THE MANILA TIMES | FEBRUARY 14, 2019

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Inflation seen returning to target by Q2 – Diokno Story on B1 ++

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019

DoJ ordered to summon Sison over terror tag A Manila court has ordered the Department of Justice (DoJ) to serve the summons to communist leader Jose Maria “Joma� Sison, as it accepted a revised plea of the government to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), as terrorist groups and “outlawed organizations.� In a resolution dated February 1, Presiding Judge Marlo MagdozaMalagar of the Manila Regional Trial

Trusted since 1898

NBI arrests Ressa for ‘cyberlibel’

First word

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ECAUSE of greed over pork AND TOTAL OBLIVIOUSNESS TO kSCAL PRUdence, the senators and representatives of Congress have turned the 2019 national budget into “a tragedy of the commons.â€? ÂłMakabentaA4

I

To avoid war, scrap the Mutual Defense Treaty

F a toughie from out of town is about to PICK A kGHT with the local bully, would it make sense for a little guy to join the fray?

REPUBLIC SERVICE RICARDO SALUDO

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Q Rappler CEO Maria Ressa speaks to reporters at the NBI headquarters in Manila. PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA

OBSERVER YEN MAKABENTA

How to stem corruption at Customs

WOIN MY LINE MAN OF SIGHT who goes by the name of Meg was recently charged by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after they found illegal drugs inside four magnetic lifters which slipped out of the Customs zone. ÂłTulfoA5

RAMON T. TULFO

BY CATHERINE A. MODESTO

/52.!,)34 -ARIA 2ESSA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFkCER and president of the news website Rappler, was arrested on Wednesday by National Bureau of )NVESTIGATION .") AGENTS AT HER OFkCE IN 0ASIG #ITY sparking protests from media colleagues.

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Congress greed turns budget into a ‘tragedy of the commons’

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The February 12 arrest warrant, issued by Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46, ordered the NBI to arrest Ressa and Reynaldo Santos Jr., a former Rappler researcher, for allegedly violating Section 4 of Republic Act 10175 or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.� The warrant stemmed from a revived com-

plaint of businessman Wilfredo Keng over what he had dubbed as a “malicious� story written by Santos and published by Rappler on May 29, 2012. The Cybercrime Prevention Act, however, did not become law until about four months after the story — which claimed that Keng

³’Cyberlibel’A2

Police seize firearms from Masbate mayor, vice mayor UNLICENSED HIGH CALIBER kREARMS FROM THE mayor and vice mayor of Batuan, Masbate, were seized on Wednesday by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) Bicol. Police raided the house and resort of the town mayor, Charmax Jan Altajeros Yuson, and his father, Vice Mayor Charlie Yuson 3rd, in an operation in Barangay CanvaĂąez around 6:30 a.m. 4HEY RECOVERED A "USHMASTER - RIlE A MAGAZINE FOR CAL THREE UNkRED CARtridges and a fragmentation grenade from the house of Mayor Yuson. In the Yuson Beach Resort, which is owned BY 6ICE -AYOR 9USON POLICE CONkSCATED ONE BABY !RMALITE RIlE WITH ONE MAGAZINE AND three live ammunition, two 12 gauge shotguns with 19 ammunition, one cal .45 pistol, three cal .38 pistols with nine live ammunition and one hand grenade. They arrested Jeason Clemente Cabantac,

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Q Police inspect high-caliber firearms seized from the mayor and vice mayor of Batuan, Masbate on Wednesday.

What’s inside ‘COLONIAL MENTALITY’ HINDERS NAME CHANGE – HISTORIAN NewsA2 OBJECTIVE MORAL NORMS?

Fr. Ranhilio AquinoA6

ONE MORE CHANCE

Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito, Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel 3rd, Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Nancy Binay and Juan Edgardo Angara, all seeking reelection, raise their arms during the campaign kickoff of the Binay-led United Nationalist Alliance on Wednesday. PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA

The ‘real’ St. Valentine was no patron of love TODAY, February 14, sweethearts of all ages will exchange cards, flowers, candy and more lavish gifts in the name of St. Valentine. But the root of the modern holiday is a beautiful fiction. St. Valentine was no lover or patron of love. Valentine’s Day, in fact, originated as a liturgical feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr, or perhaps two. So, how did we get from beheading to betrothing on Valentine’s Day?

100 DECIBELS FOR 15 MINUTES ‘UNSAFE’

WHO warns vs excessive use of smartphones, audio devices

GENEVA: More than 1 billion young people risk damaging their hearing through excessive use of smartphones and other audio devices, the UN warned Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila), proposing new safety standards for safe volume levels. In a bid to safeguard hearing, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunications

Union issued a non-binding international standard for the manufacture and use of audio devices. Young people are particularly prone to risky listening habits. About half of those between the ages of 12 and 35, or 1.1 billion people, are at risk due to “prolonged and excessive

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Early origins of St. Valentine

TRIPLE FOR JAMES BUT LAKERS STUMBLE, WARRIORS ROLL ON

Ancient sources reveal that there were several St. Valentines who died on

ÂłPatronA8 REACH US AT:

SportsC1

Sweets for my sweets

LifestyleD1

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

CELEBRATING LOVE MONTH

SM City offers several ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In SM City Olongapo, lovers can choose from a wide array of gifts for their partners, such as flowers, stuffed toys and sweets.

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News

˜ The Manila Times THURSDAY February 14, 2019

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PHILIPPINES OR MAHARLIKA?

‘Colonial mentality’ hinders name change F BY CATHERINE A. MODESTO

),)0)./3 WOULD REJECT THE REVIVED proposal to change the country’s name to “Maharlika� because of a “bad case of colonial mentality and malice,� a historian said on Wednesday.

“I foresee many Filipinos will still prefer the name Philippines,� said Augusto de Viana, chairman of the history department of the University of Santo Tomas (UST). President Rodrigo Duterte has revived the Maharlika debate, saying on Monday that the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos was correct in proposing to change the country’s name because the name “Philippines� was a colonial imposition. The Philippines takes its name from Spain’s Philip 2nd. The name was given by explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos in 1543, when Philip was the heir to the Spanish crown. Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo on Tuesday said a law and the public’s nod through a referendum would be needed to rename the Philippines.

‘Borrowed names’ Duterte, in remarks in Maguindanao on Monday, claimed Maharlika

meant “serenity.â€? De Viana, however, explained that the word “Maharlikaâ€? denotes a “noble and free people,â€? while “Pilipinas,â€? “Filipinasâ€? or “Philippinesâ€? were borrowed names. Maharlika and its derivatives were “sources of prideâ€? to the Philippines’ neighboring countries because it means “freedom,â€? he noted. “A derivative of ‘Maharlikha’ is Merdeka which in Malay means ‘freedom. In Malaysia the national day of that country is called Hari Merdeka — the Day of Freedom and it is a source of pride. In Indonesia there was a people called the Mardicas. These people called themselves so because the term means ‘free people,’â€? de Viana said. De Viana recalled that Marcos named the country’s longest highway “Maharlika Highway,â€? the main hall of MalacaĂąan Palace, “Maharlika Hallâ€? and the two ferries crossing the San Bernardino

Strait and the Surigao Strait, “Maharlika 1� and “Maharlika 2.� The UST associate professor said he was perplexed as to why Filipinos wanted their country to be named after a foreigner — someone who did not even set foot on Philippine soil and whose empire destroyed civilizations and tortured religious groups. “Philip never even visited the Philippines and his empire decimated Meso-Americans like the Mayas and the Aztecs. Under him the Spaniards enslaved the Incas and stole their treasures. It was under Philip when Spain continued the persecution of Muslims and Jews. While Spain reached its height as a world power, his reign marked its first phase of decline when the Spanish Armada was defeated by the English in 1588,� de Viana said. He quoted national hero Jose Rizal who said Filipinos tended to “deny their identity by borrowing something foreign.� “Writing as Simoun, he said, ‘How shameful are the Filipinos!’ They adopt everything that is foreign and reject their own. They borrow everything from the foreigners including their defects,� de Viana said, referring to the main character in Rizal’s novel, El Filibusterismo.

‘Neighbors embraced their nativeness’

De Viana also pointed out that other Southeast Asian nations have embraced their “nativeness� even if they were colonized. “But for the Philippines, I cannot understand for the love of God why they prefer this foreign name. It only shows the colonial mentality of the people,� de Viana said. The historian agreed that gut issues like poverty should be prioritized, but said “everything starts with a name.� “You give name to a child and he will act his name. You give a bad name to a child, chances are he will reap the consequences,� de Viana said. Drawing from Rizal anew, de Viana lamented that Filipinos tended to dismiss those who want to go back to their roots as crazy, like the recluse Filosofo Tasio in the novel Noli Me Tangere. “To go back to the Filipino identity one becomes an anachronism. He is treated as a weirdo just like Filosofo Tasio in Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere. The true nationalist in the novel was not [Crisostomo] Ibarra or Maria Clara, but Filosofo Tasio, who knew the ancient customs of the Filipinos and was an expert in the old system of writing. People in the novel considered him as out of this world and crazy,� he added.

Quo warranto petition vs Duterte dismissed THE Supreme Court on Wednesday junked a petition for quo warranto against President Rodrigo $UTERTE THAT WAS kLED BY A PERENnial nuisance candidate. In a seven-page resolution, the Supreme Court en banc ruled TO DISMISS THE PETITION kLED BY %LLY Velez Lao Pamatong on the ground of prescription. 0AMATONG kLED HIS CASE ON *UNE 2018 right after the ruling of the high court on a petition for quo warranto against then-Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. In the latest ruling, the 15-man court said Pamatong’s cause of action already prescribed on June 30, 2017, one year from where 0AMATONG S RIGHT TO HOLD OFkCE “if at all,� arose on June 30, 2016 when Duterte was inaugurated as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines. It added that THE PETITIONER kLED his petition on June 6, 2018 or only a few days short of two years since Duterte’s inauguration. “[P]etitioner’s cause of action, if any, had already lapsed and may no longer be revived,� the court held. The Supreme Court argued that Pamatong lacks legal standing to bring an action for quo warranto. Under the Rules of Court, the general rule is that only the government may bring such a suit with the exception that an indiVIDUAL MAY BE ALLOWED TO kLE AN action for quo warranto when such an individual has an uncontroverted claim to the position from which ouster is sought. With this, the high court said Pamatong must have been a candidate who ran for president against

Duterte during the 2016 national elections and lost to the latter. But it discovered that Pamatong’s certificate of candidacy (CoC) for president in the 2016 elections had been disapproved by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as he was found to be a nuisance candidate. His disqualification was afkRMED BY THE COURT WITH kNALITY on Jan. 12, 2016. In his petition for quo warranto, Pamatong accused Duterte as a “usurperâ€? because the CoC that THE LATTER kLED IN WAS gNOT allowed by law.â€? Duterte was the “substitute candidateâ€? for Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDPLaban) partymate Martin DiĂąo. “Under the law, a candidate who withdraws his CoC for one posiTION CANNOT THEREAFTER kLE A #O# FOR another position,â€? Pamatong said. He added that Duterte had no constitutional authority to “represent the government in any capacITYu BECAUSE HIS #O# WAS kLED LATE and was “never approvedâ€? by the Comelec en banc. Pamatong first assailed the legality of Duterte’s CoC before the Comelec First Division by citing that Duterte’s substituTION FOR $IĂ„O WHO kLED WITH THE poll body his CoC for president for the 2016 national and local elections under the PDP-Laban political party, was invalid since DiĂąo was a nuisance candidate. $UTERTE ORIGINALLY kLED A #O# for mayor of Davao City under the party Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod prior to the substitution as a candidate for president in the May 2016 polls. JOMAR CANLAS

Comelec First Division allows Pimentel to run THE Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) First Division has dismissed the twin petitions seeking THE CANCELLATION OF THE CERTIkCATE of candidacy (CoC) of Sen. Aquilino “Kokoâ€? Pimentel 3rd, who is running for reelection under the administration slate. In a 12-page resolution, the First Division, led by Commissioner Al ParreĂąo, ruled that “Pimentel is eligible to run for senator in the May 2019 NLE (National and Local Elections).â€? The petitions to disqualify Pimentel were separately filed by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and former Bohol congressman Glen Chong. Both petitioners claimed that Pimentel had served two consecutive terms as senator, the limit under the 1987 Constitution, and thus committed material MISREPRESENTATION WHEN HE kLED his CoC for senator. Petitioners cited Section 4, Article 6 of the 1987 Constitution, which prohibits senators from serving for more than two consecutive six-year terms. Pimentel, they said, served his first term when the Senate Electoral Tribunal held with finality that he was a duly elected senator during the 2007 elections, and that his second term was served when he won as senator in 2013. The latter term expires on June 30, 2019. Pimentel denied allegations that he made a material misrepresentation in his CoC, insisting that he was deprived of a six-year term because of election fraud that BENEkTED 3EN *UAN -IGUEL :UBIRI :UBIRI HAD TO GIVE UP HIS POST in 2011 to give way to Pimentel, following the infamous Pimentel VS :UBIRI ELECTION PROTEST

In denying the petitions, the First Division cited previous Comelec ruling, as well as Section 4, Article VI of the Constitution, WHICH STATES g4HE TERM OF OFkCE of Senators shall be six years and shall commence, unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the 30th of June following election. No senators shall serve for more than two consecutive terms. VolUNTARY RENUNCIATION OF THE OFkCE for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term of which he was elected.� It pointed out that Pimentel initially lost the 12th slot during THE ELECTIONS TO :UBIRI BUT was proclaimed later as the dulyelected 12th senator, and “it was only then that Pimentel began to discharge his duties and functions of senator.� The First Division cited the recent case of Abundo Sr. vs Comelec, wherein Abelardo Abundo was declared the winner in the protest case involving the race for mayor of Viga, Catanduanes. Abundo was the protestant who ousted his opponent and assumed the post for the remainder of the term. “The Supreme Court ruled that the two-year period during which Abundo’s opponent was serving as mayor should be considered as an interruption in his service, which effectively removed Abundo’s case from the ambit of the three-term rule,� it said. “Applying the above pronouncement in the instant case by analogy, it is clear that Pimentel has NOT FULLY SERVED HIS kRST TERM AS A Senator; thus, the two-term limit does not yet apply to him,� the First Division ruled. WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL

A SWEET RIDE

A couple enjoys a leisurely ride on a gondola at the Venice Grand Canal Mall in Bonifacio Global City on Wednesday. PHOTO BY RUSSELL PALMA

Q ‘CYBERLIBEL’ FROM A1

NBI arrests owned the sport utility vehicle that the late chief justice Renato Corona used during his impeachment trial — was published. Keng, however, argues that since Rappler updated the story in 2014, an unlawful act still occurred. Keng also takes issue with the story quoting an intelligence report associating him with human TRAFkCKING AND ILLEGAL DRUGS YEARS AFTER IT WAS kRST POSTED ONLINE

Revived complaint The NBI Cybercrime Division initially dismissed Keng’s complaint for lack of basis, but revived it barely a week later. In a January 10 decision, the Department of Justice (DoJ) recommended that the Manila court indict Ressa and Santos. It dismissed complaints against SIX OTHERS 2APPLER OFkCIALS AND editors, named by Keng in the

original complaint. The DoJ resolution came less than two months after it formally charged Ressa and Rappler’s parent, Rappler Holdings, with tax evasion and failure to file tax returns that stemmed from its alleged violation of foreign ownership restrictions on media. 2ESSA kLED A MOTION FOR RECONsideration against that ruling, but the Justice department junked it. Senior Supt. Rizalito Gapas, Pasig chief of police, said Ressa was arrested at about 5 p.m. for a CYBERLIBEL CHARGE kLED AGAINST HER last year. “The NBI has mandate to arrest her that’s why they did it. If the warrant was handed to us, we would do the same thing,� Gapas told The Manila Times in interview. 2ESSA WAS IN 5NIT " RD lOOR OF THE .ORTH 7ING OF %STANCIA /FkCES in Pasig’s Capitol Commons. Gapas said arresting agents informed the police about the arrest shortly before they entered the NEWS ORGANIZATION S OFkCES

Miriam Grace Go, Rappler news editor, said several NBI agents in civilian clothes came into Rappler headquarters to serve the warrant. Rappler reporters said on Twitter that one of the arresting NBI agents tried to stop them from recording the service of the arrest warrant. 3OkA 4OMACRUZ SAID AN AGENT told Rappler reporters, “We’ll go after you, too.�

‘Persecution’ Ressa’s arrest drew widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates. The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) said Ressa’s arrest over a “manipulated� charge was persecution. “The arrest of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa on the clearly manipulated charge of cyber libel is a shameless act of persecution by a bully government,� the NUJP said in a statement on its Facebook page on Wednesday. A statement from the Southeast Asian Press Alliance said Ressa’s

arrest belied the “pretense� of freedom of the press in the Philippines. Human Rights Watch Asia researcher Carlos Conde said it was a “sad day� for Philippine press freedom. “This is clearly an attempt by the Duterte government to persecute Maria, with the ultimate aim of shutting down the news website for its coverage of the brutal ‘drug war’ that has killed thousands of Filipinos,� Conde tweeted. Reporters Without Borders Secretary General Christophe Deloire joined the chorus in condemning the arrest. “The arrest warrant served against Maria Ressa, most famous journalist in the Philippines, CEO of Rappler, is an obvious violation of press freedom, which should be denounced by all the heads of States and governments which CAN EXERCISE INlUENCE ON 2ODRIGO Duterte,� Deloire said in a tweet. WITH ARIC JOHN SY CUA AND ED VELASCO

News

˜ The Manila Times

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THURSDAY February 14, 2019

A3

Ombudsman conviction rate falls T

BY REINA C. TOLENTINO

HE Office of the Ombudsman’s conviction rate fell to 71 percent in 2018 from 77 percent in 2017, based on data from its Statistical and Monitoring Division.

The anti-graft office posted A CONVICTION RATE OF PERCENT in 2016. Based on data, 627 cases were DECIDED IN AND OF THESE CASES RESULTED IN THE CONVICTION of at least one accused. There

WERE ACQUITTALS The Ombudsman said the top kVE gMOST COMMON OFFENSESu WERE VIOLATION OF 3ECTION E OF THE !NTI 'RAFT AND #ORRUPT Practices Act, falsification of PUBLIC DOCUMENTS MALVERSATION

OF PUBLIC FUNDS THROUGH FALSIkCAtion of public documents, failure OF ACCOUNTABLE OFkCER TO RENDER accounts, and perjury. The number of cases filed by the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan against high-ranking OFkCIALS ALSO FELL TO LAST YEAR from 2,447 in 2017. The Ombudsman’s disposition rate on criminal cases also deCREASED TO PERCENT IN FROM 55 percent in 2017. Based on data posted on its website, the Ombudsman’s

total criminal case workload DECREASED TO IN FROM IN )T DISPOSED CRIMINAL CASes last year, 24 percent of which resulted in the filing of cases before courts. There was also a decrease in the disposition rate of forfeiture CASES PERCENT IN FROM 52 percent in 2017) and adminISTRATIVE CASES PERCENT TO percent). The Ombudsman’s total forfeiTURE CASE WORKLOAD FELL TO IN

FROM IN WHILE ITS TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE CASE WORKLOAD FELL TO IN FROM in 2017. It disposed 16 forfeiture CASES AND ADMINISTRATIVE cases last year. Meanwhile, the Ombudsman’s disposition rate on fact-finding CASES ROSE TO PERCENT LAST YEAR FROM PERCENT IN The Office of the OmbudsMAN ,UZON HAD THE MOST NUMBER OF FACT kNDING CASES IN ‡ )T WAS FOLLOWED BY THE CENTRAL OFkCE 6ISAYAS

-INDANAO AND THE OMB-Military and other law enFORCEMENT OFkCES The Ombudsman said its cenTRAL OFkCE gREPORTED THE HIGHEST fact-finding case disposition RATE AS THE OFkCE DISPOSED PERCENT OR CASES OUT OF THE TOTAL CASE WORKLOAD u Based on data, 25 percent of forfeiture cases resulted in the kLING OF CHARGES BEFORE COURTS WHILE PERCENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE CASES RESULTED IN THE IMPOSItion of penalty.

VACC defends Acosta from criticisms THE Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) defended Public Attorney ’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta from criticisms that her statements against Dengvaxia scared parents, prompting them to decide not to have their children immunized against other diseases such as measles. Acosta had been vocal in lambasting the acquisition of P3.5 billion worth of Dengvaxia vaccines in 2015. The PAO probed the deaths of children allegedly linked to the dengue vaccine. The Department of Health earlier reported that 90 percent of patients infected with measles in Metro Manila were not vaccinated. Health Secretary Francisco Duque attributed the decline in vaccination rates to Acosta’s statements.

But Acosta said the vaccination rate started to drop even before the investigations on Dengvaxia. In a statement, VACC said the PAO chief was merely doing her job and sole mandate — to provide legal assistance to the poor and marginalized. “PAO continues to be in the forefront of the issue with the sole intention of uncovering the truth and only the truth, while in defense of more than 100 innocent children who succumbed to fatal diseases after having been vaccinated with Dengvaxia,� the VACC said. “Finger pointing by dissenters is only diverting the attention of the public from the true issue as to who are to be blamed for the Dengvaxia fiasco,� it added. DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ

SWEETS FOR HIS SWEET

A man carries bouquets of chocolates purchased at the flower market in Dimasalang, Manila on the eve of Valentine’s Day. The flower market is the go-to place for lovers looking for the perfect gift for their special someone. PHOTO BY RUSSELL PALMA

Elections should focus on people’s needs – Aquino House bill seeks fuel THE May elections should focus on ADDRESSING THE NEEDS AND VITAL ISSUES affecting Filipinos, Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam� Aquino 4th said on Wednesday. “Ang nais sana namin sa kampanyang ito ay hindi lang maging tungkol kay President [Rodirgo] Duterte o tungkol sa aming walo. Tungkol ito sa taumbayan� ( We want this campaign not to focus solely on President Duterte or on the eight of us. This is about the [Filipino] people), said Aquino, who is running under the Otso Diretso (Eight Straigth) coalition. “Ang eleksyon na ito ay tungkol sa mga boses na matagal nang hindi napapakinggan. Panahon na para ang mga sinasabi ng mga boses

na ito ay maging bahagi ng mga programa ng mga ihahalal natin 4HIS ELECTION IS ABOUT THE VOICES that were not heard for a long time. )T S TIME THAT WE HEAR THESE VOICES now and make them part of the programs of the [candidates] that we’re going to elect),� he added. The reelectionist senator said the coalition was focused on crafting SOLUTIONS TO THE EVERYDAY PROBLEMS hounding Filipinos, including high PRICES OF GOODS HUNGER POVERTY SEcurity and human rights. “Ang uunahin namin ay ang taumbayan, at makikita niyo na ito ang nagbubuklod sa amin sa Otso Diretso (Our priority is the people, and you

can see that this unites us in Otso Diretso),� the senator added. Aquino, the principal sponsor of THE FREE COLLEGE LAW SAID &ILIPINOS HAVE a brighter future through education. Aquino was one of four senators who opposed the ratification of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law. “Tumayo tayo kontra Train Law dahil alam natin na ito’y malaking pabigat sa ating mga kababayan, lalo sa mga mahihirap� (We stood against the Train Law because we know that this is a big burden for the people, especially the poor), said !QUINO WHO HAS LAWS TO HIS NAME IN his almost six years as senator. JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

Bong Go kicks off senatorial campaign THE (UGPONG NG 0AGBABAGO (.0 the regional political party headed BY $AVAO #ITY -AYOR 3ARA $UTERTE #ARPIO VOWED ITS SUPPORT FOR #HRIStopher Lawrence “Bong� Go during the kickoff campaign of the party’s Senate slate in San Fernando, Pampanga on Tuesday. 'O THANKED THE (.0 FOR ITS SUPPORT g.APAKALAKING BAGAY PO ANG TULONG at pag-endorso ng Partidong (.0 'ALING PO IYAN SA $AVAO ALAM KO PO @YAN (UGPONG NG 4AONG ,UNGSOD YUNG pangalan niyan dati. Maliit lang po ‘yan na ngayon ay naging regional party at hopefully na maging national party po ito (The party’s support and endorsement means a lot. I know this group, it used to

be Hugpong ng Taong Lungsod, a small group, but now it has transformed into a regional party and, hopefully, it will become a national party)� Go said. In the proclamation rally, the former 0ALACE OFkCIAL SPOKE OF HIS WORK EXperience in the public sector, working ALONGSIDE FORMER $AVAO #ITY MAYOR Rodrigo Duterte. “For the past 21 years, almusal, pananghalian, at hapunan ko po ay trabaho, trabaho kay Pangulong Duterte ‡ TRAbaho po sa kapwa Pilipino, kahit noong nasa $AVAO PA PO [ako] (For the past 21 years, I had work for breakfast, lunch and DINNER WORK FOR 0RESIDENT $UTERTE AND FOR the people),� Go said. He said he had been on the campaign

TECO decries deportation of Taiwanese to China 4(% 4AIWANESE GOVERNMENT ON 7EDNESDAY EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE DEPORTATION OF SEVEN OF ITS NATIONALS TO MAINLAND #HINA The Bureau of Immigration deported on February 12 the concerned SEVEN 4AIWANESE ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED IN telecommunications fraud. When they were arrested on Oct. 4AIWAN S -INISTRY OF &OREIGN Affairs instructed the Taipei Economic AND #ULTURAL /FkCE 4%#/ IN THE Philippines to urge the Philippine GOVERNMENT gTO HANDLE THIS CASE WITH caution.� 4%#/ SAID IT ALSO ASKED -ANILA gTO abide by the nationality principle, as well as respect the wish of the nationals concerned by deporting them back

TO 4AIWAN FOR FURTHER JUDICIAL INVESTIGAtion based on the due process of law.� Although it had been “in close CONTACT WITH THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT agencies of the Philippines, the Philippines still forcibly deported the naTIONALS CONCERNED TO #HINA uIT ADDED 4%#/ EXPRESSED gSOLEMN CONCERN AND DEEP REGRETu OVER THE 0HILIPPINES act of “disregarding the international norms and principles, as well as ignorING THE RIGHTS OF THE CITIZENS u )T URGED THE 0HILIPPINE GOVERNMENT “to continuously implement mutual legal assistance with Taiwan to jointly kGHT TRANSNATIONAL CRIME BASED ON THE existing good practices through joint efforts to crack down on cross-border crime.� BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

TRAIL BEFORE BUT THIS WAS THE kRST TIME THAT HE WAS SEEKING AN ELECTIVE POST g0ERO IBA NA PO NGAYON AKO NA PO ANG kandidato so kakaiba ang pakiramdam. Pero kapag nakita mo ang mainit na suporta sa ‘yo ng mga tao, mas lalo lang akong nagsisikap at nakakawala ito ng pagod (It’s different now, I am the one running, so the feeling is new. But the outpouring of support makes me want to work more and it wipes out all the tiredness),� Go added. If he wins in the May elections, Go said he would push the passage of the -AGNA #ARTA for Barangay Officials. (E ALSO VOWED TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING the programs of the President against crime, drugs and corruption.

reserves vs inflation DAYS after President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that the Philippines had no straTEGIC FUEL RESERVES OF ITS OWN A LAWMAKER RECOMMENDED AN ANTI INlATION MEASURE that would address the problem. 1-Pacman party-list Rep. Michael Romero said on Wednesday that a pending House resolution seeks to AUTHORIZE THE 0RESIDENT IN ESTABLISHING THE 0HILIPPINES OIL RESERVES AND expanding the “Pantawid Pasada� cash grants of the Department of Energy (DoE) using the Malampaya fund. 5NDER (OUSE 2ESOLUTION (2 $UTERTE MAY SIGN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER that will create the Philippine StrateGIC &UEL 2ESERVES 03&2 AND TASK THE Department of Finance, DoE and the 0HILIPPINE .ATIONAL /IL #OMPANY TO set up and operate PSFR. 4HE %NERGY 2EGULATORY #OMMISSION will also be tasked to direct the oil firms operating in the country to mainTAIN THEIR OWN FUEL RESERVES AT A LEVEL sufficient to meet 45 days to 60 days of daily consumer demand. The resolution enjoins the DoE to implement and expand Pantawid 0ASADA CASH GRANTS PROGRAM TO COVER TRANSPORT NETWORK VEHICLE SERVICE units, taxis and freight forwarding cargo trucks apart from public utility jeepneys and buses. 2OMERO FILED (2 IN -AY LAST year, noting that the strategic fuel RESERVES IDEA HAS BEEN STUDIED BY THE energy departments of (Association of 3OUTHEAST !SIAN .ATIONS !SEAN MEM-

ber-countries. g4HE 0HILIPPINES STRATEGIC RESERVES COULD BE PART OF THE !SEAN FUEL RESERVES )F OUR RESERVES ARE NOT ENOUGH TO MEET DOmestic needs, we can withdraw from the Asean stocks. I hope the DoE will work hard to expedite the work done thus far ON THE FUEL RESERVES PLANS u HE SAID On Monday, Duterte said there wasnothing he could do about rising oil PRICES EVEN IF PEOPLE gHANGu HIM g%VEN IF YOU HANG ME WE CAN T DO anything about it. If oil prices rise, PRICES OF EVERYTHING ELSE WILL RISE BECAUSE EVERYTHING YOU SEE IS A PRODUCT of oil,� he told farmers in his speech in Maguindanao. "AYAN -UNA #HAIRMAN AND SENATORIAL CANDIDATE .ERI #OLMENARES REFUTED THIS AND SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD DO something to ease the rising fuel prices. “President Duterte can immediately scrap the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law which could considerably lower prices. He can also set as priority BILLS THOSE WE kLED ;IN #ONGRESS= TO CONtrol oil prices,� he said. "AYAN -UNA 2EP #ARLOS :ARATE also recommended the regulation of the downstream oil industry, the CENTRALIZED PROCUREMENT OF OIL AND THE GOVERNMENT BUYBACK OF 0ETRON AS “three must measures� to shield the public from escalating oil price hikes. 4HESE PROPOSALS WERE PREVIOUSLY FILED AS (OUSE "ILLS AND RESPECTIVELY GLEE JALEA

Parking near a fire hydrant illegal Dear PAO, I parked my car near a book store. I did not notice that there WAS A kRE HYDRANT NEARBY AND I blocked it from view. Did I violate any law for doing this? Melinda Dear Melinda, For your information, the law that addresses your situation is Section 46, Article V, of the Land 4RANSPORTATION AND 4RAFkC #ODE “Section 46. Parking prohibitED IN SPECIkED PLACES ‡ .O DRIVER SHALL PARK A VEHICLE OR PERMIT it to stand, whether attended or unattended, upon a highway in ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PLACES

DEAR PAO

PERSIDA ACOSTA xxx g E 7ITHIN FOUR METERS OF kRE hydrant [...]� “Relatedly, the same law proVIDES A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF THE SAME VIZ g3ECTION 0ENALTY FOR VIOLATION ‡ 4HE FOLLOWING PENALTIES SHALL BE IMPOSED FOR VIOLATIONS of this Act xxx

L &OR VIOLATION OF ANY PROVIsions of this Act or regulations promulgated pursuant hereto, not herein before specifically PUNISHED A kNE OF NOT LESS THAN TEN OR MORE THAN kFTY PESOS SHALL be imposed. g M )N THE EVENT AN OFFENDER cannot pay any fine imposed PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF this Act, he shall be made to undergo subsidiary imprisonment AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE 2EVISED 0ENAL #ODE u It is clear from the cited PROVISIONS THAT PARKING WITHIN 4 meters from a fire hydrant is illegal and may subject the

OFFENDER TO A PENALTY OF kNE )N your situation, since you parked YOUR CAR NEAR AND COVERING THE kRE HYDRANT YOU CAN BE APPREHENDED AND PENALIZED ACCORDingly for your action. We hope that we were able to ANSWER YOUR QUERIES 4HIS ADVICE is based solely on the facts you HAVE NARRATED AND OUR APPRECIation of the same. Our opinion MAY VARY WHEN OTHER FACTS ARE changed or elaborated. %DITOR S NOTE $EAR 0!/ IS A daily column of the Public AttorNEY S /FkCE 1UESTIONS FOR #HIEF Acosta may be sent to dearpao@ manilatimes.net

A4

Opinion

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

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E d i to r i a l Consider proposed reform to minimum wage-setting

T

HE proposal of Sen. Joseph Victor “JV� Ejercito to abolish the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) and replace them with the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) may have some merit, and deserves some careful consideration. Ejercito is the author of Senate Bill 2205, which would amend the Labor Code of the Philippines to do away with the regional wage-setting framework created by the Wage Rationalization Act of 1989. The NWPC, Ejercito explained, would set national minimum wage rates “according to industries.� 4HE PROPOSAL MUST BE STUDIED CAREFULLY /N kRST IMPRESSION it certainly appears to be on the right track. Except for the actual members of the regional wage boards under the current system, few would argue that the current system is working satisfactorily, because it is clearly outdated. While the rationale, which dictates that minimum wages should be set according to regional standards of living, may have made sense 30 years ago, it no longer does now. Advances in technology, increasing labor mobility, and the spread of businesses away from Manila — the BPO sector is a good example — have reduced the differences in living costs among regions. The current system simply has not kept up with the times; even though minimum wages have gradually increased everywhere in the country since 1989, the relative rate of change in each of the regions has remained fairly uniform. Any salary hikes that had been implemented on that basis since then would still have certainly contributed to the disparity in poverty levels among the different regions that remains. Basing the minimum wage on industries, rather than on the cost of living, is potentially more practical, and is more rational from an economic perspective. The real purpose of imposing a minimum wage is to ensure that workers are FAIRLY COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LABOR 7HAT DEkNES A MINIMUM standard of fair compensation for one type of work does not necessarily apply to another type of work. The current system, however, treats all labor virtually the same, only making very broad distinctions between “agricultural,� “non-agricultural,� and “domestic� work. Using an industry base makes setting minimum wages on a national level possible, because within individual industries, WAGES DO NOT TEND TO VARY SIGNIkCANTLY FROM REGION TO REGION The approach also encourages more objectivity and consistency in minimum wage decisions, since uniform benchmarks can be used — factors such as average wages among companies within particular industries, and average wages in the same industries in similar economies, for instance. The approach also sharpens the focus for justifying a particular wage level, whether on the part of labor advocates arguing for a higher minimum wage, or on businesses trying to keep wages from increasing. As a result, minimum wage decisions are likely to be both more acceptable to the affected workers, as well as businesses, since they will be based on factors of particular relevance to both. Of course, any good idea is only as good as its details, and Senator Ejercito’s proposal still must be subjected to close scrutiny and debate. The views of all potential stakeholders must be sought and given careful consideration, along with any potential alternative plans that might be presented. One possible enhancement to the plan could be to allow provincial governments, through commissions similar to the proposed NWPC, to adjust minimum wages for their jurisdictions, similar to the way American states and cities have the ability to set their own local minimum wages higher than the federally-mandated level. This would provide a way for costs of living in different parts of the country to still be considered AND MINIMUM WAGES ADJUSTED TO RElECT THEM IN A MANNER that is more practical and relevant than the current system.

~

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 125

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

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Academic hypocrisy

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HESE are the same people who virtually manhandled Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos for falsely claiming that she had a Princeton degree. And they are the same people who frown upon academics who happen to support President $UTERTE EVEN IF IN A QUALIkED way, and who do not join in the blind demonization of the Marcoses. They diminish any attempt to appeal to a more objective and balanced view of Martial Law by labeling this as historical revisionism. Those who dare to disagree with the preferred narratives are labeled by these people as having betrayed the standards of academic integrity. I know this for a fact because

ON THE CONTRARY ANTONIO CONTRERAS I am one of those people they have demeaned and diminished. I remember being asked by one respected academic in my discipline straight to my face, with the contempt one can’t effectively hide, whatever happened to me, as if I had done something wrong that could have violated the tenets of my discipline. As academics, we dwell on the standards of our discipline. As people who claim to be social scientists, we are admonished

to temper our opinion with facts. We are urged to subordinate our politics to our scholarship. While it is extremely difficult to decouple ourselves from the political considering that, unlike natural scientists who study organisms other than their own, social scientists are embedded in society as social beings. We are all citizens, and we often kND OURSELVES IMPLICATED IN THE political issues which we are commenting on. Thus, there is nothing out of the ordinary for social scientists to express their political opinions. But certainly, there is something hypocritical when some behave as if their biases are more privileged than others. And this ascends to the level of impunity

when those who diminish others for allegedly subordinating their academic scholarship to their partisan politics, are as guilty of committing the same offense. The televised debate between Ms. Marcos and Dean Chel Diokno on the issue of term limits has practically led to these kinds of academics to unravel. And it is certainly most ironic that it was the position of someone without a degree from Princeton that revealed the partisan hypocrisy. Marcos expressed her opposition to term limits and supported her position by citing the results of a study conducted by Pablo Querubin titled “Political Reform and Elite Persistence: Term Limits and Political Dynasties in

ÂłContrerasA5

Q MAKABENTA FROM A1

Congress greed turns budget into a‘tragedy of the commons’ With this spending law, the seemingly unending surge of the ECONOMY COULD BE DERAILED )NlAtion could be spiked by the unrestrained funding of the projects of legislators and their collections of their cuts. Budget reform and anticorruption efforts will be halted as the Napoles scandal is replayed with a new cast of characters.

House approved the P3.757 trillion national budget for 2019, with little thought about the public interest. It has left to President Duterte the task of trimming or blocking the billions of last-minute insertions by various agencies and pork barrel for lawmakers. Congress delayed for weeks the approval of the budget because of wrangling between the two Instructive allegory chambers, and because of the dispute between former House The term “tragedy of the commajority leader Rolando Andaya mons� takes its name from an Jr, and Budget Secretary Benjamin instructive allegory: “A number of Diokno. A bicameral conference herdsmen graze their cattle in a committee wrapped up deliberacommon pasture. Gradually, they tions to reconcile the chambers’ increase the size of their herds, Earmarks explosion CONlICTING VERSIONS OF THE BILL destroying the pasture and with it Congressman Andaya, who was their livelihood. Each herdsman 0ARADOXICALLY THE RATIkED BUDGET IF demoted to House appropriations reasons that adding a cow to their signed by President Duterte into law, committee chairman, secured a herd will increase his income and will sanction the imprudent alloca- victory by securing the rejection of have little impact on the future TION OF PUBLIC MONEY TO THE SELkSH the cash-based budgeting system of the pasture. So naturally, the interest of the politicians in Congress. proposed by the DBM. herdsmen act accordingly and do Our legislators have structured the The government will now follow so repeatedly. The end result is a budget in a way that individual sena- the old two-year obligation-based disaster — they eventually over- tors and congressmen will receive budgeting system, which Diokno graze and strip the pasture of its earmarks, in volumes never heard wanted to phase out in order to grass and the herdsmen go broke.� before: Senators will look forward reduce corruption. In the real world, such tragedies to “billions,� while representatives Andaya disclosed that pork are not uncommon. Because of over- will have tens of millions. barrel remains in the approved exploitation of a natural resource, There is nothing the nation budget, with P160 million allotted SUCH AS OVERkSHING IN A BOUNTIFUL can do to prevent legislators from for each House member. Senators marine resource, the resource is de- enjoying their loot — other than will get considerably more, with pleted. Nature is prevented from re- to challenge the budget approval each senator getting at least over a plenishing the resource adequately. before the Supreme Court, which billion each, other senators getting More formally, the tragedy of the will act with caution before deign- over P10 billion each, and one is commons is a term used in social ing to vote it down. said to have locked up as much as science to describe a situation in a But the porkers may have out- P25 billion in earmarks. shared-resource system where indi- done themselves this time. By Like herdsmen overgrazing vidual users acting independently milking the budget with abandon, a pasture, Filipino legislators according to their own self-interest legislators may ironically have destroyed the 2019 budget with behave contrary to the common strangled their once reliable milk- their incessant demands for eargood of all users by depleting or ing cow. Reformers will strive to marks, and through the device spoiling that resource through their come up with more effective ways of introducing amendments collective action. The concept and to stop the earmarks explosion. and insertions. phrase originated in an essay written in 1833 by the British economist Millions for you, Line-item veto William Forster Lloyd. The concept billions for me became widely known over a cenThe most rational tool for preventtury later due to an article written In summary, the Senate and the ing a tragedy of the commons in by the American ecologist and philosopher Garrett Hardin in 1968. The metaphor is appropriate for the problematic result of the huge quarrel over the 2019 budget, the explosion of outlays for earmarks (or pork), and the hasty passage of the budget bill last Friday. Ordinarily, the nation should be rejoicing that the Congress has done its constitutional duty to pass the budget for the year. Passage will avert the ordeal of the government operating under a reenacted budget, which many forecast would bottle up the economy and possibly slow economic growth.

the budget process, I thought, was the line-item veto. It is an institutional approach. This tool gives the President the authority to cut individual items out of the budget that a legislature passes, while signing the rest into law. A president can use the veto to remove earmarks, without derailing the entire national budget. The line-item veto increases the 0RESIDENT S INlUENCE ON THE BUDGET But it is also not bad for members of Congress, because it stops short of imposing a stop to earmarks. When the President possesses kNAL AUTHORITY OVER EACH LINE OF spending in appropriation bills, members of Congress are free to load them up as they please. It was the Republicans during the speakership of Newt Gingrich who came up with the statute to give the US president the lineitem veto. Former New York City mayor Rudi Giuliani initiated a lawsuit arguing that Congress did not have the authority to give up power in this way to presidents. The US Supreme Court agreed in Canton v. City of New York (1998) that because the line-item veto gave the executive branch powers not granted by the Constitution, a constitutional amendment was necessary in order to institute it. If, as has been suggested by Secretary Diokno, President Duterte exercises the line-item veto to remove earmarks from the 2019 budget, he will likely be challenged with a suit before the Supreme Court. In the end, the issue will wind up in our highest court of law. Our high court could echo the US Supreme Court. There is no silver knife to cut off this looting.

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THURSDAY February 14, 2019

Opinion

A5

Q TULFO FROM A1

Happy Dubai

How to stem corruption at customs The PDEA and the NBI filed the charges in court against “Meg the Saint,� as she is known at the customs, but she continues to do business with the bureau despite the non-bailable case against her. Meg, according to my sources in the bureau, is being coddled by a lawmaker, whom she calls “Tatay Dick,� and a customs collector. Three big consignees — Jenrio Enterprises, Forhouson International Corp. and Blessive Scott )NTERNATIONAL #ORP ‡ USE A gkXERu with the initials JRT to declare wines as beverages to avoid paying excise taxes. JRT reportedly also declares smartphones and other communications gadgets as general merchandise, according to my customs birdies. Smartphones are highly dutiable goods. Evading high tariffs by lying about the contents of a shipment is smuggling. A customs official reportedly collects from P2,000 to P3,000 for each container that comes out of the piers for non-inspection of the shipment. The official, who holds a rank below a deputy commissioner, orders appraisers to impose high duties and taxes on shipments whose owners refuse to pay him tara (bribe), according to the sources.

N N N There’s one of two ways for President Digong to check the rampant corruption at the Bureau of Customs: – Line up the most notorious grafters in the bureau against the wall and shoot them like the drug traffickers. – Hire back the SociÊtÊ GÊnÊrale de Surveillance (SGS) to inspect shipments going to the Philippines at their ports of origin. 4HE kRST IS BLOODY AND ILLEGAL — although not immoral because these are big-time crooks — and is, therefore, cumbersome. The less troublesome and bloodless way to stem the tide of corruption at the customs bureau is to rehire the SGS. The SGS, whose headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland, inspects cargoes from their port of origin in behalf of individuals or entities that hire it. The SGS was hired by the government in 1986 to prevent corruption in the Bureau of Customs. The SGS contract was terminated during the administration of President Erap purportedly to save the government P4.2 billion in fees yearly. (OWEVER AFTER THE kRING OF SGS, the government has been losing P200 billion to smugglers AND CORRUPT CUSTOMS OFkCIALS EVery year since. This is from data

reported in 2017. Corruption at the customs bureau peaked during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when smuggler friends of then First Gentleman -IKE !RROYO HAD A kELD DAY The most notorious of the smugglers was a woman named Vicky Toh, reportedly Mike Arroyo’s paramour, who engaged in “swing,â€? or taking shipments out of the customs zone without paying a single centavo in taxes and duties. The unabated smuggling at the piers prompted GMA, who apparently couldn’t control her husband, to set up the Presidential AntiSmuggling Group (PASG) to go after Vicky Toh and her minions. In fairness to President Noynoy Abnoy Kuyakoy, smuggling at the Customs bureau abated during his watch because he hired relatively honest commissioners like Bert Lina and John Philip Sevilla. Sevilla reassigned the most corRUPT CUSTOMS OFkCIALS ‡ AMONG them, Lourdes Mangaoang — to the Department of Finance so they could do no harm to the bureau. However, when President Digong took over, he appointed former MILITARY OFkCERS LIKE .ICANOR &AELdon and Isidro LapeĂąa one after the other to head the customs bureau. Faeldon and LapeĂąa were both incompetent. Leonardo Guerrero, a retired

And the US-China confrontation may go beyond territorial frictions on the high seas or the ongoing trade tensions, with Washington set to impose 25 percent tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese exports to the US. In its 2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment report (available at: <https://www.dni.gov/ kLES /$.) DOCUMENTS !4! SFR---SSCI.pdf>), Washington’s intelligence agencies declared: “We assess that China’s leaders will try to extend the country’s global economic, political and military reach while using China’s military capabilities and overseas infrastructure and energy investments under the Belt and Road Initiative to diminish 53 INlUENCE “Chinese leaders will increasingly seek to assert China’s model of authoritarian capitalism as an alternative — and implicitly superior — development path abroad, exacerbating great-power competition that could threaten international support for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.� In short, be ready for a new Cold War between China and America. Now, do we want to be a pawn in that superpower rivalry? If not, then scrap the Mutual Defense Treaty. But hang on: How do we defend the Philippines without the MDT? Let’s talk about that next week.

It was Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who envisioned Dubai to become the happiest city on earth by 2021. Contrary to the common image people have of the Middle East, $UBAI IS A HIGH TECH lOURISHING community. Smart Dubai, their “happiness project,� aims to harness technology to achieve A SEAMLESS SAFE EFkCIENT AND personalized city experience for all residents and visitors. For the past few years, I have observed how they promote social interaction through digital interaction. In line with this objective of Smart Dubai, they have successfully designed apps that help develop the social and emotional skills of autistic children. Parents and students are able to interact with peers in school through an online platform that aids in their collaborative efforts to educate the young. Professionals, residents, and business owners will soon be able to access government services and perform transactions anywhere and anytime online. With these activities, Dubai will have a strong social community enriched by digital services that function as a platform for social experiences to take place. Let us keep in mind, however, that even though the modern, cosmopolitan city makes it easier than ever for individuals to retreat from neighbors and strangers, the greatest satisfaction they actually experience lies in working and playing cooperatively with other people. In Dubai, the city has been designed to facilitate this by providing everyone open public spaces where they can rest and recreate and organize and celebrate events with each other. $UBAI S PEOPLE BENEkT FROM A level of environmental mastery. It indicates their sense of wellbeing and also the ways they have managed to build structures that make city living convenient for all. In Dubai, a person enjoys the ability to navigate and thrive in the world because of this. If you go to Dubai, you will notice that it is a walkable community. You can comfortably navigate your way through its cashless transportation system. With the tap of an application on your phone, you can instantly reload your train fare. Because their trains leave at a set time, people are encouraged to be punctual. Many of them also prove to be disciplined and responsible enough to leave their work on time for the sake of the family and to carry on with their other obligations. When in Dubai, one can feel independence and a sense of purpose because people facilitate the work of others. We can see from Dubai that the city is ultimately a shared project — it forms the proper setting for us to help one another attain the common good of all.

Ferdinand Sr., who grabbed power to extend his term, declared martial law and became a dictator. While eliciting the wild applause from an obviously partisan section of the live audience which found it pleasurable to watch how Diokno was able to shame Marcos, more so that he also made reference to Marcos’ family BENEkTING FROM THE POWER GRAB his argument actually was a miserable failure in logic. Diokno practically demolished the logic of his own argument, by showing that term limits are not in fact effective in containing the emergence of a dictatorship. By banking on martial law as the

core of his counter-punch, Diokno practically knocked out his own logical premise — that we need term limits because of our experience with Marcos, even if we had him despite the fact that HE WAS LIMITED BY A kXED TERM Diokno may be forgiven. The pressures of a time limit, and the need to squeeze in the usual anti-martial law mantra to please his base, may have been too constraining to fully express his views. But what is unforgivable is when some people from academe, those who had the audacity to chastise people like me for allegedly betraying our academic integrity by subordi-

nating our scholarship to our politics, cheered Diokno and jeered Marcos. There were those WHO IGNORED THE SCIENTIkC BASIS of Marcos’ opinion. And there were also those who argued that Marcos simply misinterpreted the research. Ronald Mendoza, dean of the Ateneo School of Government, even blamed Querubin for not being careful in his conclusions, which resulted in it now being misused. All of these are simply because Marcos is not the politician these academics like, and her position is one that they do not agree with. It is now my turn to ask. Whatever happened to them?

Q SALUDO FROM A1

To avoid war, scrap the Mutual Defense Treaty That’s really the question for the Philippines as it reviews its 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States, now escalating its confrontation with China. The MDT commits both sides to respond to an attack on the ally’s main territory or its armed forces. That’s why when President-elect Rodrigo Duterte asked then US Ambassador Philip Goldberg if America would come to the Philippines’ aid in a territorial tussle with China, Goldberg replied: “Only if you are attacked.� That didn’t impress Duterte. What kind of protection does the treaty afford, if one has to actually get bloodied by the most powerful military in Asia before America helps out? And it’s not even clear what US forces would do, since the pact does not afford instant retaliation, unlike the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) accord between America and its European allies. Treaty proponents argue that those issues can be ironed out in the MDT review, with a team of US SECURITY OFkCIALS VISITING TO DISCUSS the pact. In fact, the whole idea of being an ally of a major power now escalating its confrontation with China deserves serious rethinking. )F THERE IS CONlICT BETWEEN #HINA and America over Taiwan, Korea, or the Senkaku/Diaoyutai islands disputed by Beijing and Tokyo, does the Philippines really want to get sucked into that firefight among nucleararmed superpowers? Since the MDT commits the Philippines to respond if American forces are attacked in the 7ESTERN 0ACIkC AND VICE VERSA OUR MILITARY MAY HAVE TO kGHT alongside the US, even if we don’t want to get involved in a

pass. Notably, in a 2016 report funded by the US Army, “War with China: Thinking Through the Unthinkable,� the RAND think-tank urged blocking such energy imports as a war strategy. Hence, if EDCA is fully implemented, the increased US military deployment and bases access cannot but pose a major threat to China. Indeed, it was the impending escalation of American forces in the country which probably was one big reason for China to build island bases in the Spratlys. Thankfully, President Duterte stalled the EDCA, easing Beijing’s fears of Washington’s announced plan to move 60 percent of its naval assets to East Asia, which would have been prowling mainly in our island waters, serviced New bases in our ports, and with air support for Uncle Sam operating from our bases. No Inaugurated by Defense Secre- other country in Asia would have tary Delfin Lorenzana and US hosted them. That may still happen after Ambassador Sung Kim, the new facility is labeled a “humanitar- Duterte steps down in 2022. ian assistance and disaster relief� Hence, just as his rise to power led warehouse, with another planned to the biggest geopolitical shift in the region, with China mending for Puerto Princesa. For America’s adversaries, how- fences with the Philippines, a new ever, what’s crucial is that its war- Philippine president could rev planes can land and take off at the up the US alliance under EDCA, base. That means they can mount rekindling tensions and confrontations with China, and bringing the attacks from the Philippines. Along with Pampanga and Pala- region’s largest militaries staring at wan, military bases are also offered each other across the South and for US use in Nueva Ecija, Mactan East China Seas. No doubt China would react near Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro, under the 2014 Enhanced Defense the same way the US did to Cuba, Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), when the island nearly hosted which also allows increased rota- Soviet nuclear missiles in 1962. Then, Washington used its massive tions of US forces in the country. With cruise missiles, US war- international and economic power ships and planes in the archi- to embargo trade, investment, pelago can hit most of China and development aid for Cuba, and all of the South China Sea, where the US even maintained a including vital sea lanes where military base. So, just as Cuba was shut out FOUR kFTHS OF #HINESE OIL IMPORTS conflict over Taiwan, Korea or the Senkakus. Recently, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Philippines was neutral over China’s goal to reunify with Taiwan, by force if necessary. Well, if the US makes good on its commitment to defend the island from Chinese invasion, under the MDT, the Philippines would end up taking America’s side in the ensuing war. 4HAT GIVES #HINA JUSTIkCATION to target Philippine forces and military facilities in an ongoing OR LOOMING CONlICT WITH THE 53 Actually, such targeting may have started with the opening last month of Cesar Basa Air Base in Pampanga to American forces.

Q CONTERAS FROM A4

Academic hypocrisy the Philippines.� Using empirical data, Querubin found no eviDENCE OF A STATISTICALLY SIGNIkCANT impact of imposing term limits on the prevalence of political dynasties. The study found that elites persist despite the imposition of term limits, and political dynasties are even deepened with term-limited incumbents simply being replaced by their own family members. The results of the study also revealed that term limits, which are in fact designed to widen the political playing kELD TENDED TO HAVE FAILED IN

enticing high-quality candidates to challenge incumbents, and they would prefer to wait until the latter’s term expires and run for an open seat. This then leads to a high incidence of unchallenged incumbents running in safe seats. In sum, Querubin’s study indicated that term limits are ineffective in bringing about political reform. Only a more direct mechanism to undermine the base of dynastic power, which can only be achieved through an anti-dynasty law, will have the potential for widening

ACCESS TO ELECTED POLITICAL OFkCE Marcos was therefore simply echoing the result of an academic study on the issue which was being debated. When given the chance to express his opinion, instead of debunking the claims made by Marcos based ON 1UERUBIN S kNDINGS $IOkno opted to make a politically partisan hit. Instead of showing the weakness of Querubin’s premises, Diokno pointed out that term limits are necessary in the context of the country’s experience with Marcos’ father,

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S an architect and urban planner, I believe that a happier city makes for happier people. Charles Montgomery echoes the same sentiments in his book Happy City. He illustrates for us the image of a happy city by giving examples of people’s pursuit of well-being in everyday life. Go and ask a Filipino what he truly longs for, and he will answer you simply that he hopes to spend more time with his family, have a wellpaying job that would secure his family’s future, live in a healthy and safe environment for them all, and have access to those social conditions that make life pleasant for him and his loved ones. Like Montgomery, I believe that we can all build a happy city if we make life pleasant for THOSE AROUND US )N THE kELDS OF architecture and urban planning, this means — for us at Palafox in particular — designing emphatic structures with its end users in mind. But it does not end there. ) HAVE WITNESSED kRSTHAND MOST especially in Dubai, the active participation of the government and citizens in creating a flourishing society. Today, I feel gratefully overwhelmed thinking about those people in Dubai and my own experience of being given the means to live a happy life. Dubai has made many smart investments in the past, but recently, it has been making the best one yet. It is summarized in Sheikh Zayed’s belief that investing in people’s welfare, knowledge and capabilities would produce the greatest dividends for individuals, families and society. People are the United Arab Emirates’ greatest asset. Combined with visionary leadership, strong political will, good governance, and good appreciation of urban planning and good design, they have succeeded in delivering the basic needs and services and even additional benefits for all — citizens, expatriates and visitors alike. During the International Day of Happiness last year, the UAE launched the World Happiness Council, a group of global happiness and well-being experts charged with developing a yearly report on best practices and notable government achievements in happiness. With their very own Minister of Happiness, Dubai is leading the way toward the attainment of a healthy and prosperous world. From their example, I believe we can create a society where people experience selfacceptance. Throughout the years I lived in Dubai, I saw a transformation in the people there: you see in them a noticeable sense of optimism and confidence, especially in the younger generation. It is very encouraging to see their hope in the future as manifested in how the they are also involved in the government’s plans for the city. They are able to notify the government about their issues and concerns anytime through kiosks stationed around the city.

military general, the current customs commissioner, is still groping his way around the graft-ridden bureau. Customs sources say Guerrero seems to be faring well for a newcomer, but he is trying very hard TO kGHT CORRUPTION N N N What’s gotten into the head of former national police chief and senatorial candidate Ronald “Bato� dela Rosa? Bato went to Catholic Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona and poured copious tears on the bewildered clergyman. The baldy candidate said he was sorry for the numerous people killed during his watch in the government’s war on drugs. Oh, my goodness gracious, the guy threw his boss, President Digong, under a speeding bus! What the guy was saying is that he committed a grievous sin by obeying the President’s order to go AFTER DRUG PUSHERS AND TRAFkCKERS But let’s give Bato, who’s very inARTICULATE THE BENEkT OF THE DOUBT What the Bisayang dako (great Bisayan) senatorial candidate meant was that he was sorry for the deaths of the innocent people who WERE MISTAKEN FOR DRUG kENDS BY his equally bumbling subordinates within the Philippine National Police (PNP). Is that what you really meant, Bato?

of the world’s economic engine of the last century, the Philippines could also find itself under economic and diplomatic pressure from China, set to be the largest economy on the planet in this century.

A new Cold War

FELINO A. PALAFOX JR.

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Opinion

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NE comes across as naive to many when one insists that moral norms are objective. Decades ago, one popular song, “You Light Up My Life,� summed up the present persuasion succinctly: “How can it be wrong, when it feels so right?� Not too long ago, I chaired a discussion group of graduate school professors, and one in the group from a leading Manila university, without batting an eyelash, dismissed morals or ethics as nothing more than social convictions about acceptable and unacceptable conduct and deportment. Actually, it is not clear what exactly millennials and those after them — whatever they may call themselves — think about morality. For some, it is a matter of feeling. If it feels good, it is right; if it is repulsive, it is wrong. For others, it is the rule of the herd: Where the herd grazes, there they will follow. It is the rule of the majority applied to ethical standards. Still, for others, moral norms are part of the baggage of tradition that should no longer weigh us down, we, sons and daughters of the age of liberty unbounded (or so we think). Many times, the more reasoned objection to theories of objective moral norms are spawned by an opposition to religion. Traditionally, it was thought that God laid down the law for humankind. Often, the recourse was to myth — such as the Eden stories with their injunctions. At other times, it took more intellectual form: the rational mind of man grasping, as far as it could, the Divine plan for all things. It was inevitable

˜ The Manila Times

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THURSDAY February 14, 2019

Objective moral norms? FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO then that with the eclipse of God, claims at objective moral norms shared the same consignment to oblivion. Sartre is a good example of what I characterize as “purposive atheism�: If MAN IS TO BE TRULY FREE TO DEkNE himself — to articulate his own essence — and consequently to lay down the law for himself, then there cannot be a God who brings about a pre-conceived idea of what such a person should be. The demise of God is the ontological condition for the freedom of the human person. But how does one “subjectivize� and “relativize� the slaughter of 6 million? Which moral theory is there that gives a seal of approval to genocide? Without getting into the abortion debate, is there, seriously, any plausible ethical argument in favor of murdering a newborn infant, or cutting down a toddler? And when you have a document like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is that nothing more than the convictions of the strong imposed on the weak? The fact is that a thoroughgoing ejectment of “objective norms� never succeeds as a project. Habermas demonstrates that convincingly in his theory of the speech-act. Every act of communication presupposes some norms. In writing this column, I presuppose the norm that I have the right to write

this, as I grant those who read it the right to agree or to take issue with it. And so the very rejection of objective norms involves the implicit recourse to one or the other “universal� norm — hence, a performative contradiction. At no time has the need ever been more urgent than now to be clear that moral precepts cannot be made to depend solely on the personal inclinations and subjective preferences of persons: that some things are good, although they may be unpleasant, and some things are wrong although they may “feel so right.� This goes into every debate on abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty and other “grand� issues of ethics; but it also implicated in many claims made in the name of inclusiveness, political correctness, cultural accommodation, gender equality and the other mantras so dear to this age. One way to do it is to take the route of discourse ethics that insists that action norms — which include moral norms — will be binding only in the measure that they can meet with every objection raised by all who are affected, who treat each other as equals in free and unbridled discourse. In short, a moral norm, to be valid, must be so defensible that no objection can truly stand in its way — the presumption, of course, being that people are willing to go by reason. This is not too different, really, from the Scholastic version of natural law that made “right reason� the organ for grasping rules by which to live life and to live with others!

SSS: Board directors not excessively compensated THIS concerns Mr. Emeterio SD. Perez’s column published in the Feb. 11, 2019 issue of The Manila Times entitled “P327M for UBP’s 15 board execs in 2017� which discussed the compensation received by the board of directors of the Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP). Two of our Social Security SysTEM 333 OFkCIALS ARE NOMINATED to sit on the board of the UBP by virtue of the number of the bank’s shares that the SSS owns as part of its investment portfolio. Mr. Perez, in his column, said that, “the chairman of each

committee is paid a per diem of P85,000 per meeting actually attended and a committee member receives per diem of P60,000.� We would like to clarify that the SSS, as a government-owned or -controlled corporation (GOCC), is bound by Republic Act 10149, or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011 and Executive Order 24 (Prescribing Rules to Govern the Compensation of Members of the Board of Directors/Trustees in GOCCs Including Government Financial Institutions). Section 23 of the GOCC Governance Act of 2011 and Sections 9 and

10 of Executive Order 24 provides that nominated board of directors from the SSS can only receive up to P40,000 per diem per meeting actually attended, but not to exceed two meetings per month. It is also provided that the board chairman may receive not more than 20 percent of the amount set for members of the board of directors/trustees. Any amount in excess of these limits are remitted to the SSS fund. Since 2012, Social Security Commission (SSC) members who sit on the board of private companies return 100 percent of bonuses and/

To be sure, every conviction about how one ought to act, every norm or rule of conduct and right living, though sufficiently backed by reason so that it withstands question and doubt, must always allow the “humility proviso� to be tagged to it: I humbly concede that with an evolved human consciousness and a more mature understanding of things, what all of us so kRMLY HOLD NOW MAY IN FACT BE different. And to keep this from being mere lip-service to what even Aquinas grants as “the development of natural law,� one should ever be on the lookout for valid objections to positions now so intractably maintained, excited about the prospect of either strengthening one’s position further, or yielding to THE DEMAND FOR QUALIkCATION distinction, perhaps, even revision. It is, in Marion’s language, the only way we can avoid the worship of idols. Perhaps, it is Levinas who provides us with some way out of what many think to be the conundrum of “objectivizing� ethics. The face, on which is inscribed the command “Thou shalt not kill,� is neither phenomenon that awaits my acknowledgment, nor theory that awaits proof. It irrupts into my horizon and compels my acknowledgment. It is an “epiphany� against which there is no plausible argument. It is the fundamental ethical moment!

rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@outlook.com or dividends to the pension fund. Under the previous chairmanship of Dean Amado Valdez and until now, each SSC member sitting in the UBP board returns to the SSS about P27 million in bonuses annually. We hope that you would publish this clarification. Our members should know that SSS strictly complies with the rules prescribed by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) on compensation of board of directors/trustees in GOCCs. MA. LUISA P. SEBASTIAN Vice President for Public Affairs and Special Events Social Security System Editor’s note. Columnist Emeterio Perez’s reply: I wrote the piece based on a disclosure posted on the Philippine Stock Exchange website which is accessible to the public.

The art of making good decisions

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UR internal compass of judgment consists of three channels of information from which we base our decisions: logic, emotions and intuition (some would call this “gut feeling,� information stemming from the subconscious mind, or spiritually led knowledge). All three of these information channels can indeed give us three different answers to a problem, which can MAKE DECISION MAKING SO DIFkCULT How do we make good decisions with different aspects of our inner being vying against each other? Most of us have experienced intense emotions which would trigger a course of action, for better or worse. Sometimes emotions are catalyzed by some deeper sense and can serve as a legitimate warning. Other times, emotions are borne out of associating one thing with another, regardless of its sensibility (for example, fearing anyone named “Nancy� because you had a childhood bully named “Nancy�). Emotions are subject to the litmus test of truth. 4HE kRST STEP IN MAKING GOOD DECISIONS IS IN kNDING OUT TRUTH from error in a situation. Example: Many of us at one time or another may have “felt ugly� or felt like the world was looking down on us. Objectively, nobody may have been thinking this — it was just our own self-judgment and insecurities speaking. Sometimes a good friend or counselor can help us to reach that point of objectivity. Objectivity can then help to dictate our emotions. Once you have correct information, knowing how to act upon the INFORMATION IS A MATTER OF kGURING out what you want to achieve. Example: You’ve had an ominous feeling in your gut for the past week at work, and you’ve just found out the information that your employer has plans to lay you off. What should you do now? This depends upon what you want to achieve. A good decision would be in line with your truest desire for your future. A good decision is one that honors your goals, desires and priorities. Often knowing what you want is as much as half of the journey IN kGURING OUT WHAT TO DO 4HIS self-evaluation of “what do I really want?� often answers the question of what decisions need to be made. It seems so deceptively simple, but when people do not stop and think about what they really want in life, and instead go on “auto-pilot� year after year, they might not end up

HARVARD VERITAS

RIA PERSAD in a place that gives them joy or personal freedom. Making a deliberate effort to become self-aware of our truest desires and needs is the greatest step toward making decisions that help us to actualize our highest good. On a higher level, a good decision is also an ethical decision, one which respects your values, your character, and your conscience. Often it is intuition which leads us into a path which is morally in our best interest. If A DECISION IS CAUSING CONlICT AND consternation in our conscience, then the decision is likely based upon fear: fear of the discomfort or suffering that could result from doing what we believe to be right. In every case, without fail, when we make a decision to do something wrong because the “right� way seems to be harder or more painful, we will ultimately pay a heavy price. Good decisions are based upon a peaceful, fear-free conscience. Example: In the case of a relationship, ask yourself 1) whether you have the correct facts about the relationship; 2) whether the relationship honors what you really want in life and your priorities; and 3) whether it falls in line with your values or somehow violates your conscience. A good decision then is one that is based upon clear information, a clear vision of what you want, and a clear conscience. This simple foundation will result in powerful and successful outcomes, if not outright breakthroughs.

Ria Persad is the founder and CEO of StatWeather, ranked No. 1 globally in climate technology. Ria was ranked among the top 7 “Lifetime Achievement� leaders in the Platts Global Energy Awards and was the recipient of Renewable Energy and PowerGen Woman of the Year Award. She received citations from the US Senate and the US Secretary OF %NERGY ON 3CIENTIkC !CHIEVEment. She was a Harvard scholar (top 5 percent of Harvard’s incoming class), won the Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition, and is the reigning Mrs. Grand Universe 2018.

Enablers and disablers

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E are now living in a world where contrast, brightness, opposing directions and harsh highlights dominate the political and social behavior of everyone. It may sound like photography, but it’s not. The proliferation of familiar words like upside and downside, pros and cons, positives and negatives, plus and minus, majority and minority, high and low, near and far, above ground and underground, swirls and twirls, real and fake — all dominate subject matter of any kind. I have chosen to deal with “enablers� and “disablers� as the two very powerful groups in our society as their frequent clashes render periodic immobility in our quest for improvement. A good friend of mine who is now an American citizen was wondering why we are now lagging behind our neighbors. While the claim is true, I retorted with, “because you left us behind and offered your services to another country.� Setting aside my knee-jerk emotional stuff, I had to dig deep to answer the whys objectively without gnashing my teeth painfully in total silence.

President Rodrigo Duterte A little known feisty hizzoner

MIRRORLESS

ROLLY G. REYES (who did not have any of those familiar elite surnames) from a southern city gets elected and DECIDED TO FULkLL HIS PROMISES TO replicate what he has done in his city on a national scale. I never thought of him as a dreamer, but a street-smart realist that would rather be shy and apologetic to those he considers with respect but will waste no time displaying those smirks and hateful eyes to those that he despises. Always throwing a mouthful of expletives, insults and offending jokes whenever he can, he slowly trekked the perilous journey to combat drug addiction and criminality so he can restore peace and order. A classic example is when he warned terrorists in this manner: “Don’t surrender because I’ll kill you.� The disablers will definitely jump on this to proclaim his instinct as a killer. The tsunami of “I told you so’s� will attempt to downgrade the reality that one can now safely walk the streets at unholy hours. He is known to be most upset

when the environment is degraded and natural resources exploited by greed. His tough stance against open-pit waste disposal and indiscriminate logging and mining is well-known but met with silly resistance by left-leaning groups addicted to revolutionary taxes. Some labor groups have even labeled his policy as anti-poor. Human rights activists even promote “softness� on drug users as the preferred mode to counter addiction, ignoring the fact that drug lords continue to thrive due to an increasing demand by these users who are more than willing to be mules to satisfy their need for free.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (ERE IS ONE MUCH VILIkED LADY who decided to fast-track and approve much needed and timely bills to alleviate poverty and cut corners to jumpstart economic reforms needed to stabilize commerce to insure our chances of a SOUND kSCAL ENVIRONMENT Yet, her detractors crooned “political ambition� as her veiled motive for her desire to uplift the plight of our less fortunate citizenry. Distributing promised land titles, reviving Ro-Ro projects all over the country, earmarking ad-

ditional budget for health, expansion of transportation discounts for students and seniors, securing the success of the BOL by embarking on trade missions, focusing on major legislative projects that will further strengthen Visayas and Mindanao while empowering Luzon with a streamlined program of sustainability. With much frequency, Speaker Arroyo visited various communities to check on their condition amidst heavy workloads to see to it that the budget is not just allocated but correctly spent. And critics dismiss these as purely “political.� These are the same people who snoozed for six years to the tune of their “special� lullabies.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd Here is one hardworking doctor whose baptism of fire was the killer issue we now call Dengvaxia. He knew he was confronting an “Incredible Hulk� of a problem but remained undaunted against a backdrop of mistrust created by his predecessor. He discovered a department ridden with graft, coerced by the previous hierarchy of looters. Funding for fictitious barangay health centers, misspent and juggled budgets, expiring medicines, and

uncooperative LGUs were among the worries he inherited. As if these were not enough, he is now facing a hailstorm of a well-oiled propaganda machine and surprisingly even coming from a fellow public servant who SEEM TO BE kXATED IN SEEKING HIS downfall. A “persistent accost� (Did I give a clue?) to his integrity is well-known and lapped up by the media. “Breakouts� are mislabeled as “epidemics� to further aggravate an already scared public. Being a Surgeon General, these are the headaches that are threatening to be hazardous to his health.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu This former general knows how to do it and do it well. On top of his plate now is the rehabilitation of a body of water noted for battles and golden sunsets. As a battle-scarred soldier, he is trained to obey orders with accurate execution. He closed Boracay for six months and turned it upside down amidst howling and misinformed critics. Now a renewed prime destination, Boracay gleams like a South Sea pearl from the air. He did not stop. He has trained his sights on the other attractions

like Coron, El Nido, Baguio and Bohol, among others. Disablers shouted “militarization� and “heartless� approach resulting in unemployment, but this general is not accustomed to blinking. He is now facing the “Battle of Manila Bay,� brandishing his sword against all violators. Some wanted him to stop the rehabilitation with some stupid reasons that I cannot recall. He JUST STOOD THERE kRMLY AND INVITED everyone to complete the job. Some very creative minds suspected that various reclamation projects are in the pipeline. He said that the ongoing Manila Bay rehabilitation is not a prelude to any land reclamation initiative. To those suspicious minds, please take a listen. Cimatu is only there to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay. Period. It is sad that most of us just react instinctively and don’t think too much about the total scene. We should look at the structure and not the subject. This sort of surreal detachment is like monochromatic photography. The emotional impact of color is not present, and one feels a bit colder or separated from the scene. An observer rather than a participant. Good work, good deeds and good faith to all.

Regions Actress, 3 others nabbed 6 BIFF rebels surrender for drugs in La Union C

˜ The Manila Times

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

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URBIZTONDO, San Juan, La Union: Television actress Roence Santos and her three companions were arrested here on Wednesday by members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the La Union Drug Enforcement Unit with the San Juan police. Nine marijuana bricks weighing 25 kilograms and worth about P3 MILLION WERE CONkSCATED FROM THEM Santos, 42, a resident of UP Los BaĂąos, Laguna, was arrested with Marty Razon, 32, of Langkaan Vilage, DasmariĂąas, Cavite; Mark Dennis Norega, 24, of San Francisco Village, DasmariĂąas, Cavite; and Gary Jerela, 32, of City Homes, DasmariĂąas, Cavite. Police confiscated one heatsealed transparent plastic sachet containing dried marijuana fruiting tops weighing about 2 grams, assorted drug paraphernalia, and a

Toyota Fortuner (ASA 2328). PDEA La Union Provincial OfkCER $ARNEL "ACATE SAID THEY INTERcepted the car of the suspects while traveling within the area after they were informed that the riders in a sports utility vehicle carried illegal drugs with them. Santos and her companions were brought to the PDEA detention facility. She said they were not in the drug trade and claimed that she was harassed by the arresting authorities. An informant, however, said they carried with them kilos of marijuana from Cavite that they were allegedly transporting to the towns of San Gabriel and San Juan in La Union. Santos, a character actress, appeared in the TV dramas “Kambal Karibal,� “Kystala� and “Boses.� WILLIAM JUN GARCIA

Bombo Radyo manager arrested THE station manager of Bombo Radyo GenSan (General Santos City) is facing charges for direct assault and robbery after he and his two security escorts disarmed two policemen, whom they mistook for motorcycle-riding gunmen attempting to waylay them. A police report said Bombo Radyo station manager JanJan Macailing mistook for motorcycle-riding gunmen Police Officers 2 Renan Mendoza and Jeffrey Balunto, both assigned with the City Police Mobile Force Battalion, who were about to serve an arrest warrant against Macailing. The court ordered the arrest of Macailing for his failure to attend the arraignment of a previous case of robbery and intimidation filed against him by KAPA investment leader Joel Apolinario. The case stemmed from Macailing’s and reporter Salvador Galano’s alleged extortion attempt on Apolinario from whom they reportedly demanded P5 million in exchange for stopping their attacks on radio against KAPA’s alleged investment scam activities. Macailing said his legal counsel Luis Salazar had petitioned the court to postpone the scheduled arraignment of

his case, but Regional Trial Court Judge Oscar Noel denied the petition and instead issued a bench warrant against Macailing for failing to attend the hearing. Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, city police director, said the policemen were tasked to arrest Macailing but were prevented by the latter’s bodyguards identified as Biendvenido Peùafiel and Jonar Olivero, who are both members of the Civil Security Unit of the local government here. Macailing said the policemen were in civilian clothes and were wearing bonnets as they tailed him from the Bombo Radyo station in Barangay Bula, GenSan. He added that the policemen tried to draw their handguns when they were accosted by his security escorts who subsequently disarmed them. Macailing brought the two policemen to the office of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera who received the firearms and belongings of the policemen for safekeeping. Rivera advised Macailing and his companions to face the charges the policemen filed against them. They are now detained at the police station in GenSan pending the posting of their bail bond placed at P100,000. JERRY N. ADLAW

4 slain, 21 arrested in Bulacan drug ops FOUR drug pushers were gunned DOWN OTHERS WERE HELD IN custody while 360 were accosted during the two-day Bulacan Police Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operation on Tuesday and Wednesday. Senior Supt. Chito Bersaluna, director of the Bulacan Police 0ROVINCIAL /FkCE 00/ SAID THE fatalities were: in the City of San Jose del Monte, Buboy Mabulay of Area G, Barangay Citrus; Dennis Noble of Zone 3, Barangay San Isidro, CSJDM, Bulacan; Ranier Sumcad, included in the drug watch list in the City of Malolos; and Jimmy Carating, 23, single, native of Iloilo, jobless, resident of Sulok Barangay Banga, Meycauayan City, Bulacan. Based on a report of Supt. Or-

lando Castil Jr., Chief of Police of the CSJDM Police Station, Mabulay and Noble engaged the CSJDM Drug Enforcement Unit in a shootout upon sensing that they WERE DEALING WITH POLICE OFkCERS during a separate buy-bust in Area G, Barangay Citrus and Barangay San Isidro on Wednesday. Recovered from the crime scene were two cal .38 revolvers and spent shells, which together with other pieces of evidence were submitted to the Bulacan Scene of the Crime Operatives. "ERSALUNA SAID OTHER DRUG suspects were arrested in drug operations in Malolos, Guiguinto, Baliwag, Obando, Calumpit by the 2nd Bulacan Provincial Mobile Force Company. FREDERICK SILVERIO

Army militia wounded in Maguindanao blast ZAMBOANGA CITY: One pro-government militia was wounded after an improvised explosive went off in Guindulungan town in Maguindanao province, the Philippine Army said on Wednesday. The 6th Infantry Division said the blast occurred in Macasampen village while the militia was on patrol. The victim, who is working with the 38th Infantry Battalion, was brought to a hospital. The Army said the explosive was planted near the highway where troops regularly pass. “The explosion was meant to INlICT HARM ON OUR TROOPS JUST in time that they were passing to conduct regular security patrol

in the area,� Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th commander, said. He did not say who was behind the attack or whether communist rebels or pro-Islamic State terrorists were responsible. Maguindanao is deemed the most dangerous among five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region because of the presence of various rebel groups and terrorists. President Rodrigo Duterte was recently in Maguindanao’s Buluan town where he distributed land titles to 780 farmers. Security was tight during the event where the President vowed to give away more government lands to the poor. AL JACINTO

BY JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

AMP SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao: Six fully armed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) abandoned their comrades in the Liguasan Marsh on Thursday and surrendered to the Army in Maguindanao.

Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division (ID) said the surrenderers are members of a BIFF faction under Gani Saligan (who is still hiding), a notorious rebel in southwestern Liguasan Marsh. Encinas added that this group of BIFF rebels decided to surrender upon learning of the Army’s comMUNITY PROJECTS THAT WOULD BENEkT them and their families. The six rebels brought with THEM SIX HIGH POWERED kREARMS

including two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, two cal .50 SNIPER RIlES ONE - RIlE AND ONE CAL BOLT ACTION SNIPER RIlE One of the surrenderers was Dido Malawan, 46, the deputy brigade commander of the BIFF’s 2nd Division. “There are no more reasons FOR US TO kGHT THE GOVERNMENT The soldiers have solved our problems such as the rido (clan feud), and helped our village see the light through the electri-

kCATION PROJECT u -ALAWAN SAID development projects facilitated by the AFP The 33rd Infantry Battalion AND THE ST -ECHANIZED )NFANTRY Battalion have led implementaTION OF A 0 MILLION ELECTRIkCATION project in Midpandacan village, GSKP town, Maguindanao,in collaboration with the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative. The Army had also refurbished a school that was abandoned for three years because of perennial kGHTING AMONG RIVAL CLANS All six surrenderers will receive immediate cash assistance of P20,000 from Maguindanao Rep. Zaid “Dong� Mangudadatu as well as livelihood package from Gov. Esmael “Toto� Mangudadatu. The surrender negotiation was a collaboration among the local government of General SK Pendatun, Maguindanao Provincial

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Police Office, Sultan Kudarat 0ROVINCIAL 0OLICE /FkCE TH 3PECIAL !CTION "ATTALION AND THE ST Mechanized Infantry Brigade. This year, the 6th ID facilitated THE SURRENDER OF ")&& REBELS IN three batches. The second batch of returnees led by Sindatok Delna, who surRENDERED IN -AY WILL RECEIVE THEIR LIVELIHOOD BENEkTS FROM THE Maguindanao provincial government three months later. “The surrender of our brothers from the BIFF is a welcome development in our ongoing effort in supporting the peace and development agenda of the government. We would like to transform ,IGUASAN -ARSH FROM A BATTLEkELD to an oilfield that would bring economic prosperity for the Moro people and Mindanao as a whole,� Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th ID, said.

Bong Go extends aid to Mati fire survivors “I WILL always take care of the people of Davao Oriental, especially now that they need help after the recent tragedy that befell them,� said former special assistant to the President and candidate for senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go. On Monday afternoon, Go and his supporters visited survivors of A kRE IN "ARANGAY #ENTRAL -ATI City, the site of the Friday blaze that razed 55 houses, displaced 78 families and resulted in the death of three children. Damage to property was estiMATED AT 0 MILLION The survivors were brought to an evacuation center in the Barangay Central covered court where Go and his men distributed clothes, grocery items, food packs, ready-to-eat meals and cash assistance. 'O ALSO ASSURED THE kRE VICTIMS that he would contact his former colleagues in various government agencies to request additional aid

SURVIVOR

Aspiring senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go tries to comfort a survivor of a fire in Davao Oriental. The fire left three children dead. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO for them. He met Jimmy Dayaan, a blacksmith senior citizen whose prosthetic leg was burned. Go assured him that his team would coordinate with relevant

parties so that Dayaan’s prosthetic leg could be replaced. His legislative agenda includes programs for agriculture, housing, education, long-term sports development, localized peace

talks, anti-drug and crime drive, anti-corruption drive, barangay (village) welfare, creation of a Department of Overseas Filipino Workers, as well as senior citizen concerns.

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News

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Red Cross donates medical units for measles patients THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has provided emergency medical units (EMUs) that can accommodate 50 beds to the San Lazaro Hospital (SLH) and Philippine General Hospital as measles cases continue to rise. The EMUs — giant tents usually used by evacuees affected by disasters or wars — were delivered on Wednesday to the two hospitals that are swamped with measles patients. As of February 12, 4,302 children aged 0 to 12 have been aflICTED WITH MEASLES Majority of the patients are in Metro Manila with 1,296 cases and 18 deaths, followed by Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) with 1,086 cases and 25 deaths. It was PRC’s second donation of EMUs at SLH, following the Department of Health’s declaration of a measles outbreak in various parts of the country on February 6. “It is important that we become prepared in case more hospitals request our support to cater to measles patients,� PRC Chairman Sen. Richard Gordon told The Manila Times. The EMUs are fully equipped to perform in-patient intervention for

measles cases, featuring durable cot beds and air-conditioning units that ARE kT FOR HOSPITAL SET UPS “We don’t want to turn away patients. That’s why as an auxiliary to the government, PRC is ready to augment the hospitals’ services,� Gordon said. The PRC was also in talks with two hospitals in Quezon City and one hospital in Caloocan, following their requests to install similar medical tents, he added. Vice Mayor Josefina “Joy� Belmonte said out of 108 reported cases in Quezon City, eight children have died of measles in January. Belmonte and Mayor Herbert Bautista appealed to parents to get their children vaccinated from measles. “Since we have heard that there is an increase in the number of cases, we immediately tasked the city health department to provide assistance in giving out vaccines,� Belmonte said. “As parents, we should remember the saying prevention is better than cure. Let’s take advantage of the vaccines since we have a mechanism to prevent this disease,� she added. ED VELASCO AND JAIME R. PILAPIL

CHECKUP

Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd visits measles patients at the medical unit donated by the Philippine Red Cross to the San Lazaro Hospital. PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA

Q SUMMON FROM A1

BI detains Chinese DoJ ordered in taho incident BY CATHERINE A. MODESTO AND ED VELASCO

T

HE Bureau of Immigration (BI) detained on Tuesday night the Chinese student who threw taho (soy pudding) at a police officer on Saturday, February 9, hours after posting a P12,000-bail for direct assault charges. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente issued a mission order to gain custody of Zhang Jiale, 23, who had been charged as an undesirable alien for “posing a risk to public interest,� BI spokesman Dana Krizia

Sandoval said in a statement. Zhang is being held at the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City while awaiting her deportation. On Tuesday, the BI said it found probable cause to

deport Zhang. Also on Tuesday, the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office found basis to indict Zhang for direct assault and disobedience to an agent of authority and unjust vexation. The Chinese student doused PO1 William Cristobal with taho at the MRT-3 Boni Station in Mandaluyong City when she was refused entry because of the ban on liquid. On Monday, the PNP awarded Cristobal the “Medalya ng Papuri� for his “professionalism and

patience.� The PNP said Cristobal’s commendable act was worthy of emulation by other PNP officers. The chief of police of Mandaluyong City said Zhang was lucky because she encountered an eventempered police officer. “ Mabait si Cristobal. Tahimik pero maaasahan (Cristobal is kind. He is quiet but dependable),� Senior Supt. Moises Villaceran Jr. told The Manila Times. Villaceran said the Chinese student should be deported and declared persona non grata .

Court (RTC) Branch 19 admitted the amended petition submitted by the DoJ on Jan. 3, 2019, seeking to tag eight individuals as terrorists for supposedly being part of the CPP-NPA. The Justice department has removed more than 600 individuals from its list of alleged terrorists. The removal came after a court decision last year crossed out United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Satur Ocampo, former Baguio City councilor and former Asia representative to the UN Expert Mechanism Jose Molintas and National Democratic Front of the Philippines consultant Rafael Baylosis from the DoJ’s communist terror list over lack of evidence to prove THEY ARE OFkCERS OF THE #00 .0! Malagar said only Sison and co-accused Mindanao Commission Secretary Antonio Cabanatan were directly linked with the CPPNPA and, therefore, subpoenas for respondent

Q FIREARMS FROM A1

Police seize a staff, in the raid. The Yusons were not present during the operation. Chief Supt. Arnold Ardiente, CIDG Bicol director, said they received tips that the Yusons WERE KEEPING UNLICENSED kREARMS AND MAIN-

Q DEVICES FROM A1

WHO warns vs at risk due to “prolonged and excessive exposure to loud sounds, including music they listen to through personal audio devices,� the UN health agency said. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out that the world has “the technological know-how to prevent hearing loss.� “It should not be the case that so many young people continue to damage their hearing while listening to music,� he said. Young people, he said, “must understand that once they lose their hearing, it won’t come back.� About 5 percent of the global population, or some 466 million people, including 34 million children, suffer from disabling hearing loss.

Q PATRON FROM A1

The ‘real’ St. Valentine February 14. Two of them were executed during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius Gothicus in 269-270 AD, at a time when persecution of Christians was common. How do we know this? Because, an order of Belgian monks spent three centuries collecting evidence for the lives of saints from archives around the world. The earliest Valentinus is said to have died in Africa, along with 24 soldiers. Unfortunately, even the Bollandists could not find any more information about him. As the monks knew, sometimes all that the saints left behind was a name and day of death. We know only a little more about the other two Valentines. According to a late medieval legend reprinted in the Acta , which was accompanied by he monks’ critique about its historical value, a Roman priest named Valentinus was arrested during the reign of Emperor Gothicus and put into the custody of an aristocrat named Asterius. As the story goes, Asterius made the mistake of letting the preacher talk. Father Valentinus went on and on about Christ leading pagans out of the shadow of

CPP-NPA may be served through them. The court cited multiple sworn statements, criminal cases including the one in which Sison was accused of murder of 15 people in Inopacan, Leyte, as its rationale for linking the leftist leader to the CPP-NPA. But because Sison is exiled in The Netherlands and Cabanatan’s whereabouts are unknown, serving of summons shall be published in a newspaper, the court said. Sison, in a statement described the summons as “worthless and ineffective.� The communist leader said he is protected by the Refugee Convention and by Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, prohibiting any deportation moves for him to the Philippines or any other third-party country. Sison said his name was removed from the European Union’s list of terrorists and charges against him for allegedly murdering civilians in the Philippines have been dismissed. He added that in 2007, the Dutch Appellate Court in The Hague ruled that he was not an operational leader of the CPP “and that there was no proof that I gave orders to NPA personnel.� CATHERINE A. MODESTO AND DEMPSEY REYES taining a private armed group. He said the Yusons and their personnel left the area after receiving information that police were coming to their residence. They will face charges for illegal possession OF kREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES The PNP implemented the election gun ban on January 13 to prevent election-related violent incidents during the election season. ROY D.R. NARRA WHO said it remained unclear how many of them had damaged their hearing through dangerous use of audio devices. It insisted though that the new standard developed with ITU would go a long way to “safeguard these young consumers as they go about doing something they enjoy.� WHO considers a volume above 85 decibels for 8 hours or 100 decibels for 15 minutes as unsafe. The Safe listening devices and systems standard calls for a “sound allowance� software to be included in all audio devices, to track the volume level and duration of a user’s exposure to sound, and to evaluate the risk posed to their hearing. This system could alert a user if they have dangerous listening habits. WHO is also calling for parental as well as automatic volume controls on audio devices to prevent dangerous use. AFP darkness and into the light of truth and salvation. Asterius made a bargain with Valentinus: If the Christian could cure blindness, he would convert. The third third-century Valentinus was a bishop of Terni in the province of Umbria, Italy. According to his equally dodgy legend, Terni’s bishop got into a situation like the other Valentinus by debating a potential convert and afterward healing his son. The rest of the story is quite similar as well: He too, was beheaded on the orders of Emperor Gothicus and his body buried along the Via Flaminia. It is likely that there weren’t actually two decapitated Valentines, but that two different versions of one saint’s legend appeared in both Rome and Terni. Nonetheless, African, Roman or Umbrian, none of the Valentines seems to have been a romantic. Historical veracity did not count for much with medieval Christians. What they cared about were stories of miracles and martyrdoms, and the physical remains or relics of the saint. To be sure, many different churches and monasteries around medieval Europe claimed to have bits of a St. Valentinus’ skull in their treasuries. As far as we know, though, the saint’s bones did nothing special for lovers. LISA BITEL, THE CONVERSATION

ASIAN STOCKS: V S h a n g h a i 1 . 8 4 %

V S i n g a p o re 1 . 3 6 %

PSEi 7,920.24 DOWN 1.12%

P52.13 TO $1

What’s inside HOW TO BECOME PRODUCTIVE FREELANCERS – MONEYMAX.PH BusinessB2

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PRIVATE BANKS OFFER P200B TO FUND AGRI-AGRA PROJECTS BusinessB2

V Seoul 0.50%

V To k yo 1 . 3 4 %

V H o n g Ko n g 1 . 1 6 %

BY MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

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PRYCE PROFIT UP 12% TO P1.4B IN 2018

NFLATION N FLLAT will likely return to target in the second quarter q uarte and then ease further in the last six months OF THE YEAR A #ABINET OFkCIAL SAID ON 7EDNESDAY OF THE

»Corporate NewsB3

ROXAS HOLDINGS NET LOSS WIDENS 550% IN Q1

»Corporate NewsB3

CHINA’S XI TO MEET TOP US TRADE OFFICIALS: REPORT

»Foreign BusinessB4 »

W Jakarta 0.11%

V B a n g ko k 0 . 8 1 %

Q Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

"UDGET 3ECRETARY "ENJAMIN "UDG $IOKN TOLD A PRESS BRIEF$IOKNO ING THAT TH ECONOMIC MANAGERS WERE W OPTIMISTIC THAT CONSUMER PRICE GROWTH CON WHICH HIT A NINE YEAR HIGH OF PERCENT LAST HI YE YEAR WOULD FALL BACK TO TO PERCENT IN THE ! !PRIL *UNE PERIOD FOLLOWING *ANUARY S gSIGNIkCANT IN DROPu TO PERCENT DR g)N FACT THERE ARE SCE-

NARIOS WHERE WE LL SEE INlATION AROUND PERCENT IN THE THIRD OR FOURTH QUARTER u HE ADDED 4HE "ANGKO 3ENTRAL NG 0ILIPINAS WHICH EXPECTS INlATION TO AVERAGE A WITHIN TARGET PERCENT THIS YEAR AFTER HITTING PERCENT IN HAS FORECAST A DROP TO BELOW PERCENT NEXT MONTH )N THE WAKE OF LAST YEAR S SURGE ECONOMIC MANAGERS HAVE SAID THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH FOR FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF NON MONETARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES TO STAVE OFF

SUPPLY BOTTLENECKS SAID TO HAVE LED TO FOOD PRICE HIKES IN 4HE MEASURES INCLUDE PREPARATIONS FOR A QUICK AND SMOOTH TRANSITION TO A NEW IMPORT TARIFF REGIME OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE .ATIONAL 3INGLE 7INDOW TO FACILITATE TRADE PROCEDURES MAKING HIGH VALUE CROPS MORE ADAPTIVE AND RESILIENT TO CLIMATE CHANGE FACILITATING A COMPREHENSIVE CROP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND INTENSIFYING THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL AND OTHER MARINE RESOURCES 4HE AGRICULTURE SECTOR ALSO NEEDS GREATER ATTENTION THEY ADDED WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON PROMOTING RESILIENCY AND ADAPTABILITY TO EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS 4IMELY RELEASE OF THE UNCONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFERS AND FUEL VOUCHERS TO CUSHION THE IMPACT OF INFLATION ON VULNERABLE SECTERS WAS ALSO STRESSED

Stock market bucks Asia rally, falls 1.12% THE stock market fell to a two-week low on Wednesday as investors took profits and ignored positive developments in US-China trade talks that had boosted regional counterparts. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) touched the 7,800 level during intra-day trading but recovered somewhat to limit the day’s losses to 1.12 percent or 89.68 points for a 7,920.24 finish. The broader All Shares dropped 0.96 percent or 46.42 points to finish at 4,811.99. “We attribute the PSEi’s lagging performance to continued profit-taking after a spectacular start of the year,” AAA Southeast Equities Inc. President Matthew Cabangon said. “Upcoming corporate earnings have also led some [investors] to reduce their exposure to local equities,” he added. Philstocks Financial Inc. research

B2

Inflation seen returning to target by Q2 – Diokno

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ASIAN MARKETS SURGE AS TRADE DEAL HOPES RISE Foreign BusinessB4

MANAGEMENT ACTION

www.manilatimes.net

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2019

Business Times

CURRENCY RATE

B1

associate Piper Chaucer Tan shared Cabangon’s view and said market players were still staying on the sidelines ahead of the outcome of the latest round of US-China trade talks. Regional markets surged after US President Donald said on Tuesday that he could extend the deadline for a trade deal past March 1. A report later on Wednesday said Chinese President Xi Jingping would meet visiting US officials in Beijing, suggesting a redoubled effort to make progress on a deal. Wall Street rallied overnight on Trump’s remarks, with the Dow Jones up 1.49 percent, the S&P 500 by 1.29 percent and the Nasdaq by 1.46 percent. Regional markets followed suit with Tokyo up 1.34 percent to a two-month high. Shanghai surged 1.84 percent and Hong Kong also rose 1.12 percent. Singapore added 1.23 percent, Seoul

³Rally B2

Domestic liquidity still sufficient – BSP exec

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

A vendor sells red balloons along the Elliptical Circle in Quezon City ahead of Valentine's Day. PHOTO BY ROGER RAÑADA

THE 0HILIPPINE kNANCIAL SYSTEM CONTINUES TO ENJOY SUFkCIENT LIQUIDITY GIVEN THE INTEREST IN THE "ANGKO 3ENTRAL NG 0ILIPINAS TERM DEPOSIT FACILITY 4$& A SENIOR "30 OFkCIAL SAID g!S WE INDICATED IN PREVIOUS 4$& AUCTIONS DOMESTIC LIQUIDITY REMAINS AMPLE 4HIS IS CLEARLY SHOWN BY THE OVERSUBSCRIPTIONS ACROSS ALL TENORS TODAY 7EDNESDAY u CENTRAL BANK $EPUTY 'OVERNOR $IWA 'UINIGUNDO TOLD REPORTERS IN A TEXT MESSAGE 4HE LIQUIDITY MOPPING FACILITY WAS OVERSUBSCRIBED ACROSS ALL TENORS DURING 7EDNESDAY S AUCTION

³Sufficient B4

Call to ‘scrap fuel tax’ ‘Just import rice,’ focus on high-value crops ADB urges should be ignored fiscal reforms O for social ROUGH TRADE protection BEN . -ONDAY EVEN THOUGH NO ONE ASKED HIM 3EN 0AOLO "ENIGNO g"AMu !QUINO CALLED ON THE $UTERTE ADMINISTRATION TO gSUSPENDu THE EXCISE TAX ON FUEL TO GIVE gOUR PEOPLEwSOME RESPITE FROM THEIR EVERYDAY STRUGGLE AGAINST POVERTY u 7HETHER IT COMES FROM THE MEDIA OR FROM SOCIETY AT LARGE THERE IS AN UNHELPFUL STANDARD IN THIS COUNTRY THAT PRESUMES ANYTHING SAID BY SOMEONE IN A POSITION OF REPUTE IS NECESSARILY A PART OF THE PUBLIC RECORD !N IDLE AND UNINFORMED OPINION FROM ANYONE NOT IN A POSITION TO SUBSTANTIALLY ACT ON IT SHOULD NOT BE NEWSWORTHY WHETHER IT COMES FROM A SENATOR OR NOT 7HETHER THE OPINION BECOMES SO WHEN IT IS OFFERED AS A PANDERING CAMPAIGN PLATITUDE IS HIGHLY DEBATABLE AS WELL 3INCE IT HAS BEEN IN THIS CASE FOR BETTER OR WORSE IT IS NOW OPEN TO DISSECTION WHICH IS SOMETHING ITS ISSUER MIGHT ULTIMATELY REGRET /NE THING THAT CAN BE SAID ABOUT 3EN !QUINO ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT NECESSARILY A CREDIT IS THAT HE HAS AT LEAST BEEN CONSISTENT IN HIS RESISTANCE TO THE FUEL EXCISE TAX 4HE FIRST PACKAGE OF THE #OMPREHENSIVE 4AX 2EFORM 0ROGRAM CONTAINING THE NEW FUEL EXCISE TAX WAS PASSED BY THE 3ENATE IN $ECEMBER !QUINO WAS ONE OF FOUR SENATORS VOTING AGAINST IT "ACK IN -AY HE INTRODUCED A BILL SEEKING TO SUSPEND OR REDUCE THE THEN IMPENDING FUEL EX-

KRITZ

CISE TAX IF INFLATION EXCEEDED A CERTAIN LIMIT THAT BILL WAS BYPASSED WITH LITTLE COMMENT #ALLING ON -ALACAÄANG TO TAKE ACTION IS ABOUT THE BEST HE CAN DO AT THIS POINT WITH CONGRESS IN RECESS AND HIS OWN REELECTION DOUBTFUL #ONSISTENCY IS GENERALLY ADMIRABLE BUT NOT WHEN IT IS FOR THE SAKE OF A PERSPECTIVE THAT IS SHORT SIGHTED AND OBJECTIVELY WRONG 4HE FUEL EXCISE TAX DOES HAVE AN INFLATIONARY EFFECT BUT THAT IS ABOUT THE ONLY THING 3EN !QUINO GOT RIGHT ! ROUGH ESTIMATE OF THE INFLATIONARY EFFECT FOR IS THAT IT ADDED BETWEEN AND TO THE OVERALL HEADLINE INFLATION RATE DUE TO ITS IMPACT ON FOOD TRANSPORTATION AND ELECTRICITY PRICES 4HE FUEL EXCISE TAX WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE AN INFLATIONARY EFFECT THIS YEAR DUE TO THE 0 PER LITER INCREASE IN THE TAX AND WILL AGAIN NEXT YEAR WHEN IT IS INCREASED BY ANOTHER 0 TO 0 "ECAUSE THE FUEL TAX IS A kXED AMOUNT IT WILL HAVE A PROGRESSIVELY LOWER IMPACT ON INlATION THIS YEAR AND NEXT AND NO NET IMPACT AFTER "ECAUSE OF THE BASE ESTABLISHED LAST YEAR

³Kritz B4

THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR COULD SEE GROWTH ACCELERATE IF FARMERS ABANDON RICE AND SHIFT TO GROWING HIGH VALUE CROPS A #ABINET OFkCIAL CLAIMED ON 7EDNESDAY g! GROWTH OF MAYBE PERCENT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE SECTOR IF WE FOCUS ON HIGH VALUE CROPS AND JUST IMPORT RICE u "UDGET 3ECRETARY "ENJAMIN $IOKNO TOLD REPORTERS ADDING THAT TRADE SHOULD ALSO BE LIBERALIZED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO REALIZE THE INDUSTRY S POTENTIALS g4HAT IS THE MOST EFFICIENT ECONOMIC ARRANGEMENT !ND AS ) SAID YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO THINK OF WHAT S THE GREATEST GOOD FOR THE FARMERS u HE SAID 4HE "UDGET CHIEF UNDERSCORED THE IMPORTANCE OF RICE TARIFkCATION A PROPOSED LAW IS JUST WAITING FOR 0RESIDENT 2ODRIGO $UTERTE S SIGNA-

P

TURE AND THE PLANNED DEREGULARIZATION OF SUGAR IMPORTS g9OU HAVE TO PUT PRESSURE ON THE SECTOR TO IMPROVE THEMSELVES INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY BECAUSE RIGHT NOW THEY ARE NOT COMPETITIVE u HE SAID NOTING IN PARTICULAR THAT THE COST OF PRODUCING RICE WAS MUCH HIGHER THAN WORLD PRICES OF THE STAPLE !GRICULTURE $IOKNO POINTED OUT EXPANDED BY JUST PERCENT IN AND CONTRIBUTED A MEASLY PERCENTAGE POINT TO FULL YEAR GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT GROWTH OF PERCENT g3IMPLY PUT THE FARM SECTOR HAD VIRTUALLY ZERO CONTRIBUTION TO ECONOMIC GROWTH LAST YEAR u HE SAID !GRICULTURE 3ECRETARY %MMANUEL 0IÄOL MEANWHILE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT INTERVENTION PROGRAMS TO PROTECT FARMERS AGAINST

A SURGE IN IMPORTS !MID $IOKNO S CALL FOR A SHIFT FROM RICE FARMING THE !GRICULTURE CHIEF SAID PRODUCTIVITY COULD BE IMPROVED VIA THE USE OF THE PROPOSED 0 BILLION #OMPETITIVENESS %NHANCEMENT &UND g)F THE INTERVENTIONS WILL BE GIVEN RIGHT AWAY AND OUR FARMERS WILL BE GIVEN ENOUGH TIME TO MAKE USE OF THOSE INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE THEIR PRODUCTIVITY YES OUR FARMERS COULD COMPETE u HE SAID g"UT IF WE IMMEDIATELY IMPLEMENT LIBERALIZATION EVEN BEFORE THE INTERVENTIONS COULD REACH OUR FARMERS AND EVEN BEFORE THEY COULD IMPROVE THEIR PRODUCTIVITY IT COULD LEAD TO THE DEATH OF THE RICE INDUSTRY u 0IÄOL ADDED MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

CORPORATION WHICH IS ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF A FOREIGN COUNTRY MERGE WITH A DOMESTIC CORPORATION ORGANIZED UNDER A SEPARATE LAW OR OUR #ORPORATION #ODE IN THIS CASE 4HE RELEVANT PROVISION IS 3ECTION OF THE #ORPORATION #ODE WHICH STATES THAT FOREIGN CORPORATIONS AUTHORIZED TO TRANSACT BUSINESS IN THE 0HILIPPINES gMAY MERGEu WITH A DOMESTIC CORPORATION gIF SUCH IS PERMITTED UNDER 0HILIPPINE LAWSu AND THE SAME IS ALLOWED BY THE LAWS OF INCORPORATION OF THE FOREIGN CORPORATION )N AN OPINION DATED /CTOBER THE 3%# RULED THAT DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS HAVE NO INHERENT

3/#)!, PROTECTION AGENDAS IN THE REGION WILL BENEkT FROM THE RIGHT FISCAL REFORMS AND POLICIES THE !SIAN $EVELOPMENT "ANK !$" SAID WITH THE 0HILIPPINES TAGGED AS ONE OF SEVERAL !SIA 0ACIFIC ECONOMIES WITH THE POTENTIAL TO MEET THE CHALLENGE ! NEW STUDY BY THE -ANILA BASED LENDER LOOKED AT THE kSCAL SITUATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES SEVEN OF WHICH WERE SAID TO HAVE PERCENT OF THEIR POPULATIONS LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE g-ANY COUNTRIES STILL FACE CONSIDERABLE CHALLENGES IN CREATING THE SUSTAINABLE kNANCING NEEDED FOR THEIR SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAM THE BEDROCK FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE SOCIAL PROTECTION AGENDA UNDER THE 3$'S 3USTAINABLE $EVELOPMENT 'OALS u SAID 7OOCHONG 5M DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE !$" S 3USTAINABLE $EVELOPMENT AND #LIMATE #HANGE $EPARTMENT IN A STATEMENT ON 7EDNESDAY )N ADDITION TO THE 0HILIPPINES THE !$" STUDY ALSO COVERED !ZERBAIJAN #AMBODIA )NDIA )NDONESIA +AZAKHSTAN ,AO 0EOPLE S $EMOCRATIC 2EPUBLIC -ALAYSIA -ONGOLIA -YANMAR .EPAL 0EOPLE S 2EPUBLIC OF #HINA 02# 3RI ,ANKA 4HAILAND 4IMOR ,ESTE AND 6IETNAM g3EVEN OF THE SAMPLE COUNTRIES )NDIA )NDONESIA +AZAKHSTAN

³MTF B4

³Protection B2

Merger of domestic and foreign corporations

RIVATE corporations are created BY kCTION OF LAW AND THEY OWE THEIR EXISTENCE TO THE LAW ESTABLISHING THEM )N OUR JURISDICTION SUCH LAW IS THE #ORPORATION #ODE 5PON THE ISSUANCE BY THE 3ECURITIES AND %XCHANGE #OMMISSION 3%# OF ITS CERTIkCATE OF INCORPORATION A CORPORATION ACQUIRES A SEPARATE AND DISTINCT JURIDICAL PERSONALITY FROM ITS STOCKHOLDERS 4WO OR MORE CORPORATIONS MAY UNDERGO A MERGER WHERE THE SEPARATE EXISTENCE OF THE ABSORBED CORPORATIONS CEASES AND THE SURVIVING CORPORATION ASSUMES ALL THE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE ABSORBED CORPORATIONS BY OPERATION OF LAW !S TO THE TAX LIABILITIES OF THE PRO-

MORE TO FOLLOW (MTF)

EUNEY MARIE MATA-PEREZ CESS THE MERGER IS EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF 3ECTION # OF THE .ATIONAL )NTERNAL 2EVENUE #ODE 4AX #ODE IF IT IS UNDERTAKEN FOR BONA kDE OR VALID BUSINESS PURPOSES AND NOT SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESCAPING THE BURDEN OF TAXATION 3INCE CORPORATIONS OWE THEIR LEGAL PERSONALITIES OR EXISTENCE FROM THE LAW WHICH ESTABLISHES THEM THE QUESTION THEN IS CAN A FOREIGN

B2

Business Times

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

Private banks offer P200B to fund agri-agra projects P BY EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

RIVATE banks have offered P200 billion in funds to the agricultural sector to comply with THE !GRI !GRA LAW A #ABINET OFkCIAL SAID

%NACTED IN 2EPUBLIC !CT OR THE !GRI !GRA ,AW MANDATES BANKS TO ALLOCATE AT LEAST PERCENT OF THEIR OUTSTANDING PORTFOLIO TO AGRICULTURE /F THIS PERCENT SHOULD BE DEVOTED FOR CREDIT FOR AGRARIAN REFORM BENEkCIARIES !GRICULTURE 3ECRETARY %MMANUEL 0IÄOL IDENTIkED THE BANKS AS -ETROBANK "ANK OF THE 0HILIPPINE )SLANDS %AST 7EST "ANK 3TERLING "ANK OF !SIA $EVELOPMENT "ANK OF THE 0HILIPPINES AND MEMBERS OF THE #HAMBER OF 4HRIFTBANKS

0IÄOL SAID THE BANKS EXPRESSED WILLINGNESS TO FUND THE DEPARTMENT S AGRICULTURAL AND AGRARIAN PROJECTS WHICH AIM TO BOOST THE COUNTRY S AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY (E NOTED THAT SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE LAW COMPLIANCE HAD BEEN VERY LOW AND BANKS WERE FORCED TO PAY PENALTIES 4HIS TIME HOWEVER 0IÄOL SAID THE BANKS COMMITTED TO FULLY SUPPORT THE DEPARTMENT S PROJECTS (E SAID THE BANKS WERE gALSO OPEN TO FUNDING PROJECTS WHICH WOULD BE CERTIkED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS !GRI

!GRA LAW COMPLIANT u g)T WAS AGREED THAT $! !#0# $EPARTMENT OF !GRICULTURE !GRICULTURAL #REDIT 0OLICY #OUNCIL WILL SUBMIT TO THE BANKERS GROUP A LIST OF !GRI !GRA LAW COMPLIANT PROJECTS WHICH COULD BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING u 0IÄOL ADDED 0IÄOL SAID COMPLIANCE OF BANKS WITH THE !GRI !GRI LAW WAS LOW BECAUSE THE gGOVERNMENT FAILED TO GUIDE THEM ON WHAT PROJECTS TO FUND u "ANNER PROJECTS OF THE $! INCLUDE SOLAR POWERED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS FARM MECHANIZATION AND COMPLETION OF FARM TO MARKET ROAD NETWORK HE ADDED -EANWHILE LOANS RELEASED BY THE $! !#0# REACHED 0 BILLION SINCE ITS LAUNCH IN *UNE BENEkTTING SOME MARGINAL AND SMALL FARMERS AND kSHERS

4HE !#0# SAID ITS 0RODUCTION ,OAN %ASY !CCESS 0,%! PROGRAM HAS REACHED ABOUT PERCENT OR OF THE UNBANKED MUNICIPALITIES IDENTIkED BY THE "ANGKO 3ENTRAL NG 0ILIPINAS 4HE CREDIT FACILITY OFFERS NON COLLATERALIZED LOANS AT PERCENT ANNUALLY OR PERCENT PER MONTH WITH FREE CROP INSURANCE FROM THE 0HILIPPINE #ROP )NSURANCE #ORPORATION AND WITH lEXIBLE REPAYMENT SCHEDULE AND CONVENIENT LOAN MATURITY g4HROUGH THE 0,%! FARMERS AND kSHERS IN PREVIOUSLY UNBANKED AND UNSERVED AREAS IN #!2 2EGION ) 2EGION )6 ! )6 " 2EGION 6) 2EGION 6)) 2EGION )8 2EGION 8 2EGION 8)) AND 2EGION 8))) NOW HAVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE LOANS FOR THEIR AGRI kSHERY PRODUCTION u THE !#0# SAID

Local firms should save Hanjin – business group FILIPINO firms should be the ones taking over the Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Philippines instead of foreign companies, the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands (CPPI) said. In a statement on Wednesday, Jose Luis Yulo, CPPI president said, “Shipbuilding is a national interest and a national security issue, given that we are an islands nation.” “Foreign expertise can be harnessed

as consultants or managers with a program to teach and support Filipino skills in shipbuilding,” Yulo said Yulo also asked the government, banking institutions and capital markets to gear towards supporting local firms eyeing to takeover the troubled shipping company. Last month, Hanjin filed for a voluntary corporate rehabilitation as it was reportedly indebted to five major Philippine banks amounting to P412 million. It also

reportedly owed $900-million from creditors in South Korea. Among the local creditor banks areLand Bank of the Philippines, BDO Unibank, Inc., Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. and Bank of the Philippine Islands. Earlier, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it would help Hanjin acquire funding by attracting investors to takeover, with two Chinese firms

expressing interest last month. Meanwhile, the CCPI president supported the interest of tycoon Enrique Razon of listed port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) to invest in Hanjin. Reports said Razon saw “some potentials” in Hanjin as the shipbuilder has an infrastructure that could be developed further. TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD

Q PROTECTION FROM B1

PLOYED IF THE COUNTRY S CAN MAINTAIN THEIR PRESENT REVENUE LEVELS 4HE REPORT HOWEVER NOTED THAT THE 0HILIPPINES AND FIVE OTHER COUNTRIES WOULD NEED TO EXPAND REVENUES TO DEVELOP A gMODEST BUT COMPLETEu PROGRAM g3IX DEVELOPING MEMBER COUNTRIES MAY HAVE TO OPEN UP NEW kSCAL SPACE )NDIA )NDONESIA +AZAKHSTAN .EPAL THE 0HILIPPINES AND 3RI ,ANKA TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF A RATHER MODEST BUT COMPLETE SOCIAL

PROTECTION SYSTEM 4HEY WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO BRING THEIR REVENUES UP TO THE REGIONAL AVERAGE TO CLOSE THE SOCIAL PROTECTION GAP u THE REPORT SAID 4HE !$" SAID THE 0HILIPPINES COULD RELY IN HIGHER TAXES TO ADDRESS THIS g!S A NET NATURAL RESOURCES IMPORTER THE COUNTRY IS SUGGESTED TO RELY ON TAXES 0OST TAX SUBSIDY TAXES CAN BE REDUCED TO AN AMOUNT OF PERCENT OF '$0 GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT 4AX EFFORTS CAN BE MADE TO COLLECT PERCENT OF '$0 ESPECIALLY FROM CORPORATE

INCOME TAX u THE REPORT SAID g%SSENTIAL SOURCES OF REVENUE MOBILIZATION FOR THE COUNTRIES IN THE STUDY ARE IN ROUGH DESCENDING ORDER INCREASING THE TAX EFFORT INCLUDING FOR SOME COUNTRIES RAISING TAX RATES REALLOCATING ENERGY SUBSIDIES AND REALLOCATING NATURAL RESOURCE TAXES )N PARTICULAR -YANMAR .EPAL THE 0HILIPPINES AND 4HAILAND COULD GENERATE CONSIDERABLE REVENUES FROM STRICTER TAX ENFORCEMENT u IT ADDED ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

Q RALLY FROM B1

0.3 percent and Frankfurt 0.4 percent. In Manila, most sectors finished in the red except for mining and oil, which gained 0.49 percent. Volume turnover stood at 4.6 billion shares valued at P7.27 billion. Decliners beat advancers, 134 to 75, while 50 issues remained unchanged. ANGELICA BALLESTEROS WITH A REPORT FROM AFP

ADB urges THE 0HILIPPINES THE 02# 3RI ,ANKA AND 4HAILAND MAY WELL HAVE THE kSCAL SPACE TO INTRODUCE EVEN HIGHER LEVELS OF SOCIAL PROTECTION u IT SAID 4HESE INCLUDE UNIVERSAL BENEkTS FOR CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY AND SELF TARGETED BENEkTS FOR THE UNEM-

Stock 0.50 percent, Jakarta inched up 0.18 percent, and Bangkok gained 0.63 percent. European stocks also climbed at the open, with London up 0.3 percent, Paris

How to become productive freelancers O MONEYMAX.PH

.% OF THE ADVANTAGES OF WORKING AS A FREELANCER IS HAVING FLEXIBLE WORK HOURS (OWEVER JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE FULL CONTROL OVER YOUR WORKLOAD DOESN T MEAN YOU CAN SLACK OFF THE WHOLE DAY 4HIS SCENARIO HAPPENS WHEN NO ONE S SUPERVISING YOUR WORK YOU PROCRASTINATE UNTIL IT S TIME TO CRAM SO YOU CAN kNISH YOUR PROJECT ,ET THE FOLLOWING PRACTICES HELP YOU USE YOUR TIME EFkCIENTLY SO YOU CAN LEAD A FRUITFUL FREELANCING CAREER

JOSH MASCARIÑAS

7HO DOESN T WANT TO REPLY TO EMAILS OR WRITE AN ARTICLE WHILE SITTING ON A COZY COUCH OR A COMFORTABLE BEAN BAG 7HO DOESN T WANT TO SIT BACK AND RELAX WHILE WORKING !S MUCH AS YOU WANT TO INTEGRATE WORK LIFE AND HOME IT S IMPERATIVE TO DESIGNATE AN EXTRA ROOM YOU CAN USE AS AN OFkCE A PORTION OF YOUR KITCHEN TABLE OR EVEN A SMALL DESK IN YOUR BEDROOM 4HIS ALLOWS YOU TO FOCUS AND WORK EXPLAINS 6IOLA $RANCOLIA A .EW 9ORK BASED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST 3HE HAD WITNESSED HER CLIENTS BEING PRODUCTIVE AFTER CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT FOSTERS SPACE TO THINK FREELY

DECISION MAKING AS YOU DEAL WITH IMPORTANT MATTERS kRST ! CHANGE IN YOUR DAILY ROUTINE CAN HELP YOU DEAL WITH PERMANENT SOURCES OF STRESS SUCH AS WORK PRESSURE AND PERSONAL PROBLEMS 0RIORITIZE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TASK OF THE DAY 3TART FROM THE MOST CRUCIAL TO THE LEAST IMPORTANT TASK -OMENTUM IS VITAL SO MAINTAIN IT UNTIL ALL TASKS ARE DONE 0LOT FOLLOW WORKING SCHEDULE 3TART THE DAY BY LOOKING AT YOUR CALENDAR AND NOTING DOWN EVERY TASK AND ITS CORRESPONDING DEADLINE "E SPECIkC WHEN IT COMES TO PLOTTING YOUR DUTIES FOR THE DAY ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH STRICTER DEADLINES %VERYDAY SCHEDULE YOUR TO DO LIST AND ALLOT A SPARE TIME TO WORK ON EVENTS AND OCCASIONS THAT COME UP UNEXPECTEDLY 4HIS METHOD HELPS YOU STAY ON TRACK )T ALSO DETERMINES WHEN TO PAUSE FOR A BREAK 4O MAKE THIS PRACTICE MORE EFFECTIVE FREE UP SOME TIME ON YOUR CALENDAR TO MAKE SURE THAT OTHER COMMITMENTS AREN T AFFECTED

Keep phone away

Quick break

Designate workspace

#HECKING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS WHILE WORKING HINDERS YOU FROM ACCOMPLISHING YOUR TASKS 4HE COGNITIVE RESOURCES OR YOUR ATTENTION TO WORK DECREASES WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR PHONE IN SIGHT 0H$ CANDIDATE AT #AMBRIDGE 5NIVERSITY )TAMAR 3HATZ SAYSS +NOWING YOUR PHONE IS WITHIN REACH TEMPTS YOU TO USE IT )N EFFECT YOUR FOCUS REDUCES 3HATZ ADDS 2EFRAIN FROM g/NE SEC ) LL JUST CHECK MY )' OR 4WITTERu AND HIDE YOUR SMARTPHONE WHEN IT S TIME TO WORK $ON T LET NOTIkCATIONS TEMPT YOU TO REACH YOUR PHONE BECAUSE THEY WON T GET YOUR WORK DONE 0UT A DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR PHONE OR HIDE IT INSIDE A DRAWER OR BAG WHERE YOU CAN T SEE IT

4AKE SHORT BREAKS TO FREE YOUR EYES FROM LONG HOURS OF STARING AT YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN 3EIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RUN SOME ERRANDS LIKE SHOPPING FOR GROCERIES OR DOING YOUR LAUNDRY 4AKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE BREAKS 4HEY WILL HELP YOU REFRESH YOUR BRAIN AND REFOCUS YOUR ATTENTION SO YOU CAN HAVE A BETTER PERSPECTIVE OF PENDING TASKS -AINTAIN A COMPOSED WORK ATTITUDE BY CHECKING YOUR WELL BEING REGULARLY )F YOU FEEL TENSE AGITATED OR IRRITATED YOU RE PROBABLY OVERWHELMED WITH YOUR TASKS 'ET SOME FRESH AIR 'ET BACK TO WORK WITH A CALM AND ORIENTED MIND 3ET A REMINDER IN WHICH YOU HAVE TO ASSESS YOURSELF AND HAVE CONTROL OVER YOUR EMOTIONAL STATE )F YOU NEED MORE TIME AFTER WORKING ON A TEDIOUS PROJECT Start big tasks HELP YOURSELF AND SCHEDULE LON#HALLENGE YOURSELF TO TICK OFF GER BREAKS *UST MAKE SURE WORK BIGGER TASKS 4HIS PRACTICE HELPS IS DONE AFTERWARD MAINTAIN THE QUALITY OF YOUR ³MoneyMax B4

The intelligence of the customer &IRST 0ART

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HE CUSTOMER IS NOT A MORON 3HE S YOUR WIFE u SAID $AVID /GILVY THE GENTLEMAN WHO FOUNDED /GILVY -ATHER (ERE S WHY THAT DOESN T HOLD TRUE ANYMORE ) SAY IT ALL TOO FREQUENTLY ) LIVE IN A WORLD OF SECONDS kVE TO INTRIGUE YOU ENOUGH TO STAY YOUR HAND FROM CLICKING TO THE 9OU4UBE VIDEO YOU WERE GOING TO WATCH TO IF IT S A TELEVISION COMMERCIAL A SECOND OR TWO IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN THE BUS GLANCING AT MY BILLBOARD OR MY BUMPER STICKER 7E WORK AND DESIGN AND PLOD AND TRAVAIL NOSE TO THE GRINDSTONE TO GET YOUR ATTENTION KEEP IT IN A GRIP EVEN IF ONLY FOR SECONDS BEFORE OTHER CHANNELS OF INFORMATION WHAT THE INDUSTRY CALLS @POINTS OF CONTACT DISTRACT YOU ) NEED MY EARWORM OF A JINGLE RINGING IN YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING !LL THIS IN THE HOPE OF CONVINCING YOU TO BUY THE PRODUCT PAY FOR THE SERVICE BELIEVE IN THE ADVOCACY VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATE OR WORRY FOR THE COUNTRY )N SECONDS MILLIONS MUST BE SOLD PRODUCTS MUST FLY OFF THE SHELF REPUTATIONS MUST BE STRENGTHENED )N SECONDS "UT kRST ) NEED TO EXTRACT THAT THOUGHTFUL @HMM FROM YOU 4O PRODUCE THOSE SHORT LIVED MESSAGES WE SPEND HOURS AND DAYS SHOOTING EDITING COPYWRITING REVIEWING REVISING 4O PRODUCE A SECOND COMMERCIAL WE COMMISSION MEN AND WOMEN MARKED BY MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE SCARRED BY MISTAKES AND

MANAGEMENT ACTION

VINCENT POZON LESSONS REMEMBERED AND WE ASK THEM TO BOTHER OVER THE LITTLEST OF DETAILS 4O CHECK IF WE HAVE DONE WELL WE DARKEN THE ROOM SOMETIMES PITCH BLACK FREEZE THE FRAME OR SO SETS OF EYES POUR OVER EVERY PIXEL AND FRAME ARGUE OVER COLORS LEVELS OF SOUNDS TIMBER AND TENOR OF THE ANNOUNCER S VOICE !LL THAT EFFORT AND CRAFT AND THE CUSTOMER IS NOT WATCHING 4HE CUSTOMER IS NOT EVEN LISTENING -Y THIRTY SECONDS WHAT ) WAS ALLOWED TO WORK WITH IS PROBABLY REALISTICALLY OR 4HE FAMILY NO LONGER SITS IN FRONT OF THE TELEVISION SET AGREEING TO WATCH A PROGRAM INTENTLY 4ELEVISION IS BACKGROUND MUSIC NOW MORE THAN EVER A COMMERCIAL HAS TO WORK HARDER HAS TO BE CLEARER IN LESS TIME (EADS ARE DOWN READING OTHER SCREENS 4HE SUBTLE THE CLASSY DO NOT WORK 4HE COMPLICATED MESSAGE THE LONGER STORYLINE THEY DIE THE SECOND IT HITS AIR )F YOU WERE WONDERING WHY ADS ARE SO MUCH LOUDER THESE DAYS WELL NOW YOU KNOW 9ES THE CUSTOMER HAS A COMPREHENSION PROBLEM AND THE kRST kLTER IS TIME

Oceans of information )T USED TO BE SIMPLER THEN TELEVI-

SION RADIO NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES THROW IN A BILLBOARD OR TWO AND YOU RE KNOWN AND HEARD AND SELLING AND RINGING CASH REGISTERS 7ITH THE SUPERABUNDANCE OF NEWS SOURCES AND CONTACT POINTS YOU CHOOSE WHAT TO READ WATCH AND LISTEN TO 9OU EDIT BUT THE READING WATCHING LISTENING ARE HARDLY UNDIVIDED OR THOUGHTFUL 4HERE S TOO MUCH INFORMATION AND TOO LITTLE TIME TO CONSUME AND THERE IS NOT JUST ONE OCEAN THERE ARE OCEANS OF INFORMATION 7E RE NOT JUST OVERWHELMED THE WORD 0EW 2ESEARCH USED WAS gFATIGUEDu /N EVERY SINGLE BILLBOARD AND SCREEN ON TELEVISION AND RADIO AND ON ALL YOUR EMAIL ADDRESSES ARE NEWS AND INFORMATION AND VARIOUS ITERATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS AND ANALYSES OF THE NEWS AND INFORMATION 4HEY DON T KNOCK ON YOUR DOOR THEY SEEP INTO YOUR DAY AND WORLD VIA 4WITTER )NSTAGRAM 9OU4UBE AND WHATEVER CHANNEL OR AGGREGATOR OR NEWS SOURCE BRAND YOU RELY ON TO KEEP UPDATED AND CONNECTED ) AM CERTAIN YOU HAVE ALREADY STARTED DISABLING NOTIkCATIONS APP AFTER APP AFTER APP 9OU RE NO LONGER SCROLLING DOWN SCREENS TO THE POINT WHERE YOU WERE LAST BECAUSE YOU JUST CAN T 4HERE ARE HUNDREDS OF NEW EMAIL MESSAGES lOODING YOUR INBOXES EVERYDAY AND THAT DOESN T INCLUDE THE THOUSANDS THAT GET FILTERED AS JUNK 9OU HAVE LONG DECIDED TO LEAVE THOUSANDS OF LETTERS UNOPENED "ECAUSE THERE ARE CHANNELS GALORE AND THE DAY IS NOT ANY

LONGER WE MAKE DO WITH OUR HOURS 4HAT CREATES THE CONSUMER NEED TO SIMULTANEOUSLY USE VARIOUS MEDIA FORMS SIMPLY TO KEEP PACE WITH EVENTS AROUND THEM 7E CALL THAT 3)-- FOR SIMULTANEOUS MEDIA EXPOSURE .O MATTER HOW MUCH WE WANT TO GLORIFY MULTI TASKING SIMULTANEOUS MEDIA CONSUMPTION SIMPLY MEANS YOU RE SKIMMING YOU RE UNDERSTANDING LITTLE YOU RE MAKING DO !ND AS A WAY TO HANDLE THE GAMUT OF CHANNELS YOU PAY ATTENTION TO ONE MEDIUM MORE THAN OTHERS !T CERTAIN POINTS IN TIME AS YOU CONSUME THEM A TELEVISION COMMERCIAL THE MESSAGE OF YOUR FRIEND THAT POPPED INTO YOUR PHONE S SCREEN MAIL NOTIkCATIONS ON YOUR LAPTOP YOUR ATTENTION SWINGS BETWEEN FOREGROUND AND BACKGROUND POINTS OF CONTACT 9OU WILL BE WISE TO EQUATE THE COMPREHENSION OF YOUR READER VIEWER LISTENER AS WEAK AND NEEDING ASSISTANCE STRESSES AND UNDERLINING 9OU COULD SAY THAT AT NO OTHER TIME IN HISTORY IS CREATIVITY AND THE ABILITY TO SHAPE MESSAGES MORE IMPORTANT TO MAKE A DIFkCULT PROPOSITION EASY TO SWALLOW ALMOST PRE DIGESTED )N PART TWO WE DISCUSS OTHER FACTORS THAT OBSTRUCT COMPREHENSION OF ADVERTISING MESSAGES

4HE AUTHOR IS CHAIRMAN OF %STIMA AN AD AGENCY DEDICATED TO HELPING LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS AND CAUSES AND CO FOUNDER OF #AUCUS )NC A MULTI DISCIPLINE CONSULTANCY kRM (E CAN BE REACHED THROUGH VPOZON ME COM

Corporate News Pryce profit up 12% to P1.4B in 2018 ˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

P

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

BY JORDEENE B. LAGARE

RYCE Corp.’s consolidated net income rose by 12 percent to P1.405 billion last year from P1.25 billion in 2017 on the back of increased SALES OF ITS LIQUEkED PETROLEUM GAS ,0' In a disclosure on Wednesday, the listed gas producer said its consolidated revenues grew by 11 percent to P10.23 billion from

P9.23 billion year-on-year. Some 94 percent of the 2018 revenues came from LPG sales and the rest from industrial gases, real

Businessinbriefs MARIWASA TO OPEN BATANGAS CERAMIC PLANT THIS YEAR MARIWASA Siam Ceramics Inc. is investing P100 million to open in Batangas province this year a plant that would manufacture 60x60 square-centimeter (sq-cm) ceramic tiles. In a press briefing on Monday, Mariwasa President Jakkrit Suwansilp said the facility’s construction would be funded by loans, and the kiln to be placed there and expected to be operational by next year would come from China. Despite the current demand for 60x60 sq-cm tiles, the official said his company would still continue producing 20x20 sq-cm tiles, as well as launch new kitchen and pool tiles this year. Suwansilp also said Mariwasa also invested around P30 million for another digital printing machine, bringing the total to four. He added that such a machine could produce high-quality tiles that look “more real� and “more natural.� TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD

estate and pharmaceutical products, it added. LPG retail sales volume, primarily for household cooking, jumped by 4 percent to 196,229 metric tons (MT) last year from 189,562 MT in 2017. Retail sales in Luzon rose by 3.6 percent to 112,334 MT from 108,383 MT, while those in the Visayas and Mindanao climbed by 3.3 percent to 83,895 MT from 81,179 MT. Contract prices for LPG went up by 10 percent to an average of $540.04

It targets to post P1.75 billion in net income, plus or minus 10 percent, for 2019. Pryce said that this year, it “will continue its expansion projects in its marine-fed terminals and REkLLING PLANTS TO FURTHER INCREASE its storage capacities and bring the company’s LPG products much closer to the intended markets.� ,AST YEAR THE kRM CONSTRUCTED NEW REkLLING PLANTS NATIONWIDE four in Luzon, one in Visayas, and seven in Mindanao, adding 577

MT to its total storage capacity. Incorporated and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Sept. 7, 1989, Pryce is a diversified company that operates 12 memorial parks in major cities in Mindanao; and manufactures, distributes and markets industrial gases and LPG through its subsidiaries Pryce Gases Inc. and Oro Oxygen Corp. Shares of Pryce added 9 centavos or 1.5 percent to close at P6.10 each on Wednesday.

Roxas Holdings net loss widens 550% in Q1 ROXAS Holdings Inc. (RHI) reported on Wednesday that its consolidated net loss expanded by 550 percent to 0 MILLION IN ITS kRST kSCAL QUARter ending Dec. 31, 2018 from P30.35 million the year before. In a disclosure, the listed sugar and ethanol producer said net loss from continuing and discontinued operations grew by 20.7 percent to P109.08 million and 348 percent to P88 million, respectively, in the period. The net loss from discontinued operations was due to the operations of subsidiary Central Azucarera Don 0EDRO )NC CLASSIkED AS FOR SALE AFTER RHI decided to sell the unit’s assets

to focus on its businesses on Negros island, RHI Executive Vice President AND #HIEF &INANCE /FkCER #ELSO $Imarucut said. RHI Chairman Pedro Roxas attributed the overall net loss to the “cyclical nature of the business,� referring to a time when repair and maintenance WORKS AT THE kRM S ALCOHOL PLANTS AND SUGAR REkNERY ARE BEING DONE “We expect operations to start PICKING UP IN THE NEXT TWO QUARters,� Roxas said. “We inaugurated [in] November 2018 the two anaerobic digesters at San Carlos Bioenergy Inc. We anticipate to see the FULL BENEkTS FROM THESE FACILITIES IN

THE SUCCEEDING QUARTERS u RHI’s sugar business was also affected by the decline in sugar prices and production, according to RHI President and CEO Hubert Tubio. “We had assumed that the price of raw sugar will hold during the kRST QUARTER CONSIDERING THAT IT was the start of the milling season. However, sugar prices dropped SIGNIkCANTLY IN $ECEMBER IN REACtion to the increasing clamor of food firms for the government to allow them to import sugar,� Tubio explained. The reduced sugar yield, he said, RESULTED FROM SIGNIkCANT WEATHER

CHANGES THAT AFFECTED THE QUALITY of sugarcanes. Meanwhile, RHI’s consolidated revenues rose to P2.26 billion from P996.04 million on the back of increased volume of sugar sold. Incorporated in 1927, RHI PRODUCES RAW AND REkNED SUGAR in different grades, offers tolling OR REkNING SERVICES TO RAW SUGAR owners and manufactures fuel ethanol for local oil companies. It is majority-owned by Hong Kong’s &IRST 0ACIkC #O ,TD 3HARES OF 2() ENDED lAT AT 0 each on Wednesday. EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

DataLand to expand in Clark Global City

PETRON BAGS ISO CERTIFICATION FOR MANDAUE LAB PETRON Corp. has obtained another ISO certification, this time for the testing capabilities of its Mandaue laboratory. In a statement on Wednesday, the oil refining and marketing firm said the Philippine Accreditation Bureau gave that laboratory the ISO/IEC 17025 certification, considered the primary ISO standard for testing and calibration laboratories. According to the ISO website, this certification refers to the general requirements for the competence of a laboratory to carry out tests according to international specifications. It covers testing and/ or calibrations performed using standard, non-standard and laboratory-developed methods. This is the second time Petron won its certification, with the first for its Pandacan laboratory. JORDEENE B. LAGARE

DATALAND Inc. is expanding its portfolio with the planned development of a 2.3-hectare area within the 177-ha Clark Global City in Pampanga province. In a statement on Wednesday, the real-estate company said it had inked a deal with Dennis Uy-led Global Gateway Development Corp. (GGDC) on leasing that space, where it plans to build an office building, dormitel and hotel. â€œWe see phenomenal growth in Clark, where there is continuous development in infrastructure that affects its economic progress,â€? DataLand President Andrea Marie Tamayo-Ulep said.

HOLDING FIRMS

Index

Value

Chg

%Chg

PSEi

7,920.24

-89.68

Ĺş

All Shares

4,811.99

-46.42

Ĺş

Financials

1,803.66

-24.53

Ĺş

Industrial

11,438.16

-35.97

Ĺş

Holding Firms

7,887.65

-94.7

Ĺş

Services

1,581.45

-23.25

Ĺş

Mining and Oil

8,569.86

41.89

Ÿ

Property

3,963.64

-42.75

Ĺş

SERVICES

Stock indices as of February 13, 2019

PSEi

per MT from $491.42 per MT. Meanwhile, income from operations surged by 16 percent to P1.6 billion from P1.37 billion, bolstered by revenue growth and THE EFkCIENT MANAGEMENT OF OPerating expenses. Pryce remains optimistic that the continued implementation of Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (Train), along with its expansion plans, will boost LPG volume this year.

B3

ALL SHARES

MINING AND OIL

“We believe that a partnership with GGDC is a strategic move and we look forward to building developments that help create a progressive environment in one of the largest office markets in the Philippines,� she added. Citing a report by Leechiu Property Consultants in December, DataLand said Clark Global City was expected to drive strong office demand and be a major contributor of office space outside Metro Manila. “We are excited to welcome DataLand as [a] partner in realizing our vision for Clark Global City, which

is integral to the development of the country’s next big metropolis that could further drive economic growth throughout the archipelago,â€? Uy said. Clark Global City is a P6-billion project in the former Clark Air Base, which was previously envisioned as an aviation-focused logistics park exclusively developed by GGDC. Possessing more than 109 hectares, Clark Global City shall host office buildings, upmarket retail outlets, contemporary academic centers, sports centers, urban park, tower, integrated resort and casino, and modern support services

and amenities. The Uy-led Udenna Group has already signed a sublease agreement with SM Prime Holdings Inc. and a deal with Century Properties Group Inc. and Bench owner Suyen Corp. for a joint venture. “We want Clark Global City to serve as a platform for other property developers to not only take a piece of the action in Clark, but also foster economic growth and development beyond the traditional business districts,� Uy said. ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

TOP ACTIVE STOCKS No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Security Name Ayala Land, Inc. SM Investments Corporation BDO Unibank, Inc. Bloomberry Resorts Corporation International Container Terminal Services, Inc. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Ayala Corporation Jollibee Foods Corporation

9 10 11 12

Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company PLDT Inc. Bank of the Philippine Islands

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Manila Electric Company GT Capital Holdings, Inc. 3DFLÂżFD ,QF Col Financial Group, Inc. Security Bank Corporation Universal Robina Corporation Alliance Global Group, Inc. 0HWUR 3DFLÂżF ,QYHVWPHQWV &RUSRUDWLRQ

Last Price Chg 44.4 -0.4 983 -3 137.5 -1.5 11.7 -0.26 115 -1.9 38.5 -0.4 930 -2 316 4

%Chg -0.89% -0.30% -1.08% -2.17% -1.63% -1.03% -0.21% 1.28%

ź ź ź ź ź ź ź Ÿ

Volume 13,515,400.00 420,680.00 2,731,190.00 26,731,200.00 2,615,570.00 6,896,800.00 282,370.00 820,960.00

Value(P) 600,147,325.00 410,774,415.00 375,490,817.00 313,590,118.00 301,750,686.00 264,710,905.00 261,684,970.00 258,044,220.00

0.91 81 1,190.00 88.6

0.1 12.35% -1.35 -1.64% -25 -2.06% -1 -1.12%

Ÿ ź ź ź

198,572,000.00 2,461,510.00 150,540.00 1,923,760.00

203,930,070.00 200,579,967.50 179,467,230.00 171,868,253.50

360 1,048.00 0.051 17.1 171.5 140.5 13.66 4.85

-0.4 -22 0.012 -0.08 -4.9 -0.8 -0.64 -0.03

ź ź Ÿ ź ź ź ź ź

425,320.00 133,110 2,473,300,000 7,140,800 575,560 694,570 6,548,900 18,120,000

153,336,328.00 139,410,380.00 129,343,700.00 121,475,298.00 98,708,386.00 97,824,220.00 90,833,350.00 88,021,76

-0.11% -2.06% 30.77% -0.47% -2.78% -0.57% -4.48% -0.61%

*amounts in peso, except for volume, %chg

TOP GAINERS

FINANCIALS

INDUSTRIAL

PROPERTY

INDEX HISTORY Date Feb 13, 2019 Feb 12, 2019 Feb 11, 2019 Feb 8, 2019 Feb 7, 2019 Feb 06, 2019 Feb 04, 2019 Feb 01, 2019 Jan 31, 2019 Jan 30, 2019 Jan 29, 2019 Jan 28, 2019 Jan 25, 2019 Jan 24, 2019 Jan 23, 2019 Jan 22, 2019 Jan 21, 2019 Jan 18, 2019 Jan 17, 2019 Jan 16, 2019 Jan 15, 2019 Jan 14, 2019 Jan 11, 2019 Jan 10, 2019 Jan 9, 2019 Jan 8, 2019 Jan 07, 2019 Jan 04, 2019 Jan 03, 2019 Jan 02, 2019

Open 8,040 8,077 8,088 8,092 8,093 8,091 8,132 8,039 7,999 8,039 8,087 8,071 8,076 8,001 7,941 8,024 8,055 7,932 7,866 7,983 8,009 7,886 7,965 7,932 7,775 7,820 7,801 7,657 7,507 7,497

High 8,040 8,084 8,106 8,096 8,127 8,214 8,149 8,166 8,099 8,047 8,087 8,144 8,116 8,068 7,990 8,030 8,067 8,058 7,938 7,991 8,028 8,024 7,965 7,992 7,920 7,826 7,901 7,802 7,681 7,540

Low 7,889 7,984 8,062 8,036 8,088 8,058 8,069 8,039 7,999 7,912 8,015 8,042 8,039 8,001 7,902 7,979 7,964 7,920 7,865 7,849 7,976 7,819 7,856 7,899 7,766 7,702 7,788 7,657 7,490 7,466

Close 7,920 8,010 8,062 8,071 8,100 8,058 8,069 8,144 8,007 7,980 8,051 8,054 8,053 8,065 7,990 8,009 8,007 8,047 7,927 7,865 8,013 8,024 7,904 7,985 7,920 7,702 7,788 7,761 7,681 7,489

CLOSE

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

Security Name Liberty Flour Mills, Inc. 3DFLÂżFD ,QF Suntrust Home Developers, Inc. Seafront Resources Corporation Discovery World Corporation Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation Alsons Consolidated Resources, Inc. Mabuhay Vinyl Corporation Prime Media Holdings, Inc. Island Information and Technology, Inc. Philippine Estates Corporation Manila Mining Corporation “Aâ€? Starmalls, Inc. Da Vinci Capital Holdings, Inc. Wellex Industries, Inc. Ayala Corporation Class “Bâ€? Series 2 Preferred Shares Cyber Bay Corporation Paxys, Inc. Solid Group, Inc. Ever-Gotesco Resources & Holdings, Inc.

Volume 900.00 2,473,300,000.00 12,456,000.00 14,000.00 123,000.00 198,572,000.00 15,180,000.00 355,000.00 2,698,000.00 133,230,000.00 43,490,000.00 29,000,000.00 2,568,600.00 41,100.00 30,020,000.00 10.00 13,070,000.00 2,000.00 248,000.00 910,000.00

Value 37,915.00 129,343,700.00 10,923,860.00 37,590.00 279,670.00 203,930,070.00 23,189,410.00 1,298,660.00 3,464,430.00 19,545,580.00 21,694,600.00 252,500.00 16,744,794.00 256,716.00 8,157,700.00 4,980.00 5,664,200.00 6,800.00 348,340.00 125,470.00

Last Price 42.2 0.051 0.81 2.6 2.34 0.91 1.56 3.69 1.28 0.14 0.485 0.0088 6.56 6.38 0.27 498 0.425 3.44 1.44 0.145

Chg 13.9 0.012 0.11 0.33 0.29 0.1 0.16 0.29 0.1 0.009 0.03 0.0005 0.31 0.3 0.01 18 0.015 0.12 0.05 0.005

%Chg 49.12% 30.77% 15.71% 14.54% 14.15% 12.35% 11.43% 8.53% 8.47% 6.87% 6.59% 6.02% 4.96% 4.93% 3.85% 3.75% 3.66% 3.61% 3.60% 3.57%

Value 1,197,370.00 3,934,350.00 348,700.00 83,324,170.00 18,020,040.00 64,800.00 16,250,205.00 69,750,160.00 9,153,750.00 27,495,430.00 15,456,510.00 30,308,360.00 1,501,720.00 158,750.00 4,085,724.00 226,890.00 90,833,350.00 14,800.00 2,993,780.00 68,597,212.50

Last Price 0.8 0.32 1.5 1.38 2.82 0.012 24.9 1.88 0.34 3.24 0.78 0.95 0.221 760 12.2 0.85 13.66 5.92 14.2 63.25

Chg -0.1 -0.04 -0.17 -0.15 -0.28 -0.001 -2 -0.15 -0.025 -0.21 -0.05 -0.06 -0.013 -40 -0.58 -0.04 -0.64 -0.26 -0.58 -2.55

%Chg -11.11% -11.11% -10.18% -9.80% -9.03% -7.69% -7.43% -7.39% -6.85% -6.09% -6.02% -5.94% -5.56% -5.00% -4.54% -4.49% -4.48% -4.21% -3.92% -3.88%

*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 SOCResources, Inc. Coal Asia Holdings Inc. i-Remit, Inc. TKC Metals Corporation Primex Corporation The Philodrill Corporation Asiabest Group International Inc. Xurpas Inc. Zeus Holdings, Inc. Philweb Corporation Omico Corporation Premium Leisure Corp. Millennium Global Holdings, Inc. Manulife Financial Corporation PAL Holdings, Inc. City & Land Developers, Inc. Alliance Global Group, Inc. Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation Macay Holdings, Inc. JG Summit Holdings, Inc.

*amounts in peso except for volume, %chg

Volume 1,457,000.00 11,660,000.00 239,000.00 52,649,000.00 6,156,000.00 5,400,000.00 629,600.00 36,248,000.00 26,790,000.00 8,039,000.00 19,666,000.00 31,152,000.00 6,640,000.00 210.00 329,500.00 267,000.00 6,548,900.00 2,500.00 208,900.00 1,082,090.00

Foreign Business Asian markets surge China’s Xi to meet top as trade deal hopes rise US trade officials – report B B4

˜ The Manila Times

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

EIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping plans TO MEET WITH TOP 53 OFkCIALS IN "EIJING THIS WEEK A REPORT SAID 7EDNESDAY AS THE world’s two biggest economies rush to patch up THEIR TRADE DIFFERENCES BEFORE A LOOMING DEADLINE 8I WILL MEET ON &RIDAY WITH OFkCIALS INCLUDING 53 4RADE 2EPRESENTATIVE 2OBERT ,IGHTHIZER AND 4REASURY 3ECRETARY 3TEVEN -NUCHIN WHO ARE IN THE CAPITAL FOR CRUNCH TALKS TOWARDS A TRADE DEAL THE 3OUTH #HINA -ORNING 0OST REPORTED g8I IS SCHEDULED TO MEET BOTH ,IGHTHIZER AND -NUCHIN ON &RIDAY u IT SAID QUOTING A SOURCE BRIEFED ON THE ARRANGEMENTS 4HE 53 OFkCIALS AND THEIR #HINESE COUNTERPARTS MEET FOR TALKS ON 4HURSDAY AND &RIDAY 4HEY ARE UNDER THE GUN TO SEAL AN ACCORD AHEAD OF THE -ARCH DEAD-

LINE SET BY $ONALD 4RUMP THOUGH THE 53 PRESIDENT SAID 4UESDAY THAT HE WAS OPEN TO EXTENDING THAT DEPENDING ON PROGRESS IN "EIJING g)F WE RE CLOSE TO A DEAL WHERE WE THINK WE CAN MAKE A REAL DEAL ) COULD SEE MYSELF LETTING THAT SLIDE FOR A LITTLE WHILE u 4RUMP TOLD REPORTERS AT THE 7HITE (OUSE )N $ECEMBER 7ASHINGTON SUSPENDED FOR THREE MONTHS 4RUMP S PLAN TO INCREASE TARIFFS ON BILLION WORTH OF #HINESE IMPORTS TO PERCENT FROM THE CURRENT PERCENT TO ALLOW TIME FOR NEGOTIATIONS -NUCHIN TOLD REPORTERS IN "EI-

w w w.manilatimes.net

JING LATE ON 4UESDAY HE WAS EAGER TO START g7E RE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEVERAL IMPORTANT DAYS OF TALKS u HE SAID IN BRIEF REMARKS (E AND OTHER 53 OFkCIALS LEFT THEIR HOTEL ON 7EDNESDAY WITHOUT MAKING SUBSTANTIVE REMARKS 4HE #HINESE DELEGATION WILL BE LED BY 6ICE 0REMIER ,IU (E #HINA S POINT MAN ON TRADE AND CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR 9I 'ANG 4HE TWO SIDES SAID MAJOR PROGRESS WAS MADE IN TALKS LAST MONTH IN 7ASHINGTON BUT SUBSEQUENT COMMENTS HAVE BEEN LESS OPTIMISTIC JARRING kNANCIAL MARKETS AND AMPLIFYING CONCERNS ABOUT HOW THE DISPUTE WILL AFFECT FRAGILE WORLD GROWTH "UT GLOBAL STOCKS ROSE AFTER 4RUMP S HINT OF A DEADLINE EXTENSION 7ASHINGTON IS DEMANDING FAR REACHING CHANGES TO #HINESE

PRACTICES THAT IT SAYS ARE UNFAIR INCLUDING THEFT OF 53 TECHNOLOGY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND MYRIAD BARRIERS THAT FOREIGN COMPANIES FACE IN THE #HINESE DOMESTIC MARKET #HINA HAS OFFERED TO BOOST ITS PURCHASES OF 53 IMPORTS BUT IS WIDELY EXPECTED TO RESIST CALLS FOR MAJOR CHANGES TO ITS INDUSTRIAL POLICIES SUCH AS SLASHING GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES 4HE TWO COUNTRIES HAVE ALREADY SLAPPED TARIFFS ON MORE THAN BILLION IN TWO WAY TRADE WHICH HAS WEIGHED ON THEIR MANUFACTURING SECTORS AND SHAKEN GLOBAL kNANCIAL MARKETS 4HE )NTERNATIONAL -ONETARY &UND WARNED ON 3UNDAY OF A POSSIBLE GLOBAL ECONOMIC gSTORMu AS WORLD GROWTH FORECASTS DIP CITING THE 53 #HINA TRADE ROW AS A KEY PIVOT POINT AFP

Carlos Ghosn’s lead defense lawyer resigns from suspects. In a twist of fate, representing Ghosn’s pitted him against prosecutor Hiroshi Morimoto, a former colleague. Ghosn, who has lost his leadership roles at Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors and Renault, denies the allegations against him and slammed his ongoing detention in an interview with AFP and French newspaper Les Echos earlier this month. “Why am I being punished before being found guilty?” Ghosn asked in an interview at the Tokyo detention centre. Ghosn is accused of under-reporting his income between 2010 and 2015 to the tune of five billion yen ($46 million) and continuing to do so for a further three years. He also stands accused of a complex scheme to try to pass off personal foreign exchange losses to Nissan and using company funds to reimburse a Saudi contact who stumped up collateral for him. AFP

HONG KONG: !SIAN STOCKS SURGED 7EDNESDAY AS 0RESIDENT $ONALD 4RUMP SAID HE MAY EXTEND HIS TRADE DEAL DEADLINE WITH "EIJING AND A REPORT CLAIMED #HINA S 8I *INPING WOULD MEET TOP 53 OFkCIALS SEEMING TO BOOST THE PROSPECTS OF AN AGREEMENT (IGH LEVEL TALKS ARE DUE TO BEGIN IN THE #HINESE CAPITAL 4HURSDAY AIMED AT AN ACCORD TO STOP SHARP 53 TARIFF HIKES THAT COULD DAMAGE THE GLOBAL ECONOMY 4RUMP SAID HE COULD LET HIS -ARCH DEADLINE FOR THE TARIFFS gSLIDE FOR A LITTLE WHILEu IF THE TWO SIDES WERE CLOSE TO A MEANINGFUL DEAL ADDING THAT HE EXPECTS A SUMMIT WITH 0RESIDENT 8I gAT SOME POINTu ,ATER A REPORT IN THE 3OUTH #HINA -ORNING 0OST SAID 8I WOULD PERSONALLY MEET THE 53 DELEGATION IN "EIJING SUGGESTING A REDOUBLED EFFORT TO MAKE PROGRESS ON A DEAL 7ASHINGTON IS DEMANDING CHANGES FROM "EIJING ON WHAT IT SAYS ARE UNFAIR COMMERCIAL PRACTICES ! RESOLUTION WOULD PREVENT 53 TARIFFS MORE THAN DOUBLING ON BILLION IN #HINESE IMPORTS NEXT MONTH 4OKYO ADDED A FURTHER PERCENT AFTER 4UESDAY S GAINS TO kNISH AT A TWO MONTH HIGH (ONG +ONG ROSE PERCENT AND 3HANGHAI EARNED PERCENT ON THE NEWS FOLLOWING 7ALL 3TREET S LEAD %UROPEAN STOCKS ALSO CLIMBED AT THE OPEN WITH ,ONDON UP PERCENT 0ARIS PERCENT AND &RANKFURT PERCENT (OWEVER SOME ANALYSTS STRUCK A CAUTIOUS TONE NOTING THAT MUCH WORK NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE A FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT IS IN REACH g4HE RALLY IN STOCKS HAS BEEN BASED ON HOPE RATHER THAN ANY CONCRETE AGREEMENTS OVERNIGHT u WARNED /ANDA SENIOR ANALYST *EFFREY (ALLEY PREDICTING SHORT TERM VOLATILITY TO

COME AS HEADLINES EMERGE FROM "EIJING %LSEWHERE 3YDNEY SHED PERCENT WITH CALLS FOR A SNAP ELECTION AMID POLITICAL TENSIONS OVER REFUGEES ADDING TO UNDERWHELMING CORPORATE EARNINGS AND SUBDUED METAL PRICES

)T IS GENERALLY A GOOD CONCEPT IN THE SENSE THAT CONSUMPTION TAXES ARE AN ECONOMICALLY MORE REALISTIC IDEA THAN INCOME TAXES BUT THE CURRENT PROGRAM LACKS ANY SORT OF PRODUCTIVE INTENTIONS AND IS PRONE TO SIGNIFICANT REVENUE LEAKAGE 4HE EXPERIENCE OF COUNTRIES THAT SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE FUEL EXCISE TAX REGIMES HAS SHOWN THAT THEY ARE MOST EFFECTIVE WHEN THEY ARE CONSIDERED PRIMARILY CONSERVATION RATHER THAN REVENUE MEASURES !N ADDITIONAL TAX ON FUEL INEVITABLY REDUCES FUEL CONSUMPTION TO SOME DEGREE THE INCREASE IN PRICE MAKES FUEL UNAFFORDABLE FOR SOME CONSUMERS AND UNPALATABLE TO OTHERS &UEL CONSUMPTION AND THEREFORE REVENUE FROM AN EXCISE TAX WILL GRADUALLY DECLINE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME 3INCE VIRTUALLY EVERY ALTERNATIVE TO FOSSIL FUEL USE IS SOME-

THING A LITTLE MORE ECOLOGICALLY SOUND THE TAX REVENUES OVER THAT PERIOD OF TIME SHOULD BE USED TO MAXIMIZE THE CONSERVATION IMPACT 4HE REVENUES COULD BE USED TO HELP FUND THE EXPANSION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS FOR EXAMPLE OR OFFSET TAX CREDITS FOR HYBRID OR ELECTRIC VEHICLES OR HELP FINANCE THE GOVERNMENT S MUCH NEEDED AND LONG OVERDUE EFFORT TO REPLACE OUTDATED JEEPNEYS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 4HOSE KINDS OF PROPOSALS COMING FROM A SENATOR HOPING TO KEEP HIS JOB WOULD BE NEWSWORTHY 3INCE HOWEVER POLITICIANS ARE RARELY HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD THAN CAN BE MET WITH OFF THE CUFF REMARKS WE SHOULD PROBABLY NOT EXPECT TO HEAR ANYTHING OF THE SORT FROM 3EN !QUINO OR ANY OF HIS COLLEAGUES

Shutdown unlikely

4HE .EW :EALAND DOLLAR SOARED PERCENT AS THE CENTRAL BANK HELD INTEREST RATES UNCHANGED AND FORECAST NO MOVES UNTIL STUMPING EXPECTATIONS IT MAY FOLLOW DOVISH LEADS ELSEWHERE BY INDICATING A RATE CUT 2ENEWED GLOBAL INVESTOR CONkDENCE SAW A MOVEMENT AWAY FROM THE GREENBACK WHICH HAS ENJOYED A STRONG RALLY IN THE PAST WEEK TO RISKIER CURRENCIES 4HE POUND MOVED UPWARDS PAST DESPITE NO DEAL "REXIT FEARS AS 0RIME -INISTER 4HERESA -AY WAS ACCUSED BY THE OPPOSITION OF gRUNNING DOWN THE CLOCKu AND gPLAYING CHICKENu WITH "RUSSELS OVER TALKS 4HE YUAN ALSO EARNED BACK LOSSES AFTER IT HAD DROPPED FOLLOWING THE ,UNAR .EW 9EAR BREAK 4RUMP S SUGGESTION THAT ANOTHER CHAOTIC 53 GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WAS NOW UNLIKELY FOLLOWING A DEAL STRUCK IN #ONGRESS OVER BORDER SECURITY FURTHER FUELLED RISK APPETITE 4HE DEAL TO OFFER NEARLY BILLION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A -EXICO BORDER WALL AS WELL AS OTHER SECURITY MEASURES FELL FAR SHORT OF 4RUMP S DEMANDS BUT HAS BEEN PRESENTED AS A WORKABLE COMPROMISE g) DON T THINK YOU RE GOING TO SEE A SHUTDOWN u SAID THE PRESIDENT /IL CONTINUED ITS CLIMB AFTER HEAVYWEIGHT 3AUDI !RABIA SLASHED OUTPUT AND EXPORTS FELL IN CRISIS HIT 6ENEZUELA AFP

TOKYO: Two lawyers defending former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn on charges of financial misconduct quit suddenly on Wednesday, the latest shock twist in a case that has gripped Japan and the business world. There was no immediate explanation as to why the attorneys, who include lead lawyer Motonari Otsuru, were leaving Ghosn’s defence team. Contacted by AFP, the firm declined to comment. A brief statement said only that “today Otsuru and (Masato) Oshikubo submitted letters of resignation to the court as the defence lawyers for the case of Mr. Ghosn”. The surprise decision came on the eve of an expected first meeting between the Tokyo District Court, prosecutors, and defence lawyers to discuss the outlines of Ghosn’s trial. Hot-shot lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, 73, confirmed that he had been asked to join the legal team. Hironaka is a veteran and celebrated

defence lawyer, known for taking on tough and high-profile cases and securing not-guilty verdicts in a country where prosecutors win nearly 99 percent of cases that come to trial. Among his achievements, Hironaka was involved in the successful defence in 2012 of influential politician Ichiro Ozawa, a shrewd election strategist accused of playing a role in misreporting political funds. Speaking outside his office, he told reporters: “I met with Mr. Ghosn and I met with his family and they said they want me to take the case. So I accepted.” Ghosn has been in detention since November 19 and faces charges including under-reporting his compensation and attempting to shift personal investment losses to his employer’s books. There had been no public sign of a rift between Ghosn and his lead lawyers, though neither the executive nor the attorney have spoken much publicly

since the arrest. Otsuru gave a single press conference after Ghosn made a brief court appearance on January 8 to challenge his ongoing detention. The owlish defence lawyer cut a cautious figure at the press event, telling journalists that his client was unlikely to make bail before his case came to court, which he said could take six months. He also pointedly declined to criticise Ghosn’s detention conditions, despite some international concern about the repeated extension of the auto executive’s pre-trial custody. Although he has taken on some of Japan’s most high-publicity cases, Otsuru is known for maintaining a low media profile and little is known about his personal life. A former prosecutor, the bespectacled 63-year-old with floppy greying hair earned the soubriquet “the breaker” as he was so good at extracting confessions

Q SUFFICIENT FROM B1

OBSERVING MONETARY CONDITIONS g!T THE kRST INSTANCE THE MARKET MAY APPEAR LOW ON LIQUIDITY AFTER THE "4R "UREAU OF THE 4REASURY COMPLETES ONE FUNDING EXERCISE 4HE PROCEEDS OF THIS ACTUALLY GOES TO THE "30 AS ;THE= .' DEPOSITORY u HE EXPLAINED g/NCE THE .' STARTS TO FUND PUBLIC DISBURSEMENTS AS AUTHORIZED BY THE $"- $EPARTMENT OF "UDGET AND -ANAGEMENT THE SAME LIQUIDITY GOES BACK TO THE SYSTEM AND ;IS= REDEPOSITED WITH THE BANKS WHICH IN TURN PLACE THEM WITH THE "30 AND HENCE THE OVERSUBSCRIPTION OR LEND IT OUT u HE ADDED 'UINIGUNDO ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WOULD BE MORE PERMANENT REDUCTIONS TO DOMESTIC LIQUIDITY IF THE "30 STARTED SELLING FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND RETAINED THE PROCEEDS RElECTING NEGATIVE MARKET SENTIMENT AND LEADING TO SUSTAINED CAPITAL OUTlOWS g4HIS IS CLEARLY NOT THE CASE TODAY u HE ASSURED -ONEY SUPPLY GREW FASTER IN $ECEMBER DESPITE AN EASING IN BANK LENDING WITH DOMESTIC LIQUIDITY OR - EXPANDING BY PERCENT YEAR ON YEAR TO 0 TRILLION FASTER THAN .OVEMBER S REVISED PERCENT -ONTH ON MONTH AND SEASONALLY ADJUSTED - GROWTH DECREASED BY PERCENT MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

Q KRITZ FROM B1

BEING PRODUCTIVE $ELETE DOCUMENTS YOU NO LONGER NEED /PEN UNREAD EMAILS AND MARK IMPORTANT MES3INCE MOST OF YOUR WORK TAKES PLACE SAGES SO YOU CAN EASILY kND THEM IN YOUR COMPUTER IT S IMPORTANT TO LATER ON "EING DIGITALLY ORGANIZED DECLUTTER kLES THAT DISTRACT YOU FROM HELPS YOU IDENTIFY THE IMPORTANT

AND UNIMPORTANT PARTS OF YOUR WORK +NOW YOUR LIMITS WHEN TRYING TO ACHIEVE PRODUCTIVITY $ON T LET TOO MUCH WORKLOAD EAT UP TIME MEANT FOR YOUR PERSONAL LIFE 9OU DON T HAVE TO STRESS YOURSELF JUST TO MEET

*OSH -ASCARIÄAS IS A CONTENT WRITER AT -ONEY-AX PH 3AVE MONEY ON CAR INSURANCE CREDIT CARDS AND LOANS WHEN YOU COMPARE AND APPLY AT WWW MONEYMAX PHÜ 6ISIT OUR WEBSITE TO KNOW MORE

IS LICENSED TO DO BUSINESS IN THE 0HILIPPINES (OWEVER IN AN OPINION DATED .OVEMBER THE 3%# REVERSED ITS POSITION AND HELD THAT THE LANGUAGE OF 3ECTION ALREADY GRANTS THE FOREIGN CORPORATION THE AUTHORITY TO MERGE WITH A DOMESTIC CORPORATION PROVIDED THAT THE FORMER CAN SHOW OR PROVE THAT THERE IS A SIMILAR AUTHORIZING LAW IN ITS HOME JURISDICTION 4HE AUTHORITY CAN BE GATHERED FROM THE WORDS gMAY MERGEu OR gMAY BE MERGEDu IN SAID SECTION 4HE 3%# POINTED OUT THOUGH THAT

SUCH A MERGER CANNOT JUST BE BETWEEN THE BRANCH OF A FOREIGN CORPORATION AND A DOMESTIC CORPORATION 3INCE THE FOREIGN CORPORATION AND ITS BRANCH ARE ONE AND THE SAME ENTITY THE MERGER HAS TO BE WITH THE FOREIGN CORPORATION ITSELF TOGETHER WITH ITS BRANCH and THE DOMESTIC CORPORATION 4HE 3%# EMPHASIZED THAT THE PHRASE gIF SUCH IS PERMITTED UNDER 0HILIPPINE LAWSu UNDER 3ECTION OF THE #ORPORATION #ODE SHOULD BE CONSTRUED TO INCLUDE OUR NATIONALITY LAWS 4HUS IF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION IS ENGAGED IN ANY NATIONALIZED

CAN MERGE WITH ANY OTHER DOMESTIC CORPORATION 4HE COSTS AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MODE OR STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN ANY MERGER OR RESTRUCTURING SHOULD ALWAYS BE CONSIDERED 5NDER OUR 4AX #ODE AN EXCHANGE OF ASSETS FOR SHARES CAN BE EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX IF THE TRANSFEROR TOGETHER WITH OTHER PERSONS NOT EXCEEDING FOUR GAINS CONTROL OF THE TRANSFEREE !LSO AS MENTIONED A MERGER CAN BE EXEMPT FROM TAX IF IT IS UNDERTAKEN FOR BONA kDE BUSINESS PURPOSES

%UNEY -ARIE * -ATA 0EREZ IS A #0! ,AWYER AND THE -ANAGING 0ARTNER OF -ATA 0EREZ 4AMAYO &RANCISCO -4& #OUNSEL 3HE IS A CORPORATE - ! AND TAX LAWYER 3HE IS THE 0RESIDENT OF THE !SIA /CEANA 4AX #ONSULTANTS !SSOCIATION 4HIS ARTICLE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE WHERE THE FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT )F YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION OR COMMENT REGARDING THIS ARTICLE YOU MAY EMAIL THE AUTHOR AT INFO MTFCOUNSEL COM OR VISIT -4& #OUNSEL S WEBSITE AT WWW MTFCOUNSEL COM

Domestic WITH TOTAL BIDS HITTING 0 BILLION 4HE 4$& INTRODUCED BY THE "ANGKO 3ENTRAL AFTER THE ADOPTION OF THE INTEREST RATE CORRIDOR IN *UNE AIMS TO IMPROVE THE CENTRAL BANK S INlUENCE ON MARKET RATES AND ULTIMATELY ENHANCE MONETARY POLICY 4HE SEVEN AND DAY OFFERINGS WERE ALL OVERSUBSCRIBED PROMPTING THE "30 TO AWARD THE FULL 0 BILLION 0 BILLION AND 0 BILLION UP FOR PURCHASE 4HE RATE FOR THE SEVEN DAY FACILITY ROSE TO PERCENT FROM PERCENT THE DAY TENOR CLIMBED TO PERCENT FROM PERCENT WHILE THE DAY TENOR SLIPPED TO PERCENT FROM PERCENT g,IQUIDITY ;IS= OBVIOUSLY DERIVED FROM SUSTAINED RElOW TO THE BANKS AFTER THE LONG HOLIDAY SEASON AND THE SUSTAINED DISBURSEMENT BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT .' INCLUDING ITS INFRASTRUCTURE EXECUTING DEPARTMENTS u 'UINIGUNDO SAID 'IVEN RECENT CONCERNS OVER LIQUIDITY HE STRESSED THAT THE MARKET SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT TIMING SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN

Q MTF FROM B1

Merger POWER TO MERGE WITH FOREIGN CORPORATIONS 4HE 3%# OPINED THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE NO EXPRESS PROVISION IN THE #ORPORATION #ODE THAT PERMITS THIS TYPE OF MERGER AND THERE IS ALSO NO OTHER STATUTE WHICH WILL ALLOW SUCH A MERGER IN OUR JURISDICTION 4HUS IT DISALLOWED THE MERGER OF A DOMESTIC CORPORATION WITH AN AFkLIATED FOREIGN CORPORATION WHICH

Call to ‘scrap fuel tax’ ANY INlATIONARY EFFECT WILL ONLY BE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE INCREASES IN THE FUEL EXCISE TAX m PERHAPS PERCENT THIS YEAR AND PERCENT NEXT YEAR 9ES SUSPENDING OR ELIMINATING THE FUEL EXCISE TAX WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF REDUCING INlATION BUT ONLY TO THAT MODEST EXTENT 3INCE THE FUEL TAX IS A kXED LEVY RATHER THAN A PERCENTAGE IF OIL PRICES INCREASE THE INlATIONARY IMPACT OF THE TAX ALONE IS ACTUALLY REDUCED IF FUEL PRICES INCREASE BY ABOUT PERCENT THE RELIEF FROM SUSPENDING THE TAX WOULD BE SO NEGLIGIBLE AS TO BE IRRELEVANT &OR THE SAKE OF PRO POOR VIRTUE SIGNALING !QUINO HAS PROPOSED A VIRTUAL NON SOLUTION TO THE PERCEIVED PROBLEM OF HIGH CONSUMER

PRICES 4INKERING WITH THE FUEL EXCISE TAX WOULD AT BEST PROVIDE MINIMAL SHORT TERM RELIEF )F THE EXCISE TAX WERE A PERCENTAGE OF FUEL PUMP PRICES IT WILL PERHAPS SERVE AS A VIABLE INlATION MANAGEMENT TOOL IN ITS CURRENT FORM IT CANNOT )F !QUINO WERE NOT SO CYNICALLY FOCUSED ON ATTRACTING THE MOST PROLETARIAN VOTES FOR THE MINIMAL AMOUNT OF EFFORT HE COULD PROPOSE SUBSTANTIAL PRICE RELIEF SUCH AS REDUCING PUNISHING CONSUMER ELECTRICITY AND WATER RATES BUT THAT REQUIRES MORE RESEARCH AND COLLEGIAL WORK THAN THE TYPICAL 0HILIPPINE LEGISLATOR IS EITHER WILLING OR COMPETENT TO HANDLE 4HAT IS NOT TO SAY THE CURRENT FUEL EXCISE TAX PROGRAM COULD NOT USE SOME IMPROVEMENT

Q MONEYMAX FROM B2

How to become productive freelancers Clear out your “digital office”

ACTIVITY THE MERGER SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IF IT RESULTS IN FOREIGN OWNERSHIP LIMITATIONS BEING BREACHED )T SHOULD BE STRESSED THOUGH THAT THERE ARE OTHER MODES THROUGH WHICH A BUSINESS OR ASSETS OF A LOCAL BRANCH OF A FOREIGN CORPORATION MAY BE ACQUIRED BY A DOMESTIC CORPORATION &OR INSTANCE THE ASSETS OF THE LOCAL BRANCH MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A DOMESTIC CORPORATION IN EXCHANGE FOR SHARES OF THE LATTER !LTERNATIVELY THE ASSETS OF THE LOCAL BRANCH CAN BE SPUN OFF INTO A DOMESTIC CORPORATION AND SUCH DOMESTIC CORPORATION

BEN KRITZ MANILATIMES NET DEADLINES 9OU HAVE TO WORK SMARTLY 2EMEMBER AS LONG AS YOU HAVE FULL CONTROL OVER YOUR WORK YOU CAN LEAD A MORE PROLIkC FREELANCER LIFE

Green Industries Manobo tribe shows why forests should be valued Citizen’s group supports Manila Bay rehabilitation ˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

WHY are forests important? It provides us with shelter, the materials used for buildings and the paper we use to write in school. It also holds water and cleans the air we breathe. These are typical answers one might hear from a student, an urban dweller, or from a top search over the internet. But for the Manobo indigenous group of Surigao, the forest means so much more. Not only do forests provide them with their daily needs, they also hold and represent their culture and identity. “Ang kalasangan mao ang atong kinabuhi (The forest is our life),â€? said Datu Pedrito Agustin of the Manobo tribe during a consultation meeting held at Tandag City.  The Manobo of Barangay Pakwan, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur reside within the forests of Mount Hilong-Hilong. According to Haribon Foundation, Mount Hilong-Hilong is the highest mountain in North Eastern Mindanao and the home to a vast range of wildlife. The ancestral domain of the Manobo can also be found within the areas.  For the Manobo group, the forest is both the treasure and the life of the tribe. Prior to its declaration as Barangay Pakwan in 1981, the Manobo have already been inhabiting the area. Reports accounted that they have lived a simple life, practicing harmony with the forests through their culture and traditions. They farmed crops, hunted wild animals and carried out rituals and tribal celebrations for the Magbabaya (the Creator).Â

Facing destruction from deforestation When logging companies opened in the 1970s, the Manobo have struggled with rampant displacements and discrimination brought about by the arrival of migrants and lowlanders. Lifestyle changes were made necessary in order to survive. Lasting for more than four decades, the tribe was a witness to the damage caused by the massive deforestation at that time including the decline of

wildlife such as the usa (deer), amo (monkey), ayaw (hornbill), milo (wild cats), or the complete loss of species in the area such as the Banug (Philippine eagle), which can no longer be spotted today. The Manobo have also reported lower water levels, lower fish catch, and warmer climate throughout the years.  The passing of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Rights Act and the creation of the National Commission of Indigenous People in 1997 paved the way for the Manobo tribe members to organize their own association, which enabled them to protect the forest, their ancestral domain and rights, and to preserve their cultural way of life.   When the large-scale logging ceased in 2010, the Manobo begun collaborating with various government agencies and non-government organizations. They were provided with different types of training that they have also passed on to their children.  â€œAng edukasyon ang naghatag kanamo ug dalan para maila kami ug adonay balaud na mapapasa alang sa among mga IP (Education paved the way for us to be recognized and for laws to be passed for the IPs),â€? said Datu Romel Dawog, the Municipal Indigenous Peoples mandatory representative of Manobo during the Participatory Situational Analysis activity conducted by Haribon. He added that through building capacities, the next generation would not have to experience what the older generation had struggled with before. The Manobo believe that aside from planting trees and implementing forest-related policies, empowering their members through capacity-building is one of the best ways to strengthen forest protection by the community. The Manobo tribe is part of the Forest Governance Project with Haribon Foundation that aims to strengthen community voice and action in forest governance. It is a five-year program funded by the European Union in partnership with BirdLife International. KATHLEEN D. ZAMBAS

Q Volunteers from the Manobo tirbe of Barangay Pakwan, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, show their support for the Forest Governance Project with Haribon Foundation. HARIBON PHOTO

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

EDITOR: Conrad M. CariĂąo

BY CONRAD M. CARIĂ‘O

T

HE nationwide citizen’s movement Maypagasa has thrown its support for the “Battle of Manila Bay� led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Maypagasa is a multi-sectoral group that advocates good governance, clean environment and community development. It cited the recent statement made by Environment Sec. Roy Cimatu that emphasized gTHE kRM RESOLVE TO BRING -ANILA "AY back to life.� The DENR is leading the clean up of Manila Bay based on the

Supreme Court’s mandamus on Feb. 15, 2011 that mandates the agency and other government entities to rehabilitate the bay to prevent the “continuous cycle of man-made pollution.� “As per media reports, no less than President Rodrigo Duterte earlier this month, approved the Manila Bay rehabilitation

plan proposed by the DENR. The other departments also tasked in the Manila Bay cleanup program include Tourism, Interior and Local Government, Trade and Industry, Defense, and Science and Technology,� Maypagasa said in a statement. The Department of the Interior and Local Government also issued Memorandum Circular 2019-09, dated Jan. 24, 2019 that directs 178 local government units and 5,714 barangay (villages) covering the Manila Bay area to hold weekly clean-ups and follow existing environmental laws in their respective areas starting with the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Project’s launch date, according to the Philippine

B5

Information Agency. The high tribunal ordered concerned government agencies to “clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay, and restore and maintain its WATERS TO g3"u LEVEL TO MAKE THEM kT for swimming, skin diving and other forms of contact recreation.� SB level, according to DENR Administrative Order 34, Series of 1990, refers to Class B water “primarily contact recreation such as bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc.� Maypagasa also supports the Philippine Clean Water Act and other environmental laws, which are among the movement’s core values to bring about real transformation for the present and future generations.

Students join Cagayan town wetlands conservation IN an effort to conserve and protect the wetlands in Buguey, Cagayan province, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) collaborated with the younger generation as their partners during the recently held Buguey Wetlands Summit 2019. Composed of coastal lagoons, freshwater marshes, mangrove SWAMPS MUDlATS WITH SOME kSH crab and shrimp ponds, and large rice paddies, the Buguey Wetlands covers about 500 hectares or about 80 percent of the total land area of Buguey municipality. The DENR Cagayan Valley (Region 2) office said the young partners were the elementary and high school students who resided near the Buguey Wetlands who participated the Buguey Wetlands Summit on February 2. The summit with the theme “Wetlands and Climate Change� highlighted the celebration of the World Wetlands Day (WWD). To raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands, WWD is celebrated every February 2. During the summit, the students learned the importance AND BENEkTS OF WETLANDS THROUGH different interactive lectures and activities. They toured in some areas within the wetlands where

Q Students from different schools participated in the recently held Buguey Wetlands Summit 2019 in Buguey town in Cagayan Province, where they learned the importance and benefits of the wetlands through different interactive lectures and activities. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO they experienced bird watching and asked to identify the migratory birds visiting the area. The students were introduced to kVE SPECIES IN THE WETLANDS INCLUDing Black-winged Stilt, Intermediate Egret, Great Egret, Grey Heron and Purple Heron, and learned to identify common species of mangroves and its parts and functions, which included the seven species of bakawan lalaki, bakawan babae, pagatpat, pototan, saging-saging, nipa and bungalon or api-api. Participating schools were Minanga Elementary School, Mala

Weste Elementary School, Leron Elementary School, Centro West Elementary School, Buguey Central Elementary School, San Isidro Elementary School, Santa Maria Primary, and Licerio Antiporda Senior National High School. During the summit, Adolfo Miranda Jr., Buguey municipal council member, delivered a message appealing for active participation in conserving the Buguey Wetlands. “The survival of the migratory birds and the source of income of the locals depend on the conservation and protection of our very own

Buguey Wetlands,� Miranda said. The summit was part of the Buguey Wetlands Awareness Campaign (BWAn) project that aims to provide supplemental activities for the conservation and development of the environment. It was funded by Ramsar Regional Center-East Asia. “Through the summit, we encourage the students to share and impart what they have learned to build a bigger and stronger network in wetlands protection and preservation,� said Emerlynn Daliong, BWAn project lead. LEANDER C. DOMINGO

Let our love for water continue to flow (Second of two parts)

T

HE United Nations has declared 2018 to 2028 as the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development in order to accelerate international efforts towards meeting water-related challenges, including limited access to safe water and sanitation, increasing pressure on water resources and ecosystems, and an exacerbated risk of droughts AND lOODS

Why the discussion on water so important? Water is the only consistent and absolute requirement for life on Earth. We all drink water, bathe in water, cook with water, and are made of water. Water is a solvent, a solute, a reactant, and a catalyst. The water molecule is the second most common molecule in the universe after hydrogen. There are 100 times as many water molecules in our bodies than the sum of all the other molecules put together. Humans can’t live for more than a few days without water. In the keynote address delivered by the Philippines’ Climate Change Commission (CCC) Sec. Emmanuel de Guzman, during the last National Conference on Water Security, acknowledged that: “Water scarcity is now a growing concern for the Philippines.� He enumerated the most striking data: The 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority stated that only 49 percent of

Filipinos use non-piped improved water sources, while there is still a proportion of 5 percent of Filipinos using unimproved drinking water services. In 2018, the National Economic and Development Authority presented that out of the 22.7 million families, 12.32 percent still have no access to safe water supply. Likewise, alarming is that 2.04 percent of the country’s population have cases of unimproved sanitation and 4.23 percent have occurrences of open defecation. In the latest count of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, under the “Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat� (Salintubig) program, there are still 173 waterless barangays across 15 regions that need urgent interventions for water supply and access. Philippines has lost 1.09 million hectares of tree cover from 2001 to 2017, which is equivalent to a 5.9-percent decrease since year 2000, which is a contributory factor to MASSIVE lOODING IN THE LOWLANDS AND urban communities, according to a report by Global Forest Watch. Philippines is 54th among all countries that were determined by the World Resources Institute as highly water-stressed in sectors including agricultural, domestic and industrial, while Asian Development Bank ranks us 37th out of 48 countries on the national water security index — both clear indicators that with climate change, our rank can still reach a higher notch in terms of water stress and water insecurity.

The Philippines, being a country surrounded by water, is projected to experience a “high� degree of water shortage in 2040, according to a report published by the World Resources Institute. The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said during Roundtable Discussions on Water Security that hydropower takes up most of the allocated water for non-consumptive use at 57.09 percent, while for consumptive use, irrigation takes the lead at 73.05 percent. Nine cities in the country were IDENTIkED AS WATER STRESSED IN THE late 1990s, and other cities are still adding up to the list.

Student Leadership Conference on Development On February 18 to 19, the Student Leadership Conference on Development at the United Nations has dedicated this year’s theme ON g%NSURING 3AFE 3UFkCIENT AND Accessible Water and Sanitation for All.� The annual conference to be hosted by the University of Makati will have three major subthemes, namely: water and sanitation resource management and innovation; water sanitation and infrastructure: and water pollution. Now running on its 10th year, the conference, conceptualized in 2010 by Green Education Motivators headed by Wayne Jacoby, aims to bring students together from around the world to tackle real and pressing development issues facing our society today. I Am SAM

ALL ABOUT CHOICES LUDWIG O. FEDERIGAN Foundation Inc., the Philippine Convener and cofounded by Rayla Melchor Santos, has been the local host for the past six years. As one of the partner organizations representing the Young Environmental Forum, I will deliver a message of inspiration to mobilize our young people to act on water-related challenges that will contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goal.

Youth’s response to the water problem According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2019: “Water crisis as a societal strain is a leading global risk both in terms of likelihood and impact.� Fifty young leaders representing different schools and universities from north to south of the country have been selected to represent the Young Environmental Forum for the conference. Let me share with you what they have to say when asked with the question: “What can I do to address the water problem?� Ronaldo Magsakay, 20, BA Journalism, Bulacan State University said: “Water crisis is a serious problem that we must face. As a youth and as a writer, it is a calling for us to use any platform that we have to

further influence more people to conserve water. Change is something that will not magically come. It will start from me, it will start from us.� Raymark Paul Rigor, 21, MS Conservation and Restoration Ecology, University of the Philippines-Baguio: “Water crisis is so evident worldwide, and it prevails due to climate change. Potable water is now scarce in various regions that citizens are turning to whatever water resources they can adhere to. I believe that human action towards progress must always be observed that it does not compromise the environment, for this will cause further damage in land, water and other resources. As a researcher, I am fully aware of the potentials on how we can make new technology and enhance the existing ones to give people ways on how to have clean, potable waTER LIKE THE STRAW THAT kLTERS MUDDY water for instant drinkable water.� Aldwin Silfavan, 19, AB Political Science, West Visayas State University: “First, I can devote my personal time and space by simply sharing and proliferating awareness and learnings, news, articles, reliable blogs about water crisis through social media platforms. Second, I can participate in community activities like coastal clean-up in riverine and coastal barangay (villages) because it’s not just clean water, we should make sure it is also safe that can sustain life of the organisms living in there by maintaining a good pH LEVEL SUITABLE FOR kSH SPECIES AND other organisms. Third, we can expound our knowledge about water

crisis by joining initiatives of Young Environmental Forum, which will improve our understanding and be innovative of our ways.� Klel Sien Cordova, 20, BS Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines: “I have experienced living in an area where the residents need to store water for their daily consumption because there is no water supply ranging from three to more than six hours daily. As an environmental engineering student, I can use water wisely. I will ensure that I will not take it for granted because we will never know the worth of water until water become scarce. I will participate in tree planting activities especially in areas near the watersheds and practice CLAYGO (Clean As You Go) wherever I go.� Jonalyn Dilangalen, 21, BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Southern Mindanao: “In our generation, our water sources maybe the most critical element in our society if we do not do our part to make it more safe and clean. As a student leader, I will address the water crisis with the people who are irresponsible to their environment. Throwing garbage anywhere, especially to the canal, rivers and lakes is very disappointing. We must think of our generation and the generations to come. The betterness of our world begins with us, so let us conserve water and save humanity.� Love is like water. We can’t live without it. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

World Trump: No govt shutdown this weekend W B6

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

ASHINGTON, D.C.: Under mounting pressure from his own party, US President Donald Trump appeared to be grudgingly leaning toward accepting an agreement Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) that would head off a threatened second government shutdown but provide just a fraction of the money he’s been demanding for his Mexican border wall. Trump said he would need more time to study the plan, but he also declared he was not expecting another shutdown this weekend when funding for parts of the government would run out. He strongly signaled he planned to scrounge up additional dollars for the wall by raiding other federal coffers to deliver on the signature promise of his presidential campaign.

g) CAN T SAY ) M HAPPY ) CAN T SAY ) M THRILLED u 4RUMP SAID OF the proposed deal. “But the wall is GETTING BUILT REGARDLESS )T DOESN T MATTER BECAUSE WE RE DOING OTHER THINGS BEYOND WHAT WE RE TALKING about here.� !CCEPTING THE DEAL WORKED OUT BY congressional negotiators from both parties, would be a disappointment for a president who has repeatedly

insisted he needs $5.7 billion for a barrier along the US-Mexico border, saying the project is paramount for national security. Trump turned down a similar deal in December, forcing the 35-day partial shutdown that left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without paychecks AND 2EPUBLICANS REELING 4HERE IS LITTLE appetite in Washington for a repeat. Lawmakers tentatively agreed Monday night to a deal that would provide nearly $1.4 billion for border barriers and keep the governMENT FUNDED FOR THE REST OF THE kSCAL year, which ends on September 30. The agreement would allow 55 MILES KILOMETERS OF NEW FENCing — constructed using existing designs such as metal slats — but FAR LESS THAN THE MILES KM THE 7HITE (OUSE DEMANDED in December. The fencing would BE BUILT IN 4EXAS 2IO 'RANDE 6ALLEY

Full details were not expected to be released until Wednesday as lawmakers worked to translate their verbal agreement into legislaTION "UT 2EPUBLICAN LEADERS URGED Trump to sign on. “I hope he signs the bill,� said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who joined other GOP leaders in selling it as a necessary compromise that represented a major concession from Democrats. !PPROPRIATIONS #OMMITTEE #HAIRMAN 2ICHARD 3HELBY 2EPUBLICAN !LABAMA EXPRESSED OPtimism Trump would be on board. “We believe from our dealings WITH THEM AND THE LATITUDE THEY VE given us, they will support it,� he said. “We certainly hope so.� Others were less upbeat. Sen. *OHN #ORNYN 2 4EXAS WHO TRAVeled with the president to a rally in #ORNYN S HOME STATE -ONDAY NIGHT

SAID g-Y IMPRESSION lYING BACK WITH HIM FROM %L 0ASO LAST NIGHT IS THAT HE THINKS IT S PRETTY THIN GRUEL u ! PRESIDENTIAL REJECTION OF THE deal could plunge Congress into a new crisis, as lawmakers have no clear Plan B. They need to pass some kind of funding bill to avoid another shutdown at midnight Friday and have worked to avoid turning to another short-term bill that would only prolong the border debate. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Trump said of a possible shutDOWN g) DON T THINK IT S GOING to happen.� Still, he made clear that, if he does sign on to the deal, he is strongly considering supplementing it by moving money from what he described as less important areas of government.

“We have a lot of money in this COUNTRY AND WE RE USING SOME OF that money — a small percentage of that money — to build the wall, which we desperately need,� he said. That could be more difficult than he made it sound, facing challenges in Congress or federal court or both. The White House has long been laying the groundwork for Trump to use executive action to bypass Congress and divert money into wall construction. He could declare a national emergency or invoke other executive authority to tap funds including money set aside for military construction, disaster relief and counterdrug efforts. AP

China prepares for hi-tech Cold War IN its latest move to maintain leadership in the high-tech sector, the US on Monday rolled out a plan to GIVE ARTIkCIAL INTELLIGENCE !) MORE priority and resources, a move that Chinese observers warned may represent the formal launch of a new high-technology Cold War. Industry insiders said the executive order signed by US President Donald Trump showed the US expanding its containment of Chinese TECHNOLOGY FROM THE ' TO THE !) sector as a debate rages over a posSIBLE !) ARMS RACE IN WHICH THE 53 may be ceding leadership to China. Trump signed an executive ORDER -ONDAY PRIORITIZING !) INvestment in research and development, increased access to federal data, models for that research and preparation of workers to adapt to THE !) ERA 2EUTERS REPORTED The executive order stressed the “paramount� importance of US LEADERSHIP IN !) TO THE COUNTRY S national security and to shape GLOBAL EVOLUTION OF !) TO BE CONSIStent with US values and priorities. It comes two years after the State #OUNCIL #HINA S CABINET ISSUED A PLAN THAT LISTS !) DEVELOPMENT as a national strategy and sets the target of China becoming a major CENTER FOR !) INNOVATION BEFORE LEADING THE WORLD IN !) TECHNOLOGY and applications by 2030. Li Yi, a senior research fellow AT THE )NTERNET 2ESEARCH #ENTER AFkLIATED TO THE 3HANGHAI !CADemy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that the Trump executive order launches a new US offensive in the high-tech sector that will certainly bring about more containment of its biggest competitor, China. The executive order requested protection for 53 !) TECHNOLOGY FROM gATTEMPTed acquisition by strategic competitors and adversarial nations.� *UST LIKE THE kERCE COMPETITION in 5G technologies, the US will likely tighten technology and talent exchanges with China, said Chinese analysts. #HINESE !) ENTERPRISES WILL FACE more pressure and a less friendly environment for their business in the US, but those changes will only make them stronger and more resilient, said Li. The executive order brings higher policy risks for US investors and entrepreneurs who do business with Chinese partners, analysts predicted. International academic exchanges may also face stricter scrutiny, especially in the defense sector, they said. 4HE GLOBAL !) INDUSTRY MIGHT SPLIT into two camps if the US drives this style of competition with China, and in the worst-case scenario, the US might start an ideological alliance and warn allies to pick sides, said Li. But that scenario also requires cooperation by the allies, Li noted. GLOBAL TIMES

LOVE NEST

African penguins compete for a heart-shaped valentine handed out by aquarium biologist Piper Dwight at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco on Tuesday. The hearts were handed out to the penguins who naturally use similar material to build nests in the wild. AP PHOTO

Thai princess apologizes for PM bid BANGKOK: ! 4HAI PRINCESS HAS APOLOGIZED AFTER HER SHORT lived candidacy for prime minister earned a royal rebuke from her brother — the king — and sent jitters across the politically febrile country just weeks before elections. -EANWHILE 4HAILAND S %LECTION #OMMISSION SAID Wednesday it would ask the constitutional court to dissolve the party that put forward a princess as a prime ministerial candidate, days after the king rebuked the move in a stern royal command. “The action is considered hostile to the constituTIONAL MONARCHY u THE COMMISSION S STATEMENT SAID Thailand has been mired in political drama since Friday, WHEN 0RINCESS 5BOLRATANA S NAME WAS SUBMITTED AS A PRIME MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE BY THE 4HAI 2AKSA #HART 0ARTY

The party is allied with the powerful Shinawatra clan, which has won all elections since 2001 but whose patron, the billionaire ex-premier Thaksin, lives in self-exile to avoid jail. 5BOLRATANA S UNPRECEDENTED BID TO ENTER FRONTLINE politics unravelled within hours after King Maha Vajiralongkorn decried the entry of a royal into the political fray as “highly inappropriate.� 4HAILAND S MONARCHY IS SEEN AS ABOVE POLITICS ALTHOUGH royals have intervened in public during times of political crisis. 4HE PRINCESS WAS DISQUALIkED AS A PRIME MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE BY THE %LECTION #OMMISSION ON -ONDAY which cited the royal command. It is now discussing WHETHER TO REFER 4HAI 2AKSA #HART TO THE CONSITUTIONAL court for dissolution. AFP

Worldinbriefs TRUMP: OMAR SHOULD RESIGN WASHINGTON, D. C.: President Donald Trump said Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) that freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar’s apology for suggesting that members of Congress support Israel because they were being paid to do so was “lame� and that she should resign. In a pair of tweets over the weekend, the Minnesota Democrat, who is one of the first two Muslim women to serve in Congress, criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. “It’s all about the Benjamins baby,� she wrote, using slang for $100 bills. Asked on Twitter who she thought was paying members of Congress to support Israel, Omar responded, “AIPAC!� Trump told reporters at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that “anti-Semitism has no place in the United States Congress.� The president said it was “terrible� what Omar said. AP

CANADIAN MINISTER QUITS OVER LIBYA GRAFT PROBE OTTAWA: A Canadian minister’s sudden resignation on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) turned vague allegations of interference in the criminal prosecution of an engineering giant into a deepening political crisis for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals. Jody Wilson-Raybould’s resignation followed a chorus of demands for the government to come clean about whether Trudeau’s office had pressured her to intervene in the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin. The Montreal-based firm was charged in 2015 with corruption for allegedly bribing officials in Libya between 2001 and 2011 to secure government contracts during former strongman Moamer Kadhafi’s reign. Wilson-Raybould, who was Canada’s first indigenous attorney general and justice minister prior to being shuffled to another post last month, announced on Twitter that “with a heavy heart� she was leaving the cabinet. Trudeau said he was “surprised and disappointed.� AFP

AUSTRALIA REOPENS ISLAND DETENTION CAMP FOR REFUGEES

BLOSSOM TIME

An Indian vendor sorts flowers at a flower market for the forthcoming Valentine’s Day celebrations in Chennai, India on Wednesday. AFP PHOTO

Sinaloa continues without chief MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s powerful Sinaloa cartel marches on despite the arrest, extradition and now conviction in New York of its notorious leader, Joaquin “El Chapoâ€? Guzman, and the proof of this lies in huge, multi-drug shipments detected on the border in recent weeks. Those heaping bags of fentanyl and plastic tubs of crystal meth, heroin and cocaine offer no sign that the cartel has been weakened, lost sway over its traditional territory in northwestern Mexico or seen its international reach curtailed by the loss of its notorious leader. “It’s still a major, major force in the Mexican criminal underworld,â€? Mexican security analyst Alejandro Hope said. The cartel still controls a worldwide web of contacts that can move Colombian cocaine to Cameroon and Mexican meth cooks to Malaysia. It also controls seaports to get drugs and precursor

chemicals shipped in from around the globe; employs labs and chemists to process them; bribes corrupt cops to ensure the drugs can be moved to the border; has engineered multimillion-dollar tunnels to smuggle tons of marijuana and cocaine under the frontier; and pays “mules� to ferry shipments in cars and trucks. That doesn’t even count the armies of hitmen and enforcers who moonlight in extortion and kidnapping, plus the money launderers, front corporations and political contacts. There’s also a world of professionals such as architects, jewelers and even musical groups, who provide entertainment and launder money. Perhaps most important, Sinaloa continues to control what’s referred to as the “last mile� in the United States, using its wholesale distribution network to get drugs into the hands of local gangs and street dealers. AP

CANBERRA, Australia: The Australian government said Wednesday it would reopen a mothballed island detention camp in anticipation of a new wave of asylum seekers arriving by boat after Parliament passed legislation that would give sick asylum seekers easier access to mainland hospitals. The Christmas Island immigration detention camp, south of Jakarta, Indonesia, was a favorite target of people smugglers who brought asylum seekers from Asia, Africa and the Middle East in rickety boats from Indonesian ports before the trade virtually stopped in recent years. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a security committee of his cabinet agreed to reopen the camp on the advice of senior security officials. The decision was made before the Senate passed legislation 36 votes to 34 that would allow doctors instead of bureaucrats to decide which asylum seekers on camps on the Pacific island nations of Papua New Guinea and Nauru can fly to Australia for hospital treatment. AP

CAMBODIA SLAMS EU’S ‘INTERFERENCE’ THE Cambodian government yesterday chastised the European Commission’s move to initiate a six-month “intensive monitoring� period of the country over perceived democratic and human rights setbacks, labelling the move “an extreme injustice� and “tantamount to acts of interference.� The EC on Monday launched the monitoring period, which could lead to the suspension of the Kingdom’s preferential access to the European Union market under the Everything-but-arms trade scheme. The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) expresses its deep regret over the European Commission’s decision,� a statement issued last night said. “The RGC considers this decision as an extreme injustice when the EC disregards the concrete measures and substantial progresses made by the RGC.� KHMER TIMES

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Any party opposed to the granting of the petition is directed to appear at WKH VFKHGXOHG KHDULQJ DQG PXVW ÂżOH LWV YHULÂżHG RSSRVLWLRQ RQ RU EHIRUH the date of hearing, furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioners. Failure on the part of any affected SDUW\ WR ÂżOH LWV RSSRVLWLRQ RQ WLPH and to appear at the scheduled hearing shall be construed as a waiver of its right to be heard and the Commission shall proceed to hear and decide the petition on its merit.

Any party opposed to the granting of the petition is directed to appear at WKH VFKHGXOHG KHDULQJ DQG PXVW ÂżOH LWV YHULÂżHG RSSRVLWLRQ RQ RU EHIRUH the date of hearing, furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioners. Failure on the part of any affected SDUW\ WR ÂżOH LWV RSSRVLWLRQ RQ WLPH and to appear at the scheduled hearing shall be construed as a waiver of its right to be heard and the Commission shall proceed to hear and decide the petition on its merit.

WITNESS, the +21 *$0$/,(/ $ &25'2%$, Commissioner, National Telecommunications Commission, this 7WK day of FEBRUARY 2019.

WITNESS, the +21 *$0$/,(/ $ &25'2%$, Commissioner, National Telecommunications Commission, this 7WK day of FEBRUARY 2019.

WITNESS, the +21 *$0$/,(/ $ &25'2%$, Commissioner, National Telecommunications Commission, this 11WK day of FEBRUARY 2019.

WITNESS, the +21 *$0$/,(/ $ &25'2%$, Commissioner, National Telecommunications Commission, this 11WK day of FEBRUARY 2019.

(SGD.) $'5,$12 % &21681-, Chief, Commission Secretariat

(SGD.) $'5,$12 % &21681-, Chief, Commission Secretariat

(SGD.) $'5,$12 % &21681-, Chief, Commission Secretariat

(SGD.) $'5,$12 % &21681-, Chief, Commission Secretariat

MT - Feb. 14, 2019

MT - Feb. 14, 2019

Applicant, further requests for the issuance of a 3URYLVLRQDO $XWKRULW\ 3$ SHQGLQJ ÂżQDO GHWHUPLQDWLRQ RI the application.

MT - Feb. 14, 2019

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS 0,6$0,6 25,(17$/ VW ',675,&7 (1*,1((5,1* 2)),&( REGIONAL OFFICE X Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental ,19,7$7,21 72 %,' The Department of Public Works and Highways Misamis Oriental First District (QJLQHHULQJ 2IÂżFH '3:+ 02)'(2 through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors to submit bids for the following Contract: 1. Procurement ID/Contract ID : .. Contract Name : Concreting of Road, Brgy. Macopa Contract Location : Talisayan, Misamis Oriental Brief Description : Concreting of Road Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php 24,748,860.00 Source of Funds : GAA FY 2019 Contract Duration : 120 calendar days 2. Procurement ID/Contract ID : .. Contract Name : Concreting of Road, Brgy. Dig-aguyan Contract Location : Medina, Misamis Oriental Brief Description : Concreting of Road Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) : Php 24,748,860.00 Source of Funds : GAA FY 2019 Contract Duration : 120 calendar days 3. Procurement ID/Contract ID : .. Contract Name : Construction of Foot Protection Works along Balatukan River, Brgy. Napaliran Contract Location : Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Brief Description : Construction of Foot Protection Works $SSURYHG %XGJHW IRU WKH &RQWUDFW $%& 3KS Source of Funds : GAA FY 2019 Contract Duration : 180 calendar days The BAC is conducting the public bidding for this Contract in accordance with RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). To be eligible to bid for this Contract, a contractor must meet the following major UHTXLUHPHQWV D )LOLSLQR FLWL]HQ RU )LOLSLQR RZQHG SDUWQHUVKLS FRUSRUDWLRQ with PCAB license for Size Range____, (b) completion of a similar contract FRVWLQJ DW OHDVW RI WKH $%& DQG F 1HW )LQDQFLDO &RQWUDFWLQJ &DSDFLW\ (NFCC) at least equal to the ABC.* The DPWH will use non-discretionary “pass/failâ€? criteria in the eligibility check, SUHOLPLQDU\ H[DPLQDWLRQ RI ELGV HYDOXDWLRQ RI ELGV SRVW TXDOLÂżFDWLRQ DQG award. The schedule of key procurement activities for this Contract is shown below:

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3/$&( *Hard copies at BAC Secretariat, Address. 1.Issuance/ Downloadable from (a) Downloading February 13 to 19, 2019 until 11:00 A.M. DPWH website www.dpwh. of Bidding gov.ph and (b) PhilGEPs Documents website www.philgeps.gov.ph 2. Pre-Bid February 20, 2019, 10:00 DPWH-MOFDEO, Assistant Conference A.M. 'LVWULFW (QJLQHHUÂśV 2IÂżFH 3. Receipt by the 'HDGOLQH 0DUFK BAC, DPWH-MOFDEO, 3rd until 11:00 A.M. Floor BAC of Bids 4. Opening of 0DUFK # BAC, DPWH-MOFDEO, 3rd Bids P.M. Floor Bidders shall pay the BAC a non-refundable fee of 3KS for the %LGGLQJ 'RFXPHQWV RI FRQWUDFW ,' 1R V .. .. DQG .. upon securing hard copies of the Documents. Bidders that downloaded the Documents from the DPWH/PhilGEPS website shall pay the fee upon submission of their bids. The Department of Public Works and Highways Misamis Oriental First District (QJLQHHULQJ 2IÂżFH '3:+ 02)'(2 reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to annul the bidding process any time before the Contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders, in accordance with the provisions of Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR. ,I DW WKH WLPH RI WKH SRVW TXDOLÂżFDWLRQ SURFHGXUH WKH %$& YHULÂżHV WKDW DQ\ RI WKH GHÂżFLHQFLHV LV GXH WR WKH FRQWUDFWRUÂśV IDXOW RU QHJOLJHQFH SXUVXDQW WR E

(ii)(c) of the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184 (2016 RlRR of RA 9184), the Procuring Entity shall disqualify the contractor from the award without any right to reimburse fees and incidental cost paid for the procurement of infrastructure contract subject of the Bid. Any requests for additional information concerning this bidding shall be directed to the following: 521$/' 7 *(03,6$2 Assistant District Engineer BAC Chairman DPWH-MOFDEO, BAC, 3rd Flr. 7HOHID[ 1R GSZKPRIGHR#\DKRR FRP

'21(// 0$5. ) %$5$1'$ Engineer II Head –BAC Secretariat DPWH-MOFDEO, BAC, 3rd Flr. 7HOHID[ 1R GSZKPRIGHR#\DKRR FRP Approved by: 6*' 521$/' 7 *(03,6$2 BAC Chairman

MT - Feb. 14, 2019

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Applicant, further requests for the issuance of a 3URYLVLRQDO $XWKRULW\ 3$ SHQGLQJ ÂżQDO GHWHUPLQDWLRQ RI the application.

MT - Feb. 14, 2019

127,&( 2) (;75$-8',&,$/ 6(77/(0(17 2) ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late -8$1,7$ 1* )$1 was extrajudicially-settled by and among her heirs on February 11, 2019 and acknowledged as Doc. No. 218 on Page No. 24 of Book No. 1 Series of 2019 before Atty. Germino G. Bagares, a notary public for and in the City of Manila. MT – Feb. 14, 21 & 28, 2019

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council +286,1* $1' /$1' 86( 5(*8/$725< %2$5' SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION (STR)

3$81$:$

NOTICE

Ipinagbibigay alam na ang '$7$/$1' ,1& 0D\ DUL 7DJD GHEHORS

sa pamamagitan ng “Deed of Absolute Sale� ay naghain sa Tanggapang ito ng sinumpaang aplikasyon para sa pagbebenta ng “residential condominium units� sa 7+( 0,5(1 (1&/$9(6 na matatagpuan sa BM Road, Brgy. San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan at sinasakop ng Lote Blg. /5& 3VG QD VXPDVDLODOLP sa Titulo Blg. T-074-2013001162. Ang nasabing proyekto ay sumasailalim sa 3' 5HVLGHQWLDO &RQGRPLQLXP

Notice is hereby given that '$7$/$1' ,1& (Owner/Developer) by virtue of Deed of Absolute Sale KDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV 2IÂżFH D VZRUQ registration statement for the sale of residential condominium units in 7+( 0,5(1 (1&/$9(6 located at BM Road, Brgy. San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and more particularly described as Lot 6 /5& 3VG DQG FRYHUHG E\ TCT Nos. T-074-2013001162. The SURMHFW LV XQGHU 3' 5HVLGHQWLDO Condominium).

Ang nasabing proyekto ay ginagamit ang Participation Through InvestmentIncentivized Compliance, sa pamamagitan ng pag deposito ng “THREE MILLION SIXTY FOUR THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTEEN PESOS $1' 3 ´ VD Trust Account sa ilalim ng Escrow Agreement sa pamamagitan at sa gitna ng DATALAND, INC., HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD (REGIONAL OFFICE) at ASIA UNITED BANK CORPORATION (AUB), bilang pagsunod sa Seksyon 18 ng Republic Act No. 7279 na na-ameyendahan ng Republic Act No. 10884.

The foregoing project is utilizing the Participation Through InvestmentIncentivized Compliance by depositing the amount of “THREE MILLION SIXTY FOUR THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTEEN PESOS $1' 3 LQ 7UXVW Account under Escrow Agreement by and among DATALAND, INC., HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD (REGIONAL OFFICE) and ASIA UNITED BANK CORPORATION (AUB), as its compliance pursuant to Section 18 of Republic Act No. 7279 as amended by Republic Act No. 10884.

Ang mga kasulatang kaugnay nito ay maaring suriin ng sinumang tao na nagtataglay ng ligal na interes doon pagkatapos ng wastong aplikasyon at kaukulang bayad. 3DJNDUDDQ QJ OLPDQJ DUDZ PXOD sa huling araw ng pagkalathala ang proyektong nabanggit ay ituturing na rehistrado na at maaring bigyan ng sertipiko bilang katibayan nito kapag wala nang sagabal na ligal.

All papers relative thereto shall upon request and payment of processing fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon. Absent legal impediment, the abovecited project is deemed registered DQG D FHUWLÂżFDWH LQ HYLGHQFH WKHUHRI VKDOO IRUWKZLWK EH LVVXHG DIWHU ÂżYH days from the last day of publication.

Lungsod ng Calamba, Laguna, ika-12 ng Pebrero 2019.

Calamba City, Laguna, 12th day of February 2019.

Recommending Approval:

Recommending Approval:

6*' (1*5 (00$18(/ * */,32 Head - Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD)

6*' (1*5 (00$18(/ * */,32 Head - Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD)

Approved by:

Approved by:

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council +286,1* $1' /$1' 86( 5(*8/$725< %2$5' SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION (STR) 3$81$:$ Ipinagbibigay alam na ang *2/'(1 %5,$ +2/',1*6 ,1& 0D\ DUL DW 7DJD GHEHORS sa pamamagitan ng “Deed of Absolute Saleâ€? ay naghain sa Tanggapang ito ng sinumpaang aplikasyon para sa pagbebenta ng “memorial plotsâ€? sa *2/'(1 +$9(1 0(025,$/ 3$5. 6$5,$<$ na matatagpuan sa Brgy. Sampaloc 1, Sariaya, Quezon at sinasakop ng mga Lote Blg. 2776-C at Lote Blg. 2776-D na sumasailalim sa mga Titulo Blg. 7 DW 7 $QJ QDVDELQJ proyekto ay sumasailalim sa EO 648.

Absent legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed UHJLVWHUHG DQG D FHUWLÂżFDWH LQ evidence thereof, shall forthwith EH LVVXHG DIWHU ÂżYH GD\V IURP the last day of publication.

3DJNDUDDQ QJ OLPDQJ DUDZ PXOD sa huling araw ng pagkalathala ang proyektong nabanggit ay ituturing na rehistrado na at maaring bigyan ng sertipiko bilang katibayan nito kapag wala nang sagabal na ligal. Lungsod ng Calamba, Laguna, ika11 ng Pebrero 2019.

Calamba City, Laguna, 11th day of February 2019.

Recommending Approval:

Recommending Approval:

6*' (1*5 (00$18(/ * */,32 Head - Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD)

6*' (1*5 (00$18(/ * */,32 Head - Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD)

Approved by:

Approved by:

6*' (1*5 )5$1&,6 ' 25'(1,=$ 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU

6*' (1*5 )5$1&,6 ' 25'(1,=$ 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU

MT - Feb. 14 & 21, 2019

MT - Feb. 14 & 21, 2019

MT - Feb. 14 & 21, 2019

MT - Feb. 14 & 21, 2019

+286,1* $1' /$1' 86( 5(*8/$725< %2$5' Expanded National Capital 5HJLRQ )LHOG 2IÂżFH 6th Floor, Sunnymede IT Center, Quezon Avenue Quezon City NOTICE Notice is hereby given that (03,5( ($67 /$1' +2/',1*6 ,1& (Owner/ 'HYHORSHU KDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV Board a sworn registration statement for the sale of units at .$6$5$ 85%$1 5(6257 5(6,'(1&(6 72:(5 $1' located at Eagle St., Brgy. 8JRQJ 3DVLJ &LW\ VSHFLÂżFDOO\ GHVFULEHG DV /RWV ( ( ( DQG ( DOO RI /5$ Psd-12834; and covered by TCT No. 011-2012002224, with total area of 18,812.00 square meters. The project was issued 'HYHORSPHQW 3HUPLW 1R RQ 0D\ &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 5HJLVWUDWLRQ 1R GDWHG 01 April 2013, and License to Sell 1R RQ $SULO IRU Towers 1 and 2. All papers relative thereto shall upon request and payment of processing fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon

07 March 2019 07 March 2019

Calamba City, Laguna, 11th day of February 2019. Recommending Approval: 6*' (1*5 (00$18(/ * */,32 Head - Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD) Approved by: 6*' (1*5 )5$1&,6 ' 25'(1,=$ 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU

MT - Feb. 14, 2019

The Philippine Navy through the Philippine Navy Bids and Awards Committee-1 (PNBAC-1) invites all contractors/suppliers/ manufacturers/distributors to bid for the project as stated below:

1RPHQFODWXUH $FWLYLW\ 05 31%$& Drydocking and Other Related Repairs of BRP %(1*8(7 /6

$SSURYHG %XGJHW IRU WKH &RQWUDFW

3ULFH RI %LGGLQJ 'RFXPHQWV 1RQ 5HIXQGDEOH

3

3

'DWH 7LPH 3UH %LG 6XEPLVVLRQ &RQIHUHQFH 2SHQLQJ RI %LG 3%&

(QYHORSHV 62%(

February 19, 2019 9:00 AM (Tuesday)

0DUFK 9:00 AM (Tuesday)

'HOLYHU\ 3HULRG One Hundred Eighty (180) Calendar Days from the day after the arrival conference

2.

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected during the Bid Opening. Interested Bidders may obtain further information from PN BAC in the given address below from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 0RQGD\ to )ULGD\

3.

Issuance of Bidding Documents: )HEUXDU\ WR 0DUFK IURP $0 WR 30 0RQGD\ WR )ULGD\

4.

PNBAC Secretariat will provide a complete set of Bidding Documents to the interested Bidders upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount indicated above at &5% &308 3KLOLSSLQH 1DY\ )LQDQFH &HQWHU 31)& 1DYDO 6WDWLRQ -RVH )UDQFLVFR )RUW %RQLIDFLR 7DJXLJ &LW\

7KH PHWKRG RI SD\PHQW ZLOO EH in the form of cash. The prospective Bidder shall receive the Bidding Documents personally or his/her authorized representative.

6.

All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in the form as prescribed in the bidding documents for the project. Late bids shall not be accepted.

7.

The Head of the Procuring Entity reserves the right to reject any and all bids, annul the bidding process, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For more information, please visit or call the: 2IÂżFH RI WKH 31 %LGV DQG $ZDUGV &RPPLWWHH 1DYDO 6WDWLRQ -RVH )UDQFLVFR )RUW %RQLIDFLR 7DJXLJ &LW\ Contact person: LT RAYMOND A ROLDAN PN &HOO 3KRQH 1U (PDLO $GG SQEDF #JPDLO FRP

Quezon City, Metro Manila, NOV 09, 2018 6*' $77< 1250$1 -$&,172 3 '25$/ 2IÂżFHU ,Q &KDUJH

6*' $/%(572 % &$5/26 Commodore AFP Chairman, PNBAC-1

MT - Feb. 14, 2019

The CAAP invites the public to attend and participate in the public hearings/ consultations at the Civil Aviation Training Center, Merville Access Road, Pasay City. Date and Time of the Public Hearings/Consultation are as follows:

06 March 2019

Any person with valid objection for the change of ownership, may ¿OH LQ ZULWLQJ ZLWK WKH +RXVLQJ and Land Use Regulatory Board – Southern Tagalog Region (HLURB-STR), Dencris Business Center, Brgy. Halang, Calamba City, Laguna.

6HFWLRQ , ,QYLWDWLRQ WR %LG 1.

Absent any legal impediment, the above-cited project is deemed registered and a certificate, in evidence thereof, shall forthwith EH LVVXHG DIWHU ÂżYH GD\V IURP the last day of publication.

M.T. February 07 & 14, 2019

NOTICE

HEADQUARTERS PHILIPPINE NAVY 2)),&( 2) 7+( 3+,/,33,1( 1$9< %,'6 $1' $:$5'6 &200,77(( Naval Station Jose Francisco, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

Pursuant to Sections 17 and 26 of Republic Act 9497, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will conduct Public Hearing/ Consultation on the proposed adjustment to the fees and charges of WKH /LFHQVLQJ DQG &HUWLÂżFDWLRQ 'HSDUWPHQW /&' )OLJKW 2SHUDWLRQV Department (FOD), Airworthiness Department (AWD) and Regulatory Standards Department (RSD) of the Flight Standards Inspectorate Service (FSIS).

06 March 2019

Notice is hereby given that &21689,/ 5($/7< $1' '(9(/230(17 &25325$7,21 KDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV %RDUG IRU DQ $PHQGPHQW RI &HUWLÂżFDWH RI Registration and License to Sell (CR/LS) due to change of project name from *22' 6+(3+(5' &28175< +20(6 WR *22' 6+(3+(5' 0217( +20(6 and change of name of owner from 0251,1* 67$5 3523(57,(6 $1' '(9(/230(17 &25325$7,21 WR &21689,/ 5($/7< $1' '(9(/230(17 &25325$7,21 by virtue of Deed of Assignments dated 27 October 2017 and 30 January 2019.

6*' (1*5 )5$1&,6 ' 25'(1,=$ 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU

6&+('8/( 2) )((6 $1' &+$5*(6

0DUFK 0DUFK

NOTICE

6*' (1*5 )5$1&,6 ' 25'(1,=$ 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU

127,&( 2) 38%/,& +($5,1* &2168/7$7,21 1

04 March 2019

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council +286,1* $1' /$1' 86( 5(*8/$725< %2$5' SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION (STR)

All papers relative thereto shall upon request and payment of processing fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon.

Republic of the Philippines &,9,/ $9,$7,21 $87+25,7< 2) 7+( 3+,/,33,1(6

'$7( 04 March 2019

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council +286,1* $1' /$1' 86( 5(*8/$725< %2$5' SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION (STR) *2/'(1 %5,$ +2/',1*6 ,1& 2ZQHU 'HYHORSHU by virtue of Deed of Absolute Sale KDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV 2IÂżFH D VZRUQ registration statement for the sale of memorial plots in *2/'(1 +$9(1 0(025,$/ 3$5. 6$5,$<$ located at Brgy. Sampaloc 1, Sariaya, Quezon and more particularly described as Lot 2776-C & 2776-D and covered by 7&7 1RV 7 7 7KH project is under EO 648.

Ang mga kasulatang kaugnay nito ay maaring suriin ng sinumang tao na nagtataglay ng ligal na interes doon pagkatapos ng wastong aplikasyon at kaukulang bayad.

B7

TIME 9:00 A.M. - 12:00P.M.

&21&(51(' 2)),&( Licensing and &HUWLÂżFDWLRQ 'HSDUWPHQW 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Flight Operations Department 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Airworthiness Department 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M Regulatory Standards Department 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Licensing and &HUWLÂżFDWLRQ 'HSDUWPHQW Flight Operations 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Department 9:00 A.M. - 12:00P.M. Airworthiness Department 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M Regulatory Standards Department

For inquiries, please contact Atty. Rechel T. De Torres, Head Secretariat )6,6 )HHV DQG &KDUJHV &RPPLWWHH DW 7HOHSKRQH 1XPEHU 6*' &$37$,1 '21$/'2 $ 0(1'2=$ Deputy Director General for Operations Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines

Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court National Capital Judicial Region Branch 160, Pasig City (San Juan City Station) IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR CHANGE OF ENTRY (CHANGE OF NATIONALITY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF DEATH OF DIONG BI CHU AS APPEARING IN THE RECORDS OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS OFFICE MARGARET C. KUA, PATRICK C. CHANG JR., MARJORIE DIONG, MADELINE D. GO, MELINDA C. DIONG, ET AL., Petitioners, - versus –

Spec. Proc. Case No. 13087-SJ

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES represented by the OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY, CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL AND THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF SAN JUAN CITY, Respondents. x-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x 25'(5 ,Q D YHULÂżHG DPHQGHG SHWLWLRQ WKH SHWLWLRQHUV DVN WKH &RXUW WR UHQGHU MXGJPHQW GLUHFWLQJ WKH /RFDO &LYLO 5HJLVWUDU RI 6DQ -XDQ &LW\ WR UHFWLI\ WKH HQWU\ LQ WKH GHDWK FHUWLÂżFDWH RI 'LRQJ %L &KX SHUWDLQLQJ WR KLV FLWL]HQVKLS IURP Âł)LOLSLQR´ WR Âł&KLQHVH ´ )LQGLQJ WKH SHWLWLRQ VXIÂżFLHQW LQ IRUP DQG VXEVWDQFH OHW LW EH VHW IRU KHDULQJ RQ )HEUXDU\ WR VWDUW DW LQ WKH PRUQLQJ DW ZKLFK WLPH DQG GDWH DQ\ LQWHUHVWHG SDUW\ PD\ HQWHU KLV KHU DSSHDUDQFH ZLWKLQ )LIWHHQ GD\V IURP QRWLFH WR WKH SHWLWLRQHU DQG show cause why the petition should not be granted. Let this order be published once a week for Three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in Metro Manila, including San Juan City at the expense and lookout of the petitioner. /HW WKH QRWLFH RI KHDULQJ EH SRVWHG LQ WKH EXOOHWLQ ERDUGV RI WKLV &RXUW WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH &OHUN RI &RXUW 57& 3DVLJ &LW\ DQG WKH City Hall, San Juan City, at least Twenty (20) days before the date of hearing, likewise, at the expense and lookout of the petitioners. Finally, let copy of the amended petition be furnished by the petitioners the Solicitor General, the City Prosecutor of San Juan City, the Local Civil Registrar of San Juan City, the Civil Registrar General of the Philippine Statistics Authority, to serve as notice to them of the institution of the petition. SO ORDERED. Issued on 11 December 2018 at San Juan City, M.M. Philippines. 6*' )5$1. ( /2%5,*2 Acting Presiding Judge Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court National Capital Judicial Region Branch 160, Pasig City (San Juan City Station) IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR CHANGE OF ENTRY (CHANGE OF NATIONALITY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF DEATH OF DIONG BU CHU AS APPEARING IN THE RECORDS OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS OFFICE MARGARET C. KUA, PATRICK C. CHANG JR., MARJORIE DIONG, MADELINE D. GO, MELINDA C. DIONG, MATTHEW C. DIONG, CANDIDA C. CUAZON and SALLY C. DEE Petitioners, - versus –

Spec. Proc. Case No. 13087

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES represented by the OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY, CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL AND THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF SAN JUAN CITY, Respondents. x------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x 127,&( 2) +($5,1* To: Atty. Patricia Faith R. Lacuensta 17th Floor, Robinsons Equitable Tower, 4 ADB Avenue corner P. Poveda Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City Patrick C. Chang 29 Concorde St., Concorde Village, Tambo, ParaĂąaque City

07 )HE

Margaret C. Kua Block 1, Lot 10, Richwood Square, Easter Road, Guisad, Baguio City Marjorie Diong 1627 Cypress St., DasmariĂąas Village, Makati City

Madeline D. Go 278-B Guevarra Street, San Juan City

Melinda C. Diong 1627 Cypress St., DasmariĂąas Village, Makati City

Matthew C. Diong 1627 Cypress St., DasmariĂąas Village, Makati City

Candida C. Cuazon LPL Mansion, 122 Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City

Sally C. Dee 2389-J Tejeron Street, Sta. Ana, Manila

Local Civil Registry of San Juan City San Juan City Hall

2IÂżFH RI WKH 6ROLFLWRU *HQHUDO No. 134 Amorsolo St., Legazpi Village, Makati City

2IÂżFH RI WKH &LW\ 3URVHFXWRU RI 6DQ -XDQ &LW\

Civil Registrar General of Philippine Statistics Authority c/o PSA Legal Service 4th Floor PSA-TAM Bldg. East Avenue, Quezon City

EDITORS AND DESKMEN &RPSHWHQFLHV • Excellent command of written and spoken English • Degree holder preferably in journalism, communications, or related discipline (e.g. political science or economics with journalism experience) • Experience in editing news, analytical reports and columns • Strong news judgment and familiarity with local issues, as well as an understanding of relevant world affairs • $ELOLW\ WR ZULWH DQG HGLW ZLWK ÀDLU DQG VSHHG WR PHHW WLJKW GHDGOLQHV • )DPLOLDU ZLWK 0LFURVRIW 2I¿FH VRFLDO PHGLD DQG VHDUFK HQJLQHV • Ability to lead and organize a team well • Good attitude, willingness to adjust to new systems and ability to respect authority within the organization Please email your resumÊ at: hrd@manilatimes.net, or you may apply personally at 2/F Sitio Grande Bldg., 409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila (Formerly TRB Bldg.), or you may call Irish de Guzman at 524-5664 local 122.

Please take notice that the hearing on the amended petition is set on 21 February 2019 at 8:30 a.m. Witness the Hon. Frank E. Lobrigo, Acting Presiding Judge of this Court this 04 January 2019 at San Juan City, Metro Manila. 6*' (81,&( * 6$/9$'25 OIC-Branch Clerk of Court ',5(&7 WKDW D FRS\ RI WKH 'HDWK &HUWLÂżFDWH DV GXO\ FRUUHFWHG EH IXUQLVKHG WR WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH &LYLO 5HJLVWUDU *HQHUDO RI WKH 3KLOLSSLQH 6WDWLVWLFV 2IÂżFH Other reliefs just and equitable are likewise prayed for. Pasig City for San Juan City, 12 September 2018. %(//2 9$/'(= &$/8<$ )(51$1'(= -*/$: Counsel for the Respondents 17th Floor, Robinsons Equitable Tower, 4 ADB Avenue corner P. Poveda Drive, 2UWLJDV &HQWHU 3DVLJ &LW\ 7HO 1R 2IÂżFH 0RELOH 1RV E-mail: LQIR#MJODZSK FRP By: 6*' *5(*25,2 *(55< ) )(51$1'(= ,%3 /LIH 1R 0DNDWL &LW\ 375 1R 3DVLJ &LW\ Roll No. 36697 MCLE Compliance No. V-0013933/02.12.16 6*' 3$75,&,$ )$,7+ 5 /$&8(67$ ,%3 1R 0D\ 4XH]RQ &LW\ 375 1R -XO\ 3DVLJ &LW\ New Lawyer (Admitted to the Bar last 07 June 2018) Roll of Attorneys No. 71798 MT - Feb. 7, 14 & 19, 2019

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7KH 3KLOLSSLQH (FRQRPLF 2XWORRN IRU “Riding the Tailwinds: Pursuing Growth and Value Amid Rising Global Risks� March 6, 2019 | Registration: 8:30 a.m. | Program: 9:40 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Mayuree Ballroom, Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City The global economy enters 2019 with decidedly slower growth, continued volatility and heightened risks. Interest rates are normalizing and pushing investors in search of higher-yielding assets, as economic performance diverges across countries and regions. While the US is poised for strong performance, China is looking for a soft landing, and emerging markets are showing signs of weakness. Also heightening risks are populist policies and the prospect of trade wars. The Philippines, however, remains a bright spot as it forges ahead with its infrastructure drive, expands revenue collections, and sustains growth at above 6 percent. The domestic economy

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could yet ride through, if not defy, the tailwinds of 2019, getting a boost from increased spending due to the midterm elections and the slowdown in consumer inflation. The Philippines will also continue to benefit from its favorable demographic profile, with growing disposable incomes sustaining demand for property, leisure, automobiles, technology and others. The Manila Times Economic Outlook 2019 Forum will feature top policymakers and business leaders who will make the case for the Philippines’ continued viability as an investment and growth hub.

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TTHURSDAY FFEBRUARY 14, 2019

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Triple for James but Lakers stumble, Warriors roll on L

Q Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James dunks over Atlanta Hawks Taurean Prince during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday in Atlanta.

OS ANGELES: LeBron James produced a 28-point triple double but it was not enough to prevent the Los Angeles Lakers from sliding to defeat against the lowly Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

AP PHOTO

! STONY FACED *AMES MARCHED QUICKLY OFF THE COURT AT THE 3TATE &ARM !RENA FOLLOWING A FOURTH DEFEAT IN kVE GAMES FOR THE ,AKERS WHO WERE PUMMELED BY 0HILADELPHIA IN THEIR PREVIOUS OUTING ON 3UNDAY *AMES kFTH TRIPLE DOUBLE OF THE YEAR INCLUDED POINTS REBOUNDS AND ASSISTS (OWEVER THE ,AKERS WERE UNDONE BY A DETERMINED (AWKS LINE UP WHICH SPREAD THE SCORING THROUGH THEIR RANKS TO COMPLETE A WIN g!T THE END OF THE DAY WE LOST THE BALL GAME ) DON T CARE WHAT ) DID INDIVIDUALLY u *AMES SAID OF HIS PERFORMANCE g) COULD CARE LESS IF ) M NOT WINNING BALL GAMES 4HAT S WHAT ) M ALL ABOUT ) CAN THROW THAT GAME IN THE TRASH u *OHN #OLLINS AND 4RAE 9OUNG HAD POINTS EACH FOR THE (AWKS WHILE FOUR OTHER PLAYERS MADE DOUBLE kGURES 4HE ,AKERS FELL TO WITH THE DEFEAT

LEBRON TOPS NBA RICH LIST – FORBES

LOS ANGELES: ,E"RON *AMES REMAINS THE TOP EARNING PLAYER IN THE ."! WHILE AN INCREASING NUMBER OF STARS HAVE BOOSTED THEIR INCOME THROUGH OFF kELD ACTIVITIES A &ORBES SURVEY REVEALED ON 4UESDAY 7EDNESDAY IN -ANILA &ORBES SAID THAT ,OS !NGELES ,AKERS STAR *AMES WAS THE HIGHEST PAID PLAYER IN BASKETBALL FOR A kFTH STRAIGHT YEAR POCKETING AN ESTIMATED MILLION IN !ROUND MILLION OF *AMES S EARNINGS CAME FROM SALARY AND BONUSES WHILE MILLION WAS GENERATED THROUGH ENDORSEMENTS 'OLDEN 3TATE 7ARRIORS ACE 3TEPHEN #URRY RANKED SECOND ON THE EARNINGS LIST WITH MILLION WITH SALARY ACCOUNTING FOR MIL LION AND ENDORSEMENTS MILLION #URRY S 'OLDEN 3TATE TEAMMATE +EVIN $U RANT WAS THIRD WITH MILLION !ROUND MILLION OF $URANT S EARNINGS ARE FROM HIS SALARY WHILE ENDORSEMENTS ACCOUNT FOR MILLION $URANT HAS EARNED MORE THAN

MILLION IN HIS CAREER TO DATE ACCORDING TO &ORBES /KLAHOMA #ITY 4HUNDER S 2USSELL 7ESTBROOK WAS FOURTH ON THE LIST WITH MILLION -OST OF 7ESTBROOK S EARNINGS COME THROUGH HIS LUCRATIVE CONTRACT WITH THE 4HUNDER REPORT EDLY WORTH MILLION OVER kVE YEARS 4HE TRIPLE DOUBLE KING ADDED A FURTHER MILLION THROUGH ENDORSEMENTS 2EIGNING ."! -60 *AMES (ARDEN ROUNDED OUT THE TOP kVE ON THE LIST WITH MIL LION MILLION SALARY AND MILLION ENDORSEMENTS 4HE &ORBES SURVEY NOTED THAT THAT THE TOP EARNERS IN THE ."! WILL MAKE AROUND MILLION THIS YEAR UP MORE THAN MILLION FROM kVE YEARS AGO 4HE REPORT POINTED TO SEVERAL STARS WHO HAVE LOOKED TO DIVERSIFY THEIR BRANDS INTO DIFFERENT AREAS WITH *AMES #URRY AND $URANT ALL SETTING UP THEIR OWN COMPANIES TO MANAGE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN MEDIA AND MARKETING AFP

Another golden era for welter, middle weights (Second of two parts) N THE kRST INSTALLMENT OF THIS TWO PART SERIES ) NAMED THE TOP kGHTERS IN THE WELTER POUNDS AND MIDDLE POUNDS WEIGHT DIVISIONS WHO COULD CREATE THEIR OWN GOLDEN ERA WITH OUR VERY OWN -ANNY 0ACQUIAO AND &LOYD -AYWEATHER *R kGURING IN THE MIX IF THE TWO (ALL OF &AMERS DECIDE TO STICK IT OUT FOR WHILE IN THE GAME 4HE TOP kGHTERS ARE UNDEFEATED +EITH 4HUR MAN -IKEY 'ARCIA %RROL 3PENCE *R AND 4ERENCE #RAWFORD AND STILL DANGEROUS 3HAWN 0ORTER AND $ANNY 'ARCIA WHO BOTH HAVE TWO DEFEATS 4HEN THERE S DARKHORSE -ARCOS -AIDANA AND BIG GUYS 3AUL !LVAREZ AND 'ENNADY 'OLOVKIN ,OOKING AT THE LIST !LVAREZ HAS ALREADY ES TABLISHED HIMSELF AS THE TOP DRAW HAVING BANK ROLLED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FROM HIS LAST kGHTS -IKEY 'ARCIA VS 3PENCE HAS ALREADY BEEN SET FOR -ARCH WHICH ) BELIEVE CAN TRIGGER MORE kGHTS BETWEEN THE TOP DOGS IN THE WELTER AND MIDDLE WEIGHT DIVISIONS .OW WHAT IF 0ACQUIAO AND -AYWEATHER FOREGO THEIR REMATCH IN THE MEANTIME OR FOR GOOD TO TRADE LEATHER WITH ONE TWO OR THREE OF THOSE TOP kGHTERS -AYWEATHER STILL WITH ZERO DEFEATS CAN lAUNT HIS DRAWING POWER AND MONEY TO GET ANY OF THE TOP DOGS IN THE RING (E ALREADY BEAT !L VAREZ IN 3EPTEMBER IN A kGHT THAT RANKED AMONG THOSE THAT GOT THE MOST PAY PER VIEWS .OBODY PERHAPS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF -AIDANA HAS BEEN ABLE TO UNRAVEL -AY WEATHER S COUNTERPUNCHING EXPERTISE AND THAT MAKES HIM COMPETITIVE AGAINST THE TOP DOGS WHO PERHAPS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF #RAWFORD ARE NOT MAESTROS WHEN IT COMES TO DEFENSE 4O THE TOP DOGS IN THE WELTER AND MIDDLE WEIGHT DIVISIONS A WIN OVER -AYWEATHER EVEN BY DECISION WOULD BE A PRESTIGIOUS ONE BECAUSE SIMPLY NO ONE HAS BEATEN HIM YET /KAY SO ) CALL ON THE TOP DOGS IN THE TWO DIVISIONS TO MAKE -AYWEATHER S SCALP A TROPHY

I

OF COURSE ) AM NOT LITERALLY SPEAKING !S FOR 0ACQUIAO ) HATE TO SEE HIM BEING USED AS A STEPPING STONE BY ANY OF THE TOP DOGS IN THOSE DIVISIONS 3O HOW FAR CAN 0ACQUIAO AND -AYWEATHER GO IN THIS ERA WHERE THE WELTER AND MIDDLE WEIGHT DI VISIONS ARE STACKED WITH TALENT -AYWEATHER AND 0ACQUIAO DEkNITELY CANNOT TAKE ALL OF THE TOP DOGS OR EVEN UP TO THREE OF THEM !T THEIR CURRENT AGES PERHAPS IT IS WISER FOR THEM TO kGHT UP TO TWO OF THE TOP DOGS "UT IF THEY DECIDE TO DO A REMATCH THEN ONE MORE kGHT FOR THE VICTOR WOULD STILL BE FEASIBLE -AYWEATHER HAS A VERY GOOD CHANCE AGAINST -IKEY 'ARCIA BECAUSE DESPITE 'ARCIA S VOLUME PUNCHING AND PRESSURE STYLE HE IS NOT BIG ENOUGH AT u TO BULLY -AYWEATHER THE WAY -AIDANA DID !ND -IKEY 'ARCIA HAS YET TO PROVE HIS WORTH AT WELTERWEIGHT !S FOR 0ACQUIAO HE HAS A GOOD CHANCE AGAINST 0ORTER WHO DESPITE HIS SIZE AND POWER IS NOT A MOBILE kGHTER 0ORTER S DEFENSE IS ALSO POROUS (OWEVER DO NOT EXPECT 0ACQUIAO TO STOP 0ORTER !S FOR THE REST OF THE TOP DOGS ) WOULD PLACE MY BETS ON 4HURMAN AND -AIDANA TO EMERGE AS THE TOP TWO AT LEAST IN THE WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION -AIDANA 7ELL HE JUST SIGNED A MULTI kGHT DEAL WITH 0REMIERE "OXING #HAMPIONS ACCORDING TO 2ING46 -AIDANA HAS ALSO SHOWN HOW ROUGH HE CAN BE IN HIS TWO kGHTS AGAINST -AYWEATHER AND HAS DEMONSTRATED HIS TENACITY TO BOUNCE BACK FROM A KNOCK DOWN OR A BARRAGE OF PUNCHES 4HURMAN DESPITE HAVING A LONG LAY OFF HAS FACED BETTER OPPOSITION COMPARED TO THE YOUNGER WELTERWEIGHTS AND STILL PACKS A WALLOP 4HURMAN AND -AIDANA ALSO HAVE THE PO TENTIAL TO INVADE THE MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION TO kGHT EITHER !LVAREZ OR 'OLOVKIN "UT WHAT IF 4HURMAN TAKES ON EITHER 0AC QUIAO OR -AYWEATHER .OW WE REALLY HAVE ANOTHER GOLDEN ERA AT THE WELTER AND MIDDLE WEIGHT DIVISIONS SLOWLY UNFOLDING

ANTITHESIS

CONRAD M. CARIÑO

WHICH SAW +YLE +UZMA AND "RANDON )NGRAM SCORE POINTS EACH WHILE POINT GUARD 2EG GIE "ULLOCK CHIPPED IN WITH POINTS 4HE ,AKERS REMAIN OUTSIDE THE PLAYOFF PLACES IN THE 7ESTERN #ONFERENCE IN TH SPOT AND WILL NEED TO HALT THEIR SLIDE IN FORM IF THEY ARE TO MOUNT A CHARGE FOR THE PLAYOFFS g7E DIDN T HAVE CONSISTENT PLAY IN ALL PHASES OF THE GAME OFFENSIVELY AND DE FENSIVELY u *AMES TOLD REPORTERS !SKED ABOUT A LEAKY DEFENSE WHICH HAS CONCEDED AN AVERAGE OF NEARLY POINTS A QUARTER IN RECENT GAMES *AMES ADDED g4HE NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES 7E LL HAVE TO LOOK AT THAT u %LSEWHERE 4UESDAY THE 'OLDEN 3TATE 7ARRIORS OVERCAME A SPIRITED PERFORMANCE BY THE 5TAH *AZZ BEFORE PULLING AWAY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER FOR A WIN +EVIN $URANT PUT UP POINTS WHILE 3TEPHEN #URRY ADDED TO LEAD THE SCOR

ING FOR THE 7ARRIORS #URRY S TALLY INCLUDED BACK TO BACK THREE POINTERS LATE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER TO HELP TAKE THE ."! CHAMPIONS INTO A LEAD

Defensive cornerstone 5TAH HAD EARLIER MATCHED THE 7ARRIORS BLOW FOR BLOW SCRAPPING THEIR WAY TO WITH JUST UNDER EIGHT MINUTES LEFT (OWEVER #URRY S RUN OF POINTS AND A SUBLIME THREE POINTER FROM +LAY 4HOMP SON MADE THE GAME SAFE FOR 'OLDEN 3TATE WHO LEAD THE 7ESTERN #ONFERENCE WITH WINS AGAINST LOSSES #URRY SAID THE 7ARRIORS FIRST QUARTER DEFENSIVE DISPLAY WHEN THEY HELD 5TAH TO ONLY POINTS TO HELP TAKE AN POINT LEAD HAD BEEN THE CORNERSTONE OF THE WIN g7E WON THE GAME IN THE kRST QUARTER WITH OUR DEFENSIVE EFFORT u #URRY SAID g7E SET THE TONE EARLY 7E VE BEEN HAVING TER RIBLE STARTS RECENTLY AND WE RECTIkED THAT u )N 0HILADELPHIA 'ORDON (AYWARD DELIVERED POINTS FROM THE BENCH TO SPARK "OSTON TO A VICTORY OVER THE ERS AFP

Harden, Westbrook impress Jordan LOS ANGELES: Michael Jordan praised the record-breaking exploits of James Harden and Russell Westbrook on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) before mischievously remarking that both players’ achievements pale against his own. NBA legend Jordan spoke to reporters in Charlotte ahead of the All-Star Break, less than 24 hours after Harden and Westbrook had both reached significant milestones. Harden notched his 30th straight 30-point game in Houston’s defeat of the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, becoming only the second player after Wilt Chamberlain to achieve the feat. Westbrook meanwhile became the first man to record 10 consecutive triple-doubles in Oklahoma City’s defeat of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Jordan on Tuesday said both achievements were worthy of accolades. “They’re both hard,” Jordan said. “It shows the talent that we have in the league, and it shows progression in the league. “I am very proud of how both guys have done because they are making a mark for the league and I think it really helps grow the league.” “Which is harder from a player’s standpoint? Six championships probably,” quipped Jordan, who won six NBA Finals titles with the Chicago Bulls between 1991 and 1998. While Harden and Westbrook have piled up individual accolades in recent years, winning the 2018 and 2017 season MVP titles respectively, neither has managed to win an NBA championship with their teams. AFP

Q Michael Jordan FILE PHOTO

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THURSDAY February 14, 2019

Q PHISGOC Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano (right) and Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao. FILE PHOTO

Cayetano expresses dismay over slashed SEAG budget P BY JOSEF T. RAMOS

HILIPPINE Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano expressed his disappointment over the Senate’s slashing of the initial P7.5 billion SEA Games hosting budget to P5 billion. Cayetano explained that reducing the original budget by 33 percent means it would be hard to meet the required international standards for hosting the biennial meet from November 30 to December 11 in Clark, Pampanga, Subic, Batangas, Tagaytay, La Union and Manila. “If they only removed 10 or 20 percent, it’s just a matter of scaling down, but with 33 percent, it’s very

hard,� said Cayetano, who was joined by PHISGOC vice co-chairman and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez during a news conference on Wednesday at the Kalayaan Hall of SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Secretary-General Patrick Gregorio represented POC President Ricky Vargas that is also the PHISGOC vice co-chairman in the event. The PHISGOC originally submitted last year a P9 billion proposed budget but the Department of Budget and Management only approved a P7.5 billion budget. The House of Representatives approved

the said amount but the Senate eventually decided that it must be reduced to P5 billion. “We always talk about sports, sports, sports. If there’s a hearing, they invite the POC, PSC and NSAs (national sports associations) asking them why we do not win any medals, but then when it comes to putting your money where your mouth is, it goes the opposite way, the money is diverted,� Cayetano lamented. He said that the purpose of hosting the SEA Games is to show our neighbors the best things about the Philippines. “As a Filipino, I won’t allow us to BE EMBARRASSED 3O WE WILL kND A way to ensure that our level of hosting meets international standards but also for them to see that despite this being the biggest SEA Games ever, with 56 games, 523 events and 29 venues, we want to be the best host. Here, we can show them our character as a gracious host.� Cayetano said that they would be looking for sponsors from the private sector to raise an additional P1 billion.

ORANZA BRACES FOR PRU LIFE, LE TOUR NAVY-STANDARD Insurance’s Ronald Oranza will have a couple of weeks of reenergizing before returning to training in preparation for a pair of UCI-sanctioned races. “We’ll rest for two weeks and we’ll be back on the road because we will also be competing in the Pru Life and Le Tour,� said the 26-yearOLD /RANZA WHO kNISHED SECOND OVERALL TO eventual LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2019 winner Francisco Mancebo Perez of Matrix Powertag Japan, in Filipino. Oranza, who turned 26 Tuesday, stressed he learned a lot from this year’s Ronda edition, which is now sanctioned by the UCI or the cycling’s world governing body, and he will use that to his advantage in future races. “This race taught us that we really have to train harder because the foreign riders are really strong. Training hard isn’t enough, we have to double or triple our efforts for us to have a chance at beating them,� said Oranza. Although he wasn’t able to successfully defend the title, the Villasis, Pangasinan native is happy to just emerge the best Filipino rider. “The competition is really tough and -ANCEBO IS REALLY STRONG 3O kNISHING BEHIND

him (Mancebo) isn’t that bad and it still feels like winning a back-to-back in Ronda Pilipinas,� he said. There was also disappointment that Navy, WHICH WON THE TEAM CROWN IN THE LAST kVE editions, faltered in the overall team race as it wound up third behind eventual winner Matrix Powertag Japan and 7Eleven Cliqq-Air21 by Roadbike Philippines. Navy coach Rienhard Gorrantes said it was part of the game. “We’re okay with it, we can’t win all the time,� said Gorrantes. “What is important is that we fought until the end and we gave them A GOOD kGHT “We’ll try again to win more races in the future,� he added. 4HE .AVYMEN WERE SPECIkCALLY EYEING TO DO good in two UCI-sanctioned races — the Pru Life in May and the Le Tour in June. Gorrantes said there are a lot at stake in those two races.1 “The Pru Life and Le Tour are both UCI races so we have to do good there because we want to earn qualifying points for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,� he said.

Q Ronald Oranza of Navy-Standard Insurance (left), Spaniard Francisco Mancebo Perez of Matrix Powertag Japan (center) and Dominic Perez of 7Eleven Cliqq-Air21 hold their replica checks after the 2019 LBC Ronda Pilipinas that ended on Tuesday in Pandan, Antique. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Madis, Balaoing share PPS Kudarat honors TENNIELLE MADIS and Jay Balaoing lived up to their top billing as they nailed two victories each to dominate the PPS-PEPP Sultan Kudarat National age group tennis tournament at the Isulan Capitol Tennis Club recently. Madis, one of the rising stars from Mlang, Cotabato, dropped just one game in three matches to clinch the girls’ 12-and-under crown via a 6-1, 6-0 rout of Sanchena Francisco. She duplicated that feat with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Angel Armanda in the 14-U finals of the Group I tournament presented by Dunlop and hosted by Gov. Pax Mangudadatu. Balaoing, from Koronadal, also proved dominant in the boys’ division, beating Jose Balonga Jr., 6-1, 6-1, for the 16-U

diadem then whipping Bruce Hurtado, 6-3, 6-1, in the 18-U finals of the event which served as the second of the six-leg Mindanao swing of the Palawan Pawnshop Palawan Express Pera Padala circuit. “Madis and Balaoing should serve as inspiration to the other youngsters for their hard work and determination to make it big someday with the PPS providing the venue to hone their talent and skills,� said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Sharing the winners’ podium were Kabacan’s Cian Ramirez (10-unisex), Al Rasheed Lucman (boys’ 12-U) from Malaybalay, Yassan Al Anazi (boys’ 14U), Kyle Rivera (girls’ 16-U) from Tupi, South Cotabato, and Tennielle’s elder

sister Jazzele (girls’ 18-U). Balaoing and Tennielle, who shared the MVP honors in the tournament sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg, capped their big week with victories in doubles play. Balaoing and Hurtado edged Steve Aton and Christian Villarin, 8-5, while the Madis siblings routed Trixie Costan and Rivera, 8-0, in the 18-U finals. Meanwhile, Kabacan will host the next stop on Feb. 14-17 followed by Kidapawan City on February 21 to 25, Digos City on February 28 to March 4 and Tagum City on March 7 to 11. For details and listup, call 09154046464.

Steelers star Brown requests move LOS ANGELES: Pittsburgh Steelers star Antonio Brown has formally requested a trade from the franchise following an end-of-season bust-up with the team, reports said Tuesday. Brown, one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, signalled his intention to leave in a post on social media. “Thank you SteelerNation for a big 9 years...time to move on and forward,� Brown wrote on Twitter. ESPN reported that Brown, who signed a four-year contract extension in 2017 worth $68 million, had ofkCIALLY REQUESTED A MOVE The 30-year-old’s trade request comes after a tumultuous end to Pittsburgh’s season which saw him mysteriously fail to show up before THEIR kNAL GAME OF THE SEASON AGAINST the Cincinnati Bengals. The odds on Brown’s departure increased last month when Steelers

President Art Rooney II said a reconciliation was unlikely. “There’s not much we can do right now; we have time to make a decision,� Rooney told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Whether the situation can be reconciled and have him back on the team next year, we’re a long way away from thinking that can happen.� Brown’s no-show at the end of the season followed a reported altercation with Ben Roethlisberger during a practice. Rooney however said he doubted one single incident has prompted Brown to seek a move. “My belief is there’s more to it than an incident one day at practice,� Rooney said. Brown, a seven-time Pro Bowler, has 837 career receptions for 11,207 yards. AFP

Q Antonio Brown (No. 84) of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. AFP PHOTO

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Jolo pulls away by 7; Chabon wavers JOLO MAGCALAYO slowed down with a 71 but still padded his lead TO SEVEN WHILE 3OkA #HABON BLEW A TWO SHOT LEAD WITH A WOBBLY kNish to remain tied at the helm with Junia Gabasa halfway through the W Express RVF Cup Amateur Golf Championship at Cangolf’s North course in Laguna on Wednesday. Imposing with a bogey-free 65 IN THE kRST ROUND -AGCALAYO SUStained his hot run with two birdies at the back where they teed off but STUMBLED WITH HIS kRST TWO BOGEYS on Nos. 1 and 3 before birdying the seventh to save a 37-34 for a 36-hole total of eight-under 136. That was seven shots ahead of ELDER BROTHER *ONAS WHO FELL BY nine at the turn but struck back with a closing 35 start for a 72 and a 143. Young Sean Ramos rebounded from a woeful 75 with the day’s best 69 as he seized solo third at EIGHT STROKES OFF *OLO WHILE Paqo Barro carded a 70 for a 145 and Carl Corpus turned in a 71 for JOINT kFTH AT WITH %LEE "ISERA who matched par 72. Rupert Zaragosa hardly bounced BACK FROM A WITH A FOR A 13 strokes off the leader heading to the last 36 holes of the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation and held in honor of the late NGAP president and golf patron Rod V. Feliciano. Tied with Gabasa and Eagle Ace 3UPERAL AFTER HOLES #HABON

broke from a three-way tie with a birdie on the ninth and went twoup with another birdie on No. 16. But the top The Country Club bet BOGEYED THE LAST TWO HOLES FOR A ENABLING THE #EBU BASED 'ABASA WHO ALSO MATCHED PAR TO REGAIN A share of the lead at 147. Superal slipped to third with a 73 but remained in the thick of things with a 148 while Sofia Legaspi also threatened within three at 150 after firing the lone under par card of 70 in the distaff side of the annual event held as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Tour and BACKED #IGNAL -ETRO 0ACIFIC and Cangolf. Rafaela Singson and Rianne Malixi remained tied at 151 after identical 75s while Bernice Olivarez-Ilas also carded a 75 for A SIX STROKES ADRIFT -EANWHILE ACTION IN THE 36-hole Special Division today WITH -IKHAELA #ONSTANTINO 3OPHIA !BARCAS *ODY #ASTILLO and Precious Zaragosa and Koreans Jeong Yeah Eu and Kwon Min Seo clashing for the girls CROWN AND *OSHUA DE 'UZMAN 3HINICHI 3UZUKI $YLAN #ASTILLO Zach Villaroman and Kim Tae Won of South Korea leading the title chase in the boys’ division of the event serving as part of NGAP’s grassroots programs featuring players from Del Monte and Apo Golf.

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

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Skipper Woods names Presidents Cup assistants M ELBOURNE: First-time US Presidents Cup captain Tiger Woods on Wednesday named the experienced Fred Couples, Steve Stricker and Zach Johnson as three of his assistants for the showdown against the International team in Melbourne later this year.

The 14-time major champion tapped former captains Couples AND 3TRICKER WHILE INJECTING NEW blood to the leadership team in the shape of the former Open Championship and Masters winner Johnson for the December 12-15 event. “Having competed with Tiger in THE 0RESIDENTS #UP IN THE PAST ) VE always admired the pride he TAKES IN THESE TEAM EVENTS u said Johnson. “I’m thrilled he’s chosen to trust me with this imPORTANT ROLE and I look forward to doing my part to help the t e a m s u c ceed.�

Johnson played in four previous Presidents #UPS INcluding 2 01 5 i n South Korea when he delivered

a pivotal victory over Australian talisman Jason Day. He could be a contender for one of Wood’s four captain’s player picks if he does not automatically qualify in the top eight determined by FedEx Cup points. The Royal Melbourne Golf Club venue is a much-lauded classic Sand Belt course that demands strategic golf but is often considered too SHORT FOR TODAY S BIG HITTERS and that could suit the accurate Johnson who is one of the shortest hitters from the tee on the US PGA Tour. Couples welcomed the chance to go back to the site of his 2011 triumph as captain. “To return to one of MY FAVORITE VENUES 2OYAL -ELBOURNE IS GOING TO BE

A REAL TREAT u SAID #OUPLES “The fans in Australia really know their golf and create an unbelievable atmosphere for the playERS SO ) M EXCITED to return and help this team win.� Stricker brings his own pedigree to the team that will face the Internationals led by South AfRICA S %RNIE %LS AND HAS A BOND WITH Woods having been his teammate at four previous Presidents Cups. “Stricks was an incredible leader in 2017 and I took a lot away from the way he served as captain that I hope to emulate in -ELBOURNE u 7OODS SAID “We have always shared a high LEVEL OF TRUST AND MUTUAL RESPECT which will be important in helping us guide this team.� AFP

Q Tiger Woods AFP PHOTO

Mbappe stars as PSG thumps Man Utd Nishikori survives MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his side were shown how much they still have to improve after being swept aside by an injury-hit Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila). Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappe struck in a seven-minute spell just before the hour mark as PSG displayed their credentials to finally become champions of Europe for the first time, especially once they get the world’s most expensive player Neymar and Edinson Cavani back from injury. After a run of 10 wins and one draw in 11 games since Solskjaer replaced the sacked Jose Mourinho in December, a first defeat for the Norwegian is a reality check for United’s revival and they have a mountain to climb when the sides meet again for the second leg on March 6. The English giants will also have to cope without Paul Pogba in three weeks’ time as he was sent off a minute from time to round off a terrible night for the hosts. “Today we weren’t at the level, this is a level up from what we have played against. We have had a great run, we came into this game in a great frame of mind, great form, but it’s a big step up,� said Solskjaer. For all the positivity of United’s return to form in the past two months, they remain 14 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and Liverpool and the big rebuilding job required to make the three-time European champions contenders again for this competition was laid bare. “We’ve been taking about top four (of the Premier League). Top four is one thing but we want to be at the top,� added Solskjaer. “Manchester United should be at the top and this is a top team we’ve played

Q Manchester United’s Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera (center) fouls Paris SaintGermain’s French striker Kylian Mbappe (left) during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 football match between Manchester United and PSG at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England on Wednesday. AFP PHOTO

against. The players are disappointed but I also think they know we need to step up our level to get to the level we want to get to.�

Di Maria silences detractors PSG showed they still retain plenty of world class talent despite their big name absentees as United struggled to contain the slick passing of Thomas Tuchel’s men in midfield and the pace of Mbappe in attack. Angel di Maria was roundly booed by the home support on his return to Old Trafford after an unhappy one-season spell with United after signing for a then club record £60 million in 2014. But the Argentine silenced his detractors by setting up both goals and also

mocked the throwing of a beer bottle at him by pretending to drink from it. “I think the guy is very competitive, like all South American guys. If you tease him it does not make him weaker,� said Tuchel. For all PSG’s injury problems, a double blow also rocked United in the seconds before half-time and at the break as Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial limped off to be replaced by Alexis Sanchez and Juan Mata. The home side never recovered their composure as PSG produced a stunning second-half display to all but book their place in the last eight despite David de Gea’s best efforts in the United goal. Kimpembe was left completely unmarked to side-foot home Di Maria’s corner from point-blank range on 53 minutes. A brilliant team goal then doubled

United’s trouble soon after when Mbappe was again too quick for Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly to meet Di Maria’s low cross. “The first goal is always going to be important and the way we concede it is disappointing,� added Solskjaer. “The second goal was quality by them. The ground he (Mbappe) makes up that boy to get in the box, to all the strikers that want to be poachers that’s how to get in the box.� Thereafter only De Gea stood in the visitors’ way as he stayed big to block Mbappe’s attempted chip as he bore down on goal again before Juan Bernat’s rising drive was then diverted wide. And any hope of a United comeback in Paris suffered another huge blow when Pogba was dismissed late on for catching Dani Alves with a raised boot. AFP

Wozniacki latest to pull out of injury-hit Qatar Open DOHA: World No. 10 Caroline Wozniacki has become the latest star name to pull out of the Qatar /PEN ONE OF THREE PLAYERS TO withdraw from the injury-hit tournament on Tuesday. The Dane was said to be sufferING FROM A gVIRAL ILLNESSu ACCORDING to a statement from tournament organizers in Doha. g) M SICK BASICALLY )T S A SHORT STORY u SHE TOLD REPORTERS “Just not feeling well. I had a FEVER 9EAH JUST DON T FEEL WELL Gonna go back to bed and rest up.� Wozniacki added she hoped to be well enough to play in the Dubai Tennis Championships next week.

She was joined on the sidelines by Australian world number 14 !SHLEIGH "ARTY AND TH RANKED #AROLINE 'ARCIA OF &RANCE WHO also both announced on Tuesday they could not play in Doha. Barty cited a hip injury and also announced she would not play in the Dubai. “Unfortunately I have withdrawn from Doha and Dubai with A MINOR HIP INJURY u SAID "ARTY “After consulting with the WTA DOCTORS ) HAVE TAKEN THEIR ADVICE to have a few weeks’ rest.� No reason was given for Garcia’s absence. It completed another bad day

for organisers who lost their main attraction on the eve of the tournaMENT .AOMI /SAKA The world number one and recently crowned Australian Open champion said just days before the start of the tournament she would not take part because of a back injury. /N 4UESDAY THE *APANESE STAR also surprisingly announced she would no longer be working with HER COACH 3ASCHA "AJIN Her place as top seed in Doha was taken by the woman she rePLACED AS THE WORLD NUMBER ONE 2OMANIA S 3IMONA (ALEP WHO begins playing on Wednesday. /N THE COURT A FORMER $OHA CHAM-

PION 3PAIN S #ARLA 3UAREZ .AVARRO BEAT 4UNISIA S /NS *ABEUR Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko beat Halep’s compatriot Mihaela Buzarnescu (OWEVER ,ATVIAN NUMBER SEVEN seed Anastasija Sevastova lost in STRAIGHT SETS TO 2USSIAN QUALIkER !NNA "LINKOVA 4HE LOSS FOR 3EVASTOVA THE WORLD number 13 who could have gone into the top 10 with a good run in $OHA THIS WEEK AND 7OZNIACKI S withdrawal is likely to mean Serena Williams returning to the top IN THE RANKINGS DESPITE NOT playing in Qatar. AFP

Rotterdam opener

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands: Top seed Kei Nishikori was tested by a stubborn OPPONENT BEFORE kNALLY PUTTING AWAY 0IERRE (UGUES (ERBERT ON 4UESDAY 7EDNESDAY IN -ANILA at the Rotterdam Open. The Japanese world number seven needed an hour and a quarter to get on track against a player who had reached THE -ONTPELLIER kNAL BARELY HOURS earlier against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. 3ECOND SEED +AREN +HACHANOV WINner of the Paris Masters title last NovemBER FELL IN A SHOCK TO $UTCH WILDCARD 4ALLON 'RIEKSPOOR WHO RECOVERED FOR A UPSET OF THE 2USSIAN The defeat leaves Khachanov winless here in three attempts. Victory marked the second Rotterdam upset for the 211th-ranked LOCAL WHO PUT OUT 3TAN 7AWRINKA A YEAR AGO IN HIS HOMETOWN FOR HIS kRST career ATP Tour-level win. .ISHIKORI kNALLY EARNED HIS kRST break well into the evening against (ERBERT TAKING A LEAD IN THE SECOND SET AFTER DROPPING THE kRST 4HAT OPENED THE lOODGATES WITH !SIA S TOP PLAYER QUICKLY kNDING HIS recovery mode to run out the tight kRST ROUND VICTORY AFTER TWO HOURS AND MINUTES SAVING BREAK POINTS AS HE served out the win. Nishikori could not have asked for A MORE DIFkCULT 2OTTERDAM DEBUT AS he faced the 36th-ranked Frenchman. g)T WASN T EASY AS HE WAS PLAYING GOOD TENNIS AND SERVING WELL u .Ishikori said. “I had a little bit of trouble with my return game and couldn’t convert the important points. g) JUST TRIED TO PLAY STEADY AS I wasn’t playing bad. I tried to stay aggressive.� Victory sent Nishikori to 9-1 this season after starting 2019 with a

Brisbane title and an Australian Open QUARTER kNAL APPEARANCE He was forced to quit his match in Melbourne against Novak Djokovic in the second set due to a knee probLEM CURED BY REST OVER THE PAST TWO weeks in Florida. .ISHIKORI NEXT FACES %RNESTS 'ULBIS WHO BEAT -ARIUS #OPIL IN A battle of qualifying lucky losers. g(E S NOT EASY ESPECIALLY INDOORS where he uses his great serve and aggressive play really well. “I just need to stay focused and get used to the conditions a little bit MORE u .ISHIKORI SAID

Raonic, Shapovalov advance Milos Raonic and Denis Shapovalov scored a first-round double for #ANADA WITH BOTH POWERING AHEAD in straight sets. 2AONIC THE FOURTH SEED FOUGHT past German Philipp Kohlschreiber ON THE BACK OF ACES 3HAPOVALOV SEEDED TH DEFEATED #ROATIAN &RANKO 3KUGOR Raonic had to work to get past a 2016 semi-finalist at the Ahoy stadium. The Canadian set up a secOND ROUND MEETING WITH 7AWRINKA whom he beat in an Australian Open marathon last month. g)T WILL BE A TOUGH MATCH ESPECIALLY after we went four tiebreakers over FOUR HOURS IN -ELBOURNE u 2AONIC said. “It will be important for me to be disciplined and continue to play well. “I might need to change a few things from the last match. Hopefully I can execute well.� Raonic has beaten Wawrinka - a former Rotterdam winner — in their last three meetings. The Swiss is putTING THE kNAL POLISH ON HIS GAME AS he completes a return from two knee operations in August 2017. Shapovalov dominated Croatian QUALIkER 3KUGOR IN THEIR kRST TIME MEETing as both made Rotterdam debuts. 'AEL -ONkLS EARNED AN UPSET OF Belgian eighth seed David Goffin WHILE FORMER CHAMpion Tomas Berdych beat Frenchman 'ILLES 3IMON AFP

Q Japan’s Kei Nishikori plays a backhand return to France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert during their men’s singles match on day two of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam on Wednesday. AFP PHOTO

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2019

Public Square

C4 Public Square appears on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For contributions, email to publicsquare@manilatimes.net

publicsquare@manilatimes.net

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Bayview Park Hotel

Q Bayview Park Hotel (left); During the Chinese New Year celebration (right) with General Manager Eugene Yap and guests.

B

AYVIEW Park Hotel offers romantic Valentines treat for all the couples out there through special rate of Superior Rooms and Deluxe Rooms, valid on February 14 only. This promo is inclusive of a buf-

fet breakfast and buffet dinner for TWO AS WELL AS A BODY RElEXOLOGY for two, booked by appointment. Meanwhile, the hotel celebrated Chinese New Year 2019 with a program and its guests in mind, headed by General

Manager Eugene Yap. The program started with a trivia question game where prizes of tikoy and lucky charms were given to guests who answered correctly, while hotel employees performed Chinese song and a dance.

As for the highlight of the event, a lion and dragon dance was performed to ward off evil spirits and bring fortune and luck. For more information, e m a i l b o o k i n g s @ b ay v i e w parkhotel.com.

Adamco launches new campaign IN line with its 20th anniversary, Ada Manufacturing Corp. (Adamco), in partnership with diesel engine manufacturer Yanmar Philippines, launched its latest brand campaign dubbed “Kita tayo sa Adamco,” with its first brand ambassador Robin Padilla, held at the Manila Hotel on February 9. Adamco celebrates 20 years of empowering the lives of Filipino farmers by increasing profitability and productivity in agribusiness through advanced farm mechanization. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/adamcoph/.

Q Conference panelists include, from left: Ada Alethea Alingog-Nanayakkara, Adamco president; Geronimo Collado, Yanmar Philippines Corp. chairman; Roberto Alingog, Adamco chairman; Robin Padilla, celebrity endorser; Hiroaki Kitaoka Yanmar Agribusiness Co., Ltd. president; and Hideaki Ikezawa Yanmar Philippines Corp. president.

Sytengco Group donates twin pediatric facilities SYTENGCO Group of Companies (SBS Philippines Corp.) inaugurated the new Intermediate Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (iPICU) and Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Unit (P-PDU) of the Philippine General Hospital’s (PGH) Pediatrics Departmental Complex on December 17, 2018. A 7-bed unit with two isolation rooms, the iPICU is fully equipped to provide optimal medical and nursing services to critically ill patients who would otherwise have been managed in the pediatric wards due to the limited bed capacity in the main PICU. The P-PDU, on the other hand, will accommodate pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease, who will need peritoneal dialysis while awaiting kidney transplant. Patients with endstage kidney disease can now get their muchneeded dialysis and be taught how to do dialysis at home.

Q Inside the P-PDU, from left: Necisto Sytengco 2nd, SBS Philippines Corp. executive director; Carmencita Padilla, UP Manila Chancellor; Gerardo Legaspi, PGH director; Juliet Sio-Aguilar, chair of the Department of Pediatrics; Sabrina Poon-Sytengco; and Dolores Bonzon, section chief of Pediatric Nephrology.

Villamor High School batch ’63 wins bowling championship VILLAMOR High School of Sta. Ana, Manila batch 1963 showcased sterling performance as they gained the prestigious Championship President Cup in the 7th VHSAFI President Cup Bowling Tournament held at AMF-Puyat Super Bowl, in Makati City, on February 9. Manny Inserto (5th from left) president of Villamor High School Alumni Foundation Inc. (VHSAFI) awarded the prestigious Championship President Cup to batch ‘63 team captain Bobby Diaz de Rivera (4th from left) who spearheaded the team. Other team

MEMBERS AND OFkCERS FROM 6(3!&) were (from left) Cristy Ignacio, treasurer; Bong Sta Teresa, vice president; Bobby Suacillo, Gene Guevarra, Rolly Castor, Au Co ‘73, Terry Beso, trustee and Boots delos Reyes. /THER WINNERS INCLUDE BATCH @ AS kRST runner-up, batch ‘85 as second runner-up and batch ‘89 as third runner-up. The awarding ceremony will be held during the Grand Reunion and Homecoming at One Esplanade, Mall of Asia Complex, in Pasay City, on February 16.

SBF aids typhoon-damaged school in Tarlac SECURITY Bank Foundation turned over new school chairs, tables and electric fans to the Voice of Truth Foundational Learning Center in Camiling, Tarlac that were damaged by the lOODING CAUSED BY TYPHOONS THAT hit Northern and Central Luzon. “Security Bank Foundation is a big help and a great blessing to all–providing a project that uplifts and gives hope to people who are devastated by unexpected calamities,” said Veronica Zacarias,

principal of the Voice of Truth Foundational Learning Center. “It is our prayer that this project of assisting calamity-affected schools will continue.” Through a presentation, the students expressed their gratitude and joy after receiving brand new school supplies and furniture, which will enable them to comfortably continue their classes free from worry about damaged classrooms or incomplete resources.

Q Students and teachers from Voice of Truth Foundational Learning Center pose together with their brand-new school supplies and new school equipment from Security Bank Foundation.

Have a sweet shot on Valentine’s Day VALENTINE’S DAY, for many, means flowers, chocolates, and having a date with the one you love. But what if you’re one of those who happened to be single and “independent”? Well, you can always get together with your girlfriends and have a night full of stories, fun and excitement. To spice up the occasion, why not treat yourselves to the Spanish Red Moon Cocktail? Made with White Castle, sugar syrup and Maria Clara Sangria for a sweet and delicious mix, just the way you like it. It is strong, sweet, and tart so it gives just the right blend to get the night started. The berries and extra dash of whiskey bring the whole thing together. Give it a shot this Valentine’s Day! The Spanish Red Moon will

give romantic day extra sparkle, or will give you and your friends something to giggle over as you enjoy the night. Good nights will be even more enjoyable with your own Maria Clara Sangria wine glass. Collect all colors for all your friends and loved ones. Grab your bottles at retail stores nationwide or online anytime at www.liquorexpress.ph.

Emirates celebrates love on board EMIRATES is celebrating the season of love with its customers on board and in its lounges this Valentine’s Day. As part of its commitment to create seasonal menus and unique experiences for celebrations worldwide, Emirates has refreshed Q First Class on board - Lakrids product its Valentine’s Day Coffee Planet and special biscuits offering to create a memorable from Costa Coffee, a special Voss travel experience for its customers, water infusion of strawberry and running from February 13 to 15. WATERMELON SPECIALLY lAVORED In Emirates First and Business teas from Dilmah, Emirates’ Class lounges in Dubai, customers special pampering services in can enjoy a Valentine’s champagne the lounges, and Complimentary treat from Moet & Chandon Rosé bottle engraving on purchase of Impérial, a selection of Valentine’s- spirits from Le Clos. inspired cakes and desserts, ValFor more information, visit entine’s Day coffee infusions by www.emirates.com.

Quezon City enters private-public partnership CITY Administrator Aldrin Cuña (extreme left) concludes the call for bids for Quezon City first publicprivate partnership after no comparative proposals were submitted to the board. The city government will enter into a privatepublic partnership with Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, Covanta Energy LLC, and Macquarie Capital Limited

in the construction of a waste to energy plant in Quezon City.

Age wisely with So Sure Bladder Leakage Pads CERTAIN joys and perks come with AGING FROM knancial stability to greater wisdom that comes with it. But when reality hits, aging can also be a source of worry and stress. With this in mind, age wisely and gracefully to make the most out of your golden years with So Sure Bladder Leakage Pads. With the proper perspective and education on how to age in a healthy way, aging will not become an obstacle to one’s goals. Aside from proper medication, and possible surgical procedures for severe cases, an incontinence pad like

So Sure Bladder Leakage Pad is a practical lifesaver for the sufferers. So Sure Bladder Leakage Pads are designed for optimum absorbency of bladder leakage without the bulky feel of an adult diaper, available on Lazada and Mercury Drug Stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.sosurepads.ph.

TTHURSDAY H U R S DAY FFEBRUARY EBRUARY 14, 20199

Lifestyle

D1

Chocolate ideas HEADING OUT TO BUY THOSE CHOCOLATES FROM YOUR SIGNIkCANT OTHER 4AKE INSPIRATION FROM 2ICHARD #ADBURY AND BE SURE TO MAKE IT UNIQUE (ERE SOME IDEAS TO HELP YOU OUT

www.manilatimes.net

Sweets for my sweets The history of chocolate-gifting on Valentine’s Day BY NIKA ROQUE

V

ALENTINE’S Day is generally celebrated by couples by exchanging gifts to symbolize their love for one another. These days, the more extravagant gifts giffts may be jewelry ryy or or a designer designer bag bag for her her and and a gadget ett or or a luxury luxury watch watch for for him; him m; while while the the more orre millennial-type millennial-type tokens to okens would would d probably probably take ke tthe he fform orm o off a Viber Viber message messaage or or YOLO YOLO exx pe eriencess. But But o ne tthing’s hing’ss ffor or ssure, ure,, tthe he clas ssic periences. one classic 6ALENTINE S DUO OF lOWERS AND CHOCOLATES WILL 6 ALENTINE S D DUO O OF l lOW WERS AAND CCHOCCOLATES W WILL bee N No. aalways lways b o. 1 on on the the list. list. N ow with Now w th wi h roses r os o s es aalready l ea lr eady dy iimmmortalized mort r al rt a iz ized ed iin n a lo llove ove poe poem, oem, m TThe m, h he Mani Ma Manila n la Times Lifestyle Lif ifes esty tyle le decided dec e ided d to to shine hin ine th tthee ssp spotlight pot otli liigh ligh g t today toda to oda d y on n the the he blooms’ lo ooms ms’’ pe permanent erm rman man a en nt partner rttn neer ea eeach ch h yyear e r ea on V Valentine’s aalllee nti n tine ne’s ’s $AY AAND N k ND kGURE GURE GU R RE OUT THE HISTORY OF HE H HISTORY OF HI OFF chocolate-gifting latee-gi g fttin ng as a symbol ymbo bo o l off love. Forr as sim simple im mpl pe as a box off dark, milk milk mi lk or white chocolate ocolate ccana an dy may be, these ese sweet ett b baaBIES HAVE BROUGHT COUNTLESS FOLKS GHT COUNTL TLLES E S FO FOLK FO LKS LK S together in the realm alm of rom romance. man a cee. Apparently, the act of giving chococh hoccolates on Valentine’s go way ayback back albeitt SEVERAL CENTURIES AFTER 3T 6ALENTINE S 6ALENTINE S Day came to be. According to History. COM THE VERY kRST TIME THE ROMANTIC NTIC HOLIDAY WAS DECLARED AS SUCH WAS IN

1328 28 8w when hen n it was was mentioned in the LITERARY WORKS OF 'EOFFREY #HAUCER LITERAARYY WOR O KS OF F 'E ' OFFREY #HAUCER With W tth Wi h the the medieval med edie ieva vall setting sett se ttin ing of hiss time, time, HE OFTEN WROTE ABOUT BRAVE H OFT HE FTEN EN WROTE ABOUT BRAVE kknights kn ights giving roses ig to fair maidens,, while they honored the ladies with h l o v e songs and d poems.. It was a only onl nlyy in the th he 1840s, 1840 18 40s, s, however, how owev ever, that Valentine’s Day thatt V alen al entinee’s D en ay was made mad adee OFkCIAL AND CHOCOLATES CAME INTO OFkC OF k IA kC IAL AL AN A D D CHOCCOL O ATESS CAM AME IN INTO TO THE PICTURE FROM THE HANDS OF ONE THE TH E PI E P CT CTU URRE FROM U FRO THE HANDS OF ONE 2ICHARD #ADBURY 2ICH HAR ARD D #A #ADB DBU URY .OW THIS # #ADBURY . OW THIS A B URY ISN T THE AD FOUNDER OF THE NOW WORLD FAMOUS FO OUNDEER R OF O THE NOW OW WORLD FAMOUS chocolate empire. That man’s c h oc choc ch ocol olate l empire e. Th att m a ’s an NAME WAS *OHN #ADBURY AND #ADB DBUR URY AND D

beans. This created a sweeter and MORE DELICIOUS TASTE FOR THEIR PRO DUCTS ENABLING #ADBURY TO PRODUCE a wider variety of chocolates. Now back to Valentine’s, Richard noticed their sales simply went HIGHER EVERY &EBRUARY AND CONCLUDed that the romantic holiday was the reason for the happy pattern. 4O ENTICE MORE PURCHASE HE INITIALLY decorated special boxes himself AND SAW IT WAS SUCH A MARKETING HIT THAT HE EVENTUALLY WENT ALL OUT AND PRODUCED THE VERY kRST HEART SHAPED PRODUCED ED THE VERY chocolate boxes in history. his phenomenal Achieving phenomen en nal a sales the CLEVER CHOCOLATE BUSINESSMAN JUST CLEVER CHOCOLATE BUSINESSM MA Q Richard Cadbury kept redesigning his love boxes, box bo adding on more and more of the th associates es Richard Rich Ri c ard was hi his is so son and heir. And images that the world associate JUST AS JUST AS SECOND GENERATION SEECO CON ND GENERATION BUSI- with Valentine’s today — hearts,, F NESS SSMEN HAVE DONE THROUGHOUT CUPIDS BOW AND ARROWS AND OF NESSMEN COURSE ROSES TOO OURSE ROSES TOO HISTORY HIST TORY IT WAS 2ICHARD S YOUNG CO 7HAT S MORE HE WENT A STEP FURTHER 7 7H AT S MORE HE WENT A STEP FURTHER R and innovative innova v tive side that took Valand marketed his romantic roman ntic EENTINE S $AY AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO NTINE NE S $AY A AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO chocolate boxes bo oxes as a symbol sym mbol EXPAND EX N THE HE FAMILY BUSINESS EXPAND THE FAMILY BUSINESS of for o ever. For oncee ladyladyy forever. "UT BEFORE INSTITUTIONAL"U UT T B BEFORE RE INSTI TITUTIONALlove v has finishe h d the he th finished izing izi iz ing the th gifting gift ftin i g of chocosweet lovee gift gift if inside, insi la ates on ValenValen e lates Rich har ard made mad it Richard TINE S TI I N E S IF I F YOU U kknown kn nown th that the will wi ll, Rich c ard d will, Richard box can be had already ha ad alre read a y U S E D T O proven pr r ov oven n his h is store the worth wort wo rth h when wh gallant givHE SUCCESS- Q Q One On One off th the he fi fir first irs rst st Val Valentine's Vaale leen enttiine's 's boxes boxees er’s love letters or F U L L Y I M - fr from fro room th the he Vi Vic Victorian ictori ict cto toori rian an eera. ra. ra dried flowers and proved the COMP CO MPAN MP ANY Y S CHOCOLAT H ATEE PROD P RODUCTION OTHER TREASURED ITEMS FOR LIFE COMPANY S CHOCOLATE PRODUCTION Now isn’t that terribly sweet? TECHNIQUES WITH HIS IDEA OF EXTRACTTECH C NI NIQU QUES QU ES WIT ITH H H HIS IDEA OF EXTRA A happy day of the hearts to all! FROM THE ING RAW COCOA BUTTER BU

»what'sonwhere Biennial bakery fair begins tomorrow HELD ONLY EVERY TWO YEARS THE COUN- in baking technology and ideas, new TRY S BIGGEST BAKERY FAIR WILL BE A kTTING EQUIPMENT AND INGREDIENTS LATEST post-Valentine event at the World Trade packaging concepts and materials. We Center this year in Pasay City begin- at FCBAI hope the Bakery Fair can promote, strengthen and NING TOMORROW THROUGH also elevate standards of &EBRUARY WITH A CAKE the Philippine bakery competition among 63 INDUSTRY NOT ONLY AS expert bakers nationPART OF THE COUNTRY S DIwide participating. ETARY LIFESTYLE AND CUOrganized by the FiliLINARY CULTURE BUT ALSO pino Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI), to help boost economic g"AKERY &AIR u WAS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED ON expansion of small and Chinese New Year last MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES OR 3-%S u SAID &EBRUARY WITH THE CER- Q FCBAI President Peter Fung FCBAI president Peter EMONIAL CUTTING OF A seven-foot tall cake created by award- &UNG OF THE UNDERTAKING 4HE YEAR OLD &#"!) IS A NON STOCK winning cake designer James Anton Uy NON PROkT ORGANIZATION OF MOSTLY 3-%S OF #UBCAKES "AKERY Meanwhile, the three-day bakery fair IN THE BAKERY INDUSTRY !MONG ITS OBJECWILL FEATURES EXHIBITORS SEMINARS AND TIVES INCLUDE PROMOTING BETTER BAKING demonstrations by local and international STANDARDS AND SERVICE ALSO EDUCATIONAL EXPERTS !LL KINDS OF MODERN BAKING SUPPLY AND SOCIO CIVIC PROJECTS !LTHOUGH ETHNIC AND EQUIPMENT WILL BE ON SHOWCASE AT THE #HINESE ENTREPRENEURS HAVE BEEN IN THE World Trade Center in Pasay City and is 0HILIPPINE BAKING INDUSTRY FOR CENTURIES OPEN FREE TO THE PUBLIC VIA ONLINE REGISTRA- THE &#"!) WAS ORGANIZED IN 3EPTEMBER tion (www.bakeryfair.com.ph). IN -ANILA BY A GROUP OF ENTREg3TARTED IN THE "AKERY &AIR IS PRENEURS LED BY ITS FOUNDING PRESIDENT a biennial event which aim to foster -ARIANO 3IOCO 4HE &#"!) IS ALSO PART AWARENESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF UPDAT- of the Federation of Filipino Chinese ING OUR INDUSTRY ON THE LATEST TRENDS #HAMBER OF #OMMERCE )NDUSTRY )NC

Q Cake designer James Anton Uy of Cubcakes Bakery

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Personalize! For a more personalized chocolate bar Toblerone offers their blank packs for Valentines where giver can scribble love notes for receiver. As they say in their hashtag for this special, #BeMoreImaginative!

Pop out with it! !NOTHER FUN take on the classic Valentine’s treat is the limited-edition #ADBURY $AIRY -ILK Pop Heart. Designed in the tradition of 2ICHARD #ADBURY S INnovative Valentine’s specials, this one-of-a kind chocolate bar literally has a heart at the center of the classic pips I E THE LITTLE SQUARES THAT MAKE UP THE ENTIRE bar) that POPS OUT

Slice of love. (OW ABOUT CHOColate in and ALL AROUND A heart-shaped C A K E 9O U can even say it with the acTUAL CHOCOLATE cake with Max’s Corner Bakery’s Valentine’s Day Message Cakes, and share slices with other loved ones.

The new way to say ‘I Love You’ NOT the type to give roses and chocolates on Valentine’s? Here then IS THE NEW WAY TO SAY g) ,OVE 9OU u AT LEAST ACCORDING TO TOP MESSAGING APPLICATION 2AKUTEN 6IBER 6IBER IS GIVING USERS MORE WAYS TO SPREAD THE LOVE THIS 6ALENTINE S $AY FROM TODAY UNTIL &EBRUARY WITH HEART SHAPED INSTANT VIDEO MESSAGES TO FRIENDS FAMILY AND SIGNIkCANT OTHERS WITHIN THE APP To send these limited-edition videos, simply hold the instant video ICON AND RELEASE WHEN YOU RE DONE RECORDING 4HIS NEW FEATURE COMES IN DIRECT RESPONSE TO 6IBER USERS CLEAR PREFERENCE FOR FUN PERSONALIZED WAYS TO COMMUNICATE WITH MANY USING STICKERS ')&S AND g3HOUTS u OR COLORED BACKGROUND CHAT MESSAGES g)N ALONE USERS GLOBALLY SENT OVER SIX BILLION LOVE RELATED STICKERS and GIFs combined to express their love, heart, and emotions to those THEY WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH u SAYS /kR %YAL APP COMPANY #// g7ITH 6IBER CONNECTING NOW GOES BEYOND TOUCHING BASE ONLINE )T MEANS CONNECTING EMOTIONALLY TO THOSE YOU LOVE AND THINK ABOUT MOST AND BY USING OUR SPECIAL HEART SHAPED INSTANT VIDEOS THIS 6ALENTINE S $AY USERS CAN MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD u 4HE HEART SHAPED INSTANT VIDEO FEATURE IS PART OF THE LATEST 6IBER UPDATE WHICH ALSO INCLUDES A NEW DESIGN AND FASTER MESSAGING CAPABILITIES

Instant ‘bae’ for Valentine’s Day 3).',% on Valentine’s Day? 4HERE S NO EXCUSE NOT TO GET A dose of kilig – giddiness – when LOVE IS ALL AROUND Mobile platform Grab is making it easy to spread the SPIRIT OF LOVE THROUGH kilig ambassadors or GrabBaes who WILL NOT ONLY GIVE lOWERS BUT also serenade riders. !VAILABLE UNTIL TODAY ANY 'RAB USER CAN SEND THEIR FRIENDS families or order GrabBaes for THEMSELVES THROUGH EASY STEPS 'RAB CONSUMERS SIMPLY NEED to redeem GrabBae promo codes worth 143 points on THEIR REWARD S CATALOGUE 4HE REDEEMED CODES CAN THEN BE USED to book for a ride. )N THE PICK UP TAB THE USER CAN INPUT THE ADDRESS WHERE HE she want to send GrabBae to followed by a GrabBae code. In the notes part, they need to write the name and details of the recipient. The app will notify once a 'RAB"AE IS SUCCESSFULLY BOOKED ! TOTAL OF 'RAB"AES WILL BE available this Valentine season.

Q Harana and blooms from kilig ambassadors are in store for lucky ladies today.

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

Funtimes

w w w.manilatimes.net

Solution to puzzle

D2

˜ The Manila Times

Answer to trivia test © 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers 1. Standing still 2. Seven 3. Enrico Fermi 4. 1970 5. Cheerioats 6. Mount Crumpit 7. William McKinley 8. WWII 9. Fear of words 10. The giant panda

» CROSSWORD

BY EUGENE SHEFFER

»HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (02/14/19). Win with strong community support this year. Planning, coordination and attention to details pays off. Domestic changes could surprise. Your physical performance builds this summer, before a restful and contemplative cool down. Winter brings a new vision that inspires a healthy shift. Strengthen connections to grow. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

1. LANGUAGE: What does the Greek suffix “-stasis” mean in English? 2. GEOGRAPHY: How many continents are in the world? 3. INVENTIONS: Who invented the nuclear reactor? 4. TELEVISION: In what year did “Monday Night Football” debut? 5. FOOD & DRINK: What was the original name of the breakfast cereal Cheerios? 6. LITERATURE: Where did the Grinch live in Dr. Seuss’ book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”? 7. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president was the first to campaign by telephone? 8. MOVIES: Which war was the setting for the musical “South Pacific”? 9. PSYCHOLOGY: What fear is represented in the condition called logophobia? 10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which animal is the symbol of the World Wildlife Fund?

BY NANCY BLACK LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Expand your horizons. Grow your family assets with careful tending. Collaborate for a shared financial goal over the next six weeks, with Mars in Taurus. SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Partnership flowers over the next six weeks, with Mars in Taurus. Work together for a shared vision. Your collaboration could get lucrative. Patiently build.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is an 8 -- With focus you can grow your savings over the next 45 days, with Mars in Taurus. Self-esteem grows with your account balances.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Collaborate on practicalities with your partner. Take your physical performance to new levels. The next six weeks, with Mars in Taurus, could be energizing.

TA U R U S (A P R I L 20-M AY 20) -- Today is a 9 -- It could get lucrative. You’re motivated and empowered, with Mars in your sign. Take advantage of this energy burst to realize a personal dream.

C A P R I C O R N (D E C. 22-J A N. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Get moving! Your actions speak louder than words over the next six weeks. Romance and passion take new focus. Practice what you love.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Take care of yourself. Clean closets, garages and attics over six weeks, with Mars in Taurus. Clear out clutter, organize and make plans.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Get cozy with someone sweet. Improve your living conditions, with Mars in Taurus over six weeks. Home beautification, repairs and renovation especially satisfy.

C A N C E R (J U N E 21-J U LY 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Friends are your secret power. Together anything seems possible, with Mars in Taurus over the next six weeks. Coordinate and strategize privately. L E O (J U LY 23-A U G. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Take bold action. Advance in your career over six weeks, with Mars in Taurus. Pour energy into professional growth and development. Friends can help. VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- A business trip could be fun. Your wanderlust grows, with Mars in Taurus. Research and study fulfills provides satisfying results. Learn by visiting the source.

» SUDOKU

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is a 6 -- Home draws you in. You’re intent on getting the whole story. Writing projects flow with ease. Get the word out, with Mars in Taurus.

(Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Black’s legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @LindaCBlack. For more astrological interpretations like today’s Gemini horoscope, visit Linda Black Astrology by clicking daily horoscopes, or go to www.nancyblack.com.) NANCY BLACK.Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC BY ROGER SEVILLA

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats. Solution from yesterday’s puzzle.

PAGE FROM THE PAST

Today, we look back at an old front page of The Manila Times, the oldest national daily that was founded on October 11, 1898. (Note: This image was adjusted to fit the page.)

TTHURSDAY H UURSDAY R S DAYY FEBRU FEBRUARY UARYY 14, 4, 2019

Entertainment

D4

www.manilatimes.net

Rick Price back in Manila for ‘Heaven Knows’ tour Aussie singer-songwriter thanks Filipino fans for many years of support

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BY MARK BONIFACIO

HO can ever forget his huge hit in the early ‘90s? Rick Price’s “Heaven +NOWSu IS DEkNITELY A PERENNIAL FAVORITE AMONG &ILIPINOS SO MUCH SO THAT THE LOVE SONG HAS BEEN PLAYING OVER AND OVER THIS 6ALENTINE SEASON !DD TO THAT g.OTHING #AN 3TOP 5S .OW u g.OT ! $AY 'OES "Y u g7ALK !WAY 2ENEE u g&RAGILEu AND g7HERE )S 4HE ,OVE u

Well, guess what? The man beHIND THE HITS IS HERE IN THE lESH and raring to stage a Valentine’s show entitled “Rick Price: Heaven Knows Live In Manila� on February 15 at New Frontier Theater. Joining him to up the romance on stage are the Philippines’ very own Joey G and Jinky Vidal and will also have duets with them. The show will be a treat for those who fell in love in the ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s with a repertoire completely from those decades. Price’s musical roots go way back when he was nine years old as the youngest member of their family band. Since those humble yet dekNING DAYS SET AMID THE BACKDROP of his native Queensland, the selftaught artist forged an internationally-praised and respected career spanning more than three decades. Music Geek recalled all these and looked forward in an email interview with the multi-awarded Australian singer-songwriter before he flew to Manila. Special thanks to Glenn Llamas and Grace Foronda of Wilbros for arranging

this exclusive interview for The Manila Times Entertainment, the show’s media partner. -USIC 'EEK 7HAT CAN YOU say about the massive success of g(EAVEN +NOWSu IN THE 0HILIPPINES THAT IT HAS BECOME ONE OF THE 4OP VIDEOKE TRACKS IN THE COUNTRY Rick Price: I was so surprised and delighted that my song Heaven Knows became so famous in the Philippines. So many people experience heartbreak in their lives and I think that’s why people identify with the song. Can you share some stories about the song that fans don’t know? Writing this song was so easy. It was as if the song already existed and I was hearing it play out in my head. I sat at the piano and played it just as if it was a song I already knew. It was so familiar. So grateful for this song. It was a gift. 9OU ALSO HAD CHART TOPPERS LIKE g.OTHING #AN 3TOP 5S .OWu (OW was it back then? How did you HANDLE POPULARITY It’s a big life change to suddenly be recognized everywhere you go.

So it took a little getting used to. 7HICH ONE WOULD YOU PICK TO But no complaints. I’ve enjoyed MUCH BETTER AND FULkLLING engaging with my audience over I don’t think I could choose the years and I feel very grateful between recording and performto have had a long career. ing. One serves the other in that (OW DO YOU REACT WHEN PEOPLE I perform the songs I write and sing your songs? record. But if I had to choose, it It’s one of my favorite things in would be performing in front of the world. As a a live audience. singer and songHow do writer, there’s YOU KEEP no greater reyourself ward than grounded? having your I try to be audience sing conscious of along. It’s the the present best. moment. It’s You have the point of SUCH A POWpower. For me erful voice. it is the single So how most powerdo you ful way to stay take care grounded. of your About your Q Rick Price is set to perform his hits voice? MUSIC WHAT OR I don’t from the '80s and '90s tomorrow night who serves as do any- at New Frontier Theater. YOUR INSPIRATION thing special. It’s mostly I’m inspired by just common sense. Sleep and life experi- ences. I tend to hydration are key. Also, I don’t write about what’s going on in smoke or drink. And no vocal my life. I’m also inspired by straining, using too much volume other artists. or forcing the voice. What do you think has changed $O YOU STILL GET NERVOUS PER- since you came to the music scene? forming on stage? The internet has changed the Yes, sometimes I do still get ner- way people obtain and experience vous. I think it’s perfectly normal music. The predominant format to be a little nervous but I try not was the album and CD. Now it’s to let it overwhelm me. streaming and YouTube. How different is the feeling or What is music to you? FULkLLMENT YOU GET WHEN PERFORMI heard someone say recently ing in front of an audience or that music was their medicine. I recording a song in the studio? like that! Music feeds the soul and

Q The self-taught artist has forged an internationally praised and respected career spanning more than three decades. connects us all. 7HO ARE YOUR MUSICAL INlUENCES Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Nat king Cole, James Taylor, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan.. just to name a few. 7HAT CAN YOUR FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR UPCOMING -ANILA PERFORMANCE (OW EXCITED ARE YOU TO PERFORM I’m very excited to perform in Manila. I’ll be performing some of my well-known songs and also some of my favorite cover songs. Along with some duets with Joey G and Jinky Vidal. Can you share some stories on HOW YOUR MUSIC HAS IMPACTED OTHER PEOPLE That’s really something for other people to comment on but people often say to me that they had similar experiences in their own lives with friends or family and that’s why they identify with my music. What was the one thing you wished you knew when you were younger?

That everything was going to be ok! What have you learned from the MUSIC INDUSTRY FROM YOUR BEGINNINGS UP TO NOW I’ve learned that it’s important to be yourself and follow your own dreams and inspirations. )F YOU CAN COLLABORATE WITH ANOTHER ARTIST WHO WOULD THAT BE Norah Jones! How would you like to be remembered? Kindness is the greatest virtue. I’d like to be remembered as a kind person. -ESSAGE TO YOUR &ILIPINO FANS Thank you for all your amazing support for so many years. I love you! Anything you would like to add about yourself and your music? I’m so grateful to have the greatest job in the world and I couldn’t do it without all the wonderful fans who have supported my music for so many years. Thank you!

Valentine’s show guide M

USIC is always part of any romantic celebration, much more when it’s Valentine’s Day. So Music Geek compiled all shows perfect for a lovely date tonight until the weekend. Mostly dominated by local artists, whatever genre or whoever the featured singers are, the concerts this season are sure to bring in kilig moments, as if it’s falling in love for the first time all over again.

Jamie in Perfect Company. February 14, 8 p.m. Music Museum, Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan City. Inspirational diva Jamie Rivera back-toback with the country's premiere group The Company in one concert. Log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph for tickets. Silver Lining, The Concert. February 14, 8 p.m. Globe Auditorium, Maybank Theater, BGC Arts Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. The winningest Best Actress of 2018 for the film 'Larawan' Joanna Ampil headlines the Valentine show this year along with Reuben Laurente (Best Male Concert Act, Aliw Awards 2018) and Arman Ferrer (Best Male Crossover Artist, Aliw Awards 2018). This concert of winners also features the UP Singing Ambassadors Winner, Grand Prix at the 66th Concorso Polifonico Internazionale ‘Guido d’Arezzo’ Choral competition in Italy. Log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph for tickets. Rick Price Heaven Knows PH Tour Live in Manila. February 15, 8 p.m. New Frontier Theater, Cubao, Quezon City. Multi-awarded Australian singer-songwriter Rick Price performs in this concert tour with guets Joey G of Side A and Jinky Vidal of Freestyle. Price is best known for his massive hit songs Heaven Knows, Nothing Can Stop Us Now, Not A Day Goes By, Walk Away Renee and Where Is The Love. Log on to www. ticketnet.com.ph for tickets. Hitmakers And Ai February 15, 8 p.m. Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City. Hitmakers composed of Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala Hajji Alejandro, iconic singer-songwriter Rey Valera and balladeer Marco Sison join comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas in one show. Log on to www.ticketworld. com.ph for tickets. Love Food, Love You February 15, 7:30 p.m. Novotel Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. JV Decena and Joaquin sing all-time favorite songs while enjoying the sumptuous meal prepared by the culinary duo, Chef Lau and Jackie Laudico. Plus a special performance by the rocker chef himself, Chef Lau. Log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph for tickets.

MUSIC GEEK MUS MARK BONIFACIO

Regine & Vice Ganda: The Songbird & The Song Horse February 14, 15 and 16, 7:30 p.m. Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City. Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and Unkabogable Phenomenal Box Office Superstar Vice Ganda join forces for the first time for a major concert surely filled with fun and amazing musical and laugh treat happening. Log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph for tickets. Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha Timesless Classics February 14, 8 p.m. PICC Plenary Hall, CCP Complex, Pasay City. The Concert King and Asia’s Nightingale perform together in one spectacular Valentine’s Day concert. Log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph for tickets. Ogie Alcasid in Master of Love February 14, 8 p.m. Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City. Musical direction by National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab with special guests Ryan Cayabyab Singers, Mariel de Leon, Lara Maigue and Tanya Manalang. Tickets available at all Ticketworld outlets and at Resorts World Manila box office. Kuh Ledesma: My Unforgettable Valentine February 14, 6 p.m. Dusit Thani, Makati City. The Philippines’ Pop Diva performs unforgettable Valentine’s songs with special guest, balladeer and OPM icon Basil Valdez. Log on to ticketworld. com.ph for tickets. Sergio Mendes: A Valentine’s Concert February 14 and 15, 8 p.m. The Tent, Solaire Resort amd Casino, 1 Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, ParaĂąaque City. The Brazilian bossa nova jazz and funk musician comes back to Manila for a two- night Valentine’s concert. He is known for his hits “Mas Que Nada,â€? “Never Gonna Let You Go,â€? “Take This Loveâ€? and “What Do We Mean To Each Otherâ€? among others. Log on to www. ticketworld.com.ph for tickets.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all readers of Music Geek! May this day be filled with love, more love and of course music!

Follow the author on Instagram: markbonifacio25

Campus Press

A SECTION FOR THE STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

E1

EDITOR: Marishelle R. Medina marishelle.medina@manilatimes.net

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 14 , 2019

Kindergartners included in drug educ program

K

BY RALPH EDWIN U. VILLANUEVA

INDERGARTNERS would also be covered by the government’s drug education program to public school students, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said.

In a recent Cabinet meeting, the Department of Education (DepEd) proposed the incorporation of drug education in the public school curriculum for each grade level from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

)N A PRESS BRIEkNG .OGRALES said that there was a need to step up the government’s Preventive Drug Education Program. The Palace official said that the DepEd would prepare the lesson plans for the grade levels,

which would focus on “life skills for drug abuse prevention and anti-illegal drugs topics.� He said that the department was also developing an updated, comprehensive supplemental material in cooperation with the Department of Health, the Dangerous Drugs Board and other expert resource persons. “[This] will be a major source material for curriculum integration, co-curricular programs, teachers capacity building, and parents awareness and education,� he said.

He added that this would be rolled out in the coming school year. Nograles said that the government would also focus on a program called the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, wherein active Philippine National Police and Philippine Army officers QUALIkED TO TEACH SUCH LESSONS would teach at least once a week per section for 17 weeks. Duterte’s promise of ending illegal drugs in the country virtually slung him to presidency, with his promise of ending it in

three-to-six months or else he would resign. This led to a bloody “Oplan Tokhang,� a program that earned the ire of human rights advocates both locally and internationally. However, when his three to SIX MONTHS WAS UP $UTERTE kRST asked for a year extension, then the rest of his term to complete his task. The police’s involvement in the administration’s anti-illegal drug war has been as controversial as the drug war itself. Earlier, the Philippine Na-

tional Police (PNP) headed the anti-drug war. They were pulled out from the program, however, in October of last year, following the drug-related deaths of 17-year-old Loyd Kian de los Santos, 19-year-old Carl Angelo Arnaiz and 14-yearold Reynaldo de Guzman. Last year, the three police ofkCERS WHO KILLED DE LOS 3ANTOS were convicted of murder. The PNP was reinstated in the anti-drug operations on Jan. 29, 2018, as a support for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Pangasinan students urged to take up science courses

WAVE THOSE PH FLAGS

The Department of Education, in partnership with Ayala Foundation Inc., National Historical Institute of the Philippines (NHCP) and Bounty Agro Venture Inc., kicks off the #MagingMagiting Flag Campaign at the Bagong Silangan Elementary School in Quezon City, with the distribution of 162 Philippines flags to the Quezon City school divisions. The campaign aims to enjoin the prominent display of the Philippine national flag “in all public buildings, official residences, public plazas and institutions of learning every day throughout the year,� as mandated by Republic Act 8491, otherwise known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.� The campaign will distribute 10,000 flags to public schools nationwide by 2019. NHCP said at least 100,000 Philippine flags were needed in public schools, government buildings, police precincts and military installations all over the country. NEWS AND PHOTO FROM DEPED.GOV.PH

DND welcomes Education USA to host 4th Annual Fair in Manila EDUCATIONUSA, THE 53 GOVERNMENT S OFkCIAL ARSHIP AND kNANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITIES ROTC bill EducationUSA provides free advising services resource for students interested in pursuing to international students in more higher education opportunities in the United approval for States, will host its annual education fair in thanprospective 170 countries and offers students resources on March 1, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to AND TOOLS TO HELP NAVIGATE THE kVE STEPS TO 53 second reading Manila 4:00 p.m. at the Shangri-La at the Fort, Bonifacio STUDY 2ESEARCHING SCHOOLS kNANCING COMPLETTHE Department of National Defense (DND) lauded the approval for second reading of the proposed bill reinstating the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for Grades 11 and 12. “As the voice of the Filipino people, our Representatives’ votes truly reflect the collective sentiments of our people, especially the Filipino youth who will greatly benefit from the ROTC program which aims to instill patriotism, love of country, moral and spiritual values, respect for human rights and adherence to the Constitution,� DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said in a statement last February 7. Under House Bill 8961, ROTC graduates are eligible for commissioning through lateral entry and enlistment in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Bureau of Fire Protection. “This legislation will also strengthen our Reserve Force which is an important component of our national defense and security,� Andolong said. ROTC became optional in 2002, a year after the death of University of Santo Tomas (UST) student and ROTC cadet Mark Welson Chua Jr. for exposing alleged corruption within the reserve corps. Chua’s body was found floating in the Pasig River, wrapped in a carpet believed to have belonged to UST’s Department of Military Science and Tactics. DEMPSEY REYES

Global City, Taguig. Featuring more than 30 US colleges and universities, the fair provides an opportunity for students, parents and school administraTORS TO INTERACT WITH ADMISSIONS OFkCERS FROM the wide variety of educational institutions to learn about unique programs and opportunities. Participants can also learn about the US college application processes, scholarship and kNANCIAL AID OPTIONS AND STEPS TO APPLY FOR A student visa. While EducationUSA does not offer scholarships, it can assist students in identifying schol-

ing the application, obtaining a student visa and preparing for departure. There are more than 4,500 accredited higher education institutions in the US and an EducationUSA adviser can help students narrow their OPTIONS DEkNE THEIR PRIORITIES AND PLAN THEIR college careers. This event is free and open to the public. 9OU CAN kND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT %DUCAtionUSA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ educationusa.philippines; on Instagram at educationusa.philippines; and on Twitter at @ EducationUSA_PH. Attendees are encouraged to register here: https://goo.gl/BYTfBt.

Senate panel pushes bill providing left-handed armchairs ALL public and private schools in the country will be required to provide left-handed armchairs to their left-handed students once Senate Bill (SB) 2114 is enacted into law. In committee report (CR) 657, the Senate education committee chaired by Sen. Francis Escudero recommended the approval of SB 2114, a proposed act mandating educational institutions to provide the appropriate armchairs to left-handed students. Escudero said that about 10 percent of the world population was left-handed, and every day they struggled to live in a right-handed world. Currently, left-handed students were left without a choice, but to work with right-handed armchairs, the lawmaker said. SB 2114 aims to promote the equal development of students by requiring educational institutions ail over the country to provide left-handed armchairs. Research says a right-handed armchair did not offer left-handed students the same arm support that right-handed students enjoyed, causing back, neck and

shoulder pain to left-handed students. The inefficient and awkward writing position that some left-handers must adopt in this kind of armchair likewise caused slower handwriting, placing many left-handed students at a real disadvantage on important timed examinations, Escudero pointed out. Left-handed students were thus placed at a learning handicap. Indeed, it was high time that we address the plight of our left-handed students by providing left-handed armchairs, the lawmaker said. The House of Representatives has approved its version of the measure on Dec. 10, 2018. Antipolo City 1st District Rep. Cristina Roa Puno, the principal author of the HB 8654, said the intent of the measure was “to promote equal development of students.� The bill also puts to task the Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Commission on Higher Education to craft implementing rules and regulations once the measure is enacted into law. JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

STUDENTS in Pangasinan province were urged to pursue science and technology (S&T)-related courses in college in order to avail of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) scholarship programs and easily land a job. “We are encouraging students to pursue science and technology-related courses to avail of the scholarship program of the department, which will provide them more job opportunities,� DoST science research specialist Jennifer Fernandez said. The DoST, through the Science Education Institute, has increased the P5,000 monthly living allowance for each scholar to P7,000. Fernandez, who is assigned at the 0ANGASINAN 3ATELLITE /FkCE IN 5RDAneta City, said the upgrading of the DoST scholarship program would encourage more students to take up science-related courses. In addition to their monthly living allowance, DoST scholars receive P40,000 for tuition and other school fees, and P10,000 book allowance. Transportation allowance is also pro-

vided to those studying outside their home provinces, as well as a one-time graduation allowance. Fernandez said scholars needed to pass all academic subjects, without failing or incomplete grades, and complete the course within the prescribed period. “After graduation, they will be required to render service to the country for the same number of years they enjoyed the scholarship,� she said. Under Republic Act (RA) 7687 and Merit Scholarship program, graduates will be required to work PREFERABLY ALONG THEIR kELDS OF SPECIALization. Those under RA 10612 will also serve as teachers in any public or private high school in Region 1 or anywhere in the country, even without passing yet the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Those who opted to not render service required under the scholarship program would be required to pay an amount equivalent to the scholarship BENEkTS THEY HAD RECEIVED FROM THE government with 12 percent interest, Fernandez added. LEANDER C. DOMINGO

C A L L F O R PA P E R S Olivarez College to hold Second National Multidisciplinary Research Conference OLIVAREZ College, through the Center for Research Development and Publication, is inviting students, faculty, EDUCATORS AND ACADEMICIANS AND kELD practitioners across areas and disciplines to send research abstracts to the Second National Multidisciplinary Research Conference, which will be held on March 16, 2019 at the Tagaytay Country Hotel in Tagaytay City. With the theme “Sustaining the Power of Research for Innovation and Development in the Academe and Field Practice,� the conference aims to do such and gain SIGNIkCANT INSIGHTS UPDATES AND INPUTS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE kELD OF RESEARCH It seeks to disseminate research findings through paper presentation and publication for further exploration and purposeful adaptation, as well as share practices, relevant experiences and related ideas toward forging collaborations and networking partnerships in order to create research prospects and possibilities. Topics of interest for submission should be within the areas of disciplines indicated below for both academe and kLED PRACTICE – Teacher and Basic Education and School-Based Action Researches – Languages, Media and Communication – Allied Health, Nutrition, Sciences and Agriculture – Business, Accountancy and Hospitality Management – Aeronautics, Maritime, Criminology, Military Education, Public Administration, Legal Management and Political Science – Arts, Culture and Social Sciences – Engineering, Technology and Computer Education – Philosophy, Theology and International Studies – Technical - Vocational Arts and Food Technology

– Junior and High School Researches, Feasibility Projects and Capstones. Each paper will be reviewed and evaluated by the Research Committee based on set criteria, including originality or novelty, technical depth or merit, relevance, and quality of paper for presentation. The abstract should include the title and name/s of researcher/s, designation/ AREA COURSE AND LEVEL SCHOOL AFkLIATION contact number and email address, purpose of the study, brief methodology and general conclusion and recommendation. It should be limited to 200 to 300 words, with four keywords and main references, encoded using the typeface of font 12 point Arial, Word document format in not more than one page, short-sized bond paper, single-spaced. The name of the presenter must ALSO BE INDICATED FOR CERTIkCATE PREPARATION purposes. Each research work shall be presented in no more than 10 minutes and must be supported by a PowerPoint (PPT) presentation following a prescribed format, which will be sent ahead of time via e-mail. The PPT must be limited to eight slides only, with each slide containing a maximum of 10 lines. Due to limited time of presentation, presenters are requested to reduce or limit unnecessary explanations and/or elaborations. Abstracts should be sent to the Research Committee, through email address rehmle_je29@yahoo.com not later than Feb. 18, 2019 for the publication of journal of abstracts and refereeing procedures. Meanwhile, presenters of accepted papers for presentation will be informed via email not later than Feb. 25, 2019. Outstanding research papers in various kELDS WILL BE RECOGNIZED WITH THE #ONGRESsional Medallion for Research Excellence. For information about conference fees and other details, email rehmle_je29@yahoo.com or graduateschool.avpaa.2013@ gmail.com.

Campus Press

E2

The ËœManila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

Does ‘nor’ always need ‘neither’ to work properly?

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O denote the sense of “not one or the other of two,â€? we use the paired correlative conjunction “neither‌norâ€? to join two noun forms or two independent clauses. The pair works neatly in joining two correlated nouns, as in “Neither the bride nor the groom made it to the wedding on timeâ€? and in joining two correlated independent clauses, as in “Neither does Ana want to go with us now nor does she want to follow us later.â€? But this very interesting question about the conjunctive pair was raised by a Forum member: “Can ‘nor’ be used without its partner ‘neither’?â€? It might come as a surprise to some of us, but the answer is a DEkNITE g9ES u "Y ITS LONESOME “norâ€? works to introduce the second or last member or the second and each member of a series of negated items that follows, as in

the sentence “The burden wasn’t carried by you nor by me nor by anyone for that matter.â€? This is the most common task of “norâ€? when used as a stand-alone conjunction. However, when there are only two members of a series of negated items, “norâ€? needs “neitherâ€? to work by forming the negative correlative form “neither‌nor,â€? as in “Neither you nor I carried the burden.â€? Keep in mind though

DLSUMC opens women’s health center SEEING an increasing demand to cater to women’s health and medical issues, De La Salle University Medical Center (DLSUMC) recently opened its Women’s Health Center. Headed by Dr. Rex Poblete under the direction of the Director for Specialized Services Dr. Gary Carlos, the center is composed of four units: OB -Ultrasound Unit, Colposcopy Unit, Teenage Pregnancy Unit and Menopause Unit. The Center for Women’s Health offers the essential services that patients need to stay healthy long into their senior years. The four sections encompass the health care needs of women across all age groups from the time they can potentially have children until the twilight of their lives. The center also provides an opportunity to educate female patients, which calls for scheduling regular health checkups, routine pap smears and mammograms; taking preventative care against concerns like HPV, ovarian and breast cancers; and, overall, just doing what is best for the patients. Meanwhile, the Teenage Pregnancy Unit was one of the priorities due to the rising incidence of teenage pregnancy in the Philippines. Figures from the 2013 National Demographic and Health Study showed that 1 out 10 young Filipino women aged 15 to 19 had began childbearing: 8 percent were already mothers and another 2 percent were pregnant with their first child. For the unit, an adult pediatrician and a psychiatrist are needed to address the concerns of teenage mothers, as they are prone to develop

complications in pregnancies given the psychosocial and economic implications of being a new mother. The Menopausal Unit, on the other hand, addresses the needs of the menopausal women. These are physiological changes in the life of a woman. In the Philippines, women are expected to accept the ill effects of these changes but if taken care of during their peri-menopausal years, the manifestations of menopause can be different and they can live a better quality of life longer. The unit is envisioned to be multidisciplinary specialization to include an internal medicine and orthopedics for the complications of menopause. Colposcopy is a procedure that examines the cervix, vagina and vulva. It is a very good “cleaning tool� for the diagnosis of cervical cancer in its early stage. For young women who have had sexual activities, a pap smear can be an adequate tool to detect cervical cancer. For abnormal results of pap smear or any irregularity in the cervix, a colposcopy is needed for probable cervical cancer diagnosis. Finally, the OB-Ultrasound Unit is the central unit for diagnosing pregnancy and abnormalities in the reproductive organ of women. Women’s health is a priority; taking care of the female population is taking care of the next generation. Come and visit the Women’s Health Center located at the ground floor between buildings 1 and 2 of DLSUMC. For further inquiries, contact (046) 481-8000 (Cavite Line) or 988-3100 (Manil a Line) local 1225.

Adult education in the advent of industry 4.0

A framework for adult education is being developed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) to prepare educational institutions in line with fourth industrial revolution. “Adult education is basically education for adults and that is also how you respond to the fourth industrial revolution. It is reskilling, upskilling, cross-skilling, it is never wanting to stop learning,� CHEd International Affairs Staff Director Lily Frieda Milla told reporters. Milla underscored the importance of developing and embodying 21st century skills set necessary amid the fourth industrial revolution, which includes creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. “How can you even teach, for example, collaboration? So it is not just one subject in collaboration. It is something that will cut across a lot of subjects,� she said. Milla said that the adult education

initiative, in Singapore, is more of a movement rather than a program in pursuit of continuous learning amid the changing environment. 4HE #(%D OFkCIAL SAID THAT THE courses that would be offered vary from academic learning to personal interest, depending on the need of the adult students. This could aid the student in navigating the emerging landscape brought about by the fourth industrial revolution, which is mostly inclined with technological advancements, she said. According to Milla, university REPRESENTATIVES AND #(%D OFkCIALS underwent training on the matter and it concluded last February 5 in Clark, Pampanga. CHEd is currently working with public and private higher educational institutions to establish the framework and check the courses that could be offered under the program. TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD

ERRATUM In “Calabarzon is 7-peat NSPC champion� (TMT Campus Press, February 7, 2019), we inadvertently misspelled the name of Ms. Jennifer Lopez, former Education Program supervisor in-charge of English, Campus Journalism and Special Program in Foreign Languages of Region 4-A, as Jeniffer Lopez. Our apologies to Ms. Lopez.

being deemed unqualifiedâ€?; we knock down “neitherâ€? and say it ENGLISH PLAIN this way: “The candidate didn’t AND SIMPLE mind being labeled a family dynast, nor did she mind being DEEMED UNQUALIkED u On a more profound note, the same stand-alone usage of “norâ€? that here, the negative correla- can be seen in Psalm 121:6 of the tive “neither‌norâ€? is only used New International Version of the to mean “not one or the other Bible: “The sun will not harm you of two.â€? When the reference is by day, nor the moon by night.â€? It is important to remember to “none of several,â€? “neitherâ€? doesn’t work and “noneâ€? must be these three grammatical caveats used instead: g.ONE OF THE kVE to ensure that “norâ€? works correelectionists passed the advocacy rectly when used in tandem with “neitherâ€?: group’s integrity test.â€? (1) When two subjects are Likewise, the conjunction “neitherâ€? isn’t used in tandem with linked by “neither‌nor,â€? the “norâ€? when “norâ€? introduces and verb that follows them must agree negates a succeeding clause or in number — whether singular or phrase. We don’t say “Neither did plural — with the subject nearer the candidate mind being labeled that verb. In the example that fola family dynast, nor did she mind lows, the verb must be in the singu-

JOSE A. CARILLO

lar form “wantsâ€? to agree with the singular noun “brotherâ€?: “Neither her parents nor her brother wants !LICIA TO GET MARRIED BEFORE SHE kNishes college.â€? Conversely, the verb must be in the plural form “wantâ€? to agree with the plural “parentsâ€? in this other example: “Neither her brother nor her parents want Alicia TO GET MARRIED BEFORE SHE kNISHES college.â€? (2) When two antecedent subjects are linked by “neither‌nor,â€? the pronoun that comes after them must agree with the antecedent subject closer to it. The singular pronoun “hisâ€? is needed for “Emilioâ€?: “Neither his coworkers nor Emilio kNISHED his assignment that day.â€? The plural pronoun “theirâ€? is needed for “coworkersâ€?: “Neither Emilio nor his coworkers finished their work that day.â€? (3) When two independent

clauses are linked by “neither‌ nor,â€? they should have the same grammatical form and be structurally parallel. Example: “Neither did Juliet inform her boss nor did she tell her fellow employees about her plan to quit her job.â€? In this example, both “neitherâ€? and “norâ€? are followed by the past tense of the helping verb “doâ€? before the main verbs “informâ€? and “tell,â€? making the clauses functionally coequal and structurally parallel in the negative sense. (Next: Play it by ear whether to USE A GERUND OR INkNITIVE)

Visit Jose Carillo’s English Forum, http://josecarilloforum.com, and on Facebook, https://www. facebook.com/jacarillo. Follow me at Twitter.com @J8Carillo. E-mail: j8carillo@yahoo.com.

Service Management Program boosts the Philippine Information Technology and Business Process Management industry BY ANTONIO G. PAPA, PH.D. THE Philippine Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry has been steadily growing since early 2000, providing career opportunities to millions of Filipinos. The IT-BPM industry has directly employed millions of young professionals. Supply AND AVAILABILITY OF QUALIkED PERSONNEL REMAIN as the biggest challenge in order to keep the global competitiveness and leadership position of the Philippines in the industry today. Thus, the urgency to build up the competency of college and university graduates through the Service Management Program (SMP). The SMP boosts the industry since the program will both impact basic knowledge and instill, as well as nurture, important qualities and skills among students who are essential for future business leadership and organizational success in the industry in a global market. In support of the program, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) issued CHEd Memorandum Order (CMO) 06, series of 2012, for Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), which prescribe additional electives on Service Management for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and CHEd CMO 34, s. 2012, for Information Technology Education (ITE) programs, prescribing specialization track on Service Management for BPO. Consequently, CHEd authorized selected state universities and Colleges (SUCs) to partner with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the enabling association for IT-BPM industry in the Philippines. IBPAP serves as the one-stop information and advocacy gateway for the industry. With the 300 industry and support-industry members, IBPAP plays a pivotal role in sustaining the

rapid growth of the IT-BPM industry by working to ensure an enduring supply of high-quality labor and supporting service innovation. Among the 17 partner SUCs of IBPAP, the Cavite State University (CvSU) in Indang, Cavite was the kRST 35# THAT IMPLEMENTED THE PROGRAM STARTING THE kRST SEMESTER OF ACADEMIC YEAR ACCORDING to its president, Dr. Hernando Robles. Through the Memorandum of Agreement forged between CvSU and IBPAP, SMP was implemented at CvSU through the College of Economics, Management and Development Studies (CEMDS). Graduates of CEMDS are readily absorbed for work by Genpact Services, one of the IBPAP partners. The SMP laboratory, worth around P2 million was donated to CvSU by Infosys, an IBPAP partner agency. Such infrastructure helped the Bachelor of Science in Business Management (BBSBM) major in Service Management prepare themselves in the rigor of the industry. The academic preparations of CvSU students FOLLOWED THE MAJOR COURSES SPECIkED BY #(%D and IBPAP. They are honed regarding business communication, service culture, fundamentals of business process outsourcing (101 and 102), and principles of systems thinking with 3 credit units each. The internship program has 6 credit units. Aside from these courses, an additional of three major courses and two elective courses with 3 credit units each were also required. Likewise, faculty members and students of the SMP are subjected to training programs, namely: Basic English Skills Training (BEST); Advanced English Pre-Employment Training (AdEPT); and Global Competitiveness Assessment Tool (GCAT) for faculty development and student competency strengthening. BEST strengthens the four macro communication skills: listening, speaking, reading and

writing required for effective communication in English to prepare graduates for a career in IT-BPM industry. !D%04 SIGNIkCANTLY IMPROVES THE EMPLOYability of Filipino university or college students for the country’s IT-BPM industry. It unlocks the secrets of the three pillars of oral English communication skills, namely: pronunciation, GRAMMAR AND lUENCY SUCH THAT THE STUDENTS ARE fast-tracked in improving their ability to speak IN %NGLISH WITH CLARITY ACCURACY AND CONkDENCE GCAT is an on-line assessment composed OF kVE PARTS WHICH ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO MAJOR categories: the basic skills and the service orientation. The basic skills are composed of total COGNITIVE ABILITY %NGLISH PROkCIENCY COMPUTER literacy, and perceptual speed and accuracy. Meanwhile, the service orientation is comprised of communication, learning orientation, courtesy, empathy, reliability and responsiveness. Corollary to these, the CHEd and IBPAP have teamed-up with BPOCareerHub.com to bring graduates closer to job opportunities in the IT-BPM industry and other top companies through the SMP Career Portal. For job opportunities, apply through the bpocareerhub.com/smp-career.

Dr. Antonio G. Papa is a retired university professor at the College of Economics, Management and Development Studies (CEMDS), Cavite State University (CvSU) in Indang, Cavite. Currently, he is Scientist I and Consultant at Marinduque State College (MSC) in Boac, Marinduque. He is a graduate of both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Extension Education at the University of the Philippines at Los BaĂąos, College, Laguna in 1986 and 1991, respectively.

MOA between State Universities and Colleges and AgroStudies–Israel signed PARTICIPATING institutions from the State Universities and Colleges and the Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines Inc. (Suc-Acap) and AgroStudies-Israel signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) at the Pampanga State Agricultural University in Magalang, Pampanga on Jan. 15, 2019. The MoA strengthens the interest of all parties in training agriculture students and

providing opportunities for internship in Israel. The program has produced hundreds of Israeli-trained agriculture graduates through the years. A separate orientation program for the 2019 batch of student-interns for Israel was simultaneously conducted. Present at the program were Rafael Harpaz, Israel ambassador to the Philippines, who gave an inspirational message; Dr. Danilo Abayon,

Aklan State University and SUC-ACAP president and Commission on Higher Education representative; Yaron Tamir, chief executive officer of the AgroStudies-Agriculture Capacity Building Ltd.; Dr. Ester Mercado, national coordinator for AgroStudies-Israel; and Dr. Francisco Lopez, Suc-Acap vice president. AG PAPA/MARINDUQUE STATE COLLEGE MEDIA BUREAU

Q Seated in photo are Dr. Ester Mercado, national coordinator for AgroStudies-Israel (left); Dr. Merian Mani (3rd from left), president of Marinduque State College; Rafael Harpaz, Israel ambassador to the Philippines (5th from left); Yaron Tamir, chief executive officer of the AgroStudies-Agriculture Capacity Building Ltd. (2nd from right); and Dr. Elsa Manarpaac (right), president of Western Philippine University. Standing are officials of the member institutions of State Universities and Colleges and the Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines Inc. AG PAPA–MSC MEDIA BUREAU

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‘PH must do best to bring back English ability’ WITH the waning ability to communicate in English, the Philippines must do its best to be globally competitive when it comes to quality of education, speakers at the second Government-Academe Industry Network (GAIN) Inc. convention said. The second GAIN convention was held at the Dusit Thai, Manila last February 8 with the theme, “The 4th Industrial Revolution: Preparing the Philippines for the Jobs of the Future.� Among others, it presented a report card on the Philippines’ English communication and proficiency skills. Dr. Philip Laurel, president of Lyceum University, said the recent outcome of Hopkins International Partners Inc. survey was something the private and public sector must work together so that it would be improved. Based on the study of Hopkins, the Philippines’ evaluation in the ability to communicate in English was only “B1,� which is below average compared to the result of less English proficient nations Thailand and Vietnam. g4HAT EVALUATION IS ONLY kT AS taxi driver in Dubai. It means those aspiring for higher positions abroad will not be able to get the job they are targeting,� said lawyer Lily Milla, Commission on Higher Education executive director and director of international affairs. “In short, hindi maganda ang evaluation result sa

ating mga estudyante, which happens to be all millennials,� Milla pointed out to The Manila Times in an ambush interview. Hopkins’ study was released in 2016, with 1,000 students in Luzon taking part. The evaluation came out when the students were given oral and written exams. The overall rating of the number of those subjected to evaluation was rounded up and the result was a mere B1. B1, based on the Common European Framework of Reference, is the third lowest rating a country can get. The three highest evaluation-ratings were C2, C1 and B2, according to Rex Wallen Tan, general manager of Hopkins. Tan declined to give reasons why there was a waning ability to communicate in English, but said many parents were not strict on their offsprings, when it came to studying their lessons outside the classroom. “The Wi-Fi generation nowadays are busy on online communication, not on their studies,� Tan said. Laurel said the most effective way to bring back the glory days of the Philippines as a country of proficient English speakers was for the government to invest more in education, so that it could upgrade its digital literacy and English proficiency standards. ED VELASCO

Canadian province to add Filipino in curriculum THE province of Alberta in Canada would include Filipino in their curriculum by September 2020, their premier announced over the weekend. “I am ver y proud to pro nounce that our government will work with you to develop a kindergarten to grade 12 Filipino language and curriculum,� Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said at a gathering of Filipino-Canadians in Calgary on Thursday (Friday in Manila). “So that will be done for use in Alberta’s schools across the province. We’ll be reaching out to you in the coming weeks through our Department of Education to begin the consultation,� she added. In a statement by the provincial government, Notley said Alberta was “a welcoming place made richer by its cultures and languages.� She said the Filipino community, as one of the largest and fastest-growing populations, had brought essential skills to Alberta’s workforce and added to its social fabric. A K to12 Filipino language and culture curriculum, she said, would ensure that the Fi l i p i n o c o m m u n i t y c o u l d continue to grow deep roots and make the province even greater. The Alberta provincial government said the Filipino curriculum was offered at the high school level in school districts, such as the Calgary Catholic S chool Distric t, Edmonton Catholic Schools and St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Schools. Alberta Education Minister David Eggen said adding Filipino would address the issues surrounding racism. “Providing learning opportunities for students in a variety of language programs

helps youth maintain their heritage, strengthen their cultural identity and build language and literacy skills,� Eggen said in a statement. “Strengthening language programs based on local need and demand can be an effective tool in addressing racism,� he added. A Filipino community leader said the declaration was a historic gift from Alberta. “The official declaration of having the Filipino heritage language in the curriculum of Alberta schools is a historic gift by the Alberta government to the Filipino community,� Dolly Castillo was quoted as saying. “This strongly demonstrates the respect for a culture’s diversity and unique ness through its language. Programs like this instill pride in students and their heritage, and results in active and engaged citizens.� However, despite the declaration of the Filipino language in the K to12 curriculum, it will not be mandatory. “School authorities have choice and flexibility in offering language programming that best meets the needs of the communities they serve,� the provincial government said in a statement. Aside from Filipino and Canada’s official languages of English and French, there are 26 other languages that are being offered in Alberta such as Chinese, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin, Polish, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese and Korean, as well as indigenous languages. According to figures from the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are 837,130 people living in Canada, with 170,000 people living in Alberta alone. ARIC JOHN SY CUA

The Campus Press welcomes contributions from students of all levels.Students can submit their written works in English, artworks, photographs, cartoons and other works to marishelle.medina@manilatimes. net with the subject line: Campus Press. Please include your name, grade or year level, and name of school. Thank you!

THURSDAY February 14, 2019

Campus Press

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Tabuk elderly educators bewail non-reader phenomenon

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BY ESTANISLAO ALBANO JR.

ABUK CITY, Kalinga: Some retired educators here lament the growing n u m b e r o f n o n - r e a d e r s i n t he intermediate grades and even in high school, claiming that during their time the phenomenon was unthinkable.

A quick survey made by this writer last September showed that there were at least 30 non-readers in Tabuk City National High School, the biggest high school in the province, and four non-readers at the Tabuk Institute, a private school offering elementary and high school education. Ruth Salvador, who retired as district supervisor of the Nothern Tabuk District (NTD) in 2004, said she never saw an illiterate pupil graduate from the elementary during her 41 years in the education department. Salvador recalls that they had reading tests along with their academic tests held at the start and end of the school year, which, she said, were meant to assess the capabilities of the pupils at the start of the year, so the teachers would know how to help those who need assistance. The administrators and teachers, even the parents worked with each other to make the laggards catch up, Salvador said. Retired Home Economics division supervisor Pacita Sarol could not believe what was happening, saying that at the time she left service in 2000, Grade 2 teachers blamed the Grade 1 teachers who passed

non-readers. “That’s why Grade 1 teachers must do their best,� Sarol said. She said that in those days, the performance rating of Grade 1 teachers rose and fell on the absence or presence of non-readers in their class at the end of the school year. “The achievement of children determines your rating. You are not a good teacher if one of your pupils could not read,� Sarol said, adding that the supervisors validated if indeed all the pupils could read by personally testing the reading skills of the children. Told that under the K to 12 curriculum, the deadline for teaching children to learn how to read is Grade 3, Sarol incredulously asked why wait until Grade 3 when in the past, children acquired the skill in Grade 1. “I studied after the war and we learned to read in Grade 1 with the use of the ‘Pepe and Pilar’ textbook. I am really surprised why we have this reading problem now,� Sarol said. Paula Umaybas, who retired in 2005, blames what she calls the new rule in the Department of Education (DepEd), prohibiting the retention of pupils,

claiming she never promoted non-readers in her 33 years as a Grade 1 teacher until her last two years when the new policy went into effect. She is also convinced that aside from the new policy, deficient dedication among present day public school teachers is a key factor in the non-reader phenomenon. She related that during their time, teachers who were doing good were recognized at the end of the school year and for Grade 1 teachers, this was no mean feat because they did not pass pupils who could not read. She said that because of the automatic assumption that if there was someone who could not read in the class, the teacher was remiss in her responsibility, they did their very best to tutor reading laggards. In this context, Sarol described how a dedicated teacher would respond: “They do their best because there is no reason a child could not learn to read unless he is not mentally up to it, in which case he should be referred to the SPED (special education). If they are normal and the teacher gives her all, there is no reason the child could not learn to read. They have no self-satisfaction unless all their pupils could read. They manifest dedication, patience and love in teaching their pupils because teachers are supposed to be the second parent of the child and as such, should wish everything the parents would wish for the child.�

A retired district supervisor, who does not want to be named, blames the shift on the basis for rating of the performance of teachers from what their pupils have learned to other criteria such as the ability to comply with reports and submit so many paperworks. “The measure of performance should not be the submission of accomplishment reports since that can be faked but it should be the academic performance of children,� the retired educator said. He proposed that to arrest the slide in the quality of education in the country, fool-proof national tests should also be administered to determine the academic achievement of pupils “so that teachers, school administrators and supervisors will leave no stone unturned in the education of their students.� He elaborated that two ways of ensuring the integrity of the results was for DepEd people from other provinces administer the tests and for no one in the DepEd in the locality be involved in the activity. He said that even if it costs money and takes a long time, what was important was that the results would be unassailable. “Incentive should be based on the advancement of the knowledge of the learners. Even if the government will spend provided the examinations are administered properly and we really get the true measure of the proficiency level of children,� the retired educator said.

DLSU Libraries and OMF Literature hold journaling workshop and planner launch THE De La Salle University (DLSU) Librarie,s in partnership with OMF Literature Inc., held a basic journaling workshop and planner launch at the university’s Learning Commons last January 29. Designed for students, faculty members and staff, the basic journaling workshop was facilitated by Ida Torres, a former teacher with an advertising and marketing career spanning 18 years. The workshop tackled how journaling is a means of practicing self-care, MAKING TIME FOR RElECTION AND INTROspection, learning how to manage

time, cultivating problem-solving skills and encouraging creativity through small artistic endeavors. The workshop coincided with the launch of “Whatever is True,� a poetry and praise planner published by OMF Literature Inc. The planner features writing prompts, poetry, inspirational quotes and a Bible reading plan for the entire year. It is the publishing HOUSE S kRST PLANNER Co-organized by the DLSU Libraries, the event is part of an ongoing effort to create an interactive environment that fosters multiple ways of teaching and learning.

Q Workshop participants get creative with journaling tools. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

What political candidates need to know about winning support: Responsible campaigning BY HENRY S. TENEDERO EDUCATION FOR ALL DEVELOPMENT CENTER IT’S election campaign time. As we often hear, we deserve the leaders we elect. If you are a political candidate, are you aware of the following crucial information? If you want to reach your constituents, your message has to be delivered in a variety of ways because everyone absorbs information differently. In the same family, no two people learn in exactly the same way. Whether citizens relate to you depends on the luck of the draw — whether their learning styles match or not — the way you deliver your message. When you talk, the odds are strong that less than 20 percent of your audience will remember three-fourths of what you say. When you distribute printed materials, no more than 30 percent of the readers will remember much of what they read. When you shake hands and hug, a different 15 to 20 percent of those present will understand the intent of your message. When you discuss issues and solicit opinions (even if you do not intend to use them), another 30 percent will respond to your position. When you joke and tease as you talk, global processors are likely to embrace many of your ideas. However, analytics may think you are flippant and may not take you seriously. When you stay with the facts and don’t use humor, global constituents may find what you say boring.

When you hug babies, reflective people may suspect your motives. If you don’t, impulsive people may say you have no heart. When you provide a variety of seating options (hard chairs, cushions, sofas) or opportunities to stand, analytic constituents will select formal seating, while global constituents will alternate among the other options. This means that everyone in your audience will be a better listener. When you have refreshments available while you speak, the global processors in your group will be attentive, but the analytic processors are likely to ignore them. However, be certain that there are refreshments available for them after you have ended! Learning style is defined as the way in which each individual begins to concentrate, process, absorb and retain new and difficult information. Global constituents need to see the “big pictureâ€? first, then they focus on details. They see the forest, but bump into the trees! Analytic constituents need to see the details first, then they build those details into an understanding. These people never go into the forest! You may want to know that global processors constitute 55 percent of the adult population, approximately 28 percent are analytic. The remainder are integrated, meaning that if they are interested in what you are proposing, they can adjust to your

style. Here’s what the research is saying: To communicate effectively, you need to know how your audience receives information. Four decades of research has verified that: – People take in information through different senses; the least sensory strength they have is the ability to listen and remember three-fourths of what they hear. – Globals respond best when you tell them first what you want to do and then how you will actually do it. Analytics respond best when you give them a step-by-step plan for getting done what you want to do. For what you say to be internalized, your audience needs to: Begin concentrating with their strongest perceptual strength; reinforce through their secondary perceptual strength the information you have shared with them; apply what they have learned in some creative way, e.g., writing a letter to the local newspaper supporting your position or telephoning neighbors on your behalf; and deliver in a way that responds to most people, use both printed word and graphically illustrated visuals while speaking. Get the audience to use their arms, hands and bodies in response to your questions or statements. Sway with them. Convert your message into a song and sing it with them. Rap with them and engage in simple movements in which they participate. To respond to both globals and analytics, make the basic message sober and add

a bit of related humor. If you are socializing, accent the humor; if you want votes, accent the message and tease a bit. Global processors internalize new and difficult information when relaxed, whereas analytic processors create their own tensions. Be prepared to respond to conforming and nonconforming constituents. Most humans experience at least three stages of nonconformity during their lifetime. The first is euphemistically called “the terrible twosâ€?, followed by “adolescenceâ€?, and then “mid-life crisisâ€?. There may be a fourth stage of nonconformity that manifests itself as humans age — during grandparenting, after illness or retirement, or when facing their own mortality. Each is a period during which individuals challenge authority and respond best to choices, make collegial suggestions and understand why certain issues are important to those who legislate them. What This All Means. If you really want your constituents to understand and appreciate your message, communicate with them in the way each internalizes and processes information. Because people are so different from each other, it is important to capitalize on their processing and sensory strengths. For more description details, email Professor Tenedero at tenederohenry@gmail. com or visit his Facebook page Henry Soleta Tenedero.

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THURSDAY February 14, 2019

Deaf scholar overcomes loss through education H ow can one ever forget the endearing Facebook post of a graduation picture of a teary-eyed young man, with a wide, grateful smile while clutching a framed PORTRAIT NEAR HIS HEART BEFORE THE kNAL RESTING place of his parents?

His name: Juner Quiambao, a 26-year-old deaf scholar, and this is his story. At the age of eight, he contracted German measles, a viral infection that left him deaf. Despite the challenge, which turned out to be a permanent disability, he accepted this new phase in life with love from his parents, three brothers and a stepbrother. However, just when the close-knit family started to recover, Quiambao’s mother succumbed to breast cancer. And within two years, their father had a fatal heart attack. The succeeding deaths of their parents left the siblings totally devastated — emotionally and kNANCIALLY 4HEY ONLY LIVED FROM the food afforded by their maternal grandmother. “We were absolutely clueless where to get money for rent and the piling up unpaid school fees,� he recalled. Quiambao, who was studying at the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) then, was suddenly pushed to the proverbial corner. He did not know how to cope with the mounting expenses for basic existence. Knowing full well that they had to fend for themselves, he reached out to his best friend Daniel and asked if he knew of any work opportunities. “I told Daniel that I needed to work — to at least buy my own food.� he shared. As good Samaritans, Daniel’s parents accepted Quiambao as a weekend household helper, in exchange for a few hundred pesos per day. While still trying to survive on a daily basis, the pursuit of continuing education was certainly not a priority, and sounded like a far-fetched dream. However, Quiambao’s teacher from PSD encouraged him to apply at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). Seeking for greener pastures, he immediately grabbed the opportunity and

independently and secretly applied. Quiambao was blessed as he was not just accepted, but was also a recipient of a scholarship grant. “In PSD, it was easy to adjust as the whole school was dedicated for the deaf,â€? he noted. But things were different at Benilde — the deaf and the hard of hearing were mixed with the hearing. Instead of feeling intimidated, he soon adopted the college’s standard Filipino Sign Language (FSL). He still made certain that he capped off the night by studying — after a long day of classes and organization commitments — and maintained his grade requirements for his scholarship. However, come sophomore year, all his savings during his days as a house helper were gone. “With no money, I planned to quit school. I was so depressed and so lost, I simply wanted to give up.â€? he recalled. Observing my dilemma, Agnes Canayon, director of the college’s Center for Deaf Esteem and Formation (CDEAF), encouraged me to continue my studies, while she attempted to search for a sponsor. Then, the parents of Benildean associate Bea Francisco came to the rescue on his predicament and supported him. All the while, the scholar never met his scholastic guardian angels, though he exchanged letters and sent tokens of gratitude to them. With a newfound lease in life, Quiambao joined a number of associations, which helped him relate with others. This boosted HIS CONkDENCE (E BECAME PART OF the Lasallian Ministry Program for the Deaf, the Silent Steps, School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) sports team, Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company. An active member of the Social Responsibility and

Q Right after graduation, Juner (in photo) and his siblings visit their parents’ grave to show his diploma. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Q An active volunteer, Juner provides inspiration on how to prevail against all odds. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Q Playing a deaf Ding, Darna’s brother, in the musical ‘Ding! Ang Bato,’ Juner’s presence gave opportunity for hearing cast members to learn sign language. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Outreach Program, he volunteered to teach FSL to the public school teachers in Davao and to the juvenile delinquents in the Stairway Foundation Inc. “Though I have undergone so MANY DIFkCULTIES IN DIFFERENT STAGES in my life, volunteering made me a positive person. It gave me a chance to appreciate my family and interact with so many hearing ones.� Quiambao shared. “So whenever I felt sad, I just focused on the works where I made others happy.� The scholar also brought his

ACHIEVEMENTS CONTINUE TO RElECT IN the impact he has left both in the deaf and hearing community. “It is good to serve as an inspiration to other people. It’s not being makapal ang mukha (shameless), it’s being CONkDENT THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO SHOW your Benildean values.� “There are so many opportunities here. Everyone around you propels you to achieve your dreams. They do not only teach us academically, but also teach us to not to give up, and most importantly how to serve. Because of Benilde professors and

An open letter to people who seek love from others instead of showering themselves with self-love BY LIEZELLE ROY THE MANILA TIMES COLLEGE

PHOTO BY JOHN PAUL ROY I know you have questioned yourself multiple times. I know you have doubted yourself for the things that you weren’t able to do. I know people have made you feel that you are unloved, that you are unworthy and that you are different. They have made you feel that you are nothing. I know, because I had experienced the same things. On this love month I want to remind that you are loved, that you are worth it, that you are capable of doing things. You are something. You deserve the best things in this world. We have been told that today is about expressing and celebrating with your partner, but I’m telling you, it is more than what it is. We have spent our time loving everyone, giving everything to people. Maybe, it is our time to love ourselves. It may sound simple, but have you ever given

enough time to yourself? Have you ever loved yourself enough? In this generation, we cannot deny that having a partner is a big issue, but I’m telling you to stop worrying about it. There is so much more to life than any other people. You just have to be patient and stay positive. Some of you might rush things. Seeing those happy couples on social media makes you want to have a partner, but life doesn’t work that way; everything comes at the right time. Let me tell you this; you are too young to worry about being in a relationship, to experience those heartbreaks. You just have to enjoy life and appreciate people who love you. Be beautiful. Be confident. Be bold. Be strong. You deserve all the love and happiness in this world.Â

newfound advocacy on to the performing stage when he played the role of Ding, Darna’s deaf brother, in the college’s recent musical titled “Ding! Ang Bato.� “I did not expect to take the part, as hearing students likewise auditioned for the role.� he shared. “All the cast members learned sign language and were signing the entire play. I felt so proud — like a real advocate,� Quiambao beamed. Also currently nominated for the Gawad Benildyano Award, Quiambao’s efforts, dedication and

students, I did not give up.� Quiambao beamed. Recently, Quiambao’s siblings witnessed him march down the aisle of the Philippine International Convention Center to receive his diploma in Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies - Business Entrepreneurship under the college’s SDEAS. When asked about the background of his viral social media photo, he said: “Right after the ceremony, we visited the graves of our parents to show my diploma, lighted candles, and kissed their portraits.�

IN THIS YEAR OF THE YOUTH BY PIT M. MALIKSI LICEO DE SAN PABLO/LA CONSOLACION COLLEGE TANAUAN ON one Sunday Mass, a priest during his homily addressed parents to listen to the young especially in this year of the youth. #ONkDENT WITH HIS TOPIC THE PRIEST talked on the measure of hostility the youth endures these days at home. Without a smidgen of malice, he claimed that they have this perception that, being young, they were more right than their parents. Yet, the endnote at the mass read: We should guide and pray for the mistaken multitudes of youth this year. I came to be a teacher because I love the young in more ways that I can, and I really hate anyone evil enough to hurt them. I am essentially a teacher on the bleachers, cheering when the young students do better. Them being a little out of sense is forgivable, but when they become stubborn inheritors of a vanishing good-natured class, which have placed them largely at odds because of actions that go beyond the rules in school and at home, ) kNALLY REACH A CROSSROAD WHERE ) WALK toe to toe with them until they promise to be better and orderly. Another connection why the young must listen more and more to their elders is that, over the years, millennials have looked at their own life and lived in another way. Consider this example: Most students cut corners online, not from the down-the-line lessons in school. They take easy classes or “gutâ€? courses, and graduate without much to show at work. Drinking, gambling, free sex, ill manners and indiscipline came to be a part of their out-ofschool landscape. They mind about their homes less, even not zealous anymore about the cleanliness of our planet. Girls consider home chores,

such as cleaning, cooking, dishwashing or doing the laundry, as odd jobs they can do without. They end up as consumer-oriented, know-it-all airheads who break traditions and lap up and join in liberated footsteps. Enjoying greater liberties, some teenagers even come to the point of doing battle with the authority. 7E CANNOT PUT ASIDE THE INlUENCES of modern technology and political environment, which we need to consider to quickly, not slowly, clean up the youth’s acts. See how social media and dirty politics have become intrusive to the young and created a dangerous environment for them, being exposed to miseducation, rowdyism, bullying, drugs and crimes. Imagine them jailed for wrong reasons, duped by marijuana culture subscribed to by some politicians. Imagine hearing THEM EXPLOITED AS SACRIkCIAL LAMBS A collateral damage under the cloak of the government’s drug-bust banner. It scares anybody out of their wits today that violence appears to be the new order coming from the top. !MID THE INlUENTIAL HIDES IN HOLES and corners of violence as a political tool, in the open are the young who have need be helped. They have to be watched. They have to know what is right. They have to learn to listen. If subverted, instead of concentrating to succeed and be stewards of the Earth and homes of tomorrow, they might become dangerous and ruined. Parents and teachers, with no small help from the fair-playing media, have to foil that. It goes that parents and teachers have to travel the long and winding road to walk the young toward the good. But then, how will the increasing threats of technology and corrupt

society along the rough road be no match to the human eyes and fragile hands of parents and teachers? To pit against such threats, they should not tire to commit protecting and taking the young by the hand all the time. With the media keeping an eye, and with the parents’ and teachers’ wealth of knowledge forged by time and experience, the young will be able to see the rays of light, and steer clear of the dark world of modernity and politics — alongside the bred-inthe-bone plunderers and rouges, who cluster together doing devilish crimes upon both the innocent young and the passive old. Off again, with the tolerated youth infractions of rules and standards of discipline in schools and at homes, with certain degrees of illiteracy and immaturity in parenting, with the unlawful grievance procedures and undue process of rights, will the motivational inspiration from parents, teachers, priests and media end up just a bubble? Will this one rule still work in this year of the youth: When young people talk and sound right, parents must listen; when they go wrong, parents must sit them down and make them listen.

Pit M. Maliksi, a graduate of UST and Central Texas College, founder of Philippine Axiologists Association, English Teacher at the Liceo de San Pablo and La Consolacion College Tanauan, was the Most Outstanding Professor for 12 years of the Polytechnic University of the Philipppines, Sto. Tomas, Batangas (STB), where HE IS THE %DUCATIONAL 0ROGRAM /FkCER of Kiwanis International STB, and founder of STB Mga Apo Ni Tomas, a civic society of young professionals.

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