The Manila Times | May 16, 2019

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

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Villar continues to lead partial, unofficial count Comelec halts payment of P1.4B due agency, three others REELECTIONIST senator Cynthia Villar continued to lead the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting’s 00#26 UNOFkCIAL COUNT AS OF 7EDNESday afternoon.

She had 24,764,666 votes as 5:01 p.m., ahead of fellow reelectionist senator Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares (21,643,922) and former presidential aide Christopher

BY WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL

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HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will withhold some P1.4 billion due to suppliers, including the governMENT OWNED .ATIONAL 0RINTING /FkCE .0/ FOLLOWING problems that marred the May 13 midterm polls.

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With a court challenge, Senate tally will change dramatically La esperanza muere ultima.

(Hope dies last.)

SEA DRILL

This photo taken on May 14, 2019 shows US coastguard ship Bertholf maneuvering during a joint search and rescue drill with its Philippine counterpart near the Scarborough shoal. Two Philippine coastguard ships, BRP Batangas and Kalanggaman and US coastguard cutter Bertholf participated in the exercise, as two Chinese coastguard ships monitor from a distance. AFP PHOTO

OBSERVER YEN MAKABENTA

— United farm worker First word HE Senate race is not yet over.

There’s still hope for those who are trailing closely in the election count.

4HE NAMES OF THE kNAL WINNING SENAtorial candidates could still change in a major way. ÂłMakabentaA4

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Anger, depression and humor after Otso’s loss

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M I D t h e looming shut-out of the Otso Diretso senatorial slate of the opposition Liberal Party (LP), its supporters vented online their dismay over the May 13 elections. ÂłSaludoA5

REPUBLIC SERVICE RICARDO SALUDO

1. VILLAR, Cynthia 2. POE, Grace 3. GO, Bong 4. CAYETANO, Pia 5. DELA ROSA, Ronald 6. ANGARA, Sonny 7. LAPID, Lito 8. MARCOS, Imee 9. TOLENTINO, Francis 10. REVILLA, Bong 11. PIMENTEL, Koko 12. BINAY, Nancy 13. EJERCITO, JV 14. AQUINO, Bam 15. ESTRADA, Jinggoy 16. ROXAS, Mar 17. OSMEĂ‘A, Serge 18. ONG, Willie 19. MANGUDADATU, Zajid 20. MANICAD, Jiggy

24,764,666 21,643,922 20,109,888 19,364,079 18,483,330 17,802,992 16,647,314 15,536,314 15,120,250 14,316,445 14,311,742 14,265,194 14,026,126 13,913,971 11,140,982 9,680,463 9,278,604 7,410,900 7,245,885 6,765,789

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COMELEC TOLD TO LOOK INTO NEW WAYS, BETTER SYSTEMS

ELECTION OFkCIALS SHOULD CONSIDER OVERHAULING PROcurement procedures and even the voting system itself given glitches that marred the May 13 polls, a watchdog SAID ON 7EDNESDAY The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting 00#26 WHICH IS CONDUCTING A PARALLEL AND UNOFkCIAL count, said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would do well to look into “new ways� and “better systems�.

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N the IN MY LINE 1987 OF SIGHT and 1988 elections, all the candidates whose hands were raised by President Cory Aquino won. ÂłTulfoA5

RAMON T. TULFO

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What’s inside VOTERS DO NOT KNOW OTSO BETS – MACALINTAL NewsA2 SURVEYS AND ELECTION RESULTS

Lady Eagles, Golden Tigresses set for winner-take-all match ATENEO de Manila University (AdMU) forced a winner-take-all match after trouncing University of Sto. Tomas (UST), 26-24, 14-25, 25-21, 25-15, in Game 2 of Season 81 University

Antonio ContrerasA4

WITH MILLENNIAL BAND MEMBERS

HIMAYA MUSIC RELATABLE ACROSS AUDIENCES

EntertainmentD4

Athletic Association of the Philippines 5!!0 WOMEN S VOLLEYBALL kNALS ON 7EDNESDAY AT THE -ALL OF !SIA !RENA in Pasay City.

Down a game in the best-of-three

series, the Lady Eagles went back to their solid defense to repel the Golden Tigresses’ attacking arsenal and forge a title decider.

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SportsC3

Partial, unofficial results of Senatorial race as of 5:01 p.m. May 15, 2019

For more election updates and results visit

The fall of the Estrada, Binay and Eusebio dynasties

TIGER, KOEPKA HUNT MORE MAJOR GLORY IN PGA AT BETHPAGE

SENATORIAL RACE

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Hino Motors Philippines (HMP) Corp., in partnership with The Manila Times, turns over a brand new Hino passenger van to provide logistics support to the operations of the publishing company.

In photo are HMP President Mitsuharu Tabata (left) and Chairman Vicente Mills Jr. (right), turning over the symbolic key to the Times Publisher-Editor Nerilyn Tenorio during rites at the motor company’s assembly center in the Canlubang Industrial Estate in Calamba City, Laguna on Tuesday, May 14. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

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THURSDAY May 16, 2019

‘Super corals’ give glimmer of hope for world’s dying reefs

OVERSEAS BALLOTS

Election officials inspect ballots cast by Filipinos in various posts abroad as the Commission on Elections continues to canvass votes at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Voters do not know Otso bets – Macalintal A

BY GLEE JALEA

DAY a f t e r c o n c e d i n g d e f e a t i n t he m i d t e r m p o l l s, O t s o Diretso Senate candidate Romulo Macalintal said part of their uphill battle during the campaign period was overcoming lack of voter’s awareness and getting known.

g7ELL talagang wala kaming magagawa (we can’t do anything).

At least ‘yung mga sikat na sikat sa amin (the famous among us), si Mr. Mar Roxas at tsaka si Sen. Bam Aquino [ may advantage], pero ‘yung six na natitira (the six remaining) we had to struggle hard,� Macalintal said in a news BRIEkNG IN -ANILA ON 7EDNESDAY Of the Otso Diretso bets, only reelectionist Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam�

Aquino 4th has higher chances of getting into the winner’s circle, after CLIMBING TO THE TH SPOT ON 7EDNESday, with 12,335,274 votes based on THE PARTIAL AND OFkCIAL RESULTS FROM THE Commission on Elections (Comelec). )N THE UNOFkCIAL TALLY OF ELECtion results, Aquino ranked 14th (13,722,749), the closest spot to the “Magic 12� for the opposi-

tion slate.

Former Interior secretary Manuel “Marâ€? Roxas 2nd took the 16th spot with 9,548,553 votes in the UNOFkCIAL TALLY Meanwhile, the six other candidates were at the 21st to 29th spot with human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chelâ€? Diokno at the 21st, Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano at the 23rd, Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc at the 25th, Macalintal at the 26th, former House Deputy Speaker Erin TaĂąada at the 27th, and former solicitor general Florin Hilbay at the 29th spot.

Macalintal admitted that part of their strategy to gain further traction was to engage in public debates held by numerous media networks — a move that was

considered unnecessary by most administration-backed candidates who have dominated the “Magic 12� so far.

Even survey results from Pulse Asia Research Inc. and Social 7EATHER 3TATIONS ON CANDIDATES most likely to win were dominated by administration candidates like Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald “Bato� de la Rosa. “Kami hindi rin talaga nakikilala. Kailangan pa po talaga ‘yung awareness. ‘Di pa rin po sanay ang ating mga botante na magaral ng mga kandidato. ‘Di pa sila handang pag-aralan mga buhay ng mga kandidato 7E WERE REALLY NOT widely known. There really needs to be a sense of awareness. Voters still are not used to researching about candidates and learn about their lives),� Macalintal noted.

Otso Diretso candidates banked mostly on efforts of volunteers and key supporters who campaigned on their behalf.

Meanwhile, Makabayan Senate candidate Neri Colmenares refused TO CONCEDE DEFEAT 7EDNESDAY DUE TO “unfair� electoral processes. “It would have been easy to concede had I lost in a fair and

honest elections. But this year’s elections were hardly fair or honest,� he said.

Colmenares placed 24th in the PARTIAL AND UNOFkCIAL TALLY OF THE Comelec with 4,588,758 votes as OF 7EDNESDAY The senatorial bet cited the distribution of “black propaganda� materials by the PNP in various polling precincts on election day against progressive groups such as Bayan Muna, linking them to the New People’s Army.

He also said he had seen how government resources were used to promote pro-administration candidates, especially those favored by President Rodrigo, and how rules were violated including vote-buying, with the Comelec turning a blind eye.

Colmenares also cited the unprecedented failures in vote counting machines and SD cards, which caused the delay of transmission of data indicating results of the midterm polls.

Around 400 to 600 vote counting machines (VCMs) malfunctioned on Monday, thrice the number of 188 VCMs which were replaced in the 2016 elections and potentially disenfranchised 500,000 voters.

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Villar continues to lead partial, unofficial count “Bong� Go who breached the 20 million mark with 20,109,888 votes.

Rounding out the top six — who will get six-year terms — were House Deputy Speaker Pilar Juliana “Pia� Cayetano (19,364,079), former Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Bato� dela Rosa (18,483,330) and reelectionist senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny�

Angara (17,802,992).

The rest of the “Magic 12� slots and the corresponding three-year terms are currently being held by

former senator Manuel “Lito� Lapid (16,647,314), Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee� Marcos (15,536,314 ), former Metro Manila Development Authority chief Francis Tolentino (15,120,250), former senator Ramon “Bong� Revilla Jr. (14,316,445), and reelectionist senators Aquilino “Koko� Pimentel 3rd (14,311,742) and Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay (14,265,742).

The same names occupied 1st to 6th in the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) partial and

OFkCIAL COUNT AS OF P M 4UESday evening.

Villar had 4,0924,54 votes, followed by Poe (3,650,288), G o ( 3 , 2 9 3 , 3 41 ) , C aye t a n o (3,251,819), dela Rosa (3,128,061) and Angara (3,022,955).

Occupying 7th to 12th, meanwhile, were Marcos (2,850,643), Tolentino, (2,584,833), Lapid (2,520,316), Pimentel (2,439,571), Binay (2,366,035), and reelectionist senator Benigno “Bam� Aquino 4th (2,335,724).

7ITH

VOTES MEANwhile, the Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support partylist (ACT-CIS) remained atop the party-list race based on the PPCRV count, followed by Bayan Muna (1,096,733) and Ako Bicol (1,042,549).

Citizens’ Battlecry Against Corruption (CIBAC) was fourth with 914,300 votes and Ang ProbinSYANO WAS kFTH WITH VOTES ARIC JOHN SY CUA, WILLIAM DEPASUPIL

TOKYO: Hawaiian “super corals� that have recovered despite living in warm and acidic water offer a glimmer of hope that dying reefs across the world could be saved, a new study says.

The research suggests that the gloomiest climate change picture of a world without the kaleidoscope underwater habitats could still be avoided, according to lead author Christopher Jury. “It’s unfortunately but inevitably true that things are going to get worse for reefs over the next 20-30 years, but that doesn’t mean it’s unstoppable,� said Jury, a postdoctoral researcher at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. “We can still turn this thing around and end up getting back to better than what we have today within a reasonable timeframe,� he told Agence France-Presse.

Coral reefs cover less than 1 percent of the ocean bed but support around 30 percent of all known marine life.

But they are suffering, with stressors, including the warmer and more acidic oceans caused by climate change, as well as other human-made pressures including pollution and overfishing.

The UN’s intergovernmental panel on climate change warned last year that just 1.5 Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) of global warming could see 70-90 percent of Earth’s coral reefs vanish.

But Jury’s research shows that it is possible for coral to survive and even thrive in waters that are warmer and more acidic than where coral usually lives.

Rapid recovery He studied coral reefs in Hawaii’s Kane’ohe Bay that were devastated between the 1930s and 1970s by urbanization, dredging, coastal development and the discharge of sewage.

By the early 1970s, shallow coral cover across the bay had decreased by more than 70 percent on average, and by more than 95 percent in the southern bay, nearest the sewage output.

But in the late 1970s, the sewage was diverted and the coral began to recover rapidly.

That happened despite the fact that Kane’ohe Bay has warmer and more acidic waters than are typically found in the area.

In fact, the conditions in the bay are what other parts of Hawaii could see in the decades ahead if climate change continues apace.

outcome of the elections had the Comelec not found the errors and halted distribution of the VIS, she added. “The numbering of candidates was wrong,� Guanzon said. “I would also have to check if the errors were unintentional or deliberate.�

At P4 each for 61 million voter’s information sheets, the Comelec

was to have paid the NPO a total of P244 million.

Another P158.8 million and P22.6 million to be paid to marking pen supplier Triplex Enterprises Inc. and the secure digital (SD) memory card provider, a joint venture between S1 Technologies Inc. and the Silicon Valley Computer Group, will also be withheld pending a

These corals appeared to be naturally able to survive in a climate that is usually hostile.

The recovery was a combination of both growth in remaining coral but also “recruitment,� where larval coral floating along like seeds in the wind find a suitable environment and “settle.�

Jury said it appeared that the larval coral came from both the bay but also other areas in Hawaii and that so-called “super corals� likely exist in many other places.

But elsewhere, under conditions that are cooler and less acidic, these corals don’t thrive. “Our thinking is that this bay is giving us a glimpse into the future where the corals that are at a disadvantage today have the advantage tomorrow,� Jury said.

It is too early to say whether these “super corals� could recolonize devastated reefs elsewhere, and Jury stressed that the findings were not cause for complacency. “Even the very tough corals from Kane’ohe Bay die under the temperatures they’ll see in a few decades if we don’t substantially reduce climate change,� he warned.

And the survival of “super corals� also depends on reducing other stressors, like pollution. “If we take the necessary steps now then we will begin to see this reestablishment by corals during our lifetime, and our children and grandchildren will be able to witness the recovery of coral reefs during theirs because we make the decision that reefs are worth saving,� he said.

AFP

Comelec told to look into The poll body has blamed procurement laws for fostering incompatibilities that led to numerous MACHINE FAILURES !N OFkCIAL ALSO claimed that lowest bid contract awards led to the delivery of lowquality products. g7HAT ARE THE NEW WAYS OF elections? Are there better systems?� PPCRV chairman Myla Villanueva asked.

The Comelec should also expand its options by accepting more bids, she said, but qualified that prospective suppliers should be vetted for international experience.

Filipinos, Villanueva said, “still want automation but we

Election contract violated by National Printing Office million it is owed.

The NPO, meanwhile, allegedly subcontracted the printing of voter’s information sheets (VIS) in violation of Commission on Audit rules, Comelec commissioner Rowena Guanzon said.

The sub-contractee, identified as the Holy Family Printing Press, also committed mistakes that could have affected the

‘Glimpse into the future’

Q SYSTEM FROM A1

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The bulk of the money to be withheld was to go to Nextix Inc., the supplier of the voters REGISTRATION VERIkCATION MACHINES (VRVMs) that were pilot-tested on Monday.

Reported failures that prompted election officials to resort TO MANUAL IDENTIkCATION MEAN the company will not be immediately receiving the P987.1

And those conditions are not usually favorable for coral.

But in Kane’ohe Bay, simply removing the sewage output allowed the coral to recover to between 50-90 percent cover, “among the highest reported for any reefs in the Hawaiian Islands,� says the study published Wednesday in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences journal.

The key, said Jury, was that the coral populations in Kane’ohe Bay “naturally harbour a lot of ‘super corals’, which can thrive in moderately warmer, more acidic conditions.�

So once the sewage pollution was removed, those “super corals� swiftly “came in and drove the reefs to a rapid recovery.�

review of their contracts, Guanzon said. “Bleeding� pens forced the Comelec to distribute replacements days before the polls were held.

On election day itself, meanwhile, numerous vote counting machines (VCMs) malfunctioned, allegedly due to lowquality SD cards.

On Tuesday, the Comelec re-

need to make sure that all options are considered.�

The PPCRV chief also questioned the delayed transmission of results from the Comelec transparency server, along with subsequent DATA lUCTUATIONS THAT HAD RAISED cheating concerns. g7E ARE ASKING ALL THE QUESTIONS the public is asking but we are escalating our questions ‌ because we want to know,� she said.

The Comelec has blamed a “Java ERRORu FOR THE DATA lUCTUATIONS BUT did not provide details.

0OLL OFkCIALS ON 7EDNESDAY SAID they were open to an independent audit of the transparency server.

CATHERINE MODESTO

ported that 961 VCMs and 1,665 SD cards had to be replaced, higher than the 801 and 201, respectively, recorded during the 2016 presidential elections.

3TILL OFkCIALS SAID THAT THE DEFECtive VCMs accounted for such 1.1 percent of the 85,769 used while the damaged SD cards comprised 4.9 percent of the total. .0/ OFkCIALS AND REPRESENTAtives of Nextix, Triplex and the S1 and Silicon Valley joint venture were not immediately available for comment.

News

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THURSDAY May 16, 2019

A3

Passage of anti-terror bill pushed S

BY JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

ENATE President Vicente Sotto 3rd on Wednesday stressed the need for the immediate passage of the bill that seeks to strengthen the Human Security Act amid reports that Islamic State jihadists are seeking to extend their presence in the Philippines. “It is imperative that we pass it within the remaining session days of the current 17th Congress,�

Sotto said.

He said martial law, which is being implemented in Mindanao, is not enough to prevent terrorism. “The martial law we have now

is a far cry from the old martial law of the 1935 Constitution. Tiger noong araw, pusa na lang ngayon; may lagnat pa ‘yung pusa,� (The tiger then is now a mere cat with a fever),� he added.

The Senate chief said he has called members of the majority bloc to a lunch meeting on May 20, Monday to tackle, among othERS THE PASSAGE OF SIGNIkCANT BILLS AWAITING THE CHAMBER S kNAL APproval.

He said he would also talk to Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon before they convene for the

resumption of the regular session of the 17th Congress on Monday.

Sotto said the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act has to be passed to boost the Human Security Act. “Human Security Act natin parang kakampi sa terrorists e.

Sobrang maluwag e, di ba? (The Human Security Act seems to favor to the terrorists. It’s too loose, right?),� he said.

The proposed Anti-Terrorism Act, or Senate Bill 1956, was filed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson in August.

Under the bill, the term “ter-

rorist acts� instead of “terrorism� is used to remove the requirement of the acts being perpetrated for the purpose of coercing the govERNMENT TO GIVE IN TO A SPECIkC demand. “This has the effect of punishing the act of committing crimes that sow widespread extraordinary fear and panic, and not the purpose behind the commission of such acts,� said Lacson, chairman of the Senate public order and illegal drugs committee.

He said the bill also penalizes foreign terrorists, including those

who travel to a state other than their state of residence to commit or organize terrorist acts; and those residing abroad who come to the Philippines in transit to commit or take part in terrorist acts to target countries.

Lacson said the bill makes it clear that terrorist acts shall exclude legitimate exercises of the freedom of expression and right to peaceably assemble, “where a person does not have the intention to use or urge the use of force or violence or cause harm to others.�

LEGARDA WINS HOUSE SEAT SEN. Loren Legarda was proclaimed representative of the lone district of Antique after resoundingly trouncing her opponent, former governor and congressman Exequiel Javier.

The outgoing senator swept votes in all of the province’s 18 towns, getting 199,187 votes against Javier’s 69,716 votes.

Javier sought to replace his son, incumbent congressman Paolo Javier, who was defeated in the gubernatorial race by Rhodora Cadiao. It was the first time in 32 years that no member of the Javier clan won an election. “I thank all AntiqueĂąos who voted for me, especially those who supported me from the start. This victory is not for me alone, but for Antique and the AntiqueĂąos. Now that the election is over, we should start working togeth-

er. I extend my hand to every AntiqueĂąo — let us unite to defeat the real enemy, which is poverty,â€? said Legarda.  “We are determined to do more in Antique in the next three years than has been done in the last 30 years, and prove that every province has the potential to bring prosperity to its people,â€? she added. “I ran for Congress to bring my two decades of Senate work to the grassroots, and make Antique a role model for sustainable development for the rest of the country.â€?  This is Legarda’s first foray in local politics, being at the end of her second consecutive term in the Senate.

Legarda served as senator for 18 years, championing causes such as environmental protection, sustainable development, and women and children’s rights.

JOSE JAVIER ISMAEL

RANDOM AUDIT

Public school teachers process ballots during the random manual audit of votes at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

The random audit is being held by the Commission on Elections, Legal Network for Truthful Elections and Philippine Statistics Authority.

PHOTO BY ENRIQUE AGCAOILI

Returning trash shipment to Canada faces delay RETURNING tons of garbage to Canada would face some delay because the processing of the needed documents would take time, MalacaĂąang said on Wednesday.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said Canada had until May 15 to take back the trash shipment.

However, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said there would be a slight delay in shipping back the garbage because of documentation.

Panelo said that shipping might start in two or three weeks. “If the delay is only slight, the President is a reasonable man. What is

Senators pledge support for Sotto A number of senators on Wednesday said Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd continues to enjoy the backing of his colleagues, and those who plan to replace him would have to contend with the “macho� and “seatmates� blocs. “As far as I’m concerned our SP (Senate President) still has strong trust and confidence of all the reelectionists coming back to the Senate, plus a solid number of those remaining,� Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said in a text message. “I’m not sure who wants to make A GO FOR IT BUT DEkNITELY A COMBINED bloc of the ‘seatmates’ and ‘macho’ bloc is a group to contend with,� he added.

Zubiri said the macho bloc is composed of Sotto and Senators 0ANkLO ,ACSON AND 'REGORIO (ONAsan 2nd.

The “seatmates� bloc is composed of Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Joel Villanueva, Richard Gordon, and reelectionist senators Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, Juan Edgardo “Sonny�

Angara, Joseph Victor “JV� Ejercito and Cynthia Villar. “[Reelectionist Sen. Mary] Grace [Poe] is close to SP, too,� Zubiri said. “There is no talk of leadership change guys. As far as most of the seatmates are concerned, we’re supporting SP Sotto,� he added.

Sotto said a change in leadership would depend on senators. “I leave it to my colleagues. I only serve at their pleasure. I have

only been hearing unconditional support from some of my peers. But then again, it’s up to the majority [bloc] to support or not support the present leadership,� he said in a text message.

Lacson also expressed support to Sotto. “SP Sotto’s presidency is stable as he has shown very good leadership qualities, having consistently taken the cudgels for the senators both from the majority and minority on many occasions. How he dealt with the 2019 national budget is a kNE EXAMPLE OF HIS GRIT AND GUTS IN HANDLING SUCH DIFkCULT SITUATIONS u he said. “Sen. [Cynthia] Villar already stated that she’s not interested in the Senate presidency and we must leave it at that,� he added.

Sotto on Wednesday gave assurances that the Senate would remain “independent.� “I am sure the Senate will remain independent and I will endeavor to keep it that way if our leadership remains intact. I believe the incoming senators will be aware of this importance,� he said.

He issued the statement as partial and unofficial results of the senatorial race showed that majority of those who will be proclaimed senators are allied with the administration.

Once proclaimed, the 12 winning candidates will be added to the majority bloc in the Senate.

BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO AND JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

Pope appoints new Malolos bishop

important is they will take back their waste,� he said.

He added that it was just right for Canada to shoulder all the expenses. “They should pay for it. All the penalties, it should be thrown to them,� he said.

In 2013 and 2014, 103 shipping containers of garbage declared as scrap plastics

were sent to the Philippines from Canada.

Twenty-six of the containers were dumped ON A PRIVATE LANDkLL IN 4ARLAC Duterte, in a speech last month, said he would declare war against Canada if it would not take back the tons of trash it dumped into the country.

POPE Francis has named Cebu AuxRALPH EDWIN U. VILLANUEVA iliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo as the new bishop of Malolos diocese in Bulacan, succeeding the late bishop Jose Oliveros.

The appointment of Villarojo, 52, was announced on May 14 by the are aimed at ensuring freedom erations to challenge Beijing’s Apostolic Nunciature in Manila, acvast claims in the sea, often cording to the Catholic Bishops’ Conof navigation.

The US will, however, ensure angering China. ference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) After last week’s sail-by, a news service cbcpnews.net. that communications with Beijing remain open to prevent any foreign ministry spokesman The CBCP News said Villarojo untoward incidents, he added. said “the Chinese side express- WOULD BE THE kFTH TO HEAD THE -ALOLOS “I really value the channel es strong dissatisfaction and diocese, which was bereft of a prelate of communication that I have resolute opposition� to the US since Oliveros died a year ago, with Shen Jinlong,� he told re- action.

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco But Richardson insisted the was in charge of the Malolos diocese porters, referring to his Chinese patrols were routine. counterpart. until Villarojo’s appointment. “We just recently visited Chi“We haven’t done anything The newly appointed Cebu-born na, we had a chance to get to increasingly provocative or bishop was ordained on June 10,1994, know each other, understand anything else that we would not after earning a philosophy degree at each other more thoroughly. do anywhere else in the world,� San Carlos College Seminary of Cebu. “We can continue to advo- he said.

From 1994 to 2010, he served as the cate that while we may not see Beijing has built artificial is- assistant of the late Cardinal Ricardo things the same in all parts of lands and military installations Vidal of the Archdioces of Cebu, takthe world, we’ve got to work in the South China Sea, includ- ing time in between to complete a through those differences in a ing on the Spratlys. degree in theology at the University way that doesn’t boil over into China claims nearly all of the of Santo Tomas in Manila and a docconflict.� sea, but Taiwan, the Philippines, TORATE FROM THE 0ONTIkCAL 5NIVERSITY The US Navy regularly con- Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all of the Holy Cross in Rome. ducts freedom of navigation op- claim parts of it.

AFP CATHERINE A. MODESTO

‘China tensions should not boil over’ SINGAPORE: The US navy chief said Wednesday he did not want maritime tensions with China to “boil over,� a week after Washington’s latest challenge to Beijing’s territorial claims in contested waters.

Beijing said last week two American warships sailed near disputed islands in the South China Sea without permission, prompting the Chinese Navy to ask them to leave.

The ships entered waters adjacent to Gaven and Chigua reefs in the Spratly Islands, which Beijing calls Nansha, o n M ay 6 , C h i n a ’s f o r e i g n ministry said.

Speaking on the sidelines of a maritime security conference in Singapore, Admiral John Richardson said Washington will continue such operations which

Demolition of a cultural property Dear PAO, I was able to purchase an old house declared as a world heritage site. I am planning to demolish the house and construct a new one for my restaurant business. Will I violate any law?

Alisa Dear Alisa, The law that addresses your situation is Section 48 (a), Article VIII, of the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009�: “Section 48. Prohibited Acts.

DEAR PAO

PERSIDA ACOSTA - To the extent that the offense is not punishable by a higher punishment under another provision of law, violations of this Act may be made by whoever intentionally: xxx

“(a) Destroys, demolishes, mutilates or damages any world heritage site, national cultural treasures, important cultural property and archaeological and anthropological sites;�

It is clear from the cited provision that demolishing a structure CLASSIkED AS A WORLD HERITAGE SITE IS illegal. In your situation, you may be apprehended and penalized if you will demolish the above-mentioned property you purchased.

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 Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net

A4

Opinion

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

˜ The Manila Times

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E d i to r i a l Fix the Psalm accounts once and for all

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(% $EPARTMENT OF &INANCE $O& THROUGH 3ECRETARY #ARLOS $OMINGUEZ RD HAS PUT ITS FOOT DOWN AND DEMANDED THE COLLECTION OF MORE THAN 0 BILLION IN UNPAID OBLIGATIONS SOME DATING BACK MORE THAN A DECADE FROM INDEPENDENT power producers and electric cooperatives. The order is the PERFECT OCCASION TO kX THE CHRONIC kNANCIAL MESS AND DRAIN ON public resources — which the Power Sector Assets and LiabiliTIES -ANAGEMENT #ORP 0SALM REPRESENTS ‡ ONCE AND FOR ALL Most of the overdue accounts were transferred from the .ATIONAL 0OWER #ORP .APOCOR TO 0SALM WHEN THE %LECTRIC 0OWER 2EFORM !CT %PIRA OF WAS ENACTED 4HESE ARE unpaid loans or bills for electricity supply, plus interest and PENALTIES 0SALM WAS CREATED BY THE %PIRA TO MANAGE THE DIVESTMENT OF GOVERNMENT OWNED ELECTRICITY INFRASTRUCTURE

INCLUDING GENERATION PLANTS AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES &INANCE 3ECRETARY $OMINGUEZ SERVES AS THE CHAIRMAN OF Psalm’s board of directors.

4HE LARGEST DELINQUENT ACCOUNT BELONGS TO 3OUTH 0REMIERE 0OWER #ORP 300# A UNIT OF CONGLOMERATE 3AN -IGUEL #ORP THAT OWES 0SALM 0 BILLION 300# IS AN INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCER ADMINISTRATOR )00! THAT MANAGES ‡ IN THIS CASE THROUGH A HIRED OPERATOR ‡ THE MEGAWATT )LIJAN GAS GENERATION PLANT IN )LIJAN "ATANGAS #ITY )00!S ARE QUALIkED PRIVATE ENTITIES THAT MANAGE ENERGY CONVERSION AND POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS THAT .APOCOR MADE WITH INDEPENDENT POWER producers prior to the implementation of the Epira. !LSO MENTIONED AS OTHER )00!S WITH LARGE DELINQUENT DEBTS TO 0SALM ARE 6IVANT 3TA #LARA .ORTHERN 2ENEWABLES #ORP 0 BILLION WHICH RUNS THE "AKUN HYDROELECTRIC PLANT IN )LOCOS 3UR 'OOD &RIENDS (YDRO 2ESOURCES #ORP 0 BILLION AND &ILINVEST UNIT &$# 5TILITIES )NC 0 BILLION

WHICH ALONG WITH 'OOD &RIENDS MANAGES THE 5NIkED ,EYTE Geothermal Power Plants. !CCORDING TO 0SALM THERE ARE ALSO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES and industrial customers who have unpaid bills for electricity SUPPLY TOTALING 0 BILLION AS OF THE END OF 4HE WORST OF THESE IS THAT OF THE ,ANAO DEL 3UR %LECTRIC #OOPERATIVE WHOSE 0 BILLION OVERDUE BILL HAS GONE UNPAID IN YEARS AND HAS BALLOONED TO 0 BILLION DUE TO INTEREST AND PENALTIES For ordinary consumers who face the threat of penalty CHARGES AND EVEN DISCONNECTION FOR FAILING TO PAY THEIR OWN electric bills on time, the revelation of such massive debts GOING UNPAID FOR YEARS IS INFURIATING )T IS PARTICULARLY INSULTING THAT THESE DELINQUENT DEBTS ARE OWED TO THE PUBLIC COFFERS as well. While the bills are unpaid, Psalm routinely has to BORROW MONEY TO MEET ITS OWN DEBT OBLIGATIONS 4HE AGENCY BORROWED 0 BILLION LAST YEAR AND WILL BORROW A FURTHER BILLION THIS MONTH TO MEET OBLIGATIONS THAT WILL REACH THEIR maturity date at the end of the month.

4HIS SORRY STATE OF AFFAIRS HAS GONE ON FOR YEARS ALMOST FROM THE MOMENT 0SALM CAME INTO BEING )N EFFECT CONSUMERS ARE BEING PENALIZED BY IT TWICE &IRST THE DELINQUENT DEBTS TURN UP ON MONTHLY ELECTRIC BILLS AS gSTRANDED DEBT COSTS u MEANING THAT EVERY ELECTRICITY CONSUMER IS PAYING OUT OF POCKET FOR COSTS 0SALM INCURS IN NOT BEING ABLE TO PAY ALL OF .APOCOR S OLD OBLIGATIONS 3ECOND THE HUGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY 0SALM CONTINUALLY BORROWS TO REMAIN AlOAT kNANCIALLY INCUR COSTS THAT ARE TAKEN FROM THE NATIONAL BUDGET AND ARE THEREFORE

UNAVAILABLE FOR OTHER MORE USEFUL PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS 3ECRETARY $OMINGUEZ HAS ORDERED 0SALM TO PURSUE REPAYMENT OF THE DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS gRELENTLESSLY u 7E hope that Psalm takes that instruction literally, and is supported in its efforts by the courts and other involved AGENCIES 4HE &ILIPINO PEOPLE HAVE BORNE THE COSTS OF BAD MANAGEMENT BY OTHERS FOR FAR TOO LONG ~

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 215

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

Surveys and election results

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HE people have spoken, and the votes are in. For some candidates, the verdict has already been formalized and sealed with proclamations as well as concessions. For others, it may not be the end. There is still the REMEDY OF kLING AN ELECTORAL PROTEST The political opposition painted the midterm elections as a referendum on the President. Indeed it was, AS IT APPEARS TO BE A RESOUNDING AFkRMATION OF HIS HIGH APPROVAL RATINGS Meanwhile, the candidates of Otso $IRETSO ARE STRUGGLING TO LAND A SEAT

not happy that Grace Poe still won, and some of them are also unhappy THAT ,ITO ,APID AND "ONG 2EVILLA APPEAR TO BE WINNING /THERS WOULD rather see JV Ejercito in the Senate than Koko Pimentel.

And these are people who were in the Senate, a feat whose chances appear to be bleak, as the pro-Duterte PUSHING FOR CANDIDATES LIKE *IGGY -ANcandidates are poised to take all the ICAD 7ILLIE /NG 'LENN #HONG ,ARRY CONTESTED SEATS EFFECTIVELY SHUTTING 'ADON AND 4OTI #ASIĂ„O 4HEY MADE out the opposition slate. their preferences felt in online surveys, But it is not only the political op- and reinforced these in social media position that is unhappy with the posts. These are people who mistrust results. Many pro-Duterte voters are the surveys conducted by Pulse Asia

ON THE CONTRARY ANTONIO CONTRERAS

AND OTHER SURVEY kRMS AND LABEL THESE AS SOME FORM OF MIND CONDITIONING IF not, conduits for election operators to INlUENCE THE OUTCOME OF THE ELECTION They would rather place their trust in online surveys drawn from samples that are not randomly selected, and ARE THEREFORE UNSCIENTIkC )F THERE IS ONE THING THAT CAN BE said about election surveys, it is that the May 3-6 survey released by Pulse Asia accurately predicted those that HAD A GOOD CHANCE OF WINNING )N

ÂłContrerasA5

Q MAKABENTA FROM A1

With a court challenge, Senate tally will change dramatically 7HAT COULD CHANGE THE SHAPE OF THE kNAL IS A COURT CHALLENGE OF THE ELIGIBILITY OF WINNING SENATORIAL CANDIDATES THOSE WHO ARE RUNNING FOR A THIRD TERM IN THE 3ENATE IN DEkance of the constitutional prohibition of more than two terms.

A research and analysis team tells me that if the opposition OR THE ,IBERAL 0ARTY LODGES THIS CHALLENGE IN COURT AND IF THE CASE GOES TO THE 3UPREME COURT THE suit will likely prosper because THE HIGH #OURT HAS BEEN MUCH EXERCISED ON QUESTIONS OF THE ELIGIBILITIES OR QUALIkCATIONS OF PUBLIC OFkCIALS INCLUDING JUSTICES 4HIS 3# WILL NOT JUST LOOK AWAY 3UCH A COURT CHALLENGE WILL RIPPLE THROUGH THE COMPOSITION OF THE WINNING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM AND PRODUCE SOME SIGNIkCANT EFFECTS NAMELY First, the complete shutout of the opposition in the Senate race could be averted.

Second, the position and staBILITY OF FOUR NOMINALLY WINNING candidates could be shaken, and LEAD TO DISQUALIkCATION Third, the coronation of President Duterte’s runaway victory in this referendum on his presidency will be momentarily delayed and moderated.

Third termers in winning dozen !S OF YESTERDAY MORNING -AY

THE FOLLOWING CANDIDATES WHO ARE SEEKING A THIRD TERM IN THE 3ENATE WERE LISTED AMONG THE PROSPECTIVE WINNING DOZEN 0IA #AYETANO AT .O ,ITO ,APID AT .O "ONG 2EVILLA AT .O +OKO 0IMENTEL AT .O That these candidates have already served two terms in the 3ENATE IS ACKNOWLEDGED IN THEIR OWN BIOGRAPHIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA 4HIS FACT CAN BE QUICKLY CONkRMED THROUGH A REVIEW OF THE WINNING SENATORS IN ELECTIONS DATING BACK TO THE START OF THE ST CENTURY 0RESSING CLOSELY ON THE HEELS OF THE THIRD TERMERS ARE *6 %JERCITO AT .O "ENIGNO Ă?"AMĂ? !QUINO TH AT .O *INGGOY %STRADA AT .O -AR 2OXAS AT .O 3ERGE /SMEĂ„A AT .O 4HE COURT CHALLENGE WILL QUES-

TION THE ELECTION OF 0IA #AYETANO

,ITO ,APID "ONG 2EVILLA AND +OKO 0IMENTEL ON THE GROUNDS that they have all been elected and have already enjoyed two terms in the Senate.

4HEY ARE ALL SEEKING A THIRD term in the Senate, which the #ONSTITUTION EXPLICITLY PROHIBITS IN !RTICLE 6) 3EC g.O SENATOR shall serve for more than two consecutive terms.�

A third term implies more than two. The affected candidates and their lawyers can quibble and SPLIT HAIRS ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE WORD gCONSECUTIVE u *USTICES AND JUDGES WILL LAUGH WHEN LAWYERS TRY TO ARGUE THEIR way out of this conundrum. )T WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE the would-be senators and their LAWYERS ARGUE THESE POINTS IN THE 3UPREME #OURT 7ILL THEY RESORT TO "ILL #LINTON S TACTIC OF PARSING THE MEANING OF THE WORD gISu IN DEFENDING HIMSELF ON HIS RELAtionship with Monica Lewinsky?

I personally believe that this is a lost cause or case for the third termers. The reality of the constitutional PROHIBITION WILL BE AFkRMED

Ejercito, Aquino, Roxas will win seats )F THE 3UPREME #OURT OR AN ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL DISQUALIkES THE THIRD TERMERS IN THE -AY ELECTIONS

THE FOLLOWING WILL HAPPEN &OUR SENATORIAL CANDIDATES WILL BE BOOTED OUT OF THE WINNING CANDIDATES )N THEIR STEAD FOUR OTHER CANDIDATES CLOSELY FOLLOWING them in the vote tally will be ELEVATED TO THE WINNING CIRCLE 4HESE ARE *6 %JERCITO NOW .O IN THE UNOFkCIAL COUNT "ENIGNO g"AMu !QUINO TH

NOW .O -AR 2OXAS NOW .O *INGGOY %STRADA WHO IS NOW AT .O WILL NOT BE ELEVATED TO THE WINNING DOZEN BECAUSE HE is himself a third-termer.

In short, two candidates of the opposition, Bam Aquino and Mar 2OXAS WILL TAKE THEIR SEATS IN THE NEW #ONGRESS ON *UNE Similarly, Ejercito will be reelected to a second term in the Senate. He will be the lone winner of the Estrada-Ejercito political

dynasty, which suffered losses completely shut out from the down the line in the recent elec- kNAL 3ENATE TALLY TION ‡ INCLUDING THE DEFEAT OF Instead two LP candidates would Joseph Estrada as mayor of Manila. BE SAFELY ENSCONCED IN THE MAGIC

Opposition missed eligibility issue

Butterfly effect of eligibility challenge

The opposition’s failure to raise the ELIGIBILITY QUESTION IN THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN IS JUST ONE MORE SHORTCOMING AND MISSED OPPORTUNITY OF the Liberal Party-led opposition. )F ,0 LAWYERS FAIL TO BUILD A STRONG CASE FOR "AM !QUINO AND -AR 2OXAS

the LP should be placed on life supPORT WHERE IT CAN BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR A DEATH CERTIkCATE .O ONE ‡ NOT THE OPPOSITION /TSO $IRETSO AND NOT THE INDEpendent candidates — wanted to speak out or own the issue conCERNING THE ELIGIBILITY OF MANY senatorial candidates who were RUNNING FOR A THIRD 3ENATE TERM IN VIOLATION OF AN EXPRESS PROVISION IN THE #ONSTITUTION #ONSEQUENTLY THEY COULD NOT reap the electoral dividends of such A PRINCIPLED AND FORTHRIGHT STAND ON the issues. They frittered away their time instead on paltry issues and BOASTFUL DEBATE CHALLENGING Election dynamics is a tricky THING ) LEARNED LONG AGO THAT IT IS A PLUS OR MINUS AFFAIR 9OU GAIN VOTES

BY PREVAILING IN THE ISSUES DEBATE with your opponent. You lose votes when you lose the debate. When YOU OWN AN ISSUE

BY MAKING IT A SIGNATURE OF YOUR CANDIDACY YOU COULD GRAB NEARLY ALL VOTES ON THE ISSUE FOR YOUR CAMPAIGN The vulnerability of the thirdterm senatorial aspirants was such that votes could have been taken away from them, and votes could be won by those who could successfully press the issue durING THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN .O ONE VENTURED TO SPEAK OUT ON THE QUESTION DURING THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN The Liberal Party, led by Sen. +IKO 0ANGILINAN NEVER NOTICED or understood the issue. They did not see the fact that no Otso Diretso senatorial candidate was ILLEGALLY COVETING A THIRD TERM Had the opposition led by THE ,0 FOUGHT THE IDEA OF THIRD termism as a principal part of ITS PLATFORM AND CAMPAIGN THE party and its allies would not be FACING NOW THE PROSPECT OF BEING

4HE DISRUPTION THAT AN ELIGIBILITY SUIT will cause on the election outcome WILL BE CHIElY THE FAULT OF THE #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS #OMELEC The election body did not HEED THE WARNINGS OF SOME IN the media, who saw possible CHAOS ARISING FROM THE SPECTACLE OF MANY THIRD TERMERS RUNNING for seats in the Senate. /N !PRIL

THE Manila Times published an editorial HEADLINED g.O THIRD TERM FOR senators,� to call the attention OF #OMELEC ON THE ISSUE )T SAID g"EFORE THE MATTER BECOMES A disruptive issue, subject to conTENTION AND ENDLESS ARGUMENT

THE #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS #OMELEC WOULD BE WELL ADVISED TO DECLARE WITH kNALITY THE MEANING OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVIsion on election to the Senate, f.O SENATOR SHALL SERVE FOR MORE than two consecutive terms.'�

4HE #OMELEC DID NOT HEED THE WARNING #OMELEC SPOKESMAN James Jimenez was on TV every DAY TALKING THE ELECTION TO DEATH

but he never once mentioned that the commission had disCUSSED EVEN ONCE THE ELIGIBILITY OF senators or former senators seekING A THIRD TERM IN THE 3ENATE The disruption is at hand.

4HIRD TERMERS COULD ILLEGALLY WIN SEATS IN THE BALLOTING AND #OMELEC MAY ABET THE ILLEGALITY

BY PROCLAIMING THEM ! DISQUALIkCATION SUIT OR PROtest will surely follow. ! SUIT OR CHALLENGE OF THE ELIGIBILITY OF THIRD TERMERS WILL HAVE A Ă?BUTTERlY EFFECTĂ? ON THE election results. )N CHAOS THEORY THE BUTTERlY effect is a phenomenon where a SMALL CHANGE IN A COMPLEX SYSTEM CAN HAVE LARGE EFFECTS ELSEWHERE This will happen if certain canDIDATES ARE DISQUALIkED OR BARRED FROM HOLDING SEATS IN THE 3ENATE The final result of the Senate election will be radically altered.

The opposition will not die after all.

yenmakabenta@yahoo.com

˜ The Manila Times

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THURSDAY May 16, 2019

Q SALUDO FROM A1

this year’s elections is not merely the fault of the uneducated majority. It is also the fault of the educated minority who constantly and continuously take pride in believing that they know better, and that they, with their heightened sense of enlightenment and entitlement, can drastically change the plight of this country.�

One Steph Ayson also decried the failure of educated voters to pick the right candidates. Writing in Filipino, he explained: “I cannot blame uneducated voters who never got correct information, voter with no rightful basis for what kind of government and leader would be desirable. I am more angry at the learned who still picked candidates wallowing in corruption cases, lacking knowledge or experience in the role they have to play, or crooked in their principles.�

Also shared in social media was a meme quoting (or misquoting) Lee Kuan Yew. The late Singapore strongman purportedly said: “The Philippine version of democracy as of late is best called a government of stupid people, for stupid people, and of stupid people. The result is you get a government that buys the people, poor the people, and off the people, because whoever is voted, no matter how stupid he or she is, that person gets the seat in power.�

Another meme cited a January 2004 Supreme Court ruling; it afkRMED THAT DEMOCRACY IS RULE OF THE majority. But the SC cautioned: “The majority can rule and rule effectively only if its judgment is an informed one. ‌ Rule by the ignorant majority is a sham democracy — a mobocracy—for in the words of [American

founding father Thomas] Jefferson, a nation cannot be both free and ignorant. If there is anything a democracy cannot survive, it is the virus of ignorance� (Tolentino v.

Comelec, GR 148334).

Of course, the Duterte camp didn’t take all this dumbing down sitting down. One Janir Ty Datukan fumed about the 'bobotante' label, which combines ‘bobo’ or dumb in Filipino, and ‘botante’ or voter. “I think I’ve had enough,� she posted. “Bobotante?’ Really? How intelligent you are to call dumb those people who do not have the same views as yours. So, you’re the better person because you’re intelligent? Hurray!�

Datukan added: “I strive to teach my students that there are always two sides to a coin. Know both before making judgments. Opinions matter, of course, but if your opinion is disrespectful or derogatory toward others, be warned: You cannot take those words back. Not in this age of social media. If you still insist on insulting people who share different views from you, that is your choice. That is your freedom. That is your responsibility.

That is your accountability.�

council president in high school: “Duterte is the personification of that pent-up resentment by the masa (masses) for all established middleclass norms and values (often referred to as “dilawan�). Which is why the ‘putang-ina’ (whore mother), the MIDDLE kNGER @ngatngat,’ and “kanto boy� (street thug) politically incorrect, salacious anecdotes and jargon are enthusiastically lapped up.�

Alex Ibarra, our San Beda Grade School salutatorian, believed: “Class D are victims of their situation. Sadly, our dynastic politicians want them to stay that way‌They want change so badly, even just a small improvement in their lives, that they were willing to try a Duterte. And they still believe that Duterte is delivering on his promises to them rightly or wrongly; that’s why Duterte is still very popular (80 percent approval rating). And that’s why Otso Diretso was routed in the polls.â€?

Amid this searing, silver-tongued post-election anguish came a bit of tongue-in-cheek psychoanalysis: “Which state of grief are you at?

Stage 1: Denial - Posting about alleged electoral irregularities (why the transparency server is down and why 400 VCMs were broken). Stage 2: Anger - Lashing out against the “stupid, uneducated voters.� Stage 3: Bargaining - Join the various pages praying for JV [Ejercito] to win over Bong Revilla.

Stage 4: Depression - Search “how to migrate to Canada.� “At some point you will reach Stage 5: Acceptance and focus on other, more important things ... like how stupid ‘Game of Thrones’ has become.�

In our game of electoral thrones, even laughter hurts.

W

loss to Ramil Hernandez in the gubernatorial race in Laguna.

In Makati City, former vice president Jojo Binay lost to Romulo “Kidâ€? PeĂąa, in the congressional race for the premier town’s first district.

It’s a sweet victory for Peùa, who was defeated by Abby Binay in the 2016 Makati mayoralty race.

PeĂąa had served the remaining term of Junjun Binay as Makati mayor after the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the latter for corruption.

Jojo Binay’s daughter, Nancy, was hanging precariously in 12th place as of Tuesday afternoon, with JV Ejercito following close behind her for the last slot in the “Magic 12.�

The Eusebio family, which has ruled Pasig since 1992, ended its rule with the defeat of Robert Eusebio at the hands of Vico Sotto, the nephew of Senate President Tito Sotto.

The Eusebios, like the Binays of Makati, ruled Pasig for 27 years.

The Eusebio patriarch, Vicente, was succeeded as mayor, one after the other, by wife, Soledad, and then son, Vicente Paulino, and DAUGHTER IN LAW -ARIBEL AND knally, Maribel’s husband Robert.

Pasig City voters must have finally come to their senses when they rejected the Eusebios in the May 13 election.

You see, there were reports, albeit unconfirmed, that the Eusebios were protecting the illegal drug trade in the city.

In 2006, my brother Erwin and I tipped off the Philippine National Police about the existence

of a shabu tiangge lEA MARKET on a one-hectare lot where crystal meth was being sold openly.

The tiangge was a mere spitting distance from the Pasig City Hall. It was impossible for Vicente Eusebio, who was mayor at the time, not to have known about the shabu flea market. *** What lessons have we learned from the defeat of the once powerful political clans?

That nothing in this world is permanent.

Everything comes to an end.

Birth follows death; death is an inevitable outcome.

What was sweet and palatable before becomes stale and yucky today.

The young, vibrant and popular today will become a hasbeen tomorrow.

The Estradas, Binays and Eusebios know that only too well now. *** Joseph Cua, who’s in the list of the Philippine Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as a drug trafficker and even manufacturer of crystal meth (shabu in street lingo), won the gubernatorial race in Catanduanes.

The island province in Bicol is notorious for being the source of the shabu that finds its way to Luzon and the Visayas.

Reelectionist Cua has been given a new mandate by the Catanduanes electorate despite his being tagged as a narcopolitician.

Oh well, the power of money. *** I was never motivated by politics when I exposed Mark Red

MariĂąas as one of the alleged leaders of the human trafficking syndicate when he was still an assistant commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration.

MariĂąas lost to reelectionist Jaime Fresnedi in the mayoralty contest in Muntinlupa City.

I don’t know Fresnedi from Adam.

I’ve never seen or talked to him.

It just so happened that a disgruntled immigration officer, whom I call Deep Throat, exposed the syndicate at a time when MariĂąas was running for mayor of Muntinlupa.

I was told that MariĂąas was leading in the early pre-election surveys, but the Muntinlupa electorate dropped him like a hot potato after the exposĂŠ.

Somebody asked me if I felt sorry that MariĂąas had lost because of my exposĂŠ.

No, and why should I be?

It’s my duty as a journalist to expose the truth.

If I didn’t regret criticizing my own brother Ben in the P60-million tourism advertising scam, why should I be remorseful about exposing the shenanigans of a complete stranger?

Other journalists and newspapers have not followed up on my exposÊ on the syndicate when it’s a real issue.

I am told that certain reporters, editors and columnists are on the payroll of the human trafficking syndicate, which was earning P50 million a day before my exposĂŠ.

I’m just thinking aloud.

Bato-bato sa langit‌

HILE the rehabilitation of Manila Bay is well under way, I believe revitalization efforts must encompass other bodies of water, such as Laguna Lake, which are sources of environmental pollution that evenTUALLY lOWS INTO -ANILA "AY ,AGUNA Lake, otherwise known as Laguna de Bay, is the largest inland body of water in the Philippines and the third largest lake in Southeast Asia with a lake surface area of 90,000 hectares and coastline length of 220 kilometers. The area is so vast that Singapore CAN kT IN THE LAKE 4HE ,AGUNA DE Bay region comprises Metro Manila, Laguna, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas and Quezon. According to National StaTISTICS /FkCE DATA FOR ,AGUNA DE Bay region’s population has already reached 16.2 million — 4.8 million lakeshore residents and 11.4 nonlakeshore residents.

Laguna Lake is abundant with natural resources, and lakeside residents HAVE GREATLY BENEkTED FROM ITS RICH biodiversity by skillfully using it as a source of their livelihood. Fishing is the foremost form of livelihood in the lake. According to Laguna Lake Development Authority’s (LLDA) 2012 data, fisheries production yielded 150,957 metric tons of kSH !SIDE FROM SPECIES OF kSH

OTHER KINDS OF lORA AND FAUNA THAT are in the lake include crustaceans, mollusks, birds, water hyacinth and water lettuce, among others. Apart from sustaining and enabling communities to earn a living from its natural wealth, the lake also supplies approximately 200 million liters of water to parts of Metro Manila.

With the low water supply in our dams, we are in constant search for alternative sources of potable water. Last March, parts of Metro Manila were unprepared for an unprecedented water supply crisis that cut off the supply of approximately 52,000 households.

Since the early 2000s, I have been proposing to utilize the capacity of Laguna Lake to hold 3.2 billion cubic meters of water. By intensifying efforts to clean and dredge the lake, we can improve its water quality and waterholding capacity. As a result, we can ensure the sustainability of Laguna Lake as a vital resource that will always meet the needs of the Manila Bay Metropolitan Region and Calabarzon.

One of the solutions to our water crisis is right in the middle of Metro Manila, and we are missing the chance to utilize it responsibly. Unfortunately, people and industries have aggravated the crisis by treating the lake as a backdoor garbage bin where they casually dump their wastes. Today, Laguna Lake is overwhelmed by domestic, industrial and agricultural pollution, which causes eutrophication, or the presence of excessive waste nutrients, ALGAL BLOOM AND kSH DISEASES )F WE DO not address the lake’s critical condition now, we will be robbing current and future generations of the chance to enjoy its beauty and natural wealth.

If developed appropriately, LaGUNA ,AKE CAN ALSO ALLEVIATE TRAFkC CONGESTION MITIGATE lOOD PROBLEMS

strengthen tourism and expand waterfront development. In the 1970s, the government, through an inter-agency TASK FORCE ASSESSED lOOD MITIGATION and disaster risk measures. After comprehensive evaluation, they proposed the simultaneous construction of the Manggahan Floodway and the Paraùaque Spillway. As of today, only the Manggahan Floodway exists, and the lake’s single outlet to Manila Bay is the Napindan Pasig River Channel, which has a capacity of only 600 cu-

Lito Lapid occupies the seventh slot, which is within the fourth to ninth place which he was projected to fact, the survey correctly projected the obtain. Imee Marcos was projected ranks of 10 out of the 12 candidates to land from the sixth to 14th place, in the Magic 12. Pulse Asia projected and she is now safely placed on the Cynthia Villar to top the elections, eighth slot. Koko Pimentel occupies and it appears she has done so. Grace the 11th slot after being projected to Poe was projected to be either second occupy the ninth to 15th slot. And or third, and it appears she is ranked Nancy Binay, who was projected to second. Bong Go, projected to rank rank eighth to 15th, is now hovering third to seventh, is now third. Pia over the 12th slot.

Cayetano who now ranks fourth was The two candidates which the correctly projected to be ranked either Pulse Asia survey somewhat wrongly third or fourth. Bato dela Rosa was projected, although still within the projected to be between fourth and winning circle, are Francis Tolentino NINTH PLACE AND HE IS NOW IN kFTH and Bong Revilla. Tolentino was proSonny Angara who was projected jected to land in the 10th to 15th slot, TO RANK kFTH TO TENTH IS NOW AT SIXTH but ended up placing ninth, while

Revilla, who was projected to occupy the fourth to eighth slot, now hovers around the 10th slot.

4HE RESULTS OF THE UNOFkCIAL AND partial tallies drawn from the election returns can now therefore be interpreted as a validation of the reliability of Pulse Asia’s survey results. This is because the discrepancy in the projection for Tolentino and Revilla can be attributed to the fact that their survey numbers were simply snapshots of the behavior of the electorate during the survey period, and that may have changed on the day of the election.

Those who argue that candidates who rated highly in online surveys should have received higher votes must realize that online surveys, where

the respondents are not randomly selected, are not as reliable compared to those that are conducted on a sample that is drawn randomly to truly represent the population. It must be impressed on them that 1,800 individuals that are randomly chosen IN A SCIENTIkC MANNER CAN CAPTURE the behavior of the entire electorate, while an online survey where the respondents self-select themselves can only provide a biased view. It is a view that is limited only to those who have access to the internet, and have social media accounts. If at all, the RESULTS OF ONLINE SURVEYS RElECT ONLY the voting preferences of the social media community, and not the entire electorate. Taken in the context of the

actual election results as shown in the PARTIAL UNOFkCIAL TALLIES IT CAN THEN BE safely said that the preference of the social media community does not truly represent the general view of the electorate, even as the results of online surveys do not capture that reality.

Aside from online surveys, campus surveys conducted inside the universities also yielded results that were different from the results of the partial unofficial tallies.

These are surveys that were dominated by the Otso Diretso candidates. This is probably because the students who participated in these surveys were not registered voters, and even if they were, they probably did not vote.

Decrying and defending ‘bobotantes’ In a number of posts by Otso supporters, there is a common dismay over what some called uneducated or even dumb voters who backed HnP. A week before elections, a message attributed to one Rene Bustamante of Bacolod huffed about Duterte cheerers: “Only people with low-level IQ and without personal principles will continue to support this rogue president.�

Another missive the day after elections, while seeming to criticize his Otso colleagues, still put down pro-HnP voters: “The outcome of

D for disgruntled and desperate?

A couple of this writer’s former batchmates, one from Ateneo High School, the other from San Beda Grade School, opined that the masses, especially the income Class D making up 78 percent of the population, are driven by desperation and anger to support Duterte’s tough rule.

Posted Ward Luarca, our student

Q TULFO FROM A1

The fall of the Estrada, Binay and Eusebio dynasties That phenomenon was dubbed Cory’s “kili-kili (armpit) power,� probably in reference to her underarms showing whenever she raised the arm of the candidate that she was endorsing.

Now, it’s Digong’s kili-kili power that has made most administration candidates win.

DU30’s pet bills will now pass unhampered in the Senate in the remaining three years of his presidency, with administration senators clearly in the majority.

In the House of Representatives, most of the winners are the administration’s candidates, or those whose hands were raised by President Digong. *** The just concluded midterm elections saw the fall of at least three political dynasties: Estrada, Binay and Eusebio.

My friend and drinking buddy, former President Joseph “Erap� Estrada, suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of his old ward, Isko Moreno, in the Manila mayoralty race.

Erap’s granddaughter, 28-yearold Janella Ejercito, lost to Francis Zamora for mayor of San Juan City.

Another dynasty has taken over in the city once dominated by the Estradas (Ejercitos) — the Zamora dynasty.

Reelectionist congressman Ronnie Zamora trounced actor Edu Manzano.

Erap’s two sons, JV Ejercito and Jinggoy Estrada, are hanging by a thread in the senatorial race.

ER Ejercito, Erap’s nephew, likewise suffered a humiliating

A5

Planning initiatives for Laguna Lake

Anger, depression and humor after Otso’s loss From anger and depression to determination and even humor, the Otso faithful showed true belief in their cause of blocking what they see as the pernicious agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte. No matter that the great majority of Filipinos don’t share their views.

Among the more widely shared posts is “An Open Letter to the Otso Diretso Candidates� by one Ed 'ARCIA IDENTIkED AS g,OLO 6OLUNTEER for 8D (Otso) who will never give up!� He thanked the LP team for their hard work and dedication in offering “our people an alternative, a choice of conscience.�

After extolling the talents and virtues he saw in Otso’s candidates, Garcia lamented the failings for which administration critics have hit the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP) lineup. Of these winning would-be senators, the elderly campaign volunteer said: “This is not who the Filipinos truly are.�

Opinion

FELINO A. PALAFOX, JR. bic meters/second. During Typhoon Ondoy, approximately 4,000 cubic METERS SECOND lOWED INTO ,AGUNA Lake from the mountains of Antipolo and Rizal. Because the Napindan Pasig River Channel could only drain 15 percent of the torrential downpour to Manila Bay, 80,000 hectares of urban LAND EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC lOODS I strongly recommend the construction of the ParaĂąaque Spillway, which will serve as another channel that can lUSH OUT ACCUMULATING lOODWATERS IN the lake into Manila Bay to prevent flooding in lakeshore towns and nearby areas. Without the ParaĂąaque Spillway, I have always described Laguna Lake as a bathtub without a drain and with 21 faucets running.

With our country’s worsening TRAFkC CONGESTION AND FAULTY PUBLIC transportation, we have to implement alternative forms of transportation. As an architect and urban planner, I highly recommend optimizing Laguna Lake’s strategic POSITION AND DEVELOPING AN EFkCIENT and environment-friendly public transport system that will connect various growth areas around Laguna Lake such as Binangonan, Angono, and Taytay in Rizal and Santa Rosa and San Pedro in Laguna to the rest of Metro Manila. The eastern section of the lake is projected to experience population and economic growth.

Therefore, additional stations in Cabuyao, Calamba, Los Baùos and Tanay, among others, are necessary to address expected accessibility needs. The proposed station will have linear and perpendicular linkages. Linear connections are ferry routes that will stop at consecutive stations whereas perpendicular connections will cross to other stations while bypassing others. I also recommend integrating the lake’s transport system with the current Pasig River Transportation System and Manila Bay Water Transport System for a wider and more efficient service.

Enhancing the water transportation system within the lake must be supported by a circumferential road network and a railway around the lake, which will give Laguna Lake inter-land and inter-water transport linkages. The circumferential road can help establish gateways to other provinces that will form the Laguna Lake Tourism Circuit. The Circuit will feature three tourism zones: 1) the Los BaĂąos-Makiling Zone, 2) the Pagsanjan Zone, and 3) the AngonoTalim Zone. Each zone can boost local tourism by showcasing natural and other tourist attractions that are unique to each area.

Equally important is Laguna Lake’s waterfront development.

Palafox Associates and Palafox Architecture Group envision the lakefront to have walkable and bikeable linear parks and promenades that can be enjoyed by all, most especially by the lakeshore communities. Developing vibrant public spaces will encourage communities to be better guardians of the lake. I have always believed that the objective of waterfront development is to engender an appreciation of the water that sustains us. Let us work together to restore Laguna Lake’s former grandeur, so it can, in turn, save and sustain our communities and future generations.

However, unlike results of online surveys, the campus surveys mimicked the bailiwick effect in the results of Camarines Sur and Naga City, which are both Leni Robredo country. In Naga City, all Otso Diretso candidates landed in the magic 12. In Camarines Sur, only Florin Hilbay did not make it to the winning circle. Thus, while the results of the campus surveys, and that of 2OBREDO S BAILIWICK MAY NOT RElECT the national sentiment, they nevertheless captured the real sentiments of an opposition territory. University campuses, Naga City and Camarines Sur definitely delivered for Otso Diretso. Unfortunately, the rest of the Republic disagreed with them.

Q CONTRERAS FROM A4

Surveys

A6

Opinion

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

How government should be run like a business

I

F we liken our government to a business and our politicians to managers, then that would make us citizens its shareholders. We would unfortunately have to give our country failing, or at best, uneven marks. With the mandate to help its citizens build a better quality of life for themselves, we preside over a broken system that still sees millions stuck in poverty or opting to emigrate.

What are lessons through the lens of business that might help us, as “citizen shareholders,� understand how our government should run?

4HE kRST LESSON IS THAT THE MOST successful businesses are those obsessed with solving problems for its customers. Customers “hire� a company to accomplish a functional and socioemotional job.

The most valuable brands such AS #OCA #OLA !PPLE .ETlIX ARE recognized because they so reliably

T

other because one gets the job done better. As a “citizen shareholder,� you must conscientiously do the same with your candidates for pubLIC OFkCE 9OU DECIDE WHAT SPECIkC issues are important and choose accomplish their respective jobs of who can solve them. Whether your quenching thirst, connecting and representative had your vote or not computing, and entertaining. — your role is to make that person I once asked a former governor accountable to get the job done for (currently a congressman) of a the issues you agree on. small, northern province why it The second lesson from busiwas only in his term that he was ness is that successful companies able to connect all the barangays balance both a deliberate strategy (villages) in his province with that focuses on productivity and PAVED ROADS 7HY WAS IT SO DIFkCULT execution, and an emergent stratfor the previous mayor (and his egy that focuses on creativity and father’s political ally) to do that? experimentation. The deliberate He answered: “It’s not hard to strategy organizes resources and understand. When I went to the of- PROCESSES TO EFkCIENTLY MAXIMIZE kCE ) ACTUALLY DID WORK FROM TO the company’s current core busiI actually did what I was supposed ness. The emergent strategy is based TO DO 9ES IT S DIFkCULT AND FULL OF on experimenting with new ideas headaches. But it’s your job.� and opportunities that will make As a “customer� of a business, up the next generation of growth. you choose one product over the The lesson for government is

HARVARD VERITAS

FAUSTINO JOHN LIM

Referendum’s words of wisdom: ‘Let it be’

HE election result is not at all surprising as these events were not that easy to forget — the SAF 44 massacre; the handling of the Yolanda disaster; the idiotic Luneta siege; the MRT maintenance contract scandal; the P900-million arbitration loss to be paid from our taxes on the whimsical cancellation of the Belgian Laguna Lake project; the massive corruption in the PDAF renamed as DAP; the mushrooming of drug laboratories and millions of lives destroyed due to the drug menace; and the Dengvaxia genocide.

Against this background, still fresh in the electorate’s mind are almost three years of achievement under the current governance — An Act Extending the Validity of Philippine Passports to 10 Years; Free Internet Access in Public Places Act; Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act; Anti-Hospital Deposit Law; Universal Health Care for All Filipinos; Expanded Maternity Leave; Free Irrigation Service Act; Ease of Doing Business, Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, just to mention a few.

With this contrasting view, it is a conclusive fact that people can live with Digong’s foulmouthed discourse but not the corruption and incompetence of the Yellow opposition.

Election and referendum are two terms that are often taken in one and the same sense. Strictly speaking, there is difference between the two terms. Election is a formal decision-making process by which members of the population choose an individual to HOLD PUBLIC OFkCE WHEREAS A REFerendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. The recent May 13 election was one of the few instances when the two words could be considered to be similar. *** A drone’s view on the initial, partial and unofficial results of the 2019 senatorial elections seems to show that: 1. There is no Catholic vote.

2. The perceived anger of people against EJK and drug war was not converted to votes.

3. The China issue is a non-issue.

4. Marcos burial, human rights violations and their perceived excesses are also nonissues.

5. There is no clear leader from the opposition who can carry their candidates.

6. PRRD’s popularity is expected to soar higher after being awarded the “Good Housekeeping� seal of approval. *** Why did Otso Diretso fail?

It’s their time-tested loyalty to the Aquino government that did the trick. The team was part of the Yellow cult that approved a persecutory stance and righteous pretensions. Making it worse, separation of powers was openly violated during that time.

MIRRORLESS

ROLLY G. REYES The Yellow opposition focused on the failures and missteps of the Duterte administration and downplayed its accomplishments. No clear alternative course was presented to justify their acceptance. They just wanted Digong out. They were even ashamed to be seen with PNoy and rejected the idea that they were his ass-lickers before. *** Sen. Dick Gordon is saddened that Olongapo is not any more the city that his family had nurtured. “When I saw the state of our city, I felt an obligation to try against the rampaging tide of materialism and corruption to open the eyes of our people and make them yearn for something more — a city with values and dignity, characterized by true progress, honesty, hard work and development.

"I still believed in the culture of a sincerely changed community of principle which attained success in the past through ‘Kusang-loob, malasakit at kapwa-tao.‘ I have always tried to lead by example and to make Olongapo prevail against all challenges, with people as part of the process and not as mere pawns exploited because of their needy situation.

"Throughout our shared history, I believed that we had become a distinct people that sustained ourselves through hard work by way of Vision, Values and Volunteerism as opposed to instant gratification.

"Now I must accept that our culture has become one that reacts to the quick path of money, the source of which we must be wary and watchful, and one that I am afraid, sees life as it is and not as it should or must be. It seems the people of Olongapo do not share the sense for a need for change in the way the city has become.

"I continue to want only the best not only for the City of Olongapo but for our entire country, and hope that we can ALL kND THE PATH OF DIGNITY !S A senator, I remain committed to elevating the lives of our people and will be relentless in pursuing true and lasting progress and development for our country.� *** Sore losers, don’t threaten the country by migrating. And you CALL YOURSELVES PATRIOTIC BY lEEing? Pack your bags now and continue shaming the country somewhere else and be part of a minority that goes berserk when outvoted by the majority. Rally all you want and test the patience of the rulers in your newfound “democratic� sanctuary. Good luck. *** Good work, good deeds and good faith to all.

to create the structures that will help their citizens be productive while helping them capitalize on their natural advantages. On a macro level, we must credit President Duterte for jumpstarting an infrastructural boom that will ostensibly improve productivity.

3IMULTANEOUSLY OFkCIALS MUST COherently pursue policy and investment initiatives to help Filipino TALENT AND TECHNOLOGY lOURISH IN naturally competitive areas such as agriculture, minerals and the creative economy.

4HE kNAL LESSON IS THAT SUCCESSFUL businesses are highly adept at managing change. When a company’s bottom line is affected, managers know something is wrong. They examine their “logic of success� and make the necessary changes to its business model, lest the company’s very existence falls into peril.

Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest man and founder and CEO of

Amazon, proclaimed last year that, “Amazon is not too big to fail...In fact, I predict one day Amazon will fail.� Even the head of the world’s currently most successful company, questions its logic of success, helping keep his staff responsive and ready to reform the system.

The sad reality is that our political system is so broken that its current logic of success is in fact, not logical at all. The latest political debate about honesty being a requirement of political candidates is both maddening and amusing.

In our system, honesty simply does not reward you with results.

The real exercise of leadership is recognizing and renewing what is broken in our system. A courageous politician points out the dysfunctions of power, personality, and kinship networks as obstacles to getting real, long-term strategic work done for citizens. Whether one personally benefits or not,

this politician works to reform the system towards the public interest.

As citizen shareholders, we can help keep our government accountable to get work done; understand whether officials are crafting and executing sensible policy; and ultimately, determine if they are indeed working for the public interest.

Faustino John Lim (john.lim@ asialeadership.org | IG: faustino. john.lim) is director at the Center for Asia Leadership, an organization that addresses business, policy, and social challenges in Asia through leadership training and research. He heads the Philippine Emerging Leaders Initiative, a platform that channels talent and resources from Harvard University to help leaders initiate positive change in their organizations and communities. For more information: bit.ly/al-programs.

A N A LY S I S

Persian Gulf tensions, unclear threats raise risks DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Murky claims of sabotage to oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. A drone attack on a pipeline in Saudi Arabia. A US aircraft carrier strike group steamING TOWARD AN UNSPECIkED THREAT The events roiling the Persian Gulf in recent days have the potential to affect everything from the price of a gallon of gas to the fate of nations.

And for those feeling confused by it all, don’t worry: Everyone else seems to be puzzled, too, only raising the possibility of a miscalculation.

Just as what sparked the rapid series of market-moving events remains unclear; so does the reason for the White House deploying warships and B-52 bombers to the region.

Days later, Iran marked the anniversary of President Donald Trump withdrawing the US from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers by announcing it also would begin backing away from the accord. It set a 60-day deadline for Europe to offer it a better deal before it would begin enriching uranium to higher levels that the West fears could allow it to obtain atomic bombs. “We are very worried about the risk of a conflict happening by accident with an escalation that is unintended really on either side but ends with some kind of CONlICT u "RITISH &OREIGN 3ECRETARY Jeremy Hunt said recently.

The main threat Hunt referred to was any confrontation between the US and Iran. This has been brewing ever since Trump, who campaigned on tearing up Iran’s NUCLEAR DEAL CAME TO OFkCE

After pulling out of the deal last year, the US began a maximalist pressure campaign against Iran. It reimposed sanctions. It created new ONES FOR THE kRST TIME NAMING A PART of a country’s armed forces a terrorist organization and squeezing Iran by threatening sanctions on any nation importing its crude oil.

For a year, Iran negotiated with EuROPEAN SIGNATORIES TO THE DEAL TO kND A way to allow it to continue its trading.

Those efforts have yet to bear fruit.

Meanwhile, Trump’s national security John Bolton, who gave paid speeches to an Iranian exile group promising that Iran’s government would be overthrown, issued the statement announcing the aircraft carrier would be deployed.

The deployment sends “a clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime that any attack on United States interests or on those of our allies will be met with unrelenting force,� Bolton said.

Iran announced May 8 it would back away from the nuclear deal.

Four days later, on Sunday, everything suddenly changed.

A pro-Iran Lebanese satellite channel falsely claimed the Emirati port of Fujairah was ablaze after explosions, reports quickly carried by )RANIAN STATE MEDIA AND SEMI OFkCIAL outlets. Hours later, the United Arab Emirates issued a vague statement alleging four ships “were subjected to sabotage operations.�

By Monday, it was clear something happened. One of the four oil tankers AFFECTED A .ORWEGIAN lAGGED SHIP

clearly had a hole punched through ITS HULL ! 53 OFkCIAL SPEAKING ON condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation, said the other

three did as well.

"UT %MIRATI AND 53 OFkCIALS REfused to speak on record to journalists. Satellite images obtained by The Associated Press later showed no visible major damage to the vessels, which included two Saudi tankers and an Emirati vessel.

On Tuesday, there still were no clear answers but many questions. Where did the Lebanese channel get its information about the explosions? What damaged the ships? And why won’t anyone identify suspects involved in the alleged sabotage?

3USPICION BUT NOT PUBLICLY VERIkable evidence, has fallen on nearby Iran. The Shiite power has an incredibly tense relationship with Sunniruled Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Trump told reporters he would “absolutely� be willing to send troops to the Middle East, but that he’s not planned for that and hopefully won’t have to plan for that. In Tehran, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cautioned: “Neither we, nor them, is seeking war. They know THAT IT IS NOT TO THEIR BENEkT u Still, Iran has been threatening to close off the Strait of Hormuz if it can’t sell its own oil on the global market. The strait is the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a third of all oil traded at sea passes. Additionally, over 30 percent OF THE WORLD S LIQUEkED NATURAL GAS trade also travels through it.

The UAE is developing Fujairah with an eye to possibly avoid having to send crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Now suddenly, Fujairah is a target.

On Tuesday, a pipeline in Saudi Arabia that allows it to likewise

avoid the strait became a target as well. Yemen’s Houthi rebels, with whom Saudi Arabia and the 5!% HAVE BEEN kGHTING A BLOODY war since March 2015, launched a drone attack on the East-West pipeline, which carries nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil a day to the Red Sea. The kingdom shut down the pipeline in response, causing a spike in global oil prices.

Such attacks routinely cause higher global oil prices, which mean profits for producers and higher prices for consumers. But threats to the global oil market in the Persian Gulf also have been a US national security priority since 1980.

The US fought the Gulf War in 1991 to push Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s forces out of Kuwait, a major OPEC member.

That war gave birth to the vast network of military bases the US now has around the Persian Gulf, bases that Iran regards warily as the USS Abraham Lincoln heads toward the Strait of Hormuz. B-52 bombers from Louisiana already ARE lYING MISSIONS IN THE REGION “Iran could actually view some of this as being a potential buildup for some type of offensive action,� said Becca Wasser, a Washington-based RAND Corp. analyst specializing in Gulf security. “It raises the risk of accidental escalation. Because the US and Iran don’t have clear lines of communication at the moment, everything can be perceived in a very different light than one side is intending.�

She added: “Something that would usually be a smaller issue could bloom into something much larger and much-more serious.�

ASSOCIATED PRESS (AP)

FOCUS

Kabul murder highlights Afghan women’s plight KABUL: When gunmen killed former journalist Mena Mangal on a busy Kabul street, observers first wondered if she had been murdered by the Taliban, the Islamist extremists who have long marginalized women.

But police quickly said they were looking at Mangal’s broad-daylight killing as the result of a family dispute, saying her ex-husband had “probably� played a role.

The brazen attack last weekend sparked global outrage over the plight of Afghan women, who still suffer rampant levels of physical and mental abuse, sexual violence and discrimination.

Authorities say Mangal’s death came amid the type of suffocating marital dispute that is common for many women in Afghanistan, a country where domestic abuse can seem like the norm and women are often seen as little more than household chattel.

Her killing has garnered broad condemnation — including from the US and from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

In Kabul, the attorney general’s office said Mangal had filed a complaint saying she was mistreated by her husband, whom she had felt pressured into marrying after a 10-year engagement. “She was not happy about her relationship from the very beginning,�

Jamshid Rasuli, a spokesman for the attorney general’s office, told AFP.

Rasuli said Mangal’s husband had threatened to kill her, and she was eventually granted a divorce — no easy feat in a strictly Islamic country whose male-dominated courts favor men.

The ex-husband remains at large and is being sought by police, who have vowed a thorough investigation.

But Mangal’s father, Talib Jan Mangal, said he thought police were not doing enough. “If he is not arrested, he can threaten our lives too,� he told AFP. Mangal, who reportedly was 27, posted a message on social media days before she died saying she had received a death threat — though she did not say who it was from.

She was relatively well known in Kabul thanks to her experience as a broadcast journalist and her work as an activist.

Mangal was also known in political circles, having quit journalism three years ago to work as an adviser for the Afghan parliament’s religious and cultural affairs committee.

#StopKillingWomen Gender equality in Afghanistan has improved somewhat since a US-led coalition toppled the hardline Taliban regime in 2001.

The insurgents were notorious for deny-

ing women and girls any education, forcing women to wear burqas and for stoning them to death on trumped-up charges.

Women today — particularly in urban areas — hold professional jobs, as well as about a quarter of the seats in parliament.

But major challenges remain, with forced marriages and child marriages still common.

Samira Hamidi, a South Asia campaigner for Amnesty International, said Afghan women remain vulnerable, and authorities are ill-equipped to investigate crimes. “Unfortunately Mena’s killing is not the first one,� Hamidi told AFP. “There have been many women intimidated, harassed, abducted, threatened and eventually killed — but there has not been a mechanism to investigate the crime and bring perpetrators to justice.�

In 2015, a woman known as Farkhunda was beaten to death in Kabul after being falsely accused of blasphemy, a case that became a symbol of the endemic violence that women still face.

Shagufa Noorzai, a female member of parliament, posted images of Afghan abuse cases on Twitter including portraits of Mangal, Farkhunda, a woman whose nose had been cut off by her husband, and a young girl who’d been kidnapped and murdered. “All these crimes took place mainly during the day� in Kabul, she wrote on

Twitter, adding the hashtag #StopKillingWomen.

Mary Akrami, director of the Afghan Women Network, told AFP violence towards women remains common partly due to a “culture of impunity.� “Lawlessness, a lack of proper punishment and corruption in the judiciary system have given men a sense of impunity,� she said.

Akrami also pointed to women’s continued lack of access to information about their rights.

After Mangal’s death, Akrami and others started a WhatsApp conversation with over 100 female participants. “None of the women had any ideas on how to deal with such a situation.

They all believed the men were too powerful to deal with,� Akrami said.

The plight of Afghan women has received renewed focus in recent months, as many fret that rights will be lost if the US cuts a peace deal with the Taliban.

Such an outcome seems far off, and it is unclear what kind of power the Taliban could end up wielding across Afghanistan.

But a deadly Taliban attack on a US-funded aid group last week does not bode well.

The insurgents said they targeted the organization, killing nine people in the process, because it promoted the “intermixing� of men and women.

AFP

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Regions

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

A7

Davao City delivers votes for Hugpong bets DAVAO #ITY -AYOR 3ARA $UTERTE #ARPIO VOWED TO WORK HARDER after her bailiwick delivered a 12-0 victory for Senate candidates endorsed by her regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP) in Monday’s midterm elections. $UTERTE #ARPIO HEAD OF THE

HnP, said the 12-0 sweep of the PARTY S SENATORIAL SLATE WAS gA kRST in our city’s history.� “I am humbled as I bow. I am not a person who cries easily but WHEN IT WAS DEkNITE THAT $AVAO #ITY delivered a 12-0 vote for senators OF (N0 THE TEARS lOWED AND THE

SOBBING FOLLOWED u $UTERTE #ARPIO wrote on Instagram with a photo of her kneeling inside a church.

Quoting a Bible verse, Duterte#ARPIO SAID g5NTO WHOMSOEVER much is given, of him shall be much required.� $UTERTE #ARPIO WHO ALSO WON HER

reelection bid as mayor, thanked her constituents and assured them that she would serve them “until I break.� “I have said that I feel alone everyday, stressing over making sure $AVAO #ITY IS /+ BUT WHEN ) AM in distress, Dabawenyos carry me on their backs,� she said.

Defective SD cards delay vote count in Samar C

BY ELADIO PERFECTO

ATARMAN, Northern Samar: The canvassing of votes in 20 towns in Northern and Western Samar was delayed because of defective SD cards.

In Northern Samar, 12 out of the 24 municipalities were not able to transmit the results of the voting in Monday’s midterm polls because of the defective SD cards that read the results from the VOTE COUNTING MACHINES 6#- These are the municipalities of #ATUBIG ,AS .AVAS ,AOANG 3AN Roque, Silvino Lobos and Mapanas in the second congressional district; and the towns of Lope DE 6EGA #ATARMAN -ONDRAGON

,AVEZARES 3AN 6ICENTE AND !LLEN IN THE kRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Fidel Amacna, provincial election supervisor and chairman of THE 0ROVINCIAL "OARD OF #ANVASSERS 0"/# IN .ORTHERN 3AMAR SAID no votes could be canvassed for two days, thus delaying the proclamation of winners.

Amacna told The Manila Times that he had no other choice but to adjourn the canvassing in the provincial level because municipalities whose SD cards were defective could not transmit the election results. “These defective SD cards were BROUGHT TO THE #OMELEC REGIONAL OFFICE IN 4ACLOBAN #ITY TO BE configured then once these are returned to us, that’s the only time we can proceed with the canvassing,� Amacna said, referring to the #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS The provincial canvassing was set to convene at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall. However, the 0"/# SAID IT WAS not clear whether the canvassing

could proceed because the defective SD cards that were sent to be conkGURED HAD NOT YET BEEN RETURNED The same thing happened in Western Samar where the canvassing of votes could not proceed.

Out of the 22 defective SD CARDS WERE DELIVERED TO #ALBAYOG #ITY 4HE CARDS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO #ATBALOGAN #ITY #ORAZON -ONTALLANA #OMELEC supervisor in Western Samar, said in an interview the municipalities and city that were not able to transmit the results of the election TO THE 0"/# WERE #ALBAYOG !Lmagro, Matuguinao, San Jorge and 3TO .INO ALL FROM THE kRST DISTRICT OF 3AMAR AND THE TOWNS OF #ALbiga, Jiabong, Marabut, Motiong and Zumarraga in the second district of Samar.

In the partial and unofficial RESULTS FOR THE kRST AND SECOND CONgressional districts of Northern 3AMAR 0AUL $AZA ,0 WAS LEADING with 108,712 votes against Harlin Abayon who got only

votes. In

the second district, incumbent GOVERNOR *OSE /NG *R GOT

votes, while his opponent got only

VOTES For the gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial positions, Rep. Edwin Ong and incumbent Vice Gov. Gary Lavin were waiting to be proclaimed. Both were unopposed.

In Western Samar, incumbent second district representative Mila Tan GOT VOTES WHILE %MIL 3OZA GOT ONLY VOTES 2EYNOLDS Michael Tan, the son of Mila Tan who ran for vice governor, was leadING WITH VOTES AGAINST *ESUS 2EDAJA WHO ONLY GOT VOTES )N THE kRST AND SECOND DISTRICTS of Samar, incumbent congressman Edgar Sarmiento led his opponent, *IMBOY 4AN (E GOT VOTES

WHILE 4AN GOT ONLY VOTES In the second district, Sharee Ann Tan had a commanding lead, havING RECEIVED VOTES AGAINST "OY "OLASTIG S VOTES In Eastern Samar, incumbent congressman Ben Evardone was set to be proclaimed as the new governor of Eastern Samar.

�I promise to work harder until I break. I love you all. #DavaO#ITY Û,IFEIS(ERE u SHE ADDED $AVAO #ITY GAVE $UTERTE #ARPIO A landslide win in her reelection bid as mayor, securing 580,440 votes against the 4,270 of her rival, Jun Marcellones.

Her brother, Sebastian “Baste�

Duterte, ran unopposed for vice mayor and got 558,128 votes.

The President’s eldest son, Paolo “Pulong� Duterte, the city’s former vice mayor, led the race for the conGRESSIONAL SEAT OF THE kRST DISTRICT WITH VOTES CATHERINE S. VALENTE

Winners in 3 Bataan towns proclaimed SAMAL, Bataan: Winners in three out of 11 towns and one city in Bataan have been proclaimed as of Wednesday.

The proclamation of winners in the nine towns and one city was delayed because of defective secure digital (SD) cards that had TO BE RECONkGURED IN THE #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS OFkCE IN 3AN Fernando, Pampanga.

The proclaimed winners in three towns were Aida Macalinao as Samal mayor, Liberato Santiago as Abucay mayor, and Ramil del Rosario, father of incumbent mayor Louise Gabriel, as mayorelect of Bagac.

The municipal board of canvassers in the two towns declared

-ACALINAO AND 3ANTIAGO AS OFkCIAL winners at dawn on Wednesday, while del Rosario was proclaimed on Tuesday.

The respective vice mayors and eight members of the Sangguniang Bayan in the three towns were also proclaimed.

No winners had been proc l a i m e d i n t h e p r ov i n c i a l and congressional post as of Wednesday due to incomplete vote results. ! REPORT FROM THE OFkCE OF THE provincial election supervisor in "ALANGA #ITY SHOWED THAT 3$ cards in nine towns and one city were found defective and sent to 3AN &ERNANDO FOR RECONkGURATION ERNIE B. ECONDE

3 kids suffocate to death inside car ORION, Bataan:Â Three girls died after they were trapped for hours inside a parked car here on Monday.

Captain Dennis Orbista, Orion police chief, said the victims — Shamel Algehla Morales, 8, Grade 3; Agatha Morales, 9, Grade 4 and Paulaine Keziah Morales, 6, Grade 1 — of Barangay Sto. Domingo in Orion, were found lifeless by the father of one of the girls. The car was issued to Jessie Morales, safety officer of an oil company.  The parents of the three girls refused to be interviewed.

The police chief said a neighbor reported that the victims were last seen playing near the parked vehicle.

Orbista said when Jessie ap-

proached the car at about 4 p.m., he noticed that the children were inside but were no longer moving. “He opened the car door and when the children did not respond to him, he rushed them to the hospital where they were declared dead due to suffocation,� he said. An investigation showed that the car’s door can only be opened from the outside. “We advise the parents of small children to always keep watch over them because there are children who, out of curiosity, tinker with and play with things [including car doors or hide inside vehicles] they see around them,� Orbista said.

ERNIE B. ESCONDE

Court convicts former Lanao town mayor VICTORY

Gemma Lubigan (center) was proclaimed mayor of Trece Martires City in Cavite. The widow of former vice mayor Alex Lubigan got 27,918 votes, while her closest rival, Melencio de Sagun Jr, garnered 21,197 vote. Alex was shot dead in July 2018, shortly after announcing that he would run for mayor. PHOTO BY BOY JOSUE

SC allows Tallado to seek ‘4th term’ THE 3UPREME #OURT 3# HAD GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT FOR #AMARINES Norte Gov. Edgardo Tallado to seek a “fourth term.�

The high court issued a Status Quo Ante Order (SQAO) that allowed Tallado to run in Monday’s midterm elections.

In a three-page resolution dated -AY BUT RELEASED ONLY RECENTLY THE 3UPREME #OURT en banc issued a stay order stopping the #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS #OME-

lec) from disqualifying Tallado from the electoral race.

It was signed and promulgated

by Edgar Aricheta, clerk of court of the high court.

Tallado sought to run for governor for the fourth time, contending THAT HIS THREE TERMS IN OFkCE WERE interrupted due to the dismissal from the service imposed upon HIM BY THE /FkCE OF THE /MBUDSman. This, he said, makes him eligible to seek another term to

Nationinbriefs ROBREDO DENIES ‘STEP DOWN’ POST VICE President Maria Leonor “Leni� Robredo dismissed on Wednesday a post claiming that she will step down from her post after the loss of her Otso Diretso opposition candidates in the senatorial race. “Not true. Let’s continue fighting disinformation,� Robredo tweeted, refuting a Facebook post by a certain Danvier Jan Cabuga Cruz. Cruz’s post contained an image of Robredo alongside a supposed quote from her which read: “If no one among the Otso Diretso will win the election, I will step down as Vice President.� The image gained around 1,000 likes and 280 comments as of posting. GLEE JALEA

20 MORE LANES TO BE BUILT IN SCTEX THE Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Corp. is set to increase the lanes in the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) to allow it to serve more vehicles. In a statement on Wednesday, the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led NLEx Corp. said 20 additional

complete his “three full terms.�

The tribunal gave due course to Tallado’s petition and ordered the #OMELEC EN BANC TO INCLUDE HIM in the list of candidates for the gubernatorial race while the case was being heard on its merits.

As of the latest count, Tallado was pulling away from his closest opPONENT #ATHERINE "ARCELONA 2EYES The cancellation of Tallado’s #ERTIkCATE OF #ANDIDACY STEMMED FROM THE PETITION kLED BY .ORBERTO

Villamin and Senandro Jalgalado last year on the grounds that he would be running for a fourth term in Monday’s midterm elections. &ORMER /MBUDSMAN #ONCHITA #ARPIO -ORALES SUSPENDED 4ALLADO in 2015 and meted the penalty of perPETUAL DISQUALIkCATION FROM OFkCE IN March 2018. These rulings originated from the grave misconduct complaint kLED BY FORMER PROVINCIAL VETERINARIAN %DGARDO 'ONZALES AGAINST 4ALLADO JOMAR CANLAS

lanes will be constructed in Clark North, Clark South, San Miguel, Bamban and Tarlac toll plazas.  Construction is expected to begin in July. “The additional toll lanes will help improve SCTEx’s connectivity in its areas, particularly in Clark, which is being positioned as Asia’s next aerotropolis and investment center,� Luigi Bautista, president and general manager of NLEx Corp., said in a statement.

LISBET K. ESMAELÂ Â

NORMAL POWER SUPPLY SEEN IN SEPTEMBER POWER supply in Luzon is expected to normalize in September, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said on Wednesday. “Projection wise? September,� said Fidel Dagsaan Jr., head of NGCP’s power network planning said in a press briefing. Dagsaan explained that hydro power plants kick in once the rainy season starts in June, enabling these facilities to supply electricity “around August or September� the period when coal facilities are usually offline for maintenance works.

The NGCP has raised successive red and yellow alert notices in the country’s largest island especially in April and May amid the scorching heat. Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said the raising of red and yellow alerts would continue but not as frequent as in the past months.

JORDEENE B. LAGARE

THE Sandiganbayan’s First DiviSION HAS CONVICTED FORMER +AUSwagan, Lanao del Norte mayor Rommel Arnado of three counts of grave coercion. )N A PAGE DECISION THE COURT sentenced Arnado to a maximum jail term of three years and six months for each count. “The perfunctory attitude of the accused mayor in the aftermath of each incident could only FURTHER CONkRM HIS INVOLVEMENT in the commission of the crimes.

It must be noted that he did not make any effort to mend nor mitigate the damage caused by the destruction over the complainants’ properties, or even restore them to their dwellings, as a display of goodwill and somehow to once and for all quell any tinge of his possible role in the conspiracy,� the court said. “Indeed, no amount of denial could save the day for the accused when he himself admitted during the pre-trial conference his participation in the removal of complainants’ shelters or dwellings thereby depriving them peaceful settlement in the disputed properties,� it added.

4HE /FkCE OF THE /MBUDSMAN kLED THE CASES IN The Ombudsman alleged that IN THREE INSTANCES IN !RNADO and his co-accused conspired to prevent Ibra Sambuat, Osama Sambuat, Farhana Sambuat and their relatives “from having shelter and peaceful living and forcing them by means of violence, threats, and intimidation to leave against their will the land over which they claim ownership and where their houses and shelters were built.�

In its decision, the court found that “all the elements of grave coercion� were present in the cases. “First, the Sambuats were compelled to leave the premises against their will. The Sambuats were prevented from staying in the property which they claim as THEIR OWN BASED ON THE CERTIkCATE of title in their possession,� it said. !RNADO HAD TESTIkED THAT THE Sambuats were among the claimants of the parcels of land in BaRANGAY 4ACUB IN +AUSWAGAN /NE of the claimants was the group OF FORMER )LIGAN #ITY VICE MAYOR Henry Dy. “Atty. [Voltaire] Rovira admitted that the group of Henry Dy DID NOT kLE A CASE IN COURT FOR eviction of the Sambuats from the disputed property. He only sought assistance from the police and the mayor. For his part, ACCUSED -AYOR !RNADO TESTIkED that he made his own inquiry as to the owners of the disputed lot AND LEARNED FROM THE OFkCE OF THE municipal assessor that there was A CERTIkCATE OF SALE AND TAX DEClaration in favor of the group of Henry Dy,� the court said. )BRA 3AMBUAT HAD TESTIkED THAT their family first occupied the SUBJECT PROPERTY IN THE S OR S Arnado had claimed that he merely instructed the police to take proper action and maintain peace and order. !SSOCIATE *USTICE %DGARDO #ALdona penned the decision which was concurred in by Associate *USTICE %FREN DE LA #RUZ WHO leads the Sandiganbayan’s First Division, and Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg.

REINA C. TOLENTINO

News Reconciliation unlikely for the Binays A8

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

 BY NEIL JAYSON N. SERVALLOS

T

HE rift among members of the Binay family is likely to fester and continue as the Binay siblings have shunned talks of reconciliation after the May 13 election that saw Mar-Len Abigail “Abby� Binay winning a fresh term as Makati City mayor.

Binay said the grueling campaign has been more than just politics because she had to parry personal attacks from her brother, former mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun�

Binay Jr. She said it would take time before she could recover from the pain of those attacks. “You can’t keep on asking about reconciliation because even up to today, they are

spreading lies about me so it is rather too premature to say that let’s reconcile,� she said on Monday.

Abby was proclaimed mayor Tuesday after she scored an almost easy victory in her reelection with 179,522 votes. Her brother got 98,653 votes.

The mayor-elect said she hoped “Junjun would accept the results willingly.�

The Binay patriarch, former vice

strange relationship with my mom and I don’t want to aggravate it anymore,� she said.

‘Rift is Campos’ fault’ president Jejomar Binay, sided with Abby while another Binay sibling, Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, supported Junjun.

Former Makati mayor Elenita, the family matriarch, and Ann Binay, the youngest of the four, also backed Junjun.

Abby said her mother’s siding with Junjun had nothing to do with her reelection bid. It was personal. “Again, my issues with my mom is personal. This has nothing to do with me running for mayor. I have a

Nancy earlier said she brokered a deal between her siblings for Junjun to back out of the elections if Abby’s husband, Makati Rep. Luis Campos would back out too.

Abby’s camp agreed to the deal, but not before 13 of Makati’s 16 councilors expressed support for Junjun, said Nancy.

The rift between the siblings began when Abby started dating her husband, Nancy added.

Nancy said her family “tried accepting�

Campos and was

“civil� towards him.

Campos and Abby, however, stopped speaking to them and skipped the family’s weekly lunches since 2016, which made it “harder for us to mend things,� said Nancy.

Junjun and Abby argued last month during an election gathering in a Church in Makati, which erupted when Junjun denied linking Abby’s husband to the narcotics trade and of drug use.

Abby said Junjun went too far. “The thing is we have been married for ten years. Kung meron silang issue sa asawa ko, it is unfortunate that they would have to use him as a punching bag for this election. This has nothing to do with it,� the mayor said.

The older Binay said he would pray and work harder to patch the rift in the family.

PROVINCIAL BUS BAN ON HOLD THE implementation of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) provincial bus ban has been put on hold until the set of newly elected mayors of -ETRO -ANILA CONVENES FOR THE kRST TIME

AN OFkCIAL SAID 7EDNESDAY MMDA Command Center chief Edison “Bong� Nebrija said the agency has set aside the shutdown of provincial bus terminals at the EDSA junctions of Pasay and Quezon cities pending the approval of the new mayors. “The Metro Manila Council (MMC) IS NOT THE ONLY BODY THAT HAS THE kNAL say on the implementation. The closure of bus terminals depends on the revocation of business permits, which is authorized by the local government,�

Nebrija explained.

The MMC, comprised of all 16 Metro Manila mayors, is the MMDA’s governing and policy-making body.

Outgoing Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto and Quezon City Mayor Herbert "AUTISTA WERE THE kRST TO SIGN THE --# resolution ordering the revocation of the permits of bus terminals in EDSA.

Nebrija said the MMDA was unsure whether the new set of mayors would agree on the full implementation of the bus BAN WHICH HAS RECEIVED A LOT OF lAK FROM commuters and legislators alike.

Bautista, who is president of the Metro Manila League of Mayors, will be replaced BY -AYOR ELECT *OSEkNA g*OYu "ELMONTE

while Calixto will be replaced by his sister, Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, who was vice chairwoman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development. $URING THE --# S kRST MEETING THE mayors will elect among themselves the OFkCERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY 5SUALLY

the body elects as its president the mayor “with most seniority.� g7E CAN T CONTINUE WITH OUR DRY RUN and the planned closure of all terminals in June if we can’t iron out agreements with THEM 7E NEED THEIR GUIDANCE u .EBRIJA added.

Once the MMDA’s total provincial bus ban is fully implemented, provincial buses will no longer be allowed to traverse major roads in Metro Manila.

NEIL JAYSON N. SERVALLOS

SHRINKING MOON In this image, a mosaic composed of many images taken by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), and released by NASA on May 13, 2019, shows new surface features (outlined) of the Moon, discovered in a region called Mare Frigoris.

The Moon is steadily shrinking, causing wrinkling on its surface and quakes, according to an analysis of imagery captured by LRO. AFP PHOTO

BAGATSING TO SUPPORT ISKO, CALLS FOR UNITY THE Bagatsing clan has thrown its support behind Manila Mayor-elect Francisco “Isko Moreno�

Domagoso. “Tapos na boxing (The boxing has ended), time to move on, shake hands and unite for Manila,�

Don Bagatsing, the family spokesman, said after the proclamation of Domagoso on Tuesday night.

LED light can damage eyes, health authority warns MAISONS-ALFORT, France: The “blue light� in LED lighting can damage the eye’s retina and disturb natural sleep rhythms, France’s government-run health watchdog said this week.

New findings confirm earlier concerns that “exposure to an intense and powerful [LED] light is ‘photo-toxic’ and can lead to irreversible loss of retinal cells and diminished sharpness of vision,� the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety warned in a statement.

The agency recommended in a 400-page report that the maximum limit for acute exposure be revised, even if such levels are rarely met in home or work environments.

The report distinguished between acute exposure of high-intensity LED light, and “chronic exposure� to lower intensity sources.

While less dangerous, even chronic exposure can “accelerate the ageing of retinal tissue, contributing to a decline in visual acuity and certain degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration,� the agency concluded.

Long-lasting, energy efficient and inexpensive, light-emitting diode (LED) technology has gobbled up half of the general lighting market in a decade, and will top 60 percent by the end of next year, according to industry projections.

LED uses only a fifth of the electricity needed for an incandescent bulb of comparable brightness.

The world’s leading LED light-bulb makers are GE Lighting, Osram and Philips.

AFP

Bagatsing is the nephew of former congressman Amado Bagatsing. He ran for vice mayor in tandem with outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, but lost to incumbent Vice Mayor Maria Shielah “Honey� Lacuna-Pangan.

The losing candidate said Moreno ran in the right direction and his campaign was perfect.

He expressed belief that Moreno could do a lot to improve the lives of the ManileĂąos and help in the development of the city.

According to Bagatsing, the residents also felt the sincerity of the incoming chief executive of the city, which was the reason why they voted for him in the recent midterm polls.

He also said that since Moreno is the youngest mayor of Manila, he would be energetic enough TO FULkLL HIS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE CITY Bagatsing assured that his clan, a powerful political clan in Manila, is one with Moreno in solving and facing the problems of the city.

WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL

Q WINNER-TAKE-ALL FROM A1

Lady Eagles, Golden Tigresses set for winner-take-all match Ateneo kept its hopes of ending a fouryear title drought, bouncing back from a

SWEEP IN THE kNALS opener last Saturday.

The Katipunan-based volleybelles last won the crown in Season 77 when they achieved a 16-game tournament sweep.

It was sophomore libero Dani Ravena who served as the spark plug on the defensive end with her 22 digs and 12 receptions. g)T S THE kNALS )T S NOW OR NEVER ESPECIALLY WITH 534 UP BY A GAME -Y MINDSET is really to give my all,� Ravena said. “This is for our seniors.�

Graduating blocker Maddie Madayag paced Ateneo’s offense with 17 points anchored on 10 spikes, four blocks and three aces. “It crossed my mind that this might be our last game. But we just thought we’re NOT GOING TO DOWN WITHOUT A kGHT u SHE said.

Fellow graduating captain Bea De Leon tallied 13 points while season’s Best Opposite Hitter Kat Tolentino chipped in 11 markers.

Off a second set setback and trailing 17-18 in the third set, Ateneo raced to an 8-1 run capped by De Leon’s off the block hit to reclaim the advantage.

The Lady Eagles then soared to a 13-5 start on Madayag’s ace in the fourth frame and kept the Tigresses at bay from then on to level the series.

Season MVP Sisi Rondina had a gamehigh 22 points on 18 kills, three blocks and an ace for the Tigresses, who seemed shaken after Eya Laure sprained her ankle anew in the opening set.

Laure, who returned to play through injury late in the third set, had 10 points

in a losing effort.

Earlier in the men’s side, National 5NIVERSITY BAGGED BACK TO BACK TITLES AFTER COMPLETING A kNALS SWEEP OF &AR %ASTER 5NIVERSITY CAPPED BY A

23, 25-19 victory in Game 2.

Similar to the series opener, the BullDOGS BUCKED A kRST SET LOSS BEHIND 3EASON

and Finals MVP Bryan Bagunas to snare their second straight silverware.

"AGUNAS SAVED HIS BEST FOR HIS LAST 5!!0 game, pounding a career-high 35 points highlighted by 33 attacks on top of 12 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions. “I’m very happy because of the trust of the coaching staff especially coach Dante

(Alinsunurin) on me. I did not let them down,� said Bagunas.

Richard Solis had 18 points all on spikes while Jude Garcia, JP Bugaoan, Redi John Paler and Peter John Quiel had 11 markers each for the Tamaraw Spikers, who made THEIR kRST kNALS APPEARANCE SINCE JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

Q (From left) Kat Tolentino, Kassandra Gequillana and Ponggay Gaston celebrate after Ateneo de Manila University scores a point against the University of Santo Tomas during Game 2 of Season 81 UAAP women’s volleyball finals on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The Lady Eagles forced a title decider with a 26-24, 14-25, 25-21, 25-15 victory. PHOTO BY ROGER RAÑADA

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P52.35 TO $1

www.manilatimes.net

What’s inside PSEI WEAKENS MORE ON CAUTIOUS INVESTORS

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OFW remittances reach 3-month high in March

BY MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

M

ONEY sent home by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) rose to a three-month high in March, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Wednesday.

Personal remittances — made up of OFWs’ net compensation; personal transfers, whether in cash or kind; and capital transfers between households — reached $2.796 billion in the month, 6.4 percent higher than the $2.627 billion posted a year earlier, and 9.3 percent higher than the $2.557 billion booked in February.

The amount was the highest posted since December 2018.

In a comment, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. economist Michael Ricafort attributed the latest growth to base effects and seasonality. “The faster growth‌ may have to do with lower base/denominator effects a year ago,â€? Ricafort said.

He noted that remittances in March last year fell by 9.9 perCENT AFTER THE GOVERNMENT BRIElY

ÂłHigh B2

Q A cashier is counting dollar bills in Malate, Manila. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

More Congress allies to help Duterte in reform push ‘2019 inflation likely THE initial results of Monday’s midterm elections show that President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to have more help in pushing for legislative reforms, an analyst said on Wednesday. “With more lawmakers who are allied [with] the [Duterte] administration winning more [seats] at the Senate (and also at the House of Representatives), the greater the chances of increased support [for] the more timely enactment of [the] national budget, as well AS ;FOR= MORE ECONOMIC kSCAL AND other reform measures that require legislation‌[in] the remaining three years of the Duterte ad-

ministration,� Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Head of Economics and Industry Research Division Michael Ricafort told The Manila Times.

Initial results of the May 13 polls showed that nine candidates in the Senate race’s “Magic 12� are from the Duterte-backed Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) slate. Bets from administration party Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) also came out on top in a good number of House races. “Reform measures that require legislation include those that improve [the] economy, business and

kSCAL MANAGEMENT WHICH STRUCTURally increases [or] improves [the] recurring source of revenues of the government, especially through tax [or] fiscal reform measures, as well as eliminating leakages from government expenditures,�

Ricafort said.

This would result in “more funds [or] resources available for increased government spending on infrastructure and other social services that are needed for further economic growth and development that is more inclusive over the long run,� he added.

The government is currently pushing for the approval of the Tax

Reform for Attracting Better and High-quality Opportunities (Trabaho) bill, which seeks to lower corporate income taxes from 30 percent to 20 percent in 10 years AND RATIONALIZE kSCAL INCENTIVES According to Ricarfort, other reform measures set to be tackled by the next Congress include higher sin taxes and those seeking capital market reform. These INCLUDE THE SIMPLIkCATION OF TAXES ON kNANCIAL INSTRUMENTS FURTHER enhancements on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Charter and further easing of restrictions on foreign investments.

ÂłReform B2

The mess Holcim leaves behind Second W panda ROUGH TRADE bond offer BEN THE government launched on Wednesday its three-year 2.5-billion renminbi panda bond offering in Beijing. “Today, we are returning to the panda market. We are pricing as we speak the 2.5-billion renminbi issue,� Deputy Treasurer Erwin Sta. Ana said in an interview.

Transactions for the three-year bond will be settled on May 20, he added.

The Treasury bureau is yet to provide other details of the offering as of press time.

Panda bonds are yuan-denominated debt sold in China by a non-Chinese issuer.

The latest offering is the second made by the Duterte adminISTRATION THE kRST WAS MADE IN March last year, which was met with strong investor demand.

That 1.46-billion-renminbi ($230-million) offering was more than six times oversubscribed, with the order book reaching 9.22 billion renminbi.

It fetched a coupon rate of 5 percent with a tight 35 basis points spread above the benchmark.

That issuance had been rated “AAA� by China Lianhe Credit Rating Co. Ltd., factoring in the strong economic ties between Manila and Beijing and the Duterte administration’s “stable source of payment from growing government revenues.�

The Philippines set a record in the panda bond market then, as almost 90 percent of the offering was cornered by offshore or overseas buyers, with overwhelming demand pushing the coupon rate to its lowest at 5 percent.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

HAT a difference a week makes.

On May 3, Holcim Philippines )NC (0) ISSUED A gCLARIkCATION OF news report� to the PSE in which the local unit of global construction materials giant LafargeHolcim denied – well, sort of – that the company was about to be sold.

Exactly a week later on May 10, HPI was gone, snapped up by the San Miguel Corporation for the bargain price of $2.15 billion.

That sort of transaction takes a lot longer than a week to complete, of course, which made what turned out to be HPI’s penultimate disclosure to the Stock exchange extremely disingenuous if not an outright lie. What HPI said exactly was that it had not “received any official communication from

C

ist, but the penalties the company would have faced for violating them probably helped encourage HPI’s parent LafargeHolcim to speed up the sale.

If anyone doubts that LafargeHolcim was eager to dump its scandalridden stepchild, consider this: The any of its major shareholders� consensus estimate of HPI’s value regarding the sale of their shares, when SMC chairman Ramon Ang which may be semantically cor- kRST ANNOUNCED HE WAS MAKING A BID rect even though at the moment for it back in March was $2.5 billion. the statement was issued those HPI is the biggest cement producer major shareholders were in the in the Philippines with a market kNAL STAGES OF SELLING THEIR SHARES share of a little over 24 percent, to SMC’s First Stronghold Cement and it is operating in an economy Industries Inc. where cement demand is expected The issue of HPI’s rather casual to increase significantly over the regard for PSE and SEC disclosure next few years. That certainly does rules is no longer of any conse- not look like a cut-rate investment, quence as the company has for all yet SMC was able to snap it up at a intents and purposes ceased to ex³Kritz B4

KRITZ

China’s Belt and Road Initiative and tax administration

HINA’S Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure development and investments in various countries and international organizations in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Latin America and Africa. “Belt� refers to the overland routes for road and rail transportation, called “the Silk Road Economic Belt�. “Road� refers to the sea routes, or the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in his speech at a high-level meeting with heads of states held in China in April this year, said the Philippines shall participate, contribute, and cooperate to the extent the BRI “complements Asean and our national development initiatives� and “creates an environment conducive to productive bilateral undertakings�. He affirmed the Philippine’s commitment to the

and a number of academic institutions and businesses.

The forum also witnessed the birth of the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Mechanism (BRITACOM), a non-profit official mechanism collective vision of common pros- participated by countries and reperity through cooperation on the gions, international organizations “basis of mutual respect and as and other stakeholders supportive of the BRI, primarily aimed at equal sovereign states.�

The BRI extends to various areas, strengthening tax administration including tax administration. In cooperation and capacity buildlight of this, the State Taxation ing and operated on the basis of Administration of the People’s respecting sovereignty and laws Republic of China hosted the of all participating countries and kRST #ONFERENCE OF THE "ELT AND regions.

Road Initiative Tax Administration The Philippines’ Bureau of InterCooperation Forum (BRITACOF) nal Revenue, headed by Commison April 18-20, 2019 in Wuzhen, sioner Caesar Dulay, participated Zhejiang Province, China. The as an observer of BRITACOM. The forum was well-attended by 350 Asia-Oceana Tax Consultants’ Asdelegates from representatives sociation, which this author repOF TAX ADMINISTRATIONS OR kNANCE resented, participated in this condepartments from 85 jurisdictions, ference as an “observerâ€? as well, ÂłMTF B4 16 international organizations,

MORE TO FOLLOW (MTF)

EUNEY MARIE MATA-PEREZ

to settle at 2.9%’ RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp.

(RCBC) on Wednesday revised DOWNWARD ITS INlATION PROJECTION for this year to 2.9 percent from the earlier 3.0 percent.

In its Report on the Economy and Financial Markets released on Wednesday, RCBC said it revised its projection on account of the expected decline in rice prices. “Rice prices have gone down sharply in recent months, even before the full effects of the Rice 4ARIFkCATION LAW TOOK PLACE u THE bank explained.

The report comes a week after the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the rate of the increase in the prices of goods and services further eased to 3.0 percent in April from 3.3 percent in March, due to the slower increase in the prices of food and other commodities. “Prices of other food/agricultural products have also gone down amid the summer harvest season and the recent non-monetary measures by the government since the latter part of 2018,� the report said. “Once the Rice Tariffication [law] fully takes effect, we estimate INlATION TO GO EVEN LOWER TO ;THE=

2-percent levels in the coming months of 2019,� it added.

Signed in February, this law ‡ OFkCIALLY KNOWN AS 2EPUBLIC Act 11203 or the Philippine Rice 4ARIFkCATION !CT ‡ REPLACES THE country’s rice-importation quota system with tariffs.

Under the measure, in- and out-quota imports from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will be levied a uniform 35-percent duty.

A 40-percent tariff will be imposed on shipments from non-Asean members within the minimum access volume of 350,000 MT, rising up to 180 percent for outquota imports.

RCBC said other factors that WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE INlATION downtrend include the stronger peso exchange rate and “slower global economic growth outlook, especially in developed countries that also fundamentally lead to lower global, as well as local, inlATIONARY PRESSURES u For next year, RCBC forecasts INlATION TO SETTLE AT PERCENT

slightly hugher than the previous 3.0 percent.

ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

No fines for Cebu Pacific over flight cancellations THE Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will not to issue fines against lowbudget carrier Cebu Pacific, despite the hundreds of flight cancellations it made in late April and the massive disruptions these caused, as the concerns of affected passengers were “handled properly.�

A statement from the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said on Wednesday penalties were not slapped on the Gokongwei-led airline after the air-transport regulator found that the concerns of thousands of affected flyers were “handled properly by Cebu Pacific in compliance with the Air Passenger Bill of Rights.� “Thus, [the] imposition of penalties was not considered at present,� CAB said.

Instead, it advised that Cebu Pacific be given a “stern warning...to exercise diligence necessary in maintaining stability and reliability of air transport service to the riding public.�

CAB also required the airline to submit within 30 days a concrete plan of corrective measures to avoid such mass cancellations. “We are hoping that Cebu Pacific will immediately comply with the order to resolve this issue,� Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade was quoted as

saying in the statement. “[M]oving forward, we aim to have more substantial actions so that our passengers will not have to suffer,� he added.

For its part, Cebu Pacific said in a statement that it “will comply with the directive from the Civil Aeronautics Board and submit a plan to further improve our operations.� “We are also reviewing our internal processes and procedure to make every effort to improve our service to our passengers,� it added.

The airline, CAB said, applied for the cancellation of 172 one-way domestic flights from April 28 to May 10, affecting more than 20,000 flyers.

Cebu Pacific said it was facing declines in on-time performance (OTP), wherein the aircraft’s closing of its doors to actual lift-off took 66 minutes.

This forced the cancellation of more flights, which were necessary to “create more space,� “minimize rolling delays� and to pave a way for “operational recovery,� it added.

During its investigation, CAB also saw a “crewing problem� caused by “the additional time spent by on-duty crew on the tarmac, [which] consumes the working hours and reserves that were

ÂłFlight B2

B2

Business Times

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

PSEi weakens more on cautious investors

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

S

HARE prices slumped further on Wednesday as investors played safe amid ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell at the last minute by 0.92 percent or 69.95 points to close at 7,576.71 after trading most of the day in the green. The wider All Shares declined by 0.60 percent or 28.37 POINTS TO kNISH AT

“Market players were still gauging whether the slump yesterday was a good time for bargain hunting as the Sino-US trade war gets worse,� Timson Securities Inc.

trader Jervin de Celis said, adding that investors took opportunities to sell before market close. “It’s apparent that market players are playing it safe, they cash IN WHATEVER PROkT THEY CAN TAKE from PSEi’s rally while we are waiting for any developments in the negotiation between the US and China,� De Celis said.

On Tuesday, Washington said it prepared the list of $300-billion Chinese goods that could

face tariff hikes — apart from the first $200 billion slapped with 25-percent tariff last week — in retaliation to Beijing’s levying of 25-percent duties on US imports.

In the local front, De Celis said sell-offs in shares of SM Prime Holdings Inc., Ayala Land Inc., SM Investments Corp., and Jollibee Foods Corp., helped with the decline.

Shares of SMPH dropped 2.34 percent or 90 centavos to P37.50 EACH WHILE ITS PARENT kRM 3-)# LOST PERCENT OR 0 TO kNISH at P890 each.

Ayala Land, on the other hand, declined 1.98 percent or 95 centavos to P47 each, while JFC was sold down by 3.17 percent or

P9.60 to P293 on announcements that its net income plunged by 15 percent.

The local market bucked a Wall Street rally, with its three indices ALL kNISHING IN THE GREEN Regional counterparts were mixed. Tokyo increased 0.58 percent, Shanghai climbed 1.91 percent, Hong Kong grew 0.67 percent, Seoul rose 0.53 percent.

Jakarta declined 1.01 percent, Singapore lost 0.24 percent, and Bangkok slipped 0.46 percent.

In Manila, only the services inDEX kNISHED kRM UP PERCENT More than 761 million issues were traded valued at P7.23 billion.

Losers led winners, 98 to 92, while 52 issues were unchanged.

Palay price Govt tax effort up 14.6% in Q1 down in late April THE average farm-gate price of palay (unhusked rice) fell in the last week of April from its week- and year-ago levels, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

In its weekly update on palay, rice and corn prices, PSA said the latest average price of palay dropped by 0.6 percent to P18.37 per kilogram from the previous week’s P18.48 per kilo.

Year-on-year (yoy), it went down by 1.3 percent to P20.71 per kilo.

PSA said wholesale and retail prices of both well-milled and regular-milled rice also continued to fall during the period.

The average wholesale price of well-milled rice was P39.72 per kilo, down by 0.5 percent from P39.91 per kilo the previous week. It likewise dropped by 3.5 percent from P41.16 per kilo yoy.

At retail trade, the average price of well-milled rice fell by 0.4 percent to P43.52 per kilo week-on-week. It was also down by 0.6 percent from P43.77 per kilo yoy.

On the other hand, the average wholesale price of regular-milled rice was P36.18 per kilo, down 0.17 percent from previous week’s P36.24 per kilo. Yoy, it was also down from P37.60 per kilo.

Its equivalent retail price was P39.15 per kilo, down 0.4 percent and 2.2 percent from last year and week ago figures, respectively.

Meanwhile, farmgate prices of yellow corngrain during the period went up by 1.1 percent to P14.21 per kilo. Yoy, it was also up 0.5 percent.

On other hand, buying price of white corngrain dropped by 0.2 percent to P16.10 per kilo week-on-week and fell 7.6 percent from P17.42 per kilo yoy.

PSA said the average price of yellow corn grain at wholesale trade remained at its previous week’s P20.26 per kilo but was up 0.4 percent from P20.19 per kilo yoy. At retail trade, it was down P24.93 per kilo from P23.75 per kilo yoy.

For white corngrain, the average wholesale price was P22.68 per kilo, up 0.2 percent and 13 percent from weekand year-ago levels, respectively. Its price at the retail market was down by 2.8 percent to P29.12 per kilo yoy.

EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

Q FLIGHT FROM B1

No fines for Cebu supposed to be utilized at a much later schedule.�

CAB did not find any issue with Cebu Pacific’s assets or aircraft. “We want to remind airlines to consider the welfare of its passengers by avoiding short notice. The people have paid for these flights and have made their schedules accordingly,� CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said in the statement. “While we understand the corrective measures being made to improve OTP, maximum effort should be done so that these measures are not at the expense of our passengers,� he added.

LISBET K. ESMAEL

THE government’s tax effort climbed in the first quarter of 2019 on the back of a doubledigit expansion in tax revenue, the Department of Finance (DoF) reported on Wednesday.

Tax collections as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) ROSE TO PERCENT IN THE kRST three months of the year from 14.3 percent a year earlier, it said in an economic bulletin.

Tax revenues grew by 10.2 percent in the three months to March as collections of the Bureaus of Internal Revenue (BIR) and of Customs (BoC) rose by 10.7 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively.

In nominal terms, BIR collections reached P468.2 billion, while BoC recorded P141.9 billion during the period. “This is due to second phase of Train 1 and continued tax administration

reforms,� the DoF said.

Implemented at the start of 2018, Train or Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law exempts those earning annual taxable incomes of P250,000 and below from paying personal income taxes. In exchange, new taxes were imposed on fuel, sugar-sweetened beverages and non-essential cosmetic procedures, among others.

ING Bank Manila Senior Economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa said, “the continued improvement in tax collections shows that the Philippines can rely on INCREASED EFkCIENCY WORKING IN tandem with new streamlined and rationalized tax codes to help fund the ambitious spending plans of the government.� “The Philippines can continue to improve collections and the

overall tax effort to eventually lower reliance on borrowing,� he added.

Non-tax revenues, meanwhile, rose by 17.6 percent “due to higher collections of dividend remittances on national government shares of stocks, guarantee fees, and share in the profits of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. or Pagcor,� the DoF said.

Earlier, Pagcor said it remitted an all-time high P16.17 billion in dividend contributions to the national treasury this year.

Overall, national government revenues rose by 11 percent to P687.7 billion during the threemonth period. This resulted in a revenue effort of 16.3 percent, 0.5 percentage point higher compared to the 15.8 percent posted in the same quarter of last year.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

Diokno added.

Year to date, cash remittances grew by 4.2 percent to $7.299 billion from $7.006 billion last year. “This growth was buoyed by banned the deployment of OFWs three months of 2019 was driven the increase in remittances from to Kuwait and threatened to do the BY STEADY REMITTANCE INlOWS FROM both land-based ($5.71 billion) same in other countries that have land-based OF workers with work and sea-based ($1.58 billion) cases of abused Filipino workers. contracts of one year or more, which workers, which rose by 2.5 percent “In a typical year, seasonal in- aggregated to $6.2 billion, and and 10.8 percent, respectively,� crease in OFW remittances and compensation of sea-based workers Diokno said. conversion to pesos also happen and land-based workers with shortBy country source, the US regisin March to fund increased spend- term contracts, which totaled $1.7 tered the highest share of overall ing for graduation celebrations, as billion,� BSP Governor Benjamin remittances for the period at 35.1 well as preparations for Holy Week Diokno said in a statement. percent, he added. holiday-related spending (considCash remittances, which only It was followed by Saudi Arabia, ered also as a major spending for count money coursed through Singapore, United Arab Emirates, families in a typical year), and also banks, rose by 6.6 percent to the UK, Japan, Canada, Qatar, for upcoming tuition payments,� $2.514 billion in March from Hong Kong and Kuwait.

Ricafort said. $2.360 billion a year earlier. It also The combined remittances from 4HE -ARCH kGURE BROUGHT kRST rose by 9.2 percent from $2.301 these countries accounted for alquarter remittances to $8.098 bil- billion in February 2019. most 78 percent of total cash remitlion, 3.7 percent higher than the “Of the 6.6 percent growth in tances from January to March 2019. $7.809 billion registered in the March 2019, 2.0, 1.7 and 1.2 perOFW remittances hit $32.21 comparable 2018 period. centage points were contributed by billion last year, the “highest an“The continued growth in per- the United States, Singapore and nual level to date,� the central SONAL REMITTANCES DURING THE kRST the United Kingdom, respectively,� bank said.

Q HIGH FROM B1

OFW remittances

Q REFORM FROM B1

“As a result, if Duterte is conkRMED TO HAVE CONSOLIDATED POWER in final results expected to be announced by May 19, we at Fitch Solutions will revise up the added. ‘policymaking’ subcomponent of our Short-Term Political Risk Popularity test Index score of 63.1 out of 100 (score closer to 100 indicates lower Also on Tuesday, Fitch Solutions short-term political risk) for the said the elections were widely seen Philippines,� it added. as “a test of Duterte’s popularity Fitch also said it expected the and as an opportunity for him President to begin work [on pushto consolidate power by gaining ing] through his reforms, most control of the Senate, which had SIGNIkCANTLY SUPPORT FOR HIS FEDERAL proved an obstacle to his policy governance plans, which would PLANS IN THE kRST THREE YEARS OF HIS need the backing of Congress and presidency.� voters. “The strong show of support Duterte is likely to face increased for Duterte will both give him the pressure over his relations with confidence and ability to push China, it added, further noting ahead with his reform program. that he would have to “take a The Senate has proved a sticking tougher stance with Beijing, potenpoint for Duterte, as seen by the tially forgoing some investment.� delay [in] the passing of the 2019 The report also warned that budget. Duterte will hope that, reduced opposition in the Senate with increased support in the Sen- lowers the potential for “checks ATE HIS REFORMS AND kSCAL PLANS and balances� on the current adwill face [fewer] obstacles,� Fitch ministration.

Solutions said in a report.

ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

More Congress allies “Policies and other reforms that further improve the country’s environment for business, investment and governance (i.e. stronger institutions) will lead to increased CONkDENCE OF INTERNATIONAL INVEStors and credit-rating agencies in terms of increased foreign investments in to the Philippines that create more jobs, other business opportunities and faster economic growth,â€? he said. “Thus, this highlights the importance of sustaining the relatively faster and stronger pace in passing more reform measures that pass through both the House of Representatives and the Senate, especially if more lawmakers that support the administration, in terms of more timely passage of the national budget and the enactment‌of more priority reform measures, win more slots in the midterm elections,â€? the analyst

Protecting your idea from frittering away

I

WORK with ideas, and the work starts with a stickman drawing, or a storyboard, which contains a barebones rendition of the story.

A good idea must be stark, so stark, it can be narrated in seconds, if for a television commercial, in less than thirty seconds. That landmark advertising campaign that will be executed in various media and iterations and last decades must be told in one sentence.

It is a check mechanism if your storyboard has a story, if your idea is simple enough to tell in the advertising, a science that works in seconds.

The point of this article, or lesson, is that we should protect the idea, and to do that, we have to respect the storyboard.

The craftman’s tendency is to add and embellish All hands – within agency and without – including those of clients, all itch to enhance, improve, refine and add to the story.

This is natural: people seek to augment and provide the creative product with touches of their personalities and proficiencies.

Talents will add themselves, their renditions and interpretations of what is asked of them. If you asked for a smile to mean “mmm!�, he might just ham it up, with a jig and a laugh.

Others will suggest filters, b a c k g r o u n d s, m u s i c , a n d sounds, and executional devices: “can we morph this man’s face into that of the other?�

According to one’s particular skill and field of expertise, one adds to a storyboard, slaps clay onto the stickman.

The musical scorer hears his music and fails to note the intended nuance in the announcer’s voice; he boosts the volume, overpowers the voice, weakens audibility and the sale pitch. The production designer produces a set, and expects that the scale and grandeur of the design will be seen in the shot, and in the final cut.

MANAGEMENT ACTION

VINCENT POZON What is the vision of the storyboard?� And you watch for it during the shoot.

You hold one before the shoot, so you do not scratch your heads and ask questions after. Anyone should be able to call for a RedFlag meeting – creative, accounts, producer.

Pause and check if the shot you are doing adds to the concept or is merely a frill. Now this does not mean you should do without it. It is a reminder of its relative importance, so you do not spend an inordinate amount of time trying to perfect it.

If it’s a one day shoot and you haven’t touched the Big Idea yet by, say, 3:00 pm, it’s time to fret.

Examples of not stepping back We were producing a commercial for the Nissan Frontier, and we wanted to impart the idea that the vehicle was engineered powerfully; that it was “a wild animal in pickup clothes�.

The intention was to have the vehicle move about like a wild cat, pacing and growling in his cage. Later I thought it looked more like the pickup was just revving up in a fenced parking.

While a decent spot, we failed the vision. We were focused on details.

‘Bundok Cimarron’

The Mitsubishi Cimarron was a powerful pickup: its torque and sinewy suspension allowed it best-of-the-market climbing ability. We shot in Baguio to capture the story.

The team and crew came back with reels and all sorts of footage: passing shots, shots where the vehicle was silhouetted breathtakingly against the mountains of Baguio, but nary a shot of the vehicle climbing.

Without an anointed guardian, the point, the big idea — the frame upon which the commercial depended — was Sandali lang! lost. They forgot to shoot the Cimarron climbing. To show There is no one in the system the vehicle on an incline, we screaming “hep, hep! San- tilted the frame.

It’s a flaw in the system; the dali� (“whoa, just a minute!�).

Everybody adds; nobody re- work requires everyone to add and enhance. There is a tenstrains addition.

In any project in communi- dency to see the woods for the cations, there must be tenacity forest: there are many highly to the idea, to the basic con- skilled craftspeople on the cept. In any project, there must set, all dedicated and focused be a creative guardian. on what they do for a living, Now a good example of a and not on intent, objective, guardian is the editor, because motive. There is dedication a true editor is ruthless, un- to motif but not to theme. It charitable even. Faithful to the is best to assign the task of story, he will carve away the fat guardianship to somebody in and the unnecessary and the the agency, or at least remind only beautiful. “Fat� will be everybody in the team to be shots the director particularly conscious of the point. loves, usually because he had This is not about philosophy DIFkCULTY ACHIEVING THEM )T IS or principles. This is about the editor’s job to cut out, deny, producing materials faithful limit, strip, expunge what does to their storyboards and vinot help tell the story. sions so they sell well. There is nothing scarier than seeing Creative a material after production guardianship is a — after spending millions of check in the flow of pesos and time — miss the the work point, forget the big idea.

T h i s d o e s n o t m e a n we S o m e t i m e s, h o u r s i n t o a should not strive to produce shooting day, you find that good-looking ads. It simply you are still not involved with means we should train ourcore of the commercial, that selves to be protective of our you are shooting frills, the storyboards. The same boards setup, the scenario. we took pains to create and You need to know how to have approved. look for “the commercial�, keep an eye on the Big Idea, The author is chairman of Esand not let go of it. tima, an ad agency dedicated I recommend holding a Red- to helping local industrialists Flag Meeting. A RedFlag meet- and causes, and co-founder ing is an impromptu meeting. of Caucus, Inc., a multi-disciYou reiterate the definition pline consultancy firm. He can of the big idea, you ask and be reached through vpozon@ answer: “what are we doing? me.com.

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Lopez Group doubles earnings to P2.29B 342/.' EARNINGS FROM ITS ENERGY and media subsidiaries doubled listed Lopez Holdings Corp.’s attributable net income to P2.29 billion IN THE kRST THREE MONTHS FROM 0 billion in the same period in 2018.

In a disclosure on Wednesday, the Lopez-led holding company said the growth was buoyed by the improved kNANCIAL RESULTS OF ITS ENERGY GROUP under First Philippine Holdings Corp.

(FPH) and ABS-CBN Corp., as well as lower foreign-exchange losses.

Consolidated revenues, it added, jumped by 19 percent to P32.8 billion from P27.6 billion year-on-year.

On a standalone basis, FPH POSTED AN ATTRIBUTABLE NET PROkT OF P3.8 billion in January to March, an 87-percent increase from P2.01 billion a year ago.

FPH’s net income soared by 106 percent to P7.17 billion from P3.48 billion, while its consolidated foreign currency-denominated debt

fell to P5 million from P881 million year-on-year.

For this year, FPH allocated over P30 billion in capital expenditures TO kNANCE THE EXPANSION NEEDS OF its subsidiaries.

Of the total, P12 billion each WILL GO TO SUBSIDIARIES &IRST 'EN Corp. and Rockwell Land Corp. A SIGNIkCANT CHUNK IS ALLOCATED TO ITS industrial park business, while the rest will go to other subsidiaries.

FPH said it would not borrow MONEY TO kNANCE ITS EXPENDITURES

which would mostly come from internally generated cash.

Lopez Holdings, meanwhile, said ABS-CBN’s net income in the quarter surged by 120 percent as a result of 22-percent jump in its advertising REVENUES )T DID NOT PROVIDE kGURES Lopez Holdings’ shares added 1 centavo or 0.23 percent to close at P4.34 apiece on Wednesday.

ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

Corporate News

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

B3

Megaworld profit rises 18% to P4.1B in Jan-March

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

L

ISTED Megaworld Corp. reported on Wednesday that its net income grew by 18 PERCENT TO 0 BILLION IN THE kRST QUARTER from P3.5 billion in the same period last year.

In a disclosure, the high-end property developer said the double-digit growth was backed by its strong residential sales, leasing INCOME FROM ITS OFkCES AND MALLS

and hotel operations.

Net income attributable to the parent company grew by 16 percent to P3.8 billion from P3.3 billion, it added.

Consolidated revenues also improved by 15 percent to P14.9

BILLION FROM 0 BILLION 4HE company’s residential business accounted for 64 percent of the total; recurring income portfolio, 26 percent; and hotel operations and non-core revenues, the rest.

Residential sales alone grew by 11 percent to P9.5 billion from P8.5 BILLION )N THE kRST THREE MONTHS alone, Megaworld said it generated P48 billion in reservation sales and launched P24 billion worth of new

inventories in the market.

Rental income increased by 16 percent to P3.9 billion from P3.4 billion year-on-year.

Hotel operations — the company’s fastest-growing segment in the quarter — surged by 56 percent to P574 million from P368 million.

Megaworld was set to open this year 1,000 new rooms across its Belmont Hotel Boracay, Hotel Lucky Chinatown and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown. “It is always encouraging to see all of our core businesses exhibitING POSITIVE GROWTH DURING THE kRST quarter, as this sets our pace for the rest of the year,� Megaworld Chief 3TRATEGY /FkCER +EVIN 4AN SAID “We will be working toward

maintaining the growth momenTUM UNTIL YEAREND 7E ARE CONkdent that stronger numbers will be achievable, given our pipeline of projects this year,� he added.

Megaworld has set aside P65 billion in capital expenditures this year, primarily to expand its RESIDENTIAL AND OFkCE BUSINESSES Of the amount, 80 percent would be used for property development across its 23 townships and the rest for land acquisition and investment properties.

4HE CAPEX IS PERCENT higher than the P60 billion allocated last year.

Megaworld shares shed 7 centavos or 1.29 percent to close at P5.37 each on Wednesday.

Jollibee income falls to P1.5B in first 3 months Filinvest Land profit grows 24% to P1.84B &),).6%34 ,AND )NC SAW ITS NET income increase by 24 percent to 0 BILLION IN THE kRST QUARTER from P1.49 billion in the same period last year, buoyed by its STRONG RECURRING PROkT According to the listed property developer, gross revenues rose by 15 percent to P7.2 billion on the back of a 42-percent jump in rental revenues, which stood at P1.72 billion, and a 10-percent improvement in real-estate sales, which hit P5.11 billion. g7E ARE PLEASED WITH THE kRST quarter results, as we continue to experience growth in our recurring income business,� FLI President AND #HIEF %XECUTIVE /FkCER *OSEPHINE 'OTIANUN 9AP SAID ADDING that her company completed last year 118,000 square meter of gross leasable area, which contributed to the improved results. “We have also achieved growth in real-estate sales, as we continue to focus on the affordable and

middle-income markets with our Futura and Aspire home brands, respectively,� she said.

4HIS YEAR &ILINVEST ,AND ALLOcated P32 billion for its expansion plans, which include its venture into the logistics business.

4HIS VENTURE INVOLVES TRANSFORMING a 120-hectare land bank within the 9,450-ha New Clark City in Pampanga province to take advantage of the rising number of Chinese manufacturing companies in the country and address the growing needs of logistics, light manufacturing, technology and E COMMERCE kRMS 4HE kRST PHASE OF THIS ENDEAVOR

scheduled to break ground in May, will cover 64 ha and is expected to be completed by 2020.

'OTIANUN 9AP SAID &ILINVEST WAS looking at two more areas for its industrial leasing business. &ILINVEST ,AND SHARES kNISHED lAT AT 0 EACH ON 7EDNESDAY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

LOSSES from its newly acquired US subsidiary Smashburger caused Jollibee Foods Corp.’s net income to drop by 15 percent to P1.5 billion in the first quarter from P1.8 billion in the same period in 2018.

In a disclosure on Wednesday, the listed fast-food giant said it posted the amount, despite its revenues growing by 14.1 percent to P40.35 billion in the period from P35.36 billion a year go.

Operating income, it added, also dropped

by 10.2 percent to P1.77 billion from P1.97 billion. Excluding the latter, operating gains would have grown by 9.1 percent. “Smashburger was consolidated in the financial statements of [Jollibee] only in April 2018, when [it] assumed 85 percent of the equity shares of Smashburger,� Jollibee explained.

Sales in the Philippines grew by 9.5 percent, with the increase helped by new stores, which accounted for 7.8 percent of the growth. Overseas sales,

meanwhile, surged by 48.6 percent with the consolidation of Smashburger.

Excluding the latter, sales would have risen by only 9.7 percent.

For this year, the company set aside P17.2 billion in capital expenditures, mostly to fund the opening of 500 stores across its different brands. Of this number, 250 would open in the country and the rest, abroad.

Of the new overseas stores, Jollibee said 120 would be in Vietnam and 40 in North

America. Stores will also open in Barcelona.

It will also open its first Tim Ho Wan store in Shanghai, its first Tortas Frontera store in downtown Chicago and its first Panda Express franchise store in Manila.

Jollibee will also renovate 90 existing stores worldwide, build two new commissaries in the Philippines, and invest in information technology.

Jollibee shares dropped by P9.60 or 3.17 percent to close at P293 each on Wednesday.

ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

ERC grants provisional approval to SNAP deals 4(% %NERGY 2EGULATORY #OMMISSION (ERC) has approved in principle SN Aboitiz Power Inc.’s (SNAP) three AGREEMENTS WITH THE .ATIONAL 'RID #ORP OF THE 0HILIPPINES .'#0 In a statement on Wednesday, SNAP said the state-run energy regulator granted provisional authority on three new ancillary services procurement agreements (ASPA) covering its Magat, Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plants.

4HESE DEALS ALL VALID FOR FIVE

years, entail the provision of reactive power support ancillary services for the Luzon grid. .'#0 IS A &ILIPINO LED PRIVATELY owned corporation tasked with operating, maintaining and developing the country’s state-owned power grid.

SNAP is a joint venture between Norway’s SN Power and AboitizPower Corp., which operates the 105-megawatt (MW) Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydro power

plants in Benguet province.

It also runs the 8.5-MW Maris hydro in Isabela province and the 388-MW Magat hydro facility between the border of Isabela and Ifugao province.

4HE %2# SAID IN SEPARATE ORDERS that the provisional approval would help “improve the availability of ancillary services in the ,UZON GRID AND SIGNIkCANTLY LOWER the cost of these services to the BENEkT OF THE CUSTOMERS u

SNAP President and Chief ExecuTIVE /FkCER *OSEPH 9U WELCOMED THE approval, saying “part of SNAP’s mission is to provide energy solutions, including the services necessary to maintain power quality, reliability and security of the grid.�

4O DATE 3.!0 S HYDRO PLANTS also provide other types of ancillary services covered by three existing ASPAs, which were given provisional authority in 2016 and 2017.

JORDEENE B. LAGARE

Foreign Business Huawei chief ready Trump: Trade war with to sign ‘no-spy’ deal China ‘a little squabble’ W B4

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

ASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump on Tuesday labeled the escalating trade war with China “a little squabble� and again accused Beijing of scuttling an agreement when it was near completion.

And although he said he has an “extraordinary� relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Trump insisted he will not sign onto any deal unless it is a good one. “We’re having a little squabble with China because we’ve been treated very unfairly for many decades,� Trump told reporters at the White House.

Last week, Trump moved to more than double the punitive duties on hundreds of billions of dollars in Chinese merchandise and the latest round of US-China trade negotiations ended without a deal.

On Monday, China hit back, announcing a sharp increase in duties on thousands of US agricultural and manufactured goods in retaliation.

And the US has begun the pro-

cess of carrying out the Republican president’s threat to hit all imports from China, extending tariffs to another $300 billion worth of Chinese merchandise. “We’re looking at that very strongly,� Trump said.

He said the tough US stance is working and Beijing wants to make a deal, but he also blamed the Chinese leadership for the setback in the negotiations. “We had a deal that was very close and then they broke it. More than renegotiate, they really broke it. We can’t have that happen.�

World’s piggy bank Trump launched the trade war last year to extract profound economic reforms from Beijing and reduce THE 53 TRADE DEkCIT

He accused China of seeking to dominate global industries through massive state subsidies and theft of American technology -- in violation of commitments it made upon joining the World Trade Organization in 2001.

The United States and China have so far exchanged tariffs on more than $360 billion in twoway trade.

Since last year, the trade war has gutted US farm exports to China and weighed on the manufacturing sectors in both countries.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump pledged to help hard-hit American farmers caught in the middle of the escalating trade war.

The administration last year offered $12 billion in compensation to American farmers and has vowed to do more, using the revenues from the new tariffs — which he incorrectly claims is paid by China rather than US importers — to buy crops and support prices. “This money will come from the massive Tariffs being paid to the

United States for allowing China, and others, to do business with us.

The Farmers have been ‘forgotten’ for many years. Their time is now!�

Trump tweeted. “We’re the piggy bank everybody likes to take advantage of or take from. We can’t let that happen anymore,� Trump then told reporters.

(E HAS MADE THE 53 TRADE DEkCIT a key focus on his policies, taking the unusual view that Americans lose money by buying products from abroad.

Economists are nearly unanimous in saying trade benefits companies and consumers by providing products from countries THAT MAKE THEM MORE EFkCIENTLY and cheaply.

Trump said consumers can get around the tariffs by buying from other providers, or companies can move to the United States to manufacture their goods. “That’s what I really want. You want to know something? We always win. We always win,� he said.

AFP

LONDON: Chinese telecom giant Huawei is willing to sign a “no-spy� agreement with countries including Britain, the firm’s chairman said on Tuesday, as the head of NATO said Britain must preserve secure mobile networks.

Liang Hua visited Britain as the government weighs the risks of allowing the Chinese company to help develop its 5G infrastructure. “We are willing to sign ‘no-spy’ agreements with governments, including the UK government, to commit ourselves, to commit our equipment to meeting the no-spy, no back-door standards,� Liang told reporters.

The British government is in the middle of a furious debate over whether to let Huawei roll out its next-generation mobile service.

The private Chinese firm currently has the most advanced and cheapest 5G capacities in the world.

But the United States has warned its close ally that it might have to limit security and intelligence sharing with Britain if it allowed China to play a significant role.

Washington’s broader geopolitical concerns have been heightened by a law enacted by Beijing in 2017 obliging Chinese companies to aid the government on national security issues.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stolten-

berg, who was also visiting Britain, said network security remained of utmost importance to the Western military alliance. “Huawei and 5G network is extremely important,� Stoltenberg told a London business conference.

He conceded that Britain and all other NATO members had the right to make their own decisions about China and 5G. “Having said that, of course, what matters for NATO is that these decisions are made in a way that makes sure that they have secure networks,� Stoltenberg said. “There is no way we can escape addressing those issues,� he added. “We are going to make sure our networks are safe.�

The Huawei debate has pushed Britain into the heart of China’s heated battle for global dominance with the United States.

It has also splintered May’s cabinet between those who view China as a vital trade partner in Britain’s post-Brexit future and ministers who side with Washington’s view of Beijing as a threat.

May fired defence minister Gavin Williamson — one of the cabinet’s big critics of China — earlier this month over a leak alleging that her government will allow Huawei to play a limited 5G role.

AFP

WhatsApp patches problem following spyware revelation WASHINGTON,D.C.: WhatsApp on Tuesday warned users to upgrade the application to plug a security hole that allowed for the injection of sophisticated malware that could be used to spy on journalists, activists and others.

Facebook-owned WhatsApp said it RELEASED AN UPDATE TO kX THE VULNERability in the messaging app, used by 1.5 billion people around the world. “WhatsApp encourages people to upgrade to the latest version of our app, as well as keep their mobile operating system up to date, to protect against potential targeted

exploits designed to compromise information stored on mobile devices,� a company statement said.

The WhatsApp spyware is sophisticated and “would be available to only advanced and highly motivated actors,� the company said, adding that a “select number of users were targeted.� “This attack has all the hallmarks of a private company that works with a number of governments around the world� according to initial investigations, it ADDED BUT DID NOT NAME THE kRM

Q MTF FROM B1

China’s Belt along with several other multi-lateral and international organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations and the World Bank.

The discussions during the conference or BRITACOF focused on how to build a growth-friendly tax environment that would promote economic growth while ensuring tax revenue mobilization in jurisdictions that support the BRI. Topics focused on three main areas, namely, 1) the rule of law in taxation, 2) raising tax certainty, and 3) expediting tax dispute resolution. These topics are not only relevant to, but are very much needed and thus welcomed by taxpayers worldwide, as discussed below: • Upholding the rule of law - It is recognized that a growth-friendly tax environment must be shored up by robust tax administration. Thus, upholding the rule of law is essential in fairness and impartiality in tax administration. To this end, BRITACOM exhorts its members to respect the spirit and letter of law in taxation and ensure that the tax system is administered fairly, transparently and with consistency. Tax laws and the tax treaties should thus be applied in a fair, predictable and consistent fashion. • Raising tax certainty - Economic growth depends in part on the growth of cross-border trade and investment,

The spyware appears to be related to the Pegasus software developed by Israeli-based NSO group, which is normally sold to law enforcement and intelligence services, according to Washingtonbased analyst Joseph Hall.

The spyware “could have gotten into someone’s hands� outside legitimate channels for nefarious purposes, Hall, chief technologist at the Center for Democracy and Technology, told AFP. “It’s unclear who is doing this.�

Security researchers have found

which requires a high level of tax certainty. BRITACOM commits to improve tax certainty by enhancing the transparency and predictability of tax laws to build mutual trust between taxpayers and tax administrations. Thus, BRITAC‍ݪ‏M participants are encouraged to enhance dialogue with taxpayers by exploring cooperative compliance approaches, providing guidance to taxpayers concerning the interpretation and application of the law, and making use of advanced rulings. • Expediting tax dispute resolution BRITACOM recognizes the importance for BRI jurisdictions to minimize and resolve cross-border tax disputes in a timely and principled manner to better protect the legitimate rights of taxpayers and to secure a domestic tax base for governments. Thus, it calls on BRITACOM members to respect and comply with international standards, particularly those relating to Base EroSION AND 0ROkT 3HIFTING AND TO 4RANSparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, as well as those in tax treaties signed by their governments. • Streamlining tax compliance and digitalizing tax administration – It is also recognized that streamlined tax administration facilitated by digital technology helps to achieve the overarching objective of tax administrations to raise sufkCIENT FUNDS TO kNANCE PUBLIC SPENDING while responding to public demand for COST EFFECTIVE AND TIME EFkCIENT SERVICES Thus, efforts should be made in enhancing tax administration cooperation, improving taxpayer service, protecting taxpayers’ legitimate rights, and avoiding

Businessinbrief EASTWEST BANK PROFIT UP 36% IN JAN-MARCH EASTWEST Bank said on Wednesday its net income reached P1.3 billion in the first three months, a 36-percent increase from the amount posted in the same period last year. In a disclosure, the Gotianun-led banking firm attributed the increase to the resumption of its rural bank subsidiary’s Department of Education loan program, improved trading income and lower credit costs. Its posted a return on equity (ROE) of 12 percent, sustaining its strong profitability in the past few years. Revenues totaled P6.6 billion in January to March, up 13.3 percent from P5.8 billion a year earlier. EastWest Bank shares rose by 8 centavos or 0.73 percent to end at P10.98 apiece on Wednesday.

EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

DOUBLEDRAGON INCOME RISES 43% TO P1.07B DOUBLEDRAGON Properties Corp. Posted a 43.3-percent jump in its consolidated net profit in the first quarter to P1.07 billion, compared with P744.6 million in the same period last year on the back of strong recurring income. The listed property

that Android and Apple phones can be infected with the spyware with a simple audio call through WhatsApp, even if the user does not answer, according to Hall, MAKING DETECTION MORE DIFkCULT

“These kinds of apps that do encrypted messaging and encrypted phone calls tend to store the most secretive data that people need to protect.�

He said dissidents and prodemocracy activists seeking to Big risks remain anonymous rely on these encrypted applications, as do jourHall said the unpatched security nalists when speaking with sources lAW OPENS THE DOOR TO SPYING BY about sensitive information. rogue entities on human rights Facebook did not comment on activists, journalists and others. the number of users affected or who “The potential danger is quite targeted them, and said it had relarge,� he said. ported the matter to US authorities.

arbitrary decisions on taxpayers’ compliance status. • Enhancing tax administration capacity – It was noted that there is a pressing need for tax administration capacity building among BRI jurisdictions. Thus, BRITACOM supports tax administration capacity building initiatives in a coordinated, cost-effective and sustainable manner, and tailors such initiatives to the real needs of emerging and developing economies.

7HAT IS MOST SIGNIkCANT IN ALL THE foregoing is the recognition of the importance of promoting a tax environment that will foster economic GROWTH AND NOT STIlE IT "2)4!#/- recognizes that such environment will be created only when there is certainty, consistency, fairness and respect of the law in tax administration. To this end, regardless of what may be our view of China’s BRI, we laud the BRITACOM and the principles it enunciates.

Euney Marie J. Mata-Perez is a CPALawyer and the Managing Partner of Mata-Perez, Tamayo & Francisco (MTF Counsel). She is a corporate, M&A and tax lawyer. She is the President of the Asia-Oceana Tax Consultants’ Association. This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant.

If you have any question or comment regarding this article, you may email the author at info@mtfcounsel.com or visit MTF Counsel’s website at www. mtfcounsel.com

It also informed EU authorities in Ireland about the “serious security vulnerability,� according to a statement by the country’s Data Protection Commission (DPC).

The revelation is the latest in a series of issues troubling WhatsApp’s parent Facebook, which has faced intense criticism for allowing users’ data to be harvested by research companies and over its slow response to Russia using the platform as a means to spread disinformation during the 2016 US election campaign.

AFP

complaints from local residents for years, and should not be given an ECC until those are properly addressed.

SMC might have a way of easily avoiding THE COST AND EFFORT OF kXING THE -ABINI PLANT

however, thanks to the Philippine Competition $350 million discount.

4HE lIP SIDE OF THE BARGAIN DEAL IS THAT 3-# Commission (PCC). Before the acquisition of NOW INHERITS THE SIGNIkCANT PROBLEMS ,AFARGE- (0) CAN BE kNALLY WRAPPED UP IT MUST PASS A Holcim is running from. The most serious of PCC review. Approval is not certain, because these is the abrogated agreement between HPI the acquisition of HPI will give SMC a market and Seasia Nectar Port Services Inc. (SNPSI) of share of about 42 percent of the cement busiBataan, which we detailed in earlier reports. ness in the Philippines – HPI’s market share is Since the dispute has gone to arbitration, the slightly over 24 percent, and SMC subsidiary most likely outcome is a summary decision in Eagle Cement has about a 17.8 percent share.

If the PCC deems SMC’s market share to be favor of SNPSI, and an award that would at a minimum include the P1.878 billion under uncompetitively large, the only real solution – garnishment in HPI’s Metrobank account. since HPI obviously is not coming back – is for )F THERE IS NO SIGNIkCANT ADDITIONAL kNANCIAL SMC to divest itself of some HPI’s assets. The penalty, SMC might let it go at that; it would problematic Mabini plant could simply be sold diminish the assets it is acquiring from HPI, off, along with its problems. That would also rebut would not exactly be an outright loss. A duce the value of the assets acquired by SMC, but perhaps better resolution would be for the new might be considered a lesser cost in the long run.

It is unfortunate in some respects that SMC SMC unit to negotiate a new deal with SNPSI. After all, the latter did develop a bespoke port is left to clean up these and other messes left facility for HPI, and it would presumably be behind by HPI, but business is business. For LafargeHolcim, the end of its Philippine sojourn useful to HPI’s new owner.

Another thorny issue is HPI’s Mabini, Batan- represents a double loss, for which it only has gas grinding facility, shut down by order of the itself to blame. Having bailed out the IndoneEnvironmental Management Bureau (EMB) in sian market due to a huge overcapacity in that February for lack of an Environmental Compli- country’s cement industry, the company could ANCE #ERTIkCATE 0ENALTIES FOR FAILING TO OBTAIN have made great strides here where demand far a proper ECC, and at the local level, operating outstrips demand. Instead, it cut corners and the plant without a business license for at least generally behaved as though the market situaa year obviously should not be levied against tion obviated the need to follow any rules, and SMC, as those were poor management deci- for that, it has been penalized with a diminsions by HPI. However, SMC is left with the ished reputation, the loss of a strong foothold task of securing the ECC before the plant can in a lucrative market, and the dubious honor be used, which will require some remedial work of being a case study in bad strategy. to be done to the facility. The Mabini plant has been the subject of environmental and health ben.kritz@manilatimes.net

Q KRITZ FROM B1

The mess

developer told the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday that recurring income climbed by 44.9 percent to P770 million from P531.4 million year-on-year, boosted by the 53.1-percent jump in rental income, which grew to P627.21 million from P409.7 million. DoubleDragon shares dippied by 30 centavos or 1.24 percent to finish at P23.85 apiece on Wednesday.

ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

GMA SEES 12% JUMP IN 2019 REVENUES GMA Network Inc. is expecting to post strong financial results this year, given the expected boost from political ads and recurring advertising sales, its top official said on Wednesday. During the media giant’s annual stockholders’ meeting in Quezon City, GMA Network Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Felipe Gozon said his company was expecting to book a 12-percent increase in revenues in 2019. Last year, consolidated revenues fell by 2 percent to P15.2 billion from 2017’s P15.6 billion. “This year would bring better financial results not only because this is an election year, but also because our regular advertisers are increasing their placements,� he said in a speech.

GMA’s earnings surged by 69 percent to P721.8 million in the first three months from P426.3 million a year ago. Its topline climbed by 14 percent to P3.79 billion, compared

with 2018’s P3.33 billion, lifted by the 16 percent growth of its advertising revenues, which stood at P3.49 billion. GMA shares added 8 centavos or 1.54 percent to finish at P5.26 apiece on Wednesday.

LISBET K. ESMAEL

CEBU LANDMASTERS Q1 PROFIT SOARS TO P702M CEBU Landmasters Inc. (CLI) saw its net income soar by 41 percent to P702 million in the three months ending March from P499 million in the same period a year ago on the back of robust mid-market segment performance. In a disclosure on Wednesday, the real-estate company said consolidated revenues improved by 48 percent to P1.87 billion in the quarter from P1.264 billion in the same period last year, with the midmarket segment accounting for the bulk. The firm’s Garden Series, Casa Mira and Premier Series took up 36 percent, 31 percent and 29 percent, respectively, of the revenue share. Cebu raked in most of the revenues with a 58-percent share, followed

by Bacolod (15 percent), Dumaguete (12 percent), Cagayan de Oro (8 percent) and Davao (6 percent). First-quarter net income attributable to the parent gained 23 percent to P599 million. Cebu Landmasters shares closed up by 20 centavos or 4.26 percent to P4.90 each on Wednesday.

TYRONE C. PIAD

AgriBusiness

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Searca pushes bio measures in Mindoro calamansi farms LOS BAÑOS, Laguna: The project team for a project to improve the calamansi industry in Oriental Mindoro is recommending the use of biocontrol measures against pests and diseases affecting the commodity’s farms in the province.

The team from the “Promotion and Dissemination of Integrated Pest Management Strategies,� a component of the project “Upgrading the Calamansi Value Chain towards Improving the Calamansi Industry in Oriental Mindoro,� conducted a pest and disease baseline survey of calamansi farms and plant nurseries accredited by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in Oriental Mindoro in April 2018.

The team conducted focused group discussions (FGDs) with farmer-groups and associations in Victoria and Pola, which provided the project team with a better understanding of the crop protection practices of calamansi farmers.

It was learned from the discussions that farmers use pesticides with cypermethrin as the active ingredient. The repeated use of the chemical in the past years has resulted in its losing effectiveness in controlling pest populations. The farmers were introduced to new formulations of insecticides to

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

EDITOR: Conrad M. CariĂąo

substitute cypermethrin.

As a long-term measure, the team advised calamansi farmers to adopt BIOLOGICAL CONTROL PRACTICES LIKE THE use of predators such as lacewings AND PARASITOIDS LIKE TRICHOGRAMMA The team also interviewed Lorna Cepillo, officer in charge of the Plant Quarantine Services of BPI in Oriental Mindoro, regarding disease INDEXING PROTOCOLS AND CERTIkCATION and quarantine regulations for calamansi planting materials. “It was found out that there are no accredited nurseries in Oriental Mindoro that produce disease-free seedLINGS 4HE OFkCE USES THE )ODO STARCH test for disease indexing. Leaves showing symptoms of a disease are tested.

The test has a particularly low sensitivity to the pathogen and will not easily be detected in earlier symptoms on the leaves,� the Philippine-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) said in a statement.

The project to improve the calamansi industry in Oriental Mindoro involves Searca, University of the Philippines Los BaĂąos and the Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology. It is funded by the Bureau of Agricultural Research.

B5

Study identifies native plants for food coloring

BY CONRAD M. CARIĂ‘OÂ

A

STUDY conducted by researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baùos (UPLB) showed certain indigenous plants can be a source of natural FOOD COLORING WHICH COULD HAVE SIGNIkCANT implications on the food processing industry. per,� BAR said in a statement.

The indigenous plants were SCREENED WITH THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA toxicity, tinctorial strength (potency of the pigment) but with minimal or WITHOUT IMPARTING ANY lAVOR OR AROma, availability of the raw materials and ease of handling, mutagenicity (capacity to induce mutations), and stability of the pigment under different pH, temperature and light regimen. Also considered in choosing a plant pigment as food colorant were solubility in water and demand OF A PARTICULAR COLOR IN THE MARKET As potential food colorants, the researchers included plant species with anthocyanins and betalains, which have plant pigments that are water soluble. Carotenoids were not included in the study as these

pigments are not water-soluble and sensitive to light.

Meanwhile, the researchers included curcuminoids or those not water soluble, which can be found in turmeric. Curcuminoids were found to be the best alternative natural colorant to tartrazine or synthetic lemon yellow azo dye primarily used as food coloring.

The researchers tested the colorants for different types of food preparations — fresh, steamed, BOILED AND BAKED 4HEY ALSO PREpared salad using begonia and ice cones or scramble with a whole extract from lipote, turmeric and BUTTERlY PEA DIRECTLY POURED ON top of the shaved ice. A fondant WAS MADE USING LIPOTE O CLOCK AND BUTTERlY PEA COLOR EXTRACTS and gelatins, puto, suman, butter COOKIES CONES AND CHOCOLATES using the color extracts from alugbati, lipote, turmeric, butterfly PEA AND O CLOCK 4HE EXTRACTED natural pigments were also put inside microcapsules for stability.

Results of the study showed that among the plant species tested, the best sources of red colorant are alugbati (Basella rubra L.),

lipote (Syzygium curranii) and RED O CLOCK -IRABILIS JALAPA , Meanwhile, the best source for yellow pigment is turmeric (Curcuma DOMESTICA , BUTTERlY PEA #LITOREA TERNATEA VAR PLENIlORA FOR blue pigment, and pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb) for green pigment.

Duhat (Syzygium cumini), red gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) were dropped from the list from factors involving toxicity, stability of pigment, availability of RAW MATERIALS AND DIFkCULTY IN EXtraction of pigment, among others.

The researchers noted that not all pigments from the plant species could be processed into colorants because of low tinctorial strength and fragility, among others. But even so, these can still be used as COLORANTS FOR FRESHLY PICKED INGREdients to dishes. These include begonia, talinum, oxalis, impatiens, portulaca and nasturtium.

The project also developed natural colorants in the form of freeze dried whole extracts, microcapsules, gelatin bars and glycerine solutions.

Food packaging claims can mislead consumers

The research team, led by Lourdes Cardenas of the UPLB-Institute of Biological Sciences, conducted the study “Biotechnology in the Utilization of Natural Colors from Indigenous Plants� that was funded by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).

It aimed to identify indigenous plants that could be a source of natural food color and develop technologies for their utilization. “The study screened over 20 indigenous plant species inCLUDING alugbati, lipote, duhat, O CLOCK gumamela , roselle, butterfly pea, pandan, turmeric, barberry, KAMANTIGI begonia, mayana leaf, bougainvilla, talinum, oxalis, impatients, portulaca, nasturtium and bell pep-

RESEARCHERS have found that the type of healthy claims on certain food products could be completely uncorrelated with actual nutritional quality. Yet the messages directly influence consumers’ expectations of taste, healthiness and fattening consequences of their food, as well as food choices.

The findings are featured in the paper “Healthy Through Presence or Absence, Nature or Science? A Framework for Understanding, Front-of-Pacakge Food Claimsâ€? by Pierre Chandon, the L’OrĂŠal chaired professor of marketing, innovation and creativity at Insead; Quentin AndrĂŠ, assistant professor of marketing at Rotterdam School of Management; and Kelly Haws, the Anne Marie and Thomas B. Walker Jr. professor of marketing at the Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University. Their article was published in the April 2019 issue of the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing.

Across four studies, Chandon and his co-authors developed and tested a classification of front-of-pack claims, established the disconnect between nutritional profile and the front-of-package claims on breakfast cereals and milk products, and how the types of claim predict consumers’ choices between different foods with or without food claims. For an idea of the scope, in the 633 breakfast cereals included in one of their studies, 460 had a health or nutrition claim on the package. “We found that consumers had a more positive attitude toward claims that are based on the presence of something good, compared to claims that are about the

The pioneering officers of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (Psabe) Young Engineers Section were recently inducted, led by engineer Raymond Andres (second from left), who was inducted as chairman. The rest of the Psabe Young Engineers Section pioneering officers are engineer Jhon Mark Licot (vice chairman), engineer Ma. Leonora Borromeo (secretary), engineer Christopher Zamuco (treasurer), engineer Arjay Arpia (auditor), engineer Rodwin Derick Catiis (public information officer) and engineer Kelly Ann Palma (business manager). The board of trustees is composed of engineers Junelle Adrias, Josephine Manigos, Emmanuel Salvador and Roberto Tabal. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

absence of something bad. For example, people expected breakfast cereals with both ‘adding positives claims’ (high protein or high fiber) and ‘not removing positives claims’ (all natural, made with whole grains or wholesome) to be healthier than brands with claims about ‘removing negatives claims’ or ‘not adding negatives claims,’ even if the messages claimed the absence of something considered to be harmful,� Chandon said.

Respondents felt more strongly about nature-based, presence-focused foods health claims. When consumers see nature-focused claims of health, like “homemade� or “no preservatives,� they believe the food is tasty. Finally, if the claim removes negatives like “light,�“lowfat,�“low calorie� or “low-sugar,� consumers believe the breakfast cereal helps weight loss or weight maintenance.

Although there was no link between the type of claim and overall nutrition quality for breakfast cereals, consumers expected the type of claim to be a strong predictor of the healthiness, taste and dieting properties of the products. None of the claims the researchers surveyed explicitly said that the product would make people healthier or help them lose weight or stay thin, yet consumers interpreted these claims as such. And their perceptions influenced their choices. “To our surprise, the correlation between the type of ‘healthy’ claim made and the actual nutritional quality of the breakfast cereal was almost zero or 0.04 to be precise,� Chandon said.

THE TIMES

THE FUTURE OF PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURE

SCUs and unifying R&D efforts Second of two parts

Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources ReSTATED IN THE kRST PART OF THIS search and Development (PCAARtwo-part series that one of my RD) should have stronger and better wishes is that state colleges and uni- coordination while collaborating versities (SCUs) would become one with the Commission on Higher of the main pillars of agricultural Education on getting SCUs more research and development (ARD) in involved in research. the near future. However, the ARD The stronger and better coordiefforts of SCUs must also be com- nation between BAR and PCAARD plemented with stronger extension should result in developing jointly programs, so smallholder farmers A UNIkED HARMONIZED RESEARCH FOR AND kSHERFOLK WOULD BENEkT FROM development (R4D) agenda includmatured technologies immediately. ing that of upscaling and technology And I mean, immediately! commercialization, and joint review Also, the matured technologies and approval of R4D proposals. should have the following beneAgain, I mentioned R4D that is kTS PUT IN PLACE A NEW TECHNOL- distinct from traditional research ogy or practice; can be adopted and development (R&D) that has by a producer or agribusiness to been more concerned on develupgrade or improve operations; oping new technologies with little can result in greater yields and or no regard to societal impact, higher product quality; save especially on smallholders and the costs; and improve sustainability. marginalized of society.

While many believe in the caSCUs can also be counted on pabilities of a growing number of to compliment or collaborate SCUs when it comes to ARD, there in the R4D efforts of agriculture needs to be a better mechanism or research institutions, which, sad system to set the overall research to say, are still few in number in agenda and rationalize funding for the Philippines. research efforts.

Under the Department of AgriculIn the Philippines, the Bureau ture (DA), we have the Philippine of Agricultural Research (BAR) and Rice Research Institutions (PhilRice),

I

pushed by industry players. &OR kSHERIES THE "UREAU OF &ISHeries and Aquatic Resources must IMPROVE ITS 2 $ EFFORTS OR BACK DR. WILLIAM the current research efforts being conducted by SCUs. DAR Clearly, there is a dire need Philippine Center for Postharvest to level up and coordinate the Development and Mechanization R4D efforts for agriculture in the (PhilMech), Philippine Carabao country, and for Congress to be inCenter (PCC) and Philippine Rubformed on the need to create more ber Research Institute (PRRI).

ARD institutions for commodities PhilRice was established in 1985 LIKE COFFEE CACAO SUGAR COCONUT

or very much delayed. For one, the among others. Also, Congress must African Rice Center was founded in provide more funding for R4D 1971. PhilMech traces its roots to efforts in agriculture. agencies involved in post-harvest Besides SCUs, local government research and was formally given a units can be valuable partners in mandate for mechanization in 2010. technology piloting and commerMeanwhile, the PCC was created More research cialization that can be made part in 2010 but still needs a lot of level- institutes needed of their extension mandate for ling up as it is the de facto dairy reagriculture. search institute in the Philippines. We also need R4D centers for corn We could also involve nongovIt must also build partnerships AND ) kND THIS LOGICAL SINCE THE $! ernment organizations, the private with other countries to develop has a national corn program. With sector and foreign institutions to the local carabao industry a corn research institute, our total put into place ARD that should The PRRI is also relatively new corn production can be improved ultimately result in more wealth AND HAS YET TO MAKE AN IMPACT and we can even aspire to export creation and poverty reduction. which is understandable.

This means the ARD agenda the commodity.

Also under the DA are regulaAs for coffee, research is mainly should focus on smallholder farmtory agencies that can upscale or funded by corporations such as ERS AND kSHERFOLK AND ESPECIALLY level up their R4D activities are the Nestle’ while the establishment of women and the youth. For the Philippine Coconut Authority and the Cacao Research Center is being youth, there should be incentives

WAYS OF THE OASIS

Sugar Regulatory Administration.

While the country’s top export are coconut products, the average annual yield of coconut trees in the Philippines is 35 to 45 nuts, which is way below India’s 250 nuts, Mexico’s 300 nuts and Brazil’s 400 nuts.

So why don’t we establish another R4D center for coconut?

As for sugar, much of the research is being done by the Philippine Sugar Research Institute Inc. (Philsurin), a private industry initiative. I have yet to see a groundBREAKING RESEARCH INITIATIVE FROM Philsurin, which may indicate it needs more support from both the private sector and government.

to attract them into the agriculture sector, so we can also address the critical issue of aging farmers.

Furthermore, and I have stated this many times, R4D must have real applications in the real world, and one that results in the creation of more business enterprises. This also means R4D should lead to innovation that is entrepreneurial in nature, as opposed to being only or mostly technological.

I must emphasize that ARD should become one of our top priorities as land and water resources needed to grow more are dwindling but the country’s population continues to increase. !ND WHILE THERE IS STILL A LACK OF commodity-based research institutions in the Philippines, SCUs CAN BE TAPPED TO TAKE THE LEAD IN the interim or be part of an effort spearheaded by the private sector.

By also doing that, more of the youth can also be attracted to the AGRICULTURE SECTOR OR JOIN THE RANKS of researchers in the country.

And it was Jose Rizal in his poem “To the Filipino Youth� who said that the country’s future also lies in the hands of its younger generation.

B6

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Republic of the Philippines 2I¿FH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION – (STR) NOTICE

R-PSG-19-00111-SP

Republic of the Philippines 2I¿FH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION – (STR)

Republic of the Philippines HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD LUPONG NANGANGASIWA SA PABAHAY AT GAMIT NG LUPA

PAUNAWA

NOTICE is hereby given that PRIMA CASA LAND & HOUSES, INC., KDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV 2IÂżFH D VZRUQ UHJLVWUDWLRQ statement for the sale of HOUSE AND LOTS in LUMINA CAMARINES NORTE (SHP) located at Brgy. Cabanbanan, San Vicente, Camarines Norte and more particularly described as Lot 6, (LRC) Psd-247218 containing a total area of 58,274 sq.m. and covered by TCT No. T-24429.

C A R I N A A G U I L A R TA N , J O S E P H I N E A G U I L A R TA N , DENNIS TAN MEJIA MARRIED TO SEVERINA CANUSA MEJIA, OLIVER TAN MEJIA, MONICA TAN MEIJA, SHANNON TAN NASH AND JOSELITO AGUILAR TAN MARRIED TO ELIZABETH DEL ROSARIO (Owners) and CALAMBA CJ REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (Developer) by virtue of Deed of Assignment have filed with this 2IÂżFH D VZRUQ UHJLVWUDWLRQ VWDWHPHQW for the sale of memorial plots in CALAMBA MEMORIAL GARDEN located at Brgy. Banadero, Calamba City, Laguna and more particularly described as Lot 3052-A & Lot 442-A, Psd-42556 and covered TCT Nos. T-533840 & T-533841. The project is under EO 648.

Ipinagbibigay-alam na sina CARINA A G U I L A R TA N , J O S E P H I N E AGUILAR TAN, DENNIS TAN MEJIA KASAL KAY SEVERINA CANUSA MEJIA, OLIVER TAN MEJIA, MONICA TAN MEIJA, SHANNON TAN NASH AT JOSELITO AGUILAR TAN KASAL KAY ELIZABETH DEL ROSARIO (mga May-ari) at CALAMBA CJ REALTY AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (Taga-Debelop) sa pamamagitan ng “Deed of Assignment� ay naghain sa Tanggapang ito ng sinumpaang aplikasyon para sa pagbebenta ng “memorial plots� sa CALAMBA MEMORIAL GARDEN na matatagpuan sa Brgy. Banadero, Calamba City, Laguna na sinasakop ng mga Lote Blg. 3052-A at Lote Blg. 442-A, Psd-42556 at sumasailalim sa mga Titulo Blg. T-533840 at T-533841. Ang nasabing proyekto ay sumasailalim sa EO 648.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, let the instant Petition be heard on -XQH DW RÂśFORFN LQ WKH DIWHUQRRQ $Q\ LQWHUHVWHG SHUVRQ PD\ ÂżOH with the Court on or before the scheduled hearing his Opposition to the instant Petition by specifying the grounds therefor.

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

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

Meanwhile, the Court Social Worker is hereby directed to submit to the Court within a period of not later than ten (10) days before the scheduled hearing, her Child and Home Study Reports as regards the Petition in accordance with Section 12 (5) and (6) of A.M. No. 02-6-02-SC.1 As well, she is hereby directed to conduct counseling sessions with the biological parent of said minor on the matter of the adoption and to submit to the Court her report thereon within the same period.

Absent legal impediment, the abovecited project is deemed registered DQG D FHUWLÂżFDWH LQ HYLGHQFH WKHUHRI VKDOO IRUWKZLWK EH LVVXHG DIWHU ÂżYH

days from the last day of publication.

Pagkaraan ng limang (5) araw mula sa huling araw ng pagkalathala ang proyektong nabanggit ay ituturing na rehistrado na at maaring bigyan ng sertipiko bilang katibayan nito kapag wala nang sagabal na ligal.

Calamba City, Laguna, 10 day of May 2019.

Lungsod ng Calamba, Laguna, ika-10 ng Mayo 2019.

Recommending Approval:

Recommending Approval:

Engr. EMMANUEL G. GLIPO Head- Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD)

Engr. EMMANUEL G. GLIPO Head- Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD)

Approved by:

Approved by:

Engr. FRANCIS D. ORDENIZA 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU

Engr. FRANCIS D. ORDENIZA 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU

GIOVANNI FRANCESCO MARGAROLI, ANNABELLE ARCILLA MARGAROLI, Petitioners, X ----------------------------------------------------------X ORDER Before the Court is a Petition for the Adoption of minor Mariebelle Arcilla (hereinafter referred to as “minor�) filed on 16 January 2019 by petitioners-spouse Giovanni Francesco Margaroli and Annabelle Arcilla Margaroli, seeking that after due notice and hearing, a decree of adoption of said minor, issue.

On 21 February 2019, Petitioners-spouse filed their Manifestation and Compliance, to which were attached necessary documents in support of the instant Petition. Finding the Compliance in order, let the attached annexes in the same be admitted to form part of the records of this case.

Meanwhile, after going through the Petition and the attachments submitted, WKH &RXUW ÂżQGV WKH VDPH VXIÂżFLHQW LQ IRUP DQG VXEVWDQFH

/HW D FRS\ RI WKLV 2UGHU EH IXUQLVKHG WKH 2IÂżFHV RI WKH 6ROLFLWRU *HQHUDO and the City Prosecutor of Pasig, in accordance with Section 12 (6), above.

Also, the petitioners are hereby directed to publish this Order before hearing on the Petition once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of JHQHUDO FLUFXODWLRQ LQ WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV WR EH GHWHUPLQHG E\ WKH 2I¿FH RI WKH &OHUN of Court, Regional Trial Court of Pasig City, at petitioner’s expense, in accordance with Section 12 (4), above. The petitioners are directed to coordinate with said 2I¿FH IRU WKLV SXUSRVH

th

MT - May 16 & 23, 2019

MT - May 16 & 23, 2019

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

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

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines, 8 May 2019.

(SGD.) ATTY. RAYMUNDO A. FORONDA $FWLQJ 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU MT - May 16, 2019

Any incorrect advertisement published in The Manila Times Classified Ads must be brought to our attention on the same day the advertisement came out. We will not be held liable for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

Other settings in this case are on 25 June, 8 and 15 August, 10 and 24 September 2019, all at 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon.

SO ORDERED. 4 March 2019. Pasig City.

WARNING TO THE PUBLIC (SGD.) MARIA ROWENA MODESTO-SAN PEDRO Presiding Judge

_______________________ 1 Rule on Adoption.

MT - May 9, 16 & 23, 2019

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w w w.manilatimes.net Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 99, Quezon City, Metro Manila

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

NOTICE

The foregoing project will be utilized as socialized housing compliance for LUMINA CAMARINES NORTE (MainEH) located at Brgy. Cabanbanan, San Vicente, Camarines Norte pursuant to Section 18 of Republic Act No. 7279 as amended by Republic Act No. 10884.

˜ The Manila Times

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

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

PATRICIA ANNE D. FLORES, Petitioner, CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-18-01154-CV For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage

- versus CARLOS LLAMAS FLORES IV, Respondent. x-----------------------------------------x SUMMONS (by Publication) TO: CARLOS LLAMAS FLORES IV, No. 22 Austin Street, Provident Village Marikina City G R E E T I N G S:

WHEREAS, a petition for Declaration of Absolute Nullity of Marriage, which was solemnized on May 6, LQ 0DULNLQD &LW\ DV VWDWHG LQ WKH &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 0DUULDJH KDV EHHQ FRPPHQFHG E\ SHWLWLRQHU 3DWULFLD Anne D. Flores against respondent Carlos Llamas Flores IV; WHEREAS, on March 19, 2018 this Court issued Summons in the above-entitled case, but was returned unserved on April 3, 2018 on the ground that the respondent could not be found at the given address as the respondent was in another country; WHEREAS RQ 0D\ SHWLWLRQHU WKURXJK FRXQVHO ÂżOHG D Motion for Leave to Serve Summons

by Publication, which was denied on June 25, 2018 for not being compliant with Section 17, Rule 14 of the Rules of Court; WHEREAS RQ -XO\ SHWLWLRQHU WKURXJK FRXQVHO ÂżOHG D Motion for Leave to Serve Summons

by Publication; WHEREAS, on August 6, 2018, the case was transferred to Hon. Judge Lily Ann M. Padaen pursuant to Administrative Order 92-2018; WHEREAS RQ -DQXDU\ SHWLWLRQHU ÂżOHG D Motion for Reconsideration, which was granted by this Court on February 15, 2019 directing the sheriff to serve the summons again in the given address of the respondent CARLOS LLAMAS FLORES IV at 22 Austin St., Provident Village, Marikina City. Should such personal service be ineffectual, serve the summons by publication. In addition, a copy of the summons shall be served on the respondent at his last known address by registered mail, at the expense of the petitioner.

WHEREAS, on February 26, 2019 the summons issued on February 15, 2019 was returned unserved on the ground that the respondent was not around at the time of service as the respondent was temporarily out of the country; WHEREAS, in the petition, the relief prayed for is hereby quoted as follows: “WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed of this Honorable Court that after due trial, judgment be promulgated declaring the marriage of the parties to be NULL and VOID AB INITIO. Other reliefs, just and equitable under the premises, are likewise prayed for.�

NOW THEREFORE, YOU, respondent CARLOS LLAMAS FLORES IV, ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the last issue of publication to ANSWER the petition and to copy furnish the petitioner with a copy of your Answer at No. 17-B June St., Bahay Toro, Quezon City. You are reminded of IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe UHVWUDLQW LQ ÂżOLQJ D PRWLRQ WR GLVPLVV DQG LQVWHDG DOOHJH WKH JURXQGV WKHUHRI DV GHIHQVHV LQ WKH $QVZHU ,I \RX IDLO WR $QVZHU ZLWKLQ WKH WLPH Âż[HG WKH &RXUW VKDOO RUGHU WKH 3XEOLF 3URVHFXWRU WR LQYHVWLJDWH ZKHWKHU collusion exists, in accordance with Section 8(3) of A.M. No. 02-11-10-SC [Rule on Declaration of Absolute Nullity of Void Marriages and Annulment of Voidable Marriages].

The Respondent in an action for Annulment of Marriage, Declaration of Nullity and Legal Separation PXVW VWULFWO\ REVHUYH WKH DERYH SUHVFULEHG SHULRG WR ÂżOH $QVZHU WHEREFORE, let this summons be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks, in a QHZVSDSHU RI JHQHUDO FLUFXODWLRQ WR EH VHOHFWHG E\ UDIĂ€H SXUVXDQW WR 3 ' DW WKH H[SHQVH RI WKH petitioner. Likewise, let a copy of the summons be sent by registered mail to the respondent at his last known address, also at the expense of petitioner and to submit to this Court proof of compliance therewith.

WITNESS THE HON. LILY ANN M. PADAEN, Acting Presiding Judge of this Court, this 10th day of April, 2019.

(SGD.). ATTY. ANNA PAULA A. BORGOĂ‘OS Branch Clerk of Court Copy furnished: OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL No. 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village 1229 Makati City, Metro Manila

Patricia Anne D. Flores Petitioner 17-B June Street, Bahay Toro, 1106 Quezon City

Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Ma. Christina Osoteo Public Prosecutor Department of Justice Building Quezon City Hall Complex, Diliman, Quezon City

Carlos L. Flores Respondent 22 Austin Street, Provident Village Marikina City

Atty. Myline J. Urmenita LUTELLA LAW OFFICES Counsel for the Petitioner Unit 5M-B8, 5th Floor Mezzanine, Victoria Station GMA Kamuning, Diliman, 1100 Quezon City

MT - May 9 & 16, 2019

EDITORS AND DESKMEN Competencies • Excellent command of written and spoken English • Degree holder preferably in journalism, communications, or related discipline (e.g. political science or economics with journalism experience) • Experience in editing news, analytical reports and columns • Strong news judgment and familiarity with local issues, as well as an understanding of relevant world affairs • $ELOLW\ WR ZULWH DQG HGLW ZLWK ÀDLU DQG VSHHG WR PHHW WLJKW deadlines • )DPLOLDU ZLWK 0LFURVRIW 2I¿FH VRFLDO PHGLD DQG VHDUFK engines • Ability to lead and organize a team well • Good attitude, willingness to adjust to new systems and ability to respect authority within the organization REPORTERS Competencies • Excellent command of written and spoken English • Degree holder preferably in journalism, communications, or related discipline • Ability to establish and maintain a network of contacts in government and the private sector as source of information and analysis • Ability to identify the angle of news from a raft of available information or seek out information to build a solid news story • Familiarity with local issues and an understanding of relevant world affairs • $ VHQVH RI VSHHG DQG DFFXUDF\ LQ ZULWLQJ DQG ¿OOLQJ UHDO time stories to the news desk to meet tight deadlines • Knows Microsoft Office, social media and search engines • A good team player, but is able to work independently within the perimeters of a given assignment • Good attitude, willingness to adjust to new systems and ability to respect authority within the organization Interested applicants, please send a full resume, specifying your subject of expertise, with links to samples of online work or appropriate attachments.

Please email your resumĂŠ at: hrd@manilatimes.net, or you may apply personally at 2/F Sitio Grande Bldg., 409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila (Formerly TRB Bldg.), or you may call Irish de Guzman at 524-5664 local 122.

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Drones hit Saudi Arabia oil pipeline DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: An oil pipeline that runs across Saudi Arabia was hit by drones, the Saudi energy minister said, as regional tensions lARED JUST DAYS AFTER WHAT THE KINGDOM CALLED AN ATTACK ON TWO OF ITS OIL TANKERS NEAR THE 0ERSIAN 'ULF 4HE PIPELINE THAT RUNS FROM THE KINGDOM S OIL RICH %ASTERN 0ROVINCE TO a Red Sea port was shut down, but Saudi %NERGY -INISTER +HALID AL &ALIH !L &ALIH VOWED THAT THE PRODUCTION AND EXPORT OF 3AUDI OIL WOULD NOT BE INTERRUPTED The Houthis, who are at war with Saudi Arabia, said earlier Tuesday they LAUNCHED SEVEN DRONES TARGETING VITAL Saudi installations, without elaboratING 4HEY LATER CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PIPELINE ATTACK IN COMMENTS BROADCAST BY (OUTHI MILITARY SPOKESMAN "RIG 'EN 9AHYA 3ARI In a statement carried by the STATE RUN 3AUDI 0RESS !GENCY

AL &ALIH CALLED THE PIPELINE ATTACK gCOWARDLY u SAYING RECENT ACTS OF SABOTAGE AGAINST THE KINGDOM WERE targeting not only Saudi Arabia but ALSO THE SAFETY OF THE WORLD S ENERGY SUPPLY AND GLOBAL ECONOMY 4HE ATTACKS DEMONSTRATED THE INCREASED RISKS IN A REGION VITAL TO global energy supplies amid heightENED TENSIONS FOLLOWING THE 4RUMP ADMINISTRATION S WITHDRAWAL FROM the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, and the subseQUENT RE IMPOSITION OF 53 SANCTIONS TO CRIPPLE THE )RANIAN ECONOMY )RAN has since said it would begin enrich-

ING URANIUM AT HIGHER LEVELS BY *ULY IF WORLD POWERS FAILED TO NEGOTIATE NEW TERMS FOR THE DEAL The Saudis did not immediATELY ASSIGN BLAME FOR THE DRONE assaults, which targeted two oil PUMPING STATIONS WEST OF THE CAPItal supplying the pipeline that runs FROM THE EAST OF 3AUDI !RABIA TO THE 9ANBU 0ORT ON ITS WESTERN COAST Saudi Arabia said Wednesday that ATTACKS ON TWO OF ITS OIL TANKERS AND A MAJOR PIPELINE TARGETED NOT ONLY ITS OWN SECURITY BUT THAT OF THE WORLD S SUPPLIES $RONE ATTACKS CLAIMED BY )RAN ALIGNED 9EMENI REBELS SHUT DOWN ONE OF THE KINGDOM S MAIN OIL PIPELINES ON 4UESDAY FURTHER RATCHETING UP 'ULF TENSIONS AFTER THE MYSTERIOUS SABOTAGE OF FOUR SHIPS TWO OF THEM 3AUDI TANKERS

JUST OUTSIDE THE 'ULF ON 3UNDAY g4HE CABINET AFkRMS THAT THESE ACTS OF TERRORISM AND SABOTAGE DO NOT ONLY TARGET THE KINGDOM BUT ALSO THE SECURITY OF WORLD OIL supplies and the global economy,�

IT SAID AFTER A MEETING CHAIRED BY +ING 3ALMAN IN THE 2ED 3EA CITY OF *EDDAH ON 4UESDAY EVENING 4UESDAY S DRONE STRIKES HIT two pumping stations on the KINGDOM S EAST WEST PIPELINE

which can carry 5 million barrels OF CRUDE PER DAY AND PROVIDES A STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR 3AUDI EXPORTS IF THE SHIPPING LANE FROM THE 'ULF THROUGH THE 3TAIT OF (ORMUZ IS CLOSED AP/AFP

World Global worries grow over US-Iran standoff W THURSDAY May 16, 2019

ASHINGTON, D.C.: International worries that the Trump administration is sliding toward war with Iran lARED INTO THE OPEN AMID SKEPTICISM ABOUT ITS CLAIMS THAT THE )SLAMIC 2EPUBLIC POSES A growing threat to the US and its allies in the 0ERSIAN 'ULF AND BEYOND 4HE 53 MILITARY ON 4UESDAY 7EDNESDAY IN -ANILA REBUTTED DOUBTS EXPRESSED BY a British general about such a THREAT 0RESIDENT $ONALD 4RUMP denied a report that the administration has updated plans to send more than 100,000 troops TO COUNTER )RAN IF NECESSARY "UT Trump then stirred the controVERSY FURTHER BY SAYING g7OULD ) DO THAT !BSOLUTELY u 4HE GENERAL S REMARKS EXPOSED INTERNATIONAL SKEPTICISM OVER THE American military build-up in the -IDDLE %AST A LEGACY OF THE INVASION OF )RAQ THAT WAS PREDICATED ON FALSE INTELLIGENCE 53 OFkCIALS HAVE NOT PUBLICLY PROVIDED ANY EVIDENCE TO BACK UP CLAIMS OF an increased Iranian threat amid OTHER SIGNS OF ALLIED UNEASE As tensions in the region started TO SURGE "RITISH &OREIGN 3ECRETARY

*EREMY (UNT SAID HIS NATION WAS WORRIED ABOUT THE RISK OF ACCIDENTAL CONFLICT gWITH AN ESCALATION that is unintended really on either SIDE u 4HEN ON 4UESDAY 3PAIN TEMPORARILY PULLED ONE OF ITS FRIGATES FROM THE 53 LED COMBAT lEET HEADING TOWARD THE 3TRAIT OF (ORMUZ 4HAT WAS FOLLOWED BY THE UNUSUAL public challenge to the Trump adMINISTRATION BY THE GENERAL g.O THERE S BEEN NO INCREASED THREAT FROM )RANIAN BACKED FORCES IN )RAQ AND 3YRIA u SAID -AJ 'EN #HRIS 'HIKA A SENIOR OFkCER IN THE 53 BACKED COALITION FIGHTING THE )SLAMIC 3TATE GROUP 'HIKA SPEAKING IN A VIDEO CONFERENCE FROM COALItion headquarters in Baghdad, told REPORTERS AT THE 0ENTAGON THAT THE COALITION MONITORS THE PRESENCE OF )RANIAN BACKED FORCES gALONG WITH A WHOLE RANGE OF OTHERS BECAUSE THAT S THE ENVIRONMENT WE RE IN u

FRENCH RIOT

Anti-riot policemen use tear gas to disperse yellow vests protesters along the Arc de Triomphe at the Place de l’Etoile in Paris. The protesters are demanding higher wages, better working condition and job security. AFP PHOTO

But he added, “There are a subSTANTIAL NUMBER OF MILITIA GROUPS IN )RAQ AND 3YRIA AND WE DON T SEE ANY INCREASED THREAT FROM ANY OF THEM AT THIS STAGE u Late in the day, in a rare public REBUTTAL OF AN ALLIED MILITARY OFkCER 53 #ENTRAL #OMMAND SAID 'HIKA S REMARKS gRUN COUNTER TO THE IDENTIFIED CREDIBLE THREATSu FROM )RANIAN BACKED FORCES IN THE -IDEAST )N A WRITTEN STATEMENT

Central Command said the coalition in Baghdad has increased the ALERT LEVEL FOR ALL SERVICE MEMBERS IN )RAQ AND 3YRIA “As a result, [the coalition] is NOW AT A HIGH LEVEL OF ALERT AS we continue to closely monitor credible and possibly imminent THREATS TO 53 FORCES IN )RAQ u THE STATEMENT SAID At the White House, Trump, WHO HAS REPEATEDLY ARGUED FOR AVOIDING LONG TERM CONFLICTS IN THE -IDEAST DISCOUNTED A New 9ORK 4IMES REPORT THAT THE 53 has updated plans that could send up to 120,000 troops to COUNTER )RAN IF IT ATTACKED !MERICAN FORCES “Would I do that? Absolutely,�

HE TOLD REPORTERS g"UT WE HAVE NOT PLANNED FOR THAT (OPEFULLY WE RE

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NOT GOING TO HAVE TO PLAN FOR THAT )F WE DID THAT WE D SEND A HELL OF A LOT MORE TROOPS THAN THAT u -EANWHILE )RAN S 3UPREME ,EADER !YATOLLAH !LI +HAMENEI RULED OUT ANY TALKS WITH THE 53 GOVERNMENT OVER THE DISPUTED ISSUES 4ASNIM NEWS AGENCY REPORTED 4HE 53 WANTS )RAN TO NEGOTIATE OVER ITS gDEFENSIVE WEAPONu AND TO REDUCE THE RANGE OF ITS MISSILES

WHILE URGING )RAN TO TALK OVER ITS REgional strategy, the Iranian leader WAS QUOTED AS SAYING g4HEREFORE THE TALKS ;OVER THEses issues] are basically wrong,� +HAMENEI SAID STRESSING THAT HOLDING gTALKS WITH 7ASHINGTON

PARTICULARLY WITH THE CURRENT 53 GOVERNMENT IS POISONOUS u 7ASHINGTON SEEKS TO SEAL A NEW nuclear deal with Iran, which will FURTHER CURB )RAN S NUCLEAR PROGRAM STOP )RAN S BALLISTIC MISSILE DEVELOPMENT AND HALT )RAN S PUSH FOR INlUENCE IN THE REGION g.ONE OF OUR WISE PEOPLE ;INSIDE )RAN= SEEKS TALKS WITH THE 5NITED 3TATES u SAID +HAMENEI g)RANIANS ULTIMATE OPTION IS TO RESIST THE 53 PRESSURES AND IN THIS CONFRONTATION !MERICANS WILL HAVE TO RETREAT u HE SAID AP/GLOBAL TIMES

Worldinbriefs POLITICIAN PL ACES AD ON ADULT SITE COPENHAGEN, Denmark: While most of the candidates for Denmark’s general election are making good use of the internet, posting their promises on websites and social media, one has gone a step further. Joachim Olsen, an Olympic shot put silver medalist who has been a member of the Folketing for the center-right Liberal Alliance since 2011, placed an ad bearing the party logo and encouraging people to vote for him on one of the world’s top adult websites, Pornhub. On his official Facebook profile, Olsen confirmed that he was responsible for the ad: “Yes, it’s me on Pornhub.

AP

7.5-QUAKE RAT TLES PAPUA NEW GUINEA WELLINGTON, New Zealand: Papua New Guinea authorities were assessing the extent of damage Wednesday from a power ful earthquake that rattled coastal towns the previous evening. The magnitude 7.5 quake struck around 11 p.m. (9 p.m. In Manila) Tuesday at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), according to the US Geological Sur vey. It was offshore about 45 km (28 miles) northeast of Kokopo, which has about 26,000 people.

Chris McKee, the acting director of geohazards management, said there was some damage in Kokopo as items were shaken from shelves and the power had been cut.

AP

Taiwan gay couples plan weddings despite opposition TAIPEI: !T THE CAKE SHOP THEY RUN IN 4AIPEI 3HANE ,IN AND -ARC 9UAN ARE PLANNING THEIR UPCOMING WEDDING AS THEY EXPECTANTLY AWAIT !SIA S kRST GAY MARRIAGE LAW ‡ BUT A LAST MINUTE PUSH BY CONSERVATIVES COULD SCUPPER THEIR DREAMS 4HE PAIR WHO MET AND FELL IN LOVE AT COLLEGE ARE AMONG HUNDREDS OF SAME SEX COUPLES WHO HAVE MADE

RESERVATIONS TO REGISTER WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ON -AY FOR WHAT THEY HOPE WILL BE A MARRIAGE That is the deadline set by TaiWAN S TOP COURT TO ALLOW SAME SEX COUPLES TO LEGALLY WED )N A LANDMARK RULING JUDGES said denying gay couples the right to MARRY VIOLATED THE ISLAND S CONSTITUTION 4HE COURT GAVE LAWMAKERS TWO

YEARS TO MAKE MARRIAGE EQUALITY HAPPEN OR SEE IT ENACTED AUTOMATICALLY IF THEY FAILED ‡ A MOVE THAT PROMISES A NEW MILESTONE FOR !SIA &OR GAY COUPLES LIKE ,IN

AND 9UAN ‡ WHO DECIDED TO TIE THE KNOT AS THEY CELEBRATED THEIR TH ANNIVERSARY ‡ THE RULING ALLOWED THEM TO START PLANNING FOR THEIR BIG DAY g4AIWAN MAY OFTEN BE OVERLOOKED

internationally but the things we HAVE DONE ARE VISIONARY AND WITH purpose, which we can be proud OF u SAID ,IN REFERRING TO THE RULING 9ET WITH LESS THAN A FORTNIGHT TO GO 4AIWAN S ,'"4 COMMUNITY STILL DON T KNOW WHAT MARRIAGE EQUALITY WILL LOOK LIKE BECAUSE the legislation has yet to be conCLUSIVELY DECIDED AFP

FB tightens access to livestreaming SAN Francisco: Facebook announced Wednesday it is tightening access to livestreaming to prevent the rampant sharing of graphic video as took place with the Christchurch massacre.

People who have broken certain rules, including those against “dangerous organizations and individuals,� will be restricted from using the Facebook Live streaming feature, said Vice President of Integrity Guy Rosen. “Following the horrific recent terrorist attacks in New Zealand, we’ve been reviewing what more we can do to limit our services from being used to cause harm or spread hate,� he said in a statement.

A self-described white supremacist gunned down 51 people at two Christchurch mosques in March, and broadcast live footage of the violence on Facebook from a head-mounted camera.

AFP

MONET ’S HAYSTACK SOLD FOR $110.7M NEW York: One of Claude Monet’s iconic paintings of haystacks has fetched a record $110.7 million at an auction in New York.

Monet’s “Meules� sold at Sotheby’s sale of Impressionist & Modern Art Tuesday night. The auction house said it’s a world auction record for the artist and the first work of Impressionist art to cross the $100-million threshold at auction. The 1890 painting is one of only four works from Monet’s acclaimed “Haystacks� series to come to auction this centur y, and one of only eight examples remaining in private hands.

AP

US ENVOY ’S GREECE HOME VANDALIZED ATHENS, Greece: The US ambassador to Greece has condemned a vandalism attack on his home in Athens, after paint was thrown at the wall outside his residence near the embassy. Geoffrey Pyatt said in a tweet Wednesday that the paint attack was “childish vandalism� and that he would work with Greek authorities “to punish the culprits according to law.� The ambassador said “destruction of property is not peaceful protest.�

INDIAN POLITICIANS’ SUPPORTERS CL ASH KOLKATA: Clashes between followers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an opposition leader heightened tensions in the key Indian city of Kolkata on Wednesday ahead of the final round of the countr y’s hard-fought national election. Dozens of people were arrested in the street battles late Tuesday that forced Amit Shah, president of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to leave an election rally in the eastern metropolis in West Bengal state under police guard, media reports said. A statue of renowned Bengal reformer, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, was destroyed and a college named after him ransacked in the troubles, which the BJP and rival Trinamool Congress angrily blamed on each other.

AFP

SUDAN SETS TRANSITION PERIOD

PAPAL CARE

Pope Francis caresses a baby as he arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican in Rome, Italy. AFP PHOTO

SUDAN’S militar y leaders who seized power last month by overthrowing longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir have agreed with opposition groups to a three-year transition period to transfer power to a fully civilian administration, a general has announced.

Speaking to reporters in the early hours of Wednesday, Lieutenant General Yasser al-Atta said a final agreement on the sharing of power, including the formation of the next ruling body — the sovereign council — would be signed with the protest movement the Alliance for Freedom and Change within 24 hours. “We agreed on a transitional period of three years,� Atta said.

AFP

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

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

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

ŽŽŬ ŶŽǁ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ŵLJƐƚĞƌLJŵĂŶŝůĂ͘ĐŽŵ

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

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

ĞŶƚƵƌLJ ŝƚLJ DĂůů ͮ :ƵƉŝƚĞƌ ͮ LJĂůĂ DĂůůƐ dŚĞ ϯϬƚŚ ͮ >ŝďŝƐ

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

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

WŽůĂƌŝƐ ĞŶƚĞƌ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͕ϯƌĚ &ůŽŽƌ͕ϰϴ WŽůĂƌŝƐ ^ƌĞĞƚ͕DĂŬĂƟ ŝƚLJ

ĚĚ͗͘ ϭϮϬϬ ZŝnjĂů ǀĞŶƵĞ džƚĞŶƐŝŽŶ͕ KůŽŶŐĂƉŽ͕ ĂŵďĂůĞƐ WŚŽŶĞ͗ ϬϵϮϵ ϯϭϰ Ϭϵϲϯ

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

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

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

ǁǁǁ͘ŚŽƵƐĂů͘ĐŽŵ ͮ DŽďŝůĞ͗ ;нϲϯͿ ϵϭϳ ϳϳϭ ϳϭϳϭ ͮ ŝŶĨŽΛŚŽƵƐĂů͘ĐŽŵ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ϰϱϲ hŶŝƚĞĚ EĂƟŽŶƐ ǀĞ͕͘ ƌŵŝƚĂ͕ DĂŶŝůĂ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ

dĞůƐ͘ ϱϮϭͲϯϬͲϴϱ ϱϮϰͲϬϳͲϮϮ Ğůů EŽ͗͘ ;ϬϵϭϴͿ ϱϯϱͲϬϰͲϵϵ

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

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

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

ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ŽƐƚ ƐƟŵĂƟŶŐ WƌŽĐƵƌĞŵĞŶƚ WƌŽũĞĐƚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ

BAYVIEW BARBER SHOP AND REFLEXOLOGY

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

D /E K&&/ ͗ Zŵ͘ ϮϬϱ ĂŶƚĞ ͘ ŶŐ Θ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƚĞƐ ůĚŐ͘ ϰϬϵ ͘ ^ŽƌŝĂŶŽ ǀĞ͕͘ /ŶƚƌĂŵƵƌŽƐ͕ DĂŶŝůĂ͕ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ ǁǁǁ͘ǀŝĐƚŽƌƐĨƌĞŝŐŚƚ͘ƉŚ ͮ dĞů͗ ;ϬϮͿ ϱϮϰͲϭϮϬϮ͕ ϱϮϯͲϭϱϴϲ͕ ϱϮϯͲϰϯϴϲ͕ ϱϮϱͲϴϴϬϱ͕ ϱϮϴͲϬϱϭϳ͕ ϱϮϴͲϬϰϭϮ

,ŽƚĞů <ŝŵďĞƌůLJ DĂŶŝůĂ ϳϳϬ WĞĚƌŽ 'ŝů ^ƚƌĞĞƚ DĂůĂƚĞ͕ DĂŶŝůĂ dĞů͘ ;ϬϮͿ ϱϮϭͲϭϴϴϴ ĞŵĂŝů͗ ŵĂŶŝůĂΛŚŽƚĞůŬŝŵďĞƌůLJ͘ĐŽŵ tĞďƐŝƚĞ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ŚŽƚĞůŬŝŵďĞƌůLJ͘ĐŽŵ

D E/> ͗ ϱƚŚ &͘ dŝŵĞƐ WůĂnjĂ ůĚŐ͘ dĂŌ ĐŽƌ͘ h͘E͘ ǀĞ͕͘ ƌŵŝƚĂ͕ ϬϳϮ ƌŐ͘ ϲϲϲ DĂŶŝůĂ ;ϬϮͿ ϯϱϯͲϲϴϬϴ W ^ z͗ ^ĐĂƉĞ ůĚŐ͕͘ DĂĐĂƉĂŐĂů ǀĞ͘ ĐŽƌ͘ WĞĂƌů ƌŝǀĞ͕ ĞŶƚƌĂů ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ WĂƌŬ ϭ͕ ^ĂŶ ZĂĨĂĞů͕ ƌŐ͘ ϳϲ WĂƐĂLJ ŝƚLJ ͮ ;ϬϮͿ ϱϰϭͲϱϲϰϱ

ĚĚƌĞƐƐ͗ ϭϬϭ DĂƌďĞůůĂ ϭ ŽŶĚŽŵŝŶŝƵŵ͕ ϮϮϮϯ ZŽdžĂƐ ŽƵůĞǀĂƌĚ͕ ϭϯϬϬ WĂƐĂLJ ŝƚLJ͕ WŚŝůŝƉƉŝŶĞƐ

KZd/' ^͗ hŶŝƚ ϭϲͬϭϴͬϭϵͬϮϬ 'ƌŽƵŶĚ & / 'ƌĂŶĚĞ dŽǁĞƌ ^ĂƉƉŚŝƌĞ ZĚ͕͘ KƌƟŐĂƐ ĞŶƚĞƌ WĂƐŝŐ ŝƚLJ ͮ ;ϬϮͿ ϱϴϰͲϮϰϯϬ

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ĞƚĂŝůƐ͗ DŽďŝůĞ EŽ͘ Ͳ ;нϲϯͿ ϵϭϴͲϴϰϱͲϬϬϬϴ >ĂŶĚůŝŶĞ Ͳ ;нϲϯϮͿ ϱϱϭͲϴϴϴϴ

h z Z' d ͗ >ĞǀĞů ϯ͕ Zŵ͘ ϬϬϯϬϵ Θ ϬϬϯϬϮ ZŽďŝŶƐŽŶƐ LJďĞƌŐĂƚĞ͕ ŽŶ '͘ 'ĂƌĐŝĂ ^ƚ͕͘ ĂƉŝƚŽů ^ŝƚĞ͕ ĞďƵ ŝƚLJ ͮ ;ϬϯϮͿ ϮϯϲͲϵϬϮϴ

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Sports

TTHURSDAY MAY 16, 2019 M

www.manilatimes.net

NBA Draft Lottery tin foil hat edition

I

T would be next to impossible to predict the NBA Draft Lottery, but that never stopped the conspiracy theorists to call it â&#x20AC;&#x153;rigged.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to suspect, but hard to prove. We can weave stories from THE RESULTS SPECIkCALLY THE TOP FOUR

First overall pick: New Orleans Pelicans This is a special lottery since we have a generational talent named Zion Williamson on the line. The last generational talent came at 2012 with Anthony Davis who went to â&#x20AC;&#x201D; New Orleans Pelicans. Eyebrows raised, eye roll reactions notwithstanding, this is a franchise that was on the verge of getting bowled over by the new NBA reality of free agency and player maneuverings.

There is quick speculation that Anthony Davis would possibly consider staying if they have Zion. That is on the assumption that he is leaving the Pelicans for â&#x20AC;&#x153;basketball reasons.â&#x20AC;? Given his preference for the Lakers, that is likely not the case.

You can cite Paul George, who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pursue the Lakers, but George didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to play with LeBron.

Davis is the exact opposite of that.

Again, players and agents make long-term plans. Especially if they made steps like buying property or establishing a business in that city. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve proven that with LeBron James. The litmus test this summer will be Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. KD has a business HQ in New York while Kawhi bought a house in Southern California (though he is originally from there).

On my perspective as a tin foil hat-wearing fan, Zion is the consolation for New Orleans. If the Anthony Davis trade commences, the franchise will not be left in shambles. Again, I will not and cannot insinuate that the NBA has rigged the lottery.

Second overall pick: Memphis Grizzlies The Grizzlies were torn between keeping their stars (Marc Gasol, Mike Conley) and building their future around Jaren Jackson, Jr. They took a baby step by trading Gasol, THE NO PICK ALLOWS THEM TO kNALLY decide to move on. Ja Morant would be the best replacement for Conley, and they could get a ton of assets for one of the most underrated veterans of the league.

Tin foil-hat mode: New Or-

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BASKETBALL SLEUTH

WARRIORS WIN Stephen Curry (No. 30) of the Golden State Warriors defends Damian Lillard (No. 0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on Wednesday in Oakland, California. The Warriors beat the Trail Blazers 116-94.

AFP PHOTO

MICHAEL ANGELO B. ASIS leans and Memphis are the NBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s struggling franchises, at least from a market standpoint. The Pelicans suffer from being in an NFL dominated city and Memphis is the smallest market. This is a great boost for them.

Third overall pick: New York Knicks Everyone expected the NBA to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make the Knicks great againâ&#x20AC;? by awarding them Zion. The Knicks did their part by sucking and getting rid of their Unicorn, but that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be subtle.

It hurts the Knicks because they were already anticipating a high pick. Many of their next steps are hinged on uncertainty. There is no signature on the dotted line, and no prudent businessman would place all of their marbles on someone who has not signed. But this is the Knicks weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about.

The long shot move was to sign two big stars. That would be Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Get the no.1 pick and trade it to the Pelicans, along with whoever is left on their roster for Anthony Davis.

The buzz is on for Durant, but Kyrie is the exception of stars making advanced decisions as HE HAS lIPPED OVER HIS POSITION before. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely to leave Boston, but the case for the Lakers has also gained ground.

Fourth pick: Los Angeles Lakers This was supposed to be the big advantage of the Knicks over the Lakers, but they ended up just onepick step behind. The Lakers jumped from 11th to 4th, and that is how lotteries go. With LeBron James, you know that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not on the rebuilding path. The 4th pick is an asset but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not Zion, and the Pelicans have even leverage now. Why trade for Zion if you already have Zion?

But Anthony Davisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; contract is expiring, and his trade value depreciates with every day. Why trade for Davis if heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signing here next year?

The Lottery results have given a clearer picture for the offseason, and teams can now formulate their strategies.

Curry powers Warriors' series opener victory L OS ANGELES: Stephen Curry drained nine three-pointers on the way to 36 points Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) to propel the Golden State Warriors to a 116-94 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in game ONE OF THE ."! 7ESTERN #ONFERENCE kNALS

Curry added seven assists and six rebounds as the Warriors led all the way over a Trail Blazers team coming off a game-seven victory over Denver in the second round on Sunday.

Klay Thompson added 26 points and provided an imposing defensive presence as the Warriors shrugged off the absence of injured superstar Kevin Durant.

Draymond Green added 12 POINTS REBOUNDS kVE ASSISTS

two steals and three blocked shots for the two-time defending NBA champions, who are playing in THEIR kFTH STRAIGHT 7ESTERN #ONFERENCE kNAL Curry said he just took advanTAGE OF WHAT A FREE lOWING 7ARriors offense gave him. )T WAS A NICE lOW u #URRY SAID â&#x20AC;&#x153;It just puts so much pressure on the defense. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t key it on one guy and

even if you try to somebody else is going to be open.â&#x20AC;?

The Trail Blazers connected on only 36.1 percent of their shots from the field, making just seven of 28 three-point attempts as the Warriors drained 17 from beyond the arc.

Portland star Damian Lillard hit just four of 12 shots to score 19 points with six assists, four rebounds and seven turnovers.

CJ McCollum, who starred as Lillard struggled in game seven against the Nuggets, scored 17 points on seven-of-19 shooting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The schedule favored us,â&#x20AC;? acknowledged Golden State coach Steve Kerr, whose Warriors polished off the Houston Rockets on Friday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought we took advantage of the situation and got off to a good start.â&#x20AC;?

The Warriors pushed their lead

to 10 in the second quarter before Portland put together a run that TRIMMED THE DEkCIT TO Curry answered with a pair of late three-pointers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; abetted by a Lillard turnover â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to send the Warriors to the locker-room leadING The Trail Blazers made another push in the third period, cutting a POINT DEkCIT TO SIX Rodney Hood and Seth Curry both had three-pointers in the Blazersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 11-4 scoring run to end the quarter, but those were the only points of the night for the younger Curry brothe â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a Portland reserve Â&#x2021; AS THE GAME MARKED THE kRST time siblings have met in an NBA CONFERENCE kNAL The Warriors reserves opened strong in the fourth quarter to rebuild the cushion in a stretch that Kerr called key. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Great job by our bench,â&#x20AC;? Kerr said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we can buy some time for our starters to rest and even extend the lead, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a huge deal for us.â&#x20AC;?

Turnovers cost Blazers Despite their shooting woes, the Trail Blazers managed to stay in

touch much of the night thanks to making 27 of 31 free throws and out-rebounding the Warriors 47-42.

But their 21 turnovers led to 31 Warriors point â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a gift no team can afford to give Golden State. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow that,â&#x20AC;? said Lillard, who admitted it was hard to come back from the emotional high of beating the Nuggets in Denver. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought our minds were right.

We came into the game ready,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a team that can go on runs, they make shots and the game can get away.â&#x20AC;?

In particular, Lillard said, the Blazers need to make things more DIFkCULT FOR #URRY WHO HAD OPEN look after open look. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was poor execution defensively on our part,â&#x20AC;? Lillard said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having our bigs back that far, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to bring our guys up and run them off the line.â&#x20AC;?

The Warriors will try to double their advantage in the best-ofseven series when they host game two on Thursday. They are again expected to be without two-time NBA Finals MVP Durant, who has a right calf strain.

AFP

New Orleans Pelicans will pick first in NBA draft Black sees more able Bolts with Almazan CHICAGO: The New Orleans Pelicans won the NBA draft lottery on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) and will have the chance to make collegiate superstar Zion Williamson the top pick on June 20.

The New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns each had a 14 percent chance of landing the number one selection under a system that gives equal chance of winning the lottery to the teams with the three worst records in the league.

The Pelicans were a long shot, with only a 6 percent chance of winning the lottery.

But they came up number one, with the second pick in the June 20 draft going to the Memphis Grizzlies.

The New York Knicks gained the Q David Griffin, New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball third selection and the Los Angeles operations, holds up placards after it was announced that the Pelicans had won the first pick during the NBA basketball draft lottery on Wednesday in Chicago.

Lakers will pick fourth.

Duke University star William- know where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to be,â&#x20AC;? he that a Pelicans team that adds Wilson was an interested onlooker at said, noting that until draft day liamson could induce disgruntled the ceremony in Chicago, since comes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not certain the Pelicans star Anthony Davis to stay. heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s widely predicted to be taken will pick him.

Davis was at the center of kRST IN THE DRAFT AFTER A DAZZLING Wherever he lands, Williamson one of this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most acrifreshman season. said, he believes his â&#x20AC;&#x153;will to winâ&#x20AC;? monious NBA soap operas after Williamson averaged 22.6 will be the biggest asset he can submitting a trade request in points and 8.9 rebounds per bring to the NBA. January with the Lakers believed game for the Blue Devils, who â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatever that team needs me to be his preferred destination. were knocked out of the March to do, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to be able to do The move stalled after negotiaMadness NCAA tournament in it,â&#x20AC;? he said. tions between the clubs collapsed. the Elite Eight round.

The outcome of the lottery imDavis has a year remaining â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot to take in. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mediately sparked speculation on his Pelicans contract, and ac-

Q Dukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zion Williamson arrives for the NBA basketball draft lottery on Wednesday in Chicago. AP PHOTOS knowledged last month that he could yet end up in New Orleans next season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a possibility it could happen,â&#x20AC;? he said, and the addition of Williamson to the roster might make that prospect more inviting.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will pick fifth in the draft, Phoenix sixth, Chicago seventh and Atlanta eighth. Washington and Atlanta round out the top 10.

AFP

MERALCO coach Norman Black is expecting a better finish in Season 44 Philippine Basketball Association Commissionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup with big man Raymond Almazan on their side starting May 19. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very happy to bring Almazan into the Meralco team because at 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;8, we feel he is one of the best big men in the league and size has been one of the things we have been lacking especially in the All-Filipino conference,â&#x20AC;? Black told The Manila Times via text message.

The league has approved the trade between Meralco and Rain or Shine on Tuesday without any revisions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now that the trade is done, we are aiming for a much better finish this conference.â&#x20AC;?

Rain or Shine traded Almazan in exchange of two first round picks in the 2019 and 2021 Philippine Basketball Association rookie drafts.

Almazan, a former Letran Knight center, had a volatile relationship with his former coach Caloy Garcia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We understand that we are paying a premium price for the trade, but the way we look at it, Almazan is just replacing our first round pick next year,â&#x20AC;? said Black, noting that Almazan will perfectly complement their American-Nigerian import Gani Lawal inside the paint. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our import Gani Lawal is a pretty solid player who plays very well inside the paint. So with the addition of Alma-

zan, it just makes our interior much stronger and gives us a chance to be more competitive,â&#x20AC;? Black explained.

Meralco made it to the best-of-three quarterfinals in the last Commissionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup but was eliminated by defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

JOSEF T. RAMOS

Q Raymond Almazan PBA MEDIA BUREAU PHOTO

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Sports

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

Svitolina, Zverev shocked in Rome as Serena withdraws R OME: Two-time womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holder Elina Svitolina crashed out of the WTA and ATP Italian Open on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) along with Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alexander Zverev as Serena Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to the courts was short lived with her knee INJURY lARING UP TO FORCE THE !MERICAN STAR OUT OF THE kNAL WARM UP BEFORE THE &RENCH Open in two weeks times.

3VITOLINA Â&#x2021; WHO HAD A kRST ROUND BYE AS kFTH SEED Â&#x2021; HELD A MATCH point at 5-2 in the third set before slumping 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 to Belarus Victoria Azarenka in a 2hr 14min battle at the Foro Italico which was twice interrupted because of rain.

Serena earlier announced she was withdrawing having just returned after two months out injured, before she was due to play HER OLDER SISTER 6ENUS FOR THE kRST time in 21 years in Rome.

The 37-year-old had eased past Swedenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rebecca Peterson in her kRST ROUND MATCH ON -ONDAY BUT a day later could not continue â&#x20AC;&#x153;due to pain in my left kneeâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be concentrating on rehab and look forward to seeing you all at the French Open and next year in Rome,â&#x20AC;? Serena said in a statement.

Her withdrawal sends Venus, the

1999 winner, through to a third round meeting with either Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Johanna Konta or US seventh seed Sloane Stephens.

There are now doubts whether Serena can target a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title in Paris, having played just nine matches this year, and one on clay.

Her last Grand Slam singles title was won at the Australian Open in 2017, where she was pregnant, BREAKING A TIE WITH 3TEFk 'RAF FOR the most, and she is just one short of Margaret Court.

The three-time French Open winner revealed getting back to kTNESS HAS BEEN TOUGHER THAN SHE had expected. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been able to train or practice a lot, I was out much longer than I expected,â&#x20AC;? she explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m taking it one day

at a time.â&#x20AC;?

Nevertheless, last year she arrived at Roland Garros without any clay-court warm-up and still reached the last 16 before retiring before her match against Maria Sharapova, also because of injury.

Svitolina and Azarenka battled late into the night at the Foro Italico before former two-time Australian Open winner Azarenka won through.

Svitolina came back after the rain break to drop the second set BUT ROLLED OFF THE kRST THREE GAMES in the third, before being broken when serving for the match at 5-2 in the third set.

Azarenka saved match point and took the next game for love, ROLLING OFF kVE IN A ROW TO SET UP a meeting former French Open winner Garbine Muguruza or Danielle Collins for a place in the third round.

Collins advanced past former world number one Caroline Wozniacki who retired with a lower leg injury, after losing the kRST SET Czech fourth seed KarolĂ­na PliskovĂĄ eased through to the

UST, St. Clare clash in crucial match today

IRONCON-UST and St. Clare College Virtual Meanwhile, St. Clare has recovered with a 93Reality collide in a crucial Aspirants Group game 82 win over McDavid on May 2 for an improved at 4 p.m. today in the 2019 5-2 record.

PBA D-League at Ynares Saints coach Jinino ManGAMES THURSDAY Sports Arena in Pasig City. ansala was glad with how his (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig) The struggling Growling wards held themselves in the 12 p.m. - Valencia City Bukidnon vs Tigers lost two of their last late chase, with Junjie Hallare CD14 Designs-Trinity three games for a 5-2 card. and Darwin Lunor leading 2 p.m. - AMA Online Education vs FamThe most telling of the the break. ily Mart-Enderun three defeats is their 92-80 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready against UST. 4 p.m. - Ironcon-UST vs St. Clare Colloss to Cheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Lu Bar and Grill The guys are ready to go alllege Virtual Reality on May 6. out,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Coach Aldin Ayo exValencia City BukidnonSSCR (6-1) aims to close in pressed his high hopes for young guns Soulemane Chabi Yo, Rhenz on the top spot in the Foundation Group when Abando, and Mark Nonoy. it battles winless CD14 Designs-Trinity (0-8) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a young team and I believe it must experi- at 12 p.m., while AMA Online Education (2-5) AND "ATANGAS %!# kGHT FOR PRIDE AT P M ence this kind of hardship,â&#x20AC;? he said.

w w w.manilatimes.net

Q Ukrainaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elina Svitolina plays a forehand against Bielorusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Victoria Azarenka during their WTA Masters tournament tennis match in Rome at the Foro Italico, on Thursday. AFP PHOTO â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lost my voice screaming, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m overjoyed. This is a victory that charges me,â&#x20AC;? said Zverev horror show 33rd-ranked Berrettini.

Belgian David Goffin rallied In the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition, world from a set down to beat former number five Zverev, the 2017 French Open champion Stan winner and runner-up to Novak Wawrinka 4-6, 6-0, 6-2 to set up Djokovic last year in Rome, a meeting with Argentine seventh extended his terrible clay-court seed Juan Martin Del Potro for a run, falling 7-5, 7-5 to Italian place in the third round. wild card Matteo Berrettini in Ninth seed Marin Cilic beat the second round.

Italian wild card Andrea Basso â&#x20AC;&#x153;The match that I played was 6-1, 7-5 as Australian Nick Kyrgios horrendous,â&#x20AC;? said Zverev, who has struck 15 aces and 41 winners to won just four matches on clay this get past Russian 12th seed Daniil season, including a run to the quar- Medvedev 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew it was going to be tough TER kNAL OF THE -ADRID /PEN WHERE today because I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t played he was the defending champion.

third round along with Australian Ashleigh Barty, the eighth seed.

much on clay,â&#x20AC;? said Kyrios, who next plays Norwegian qualifier Casper Ruud.

Portgualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joao Sousa saved four match points in the deciding set to battle past American &RANCES 4IAFOE

3OUSA WHO ALSO TRAILED IN the deciding set tie-break, will play third seed Roger Federer in the second round.

Eight-time Rome winner Rafael Nadal will start his tournament against Jeremy Chardy on Wednesday, after the Frenchman beat compatriot Richard Gasquet 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 in a match suspended overnight on Monday.

AFP

Pinoy Duno battles Mexico's Rodriguez FILIPINO lightweight Romero Duno will face former world title contender Juan Antonio Rodriguez of Mexico on Thursday (US time) for the World Boxing Organization Northern American Boxing Organization lightweight belt at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in California.

The 23-year old Duno, is coming

OFF A kGHT WIN STREAK â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am ready for the fight. I am excited to bring home another belt and get close to that world title belt. I want to dedicate this fight to my family and my country,â&#x20AC;? said the Cotabato City boxer through a statement sent to the media.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to avenge Mercito Gestaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knockout loss to Rodriguez. I will do everything to please boxing fans and the people at Golden Boy who helped ME GET BIG kGHTS u Duno is carrying a 19-1 win-loss record with 15 knockouts against Rodriguezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30-7 with 26 knockouts.

JOSEF T. RAMOS

New Jersey sports bets thrive ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.: The anniversary of New Jerseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory in a US Supreme Court case clearing the way for legal sports betting across the nation was a happy one for the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s casinos and racetracks, which reported taking in more than $300 million worth of sports bets for the sixth month in a row.

Figures released Tuesday by the state Division of Gaming Enforcement shows the casinos and tracks took nearly $314 million worth of sports bets in April. So far, since sports betting began in New Jersey in June, nearly $2.64 billion has been wagered in the state on sports. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sports betting without question has provided a major boost to the local economy, and we believe this excitement will translate into increased revenue and tourism throughout the summer,â&#x20AC;? said Kevin Ortzman, regional president for Caesars Entertainment, which owns three casinos and two sportsbooks in Atlantic City.

FanDuel, which operates the sportsbook at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, just outside New York City, said it had another great month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;April was our second biggest revenue month since launch, thanks in part to enthusiasm for the NBA and NHL

playoffs, as well as the start of baseball season,â&#x20AC;? it said in a statement.

The extra money from sports wagers, along with another stellar month for internet gambling, helped the state post an overall increase in gambling revenue of nearly 24 percent compared with a year ago, at over $265 million.

On May 14, 2018, the high court ruled in favor of New Jerseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decadelong court battle to overturn a federal law that limited legal sports betting to only four of the 50 states.

Eight states currently offer it, and several more have recently approved it and are preparing to begin taking bets. And dozens of additional states are considering getting in on the fastgrowing industry.

The nine Atlantic City casinos showed an overall increase of nearly 17 percent, to nearly $251 million.

Internet gambling was up nearly 59 percent to $36.5 million.

The casinos are looking forward to the upcoming summer season, their busiest AND MOST PROkTABLE TIME OF YEAR SAID James Plousis, chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gaming and leisure customers have many options, both online and

on site, and Atlantic City is positioned for a great summer season with its addition of new sportsbook lounges and other exciting amenities,â&#x20AC;? he said.

The Golden Nugget saw its revenue increase in April by 3.7 percent compared with a year ago, to $29.3 million.

The Borgata, which launched a new sports betting platform Tuesday, increased its revenue by 2 percent, to $58.8 million.

Resorts saw its revenue decline by 24.2 percent in April, to $13 million; Caesars was down 24 percent to $22 million; Tropicana was down 9.7 percent to $27.7 million; Harrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was down 6.3 percent to $27.2 million; and Ballyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was down 4.7 percent to $14.5 million.

For the two casinos that had not yet reopened as of last April, Hard Rock saw $25 million in revenue, and the Ocean Casino Resort saw $16.3 million.

Two New Jersey racetracks offer sports betting. The Meadowlands reported $12.1 million in revenue from sports betting after paying off winning bets in April. That was about six times the level of Monmouth Park in Oceanport, near the Jersey shore, which saw $2.5 million in sports betting revenue.

AP

RUSADA CHIEF SUGGESTS DRASTIC CHANGES IN RUSSIAN ATHLETICS

MOSCOW: Yury Ganus, the head of Russiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) suggested Monday some drastic changes in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletics federation (ARAF) organization and in the coaching staff of the national athletics squad.

In a letter that the RUSADA chief sent to Stanislav Pozdnyakov, the president of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), Ganus stressed that the measures he suggested should be taken immediately to ensure the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletes full participation in the 2020 Olympics.

Among the measures that RUSADA boss proposed were the discharge of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletics federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top officials, including its president Dmitry Shlyakhtin, and all of the national team athletics coaching staff. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The continuation of the ARAF work in its current condition leaves little chances for the the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletes to perform at the 2020 Olympics without any restrictions,â&#x20AC;? Ganus wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the time remaining before the start of the Tokyo Olympics quickly running out there is plenty of work to do in co-operation with (the international athletics ruling body) IAAF to reorganize the athletics federation.â&#x20AC;?

Last year the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned Russia from participation in the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South

Korea, but some of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletes with no history of doping were allowed to compete as neutrals.

Ganus also suggested creating an international work group consisting of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletics specialists who have never been linked with doping and the internationanl experts to boost the ARAF reinstatement as IAAF member.

The IAAF suspended Russian athletics federation in November 2015 after the eruption of a vast state-sponsored doping scandal.

RUSADA was also suspended by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WADA decision to reinstate RUSADA caused a wave of anger from the number of sports officials, federations and athletes around the world.

IAAF meanwhile uphold the ban on Russian athletes earlier this year.

Rune Andersen, head of the IAAF doping task force, said two issues remained unresolved â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the examination of data received from the Moscow anti-doping laboratory and the issue of outstanding costs being sought from Russia because of the scandal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two key issues remain outstanding,â&#x20AC;? said Andersen at a press conference in Doha in March. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These need to be resolved.â&#x20AC;? AFP

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

Sports

C3

Tiger, Koepka hunt more major glory in PGA at Bethpage B ETHPAGE, United States: Masters winner Tiger Woods, chasing a 16th major title, and defending champion Brooks Koepka lead a powerhouse field into Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening round of the PGA Championship at rain-drenched Bethpage Black.

Q Tiger Woods walks along the ninth green during a practice round for the PGA Championship golf tournament on May 13, 2019 in Farmingdale, N.Y. AP PHOTO

Woods, who ended an 11year major title drought last month at Augusta National, and Koepka, who held off Woods to win last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PGA crown, join reigning British Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy in the feature group of the kRST TWO DAYS â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just looking forward to playing w i t h him,â&#x20AC;? Koepka said o f Woods. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve really been paired together too much, especially over the last couple years. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll definitely be interesting.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the same layout where Woods WON THE 53 /PEN AND SHARED sixth behind winner Lucas Glover at a RAIN HIT 53 /PEN BOTH TIMES WITH the vocal support of New York crowds who made the Long Island trek. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This week is going to be a lot of fun with the crowds, the excitement that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had here,â&#x20AC;?

Woods said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pairing Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m

involved in, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be just a boatload of fun for all of us.â&#x20AC;?

Woods would match Sam Sneadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CAREER 53 0'! 4OUR WIN RECORD OF with a triumph and move within two of the all-time major win mark of 18

by Jack Nicklaus with a victory.

The 43-year-old American would become the 10th oldest major winner, two days older than Ted Ray when he WON THE 53 /PEN AND MATCH record co-holders Nicklaus and Walter (AGEN WITH A kFTH 7ANAMAKER 4ROPHY He would also be halfway to a calendar year Grand Slam, the PGA shifting TO -AY FOR THE kRST TIME SINCE IN a revamped world golf calendar.

7OODS WON THE kRST TWO MAJORS OF AT THE -ASTERS AND 53 /PEN AT Bethpage, where two inches of rain has soaked the course. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In order to win this one, driving is going to be at the forefront with the rough as lush as it is,â&#x20AC;? Woods said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fairways are plenty wide because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wet. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to hit it not only straight but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to hit it far.â&#x20AC;?

Woods played a practice round last week but will have only two nine-hole

ranked four-time major winner Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second-ranked Justin Rose with a chance to overtake American Dustin Johnson for the world number one ranking this week with a victory. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a long golf course and it plays even longer with the cold and wet conditions,â&#x20AC;? McIlroy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Length is definitely going to be a big factor this week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to hit the ball in the fairway. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big stat, driving accuracy. If you start to miss these fairways Koepka, McIlroy go long youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to be able to get to +OEPKA COULD BECOME THE kRST GOLFER the greens.â&#x20AC;? to own back-to-back titles in two different majors at once, having defended Intimidating Bethpage his US Open crown last June at nearby Shinnecock before denying Woods last Bethpage Black surrendered only six sub-par scores in hosting two August at Bellerive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got good memories,â&#x20AC;? Koepka prior majors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You lose a shot or two out there, and said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun place to play in front you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to get of the fans. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all energetic and it back.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the intimidation factor hopefully you ride that momentum.â&#x20AC;? of Bethpage Black,â&#x20AC;? Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Padraig Koepka will hope to take advantage Harrington said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bethpage, it really of wet conditions as well. doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give you anything.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being wet will make those fairways New York fans will give you delight a little bit wider and these greens will or misery, as when they taunted a be quite receptive,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you WAGGLE PRONE 3ERGIO 'ARCIA IN canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find the fairway here, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t â&#x20AC;&#x153;Players want to have a buzz,â&#x20AC;? Harthink youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to be able to go for rington said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;New York crowds for the greens. me are great.

I do like a little bit of â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to attack the parboisterousness.â&#x20AC;?

5s. with my length, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to take â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning on letting advantage of the par-5s and just try to 60,000 in a day here this week,â&#x20AC;? McIlhang on on the rest of them.â&#x20AC;? roy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be pretty loud.â&#x20AC;? AFP Woods and Koepka join fourth-

sessions this week ahead of what could be an endurance test over the 7,459yard, par-70 layout. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not only a big course, but this is going to be a long week the way the golf course is set up. This could be a hell of a championship,â&#x20AC;? Woods said. g4HERE S DEkNITELY GOING TO BE A COMponent to stamina as the week goes on.

Four days over a tough championship that is mentally and physically taxing takes its toll.â&#x20AC;?

Colorado Rockies rally past Boston Red Sox 5-4 Ikeda wavers in the heat BOSTON: Red Sox ace Chris Sale struck out a career-high 17 in just seven innings before getting pulled after 108 pitches on a chilly Tuesday night (Wednesday in Manila), and the Colorado Rockies rallied against Bostonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bullpen to win 5-4 in the 11th.

3ALE BECAME THE kRST PITCHER in major league history to fan 17 in a start of no more than seven innings. Boston pitchers COMBINED TO STRIKE OUT BUT THE 2ED 3OX HAD THEIR kVE GAME winning streak stopped.

Mark Reynolds, whose fifthINNING DOUBLE WAS THE kRST RUNNER allowed by Sale, drove in the goahead run with a two-out single IN THE TH OFF 2YAN "RASIER 3ALE STRUCK OUT THE kRST SIX BATters and fanned eight through three innings. He topped his previous best of 15 strikeouts, which he had done three times. The All-

Star lefty had a shutout through six innings. Nolan Arenadoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two-run homer in the seventh was one of only three hits managed by the Rockies against Sale.

Mike Dunn (1-0) got the win

with one inning of scoreless relief and Wade Davis got his seventh save.

Charlie Blackmon also homered for the Rockies. Michael Chavis, J.D. Martinez and Rafael Devers

homered for Boston.

Kyle Freeland got the start for #OLORADO ON HIS TH BIRTHDAY AND went six innings, allowing three RUNS ON kVE HITS STRIKING OUT SEVEN and walking three.

AP

FROM MLB.COM

Q Colorado Rockiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Charlie Blackmon follows through on his two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday at Fenway Park in Boston. AP PHOTO

Enriquez blasts rivals, nails 2 PPS crowns SYDNEY ENRIQUEZ came out of a month-long break in style, fashioning out two lopsided victories to share MVP honors with local bet Nash Agustines in the PPS-PEPP Oroquieta national age-group tennis tournament in Misamis Occidental recently.

Enriquez, 16, dominated her age bracket and the 18-and-under category in the Gen. Santos City, Kidapawan, Ozamiz and Tangub, Misamis Occidental legs of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala circuit. The Salug, Zamboanga del Norte ace then took a rest the last few weeks to toughen up before sweeping her way to a 6-3, 6-1 victory over doubles partner Judy Ann Padilla in 16-U play at the Oroquieta Lawn

Tennis Association courts.

The recent Palarong Pambansa champ sustained her form in the premier division, dropping just kVE GAMES INCLUDING A

romp over Alessandra Quimbo to clinch the crown in the Group TOURNAMENT PRESENTED BY $UNlop. She and Padilla later bagged the 18-U doubles plum in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest, long-running talent-search sanctioned by the 5NIkED 4ENNIS 0HILIPPINES MADE up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Tobyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg, crushing Carmel 0ADILLA AND !NGEL 2EPAJA

Agustines matched that threetitle feat, overpowering Theo -ONTANO

FOR THE BOYS 14-U diadem then rallied to stun

top seed Eric Tangub, 0-6, 6-4, 10-8, to snare the 16-U crown. He also teamed up with Mikael Jamal to rout Mark Palanas and Nicholas Tan, 8-3, for the doubles 14-U title.

Pete Bandala, meanwhile, kept his win run going, adding the 10-unisex trophy to his earlier victories in Liloy and Sindangan legs, among others. The rising Dipolog City star repeated over doubles partner Rose Mesiona, 4-1, 5-3, before the duo clipped Zap Galleposo and Ferdinand Gica, 8-1, to pocket the doubles title. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enriquez and Agustines continue to serve as inspiration to their fellow players with their work ethics and determination while Bandala is reaping the fruits of his hard work with his string of

victories in the circuit aimed at discovering and developing future stars,â&#x20AC;? said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Other winners were Dipologâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Andrei Tan, who stopped Bandala, 7-6(3), 3-6, 10-4, for the BOYS 5 DIADEM 0AGADIAN S Nilo Ledama, who upended No. 1 Tangub, 6-4, 6-4, for the 18-U CROWN TOP SEED !NGEL $ENOPOL of Kulambugan, Lanao, who held off Cielo Gonzales, 6-4, 6-0, for THE GIRLS 5 PLUM AND /ZAMIZ S Padilla, who halted giant-killer #HRISTINE 'ULAGULA

FOR the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 14-U crown.

Meanwhile, the PPS-PEPP Valle 6ERDE LEG WILL BE HELD ON -AY IN 0ASIG #ITY ,ISTUP IS ONGOING For details, call 09154046464.

but seizes lead with 70 CHIHIRO IKEDA snapped a long run of poor form with a two-under 70 in sweltering heat in Tagaytay on Wednesday as she seized a onestroke lead over amateur Eagle Ace Superal and Thai pro Tiranan Yoopan at the start of the ICTSI Tagaytay Midlands at the Midlands layout.

The power-hitting multi-titled shotmaker, who went on a slump with a slight hand injury after ruling the Eagle Ridge leg of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour early last year, used a combination of solid driving and iron play and steady putting though a late-hole stumble marred what couldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a superb start for the former SEA Games gold medalist.

But finishing with a 70 in hot conditions and finding herself in the lead were enough to make her day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so exhausted, it was so hot out there,â&#x20AC;? said Ikeda, who birdied Nos. 6 and 9 from close range then drilled in an eight-foot side-hiller on the 16th storm ahead. She, however, missed the 17th green and hit a poor chip shot for the lone black mark in an otherwise impressive 34-36 card under preferred lies rules. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just glad to be in the lead,â&#x20AC;? she added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was doing pretty well in the morning but when we reached the turn, it got nasty and I had to literally huff and puff for every shot.â&#x20AC;?

The way the rest did to survive the challenge in the early going of the P750,000 event serving as the ninth leg of the seventh LPGT season with Superal charging back from a double-bogey start to join Yoopan at second at 71; Thai Onkanok Soisuwan and Daniella Uy matching par 72s; and former leg winner Saruttaya Ngam-usawan, also of Thailand, Pauline del Rosario, Lucy Landicho and amateur Pamela Mariano turning in identical 74s.

Superal of Team The Country Club, who placed third in last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Asia-Pacific Junior Championship in Singapore whose sister Princess ruled this event in record fashion (16 strokes) last year, recovered from that shaky start with three birdies in the last five holes,

Q Chihiro Ikeda looks forward to ending a long title spell with an impressive start.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

including the par-5 Nos. 16 and 18.

Due for a big win, Yoopan failed to sustain a birdie-birdie feat from No. 6 and dropped a stroke on the eighth before settling for a run of pars as she kept her bid for a breakthrough victory in the circuit put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My driving and short game were okay but I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a good read of the greens at the back,â&#x20AC;? said Yoopan.

Uy holed out with a birdie on the 18th to salvage a 72 and tie Soisuwan, a runaway winner at Mt. Malarayat leg last year, at 72 while Ngam-Usawan hit back-to-back birdies from No. 16 to save a 74 for joint sixth with del Rosario, Landicho and Mariano.

Del Rosario, installed as the top favorite here following her 14-shot victory at Royal Northwoods where Ikeda placed joint fifth last month, birdied No. 4 from close range but struggled the rest of the way, yielding strokes on Nos. 5, 9 and 15 to fall four strokes behind Ikeda with 36 holes left in the event backed by Custom Clubmakers, Meralco, K&G Golf Apparel, BDO, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Empire Golf and Sports and M.Y. Shokai Technology, Inc. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of work to be done tomorrow (today). I have to play it smart and not be too aggressive,â&#x20AC;? said Del Rosario, who is set to leave for the US after the event to resume her buildup for the LPGA Tour Q-School in August.

Landicho, who ruled Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proam with Carlos Tuason, Nemi Pagtakhan and Leomax Reyes, missed joining Soisuwan and Uy at fourth with bogeys in the last two holes while Mariano birdied the last hole to keep Superal within sight in their battle for low amateur honors.

C4

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

Football

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Pinay booters advance to AFF U-15 semis

BY JEREMIAH M. SEVILLAÂ Â

T

HE Philippine Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Under-15 national FOOTBALL TEAM CRUISED TO THE SEMIkNALS OF the 2019 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; U-15 Championship after a successful group stage campaign capped by a 12-0 thrashing of Timor-Leste on Tuesday night at the IPE Chonburi Stadium in Thailand.

Bianca Sy fired five goals to fuel the Young Malditasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; scoring spree as they advanced to the knockout round with a group RUNNER UP kNISH Jonalyn Lucban and Lanie Ortillo netted a brace apiece while Chenny DaĂąoso, Maegan Alforque and Beatrice Luna struck a goal each in the blowout victory.

The PH U-15 landed on the second spot in Group A with six points on two wins against a lone defeat. )T WILL BE THE SECOND SEMIkNAL appearance for the Philippines in the regional tournament after a SILVER kNISH IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION two years ago.

Following a 0-2 decision to

eventual group winner Vietnam last Friday, the Philippines shocked powerhouse Myanmar, 5-0, last Sunday.

That win saw the Rachelle Delos Reyes-mentored team rely on balanced attack, with Mikaela Villacin, Jenny Perez, DaĂąoso, Alforque and skipper Rae Tolentino ALL kNDING THE BACK OF THE NET The Young Malditas had Vietnam to thank for pulling off a come-from-behind 2-1 win over contender Myanmar, which was ahead of them in goal difference.

The Philippines will take on the WINNER IN 'ROUP " IN THE SEMIknals set on Sunday at 6 p.m. (7 p.m. in Manila).

Defending champion Thailand and Laos currently top the other group with six points each.

Q The Philippine Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Under-15 national football team celebrates after scoring a goal against TimorLeste in the 2019 AFF U-15 Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Championship on Tuesday night at the IPE Chonburi Stadium in Thailand.

The Philippines won, 12-0. AFF PHOTO

Man City â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;extremely concernedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Champions League ban story Home LONDON: Premier League champions Manchester City said on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) they were concerned â&#x20AC;&#x153;individuals intent on damagingâ&#x20AC;? the club may be behind a news report that European footballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial regulators are poised to recommend they be barred from the Champions League.

European footballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governing body UEFA and the Premier League launched an investigation this year after allegations made in German magazine Der Spiegel that the club broke Financial Fair Play rules.

The New York Times said Monday that members of the investigaTORY CHAMBER OF 5%&! S kNANCIAL control board, set up to analyze the accounts of clubs suspected of breaking cost-control regulations, met two weeks ago in Switzerland TO kNALIZE THEIR CONCLUSIONS â&#x20AC;&#x153;The investigatory panelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader, the former prime minister of Belgium Yves Leterme, will have THE kNAL SAY ON THE SUBMISSION TO a separate adjudicatory chamber, WHICH COULD BE kLED AS SOON AS this week. The body is expected to seek at least a one-season ban,â&#x20AC;? said the Times.

However, City said they were fully co-operating with â&#x20AC;&#x153;the #&#" )# S CLUB kNANCIAL CONTROL body investigatory chamber) ongoing investigation.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;In doing so the club is reliant on both the CFCB ICâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence and commitment to due process; and on UEFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commit-

United ousts Kaya in AFC Cup

Q Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero (right) shoots but fails to score during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Burnley at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. AFP FILE PHOTO ment of March 7 that it â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;will make no further comment on the matter while the investigation is ongoing,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? read their statement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The New York Times report citing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;people familiar with the caseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is therefore extremely concerning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The implications are that either Manchester Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good

faith in the CFCB IC is misplaced or the CFCB IC process is being misrepresented by individuals intent on damaging the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation and its commercial interests. Or both.â&#x20AC;?

It was unclear if such a ban, if levied, would be enforced next season or in the 2020-21 campaign,

the Times said, noting that with qualifying for Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious and lucrative club championship set to start in June there IS LITTLE TIME TO kNALIZE A SANCTION Manchester City would also have the right to appeal such a ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. #ITY WERE kNED MILLION EUROS

($67.3 million) and subjected to squad, wage and spending caps in a 2014 settlement agreed with UEFA following a previous breach of the rules.

But the club says the claims made in Der Spiegel were an â&#x20AC;&#x153;organized and clearâ&#x20AC;? attempt to damage its reputation.

AFP

NEYMARÂ SCORES NAME WIN IN EU COURT RULING BRUSSELS: Brazilian superstar Neymar scored a legal win on Tuesday

Q Neymar FILE PHOTO

(Wednesday in Manila) as a top EU court ruled against a businessman

who tried to claim copyright on the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most expensive footballerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name.

The General Court of the European Union said that Carlos Moreira had acted in â&#x20AC;&#x153;bad faithâ&#x20AC;? when he tried to trademark the name â&#x20AC;&#x153;Neymarâ&#x20AC;? in 2012, confirming a decision by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to invalidate the registration.

The court rejected arguments from Moreira, who applied to register â&#x20AC;&#x153;Neymarâ&#x20AC;? as a trademark for clothes, footwear and hats in December 2012, that he had little knowledge of football and simply liked the sound of the word. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Court upholds the decision of EUIPO that Mr Moreira was acting in bad faith when he kLED THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRAtion of the mark â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;NEYMARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? the court said.

EUIPO ruled in Neymarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favour when he challenged Moreiraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s registration in 2016,

prompting the Portuguese businessman to take the case to the General Court, the EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secondhighest tribunal.

Moreira claimed that when he registered the name, he did not know Neymar â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who had been named South American Footballer of the Year in 2011 and attracted interest from a host of top European clubs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; was a rising star.

The court dismissed the argument, saying it was clear Moreira had â&#x20AC;&#x153;more than a little knowledge of the world of footballâ&#x20AC;?.

This was proven, the court said, gBY THE FACT THAT HE kLED AN APPLIcation for registration of the word mark â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;IKER CASILLASâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a mark corresponding to the name of another famous football player, on the same day he sought registration of the mark â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;NEYMARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr Moreira puts forward no convincing argument to disprove THE kNDING OF %5)0/ THAT THERE was no explanation for his application for registration of the con-

tested mark other than the desire to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;free-rideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the footballerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renown,â&#x20AC;? the court said.

It is the second EU trademark victory inside a year for South American megastars, after Argentina and Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi won a battle to register his name, seeing off a seven-year challenge by Spanish cycling gear manufacturer Massi.

The ruling comes after a tough end to the season for the 27-yearold Neymar, who is also mired in legal tussles in Spain.

Neymar â&#x20AC;&#x201D; whose PSG season kZZLED OUT AFTER A SHOCK #HAMpions League exit to Manchester United â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is facing a tax probe in Spain over bonuses he earned at Barcelona as well as his worldrecord transfer to Paris.

The Catalan giants are also suing Neymar for breach of contract after he transferred for a record 222 million euros ($249 million) in 2017, less than a year after he SIGNED A NEW kVE YEAR DEAL AFP

KAYA FC-Iloilo bowed out of the 2019 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup after yielding to Home United FC, 0-2, on Tuesday night at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore. Troubled by a sloppy start, the Lions tried to put up a comeback but were unable to break the Protectorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; defense. Kaya Iloilo wound up on the third spot of Group H with eight points on two wins and two draws against two defeats. Home United, on the other hand, finished second behind PSM Makassar of Indonesia with 10 points on a 3-1-2 record. The defending Asean zone champion has a chance to advance to the knockout round should it end up as the best runnerup across the three Southeast Asian groups. The Ilonggo booters failed to replicate their 5-0 rout of the Singaporeans last March 13 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City. Kaya fell short despite producing 19 shots (five on-target) against Home Unitedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nine attempts (two on-target) and having 53 percent of ball possession. Homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attacking midfielder Adam Swandi scored on a left-footed strike just 13 seconds into the match and Abdil Qaiyyim Mutalib converted off a set piece to double the hostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead in the 18th minute. Jordan Mintah, Jovin Bedic, Darryl Roberts and Eric Giganto all had scoring chances for Kaya in the second half but were either denied by the goalkeeper or off-target. The Noel Marcaidacoached club made its return to Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secondtier club tournament following a three-year absence by winning the Copa Paulino Alcantara last year.

JEREMIAH M. SEVILLAÂ

TTHURSDAY H U R S D AY M MAY AY 16, 2019

Lifestyle

D1 Q Breakfast Sausage Bowl paired with a Flat White

www.manilatimes.net

Caffe Freddo: More than just good coffee

BY NIKA ROQUE

I

Spa Building, 9th Avenue corner water, rose syrup, and lemon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the time is ripe to bring Lane P, Bonifacio High Street, in premium coffee that is more Bonifacio Global City.

THAN JUST A CAFFEINE kX ) BELIEVE coffee can be something really SPECIAL u 4AN kNALLY NOTED Caffe Freddo is located at The

N a bustling district like Bonifacio Global City (BGC), workers are also constantly on the move. They need TO kND THAT PERFECT SPOT OUTSIDE THEIR CUbicles that offers good food, great coffee AND PERFECT AMBIENCE TO HELP THEM MEET their deadlines.

Enter Caffe Freddo, a one-stop shop that promises to hit the three marks. The newly-opened cafe provides a diverse menu of different cuisines and coffee option, a fete not too common in most coffee places in the area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caffe Freddo started based on the idea that we want good coffee and good food,â&#x20AC;? managing director Scott Tan explained to The Manila Times. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we thought that there are already so many coffee places that opened around recently, so we wanted to make it different. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some coffee shops, you just have your pastry and your coffee.

So we wanted to present a full menu

lineup. Most brunch places serve fatty food but here, we serve cleaner food and we use fresh ingredients.â&#x20AC;?

According to Tan, their menu was curated based on the whole teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorites with a few twists.

And with selections ranging from Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nasi goreng, to Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chicken schnitzel, and local Filipino favorites like tocino, Caffe Freddo promises to satisfy oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cravings, whatever that may be and at any time of the day.

So far, the bestsellers are the Ube and Matcha Pancakes and Muesli Bowl for brunch, whereas some of the recommended mains are the Croque Madame, Pork Porchetta and Fried

Warm memories run Ann Punoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen BEHIND every great cook is a lifetime of fond memories of food and the people it was shared with. Ann Puno, the dessert genius behind Ann Punoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen, is no exception.

At 59, Puno is a formidable woman â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a multi-awarded baker, a successful entrepreneur, a loving wife, a doting mother and a cancer survivor.

Her journey from kid in the kitchen at her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elbow to a matriarch and business woman running her own enterprise is a joy to follow; a rare feelgood tale of how one woman listened to her instincts and created a path of her own, lit by moments of love with friends and family.

How it all began Like many Filipino children, Puno remembers watching her mother and grandmother prepare their meals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I lived in the province where there were no bakeshops but I remember that every birthday, my mother would make us birthday cakes from scratch,â&#x20AC;? the talented baker shared.

Later, as a newlywed armed with the same La Germania oven she had watched her mother make her birthday cakes with, she kept baking. She created flavors that won over the Filipino palate, and her cakes grew in popularity.

The rest, as they say, is history.

A language of love Through the years, Puno has constantly improved upon her craft. She has founded her business and created a complete system to keep her family well-fed and feeling well-loved.

As her children grew up, they learned to recognize the signs of her love. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They know that making their favorite dishes is a way that I offer them lambing, and comfort.â&#x20AC;?

Like her mom, she made birthday cakes for each of her childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthdays. When Q The multi-awarded baker and successful entrepreneur is also a loving wife, a doting mother and a cancer survivor.

the kids came home, there were always snacks ready for them and often, their friends. Even when they had grown up and their schedules became less predictable, they knew that their mom always had something waiting for them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They know that when they come home, there is something good to eat.

This is my act of service, this is how I show love.â&#x20AC;?

Protecting her legacy As her family grows and changes, her business expands, and her personal journey continues to take her in more directions, Puno is dedicated to preserving all the memories that they shared through the years.

She keeps records of the dishes she created in several notebooks filled with handwritten notes, some photos, and even mementos. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a collection of books and scrapbooks filled to the brim and that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s constantly adding to.

This will be her legacy to her grandchildren, and for the people her family chooses to bring into their fold.

That, and maybe one of her ovens.

She has one heavy duty La Germania oven that she only uses during peak seasons. On the off seasons, it gets thoroughly cleaned, packed up, and carefully stored in a shed behind the house. Knowing how sturdy these ovens are â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original oven is still in service after all these years â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good chance her grandkids will still be able to bake in one of hers.

It has not been an easy life. Nevertheless, it is a rich, full one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes, my husband and I like to think back on all we have gone through. Just talking about it, and being thankful, because even if we have had difficulties, we have always overcome them as a family. Looking at where we are now, we can truly say that we have made a home,â&#x20AC;? Puno ended.

Q Fried Fish and Fries

Q Caffe Freddo is located at the Spa Building along 9th Avenue in BGC. #HICKEN #ONkT SERVED WITH FRIES â&#x20AC;&#x153;And then of course, we have the coffee,â&#x20AC;? Tan pronounced as he excitedly introduced their coffee selection.

Caffe Freddo is most proud of their coffee menu, a one of a kind in the city. The premium beans are from Bluestone Lane, an Australian coffee shop and lifestyle brand with numerous locations in North America. Bluestone Lane was heavily inspired by the coffee culture in Australia where locals are truly

passionate about the drink, and Caffe Freddo hopes for it to be the same way in the Philippines.

The eponymous â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Freddo,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an iced coffee drink with a double shot of espresso and sweetened thick frothed milk, which also comes in mocha, chai, and coco variants â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is one of their highly recommended creations. Another unique variant is the Kendo Rose, which has a double shot of espresso, tonic

Q Croque Madame

Q Matcha Pancake, Double Ristretto Coffee, and Brioche French Toast

Q The signature Freddo

Funtimes

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Solution to puzzle

D2

˜ The Manila Times

Answer to trivia test Answers 1. “Great Expectations” 2. Linda Lavin 3. Hypothalamus 4. Olympia 5. Venus 6. Carbon 7. Boston 8. “Funny Girl” 9. Color sequence of the rainbow (Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet) 10. Type of Italian bread

» CROSSWORD

BY EUGENE SHEFFER

»HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (05/16/19). Shared ventures prosper this year. Travel and educational dreams get realized with disciplined homework. Summer networking and communications buzz lead your exploration in a different direction. By next winter, your journey reveals amazing treasures that shift your communications. Work together for what you love.

1. LITERATURE: Which one of Charles Dickens’ novels features a character named Pip? 2. TELEVISION: Who played the title role in the 1970-80s sitcom “Alice”?

3. ANATOMY: Which part of the brain regulates homeostasis of wake/ sleep cycles, hunger and thirst?

4. U.S. STATES: What is the capital of Washington state?

5. MYTHOLOGY: What was the name of the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Aphrodite?

6. GEOLOGY: Diamonds are mostly made of which element?

7. HISTORY: In which American city did the Great Molasses Flood occur in 1919?

8. THEATER: Which long-running musical features the character Fanny Brice?

9. ACRONYMS: What does the acronym “ROYGBIV” stand for?

10. FOOD & DRINK: What is ciabatta?

BY NANCY BLACK LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Move quickly to catch a profitable windfall. Compute expenses, and provide excellent service. Emotions could affect your workplace. Adapt to changes. Find a hidden opportunity.

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 an 8 -- Use your power responsibly. You don’t want to run over anyone. Keep a diplomatic tone as you advance a personal project. Communications go further than expected.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Manage practical expenses and payments with shared accounts. Study the matter, and update financial plans. Discuss priorities, and make sure you’re on the same page.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- Peaceful settings soothe your spirit. You’re especially sensitive. Alternate between physical exercise and quiet reverie. Consider the words of elders and ancestors. Rest and think.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Support your partner and be supported. Strengthen your collaboration by keeping your side of the bargain. Share results and new tricks. Coordinate and strategize.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Resolve structural breakdowns with teams and committees. Confer with allies, and keep communication channels open. Replace something volatile with something secure. Stay cool.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Focus on immediate actions to handle urgencies. Clean up the mess later. Communications issued now go the distance with long-lasting results. Take care of business.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Consider professional assignments and opportunities. A challenge or competition requires dedication. Begin a testing period. Focus and winning is entirely possible. Get team support.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Set duties and responsibilities aside for a bit, and go have fun. Plan an adventure with someone beloved. Devote yourself to the pursuit of happiness.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Get adventurous.

Get out and explore a curious subject. Can you mix business with pleasure? Enjoy classes, conferences and workshops. Learn new tricks, and share them.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- The gentle approach works best at home with family. Make improvements after figuring out what’s wanted and needed. It’s a good time to talk.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Edit communications carefully. Impracticalities and foundational weakness become apparent. Once the message is polished and approvals are complete, share it far and wide.

» SUDOKU

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

NANCY BLACK.Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

BY ROGER SEVILLA

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats.

Solution from yesterday’s puzzle.

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Public Square

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

D3

Cignal TV unveils Cartoon Network Philippine Red Cross to offer new services Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Classics channel on pay-per-view THE is exploring new programs and services to address the humani-

NOW you can relive moments f r o m yo u r c h i l d h o o d w i t h Cartoon Network Classics on Cignal pay-per-view.

The Powerpuff Girls, ScoobyDoo, Dexterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laboratory, Tom and Jerry, Johnny Bravo and many more Cartoon Network classics

will be back on air this May. 'ET YOUR kX OF NOSTALGIA WITH your 90s cartoon heroes from May 3 to June 2 for only P50.

Subscribe now and enjoy Cartoon network classics on Cignal pay-per-view. Visit https://cignaltv/addons for more details.

P&A Grant Thornton Branches head is CCCI treasurer P&A Grant Thornton Head of Branches Wendell Ganhinhin was recently inducted as the treasurer of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce AND )NDUSTRY ###) A LEADING BUSIness organization in the Queen City of the South. Organized in 1903, ###) WORKS TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE the Cebu business community.

Ganhinhin took his oath with other ELECTED OFkCERS AND TRUSTEES BEFORE *OEY #ONCEPCION ))) PRESIDENTIAL adviser for entrepreneurship.

Ganhinhin was also awarded BY ###) )MMEDIATE 0AST 0RESIDENT !NTONIO #HIU WITH A #ERTIkCATE OF Appreciation for his exemplary service to the organization as its former Assistant Treasurer and Taxation Committee Chairman, having submitted position papers for proposed local and national tax reforms. )N ADDITION TO HIS LEADERSHIP ROLE

AT ###) 'ANHINHIN IS CURRENTLY THE PRESIDENT OF THE 0HILIPPINE )NSTITUTE of Certified Public Accountantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cebu Chapter. A CPA, Ganhinhin specializes in tax advisory and compliance, as well as business process solutions. He has more than 20 years of professional experience in public accounting. Ganhinhin has a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in business administration, major in accountancy, FROM 3ILLIMAN 5NIVERSITY

Pag-IBIG Fund posts P9B net income in Q1 2019, up 11% 0!' )")' &UND RECORDED HIGHER EARNINGS IN THE kRST THREE MONTHS of the year as demand for its loan products surge and collections continue to improve. &OR THE kRST QUARTER OF THE fundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gross income amounted to P12.69 billion while net income reached P8.96 billion, up by 17 percent and 11 percent, respectively, from its earnings in the same quarter last year. g)N *ANUARY WE REPORTED THAT 0AG )")' &UND RECORDED ITS HIGHEST EVER income of P33.17 billion in 2018, which is 10 percent better than the previous year. The double digit growth OF OUR INCOME CONTINUES IN THE kRST quarter of 2019,â&#x20AC;? said Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, who heads both the (OUSING AND 5RBAN $EVELOPMENT #OORDINATING #OUNCIL (5$## AND THE 0AG )")' &UND "OARD OF 4RUSTEES From January to March this year, DEMAND FOR 0AG )")' &UND S LOAN PROgrams spiked. The amount of home loans released surged 22 percent year-on-year to P17.21 billion while the number of borrowers increased 13

percent to 19,696. Short-term loans (STL) or cash loan releases rose 8 percent to P12.05 billion as the number of borrowers grew to 593,269, which is 12 percent higher compared to the same period last year.

Collections, on the other hand, amounted to P40.24 billion, an overall increase of 13 percent year-on-year. Collected membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; monthly savings jumped 16 percent to P11.15 billion. Meanwhile, payments for home loans amounted to P15.25 billion and STL payments totaled P13.67 billion, growing 15 percent and 8 percent, respectively. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As of March, our total assets have reached P552 billion which is about 12 percent higher than last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s figures. Our Q1 financials prove once again how robust the workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fund really is. We achieved our best YEAR YET IN )F THE UPWARD TREND continues in the next three quarters, we may well be on the way to achieve another best year in 2019,â&#x20AC;? said Pag)")' &UND #HIEF %XECUTIVE /FkCER Acmad Rizaldy Moti.

A sweet delight for every coffee break ")' E Food Corporation that manufactures Lemonsquare products introduces three flavors of cakes under its Coffee Break brand for everyone. These are chocolate, coffee AND CREAMY COFFEE lAVORED According to one of its customers, Clarice Artates, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sweetness IS JUST RIGHT AND FOR EVERY lAVOR IT S kLLED WITH CREAMY COFFEE AND MILKY GOODNESS ) LOVE THE CHOCO JAVA MY COUSINS ENJOYED ALL lAVORS ACTUALLY u The company also boosts about their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as they are supporting the biggest Arts and Music Festival inside Zoobic Safari this May 17, WITH THE INDIGENT !ETAS AS BENEkciaries of the proceeds. Some of

tarian challenges in the country, especially in the area of health.

Chairman Richard Gordon revealed plans to enhance its newly opened Dialysis Center to accommodate more patients. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are planning on strengthening our Dialysis Center so more poor Filipinos can acquire affordable and adequate dialysis treatments,â&#x20AC;? Gordon said.

He added that the Red Cross is also looking at opening a diagnostics center to provide access to quality healthcare to the poor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We got into different services because the humanitarian challenges in this country require us to be dynamic.

4HIS IS WHY WE OPENED OUR kRST $IALYsis Center because it is hard to say no to the most vulnerable,â&#x20AC;? Gordon said.

As of today, the Dialysis Center, which had its soft opening on February, has now provided 14 patients

Q Chairman Richard Gordon (6th from left) and PRC Board of Governors with the National Awardees, including James Dy (7th from left), Chinese General Hospital president and PRC governor, during the joint celebration of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day and the 72nd Anniversary of the Philippine Red Cross. with 350 dialysis treatments.

Gordon made the statement during the joint celebration of the 72nd anniversary of PRC and the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, where the organization recognized its partners for their contribution to the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services.

The Silver Humanitarian Service Cross Award is given to Chinese General Hospital President and PRC Governor James Dy for consistently supporting the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs on various occasions.

During the measles outbreak when Metro Manila hospitals were badly in need of space for patient care, PRC set up kELD MEDICAL UNITS USING BEDS AND MATtresses donated by Governor James Dy. The Aurora Aragon Quezon Medal Award, which was named after the kRST CHAIRMAN OF 02# WAS AWARDED to former President Fidel V. Ramos; Michael Chen, executive director and CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFkCER OF THE -INAVIDA de Mindanao Corporation; Clement Yang, president and chief executive OFkCER OF -EDTECS )NTERNATIONAL #OR-

PORATION ,TD AND 6ICENTE #UEVAS )))

#!-* #ONSTRUCTION )NC PRESIDENT â&#x20AC;&#x153;No person was ever honored for what he received, but for what he gives,â&#x20AC;? said Dy, quoting Calvin Coolidge as he shared his experience and inspiration in doing humanitarIAN WORK FOR 02# g) WOULD LIKE TO thank Gordon for bringing me here to PRC. Thank you for your trust.â&#x20AC;?

During the occasion, PRC also recognized over 400 staff members and OFkCERS WHO HAVE SERVED THE ORGANIZATION FOR kVE TO YEARS

Damosa Land, Connovate sign MoA on renewable Danish building technology &)234 5LTRA (IGH 0ERFORMANCE 0REcast Factory in Mindanao: Damosa ,AND )NC $,) AND #ONNOVATE 0HILIPPINES )NC #0) SIGNED A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the supply of eco-friendly Danish precast technology using ultra high performance concrete with 100 years material lifespan, superior earthQUAKE AND kRE RESISTANT AND RESILIENT homes in their Project in Ameria, the kRST PREMIER SUBDIVISION IN $AVAO Del Norte, which will highlight wide open spaces and generous lot estate offering in Agriya . !GRIYA IS THE kRST MASTER PLANNED agri-tourism development in the Davao Region located in Panabo City. )T WILL FEATURE RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONAL

commercial and recreation components in the development. $,) IS THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER and property development arm of !NlOCOR 'ROUP $,) HAS BEEN AT THE forefront of development in Mind-

Q Present in the signing are Ricardo Lagdameo, Damosa Land Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (DLI) first vice president and Dani Manlangit, DLI assistant vice president; Emma Imperial, chief executive officer and president of Imperial Homes Corporation and Chairman  of CPI; and Engr. Ramir Padilla, CPIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president. The event happened in May 6, 2019 in  Davao. anao. Such projects like residential, OFkCES MIXED USE INDUSTRIAL AND leisure projects are being developed AS $,) CONTINUE TO EVOLVE IN ACHIEVing valuable innovations. #0) ESTABLISHED IN THE 0HILIPpines in 2018, is a building technology company that introduces the eco-friendly ultra high performance

concrete building panels from DenMARK )T HAS PROVIDED WORLD CLASS homes in the provinces of Cavite, Batangas, Cabanatuan and Bicol 2EGION 4HE kRST FACTORY IS IN 3ILANG Cavite and its on-going construction FOR ITS SECOND FACTORY IN )RIGA #ITY 5NDER THE !GREEMENT #0) WILL SET UP ITS FACTORY IN !NlO )NDUSTRIAL

Estate in Panabo City and supply $,) WITH #ONNOVATE BUILDING panels that are durable, sustainable, molds free, superior earthquake AND kRE RESISTANT SCALABLE TO DIFFERent residential and building strucTURES 4HE #0) FACTORY IN $AVAO will cater to the growing housing requirements in Mindanao.

Ilocos residents thank BDO Foundation for improved health centers WHEN typhoon Ompong and the southwest monsoon swept through Luzon last year, incessant rains and strong winds disrupted the operations of health centers in the municipalities of Cabugao, Narvacan and Sta. Maria in the disaster-prone province of )LOCOS 3UR 3OME OF THE STRONGEST IN recent memory, the calamities made it difficult for doctors, nurses and midwives to serve their constituents particularly in their time of need.

Rooms were flooded as water leaked inside the buildings. Walls, floors and windows were broken.

Medicine cabinets, furniture and kXTURES WERE DAMAGED 4HE HEALTH centers were not in the best condition to deliver patient care as the accumulation of wear and tear brought the

buildings into a state of disrepair. )N RESPONSE "$/ &OUNDATION

the corporate social responsibility ARM OF "$/ 5NIBANK REHABILITATED #ABUGAO 2URAL (EALTH 5NIT AND Lying-in Center, Narvacan Rural (EALTH 5NIT ) AND 3TA -ARIA 2URAL (EALTH 5NIT 4HE INITIATIVE IS IN line with the foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disaster response advocacy and commitment to help improve the healthcare delivery system in the Philippines.

The newly rehabilitated rural health units were turned over to their respective communities in ceremonies led by BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito, BDO Foundation Program Director Rose Espinosa and BDO North Western Luzon Area Head Apo-

Q BDO Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rehabilitation projects in Ilocos Sur help improve the health and well-being of thousands of residents in Cabugao, Narvacan, Sta. Maria and neighboring towns. linario Aquino together with the heads of BDO and One Network "ANK BRANCHES IN )LOCOS 3UR According to Narvacan Rural (EALTH 5NIT ) MUNICIPAL HEALTH OFkCER Dr. Diana Director Lim, â&#x20AC;&#x153;On behalf of our patients and constituents, our LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND MEDICAL STAFF )

would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to BDO Foundation. We feel so blessed that out of the more than 30 MUNICIPALITIES IN )LOCOS 3UR #ABUGAO

Narvacan and Sta. Maria were selected

BY THE FOUNDATION AS BENEkCIARIES OF its rehabilitation program. Now we can serve our patients better.â&#x20AC;?

Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 5G, IoT solutions compete in Smartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual innovation awards TEN of the most #FutureReady ' AND )NTERNET OF 4HINGS )O4 solution contended on May 10 for over one million pesos total worth of prizes at the Grand &INALS OF THE TH 3WEEP )NNOVAtion and Excellence Awards.

Spearheaded by Philippines; leading wireless services provider Smart Communications (Smart), the Sweep Awards is an annual competition that encourages innovation and excellence in wireless applications development among students of tertiary schools. The search is a part of Smartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wireless Engineering Education Program (Sweep), an industry-academe linkage initiative for colleges and universities that offer Electronics and Communication %NGINEERING %#% AND )NFORMATION 4ECHNOLOGY )4 COURSES From over 160 entries sent by bud-

Q Grand Champion: Team Car Space / University of San Jose-Recoletos ding collegiate innovators, SWEEP Seeds for the Future program in 3 4OP kNALISTS WERE SELECTED LAST China. The second and third placers March at the closing of the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s each got a cash prize of P200,000 and P100,000 respectively. three-day Boot Camp.

Winners are: First place - Car Space The teams competed for the top 5NIVERSITY OF 3AN *OSE 2ECOLETOS prize of P300,000 cash and a chance to send a representative for Huaweiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Second place - Lynia /Asia Pacific

College and Third place - BeenotikED 4ECHNOLOGICAL 5NIVERSITY OF THE 0HILIPPINES 2EMAINING kNALISTS EACH got a prize of P50,000. Ericsson also presented a cash prize of P20,000 for the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice award won

by Argos/ National Teachers College.

UBP receives 5 plums at 2019 Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific Best Practices Awards the products were distributed to the Aetas children from Aningway- Sacatihan Elementary School recently for their snacks when they visited Zoobic Safari.

For more information, contact www.lemonsquare.com.ph.

5.)/. Bank of the Philippines 5NION"ANK IS SET TO RECEIVE kVE awards at the annual Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific Best Practices Awards banquet to be held at the Shangri-La Singapore. The awards include the 2019 Frost & Sullivan !SIA 0ACIkC EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER

experience for the Philippine banking industry in the areas of overall experience, branch experience, ATM experience, mobile experience and net promoter score.

Edurra Talib, senior analyst for customer research of Frost & Sullivan, NOTED THAT 5NION"ANK HAS CONTINU-

ously worked on revolutionizing its business through technology. g)N LINE WITH THE ONGOING STRUCtural change in the global banking INDUSTRY 5NION"ANK HAS BEEN undergoing digital transformation over the past few years. The bank is performing well beyond the trail of

innovation, completely transforming its banking capabilities and ENHANCING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE )TS aim of becoming â&#x20AC;&#x153;core in digitalâ&#x20AC;?

IS DRIVING 5NION"ANK TO INTRODUCE several fundamental innovative solutions that focus on their business and customers,â&#x20AC;? Edurra explained.

TTHURSDAY H UURSDAY R S DAYY MAYY 16 16, 6, 2019

Entertainment

D4

www.manilatimes.net

WITH MILLENNIAL BAND MEMBERS

Himaya music relatable across audiences H

BY IZA IGLESIAS

IMAYA, a Cebuano term meaning praise in English or papuri in Tagalog, is also the name of a band founded by rocker-preacher Alvin Barcelona.

The band is a pool of talented musicians that continues to evolve from a â&#x20AC;&#x153;praise and worshipâ&#x20AC;? band to a secular pop-rock band.

Members include Barcelonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son Aio in vocals and guitar, 16-yearold drummer Gab Espinosa, keyboardist Jeric Mison, bassist Matthew Perez and vocalist-lead guitarist Mike Nuez.

Barcelona has been a long-time singer-songwriter-musician, concert and recording artist since his days with the legendary Freddie Aguilar. He is also a vocalist-multi instrumentalist that had recording sessions with the likes of Ogie Alcasid to Maegan Aguilar, to concerts with music icons such as Kuh Ledesma, Rey Valera, Joey Ayala, Bayang Barrios, Top Suzara, Geneva Cruz, and opening acts for Ai-Ai de las Alas, Alden Richards, Coco Martin, and more.

Probably one of the most enduring and active bands for close to two decades now, Barcelona brings along the band for performances around the country, not limited to

church gatherings, but mostly to schools, companies, and secular events with audiences numbering to thousands of people from different ages and walks of life.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sa loob nang halos dalawang dekada ng Himaya, hindi po kami nagpapahinga. Nalibot na namin ang bansa. Sa tagal may mga nawawala pero tuloy-tuloy. Except that through the years, the music, the audience, the platform has evolved especially now that we have social media. So now, we found a need to look for new faces and newer sound. With Aio and Gab, we listened more to the sound of today,â&#x20AC;? Barcelona said in a press conference.

The band covers a wide range of songs from the 1960s to the present genre, from rock â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n roll to the classics, from pop to ballad, from disco to rock, from reggae to rap, depending on the type and demands of the audience and event, thanks to the versatility, skills, and long musical experience of each member making the band highly unique as the age of each member

connects to all age groups, and thus to their tastes in music.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;father-sonâ&#x20AC;? tandem of Alvin and Aio instantly connects to parents and children or adults and millennials. Every event or live performance treats the audience with a complete experience (at times accompanied with full production numbers and even short comedy skits or inspirational messages, when needed and required). Each show always leaves everyone wanting more. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we integrate the old and new generation. Nasusukat po namin lahat. With their experience po nila before, we also try to bring something new at pinagsama namin. We try to mix the old and new sound and create something na hindi pa naririnig ng iba. We go to schools, company events and maraming mga kabataan doon. So I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of our strengths,â&#x20AC;? Aio noted.

His dad seconded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re into nationalistic and folk SONGS 7E RE ALSO HEAVILY INlUenced with neo-ethnic genres.

Times have indeed changed so we also have to adapt to that.

Dati four years old pa lang siya sinasama ko siya sa stage. Ngayon, baliktad na. Siya na ang nag-i- inlUENCE sa akin, sa kanya na kami nakikinig. But I really appreciate

my son, he also values the sound before, para hindi rin mawala yung originality namin.â&#x20AC;?

Himaya primarily believes in and promotes OPM or OFM â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Original Filipino Music. That is why through the years the band continues to come up with numerous originals with independently produced albums and music videos.

This year, with the encouragement of music icons such as Jose Mari Chan directly telling the older Barcelona to bring out his music to more people, especially to the millennials, and with the continuous secular exposure of the group, The Himaya Band is relaunching and repackaging itself with its music and image, and in social media and live performances, highlighted with the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upcoming newest single, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Payakap.â&#x20AC;? The band has been receiving encouraging breakthroughs since its relaunch.

Under Madhouse Music Recently, Madhouse Music, founded by another OPM/OFM icon, Rannie Raymundo, took in Himaya UNDER ITS WINGS (IMAYA JUST HAD

This Band tops Class 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x153;O

, BAKIT ba kailangan pang umalis? Pakiusap lang na wag ka nang lumihis. Tayoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;y mag-usap, teka lang, ikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;y huminto. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wag mo kong iwan, aayusin natin â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;to. Ang daling sabihin na ayaw mo na pero pinag-isipan mo ba?â&#x20AC;?

Through these lyrics, This Bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s single is simply all over. From being used as a singing contest piece to videokes, to artists singing it in variety shows, and even appeared as a soundtrack in the viral â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dante Gulapa Challenge,â&#x20AC;? no one could deny that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kahit Ayaw Mo Naâ&#x20AC;? is indeed a hit.

In terms of song popularity, This Band hands down tops the Class of 2019. With over 192 million-plus streams to their hit Kahit Ayaw Mo Na the band already posted phenomenal numbers that easily trump the numbers of any current hit on radio today.

No one-hit wonder, several of their tracks have also become streaming favorites. This includes Hindi Na Nga, which itself has over 25 million combined streams on YouTube alone.

This Band already made the rounds of several key TV appearances that verified their popularity as shows like â&#x20AC;&#x153;ASAP Natin â&#x20AC;&#x2122;to,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Studio 7,â&#x20AC;? and even â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wowowinâ&#x20AC;? looked to have the hottest new local group in the scene today in their show.

And now, all ears are on their latest single release titled Di Na Babalik.

Written by chief tunesmith Euwie Von Loria, the latest single is about the stark realization that love no longer resides in a relationship.

Call it soppy, but their fans, which

MUSIC GEEK MUS MARK BONIFACIO

Q 'Kahit Ayaw Mo Na' hitmakers This Band.

The Las PiĂąas-based group â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which are mostly millenials, and are the includes singer Andrea Manzano, gui- type prone to â&#x20AC;&#x153;hugotâ&#x20AC;? statuses on tarists Euwie Loria and Raymart Gubat, social media, are loving the new bassist Miccael Galvan, drummer John song. Listeners have also a sweet spot Macaranas and keyboardist Melvin for band vocalist Manzano, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a #ARSON Â&#x2021; IS DEkNITELY ENJOYING THEIR veritable voice of heartbreak in the time as band of the moment and have song. And in her, the latest tune bealready achieved much considering comes an anthem of heartbreak and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re veritable newbies in the scene. regret. And while their themes are all Their most recent accomplishment about breaking hearts, This Band is a was topping the Apple Music charts for several weeks with Kahit Ayaw Mo Na, while said track remained a hot number on several Spotify charts that includes the popular Philippines Viral 50 and Philippines Top 50.

Alongside this feat, the song is now a staple at top FM stations around Q Tres Hermanas Metro Manila.

tight pop rock band that can deliver killer power ballads.

This early in their career, one thing has become apparent. This Band has already found their sound. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sound that listeners will keep getting back and the more singles they release, the more.

Since its release last February, the SONG S OFkCIAL MUSIC VIDEO AND SEVERAL lyric videos have now amassed over 16 million streams on YouTube. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are so grateful for the streams and the feedback we have been receiving from the song Kahit Ayaw Mo Na and even our follow-up single Hindi Na Nga,â&#x20AC;? Manzano said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are also excited for our latest single Di Na Babalik as we are sure so many people can relate to the song like our previous singles.

We hope you continue to support new bands like us and OPM as well.â&#x20AC;?

NNN Another OPM act making waves digitally is the trio of Delantar sisters called Tres Hermanas.

Composed of Liselle Delantar-Flipphi, Marianne Delantar-Joson and #RISTINA .ATIVIDAD $ELANTAR THEIR kRST SIGNIkCANT DIGITAL MILESTONE WAS GAINING 171,000 monthly listeners and reaching MORE THAN MILLION STREAMS FROM JUST two of their released tracks on Spotify.

This led to releasing more tracks to show-off their fresh take on other contemporary, indie and standard covers.

As professional event singers, Tres Hermanas offers a diverse acoustic REPERTOIRE TO SUIT SPECIkC MUSIC TASTES while adding a memorable charm to the celebration.

Their most streamed or highly requested song to date is their rendition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;You First Believedâ&#x20AC;? (originally sung

by Hoku). Tres Hermanas revived this early 2000s indie favorite and made it sound like their own by adding layers of harmonies seamlessly resonating throughout the song.

Their latest cover track, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Say You Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Let Goâ&#x20AC;? (a James ArTHUR HIT HAS JUST BEEN FEATURED in Spotifyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Music Friday and Pinoy Covers playlists along with other local artists.

Follow the author on Instagram: markbonifacio25.

Q Rocker-preacher Alvin Barcelona (center) headlines the secular pop-rock band Himaya.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO an unprecedented two-hour live performance radio-streaming that continues to add viewers and listeners up to now. Shows, radio-TV guestings and performances are also lined-up for them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was looking for original sounds. In our radio internet program, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do covers, and it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter kung sikat or not. I know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambitious but I think we owe the audience something new na hindi pa natin naririnig. My brother Lance said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kuya you have to hear Bro. Alvin and Himaya. Of course I got curious and met with them,â&#x20AC;? Raymundo recalled. g4HEN ) kGURED na pareho kami ng adhikain because we believed that the artists have the means to educate the people. The now doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily mean the best, the same like the old is not exactly the best. How we have yet TO kND WHAT IS THE BEST AND WE WILL never hear it if there is no venue for them to be heard. I was really happy when I heard the music of Himaya. If you listen and you analyze their songs, it takes you ON A JOURNEY OF DECADES 4HAT S the reason why we signed up with

them,â&#x20AC;? he continued.

Himayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Payakapâ&#x20AC;? WAS OFkcially released along with its music video simultaneously on Spotify, Facebook, Youtube and other social media platforms on May 5.

The song is already in the Top 3 list of Madhouse Radio.

Like most original songs written by Barcelona and arranged

by Himaya, the song has an inspirational tone but can easily be related to as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;love songâ&#x20AC;? between young lovers, friends, parent to a child, or yes, even between an individual and God. Because of the inclusion of millennial members in the band, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;newâ&#x20AC;? sound has been very warmly and loudly welcomed by millennials in different parts of the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;More new originals are upcoming this year for a full new album,â&#x20AC;? reminded Barcelona.

Indeed, Himaya has its high hopes that more people will be introduced to new, fresh, and Original Filipino Music that will not only entertain but also inspire, move, and even bless the world which, at present, could surely use Himayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand of music.

Firefalldown releases new single POST-HARDCORE rock band Firefalldown, which was which the band shared would help them promote their founded in the United Kingdom in 2008, returns to advocacies on social change. the local music industry after a one-year hiatus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to make this about seeking truth â&#x20AC;&#x201D; both with a big T and a small t. The point is that you Since relocating to Manila in 2014, the trio â&#x20AC;&#x201D; comcannot just rely on what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re spoonfed at university posed of frontman and composer Jon Blaylock, bassist or through the media. The truth does find you but it Djimi Django, and drummer Jedd Manjares â&#x20AC;&#x201D; has been in and out of the scene, independently releasing a second still needs to be sought,â&#x20AC;? Blaylock explained.

For them, the single Kahulugan is about finding full-length album and a handful of singles including â&#x20AC;&#x153;Forever Never the Sameâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;These Woundsâ&#x20AC;? and the politi- meaning in the midst of the pursuit of truth. cal thought-stimulating â&#x20AC;&#x153;Halimaw.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you still believe what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fed by Hollywood â&#x20AC;&#x153;We slowed down quite a bit for a few years as and the mainstream media, then in a very real sense, I navigated my way through the transition from you are part of the problem,â&#x20AC;? Blaylock added.

London to the Philippines, but the dust has settled This time around, the band offers listeners an and Firefalldown has never been more of a force to be evolved sound that music fans are sure to love. They reckoned with,â&#x20AC;? said Blaylock. call it rhythmic post hardcore with pop leanings. They â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sound has evolved into what I would call rhythmic also promise to deliver a well-crafted, energetic live post-hardcore with pop leanings. The vision behind the band show through the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #TrutherTour. In fact, it is and the music is the same. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a follower of Christ before I am now beginning to gain momentum with an extensive anything else, so my priority in all things is speaking string of dates set to take place throughout the and living Biblical truth. The country, stopping at familiar band is probably more overt music venues and food parks about this than it has ever from Laguna to Naga. been,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Kahulugan is now This time, they available on Spotify for have released a streaming and in brand new single other sites such as titled Kahulugan Apple Music and under Warner iTunes soon.

Music Philippines Q (From left) Jedd Manjares, Jon Blaylock and Djimi Django IZA IGLESIAS

The Ransom Collective makes comeback with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Careâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SINCE releasing their debut album â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tracesâ&#x20AC;? in 2017, indie/folk-pop band The Ransom Collective has undergone a creative rebirth â&#x20AC;&#x201D; exploring new musical ideas, and experimenting between different styles and sounds that have led them to a fresh, modern reinvention on the sound listeners and fans have come to love them for.

With their new single â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Careâ&#x20AC;? under Mustard Music, the band brings these ideas INTO FRUITION AS THE kRST OF MANY SONGS THAT came to be in this new era. The song is about discovering oneself, and all the ugliness and beauty that comes with the process.

Prior to its release, the song took the top spot on the iTunes PH New Music Pre-Order Chart, proving even more successful as the single launched on May 3 and the accompanying music video on MYX and YouTube on May 4.

Besides topping the iTunes PH Alternative Chart, the head-bopping track also entered the iTunes PH All-genre chart, taking the highest spot for an OPM song.

4HE BAND S COMEBACK PIECE JOINS THE BIG leagues of Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie, BTS, and Blackpink, who similarly have released new tracks for their longtime fans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I watched someone I love go through depression, and this song is essentially about the JOURNEY THEY WENT THROUGH AND THE EMPATHY thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s required to understand someone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GOING THROUGH SOMETHING SO DIFkCULT u LEAD vocalist Kian Ransom said of the song.

While the song tackles rather serious matters, its backing track provides a sense of fun and lightness â&#x20AC;&#x201D; giving an upbeat, retro feel that will give listeners good vibes to sing and dance along to on repeat.

Coming into this brand new take on the TRC sound, band members mention Anderson Paak, Honne, Boy Pablo, Bon Iver, Prep, Crumb, Chance the Rapper, among many artists theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken inspiration from.

"I Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Care" is now available for streaming on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music.

Campus Press

A SECTION FOR THE STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net EDITOR: Marishelle R. Medina (marishelle.medina@manilatimes.net) EDITORIAL STAFF: Kimberly C. Malait

E1

THURSDAY MAY 16, 2019

AIM gets P500 million from Aboitiz T

BY NEIL JAYSON N. SERVALLOS

HE Asian Institute of Management (AIM) has received a donation worth more than half a billion pesos, the single-largest gift it has ever received, from Aboitiz Foundation Inc. The AIM secured the $10 million or P500 million from the Aboitiz Group last May 9 in support of its data science and innovation program, one of the leading programs in southeast Asia.

AIM President and Dean Jikyeong Kang said the donation would fund two data science professorial chairmen, an interest-free student loan program and future facilities improvement of the newly named Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (Asite).

“Aboitiz Foundation and AIM have a shared vision of thought leadership within the education, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. This gift cements the beginning of a long-term partnership to develop innovation and technology-oriented managers, leaders and entrepreneurs, who will take the lead in transforming Asian business and society,” she told reporters.

AIM’s Asite offers the courses Master of Science in Data Science

(MSDS) and Master of Science in Innovation and Business (MSIB).

-3$3 IS THE kRST GRADUATE DATA science degree program in the Philippines. This 14-month intensive course is designed to produce experts in the fastest-growing, most sought-after specialization worldwide.

Erika Fille Legara, the program’s director, said the MSDS curricuLUM RElECTS THE LATEST TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICES IN THE kELD FROM data mining and exploration to machine-learning, deep learning, and big data analytics.

MSIB is a 15-month, part-time multidisciplinary and integrative graduate degree program that gives young professionals in the Steam kELD SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGIneering, agriculture, architecture, mathematics and medicine — the skills to realize “the next wave of innovation.”

Christopher Monterola, head of the Asite, said the course teaches technically inclined students the fundamental business, design and

leadership skills via team-based innovation projects.

“In the end of the program, MSIB graduates will be able to design and manage innovation in a start-up or a corporate setting,” he said.

With the donation that would fund the Asite and the two programs, Kang said it would expand AIM’s social inclusiveness by asSISTING DESERVING BUT kNANCIALLY challenged students to obtain a postgraduate degree.

“We are extremely grateful to the Aboitiz family for empowering AIM to continue to generate and sustain our mission of providing this region with future-ready leaders, who can create value for their organization and the communities within which they operate,” she added.

Aboitiz Foundation Chairman Erramon Aboitiz said they made the donation as they believe in the school’s history and vision in sustaining businesses and societies not only in the Philippines, but in Asia as a whole.

“Over the past 50 years, AIM has contributed immensely to sustaining the growth of businesses and societies not only in the Philippines, but in Asia by developing professional, entrepreneurial, and socially responsible managers and leaders. Similarly, sustainability is

Q Dr. Jikyeong Kang, dean of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), raises her glass to toast Aboitiz Foundation Inc., which donated $10 million for AIM’s data science initiatives. PHOTO BY GERARD SEGUIA at the core of our growth story anchored on our philosophy that we can do well by doing good, always making the right long-term decisions that balance the interests of PEOPLE PLANET AND PROkT u !BOITIZ said in a statement.

Aboitiz added that as the donation marks the firm’s 100th anniversary, they were hoping that “this new innovation-focused

Japanese Embassy offers scholarship for Pinoys anew THE Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan is once again opening its doors for Filipinos who wish to study in Japan as it is now accepting applications for the undergraduate, research, specialized training college and college of technology categories of the 2020 Japanese Government Scholarship Program.

However, interested Filipino citizens must follow a set of qualifications to be eligible to apply for the program.

Applicants for the undergraduate category must be high school graduates aged 17 to 24 and of good academic standing.

The scholarship program will grant beneficiaries five years of study. Meanwhile, those interested in the research category — whether research student, master’s or doctoral course — must be college graduates under 35 years old, of good academic standing, and with

a clear and feasible research proposal. The beneficiaries of the research category will be given two to five years of study.

Applicants for both the undergraduate and research categories will be offered only three fields of study namely, Social Sciences, Humanities and Natural Sciences. Hence, applicants for the research category should apply for the field of study they majored in at university or its related field.

Meanwhile, the specialized training college category requires applicants to be high school graduates aged 17 to 24 with good academic standing. The scholarship program will offer beneficiaries of this category three years of study in any of the following fields: technology, personal care and nutrition, education and welfare, business, fashion and home economics, and culture and general education.

For the college of technology

category, applicants must be aged 17 to 24 and graduated high school with a good academic standing. Beneficiaries for this category will be given four to four years and a half of study. They may choose to focus in any of the following courses: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Information Communication and Network Engineering, Materials Engineering, Architecture and Civil Engineering, and Maritime Engineering.

The application process for the 2020 Japanese Government Scholarship Program consists of document-screening, a set of written exams and an interview.

Application forms, along with other detailed information on the prerequisites of the scholarship program may be viewed and downloaded at the official website of the Japanese Embassy at www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp.

Applicants may also acquire copies of the application forms

at the JICC Library at the Embassy of Japan located along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

The deadline of submission is strictly on May 31, 2019, and only hard copies printed on A4-sized paper mailed through a courier or hand-delivered to the embassy will be accepted.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

JICC also offers free scholarship consultations at the JICC Library every Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Interested individuals and walk-in visitors are welcome, but must present a valid ID at the gates to secure access to the Embassy premises.

Prior to submitting applications, applicants are advised to read the guidelines also uploaded on the official website of the Japanese Embassy. For further inquiries, you may also call JICC at (02) 551 5710 locals 2313, 2318 or 4210.

KIMBERLY C. MALAIT

Bilibid inmates graduate from college

SCHOOL WILL BE ABLE TO BENEkT !)- as it leads and blazes new trails, to inspire real-world learning and to transform principled leaders.”

Asite provides a platform for innovators, data scientists and entrepreneurs to work collaboratively and produce actionable insights that foster new knowledge, create value across industries and generate positive impact, especially

within the Asian context.

The Aboitiz school enrollees totaled 167 students in different Master’s programs, a big jump from only 75 students in 2017.

The AIM is targeting to enlist 200 students next year. “We are growing the number gradually to ensure that the quality of the teaching and learning experience is maintained,” Kang said.

Letran marks 400 years with commemorative beep™ card AS part of its 400th anniversary celebration next year, Colegio de San Juan de Letran will be releasing limited edition commemorative beep™ cards bearing the Letran 400 logo.

Specially designed for students, alumni and other beep card collectors, the Letran beep card will be sold at the Letran Bookstore for P500 each, beginning Aug. 1, 2019. The sale of the special cards is in conjunction with the fundraising program for the school’s Grand Celebration in 2020.

“We are celebrating our 400 years in 2020. We thank beep card for partnering with us. One of the thrusts of our celebration is to give back, thus, we are targeting to have 400 scholars. This is one way of helping your beloved Letran celebrate its 400 years.

Siempre Arriba, Siempre Letran!”

Jhennie Villar, co-chairman of the Letran Quadricentennial celebration, said.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran was founded in 1620 by Don Juan Geronimo Guerrero, a retired Spanish officer, and Diego Santa Maria, a Dominican brother. Since then, it has survived wars and calamities and remained true to its commitment to pursue knowledge and excellence, producing stalwarts in the fields of medicine, sports, media and entertainment, business, and public service to name a few.

Letran kicked off its quadricentennial celebration in November 2016 and has since been celebrating it with special events, homecomings and tributes to alumni who have been part of weaving the school’s long and colorful history. The celebrations are divided into phases — the past, the present, the future and forever — covering important parts of Letran’s story, among which is the Conquistar Nuevas Glorias (Conquering New Glories) phase, where celebrations dwell on the future, looking forward to everything it holds.

“Colegio de San Juan de Letran is ushering in a new era of positive developments and we at beep card are truly honored to be part of it. Students have always been among our biggest supporters and we believe that the special Letran beep card is a great way to showcase school pride,” said Peter Maher, president and chief executive officer of AF Payments Inc. Letran’s main campus is located in Intramuros, Manila, accessible via Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1, LRT 2 and e-trikes in which beep card is the main mode of payment. Those who will purchase the special edition Letran 400 beep cards will also enjoy the benefits of the planned expansion to establishments and tourist attractions within the Walled City.

Q One of the 23 inmate graduates of Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship shed tears upon receiving his diploQ The Batch 2019 Graduates of Bachelor of Science in Entreprenueruship of the University of Perpetual Help Extension ma during the 30th commencement rites at New Covered School inside the Medium Security Compound of Camp Sampaguita in New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City Court of College Building, May 9, 2019. PHOTO BY PHOTO BY DENNIS ABRINA DENNIS ABRINA MUNTINLUPA CITY: Twenty-three inmates of the Medium Security Compound in Camp Sampaguita, New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in this city kNISHED THEIR FOUR YEAR DEGREE COURSE INSIDE the penitentiary on May 9, 2019 during the 30th University of Perpetual Help (UPH) Bilibid Extension School Commencement Exercise at the College Building.

4HE WHO kNISHED THE DEGREE OF "ACHelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, were part of the 89 inmates who graduated from the Perpetual Help extension school, with kNISHING A #OMPUTER (ARDWARE 3ERVICING course and 22 completing the Senior High School program.

This year’s guest of honor, Director Gen. Nicanor Faeldon of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), spoke before the inmate graduates

and their relatives at the newly erected Coll ege Building covered court.

“This learning institution really helped [the] inmates to be reformed. Dapat lahat ganito para magtiwala ang mga investors to put up business here at NBP,” Faeldon said in his speech during the program.

“We need to have a alternative job to earn a living here inside this institution para mabuhay ang inyong mga pamilya sa labas at nang hindi kayo makaisip ng masamang gawain dito sa loob ng piitan.” Faeldon added.

“The BuCor is now looking for a business industry that will put business here in jail to make every inmate a productive one.”

Faeldon added.

Bilibid Extension School is a comprehensive program of UPH, which seeks to help in

the rehabilitation of medium risk prisoners through education, skills training and development. The program has produced 564 graduates since its establishment in 1985 by UPH Chairman of the Board Dr./Brig. Gen. Antonio Tamayo.

The Bilibid Extension School in Camp Sampaguita is one of UPH’s Corporate Social Responsibility programs, together with the Mangyan Mission School in Sito Lawanan, Barangay Lumangbayan, Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro.

Forty-two inmates received citations, including the Gold Medallion for the Academic Excellence Awards for the BS Entrepreneurship and Dr. Antonio Laperal Tamayo Gold Medallion for Leadership Award.

DENNIS ABRINA/CONTRIBUTOR

Q From left: Jhennie Villar, Letran Quadricentennial events co-chairman; Rev. Fr. Lauro de Dios, OP, Letran vice president for financial affairs; Sharon Fong, beep business development head; Raymond Dolor, beep business development manager.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PAGE FROM THE PAST

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

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

Campus Press

E3

Using discourse markers for contextualizing ideas

N

O doubt that most of you who read my English-usage columns and Forum website are now thoroughly familiar with the English content words and function words, which have been among the most recurrent fare in my discussions of English grammar over the years.

The content words are, of course, those that carry the descriptive meanings conveyed by the language: The nouns (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amelia,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;love,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;puppies,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;electionsâ&#x20AC;?), verbs (â&#x20AC;&#x153;see,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;run,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;dream,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;achieveâ&#x20AC;?), adjectives (â&#x20AC;&#x153;contemptuous,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;lovely,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;serene,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;quietâ&#x20AC;?), adverbs (â&#x20AC;&#x153;often,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;happily,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;rarely,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;haphazardlyâ&#x20AC;?) and interjections (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alas!,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dear me!,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ouch!,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oops!â&#x20AC;?).

On the other hand, the function words are those that carry only grammatical meaning and just signal relations between parts of sentences: The determiners

SM Lucena welcomes college scholars for SY 2019-2020 LUCENA, Quezon: Eight deserving incoming college students from Quezon province were welcomed by the SM Store Lucena personnel as recipients of the SM Found at i o n S c h o l a r s h i p Pro gram for School Year (SY) 2019-2020.

Most of the students came from Tayabas City, who said they were really surprised to be chosen as scholars out of the hundreds who applied. They favored engineering and accountancy as courses at Southern Luzon State University.

Priscilla Terrenal, assistant branch manager of SM Store Lucena, told the new scholars that aside from the tuition fee and monthly allowance, they were allowed to work par t-time at the store during school vacation to experience employment and earning income.

The eight scholars from Quezon are part of the 500 i n co m i n g f re s h m e n t h i s year, who were granted SM scholarships, bringing the total number of scholars to 1,200 in the country for SY 2019-2020.

Since 1993, the program has produced 3,274 college scholar-graduates who excel at their chosen courses.

(â&#x20AC;&#x153;the,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;a,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;my,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;your,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;theirâ&#x20AC;?), pronouns (â&#x20AC;&#x153;I,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;me,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;you,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;he,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;she,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;themâ&#x20AC;?), conjunctions (â&#x20AC;&#x153;and,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;or,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;but,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;when,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;as,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;before,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;thereafterâ&#x20AC;?), auxiliaries (â&#x20AC;&#x153;have,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;is,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;can,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;will,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;shall,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;wouldâ&#x20AC;?) and a few prepositions that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an inherent meaning in themselves (â&#x20AC;&#x153;of,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;on,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;atâ&#x20AC;?).

But really now (thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a discourse marker, by the way), how many of you know what the following very familiar words and expressions are called in English grammar: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;well,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;now,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;then,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;so,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;you know,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;mind you,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;still,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;how-

subconsciously aware when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d hear discourse markers spoken or see them in writing, they are meant to help the speaker or writer manage the conversation or discussion.

They clearly mark changes in its direction, mood or tone â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the ever,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;nevertheless,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;actuallyâ&#x20AC;? better for you, the listener, to unand â&#x20AC;&#x153;anywayâ&#x20AC;?? Well (this is anderstand or follow whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being other discourse marker, of course), said. Indeed, the skillful use of these words and expressions are discourse markers is a good meaa class of function words called discourse markers, a grammatical SURE OF lUENCY IN THE LANGUAGE AND of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skill as a communicator.

DEVICE THAT PLAYS A SIGNIkCANT ROLE Let me share the valuable inIN MANAGING THE lOW AND STRUCsights of Professor Yael Maschler, ture of the verbal interchange of a linguist who studied mathematideas or the extended expression ics and linguistics at the Hebrew of thought on a particular subject.

University of Jerusalem, and who Discourse markers are relatively received her PhD in linguistics not dependent on the syntax of the from the University of Michigan sentence and usually donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t alter the in the United States. She has done truth of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being said. For inextensive research on discourse stance, in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farthest from my markers and, after going over the mind, you know,â&#x20AC;? the discourse marker â&#x20AC;&#x153;you knowâ&#x20AC;? doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t con- hundreds of them that often bewilder grammarians and learners tradict, but emphasizes. alike, she wisely divided them into As many of you must have been just four broad categories: Interper-

ENGLISH PLAIN AND SIMPLE

JOSE A. CARILLO

sonal, referential, structural and cognitive.

1. Interpersonal markers. They are used to indicate the relationship between the speaker and the listener. Perception: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lookâ&#x20AC;Ś,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Believe meâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? Agreement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Exactly.â&#x20AC;? Disagreement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure.â&#x20AC;?

Amazement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wow!â&#x20AC;?

2. Referential markers. They are usually conjunctions and are used to indicate the sequence, causality and coordination between statements. Sequence: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nowâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thenâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? Causality: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Becauseâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? Coordination: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A n d â&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;? N o n - c o o r d i n a t i o n : â&#x20AC;&#x153;Butâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

3. Structural markers. They indicate the hierarchy of conversational actions at the time in which these actions are spoken, indicating which statements the speaker believes to be most or least important. Organization: â&#x20AC;&#x153;First of allâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?Introduction: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Soâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? Summarization: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the endâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

4. Cognitive markers. They reveal the speakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thought process about what he or she has just said.

Processing information: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Uhhâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

Realization: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh!â&#x20AC;? Rephrasing: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I meanâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

It should be clear by now that although largely unheralded as function words, discourse markers are an indispensable tool for linking ideas, showing attitude, indicating changes of mind or point of view, and generally controlling communication.

Used properly, they can provide not only context, but also sinew, verve and a personal touch to both our written and spoken English.

(Next: How elliptical sentences differ from elliptical clauses)

Visit Jose Carilloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s English Forum, http://josecarilloforum.com, and on Facebook, https://www. facebook.com/jacarillo. Follow him at Twitter.com @J8Carillo.

E-mail: j8carillo@yahoo.com.

GenTri allots P3.9M for Summer Job 2019 Program GENERAL TRIAS CITY, Cavite: The local government unit here has set aside P3.9 million in counterpart fund for the implementation of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) for 2019. â&#x20AC;&#x153;SPES is a government program for students to learn to work and to appreciate the value of public service,â&#x20AC;? said General Trias (GenTri) Mayor Antonio Ferrer. g4HIS IS TO AUGMENT THE kNANcial capability of parents and ENSURE 30%3 BENEkCIARIES ARE ALL poor but deserving students,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Ariel Mugol, Public EmployMENT 3ERVICE /FkCE MANAGER SAID the amount would be utilized to pay 60 percent of the salary of students that would be employed this summer vacation.

The remaining 40 percent of the student-employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; salary,

P4,427.20 for each, will be paid by the Department of Labor and Employment.

The daily wage of each of the 30%3 BENEkCIARIES IS 0 Mugol said the local government hired 600 college and senior high school students through the program and deployed them in different local government unit OFkCES FOR DAYS They were divided into three batches, with 200 students per batch.

The students were assigned to DIFFERENT OFkCES RENDERING CLERICAL works and other services. They started working last April 8, 2019 to May 14, 2019; May 14, 2019 to June 17, 2019; and June 17, 2019 to July 17, 2019.

Mugol said learning is imperative because good results were not far behind if students learned how to earn and prac-

tice what they had learned.

The SPES is a joint undertaking of the local government and Labor

department, with the objective of providing the students with the opportunity to earn and learn

every summer vacation.

DENNIS ABRINA/ CONTRIBUTOR

Q Student employees do their daily task at the Councilorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office Department as part of their Special Program for the Employment of Students for Summer 2019 in General Trias City Hall in Barangay Bagumbayan. DENNIS ABRINA/ CONTRIBUTOR

DepEd to kick off 16th year of Brigada Eskwela THE Department of Education (DepEd), through its External Partnerships Service, is set to implement Brigada Eskwela from May 20 to 25 Brigada Eskwela, also known as the National Schools Maintenance Week, mobilizes thousands of parents, alumni, civic groups, local businesses, nongovernment organizations, teachers, students and individuals who volunteer to do repairs, maintenance work and cleanup of public elementary and high schools.

On its 16th year, Brigada Eskwela will carry the theme, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Matatag na Bayan para sa Maunlad na Paaralan.â&#x20AC;?

In a press release posted on May 8

on its official website, DepEd said the theme was a reflection of how it â&#x20AC;&#x153;recognizes the importance of the community in making schools the best place for learners to acquire the values and competencies they need to contribute to nation-building.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is more than just about painting or cleaning schools in preparation for the return of the children. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a matter of seeing to it that we provide them the requisites of learners and the requisites of a good learning environment namely, safe schools, supplies, furniture, equipment and good teachers,â&#x20AC;? Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

The national kickoff program and cara-

van is slated on May 16, 2019 at Alfonso Central Elementary School in Cavite.

Brigada Eskwela became a permanent part of the school calendar in 2008, and all schools nationwide are mandated to implement the program every second week of May. First established in 2003 as a voluntary effort, Brigada Eskwela has become one of DepEdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important programs, which aims to address resource gaps faced by the department through strengthening partnerships with the local communities.

In the first year of its implementation, only 4,000 schools were expected to participate, but a total of 12,533 schools accepted

the challenge. The tremendous efforts of various stakeholders have brought about innovations and creative ways to improve the schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; facilities in preparation for the opening of classes and towards a better learning environment.

In 2018 alone, a total of P4.66 billion worth of resources was generated, and the number of nationwide volunteers doubled from 11 million in 2017 to 22 million in 2018.

Stakeholders who wish to contribute may learn more information about the implementing guidelines of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brigada Eskwelas official website: http://www.deped.gov.ph.

Unveiling the design process of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mulan,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; the animated Disney film AWARD-WINNING German artist Hans Bacher, the production designer of the blockbuster â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mulanâ&#x20AC;?

WILL EXHIBIT FOR THE kRST TIME IN THE 0HILIPpines the vigorous yet colorful journey behind the DESIGN OF ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC kLMS IN THE HISTORY of animation.

Through the initiative of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center for Campus Art (CCA) and the AB Animation Program, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hans Bacher Col-

lection,â&#x20AC;? a series of exhibits that will tour spectators into the creative process of some of the legendary animatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s masterpieces, will be launched at the halls OF THE TH lOOR OF THE COLLEGE S 3CHOOL OF $ESIGN AND Arts (SDA) Campus on Thursday, May 16. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mulan,â&#x20AC;? known for its theme on identity while challenging the barriers of gender and sexuality, WILL MARK THE kRST WAVE OF THE EXHIBITION )T WILL feature an interestingly wide array of materials â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from sketches, design and character studies, behind-the-scenes direction to promotional maTERIALS AND VIDEO CLIPS OF THE ACTUAL kLM Â&#x2021; THAT will provide a walkthrough on how the movieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remarkable characters and sceneries were transformed from concepts into life.

Also on the loop will be CCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive interview with Bacher himself, as he shares his artistic philosophy and personal venture in the world of animation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We aim to demystify design,â&#x20AC;? CCA Director Architect Q Internationally acclaimed and award-winning German artist Hans Gerry Torres shared said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope Bacher CONTRIBUTED PHOTO that through this exhibit, we can

demonstrate the long and arduous process behind CREATIVE OUTPUTS SO PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT IN THE kELD can understand the works of artists and designers.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Benilde has been collaborating with Hans Bacher FOR YEARS BUT THIS IS THE kRST TIME THAT HE WILL BE EXhibiting his works in our own halls,â&#x20AC;? Torres added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Will he be teaching here in the future? Who knows?â&#x20AC;?

Bacher has also worked on the visual development of a number of Disney Films, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beauty and the Beastâ&#x20AC;? (1991), â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aladdinâ&#x20AC;? (1992), â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lion Kingâ&#x20AC;?

(1994), â&#x20AC;&#x153;Herculesâ&#x20AC;? (1997), â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fantasia 2000â&#x20AC;? (1999), â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lilo and Stitchâ&#x20AC;? (2002) and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brother Bearâ&#x20AC;? (2003), among others.

(E HAS MARKED HIS NAME AS kLM DESIGNER ART DIRECtor, independent masterclass lecturer and educator in various art universities and studios in key cities such as Dusseldorf, Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo.

The celebrated artist has also authored various design books such as Dream Worlds, Vision: Color and Composition for Film, and Sketchbook: Composition Studies for Film.

The Hans Bacher Collection: Mulan is on view until 3ATURDAY !UGUST AT THE TH lOOR 3$! #AMPUS

DLS-CSB, Pablo Ocampo (Vito Cruz) Street, Malate, Manila.

Q â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Hans Bacher Collection: Mulanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; official poster CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

E4

L

Campus Press

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

THURSDAY May 16, 2019

Naga City school uses e-learning to simulate PH electoral process

AST May 13, Filipinos of voting age trooped to polling stations across the country to cast their votes for lawmakers and executives at the national and local levels.

But how does actual voting work?

In efforts to bring the â&#x20AC;&#x153;real worldâ&#x20AC;? to the classroom, Minds That Matter, a school in Naga City in Camarines Sur, launched a program that let students experience a simulation of the electoral process. The initiative is part and parcel of civics and citizenship education, which is an essential part of a schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curriculum.

Amelia Cadiz, the director of Minds That Matter, initiated this student election exercise that was modeled after the electoral process in the Philippines, where voters would visit respective dis-

tricts and line up to enter the polling stations. Over 800 students participated in the election, which was conducted through the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning management system, Genyo e-Learning (Genyo).

Genyo e-Learning â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the first fully integrated online learning management system brought to the Philippines by Diwa Learning Systems Inc. (Diwa) in 2007 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; houses rich, animated lessons and activities for the core subject areas of English, Science, Mathematics, Filipino and Araling Panlipunan.

With the help of Diwa, Minds That Matter became the first

school to conduct an online student election in Naga City.

Working with the Diwa Learning Integration Specialist assigned to the school, Minds That Matter guided teachers in preparing for the online election.

According to Cadiz, for the elections, the school set up a room where students registered and used their account in Genyo to be able to vote. A live video was shared with the parents through Facebook Live. After the students voted, they were marked with indelible ink, imitating the process that is applied to voters.

Minds That Matter used Genyoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s survey feature to conduct their online election. Before adopting this system, the school conducted elections through manual voting.

The slow process of counting and waiting for days to gather the

Q Minds That Matter students participate in simulated elections through Genyo e-Learning. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO results were taken out of the equation and consequently made a big difference in saving time.

Cadiz hopes that the activity

CCA Manila unveils Halal Culinary Arts program HALAL food is already available in the country for a long time now, but a lot of Filipinos are still not knowledgeable about Halal cooking and its various components.

Filipino Muslims and even tourists from Muslim countries are still HAVING A DIFkCULT TIME LOOKING FOR restaurants and eateries serving authentic Halal food, especially in Metro Manila.

4O kLL IN THE GAP THE COUNTRY S PIoneering culinary school, the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA Manila) has UNVEILED A kRST OF ITS KIND g(ALAL Culinary Artsâ&#x20AC;? program, proving anew that it is the leader in advancing the standards of the Philippine culinary landscape. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Halal is not associated with religion alone. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a lifestyle and a food safety standard. I believe

that through our Halal Culinary Arts program, we can ensure skills for the preparation, cooking and serving of foods that are delicious, clean, safe, nutritious, sustainable and ethical,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Veritas Luna, chancellor for education of CCA Manila, said.

With this, CCA Manila has alREADY WELCOMED THE kRST BATCH OF students for the program. These students underwent a rigorous 16-day comprehensive hands-on program totaling 102 hours â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the most number of hands-on hours compared to other culinary schools. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The students of this program are able to develop their cooking skills, train their palate, work in teams, and learn discipline while applying the principles of Halal cooking,â&#x20AC;? added Dr. Luna, noting

that it was CCA Manilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream to produce professional Halal-certikED CHEFS â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have more than 10 million Muslim Filipinos and we know for a fact that many of them would like to join the hospitality industry. CCA Manila is providing them a strong and professional career path for culinary arts,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Luna said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This program will reach out not only to Filipino Muslims who, wish to build their culinary enterprise based on Halal principles, but also to those who wish to cater to foreigners or work abroad in Islamic countries. A CCA Manila diploma will surely give them an edge over the others,â&#x20AC;? she added.

CCA Manila also aims to help the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic growth

through culinary tourism, manufacturing, food businesses and culinary agripreneurship; and the Halal Culinary Arts program is just one of the innovative programs that will be introduced by the school this year.

CCA Manila is now accepting applicants for the second batch of students for the Halal Culinary Arts program. As slots are limited, it is truly a wise decision to learn from the best in the culinary industry. Course fee includes ingredients for all recipes, lecture manuals and uniform.

For inquiries, you may call CCA Manila through their hotline: 02 218-8566 or 0917-5059370; You may also e-mail them at: talktoccamanila@gmail.com or visit THEIR OFkCIAL WEBSITE cca-manila.

Q Center for Culinary Arts (CCA Manila) Business Director Bea Trinidad (leftmost) presents the pioneer students of the CCA Halal Culinary Arts program: Mucear Muarit, an aspiring restaurateur based in Basilan; Ansary Cali, restaurant owner and chef; and Farrah Arabi-Pawaki, a registered nurse who dreams to put up a restaurant in Zamboanga City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Smart Saturdays helps fund portable digital classrooms MORE learners are expected to benefit from mobile technology, 21st century teaching tools and multimedia re sources as employees of PLDT wireless subsidiary Smar t Communications (Smart) continue to support â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smart Saturdays,â&#x20AC;? a fund-raising activity for the purchase of Smart School-in-a-Bag packages. Â Smart Saturdays is an employee engagement program where, for several weekends throughout a year, employees sign up for exclusive film screenings to watch blockbuster movies with their loved ones. A portion of the sale of movie ticket is used to purchase portable digital laboratories for public schools and nonformal learning centers, including those in remote areas. Â Â Facilitated by the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s People Group, the most recent and largest Smart Saturdays leg to-date gathered close to 8,000 employees and their companions in over 10 SM cinemas nationwide. Resources raised will fund School-in-a-Bag kits, which generally contain a teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laptop and tablet, student tablets, a Smart pocket WiFi unit, a solar panel and charging station, a projector, DVD player, and multimedia

resources all carried in a weather-proof backpack.  The donated devices are preinstalled with Learn Smartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suite of literacy apps that were developed in partnership with the Department of Education and academic institutions nationwide. Teachers of School-in-a-Bag beneficiary schools are also trained on the Dynamic Learning Program methodology.  In 2018, the Smart Saturdays employee program funded seven portable digital classrooms. Among the recipients were daycare and kindergarten students under the Jubilee Shelter Program (JSP), which was established by the Malolos Diocese Social Action Center Inc. in 2010 to help communities devastated by Typhoon Ondoy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After everything that the residents of this community have been through during Ondoy, these donations and programs help give them hope,â&#x20AC;? the JSP teachers jointly expressed.  Another School-in-a-Bag donation that was funded through the Smart Saturdays program was that of Monicayo Elementary School, which serves the Aeta communities of Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Principal and Aeta rights advocate Maylon Manaloto shared that though it is small and far-flung, the school boasts of some of the smartest students from area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The benefits of School-in-a-Bag will be of big help to Aeta learners, who should not get left behind when it comes to the latest learning resources,â&#x20AC;? he said. Â Other beneficiaries who received School-in-a-Bag kits funded through Smart Saturdays were learners and teachers from Balanti Elementary School in Tarlac City; Cebu City Alternative Learning Systems; Masibay Integrated School in Nunungan, Lanao Del Norte; Sampaloc Elementary School in Tanay, Rizal; and Trangka Elementary School in Maasin, Iloilo.

Since the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s launch in 2016, over a hundred School-in-a-Bag units have been deployed through partnerships between Smart and both individual and organizational donors. These have benefited over 30,000 students and more than a thousand teachers in learning communities from all over the country.

For more information on School-in-aBag, send an email to learnsmart@smart. com.ph.

would help students become more aware of how actual voting works. Minds That Matter is planning to make the online

election a regular process, which helps in obtaining faster results and provide more applications for e-learning.

The many abilities of man

BY ANTONIO G. PAPA, PHD ACCORDING To George Crane, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no future in any job. The future lies in the man who holds the job.â&#x20AC;?

For me, it is correct. A particular job has its description, which shall kT THE MAN WHO WILL HOLD THE JOB Applicants for a certain job usually look at the job description and they mentally match it with the QUALIkCATIONS THEY HAVE WRITTEN IN their bio data or rĂŠsumĂŠ.

4HE LIST OF QUALIkCATIONS Â&#x2021; THE SO CALLED JOB SPECIkCATION Â&#x2021; IS

most of the time, written in the advertisements for the job.

If there is a mismatch between THE JOB DESCRIPTION AND THE QUALIkcation of the applicant as required IN THE JOB SPECIkCATION THEN THE applicant will not push through with his application.

However, if it is a perfect match, there is a strong possibility that the applicant will continue his application and may even be hired for the job.

Most likely, the applicant will have to include in the application form the required foundations and background of individuals. Author Concepcion Martires noted that there were three composite factors that affect individual behavior namely, biological characteristics, ability and learning.

In this particular article, we will deal with the many abilities of man composed of only two sets of factors: Intellectual and physical abilities.

By the way, what is this concept called ability?

Accordingly, ability refers to an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to perform the various tasks in a job. It is the current assessment of what one can do.

4HE kRST SET OF FACTORS IS INtellectual abilities. These are those abilities needed to perform mental activities. Intelligence quotient tests are designed to ascertain oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general intellectual abilities.

Studies suggest that intelligence can be better understood by breaking it down to subparts as follows: The cognitive, social, emotional and cultural intelligence.

Cognitive intelligence encompasses the aptitudes that have been tapped by traditional intelligence tests, while social intelligence is a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to relate effectively to others.

Emotional intelligence is the

ability to identify, understand and manage emotions.

Meanwhile, cultural intelligence is the awareness of cross-cultural differences and the ability to function successfully in cross-cultural situations.

Meanwhile, the second set of factors is physical abilities. It is the capacity to do the tasks demanding an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stamina, dexterity, strength and similar characteristics.

There are nine basic physical abilities given to man as follows: â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dynamic strength is the ability to exert muscular force repeatedly or continuously over time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Trunk strength is the ability to exert muscular strength using the trunk, particularly the abdominal muscles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Static strength is the ability to exert force against external objects â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Explosive strength is the ability to expend a maximum energy in one or a series of explosive acts m %XTENT lEXIBILITY IS THE ABILITY to move the trunk and back muscles as far as possible â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dynamic flexibility is the ability to make rapid and repeated lEXING MOVEMENTS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Body coordination is the ability to coordinate the simultaneous actions of different parts of the body â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Balance is the ability to maintain equilibrium despite forces pulling off balance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stamina is the ability to continue maximum effort requiring prolonged effort over time.

Again, research studies concluded that ability influences employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; level of performance and their job satisfaction through THE ABILITY JOB kT 4HEREFORE THE many abilities of man can be used by the management in choosing their potential work force in the organization.

Dr. Antonio G. Papa is a retired university professor at the College of Economics, Management and Development Studies (CEMDS), Cavite State University in Indang, Cavite. He also served as Scientist 1 and consultant at the Marinduque State College in Boac, Marinduque. He is a graduate of both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Extension Education at the University of the Philippines at Los BaĂąos, Laguna in 1986 and 1991, respectively.

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