THE MANILA TIMES | MAY 13, 2019

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MONDAY, MAY 13, 2019

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Comelec: Vote-buying the biggest challenge

BY WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL, DEMPSEY REYES AND CATHERINE A. MODESTO

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T’S all systems go for today’s national and local elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said, with contingency measures in place to ensure that the voting, counting and proclamation of winners proceed smoothly. ³Vote-buyingA2

Red-Yellow alliance vs Duterte will massively fail

JUDGMENT DAY

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HE unholy alliance between the Communist Party with its rabble of front organizations and personalities and the stragglers of the Aquino Yellow Cult will massively be defeated in today’s elections, which are really a referendum on President Duterte’s administration. ³TiglaoA5

RIG RRIGOBERTO IGG DD. TIGLAO

A procession in preparation for Monday’s elections was held at the Manila Cathedral on Sunday. PHOTO BY ORVEN VERDOTE

Duterte won’t ‘meddle with gambling anymore’ PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has apparently given up on his campaign against gambling, on Saturday saying he was “lacking” and could only urge people to

not engage in the vice.

“That gambling-gambling, I will not meddle with it anymore, just do not enter.

I cannot control it, really... I will let you

What’s inside JOMA TO DUTERTE: ESCAPE HELL, REOPEN PEACE TALKS NewsA2 RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

VOTERS should consider bringing an umbrella as they make their way to polling precincts, as cloudy skies and rain showers are expected to prevail on election day, the state weather bureau announced on Sunday.

SportsC1

EntertainmentD1

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In a bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said an approaching low pressure area embedded in the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) would in-

lUENCE THE WEATHER OVER THE 6ISAYAS and Mindanao.

“From Sunday to Monday, the ITCZ will affect the Visayas and Mindanao, bringing cloudy skies with scattered

³RainsA8

Delayed disclosure and an arbitration request

BY MAURO GIA SAMONTE

REACH US AT: E-mail:

MORISETTE AND DARREN ESPANTO SET A NEW TONE TO ‘A WHOLE NEW WORLD’

out illegal gambling and cracked down on casinos and online gaming firms, said Filipinos themselves should decide

Cloudy skies, rains expected during polls

Tita ValderamaA4

PACQUIAO TO FIGHT THURMAN IN WBA WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN

in, but not extortion or drugs,” he said at the PDP-Laban’s miting de avance in Pasig City on Saturday night.

Duterte, who had pledged to stamp

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

Continued from May 2 A garnishment order issued by a Bataan Regional Trial Court (RTC) against Holcim Philippines Inc. (HPI) takes on a new dimension in the midst of reports that the parent firm could be disposing of the business.

Bloomberg, in a recent report, said: “LafargeHolcim is weighing options for its Philippines business, including a potential sale, as it seeks to further reduce debt by selling non-core assets, according to the people.”

Swiss-based LaFargeHolcim is the result of a 2015 merger of cement firms Lafarge and Holcim. It has a combined market value exceeding, according to Wikepedia, of $50 billion and is said to employ 80,000 worldwide.

The parent firm’s stock rose as a result of the reported sale plans but investors should have taken note of developments at its Philippine unit.

Article VII, Section 4.1 of the Philippine Stock Exchange’s Consolidated Listing and Disclosure Rules of the Philippine

Stock Exchange (PSE) states: “In addition to the reportorial requirements under the SRC (Securities Regulation Code), issuers are hereby required to disclose to the Exchange once they become aware of any material information or corporate act, development or event within ten (10) minutes from the receipt of such information or the happening or occurrence of said act, development or event. Disclosure must be made to the Exchange prior to its release to the news media.”

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˜ The Manila Times MONDAY May 13, 2019

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Joma to Duterte: Escape hell, reopen peace talks

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte should reopen peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to avoid landing in hell, exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma�

Sison said on Sunday.

Sison’s statement came after Duterte, in a speech at the PDPLaban’s miting de abanse in Pasig City on Saturday, said he would be “happy� to go with the communist leader “hand-in-hand to the mouths of hell.�

The CPP founder said he had no plans to join Duterte in his journey to hell. “I absolutely have no intention to accompany Duterte [o]n his trip to hell, whether this be a medieval RELIGIOUS PRESUMPTION OR A kGURE of speech for historical infamy,� he noted in a statement.

Sison said Duterte, whom he had been at odds with, was “destined for historical damnation for being treasonous, tyrannical, murderous, corrupt and swindling.�

The President, however, should push for the resumption of the peace negotiations with the NDFP for him to be able to “mend his ways� if he wanted to “change course from the direction of hell,� he added. “Then, we can work together to respond to the demands of the Filipino people for social, economic and political reforms,�

Sison pointed out. “I am not blinking, but I am winking at my former student to indicate to him that he can avoid getting hell from the Filipino people and their revolutionary forces by acceding to the reforms needed for a just peace,� he said.

Sison committed to remain “steadfast and militant in being

Pinay caregiver cited for bravery

by Philippine ambassador to Israel THE Philippine Embassy in Israel in April lauded a Filipina caregiver for her bravery and quick action that helped save her employer, a Holocaust survivor, from being ran over by a wayward vehicle.

Charmaine Fernandez received a special citation from Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial on April 17 for protecting her 95-year-old employer, Missa Schindler.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that according to Missa’s son, Dr. Abraham Schindler, Fernandez was walking on a pedestrian lane with his mother when a speeding vehicle came toward them.

Fernandez quickly shielded her employer with her own body, protecting her from harm.

The driver managed to bring the car to a halt within inches of the two women, crushing Mrs. Schindler’s walker.

He was later detained by the police. “Dr. Schindler later contacted the embassy to report the incident and [to] convey his gratitude. He shared that Ms. Fernandez’s instinct to protect his mother had brought back memories of his own touching encounter with Filipinos, this time as a recipient of urgent care from Filipino medical personnel when he was attacked by a mob in Libya in the 1960s,� the DFA said.

DFA Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Fernandez said Imperial welcomed Fernandez at the embassy that morn-

ing to hand over the citation, with Mrs. Schindler and her son proudly watching.

Imperial commended Fernandez’s “selfless display of courage beyond the call of duty,� saying her example “has elevated the dignity of Filipino caregivers in Israel and has given honor to all Filipino workers in the world.� “Our workers are the Philippines’ best ambassadors of goodwill here in Israel, and we are lucky to have about 24,000 living and working here at the moment,� he said. “They fulfill a vital role here, helping Israelis care for the elderly and infirm members of their families. Ms. Fernandez is an outstanding example of how, on a daily basis, Filipino caregivers do their best to make sure that their patients are given the best of care,� Imperial added.

During their call, the Schindler family learned of the story of how the Philippines provided a safe haven for Jews fleeing persecution in the 1930s through the open door policy of thenPresident Manuel Quezon.

The elder Schindler, who was brought from Italian-occupied Libya to a concentration camp in Germany in the 1940s, is herself a Holocaust survivor.

The collaboration of the Filipinos and Jews is enshrined today at the Rishon Lezion Monument Park and remains as a symbol of Filipino humanitarian assistance during the Holocaust, Fernandez said.

BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

Q VOTE-BUYING FROM A1

themselves and the required secure digital memory cards.

Comelec The biggest concern, as far as poll OFkCIALS ARE CONCERNED IS VOTE BUYing and vote-selling given increased complaints and reports — the latest involving the politically-charged -AKATI MAYORAL RACE ‡ AND DIFkCULties in prosecuting such cases.

Up for grabs in today’s elections are 18,879 positions, including 12 for senators; 60 party-list group seats; 243 for district congressmen; 81 each for governors and vicegovernors; 780 for provincial board members; 1,634 each for mayors and vice mayors; and 13,544 city and municipal council slots.

Precincts will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. “As far as the [vote counting] maCHINES 6#-S AND OFkCIAL BALLOTS are concerned, everything has been deployed 100 percent,� Comelec Education and Information Division Director Frances Arabe said on Sunday.

Final sealing and VCM testing are still ongoing in some areas, however, and Arabe said the Comelec had backup plans in place for defective equipment, including the machines

No major threats The Armed Forces of the Philippines also reported their readiness, announcing near 100-percent delivery of election paraphernalia with the exception of remote islands such as Pag-asa (Thitu) in the Spratlys.

Spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard !REVALO SAID THEY WERE CONkDENT OF completing delivery by the end of the day, and reiterated that authorities had yet to uncover major threats or sabotage plots. “Of course, we can’t just be overly CONkDENT THAT THERE WOULD BE NO INCIdents, but as what we have been saying, they may attempt, but they will never succeed,� he told reporters on Sunday.

Some 92,000 VCMs and 63 million ballots had been distributed ACROSS THE COUNTRY #OMELEC OFkCIALS have said, with 85,000 to be used on the day of the elections and the remainder on standby.

Biggest challenge Arabe said the biggest challenge faced by the poll body so far was the number of vote-buying and vote-

loyal� to the cause of Filipinos in kGHTING FOR THEIR RIGHTS He had called the Duterte administration a “scourge� to the people.

Duterte and Sison have been at odds since the President formally ordered the cancellation of the peace talks with the communists.

In 2017, Duterte issued a proclamation steering away from the negotiations and another proclamation declaring the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, as terrorist organizations.

MalacaĂąang also on Sunday said the peace talks had always been open, but it was up to the communist rebels to keep their end of the bargain.

In a radio interview aired over radio dzIQ, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo reminded Sison and his group that Duterte had opened a “small window� for the negotiations. “There has always been a small window for the peace talks, provided that those on the other side of the table will be true to the goal. [They should] not assault, ambush, burn or kill during the negotiations. That is not allowable

for the President,� Panelo said.

He raised doubts if Sison is still being followed by the rebels. “Will he be truthful [to the peace talks]? Will he be listened to by his people? The problem is, maybe he is not listened to anymore,� Panelo said.

Multiple times in the past, $UTERTE lIP lOPPED ON HIS STANCE on the peace talks with the rebels.

After declaring the “permanent� shutdown of the negotiations with the communist rebels, the President last month created a new government panel for the talks.

In another speech last month, Duterte said if the rebels were still willing to talk peace with the government once again, he would be sending the panel to meet with them.

He, however, mulled forming a “Duterte Death Squad� that would combat the so-called Sparrow units of the NPA. The government is pushing “localized� peace talks with the NDFP, which Sison struck down.

DEMPSEY REYES AND RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

PH’s fertility rate plummets THE country’s fertility rate had plummeted, but the Philippines has to further step up its efforts to bring the number even lower, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

4HIS kGURE IS HIGHER THAN THE recorded average number of births per woman that was at 6 in 1973, data from the UNFPA said.

The national target of the fertility rate is 2.1, according to the Philippine Development Plan.

As of 2019, the Philippines has a population of 108.1 million, 64 million of whom are aged 15 to 64.

The UNFPA said about 17 percent of married women aged 15 to 49 had expressed intention to limit the number of their children, but were not using any method of family planning. “Such proportion of unmet need for family planning services is highest among adolescents at 28 percent,� it noted.

Globally, according to the UNFPA’s State of World Population Report 2019, “remarkable gains have been made in sexual and reproductive health and rights since 1969‌ but despite progress, hundreds of millions still face barriers that prevent them from making their own decisions about whether when, how often and with whom to become pregnant.â€?

The report noted, “Gender-

unequal norms remain among the MOST SIGNIkCANT DRAGS ON PROGRESS for women and girls to freely make fundamental decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health and rights.�

The UNFPA said gender roles curtailed females’ freedom to make sexual and reproductive decisions.

The report noted that without gender equality, reproductive rights could not be fully realized.

It said contraceptive rates were generally lower among the poorest 20 percent of the population and highest among the richest 20 percent.

The report added that the global maternal mortality rate had gone down by 44 percent since 1990.

It said while governments over the years had started catching up in terms of providing access to sexual and reproductive services, they need to continuously adapt to extend rights and choices for all.

The report noted that globally, funds — which the UNFPA said were a critical aspect to “advance� the rights and choices of vulnerable people — remained insufficient, but promoting universal health coverage provided opportunities to “expand access to information and high level of services.�

CATHERINE A. MODESTO

Bong Go makes final pitch for PDP-Laban AT the miting de avance of PDPLaban on Saturday night, the last day of the campaign period, former special ssistant to the President and 2019 candidate for senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go appealed to Filipinos to support the ruling party’s Senate slate, as well as their guest candidates.

Go, in his speech at the PDP-Laban grand rally at the Philippine Sports Arena in Pasig City, urged the people to get out and vote on Monday in the midterm elections.

The PDP-Laban slate includes Maguindanao Second District Rep. Zajid “Dongâ€? Mangudadatu, former Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Batoâ€? dela Rosa, Sen. Aquilino “Kokoâ€? Pimentel 3rd and former MalacaĂąang political adviser Francis Tolentino.

Also running under the PDPLaban Senate ticket are singer Freddie Aguilar and former Interior secretary Rafael Alunan, as well as guest candidates Sen. Joseph Victor “JVâ€? Ejercito, Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonnyâ€? Angara, Sen. Cynthia Villar, Taguig City Second District Rep. Pilar Juliana “Piaâ€? Cayetano and Ilocos Norte Gov. MarĂ­a Imelda Josefa “Imeeâ€? Marcos.

Go reiterated his commitment to support President Rodrigo Duterte, as well as his programs and policies.

The President said Go, who served as his trusted aide for over selling reports, which she admitted were hard to prosecute and often ended up being dismissed as complainants and witnesses lose interest and fail to show up in court.

Those seeking national positions would be seeking the favor of 61,843,771 registered voters in 17 regions, including 1,113,285 overseas voters, according to Comelec data.

Region 4-A or Calabarzon has the biggest number of registered voters at 8,674,351, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila, 7,074,603; Region 3 (Central Luzon), 6,829,661; Re g i o n 7 ( C e n t r a l V i s aya s ) , 4,946,354; and Region 6 (Western Visayas), 4808,839.

Other vote-rich regions are Region 5 (Bicol), 3,647,722; Region 1 (Ilocos), 3,331,404; Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), 3,051,649; Region 11 (Davao), 3,026,393; and Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), 2,855,792.

Under Comelec Resolution 10460, all registered voters whose names appear in the election day computerized voters lists can vote in the 2019 national and local elections.

Arabe did not detail the number of complaints received. The Philippine National Police, for its part, said it had recorded 18 incidents of vote-

FINAL PITCH

Aspiring senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go has vowed to immediately buckle down to work of serving Filipinos if he wins in the May 13 elections. At the miting de avance of the PDP-Laban on Saturday night, he made a final pitch for the party’s bets as well as its guest candidates. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 21 years, did not actually need to work for him because the later is his “friend.�

He noted that Go started in public service by volunteering to help him when he was still mayor of Davao City.

Aside from being hardworking and honest, Duterte said Go had good education and is good at numbers.

Aside from Go, Duterte also sought support for the rest of the PDP-Laban slate and their guest

candidates, saying: “I need men in the Senate [to help me].�

Go urged his fellow candidates to buckle down to work immediately after the elections, to serve the people and help the President pursue his legislative agenda.

As a neophyte in the political arena and relatively unknown, compared to fellow candidates who came from established political families, he said he was a little anxious about today’s elections.

'O HOWEVER SAID HIS CONkDENCE was bolstered by the overwhelming display of support he received in practically all the places he had been to.

Apart from the three-pronged campaign against corruption, criminality and illegal drugs, he ticked off as among his priorities the improvement in the delivery of health services in the country, particularly through the establishment of Malasakit Centers, which were his brainchild.

buying and monitored 149 suspects, 139 of whom had been arrested.

would be charged with violating Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Comments from the mayor’s ofkCE WERE NOT IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE

for our national life and expression of our faith in God,� he said. “For those who are discouraged or discontented with the political state of our country, be reminded that abstaining will not help to improve it,� he added.

Makati vote-buying ,ATE ON 3ATURDAY POLICE OFkCERS arrested village officials in San Isidro, Makati for alleged vote-buyING AND SELLING 4HEY WERE IDENTIkED as Karen May Matibag, barangay (village) treasurer; Medlyn Joy Ong, barangay secretary; Marie Antoinette Capistrano, barangay administrator; and Wenifredo Ong, Mario Louis Siriban, Adrian Chiapoco, John Brian Matibag and Ma. Liberty Dacullo.

Around 52 people, mostly senior citizens, were also arrested for reportedly selling their votes for reelectionist Makati City Mayor Mar-len Abigail “Abby� Binay, who is running against her brother, former mayor Jejomar “Junjun� Binay Jr., in a race that has exposed divisions in a family that has run Makati for decades. !UTHORITIES CONkSCATED PIECES OF 0 BILLS ASSORTED IDENTIkcation cards, 10 cellphones, a list of voters with their addresses and respective voting precincts, and two boxes of Abby Binay’s “Ulat sa Bayan� LEAlETS .#2 0OLICE /FkCE CHIEF -AJ 'EN Guillermo Eleazar said those arrested

Votes ‘sacred’ Ahead of today’s elections, The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) called on the Christian faithful to refrain from selling their vote. “Do not sell your vote, for it is sacred. The freedom to choose our leaders is God’s gift; the freedom to vote is a legacy bestowed by our forefathers. Let us value this freedom, AND NOT EXCHANGE LONG TERM BENEkTS for temporary gains,� PCEC national director Bishop Noel A. Pantoja said in a statement.

He noted that the elections were crucial in the country’s journey to “political maturity as a democratic nation.�

Pantoja urged voters not to be carried away by endorsements and swayed by preelection surveys, instead factoring in the candidates’ track records, platforms of governance and advocacies. “The values we hold will clearly RElECT ON THE QUALITY OF LEADERS WE place in our government. May our VOTES RElECT THE BEST OF OUR ASPIRATIONS

Be prepared The Comelec’s Arabe reminded voters to come early and ready a list of candidates to facilitate the process.

Voters were also told not to overvote or shade more than the required number of candidates running for a certain position, stressing that this would invalidate their choices.

Every voter, she pointed out, should only vote for 12 senators, one party-list group, a city or municipal mayor and vice-mayor, a governor and vice-govenor and the required number of municipal or town councilors and provincial board members. “If you overvote for senator or mayor or any other positions, that will not be read by the machine but [it] will not invalidate your votes on other candidates that you correctly SHADED u !RABE CLARIkED “It’s better to undervote than overvote,� she added.

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President: Long live all mothers PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and MalacaĂąang lauded mothers as the world celebrated Mother’s $AY ON 3UNDAY In a video greeting, the President said he wished mothers a gVERY HAPPY AND CONTENTED LIFE u “I know how’s it to be a mother because I have another and I see all the pain she goes through to GIVE HER FAMILY COMFORT u HE SAID g,ONG LIVE ALL MOTHERS u THE 0RESIDENT ADDED In a statement also on Sunday, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo hailed mothers, saying they held the HIGHEST ACCOLADE THERE WAS TO BESTOW “Nobody, not even the fathers, can equal the tender, love and care that mothers shower their children from the time of their birth till THEIR GROWING YEARS u HE SAID

g4HE SACRIkCE THE MOTHERS MAKE to provide their sons and daughters sustenance, growth and development of their potentials is IMMEASURABLE AND INCOMPARABLE u 0ANELO ADDED 1UOTING 3T 4HERESE OF ,ISEUX

Panelo said the heart of a mother IS THE LOVELIEST MASTERPIECE OF 'OD “From morning until dawn, she struggles to make the child not only happy, but [also] protected FROM ANY HARM INJURY OR ILLNESS She toils as well for the realization OF THE OFFSPRING S DREAM u HE SAID “For such virtues, the world should give universal recognition to these worthy women of unsurPASSED SELlESSNESS AND PLACE THEM INTO THE PANTHEON OF HEROES u 0ANELO ADDED RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

MONDAY May 13, 2019

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Duterte eyeing more troops for Lanao del Sur

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BY RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he might be bringing in more troops to Lanao del Sur due to reported violence and harassment related to today’s midterm electons.

Speaking at a PDP-Laban campaign rally on Saturday night, the President said he would commit more troops to Lanao del Sur if the SITUATION THERE DOES NOT IMPROVE “I’m talking about the trouble that is now going on in Lanao del 3UR %ITHER YOU STOP IT OR A LOT

of people there, [I might declare] failure of election if they cannot VOTE OR PLAIN TERRORISM u HE SAID “If that’s the case, I will return AND BRING MANY SOLDIERS u HE ADDED He reiterated that the declaration of the martial law and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus

still stood in Mindanao, and that he could bring the military to LaNAO DEL 3UR IF HE PLEASES “You must remember that until now martial law exists in MindANAO $O NOT FORCE ME $O NOT force my hand to do something which you might not like and hate ME FOR ALL TIME u THE $UTERTE SAID President Duterte issued Proclamation 216 declaring martial law and the suspension of the writ of HABEAS CORPUS IN -INDANAO FOR DAYS ON -AY IN ORDER TO stabilize the situation and start the REHABILITATION IN -ARAWI The declaration was then exTENDED UNTIL THE END OF THEN

UNTIL THE END OF AND EVENTUALLY UNTIL THE END OF Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said President Duterte already stressed the need to visit Lanao del 3UR BECAUSE OF THE SITUATION THERE The President also called on police personnel and soldiers to strictly implement checkpoints, while taking note of the security DETAIL OF THE CANDIDATES “Now, if you pass by a checkpoint, I gave an order to he Army and the Police that if you have M-16 or M-14 kREARM IF THE POLICE AND MILITARY SAY PUT IT DOWN SURRENDER THEM )F YOU don’t follow them, I told the cops and MILITARY TO KILL THEM u HE SAID

Mother has sole custody of child below 7 years old Dear PAO, My husband and I have been separated the past two years.

I have the sole custody of our three-year-old son after my husband decided to live in Japan with his girlfriend. My husband now wants to have the sole custody of our son because, according to him, our son would have a brighter future in Japan. I love our son so much and I cannot live without him. I do not want our son to live with my husband and his girlfriend. Is my husband really entitled to the sole custody of our son?

Leigh Dear Leigh, To answer your question, we shall refer to Article 213 of the Family Code of the Philippines,

wise.� (Emphasis supplied) Moreover, Article 363 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines DEAR PAO provides: “In all questions on the care, custody, education and property of children the latter’s welfare SHALL BE PARAMOUNT .O MOTHER shall be separated from her child to wit: under seven years of age, unless the “In case of separation of the COURT kNDS COMPELLING REASONS FOR parents, parental authority shall SUCH MEASURE u be exercised by the parent desIn the case of Herald Black Dacasin ignated by the court. The court vs Sharon del Mundo Dacasin (GR shall take into account all rel- &EB

THE 3UPREME evant considerations, especially Court through Senior Associate Justice the choice of the child over seven Antonio Carpio discussed: years of age, unless the parent “Upon separation of the spouses, CHOSEN IS UNkT the mother takes sole custody under “No child under seven years of the law if the child is below seven age shall be separated from the years old and any agreement to MOTHER UNLESS THE COURT kNDS the contrary is void. Thus, the law compelling reasons to do other- suspends the joint custody regime

PERSIDA ACOSTA

for (1) children under seven of two separated or divorced spouses.

Simply put, for a child to within this age bracket (and for commonsensical reasons), the law decides for the separated or divorced parents how best to take care of the child and that is to give custody to the sepaRATED MOTHER )NDEED THE separated parents cannot contract away the provision in the Family Code on the maternal custody of children below seven years anymore than they can privately agree that a mother who is unemployed, immoral, habitually drunk, drug ADDICT INSANE OR AFlICTED WITH A communicable disease will have sole custody of a child under seven as these are reasons deemed compelling to preclude the application of the exclusive maternal

custody regime under the second paragraph of Article 213. xxx The imposed custodial regime under the second paragraph of Article 213 is limited in duration, lasting only UNTIL THE CHILD S SEVENTH YEAR &ROM the eight year until the child’s emancipation, the law gives the separated parents freedom, subject to the usual contractual limitations, to agree on CUSTODY REGIMES THEY SEE kT TO ADOPT XXXu %MPHASIS SUPPLIED Applying the above-mentioned law and jurisprudence in your situation, you can have the sole custody of your SON SINCE HE IS BELOW YEARS OLD 4HE mother takes sole custody under the law if the child is below 7 years old upon separation of the latter’s parENTS 4HE SOLE FOREMOST CONSIDERATION is the physical, educational, social AND MORAL WELFARE OF THE CHILD 4HE

respective resources and moral situation of the parents must also be taken INTO CONSIDERATION &URTHERMORE THE welfare of the child should always be the paramount consideration in considering the parent who would HAVE CUSTODY OF SUCH CHILD We find it necessary to mention that this opinion is solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation OF THE SAME 4HUS THE OPINION may vary when the facts are CHANGED OR FURTHER ELABORATED We hope that we were able to ENLIGHTEN YOU ON THE MATTER Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s /FkCE 1UESTIONS FOR #HIEF !COSTA may be sent to dearpao@manilaTIMES NET

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Opinion

MONDAY May 13, 2019

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E d i to r i a l More important than electing officials, today must lead to good governance

T

RUE to our constitutional and democratic tradition, we mark Election Day today across the entire archipelago.

No doubt our people will once again demonstrate their enthusiasm and support for their representative democracy and the Constitution.

It is a profound irony that for a nation that was annexed by America on the pretext that it would teach our people the art or science of self-government, we Filipinos exercise suffrage much more eagerly than our supposed mentors.

Filipino voters turn out to vote at a vastly greater rate than their American counterparts.

In this 2019 midterm elections, we will record a voter turnout of nearly 90 percent, perhaps even better. Americans at best can only scratch a turnout of barely 57 percent in both their presidential and midterm elections.

How did it happen that Filipinos take suffrage far more seriously than our American brothers?

Is this because our people are comparatively poorer, and many get monetary rewards for voting?

Or is it rather because our people – the masses as well as the elite – really believe their votes matter. They care who will govern them and their public life.

Americans never tire of preaching to the world about the great importance of holding free and credible elections. They cannot practice what they preach.

3HORT OF RUNNING FOR OFkCE VOTING IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO GET INVOLVED in the political process.

Although Americans quarrel a lot over politics nowadays, it has been said that US voter turnout is low because people feel their votes don’t matter since they believe wealthy Americans control Washington, D.C. Is this true of most developed countries in the West?

No. The United States simply sports one of the worst voting kGURES AMONG DEVELOPED COUNTRIES Roughly 56 percent of America’s voting-age population voted in the 2016 presidential election, according to Pew Research Center. That’s more than the numbers who turned out for the 2012 election, but less than the 58.3 percent who voted in 2008. In either case, both numbers are way behind those of most developed countries.

Belgium in 2014, Sweden in 2014, and Denmark in 2015 all had more than 80 percent of registered voters cast ballots. More than 87 percent of Belgians went to the polls in 2014.

Among American states with the worst voter turnout are the biggest US states: California, New York and Texas. The bigger they are, the lazier they are in voting.

Voter turnout is bad throughout the United States, but it’s worst in Hawaii. It’s the only state where less than 50 percent of voters cast ballots; barely more than 47 percent of people voted in 2016.

Voter turnout is the percentage (or number) of eligible voters who cast ballots on election day. By this measure, the Philippines clearly is no slouch as a representative democracy.

Having said that, we want to make a second important point today.

The principal purpose of holding national elections is not only to elect our representatives in government, in the legislative and executive branches of government.

4HE EXERCISE IS NOT JUST ABOUT kLLING UP POSTS IN THE (OUSE OF Representatives and the Senate, and in our provincial, city and municipal governments.

Thousands of positions are at stake in the elections today.

Every candidate we elect today will become part of the public payroll. In some cases, it could mean entire families entering the government payroll.

The full objective of an election, however, is to produce good governance for the nation and our local communities.

Democracy is perverted when an election produces only bodies whom THE PUBLIC WILL PAY AND FAILS TO PRODUCE OFkCIALS WHO WILL MAN AND LEAD effective and responsible public institutions.

Good governance means the responsibility and effectiveness of PUBLIC OFkCIALS AND GOVERNING BODIES IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE masses and the whole society.

This is what the election must produce.

~

MONDAY May 13, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 212

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

America’s Iran plans: Flirting with war As the White House plans regime change in Iran, any destabilization – not to speak of still another costly and futile war – would cause long-term damage to the United States, the region and economic development worldwide.

I

RAN is one of the half dozen countries with which the Philippines has a joint economic commission at the ministerial level, and countries seek cooperation in energy, agriculture and particularly Iran’s advanced pharmaceuticals. Only a month ago, the countries also inked a MoU on nanotechnology and medical cooperation.

However, dark clouds are gathering in the region, as I projected a year ago (“US quest for Iran regime change,� The Manila Times , May 14, 2018).

For three years, the nuclear accord (JCPOA) offered Iran relief from the multilateral sanctions on energy, financial, shipping, automotive and other sectors; and assurance to other parties that Iran’s nuclear program will remain peaceful.

The shift in the US policy began in late 2016, when the Congress extended the Iran Sanctions Act for a decade. That emboldened Trump’s unipolar stance to violate the deal that America had signed. Now the Pentagon is moving maritime forces and bombers to regional proximity.

As tensions escalate, crude oil prices are expected to soar again, which will penalize economic development in Asia as well.

Now Iran has set a 60-day window for diplomacy. What are the immediate economic and strategic implications?

T

HE right to vote is the most important right a citizen has under the Constitution. It is not just a right but also a moral obligation to exercise responsible citizenship.

Voting gives you the opportunity to choose candidates who will represent you in government, people who will craft policies and judiciously spend the taxes and fees you pay the government for worthy projects and activities.

But voting does not mean simply shading the ballots on Election Day. It entails a long process beginning with registration to be able to cast votes. The most tedious part of the process is choosing the best among many candidates. It BECOMES EVEN MORE DIFkCULT WHEN most, if not all, of the candidates are not deserving of the trust for the position they are eyeing. That’s why before voting, we should be well informed about the issues and candidates so it won’t be too DIFkCULT TO CHOOSE Today that we have come to the kNAL PHASE OF THE VOTING PROCESS

we have to make sure that our votes go to the right persons and that our votes are counted.

This process should help us realize the importance of citizenship, of responsible citizenship.

It is a right that we have to exer-

IRAN’S CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION SCENARIOS, 2009-2019 (000S B/D)

DAN STEINBOCK Three-step destabilization Regionally, Trump’s stance leans on Saudi Arabia for economic and geopolitical support, as evidenced by the $110 billion arms deal with Riyadh in 2017, and reinforced security ties with Israel.

Initially, John Bolton, Trump’s neoconservative security advisor, urged Trump to bury the JCPOA and push for a regime change by February 2019; the 50th anniversary of the Iranian revolution. The new three-step destabilization started with the rejection of JCPOA (juridical pressure), which was followed by sanctions (economic pain) that would provide the pretext for regime change (military intervention).

Iran’s crude oil production was around 3.8 million barrels per day until the 2012 sanctions, which caused it to plunge to 3 million.

Following the JCPOA, Iran’s production soared back to 4 million barrels. With Trump’s efforts at regime change, the capacity has steadily decreased to less than 3.7 million barrels (SEE kGURE).

If Iran’s production capacity takes a hit, that will penalize particularly its biggest importers:

Note. Data from OPEC China, India, South Korea and Turkey which accounted for twothirds of all Iranian exports in 2017, along with Japan, Turkey, Italy, France, and UAE. Reportedly, in the past six to12 months China, India and Turkey have reduced their buys by 25 percent, respectively; Japan by 20 percent and South Korea almost entirely. However, the role of “unknown sources� in Iran’s oil exports has quadrupled.

Despite bold promises, the EU has failed its promise to sustain the economic benefits of the JCPOA flowing to Iran. Moreover, Iran’s trade with the EU has plunged 80 percent. While Brussels would like to support the JCPOA, Washington has forced leading EU companies to choose between the US and Iran.

Geopolitically, the destabilization of Iran seeks to strengthen the regional supremacy of US key allies and to foster American primacy in the region. Nevertheless, the Trump hawks’ Iran plans are Obstacles to the based on misguided assumptions. regime change ploy First, Saudi Arabia and UAE can In May 2018, Trump had the US boost higher production levels withdraw from the JCPOA, while some of the time, but not all of pledging to reimpose US sec- the time. A protracted effort could ondary sanctions by November. destabilize markets further – with The reinstatement drove Iran’s global repercussions.

Second, Saudi Arabia (and the economy into mild recession as major companies exited the US) can offer mainly “light crude Iranian economy rather than risk oil,� but not “heavy oil,� which being penalized by the US Iran’s MANY COUNTRIES NEED FOR REkNED OIL oil exports have decreased sig- products but which Iran can offer.

NIkCANTLY AND THE VALUE OF )RAN S Third, China and Turkey, which currency has declined sharply. ÂłSteinbockA5

Responsible citizenship TEA TIME TITA C. VALDERAMA cise conscientiously.

Many people do not even bother to register to enable them to vote because they think that one vote will not make a difference, or that their votes won’t be counted, or they don’t have the patience to line up for the chance to vote. They fail to realize that it is during elections when rich and poor, old and young, men and women equally have just one vote each. Everyone’s vote matters.

Being a responsible citizen means you have a sense of moral or ethical duty to do something good for your country. If you want change, you need to be well-informed enough to know if this is a good change or not.

Change is not simply discarding the old and choosing the new candidates regardless of their track record, character, and personal background.

In this mid-term election, we will be voting for 12 senators, a party-list organization, a district congressman, and other local officials. Remember that for

senators, party-list organization, congressman, provincial, city and municipal board members, we are voting for legislators. Their principal job is lawmaking, not dancing, singing, joking, or making fools of themselves.

The Senate, House of Representatives, provincial, city and municipal councils are not stages for nincompoops, jesters, maniacs, embezzlers, models, and MOVIE ACTORS 4HESE OFkCES ARE allotted billions of pesos from taxes and other fees we pay from our incomes, from things we buy and consume, and from services we avail ourselves of.

Political positions are not business entities that certain families should occupy forever. Political candidates are supposed to be public servants. They should serve the public good, and not ENRICH THEMSELVES WHILE IN OFkCE That’s why every voter should be discriminating to separate the competent candidates from THE UNkT AND CHOOSE THOSE WHO match their good promises with great deeds once elected. )T IS INDEED QUITE DIFkCULT TO choose the best candidates when those competing are mostly far from the ideal public servants the country needs. But certainly,

it is still better to choose the best among the worst than leaving the fate of the country to those who prefer candidates in exchange for a few hundred pesos or those who make them laugh, dance, or sing.

We don’t need clowns who would take advantage of their positions to travel, place their relatives and friends in 15-30 jobs, and take money out of public coffers or make deals detrimental to the public interest.

We should understand that while we are free to choose candidates, that freedom goes with responsibility and accountability for our future and that of the next generation.

We should keep in mind that before we had this freedom to vote, those who came before us fought hard to obtain it. That’s why we should not take for granted this important right to vote that offers the opportunity for improvement, for positive change in our political system.

The election process ensures that the power will always remain where it belongs – with the people. Corrupt politicians won’t have the power and opportunities to milk the coffers dry if we don’t elect them.

The power to choose is ours; use that power responsibly and judiciously.

˜ The Manila Times MONDAY May 13, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net Q TIGLAO FROM A1

Red-Yellow alliance vs Duterte will massively fail M

My bet is that the Red-Yellow axis won’t get a single Senate seat.

Forget those clowns who stupidly called themselves Otso Diretso, a monumental PR disaster as the term was so easily ridiculed—e.g., Otso Inidiro, Otso sa Nitso, Hateful Eight. If they were not megalomaniacs, such really mediocre people like Hilbay, Gutoc, Macalintal and Alejano would not have given the slightest thought to running for the Senate. Their families should take them for psychiatric treatment.

The collapse of the Yellow Cult INDEED IS RElECTED IN THE FACT THAT IT COULDN T EVEN kELD CANDIDATES OF SOME stature, other than these weirdos.

The Red-Yellow axis’ epic fail will be highlighted in Benigno (“Bam�) Aquino 4th and Mar Roxas’ defeat, their names itself symbolic of the Yellow Cult.

According to the Pulse Asia polls, Roxas was in the 8th to 12th slot in its survey undertaken February 2428, with 39.8 percent of respondents choosing him. The pollster’s latest poll, undertaken May 3-6 has him out of the Magic 12, ranked only 16th and 17th, with only 21 percent voting for him, a huge fall of 18.7 percentage points.

That means, assuming an 85 percent turnout of the 62 million registered voters, that Roxas in just two months’ time has lost about 10 million voters – a landslide rejection of one who thought he would be voted president three years ago.

Roxas’ steep fall is despite the fact that he has spent P462 million in print, broadcast, and social media advertising, the biggest spender so far. ) WOULD THINK HIS kNANCIERS EVEN HIS clan, would have given up at this time, leaving him with few warm bodies on the ground to watch his votes, and not enough money to buy off local political leaders. Could the Araneta clan afford the billions they lost in

the 2016 elections and in this year’s?

Aquino has been doing better than Roxas and is in the Magic 12, with the Pulse Asia May poll showing that the number of people choosing him have slightly increased to 30.6 percent from 30.4 percent in February.

Aquino though is competing for the last slot with Francis Tolentino, believed to have a huge campaign kitty and is ahead of him only by 1.7 percent. Using the same assumption of an 85 percent turnout, that lead translates to only to 884,400 voters.

That lead would be easily be overcome by Tolentino, if the Iglesia ni Cristo delivers at least its 1 million votes, believed to be a solid bloc of votes. The arithmetic there is 1 million votes less for Aquino could mean 1 million for Tolentino – or a 2 million lead.

The INC has not endorsed a single senatorial candidate of the Red-Yellow alliance. The INC, I learned, particularly loathes Roxas, as its leaders were convinced that he was behind the serious threat to its leadership in 2015 when, except for its head Eduardo Manalo, they were threatened with arrest for some allegedly trumpedup charges by the leader’s estranged relatives. (See my August 15, 2015 column, “‘Reap the whirlwind:’ What’s behind the INC revolt?�)

In the 2016 elections, ten of the 12 endorsed by the INC won with Francis Tolentino and Martin Romualdez not making it. In the 2013 elections, also 10 didn’t win, with Jack Enrile and Richard Gordon losing.

In both elections though, the INC endorsed candidates from both opposing camps. In contrast, for the elections today, it is solidly against the Red-Yellow axis.

(The 12 endorsed by the INC are former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go, former Philippine Na-

Q Roxas tumbles; Aquino will be kicked out by INC. tional Police (PNP) chief Ronald de l aRosa, reelectionist senators Sonny Angara and Cynthia Villar, former senator and current Rep. Pia Cayetano, former presidential adviser on political affairs Francis Tolentino, Ilocos governor Imee Marcos and former senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla, Jr.) The elections today though is LIKELY TO BE kNANCIALLY REWARDING for the Reds. According to reports on the ground, the Yellows could mobilize only a few people. Their middle- and upper-class supporters detest mingling with the masses.

Even former President Aquino 3rd, his former Cabinet members, and political leaders are nowhere to be found in the campaign trail. Liberal Party stalwarts like Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros have been invisible in this contest.

The Yellows therefore had to rely HEAVILY ON AND THEREFORE kNANCED THE Communist Party’s network of NGOs and front organizations to campaign for its candidates. These leftist NGOs, as well as its party-list organizations, of course, have been adept in siphoning off funds for the NPA and the higher Communist Party organs.

For every P100 the Yellows gave

them, I was told, probably only half were used in campaigning for the Yellow candidates and their rallies that they were shocked that only a few people were attending these, even in THEIR kNAL RALLY A FEW DAYS AGO Such mobilization of the Left though explains why the Red-Yellow senatorial candidates have fared well in polls in the universities, where the communists still have the most militant organizations.

Indeed, top communist demagogue Jose Ma. Sison appears to be earning his pay. In an interview with his favorite newspaper the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sison has openly called on the Left to actively campaign against Duterte’s candidates. This is THE kRST TIME HE HAS DONE THIS History will mark the elections today as the burial of the oncemighty Yellow Cult, with the Reds trying to resurrect it, for the funds of it, and displaying their impotence as electoral machines.

Email: tiglao.manilatimes@ gmail.com Facebook: Rigoberto Tiglao Twitter: @bobitiglao Book orders: www.rigobertotiglao. com/debunked

FOCUS

May’s Conservatives battle Brexit ballot bloodbath BRISTOL, United Kingdom: British Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservatives are facing a battering at this month’s European Parliament elections amid the Brexit impasse, presenting their candidates with quite a challenge in the campaign for votes.

With May’s authority hanging by a thread, Brexit postponed, voters fed up and eurosceptics deserting the party in droves, according to opinion polls, Ashley Fox, who leads the Conservatives in the outgoing European Parliament, concedes that this election CAMPAIGN IS gDIFkCULT u “I understand why people are angry,� the 49-year-old MEP said, drinking a cup of tea in the ConSERVATIVE 0ARTY OFkCES IN "RISTOL

southwest England.

In June 2016, 52 percent of voters were in favor of Britain leaving the European Union.

Brexit was originally set to happen on March 29 this year. But MPs could not agree on the divorce deal May struck with Brussels and now the departure date has been set back to October 31.

As a result, Britain must take part in the European Parliament elections, being held in the UK on May 23, to elect MEPs who may take their seats for a few months only.

southwest England constituency, which returns six MEPs, Fox has 4HE ELECTION gWILL BE DIFkCULT FOR planned a limited campaign fomy party because electors are frus- cused on social media rather than trated, and we saw that in the local door-knocking. elections,� said Fox. He insists that is not out of fear In the local authority polls on of meeting the voters, but due to May 2, both main parties—the the lack of time between now and Conservatives and the Labor opposi- polling day for elections he never tion—took a pounding as exasper- expected to be standing in. ated voters switched elsewhere.

With less than a fortnight to go unThe Brexit Party, newly formed by til the polls, Stephen Williams, who is EUROSCEPTIC kGUREHEAD .IGEL &ARAGE standing for the Liberal Democrats, is is leading the opinion polls for the hoping the centrist party can maintain European Parliament elections. the impressive resurgence it witnessed “We would prefer that they in the local elections. wouldn’t be taking place. But we He is out knocking on doors WILL kGHT THEM u SAID &OX AS HE almost every day. urged voters not to defect to Far“My main message is: we want age’s single-issue start-up. to stop Brexit,� Williams told AFP A survey by pollsters Opinium, out while out campaigning in Redcliffe Sunday in The Observer newspaper, in the heart of Bristol. put the Brexit Party on 34 percent, Calling at one opulent house, Labor on 21 percent, the anti-Brexit he is met by a young man who Liberal Democrats on 12 percent and seems startled by the knock and the Conservatives on 11 percent. uninterested in the election.

The campaigning enthusiasm But Williams, 52, is used to the shown by Fox is not matched by Con- hazards of door-knocking: he has servative headquarters in London. been doing it for 35 years and was Perhaps sensing which way the the Bristol West member of the British wind is blowing, the center-right parliament from 2005 to 2015.

PARTY IS YET TO HOLD AN OFkCIAL campaign launch, leaving the Brexit ‘mess’ battle to the foot soldiers.

Standing for reelection in the The next house offers a more

Protest vote fears

enthusiastic welcome. On the porch, Dan Tyndall, a reverend, willingly shares the candidate’s pro-European outlook. “I hope for something that gives us a very clear indication as to how we can get ourselves out of this mess,� the cleric said of the elections.

7ITH A THICK WAD OF LEAlETS 7ILliams goes tirelessly from door to door, and does not encounter a single Brexiteer.

In Bristol, 62 percent of voters wanted Britain to remain in the EU. “The Liberal Democrats are the largest pro-remain party,� Williams tells Elizabeth Davies, 57, as her little black dog barks.

Here again, his message falls on receptive ears. “I have never ever voted Conservative in my entire life and I now can’t vote for the Labor Party because they haven’t come out as an opposition party,� she said.

The two main parties are continuing to negotiate on a possible Brexit compromise, and Labor is pursuing what has been dubbed “constructive ambiguity� on the topic.

3ATISkED 7ILLIAMS PRESSES ON with his campaigning, in the hope of securing a seat—and keeping it if Britain does a U-turn on its Brexit decision.

AFP

FOCUS

US, EU spar over sharing electronic evidence in investigations WASHINGTON: In August 2016, the lifeless bodies of a young French man and woman were discovered on a beach in Madagascar, with murder suspected.

The secret to the case could be in the last messages they sent, but those are stored in the databanks of US tech giants who don’t have to turn over the information to French investigators.

The case is one of a growing number highlighting how key evidence needed to solve crimes could sit in computers a continent away under completely different legal jurisdiction.

Washington and Brussels have both proposed solutions to facilitate relatively easy cross-border access to THE DATA FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFkCIALS But the issue has stirred up a hornet’s nest of opposition over privacy rules and legal procedures.

investigating police.

Getting to it is hampered by old, bulky agreements on international legal cooperation and evidence sharing written before the rise of the internet and social media.

The problem has been growing Extraterritorial evidence for several years.

In 2013 US authorities obtained a The young French man and woman, search warrant in a narcotics case to volunteers for a local whale protection get user information held by Microsoft. group, communicated Facebook’s But even though it is a US company, instant messaging service Messenger Microsoft fought back in court, saying and via emails on Microsoft’s Outlook. the data was on extraterritorial Micro+NOWING THEIR kNAL MESSAGES AND soft servers located in Ireland, out of movements could be “decisive� in the reach of US investigators. settling the investigation, according to Ten months to obtain evidence sources familiar with the case.

In the European Union, 85 percent But given the rise of cloud of criminal investigations involve eleccomputing, such evidence is often tronic evidence, of which two-thirds is stored far from the jurisdiction of stored in another country.

Rights groups fear the solutions will lower the barriers to access private data, allowing abuse by governments who could conceivably use their access powers against political opponents or rights groups.

But obtaining potential evidence from Facebook account today takes Europeans on average 10 months.

A European investigating judge MUST ASK AN OFkCIAL OF HIS GOVERNMENT TO SEND AN OFkCIAL REQUEST TO the US government.

Then a US judge, who isn’t familiar with the case, then makes the request to Facebook.

The FBI then reviews the evidence to ensure it does not contain confidential information unrelated to the original request.

The data is then sent to the requesting government which passes it to the investigators. “This doesn’t work, the operations are totally blocked,� a frustrated EuROPEAN JUSTICE OFkCIAL SAID

ÂłUS, EUA6

Opinion

A5

Cebu’s water crisis

ETRO Cebu is experiencing a water supply crisis. Water supply for domestic use has long been tight with demand exceeding supply. This year’s El Niùo has placed the Metro Cebu Water District’s operations under further strain with major water sources drying up due to the drought.

Cebu suffered an 80 percent drop in average rainfall in the months of February and March, according to Pag-Asa, and the situation has not improved. The result is that the Buhisan Dam, one of MCWD’s two dams, reached zero production in late March. Jaclupan Dam, on the other hand, was producing 10,000 cubic meters daily as of end-April, down from an average daily production of 33,000 cubic meters.

MCWD’s biggest source of water is the Luyang River in the town of Carmen. It produces 35,000 cubic meters daily. The company is looking for other sources of water to be able to supply its about 190,000 water connections. Thousands of households in MCWD’s franchise area – four cities and four towns with a total population of 2.55 million (2017) – have been affected by the reduced water production from the dams and wells (some wells have dried up).

To alleviate the situation, MCWD, with the help of the local government units, the barangays and the Bureau of Fire Protection, delivers water by trucks to affected areas.

People bring their containers to the designated place of water distribution and line up. MCWD recently reported that some of the volunteers who assist in the water distribution were subjected to threats and harassment by impatient residents. Fellow Times columnist Amado S. Tolentino Jr. in his May 11 column “Looming water wars?� wrote about internaTIONAL CONlICTS INVOLVING SCARCE water resources. Even at micro level, “water wars� are erupting.

Neither individuals nor countries can survive without water.

Two new dams are programmed for construction. The biggest, the Mananga Dam, will undergo bidding after the elections. It will take six years to complete and the dam will generate an estimated 80,000 cubic meters of water daily. This is a public-private partnership project with an estimated cost of P6.5 billion. Construction of the second dam, Lusaran Dam, will follow. It will produce 40,000 cubic meters of water.

Expected to be completed by 2022 is a desalination plant in Mactan Island. It is projected to cover the water demand of the island.

MCWD is also planning to build other desalination plants though the problem with this water source – turning seawater into potable water – is the high cost of electricity.

RESURGENCE

MARIT STINUSCABUGON According to MCWD chairman Joel Mari Yu, it requires three kilowatt hours of electric power to produce one cubic meter of water. If this formula is correct, then it would cost about P34 for electricity alone to produce one cubic meter of water in Metro Cebu. At present, a cubic meter of MCWD water costs the consumer about P19.50.

Desalination would thus be a very expensive way of producing water for Metro Cebu. However, the water rate will be based on a mix of all water sources, including wells, dams and rivers. Thousands of households without water connections buy more expensive water from water vendors and private wells. They are deprived of the convenience of having a water connection in their homes because MCWD as of now is unable to meet the demand of existing connections.

In Iloilo City, the city council has granted water distribution franchises to three private entities against the objections of the Metro Iloilo Water District. While the Iloilo City council must have its reasons, I wonder if it is in the long-term interest of both water consumers and the community in general to reduce water supply to a question of supply and demand and lowest price. There is public interest at stake, in the short as well as the long term. Water and sanitation are public health issues. While competition and private enterprise MIGHT ENSURE BETTER EFkCIENCY AND services, water supply is far too important to surrender it to purely PROkT MAXIMIZING CONSIDERATIONS How we respond to today’s water supply crisis determines whether such crisis will eventually become a thing of the past, or whether it will become permanent or even worsen. *** And the winners are‌ Lorraine “Rayâ€? Hann for winning the Miss Mandaue 2019: The Gold Edition (so named as Mandaue City will be celebrating its 50th Charter Day this August 30).

Lorraine, the 18-year-old daughter of Steve and Emilia Hann, has won truckloads of medals in swimming competitions across the country.

Congratulations, Ray! Marcley Augustus Natu-el, a graduate of the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, for placing second in the 2018 bar exam. Marcley is the son of retired Police Gen. Mariano Natu-el Jr. who was adjudged Outstanding Policeman by the Kiwanis Club of Cebu years ago in its annual search for Cebu’s outstanding policemen.

Congratulations!

Q STEINBOCK FROM A4

America’s Iran plans oppose US unilateralism, along with possibly India and some EU allies, will try to work around US sanctions for economic and geopolitical reasons. While China is not critically reliant on Iranian oil, it vehemently opposes unipolar bullying. India has expressed its discontent as well.

Finally, there is the last-resort scenario. If the White House will corner Iran, Tehran could close the Strait of Hormuz, which neither oil exporters nor importers want.

Global repercussions The JCPOA fostered Iran’s economic development, which would have had a constructive effect on its regional role. In contrast, US violent regime changes did not play out expectedly in the Middle East in the 2000s, when John Bolton served in the Bush administration, and it could result in an even worse catastrophe in the 2010s, when Bolton is back in charge, as evidenced by lingering tensions in Iran – and Venezuela (not to speak of the Cold War against Russia or trade war escalation against China).

Economically, sanctions against any major oil exporter will reduce total capacity worldwide and

boost prices. To President Trump, America’s “energy dominance� means economic and geopolitical muscle, which explains much of recent US sanctions and regime change plans against many countries. Yet, U.S. production accounts for barely 15% of global output, which limits its ability to move markets. Despite its vocal threats, the Trump White House is in a double-bind. If it will not deliver regime change in Iran, it will be seen as a paper tiger, which will further erode U.S. credibility in the Middle East and elsewhere.

If the White House will execute its violent plans, the net effect could be years of violent turmoil, destabilized region, derailed global prospects, and oil prices exposed to new supply shocks – and the perception that bullying has replaced any credibility of the aging, indebted “superpower.�

Dr. Dan Steinbock is an internationally recognized strategist of the multipolar world and the founder of Difference Group. He has served at India, China and America Institute (US), Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). For more, see https://www. differencegroup.net/

A6

T

Opinion

ODAY, after more than 1.8 million registered Filipinos abroad have cast their vote, and 61,843,750 Filipinos at home have rounded up the names of candidates on the election ballot, more than 7,000 OFWs and immigrants to the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe would have departed the country.

Obviously, to be able to cast their ballots legally, a voter must BE QUALIkED OR kT TO VOTE Whether the candidates they chosoe will effectively change the migration pattern of Filipinos remains to be seen. If past election results are to be the basis, however, the governmentinitiated, -maintained and -encouraged exodus will remain a permanent kXTURE OF 0HILIPPINE SOCIETY If we are to believe the position of administration candidates, honesty is not an issue. The Hugpong ng 0AGBABAGO ADMINISTRATION COALITION does not have a campaign platform. $URING THE (.0 SORTIES THE MAIN AND recurring topics were: 1) voters should choose the coalition’s candidates to HELP 0RESIDENT $UTERTE S LEGISLATIVE agenda; and 2) color-coded warning against the Yellows.

On February 20 earlier this year, 0RESIDENT $UTERTE SIGNED WHAT his administration considers to be “vital legislative measures that would improve the country’s health care, trade and investment system, and sports training.� — The Universal Healthcare Law “guarantees equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all Filipinos. It will also automati-

˜ The Manila Times MONDAY May 13, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Feet to vote would require competent administrative support in the executive branch.

Granted that the legislative agenda would be on track for implementaCRISPIN R. tion within a 2-to-3-year period, ARANDA THAT MEANS 0RESIDENT $UTERTE S TERM would have alreadyexpired. Since cally enroll Filipino citizens into the he is limited to a one-year term, his .ATIONAL (EALTH )NSURANCE 0ROGRAM legislative agenda may still be pursued AND EXPAND 0HIL(EALTH COVERAGE TO by another Duterte – Sara? include free medical consultations For the estimated 71.9 million and laboratory tests.� population 15 years old and over, — The Social Security Act of 2018 with approximately 43.5 million “would expand the investing capacity persons in the labor force as of Octoof the Social Security Commission to ber 2018, will this legislative agenda generate a better income for mem- STEM THE lOW OF /&7S AND bers and pensioners� and ensure the immigrants leaving daily? long-term viability of the SSS fund, While coverage under the Univerwhich will supply Filipinos with sal Healthcare Law is good, skilled their pension when they retire.� All workers and professionals, even those Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) underemployed, must have a decent shall be covered, whether land-based job to keep family and soul alive duror sea-based. Currently, only 500,000 ing periods of wellness. Should the OFWs are covered. government health program become — Corporations and other juridical mainly funded by taxpayers—and ENTITIES WOULD BENEkT FROM gSIMPLI- there are less people able to pay kED CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STANDARDSu taxes to keep the program going—the that are designed to provide a “more health program would have to be subbusiness-friendly environment� that sidized by those who are employed as will enable corporate citizens to thrive well as corporate citizens. under the Revised Corporation Code.

The same is true with the re-ener‡ &OR OUR LOCAL ATHLETES 0RESI- gized Social Security System. Since the DENT $UTERTE ALSO SIGNED THE 0HIL- agency is dependent on contributions ippine Sports Training Center Act, from members, the less people workwhich would establish a center for ING AND CONTRIBUTING THE LESS EFkCIENT athletic development to help maxi- the management would be as it will mize the potential and competitive- be hampered by dwindling operating ness of the Filipino athletes. funds – leading to the sickness of the This agenda is past the legislative SSS or depletion of funds leaving the stage. Implementation will be the viability of the SSS in doubt. crucial test since coming up with the A “business-friendly environImplementing Rules and Regulations ment� is one that is directly related

MIGRANT MATTERS

OFW compulsory insurance: Protection for modern-day heroes INSURANCE O INSIGHTS VERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) are hailed as modern-day heroes for their determination to earn a living away from home and their countless SACRIkCES JUST TO PROVIDE A more comfortable life for their loved ones. /UR COUNTRY IN GENERAL ALSO BENEkTS FROM the OFW remittances that have contributed to faster economic growth in the past years.

The money they send to their loved ones increases their living standards because they can now afford more food and quality education, health, and housing. In turn, the spending of OFW families helps boost the economy. Moreover, bringing in plenty of foreign currency helps improve the global trade activities that support the economy.

Undeniably, OFWs deserve the utmost praise and appreciation. Sadly, they still experience hardships and troubles while working abroad. They face several uncertainties which may lead to an untimely death or permanent physical disability.

The government has recognized the importance of providing protection for OFWs and their families by enacting the Republic Act 10022 in 2009 which amended the RA 8042, known as the Migrant Worker and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.

The amended law requires duly authorized recruitment or manning agencies to secure a compulsory insurance policy for each OFW at no cost to the latter. Note that the compulsory OFW insurance is only mandatory for OFWs hired through an authorized recruitment or manning agency and is effective for the duration of the OFW’s employment.

In case of death of the insured OFW, the coverage of the compulsory insurance includes, at THE MINIMUM SURVIVOR S BENEkT OF IF ACCIDENTAL OR

IF NATURAL 4HE BENEkTS WILL BE PAID ONLY TO THE BENEkCIARIES OF THE OFW. Suicide cases are also covered under this compulsory OFW insurance.

The coverage for total permanent disableMENT IS AT LEAST 4HIS REFERS TO TOTAL and permanent damage to any of the following: both eyes, both hands, both feet, or head (comatose or insanity), due to an accident or any health-related cause or illness obtained and suffered during the time the OFW was employed. Losing sight in only one eye, or having only one hand or foot cut off, is not covered.

The repatriation costs of an agency-hired OFW are also covered when he or she is terminated by the employer without any valid reason, or when he or she resigns with just cause. Repatriation costs in case of death of the OFW is likewise covered. Repatriation costs are those expenses involved in bringing the OFW (or his or her remains, in case of death) and the personal belongings back to his or her home country.

In case an OFW has been involved in a case while still in the country of employment, he or she may also receive a subsisTENCE ALLOWANCE BENEkT

Before any person can CLAIM FOR THE BENEkTS ALlowed in the cases mentioned above, a written RANDY B. notice of claim along with ESCOLANGO supporting documents should be presented to the insurance company concerned. The company will then determine the truth and the extent of the claim. The insurance provider has to make payments within 10 days from THE kLING OF THE NOTICE OF CLAIM In general, the OFW or his or her listed benEkCIARY SHOULD NOTIFY THE RECRUITMENT MANNING AGENCY kRST TO CLAIM THE BENEkTS -OREOVER

money claims arising from employer’s liability are also covered under the OFW insurance.

Compassionate visit from one family member of the OFW is shouldered by the insurance provider in case the OFW is HOSPITALIZED AND HAS BEEN CONkNED FOR AT least seven consecutive days. Given that it is under appropriate medical supervision, medical evacuation is covered, too, when an adequate medical facility is not available anywhere near to the OFW. Likewise, medical repatriation to the OFW’s residence shall be assumed by the insurance provider.

The recruitment or manning agencies, in collaboration with the insurance companies, are responsible for explaining to the OFW, before he or she leaves the country, and to at LEAST ONE OF THE /&7 S BENEkCIARIES THE TERMS AND BENEkTS OF THE INSURANCE COVERAGE AS WELL AS HOW TO kLE A CLAIM )N kLING A CLAIM THEY ARE also required by law to assist the OFW (and/ OR THE BENEkCIARY AND TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL required information and for the claim are readily accessible to the claimant.

A crucial component of the compulsory OFW insurance is that the OFW should not be paying for the premium because this is a responsibility of the deploying licensed RECRUITMENT OR MANNING AGENCY )F THE 0HILIPpine Overseas Employment Administration 0/%! kNDS OUT THAT THE /&7 HAS PAID for the insurance premium or the cost of the insurance coverage, the agency will lose its license. Its employees will be perpetuALLY DISQUALIkED FROM THE BUSINESS OF /&7 recruitment. Also, the agency should not use the insurance coverage to claim any additional fees from the OFW. Lastly, any questions regarding the enforcement of the OFW insurance policy should be addressed to the Insurance Commission (IC) for mediation and adjudication. The National Labor Relations Commission has to decide on cases against the recruitment or manning agency.

7HILE THIS ARTICLE HAS BRIElY HIGHLIGHTED some important elements of a compulsory /&7 INSURANCE SUCH AS THE BENEkTS THAT an insured OFW may receive, the details and other useful information may be found in the IC’s website.

The author is the deputy commissioner for legal services of the Insurance Commission. He may be contacted at rb.escolango@yahoo.com.

to how easy it is to do business in THE 0HILIPPINES FOR DOMESTIC AND international enterprise.

A World Bank survey showed the 0HILIPPINES DROPPING g PLACES – from 99th to 113th – in the ease of doing business list,� kicking the country to the bottom half of the list of 190 countries.

Furthermore, the World Bank equates the “ease of doing business ranking� with a “regulatory environment (that) is more conducive to the STARTING AND OPERATION OF A LOCAL kRM u Corporations, especially foreign direct investors and those who would need to employ local skilled workers, need a “businessfriendly environment.�.

However, even the pet project of 0RESIDENT $UTERTE m THE g"UILD "UILD

Build� program projected to accelerate infrastructure spending and develop industries that will yield robust growth, create jobs and improve the LIVES OF &ILIPINOS WITH A 0 TO TRILlion spending budget from 2017 to 2022, is experiencing delays for lack of skilled Filipino workers.

Key infrastructure projects under the BBB program include: the SubicClark Railway; the North-South railway projects connecting Los BaĂąos, Laguna to Tutuban, Manila AND #LARK &REEPORT IN 0AMPANGA A 1,500-hectare industrial park in Clark, 0AMPANGA AND AN EXPANDED #LARK )NTERNATIONAL !IRPORT ALSO IN 0AMPANGA !CCORDING TO 0RESIDENT $UTERTE

there are many jobs available in the country and in Davao, especially in construction. But some of the con-

struction projects have been halted because there are no workers. “And these are master electrician, master carpenter, master plumber,� the 0RESIDENT SAID DURING HIS SPEECH AT the proclamation rally of the five 0$0 ,ABAN SENATORIAL CANDIDATES AND guest candidates before the weekend.

Would workers take up local jobs even if there is a businessfriendly environment?

Not likely, unless the corporations match the decent wages paid by overseas employers for skilled workers in the construction, service, agriculture, apiary, horticulture and kSHERY INDUSTRIES It is a chicken and egg situation then.

Businesses will not be able to operate without the required skilled workers. Skilled workers and professionals on the other hand would rather take up jobs abroad where the salary/wages are much higher than what they would receive from the same type of employment here.

Since OFWs contribute more to the Social Security System than local workers, the viability of the SSS is assured if there are more workers who can afford hefty contributions, even if the SSS must increase membership fees.

And OFWs can reduce the budgetary requirement from the government to keep the Universal Health Coverage 5(# LAW FROM EFkCIENTLY OPERATING and offering free services to those who cannot afford them otherwise. Since OFWs can afford to pay for health services, the budgetary outlay for UHC

would be less, easing the burden for the rest of the taxpayers.

OFWs can also afford to send their children to schools with better sports and athletic programs, easing the burden of funding a government program to be competitive worldwide in sports.

So, should the government be pro-business by having a “business-friendly climate,� or mandate higher and competitive salaries for skilled workers?

The answer is a no-brainer.

If the government wants its programs to succeed and provide decent wages and living standards (which would generate a system that provides a safety net for skilled workers and their families) then the Duterte administration should follow up a promising legislative agenda with EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION TO BENEkT not just government agencies and corporations but the workers as well.

Two examples would be the complete elimination of the endo contracting system (where the government is a gross violator), and raising the wages to give Filipino workers and their families the incentive to stay together.

In 2016, there were more than 595,000 contractuals in the public sector, according to Sen. Joel Villanueva.

Essentially, the administration should put its foot where its mouth is. )T MAY BE A kLTHY OR PROFANE PROPOsition, but getting it done would prevent Filipinos from voting with their feet by electing to leave the country 7,000 at a time every day.

FOCUS

Hollywood loves Georgia’s low taxes but fumes over strict abortion law LOS ANGELES: Hollywood producers have flocked to the southern US state of Georgia in recent years, lured by its low taxes and affordable lifestyle.

But the Peach State has offended many in the industry by passing abortion laws that are among the country’s strictest—and the backlash is growing.

A coterie of film stars led by actress-activist Alyssa Milano, including Alec Baldwin, Don Cheadle, Ben Stiller, Mia Farrow and Amy Schumer, had threatened in late March to refuse to work in Georgia if it adopted the new abortion restrictions.

But the state’s Republican governor, Brian Kemp, signed the bill into law on Tuesday.

Several independent film and television production companies have since pledged to boycott the state unless the legislation—which bans abortion as soon as a fetal heartbeat can be detected, generally in the sixth week of pregnancy—is rescinded. “I can’t ask any female member of any film production with which I am involved to so marginalize themselves or compromise their inalienable authority over their own bodies,� said David Simon, the creator of several successful TV series including HBO’s “The Wire.� “Killer Films will no longer consider Georgia as a viable shooting location until this ridiculous law is overturned,� the company’s CEO Christine Vachon wrote on Twitter.

Actor-producer Mark Duplass chimed in: “Don’t give your business to Georgia.�

‘Tooth and nail’ Milano, the one-time star of “Charmed� and “Who’s the Boss?�—whose profile has risen as

the #MeToo movement has taken hold— said she would honor her March pledge. “I will fight tooth and nail to move ‘Insatiable’ to a state that will protect our rights,�

Milano told BuzzFeed News, referring to her current series on Netflix. “I will do everything in my power to get as many productions as possible, including ‘Insatiable,’ to move out of this state.�

She said she was contractually required to complete another month of filming in Georgia, but added that she would leave the show if production were not shifted elsewhere for subsequent seasons.

Milano took to social media on Friday to call on women to join her in a sex boycott until the law was repealed. “Until women have legal control over our own bodies we just cannot risk pregnancy,� she wrote on Twitter. “JOIN ME by not having sex until we get bodily autonomy back.�

‘Blood money’ Georgia offers filmmakers and production companies a number of enticements: a far lower cost of living than in Los Angeles, a variety of landscapes and, since 2008, tax credits of up to 30 percent.

Blockbuster movies like Marvel’s “Black Panther� and “Avengers: Infinity War� were filmed in the state; television series including “Stranger Things,� “Ozark� and “The Walking Dead� have also been shot there.

Last year, more than 450 productions were set in Georgia, where they spent the nonnegligible sum of $2.7 billion.

But the new law could be a tipping point. “I understand the tax breaks are terrific, the geography diverse, the cost of living cheap...but by criminalizing abortion after six weeks, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp just turned the millions you save, and the billions you infuse into the state economy, into blood money,� Los Angeles Times critic Mary McNamara wrote in a column. “Blood from all the women and girls who will now have to resort to knitting needles and kitchen table ‘doctors’ to terminate their pregnancies,� she went on.

Caution from major studios The Writers Guild of America, representing screenwriters, said the law would make Georgia “an inhospitable place for people who work in the film and television industry.�

But the major studios—with huge financial stakes at issue—have remained largely quiet.

Chris Ortman, a spokesman for the Motion Picture Association of America—which represents some of Hollywood’s biggest heavyweights: Paramount, Sony, Universal, Disney, Warner Bros. and Netflix—said the group would continue to “monitor developments.� “It is important to remember that similar legislation has been attempted in other states, and has either been enjoined by the courts or is currently being challenged,� Ortman said. “The outcome in Georgia will also be determined through the legal process.�

The film industry, he added, supports 92,000 jobs in Georgia.

McNamara doesn’t buy that wait-and-see approach. “Hollywood needs to leave now,� she wrote.

AFP

Q US, EU FROM A5

US, EU spar over sharing electronic evidence in investigations “We all know that virtually every serious threat we investigate today requires access to electronic evidence like the contents of EMAILS INSTANT MESSAGES PHOTOS TRAFkC DATA

session logs, subscriber information, and the like,� Richard Downing, a top US Justice ofkCIAL SAID IN A SPEECH IN ,ONDON LAST MONTH “Our collective safety and security depends on our ability to maintain LAWFUL AND EFkCIENT CROSS BORDER ACCESS to that evidence.�

US seeks bilateral deals Seeking a longer-term solution, in March 2018 the United States passed the Cloud Act, which sets up the possibility of easier cross-border cooperation in obtaining the communications and other digitally-stored evidence needed in investigations.

The act would allow foreign governments to request the information—emails,

text messages, and stored records—directly from US-based communications and internet companies holding it.

The act would require bilateral agreements that give Washington reciprocal rights to obtaining electronic evidence.

But many Europeans remain suspicious of Washington’s bilateral approach, rather than dealing with the European Union as a whole.

Some believe the US would use the Cloud Act to collect information on European citizens, and not just Americans. “No one can accept that a foreign government, even American, could come and with no warning look for data on our societies stored here by American companies, without us able to respond,� said French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire.

U plan: ‘E-evidence’ However—as the French murder

investigation shows—Europe recognizes the need for new rules.

The European Commission has p r o p o s e d i t s ow n s o l u t i o n , “ E evidence� for easing cross-border requests for electronic evidence.

As with the Cloud Act, it bypasses existing structures for evidence sharing: authorities would make requests directly to the service providers directly, regardless of where the data is stored.

The service providers would have 10 days maximum to respond.

Both systems have raised deep concerns of too few protections against abuse.

The European proposal has not been greeted unanimously by EU members: significantly, Germany and the Netherlands have expressed strong reservations about the Eevidence proposal over the lack of sufficient privacy protections. AFP

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Regions

MONDAY May 13, 2019

A7

Cebu PNP nabs SK member, 3 others for vote-buying A 3!.''5.)!.' +ABATAAN (SK) or Youth Council member and three persons, including an SK secretary, were arrested for alleged vote-buying in Barangay Cogon Central Ramos in Cebu City on Saturday.

4HE SUSPECTS WERE IDENTIkED AS +YLE "ARICUATRO

3+ MEMBER OF "ARANGAY #OGON 2AMOS *OHN 0AUL -AHINAY

SK secretary of Barangay Cogon Ramos; 4HEODORIC 0EPITO AND !NJO 0EPITO

0OLICE WERE ON INTENSIkED OPERATIONS against armed persons in the area at ABOUT P M WHEN -AHINAY WAS ALLEGedly caught in the act of giving money to Baricuatro, Theodoric and Anjo to vote for Sangguniang Panglungsod (City

#OUNCIL MEMBER *ERRY 'UARDO OF #EBU City, who is running for reelection under THE "ANDO /SMEĂ„A 0UNDOK +AUSWAGAN

the regional political party of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeùa. #ONkSCATED FROM -AHINAY WERE sheets of payroll with different names and signatures, and a white envelope LABELLED g#/.3 2)#u WITH 0 CASH AND CAMPAIGN FLYERS OF 'UARDO WHILE Baricuatro and Anjo were found with WHITE ENVELOPES CONTAINING 0 EACH AND 'UARDO S CAMPAIGN lYER 3ECTION PARAGRAPH OF Batas Pambansa OR THE g/MNIBUS %LECTION #ODE of the Philippines� prohibits vote-buying

and vote-selling.

Police said OsmeĂąa and his supporters attempted to enter the Cebu City Police /FkCE ##0/ COMPOUND TO SEE THE TWO SK officials, but were barred; only the lawyer of the suspects were allowed inside.

The police added that OsmeĂąa confronted the guards on duty and intercepted a motorCYCLE DRIVEN BY A POLICE OFkCER OF THE #RIMINAL )NVESTIGATION AND $ETECTION 'ROUP IN #ENTRAL Visayas, who was entering the compound.

The mayor reportedly instructed a City Traffic Operations personnel to impound THE POLICE OFkCER S MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT AN IMPOUNDING RECEIPT AND NO SPECIkC VIOLATION -EANWHILE IN HIS OFkCIAL &ACEBOOK

page, OsmeĂąa said the suspects were arRESTED WHILE PLAYING IN A BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT 4HE POST READ g TO MASKED SWAT (Special Weapon and Tactics) with NO NAMEPLATES ARRIVED IN FULL FORCE TOOK the prize and payroll money and put those in an envelope labeled ‘vote-buying.’â€?

0OLICE #OL 2OYINA 'ARMA CITY POLICE director, said OsmeĂąa and his supporters were not allowed inside the CCPO compound because it was beyond visiting hours, but “the lawyer was given the CHANCE TO TALK TO THE SUSPECTS u 'ARMA ADDED /SMEĂ„A RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THE SUSPECTS PLAYED BASKETBALL and it was prize money. “He (OsmeĂąa)

was not there. The police were there and found the envelopes [for vote-buying],� she stressed. )N A SEPARATE INTERVIEW 'UARDO SAID HE was only invited that evening to turn over the prizes. “I am a member of the Sports Commission, Committee on Sports. I was REPRESENTING *UN 'ABUYA CITY COUNCIL MEMber), being the chairman on sports. I was there to deliver a message. I just grabbed THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISTRIBUTE lYERS u HE SAID 'UARDO TOLD The Manila Times he was not aware about the arrests for vote-buying. g) DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED !S TO THEIR ALLEGATIONS ) DON T HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THAT u he added.

RHEA RUTH ROSELL

Killings mar eve of elections in regions

K

BY ROSELLE R. AQUINO

ILLINGS and attacks against candidates and their supporters were reported in Mindoro, Bulacan, Abra and Zamboanga in the last two days of the campaign period before the midterm elections today.

In Oriental Mindoro, a bodyguard of Marlo Nuarin, a candidate for vice mayor in Victoria town, was shot dead while two of his companions were unhurt in a shooting incident in Barangay Villa Cerveza on Saturday.

Orienal Mindoro Provincial Director Col. Tom Frias said Benjamin Algeria, 38, AND HIS THREE COMPANIONS 2UkNO 6ALENzuela, Allan Mesana and alias “Edwin,� were on board a Toyota Fortuner when six UNIDENTIkED SUSPECTS BLOCKED THEIR WAY and ordered them to alight.

One of the suspects shot Alegria twice, KILLING HIM INSTANTLY WHILE HIS COMPANions were told to undress and leave the crime scene.

The suspects immediately boarded a white Toyota van and a purple Ford Everest, both without license plates, and fled towards Barangay Alcate.

Police pursued the suspects’ vehicles and ALL STATIONS WERE DIRECTED TO CONDUCT CHECKpoints in the area.

Frias also for formed Special Investigation 4ASK 'ROUP !LEGRIA TO INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENT AND A TRACKER TEAM TO IDENTIFY AND ARREST the suspects.

'LEPA S CAMPAIGN MANAGER ,AURENCIO #ANLOM *R AND HIS TWO UNIDENTIkED AIDES suffered serious gunshot wounds. They WERE TAKEN TO A PRIVATE HOSPITAL WHERE attending physicians gave them a slim chance to survive.

4HE INCIDENT REPORT IDENTIkED THE SUSpect as Vice Mayor and mayoral aspirant Rico Amigo, who escaped onboard his Toyota Fortuner and whose whereabouts WAS UNKNOWN (IS TWO BODYGUARDS ‡ Junard Barrientos and Jenjun Alforque ‡ TRIED TO ESCAPE BUT WERE ARRESTED BY RESPONDING POLICE OFkCERS #AMLAON AND TWO OF 'LEPA S SUPPORTERS WERE RIDING ON TWO MOTORCYCLES ALONG 0UROK -ANGGA WHEN THEY WERE ATTACKED BY THE armed men.

The report said, Amigo, who was alLEGEDLY CARRYING A LONG kREARM AND OTHER MASKED MEN WITH SHORT WEAPONS ARRIVED AND STRUCK !LIJO WITH AN - RIlE 4HE VICTIM PLEADED TO SPARE HIS LIFE AS HE WALKED towards a nearby house, but the vice mayor ALLEGEDLY SHOT HIM IN THE BACK KILLING HIM on the spot.

Amigo and his bodyguards turned TOWARDS THE OTHER MEN AND kRED BEFORE escaping.

Bulacan attack Police are now in hot pursuit of Amigo and his cohorts.

In Bulacan, four persons, including the Similarly, a political supporter of Abra brother of a congressional candidate in REELECTIONIST 'OV -A *OCELYN 6ALERA "ERthe city of San Jose del Monte (SJDM) nos and her ally mayoral candidate was were injured when unidentified men wounded after an alleged driver-bodyguard ATTACKED THE CARS THEY WERE BOARDING ON OF A GUBERNATORIAL BET kRED AT THEIR HOUSE IN Saturday afternoon.

Dolores town.

Col. Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police The victim’s seven-year-old granddaughter director, said the victims were Christopher SUFFERED A SLASH WOUND ON HER RIGHT CHEEK del Rosario, a pastor, and three of his comPolice said carpenter Edito Tubadeza EsPANIONS WHO WERE YET TO BE IDENTIkED piritu, 59, and his family were having dinner Del Rosario is a brother of Irene del Rosa- ON 4HURSDAY WHEN -ICHAEL 'ALERA

FROM rio, who is running in the lone congressional Barangay Isit, who was riding a motorcycle, district of San Jose del Monte; she belongs stopped in front of the victims’ house in TO THE .ATIONAL 5NITY 0ARTY OF "ULACAN 'OV "ARANGAY "AYAAN AND kRED SHOTS Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado.

Espiritu suffered two gunshot wounds on Initial reports said the victims were on both legs and another bullet barely missed BOARD A 4OYOTA !VANZA THAT WAS STUCK IN TRAFkC HIS GRANDDAUGHTER %VANIA %RIKA 0RINCENA

in Barangay Muzon when a group approached BUT WAS WOUNDED ON THE CHEEK THEM AND WITH A HAMMER STRUCK THE WINDThe victim is a political leader of Bernos shield and windows of the vehicle, causing it and her ally, Conde Turgueza who is running TO BREAK AND INJURING THOSE ON BOARD THE CAR for mayor in Dolores.

The victims were brought to the Kairos 'ALERA IS REPORTEDLY A DRIVER BODYGUARD Hospital in the city and later transferred to of Dolores mayor and Abra gubernatorial the SJDM district hospital. bet Robert Seares Jr. His brother is Dolores On Friday afternoon, Irene del Rosario mayoral candidate Ronald Seares. accused the civil security unit (CSU) of SJDM Seares Jr. belied their driver was behind the of abducting and detaining without warrant shooting incident, saying, “It is not true, the a political supporter before the latter was POLICE KNOW THAT u turned over to the police. $OLORES POLICE OFkCERS WERE VALIDATING Former city mayor Reynaldo San Pedro whether the incident was election related, also accused the city’s CSU of being a private but Bernos applead to the hilippine National army of incumbent Mayor Arthur Robes, and Police and the military stationed in Abra appealed to the Department of the Interior “to protect every Abrenio whoever political AND ,OCAL 'OVERNMENT TO LOOK INTO THE AC- candidates they are supporting.â€? tivities of the CSU under retired police Col. Abra Rep. Joseph Sto. NiĂąo Bernos, Pedro Ramos. brother-in-law of the governor and her teamLt. Col. Orlando Castil Jr. said that as of mate in the local political party Asenso allied Sunday noon, police were still establishing with the Hugpong ng Pagbabago, while THE ATTACKER S IDENTITIES condemning the latest violence on their supPORTER SAID g7E WILL NOT BE PROVOKED INTO REVice mayor kills rival’s taliating. Violence begets violence and Abra assistant has not more place for such senselessness.â€?

Meanwhile, the police said one of the The vice mayor of Molave in Zamboanga THREE ASSAULT RIlES SEIZED FROM A CAMPAIGN del Sur, who is running for mayor, allegedly vehicle abandoned after a shooting incident gunned down a top assistant of his reelec- ON !PRIL AGAINST A barangay (village) tionist opponent and seriously wounded the leader in Tayum, Abra was traced to Lagayan campaign manager and two main supporters MAYOR *ENDRICKS 3EARES ,UNA NEPHEW OF in Barangay Madasigon, police said.

CONGRESSIONAL BET 6ICKY 3EARES #ORPUS WITH REPORTS FROM FREDERICK Provincial Police Director Col. Redentor SILVERIO, THOM PICAĂ‘A 2EBUSTO IDENTIkED THE FATALITY AS *OSEPH !LJO

AND ANTONIO P. RIMANDO A TOP AIDE OF INCUMBENT -AYOR )RENEO 'LEPA

‘SIR, YES, SIR’

A child waves at a soldier from the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army manning a checkpoint in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao on Sunday. The military heightened security measures in the region for the May 13 midterm elections. PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA

Detainees cast votes in jails THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) designated a Special Electoral Board (SEB) in various jails and detention facilities in the regions to allow detainees to participate in the midterm elections this Monday.

The City Jail Warden (CJW) granted PERMISSION TO ABOUT DETAINEES AT THE Zamboanga Reformatory Center at Barangay Baliwasan, Zamboanga del Sur, so they can cast their votes in the six precincts inside the jail compound.

CJW Chief Insp. Nathaniel Aljas said the voting, to be conducted at the city JAIL BASKETBALL COURT STARTS AT A M AND ENDS AT P M #OMELEC $ISTRICT %LECTION /FFICER !RNA &AUSTINO EXPLAINED THAT AFTER kLLING UP THEIR BALLOTS THE DETAINEES ALSO KNOWN as Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), would personally hand their franchise to SEB members who would then feed them

to the vote counting machines (VCMs) at the nearby Zamboanga Central Elementary School.

same ones who conducted the orientation for eligible voters. “We have established four clustered PRECINCTS WITH #OMELEC PERSONNEL WHO Bulacan inmates will administer the manual voting of the to cast their votes  inmates,� Villanueva said.

He added that they opted to conduct 3IMILARLY ABOUT 0$, AT THE "ULACAN the voting for the PDLs inside the jail due Provincial Jail will also cast their votes TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF VOTERS AND LACK OF this Monday. security personnel to escort them to pollRetired Police Supt. Fernando Villan- ing centers and precincts. ueva, provincial jail warden and chief of He said only the Comelec personnel the Civil Security Unit of the Bulacan pro- WOULD BRING THE kLLED UP BALLOTS TO THE vincial capitol, said the Capitol grounds regular polling precincts for feeding into IN "ARANGAY 'UINHAWA #ITY OF -ALOLOS the VCM. would serve as clustered polling precincts The provincial government and the for the inmates.

BJMP had assigned personnel to secure He said the PDLs were only entitled the clustered precincts inside the jail and to vote for senators and party-list groups. the movement of the poll support staff Trained jail personnel of the Bureau of handling the ballots.

ANTONIO P.RIMANDOÂ Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) AND FREDERICK SILVERIO will serve as special electoral board; the

‘Failure of election’ move in Lanao Sur a politicial ploy MARAWI CITY: Days prior the midterm elections, several sectors here had claimed that the move to ask President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a failure of elections in Lanao del Sur and to put the province under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was just a scheme to grab power. Last week, some Muslim religious leaders and retired officers called on the President, asking him to stop massive vote-buying in Lanao del Sur and in distressed Marawi City allegedly by a group of candidates seeking key local government positions.

Fatani Abdulmalik, president of the Ulama and Imams Association of the Philippines, urged the Comelec to place Lanao del Sur and Marawi City under its control, saying rampant vote-buying could subvert the results of the midterm polls.

The Lanao Military and Police Retirees Reform Movement said the vote-buying scheme was set into motion by several candidates for provincial positions, who connived with mayors, who in turn tapped the services of barangay (village) chairmen to distribute the money to voters.

Signatories of the letter-complaint include retired Col. Pangalawan Ampatuan and Col. Linog Bagul, both retired police officers, and retired Army Col. Mastura Lao. Salic Dumarpa sent a similar appeal to Malacaùang that had more than 600 individual affidavits tacked to the letter as proof of vote-buying.

Quoted by media, Dumarpa, former commissioner of the National Labor Relations Commission, explained that the entire operation to subvert the will of the people of Lanao del Sur covered “vote- buying, coercion and intimidation.�  “Your fears that dirty politicians will destroy the sanctity and credibility of the elections through massive vote-buying is now happening in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City,� the letter said.  “In particular, registered voters in Marawi City have been flocking to the houses of barangay chairmen, who act as leaders of the ‘buyer-candidates,’ to receive the package of P6,000 coming from five candidates namely, Mamintal Adiong Jr. for governor, P500; Mujam Adiong for vice governor, P500; Ansarrodin Adiong for congressman, P1,000; Majul Gandamra for city mayor, P3,000; and Anoar Rumaros for city vice mayor, P1,000,� the letter added.

SPECIALFEATURE

Â

Village chiefs as campaign managers  In Lanao del Sur the barangay chairmen reportedly act as leaders of the candidates through whom money to buy votes are channeled for them to give to registered electors in their barangay who are to vote for their candidates.  In many villages, people come to the chiefs to get the money, ranging from P3,000 to P5,000 per elector at the provincial level.

 Move Â

to grab power

But the move is called by Team Adiong 2019 as “a destabilization effort of a few disgruntled members of the society who are intent on grabbing power for themselves through extra-legal means.�

In a statement, Team Adiong 2019 said it was ironic that one of those who spearhead the movement was himself involved in vote-buying, while he and his spouse were actively involved in politics, referring to former Rep. Faysah Dumarpa, wife of Salic.

Team Adiong 2019 is composed of Vice Gov. Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., who is again running for governor, his son Mujah who running for vice governor, and his brother Lanao del Sur reelectionist congressman Ansaruddin.

Adiong Jr. served as a nine-termer Lanao del Sur governor. In 2016, he ran for vice governor, while his mother Bai Soraya Alonto Adiong ran for governor and his brother Ansaruddin for congressman. They all won.  “While we have the evidence to prove our claim, we will not resort to mudslinging,� said the statement. “As leaders, it is our obligation to set an example and show respect for the rule of law.

Hence, we choose to settle our grievances before the proper forum. We exhort the very few — who pretend to speak for the majority — to drop the calls for failure of election, to let the electorate cast their votes, and let democracy work for Lanao del Sur,� it said.

MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

A8

News

MONDAY May 13, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Vote for deserving candidates — Robredo

O

N the eve for today’s midterm polls, Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo urged the public anew to take the elections seriously and reserve their votes for deserving candidates who would take on crucial roles in serving and leading the country starting this year.

In her weekly radio show, Robredo reiterated the need for an “independent� Senate and the importance of having competent lawmakers who would value people’s needs. “I have been saying this over and over again wherever I go, I hope everyone takes the elections seriously this year. We always explain the importance of the Senate,

because with so many issues today, so many policies will have to go through the Senate to deliberate what will be the best for all of us,�

Robredo said in Filipino. “The Senate should not just simply obey to orders, but should be able to ensure that all policies will undergo careful deliberation and debate so that we can ensure that everything

is weighed in,� he added also in Filipino.

Robredo further said that those who had encountered vote-buying candidates on the national or local level during the campaign period still had an option to vote against them to break the “dirty system.� “I hope they value their votes, and to those who have experienced

vote-buying, I hope they still choose the deserving ones. Because if they vote for only those who give money, they are also making themselves part of the dirty system,� she added in Filipino.

The Commission on Elections has recorded a total of 61 million voters who are expected to participate in today’s midterm elections.

Sotto wants some holidays Analyst: Matrices, religious influence won’t shift poll results made ‘toll-free’ for motorists THE release of the last minute “exposĂŠsâ€? and the new “Oust Duterteâ€? matrices days before the elections would not change the course of the midterm elections on Monday, a political analyst said.

Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform, told The Manila Times in a text message that the voters already knew who they were voting for and that the matrices would not change their choices.

He also said in a forum that religious bloc voting was futile at the national level, adding that it only mattered at the local level. “Not anymore. The lines have been drawn by this time and voters will have their lists,� Casiple said.

He said the “ouster plot� was different from the elections. “Of course, it is to be expected that the ‘Bikoy’ plotters will support the opposition candidates. This includes those who have been named in the matrices. But ouster is different than elections. It is mainly extraconstitutional,� he said.

Days before the elections, MalacaĂąang released fresh matrices tagging members of the Otso Diretso Senate lineup, the Liberal Party and the Magdalo party-list to a plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.

This, through the “Ang Totoong Narcolist� videos.

Duterte has tagged Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th to the videos, which linked people close to the President, including his family and daughter Veronica, to illegal drugs.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo released the matrices last Wednesday.

He said that aside from the ouster plot, the opposition bets used it to boost their candidacies.

However, the content of the matrices raised questions after it tagged Olympic weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and former volleyball player Gretchen Ho to the plot.

Panelo, however, said their inclusion in the matrices just showed how Rodel Jayme, or the one who supposedly uploaded the videos, was active online.

He said the two athletes were among those being followed by Jayme.

-EANWHILE 0RESIDENT $UTERTE MADE A kNAL PITCH FOR HIS Senate candidates while slamming anew members of the opposition slate during PDP-Laban’s miting de avance in Pasig City on Saturday.

RALPH U. VILLANUEVA AND CATHERINE A. MODESTO

Q GAMBLING FROM A1

Duterte won’t ‘meddle with gambling whether or not to patronize games of change.

Citing the popular illegal games of jueteng and hantak, the President said, “That will be up to you. I am not trying to encourage you‌ I cannot stop it anyway and I know I am lacking.â€?

After issuing Executive Order 13 in TO STRENGTHEN THE kGHT AGAINST illegal gambling, Duterte last year said he was leaving jueteng alone for

the moment as the numbers game — patronized by poor Filipinos — was putting food on the table. “At least, the money is rotating. Others are hungry, but others are eating and there is a commercial activity there,� he told an infotech summit last June.

While regulators have imposed a moratorium on new casino licenses given Duterte’s wishes, they have opened up the country to online gam-

ING kRMS BY ENCOURAGING THE GROWTH of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators sector.

The industry — said to be domiNATED BY #HINESE kRMS ‡ HAS RECENTLY come under scrutiny with the Finance department claiming that foreign workERS EMPLOYED BY THESE kRMS WERE NOT paying the proper taxes.

FROM A REPORT BY RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

SENATE President Vicente Sotto 3rd wants to waive fees collected from motorists using the expressways during certain public holidays.

(E EARLIER kLED 3ENATE "ILL THAT SEEKS to amend Presidential Decree 1112, the law creating the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), particularly Section 6 that currently exempts only GOVERNMENT VEHICLES ON OFkCIAL BUSINESS FROM the payment of toll fees. g4HE TRAFkC VOLUME INCREASES BY PERCENT to 15 percent whenever there is a declared holiday. Waiving the toll fees will help ease congestion in toll gates,� Sotto said.

The bill covers “all vehicles� in the so-called toll holidays, applicable only on certain holidays, and under procedures and circumstances as would be promulgated by TRB. “With all the negative impact that the WORSENING TRAFkC SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY HAS brought to its people, providing solution to the condition even on certain days could really ease the burden on the affected Filipinos,�

Sotto said. g/THER THAN THE kNANCIAL LOSSES INCURRED AND WILL BE INCURRED TRAFkC CONGESTION AFFECTS one’s health, work performance and even relationships, causes pollution, road rage, and accidents. Thus, it affects the quality of life in general,� he said.

Sotto cited the study conducted by a global kRM "OSTON #ONSULTING 'ROUP THAT SHOWED -ETRO -ANILA AS HAVING THE THIRD WORST TRAFkC

situation in southeast Asia. According to the study, motorists and commuters spend an AVERAGE OF MINUTES DAILY IN TRAFkC The Japan International Cooperation Agency, in another study, said the Philippines WAS NOW LOSING 0 BILLION A DAY FROM TRAFkC congestion in Metro Manila, and the situation could get worse, translating the losses to P5.4 billion a day by 2035 if interventions would not be made.

Sotto proposed as early as 2015 the idea of lifting the collection of fees in toll gates or plazas during holidays that usually have long QUEUES OF MOTORISTS lOCKING TO OUT OF TOWN destinations and traveling back to the city.

Data gathered from the TRB showed the folLOWING AVERAGE DAILY TRAFkC AS OF .ORTH Luzon Expressway (NLEX), 269,316; Metro Manila Skyway Project (Skyway), 949,548; South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), 355,240; Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project (CAVITEX), 146,315; Southern Tagalog Arterial Road Project, 57,480; Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project, 62,685; Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, 22,272; Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, 32,300; and NAIA Expressway (NAIAX) 97,498.

If the measure is enacted into law, nearly 2 million vehicles that traverse SLEX, NLEX, 3KYWAY .!)!8 AND #!6)4%8 STAND TO BENEkT from Sotto’s proposal.

BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

Q RAINS FROM A1

thunderstorms, especially over the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Light southwesterly to westerly winds will prevail over Palawan, the Visayas and Mindanao, while light winds blowing from the southwest and southeast are expected over the rest of Luzon.

Coastal waters would be slight, except during thunderstorms, Cayanan said.

GLEE JALEA

Cloudy skies, rainshowers and thunderstorms,� Pagasa weather division chief Esperanza Cayanan said.

Luzon, meanwhile, will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with afternoon rainshowers or

Q DISCLOSURE FROM A1

Delayed disclosure HPI instead reported the matter of the GARNISHMENT ORDER TO THE 03% kVE MONTHS after receipt of the information, and only in response to a PSE inquiry about a Manila Times report published on May 1, 2019.

Holcim securities were part of the November 2018 garnishment order and the nondisclosure is questionable given reports that a number of kRMS ARE INTERESTED IN THE 0HILIPPINE BUSINESS As the Philippine Daily Inquirer said on January 28, 2019: “A new round of consolidation looms in the local cement industry as the biggest player in town, Holcim Philippines, may be put on the auction block as part of the rationalization program of its multinational parent conglomerate. “‘Among the parties that could be interested to buy the local assets of Switzerland-based LafargeHolcim is local cement manufacturer Eagle Cement Corp. while parties that are keen on debuting into the cement business, the Consunji and Phinma group, may also emerge as potential suitors,’ stock market pundits said.�

Less than a month after the Bataan Regional Trial Court issued the garnishment order, HolCIM ALSO kLED A g.OTICE OF !RBITRATIONu WITH the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI), following this up on January 4, 2019 with an “Application for the Appointment of an Emergency Arbitrator.�

The requested arbitrator would be given the authority to “modify, suspend, nullify or otherwise restrain the enforcement of the Interim Measure of Protection granted by RTC-Bataan in SNPSI’s (Seasia Nectar Port Services Inc.) favor�, which begs the question of whether the company was trying to sweeten the pot for a prospective investor amid a dispute over a proposed port terminal.

PDRCI ruled in HPI’s favor and in less than a month after her appointment as emergency arbitrator, Atty. Patricia Ann T. Prodigalidad issued an order revoking Bataan RTC ruling, directing the parties to: “(a) inform Metrobank that the Interim Measure of Protection has been lifted; and (b) move for a formal declaration by RTC-Bataan that the garnishment has

been lifted.�

Holcim counsels then wrote a letter to Metrobank on February 14, 2019 and on February 19, the bank replied that “the bank is acting merely as a garnishee and is obliged to comply with lawful Orders of the Court or any garnishing authority, which includes but is not limited to notices for the garnishment of funds in the possession of the garnishee, an order for the release thereof and/or the lifting of the garnishment over the funds in the possession of the garnishee. “In view thereof, we regret to inform you that we cannot accede to your request to lift the Notice of Garnishment on the funds of HPI. Since the Bank is a mere nominal party, non compliance on its part may merit automatic sanction or contempt unless we receive a corresponding order in the form of a restraining order or injunctive relief. “Rest assured that with your cooperation, Metrobank will take all reasonable steps to protect your interest. However, we hope that you will likewise understand the legal constraints that Metrobank has to contend with relative to the garnishment of your client’s account.�

HPI’s tactics call to mind the Bataan RTC’s having upheld SNPSI’s claim that the company deliberately and intentionally sought to avoid its obligations with regard to the port terminal project.

The Court ruled thus: “We agree. Although THE SPECIkC ACTS OF FRAUD CANNOT BE PINPOINTED

undeniably, there was a calculated act – under GUISE OF SPECIkC AND AGREED TO PROVISIONS OF the MOA and/or the PSA – which enabled the respondent to carry out changes to the tenor of the contract, and ultimately, to be able to leave the contract when it pleases‌�

As to arbitration, the PSA does provide that any “dispute, controversy or claim shall be resolved by a panel of three arbitrators, who shall be experts in Philippine law.� HPI obviously invoked this provision but another question that has to be answered is if it is legal or valid.

To be continued

www.manilatimes.net

MONDAY MAY 13, 2019

What’s inside PORT JAM, TAX ISSUES BOTHER GERMAN FIRMS

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10 FIRMS TO INVEST IN NEW CLARK CITY

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TOBACCO TAX HIKE ‘MAY STUNT’ LT GROUP GROWTH Stock WatchB3

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ASIAN TERMINALS PROFIT HITS P1.1B IN JAN-MARCH

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DELIOTTE. ON THE DOT

B2

W

Business Times

B1

BSP to keep trimming rates this year – analysts

BY MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

M

ONETARY policy easing in the Philippines is likely to continue this year following the 25-basis-point (bp) cut in the central bank’s key interest rates last week, analysts said in separate reports.

ANZ Research analysts Mustafa Arif and Sanjay Mathur expect the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) policymaking Monetary Board to implement a further 50 basis points in cumulative cuts for the rest of 2019. “Although the BSP maintains that risks TO INlATION ARE BALANCED COMMENTS around slower global growth momentum, as well as tightening liquidity conditions,

suggest that further rate cuts remain on the table,� they said.

Nomura Securities Ltd. economist Euben Paracuelles continues to expect a total of 50bps in policy rate cuts this year, with the central bank cutting again in the third quarter. “That said, we believe there is a risk that

ÂłRates B2

Trump to China: Deal now 2019 GDP growth or it will be ‘far worse’ expected to hit 6.1% WAASHINGGTON D.C.: WASHINGTON, DC P President id id D Donald ld d Trump warned China on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) that it should strike a trade deal with the United States now, otherwise an agreement would be “far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term.�

Washington and Beijing are locked in a trade battle that has seen mounting tariffs, sparking fears that the dispute would damage the global economy.

Two days of talks ended on Friday with no deal. China’s top negotiator said the two sides would meet again in Beijing at an unspecified date, but warned that China would make no concessions on “important principles.� “I think that China felt they were being beaten so badly in the recent negotiation that they may as

well llll wait i around d for f the h next election, l i 2020, to see if they could get lucky & have a Democrat win — in which case they would continue to rip-off the USA for $500 Billion a year,� Trump said in a tweet on Saturday. “The only problem is that they know I am going to win (best economy & employment numbers in US history, & much more), and the deal will become far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term. Would be wise for them to act now, but love collecting BIG TARIFFS!�

Trump had accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments in trade talks and ordered new punitive duties, which took effect on Friday, on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, raising them to 25 percent from 10 percent.

He then cranked up the heat further, ordering a tariff hike on

ÂłDeal B2

Q US President Donald Trump at a “Make America Great Again� rally in Panama City Beach, Florida, on May 8. AFP PHOTO

SHARES OUTLOOK FOR THE WEEK

PSEi to trade lower on US-China tensions THE local market is expected to trade lower this week, along with its global peers, on lingering fears over trade tensions between the United States and China. “Global markets are bound to err on the side of caution until weak sentiment clears from the tariff spat between the US and China,� online brokerage firm 2tradeasia.com said in a market note over the weekend.

According to the brokerage firm, prospects for higher consumer prices are now in store as tariffs are passed on to consumers.

Last Friday, Washington slapped a 25-percent higher tariff on $200 billion in Chinese goods after the deadline for them to reach an agreement lapsed. Without being specific, Beijing said it would take countermeasures.

Washington is also mulling over levying duties on $325-billion more Chinese goods, but Trump said the relationship between the world’s two biggest economies remained strong.

The brokerage firm said the local market was likely to test above 7,500 level this week.

There will be no trading today, May 13, due to the midterm elections.

Last Friday, the bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index slipped by 0.17 percent or 13.42 points to close at 7,742.20 and the broader All Shares dropped by 0.35 percent or 16.59 points to finish at 4,791.26.

ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

THE Philippines is likely to register 6.1-percent economic growth this year, an IHS Markit economist said, despite posting lower-than-expected growth in THE kRST QUARTER In a comment over the weekend, Rajiv Biswas, IHS Markit chief economist for Asia and THE 0ACIkC SAID g;O=VERALL '$0 (gross domestic product) growth for calendar 2019 is expected to be 6.1 percent year-on-year, moderating only slightly from the 6.2 percent pace recorded in 2018.�

His statement comes days after the Philippine Statistics Authority announced that the country’s GDP hit a four-year low of 5.6 percent, compared with 6.5 percent in the first quarter of 2018 and 6.3 percent in the last three months of 2018.

4HE LATEST kGURE ‡ THE LOWEST since the 5.1 percent recorded

in the first three months of 2015 — was mainly blamed on the delay in the approval of this year’s national budget.

This delay, Biswas said, “resulted in weak overall growth in public expenditure during Q1 2019.�

Government consumption hit 7.4 percent year-on-year in January to March.

The country’s economic team earlier said growth could have been higher if the country operated on this year’s budget.

Despite the weaker-than-forecast GDP, Biswas said economic growth would likely rebound starting this quarter, now that the budget had been approved. g;'=ROWTH MOMENTUM IS expected to be boosted in Q2 2019 and Q3 2019 as government expenditure strengthens following the signing of the 2019 budget,� he said.

ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

Taxes from sugary drinks miss 2018 goal – DoF EXCISE-TAX collections from sugar-sweetened beverages fell short of the government’s target for full-year 2018, the Department of Finance (DoF) reported.

In a document shared with reporters late last week, the Finance department said these collections reached only P42.6 billion. Of the amount, P39.8 billion were collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the rest — P2.8 billion — by the Bureau of Customs.

The total amount was short

by P11.9 billion of the P54.5billion collection target.

The excise tax on such drinks was imposed under Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (Train), which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2017 and implemented at the beginning of 2018.

Train slapped a P6-per-liter

tax on beverages using caloric and non-caloric sweeteners and P12 per liter on those using high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Milk and three-in-one coffee mixes are exempted from this tax. “Sweetened beverage excise is short by P11.9 billion as the industry claims no highfructose corn syrup has been used since Jan. 1, 2018,� the DoF said in the document.

That said, the department mentioned that the tax bureau was conducting an audit to ascertain this claim. “At the same time, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is also in the process OF VERIFYING IF kRMS DID NOT submit applications to reformulate from HFCS to regular sugar,� it added, noting that FDA approval was required beFORE kRMS COULD LEGALLY MARKET a new formulation.

ÂłDrinks B2

Q This Jan. 4, 2017 photo shows a delivery man about to carry a case of softdrinks at a warehouse in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City. FILE PHOTO

Rice stocks rise to 20.5% in April – PSA DESPITE the El Niùo damages to crops, the country’s rice inventory stood at 2.629 million metric tons (MMT) as of April 1, a 20.5-percent increase from last year’s 2.182 MMT, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

In its latest Rice and Corn Stocks Inventory report, PSA said the figure was also higher by 18.4 percent from 2.221 MMT in March.

The increase was largely due to the significant rise in all sectors.

Stocks in commercial warehouses had the biggest expansion at 25.8 percent to 875,240 MT. Inventories at households and NFA depositories went up by 13.9 percent to 1.177 MMT and 17.1 percent to 576,190 MT, respectively.

Year-on-year, stocks in commercial warehouses and NFA depositories rose by 10.2 percent and 4,609.3 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, households stocks dropped by 14.4 percent.

PSA said household

stocks contributed 44.8 percent to the total rice inventory as of April 1, while commercial stocks comprised 33.3 percent and NFA warehouses, 21.9 percent.

The country’s rice stock is seen to rise further in the coming months as the country opens its market to cheap imported rice under the terms of the Rice Liberalization Act. The United States Department of Agriculture earlier projected the country’s rice imports may hit an all-time high

of 2.6 MMT this year, noting this would further increase as the new rice regime takes full effect.

Meanwhile, the country’s corn inventory as of April 1 was at 614,000 MT, up 66.2 percent from 369,340 MT a year ago and 54.6 percent higher from the previous month’s 397,120 MT. Stocks in commercial warehouses surged by 83.7 percent to 469,370 MT from 255,490 MT a year earlier, while household stocks went up by

27.1 percent to 144,630 MT from 113,820 MT year-on-year.

NFA held no stocks of corn as of April 1.

Compared to February, stocks from households and commercial warehouses rose by 64.8 percent and 28.8 percent respectively.

About 76.4 percent of the total corn inventory was held by commercial warehouses while the remaining 23.6 percent were from the households, PSA said. EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

B2

Business Times

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

MONDAY May 13, 2019

Port jam, tax issues bother German firms

BY TYRONE C. PIAD

G

ERMAN companies are concerned over port congestion and tax incentives in the Philippines as these significantly affect the export industry’s operations, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) said. “The ports, in general, have the issue on congestion,�

GPCCI Executive Director Martin Henkelmann said on the sidelines of a forum in Makati City recently.

Port congestion is seen to be affecting turnaround time for production and shipments, which the government is addressing through the issuance of a joint administrative order

(JAO). However, the release of the order was delayed to make way for further review of shipping rates.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) earlier said the order was expected to be out this week. Once port congestion is addressed, the JAO will allow shipments to be transported across the Batangas and Subic ports, providing

additional shipping options besides the Manila port.

A joint memorandum circular between the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Ports Authority was also released to set the utilization rate of container deposits in Manila back to the normal 70 percent, the DTI said. “As I said, every step done to ease the problem, coupled with measures, it will be good.

It will be appreciated by the industry in general,� Henkelmann said.

Meanwhile, Henkelmann said the new set of legislators after the elections should focus on improving tax perks for foreign firms. “The incentive issues and the taxation of companies — these are im-

portant things. I think some work has to be done there,� he said.

The Tax Reform for Attracting Better and Higher Quality Opportunities (Trabaho) bill seeks to reduce corporate income tax to 20 percent from 30 percent in 10 years while rationalizing tax incentives.

Under the Trabaho bill, a Fiscal Incentives Regulatory Board will be created to pursue the mandate. The tax reform measure is awaiting approval.

Henkelmann said the GPCCI would be coming up with proposals. “We would propose to the new Congress. We would engage and continue our engagement in the discussion,� he said.

10 firms to invest in New Clark City AT least 10 more local and foreign investors are interested to build facilities in the 9,500-hectare (ha) New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said recently.

BCDA President Vivencio Dizon said the companies signified their intention to invest in New Clark City, but he refused to identify them. �Many expressed interests in investing in other areas. I just can’t share [them] yet,� Dizon said.While a lot of companies already had communications with the BCDA, none of them are on the advanced stage yet, he added.

Nevertheless, Dizon reported a groundbreaking ceremony was expected “late this year� for the $2-billion China Industrial Park. The 500-ha project is contained in a memorandum of understanding signed by

Q DEAL FROM B1

Trump almost all remaining imports — $300 billion worth, according to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer — from the world’s second-biggest economy.

Those tariffs would not take effect for months, after a period of public comment.

Trump also said on Saturday that firms could easily avoid additional costs by producing goods in the United States. “Such an easy way to avoid Tariffs? Make or produce your goods and products in the good old USA. It’s very simple!� he tweeted, echoing a similar mes-

Q RATES FROM B1

BSP BSP could do more given its easing bias,� he said.

ING Bank Asia economist Prakash Sakpal pencilled one more 25bp rate cut in the fourth quarter, saying that “though an earlier cut than that would be a better preemptive cushion for the economy amid escalated global trade tensions.�

Following a series of rate hikes last year, monetary authorities reduced the central bank’s overnight borrowing, lending and deposit rates by 25bps to 4.50 percent, 5 percent and 4 percent, respectively, last Thursday.

RRR cut Meanwhile, some of the analysts

the China Gezhouba Group during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in the country in November last year.

Apart from this, Dizon bared factories catering to light and medium industries such as those engaged in semiconductor and information technology are expected to rise by next year. The BCDA is avoiding heavy industries in its pursuit of a green and environmentfriendly city, he explained.

As of now, around 4,000 hectares of New Clark City, almost half of the industrial zone, are already been mapped out for a plan, the BCDA said. It encouraged investors to fill the remaining land area.

New Clark City’s first phase, seen to generate 50,000 to 100,000 jobs, is set to be completed by 2022. “These facto-

ries that will be set up here will predominantly employ locals,� he said.

Upon full completion, Dizon said development would be capable of generating 800,000 to 1 million jobs. However, he said finishing it would take 20 to 25 years.

Dizon also revealed preparations are also being made for the Philippine hosting of the Southeast Asian Games in November. A sports stadium with a 20,000-seating capacity, aquatics center and athletes’ dormitory are to be constructed within New Clark City.

The BCDA chief also said a P13.16-billion National Government Administrative Center is set to be opened by August, while a road network connecting Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway to New Clark City will be ready for public use by September.

TYRONE C. PIAD

sage he sent Friday — and even retweeted.

Only a week earlier, the United States and China had seemed poised to complete a sweeping agreement.

Washington wants Beijing to tighten its intellectual property protections, cut its subsidies to state-owned firms and reduce the yawning trade deficit; China wants an end to tariffs as part of a “balanced� deal.

While supporters laud Trump as a tough negotiator, freetrade-minded Republicans have warned that the tariffs could do real damage to the economy, and many farmers — including Trump supporters — say the tariffs have hit their bottom line.

As the trade war spread, China imposed $110 billion in du-

ties on farm exports and other US goods.

Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, from the farm state of Iowa, cautiously welcomed the new tariffs but urged negotiators to reach a quick solution “so we can avoid prolonged tariffs, which we know have an impact on the US economy.�

also believe that monetary authorities are poised to reduce banks’ reserve requirements. “The Monetary Board will also be considering changes in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) at its meeting next week,� ANZ Research analysts said, expecting a 100bps reduction and a cumulatively cuts of more than 200bps in full year 2019.�

Paracuelles, on the other hand, said Nomura maintained its forecast of 200bps in RRR cuts in the second quarter, which would be “likely delivered next week and then in June via intermeeting announcements.�

The RRR is the proportion of deposits that banks need to keep with the central bank against the sum they can loan out to borrowers. It is currently at 18 percent following two cuts last year.

Q DRINKS FROM B1

‘Small setback’ Trump’s comments came after Vice Premier Liu He, China’s leading envoy to the trade talks, said the failure to strike a deal was “just a small setback,� and negotiations would continue.

In comments to reporters before he left Washington for Beijing on Friday, Liu said he a deal would require the Trump

Taxes from sugary Earlier, the DoF reported that overall Train revenues in 2018 reached P68.4 billion, 8.1 percent higher than the P63.3billion target.

Drivers were the lower-thanexpected losses in personal income tax, and the higher collections from automobile and tobacco excise taxes, and documentary stamp tax.

The department said losses from lower personal incomes taxes were originally projected at P146.6 billion, but actual losses were lower — P111.7 billion —

administration to agree to end the punitive tariffs it has imposed on billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods.

In comments carried by China’s state-run CCTV, Liu said the remaining differences were crucial ones having to do with principles, “and we will make no concessions on matters of principle.�

Still, he said he did not believe the negotiations had broken down. “On the contrary, I think it is just a small setback in the talks between two countries, which is inevitable,� Hong Kong’s Phoenix TV showed him as saying.

Liu said it was “China’s opinion that the tariffs are the starting point of the trade friction and must be totally lifted if a deal is reached.� AFP AND AFP

“due to better compliance, an increase in registered taxpayers and an increase in jobs.�

Automobile excise taxes, meanwhile, exceeded their P14.4-billion target by P6.2 billion to hit P20.6 billion, “due to higher purchasing power for imported vehicles,� it added.

Better compliance, on the other hand, was said to have boosted tobacco excise-tax collections of P9.9 billion, surpassing their P4.3-billion target by P5.6 billion.

Last, the department said documentary stamp taxes reached P33.8 billion, exceeding the goal

by P4.7 billion, “given the higher transactions values and better COLLECTION EFkCIENCY u MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

Tax perks for ‘green’ jobs DELOITTE. A ON THE DOT S the world economy grows and businesses become more hi-tech and borderless, global opportunities continue to advance at the expense of the environment. Now, businesses not only talk about growth and expansion; they also talk about sustainability and mitigating their impact on the environment to manage the effects of climate change.

In response to this, Republic Act (RA) No. 10771, otherwise known as the “Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016� (PGJA), was passed into law to encourage enterprises to engage in environmentally responsible activities that will promote a ‘green’ economy and to incentivize those that do.

On April 12, 2019, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 052019 to implement the tax incentives provisions and the guidelines of availment of the tax incentives provided under RA No. 10771.

In accordance with RR No.

A QUALIkED BUSINESS ENterprise under PGJA shall enjoy a special deduction equivalent to 50 percent of the total expense for skills training and research development expenses. Provided, however, that a) the foregoing tax benEkT IS AVAILED OF IN THE TAXABLE YEAR in which the expenses have been paid or incurred; b) the amount of expenses being claimed as deduction and the direct connection or relation of such expenses incurred for skills training and research development can be substantiated WITH SUFkCIENT EVIDENCE E G OFkCIAL receipts, delivery receipts and other adequate records; and c) said special deductions shall be over and above the allowable and ordinary and necessary business deductions for said expenses under the Philippine Tax Code, as amended.

Pursuant to the aforementioned regulations, business firms that generate green jobs, engage in climate change mitigation and green building practices, utilize green technologies, produce and provide green goods and services, and conduct related projects that promote the green economy and sustainable development that meet the people’s present needs without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs may be eligible to the tax privilege from the government.

Accordingly, green jobs pertain to “employment that contributes to preserving or restoring the quality of the environment, be it in the agriculture, industry or services SECTOR 3PECIkCALLY BUT NOT EXCLUsively, this includes jobs that help to protect ecosystems and biodiversity, reduce energy, materials and water consumption through high EFkCIENCY STRATEGIES DECARBONIZE the economy, and minimize or altogether avoid generation of all forms of waste and pollution.

Green jobs are decent jobs that are productive, respect the rights of workers, deliver a fair income, provide security in the workplace and social protection for families, and promote social dialogue.�

Furthermore, green building practices refer to measures adopted by a business enterprise that “promote resource management EFkCIENCY AND SITE SUSTAINABILITY while minimizing the negative impact of buildings on human health and environment.�

On a related note, eligible enTERPRISES ALSO INCLUDE kRMS THAT make use of green technologies or products, equipment and systems used to conserve the environment and natural resources. Moreover, green goods and services are BUSINESS OUTPUTS THAT gBENEkT THE environment or conserve natural resources, and may include research and development, installation and maintenance services.�

In applying for the abovemenTIONED kSCAL INCENTIVE BUSINESS ENTERPRISES MUST kRST SECURE FROM the Philippine Climate Change #OMMISSION ### A CERTIkCAtion signifying that the registering kRMS EMPLOY AND SUSTAIN BUSIness activities with green jobs CONTENT 4HEREAFTER THE QUALIkED business enterprises must register or update their registration with

JEROME F. ALIMAGNO their respective Revenue District /FkCE 2$/ BY SUBMITTING THE SAID CERTIkCATION FROM THE ### It is noteworthy to mention that once the tax perquisite is granted, the claim for the 50 percent special DEDUCTION SHOULD BE kLED DURING the corresponding income tax reTURN kLING SEASON WHEN SUCH SKILLS training and research development expenses are incurred in the RDO WHERE THE QUALIkED BUSINESS ENTERprise is registered.

In an era where we regularly experience the destructive effects of climate change, it is reassuring to know that the Philippine government is taking the lead – along with the business sector – in carving a path towards a better and greener economy where nature is NOT SACRIkCED FOR GROWTH The author is a Senior with the Tax & Corporate Services division of Navarro Amper & Co., one of 11 practices that make up Deloitte Southeast Asia Ltd. Deloitte Southeast Asia Ltd is a member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, kNANCIAL ADVISORY RISK ADVISORY

tax and related services. ### Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL�), its global network of MEMBER kRMS AND THEIR RELATED entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global�) and each of its MEMBER kRMS ARE LEGALLY SEPARATE and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients.

Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.

Deloitte is a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services. Our network of member firms in more than 150 countries and territories serves four OUT OF kVE &ORTUNE 'LOBAL “ companies. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 286,000 people make an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com.

This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu ,IMITED ITS MEMBER kRMS OR THEIR related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte Network�) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services.

Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte Network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

About Deloitte Southeast Asia Deloitte Southeast Asia Ltd – a member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited comprising Deloitte practices operating in Brunei, Cambodia, Guam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – was established to deliver measurable value to the particular demands of increasingly intra-regional and fast growing companies and enterprises.

Comprising approximately 340 partners and 8,800 profesSIONALS IN OFkCE LOCATIONS THE SUBSIDIARIES AND AFkLIATES OF $Eloitte Southeast Asia Ltd combine their technical expertise and deep industry knowledge to deliver consistent high quality services to companies in the region.

All services are provided through the individual country practices, their subsidiaries and AFkLIATES WHICH ARE SEPARATE AND independent legal entities.

About Deloitte Philippines In the Philippines, services are exclusively and independently provided by Navarro Amper & Co., a duly registered professional partnership in the Philippines. Š 2019 Navarro Amper & Co. All rights reserved.

Stock Watch

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

B3

MONDAY May 13, 2019

30-DAY STOCK PERFORMANCE

HIGH

LOW

AVERAGE

CLOSE

Q A bird’s-eye view of the LT Group’s cigarette manufacturing facility in Batangas. PHOTO COURTESY OF LT GROUP WEBSITE

Tobacco tax hike ‘may stunt’ LT Group growth

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

T

HE planned excise-tax increase on tobacco products is likely to dampen the growth of Lucio Tan-led conglomerate LT Group Inc., according to analysts.

In an interview, Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said the tax hike “may stunt volume growth further� if approved.

Sen. Emmanuel “Manny� Pacquiao, through Senate Bill 1599, is pushing to raise tobacco taxes to P60 a pack in a bid to bring down cigarette consumption by 16.8 percent, as well as the number of smokers.

The Finance and Health departments have backed the boxerturned-legislator’s measure, saying it would “avert approximately 713,000 deaths and will result ;IN= MILLION QUITTERS IN ADULTS u LT Group’s businesses span across banking, beverage, property,

liquor, and tobacco. Its tobacco arm, PMFTC Inc., was the largest contributor to its bottomline — 64 PERCENT ‡ IN THE kRST THREE MONTHS of 2019.

PMFTC saw its net income last year grow by 21 percent to P2.85 BILLION FROM THE kGURE LT Group President and Chief /PERATING /FkCER -ICHAEL 4AN SAID his company was cautious about further tax hikes on tobacco and alcoholic beverages, which would translate to higher selling prices and likely dampen sales. “The tobacco business will remain as the main source of LT Group’s earnings. PMFTC will continue to be vigilant in the kGHT AGAINST THE ILLICIT TRADE AND

continue to work with government,� Tan said during the conglomerate’s shareholders’ meeting last week.

He underscored that although the group was not against tax increases, it should be done gradually, like a 5-percent increase annually. “Continual price increases to pass on higher excise taxes may result in a further drop in industry volumes, which would also hurt government revenue collection,�

Tan explained.

He noted that tobacco industry volume has declined since the “sin� tax was implemented in 2012 and 2018. It started from P2.72 to P12 a pack seven years ago, and

Total Assets

2015 2016 2017

829,091,024,000 917,095,689,000 1,097,776,808,000

Value

Chg

%Chg

PSEi

7,742.20

-13.42

Ĺş

All Shares

4,791.26

-16.59

Ĺş

Financials

1,738.83

20.27

Ÿ

Industrial

11,528.32

23.92

Ÿ

Holding Firms

7,345.91

-68.36

Ĺş

Services

1,595.57

-10.75

Ĺş

Mining and Oil

7,325.28

-140.8

Ĺş

Property

4,273.31

-44.91

Ĺş

Stock indices as of May 12, 2019

PSEi

ALL SHARES

Market capitalization: P182,665,044,446.32 Outstanding shares: 10,821,388,889

Date May 10, 2019 May 09, 2019 May 08, 2019 May 07, 2019 May 06, 2019 May 03, 2019 May 02, 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

Close 16.92 16.88 17 17 16.62 16.5 15.82 16.04 16 16.02 16 15.8 16.28 16 15.44

Date

Close

Apr 16, 2019 Apr 15, 2019 Apr 12, 2019 Apr 11, 2019 Apr 10, 2019 Apr 08, 2019 Apr 05, 2019 Apr 04, 2019 Apr 03, 2019 Apr 02, 2019 Apr 01, 2019 Mar 29, 2019 Mar 28, 2019 Mar 27, 2019 Mar 26, 2019

15.5 15.62 16.3 16.6 16.7 16.8 16.5 16.04 16 15.9 15.7 16.1 16.46 16.5 16.52

*amounts in peso

PROFITABILITY Date May 6 May 7 May 8 May 9 May 10

P/E ratio 11.08 11.33 11.33 11.25 11.28

P/E growth (%) 2.25631769 2015 12,089 0.87 12.58

Net income (loss) Earnings per share Book value per share

*Net Income (loss) in 000 00

Price to book ratio 1.0401 1.0638 1.0638 1.0563 1.0588

2016 14,580 1 13.71

FOURTH QUARTER REPORT NET INCOME P4,585,785,000

2017 20,558 1.5 15.98

TOTAL ASSETS P1,097,776,808,000

TOTAL LIABILITIES

*amounts in peso

P866,586,420,000

TOTAL EQUITY

FINANCIAL RATIOS

Shareholders’ Equity 650,486,448,000 178,604,576,000 721,780,274,000 195,315,415,000 866,586,420,000 231,190,388,000 Total Liabilities

Year 2016 2017 2018

Return on Assets (%) 1.46 1.59 1.87

Return on Equity (%) 6.77 7.47 8.89

P 231,190,388,000 Debt to Equity ratio 3.6420 3.6955 3.7484

Common ratio 0.7002 0.6246 0.6129

FINANCIAL RATIOS Return on Assets 0.42% Return on Equity 1.98% Debt to Ety Ratio 3.7484 Common Ratio 0.6129

*amounts in pesos

HOLDING FIRMS

Index

then raised to P35 a pack last year.

In a separate comment, Philstocks Financial Inc. research associate Piper Chaucer Tan was not convinced that the tax hike WOULD AFFECT THE kRM S SALES VOLume, but admitted that it would dent margins.

On the upside, Limlingan said the LT Group’s liquor subsidiary Tanduay Distillers Inc. and realestate unit Eton Properties Philippines Inc. would help offset the possible slow growth in tobacco.

Last week, LT Group shares were up by only 2.5 percent week-onweek. It was already down by 23 percent from its 52-week high of P22.15 and up by only 2 percent year-to-date.

FINANCIAL CONDITION Year

30-day high: P 17.10 30-day low: P15.22

SERVICES

MINING AND OIL

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 Holcim Philippines, Inc. Ayala Land, Inc. Ayala Corporation SM Prime Holdings, Inc. GT Capital Holdings, Inc. SM Investments Corporation Universal Robina Corporation International Container Terminal Services, Inc. PLDT Inc. BDO Unibank, Inc. Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc. Globe Telecom, Inc. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. Bloomberry Resorts Corporation JG Summit Holdings, Inc. Alliance Global Group, Inc. Megaworld Corporation Phinma Energy Corporation Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company Jollibee Foods Corporation

Last Price 15.3 47 890 38.5 850 925 160 133 1,240.00 135.8 2.65 1,995.00 48.6 10.9 61.5 13.6 5.33 1.97 72.5 302.8

Chg 0.88 0.2 1 -0.15 5 -15 -0.1 2 -50 1.8 0.27 -4 -2.6 -0.2 0.8 0.02 -0.09 0.2 -0.1 0.8

%Chg 6.10% 0.43% 0.11% -0.39% 0.59% -1.60% -0.06% 1.53% -3.88% 1.34% 11.34% -0.20% -5.08% -1.80% 1.32% 0.15% -1.66% 11.30% -0.14% 0.26%

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ ź Ÿ ź ź Ÿ ź Ÿ Ÿ ź ź ź Ÿ Ÿ ź Ÿ ź Ÿ

Volume 50,859,500 11,832,700 506,040 11,533,800 313,820 282,970 1,523,100 1,754,930 167,310 1,489,030 78,346,000 90,365 3,521,790 16,087,200 2,783,210 12,240,300 27,318,000 76,927,000 1,892,260 431,890

Value 776,640,028.00 555,660,410.00 451,117,485.00 445,839,385.00 267,088,560.00 261,713,110.00 243,713,427.00 230,861,006.00 212,543,815.00 201,088,411.00 200,330,100.00 180,310,380.00 176,389,250.50 176,095,968.00 171,118,124.50 167,062,378.00 148,051,089.00 147,987,000.00 137,435,620.50 130,750,970.00

*amounts in peso, except for volume, %chg

TOP GAINERS FINANCIALS

INDUSTRIAL

PROPERTY

INDEX HISTORY Date May 10, 2019 May 09, 2019 May 08, 2019 May 07, 2019 May 06, 2019 May 03, 2019 May 02, 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 08, 2019 Apr 05, 2019 Apr 04, 2019 Apr 03, 2019 Apr 02, 2019 Apr 01, 2019 Mar 29, 2019 Mar 28, 2019 Mar 27, 2019

Open 7,755.94 7,857.75 7,902.64 7,871.51 7,972.86 8,004.27 7,952.52 7,891.57 7,861.22 7,892.90 7,848.45 7,799.06 7,827.03 7,840.23 7,832.71 7,800.06 7,887.78 7,970.96 7,990.71 7,976.44 7,879.47 7,866.41 7,892.62 7,880.48 7,854.35 7,923.16 7,891.09 7,897.72 7,915.91

High 7,841.65 7,864.02 7,926.69 7,922.05 7,974.36 8,077.51 8,040.78 7,952.72 7,897.02 7,899.57 7,894.45 7,846.99 7,834.78 7,858.84 7,860.74 7,859.72 7,914.75 7,979.53 7,999.52 8,008.53 7,955.27 7,886.63 7,897.61 7,895.06 7,893.50 7,923.83 7,920.93 7,898.47 7,915.91

Low 7,719.43 7,755.62 7,754.95 7,861.34 7,851.16 7,967.98 7,946.79 7,888.87 7,846.33 7,839.52 7,831.62 7,799.06 7,769.72 7,818.04 7,823.86 7,799.13 7,787.98 7,880.82 7,955.80 7,953.14 7,879.47 7,866.41 7,835.74 7,860.51 7,854.35 7,809.61 7,887.47 7,856.09 7,840.64

Close 7,742.20 7,755.62 7,926.69 7,910.63 7,862.30 7,967.98 8,001.57 7,952.72 7,897.02 7,868.28 7,894.45 7,846.99 7,818.93 7,832.43 7,835.15 7,826.46 7,787.98 7,880.82 7,955.80 8,008.53 7,915.63 7,873.18 7,854.13 7,895.06 7,879.21 7,840.31 7,920.93 7,876.40 7,861.05

CLOSE

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

Security Name Bright Kindle Resources & Investments Inc. Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc. Phinma Energy Corporation Roxas and Company, Inc. PTFC Redevelopment Corporation Lorenzo Shipping Corporation Holcim Philippines, Inc. Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. Philippine Infradev Holdings, Inc. GT Capital Holdings, Inc. Perpetual Preferred Shares “A�

PH Resorts Group Holdings, Inc. Suntrust Home Developers, Inc. Phinma Petroleum and Geothermal, Inc. 'HO 0RQWH 3DFLÂżF /LPLWHG SBS Philippines Corporation Robinsons Land Corporation Sta. Lucia Land, Inc. Mabuhay Vinyl Corporation ISM Communications Corporation Bank of The Philippine Islands

Last Price 1.34 2.65 1.97 1.75 49.45 0.79 15.3 37.5 1.84 917.00 4.38 0.75 3.70 5.5 9.5 23.8 1.91 3.49 5.82 84.75

Chg 0.14 0.27 0.2 0.14 3.95 0.05 0.88 2.1 0.1 43 0.18 0.03 0.14 0.2 0.33 0.75 0.06 0.1 0.16 2.25

%Chg 11.67% 11.34% 11.30% 8.70% 8.68% 6.76% 6.10% 5.93% 5.75% 4.92% 4.29% 4.17% 3.93% 3.77% 3.60% 3.25% 3.24% 2.95% 2.83% 2.73%

Volume 12,000 78,346,000 76,927,000 108,000 200 135,000 50,859,500 697,500 4,547,000 130 9,000 1,000 405,000 4,400 245,300 1,479,300 1,671,000 14,000 5,442,600 1,526,140

Value 16,020.00 200,330,100 147,987,000 176,960 9,890 103,120 776,640,028 25,827,230 8,259,020 119,210 37,520 750 1,524,250 24,240 2,299,947 34,688,610 3,177,680 46,080 31,530,856 126,456,264

*amounts in peso except for volume, %chg

TOP LOSERS

HIGH

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

Security Name DoubleDragon Properties Corp.

Asiabest Group International Inc. Harbor Star Shipping Services, Inc. Central Azucarera De Tarlac Macay Holdings, Inc. SOCResources, Inc. Synergy Grid & Development Phils., Inc. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. Manila Mining Corporation “B�

Xurpas Inc. Filinvest Development Corporation GMA Holdings, Inc. (Pdr) Roxas Holdings, Inc. PLDT Inc. 'HO 0RQWH 3DFLÂżF /LPLWHG 'ROODU 'HQRPLQDWHG 6HULHV $ 6KDUHV Vulcan Industrial & Mining Corp.

Metro Alliance Holdings & Equities Corp. “A� iPeople, Inc. Max’s Group, Inc. DoubleDragon Properties Corp.

*amounts in peso except for volume, %chg

Last Price 23.65 15.1 2.49 15.92 9.21 0.8 430 48.6 0.01 1 13.8 5.02 2.02 1,240.00 10 1.02 1.66 11 14 23.65

Change -1.85 -0.98 -0.16 -1.02 -0.59 -0.05 -25 -2.6 -0.0004 -0.05 -0.64 -0.23 -0.09 -50 -0.4 -0.04 -0.06 -0.38 -0.48 -1.85

% Change -7.25% -6.09% -6.04% -6.02% -6.02% -5.88% -5.49% -5.08% -4.82% -4.76% -4.43% -4.38% -4.27% -3.88% -3.85% -3.77% -3.49% -3.34% -3.31% -7.25%

Volume 2,391,800 98,100 3,335,000 13,400 900 563,000 100 3,521,790 2,000,000 15,705,000 151,300 40,200 94,000 167,310 13,160 6,301,000 87,000 1,800 2,012,600 2,391,800

Value 58,183,625 1,508,764 8,431,400 195,652 8,289 459,030 43,080 176,389,251 15,800 15,847,960 2,106,400 212,007 190,640 212,543,815 132,491 6,452,260 144,310 19,780 28,347,302 58,183,625

B4

Corporate News

MONDAY May 13, 2019

Asian Terminals profit hits P1.1B in Jan-March A

BY LISBET K. ESMAEL

SIAN Terminals Inc. (ATI) saw its net income almost double to P1.1 billion IN THE kRST QUARTER BUOYED BY THE STRONG international cargo volume handled at its ports in Manila and Batangas province.

In a statement on Friday, the listed port operator said the amount was a 91-percent increase from P581.9 million in the same period last year. Revenues also rose by 37 percent to P3.6 billion from P2.6

billion, it added.

It attributed the growth to the higher container volume recorded by its Manila South Harbor and Batangas Container Terminal, posting a combined throughput

of over 390,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the period, up 25 PERCENT FROM LAST YEAR S kGURE “Along with higher revenues and improved margins from its ports business, ATI was able to BENEkT FROM THE FAVORABLE FOREX (foreign exchange) rate and higher interest income...� the company said. “ATI also attributed the higher volumes handled to port efficiency measures it implemented in partnership with stakeholders, the aggressive expansion of

Batangas Port, and the opening of more container storage spaces within and outside the port zones,� it added.

ATI completed last month its equipment buildup at that port, increasing its capacity to half a million TEUs from 350,000 TEUs. Capital expenditures for 2019 and 2020 reached P14.7 billion to finance the expansion of its facilities.

ATI shares jumped by 18 centavos or 1.13 percent to close at P16.08 each last Friday.

FPH allocates P8B for Benpres project LOPEZ-led First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH) is allocating P8 billion over the next four years to redevelop the Benpres building at Ortigas Center in Pasig City.

In an interview on the sidelines of the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting in Makati City last Friday, FPH President and Chief Executive Officer Francis Giles Puno said the company would start demolishing the sixstory building in the middle of the year.

Benpres, which stands on a one-hectare lot, would be replaced with two 40-level buildings that would be called the Chronicle buildings, named after

the defunct Manila Chronicle newspaper, which was owned by the Lopezes and used to hold operations in the old building.

Fifty-percent of the new structures will house FPH’s operations, and the rest would be leased to tenants to boost the company’s recurring income. “It’s designed really to be energy- and water-efficient, so it is consistent [with] our values,�

Puno said, adding that the building’s final design was already done.

Details of the groundbreaking for the redevelopment were not disclosed.

FPH owns First Gen Corp., Energy Development Corp., First Phil-

ippine Industrial Corp. and Rockwell Land Corp., among others.

The company, which is yet to announce its first-quarter results, reported a 73-percent surge in its net income last year to end at P10.3 billion, compared with P5.9 billion in 2017, buoyed by strong energy sales.

Recurring net income attributable to the parent jumped by 52 percent to P10.4 billion in 2018 from P6.8 billion the year before, while revenues climbed by 20 percent to P125.4 billion from the year-ago’s P104.9 billion. FPH shares finished up by 40 centavos or 0.52 percent to P77 apiece last Friday.

ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

Century Properties Q1 income up 28% CENTURY Properties Group Inc. (CPG) booked a net income of P384 million in the first three months of 2019, up 28 percent from P300 million in the same period a year ago.

In a disclosure last Friday, the Antonio-led property firm said revenues grew by 2.3 percent to P2.77 billion from P2.70 billion last year.

Revenues from real estate amounted to P2.4 billion on the back of Century Properties’ affordable housing business, and substantial progress in the

construction and sales take-up of its on-going in-city vertical developments.

Leasing revenues surged by 29.52 percent to P109 million, which was largely attributed to the start of operations and recognition of revenues from its new Asian Century Center office building in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. “We continue to improve on our operational efficiencies while implementing the company’s expansion programs,� said Ponciano S. Carreon Jr., Century

˜ The Manila Times

Properties chief finance officer and head for investor relations. “The goal is to grow CPG’s new allied real-estate businesses to have a diversified net income mix with more sustainable cash flow and recurring income,� he added. “The company’s hard work has started showing positive results that will drive its growth in the medium to long term.�

For this year, Century Properties has set aside P10 billion in capital expenditures, as it plans to grow its recurring income

and residential portfolios.

The firm expects its affordable housing business to increase its contribution to about 35 to 40 percent of its consolidated revenues.

By 2020, Century Properties is also targeting to grow its commercial leasing business up to 300,000 square meters of gross floor area and generate P1.5 billion in revenues.

Century Properties shares closed flat at 53 centavos each last Friday.

EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

Foreign Business

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

PNB unit raises P1B from notes issuance PHILIPPINE National Bank’s (PNB) investment banking arm PNB Capital and Investment Corp. has generated P1 billion in fresh funds from the private placement of perpetual notes for developer P.A. Alvarez and Development Corp.

The issuance was the first domestic offering of such notes by Laguna-based P.A. Properties, one of the largest low- to medium-cost housing developers in key growth areas of Luzon.

Unlike conventional debt securities, perpetual notes do not have maturity dates, but pay a steady stream of interest payments in perpetuity, just like bonds. These notes can be redeemed upon the discretion of the issuer.

Proceeds will be used to fund the company’s propertydevelopment initiatives, including land banking, over the next five years. “The successful execution of this offering addresses our funding needs, provides incremental capital to finance our robust development pipeline, and extends our debt maturity profile while motivating us to explore similar fund-sourcing

initiatives in the future,� P.A. Properties Chairman Romarico Alvarez said in a ceremony in Makati City last Friday. “We are grateful to have PNB Capital as the sole issue manager and lead arranger of this private placement,� he added.

PNB Capital said it had structured an innovative financial instrument that enabled P.A. Properties to tap long-term funding while keeping its leverage position at manageable levels.

Going forward, Alvarez said P.A. Properties would tap other funding sources to achieve double-digit growths in the next five years.

As of last year, the property developer has a capitalization of P3.8 billion. It has built about 19,000 housing units in Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite and Pampanga provinces, and Metro Manila.

P.A. Properties said it continued to embark on strategic expansion efforts to build 25 additional housing communities in the next five years to help ease the more than 6 million housing backlog in the Philippines and contribute to the growth of the economy.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

Businessinbriefs PILIPINAS SHELL PUTS OFF PLAN TO PUT UP RE FIRM PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. has shelved plans to establish a renewable energy (RE) company in the country and would instead use the energy source in its existing operations. In a recent briefing, Pilipinas Shell President and Chief Executive Officer Cesar Romero said the RE market was “quite crowded,� prompting the local unit of oil and gas major firm Royal Dutch Shell to shift its focus on integrating RE into its business. An analysis it did revealed it would be easier for them to introduce RE solutions internally and that they saw “a lot of opportunity� to introduce RE within the Pilipinas Shell family. Pilipinas Shell, which has 33 solar sites across the country, is considering deploying solar for own use. Pilipinas Shell shares slid 15 centavos or 0.34 percent to end at P43.75 apiece last Friday.

JORDEENE B. LAGARE

UNIONBANK UNIT TO GET 30% STAKE IN SHIPTEK UNION Bank of the Philippines Inc. (UnionBank) has announced that it would buy P80.3 million worth of stock in Filipino technology solutions firm Shiptek Solutions Corp. In a disclosure last Friday, the Aboitiz-led lender said its wholly owned subsidiary UBX Philippines Corp. signed an agreement with Shiptek to acquire 52,374,553 common shares of the latter’s stocks at P1.53 per share. The deal would represent 30 percent of Shiptek’s outstanding capital stock. Established in 2016, Shiptek’s main product is XLOG, an end-to-end digital platform that links costumers with a variety of logistics, providers such as shipping, warehousing and trucking companies. UnionBank shares rose by 10 centavos or 0.17 percent to close at P59.90 apiece last Friday.

EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

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FOCUS

No consensus on names for ‘fake’ meat

N

EW YORK: Proponents call it “slaughter-free� or “clean� meat. For many in the traditional meat industry, it is simply “fake.�

One thing is certain: the battle over what to call the emerging alternatives to meat, whether made from plant or animal cells, is far from settled.

For animal cell-based products, “there is really no consensus,� said Matt Ball, spokesman of the Good Food Institute, which promotes meat analogues.

When it was unveiled in 2013, THE kRST 0ETRI DISH BURGER MADE headlines under the name “Frankenburger,� and the words “lab MEAT u gARTIkCIAL MEATu OR gCULtured meat� were used.

Later, it was called “clean meat,� only to be traded for the more recent term “cell-based meat.�

In its search for the best word to whet the appetite of consumers, the Good Food Institute published a 37-page study last September on perceptions about the various names.

In the United States, the De-

partment of Agriculture (USDA) will be in charge of labeling these new products when they reach the market — as early as 2021, according to the most advanced startups. “We are confident that the USDA will require accurate and descriptive labels for cell-based meat that include the type of meat it is,� Ball said. “This will be necessary simply from a public health perspective, to protect people who have allergies to different types of red meat or poultry.�

The law steps in Jean-Francois Hoquette, research scientist at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, or INRA, said that in France, “we don’t really ask ourselves how TO DEkNE THIS CELL BASED MEAT product, because it hasn’t triggered a major response.�

The cell-based meat being pro-

duced today is more of a “pile of MUSCLE kBERu THAT IS STILL A FAR CRY from sirloin steak, roasted chicken or pork chops, he added.

The consistency of conventional meat has to do with how it is aged after the animal is killed, Hoquette said.

And the taste is another matter altogether.

US cattle breeders are taking steps to avoid the same fate as milk producers, who have faced the rise of vegetarian non-dairy products based on items such as almonds or coconuts that are still labeled as “milk.�

The US Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) insists that “meat� is a word that should only be used for lESH FROM AN ANIMAL CONVENTIONally born, raised and slaughtered, though “harvested� is its preferred term. “USCA prefers to use the phrase ‘foods produced using cell-cultured technology’ or ‘alternative protein’ when referring to plant-based products,� spokeman Lia Biondo said. “We welcome the competition in the meat aisle, so long as the playing rules are equal for both sides.�

‘Meat imitation’

Q In this photo taken on April 1, 2019, an “Impossible Whopper� sits on a table at a Burger King restaurant in Richmond Heights, Missouri.

AFP PHOTO The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is yet to take a position on animal cell-based products, since their exact composition is unknown. “We have not taken a position on cell-cultured, in vitro, labgrown meat, because they have YET TO BE VETTED BY THE SCIENTIkC community,� said Danielle Beck, the group’s senior director of government affairs. “We would not stand for nonfactual terms that aren’t based on

science like clean meat, because it is inherently disparaging to conventionally produced meat products, implying it’s dirty,� she added.

Jim Dinklage, a cattle rancher in Orchard, Nebraska, said using the word “meat� for these alternatives is simply “wrong� and has a negative impact on his bottom line. “They are using the word meat because it confuses the consumers. That’s hurting my business,� he said.

Some lawmakers are weighing the issue.

Last year, Missouri became the kRST OF THE 53 STATES TO OFkCIALLY define meat as a food product coming from animals. Similar bills are being examined across the country.

In France, lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies adopted an amendment that was later rejected and taken up in the Senate targeting PRODUCTS WITH A gSIGNIkCANTu PLANT based component that use the words “steak,� “bacon� or “sausage.�

In Germany, where the terms “Fleischersatz� (meat substitute) and “Fleischimitat� (meat imitation) are widespread, the agriculture ministry published in late 2018 recommendations that packaging clearly indicate “vegetarian� or “vegan� when applicable, as well as what substitutes are used.

Authorities say the term “vegetarian steak� should be banned BECAUSE IT REFERS TO A SPECIkC CUT of meat, but “vegan goulash� is acceptable because it refers to a traditionally meat-based stew. AFP

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World African swine fever hits HK H B6

MONDAY May 13, 2019

ONG Kong: A case of African swine fever (ASF) has been detected in a Hong Kong slaughterhouse, prompting the culling of all 6,000 pigs at the facility.

Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan said the incurable virus was found in a single pig imported from a farm in Guangdong province in mainland China, where the months-long outbreak has devastated herds.

Pork is Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staple meat and its price and availability is considered a matter of national concern. Shortfalls in supply have increased demand for pork from producers in the US, with whom China is locked in an increasingly acrimonious tariff battle.

Chan said the culling was necessary so that â&#x20AC;&#x153;thorough cleansing and also disinfection could be conducted.â&#x20AC;? Operations at the Sheung Shui slaughterhouse would be suspended until the disinfection work is completed, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will enhance the surveillance and also testing of pigs, and currently we collect samples from pigs with ASF symptoms for testing, and in the future we will step up the sampling of other pigs for testing,â&#x20AC;? Chan said.

She said the territoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fresh pork supply would be reduced in the near future, but there would still be a limited supply of live pigs available from another slaughterhouse.

5NLIKE SWINE lU !FRICAN SWINE fever cannot be transmitted to humans and Chan said well-cooked pork was safe for consumption.

Concerns about the spread of Africa swine fever to the US recently led organizers to cancel the World Pork Expo scheduled for June in the state of Iowa.

Denmark, meanwhile, has begun erecting a 70-kilometer (43.4mile) fence along the German border to keep out wild boars in an attempt to prevent the spread of African swine fever, which could jeopardize the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s valuable

pork industry.

Russia has also been hit hard by African swine fever and some have speculated the Chinese outbreak might have originated among pigs from that country.

Chan said in order to minimize the risk of ASF virus spreading from the slaughterhouse, all pigs in Sheung Shui slaughterhouse would be culled so that thorough cleansing and disinfection could be conducted.

Chan added it was neccessary that the operation of the slaughterhouse be suspended until the last trace of the ASF is removed and totally eradicated, adding that the Hong Kong government would be very careful in pig importation.

AP/GLOBAL TIMES

GREAT SHOW French conductor Gabriel Laufer (center) gestures next to Indonesian dancers and the Jakarta Simfonia during the Impressions Universelles music concert at Aula Simfonia in Jakarta. Impressions Universelles is an interculture music concert to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. AFP PHOTO

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Guaido asks US military to help oust Maduro CARACAS, Venezuela: Venezuelan opposition leader Juan GuaidĂł on Saturday said he had instructed his political envoy in Washington to immediately open relations with the US military in a bid to bring more pressure on President NicolĂĄs Maduro to resign.

The leader said he had asked Carlos Vecchio, who the US recognizes as Venezuelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambassador, to open â&#x20AC;&#x153;direct communicationsâ&#x20AC;? toward possible military â&#x20AC;&#x153;coordination.â&#x20AC;?

The remarks, at the end of a rally Saturday, mark one of his strongest public pleas yet for greater US involvement in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast-escalating crisis. While GuaidĂł has repeatedly echoed comments from the Trump administration that â&#x20AC;&#x153;all optionsâ&#x20AC;? are on the table for removing Maduro, few in the US or Venezuelan opposition view military action as likely nor has the White House indicated itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seriously considering such a move.

But with tensions between the US and Maduro running high, the saber rattling is getting louder.

On Saturday, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino condemned what he said was an illegal incursion by a US Coast Guard cutter into Venezuelan territorial waters. He provided no evidence to back the claim, but said that the Venezuelan Navy vessels forced it to withdraw.. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if other republics will accept actions like this in their jurisdiction, but we will not,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Army Col. Amanda Azubuike, a South Command spokesman, said a US Coast Guard vessel was conducting a drug interdiction mission in the international

waters of the Caribbean Sea. She declined to provide further comment.

In past days, Padrino also denounced what he said were attempts by the US military to sow discord inside Venezuelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s barracks, inviting an angry response from US Navy Adm. Craig Faller, the head of South Command, who said he â&#x20AC;&#x153;stands readyâ&#x20AC;? to assist GuaidĂł. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I look forward to discussing how we can support the future role of those [leaders of Venezuelan armed forces] who make the right decision, put the Venezuela PEOPLE kRST AND RESTORE CONSTITUtional order,â&#x20AC;? Faller said.

As head of the embattled National Assembly, GuaidĂł launched a campaign in January to oust Maduro, gaining the support of the US and more than 50 nations.

He announced Saturday a forthcoming meeting with US MILITARY OFkCIALS AND SAID THAT new actions taken by the opposition would seek to â&#x20AC;&#x153;achieve the necessary pressureâ&#x20AC;? to put an end to the Bolivarian revolution launched 20 years ago by the late socialist President Hugo ChĂĄvez.

GuaidĂł has said that as Venezuelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rightful leader he reserves the right to invite foreign military actions in the same way independence hero Simon Bolivar hired 5,000 British mercenaries to liberate South America from Spain.

He says any such help should be considered â&#x20AC;&#x153;cooperation,â&#x20AC;? instead of intervention, something he had accused Maduro of allowing in the form of military and intelligence support from allies Cuba and Russia.

AP

Vietnam, Myanmar to expand defense drive SKorea, NKorea musicians VIETNAM and Myanmar agreed on Saturday to expand cooperation to potential spheres, including navy, military medicine, defense industry, logistics, search and rescue, and kGHTING CRIMES RELATED TO NATIONAL and regional security.

The consensus was reached in Hanoi on Saturday when Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with Myanmar President U Win Myint, who is in Vietnam to attend the United Nations Day of Vesak celebration, news reports said.

US to guard Texas-Mexico border

35 bodies in mass graves found

MCALLEN, Texas: Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan visited a border city in Texas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) and said he intended to accelerate planning to secure the border and bolster the administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to accomplish that without the Pentagonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continuous help.

He also offered assurances to perhaps 2 dozen Border Patrol AGENTS AND OTHER OFkCIALS AT THE McAllen Border Patrol Station that the Pentagon would not withdraw its military support prematurely. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to leave until the border is secure,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t about identifyING A PROBLEM )T S ABOUT kXING A problem more quickly.â&#x20AC;?

Shanahan told Congress this past week that there were 4,364 military troops on the border, including active-duty and National Guard. They are erecting barriers, providing logistics and transportation service and other activities in support of Customs and Border Protection.

The troops are prohibited from performing law enforcement duties. Troops have been deployed on the border since last October and are committed to being there through September.

7HILE lYING TO 4EXAS HE DISmissed any suggestion that activeduty forces would extend their mission for the long haul. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will NOT BE INDEkNITE u HE TOLD REPORTers traveling with him.

Shanahan also said he had instructed a two-star Army Gen. Ricky Waddell, to develop a plan soon that will answer this question: â&#x20AC;&#x153;How do we get more badges back to the border?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a reference to ensuring Homeland Security Department is fully capable of securing the border, its core mission.

AP

LOCAL authorities had discovered the remains of 35 people in mass graves in violent Jalisco state, on Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central Pacific coast, officials said Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Prosecutor Gerardo Octavio Solis said most of the bodies were located at a ranch in the town of Zapopan.

Among the dead, â&#x20AC;&#x153;27 of the bodies had been tied up when killed. And WE HAVETWO PEOPLE IDENTIkED AT THIS time,â&#x20AC;? Solis told a news conference.

The number of dead could still

The two leaders also agreed to promote negotiations for the early signing of a memorandum of understanding on mutual assistance on anti-criminal matters.

Also on Saturday, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Chairman of Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National

rise as the forensics team wraps up processing of the site, he warned. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are digging more than three meters deep. We are also using heavy machinery, with engineers to do structural calculations as we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to weaken some of the perimeter walls,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Solis said the skulls of seven other people and other human remains were discovered on the premises of a house located in Guadalajara, Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second most populous city.

Worldinbriefs

Assembly, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top legislature, met with the Myanmar President.

The President said during his term, he would work to intensify partnership with Vietnam, particularly in economy, trade and investment.

GLOBAL TIMES

Families with missing kin have rushed to authorities in Jalisco asking for details on the exhumations.

More than 40,000 people have gone missing and are presumed dead since Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s war on drugs was militarized with federal troops in late 2006.

More than 250,000 people had been killed in violent crime in Mexico since then, according to government data. The data does not say how many cases were linked to AFP organized crime.

al-Kawkabani told The Associated Press late Saturday that his team â&#x20AC;&#x153;wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recognize any redeployment outside what the United Nations proposed.

AP

CLARIFY GUN LAW, BOLZONARO TOLD

UN SETS MAJOR CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAMS

RIO de Janeiro: A Brazilian supreme court judge said that President Jair Bolsonaro and his Justice Ministry had five days to respond to opposition assertions that a recently passed gun decree was unconstitutional. The decree presented on May 7 widely loosens the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strict gun laws by expanding the ability of Brazilians to sell, access and carry firearms, in a move that some critics have qualified as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the most devastating gun reformâ&#x20AC;? in decades. Igarape, a Brazilian think tank, said this â&#x20AC;&#x153;death decreeâ&#x20AC;? considerably increases the number of people that could carry firearms without prior authorization from the federal police.

AP

UNITED Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls it the defining issue of our time: Climate change is moving to the center stage at the United Nations, three years after the Paris agreement went into force. A major UN push for progress on climate change kicks off next week when Guterres travels to New Zealand and several Pacific islands, where rising sea levels are threatening the very existence of those small countries. The stepped-up diplomacy will culminate with a climate action summit at the UN in September, an event billed as a last chance to prevent irreversible climate change.

AFP

CUBAN GAY RIGHTS GROUPS MARCH

28 QUARANTINED IN SHIP IN CURACAO

HAVANA: Gay rights activists organizing on social media held an unauthorized march on Saturday down eight blocks of one of Havanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main thoroughfares before they were stopped by police.

The march was the second by a nongovernment organization in Cuba in slightly more than a month. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly unusual in a country where the only legal civil society groups are defacto arms of the Communist government. Any sort of unofficial march or demonstration has long been met with a swift and overwhelming police response. On April 7, more than 400 animal lovers received an official permit and peacefully marched more than a mile through Havana, shouting slogans and waving signs calling for an end to animal cruelty.

AP

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao: Authorities in Curacao announced on Saturday that 17 crew members and 11 passengers must stay aboard a ship owned by the Church of Scientology that is under quarantine following a confirmed case of measles.

Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth said the group was required to stay on the 440-feet Freewinds ship until May 13 because they were still at risk of contracting measles after a female crew member contracted the disease. He said the remaining crew members and passengers, which totaled 318, were free to leave the ship.

AP

YEMENI REBELS LEAVE PORTS SANAA, Yemen: Yemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Houthi rebels on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) began a long-delayed withdrawal of forces from the port facility in the key city of Hodeida, the group said, following the terms of a December cease-fire aimed at alleviating the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worst humanitarian crisis. The government described the Houthi claim as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;farce.â&#x20AC;? Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the head of the rebelsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Supreme Revolutionary Committee, said the pullout from Hodeida, as well as the two smaller ports of Salif and Ras Issa, began in the morning. But leading Yemeni negotiator Ahmed

perform together in China SHANGHAI: A South Korean violinist and a North Korean singer on Sunday held a rare joint performance they hope would help bring the divided Koreas closer together via music â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially at a time of emerging tensions amid deadlocked nuclear diplomacy.

Violinist Won Hyung Joon and his North Korean soprano partner, Kim Song Mi, performed together at a Shanghai concert hall with a Chinese orchestra.

Their concert came three days AFTER .ORTH +OREA kRED TWO SUSpected short-range missiles in the second such weapons test in kVE DAYS For both, it was their first concert with a musician from the other side of the Korean border, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most heavily FORTIkED 4HEY MET SEVERAL TIMES last year in Beijing and agreed on a joint performance to help promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

As a duet, Kim sang Antonin Dvorakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Songs My Mother Taught Meâ&#x20AC;? while Won played the violin. Kim later sang â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arirang,â&#x20AC;? a Korean traditional folk tune beloved in both countries, while the Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra played the music. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I met her (Kim) for the kRST TIME ) FELT LIKE ) WAS REUNITing with an old friend whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

been on the same wavelength with me,â&#x20AC;? Won said before Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concert. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This performance shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the end ... and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important now is what other dreams we can have together.â&#x20AC;?

In a pre-concert written interview, Kim also said she â&#x20AC;&#x153;heartily wishesâ&#x20AC;? that her songs would help bring back reconciliation mood. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m nervous and anxious about what inspiration the audience would have and what reaction North and South Korean compatriots would show to our joint performance,â&#x20AC;? she said.

North and South Korean musicians performing together is extremely rare as their governments donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even allow their citizens to exchange phone calls, letter and emails without special approvals.

Last year saw an unusual wave of cross-border exchanges after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un abruptly entered talks on the fate of his advancing nuclear arsenal.

A group of North Korean dancers and singers performed in South Korea during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, before South Korean K-pop stars lEW TO 0YONGYANG AND SANG IN the presence of Kim and his young wife Ri Sol Ju. Both events were the first of their kind in more than 10 years.

AP

PAKISTAN HOTEL ATTACK LEAVES 5 DEAD QUETTA, Pakistan: Four insurgents armed with rifles and grenades attacked a luxury hotel in the southwestern coastal town of Gwadar on Saturday, triggering an intense, hours-long shootout in which one hotel guard and all the attackers were killed, officials said. In a statement, the military said troops quickly responded to the attack on the Pearl Continental hotel and that all the guests were safely evacuated. The hotel guard was killed as the assailants opened fire with small arms. A Baluch separatist group, the Baluch Liberation Army, claimed responsibility, saying its four fighters were involved.

AP

MARKED FINGERS

Indian women show their ink-marked finger after casting their vote in Gurgaon, in the northern Indian state of Haryana. Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six-week, seven-phase election will end on May 17, 2019.

More than 930 million Indians are taking part in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest and longest election. AFP PHOTO

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

Davao Chamber prexy says lowered inflation will boost countryside trade REACTING to the recent announceMENT OF THE INlATION RATE FURTHER easing to 3 percent, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Arturo Milan said that this will boost business and will be good for countryside traders. g!S INlATIONS EASES THE POSsibility for increased economic activity, especially in the countryside,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Milan further explained that LOWER INlATION OPENS UP THE POS-

sibility for the Bangko Sentral to lower benchmard interest rates, which in turn, will spur lending and kNANCING ACTIVITIES THAT INCREASES THE volumes of trade,â&#x20AC;? he said.

The 400 strong Davao City Chamber will organize three major events this year, including the Davao Investment Conference on June 20 t0 21 at the SMX Convention Center, the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Week in July and the 21st Davao Agritrade Expo in September.

GMA New Media technocreative arm propels SM Supermalls to Stevie Gold A PROJECT by GMA New Mediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subsidiary, Digify, Inc., with SM Supermalls bagged Gold at the 2019 !SIA 0ACIkC 3TEVIE !WARDS The leading mall chain in the country received a Gold Award for #SMoments in a Click: How Customer Centricity Gave a Rebirth to the SM Supermalls Corporate Website, a revamp effort that Digify was tasked to lead and implement in order to strengthen SM Supermallsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; OFkCIAL WEBSITE "Y MAKING PATRONS the focus of web content, design and usability features, average monthly page views grew by 380 percent or 1.6M since the site was launched in December 2017. The reworked site also generated approximately 54,000 new website registrations.

Of the win, Jonjon San Agus-

tin, SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Marketing said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We take pride in co-creating the revamped smsupermalls.com with our shoppers and we share this recognition with them.â&#x20AC;?

Besting a pool of over 900 nominations, Digifyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s output for SM Supermalls will be awarded on May 31 in Singapore.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of GMA New Media, Digify provides leading edge sensor technologies for mixed reality applications, beacon proximity marketing, and tech applications. The technocreative lab has also established its expertise in content production and end-to-end software solutions for standalone digital and integrated marketing campaigns.

EON beefs up to be Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first neo banking platform EON by UnionBank, acclaimed for ITS ADOPTION OF kNANCIAL TECHNOLogy, is establishing the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kRST NEO BANKING PLATFORM m LEAPfrogging banksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rigid systems to deliver products and services that run digital all the way.

Customers can instantly open accounts online, such as EON Starter, EON Lite, EON Plus, EON Pro, and EON Cyber that do not require any minimum maintaining balance nor charge unnecessary fees and penalties.

EONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neo banking platform also provides ready and easy access to credit with the EON Duo credit card, EON Zero gadget loans, and EON Zoom auto loans.

For a full-on experience, EON

revamped its website (www.eonbankph.com) and mobile app (download EON Bank PH in App Store or Google Play). Customers will be pleasantly surprised to experience banking as easy and as vibrant as shopping online in Amazon or Lazada. They can browse through the products and services like remittance to EON accounts and to other banks, pay bills to more than a hundred billers, or buy telco, transportation, cable, and gaming prepaid credits. They can select and add to the shopping cart, and checkout in one go using an EON account or any Visa or Mastercardpowered prepaid or debit card.

For more information, visit www. eonbankph.com.

MONDAY May 13, 2019

Public Square

B7

EDC inks partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. G

EOTHERMAL leader Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Incâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (ALKFI) Bantay Kalikasan program partner to develop a sustainable eco-tourism site in a mangrove forest area in Manito, Albay, a project that aims to help generate livelihood for the residents while preserving the environment.

4HE IDENTIkED MANGROVE FOREST area is included in areas rehabiliTATED UNDER %$# S lAGSHIP ENVIRON- Q Present during the Memorandum of Agreement signing are (from left) Liezel Salagubang, EDC Watershed mental program, Binhi, through its Management Officer; Atty. Allan Barcena, EDC Corporate Social Responsibility head; Susan Afan, ALKFI managing director; partner farmer-assisted association, Angelita Lara, ALKFI chief finance and services officer; and Jen Santos, ALKFI Bantay Kalikasan program director. the Alliance of Bacman Farmers AsThe communities residing in the munities of EDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bacon-Manito which generated 140 MW of clean sociation Inc. (Albafai). area are included in the host com- Geothermal Project (BMGP), and uninterrupted energy.

CJ Bersamin thanks QC for new Justice Hall SUPREME Court Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin expressed appreciation for Quezon City governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support to the judiciary during the inauguration of the new Justice Hall in Quezon City on May 2.

The chief magistrate and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista led the inauguration of the new structure located at the Quezon City Hall compound.

The new Justice Hall will house MORE COURTS AND OFkCES FOR THE QC Regional Trial Court.

Justice Bersamin, himself a former judge of the QC-RTC, expressed gratitude to the local government for its continuous support to the judiciaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration of justice.

The QC government under the

Q Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista (3rd and 4th from left, respectively) lead the opening of the new Justice Hall in Quezon City. administration of Mayor Bautista and provided for additional man- have another building to accommodate all the RTC courts, numbering helped fund the construction of the power to the local courts.

The city also built a new structure 49 courts as of now,â&#x20AC;? Quezon City new Justice Hall, donated brandExecutive Judge Cecilyn Burgosnew buses called Justice on Wheels HOUSING PROSECUTORS OFkCES â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are truly grateful that we will Villavert for her part said. that serve as travelling courthouses,

Muntinlupa hosts 17th Gawad Tanglaw

Q In photo are (from left) Dr. Romeo Flaviano Lirio Jr., Gawad Tanglaw founder and chair emeritus; Nanette Gomez, Muntinlupa Press Corps president; Charisse Tugade, Museo ng Muntinlupa director; Dr. Florita Miranda, Wesleyan College of Manila president; Tez Navarro, Muntinlupa Public Information officer; RJ Patdu Smith, Muntinlupa deputy administrator; Dr. Ellen Presnedi, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa president; Dr. Teresita Fortuna, Colegio de Muntinlupa president, and Jan Henry Choa, Gawad Tanglaw president.

THIS year, the awarding ceremony of Gawad Tanglaw (Tagapuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw) was staged

in the newly inaugurated bakladinspired Museo ng Muntinlupa.

Outstanding artists in the entertainment industry and media per-

sonalities were recognized in the 17th Gawad Tanglaw last May 8.

The award-giving body lauded members of the media who

made significant contributions not just through excellence in art but also in raising awareness on national issues.

Tanduay sponsors the Emmy Awards Teleperformance turns over 1,100 self-care kits for women survivors of sex trafficking TANDUAY Rum continues to be the only spirit brand to sponsor the award ceremonies of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which is more popularly known as the Emmy Awards. This is the second time the company is sponsoring the highly anticipated show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tanduayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sponsorship of the Emmy Awards is in line with our thrust to increase our brand presence across the globe as the Emmyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is regarded and seen by millions in different countries,â&#x20AC;? said Tanduay President Lucio â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bongâ&#x20AC;? Tan. The Primetime Emmy Awards

will be held on September 22, at the Microsoft Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, California.

While a list of nominees has yet to be released, it is expected to be a tight race among fan favorites.

Apart from the TV awards show, Tanduay has also partnered with the Brooklyn Nets and NBA champions Golden State Warriors while also placing ad spots in NBA gamesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the kRST &ILIPINO BRAND TO DO SO Tanduay Rum is manufactured

by Tanduay Distillers, Inc., which is celebrating its 165th year in the Philippines this 2019.

AXA introduces Smart Traveller to travel bloggers

TELEPERFORMANCE, the global leader in outsourced omnichannel customer experience management, turned over to The Foundation Foundation Philippines (TFF-PH) 1,100 self-care kits that were crowd-sourced from Teleperformance Philippines employees. Each self-care kit contains shampoo and conditioner, cosmetics, and other personal hygiene items.

TFF-PH is a volunteer group of beauty enthusiasts that aims to empower survivors of sex trafficking by providing them with avenues for self-care. It actively supports organizations who work directly with the rescue and sheltering of survivors through fundraising and awareness-building.

The global problem of sex trafficking remains a big challenge to governments. The U.S. State

Q Teleperformance Philippines Vice President for Human Resource Rachel Cacabelos (5th from left) and Diversity and Inclusion Manager Philip del Rosario (6th from left) turn over self-care kits donated by TP employees to representatives of non-government organizations helping women survivors of sex trafficking.

Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Human Rights Re- INCLUDED ARE TRAFkCKED INTO THE stigma of their victimization.

For more information, visit port in 2017 estimates that every sex trade. Even after being rescued, year 400,000 Filipinas, children they continue to suffer from the teleperformance.ph.

Metro Pacific shores up Medinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marine ecosystem

Q Rochelle Rivera (second from left), who won a Smart Traveller international and domestic insurance policy raffled off during the event, with AXA Philippines chief customer officer Amor Balagtas (rightmost), segment director Johanna Janeo (second from right), and senior digital segment manager Micah Ramos-Agapito.

AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, held a special event to share the benEkTS OF !8! 3MART 4RAVELLER ITS COMprehensive travel insurance product.

It has a wide range of benefits including 24-hour travel assistance, personal accident coverage up to P5

million, medical coverage, protection of personal belongings, and refunds for travel inconveniences.

AXA Smart Traveller helps ensure a truly hassle-free trip abroad. It will soon introduce comprehensive coverage for domestic trips with affordable rates when customers buy for a group.

THE environmental situation in MeDINA A kSHING TOWN IN -ISAMIS /RIental province, has been experiencing a 180-degree turn after the municipal government embarked on a comprehensive marine protection and conservation program last year.

A partnership with the Metro PaCIkC )NVESTMENTS &OUNDATION THE -Unicipality of Medina has been reaping THE BENEkTS OF THE -ARINE 0ROTECTION

Inspection and Conservation (MPIC) which has helped restore the balance of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marine ecosystem.

Incepted in January 2018, the project trained and deputized 27 volunteers who later became the MPIC Guardians who were instrumental in the enforcement of kSHERIES RELATED ORDINANCES Municipal Mayor Donato Chan said the local government has been implementing monthly

Q In photo are MPICÂ Guardians with Metro Pacific IInvestments Foundation President Melody Del Rosario during the recent sustainability forum in Medina. cleanups in all coastal barangays, and the use only of hook and line OF DAILY CATCH OF kSHERMEN OF UP TO 8-10 kgs. The community undertakand conducting seaborne and kSHING AT kSH AGGREGATE DEVICE The town chief executive noted ing has also given birth to the operafoot patrols to enforce ordinances AGAINST ILLEGAL kSHING WHICH IN- that the program has made positive tion of 16 tourist boats which has clude prohibition of non-residents economic and social impact on the provided alternative livelihood to FROM kSHING IN MUNICIPAL WATERS community, evident in the increase villagers in Brgy. Duka.

MONDAY M O NDAY MAY 13,, 2019

Public Square

B8 Public Square appears on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

For contributions, email to publicsquare@manilatimes.net

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Finex, ING Bank launch search for 13th CFO of the Year

Roche PH, PSMC stronger to beat cancer

F

ROM accounting to accountability, the roles of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CFO are no longer simply operational. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In volatile times as these, whatever keeps the rest of the business awake at night will also keep CFOs awake,â&#x20AC;? said Hans Sicat, country manager of ING Bank, N.V. This kind of environment separates the best CFO from the crop. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also THE REASON THAT $UTCH kNANCIAL GIANT ING Bank N.V. and the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex) continue to shine the spotlight on the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding CFO in the 13th ING Finex CFO of the Year Award. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the strategic partner of the CEO, the CFO helps steer the business TOWARDS INNOVATION AND EFkCIENCY u said Sterling Bank of Asia President and CEO Paul San Pedro, overall chairman of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CFO of the Year Awards Committee.

The Search is open to the CFO of any company operating in the Philippines, whether local or foreignowned, and privately held or publicly

Q In photo during the formal launch on the sidelines of the fourth Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines General Membership Meeting on April 29 are (from left) Roberto Borromeo, overall co-chairman of CFO of the Year Search and Selection Committee; Dom Gavino, CFO of ING Bank, N.V.; Judith Lopez, overall co-vice chairperson, CFO of the Year Award Committee; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno, guest of honor at the 4th Finex General Membership Meeting; Mildred Vitangcol, member of the CFO of the Year Award Committee; Rowena Bayoneta, ING Bank Manila Branch head of Debt Capital Markets; and Edith Dychiao, overall co-vice chairperson of the CFO of the Year Award Committee. listed. CFOs nominated by their com- tion and the Ateneo Graduate School to submit their nomination for the panies will go through a meticulous OF "USINESS WHICH GIVES EQUAL WEIGHT 13th ING Finex CFO of the Year SEARCH AND SELECTION AS WELL AS A kNAL to the CFOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance of his vari- Award. The coveted award will be judging process. The Search uses clear- ous roles as the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategist, bestowed on November 20.

For more information, visit www.

LY DEkNED QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE catalyst, operator, and steward.

Companies have until August 31 INGkNEXCFOOFTHEYEAR COM criteria designed by FINEX Founda-

Security Bank, AFFI Expo highlight Franchise Opportunities for SMEs SECURITY Bank and the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI) held the 17th Franchise and Business Expo at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. With over a hundred booth exhibitors that participated and several talks conducted, this annual event gave the public the opportunity to explore the world of franchising and learn about Security Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive loan offerings.

During the three-day event, SMEs were able to showcase their products and services to other potential franCHISEES &OR THE kRST TIME THIS YEAR

Security Bank led the Business Journey talks on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Banking for Business.â&#x20AC;?

During these pocket sessions, the "ANK DISCUSSED OPTIONS TO kNANCE a business through its Business Loan products and shared ways to EFkCIENTLY STREAMLINE BUSINESS PRO-

Q The awardees during the expo. cesses using DigiBanker. This awardwinning cash management platform CAN HELP SIGNIkCANTLY REDUCE OPerational costs by automating the payment and collection processes.

Currently, it is being utilized by top companies from various industries such as manufacturing and retail.

Through the recently forged partnership between AFFI and

Security Bank, existing franchisee business owners are given special rates to help grow and expand their business with the Business Express Loan (terms and conditions apply).

For more information, visit www. securitybank.com/franchiseloan.

Security Bank and AFFI also organize pocket events about franchising and entrepreneurship

which are open to the public. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Usapang Franchiseâ&#x20AC;? sessions are held every fourth Thursday of the month at Security Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DiscovERY (UB LOCATED AT ITS -AIN /FkCE Branch, Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

The next runs are slated on May 24, and June 27. For more details, interested attendees may visit Security Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page.

Filipino creativity and innovation in full display at Kidlat Awards THE leading creative agencies in the Philippines came together to celebrate and honor Filipino creativity, innovation, and ingenuity at the Kidlat Awards held on April 26 at the Makati Shangri-La Manila.

Some of the past yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most outstanding creative work were judged by a venerable jury of ad industry veterans, socio-civic leaders, and other industry experts to determine the most deserving to be honored with a Kidlat Award. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kidlat Awards had some of the best work weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever seen,â&#x20AC;? Creative Guild of the Philippines President and Dentsu Jayme Syfu Chairmom and Chief Creative /FkCER -ERLEE *AYME SAID g4HESE ADS proudly banner the best that the PhilIPPINES CAN OFFER AND WE ARE CONkDENT

Q Creative Guild of the Philippines (CGP) President and Dentsu Jayme Syfu Chairmom Merlee Jayme together with the Board Members of the CGP welcomes the attendees of the Kidlat Awards. that many of the awardees we saw and Grand Kidlat awards were Puno while Film Pabrika Inc. was tonight will receive more recognition awarded to TBWA\ Santiago Manga- awarded Production House of da Puno for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Disgusting Storiesâ&#x20AC;? the Year. The Kapisanan ng mga in international festivals.â&#x20AC;?

A total of thirteen entries were which was commissioned by Ba- Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) recognized with a Gold Kidlat hay Tuluyan Philippines (Shelter Ad of the Year was given to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Belo Award under the Craft, Creative House). The latter also took home Tennisâ&#x20AC;? by Dentsu Jayme Syfu.

For the complete list of Kidlat Purpose, Creative Effectiveness, the Advertiser of the Year Award.

The Agency of the Year Award Awards winners, visit https:// and Creative Storytelling categories.

Both the prestigious Kidlat Sinag went to TBWA\ Santiago Mangada bit.ly/2VHgstT.

LandBank opens 400th branch LANDBANK recently marked a milestone as it opened its 400th branch in Jagnaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a third-class municipality in the province of Bohol.

The opening of its 400th branch marks the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continuing expansion program to bring access to financial services and credit assistance especially Q (From left) Dr. Anthony Damalerio, head of Bohol Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (representing to the unbanked and under- Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto); LandBank President and CEO Cecilia Borromeo, and Jagna Mayor Bonifacio Virtudes, Jr. lead the ribbon cutting at the inauguration of the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s branch in Jagna, Bohol â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its 400th branch. They are joined by served areas in the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With LandBankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence LandBank Branch Banking Sector Head Executive Vice President Liduvino Geron and First Vice President Delma Bandiola. here, we can help not only with also in promoting local busi- eratives and SMEs that drive the President Cecilia Borromeo durYOUR BANKING REQUIREMENTS BUT nessesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;microenterprises, coop- local economy,â&#x20AC;? said LandBank ing the opening ceremony.

Sheraton Manila Hotel extends summer staycation deal GOOD travel starts right in the heart of the city with Sheraton Manila Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extended summer deal until July 31. Sheraton Manila Hotel is the newly opened 5-star hotel at the forefront of Resorts World Manila complex, right across airport terminal 3. It is a premier gathering place to relax, indulge or celebrate, like a â&#x20AC;&#x153;home away from homeâ&#x20AC;? destination.

It is the absolute treat that is more than just an overnight

staycation. Apart from enjoying their luxurious facilities, your APPETITES WILL BE SATISkED WITH A breakfast buffet for 2 persons and P2,000 worth of dining credits that can be used in any of their outlets or in-room service.

This amazing deal is available until July 31 giving you more time to plan, stay longer, or keep coming back.

For more information, visit www.sheratonmanila.com.

Q Photo shows (from left) Dr. Bill Ramos, PSMO vice president; Dr. Clarito Cairo, Department of Health Cancer Program manager ; Dr. Josephine Tolentino of PSMO; and Dr. Eugene Moylan, Liverpool Hospital Cancer Therapy Centre director.

ROCHE Philippines Inc. and the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMC) are all in to strengthen the kGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER Roche and PSMO recently spearHEADED THE kRST EVER "REAST #ANCER

Summit in Manila, which aims to raise the bar of breast cancer management in the country by presenting the advances in innovative breast cancer treatment and by bringing cancer law into practice.

PDS Group, The Asset recognize BPI for excellence in capital markets THE Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) recently bagged three major awards from the prestigious PDS Group and The Asset for the outstanding performance of its Global Markets Segment which contributed to a strong domestic and international capital market.

BPI Global Markets received multiple accolades from PDS during its annual awards night recently held in Makati City, taking home the awards for Top 5 Corporate Securities Market Maker 2018 and Top 5 PDDTS-PvP Participants. The PDDTS-PvP stands for Philippine Domestic Dollar Transfer Service System-Payment versus Payment.

The PDDTS/PvP recognition puts BPI among the banks that have generated the highest volume for the year as measured by the total number of transactions made.

With the Corporate Securities Market Maker award, BPI has been recognized as one of the active Dealing Participants who have

Q Antonio Paner (left), BPI treasurer and Global Markets Segment head and Dino Gasmen, head of BPI Global Markets Asset & Liability Management Division BEEN COMMITTED LIQUIDITY PROVIDERS FOR LISTED CORPORATE kXED INCOME securities for the year, as measured by the number of corporate security market making activities.

BPI also bagged the Best New Bond award, with its $600 million bond, conferred during The Asset Asian Awards 2018 recently held in Hong Kong.

Media Wise coffee table book bags second IABC Gold Quill Award ON April 2, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) announced the winners of the 2019 Gold Quill Awards program (#IABCGQ). Known as one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awards saw 202 winners in total, with 86 entries receiving Excellence Awards while 116 received Merit Awards.

Media Wise Communications won a Merit Award for the Publications category for their work on On the March: The Jesuits in the Philippines Since the Restoration, the only entry from the Philippines for the category. This makes them one of five winning entries from the Philippines for the entire Gold Quill Awards, joining names such as Jollibee Foods Corp. and Stratworks, Inc., Aboitiz Group, Pageone Group and Center for Health Solutions and Innovations Philippines, Inc., and ABS-CBN Corporation. This is the second Gold Quill (Award of Merit) for Media Wise, having won

THE kRST ONE IN WITH Jesuits in Mindanao: The Mission, which was awarded in Washington D.C., U.S.A. The book was conceived as a fundraising project for the Philippine Jesuit Aid Association, an institution headed BY &R *OSE 1UILONGQUILONG 3 * THAT IS targeted to aid the elderly, retired and INkRM *ESUITS AS WELL AS THE PROMOTION of Jesuit vocations in the Philippines.

To view the full list of winners, visit HTTPS GQ IABC COM WINners/ #IABCGQ.

Coke Studio Summer Concert: Catch the Wave Home IT happened on April 25 at the Mall of Asia Arena hosted by Ylona Garcia and Justin Quirino. The Coke Studio Concert was a gift from Coca-Cola to everyone for the overwhelming love and support they received for the Coke Studio Season 2. Headlined by Coke Studio Season 2 artists, summer became a wave ride of emotions and celebration from the variety of their lineup. Solo and collaborative performances were given by Sam Concepcion, Khalil Ramos, Quest, Patty Tiu, Ben & Ben, Kriesha Chu, Gab and John of Urbandub, Shanti Dope, Abra, IV of Spades, KZ Tandingan, Juan Miguel Severo, and Apl.de.ap.

Coke Studio Season 2 is about homecoming to our younger selves, homecoming to our roots and rich

diversity. This is the time to look back on our first love, ups and downs, dreams, and self-discovery that ultimately ends up with coming home through our love for music.

Not only did the Coke Studio Summer Concert gave us the ultimate summer experience from the production numbers, interactive and 3600 OPM Concert Stage, it save us from not having a summer â&#x20AC;&#x153;ganapâ&#x20AC;?, but it also saved us bucks because the admission and of course fun and entertainment was absolutely free for everyone to enjoy.

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A tale of two juggernauts BASKETBALL SLEUTH MICHAEL ANGELO B. ASIS

B

OTH the NBA and PBA have their resident juggernauts: The Golden State Warriors and the San Miguel Beermen. Both are involved in the playoffs and played Game 6s.

SMB was in their Conference Finals, the Warriors were in Conference SemiFinalsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or what many would say, the gVIRTUAL kNALS u Both teams have been dominant since 2015. The Warriors only missed out on the 2016 Finals and the Beermen only fail when they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a good import. But both have been the gold standard of their respective leagues.

The juggernauts at present The Warriors just won their Game Six against the Houston Rockets. They did it as the underdogs without Kevin Durant, and at the Rockets home court. This was the best chance for the Rockets to take them down. It would have been forgivable if they lost Game 7 at Oracle Arena, but to lose at home?

The scary part for the Warriorsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it was not even a bad game for the Rockets. The Warriors were simply better. The Warriors scored 57 POINTS IN THE kRST HALF TIED WITH THE 2OCKETS

with zero coming from Steph Curry.

Everyone has talked about how the Warriors are top-heavy, with a shallow bench (which was how the NBA wanted it because of the salary cap) and their main substitutes, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are aging. Those are all true.

3O IS 3TEPH #URRY S DISLOCATED kNGER 9OU have to commend Coach Steve Kerr for motivating the players to be better than what they are for just one game. One game when it all mattered.

3IDE NOTE #URRY S kNGER ON HIS LEFT hand really hurt, as he was grimacing WHILE HOLDING IT 9ET HE DIDN T FEEL THE pain when he was dribbling with his left hand. It seems like his hand is more comfortable when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holding a basketball.

It shows you just how much practice this player goes through.

The San Miguel Beermen, at this time, will face their own Game 6. This will decide their own championship streak as the best team in the league. Their play IS ANCHORED ON *UNE-AR &AJARDO THE kVE time consecutive MVP, SMB is under threat, as the Magnolia (OTSHOTS HAVE THE kREPOWER TO MATCH up. Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca have matched up to their usually dominant counterparts. Sangalang hitting that midrange shot causes problems for SMB since Fajardo is usually defending the basket.

Barroca has been composed and consistent on offense, his underrated defense preventing the SMB guards from taking over the game. If the Hotshots win the championship, one of these two will be the Finals MVP. The test is now on SMB Coach Leo Austria.

He is an old-school coach who is solid with the fundamentals, and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t blame him. )F IT AIN T BROKE WHY kX IT AND HE HAS THE perfect tools to execute. But Coach Chito Victolero has devised a game plan to keep UP WITH THEIR SYSTEM kND THE HOLES AND WIN Austria only needs to plug the holes, he does not need to make revolutionary changes, and not is not the time for that.

They were just a buzzer beater away from forcing overtime, and forcing Game 7 is DEkNITELY NOT BEYOND THEM 4HEY HAVE OVERCOME A DEkCIT THE ONLY TEAM TO DO SO SMB can adjust, and they have given more minutes to Terrence Romeo and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, two starting grade players on their bench. In the playoffs, rotations naturally get thinner but in the latter games, when the starters are both familiar and weary, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the â&#x20AC;&#x153;magic HUGOTu PLAYERS WHO SPELL THE DIFFERENCE 7E saw Kevon Looney with the Warriors, and Terrence Romeo for the Beermen.

Fearless forecast for the juggernauts The Warriors will still make the Finals. They will have a relatively easier opponent for the Conference Finals. They get rest for Curryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kNGER AND EVEN FOR $URANT 4HEIR OPPONENT has to go through Game 7.

SMB will force Game 7 and narrowly EDGE OUT THE (OTSHOTS BUT THIS IS DIFkCULT to call. The Hotshots are capable and ready, but SMB will just have one trick too many.

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MONDAY MAY 13, 2019

Andrade stuns Namajunas to win UFC 115-pound belt in Rio C2

Pacquiao to fight Thurman in WBA welterweight showdown

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OS ANGELES: Philippine boxing legend Manny 0ACQUIAO AND +EITH 4HURMAN WILL kGHT FOR 7ORLD Boxing Association welterweight supremacy on July

PROMOTERS CONkRMED 3ATURDAY 3UNDAY IN -ANILA

An announcement on the Fox television broadcast of the Premier Boxing Champions card featuring Jarrett Hurd and Julian 7ILLIAMS CONkRMED THE BOUT Eight-division world champion Pacquiao, 40, is coming off a January victory over American Adrien Broner that took his record to 61-7-2 with 39 knockouts.

(E HOLDS THE 7"! S SECONDARY gWORLDu welterweight title.

In Thurman, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be taking on the WBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gSUPER WORLD CHAMPIONu IN THE DIVISION â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the biggest night of boxing this year, boxingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only eight-division world champion, Senator Manny â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pac Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pacquiao, will take on undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;One Timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Thurman on Saturday, July 20 in a blockbuster showdown that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View EVENT u PROMOTERS SAID IN A STATEMENT Venue for the bout was not announced, but the card will also feature a freetelevision clash between undefeated International Boxing Federation Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb 0LANT MAKING HIS kRST TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST unbeaten contender Mike Lee. Pacquiao, who last month polled his legion of social media followers on who HE SHOULD kGHT NEXT TOOK TO 4WITTER TO LET Q Head coach Frank Vogel of the Indiana Pacers reacts as he coaches in the first half against the Miami Heat during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. AFP PHOTO

them know the bout was coming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;#TeamPacquiao is back. July 20 l #Pac4HURMAN u HE TWEETED Thurman returned from a near two-year layoff to retain his title with a 12-round majority decision over Josesito Lopez on January 26.

The victory saw Thurman improve to 29-0 with 22 wins inside the distance and in the immediate aftermath he said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be ready to take on Pacquiao this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe Brooklyn, maybe Vegas, WHEREVER -ANNY 0ACQUIAO WANTS IT u 4HURMAN SAID g) D EVEN kGHT HIM IN THE 0HILIPPINES IF ) HAVE TO u Thurman had been idle since edging Danny Garcia by split decision in March of 2017 to unify two 147-pound titles.

The next month he had surgery to remove calcium deposits from his right elbow, and as he was readying to return to the ring he suffered a left hand injury in March of 2018 that forced him to take more time off.

On January 20, Pacquiao battered Broner in a lopsided bout in Las Vegas, winning easily with an impressive display of superior hand speed and destructive power that landed him the unanimous decision over the much younger American

Q Manny Pacquiao AFP PHOTO

at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe my career is OVER ) PROVED IT IN MY LAST kGHT AGAINST ,UCAS -ATTHYSEE u 0ACQUIAO SAID AFTER THAT kGHT g!ND NOW ) PROVE IT AGAIN AT THE AGE OF u After beating Broner, Pacquiao also

called out Floyd Mayweather, who beat the Filipino on points in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s richest PRIZE kGHT IN Although fans have clamored for a rematch, the unbeaten Mayweather, who is officially retired, hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t risen to the bait.

AFP

Vogel will be new NBA Lakers coach with Kidd assist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reports LOS ANGELES: NBA superstar LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will be coached next season by Frank Vogel, a former coach at Indiana and Orlando, with Jason Kidd as an assistant, media reports said Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Vogel has agreed to a three-year deal to coach the Lakers with former NBA star guard Jason Kidd to serve in a major assistantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role, ESPN and the Los Angeles Times reported, each citing

UNIDENTIkED SOURCES The move came two days after Vogel interviewed with the club, which has missed the NBA playoffs for six consecutive seasons and hopes to rebuild around James, who joined the team last season after eight consecutive trips to the NBA Finals.

It also follows reports that Tyronn Lue, a former coach of James with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was set to become the Lakers coach before talks fell apart.

Vogel went 304-291 in eight seasons as an NBA coach, six with Indiana from 2010-2016 and the next two with a rebuilding Orlando Magic squad.

Vogel guided the Pacers to the Eastern #ONFERENCE kNALS IN AND BUT missed the playoffs in the of the four seasons after that.

Kidd played as an NBA guard from 1994 to 2013, winning a title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. He coached the Brooklyn Nets in 2013-14 and the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 until he WAS kRED IN *ANUARY AFTER A 22 start.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka gathered information on Vogel, 45, and Kidd, 46, for the past few days, ESPN reported, noting Vogel was a CANDIDATE FOR THE .EW 9ORK +NICKS coaching job in 2016 when former Laker coach Phil Jackson was the Knicksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decision maker.

The Lakers are searching for a replacement for Luke Walton, who parted ways with the Lakers last month after they endured another disappointing campaign.

AFP

Williams shocks Hurd to seize super welterweight world titles LOS ANGELES: Julian Williams shocked previously unbeaten Jarrett Hurd to seize the International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association super welterweight world titles by unanimous 12-round decision on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Williams sent Hurd to the canvas for the kRST TIME IN HIS CAREER ON THE WAY TO THE victory in an action-packed bout in Fairfax, Virginia, not far from Hurdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home turf in Maryland. g) M JUST SO BLESSED u SAID 7ILLIAMS WHO couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hold back tears as he was interVIEWED IN THE RING AFTER THE kGHT DRAPED IN his world title belts.

One judge scored the bout 116-111 and two others saw it 115-112 for Williams, who improved to 27-1-1 with 17 knockouts.

Williams went toe-to-toe with the bigger, physically imposing Hurd and in the second round a combination of punches sent Hurd down against the ropes.

Williams pummelled Hurd again in the third before the champion began to assert himself in the middle rounds.

Williams, however, wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go away pushing the action with solid punches to Hurdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head and body.

Hurd was cut around right eye in the eighth but came back hard in the ninth as both pressed the action to the end. â&#x20AC;&#x153;J-Rock (Williams) was a better man TONIGHT u (URD SAID g(E PUT ME DOWN FOR THE kRST TIME IN MY CAREER AND HE CAME OUT WITH THE VICTORY u "UT (URD VOWED g) LL BE BACK u 7ILLIAMS NOTCHED HIS kFTH WIN SINCE HIS

LONE DEFEAT A kFTH ROUND KNOCKOUT BY *ERmall Charlo in December of 2016.

He was emotional in recalling that many wrote him off in the wake of that setback. g) WORKED SO HARD u 7ILLIAMS SAID g4HEY told me I was done. They told me I had no chin. I just got basic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The boxing world should stop condemnING kGHTERS AFTER THEY TAKE A LOSS )T S BOXING

things happen. g0LENTY OF GREAT kGHTERS TOOK LOSSES u As to whether he next wants a rematch with Hurd or possibly a shot at Charlo â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who takes on Brandon Adams on June 29 in a World Boxing Council title bout â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Wil-

liams said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d leave that to his camp. g4HAT S NOT MY BUSINESS u HE SAID

Berchelt wins rematch over Vargas to retain WBC title Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Miguel Berchelt retained his World Boxing Council super featherweight world title on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), overpowering Francisco Vargas with a sixth round stoppage, IN A REMATCH OF THEIR kGHT Berchelt won by technical knockout when Vargasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; corner waved the white towel as he sat on the stool after taking six rounds of brutal punishment at the Convention Center

Q Julian Williams celebrates after defeating Jarrett Hurd for the IBF, WBA and IBO super welterweight boxing titles in Fairfax, Va. on Sunday. AP PHOTO

arena in Tucson, Arizona.

The one-sided bout was reminiscent of THEIR kRST kGHT TWO YEARS AGO WHEN "ERCHELT easily dethroned 130-pound champ Vargas.

Once again the 27-year-old Berchelt was too young, too powerful and too talented for the 34-year-old fellow Mexican.

4HE kGHT TRANSPIRED THE WAY MANY HAD predicted it would with Berchelt following the same strategy he used to punish Vargas in January 2017 when he knocked him out in the 11th round. It was pretty clear this one wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go that far as Berchelt dominated all the rounds Saturday.

Vargas, who is prone to cuts and suffered sevERAL IN THE kRST kGHT WAS ALSO CUT ON THE BRIDGE OF his nose in the third round on Saturday. !FTER THE kGHT "ERCHELT DEFENDED HIS DECISION TO HAVE A REMATCH AGAINST A kGHTER WHO MANY thought would deliver a predictable outcome. g(E GAVE ME MY kRST OPPORTUNITY FOR A world title so it is only fair I give him a shot TO WIN IT BACK u SAID "ERCHELT WHO IMPROVED to 36-1 with 32 KOs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But his corner did the RIGHT THING u Berchelt has now won 14 of his last 15 kGHTS BY STOPPAGE AND HAS NOT LOST A kGHT IN kVE YEARS Vargas wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t arguing with the decision by trainer Joel Diaz to throw in the towel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My trainer did what he is supposed to DO (E IS HERE TO PROTECT ME u 6ARGAS SAID "ERCHELT SAID HE WANTS TO kGHT THE WINNER of a 130-pound bout between Masayuki Ito and Jamel Herring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to leave no doubt who the best juNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT IN THE WORLD IS u HE SAID AFP

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Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

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MONDAY May 13, 2019

Andrade stuns Namajunas to win UFC 115-pound belt in Rio R IO DE JANEIRO: Jessica Andrade stunned Rose Namajunas with a second-round knockout to win the UFC 115-pound strawweight championship in her home country in the main event of UFC 237 on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

Andrade topped Amanda Nunes for the most wins among women in UFC history with 11.

Andrade dropped to her knees in tears and raised her arms toward the sky as the Brazilian crowd went wild for the new champ. Andrade slammed Namajunas on her head â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a very scary sight as the awkward angle of the landing could have resulted in a BROKEN NECK Â&#x2021; AND THE kGHT WAS OVER at 2:58 of the second round. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I never pile-drived in the UFC,â&#x20AC;?

Andrade said through an interpreter.

It ended Namajunasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reign that started when she beat Joanna Jedrzejczyk to win the belt in November 2017 and then made a successful defense in a rematch in April 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a huge pressure off my shoulders,â&#x20AC;? the 27-year-old Namajunas said.

Namajunas brushed off talk of a rematch and said there was a chance THE LOSS WAS HER LAST kGHT â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still interested in this,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just want to do something else with my life right now. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not going to make no decisions right now. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just hard to keep having fun with this.â&#x20AC;?

Namajunas was in control, busting open a cut above Andradeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left eye and starting the second round with some hard jabs that had An-

drade reeling. But Andrade stayed CLOSE AND kNALLY SCOOPED .AMAjunas and drove her head into the canvas for a spectacular ending to THE kRST STRAWWEIGHT PAY PER VIEW main event in UFC history.

Andradeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win made up for a rough NIGHT FOR "RAZILIAN kGHTERS IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY Â&#x2021; THEY LOST kVE STRAIGHT kGHTS ON THE CARD UNTIL !NDRADE BROKE through in the main event.

Jared Cannonier landed a devastating right kick to the inside of Anderson Silvaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right knee to DEFEAT THE 5&# LEGEND IN THE kRST round via TKO. Silva went down in a heap, writhing in pain on the canvas before he needed help to his corner.

Silva, a Brazilian, walked over to congratulate Cannonier, and winced in pain.

Cannonier stood silently in the cage, soaking up the boos of 15.193 FANS DURING THE POST kGHT INTERVIEW â&#x20AC;&#x153;He could have fought anybody HE WANTED TO AND HE ACCEPTED A kGHT with me. So I want to show my appreciation and my respect for him,â&#x20AC;?

Cannonier said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t respect me, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t got no respect for them and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it.â&#x20AC;?

Silva, who made 10 title defenses over 2,457 days during his reign as UFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest middleweight chamPION LOST FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN kVE

Q Brazilian fighter Jessica Andrade (left) competes against US fighter Rose Namajunas during their womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strawweight title bout at the Ultimate Fighting Championship 237 event at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. AFP PHOTO

kGHTS 4HE YEAR OLD 3ILVA HOBBLED out of the cage and may be close to kNALLY CALLING IT A CAREER (E APOLOgized to the crowd and said he had injured his leg during training camp.

Alexander Volkanovski should VAULT TO A TITLE kGHT AFTER A CONVINCing unanimous decision victory against Jose Aldo. Aldo, a two-time featherweight champion, received a rousing ovation from his native fans BUT SPENT MOST OF THE kNAL ROUND pinned against the cage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it would have been inCREDIBLE IF ) HAD kNISHED *OSE !LDO in his hometown, but at the same TIME ) MASTERED FOR A WHOLE kGHT ONE OF THE GREATEST kGHTERS OF ALL

Letran tames Bulldogs in Premier Cup COLEGIO de San Juan de Letran cruised past National University (NU), 76-69, in the 2019 FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The Knights fared well despite the absence of their veteran players posting their third straight win in as many games in Group B. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad our bench players stepped up in this kind of game,â&#x20AC;? said Letran head coach Bonnie Tan, who missed the services of his seasoned players Jerrick Balanza and Bonbon Batiller. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a very talented lineup. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just more on how we utilize our players,â&#x20AC;? added Tan. King Caralipio fired a team-high 12 points on top of eight rebounds while Ato Ular finished with 10 markers and six boards for the Intramuros-based squad.

All the nine other Knights contributed at least four points in a display of balanced offense.

Letran managed to pulled away when rookie guard

Kurt Reyson sparked a 19-8 surge resulting in a 71-63 advantage midway the final frame.

But NU threatened within 66-71 on Issa Gaye and Chino Mosquedaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free throws with under two minutes remaining.

Tommy Olivario completed a three-point play off Miguel Oczonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foul to hand the Knights a 74-66 lead with 39 seconds left virtually sealing the victory.

Senegalese center Gaye had a game-best 14 points to go with eight rebounds and four blocks. The Bulldogs fell in its debut despite Shaun Ildefonsoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s additional 14 markers.

In the Group A matches at press time, De La Salle University (1-0) is playing against University of the Philippines (1-1) while Centro Escolar University (1-0) is taking on University of Sto. Tomas (0-1).

Earlier, Ateneo De Manila High School started its post-Kai Sotto era with a 74-71 victory over Adamson High School.

JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

time,â&#x20AC;? Volkanovski said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going for the title.â&#x20AC;?

Volkanovski, who won his 17th STRAIGHT kGHT DATING TO $ECEMBER 2013, won his seventh straight bout and now sets his sights on division CHAMPION -AX (OLLOWAY /NLY kVE kGHTERS HAVE LONGER ACTIVE WINNING streaks than Volkanovski. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m next in line, 100%,â&#x20AC;? Volkanovski said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the only one whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s undefeated in the top three and I should be ranked No. 1.â&#x20AC;?

Irea Aldana used an armbar to submit Brazilian Bethe Correia and win her third straight bout in the UFC 237 PPV opener. Correia failed TO MAKE WEIGHT BY A WHOPPING kVE

pounds in the 135-pound bout.

Laureano Staropoli spoiled the NIGHT OF ANOTHER "RAZILIAN kGHTER when he beat Thiago Alves by unanimous decision.

Silva and B.J. Penn were once the biggest stars in UFC but have fallen far from the era when they were pay-per-view headliners. Penn is a former UFC lightweight champion and was inducted into the promotionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall of Fame in 2015. He couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stay retired and suffered his seventh straight loss dating to 2010 when Clay Guida won a unanimous decision on the undercard. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To get in there and compete with a legend like B.J., that is my highest

win so far to date, and it is not the last,â&#x20AC;? Guida said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to keep climbing the ranks and trying to do what he did and come for that gold.â&#x20AC;?

Penn was 16-7-1 after a KO off Matt Hughes in November 2010 and the 40-year-old Hawaiian is now 16-14-2.

UFC announced that Nate Diaz WILL kGHT FOR THE kRST TIME IN THREE years when he takes on former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis in the co-main event of UFC 241 in August. Daniel Cormier was already set to defend his heavyweight title in a rematch against former champ Stipe Miocic on that card.

AP

ROS FINALLY TRADES ALMAZAN RAIN or Shine sent Raymond Almazan to -ERALCO IN EXCHANGE OF TWO kRST ROUND PICKS in the 2019 and 2021 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) rookie drafts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Almazan is no longer with us. We just SIGNED A TRADE WITH -ERALCO FOR TWO kRST round picks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2019 and 2021. We just SUBMITTED THIS TO THE 0"! OFkCE LAST &RIDAY He always has a problem with his coach,â&#x20AC;? said lawyer and Rain or Shine team governor Momerto Mondragon.

The PBA will review the trade before makING IT OFkCIAL NEXT WEEK Almazan went AWOL on October after an argument with Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia. The 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7 former Letran Knight returned to the Elasto Painters fold before the opening of the Philippine Cup last January after the RoS management settled their feud.

Almazan did not play during the bestOF SEVEN SEMIkNALS SERIES BETWEEN 2AIN OR Shine and Magnolia recently citing a calf injury he sustained last month.

Almazan had an average of eight points, six rebounds and 2.1 blocks in six games last conference. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping he will do his best there.

The trade is okay with us and it is now up to the PBA to approve the trade,â&#x20AC;? added Mondragon.

JOSEF T. RAMOS

Q Raymond Almazan (No. 20) battles the towering June Mar Fajardo in the shaded lane. PBA MEDIA BUREAU PHOTO

Popular boxing broadcaster Lederman dies at 79 LOS ANGELES: Respected boxing judge turned broadcaster Harold LederMAN BEST KNOWN AS THE UNOFkCIAL scorekeeper for HBO Boxing, has died at 79 after battling cancer, veteran promoter Lou DiBella said Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Lederman began his career as a boxing judge in 1967 and joined the cast of HBO World Championship Boxing in 1986.

His death comes less than six MONTHS AFTER HE WORKED THE kNAL CARD on HBO, to cap the cable television networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40-year run in the sport. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just learned that my friend of 30 years, Harold Lederman, has succumbed to the cancer he fought so hard,â&#x20AC;? DiBella said on Twitter, adding that Lederman â&#x20AC;&#x153;was one of a kind and there will never be anotherâ&#x20AC;?.

His praise for the knowledgeable and always ebullient Lederman was ECHOED BY kGURES THROUGHOUT THE BOXing world, and by Ledermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former colleagues at HBO. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harold Lederman had a lifelong love affair with the sport of boxing,â&#x20AC;?

Peter Nelson, executive vice president

Q HBO Boxing Commentator and exjudge Harold Lederman is interviewed during a screening of the HBO Original Series of â&#x20AC;&#x153;On Freddie Roachâ&#x20AC;? on January 11, 2012 at HBO Theater in New York City. AFP PHOTO of HBO Sports said in a statement. g/VER THE PAST kFTY YEARS HE WAS UNIversally respected and celebrated by the many people who make the sport what it is. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harold was happiest when seated ringside, studying the action and scoring the fight. When he joined HBO Sports in 1986 he added a

new and critical component to live boxing coverage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Viewers embraced his unique style and his command of the rules while his broadcast colleagues relished his enthusiasm and boundless energy.â&#x20AC;?

Lederman earned his license from the New York State Athletic ComMISSION TO JUDGE TITLE kGHTS ON *UNE 26, 1967.

(E JUDGED MORE THAN TITLE kGHTS while maintaining his pharmacy practice in New York.

His commentating career began before he retired from active judging in 1999, and his detailed explanations of how he analyzed and scored bouts were a key feature of HBOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boxing telecasts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one in the sport had more friends, because no one in the sport was more deserving of friends,â&#x20AC;? said HBO boxing announcer Jim Lampley in a statement.

Lederman was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016. His daughter Julie Lederman followed in his footsteps and became a boxing judge.

AFP

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

MONDAY May 13, 2019

Every seizes lead at rain-delayed Byron Nelson L OS ANGELES: Matt Every pounced on the rain-softened Trinity Forest course to take a one-shot lead midway through the delayed third round of the US PGA Tourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Byron Nelson on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

The start of play on the Dallas, 4EXAS COURSE WAS DELAYED SIX HOURS because of heavy rain that lasted through the night and into the MORNING 7HEN HE kNALLY TEED OFF !MER ICA S %VERY CHIPPED IN FOR EAGLE AT THE PAR kVE kRST THEN BIRDIED FOUR HOLES IN A kVE HOLE SPAN TO TAKE A

ONE STROKE LEAD THROUGH NINE ON UNDER PAR When darkness halted play he WAS ONE STROKE IN FRONT OF 3OUTH +OREA S +ANG 3UNG WHO MATCHED THE COURSE RECORD WITH A ON &RIDAY AND TOOK A FOUR SHOT LEAD INTO THE THIRD ROUND +ANG WAS ONE UNDER FOR THE

ROUND AFTER FOLLOWING BIRDIES AT THE THIRD AND SIXTH WITH A BOGEY AT THE EIGHTH AND UNDER FOR THE TOURNAMENT 4YLER $UNCAN WHO BEGAN THE DAY TIED WITH %VERY FOUR ADRIFT

WAS THREE UNDER FOR THE DAY AND UNDER FOR THE TOURNAMENT WITH NINE TO PLAY 4HEY LL RETURN TO COMPLETE THE ROUND ON 3UNDAY MORNING /NLY OF PLAYERS kNISHED THE THIRD ROUND %VERY A TWO TIME WINNER ON THE 0'! 4OUR SAID HIS FRONT NINE CHARGE FELT gLIKE A NORMAL ROUNDu

Sports

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Q Matt Every AFP PHOTO

g)T WAS PLAYING SUPER EASY SO IT WASN T LIKE ) HAD time to be nervous about ANYTHING u HE SAID g) JUST HAD TO KEEP MAKING BIRDIES ) GOT IN A NICE RHYTHM u Nicholas Lindheim also took ADVANTAGE OF THE RAIN SOFTENED COURSE (E WAS NINE UNDER THROUGH HOLES AND UNDER for the tournament, tied for sev ENTH AFTER STARTING THE DAY IN TH !MONG THOSE WHO COMPLETED the third round, defending cham PION !ARON 7ISE CARDED A kVE UN DER AND WAS TIED FOR RD AFP

WALLACE SURVIVES STUMBLE TO HOLD Del Rosario eyes backSHARE OF BRITISH MASTERS LEAD to-back at Midlands

SOUTHPORT, United Kingdom: %NGLAND S -ATT Wallace survived a rare stumble to hold a share of the British Masters lead along SIDE 3WEDEN S -ARCUS +INHULT HEADING INTO 3UNDAY S kNAL ROUND !FTER GOING HOLES WITHOUT DROP ping a single shot, Wallace bogeyed the TH AND RAN UP A DOUBLE BOGEY ON THE TH AFTER A WAYWARD DRIVE WHICH HIT A SPECTATOR ON THE HEAD "UT THE YEAR OLD CHASING A kFTH %UROPEAN 4OUR TITLE IN JUST TWO YEARS

recovered in the closing holes to card a THAT PUT HIM LEVEL WITH +INHULT ON UNDER PAR AFTER THREE ROUNDS 3COTLAND S 2ICHIE 2AMSAY IS TWO SHOTS BEHIND THE LEADERS AFTER A WITH compatriot Robert MacIntyre alongside TOURNAMENT HOST 4OMMY &LEETWOOD ON UNDER AFTER BOTH RECORDED ROUNDS OF IN BREEZY CONDITIONS AT (ILLSIDE g/BVIOUSLY ) M FRUSTRATED WITH DROP PING A COUPLE ON THE TH HOLE BUT ) SHOWED A LITTLE BIT OF CHARACTER THERE TO NOT LET IT AFFECT ME TOO MUCH ) PLAYED the last three holes really nicely,â&#x20AC;? Wal

LACE SAID g) WAS TRYING TO TAKE A LITTLE NOTE OUT OF 4IGER 7OODS BOOK AND NOT LET THEM TRY TO CATCH ME BUT ) HIT TWO BAD SHOTS TODAY AND THAT S WHAT HAPPENS IN GOLF g)T S NOT ABOUT WINNING IT ON 3ATUR DAY )T S ABOUT PUTTING YOURSELF IN GOOD POSITION SO LOOKING FORWARD TO TOMOR ROW NOW u &LEETWOOD SHRUGGING OFF A DRAINING VIRUS HOLED FROM FEET FOR AN EAGLE ON THE TH AND ALSO BIRDIED THE TH TH AND TH TO DELIGHT THE SELL OUT CROWD g) VE BEEN A BIT SLOW FOR TWO AND A HALF DAYS SO IT WAS GREAT TO GET SOME THING GOING AND GIVE THE CROWDS SOME THING TO CHEER u THE 3OUTHPORT BORN WORLD NUMBER SAID g) VE NOT HAD GREAT ENERGY LEVELS -Y SON &RANKIE HAD TONSILLITIS LAST WEEK AND HE S GIVEN ME SOMETHING SO THAT S NOT BEEN IDEAL â&#x20AC;&#x153;I forgot my paracetamol in the bag SO #LARE HIS WIFE HAD TO GET ME SOME ON THE TH TEE AND THAT PRETTY MUCH SAVED ME ON THE WAY IN u AFP

Q Matt Wallace AFP PHOTO

Tsitsipas stuns Nadal to set up Madrid final with Djokovic MADRID: Novak Djokovic will play Stefanos Tsitsipas for the Madrid Open title after the 20-year-old Greek stunned Rafael Nadal on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) to win a thrilling semifinal 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 on his fourth match point.

Nadal had been a clear favourite to face Djokovic in Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showpiece at Caja Magica but the 17-time Grand Slam champion extended his stuttering build-up to the French Open with another surprise defeat.

Tsitsipasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stunning victory means he reaches his fourth ATP final of the season while fully vindicating those that have him circled as a future star of the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Emotionally it was very tough, it was one of my toughest wins,â&#x20AC;? he said.

It might be too early to expect the world number nine to challenge at Roland Garros later this month but, with a fearless style and formidable forehand, Tsitsipas is developing a habit for delivering on the big stage.

Q Greeceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stefanos Tsitsipas returns the ball to Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rafael Nadal during their ATP Madrid Open semifinal tennis match at the Caja Magica in Madrid on Sunday.

AFP PHOTO

In terms of career wins, this perhaps trails only his ousting of Roger Federer from the Australian Open in January, when he went on to reach the semifinals for his best run yet at a Grand Slam.

But, as well as Federer and Nadal, Tsitsipas has now beaten Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem, both twice, and Djokovic, whom he played on hard in Canada last year and prevailed in three sets.

He will draw confidence from that result ahead of Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final but arguably even more so from overcoming Nadal, on clay, which Djokovic had earlier described as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;ultimate challengeâ&#x20AC;? following his own 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4) victory over Dominic Thiem.

By his own high standards, Nadalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clay-court swing has been disappointing. He lost in the last four in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona, arriving in Madrid without winning either tournament for the first time since 2015. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lost chance,â&#x20AC;? admitted five-time champion Nadal after his third straight semifinal defeat on clay.

Djokovic enhances Paris credentials Few would bet against the Spaniard claiming a 12th success in Paris but the showings of Djokovic, and even Thiem, in this tournament suggests it is far from a foregone conclusion.

Djokovic enhanced his credentials as perhaps the greatest threat by edging past Thiem, who took down Nadal en route to clinching the trophy in Barcelona last month and had also knocked out Federer in the Madrid quarter-finals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought coming into the match, he was the favorite to win it,â&#x20AC;? Djokovic said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great win for me.â&#x20AC;?

Since taking a month off after winning the Australian Open, Djokovic had also stuttered, enduring early exits in Indian Wells, Miami and then Monte Carlo.

But Thiem found the 31-year-old close to his best, delivering a timely reminder of why he has won the last three Grand Slam titles and will hold all four concurrently by winning his 16th at the French Open. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a very important win for me against one of the best players in the world,â&#x20AC;? said Djokovic, a two-time champion in Madrid. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting back to his 100 percent again,â&#x20AC;?

Thiem said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The closer it comes to the Grand Slams, the better heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll play and we are pretty close to the French Open.â&#x20AC;?

AFP

PAULINE DEL ROSARIO hopes to stay hot at the rolling Midlands layout as she shoots for a second straight victory against practically the SAME kELD SHE DOMINATED THE LAST TIME OUT WHEN the ICTSI Tagaytay Midlands Ladies Challenge is kRED OFF -AY IN 4AGAYTAY #ITY The former Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Order OF -ERIT WINNER SNAPPED A RUN OF SO SO kNISHES WITH A WHOPPING SHOT VICTORY OVER $ANIELLA 5Y IN THE )#43) 2OYAL .ORTHWOODS #LASSIC LAST month, making her the top pick in the upcom ING HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP OFFERING A TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF 0

"UT SHE REMAINS WARY OF HER RIVALS WHO ARE ALL coming into the event ready and raring to stop the former Philippine Ladies Amateur Open TITLIST FOLLOWING A STINT IN THE JUST CONCLUDED .ATIONAL 0RO !M AT THE NEARLY 4AAL 3PLENDIDO 'OLF #LUB Uy, for one, is out to atone for her and brother ,ANZ S FOLDUP IN THE 0RO !M WHERE THEY TOOK THE second round lead only to crumble in the last DAY AND WOUND UP JOINT FOURTH But the setback is expected to toughen up the former Junior World champ as she guns for her breakthrough victory in the circuit put up by )#43) AND ORGANIZED BY 0ILIPINAS 'OLF 4OURNA MENTS )NC Others tipped to contend are Alex Etter, Apple Fudolin, Gretchen Villacencio, Marvi Monsalve, Sarah Ababa, Sheryl Villasencio and ,UCY ,ANDICHO -ULTI TITLED #HIHIRO )KEDA IS ALSO IN THE FOLD

CONkDENT OF ENDING A LONG TITLE SPELL COMING OFF A SLIGHT INJURY THAT HAS HAMPERED HER CAMPAIGN IN THE LAST FEW TOURNAMENTS "OOSTING THE CAST ARE SOME OF THE COUNTRY S LEADING AMATEURS LED BY %AGLE !CE 3UPERAL WHO PLACED THIRD IN LAST WEEK S !SIA 0ACIkC *UNIOR #HAMPIONSHIP IN 3INGAPORE ALONG WITH .ICOLE !BELAR ,AIA "ARRO -AFY 3INGSON 3AM $IZON and Arnie Taguines of Team The Country Club, 0AM -ARIANO AND +OREANS 4AE 9ON +WON AND 9EUN *EA "AEK ! NUMBER OF 4HAI ACES HAVE ALSO CONkRMED participation in the event backed by Custom Clubmakers, Meralco, K&G Golf Apparel, BDO, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Empire Golf and Sports and - 9 3HOKAI 4ECHNOLOGY )NC WITH THE COMPACT kELD TO TEST THE -IDLANDS COURSE IN TOMORROW S 4UESDAY PRO AM

Borja reclaims Alaska Fortified IronKids crown ZEDRICK JAMES BORJA reclaimed the CROWN IN THE CENTERPIECE BOYS TO AGE GROUP OF THE !LASKA &ORTIFIED IronKids on Sunday at the Vermosa 3PORTS (UB IN )MUS #AVITE National developmental team member "ORJA IMPROVED HIS THIRD PLACE kNISH IN the previous IronKids in Davao on March

WITH MINUTES AND SECONDS TO RULE THE M SWIM AND KM RUN RACE 4HE YEAR OLD 4RI'EAR STANDOUT FROM 3AN 0EDRO ,AGUNA BROKE AWAY IN THE TWO lap run, beating Leonardo Tyrone Macalos AND $ASH !RON 2AMIREZ

FOR HIS FOURTH OVERALL )RON+IDS TROPHY g) M VERY HAPPY ) WAS ABLE TO COME BACK AND WIN AGAIN u SAID "ORJA 4HE 'RADE STUDENT FROM 3AN "EDA !LABANG WAS EXTRA EAGER TO WIN THE aquathlon segment as a present for her MOM ON -OTHER S $AY â&#x20AC;&#x153;I dedicate this race to my mother, Joc ELYN "ORJA 3HE WAS THE ONE PUSHING AND supporting me throughout my career as a TRIATHLETE 7ITH THIS ) CAN SHOW HER THAT ALL HER HARD WORK IS PAYING OFF u "ORJA SAID )N THE BOYS CATEGORY M SWIM AND KM RUN 0HILIPPINE 3WIM

MING ,EAGUE STALWART -ARC "RYAN $ULA EMERGED AS WINNER WITH A TIME RECORD OF MINUTES AND SECONDS Finishing second and third, respec TIVELY WERE *ESSLY 2EYAN 2OMAN AND +RISTOFF $ANIEL $AVID /THER WINNERS IN THE BOYS DIVISION WERE $ARRELL *OHNSON "RAIM "ADA AND %THAN +YLE !PIGO )N THE GIRLS SIDE )RON+IDS ROOKIE 4RIX IE (ANN !NDAYA WON THE GROUP WITH A TIME OF BESTING 0RINCESS *ULIANE $ICHE AND "ERNADETTE #ABATIAN

Aubrey Tom bagged the title in the CATEGORY WHILE *IANA !LLYN $E !SIS AND 3AMANTHA (ODGES WON THE AND AGE GROUPS -ORE THAN PARTICIPANTS TOOK PART IN THE kRST )RON+IDS HELD AT 6ERMOSA g'OOD JOB TO ALL THE KIDS WHO JOINED 4HEY WERE ALL GOOD AND VERY ENTHUSIASTIC The most important thing is do it because YOU LOVE IT +EEP UP THE TRAINING -AKE SURE YOU ENJOY EVERY TIME YOU TRAIN AND CROSS THAT kNISH LINE u RACE DIRECTOR AND TRIATHLETE !NI $E ,EON "ROWN TOLD THE PARTICIPANTS JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

Q Pauline del Rosario CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Football Man City eyes Premier League history L C4

MONDAY May 13, 2019

ONDON: Liverpool will have to make Premier League history on Sunday (Monday in Manila) if they are to overhaul leaders Manchester City and end their 29-year TITLE DROUGHT ON A DRAMATIC kNAL DAY OF A THRILLING title race.

It is the eighth duel for the Premier League crown to go down TO THE LAST ROUND OF kXTURES BUT ,IVERPOOL WOULD BE THE kRST TEAM to move above the leaders on the kNAL DAY IF *URGEN +LOPP S MEN GET their hands on the trophy.

Pep Guardiolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City is firm favorite to retain the title as they travel to lowly Brighton with a one-point lead over second placed Liverpool, who face Wolves at !NkELD 4HE LAST TEAM TO START THE kNAL day in first place and not win the title were Liverpool in 1989, WHEN !RSENAL S WIN AT !NkELD clinched the old First Division.

Whoever gets their hands on the silverware will have earned it

the hard way after phenomenal campaigns from both clubs.

City, on 95 points, have won their past 13 Premier League matches to wipe out a seven-point lead for Liverpool and are on the BRINK OF BECOMING THE kRST TEAM to win successive titles since Manchester United in 2009.

Kloppâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men, with 94 points, have recovered from a mid-season stumble to record eight straight victories and are agonizingly close TO THEIR kRST %NGLISH TOP lIGHT TITLE since 1990.

The 18-time league winners face the scarcely credible scenario of ending the season with the thirdhighest points tally in Premier League history and a single defeat

yet still missing out on the title. #ITY LOOK ALMOST CERTAIN TO kNish off the job on the south coast and Guardiola admits he has so much faith in his players that he might not even give a pre-match teamtalk at the Amex Stadium. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to say anything to motivate them. I think my speech on Sunday will be zero,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They want to win the Premier League. From what I saw in the training sessions, they want to win it, knowing that we can lose it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We saw in the Champions League in the last week why this game is amazing. But we want to win. So we are going to go out

there at Brighton to try to win the game.â&#x20AC;?

City cannot quite match the record 100 points they mustered last season but they

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net Q Leicesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s James Maddison (left) is challenged by Manchester Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s David Silva during the English Premier League football match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. AP PHOTO

have shown their ability to dig deep in recent weeks.

Guardiolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side have been free-scoring for the majority of the campaign, racking up 91 goals, but

three of their past four wins have been 1-0 victories.

A second consecutive title for the club, who remain on course for a historic domestic treble, would underline their status as the dominant force in the English game.

AFP

Dortmund takes title race to wire as Bayern held BERLIN: Bayern Munich missed the chance to wrap up a seventh successive Bundesliga title as they were held to a goalless draw at RB Leipzig on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) and rivals Borussia Dortmund edged a nervy 3-2 win over Fortuna Duesseldorf.

Chelsea-bound US international Christian Pulisic found the net in his final home game for Dortmund, helping them to battle back to within two points of league leaders Bayern ahead of the final round of games next weekend.

Bayern can now secure the title with a win at home to Eintracht Frankfurt next Saturday, while Dortmund must win at Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Dortmund, who looked dead and buried after slipping four points behind last week, enjoyed the rub of the green as they stumbled to victory over Duesseldorf.

Pulisic, who will join Chelsea next season, bid an emotional farewell to the Dortmund fans before the game and then opened the scoring on 41 minutes.

A howler from stand-in goalkeeper Marwin Hitz allowed Oliver Fink to equalize, but Thomas Delaney restored the lead for Dortmund.

Hitz then gave away a penalty with a foul on Dodi Lukebakio, but the Belgian dragged the ball wide from 12 yards.

Mario Goetze appeared to seal the win for Dortmund on 90 minutes, but Dawid Kownacki pulled one back for Duesseldorf minutes later to make it a nerve-jangling kNISH FOR THE HOSTS In Leipzig, Leon Goretzkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stylish scissor-kick sent Bayern into ecstasy after half time, but the goal was ruled out by VAR. Serge Gnabry hit the bar later in the second half, but Bayern could not force the winner.

AFP

Neymar scores on final game before ban PARIS: Neymar responded to being handed a three-match ban by scoring as champions Paris Saint-Germain ended their three-game losing streak away from home with a 2-1 Ligue 1 victory at Angers on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Thomas Tuchelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PSG have seen their season fizzle out since a shock Champions League exit at the hands of Manchester United in March, losing the French Cup final and embarking on a run of just one win in seven matches.

The return of Neymar from a foot problem has been a plus, with the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most expensive player finding form ahead of his Copa America campaign with Brazil, which starts next month.

The 27-year-oldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suspension for lashing out at a fan following PSGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s penalty-shootout loss to Rennes in the French Cup final comes into effect on Monday, while he will also miss three Champions League games at the start of next season for criticizing the referee after the Man United defeat.

But he scored his third goal in four games on his final appearance of the season to give PSG a 20th-minute lead at the Stade Raymond-Kopa, diving to head home Dani Alvesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; scooped pass.

And Neymar turned provider as Angel Di Maria nodded in at the back post just before the hour mark to double the visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; advantage.

But PSG has conceded 18 goals in eight games, failing to keep a clean sheet, after Flavien Tait grabbed a late consolation for midtable Angers, tapping in the rebound after Gianluigi Buffon had saved his penalty.

The French giants will now hope to ensure that the under whelming win does not prove to be Neymarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final match for the club, ahead of the start of the transfer window next month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Neymar played well, but these are the things that we expect from him â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that he is decisive for us, scores goals and makes assists,â&#x20AC;? said head coach Tuchel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s his job, because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s his talent.â&#x20AC;?

AFP

Q Paris Saint-Germainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brazilian forward Neymar (left) fights for the ball with Angersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; French midfielder Vincent Manceau during the French L1 football match at the Raymond-Kopa Stadium in Angers. AFP PHOTO

MONDAY M O N DAY MAYY 13, 2019

Entertainment

D1 Q Darren Espanto

www.manilatimes.net

Celebs, news personalities join voterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education run SOME 700 concerned citizens heeded the call of a network-organized obstacle fun run for voterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education held at the Quezon Memorial Circle leading up to this important day across the country.

Cleverly dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Race Your Voice,â&#x20AC;? the run was organized by ABS-CBNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News and Current Affairs Department and saw many of the networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrities and top news personalities sweating it out in the name of democracy.

Spotted were the stationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head of Integrated News and Current Affairs Ging Reyes and news reporters Jorge Carino, Chiara Zambrano, Jeff Canoy, Dyan Castillejo and Gus Abelgas leading participants in an energizing run where each stop tested their knowledge about the elections.

Among the celebrities seen at the scene were Young JV, â&#x20AC;&#x153;PBB Otsoâ&#x20AC;? adult housemates Shawntel Cruz, Hanie Onofre, Camille Sandel, Kim Franco, JC Gamez, Wakim Regalado, Abi Kassem,

and Tori Garcia; and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Showtimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;?

Brenda Mage, Czedy Rodriguez, Chad Kinis Lustre-Reid, Anna Patricia Lorenzo, Steph Robles, Charles Kieron, Zeus Collins and Vitto Marquez.

College student Diego Rosales, who finished the entire obstacle, said at the end: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This fun run was very helpful to veteran, first-time and future voters. Even if you came here to have fun with friends, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come to know the doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts of automated elections, and most importantly be reminded how important it is to participate in the elections.â&#x20AC;?

Commission on Election (Comelec) representatives were also present at the activity to help answer votersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; questions, lead participants through a step-by-step voting guide, and demonstrate how to cast a ballot on election day.

Before gun start, attendees also made a collective pledge to raise their voices and exercise their right to vote in the national elections today.

Âťseen@thescene

Q Dyan Castillejo, Chiara Zambrano, Gus Abelgas, Jeff Canoy, ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs head Ging Reyes and Jorge CariĂąo

Q 'PBB Otso' adult housemates join event in providing entertainment.

Morisette and Darren Espanto set a new tone to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A Whole New Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; D

ISNEY had the media on their toes last week and kept them guessing who would be the power duo behind the Philippine rendition of the classic, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Whole New World,â&#x20AC;? from one of its most beloved animated movies, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alladin.â&#x20AC;?

In Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever thoughtful tradi- similar techniques Lea had used tion, the rerecording is part of the before, which was well received drum up to the much anticipated by the audience. live action version â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alladinâ&#x20AC;? starring During In the Knowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chat Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott and with the two, they said it took Will Smith. From the spread to the them less than six months to lights and stage at Shangri-La at The prepare for such a big project for Fort, we knew we were in for one Disney Philippines. magical afternoon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was so excited to learn weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d The 1992 Academy Award win- been chosen to do the recording for ning song was originally interpret- the Philippines,â&#x20AC;? Darren enthused, ed by Brad Kane and Philippine â&#x20AC;&#x153;I used to sing Disney pride Lea Salonga, so it was but songs but the way NATURAL TO kND ANOTHER WORLD I used to sing class Filipino act to follow in them was with her footsteps. a high pitch.

Finally, when the lights So thankfulwent out, Darren started ly, through the song with a new practice, I pitch that perfectly made sure showcased his ever evolvto give the ing vocal range. It was rendition a no longer â&#x20AC;&#x153;singing version it contest Darrenâ&#x20AC;? at the deserved MIC BUT AN ARTIST kT TO in a lower be a Disney lead! pitch.â&#x20AC;?

Morisette also As for gave the song her Mori, unique approach she said while clearly makt h a t ing an effort to apply Q Morisette she was

Âťtvlandia'slatest GMA Network inaugurates P63Mâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;news set GMA Network proudly unveiled a P63 million-worth state-of-the-art news set, which according to head honcho Felipe Gozon would be used in full beginning today in time for the national election coverage.

The multi-million investment covers the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in media technology all geared toward delivering engaging and compelling content for television viewers.

At the center of the facility is a 360-degree set, which is designed to provide zero overshoots. It features two Barco video walls, LED lOOR ,%$ VIDEO WALL AND NINE ,&$ MONITORS Further setting the stage for innovation, the NEW SET ALSO SEES A FULLY FUNCTIONAL SECOND lOOR â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this age where viewing habits continue to shift, we are committed to make our news delivery relevant to the ever-changing world of media consumption,â&#x20AC;? shared GMA Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa Flores at the inauguration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted a worldclass set, with functionalities that will help us tell our stories better, and what better way to launch

it than during our 2019 election coverage.â&#x20AC;?

The new set and lighting are designed by US-based company FX Design Group whose cutting-edge technology is also used by such broadcasters as CNN, FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN, CCTV, The Golf Channel and CNBC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a breakthrough, kind of worldwide, not just Southeast Asia,â&#x20AC;? the foreign companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEO and Creative Director Mack McLaughlin said about being tapped by GMA Network for this innovation.

GMA Network will also utilize the Oscar-award winning Mad About Technology (MAT) Towercam Twin Peek camera on the set. The is the same robotic overhead camera used in such Hollywood kLMS AS g4HE 'RAND "UDAPEST (OTEL u g#ASINO Royale,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harry Potterâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Help.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;With this camera system, you can reach angles that you could not reach before,â&#x20AC;? noted MATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s managing engineer Andreas Schuler.

Finally, the network will also utilize an optical camera tracking system known as stYpeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RedSpy to mount immersive graphics executions not just inside the studios but outdoors as well.

Q Signed, sealed, delivered and installed. GMA Network executives take a photo for posterity with foreign suppliers of their brand new set for news â&#x20AC;&#x201D; (from left) GMA First Vice President for News Grace dela PeĂąa-Reyes; Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa Flores; FX Design Group Senior Project Manager and Lighting Designer Sarah Yates; Network Chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon; FX CEO and Creative Director Mack McLaughlin; and Senior AVP for News Programs and Specials Michelle Seva.

IN THE KNOW MJ MARFORI

besides giving it its own version of "A Whole New World" sung by local artists, they even commissioned a music video for fans to enjoy.

Darren and Morisette are certainly thrilled over the turn of events and are certain this Disney experience will open shocked to know she was chosen many more doors for them, includfor the part but was more than ing the possibility of musical theater. happy to know that Darren would Asked if she ever imagines perbe his partner for such a landmark forming at the West End and project.

Broadway someâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Darren may be day, she replied, younger than me â&#x20AC;&#x153;I grew up having but I was relieved a background in to know that I theatre so why would be recordnot right? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m ing with him since enjoying where weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing my career is quite a number of right now but shows together here if that kind of and abroad.â&#x20AC;?

Q Lea Salonga and Brad Kane Morisette is clearly singing the original movie theme opportunity comes along a singing diva in the song of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aladdinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the 65th making, but she hum- Academy Awards (Oscars) in 1993. i t wo u l d be hard to bly said this experience YOUTUBE SCREENGRAB look away.â&#x20AC;? taught her a lot as a Darren is also open to the idea recording artist. but is more focused on his concert â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always stuck with maintour for the moment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to stream singing and I never knew experience theater maybe one day I had this voice in me thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so in my career, of course, but for theatrical. It was liberating to now, I am very happy to be busy sing it in a new way for me which going around to do my shows.â&#x20AC;?

I hope other artists would real"Aladdin" opens in Philippine ize for themselves as well,â&#x20AC;? she cinemas on May 22. expressed.

NNN The Philippines by the way is such Until next week, ta-ta! an important market for Disney that

D2

Funtimes

MONDAY May 13, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Solution to puzzle

» CROSSWORD

BY EUGENE SHEFFER

»HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (05/13/19). Benefit from shared ventures this year. Steady discipline gets you where you want to go. Summer communication and networking leads to a breakthrough, inspiring new educational frontiers. Amazing discoveries highlight next winter, before an unexpected plot twist deviates the story. Together, you’re growing stronger.

BY NANCY BLACK LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is a 5 -- Recharge your batteries in private moments. Get enough rest, despite demands for your attention. An opportunity to fulfill on long-held goals could arise.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Great ideas and opportunities flow through social channels. Ask for what you want. Share what extra you have. Share generously, and reap the rewards.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Test a crazy hunch. Listen to your intuition. Make repairs and improvements.

Tweak your performance by altering your practice routines. Energize what works.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Great professional advances are available. Leave misconceptions behind. You can make the changes you’ve been wanting. Actions taken now have long-lasting impact.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Family comes first. Unite efforts for practical purposes. Success requires showing up. Take care of duties, responsibilities and obligations.

And then celebrate together.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Go explore! Abandon expectations, and make an amazing discovery.

Resist the temptation to splurge on stuff you don’t need. Take pictures, and leave only footprints.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Take advantage of a surprising opportunity at home. Make practical domestic improvements that fulfill your long-term plans, one step at a time. Steady efforts succeed.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Discover an unexpected bonus. Collaborate to take advantage of a lucrative opportunity. Work closely with your partner. Careful bookkeeping provides peace of mind.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Your influence is growing. Handle practical details and logistics for a creative project. Invite others to participate. Share your message far and wide.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Your collaboration could seem intense. Tight communication and coordinated action leads to fabulous results. Love provides common ground to stand on. Rely on each other.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Connect with friends and relations to share ideas and possibilities. Profitable opportunities arise in conversation. Energize your moneymaking efforts. Share resources and talents.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Long-term benefits can arise from actions taken today. Make a personal change. Improve your self-image by contributing to others. Take advantage of an arising opportunity.

» SUDOKU

(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.

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Expats&Diplomats

Q The grant covered the construction of four units of classrooms that will benefit more than 650 students in the municipality.

MONDAY May 13, 2019

D3

Q Japan Embassy Second Secretary Atsushi Kobayashi

Japan turns over classrooms to Davao del Norte S

ECOND Secretary Atsushi Kobayashi of the Embassy of Japan attended the turnover ceremonies for the construction of classrooms for Del Pilar Elementary School in New Corella, Davao del Norte on May 7.

The project was approved in 2016 and IS PART OF *APAN S /FkCIAL $EVELOPMENT Assistance (ODA) through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). Regional Director Alberto Escobarte of the Department of Education Region 11, and Schools Division Superintendent Josephine Fadul of Davao del Norte also graced the turnover ceremony.

Every year, enrollment in Del Pilar Elementary School has been increasing.

Due to the limited capacity of the municipality to construct new classrooms, there is congestion in the existing school buildings. This limitation forced the school to utilize existing dilapidated classrooms to conduct classes for the students.

In line with the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development, and through the GGP, the Embassy of Japan provided assistance to the local government unit of

New Corella with a grant amounting to $77,991 or approximately P3.2 million to address the shortage of classrooms in Del Pilar Elementary School. The grant covered the construction of four units of classrooms with the necessary school amenities that will directly benefit more than 650 students in the municipality.

The government of Japan, as the top ODA donor for the Philippines, launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in the Philippines in 1989 for the purpose of reducing poverty and helping various communities engage in grassroots activities. At present, 543 grassroots projects have been implemented by the GGP. Japan believes that these projects will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines but also contribute in sustaining the strategic partnership between the two countries.

»seen@thescene

Q Alex Alcaraz and Lukas Sommer

Belgium, Canada Embassies advocate campaign to end violence on LGBTQ+

Q DJ Marie Badkiss

Euro-Pinoy Concert 2019 celebrates founding of EU/EU-PH A FUSION of Filipino and European music filled The Ruins on May 7 in the Euro-Pinoy concert as European and Filipino artists jammed the night away .

The concert was in celebration of the founding of the European Union (EU) and the EU-PH partnership.

Lukas Sommer who has come all the way from Czech Republic performed with Spanish flamenco guitarist Alex Alcaraz, German DJ Badkiss and Filipino percussionist Jean Paul Zialcita.

Sommer is known for more than 40 opuses for different works. Apart from composing music, Sommer is also a sought-after arranger of popular music in various film Q Jean Paul Zialcita

Q The newly built classrooms of Del Pilar Elementary School in New Corella, Davao del Norte

soundtracks, and has worked with a variety of Czech and international agencies.

Sommer is famous as well for his innovative style of classical guitar combined with the philosophy of yoga and meditation.

Spanish Alex Alcaraz is a Flamenco guitarist who was born and raised in Granada, Spain. In 2012, he decided to move to the Philippines and since then, has been collaborating with Flamenco academies in Manila and several Filipino musicians.

Jean Paul Zialcita is a Filipino percussionist who uses an exotic mix of upcycled found objects and local materials combined with elements of Filipino Martial Arts to reimagine the Philippines on the world stage in what he

calls the “Age of ^CAN DO^.

DJ Marie Badkiss is half-German, half-Filipina and is able to conjure a cocktail mix of flavors from different music genres that keeps one’s feet moving to the beat. Her edgy look and equally mesmerizing music have landed her among the top hottest female club DJs in Manila, according to WheninManila.com.

Her rock solid reputation for quality music selection transcending genres, trends and generations has allowed her to share her outstanding talent with the world — from going on a nationwide tour with Philippine telco giant to playing launches and in-store parties as resident DJ for Louis Vuitton. She performs in different clubs in Manila including Time, Club XX XX (20/20), Chotto Matte, Café Curieux and The Belle and Dragon.

Other artists from the Philippines joined in the fun with their distinctive music and did the front act. Performers from Para sa Sining included Kamara, Issa Rodriguez, Rice Lucido X Norvin delos Santos, Bea Lorenzo, Rice Lucido X, Trischa Padilla and Bistibway Percussion Duo. The concert was presented by the EU Delegation to the Philippines in partnership with the Embassies of the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain and Instituto Cervantes together with Para sa Sining, the Z Hostel and Don Papa Rum.

AS part of the global commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (Idahobit) on May 17, gender equality advocates are launching #EndRainbowViolence — a movement that aims to increase the public’s awareness on the LGBTQ+ rights and welfare. It promotes acceptance which can lead to the elimination of violence and stigma. #EndRainbowViolence serves as an opportunity to feature stories of acceptance but also highlights the harassment and attacks members of the LGBTQ+ community experience from various sectors. In the longterm, the movement calls for policy change and positive action to prevent any form of violence done because of a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics.

The public launch will be on May 17, 6 p.m., at The Ruins Poblacion, 5855 Alfonso Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City.

“We’re pleased to launch this movement coinciding with Idahobit — a day dedicated to raising public awareness on LGBTQ+ rights and welfare to help eliminate violence and stigma, and to eventually advance gender equality,” Maica Teves, executive director of Spark! Philippines said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing fellow advocates from civil society, members of the diplomatic community, and other allies, launching this initiative,” she added.

The event will showcase a number of personal narratives through a Gallery of Stories, which will be gathered from the netizens through a seven-day Twitter campaign.

Spark! Philippines, an organization that promotes gender equality, is leading this initiative, with assistance from the Embassies of Belgium and Canada in the Philippines. Other partners include Terre des Hommes and Mindanao Pride. #EndRainbowViolence, is part of Spark!

Philippines’ larger #RespetoNaman campaign.

SINGAPOREAN AMBASSADOR VISITS LABOR CHIEF Singaporean Ambassador Gerard Ho Wei Hong (right) exchanges pleasantries with Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd in a courtesy call at the DoLE Central Office, Intramuros, Manila on May 6. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MONDAY M O N D AY M MAY AY 13, 2019

Lifestyle

D4

www.manilatimes.net

Q Nico Bolzico is all smiles as he participates in the yoga class led by Bubbles Paraiso.

Q Raymond Gutierrez joins Cass Salandananâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pound pro class.

Q Actress and Yoga instructor Bubbles Paraiso, Nico Bolzico, PepsiCo Philippines Marketing Manager for Hydration IC Sta. Maria, host and fitness enthusiast Vince Velasco, Pound instructor Cass Salandanan and host Raymond Gutierrez grace G Active Fitstreet.

Hydration empowers fitness enthusiasts B

onifacio High Street was transformed INTO A kTNESS AND LIFESTYLE PLAYGROUND FOR ACTIVE URBANITES WHO WANT TO EMBRACE POSITIVE LIFESTYLE CHANGES Dubbed G Active Fitstreet â&#x20AC;&#x201D; named after the drink that supports hydration by stimulating thirst and supports body fluid balance to help make the most of workouts â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the three-day event showcased a wide variety of activities from industry leaders and experts across various aspects of fitness, health, and wellness.

G Active Fitstreet also brought together the best services, prod-

ucts and information to encourage and inspire everyone to improve their overall well-being through exercise and healthier lifestyle choices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;G Active proudly supports Fitstreetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to bring together and empower individuals who look to lead active lifestyles and want to make space for fitness amidst their busy schedules,â&#x20AC;? said PepsiCo Philippines Marketing Manager

for hydration IC Sta. Maria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the various exciting activities we had in store for all attendees, everyone surely worked up a good sweat â&#x20AC;&#x201D; when that happens, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better way to hydrate and get ready for more than with G Active, an all electrolyte drink with no sugar.â&#x20AC;?

G Active Fitstreet welcomed everyone of all ages and sizes regardless of their fitness levels.

As a treat, brand ambassadors Nico Bolzico, Raymond Gutierrez, Isabelle Daza as well as actress and Zumba enthusiast Ina Raymundo actively participated throughout the event.

Q Isabelle Daza and Ina Raymundo during Live Love Partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zumba Session

Âťwhat'sonwhere Bible journaling workshop at Sunshine Place Q Allan Tengco, Jun Esteban, Rico Ibnacio and Ped Trinidad

Q Georgette Wilson, Elsie Pascua and Joyce Pena Pilarsky

Q Jessie Maloles and Gion Gourmet Q Jo Mari Illana and Ofelia Wadle

Q Mache Ackerman, Carolun Tan and Eimee Cragun

Seasons: a timeless act of charity H

EADED by Chairman and Angola Consul Helen Ong and Vice Chairman Jimmy Laya, the Society for Cultural Enrichment Inc. (SCEI) recently held a charity event titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seasons,â&#x20AC;? at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-la.

SCEI is an organization that recognizes Filipino artists and their works which who have set an outstanding example.

4HE EVENT IS A FUNDRAISER FOR THE BENEkT of dance scholars, public school teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exposure to culture and the arts, and for the purchase of a Cryotherapy Machine for the Philippine Cancer Society. It was ORGANIZED BY #HAIRMAN /kE 7ADLE AND featured the breathtaking creations of fashion designer Jun Escario.

Escario is a well-known Cebu-based designer who started his career in a ready-

to-wear clothing exporter. He had a short stint as a full-time designer of En Sepia, the premier fashion house in Cebu, where he mastered his skills in haute couture. Escario opened his Manila atelier in 2004, made a name for himself and became one of the Philippineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sought-after designers.

He is also a top-of-mind partner for SCEI. NNN Meanwhile... The Public Utilization Program is now taking a big leap as transport group leaders have manufactured modern jeepneys, aptly called the "millenial jeepney," led by Yellowdot Transport Terminal Inc. President of Yellowdot Jerry Castillo, tapped various manufacturers of modern jeepneys to provide Wi-Fi, dashcams, GPS and other modern technology. The upgrade

HI! SOCIETY BECKY GARCIA

Q Roselle Rebano, Joel Cruz, Mimi Valerio and Jiro Shirakawa

OF THE MODERN TECHNOLOGY WILL DEkNITELY attract passengers all over the country.

The cooperatives who already joined this PUV Modernization Program of Yellowdot include: Sta. Rosa City Unified Transport, Lipa City Litenios Multicab Transport, Bacolod Transport, Ilocos Transport and San Jose Lupao Umingan Carmen Transport. As they say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tap Onâ&#x20AC;? to modernization and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tap Offâ&#x20AC;? from pollution.

Additionally, they also launched PeraPay, the official card for the automated fare collection system of Yellowdot, or the tap card which makes riding in this millenial jeepney in a cashless way. It was recently launched at the SMX Convention Center.

For information on this PUV modernization program and to get details on how to participate, call 4209813 or 0915-378-3366.

Q Farook Khan of 8-Digital Global; Jerry Castillo, president CEO of Yellowdot Transport Terminal Inc.; Medel Capalla, officer-in-charge and chairman of the Office of the Transport Cooperative; and Tariq Haidary, CEO of 8-Digit

GET inspired with the Word of God and have at home for journaling. put your creative talents to use through Participants in the workshop will learn a Bible Journaling Workthe basic ways on Bible shop at Sunshine Place. journaling by using difThe workshop, ferent media. The workscheduled on Saturshop includes easy ways day, May 18 from 1:00 to paint on your journal to 6:00 p.m., will be spaces and make use of conducted by Michelle stickers, stencils, stamps â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mitchâ&#x20AC;? Lagare of The and other curated materiMitch Craft. als to provide a creative Lagare is a mother of outlet for those who are two, a Christian journalnot so artistic. Lagare aims ist and a watercolor ento teach others to learn thusiast. She already has how to combine their numerous Bibles for her love for the Word and art personal consumption but still put focus on the but thought of selling Scriptures. The workshop the other ones when her doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require any previcollection grew. How- Q Michelle 'Mitch' Lagare is ous experience on paintever, she is enthusiastic passionate about journaling ing and journaling. about sharing the Word without sacrificing her faith and For inquiries, contact of God and ministering love for others.

0998-590-3928 or mitchothers so that they can CRAFT OFkCIAL GMAIL COM also pass it on. The woman of faith likes Interested parties may register at http:// to start her day by reading her daily verse, bit.ly/MayBibleJournaling. then sharing it on her social media.

She started Bible and bullet journaling in 2017, though sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been passionate about it since her elementary days. She tries to create a Bible journal page at least once a week. She started painting with watercolor in 2018 and is very excited to tell others that they can paint with a n d simplee techniques oduce pretty ilstill produce ions. She also lustrations. wants to share other aterials that art materials lready one may already Q Lagare will be teaching a workshop on Bible journaling for beginners using simple art materials.