THE MANILA TIMES | APRIL 15, 2019

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MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2019

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CARDINAL TAGLE’S PALM SUNDAY HOMILY

‘Do not follow arrogant kings’

HOLY WEEK BEGINS

Church-goers wave their palm branches at Candelaria Church in Silang, Cavite on Palm Sunday. Inset: Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle delivers his homily at Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.

PHOTOS BY BOY JOSUE AND ENRIQUE AGCAOILI

BY CATHERINE A. MODESTO

M

ANILA Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle told the Christian faithful not to follow “arrogant, revengeful” kings, as he ushered in Holy Week rites with Palm Sunday Mass at the Manila Cathedral.

Q What do these media outfits have in common?

PCIJ, Vera Files and CMFR violating Constitution ban on foreign funds in media

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HE misnamed Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Rappler and two other media outfits which have been stridently critical of President Duterte are violating the constitutional ban on foreign presence in media by receiving substantial funds from US entities. ³TiglaoA5

RIG RRIGOBERTO IGG DD. TIGLAO

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

Tagle lamented that people seek arrogant leaders as they were “easier” to follow and were more “attractive” than Jesus Christ.

“It is not easy to emulate and embrace the traits of Jesus,” who according to Tagle, “is humble and in full solidarity” with sinful humanity.

“But, through God’s mercy, we could love and follow him,” he said in his homily.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, during

which Christians commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.

Before the Mass, Tagle blessed palm branches brought for the occasion to commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem two millennia ago.

Tagle challenged the faithful to practice humility and endure sacrifices.

“Imposible sa ating hubarin ang sarili, magpakababa, `yung igalang ang umaalipusta sa’yo.

DUTERTE WARNS OF POLITICAL ATTACKS AHEAD OF MAY POLLS IN the wake of reports raising questions about the alleged wealth and undisclosed businesses of his and his CHILDREN DURING THEIR TIME IN OFkCE

President Rodrigo Duterte warned the public of “political attacks” from the media ahead of the 2019 mid-term elections next month.

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) earlier released a series of reports about the wealth of Duterte and his children, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and former Davao City vice mayor Paolo Duterte, saying they all became significantly

NewsA8

‘CRIMINAL MINDS,’ CEBU VERSION

Marit Stinus-CabugonA5

DBM eyes P4.1-trillion natl budget for 2020

³BudgetA3

What’s inside

JOY BELMONTE, ABBY BINAY LEAD OPPONENTS IN POLL

³ArrogantA2

THE government is eyeing a recordhigh national budget for next year under the cash-based system.

“The total cash budget for 2020 is, thus, pegged at P4.100.0 billion,” the department’s officer in charge, Janet Abuel, said in a national budget memorandum released late last week to guide government agencies in the preparation of their 2020 budget proposals.

The proposed 2020 national budget

³AttacksA2

FAMILY POVERTY THRESHOLD NewsA2 AT P23K MONTHLY – IBON

`Yung hilumin ang sumusugat sa`yo. ‘Di `yan ang kalakaran ng mundo. Pero para sa Diyos `di `yan imposible (It is impossible for us to practice humility, to respect those who abuse us. To HEAL OTHERS WHO INlICT PAIN ON you, that is not how the world works. But these things are not impossible to God),” Tagle said.

He cited how the apostle Paul urged Philemon, an early Christian leader, to reconcile with and

MOBBED, AGAIN

Senatorial candidate Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go raises his fist as his campaign motorcade is greeted by residents of Pasay City on Sunday. Go placed third in a nationwide survey commissioned by the Magdalo party of President Rodrigo Duterte’s fiercest critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th. PHOTO BY J.GERARD SEGUIA

Go ranks 3rd in survey of Trillanes’ Magdalo WITH less than a month before the May midterm polls, Senators Mary Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar and former special assistant to the President #HRISTOPHER ,AWRENCE g"ONGu 'O remained the leading candidates in

Lorenzana also changes tune, hits China’s Spratlys claim

the Senate race, according to a nationwide survey commissioned by the Magdalo party-list of Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th.

Both reelectionists, Poe garnered

CHINA has been relying on an “imagined historical claim” over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), $EFENSE 3ECRETARY $ELkN ,ORENZANA said on Sunday, as he also stepped up his rhetoric against Beijing.

This was after Chinese foreign minISTRY SPOKESMAN ,U +ANG INSISTED LAST week that the Spratly group of islands

³SurveyA8

³SpratlysA2

‘MWSS unprepared for water shortages’ JIMUEL PACQUIAO SCORES KO WIN IN AMATEUR BOUT

SportsC2

NEW NETFLIX K-DRAMA HAS STRONG FILIPINO CONNECTION

EntertainmentD1

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has faulted the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for failing to prepare for water shortages ahead of the El Niño weather phenomenon.

In a speech during the Partido DeMOKRATIKO 0ILIPINO ,AKAS NG "AYAN

campaign rally in Bukidnon on Saturday evening, Duterte said in Visayan, “It is your job. This MWSS, this son of a b***h, every season, even in El Niño, why didn’t you prepare?”

“Then, while El Niño is yet to arrive, there is already a water shortage. Son of

a b***h. [But,] when I said that I will go to you, the next morning, [water is back],” he added. ,AST MONTH -ALACAÄANG BARED that President Duterte had threatened to fire officials of the MWSS,

³WaterA8

A2

News

˜ The Manila Times MONDAY April 15, 2019

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‘GOVT HIDING TENS OF MILLIONS OF POOR FILIPINOS’

Family poverty threshold at P23K monthly – Ibon

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BY GLEE JALEA

HINK tank Ibon Foundation on Sunday criticized the latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) estimate of the monthly poverty threshold, claiming the living wage for a famILY OF kVE SHOULD BE DOUBLE THE GOVERNment standard.

Ibon reported that a family of kVE IN THE .ATIONAL #APITAL 2Egion (NCR) needed a living wage of P1,004 per day or P23,660 per month, more than double the

P10,481 pegged by the PSA as monthly poverty threshold in the year 2018.

The think tank said P11,262 alone would go to food, the high-

est expenditure, while P3,975 would go to housing needs.

The rest would be for water and electricity consumption pegged at P2,295; transport at P1,254; and miscellaneous goods and services at P1,349. “The choice of official poverty lines is a political one. Setting a high standard [is indicative of] the government having a high level of ambition for poverty eradication,� Ibon said.

The think tank called out the government for setting a “low standard� of well-being, after the PSA said those who consumed more than P10,481 in the year 2018 were not considered poor. Of this

amount, food expenses accounted for P7,337. “[This] results in ten millions of Filipinos not meeting minimum standards of well-being and hidden behind unrealistic official poverty statistics,� Ibon added.

-ALACAĂ„ANG HAS CITED THE 03! kGures as proof that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte had MADE SIGNIkCANT STEPS IN ADDRESSING poverty in the Philippines.

4HE .#2 #ALABARZON #AVITE

,AGUNA "ATANGAS 2IZAL AND 1UEZON AND #ENTRAL ,UZON WERE THE regions with the lowest poverty incidence among families in 2015 and 2018, according to the PSA.

Abu Dar, last Maute leader, dead, Lorenzana confirms THE lone leader of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute group, Owaydah Benito Marohombsar OR !BU $AR HAD BEEN CONkRMED killed, based on DNA test results, $EFENSE 3ECRETARY $ELkN ,ORENZAna said on Sunday.

He admitted that he was unaware about who or where the DNA testing was conducted, but confirmed that Marohombsar was dead. “I don’t know who tested it or WHERE "UT IT IS CONkRMED ‡ IT S Abu Dar’s remains,� he said in a text message.

-AROHOMBSAR S DEATH WAS kRST suspected by the military after Maute members and the Philippine Army clashed in Tubaran, ,ANAO DEL 3UR LAST -ARCH The body of the terror leader was then subjected to DNA testing, while informants in the area said the remains belonged to Marohombsar.

He was believed to be the only top terrorist who escaped from the Marawi City siege in 2017, which LASTED FOR kVE MONTHS Marohombsar was also believed to have been the successor of Isnilon Hapilon as emir of the IS in Southeast Asia.

7ITH -AROHOMBSAR S DEATH ,O-

RENZANA SAID THE GROUP WAS LEADERLESS “Well, for now, his group is leaderless. We are monitoring who will replace Dar,� the Defense chief added.

The Philippine Army’s 1st InfanTRY $IVISION )$ ALSO CONkRMED the death of Marohombsar.

The Army had suspected that the terror leader was killed during a GUNkGHT ON -ARCH IN 4UBARAN

,ANAO DEL 3UR Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, 1st ID COMMANDER ALSO CONkRMED THAT AUthorities had requested the United States to conduct a DNA testing on Marohombsar’s remains. g4HE NEUTRALIZATION OF !BU $AR IS A SIGNIkCANT ACCOMPLISHMENT OF the government and the people of ,ANAO DEL 3UR WHO WORKED TOGETHer to rid their beloved province of terrorists,� Ancan said.

Marohombsar was said to have masterminded the 2013 bombing OF THE ,IMKETKAI #OMMERCIAL !REA in Cagayan de Oro City, where several doctors were killed.

A source said Marohombsar had a P3-million bounty on his head.

The Americans, the sources said, “took a part of his hair and [the hair of] his son, and they tested [if the DNA matched].�

DEMPSEY REYES

Gas prices set to rise P1/liter this week

IN BUKIDNON

President Rodrigo Duterte (third from right) is photographed along with Senate candidates of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan party during a campaign rally in Malayabay, Bukidnon on Saturday. MALACAĂ‘ANG PHOTO

Q ATTACKS FROM A1

Duterte warns of political RICHER DURING THEIR TIME IN OFkCE The reports also accused the family of having undisclosed businesses.

In a speech during the Partido $EMOKRATIKO 0ILIPINO ,AKAS NG Bayan campaign rally in Bukidnon on Saturday night, the President accused some media men of being paid to attack their clients’ opponents for money. “They accept [payment] from clients to [write] political attacks.

ACDC (attack and collect money, defend and collect money). You attack to get paid. So, don’t believe that they are clean,� Duterte said

in Visayan. “You protect the rich and hide their secrets, but attack us politicians who genuinely want reform.

That’s the truth. You are just being paid,� he added.

Duterte, again, insisted that there were no irregularities in his businesses. “They said that I have a law ofkCE THAT WAS UNREGISTERED 7HAT is it to them if I don’t have it registered? They didn’t discover that my partner died the week after‌ HAVING A LAW OFkCE WAS MY BACK up plan in the past years in case I lose in the elections. At least if I lose, I would have a sanctuary and a source of income which is my law OFkCE u HE SAID “But that’s the only issue that they attacked me

with apart from selling motorcycles. If you are a motorcycle rider, you immediately become a businessman because if your motorcycle model grows old, you will want to replace it with a new one. If not, you trade it for a new model and just add money. But those transactions weren’t for PROkT u THE 0RESIDENT ADDED ,AST 3ATURDAY $UTERTE SAID HIS family’s businesses were not a concern of the public.

He also earlier slammed the PCIJ reports as “black propaganda� and those who wrote the reports as “paid hacks.� “[Investigative journalists] are attacking me and my children, all about lawyering. What do they care about what happened to my LAW OFkCE -Y LAW OFkCE IT WAS formed with Attorney Fabiosa, the sibling of the basketball player. We formed it in about a month after he died,� Duterte said. “So, you can see the minds of investigative [journalists] so...

Money talks. They are being paid

big. Even my lawyering, even my... motorcycle shop,� he added.

In a tweet last Sunday, the PCIJ SAID g0UBLIC OFkCE IS A PUBLIC TRUST (OW OFkCIALS COMPLY FULLY WITH THE LAWS OR DON T WHETHER THEY kLE @TRUTHFUL AND COMPLETE 3!,. ;ARE= EVERY CITIZEN S BUSINESS u 3!,.

OR 3TATEMENT OF !SSETS ,Iabilities and Net Worth, was cited by the PCIJ in its reports.

In another speech on Thursday night, Duterte admitted he indeed had money, but he would “hide� it. “[I am] rich? I will hide it. Why will I tell you where I put [the money?] You are all idiots. Maybe I will be robbed. For money, I have money. Stupid,� he said.

The President, however, promised that he would explain the alleged wealth “in due time.�

He also slammed the reports as just the opposition’s “trash.�

Earlier, MalacaĂąang dared those CRITICIZING $UTERTE AND HIS WEALTH TO kLE A CASE AGAINST HIM RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

JUST days before the long holiday begins, motorists may want to purchase a full tank’s worth of fuel as oil companies are expected to raise the prices of gasoline by about a peso per liter this week. “Expect fuel prices to go up next week.

Diesel should go up by P0.60 to P0.70 per liter and gasoline should go up by P0.90 to P1.00 per liter,� Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. said in an advisory on Saturday.

An industry source told The Manila Times over the weekend that the price of diesel would increase by 60 to 70 centavos per liter and 80 to 90 centavos per liter for gasoline, based on the average of the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) trading from April 8 to 11.

The industry uses MOPS, the daily average of all trading transactions of diesel and gasoline as assessed and summarized by Standard and Poor’s Platts.

On Friday, global oil prices gained 1 percent.

A report by Reuters said Brent crude oil futures climbed 1.02 percent at $71.55 per barrel, while the US West Texas Intermediate crude futures inched up 0.5 percent at $63.89 a barrel.

Last week, the price of diesel increased by 20 centavos per liter, gasoline by 25 centavos per liter, and kerosene by 10 centavos per liter.

Year-to-date adjustments stand at a net increase of P4.65 per liter for diesel, P6.90 per liter for gasoline and P3.45 per liter for kerosene, based on the Department of Energy’s price monitoring.

As of this writing, diesel is being sold for P41.19 to P48.95 per liter, gasoline for P51.35 to P57.46 per liter and kerosene for P44.23 to 55.10 per liter.

JORDEENE B. LAGARE

Q ARROGANT FROM A1

betrayed Jesus to the Pharisees for 30 pieces of silver.

Tagle called anew on the faithful not to “avoid Jesus’ words and deeds� this week, but instead get to know Jesus so they could follow him.

He said: “Holy Week is not just a chance for us to take a break and go on a vacation. This is also a time of getting to know Jesus Christ. ‘Who is Jesus? Why did he take the path for us?’�

In Naga City, Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona, head of the Archdiocese of Caceres, said in his homily: “As we value this moment of being with our loved ones, let us not forget the very reason why we are gathered together during this Holy Week. It is to remember in prayer and in conversion, the LOVING AND TOTAL SACRIkCE OF *ESUS ON the cross for our salvation.�

He added: “This Holy Week, especially the Solemn Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday are days of intense prayer and remembrance of Jesus’ death on the cross.�

Do not embrace as brother Onesimus, who had wronged him.

This, he said, was the way of Christ, “not like other kings in the world who hold on to their dignity so others may hold them in high esteem and exalt them.�

No revenge The prelate also said Jesus never approved of the use of weapons for revenge. “Ang tugon ni Hesus sa magmamaltrato sa kanya ay paghihilom. Siya susugatan pero `di siya gaganti, mangsusugat sa iba (His response to those who persecute him is healing. Others would cause him pain, but he would not seek revenge or hurt them back),� Tagle said, referring to Judas Iscariot, the apostle who

Q SPRATLYS FROM A1

Lorenzana also changes tune, hits China’s Spratlys claim +ALAYAAN )SLAND 'ROUP WAS Chinese territory “legally and historically.� “Despite the pronouncement of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, we stand on solid grounds on our claims in the Spratlys and the West PhilipPINE 3EA u ,ORENZANA SAID IN A text message.

The Defense chief cited the 1981 United Nations ConvenTION ON THE ,AW OF THE 3EA (Unclos), signed by China, which gave the Philippines a 200-nautical-mile exclusive ECONOMIC ZONE %%: COVERING the Spratlys. “There is the PCA ruling of

July 2016 which invalidated the #HINESE HISTORICAL CLAIMS u ,ORENZANA ALSO SAID REFERRING TO THE ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that sided with the Philippines. “In short, the Chinese have nothing working for them except their imagined historical CLAIM u ,ORENZANA SAID MalacaĂąang invoked the ARBITRATION RULING FOR THE kRST time in a statement on Friday, following a marked shift in tone against Beijing after a military report that 600 Chinese vessels had been spotted near the Philippine-occupied Pag-asa Island in the Spratlys.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said last week President Rodrigo Duterte would raise the matter next month with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Belt and Road economic forum.

Duterte had set aside the arbitration ruling in favor of closer economic ties with China.

On Sunday, Panelo said the Philippines “never shelved� the 2016 arbitral ruling, after former Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario on Saturday asked the government to enforce the ruling amid “aggressive moves by our northern neighbor in such areas as

Pag-asa, in other areas and in other issues.�

In a statement, Panelo, however, said the ruling was unenforceable. “It only remains unenforceable because no foreign force seems persuaded to help us enforce it, and neither do we have the capability of enforcing it alone by force, not to mention the fact that performing armed acts of enforcement could only trigger a bloody war that could cost the lives of our countrymen and destruction of properties in our land,� he said.

Panelo slammed del Rosario, saying the ex-diplomat was “re-

sponsible� for the Philippines’ loss of Panatag (Scarborough) 3HOAL DURING HIS TIME IN OFkCE Del Rosario, Panelo said, withdrew navy vessel BRP Gregorio del Pilar from Panatag during a 2012 standoff with the Chinese, who stayed in the shoal and snatched control of the area. “[Del Rosario] certainly cannot put forward his pretended patriotism and feigned righteousness as if he has not contributed vastly to the unwelcome situation we are presently in,� he added.

DEMPSEY REYES AND RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

News DoH records 1,400 new measles cases

˜ The Manila Times

MONDAY April 15, 2019

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BY CATHERINE A. MODESTO

T

HE Department of Health (DoH) has yet to lift the measles outbreak status of five regions, as it validated 1,406 new measles cases in these areas from March 31 to April 5, 2019.

Health Undersecretary Rolando Domingo previously said the department must record no new cases for about six consecutive weeks in Metro Manila, Calabar-

ZON #AVITE ,AGUNA "ATANGAS

2IZAL AND 1UEZON #ENTRAL ,UZON

Central Visayas and Western Visayas to say that the epidemic was completely under control.

The recent figure brings the total number of the avoidable and vaccine-preventable illness to 28,362 cases, with 389 deaths since January 1 of this year. This number is 78 percent higher than THE

WITH DEATHS REPORTED in the same period in 2018.

Of the total number of cases, PERCENT OR WERE UNVACcinated. Of the total fatalities, 79 percent or 306 were unvaccinated.

Metro Manila had the highest NUMBER WITH CASES WITH deaths, while Calabarzon recorded

the most number of deaths, with IN ITS CASES )N ,UZON #ENTRAL ,UZON HAD 4,633 cases and 64 deaths, folLOWED BY )LOCOS 2EGION WITH

cases and 12 deaths; Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), with 1,197 cases with 10 deaths; Bicol Region, with 838 cases and seven deaths; Cordillera Administrative Region, WITH CASES AND ONE DEATH AND #AGAYAN 6ALLEY WITH CASES AND two deaths.

Meanwhile, Western Visayas had

Go declines contributions out of delicadeza SENATE hopeful Christopher ,AWRENCE g"ONGu 'O SAID HE HAS been refusing offers of campaign contribution out of delicadeza and to avoid compromising President Rodrigo Duterte. “Totoo po yun, marami pong gustong tumulong ay tinatanggihan ko po kasi ayaw kong macompromise ang aking boss — ating Pangulo )T S TRUE THERE ARE MANY WHO LIKE TO HELP BUT ) REFUSED ;THEM= AS ) DO NOT WANT TO compromise the President), � said 'O IN A RADIO INTERVIEW The former top aide of Duterte, 'O SAID THAT AS HIS RATINGS ON SURveys on the Senate race improved,

he continuously received offers of contribution in various kinds to his campaign. )N THE SURVEY CONDUCTED BY Pulse Asia from March 23 to

'O RETAINED HIS RD TO TH place ranking, similar to the February 24 to 28 survey of the same polling firm.

'O S AWARENESS RATING HOWEVER

rose from 96 percent in the February survey to 99 percent in the March survey, as well as those who ARE VOTING FOR HIM FROM PERCENT IN &EBRUARY TO PERCENT FOR THE same period.

He credited President Duterte’s endorsement and

the trust of the people in the administration as one of the major factors for his strong survey performance.

'O SAID AS ONE OF THE CHOSEN Senate candidates of Duterte, whom he had served for over 21 years, he takes the same stance as the Chief Executive on keeping HIMSELF FREE FROM UNDUE INlUENCE by anybody. “Sanay po kami sa simpleng pangangampanya, hindi naman kailangan mag-kampanya ng en grande (We are used to doing simple campaigns; we do not need to campaign in a grand way),� he added.

"UT 'O SAID HE REFUSED TO DWELL on surveys but was focusing on his promise to serve the country.

President Duterte, he said, advised him to continue reaching out to the Filipino people to bring the message of his legislative agenda across to them. “ )PAGPAPATULOY KO PO ANG mga pagbabagong nasimulan ni Pangulong Duterte, lalo na yung kampanya laban sa iligal na droga, kriminalidad at corrupTION ) WILL CONTINUE THE CHANGES initiated by the President, particularly the campaign against illegal drugs, crime and corrupTION u 'O STRESSED

PH, Croatia SUCs to start classes August affirm defense relations DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has met with his counterpart in Croatia, affirming the two nations’ partnership on matters of defense.

A release by the Croatian Ministry of Defense said Lorenzana was in Split where he met Defense Minister Damir KrstiÄ?ević while attending the Adriatic Sea Defense and Aerospace Exhibition and Conference 2019 on April 11.

During the meeting, Lorenzana and KrstiÄ?ević reaffirmed the “good and friendly relations between the two countries,â€? as they discussed intensifying bilateral cooperation, as well as current global and regional security challenges.

According to the Defense ministry, KrstiÄ?ević also discussed with Lorenzana the work of the ministry, as well as the Croatian Army.

The ministry added that KrstiÄ?ević spoke with Lorenzana about the active contribution of the country, being a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the United Nations and the European Union, “in the preservation of global security.â€?

It also disclosed that KrstiÄ?ević and Lorenzana signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation between Manila and Zagreb.

In 2012, Croatia offered to build ships for the Philippine Coast Guard.

The delegations of the two nations have also discussed potential cooperation on military technology, shipbuilding and fighting piracy.

Lorenzana was asked regarding the matters discussed with KrstiÄ?ević, but has not responded as of press time.

DEMPSEY REYES

THE Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has mandated all government-run universities and colleges (SUCs) to begin their academic years every August, two months ahead of the traditional June opening of classes. )N A MEMORANDUM DATED !PRIL

#(%D #HAIRMAN 0ROSPERO DE Vera 3rd said the “shift of academic calendar� of both SUCs and local UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES ,5#S

would begin in August of every year staring Academic Year 2019-2020.

Schools “are enjoined to synchronize [their] respective academIC YEARS TO A kSCAL YEAR &9 STARTING FY 2019 to ensure that starting FY

ALL 35#S AND ,5#S HAVE SYNchronized their academic year to a kSCAL YEAR u PART OF THE MEMO READ De Vera said the memorandum was pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 7722 or the “Higher

Education Act of 1994� and Commission En Banc Resolution 1422019.

Some universities, including the University of the Philippines System, 5NIVERSITY OF 3ANTO 4OMAS $E ,A Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University have already shifted their academic calendar from June to later months to integrate with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

FRANCIS EARL CUETO

Q BUDGET FROM A1

in 2020, following the transitional twoyear implementation of infrastructure outlays this 2019, according to Abuel. )N TERMS OF EXPENDITURE DIRECtions, the government “will prioritize the acceleration of infrastructure, anti-poverty, and pro-employment spending through strategic infrastructure projects, and by supporting the implementation of the recent game-changing laws such as rice liberalization, universal healthcare, and Bangsamoro autonomy,� she said. )N PARTICULAR THE MEDIUM TERM )NFRASTRUCTURE )NVESTMENT 0ROGRAM for next year was pegged at 4.9 PERCENT OF '$0 OR 0 TRILLION Meanwhile, the government’s 2020 REVENUE PROGRAM WAS SET AT 0 trillion, 13.4 percent higher than the P3.149 trillion programmed for 2019.

The higher revenue goal is equivaLENT TO PERCENT OF '$0 4HE 0 BILLION DEkCIT CEILING WILL REVERT TO PERCENT OF '$0 FROM 3.2 percent this year. ,ASTLY !BUEL STRESSED THAT THE CASH budgeting system will continue to be implemented in 2020. “The shift to cash budgeting staring 2019 along with cash management reforms will ensure better planning, swift program delivery, and strengthen kSCAL DISCIPLINE AS WELL AS ACCOUNTABILity mechanisms between appropriated

budgets and program outputs,� she said.

To recall, the House of Representatives in August last year rejected the P3.7trillion proposed national budget for 2019 over concerns the new cash-based system would result in the deprivation of funds in congressional districts.

The budget has always been obligation-based, meaning agencies can retain their obligated budget for projects at the end of the year even if THE PROJECTS HAVE YET TO BE kNISHED Moreover, an obligation-based budget allows agencies to obligate funds for projects and pay them the following year. )N A CASH BASED SYSTEM AGENCIES MUST spend all of their obligated budgets within the year, or lose them.

The House of Representatives’ rejection of the new system and the alleged anomalous allocations by the DBM resulted in a budget impasse, which forced the government to operate on last year’s P3.767-trillion budget since the start of 2019.

This means agencies can only spend for items detailed in the 2018 outlay and cannot embark on programs and projects supposed to be implemented this year.

The Budget department, however, remains optimistic as the national budget is expected to be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte this week.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

DBM eyes will be 9.1 percent or P343 billion more than this year’s still-unapPROVED 0 TRILLION Of this amount, 44.9 percent or P1.842 trillion will be allocated for “Tier 1� programs, activities and projects of government agencies. !NOTHER 0 TRILLION OR PERcent of the budget will go to automatic appropriations such as internal revenue allotment, net lending, among others; and to special purpose funds like special shares to local governments and a contingent fund, among others.

4HIS LEAVES A kSCAL SPACE OF 0 billion to cover expanded and new programs, activities and projects, accounting for 22.2 percent of the total cash-based budget ceiling, Abuel said.

Approved by interagency Development Budget and Coordination Committee, the government’s disbursement program was pegged at P4.210 trillion — equivalent to 19.9 percent of gross doMESTIC PRODUCT '$0 ‡ PERCENT more than this year’s P3.774 trillion.

Of this amount, some P343.4 billion will be set aside for payment of prior year’s obligations, composed largely of 2019 obligations that will only be paid

Discounts for national athletes Dear PAO, I heard that athletes enjoy certain privileges such as discounts to restaurants, hotels and the like. I just want to know about these discount, and if these are available to all athletes.

Jorlan Dear Jorlan, Please be informed of the provisions of Section 4 (a) and (b) of Republic Act 10699 otherwise known as the “National Athletes AND #OACHES "ENEkTS AND )NCENtives Act,� which read: g3ECTION "ENEkTS AND 0RIVIleges for National Athletes and Coaches. – Any national athlete AND COACH AS DEkNED HEREIN AND who is currently registered as such, shall be entitled to the following: “a. The grant of 20 percent discount from all establishments

DEAR PAO PERSIDA ACOSTA relative to the utilization of transportation services, hotels and other lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers and purchase of medicine and sports equipment anywhere in the country for the actual and exclusive use or enjoyment of the national athlete and coach; “b. Minimum of 20 percent discount on admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other similar places of culture, leisure and amusement for the ac-

tual and exclusive use and enjoyment of the national athlete and coach; xxx.� (Emphasis supplied) Clearly, only national athletes and coaches are entitled to the abovementioned discounts. Under Section 3 (c) of the same law, the term “national athlete� is DEkNED AS “c. National athletes shall refer to athletes including persons with disabilities who are Filipino citizens, members of the national training pool, recognized and accredited by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission), including athletes with disabilities, who are recognized and accredited

BY THE .0# 0(), .ATIONAL Paralympic Committee of the Philippines) and the PSC,

and who have represented the country in international sports competitions;�

Evidently, only those covered by THE ABOVE MENTIONED DEkNITION can be deemed as national athletes and can therefore be entitled to the said discounts.

7E kND IT NECESSARY TO MENtion that this opinion is solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Thus, the opinion may vary when the facts are changed or further elaborated. We hope that we were able to enlighten you on the matter.

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s /FkCE 1UESTIONS FOR #HIEF !COSTA may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net

1,696 cases, with seven deaths, followed by Central Visayas with

CASES AND DEATHS AND Eastern Visayas, with 1,133 cases AND DEATHS )N -INDANAO .ORTHERN -INdanao recorded 1,396 cases and 10 deaths, followed by Caraga Region, with 737 cases and eight DEATHS $AVAO 2EGION WITH cases and 11 deaths; Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani AND 'ENERAL 3ANTOS WITH AND four deaths; Autonomous Region

A3

OF -USLIM -INDANAO WITH cases and six deaths; and Zamboanga Peninsula, with 343 cases and one death.

The age group that remains to be the most affected is 1 to 4 years old.

Bataan is still the only measlesfree province in the country, according to the data.

The DoH has immunized

CHILDREN AGED SIX TO MONTHS AFTER IT INTENSIkED EFFORTS to contain the outbreak in five regions.

‘Marcoses should be personae non gratae’ THE Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) has urged universities and cultural institutions to declare the Marcoses personae non gratae (unwelcome persons) in creative and democratic spaces. “We challenge schools, universities, art spaces and cultural institutions to declare the Marcoses personae non gratae.

Banish them from all spaces, bar them from all events. The Marcoses and the values they personify should have no place in the progressive Filipino culture we are collectively forging,� the CAP said in a statement.

CAP asserted that the mere presence of the Marcoses in any art event was a manifestation of the culture of impunity and forgetting, as they continue to “move in cultural circles without the benefit of any recognition of or remorse for their crimes against the Filipino people.� “It is every Filipino artist’s duty to wage a cultural boycott on a family that advocates disinformation, historical revisionism, patronage and cronyism, dynastic politics, and outright suppression,� the CAP added.

The challenge came after Ateneo de Manila University President Jose Ramon “Fr. Jett� Villarin issued a public apology for the “hurt� that the presence of Irene Marcos-Ara-

neta in the AretÊ creative hub event on campus last week had brought to the victims of Martial Law. Villarin also reaffirmed Ateneo’s commitment on the call for justice to the victims and the university’s stance against historical revisionism.

The CAP lauded Villarin’s statement and encouraged other universities to take the same stance.

It also commended the accountability of AretĂŠ head Yael Buencamino, the host of the event of Ateneo’s creative hub, who resigned voluntarily over the incident. “Buencamino’s resignation as executive director of the AretĂŠ is a lesson for her and for all those who helm cultural institutions: the Marcoses should not be allowed to enjoy the democratic spaces which they suppressed. We should not tolerate the presence of a dictator’s family while no justice has been served,â€? CAP said in a statement.

CAP, however, acknowledged Buencamino’s contribution to the projects launched at the Arete during her term, which included stage plays critical of a fascist rule such as “Dekada ‘70,� “Desaparesidos� and “Tao Po,� and exhibits such as “Games and Politics� and “What We Talk About When We Talk About the War on Drugs.�

DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ

A4

Opinion

MONDAY April 15, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

E d i to r i a l ICC bows to US on war crimes probe in Afghanistan

A

RECENT development in the attempt by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open a war crimes probe in Afghanistan has laid bare the inherent weakness of the court against states that it cannot bully.

Agence France Presse reports that the ICC appeared “to have turned tail in front of the political might of the United States as it turned down a request to open a war crimes probe in Afghanistan, apparently deterred by a US strong-armed tactic of revoking the chief prosecutor’s visa.�

From its base in The Hague, the ICC issued this statement: “The judges decided that an investigation into the situation in Afghanistan at this stage would not serve the interests of justice.�

Further, the judges said that, “With its limited budget, the court needs to prioritize resources on activities that would have a better chance to succeed.�

This is a major development that bears heavily on the prestige of the court and its recent show of muscle.

In 2006, ICC prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Afghanistan since 2003.

In 2017, chief ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda asked judges to allow a full-blown probe not only into the Taliban and Afghan soldiers, but also international forces, particularly US troops and members of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Angered, the Trump administration said it would deny visas to any ICC members involved in probing US troops; and last week it revoked the visa of the Gambian-born Bensouda.

Trump vowed not to relent on the pressure, saying: “Any attempt to target American, Israeli or allied personnel for prosecution will be met with a swift and vigorous response.�

The US has never joined the ICC and does not recognize its authority over American citizens, saying it poses a threat to national sovereignty and that the US has its own robust procedures in place.

In the Afghanistan case, ICC judges said a large number of victims had come forward. “Notwithstanding the fact that all the relevant requirements are met as regards both jurisdiction and admissibility,â€? they said, “the current circumstances in Afghanistan‌ make the prospect of a successful investigation and prosecution extremely limited.â€? “In the foreseeable absence of additional resources for the coming years in the court’s budget, authorizing the investigation would result in the prosecution having to REALLOCATE kNANCIAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES u THE JUDGES SAID The Philippines is in a similar boat as the US in defying the ICC’s authority to conduct a preliminary examination of alleged crimes against humanity committed in the Duterte government’s war on drugs.

MalacaĂąang has predictably welcomed the US’ tough line and the ICC‘s evident capitulation.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement: “With the biased and preconceived actions of the ICC, we cannot blame the Filipino people for thinking that it has taken a politically motivated obnoxious path aimed at maligning not just this administration but the very Republic of the Philippines.�

The question now is what will happen to the ICC after this development.

US National Security Adviser John Bolton summed things up memorably: “We will not cooperate with the ICC. We will provide no assistance to the ICC. And certainly, we will not join ICC. We will let the ICC die on its own.�

The ICC has invited this kind of rudeness because of its tendency to propagandize its actions against states that it can bully, while watching meekly the excesses of powerful states.

African leaders have been their favorite whipping boys.

But bully Trump? But bully Duterte? They must be joking. ~

MONDAY April 15, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 184

DANTE A. ANG, Chairman Emeritus RENE Q. BAS, Publisher Emeritus NERILYN A. TENORIO, Publisher-Editor ARNOLD E. BELLEZA, Executive Editor FELIPE F. SALVOSA 2ND, Managing Editor LEENA C. CHUA, News Editor LYNETTE O. LUNA, National Editor TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA, Lifestyle Editor PERRY GIL MALLARI, Sports Editor DINO RAY V. DIRECTO 3RD, Motoring 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.

From US-Sino talks to next trade wars Recently, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund trimmed the Philippine 2019 growth forecast. As US-Sino trade talks will give way to the next trade wars, MalacaĂąang needs to monitor closely the eroding global prospects.

E

VER since the US-Sino trade talks began almost four months ago, the United States has pushed for a broad commitment focusing on China’s economic practices, including participation OF 53 kRMS IN CERTAIN INDUSTRIES and protection of US intellectual property rights (IPRs).

In a recent CNBC interview, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin claimed that the countries had “pretty much agreed� on an enforcement mechanism for a trade deal. After his meeting with the Chinese delegation last week, President Trump stated that negotiators may need four more weeks to package the deal.

But the enthusiasm may prove premature.

State of US-Sino trade talks As the last globalist in the Trump administration, Mnuchin’s views carry some weight, but he lacks clout to enforce those views. That’s been the case since Gary Cohn, Mnuchin’s former Goldman Sachs colleague, resigned from the White House ahead of the tariff wars. In turn, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has proven too weak, reluctant and old (81 years) to press for compromise.

That’s why trade talks are led by Peter Navarro, Director of National

ing that by the end the proposed four weeks, the two countries may learn whether a trade deal could be REACHED !ND EVEN IF A kNAL DEAL is achieved, it will take another year or two to verify the structural changes associated with the pact.

WHERE THE DEkCITS ARE LIKELY TO CLIMB if US companies begin to relocate.

Despite half a century of promISES TO BRING AN END TO DEkCITS 53 DEPENDENCE ON TRADE DEkCITS HAS only deepened as Washington has become increasingly dependent on Trade Council, and Robert LighFOREIGN kNANCING AND SOVEREIGN thizer, US Trade Representative. Trade wars’ next targets debt (which now exceeds $22.2 The former is an advocate of trade trillion, or 106 percent of US mercantilism, who has a dark track However, a US-China deal will not GDP). The net effect is a falling record in China-bashing; the lat- RESOLVE 53 TRADE DEkCITS WHICH HAVE trend line (SEE kGURE). ter’s trade wars began against Japan increased for half a century. The in the Reagan administration. imbalances began in the postwar era Why tariff wars won’t In addition to enforcement mech- after the recovery of the key EU econo- resolve US deficits anisms, the two are pressing for a mies—the UK, Germany, France and pact that would allow US tariffs on Italy—and the subsequent rise of Do the US tariff wars make Chinese goods to snap back in case Japan. Toward the late 20th century, economic sense? No. Here are of violations – but without permit- THE DEkCITS RElECTED THE EMERGENCE OF some reasons why: ting China to retaliate in response. the four dragons, i.e., Taiwan, South 4HE 53 DEkCIT ISSUE IS MULTILATUnderstandably, Chinese nego- Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore. eral and regional, not bilateral and tiators consider such conditions #HINA S ROLE IN THESE DEkCITS BECAME national. Trying to resolve it by unacceptable. Such conditionality has prominent in the 2000s.

FORCING THE BILATERAL TRADE DEkCIT surprised even Craig Allen, president 4ODAY THE LARGEST DEkCITS PREVAIL down is a bit like mimicking the of US-China Business Council, who with China, US Nafta partners kCTIONAL STORY OF THE LITTLE $UTCH believes that Mnuchin may have been (Mexico, Canada), key EU coun- boy who discovered a leak in the too optimistic about the deal, if it is tries (Germany, Ireland, Italy), DIKE AND STUCK HIS kNGER IN IT TO SAVE burdened by a conditionality clause. Asean (Vietnam, Malaysia) and his country. That’s Trump’s strategy.

Indeed, US business groups tend India. China has been targeted Unfortunately, it ignores the to focus on commitments, including kRST BUT OTHERS WILL FOLLOW dike’s many other leaks and may THE PROPOSED gENFORCEMENT OFkCES u Last year, Mexico and Canada THUS MAKE THE lOOD MORE LIKELY They dislike negotiating tactics that were pressured into a revised “US Second, Trump’s trade hawks needlessly prolong the talks and may firstâ€? regional pact. Friction has presume that international trade is undermine the progress achieved. been steadily rising with Japan and a competition between companies Chinese Vice Premier Liu He has Germany. And Trump has pledged representing different countries. expressed greater caution by stress- to extend the trade war to Asean – ÂłSteinbockA5

DAN STEINBOCK

The politics of technology

T

HE Philippines has been fast catching up in communication technology as the competition in the borderless global market becomes tighter.

The country’s leading telecommunication service providers Smart and Globe have embraced the 5G technology to cater for the needs of business and industry for faster service delivery as well as consumer demand for improved speed in their devices.

The 5G is a fifth-generation type of wireless technology network designed for communication devices to have much faster transfer connection.

Dr. Weihua Wu, a professor at Communication University in China (CUC), said at a recent training-workshop in Beijing that 5G technology has changed the way people use devices, from desktops and laptops to smart phones. “The most consumed platform now is mobile,� he told journalists, academicians and diplomats who were fellows of the China-Asean Center of Advanced Studies (CACAS). g)N kVE YEARS SMARTPHONES WILL be the king,� he continued.

The Philippines’ Smart Communication embraced 5G technology as early as 2018 while Globe recently announced that its 5G at-home service will be commercially available by the middle of 2019.

Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said the 5G technology would

TEA TIME TITA C. VALDERAMA enable Globe to use Air Fiber to DEPLOY kXED WIRELESS BROADBAND to benefit individual customers and business clients. This Air Fiber INTERNET WHICH USES kXED LOCATION WIRELESS RADIO INSTEAD OF kBER CAN provide speeds ranging from 50 mbps to 100 mbps, Cu said.

Globe is partnering with Huawei, a China-based leading global provider of information and communication technology infrastructure and smart devices.

4HE INlUX OF #HINESE TOURISTS

traders, investors, laborers, and students to the Philippines may have increased the demand for 5G technology, in addition to the increased transactions between the Philippines and China and other neighboring countries.

The 5G network is not used only on smartphones. It also works on sensors, thermostats, cars and even robots for speed and to avoid communication delays between devices and servers.

China, Japan, South Korea, the US, Germany, France, Spain and the UK have all embraced 5G technology that offers speed 20 times faster than 4G and maximum download speed of 20 gigabytes per second compared

with 4G’s 1GB/sec.

According to professor Wu, 5G technology will make a remarkable change in online video culture and mobile gaming.

There will be more user-generated content (UGC) such as video logs (vlogs) and streaming compared with online application platform (OAP), he said. “Online video might be the future,� he said, noting the sigNIkCANT GROWTH IN THE NUMBER of 5G users around the world.

In China alone, he noted that 50 percent of Chinese mobile users have switched to 5G technology. “5G stands not only for the latest generation of cellular technology, but also reveals the upcoming future for online video production and consumption, as well as the shift of the whole media landscape to mobile communications,� he explained. g'LOBALLY MOBILE DATA TRAFkC IS expected to grow to 77 exabytes per month by 2022, a seven-fold increase over 2017, with video growing to 75 percent of the mobile data load in that time,� Wu said. )N kVE YEARS HE PREDICTED #HINA will capture 39 percent of the 1.1 billion global 5G connections, overtaking the US and Europe.

China’s online video market, led by Tencent Video, iQiyi, and Youku, reached 76 percent penetration in June 2018, showing a kVE FOLD INCREASE IN THE NUMBER of internet users in China over

the past 10 years.

China has offered Asean countries its services in developing 5G technology. /VER THE LAST kVE YEARS 3OUTHeast Asia has made headway, becoming one of the hubs of the socalled fourth industrial revolution as it embraced the latest technoloGIES SUCH AS BLOCKCHAIN ARTIkCIAL intelligence (AI), robotics, cloud COMPUTING AND kNANCIAL TECHNOLOGY OR kNTECH 4HE ' TECHNOLOGY is expected to boost these innovations to their fullest potential.

At present, internet service and mobile service providers in the region use 3G or 4G technology. However, 5G connectivity is expected to come with much higher bandwidth and reduced latency which could save energy and reduce costs.

Apart from the Philippines, Asean countries already have plans to develop and deploy 5G. With 5G, webpages will load faster, videos will be downloaded and uploaded faster, sending data to a large number of users will no longer be a problem, and you can have more devices connected, up to one million per square meter.

But according to professor Wu, switching to 5G is not just about technology and speed; it is also about the politics of the technology. With half of China’s mobile users switching to 5G, who would not want to get a slice of that huge market?

˜ The Manila Times MONDAY April 15, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net Q TIGLAO FROM A1

PCIJ, Vera Files and CMFR violating Constitution ban on foreign funds in media 4HESE MEDIA OUTkTS ARE 6ERA &ILES AND THE #ENTER FOR -EDIA &REEDOM AND 2ESPONSIBILITY #-&2 6ERA &ILES WAS ALSO DESIGNATED BY &ACEBOOK AS ONE OF ITS gFACT CHECKERS u ) DARE IT TO FACT CHECK THE CLAIMS IN THIS COLUMN 4HESE OUTFITS ARE IN THE SAME LEGAL QUAGMIRE AS 2APPLER

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7HILE IT CLAIMS TO BE

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CONDUIT IS 2OBERT 0ERRY WHO BROKE MANY OF THE )RAN #ONTRA STORIES FOR THE !SSOCIATED 0RESS and .EWSWEEK IN THE S (E WAS AWARDED THE 'EORGE 0OLK !WARD FOR .ATIONAL 2EPORTING IN AND THE ) & 3TONE -EDAL FOR *OURNALISTIC )NDEPENDENCE BY (ARVARD S .IEMAN &OUNDATION IN )N A ARTICLE IN CONSORTIUMNEWS COM THE FIRST INVESTIGATIVE NEWS MAGAZINE IN THE )NTERNET 0ERRY WROTE g.%$ IS A 53 GOVERNMENT

Q PCIJ’s Severino (encircled) with his comrades at the wedding of Aquino’s favorite blogger.

FUNDED ORGANIZATION CREATED IN TO DO WHAT THE #ENTRAL )NTELLIGENCE !GENCY PREVIOUSLY HAD DONE IN kNANCING ORGANIZATIONS INSIDE TARGET COUNTRIES TO ADVANCE 53 POLICY INTERESTS AND IF NEEDED HELP IN @REGIME CHANGE )T WAS FOUNDED AT THE INITIATIVE OF #OLD 7AR HARDLINERS IN THE 2EAGAN ADMINISTRATION

INCLUDING THEN #)! $IRECTOR 7ILLIAM * #ASEY %SSENTIALLY

.%$ TOOK OVER WHAT HAD BEEN THE DOMAIN OF THE #)!

I E FUNNELING MONEY TO SUPPORT FOREIGN POLITICAL MOVEMENTS THAT WOULD TAKE THE 53 SIDE AGAINST THE 3OVIET 5NION u #ONVINCED THAT IT WAS A #)!

FRONT 2USSIA BANNED .%$ IN

CLAIMING THAT IT gPOSES A THREAT TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER OF THE 2USSIAN &EDERATION AND THE DEFENSIVE CAPABILITY AND SECURITY OF THE GOVERNMENT u !N EDITORIAL IN THE 7ASHINGTON Times IN EVEN URGED 0RESIDENT 4RUMP TO STOP #ONGRESS FUNDING OF .%$ g+ILLING THE .%$ WOULD HAVE ANOTHER BIG BENEkT TO !MERICA AND THE WORLD )T WOULD END THE MEDDLESOME ACTIVITIES OF THE ENDOWMENT S LONGTIME LEADER #ARL 'ERSHMAN

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Q STEINBOCK FROM A4

From US-Sino talks to next trade wars US TRADE DEFICITS HAVE DEEPENED FOR HALF A CENTURY

SCORES OF ARTICLES VOCIFEROUSLY CRITICAL OF THE ADMINISTRATIONS OF PRESIDENTS %STRADA 'LORIA !RROYO AND 2ODRIGO $UTERTE IT DID NOT HAVE A SINGLE POSTING ON THE ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION DURING 0RESIDENT !QUINO RD S TERM )T HAD NOTHING ON THE GRAFT ALLEGATIONS UNDER THAT ADMINISTRATION WHICH OUTRAGED THE COUNTRY SUCH AS THOSE INVOLVING THE -24 ))) AND $ENGVAXIA DEFECTIVE VACCINE )T HAD NOTHING ON .OYNOY !QUINO S MONUMENTAL INCOMPETENCE THAT LED TO SUCH DISASTERS AS THE MASSACRE OF 3PECIAL !CTION TROOPS AND THE LOSS OF 3CARBOROUGH 3HOAL TO #HINA 4HAT REMINDS ME OF A BOOK CRITICAL OF THE 3UPREME #OURT ESPECIALLY AGAINST THE LATE #HIEF *USTICE 2ENATO #ORONA

BY A 2APPLER EDITOR AND A 0#)* CO FOUNDER )T BASHED EVERY 3UPREME #OURT JUSTICE EXCEPT ONE m !NTONIO #APRIO ! PHOTO THAT WAS SENT TO ME RECENTLY HAS CONVINCED ME MORE THAN EVER THAT THE 0#)* IS A 9ELLOW MEDIA OUTkT )T SHOWED ITS CHAIRMAN (OWIE 3EVERINO ALSO A '-! JOURNALIST IN A GROUP PHOTO SMILING EAR TO EAR WITH KNOWN PERSONALITIES AND PROPAGANDISTS OF THE 9ELLOW #ULT

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WHICH WAS PRACTICALLY AN EXCLUSIVE PARTY FOR $UTERTE BASHERS

%MAIL TIGLAO MANILATIMES GMAIL COM &ACEBOOK 2IGOBERTO 4IGLAO 4WITTER BOBITIGLAO "OOK ORDERS WWW RIGOBERTOTIGLAO COM DEBUNKED

CAL DEkCITS TO SOAR 4HAT IS LIKELY TO CAUSE THE TRADE DEkCIT TO INCREASE

IRRESPECTIVE OF THE OUTCOME OF THE TRADE WAR /F COURSE ONE WAY TO AVOID THIS IS THAT THE 7HITE (OUSE WILL LEAD THE 53 INTO A RECESSION

WITH INCOMES DECLINING ADEQUATELY FOR INVESTMENT AND IMPORTS TO PLUMMET m AS WITH THE AFTERMATH OF THE CRISIS SEE kGURE

Why tariff wars will weaken global prospects

ALS 4RUMP CLAIMS TO SUPPORT !S 53 TARIFF WARS UNDERMINED THE GLOBAL RECOVERY MOMENTUM IN EARLY

THE )-& NOW PREDICTS THAT GLOBAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IS NOTABLY SLOWING 'LOBAL GROWTH IS PROJECTED TO SLOW TO PERCENT IN )N THE ABSENCE OF MORE POSITIVE SIGNALS THE INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT IS FALTERING TOWARD A DARKER PATH

$R $AN 3TEINBOCK IS THE FOUNDER OF $IFFERENCE 'ROUP AND HAS SERVED AT THE )NDIA #HINA AND !MERICA )NSTI5NFORTUNATELY THAT PATH WOULD FUR- TUTE 53 3HANGHAI )NSTITUTE FOR )NTHER PENALIZE THE !MERICAN MIDDLE TERNATIONAL 3TUDIES #HINA AND THE CLASS AND WORKING PEOPLE BUT IT %5 #ENTER 3INGAPORE &OR MORE

WOULD ALSO HAVE EVEN MORE SEVERE SEE HTTP WWW DIFFERENCEGROUP NET IMPLICATIONS INTERNATIONALLY )T HAS POTENTIAL TO FURTHER DERAIL GLOBAL 4HE COMMENTARY IS BASED ON A ECONOMIC PROSPECTS WHICH WOULD RECENT PRESENTATION ON THE STATE OF HARM THE VERY SAME 53 MULTINATION- 53 TARIFF WARS AND GLOBAL PROSPECTS

A5

‘Criminal Minds,’ Cebu version

7

(),% KILLINGS HAVE INCREASED IN NUMBER IN #EBU AND SELDOM GENERATE MUCH REACTION FROM THE PUBLIC SOME RECENT MURDER CASES HAVE SHOCKED NORMALLY INDIFFERENT CITIZENS &IRST THE BRUTAL SLAYING AND gSKINNINGu OF YEAR OLD #HRISTINE ,EE 3ILAWAN IN ,APU ,APU #ITY IN -ARCH AND ON !PRIL THE DISCOVERY OF THE LIFELESS BODY OF YEAR OLD 4HESA -AE 9GAY IN THE SEPTIC TANK OF A SCHOOL IN $ANAO #ITY 4HE SUSPECT IN THE KILLING OF 9GAY SURRENDERED TO AUTHORITIES A FEW DAYS AGO )N THE CASE OF 3ILAWAN THE 0HILIPPINE .ATIONAL 0OLICE THE .ATIONAL "UREAU OF )NVESTIGATION AND THE 0UBLIC !TTORNEY S /FkCE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN SOLVING THE CASE 5NFORTUNATELY

THE THREE AGENCIES HAVE COME UP WITH DIFFERENT COMPETING AND CONlICTING kNDINGS CREATING DOUBT AS TO WHETHER JUSTICE WILL INDEED BE SERVED 4HE 0.0 AND .") BOTH CLAIM TO HAVE HARD EVIDENCE PINNING DOWN THEIR RESPECTIVE SUSPECTS m SELF CONFESSED KILLER 2ENATO ,LENES PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC BY 0OLICE $IRECTOR 'ENERAL /SCAR !LBAYALDE AND A FORMER BOYFRIEND ARRESTED BY THE .") "OTH AGENCIES CLAIM THAT ##46 FOOTAGES SHOW THAT THEIR RESPECTIVE SUSPECTS WERE THE LAST PERSONS TO BE SEEN WITH THE VICTIM (OWEVER THE 0.0 UNLIKE THE .")

REPORTEDLY HAS A CLEAR FOOTAGE SHOWING THE VICTIM WITH THEIR SUSPECT 4HE .") CLAIMS TO HAVE FOUND 3ILAWAN S BLOOD ON THE SHOES OF THEIR SUSPECT WHILE THE 0.0 HAS A CONFESSION FROM ,LENES 4HE 0.0 CRIME LABORATORY S AUTOPSY SHOWED THAT 3ILAWAN HAD NOT BEEN RAPED m A kNDING CONTRADICTED BY 0!/ S $R %RWIN %RFE OF $ENGVAXIA FAME %RFE INSISTS THAT 3ILAWAN WAS RAPED !ND BECAUSE OF THIS 3ILAWAN S MOTHER NOW DEMANDS THAT RAPE BE INCLUDED IN THE CHARGE SHEET AGAINST ,LENES 3HE ALSO WANTS HER DAUGHTER S FORMER BOYFRIEND CHARGED TOGETHER WITH ,LENES 4HE POLICE CANNOT OBLIGE HER ON THESE DEMANDS AS THEY HAVE NO EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE kLING OF RAPE CHARGES OR THE INCLUSION OF THE FORMER BOYFRIEND "ASED ON ,LENES CONFESSION HE COMMITTED THE CRIME ALONE (OWEVER THE POLICE MAY kLE A SEPARATE CHARGE FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE AGAINST ,LENES !BSENT 3ILAWAN S AFkDAVIT THE CASE AGAINST ,LENES HASN T BEEN kLED YET BUT WILL BE NEXT WEEK $OUBTS HAVE BEEN RAISED REGARDING ,LENES AND HIS CONFESSION (IS NARRATION OF HOW HE COMMITTED THE CRIME SOUNDED SCRIPTED TO SOME 7HATEVER DETAILS HE REVEALED COULD HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO HIM BY THE POLICE IT IS SAID ,LENES IS ON THE DRUG WATCH LIST OF THE ,APU ,APU #ITY 0OLICE /FkCE BUT APPARENTLY HADN T BEEN A TARGET OF THE ,#0/ S NUMEROUS ANTI DRUG

RESURGENCE

MARIT STINUSCABUGON OPERATIONS (E CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN HIGH ON DRUGS WHEN HE ALLEGEDLY MURDERED 3ILAWAN 4HE POLICE FOUND ,LENES IN POSSESSION OF A CALIBER GUN WHEN THEY PICKED HIM UP FOR QUESTIONING (E WAS AN EARLY SUSPECT IN THE CASE m BUT SO WAS 3ILAWAN S FORMER BOYFRIEND g7E WERE SUPPOSED TO ARREST HIM THE FORMER BOYFRIEND BUT WE WERE TOLD THAT THE .") GOT TO HIM kRST u ,APU ,APU #ITY 0OLICE /FkCE $IRECTOR ,EMUEL /BON WAS QUOTED BY The &REEMAN NEWSPAPER ON -ARCH

(OWEVER ON !PRIL THE SAME PAPER REPORTED THAT /BON gADMITTED w THAT THEY WERE @DEMORALIZED WHEN THE .") ARRESTED THE YEAR OLD BOY BECAUSE THE BOY WAS NOT EVEN IN THE POLICE RADAR AS A SUSPECT u 4HESE INCONSISTENCIES ARE OF COURSE INCONSEQUENTIAL IF IT IS INDEED 3ILAWAN S KILLER AND NOT SOME RANDOM GUY WHO IS BEING CHARGED WITH THE CRIME ! RELIABLE SOURCE TOLD ME THAT CONSIDERING ,LENES HISTORY OF PURSUING MINORS HIS ONLINE RELATIONSHIP WITH 3ILAWAN HIS BEHAVIOR AFTER HER DEATH AND THE EVIDENCE GATHERED BY THE POLICE THE CASE LOOKS WATERTIGHT *UST AS THE POLICE ANNOUNCED THAT THE 3ILAWAN MURDER CASE HAD BEEN SOLVED ANOTHER HEINOUS CRIME WAS COMMITTED IN #EBU #ITY CLAIMING THE LIVES OF TWO YOUNG PEOPLE AND WOUNDING TWO OTHERS *OHN -ICHAEL (ERMOSO

AND +IS 2AMOS

WERE SHOT DEAD BY AN UNIDENTIkED GUNMAN AT 4HE 'OOD #UP #OFFEE #OMPANY 4WO OTHER EMPLOYEES WERE SHOT BUT SURVIVED (ERMOSO WAS A MANAGING PARTNER OF THE COMPANY WHILE 2AMOS WAS A CASHIER A WORKING STUDENT WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN GRADUATING FROM HER PSYCHOLOGY COURSE AT 5NIVERSITY OF THE 0HILIPPINES #EBU IN *UNE (ERMOSO WAS THE 0HILIPPINE "REWERS #UP CHAMPION AND SET TO REPRESENT THE COUNTRY AT THE 7ORLD "ARISTA #HAMPIONSHIP AND THE 7ORLD "REWERS #UP IN THE 53 )N THE COMPETITION S 1 !

POSTED ON THE 7ORLD #OFFEE %VENT S WEBSITE (ERMOSO REVEALED HIS LOVE FOR gSHOES MUSIC TATTOOS AND MOST OF ALL COFFEE u (E SAW HIMSELF gROASTING LOVELY COFFEES IN MY SHOPu IN THE YEARS TO COME 4O THE QUESTION gWHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF COFFEE u THE YEAR OLD SIMPLY ANSWERED g(MMMw SHOES TATTOOS TRAVEL

NATURE ) MEAN THAT S CALLED LIFE u 4HAT LIFE ENDED ABRUPTLY 4HE BLOODY ATTACK IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HOW EASY AND COMMON THE TAKING OF LIFE HAS BECOME IN #EBU

Hard battle ahead for independent Arab media

BY MOUNA BEN GARGA

4HEY IGNORE THE FACT THAT FOR DECADES m AND PARTICULARLY SINCE THE S m NATIONAL INDUSTRY LEADERS HAVE BUILT MULTINATIONAL VALUE ACTIVITIES AROUND THE WORLD #ONSEQUENTLY m AS EVEN THE /%#$ HAS CONCLUDED m CONVENTIONAL DATA ON BILATERAL TRADE DEkCITS CAN BE MISLEADING DUE TO MULTINATIONALS GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 4HIRD IT IS THE OVERALL SIZE OF THE TRADE BALANCE THAT MATTERS AND THAT IS LARGELY A FUNCTION OF MACROECONOMIC FORCES SUCH AS DOMESTIC SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT )F THE 53 DOMESTIC INVESTMENT CONTINUES TO EXCEED SAVINGS IT WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE TO IMPORT CAPITAL AND WILL HAVE A LARGE TRADE DEkCIT 3INCE LATE THE 4RUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE THIS CHALLENGE MUCH WORSE THANKS TO LARGE TAX CUTS WHICH HAVE CAUSED 53 kS-

Opinion

TUNIS: 3OMETIMES A PEEK INTO THE FUTURE REMINDS US JUST HOW STUCK WE ARE IN THE PAST AND PRESENT )T WAS THE TALK OF THE -IDDLE %AST S LARGEST ANNUAL MEDIA INDUSTRY GATHERING A ROBOT JOURNALIST m THE REGION S FIRST m THAT WOWED SOME

INDUSTRY LEADERS AND PRACTITIONERS AT THE !RAB -EDIA &ORUM !-& IN $UBAI RECENTLY )N AN ADDRESS TITLED g&UTURE .EWS !NCHORS u THE ROBOT KNOWN AS !

WAXED LYRICAL ABOUT ROBOTS THAT WOULD REPORT @TIRELESSLY ALL DAY EVERY DAY AND BE PROGRAMMED TO DO ANY TASK &OR A CONFERENCE ORGANIZED AROUND THE THEME

g!RAB -EDIA &ROM .OW TO 4HE &UTURE u IT WAS IRONIC THAT JOURNALISM PRODUCED BY PROGRAMMED AUTOMATONS WAS HELD UP AS A GLIMPSE OF WHAT THE FUTURE HELD FOR MEDIA IN THE !RAB WORLD )RONIC BECAUSE CONSIDERING THE STATE OF JOURNALISM IN THE -IDDLE %AST IT DIDN T SOUND MUCH LIKE THE FUTURE AS THE REGION S PRESENT AND PAST ,OOKING AT NEWS OUTPUT IN THIS POLARIZED LANDSCAPE IT OFTEN SEEMS THAT JOURNALISTS AND THEIR ORGANIZATIONS ARE LIKE ROBOTS PROGRAMMED TO PRODUCE AND PROMOTE CERTAIN POLITICAL AGENDAS @TIRELESSLY ALL DAY EVERY DAY &ROM %GYPT TO +UWAIT MOST NEWS OUTLETS SUPPORT SPECIFIC POSITIONS USUALLY THOSE ESPOUSED BY THE COMPANIES OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT OWN OR CONTROL THEM m OFTEN EITHER TOEING THE OFFICIAL LINE OR SUPPORTING RIVAL AGENDAS OR POLITICAL OPPOSITION &OLLOWING THE COUP IN %GYPT AND THE CIVIL WARS IN 3YRIA 9EMEN AND ,IBYA OVER THE PAST DECADE

THE PRO GOVERNMENT MEDIA USED THE FEAR OF INSTABILITY AND WAR TO SILENCE CITIZENS AND TWIST THE FACTS &OR INSTANCE THE %GYPTIAN MAINSTREAM MEDIA CONVINCED ITS AUDIENCE THAT THE MASSACRE OF MORE THAN PEOPLE IN #AIRO WAS THE ONLY WAY TO kGHT TERRORISM

)N THE CONTEXT OF THE -IDDLE %ASTERN MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE KILLING OF THE 3AUDI JOURNALIST *AMAL +HASHOGGI

BOTH !L *AZEERA AND !L !RABIYA TELEVISION CHANNELS TOOK UP POSITIONS IN FRONT OF THE 3AUDI #ONSULATE IN )STANBUL AND RESUMED THE kERCE ROW BETWEEN 1ATAR AND 3AUDI !RABIA FROM THERE 4HE TRUTH WAS LOST IN THIS kERCE POLITICAL CONlICT AND THE !RAB VIEWER HAD TO CROSS CHECK THE PRESENTED FACTS WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL REPORTING 4HIS IMPLICIT BIAS AND LACK OF BALANCE POLARIZED !RAB PUBLIC OPINION AND PUSHED NEWS CONSUMERS TO SOCIAL MEDIA IN SEARCH OF TRUSTED FACTUAL INFORMATION CRUSHING THE CREDIBILITY OF TRADITIONAL MEDIA !ND WHEN THEY AREN T BUSY WORKING TO MANIPULATE BIAS IN NEWS COVERAGE !RAB AUTHORITIES ARE OLD HANDS AT PLAIN OLD MEDIA REPRESSION .OT SURPRISINGLY NATIONS IN THE -IDDLE %AST AND .ORTH !FRICA AGAIN kND THEMSELVES AT THE BOTTOM OF 2EPORTERS 7ITHOUT "ORDERS 7ORLD 0RESS &REEDOM )NDEX OF

Alternative media !CROSS THE REGION JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS ARE UNDER ATTACK FOR THEIR REPORTING m FROM INTIMIDATION TO ARRESTS DETENTION PROSECUTION AND THE SHUTTERING OF OUTLETS &OUR !RAB COUNTRIES m %GYPT 3AUDI !RABIA "AHRAIN AND 3YRIA m TOP THE LIST OF THE WORLD S WORST JAILERS OF JOURNALISTS

ACCORDING TO THE PRESS FREEDOM REPORT OF THE #OMMITTEE TO 0ROTECT *OURNALISTS #0* %GYPT JAILED THE MOST NUMBER OF JOURNALISTS ON gFALSE NEWSu CHARGES m m AMID HEIGHTENED GLOBAL RHETORIC ABOUT SO CALLED FAKE NEWS 4HE MURDER OF EXILED 3AUDI JOURNALIST +HASHOGGI BY 3AUDI AGENTS IN THE COUNTRY S )STANBUL CONSULATE ILLUSTRATED THE EXTREME LENGTHS THE 'ULF KINGDOM S LEADERS WOULD GO TO STOP PUBLISHED CRITICISM !ND IN 3YRIA JOURNALISTS WERE KILLED IN

³IPSA6

A6

Opinion

˜ The Manila Times MONDAY April 15, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Love is not blind, just myopic with onset of cataracts

I

their second-year anniversary of receiving conditional status.�

The foreign or alien spouse must provide evidence to show that the marriage through which CRISPIN R. the status was obtained was and ARANDA is a valid one. Failure to do so that Liza was ordered to return would result in the alien spouse to the Philippines after her resibeing subjected to deportation or dency application was refused. removal proceedings.

7AYNE 'REENWOOD gSUSPECTED Note that the US spouse petithat INZ believed his new partner tion goes through three stages: was trying to use him to obtain 1) filing the petition with the residency,� lamenting that such SPECIkC 53 #ITIZENSHIP AND )Man assumption was not only unMIGRATION OFkCE DOCUMENT fair but discriminatory. completion payment of fees with But that is precisely what imthe National Visa Center (NVC) migration laws of New Zealand, AFTER PETITION APPROVAL AND Canada, UK, the US and Australia consular interview at the approassume based on historical data. priate consular post or embassy. )N A REPORT ON g0ROSPECTIVE Petitions for spouses are docuMarriage Visas and Forced MarMENT BASED 53#)3 OFkCERS EVALUriage� submitted to the legal and ators check the petition file for constitutional affairs committee, completeness. The USCIS generally Australia’s Department of Imrely on the applicant and sponsor’s migration and Border Protection honesty and word of honor. While the Philippines is known to be a (now the Department of Home document fraud-intensive counAffairs), DIBP noted that over try, the USCIS normally does not THE PAST kVE YEARS COVERED BY THE rummage through the labyrinth REPORT g PERCENT OF PROSPECof Philippine civil records with tive marriage visa holders were the Philippine Statistics Authority.

19 years of age or under, with the There is a widespread belief majority of these being females.� that a civil document with the In addition, data from the PSA (formerly known as the NaHousehold, Income and Labour TIONAL 3TATISTICS /FkCE OR .3/ IS Dynamics in Australia survey on its face value considered valid (Hilda) for the years 2001 to and legally binding.

REVEALS THAT gIN PERCENT Partner sponsorship Such is not the case. of marriages which occurred in The NSO/PSA staff receiving an apWhile there were other factors Australia between an Australian plication to register a birth, marriage cited in the refusal, such as the party and a migrant, men were OR DEATH CERTIkCATE MERELY ACCEPTS THE applicant’s country of origin or more than 10 years older than Presumption of fraud application with the requisite fees. citizenship, Greenwood’s having their partner. This compares with sponsored two Asian partners 3.3 percent for marriages where The presumption of fraud re- The local civil registrar employees are mains a hurdle for US citizen not authorized or required to verify BEFORE WAS ALSO GIVEN SIGNIkCANT both parties were Australian.�

The report shows that prospec- PETITIONERS WHO kLE AN IMMIGRANT the authenticity or veracity of the consideration. The Kiwi had sponsored a Thai citizen in 2001 and a tive marriage applicants from the petition for a spouse within two information provided.

Once accepted and recorded Chinese national in 2012 — after Philippines topped the list in years of the marriage. If the I-130 he separated from the Thai partner. THE TOP !USTRALIAN VISA OFkCES SPOUSAL PETITION IS kLED AFTER TWO at the local registrar level, the years have passed from the date records are forwarded to the PSA To Greenwood, what stood out in from 2006 to 2012.

The same assumption of a not- of marriage, the foreign spouse for archiving. The U.S Embassy the residency application refusal was THE )MMIGRATION .: OFkCIAL S NOTE so-genuine relationship resulted is issued an IR1 permanent resi- — and on occasion, the USCIS — about the 33-year age gap between in Canada imposing a two-year dence visa instead of the CR-1– access the PSA database online to verify the validity of a document the sponsor and the Filipino partner. conditional residency to spouse/ conditional residency visa.

To remove the conditional status, being submitted in support of a Liza’s immigration history partners of Canadian citizens or the immigrant spouse must apply petition or application. shows that she was initially permanent residents in 2012.

In most cases, however, it is the The conditional permanent resi- FOR SUCH REMOVAL gAT A 53 #ITIZENadmitted as a student. She met Wayne in 2016 while pursuing a dence rule states that the foreign SHIP AND )MMIGRATION 3ERVICES OFkCE #ONSULAR /FkCE AT THE EMBASSY LEVcourse in business. Stuff reported spouse/partner would have to live during the 90-day period before el that conducts a more thorough

F 39-year-old Emmanuel Macron were a Filipino being SPONSORED AS A kANCÂź OR SPOUSE by 64-year-old spouse, ‘FrenchAmerican’ Brigitte Trogneux, the 53#)3 IMMIGRATION OFkCER AND THE VICE CONSULAR OFkCER EVALUATing his case would, at the very least, raise an eyebrow at this May-December relationship.

How can a naturalized American bring someone who is young enough to be her son, a foreign national who is a citizen of a country notorious for fraud?

France and other European countries — excluding the United Kingdom — may not be as skeptical about May-December relationships, but the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are.

Sixty-eight-year-old Wayne Greenwood, resident of Auckland and a Kiwi, accuses Immigration New Zealand of ageism when the permanent residency of his Filipino partner was refused after the IMMIGRATION OFkCIAL gMADE A NOTE of the 33-year age gap between him and his Filipino partner, Liza.

Greenwood was reported by Stuff NZ a news media conglomerate in New Zealand to have obtained the details of the failed partner sponsorship under the /FkCIAL )NFORMATION !CT

MIGRANT MATTERS

with the Canadian sponsor in a gGENUINE MARRIAGE LIKE RELATIONship for 2 years starting from the date the residency was granted.�

Failure to meet this condition could result in the revocation of the residency and deportation.

The conditional rule, however, applied only to sponsorship applications received on or after Oct. 25, 2012, or if the foreign partner had been in a relationship with the sponsor for two years or less and at the time the sponsorship application was received, the couple had no children in common. /N !PRIL

THE GOVERNment of Canada removed the conditional residency rule noting that such conditions make the sponsored spouse or partner vulnerable to abuse. In an announcement on the same day, the Canadian GOVERNMENT CONkRMED ITS gCOMMITMENT TO FAMILY REUNIkCATION and support for gender equality while combating gender violence.�

A similar two-year conditional residency enacted into law in the United States in November 1986 remains in the books.

The Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendment Act (IMFA) WAS gPASSED IN ORDER TO DETER immigration-related marriage fraud. Its major provision stipulates that aliens deriving their immigrant status based on a marriage of less than two years are conditional immigrants.�

FOCUS

Tax man will be all over the British royal baby NEW YORK: Talk about being born with a silver spoon in your mouth: the royal baby of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have a particularly glittery one.

And US tax authorities will be keen to know how much that utensil is worth.

That’s because the baby will have dual nationality: British because of his father and US from his American mother, whose official title is the duchess of Sussex. g7HEN ONE OF THE PARENTS IS !MERICAN and has resided in the US for five years with at least two after the age of 14, the baby is automatically a citizen,� said David Treitel, founder of American Tax Returns, a consultancy for US expatriates living in Britain. g4HIS IS THE CASE WITH -EGHAN u SAID 4REitel, noting this case is a first in the British royal family.

US nationality comes with a bevy of restrictive conditions: like any American who is born, grows up and dies anywhere in the world, year after year Meghan and Harry’s child will have to show the Internal Revenue Service his or her tax status is clean.

From the moment of birth, money deposited in banks by the royal parents — eager to ensure a bright future for their progeny — must be duly reported to the tax man.

The same would apply to money that comes in if mom and dad decide, say, to have the child follow in the footsteps of his ex-actress mother to become a star on TV or in movies.

$100,000, it is reportable,� said Treitel.

However, baby shower gifts that Markle received recently in New York will not have to be declared if they came from fellow Americans, the expert said.

And although the baby and the mother will have to present forms that will be very time-consuming for their accountants, they may still not have to pay a lot in tax: these may be offset by duties paid in Britain, tax specialist Laura Saunders told The Wall Street Journal .

US tax authorities’ efforts to keep a close watch on American expatriates can have serious consequences for people whose sole link to America is that they were simply born there.

3UCH IS THE CASE OF SO CALLED g!CCIDENTAL Americans� — such as thousands of people in France who automatically received US citizenship because they were born in the US but left America as little kids and no longer have any links whatsoever to the country.

Fines

Since the adoption of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act in 2010, which replaced the criterion of nationality with that of tax domicile, these people are obliged to report their income to US tax authorities and in some cases actually cough up some money.

Many of these people left the US when they were very young. The Association of Accidental Americans that brings them together asked President Donald Trump last ‘Accidental Americans’ year to find a solution to their quandary.

Their status can be a touchy subject. If they Forget about privacy, said Treitel. The IRS WILL gGET TO KNOW A LOT MORE ABOUT THE refuse to play ball with the US tax authoricouple’s wealth� through the tax returns of ties, their banks at home can be sanctioned.

THE COUPLE AND THEIR MOTHER g! LOT MORE IN- So these institutions can refuse them services formation is gonna get to the US,� he added. like bank accounts and mortgages.

To a lesser extent, the British royal family To wit: the IRS will demand that any valuable gifts from non-Americans to Harry cannot dodge its US tax obligations either: and Meghan’s child — and he will be feted, a flawed tax return can trigger hefty fines.

But there is a solution to avoid headaches won’t he? — also be declared as assets. g)MAGINE THE QUEEN GIVING THE BABY SOME for the royal couple’s accountants: Meghan can nice beautiful book of art from the royal renounce her US citizenship. However, even if collection, with paintings by Van Gogh she does that, tax returns would still have to be or Miro. If this gift is worth more than kLED FOR THE CHILD UNTIL AGE AFP

search and in-depth interview when the visa applicant appears for the personal interview. It has also been a practice that the consular posts send investigators to the residence of applicants to verify from neighbors and acquaintances of the visa applicant the relationship between the petitioner and the alien spouse.

It is not uncommon for the embassy to conduct investigations before the visa interview.

An applicant who lives with a common-law partner before, DURING AND AFTER A PETITION IS kLED would be charged with fraud if the applicant denies such a relationship (other than that with the petitioner) exists.

The alien spouse would be subject to IMFA for committing marriage fraud or engaging in marriage for convenience.

The age difference between the petitioner and the foreign national SPOUSE IS A TRIGGER OR RED lAG It is no coincidence that the Anti-Mail Order Bride Law was passed by Philippine Congress in 1990. This law — which expressly prohibits and consider unlawful marriage through matchmaking — superseded and repealed Republic Act 10906, or the "AntiMail Order Spouse Act." A clear indication of an arranged marriage is the age gap between the petitioner and alien spouse.

The scrutiny is even more intense when a foreign spouse appears for a personal interview with a USCIS OFkCER DURING THE APPLICATION FOR adjustment of status in the US. The USCIS Adjudication Manual cites several factors indicating that the marriage may have been contracted solely for immigration benefits. These factors include LARGE DISPARITY OF AGE INABILITY OF PETITIONER AND BENEkCIARY TO SPEAK EACH OTHER S LANGUAGE VAST difference in cultural and ethNIC BACKGROUND FAMILY AND OR friends unaware of the marriage and a third party (e.g. marriage broker or immigration consultancies working in tandem with date matching websites) being

INVOLVED IN THE MARRIAGE AND kLing of the petition.

Intense scrutiny A foreign national applying for permanent residence as the spouse of a US citizen immediately after being arrested, detained and/or ordered to leave the US is also GIVEN SIGNIkCANT WEIGHT Whether under an order of deportation or not, discrepancies in statements on questions for which a husband and wife should have common knowledge trigger further intensive scrutiny.

For example, not being able to describe what is supposed to be details the marital residence: how many rooms in the house, layout of the bedroom, which side of the bed either spouse favors, the daily activities from getting in bed, waking up in the morning until the next bedtime and what the other party’s favorite food is may appear to be simple questions but carry serious repercussions if the US citizen and alien spouse give different or varying response.

Other factors considered by THE INTERVIEWING OFkCER WHETHER the USCIS or consul) are: No COHABITATION SINCE MARRIAGE THE visa applicant or petitioner is a friend of the family.

The documents being presented, the paper trail establishing the relationship is important, but not as crucial as how the applicant or petitioner reacts during the interview.

The USCIS officer of consul may ask a nonlegal question: g7HY DO YOU LOVE YOUR SPOUSE u 4HE OFkCE OR CONSUL READS THE body language, facial expression and overall demeanor of the visa applicant or petitioner.

If the applicant and/or petitioner (sponsor) can answer in an honest, straight-faced manner, without hesitation and exhibit the expected emotional underpinnings, a typographical error in a civil record from the PSA or the age difference would not matter.

Then clearly, the age becomes just a number.

Q IPS FROM A5

Hard battle ahead for independent Arab media

and more than 40 journalists and citizen-journalists are currently detained, kidnapped or have disappeared.

In this complex context of divisions, repression and lack of public trust, the future of trustworthy Arab media is in the hands of alternative media, journalists’ unity and active citizens.

Since the Arab Spring, independent journalism platforms such as Daraj , Nawaat in Tunisia, and Beirut-based Raseef22 have emerged, offering alternative narratives that counter state propaganda and mainstream media self-censorship.

But the challenges for these organizations are their limited reach — many mainstream news consumers consider them elitist and targeting gINTELLECTUALu USERS ‡ AND THEIR financial sustainability.

The key here is inclusivity. One of the most successful news outlets is AJ+ Arabic, a project that grew out of Al Jazeera’s Incubation and Innovation Group, focusing exclusively on social platforms targeting millennials.

The other major challenge — financial survival — calls for new, sustainable journalism business models developed around new forms of storytelling and original content production supported by creative funding approaches,

including crowdfunding and data sales or services, for example.

Empowering citizen journalism Empowering citizen journalism is another possible solution to producing independent media in the Arab world. Indeed, citizen journalists, young bloggers, and active tweeps are not governed by the same relationship between the state and media professionals and are authentic voices and channels to the Arab street — they speak its language and represent its concerns and challenges.

Alternative media leaders need to build the citizen capacity beyond data collection and reporting to include online security, storytelling and counternarratives. Increasing the transfer of these savoir-faire to citizens would amplify more voices to tackle the polarization effect through facts.

But of course, there is a place in the future of quality Arab media for professional journalism. Professional BODIES HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN THE kGHT for press freedom in the region.

Local unions have to wage numerous battles for their own independence through advocating for better legislation that affords greater protection to reporters and that

prohibits prosecution for reporting.

They have to promote the development of more journalistic organizations and more actively resist government attempts to contain and control the media by positioning themselves as defenders of free, independent media, creating strong alliances with alternative media, citizens journalists AND SOCIAL MEDIA INlUENCERS They need to be inclusive to promote a positive narrative about the role of the media in citizens’ lives and bridge the social gap between journalists and the general public to increase support for stronger independent media.

As a major regional proxy war rages on in the region, dominating headlines and geopolitical agendas, the battle for a future independent Arab media that is trusted and trustworthy, is one that seeks to do away with robotic journalists and organizations programmed only to serve the interests of the powerful.

IPS

Mouna Ben Garga is an innovation officer with Civicus, a global alliance of civil society organizations.

This article is part of a series on the current state of civil society organizations (CSOs), the focus of International Civil Society Week (ICSW), sponsored by Civicus, which concluded in Belgrade last April 12.

Regions Reds torture, kill Mindoro IP leader B ˜ The Manila Times

MONDAY April 15, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

BYÂ ROSELLE R. AQUINO

ANSUD, Oriental Mindoro: A tribal leader and supporter of local officials was found dead in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, allegedly tortured by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Jose Barera, alias Gegs, 47, a Hanunuo tribal leader, was found floating on the Tumalo River at Sitio Liberty, Barangay Naibuan, San Jose with multiple gunshot wounds in the body.

His brother Boy Barrera identikED THE BODY AND SAID A GROUP of about seven NPA gunmen, some of them amazons, forcibly took Jose from their house on Friday afternoon. Jose’s wife and six children were crying and begged the terrorists to spare their father’s life, but were instead threatened that they would be shot.

Barrera’s abductors were identified as members of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Silangan led

by Rosita Serrano, alias Ester, of the Sub-Regional Military Area– 4D that operates in Southern Mindoro.

Barrera was a former member of the NPA’s Sangay ng Partido

in their barangay (village) before he surrendered to the government on Aug. 10, 2018. He was also one of 43 former rebels who RECEIVED BENEkTS FROM THE GOVERNment’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Barera was a known supporter of Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Sato and Gov. Mario Gene Mendiola, who were actively supporting the Mangyan community. #OL -ARCELIANO 4EOkLO COMmander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade in Mindoro urged all the Indigenous Peoples’ (IPs) communities and the people of Mindoro to stand against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)– NPA terrorists.

He also lambasted the human rights group Karapatan for keeping silent on the brutality of the NPA terrorists. “Where are the Karapatan and other human rights groups? This is the right time for

Bong Go reaffirms solidarity with Muslims MARAWI CITY: Former special assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence g"ONGu 'O RECENTLY REAFkRMED HIS solidarity with his Muslims brothers here and vowed to help the city rise from the ashes of war.

Speaking at the rally of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan at the Mindanao State University gym, Go said he was happy to return to the city, urging the people to join hands in bringing Marawi back to life.

He said that he had established a close relationship with Muslims while serving as assistant to then Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. “My Muslim brothers are close to my heart. Every year, when the President was mayor of Davao, he would send groups to Mecca for the hajj,� Go said, adding that he used to choose pilgrims from FAR lUNG MOSQUES WHO COULD NOT afford the airfare to Mecca.

He stressed that Duterte treated #HRISTIANS AND -USLIMS EQUALLY in Davao City, noting that the city passed an anti-discrimination ordinance.

The Senate aspirant was joined by actor Robin Padilla, a Muslim convert, who appealed to his brothers in Marawi to support Go’s senate bid, as well as the bid of other administration candidates.

Meanwhile, Go also appealed to the people of Marawi to help the 0RESIDENT WIN THE kGHT AGAINST ILlegal drugs.

He noted reports that the Maute

Q Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go terror group who attacked Marawi in May 2017 was largely funded by illegal drugs.

In addition to the campaign against criminality, corruption and illegal drugs, Go said he would push for improvement in the delivery of health services, including the upgrade of facilities of public health institutions and the passage of a law to enable the establishment of the Malasakit Centers in more areas in the country.

He also had programs to support agriculture, provide housing for the poor, education, long-term sports development, localized peace TALKS kRE PROTECTION AND PREVENtion, creation of a Department of overseas Filipino workers, the passage of a Magna Carta for barangay VILLAGE OFkCIALS AND IMPROVED BENEkTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

2Â Negros towns declare state of calamity BACOLOD City: Two towns in Negros Occidental have declared a state of calamity after bearing the brunt of the worsening dry spell brought by the El NiĂąo phenomenon.

The towns of Isabela and Murcia suffered heavy losses in crops, particularly rice, as shown in records of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

Municipal agriculturist Ernesto Moleta said Isabela had been placed under a state of calamity SINCE THE kRST WEEK OF !PRIL AFTER it suffered around P10 million in production loses.

He said the figure was limited to only 12 barangay (villages) since they were yet to assess the damage in 18 other villages. “A state of calamity can already be declared if there are two or more affected barangay,� Moleta said.

Provincial agriculturist Japhet

-ASCULINO CONkRMED THAT -URcia town also declared a state of calamity last week after incurring P8.29 million in production loses.

The OPA initially reported P76.6 million worth of production loses in the province’s rice, corn, high-value commercial crops AND THE kSHERY SECTOR Meanwhile, the Sugar Regulatory Administration reported around P366 million in production loses in the province’s sugarcane sector.

4HE 0ROVINCIAL 6ETERINARY /FkCE also reported loses of almost P1.8 million in the province’s fourth AND kFTH DISTRICTS A large number of the province’s livestock and poultry production areas are in the two districts.

Capitol agencies were conducting continuous monitoring and assessment. They expect the numbers to increase next week.

EUGENE Y. ADIONG

you to show up and prove that you are true defenders of the people.

We are calling your attention to conduct an impartial investigation and help the families of the victim attain justice. Speak up and denounce the atrocities of the .0!S u 4EOkLO SAID Lt. Col. Alexander Arbolado, 4th Infantry Battalion commander, also condemned the CPP–NPA, saying: “They are very desperate due to their sagging strength. They even resorted to kidnapping and forced victims join their group. Their heinous crimes show that they are merely like the terrorist Abu Sayaff and pro-Islamic State groups.�

On April 6, the NPA also abduct-

ed Reymundo Malupa, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit-Mabuhay Patrol Base, with the village chairman of Barangay Malo, and two other civilians. The three were released, while Malupa remains in captivity.

The suspects were also liable for the killing of Kennedy Dam-in !QUINO OF "ARANGAY -ANOOT 2IZAL and Jun-jun Ysog of Panaytayan, Oriental Mindoro. They were also behind the foiled kidnapping of four civilians from Bongabong who also escaped.

Meanwhile, the Hanunuo tribe, one of the Mangyan IPs, condemned the latest Communist Terrorists Group killing of their tribal

leader, calling the act inhumane.

Chieftain May-at Luzon and other tribe members said: “They killed one of out tribal leaders

A7

like an animal. They have no conscience. He was a good man. We thought they are pro-people, but what are they doing to us.�

News Highest heat index Joy Belmonte, Abby Binay felt on Saturday lead opponents in survey A8

˜ The Manila Times

MONDAY April 15, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL

I

NCUMBENTS and established political names would likely win in the coming elections against their opponents in the mayoral race in the 16 cities and one municipality of the National Capital Region or Metro Manila, according to a recent survey.

A noncommissioned survey conducted on April 1 to 8 by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMDinc) showed that if the elections for Metro Manila mayor were to be held today, the frontrunners would be Makati Mayor Mar-Len Abigail “Abby� Binay, Quezon City 6ICE -AYOR *OSEkNA g*OYu "ELMONte, Navotas City Rep. Tobias “Toby�

Tiangco, Pasay City Rep. Imelda “Emi� Calixto Rubiano, former Taguig City Rep. Lino Edgardo Cayetano, and Pasig City Mayor Robert “Bobby� Eusebio.

According to Paul Martinez of

RPMDinc, the survey was conducted among 8,000 registered voters that represented all demographic LINES HAD A CONkDENCE LEVEL OF percent, and a margin of error of +/-2 percent. It was conducted in different areas of Metro Manila.

The survey showed that Binay, who is backed by her father former vice president Jejomar Binay, was the top choice for Makati mayor, with a 67-percent voter preference rating.

Her brother Jejomar Erwin “Junjun�

Binay Jr. garnered 36 percent.

In Quezon City, Belmonte was leading with 62 percent, posting a high 26 points lead over Rep.

Vincent “Bingbong� Crisologo.

Crisologo got 36 percent, while former Rep. Chuck Mathay garnered 1 percent.

In Navotas City, Tiangco is up by 8 points at 66 percent against Councilor Dan Israel “DI� Ang, who got 23 percent.

Over in Pasay City, Rubiano got 71 percent, while his closest opponent, Cesar “Chet� Cuneta, son of former mayor Pablo Cuneta, garnered 16 percent.

In the City of Manila, former vice mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno� Domagoso led with a 47-percent voter preference against incumbent Mayor Joseph “Erap�

Ejercito Estrada, who got 30 percent, and former Mayor Alfredo Lim, who got 15 percent.

In Taguig, Cayetano, brotherin-law of incumbent Mayor Lani Cayetano, is also hard to beat with 70 percent against Rep. Arnel CerAkCA WHO GOT PERCENT Eusebio, the incumbent mayor of Pasig City, maintained a strong

lead of 68 percent against City Councilor Victor “Vico� Sotto, son of television host Vic Sotto, who got only 29 percent.

In San Juan, former vice mayor Francis Zamora is ahead of the race with 55 percent against Vice Mayor Janella Estrada, who got 43 percent.

In the cities of Mandaluyong, Malabon, Caloocan, Las Piùas, Marikina, Valenzuela, Paranaque and Muntinlupa, incumbent candidates were ahead based on RPMDinc’s survey.

They are Mandaluyong Mayor Carmelita “Menchie� Abalos, with 97 percent; Malabon Mayor Antolin “Lenlen� Oreta 3rd, with 65 percent; Caloocan Mayor Oscar “Oca�

Malapitan, with 95 percent; Las Pinas Mayor Imelda “Melâ€? Aguilar, with 92 percent; Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, with 96 percent; Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, with 94 percent; ParaĂąaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, with 57 percent; and Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, with 58 percent.

METRO Manila on Saturday registered its highest heat index or human discomfort for 2019, the state weather bureau said.

A heat index of 40.8 degrees Celsius (C) was registered at 3 p.m. at the Science Garden weather station in Diliman, Quezon City, resulting from a temperature of 35.9 C and a relative humidity of 44.89 percent, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Tuguegarao City in Cagayan registered the highest heat index on Saturday at 46.3 C, resulting from a 36.5 C temperature and 53.68 relative humidity. This was below the highest recorded heat index of 51.7 C in Dagupan City on Wednesday.

High heat indexes were also recorded in other areas of the country: Daet,

Camarines Norte at 46.1 C; Ambulong, Batangas City at 45.2 C; Dagupan City, Pangasinan at 45.1 C; Sangley Point, Cavite City at 44.5 C; Casiguran, Aurora at 43.8 C; Cotabato City, Maguindanao at 43.7 C; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro at 42.7 C; Subic Bay, Olongapo City at 42.3 C; Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte at 41.6 C; and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte at 41.4 C. Heat index between 32 to 41 C is categorized as “extreme caution� and 41 to 54 C as “danger,� with the latter more likely to cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The state weather bureau advised the public to avoid the outdoor heat from 12 noon to 4 p.m., to use sun protection for outdoor activities and to stay hydrated.

DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ

POWER FIRMS URGED TO SHOULDER SHUTDOWN COSTS THE Bayan Muna party-list urged generation companies to shoulder the additional cost of power that was caused by their consecutive plant shutdowns in the previous days.

Bayan Muna Chairman and Senate candidate Neri Colmenares said on Sunday that owners of generation companies should be held accountable for failing to deliver electricity to consumers, allegedly causing sudden power outages in Luzon amid the summer heat. “There was a contract you, generation companies, failed to deliver. You are the ones who

breached the contract, why are you making us pay?� he added.

Colmenares claimed the Electrical Power Industry Reform Act, which mandates the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to promote competition in the electricity market in the country, allowed generation companies TO EARN HIGHER PROkTS BY SHUTTING down some plants to create an ARTIkCIAL SUPPLY SHORTAGE “These generation companies should not escape liability by passing on to the public the higher electricity costs resulting from these shutdowns.

They are the ones who are

responsible for this crisis, and yet they even earned from it. Is that fair?� he said.

In 2013, the ERC and Department of Energy (DoE) found basis to conclude that energy players colluded to jack up electricity prices in the spot market amid simultaneous power plant shutdowns.

For his part, Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said on top of increased power rates, there was also an unprecedented P3.5-billion increase in missionary charges passed on to consumers from 2016 to 2017. “This is a disturbing average

increase of 160 percent for the Mimaropa area, increasing from P2.21 billion in 2016 to P5.75 billion in 2017, despite the average increase in electricity consumption of only 6 percent,� said Zarate.

Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan make up Mimaropa.

Zarate added that he had previously asked the DoE’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau to explain the big increases in many islands that were based ON THE -ISSIONARY %LECTRIkCATION Development Plan for 2016 to 2020, which was prepared by the

department, itself.

It showed that power rates in Palawan increased by 105 percent in one year, from P536 million in 2016 to P1.096 billion in 2017. It further increased to P1.766 billion in 2018 and P1.186 billion 2019.

The missionary subsidy in Oriental Mindoro also doubled from P565 million in 2016 to P1.1 billion in 2017, further increasing to P1.396 billion in 2018, Zarate added.

And in Occidental Mindoro, while electricity use reportedly increased by only 5 to 6 percent per year, its subsidy increased by

P1.655 billion in 2018 and P1.621 billion in 2019. “What’s questionable here is that instead of missionary fees decreasing, areas which do not have electricity should have been lessened, but why are consumers experiencing kNES THAT WOULD REACH 0 PER kilowatt hour? The DoE and CoA (Commission on Audit) should conduct probes into this,� Zarate said in Filipino.

Rotating blackouts were implemented last week in Luzon, placing a 13-hour red alert status from the shutdown of several power plants.

GLEE JALEA

Smuggled cigarettes seized ABOUT P35 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized over the weekend by combined elements of the Bureau of Customs (BoC)-Port of Zamboanga and the Philippine Coast Guard.

In a report to Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Port of Zamboanga District Collector Segundo Barte Jr. said the smuggled goods were intercepted off the coast of Lower Calarian in Zamboanga.

He said it was the biggest successful operation in the history of the Port of Zamboanga.

Barte said the collaborative effort was in compliance with the directive of Guerrero to intensify antismuggling operations in the Zambasulta areas comprising Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The operation, he added, stemmed from the intelligence report received by the BoC Intel-

ligence Group from its assets in the area, which it then forwarded to the military. “We immediately coordinated the said report with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy and other government agencies, including Task Force Zamboanga for possible apprehension of more or less 3,000 cigarette cases at Hadji Taha wharf in Baliwasan, but the vessel did not arrive,� Barte added.

On April 9, the Philippine Navy intercepted watercraft MJ Andrea 1, which contained 1,159 cases of smuggled cigarettes from Indonesia for delivery to Lower Calarian, Zamboanga City.

But a thorough search immediately conducted in the presence of the Philippine Drug and Enforcement Agency personnel yielded no illegal drugs.

WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL

Q WATER FROM A1

The President said he would like to get to the bottom of the water crisis.

Duterte earlier directed the MWSS to demand from concessionaires Manila Water and MayniLAD AND OTHER RESPONSIBLE OFkCES THE RELEASE OF water good for 150 days from the Angat Dam in Bulacan.

The water issue came amid plunging water levels in several dams in Luzon.

RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

MWSS

and sanction concessionaires Manila Water Company Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc., during a 40-minute meeting.

Two days later, Duterte said he would “make A DECISIONu ON THE -733 OFkCIALS FATE BY April 15.

Q SURVEY FROM A1

Go ranks 3rd 60.4 percent, while Villar got 50.8 percent, according to the survey conducted from April 2 to 4.

Go, whose ex-boss is often the target of Trillanes’ criticisms, stood at No. 3 with 47.8 percent, followed by Manuel Mercado “Lito�

Lapid at No. 4 with 42.3 percent and Pilar Juliana “Pia� Cayetano at No. 5 with 40.4 percent.

Other candidates who made it to the top 16 were: No. 6, Ramon “Bong� Revilla Jr., 39.1 percent; No. 7, Ronald “Bato� dela Rosa, 36.9 percent; No. 8, Paolo Benigno “Bam� Aquino 4th, 34.5 percent; No. 9 Maria Lourdes “Nancy� Binay, 33.7 percent; No. 10 Maria Imelda “Imee� Marcos, 32.7 percent; No. 11 Jose “Jinggoy� Estrada, 30.9 percent; No. 12, Juan Edgardo “Sonny� Angara, 30.7 percent; No. 13, Manuel “Mar� Roxas 2nd, 29.3 percent; No. 14, Francis Tolentino, 29.0 percent; No. 15, Aquilino “Koko� Pimentel 3rd, 25.6 percent; and No. 16, Joseph Victor “JV� Ejercito, 23.4 percent.

Trillanes, the chairman of the group of exrebels, on Sunday said despite the tight race, ratings of Otso Diretso opposition candidates for senator were “continuously improving.â€? “[Gary] Alejano is now at No. 20, followed by Samira Gutoc at No. 21. [Romulo] Macalintal advances to No. 24 from being at No. 27 in the last survey; [Lorenzo ‘Erin’] TaĂąada is at No. 25; [Jose Manuel ‘Chel’] Diokno is at No. 28; and Florin ‘Pilo’ Hilbay, from being at No. 35, is now at No. 31,â€? he noted.

Trillanes said Magdalo survey employed a multistage probability sampling design with face-to-face interviews of 3,000 respondents, equitably representing the voting population across the different regions of the country. It has a margin of error of 1.8 percent.

The respondents were given a list of the names of all the aspiring senators and were asked the question: “Kung ngayon gagawin ang eleksyon sa pagka-senador, sino sa mga sumusunod na kandidato ang inyong iboboto? Pumili hanggang 12 na kandidato (If the elections for senator is held today, who among the following will you vote for?

Choose up to 12 candidates).�

BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

What’s inside TELECOMMUTING FAVORED

BY MANY EMPLOYERS – ECOP BusinessB2

»

PROPERTY SEEN LIFTING AYALA AMID TROUBLE

»Stock WatchB3

GLOBAL-ESTATE EARNS P1.7B IN 2018, UP 21%

»

Corporate NewsB3

SEAOIL RAMPS UP NETWORK EXPANSION

»Corporate NewsB3

www.manilatimes.net

DELOITTE. ON THE DOT

Bank violations seen in NPC privacy sweep

BY TYRONE C. PIAD

B

AGUIO CITY: The privacy watchdog is kNALIZING INSPECTIONS OF BANKS MOBILE APPLICATIONS AND ONLINE SERVICES TO DETERMINE THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH PRIVACY LAWS AND POLICIES WITH RESULTS EXPECTED TO BE RELEASED NEXT MONTH

g7E JUST DID WHAT WE CALL PRIVACY SWEEP FOR MOBILE APPLICATIONS AND WEB SERVICES OF BANKS u .ATIONAL 0RIVACY #OMMISSION (NPC) chief Raymund Liboro told reporters during a seminar in Baguio during the weekend. &INDINGS WILL BE REVEALED IN -AY THE last week of which was declared last year BY -ALACANANG AS .ATIONAL $ATA 0RIVACY Awareness Week.

g;7E ARE CHECKING= WHO ARE EXCESSIVELY [asking for personal information], who are COLLECTING ;DATA= DISPROPORTIONATELY u ,IBORO added.

Ahead of the report’s release, he indicated THAT ONE BANK HAD VIOLATED PRIVACY LAWS BY mandating 17 permissions for a customer to set up an account.

Another bank was found to be asking for

Muted PSEi trading expected this week gWILL HELP VALIDATE THE STRENGTH OF corporate earnings growth—an integral component to justify VALUATIONS u Some indications could come from a host of upcoming stockholders’ meetings but the the Q1 earnings season will be kicked off TODAY BY )TALPINAS $EVELOPMENT Corp.

On Friday, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index dropped by 0.94 percent or 74.98 points to close at 7,880.82 while the wider All Shares slipped by 0.53 percent or 25.77 points to kNISH AT

ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

PAL Holdings as a parent company

P

AL Holdings Inc. has 11.611 billion outstanding common shares of which it listed 10.502 billion on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). It has issued 10.524 billion common shares AND HAS gFREE lOAT LEVELu EQUIVAlent to 10.32 percent, which, if computed on 11.611 billion common shares, will be more than 1.198 billion common shares.

On the PSE website, PAL Holdings said foreigners are allowed under the law to own a maximum of 40 percent of outstanding.

When computed, 40 percent of BILLION EQUALS MORE THAN 4.644 billion common shares.

As of March 31, 2019, PAL Holdings’ top 100 stockholders listed Trust Mark Holdings Corp. as holder of 8.931 billion PAL common shares, or 76.916 percent of 11.611 billion outstanding common shares.

PAL Holdings reported Trust Mark’s ownership of PAL Holdings common shares before the

9-person board raised on March 27, 2019 its authorized capital stock to 20 billion common shares from 13.5 billion.

Aside from Trust Mark, which belongs to the group of companies businessman Lucio Tan owns, the others in the list of the top 100 stockholders also included PCD Nominee Corp., which, as of March 31, 2019, held 1.149 billion PAL common shares, or 9.898 percent, for Filipinos, and 514,708 PAL common shares, or 0.0044 percent, for foreigners. )N A kLING 0!, (OLDINGS SAID the capital increase to P20 billion is intended “to prepare the company for any additional capital

³Perez B2

³Privacy B2

Income tax take to boost BIR revenues

SHARES OUTLOOK FOR THE WEEK:

ANALYSTS do not expected stock market surprises during a shortened three-day trading week.

In a market comment, online brokerage firm 2tradeasia. com said trading could be muted WITH INVESTORS LIKELY TO HAVE OPTED for an early Holy Week break.

Philippine financial markets will be closed on April 18 and 19 IN OBSERVATION OF -AUNDY 4HURSday and Good Friday. )NVESTORS TRADEASIA COM SAID

will instead by looking forward to upcoming earnings reports and the Monetary Board’s next policy meeting in May. &IRST QUARTER RESULTS IT ADDED

B2

W

MONDAY APRIL 15, 2019

Business Times

B1

and deposits were ordered earlier THIS YEAR VIA #IRCULAR DATED *ANUARY

The original implementation date was March 1, 2019.

"IG BANKS WILL HAVE TO DISCLOSE interest rates on actual loans granted and deposits generated as TO PRODUCT TYPE MATURITY PERIOD terms, and size.

INCOME taxes due today are EXPECTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNIkCANT boost to the Bureau of Internal 2EVENUE S HAUL FOR THE MONTH A SENIOR OFkCIAL SAID “[We are ] still hopeful [that] we [will] exceed actual collecTIONSw u ")2 $EPUTY #OMMISsioner Marissa Cabreros told The Manila Times OVER THE WEEKEND

referring to the bureau’s P232.6billion take in April last year, which was 24 percent or P44.9 billion better compared to a year earlier. g) DO NOT HAVE GOAL ALLOCATED FOR April 2019 but to recall, the April 2018 collection on annual income tax was computed based on old law while the expected collected this April 2019 is now based on Train law which made huge reducTION ON PERSONAL INCOME TAX RATE u she added.

The lower tax rates, Cabreros SAID COULD HAVE ENCOURAGED TAXPAYERS TO VOLUNTARILY kLE THEIR tax returns that are due today, April 15.

4AXPAYERS HAVE BEEN ENCOURaged to file their returns today through the use of Electronic BIR Forms, which has been mandatory since 2014 for all tax returns.

Returns filed and taxes paid after the deadline will be slapped with corresponding sanctions such as a 25 percent surcharge, 12 percent interest per annum and compromise penalties.

Besides personal income taxes, the bureau is also expecting corporate income tax collections to CONTRIBUTE TO THIS YEAR S REVENUES ONCE #ONGRESS APPROVES REFORMS UNDER 0ACKAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT S #OMPREHENSIVE 4AX 2Eform Program.

4HE (OUSE OF 2EPRESENTATIVES APPROVED ITS VERSION OF THE PACKAGE‡ the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities

³Schedule B2

³BIR B2

GOING GREEN

A file photo taken on March 30, 2016 shows the logo of IKEA outside its biggest store in Europe, in Kungens Kurva southwest of Stockholm. Ikea, whose business model of affordable flat-pack furnishings is being challenged amid global concerns over over-consumption and waste, will be offering rented and recycled furniture as part of an eco-friendly drive. AFP PHOTO

PSE eyes share sale, renewed PDS bid THE Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) plans to raise as much as 0 BILLION VIA A SHARE SALE TO DILUTE BROKER OWNERSHIP AND REVIVE ITS Philippine Dealing System HoldINGS #ORP 0$3 TAKEOVER PLANS )N A CHANCE INTERVIEW ON &RIday, PSE President and Chief %XECUTIVE /FkCER 2AMON -ONZON said the share sale was being considered after trading participants GAVE A LUKEWARM RECEPTION TO AN appeal to sell their stakes in the exchange.

Reducing broker ownership to 20 percent was mandated by the

Securities and Exchange Commission when the PSE sought to ACQUIRE THE BOND BOURSE TWO YEARS ago. As of March 18, broker ownership stood at 26.44 percent.

Monzon said the PSE was only waiting for market conditions to IMPROVE BEFORE IT PROCEEDS WITH A SHARE SALE (E DID NOT PROVIDE more details. “We are still hoping to integrate THE kXED INCOME AND THE EQUITIES ;MARKETS= 7E HAVE NOT GIVEN UP ON OUR HOPE u HE ADDED “We are waiting to see what ,ANDBANK WILL DO BECAUSE w WE VE

taken the position that we will not engage in a bidding war with ,ANDBANK ;OR= WITH ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY u HE ADDED 4HE 03% SHELVED ITS TAKEOVER plans after Land Bank of the Philippines challenged it by offering a much higher price — P360 per SHARE VERSUS 0 4HE STATE OWNED BANK HOWEVER LATER CUT this to P215 and its offer to PDS shareholders lapsed last March 15.

03% SHARES kNISHED lAT AT 0 apiece on Friday amid the benchmark PSE index’s 0.94-percent drop. ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

Interest rate rule schedule extended BIG BANKS HAVE BEEN GIVEN MORE time to comply with enhanced reporting of interest rates on loans and deposits to the central bank.

In a statement, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said its policymaking Monetary Board HAD APPROVED THE EXTENSION OF A transitory period to the end of this YEAR WITH THE EFFECTIVITY DATE ALSO MOVED TO *ANUARY

g4HIS EXTENSION PROVIDES MORE time for banks to assess their compliance with the enhanced reporting structure prior to full IMPLEMENTATION u THE "30 SAID During the extended transiTORY PERIOD UNIVERSAL COMMERCIAL BANKS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT BOTH existing and amended reports.

Amended reporting templates on bank interest rates on loans

B2

Business Times

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

MONDAY April 15, 2019

Telecommuting favored by many employers – ECOP M

BY TYRONE C. PIAD

AJORITY OF COMPANIES IN THE COUNTRY CONSIDERED TELECOMMUTING OR WORK FROM HOME FOR THEIR MANAGERIAL EMPLOYEES GIVEN THE SIGNIkCANT IMPROVEMENT OF INTERNET SERVICE IN THE COUNTRY A SURVEY BY THE %MPLOYERS #ONFEDERATION OF THE 0HILIPPINES %#/0 INDICATED

3OME PERCENT OF THE kRMS SURVEYED EXPRESSED gOPENNESSu to adopt telecommuting if approPRIATE EQUIPMENT WITH IMPROVED INTERNET SERVICE ARE AVAILABLE AND softwares for monitoring work hours and output are in place.

Other condition cited for allowing work-from-home are that kRMS SHOULD BE INFORMED OF THE best industry practices and benchmarking tools from their industry.

&URTHER THEY SHOULD ALSO DEkNE roles and responsibilities in case of organizational restructuring; and that guidelines and policies relating to telecommuting should BE PROVIDED Signed in December last year, Republic Act 11165 or the TelecomMUTING !CT DEkNES TELECOMMUTING as a “a work arrangement that ALLOWS AN EMPLOYEE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO WORK FROM AN ALTERNATIVE

workplace with the use of teleCOMMUNICATION AND OR COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES u Out of nearly 100 respondents, kRMS OR PERCENT MOST OF which are from the information technology-business process outsourcing management sector, are already adopting the scheme, ECOP said. “The telecommuting arrangeMENT OF MOST COMPANIES COVERS only managerial employees. Consultants and project staff are also ALLOWED TO TELECOMMUTE u %#/0 added.

Said companies are allowing telecommuting to deal with the HEAVY TRAFkC GOING TO AND FROM WORK ACHIEVE THE gPROMOTION OF WORK LIFE BALANCE AND lEXIBILITY u and “enhance employee engageMENT AND RETENTION u THE SURVEY

said. Another reason it said was gBUSINESS NEEDu AS THERE ARE MULtinational companies with operations in different time zones.

-EANWHILE THE SURVEY HELD FROM Feb. 11 to March 4 this year said around 86 percent claimed telecommuting and non-telecommuting employees are getting the same BENEkTS "UT WORK FROM HOME EMPLOYEES FROM SOME kRMS SAID THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING TRANSPORTATION AND MEAL ALLOWANCES OVERTIME pay and additional renumeration for more working days.

4HEY RAISED CONCERNS ON THE gkLING AND PAYMENT OF OVERTIME THE need to stay connected and reachable during work hours; determination of work and rest hours; AND THE REQUIREMENT TO DEFINE company liability for employees PRACTICING TELECOMMUTING u

DA wants export ban on mature coconuts lifted In November last year, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Board of Governors approved a resolution asking the IAC of to consider lifting the ban. “[L]ifting the ban on the export of coconuts will open new markets for the farmers as several countries, including China, have expressed interest in importing mature coconuts from the Philippines,â€? the resolution stated. The ban, however, remains. Once lifted, the DA projected an initial shipment of about 1,500 metric tons (MT) of matured coconuts to importing countries, especially China.Â

The PCA, in November 2018, also approved a resolution addressed to President Duterte asking the National Biofuels Board to increase the biodiesel component from 2 percent to 5 percent of Coco Methyl Ester. The move is seen to increase the use of copra to up to 200,000 metric tons. The agency also approved an allocation of P300 million for the purchase of an irradiation equipment to be used in the processing of coco coir for export and for other agricultural products.

EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has renewed its call to lift the export ban on mature coconuts that was put in place during the Marcos administration. The move will help resolve very low prices of copra, a major issue that has been hounding the coconut sector, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel PiĂąol said. “We proposed another option to address the low copra prices. I submitted a recommendation to the President through the executive secretary for the amendment of the EO (Executive Order) of [former President Ferdinand] Marcos on the

issuance‌ [to ban the export of matured coconuts],â€? PiĂąol said in a recent interview.  Copra prices have been declining since the latter part of January 2018. Prices have fallen to as low as P16 per kilo from about P40 per kilo three years ago. Lowest prices were recorded in areas farthest from oil mills. Marcos issued EO 1016 in 1985. It created an Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) tasked to update the “List of Prohibited and Regulated Products for Exports.â€? Based in the list, matured coconuts and coconut seedlings are prohibited for export.Â

Q SCHEDULE FROM B1

DoF sees better PH credit rating

Interest “The enhanced structure reQUIRES GREATER GRANULARITY ON THE data reported that is expected to contribute to enhanced monitoring and analysis of the Bangko 3ENTRAL AS WELL AS PROVIDE THE public with more information IN MAKING DECISIONS u THE CENTRAL bank said.

It also noted that data on bank interest rates are regulary published on the BSP website. g4HESE WILL PROVIDE CONSUMERS WITH MORE VALUABLE INFORMATION TO COMPARE COSTS AND EVALUATE their needs based on the best LOANS AND DEPOSITS PRODUCTS AVAILABLE TO THEM u IT ADDED The compilation and publication of bank interest rates on loans and deposits, the BSP explained, are aligned with international best practices and also supports the central bank’s thrust to promote greater financial literacy, consumer protection and market transparency.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

scores by the said firms. He also cited the 2019 economic outlook of the Philippines by the World Bank, which projects the local economy to grow from 6.5 this year to 6.6 in 2020.

The DTI official is optimisitic the country can get an A rating sooner. “It’s just around the corner� especially if the rating comes from the Asian credit rating agencies, he said. “It is possible to get it first from the Asian credit rating agencies. The three

big ones will follow,� he added.

Meanwhile, Beltran said he was also seeing improved sentiment about the Philippine economy. “We also expect that the market perceives us better than the credit rating agencies,� he said, adding that market, which buys government debt and invests in the Philippines, is “the real thing,� that’s why their trust is important to be earned.�

MARY OFELYN DATUIN

COLLECTED KEPT AND MAINTAINED u he said.

Transactions can be considERED VOID IN THESE CASES ,IBORO claimed. the customer’s location, which The NPC chief said banking Liboro said was unnecessary. institutions, along with other busig4HEY HAVE TO COME UP WITH A NESSES OR INSTITUTIONS THAT REQUIRE VERY GOOD EXPLANATION ON WHY SO data from clients, should carefully many [pieces of] data are being consider this as the information

COULD BE VULNERABLE TO MISMANagement or hacking.

Liboro said the NPC was looking to strengthen its coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas with regard to banks’ data collection practices. g7E ACTUALLY HAVE TALKS WITH "ANGKO 3ENTRAL ;BUT= NOT SPECIkC TO THIS u HE NOTED

THE Department of Finance (DoF) expects the Philippine’s credit rating to improve if recent reports of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch are considered.

In a business journalism seminar held by the San Miguel Corp. in Baguio on Saturday, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said findings of the top 3 rating agencies on the country’s economy were encouraging.

Beltran noted that the Philippines was earlier given stable to positive

Q PRIVACY FROM B1

Bank

lion common shares, or 34.96 PERCENT *' 3UMMIT (OLDINGS )NC

which held 333.189 million common shares, or 29.56 percent; and -ETRO 0ACIkC )NVESTMENTS #ORP

REQUIREMENTu )T ALSO DISCLOSED which owned 118.365 million that the new capital stock will be common shares, or 10.5 percent.

Meralco listed 13 affiliates, SUBMITTED FOR RATIkCATION BY ITS stockholders in their annual meet- which, it said did not own either directly or indirectly common ing on May 30, 2019.

SHARES (OWEVER IT LISTED THE PUBlic in the same POR as holder of First Pacific-JG 236.540 million common shares, Summit tandem or 20.99 percent.

The irony of Meralco’s ownerManila Electric Co. will hold its annual stockholders’ meeting on SHIP PROkLE IS THAT DESPITE THEIR May 28, 2019, according to the close to 21 percent holdings, the COMPANY S DEkNITIVE INFORMATION public stockholders were not alstatement (DIS) dated Feb. 26, 2019. lowed to elect their own directors.

Aside from Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of Meralco’s Metrobank’s unit 11-man board, also included in the board are two independent di- )N A 0/2 0HILIPPINE 3AVINGS RECTORS WHO MAY NOT HAVE ENOUGH Bank has (PSB) 383.109 million NUMBER OF VOTING SHARES TO GET outstanding common shares of appointed as directors. They are which PSB’s 11-man board directly Artemio V. Panganiban and Pedro owned 4.003 million common E. Roxas. shares. The bank listed MetroIn a public ownership report politan Bank & Trust Co. as direct (POR), Meralco reported three holder of 338.610 million PSB principal stockholders as of April common shares, or 88.38 percent 12, 2019. These were Beacon of 383.109 million PSB common Electric Asset Holdings Inc. with shares. direct ownership of 394.059 milMetrobank’s ownership makes

Q PEREZ FROM B1

PAL

it PSB’s parent company.

On the other hand, PSBank attributed to its public stockholders the ownership of 40.497 million PSB common shares, or 10.57 percent.

As stipulated in its POR, PSBank credited its nine-person board with 4.003 million PSB common SHARES OR PERCENT )T CLASSIkED 342.613 million PSB common shares, or 89.43 percent, as nonpublic, including PSB common shares held by the board.

In an explanatory note, PSBank said Metrobank’s holdings included scripless shares totaling 185.184 million PSB common shares.

In another PSE posting, PSBank SAID ITS NINE MAN BOARD APPROVED in a meeting on March 12, 2019 the increase in its authorized capital stock to 6 billion common shares from 4.25 billion common shares with the same par VALUE OF 0 PER COMMON SHARE This meant an increase of 41.176 percent.

Due Diligencer’s take

financial filings of commercial AND SAVINGS BANKS !S THE REGULAtory authority, it has the power to discipline any of them.

The same is true with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

It could also impose disciplinary action against its lawyer members WHO MAY HAVE COMMITTED SOME infractions of organization rules. $UE $ILIGENCER kNDS IT WORTHWHILE TO REVIEW SOME OF THE DECIsions against erring lawyers by the 3UPREME #OURT !S FOR "30 S MOVE AGAINST BANKS IT DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING YET ON kLE TO INDICATE IT IS going against any of its members.

For instance, Due Diligencer learned about a buyer of a farmland, which happened to be irrigated, courtesy of the National Irrigation Administration. The seller is not informing the tenants about the buyer. Hopefully, the details will come later.

The poser though remains. Can a buyer of a farmland make it appear in court documents that the farmland is not tenanted? In case A LAWYER NOTARIZED SAID COURT kLING

DID HE OR SHE VIOLATED THE LAWYERS OATH *UST ASKING

It’s time fot the Bangko Sentral NG 0ILIPINAS "30 TO REVIEW THE esdperez@gmail.com

Delinquencies defined DELOITTE. A ON THE DOT FTER Republic Act (RA) No. 11213, or the Tax Amnesty Act, was signed into law last Feb. 14, 2019, many expected the BuREAU OF )NTERNAL 2EVENUE ")2 TO release the implementing rules, particularly the one addressing THE UNCERTAINTY ON THE DEkNITION OF DELINQUENCIES To recall, the law grants tax amNESTY ON DELINQUENCIES COVERING ALL NATIONAL INTERNAL REVENUE TAXes collected by the BIR as well as VALUE ADDED TAX 6!4 AND EXCISE taxes collected by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for taxable year AND PRIOR YEARS (OWEVER

neither the law nor the bills from BOTH HOUSES OF #ONGRESS DEkNED THE TERM @DELINQUENCIES 4HE CLOSEST DEkNITION FOR DELINQUENCIES CAN BE LIFTED FROM REVENUE MEMORANDUM ORDER (RMO) No. 71-2010, which PROVIDES FOR THE GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE CONVERSION OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES AND DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS INTO THE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES CONVERSION system (ACRS) of the BIR. This rule does not necessarily apply TO TAX AMNESTY -OREOEVER WITHOUT A DEkNITE PRONOUNCEMENT from the BIR, the application OF THE FOREGOING DEkNITION OF A DELINQUENT ACCOUNT CAN ONLY BE implied.

The explanation has come in THE FORM OF REVENUE REGULATIONS (RR) No. 4-2019, or the implementing rules and regulations of RA No. 11213 issued by the BIR on April 8, 2019. It states that a DELINQUENT ACCOUNT SHALL PERTAIN to a tax arising from the audit of the BIR that has been issued ASSESSMENT NOTICES WHICH HAVE BECOME kNAL AND EXECUTORY DUE to the following instances: • Failure to pay the tax due on THE PRESCRIBED DUE DATE PROVIDED in the final assessment notice &!. FORMAL LETTER OF DEMAND &,$ AND FOR WHICH NO VALID PROTEST WHETHER A REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OR REINVESTIGATION HAS BEEN kLED WITHIN days from receipt thereof; r &AILURE TO kLE AN APPEAL TO the court of tax appeal (CTA) or AN ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL BEFORE THE COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVenue (CIR) within 30 days from receipt of the decision denying THE REQUEST FOR REINVESTIGATION OR reconsideration; or r &AILURE TO kLE AN APPEAL TO THE CTA within 30 days from receipt of the decision of the CIR denyING THE TAXPAYER S ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL TO THE kNAL DECISION OF disputed assessment (FDDA).

Based on the foregoing, it appears that tax amnesty on delinQUENCIES CAN ONLY BE AVAILED OF by taxpayers against whom an assessment has been considered kNAL AND EXECUTORY 4HIS MEANS that these accounts are now subject to collection proceedings and there is no other remedy, ADMINISTRATIVE OR JUDICIAL AVAILable to the taxpayer. Taxpayers with ongoing tax audit, including THOSE WHO HAVE UNRESOLVED PROtests and pending cases in court, CANNOT AVAIL OF BENEkTS GRANTED by the Tax Amnesty Act. Further, the new rules did not include unpaid self-assessed taxES AS A DELINQUENT ACCOUNT UNLIKE in RMO No. 71-2010. Thus, when A TAXPAYER kLES A RETURN REQUIRED by law but the corresponding or the correct tax stated therein is not paid, such taxpayer will not BE ENTITLED TO THE BENEkTS OF THE tax amnesty.

4HE TAX AMNESTY ALSO COVERS all persons, whether natural or JURIDICAL WITH INTERNAL REVENUE TAX LIABILITIES COVERING TAXABLE year 2017 and prior years under any of the following instances: • Those with pending criminal cases with the Department OF *USTICE $/* 0ROSECUTOR S /FkCE OR THE COURTS FOR TAX EVA-

SHIRLEY TUAZON sion and other criminal offenses with or without assessments duly issued. The tax amnesty rate shall be 60 percent of the basic tax assessed r 4HOSE WITH kNAL AND EXECUtory judgment by the courts on OR BEFORE THE EFFECTIVITY OF 22 .O 04-2019. The tax amnesty rate shall be 50 percent of the basic tax assessed • Withholding tax liabilities of withholding agents arising from their failure to remit withheld taxes. The tax amnesty rate shall be 100 percent of basic tax assessed 4HE OTHER SALIENT PROVISIONS OF the implementing rules include THE DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS IN AVAILING OF THE TAX AMNESTY 4HESE are the 1) Tax Amnesty Return (TAR) or BIR Form No. 2118-DA); 2) Acceptance Payment Form (APF) or BIR Form No. 0621-DA DULY VALIDATED BY AUTHORIZED agent banks (AABs) or stamped gRECEIVEDu ACCOMPANIED BY A BANK DEPOSIT SLIP VALIDATED BY THE !!"S OR 2EVENUE /FkCIAL 2ECEIPT 2/# ISSUED BY THE 2EVENUE #OLLECTION /FkCERS 2#/S #ERTIkCATE OF 4AX $ELINQUENCIES Tax Liabilities issued by the conCERNED ")2 OFkCES AND A COPY of the FAN, FDDA, Preliminary Assessment Notice (PAN) or Notice of Informal Conference, when applicable.

RR No. 04-2019 also addressed cases where the deLINQUENT TAXES HAVE BEEN THE subject of an application for compromise settlement on the GROUNDS OF DOUBTFUL VALIDITY OF assessment or financial incapacity of the taxpayer, whether denied or pending. In applyING THE TAX AMNESTY BENEkTS

the amount to be paid shall be based on the net basic tax as CERTIkED BY THE ")2 )T MEANS that the tax amnesty rate shall be computed based on the applicable compromise settlement rate under Section 204 of the Tax Code and not on the basic tax liabilities stated in the assessment notices.

5PON CONkRMATION THAT THE taxpayer-applicant complied WITH THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER 22 No. 4-2019, the BIR shall issue a Notice of Issuance of Authority to Cancel Assessment (NIATCA) within 15 calendar days from submission of the APF and TAR. An APF and TAR stamped “reCEIVEDu SHALL ALSO BE DEEMED AS SUFkCIENT PROOF OF AVAILMENT OF THE BENEkTS OF THE 4AX !MNESTY Act. 1UALIkED TAXPAYERS WHO WISH TO AVAIL OF THE LOWER TAX PAYMENTS under the Tax Amnesty Act must submit their application to the BIR within one year from the efFECTIVITY OF 22 .O 'IVEN THE SIMPLIkED REQUIREments and the time limit imposed by the BIR on the submission of documents, taxpayers should not let this opportunity to ease their tax burdens pass, especially concerning delinQUENCIES 9OU NEVER KNOW WHEN the next tax amnesty will be granted.

The author is a Manager with THE 4AX #ORPORATE 3ERVICES DIVISION OF .AVARRO !MPER #O

one of 11 practices that make up Deloitte Southeast Asia Ltd. Deloitte Southeast Asia Ltd is a member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a leading GLOBAL PROVIDER OF AUDIT AND ASSURANCE CONSULTING kNANCIAL ADVISORY RISK ADVISORY TAX AND RELATED SERVICES

Q BIR FROM B1

Income tax take seen (Trabaho) bill—in September but of P2.339 trillion for this year, 19 THE 3ENATE VERSION REMAINS PENDING percent higher than last year’s beAT THE COMMITTEE LEVEL low-target result of P1.961 trillion.

The BIR has a collection target MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

Stock Watch

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

B3

MONDAY April 15, 2019

Property seen lifting Ayala amid troubles

30-DAY STOCK PERFORMANCE

HIGH

LOW

AVERAGE

CLOSE

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

C

ONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. (AC) is currently not experiencing a good year given troubles that have hit its water, banking and telecommunications units but the property business could end up strengthening its 2019 bottomline.

30-day high: P948

Date

Ayala shares are up by only 0.77 percent year-to-date and fell by nearly 1 percent weekon-week on Friday, with analysts pointing to the lack of catalysts and Mitsubishi Corp.’s sale of 13 million shares in January.

The latest stock price marked 10.8 percent slip from a 52-week high. “It’s (Ayala shares) been going SIDEWAYS FOR THE kRST QUARTER AFTER Mitsubishi trimmed its stake in AC earlier this year,� Timson Securities Inc. trader Jervin de Celis noted. “We also do not have any fresh catalyst [for] the blue-chip stock to move and this makes the PSEi (Philippine Stock Exchange index) go sideways and struggle to go beyond the 8,000 level,� he added.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research associate Piper Chaucer Tan said Ayala’s performance may have been dampened by a massive water shortage blamed on water arm Manila Water Company Inc., which likely

Q Ayala Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (left) and President and Chief Operating Officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala (right). PHOTO FROM THE AYALA CORP. WEBSITE

offset a robust performance by subsidiary Ayala Land Inc. (ALI).

Parts of Metro Manila went without water for days last month after Manila Water suddenly halted services, pointing the lack of supply from La Mesa Dam in light of an ongoing El NiĂąo.

This prompted MalacaĂąang to intervene and President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to scrap concessions granted to the utility AND RIVAL kRM -AYNILAD 7ATER Services Inc. It did not help that two other subsidiaries, Bank of the Philippine Islands and Globe Telecom Inc., last week experienced glitches that left customers complaining about wrong balances, inaccessible services as well as lost data and internet connections.

The glitches have caught the attention of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Department of Information and Communi-

cations Technology, which said last week that they would be monitoring the situation.

Moving forward, De Celis said he still expected ALI to boost the parent firm given a booming property market. “I think the robust growth that we see in AC’s real estate and tourism business due to the INlUX OF TOURISTS ESPECIALLY FROM China should provide some good numbers for the bottomline performance of the company for the NEXT QUARTERS THIS YEAR u HE SAID “Its expansion in healthcare and energy may also boost the COMPANY S PROkTABILITY BUT THIS

will take more time,� he added.

Ayala owns healthcare brands FamilyDOC, online pharmacy MedGrocer, health technology arm Vigos Health Technologies, home health application AIDE, and Negros Grace. In March this year, it announced plans to hike its ownership in the Generika group of companies by 2.5 percent to 52.5 percent, subject to conditions.

The conglomerate posted a 5-percent rise in its 2018 net income, to P31.8 billion from P30.3 billion a year earlier, following strong contributions from ALI, Globe, and the power business.

Index

Value

Chg

%Chg

PSEi

7,880.82

-75

Ĺş

All Shares

4,863.15

-26

Ĺş

Financials

1,733.24

-13

Ĺş

Industrial

11,757.43

-80

Ĺş

Holding Firms

7,664.29

-71

Ĺş

Services

1,604.60

-19

Ĺş

Mining and Oil

7,668.88

-150

Ĺş

Property

4,134.37

-34

Ĺş

FINANCIAL CONDITION Year 2016 2017 2018

Total Assets

Shareholders’ Equity 540,708,625,000 370,995,878,000 610,453,364,000 411,092,388,000 728,817,264,000 469,108,355,000

Total Liabilities

911,704,503,000 1,021,545,752,000 1,197,925,619,000

*amounts in pesos

SERVICES

Stock indices as of April 12, 2019

ALL SHARES

FINANCIALS

INDUSTRIAL

MINING AND OIL

PROPERTY

INDEX HISTORY Date Apr 12, 2019 Apr 11, 2019 Apr 10, 2019 Apr 08, 2019 Apr 05, 2019 Apr 04, 2019 Apr 03, 2019 Apr 02, 2019 Apr 01, 2019 Mar 29, 2019 Mar 28, 2019 Mar 27, 2019 Mar 26, 2019 Mar 25, 2019 Mar 22, 2019 Mar 21, 2019 Mar 20, 2019 Mar 19, 2019 Mar 18, 2019 Mar 15, 2019 Mar 14, 2019 Mar 13, 2019 Mar 12, 2019 Mar 11, 2019 Mar 08, 2019 Mar 07, 2019 Mar 06, 2019 Mar 05, 2019 Mar 04, 2019

Open 7,970.96 7,990.71 7,976.44 7,879.47 7,866.41 7,892.62 7,880.48 7,854.35 7,923.16 7,891.09 7,897.72 7,915.91 7,875.30 7,994.34 7,956.67 7,875.78 7,848.16 7,863.70 7,794.58 7,748.07 7,741.78 7,725.62 7,728.22 7,815.28 7,868.50 7,806.50 7,674.56 7,700.38 7,631.90

High 7,980 8,000 8,009 7,955 7,887 7,898 7,895 7,894 7,924 7,921 7,898 7,916 7,911 7,994 8,032 7,955 7,876 7,879 7,873 7,798 7,764 7,766 7,774 7,823.80 7,884.46 7,881.79 7,821.34 7,734.71 7,698.44

Low 7,880.82 7,955.80 7,953.14 7,879.47 7,866.41 7,835.74 7,860.51 7,854.35 7,809.61 7,887.47 7,856.09 7,840.64 7,869.43 7,808.32 7,951.06 7,869.31 7,823.60 7,843.41 7,760.51 7,701.74 7,718.77 7,724.79 7,728.22 7,708.72 7,797.11 7,795.21 7,674.56 7,667.14 7,595.92

Close 7,880.82 7,955.80 8,008.53 7,915.63 7,873.18 7,854.13 7,895.06 7,879.21 7,840.31 7,920.93 7,876.40 7,861.05 7,907.03 7,863.02 8,013.42 7,954.72 7,858.20 7,843.41 7,873.02 7,798.28 7,750.42 7,766.15 7,747.54 7,708.72 7,797.11 7,881.79 7,821.34 7,670.62 7,675.47

Outstanding shares: 630,627,482

Close

Date

Close

Apr 12, 2019

913

Mar 21, 2019

931.5

Apr 11, 2019

912

Mar 20, 2019

927

Apr 10, 2019

924

Mar 19, 2019

930

Apr 08, 2019 Apr 05, 2019

911 922

Mar 18, 2019

930

Mar 15, 2019

920.5

Apr 04, 2019 Apr 03, 2019 Apr 02, 2019 Apr 01, 2019 Mar 29, 2019 Mar 28, 2019 Mar 27, 2019

905.5 926 930 930 940 932 930

Mar 14, 2019

925.5

Mar 13, 2019

920

Mar 12, 2019 Mar 11, 2019

925 926

Mar 08, 2019 Mar 07, 2019 Mar 06, 2019 Mar 05, 2019 Mar 04, 2019 Mar 01, 2019

939.5 948 943.5 935.5 937 930

Mar 26, 2019

933

Mar 25, 2019 Mar 22, 2019

922.5 940

*amounts in peso

*amounts in peso

PROFITABILITY Date Apr. 8 Apr. 9 Apr. 10 Apr. 11 Apr. 12

P/E ratio 18.9 19.17 18.92 18.94

Net income Earnings per share Book value per share *Net income in millions

P/E growth (%) 0.11 2016 43,432 39.31 334.4

Price to book ratio 2.1510 2.1817 2.1533 2.1557 2017 49,866 45.99 374.75

2018 55,065 48.21 423.53

FOURTH QUARTER REPORT (2018) NET INCOME P14,262,995,000

TOTAL ASSETS P1,197,925,619,000

TOTAL LIABILITIES

*amounts in pesos

P728,817,264,000

CLOSE

HIGH

FINANCIAL RATIOS Year

Return on Assets (%)

Return on Equity (%)

TOTAL EQUITY P469,108,355,000 Debt to Equity ratio

Common ratio

2016

4.76

11.71

1.4575

1.2234

2017

4.88

12.13

1.4850

1.3936

2018

4.60

11.74

1.5536

1.2504

FINANCIAL RATIOS Return on Assets 1.19% Return on Equity 3.04% Debt to Ety Ratio 1.5536 Common Ratio 1.2504

Corporate News

HOLDING FIRMS

PSEi

Market capitalization: P575,132,263,584.00

30-day low: P905.50

Global-Estate earns P1.7B in 2018, up 21%

G

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

LOBAL-ESTATE Resorts Inc. (GERI) saw its net income last rise by 21 percent to P1.7 billion last year, from P1.4 billion in 2017, on the back of strong property sales.

In a statement over the weekend, GERI said real estate sales in particular also grew by 21 percent to P6.4 billion from the P5.3 billion posted a year earlier.

Net income attributable to the parent inched up 3.4 percent to P1.5 billion from P1.45 billion.

In terms of leasing, rental revenues jumped 165 percent to P427 million in 2018 from the P161-million registered in the same comparable period.

GERI said this was the first

time it saw full-year revenues from the Southwoods Mall in BiĂąan, Laguna. )T ALSO OPENED ITS kRST TWO OFkCE TOWERS IN 3OUTHWOODS #ITY last year. “At the heart of GERI’s continuous growth since being consolidated under the Megaworld Group is its expansive land bank, which the company has utilized to develop townships and integrated lifestyle communities that are centered on tourism and leisure,â€? GERI Presi-

dent Monica Salomon said. “To date, we still have more land to develop, allowing us to explore new opportunities in tourism developments,� she added.

Besides Southwoods City, GERI has four other tourism estates and two integrated lifestyle communities across the country covering more than 3,000 hectares of land.

Apart from Southwoods City, GERI also owns Boracay Newcoast on Boracay island, Twin Lakes in Batangas, Sta. Barbara Heights in Iloilo, Alabang West in Las Piùas, Eastland Heights in Antipolo, and The Hamptons Caliraya in Laguna. '%2) SHARES kNISHED DOWN centavo to P1.38 on Friday amid the Philippine Stock Exchange index’s 0.94-percent rise.

Seaoil ramps up network expansion SEAOIL Philippines, Inc. is aggressively expanding its retail network in a bid to increase its market share.

On average, the fuel company is now opening 3 to 5 stations a month, Vice President Jose Jaime dela Fuente told reporters on Friday.

Seaoil has more than 400 retail stations across the country.

Constructing a retail station costs from P5 million to as much as P15 million, dela Fuente said, depending on the size of the station and the facilities to be installed.

One challenge, he noted, involves securing permits from local

government units. “[A]ng hirap IT IS DIFkCULT BECAUSE OF THE REQUIREMENTS ON A LOCAL level kasi bawat LGU iba ang (each LGU has a different) process time to get permits,� he said.

Dela Fuente recalled that Seaoil used to open only one to two stations a month. Since last year, however, the company has been accelerating its expansion after it forged a long-term strategic partnership with Caltex Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd. Both parties have a mutual agreement “to aggressively expand the retail business,� he said.

Caltex Australia secured a

20-percent stake in Seaoil under the deal, which was signed in December 2017.

The Sydney-based firm committed to support Seaoil’s growth strategy, which includes doubling its retail network and terminal storage capacity over the next kVE YEARS AS WELL AS SUPPLY FUEL to Seaoil via a fuel sourcing and shipping business in Singapore.

Caltex Australia, a 100-percent publicly-owned company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, does not have ownership in the local Caltex brand that is controlled

by Chevron Philippines, Inc. JORDEENE B. LAGARE

B4

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MONDAY April 15, 2019

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World Progress on 3rd nuke talk possible â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pompeo I B6

MONDAY April 15, 2019

N response to the latest remarks of Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of Korea (DPRK), over his possible third summit with US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) highlighted the progress made after the Hanoi meeting and expressed cautious expectation of the third summit.

During his stay in Paraguay on Saturday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a press conference that â&#x20AC;&#x153;we have work to DO BUT ) AM CONkDENT WE LL CONtinue to make progress.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even after Hanoi, we have continued to have conversations. ) AM CONkDENT THAT WHAT WE DID in Hanoi put us in a better place to continue to move forward,â&#x20AC;? he said, referring to the Trump-Kim summit in Hanoi, Vietnam on February 28 that ended without an agreement.

Pompeo also said later in Peruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital city Lima that â&#x20AC;&#x153;with respect

to North Korea, we made real PROGRESS IN (ANOI ) AM CONkDENT that the leadership in America will continue to make progress to solve this challenge of the nuclear threat that is posed to the world.â&#x20AC;? g) AM VERY CONkDENT WE LL CONtinue to move down the path of achieving that outcome,â&#x20AC;? he said, referring to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

Yesterday, Kim said he was willing to meet the US president again on certain conditions, particularly on the physical inspection of highly restricted FACILITIES IN .ORTH +OREA THE OFk-

cial Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

Kim made the remarks in his POLICY SPEECH MARKING THE kRST SESsion of the 14th Supreme Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Assembly (SPA) on Friday, a day after he was reelected as chairman of the DPRKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Affairs Commission (SAC). â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the United States adopts a correct posture and comes to the third DPRK-US summit with a certain methodology that can be shared with us, we can think of holding one more [round of] talks,â&#x20AC;? Kim said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is necessary for both sides not to table their UNILATERAL DEMANDS BUT kND OUT A constructive solution to meet each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interests.â&#x20AC;?

The top leader said he would â&#x20AC;&#x153;wait for a bold decisionâ&#x20AC;? from Trump â&#x20AC;&#x153;with patience till the end of this year.â&#x20AC;?

In his speech, Kim blamed the US for only considering its own interests during the second DPRK-US Summit. This has led

the DPRK to question Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willingness to improve relations with the country.

Kim, while stressing the importance of solving problems through dialogue and negotiations, also underlined that he does not accept â&#x20AC;&#x153;the American style of dialogueâ&#x20AC;? which imposes the United Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; unilateral demands upon its dialogue partner.â&#x20AC;?

Kim said the US was hinting at holding a third DPRK-US Summit, but what happened in Hanoi â&#x20AC;&#x153;is not invitingâ&#x20AC;? to the DPRK. However, Kim also mentioned his good relations with Trump. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As President Trump keeps saying, the personal ties between me and him are not hostile like the relations between the two countries and we still maintain good relations.â&#x20AC;?

At the end of the speech, Kim said he hoped that the US would decide wisely and that the confrontation between the two countries would be brought to a complete stop.

AFP/GLOBAL TIMES

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

DHAKA FEST Bangladeshi ravellers attend a rally in

celebration of the Bengali New Year or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pohela Boishakhâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Dhaka. The Bengali calendar or Bangla calendar is the traditional solar calendar in which the year begins on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pohela Boishakh.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; AFP PHOTO

Trump must submit tax returns on Apr 23 DEMOCRATIC lawmakers on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) gave the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) A kNAL DEADLINE OF !PRIL TO HAND over President Donald Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax returns, which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the administration was diligently considering. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding my request and the authority of the Committee. Those concerns lack merit,â&#x20AC;?

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal said in a letter to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig after an initial April 10 deadline lapsed.

On Wednesday, Mnuchin said the Treasury was handling the request and that a deadline set for that date would be missed, citing possible constitutional issues raised by the Democratic request.

But on Saturday, he said the administration would respond by the latest target date. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll respond by that deadline, not going to make a commitment prematurely whether weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to conclude a legal review by that deadline,â&#x20AC;? Mnuchin

said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have people working on it diligently.â&#x20AC;?

Calling Nealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new deadline an â&#x20AC;&#x153;arbitraryâ&#x20AC;? date, Mnuchin said the Democratsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; request could set â&#x20AC;&#x153;enormous precedent in potentially weaponizing the IRS.â&#x20AC;?

Trump argues that he could not release his tax returns because they were being audited, but the IRS has said this was no impediment to their release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not the proper function of the IRS, Treasury or Justice to question or second guess the motivations of the committee or its reasonable determinations regarding its need for the requested tax returns and return information,â&#x20AC;?

Neal said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Concerns about what the Committee may do with the tax returns and return information are baseless.â&#x20AC;?

Neal gave the government until 5 p.m. (2100 GMT) on April 23 to hand over the tax records. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please know that, if you fail to comply, your failure will be interpreted as a denial of my request,â&#x20AC;?

Neal wrote.

AFP

Tycoons play big role in India polls â&#x20AC;&#x201C; report PRACTICE Participants attend a rehearsal for the coming Mass Games in Pyongyang, North Korea. Mass games are a form of performing arts or gymnastics started by the late Kim Il Sung in which large numbers of performers take part in a highly regimented performance that emphasizes group dynamics rather than individual prowess. AFP PHOTO

QUAKE TERRIFIES INDONESIANS Boko Haram still holding 112 girls CHIBOK, Nigeria: Aisha Musa Maina digs through an old bag looking for memories of her daughter Hauwa, one of the Chibok schoolGIRLS KIDNAPPED kVE YEARS AGO BY Boko Haram jihadists in northeastern Nigeria.

All she has left are old papers damaged by dust and humidity, a school diploma and a small photograph.

The kidnap had caused the family such suffering and sadness it feels as if they were all abducted, Hauwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

On April 14, 2014, gunmen stormed the Chibok girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; boarding school, kidnapping 276 pupils aged 12 to 17, 57 of whom managed to escape by jumping from the trucks.

Their plight moved the world and became a key election issue for President Muhammadu Buhari, who was elected a year later on the promise of defeating Boko Haram and returning the girls safe and sound.

After negotiations with Boko Haram, 107 of the girls either escaped, were released in exchange for prisoners or were recovered by the army.

Hauwa is one of the 112 girls of whom there has been no news.

Her family wonders if their daughter is still alive or if she was killed in a Nigerian army bombing, a claim made by the jihadist group.

AFP

SOME panicked residents of a quake-hit Indonesian island have refused to return home after the tremor triggered a brief tsunami warning and fears there was more to come, the disaster agency said Sunday.

Aftershocks rippled across the east coast of Sulawesi â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an island where thousands were killed in a quake-tsunami last year â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AS OFkCIALS SCRAMBLED TO ASSESS whether there are any casualties or major damage.

While one resident of quakehit Luwuk city reportedly died AFTER FALLING WHILE TRYING TO lEE

the agency has not reported any

CONkRMED DEATHS OR INJURIES An Agence France-Presse (AFP) reporter in the city said there were no signs of major property damage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The situation is returning to normal,â&#x20AC;? the disaster agency said early Saturday morning.

Some 1,300 families have returned home, it said, adding that some residents of another small island near the epicentre of Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6.8 magnitude quake were still refusing to return from higher ground.

It did not say how many residents had refused to leave the high ground.

Luwuk resident Emiliana Rumayer said she and her family slept

in the hills overnight â&#x20AC;&#x153;but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve now returned homeâ&#x20AC;?.

Mohammad Sholeh, police chief of Poso city on Sulawesi, said the quakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact there had been minor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little bit of damage, BUT NOTHING SIGNIkCANT AND THERE are no casualties,â&#x20AC;? he said.

On Friday, a tsunami warning was issued f or coastal communities in Morowali district, where residents were advised to move away from the coast.

The warning was later lifted by the disaster agency, which had estimated the wave at under a half a meter (20 inches).

AFP

Worldinbriefs 3 DIE IN PLANE COLLISION IN NEPAL

AT least three people were killed after an aircraft of Summit Air collided with a helicopter at Lukla Airport in Nepal on Sunday morning, according to local authorities. Locals said a Summit Airplane, with call sign 9N-AMH, collided with a helicopter of Manang Air, which was parked within the airport premise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At least two persons have been dead, while few others are injured,â&#x20AC;? local media reported. It has been reported that the Summir Air plane was en route to Kathmandu from Lukla. Lukla airport is the nearest airport to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest peak Mount Qomolangma, while April to May is the peak climbing season in the Himalayan country.

GLOBAL TIMES Â

STORM KILLS 2 IN US

DALLAS: Powerful storms that rolled across the South on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) spawned at least two suspected tornadoes, damaged homes and killed two children in Texas, authorities said. The Angelina County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office said an eight-year-old and a three-year-old died when strong winds toppled a tree onto the back of their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car in Lufkin while it was in motion. Capt. Alton Lenderman said the parents, who were in the front seats, were not injured. Lufkin is about 115 miles (185 kilometers) northeast of Houston. Additional information was not immediately available.

AP Â

UKRAINE ENVOYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAR RAMMED IN LONDON

LONDON: British police fired shots Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at a car outside the Ukrainian Embassy in London after it rammed other cars parked in front of the embassy. Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Metropolitan Police said firearms and stun guns were used to stop and detain a suspect, who drove a vehicle at a police car when police arrived on the scene.

The Ukraine Embassy said its ambassadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official car, which was parked, was rammed twice before police arrived at 9:50 a.m. (5:50 p.m. in Manila). The embassy said none of its staff was injured.

AP

INDIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S tycoons are playing a pivotal role in the Asian giantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most expensive election ever, from funding campaigns and tacit endorsements to being hot-button issues themselves, a report of a leading Asian think tank said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elections are getting more expensive for many structural reasons,â&#x20AC;? Milan Vaishnav, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think-tank, told Agence France-Presse (AFP). â&#x20AC;&#x153;(There is a) growing population, increasing political competition, voter expectations of handouts in the form of cash and other inducements, and technological change, which means greater outlays for media and digital outreach,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Analysts say traditional funding streams, such as party memberships, were declining, so parties increasingly relied on wealthy donors to fund campaigns.

Prime Minister Narendra Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reelection bid had received huge kNANCIAL BACKING FROM CORPORATE India, raising fears about the integrity of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest democratic process, experts say.

Meanwhile, Congress party opponent Rahul Gandhi is trying to EXPLOIT A kGHTER JET DEAL INVOLVING industrialist Anil Ambani, while fugitive tycoons Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi loom over the vote from London.

Contesting polls is getting costlier in India and analysts say parties were becoming more reliant on donations from anonymous businessmen, leading to a lack of transparency and worrying conlICTS OF INTEREST â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a trend towards plutocracy,â&#x20AC;? Niranjan Sahoo, of the Observer Research Foundation think-tank, told AFP. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unbridled corporate INlUENCE CAN HAVE A SERIOUS IMPACT on policies,â&#x20AC;? he added.

AFP

WORLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BIGGEST PLANE FLIES

LOS Angeles: A giant six-engine aircraft with the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest wingspan completed what company officials called a superb initial flight over Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mojave Desert, bringing to life a dream held by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Stratolaunch Systems Corp. Chief Executive Jean Floyd said Saturday (Sunday in Manila) the aircraft made a â&#x20AC;&#x153;spectacularâ&#x20AC;? landing that was on the mark.

Stratolaunch, which was founded by Allen, is vying to be a contender in the market for air-launching small satellites. He died in October. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was an emotional moment for me, to personally watch this majestic bird take flight, to see Paul Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream come to life in front of my very eyes,â&#x20AC;? Floyd told a teleconference briefing.

AP

DEATHS IN COLLAPSED BRAZIL BUILDING RISE TO 8Â

RIO de Janeiro: Rescuers still hope to find survivors in the rubble of a pair of collapsed buildings in Rio de Janeiro, officials said Saturday (Sunday in Manila), as the death toll from the disaster rose to eight with 16 people listed as missing. The condemned four-story buildings collapsed Friday in the hillside neighborhood of Itanhanga, an area that was hard hit by recent heavy rains and flash floods. Civil defense workers, firefighters, trained dogs and drones were searching around-the-clock for survivors in the rubble. Luciano Sarmento of Rioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fire department said Saturday he hoped survivors would be found because â&#x20AC;&#x153;air pockets may have been formed allowing people to breathe.â&#x20AC;?

AP

NEW SUDAN RULER VOWS RESTRUCTURINGÂ Â

SUDANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S second new military leader in as many days vowed Saturday to â&#x20AC;&#x153;uprootâ&#x20AC;? deposed president Omar al-Bashirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regime and release protesters, in a bid to placate demonstrators demanding civilian rule. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I announce the restructuring of state institutions according to the law and pledge to fight corruption and uproot the regime and its symbols,â&#x20AC;? General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said, a day after he was sworn in to head Sudanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new ruling military council. He also ordered the release of all prisoners jailed by special emergency courts and the immediate lifting of a night-time curfew imposed by the council earlier this week.

AFP

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

Kiwanis Club of Makati President speaks about â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Reforest 2019â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

THE Engineering Week of National University was held at the multipurpose hall of its annex building in Sampaloc, Manila.

Dean Alexa Ray Fernando led the one week event with the launch of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reforest: 1st Research Forum and Exhibition on Environmental Sustainability and Technologiesâ&#x20AC;? with the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sustaining the Environment through Engineering Solutions.â&#x20AC;?

Speakers came from different sectors and shared their expertise with topics that includes the following: Direction and Programs of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) - Nicanor Mendoza (Government); Climate Smart and Disaster Resilient Philippines - Glenn Banaguas (Private Sector); Contribution of Engineering Education and Research to Environmental SustainabilityAlvin Culaba (Academe), Simonette Lat (Corporate).

Representing the nongovernment organization is Engr.

Grace Bondad Nicolas, president of Kiwanis Club of Makati who shared the initiatives and projects of her different organizations where she involved in and that includes all environmental activities of Kiwanis Club of Makati.

According to Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas: â&#x20AC;?We need to be aware to be concerned and education is the key. We partnered with Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission and even with Commission On Elections (Comelec) in doing these kinds of environmental activities. We believe that they have the platform and means but we have the heart and advocacy to share the information to reach more people to understand more whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s need to be done for our environment. Why Comelec?

We need to choose the best leaders of this country who will have a mandate to take care of the environment for the next generation.â&#x20AC;?

MONDAY April 15, 2019

Public Square

B7

SMC Tollways announces Holy Week 2019 preparations S AN Miguel Corp. (SMC) Tollways â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the operator of Skyway, NAIAX, Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and STAR Tollway in the south â&#x20AC;&#x201D; said that its contingency plans will be in place a full week before the expected surge to the provinces of vehicles from Metro Manila during Holy Week. Similar contingency plans will also be laid out in Tarlac-Pangasinan La Union Expressway (Tplex) in the north.

Approximately 10 percent increase in vehicle volume is expected during the Lenten season.

Manuel Bonoan, president of the operations and management companies of Skyway, NAIAX, SLEx and STAR, said that â&#x20AC;&#x153;this is to assure our travelers that the ride along the tollways will be smooth and safe.â&#x20AC;?

Alec Cruz, head of operations of SMC Tollways, added that temporary toll collection booths will be installed to speed up transaction time at the toll plazas.

In partnership with Petron Lakbay Alalay, Motorist Assistance Stations will also be set up at the following areas: : TPLExPetron KM 134 Northbound and Southbound and at the TPLEx Toll Operations Compound Northbound; Skywayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;C5 and Merville Southbound, Sucat Lay-by At-grade Northbound; SLExâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;San Pedro Gas Station Southbound, KM 44 Petron Gas

Station Southbound, and KM 44 Petron Gas Station Northbound; and STARâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Petron Malvar Southbound and Malainin Lay-by KM 92 Southbound, Petron Lipa Northbound and Lapu-Lapu Layby KM 90 Northbound.

Meanwhile, heavy volume is expected in the following areas: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; TPLEx Northbound: April 17 (Wednesday) to April 19 (Friday) in Tarlac Central Toll Plaza, Urdaneta Toll Plaza, Pozorrubio-MacArthur T-intersection, Binalonan Toll Plaza, and Pozorrubio Toll Plaza. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; TPLEx Southbound: April 21 (Sunday) to April 22 (Monday) in Tarlac Central Toll Plaza, Urdaneta Toll Plaza, Pozorrubio-MacArthur T-inter-

section, Binalonan Toll Plaza, and Pozorrubio Toll Plaza. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Skyway (At-grade) Southbound: April 16 (p.m. Tuesday), 17 (p.m. Wednesday), 18 (Thursday), and 20 (Saturday) in C5- Alabang At-Grade â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Skyway (At-grade) Northbound: April 21 (Sunday) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 22 (Monday) in Alabang Viaduct to Skyway On Ramp (Skyway Main Plaza B) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Skyway (Elevated) Southbound: April 17 (p.m. Wednesday) in Amorsolo to Magallanes Area â&#x20AC;&#x201D; NAIAX Westbound: April 17 (p.m. Wednesday) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 20 (Saturday) in NAIAX Main Toll Plaza B â&#x20AC;&#x201D; NAIAX Eastbound: April 17 (p.m. Wednesday) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 20 (Saturday) in Naiax Main Toll Plaza

A SLEx Southbound: April 17 (p.m.

Wednesday), 18 (Thursday), and 20 (Saturday) in Calamba Toll Plaza A and B, Carmona, Sta. Rosa, Eton-ABI Exits, Cabuyao, and Ayala Toll Plaza â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SLEx Northbound: April 21 (Sunday) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 22 (Monday) in Ayala Toll Plaza, Calamba Toll Plaza Entry, Exits in Filinvest and Alabang Viaduct â&#x20AC;&#x201D; STAR Tollway Southbound: April 17 (p.m. Wednesday), 18 (Thursday), and 20 (Saturday) in Sto. Tomas Entry, Lipa Toll Plaza, Balagtas Toll Plaza, Sto. Toribio, and Ibaan-San Jose Interchange â&#x20AC;&#x201D; STAR Tollway Northbound: April 21 (Sunday) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 22 (a.m.

Monday) in Toll Plazas in Sto. Tomas.

For more information, visit www.southerntollways.com.

New ALPEAP officers take oath

Quezon City to purchase 38 emergency rescue vehicles THE Quezon City government is set to procure 38 new emergency rescue vehicles for the use of the 38 barangays (villages) in District IV as part of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continuing disaster and emergency response and preparedness capability upgrade.

City Resolution 7712-2019, introduced by Councilors Marra Suntay and Godofredo Liban 2nd, states that to support District 4 barangay in the performance of their duties and functions, it is

important to provide them with emergency rescue vehicles that will serve their residents.

Each rescue vehicle will be equipped with an emergency LED light bar with a siren, metal ax, plastic stretcher and blood pressure monitor.

The local government said the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s barangay are the cornerstone in maintaining peace and order in the communities, as WELL AS kRST RESPONDERS IN TIMES of emergencies and calamities.

Miata Club holds heritage run to the building of CCPI

NEWLY ELECTED OFkCIALS OF THE !SSOCIATION OF ,ICENSED 0RIVATE %MPLOYMENT !GENCIES OF THE 0HILIPPINES )NC !,0%!0 TAKE THEIR OATH OF OFkCE BEFORE ,ABOR 3ECRETARY 3ILVESTRE "ELLO RD IN A CEREMONY HELD ON !PRIL AT THE $EPARTMENT OF ,ABOR AND %MPLOYMENT #ENTRAL /FkCE )NTRAMUROS -ANILA

Muntinlupa first to vie drug-free city hall status THE local government of Muntinlupa launched a kickoff event for ITS ATTEMPT TO BECOME THE kRST $RUG Free City Hall in the country on !PRIL -UNTINLUPA #ITY IS THE kRST local government unit to submit an application to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on the drug-free status declaration. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encouraged city emPLOYEES AND OFkCIALS TO PARTICIPATE illegal drugs in the local governin the crackdown campaign against ment. This initiative is conducted

in coordination with PDEA, Dangerous Drugs Board, Civil Service

Commission, and Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Landbank opens 10th branch in South Cotabato

THE Miata Club of the Philippines held a heritage run to the Chamber of the Commerce of the Philippine Islands, the oldest â&#x20AC;&#x153;Provenance of business institutionsâ&#x20AC;? in the country. The Chamber building is a historical

landmark as declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, while the Miata is considered the â&#x20AC;&#x153;sportscar of all time.â&#x20AC;? Jose Luis Yulo Jr. is president of both of these â&#x20AC;&#x153;time honoredâ&#x20AC;? organizations.

Payday promo: Get P400 off on hotels THE heat is on! Remember that summer should be spent with family and friends in a cozy place and with a lovely view of a pristine beach. Book your getaway or staycation this season by using the promo code <SUMMERNA> using the travelbook.ph mobile app Use the app-exclusive promo code to get P400 off on your selected hotel. This promo is open to new and existing customers of travelbook.ph. Minimum spend of P2,500 is required to avail the promo. The promo code is valid for one-time use only during the promo period. Discount is valid for bookings done on the travelbook. ph mobile app only and is available

on selected hotels only. Booking period is from March 26 or while coupon stocks last and stay period is from March 26 to May 30, 2019.

This promo cannot be combined with other promotions and cannot be exchanged for other discounts and the promo code can only be used during the promo period. For re-bookings made after the promo period, the promo code and the discount applied will no longer be valid.

TUPI South Cotabato Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and LandBank President and Chief Executive /FkCER #ECILIA "ORROMEO LED THE inauguration of the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new branch in Tupi located at the Municipal Hall Compound in Barangay Poblacion. This was BorROMEO S kRST BRANCH INAUGURATION since she rejoined LandBank as its president and CEO on March 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The opening of this new branch forms part of our aggressive thrust to expand our network as we seek to bring banking services closer to our clients,â&#x20AC;? said Borromeo.

Landbank Tupi Branch is the kRST COMMERCIAL BANK IN THE MUnicipality, and is the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10th in the province. This brings its nationwide branch network to 398, which is targeted to reach 410 by the end of the year--with 12 more new branches in the pipeline.

Q Tupi Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and spouse Rochelle Tamayo (4th and 5th from left) pose with Landbak President and Chied Executive Officer Cecilia Borromeo (3rd from left), Executive Vice President for Branch Banking Liduvino Geron (extreme left), and First Vice President for East Mindanao Branches Group Camilo Leyba (5th from right). With them are Tupi Branch Head Mary Beth Kalabud (2nd from left), Vice Mayor Noel Escobillo (3rd from right) and other Tupi government officials.

Among the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priority thrusts it launched in 2018 that enables across the country which reported this year is to improve branch clients to accomplish account enrol- SIGNIkCANT REDUCTION IN ACCOUNT operations through digitization. ment forms online, thereby shorten- opening time from 30 minutes to 10 to 15 minutes. The bank targets Part of the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts towards ing account opening time.

Within four months of implefull implementation of DOBS digitization is the implementamentation, DOBS is now utilized Phase 1 to all its branches by third tion of the Digital Onboarding in 104 of the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s branches quarter of the year.

System (DOBS), a web application

AIM to hold its 100th flagship MDP batch THE Asian Institute of Managementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (AIM) flagship Executive Education course, the Management Development Program (MDP), will hold its 100th batch on May 6 to 31, 2019 at Makati City. Due to high demand, the school has reopened limited slots for those who want to take a leap in their management careers.

In a volatile, uncertain, complex

and ambiguous business landscape, organizations must accelerate business agility and embrace new leadership capabilities to achieve breakthrough levels of organizational performance.

Because of this, leaders should be equipped with the knowledge and skills not only for them to survive, but also to thrive in this rapidly changing world. Like many success-

ful business leaders is Asia over the past 50 years, managers can prepare themselves through the AIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Management Development Program.

-$0 IS TAILOR kT TO EXECUTIVES and leaders who are constantly managing change to lead, inspire, and transform a hyperconnected workforce. It primes the participating executive for self-awareness, personal mastery

and transformation leadership in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business context.

Participants will experience a full 360, nondegree mini MBA over the four weeks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; aside from lectures, participants will also take part in learning teams, perform case analysis and put their knowledge and skills to the test during simulations.

For more information, email execed@aim.edu.

MONDAY M O NDAY APRIL 15,, 2019

Public Square

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

For contributions, email to publicsquare@manilatimes.net

publicsquare@manilatimes.net

Businesses and government to enhance partnerships in disaster management

SM Supermalls hailed as most trusted shopping mall brand

I

N a recent forum jointly organized by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) AND THE /FkCE OF #IVIL $EFENSE

with the support of the Asian PrePAREDNESS 0ARTNERSHIP THE !SIAN $ISASTER 0REPAREDNESS #ENTER THE Bill and Melinda Gates FoundaTION AND THE 53!ID /FkCE OF 53 &OREIGN $ISASTER !SSISTANCE KEY LEADERS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND INTERNAtional humanitarian organizations agreed to enhance collaboration in DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT $22- ESPECIALLY IN THE area of disaster response. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are gathered here today to operationalize this process where THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE THE LEAD AND PRIVATE COMPANIES CAN ASSIST by using their core expertise. If THERE IS ONE THING WE HAVE LEARNED OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS IT IS THAT WE are all in this together. Each of us AND OUR FAMILIES OUR COMMUNIties and businesses face common THREATS AND IT IS ONLY BY WORKING

Q During the forum, from left: Atty. Michael Toledo of Philex Mining Corporation, Butch Meily of Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad of the Office of Civil Defense, Emmanuel de Guzman of the Climate Change Commission, Rogelio Singson of Meralco GenPower Corporation, Undersecretary Renato Solidum, Jr. of the Department of Science and Technology, and Guillermo Luz of Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. with one another that we can PRIVATE SECTOR ENTITIES PROGRAMS BY 3OCIOECONOMIC 0LANNING 5Ntruly protect our people. It is this AND INDIVIDUALS THAT CREATE LASTING DERSECRETARY !DORACION .AVARRO

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;whole of societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; approach that CHANGE THROUGH INNOVATIVE AND %NERGY $EPARTMENT$IRECTOR 0ATRICK BRINGS US HERE TODAY u SAID 0$2& impactful disaster resilience initia- !QUINO !MBASSADOR -ARCIANO TIVES ! PANEL DISCUSSION ON POLICY 0AYNOR *R !YALA #ORP -ARK "IDPresident Butch Meily. /N THE SAME DAY 0$2& LAUNCHED recommendations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; led by Philex DER 5NITED .ATIONS /FkCE FOR THE ITS $ISASTER 2ISK 2EDUCTION $22 -INING #ORP 3ENIOR 6ICE 0RESIDENT #OORDINATION OF (UMANITARIAN !F#HAMPIONS IN THE "USINESS #OM- for Public and Regulatory Affairs FAIRS AND *OSE -ARIA ,ORENZO 4AN MUNITY !WARD WHICH RECOGNIZES Atty. Michael Toledo and joined 0$2& Â&#x2021; ALSO TOOK PLACE

Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Digest Asia recognizes the Most Trusted Brands in PH for 2019 &),)0)./ CONSUMERS ARE AGAIN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOICE OUT THEIR CONkDENCE ON THE BRANDS THEY PATRONIZE and trust the most. Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Digest Asia is once again releasing the list of its Most Trusted Brands awardees for 2019.

In a ceremony held on April 2 at the Marco Polo Ortigas in Pasig #ITY BRANDS FROM CONSUMER categories were recognized based on results of an independent poll commissioned by the syndicated Q During the awarding, from left: Desiree Bretana, manager, Integrated Marketing ABS-CBN ; Ted Failon; Sheron general-interest family magazine.

The 21st Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Digest Asia Most White, advertising sales director Readers Digest Asia Pacific; Vice Ganda; Louise Waterson, editor in chief Readers 4RUSTED "RAND AWARDS ARE DIVIDED Digest Asia Pacific; and Noli De Castro.

INTO THREE MAJOR DIVISIONS Â&#x2021; 'OLD questionnaire-type into a fully online hold attributes that matter the most "RANDS SURVEY ARE FEATURED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE !PRIL EDITION OF 0LATINUM AND !SIA 4HE SURVEY HAS ONE (OWEVER THROUGH THE YEARS THE to discerning consumers.

Results of the Most Trusted the Philippines Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Digest.

EVOLVED FROM THE TRADITIONAL PRINTED Most Trusted Brands continue to up-

GMA Kapuso Foundation receives a Mitsubishi Strada GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) RECEIVED A -ITSUBISHI 3TRADA A X PICK UP FROM ONE OF THE COUNTRY S LEADING AUTOMOTIVE BRANDS -ITSUBISHI -OTORS 0HILIPPINES #ORP --0# TO HELP TRANSPORT MATERIALS AND DONATIONS IN KIND FOR '-!+& S RELIEF OPERATIONS AND VARIOUS PROJECTS â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we can offer you from YOUR KIND DONATION IS NOTHING BUT goodness also. You can be sure that THIS VEHICLE WILL BE USED TO SERVE OUR UNDERPRIVILEGED 9OU CAN BE SURE THAT IT WILL BE BRINGING FOOD WATER SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO CHILDREN WHO DON T HAVE any. It will be bringing materials for construction and homes for those WHO DON T HAVE HOMES )T WILL BE bringing blessings to our country in EXCHANGE FOR YOUR KINDNESS u '-!+& founder Mel Tiangco expressed.

g4HIS YEAR -ITSUBISHI HAS ONCE again supported GMAKF by donating A BRAND NEW X VEHICLE SO WE CAN USE it for our relief operations and for our many other projects and programs all ACROSS THE COUNTRY 7E D LIKE TO THANK Mitsubishi for always supporting GMA Kapuso Foundation and you CAN BE VERY SURE THAT IT WILL BE USED FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS u '-!+&@S 2IKKI %SCUDERO #ATIBOG SAID 9ASUKI -ARUYAMA OF --0# ON THE OTHER HAND PRAISED '-!+& IN THEIR UNTIRING EFFORTS IN UPLIFTING THE LIVES OF UNDERPRIVILEGED &ILIPINOS g/UR COMPANY THRU ITS #ORPORATE 3OCIAL 2ESPONSIBILITY TOOK HEED WITH THE SINCERE admiration of GMA Kapuso Foundation to continually use our Mitsubishi 3TRADA 4HIS PICK UP TRUCK IS HIGHLY RELIable and dependable for your off-road

MEASURES AND HAVE ACCESS TO QUALITY diagnosis and treatments. g7E LAUNCHED OUR kRST #ATH ,AB LAST YEAR TO GIVE &ILIPINO PATIENTS QUALITY HEALTH CARE AT AFFORDABLE RATES u SHARED 2AUL 0AGDANGANAN PRESIDENT AND #%/ OF $,3-# g"Y MAKING THESE SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE WE HOPED TO REDUCE the number of Filipino fatalities due to HEART DISEASES AND POSITIVELY IMPACT THE LIVES OF OUR COUNTRYMEN u 4O MARK THE #ATH ,AB S kRST ANNIVERSARY $,3-# CELEBRATED BY GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY /N &EBRUARY

THE HOSPITAL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS HELD A MEDICAL MISSION FOR SEVEN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS TO UNDERGO CARDIOVASCULAR CATHETER procedures free of charge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The mission is for indigent paTIENTS FROM A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL

Q Held on April 3 at the GMA Network Center, the signing and turnover ceremonies were led by (from right) GMAKF founder and ambassador Mel Tiangco and GMAKF external vice president and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog together with Mitsubishi Motors Philippine Corp. representatives Senior VP for Corporate Division Yasuki Maruyama and VP for Corporate Public Relations Renato Lampano. emergency relief operations across the OUR SHARED VISION AND ASPIRATION u To donate to GMA Kapuso Founcountry and to its remotest community.

4HRU THIS VEHICLE WE SHALL BE WITH YOU IN DATION VISIT WWW GMANETWORK COM spirit as we continually reach out with KAPUSOFOUNDATION DONATE

ADVANCE ORDERS OF ITS LATEST lAGSHIP midrange smartphones. #USTOMERS WHO PRE ORDER 6 smartphones will get an NBA PremiUM 'IFT 3ET OF A "LUETOOTH SPEAKER AND PREMIUM ."! #ASE WHILE THOSE WHO

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this famed theme of the month is BACK TO kX YOUR SEAFOOD CRAVINGS #HOOSE FROM A BOUNDLESS SELECTION of seafood specials and internaTIONAL DELIGHTS AVAILABLE AT THE MAIN DINING OUTLET 4OSCANA $INING Bring the whole family and hop ON OVER TO 4OSCANA $INING FOR AN %''STRAVAGANT %ASTER "UFFET HAPPENING THIS !PRIL ! SPECIAL brunch buffet opens at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner buffet at 6 p.m. to P M &IRST PAYING KIDS ALSO GET A SPECIAL %ASTER BASKET FOR FREEÃ&#x153; -EANWHILE GRADUATES GET TO EAT FOR FREE AT THE 3EAFOOD "UFFET WITH

THE 4REATS THE 'RADUATES 0ROMO 3IMPLY BRING FOUR FULL PAYING ADULTS and present any of the following: DIPLOMA GRADUATION PHOTO OR graduation program with the graduATE S NAME CEREMONY INVITATION ALL supported by the school ID) and you CAN DINE FOR FREEÃ&#x153; 0ROMO IS AVAILABLE daily excluding holidays.

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Building the future by planting trees Q Interventional Neroradiologist Dr. EdwinJocson at the DLSMC Cath Lab who are suffering from congenital HEART DISEASES LIKE !TRIAL 3EPTAL $EFUNCT 6ENTRICULAR 3EPTAL $EFECT

AND 0ATENT $UCTUS !RTERIOSUS u $R 3ANTOS EXPLAINED g4HEY ALL UNDERWENT DEVICE CLOSURE AT THE #ATH ,AB IN LIEU OF SURGERY &OR VIABLE PEDIATRIC PATIENTS CATHETER PROCEDURES ARE THE BEST CHOICE 4HEY ARE FASTER LESS PAIN-

FUL AND THE RECOVERY TIME IS QUICKER than open surgery. This mission is OUR WAY OF GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY HEALING THESE YOUNG HEARTS

GIVING THEM A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD

and celebrating a milestone for the $,3-# #ATH ,AB u &OR MORE INFORMATION VISIT productinfo@dlsmc.ph.

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DLSMC Cath Lab marks first anniversary by giving back /. &EBRUARY $E ,OS 3ANTOS -EDICAL #ENTER $,3-# A MEMBER OF -ANUEL 6 0ANGILINAN S -60 'ROUP OF #OMPANIES UNDER THE -ETRO 0ACIkC (OSPITAL (OLDINGS )NC -0(() BANNER LAUNCHED BRAND NEW STATE OF THE ART #ATHETERIZATION ,ABORATORY 5NIT 4HE #ATH ,AB AT $,3-# WAS OPENED TO HELP GIVE MORE &ILIPINOS ACCESS TO CARDIOVAScular diagnosis and treatments with experienced cardiologists and the latest technology at affordable rates. #ARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE OR #6$ DISORDERS OF THE HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS remains one of the leading causes of deaths both in the Philippines and around the world. The most common #6$ IS CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE OR HEART disease. It is important for Filipinos to understand the importance of heart HEALTH TAKE THE APPROPRIATE PREVENTIVE

Q SM Supermallsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Grace Magno (left) receives the award from Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Digest Retail and Advertising Sales Director for Asia Pacific Sheron White.

PRE ORDER 6 0RO UNITS ONLINE WILL SCORE A *", #LIP PORTABLE "LUETOOTH SPEAKER 4HOSE WHO PLACE AN ADVANCE ORDER ON EITHER THE 6 OR 6 0RO get an extended six months phone warranty and a six-month screen PROTECTION WARRANTY FOR ONLY 0

7(!4 DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A NATION 4HERE ARE MANY POSSIBLE WAYS AND ONE OF THEM IS HELPING THE ENVIronment become sustainable and HEALTHIER BY PLANTING MORE TREES )F EVERY &ILIPINO PLANTS ONE TREE A YEAR WE CAN BE SHIELDED FROM CALAMITIES WHILE HAVING MORE THAN ENOUGH SUPPLY TO meet the demands of our forests.

One of the organizations pushing for sustainable forest management is the Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA). It BELIEVES THAT BY ENSURING BALANCE between the needs of the people AND THE VIABILITY OF THE FORESTS A more prosperous and sustainable future for the entire country can BE ACHIEVED 4HEY CONTINUOUSLY PROMOTE WOOD WHICH WHEN

HARNESSED SUSTAINABLY CAN BE AN IMPORTANT DRIVER FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR MANY COMMUNITIES AND BY EXTENSION FOR THE entire economy as well. g4REES REALLY PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN ENSURING THE WELL BEING OF OUR COUNTRY u 070! #HAIRMAN #HARLIE ,IU SAID g7E BELIEVE THAT BY TAKING CARE OF TREES AND our forest we can ensure that countless generations of Filipinos can still enjoy THE BLESSINGS OF MOTHER NATURE u

Sports &XUU\ Ă&#x20AC;UHV :DUULRUV EXW 6L[HUV

MONDAY APRIL 15, 2019

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www.manilatimes.net

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BASKETBALL SLEUTH MICHAEL ANGELO B. ASIS

NBA Draft vs PBA Draft; Is Zion the real deal?

P

REDICTING the NBA Draft is not as easy as the PBA Draft. In the PBA Draft, just pick out the tallest college players with the highest point total, unless thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tall Fil-Foreigner with loads of potential we know nothing about.

Thankfully, the PBA scouts have improved on that end. Height and foreign lineage is no longer a guarantee, and the rule of having to play in the D-League really helps on that front.

Studs in college, duds in the pros However, the rest of the formula holds.

Successful college players in the UAAP/ NCAA level are almost always sure bets in the PBA. This does not hold true in the NBA. We can make a list of super achievers in College that did not translate into a dream NBA career. The Dream Teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christian Laettner is one prime example.

Some recent memorable names in college had forgettable NBA careers: Adam Morrison, Jimmer Fredette (who made it big in China and is reportedly getting a second chance in the NBA), Derrick Williams. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not counting careers that fell short due to injury, like Greg Oden or Jay Williams.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just unfortunate, although it is a real risk for the teams that draft them.

A recent example is Jahlil Okafor who is having a resurgence with the New Orleans Pelicans. Okafor dominantly led Duke to a national title (which Zion Williamson failed to do). He was drafted third overall by the tanking Philadelphia 76ers, but there were critics who said that his low-post game is outdated.

The critics were right. He had a lackluster rookie season and was involved in every trade rumor imaginable. But the rumors were falseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;hardly any team was interested in Okafor. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for low value, and eventually wound up as a free agent.

PBA Draft busts The PBA has its own versions of these PLAYERS 2ABEH !L (USSAINI IS kNALLY TRYING to live up to his revered UAAP stature, but there is also his batchmates Noy Baclao (just a center from the bench) and Rey Guevarra (only relevant in dunk contests).

Top draft picks like Ronald Pascual and James Forrester can hardly make a roster these days. On the big man front, there are Omanzie Rodriguez and Samigue Eman and recently, Arnold Van Opstal. It was quite shocking that AVO is no longer in a PBA roster this early as he was given opportunities to shine in DLSU and even Gilas.

L

OS ANGELES: The Golden State Warriors began their quest for a three-peat by clobbering the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic w delivered a pair of upset victories as the NBA d playoffs began Saturday (Sunday in Manila). p Stephen Curry drained eight threepointers to give him the most in po league playoff history as the two-time le de defending champion Warriors dominated the Clippers 121-104. na â&#x20AC;&#x153;We imposed our will for 48 minutes,â&#x20AC;? said Curry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been workut ing for the last month on our collective in mindset, raising our intensity and focus. m g)T MIGHT NOT BE lASHY BUT WE ALL got to do our jobs.â&#x20AC;? go Curry finished with 38 points, shooting eight of 12 from beyond the sh arc to pass Ray Allen (385) for career ar postseason threes with 386. po One of his three-pointers was from a distance of about 30 feet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shout out to the contacts,â&#x20AC;? said Curry. ou Curry also tallied a playoff careerhigh 15 rebounds and seven assists. hi â&#x20AC;&#x153;Curry has destroyed us all year,â&#x20AC;? said Clippers coach Doc Rivers. sa Game two is Monday at the Warriorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

O The Clippers and Golden State are meeting for just the second time in m the playoffs after the Clippers took a th seven-game series in 2014. se

B Brooklyn bench sshines $ $RAYMOND 'REEN WHO MADE ALL kVE of his shots in the opening quarter, kNISHED WITH POINTS AND SEVEN kN assists and Kevin Durant scored 23 as points for Golden State who have po won seven consecutive playoff games. w Durant and Patrick Beverley were ejected with 4:41 to go, just 19 ej seconds after they received doublese technicals when Durant stripped te Beverley and the Clippers guard Be stumbled to the sidelines. st Elsewhere, Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo Russell scored 26 points as sixth-seeded Brooklyn jolted po third-seeded Philadelphia 111-102 at the th Wells Fargo Center to give the Nets a 1-0 W lead in the best-of-seven series. le The Nets were also reliant on a big

performance from their bench, with three players delivering double-digit displays to boost their offense.

Caris LeVert had 23 points while Spencer Dinwiddie added 18 and Ed Davis 12 as the Nets silenced the Sixersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home Wells Fargo Center crowd.

The Sixers meanwhile saw Jimmy Butler lead the scoring with a playoff career high 36 points while ailing Joel Embiid had 22 points.

But it was a disappointing outing for Australian star Ben Simmons, who was restricted to just nine points for Philadelphia.

Embiid had been doubtful with left knee soreness and was cleared to play less than 10 minutes before the game. Embiid, who missed 14 OF THE TEAM S kNAL GAMES LOOKED hampered by his injury.

Booing fans lashed Afterwards Embiid expressed dismay at Sixers fans who booed the home team as they slid to a disappointing loss. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fact that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s after every single miss,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every missed shot, then you get booed. You get the next one and you think â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Should I shoot it or not because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m about to get booed?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

But team-mate Simmons risked the wrath of Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support by lashing fans who booed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to boo, then stay on that side,â&#x20AC;? Simmons said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how I feel, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a Sixer fan and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to boo then stay on that side.â&#x20AC;?

Butler however said the Sixers could only remedy the fan response by delivering a win in game two of the series in Philadelphia on Monday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I understand it. They want to see us win. I want to see us win, too,â&#x20AC;? Butler said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just gotta do better. I guarantee if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re winning theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not booing.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how we change it. Just got to go out there and win on Monday.â&#x20AC;?

In the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other Eastern Conference match-up, the second-seeded

Q Stephen Curry (No. 30) of the Golden State Warriors is fouled by Danilo Gallinari (No. 8) of the LA Clippers during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on Sunday in Oakland, California.

AFP PHOTO Raptors were left ruing missed chances after crashing to a 104-101 loss to Orlando at the Scotiabank Arena.

Q Alex Cabagnot of San Miguel Beer dribbles past Jason PPerkins of Phoenix Pulse during Game 1 of their best-ofseven semifinals series in Season 44 PBA Philippine Cup se oon Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

PBA MEDIA BUREAU PHOTO P

SMB SEEKS TO SUSTAIN AGGRESSION VS PHOENIX DEFENDING DEFENDING champion h i San S Miguel Mi l Beer B shoots h t for f a 2-0 20 lead le when it takes on Phoenix Pulse in Game 2 of their bestOF SEVEN SEMIkNALS SERIES IN 3EASON 0HILIPPINE "ASKETBALL OF Association Philippine Cup tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.

As The Beermen soundly beat the Fuel Masters, 100-88, in Game 1 on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City G BEHIND !LEX #ABAGNOT S POINTS SEVEN ASSISTS AND kVE BE rebounds output. re â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not yet, they (Phoenix) have a lot of energy, and I know they th will bounce back in the next game,â&#x20AC;? said San Miguel "EER COACH ,EO !USTRIA g7E HAVE TO CONTINUE kGHTING 4HIS "E game ga only showed that we can beat them.â&#x20AC;?

Five-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, who w had a subpar performance of nine points and

win for the seventh-seeded Magic, WHO kNISHED THE REGULAR SEASON WITH 16 fewer wins than Toronto. AFP

Beermen show why theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re PBA All-Filipino champs

Why Zion is the real deal The point is, despite the amount of time, personnel and money being spent on draft scouting, there are still a lot of embarrassing failures. So how can we be sure that Zion Williamson is the real deal?

Most draft experts and observers have placed Zion Williamson in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t missâ&#x20AC;? category. There were only three players to win the John Wooden award as a freshman: Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and Zion.

College awards are usually not the basis for projecting a draft prospect, but in this case, a majority of observers hopped on the bandwagon and named Williamson as the best prospect since Anthony Davis. They cite a few reasons: 1) Attitudeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Williamson plays hard every college game, even when he knew it was just a stopover, even when some people were telling him to shut it down and just wait for the NBA Draft where heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a VXUH QR SLFN 2Q KLV ÂżUVW JDPH EDFN IURP injury, he scored 29 points and went 13-13 IURP WKH Ă&#x20AC;RRU DJDLQVW 6\UDFXVH 2) Athleticismâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Zion is freakishly athletic as he is strong, a trait missing from Okaforâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game, and a huge requirement in the NBA game today. Expect his out-of-this ZRUOG ÂżJXUHV ZKHQ WKH PHDVXUHPHQWV FRPH RXW LQ WKH 'UDIW FRPELQH LI KH HYHQ DWWHQGV 3) Opportunitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Whichever team drafts him, Zion will not suffer from lack of playing time. He is not locked on a positionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;he can play forward to center DQG QRW ODJ EHKLQG D IDVW SDFHG WHDP

D.J. Augustin was the hero for Orlando, draining a three-pointer with 4.2 seconds to play to seal a famous

nine fouling 1, i rebounds b d before b f f li outt in i Game G 1 expects t the series to become more physical. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not going to be easy. Of course this is the playoffs and we should not expect an easy game,â&#x20AC;? said Fajardo in Filipino.

Though they managed to smother Fajardoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scoring, the Fuel Masters failed to foil San Miguel Beerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three-point shooting. SMB connected 18-of-47 attempts from the threepoint zone while Phoenix posted just 10 triples. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We focused so much on Fajardo while neglecting their perimeter players who shoot from the outside. Now I have a bigger task of preparing against June Mar and their perimeter players,â&#x20AC;?said Phoenix coach Louie Alas in Filipino.

JOSEF T. RAMOS

SA Miguel Beer has yet to lose a SAN be best-of-seven and if Game 1 of its SEMIkNAL SHOWDOWN WITH 0HOENIX SE Pulse is of any indication, it is that Pu coach Leo Austria and his PBA Philco ippine Cup title-defending Beermen ip are not about to relinquish the ar throne theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been sitting on for th kVE STRAIGHT SEASONS kV Not yet anyway.

On Saturday, the Beermen, who were struggling from the eliminaw TION ROUND UP TO THE QUARTERkNALS TIO showed the Fuel Masters how it sh is to play in the second round of the playoffs with an easy 100-88 th trampling in Game 1 of their Final tr Four series at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Fo The Beermen, likewise, showed the enemies theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not a team th solely dependent on five-time so league MVP June Mar Fajardo as le what Phoenix mentor Louie Alas w and his Fuel Masters believed and, an as a matter of fact, prepared for.

The Fuel Masters, alright, found a way to contain the 6-foot-10 Fajardo, w who, only a few days ago come off w with a spectacular 32-point perforw mance on a perfect 11-of-11 shooting m FROM THE kELD ONLY MANAGED NINE FFR points and nine rebounds before po p fouling out with 3:49 left in the game. ffo With Fajardo in foul trouble as EARLY AS LATE IN THE kRST HALF THE EEA Beermen resorted to what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Be actually known for, perimeter ac shooting with Alex Cabagnot, Chris sh Ross and Marcio Lassiter doing Ro much of the damage in SMBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s erectm ing as big as 24-point lead. in Game 2 is set Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with Fajardo, who Ar scared everyone inside the arena in the sc SECOND QUARTER WHEN HE FELL ON THE lOOR SE FACED kRST EXPECTED TO MAKE UP FOR HIS FA sloppy showing in Game 1 and Cabagslo not, Ross, Lassiter and Santos continuing no

with what they started.

Which could mean a bigger problem to Alas and the Fuel Masters in their hope of tying the series. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Malaki na ang problema ko,â&#x20AC;?

Alas said on the eve of Game 2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kung noong Game 1 naka-focus ang preparasyon namin kay June Mar, ngayon kailangan mag-prepare pa kami sa perimeter shooting nila.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were really focused so much on June Mar nung Game 1 na nakalimutan namin â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung perimeter players nila na sumu-shoot sa labas,â&#x20AC;? said Alas.

Alas, too, admitted his boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; lack of experience in the big stage such as the semis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nung lumamang na sila ng 24, since ang mga bata ay hindi beterano sa semis, medyo nagkagulo sa loob,â&#x20AC;? the Phoenix mentor noted.

He said, though, that the Fuel MasTERS WERE ABLE TO kGHT BACK IN THE kNAL QUARTER TO CUT THE DEkCIT TO JUST SEVEN points, is one positive note the team can take with them the rest of the series. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hindi pa tapos ang laban, pitong game â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yan at kailangan apat na panalo para pumasok sa kNAL Puwede pa,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Cabagnot ended up with 26 points, OF THEM COMING IN THE kRST HALF

GRABBED kVE REBOUNDS ISSUED SEVEN assists, getting three steals in his usual all-around performance. Ross and Lassiter contributed 14 points each.

Phoenix managed to move to within seven, 89-82, on Alex Mallariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basket with 4:54 to go where the Fuel Masters held the Beermen TO A MEASLY kELD GOAL IN THE OPENING four minutes of the payoff period.

But Arwind Santos came from nowhere, though, with a triple to restore order in the Beermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offensive thrust.

The Beermen were never threatened from there on.

EDDIE G. ALINEA

Revellers, Scratchers clash anew in PBA D-League

CHĂ&#x2030;LU Bar & Grill and Go For Gold-College of St. Benilde (CSB) collide anew in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League (PBA D-League) today at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.

The Revellers (3-1) vs the Scratchers (2-3) 4 p.m. game in the Aspirants Group is a repeat of

their collision in the 2018 Foundation Cup finals.

Go For Gold outlasted ChĂŠlu in the best-of-three championship showdown last year.

This time, though, the Revellers are riding on a two-game winning streak highlighted by 109-99 beating of McDavid on March 25.

ChĂŠlu head coach Stevenson Tiu is hoping

that his wards can sustain their roll despite a long layoff as they gun for a share of second with Ironcon-University of Sto. Tomas and St. Clare College-Virtual Reality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The problem with our schedule is the long break. Hopefully, we can still carry our good performance heading to our next game,â&#x20AC;? said Tiu.

Tiu will bank on Foundation Cup MVP Jeff Viernes along with veterans Jesse Collado, Jay-R Taganas and Stephen Siruma and league rookie Rey Suerte.

On the other hand, Go For Gold-CSB is also aiming to maintain its winning form evident in its 102-87 rout of Batangas-Emilio

Aguinaldo College (EAC) on April 4.

Young mentor Charles Tiu wants his Scratchers to limit their 21.2 turnovers per gameâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the second-worst in the league. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to play the right way. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gonna get killed if we play this way,â&#x20AC;? he said.

A school-based squad this season, Go For

Gold will rely on CSB standouts Justin Gutang, Yankie Haruna and Unique Naboa together with Filipino-American guard Roosevelt Adams.

Meanwhile, skidding teams AMA Online Education (1-3) and Batangas-EAC (1-4) square off in the 1 p.m. game day opener.

JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

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Sports

The Manila Times MONDAY April 15, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Lady Bulldogs spoil UPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s F4 entry

BY JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

N

ATIONAL University (NU) kicked University of the Philippines (UP) out of the Final Four race WITH A THRILLING kVE SET WIN

IN 3EASON 5NIVERSITY !THLETIC !SSOCIATION OF THE 0HILIPPINES 5!!0 WOMEN S VOLLEYBALL ON 3UNDAY at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Rookie spiker Princess Robles and veteran hitter Audrey Paran delivered in the endgame as the Lady Bulldogs broke the Lady Maroonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hearts for the second time this season. .5 ALREADY OUT OF SEMIkNAL CONTENTION PRIOR to the game, repeated its 25-17, 14-25, 17-25, 25 STUNNER OVER 50 BACK IN THE kRST ROUND â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just purely wanted to end our last two games with good performances. This is not to oust UP. It never crossed our mind,â&#x20AC;? said NU head coach Norman Miguel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy that the character of my team came out again,â&#x20AC;? he added.

The Lady Bulldogs improved their record to 4-9 while the preseason favorites Lady Maroons bowed out with a 6-7 slate.

With the result, the Final Four cast got completed featuring Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of Sto. Tomas (UST).

Robles sizzled with a game-high 20 points highlighted by 18 spikes while Paran poured 15 markers built around 14 kills. Roselyn Doria chipped in 12 points in the win.

Robles hammered down four spikes to HAND .5 THE kRST MATCH POINT 50 breathed a sigh of relief when Paran committed an attack error before Isa Moldeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong smash pushed the State U ahead, 15-14.

The Lady Bulldogs tied the match on Roblesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kill. Following the Lady Maroonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; blunder on a set play, Paran scored the gameclinching spike off the block.

Tots Carlos had a team-best 18 points all via attacks while setter Ayel EstraĂąero had 11 markers for UP. The Lady Maroons, touted as title contenders this year for winning a pre-season tournament, fell short of expectations as they missed the Final Four for the third straight season.

Earlier in the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s division, defending champion NU seized a Final Four twice-to-beat advantage after demolishing UST, 25-20, 25-21, 25-9.

Bryan Bagunas and Angelo Almendras powered the leading Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attack with 15 points apiece as they bagged the first SEMIkNAL INCENTIVE WITH THEIR TH STRAIGHT win against a lone loss.

Francis Saura contributed 13 points while four other players scored in the win.

FEU closed in on the second Final Four bonus after tripping UP, 25-20, 25-14, 19-25, 25-9.

Peter John Quiel posted 15 points even as Jude Garcia and Richard Solis tallied 11 and 12 markers, respectively, for the second-running Tamaraw Spikers, who improved to 10-2.

The Tiger Spikers skidded to 4-9 while fellow also-ran Maroon Spikers slid to 1-11.

Q President of the amateur boxing federation Gafur Rakhimov speaks to the media upon becoming the head of AIBA on November 3, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

AP PHOTO

Boxingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new leader steps into fight to keep Olympic status LAUSANNE, Switzerland: With as few as six weeks left

Q NUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ivy Lacsina (No. 16) blocks a shot by UPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diana Carlos (No. 18) during a UAAP womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volleyball game on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. PHOTO BY ROGER RAĂ&#x2018;ADA

Jimuel Pacquiao scores KO win in amateur bout Q Jimuel Pacquiao works the mitts. PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN GIBBONS

JIMUEL PACQUIAO, son of eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, won by knockout against Miguel Egan in his first amateur fight on Saturday night at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.

The boxing bout, held inside a mixed martial arts cage, was one of the features of the Fight Against Depression event.

After a slow first round, Jimuel. exploded into action in the second round pummeling his opponent with vicious hooks before flooring him with a straight right with one minute and 11 seconds left in the round. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sluggish because I was really nervous in the first round but in the second round I felt that I really need to step it up so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I did,â&#x20AC;? Jimuel, 18, told The Manila Times after the bout.

His father was in General Santos City and

did not watch the fight live.

Jimuel was accompanied by friends, trainers Roger Haplas and Jill Lubaton during the bout.

He said the victory will usher in his serious preparation for amateur boxing competitions.

Jimuel mentioned in previous interviews that his goal is to become a member of the Philippine team and represent the country someday in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the Olympics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I still have to work on a lot of things but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to continue to train and see what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got. My goal is still to prepare for the amateur.â&#x20AC;?

Jimuel is set to have a rematch against schoolmate Lucas Carson on April 27 in a yet to be determined venue. Their first exhibition bout ended in a draw.

JOSEF T. RAMOS

Q Record-breakers Trump Christian Luistro, Triza Tabamo and Aishel Cid Evangelista pose for a photo with double-gold medalist Marc Bryan Dula during the 156th Philippine Swimming League (PSL) National Series - 15th Sen. Nikki Coseteng Swimming Cup. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Luistro, Evangelista break records in 156th PSL National Series HOPE Christian School-Legazpiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trump Christian Luistro and West Manila Christian Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aishel Cid Evangelista smashed two records each in their respective division to head the list of record-breakers in the 156th Philippine Swimming League (PSL) National Series - 15th Sen. Nikki Coseteng Swimming Cup on Sunday at the Diliman Preparatory School swimming pool in Quezon City.

Luistro, fresh from winning seven gold medals in Thanyapura International Swimming Championship in Phuket, opened his campaign with a recordbreaking feat in the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 10-year 50m butterfly submitting 33.31 seconds to eclipse the 33.68 old mark of Stephen Guzman in 2015.

The 10-year-old Legazpi City pride continued his impressive showing by erasing the 50m breaststroke mark with his own 41.19-second output in the tournament organized by Sen. Nikki Coseteng and supported by The Manila Times.

Evangelista also shone with two records in 100m Individual Medley (1:20.12) and 50m breaststroke (40.94) in the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 9-year category while Triza Tabamo joined the list of record-breakers by destroying the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 11-year 100m backstroke mark with her 1:18.37-minute performance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always saying to the swimmers

to not just go for gold medal but aim for the record. And I am happy that every time we are holding a tournament, a lot of records are being broken. It only means that these kids are improving,â&#x20AC;? said PSL president Susan Papa.

Palarong Pambansa-bound Marc Bryan Dula of Masville Elementary School-Paranaque and Mary Maika Montecillo of Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School bagged two gold medals each while DPS Blue Dragons Paul Christian King Cusing, Lee Grant Cabral, Jewel Sermonia and Jenn Albreicht Sermonia got one mint apiece.

Dula topped the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 12-year 100m IM (1:12.25) and 100m butterfly (1:08.32) while Montecillo dominated the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 10-year 100m IM (1:22.75) and 50m backstroke (38.31).

Cusing (boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 15-over 100m IM, 1:05.72), Cabral (boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 13-year 100m BUTTERlY *EWEL GIRLS OVER 100m IM, 1:28.78) and Jenn Albreicht GIRLS YEAR M BUTTERlY ruled their respective events.

The other gold winners were Kiara Acierto, Eryza Buison, Andrea Llego, Say Henry, Maureese Candelaria, Johndy Cuasay, Jude Austin Gapultos, Harold Roxas, Jay Jay Cabatian, Lean Llego, Rhyzelle Moran, Robin Kagingin, Jeanne Calayag, Rica De Silva, AshleyYu, Alexie Lucile Gapultos and Francine Valero.

to save boxingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place at the 2020 Olympics, the governing bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new interim president is now in the IOCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home city for the final rounds of lobbying.

A long-time ringside doctor, Mohamed Moustahsane stepped into the arena last month as the International Boxing Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (AIBA) temporary leader after elected president Gafur Rakhimov stepped aside.

Rakhimovâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s status on a U.S. Treasury Department sanctions list â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with alleged links to international heroin trafficking which he denies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is part of an International Olympic Committee inquiry examining boxingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place on the Tokyo Games program, and the AIBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to run the sport. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Rakhimov did a great job since he was interim president (in January 2018) and we thank him for that,â&#x20AC;? Moustahsane told The Associated Press on Friday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But AIBA is now going forward.â&#x20AC;?

The Morocccan doctor said he had not yet met Nenad Lalovic, the IOC executive board member chairing a threemember inquiry, nor the Olympic bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president Thomas Bach. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are confident they are working for the best interests of the sport,â&#x20AC;? Moustahsane said in an interview.

Two deadlines weigh heavily in the AIBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s near future.

A May 22 meeting of the IOC board to assess the inquiry panelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report could see boxing removed from the Tokyo program, or choose to go ahead outside the AIBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s control.

Bachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s board already decided in November to freeze planning for menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boxing tournament in Tokyo and block AIBA officials contacting organizers in Japan.

The AIAB could also be formally derecognized by the full IOC membership at their June 24-26 annual meeting in Lausanne.

Rakhimov helped negotiate a settlement with the AIBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main creditor, in Azerbaijan, before he was formally elected president in November by member federations. That vote triggered an inquiry panel being created by the IOC, which privately warned the AIBA against electing him.

Moustahsane stepping into the presidential seat for up to nine months is seen by some skeptics as a tactic to placate the IOC before a Rakhimov return.

Asked if Rakhimov staying out of office could be a condition of keeping boxing in the Olympics, Moustahsane said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The IOC have never said that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a red line. Mr. Rakhimov stepped aside so we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to discuss this issue now.â&#x20AC;?

The IOC is also concerned about the integrity of some bout results at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the AIBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances.

Moustahsane chaired a panel allocating referees and judges to bouts in Rio, though then-AIBA executive director Karim Bouzidi was publicly demoted during those Olympics and took the blame. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We turned the page and saw that there was something to do improve our sport,â&#x20AC;? Moustahsane said, insisting he saw no wrongdoing in Rio and preferred to look forward rather than â&#x20AC;&#x153;stay on the past.â&#x20AC;?

An offer to clear the AIBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reported $16 million debt by its executive committee member Umar Kremlev of Russia was announced last month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We asked Mr. Kremlev to put this proposal to the (executive committee),â&#x20AC;? Moustahsane said, adding the AIBA had not asked about the source of the money.

The American federal sanctions on Rakhimov have left banks in Switzerland reluctant to do business with the Lausanne-based boxing body. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are working according to Swiss law and nothing is out of order,â&#x20AC;? said Moustahsane, who described an AIBA account held in Serbia as â&#x20AC;&#x153;not something important.â&#x20AC;?

Despite the IOC inquiry, the AIBA is still working with around 200 member nations and planning for world championships in Russia. The menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournament in September and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in October are meant to decide the first Olympic qualifying places.

A legal fight would be possible if the IOC decisions go against the AIBA. Asked if his organization could appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Moustahsane said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not one of our values.â&#x20AC;?

AP

Marquez grabs MotoGP pole in Austin LOS ANGELES: World champion Marc Marquez maintained his domination at the Grand Prix of the Americas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), sweeping to yet another pole position as he chases a seventh straight victory in Texas.

The Spanish MotoGP star bagged his seventh consecutive pole at Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Circuit of the Americas after posting a fastest lap of 2min 3.787sec, early in the qualifying session.

Italian rival Valentino Rossi was second fastest in 2:04.060 while Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cal Crutchlow was third quickest in 2:04.147.

Marquez has won at Austin from pole position every year since the race arrived on the MotoGP calendar in 2013.

On Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evidence, the Repsol Honda rider looks unbeatable once more after a dominant display on the counter-clockwise Austin circuit.

Marquezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quickest time came on only his second lap, and his rivals struggled to make much headway for the remainder of the session, with no other rider managing to duck below the 2min 4sec barrier.

Marquez arrived in Texas fresh from a superb victory over Rossi in Argentina, where he romped home by 10 seconds at the Termas de Rio Hondo.

The Spaniard leads the overall championship standings by four points from Andrea Dovizioso heading into Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race.

Ducati rider Dovizioso failed to make qualifying two on Saturday, finishing with the 13th fastest time of 2:05.907. AFP

Ë&#x153;

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

MONDAY April 15, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Busy PPS circuit up in Pangasinan, Mindoro

Q Francesco Molinari of Italy pulls a club from a bag as he prepares to play a shot on the 18th hole during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO

Molinari seizes Masters lead with Woods, Finau two back A

UGUSTA United States: Francesco UGUSTA, -OLINARI kRED A lAWLESS SIX UNDER PAR ON 3ATURDAY 3UNDAY IN -ANILA

SEIZING A TWO STROKE LEAD OVER 4IGER 7OODS AND 4ONY &INAU IN A THRILLING -ASTERS THIRD ROUND AT !UGUSTA .ATIONAL Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Molinari, the reigning British Open champion, stayed patient through kVE OPENING PARS AS BIRDIES BROKE OUT EVERYWHERE ON RAIN SOFTENED !UGUSTA !FTER BIRDIES AT SIX AND EIGHT HE ERUPTED WITH FOUR STRAIGHT BIRDIES START ING AT THE PAR THREE THÂ&#x2021;WHERE HIS TEE SHOT LEFT HIM INCHES FROM THE PIN (E METHODICALLY ROLLED IN PUTTS OF SIX EIGHT AND NINE FEET TO BIRDIE THE NEXT THREE AND MAINTAINED HIS TWO SHOT EDGE BY GETTING UP AND DOWN FOR PAR FROM A BUNKER AT -OLINARI ONE OF kVE MAJOR WIN NERS TO SHARE THE OVERNIGHT LEAD HAD

A UNDER TOTAL OF â&#x20AC;&#x153;My plan is to go out and do the same, BUT ) THINK THERE S GOING TO BE A FEW GUYS TRYING TO MESS UP WITH MY PLAN u HE SAID 7OODS WHO WON THE LAST OF HIS FOUR -ASTERS TITLES BACK IN AND HASN T ADDED TO HIS TALLY OF MA JORS SINCE HIS 53 /PEN VICTORY

CARDED A FIVE UNDER PAR FOR AN UNDER TOTAL OF (E WAS JOINED BY &INAU WHO kRED A ONE SHOT OFF THE TOURNA MENT RECORD AND MATCHED BY TWO OTHER EIGHT UNDER ROUNDS FROM 7EBB 3IMPSON AND 0ATRICK #ANTLAY

7OODS WAS ALSO SLOW TO JOIN THE BIRDIE BANDWAGON OPENING WITH FOUR STRAIGHT PARS BEFORE A BOGEY AT THE kFTH (E RESPONDED WITH THREE BIRDIES IN A ROW STARTING A THE SIXTH !T THE SEVENTH HE STUCK HIS APPROACH A FOOT FROM THE PIN AND HE ROLLED IN AN FOOTER AT EIGHT (E KEPT THE MOMENTUM GOING WITH A PAR SAVE FROM THE TREES AT NINE BEFORE A BIRDIE AT 7OODS GOT UP AND DOWN FOR BIRDIE AT WHERE HIS CHIP ON LEFT HIM TWO FEET AND HE REACHED UNDER WITH A SEVEN FOOT BIRDIE AT THE PAR THREE TH g) JUST DID EVERYTHING u 7OODS SAID g) DROVE IT WELL AND HIT MY IRONS WELL ) MADE SOME PUTTS ) JUST LET THE ROUND JUST KIND OF BUILD u 7OODS S EFFORT THRILLED THE GALLERIES AT !UGUSTAÂ&#x2021;AND GOT THE ATTENTION OF 53 0RESIDENT $ONALD 4RUMP WHO HAS PLAYED IN THE PAST WITH THE SUPERSTAR g'REAT PLAYING BY 4IGER7OODS AT

THE 4HE-ASTERS u 4RUMP TWEETED g4O MORROW WILL BE A BIG AND EXCITING DAY FOR GOLF AND FOR SPORTSÂ&#x2021;'OOD LUCK TO ALLĂ&#x153;u &INAU AIMING TO BECOME THE kFTH STRAIGHT PLAYER TO MAKE THE -ASTERS HIS kRST MAJOR TITLE OPENED WITH THREE STRAIGHT BIRDIES !NOTHER BIRDIE AT THE SIXTH WAS FOL LOWED BY AN EAGLE AT EIGHT WHERE HIS SECOND SHOT LEFT HIM A TAP IN g) HIT A REALLY GOOD SHOT BUT ) DIDN T THINK IT WAS GOING TO BE YOU KNOW A FOOT FROM THE HOLE u &INAU SAID

Finauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dreamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pairing 4WO MORE BIRDIES COMING IN PUT &INAU IN A gDREAMu kNAL GROUP WITH 7OODS AND -OLINARIÂ&#x2021;AFTER !UGUSTA .ATIONAL OFkCIALS ANNOUNCED THE kNAL ROUND WOULD BE PLAYED IN THREESOMES FROM BOTH THE kRST AND TH TEES STARTING EARLY IN A BID TO BEAT SEVERE WEATHER

PREDICTED FOR THE AFTERNOON g!S A KID ) ALWAYS WANTED TO COM PETE AGAINST HIM u SAID YEAR OLD &INAU OF 7OODS g) VE DREAMED OF PLAYING IN A kNAL GROUP WITH HIM IN A MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP u -OLINARI PLAYED WITH 7OODS IN THE kNAL ROUND AT #ARNOUSTIE LAST YEAR

WHEN HE LIFTED THE #LARET *UG g(E OBVIOUSLY LOVES THIS PLACE AND HE S PLAYING GREAT GOLF u -OLINARI SAID OF 7OODS g3O ) M AWARE THAT IT S NOT GOING TO BE EASY g"UT IT S NOT LIKE ) CAN ONLY WORRY ABOUT HIM u !LSO LURKING WAS "ROOKS +OEPKA

WHO WON A SECOND STRAIGHT 53 /PEN TITLE LAST YEAR THEN HELD OFF 7OODS TO WIN THE 0'! #HAMPIONSHIP +OEPKA WAS ALONE IN FOURTH ON AFTER A THREE UNDER &ORMER 53 /PEN CHAMPION 7EBB 3IMPSON HAD AN EAGLE AND SEVEN BIRDIES IN HIS FOR LEVEL WITH %NGLAND S )AN 0OULTER WHO SIGNED FOR A AFP

Chase on for PGT Asia Luisita crown 4(% COUNTRY S TOP GUNS AND A SLEW OF FOREIGN ACES SLUG IT OUT IN WHAT PROMISES TO BE A kERY DUEL OF POWER AND PRECISION AS THE RICH )#43) ,UISITA #HAMPIONSHIP UNWRAPS TODAY AT THE 2OBERT 4RENT *ONES 3R DESIGNED COURSE IN 4ARLAC 7HILE THE LOCALS HAVE DOMINATED THE LAST kVE LEGS OF THE JUST CONCLUDED 0'4 !SIA SEASON THE FOREIGN BIDDERS FROM AT LEAST NATIONS ARE COMING INTO THE CHAM PIONSHIP UPBEAT OF THEIR CHANCES PARTICULARLY THE TOP kNISHERS IN THE 0'4 !SIA 1UALIFYING 4OURNAMENT LAST WEEK ALSO HELD AT THE TIGHT

HAZARD LADEN LAYOUT SOMEWHAT SOFTENED BY AFTERNOON RAIN THE PAST TWO DAYS 4HAT SHOULD MAKE THE KICKOFF LEG OF THE THIRD SEASON OF THE REGION S EMERGING CIRCUIT WORTH WATCHING WITH $AVID 'LEESON OF !USTRA LIA HARD PRESSED TO DUPLICATE HIS BREAKTHROUGH VICTORY HERE LAST YEAR WHEN HE NIPPED LOCAL BET %RWIN !RCILLAS ON THE THIRD PLAYOFF HOLE g4HE COURSE IS TOUGH THE FAIRWAYS AND GREENS ARE SOFTER WITH THE RAIN )F IT CONTINUES FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK A UNDER TOTAL COULD WIN IT u SAID 'LEESON g) CAN PLAY WELL AND ) LIKE THE COURSE BUT THE kELD IS TOUGH u "UT THIS WEEK S PLAYER ROSTER IS DEEP IN TALENT GUARANTEEING kERCE ACTION RIGHT ON THE kRST SHOT UP TO THE LAST PUTT ON 4HURS DAY WITH THE LOCALS VOWING TO EXTEND THEIR DOMINATION AFTER *AMES 2YAN ,AM *OENARD 2ATES *HONNEL !BABA *UVIC 0AGUNSAN AND

#LYDE -ONDILLA REIGNED IN THE LAST kVE LEGS OF THE JUST CONCLUDED SEASON IN THE #!4 /PEN 3UMMIT 0OINT 0RADERA 6ERDE 2IVIERA AND 3OLAIRE 0HILIPPINE /PEN RESPECTIVELY -ONDILLA FOR SURE WILL BE THE MARKED MAN IN ALL FOUR DAYS AFTER THE $EL -ONTE ACE HELD OFF A HORDE OF PURSUERS TO NAIL HIS kRST 0HL /PEN TITLE AND CLINCH THE 0'4 !SIA /RDER OF -ERIT CROWN g) M CONkDENT AND READY FOR BACK TO BACK ) REALLY PREPARED WELL THIS WEEK BUT WITH A DIFFERENT APPROACH SINCE ,UISITA IS TIGHT AND LONG 9OU HAVE TO HIT THE FAIRWAYS TO GET A GOOD SHOT AT THE GREENS AND BIRDIES u SAID -ONDILLA

WHO ALSO TOOK NOTICE OF THE DEPTH OF THE kELD

PARTICULARLY THE FOREIGN BETS ,IKE -ONDILLA AND THE REST OF THE LOCALS THE FOREIGN BIDDERS FROM AT LEAST NATIONS ARE ALSO COMING INTO THE EVENT UPBEAT OF THEIR CHANCES

PARTICULARLY THE TOP kNISHERS IN THE 0'4 !SIA 1UALIFYING 4OURNAMENT LAST WEEK ALSO HELD HERE "UT -ONDILLA WILL BE AS MUCH TESTED AS THE REST OF THE CAST WITH A NUMBER OF &ILIPINO ACES SEEKING REDEMPTION FOLLOWING THEIR MISSED cut stints in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier champi ONSHIP AT 4HE #OUNTRY #LUB TWO WEEKS AGO *APAN 0'! 4OUR CAMPAIGNER 0AGUNSAN

FOR ONE HAS OPTED TO SKIP THE 4OKEN (OME MATE #UP IN .AGOYA ALSO SLATED THIS WEEK TO ATONE FOR HIS FAILED BID IN !SIA S OLDEST .ATIONAL /PEN WHERE HE WAS ONE OF THE PRE

Sports C3

THE Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala age group tennis circuit gets busy with two tournaments held simultaneously in Pangasinan and Oriential Mindoro with both events drawing huge casts seeking top honors and ranking points.

Joshua Molina, Marc Jarata, Charles Torres and Brian Oliveros along with Eric Bajet, Prince Lim and Thomas Gabuat headline the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 18- and 16-and-under categories with Anna De Myer and Renee Esteban together with Franchezca Malaki, Tristen Kitong and Angeline Atos the players to watch in the premier divisions in the distaff side of the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop which got under way Saturday.

Jarata, Lim and Gabuat are also vying in the 14-U play with Alexi Jarata, Bernie Egipto, Adriana Cabahug and Kitong leading the cast in the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; section of the event put up by PPS-PEPP headed by president/CEO Bobby Castro and sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Tobyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg as part of their nationwide, year-long talent search.

Also up for grabs are the 12-U titles in both categories and the 10-unisex diadem along with the Legends menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doubles at the Urdaneta Tennis Club where a free clinic will also be held.

For details, call 09154046464 Keen competition is also seen in the PPS-PEPP Gov. Alfonso Umali Cup with the likes of Allen Rombawa, Martin Buenaventura, Drixcyn Guillano and Leyton Portin along with Althea Martirez and Lorin Idjao headlining the centerpiece 18-U division in the boys and girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sides.

Rombawa and Guillano are also entered in the 16-U play which also topbills Jeremian Macias IV and Benedict Santiago with Martinez and Idjao also tipped to clash for the crown in the Group I tournament sponsored by Gov. AlfonsoUmaliandtheprovincialgovernmentof OrientalMindoroattheBahaghariTennisClub.

The Pinamalayan tilt, hosted and organized

by Butch Buenaventura and which features players from San Jose City, Sablayan, Roxas City, Antique, Semirara, Iloilo, Lipa, Batangas, Manila and Calapan, also serves as a prelude to the Pinamalayan Open slated this week headlined by national team standouts Jeson Patrombon, Johnny Arcilla, Fritz Verdad and Mark Alcoseba.

Q Clyde Mondilla

FILE PHOTO

TOURNAMENT FAVORITES FOLLOWING AN EMPHATIC VICTORY AT 0'4! 2IVIERA THE PREVIOUS WEEK 3O DO *OBIM #ARLOS THE 0'4 //- WIN NER WHO CUT SHORT HIS /PEN BID AFTER SUSTAINING AN INJURY IN THE kRST ROUND FOUR TIME 0'4 !SIA LEG WINNER !BABA MULTI TITLED 4ONY ,ASCUĂ&#x201E;A AND VETERAN %LMER 3ALVADOR 2ATES AND 'LEESON ,AM WHO BROKE THROUGH WITH A CONVINCING VICTORY IN THE #!4 /PEN HERE LAST YEAR IS ALSO OUT TO REDEEM HIMSELF FROM A POOR JOINT TH kNISH IN THE 0HL /PEN SAYING g) WILL PLAY A LITTLE CONSERVATIVE SINCE MY DRIVING IS A LITTLE BIT OFF ) NEED TO PLAY IT SLOWLY AND SURELY )F MY DRIVING WON T CLICK ) LL BRING THE GAME TO MY SECOND SHOTS AND PUTTING u "UT THE kELD ALSO FEATURES A NUMBER OF TAL ENTED FOREIGN TALENTS INCLUDING 4HAIS 4AWAN 0HONGPUN AND 2ATCHAPOL *ANTAVARA 3INGAPORE S #HOO 4ZE (UANG AND 'REGORY &OO 3WEDE 3E BASTIAN (ANSSON 2ORY (IE OF )NDONESIA 3COT 2YAN (OOD (WANG -YUNG #HAL OF *APAN

'RANT *ACKSON OF %NGLAND 3PAIN S -ARCOS 0ASTOR AND !MERICANS ,EXUS +EONINH #HARLES ,EE AND -ICAH 3HIN AMONG OTHERS 0HONGPUN AND *ANTAVARA MADE IT IN THE 0'4! 1 3CHOOL AND SHOULD BE AMONG THE FANCIED BETS IN THE HOLE CHAMPION SHIP SPONSORED BY )#43) AND ORGANIZED BY 0ILIPINAS 'OLF 4OURNAMENTS )NC WITH 0,$4 %NTERPRISE -ERALCO "$/ AND 0'4 !SIA OFkCIAL APPAREL 0IN (IGH AS CHIEF BACKERS

Shields wants to lift womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boxing into mainstream

Q Claressa Shields talks to the children before a workout in Atlantic City, N.J. on April 11, 2019. AP PHOTO

CLARESSA SHIELDS won Olympic gold in 2012 in London and returned home with only a minimal bump in fame. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d tell people I won the gold medal and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yeah, right,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? she said with a laugh.

So whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an unrecognized champ to do? Shields would just challenge people to Google her if they doubted that she really was one of the top boxerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the planet. When that dare got old, Shields simply started carrying the gold medal with her and flashed it to her skeptics.

Four years later, when Shields won boxing gold again in Rio , she hid the London medal in her warmup jacket pocket. She pulled it out after winning the championship bout and slipped two golds around her neck atop the medal stand â&#x20AC;&#x201D; best in her class, best in the world. Twice.

All thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left for Shields, who overcame a childhood of poverty and abuse, is to reach best of all time.

The 24-year-old Shields (8-0, 2 KOs) is on the fast track toward that claim, headlining one of the more tantalizing bouts in womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boxing history on Saturday night. Shields fights Christina Hammer (24-0, 11 KOs) in a middleweight unification bout live on Showtime at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

There have been more accomplished female fight-

ers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Laila Ali, Christy Martin, Lucia Rijke er top the Rijker short list â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but no bout has quite matched this one in anticipation or potential historic significance. Shields could continue to lead the evolution of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boxing the way Ronda Rousey did for MMA and bring the fight game into the mainstream.

Shields is charismatic, making fans and friends out of A-listers such as actress Halle Berry. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not afraid to give Beyonce a shoutout to attend her fight . Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dominant, not losing a fight since her amateur career, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s won championships in multiple weight classes as a pro. She takes a stand, putting blue streaks in her hair to raise awareness to the clean water fight thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone on for years in her hometown of Flint, Michigan.

If her life sounds like something out of a movie, it soon may be: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If Beale Street Could Talkâ&#x20AC;? director Barry Jenkins is writing the screenplay for a Shields biopic.

Shields and Hammer are the first female boxers featured on Showtimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All Access YouTube sports channel.

The distinction didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come because of the 28-year-old Hammer, who has racked up wins for a decade in the 160-pound division without fanfare. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the spark and

the success that Shields creates whenever she fights. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I was a man, I would probably be one of the most famous boxers out there,â&#x20AC;? Shields said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a gender gap. We all know it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m working toward changing that. We work hard, we get less money and less recognition, but the world is changing. We are changing it.â&#x20AC;?

The undefeated fighters were supposed to meet on Nov. 17, but Hammer postponed it because of a stomach illness.

Shields, whose father spent years in prison during her childhood, spent a day this week visiting kids from the New Jersey Give A Kid A Dream organization and the Girls in Gloves boxing program at the Atlantic City PAL gym. She tried to inspire kids who may have had a rough upbringing like she did and show them that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to achieve goals and â&#x20AC;&#x153;really see that girls can box.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;(One of the girls) said I gave them hope and I got a little shaky,â&#x20AC;? Shields said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a role model growing up. So it is a little weird to hear kids say that I am their role model. I am just trying to do a good job.â&#x20AC;?

Shields said sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practiced her Ali shuffle and is ready to bust it out with a victory. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and boxing star Errol

S Spence Jr. walk her to the ring on Saturday night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Me and Jon Jones are both the GOATs,â&#x20AC;? she said.

And maybe with a win, Shields will start to inch closer in popularity with some of the other greats in womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports. Rousey has nearly 3.7 million Twitter followers compared to about 35,400 for Shields. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(Rousey) has one of the biggest followings in womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s combat sports. Hell, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve achieved double of what she have and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m younger and the hate is off the charts â&#x20AC;&#x153;poortheticâ&#x20AC;? but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not changing a damn thing!

And I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose either!â&#x20AC;? Shields tweeted .

Shields picked herself off the canvas for the first time after an uppercut by Costa Rican Hanna Gabriels in the first round last June in Detroit. Hammer watched that fight ringside, then created a skirmish when she stepped into the ring to confront Shields.

On Saturday night, they go face-to-face for real â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and with perhaps more on the line than just championships. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is going to be the biggest womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight in history,â&#x20AC;?

Hammer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re both champions, she has Olympic gold medals and other accolades, so with all of that combined, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AP going to be a game changer for our sport.â&#x20AC;?

C4

Football

MONDAY April 15, 2019

Messi rested for United as Barcelona held by Huesca M

ADRID: Lionel Messi was left out and Gerard Pique watched on television with a bowl of prawns as Barcelona saved themselves for Manchester United by resting 10 players against Huesca on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was the only one to keep his place for the goalless draw at El Alcoraz as coach Ernesto Valverde prioritised progRESS TO THE #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE SEMI kNALS AFTER THEIR kRST LEG WIN AT /LD 4RAFFORD IN MIDWEEK g/BVIOUSLY WE ALWAYS WANT TO WIN BUT itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true this game came in slightly different CIRCUMSTANCES u 6ALVERDE SAID g)T IS AN UNUSUAL WEEK BECAUSE WE COME FROM playing an intense match on Wednesday, when the TRIP WAS LONG AND WE HAVE THE RETURN ON 4UESDAY â&#x20AC;&#x153;Considering the schedule and our advantage in THE LEAGUE ) THOUGHT IT WAS TIME TO MAKE CHANGES u Messi was left out of the squad completely while the suspended Pique posted a picture on

social media of him watching the game on teleVISION IN FRONT OF HIM A LARGE BOWL OF SEAFOOD 4HE DRAW GIVES !TLETICO -ADRID THE CHANCE TO REDUCE THE GAP AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE TO NINE POINTS IF THEY CAN BEAT #ELTA 6IGO AT HOME LATER ON 3ATURDAY BUT WITH SIX GAMES LEFT AFTER THIS WEEKEND THE DIFFERENCE IS LIKELY TO PROVE IRRELEVANT &OR (UESCA WHO ARE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE IN THEIR kRST EVER SEASON IN 3PAIN S TOP lIGHT

A HARD EARNED POINT MEANS THEY SIT kVE ADRIFT OF SAFETY ALBEIT HAVING PLAYED A GAME MORE THAN THOSE IMMEDIATELY ABOVE THEM 4HEIR SURVIVAL BID REMAINS UNLIKELY BUT ALIVE Malcom came closest to a winner, his shot HITTING THE POST BUT (UESCA WERE GOOD VALUE FOR

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net Q Barcelonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s French defender Jean-Clair Todibo (left) vies with SD Huescaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spanish forward David Ferreiro during the Spanish league football match at the El Alcoraz Stadium in Huesca. AFP PHOTO

the draw and could even have snatched victory THEMSELVES IN THE SECOND HALF Messi left Manchester with a swollen nose and cheek on Wednesday after a clattering CHALLENGE FROM #HRIS 3MALLING BUT THERE IS LITTLE CONCERN ABOUT THE !RGENTINIAN BEING kT FOR THE RETURN GAME AT #AMP .OU

Barca focused on Europe Barcaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s huge advantage at the top of La Liga has AFFORDED THEM THE LUXURY NOW OF PRIORITISING SUCCESS in Europe, the only issue perhaps for Valverde the SMALL MATTER OF MAINTAINING MOMENTUM /VERALL THEY WERE BETTER THAN (UESCA BUT never really got OUT OF SECOND GEAR L i k e Pique, Luis Suarez was ALSO BANNED while Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets and Clement Lenglet WERE AMONG THOSE RESTED AFP

Tams shoot down Falcons to stay at No. 2 FAR Eastern University (FEU) trounced also-ran Adamson University, 3-1, to solidify its hold of the second spot in Season 81 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football on Thursday at the FEU-Diliman Football Field in Quezon City. Three players hit a goal apiece as the Tamaraw Booters stayed steady at No. 2 with an improved 6-3-2 windraw-loss record for 21 pointsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;just one marker behind idle leader Ateneo De Manila University. FEU also posted its first back-to-back victories in the second round following its 2-1 win over National University (NU) last week. Dominique CaĂąonigo handed the Tams the opening lead with an easy tap on JR Saldivarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s low cross in the 43rd minute. Saldivar took his turn and doubled the cushion, finishing a counter-attack shortly after the restart before Adamson threatened within a goal via Allen Lozanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corner kick in the 57th. Alex Rayos fired the insurance goal off Gio Pabualanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right-wing free kick

with 16 minutes left in regulation. The cellar-dwelling Falcons remained winless in four games in the second round, falling to 1-5-6 for eight points. In the other fixtures, defending champion University of the Philippines (UP) and De La Salle University continued their ascent with a 4-1 thrashing of NU and 2-0 triumph over University of the East, respectively. Vincent Albert Parpan (65th), Roland Saavedra (71st), Jeremiah Borlongan (80th) and John Abraham (88th) all scored as the Maroon Booters erased a one-goal deficit. John Rey Lagura struck in the 76th while Jovan Marfiga netted a goal in the added time for the Green Booters. Both UP and La Salle improved to 19 points on identical 6-1-4 slates, with the former taking the No. 3 spot due to superior goal difference. The Bulldogs bowed out of semifinal contention with a 2-4-7 card for 10 points while the Red Warriors slid to 2-2-6 for eight markers.

JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

SPAL puts Juve title celebrations on hold, Roma into Top 4 MILAN: Juventus slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat at lowly SPAL on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) to put their Serie A title CELEBRATIONS ON HOLD AS %DIN $ZEKO kRED 2OMA INTO THE Champions League places with the only goal in a WIN OVER 5DINESE Massimiliano Allegriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side had needed just a point to claim their eighth â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scudettoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in A ROW WITH A RECORD SIX games to spare, and they looked on track to seal the title when young gun Moise Kean stuck SPALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian defender Kevin Bonifazi (center) scores an his foot out to direct Q equalizer during the Italian Serie A football match SPAL 2013 a Joao Cancelo efvs Juventus at the Paolo-Mazza Stadium in Ferrara. AFP PHOTO fort home after half a year to move Claudio Ranieriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side up to AN HOUR IN &ERRARA However Kevin Bonifazi and Sergio Floc- FOURTH THE kNAL #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE BERTH Dzeko connected with a Stephan El cari responded with two precious secondhalf goals, which moved lowly SPAL seven 3HAARAWY CROSS TO kNISH OFF FROM CLOSE RANGE IN THE 3TADIO /LIMPICO MOVING POINTS CLEAR OF THE RELEGATION ZONE g-AKING RECORDS IS VERY DIFkCULT IT TAKES his team two points ahead of AC Milan, energy and there is also Europe to concen- who can retake fourth place with a win trate on,â&#x20AC;? said Allegri, who rested key play- over European rivals Lazio at the San Siro ers including Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of LATER ON 3ATURDAY 4UESDAY S #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE QUARTERkNAL Paid for inexperience DECIDER AGAINST !JAX IN 4URIN â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we had put all our regulars in it would HAVE BEEN EASIER TO WIN IT BUT THERE IS ALSO In Ferrara, Ronaldo was rested for the SECOND TIME THIS SEASON AND THE CLUB FELL THE GOAL TO OBTAIN ON 4UESDAY u Juventus have a 20-point advantage TO JUST THEIR SECOND DEFEAT OF THE CAMPAIGN 4HE kVE TIME "ALLON D /R WINNER on second-placed Napoli and can still seal the title in record time on Sunday returned from a thigh injury during the if Carlo Ancelottiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side fail to win at WEEK TO SCORE AN AWAY GOAL IN THE kRST LEG OF THEIR TIE WITH AGAINST !JAX WHICH BOTTOM CLUB #HIEVO /THERWISE THEY COULD WIN THEIR TH ENDED ON 7EDNESDAY Defender Leonardo Bonucci was also 3ERIE ! CHAMPIONSHIP NEXT 3ATURDAY AT RESTED ALONG WITH "LAISE -ATUIDI !LEX HOME AGAINST &IORENTINA 4HAT WOULD MATCH THE PREVIOUS BEST Sandro, Mario Mandzukic, and Miralem OF WINNING THE TITLE WITH kVE GAMES TO Pjanic, with forward Federico BernardesSPARE ACHIEVED BY 4ORINO IN CHI COMING OFF THE BENCH LATE IN THE GAME Mattia Perin replaced Wojciech Szc&IORENTINA IN AND 2OBERTO zesny in the Juventus goal with Kean -ANCINI S )NTER -ILAN IN In heavy rain in Rome, Edin Dzeko getting his second start alongside Paulo SCORED HIS kRST HOME LEAGUE GOAL IN NEARLY $YBALA UP FRONT AFP

MONDAY M O N DAY APRIL 15 15,, 2019 20

Entertainment

D1

www.manilatimes.net

New Netflix K-drama has strong Filipino connection

S

EOUL, SOUTH KOREA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; What better way to catch the Filipinosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attention than through their very hearts? And by NOW ENTERTAINMENT STREAMING GIANT .ETlIX is already a master of that. For after launchING Ă&#x203A;,OVE/N.ETlIX IN THE 0HILIPPINES TO measure the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;kilig-addictâ&#x20AC;? level, the internet service is all set to premiere it's very kRST +OREAN ROMANTIC COMEDY ORIGINAL TO thrill hopeless romantics here and around the world wide web.

In The Know is actually writing all the way from the kingdom of K-Drama to meet with the cast of â&#x20AC;&#x153;My First First Love.â&#x20AC;? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been covering entertainment events here for some time now and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always an EXPERIENCE TO SEE HOW OUR Koreans friends go all out in setting up themed events for launches and parties.

For My First First Love, they decorated the Conrad Seoulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grand ballroom with giant glittery balloons and cherry blossom-

IN THE KNOW MJ MARFORI SLASH .ETFLIX DESIGNED DESSERTS Romance was truly complete with little pink rice sacks with baby blue ribbons, which super fans out here sent their idols for good luck.

There were also giant teddy bears everywhere and a cozy

home setup and backdrop to WELCOME +OREA S NEXT BIG SOAP superstars Jisoo, Jung Chae-yeon and B1A4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jinuoung.

Jisoo (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strong Girl Bong-soonâ&#x20AC;?) plays lead character Tae-o, alongside Jung Chae-yeon (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drinking Soloâ&#x20AC;?) as his best friend of 20 years, Song-i. They form a very relatable and complicated love triangle with Do-hyeon, played

by Jinyoung (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love in the Moonlight,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Dude in Meâ&#x20AC;?) as they go through the stages of hiding ONE S FEELINGS AND EXPERIENCING TRUE LOVE FOR THE kRST TIME The â&#x20AC;&#x153;comâ&#x20AC;? in this rom-com, meanwhile, is courtesy of Tae-o and Song-iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housemates, namely Choi Ri (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spiritsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Homecomingâ&#x20AC;?) and Kang Tae-oh (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fengshuiâ&#x20AC;?), played by Ga-rin and Hun respectively, to round up the fresh faces IN .ETlIX S NEXT +OREAN /RIGINAL Series after â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kingdomâ&#x20AC;?.

My First First Love will stream IN COUNTRIES VIA .ETFLIX SO you can just imagine how big a platform and potential it is for the stars to go global. During our EXCLUSIVE PAIRED INTERVIEW WITH

Q Fresh faces in 'My First First Love's' new love triangle. PHOTOS COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Q The Korean streaming series cast, Jisoo, Jung Chae-yeon, Jinyoung, Choi Ri, Kang Tae-oh and director Oh Jin-seok Jisoo and Jinyoung, they told In the Know it took them a while to comprehend the gravitas of the STARRING IN THIS .ETlIX ORIGINAL Jinyoung shared, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew about .ETlIX BEFORE STARTING THIS PROJECT ) WATCH IT SO OFTEN SO ) AM VERY EXCITED AND ) KNOW .ETlIX IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PLATFORMS SO MY EXPECTAtion of fan reaction is very high.â&#x20AC;?

Another strength of these male heartthrobs is that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re been to the Philippines more than once and are therefore very familiar with

Echo, Yam, Yen and Sam soon to kiss primetime goodbye

The embattled Ejercito on gubernatorial and showbiz plans Meanwhile, Ejercito said of his showbiz career that win or lose, he will still continue ER Ejercito is a familiar name, be in the realm making movies. In fact, he is scheduled to of showbiz or politics. As an actor, he inherited shoot and produce another one based on the the name of his late action star father George true story of the famous SAF 44 (Special Action %STREGAN Â&#x2021; ALBEIT WITH * FOR *EORGE AND THE SUFkX Force commandos) killed in in the ill-fated â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jr.â&#x20AC;? at the end â&#x20AC;&#x201D; while following his famous Mamasapano clash. g4HIS kLM IS TITLED @3!& 0ARA SA $IYOS 0ARA uncle, former president and incumbent Manila City Mayor Joseph â&#x20AC;&#x153;Erapâ&#x20AC;? Ejercito Estradaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sa Bayan, Para sa Taoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and will be directed by Pedring Lopez. Hopefully it will be released this footsteps and crossing over to politics. *UST LIKE %STRADA WHOSE kRST ELECTED POST WAS year,â&#x20AC;? the actor-politician enthused.

Ejercito added he will not only star in actionmayor of San Juan City, ER Ejercito ran as a packed movie but will also co-write the script political greenhorn in Pagsanjan, and co-direct with Lopez.

Laguna in 2001 and completed M o r e ove r, THREE ALLOWABLE TERMS IN OFkCE before becoming provincial governor in 2010.

His second term in office abruptly ended, however, when the Commission on Elections accused him of overspending in the campaign in May 2013, with his Uncle Erap convincing him to step down.

Fast forward to April 9 of this year, Ejercito was instead charged guilty of a previous case of corruption as mayor by the SanQ Besides running for Laguna diganbayanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fourth governor, ER Ejercito will also release a Division, thereby film about SAF 44 later this year. risking his current bid to reclaim HIS SEAT AT THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL IN NEXT monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national elections.

With many doubting his eligibility to pursue Ejercito revealed that he is current- ly in talks his candidacy, the actor-turned-politician held WITH GLOBAL STREAMING GIANT .ETlIX WHICH EXa media conference last week to clear the issue. pressed interest in buying the rights to feature g) AM NOT DISQUALIkED TO RUN BECAUSE THE DECI- his multi-awarded movies â&#x20AC;&#x153;Asiong Salonga,â&#x20AC;?

SION OF THE 3ANDIGANBAYAN IS NOT YET kNAL AND g%L 0RESIDENTE 4HE 'EN %MILIO !GUINALDO EXECUTORY u HE DECLARED Story,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boy Goldenâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Magnum Muslim Ejercito detailed he had paid for the P30,600- .357â&#x20AC;? on its service.

BAIL WHILE kLING FOR A -OTION FOR 2ECONSIDERAâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Lahat ng pelikula ko binenta ko sa .ETlIX tion at the Sandiganbayan.

Iba na kasi ang panahon ngayon. /VER THE TOP Asked why he is still bent on running for PLATFORM /44 na. Meron tayong iba-ibang governor despite the obstacles that keep coming STREAMING SERVICES u HE EXPLAINED g;4HE PRICE his way, Ejercito replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nasa lahi kasi namin is a] minimum $1 million per movie but Aguiang serbisyo publiko â&#x20AC;&#x201D; both father and mother NALDO ;FETCHES A= BIGGER ;AMOUNT= sides. Sa father side ko ang unang naging mayor â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also have a deal for SAF 44 after its regular sa amin ay si Feliciano Ejercito from Sorsogon. SHOWING SINCE THEY WANT A TRUE STORY AND ;A= CONTapos si President-Mayor Joseph Estrada, si Sen. TROVERSIAL ;ONE= !FTER THAT ;MY MOVIE PROJECTS= Jinggoy, Sen. Loi at Sen. JV. Tapos sa mother will be what my son is working on, the Pancho side ko mas marami pa. Pelayo kasi ako from 6ILLA THE BOXER STORY AND @"EN 4UMBLING Wala Aklan at Davao City. Ang lolo ko sa mother side kasing censorship sa /44 u HE ADDED naging governor ng Davao, si Pantaleon Pelayo.

The Manila Times Entertainment sought NetPanahon pa ng mga datu, sultan at mga Malay, lIX FOR CONkRMATION REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF hanggang sa ngayon nasa pulitika na ang angkan Ejercitoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movies and is still awaiting response namin.â&#x20AC;? he said. as of press time.

BY IZA IGLESIAS

Q Sam Milby, Yam Concepcion, Yen Santos and Jericho Rosales their vows. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so grateful to be part of a show like Halik that really had an impact on the audience and more so in our careers as actors,â&#x20AC;? added Rosales who plays the role of Lino in the series. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The last time something like this happened to me was 20 years ago with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pangako Saâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Yoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and to land such a project na tumatatak twice is really a blessing.â&#x20AC;?

Indeed, the series has made stars out of popular actors Rosales and Milbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading ladies Concepcion and Santos, and both actresses were teary-eyed with gratitude at the leap their careers took with Halik.

The numbers are proof of their success

via consistent national TV ratings, which hit an all-time high of 29.3 percent, which is a feat for its late night timeslot.

The series also broke records on ABS-CBNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s streaming service iWant TV and remains the most-watched show on the website.

Moreover, the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s producers proudly announced at the mediacon that Halik has also conquered the African territory, airing to positive reception in Tanzania since February.

With all the success of this original series, stay tuned to the very end to find out to whom these four seductive characters will give their last kiss.

TMA

Âťnewmedia

Atom et al â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Stand for Truthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tonight "2/!$#!34 journalist and multiawarded documentarist Atom Araullo crosses over to the world wide web today for the premiere of a weeknight online newscast titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stand for Truth,â&#x20AC;? along with political analyst Richard Heydarian and multi-slashie Joyce Pring.

Produced and reported by a young team for the young audience of new media, the 15-minuter will be livestreamed via GMA Public Affairsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; YouTube account and GMA .EWS /NLINE AND SHARED ON '-!

Networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s various social media sites.

Araullo will anchor the Stand for Truth from the middle of the GMA Social Media Hub and will also feature his news items as an active reporter.

Heydarian on the other hand is tasked to provide on-the-spot analysis of the biggest news of the day via a data-driven segment. A UP graduate of Political Science, Heydrian is a KNOWN EXPERT IN THE 3OUTH #HINA 3EA dispute and current affairs.

Finally, Pring will be in charge of

Ganda in the pack. Remember how Vice freaked out when Jinyoung gave a birthday video greet? â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is nice to know Vice Ganda is a big fan. I greeted him on his birthday and I got a lot of messages from fans all over the Internet. It went viral,â&#x20AC;? the cutie related.

Watch out for this anticipated +OREAN SERIES HIT .ETlIX ON !PRIL 18, with a a second season already on its way.

NNN 5NTIL NEXT WEEKĂ&#x153; 4A TAĂ&#x153;

Âťlights,camera,boto!

Âťtvlandia'slatest THE hottest foursome on primetime television â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Jericho Rosales, Yam Concepcion, Yen Santos and Sam Milbyâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are down to their last two weeks on air beginning today as more intense confrontations amp up the excitement in the highly-rated series, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Halik.â&#x20AC;?

Undeniably one of the most-talked about series since it first premiered in August 2018, Halik has built a strong fan base that consistently make the show a top-trending topic on social media almost every night. A story about infidelity, which is almost always a hit subject whether in soaps or the movies, Halik has been a favorite subject across Facebook and Instagram complete with memes with its â&#x20AC;&#x153;#nakaka-gigilâ&#x20AC;? scenes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll miss all the bashing,â&#x20AC;? the actors laughingly admitted at a media conference announcing the seriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; upcoming conclusion. They said every hit their fictional characters took was a confirmation of their convincing acting skills. Halikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story has followed the lives of childhood sweethearts Jacky and Lino who years later find themselves attracted to one another every if both are already married. The fast-paced soap has since seen them torn between fighting for their love or to be true to

our tastes. Jisoo starred in an indie kLM IN THE 0HILIPPINES BEFORE ENtitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seoul Matesâ&#x20AC;? and even has regular fan meets with his Filipino supporters. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why he knows a good amount of sweet phrases like â&#x20AC;&#x153;mahal kita,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;kinikilig,â&#x20AC;? and believe it or not â&#x20AC;&#x153;kilikili!â&#x20AC;?

Meanwhile, Jinyoung is also a KPop idol and is known to compose great songs. He is a member of the KPop group B1A4 that has quite a big following in the Philippines with no less than superstar comedian Vice

the music segment using the lan- former TV producer and lifestyle vlogguage and â&#x20AC;&#x153;hugotâ&#x20AC;? of this generation ger; Ardo Miravalles, a certified as she interview some of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public accountant specializing biggest bands and musicians in in media and entertainment; the country.

Darwin Quirino, CommuBesides the trio of media NICATIONS /FkCER FOR $EPARTpersonalities, a new breed of MENT OF &OREIGN !FFAIRS /FkCE young reporters will also take of Middle East and African Afthe spotlight on the format fairs; Manal Sugadol, a licensed namely Bhea Jeem DoEnglish teacher and former cyogen, an Igorot and administrative assistant radio disc jockey from Cotabato; Larize Lee, Chinese-Filipino from Baguio; Anand GMA Artist Centhony Esguerra, a multimedia terâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public relations EXECUTIVE %DUARD reporter and Faraon, a senior high fellow in New school campus jourMedia and nalist; and Jerald Uy, Journalism former TV reporter, at Ball State Road Safety AdvoU n i v e r s i t y, cate, and vlogger.

Indiana, USA; Stand for Truth Asmarie Labao, goes live at 8 pm a former forester via www.gmanetand DENR Inforwork.com/news and MATION /FkCER FROM Q Atom Araullo YouTube.

Marawi; Shai Lagarde,

D2

Funtimes

MONDAY April 15, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Solution to puzzle

» CROSSWORD

BY EUGENE SHEFFER

»HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (04/15/19). What you’re learning pays off this year. Maintain persistent routines for professional growth. Fall into a lucrative situation. Savor summer fun with family before a new career phase. Reach a professional peak next winter, leading to a new domestic plot twist. Explore and learn.

BY NANCY BLACK LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is a 5 -- Privacy and peace soothe and restore you. Review plans, and revise for current situations. Avoid travel or expense. Settle in to complete a project.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Make social plans. Prepare for events, meetings and gatherings by laying solid groundwork. Make reservations and arrangements. Stay objective in a tense situation.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Your work is in demand. Don’t get sidetracked. Avoid risky business, and stick to practical priorities. Plan actions before launching. Research before committing.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Organize and prepare your work. A professional challenge or objective requires careful planning. Resolve a sticky issue in the design phase. Save time and money.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Romance blossoms today and tomorrow. Think things over before acting. Get family aligned on the plan you’re considering. Strengthen foundational structures. Build for love.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Plan a vacation or trip. Work out the dates, schedule and itinerary. Do your homework for a wonderful experience. Spontaneity is fine, with backup options.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Discipline with planning and preparation supports your home renovation projects. It’s too early to tear things apart. Figure out where everything will go first.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Changes necessitate budget revisions. Strategize for maximum benefit. Collaborate and join forces. Keep things respectful and professional. Plug financial leaks. Values may get tested.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Edit your work before submitting. Consider the context and tone. Distractions abound. Focus to meet deadlines. Preparation and organization pay off in spades.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Review accounts and budgets before committing to new expenses or purchases. Monitor cash flow for positive growth. Organize for clarity. Avoid shortfalls through advanced planning.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Revise personal plans for shifting circumstances. Build strength to grow options. Selfdiscipline serves you well. Consider long-term visions. List steps to steadily create that new reality.

» SUDOKU

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is a 6 -- A partner’s opinion is important. Listen to another perspective on a shifting situation. Hold your commentary until you have all the facts.

Keep your promises.

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.

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

Expats&Diplomats

MONDAY April 15, 2019

D3

Denmark's way to reduce water use

BY JAN TOP CHRISTENSEN, AMBASSADOR OF DENMARK EARLY March, people from all social groups in Manila queued up for water, after services were unexpectedly cut-off. Labelled as one of the worst water crises in recent history, Manila experienced taps running dry for over three weeks for the customers of Manila Water â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the sole provider of water and wastewater services to more than six million people in the East Zone of Metro Manila. The company reportedly has a shortage of 140 million liters daily.

Looking into the factors of the water crisis in Manila: Infrastructure delays, rising demand and the dry spell shrinking supply at dams, both the government and private companies are scrambling to find short and long-term solutions to cover the need to access sufficient water sources.

The most popular proposal among the decision makers to resolve the crisis seems to be the Kaliwa Dam. This project was proposed many years ago, but had issues with financing as well as strong opposition from environmental groups and indigenous communities, which prevented its construction. What other solutions are there available? It may seem that finding new sources of water is the answer; however, the Philippines must also consider learning about how other countries tackled their water problems. Since water is already a scarce resource, finding new sources may not be the only solution.

Taking Denmark as an example, according to the organisation â&#x20AC;&#x153;State of Greenâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;in Denmark, total water consumption has dropped around 40 percent since 1980 due to a constant focus on water savings and water efficiency. The solution has been a combination of a strong political focus on reducing leakages in water pipes, introducing compulsory use of water meters and taxes for both water use and wastewater discharge as well as carrying out save-waterinformation campaigns and encouraging the use of water saving devicesâ&#x20AC;?.

The changes in Denmark did not happen overnight. The country continuously invests in research and development to produce cutting-edge technologies such as smart meters, district meters, water efficient and energy-saving pumps, as well as various rainwater and wastewater solutions. Successive governments have also addressed the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s limited natural resources through partnerships. The Danish water sector holds a long tradition of water utilities, technology providers, consulting companies and universities working together to promote integrated solutions for efficient and sustainable water management, benefitting customers and the society in general.

In 1998, the City of Copenhagen adopted a goal for water consumption. Household water consumption should be reduced from 132 litres to 110 litres per capita per day before 2010. For businesses, the target was 34 litres per capita per day. In 2010, household consumption was 108 litres per capita per day and for enterprises, consumption was 29 litres per capita per day. Water-saving toilets and individual water meters were also being promoted and the City of Copenhagen carried out a two-year campaign to motivate citizens to reduce household consumption. This

involved disseminating information on how to save water, given on websites, Facebook, fun runs, competitions and events in the city. Today, per capita consumption has been brought down to 104 liters. And less than 7 percent is lost in the network. It should be added that Danes usually drink water from the tap. No need for plastic bottled water.

In addition to that, a plan was adopted to provide financial support for the establishment of installations to replace drinking water extracted outside the City with water extracted within the City, from roofs, or, from wastewater purified through a UV filter. These measures help to protect the groundwater resources from where drinking water is extracted and to minimise energy consumption when transporting water into the city.

Around Denmark, parks have been built or redesigned in such a way that they also serve as rainwater catchment areas. TĂĽsinge Plads in Copenhagen is similar to most parks.

However, when there are heavy rains, there are flowerbeds that fill with water and wait to drain until the storm runoff subsides. There are upside-down umbrellas that collect water for plants. The landscaping directs storm water down into large underground water storage tanks. Above those tanks are bouncy floor panels that children love to jump onâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;when they do, the energy from their feet pumps water through the pipes below. Rabalder Park in Roskilde, Denmark, has a rainwater harvesting system that can store up to 23,000 cubic meters of storm water. In addition to the swings, trampolines, jogging and cycling trails, the park also features a huge concrete skate park. Rabalder Park is fully integrated into the local water canal system and built to hold rainwater in the event of flooding.

Awareness and understanding of the value of water is very weak in many countries and often the price for water does not cover the actual investment and operational costs. There is a need to transform behaviour towards how consumers value water. For decades, politicians and decision makers in Denmark have implemented public regulation and taxes, which proved to be important and effective tools for behavioural change. Regulation has required certified metering of all water consumption at consumer level in Denmark and have imposed high penalties on water utilities that do not reduce their NRW level to less than 10 percent through taxes, which apply to both water consumed and water lost.

In addition to finding other sources of water, the Philippines should also take a serious look at the many water reduction measures and efficiently use water saving campaigns. The Philippines and Denmark are similar in the sense that both countries have limited sources of water, such as groundwater, rainfall, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The difference lies in how those resources are utilized, maximized and managed.

In 2020, Copenhagen will be hosting the World Water Congress and Exhibition for the International Water Association.

This event will be a great opportunity for Philippine companies and authorities to further study Danish technologies and methodologies. However, the Embassy of Denmark in Manila would be happy to assist Philippine interests in getting in touch with Danish expertise already now.

Q Chinese Embassyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic and Commercial Counsellor Jin Yuan

Q The newly inaugurated drug rehabilitation center is a 150-bed capacity facility with an administration and clinic building. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

China-funded drug rehab center unveiled in Agusan del Sur A

CHINESE GOVERNMENT kNANCED DRUG TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER IN !GUSAN DEL 3UR WAS TURNED OVER TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT EARLY !PRIL The 6,750-square-meter facility on a three-hectare lot is the second Chinese government-aided drug rehabilitation center in the Philippines to support the Philippine governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anti-drug campaign. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a strong demonstration that the Chinese government will accomplish every commitment to help the Philippines, our friendly neighbor,â&#x20AC;? said Jin Yuan, Chinese embassyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic and Commercial Counsellor, adding that China firmly supports the Philippine governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort in improving its peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health.

The newly inaugurated drug rehabilitation center is a 150-bed capacity facility with an administration and clinic building. There is also a multi-purpose covered court, dormitory buildings, and visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house in the center. The whole project was undertaken by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).

The drug rehabilitation center project, which broke ground in February 2018, was initially expected to be completed within 21 months. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thanks to the cooperation between the two countries

and the hard-working of Chinese, local workers, the term shortened to nearly 13 months,â&#x20AC;? said Liu Wei, General Manager of CSCEC Philippine branch.

Around P540 million-worth of Philippine materials and equipment have been purchased and used in the drug rehabilitation center project, including construction materials, machinery, furniture and medical equipment, said Liu. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our construction company also hired more than 400 local workers and administrative staff to ensure that residents around the province benefit from the construction of the project, while the number of Chinese employees is only 35,â&#x20AC;? Liu added.

Roger Tong-An, the undersecre-

tary of the Philippine Department of Health, attended the inauguration and turn-over ceremony to unveil the facility along with #HINESE OFkCIALS â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the first drug rehab center in Agusan del Sur province.

Thank for the support from the Chinese government and we are really happy about this project,â&#x20AC;?

Tong-An said.

Edward Plaza, the governor of Agusan del Sur province, said this drug rehab center gives the local government a chance to solve the drug problem and to provide better help to the drug dependents in this province and provinces nearby. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would like to cooperate with our counterparts in DOH to address this issue,â&#x20AC;? he added.

US trains ombudsman investigators and prosecutors on carrying out cyber investigations THE US Embassy in the Philippines partnered with the Office of the Ombudsman to train 35 anti-graft investigators and prosecutors on cyber investigations and digital evidence.

The training was implemented through the US Department of *USTICE 53 $/* /FkCE OF /VERseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT) and covered the Rule on Cybercrime Warrants, digital media privacy, and digital forensics tools.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen delivered an IN DEPTH BRIEkNG ON PRIVACY IN digital media. The US DOJ Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) Cybercrime Laboratory Director and Senior Digital Investigative Analyst led a hands-on session on digital forensic tools using CCIPS teaching laptops that US DOJ brought TO THE 0HILIPPINES SPECIkCALLY FOR

Q The training of investigators and prosecutors will effectively counter public corruption using digital forensics. the training. Participants learned kRSTHAND HOW TO PRESERVE DIGITAL evidence, conduct basic digital analysis, and effectively present digital evidence in court.

US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission John Law opened the two-day WORKSHOP BY RECOGNIZING THE /FkCE

of the Ombudsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication to enhancing its cyber capabilities. g4HE /MBUDSMAN S /FkCE IS a strong partner and is showing a forward-thinking mindset in its efFORTS TO TRAIN ITS OFkCIALS ON DIGITAL forensics and constantly improve its investigative and prosecutorial

skills,â&#x20AC;? Law said.

Deputy Ombudsman for Visayas Paul Elmer Clemente noted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fighting corruption in the digital age demands new tools. Corrupt PUBLIC OFkCIALS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF new technologies and stringent privacy law to hide their illicit activities. The anti-cybercrime training provided by OPDAT has opened to Ombudsman investigators and prosecutors a digital toolbox for ensuring the successful detection, investigation, and prosecution of public corruption in the digital realm.â&#x20AC;?

4HIS IS THE kRST OF A PLANNED series to train investigators and prosecutors to effectively counter public corruption using digital forensics. It is part of the US Embassyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort, through OPDAT, to enhance Philippine justice sector capabilities to combat transnational crimes.

The untold story of Czechoslovak Bataan defenders THE representatives of Czech Embassy in Manila commemorated on April 9 the bravery and the dedication bestowed by soldiers and civilians who fought during the Second World War. Seventy-

seven years ago, Bataan, the last fortress that became the remaining stronghold of Allied forces in the region, fell into the hands of the Japanese forces.

Unbeknownst to many, this

Q Czech Ambassador Jana Ĺ edivĂĄ during the 77th commemoration rites held in Mt. Samat National Shrine.

period in Philippine history is in fact one of the crucial aspects in the long and deeply ingrained relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic (then Czechoslovakia, which split in the

Q Czech Embassy Economic and Defense Counselor Benjamin Žiga (right) with Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and Retiree Affairs, Reynaldo Mapagu of the Department of National Defense at the shrine in Capas, Tarlac. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Czech Republic and Slovakia only in 1993). Little did the Filipinos know that alongside their compatriots and the Americans who WERE kGHTING FOR THE 0HILIPPINES

14 Czechoslovak nationals were battling with them and defending the freedom of the country that was not theirs.

The Czechoslovak nationals who volunteered were mostly employees OF THE "ATA 3HOE #OMPANY THE kRST Czech investment in the Philippines, before the outbreak of the war in the country. Karel Aster, the last Czech defender of Bataan who passed on 2017, said in one of his letters on sufferings during the war, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The conditions were so terrible it is hard for me to describe themâ&#x20AC;?. His letters also revealed the motivation to join the Allied forces: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fighting for the Philippines at that time WAS LIKE kGHTING FOR THE LIBERTY OF Czechoslovakia, which became the German protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia during the war.â&#x20AC;?

Aside from the Bata Shoe employees, the other volunteers were staff of the Honorary Consulate of Czechoslovakia, which opened in

Q Some of the Czechoslovak veterans who volunteered to fight with Filipino and American soldiers during the Second World War. Manila in 1927. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not a known history but this is something that we are proud of and we always look back, remembering the deep ties of the Philippines and the Czech Republic,â&#x20AC;? said Ambassador Jana Ĺ edivĂĄ. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The formidable valor shown by the Czechoslovak nationals WHO VOLUNTEERED TO kGHT WITH THE Filipino and American forces is an emulation worthy of commemoration,â&#x20AC;? she added.

As part of the observation of the Araw ng Kagitingan, Ambassador

Ĺ edivĂĄ joined the commemoration rites at Mt. Samat National Shrine on April 9 where she laid a wreath in remembrance of those who fought and died during the war including the Czechoslovak nationals. Similarly, Economic and Defense Counsellor, BenjaMIN Ă°IGA JOINED THE TOLLING OF THE bells in Capas, Tarlac on April 10, and visited the memorial shrine of the seven Czechoslovak nationals who passed away in the war either during the Bataan Death March or at the Japanese prison camp.

MONDAY M O N DAY AAPRIL P RIL 15, 2019

Lifestyle

D4

www.manilatimes.net

Vamos Amos!

F

Q Danny and Dorene Uy, Amos and Michelle Garcia

AMILY and close friends of Michelle Garcia and Ariel Arce got together for the christening and dedication of their bundle of joy, Amos. Marriottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cluster director of marketing communications and the big guy behind Arce Dairy pulled out all the stops for a memorable and one-of-a-kind baptismal event for their three-month old son.

Q Ella Pangilinan, Jun Parreno and Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan

Q Joel Cruz with Amos

The ceremony was held at the St. Therese Church in Pasay City and afterwards, family members and guests proceeded to the adjacent Marriott Grand Ballroom where its Diplomatic Hall was transformed into a blue-and-white wonderland straight out of Willy Wonkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chocolate factory.

Garcia entrusted the venue styling to Teddy Manuel, who combined old world elegance and sophistication with a touch of childlike whimsy. The space was covered in strips of silk fabric gathered around a stunning spherical

Q Michelle Tan, Krizette Chu, Carla del Prado, Cecil Infantado and Hera Gereine

Q Marriottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diplomatic Hall was styled by Teddy Manuel.

Q Tim Yap and Javi Martinez

chandelier. The stage area bore the name â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amosâ&#x20AC;? in blue and in front of a white love-seat â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the perfect area for picture-taking. Several long tables that seated 20 to 30 guests were festooned with babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BREATH AND OTHER WHITE lOWERS

gathered on top of tall crystal centerpieces by Bella Banquets.

After a short prayer led by the proud mom, attendants opened the doors to an adjoining room, where an amazing buffet spread awaited guests. There was a complete salad; freshly cooked pasta; a carving station featuring US

HI! SOCIETY BECKY GARCIA

Q Garcia, Amos, Dennis Arce, Discover Group CEO Jun Parreno, Ren Cayetano, Sebastian Lacson, Edwin Arce and Jimmy Pascual

Q Nico Bacani, Kaycee Reyes-Bacani, Krizette Chu, (seated) Ariel Arce, Garcia and Arnel Patawan

prime rib; a selection of Filipino-themed mains, including a full lechon from Elarz; a juice and fruit bar where refreshing shakes were whipped up upon request; as well as a tantalizing array of charcuterie and cheeses.

There was also wine courtesy of Emperador Distillers and, for the piece de resistance, a bountiful dessert table dressed in bespoked balloons from Crafting Rainbows. Guests were treated to carrot cupcakes, blueberry macarons, salted egg cheesecakes shaped like cracked salted eggs, chocolate lollicakes, white blueberry chocolate TRUFlES BLUE SABLE COOKIES AND A CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN /F COURSE A DOZEN lAVORS OF !RCE $AIRY ICE cream were available too!

Guests included former Miss Universe Margie Moran, Annabelle Rama, Joel Cruz, and many more were treated to the sounds of the Spirit of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;67 band for entertainment. It was truly an unforgettable evening in celebration of young Amos, who is fortunate to have two loving parents.

Q Garcia and Amos, Phoemela Baranda, Arlene Sutton, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Mayenne Carmona and Linda Ley

Q Victor Ley, Gus Mathat, JJ Arvisu, Marriott Executive Chef Meik Brammer, Rambo Arce

Sunday, pup day!

IT was a dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world at the Skypark of SM Aura Premier when the #SundayPupdayMarket fair which highlighted the latest paw-some treats, side by side with talks on how to better take care of manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend.

Andrea Aspuria, a pet specialist from Nexgard Spectra, shared some tips on Puppy Health 101. Aspuria stressed the importance scheduling regular visits to the vet along with consultations for the best vaccination program.

Asian Kennel Club Union of the Philippines Inc. (AKCUPI) President Jester Ong

Chuan, on the other hand, encouraged all pet parents to have their fur babies registered to an accredited dog breed association. He added that training dogs to be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;showâ&#x20AC;? dog will give pet owners a chance to build stronger bonds with them.

Then, style took center stage when Adrian Cabuhat â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who recently won second place at the New York Pet Fashion Show â&#x20AC;&#x201D; shared his design inspirations for his entry to the international pet fashion show. He also encouraged paw parents to dress up their dogs and

develop their own style.

Furdads and furmoms enjoyed exciting discounts and freebies from participating booths, and the chance to get tickets for the movie screening of â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way Homeâ&#x20AC;? at SM Cinemas.

The Sunday Pupday Market event was held in partnership with SM Cinema, AKCUPI, and Hound Haven with other pawsome partners Ezydog, Pedigree, Kleen Kenel, Muddy Paws, Nexgard Spectra, Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Protection, Saint Roche, Nutram, Pupkits and Sleeky.

Q New York Pet Fashion Show Second Placer Adrian Cabuhat and Coco Chanel.

Q Nexgard Spectra Vet Dr. Andrea Aspuria gave a talk on Puppy Health 101.

Q Hound Haven Chief Marketing Officer Addi Dela Cruz with Chika, an 11-year old Belgian Malanois who is a retired explosive detector for the Philippine Army.

Q Pups and as well as their owners had a grand time with fun games and activities.

Q Yasha, Caela and Julia Manlogon with Yorkies Bailey and Hailey.

Q Pearlyn Cho and Don Jansen got treats from Pet Express.

Q AKCUPI President Jester Ong Chuan encouraged pet parents to groom their dogs to be a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;show dog.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

A SYMBOLIC LIGHTS-OFF EVENT.

Organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest movement for the environment.

Its main event was held this year at Circuit Makati with the theme #Connect2Earth whike advocating the #AyokoNgPlastik movement as a way to begin changing the planet for the better. Present were WWFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental ambassadors and allies: (from left) model and host, Rovilson Fernandez; mountaineer and first Filipina to complete the Seven Summits quest, Carina Dayondon; physicist and Miss Earth 2017, Karen Ibasco; child actress, Xia Vigor; celebrity couple, Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez; influencer and singer, Frankie Pangilinan; model and host, Marc Nelson. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

Q Mallows found her home with Era Noriega and Leo Hernandez.