #UP â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are expecting him (Jones) as soon as possible to adjust

with the team and we are so conkDENT THAT HE CAN HELP THE TEAM He can help us offensively and he has shooting too. As a left handed, he has the advantage as a player,â&#x20AC;? Ravena told The Manila Times on Wednesday.

Jones, 27, arrived on Sunday and started practicing with TNT on Monday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has a good personality and makes his teammates better,â&#x20AC;? said Ravena. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are not thinking of championship. We have to win more games as much as possible.â&#x20AC;?

Jones posted an average of 12.1 points and 11.7 points with the Houston Rockets dur-

the spiratory that apto hinder Embiid scored 13 points with six rebounds and also coughed up a game-high eight turnovers.

With their star struggling, none of HIS TEAMMATES COULD kLL THE VOID Toronto led 64-43 by halftime â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thanks to a 37-17 second quarter.

The 76ers showed signs of life when they opened the second half on a 10-2 scoring run, but the challenge proved short-lived.

Leonard, who punctuated the second quarter with a massive dunk, delivered another big jam to close out the third and send the Raptors into

G

Q Deshaun Watson and Hakeem Olajuwon react in the fourth quarter during Game Four of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. AFP PHOTO EXPECTED TO BE kT TO RETURN TO BASketball activities in three weeks, the club said.

George meanwhile had elective surgery on his right shoulder to address a tendon tear. He also faces further surgery on his left shoulder to repair a torn labrum, the team said.

No timetable was given for Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely return, with the club saying only that an update would be given ahead of the 20192020 season.

biid feel e v e n worse t h a n upper reinfection peared him.

ing the 2013 and 2014 seasons, respectively. He also played with the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2016 season averaging 11.5 points.

But Ravena stressed that it is not a one-man show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always pressure so we expect him to deliver. But our system involves everyone.

We are hoping to reach far this conference,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Jones will lead the KaTROPA WITH *AYSON #ASTRO

Brian Heruela, Ryan Reyes, Kelly Williams, Don Trollano and Troy Rosario in the upcoming conference.

JOSEF T. RAMOS

THE kNAL FRAME UP Toronto would stretch the lead to 40 points â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 123-83 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on Norman Powellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dunk with 2:24 to play. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was certainly not expecting that kind of game tonight,â&#x20AC;? said Raptors coach Nick Nurse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re certainly happy with the result. We did a lot of good things.â&#x20AC;?

Kyle Lowry scored 19 points, Danny Green had 17 and Spanish big man Marc Gasol contributed 11 for the Raptors, who can clinch the series on Thursday in Philadelphia.

Serge Ibaka scored 10 points for Toronto, despite needing stitches after taking an inadvertent elbow to the foreHEAD FROM ,EONARD IN THE kRST QUARTER Jimmy Butler scored 22 points and handed out seven assists for the 76ers.

Sixers guard Ben Simmons conNECTED ON THREE OF kVE SHOTS FROM THE kELD TO kNISH WITH SEVEN POINTS AND kVE TURNOVERS AFP

Exit cab for Kyrie

AME Four is a turning point for Best of Seven series. Being down 3-1 is worlds apart from tying the series at 2-2.

9OU CAN ASK #HRIS 7EBBER g"IG Shot Robâ&#x20AC;? Horry shot that historic buzzer-beater in the 2002 Western #ONFERENCE &INALS RIGHT IN HIS FACE It tied the series at 2-2, and the rest is (controversial) history. If Horry didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make that shot, the Kings would be up 3-1 with homecourt advantage. Webber would have avoided the â&#x20AC;&#x153;No Ringsâ&#x20AC;? club.

We should ask Webber on what was the worse nightmare â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the image of Horry shooting that three, or HIM CALLING A TIME OUT IN THE .#!!

TITLE GAME AGAINST .ORTH #AROLINA

which also robbed him and the Fab Five a college title.

7HEN THE "OSTON #ELTICS CONVINCingly beat the Milwaukee Bucks at home in Game 1, Paul Pierce made the overreaction of the year when he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s over.â&#x20AC;?

In the same video, Pierce also said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where the Milwaukee Bucks go from here.â&#x20AC;? !PPARENTLY TO THE %ASTERN #ONFERence Finals.

Now that the Bucks are up, 3-1, THE #ELTICS ARE BEING INDICTED "LAME gets around: Kyrie Irving for going 7-22 after going 8-22 the previous game, Gordon â&#x20AC;&#x153;$31 million Invisible Manâ&#x20AC;? Hayward, Brad â&#x20AC;&#x153;Genius #OACHu 3TEVENS !L g'REEK &REAK stopperâ&#x20AC;? Horford, and even Jayson â&#x20AC;&#x153;future of the NBAâ&#x20AC;? Tatum.

For all we know, we could also be overreacting, as there is still one more game to be won. Kyrie Irving was part of a team that overcame a DEkCIT (E HAD A STERN STUBBORN leader named LeBron James with him. Now, as the leader, he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look inspired, nor interested. And most of his teammates share the same sentiment.

A bitter farewell )RVING LEFT THE #ELTICS HOMECOURT while getting booed. Boston has always had a high standard for their sports teams. We must remember THAT +YRIE WAS TRADED TO THE #ELTics, and we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how much INlUENCE HE HAD IN THAT CHOICE IF he had any at all.

This was a team that made it to THE #ONFERENCE &INALS AGAINST ,E"ron James, all the way to Game 7.

BASKETBALL SLEUTH MICHAEL ANGELO B. ASIS They did it without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. Thus, it was skyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the limit for them when they return.

Apparently, basketball is not as simple as addition and subtraction, and their genius coach could NOT kGURE IT OUT #OLLEGE IS SIMPLY not the same as the NBA, and that IS PROBABLY WHY kGURES LIKE *OHN #ALIPARI OF +ENTUCKY AND #OACH + OF Duke have shied away from titanic offers to step up to the pros.

Stevens is still brilliant, and by no MEANS SHOULD THE #ELTICS REPLACE HIM But handling superstars is something that collegiate X-and-O experts cannot develop overnight. It is also why we could not fault the Lakers if they settle on Tyronn Lue. Does LeBron need an Xs and Os coach at this point?

Kyrie was in a hurry to leave the arena he called â&#x20AC;&#x153;home.â&#x20AC;? Or was it ever â&#x20AC;&#x153;homeâ&#x20AC;? for him? He already has an exit cab waiting. The destination is worth another column to discuss.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next for the Celtics?

Players like Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier had their full potential under Stevens, went one game away from the NBA Finals. Perhaps that is something Danny Ainge should consider this offseason.

Al Horford has a player option and some desperate team might make ofFERS BUT THE ,AKERS #LIPPERS OR +NICKS are likely to pursue players like Irving before considering Horford. Boston may even be better off without Kyrie and award Rozier the starting point guard spot, which he deserves.

4HE #ELTICS SHOULD PROBABLY not be baited into the superstar arms race after this glaring lesson.

They have a chance to contend on a blueprint thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s different, and not derived from the Super Team manual. They have the assets to trade and build a team in any direction they wish.

Brad Stevens is still their best ASSET SPECIkCALLY HOW HE DRAWS OUT the full potential of young players.

The roster should revolve around that reality.

C2

Sports

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

Lady Eagles trip Lady Tams to secure return ticket to finals A

BY JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

TENEO De Manila University returned TO THE kNALS AFTER HURDLING &AR %ASTERN 5NIVERSITY &%5

IN THE DO OR DIE SEMIkNAL GAME ON 7EDNESDAY IN 3EASON 5NIVERSITY !THLETIC !SSOCIATION OF THE 0HILIPPINES 5!!0 WOMEN S VOLLEYBALL AT THE &IL/IL &LYING 6 Centre in San Juan City.

4HE ,ADY %AGLES OVERCAME A SLUGGISH SECOND SET EN ROUTE TO A STRONG kNISH THAT BOOKED THEM A return to the championship round after a one year absence. )T WAS !TENEO S SEVENTH kNALS APPEARANCE IN THE LAST EIGHT SEAsons and the first under head COACH /LIVER !LMADRO â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just an instrument. The will and the heart of the players â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THOSE ARE THE IMPORTANT THINGS !LL of them worked hard and pushed EACH OTHER UP u SAID !LMADRO

a multi-titled mentor from the !TENEO MEN S VOLLEY TEAM

Ateneo will head to the bestOF THREE TITLE SHOWDOWN AGAINST 5NIVERSITY OF 3TO 4OMAS WHICH dethroned three-time champion $E ,A 3ALLE 5NIVERSITY â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their mission is not yet OVER 7E WILL WORK HARDER u added Almadro.

Veteran hitter Kat Tolentino DELIVERED BIG FOR THE ,ADY %AGLES IN THE KNOCKOUT TIFF kNISHING WITH A GAME HIGH POINTS ANCHORED ON ATTACKS g4RUSTING 'OD AND THE TEAM IS WHAT BROUGHT US THIS FAR 7E HAVEN T CHANGED OUR SYSTEM u SAID THE FOOT

SPIKER 4OLENTINO -ADDIE -ADAYAG CHIPPED IN POINTS WHILE 0ONGGAY 'ASTON ADDED ANOTHER MARKERS ON SPIKES AND TWO blocks for Ateneo. It was a sort OF REVENGE FOR THE ,ADY %AGLES THAT WERE BOOTED OUT BY &%5 last season. !FTER RETAKING THE SET ADVANTAGE

!TENEO JUMPED OFF TO A START behind Tolentino and Gastonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sharp spikes in the fourth frame.

4HE ,ADY %AGLES CONTINUED TO PULL AWAY UNTIL 4OLENTINO S kNALS SPOT CLINCHING SMASH OFF *ERRILI -ALABANAN S ARM -ALABANAN ENDED HER 5!!0 CAREER WITH POINTS HIGHLIGHTED

BY KILLS WHILE FELLOW GRADUATING SPIKER (EATHER 'UINO O HAD MARKERS *EANETTE 6ILLAREAL HAD FOR THE ,ADY 4AMARAWS

who also bid farewell to setter +YLE .EGRITO &%5 FORCED A SUDDEN DEATH WITH A GUTSY

VICTORY IN the Final Four opener on Saturday.

Q Ateneoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bea Deleon (No. 14) and Deanna Wong (No. 3) attempt to block FEUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jerilli Malabanan (No. 15).

PHOTO BY ROGER RAĂ&#x2018;ADA

Metropac-San Beda Philippine Blu Girls return home today takes on Marinero -%42/0!# 3AN "EDA AND -ARINERONG 0ILIPINO COLLIDE IN AN ALL important Foundation Group clash TODAY IN THE 0"! $ ,EAGUE AT 9NARES 3PORTS !RENA IN 0ASIG !T THE -OVERS ARE LOOKING for a quick rebound after their TOUGH DOUBLE OVERTIME loss to Valencia City Bukidnon33#2 ON 4UESDAY AND PUT THEMSELVES IN THE RUNNING FOR THE GROUP S TOP TWO SEEDS 6ETERANS #LINT $OLIGUEZ $ONALD 4ANKOUA AND #ALVIN /FTANA SUPPORTED SOPHOMORE GUARD *AMES #ANLAS IN THE QUEST SOMETHING THEY MUST SUSTAIN IF THEY WANT -ETROPAC San Beda to end its eliminations SCHEDULE ON A HIGH NOTE 'AME TIME IS AT P M -EANWHILE THERE S NO TOMORROW FOR -ARINERONG 0ILIPINO AS A LOSS

wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only eliminate them out OF THE PLAYOFF RACE BUT ALSO GIFT &%5 THE LAST PLAYOFF TICKET IN THE GROUP Pressure is on the Skippers, ESPECIALLY AFTER THEIR TOUGH DEFEAT TO $ILIMAN #OLLEGE 'ERRY S Grill last week. .EWCOMERS -IKE !YONAYON AND Jhonard Clarito are expected to DELIVER WITH 3ANTI 3ANTILLAN AND +IB -ONTALBO IN KEEPING -ARINERONG 0ILIPINO S HOPES -ARINERO IS IN DANGER OF MISSING THE PLAYOFFS FOR THE kRST TIME SINCE JOINING THE LEAGUE IN -EANWHILE 0ETRON ,ETRAN IS HOPING FOR A REMOTE CHANCE for a playoff spot when it takes ON "ATANGAS %!# AT P M

WHILE #HE ,U "AR AND 'RILL aims to close in on a playoff berth WHEN IT MEETS !-! /NLINE %DUCATION AT P M

THE Philippine Blu Girls are scheduled to return home today from Jakarta where they wound up fourth in the just-ended Asia Cup womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s softball championship, BUT SATISkED IN EARNING A SEAT IN THE 4OKYO /LYMPICS QUALIFYING TOURnament set four months from now.

4HE &ILIPINAS lY IN AT DAWN VIA A 0HILIPPINE !IRLINES lIGHT FROM THE Indonesian capital where the oneWEEK CONCLAVE WAS HELD -AY at the Senayan Softball Stadium. !MONG TODAY S ARRIVAL IS POWER HITTING !NGELIE 5RSABIA WHO IS BRINGING WITH HER TWO INDIVIDUAL AWARDS Â&#x2021; "EST (ITTER "ATTING #HAMPION AND "EST 3LUGGER The Blu Girls bowed to Chinese4AIPEI

ON 4UESDAY IN THE battle for the bronze medal but NOT UNTIL AFTER SECURING THEIR PLACE IN THE /LYMPIC QUALIFYING TILT THIS COMING 3EPTEMBER IN 3HANGHAI #HINA

*APAN THE REIGNING !SIAN TITLIST

BESTED #HINA

TO CROWN ITSELF the Asia Cup champion, too, BUT AS HOST OF THE 3UMMER Games, automatically made it to THE 'AMES IT IS HOSTING IN 4OKYO three years from now.

4HAT LEFT !SIA #UP NO TEAM China, third placer Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, South +OREA )NDONESIA AND (ONG +ONG WHICH FINISHED IN THAT ORDER TO SLUG IT OUT IN 3HANGHAI FOR THE RIGHT TO JOIN THE *APANESE AS THE !SIAN REPRESENTATIVES TO THE Games of the XXXII Olympiad. g/UR 'IRLS MIGHT HAVE FAILED IN kNISHING WITH A MEDAL BUT STILL WE are honored in their accomplishMENT OF ADVANCING TO THE /LYMPIC QUALIFYING PROPER WHICH ACTUALLY was one of our primary purposes IN SENDING THEM TO *AKARTA u )SMAEL 6ELOSO OPERATIONS MANAGER OF THE Amateur Softball Association of

the Philippines (ASAPHIL) said of THE GIRLS PERFORMANCE g/UR GIRLS PERFORMANCE GAVE US THE RARE CHANCE OF PLAYING IN the Olympics for the first time since softball was introduced in THE 'AMES CALENDAR YEARS AGO

u 6ELOSO SAID g/F COURSE

MAKING IT TO THE /LYMPICS STILL NEEDS A LOT OF DOING ON OUR PART u â&#x20AC;&#x153; 9UNG KAMBAL NA award na napanalunan ni !NGELIE 5RSABIA MEANS A LOT IN PREPARING THE TEAM 3ANA MAG SILBING INSPIRASYON @YUN SA KANYANG teammates na hindi naMAN TAYO NAHUHULI SA MGA worldRATED TEAMS AS FAR AS KNOWLEDGE OF the sport is concerned, â&#x20AC;&#x153; he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Actually, had there been an AWARD FOR gHOMER RUN QUEENu kanYA SANA RIN @YUN u 6ELOSO SAID IN REFERENCE TO THE kVE BASE CLEARING FEATS THE 5!!0 CHAMPION !DAMSON 5NIVERSITY HITTER HAD THE MOST

BY ANY PLAYER IN THE TEAM kELD

Veloso added the internationAL EXPOSURE GAINED BY THE "LU 'IRLS AUGURS WELL IN THEIR BUILD UP FOR THE 3OUTHEAST !SIAN 'AMES THE COUNTRY IS HOSTING later this year where they are SEEKING FOR A PEAT On the way to their fourth place windup, the Blu Girls beat to pulps two of three Sea Games countries IN THE CAST m 3INGAPORE

AND )NDONESIA

IN THE kVE TEAM elimination round. They also SHOWED THEIR VAST SUPERIORITY OVER (ONG +ONG BEFORE LOSING TO THE 4AIWANESE

ENDING THEIR ELIMINATION ROUND CAMPAIGN 4HE "LU 'IRLS REGAINED THEIR WINNING WAYS IN THE kRST ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS AGAINST THE +OREANS

BUT LOST TO *APAN

IN THE SECOND ROUND THAT RELEGATED THEM INTO THE GRUDGE kGHT FOR THIRD VERsus the Taiwanese.

EDDIE G. ALINEA

PPS Oroquieta netfest draws huge field -/2% THAN ENTRIES LED BY FANCIED 3YDNEY %NRIQUEZ AND %RIC 4ANGUB SLUG IT OUT IN NINE AGE GROUP DIVISIONS EACH AIMING FOR TOP HONORS AND RANKING points in the PPS-PEPP Oroquieta NATIONAL AGE GROUP TENNIS TOURNAMENT WHICH GOT GOING ON 7EDNESDSAY IN -ISAMIS /CCIDENTAL "UT THOUGH THEY HAVE REIGNED IN THE AND AND UNDER CLASS IN PAST Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala tournaments, Enriquez and 4ANGUB BRACE FOR A TOUGHER OUTING THIS time with Jalia Elumba, Guia Bandolis, *UDY !NN 0ADILLA AND !NGEL 2EPAJA ALL COMING INTO THE 'ROUP EVENT IN TOP FORM AND READY TO STOP THE 3ALUG

:AMBOANGA DEL .ORTE ACE IN THE GIRLS PREMIER TWO CATEGORIES 3O DO THE LIKES OF !SHTON 6ILLANUEVA

.ASH !GUSTINES $IVO 0EPITO AND .ILO Ledama, who are also out to put one OVER 4ANGUB FROM 4UCURAN :AMBO DEL 3UR IN THE BOYS AND 5 PLAY OF THE EVENT PRESENTED BY $UNLOP AND HOSTED BY 'OV (ERMINIA 2AMIRO &OUR DIVISIONS DREW PLAYER DRAWS EACH UNDERSCORING THE POPULARITY OF THE SPORT IN THIS SIDE OF THE -INDANAO SWING OF THE COUNTRY S BIGGEST LONG RUNNING TALENT SEARCH SANCTIONED BY THE 5NIkED Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, #EBUANA ,HUILLIER 7ILSON 4OBY S $UNLOP 3LAZENGER AND " -EG g7E THANK THE HOST CITY FOR HELPING US PUT UP THIS HUGE kELD WHERE WE EXPECT NEW FACES TO EMERGE u SAID 0ALAwan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This should also inspire future HOSTS TO ENCOURAGE THE YOUTH TO TAKE

PART IN OUR CONTINUING EFFORT TO HELP DISCOVER FUTURE STARS u $IPOLOG S 0ETE "ANDALA MEANWHILE

TRIES TO RE ASSERT HIS MASTERY OVER THE UNISEX kELD WHICH INCLUDES #IELO 'ONZALES 2OI $ENOPOL AND DOUBLES PARTNER 2OSE -ESIONA WITH !NGEL $ENOPOL 'WEN "ANDOLIS .EACH $OMIGUEZ AND 'ONZALES LEADING THE CAST IN THE GIRLS 5 PLAY Keen competition is also seen in the GIRLS 5 DIVISION WITH %LUMBA 0ADILLA

$ENOPOL AND 'WEN "ANDOLIS TIPPED TO CONTEND FOR THE CROWN AND !GUSTINES

4HEO -ONTANO !NDREI 4AN AND -IKAEL *AMAL kGHTING IT OUT FOR THE BOYS DIADEM -EANWHLIE LISTUP FOR THE 003 0%00 #AINTA /PEN FEATURING THE COUNTRY S TOP PLAYERS IS ONGOING WITH THE EVENT SLATED -AY &OR DETAILS CALL

Shakes-Drayton favors new mixed relay KAWASAKI, Japan: The new mixed 4x400m relay is just what athletics needs to inject more fun and excitement into competition, according to British star Perri Shakes-Drayton, although it has also thrown up some unforeseen difficulties.

The new race, with teams of two men and two women, is poised to make its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 as part of a drive by organizers to make the sport more inclusive.

And Shakes-Drayton, who won silver for Britain in the 4x400m World Championships on home soil in London in 2017, said the idea initially took some getting used to. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I saw it was listed on the programme, I thought â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mixed? A mixed relay?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; It took me by surprise,â&#x20AC;? the 30-year-old told Agence FrancePresse in an interview on Wednesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But it will be interesting and fun. I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what the sport needs. Something different and exciting,â&#x20AC;? she enthused, as the British

team trained for this weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Relays in Yokohama near Tokyo.

She said one of the challenges had come in passing the baton between tall male athletes and their shorter female counterparts and hinted that a man would be more likely to run the anchor leg for this reason.

When the first trials took place at the Asian Games in Jakarta, teams which ran in the order man-woman-woman-man appeared to do the best.

However, Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yang Lei described the event at the time as â&#x20AC;&#x153;chaosâ&#x20AC;? after a gridlock emerged at the final baton handover.

British 400m runner Rabah Yousif, a double Bronze-medal winner at World Championships in 2015 and 2017, told Agence France-Presse the onus would still be down to the individual to run a strong leg. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to perform on your leg because you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be doing all four legs. When you

do your best as an individual, it will help the team... Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a 400m. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just with other guys running or two girls and two guys,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like the idea of a mixed relay because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more fun and more excitement. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the race is finished until the last leg and even on the last leg you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to happen,â&#x20AC;? as men could be chasing down women on the anchor leg.

Britain has a strong track record in the relay â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4x100m team winning gold at the World Championships in 2017 as Jamaican legend Usain Bolt pulled up with an injury.

And Shakes-Drayton said the whole squad was looking strong as they ramp up preparations for the World Championships in Doha in September and then the Olympics in 2020.

The World Relays in Yokohama will see 790 athletes from 47 teams competing, including current world 100m sprint champion Justin Gatlin from the United States.

AFP

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Top pairs begin chase for Natâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l pro-am plum ONE hundred seven teams tee off in shotgun start in two batches today, each seeking to come out strong for the momentum needed in such kind of a duel in the Delimondo National Pro-Am at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas.

Tonton Asistio and Judson Eustaquio are among those kicking off their drive at 6:30 a.m. on No. 9 with the long-time buddies out to reclaim the crown they won in the inaugural staging of the event at Mt. Malarayat in 2017 but lost to absentees Jobim Carlos and DJ Padilla at Splendido last year.

Reigning PH Open champion Clyde Mondilla and teammate Hechanova are also skipping this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event due to the formerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bum knee but the rest of the top players on the Philippine Golf Tour are in the fold plus a mix of foreign aces and lady pros out to steal the spotlight from the fancied bets.

A stellar roster of amateurs is also eager to prove their worth in the 54-hole championship held under the alternate shot format with the pro winner to take home P500,000 out of the P2.7 million total pot staked in the event sponsored by Delimondo. The winning amateur will receive gifts and merchandises. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good that we have this kind of competition which also showcases the prosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skills in team play and at the same time help prepare the amateurs gearing up for the pro ranks,â&#x20AC;? said multi-titled Tony LascuĂąa.

The former threetime PGT Order of Merit winner is actually in a slump but is confident o f contending this week in partnership with Moulay Rhounimi and hopefully snap the spell in the event put up by ICTSI and organized

by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. LascuĂąa and Rhounimi will start

on No. 1 with a curious mix of teams following suit, including Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marcos Pastor, who actually topped the PGT Q-School at Splendio last February, who will be with top lady amateur Nicole Abelar, PGA Asia leg winner James Ryan Lam with Marianne Bustos, veteran Jay Bayron with Mon Salazar, and multi PGT Asia winner Jhonnel Ababa with Vince Floro; Elmer Salvador with Oliver Gan, PGT titlist Dutch Guido Van der Valk with Kim Wan Soo, rookie pro Rupert Zaragosa with Jonas Magcalayo, Marvin Dumandan with Dan Cruz, and Rey Pagunsan with top amateur Aidric Chan.

Ladies PGT campaigners Chihiro Ikeda, Daniella Uy, Marvi Monsalve and Gretchen Villacencio also aim to steal the spotlight with partners Josh Jorge, Lanz Uy, Laia Barro and Roger Dale, respectively, while lady top amateurs Bernice Olivarez-Ilas, Sunshine Zhang and Annyka Cayabyab try to help anchor their bids of their pro teammates in Venezuelan Rafael Parra, Dino Villanueva, Nico Evangelista, respectively.

Meanwhile, the other batch launches their bid at 12:30 p.m., including Phl Masters champion Jerson Balasabas with Marlowe Cortez, Omar Dungca with Carl Corpus, Zanieboy Gialon with Ian Dagatan, Joenard Rates with Ian Maceda, and Michael Bibat with Louie Aguinaldo.

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

Sports

C3

Koepka warms up for PGA Championship defense at Byron Nelson

L

OS ANGELES: One week out from his PGA Championship title defense at Bethpage Black, Brooks Koepka is tuning up his game at the US PGA Tourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Byron Nelson in Dallas, Texas. +OEPKA IS MAKING HIS FIFTH career start in the tournament, BUT HIS kRST SINCE IT MOVED TO THE course located in the southern OUTSKIRTS OF $ALLAS LAST YEAR (E SAID HE LL BE GIVING THE COURSE HIS FULL ATTENTION DESPITE the fact that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a major title DEFENSE COMING UP g) M HERE TO PLAY THIS GOLF COURSE u +OEPKA SAID g9OU RE NOT TRYING TO BLOW THIS WEEK OFF JUST to make sure you got a shot you might hit two, three times for NEXT WEEK 4HAT DOESN T MAKE ANY SENSE TO ME u "UT +OEPKA ADMITS THAT "ETHPAGE "LACK WON T BE FAR FROM HIS MIND (E LL BE DEFENDING A MAJOR TITLE FOR THE SECOND TIME (IS kRST MAJOR DEFENSE TURNED OUT WELL Â&#x2021; WITH A SECOND STRAIGHT 53 /PEN TITLE AT 3HINNECOCK (ILLS LAST YEAR g) LIKE BUILDING A LITTLE BIT OF

RHYTHM kNDING YOUR GAME kGuring out how to score, to manAGE YOUR GAME u +OEPKA SAID OF PLAYING THE WEEK BEFORE A MAJOR Â&#x2021; WHEN MANY TOP PLAYERS OPT TO REST AND PRACTICE â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve looked at stats and usually my second week out is my BEST WEEK u )T S BEEN ONLY NINE MONTHS SINCE +OEPKA HOISTED THE 0'! S 7ANAMAKER 4ROPHY AFTER HOLDING off Tiger Woods and Australian !DAM 3COTT TO WIN AT "ELLERIVE IN 3T ,OUIS T h i s ye a r t h e e ve n t h a s moved from August to May, making it the second major of the year after the Masters Â&#x2021; WHERE +OEPKA FINISHED SECOND Â&#x2021; JUST A STROKE BEHIND RESURGENT 4IGER 7OODS 3HORTLY BEFORE THE -ASTERS HE WENT BACK TO FORMER PUTTING

Q Brooks Koepka of USA ponders a shot during practice prior to the start of the AT&T Byron Nelson on Wednesday in Irving, Texas. AFP PHOTO COACH *EFF 0IERCE AND HE THINKS THE SAID g!UGUSTA WAS THE kRST WEEK MOVE IS PAYING OFF WE STARTED WORKING TOGETHER )T g&EEL PRETTY CONkDENT u +OEPKA FEELS GOOD ) M HAPPY u f AFP

Troubled Chris Kirk breaks from PGA Tour

Q Chihiro Ikeda CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

LOS ANGELES: Golfer Chris Kirk said Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) HE IS TAKING AN INDEkNITE BREAK from the PGA Tour, saying he was seeking treatment for alcohol ABUSE AND DEPRESSION The 33-year-old, who has six PROFESSIONAL WINS BUT WHO PLAYED

in only one major in 2018, said he was taking a leave after suffering MULTIPLE RELAPSES â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have dealt with alcohol ABUSE AND DEPRESSION FOR SOME time now,â&#x20AC;? Kirk said in a stateMENT g) THOUGHT ) COULD CONTROL IT BUT AFTER MULTIPLE RELAPSES )

have come to realize that I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kX THIS ON MY OWN g) WILL BE TAKING AN INDEFINITE leave from the PGA Tour to DEAL WITH THESE ISSUES ) DON T KNOW WHEN ) WILL BE BACK BUT for now I need my full focus ON BEING THE MAN MY FAM-

ILY DESERVES 4HANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT u Kirkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last victory came in 2015, when he won the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial

BY ONE STROKE AHEAD OF *ORDAN 3PIETH "RANDT 3NEDEKER AND *ASON "OHN

AFP

Federer wins on long-awaited clay return MADRID: 2OGER &EDERER SHOOK OFF A BRIEF BOUT OF PRE MATCH JITTERS AS he returned to clay after a threeYEAR ABSENCE POSTING A

WIN OVER 2ICHARD 'ASQUET ON Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) AT THE -ADRID /PEN The 20-time Grand Slam chamPION NEEDED JUST MINUTES TO BRUSH 'ASQUET ASIDE IN THE SECOND ROUND BUT CONFESSED HE HAD TO control his emotions during afternoon match strategy sessions WITH HIS TEAM g) WAS VERY CALM ALL DAY BUT TWO HOURS BEFORE ) WAS FEELING IT A BIT "UT THAT WAS THE ONLY TIME u &EDERER SAID g4HE NERVES WENT AWAY QUICKLY

) M JUST HAPPY ) STARTED WELL g) M GLAD TO BE BACK u SAID THE THREE TIME -ADRID CHAMPION WHO LAST PLAYED ON CLAY ALMOST three years ago, losing to Dominic 4HIEM IN THE 2OME THIRD ROUND ON -AY

&EDERER SKIPPED THE DIRT FOR two full seasons to concentrate on his grass court form, winning 7IMBLEDON IN He claimed the Madrid title in

AND g) VE BEEN MISSING THE CLAY THIS IS A GREAT RETURN IT S A SPECIAL NIGHT FOR ME u HE SAID & E D E R E R S W E P T U P T H E OPENING SET IN MINUTES AND BROKE &RENCHMAN 'ASQUET Â&#x2021; who had defeated him twice O N C L AY Â&#x2021; F O R I N T H E SECOND BEFORE SERVING IT OUT A GAME LATER &EDERER HAS WON OF MEETINGS WITH 'ASQUET JUST B A C K F R O M S I X M O N T H S O U T WITH INJURY g ) V E T R A I N E D W E L L B U T THAT S NOT LIKE A MATCH 4HE POINTS HERE ARE QUICKER AND FIRST MATCHES ANYWHERE CAN BE TRICKY u SAID &EDERER g"UT ) FELT REALLY NATURAL ON THE CLAY TONIGHT u

Djokovic cruises .OVAK $JOKOVIC NEEDED JUST minutes to make a winning start, WHILE .AOMI /SAKA CHANNELLED HER INNER gZOMBIE MODEu TO EARN A PLACE IN THE THIRD ROUND 4OP SEED AND WORLD NUMBER one Djokovic hammered AmeriCAN 4AYLOR &RITZ TO ADVANCE TO THE LAST FOLLOWING A PREMATURE EXIT HERE A YEAR AGO â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought my serve was very EFFICIENT TODAY THAT S A BIG ADVANTAGE u $JOKOVIC SAID â&#x20AC;&#x153;The match was close at the BEGINNING IN THE SECOND SET ) READ HIS SERVE BETTER AND JUST MANAGED TO PUT AN EXTRA BALL IN TO THE COURT â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a solid OPENING MATCH FOR ME u Djokovic won the Ma-

DRID TITLE IN AND (E WILL BE CHASING A FOURTH STRAIGHT 'RAND 3LAM TROPHY AT 2OLAND 'ARROS NEXT MONTH Marin Cilic rallied to overcome 'ERMANY S *AN ,ENNARD 3TRUFF

WHILE kNALIST $OMINIC 4HIEM ADVANCED WHEN 2EILLY /PELKA QUIT AT

AGAINST THE !USTRIAN kFTH SEED $AVID &ERRER

who will retire after t h i s e ve n t , DEFEATED 3PANISH COMPATRIOT 2OBERTO "AUTISTA !GUT

&ERRER

WILL PLAY German third seed and DEFENDING CHAMPION !LEXANDER :VEREV NEXT

Q Switzerlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roger Federer returns the ball to Franceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richard Gasquet during their ATP Madrid Open round of 64 tennis match at the Caja Magica in Madrid on Wednesday. AFP PHOTO

Stan Wawrinka started his MaDRID CAMPAIGN WITH A

WIN OVER 0IERRE (UGUES (ERBERT TO MOVE INTO THE SECOND ROUND 4HE 3WISS WILL NEXT PLAY !RGENTINE 'UIDO 0ELLA WHO PUT OUT "ARCELONA kNALIST $ANIIL -EDVED E V

4ENTH SEED &AB I O & O G N I N I BEAT +YLE %DMUND TO SADDLE THE "RITON WITH A FOURTH STRAIGHT LOSS ON CLAY

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Zombie modeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; )N THE WOMEN S DRAW TOP SEED /SAKA DEFEATED 3PAIN S 3ARA 3ORRIBES 4ORMO

*APAN S /SAKA WINNER OF THE last two Grand Slams, said she had TO CONQUER HER INNER DEMONS TO kNISH OFF A DIFkCULT MATCH â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the third set, I just, like, WENT ZOMBIE MODE u SHE SAID â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just thought of everything THAT ) HAD TO DO TO WIN Â&#x2021; NOT NECESSARILY THE OUTCOME BUT JUST LIKE THE LITTLE THINGS IN BETWEEN EVERY GAME g4HE MATCH WAS BASICALLY ON MY RACQUET SHE WASN T GOING FOR WINNERS g4HE POINTS ENDED BY ME MAKING A WINNER OR AN UNFORCED ERROR "UT ) WAS A BIT UNFOCUSED IN THE SECOND SET u Third seed and two-time chamPION 3IMONA (ALEP OF 2OMANIA ENDED THE HOPES OF *OHANNA +ONTA IN THE SECOND ROUND â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel good every time when I COME TO -ADRID AND ) M HAPPY TO BE BACK AND WINNING MATCHES u (ALEP SAID g)T WAS A GOOD MATCH "OTH OF US PLAYED VERY WELL AND IN THE END

) WAS A BIT STRONGER MENTALLY AND ) FOUND A RHYTHM u &OURTH SEED !NGELIQUE +ERBER WITHDREW AFTER ROLLING HER right ankle during training, sending Petra Martic into the THIRD ROUND AFP

Q Gracing Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s launch of the first Penongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5150 Triathlon in Ayala Triangle in Makati are (from left) Penongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketing officer Troy Requizo, race director Neville Manaois, liaison officer JJ Sarona, Penongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founder Theresa Regis, Princess Galura, general manager of the organizing Sunrise Events, Inc., Penongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEO Vanessa Uy Santos, accounting manager Elizabeth Garcia and vice president of operations Henry Mahilom.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Penongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5150 Triathlon Davao fires off July 7 THE Penongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5150 Triathlon $AVAO WILL ROLL OFF ON *ULY AT THE Waterfront Hotel in the King City OF THE 3OUTH 0ENONG S DEBUT TRIATHLON EVENT

WHICH BANNERS A SERIES OF 3UNRISE Events races this year, will feature A KILOMETER SWIM KM BIKE and 10km run race divided into INDIVIDUAL AND RELAY CATEGORIES The 5150 is the World Triathlon #ORPORATION S /LYMPIC DISTANCE version, shorter than Sunriseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lAGSHIP )RONMAN AND )RONMAN (ALF )RONMAN With a novice-friendly shorter SWIM BIKE RUN RACE 0ENONG S CO owners Vanessa Uy-Santos and -A 4ERESA 2EGIS SAID THE GOAL IS TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO PURSUE A HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE g) PERSONALLY ADVOCATE A HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE ) SEE THIS PARTNERSHIP AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW MY SUPPORT TO MY FELLOW ATHLETES as well as those who are athletes AT HEART u SAID 5Y 3ANTOS g4HIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW everyone that this event is not just

FOCUSING ON SELLING BARBECUES BUT ALSO PROMOTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE 7E WANT 0ENONG S TO BE KNOWN NOT JUST IN FOOD INDUSTRY BUT ALSO IN SPORTS u ADDED 2EGIS Sunrise founder Wilfred Uytengsu has in mind individuals INTERESTED TO TRY TRIATHLON NEWBIES IN THE SPORT AND )RON+IDS GRADUATES SEEKING GREATER CHALLENGE g7E HOPE TO ENCOURAGE MANY individuals to start with this disTANCE !S MORE AND MORE PEOPLE seek a healthier lifestyle, triathlon IS WELL POSITIONED TO ATTRACT MANY NEW PARTICIPANTS u SAID 5YTENGSU Simultaneously held with THE 0ENONG S IS THE 'O &OR 'OLD 3UNRISE 3PRINT FEATURING A METER SWIM KM BIKE AND KM RUN COURSE Sunrise Events will also hold THE #ENTURY )RONMAN 3UBIC ON *UNE 2EGENT !GUILA )RONMAN 0HILIPPINES ON !UGUST

"LACK !RROW %XPRESS 3UBIC ON /CTOBER AND THE 3UN ,IFE #YCLE 0( IN .OVEMBER JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

C4

THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019

L

Football

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

IVERPOOL: Liverpool produced one of the most stunning comebacks in Champions League history to beat "ARCELONA AND PROGRESS TO THE kNAL FOR the second consecutive year on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) as stand-in striker Divock Origi and substitute Georginio Wijnaldum both scored twice. ,IVERPOOL WENT INTO THE MATCH AT !NkELD TRAILING FROM THE kRST leg and deprived of injured star atTACKING DUO -OHAMED 3ALAH AND 2OBERTO &IRMINO However, Origi â&#x20AC;&#x201D; making a rare start â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and substitute Wijnaldum BOTH NETTED TWICE AS "ARCA FOR THE SECOND SEASON IN SUCCESSION SURRENDERED A THREE GOAL kRST LEG LEAD TO EXIT THE #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE â&#x20AC;&#x153;With any other team I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t THINK IT WAS POSSIBLE 4HEY ARE REALLY mentality giants,â&#x20AC;? Liverpool manager *URGEN +LOPP SAID g)T IS UNBELIEVABLE the season we had, the games we had, THE INJURIES WE HAD NOW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Going out there and putting in A PERFORMANCE LIKE THIS ON THE PITCH IS UNBELIEVABLE ) AM REALLY PROUD TO BE THE MANAGER OF THIS TEAM â&#x20AC;&#x153;What they did tonight was REALLY SPECIAL ) WILL REMEMBER IT FOREVER u ,IVERPOOL WILL FACE EITHER $UTCH SIDE !JAX OR 0REMIER ,EAGUE RIVALS 4OTTENHAM IN THE kNAL ON *UNE

in Madrid and will likely BE FAVORITES TO BE CROWNED %UROPEAN CHAMPIONS FOR THE SIXTH TIME 4HE 2EDS STUNNING VICTORY BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES OF when they last lifted the TROPHY IN WHEN THEY OVERTURNED A HALF TIME DEkCIT IN THE kNAL AGAINST !# -ILAN IN )STANBUL However, Klopp underLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF his side writing their own history even if their bid FOR A kRST 0REMIER ,EAGUE TITLE FOR YEARS FALLS SHORT BEHIND -ANCHESTER #ITY THIS WEEKEND g7E BELIEVED IN THIS CHANCE WE DIDN T COMPARE IT WITH )STANBUL OR WHATEVER u ADDED +LOPP g7E WANT TO CREATE OUR OWN HISTORY 7E NEED NEW CHAPTERS OBVIOUSLY AND THE BOYS DID IT u $ESPITE THE DESPONDENCY of losing Salah and Firmino, Kloppâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men never lost faith and

Q Barcelonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spanish defender Gerard Pique (right) gets to the ball before Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Senegalese striker Sadio Mane during the UEFA Champions league semifinal second leg football match at Anfield in Liverpool, England.

AFP PHOTO

Liverpool stuns Barcelona to enter Champions League final

WERE ACCOMPANIED BY A TYPICALLY RAUCOUS !NkELD ATMOSPHERE FOR A %UROPEAN NIGHT /RIGI WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY not have started had Salah and &IRMINO BEEN kT

"UT THE YEAR OLD "ELGIAN HAS MADE A HABIT OF SCORING IMPORTANT GOALS IN ,IVERPOOL S TITLE CHALLENGE AND HAD HIS kRST EVER IN THE #HAMpions League on seven minutes on THE REBOUND AFTER -ARC !NDRE TER

Stegen had denied Jordan HenderSON S INITIAL EFFORT g7E KNOW THIS CLUB IS THE MIX of atmosphere, emotion, desire AND FOOTBALL QUALITY 9OU CUT OFF one and it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work, we know

THAT u +LOPP SAID g4HIS CLUB HAS A BIG HEART 4HE HEART WAS POUNDING LIKE CRAZY YOU COULD HEAR IT AND FEEL IT ALL OVER THE WORLD ) AM SO HAPPY WE COULD GIVE THE PEOPLE THIS EXPERIENCE u AFP

Sarri buys time with unexpected Top 4 LONDON: After a turbulent first season at Chelsea, Maurizio Sarri goes into Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Europa ,EAGUE SEMIkNAL AGAINST %INTRACHT &RANKFURT SAVORING SOME MUCH NEEDED BREATHING SPACE 3ARRI HAS SPENT MOST OF THE CAMpaign engaged in a struggle to win OVER HIS SKEPTICAL PLAYERS AND FANS At one stage, it appeared the #HELSEA MANAGER WAS kGHTING A losing battle as a miserable run of results sparked reports he was on THE VERGE OF THE SACK Amid reports that Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STARS WERE SICK OF 3ARRI S INlEXIBLE game-plan, monotonous training SESSIONS AND HABIT OF CRITICIZING them through the media, the naDIR CAME IN &EBRUARY WHEN "LUES goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted during THE ,EAGUE #UP kNAL DEFEAT AGAINST -ANCHESTER #ITY 3ARRI HAS SIDE STEPPED ONE CRISIS after another just deftly enough that he has emerged from a bleak WINTER WITH HIS PROSPECTS OF AVOIDING THE AXE LOOKING BRIGHTER AFTER #HELSEA SECURED A TOP FOUR kNISH IN THE 0REMIER ,EAGUE LAST WEEKEND

7ITH A PLACE IN NEXT SEASON S Champions League sealed with a GAME TO SPARE #HELSEA CAN TURN THEIR ATTENTION TO WINNING THE kRST TROPHY OF 3ARRI S REIGN A 1-1 draw in the semi-final kRST LEG AWAY TO %INTRACHT HAS PUT Chelsea in a good position for the RETURN LEG AT 3TAMFORD "RIDGE 7INNING THE kNAL AGAINST !RSENAL OR 6ALENCIA IN "AKU WOULD strengthen the Italianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hopes of CONVINCING THE #HELSEA HIERARCHY he deserves more time to impose his philosophy on a squad that has so far been unable, or unwilling, TO ADAPT TO @3ARRI BALL There remain doubts in some quarters about Sarriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to MAKE HIS TACTICS WORK IN THE 0REmier League after the former .APOLI MANAGER S TROUBLED YEAR Chelsea supporters are still underwhelmed by Sarri, despite their TEAM S QUALIkCATION FOR THE #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE WHICH IS WORTH AT LEAST AN ESTIMATED a MILLION At half time of Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game against Watford they responded to a TURGID DISPLAY WITH JEERS Â&#x2021; THE DISCORDANT SOUNDTRACK TO 3ARRI S WOES AFP

Son back as Tottenham eyes comeback in semis AMSTERDAM: Mauricio Pochettino describes being in the last four of the Champions League as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a bonusâ&#x20AC;?, but Tottenham Hotspur is still hopeful of going all the way to the final as Son Heungmin returns for Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Thursday in Manila) second leg against Ajax.

Spurs come to Amsterdam needing a special performance if they are to reach the final of this competition for the first time in their history after a Donny van de Beek away goal condemned them to a 1-0 defeat in London last week.

However, Pochettinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team have already made history for the club by getting this far â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they last reached the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1962 before being beaten by Eusebioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Benfica.

Now they are dreaming of a first European final since Keith Burkinshawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team beat Anderlecht on penalties to lift the UEFA Cup in 1984, before any of those set to feature on Wednesday were born. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are living a dream. Five years ago when we arrived it was to reduce the gap to the top four, and then to have the possibility to play in the Champions League,â&#x20AC;? Pochettino said at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Tuesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think nobody would believe we would be playing in

the Champions League three seasons in a row and competing at this stage.â&#x20AC;?

However, his side are stumbling badly towards the finish line with a depleted squad, set to finish in the top four in the Premier League mainly thanks to the failings of the teams below them.

Harry Kane is out, and Tottenham have been beaten five times in their last six games in all, nine times in their last 10 matches away from home.

The exception in that run came on their last trip to the continent, however, against Borussia Dortmund in the last 16, and now they arrive in Amsterdam with Son available after sitting out the first leg due to suspension.

Jan Vertonghen, who began his professional career in Amsterdam before joining Tottenham in 2012, is in line to return too after coming off with a head knock in the first leg. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe at the start of the season that Tottenham would be in the last week of the season with the possibility of being in the final of the Champions League and to be in the top four,â&#x20AC;? Pochettino insisted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both are real, but this is not the moment to talk.â&#x20AC;?

AFP

Q Tottenhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Son Heung-min AFP PHOTO

TTHURSDAY H U R S D AY M MAY AY 9, 2019

Lifestyle

D1

The pink â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; turns five

www.manilatimes.net

Proof that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;meals on-demandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; now an official PH lifestyle

J UA N A M A N A H A N - Y U PA N G CO

Championing healthy eating using local produce J UANA Manahan-Yupangco has been an advocate of healthy eating using locally sourced products and produce for many years now.

Her passion has since led her to found Mesa ni Misis, an organization that promotes health and nutrition on a budget.

According to Yupangco, her advocacy stemmed from frustration over how costly healthy cooking can be.

-ANY OF THE RECIPES SHE WOULD kND online required fresh ingredients not readily available for one, and if they are, would come at a very high price.

She then found reading materials ON THE BENEkTS OF LOCAL FRUIT AND VEGetables when she was breastfeeding her son eight years ago. She discovered how the leafy greens, such as malung-

gay and saluyot, had all the properties to increase breast milk. Yupangco was led to wonder why growing up, people never ate many Filipino vegetables.

It was this whole experience that inspired her to to introduce recipes everyone can appreciate that are budget friendly and healthy.

"By using many local ingredients and crops farmed locally, meals automatically become more affordable," she enthused.

Q Marinated Pineapple

Q Monggo Bolognese

Âťcheers!

Combining goodnesss with nutrition

With the success of Mesa Ni Mi-sis, Anya Resort Tagaytay ached to partner with Yupangco who in turn collaborated with Anyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Chef, Jonathan Bouthiaux to create a menu combining goodness with nutrition. Of course, they went local using Tagaytayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local, sustainable food sources. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Philippines offers a lot l off nutritious produce we can use in our meals and sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all a matter of knowing how to best use them in CREATING VERY lAVOURFUL DISHES IN THE kitchen,â&#x20AC;? shared Yupangco. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love that Anya has its own vegetable and herb garden which gives them quick and easy access to fresh ingredients,â&#x20AC;? she added.

Tasty starters on the menu include Ampalaya ala Jasms, an ampalaya dish covered in kangkong pesto; Pinoy Harvest Bowl, which has hearty red mongo and squash drizzled with

Q Ampalaya ala Jasms

Q Juana Yupangco, founder of Mesa ni Misis

TAMARI SAUCE AND A lAVORFUL -ANGO I D l F L Salad marinated in a dressing of oregano and mint.

For the main course, enjoy an appetizing Monggo Bolognese, Laguna Cheese Ravioli, or Tagaytay Pizza, which was inspired by Yupangcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children who did a pizza making class when they stayed at Anya. It is topped with creamy Laguna cheese, tomatoes, kalabasa, sitaw, grilled eggplant, and pineapple.

End the meal with a refreshing Fruit Platter or a grilled and marinated pineapple served with rosemary and virgin colada foam.

Making the switch to healthier eating has indeed never been fresher or more delicious. To be part of the movement and experience this farm to table dining, the Mesa Ni Misis menu will be available at the Anila and Amra restaurant of Anya Resort Tagaytay until June 29.

PROOF that the internet is very much a part of Filipinos lives beyond social media pages is the fifth anniversary of on-demand food delivery service Foodpanda in the country.

A mobile food delivery marketplace with origins in Berlin, Germany, the Philippines is one of 40 countries and territories where the mobile application has succeeded and therefore become a lifestyle among users.

Initially operating in the key cities of Manila, Cebu and Davao, the service has just extended to Pampanga, Cavite and Laguna in time for this milestone year. Looking forward, the brand hopes to deliver to more Filipino homes from 5,000 affiliate restaurants currently on its network. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are a food-loving nation and to us food is a form of celebration. Fittingly, on our fifth year anniversary, we thought of of merging our birthday celebration with food while giving back to everyone who helped us get here,â&#x20AC;? announced Iacopo Rovere, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s managing director.

Fifth anniversary activities will therefore see five surprises from the service on this fifth month of the year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Among our surprises are the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;P5.5 delivery fee,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; deals of the week which can go as high as 50 percent off, raffle draws, free drinks, and our grand celebration, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bites & Vibesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; food fair in Davao,â&#x20AC;? the executive enumerated.

Finally, Rovore stated that a lifestyle within this lifestyle will be a central theme as the brand moves forward, which is their fight against single-use plastics and advocacy for eco-friendly items in doing business.

Q With origins in Berlin, Germany, the now familiar pink Foodpanda app and its delivery riders have effectively changed how Philippine homes consume their meals.

D2

Entertainment

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

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

For the Divine Diva, an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ageappropriateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concert is up next

Q A worthy OPM icon, 35 years in the business and counting.

Zsa Zsa Padilla gamely quips, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want the audience thinking a momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singing Top 40s!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

BY NIKA ROQUE

A

FTER a truly impressive career in all parts of show business â&#x20AC;&#x201D; singing, dancing and acting â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Zsa Zsa Padilla is still the Divine Diva, even though she has laid low these past few years.

With her 35-year experience, Padilla will go back to her roots in music through â&#x20AC;&#x153;Totally Zsa Zsa!â&#x20AC;? a concert on May 16 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. Totally Zsa Zsa will present the Divine Divaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singular singing style â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sonorous and full of emotions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in the genres in which she has reigned for so long.

In an interview, the Divine Diva guaranteed she chose songs for the show that her audience â&#x20AC;&#x201D; mostly of an older generation â&#x20AC;&#x201D; long to hear.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to say I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think the songs of today arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as meaningful â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m actually very familiar with them but I think thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a disconnect when I sing it. I see the audience thinking â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pa-

rang nanay ko lang yung kumakanta,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; parang di na bagay. Iniisip nila, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;diâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ba matanda na si Zsa Zsa Padilla, bakit siya kumakanta ng mga Dua Lipa?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

she jokingly added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing a nostalgiathemed concert which comprises so many romantic songs I want to tackle. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new concept Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been

dreaming to work on for a while now,â&#x20AC;? shared Padilla.

Without revealing too much of her repertorie, the singer continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re starting with a song with one title pero meron siyang version na luma at bago to try to merge old songs with the new. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I keep singing my songs, siyempre theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look for an added lAVOR OR FEEL AND WHAT ELSE CAN ) do? So I said na instead of focusing on the Top 40, which the audience feels na hindi na bagay, I will try to tackle songs from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;50s, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s, and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s which are all so beautiful with a twist here and there.â&#x20AC;?

At the press preview, Padilla went into medley of songs from the said era noting that on concert night, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have an entire wardrobe of costumes TO kT EACH DECADE Â&#x2021; FROM @ S (OLLY wood star to the swinging â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s it girl,

FROM BROADWAY TO WEST END TO MANIL Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STAGE

the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s disco queen, and of course, an OPM icon from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s.

Finally, Padilla said what makes the show all the more special is how her daughter Karylle will join her in the show, together with sought after leading man Ian Veneracion who just recently gained the confidence to share his long-time passion in music with the public, and dancer Zeus Collins who is eager to learn moves from classic eras gone by to round up his talent.

Of course, the Divine Divaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longtime friend musical director (OMER &LORES IS ON BOARD TO help the OPM icon bring performances that only â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and totally â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Zsa Zsa Padilla can deliver.

Âťlive

Carole Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Beautifulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; musical legacy lives on THE Tony, Grammy and Olivier Awardwinning musical â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beautiful: The Carole King Musicalâ&#x20AC;? will come alive on Manilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stage come June 14 David Foster Star Search winner Kayla Rivera in the title role.

Huge and continuing hits on both Broadway and the West End, Beautiful was nominated for seven Tony and eight Olivier Awards, both winning Best Actress in a Musical for Jessie Mueller and Kati Brayben, respectively. It also won a Grammy for Best Musical Album in 2015.

Suffice it to say, Filipino audiences are in for a treat with this inspiring story of a woman ahead of her time and her remarkable journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Music fans will easily recall how one Carole Kingg firmlyy established her name and work as one of

pop musicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most gifted and successful composers. Those unfamiliar with her on the other hand will be amazed to know that such classics as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got a Friend,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;?One Fine Day,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;?Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Too Late,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Lost That Lovinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Feelingâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Will You Love Me Tomorrow,â&#x20AC;? among many others were written by King, winning four Grammy awards during her career.

Moreover, Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life-changing success and her music will definitely stir joyous memories for those who grew up in the glorious era of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s.

Another coup by director Bobby Garcia of Atlantis Theatrical Productions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who himself was recently inducted to the Aliw Awards Hall of Fame for his continued and top notch efforts in bringing the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best musicals to the Philippines, for Phili and by Filipinos F Q Kayla Rivera â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Beautiful: The Bea will play the Carole King Musilead role in cal is a must-see â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Beautiful: not only on for The Carole theater lovers theat King Musicalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; but music lovers m Manila staging. as a whole.

The T musical will wil run until July Ju 7 at the Meralco TheM ater at in Pasig City C with details via ticketworld. com.ph.

Âťjust in!

(Last of two parts)

A

Q Westlifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kian Egan,Nicky Byrne, Markus Feehily and Shane Filan

Westlife reunite for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Twenty Tourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; "2)4)3( boy band Westlife reunite to celebrate their 20th anniversary, dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Twetny Four,â&#x20AC;? with the Manila leg of the concert on July 30 at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Expected to perform all their 14 UK No. 1 hit songs (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Swear It Again,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flying Without Wings,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I Let You Go,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Love,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Uptown Girl,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;A World Of Our Own,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unbreakable,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mandyâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;You Raised Me Upâ&#x20AC;?) Shane, Nicky, Mark and Kian will also return with their highly ANTICIPATED kRST NEW SINGLE IN EIGHT YEARS g(ELLO My Love.â&#x20AC;? It is written and produced by superstar hitmakers Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac. As UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top band in the 21st century, Westlife have sold over 55 million records worldwide. They ARE THE ONLY BAND TO HAVE THEIR kRST SEVEN SINGLES enter the UK chart at No.1 as well as the most singles of any artist to debut at No.1 in the UK, behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles for the most No. 1 records. !S A LIVE ACT THEY HAVE SOLD kVE MILLION CONCERT tickets worldwide, with The Twenty Tour as their fastest selling tour of all time at 400,000 tickets in just 48 hours.

Presented by Wilbros Live, tickets are on sale via TicketNet.com.ph and all TicketNet outlets nationwide.

ht b t ! Âťlilights,camera,boto!

Ken Chanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart belongs to Malabonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;action ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 7)4( election day drawing closer, celebrities who hope for a better future just like every day Filipinos, continue to take the opportunity to use their voice and make a stand behind candidates they say they believe in.

Widely popular teleserye actor Ken Chan who just wrapped up the top-rating GMA Network drama â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Special Tatayâ&#x20AC;? is one of them as he lent his crowd-drawing appeal to the campaign of incumbent Malabon City Vice Mayor Jeannie Sandoval who is now running for the metroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top post.

Present at Sandovalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kick-off early in the season, Chanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expression of support followed no less than President Rodrigo Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s endorsement of the lady leader who is also dubbed in Malabon as â&#x20AC;&#x153;action lady.â&#x20AC;?

A feminist to the core, Sandovalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political history will show how she battled and won against four male opponents on her kRST FORAY INTO AN ELECTIVE POSITION BACKED by many years doing socio-civic works. In 2016, she achieved a landslide win as vice mayor with a promise to â&#x20AC;&#x153;put all her heart in serving the peopleâ&#x20AC;? best seen in her relentless campaign for free-high quality

Music Geekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one-on-one with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Geek in the Pinkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Sandoval shared with The Manila Times.

Beside TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;special tatay,â&#x20AC;? Sandoval also showed her heart as â&#x20AC;&#x153;nanayâ&#x20AC;? to Malabon as she further enumerated plans to provide decent homes to indigent residents and education in order to provide children with a sound environment and boost their potential.

Fittingly, Chan held up his hand and CROSSED HIS THUMB AND INDEX kNGER TO make the popular K-Pop heart sign, which the mayoralty candidate gamely followed for a perfect shot.

The next day, Sandoval unabashedly Q Teleserye star Ken Chan with incumbent wore her heart on her sleeve as she Malabon City Vice Mayor Jeannie Sandoval posted her photo with Chan, expresswho is running for the metroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top post. ing her gratitude to the young star for lending his celebrity to her campaign. health care for all in Malabon.

And like regular moms who get â&#x20AC;&#x153;kiligâ&#x20AC;? g4ODAY THE kRST GENERAL PUBLIC HOSPITAL over showbiz artistas, she posted on her with 200-bed capacity in our city is being Facebook account, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get over Ken built â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the San Lorenzo Ruiz General #HANw RALLY= (E S REALLY A TALENTED AND (OSPITAL Â&#x2021; WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE NA- sweet artist kaya talagang love na love ng tional government through the initiative mga taga-Malabon si Boyet. Thank you Ken of President Duterte. It will also house the for gracing our event. Nag-enjoy ang mga Malasakit Center that will provide neces- taga-Malabon sa pag-harana mo sa amin.â&#x20AC;? sary assistance to urban poor patients,â&#x20AC;?

TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA

S of press time, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz is about to mount the Manila leg of his â&#x20AC;&#x153;2019 Good Vibesâ&#x20AC;? Asian tour for his solid Filipino fans for the third time in six years.

Below is the continuation of Music Geekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive one-on-one phoner with the American recording star.

How did you grow and mature as a singer-songwriter through the years?

Mostly practice. You know when I made MY kRST ALBUM ) HAD VERY LIMITED VIEWS OF the world and I had probably only written a hundred songs. Who I was then? I was in my early 20s and your motivation at that age is so different when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in your early 40s.

So since then, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve written a thousand songs and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen the world, so I have a different attitude about it today â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a different perspective on life. My core values are the same but I think the language, perspective and tone have changed as people change with age. Sonically, things change and clearly tolerance has changed [in me with] a conscious kindness that is needed now more than ever in music.

You released your sixth album â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knowâ&#x20AC;? in August 2018. How different was its songwriting process compared to your previous albums?

Ve r y s i m i lar. I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed too much of who I am through the years. My process is still the sameâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; you have to show up and write a song and show up at your desk, at your notebook and with your instrument. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to write that song and it takes a lot OF SONGS TO kND THE GOOD ONES 9OU JUST gotta have a hundred songs per album TO kND THE GOOD STUFF 3O THAT S BEEN MY process since the beginning.

What took you so long to come up with a new album since 2014â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yesâ&#x20AC;??

I took the time off. I got married. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also important for me to have perspective.

Not just crank out songs for no reason. So I got married and I went home and started a little family and a farm business with my wife. All the while working on my record, I got sidetracked and went into the musical theater thing for a little bit. There was the inconvenient election of 2016 which kind of turned everybody out for a little while and I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really sure where to put your artistic energy. I felt like the energy needed to be in politics, education and awareness; not so much just lofty love

songs. It wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be until much later in 2018 that I felt that I could breathe again.

I just let things happen at my own pace.

How was it collaborating with Meghan Trainor for â&#x20AC;&#x153;More Than Friendsâ&#x20AC;??

Super fun! She was in the same studio as I was right before I made my record so we overlapped. I like her sense of humor and her musical style. Thought it might be fun to collab and when we did, it answered our curiosity.

We were both curious if we can make something adorable and we did. So that was fun. She was really easy to work with.

What is the biggest lesson youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned from your life, love and career?

So many. Probably being grateful, just as life is a miracle. The fact that we even have consciousness inside of our human BODY IS A MIRACLE "ECAUSE TIME lIES WE ALL know that, soon the miracle will be over and maybe our consciousness will be in a different experience or maybe weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have no memory of this. Who knows? But for now, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a freakinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; miracle and gratitude helps us appreciate and enjoy that consciousness and connect with all the good vibrations that are around us.

H o w was it working with Sara Bareilles for the musical â&#x20AC;&#x153;Waitressâ&#x20AC;??

Oh! Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best! She is so talented. She is so kind and so patient. She makes it seem Q Jason Mraz so effortless.

She works so hard and it looks so ef- fortless so again very inspiring to be in her presence and the presence of that company who worked so hard eight shows a week.

Do you get nervous at all performing in front of an audience whether it is musical theater or a concert?

Yeah, I do! And if I get nervous, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably because I care about that show and I want it to go really well. And I might be nervous because I knew thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something new I gotta try. So I like nerves.

Nerves let me know that I am in the right place.

After so many years in the business, what else do you wish to accomplish?

I am such a big fan of the process of creating something, creating a song especially. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re creating something out of nothing, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re giving birth to a brand new idea thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gonna live in the world and have an effect on you. I still long for that and I will probably continue to do it in for as long as I live because it gives me purpose in life.

MUSIC GEEK MUS MARK BONIFACIO

˜ The Manila Times

Funtimes

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

D3

Solution to puzzle

w w w.manilatimes.net

Answer to trivia test © 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers 1. None 2. Crater Lake, at 1,949 feet 3. Water, yeast, hops and grain 4. The Battle of the Somme 5. Marvin Gaye 6. Shotz Brewery 7. 1867 8. “In Old California” 9. A tribe or a trip 10. HyperText Transfer Protocol

» CROSSWORD

BY EUGENE SHEFFER

»HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (05/09/19). Your team gets a lucrative boost this year. Get farther with an educational adventure through diligent organization and advance planning. Summer creativity inspires new educational outlets. Flourishing travels and research next winter shift your message in a new direction. Collaborate for common gain.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Consider the excellent advice of someone who loves you. You could struggle to achieve goals today. Repay debts, and keep agreements. Prioritize home and family.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Technical difficulty could disrupt your communications. Make repairs. Public obligations and practical demands have your attention. Reinforce infrastructures, issue statements and make powerful requests.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Avoid jealousies, controversy or conflicting interests. Keep things simple. Meet or beat the budget. Hold out for the best deal, and make a firm offer.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Focus on immediate priorities. A mess requires personal attention. Avoid overconsumption or excess. Postpone non-essential matters. Align logic with emotion. Imagine winning.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is a 5 -- Review and revise your plans. Recent changes require adaptation. Lay low, and stay close to home. Avoid crowds and chaos. Peace and quiet suits you.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Things could get chaotic in a group situation. Even if you make mistakes, you’re charming. Share diplomacy and tact. Find the underlying humor.

» SUDOKU

1. ASTRONOMY: How many moons does the planet Mercury have?

2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the deepest lake in the United States?

3. FOOD & DRINK: What are the four main ingredients of beer?

4. HISTORY: In which World War I battle did more than 19,000 British troops die on the first day?

5. MUSIC: Which R&B/soul singer was shot to death by his father in 1984?

6. TELEVISION: What was the name of the brewery that was the setting for the “Laverne & Shirley” show?

7.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: When did Canada gain its independence from Britain?

8. MOVIES: What was the name of the first silent movie shot in Hollywood?

9. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of goats called?

10. ACRONYMS: What does “http” stand for in website addresses?

BY NANCY BLACK LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Focus on a professional project. Choose private over public engagements.

Hunt for efficiencies. Improve your process to increase your yield.

Discipline is required.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Discover enchantments in your own backyard. You may experience delays with longdistance travel and shipping. Studies could get fruitful. Strengthen structures. Find a local treasure.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- You could have DQ XQH[SHFWHG GUDZ RQ \RXU ¿QDQFHV 6WLFN WR \RXU EXGJHW 'RQ¶W EX\ toys, and convince others to wait. Learn and teach simultaneously.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- You’re especially attracted and attractive. Collaboration could get messy. Reinforce basic foundational structures. Don’t evade tough questions.

Listen to experience. Support each other.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Focus your physical and health practices toward strengthening core and basic fundamentals. Don’t force or overdo things. Nurture yourself with good food and rest.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Have fun with people and activities that you love. Avoid expense or fuss. Resolve misunderstandings as they occur. Listen generously. Relax and enjoy.

(Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Black’s legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @LindaCBlack. For more astrological interpretations like today’s Gemini horoscope, visit Linda Black Astrology by clicking daily horoscopes, or go to www.nancyblack.com.)

NANCY BLACK.Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

BY ROGER SEVILLA

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats.

Solution from yesterday’s puzzle.

D4

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Campus Press

A SECTION FOR THE STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net EDITOR: Marishelle R. Medina (marishelle.medina@manilatimes.net) EDITORIAL STAFF: Kimberly C. Malait

E1

THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019

PH teachers to have more opportunities in China E

BY ARIC JOHN SY CUA

ducation Secretary Leonor Briones announced that Filipino teachers that were being trained in the Mandarin language or those who were planning to teach English in China would get more education, cultural and professional opportunities after being part of President Rodrigo Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent visit to the country.

In a release by the Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday during the visit, Briones discussed the enhancement of

cultural and learning exchange between the Philippines and China.

The DepEd announced that at

least 300 Filipino teachers were being trained in the Mandarin language, through the Confucius Institute. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has been going on in the past three years on a limited scale,â&#x20AC;? Briones is quoted as saying. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What both countries want is an acceleration of this exchange because so far nearly 300 teachers have already been trained in the Mandarin language at the Confucius Institute here in the Philippines.

They have formal lessons here and then they go to China for exposure visits.â&#x20AC;?

Mandarin is considered an elective language for junior high VFKRRO VWXGHQWV DORQJ ZLWK ÂżYH other languages.

In addition, Briones said that over 2,000 Filipino teachers would be sent to China to teach the English language to the locals.

Briones later said that Thailand also is interested in Filipino teachers who teach English, after (GXFDWLRQ RIÂżFLDOV DQG WKHLU 7KDL counterparts discussed the employment at an English language event there in March. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We prefer that this will be on a government-to-government

basis, along with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, because usually if you go through agents on either side, it will be a primary burden to the teachers. We need to work on the details, how teachers will EH FKRVHQ TXDOLÂżFDWLRQV DQG how will this be implemented,â&#x20AC;? she stated.

However, Briones later clarLÂżHG WKDW WKH FRXQWU\ FRQWLQXHV to value local English teachers and it is up to the teachers if they want to teach in the Philippines or abroad. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has to be discussed very

carefully because we also need our English teachers here. The matter of where you want to work, where you want to reside, where you want to pursue a profession, is a free choice,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a choice that has to be made by the teacher. What we want to assure is that the teacher is well-protected. Even as we protect the teachers, we also protect our country and its needs. In terms of public school teachers, we have to look at our own supply of teachers. We are not urging them, they make a choice; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a universal human right.â&#x20AC;?

Region 9 govt tertiary schools to start classes August ZAMBOANGA CITY: Beginning school year (SY) 2019-2020, members of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (Pasuc) in Zamboanga Peninsula will shift their opening of classes from June to August, a top local TERTIARY SCHOOL OFkCIAL SAID Region 9 has six government tertiary institutions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; three in this highly urbanized city, one each in Zamboanga del Sur and Basilan, and one in Dapitan City (Jose Rizal Memorial State University) which has four separate independent campuses in Zamboanga del Norte, one each in Dipolog City, Katipunan, Siocon and TampilISAN TOWNS $R .ELSON #ABRAL PRESIDENT of the Zamboanga State Poly technic University (ZSPU) based in Barangay Baliwasan here, said Pasuc members in Zamboanga Peninsula â&#x20AC;&#x201D; headed by Western Mindanao State University 7-35 PRESIDENT $R -ILABEL (O â&#x20AC;&#x201D; unanimously decided to open

THEIR CLASSES NEXT 39 IN !UGUST $R %MMYLOU 9ANGA 2EGION director of the Commission on (IGHER %DUCATION #(%D SAID the new class launching for all public higher education instituTIONS (%)S WAS EARLIER RECOMMENDED BY #(%D #HAIRMAN 0ROSPERO DE 6ERA RD She said that private tertiary SCHOOLS MIGHT FOLLOW THE #(%D recommendation or maintain the $EPARTMENT OF %DUCATION S *UNE TO -ARCH TIMETABLE $R (O STRESSED THAT UNDER THE new Pasuc schedule, the first semester next SY covers August to December 2019 and the second semester starts in January and ends in May 2020, with the long VACATION SET IN *UNE AND *ULY She noticed that, ordinarily, June and July are the beginning of THE COUNTRY S RAINY SEASON THEREBY adversely affecting classes and STUDENTS IF THE $EP%D CURRENT 39 SET UP IS FOLLOWED ANTONIO P. RIMANDO

USAid program turns 25,000 Mindanaon youth work-ready 4(% United States Agency for )NTERNATIONAL $EVELOPMENT 53Aid) helped create opportunities for more than 25,000 out-ofSCHOOL YOUTHS IN CONlICT AFFECTED areas in Mindanao where there is a lack of vital services, high rates of poverty, and a huge number of displaced persons and youth UNEMPLOYMENT The six-year P832-million Mindanao Youth Development (MyDev) program of USAid aimed to address out-of-school YOUTHS NEEDS FOR BASIC EDUCAtion, livelihood capacities, and life and leadership skills for CIVIC ENGAGEMENT F r o m 201 3 t o 201 9 , t h e MyDev reached 25,719 youths; 22,163 of whom had completed life skills trainings, the alternative learning system (ALS) program of the DepartMENT OF %DUCATION $EP%D

and the technical-vocational skills training program of the 4ECHNICAL %DUCATION AND 3KILLS $EVELOPMENT !UTHORITY /F THE TOTAL FIGURE ABOUT 96 percent were unemployed out-of-school youths, while THE MAJORITY Â&#x2021; PERCENT Â&#x2021; WERE -ORO PEOPLE 4HE REST were either indigenous peoples OR FROM OTHER GROUPS /F THE TOTAL NUMBER OF YOUTH who completed the program, 17,737 completed the livelihood skills trainings in 11 areas in Mindanao; 3,126 finished the ALS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a learning system with basic education and high school equivalency subjects; and 1,300 UNDERWENT LIFE SKILLS TRAINING A total of 14,968 people completed the program and have received national certifications IN TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL SKILLS

USAid said that after a war tore Marawi in May of 2017, MEMBERS OF CITY S YOUTH DEVELopment alliance extended assistance, including psychosocial SUPPORT TO VULNERABLE YOUTH )T SAID THAT THE -ARAWI #ITY MYDev Youth Network had also helped a local nonprofit organization to arrange activities to EASE SUFFERING CHILDREN Alvin Lu, a housekeeping training completer who used to have difficulty in finding work, has landed a job at a leading apparel company as one of its sales staff after completing the -9$EV PROGRAM g) AM NOW MORE FINANCIALLY independent, and if the family FACE kNANCIAL PROBLEMS AT HOME

) CAN NOW CONTRIBUTE u ,U SAID The life skills curriculum dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Work Ready Nowâ&#x20AC;? developed by the global nonPROFIT %DUCATION $EVELOPMENT #ENTER )NC WAS INCLUDED IN THE program in which young people were taught how to set goals, manage time, communicate effectively, act creatively, have disciplined personal conduct, demonstrate effective work habits, and think critically )T ALSO TAUGHT THEM TO INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN CIVIC ACTIVITIES The Work Ready Now curriculum would also be introduced in other parts of the country, ACCORDING TO $EP%D !SSISTANT 3ECRETARY '( !MBAT â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because we are convinced with the impacts of the good results of this project, we will introduce the life skills modules in Davao, Cebu and Soccsksargen in the coming years, SHE ADDED CATHERINE A. MODESTO

Q The Department of Education, through its Public Affairs Service, in coordination with Philippine Sports Commission, conducted a three-day seminar on communicating sports for campus journalists on April 24-26 at the Malayan Colleges Mindanao in Davao City. The participating campus journalists were primarily tasked to cover the various sports events in the 2019Â Palarong Pambansa. PHOTO FROM DEPED WEBSITE

DLSU among Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top universities DE La Salle University (DLSU) is the only Philippine private university included in the 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings, placing in the 251 to 300 bracket.

The rankings use the same performance indicators as the THE World University Rankings, but have been recalibrated to mirror

the attributes of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s higher education institutions (HEIs).

The universities are assessed across all of their core functions, including teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.

This year, more than 400 universities from 27 countries/ regions met the criteria to be included in the list. Only 34 HEIs

from Southeast Asia were part of the list.

DLSU is also included in other 2019 THE Rankings, namely Word University Rankings, Emerging Economies UniverVLW\ 5DQNLQJV DQG $VLD 3DFLÂżF University Rankings.

In addition, DLSU is the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top-ranked institution in its Engineering and

Technology Subject Rankings and the only Philippine university included in the Impact Rankings.

The London-based THE lists the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best research universities, requiring a minimum threshold of Scopus publications, combined with data on teaching, innovation, international outlook and reputation.

EAC passers in the physician licensure exam 2019

T H E recently concluded Physician Licensure Exam proved to be another feather in Emilio Aguinaldo Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (EAC) cap as 29 of its students passed and garnered an average passing rate of 90.91 percent on its first takers. This is a true testament to the quality of education that EAC provides aspiring physicians.

The board passers had the great op-

portunity and benefit of taking on the exam nurtured by the expertise of their professors â&#x20AC;&#x201D; headed by their dean Dr. Asuncion Abaya Morido â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who everyday do superb work at the School of Medicine and willingly give their time and counsel to the students, as here in EAC people harness the power of community to achieve lasting change in ourselves and in others.

In its quest to be an outstanding institution for medical education and research, EAC and the School of Medicine continuously strive to provide an educational and scientific environment that prepares the students to become professionally competent, socially relevant and compassionate physicians with strong commitment to lifelong learning.

UnionBank unleashes blockchain revolution in PH 4 ( % " L O C K C H A I N ) N S T I T U T E

founded by the Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) produced its first 100 graduates who have completed its sixMONTH TRAINING COURSES UnionBank created the institute last year to supply the ecosystem with more blockchain developers, as blockchain is expected to be among the biggest technologies that will shape the WORLD IN THE NEAR FUTURE The students â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who mostly took up information technolo g y, c o m p u t e r s c i e n c e a n d engineering courses from different colleges and universities in the country â&#x20AC;&#x201D; were sourced via various channels including HACKATHONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA The training courses covered .%- %THERIUM AND (YPERledgerand Corda, co-created WITH 5NION"ANK S PARTNERS . % - ) " - # O N S E N SYS A N D 2 4HE GRADUATES ALSO WENT through the Design Thinking and Start-Up Thinking workSHOPS Around half of these graduates are now employed by the bank and its subsidiaries, the rest by other companies that

5NION"ANK REFERRED THEM TO !T THE "LOCKCHAIN )NSTITUTE

the developers were taught not just blockchain codes but also actual use cases and blockchain SOLUTIONS Class valedictorian Brent TuDAS A PRODUCT OF 5NION"ANK S )LOILO (ACKATHON AND WHO IS NOW WITH 5NION"ANK S SUBsidiary UBX, expressed utmost gratitude for what he described AS A LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITY g) AM GRATEFUL BEYOND WORDS ) PROMISE NOT TO WASTE THIS OPportunity given to me,â&#x20AC;? Tudas SAID g,ET S CONTINUE TO MOVE FORward, bringing the knowledge that we gained and using it for THE RIGHT PURPOSE %VERYTHING IS JUST BEGINNING ,ET S START TO own the future,â&#x20AC;? he told his FELLOW GRADUATES UnionBank President and #%/ %DWIN "AUTISTA SAID LAST year, there were not enough blockchain developers, so the bank promised the industry that it would train 100 blockchain developers, all at the expense of UnionBank under its Corporate Social ResponSIBILITY 0ROGRAM

Q First100 blockchain cadets graduate from its Blockchain Institute CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The chief of one of the counTRY S LARGEST BANKS Â&#x2021; WHICH continues to adopt blockchain in its internal processes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sees the eventual take over of blockchain as an opportunity to poSITION THE COUNTRY S WORKFORCE as a major source of blockchain PROFESSIONALS g)F WE CAN TRAIN OUR HIGHLY talented workforce to become well-versed in blockchain, we can become a leading source of blockchain talents for organizations all over the world, just

like how we are seen as one of the best destinations for voice business process outsourcing,â&#x20AC;?

HE SAID Statistics show that globally, there is a skyrocketing demand for blockchain-capable profesSIONALS )N A REPORT BY JOB SEARCH MARKETPLACE (IRED LAST MONTH

it said demand for blockchain engineers has grown by around PERCENT OVER THE PAST YEAR This figure is seen to continue RISING IN THE COMING DAYS

PAGE FROM THE PAST

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

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

Campus Press

E3

Random questions that need a lot of explaining to answer A Forum member, who requested not TO BE IDENTIkED RECENTLY ASKED WHAT he described as four â&#x20AC;&#x153;just random questionsâ&#x20AC;? that, as it turns out, needed a lot of explaining to answer.

(ERE ARE THE QUESTIONS HE POSTed on my Facebook Messenger: g(OW DOES @JUDGMENT DIFFER WITH @DECISION AS APPLIED IN LEGAL documentation? g3HOULD THE WORD @YOUR IN @YOUR (ONOR BE CAPITALIZED AS A WAY OF ADDRESSING THE COURT S Presiding Judge?â&#x20AC;? g7HAT IS THE DIFFERENCE OF @AWHILE AGO AND @A WHILE AGO u g7HY IS THE LETTER @T ENCLOSED by parenthesis in this quoted jurisprudence used in a court decision: â&#x20AC;&#x153;(t)he Constitution mandates that the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proven beyond rea-

sonable doubt â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the burden lies on the prosecution to overcome such presumption of innocence by presenting the quantum of EVIDENCE REQUIRED 0EOPLE V Cantalejo, 586 SCRA 777)?â&#x20AC;? ) THINK THESE QUESTIONS AND my answers are worth sharing, particularly with those who at one time or another might have BEEN CONFOUNDED BY THEM My answers: ! gJUDGMENTu IS USUALLY JUST ANYONE S FORMAL EXPRESSION of an opinion that may or may not carry the weight of authority, but a â&#x20AC;&#x153;decisionâ&#x20AC;? is a final conclusion arrived at usually by

ENGLISH PLAIN AND SIMPLE

JOSE A. CARILLO

an individual who has power or authority, say a court judge or contest juror, to decide or render judgment based on the merits of facts or declarations formally presented by contending parties OR PARTICIPANTS 9ES THE POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVE gYOURu IN gYOUR (ONORu NEEDS to be capitalized when formally ADDRESSING THE COURT S PRESIDING JUDGE IN WRITING )T S AN INTRINSIC part of the formal appellation or MANNER OF ADDRESS SO ITS kRST LETter should always be capitalized IN THE SAME WAY AS THAT OF THE kRST letter of the formal appellation ITSELF g9OUR (ONOR u

4HE PHRASE gAWHILE AGOu IS considered a solecism, which means an ungrammatical comBINATION OF WORDS IN A SENTENCE ) SUGGEST AVOIDING ITS USAGE ALtogether and sticking to the grammatically correct three-word â&#x20AC;&#x153;a while ago,â&#x20AC;? which, of course, means a few moments or a very short time before the present or THE HERE AND NOW "Y THE WAY

the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;awhileâ&#x20AC;? by its lonesome (without â&#x20AC;&#x153;agoâ&#x20AC;?) means â&#x20AC;&#x153;for a while,â&#x20AC;? which is perfectly acceptable usage, as in â&#x20AC;&#x153;She stayed awhile THIS MORNING u 7HY IS THE LOWER CASE LETTER â&#x20AC;&#x153;tâ&#x20AC;? enclosed by parenthesis in the quoted jurisprudence you PRESENTED )T S A FORMAL STYLISTIC CONVENTION USED IN %NGLISH WHEN quoting written statements, not only in legal documents, but in all kinds of formal writing such as academic dissertations and

RESEARCH STUDIES 4HAT CONVENTION SIGNIkES THAT THE VERY kRST LETTER OF THE kRST WORD OF THE STATEMENT being quoted is actually capitalized in the source document, which, in the particular case cited here, will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Constitution mandates that the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proven beyond reaSONABLE DOUBT THE BURDEN LIES u Using the lower-case letter â&#x20AC;&#x153;tâ&#x20AC;? enclosed by parenthesis is to denote seamless structural continuity with the exposition used to introduce the quoted material, while at the same time gently alerting the reader that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;tâ&#x20AC;? was actually the capital â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tâ&#x20AC;? in the SOURCE OF THE STATEMENT QUOTED 2IGHT AFTER ) POSTED THESE ANswers to his questions, the Forum member asked this intriguing FOLLOW UP QUESTION TO THE kRST g)F THE ACCUSED FOR EXAMPLE

intimated to the court that he is guilty of committing a certain offense in the course of trial, and the court imposes imprisonment for the offense committed by the accused, should the document be CALLED @DECISION OR @JUDGMENT u ! LAWYER ) AM NOT BUT ) FELT CONkDENT REPLYING AS FOLLOWS g4HE imposition of imprisonment will BE THE @SENTENCE METED THE GUILTY party, of course, and that sentence WILL BE BOTH THE COURT S @DECISION AND @JUDGMENT u (Next: 5SING DISCOURSE MARKers for contextualizing ideas)

6ISIT *OSE #ARILLO S %NGLISH &ORUM HTTP JOSECARILLOFORUM com, and on Facebook, https:// WWW FACEBOOK COM JACARILLO &OLLOW ME AT 4WITTER COM * #ARILLO % MAIL J CARILLO YAHOO COM

Youth organizations pledge to end â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Râ&#x20AC;&#x2122; word /&4%. when some people see people with Down Syndrome (DS), they would call them â&#x20AC;&#x153;retard,â&#x20AC;? which is a pejorative word to refer to persons with mental DISABILITY The Down Syndrome AssoCIATION OF THE 0HILIPPINES )NC $3!0) ALONG WITH THE #ENTER FOR )NCLUSIVE %DUCATION #)% OF the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) and Best Buddies Benilde (BBB), is working to change that, as it aimed to raise the bar for a more accepting community for persons with DS through a seminar and A CAMPAIGN $3!0) 0RESIDENT ,UIS (ARDER explained the reality of the genetic disorder before a crowd of young student-advocates, highlighting the fact that anyone is vulnerable, as one out of 800 babies from all over the world has a risk of being born WITH $3 â&#x20AC;&#x153;While most of us have 46 chromosomes, 23 from the mother and 23 from the father, persons with DS have 47, which was caused by the third copy of THE ST CHROMOSOME u (ARDER EXPOUNDED â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, 50 percent of these babies are also born with heart diseases and other conditions such as hypotonia or poor muscle tone, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, blood disorder, vision problems, hearing loss and infections that require medical INTERVENTION u HE STRESSED (ARDER FATHER TO !DELINE ,OIS

his eight-year-old girl with DS, observed that some of the early manifestations are learning disABILITY AND DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY â&#x20AC;&#x153;Children, including my Adeline, need parents and families who are proud of them and love THEM UNCONDITIONALLY !SIDE from people with DS, others with special needs such as autism also deserve to be given a chance to have a life and be a part of the population,â&#x20AC;?

THE DAD SAID (E NOTED THAT IT WAS BEST TO remain patient when conversing WITH THEM g$O NOT MAKE FUN OF THEM 4ALK TO THEM SLOWLY AND THEY WILL BE ABLE TO COMPREHEND They are sweet and they love to HUG 7HEN YOU ENGAGE THEM IN a conversation, expect that they WILL RESPOND AFFECTIONATELY u (E ALSO ADDED THAT IT WAS important to listen to them carefully as they, when given a chance, can really communiCATE WELL (ARDER REITerated that

Q Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. (DSAPI) President Luis Harder and eight-year-old daughter Adeline Loisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family with 23-year-old Renz Alquiroz (standing in royal blue shirt), who also has Down Syndrome, are joined by young advocates from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Center for Inclusive Education and Best Buddies Benilde CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Q Harder was joined by his eight-year-old daughter Adeline Lois onstage.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

immersion is very important in improving their condition as it hones their comprehension, communication skills and social RELATIONSHIPS 4HE FATHER RECALLED such positive changes brought to his Adeline, who now smiles more since she started attending SCHOOL Renz Alquiroz, 23, a person with DS who presently works at (ARDER S COMPANY 7INGS 4ECHNOLOGY %NTERPRISE )NC 74%)

began interacting with people and has since showed vast deVELOPMENT 4HE $3!0) HEAD SHARED THAT

Alquiroz had established friendships and gained popularity in AND AROUND THEIR OFkCE g)T IS A proof that they, too, can have a positive impact on the public, thanks to the large part of the society that has compassion for THEM u #URRENTLY ASIDE FROM 74%)

various companies from different industries have opened career opportunities for those who have intellectual and developmental DISABILITIES (OWEVER DESPITE WIDER ACCEPTANCE (ARDER STATED THAT MANY STILL USE OFFENSIVE NICKNAMES (E

joined the campaign initiated BY $,3 #3" S #)% AND """ gAN organization that advocates oneto-one friendships with kids with disabilities,â&#x20AC;? to invite the youth to sign a petition to end the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Râ&#x20AC;? word, a pledge that aims to drop TITLES SUCH AS gRETARD u â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to end this but we CANNOT DO IT ALONE ,ET US STAND TOGETHER IN kGHTING AND STOPPING THIS NONSENSE u (ARDER ADVISED g3UCH WORDS ARE IMPROPER 7HAT do we call them? People with $OWN 3YNDROME 4HEY ARE CHEERful, nice, loving, and they do not DESERVE THIS TREATMENT u HE ENDED

Lombardo, Weckert speak at UST symposium on papal encyclical Fides et Ratio

THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) Ecclesiastical Faculties, in cooperation with the Center for Religious Studies and Ethics, brought together philosophers, theologians, canon lawyers and religious educators from various institutions for a two-day symposium on Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason).

The symposium, which was the Fifth Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP, Lecture Series on Religious Studies and Ethics, was held at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex Auditorium in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of St. Pope John Paul 2ndâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s encyclical with the same title.

Fides et Ratio addressed the relationship between faith and reason. The encyclical posits that the two are not only compatible but also essential together. Reason may create a â&#x20AC;&#x153;systematic body of knowledge,â&#x20AC;? but its completeness is â&#x20AC;&#x153;illusoryâ&#x20AC;? as without grounding in spiritual truth, reason can give rise to skepticism and other doctrines that can devalue.

Eight plenary speakers approached the topic from the perspective of philosophy, theology and canon law. Among them were: The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC School of Theology and Religious Studies Area

Director for Historical and Systematic Theology Fr. Nicholas Lombardo, OP, PhD, who delivered a lecture on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Faith and Reason and the Inspiration of Scripture,â&#x20AC;? and Professor Emeritus of Charles Sturt University in Australia John Weckert, PhD, who discussed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trust and Commitment in Science and Technology.â&#x20AC;?

From UST, speakers included distinguished philosopher Professor Emeritus Alfredo Co, PhD, who discussed â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Preliminary Reflection on the Place of Fides et Ratio in the Evangelization of the East in the 21st Century;â&#x20AC;? Associate Professor Pablito Baybado, PhD, who tackled â&#x20AC;&#x153;From Phenomenon to Foundation: Fides et Ratioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prospects for Dialogue and Peace Building;â&#x20AC;? Associate Professor Allan Basas, SThD, who talked on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Critical Theory and Theology of the Signs of the Times: Towards an Emancipated Humanity;â&#x20AC;? Fr. JosĂŠ Antonio Aureada, OP, who expounded on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fides et Ratio: Friends or Enemies?â&#x20AC;? Visiting Professor Fr. Danilo Flores, JUD, who elaborated on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Exercise of Postestas Vicaria of the Roman Pontiff: Perfect and Harmonious Interaction of Fides, Ratio, et Ius;â&#x20AC;? and Professor Jove Jim Aguas, PhD, who presented â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christianity as the Locus of the Complementarity of

Faith and Reason.â&#x20AC;?

A researcher in the emerging field of analytic theology, Fr. Lombardo stated that, in Fides et Ratio, St. Pope John Paul 2nd identified current tasks for theology: It was noted in the encyclical that problems have emerged in recent times, about interpreting scripture and other texts of the Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s living tradition. The Pope posited that a current solution to these problems would not be found without philosophyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution.

An initial problem, Fr. Lombardo discussed, is that of the relationship between meaning and truth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The theologian needs to ask: What is the deep and authentic truth which the texts wish to communicate, even within the limits of language?â&#x20AC;? he quoted from the encyclical.

Fr. Lombardo also presented his hypothesis on how Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intended meaning related to human authorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; intended meaning in the Scripture. His presentation â&#x20AC;&#x153;offers an account of how Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice emerges from the many waters of scripture. Whether or not its proposal succeeds, the principles that St. Pope John Paul 2nd gave us in Fides et Ratio continue to provide the Church a solid foundation for clarifying the

meaning, the truth and the inspiration of Sacred Scripture.â&#x20AC;? Meanwhile, Dr. Weckert, founding editor in chief of the Springer Journal Nano-ethics, focusing on ethics for technologies that converge at the n anoscale, discussed how trust involves goodwill and autonomy, and how te chnology can affect how we trust people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Technology itself isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t widely trusted; we trust the people â&#x20AC;&#x201D; those

who develop, maintain and operate the technology,â&#x20AC;? said Weckert, using the example of how people trust pilots, engineers and technicians rather than trust the plane itself.

He also detailed how trust could be enhanced by technology. It aids in communication and collaboration, which builds trust among people. Trust-inhibiting technologies, however, are also prevalent, such as surveillance technologies, sensing

and listening devices, â&#x20AC;&#x153;big dataâ&#x20AC;? or vast amounts of information collected from individualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; personal habits that are stored through and in technology and may be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns and trends.

Surveillance, said Weckert, limits the autonomy of the persons being monitored as it limits the development of trust and of virtues like honesty, and even threatens privacy.

Q (Front row, from left:) Professor John Weckert, PhD; Fr. Nicholas Lombardo, OP; University of Santo Tomas (UST) Vice Rector and Faculty of Philosophy Dean Fr. Richard Ang, OP; Professor Emeritus Alfredo Co, PhD; UST Center for Religious Studies and Ethics Director Fr. Jannel Abogado, OP; Associate Professor Emmanuel Batoon; and Ecclesiastical Facu lties Secretary Associate Professor Joel Sagut, PhD, with participants. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

E4

Campus Press

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

THURSDAY May 9, 2019

Students showcase creativity in robotics expo

Q Students from different schools create their own robocars out of the starter kits given to them CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

F

UTURE mechanics and engineers from four schools showcased their innovative robocar creations in the recently held Genyo e-Learning Do-It-Yourself (DIY) 2OBOTICS 7ORKSHOP AND 2OBOCAR $ESIGN Exposition.

Spearheaded by print and digital educational resource provider Diwa Learning Systems )NC $IWA THE EVENT BOOSTED STUDENTS INTEREST IN ROBOTICS BY providing them with the basic

knowledge and allowing them to APPLY IT The schools were asked to develop a robocar that aids in earthquake rescue operations using the 'ENYO E ,EARNING $)9 2OBOTICS

Q Engineering and robotics expert Jun Bagaindoc of Tinkbox (left) helps a student create his robocar.

Q Robocars designed for earthquake rescue operations created by students of Colegio de San Francisco Javier (upper left), FAITH Catholic School (upper right), Immaculate Heart of Mary College of Manila (lower left), and Saint Joseph College (lower right)

3-in-1 Robocar given to them by $IWA The students of Colegio de San Francisco Javier of Palompon, Leyte designed their robocar based on the Mars rover model of the National Aeronautics and 3PACE !DMINISTRATION 4HE -OBILE %ARTHQUAKE 2ESCUE "OT OR -%2"

can run through rocky terrain and slopes, and detect the presence of SURVIVORS UNDERNEATH RUBBLE &!)4( #ATHOLIC 3CHOOL OF 4ANAUan City, Batangas made a robocar rescue using Simultaneous Local-

to a survivor during an aftershock to also help ensure the safety of THE RESCUERS Saint Joseph College of Maasin, Leyte developed a versatile and low-cost model for their robocar USING RECYCLED MATERIALS )TS MAIN purpose is to search for alternative ROUTES TO UNREACHABLE AREAS Aside from the design exposition, various schools were invited to undergo a seminar workshop that includes a short lecture by engineering and robotics expert Jun Bagaindoc, who talked about

ization and Mapping or SLAM, a synchronous location awareness and recording of the environment in a map of a computer, device, robot, drone or other autonomous VEHICLES 4HEIR ROBOCAR CREATION employed various types of sensors capable of understanding its environment, thus helping rescuers LOCATE CASUALTIES 3TUDENTS OF THE )MMACULATE (EART OF -ARY #OLLEGE OF -ANILA CREATED $ISASTER 2EADY %MERGENCY Aid for Man, or Dream Bot, to deliver quick emergency supplies

EAC: Quake-damaged building â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;safeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to occupy T(% %MILIO !GUINALDO #OLLEGE %!# HAS ASSURED THE OCCUPANTS OF one of its school structures, which slightly tilted toward its adjacent BUILDING DUE TO A MAGNITUDE earthquake on April 22, that the BUILDING IS SAFE TO USE )N A COMMUNITY FORUM ON !PRIL

*OSE 0AOLO #AMPOS %!# PRESident said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We did our due diliGENCE 7E INSPECTED ALL BUILDINGS TO BE SURE u !DDRESSING THE %!# STUDENTS and faculty members, Campos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The thing that scares you is A NONSTRUCTURAL ELEMENT u Rolando San Andres, one of THE TWO ENGINEERS WHO THE %!# commissioned to inspect all of THE SCHOOL S BUILDINGS WOULD ISSUE WRITTEN SAFE INTEGRITY CERTIkCATES that would be posted on the buildINGS #AMPOS SAID #AMPOS ALSO CLARIkED THAT THE affected Building 7, which is curRENTLY ON AN INDEkNITE LOCKDOWN upon the recommendation of

THE #ITY %NGINEERING /FFICE OF Manila, could not be occupied yet until the local government unit of Manila has given the school the GREEN LIGHT (E ALSO SAID THAT ON !PRIL 25, the task force â&#x20AC;&#x201D; composed of engineers from the city engineering office of Manila, the Department of Public Works A N D ( I G H WAYS ! S S O C I A T I O N OF 3TRUCTURAL %NGINEERS OF THE Philippines and the Philippine )NSTITUTE OF #IVIL %NGINEERS Â&#x2021; who inspected Building 7 from the lobby to the roof deck found gNO ADVERSE FINDINGS u (E ALSO ALLAYED THE FEARS OF THE students and faculty members amid the picture of Building 7 appearing to lean on the UN ResiDENCES TOWER â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to do our due diliGENCE kRST )T HAS TO BE BASED ON actual data before we make our CONCLUSION 4HIS WAS AN UNACCEPTable risk, putting you at an existen-

TIAL RISK u THE %!# PRESIDENT SAID g)F WE LOST "UILDING THAT would not really be fatal, that would be big hit maybe, a big financial expense, but if some FACULTY OR STUDENTS ARE CASUALTIES ) think it is the end of the school,â&#x20AC;?

HE SAID Gregory Serrano, engineer and president of Gresser Contractors AND "UILDERS )NC ANOTHER EXPERT who was commissioned by the %!# TO INSPECT ITS BUILDINGS SAID

g4HE PHOTO IS NOT A SCIENTIkCALLY TAKEN PHOTO u San Andres, however, said that the he could not guarantee that the building would not withstand ANOTHER BIG EARTHQUAKE The design was built using the 1994 National Structural Code of THE 0HILIPPINES HE SAID â&#x20AC;&#x153;The structural integrity of the affected building is still subject to AN AUDIT 7E HAVE TO CHECK IF THIS building conforms with the 2015 National Structural Code of the

0HILIPPINES u HE ADDED 4HE %!# ADMINISTRATION TEMporarily assigned students in different buildings of the school until the Building 7 could be UTILIZED AGAIN The institution suspended classes for a week since the quake to give way for the checking and assessment of all of its buildings, and to ensure the safety of its students, FACULTY MEMBERS AND STAFF The quake affected some 800 to 1000 occupants of the building, Robin Reyes, an administrator of %!# SAID Campos also welcomed the idea that the faculty members need a refresher in case of a disaster EMERGENCY (E ALSO URGED THE STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN EARTHQUAKE OR kRE drills so that they would be â&#x20AC;&#x153;mentally preparedâ&#x20AC;? and panic would not take over them when a disaster OCCURS CATHERINE A. MODESTO

RULES DU30 PLAYS Â

BY PIT M. MALIKSI

When Duterte won the 16th presidency of the 0HILIPPINES ) WAS PINCHING MYSELF TO MAKE SURE IT WAS REAL )T WAS !LL AT ONCE HIS VOTERS saw glimmers of hope that a new dawn looms FOR THIS COUNTRY BY WAY OF THEIR 0RESIDENT S PLEDGES "UT SUCH CAMPAIGN PROMISES HAVE not gone far enough, as the President had alREADY BROKEN THEM FROM THE kRST FEW MONTHS

WHICH TURNED INTO A YEAR AND ANOTHER When everything of it is said, heard and read much more in the papers and social media, what else can we say? What about some rules opposing the way Duterte leads us, like the way the weather changes: $ON T JUMP INTO TROUBLE MOUTH kRST )N A MOMENT OF PIQUE HE WOULD CURSE HIS ENEMIES OR PICK A kGHT WITH CRITICS THEN TAKE HIS WORDS BACK *UST LIKE WHEN HE THANKED 'OD FOR HIS WIN THEN CALLED (IM STUPID

and now thanked God again for the falling rains in answer to the draught in the cities of $AVAO AND "ACOLOD (E THREATENED TO KILL THE bishops critical of his drug war that resulted to extrajudicial killings, and then advised the MILITARY TO MEAN NO HARM (E ALSO FAVORED #HINA OVER THE COUNTRY S TRIBUNAL WIN IN THE (AGUE THEN THREATENED TO KICK AGAINST THE pricks of Chinese transgressions over our WESTERN SEAS #OULD SUCH DISCLAIMERS BE A moderate stridency in the interests of easing tensions, or are they a gloss over to secure votes for his electoral endorsees to further his POLITICAL INlUENCE AND CRIMINAL IMPUNITY )S THIS WHY AT THIS PARTICULAR ELECTION $5 enacts laws after laws and pledges reform after reform? $IRTY JOKES AND WHITE LIES LEAVE BLACK

MARKS (E EXAGGERATES AND BLURS THE LINE BETWEEN MODESTY AND OUTRIGHT VULGARITY During a round of appearances at his presidential campaigns, he confessed to KILLING DRUG ADDICTS AS MAYOR OF $AVAO #ITY (E PROMISED TO FLY JET SKIS AND PLANT OUR FLAG IN THE 3PRATLY )SLANDS (E FLAUNTED HIS manhood and regretted having not raped first an Australian victim, and said women WERE RAPED BECAUSE THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL !LL his rape jokes were simple metaphors, according to his apologists, who laughed at his gaffe that defined disrespect for womEN AND EXPOSED CHILDREN TO PROFANITIES With Duterte, bullying happened not only ONLINE BUT ALSO STRAIGHT FROM HIS MOUTH Be a leader with integrity. Burying the dictator-plunderer Marcos at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a payoff for his presidential campaign largesse from the Marcos family â&#x20AC;&#x201D; was an affront to thousands of Martial Law VICTIMS AND PATRIOTIC &ILIPINOS 5NDER THE cloak of his drug-bust banner, DU30 sends rampage and killings among poor drug pushers and users by the streets, while rich drug lords HID IN THE HOLES AND CORNERS OF DRUG CARTELS (E BRAGS ABOUT BEING A LAWYER BUT SHAKES OFF the legal procedures, even the Constitution, that get in the way of his shortcuts (no court trials, temporary restraining orders, biddings OR AUDITS )T SEEMS LIKE THE 0HILIPPINES IS BACK to being the nation it was during the era of former president Ferdinand Marcos: a nation without democracy that grapples with violence, militarization, corruption, and a culture of PATRONAGE IMPUNITY AND DISUNITY !VOID FOCUSING ON SELECTIVE lAWS )T S A PARADOX THAT UNDER $5 S gNOT A WHIFF OF CORruptionâ&#x20AC;? policy, convicted-plunderers Gloria

-ACAPAGAL !RROYO *UAN 0ONCE %NRILE *OSE 0IMENTEL g*INGGOYu %STRADA AND 2AMON g"ONGu Revilla 2nd were deemed off the hook; and that Senator Leila de Lima now languishes in a cell for two years over a trumped case without her day in court, while cohorts like .ICANOR &AELDON AND )SIDRO ,APEĂ&#x201E;A GOT THEIR SAFETY PASS 4HAT WHEN -ARIA ,OURDES 3EREno Sereno, Conchita Carpio Morales, Sister Patricia Fox, Maria Ressa, Romulo â&#x20AC;&#x153;Romyâ&#x20AC;?

Macalintal, Gary Alejano, Manuel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chelâ&#x20AC;? $IOKNO AND %DUARDO !CIERTO SLAMMED THE 0RESIDENT S MALPRACTICES HE SUBJECTED them to gross verbal abuse, browbeating or LAWSUITS 4HAT AS 4RILLANES DARED $UTERTE TO open his billions bank account and for his son Paolo, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pulong,â&#x20AC;? to show his back with an alleged drug-syndicate-tattoo, he was doubly outraged and gunned for charges AGAINST 4RILLANES )F A LEADER FINDS SHORT TERM SUCCESS a high-and-mighty power, it makes him ARROGANT MANIPULATIVE AND BLASPHEMOUS American football coach Joe Paterno once said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but IT WON T TASTE GOOD u 0IT - -ALIKSI GRADUATED FROM THE 5NIVERsity of Santo Tomas and taught at the Central 4EXAS #OLLEGE (E IS ALSO AN %NGLISH TEACHER at Liceo de San Pablo and the founder of the 0HILIPPINE !XIOLOGISTS !SSOCIATION (E WAS awarded as the most outstanding professor for 12 years at the Polytechnic University of THE 0HILIPPINES IN 3TO 4OMAS "ATANGAS 34" WHERE HE IS THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM OFkCER OF +IWANIS )NTERNATIONAL 34" (E FOUNDED THE 34" -GA !PO .I 4OMAS A CIVIC SOCIETY COMPRISED OF A THOUSAND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

the basics of robotics and the funcTIONAL ROLE OF ROBOTS IN OUR SOCIETY 0ARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WERE %MMANUEL #HRISTIAN 3CHOOL %SCUELA DE 3OPHIA OF #ALOOCAN )NC

%SPIRITU 3ANTO 0AROCHIAL 3CHOOL

)MMACULATE (EART OF -ARY #OLLEGE 1UEZON #ITY 3ACRED (EART !CADEMY 0ASIG 3AINT -ARY S !CADEMY Pasay, San Lorenzo School, and 3AN 3EBASTIAN #OLLEGE 2ECOLETOS A line-tracing competition and pop-the-balloon challenge were also held to let students explore THE 'ENYO $)9 2OBOTICS KITS

Welcome to Gen Z: How to engage the new generation of learners

A new generation of learners, the Generation Z, has emerged. Born around the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, this new generation are taking things to the next level.

While the previous generation, the Millenials, has been described as tech-savvy, the Gen Zs are digital natives. What this means, according to REX Bookstore or REX, is that they have spent almost all their growing-up years completely surrounded by technology and immersed in digital environments through smart devices, such that up to a certain point, they have become dependent on these for daily life and learning.

REX, an educational book publisher and bookstore chain in the Philippines, said that in the field of education, technology has increasingly become prevalent, but not all approaches that blend with it seem to fit the needs of the Gen Zs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Engaging these students, whose attention spans have all but dwindled to the speed of scrolling and swiping, is a matter as important as providing dynamic and innovative content,â&#x20AC;? it said.

One suggestion that frequently opens up is the use of video content to immediately capture their attention and lay out a set of points, which they may follow and then try to learn more about. Bite-sized content from video series and mini-lectures often catch their attention and end up getting them more curious about the topics. For them, personalizing everything is key, and at a time of instant communication and the struggle to become independent in just about everything, schools and educators need to understand what lies at the core of the Gen Z, what motivates and stimulates their attitudes towards learning.

With the new generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reliance on connectivity comes several aspects of learning that would shape the classroom of the future: Instant access to information, whether it is facts, data or discussions at length, has become the cornerstone of their digital experiences. For the Gen Z, it should be instant or it would no longer be as relevant or as useful, given how rapid everything else works in the digital space.

Having grown up with a keen sense of multitasking and sifting through vast amounts of online information, Gen Z often decide over things with a click or a tap, often becoming impatient over the slightest delays.

What is important, then, is to create value out of these given facts: To sustain learning

environments that would encourage Gen Z learners to use information for the benefit of more people, discuss and reflect about it to better understand its implications, and moreover, use it in such a way that it transforms and disrupts through innovative solutions for everyone. This means that schools, as institutions of learning, must support the new generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thirst for active, flexible and collaborative learning, one that drives towards the future with a spirit of independence and critical thinking.

REX believes that every young learner must be engaged, as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;whole childâ&#x20AC;? who deserves the best of everything that education brings. This means that aside from adapting to the changing needs of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generation of young learners, the need to engage them with the real world must also create real, lasting and meaningful connections that teach them not only to be future-ready citizens, but also to be responsible stewards of the global community. By connecting students through small, active ways of engagement such as cooperative learning and project-based learning, we open and widen their curiosities to a world that thrives outside of the digital worlds that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve grown accustomed to. Campaigns to engage young learners with service learning, internships, apprenticeships, and volunteer projects with civic engagements that help them learn the value of community support and service to others.

By immersing and including them through meaningful participation in real-world situations, we raise their awareness of the relevance of their decisions, small or big, in a changing world that needs them in the future. By teaching care and concern not just for others, but also for the environment and the world at large, we connect the new generation with everyone, and let them understand their important role in shaping the future today.

While it may be true that the Generation Zâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention span has all but dwindled, it is not too late to catch it. With the help of innovative learning solutions that deepen their engagement and ensure their success, we hope to help every young learner become engaged and responsible digital citizens.

Learn more about the Whole Child Approach, visit http:// www.wholechild. rexbookstore.ph/