THE MANILA TIMES | FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Duterte vetoes general tax amnesty

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Maria Ressa is an American, bashing the Philippines salvaged her distressed career Part 1

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APPLER CEO and editor in chief Maria Angelita Aycardo Ressa is an American citizen, who of course uses US passports that identify her nationality. She has been deliberately, yet cleverly, hiding this fact.

RIG RRIGOBERTO IGG DD. TIGLAO

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Some women want to slap a politician

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Trusted since 1898

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO RESSA: SUE US, STOP ‘THEATRICS’

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) over the weekend dared Rappler chief executive OFkCER -ARIA 2ESSA TO STOP THE gTHEATRICSu AND kLE CHARGES IF SHE HAD BEEN HARASSED and abused.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra challenged Ressa to bring them to court along with the government over her indictment and arrest last week for a CYBERLIBEL COMPLAINT kLED BY A &ILIPINO

Chinese businessman.

The DoJ chief was unmoved by Ressa’s threat to hold the government accountable for her arrest.

Guevarra said they were just doing

their job and there was nothing personal against Ressa.

He added that any person who shall violate the law must be held accountable.

Govt hunting foreign suicide bombers

BY DEMPSEY REYES

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AGUIO CITY: Authorities were tracking a number of foreign terrorists who were “trained” suicide bombers and had slipped into Mindanao, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said over the weekend.

M

FIRST Y THINGS wife and FIRST I were having a quiet family dinner with our very young grandchildren last Thursday evening (Valentine’s Day) when I was informed

by GMA-Channel 7 that President Rodrigo Duterte, in a campaign speech in San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, had threatened to “slap me” for writing about his health.

FRANCISCO S. TATAD

³TatadA5 REACH US AT: E-mail: newsdesk@ manilatimes.net Tel. Nos.: 524-5664 to 67 Address: 2/F Sitio Grande, 409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila 1002

Año said the presence of these foreign terrorists was considered a threat to some cities n Mindanao.

“We are on heightened alert in Mindanao, particularly on the island of Sulu, Basilan, province of Cotabato and Zamboanga because we are still looking for foreign terrorists, who are trained suicide bombers,” Año told reporters at the sidelines of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni homecoming.

KNOCKOUT

Dave Peñalosa celebrates after beating Mexican Marcos Cardenas by knockout during a boxing tournament organized

by GerryPens Promotion at the Skydome in SM North Edsa on Saturday. PHOTO BY JOSEF T. RAMOS

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What’s inside DEPED EYES BAN ON POLL BETS NewsA8 IN GRADUATION RITES THE NYC AIDS EPIDEMIC – PART OF HUMAN HISTORY

Marit Stinus-CabugonA5

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Duterte, family spend weekend in Hong Kong

Bishops head to Vatican’s first sex abuse summit VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis gathers bishops from around the world at the Vatican this week for a hotly awaited summit on tackling the wave of child sex abuse scandals assailing the Catholic Church.

The heads of around 100 bishops’ conferences from every continent will convene from Thursday

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DIALLO SHOWS OFF HIGH-FLYING SKILLS TO WIN NBA DUNK CROWN

SportsC1

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GLOBAL INFLUENCER BRYANBOY STILL FILIPINO INSIDE AND OUT

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FOR the second time in four months, President Rodrigo Duterte went to Hong Kong unannounced for “rest and recreation.”

“Yes, he is in [Hong Kong] with Honeylet. It’s the latter’s birthday today,” Malacañang spokesman Salvador Panelo

said in a statement on Saturday, referring to the President’s partner, Honeylet Avanceña.

The President’s former top aide, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, said Duterte’s daughter Kitty requested the trip “as a gift.”

³FamilyA2

ADB country director to join Times Economic Outlook 2019 forum KELLY Bird, Country Director for the Philippines of Asian Development Bank (ADB), has confirmed his participation in The Manila Times Economic Outlook 2019 on March 6, which will have the theme “Riding the Tailwinds: Pursuing Growth and Value Amid Rising Global Risks.”

Bird was appointed to the position in January 2018. Prior to this assignment, he was director of the Public Management, Financial Sector and Trade Division in the Southeast Asia

Department of the Asian Development Bank.

He joined the ADB in June 2006, specializing in regulatory governance and reforms, financial sector development, trade and investment policy and employment policy, among others.

While at ADB, he has worked with governments on various economic development programs in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Myanmar and Thailand.

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Q Kelly Bird, country director for the Philippines, Asian Development Bank

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˜ The Manila Times MONDAY February 18, 2019

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AMNESTY ON ESTATE, DELINQUENCY TAXES RETAINED

General tax amnesty vetoed P

BY MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has vetoed the general tax amnesty provision under the Tax Amnesty Act, citing the absence of measures that will lift bank secrecy as the main reason.

This statement came from Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd, following the MalacaĂąang announcement on Friday that President Duterte had partly vetoed the Tax Amnesty Act. “The President was constrained to veto the portion of the law covering the General Amnesty because of the lack of provisions breaking the walls of bank secrecy, setting the framework for complying with international standards on exchange of information and other safeguards against those who abuse by declaring untruthful assets or net worth,â€?

Dominguez told reporters in a message late Saturday.

While the Department of Finance

(DoF) backs a general tax amnesty, Dominguez emphasized that the effectiveness of the measure depended on the lifting of the bank secrecy law. “The DoF supports a general tax amnesty for everyone with pending tax cases, however, like what we have been advocating in Congress, the 0RESIDENT SAW IT kT THAT THIS HAPPENS with the corresponding tax administration measures to strengthen enforcement against current tax evasion — the lifting of bank secrecy laws and setting the legal framework for the automatic exchange of information mechanisms,� the Finance chief said. “Thus, the general tax amnesty provisions were vetoed,� he added.

Q Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd Dominguez estimated an indirect revenue loss of about P53 billion this year from enforcement activities if the general tax amnesty was not vetoed.

If a general tax amnesty with the proper safeguards would

be passed this year, it would generate P13.6 billion additional revenue for the government. “Plus, the AEOI (automatic exCHANGE OF kNANCIAL ACCOUNT INFORMAtion) and lifting of bank secrecy could raise up to P76.6 billion in direct AND INDIRECT REVENUES IN THE NEXT kVE YEARS u THE #ABINET OFkCIAL ADDED “The President, thus, encourages Congress to pass another general amnesty law with these provisions,� he further said.

The Law on Secrecy of Bank Deposits, put in place in 1955, ensures THE CONkDENTIALITY OF ALL TYPES OF bank deposits, except when the depositor allows disclosure, in case of impeachment proceedings, upon order of a court in cases of bribery or dereliction of duty of a public OFkCIAL OR WHERE THE DEPOSIT IS THE subject of litigation.

The law seeks to encourage people to place their money in banks and discourage private hoarding so that the funds can be used for lending.

In 1981, the law was amended to allow the examination of bank records when authorized by monetary authorities or when the examination is made by an independent auditor hired by the bank itself.

Retained provisions

Dominguez said Duterte retained the provisions on estate tax amnesty and the amnesty on delinquency taxes.

This means property that have long been estate-locked will be freed, allowing heirs to make good economic use of the property they have inherited. This also allows those that have longstanding liabilities and pending criminal cases to start anew, he said. “We hope that in availing [themselves] of this amnesty — a very, very generous reprieve from the state, taxpayers would feel more encouraged to pay the right taxes, and be more empowered to be good taxpayers in the future,� the Finance chief said.

However, President Duterte also vetoed the provisions, stating that there should be a one-time settlement of estates for property under multiple unsettled estates. “He explains that the 6 percent rate at property values at the time of death is ‘more than a fair imposition already’— it is already quite GENEROUS u THE #ABINET OFkCIAL SAID Allowing a one-time settlement of unsettled estates will only eat up the expected revenues from the measure. It will also be also unfair to those who have properly settled inherited estates early and have paid at each stage of transfer.

Dominguez also said the President vetoed the provision on the presumption of correctness of estate tax amnesty returns. “The President has always had a strong stance against wrongdoers — thus, accountability is very important in this grant,� he said. “When one avails [himself] of the amnesty, the government should be able to verify his declarations,� he added.

ANDAYA:

Cash-based budget to intensify corruption HOUSE appropriations chief Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. maintains the proposed cash-based budgeting system of Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno would only worsen the level of corruption in the country. “Instead of curbing corruption, it will only intensify and expand because of the cash-based budgeting system proposed by Secretary Diokno. This will institutionalize corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),� the Camarines Sur representative said.

In his latest standoff with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) chief, Andaya questioned why Diokno was still insistent on his proposal, despite the decision of Congress to scrap THE SYSTEM WHEN IT RATIkED THE national budget.

Former Public Works secretary Rogelio Singson also strongly opposed the implementation of cashbased budgeting, Andaya noted.

Citing Singson’s January 25 letter to the House panel, Andaya said one-year cash budgeting would reduce contracts to less than P50 million, “which would not entice the qualified wellequipped contractors� and will result in poor quality of national infrastructure projects. “During my term, I purposely package[d] construction contracts above P150 million so that DPWH COULD ATTRACT QUALIkED CONTRACTORS who would be required to provide proper equipment considering that their contracts are big enough to warrant investing in good equipment. That is why we now see many of the contractors with concrete or

Q FAMILY FROM A1

Duterte “They have done this even before, when Duterte was still [the] Davao City [mayor]. The weekend getaway is for rest and recreation,� he added.

Go said the President appointed Executive Secretary Salvador MediALDEA AS THE OFkCER IN CHARGE OF THE country during Duterte’s days off.

asphalt pavers and invested in appropriate construction equipment,�

Singson’s letter read. “However, because of the one-year cash budgeting, contracts will again tend to be less than P50 million, WHICH WILL NOT ENTICE THE QUALIkED well-equipped contractors because of the small contracts,� Singson added.

‘Diokno’s in-laws to benefit’ Referring to Singson’s letter, Andaya said that Diokno’s cash-based budgeting proposal would only “institutionalize corruption� in the $07( g!ND WHO WILL BENEkT 3MALL ill-equipped suppliers or contractors just like Aremar Construction, which is partly owned by Secretary Diokno’s [in-laws],� Andaya said.

The House appropriations panel is yet to release its findings on Diokno’s alleged hand behind multimillion contracts bagged by his daughter’s in-laws, the Hamors, through Aremar Construction Corp.

January’s public hearing summoned Casiguran, Sorsogon Mayor Jose Edwin Hamor, Aremar’s biggest stockholder and founder, to answer the alleged use OF DUMMY ACCOUNTS BY THE kRM AS fronts to corner projects favoring Casiguran town.

Diokno has repeatedly snubbed the House committee’s inquiries into the alleged anomalous budget allocations by the DBM. Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said Diokno should be compelled to appear in future hearings “under the procedures of public service.�

GLEE JALEA Duterte left for Hong Kong on Friday night. He was expected to return to Manila on Sunday.

In October, Duterte went on an unscheduled trip to Hong Kong with his family, three days after disclosing he had a medical examination.

His visit to Hong Kong this time around came a week after former senator Francisco Tatad claimed Duterte underwent a kidney transplant, which was strongly denied by the President.

RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

CATRIONA DOLLS

Alvin Ocampo, 25, shows off his doll images of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, wearing the famous ‘lava’ gown and national costume that she donned during the Miss Universe pageant. Gray will have her homecoming parade later this week.

PHOTO BY RUSSELL PALMA

Q BOMBERS FROM A1

Govt hunting foreign suicide bombers “As long as they are not neutralized, we cannot completely declare safe the key cities in Mindanao,� he added.

‘IS threat should be fought globally’ At the same time, AĂąo, a former military chief and head of intelligence, said he agreed with the STATEMENT OF 53 )NDO 0ACIkC #OMmand chief Admiral Phil Davidson that threats brought by the Islamic State (IS) were “very serious.â€?

Davidson made the statement during the US Senate Armed Forces committee early this month.

He cited the deadly bombing

at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu wherein 23 were killed and dozens of others were injured; the Lamitan City bombing in Basilan last year; and THE kVE MONTH SIEGE OF -ARAWI City in 2017. “I would agree because you can see what happened to Lamitan and Jolo Cathedral. There are still foreign terrorists in our country who are inside Mindanao,â€? AĂąo said.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said over the WEEKEND THAT kGHTING THE )3 MUST not be the work of a single country only, but the whole world. “Now, it’s a really big problem not just in our region, but

the whole world as well. That is why we need coordination with other countries to monitor and prevent these, and of course, to educate our people about this violent extremism,� Madrigal told reporters at the sidelines of the PMA alumni homecoming.

he was given information that individuals from Yemen have entered Mindanao.

The Interior chief, however, believes an Indonesian couple blew themselves up at the Jolo Cathedral.

AĂąo said there had yet to be FULL CONkRMATION ON WHETHER THE Jolo suspects were Indonesians, ‘Arab-looking terrorist’ but “all sources and evidence, everything points to this IndoAĂąo said authorities were par- nesian couple,â€? he said.

AĂąo stressed that the Philipticularly tracking down an Arablooking terrorist, believed to be pines was in close coordination with Malaysia and Indofrom Yemen.

After the deadly twin explo- nesia to strengthen sea patrols, sions in Jolo in January, Defense with help coming from the US 3ECRETARY $ELkN ,ORENZANA SAID and Australia.

Q ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FROM A1

ADB country director to join Prior to joining the ADB, he worked as part of a USAid-funded project with the Indonesian government from 1999 to 2005, and in 2006 as a consultant on trade policy with the World Bank in Jakarta. He has also worked in several southern African countries on competition policy and

private sector development.

He graduated with a Ph.D. in economics from the Australian National University in 1999. He has published several papers in international journals, including Applied Economic Letters, Bulletin of Indonesian Studies, Journal of

Development Studies, Oxford Development Studies, Southeast Asian Affairs, World Economy and World Development.

The forum expects to gather the movers and shakers of trade and industry at the Mayuree Ballroom of Dusit Thani Manila, in Makati City, on Wednesday,

March 6, to hear top policymakers and business leaders make the case for the Philippines’ continued viability as an investment and growth hub.

Gain economic knowledge and insights from The Manila Times Business Forum. Reserve your seats now by calling the Marketing Communications & Services Group at 524-5664 local 113 or 109 or by emailing businessforum@ manilatimes.net.

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MONDAY February 18, 2019

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Ejercito seeks war on measles

BY BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

S

EN. Joseph Victor “JV� Ejercito on Sunday urged parents to launch a “war on measles� by having their children vaccinated as the number of deaths arising from measles continue to rise.

The reelectionist senator echoed the appeal of President Rodrigo Duterte to parents to have their children vaccinated against measles.

The Department of Health (DoH) said 1,645 measles cases were reported from January 1 to

February 14 in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) Region, with 40 deaths.

Ejercito, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, said parents should lead the battle against measles and take a strong stand against it.

“I am calling on parents to declare war on measles. Parents are the first line of defense and we have to act now before the measles enters into our houses,� he said. “Go to health centers and government hospitals immediately and have your kids immunized, it is free,� he added. “The death count due to measles must stop now. Vaccination will save children’s lives,� said Ejercito, who earned the moniker “Mr. Healthcare� for pushing the Universal Health Care measure.

He earlier urged the DoH to

ensure a steady supply of measles vaccines. “If necessary, the DoH should make an emergency procurement.

Also, the DoH should ensure timely delivery of the measles vaccines,� Ejercito said. “Given the great density of the affected regions in terms of population, quick response and SUFkCIENT VACCINES AND MEDICINES are paramount to cure the patients before they develop serious and fatal complications and at the same time prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease,� he added.

Q Sen. Joseph Victor “JV�

Ejercito

‘Tariffication may lead to oversupply of rice’ Manicad seeks better FORMER Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile on Sunday warned that implementation of the rice TARIFkCATION LAW MIGHT LEAD TO gOVER supply� of the staple that could affect local farmers.

The senator, who is seeking a comeback to the Senate, issued the warning a day after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the rice tariff bill into law.

The new law seeks to liberalize rice importation by replacing quantitative import restrictions with tariffs. It prevents the National Food Authority (NFA) from monopolizing the rice importation because private sectors will be allowed to import the grain.

The tariff is mandated at 35 percent for rice from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and 50 percent for non-Asean countries. “When you bring in too much commodity from the outside, you deprive local farmers of their source of livelihood, so we should be using tariffs to protect them,� Enrile said. “Farmers will not incur losses if [the government] only adheres to

THE RICE TARIFkCATION LAW AND RELATES [the tariffs] to the reasonable price of the commodity in the country.�

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies has projected a 29-percent decline in income ONCE THE RICE TARIFkCATION LAW IS implemented. “If anybody can bring and supply that commodity, our farmers would suffer losses and prices would go down because you plant more than what is needed to cover the demand and that should be the standard of the tariff you need to enforce,�

Enrile said.

R i c e i m p o r t e r s, h e a d d e d , should be made to strictly follow the requirements for agricultural and food safety to ensure the protection of local farmers and the agriculture sector.

He proposed that a “minimum access volume� be imposed above, which higher tariffs would be implemented. “We agree that we will allow a socalled minimum access volume for a product like rice to be exported from other countries at a very low level of

tariffs,� he said. “Now, anything above that minimum access volume should not be allowed to come in if we have SUFkCIENT SUPPLY 7ITHOUT SUFkCIENT supply, we can allow it to come in but we can subject it to tariffs. “The people will be hurt in the domestic market when you bring too much commodity from the outside and you deprive them of the source of livelihood,� he explained.

Repeal it Shring Enrile’s concerns, Anakpawis party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao has VOWED TO kLE A BILL THAT WOULD REPEAL THE TARIFkCATION ,AW “I refuse to accept that Filipinos will rely on rice coming from as far as 1,467 or 2,265 kilometers, to be freighted 907 or 1,418 nautical miles, which is totally contrary to food security,� the lawmaker said. “Relying on other countries for food is not food security, and will threaten improved quality life for all, the basic human right to food, a selfreliant and independent economy,

comprehensive rural development, agrarian reform and rights of farmers and farm workers,� he said.

The lawmaker said the law might result in the displacement of farmers, farm workers and small traders.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) said the law would directly affect 13.5 million palay farmers and their families, 17.5 million farm workers, and more than 10 million Filipinos dependent on NFA rice.

KMP chairman Danilo Ramos said the tariff law signified “the beginning of the end of the local rice industry.�

House Speaker Gloria Macapagal !RROYO HOWEVER SAID THE RICE TARIFkCATION LAW WOULD HELP EASE INlATION Arroyo, one of the authors of the rice tariff bill, had actively pushed for its passage. Duterte signed it into law on Friday, February 15. “Now we can focus on its proper implementation so that everyone can and should benefit from the law,� Arroyo said.

BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO AND GLEE JALEA

pay for media members SENATORIAL candidate Rodrigo “Jiggy� Manicad Jr. called on media companies to provide hazard and overtime pay for members of the media covering campaign sorties.

Manicad, a former journalist, vowed to push for better compensation and rights of media members, especially those who work long hours wered subjected to vulnerable situations.

He said that this move was important since the media industry must serve as a “model� for others to follow. “It is just right to look into these issues, since members of the media are being looked up to by the public. We should not treat reporters or cameramen like commodities, just like how we should not be treating our minimum wage workers as commodities,� Manicad said in a statement.

He added that the plight of provincial media members should be looked into because these were sometimes disregarded and ignored.

“I would like to stress here especially the rights of the local and regional press. For members of the national press, their needs are more visible. But those in the local or provincial media, their exposure is smaller and their rights are not discussed as much,� he said.

Manicad said provincial media members often serve as “strong guardians� of public welfare in many localities. “Local and provincial press do an equally important job of telling the news and exposing the truths in small towns and municipalities.

This election, one of our watchers against election-related violence and cheating are the local media.

We have to treat them more fairly,� he added.

Manicad earlier called on local government units and the police to safeguard the lives of members of the media during the election season, saying many journalists and reporters had been attacked while on coverage. RALPH V. VILLANUEVA

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Opinion

MONDAY February 18, 2019

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E d i to r i a l Number of drug addicts is a matter of statistical count, not of opinion

T

HE announcement by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) that, based on a survey that it conducted sometime in December, the majority of Filipinos believe the number of drug addicts in the country has decreased on account of the government’s war on drugs, should be studied with care.

Naturally, the government and concerned government agencies will be elated by the survey results.

Naturally also, critics of the drug war and the killings it has engendered will be skeptical about the survey.

Neither view is validated by facts.

We frankly do not understand the object of SWS in conducting this survey and what it seeks to gain by it.

Determining the number of drug users in various parts of the country is in our view a matter of statistical count, not of public opinion.

Drawing up drug statistics is a task best left to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), since they are the two agencies assigned to conduct or manage the campaign against illegal drugs.

What the individual citizen thinks about the drug war will not impact in any manner the level of drug use. The citizen is not in the business of counting or monitoring drug users in his neighborhood or barangay.

It would be different if SWS had conducted a survey on whether citizen respondents approve or disapprove of the government’s war on drugs. Then the survey quesTION WOULD lATLY BE A MATTER OF THE CITIZEN S OPINION The SWS survey was conducted from December 16 to

AMONG ADULTS NATIONWIDE 4HE kRM SAID it showed that 66 percent of Filipinos believed that the number of drug users in their community had dropped.

Meanwhile, 14 percent said it increased, while the rest said it was unchanged.

The SWS also said that the survey was not commissioned by any organization or any person. It conducted the opinion poll solely on its own, as a matter of public service.

A things stand, however, the survey findings look to us more deceptive than informative. It directs the attention of the public in the wrong direction – to opinion, not facts.

This survey is like the satisfaction survey of SWS on the job performance of President Duterte and other OFkCIALS )NSTEAD OF ASKING THE STANDARD QUESTION IN SURveys everywhere, whether citizen respondents approve OR DISAPPROVE OF THE PRESIDENT S PERFORMANCE IN OFkCE

SWS persists in asking respondents whether they are SATISkED WITH HIM The result is confusion, not information or enlightenment.

The result of the present SWS survey will be no less distracting. It will lead citizens to talk about the wrong THING OR TO INTERPRET THE kNDINGS ANY WAY THEY LIKE Predictably, the Palace has welcomed the survey result as “a validation of the success of the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.�

But is it really a validation?

We submit that validation must come from another kind of evaluation, not from an opinion poll. A serious statistical count of drug users, and a study of the level of drug use in local communities across the archipelago must be undertaken.

Then and only then can government and the public CONkDENTLY SAY THAT THE WAR ON ILLEGAL DRUGS HAS BEEN A success, or is succeeding. ~

MONDAY February 18, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 129

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

It’s all about ‘pork’

T

HE principal job of senators and congressmen is to propose laws to protect citizens. That’s why they’re called lawmakers or legislators.

They’re not supposed to deliver roads, bridges, school buildings, and other infrastructure facilities because the task of implementing projects falls on government agencies and local government executives.

But if you’ve been following developments on the process of approving the annual budget of the national government, discussions were stalled by disagreements on the

TEA TIME TITA C. VALDERAMA amount of projects each senator and congressman would get in the succeeding year. They’re more worried about their pork barrel allocations than anything else.

Because senators and party-list lawmakers have national constituencies, they could claim that the re-

alignments they make in the budget were “institutional amendments� while those of congressmen were “parochial� insertions that would BENEkT THE DISTRICTS THEY REPRESENT It’s disturbing that more than kVE YEARS AFTER THE 3UPREME #OURT declared the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) as unconstitutional, the present Congress came up recently with a General Appropriations Act that contains almost thrice the amount of pork barrel than what was declared unlawful in 2013.

In 2013, each congressman was entitled to P60 million worth of projects funded out of the General Appropriations Act. In the GAB recently ratified by the Senate and the House, and awaiting President Duterte’s signature, the pork barrel allocation for each congressman has gone up to P160 million. That’s just the minimum amount.

3EN 0ANkLO ,ACSON EARLIER SAID Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would get P2.4 billion while Majority Leader Rolando Andaya’s

ÂłValderamaA5

Q TIGLAO FROM A1

Maria Ressa is an American, bashing the Philippines salvaged her distressed career So have US media which rushed in, believing her lies against the Duterte administration, either because of their journalistic laziness or perhaps after all, proud that an American is lecturing this Third World country SOMEWHERE IN THE 0ACIkC ON PRESS freedom and is being persecuted for it.

No wonder that American press institutions that want to impose their beliefs on Third World nations have showered Ressa with awards THAT A gBRAVE &ILIPINAu IS kGHTING FOR press freedom in this country with a spineless local press.

It is so disgusting that Vice President Leni Robredo, Yellow senators like Risa Hontiveros, Church ofkCIALS AND EVEN ACADEMIC INSTITUtions like the Ateneo and La Salle GAVE THE BENEkT OF THE DOUBT TO AN American rather than to Filipinos patriotically serving the country like Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who ordered Ressa to be charged with cyber-libel, and Judge Reinalda Estacio-Montesa, who issued the arrest warrant against her.

Guevarra is such a respected legal eagle that Duterte appointed him to his post, even if he was formerly former President Aquino 3rd’s deputy executive secretary.

Estascio-Montesa on the other hand is the country’s foremost expert in THE NOVEL kELD OF CYBER CRIME AND was our sole representative in the European Union’s Global Action on Cybercrime. Her independence and integrity are obvious in that she was kRST APPOINTED AS TRIAL COURT JUDGE BY Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2006 and then by Benigno Aquino 3rd as regional trial court judge in 2012.

Are these the type of people whom President Duterte can tell what to do, to “weaponize� – Ressa’s term – our laws?

concerns over a purported attack on the press, as Rappler implied. It was simply because Ressa is a US citizen, and US embassies are required to publicly express concern over a HIGH PROkLE CITIZEN BEING ARRESTED and charged in local courts.

If Ressa had to spend more than a day in detention, we would have SEEN A 53 EMBASSY OFkCER VISIT HER to check on her situation, as is standard operating procedure for American embassies.

Going by the success of Ressa in spreading lies around the world, the framers of our Constitution were men of foresight when they put in our nation’s basic law: “The ownership and management of mass media shall be limited to citizens of the Philippines, or to corporations, cooperatives or associations, wholly owned and managed by such citizens.�

ers are totally banned from both investing in or managing.

So unlike Poe

Talk of “transparency� Ressa incessantly says this country needs: She has never disclosed to the Securities and Exchange Commission nor anywhere else that she swore to “absolutely and entirely renounce AND ABJURE ALL ALLEGIANCE AND kDELITY to� the Philippines. This is so unlike Sen. Grace Poe, who renounced her 53 CITIZENSHIP TO RUN FOR OFkCE IN THE country of her birth.

Ressa considers herself an American, and has been ashamed to claim TO BE IDENTIkED AS A &ILIPINO WHEN traveling abroad. Except once when she tried out her new Philippine passport issued under the dual citizenship law in 2004, Ressa has always used her 53 PASSPORTS FOUR SO FAR SINCE THE kRST Oath of US allegiance was issued in the 1970s (US passports have 10-year validities).

Ressa became a US citizen shortly She used her US passports in all after her family migrated to the of her 350 arrivals and departures US in 1973, and swore the oath in the Philippines in the past 14 of allegiance required of natu- years. With such frequency of travel, RALIZED !MERICANS THE VERY kRST leaving the country almost every sentence of which declares: month, either Ressa has a secret “I hereby declare, on oath, job as international correspondent, that I absolutely and entirely re- spy – or so homesick of America nounce and abjure all allegiance she visits it so often. (I wonder if AND kDELITY TO ANY FOREIGN PRINCE she charged her trips to Rappler.) potentate, state, or sovereignty, of No wonder Ressa is so bold in whom or which I have heretofore spreading lies against Duterte. Bebeen a subject or citizen.� hind her to defend her is the most No wonder Ressa has no powerful nation on earth. If ever qualms about lying to the world Ressa is convicted of the crimes she that the Philippine president is is charged of and ordered jailed, she a dictator and is attacking the COULD JUST lEE TO THE 53 press. She just isn’t a Filipino, in Despite the Philippines’ extradition the deeper meaning of the term. treaty with the US, the imperial power While she acquired Philippine has had a track record of refusing to citizenship in 2004 under the coun- extradite its citizens hunted by police try’s “dual citizenship law,� this has authorities or convicted by courts for been only for convenience, for her to some crime. This happened for instance own property in the country. There even in the face of public outrage, as in US embassy is no oath similar to the US oath of the case of American Rod Strunk, the Right after Ressa was arrested, the US allegiance (to “abjure� allegiance to prime suspect in the murder of his wife embassy issued a statement — a rare one’s former country) in such re- Nida Blanca in 2001, whom the US has ONE HER MEDIA OUTkT 2APPLER ITSELF acquisition of Filipino citizenship refused to extradite to the Philippines reported — which said: “We hope by a former Filipino. despite the charges against him. the charge against journalist and Dual citizenship proved to be Rappler CEO Maria Ressa will be a huge advantage for Ressa as she Hid nationality resolved quickly in accordance with claimed to be a Filipino in becomrelevant Philippine law and inter- ing a major stockholder of Rappler US media foundations which shownational standards of due process.� AND LATER 2APPLER (OLDINGS A kRM ered Ressa with so much praise as a The statement was not due to US in media, an industry where foreign- COURAGEOUS kGHTER FOR PRESS FREEDOM

struggled to hide her nationality.

For example, the Committee to Protect Journalists announced that its 2018 “International Press Freedom Awards go to a Vietnamese blogger, Venezuelan reporter, Ukrainian broadcaster, a Sudanese freelancer, a Cameroonian radio correspondent, and a Tibetan docuMENTARY kLMMAKER u How did it refer to Ressa who was given Columbia University’s Gwen )kLL 0RESS &REEDOM !WARD Just as “Rappler editor,� without identifying her nationality. The Columbia University functionary, Sheila Coronel, who lobbied for Ressa’s award, and who prides herself on being a top-notch investigative journalist, portrayed Ressa as a Filipina, that she “was born in the Philippines, migrated with her family to the US, and then returned to Manila in the 1980s.� She omitted to mention what would have been A SIGNIkCANT INFORMATION 4HAT SHE assumed American citizenship in the 1970s and never gave it up.

Ressa though is not a rare creature in this sorry country. Not a few Filipinos who abandoned their country by becoming US citizens or to work abroad (even to purportedly teach investigative journalism in an Ivy League school) delight in bashing the country, without even doing research to verify information spewed in such publications as Rappler.

What’s happened to our country?

Why do we allow an American to run a company in an industry totally reserved for Filipinos? Why do we allow this American to tell lies to the world that press freedom is under attack in this country, and that only she and her Rappler are bold enough to oppose a dictator?

Why are so many among our political and intellectual elite so gullible to believe an American’s lies against this country and its government?

On Wednesday, Part 2: How Ressa salvaged her distressed career by being a tool of the Yellows and then bashing the country and Duterte

Email: tiglao.manilatimes@ gmail.com Facebook: Rigoberto Tiglao Twitter: @bobitiglao Archives at: www.rigobertotiglao.com

˜ The Manila Times MONDAY February 18, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net Q TATAD FROM A1

Some women want to slap a politician A niece messaged me later to say DU30 had asked me “to prove my virility,� and “lend him my wife for 10 minutes.� The threat was totally uncalled for, and the vulgarity way out of bounds. It was lower than low—far beyond the limits of what was morally permissible—even from the most reprehensible source.

I am a non-violent presidential critic, not an enemy of the President or the State. I engage in intellectual battles, argumentation and debate, not in tests of muscular strength or competitions in lewd behavior. In a few months, I will be 80, my wife 75; if DU30, who is 73, would like to demonstrate his manhood, he would probably MEET NO DIFkCULTY IN VIOLATING THE dignity of a defenseless and nonviolent elderly couple.

Early history I have no personal quarrel with President DU30. Some of my best friends in Davao are also his friends, and before he became President I used to think that because of them, he and I were also “friends.� On my two successful senatorial runs, he gave me a ride on his motorbike and was utterly friendly and helpful.

In the last election, I did not vote for any presidential candidate.

But some people thought that by questioning candidate Grace Poe’s Filipino citizenship before the Supreme Court, my friends and I actually helped the winner.

They reasoned that had we not questioned Sen Poe’s citizenship, which cost her so many votes, she, not DU30, might have prevailed.

All this is water under the bridge now, but this helps to show that my colleagues and I, at the National Transformation Council, were never DU30’s critics in the beginning. We became critics only after every terrible thing began—the violations of human rights, the attacks on God, the Church, and religion, the deliberate relinquishment to China of our sovereign claims in the West Philippine Sea, and other serious issues. Even so, we never became DU30’s enemies at all. As devoted Catholic Christians, we continue to denounce his errors, while praying for his conversion.

In one column, I said we cannot give up on this President; by the grace of God, Saul, who persecuted Christ, became Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles.

Shaken belief  As a critic, I have raised issues others dared not raise. In fairness to DU30, he has endured my criticisms without any harassment or threat of violence and without

heaping upon me or my family any abuse—until now. I thought this was a blessing despite his clear descent into authoritarian rule, which I have condemned.

But his Valentine’s Day attack on me may have shaken to the core my belief in his ability to handle his critics and their criticisms.

This is not good at all.

I have been in public life since 1969 when, at 29, I joined the Cabinet and stayed for 10 long years. From the Cabinet, where I served as press secretary, presidential spokesman and information minister, I served IN THE LEGISLATURE kRST AT THE INterim Batasang Pambansa, where I represented the Bicol region as THE kRST OF ITS ASSEMBLYMEN

then in the Senate, where I served mostly as Majority Leader – for a total of 15 years. In between elective positions, I went back to journalism and functioned as a critic of presidents—from Marcos after I left the Cabinet, through Cory Aquino, before I joined the Senate, up to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and B.S. Aquino 3rd, after I left the upper chamber.

disrespecting people. If I see you, get out of my way. You son of a b***h, I will slap you. Believe me, I will slap you in front of a lot of people.�

Report undisputed He never found it necessary to say that my report about his alleged kidney operation on Jan. 29, 2019, was false. In fact, he never referred to the alleged kidney procedure; instead, he excoriated me for allegedly claiming—which I never did—that he was afflicted with “cancer.� By changing the term of reference, he avoided answering the question I asked in my column, “Did he get a new kidney?�

The President said this was a violation of press freedom. Perhaps what he really meant was, it’s a violation of his right to privacy. But where the President’s health is concerned, the people’s right to know and the President’s duty to be transparent about it, are paramount and precede his right to privacy. The Constitution makes this abundantly clear.

DU30’s virility

If the President’s only problem were his virility, a subject he likes In 1972, I read Marcos’ martial to talk about, no journalist could law proclamation to the nation. claim the right or duty to inquire But I became the only member into it, even in the name of press of his Cabinet to resign, six years freedom. This is because a leader’s before the EDSA revolt. Then, as libido is not the legitimate cona “comebackingâ€? journalist and cern of the community, unless, a newly minted critic, I helped of course, the problem is one of expose Marcos’ two secret kidney extreme excess, which makes its transplants in 1983 and 1984, possessor behave like an animal in among other things. Yet Marcos, heat which tries to mate with every whom many called a dictator, female beast on sight. In which never responded as DU30 has, case, its possible effect on public to my journalism. MalacaĂąang order and state affairs could create denied my exclusive stories, and a legitimate public interest. tried to show pictures of Marcos I hope and pray that DU3O’s working in his study under nor- spoken threat does not transmal conditions, while he received late into a real act of violence. medical care somewhere else. But However, 849 years ago, in 1170, Marcos never lost his cool.

Thomas Becket, the Archbishop The whole Valentine’s Day of Canterbury, was murdered by speech was a total shocker. I did King Henry 2nd’s dark knights NOT WANT TO ADD kRE TO IT SO ) after they heard him say, “Will no declined all interviews with the one rid me of this meddlesome TV stations and the usual news priest?� This is what some people forums. ut wherever I went after fear. DU30 is no Henry 2nd, and that, I was met by angry women I am no Thomas Becket, but there who said they would like to are many villainous characters “slap a politician� not so much around who may not hesitate because DU30 had threatened to add another murder to their to slap me, as because he had crimes. DU30 should guarantee disrespected my wife, who is not that nothing like this happens. a party to the controversy, and, because of her, all women.

A positive ending Reporting on DU30’s speech last Saturday, The Manila Times quoted For the nation’s sake, this episode DU30 as saying my last article on must end well. This entails a few his health condition, which he things. First of all, the President failed to reference accurately, was should be able to suffer the disa “violation� of press freedom, for tinction between the rights and reasons he did not specify. “This duties of the press and those of Tatad, you Tatad. You know there is HIS OFkCE "ETWEEN PURELY PRIVATE a border between press freedom and matters and matters of public

Harder than Marcos

interest. And how to respond to legitimate criticism.

Regarding the last, the President should find time to read and understand what his critics write.

My impression is that he does not exert enough effort to do this. In my own case, I am told somebody reads what I write and summarizes it for the President. Since I am not always easy to read, so much is lost in the process.

Thus, DU30 seems to believe I have written what I have not written—that he is suffering from cancer. In 2017, when his spokesman could not tell the press where the President was, I asked whether it was possible he had gone to the Fuda Cancer Hospital in Guangzhou as some had claimed in social media. The 0RESIDENT WAS kRST PIQUED BUT EVENTUALLY CONkRMED IT SAYING he had gone to Fuda to see where Tatad had himself circumcised, so that he could have his own CIRCUMCISION kXED TOO

The next steps In my last piece on the President’s health, I reported on the alleged kidney operation after he disappeared from public view for a combined stretch of 14 days, prompting the Malacaùang spokesman, Sal Panelo, to formally squelch rumors that he had in fact died. Malacaùang should have instantly declared that kidney report false; but for at least a full week the report was completely uncommented upon, and when the President finally spoke, he threatened to slap me in the face without denying the story.

To avoid this from recurring, DU30 should now follow the Constitution and require his medical doctor to periodically issue bulletins about his state of health. He should also probably meet with his critics every now and then to satisfy their curiosity about his health, and at the same time to enable him to give them a piece of his mind, and “slap them in the face,� if ever necessary. Marcos never shied away from these encounters; DU30 should be braver than Marcos.

Big corporate media should now exercise their paramount duty to inform the public on the President’s state of health at all times.

Whenever any question on this issue arises, they should make it THEIR BUSINESS TO BE THE kRST ONES TO GET THE ENTIRE STORY OUT kRSTHAND They should not allow one solitary journalist, particularly a columnist, to risk getting slapped in the face for running after the story by his lonesome. Big media should BE THE kRST ONES TO GO IN

fstatad@gmail.com

Q VALDERAMA FROM A4

A5

The NYC AIDS epidemic – part of human history RESURGENCE O

NE aspect of the life of Freddy Mercury as shown, however briefly, in the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody,â€? was his frequenting of New York City’s gay bars around 1980. I recalled Danish author Suzanne Brøgger’s description of places such as The Anvil and The Toilet from her book-promoting trip to New York City around 19761977. Brøgger describes “the glory holeâ€? where men would perform oral sex on other men, without knowing or seeing who was on the other side of the “glory holeâ€? wall. “Fisting showsâ€? was a common form of entertainment. Some places offered their patrons the opportunity to urinate or defecate on others, or vice versa, or engage in sadomasochistic activities.

This may all sound bizarre, but the 1970s and early 1980s were a time of sexual liberation, experimentation and unbridled pursuit of sexual pleasure. Casual and frequent sexual encounters were common.

The people—mostly homosexual men—who patronized above mentioned bars—and equally popular bath houses—were enjoying their sexual freedom to the fullest.

But then people started getting sick and dying. The New York Times on July 3, 1981 featured an article entitled “Rare cancer seen in 41 homosexuals.� The rare cancer was Kaposi’s sarcoma which manifests itself in blotches on the skin, usually colored purple, red or brown.

The doctors in New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles—cities known for their colorful gay scenes—were clueless as to why this rare form of cancer was suddenly affecting relatively many, and relatively young, men, all of them gay.

Thus, the disease was initially referred to as “gay cancer.â€? Nobody knew how people got infected and there was no accurate way to determine the presence of the infection that would eventually lead to Kaposi’s sarcoma or other terminal illnesses. It was only later that it became clear that the spots associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma meant that the infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) had progressed into full-blown acquired immunodekCIENCY SYNDROME OR !)$3 4HE lively nightspots and bath houses which Brøgger had been curious about were all but history by 1986.

New York City recently put up a memorial for its AIDS victims, about 50,000 of whom had died by 1994, the year that AIDS-related deaths peaked in the city. The memorial aims to “honor the more than 100,000 people who have died from AIDS in New York City and the tens of millions more who have died throughout the world� (nycaidsmemorial.org). The me-

MARIT STINUSCABUGON

morial also “calls us to remember the far-reaching impacts of the disease, compounded by stigma and the lack of legal rights for gay couples� (“Behind the Bushes: The Gay History of the High Line.� June 22, 2017,www.thehighline.org).

More conservative members of society whose morals were offended “felt that this was a disease that resulted from a sleazy lifestyle, drugs or kinky sex – that certain people had learned their lesson and it served them right,� Dr. Mathilde Krim, founding chairperson of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, told the New York Times Magazine in 1988. Dr. Krim who passed away a year ago at the ripe age of 91, fought the battle against “superstitions, fears and prejudices that have stigmatized many people with AIDS, subjecting them to rejection and discrimination� (New York Times, January 16, 2018). Interestingly, she apparently embarked on this crusade because the way !)$3 AFlICTED GAYS WERE TREATED IN the early 1980s reminded her how Jews of whom she then (in the early 1940s) knew none, had been described to her as people who were “dirty and evil and deserved to die.�

While Sub-Saharan Africa has been ravaged by AIDS resulting in millions of deaths since the 1980s, the Philippines continues to have a relatively low infection rate.

However, it is today one of the few countries with increasing numbers of HIV infections. About 1,000 new infections are reported every month (almost 100 percent more than in 2013). Of the 12,000 newly infected, 11,000 are men. Majority of them were infected through sexual contact with other men. A growing number of infections happen in overcrowded jails either as a result of sexual contact or sharing of needles for drug injection. Philippine jails have become extremely congested in the last couple of years as a result of the war on drugs.

Are we turning our backs on these members of society because they are “dirty and evil and deserve to die�?

Freddy Mercury who needs no further introduction, died in 1991.

Michel Foucault, the eminent French philosopher who wrote extensively on the relationship between power and knowledge, in 1984. They are among the 35.4 million victims of AIDS. One way TO HONOR ALL VICTIMS IS TO kGHT THE further spread of HIV through prevention and by making treatment available to every HIV-afflicted persons. Every life counts.

FOCUS

It’s all about ‘pork’ allocation would be P1.9 billion. Chairmen of the various legislative committees and members of the appropriations committee traditionally get more than what ordinary lawmakers have.

Reports said some senators would have a cumulative total of P23 billion in budget insertions, or nearly P1 billion for each of the 24 senators.

It appears that the acquittal of former senator Bong Revilla and the release on bail of former senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada over the multi-billion pork barrel scandal believed to have been masterminded by Janet Lim-Napoles has emboldened lawmakers to allocate bigger pork barrel funds and disregard the Supreme Court ruling on PDAF. Revilla, Estrad, and Ernile were charged with a non-bailable case of plunder for allegedly taking kickbacks from their porkl through an elaborate scheme to divert public funds to fake government projects.

Based on the findings of the Ombudsman’s investigation, Revilla got the biggest amount of kickbacks from the scam amounting to P224 million, followed by Estrada with P183 million, and Enrile with P172 million.

The Sandiganbayan First Division had convicted Napoles for her misuse of public funds, while her co-accused Revilla was acquitted for the prosecution’s failure to prove he amassed ill-gotten wealth. But while the

Opinion

anti-graft court acquitted Revilla, he was ordered to return to the national treasury P124 million in public funds.

Enrile was accused of amassing illgotten wealth worth P172.8 million when he channeled P345 million of his PDAF to the fake Napoles-led foundations from 2004 to 2010.

Enrile and Estrada have been granted bail.

All three former senators are running again to reclaim their seats in the Senate in the May elections. They’ve been claiming to be victims of selective justice and persecution by the previous administration. Once they get elected, they can dip their hands again into pork barrel funds that they allegedly misused before.

Lawmakers are supposed to represent the people, commune with them about their problems, concerns and suggestions. But in reality, most of them get to meet the people only when they are wooing for votes and, instead of asking for their problems and concerns, they sing out of tune or mislead the people with their false claims.

Senators and congressmen are expected TO kGHT FOR LEGISLATION THAT WOULD SERVE THE best interest of the average citizen, instead of their political interests.

Over the years, many lawmakers give the impression that they’re running for PUBLIC OFkCE FOR THE FUNDS m PORK BARREL funds – and perks, for their personal and family interests, and not for service to the public. It’s just all about the pork barrel!

EU flags come down in Brexit Britain KNARESBOROUGH, United Kingdom: At a flag-making workshop in northern England, orders for Union Jacks are flying off the production line while the EU’s blue-and-yellow standard is proving less and less popular.

Flying Colours, which makes flags for Britain’s royal palaces, has seen EU flag orders drop by 90 percent since the country voted to leave the bloc in 2016. “We’ve certainly seen a fall,� Andy Ormrod, director of the factory in North Knaresborough in Yorkshire, told AFP. “Times have changed, our attitudes have changed.... The demand isn’t there,� he said.

Britain’s union flag is proving more popular than ever, with orders up roughly 75 percent since last summer. “People are getting a little bit more passionate, I personally think, in being British,� said Ormrod, who voted for Brexit because he is “sick and tired� of Brussels. “I have a feeling that we are wanting more of our identity within the UK,� the flag-maker added.

‘Standoffish’ about flags Britain has a long and complicated history with flags, according to Graham Bartram, chief vexillologist at the Flag Institute, a research center in London.

Until the last decade, the country has

been reticent about displaying even its own national flag, he said.

The union flag is currently only flown from government buildings on 21 days each year, including royal birthdays and anniversaries and saints’ days.

Bartram puts the trend down to various factors, including Britons wanting to downplay latent displays of patriotism and the country’s imperial past. “We were standoffish about all flags,� he said, noting this extended to the European flag. “It’s not a flag you would tend to see around Britain.�

In fact, prior to 2007, it was technically illegal to fly the EU and other national flags in Britain without planning permission, because they were considered advertising.

Following a change in the law, the bloc’s flag began to be seen more, flying outside the Scottish parliament, the Welsh and London assemblies and some other civic sites.

Hotels, organizations that have received SIGNIkCANT FUNDING FROM THE BLOC AND %5 member states’ embassies are also among THOSE TO lY THE %UROPEAN lAG

Symbol of resistance?

A petition lodged with parliament

in the aftermath of the 2016 referendum—signed by nearly 20,000 people—called for all EU “flags, emblems and logos� to be removed immediately from public buildings in Britain.

The government dismissed the calls, noting that “while the UK is a member of the EU it is in order for EU flags and symbols to be used in UK government buildings.�

All that could change once Britain has left the EU. A spokesperson for the mayor of London said the emblem would be taken down from outside City Hall.

However, spokespeople for the Welsh Assembly and Scottish Parliament, said no decisions have been taken. “We’ll take stock when the time is appropriate,� said the spokesman in Scotland, where voters overwhelmingly backed remaining in the bloc in the 2016 referendum.

The European flag was first created by the Council of Europe and only later adopted by the EU. Bartram said its continued use by the Council, which Britain will remain a member of after Brexit, could provide cover for those who want to keep flying it after March 29.

Could it become a symbol of Brexit resistance? “Possibly,� he added. “And that would be interesting.�

AFP

A6

Opinion

˜ The Manila Times MONDAY February 18, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Hope pool

W

HEN everything else fails, hope prevails.

A person’s patience and perseverance are finite. After years of working and trying to move up a career ladder, a skilled worker or professional finally comes to terms with the fact that he or she is not getting any younger.

A classmate, a neighbor, a relative who shared his or her childhood, classroom, or work space might have moved on to what was a common destination: a better future built on a stable source of progressing income, with a quality of life that the skilled worker or professional and his or her family could enjoy, without asking for favors, without fear, with hope.

My high school classmates from the Philippine College of Commerce (now Polytechnic University of the Philippines) have organized a grand reunion – dubbed the GR2019 – an activity that dawns especially when twilight looms in the horizon.

My schedule got in the way of attending but from what I heard and monitored, the event was an unqualified success in gathering the past, sharing the present and facing the years ahead.

Kudos to Letty Romasanta, Mur Dioquino, Chito Mejia, Amihan Evidente, Freddie Gathalian and the other board of directors for great achievement.

Like most citizens past their prime, in contrast to the road ahead, we have more to look at in

MIGRANT MATTERS

CRISPIN R. ARANDA the rearview mirror, but such does not dampen the spirit nor block THE SPRING WHERE HOPE lOWS For the next and succeeding generations of high school graduates, those who would be skilled workers and professionals in various trades and occupations, making the most of the years of productive activities should be the goal.

Where should one look for direction for the journey ahead?

Will the journey require leaving the shores of one’s Motherland TO FULkLL THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PARenthood and family obligations?

When a 9-to-5 job plus overtime fails to provide, all options must be on the table. For 10 to 12 million Filipinos, moving on became a necessity; moving on and out emerges as the only viable option.

I can make light of the fact that I am 10 years past the age defined by my favorite Beatles’ song “When I’m 64.� As a journalist from high school days to the present, reading at least two newspapers a day is part of my daily ritual. Now, checking my FB for the latest posting of who, what, where and why has been added.

As we go through life, we realize, accept and adjust to the fact

that concepts change. “Orange is the new black� or, as in the case of those who enter midlife, “Life begins at 40,� the age when death begins stare at people in the eye in Medieval England. With the advent of technology, work got a lot easier, advances in medicine extended one’s lifespan, home gadgets introduced entertainment and living simply got a lot easier.

As Walter Pitkin confidently forecasted, the theme of his 1932 book Life Begins at Forty is no longer just “half a truth.� Tomorrow is here and the phrase is now an axiom.

Today, Pitkin’s theory seems to have been replaced with “Sixty is the new 40.�

The same factors for advancing the age number remained the same: technological advances which also led to better health care, new wellness regimen, which stretched life expectancy by two decades, allowing us to revisit that which we have been to, to ponder on how things might have been, accepting those that cannot be changed, exerting efforts to change what we can.

Choices disappear with age While the US remains the first choice for Filipinos for temporary and permanent migration, other destinations offer attractive options.

Of the five countries with permanent migration programs,

only the United States does not have a points-based immigrant selection system. Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK have points-tested migration schemes that prefer younger workers in shortage occupations, allocating more points to those with higher communication skills – English and language proficiency – and time invested in the country of intended destination.

In terms of age, Australia assigns more points to those in the 25 to 32 age range; Canada – 20 to 29; New Zealand – 20 to 39. The UK does not have a direct pathway to permanent residency (called “indefinite leave to remain�).

As for age limit, Australia and Canada set 44 as the age to earn points towards the required total to qualify for permanent migration. However, while Australia assigns set points for an age range, applicants 33 to 49 get 25 points, those in the 40 to 44 range get the lowest – 15 points, New Zealand appears to be more liberal in getting older skilled migrants setting the age limit (to earn points) at 55.

Based on NZ’s formula, a Skilled Migrant applicant intending to be part of the candidate pool eligible for selection should have had more education, qualification, experience and bonus factors, including previous or extended stay in the country as international

Trump’s quest to undermine multilateral development banks IN the post-war era, the multilateral development banks were created to facilitate global trade. Today, they are ‘America First’ targets.

R

ECENTLY, the White House has been pushing its America First stance in the World Trade Organization (WTO) by controversial appeals to a “national security exception.� In response to the Trump tariffs, several WTO members have brought dispute settlement cases against the US. 4HE 7ORLD "ANK IS NEXT IN THE kRING LINE Reportedly, the White House will announce David Malpass as the nominee for President of the World Bank, after Jim Yong Kim’s RESIGNATION WELL BEFORE THE END OF HIS kVE year term in 2022.

In the 2016 election, Malpass served as Trump’s economic advisor. A year later he was appointed undersecretary for international affairs in the US Department of the Treasury. But he is an odd choice to head the World Bank – a bit like selecting a coal CEO to head the struggle against climate change.

An ‘America First’ World Bank Like US Representative of Trade Robert Lighthizer, Malpass began his political career in the 1980s Reagan administration seeking to contain the rise of Japan through the Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act; the same unilateral legislation Trump is exploiting against China in the current trade dispute.

During his 15 years as chief economist at Bear Stearns, Malpass was not known for his economic foresight. A year before the global crisis, he wrote that “housing- and debt-market corrections will probably add to the length of the US economic expansion.� And amidst lingering crisis, he urged for higher interest rates.

During his tenure as undersecretary of the treasury for international affairs, Malpass has taken an aggressive position against China. In early 2018, he slammed China’s “non-market behavior� advocating stronger responses.

When Trump tariff wars began, some 20 career staff quit Malpass’ unit in less than a year, opposing the administration’s unilateral trade policies and Malpass’ poor leadership style.

To Malpass, the World Bank is a “giant sprawl� of international organizations that create “mountains of debt without solving problems.� He promotes a new “debttransparency initiative� that would shed more light on the international liabilities of the world’s governments. Such an initiative would not target America’s $22 trillion pile of sovereign debt, but China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Evidently, he would like to subject China and its loans into a politicized scrutiny, effectively extending US investment reviews through the Bank.

opment (IBRD), which provides loans to middle-income economies, and the International Development Association (IDA), which targets low-income economies.

DAN STEINBOCK while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been led by a European. Both institutions are located in Washington, D.C. and work closely with each other, as international extensions of the US Department of the Treasury - as critics contend.

Amid the 2008 crisis fall, IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn managed to achieve G20 cooperation that contained the global free-fall. In exchange, advanced economies pledged commitment to global governance reforms in multilateral development banks. Yet, those reforms were ignored after Strauss-Kahn was replaced with French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde who has worked most of her professional career in the US. The IMF’s economic stance is shifting toward Washington as well. Recently, Lagarde appointed Gina Gopinath as the IMF chief economist to succeed Maurice Obstfeld.

Gopinath is a veteran US economist and co-director at National Bureau of Economic Research. In her most recent work, she has been an outspoken advocate of the US dollar whose dominance she expects to continue largely undisturbed.

Since 2011, BRICS economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have stressed that the selection of the IMF chief on the basis of nationality undermines its international legitimacy. Despite the 2010 cosmetic reforms, advanced economies continue to dominate World Bank voting shares over emerging economies (SEE kGURE).

The World Bank comprises the International Bank for Reconstruction and Devel-

From reforms to retrenchment Since the early 2010s, China, along with many other major economies has been promoting the huge, multi-decade Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank (NDB). The Obama administration took a skeptical view of all three initiatives, which the Trump administration has branded as “national security risks� to America.

As the World Bank may face a divisive political struggle, US interests are growing more prominent at the IMF, while the WTO has been targeted by trade hawks.

Concurrently, attempts by emerging and developing economies to help themselves are shunned as security threats to American interests. Meanwhile, the West’s multilateral development banks are bailing out rich European economies, targeting poorer ones and sanctioning those that oppose Washington’s unilateralism.

There is a gap between the economic share of emerging economies and their voice in the international community.

And it is deepening, even though emerging economies are growing relatively faster and their economic share will exceed that of advanced economies within a decade or two.

That serves neither America’s nor emerging powers’ long-term interests.

Dr. Dan Steinbock is the founder of Difference Group and has served at the India, China and America Institute (US), Shanghai Institute for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). For more, see http://www.differencegroup.net/

ADVANCED AND EMERGING ECONOMIES: ECONOMIC VERSUS VOTING POWER* NOMINAL GDP, 2019

VOTING POWER, 2019 (IBRD, IDA, WORLD BANK)*

Toward ‘America First’ IMF Since the Bretton Woods, the president of the World Bank has been an American,

* Red: The share of seven largest emerging economies of total votes.

Blue: The share of seven largest advanced economies of total vote.

students or temporary workers.

And based on that previous stay, one’s communication skills should have also improved resulting in higher scores for English or language proficiency.

At the same time, an intending immigrant (skilled worker or professional) would have expanded his or her network, establish relationships that would also bolster his total points towards being invited to apply for permanent residency.

Manitoba, for example, offers applicants direct access to be nominated or selected by the province, a viable alternative to Canada’s Express Entry selection on the federal level without a job offer. Strong connections in the province – having close friends or relatives, no matter how distant – allow direct application in Manitoba’s Skilled Worker nomination program.

Otherwise, skilled workers overseas must submit their profile through Canada’s Express Entry program and be part of the canDIDATE POOL #ANDIDATE PROkLES remain in the pool for a year.

During this time, their profiles are accessible to the federal and provincial government, as well as Canadian employers for selection.

A job offer gives an applicant 50 to 200 points. A nomination from a province adds 600 points to the minimum 67 required to be part of the pool.

While Manitoba allows direct application for nomination,

the other provinces—Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia— require an applicant to have a job offer to participate in the province’s nomination scheme.

Australia’s State and Territories also offer skilled migrants an opportunity to apply for residency by completing a candidate profile and be part of the selection pool. As a precondition for selection and being invited to apply, skilled migrants would now have to remain in the state or territory for at least three years before becoming eligible for permanent residency.

New regional migration agreements for the Northern Territory and southwest Victoria offer the carrots of lower criteria for skills, language and income for migrant workers. The stick comes in the form of a commitment to remain in these regions before a permanent residency pathway is available.

These three countries have candidate pools for the hopeful skilled migrants: Australia has SkillSelect, Canada, Express Entry and New Zealand, the Expression of Interest route.

Waiting is not an option.

Time passes by and each year a potential skilled migrant becomes a year older. With lower points for age, the intending immigrant must increase the points for the other criteria – education and experience.

Otherwise, one would remain just a perennial candidate Hopeful – in the hope pool.

FOCUS

No yes-men: Some resist Cuba government’s constitution push HAVANA: Yes, yes, yes, yes.� On the streets of Havana, it’s hard to escape the government’s campaign urging voters to endorse the communist country’s new Constitution in a February 24 referendum.

Billboards blare out the message “#YoVotoSi� (I vote yes) at intersections. Buses pass carrying the same line in smaller letters, and there it is again on stickers at cash machines or supermarket displays.

But on social media, some in the Caribbean island are saying “No,� an act of DEkANCE AGAINST ONE OF THE WORLD S LAST communist regimes, whose electoral processes and rights record have often been criticized by the international community.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel took to Twitter last Monday to say that in about two weeks “we will have approved the Constitution we have made together for the good of all. Cuba will be a better country, more in sync with its time. #YoVotoSi.�

Immediately, someone tweeted back: “My friend, so why have a referendum?�

The new Constitution is to replace one in force since 1976. The full draft was put before neighborhood and workplace assemblies for debate between August and November, and then was amended and approved at the end of December by the National Assembly.

The government considered that a vast exercise of democracy in the one-party state.

7HILE REAFkRMING THAT #UBA IS SOCIALIST BY DEkNITION THE NEW #ONSTITUTION recognizes the market, private property and foreign investment, providing a legal basis for Cuba’s economic opening that started 10 years ago.

For Ariel Zumaquero, 49, a physiotherapist, “if we all feel Cuban and act for this Revolution, we must go forward and all go to the ballot box to say ‘yes’ to Cuba.�

But there is another choice, said Norges Rodriguez, coordinator of the blog Yucabyte.org which is dedicated to new technologies. “We use public money to support a single option, while citizens can vote ‘yes’ or ‘no,’� he said. “This makes me doubt the credibility of the process,� Rodriguez added, regretting the absence of an independent authority TO VERIFY THE kNAL REFERENDUM RESULT At a United Nations review of its human rights record in Geneva last May, many foreign diplomats criticized restrictions imposed on the freedom of expression AND ASSEMBLY IN #UBA WHOSE OFkCIALS decried such “false allegations.�

A changing society

Cubans who want to demonstrate opposition at voting time typically spoil their ballots.

Even trying to send the slogan “YoVotoNo� (I vote No) through telecommunications monopoly Etecsa via SMS is not possible, as the independent blog YMEDIO REVEALED AND !&0 VERIkED One Twitter post likened the experience to visiting Coppelia, a favorite Havana ice cream shop, “and being able to FREELY CHOOSE BETWEEN THE VANILLA lAVOR or vanilla.�

There was no internet when Cubans voted on the 1976 Constitution, but as of December the island became one of the last countries in the world to get 3G mobile internet services. Most Cubans ‘Yes’ to the Revolution can’t afford it, though, and will still head More than 590,000 Cubans, or 13 per- to the WiFi zones in public parks and cent of the workforce, now work in the squares that they have relied on for years.

However they access the net, some private sector.

4HE kNAL VERSION OF THE #ONSTITUTION are using it to counter the government’s left out changes that would have paved MESSAGE /N ITS 4WITTER PROkLE THE #UBAN the way for legal same-sex marriage after Observatory of Human Rights displays a large “Yo voto no� on a red background opposition in local assemblies.

In 1976, the Constitution was adopt- and lists 10 reasons to vote No, particued by referendum with an overwhelming larly because it is “legal� to do so.

Social networks have also seen a vote of 97.7 percent in favor, according lOWERING OF PHOTOMONTAGES OF 9ES SIGNS TO OFkCIAL kGURES Going to the polls is considered an transformed into No. !CCORDING TO 2ODRIGUEZ THE OFkCIAL act of sovereignty and of “revolutionary AFkRMATIONu IN #UBA WHERE NOT VOTING “YoVotoSi� campaign is a response to “YoVotoNo� voices online. is frowned upon. “The government’s worry is precisely Questioned about the referendum campaign, several passersby voiced such the impact that (the No campaign) can “revolutionary� sentiments, saying they have on the vote,� he said.

But “I think it must understand that are convinced by the “yes� campaign.

Sara Martinez Tamayo, 54, a doctor, society has changed, people start to think sees it as a chance to “say ‘yes’ also to more freely, are informed in different ways...,and look at the internet.� AFP the Revolution.�

Regions Hotspot tag looms for 46 areas in WV ˜ The Manila Times

MONDAY February 18, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY EUGENE Y. ADIONG

B

ACOLOD CITY: The Police Regional /FkCE 2EGION 02/ MULLS LISTING CITIES AND TOWNS IN 7ESTERN 6ISAYAS AS ELECTION HOTSPOTS

Police (PNP), including history of poll-related violence, intense political rivalries and serious threats posed by the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Of the 46 areas in Region 6, a town in Iloilo was placed in the red category or election area of grave concern; 39 in the orange category or areas with immediate concerns; and six in the yellow category or election areas of concern.

Malong said of the 39 areas

in the orange category, 28 were in Negros Occidental, but none of them were under the red or yellow category.

She withheld the names of the towns and cities in Western Visayas that were recommended for tagging as poll hotspots, as these places are still being validated by the RJSCC 6 composed of the PNP, Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Police Supt. Joem Malong, PRO6 spokesman, over the weekend said the plan resulted from a recommendation made to the Regional Joint Security Coordinating

Center (RJSCC).

Areas listed as election hotspots are categorized and color-coded, based on parameters set by the Philippine National

Imam kills own mother, 2 sisters

Dengue cases rise in Central Visayas

ZAMBOANGA CITY: An Imam, a Muslim cleric, killed his own mother and two younger sisters on Friday at Barangay Dita in this city, police said.

A police report received by the city police director, Senior Supt.

Thomas Joseph Martir, from Senior Insp. Sonny Amponin Curuan, police station commander, IDENTIkED THE ASSAILANT AS 3ALAM Dolong, 25, and the casualties as his own mother Inang Dolong, 63, and his two sisters — Rasda,18, and Dayana,16.

Martir said the accused confessed to having committed the crime after his arrest and was later charged in court with multiple parricide.

The victims’ bodies were later brought to Cristino Paragas Memorial Hospital for post mortem examination and were later brought home for immediate burial in line with Muslim tradition.

Investigators said the victims were all strangled.

Their bodies were discovered inside their house at 3 p.m. by the husband and his son upon arrivING HOME FROM kSHING The family’s relatives told investigators that �Salam is sick and thinks that he possesses supernatural power.�

ANTONIO P. RIMANDO

A RISE in dengue cases among children in the wake of a measles outbreak in Central Visayas was reported by the Department of Health (DoH) on Sunday.

Validated data from the DoH Epidemiology Bureau showed that dengue cases in the region from January 1 to 26 reached 1,657, higher than the 643 recorded in the same period in 2018 — a 158-percent increase.

The number of dengue fatalities soared to 14 from three.

The most affected age group is 0 to 9 years with 714, followed by 10 to 19 with 591; 20 to 29 with 215; 30 to 39 with 66; 40 to 49 with 26; 50 to 59 with 20; and 60 and above with 25.

Western Visayas also reported

a higher incidence rate of the mosquito-borne viral disease.

Also from January 1 to 26, the DoH’s surveillance unit recorded 722 cases of dengue fever, slightly higher than the 606 reported during the same period last year.

There was no change in the number of deaths (three).

Meanwhile, other regions that reported outbreaks of measles namely, Metro Manila (National Capital Region), Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) reported lower cases of dengue also from January 1 to 26, compared with the same period in 2018.

Because of a ban on Dengvaxia, the controversial dengue vaccine to

which the recent measles outbreak had been attributed, the DoH said “vector control,� or methods to eradicate disease-transmitting pests, was the best way to ensure water reservoirs were drained, so mosquitoes would not multiply there.

It was the best alternative to prevent the spread of the dengue virus, the department added.

It said it would continue its vaccination drive against measles until the immunization coverage reaches 90 to 95 percent.

Although Health Undersecretary Rolando Domingo last week said the DoH had failed to reach its immunization targets for the past 10 years, its vaccination coverage had been at 70 to 80 percent.

CATHERINE A. MODESTO

Mega City to create 100k jobs THE soon-to-rise 400-hectare Bulacan Mega City that will be constructed in three municipalities of the province — Pandi, Balagtas and Bocaue — is expected to create 100,000 jobs for Bulacan residents.

Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado appointed former Pandi mayor Enrico Roque to start preliminary negotiations for the project with a group of Chinese investors from Hunan Province in China, who are eyeing to invest P50 billion in Bulacan after the signing of a sisterhood agreement between the two provinces on Oct. 16,

2018 at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

The governor and Bulacan Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando signed the agreement with Xu Dazhe, governor of Hunan Province.

The project, which is expected to start in March, will be called the Bulacan Mega City Pandi Economic Zone where the Philippine International Outlet Stores, a shopping mall, techno hub, factory outlets, industrial factories, warehouse and call centers will be located.

Roque said the plan for the Mega City project, including the Pandi Exit of

the North Luzon Expressway, which was 900 meters to Pandi, 150 meters to Balagtas, 220 meters to Bocaue,16 kilometers to Angat and 15 km to Bustos, was almost 90 percent complete. “On its expected groundbreaking in March, big companies, including Sta. Lucia Group of Companies, SM (Prime Holdings Inc.) and St. Luke’s, will be there to support us and generate 100,000 job opportunities for Bulakenyos,� he added.

The development will connect the Metro Rail Transit 7-San Jose del Monte City-Trinoma Railway.

FREDERICK SILVERIO

P5-M cocaine washes ashore in CamNorte A PACKAGE containing cocaine estimated to be worth P5 million was found on Saturday on the shores of Paracale in Camarines Norte, a week after authorities found the same illegal drug on the coast near Dinagat Island.

Senior Supt. Bernard Banac, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, over the weekend said a civilian found the bricklike package around 7:20 p.m. in Barangay Bagumbayan.

A report from the Bicol police regional office said a civilian, Norly Laudiana Sorian, turned over the package wrapped in

brown duct tape with the marking “Lexus� to the Paracale Municipal Police Station, which then handed it over to the provincial police crime laboratory.

Around 3 a.m., according to Banac, crime laboratory tests showed that the package contained a block of cocaine, weighing around 989.23 grams, with an estimated value of around P5 million.

In a statement, he said police was commending “another good deed of a peace- loving and vigilant Filipino for voluntarily reporting to the police another

brick of cocaine washed ashore.� “Thus, we continue to call on all residents of all our coastline communities across the nation including all fishermen and seafarers to remain vigilant and continue reporting to the police suspicious items they may find washed ashore or floating in the sea,� Banac added.

Meanwhile, the police spokesman on Sunday welcomed a recent Social Weather Stations survey that said 66 percent of Filipinos believed that the number of drug users had decreased. “The high rating obtained

proves that the government’s continuing anti-illegal drugs campaign is effective in convincing drug dependents to refrain from further using illegal drugs, and instrumental in reducing the total number of crimes nationwide, thereby creating a secure environment where people feel safe to live, work and do business,�

Banac said. “The PNP assures the public that we will continue to perform our mandate within the bounds of the law and with utmost respect for human rights,� Banac said.

DEMPSEY REYES

Zambo mayor among ‘Top 5 World’s Best Mayors’ ZAMBOANGA CITY: Mayor Beng Climaco of Zamboanga City in southern Philippines has been chosen as among “Top 5 World’s Best Mayors� by the prestigious City Mayors Foundation.

Climaco, a multi-awarded politician, was named along with Valeria Mancinelli, mayor of Ancona, Italy who is the winner of the 2018 World Mayor Prize; Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster, United Kingdom; Nathalie AppĂŠrĂŠ, mayor of Rennes, France; and Charlotte Britz, mayor of SaarbrĂźcken, Germany.

In its award to Climaco, the foundation heavily cited the local mayor for her commitment to offer Zamboanga harmony, security and prosperity. “Shortly after being elected in 2013, Climaco was confronted with an armed uprising by Islamic rebels. Parts of Zamboanga City were under siege for 19 days and by the time government forces had defeated the rebels, 183 people had died and more than 120,000

residents were displaced.� g$URING HER kRST TERM IN OFkCE

Climaco made it her priority for the victims of the attack to receive justice and compensation. She has also been determined to heal any divisions between the city’s Christian and Muslim communities. The Inter-Religious Dialogue Council, she convened, has been successful in promoting peace. In a city, which was often perceived as violent, there have been no bombing or kidnapping incidents since 2016. In 2017, Mayor Climaco’s administration won the award for the most improved local government,� the philanthropic City Mayors Foundation, an international research think tank dedicated to local government, said.

In winning the award, Climaco, a known religious woman, praised and said: “To God be the glory! Muchas gracias a Dios y La Virgen Maria y San Jose. Thank you so much for being an inspiration in my journey as Mayor! Vaya con Dios!�

In a series of personal essays, the kNALISTS FOR THE 7ORLD -AYOR Prize described the reasons that motivated them to enter politics, the challenges they face as mayors and how they envisage their towns and cities to develop and prosper in the future. They stressed the importance of women in politics and urged young women always to aim high.

In her essay, Climaco described how the values of family members formed her political and social beliefs. “My grandmother was a champion of Filipino women’s right to vote and it was from her, we all learned the value of community service.�

She also wrote that in times of crisis her faith in God sustained her, and today, Zamboanga was the 4th Most Resilient City in the country as recognized by National Competitiveness Council or NCC. The NCC also adjudged ZamBOANGA #ITY kRST PLACE AS g4HE Most Improved Local Government Unit� in 2017 among 33

Highly Urbanized Cities throughout the country and among 145 cities nationwide, Zamboanga also ranked 16th in “Overall Competitiveness� category.

Climaco, who is seeking reelection in the May polls, was also recognized as the “Most Outstanding Mayor� by the Federation of Local Councils of Women in the Philippines in 2017. These awards and rankings were based on indicators and measurements such as economic dynamism, governMENT EFkCIENCY INFRASTRUCTURE AND resiliency. These recognitions are feats never before achieved by any administration.

The City Mayors Foundation said it awards “The World Mayor Prize and Commendations� every two years to mayors who had made outstanding contributions to their communities and had developed a vision for urban living and working that was relevant to towns and cities across the world.

AL JACINTO

When the campaign period starts, Malong said she expects a change in the number of towns and cities recommended as election hotspots for the midterm elections on May 13 this year.

Earlier, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office named the towns of Salvador Benedicto, Isabela, Calatrava, EB Magalona and Moises Padilla as possible election areas of concern because of intense political rivalries and

A7

reported NPA presence.

But Milagros Salud Villanueva, provincial elections supervisor, said the PJSCC had not yet released AN OFkCIAL LIST OF AREAS IN .EGROS Occidental that might be categorized as election hotspots.

Villanueva added that even if they issued a list of election areas of concerns, monitoring of these areas was a continuing process and the number of affected areas might change from time to time.

Nationinbriefs MORE FIRES REPORTED IN BAGUIO

BAGUIO CITY: The Baguio Fire Department (BFD) reported 26 fire incidents here since the start of the year compared to only 10 during the same period last year. Senior Fire Officer 2 Camilo Balancia said of the 26 incidents, 21 were grass fires, two were structural and vehicular fires and one was a garbage fire. In 2017, the BFD said 75 fires resulted in over P11.9 million worth of damages to properties; 50 of these incidents were structural fires. Last year, Balancia said there were 79 fires that caused over P22.6 million worth of damages to properties with a single fatality; 41 of these were structural or forest fires. For January and February, there were 16 fire incidents.

GABY B. KEITH

MINDANAO BUS LINE DONATES UNIT TO KIDAPAWAN CITY COTABATO CITY: The Mindanao Star Bus Line, one of the bus companies serving the Davao City-Kidapawan City up to Cotabato City route has donated to the Kidapawan City government one bus. Mayor Joseph Evangelista received the unit from representatives of Bachelor Express, the firm that owns the Mindanao Star Bus, during simple turnover ceremonies as part of the city’s 21st charter day celebration. Evangelista said the acquisition of the bus was a dream come true for city government employees and officials who can use the bus for out of town official trips, seminars, training and team building.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

NEW DEP-ED ARRM DIVISION HEAD INSTALLED MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur: The Department of Education of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) has installed Sahanee Macarampat Sumagayan as the new OIC-Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) of Lanao del Sur-1 (LDS-1). DepEd-ARMM chief legal office Dayang Akhira Sansarona Alawi representing DepEd-ARMM officially installed Sumagayan to her new post on Sunday, the first working day of the week in this Islamic city as per ordinance of its Sanggguniang Panlungsod that also makes Friday a non-working day. Sumagayan replaced Dr. Normillah Sumigay Pangandaman. DepEd-ARMM Regional Secretary Rasol Mitmug Jr. said Sumagayan was designated as OIC-SDS on February 13 after the position of SDS of Lanao del Sur-1 was declared vacant on February 8, 2019 by operation of law.

MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

A8

News

MONDAY February 18, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

DepEd eyes ban on poll bets

BY FRANCIS EARL CUETO

T

HE Department of Education (DepEd) is considering banning candidates from speaking in graduation rites to keep school activities away from politics.

Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said Education officials would seek an audience with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to discuss the issue.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez earlier called on schools not to invite candidates to attend graduation rites.

In a radio interview, Malaluan said they would discuss Jimenez’s suggestion in their executive committee meeting.

He said DepEd guidelines prohibited turning graduation rites into a political forum or platform. “Pag-uusapan namin ‘yan dahil, obviously, it’s not a political activity

FOLLOW RULES, GO ASKS SUPPORTERS #(2)34/0(%2 ,AWRENCE g"ONGu Go, President Rodrigo Duterte’s former top aide, asked his supporters to follow rules and not put up billboards and posters supporting him so that his critics would not have any issue to throw at him. “I’m begging you; huwag na po kayong maglagay ng mga tarpaulin (do not put up tarpaulins) in support of me. Itago niyo na lang sa puso ninyo kung sino talaga gusto ninyo (Keep your chosen candidates in your heart) and let

the people decide. I’m begging you, para wala na pong masabing masama ang taumbayan sa akin.

Ako na po ang nakikiusap (so that no criticism will be thrown my WAY u 'O SAID He made the call amid accusations that his supporters violated election laws in their efforts to campaign for him Go urged his supporters to help other Filipinos. “ I -promote natin ang ating layunin para sa bayan, hindi ang

personalidad ng isa’t isa (let us promote our advocacies, not perSONALITIES u HE ADDED Go said his priority was to serve, that is why he preferred to visit vicTIMS OF kRE RATHER THAN TO CAMPAIGN “Kalagitnaan ng campaign season, bumibisita pa rin ako sa mga nasunugan para magawan ng paraan na matulungan sila (Even in the middle of the campaign period, I STILL VISIT VICTIMS OF kREu HE SAID as he asked his supporters to use their money to buy construction

MATERIALS THAT kRE VICTIMS COULD use to rebuild their houses.

Go denied allegations that govERNMENT OFkCES WERE ASKED TO PUT up his campaign materials. “Hindi po kami ganoon ni Pangulong Duterte. Ang gusto ko, fair ang mga nasa gobyerno (President Duterte and I are not like that. I want those in government to be FAIR u HE SAID He reiterated that he and the President only wanted to work for the welfare of the people.

FIGHTING TRASH

Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection gather trash as the clean-up of Manila Bay continues.

PHOTO BY RUSSELL PALMA

Delisting of cases of disappeared opposed EDITA Burgos, mother of Jonas Burgos who vanished 12 years ago, denounced the government’s appeal to the United Nations (UN) to delist more than 600 cases of enforced and involuntary disappearances.

On Thursday, a delegation from Manila led

by Undersecretary Severo Catura of the Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC) met WITH THE kVE MEMBER 5. 7ORKING 'ROUP ON Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances to seek the delisting of 625 cases, mostly attributed to government forces between 1975 and 2012.

Jonas’ case was in the list. He was allegedly ABDUCTED BY MILITARY FORCES IN A MALL IN 1UEZON City in 2007. “Yun na nga lang ang pinanghahawakan namin, hope lang, gusto pa nilang alisin.

(Hope is what we have left, and they want to take that away) Burgos said in a phone interview with The Manila Times on Sunday.

She was in Bangkok attending a meeting of

Q ‘THEATRICS’ FROM A1

JUSTICE

“We are performing our duties to prosecute anyone who breaks the law.

7E ARE CONkDENT THAT HER ALLEGATIONS will not prosper because we have not VIOLATED ANY LAW 3O JUST GO AHEAD AND BRING IT ON u 'UEVARRA SAID According to the Justice secretary, there is no truth to Ressa’s allegation THAT THERE WAS gSELECTIVE JUSTICEu committed against her and that there was a “weaponization of the LAWu INVOLVED IN THE CASE Guevarra said offenders and violators of the law must be held accountable for their acts.

He pointed out that press freedom was a right, but not absolute.

Equal protection must be accorded to every person whether in the media or not, Guevarra said. “Press freedom is not absolute.

The rights of other citizens deserve EQUAL PROTECTION u HE ADDED Guevarra advised Ressa to face the charges against her in court WITHOUT ANY gTHEATRICS u President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman, Salvador Panelo, earlier said the Rappler CEO was enJOYING THE ATTENTION THAT RESULTED from her arrest and detention.

JOMAR CANLAS

the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (Afaid), of which she is a council member. “They’re conspiring to remove the last thing we’re holding on to, the memories of our disappeared. Kasi pag in-erase mo ‘yun (If YOU REMOVE THAT YOU ALSO ERASE HIS MEMORY u she said. “Parang double traumatization sa amin, dinis-appear na nila yung tao, idi-disappear pa nila yung kaso. (It’s like traumatizing us twice — they made the person disappear, NOW THEY WANT TO MAKE THE CASE DISAPPEAR u she added.

Edita disagreed with PHRC’s claim that there are mechanisms for families of desaparecidos established by Republic Act 10353 or the “Anti-Enforced or Involuntary $ISAPPEARANCE ,AW u g9ES THERE ARE MECHANISMS LIKE YOU CAN kLE cases in court but all of these have not worked.

That’s the reason why we submitted our cases to the UN Working Group on Enforced DisapPEARANCES u SHE SAID %DITA kLED CHARGES IN AGAINST SOLDIERS AND MILITARY OFkCERS INVOLVED IN THE DISAPPEARance of Jonas upon the recommendation of the Commission on Human Rights. That same year, the Supreme Court ordered the military to SURFACE *ONAS (OWEVER THE CASES kLED AGAINST military suspects were dismissed for lack of probable cause. “We have tried all the legal remedies available in our country, we still avail of peaceful means because we do not agree with the use OF VIOLENCE u %DITA SAID She said delisting could mean losing hope that FAMILIES OF THE DISAPPEARED WOULD kND JUSTICE g7E WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO OBTAIN JUSTICE 7E WILL NOT kND OUR MISSING AND THIS WILL CONTRIBUTE MORE TO IMPUNITY IN THE COUNTRY u Edita said. DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ

GRADUATION RITES u -ALALUAN SAID “Malinaw naman kasi sa kanilang (Comelec) guidelines what constitutes electioneering.

Kung hindi naman ginagamit bilang isang partisan political activity ang graduation, halimbawa ang isang kandidato ay magpapahayag lamang tungkol sa graduation or

some issues, hindi naman puwedeng sabihin siguro na electioneering ‘yun u HE ADDED Malaluan said what could be considered electioneering included holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades or similar assemblies, or making speeches for the purpose of soliciting votes.

Last will and testament Dear PAO, The father of my wife is planning to prepare his last will and testament and to have it NOTARIZED (E ALREADY IDENTIkED who the witnesses will be. He IS SPECIkCALLY CONCERNED ON THE role of his witnesses as to where they have to sign on his last will. He is afraid that technical mistakes in the placement of the signatures of his witnesses may invalidate it. For his peace of mind, can you please advise us where the witnesses have to sign in his last will, and if this really has any effect on the validity of his last will? Godspeed!

Joko Dear Joko, It is correct that technical mistakes in the preparation of a last will and testament can affect its validity. This is because the law prescribes a specific and proper form in the execution of a last will.

Since your father-in-law’s last will involves the presence of witnesses and the act of notarization, it is safe to say that his last will is in the form of an attested will. Considering this, we shall refer to specific provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines, which lay out the manner by which attested wills are executed, to wit: “Article 805. Every will, other than a holographic will, must be subscribed at the end thereof by the testator himself or by the testator’s name written by some other person in his presence, and by his express direction, and attested and subscribed by three or more credible witnesses in the presence of the testator and of one another. “The testator or the person requested by him to write his name and the instrumental witnesses of the will, shall also sign, as aforesaid, each and every page thereof, except the last, on the left margin, and all the pages shall be numbered correlatively in letters placed on the upper part of each page. “The attestation shall state the number of pages used upon which the will is written, and

DEAR PAO PERSIDA ACOSTA the fact that the testator signed the will and every page thereof, or caused some other person to write his name, under his express direction, in the presence of the instrumental witnesses, and that the latter witnessed and signed the will and all the pages thereof in the presence of the testator and of one another. “If the attestation clause is in a language not known to the witnesses, it shall be interpreted to them. “Article 806. Every will must be acknowledged before a notary public by the testator and the witnesses. The notary public shall not be required to retain a copy OF THE WILL OR kLE ANOTHER WITH THE OFkCE OF THE #LERK OF #OURT u It is clear from this law that witnesses are required to sign on every page of the will on its left margin and to sign the attestation clause in the last page of the will. Failure to conform to this required form shall render the attested will void. This is in accordance with the Civil Code which states that: “ Article 839. The will shall be disallowed in any of the following cases: “If the formalities required by law have not been complied with; xxx (Civil Code of the 0HILIPPINES u The prescribed form in the preparation of a last will and testament cited above is mandatory.

This opinion is solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same.

Thus, the opinion may vary when the facts are changed or further elaborated. We hope that we were able to enlighten you on the matter.

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

Q SUMMIT FROM A1

Bishops head to Vatican’s first sex abuse summit to Sunday for the meeting, with victims’ groups demanding that A CONCRETE ACTION PLAN ON kGHTing pedophilia be drawn up.

The Pope, who asked the bishops to speak to victims of abuse in their respective countries before the Rome convention, HAS TRIED TO DIAL DOWN gINlATED EXPECTATIONSu FOR A CURE ALL The conference aims to be an opportunity to improve awareness of the global phenomenon of sexual abuse of minors within the Church, despite many in Africa, Asia and the Middle East being in denial of what they call gA 7ESTERN PROBLEM u In many parts of the world, discussing violence towards children and even sex is taboo, leading the Vatican to orgaNIZE THIS WEEK S gEDUCATIONALu gathering.

Some abuse victims, particularly from countries where their plight is ignored, have also been invited to attend. “Someone who has met a

victim, heard their cries for help, their tears, their psychological and physical wounds, CAN T REMAIN THE SAME u SAID German Jesuit priest Hans Zollner, a psychologist who travels the world educating priests and is one of the conference’s organizers. “The Catholic Church has been faced with this problem FOR THE LAST YEARS u HE SAID

hailing rigorous preventative measures taken in Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland and the United States. “It works: the number of new accusations of sexual assault in all these countries is now miniMAL u HE SAID The aim was for the heads of the world’s episcopal conferences to achieve “a feeling of COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITYu SAID Father Federico Lombardi, who will be leading debates during the conference. “The credibility of the Church IS AT STAKE u HE SAID

That reflected the Church’s centuries-old instinct to protect The summit comes after Pope its image, he said. But added, Francis defrocked a former car- “the only way to emerge from the dinal, Washington’s Theodore CRISIS IS TO TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH u In France, prosecutors said McCarrick, over accusations he Friday they were investigating a sexually abused a teenager 50 sexual assault complaint made years ago.

McCarrick, 88, who resigned against the Vatican’s envoy to from the Vatican’s College of Paris, 74-year-old Luigi Ventura.

He was accused of molesting Cardinals in July, is the first cardinal ever to be defrocked AN OFkCIAL AT THE 0ARIS MAYOR S OFFICE A JUDICIAL SOURCE TOLD for sex abuse.

Chilean Vatican expert Luis Agence France-Presse.

The Pope has already warned Badilla said the meeting would those hoping the four-day be a “decisive moment for the meet would be a panacea that PONTIkCATE u “We want this meeting to “the problem of abuse will RESULT IN CONCRETE MEASURES u HE CONTINUEu “By resolving the problem said, echoing victims’ hopes for the conference, being held in within the Church, through the wake of pedophile scandals becoming aware, we will conthat have shaken the Church tribute to resolving it within particularly in Chile and in the society, within families, where the shame means everything is United States.

The summit’s title, concern- HIDDEN u &RANCIS SAID The meeting will come up ING gTHE PROTECTION OF MINORS u AVOIDED USING THE WORDS gSEXu with “protocols for moving OR gPEDOPHILIA u NOTED "ADILLA FORWARD u BECAUSE gSOMETIMES

‘A decisive moment’

bishops don’t know what to DO u HE SAID Father Zollner is also wary of people hoping for a magic wand OF gNEW NORMSu THAT WILL MAKE the problem simply disappear.

Bishops must “change their ATTITUDE u WHICH COULD BE MORE DIFkCULT THAN DRAWING UP NEW rules or guidelines, he said.

The scale of the problem is impossible to measure statistically.

A study in the United States said that between 3 and 4 percent of the clergy were involved in abuse before 2002, when stricter guidelines were published, said Zollner.

While the Catholic Church says it is trying to address the problem, other churches are also affected.

In the United States, the Protestant Southern Baptist Convention has been hit by a wide-ranging sex abuse scandal involving almost 400 pastors, volunteers and teachers over two decades.

AFP

What’s inside CONSORTIUM MAY OFFER NEW BID FOR NAIA REHAB

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PCC: NEW BUSINESS MODEL NEEDED FOR URC-CADPI DEAL Corporate NewsB3

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PSEI REENTRY BOOSTS BLOOMBERRY SHARES

ÂťStock WatchB4

HONG KONG ECONOMY STALLS AMID TRADE DISPUTE Foreign BusinessB5

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www.manilatimes.net

DELOITTE. ON THE DOT

B2

W

MONDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Business Times

B1

Tax bureau calls for checks of gaming firm registrations

BY MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

T

HE tax bureau wants regulators to strictly enforce registration rules for offshore gaming operators amid concerns that the industry has become a conduit for undocumented workers from China.

4HE "UREAU OF )NTERNAL 2EVENUE ")2 HAS ASKED STATE OWNED 0HILIPPINE !MUSEMENT AND 'AMING #ORP (Pagcor) to verify that the gaming

firms have been officially enrolled BEFORE THE REGULATOR EXTENDS THEIR licenses, the Finance department said in a statement.

2EVENUE -EMORANDUM #IRCULAR 2 - # I S S U E D L A S T September, states that all foreign and Philippine-based offshore gaming OPERATORS 0/'/S INCLUDING THOSE WITH OFFSHORE LICENSES SHOULD REGISTER WITH ")2 AS A PREREQUISITE “All foreign-based and PhilippineBASED OPERATORS INCLUDING THOSE THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN ISSUED AN offshore gaming license by Pagcor are REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE "UREAU

OF )NTERNAL 2EVENUE ON OR BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF BUSINESS OR BEFORE PAYMENT OF ANY TAX DUE OR BEFORE OR UPON kLING OF ANY APPLICABLE TAX RETURN

STATEMENT OR DECLARATION u 2-# STATES 4HE DEPARTMENT SAID THE ")2 S REQUEST CAME AFTER THE AGENCY SIGNIkED its intention to join an interagency task force that aims to check and monitor THE NUMBER OF #HINESE NATIONALS

ÂłGaming B5

SHARES OUTLOOK FOR THE WEEK:

US-China trade talks: Investor focus to remain on US-China trade talks What’s under debate DEVELOPMENTS in US-China trade talks and corporate earnings REPORTS ARE EXPECTED TO INlUENCE the stock market’s direction this week.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi), along with other Asian markets, retreated on Friday following reports that little progress had been made after a week of high-level negotiations in Beijing.

However, Chinese President Xi *INGPING S ANNOUNCEMENT LATER IN THE DAY THAT TALKS WOULD CONTINUE this week in Washington, along WITH 53 0RESIDENT $ONALD 4RUMP S CLAIM THAT DISCUSSIONS WERE GOING gEXTREMELY WELLu SUBSEQUENTLY BOOSTED %UROPEAN AND 53 STOCK MARKETS WITH THE $OW IN PARTICULAR notching an eighth straight week of gains.

In a comment over the weekend,

Espenilla: BSP charter changes to foster stability NEWLY signed amendments to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) charter will STRENGTHEN THE INSTITUTION S CAPACITY TO FOSTER price and financial stability, central bank Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said. g4HE "30 APPRECIATES THE SUPPORT OF THE /FkCE OF THE 0RESIDENT THE 3ENATE AND THE (OUSE OF 2EPRESENTATIVES IN PASSING THE LAW that bolsters the BSP’s capability to promote

ÂłStability B3

Lopez: Higher tariffs to protect sugar industry THE IMPOSITION OF IMPORT DUTIES WILL PROTECT THE DOMESTIC SUGAR INDUSTRY AMID PLANS TO liberalize the entry of the sweetener, a Cabinet OFkCIAL SAID LAST WEEK “The tariff will serve as the protection for THE FARMERS AND THE PROCEEDS CAN BE USED ON THE PRODUCTIVITY SIDE u 4RADE 3ECRETARY 2AMON ,OPEZ TOLD REPORTERS LAST WEEK AMID INDUSTRY WARNINGS OF SOCIAL UNREST AND BUSINESS DISRUPTIONS ,OPEZ WHO EARLIER SAID THAT QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS COULD BE IMPOSED EVEN AS THE IMPORTATION PROCESS WOULD BE LIBERALIZED

NOTED THAT THE SUGAR TARIFF AS MANDATED BY

ÂłSugar B5

I

Guessing a stock’s price

.4%2.!4)/.!, Container Terminal 3ERVICES )NC )#43) HAD STOCKHOLDERS WHO OWNED

)#43) OUTSTANDING common shares, according to the company’s general information sheet (GIS) posted on the website of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

The PSE website elaborated: ICTSI has

)#43) OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARES BUT GETS LISTED A LITTLE BIT MORE

ÂłPerez B5

$IVERSIkED 3ECURITIES )NC TRADER Aniceto Pangan said investors WOULD AGAIN BE LOOKING FOR NEWS ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF THIS WEEK S negotiations, adding that the MARKET WOULD ALSO BE INlUENCED

BY FRESH EARNINGS DISCLOSURES The PSE calendar only lists BUILDER $ - 7ENCESLAO AND !SSOCIATES )NC AS SCHEDULED TO ANNOUNCE RESULTS THIS WEEK Next week, meanwhile, will see

BLUE CHIPS -ANILA %LECTRIC #O

SM Investments Corp. and BDO Unibank Inc. holding briefings for analysts. %AGLE %QUITIES )NC RESEARCH HEAD #HRISTOPHER -ANGUN ALSO SAID THAT MORE CORPORATE EARNINGS WOULD provide catalysts for the stock MARKET WITH A UPSIDE POTENTIALS over the short term. “The PSEi (Philippine Stock

ÂłTalks B5

BEIJING: U S a n d C h i n e s e OFkCIALS WRAPPEDUP DAYS OF TRADE talks in Beijing on Friday with PLANS TO RESUME NEGOTIATIONS in Washington this week as the world’s top two economies try TO SMOOTH OUT THEIR THORNY TRADE DISPUTE 53 0RESIDENT $ONALD 4RUMP SAID the talks were going “extremely well�, while his advisors deep in the details warned there was still

gMUCH WORKu TO DO Beijing and Washington have ALREADY IMPOSED DUTIES ON MORE THAN BILLION IN TWO WAY trade, which are weighing on their MANUFACTURING SECTORS AND HAVE SHAKEN GLOBAL kNANCIAL MARKETS 4RUMP HAS SAID HE MAY EXTEND A -ARCH DEADLINE AFTER WHICH TARIFFS ON BILLION WORTH OF Chinese goods are set to more

ÂłDebate B5

B2

Business Times

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

MONDAY February 18, 2019

is over Consortium may offer The longforwait CAS new bid for NAIA rehab F A

BY JORDEENE B. LAGARE

consortium seeking to upgrade the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) may submit a new proposal to upgrade the COUNTRY S MAIN AIRPORT A TRANSPORTATION OFkCIAL said recently.

4HE .!)! #ONSORTIUM ‡ COMPOSED OF !# )NFRASTRUCTURE Holdings, Aboitiz InfraCapital, )NC !LLIANCE 'LOBAL 'ROUP )NC

Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., Filinvest Development Corp., JG 3UMMIT (OLDINGS )NC AND -ETRO 0ACIkC )NVESTMENTS #ORP ‡ MAY do so this week, Undersecretary FOR 0LANNING 2EUBEN 2EINOSO OF the Department of Transportation (DOTr), said on Wednesday.

2EINOSO SAID THEY WERE STILL NEGOTIATING WITH THE CONSORTIUM 4HE DOTr will meet with representatives OF THE GROUP IF THEY HAVE A NEW

proposal, he said, adding that the CONSORTIUM WILL HAVE TO COMPLY with certain conditions.

4HE SO CALLED gSUPER CONSORTIUMu GAINED GROUND AFTER THE $/4R AND the Manila International Airport !UTHORITY -)!! GRANTED THEM ORIGINAL PROPONENT STATUS /03 in September last year.

This means the proposed project ‡ ONCE APPROVED BY THE .ATIONAL Economic and Development !UTHORITY .EDA BOARD ‡ WILL BE SUBJECTED TO A 3WISS CHALLENGE

where the government will accommodate other proposals

WHILE GIVING THE CONSORTIUM THE OPPORTUNITY TO MATCH OR TOP THE new offers.

The consortion initially proposed to rehabilitate, expand and operate Metro Manila’s CONGESTED AIRPORT FOR YEARS WITH A PROJECT COST OF 0 BILLION "UT AFTER -EGAWIDE '-2 GROUP CHALLENGED IT WITH AN YEAR OFFER FOR 0 BILLION THE CONSORTIUM REVISED ITS BID TO A YEAR CONCESSION AND A 0 BILLION COST ) N S E P A R A T E D I S C L O S U R E S

CONSORTIUM MEMBERS SAID THE PROJECT WOULD ENTAIL gEXPANDING and interconnecting the terminals OF .!)!

UPGRADING AIRSIDE FACILITIES

developing commercial facilities to RAISE AIRLINE AND AIRPORT EFkCIENCIES

enhancing passenger comfort and EXPERIENCE AND ELEVATING THE STATUS OF .!)! AS THE COUNTRY S PREMIER international gateway.�

Transportation Undersecretary for

!VIATION -ANUEL 4AMAYO SAID LAST December the rehabilitation of the COUNTRY S MAIN HUB WOULD COMMENCE IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF ALTHOUGH $/4R 3ECRETARY !RTHUR 4UGADE WANTED TO GET THE DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY MUCH EARLIER NAIA was designed to ACCOMMODATE MILLION PASSENGERS )N HOWEVER IT CATERED TO MILLION PASSENGERS 4HE FIGURE IS EXPECTED TO GROW TO AROUND MILLION PASSENGERS BY AND MILLION PASSENGERS BY 7HILE THE CONSORTIUM HAD ARGUED IT WON T BE SEEKING ANY GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES TO DEVELOP NAIA, Tamayo said he believed this was not the case. “Well, as to the provisions appearing to be a government GUARANTEE OF COURSE THEY WOULD SAY OTHERWISE 4HEY ARE STIPULATING it is important for the project’s bankability,� he said.

Tie up among ECs, cable operators, telcos sought %,%#42)# cooperatives (ECs) WERE URGED TO FORGE PARTNERSHIPS with cable television providers and TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES to advance the government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aimed at improving internet ACCESS IN THE COUNTRY Department of Information A N D # O M M U N I C A T I O N S Te c h n o l o g y ( D I CT ) Ac t i n g 3ECRETARY %LISEO 2IO *R SAID T H E P A R T N E R S H I P WO U L D N O T ONLY ACCELERATE THE PROJECT BUT also “benefit all parties and stakeholders.� % L I S E O S A I D I N D U S T R Y stakeholders, specifically ECs, local cable television operators, A N D T E L E C O M M U N I C A T I O N COMPANIES SHOULD CONVERGE NOT

only to settle existing concerns AMONG THEMSELVES BUT ALSO TO CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO help realize the government’s GOAL OF gINCLUSIVITY IN THE ACCESS to interconnectivity.� “With the NBP, we hope to create a new class of OFWs, not the kind who need to leave the COUNTRY FOR JOBS ABROAD 3OON

AS ONLINE TRADE AND BUSINESSES FLOURISH ALONG WITH %NGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS FOR OUR !SIAN n e i g h b o r s, o n l i n e F i l i p i n o WORKERS WILL RISE AND CONTRIBUTE MORE TO THE ECONOMY u 2IO SAID IN THE ."0 FORUM AT THE 'RAND Meng Seng Hotel in Davao City.

2 E C O G N I Z I N G T H E I S S U E S among power co-ops and cable TV operators, National

Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Edgardo -ASONGSONG ENCOURAGED THEM to deal with these matters with objectivity. “Interconnectivity will open DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR PEOPLE 9OU SHOULD NOT ALLOW THE ISSUES BETWEEN YOU TO DRAG the NBP down. The good of the GREATER NUMBER IS BIGGER THAN WHAT BESETS YOU u -ASONGSONG TOLD ATTENDEES OF THE FORUM 4HE FORUM WAS ORGANIZED ON &RIDAY to provide a platform for ECs TO DISCUSS AND ADDRESS ISSUES related to the implementation of the “last mile� of the program.

It was attended by Mindanaob a s e d p owe r c o - o p s, c a b l e operators, and representatives from DC Tech and other local technology providers for the remote metering, billing and teleconferencing needs of ECs in Mindanao and some parts OF ,UZON T h e D I C T, t h e N a t i o n a l Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) signed last year an agreement T O T A P U N U S E D F I B E R O P T I C

a s s e t s t o a c c e l e r a t e N B P ’s implementation. This gives the $)#4 THE RIGHT TO UTILIZE AND OR access fiber optic cores, vacant lots, tower spaces and related FACILITIES OF .'#0 THE CURRENT concessionaire of the TransCo.owned grid. ,AST !UGUST THE $)#4 THE NEA, and the Philippine 2URAL %LECTRIC #OOPERATIVES Association (Philreca) signed a MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MoU) to provide internet SERVICE TO RURAL AREAS IN THE Philippines. Under the MoU, the DICT shall be allowed to connect or access the power coops’ existing nodes to connect with other government agencies while the other two parties WILL COORDINATE WITH %#S ABOUT d e l i ve r i n g h i g h - s p e e d a n d affordable internet connection TO REMOTE AREAS IN THE COUNTRY )N *ANUARY THIS YEAR THE $)#4

THE 4RANS#O AND THE "ENGUET Electric Cooperative Inc. signed A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MoA) to provide high-speed internet services to government offices in the area.

JORDEENE B. LAGARE

/2 the past several years, applying for registration of #OMPUTERIZED !CCOUNTING 3YSTEM #!3 WITH THE "UREAU OF )NTERNAL 2EVENUE ")2 HAS BEEN A LONG waiting game for taxpayers. This IS DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS THE ")2 RECEIVES EVERY YEAR !S OF DATE THE ")2 IS STILL PROCESSING APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO IT AS FAR BACK AS CAS refers to an application TO ADOPT COMPUTERIZED BOOKS OF ACCOUNTS AND COMPUTER GENERATED ACCOUNTING RECORDS 7ITHOUT THE PROPER PERMIT FROM THE ")2 TO USE #!3 TAXPAYERS ARE REQUIRED TO USE MANUAL BOOKS OF ACCOUNTS &OR MOST TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE VOLUMINOUS transactions to be recorded in THEIR BOOKS KEEPING A MANUAL BOOK OF ACCOUNTS IS INEFFICIENT AND BURDENSOME 7HICH IS WHY taxpayers are growing weary of the long wait for their CAS permits.

2ECOGNIZING THE NEED TO ADDRESS this backlog in the processing of #!3 APPLICATIONS THE ")2 IS NOW implementing a new process for large taxpayers. !S A BRIEF BACKGROUND BELOW ARE THE CURRENT PROCEDURES FOR #!3 application: • The taxpayer-applicant shall SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE ")2 NATIONAL OFkCE m #LIENT 3UPPORT 3ERVICE $EPARTMENT #33 r 4HE #33 WILL EVALUATE THE validity of the application and review the completeness of the S U B M I T T E D R E Q U I R E M E N T S BY checking the appropriate boxes IN THE APPLICATION FOR AUTHORITY TO ADOPT COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING SYSTEM OR COMPONENTS THEREOF ")2 &ORM .O )F REQUIREMENTS are complete, the CSS will stamp gRECEIVEDu ON THE ")2 &ORM .O /THERWISE THE #33 WILL RETURN THE DOCUMENTS TO THE TAXPAYER APPLICANT WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLETE THE REQUIREMENTS • The CSS shall coordinate with THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM EVALUATION team (CSET) and taxpayer-applicant REGARDING THE DATE AND THE VENUE FOR THE ACTUAL SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION OF THE SYSTEM APPLIED FOR &URTHER

the CSS shall coordinate with the taxpayer-applicant and members OF #3%4 FOR THE TIMELY RESOLUTION OF ISSUES AND CONCERNS RAISED DURING THE ACTUAL SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION • The CSS will receive CSET’s recommendation for approval/ disapproval of application together WITH THE ACCOMPLISHED FUNCTIONAL AND TECHNICAL EVALUATION APPRAISAL checklist. • The CSS will release the approved permit to the taxpayerapplicant.

The bottleneck in the above PROCESS IS THE REQUIREMENT OF AN ACTUAL SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION

SUBJECT TO THE EVALUATION OF #3%4 4HIS STEP CONSUMES A SIGNIkCANT AMOUNT OF TIME ON THE PART OF THE ")2 #3%4 TEAM #OMPLICATIONS

DELOITTE. ON THE DOT

MONICA YUMPING

INEVITABLY ARISE IN SCHEDULING THE availability of the taxpayer and CSET, leading to delays in the RELEASE OF PERMITS 4HANKFULLY

this seems to be the snag the new process addresses.

Under the said new process, large TAXPAYERS ARE ADVISED TO RESUBMIT their applications with the following DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS #HECKLIST OF DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS m 4HIS IS TO BE kLLED OUT BY THE TAXPAYER APPLICANT LISTING ALL THE DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED 4HIS IS ESSENTIAL SINCE THE ")2 WILL ONLY commence the processing of the APPLICATION UPON SUBMISSION OF THE COMPLETE DOCUMENTS 4ECHNICAL EVALUATION CHECKLIST PART AND PART !NNEX g!u m 0ART is a checklist of company details and GENERAL SYSTEM SPECIkCATIONS SUCH AS TYPE OF SOFTWARE LIST OF MODULES

AND SYSTEM SECURITY /N THE OTHER HAND PART IS A QUESTIONNAIRE designed to determine detailed technical specifications of the system, which are categorized UNDER HARDWARE MAIN COMPUTERS

SOFTWARE VIRUSES SOFTWARE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DATA BACK UP AND STORAGE COMPLETE AUDIT TRAIL SYSTEM SECURITY FRAMEWORK AND OTHERS $ULY SIGNED AND NOTARIZED SWORN STATEMENT BY AN AUTHORIZED OFkCER of the company (Annex “B�) - This INCLUDES A DECLARATION ON THE SALIENT information of the system being REGISTERED SUCH AS SOFTWARE NAME

VERSION NUMBER RELEASE NUMBER date, and database platform. Also INCLUDED IN THIS IS A DECLARATION THE system can be accessed and viewed

BY AUTHORIZED REVENUE OFkCERS FOR PURPOSES OF OFkCIAL AUDIT ACTIVITY

POST EVALUATION OR TAX COMPLIANCE VERIkCATION DRIVE 4#6$ 3UMMARY OF SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

commercial Invoice/receipts/ DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION FORMS RECORDS AND REPORTS SPECIkCATION !NNEX g#u m 4HIS FORM REQUIRES INFORMATION SUCH AS SOFTWARE system descriptions, list of branches OF THE TAXPAYER THAT WILL USE THE SYSTEM LIST OF MODULES LIST OF SYSTEM GENERATED ACCOUNTABLE FORMS DOCUMENTS WITH APPROVED SERIAL NUMBERS AND OR MANUALLY ISSUED RECEIPTS INVOICES LIST OF SYSTEM GENERATED BOOKS OF ACCOUNTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ")2 FORMS AND OTHER ACCOUNTING RECORDS reports and method of record keeping, server specifications/ TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND BACKUP PROCEDURE AND DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN $20 A c o py o f t h e f o r e g o i n g DOCUMENTS MAY BE SECURED FROM the large taxpayers (LTS) division

ÂłDeloitte B3

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Grand Plaza narrows 2018 net loss to P23M ' 2 ! . $ 0 L A Z A ( O T E L # O R P narrowed its net loss last year

BY PERCENT HELPED BY HIGHER REVENUES ATTRIBUTED TO AN INCREASE IN TOURIST ARRIVALS )N A REGULATORY FILING ON Friday, Grand Plaza said its net LOSS FELL TO 0 MILLION FROM 0 MILLION A YEAR EARLIER

AS REVENUES IMPROVED BY PERCENT TO 0 MILLION 'RAND 0LAZA SAID THE RESULTS or also helped by the absence OF IMPAIRMENT LOSSES ‡ IT REPORTED 0 MILLION OF SUCH IN 4HE FIRM POSTED A PERCENT IMPROVEMENT IN ROOM REVENUES OF 0 MILLION FROM 0 million a year earlier, which it said came as average room rates fell. &OOD AND BEVERAGE REVENUE ROSE BY PERCENT TO 0 MILLION FROM 0 MILLION AS

HIGHER ROOM OCCUPANCIES ALSO BROUGHT HIGHER BREAKFAST SALES Cost of sales and services REGISTERED A PERCENT DROP TO 0 MILLION FROM 0 MILLION DUE TO BETTER CONTROL OVER PURCHASES Gross operating income grew TO 0 MILLION FROM 0 million, while other income INCREASED TO 0 MILLION FROM 0 MILLION ON THE BACK OF higher foreign exchange gain OF 0 MILLION VERSUS 0 MILLION IN Grand Plaza Hotel is owned BY 4HE 0HILIPPINE &UND ,TD

WHICH OWNS THE DELUXE 4HE Heritage Hotel Manila.

Grand Plaza shares ended DOWN BY PERCENT OR 0 TO 0 ON &RIDAY AMID THE Philippine Stock Exchange INDEX S PERCENT DECLINE ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

Q STABILITY FROM B1

Espenilla: THE STABILITY OF PRICES AND THE kNANCIAL SYSTEM u %SPENILLA SAID IN A STATEMENT ISSUED LATE ON 3ATURDAY “The amendments to the BSP charter are both TIMELY AND ATTUNED TO A FAST EVOLVING MARKET landscape,� he added.

0RESIDENT 2ODRIGO $UTERTE LAST &RIDAY SIGNED 2EPUBLIC !CT WHICH AMENDED 2!

OR THE .EW #ENTRAL "ANK !CT OF

BY RAISING THE "30 S CAPITALIZATION TO 0 BILLION FROM 0 BILLION AND RESTORING ITS POWER TO ISSUE debt papers, among others. “We also recognize the efforts of central bankers who began spade work on this legislative initiative SOME YEARS AGO 5 N D E R O U R N E W c h a r t e r, w e w i l l CONTINUE TO BUILD on the central bank’s RICH INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE UNDER "30 S #ONTINUITY 0LUS 0LUS PROGRAM u Espenilla said.

The BSP pointed OUT THAT THE NEW charter embodied a package of reforms THAT WOULD FURTHER align central bank operations with global best practices, improve its corporate v i a b i l i t y, a n d enhance its capacity for crafting proactive policies amid rising interlinkages in the financial markets and the broader economy.

One of the salient points of the law, it noted, involves the removal of money SUPPLY AND CREDIT levels as the basis for determining MONETARY POLICY ‡ IN LINE WITH CURRENT international trends. g 4 H E F O C U S O N these indicators has declined among central banks over the years, as fostering price stability now considers a broader set of indicators,� the BSP said.

4HE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE DEBT PAPERS

meanwhile, is e x p e c t e d t o g i ve the central bank greater flexibility to determining the timing and size of its monetary operations. “Under the inflation targeting framework, the "30 FOCUSES MAINLY on achieving price stability, instead of targeting monetary aggregates, as the ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE OF monetary policy,� the

Corporate News PCC: New business model needed for URC-CADPI deal U MONDAY February 18, 2019

NIVERSAL Robina Corp. (URC) will have to revise its business model for competition authorities to reconsider their decision to disallow a proposed takeover of rival Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc. (CADPI), the country’s anti-trust chief said.

The Philippine Competition #OMMISSION 0## LAST 4HURSDAY REJECTED 52# S PLAN TO PURCHASE 2OXAS (OLDINGS )NC 2() OWNED #!$0) RULING THAT THE MERGER WOULD LEAD TO A MONOPOLY IN THE 3OUTHERN ,UZON SUGAR MARKET “If they again will come back to NOTIFY ‡ PERHAPS THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT BUSINESS MODEL w THEN WE CAN REVIEW it again,� PCC Chairman Arsenio

Bangko Sentral noted The law also expands the list of BSPCOVERED INSTITUTIONS TO INCLUDE MONEY S E R V I C E B U S I N E S S E S C R E D I T G R A N T I N G BUSINESSES AND PAYMENT SYSTEM OPERATORS

which the central bank said placed it in a strategic position to address potential risks arising from linkages between banks and these financial entities.

The BSP’s also noted that its higher CAPITALIZATION WOULD BE SOURCED FROM DIVIDENDS declared in favor of the national government AND THAT IT WOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM TAXES on income derived from its governmental FUNCTIONS “These reforms place the BSP in a stronger

Balisacan told reporters on Friday.

4HE ANTITRUST BODY HAD REJECTED VOLUNTARY COMMITMENTS SUBMITTED BY 52# AND 2() AND "ALISACAN SAID THE kRM COULD INSTEAD gDIVESTu ITS "ALAYAN OPERATIONS IF IT WANTED TO BUY #!$0) S .ASUGBU FACILITIES WHICH ARE MUCH LARGER "OTH kRMS COULD ALSO OPT TO SWITCH operations, the PCC chief said.

For now, however, the “window

POSITION TO PURSUE ITS PRICE AND FINANCIAL stability mandate amidst a growing economy and the increasing sophistication of the kNANCIAL SYSTEM u THE CENTRAL BANK SAID Lastly, Espenilla noted that together with the National Payment Systems Act, the new central bank charter had given the central bank an ENHANCED LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR its task of providing a steadying hand for the kNANCIAL SYSTEM g7ITH THIS LAW THE "30 SHALL PURSUE ITS mandate with renewed vigor and a clear view THAT PRICE AND kNANCIAL STABILITY ULTIMATELY SUPPORTS THE ECONOMIC WELL BEING OF ALL Filipinos,� he said.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

B3

for another negotiation for VOLUNTARY COMMITMENTSu IS CLOSED

Balisacan said. )N ANNOUNCING ITS DECISION LAST 4HURSDAY THE 0## QUOTED "ALISACAN as saying that “A merger-to-monopoly deal is among the most detrimental TYPES OF BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS u g4HE 52# TAKEOVER REMOVES ITS ONLY COMPETITOR ERODES THE BENEkT OF COMPETITION FOR THE SUGARCANE planters, and leaves market power at the hands of a single provider in an area,� he added.

52# IN A STATEMENT ISSUED that day, said it accepted the PCC DECISION AND EXPRESSED gSUPPORT to the efforts of government for a strong market economy.�

4HE RULING WAS A VALID EXERCISE

OF THE 0## S MANDATE 52# SAID

ADDING THAT THE REJECTION WOULD NOT gMATERIALLYu IMPACT ITS BUSINESS PLANS 2() WHICH INITIALLY ONLY CONkRMED receipt of the PCC’s decision, on Friday described the rejection as a gLOST OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE THE SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE 3OUTHERN ,UZON AREA u g4HE 2() 'ROUP WILL CONTINUE to operate CADPI as it explores OPTIONS TO FURTHER ENHANCE ITS OVERALL operations in Batangas and Negros,� it added. /N &RIDAY 52# STOCKS WERE UP PERCENT OR 0 TO FINISH AT 0 WHILE 2() STOCKS GAINED PERCENT OR CENTAVOS TO END AT 0 AMID THE PERCENT DECLINE FOR the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index.

Q DELOITTE FROM B1

The long

new process, according to the LTS division, large taxpayers may already AVAIL OF THIS TO kNALLY SECURE THEIR long awaited CAS permit.

OF THE ")2 NATIONAL OFkCE In addition to the above, a LETTER REQUESTING FOR AN ADVANCED PERMIT MAY BE SUBMITTED BY LARGE taxpayers. According to the LTS division, an advanced permit will BE ISSUED TO THE TAXPAYER WITHIN one week from receipt of complete DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS AND LETTER REQUEST 7HILE THE ")2 HAS NOT FORMALLY ISSUED A REGULATION DOCUMENTING THIS

4HE AUTHOR IS AN !SSISTANT -ANAGER with the Tax & Corporate Services division of Navarro Amper & Co., THE LOCAL MEMBER kRM OF $ELOITTE 3OUTHEAST !SIA ,TD m A MEMBER kRM OF $ELOITTE 4OUCHE 4OHMATSU ,IMITED m COMPRISING $ELOITTE PRACTICES OPERATING IN "RUNEI

#AMBODIA 'UAM )NDONESIA

,AO 0$2 -ALAYSIA -YANMAR

Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

B4

Stock Watch

MONDAY February 18, 2019

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

30-DAY STOCK PERFORMANCE

Q The Solaire Resorts and Casino which is a development of Bloomberry Resorts Corp. PHOTO GRABBED FROM BLOOMBERRY WEBSITE

PSEi reentry boosts Bloomberry shares

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

B

LOOMBERRY Resorts Corp. saw its shares rise by 7.79 percent week-on-week following news that it would rejoin the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) effective today, February 18. attractive to foreign funds.

0HILSTOCKS &INANCIAL )NC REsearch associate Japhet Louis Tantiangco shared the same view but warned that competition in the gaming sector was heating up. “If we lose our strength in tourism, then it’s going to be a big problem for our gaming industry. &OR "LOOMBERRY IN PARTICULAR COMpetition would be a risk ‌ [and] is TIGHTENING AS THE kRMS ARE STEPPING up their game with their expansion plans,â€? he said.

Tourist arrivals hit a record high of 7.1 million in 2018, up 7.65 from a year earlier. South Korea remained the top source of visitors at 1.59 million with China in

Shares of Bloomberry grew to 0 APIECE LAST &RIDAY FROM THE P12.06 close a week earlier, its highest year to date. It was also UP BY PERCENT FROM ITS END kNISH OF 0 AND NEARED A 52-week high of P14.

4HE 03% ON &EBRUARY ANNOUNCED ITS kRST RECOMPOSITION FOR 2018, which was primarily marked

by Bloombery’s replacing Ramon Ang-led petroleum firm Petron Corp. in the benchmark index.

Timson Securities Inc. trader Jervin de Celis posted a positive view over the announcement, saying that Bloomberry — expected to BENEkT FROM THE INlUX OF #HINESE tourists — could become more

second at 1.25 million.

Also last week, Bloomberry announced that it will build in the middle of the year a new gaming complex within a 1.5-hectare property at the Vertis North estate in Quezon City.

Bloomberry is looking to expand its business, last Monday announcing that subsidiaries Sureste Properties Inc. and Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc. had signed an omnibus loan facility with sevEN BANKING kRMS TO RAISE AS MUCH as P40 billion for the construction of a new casino. “While the expenses will affect THE PROkTABILITY OF THE COMPANY

if we look at the bigger picture, "LOOMBERRY WILL STILL BENEkT FROM the operation of the new casino

Year

Total Assets

Total Liabilities

2015 2016 2017

70,734,130 67,514,909 72,786,451

48,937,212 43,370,434 42,501,100

Value

Chg

%Chg

PSEi

7,908.89

-82.4

Ĺş

All Shares

4,823.32

-28.3

Ĺş

Financials

1,786.39

-48.7

Ĺş

Industrial

11,457.29

-91.6

Ĺş

Holding Firms

7,901.93

9.52

Ÿ

Services

1,568.54

-21.9

Ĺş

Mining and Oil

8,492.91

-23.3

Ĺş

Property

4,036.70

6.93

Ÿ

SERVICES

Stock indices as of February 15, 2019

PSEi

ALL SHARES

AVERAGE

CLOSE Market capitalization: P132,984,804,859.92

30-day low: P9.55

Outstanding shares: 11,008,675,899

Date

Close

Date

Close

Feb 15, 2019 Feb 14, 2019 Feb 13, 2019 Feb 12, 2019

13 12.08 11.7 11.96

Jan 24, 2019 Jan 23, 2019 Jan 22, 2019

10.4 10.2 10.34

Jan 21, 2019

10.2

Feb 11, 2019

12

Feb 08, 2019

12.06

Feb 07, 2019 Feb 06, 2019 Feb 04, 2019 Feb 01, 2019

11.56 11.52 11.38 11.1

Jan 31, 2019 Jan 30, 2019 Jan 29, 2019 Jan 28, 2019 Jan 25, 2019

11.02 10.6 10.52 10.56 10.4

Jan 18, 2019 Jan 17, 2019 Jan 16, 2019 Jan 15, 2019 Jan 14, 2019 Jan 11, 2019 Jan 10, 2019 Jan 09, 2019 Jan 08, 2019

10.8 10.66 10.8 10.98 10.8 10.68 10.12 10.04 10

Jan 07, 2019 Jan 04, 2019 *amounts in peso

10.12 9.7

*amounts in peso

PROFITABILITY Date Feb. 11 Feb. 12 Feb. 13 Feb. 14 Feb. 15

P/E ratio 22.2 22.14 21.6 22.37 24.07

P/E growth (%) 3.56 7.59

Price to book ratio 3.7152 3.7028 3.6223 3.7399 4.0248

MINING AND OIL

THIRD QUARTER REPORT NET INCOME P1,134,234,258

2015 (3,375) -0.3 1.98

Net income (loss) Earnings per share Book value per share *Net Income (loss) in 000 00

2016 2,323 0.21 2.2

2017 6,062 0.54 2.75

*amounts in peso

TOTAL ASSETS P122,157,872,218

TOTAL LIABILITIES P86,607,527,148

TOTAL EQUITY

FINANCIAL RATIOS

Shareholders’ Equity 21,796,918 24,144,475 30,285,350

P35,550,345,070

Year

Return on Assets (%)

Return on Equity (%)

Debt to Equity ratio

Common ratio

2015 2016 2017

-4.77 3.44 8.33

-15.49 9.62 20.02

2.2451 1.7963 1.4034

1.2781 1.7658 2.1634

*amounts in thousand pesos

HOLDING FIRMS

Index

LOW

30-day high: P13.00

once it is completed because of THE INlUX OF #HINESE GAMBLERS AND tourists,� De Celis said.

Tantiangco, meanwhile, said investors would now be awaiting the firm’s 2018 annual results after having priced its reentry into the PSEi. “If Bloomberry can show that it was able to keep or better yet bet the growth on record in its full year 2018 results, and if it can sustain the said growth this 2019, then it would be of big help in boosting THE kRM S SHARE PRICE u HE SAID As of end-September last year, Bloomberry recorded an 8.55-percent growth in net income to P6.47 billion but the third quarter ALONE SAW PROkTS PLUNGE BY PERCENT DROP TO 0 BILLION

FINANCIAL CONDITION

HIGH

FINANCIAL RATIOS Return on Assets 0.93% Return on Equity 3.19% Debt to Ety Ratio 0.76402.4362 Common Ratio 2.3869

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

Security Name Bloomberry Resorts Corp.

BDO Unibank Inc. Ayala Corp.

Bank of the Philippine Islands Petron Corp.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. Ayala Land Inc. SM Investments Corp.

PLDT Inc. International Container Terminal Services, Inc. Jollibee Foods Corp.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. SM Prime Holdings Inc. Premiere Horizon Alliance Corp.

Alliance Global Group Inc. Universal Robina Corp.

Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. Xurpas Inc. JG Summit Holdings Inc.

Last Price 13.00 133.60 961.00 89.20 6.60 990.00 44.50 970.00 1,112.00 115.00 316.60 80.00 39.40 1.33 13.86 146.00 8.00 66.00 1.60 62.25

Chg 0.92 -7.00 35.00 -0.90 -0.09 -30.00 -0.50 -20.00 -58.00 -0.90 -4.60 -2.40 0.00 -0.11 0.00 2.20 1.70 3.45 -0.19 -0.55

%Chg 7.62% -4.98% 3.78% -1.00% -1.35% -2.94% -1.11% -2.02% -4.96% -0.78% -1.43% -2.91% 0% -7.64% 0% 1.53% 26.98% 5.52% -10.61% -0.88%

Ÿ ź Ÿ ź ź ź ź ź ź ź ź ź ź Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ ź ź

Volume 118,928,500 8,492,380 956,590 8,806,520 67,847,900 319,805 6,612,900 292,000 247,530 2,369,370 615,040 2,333,800 4,340,400 109,099,000 11,061,600 995,590 17,868,600 2,127,800 76,680,000 1,601,790

Value 1,516,416,386.00 1,138,893,614.00 903,252,235.00 798,732,997.00 449,096,371.00 316,544,350.00 294,734,680.00 284,152,720.00 280,536,180.00 275,220,359.00 197,234,356.00 189,047,867.50 170,748,800.00 157,092,600.00 154,009,442.00 145,703,471.00 138,512,249.00 137,056,172.00 127,813,010.00 101,088,352.50

*amounts in peso, except for volume, %chg

TOP GAINERS

FINANCIALS

INDUSTRIAL

PROPERTY

INDEX HISTORY Date Feb 15, 2019 Feb 14, 2019 Feb 13, 2019 Feb 12, 2019 Feb 11, 2019 Feb 08, 2019 Feb 07, 2019 Feb 06, 2019 Feb 04, 2019 Feb 01, 2019 Jan 31, 2019 Jan 30, 2019 Jan 29, 2019 Jan 28, 2019 Jan 25, 2019 Jan 24, 2019 Jan 23, 2019 Jan 22, 2019 Jan 21, 2019 Jan 18, 2019 Jan 17, 2019 Jan 16, 2019 Jan 15, 2019 Jan 14, 2019 Jan 11, 2019 Jan 10, 2019 Jan 09, 2019 Jan 08, 2019 Jan 07, 2019 Jan 04, 2019

Open 7,965.17 7,960.19 8,040.34 8,076.60 8,088.34 8,091.70 8,093.17 8,091.45 8,131.55 8,038.65 7,999.41 8,038.77 8,086.93 8,071.12 8,075.66 8,000.65 7,941.05 8,023.84 8,055.48 7,932.11 7,866.42 7,983.46 8,009.08 7,886.40 7,965.44 7,931.87 7,775.21 7,820.26 7,800.88 7,657.18

High 7,999.84 7,996.21 8,040.43 8,083.53 8,105.58 8,096.47 8,127.08 8,213.71 8,148.88 8,165.66 8,099.23 8,046.95 8,087.39 8,143.61 8,116.23 8,068.48 7,989.65 8,029.80 8,067.08 8,057.57 7,937.98 7,990.65 8,027.92 8,024.14 7,965.44 7,992.33 7,919.67 7,826.08 7,900.70 7,801.50

Low 7,908.89 7,920.62 7,889.46 7,984.42 8,061.54 8,035.84 8,087.73 8,058.45 8,068.74 8,038.65 7,999.41 7,912.16 8,014.94 8,042.20 8,038.94 8,000.65 7,901.64 7,979.14 7,964.06 7,919.50 7,865.13 7,848.70 7,976.43 7,818.95 7,855.69 7,898.63 7,765.91 7,702.12 7,787.66 7,657.18

Close 7,908.89 7,991.25 7,920.24 8,009.92 8,061.54 8,070.89 8,100.30 8,058.45 8,069.48 8,144.16 8,007.48 7,979.95 8,050.82 8,053.92 8,053.20 8,064.90 7,989.65 8,008.67 8,007.46 8,047.12 7,927.20 7,864.70 8,013.42 8,024.14 7,904.09 7,985.23 7,919.67 7,702.12 7,787.66 7,761.11

CLOSE

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

Security Name Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. Liberty Flour Mills, Inc. Manila Broadcasting Co. Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. Metro Alliance Holdings & Equities Corp. “B�

Bloomberry Resorts Corp.

Anglo Philippine Holdings Corp.

Suntrust Home Developers Inc. Empire East Land Holdings Inc. Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. Swift Foods Inc. First Philippine Holdings Corp. Series “C� Preferred Shares Araneta Properties Inc. Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. Zeus Holdings Inc. 2Go Group Inc. Victorias Milling Co. Inc. Imperial Resources Inc. Ayala Corp.

SOCResources Inc.

Volume 17,868,600 3,500 2,400 32,777,000 35,000 118,928,500 23,341,000 1,521,000 16,599,000 2,127,800 330,000 1,620 7,525,000 7,466,000 108,950,000 29,200 564,000 81,000 956,590 201,000

Value 138,512,249.00 184,750.00 42,354.00 53,321,200.00 75,040.00 1,516,416,386.00 25,052,100.00 1,223,710.00 9,532,220.00 137,056,172.00 43,950.00 729,328.00 15,440,780.00 22,295,640.00 42,184,000.00 385,088.00 1,533,940.00 165,880.00 903,252,235.00 161,160.00

Last Price 8 53 17.88 1.66 2.3 13 0.9 0.82 0.57 66 0.139 450 1.93 3 0.38 13.7 2.84 2.1 961 0.83

Chg 1.7 10.8 3.28 0.18 0.19 0.92 0.06 0.05 0.03 3.45 0.006 19.2 0.08 0.12 0.015 0.54 0.11 0.08 35 0.03

%Chg 26.98% 25.59% 22.47% 12.16% 9.01% 7.62% 7.14% 6.49% 5.56% 5.52% 4.51% 4.46% 4.32% 4.17% 4.11% 4.10% 4.03% 3.96% 3.78% 3.75%

*amounts in peso, except for volume, %chg

TOP LOSERS

HIGH

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

Security Name Manila Mining Corp. “B�

Island Information And Technology Inc. Benguet Corp. “B�

Roxas and Company Inc. PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Corp.

Xurpas Inc. United Paragon Mining Corp.

Manila Mining Corp. “A�

SSI Group Inc. Millennium Global Holdings Inc. Seafront Resources Corp.

Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. The Philodrill Corp.

Premiere Horizon Alliance Corp.

Asiabest Group International Inc. Prime Media Holdings Inc. Jackstones Inc. Berjaya Philippines Inc. Aboitiz Power Corp.

*amounts in peso, except for volume, %chg

Volume 82,900,000.00 36,650,000.00 32,000.00 1,629,000.00 4,425,300.00 800.00 76,680,000.00 94,000,000.00 84,600,000.00 23,349,000.00 6,180,000.00 14,000.00 27,100,000.00 4,000,000.00 109,099,000.00 503,900.00 289,000.00 3,000.00 2,751,000.00 1,310,600.00

Value 801,040.00 5,001,980.00 39,480.00 3,318,410.00 23,674,528.00 8,846.00 127,813,010.00 785,400.00 793,450.00 51,436,270.00 1,286,190.00 33,260.00 62,870,470.00 51,600.00 157,092,600.00 11,247,225.00 341,740.00 9,450.00 7,955,300.00 46,545,435.00

Last Price 0.0093 0.13 1.23 1.9 5.4 11.06 1.6 0.008 0.0091 2.13 0.201 2.38 2.24 0.012 1.33 21.5 1.18 3.15 2.85 34

Chg -0.0017 -0.02 -0.17 -0.26 -0.72 -1.42 -0.19 -0.0008 -0.0009 -0.21 -0.019 -0.22 -0.19 -0.001 -0.11 -1.6 -0.08 -0.21 -0.18 -2

%Chg -15.45% -13.33% -12.14% -12.04% -11.76% -11.38% -10.61% -9.09% -9.00% -8.97% -8.64% -8.46% -7.82% -7.69% -7.64% -6.93% -6.35% -6.25% -5.94% -5.56%

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Calling European cars a threat is ‘frightening’ MUNICH, Germany: German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday labelled as “frightening� tough US trade rhetoric planning to declare European car imports a national security threat. “If these cars... suddenly spell a threat to US national security, than that is frightening to us,� she said.

Merkel pointed out that the biggest car plant of German luxury brand BMW was not in Bavaria but in South Carolina, from where it exports vehicles to China. “All I can say is it would be good if we could resume proper talks with one another,� she said at the Munich Security Conference. “Then we will find a solution.�

A US Commerce Department report has concluded that auto imports threaten national security, setting the stage for possible tariffs by the White

House, two people familiar with the matter said Thursday.

The investigation, ordered by President Donald Trump in May, is “positive� with respect to the central question of whether the imports “impair� US national security, said a European auto industry source. “It’s going to say that auto imports are a threat to national security,� said an official with another auto company.

The report, which is expected to be delivered to the White House by a Sunday deadline, has been seen as a major risk for foreign automakers.

Trump has threatened to slap 25 percent duties on European autos, especially targeting Germany, which he says has harmed the American car industry.

After receiving the report, the US president will have 90 days to decide whether to move ahead with tariffs.

AFP

Q TALKS FROM B1

Q PEREZ FROM B1

Investor focus to remain

Foreign Business

H

ONG KONG: Hong Kong’s economy stalled last year as the ongoing China-US trade dispute and retail woes dragged DOWN LOCAL BUSINESS THE CITY S kNANCIAL CHIEF said Sunday.

Beijing and Washington have already imposed duties on more THAN BILLION IN TWO WAY trade, roiling global financial markets and weighing heavily on manufacturing output in both countries. “The impact of China-US trade frictions on Hong Kong’s exports

Two principal stockholders COMBINED FOR

)#43) COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT !S OF $EC

"RAVO )Nternational Port Holdings Inc. directly held 279.675 million ICTSI common shares, and indiRECTLY OWNED

)#43) common shares for total holdings OF

)#43) COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT 2AZON Group Shareholdings directly HELD

)#43) COMMON shares, or 10.97 percent.

As an affiliate, ICTSI Warehousing Inc. directly owned

)#43) COMMON SHARES

or 0.04 percent.

Q SUGAR FROM B1

Q GAMING FROM B1

Lopez

Tax bureau calls

STOCK /F THE TOTAL &ILIPINOS AND foreigners own 1,225,095,945 ICTSI common shares, or 45.180 PERCENT OF

OUTSTANDing capital stock, and 786,477,498 common shares, or 29.004 percent, respectively.

Computed in another way, &ILIPINO OWNED

common shares equal 60.902 perCENT OF

OUTSTANDING )#43) COMMON SHARES &OREIGNers’ 786,477,498 ICTSI common SHARES EQUAL PERCENT In addition to their ownership OF )#43) COMMON SHARES &ILIPINOS also own 700 million voting preferred shares. The additin makes them owners of 1,925,095,945 Annual meeting common and voting preferred shares which represent 70.996 perIn a preliminary information CENT OF

OUTSTANDING statement (PIS), ICTSI said it will capital stock. hold its annual stockholders’ 7HILE &ILIPINOS ALSO HELD meeting on April 11, 2019. The 700 million ICTSI voting precompany disclosed that as of Jan. ferred shares in addition to

FOREIGNERS HAS A TOTAL OF 1,225,095,942 ICTSI common

OUTSTANDING CAPITAL shares, foreign’ ownership was

working in the online gaming industry. “We want to trace these Chinese nationals employed by these gaming operators. They allowed us to join the task force because we are asking data from [the Bureau of] mmigration and DOLE (Department of Labor on Employment) on the list of these foreign nationals,� the statement quoted BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa was quoted as saying.

Senate committees have sched-

uled a hearing this week on the inlUX OF FOREIGN WORKERS CITING REPORTS that over 90 percent of foreigners arrested or charged last year were Chinese and that most of them were involved in illegal gambling.

The hearing was set in connection to Senate Resolution

FILED IN THAT CALLED for a congressional inquiry into reports of illegal Chinese workers in ecozones hosting casinos. !NOTHER RESOLUTION kLED LAST YEAR urged the Senate to probe an

Q DEBATE FROM B1

concerns — especially a “Made in China 2025� initiative that aims to make the Asian giant into a global leader in emerging technologies like ARTIkCIAL INTELLIGENCE THROUGH GENEROUS STATE SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC kRMS Beijing and the Chinese state media have played down the policy this past year as it roused controversy, but for China the trade tensions have only reinforced the need to INCREASE SELF SUFkCIENCY IN CRUCIAL technology like semiconductors.

Indeed, a brief US ban on sales to state-backed telecom giant ZTE nearly killed the company last year.

than double.

Here is a breakdown of the main sticking points:

IP theft & tech transfer Washington contends Beijing has encouraged theft of American intellectual property while forcing US companies to turn over trade secrets for market access.

Beijing has long denied the charges but is working to step up punishments for IP theft, fast tracking a new foreign investment law which explicitly bans forced technology transfer.

It is also gradually increasing the scope of industries where foreign kRMS CAN OPERATE WITHOUT A #HINESE joint venture partner.

It is unclear if the moves will be enough to appease the Trump AdMINISTRATION 4HE &") RECENTLY SAID it is investigating Chinese economic espionage across the US while the Justice Department is leading a name, shame and prosecute campaign against Chinese spying and theft.

US prosecutors recently ensnared Chinese tech giant Huawei with charges of trade secret theft, including an alleged programme to reward technology theft from rivals.

has clearly emerged at the end of LAST YEAR u SAID kNANCE SECRETARY Paul Chan.

Economic growth in the semiautonomous Chinese city for the last quarter of 2018 was less than 1.5 percent — the weakest since the first quarter of 2016 and a gSIGNIkCANT SLOWDOWNu FROM THE

AVERAGE GROWTH RATE OF PERCENT IN THE kRST THREE QUARTERS #HAN WROTE ON HIS OFkCIAL BLOG The slowdown brought last year’s growth rate to an estimated three percent, down from the HIGHER THAN FORECAST PERCENT recorded in 2017, he added. “It was almost ‘zero-growth’ for commodities exports in the fourth quarter, which was a sharp drop compared to the average 6 percent GROWTH IN THE kRST THREE QUARTERS u he wrote.

Chan said consumer sentiment had also dampened with retail

sales rising only 2.1 percent yearon-year in the fourth quarter, a far cry from the more than 12 percent INCREASE IN THE kRST HALF OF THE YEAR “The external political and economic situation remains unclear...

Therefore, we repeatedly stress the need to support enterprises, safeguard employment, stabilise THE ECONOMY AND BENEkT PEOPLE S livelihoods,� he wrote, hinting at the ongoing trade negotiations between the world’s top two economies.

Chan is expected to deliver THE (ONG +ONG BUDGET ON &EBruary 27.

AFP

Guessing a stock’s price

Exchange index) has been trading sideways within the range of 7,800 and 8,100 for the last few weeks and it may continue to do so for a few more weeks.

4HIS COULD ALSO BE CLASSIkED AS consolidation which strengthens the market as it builds more momentum for more upside growth in the longer term,� he noted.

Mangun said foreign inflows could also slow but said this would be healthy as “we don’t WANT THE MONEY TO lOW IN TOO FAST as this might cause a ‘too far, too fast’ scenario.�

4HE 03%I DROPPED BY PERCENT OR POINTS TO CLOSE AT LAST &RIDAY WHILE THE broader All Shares declined by PERCENT OR POINTS TO kNISH AT

FROM REPORTS BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS AND AFP

US-China

B5

Hong Kong economy stalls amid trade dispute

common shares. These entries ALSO INCLUDE A gFREE lOAT LEVELu of 50.62 percent, which would be equivalent to 1,018,258,477 SHARES OF

OUTstanding shares.

A public ownership report 0/2 AS OF $EC PLACED at 50.62 percent ICTSI’s publicly owned common shares, which, when computed, are equivalent to 1,018,059,927 common shares OF

OUTSTANDING common shares. (1,018,059,927 DIVIDED BY

EQUALS 0.5062451265244459, which, when converted to percent equals 50.625 percent while

OVER

equals 1,018,059,927.)

The same POR listed ICTSI’s seven-person board as either direct or indirect holders of

)#43) COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT 4HE eight ICTSI executives directly OWNED )#43) COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT

Asean commitments was just 5 PERCENT COMPARED TO THE PERcent imposed on rice. “So kung 5 percent ‌ ano ang maiiwang protection sa sugar? (So if it is only 5 percent, what protection will be left for the sugar industry?)â€? he asked.

Last month, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said sugar TARIFFS COULD BE RAISED TO percent.

Asked if imposing a fee would COUNTERACT THE BENEkTS OF LIBERalization, Lopez said no because the sugar would still be “freely importable�. “We’re looking at the solution that is not anti-competitive. We are looking at a solution that will still allow anyone to import,� he claimed.

Diokno, in announcing the plan to “deregulate or relaxâ€? sugar imports, cited the need to lower domestic sugar prices and protect consumers, a claim Lopez reiterated. “That’s an interest on our side ‌ The prices of sugar, as you know, has always been an issue we raise ‌,â€? he said.

Lopez said a study could be ready by the second quarter pending consultations with the Philippine Competition C o m m i s s i o n ( P C C ) , Ta r i f f Commission and the Department of Agriculture.

He also confirmed that the Trade department, along with the PCC, would be investigating the sugar industry given reports of PRICE kXING The antitrust body earlier this year announced that the industry, along with pesticides, logistics, corn milling/trading, AND REkNED PETROLEUM WERE IN its competition analysis and enforcement priority list for 2019.

FROM A REPORT

BY TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD

MONDAY February 18, 2019

State subsidies In recent years China’s state-owned companies have strengthened their DOMESTIC DOMINANCE ‡ lYING IN the face of Western demands for market reforms.

Washington hopes China will lessen the role of the state in the economy and curtail generous subsidies for industries and companies.

"UT ECONOMIST #UI &AN OF THE University of International Business and Economics in Beijing cautioned China may not give ground if the US wants to discuss state subsidies beyond the remit of the World Trade Organization agreement. g) AM AFRAID IT WILL BE DIFkCULT to completely solve this month,� he said.

Industrial policy

Trade deficit

China’s industrial policy has raised

China’s politically sensitive trade

“immigration surge� from China that is reportedly taking away jobs FROM &ILIPINOS In announcing the BIR’s call to 0AGCOR THE &INANCE DEPARTMENT ALSO said that as reiterated under RMC 107-2017, “online activity is sufkCIENT TO CONSTITUTE DOING BUSINESS in the Philippines, thus, a foreign corporation engaged in POGO is considered as resident foreign corporation engaged in business in the Philippines and not a non-resident foreign corporation.�

It also stressed that BIR regional district offices had jurisdiction over the place where POGO head OFkCE AND OR BRANCHES ARE LOCATED surplus with the US last year hit a RECORD BILLION AS THE TIT FOR tat tariffs kept Chinese buyers away from American agricultural and energy commodities.

Beijing has pledged to pick up purchases of US soybeans and other goods and dangled a massive buying spree over negotiations to nudge the White House towards a deal. The 7HITE (OUSE &RIDAY EMPHASISED discussions on purchases to reduce the “large and persistent bilateral TRADE DEkCITu But any buying spree would have to rely heavily on the Chinese stateOWNED kRMS WHICH 7ASHINGTON IS battling to sideline.

Deal in sight?

The two sides are working towards a Memorandum of Understanding to detail their commitments ahead of a potential meeting between Trump and Xi. The test will be if Trump can get on board with a deal to address the trade deficit that defers structural changes.

Earlier this month he told the American public a deal “must include real structural change to end unfair trade practises�, but Chinese analysts say that will take time. “We are a slow moving country.

Some patience is needed,� said Zhang, adding negotiating China’s entry into the WTO took more than a decade.

Then there is the question of how to enforce whatever is agreed on. Beijing has long been wary of outside oversight.

AFP

limited to common shares. Thus, they are entitled to vote only their 786,477,498 common shares, or PERCENT OF

outstanding ICTSI capital stock. &OREIGNERS ALSO HOLD MILlion non-voting preferred shares, which are equivalent to 29.10 PERCENT OF

OUTstanding shares.

GAVE &ILIPINOS

)#43) common shares and foreigners’ 786,477,498 ICTSI common shares market value of P140.886 billion and P90.445 billion, respectively.

Of course, these were only the paper values of stockholders because they are not selling. As a matter of fact, they could have gotten more if they were to sell at 52-week high of P122 per ICTSI Due Diligencer’s take common share.

The public stockholders could !T 0 CLOSING PRICE ON &EB have benefited more had they

&ILIPINO OWNED acquired their present holdings at 1,225,095,945 ICTSI common 52-week low of P76.95 and sold at shares and foreigners’ 786,477,498 the stock’s one-year high of P122.

ICTSI common shares had paper The problem, though, is nobody value of P140.886 billion and knows when a listed stock’s price P90.445 billion, respectively. would stop falling.

These were only in paper beThe same thing is true with riscause trading on listed common ing stocks. Who among the pubshares takes place from Monday lic will be able to guess when the TO &RIDAY 4HE PRICE PER COMMON price of listed common shares share changes, so does the vol- will rise or fall or cease rising or ume or number of shares traded. falling? Just asking. /N &EB

)#43) COMMON share prices closed at P115, which esdperez@gmail.c

Q DEBATE FROM B1

B6

MONDAY February 18, 2019

World

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Trump to EU: Take back jihadists W

ASHINGTON, D. C.: European nations must take back hundreds of Islamic 3TATE )3 GROUP kGHTERS CAPTURED IN Syria, President Donald Trump said late Saturday, after a delay in announcing what he said would be the end of the “caliphate.�

Trump shocked allies in December by declaring the pullout of roughly 2,000 US troops who had been assisting local forces in Syria against IS, whose sole remaining territory is half a square kilometer (one-fifth of a square mile) in eastern Syria.

The pending US pullout set off a countdown for governments whose citizens, having joined IS, were captured by the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). “The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other

European allies to take back over )3)3 kGHTERS THAT WE CAPTURED in Syria and put them on trial,�

Trump said in a tweet, using another acronym for IS. “The Caliphate is ready to fall.

The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them. The US does not want to WATCH AS THESE )3)3 kGHTERS PERMEate Europe, which is where they are expected to go.�

Once the US-led coalition declares it has taken all IS territories, the White House is expected to withdraw American troops.

When that happens, the risk is HIGH THAT gFOREIGN TERRORIST kGHTers� will escape SDF control, posing a new threat.

For about two weeks, the Trump administration has been pushing its allies to take their citizens home, and the US said it was ready to help in the repatriation, but time had been running out.

Several countries, including France, that have chosen to leave the jihadists in SDF detention now confront a diplomatic, legal, political and logistical puzzle. “We do so much, and spend so

neighboring Iraq in 2014, but had since lost all but a tiny patch of territory near the Iraqi border.

Trump’s Syria pullout has highlighted the deep trans-Atlantic rift that emerged under his presidency, and the differing views of the two sides were on display Saturday at a security conference in Munich.

A French government source criticized the Trump administration’s approach as “we’re leaving, you’re staying� and added: “They’re trying to manage the consequences of a hasty decision and making us carry the responsibility.�

AFP

Arabian prince seeks deals, allies in Asia tour

British minister scraps trip to China

LONDON: Britain’s Finance Minister Philip Hammond has reportedly been forced to cancel a trip to China next week after plans to send a new aircraft carrier to the 0ACIkC ANGERED "EIJING Hammond was set to visit China for trade talks with senior GOVERNMENT kGURES BUT HAD AXED the trip after Beijing reacted angrily this week to news of the warship’s planned deployment, according to British media reports.

Although the visit was never formally announced by London, it had been under preparation for “many weeks,� the Financial Times (FT) said.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced on Monday THAT THE kRST OPERATIONAL MISSION of Britain’s new ÂŁ3.1 billion ($4 billion, 3.5 billion euros) aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth WOULD INCLUDE THE 0ACIkC REGION In a strongly worded speech, he said adversaries were challenging “the rules-based international order,â€? while noting that “China is developing its modern military capability and its commercial powerâ€?.

The comments reportedly provoked anger in Beijing as well as consternation in British government departments eager to foster closer relations with the east Asian economic power.

Hammond had been expected to meet Chinese vice-premier Hu Chunhua but that was cancelled following Williamson’s speech, leading Britain to scrap the entire visit, the FT reported.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources told the BBC the Chinese had made it clear “it is not going to happen for now�.

"RITAIN S kNANCE MINISTRY DID not immediately respond to a request for comment.

But a spokesman told several media outlets earlier Saturday: “No trip WAS EVER ANNOUNCED OR CONkRMED u China is highly sensitive about the South China Sea, which it claims as its exclusive territorial waters, and is mired in ongoing disputes with its neighbours and the United States over access. AFP

much — Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100 percent Caliphate victory!� Trump said in his lateSaturday tweets.

On Friday he said announcements on the fall of the caliphate would be made “over the next 24 hours,� but that deadline came and went.

An SDF commander said his USbacked forces slowed their advance to protect civilians.

The jihadists declared a “caliphate� in large parts of Syria and

CARNIVAL

The queen’s float parades during the Nice carnival parade on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in Nice, southeastern France. AFP PHOTO

Merkel defends multilateralism

MUNICH: German Chancellor Angela Merkel drew lengthy applause Saturday (Sunday in Manila) for her spirited defense of a multilateral approach to global affairs and support for Europe’s decision to stand by a nuclear deal with Iran.

US Vice President Mike Pence was not among the impressed, however, and he doubled down on American criticism of Europe.

Merkel’s comments at the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of world leaders and top global DEFENSE AND FOREIGN POLICY OFkCIALS

followed days of acrimony between the US and Europe over Iran.

Merkel told the group — which included the largest US delegation ever with dozens of members of Congress, Ivanka Trump, Pence and others — that she shared American concerns about many Iranian efforts to increase its power in the region.

But while she said the split with the US over Iran’s nuclear agreement “depresses me very much,� she defended it as an important channel to Tehran, stressing the

need for international diplomacy. “I see the ballistic missile program, I see Iran in Yemen and above all I see Iran in Syria,� she said. “The only question that stands between us on this issue is, do we help our common cause, our common aim of CONTAINING THE DAMAGING OR DIFkCULT development of Iran, by withdrawing from the one remaining agreement? Or do we help it more by keeping the small anchor we have in order maybe to exert pressure in other areas?�

Germany, Britain, France, China, Russia and the European Union have been trying to keep the 2015 deal with Iran alive since President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled out of it last year.

The deal offers Iran sanctions relief for limiting its nuclear program.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has said that, so far, Tehran was sticking to the agreement.

But the US argues that the deal just puts off when Iran might be able to build a nuclear bomb.

Speaking after Merkel, Pence

pushed for Europeans to end their involvement in the nuclear deal, calling Iran “the leading state sponsor of terrorism in the world.� “The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining US sanctions against this murderous revolutionary regime,� Pence said. “The time has come for our European partners to stand with us and with the Iranian people, our allies and friends in the region. The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.�

Merkel’s speech was warmly received, while Pence’s was met with polite applause. “This was a big and say-it-asit-is Merkel speech,� Daniela Schwarzer, the director of the German Council on Foreign Relations think tank, wrote on Twitter. “Minutes of applause and standing ovations for a powerful commitment to picking up the pieces of a shattered [world] order and working on a European and [international] order that creates win-win situations.� AP

Worldinbrief

vacy problem will add to the worries that people will avoid answering or lie on the once-every-10-year survey because of the Trump administration’s attempt to add a much-debated citizenship question.

AP

FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron condemned anti-Semitic abuse of a leading intellectual by “yellow vest� protestors and said it would not be tolerated. Police intervened to protect philosopher and writer Alain Finkielkraut after he was targeted by a group of protestors on the fringe of a demonstration in central Paris on Saturday, according to videos posted on social networks. “The anti-Semitic insults he has been subjected to are the absolute negation of what we are and what makes us a great nation. We will not tolerate it,� Macron tweeted. “The son of Polish immigrants who became a French academician, Alain Finkielkraut is not only a prominent man of letters but the symbol of what the Republic allows everyone,� the President added in another tweet. Several protestors shouted “Dirty Zionist,� “We are the people� and “France is ours,� according to a video broadcast by Yahoo! News.

AFP

OAKLAND, California: Oakland teachers say they would strike starting Thursday.

The union representing the 3,000 teachers announced the walkout Saturday, making it the latest in a wave of educator activism that has swept the US since last spring.

The union wants smaller class sizes, more counselors and full-time nurses, and a 12-percent raise over three years. The district has offered 5 percent and says it is squeezed by rising costs. The action comes a day after the sides received compromise recommendations in a fact-finding report. Oakland Unified School District Superintendent Kyla Johnson Trammell said Friday she was pleased with the recommendations and hoped it would coax the union back to negotiations.

AP

POTENTIAL PRIVACY LAPSE FOUND IN AMERICANS’ 2010 CENSUS DATA

WASHINGTON, D. C.: The acting secretary of defense said Saturday (Sunday in Manila) he had not yet determined how much money he would redirect to President Donald Trump’s border wall project. Pat Shanahan, who has been leading the Pentagon since Jim Mattis stepped down December 31, made the comment in an interview with reporters flying with him from Germany to Washington. Shanahan said he had a great deal of discretion in deciding how to use the authorities granted to him by Trump’s declaration Friday of a national emergency. The former Boeing executive said he would be working out details starting Sunday, emphasizing that his mission is to support the border security needs of the Department of Homeland Security. The White House said before Trump’s announcement that the border project, which is opposed by Democrats, would receive $3.6 billion that Congress originally provided for military construction projects and $2.5 billion from the Pentagon’s 2019 drug interdiction program.

AP

MACRON CONDEMNS ANTI-SEMITIC ABUSE IN YELLOW VEST RALLY

WASHINGTON, D. C.: An internal team at the Census Bureau found that basic personal information collected from more than 100 million Americans during the 2010 head count could be reconstructed from obscured data, but with lots of mistakes, a top agency official disclosed Saturday. The age, gender, location, race and ethnicity for 138 million people were potentially vulnerable. So far, however, only internal hacking teams had discovered such details at possible risk, and no outside groups were known to have grabbed data intended to remain private for 72 years, chief scientist John Abowd told a scientific conference. The Census Bureau is now scrapping its old data shielding technique for a state-of-the-art method that Abowd claimed is far better than Google’s or Apple’s. Some former agency chiefs fear the potential pri-

OAKLAND TEACHERS TO GO ON STRIKE

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s powerful crown prince arrives in Pakistan on Sunday, the start of an Asian tour during which he will seek lucrative contracts and demonstrate he still HAS ALLIES kVE MONTHS AFTER THE Khashoggi affair.

Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as “MBS,� is expected to land in the capital Islamabad and stay in Pakistan until Monday.

His trip comes amid high tensions in the region: India and Saudi Arabia’s arch-rival Iran — both bordering Pakistan — have accused Islamabad of backing militant groups, which had carried out bloody suicide attacks on their soil in recent days.

After Pakistan, MBS will travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

(E IS EXPECTED TO kNISH THE TRIP with a visit to China on Thursday and Friday.

Two short stops initially scheduled for Sunday and Monday in Indonesia and Malaysia were postponed on Saturday without explanation.

4HE !SIA TRIP COMES kVE MONTHS after the murder of journalist *AMAL +HASHOGGI A kERCE CRITIC OF MBS, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis.

Riyadh initially denied the murDER THEN GAVE SEVERAL CONlICTING accounts of Khashoggi’s death, and now claims he was killed in

an unauthorised operation.

Turkey said Friday it had not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the extraordinary case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and had profoundly tarnished the image of the kingdom, especially that of the crown prince.

But for analysts, the Asia tour — the largest outing on the international scene for the crown prince since his participation in the G20 summit in Argentina last December — was a timely demonstration to the West that he still had friends in rising Asia.

He “wants to demonstrate that he is not an international pariah,� said James Dorsey, a researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

It is a matter of proving that he still has “international access and he can function... as the most senior representative of Saudi Arabia beyond the king.�

Li Guofu, director of Middle East studies at the China Institute of International Studies, a GOVERNMENT AFkLIATED THINK TANK

noted that the Khashoggi case continued to cause indignation in Western countries, so visiting them would have been “inconvenient.� “Not travelling to the West does not mean that he cannot come to the East. Saudi Arabia is also making strategic adjustments, and Asia is the new main direction of Saudi diplomacy,� he said.

AFP

May to meet Europe leaders one-on-one LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) vowed to speak to every European Union (EU) member state leader “over the coming days,� as she wrote to Conservative members of Parliaments (MPs) to appeal for unity over Brexit.

In the letter to her fractious colleagues, excerpts of which were released by Downing Street late Saturday, May urged the party to “move beyond what divides us.�

The embattled British leader said RULING 4ORIES NEEDED TO SACRIkCE gPERsonal preferences� for the “higher service of the national interest.�

The plea came after May this week suffered another parliamentary defeat over Brexit, suggesting a shortlived period of party unity over reforming her draft EU divorce deal may not survive.

On Thursday night, MPs rejected a motion expressing support for May’s efforts to seek changes to her underkRE AGREEMENT AFTER MEMBERS OF HER

own Conservative party abstained.

In her letter to lawmakers Saturday, the prime minister called the vote “disappointing� but insisted she would keep seeking to secure changes to the so-called backstop arrangement in the deal.

(ER OFkCE REVEALED SHE PLANNED “to speak to the leader of every EU member state in the coming days.� “I do not underestimate how deeply or how sincerely colleagues hold the views which they do on this important issue,� May told Tories, referring to Brexit. “But I believe that a failure to make the compromises necessary... will let down the people who sent us to represent them,� she warned. “Our party can do what it has done so often in the past: move beyond what divides us and come together behind what unites us.�

-AY CONkRMED SHE WOULD RETURN to Brussels next week for further talks with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. AFP

DEFENSE CHIEF HAS NOT DETERMINED AMOUNT OF WALL FUND

LIMBER

An Indian gymnast performs at the Mallakhamb World Championships in Mumbai on Saturday. Some 100 competitors from 15 countries took part in the Mallakhamb World Championships in India’s financial capital of Mumbai on February 16 and 17. AFP PHOTO

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

DoE seeks to revamp electricity market rules DEPARTMENT of Energy – Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (DoE-EPIMB) conducted a public consultation on the proposed amendments of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) Rules held at Parklane Hotel, Cebu, on January 24.

The proposed amendments submitted by the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) to the DoE in September 2018 aims to strengthen current rules on market surveillance, enforcement, compliance and penalties. “We need to empower our consumers on their right to be informed on how and where their electricity is being sourced,�

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi

SAID g4HEIR @kRSTHAND INVOLVEMENT WILL BENEkT THE ENTIRE ENergy sector as we hear their inputs ON THE SIGNIkCANT IMPROVEMENTS of market operation services and competitive pricing.�

The recommended changes seek to strengthen the roles and functions of those involved in enforcement and compliance processes; harmonize said processes with the enhanced WESM design; SWITCH FROM AN HOURLY TO A kVE minute trading interval; establish procedures and obligations on the issuance of notices for market rules breaches; determine appropriate violation penatlies; penalty remedies; and the utilization of penalty proceeds, among others.

MONDAY February 18, 2019

Public Square

B7

Pag-IBIG Fund hosts 8th ‘Araw ng Pag-IBIG’ A

BOUT 1,500 couples participated in Pag-IBIG Funds’ 8th “I Do, I Do! Araw ng Pag-IBIG� mass wedding for its membercouples, held in 13 venues nationwide on February 14. “The mass wedding is our way of helping couples formalize their union and reminding them that Pag-IBIG Fund mem-

bership comes with benefits that can help in their lives,� said Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. “We are one with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s directive

of helping Filipino families make the most of social benefits provided by government institutions like Pag-IBIG Fund.�

The “I Do. I Do! Araw ng PagIBIG� was awarded with its first Philippine Quill for a Government Communication Program from the International Association of Business Commu-

nicators (IABC) Philippines in 2013. It also grabbed the Bronze Award for Advocacy Communications under the category of Responsible Parenthood at the Araw Values Award, and cited by the TV show, Philippine Book of Records, as having the “most number of couples in a nationwide mass wedding,� in 2014.

Muntinlupa hosts Regional Peace and Order Meeting

Creba opens real estate planning, devt and environmental concerns course CHAMBER of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations Inc. (Creba) and De La Salle College of Saint Benilde School of Professional and Continuing Education (DLS-CSB Space) is set to open the certificate course “Real Estate Planning, Development and Environmental Concerns,� on February 23.

The course is the third of six modules under the Executive Diploma Program in Real Estate Management (EDPREM) offered by the two institutions since 2002.

To be held at the ninth floor of the CSB School of Design and Arts Campus, P. Ocampo Street, Manila, the four-week course will include topics such as Types of Property Development; Residential Subdivisions including High-rise and Midrise buildings, Townhouses and Subdivisions; Water Supply & Sanitation; and Ecological Solid Waste Management, among other topics.

For more information, emailt o c r e b a _ n a t i o n a l @ ya h o o . com or space@benilde.edu.ph.

MUNTINLUPA Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (2nd, L) welcomed Metro Manila local government units (LGU) and National Agencies’ ex-

ecutives in the Regional Peace and Order Meeting at Bellevue Hotel, Alabang on February 12.

The City Government of Muntin-

lupa hosted the Council’s regular meeting chaired by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista (3rd, L).

The Regional Council discussed

programs on illegal drugs, terrorism, and other concerns. Bautista lauded Fresnedi’s initiatives and the local government’s peace and order programs.

Health Sec. Duque administers measles vaccine in QC

CGBP to host refresher course on Business English IN a corporate setting, mastery of the English grammar to communicate effectively can open new doors and more opportunities for an organization.

With the clamor of many of those who want to master English, the Center for Global Best Practices (CGBP) will host a training entitled, Refresher Course on Business English scheduled on February 28 and March 1 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, in Pasay City.

Accredited by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), the program will feature Lucris Carina Agnir-Paraan, Ph.D., course director at CGBP who had finished her doctorate degree, major in English Studies at the University of the Philippines in Diliman where she was awarded the “Outstanding Dissertation� of the College of Arts and Letters.

For more information, visit www.cgbp.org.

First Metro appoints new investment banking head

DEPARTMENT of Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd administers to a baby from Barangay Payatas a free measles vaccine during his visit in Payatas B Health Center located at Bulacan Street, Quezon City on February 11. Over 9,000 children in Quezon City have been vaccinated as of February 8.

Belmonte distributes relief packs to fire victims QUEZON City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte distributed relief packs to about 240 families who were victimized by a fire in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City on February 9.

The vice mayor distributed grocery items and sleeping mats to the victims and also did an OCULAR INSPECTION OF THE kRE SITE where she was saddened to see that another community had AGAIN BEEN VICTIMIZED BY kRE “I was alarmed that we are recordING CONSECUTIVE CASES OF kRE INCIdents in our city, mostly in slums areas where some of the poorest families reside,� said Belmonte.

2ECENT INCIDENTS INCLUDE A kRE in Brgy. Manresa where about 200 families were affected, and in Litex Rd., Brgy. Commonwealth that killed a 7-year old boy and affected some 50 families.

FIRST METRO Investment Corp., the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group, announces the appointment of Daniel Camacho as executive vice president and head of its Investment Banking Group.

Camacho has over 20 years of investment banking experience.

Prior to joining First Metro, he was executive director for Acquisition and Strategic Finance, Asia at Natixis (Hong Kong), a French investment bank with presence in 38 countries worldwide, where he specialized in originating, structuring, and executing deals in the field of acquisition, leveraged and structured finance for various industries across Asia. “We are very happy to welcome

Dan Camacho at First Metro,� said First Metro Chairman Francisco Sebastian. “With his long track record in a highly competitive market like Hong Kong and extensive investment banking experience in the region, he is the right person to lead our investment banking team during this period when Philippine capital markets are poised for dramatic growth that is supportive of continuing economic expansion.�

Camacho graduated cum laude with dual majors in Management of Financial Institutions and Economics from De La Salle University and obtained his Master’s in Management degree from Northwestern University-Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Q Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte (in white) hands out a relief to one of the victims of a recent fire in Quezon City.

CitySavings provides assistance to typhoon affected schools CITY Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings), through its Catarman Branch, headed the Department of Education’s (DepEd) call for assistance by spearheading relief operations to 12 public schools in Northern Samar on January 16 and 22.

A total of 2,400 learning kits were distributed to Nenita Central Elementary and National High School, Cahiksan Elementary School, Cagmanaba Elementary School, Hinabangan Elementary School, Mirador Elementary School, Canawa Elementary School, San Jose Elementary School, Imelda Elementary School, Flormina Elementary School, Santa Catalina Elementary School and San Isidro Elementary School. “The immediate assistance our school children need is the provision of school supplies,� said Schools Division Superintendent Carmela Tamayo. “This is to at least encourage them to go back to their classrooms, their second home, and be able to give hope and muster courage to stand on their own feet again.�

Q Students from various schools in Northern Samar which were affected by Tropical Depression Usman receive learning kits from CitySavings led by its Catarman Branch.

MONDAY M O NDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Public Square

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Pyromusical Competition moves to SM City Clark

JAL releases new early flight via Haneda

I

N full support of the ongoing Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program of the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, SM Supermalls will move the 10th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC) from SM Mall of Asia to SM City Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga starting on February 23 to March 30.

The PIPC annual program has 10 competing countries who take on a battle of breath taking fireworks performances amid symphony of sounds.

To close a decade of giving the best pyromusical exhibition in the Philippines, Mar. 30 promises the a spectacular display of colors and surprises with Poland’s Surex Firma Rodzinna and the Philippines’ own Platinum Fireworks )NC IN A GRAND kNALE 4HIS MAGNIkCENT FAMILY FRIENDly bonding experience is made possible with Platinum Fireworks Inc., the City of Angeles, Pampan-

THE newest flight service from Japan Airlines (JAL) is giving Filipinos the chance to enjoy more experiences in the land of the rising sun.

Starting February 1, travelers can take the Manila-Tokyo (via Haneda) route and land in Japan

BY A M 4HE DIRECT lIGHT IS THE earliest to arrive from the Philippines, helping travelers maximize their itinerary as early as day one. “We’ve seen more Filipinos are Q During the 3rd leg of the 9th PIPC by Zairus Dimaranan. ga, the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, and

Philippine Reclamation Authority, among other sponsors.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/10thPIPCFAQs.

acting on their desire to visit Japan as we welcomed the more than 400,000 tourists from the Philippines in 2017,� declared Chikara Mochihara, general manager of *!,m-ANILA g!S THE lAG CARRIER

we are very proud to be part of the Filipino tourist’s journey as we extend the Japanese experience from the moment you step on board to the moment you arrive in Japan.�

For more information, visit http:// www.ph.jal.co.jp/phl/en/mnlhnd/.

MPS Therapy Workshop comes to Manila

OPPO offers R17, Find X for Valentine’s season WHETHER you’re single, committed, in love or have fallen out of love, OPPO will be the best partner from as it prepares to woo with its premium smartphones.

OPPO offers its R17 Pro, powered with SuperVOOC fast charge technology, and OPPO Find X for a limited Valentine’s offer beginning February 13.

A premium smartphone that promises high-performance and EFkCIENCY THE 2 0RO IS EQUIPPED WITH 3UPER6//# lASH CHARGE TECHnology which users can experience SAFE AND EFkCIENT CHARGING FROM ZERO

to 40 percent in 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, hailed as the future OF lAGSHIP SMARTPHONES THE /00/ Find X delivers not only futuristic style but also exceptional power for unparalleled performance as it boasts of 8GB RAM, 256GB internal storage, and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 platFORM‡PLUS A SLEEK UNIQUE inch panoramic arc screen with an industry-leading screen ratio of 93.8 percent and features full stealth 3D cameras on the front want to share our love to our loyal and back of the smartphone body. customers by giving them the op“This Valentine’s season, we portunity to own OPPO premium

phones, the R17 Pro and Find X,� said Jane Wan, OPPO Philippines’ VP for Marketing.

PH-based Panduit bags top network infra award PHILIPPINE-BASED Panduit, a leading provider of network infrastructure solutions, recently bagged the Best Physical Network Cabling Award in the 2018 Readers’ Choice Product Excellence Awards by NetworkWorld Asia for providing enterprises and industries with the best physical transfer environment, held at the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. “Panduit is proud to be recognized by the readers of NetworkWorld Asia for the impact within the networking infrastructure business,� said Thomas Poh, Director,

!SIA 0ACIkC -ARKETING FOR 0ANDUIT !SIA 0ACIkC g7E RE HONOURED THAT the readers of NetworkWorld Asia recognize the value of this solution to their businesses.�

The Readers’ Choice Product Excellence Awards is an annual awards program that recognizes Asia’s top solution providers in IT infrastructure that have made the most impact on Asian end-user organizations in 2018.

Winners were selected based on vendor reputation, acceptance of the technology, and user feedback on the solution.

Q Aleks Stefanovic (left), integrated marketing manager of Panduit, receives the award during the ceremony held in Singapore.

Q Pain management expert Kelly Armstrong using Dolphin.

AN introductory workshop and THE SUBSEQUENT ADVANCE COURSE for a non-invasive pain relief TECHNIQUE USING A REVOLUTIONARY device – the Dolphin Neurostim – is slated on Feb.ruary 23 and 24 at the Healing House, Wack Wack Village, Mandaluyong City.

Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS) Therapy is the world’s pioneer integrative therapy to fight chronic pain.

The key to the treatment of almost all chronic pain conditions is the deregulation (or calming) of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), and

the release of physical/mental blockages. With the use of the revolutionary handheld device Dolphin Neurostim, immediate calming effects throughout the body are obtained.

Since its development, MPS Therapy has been taught to thousands of physical therapists, massage therapists, occupational therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, physicians, other allied health professionals and even to individuals with no medical background.

For more information, visit https:// www.mpscourses.com/courses/.

Boost immune system with Bewell-C

PCPPI Zamboanga Plant bags multiple awards PEPSI-COLA Products Philippines Inc.’s (PCPPI) Zamboanga plant received three major awards from the 2nd Industry Tripartite Councils Summit.

The plant received the 2018 Most Outstanding Company with Zero Accident, 2018 Most Outstanding Company for Regularly Submitting Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Reports, and 2018 Most Outstanding Unionized Company for Sustainable Livelihood Program.

2018 was a great year for the Zamboanga plant of PepsiCola Products Philippines, Inc. as they received three major awards from the 2nd Industry Tripartite Councils Summit.

Q Operations Manager Dan Israel Orina (center left) and EHS Officer Magielindo Navarette (center) receive the awards from DoLE Regional Director IX Ofelia Domingo CESO 3rd (center right].

The plant received 2018 Most Outstanding Company with Zero Accident, 2018 Most Out-

standing Company for Regularly Submitting Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Reports, and

2018 Most Outstanding Unionized Company for Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Rotary Club of Makati Jose P. Rizal celebrates silver anniversary AS it celebrated its 25 years of service, Rotary Club of Makati dJose P. Rizal honored women and scholars during its silver anniversary at the Grand Ballroom of New World Makati Hotel on January 21.

The event was made special as it was graced by members, past and charter presidents, the Governor of the Rotary Club of Makati Al Montecillo, and other special guests. “It was a great time to celebrate what these women have done and at the same time usher in a new season where we intend to help more,� said Project Manager Victoria Hernandez. “It truly is an exciting time for the club.�

Q Past presidents with current President Elvie Cifra (holding mic).

The night was made special by 10 ladies who each made a donation to the scholarship fund.

The generous women were then honored through a special fashion

show featuring them in the collection of designer Pia Gladys Perey.

It was soon followed by an auction which included a python bag from Lally Dizon, and gowns by design-

ers Claiza Bihasa, Fascino and Kaye Morales beauty sets from Clinique and Bobbi Brown, services from Vine Aesthetics and a bottle of The Macallan Rare Cask.

INFLUENZA cases rise during the wet season but also thrived during the dry season when humidity and temperature are unusually high, yet in the 3KLOLSSLQHV ÀX LV IHOW DOO \HDU URXQG E\ Filipinos regardless of gender or age.

The virus can be transmitted in several ways such as direct contact with infected individuals, direct contact with contaminated objects or when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, spewing nasal and throat secretions into the air.

The World Health Organization recently warned the general public with the possibility of another “in-

ÀXHQ]D SDQGHPLF´ LQ WKH FRXQWU\ with studies revealing the shortages RI LQÀXHQ]D YDFFLQHV ZKLFK PD\ SRVW serious concerns both to the Philippine government and to the public.

However, an immune system boosted by intake of Vitamin C can UHGXFH ULVN IURP DFTXLULQJ WKH ÀX Bewell-C Sodium Ascorbate can provide the necessary vitamins and PLQHUDOV WR SURWHFW IURP ,QÀXHQ]D Bewell-C is non-acidic and safe to ingest in large quantities without upsetting your stomach.

For more information, follow @ bewellcsodiumascorbate on Facebook.

YourChatTeam.com launches in PH CONCERT 8 Solutions (Philippines) Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Concert 8 Solutions Inc., Canada recently announced the launch of its 24/7 Real Time 0ROACTIVE ,IVE #HAT 3TAFkNG SERVICE for businesses in the Philippines. “By providing instant real-time communication on your website staffed by a real human, YourChatTeam can increase online sales and engagement by up to 30 percent and dramatically improve customer service – all from existing WEB TRAFkCu SAID #HRISTIAN 0ERKINS

Concert8 president.

YourChatTeam is a division

of Concert8 specializing in providing Live Chat staffing solutions for businesses. Its highly trained live chat experts combine advanced analytics with live chat to proactively engage with website visitors in real TIME ANSWERING QUESTIONS DRIVing engagement and increasing sales and lead generation.

Concert8 Solutions is a Canadian based, full-service, Business Process Outsourcing provider for the new economy.

For more information, visit www.YourChatTeam.com or www. concert8.com.

Sports

MONDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2019

www.manilatimes.net

Q Oklahoma City Thunder Hamidou Diallo heads to the hoop during the NBA AllStar Slam Dunk contest on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina.

AP PHOTO

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Diallo shows off KLJK Ă \LQJ VNLOOV WR ZLQ 1%$ GXQN FURZQ L

OS ANGELES: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo used NBA great Shaquille O’Neal as a prop to record a perfect score and capture the NBA Slam Dunk title on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

4HE HIGH lYING ROOKIE PUT OUT A CALL OVER THE LOUDSPEAKER FOR THE gBIGGEST PERSON IN THE BUILDINGu AND OUT STROLLED THE FOOT / .EAL WHO IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE GREATEST PLAYERS IN LEAGUE HISTORY $IALLO POSITIONED / .EAL FOUR FEET FROM THE BASKET AND SAILED OVER THE FORMER ,OS !NGELES ,AKER TO kNISH WITH HIS RIGHT ARM STUFFED INSIDE THE RIM (E BROUGHT THE CROWD AT THE 3PECTRUM #ENTER IN #HARLOTTE .ORTH #AROLINA TO ITS FEET AND THE JUDGES RESPONDED BY GIVING HIM A PERFECT SCORE 4HE 3LAM $UNK EVENT WAS ONE OF SEVERAL SKILLS CONTESTS FEATURED ON 3ATURDAY NIGHT AS PART OF THE BUILD UP TO 3UNDAY S ."! !LL 3TAR GAME g4HE ATMOSPHERE WAS GREAT u $IALLO SAID g) JUST CAME OUT AND GAVE THE CROWD WHAT THEY WERE LOOKING FOR u

$IALLO NEEDED A TO WIN ON HIS SECOND AND LAST DUNK OF THE kNALS TO BEAT .EW 9ORK +NICKS GUARD $ENNIS 3MITH WHO kNISHED RUNNER UP $IALLO ALSO CALLED ON 53 RAPPER 1UAVIOUS -ARSHALL 1UAVO TO HOLD THE BALL JUST ABOVE HIS HEAD SPRINTED FROM THE RIGHT CORNER OF THE COURT AND CRAMMED A TWO HANDED JAM g) WAS A LITTLE NERVOUS u $IALLO CONFESSED "ROOKLYN .ETS *OE (ARRIS EARNED THE TITLE OF BEST SHOOTER BY UPSETTING 'OLDEN 3TATE 7ARRIORS SUPERSTAR 3TEPHEN #URRY IN THE 4HREE 0OINT CONTEST (ARRIS DRAINED A DOZEN STRAIGHT SHOTS IN THE kNAL ROUND TO kNISH WITH A SCORE OF POINTS #URRY WAS SECOND WITH AND THE 3ACRAMENTO +INGS "UDDY (IELD ROUNDED OUT THE TOP THREE WITH POINTS 4HERE WERE PLAYERS IN THE EVENT AND SEVEN WERE ELIMINATED IN THE OPENING ROUND #URRY WON THE kRST ROUND WITH POINTS OUT OF A POSSIBLE (IELD WAS SECOND WITH POINTS

AND (ARRIS kNISHED WITH TO GRAB THE LAST SPOT IN THE kNALS $EFENDING CHAMPION $EVIN "OOKER MADE HIS LAST SEVEN SHOTS BUT WAS ELIMINATED IN A TIE FOR FOURTH WITH $ANNY 'REEN #URRY CLOSED HIS kRST ROUND OUT BY NAILING STRAIGHT FROM BEYOND THE ARC "OSTON #ELTICS *AYSON 4ATUM WON THE 3KILLS #HALLENGE OVER !TLANTA (AWKS 4RAE 9OUNG BY BANKING IN A RUNNING THREE POINTER FROM MID COURT 9OUNG TRIED A PULL UP THREE POINTER WITH HIS kNAL SHOT BUT MISSED g4HE PREVIOUS TWO ROUNDS THE GUY WAS AHEAD OF ME u 4ATUM SAID g&IGURED ) D LET HIM GET A SHOT ATTEMPT SO ) COULD GET CLOSER TO THE THREE POINT LINE ) DIDN T WANT TO GIVE 4RAE A CHANCE g) HONESTLY DIDN T KNOW ) WAS GOING TO HIT THE SHOT BUT ) HAD TO GIVE MYSELF A CHANCE THROW IT UP THERE AND IT WORKED OUT FOR THE BEST u $ENVER .UGGETS FORWARD .IKOLA *OKIC LOST TO 4ATUM IN THE SEMI kNALS 9OUNG SPRINTED AHEAD OF $ALLAS -AVERICKS ROOKIE ,UKA $ONCIC IN THE OTHER SEMI $EFENDING CHAMPION 3PENCER $INWIDDIE OF THE .ETS WAS UNABLE TO DEFEND HIS TITLE BECAUSE OF AN INJURY

AFP

Silver open to ideas on solving Davis-like trade issues CHARLOTTE: NBA commissioner Adam Silver said on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) he is open to talks with union leaders and rule changes to better handle situations like Anthony Davis public demand for a trade.

The situation has become an ongoing soap opera for the league since the NBA star revealed last month he wanted a trade but the Pelicans did not make a deal before last week’s transfer deadline.

The league fined Davis $50,000 for his agent going public with the demand, hurting the bargaining posture for the Pelicans in whatever deal might get done, and have said the team cannot bench Davis with two months remaining in the campaign.

Speaking on the eve of the 68th NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte, Silver said he was confident league and union officials could sort out a better fix to avoid a repeat of the awkward situation. “You don’t want to see that play out publicly,� Silver said. “It’s an area when we can do better. It’s something where we have to sit down with the players association. We can fix it. “We still have work to do.�

Noting the difference between player tampering and trade demands, Silver said he feels the league has so far Q LeBron James (right) AP PHOTO

LeBron says owning NBA club ‘would have to be right fit’ CHARLOTTE: LeBron James says that following fellow NBA superstar Michael Jordan into owning an NBA club is “more of an aspiration� than dream as he prepares for a 15th NBA All-Star Game.

The 34-year-old Los Angeles Lakers playmaker will captain Team LeBron against Team Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks in the annual talent showcase Sunday at Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jordan, who won six NBA titles in the 1990s with the Chicago Bulls, now owns the Charlotte Hornets and while James once said there was “no maybe about it� that he would be the majority owner of a team one day, he was more hesitant about the prospects Saturday. “It’s not that it’s intoxicating to me, and I don’t think about it on a day-to-day basis,� James said. “It would have to be the right fit. It would have to be the right city. It would have to be the right situation. It’s not like it’s a dream of mine. It’s more of an aspiration. “See if it happens. If it don’t, I won’t be disappointed in anything I’ve done off the floor.�

James said he feels that if he decides ownership

is what he wants, he would be able to assemble the investors needed to purchase a club. “I believe if I wanted to, I could own a team or be part of a basketball team. I know I got so much knowledge of the game that I don’t want to, once I stop playing, just to get away from the game. “Obviously I’m going to be along with my sons, because they’re going to play the game. But if I can give back to this league in any way shape or form, and continue to make this league as great as it is today, then I would love to.�

Forbes values an average NBA club at $1.9 billion and says James has net worth beyond $450 million.

The 34-year-old forward, a three-time NBA champion, also figures he has many more years on the court before ownership becomes a consideration.

James ranks fifth on the NBA all-time scoring list with 32,082 points while Jordan is fourth on 32,292. “It’s kind of hard to talk into the future. I kind of live in the moment,� James said regarding how it would feel to pass Jordan.

AFP

done what it can to combat both, having fined club executives whose praise of rival talent might be seen as crossing into enticement. “Within reason, we’re doing a good job enforcing our rules,� Silver said. “There’s very little I’m ever going to do to stop that completely.�

Saying the goal is to provide a fair situation for all 30 clubs, he added, “Over time we will do a better job there.�

The notion of keeping trade demands private, however, has not always happened. “It hasn’t worked out as we had planned,� Silver said. “When they make a public spectacle ... that’s not the kind of media interest we’re looking for.�

Silver noted that 40 percent of players will be

free agents after this season. “That player movement can be positive for a lot of teams,� Silver said.

Past issues of small-market teams having less to spend than teams from larger cities have given way to clubs being more willing to pour money into being contenders no matter the size of the area, Silver noting poor runs by New York, Los Angeles and Chicago teams in recent years. “Often that disparity is not based on the size of the market. It’s based on the team willing to become unprofitable,� he said. “You want parity of opportunity but you don’t want competition that takes away incentives for teams to be great.

“I think the issues are fixable. We can still come up with a better situation to create more competition.�

Asian academies help Silver also noted growing benefits from Basketball Without Borders youth camps and NBA academies in Africa, China and India. “We can play a much bigger role in the development of talent at a much earlier age,� Silver said.

Silver also said that adding retiring NBA legends Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade to All-Star squads was a fan e-mail suggestion. “It just seemed like a wonderful opportunity to honor two greats,� Silver said.

AFP

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Sports

The Manila Times MONDAY February 18, 2019

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PeĂąalosa, Casimero score KO wins vs foes D

BY JOSEF T. RAMOS

AVE PEĂ‘ALOSA and Johnriel Casimero both won via knockout against their respective opponents in a boxing tournament organized by GerryPens Promotion at the Skydome in SM North Edsa on Saturday.

PeĂąalosa floored Mexican Marcos Cardenas thrice en route to a fourth round technical knockout win that earned him the World Boxing Organization (WBO) oriental featherweight title. PeĂąalosa now HOLDS AN UNBEATEN RECORD OF kGHTS highlighted by 11 knockouts. “My opponent trained and fought so hard too because just like me he wanted to become a champion. I waited patiently for the right timing and focused on defense,â€? the 28-year-old son of two-time world champion Dodie Boy PeĂąalosa told The Manila Times in Filipino.

Cardenas took PeĂąalosa head on in early rounds trading punches until PeĂąalosa knocked him down with a straight left. Still reeling, Cardenas protected his head but PeĂąalosa peppered him with body shots leading to his second knockdown.

PeĂąalosa’s body shots did not relent lOORING #ARDENAS ANEW 2EFEREE $ANREX Tapdasan halted the bout at 2:47. “I’m so thankful to God, and my FAMILY FOR MOTIVATING ME TO kGHT u added PeĂąalosa.

Peùalosa’s goal is to challenge WBO featherweight titleholder Oscar Valdez of Mexico.

Cardenas’ win-loss-draw record fell to 19-7-1 with 15 knockouts.

Meanwhile, Casimero scored a brutal sixth round technical knockout victory over Japanese Kenya Yamashita in a non-title bantamweight bout.

Casimero (26-4 with 17 knockouts) bloodied the Japanese with a solid right uppercut late in the kFTH ROUND 4HE *APANESE PRESSED on despite the damage but another shattering right uppercut in the sixth round knocked him out.

Yamashita’s record dropped to 13-5 with 10 knockouts. “He (Yamashita) got my full respect,� said the 30-year-old Casimero of Ormoc City, a former two-division world champion.

The Japanese received a standing ovation from the audience.

In other bouts, Carlo Caesar PeĂąalosa (14-1 with seven knockouts) also won by TKO vs Watana Phenbaan (18-6 with 11 knockouts).

The Filipino stopped Phenbaan with a solid right hook to the abdomen at 2:22 of the third round of THEIR NON TITLE lYWEIGHT BOUT Ifugao’s Carl Jammes Martin, 19, now holds an unbeaten record of kGHTS WITH KNOCKOUTS AFTER beating Petchcharhae Kokietgym of Thailand via stoppage.

4HE 4HAI REFUSED TO kGHT HEADING to the fourth round.

Q Dave PeĂąalosa (right) sizes up Mexican Marcos Cardenas during boxing tournament organized by GerryPens Promotion at the Skydome in SM North Edsa on Saturday. PHOTO BY JOSEF T. RAMOS

Diliman Preparatory School emerges overall champion HOST team Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) bagged the overall championship crown in the 153rd Philippine Swimming League (PSL) National Series - DPS Class C and Motivational Swim Meet held at the DPS swimming pool in Quezon City.

Paula Carmela Cusing, Jahna Isabelle Caindoy and Eroa Jimenez won gold medals in their respective age-bands to spearhead the DPS Blue Dragons to another team title in the tournament supported by The Manila Times, MX3 and Sen. Nikki Coseteng.

Cusing earned 60 points to claim the top honors in the girls’ 15-over, while Caindoy got 80 points and Jimenez scored 68 points to bring home the MOS trophies in the girls’ 13-year and girls’ 9-year, respectively.

Great Swimmers Swim Team finished

second and Wesleyan College of Manila third.

The MOS recipients in the Motivational Division were Sheena Magpantay (6-under), Mikaela Soleil Alonzo (7), 0OLINA 3HAYNE 2EYES $EINA 2ANDELLE Arcilla (10), Allana Tolentino (11), Julia Gachalian (12), Arienn Angeli Bernaldez (14) and Quinn Alyjane Tan Guat (15-over) in girls; and Calix Boletche (6-under), Behrouz Mojdeh (7), Ike Deinniel Palomo (8), Juris Vivas (9), Khian Perales (10), Jhon Mark Jomlun (11), Gabriel David and Antonio Catangay (12), Jhon Victor Berenguel and Mark Andrew Hoover (13), and Christian Joseph Jao (15-over) in boys.

-EANWHILE -AKATI 3AILkSH 3WIM 4EAM TANKERS *HOENIE 2OMULUS .AIFE BOYS 11-year), Kristine Avenido (girls’ 10-year) and Princess Moelter (girls’ 11-year) led

the MOS winners in the Class C category.

The other MOS awardees were Vilzon Corpuz (8), Sean Ezekiel Quides (9), Conan Perez (10), Juan Miguel Morco (12), Gabriel Joseph Jao (13), Jeric Cortez (14) and Zachie Gallegos (15-over) in boys; and Euna Alindayu (8), Sophia Boco (9), Annalise Jandayan (12) and Kelsey Nobleza (14) in girls. “Even though it is difficult for us to hold monthly competitions for our newly found potential swimmers, we are sustaining the program as our swimming community continues to multiply. Each month, more coaches and swimmers are coming to the PSL. This is because coaches and parents are realizing that we have better and Q The Most Outstanding Swimmer awardees display their trophies and medals with winning coaches efficient programs,� said PSL Presi- during the 153rd PSL National Series - DPS Class C and Motivational Swim Meet held at the DPS swimming dent Susan Papa. pool in Quezon City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

GOLDEN TIGRESSES ROAR WITH SEASON-OPENING WIN UNIVERSITY of Sto. Tomas (UST) outlasted Adamson University, 25-21, 25-21, 24-26, 24,26, 15-6, for a winning start in Season 81 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

After squandering a two-set lead, the Golden Tigresses regained their rhythm in the deciding set to post a SEASON OPENING VICTORY FOR THE kRST time since Season 78. “In the past three seasons, we LOST ALL OUR kRST GAMES 4HIS ONE IS very historic for us,� said UST head coach Kung Fu Reyes.

Last season’s Best Scorer Sisi Rondina sizzled with 17 points highlighted by 15 attacks on top of 17 excellent digs.

The graduating spiker Rondina got huge support from rookie opposite hitter Eya Laure, who also kNISHED WITH MARKERS BUILT ON 13 spikes, three blocks and an ace. “I’m thankful that I got to showcase the talent that coach Kung Fu has built up since I was in high school,� said Laure, a former UAAP high school MVP. Last year’s Rookie of the Year Milena Alessandrini chipped in 15 points. “This is the team that we’re looking for. In the previous years, Sisi was alone scoring 30 points but we weren’t winning. This time she has support,� said Reyes.

Led by Rondina and Laure, UST TOOK THE kRST TWO SETS BUT !DAMSON BOUNCED BACK TO FORGE A kFTH FRAME

The Tigresses raced to a blazing 5-0 start in the last set and never looked back.

Veteran hitter Bernadette Flora had a team-high 14 points, captain Eli Soyud had 13 markers and outside spiker Chiara Permentilla had 12 for Adamson.

Defending champion De La Salle University was still playing against archrival Ateneo De Manila University in the second game at press time.

Earlier in the men’s division, last season’s runner-up Ateneo routed La Salle, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15.

Adamson also scored a first win after escaping UST, 33-31, 23-25, 16-25, 25-15, 16-14, in a five-set thriller.

JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

Santa Cruz keeps featherweight title by unanimous decision LOS ANGELES: Mexico’s Leo Santa Cruz defended his World Boxing Association featherweight title on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), dominating compatriot Rafael Rivera to win by unanimous 12-round decision.

All three judges gave Santa Cruz the victory by scores of 119-109 as the champion improved to 36-1-1, marking the third defense in his second reign in the division. “I tried to give my best. I did what I could,� Santa Cruz said. “I’d like to give a lot better but Rafael is pretty good. It was a tough fight.�

Santa Cruz took inspiration from his father and trainer Jose Santa Cruz, who is battling

bone marrow cancer. “It means the world to me (to have my father in my corner),� Santa Cruz said. “When I climb in the ring, I don’t want to let my dad down. I want to inspire him to keep fighting the cancer.�

Rivera, who fell to 26-3 with two drawn, was a late fill-in for his first world title bout after original challenger Miguel Flores suffered an ankle injury last month.

Santa Cruz worked on Rivera’s body from the opening round, delivering punishment at a fast pace in the early rounds while defending well to masterfully frustrate the challenger.

Rivera tagged Santa Cruz with a right to

the head to end the 11th round, drawing only a smile from the champion, who stayed in control through a furious exchange in the closing seconds.

Santa Cruz seeks a unification bout against American Gary Russell Jr., the World Boxing Council champion, or a third career matchup against Britain’s Carl Frampton.

Santa Cruz suffered his only career loss in 2016 to the Northern Ireland fighter but avenged the defeat in early 2017 to reclaim the WBA crown. “I want to unify the belts,� Santa Cruz said. “I want to fight three times this year, hopefully by June or July.�

AFP

˜

˜ The Manila Times

MONDAY February 18, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Sports C3

Thomas seizes Riviera lead as Woods surges

L

/3 !.'%,%3 *USTIN 4HOMAS EAGLED THE kRST HOLE k TH L OF THE THIRD ROUND 3ATURDAY 3UNDAY IN -ANILA TO OPEN A ONE SHOT LEAD OVER !DAM 3COTT AT THE RAIN HIT 'ENESIS /PEN WHERE 4IGER 7OODS WAS SURGING AS DARKNESS HALTED PLAY Thomas and Australia’s Scott shared the 36-hole lead on 11-under par after both completed six-under par 65s in the rain-delayed second round.

Thomas, who had 14 birdies in the 30 holes he played on Friday, kept the momentum going over six second-round holes on Saturday morning with a birdie at the fifth and a par at the par-three sixth -- where he used a wedge on the green to chip over the distinctive bunker in the middle of the putting surface.

Hours later he rolled in a 13-foot eagle PUTT AT 2IVIERA #OUNTRY #LUB S PAR kVE kRST hole to move to 13-under par, separating himself from Scott who birdied the same hole before both parred the second.

Americans Patrick Rodgers and J.B. Holmes were both 11-under par with 16 holes to play. “It just is such a long day,� Thomas said. “It’s good to get off to a good start and go home and get some rest.�

The third round was set to resume at

6:45 am (1445 GMT), as organizers pushed to complete a tournament that lost seven hours to a rain delay on Thursday. “It’s not going to be light yet,� said Woods, noting that players warming up for a 7 am start on Saturday could barely see.

Thomas, facing the prospect of playing 33plus holes on Sunday, noted that the forecast also called for more rain and brisk winds.

‘A lot of golf’ “I’m going to need to be patient because I’m playing so many holes,� he said, “stay in it emotionally and stay patient, see what we can do.�

Scott, too, was bracing for a lot of golf on Sunday, but said that also offered an opportunity. “It’s a big day, a lot of golf,� Scott said. “It’s a great day to get your rhythm early and make a move ... hopefully by the MIDDLE OF THE kNAL ROUND YOU VE TAKEN A

whole bunch of guys out of the equation.�

Tournament host Woods, who made the cut with one stroke to spare, wasn’t ready to be counted out.

(E WAS kVE UNDER THROUGH HIS kRST four holes to vault into a tie for 14th at six-under par. “Made a couple of putts,� said Woods, whose struggles this week on the greens included four threePUTTS IN THE kRST ROUND (E ROLLED IN A kVE FOOT BIRDIE putt at the 10th, followed that up with a 10-footer for eagle at 11, a 21-foot birdie at 12 and a 10-footer at 13. “I putted well,� Woods said. “Hit a lot of good shots.�

But Woods was short of the green with his third shot from the rough at THE PAR kVE TH WHEN HE DEPARTED THE course, facing a tough up and down when play resumes. “I’ve got some work to do,� Woods said. I’ve got to get up and down at 17.

Number 18’s not going to be playing short with these temperatures. “It’s going to be a tough day for all of us and one that we’re going to have to kGHT THROUGH u

AFP

Q Justin Thomas hits a tee shot on the 2nd hole during the third round of the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club on Sunday in Pacific Palisades, California. AFP PHOTO

Taiwanese seek to steal show in PLO A 31-player strong Taiwanese contingent sets out for the Champion Philippine Ladies Amateur Open, all ready and raring to grab the spotlight in the country’s premier championship unfolding on Tuesday at the posh Manila Golf Club in Forbes Park.

Sung You-Chuan, Chiang Su-Er and Lee Shu Fen spearhead the big crew from Chinese-Taipei out to snap the domination of the locals and the Thais in the annual event which drew an elite international cast, including six each from Singapore and the United States, four from South Korea, three from Australia and two from Japan.

4HE HOSTS ARE kELDING IN PLAYERS HEADED by defending champion and Asian Games gold medalist Yuka Saso, upbeat of their chances to extend their reign to a fourth straight year but wary of one of the strongest kELDS EVER ASSEMBLED IN THE ANNUAL EVENT presented by Champion and sponsored by Hana Shampoo, EVA Air, San Miguel Corp. and Diamond Motor Corp.

Tipped to back Sung, Chiang and Lee in their title chase in the 54-hole championship organized and conducted by the Womens’ Golf Association of the Philippines are Huang Jo Chan, Wang Ya Chin, Tang Su Nu, Su Daphne, Wang Hsin Yu, Tsai Hsin Hui and Shih Li Mei. Still, focus will be on Saso and a crack bunch of local aces, including recent W Express RVF Cup winner Junia Gabasa, along

Q Yuka Saso

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Kuchar regrets ‘hard headed’ handling of caddie controversy LOS ANGELES: U S g o l f e r M a t t Ku c h a r

apologized again on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) for his “hard-headed� handling of payment to his local caddie at the Mayakoba Classic in November.

Kuchar, pilloried for his $5,000 payment to caddie David Giral Ortiz, had already said in a statement he would be paying Ortiz the $50,000 he requested, also pledging a donation to the Mayakoba Classic’s charities.

After completing his second round at the Genesis Open on Saturday, Kuchar again addressed the affair that has rumbled along for weeks.

“Listen, I was stubborn, hard-headed,�

Kuchar said of his initial stance that $5,000 was adequate payment, even though a regular PGA Tour caddie could expect to receive a 10 percent bonus from Kuchar’s winning purse of nearly $1.3 million. “In my mind I had it as a deal is a deal, but after I won the tournament, a deal wasn’t a deal,� Kuchar said. “Not a good deal. “Any transaction, all parties should come out feeling like they’ve won, and certainly in David’s case, he did not feel like he won in that situation, and I needed to make that

right,� Kuchar said. “It’s as simple as that.�

Kuchar’s victory in the PGA Tour event WAS HIS kRST IN FOUR YEARS (E ENTERED THE tournament at the last minute and his regular caddie, John Wood, was unavailable.

That led Kuchar to hire local caddie Ortiz AT A lAT RATE WHICH +UCHAR SUPPLEMENTED with a bonus to bring the total up to $5,000.

Kuchar shrugged off criticism last month when he was on his way to victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii, but the story gained steam again this week after Ortiz gave an interview to Golf.com in which he said he felt Kuchar

with the three young Thais seeking to reclaim the crown last won by compatriot Pimnipa Panthong at Wack Wack in 2015.

Like the rest of the field, 16-year-olds Yosita Khawnuna and Natthakritta Vongtaveelap and Chanettee Wannasaen, who will turn 15 in April, are all primed up for the event, eager to slug it out it with the best and the brightest in three days of top-notch shotmaking and putting.

Koreans Park Eun Suk and Lim Mi Jin also aim to duplicate compatriot Lee Jeong Hwa’s title feat in 2012 while Japanese Airi Mitsuhashi and Ikuko Kito, a regular campaigner on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, likewise seek to contend in the tournament backed by Cherrylume, Inquirer, Elm’s Kapihan Group, Atty. Gilberto Duavit, G&W Club Shares, Inc., Pascual Laboratories, -ETRO 0ACIkC #ORP !YALA ,AND 0REMIERE 6ENICE Godio, Taishan Insurance Brokers Phils.

Other Pinays vying in the event, supported by the ladies chapters of Alabang, Forest Hills, Tagaytay Highlands, Canlubang and Manila Golf Club with Vermogen, Sports + Action and Sports U channels of ABS-CBN, are Nicole Abelar, Sunshine Baraquiel, Laia Barro, Sophia Blanco, Annyka Cayabyab, Laurea Duque, Sophia Legaspi, Pamela Mariano, Kayla Nocum, Rafaela Singson, Eagle Ace Superal and Rianne Malixi. had taken advantage of him. “I missed the boat with this one,� Kuchar admitted. “I think in any situation, if you can just understand where somebody else is coming from it makes the world a whole lot better of a place. I missed that one.�

Kuchar, long used to hearing fond calls of “Kooooch� from fans following his rounds, has heard quite a few less complimentary things from the galleries this week, although he said he hoped fans would judge him “on the long term�. “I’ve been out here 20 years,� Kuchar said. “I think people know who I am. I always try my best to do my best for the fans. I’ve had an incredible relationship with the fans. Certainly this week had a few guys hollering out, but for the most part I think people judge me on the long term and know who I really am, and (I) certainly hope that continues.� AFP

Wawrinka stuns Nishikori to reach final ROTTERDAM, Netherlands: Three-time Grand Slam title winner Stan Wawrinka reached his second Rotterdam Open final on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) by knocking out top seed Kei Nishikori 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

Switzerland’s 2015 champion needed almost two and a quarter hours to defeat the Japanese star who was playing at the Dutch event for the first time.

Wawrinka will face off for his first title since Geneva in May 2017 when he plays against

good friend Gael Monfils in Sunday’s final.

The French showman returned to the final as he overhauled Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Nishikori suffered only his second loss of the season against 11 victories, which included the Brisbane title and a quarter-final run at the Australian Open.

Wawrinka, 33, won the first set from a 4-0 lead, trailed 0-4 as Nishikori levelled in the second before he broke in the final game of the third.

The Swiss world number 68 sent a stinging service return winner down the line to clinch victory, which comes almost a year and a half after he underwent two knee surgeries in the summer of 2017. “It’s a big relief to reach my first final since my surgery,� Wawrinka Q Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka said. returns the ball to Japan’s Kei Nishikori “It’s really imporduring their Rotterdam ATP tournament tant to see that tennis match on Sunday. AFP PHOTO

I can play a full week of matches. I’m feeling good physically, I’m glad to be in a final again and glad to do it here.�

He added: “When you come back from surgery, you need to be patient with yourself.

The toughest thing is to come back at the right level, where you want to be.�

The Swiss won his last meeting with Monfils at Roland Garros two years ago.

Wawrinka ended with eight aces and 35 winners while breaking Nishikori five times. “Stan was playing well in the first set, but not like amazing,� said Nishikori. “I made too many mistakes, too many unforced errors, I could have played better.

I was missing too much.�

Monfils said he will be heading into Sunday’s final needing painkillers to ease a left wrist injury.

The 32-year-old had also reached the title match in his last Rotterdam appearance in 2016, when he lost to Martin Klizan.

Monfils revealed that he has been suffering all week with a left wrist injury. “I fell heavily on day one and I’ve felt it

Ayo to make D-League debut as UST faces Batangas-EAC UNIVERSITY of Sto. Tomas (UST) clash against Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) while Chadao-Far Eastern University (FEU) collide with SMDC-National University in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League (PBA D-League) today at the Paco Arena in Manila.

UST’s Aldin Ayo will make his coaching debut in D-League as the Growling Tigers take on Batangas-EAC under coach Oliver Bunyi in the Aspirants Group at 2 p.m.

D-League veteran Renzo Subido and seasoned Marvin Lee will lead UST. Beninise forward Soulemane Chabi Yo, former De La Salle University guard Brent Paraiso and high school star Mark Nonoy are all playing a debut game with the EspaĂąa-based squad.

CJ Cansino will be missing action, as the ex-high school MVP is still nursing an anterior cruciate ligament injury he sustained in the last University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season.

Meanwhile, veterans Cedric De Joya, Chris Dela PeĂąa and Earvin Mendoza will lead the Generals along with collegiate standouts JP Maguliano and Renzo Tampoc.

Batangas-EAC aims to improve its fifth-place finish in a six-team field in the previous D-League conference.

Meanwhile, UAAP teams Chadao-FEU and SMDC-NU test each other’s mettle in the Foundation Group at 4 p.m.

After six of its players graduated, the Tamaraws are now left with mainstays Kenneth Tuffin, Wendell Comboy, Barkley EboĂąa and Hubert Cani.

The Olsen Racela-mentored squad will also banner Cameroonian big man Patrick Tchuente as their new center.

For their part, the Bulldogs will count on Senegalese slotman Issa Gaye supported by prolific scorers Dave Ildefonso and John Lloyd Clemente.

Veteran coach Jamike Jarin will be counting on high-flyer Daniel Chatman and former NU high school stalwarts Miguel Oczon and Robert Minerva.

JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

every day. I’ve been on painkillers. It’s not so good but I’m working with my physio,� said the world number 33. “I try not to think of it. I hope the momentum will get me through.�

Victory on Saturday was quick revenge for Monfils, who lost to Medvedev a week ago in the Sofia semi-finals, an event which the Russian won.

Medvedev’s defeat was only his third loss of the season, leaving his record at 14-3.

AFP

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7KH 3KLOLSSLQH (FRQRPLF 2XWORRN IRU “Riding the Tailwinds: Pursuing Growth and Value Amid Rising Global Risks�

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The Philippines, however, remains a bright spot as it forges ahead with its infrastructure drive, expands revenue collections, and sustains growth at above 6 percent. The domestic economy

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The Manila Times Economic Outlook 2019 Forum will feature top policymakers and business leaders who will make the case for the Philippines’ continued viability as an investment and growth hub.

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Expats&Diplomats www.manilatimes.net

Korean Embassy to build more projects in PH to build a new airport in Dumaguete.

So once completed, many Koreans go there. In fact, last year, Koreans HE year 2019 is a special year for the Phili- will visited Dumaguete to study from two ppines and South Korea as the two nations months up to a year at the Silliman celebrate their 70th anniversary of diplo- University because they have a sister with Korean universities. matic relations that started on March 3, 1949. At relationship And I heard Dumaguete has a very THAT TIME THE 0HILIPPINES BECAME THE kFTH COUN- wonderful diving spot, that’s why we try to recognize the Republic of Korea, which was decided to fund US$100 million to build a new airport.� inaugurated on August 15, 1948.

Ambassador Han further related The friendship was cemented exhange, according to Ambassador Han, other infrastracture projects between with the deployment of the Philip- his country has a target to increase the the two countries.

"Last November, President Duterte pine Expeditionary Force to Korea number from the current 7.5 million to 0%&4/+ DURING THE +OREAN 7AR 15 million by 2020. While the trade and and I went to Northern Mindanao to attend the in the 1950s to help South Korea volume between groundbreakdefend itself from the invasion of South Korea and ing ceremony the North.

Asean had US$110 of Panguil Bay In June 2018, when President billion last year, Bridge (PBB) Rodrigo Duterte visited South Korea, they have a a target project that he and President Moon Jae-in an- to increase it to aims to connounced that 2019 will be a busy year US$200 billion nect Tangub for mutual exchange. by 2020.

City, Misamis First, President Duterte will be “How can we /CCIDENTAL visiting South Korea in November or do that here in and Tubod December to attend the Association of the Philippines?

(Lanao del South East Asian Nations-Republic of S o u t h K o r e a Norte). So +OREA !SEAN 2/+ #OMMEMORATIVE lands number once comSummit. It will also be a celebration of one among forpleted, it will the 30th anniversary for South Korea to eign arrivals in be the lonbe a dialogue partner of Asean. the Philippines gest bridge In an exclusive interview with last year despite in the PhilipThe Manila Times , South Korean the closure of pines. We will Ambassador to the Philippines Han Boracay. Still we also invest Dong-man shared that his country are number one US$1.73 milis now working to meet the many — we have 1.6 Q South Korean Ambassador to the lion to build DELIVERABLES FOR THE SUMMIT BUT kRST million arrivals. Philippines, Han Dong-man a new interand foremost, to further strengthen I have a target to strategic partnership to the countries increase it to 1.8 million this year, and NATIONAL PORT TERMINAL IN #EBU /NCE of Asean in terms of economy, dip- next year, two million as I’ve made completed, it will be the main harbor in lomatic and military, among others. a promise to President Duterte.� the the Visayas region. Aside from that, we also funded Jalaur River Multi-Purpose g4HIS IS THE kRST TIME +OREA IS GOING ambassador explained.

Still according to the ambasssador, Project in Iloilo as well as invested US$20 to take a much bigger role in Asean because of the government’s New the number of his countrymen visit- million to build a highway in Northern Southern Policy (NSP), which aims to ing Manila, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol and Samar. Lastly, we also invested US$240 strengthen ties with the 10 members of other provinces have been consistenly million to renew Laguindingan Airport increasing. That’s why for the next IN #AGAYAN DE /RO u Asean,� the Ambassador said.

The Ambassador also revealed NSP vis-a-vis in the Asean is based on months, the Embassy has set plans to the “3Ps�— People, Peace and Prosperity. help the country attract more visitors. that last May, he and former Foreign “We are providing US$100 million Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano signed Under the umbrella of people-to-people

BY IZA IGLESIAS

T

a memorandum to provide US$1 billion for infrastructure projects funding by 2022. But out of US$1 billion, only 40 percent of the projects were done.

Further projects will be made for the remaining US$600 million.

Ambassador Han recalled that in 2018, the Philippines and South Korea’s trade volume increased about 9.3 percent compared to previous years. In total, trade volume between Korea and the Philippines reached US$15.5 billion. “In 2017, we had a trade volume of US$14.3 billion. But by 2020, we have a target to increase it to US$18 billion. What I have in mind is to have a balance. I said we have to import more products from the Philippines including agricultural products. We also look to import more durian and okra, among others,�

Ambassador Han added.

Still under the people-to-people exchange, the Ambassador said he plans to launch the Philippine-Korea Friendship Society composed of leaders, journalists and scholars, to promote people to people exchange between South Korea and the Philippines.

He also envisions what would be the Philippine-Korea Community Foundation that will be composed of young &ILIPINO AND +OREAN #%/S TO CONTRIBUTE more attention to the less privileged. !MBASSADOR (AN kNALLY EXPRESSED interest in increasing the number of Filipino University students to visit Korea for scholarship. “Today, we provide about 350 scholarships for elementary school students and university students. We continue to spend more scholarships. When I met Mr. Danilo Concepcion, president of university of the Philippines, he asked to bring Filipino students who are majoring in Nuclear Physics to continue their studies in a school in Korea, because he had a vision that one day, due to climate change and global warming, people will need a nuclear power station to combat it,� he ended.

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KCC gears up for year-long cultural event in Manila IN celebration of the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Philippines, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea will hold the 2019 KPop Friendship Concert on March 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The year 2019 has been designated as “Year of Mutual Exhange for Philippines and Korea,� and its Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism decided to promote the anniversary Q Korean Cultural Center Director Lee Jincheol with a free hal- PHOTOS BY GERARD SEGUIA lyu (Korean wave) K-Pop concert.

One of the biggest Korean cultural events in the country, the concert is part of Korean Cultural Center’s (KCC) yearlong activities to celebrate the milestone.

In an exclusive interview with The Manila Times , KCC Philippines director Lee Jincheol said a number of famous K-Pop artists will join the event. “We will be bringing four or five K-Pop groups for the Friendship Concert. We will also have cultural exchange performance from both Korea and the Philippines. However, the lineup of artists are yet to be revealed,� the KCC director enthused.

But before the big concert, the center has already prepared cultural events in the coming months. One of them is a collaboration of a Korean orchestra with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) for a concert on June 25 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. “As you know, when the Korean War broke out in 1950, the Philippines dispatched 7,420 men from the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea that engaged in combat. So this event is an appreciation for the Filipino veterans of the Korean war.�

Another exciting event is the biggest Korean Film Festival in Manila which will bring Korean film productions to do a conference for the Filipino filmmakers. “Although we are doing the Korean Film Festival annually by showcasing five to six Korean movies with our partner SM Cinemas, this year, it will be bigger. We have around 30,000 audiences every year for one whole month of the film festival and we circulate the movies within the cities in the provinces including Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, among others. “Aside from that, we are going to bring Korean Film Production here. We will have a conference with the Korean and Filipino filmmakers. The Film Development Council of the Philippines and its chairman Liza DiĂąo is helping us. “Lastly, we are also trying our best to invite big actors this year. I cannot tell you yet who it will be. We will share it with the public once they confirm,â€? Jincheol ended.

Taiwan Tourism joins Travel Tour Expo 2019

Q As part of the department’s policy in energizing remote areas in the country, the DoE and EU-ASEP delegation meet for the launching of seven renewable energy projects in Mindanao.

EU-PH launches energy projects in Mindanao THE Department of Energy (DoE) and the European Union (EU), through the Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (ASEP), launched seven renewable energy projects that would provide power to around 40,000 households in remote areas of the Philippines on January 30. “Our goal is to provide electricity throughout the entire archipelago by 2020. These projects will bring more progress in Mindanao as thousands of Filipino families, particularly those living in far-flung areas of the region, will have access to power,� Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

Cusi added that they have partnered with DOTr and the Malay, Aklan LGU in order to improve the public transport system for the tourists and most especially for the Boracaynons as a form of livelihood.

The launching was led by DoE Assistant Secretary Redentor Delola, EU Head of Development Cooperation Enrico Strampelli and Mindanao Development Authority Undersecretary Janet Lopoz.

According to Strampelli, the project awardees signed their respective contracts on December 13, 2018, right after the extension of the ASEP implementation period. “Over the next three years, ASEP will continue to work with the DoE in improving the lives of vulnerable communities in the country,� he added.

EU will contribute â‚Ź21 million to co-finance up to 80 percent of the projects which involve energy investments in the following areas: hybridization and

income-generating activities through the introduction of productive uses of electricity; innovative provision of basic electricity supply and services for poor, disadvantaged areas; electrification for livelihood generation through the Solar Photovoltaic Home System in the Bangsamoro area; support to decentralized and mini grids; capacity building on rural electrification; energy efficiency measures; and renewable energy management.

The seven projects launched were: Strengthening Off-grid Lighting with Appropriate Renewable Energy Solutions (SOLARES): â‚Ź 5 million grant to Mahintana Foundation, Inc.; Improving the Lives of People in Off-Grid Communities in Mindanao through the Provision of Sustainable Energy: â‚Ź 4.5 million grant to Yamog organization; SolarBnB Microhotel & Island Livelihood Energizer (SMILE) - Platform: â‚Ź 3.9 million grant to Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas ng Pilipinas, or WWF Philippines; Renewable energy technology for seaweed value added in Tawi-Tawi (RETS): â‚Ź 4.2 million grant to United Nations Industrial Development Organization; Renewable Energy Access for off-grid Communities and Households (REACH): â‚Ź 3.7 million grant to People in Need; Renewable Energy for Livelihood and Youth (RELY): â‚Ź 2.2 million grant to Sequa; and Clean Energy Living Laboratories (CELLs): Ateneo.

Around 150 participants from the Philippine energy sector, regional and local government, civil society organizations and the academe attended the said event.

THE Taiwan Tourism Bureau successfully exhibited at the Travel Tour Expo 2019 (TTE) held at the SMX Convention Center from February 8 to 10, which saw hundreds of visitors hoping to experience the charm of the “Heart of Asia.�

Always full of fun experiences at travel fairs, the Taiwan Hall this year had a handicraft instructor on duty to teach children how to make an exotic Hakka lORAL WATER BOTTLE HOLDERS AND /H"EAR DOUGH kGURINE CARDS The famous Goang Shin Paper Mill, located not far from the scenic Sun Moon Lake, prepared traditional rubbing DIY activities for participants to take home their own heart-warming, one-and-only rubbing handmade paper.

The Taiwan Hall also had an AR photo wall and VR tours where users experienced different destinations in Taiwan, and even had photos taken with those places to keep as a souvenir.

Music band Liu Sheng Ji performed at the main stage as well, using traditional oriental instruments such as the bamboo flute, erhu, and pipa to play western genres including rock, jazz, blue, R&B, funk and electronic music.

A total of 419,105 visitors from the Philippines visited Taiwan in 2018, up 44.13 percent compared to 2017.

There are 246,641 Taiwanese tourists that travelled to the Philippines last year, making an increase of 4.27 percent from the previous year. This resulted in Taiwan becoming the 6th top source for

IT LAUNCHED ITS INAUGURATION lIGHT FROM Taipei to Cebu. AirAsia also opened its Clark-Taipei route, and another route is from Manila to Kaohsiung. We now have MORE DIRECT lIGHTS TO THE 3OUTHERN PART OF Taiwan,� Taipei Economic and Cultural /FkCE 4%#/ $EPUTY 2EPRESENTATIVE James Chu said in his speech. “These, among many others, are manifestations of the tireless efforts from both sides in terms of boosting our bilateral tourism collaboration.Therefore, inspired by the above-mentioned positive Q Taipei Economic and Cultural Office results, I have made an ambitious goal Deputy Representative James Chu. of having 500,000 Filipino visitors to PHOTOS BY GERARD SEGUIA Taiwan for the year 2019. I will also personally urge my government to further foreign visitors to the Philippines in the extend the visa-free status for Filipinos year 2018. Taiwan’s tourism industry also AND TO MAKE THE OFkCIAL ANNOUNCEcontinues to boom, as it posted a total of ment at the earliest possible time.

11,066,707 tourist arrivals in 2018.

With your help and generous support, With the rapid growth in arrivals from ) AM CONkDENT THAT WE CAN HAVE HALF A THE 0HILIPPINES THIS YEAR FOR THE kRST TIME million Filipinos travelling to Taiwan ever, the Taiwan delegation went to Clark in 2019,� enthused Chu. Freeport Zone for a B2B workshop on With its vast tourism resources, Taiwan February 12 at the Royce Hotel Clark, to has repeatedly won international acforge a closer bilateral relationship so that claims. The famous travel website “Globe the Filipino public may get a better chance Spots� ranked Taiwan 8th in its selection to learn more about Taiwan. of the top 10 countries to visit in 2019, “Airlines from Taiwan and the Phil- and Booking.com named Taiwan as the ippines are opening more routes from 5th most welcoming place on Earth. different cities of our two countries. For In order to make it easy for Philippine example, this coming April 1, China nationals to making spontaneous trips !IRLINES IS GOING TO OPEN lIGHTS FROM to Taiwan, Taiwan’s government has Taichung, a metropolitan in the central extended visa-free treatment to Filipinos, part of Taiwan, to Manila. Taiwan’s Tiger as a goodwill gesture. The trial period will !IR ALSO JOINED THE MARKET LAST /CTOBER AS continue until July 31, 2019.

Q The Taiwan delegation went to Clark Freeport Zone for a B2B workshop to forge a closer bilateral relationship.

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Funtimes

MONDAY February 18, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Solution to puzzle

» CROSSWORD

BY EUGENE SHEFFER

»HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (02/18/19). Team participation satisfies this year. Nurture yourself to provide your best efforts. Summer energy inspires your physical performance, leaving you ready for rest to consider what’s next. Next winter an inspiring new possibility leads to healthy changes. Together, you can create miracles.

BY NANCY BLACK LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Get out with friends.

You’re physically energized this month, with the Pisces Sun. Practice to refine your technique. Consistent efforts win over the long run.

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 -- A professional opportunity takes focus. Distractions include someone attractive. You’re especially lucky in love this month, with the Sun in Pisces. Balance business and pleasure.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Relax and enjoy the company. Ponder big questions this month under the Pisces Sun. Philosophical inquiries engage you. Share your dreams with someone interesting.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Explore and study options. A month-long domestic phase dawns with the Pisces Sun. Make home improvements, repairs and upgrades. Tend your garden, and enjoy your space.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Domestic matters have your attention. Succeed with teamwork this month. Community efforts flower, with the Sun in Pisces. You can get what you need.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Make plans together, and adjust budgets to suit. Writing and communication projects flourish over the next month, with the Sun in Pisces.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Edit your expressions before sending. Professional creativity flourishes this month under the Pisces Sun. Advance in your career through communicating passion and inspiration.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Collaboration proves fundamental. Work together to get farther. Lucrative opportunities develop this month. Direct energy under the Pisces Sun to pull in a profitable harvest.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is a 9 -- A profitable idea develops. Talk about your dreams. Educational pursuits and discoveries expand, with the Sun in Pisces. Draw up plans and budget carefully.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Nurture your health and energy. Begin a power phase, with the Sun in your sign this month. Advance personal dreams and objectives. Find a satisfying purpose.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Get a lucky personal break. Contribute to expanding joint financial ventures.

Coordinate with your partner for mutual benefit. Share considerations, wishes and ideas.

(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.)

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Rest and make plans. Share the load over the next month as a partnership flowers under the Pisces Sun. Collaborate to realize a dream.

» SUDOKU

NANCY BLACK. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

BY ROGER SEVILLA

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats.

Solution from yesterday’s puzzle.

PAGE FROM THE PAST

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

MONDAY M O N DAY FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Entertainment

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www.manilatimes.net

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ELL, there is no right or wrong way to do the whole digital career shebang, but there is surely an ethical way to rise to the top.

That is what global influencer and blogger Bryanboy Yambao told In The Know in a chat during his brief visit in Manila last week for his annual beauty intensification program.

We got to insert a good hour of catch up at the Belo Medical Center Greenbelt clinic while he was freshly injected with some chin kLLERS BY $RA 6ICKI "ELO BEFORE

he jets off to London for more fashion commitments.

Given that he is rubbing elbows with Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour and the like on a fashion season basis, it is such a refresher to see a fashion kXTURE STILL SO DEEP ROOTED IN HIS Filipino culture. “I mean, I am 100 percent Filipino. Just because I have blonde

HAIR AND ) kXED MY NOSE AND MY chin, I’m still 100 percent Filipino.

I mean, my family is here, I cook Filipino food in Sweden, I cook Filipino food for my friends. I even take my foreigner friends to Jollibee or to a lot of classic Filipino places.

I always take them there because it is just a part of me,� he said.

Bryanboy’s digital fashion superstardom started 15 years ago as a scrawny Manila-based teen who decided to snap his vacation in Russia and upload it in a blog to share with his friends. It was a new concept back then but he got a lot of offers and attention from it.

Fast forward to today, Bryanboy has partnerships with fashion houses only one could dream of — Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, MiuMiu, Prada, Valentino and now Christian Dior, the top of the heap of brands. “To work with Dior for me is amazing. I go to different events, to promote Dior basically around the world, and I was at their fashion show during Men’s (Winter 2019/2020 collection) three weeks ago with Naomi and Kate,� he shared.

Original iFlix movie stars ‘Encantadia’ girls ‘Mystified’ reunites Iza, Karylle, Sunshine and Diana SOON to stream on iFlix is an original production bannering the Philippines, very own Iza Calzado, Karylle, Sunshine Dizon and Diana Zubiri.

Known as the original cast GMA Network’s hit fantasy-series “EnCANTADIAu IN THE MOVIE g-YSTIkEDu will see the four power women of showbiz reunited anew via the streaming service come March.

-YSTIkED TELLS THE STORY OF FOUR SORCER-

esses sent to live in the real world to protect a magic portal — except they cannot use any of their powers even as they are tasked to protect mankind from a great evil that is coming their way.

Taking the directorial lead for the movie is Mark Reyes, who also directed the girls on the TV show.

The movies trailer is now up on this YouTube link: youtu.be/HSNeTrqcT5c.

Âťstreaming

Q 'Mystified' reunites Karylle, Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon and Diana Zubiri.

‘Kara Mia’ curiosity finally begins tonight THE buzz over prime time’s newest player has gone on full blast in the last few weeks, and the good news is that everyone will finally meet “Kara Mia� tonight.

With the public’s curiosity buoyed by memes on the net, the GMA Network series’ “real� characters — a pair of sisters with two different faces and two independent minds trapped in a single body — will come to life with Barbie Forteza and Mika dela Cruz leading the dramatic tale.

The story begins with the birth of Kara (Forteza) and Mia (dela Cruz), sisters born with craniofacial duplication (Disprosopus) — a rare congenital defect where supposed twins come out with two faces on one body. Kara’s face is in front, while Mia’s face is at the back of their head.

But even if they are “one� person, the two sisters cannot be more different. Kara is kind, jolly, smart, and aspires to be a doctor, believing it is this “defect� that makes her unique and special. She also loves her sister with all her heart.

Mia, on the other h a n d , i s the mischievous one.

She i s

lazy, pessimistic, and dreams of being an actress. She is envious of Kara and wants nothing more than to be her own person.

B o t h Forteza and dela Cruz are amazed at their characters themselves. “Because Kara and Mia are so different, their views on life and about are also different. We ourselves have so many questions on what’s going to happen in the story, say one of them falls in love? We’re so curious about this series when we’re the ones in it!� said Forteza at a grand launch GMA Network organized for the promising series.

Dela Cruz, meanwhile, talked about how difficult taping their scenes are every time: “When Barbie and I have scenes ‘together,’ we talk to a blank space, and it gets all the more challenging when the scenes call for emotional exchanges since there’s no one in front of you.

Portraying Kara and Mia’s parents are Carmina Villaroel and John Estrada, while the rest of the talented cast features Glydel Mercado, Mike Tan, Jak Roberto, Paul Salas, Liezel Lopez, Althea Ablan, Arthur Solinap, Karenina Haniel, April Gustilo and veteran actresses Alicia Alonzo and Gina Pareùo.

An all original creation of the GMA Entertainment Group, Kara Mia is directed by Dominic Zapata. The series premieres tonight on GMA Telebabad.

Âťtvlandia'slatest

Q With Dra. Vicki Belo of Belo Medical Center.

Q Global influencer and blogger Bryanboy Yambao.

Q After the buzz they created online, televiewers will finally get to discover the twins' unique story.

It was when brands approached Bryan that he treated the whole digital work as a career he nurtured.

He also gave his two cents on how THE NEW WAVE OF DIGITAL INlUENCers join the bandwagon to primarily get freebies in exchange for social media exposure. “There’s nothing wrong with pitching a story or pitching partnerships even if it’s free or not free.

"UT IF THERE ARE INlUENCERS WHO ARE looking at this business as a way of getting everything for free, you are clearly in the wrong business.�

Kids nowadays should not be blindsided by how glamorous the fashion world looks because, according to Brian, it’s really a tough job that demands so much effort to build the trust of the brands. g4HE EARLIER INlUENCERS ) MEAN

when I started I never thought of it as a business. I never approached anyone and said, ‘oh, I want this for free and I’m going to write about you.’ I only want to promote the things that is authentically me,� he declared.

NNN Until next week, ta-ta!

IN THE KNOW MJ MARFORI

Q Barbie Forteza and Mika dela Cruz

Academy reverses plans, will air all awards live at Oscars NEW YORK: Bowing to a backlash that had threatened to engulf an already blunderplagued Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday reversed its decision to present four awards during the commercial breaks of this year’s Oscar broadcast.

All 24 categories will be shown live, after all, at the 91st Academy Awards on February 24, the academy announced in a statement.

On Monday, the academy had said that the winning speeches for cinematography, film editing, makeup and hairstyling and liveaction short would be aired in a shortened, taped segment during the broadcast. “Nine days until the showtime, still tweaking the script� the Academy tweeted Friday.

The academy did not address whether the change meant extending the show’s length, which organizers have said would be reduced to three hours.

The academy’s move to strike awards from the live broadcast was fiercely contested by many of this year’s Oscar nominees, including “Roma� director Alfonso Cuaron and “BlacKkKlansman� filmmaker Spike Lee. The American Society of Cinematographers on Wednesday issued an open-letter to the academy, signed by Martin Scorsese, Brad Pitt and others, calling the plans an insult to the cinematic arts. “When the recognition of those responsible for the creation of outstanding cinema is being diminished by the very institution whose purpose it is to protect it, then we are no longer upholding the spirit of the academy’s promise to celebrate film as a collaborative art form,� the letter read.

The academy on Wednesday defended the de-

cision and blamed “a chain of misinformation� on the backlash. Following record-low ratings to last year’s broadcast, the academy has made a swifter, three-hour telecast a priority. ABC, which airs the Oscars, is planning to premiere a sneak-peak of a new drama series after the Oscar telecast, which regularly ranks as the most-watched non-NFL broadcast of the year.

This is just the latest flip-flop by the academy in its attempts to tweak the Oscars.

The academy’s headaches began after it last summer trotted out the induction of a “popular film Oscar.�The plan sparked such outrage (Rob Lowe pronounced the film industry dead, “survived by sequels, tent-poles and vertical integration�) that the new award was scuttled within a month.

Kevin Hart was announced as this year’s Oscar host only to withdraw days later when many took issue with his old homophobic tweets and the comedian initially “chose to

pass on the apology.� Hart finally apologized as he resigned, leaving the Oscars host-less for only the fifth time in its 91-year history.

And after first planning to limit the best song nominee performances, the academy confirmed that all songs will indeed be performed.

Veteran makeup artist Lois Burwell, who is on the film academy’s board of governors, on Friday called the efforts to change the Oscars an “evolving process.� “With anything creative, you start in one place and then there’s the journey to where you end up,� said Burwell. “And sometimes you have to do things that don’t work in order to find out what does work. So there’s always a kind of awkwardness about someone going, ‘Oh no, that was a mistake.’ But a mistake is something you learn from and build upon.�

AP

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advertising@manilatimes.net 524-5664 local 121, 3105895 and 3105582

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 166, Pasig City

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National Capital Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT PASIG CITY Branch______ IN RE: PETITION FOR NATURALIZATION

IN RE: PETITION FOR NATURALIZATION

Spec. Proc. No. 03091 SP R-PSG-18-03091-SP

JAMES ARTHUR WATKINS, Petitioner. x-------------------------------------------------------x ORDER Filed with this Court is a Petition for Naturalization of Mr. James Arthur Watkins, a resident of U-4F Phoenix Heights Condominium, 40 Canley Road, Bagong Ilog, Pasig City. Petitioner arrived in the Philippines on October 2, 2001 aboard Eva Airways BR271 Petitioner resides in the Philippines for not less than ten (10) years as permanent resident immediately preceding the date of this Petition. Petitioner was born in Dayton, Washington, United States of America on November 20, 1963, under whose laws Filipinos may become naturalized citizens of subjects thereof. He married Liezel O. Watkins, a Filipina, on October 20, 2001, and they were blessed with a child, Samuel James Watkins. In relation to this instant petition, Liezel O. Watkins and Dartagnan Jutie, shall testify as witnesses. )LQGLQJ WKH YHUL¿HG IRU QDWXUDOL]DWLRQ WR EH VXI¿FLHQW LQ IRUP DQG VXEVWDQFH WKH &RXUW hereby sets the initial hearing on October 14, 2019 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, to be held before this Court’s sala located at 5th Floor, Bulwagan ng Katarungan Building, City Hall Compound, Pasig City, at which date, place and time, all interested persons are directed to appear and show cause, if any, why this petition should not be granted.

Let a copy of this Petition and this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks LQ WKH 2IÂżFLDO *D]HWWH DQG LQ D QHZVSDSHU of general circulation in the place where the petitioner resides, and to have copies of said petition and this Order posted in three (3) conspicuous places. )XUQLVK D FRS\ RI WKLV RUGHU DV ZHOO DV WKH SHWLWLRQ DQG LWV DQQH[HV WR WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH 6ROLFLWRU *HQHUDO 2IÂżFH RI WKH &LW\ 3URVHFXWRU 3DVLJ &LW\ 'HSDUWPHQW RI )RUHLJQ Affairs, the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation, Department of Interior and Local *RYHUQPHQW 'HSDUWPHQW RI -XVWLFH 3KLOLSSLQH 1DWLRQDO 3ROLFH &DPS &UDPH 1DWLRQDO Bureau of Investigation, Station Commander and Pasig City Police Station. Notify the petitioner and his counsel.

Petitioner and counsel are directed to coordinate with this Court’s Branch Clerk of Court IRU WKH H[SHGLWLRQV VHUYLFH RI QRWLFHV DQG LVVXDQFH RI UHTXHVW IRU UDIÀH SO ORDERED. Pasig City, December 3, 2018.

(SGD.) ROWENA DE JUAN-QUINAGORAN Presiding Judge Republic of the Philippines

JAMES ARTHUR WATKINS, Petitioner. x-------------------------------------------------------x PETITION Petitioner, thru the undersigned counsel and before this Honorable Court, most respectfully avers: 1. Petitioner’s full name is JAMES ARTHUR WATKINS. His present place of residence since year 2009 is at U-4F Phoenix Heights Condominium, 40 Canley Road, Bagong Ilog, 3DVLJ &LW\ +H IRUPHUO\ UHVLGHG DW /RW %ORFN 3KDVH *UHHQZRRGV ([HFXWLYH 9LOODJH &DLQWD 5L]DO $WWDFKHG KHUHWR LV WKH FRS\ RI 3HWLWLRQHUÂśV &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 5HVLGHQF\ VLJQHG and issued by the Administrator of Phoenix Heights Condominium (Annex “Aâ€?).

2. Petitioner was born in Dayton, Washington, United States of America on 20 November 1963, under whose laws Filipinos may become naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

3. He married Liezel O. Watkins (“Lizielâ€?), of legal age and a Filipina on 20 October 2001. $WWDFKHG KHUHWR LV WKH FRS\ RI 0DUULDJH &HUWLÂżFDWH RI /LH]HO DQG 3HWLWLRQHU :DWNLQV (Annex “Bâ€?). They have one child, Samuel James Watkins born on 18 January 2002, who is currently studying at the Reedley International School. Attached hereto is the Authenticated Copy of Birth &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 3HWLWLRQHUÂśV VRQ (Annex “Câ€?).

4. Petitioner arrived in the Philippines from the United States of America on 2 2FWREHU DW WKH SRUW RI 1LQR\ $TXLQR ,QWHUQDWLRQDO $LUSRUW ERDUGLQJ %5 RI (9$ $LUZD\V $WWDFKHG KHUHWR LV WKH 3HWLWLRQHUÂśV FHUWLÂżFDWH RI DUULYDO VLJQHG DQG LVVXHG E\ WKH Commissioner of Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines (Annex “Dâ€?).

5. Petitioner has resided continuously in the Philippines for not less than ten (10) years as a permanent resident immediately preceding the date of this Petition; to wit: since 2 October, 2001 and in the City of Pasig since year 2009 for at least 8 years and 11 months.

6. Petitioner speaks and writes English and understands and Filipino.

7. He, is currently the Chairman of Race Queen Inc., Emerald Pedistal Properties, Inc., DQG /RNL 7HFKQRORJ\ ,QFRUSRUDWHG ZLWK RIÂżFH DGGUHVV DW 8QLW &LW\ODQG 7RZHU %OGJ +9 'HOD &RVWD 6W $\DOD $YH 0DNDWL &LW\ 8 $,& %XUJXQG\ (PSLUH 7RZHU $'% Ave Ortigas Center, Brgy. San Antonio, Pasig City; and L29 Joy Nostalg Centre, 17 ADB $YH 2UWLJDV &HQWHU 3DVLJ &LW\ UHVSHFWLYHO\ $WWDFKHG KHUHWR DUH WKH FRSLHV RI *HQHUDO Information Sheets for 2018 of Race Queen Inc., Emerald Pedistal Properties Inc., and Loki Technology Incorporated (Annexes “E,â€? “E-1 to E-2.â€?

8. Apart from putting up businesses, Petitioner and wife Liziel also invested in several properties in the country. They bought a real property in Cainta Rizal which is covered by TCT No. 068-2017000674 and condominium covered by CCT No. 011-2010000137. They also bought farms in Benguet which are covered under TCT No. 016-2016002546 and TCT No. 016-2016002542, and in Ibaan Batangas which are covered by CARP 2017000059 DQG &$53 $WWDFKHG KHUHWR DUH WKH FRSLHV RI &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 7LWOHV RZQHG E\ the Petitioner and his wife Liziel (Annexes “F,â€? “F-1 to F-5â€?).

9. Petitioner believes in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution, is of good moral character and has conducted himself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of his residence in the Philippines in his relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which he lives; has mingled socially with the Filipinos; and has evinced a genuine desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions, and ideas of the Filipinos.

3HWLWLRQHU LV QRW RSSRVHG WR RUJDQL]HG JRYHUQPHQW RU DIÂżOLDWHG ZLWK DQ\ DVVRFLDWLRQ or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized government; that he does not defend or teach the necessity of propriety of violence, personal assault, or assassination for the success and predominance of their ideas; that he is not a polygamist or a believer in polygamy or in the practice of polygamy; that he has never been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude; that he is not suffering from mental alienation or incurable contagious disease; and that he is not a citizen or subject of a nation at war with the Philippines.

11. Petitioner has complied with all the requirements of the Naturalization Law (C.A.

UHJDUGLQJ WKH ÂżOLQJ ZLWK WKH 2IÂżFH RI WKH 6ROLFLWRU *HQHUDO RI KLV ERQD ÂżGH LQWHQWLRQ WR become a Filipino citizen of the Philippines.

12. It is his intention in good faith to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce DEVROXWHO\ DQG IRUHYHU DOO DOOHJLDQFH DQG ÂżGHOLW\ WR DQ\ IRUHLJQ VWDWH RU VRYHUHLJQW\ LI WKLV Petition is granted, and particularly to the United States of America of which at this time he is a citizen or subject and that he will reside continuously in the Philippines from date of ÂżOLQJ WKLV 3HWLWLRQ XS WR WKH WLPH RI KLV DGPLVVLRQ WR 3KLOLSSLQH FLWL]HQVKLS 3HWLWLRQHU KDV QRW KHUHWRIRUH ÂżOHG DQ\ SHWLWLRQ IRU FLWL]HQVKLS ZLWK DQ\ FRXUW 14. Liziel O. Watkins, of legal age, residing at 4th Flr. Phoenix Heights Condominium, Canley Road, Bagong Ilog, Pasig City and Dartagnan I. Jutie, of legal age, residing at No. 434 Purok I Poblacion, Tanauan, Batangas City; who are Filipino citizens, will appear and WHVWLI\ DV ZLWQHVVHV DW WKH KHDULQJ RI WKH 3HWLWLRQ $WWDFKHG KHUH WR DUH WKH FRSLHV RI $IÂżGDYLWV of the witnesses (Annexes “Gâ€? to “G-1â€?).

15. Finally, attached hereto and made integral parts of the Petition are, to wit: a. Signed copy of petitioner’s Declaration of Intention to become a citizen of the 3KLOLSSLQHV GXO\ ÂżOHG EHIRUH 2IÂżFH RI WKH 6ROLFLWRU *HQHUDO (Annex “Hâ€?) b. NBI/Regional Trial Court / Metropolitan Trial Court and Police clearances (Annexes “I,â€? “I-1 to I-3â€?) c. Two photographs of Petitioner, duly autographed and signed (Annex “Jâ€?)

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed that after due proceedings, Petitioner be duly admitted as citizen of the Republic of Philippines.

LOZADA & TIBLANI Counsel for Petitioner Unit B – 12th Floor, The World Centre Building 6HQ *LO 3X\DW $YHQXH 0DNDWL &LW\ Telephone No. (632) 833-98-50 By: (SGD.) LEYTON LORD LOZADA PTR No. 6615519; 03 January 2018; Makati City

MONDAY February 18, 2019

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IBP No. 020688; 03 January 2018; Makati City Roll of Attorney’s No. 44964 0&/( 9 &RPSO 1R -XO\ 3DVLJ &LW\ COPY FURNISHED: OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL Counsel for the Republic $PRUVROR 6W /HJDVSL 9LOODJH 0DNDWL &LW\ VERIFICATION WITH CERTIFICATION OF NON FORUM SHOPPING I, JAMES ARTHUR WATKINS, of legal age, and with residential address at 4F Phoenix Heights Condominium, 40 Canley Road, Bagong Ilog, Pasig City, after having sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and say that: , KDYH FDXVHG WKH SUHSDUDWLRQ RI WKH LQVWDQW 9HUL¿HG 3HWLWLRQ DQG KDYH UHDG WKH VDPH and understood the contents thereof and all the allegations therein; I hereby verify that all the averments therein are true and correct of my own personal knowledge and as called from the records; I further certify that I have not commenced any other action or proceeding involving the same issues raised in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or its different Division thereof, or any other tribunal or agency; I further certify that to the best of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding is pending is pending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or its different Division thereof, or any other tribunal or agency; 6KRXOG , OHDUQ WKDW D VLPLODU DFWLRQ RU SURFHHGLQJ KDV EHHQ ¿OHG RU LV SHQGLQJ EHIRUH the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or its different Division thereof, or any other WULEXQDO RU DJHQF\ , XQGHUWDNH WR DFFRUGLQJO\ QRWLI\ WKLV +RQRUDEOH &RXUW ZLWKLQ ¿YH

days from such notice. $IÂżDQW IXUWKHU VD\HWK QDXJKW IN WITNESS WHEREOF, , KDYH KHUHXQWR DIÂż[HG P\ VLJQDWXUH 1RY DW Makati City.

(SGD.) JAMES ARTHUR WATKINS $I¿DQW SUBCRIBED AND SWORN WR EHIRUH PH WKLV 1RY DI¿DQW H[KLELWLQJ WR PH KLV Driver’s License No. X01-09-003170 which expires on 20 November 2022, at Quezon City.

Doc. No. 205; Page No. 42; %RRN 1R ;9, Series of 2018.

MT - Feb. 4, 11 & 18, 2019

E2

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MONDAY February 18, 2019 NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of Incorporation of SHICHI ELECTRO + WORKS CORP. shortening the term of its existence up to May 2, 2018 thereby dissolving the said corporation on the said date has been approved by the Board of Directors and Stockholders.

Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of Incorporation of ECA PERSONAL PAMPERING CORPORATION shortening the term of its existence up to March 10, 2019 thereby dissolving the said corporation on said date have been approved by the Board of Directors and stockholders.

All persons having claims against said corporation are requested to present the same at 2nd Floor, 5 Axis Bldg., B3A – L1A Pulo – Diezmo Road, Brgy. Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna for immediate settlement.

All persons having claims against said corporation are requested to present the same at Unit 387-388 Level 3 Ayala Malls, Feliz Marcos Highway corner J.P. Rizal St., Brgy. dela Paz, Pasig City 1605 for immediate settlement.

This announcement will serve as notice to all concerned of the legal dissolution of the aforesaid corporation.

This announcement will serve as notice to all concerned of the legal dissolution of the aforesaid corporation.

Nathaniel R. Jose 3UHVLGHQW 2IÂżFHU MT - Feb. 7, 11 & 18, 2019

Carla Angeline R. Abellana Corporate Secretary MT – Feb. 16, 18 & 25, 2019

MARKETS AND SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT : : CENTURY PROPERTIES GROUP, INC. : REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES (Registrant) : (Unsecured Fixed-Rate Peso : Denominated Retail Bonds) x--------------------------------------------------------------x

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

IN THE MATTER OF

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on January 30, 2019 D VZRUQ VWDWHPHQW ZDV ÂżOHG with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commissionâ€?) for and on behalf of CENTURY PROPERTIES GROUP, INC. for the registration of Unsecured Fixed-Rate Peso Dominated Retail Bonds in the aggregate amount of up to PhP3,000,000,000.00 at an issue price of 100% of the face value.

According to the papers presented on January 30, 2019, the following persons are WKH GLUHFWRUV DQG RIÂżFHUV RI WKH FRUSRUDWLRQ Name Amb. Jose E.B. Antonio -RKQ 9LFWRU 5 $QWRQLR Jose Marco R. Antonio Jose Roberto R. Antonio Jose Carlo R. Antonio Ricardo Cuerva 5DIDHO * <DSWLQFKD\ Amb. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. Stephen T. CuUnjieng Carlos E. Ejercito Atty. Danny E. Bunyi Domie S. Eduvane *HUU\ -RVHSK $OEHUW ,ODJDQ &DUORV %HQHGLFW . 5LYLOOD ,9 Ponciano S. Carreon Maria Theresa Fucanan-Yu Atty. Isabelita Ching Sales 5DPRQ 6 9LOODQXHYD ,,, John Paul Flores *HUDUGR $ 0RUDOHV Ricardo S. Cuerva *HUDUGR 5 0LQD Ritchelle T. Cordero Ricky M. Celis

Position Chairman of the Board, President and CEO Director and Co. COO Director and Co. COO Co-Managing Director Co-Managing Director Director Co-Managing Director Independent Director Independent Director Independent Director Corporate Secretary 6HQLRU 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW IRU /HJDO DQG &RUSRUDWH Affairs ([HFXWLYH 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW IRU &HQWXU\ :RUOGZLGH Services and Sales Management Operations 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW )RU &RUSRUDWH $IIDLUV DQG Assistant Corporate Secretary &KLHI )LQDQFLDO 2IÂżFHU DQG ,QYHVWRU 5HODWLRQV Head 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW IRU &RUSRUDWH &RPPXQLFDWLRQV &KLHI ,QIRUPDWLRQ 2IÂżFHU DQG &RPSOLDQFH 2IÂżFHU 7D[ &RPSOLDQFH 2IÂżFHU Comptroller Treasurer 6HQLRU 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW IRU 'HVLJQ ,QQRYDWLRQ DQG 0DWHULDO 0DQDJHPHQW *URXS 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW IRU 3URSHUW\ 0DQDJHPHQW Head for Human Resources and Administration President for Affordable Housing Business Segment

Said registration statement and other papers/documents attached thereto (collectively referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;RSâ&#x20AC;?) and the subsequent updates are open to inspection by interested parties during business hours, and copies thereof, photostatic or otherwise, shall be furnished to every party upon request at such reasonable fees as the Commission may prescribe. Said RS may also be downloaded from the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website: http://www.century-properties.com.

VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Director MT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Feb. 18, 2019

Notice is hereby given that RCD LAND, INC. (Owner/Developer) KDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV 2IÂżFH D VZRUQ registration statement for the sale of commercial lots at RCD ROYALE HOMES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BATANGAS PHASE 3 located at Brgy. Sabang, Tuy, Batangas and more particularly described as portion of Lot 1, Psu-103873, Lot 2, Psu-103875 & Psu-103873 and covered by TCT No. T-055-2016000804 to T-0552016000806. The project is under EO 648.

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

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

days from the last day of publication.

Calamba City, Laguna, 30th day of January 2019.

Recommending Approval:

Approved by: (SGD.) Atty. RICHARD L. MANILA 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU MT - Feb. 11 & 18, 2019

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (STR) PAUNAWA Ipinagbibigay-alam na ang RCD LAND, INC. (May-ari/Debeloper) ay naghain sa Tanggapang ito ng sinumpaang aplikasyon para sa pagbebenta ng komersyal na lote sa RCD ROYALE HOMES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BATANGAS PHASE 3 na matatagpuan sa Brgy. Sabang, Tuy, Batangas at sinasakop ng mga bahagi ng Lote Blg. 1, Psu-103873, Lote Blg. 2, Psu-103875 at bahagi ng Psu-103873 na sumasailalim sa mga Titulo Blg. T-055-2016000804 hanggang T-055-2016000806. Ang proyekto ay nasa ilalim ng EO 648 (Commercial Subdivision).

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.

Lungsod ng Calamba, Laguna, ika30 ng Enero 2019.

IN THE MATTER OF

: : REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES SMC GLOBAL POWER : (under Shelf Registration) HOLDINGS CORPORATION : (Registrant) : x---------------------------------------------x NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on 06 February 2019 a sworn Registration 6WDWHPHQW ZDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKH 6HFXULWLHV DQG ([FKDQJH &RPPLVVLRQ IRU DQG on behalf of SMC GLOBAL POWER HOLDINGS CORPORATION (â&#x20AC;&#x153;the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Companyâ&#x20AC;?) for the registration of its Sixty Billion (P60,000,000,000.00) worth RI Âż[HG UDWH ERQGV ZLWK DQ Initial Tranche Offering of up to Twenty Five Billion Pesos (P25,000,000,000.00), with an over-subscription option of up to Five Billion Pesos (P5,000,000,000.00) consisting of 3-year Series H due on 2022, 5-year Series I Bonds due on 2024 and 7-year Series J due on 2026, for offer, sale and issue by way of public offering in the Philippines, and the Shelf Registration of Fixed Rate Bonds in an amount not less than Sixty Billion Pesos (P60,000,000,000.00), to be offered over a period not exceeding three (3) years from the effective date of the registration statement.

According to the papers presented, the following persons are the Directors and/or executives of the Corporation: Name Board of Directors Ramon S. Ang Ferdinand K. Constantino Aurora T. Calderon 9LUJLOLR 6 -DFLQWR -DFN * $UUR\R -U Consuelo M. Ynares-Santiago -RVHÂżQD *XHYDUD 6DORQJD 2IÂżFHUV 5DPRQ 6 $QJ

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5DPRQ 8 $JD\ Irene M. Cipriano Reynaldo S. Matillano /RUHQ] 5 'HIHQVRU -HFLHO % &DPSRV -RVH )HUOLQR 3 5D\PXQGR 'DQLOR 7 7RODUED

Position Chairman Director Director 'LUHFWRU ,QGHSHQGHQW 'LUHFWRU Independent Director ,QGHSHQGHQW 'LUHFWRU 3UHVLGHQW &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IÂżFHU &KLHI 2SHUDWLQJ 2IÂżFHU 9LFH &KDLUPDQ &RUSRUDWH 6HFUHWDU\ &RPSOLDQFH 2IÂżFHU *HQHUDO 0DQDJHU DQG (QHUJ\ 6RXUFLQJ 7UDGLQJ *URXS +HDG 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG &KLHI )LQDQFH 2IÂżFHU $VVLVWDQW 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW &RPSWUROOHU Assistant Corporate Secretary Internal Audit Manager 'DWD 3URWHFWLRQ 2IÂżFHU $VVLVWDQW 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG 6DOHV and Marketing Manager $VVLVWDQW 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG (QHUJ\ Sourcing & Trading Manager $VVLVWDQW 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG +XPDQ 5HVRXUFHV *URXS 0DQDJHU

Said registration statement and other papers/documents attached thereto (collectively known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;RSâ&#x20AC;?) are open to inspection by interested parties during business hours, and copies thereof, photostatic or otherwise, shall be furnished to any party, upon request, at such reasonable fees as the Commission may prescribe. The RS, Prospectus and the Offer Supplement dated 06 February 2019 and any subsequent amendments therein may also be downloaded at the website of the corporation at www.smcglobalpower.com.ph.

(SGD.) VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Director Markets and Securities Regulation Department MT - Feb. 15 & 18, 2019

PAUNAWA Ipinagbibigay alam na ang CATHAY LAND METAL (May-ari) at CATHAY LAND INC. (Tagadebelop) sa pamamagitan ng â&#x20AC;&#x153;Joint 9HQWXUH $JUHHPHQW´ D\ QDJKDLQ sa Tanggapang ito ng sinumpaang aplikasyon para sa pagbebenta ng â&#x20AC;&#x153;commercial lotsâ&#x20AC;? sa MALLORCA VILLAS PHASE 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; COMMERCIAL na matatagpuan sa Brgy. Maguyam, Silang, Cavite at sinasakop ng mga Bloke 2, Psd-04-211891 at Bloke 19, Psd-04-203039 na sumasailalim sa mga Titulo Blg. T-83575 and T-78963. Ang nasabing proyekto ay sumasailalim sa EO 648.

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

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.

Lungsod ng Calamba, Laguna, ika-6 ng Pebrero 2019.

Recommending Approval: (Sgd.) Engr. EMMANUEL G. GLIPO Head- Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD) Approved by: (Sgd.) Atty. RICHARD L. MANILA 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU MT - Feb. 11 & 18, 2019

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (STR) NOTICE

(SGD). Engr. EMMANUEL G. GLIPO Head- Permits, Registration and Licensing Unit

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.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Finance Securities and Exchange Commission

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (STR)

Recommending Approval: (Sgd.) Engr. EMMANUEL G. GLIPO Head- Permits, Registration and Licensing Unit Approved by: (Sgd.) Atty. RICHARD L. MANILA 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU MT - Feb. 11 & 18, 2019

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (STR) NOTICE Notice is hereby given that CATHAY LAND METAL (Owner) and CATHAY LAND INC. (Developer) by virtue of D -RLQW 9HQWXUH $JUHHPHQW GDWHG )HEUXDU\ KDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV 2IÂżFH D VZRUQ UHJLVWUDWLRQ statement for the sale of commercial lots in MALLORCA VILLAS PHASE 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; COMMERCIAL located at Brgy.

Maguyam, Silang, Cavite and more particularly described as Block 2, Psd-04-211891 & Block 19, Psd-04203039 and covered by TCT Nos. T-83575 and T-78963. The project is under EO 648.

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

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

days from the last day of publication.

Calamba City, Laguna, 6th day of February 2019.

Recommending Approval: (SGD). Engr. EMMANUEL G. GLIPO Head- Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD) Approved by: (SGD.) Atty. RICHARD L. MANILA 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU MT - Feb. 11 & 18, 2019

Notice is hereby given that CATHAY LAND METAL (Owner) and CATHAY LAND INC. (Developer) by virtue of a -RLQW 9HQWXUH $JUHHPHQW GDWHG )HEUXDU\ KDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV 2IÂżFH D VZRUQ registration statement for the sale of residential lots in MALLORCA VILLAS PHASE 3 located at Brgy. Maguyam, Silang, Cavite and more particularly described as Block 2, Psd-04-211891 & Block 19, Psd-04-203039 and covered

by TCT Nos. T-83575 and T-78963. The project is under PD 957.

The foregoing project is utilizing the Participation Through Investment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Incentivized Compliance by depositing WKH DPRXQW RI 7+5(( 0,//,21 ),9( +81'5(' ),)7< (,*+7 7+286$1' NINE HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE PESOS AND 90/100 (P 3,558,951.90) in Trust Account under Escrow Agreement dated January 22, 2019 by and among &$7+$< /$1' ,1& +286,1* $1' /$1' 86( 5(*8/$725< %2$5' 5(*,21$/ 2)),&( DQG $6,$ 81,7(' BANK CORPORATION (AUB), as its compliance to Section 18 of Republic Act No. 7279 as amended by Republic Act No. 10884.

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

Absent legal impediment, the abovecited project is deemed registered and D FHUWLÂżFDWH LQ HYLGHQFH WKHUHRI VKDOO IRUWKZLWK EH LVVXHG DIWHU ÂżYH GD\V from the last day of publication.

ISABELA II ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Government Center, Alibagu, City of Ilagan, Isabela Telefax No. (078) 323-0013 / 323-0144 Iselco2_pbac@yahoo.com INVITATION TO BID Bid No. 2019-01 7KH ,6$%(/$ ,, (/(&75,& &223(5$7,9( ,6(/&2 ,, WKURXJK LWV %LGV DQG $ZDUGV &RPPLWWHH %$&

hereby invites all interested contractors and suppliers to submit their respective bids for the supply, delivery, installation, Labor of materials and equipment, and construction of single phase, primary and secondary distribution lines and household connection for the the following Sitioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, funded thru Sitio Energization Program (SEP 2019) under NEA Subsidy.

Lot I : Supply, Delivery and Construction of Single Phase and Open Secondary Lines for 40 Sitioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Sitio

Ę&#x2039;

1 Jap Purok 1, Core 2 Shelter Purok 6, Core 3 Shelter 4 Tuvung 5 Pulang Lupa 6 San Rafael 7 Maragatto 8 Consino 9 Mabanga 10 Carmen 11 Lullutan 12 Luscon 13 Ambatuan 14 Nangka 15 Ibujan 16 Tunggi 17 Nursery 18 CastaĂąeda 19 2VFDUHV 9LOODJH 20 *XWLQJ 21 Tolentino 22 Bilag 23 Bical 24 Sisim 25 Purok 2 26 Purok 3 27 Calaocan 28 Curawitan 29 Malaya 30 Maldam 31 Batag 32 Maangin Lower 33 Maangin Upper 34 Namakalan 35 Palanan 36 Sinawit 37 Purok 4 38 Kabulalaan 39 Baba 40 Savellano

Barangay

Kilometers of Lines

Municipality

1ø

U.B.

Fugu

Ilagan

1.2

1.2

Andarayan

'HOÂżQ $OEDQR

0.2

0.195

Sto. Rosario

'HOÂżQ $OEDQR

1.125

1.125

0.1

Naganacan Batong Labang Rang-ayan Minagbag Abut Estrada District II Binatug *DQJDODQ Minanga Minanga Disulap Disulap Disulap Mozzozzin Sur Mozzozzin Sur Rugao Bagong Silang San Manuel Abut Minagbag New Magsaysay New Magsaysay *XLOLQJDQ Binatug Binatug Binatug Casala Casala Casala Casala Sta. Filomena Balliao San Ramon San Manuel Esperanza Barucboc

Sta. Maria City of Ilagan Mallig Quezon Quezon Quezon Benito Soliven San Mariano San Mariano San Mariano San Mariano San Mariano San Mariano San Mariano Sta. Maria Sta. Maria Ilagan Ilagan Naguilian Quezon Quezon Benito Soliven Benito Soliven Benito Soliven San Mariano San Mariano San Mariano San Mariano San Mariano San Mariano San Mariano San Mariano Benito Soliven Aurora Naguilian Aurora Quezon

5.95 8.94 1.05 1.04 1.28 1.5 0.35 1.04 1.19 1.05 1.01 2.81 4.32 3.57 1.02 1.04 1.22 1.12 2.72 1.04 2.08 1.04 1.04 1.32 1.371 1.26 1.316 0.25

0.91 1.92 0.84 1.04 0.32 0.54 0.28 0.8 0.91 0.77 0.56 1.07 1.05 1.19 0.49 0.96 0.59 0.73 1.97 0.56 0.16 0.88 1.04 0.31 0.88 1.12 1.02 0.15

0.35 0.6

1.02 1.05 0.23 1.19 1.4 1.01 1.12

0.49 2.08 0.21 0.23 0.7 0.77 0.8 1.12

0.3 1.26 0.1 0.35

62.482

31.98

12.223

TOTAL

Sitio

Ę&#x2039;

Barangay

Municipality

Number of Households 50

Fugu

Ilagan

Andarayan

'HOÂżQ $OEDQR

60

Sto. Rosario

'HOÂżQ $OEDQR Sta. Maria City of Ilagan

60 60

Approved by:

Naganacan Batong Labang

(SGD.) Atty. RICHARD L. MANILA 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU

6 San Rafael

Rang-ayan

Mallig

30

7 Maragatto

Minagbag

Quezon

60

8 Consino

Abut

Quezon

60

9 Mabanga

Estrada

60

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

MT - Feb. 11 & 18, 2019

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (STR) PAUNAWA Ipinagbibigay alam na ang CATHAY LAND METAL (May-ari) at CATHAY LAND INC. (Taga-debelop) sa SDPDPDJLWDQ QJ Âł-RLQW 9HQWXUH Agreementâ&#x20AC;? ay naghain sa Tanggapang ito ng sinumpaang aplikasyon para sa pagbebenta ng â&#x20AC;&#x153;residential lotsâ&#x20AC;? sa MALLORCA VILLAS PHASE 3 na matatagpuan sa Brgy. Maguyam, Silang, Cavite at sinasakop ng mga Bloke 2, Psd-04-211891 at Bloke 19, Psd-04203039 na sumasailalim sa mga Titulo Blg. T-83575 at T-78963. Ang nasabing proyekto ay sumasailalim sa PD 957.

Ang nasabing proyekto ay ginagamit ang Participation Through Investment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Incentivized Compliance, sa pamamagitan ng pag deposito ng Âł7+5(( 0,//,21 ),9( +81'5(' ),)7< (,*+7 7+286$1' 1,1( HUNDRED FIFY-ONE PESOS AND 90/100 (P 3,558,951.90)â&#x20AC;? sa Trust Account sa ilalim ng Escrow Agreement na may petsa ika-22 ng Enero 2019 sa pamamagitan at sa gitna ng CATHAY /$1' ,1& +286,1* $1' /$1' 86( 5(*8/$725< %2$5' 5(*,21$/ OFFICE) at ASIA UNITED BANK CORPORATION (AUB), bilang pagsunod sa Seksyon 18 ng Republic Act No. 7279 na na-ameyendahan ng Republic Act No. 10884.

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.

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.

Lungsod ng Calamba, Laguna, ika-6 ng Pebrero 2019.

Recommending Approval: (Sgd.) Engr. EMMANUEL G. GLIPO Head- Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD) Approved by: (Sgd.) Atty. RICHARD L. MANILA 5HJLRQDO 2IÂżFHU MT - Feb. 11 & 18, 2019

YOUR ADS HERE GET RESULTS

Jumpstart your media career at The Manila Times College!

For more information, call 524-5664 to 66 local 114 or 310-9625

0.56 1.45 0.24 0.15 0.16 0.48 0.18 1.33 0.133 0.88 0.15 0.7 0.16

45,276,469.22

45,000.00

0.32

0.15 0.2 0.4 0.25 0.5 0.2

0.32

10 Carmen

District II

11 Lullutan

Binatug

12 Luscon

*DQJDODQ

San Mariano

60

13 Ambatuan

Minanga

San Mariano

60

14 Nangka

Minanga

San Mariano

60

15 Ibujan

Disulap

San Mariano

60

16 Tunggi

Disulap

San Mariano

60

17 Nursery

Disulap

San Mariano

60

18 CastaĂąeda

Mozzozzin Sur

Sta. Maria

60

19 2VFDUHV 9LOODJH

Mozzozzin Sur

Sta. Maria

60

20 *XWLQJ

Rugao

Ilagan

60

21 Tolentino

Bagong Silang

Ilagan

60

22 Bilag

San Manuel

Naguilian

60

23 Bical

Abut

Quezon

60

24 Sisim

Minagbag

29 Malaya

Binatug

San Mariano

60

30 Maldam

Binatug

San Mariano

60

31 Batag

Casala

San Mariano

60

32 Maangin Lower

Casala

San Mariano

60

33 Maangin Upper

Casala

San Mariano

60

34 Namakalan

Casala

San Mariano

60

35 Palanan

Sta. Filomena

60

36 Sinawit

Balliao

37 Purok 4

San Ramon

San Mariano Benito Soliven Aurora

38 Kabulalaan

San Manuel

Naguilian

60

39 Baba

Esperanza

Aurora

60

40 Savellano

Barucboc

Quezon

27 Calaocan

TOTAL Remarks : House wiring Materials per Households Quantity Description 1 set Convenience Outlet (2 gang) Junction Box (plastic w/ 2pcs cover) 5 meters PDX Wire # 10 10 meters PDX Wire # 12 10 meters PDX Wire # 14

10,519,466.76

10,000.00

60

28 Curawitan

26 Purok 3

Non-Refundable Fee

60

Quezon Benito New Magsaysay Soliven Benito New Magsaysay Soliven Benito *XLOLQJDQ Soliven Binatug San Mariano

25 Purok 2

House wiring Materials with Labor Cost

60

Quezon Benito Soliven San Mariano

1 pc

BE A TOP JOURNALIST â&#x20AC;˘ See yourself on TV â&#x20AC;˘ Hear your voice on the radio â&#x20AC;˘ See your byline in the newspaper

0.25

Lot II : Supply, Delivery and Installation of Services Drop wire and House wiring.

1 Jap Purok 1, Core 2 Shelter Purok 6, Core 3 Shelter 4 Tuvung 5 Pulang Lupa

Calamba City, Laguna, 6th day of February 2019.

O.S.

Pole Line NonHardware and Refundable Materials with Fee Labor Cost

60 60 60 60 60

60 60

38 2,338

Quantity 30 pcs

Description Staple wire

1 set 2 pcs 2 pcs 2 sets

Circuit Breaker/Safety Switch Receptacles CFL Bulb (15 Watts) Tumbler Switch

Electrical Tape (big)

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary â&#x20AC;&#x153;passâ&#x20AC;?/â&#x20AC;?failâ&#x20AC;? FULWHULRQ DV VSHFLÂżHG LQ WKH 1($ 3URFXUHPHQW *XLGHOLQHV DQG 6LPSOLÂżHG %LGGLQJ 3URFHGXUHV IRU Electric Cooperatives. ,QWHUHVWHG %LGGHUV PD\ REWDLQ %LG 'RFXPHQWV IURP ,6(/&2 ,, 0DLQ 2IÂżFH ZLWK WKH IROORZLQJ QRQ UHIXQGDEOH ELG GRFXPHQWV IHH KHUHDW 2IÂżFLDO UHFHLSWV RI SD\PHQW PXVW EH SUHVHQWHG GXULQJ WKH 3UH %LG &RQIHUHQFH 2QO\ those who purchased the bidding documents shall be allowed to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference and UDLVH VXEPLW ZULWWHQ TXHULHV RU FODULÂżFDWLRQV )RU DGGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG TXHULHV SOHDVH FRQWDFW WKH %$& Secretariat at cellular phone number 0906-375-0715 and 0995-702-4640 or Tel Nos. (078) 323-0013 and (078) 323-0715, e-mail : iselco_pbac@yahoo.com.

ACTIVITIES Release of Invitation to Bid (Publication) Selling and Issuance of Bid Documents Pre-Bid Conference Submission and Opening of Bids Evaluation of Technical and Commercial Bid

SCHEDULE February 18, 2019 February 19, 201 to February 27, 2019 only February 28, 2019 (2:00 PM) March 12, 2019 (10:00 AM) March 13, 2019 to March 22, 2019

ISELCO II hereby reserves the right to reject any bids, waive any formality therein, accepts proposal most advantageous to the Cooperative and assumes no obligation to compensate or indemnify any bidder for expenses or losses that may be incurred in the preparation of bid nor does it guarantee that an award will be made.

Noted by: (SGD.) JOSEPH S. PALATTAO %$& &KDLUPDQ

(SGD.) DAVID SOLOMON M. SIQUIAN *HQHUDO 0DQDJHU MT - Feb. 18, 2019

Classified Ads

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ZENAIDA G. LORIA, ABELARDO G. LORIA and MARIA TERESA G. LORIA was the subject of a Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate executed by and among their heirs on Feb. 15, 2019 and entered as Doc. No. 03 on Page No. 01 of Book No. XIII Series of EHIRUH $WW\ 5LFNHH *HUDOG D. Brieva, a notary public for and in the City of Manila.

MT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Feb. 18, 25 & Mar. 4, 2019

VILLARICA PAWNSHOP INC. All unredeemed articles up to October 31, 2018 together with those not sold in the previous auction will be sold in a public auction to be held from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the following dates and branches: March 1, 2019 March 1, 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ Unit A Santana Bldg., Sumulong cor. F. Manalo St., Antipolo City â&#x20AC;¢ 90 M.L. Quezon St., San Roque Antipolo City â&#x20AC;¢ Space# 7 Potenciano Bldg A Bonifacio St., cor P. Paterno St. Biñan, Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ Jacobo St., cor. Bonifacio St., Biñan, Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ 14 A Mabini St., Poblacion Biñan Laguna City â&#x20AC;¢ 1001 ML Quezon St. Sitio Hangganan Pag-asa Binangonan Rizal â&#x20AC;¢ 51 M.L. Quezon St., Libid Binangonan Rizal â&#x20AC;¢ 65 A Bonifacio St., San Andres, Cainta Rizal â&#x20AC;¢ Felix Ave., cor. Ortigas Ave., Cainta Rizal â&#x20AC;¢ 8695 Batong Malaki, Los Baños, Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ Door #3 M-R Complex Gil Fernando Ave., San Roque, Marikina City (Formerly Located at: Sumulong Highway, Masinag Market, Antipolo City) â&#x20AC;¢ 49 Tomas Claudio St. Morong Rizal â&#x20AC;¢ 3 Acacia Commercial Center cor A Mabini cor.

Nueva St., San Pedro Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ Pacita Avenue Cor. Marangal St., Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ 158 A Mabini St., San Pedro Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ 86-b G. Redor St., Siniloan Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ 83 Regidor St., Sta. Cruz, Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ ACL Bldg. P Guevara St. Poblacion 3 Sta. Cruz Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ Door #3 M-R Complex Gil Fernando Ave., San Roque, Marikina City â&#x20AC;¢ Rizal Ave. cor., Market Rd. Balibago, Sta. Rosa Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ Plaza Aldea, Tanay Rizal â&#x20AC;¢ 2 Kadalagahan st., Dolores Taytay Rizal â&#x20AC;¢ Marc Square Bldg., Rizal Ave., Taytay Rizal March 2, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ 461 A Mabini St., Caloocan City â&#x20AC;¢ 274 Bonifacio Monument Circle cor. EDSA Caloocan City â&#x20AC;¢ 433-437 G/F Genato Bldg. Rizal Ave., Ext., Grace Park, Caloocan City â&#x20AC;¢ Ground Floor Bonifacio Market, EDSA, Monumento, Caloocan City â&#x20AC;¢ 562 Rizal Ave . Extension Caloocan City â&#x20AC;¢ #22 Brgy. 100 11th Avenue East Dulo A Bonifacio Caloocan City â&#x20AC;¢ 4028 Asterville Subd., Gen T. De Leon Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ #122 M.H Del Pilar St. 11th Avenue Grace Park Caloocan City â&#x20AC;¢ 18 B Torres Bugallon Road Karuhatan Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ No. 2 Rizal Ave., Extn., Tonsuya, Malabon Metro Manila â&#x20AC;¢ Unit C 333 Gen. Luna St. Concepcion, Malabon Metro Mla. â&#x20AC;¢ # 13 Leono St. Malabon, Metro Manila â&#x20AC;¢ # 34 A Gov Pascual Ave., Acacia Malabon City â&#x20AC;¢ Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club St., cor Naval St., Brgy., Flores, Malabon City â&#x20AC;¢ #21 Pio St., Marulas, Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ Pio Valenzuela St., Marulas Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ No. 188 A. Mabini St., Maypajo Caloocan City â&#x20AC;¢ 1508 M. Naval St. Tangos, Navotas City â&#x20AC;¢ 433-437 G/F Genato Bldg. Rizal Ave., Ext., Grace Park, Caloocan City (Formerly Located at : 280 Samson Rd. Caloocan City) â&#x20AC;¢ 641 A. Mabini St., Sangandaan Caloocan City â&#x20AC;¢ 523 A. Mabini St., Sangandaan Caloocan City â&#x20AC;¢ 1714 Blumentritt Sta. Cruz Manila â&#x20AC;¢ 1601 -1615 Blumentritt St. Sta Cruz Manila â&#x20AC;¢ 1135 - A R. Papa St. Barrio Obrero Tondo Manila â&#x20AC;¢ 220 Amoranto St., La Loma, Quezon City March 4, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ Space No. 00010 G/F Alimall Phase I Araneta Center Cubao Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ G/F Aurora Tower, Aurora Blvd., cor Aguinaldo St., Cubao, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 4 - C Congressional Avenue, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ Ground Floor New Farmers Plaza Araneta Center Cubao Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ B2 Upper Ground Floor, New Farmers Plaza, Araneta Center Cubao Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 66 Tolentino St., San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 23 C Luzon St. Galas Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 25 BF Road Brgy. Holy Spirit Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 6 K- 4 St., Cor. Sianghio St. Kamuning, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 354 Belo Bldg., Roosevelt Ave. cor. Dangay St., Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 41- C 15th Ave. Murphy Cubao, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 2K G. St., West Kamias, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ #112-B Ermin Garcia St. Cubao Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 106-B Panay Avenue Brgy., South Triangle Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 98 F. Road 1 cor. Road 3 Project 6, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ # 4 G Roces Avenue Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ Gen. Romulo Ave., Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ Space No. 00044, Shopwise Arcade, Araneta Center Cubao Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ #3- D Anonas St., Sikatuna Village Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ Unit 107 UGF Level, The Spark Place, 10th Ave., cor. P. Tuazon Ave., Araneta Center Cubao Q.C. â&#x20AC;¢ General Romulo St. cor Aurora Blvd., Brgy., Socorro Cubao Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ Trinisa Bldg., Arayat St., cor Pinatubo St., Cubao Quezon City March 5, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ Filinvest I Rd., Batasan Hills, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ #7 Constitutional Road, Batasan Hills, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 26 Bayan Bayanan Ave., Concepcion 1, Marikina City â&#x20AC;¢ 644-J.P. Rizal St., Concepcion, Marikina City â&#x20AC;¢ 1 Dahlia St. Cor. Fiat St. Fairview Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ 144 Unit 2 Deparo Road Brgy., 168 Zone 15 Deparo Caloocan City â&#x20AC;¢ #18 Litex Road, Commonwealth, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ Blk 9 Lot 1 Luzon Avenue, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ Villongo Road, Manggahan St., Commonwealth, Quezon City â&#x20AC;¢ Sumulong Ave., cor. Shoe Ave., Marikina City â&#x20AC;¢ Stall 1-4 Esquimar Arcade, J.P. Rizal St., Brgy., Sto. Niño, Marikina City â&#x20AC;¢ San Jose, Montalban, Rizal â&#x20AC;¢ 96 General Molina, Parang, Marikina City â&#x20AC;¢ 6 Doctor Sixto Antonio Avenue Brgy. Kapasigan Pasig City â&#x20AC;¢ 248 A.M. Concepcion St., San Joaquin, Pasig City â&#x20AC;¢ #100 DEL-NOR Bldg. A. Mabini St., Pasig City â&#x20AC;¢ Urbano Velasco Ave., cor. R. Cruz St., Pinagbuhatan Pasig City â&#x20AC;¢ Unit B #39 Ortigas Avenue Ext. Rosario Pasig City â&#x20AC;¢ 124 Gen. Luna St., Guitnang Bayan, San Mateo, Rizal â&#x20AC;¢ Gen. Luna St., Ampid, San Mateo Rizal â&#x20AC;¢ Bagong Farmers Rd. Tumana Concepcion, Marikina City March 6, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ 247 Montillano St., Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa City â&#x20AC;¢ #3 Bldg., I Rizal St., Poblacion, Muntinlupa City â&#x20AC;¢ SLCI Bldg., Alabang Rotonda, Muntinlupa City â&#x20AC;¢ 678 Poblacion National Road Bayan Muntinlupa City â&#x20AC;¢ 249 Quirino Avenue, Baclaran, Parañaque City â&#x20AC;¢ 98 Quirino Ave., Baclaran Parañaque City â&#x20AC;¢ 91 Quirino Avenue, Baclaran, Parañaque City â&#x20AC;¢ 246 National Road Bayanan Muntinlupa City â&#x20AC;¢ 51 President Ave. BF Homes Parañaque City â&#x20AC;¢ Lot 1 Blk 40 Daang Hari, Bicutan, Taguig Metro Manila â&#x20AC;¢ #61 Doña Soledad St., Better Living, Parañaque City â&#x20AC;¢ Plaza Dela Rosa Unit 105-8 Mañalac Ave. Brgy.

Bagong Tanyag, Taguig City â&#x20AC;¢ 1066 Quirino Avenue Brgy La Huerta Parañaque City â&#x20AC;¢ 415 B Alabang Zapote Rd. Brgy. Talon Las Piñas, City â&#x20AC;¢ Real St., Cor. Ever Gotesco Rd., Pamplona, Las Piñas City â&#x20AC;¢ 504 Real St., Alabang Road, Pamplona I, Las Piñas City â&#x20AC;¢ 10 - A Pilar Rd. St. Joseph Subd. Almanza 1 Las Piñas City â&#x20AC;¢ Sitio Imelda Maharlika Rd. Upper Bicutan, Taguig â&#x20AC;¢ Leonardo Compound Palanyag Road Sucat Parañaque City â&#x20AC;¢ 57 B General Luna St. Tuktukan Taguig City â&#x20AC;¢ Tunasan Peoples Market, Tunasan, Muntinlupa March 7, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ Romulo Highway, Aguilar Pangasinan â&#x20AC;¢ 13 P. Talavera, Binalonan Pangasinan â&#x20AC;¢ Poblacion East Calasiao Pangasinan â&#x20AC;¢ Quezon Avenue Camiling Tarlac â&#x20AC;¢ Poblacion, Sto. Rosario, Capas Tarlac â&#x20AC;¢ G/F Perez Bldg. Sto. Domingo II Capas Tarlac â&#x20AC;¢ Poblacion 3 Gerona Tarlac â&#x20AC;¢ Ramon Magsaysay St., Malasiqui Pangasinan â&#x20AC;¢ Aglipay St. Campo Santo 1 Moncada Tarlac City â&#x20AC;¢ Public Market Site, Paniqui Tarlac â&#x20AC;¢ Unit 2 MH Del Pilar St. Poblacion Norte Paniqui Tarlac â&#x20AC;¢ Poblacion 1 Pura, Tarlac â&#x20AC;¢ Romulo Hi-way Poblacion West Sta. Ignacia Tarlac City â&#x20AC;¢ 922 F. Tañedo St. cor. C. Santos St. Poblacion Tarlac, City â&#x20AC;¢ 1011 Ancheta St., Brgy. Poblacion Tarlac City â&#x20AC;¢ AMD Bldg. L Cortez St., San Nicolas, Concepcion Tarlac City â&#x20AC;¢ # 113 F. Tañedo St. Brgy. Poblacion, Tarlac City â&#x20AC;¢ F. Tañedo St., Poblacion,Tarlac City â&#x20AC;¢ Abalos St., Umingan Pangasinan â&#x20AC;¢ 35 Alexander St. Poblacion Urdaneta, Pangasinan â&#x20AC;¢ 105 Aruego St. cor PMA Sison St. Urdaneta, Pangasinan â&#x20AC;¢ PMA Sison St., Poblacion Urdaneta Pangasinan â&#x20AC;¢ J.A. Malauan Bldg., McArthur Hi-way Urdaneta Pangasinan

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARCOS PULIDO, parcel of land covered by Tax Declaration No. 10 0020 10034, was extrajudicially settled by and among his heirs on September 18, 2018 and acknowledged as Doc. No. 371 on Page No. 64 of %RRN 1R ;,9 6HULHV RI before Atty. Magno Toribio Jr., a notary public for and in Trece Martires City.

MT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Feb. 8, 11 & 18, 2019

â&#x20AC;¢ Rizal St., Victoria Public Market, Victoria Tarlac March 8, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ Cases Blvd., Brgy. Sta. Barbara , Agoo La Union â&#x20AC;¢ San Nicolas Central, Agoo La Union â&#x20AC;¢ National Hi-Way San Benito Sur, Aringay, La Union â&#x20AC;¢ 61 Hilltop Rd., Baguio City â&#x20AC;¢ No. 16 Kayang Rd., Baguio City â&#x20AC;¢ Gamaphel Bldg., Calderon St., Session Road Baguio â&#x20AC;¢ Partelo St., Zone 2 Bangued, Abra â&#x20AC;¢ Washington St., Brgy. 2 Ablan, Batac City â&#x20AC;¢ Brgy. 8 Acosta Batac City, llocos Norte â&#x20AC;¢ KM 260 National Road, Brgy. Central West Bauang La Union â&#x20AC;¢ Poblacion Marina St. Brgy. San Antonio Candon City, Ilocos Sur â&#x20AC;¢ 17 National Highway San Isidro Candon City, Ilocos Sur â&#x20AC;¢ Stall 7 Old Public Market Brgy. Albano Dingras Ilocos Norte â&#x20AC;¢ #71 Gov. Ortega St., Cor. Don Joaquin San Fernando City, La Union â&#x20AC;¢ No. 74 Gov. Ortega St., Brgy. 3 San Fernando, La Union â&#x20AC;¢ Gov. Ortega M. Rizal St., San Fernando, La Union â&#x20AC;¢ J.P Rizal Ave., cor., Gen. Segundo Ave.,Laoag City, llocos Norte â&#x20AC;¢ J.P. Rizal Ave., Laoag City, llocos Norte â&#x20AC;¢ Brgy San Jose Narvacan Ilocos Sur â&#x20AC;¢ 208 Del Pilar St., Tagudin, llocos Sur â&#x20AC;¢ Jose B. Singson St., Vigan, llocos Sur â&#x20AC;¢ # 21 Florentino St., Vigan City, llocos Sur March 9, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ Mc Arthur Hi-way, Dalandanan, Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ 625 Mc Arthur Highway, Malanday Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ No. 6 Gov. Santiago St., Malinta Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ Santiago Drive, Poblacion II Malinta, Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ EMCCO Shopping Arcade Mc Arthur Highway Crossing Calvario, Meycauayan Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ Ground Floor, IS Pavilion, Banga, Meycauayan, Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ 847 Sta. Cruz Bldg., McArthur Highway, Calvario Meycauayan Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ 18 Ground Floor FD Bldg., Malhacan, Meycauayan Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ G/F Nolasco Bldg. McArthur Hi-way Meycauayan Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ San Diego Apt. Mc Arthur Hi-way Calvario Meycauayan Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ Ruiz Bldg., Poblacion Meycauayan, Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ 4 Pacheco St., Meycauayan, Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ Gen. Pacheco St., Calvario, Meycauayan Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ Brgy. Paliwas, Obando Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ 106 E. Rodriguez St. Cor Martin St. Santulan Malabon City â&#x20AC;¢ #333 Bagbaguin Road, Paso de Blas, Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ 900 East Service Rd. Paso De Blas, Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ 121 Paso de Blas Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ M.H Del Pilar St. Poblacion Polo Valenzuela City â&#x20AC;¢ Unit 110 Savemore Bldg., Malhacan City of Meycauayan â&#x20AC;¢ Sto. Niño, Meycauayan Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ Space no. 12 G/F of Valenzuela Town Center â&#x20AC;¢ #3 Kabesang Purong St., Punturin Valenzuela March 11, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ 9 M.A. Fernando St., Brgy. San Roque, Angat Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ 34 Provincial Road, Caypombo Sta. Maria Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ Sta. Rosa, Marilao Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ 271 Carriedo St., Muzon , San Jose del Monte, Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ 225 Zone 3 Muzon, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ 1686 A. Payumo St. Poblacion Norzagaray Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ 123 Poblacion, Brgy., Bigte Norzagaray Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ 1022 Km. 38 Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ Almimark Mall Sta. Cruz Sapang Palay San Jose Del Monte Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ Lot 4 Blk.44 Area D Sapang Palay San Jose Del Monte Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ # 111 A Mabini St., Poblacion, Sta. Maria Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ #49 Zamora St., Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ Ysmael Bldg., Gov. Halili Ave., Sta. Maria, Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ # 111 A Mabini St., Poblacion , Sta. Maria Bulacan (Formerly Located at : 32 Mercado St. Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Bulacan) â&#x20AC;¢ 017 Narra St. Sta. Clara Sta. Maria Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ Door 13 C. De Guzman St., Poblacion Sta. Maria Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ Tungkong Mangga, San Jose del Monte Bulacan â&#x20AC;¢ G/F Waltermart Center Sta. Maria Provincial Road Corner By Pass Road Brgy. Sta. Clara Sta. Maria Bulacan March 12, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ Toting Reyes St., Cor., 19 Martyr St., Kalibo Aklan â&#x20AC;¢ Roxas Ave. Extn., Kalibo, Aklan â&#x20AC;¢ Ground Floor 034 Rizal St., Banga Aklan â&#x20AC;¢ 335 Sitio Ambulong Station 3, Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Malay Aklan â&#x20AC;¢ Ground Floor Allegro Bldg. lznart St., lloilo City â&#x20AC;¢ 28 Rizal St., La Paz, lloilo City â&#x20AC;¢ Villareal Highway Poblacion Tabuk, Mambusao Capiz â&#x20AC;¢ Plaridel St., Roxas City â&#x20AC;¢ Torsedillas St., cor Fenete District, Sibalom Antique â&#x20AC;¢ Bigber Bldg., Poblacion Bongabong Oriental Mindoro â&#x20AC;¢ J.P. Rizal St., San Vicente Calapan City â&#x20AC;¢ Juan Luna St., Zone 2 Pinamalayan Oriental Mindoro â&#x20AC;¢ Sikatuna St., Brgy., Poblacion 4 San Jose Occidental Mindoro â&#x20AC;¢ Liboro St., San Jose Occidental Mindoro â&#x20AC;¢ lnfront of Market, cor Vida St., Diesmos, Zone IV Socorro â&#x20AC;¢ Nautical Highway, Poblacion 1, Victoria Oriental Mindoro â&#x20AC;¢ Hondura Poblacion Puerto Galera â&#x20AC;¢ Rizal Ave., Puerto Princesa, Palawan

TO: ALL INTERESTED/ACCREDITED SUPPLIERS: Sealed Bids in three (3) copies, Pursuant to Sec. 17 of Revised IRR of RA 9184, all entries typewritten with the item(s) described in the accompanying Bidderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tender for the Procurement of Medical Supplies, Procurement of IT Equipment & Software, Procurement of 2I¿FH (TXLSPHQW 3URFXUHPHQW RI 'UXJV 0HGLFLQHV DQG 3URFXUHPHQW RI 0HGLFDO (TXLSPHQW and in the total amount of Six Million One Hundred Thirty-Eight Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Seven Pesos and Eighty-One Centavos (P6,138,167.81) for the use of PNP Health Service. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested bidders from February 15, 2019 to March 11, 2019 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. during working days and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for their bidding documents. Pre-Bid Conference will be held on February 26, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. Last day of submission of bids is until March 11, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. and must be submitted to HS Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) at the HS Conference Room. Opening of Bids is on the same time, date and place and will be opened in the presence of participating bidder. *HQHUDO 7HUPV DQG &RQGLWLRQ DQG VSHFL¿FDWLRQ RI WKH LWHPV XQGHU WKLV ,QYLWDWLRQ WR %LG may obtain on the above address for information and compliance by the Bidder.

The PNP HS-BAC reserves the right to accept or reject any bid proposal, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidders.

Please be guided accordingly.

9HU\ WUXO\ \RXUV (SGD.) ALBERTO A AVILA Police Senior Superintendent Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee MT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Feb. 18 & 20, 2019

SECTION I. INVITATION TO BID LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS OF APECO MANILA SATELLITE OFFICE 7KH $XURUD 3DFL¿F (FRQRPLF =RQH DQG )UHHSRUW $XWKRULW\ $3(&2 WKURXJK the authorized appropriations under the FY 2019 Corporate Operating Budget (COB) intends to apply the sum of Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P4,500,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Project, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leasehold Improvements of APECO Manila 6DWHOOLWH 2I¿FH´ %LGV UHFHLYHG LQ H[FHVV RI WKH $%& VKDOO EH DXWRPDWLFDOO\ UHMHFWHG at bid opening.

3.

The APECO now invites bids for the implementation of Leasehold Improvements RI $3(&2 0DQLOD 6DWHOOLWH 2I¿FH 'HOLYHU\ RI WKH VHUYLFH VKDOO EH LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH 'HOLYHU\ 6FKHGXOH XQGHU 6HFWLRQ 9, 6FKHGXOH RI 5HTXLUHPHQWV %LGGHUV should have completed, within two (2) years from the date of the Pre-Bid Conference, FRQWUDFWV VLPLODU WR WKH 3URMHFW ZRUWK DW OHDVW ¿IW\ SHUFHQW RI WKH $%& 7KH description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders (ITB).

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using D QRQ GLVFUHWLRQDU\ ³SDVV IDLO´ FULWHULRQ DV VSHFL¿HG LQ WKH ,PSOHPHQWLQJ 5XOHV and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9184, otherwise known as the ³*RYHUQPHQW 3URFXUHPHQW 5HIRUP $FW ´

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the APECO Bids and Awards Committee (APECO-BAC) Secretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at the DGGUHVV JLYHQ EHORZ GXULQJ RI¿FH KRXUV IURP D P WR S P

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on February 18, 2019 from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00). It may also be downloaded IUHH RI FKDUJH IURP WKH ZHEVLWH RI WKH 3KLOLSSLQH *RYHUQPHQW (OHFWURQLF 3URFXUHPHQW 6\VWHP 3KLO*(36 SURYLGHG WKDW %LGGHUV VKDOO SD\ WKH QRQ UHIXQGDEOH IHH IRU WKH Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

7.

The APECO will hold a Pre-bid Conference on February 26, 2019, 1:00 p.m. at WKH $3(&2 0DQLOD 2I¿FH ) 8QLW F 2QH ( FRP %XLOGLQJ 0DOO RI $VLD &RPSOH[ Pasay City, which shall be open to all interested parties.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before March 11, 2019, 10:00 a.m. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on March 11, D P DW WKH $3(&2 0DQLOD 2I¿FH ) 8QLW F 2QH ( FRP %XLOGLQJ 0DOO of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Biddersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9.

The APECO reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

March 14, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ #5 del Pilar St., Alaminos Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ 33 J.P. Rizal Ave., Bay Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ 256 J.P. Rizal St., Cabuyao, Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ Mamatid Road Banlic Cabuyao, Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ 97 Burgos St., cor P. Rizal St. Calamba Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ Rm. 102 Alcasid Commâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Bldg. Crossing, Calamba, Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ 60 Rizal St., Calamba Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ Brgy., Poblacion 4 Quezon St., Calauag Quezon â&#x20AC;¢ Rizal Ave., Calauan Laguna â&#x20AC;¢ Cabuñag St. cor. Regidor St. Candelaria Quezon â&#x20AC;¢ Vinzon St., cor. Felipe St., Daet, Camarines, Norte â&#x20AC;¢ Public Market J. Lukban St., Daet Camarines Norte â&#x20AC;¢ Rizal St., Daraga, Albay â&#x20AC;¢ Bonifacio St., Brgy. Tabing Dagat Gumaca, Quezon â&#x20AC;¢ Maharlika Highway, Labo Camarines Norte â&#x20AC;¢ Circumferencial Road Brgy., Kapantawan Legaspi City â&#x20AC;¢ F. Imperial St. Bitano Legaspi City â&#x20AC;¢ McKinley, St., Bagumbayan Ligao City â&#x20AC;¢ Gen. Luna St., cor. Embarcadero Lopez Quezon â&#x20AC;¢ Rizal Ave., Brgy. 9 lnfront of Lucban Builders Cooperative Lucban â&#x20AC;¢ 168 Quezon Avenue G/F 3M Bldg., Lucena City â&#x20AC;¢ Elias St., Naga City â&#x20AC;¢ M. Basa cor P Burgos St., San Pablo City â&#x20AC;¢ 16 Regidor St., San Pablo City â&#x20AC;¢ Gen. Luna cor. Gala St., Sariaya, Quezon â&#x20AC;¢ Santillan St., Tabaco, Albay â&#x20AC;¢ Dona Tating St., Tiaong , Quezon â&#x20AC;¢ 5 Rizal St., Victoria Laguna

MT - Feb. 18, 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.

SCN CASE NO. 000718

PETITION

Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is CHRISTOPHER REAGAN YU CHOY but I have also been known since childhood as N.A or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) N.A. 2. My present place of residence is 222 U 503 F. Roxas St. City/Municipality of Caloocan City, Province of N.A., and all my former places of residence are:

1988-1992 No. 159 Laura St. San Juan City 1R ,ODQJ ,ODQJ 6\ %DKD\DQJ 3DJDVD 6XEGLYLVLRQ 0D\VDQ 5RDG 9DOHQ]XHOD &LW\

3. I was born on December 9, 1988 in Manila, Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of Taiwan.

4. My fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name is Choy Cheung Chung and he was born on September 20, 1952 in Fujian China. He is a citizen or subject of China. My motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name is Juanita Yu and she was born on September 11, 1953, in Manila. She is a citizen or subject of Taiwan.

5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is Salesman and from which I derive an average annual income of P 192,000.00 inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s/husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A. (Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: N/A (2) name of school: N/A and (3) year graduated: N/A who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is Single. I was married on N/A in N/A. My wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name is N/A and she/he was born on N/A. She is citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides at N/A.

8.

March 13, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ 166 Zapote Road, Bacoor, Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ Bauto Bldg. JM Loyola St., Maduya Carmona Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ 633 P. Burgos Ave., Caridad Cavite City â&#x20AC;¢ Congressional Ave., Area B. Burol 1, Dasmariñas Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ Crisanto M. Delos Reyes St. Brgy. Manggahan General Trias Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ Blk. 141 Lot 11 Old Bulihan Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drive, Silang Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ 145 Tanzang Luma II Imus, Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ Nueno Ave., Imus, Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ 202 Balsahan, Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ lbayo, Silangan, Naic Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ Pascual Poblete St., Naic Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ Blk 3 Lot 12 &13 Mabuhay City, Commercial Paliparan Ill Dasmariñas Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ 228 General Trias Drive, Rosario, Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ 1232 Gen. Trias Drive, Tejeros Convencion, Rosario Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ Block 53 Lot 21 Golden Miles Salawag Dasmariñas City â&#x20AC;¢ #29 V. Toledo St., Silang, Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ Block 140 Lot 2 AFP Housing , Bulihan, Silang, Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ Unit #12 L. Mendez Crossing, Tagaytay City â&#x20AC;¢ 75 Evangelista St., Talaba 3, Bacoor Cavite â&#x20AC;¢ 305 Magdiwang St., Noveleta, Cavite

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF CHRISTOPHER REAGAN YU CHOY to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139 Xâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;X

7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A

The bidders shall drop three (3) copies of their duly accomplished eligibility and WHFKQLFDO UHTXLUHPHQWV DQG WKH ¿QDQFLDO FRPSRQHQW RI WKH ELG LQ WZR VHSDUDWH sealed envelopes in the bid box located at the above-mentioned address.

MT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Feb. 18, 2019

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION

I have N/A child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AURORA PACIFIC ECONOMIC ZONE AND FREEPORT AUTHORITY Sitio Motiong, Bgry. Esteves, Casiguran, Aurora

2.

E3

LEGAL NOTICE

Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE +($/7+ 6(59,&( Camp Bgen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City

8.

March 15, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ Calderon St. near Carbon Public Market, Cebu City â&#x20AC;¢ Sancianko St. cor., Leon Kilat St., Cebu City â&#x20AC;¢ Units 2&3 Olivar St., Danao City, Cebu â&#x20AC;¢ Guadalupe cor. Banawa Market Site V. Rama Ave., Cebu City â&#x20AC;¢ 583 F. Llamas St. Labangon Cebu City â&#x20AC;¢ 106 B. Katipunan Salvador St., Labangon Cebu City â&#x20AC;¢ 313 Gorordo Avenue Lahug Cebu City â&#x20AC;¢ Ward 2 Poblacion Minglanilla Cebu City â&#x20AC;¢ Door 2, Kimseng Bldg., Carlos P. Garcia Ave Tagbilaran City Bohol â&#x20AC;¢ #5 Ria Hojas St. Esacaño Bldg. Osmeña St., Cagayan de Oro â&#x20AC;¢ Madang Public Market Mati City Davao Oriental â&#x20AC;¢ Perimeter Bldg., Gate 5 Stall No. 10 Agora Market Sta Lucia District Pagadian City â&#x20AC;¢ Quezon St., Panabo City, Davao del Norte â&#x20AC;¢ F.M. Soriano Bldg., Piapi Blvd. Davao City â&#x20AC;¢ 31 Pioneer Avenue, Tagum City

MONDAY February 18, 2019

10. For further information, please refer to: APECO-BAC Secretariat $XURUD 3DFL¿F (FRQRPLF =RQH DQG )UHHSRUW $XWKRULW\ $3(&2

0DQLOD 2I¿FH ) 8QLW F 2QH ( FRP %XLOGLQJ Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City Telephone No. : 737-9391 Email address: apecozone@gmail.com (SGD.) ATTY. ARCHIMEDES A. ALDABA BAC Chairman

Name

Date of Birth

Place of Birth

Residence

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of School *UDFH &KULVWLDQ +LJK 6FKRRO *UDFH &KULVWLDQ +LJK 6FKRRO University of Santo Tomas

Place of School Sto. Domingo, Quezon City Sto. Domingo, Quezon City España Manila

Dates of Study 1995-2000 2000-2005 2005-2009

Highest Grade Completed *UDGH 4th Year High School 4th Year College

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: Tagalog 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of Child

Name and Place of School

Date of Enrollment

N/A

N/A

N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all DOOHJLDQFH DQG ¿GHOLW\ WR DQ\ IRUHLJQ SULQFH SRWHQWDWH VWDWH RU VRYHUHLJQW\ DQG SDUWLFXODUO\ WR Taiwan of which all this time I DP D FLWL]HQ RU VXEMHFW , ZLOO UHVLGH FRQWLQXRXVO\ LQ WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV IURP WKH GDWH RI WKH ¿OLQJ RI WKLV SHWLWLRQ XS WR WKH WLPH RI P\ admission to Philippine citizenship.

14. My character witnesses are Kevin Hui and Erwin Wang both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 222 U 602 F. Roxas St. Caloocan and 222 U 603 F. Roxas St. Caloocan, respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on WKH GDWHV WKH\ ¿UVW FDPH WR NQRZ PH WKH FLUFXPVWDQFHV RI RXU LQLWLDO DFTXDLQWDQFH DQG WKH UHDVRQV DQG H[WHQW RI RXU FRQWLQXLQJ familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the GXSOLFDWH RULJLQDOV RU FHUWL¿HG SKRWRFRSLHV of the following documents (please check the appropriate box):

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ZLWK DFTXLUHG LPPXQH GH¿FLHQF\ V\QGURPH $,'6 RU DQ\ LQFXUDEOH FRQWDJLRXV GLVHDVH [ ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ @ Q &HUWL¿FDWLRQV VWDWLQJ WKDW SHWLWLRQHU¶V PLQRU FKLOGUHQ DUH HQUROOHG LQ SXEOLF VFKRROV RU SULYDWH educational institutions duly recognize by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ ] o. Petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income tax returns for the past three years [ ] p. Petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years 16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his petition: N.A. PRAYER

WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139.

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 21st day of December, 2018.

CHRISTOPHER REAGAN YU CHOY Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: 222 U 503 F. Roxas St. Caloocan City

MT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Feb. 18, 25 & Mar. 4, 2019