The Manila Times | May 21, 2019

PH’s BOP position hits $467-M surplus in April Story on B1 ++

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2019

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Trusted since 1898

Comelec: Proclamation today a ‘pretty sure bet’ Oversight panel sets hearing on poll glitches A JOINT congressional panel has scheduled a June 4 hearing on glitches that marred the May 13 midterm elections.

Sen. Aquilino “Koko� Pimentel 3rd, chairman of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Automated Election System, said Commission on ElecTIONS #OMELEC OFkCIALS WOULD BE ASKED TO explain issues such as faulty vote-counting machines (VCMs), defective memory cards and data transmission problems that had raised cheating concerns.

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Without people’s consent, Comelec and SC amended the Constitution by interpretation First word

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BY CATHERINE A. MODESTO

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INNERS of the May 13 senatorial race will be named toDAY A #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS #OMELEC OFkCIAL SAID

rejecting calls for a partial proclamation with over 1.5 million votes left to be tallied. “I think at this point, it is a pretty sure bet that we are going to have the proclamation [on May 21],� Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said in a BRIEkNG ON -ONDAY “All indications point to proclamation tomorrow (today) and in fact we are preparing as if it were tomorrow just to be on the safe side,� he added.

The Comelec, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC),

IS STILL WAITING FOR kVE OUT OF A TOTAL CERTIkCATES OF CANVASS #O#S Four of these involve votes cast by Filipinos in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and the United States while the final one will come from the province of Isabela, where special elections were held yesterday in a village in the municipality of Jones.

Armed men burned vote-counting machines in Dicamay 1, Jones last

week, prompting the staging of the special polls. The result will be added to the CoC from Isabela province, which was expected to be delivered yesterday evening.

The remaining CoCs account for 1,683,938 registered voters, 1,050,681 of which are in Isabela. The rest comprise Filipinos in Saudi Arabia (326,620), remaining votes from the

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27 pols in narcolist won elections – PNP TWENTY-SEVEN politicians named on President Rodrigo Duterte’s narcolist won in last week’s midterm elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday. “Out of 47 na nasa narcolist, 37 ang tumakbo, 27 ang nanalo (Out of the 47 on the narcolist, 37 ran and

27 won),� PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde told reporters.

He withheld the names but said some were elected as governors and mayors in the Central Luzon and the Southern Tagalog regions.

The list of alleged narcopoliticians, released by Duterte in March,

was said to have been validated by the PNP, the military and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.

Albayalde said the police were still conducting investigations but were keen to go after the politicians if the latter are found to be involved in the

SENATORIAL RACE

Partial, unofficial results of PPCRV as of 4:59 p.m. May 20, 2019

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

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For more election updates and results visit

www.manilatimes.net

No shakeup at Senate once 18th Congress opens

OBSERVER YEN MAKABENTA

THE LEADERSHIP of the Senate will not change hands when a new set of legislators — overwhelmingly allied to President Rodrigo Duterte — takes office in July, incumbents claimed on Monday.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said Sen. Vicente Sotto 3rd would remain president of the chamber following discussions with several senators-elect. “[L]ooks like 99.999 percent,�

Recto said.

Sotto, Recto and Zubiri met with former presidential aide Christopher Lawrence “Bong�

Go, former Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Bato� de la Rosa, former Metro Manila Development Authority chief Francis Tolentino and former senator Ramon “Bong� Revilla — all expected to be proclaimed winners — at a dinner hosted by Sen. Emmanuel “Manny� Pacquiao.

HE termlimit controversy comes down to this.

In interpreting the provisions on term limits in the Constitution, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Supreme Court went beyond the text to amend the Charter and emasculate the provision.

ÂłMakabentaA4

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That woman Sandra Cam

S the IN MY LINE conOF SIGHT quering Roman emperor enters his city state amids cheers from an adulatory crowd, his assistant who is with him on his chariot constantly whispers in his ear: “Thou art mortal.�

RAMON T. TULFO

HE’S STILL THE ONE

Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto 3rd talks with Senators Ralph Recto and Joel Villanueva before session resumed on Monday.

PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

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ÂłSenateA2

What’s inside SENATE NOT LIKELY TO PASS TAX BILLS GROUPS BLOCK CARDEMA HOUSE BID

NewsA8

PH cities face ‘slow-motion disaster’ NewsA2

SWEPT OUT AND OUT OF TOUCH

WHEN Mary Ann San Jose moved to Sitio Pariahan in Bulacan more than two decades ago, she could walk to the local chapel. Today, reaching it requires a swim.

The main culprit is catastrophic subsidence caused by groundwater being

pumped out from below, often via unregulated wells for homes, factories and farms catering to a booming population and growing economy.

The steady sinking of coastal towns and islets like Pariahan in the northern Philippines has caused Manila

Bay’s brackish water to pour inland and displace thousands, posing a greater threat than rising sea levels due to climate change. “It was so beautiful here before...

Children were playing on the streets,�

Antonio ContrerasA4

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ODOM USED ‘FAKE PENIS’ IN 2004 TESTING SportsE1

25,118,965 21,913,157 20,456,634 19,635,429 18,805,707 18,043,450 16,881,514 15,732,445 15,370,463 14,550,380 14,547,185 14,449,155 14,226,189 14,081,331 11,306,562 9,794,493 9,397,736 7,486,510 7,401,912 6,836,700

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY SHINES FOR ‘KADENANG GINTO’ YOUNG STARS

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

ALL ABOUT ELECTIONS

Mario Garcia, host of The Manila Times TV’s Face Off (center) listen as guests Prof. Jhe-rico Sam Collian, political analyst Ramon Casiple, Alan German and BJ David discuss the election process on Monday. PHOTO BY ORVEN VERDOTE

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News

˜ The Manila Times TUESDAY May 21, 2019

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Senate not likely to pass tax bills T

BY BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

HE Senate is not inclined to pass in the last three weeks of the 17th Congress any tax measure or bills that require deep study and long debates, some lawmakers said on Monday.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said the

chamber would maximize the remaining nine session days to pass measures of national importance.

The Senate resumed session on Monday after a three-month break for the midterm elections. It will adjourn sine die on June 7 and will be back on July 22 for the opening of the 18th Congress.

Recto said that based on the caucus of the majority bloc, the Senate would no longer have time to approve the federalism or Charter change, revival of death penalty, and imposition of additional taxes.

“Walang pag-asa ang Cha-cha (Cha-cha has no chance to be passed). [There was] no discussion on death penalty. I’m against [the passage of] any taxes in the next nine days,� he said in a chance interview after their caucus.

Asked about the chances of the proposed bill increasing tobacco tax from P60 to P70 per pack, Recto said, “no taxes.� “Iyung mga major issues na ‘yan, future Congress na ‘yan (Major

Gatchalian seeks to amend ODA Law SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian wants foreign bidders or contract awardEES COMING FROM /FkCIAL $EVELOPment Assistance (ODA) donor countries to employ or hire Filipino workers to carry out development projects.

'ATCHALIAN kLED 3ENATE "ILL 3" 2223, a measure seeking to amend Republic Act 8182 or the ODA Law, by requiring foreign bidders and contract awardees to hire local workers for the “primordial protection and promotion of interests of the ordinary Filipino worker.�

The senator, chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, said “ordinary Filipino workers are deprived of the opportunity to work and partake in the

BENEkTS OF THE LOANS THAT &ILIPINO taxpayers will be paying for� under the existing ODA Law. The lawmaker said SB 2223, WHICH HE kLED ON -AY EMBEDS in the ODA Law the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) supplemental guidelines for special and provisional work permits for foreign nationals, as enumerated in BI’s Operations Order JHM-2019-002 issued on Jan. 30, 2019.

The BI guidelines state that no application for special work permit (SWP) or provisional work permit (PWP) shall be given for manual or non-technical labor, including, but not limited to construction workers, cashiers, waiters, janitors, household help, carpenters,

garbage collectors, security guards and warehouse caretakers.

The guidelines also prohibit the issuance of SWPs or PWPs for positions or professions regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

SB 2223 also mandates the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), Department of Justice and Department of Finance to take primary responsibility for monitoring compliance by foreign bidders or contract awardees with Philippine laws, and rules and regulations.

Under the proposed amendment, the Labor department shall submit to the Congressional Oversight Committee on the ODA Law

an annual report detailing whether the winning bidders or awardees of approved development projects funded by ODA loans comply with the guidelines.

The bill also requires the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to publish its findings on the social, environmental, and economic impact of ODA-funded development projects on its website, to promote transparency and ensure accountability among approving AUTHORITIES AND OFkCIALS NEDA is required to annually publish and update the list of approved development projects funded by ODA loans. Â JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

Q PROCLAMATION FROM A1

Comelec: Proclamation today a ‘pretty sure bet’ US (228,472), Japan (76,166) and Abuja, Nigeria (1,999).

The Comelec’s Jimenez said the ."/# WANTED TO kNISH TALLYING the remaining votes as these could STILL AFFECT THE kNAL SENATORIAL RANKings, at least for the bottom spots of the so-called “Magic 12.�

On Sunday, a lawyer representing former Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Bato� dela 2OSA ‡ COMFORTABLY IN kFTH PLACE — called for partial proclamation of the top 6. “We have resisted that so far.

Clearly we have stayed the course with our goal of proclaiming just one batch of senators and partylists,� Jimenez said. “Overall, the uncanvassed returns total to 1.6 million, again a VERY SIGNIkCANT NUMBER CONSIDERing the margins that we are seeing in the rankings of the senatorial candidates, which again means that we do have to wait for the completion.�

Party-list groups will be proclaimed on Wednesday.

Latest tallies Based on the unofficial Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) count as of 4:59 p.m. on Monday, reelectionist Sen. Cynthia Villar remained on top of the “Magic 12� list with 25,118,965 votes, followed by fellow reelectionist Mary Grace Poe (21,913,157) and former presidential aide Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go (20,456,634).

THEY GOT SHAVED?

Police officers keep watch as members of Anakpawis hold a rally in front of the Cultural Center of the Philippines to denounced the alleged shaving of votes cast for the party-list group. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Rounding out the top 6, who will receive full six-year terms, were former Sen. Pilar Juliana “Pia�

Cayetano (19,635,429), dela Rosa (18,805,707), and reelectionist Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny� Angara (18,043,450).

Set for three-year terms, meanwhile, were former senator Manuel “Lito� Lapid (16,881,514), Ilocos Norte Gov. Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee� Marcos (15,732,445), former Metro Manila Development Authority chief Francis Tolentino, (15,370,463), Aquilino “Koko� Pi-

mentel 3rd (14,550,380), Ramon “Bong� Revilla Jr. (14,547,185) and reelectionist Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay (14,449,155).

Based on the official Comelec counts as 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, meanwhile, the ranking stood as follows: - Villar, 24,757,642; - Poe, 21,563,558; - Go, 20,223,738; - Cayetano, 19,390,096; - dela Rosa, 18,639,583; - Angara, 17,786,740; - Lapid, 16,587,742; - Marcos, 15,362,702;

- Tolentino, 15,196,397; - Pimentel, 14,395,957; - Revilla, 14,279,625; and - Binay, 14,065,071.

All but Poe, Lapid and Binay have been endorsed by the administration, and the Comelec said it was also preparing for a possible proclamation appearance by President Rodrigo Duterte. “We are not just preparing security-wise, we are also preparing space for him and his entourage on THE lOOR FOR TOMORROW TODAY u Jimenez said.

issues like that must be tackled in the next Congress).We just elected new senators right? So my personal position is that all major issues [should be discussed in the] next Congress,� he said.

Zubiri said “there is a lukewarm support� for the passage of the sin tax.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, one of the authors of the bill increasing tobacco tax, was hopeful the Senate could pass the measure before

Q GLITCHES FROM A1

Oversight “[L]ahat ng reklamo itatanong natin sa Comelec (We will ask the Comelec about all the complaints),� Pimentel said, noting that problems were continuing crop up despite last week’s national exercise being the fourth conducted using a computerized system.

Pimentel, an ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, ran for reelection and is currently holding on to 10th place in the so-called “Magic 12� list.

The Comelec reported that 961 VCMs and 1,665 Secure Digital (SD) cards had to be replaced, higher than the 801 and 201, respectively, recorded during the 2016 presidential elections. Still, it said the defective VCMs accounted for just 1.1 percent of the 85,769 used, while the damaged SD cards comprised 1.9 percent of the total.

More concerning to observers was a seven-hour delay in the transmission of initial results on Monday, data fluctuations the following day and reports that a “meet-me room� server was used to relay precinct counts instead of these being sent directly to the Comelec transparency server.

Fellow legislators have also called for a probe, with Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian saying “we want to preserve the integrity and credibility of our automated elections.�

Sen. Francis “Kiko� Pangilinan, Liberal Party president and campaign manager of the Otso Diretso opposition slate that was trounced by administration bets, also wants the Comelec to detail all reported faults, release server logs and set an independent probe.

Gatchalian was referring to the malfunctioning VCMs that delayed voting in a number of areas, including Pasig, Makati, San Juan and parts of Cavite.

A total of 961 VCMs, or 1.1 percent out of 85,769, malfunctioned in 2019, compared to 801 during the 2016 elections.

Gatchalian also expressed concern about the number of defective SD cards, which jumped from just 120 in 2016 to 1,665 this year.

The Comelec also experienced problems with its transparency server, which caused a sevenhour delay in the posting of UNOFkCIAL TALLIES To further complicate the server issue, Gatchalian noted that several news outlets monitoring election results noticed a sudden drop in transmitted results from the Come-

it adjourns on June 7. “The nine session days left for Congress is the best opportunity to pass this bill. All we need is to convince the majority of the senators to support the passage of the measure,� he said in a news conference.

Aside from Gatchalian, Senators Emmanuel “Manny� Pacquiao and Joseph Victor “JV� Ejercito kLED SEPARATE MEASURES INCREASING tobacco tax. lec early Tuesday. From 93 percent of the total votes received at 5:20 a.m., the number plunged to 49 percent just 30 minutes later.

Gatchalian lamented the commission’s failure to prevent what he described as “avoidable problems� despite its hefty P10.178billion budget.

3EN 0ANkLO g0INGu ,ACSON SAID he wants to raise concerns with the poll body such as the shift from simultaneous transmission at the precinct level to a transparency server.

Lacson cited the need to identify what halted the dissemination of partial unofficial tally from the transparency server to media partners and poll watchdogs for hours on election day.

The transparency server initially released 0.38 percent of partial UNOFkCIAL RESULTS BY P M ON Monday, a few minutes after voting closed on election day.

The next update was at 1:19 a.m. on Tuesday, which showed more than 90 percent of votes.

Lacson also wants to ask the Comelec who controls the transparency server and its purpose aside FROM BEING A gTRAFkC CONTROLLER u On May 17, Senator Pangilinan said they have submitted a manifestation with the Comelec asking THE RELEASE OF SIGNIkCANT DETAILS AND information on the 961 defective VCMs, 1,655 corrupted SD cards (how many votes, which precinct or municipality or city or province, and what is the status of these, etc.); a technical report of the seven-hour “technical glitch� and an independent investigation into the said glitch; and an audit and systems log of the transparency server.

Bottleneck The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) on -ONDAY CONkRMED THAT A gBOTTLEneck� happened in the transparency servers. “What we did was we concentrated on that application, whose job it is to take the data from the transparency server and send it to the media and to the PPCRV, that is what you call THE kLE TRANSFER MANAGER OF THE TRANSparency server,� PPCRV chief Myla Villanueva told reporters. “When we looked at it, we saw that there was a job that needed to get done to transfer the data to US AND THAT kLE TRANSFER MANAGER was not completing the job, so it started but it did not complete,� she said. “And that obviously is a cause of a bottleneck.�

JAVIER JOE ISMAEL WITH ARIC JOHN SY CUA

Q NARCOLIST FROM A1

Q SENATE FROM A1

27 pols in narcolist won

No shakeup at Senate once 18th Congress

illegal drugs trade. “Continuous ‘yung pag-iimbestiga sa kanila and as the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Governments) has said, ‘pag merong nakitang ebidensya laban sa kanila, THEY WILL BE kLING CASES

both criminal and administrative (They are being investigated and as the DILG has said, criminal and administrative CASES WILL BE kLED IF EVIDENCE IS FOUND u the PNP chief said.

Sen. Richard Gordon also pushed for an investigation, claiming that massive vote-buying occurred in the areas where the alleged narco politicians won. g;4=HE INORDINATE lAGRANT AND SCANdalous vote-buying in areas where the narcopoliticians won must be investigated,� he said, The Anti-Money Laundering Council, in particular, should look at bank

Asked whether the incoming legislators had committed to support his leadership, Sotto replied: “Well, that was how I gauged it because Manny Pacquaio was doing all the talking. He was the one who said we still wanted to support the leadership of Senate President Sotto.�

No one expressed interest in the top Senate spot, he added.

Zubiri said Sotto and Recto conducted preliminary meetings with emerging blocs to discuss committee chairmanships.

These are the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, composed of Aquilino “Koko� Pimentel 3rd, Pacquiao, Go, dela Rosa

withdrawals during the election period while the Bureau of Internal Revenue should also be involved in the probe, the senator continued.

Gordon, whose sister-in-law lost the Olongapo mayoral race, alleged rampant vote-buying in the city and the province of Zambales, which he said could become a dumping ground of drugs smuggled from China. “It is obviously an attempt by the narco-politicians to save themselves by getting positions,� he said. “[T]hese people have proven that with just money, they can win, they can buy the Comelec, they can buy votes. I have never seen anything like it in my life and I blew the whistle on it, four days before the elections.�

NEIL JAYSON N. SERVALLOS AND JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

and Tolentino; the “seatmates� comprising Sherwin Gatchalian, Joel Villanueva, Richard Gordon, Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, Juan Edgardo “Sonny� Angara and Zubiri; the “macho� composed of 0ANkLO ,ACSON -ANUEL g,ITOu ,Apid, Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares and Sotto; the Nacionalista Party with Cynthia Villar, Imelda Josefa “Imee� Marcos and Pilar Juliana “Pia� Cayetano and Recto; and Lakas’ Revilla. “So far, the discussion is to retain Senator Sotto for SP (Senate President) and myself as majority leader and Recto as SP Pro Tempore. Status quo,�

Zubiri said.

He said there would be mi-

nor committee chairmanship changes as Francis “Chiz� Escudero, Gregorio Honasan 2nd, Loren Legarda and Antonio Trillanes 4th would bow out on June 7. “We initially discussed the equity of the incumbent rule. So if you have [been leading] that committee it will not be taken away from you if you still wish to remain with your committee,� Zubiri said. “There’s a lot of jockeying for posts like [chairmanships for] finance, justice, blue ribbon.

But Sen. Richard Gordon is well protected by the equity of the incumbent in those committees,� he said.

:UBIRI SAID THE kNANCE COMmittee headed by Legarda would be given to Angara. “Almost all were unanimous with Senator Angara [to lead it]. I believe he will be giving up ways and means [committee].�

He said Go wanted to chair the committee on health while dela Rosa sought to head the public order and dangerous drugs panel currently handled

by Lacson. “Sen. Lacson was gracious enough to give it to [dela Rosa],�

Zubiri said.

Lacson in turn will head the national defense panel that is currently held by Honasan.

BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

News

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

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Senate passes 10 measures T

BY BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

(% 3ENATE ON -ONDAY RESUMED session and passed on third and kNAL READING BILLS INCLUDING ONE THAT SEEKS TO AMEND THE ,ABOR #ODE AND A measure that would create the Philippine 3PACE !GENCY 0HI3!

The Senate has nine session days remaining until it adjourns on June 7. The 18th Congress will open on July 22.

The senators approved Senate Bill (SB) 1571 allowing flexible working arrangements; SB 2065 that will create positions for judges-at-large; SB 2168 that seeks to create the Davao International Airport Authority; SB 2069 that seeks to ensure

the continuous transmission of electricity and protection of powerlines; SB 2133 that aims to strengthen the functions and powers of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan; SB 1983 or the proposed Philippine Space Agency law; House Bill (HB) 7785, which seeks to establish a framework for the selection of national performing arts companies;

HB 8730 that will require state universities and colleges (SUCs) to implement a land use development and infrastructure plan that include the construction of dormitories for students and housing sites for employees; HB 7856 declaring September 8 of every year a special working holiday nationwide to commemorate the feast of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and HB 5438 that aims to upgrade the sub-district engineering office in Carmona, Cavite into a regular district engineering office.

Sen. Joel Villanueva, sponsor of SB 1571, said the measure amends Article 83 of the Labor Code to accommodate work duration that exceeds eight hours per day.

The senator said compressed workweek arrangement would not only reduce cost of work transit, but would also enable employees to allocate more time for other personal and social obligations, “thus, further promoting work-life balance.� “This bill seeks to institutionalize the adoption of alternative working arrangements, such as compressed workweek,� said Villanueva. However, it limits the work duration to 48 hours per week to safeguard the rights, health and well-being of each employee.

Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam�

Aquino 4th, sponsor of SB 1983, said the launching of a space program in the Philippines would improve disaster management

and enhance agribusinesses due to soil and weather monitoring and assessment.

The Philippines has been involved in space technology since the 1960s when the government built a satellite receiving station.

In the 1970s, the country also VENTURED ON ITS kRST ROCKET DEVELopment program.

In 1996, a Filipino private firm, Mabuhay Satellite Corp., acquired the country’s first in-orbit satellite Agila-1.

In 1997, the company had its own telecommunications satellites, Agila 2, which was launched to space from China.

(Agila 2 was developed by a US company but was launched from China).

Sen. Francis Escudero, sponsor

of HB 8730, said the passage of the bill into law would ensure an effective land use development and infrastructure plan that would utilize idle assets within the school. “It has been observed that some students, especially those coming from poor families, usually drop out of school saying they can no longer afford to pay the costly board and lodging near the universities or colleges,� he said.

Under HB 8730, all SUCs must submit a Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (Ludip) to the Commission on Higher Education within two years after approval of the bill. The plan will be updated periodically as the need arises.

Palace backs review of labor deal with Kuwait MALACAÑANG on Monday expressed support to calls for the Philippine government to review a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kuwait following the death of another Filipina household worker (HSW) in the hands of her employer.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement after migrants’ rights advocates called on the government to revisit the provisions of the accord to check possible gaps in its implementation by the Philippine and Kuwaiti government. “I think we should [review it] because according to [Labor] Secretary [Silvestre] Bello (3rd), there has been a breach in the agreement signed by the two countries,� Panelo told reporters.

Constancia Lago Dayag died on May 14 after being mauled by her employer.

Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte was informed about the incident. “The Secretary of Labor has alREADY ISSUED AN OFkCIAL STATEMENT He’s putting the government of Kuwait to task for the murder of our countryman. He is investigating it and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) is waiting for a note of his report,� he said. “Secretary Bello is handling it well. We will wait for the report of Secretary Bello regarding this incident,� the Palace official added.

The MOU was signed last year as one of the conditions for the lifting of the country’s deployment ban in Kuwait.

The government imposed the deployment restriction after the recovery of the remains of Joanna Demafelis from a freezer.

CATHERINE S. VALENTE

THAT TIME OF YEAR Students and members of the EcoWaste Coalition paint school desks at the Balingasa Elementary School in Quezon City as the annual Brigada Eskwela school cleanup program starts. PHOTO BY ORVEN VERDOTE

JBC TO SCREEN 8 BETS FOR OMBUDSMAN FOR LUZON THE Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is set to screen the candidates for the position of Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon.

A notice signed by Edgar Aricheta, Clerk of Court and JBC ex-officio secretary, showed that eight bets shall vie for the post to be vacated by Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Gerard Mos-

quera on June 1, 2019.

Sources said the front-runners for the position are Deputy Special Prosecutor Cornelio Somido and Ombudsman Director Beda Epres. Somido is part of the first panel of prosecutors that investigated the plunder charges against former presi

dent Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The JBC is set to conduct a public interview on Thursday.

Also vying for the post is former Justice undersecretary Erickson Balmes, a fraternity brother of President Rodrigo Duterte and former Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre 2nd at the Lex Talionis Fraternity.

The other applicants are Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Rafael Hipolito, lawyer Eusebio Avila, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Executive Director Eduardo Bringas, and Ombudsman prosecutors Jacinto dela Cruz Jr. and Rodolfo Noel Quimbo.

JOMAR CANLAS

House passes bill making ROTC mandatory THE House of Representatives has approved ON kNAL READING THE BILL MAKING THE 2ESERVE /FkCERS 4RAINING #ORPS 2/4# PROGRAM MANdatory for Grades 11 and 12.

House Bill (HB) 8961 got the vote of 167 lawmakers.

Under HB 8961, “[t]he conduct of military training under the ROTC shall apply to all students in Grades 11 and 12 in all senior high schools in public and private educational institutions.�

If passed into law, the bill would establish a mandatory two-year basic ROTC program for all senior high school students.

ROTC became optional in 2002.

REINA C. TOLENTINO

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Secretary Francisco ‘Nick’ Acosta of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas poses with members of the Filipino community in Guam where the commission held a series of consultations to strengthen ties with Filipino communities abroad and bring its services closer to the migrants. Filipinos are among the biggest ethnic groups in Guam, comprising about one-third of the small island’s total population.

Oil prices up again OIL companies increased their pump prices on Tuesday, a week after implementing a substantial price rollback.

The price of diesel went up by 80 centavos per liter, gasoline by 90 centavos per liter and kerosene by 75 centavos per liter.

Caltex implemented the price adjustment at 12:01 a.m., while Eastern Petroleum, Flying V, Jetti Petroleum, Petro Gazz, Petron, Phoenix Petroleum, Pilipinas Shell, PTT Philippines, Seaoil and Total followed at 6 a.m.

Oil firms increased their pump prices as global crude prices climbed on Monday. A report by Reuters said Brent crude gained 1.3 percent at $73.11 per barrel, while the US West Texas Intermediate crude inched up 1.1 percent at $63.47 a barrel.

Last week, industry players slashed the prices of gasoline and kerosene by P1.25 per liter and 30 centavos per liter, respectively. The cost of diesel is unchanged.

JORDEENE B. LAGARE

Redemption of agricultural lands covered by free patents Dear PAO, I own a parcel of agricultural land, which I received through a free patent. After the lapse of kVE YEARS ) SOLD THE PROPERTY TO MY NEIGHBOR WITH THE INTENTION OF REDEEMING IT WITHIN kVE YEARS (OWEVER ) HEARD THAT there is a new law that removed the restrictions imposed on the TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE OF LANDS COVERED BY FREE PATENTS ) JUST WANT TO KNOW IF MY RIGHT TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY WAS REMOVED

DEAR PAO

PERSIDA ACOSTA

BY THIS NEW LAW 3PANKY Dear Spanky, Section 4 of Republic Act (RA) 11231, otherwise known as the “Agricultural Free Patent Reform Act,� provides:

“SEC. 4. This Act shall have RETROACTIVE EFFECT AND ANY RESTRICtion regarding acquisitions, enCUMBRANCES CONVEYANCES TRANSfers or dispositions imposed on agricultural free patents issued under Section 44 of Commonwealth Act No. 141, as amended, BEFORE THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS !CT SHALL BE REMOVED AND ARE HEREBY lifted: Provided, That nothing in this Act shall affect the right of redemption under Section 119 of Commonwealth Act 141,

as amended, for transactions made in good faith prior to the EFFECTIVITY OF THIS !CT u [Emphasis and underscoring supplied] Conversely, Section 119 of Commonwealth Act (CA) 141 otherwise known as “The Public Land Act,� reads: “Section 119. Every conveyance of land acquired under the free patent of homestead provisions, when proper, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO REPURCHASE BY THE APPLICANT HIS widow, or legal heirs, within a

PERIOD OF kVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF CONVEYANCE u Clearly, the right of redemption under Section 119 of CA 141 was not removed by RA 11231. In your situation, you mentioned that you sold your property before the effectivity of RA 11231, and after the lapse of THE kVE YEAR PROHIBITORY PERIOD Hence, you still have the right to redeem the said property in accordance with the above-mentioned laws.

We hope that we were able to answer your queries. Please be reminded that this advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public AtTORNEY S /FkCE 1UESTIONS FOR Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net

A4

Opinion

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

˜ The Manila Times

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E d i to r i a l Needless speculative frenzy over President’s health

PORK PRICES DUE TO PIG DISEASE

I

NSTEAD of letting our imagination and proclivity to gossip run away from us, we urge the government bureaucracy, the public and the media to take GUIDANCE kRST FROM THE SPECIkC CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION governing the occurrence of illness affecting the health of the President.

It is contained in Section 12, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution.

The Charter provides: “In case of serious illness of the President, the public shall be informed of the state of his health. The members of the Cabinet in charge of national security and foreign relations and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall not be denied access to the President during such illness.�

The provision is clear and precise. It speaks only of serious illness on the part of the President. It does not say that the public should be apprised about the results of every test or medical check-up that the President may desire to undergo during his tenure.

It does not even suggest that competent doctors should issue periodic bulletins on the health of a sitting president.

The provision wisely leaves room for discretion on the part of the President and his doctor to judge what medical information should properly be disclosed.

It is important to remind everyone of this explicit constitutional provision, especially because there is currently an unhealthy outbreak of public speculation about President Rodrigo Duterte’s medical condition.

Critics and members of the political opposition have seized this situation as a chance to circulate wild public rumors and high-sounding statements about the issue. That does not help but contributes to public confusion.

Concern by most of our people about President Duterte’s health and well-being is understandable. We should be mindful of the impact of a serious presidential illness on the nation’s well-being as well and its relations with the world.

Like everyone, we want to be assured that the President is in good health and not facing any serious health problem.

But it must be stressed at this point that all of us ought to wait for reliable and competent information to be officially released before indulging in conjecture. We reject the tone of frenzy and sense of emergency in the speculation and questioning, because they will not lead to better public understanding, but more likely to confusion.

The President has assured the nation, through his presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, that he will not fail to make full disclosure about his situation when there is need to talk about the matter. He will address the issue at the appropriate time, and he will ever keep in mind the welfare and well-being of our people. ~

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 220

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

Swept out and out of touch E

XCEPT for some isolated pockets of good stories, the result of the 2016 midterm elections was practically a disaster for the political opposition. Among the few bright spots are Arlene Bag-ao who dethroned the Ecleo political dynasty and became governor of Dinagat Islands, and Kid PeĂąa who denied former vice president Jojo Binay a House seat in Makati. And the Makabayan bloc in the House is still assured of representation, due to the complicated formula of apportioning party-list seats as decreed by the Supreme Court.

But everywhere the LP suffered SIGNIkCANT LOSSES "UTCH !BAD LOST his bid to represent Batanes in the House. Teddy Baguilat failed to win the governorship in Ifugao. It is expected that there will only be 18 LP members in the House, and some of them are expected to align

ON THE CONTRARY ANTONIO CONTRERAS with the super-majority supporting the Duterte administration.

In addition to the 18 House members, the LP will only have two goverNORS kVE VICE GOVERNORS FOUR MAYORS ad one vice mayor. This means that the midterm elections yielded only ELECTED OFkCIALS FOR THE ,0 WHICH is roughly only a third of what it obtained in the 2016 elections.

The LP debacle is most dramatically felt in the senatorial elections where the Otso Diretso coalition which it led failed to land a single

seat. Bam Aquino failed to win a second term as he languishes in the 14th spot. Mar Roxas’ performance is even worse as he trails in the 16th place, thereby failing to make a comeback and earning for him the record of losing three national elections. Roxas’ story is really amazingly tragic. From being topnotcher as Mr. Palengke in the 2007 senatorial elections, he fell from grace and lost in his bids to become vice president in 2010, president in 2016, and now his bid to return as a senator.

The opposition Senate slate perFORMED SIGNIkCANTLY WELL ONLY IN Camarines Sur and Naga City. In fact, Naga City, which is the home city of Vice President Leni Robredo, is the only place in the entire country where every Otso Diretso candidate made it to the Magic 12. In Camarines Sur, only Florin Hilbay failed

to land a spot in the winning circle.

Aside from Naga City and Camarines Sur, the political opposition performed very well in Twitter and in campus mock polls. If it is the bailiwick effect which was in operation in Naga City and Camarines Sur, it was the “woke� generation that propelled the high numbers of the Otso Diretso candidates in campus mock elections, and in Twitter, with Samira Gutoc earning the distinction of being the most tweeted candidate.

Unfortunately for the political opposition, many of those who participate in campus mock elections are not registered voters, and if so, did not vote.

The main reason why the Otso Diretso candidates failed is because they were unable to shake off their image as an elitist coalition that is out of touch with ordinary voters. They draw their support from the privileged

ÂłContreras A6

Q MAKABENTA FROM A1

Without people’s consent, Comelec and SC amended the Constitution by interpretation In answer to the question “Who has the constitutional mandate to take the lead in amending or revising the Constitution?,� Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, SJ wrote in his book, A Living Constitution: The Abbreviated Estrada Presidency (Ateneo de Manila University Press, Quezon City, 2003): “The lead engine for change mandated by the Constitution is Congress. The Constitution offers three agents which can propose amendments to the Constitution.

First, there are the people themselves who have reserved the right to propose amendments by initiative and referendum.

Next, there is the constitutional convention. But a constitutional convention does not come into existence unless called by Congress.

Finally, Congress itself may propose amendments.�

The president is not mentioned at all by the Charter in the provision on amendments, Neither is the Supreme Court.

And certainly not the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Yet today, we have a situation where the Supreme Court and the Comelec have incredibly teamed up to defang the constitutional provisions on term limits.

Because of a legal opinion by the Comelec legal department, and a ruling by the Supreme Court on the case of one local government candidate, Filipino politicians today transgress freely limits on their service. Only the president, the HIGHEST OFkCIAL OF THE LAND APPEARS to be restrained by the straitjacket mandated by the Constitution.

The perversion of words and meanings How did this state of affairs come about?

It has come about because of the distortion of words and meanings by authorities who ought to know better.

The situation calls to mind the predicament of former US president Bill Clinton after he was exposed and accused of having an

illicit relationship with a White House intern, Monica Lewinsky.

Clinton tried to argue himself out of an impeachment complaint against him in Congress.

Clinton defended himself by rationalizing that there is no relationship between him and Ms Lewinsky.

He told the grand jury (according to Ken Starr’s report on his inquiry): “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is. If the ‘is’ means is and never has been, that is not — that is one thing. If it means there is none, that was a completely true statement‌Now, if someone had asked me on that day, are you having any kind of sexual relations with Ms Lewinsky, that is, asked me a question in the present tense, I would have said no. And it would have been completely true.â€?

The distinction between “is� and “was� was seized on by the commentariat when Clinton told Jim Lehrer of PBS right after the Lewinsky story broke, “There is no improper relationship.�

The Philippine Supreme Court and the Comelec did a Clintonesque maneuver when they twisted and massaged the meaning of the word “consecutive� in interpreting the constitutional provision on term limits for ELECTED PUBLIC OFkCIALS They interpreted the provision in a way that would allow politiCIANS TO RUN FOR OFkCE BEYOND THE term limits set for them.

They did this by introducing from out of nowhere the idea of a “hiatus� or “rest period� for public OFkCIALS AFTER THEY ARE TERMED OUT This idea is nowhere mentioned by the Constitution in laying down the term-limit principle.

Clintonesque feats of SC-Comelec The Clintonesque feats of the Comelec and the SC were the following: 1. In a letter to Sen. Franklin Drilon, dated Sept. 19, 2009,

lawyer Ferdinand Rafanan, chief of the Comelec’s Legal Department, issued a legal opinion in response to a request by the senator. Rafanan said what the 1987 Constitution prohibited was the immediate reelection of a senator for a third term following two consecutive terms. Rafanan wrote: “A senator can run after only three years following his completion of two terms. The law did not intend to prohibit a senator from running for the same position within the six-year full term following their two-term limit.�

It was for this reason, Rafanan added, “that Senators Edgardo J. Angara, Gregorio B. Honasan 2nd, Ernesto F. Herrera, Orlando S. Mercado, Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. and Vicente C. Sotto 3rd were QUALIkED TO RUN FOR SENATOR EVEN after only three years following their two terms.�

In the same letter, Rafanan told Drilon that the Comelec Legal Department was “in accord with your position that you can participate in the senatorial race in the forthcoming 2010 national and local elections without offending the provision of the Constitution ON THE TERM LIMIT OF THE OFkCE OF the senator.�

Socrates vs Comelec The Supreme Court did its Clintonesque turn with its ruling in Socrates v. Comelec, as penned by Justice Antonio Carpio.

The good justice in explaining the opinion, sought to involve the 1986 framers of the Constitution in the ruling. He did so by divining the intent of the Charter makers from the discussion of term limits by the Concom.

Carpio avers that the Concom considered two issues on the term OF REPRESENTATIVES AND LOCAL OFkcials, namely: 1) Alternative No. 1 — no further reelection after a total of three terms; and 2) Alternative No. 2 — no immediate reelection after three successive terms Socrates v. Comelec rules with

respect to a local government OFkCIAL g7HAT THE #ONSTITUTION prohibits is an immediate reelection for a fourth term following three consecutive terms.�

On the term limits of senators, the ruling contends that the #HARTER FRAMERS CLARIkED THAT A senator can run after only three years following his completion of two terms.

This interpretation distorts and vitiates the meaning of the termlimit provision.

There is no mention anywhere in the Constitution about a rest period from term limits. The emphasis is mainly on prohibiting PUBLIC OFkCIALS FROM PUBLIC SERVICE beyond the term limits.

The canons of interpretation are not different for legal interpretation, literary criticism and grammatical interpretation.

There are rules for each method of interpretation. They must follow RULES OF DEkNITION LOGIC AND USAGE -Y PRIMARY kELDS OF STUDY ARE literary interpretation and public policy studies. They both emphasize the primacy of the text.

Appeal to authority fallacy It will be argued for all the termedout senators in the 2019 Senate race, that the examples of Senators Franklin Drilon and Vicente Sotto 3rd, who are in their fourth Senate terms, are an argument for their own violation of the term-limit rule.

This appeal to authority is a fallacy.

This is like arguing for slavery by appealing to the fact that Thomas Jefferson owned slaves.

This is like defending capital punishment on the grounds that Abraham Lincoln signed many death warrants during the US Civil War. All the termed-out senators in the 2019 Senate should be disQUALIkED FROM HOLDING OFkCE Senators Drilon and Sotto should be toppled from their Senate pedestals.

yenmakabenta@yahoo.com

˜ The Manila Times

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How can Roxas reinvent himself?

U

SE his life as our national object OF RElECTION FOR POLITICAL FAILURE The last time Mar Roxas won an ELECTION WAS IN !T THE TIME

2OXAS HELD SO MUCH PROMISE (IS stint as the trade and industry secreTARY DURING THE %STRADA AND !RROYO administrations left such a good IMPRESSION THAT HE GOT THE HIGHEST number of votes during the 2004 SENATORIAL ELECTION WITH A MILLION PLUS LEAD OVER THE POPULAR MOVIE STAR "ONG 2EVILLA !FTER THAT 2OXAS NEVER WON AN ELECTION AGAIN (E RAN FOR VICE PRESIDENT IN ONLY TO LOSE TO *EJOMAR "INAY $URING THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION VOTERS FAVORED THE FOUL MOUTHED Rodrigo Duterte over his “disente” IMAGE 4HIS YEAR S SENATORIAL ELECTIONS WERE EQUALLY HARSH TO HIM (E DIDN T JUST NOT ENTER THE -AGIC HE RANKED TH DESPITE SPENDING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS IN HIS CAMPAIGN 7HAT S NEXT FOR 2OXAS ) HOPE HE TAKES A STEP BACK AND TAKE INSPIRATION FROM LEADERS WHO FAILED IN POLITICS but gave us the most insightful litERATURE ON STATECRAFT Some of the best — if not all — classical literature on statecraft were written by statesmen who tried but FAILED 4HUCYDIDES 4HE (ISTORY OF THE 0ELOPONESSIAN 7AR #ICERO S De 2E 0UBLICA -ACHIAVELLI S The Prince and $ISCOURSE ON ,IVY AND 7EBER S 0OLITICS AS 6OCATION *OINING THIS LIST IS -ICHAEL )GNATIEFF S &IRE AND !SHES 3UCCESS AND &AILURE IN 0OLITICS "EFORE *USTIN 4RUDEAU #ANADA HAD

FOR THE MOTHERLAND

SASS ROGANDO SASOT -ICHAEL )GNATIEFF 4HEY ARE BOTH BRILLIANT BUT 4RUDEAU HAD MORE CHARM AND POSSESSED A BETTER STANDING THAN )GNATIEFF $ESPITE )GNATIEFF S IMPRESSIVE BACKGROUND SOMETHING ABOUT HIM DIDN T CONNECT WITH THE PEOPLE )GNATIEFF IS A #ANADIAN CITIZEN WHO has built an illustrious career as one of THE kNEST LIBERAL PUBLIC INTELLECTUALS IN THE TRADITION OF THE GREAT LIBERAL THINKER )SAIAH "ERLIN 4HOUGH HE HAS NEVER RENOUNCED HIS CITIZENSHIP HE LIVED FOR QUITE SOME TIME IN THE 5NITED 3TATES

where from 2000-2005 he served as a PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE AND DIRECTOR OF THE #ARR #ENTER FOR (UMAN 2IGHTS AT (ARVARD 5NIVERSITY S *OHN & +ENNEDY 3CHOOL OF 'OVERNMENT )N #ANADA S ,IBERAL 0ARTY BIGWIGS PERSUADED )GNATIEFF TO RETURN TO #ANADA BECAUSE THEY FELT THAT HE HAD THE MAKINGS OF A kNE PRIME MINISTER )GNATIEFF IS LEARNED REASONABLE AND ELOQUENT )GNATIEFF S SHORT SPEECH AT A ,IBERAL 0ARTY CAMPAIGN MEETING IN /NTARIO IN DEMONSTRATED ALL THAT &IND it on YouTube and listen how he BRILLIANTLY USED THE POWER OF ECHO ONE OF THE MOST POTENT ORATORICAL DEVICES !FTER REPEATING THE STIRRING RESONANCE OF g3O WHAT u HE unleashed an electrifying deluge of

g2ISE 5PÜu (E kRST RAN FOR A SPOT IN THE (OUSE OF #OMMONS IN THE ELECTIONS (E DEFEATED THE #ONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE IN /NTARIO S FEDERAL DISTRICT OF %TOBICOKE ,AKESHORE BY A SLIM MARGIN (E SERVED AS A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FROM TO )Gnatieff rose meteorically — in 2007 HE BECAME THE DEPUTY LEADER OF THE Liberal Party and then became elected AS ITS HEAD WITHOUT ANYONE OPPOSING HIM )N -AY HE LOST TO "ERNARD 4ROTTIER 4HIS STUNNING DEFEAT LED TO )GNATIEFF S RESIGNATION AS LEADER OF THE ,IBERAL 0ARTY )N )GNATIEFF WROTE Fire and !SHES his account of why he failed: HIS PROBLEMATIC STANDING 4HE #ONSERVATIVE PARTY LED BY 0RIME -INISTER 3TEPHEN (ARPER VIGOROUSLY ATTACKED )GNATIEFF FOR BEING AWAY FROM #ANADA FOR A LONG TIME YEARS 4HE INFAMOUS ANTI )GNATIEFF ATTACK AD SAID THAT )GNATIEFF WAS JUST VISITING g) HAVE TO HAND IT TO THE PRIME MINISTER u )GNATIEFF SAID g(E DIDN T ATTACK WHAT ) SAID (E ATTACKED MY RIGHT TO SAY ANYTHING AT ALL (E DENIED ME STANDING IN MY OWN COUNTRY u 3TANDING AS A LEGAL term means your right to have your DAY IN COURT g*UDGES u )GNATIEFF EXPLAINS gDECIDE WHO GETS STANDING 4HEY REGULATE standing to control their courtrooms and maintain the boundary between LAW AND POLITICS u !S A POLITICAL TERM

STANDING IS gYOUR AUTHORITY TO MAKE YOUR CASE AND ENSURE A HEARING u )T S NOT THE SAME AS THE RIGHT TO

RUN FOR ELECTIONS WHICH EVERYONE who matches the constitutional reQUIREMENTS CAN DO g3TANDING IS NOT A RIGHT u )GNATIEFF CONTINUES g)T IS A PRIVILEGE EARNED FROM VOTERS ONE AT A TIME )T IS A NON TRANSFERABLE FORM OF AUTHORITY .OTHING ABOUT PAST RANK

EXPERTISE QUALIkCATIONS OR PREVIOUS SUCCESS ENTITLES YOU TO IT u )N SHORT STANDING IS POLITICAL LEGITIMACY WHICH IS THE NECESSARY CONDITION TO HAVE SUFkCIENT POLITICAL POWER 9OU KNOW YOU GAINED IT WHEN YOU CAN PERSUADE PEOPLE TO FOLLOW YOU and eventually obey you because they believe that it is in their interest to TRANSFER THEIR POWER TO YOU SO YOU CAN MAKE DECISIONS THAT THEY COULD ACCEPT EVEN IF THEY kND THEM UNCOMFORTABLE )GNATIEFF S RESIDENCY PROBLEM MIGHT BE CLOSER TO 'RACE 0OE S BUT ) THINK IT S 2OXAS WHO HAS THE DEPTH OF POLITICAL EXPERIENCE THAT SUFFERING HONES that could write &IRE AND !SHES "UT IN ORDER FOR 2OXAS TO PULL OFF SOMETHING LIKE &IRE AND !SHES he SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE SELF CRITICAL (E should have the courage to interrogate THE SOURCES OF HIS WEAKNESSES /UR TRIUMPHS AREN T TEACHERS BUT REWARDS AFTER WE VE LEARNED FROM OUR FAILURES 2OXAS SHOULD TURN HIS FAILURE INTO AN OPPORTUNITY LET IT BLEED AS INK ON PAPER AND IMPART TO FUTURE POLITICIANS THE BITTER BUT necessary wisdom that could only come from a critical engagement WITH ONE S SELF

SRSASOT GMAIL COM

Q TULFO FROM A1

That woman Sandra Cam The victors in the recent elections SHOULD TAKE THE ABOVE SCENE TO HEART 9ES YOU ARE lUSH WITH VICTORY EUPHORIA IS A NATURAL HUMAN EMOTION But be also aware that your newly ACQUIRED POWER IS TEMPORARY THAT IT WILL COME TO AN END LATER Be humble and magnanimous then IN VICTORY AND FATE WILL BE VERY KIND TO YOU WHEN YOUR TIME TO GO COMES N N N President Digong said recently he would become lenient towards illegal GAMBLING AS LONG AS CORRUPTION BY those who oversee games of chance is OUT OF THE PICTURE 7ELL SAID -R 0RESIDENT *UETENG and other forms of illegal GAMBLING SHOULD BE LEGALIZED AS POTENTIAL REVENUE EARNERS FOR THE GOVERNMENT *UETENG A NUMBERS GAME IS SO POPULAR WITH THE MASSES THAT WHATEVER CURBS THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE TO STOP IT HAVE FAILED "ECAUSE IT IS ILLEGAL CORRUPT LOCAL AND POLICE OFkCIALS ARE CASHING IN ON the INTELIGENSIA OR BRIBES PUT UP BY GAMBLING LORDS By legalizing jueteng and other NUMBERS GAMES CORRUPTION OF LOCAL AND POLICE OFkCIALS WILL BECOME A THING OF THE PAST N N N *UETENG and other illegal numbers GAMES HAVE NETWORKS OF COLLECTORS and cabos SUPERVISORS WHO NUMBER

BY THE TENS OF THOUSANDS 7HEN LOCAL AND POLICE OFFICIALS

PRESSURED BY THE PUBLIC AND THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT CRACK DOWN on jueteng and other illegal numbers GAMES PEOPLE WHO GO FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE COLLECTING BETS ARE DEPRIVED OF THEIR LIVELIHOOD !ND WHAT DO THESE COLLECTORS DO They resort to other illegal and more PERNICIOUS MEANS OF MAKING MONEY SELLING OR PUSHING DRUGS )N FACT UNOFkCIAL STUDIES IN THE PAST HAVE SHOWN THAT IN AREAS WHERE OFkCIALS were strict in enforcing anti-gambling LAWS DRUG PUSHING BECAME PREVALENT N N N ) AM NOT A GAMBLER BUT ) UNDERSTAND THE URGE OF MANY PEOPLE TO GAMBLE

MUCH LIKE SMOKING OR DRINKING LIQUOR )NDULGING IN A VICE IS AS OLD AS MANKIND There is a saying that when a thing is made illegal it becomes sweeter to INDULGE IN $URING 0ROHIBITION THE BAN ON THE SALE AND CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN THE 53 FROM TO

THERE WERE MORE DRINKERS IN THAT PERIOD THAN BEFORE THE BAN WAS IMPOSED 4HE KEY IS TO REGULATE NOT TOTALLY BAN N N N !LTHOUGH ) AM FOR A LIBERAL VIEW TOWARDS GAMBLING ) STILL BELIEVE that government officials and emPLOYEES SHOULD BE BANNED FROM ALL

GAMBLING CASINOS Government men and women SHOULD BE MODELS OF RECTITUDE 4HEIR PLAYING IN THE CASINOS NATURALLY RAISES SUSPICION ABOUT THE SOURCE OF THE MONEY THEY RE BETTING AT THE GAMBLING TABLE OR SLOT MACHINES N N N President Digong may want to RECONSIDER REINSTATING RETIRED 0HILIPPINE -ARINE "RIG 'EN !LEXANDER Balutan as general manager of the 0HILIPPINE #HARITY 3WEEPSTAKES /FkCE 0#3/ Balutan was an honest man and his resignation was forced on him due to INTRIGUES WITHIN THE AGENCY When he was still in the military serVICE "ALUTAN S RECORD WAS UNTAINTED BY CORRUPTION OR ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION 3OME SUBORDINATES AT THE 0#3/ PEDDLED LIES AGAINST "ALUTAN TO CERTAIN -ALACAÄANG OFFICIALS WHO IN TURN

PASSED ON THE CANARD TO THE 0RESIDENT "ALUTAN S REINSTATEMENT WILL PUT TO SHAME THOSE 0#3/ INTRIGUERS AND GULLIBLE 0ALACE OFkCIALS N N N )LLEGAL GAMBLING WHISTLEBLOWER turned-government official Sandra Cam wants to be relieved as a board DIRECTOR OF THE 0HILIPPINE #HARITY 3WEEPSTAKES /FkCE 3HE SAID SHE WOULD ASK 0RESIDENT $IGONG TO LET HER GO g) WANT TO MEET WITH YOU AND ) WILL

ASK YOU TO RELIEVE ME ;FROM MY POSITION=u BECAUSE SHE SAID gSHE COULD NO LONGER TAKE THE CORRUPTION IN THIS AGENCY 0#3/ u (EY WOMAN WHY DO YOU HAVE TO meet with the President in order to ASK HIM TO LET YOU GO WHEN YOU COULD just write him a letter of irrevocable RESIGNATION 4RUTH IS #AM IS A VERY SPOILED WOMAN AND WANTS TO ALWAYS HAVE HER WAY "UT THE 0#3/ BOARD IS A COLLEGIAL BODY MEANING WHAT SHE WANTS WILL have to jibe with those of her fellow BOARD MEMBERS 3HE IS ALSO THE .O INTRIGUER IN THE 0#3/ AND RUMORS HAVE IT THAT SHE WAS THE ONE WHO FED A 0ALACE OFkCIAL THE LIE THAT "ALUTAN HAD ACCEPTED BRIBE MONEY

WHICH THE 0ALACE OFkCIAL READILY BELIEVED AND PASSED ON TO THE 0RESIDENT 7ITH #AM GONE THAT MEANS ONE LESS INTRIGUER IN THE SNAKE PIT THAT IS THE 0#3/ "Y THE WAY #AM IS NOT AS CLEAN AS SHE PROJECTS HERSELF TO BE !SK HER FELLOW 0#3/ OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES "EFORE SHE WAS APPOINTED TO THE 0#3/ #AM MADE A SCENE AT THE 6)0 LOUNGE AT THE AIRPORT WHEN SHE WAS NOT GIVEN ATTENTION 3HE SHOUTED FOR ALL AND sundry to hear that she was about to be APPOINTED TO THE #ABINET &9) 4HE 0#3/ BOARD DIRECTORSHIP IS NOT A #ABINET POSITION

COMMENTARY

It’s time to specifically outlaw invitations to foreign election meddling FROM THE ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

!3 IF TO REMIND US HOW FAR 53 POLITICS HAS STRAYED FROM NORMALCY (OUSE )NTELLIGENCE #OMMITTEE #HAIRMAN !DAM 3CHIFF IS CALLING FOR LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT !MERICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES FROM SEEKING POLITICAL ASSISTANCE FROM FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS The need for such a once-unimagiNABLE LAW IS CLEAR GIVEN THAT 0RESIDENT $ONALD 4RUMP S PERSONAL LAWYER HINTED LAST WEEK THAT 4RUMP S reelection strategy will include — once again — inviting a foreign government TO INTERFERE IN !MERICA S ELECTION ON HIS BEHALF 2UDY 'IULIANI BRIElY PLANNED TO TRAVEL TO 5KRAINE TO PUSH FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF $EMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE *OE "IDEN BEFORE CRITICISM FORCED 'IULIANI TO BACK OFF

%NOUGH #ONGRESS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY DO WHAT IN NORMAL TIMES

WOULDN T NEED TO BE DONE AND SPECIFY THAT ANY !MERICAN POLITICIAN WHO SEEKS DOMESTIC POLITICAL HELP FROM A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT IS VIOLATING FEDERAL LAW )N *ULY 4RUMP THEN THE '/0 S NEW PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE

MADE HIS NOW INFAMOUS PUBLIC REQUEST THAT 2USSIA HACK ITS WAY INTO !MERICA S NATIONAL ELECTION 2EFERring to deleted emails of Democratic PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE (ILLARY #LINTON 4RUMP SAID INTO THE CAMERAS g2USSIA IF YOU RE LISTENING ) HOPE YOU LL BE ABLE TO kND THE

EMAILS THAT ARE MISSING u 3PECIAL COUNSEL 2OBERT -UELLER S investigation would ultimately esTABLISH THAT JUST HOURS LATER 2USSIAN HACKERS MADE THEIR kRST ATTEMPT TO BREAK INTO #LINTON CAMPAIGN EMAILS

#ONTRARY TO THE RELENTLESS SPIN FROM 4RUMP AND HIS ALLIES -UELLER S REPORT DIDN T gEXONERATEu 4RUMP S CAMPAIGN OF COLLUSION WITH 2USSIA IT MERELY failed to establish indictment-worthy evidence of it amid what are still SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES 7HAT THE REPORT DOES ESTABLISH IS THAT 2USSIAN MEDDLING WAS REAL THAT ITS GOAL WAS TO AID 4RUMP AND THAT IT LIKELY DID 'IULIANI APPARENTLY HOPING HISTORY WOULD REPEAT ITSELF MADE THE REMARKABLE ANNOUNCEMENT LAST WEEK THAT HE WOULD TRAVEL TO +IEV

5KRAINE S CAPITAL TO PRESS 5KRAINIAN OFkCIALS TO INVESTIGATE "IDEN AND HIS SON (UNTER )T INVOLVES DIPLOMATIC activities of the elder Biden when he WAS VICE PRESIDENT THAT APPEARED TO AID A 5KRAINIAN ENERGY COMPANY WITH kNANCIAL TIES TO THE YOUNGER "IDEN 4HEY RE OLD QUESTIONS THAT BY

MOST ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN ASKED AND ANSWERED "UT THAT DIDN T STOP 4RUMP S LAWYER FROM TRYING TO REVIVE THE CONTROVERSY WITH THE HELP OF A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT 3OUND FAMILIAR 'IULIANI BACKED OFF ONLY AFTER THE IDEA PROMPTED MASSIVE OUTCRY 4HE FACT THAT THERE S EVEN A QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER THE 4RUMP CAMPAIGN BROKE THE LAW BY PUBLICLY ASKING FOR AND RECEIVING FOREIGN POLITICAL HELP IN IS IN ITSELF A PROBLEM 4HE (OUSE SHOULD PASS A CLEAR PROHIBITION OF SUCH INVITATIONS TO FOREIGN MEDDLING

AND DARE THE 2EPUBLICAN CONTROLLED 3ENATE NOT TO PASS IT !S 3CHIFF A #ALIFORNIA $EMOCRAT

PUT IT g7E CANNOT MAKE THIS THE NEW NORM THAT IF YOU CAN T WIN AN ELECTION ON YOUR OWN IT S kNE TO SEEK HELP FROM A FOREIGN POWER u CREATORS.COM

Opinion

A5 Nuisance candidate ploy in Zambo Norte flops

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

S

0%#5,!4)/.

WAS RIFE PRIOR TO THIS YEAR S MIDTERM elections that ZamBOANGA DEL .ORTE 'OV 2OBERTO 5Y might lose his bid FOR REELECTION 4HE REASON 3OME SMART POLITICAL STRATEGISTS ALLEGEDLY LINKED TO HIS POLITICAL RIVALS kELDED A CANDIDATE WITH THE SAME NAME AND EVEN THE SAME NICKNAME AS THE GOVERNOR 4HE PLOY MADE POLITICAL OBSERVERS TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BATTLE FOR THE GUBERNATORIAL POST OF THE PROVINCE )T APPEARED MANY WANTED TO kND OUT if this ancient technique of confusing and misleadING VOTERS IN A LOCAL ELECTION WOULD STILL WORK TODAY "Y MOST INDICATIONS THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING g.O u 4HE :AMBOANGA DEL .ORTE ELECTIONS SHOWED THAT VOTERS WILL GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO EXPRESS THEIR TRUE WILL DESPITE A DETERMINED BID ON THE PART OF SOME POLITICAL TRICKSTERS TO THWART THEM !S WE WRITE THIS COLUMN THE REAL g2OBERTO 5Yu THE INCUMBENT GOVERNOR IS LEADING HIS CLOSEST RIVAL CONGRESSMAN "ULLET *ALOSJOS

BY SOME VOTES WITH MOST OF THE VOTES ALREADY COUNTED (ERE S THE INTERESTING THING THE OTHER g2OBERTO 5Yu THE INCUMBENT S NAMESAKE WHO WAS LATER DISQUALIkED BY THE #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS #OMELEC which declared him a “nuisance candidate still manAGED TO GARNER A SIZABLE VOTE !S OF THE LATEST COUNT

THE NUISANCE CANDIDATE HAD A LITTLE OVER VOTES TO HIS NAME 4HAT NUMBER OF VOTES IS SIGNIkCANT 4HAT WOULD BE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTERS OF A SMALL MUNICIPALITY )N A CLOSE kGHT THAT NUMBER COULD DECIDE WHO WINS AND WHO LOSES 4HAT NUMBER ALSO INDICATES THE POWER OF CONFUSION )T S CLEAR THAT THE SOLE PURPOSE OF kELDING A NAMESAKE IS TO TAKE AWAY VOTES FROM THE LEGITIMATE CANDIDATE BY MISLEADING VOTERS 4HIS BRINGS US BACK TO THE NAGGING QUESTION WHICH SURFACED DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD DID NOT THE #OMELEC RIGHT FROM THE START REALIZE THAT THE NAMESAKE WAS A NUISANCE CANDIDATE )N ITS BELATED RESOLUTION THE #OMELEC SAID THE OTHER g2OBERTO 5Yu HAD NO VISIBLE MEANS TO FUND HIS CAMPAIGN !CCORDING TO LOCALS THE GUY WAS A SCAVENGER RECRUITED BY SOME GROUP AND PLACED IN THE PAYROLL OF A MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT 4HE #OMELEC ALSO SAID THE INCUMBENT GOVERNOR S NAMESAKE HAD NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE OR DIDN T HAVE THE ABILITY TO PERFORM THE DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE OFkCE FOR WHICH HE INTENDED TO RUN The malicious intent of the scheme became even more OBVIOUS AS THERE WERE TARPAULINS AND LEAlETS BEARING THE name of the incumbent but with the ballot number of THE NUISANCE CANDIDATE CLEARLY AIMED AT CONFUSING THE VOTERS EVEN MORE 5NDOUBTEDLY THE kELDING OF A NUISANCE CANDIDATE WAS A WELL PLANNED PLOY AT DECEPTION /BSERVERS AND VOTERS WHO DETECTED THE SCHEME COULD ONLY SHAKE THEIR HEADS IN DISBELIEF 4HEY ASKED

DID THE #OMELEC WITTINGLY OR UNWITTINGLY ALLOW ITSELF TO BE AN ACCOMPLICE IN THE PLOY 7HY WAS IT NOT QUICK TO DETECT THE SCHEME 7HY DID IT ALLOW THE NUISANCE CANDIDATE S NAME TO BE INCLUDED IN THE BALLOT 4O THIS DAY THESE QUESTIONS REMAIN IN THE MINDS OF BAFlED OBSERVERS 4HEIR DOUBTS ARE ONLY COMPOUNDED

BY THE APPARENT FOOT DRAGGING ON THE PART OF THE #OMELEC TO PROCLAIM THE GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE WHO HAS ALREADY GARNERED THE MOST NUMBER OF VOTES !S OF PRESS TIME 'OVERNOR 5Y IS REPORTEDLY STILL BEGGING THE #OMELEC TO PROCLAIM HIM AS THE VICTOR IN THE GUBERNATORIAL POLLS 'OVERNOR 5Y CAN TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF 7HAT CONCERNS US IS THE PLIGHT OF THE PLUS VOTERS WHO VOTED FOR THE NUISANCE CANDIDATE g5Yu IN THE BALLOT 7HAT HAPPENS TO THESE VOTES NOW )F MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT ONCE OFkCIAL BALLOTS ARE PRINTED THE VOTES OF THE DISQUALIkED BETS LIKE NUISANCE CANDIDATE 5Y WILL BE CONSIDERED AS STRAY VOTES )N EFFECT THE #OMELEC PRACTICALLY DISENFRANCHISED THE PLUS VOTERS WHO INTENDED TO VOTE FOR THE legitimate contender but whose votes were counted UNDER THE NUISANCE CANDIDATE S 3O ISN T THE #OMELEC MAKING VOTERS PAY THE PRICE FOR ITS INACTION $OES THIS NOT AMOUNT TO THWARTING THE WILL OF THE ELECTORATE 4HESE QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC MAY PORTRAY #OMELEC UNFAIRLY "UT THE POLL BODY HAS TO ADMIT VOTING ISSUES LIKE THESE ARE VALID AND INEVITABLE The number of votes cast in favor of a nuisance CANDIDATE IS STAGGERING PLUS )T IS UNLIKELY THAT PLUS VOTERS IN THAT PROVINCE WOULD HAVE DELIBERATELY OPTED TO VOTE FOR SOMEONE WHOM THE Comelec adjudged as having neither the ability nor INTENTION TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE OFkCE FOR WHICH HE WAS A CANDIDATE 0ERHAPS IT IS TIME THAT THE #OMELEC REEXAMINE ITS PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES IN SCREENING LEGITIMATE CANDIDATES 4HE PUBLIC IS NOT ASKING THE #OMELEC TO DISQUALIFY SCAVENGERS LIKE THE NUISANCE g5Yu FROM RUNNING FOR PUBLIC OFkCE 2ATHER WHAT THE PUBLIC WANTS IS FOR THE #OMELEC TO ADOPT A PROCESS AND TO ACT PROMPTLY IN ORDER TO PREVENT NUISANCE CANDIDATES FROM GETTING THEIR NAMES PRINTED ON THE BALLOT IN THE kRST PLACE SUCH AS WHEN A SCAVENGER LIKE THE NUISANCE g5Yu RUNS FOR PUBLIC OFkCE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF SOWING CONFUSION AMONG VOTERS AND MISLEADING THEM )T S A GOOD THING THE NUISANCE CANDIDATE PLOY lOPPED 4HE LEGITIMATE CANDIDATE IN :AMBOANGA DEL .ORTE EMERGED VICTORIOUS .EVERTHELESS THE FACT THAT SOME PLUS VOTERS VOTES WENT TO WASTE SHOULD PRICK THE SENSIBILITIES OF THE CONCERNED OFkCIALS IN #OMELEC WHICH FAILED TO ACT QUICKLY ENOUGH TO STOP THE NUISANCE CANDIDATE PLOY

FLIPSIDE ATTY. DODO DULAY

A6

Opinion

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

Et tu, Comelec? )

. THE PRIVATE SECTOR IF YOU CAN T DO YOUR JOB WELL YOU ARE kRED OR YOU RESIGN )T IS THAT EXACTING AND THE #%/ DOES NOT WAIT FOR SHAREHOLDERS TO INQUIRE )N THE CASE OF 0HILIPPINES )NC TAXPAYERS MONEY IS SPENT TO HAVE JUST A DAY OF PROBLEM FREE ELECTIONS 7HAT DO WE DO WITH #OMELEC THEN WHICH was given by Congress P10 billion OF PUBLIC FUNDS TO MANAGE A ONE DAY JOB EFkCIENTLY EFFECTIVELY AND AS TRANSPARENTLY AS POSSIBLE -IND YOU THE #OMELEC HAS THREE YEARS TO PREPARE FOR EVERY ELECTION CYCLE

but on Election Day it generally BUCKLES BIG TIMEÜ .O THIS COLUMN IS NOT ABOUT THE TEACHERS WHO WERE TAPPED TO DO THE %LECTION $AY JOB 4HEY PERFORMED WELL AND WE ARE THANKful for them because they are the saving grace of a badly managed ELECTION SYSTEM 4HE ENDEMIC PROBLEM IS NOT THEIRS )T LIES SOLELY WITH #OMELEC AND YES WITH #HAIRMAN 3HERIFF !BAS WHOSE TERM WILL EXPIRE ON &EB

AND a certain Commissioner Marlon #ASQUEJO NOT KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC BUT IS NO NEOPHYTE SINCE HE CAME FROM INSIDE THE INSTITUTION BEING the regional director of Comelec 2EGION !BAS WAS APPOINTED BY 0RESIDENT !QUINO RD IN !PRIL AND HAS HAD ONE EXPERIence running an election before

ZILCH MA. LOURDES TIQUIA THE MIDTERMS (E IS THE YOUNGEST THE kRST -INDANAOAN

first Muslim and first Comelec COMMISSIONER TO BE APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN #ASQUEJO HAS HAD EXPERIENCE IN RUNNING MANUAL elections twice and automated ELECTIONS TWO TIMES 5NFORTUNATELY THEY WERE NOWHERE TO BE SEEN IN THE RUN UP DURING THE ELECTION WITH 6#-S CONKING OUT AND 3$ CARDS NOT WORKING AND WORST DURing the seven-hour unbelievable delay in the transmission from the TRANSPARENCY SERVER TO THE +"0 MEDIA SERVERS AND THAT OF 00#26 (OW CAN VOTERS BELIEVE IN AND trust a system when the decisionMAKERS ARE NOWHERE TO BE FOUND WHEN THERE ARE PROBLEMS 9ES

Comelec is a collegial body and IT COULD HAVE PREVENTED THE CRISIS HAD IT BEEN ON HAND BEEN SEEN AND FELT BY VOTERS )T IS JUST TOO PREDICTABLE CYCLE after cycle there are glitches and it seems the Comelec has never learned from it considering these are the same glitches — from the BALLOT TO THE PEN MARKERS TO THE

SERVERS 3$ CARDS AND 6#-S AND IN THIS CYCLE THE SO CALLED gMARKED BALLOTS u !NY COMPUTER SYSTEM OPERATES ON THE PRINCIPLE OF ')'/ OR GARBAGE IN AND GARBAGE OUT (OW ABOUT IT #OMELEC 7HY DON T YOU CHECK BALLOTS PRINTED USING gMAGIC INKu THAT RESULTED IN THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF SPOILED BALLOTS 4HERE ARE REPORTS THAT AROUND MILLION VOTES FOR SENATORS WERE SPOILED DUE TO OVERVOTING "UT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL AND FOR A FEE MARKED BALLOTS WERE allegedly mixed with clean ones

BY BATCHES 7HO DECIDED TO SUBCONTRACT THE PRINTING OF BALLOTS 7HO WAS THE PRINTER 4HESE PROBLEMS ARE UNBELIEVable since the same things have HAPPENED EVERY ELECTION CYCLE since we embraced automation: 205 vote counting machines 6#-S MALFUNCTIONED DURING THE ELECTIONS IN AND IN 4HIS YEAR

6#-S AND 3$ CARDS SUFFERED gGLITCHESu DURING THE POLLS Remember the alleged source code alteration of VCMs in the NATIONAL ELECTIONS AND THE SUPPOSEDLY SUSPICIOUS NEW SCRIPT OR COMPUTER COMMAND TO THE #OMELEC S TRANSPARENCY SERVER DURing the transmission and counting OF ELECTION RETURNS IN 7HY CAN T WE HAVE A FOOLPROOF SYSTEM 4HESE ISSUES ARE PREVENTABLE IF

MANAGED PROPERLY 6#-S MUST have been subjected to stress tests FOR BALLOTS WHY WAS IT NOT DONE !ND SERIOUSLY 3$ CARDS NOT WORKING PROPERLY IS SO TRITE because the Comelec retrieved AND REPLACED SOME 3$ CARDS IN WITH NEWLY CONkGured cards just days before the ELECTIONS 7HY CAN T THE #OMELEC kX THE REPORTED 3$ CARDS THAT FAILED IN THIS ELECTION CYCLE ! COMMISSIONER HAD TO TWEET SAYING THAT 3$ CARDS WERE kXED SINCE NO INFORMATION WAS COMING OUT 7HAT HAPPENED TO THE BALANCE ! CASE IN POINT IS WHEN 3$S WERE NOT WORKING IN THE kRST DISTRICT OF /RIENTAL -INDORO AND THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION SUPERVISOR WAS SUGGESTing these SDs would have to be BROUGHT TO 3TA 2OSA ,AGUNA FOR REPLACEMENT 'EOGRAPHY TELLS YOU IT WOULD TAKE SIX HOURS TO TRAVEL BACK AND FORTH !NOTHER CASE IN POINT IS THE kRST DISTRICT OF :AMBOANGA DEL .ORTE AND THE CITY OF $APITAN 4HERE WERE 6#-S IN $APITAN #ITY WERE NOT WORKING BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE 3$S AND GUESS WHAT #OMELEC had to go to Zamboanga City to GET THE 3$ REPLACEMENTS BUT THEY WERE ONLY GIVEN 7HAT KIND OF CONTINGENCY PLANS WERE IN PLACE 4HE 0#/3 MACHINES WHICH

Why the Church did not oppose outright Marcos and Martial Law, 1972-1977

*

UST before dawn on 3EPT

ONE YEAR after President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial ,AW AN YEAR OLD SEMINARIAN NAMED !MADO Picardal was arrested on THE STREETS OF #EBU #ITY (E HAD ON HIM A STACK OF HAND PRINTED LEAFlets that denounced Martial Law and called ON PEOPLE TO RESIST -ARCOS NEW DICTATORIAL REGIME 0OLICE CAUGHT HIM PUTTING THE LEAlETS THROUGH LETTERBOXES ,ABELED AS A gSUBVERSIVEu BUT NOT FORMALLY CHARGED HE WAS THROWN INTO JAIL WHERE HE ENDURED BEATINGS SOLITARY CONkNEMENT INTERROGATIONS AND SEVERE TORTURE WHICH INCLUDED ELECTRIC SHOCKS /N HIS RELEASE SEVEN MONTHS LATER HIS MILITARY CAPTORS MADE HIM SIGN A PAPER THAT DENIED THE ABUSE HE SUFFERED g) SURVIVEDw) WAS FREE AT LAST u 0ICARDAL LATER WROTE g"UT ) WAS RELEASED TO A BIGGER PRISON 0HILIPPINE SOCIETY UNDER A DICTATORIAL RULE u 4HE DECLARATION OF -ARTIAL ,AW IN EFFECTIVELY DESTROYED INSTITUTIONAL OPPOSITION 0RESIDING OVER A MAJORITY #ATHOLIC POPULATION

THE #HURCH WAS THEN POISED TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT ORGANIZATION STILL ABLE TO CHALLENGE THE -ARCOS REGIME AND INlUENCE PUBLIC OPINION AT A GRASSROOTS LEVEL (OWEVER AS THE POLITICAL SCIENTIST 2OBERT , 9OUNGBLOOD OBSERVED THE Catholic Church was far from united in its OPPOSITION TOWARD -ARTIAL ,AW )N HE WROTE g)N THE ABSENCE OF FORMAL CHANNELS OF DISSENT #HURCH LIBERALS AND SOCIAL ACTIVISTS WILL CONTINUE TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST MARTIAL LAW ON PRINCIPLE AS WELL AS AGAINST SPECIkC EXCESSES OF THE GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY 9ET EXCEPT ON SPECIkC ISSUES THAT SOMEHOW TOUCH ON #HURCH NERVES IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THE #ATHOLIC HIERARCHY WILL UNITE AGAINST THE REGIME u 4HE TWO KEY ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE #HURCH THAT ARE ABLE TO TAKE A POWERFUL AND MEANINGFUL STAND ON SOCIAL ISSUES ARE THE !SSOCIATION OF -AJOR 2ELIGIOUS 3UPERIORS IN THE 0HILIPPINES !-230 AND THE #ATHOLIC "ISHOPS #ONFERENCE OF THE 0HILIPPINES #"#0 )N THE EARLY YEARS OF -ARTIAL ,AW THE !-230 REPRESENTED

PRIESTS AND NUNS 4HE MEMBERSHIP WAS

YOUNG MORE INCLINED TO SOCIAL ACTION AND POLITICALLY OUTSPOKEN 0ICARDAL WHO LATER TOOK HIS VOWS INTO THE PRIESTHOOD

was one of a growing number of Church activists and RELIGIOUS DISSIDENTS PRIESTS

NUNS AND FOREIGN MISSIONARIES WHO WERE MORE VOCAL IN CRITICIZING GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND MARTIAL LAW ABUSES ,ARGELY INVOLVED IN SOCIAL ACTION PROGRAMS AMONG COMMUNITIES AND TO A DEGREE INlUENCED BY LEFTIST ,ATIN !MERICAN LIBERATION THEOLOGY THESE MEN AND WOMEN WORKED ON THE FRONTLINE

SUPPORTING THE STRUGGLES AND RIGHTS OF THE POOR URBAN SQUATTERS WORKERS PEASANTS AND POLITICAL PRISONERS )T WAS THEY WHO SUFFERED THE MOST IN GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWNS THAT INCLUDED DISAPPEARANCES ARBITRARY JAILINGS

TORTURE AND DEPORTATIONS 4HE #"#0 CONSTITUTED BISHOPS 7ITHIN THEM ACCORDING TO 9OUNGBLOOD THERE COULD be ascertained three distinct ideological diviSIONS 4HE CONSERVATIVE GROUP OF AROUND BISHOPS LED BY #ARDINAL 2OSALES WAS THE MOST SUPPORTIVE OF THE REGIME S TOUTED @.EW 3OCIETY )F THEY OPPOSED -ARCOS FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM AND THE LEGALIZATION OF DIVORCE

they broadly agreed with the President about the threat of communist subversion and REBELLION AND HIS -ARTIAL ,AW POLICIES AND REFORMS TO DO WITH LAW ORDER CURBING CORRUPTION AND INEFkCIENCY IN GOVERNMENT #ONservatives controlled the CBCP and its executive BOARD HENCE CRUCIALLY HAD THE POWER TO DICTATE #HURCH POLICY )N GENERAL THAT POLICY FAVORED THE GOVERNMENT OPPOSED THE RADICALIZATION OF YOUNGER CLERGY ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT APPEARED TO BE COMMUNIST LEANING AND ADOPTED A gWAIT AND SEEu ATTITUDE -ODERATES COMPOSED THE SECOND GROUP 7HILE THEY COULD AND DID ATTACK SPECIFIC INJUSTICES PARTICULARLY THE SUPPRESSION OF CIVIL LIBERTIES AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

THESE BISHOPS STUDIOUSLY REFRAINED FROM CRITICIZING -ARTIAL ,AW ,IKE THEIR CONSERVATIVE COUNTERPARTS THEY WERE CAUTIOUS FENCE SITTERS

PREFERRING TO PLEDGE PRAYER RATHER THAN SOCIAL ACTION AND BOYCOTTS 4HEY WERE LED BY THEN

THE LONG VIEW

RACHEL A.G. REYES

#ARDINAL *AIME 3IN OF -ANILA WHO CALLED THIS POSITION gCRITICAL COLLABORATION u 4HE THIRD GROUP CONSTITUTED THE LIBERAL AND RADICALIZED ELEMENTS OF THE #"#0 ,ED BY "ISHOP #LAVER THESE MEN WERE QUICK TO VOICE their concern over the loss of fundamental RIGHTS AND INCREASING REPRESSION #LAVER AND other liberal clerics were swift to act against ARRESTS MILITARY RAIDS ON #HURCH INSTITUTIONS AND THE PADLOCKING OF CHURCH DOORS AND THE closure of Church-run radio stations and OTHER MEDIA CRITICAL OF THE GOVERNMENT "Y THE MID S LIBERALS WERE GAINING SUPPORT from their moderate colleagues angered by THE SERIES OF BRUTAL CRACKDOWNS )N

Marcos issued a deadly list in which 155 clerICS INCLUDING FOUR BISHOPS WERE NAMED AND ORDERED ARRESTED %VEN THOSE PRO GOVERNMENT conservative clergy were moved to sign a STRONGLY WORDED PASTORAL LETTER CONDEMNING GOVERNMENT ACTIONS &ROM TO AN ESTIMATED

TO POLITICAL PRISONERS WERE ILLEGALLY DETAINED "Y LATE OVER CLERGY HAD BEEN ACCUSED OF SUBVERSION AND ARRESTED )F CONTINUing human rights violations went some way toWARD UNIFYING THE #HURCH HIERARCHY IDEOLOGICAL CLEAVAGES COULD ALSO BITTERLY DIVIDE CONSERVATIVE

MODERATE AND LIBERAL CLERGY $URING THESE EARLY YEARS OF -ARTIAL ,AW -ARCOS AND HIS GOVERNMENT WERE ADEPT AT EXPLOITING EXACERBATING AND REINFORCING THESE DIVISIONS PULLING BACK WHEN necessary to avoid confrontational showdowns WITH THE #ATHOLIC #HURCH )T WOULD TAKE ABOUT A decade and over a thousand murdered victims OF -ARTIAL ,AW BEFORE THE #HURCH HIERARCHY WOULD ACT AS ONE !T THIS POINT IN TIME IT WOULD NOT BE EASY TO ASSESS THE EXTENT OF #HURCH OPPOSITION TO THE $UTERTE GOVERNMENT /NE COULD START WITH A FEW BARE HARD FACTS THE 0RESIDENT HAS MADE THE #HURCH A TARGET OF EXTREME VERBAL ABUSE (E HAS PUBLICLY VILIkED CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL BISHOPS ! HANDFUL OF PRIESTS HAVE RECEIVED SERIOUS DEATH THREATS 4HREE PRIESTS HAVE BEEN ASSASSINATED !ND AT LEAST ONE &R !MADO 0ICARDAL IS IN HIDING

RACHELAGREYES GMAIL COM

Q CONTRERAS FROM A4

Swept out and out of touch CLASSES AND THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS SHOWED THIS 4HE OPPOSITION COALITION GARNERED HIGH SUPPORT FROM AMONG THE VOTERS IN THE EXCLUSIVE AND GATED COMMUNITIES OF -ETRO -ANILA "AM !QUINO TOPPED THE ELECTIONS IN POSH VILLAGES

WHICH INCLUDED 'REENHILLS &ORBES 0ARK "EL !IR

!YALA !LABANG 5RDANETA 6ILLAGE $ASMARIÄAS 6ILLAGE 7HITE 0LAINS 3AN ,ORENZO -AGALLANES

#ORINTHIAN AND 'REEN -EADOWS #HEL $IOKNO WAS SECOND IN ALL OF THESE EXCEPT FOR &ORBES 0ARK

Urdaneta Village and Dasmariñas Village where INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE 'RACE 0OE PLACED SECOND !LL THE OTHER /TSO $IRETSO CANDIDATES ALSO LANDED IN THE TOP IN THESE GATED ENCLAVES OF THE RICH )N CONTRAST THE /TSO $IRETSO SLATE WAS OVERWHELMINGLY REJECTED BY THE OVERSEAS &ILIPINO WORKERS DENYING ALL OF THEM A SPOT AMONG THE TOP WINNERS 2ESULTS OF THE /VERSEAS !BSENTEE 6OTING /!6 IN THE -IDDLE %AST (ONG +ONG

#HINA AND OTHER PLACES REVEAL A STRONG PREFERENCE FOR PRO ADMINISTRATION CANDIDATES *IGGY -ANICAD

and even candidates not in the PDP-Laban and (UGPONG NG 0AGBABAGO SLATES SUCH AS 7ILLIE /NG

'LENN #HONG AND ,ARRY 'ADON RANKED HIGHER THAN ANY OF THE /TSO $IRETSO CANDIDATES These results are writings on the wall which the POLITICAL OPPOSITION MUST CAREFULLY READ RElECT ON AND LEARN FROM 0RESIDENT $UTERTE S POPULARITY RUBBED OFF ON HIS CANDIDATES SIMPLY BECAUSE HE embodied the frustrations and resentments of a BIG MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE AGAINST ELITE RULE AND ELITIST WORLDVIEWS )F THE OPPOSITION STILL WANTS TO HAVE A PLACE IN THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE ITS MEMbers and followers should begin to reimagine themselves so that they can offer constructive ALTERNATIVES TO WHICH ORDINARY PEOPLES CAN RELATE (OWEVER INITIAL REACTIONS COMING FROM THE OPPOSITION RANKS APPEAR TO SHOW THAT THEY HAVEN T LEARNED AT ALL 4HEY ONCE AGAIN TAKE THE PATH THAT CAN ONLY SPELL DOOM THE SAME WAY THEY WERE NEARLY SWEPT AWAY IN THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS )NSTEAD OF TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE VOTED FOR

PRO ADMINISTRATION CANDIDATES OPPOSITION kGURES AND SUPPORTERS TAKE ON THE MORE DESTRUCTIVE PATH OF LOOKING DOWN AT THESE VOTERS BY CALLING THEM gBOBOTANTES u )NSTEAD OF ASSESSING WHY THE REST OF THE COUNTRY REJECTED THEM THEY WANT TO LEAVE AND MIGRATE %VEN IF THESE ARE JUST EXPRESSIONS MADE IN THE HEAT OF DESPAIR AND FRUSTRATION THEY DO NOT SIT WELL WITH THE PEOPLE MANY OF WHOM

LIKE THE /&7S LEAVE TO HELP THE COUNTRY NOT TO ABANDON IT )NSTEAD OF TRYING TO ASSESS THEIR WEAKNESSES

AND WHAT WENT WRONG WITH THEIR STRATEGY THE POLITICAL OPPOSITION NOW CRY FRAUD WITHOUT PROVIDING ANY EVIDENCE 4HESE ARE THE SAME PEOPLE WHO IN DEFENDED WITH VIGOR THE AUTOMATED ELECTION SYSTEM AS TAMPER PROOF 4HIS ANGERS THE ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO CAN SEE THROUGH THEIR HYPOCRISY OF NOT CRYING FRAUD WHEN IT WAS A -ARCOS WHO LOST BUT NOW DO SO BECAUSE AN !QUINO AND THE REST OF THEIR PREFERRED CANDIDATES ARE THE ONES LOSING

WERE kRST USED IN THE POLLS

WERE FOUND TO HAVE PROBLEMS when they were reused in the ELECTIONS AS REPORTED BY THE #OMELEC !DVISORY #OUNCIL 4HE SAME PROBLEMS SEEN IN THE elections were also encountered in !ND WE CONTINUALLY WONDER why the Comelec has not done MUCH TO MAKE IT A BETTER EXPERIENCE FOR VOTERS TODAY )N ITS POST ELECTION REPORT THE #OMELEC COUNCIL SAID g4HERE WERE AT LEAST kVE TYPES OF MACHINE MALFUNCTIONS CLASSIkED AS FOLLOWS A 4HE MACHINES FAILED TO INITIALIZE B 3OME MACHINES STARTED WELL BUT STOPPED FUNCtioning after a few ballots were FED INTO IT C 0APER JAMMING D 4HE BACK UP MEMORY CARDS SIMPLY DID NOT WORK AND E 4HE MACHINES REJECTED THE BALLOTS FED u 0#/3 AND 6#-S ARE ONE AND THE SAME )N THE #OMELEC RENAMED THE 0#/3 AND OPTICAL MARK READER MACHINES CALLING THEM gVOTE COUNTING MACHINES u OR 6#-S AS THE PREVIOUS NAMES EARNED THE NICKNAMES g(OCUS 0#/3 u AMONG OTHERS /NLY

6#-S WERE USED IN AS COMPARED TO THE 6#-S IN DESPITE THE INCREASE OF MILLION VOTERS )T IS ELEMENTARY IF THE 3$ CARD DOES NOT WORK THE 6#- WILL MAL-

FUNCTION )F THE 6#- DID NOT UNDERGO STRESS TESTING EVEN THE kNAL TESTING AND SEALING WON T DETECT IT )F 6#- MALFUNCTIONS TRANSMISSION WILL BE COMPROMISED 3IMPLE

RIGHT "UT IT SEEMS IT IS NOT THAT SIMPLE FOR #OMELEC )N THIS CYCLE

#OMELEC HANDLED END TO END

with Smartmatic limited to techniCAL ASSISTANCE )N AND

IT WAS 3MARTMATIC END TO END "Y

3MARTMATIC WAS LIMITED TO TRANSMISSION 4ODAY WE SAW VOTER RECEIPTS WERE MADE WHERE VOTERS COULD CHECK IF THE MACHINE READ THE BALLOT CORRECTLY 4HERE WERE NO RECEIPTS IN AND 4HIS WAS A GOOD DEVELOPMENT BUT the feature was overshadowed by LONG LINES NONFUNCTIONING 6263

and disenfranchisement of voters BECAUSE OF SPOILED BALLOTS )N THE END LOCAL CANDIDATES AND voters want to have a hybrid system FOR ,ET THE !%3 CONTINUE with more safeguards as mandated

BY LAW FROM ULTRAVIOLET LIGHTS

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES ETC BUT ALLOW A MANUAL PRECINCT COUNT AND A DETERMINATION OF IMPROBABILITIES WHEN THERE ARE MORE SPOILED BALLOTS PER CLUSTERED PRECINCT /NCE WE STOP GAMING OUR ELECTIONS WE START RESPECTING THE MANDATE FREELY GIVEN AND DEMOCRACY becomes the stabilizing force for THE 2EPUBLIC

Hong Kong: China demands right to extradite

S

).#% LAST SUMMER (ONG +ONG has worried that it might be caught in the crossfire of the US-China trade WAR 4HAT WORRY HAS RECEDED "UT ANOTHER ISSUE MUCH MORE FRAUGHT HAS EMERGED AND REKINDLED THE FEAR OF communism embedded in the hearts OF (ONG +ONG S PEOPLE )N LATE -ARCH THE (ONG +ONG government announced its intention to amend the law on extradition and mutual legal assistance to enable it to SEND PEOPLE WANTED BY "EIJING TO BE TRIED ON THE MAINLAND 4HIS CAME AS A SHOCK (ONG +ONG HAS NEVER SENT FUGITIVES TO THE MAINLAND WHERE LEGAL PROCEDURES ARE NOT ALWAYS ADHERED TO AND WHERE SUSPECTS HAVE BEEN FORCED TO CONFESS ON TELEVISION BEFORE A TRIAL %VEN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

WHICH USUALLY SUPPORTS THE GOVERNMENT OBJECTED TO THE PROPOSAL 3OME PRO ESTABLISHMENT LEGISLATORS also questioned the need for such LEGISLATION 0RO DEMOCRACY LEGISLATORS ATTEMPTED TO DELAY SCRUTINY OF THE BILL

LEADING TO kST kGHTS IN THE LEGISLATURE )N A YEAR AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE (ONG +ONG 3PECIAL !DMINISTRATIVE 2EGION THE GOVERNMENT S Security Bureau informed the legislaTURE THAT IT WAS gAIMING AT WORKING OUT an arrangement” for rendition and HAD gSTARTED EXPLORATORY DISCUSSIONS with the relevant Mainland authoriTIES u .O AGREEMENT WAS EVER REACHED 4HE PROXIMATE CAUSE FOR THE CURRENT extradition bill was the murder in 4AIWAN OF A (ONG +ONG WOMAN (ER boyfriend confessed under questionING IN (ONG +ONG (E WAS CONVICTED of related money-laundering charges AND IS NOW SERVING A MONTH TERM The bill was designed to enable (ONG +ONG TO RETURN HIM TO 4AIWAN TO FACE MURDER CHARGES But Taiwan has said it will not acCEPT THE SUSPECT IF ITS OWN NATIONALS may be subject to extradition to the mainland under the new extradition LAW 4HE NEED FOR SUCH CONTROVERSIAL legislation has been questioned by THE 5NITED 3TATES "RITAIN AND THE %UROPEAN 5NION 3OME OPPONENTS OF THE BILL LED by former Democratic Party chairMAN -ARTIN ,EE lEW TO THE 53 TO SEEK SUPPORT /N 7EDNESDAY THE day before Chinese Vice Premier Liu (E S ARRIVAL IN 7ASHINGTON FOR TRADE TALKS THE DELEGATION TESTIkED BEFORE A BIPARTISAN COMMISSION AND ASKED FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO HELP STOP THE EXTRADITION BILL )N SUCCEEDING DAYS IT MET WITH 3ECRETARY OF 3TATE -IKE 0OMPEO AND .ANCY 0ELOSI 3PEAKER OF THE (OUSE 4HE delegation obtained endorsements FROM SEVERAL KEY CONGRESSMEN AS WELL AS 0OMPEO 4HE 3TATE $EPARTMENT

REPORTED g3ECRETARY 0OMPEO EXPRESSED concern about the (ONG +ONG GOVERNMENT S PROPOSED FRANK amendments to the CHING &UGITIVE /RDINANCE LAW WHICH THREATEN (ONG +ONG S RULE OF LAW u 4HESE REMARKS ANGERED "EIJING /N &RIDAY 7ANG :HIMIN #HINA S CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE IN (ONG +ONG SUMMONED MEMBERS OF THE PARTY FAITHFUL MOSTLY DEPUTIES TO #HINA S .ATIONAL 0EOPLE S #ONGRESS AND THE ADVISORY #HINESE 0EOPLE S 0OLITICAL #ONSULTATIVE #ONFERENCE TO HEAR HIM DELIVER A BRUTAL ATTACK ON FOREIGN CRITICS OF THE EXTRADITION PROPOSAL !CCORDING TO SOME PEOPLE PRESENT 7ANG SINGLED OUT 0OMPEO AND +URT 4ONG

THE 53 CONSUL GENERAL IN HIS ATTACK !LTHOUGH THE SCREED WAS DELIVERED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS IT WAS CLEARLY MEANT FOR A WIDER AUDIENCE )MMEDIATELY AFTERWARD 4AM 9IU CHUNG

THE ONLY (ONG +ONG MEMBER OF THE 3TANDING #OMMITTEE OF THE .0# GAVE the media a detailed account of what 7ANG HAD SAID Tam said Wang defended his almost TWO HOUR LONG REMARKS BY SAYING THAT SINCE FOREIGNERS HAD BEEN EXPRESSING VIEWS ON THE EXTRADITION PROPOSALS

the central government should have THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS ITS VIEWS AS WELL !CCORDING TO THOSE PRESENT 7ANG HAD SAID THAT IF #HINA COULDN T PUT ITS own citizens on trial within its own BORDERS IT WOULD BE TANTAMOUNT TO GIVING (ONG +ONG EXTRATERRITORIALITY 7ANG S OUTBURST HAS RENDERED IMPOSSIBLE ANY OBJECTIVE DISCUSSION OF THE EXTRADITION BILL (E SAID THAT IT HAD TO BE PASSED AS IS WITHOUT ANY CHANGE OR AMENDMENTS AND WOULD BE RETROACTIVE (E REJECTED ALL SUGGESTIONS SUCH AS NOT EXTRADITING (ONG +ONG RESIDENTS TO THE MAINLAND OR HOLDING TRIALS IN (ONG +ONG OF THOSE SUSPECTED TO HAVE COMMITTED OFFENSES ON THE MAINLAND 4HAT MAKES ANY SCRUTINY OF THE BILL

BY THE LEGISLATURE SUPERlUOUS *AMES 4IEN FOUNDER OF THE ,IBERAL 0ARTY

SAID THAT AS A RESULT OF 7ANG S SPEECH gTHE PRO ESTABLISHMENT CAMP WILL ALL FALL IN AND SUPPORT IT u 4HUS THE BILL WILL NOW BE EASILY PASSED BECAUSE gIT has become a mandatory mission” FROM "EIJING 4HIS IS EXTREMELY UNFORTUNATE #HIEF Executive Carrie Lam had said that the bill was her idea and not a directive FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT .OW

Beijing has made it her mission and that of everyone else who wants to BE SEEN AS PATRIOTIC )RONICALLY THIS means that her autonomy has been UNDERMINED EVEN WHILE "EIJING WAS OSTENSIBLY VOICING ITS SUPPORT FOR HER

&RANK CHING GMAIL COM 4WITTER &RANK#HING

Regions

˜ The Manila Times

www.manilatimes.net

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

A7

HnP loses key posts in Davao Region While old names rule Caraga

T

BY REGIONS REPORTORIAL TEAM

HE homegrown Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP) may have succeeded in delivering the votes for its 12 Senate candidates in the Davao Region, but it suffered stinging defeats in Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur for the gubernatorial and congressional races in the midterm polls.

Meanwhile, old names continue to dominate the political landscape in the Caraga Region as most have secured their positions in major elective posts.

Results obtained from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) revealed that Davao region voted straight for the HnP’s 12 senatorial candidates — Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Pilar Juliana “Pia” Cayetano, Cynthia Villar, Francis Tolentino, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel 3rd, Zajid “Dong” Mangudadatu, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jose “Jing-

goy” Estrada Jr. The HnP’s congressional and gubernatorial candidates also took Davao City and the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental and Compostela Valley by storm, but had to endure painful defeats in the congressional and gubernatorial races in Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur. In Davao City, HnP founder Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio led her siblings Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who ran unopposed as vice mayor, and Paolo Duterte, as representative of the first district, to victory, along with their allies Vincent Garcia as representative in the Second District, and Isidro Ungab in the Third District.

In Davao Oriental, HnP bets Nelson Dayanghirang and Nino Sotero Uy Jr. also run unopposed for governor and vice governor.

Rep. Corazon Malanyaon of the Nationalista Party retained HER POST IN THE kRST DISTRICT WHILE Rep. Josel Almario was reelected in the second district.

It was a breeze for the HnP in Compostela Valley province, with Gov. Tyron Uy and vice gubernatorial bet Maricar Zamora running unopposed.

In the congressional race, HnP candidate Way Kurat Zamora won alongside reelectionist Ruwel Peter Gonzaga.

The party also breezed through Davao Occidental with Gov. Claude Bautista and vice governor bet Franklin Bautista running unopposed. Their elder sister Lorna Bautista Bandigan was elected representative in the lone congressional district.

But, the HnP stumbled and had to face defeat in Davao del Norte when congressional candidates Antonio Floirendo Jr. (Second District) and Antony del Rosario (First District) lost by wide margins to Allan Dujali and Pantaleon Alvarez, re spectively.

The biggest surprise came in the gubernatorial contest when virtual neophyte Edwin Jubahib dealt board member Rodney del Rosario a stinging defeat.

For vice governor, Rey Uy handily won against HnP’s Ray Millan.

In Tagum City, Mayor Allan Rellon won by a mile over challenger Geterito Gementiza.

In nearby Davao del Sur, the Cagas family also breezed through the elections with Gov. Douglas Cagas retaining his post by trouncing HnP challenger Joseph Peñas; and Marc Douglas Cagas elected as vice governor. Rep. Mercedes Cagas won another term as the lone district representative.

Josef Cagas, the governor’s nephew, won as Digos City mayor in a convincing fashion.

Local Comelec spokesman Krisna Caballero said despite the inclement weather, poor internet connection and technical glitzes, the POLL BODY WAS ABLE TO kNISH MOST of the canvassing within 24 hours.

Old names prevail In Surigao del Sur, the Pimentel and Pichay families emerged victorious, defeating their opponents with wide margins.

Alexander Pimentel, incumbent

mayor of Tandag City was leading other gubernatorial candidates in Surigao del Sur with 202,072 votes; his strongest rival, Jose Dumagan Jr. only garnered 56,969 votes.

His older brother, Johnny Pimentel, kept his post as Second District representative.

Alexander’s wife, Roxanne Pimentel, will be Tandag City’s incoming mayor; she defeated Rosario Ninfa Dumagan.

In the First District of Surigao del Sur, incumbent Rep. Prospero Pichay was the runaway winner. His wife, Carla Pichay, also led the mayoral races in Cantilan town over Pichay’s elder brother, Philip.

In Surigao del Norte, the Matugas family continues to dominate various political positions, with their patriarch, Francisco “Lalo” Matugas leading the gubernatorial race against closest rival Lyndon Barbers.

His son, reelectionist First District Rep. Bingo Matugas, was also leading against Mamer Galanida.

Only incumbent Gov. Sol Matugas lost her bid as Second District representative to Rep. Ace Barbers.

Estong Matugas was electe d m ayo r o f S u r i g a o C i t y, while his father, incumbent Mayor Nitoy Matugas, was leading the vice mayoral race.

Meanwhile, in Agusan del Norte, incumbent Gov. Angel Amante defeated his brother Erlpe John Amante in the race for the Second District.

In Agusan del Sur, incumbent Gov. Eddiebong Plaza won by a landslide over Dodge Corro.

In Dinagat Island, Alan 1 Ecleo of the Ecleo clan secured the seat of the lone congressional district by a slim margin.

But incumbent Rep. Kaka Bag-ao won as governor over her closest rival, Benglen Ecleo.

Basilan’s Hataman, wife win Former governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was proclaimed as representative of Basilan’s lone congressional district; his wife, Sitti Dajala Turabin Hataman, is the new mayor of the capital city of Isabela.

Hataman defeated reelectionist Omar Akbar, while Sitti, former representative of Anak Mindanao party-list, triumphed over Isabela Vice Mayor Cherrylyn Santos Akbar who ran as mayor.

JIMMY K. LAKING, ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ AND ANTONIO P. RIMANDO

Marawi IDPs back to homes by July – TF CITIZENS of the most affected area of Marawi City would be able to return to their homes by July, Task Force Bangon Marawi Chairman Eduardo del Rosario said on Monday. )N A MEDIA BRIEkNG DEL 2OSARIO SAID this would be so as long as the citizens secure a building and repair permit for their houses from the city government.

He said the government had cleared 90 percent of the area of unexploded ordnances.

Some 5,000 explosive devices were cleared from the area, but he said there were still 49 remaining general purpose bombs to be cleared.

After clearing the city from the debris, the rehabilitation of the 24 projects inside the most affected area would commence, del Rosario said.

While these were all ongoing, the government was building temporarily shelters for internally displaced persons (IDP,) he added.

Del Rosario reiterated the rehabilitation

WAS ON TRACK TO BE kNISHED BY THE END OF 2021, as scheduled.

He said the government has secured P15 billion from the 2019 BUDGET 0 BILLION FROM /FkCIAL Development Assistance and P5 billion from grants.

Del Rosario also assured Marawi citizen that there would be no repeat of the siege in 2017 if they cooperate with authorities.

“It will not happen if the general populace will support the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police by providing information relevant in neutralizing the presence of the terrorists,” del Rosario said.

According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, some 353,921 individuals, or 77,179 families, were displaced from Marawi City and neighboring municiPALITIES AFTER THE kVE MONTH -ARAWI SIEGE between the government and extremist Maute group.

RALPH EDWIN U. VILLANUEVA

NORTH-SOUTH COMMUTER RAILWAY

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade (third from right) and Keiji Hirano (third from left), executive officer of Taisei Corp., lead the contract signing for the start of the civil works for the Tutuban-Malolos segment of the North-South Commuter Railway project. The project, under the PNR Clark Phase 1, is part of a 37.6-kilometer mass railway system to construct six stations in Solis, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Meycauayan, Marilao and Bocaue towns in Bulacan. PHOTO BY FREDERICK SILVERIO

NBI closes 5 Peryahan ng Bayan in Negros Occidental BACOLOD CITY: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) closed down five branches of the Peryahan ng Bayan in Negros Occidental on Sunday over allegations of illegal gambling.

NBI-Bacolod chief Renoit Baldovino, said the clamping down operations were conducted after a search warrant was issued against the Peryahan ng Bayan branches in the towns of Murcia, E.B. Magalona, Hinigaran, and the cities of Himamaylan and Victorias.

A total of 36 collectors and staff were arrested during the operations.

Baldovino said that in 2014 the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) issued a deed of authority to a certain company to operate Peryahan or a locally based amusement games in the province.

However, the deed of authority expired in 2016, and the Peryahan ng Bayan allegedly continue to operate without renewing its contract with the PCSO, Baldovino added.

The 36 arrested individuals face charges for violating Republic Act 9287 or the Act to Increase Penalties Against illegal Numbers Game.

EUGENE Y. ADIONG

Plane debris found; pilot, student missing THE wreckage of a trainer aircraft that was reported missing after takeoff at the San Jose Airport last Friday has been found as the wife of its pilot asked for prayers for his rescue.

Eric Apolonio, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesman, said on Monday that the search and rescue team spotted six pieces of debris from the Beechcraft Baron 55 (BE55) and a bag with the name of the pilot-incommand, Capt. Jose Nelson Yapparcon,

at 12:06 p.m. in Mindoro Strait.

But “the whereabouts of Captain Yapparcon and the student pilot, Saudi national Abdullah Alsharif was still ascertained as of now,” the CAAP added.

It said the plane’s last known position was at “16NM (nautical miles) south of San Jose as reviewed on the radar blip.”

Lyn Garces-Yapparcon, asked for pra yers for her husband who, along with Alsharif, was still the subject of search

Nationinbriefs

Cristoffer was then towed to the Sta Ana Wharf and the boat captain was advised to file a marine protest regarding the incident. RAFFY AYENG

HUMID WEATHER PREVAILS

EX-LAGUNA TOWN TRAFFIC ENFORCER KILLED IN DRUG BUST

GENERALLY hot and humid weather conditions will prevail in the country this week with chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, said the state-run weather bureau on Monday. It added that the low pressure area in the country’s northeastern boundary was expected to move eastward outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. But enhanced southwesterly surface wind flow would bring cloudy skies and scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms over Palawan and some parts of the country, including Metro Manila. The rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

JAIME R. PILAPIL

PCG SAVES 50 FROM SUNKEN BANCA IN DAVAO MEMBERS of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stationed in Davao rescued on Sunday 45 passengers and five crew members of a motorbanca that sunk 150 meters away from Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City. A report reaching PCG headquarters in Manila said the motorbanca Sam Cristoffer was enroute to Coral Garden in Samal Island for the first leg of an island hopping tour when it sunk at about 2:30 p.m. The report said that while maneuvering and backing up, the motorized boat accidentally caught the mooring lines under water causing it to forcibly squat while maneuvering forward. The rear of the banca was damaged causing the water to sip in. The team, with rescuers from Central 911, Regional Maritime Unit (RMU)-11, Task Force Davao, Barangay 19 And Barangay Lapu-Lapu of Davao City, assisted in search and rescue operations. The MedicalSEM, Davao Fire Fighter Rescue Services and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-11 lined up at Sta. Ana Pier and assisted the rescued passengers and crew. The Sam

KAMPO HENERAL Paciano Rizal, Laguna: The former head of the Siniloan traffic enforcers was killed in an anti-illegal drugs operation on Sunday night. Laguna Police Provincial Director Col. Eleazar Matta, said Leodigario Recide alias Odec, of Siniloan, Laguna was collared in his rented unit at Babaan Apartment, 2nd Street, Jubilee Subdivision, Barangay Sampaloc, Pagsanjan, Laguna by agents of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Pagsanjan Police and PDEA 4A. Matta said when the suspect sensed that he was transacting with a police poseur-buyer, he fired upon the police officer, trigerring a firefight. The suspect died instantly from gunshot wounds in the body. Recovered from him was a sachet of shabu and a caliber .45 pistol. An informant said Recide was involved in the illegal drug trade in the Fourth District of Laguna and disposes of at least 50 grams of shabu weekly in Siniloan and Pagsanjan.

Prior to the incident, he was arrested for violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act, and the Dangerous Drugs Act in the towns of Siniloan and Mabitac. He was on probation.

ROSELLE R. AQUINO

APAYAO TOWN OFFICER GUNNED DOWN FLORA, Apayao: Catherine Ortega, human resource management officer of the municipal government here, died after she was shot by unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle while walking along Camia Street, Poblacion East. Bystanders rushed Ortega to the Flora district hospital but she was declared dead on arrival from multiple gunshot wounds in her body. Recovered from the crime scene were multiple spent shells of a caliber .45 pistol. Investigators were still trying to determine the motive for the killing.

DEXTER A. SEE

and rescue operations by the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Coast Guard and the Orient Flying School in Pasay City.

CAAP’s aircraft accident investigation and inquiry board was immediately dispatched to the area to investigate the incident what happened at 8:30 a.m., 16 nautical miles away from the nearest town.

BENJIE L. VERGARA AND NIKKI DELOS REYES

A8

News

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

THOSE BEHIND TRAIN COLLISION TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE – PALACE THE government will hold accountable those responsible for the collision of two trains of the Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT 2) that hurt 34 people, Malacaùang assured the public on Monday.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte was “concerned� about the incident.

“The President is concerned; that’s why he’s waiting for the result of the investigation, the whys and the wherefores of the accident,� Panelo told reporters. g4HE MANAGEMENT OF THAT OUTkT HAS already apologized to the public and is conducting an investigation on that matter. So we will be waiting for the report.

The President will be waiting for a report of the incident,� he added.

At least 30 passengers and four LRT 2 personnel were hurt and rushed to various hospitals after the two coaches collided in the area between Cubao and Anonas stations in Quezon City on Saturday night.

In a joint statement, the Department of

Transportation (DoTr) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) apologized for what they called an “isolated incident.�

LRTA Administrator Reynaldo Berroya ordered the creation of a fact-finding committee to determine the cause of the accident.

Both agencies assured riders that the rail

transport system remained a “safe mode of public transportation.� “The DOTr and LRTA assure the public that we are taking this incident very seriously, and are exerting all efforts to prevent this kind of incident from happening again,� they said in a statement.

CATHERINE S. VALENTE

Groups block Cardema House bid

BY CATHERINE A. MODESTO

E

LECTION watchdog Kontra Daya and youth group leaders blocked the petition of former National Youth Commission chairman Ronald Cardema to be a substitute nominee of Duterte Youth party-list, saying he is not qualified to represent the youth sector because of his age.

Danilo Arao, convenor of Kontra Daya; Raoul Danniel Manuel, national spokesman of National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP); Paula Sabrine Janer, secretary general of College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP);

Raainah Punzalan, convenor of 9OUTH !CT .OW !GAINST 4YRANNY Ivy Joy Taroma, student regent of the University of the Philippines; and Calvin Pierre James Almazan, chairman of Tindig-University of 3ANTO 4OMAS kLED AN OPPOSITION

to Cardema’s petition to replace his wife, Ducielle Marie Suarez, AS kRST NOMINEE OF $UTERTE 9OUTH The groups argued that Cardema does not meet the requirements to be a youth sector nominee.

The Party-list System Act provides that nominees should at least be 25 years old but not more than 30 years old on the day of the election. #ARDEMA ON HIS OFkCIAL &ACEbook, listed April 13, 1986 as his birthday, making him 33 years old on election day.

The youth organizations also said Cardema violated

election laws. #ARDEMA S kLING OF PETITION TO be his wife’s substitute was said to have been simultaneous with the submission of notices of withDRAWAL OF ALL THE kVE NOMINEES OF $UTERTE 9OUTH A MOVE THAT THE opposing groups questioned. “It is no coincidence that the kRST AND LAST NOMINEES OF $UTERTE 9OUTH ARE RELATED TO #ARDEMA 4HE third nominee is a relative. All this was intended to make the withdrawal easier,� they said. !N OFkCIAL OF THE #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS SAID POLL OFkCIALS WERE studying Cardema’s case. &RANCES !RABE THE #OMELEC S Education and Information De-

partment assistant director, said #ARDEMA WAS NOT DISQUALIkED YET Meanwhile, MalacaĂąang said it would look at possible legal moves against Cardema.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said Cardema did not inform the Palace that he would substitute for his wife.

Actor and former National 9OUTH #OMMISSION .9# COMmissioner at large Jose Sixto “Dingdong� Dantes 3rd also slammed Cardema.

In a series of tweets on Monday, Dantes said the democratic process was railroaded by Cardema. “Clearly, if the petition will be granted, parang (as if) na- rail-

road ang (the) democratic process of choosing the rightful representative,� Dantes tweeted. “I think we all agree that the young people should never ever be disenfranchised, especially in governance.

"UT WITH THE 9OUTH CHIEF GETTING into this? Teka (Wait).�

Dantes wondered why Cardema suddenly chose to become congressman. “Kung may balak siyang maging Congressman noong una pa lang, nararapat lang na nag resign siya bilang .9# CHAIRMAN u )F he had plans to become a congressman, he should have resigned as the .9# CHAIRMAN HE TWEETED WITH ARIC JOHN SY CUA

Time to unite – new Pasig mayor

NO TOBACCO PLEASE

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian attends the start of the observance of World No Tobacco Day, whose theme this year is ‘Tobacco and Lung Health.’ PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

PASIG City Mayor-elect Vico Sotto has called on the city to set aside politics and unite. /N A &ACEBOOK POST ON 3UNday night, Sotto said uniting was for the progress and development of Pasig City. “Tama na muna ang ‘panahon ng pulitika’ (Time to set aside all politics first),� Sotto wrote. “Malinaw ang tinig ng taumbayan para sa pagbabago, at panahon na upang magkaisa tayo para sa ikauunlad ng ating Lungsod. (The people’s call for change is clear and it is time for us to unite for the progress of our city),� Sotto said.

He had called on his supporters to keep watch for a smooth transition and to support the city’s programs. “‘Wag nating kalimutan na sa July 1 pa magsisimula ang bagong term; kaya patuloy nating igalang ang awtoridad ng kasalukuyang mayor (Let us not forget that the new term starts on July 1, so let us continue to respect the authority of the cur-

rent mayor)� he said. “Suportahan pa rin ang mga programa ng lungsod, ngunit manatili tayong mapagbantay upang magkaroon tayo ng ‘smooth transition’� (Let us support the programs of the city, but let us be vigilant so that we can have a smooth transition).�

He also took a dig at some of his detractors. “Tanungin natin ang mga sarili natin, ‘Ano ba ang ipinaglalaban ko — ang ikabubuti ng Lungsod o pansariling interes?

Kanino ba dapat ako mas loyal — sa isang politiko o sa aking bayan?’ (Let’s ask ourselves, ‘What am I fighting for — the betterment of our city or our own vested interests? Who am I loyal to — a politician or my country?’),� Sotto said.

The son of actors Vic Sotto and Coney Reyes, Sotto defeated incumbent Mayor Robert ‘Bobby’ Eusebio, ending the Eusebios’ 27-year political reign in Pasig City.

ARIC JOHN SY CUA

Q DISASTER FROM A1

PH cities face ‘slow-motion’ San Jose said, adding: “Now we always need to use a boat.�

Most of the former residents have scattered to other parts of the region. Just a handful of families remain in Pariahan, which had its own elementary school, a basketball court and a chapel before the water flowed in.

These days just the flooded chapel, a cluster of shacks on bamboo stilts where San Jose lives with her family, and a few homes on a bump of land remain.

The children that live there commute 20 minutes by boat to a school inland and most of the residents eke out a living by fishing.

The provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan have sunk between 4 and 6 centimeters (1.5-2.4 inches) annually since 2003, according to satellite monitoring. “It’s really a disaster that is already happening... It’s a slow-onset disaster,� explained Narod Eco, who is part of a group of scientists tracking the problem.

Threat to lives By comparison, the UN estimates average sea level rise globally is about 3 millimeters per year.

The creeping bay waters put people and property at risk, while the threat is amplified by high tides and flooding brought by the roughly 20 storms that pound the archipelago every year.

Some areas have raised roads in an effort to keep up with the sinking, creating odd scenes where the street surface is at the height of door knobs on roadside buildings.

At least 5,000 people have been forced out of the mostly rural coastal areas north of Manila in recent decades as the bay water has moved further inland, regional disaster officials told !GENCE &RANCE 0RESSE The sinking is very likely permanent because the ground in the hardest hit areas is mostly clay, which sticks together after the water is pulled out.

The fate of towns such as Pariahan provides a preview of the problems that may await some of the capital’s 13 million people.

Sections of Manila along the shore of the bay are sinking too, with excess groundwater pumping being the most likely cause, Eco, the researcher, said. The subsidence there though is at a slower rate than the northern coastal communities, potentially due to less pumping or

differences in the soil, he added.

A moratorium on new wells in the greater Manila area has been in place since 2004. But enforcing that ban as well as shuttering existing illegal wells, falls to the National Water Resource Board and its roughly 100 staffers who are responsible for policing the whole country. “We have insufficient manpower resources,� the board’s director Sevillo David said. “It’s a very big challenge for us, but I think we are doing the best we can.�

Things will get worse T h e d e m a n d f o r wa t e r h a s soared as Manila’s population has nearly doubled since 1985, and the size of the nation’s economy has expanded roughly ten-fold over the same period.

This explosive growth has created a ravenous demand for water, especially in the agriculture and manufacturing industries to the north of the capital. “The sinking is a very serious threat to people, their livelihoods and cultures,� said Joseph Estadilla, a spokesman for alliance seeking to protect Manila Bay coastal communities. “This is only going to get worse in the near future,� he

CHAPEL ON THE SEA

This photo taken on Jan. 11, 2019 shows a chapel amid encroaching bay waters in Sitio Pariahan, Bulacan. AFP PHOTO insisted.

Manila and its surroundings are among several major cities, especially in Asia, under threat as the land collapses beneath them, though the causes for this vary.

Cities such as Jakarta — which is sinking 25 centimeters (0.8 feet) each year — Bangkok and Shang-

hai risk being inundated within decades as a mixture of poor planning, more violent storms and higher tides wreak havoc.

In Jakarta, a city of 10 million people that sits on a confluence of 13 rivers, half the population lacks access to piped water, so many dig illegal wells to extract

groundwater.

9ET IN 0ARIAHAN THE RESIDENTS who remain are doing what they can to stay in a place they call home.

San Jose explained: “Every year we raise [the floor] of our house. Now my head almost reaches the ceiling.�

AFP

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PH’s BOP position hits $467-M surplus in April T

BY EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

HE country’s overall balance of payments (BOP) position posted a $467-million surplus in April, REVERSING THE MILLION DEkCIT RECORDED IN THE same month last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Monday. )N A STATEMENT THE CENTRAL BANK ATTRIBUTED LAST MONTH S SURPLUS WHICH MIRRORED THE AMOUNT REGISTERED IN &EBRUARY BUT IS LOWER THAN *ANUARY S BILLION AND -ARCH S MILLION TO ITS gFOREIGN EXCHANGE OPERATIONS AND INCOME FROM ITS INVESTMENTS ABROAD u AS WELL AS THE GOVERNMENT S gNET FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS u 4HESE WERE PARTIALLY OFFSET HOWEVER

gBY THE PAYMENTS ;THE GOVERNMENT MADE= FOR ITS FOREIGN EXCHANGE OBLIGATIONS DURING THE MONTH IN REVIEW u IT ADDED /N A CUMULATIVE BASIS THE "/0 POSITION FOR THE kRST FOUR MONTHS REGISTERED A SURPLUS OF BILLION A TURNAROUND FROM THE BILLION DEkCIT RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR g4HE ;FOUR MONTH= SURPLUS MAY BE

ATTRIBUTED PARTLY TO REMITTANCE INlOWS FROM OVERSEAS &ILIPINOS /& AND NET INlOWS OF FOREIGN PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS NET "30 REGISTERED TRANSACTIONS BASED ON CUSTODIAN BANKS REPORTS DURING THE kRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR AND NET INlOWS OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS IN kRST TWO MONTHS OF u "30 SAID ).' "ANK -ANILA SENIOR ECONOMIST .ICHOLAS !NTONIO -APA SAID THE !PRIL SURPLUS WAS ACHIEVED THROUGH IMPROVEMENTS SEEN IN THE kNANCIAL ACCOUNT DESPITE THE CONTINUED PRESENCE OF A CURRENT ACCOUNT DEkCIT 4HAT ACCOUNT LIKELY SAW A STRONG SURPLUS AFTER PORTFOLIO lOWS REMAINED POSITIVE WHILE THE GOVERNMENT ISSUED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEBT IN THE *ANUARY TO !PRIL PERIOD

Google starts to cut ties with Huawei SAN FRANCISCO: 53 INTERNET GIANT 'OOGLE WHOSE !NDROID MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEM POWERS MOST OF THE WORLD S SMARTPHONES SAID IT WAS BEGINNING TO CUT TIES WITH #HINA S (UAWEI WHICH 7ASHINGTON CONSIDERS A NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT 4HE MOVE COULD HAVE DRAMATIC IMPLICATIONS FOR (UAWEI SMARTPHONE USERS AS THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS GIANT WILL NO LONGER HAVE ACCESS TO 'OOGLE S PROPRIETARY SERVICES WHICH INCLUDE THE 'MAIL AND 'OOGLE -APS APPS A SOURCE CLOSE TO THE MATTER TOLD !GENCE &RANCE 0RESSE !&0 2EPORTS ALSO EMERGED ON -ONDAY THAT SEVERAL 53 CHIPMAKERS PROVIDING VITAL HARDWARE FOR (UAWEI S SMARTPHONES HAVE STOPPED SUPPLYING THE #HINESE kRM )N THE MIDST OF A TRADE WAR WITH "EIJING 0RESIDENT $ONALD 4RUMP

4HE CURRENT ACCOUNT ON THE OTHER HAND LIKELY REMAINED IN THE RED

-APA ADDED BUT WAS POSSIBLY A LITTLE NARROWER WITH /& REMITTANCE GROWTH SEEN TO OFFSET SOME OF THE DEkCIT FROM THE TRADE GAP g7E EXPECT THE 0HILIPPINES TO CONTINUE TO SEE MONTHS OF SURPLUS WITH THE EXTERNAL POSITION LESS VULNERABLE IN AS THE 0HILIPPINES LOOKS TO SEE HEAVIER RELIANCE ON THE kNANCIAL ACCOUNT EVEN AS THE CURRENT ACCOUNT REMAINS IN DEkCIT u THE ECONOMIST SAID g-EANWHILE WE ALSO EXPECT THE CURRENT ACCOUNT TO NARROW ON SUSTAINED GROWTH IN /& REMITTANCES AND "0/ BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING RECEIPTS

WHICH ARE SEEN TO COUNTER A SLIGHTLY

PLDT, Globe: No need to worry over Huawei ban THE Philippines’ telecommunications titans assured their customers on Monday that they can still use the Huawei devices issued to them, as these are not yet affected by Washington’s crackdown on the Chinese technology giant that produced them.

In a statement, PLDT Inc. said that “in light of the recent trade ban of the United States government on Huawei products, PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. wish to assure its customers who have availed of Huawei handsets and devices via its official channels that said products will continue to function normally on the PLDT-Smart network.”

“PLDT and Smart will work closely with Huawei in addressing concerns regarding future firmware and software updates for phones, pocket Wi-Fi units and other devices,” it added.

In a separate statement, Globe Telecom Inc. said Huawei would continue

Q A man takes a picture of the Google logo with his mobile phone during the Vivatech startups and innovation fair in Paris on May 16.

AFP PHOTO

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to deliver updates and services to those who availed themselves of the latter’s smartphones through the telco.

“We have received assurance from Huawei that the company will continue to provide security updates and aftersales services to its device users using the Globe network,” the Ayala-led company said.

“We wish to assure our customers that the current situation at Huawei would not impact its network services,” it added.

Their statements came after US President Donald Trump forbade American companies from dealing with foreign firms that pose a serious security threat to the country and its citizens, which many consider as directly targeting Huawei.

He recently signed an executive order banning the purchase or use of equipment from companies that pose

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‘Govt must take advantage of US-China trade war’ Breaking the political mold ! 05",)# !$6/#!#9 GROUP ON -ONDAY URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY THE ESCALATING TRADE WAR BETWEEN 7ASHINGTON AND "EIJING TO LURE FACTORIES IN #HINA TO THE 0HILIPPINES )N A STATEMENT THE &OUNDATION FOR %CONOMIC &REEDOM &%& SAID

LURING THESE FACTORIES WOULD gGREATLY BOOST MANUFACTURING RESULT IN MUCH NEEDED TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

AND INCREASE AND DIVERSIFY OUR EXPORTS u g4HE 0HILIPPINES COULD BECOME AN ALTERNATIVE DESTINATION FOR THOUSANDS OF THESE FACTORIES SEEKING TO

AVOID THE 53 #HINA TRADE WAR u IT ADDED NOTING THAT THE COUNTRY gHAS A HIGHLY SKILLED AND %NGLISH SPEAKING WORKFORCE u !CCORDING TO THE ORGANIZATION

MANY #HINA BASED FACTORIES ARE NOW SEEKING TO RELOCATE TO OTHER COUNTRIES TO AVOID BEING SLAPPED BY

PUNITIVE TARIFFS ON ITS EXPORTS TO THE 5NITED 3TATES )T NOTED HOWEVER THAT THE 0HILIPPINES WOULD HAVE MUCH TO DO TO LURE THEM HERE 4HE GOVERNMENT &%& SAID MUST PASS THE 4AX 2EFORM FOR !TTRACTING

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PSE index Pag-IBIG home loans hit P17.2B jumps 1% on car tax suspension 4(% STOCK MARKET ROSE FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE DAY ON -ONDAY BUCKING WHAT WAS MOSTLY A REGIONAL DECLINE AS INVESTORS TOOK HEART FROM THE 5NITED 3TATES SUSPENSION OF LEVYING DUTIES ON IMPORTED CARS 4HE BELLWETHER 0HILIPPINE 3TOCK %XCHANGE INDEX 03%I ROSE BY PERCENT OR POINTS TO CLOSE AT 4HE WIDER !LL 3HARES MEANWHILE GREW BY PERCENT OR POINTS TO END AT

2EGINA #APITAL $EVELOPMENT #ORP HEAD OF SALES ,UIS ,IMLINGAN SAID MARKET PLAYERS CHEERED 53 0RESIDENT $ONALD 4RUMP S ANNOUNCEMENT TO DELAY FOR SIX MONTHS THE SLAPPING OF TARIFFS ON IMPORTED CARS THAT MAY HIT *APAN AND %UROPE AS WELL AS THE LIFTING OF TARIFFS ON METAL IMPORTS AND INSTEAD PURSUED TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH "EIJING

³Suspension B4

4(% (OME $EVELOPMENT -UTUAL &UND 0AG )")' &UND REPORTED ON -ONDAY THAT IT HAD RELEASED 0 BILLION IN HOME LOANS IN THE kRST QUARTER OF A 0 BILLION OR PERCENT INCREASE FROM 0 BILLION IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR !CCORDING TO THE STATE RUN AGENCY THE LATEST AMOUNT IS THE HIGHEST RELEASED SO FAR IN ANY *ANUARY TO -ARCH PERIOD 4HAT AMOUNT 0AG )")' EXPLAINED kNANCED THE ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION OF HOMES FOR 0AG )")' MEMBERS ALSO A

RECORD HIGH FOR THE kRST QUARTER OF A YEAR WHICH IS PERCENT HIGHER THAN THE FUNDED IN THE SAME PERIOD IN /F THESE

PERCENT WERE FOR SOCIALIZED HOUSING UNITS BENEkTTING MINIMUM WAGE AND LOW INCOME EARNERS g0AG )")' &UND S PERFORMANCE IN THE kRST QUARTER OF STANDS OUT AS THE BEST SO FAR "IGGER LOAN RELEASES AND INCREASING NUMBER OF BORROWERS MEAN THAT MORE AND MORE &ILIPINO WORKERS ARE BEING HELPED BY 0AG )")' &UND ACHIEVE THEIR DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP u

SAID 3ECRETARY %DUARDO $ DEL 2OSARIO WHO HEADS BOTH THE (OUSING AND 5RBAN $EVELOPMENT #OORDINATING #OUNCIL AND THE 0AG )")' &UND BOARD OF TRUSTEES g4HIS IS WHY 0AG )")' &UND REMAINS AS A MAJOR PLAYER IN 0RESIDENT 2ODRIGO 2OA $UTERTE S DRIVE TO UPLIFT THE LIVES OF &ILIPINO FAMILIES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND ACCESS TO DECENT AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING u HE ADDED (OME LOAN RELEASES IN THE kRST THREE MONTHS BREACHED THE 0

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Participation via remote communication or in absentia in stockholders’, board meetings

O

NE OF THE SIGNIkCANT REFORMS IN THE 2EVISED #ORPORATION #ODE 2## OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 2EPUBLIC !CT .O IS THE PARTICIPATION AND VOTING OF STOCKHOLDERS THROUGH REMOTE COMMUNICATION OR IN ABSENTIA 3ECTION 2## #ONSIDERED AS ONE OF THE PROVISIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF MINORITY INVESTORS

THIS REFORM CAN HELP THE 3ECURITIES AND %XCHANGE #OMMISSION 3%# IN KEEPING UP WITH THE CHANGING

SEC MATTERS

KELVIN LESTER LEE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND MORE IMPORTANTLY ASSIST THE 0HILIPPINES IN OUR STANDING IN THE 7ORLD "ANK %ASE OF $OING "USINESS RANKINGS 4O START WITH WHAT DOES THE WORD IN ABSENTIA MEAN )N !BSENTIA IS A ,ATIN PHRASE WHICH MEANS

gIN ABSENCEu )T ALSO REFERS TO A LACK OF PHYSICAL PRESENCE AT THE TIME 5NDER THE 2## STOCKHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS MAY NOW PARTICIPATE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE MEETINGS AND VOTE

BY REMOTE COMMUNICATION OR in ABSENTIA 5NDER THE 2## THERE ARE PERMISSIBLE MODES WHERE STOCKHOLDERS CAN EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE AT MEETINGS )T MAY BE EXERCISED IN PERSON THROUGH A PROXY OR

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!

3 ) POINTED OUT IN MY PREVIOUS COLUMN g3OUND AND FURY

SIGNIFYING NOTHING u -AY THE OUTCOMES OF ELECTIONS HERE IN THE 0HILIPPINES HISTORICALLY HAVE BEEN INSIGNIFICANT IN THE BROAD VIEW

BECAUSE THE UNDERLYING ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES THAT DICTATE THE COUNTRY S DIRECTION AND VELOCITY NEVER CHANGE 4HE FRAMEWORK IS ONE OF STRONG CENTRALIZED CONTROL EXPRESSED THROUGH A STRONG CENTRAL BANK AND ACTIVE MONETARY POLICY GROWTH THROUGH SPENDING ON INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS AND A MODERATELY PROTECTIVE TRADE AND INVESTMENT POLICY )T PERSISTS BECAUSE IT IS THE FRAMEWORK UNDER WHICH AN ECONOMIC OLIGARCHY m A SMALL CLASS OF LARGE CONGLOMERATES m CAN FUNCTION MOST EFkCIENTLY AND WITHIN IT POLITICAL OFkCEHOLDERS BECOME LARGELY INTERCHANGEABLE &OR THOSE WHO RECENTLY SCORED ELECTION VICTORIES PARTICULARLY THOSE POLITICIANS WHO SUPPLANTED RE ELECTIONIST INCUMBENTS THIS STATE OF AFFAIRS LEAVES THEM TWO OPTIONS

DEPENDING ON THE STRENGTH OF THEIR AMBITIONS -OST WILL TAKE THE EASIER PATH AND RELY ON FORCE OF PERSONALITY AND HIGHLIGHTING THEIR ACTIVITIES AS CARETAKERS OF CONVENTIONAL PROCESSES TO SUSTAIN THEM IN OFkCE 0UT UP A BASKETBALL COURT OR TWO RESURFACE A FEW STREETS THAT DON T NEED IT AFkX COLORFUL POSTERS REMINDING EVERYONE WHO S IN CHARGE TO EVERY CONVENIENT VERTICAL SURFACE AND HOPE THAT ALL THAT IS ENOUGH FOR THE SMALL MINDED TO CONSIDER A LEGACY ! FEW HOWEVER THE SORT THAT ONLY APPEAR ONCE IN A GENERATION OR SO MAY TAKE A HIGHER ROAD AND

ROUGH TRADE BEN KRITZ BREAK THAT MOLD OF THE gTRAPO u 4HEY CAN T CHANGE THE FUNDAMENTAL SYSTEM AND SHOULDN T EVEN TRY BUT WHAT THEY CAN DO IS MAXIMIZE ITS ADVANTAGES FOR THEIR JURISDICTIONS

WHETHER A PROVINCE A CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT A CITY OR EVEN A LOWLY BARANGAY )T IS A HARDER PATH TO TAKE BUT ITS REWARDS IN TERMS OF BOTH POLITICAL LONGEVITY AND RAISING THE PROkLE OF ONE S MILIEU ARE MUCH GREATER )N ORDER TO REALIZE THE REWARDS HOWEVER A GREAT DEAL OF PRACTICAL EFFORT MUST BE EXERTED &OR THAT EFFORT TO BE SUCCESSFUL CAREFUL COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING MUST kRST BE DONE g0LANNINGu IS NOT AN UNKNOWN CONCEPT HERE EVERY CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP AT ANY LEVEL GENERATES A lURRY OF gMASTER PLANSu AND gROAD MAPS u 4HERE ARE ENTIRE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES .%$!

THE "OARD OF )NVESTMENTS AND WITH ONE OR TWO EXCEPTIONS EVERY BODY WITH THE WORDS gDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYu IN ITS NAME WHOSE SOLE FUNCTION IS gPLANNING u %FFECTIVE PLANS

THAT IS PLANS THAT ARE RECOGNIZABLY TRANSLATED INTO TANGIBLE RESULTS

ARE UNFORTUNATELY RARE /NE POSSIBLE EXAMPLE m AND THE JURY IS STILL OUT ON IT BECAUSE IT IS ONLY PARTLY COMPLETED m IS THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION S #OMPREHENSIVE 4AX 2EFORM 0ROGRAM &ORTUNATELY THE EXTENSIVE RECORD

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B2

Business Times

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

Study cites DICT’s ‘overlapping’ roles

T

BY EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

HE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) should review its “scope of authority,” as some of its functions overlap or are incompatible with those of other departments, state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said. )N A RECENT 0)$3 STUDY TITLED g)#4 2EGULATION AND 2EGULATORY !UTHORITY u ,AI ,YNN "ARCENAS SAID THE LAW ESTABLISHING $)#4 HAS gINSUFkCIENT GUIDANCE ON THE SCOPE OF THE AGENCY S AUTHORITY u 5NDER THE LAW $)#4 IS MANDATED TO DEVELOP POLICIES AND

PLANS FOR THE COUNTRY S TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND BROADCASTING

DATA PRIVACY CONSUMER PROTECTION

AND THE PROMOTION OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN )#4 AND )#4 ENABLED SERVICES )#4 %3 !MONG ITS ATTACHED AGENCIES ARE THE .ATIONAL 4ELECOMMUNICATIONS

#OMMISSION THE .ATIONAL 0RIVACY #OMMISSION AND THE #YBERCRIME )NVESTIGATION AND #OORDINATION #ENTER "ARCENAS HOWEVER SAID $)#4 S FUNCTIONS COVER OR CLASHES WITH THOSE OF OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 4HE AUTHOR CITED THAT THE $EPARTMENT OF 4RADE AND )NDUSTRY $4) STILL GOVERNS THE PROMOTION OF TRADE AND INVESTMENTS ON E COMMERCE THE IMPROVEMENT OF )#4 SKILLS OF THE LABOR FORCE

AND NETWORK SECURITY AND CONNECTIVITY !LSO THE $)#4 HAS ABSORBED SOME OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE 0OSTAL 2EGULATION $IVISION WHICH REGULATES COURIER DELIVERY SERVICES

"ARCENAS SAID g(OWEVER THESE DELIVERY SERVICES INCLUDE ONLINE PAYMENTS WHICH MAY PROPERLY BE UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE "ANGKO 3ENTRAL NG 0ILIPINAS u SHE ADDED 4HE INADEQUACY OF LAWS IN )#4 AND THE VAGUENESS OF $)#4 S SCOPE OF POWER HAVE ALSO RESULTED IN CERTAIN BARRIERS IN THE COUNTRY S TRADE AND INVESTMENT ON )#4 SERVICES

SHE SAID "ARCENAS SAID THE gTEDIOUSu APPLICATION PROCESS IN SECURING A LEGISLATIVE FRANCHISE AND A CERTIkCATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY WHICH TAKES AN AVERAGE OF kVE YEARS TO PROCESS HAVE SLOWED DOWN INVESTMENTS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

!NOTHER ISSUE IS THE CONSTITUTIONAL LIMIT IMPOSED ON FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

BROADCASTING MASS MEDIA AND ADVERTISING FIRMS "ARCENA SAID 4HE 0HILIPPINE #ONSTITUTION ALSO PROHIBITS FOREIGN NATIONALS FROM PRACTICING THEIR PROFESSIONS

SPECIkCALLY THOSE NEEDED IN THE )#4 SERVICES SHE ADDED g4HESE PROVISIONS RESTRAIN THE ENTRY OF FOREIGN CAPITAL TECHNOLOGY AND SKILLED HUMAN RESOURCE THAT COULD SPUR )#4 DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRY u "ARCENAS SAID 4O ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES THE AUTHOR URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN $)#4 S ROLE IN )#4 MATTERS BY DEkNING THE EXTENT OF ITS FUNCTIONS AND CLARIFY THE ROLE

DTI registers 30K more businesses in Jan-May 4(% NUMBER OF REGISTERED BUSINESSES IN THE COUNTRY ROSE BY

IN THE kRST MONTHS OF

THE $EPARTMENT OF 4RADE AND )NDUSTRY $4) REPORTED PLEDGING TO AID MORE MICRO SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES -3-%S )N A STATEMENT ON -ONDAY

4RADE 3ECRETARY 2AMON ,OPEZ SAID A TOTAL OF MILLION BUSINESSES WERE REGISTERED FROM *ANUARY TO -AY THIS YEAR UP FROM MILLION IN $ECEMBER 4HE INCREASE IN REGISTRANTS INDICATES THE COUNTRY HAS A SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR DOING BUSINESS

,OPEZ SAID !MID THIS POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT ,OPEZ VOWED TO SUPPORT THE -3-%S g;%=VEN IF THE $4) S BUDGET

IS ONLY UP TO THE PROVINCIAL LEVEL

WE WILL kND WAYS FOR OUR PROGRAMS TO REACH -3-%S AT THE GRASSROOTS u HE SAID DURING THE RECENT TH -3-% $EVELOPMENT -3-%$ #OUNCIL MEETING 4HE COUNCIL IS A GROUP OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS TASKED TO IMPLEMENT MEASURES TO BOOST THE -3-% INDUSTRY 4HE BODY IS LOOKING FORWARD TO WORK WITH THE 0HILIPPINE 3TATISTICS !UTHORITY AND THE .ATIONAL %CONOMIC AND $EVELOPMENT !UTHORITY TO COME UP WITH STREAMLINED STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON -3-%S "Y DOING SO THE $4) THE "ANGKO 3ENTRAL NG 0ILIPINAS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS CAN IDENTIFY AREAS WHERE MICROkNANCING

IS NEEDED -EANWHILE ,OPEZ SAID A SERIES OF ROADSHOWS WOULD BE HELD ACROSS THE COUNTRY THIS YEAR TO PROMOTE -3-%S (E ALSO SAID THE $4) HAD BEEN AIDING THE INDUSTRY WITH THE LAUNCH OF A MICROFINANCING INITIATIVE THE 0 0ROGRAM WHICH ALLOWS -3-%S TO BORROW FUNDS RANGING FROM 0 TO 0

gDEPENDING ON BUSINESS NEED AND REPAYMENT CAPACITY WITHOUT COLLATERAL u 2ECENTLY THE $4) LAUNCHED THE TH /NE 4OWN /NE 0RODUCT 0HILIPPINES (UB TO FEATURE A WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY -3-%S g4HIS INITIATIVE SEES THE -3-%S BOOST IN SALES AND MARKET REACH ADDING THE CULTURAL UPLIFT-

MENT IT BRINGS TO THE PROVINCES

AS THEIR PRODUCTS SERVE AS VALUABLE REPRESENTATIONS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE LOCALITIES u &URTHER ,OPEZ SAID THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE BENEkTS OF THE "ARANGAY -ICRO "USINESS %NTERPRISE "-"% LAW OR 2EPUBLIC !CT WHICH WAS PASSED IN TO PROMOTE -3-%S BY PROVIDING INCENTIVES (E ALSO CLARIkED THAT REGISTRATION OF SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP IS STILL ALLOWED DESPITE THE RECENTLY APPROVED ONE PERSON CORPORATION BY THE 3ECURITIES AND %XCHANGE #OMMISSION 4HIS IS TO FACILITATE EASE OF REGISTRATION AS THE DEPARTMENT S REQUIREMENTS WERE gMUCH SIMPLER u HE ADDED TYRONE C. PIAD

Rural bank Truckers slam high fees in Manila port in Samar shuttered !./4(%2 RURAL BANK THIS TIME IN 3AMAR WAS SHUT DOWN

BY THE "ANGKO 3ENTAL NG 0ILIPINAS "30 AND PLACED UNDER RECEIVERSHIP OF THE 0HILIPPINE $EPOSIT )NSURANCE #ORP 0$)# )N A STATEMENT ON -ONDAY THE STATE RUN 0$)# SAID THE "30 S -ONETARY "OARD -" PROHIBITED 2URAL "ANK OF "ASEY 3AMAR

)NC FROM DOING BUSINESS 4HE BANK S ASSETS AND AFFAIRS WERE PLACED UNDER 0$)# S CONTROL ON -AY MAKING IT THE kFTH BANK TO BE CLOSED BY THE "30 AND TO BE PLACED UNDER 0$)# RECEIVERSHIP THIS YEAR *UST RECENTLY THE "30 ORDERED FOR THE CLOSURE OF 6ALIANT "ANK IN )LOILO #ITY 4HE SINGLE UNIT LENDER THE 2URAL "ANK OF "ASEY IS LOCATED IN 3ERAFIN -ARABUT 3T ,OYO 0OB "ASEY 7ESTERN 3AMAR !S OF -ARCH IT HAS DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS WITH TOTAL DEPOSIT LIABILITIES OF 0 MILLION 4OTAL INSURED DEPOSITS AMOUNTED TO 0 MILLION OR PERCENT OF TOTAL DEPOSITS $EPOSITORS OF CLOSED BANKS UNDER 0$)# RECEIVERSHIP ARE ENTITLED TO BE PAID UP TO THE MAXIMUM INSURANCE COVERAGE OF 0 4HE 0$)# SAID DEPOSITORS WITH VALID ACCOUNTS OF 0 AND BELOW ARE ELIGIBLE FOR EARLY PAYMENT AND NEED NOT kLE DEPOSIT INSURANCE CLAIMS EXCEPT WHEN THEY HAVE OUTSTANDING OBLIGATIONS WITH THE CLOSED BANKS OR ACTED AS CO MAKERS OF OBLIGATIONS g4HESE INDIVIDUAL DEPOSITORS MUST ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE COMPLETE AND UPDATED ADDRESSES WITH THE BANK u IT SAID 2URAL "ANK OF "ASEY DEPOSITORS MAY UPDATE THEIR ADDRESSES UNTIL -AY USING THE -AILING !DDRESS 5PDATE &ORMS TO BE DISTRIBUTED BY 0$)# REPRESENTATIVES AT THE BANK PREMISES 4HE -" CLOSED BANKS IN AND SEVEN BANKS IN

PLACING THEM ALL UNDER 0$)# RECEIVERSHIP JORDEENE B. LAGARE

TRUCKERS ARE DISMAYED OVER WHAT THEY DEEMED AS EXCESSIVE AND UNNECESSARY FEES BEING COLLECTED FROM THEM BY SHIPPING COMPANIES IN THE PORT OF -ANILA )N AN INTERVIEW RECENTLY #ONFEDERATION OF 4RUCKERS !SSOCIATION OF THE 0HILIPPINES )NC #4!0 $IRECTOR -ARIA :APATA COMPLAINED AGAINST SHIPPING LINES THAT CHARGE DETENTION FEES DESPITE THE LATTER S INABILITY TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR EMPTY CONTAINERS ! DETENTION FEE IS THE PENALTY FOR TRUCKERS WHO FAIL TO RETURN THE EMPTY CONTAINERS TO THE SHIPPPING LINES CONTAINER YARDS WITHIN HOURS AFTER LEAVING THE PORT FOR DELIVERY )T RANGES FROM 0 TO 0 A DAY PER CONTAINER SHE SAID 3HIPPING LINES DO NOT SPECIFY IN THE DELIVERY ORDER THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE CONTAINERS SHOULD BE RETURNED PREVENTING THE TRUCKERS TO MEET THE HOUR WINDOW :APATA POINTED OUT

g.ORMALLY AND THE PRACTICE THAT THEY ARE DOING IS THEY ARE NOT PUTTING A SPECIkC PLACE WHERE TO RETURN THE EMPTY ;CONTAINERS= BECAUSE PRETTY WELL THEY KNOW THERE IS NOT ENOUGH SPACE u SHE SAID !S TRUCKERS WAIT FOR AVAILABLE SPACE IN THE CONTAINER YARD

DETENTION FEES ACCUMULATE TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF TRUCKING COMPANIES SHE SAID :APATA ALSO WONDERED WHY THEY HAVE TO PAY MORE FEES WHEN THESE ARE SUPPOSEDLY COVERED BY THE CONTAINER DEPOSITS COLLECTED BY THE SHIPPING LINES g4HIS IS CORRUPTION u SHE SAID -EANWHILE A FOOD RAW MATERIAL IMPORTER THAT REFUSED TO BE NAMED COMPLAINED IT WAS kNED 0 MILLION BY A SHIPPING LINE AFTER STORING EMPTY CONTAINERS SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR DAYS INSTEAD OF RETURNING THEM TO THE LATTER S CONGESTED CONTAINER YARD 4HE IMPORTER ALSO CRIED FOUL WHEN THE SHIPPING kRM REFUSED

TO RELEASE OF ITS NEW INCOMING SHIPMENTS UNLESS IT MAKES A 0 MILLION DOWNPAYMENT FOR THE TOTAL kNE AND ANOTHER 0

FOR DEMURRAGE FEE )T SAID THE HEAVY PENALTIES WERE UNCALLED FOR BECAUSE THERE ARE SHIPPING LINES THAT WAIVE THE kNES IN CONSIDERATION OF THE PROBLEM ON CONGESTION AT THE PORT 4HE IMPORTER ALSO SAID THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD AUTHORITIES IMPLEMENTED THE *OINT !DMINISTRATIVE /RDER *!/ ON PORT REGULATIONS 0UTTING THE *!/ IN EFFECT IS SEEN TO DECONGEST THE PORT )T WILL ALLOW SHIPMENTS TO BE TRANSPORTED ACROSS THE "ATANGAS AND 3UBIC PORTS PROVIDING ADDITIONAL SHIPPING OPTIONS BESIDES THE -ANILA PORT (OWEVER THE RELEASE OF THE ORDER WAS DELAYED TO MAKE WAY FOR FURTHER REVIEW OF SHIPPING RATES THE $EPARTMENT OF 4RADE AND )NDUSTRY $4) SAID EARLIER TYRONE C. PIAD

Humanistic tendencies in business MANAGING 7 FOR SOCIETY

(!4 IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO CREATE A HUMANIST REVOLUTION IN THE WAY WE CONDUCT BUSINESS ) CONSIDER MYSELF TO BE A CAPITALIST ) THINK THE IMPROVEMENT IN HUMAN WELFARE THAT HAS COME WITH CAPITALISM HAS BEEN OVERALL BENEkCIAL "UT ) ALSO RECOGNIZE THE LIMITATIONS OF THE SYSTEM &OR INSTANCE HERE IN THE 5NITED 3TATES WE HAVE A HOMELESSNESS PROBLEM THAT CAPITALISM IS INCAPABLE OF kXING BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS DON T HAVE THE CAPITAL TO SECURE HOUSING )T ISN T JUST gBUMSu AND gWINOSu WHO ARE HOMELESS ANYMORE )T S ALSO FAMILIES WHO ARE WHAT WE NOW REFER TO AS THE WORKING POOR #APITALISM ONLY WORKS AS A SYSTEM TO CREATE AND DISTRIBUTE THE GOODS REQUIRED BY SOCIETY TO FUNCTION WHEN PEOPLE HAVE THE CAPITAL OR FUNDS TO CONSUME THE GOODS CREATED OR PRODUCED 7HEN PEOPLE DON T HAVE THE MEANS IE ENOUGH CAPITAL TO CONSUME GOODS AND SERVICES

THEY ARE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SYSTEM OR BENEkT FROM IT )F ENOUGH PEOPLE ARE IMPOVERISHED TO THE POINT THEY CAN T CONSUME ANYTHING THE SYSTEM PRODUCES

THEN THE SYSTEM EITHER COLLAPSES OR DISTRIBUTES GOODS IN AN INCREDIBLY

JENNIFER HANCOCK UNEQUAL WAY !ND THAT S WHERE WE VE BEEN AS A SOCIETY FOR THE PAST DECADE OR SO /NE OF THE THINGS THAT -ARX kGURED OUT IN $AS #APITAL WAS THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKER S WAGES TO THE MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM !

LOT OF PEOPLE HAVEN T READ THE BOOK m IT S A HUGE WORK 6OLUME HAS OVER PAGES AND IT S kLLED WITH MATH AND PHILOSOPHY "UT IT S ALSO ONE OF THE MOST ACCURATE MODELS OF HOW A CAPITALIST SYSTEM WORKS THAT S EVER BEEN WRITTEN (E ACCURATELY PREDICTED THE BOOMS AND BUSTS THE SYSTEM WOULD GENERATE AND HE ACCURATELY PREDICTED HOW LABOR WOULD RESPOND TO THEM 7HAT CAUSES THE BOOMS AND BUSTS ,ABOR S WAGES 7HEN LABOR IS NOT PAID ENOUGH TO CONSUME THE GOODS THEY CREATE THE SYSTEM COLLAPSES 4HE ENGINE OF CAPITALISM ISN T THE CAPITALISTS OR OWNERS )T S THE CONSUMER .O CUSTOMER NO BUSINESS 7HO ARE THE CUSTOMERS 4HE LABORERS &AILURE TO UNDERSTAND THIS CAUSES A HUGE NUMBER OF

PROBLEMS FOR A BUSINESS AND FOR THE ECONOMY 4HIS ISN T TO SAY THAT IF YOU ARE MAKING JUMBO JETS YOU SHOULD PAY YOUR EMPLOYEES THE AMOUNT THEY NEED TO PURCHASE ONE /NLY THAT YOU NEED TO PAY THEM ENOUGH THAT THEY CAN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN SOCIETY AND AFFORD FOOD HOUSING AND THE BASICS PLUS A LITTLE MORE TO CONSUME A FEW MODEST EXTRAS 4HE PROBLEM IS THAT CAPITALIST FORCES TEND TO DRIVE LABOR WAGES DOWN BECAUSE IT S A BENEkT TO THE CAPITALIST TO PAY AS LITTLE WAGE AS POSSIBLE )F YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH THAT YOU GAIN AN ADVANTAGE OVER A COMPETITOR WHO IS PAYING THEIR EMPLOYEES MORE )F ENOUGH BUSINESSES PAY TOO LITTLE THE SYSTEM COLLAPSES 4HIS BRINGS US BACK TO THE TOPIC OF HUMANISTIC TENDENCIES IN BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT "EING CONCERNED ABOUT THE HUMANS WHO WORK FOR YOU AND THE HUMANS WHO CONSUME YOUR GOODS AND SERVICES IS GOOD BUSINESS 4HERE IS NO DIVISION BETWEEN THE PEOPLE WHO WORK FOR YOU AND THE PEOPLE WHO BUY YOUR PRODUCTS 4HEY ARE THE SAME PEOPLE )T IS VERY EASY TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS AS AN INDEPENDENT ENTITY

³Managing B4

C

OF $4) IN PROMOTING E COMMERCE "ARCENAS ALSO RECOMMENDED THE REMOVAL OF UNNECESSARY REQUIREMENTS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND BROADCASTING SERVICES PROVIDERS PARTICULARLY THE NEED FOR A LEGISLATIVE FRANCHISE 4HE 0)$3 STUDY ALSO PROPOSED AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ADAPTIVE CAPACITY OF THE PRESENT REGULATORY STRUCTURE AND TO CONSIDER ESTABLISHING A SINGLE )#4 REGULATOR THAT HAS AUTHORITY ON ALL )#4 MATTERS

INCLUDING THE POWER TO REGULATE INDUSTRIES NORMALLY HANDLED BY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITIES AND THE AUTHORITY TO INTERPRET )#4 RELATED ISSUES FOR THE GUIDANCE OF OTHER REGULATORS

Why the sex discrimination law is unenforceable

/,%%., YEARS OLD HAD BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB SINCE HER GRADUATION FROM A STATE UNIVERSITY THREE YEARS AGO 3HE HAS A HIGH SOCIETY NAME THAT DECEIVES EVERYONE UNTIL ONE SEES HER IN PERSON AND HER MORENA BROWN SKINNED COMMON TAO LOOKS HARDENED BY STREET PROTESTS WHEN SHE WAS A STUDENT LEADER $ESPITE THAT SHE HAS A CLEAN POLICE RECORD AN AVERAGE SCHOLASTIC kLE AND COULD BE A POTENTIAL HIGH lYER IN ANY CORPORATE JOB IF GIVEN THE CHANCE !FTER YEARS OF WAITING SHE WAS SO FRUSTRATED THAT SHE TURNED HER BIG ROUND BEAUTIFUL EYES TO OVERSEAS #OLEEN WAS CONkDENT SHE CAN GET A JOB IN #ANADA .EW :EALAND OR ELSEWHERE EXCEPT THAT EXORBITANT PLACEMENT FEES ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO STALL HER PLANS /NE DAY SHE CAME ACROSS AN INTERESTING LOCAL JOB AD ON SOCIAL MEDIA THAT kTS HER INTEREST 3HE WAITED NO TIME AND SENT HER UPDATED CURRICULUM VITAE #6 VIA EMAIL !FTER ONE WEEK SADDENED

BY NO REPLY FROM HER TARGET EMPLOYER SHE WENT PERSONALLY TO ITS -AKATI OFkCE TO kND OUT MORE ABOUT THE COMPANY 0ASSING THROUGH A CARELESS SECURITY GUARD #OLEEN WAS ABLE TO TALK TO A MALE CLERK WHOSE WORK STATION WAS NEAR THE DOOR 4HE CLERK TOLD HER THAT THEY RE LOOKING FOR MALE APPLICANTS (E SAID g)T S A TOUGH JOB FOR WOMEN u g"UT WHY DIDN T YOU SPECIFY THAT REQUIREMENT IN YOUR JOB AD u SHE ASKED WITH A MIXTURE OF DEkANCE AND INQUISITIVE LOOKS 4HE CLERK SMILED AND THANKED HER FOR THE VISIT g.O WORRIES 7E HAVE MANY JOB OPENINGS 7E LL KEEP YOU POSTED AS SOON AS WE GOT AN OPENING THAT kTS YOUR QUALIkCATIONS u 7ITH A SAD FACE #OLEEN TROTTED OFF TO THE DOOR 3HE KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS 4HE COMPANY S JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DOESN T SAY IT BECAUSE IT COULD BE USED AGAINST THEM )N REALITY SOME EMPLOYERS DON T WANT TO HIRE FEMALE WORKERS BECAUSE OF MANY INHERENT ISSUES RANGING FROM REGULAR MENSTRUAL CYCLES TO A DAY MATERNITY LEAVE REQUIRING THEM TO BE FREQUENTLY ABSENT FROM WORK #OLEEN KNOWS THE ,ABOR #ODE ARE POPULIST SOCIAL LEGISLATIONS WRITTEN BY LAWYERS AND POLITICIANS NOT BY HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS AND SOCIAL SCIENTISTS .OW

SHE WAS BLAMING HERSELF FOR NOT WORKING HARD ON GENDER EQUALITY DURING HER STUDENT ACTIVISM DAYS (OW POWERFUL CAN SHE MOVE MOUNTAINS IN TODAY S EMPLOYERS MARKET 3HE WENT STRAIGHT TO A NEARBY *OLLIBEE OUTLET AND ASKED HERSELF TWO MORE QUESTIONS g)S THERE A CURE AGAINST SEX DISCRIMINATION IN THIS COUNTRY !ND HOW PREVALENT IT IS u 7ITHIN AN HOUR #OLEEN WENT FROM BEING MODEST TO AN AGGRESSIVE YOUNG WOMAN AND VOWED TO MOVE FAST ENOUGH TO CHANGE HIS APPROACH TO JOB SEARCH 7HAT WOULD MOTIVATE EMPLOYERS TO HIRE FEMALE WORK-

BEYOND BUZZWORDS

REY ELBO ERS EVEN IF THE JOB APPEARS TOUGH FOR THEM 3HE THOUGHT THAT UNDERSTANDING THE REASON WHY SOME EMPLOYERS REFUSE TO HIRE WOMEN IN A GIVEN SCENARIO IS A FUNDAMENTAL STEP IN SOLVING THE PROBLEM # O L E E N WE N T H O M E A N D CHECKED THE )NTERNET TO LEARN ABOUT THE LAW ON SEX DISCRIMINATION IN THE 0HILIPPINES )T WAS EASY TO UNDERSTAND ALL THE MOTHERHOOD STATEMENTS THAT 2EPUBLIC !CT OFFERS )T S THE PERTINENT LAW gSTRENGTHENING THE PROHIBITION ON DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN WITH RESPECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT u 3O THERE S NO DOUBT THAT THE COMPANY WHOM SHE APPROACHED HAS VIOLATED THE LAW "UT HOW DOES SHE GO AGAINST THAT COMPANY FOR DAMAGES 3HE NEEDS A LAWYER OR SOMEONE FROM THE 0HILIPPINE #OMMISSION ON 7OMEN TO HELP HER PURSUE A CASE -AYBE

THE $EPARTMENT OF ,ABOR AND %MPLOYMENT CAN ALSO HELP 4HE QUESTION IS m WOULD THEY BE HELPFUL 7HAT IS THE PROCESS $OES SHE HAVE AN INDEPENDENT WITNESS OR WITNESSES /R IS IT ONLY A WASTE OF TIME ) CONTACTED LAWYER 0OL 3ANGALANG WHO IS A LABOR LAW SPECIALIST FOR HIS INSIGHTS (E SAYS g/UR ANTI DISCRIMINATORY HIRING PRACTICES LAWS HAVE NO TEETH BECAUSE WE DON T HAVE A GOVERNMENT AGENCY DEDICATED TO ENFORCEMENT OF THESE LAWS UNLIKE IN THE 53 u 4HAT S WHAT ) M THINKING "UT EVEN IF WE HAVE ONE DEDICATED AGENCY THERE S STILL THE BIGGER CHALLENGE OF PROVING THE CASE )N THE CASE OF #OLEEN HOW COULD SHE FORCE THE (UMAN 2ESOURCE CLERK TO TESTIFY AGAINST HIS EMPLOYER ) TOLD #OLEEN NOT TO BE DETERRED BY THIS SINGLE INCIDENT .OT ALL PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS ARE LIKE THAT -ANY OF THEM BELIEVE IN GIVING FEMALE JOB APPLICANTS A FAIR CHANCE IN THE HIRING PROCESS &ORTUNATELY

SHE ISN T EASILY REPELLED BY THIS SINGLE REJECTION 3HE WENT ON TO POST HER #6 ON *OB3TREET AND OTHER RELATED PLATFORMS g$ON T QUITÜu ) TOLD #OLEEN 1UITTING IS EASY TO DO BUT DIFkCULT TO ACCEPT BECAUSE IT IS EQUATED WITH FAILURE 3O NO MATTER WHAT DON T QUIT !CCEPT IT AS A CHALLENGE AND PART OF LIFE )T S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD FOR YOU 7HERE THERE S A WILL

THERE S A WAY 0ERSEVERE 4HOSE ARE AGE OLD LESSONS THAT WE CAN ALWAYS RElECT ON

2EY %LBO IS A BUSINESS CONSULTANT SPECIALIZING ON HUMAN RESOURCES AND TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT AS A FUSED INTEREST 3END FEEDBACK TO ELBONOMICS GMAIL COM OR VIA HTTPS REYELBO CONSULTING

˜ The Manila Times

Deal on P1.6-B SFEx expansion signed THE Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Corp. said on Monday it had signed an agreement with Sta. Clara International Corp. to expand the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx).

In a statement, NLEx Corp. said the deal for the P1.6-billion project — signed by NLEx Corp. President and General Manager Luigi Bautista and Chief Operating Officer Raul Ignacio, and Sta. Clara International Chairman and Managing Director Nicandro G. Linao — involved building two additional expressway lanes, two new bridges at Jadjad and Argonaut, and a tunnel.

The project aims “to better accommodate the growing number of vehicles going in and out of the Subic Bay Freeport,� it added.

Expressway-standard LED lights will also be installed to keep the Subic expressway safe and convenient for motorists, particu-

larly those driving at night.

The project “is seen to improve traffic in the area and promote road safety, as the new lanes will segregate northbound and southbound motorists along separate carriageways,� NLEx Corp. explained. “It will also complement the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) infrastructure development program, which includes the improvement of airport and seaport, the widening of roads, and the construction of an SBMA Corporate Center,� it added.

For 2019, NLEx Corp. is looking to generate P16 billion in revenues after posting P12 billion last year.

The company’s net income grew by 24 percent to P5.7 billion last year from P4.6 billion in 2017, mainly due to higher vehicular traffic in NLEx and the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway.

EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

Rehab policy may drag income – FNI SURIGAO CITY: The government’s policy on progressive rehabilitation among mining companies may negatively impact Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. (FNI) and its bottomline this year, ACCORDING TO ITS TOP OFkCIAL In a recent press briefing here, Global Ferronickel President Dante "RAVO SAID THE $EPARTMENT OF %NVIRONment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) progressive rehabilitation program was “burdensome� on his company, but admitted that it had no choice but to be subjected to it, as it was imposed by the national government.

According to Mines and GeosciENCES "UREAU -'" MINING kRMS are forced to make major adjustments in their operations under the department’s administrative order on the rehabilitation, one of which is starting their rehabilitation efforts earlier.

"ASED ON EXISTING LAWS MINERS ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THEIR kNAL mine rehabilitation or decommissionING PLAN AT LEAST kVE YEARS BEFORE TO THE end of their mineral agreements, which

Corporate News Alliance Global profit up 16% to P6.5B in Q1 TUESDAY May 21, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

NORMALLY HAVE A TERM OF YEARS The annual progressive rehabilitation, however, would increase minING kRMS OPERATION EXPENSES WHICH could affect their earnings for the YEAR "RAVO SAID “It has impact to the bottomline, DEkNITELY )T S A FUNCTION OF PRICE SO the low[er] the price, the bigger the effect will be,� he told reporters. “The basis is based on the preceding year’s operating costs, but you implement it every year. So either you maintain without expansion or you expand and have changes in your program where you add mitiGATING MEASURES u "RAVO SAID 3PECIkCALLY AREAS OF DISTURBED LAND are rehabilitated each year by applying imported soil cover, mulch or manures, landscaping and planting out with pasture grass and seedlings.

Tube stock of a variety of native shrubs and trees are planted out each year.

Failures are replanted in following years until vegetation is established.

EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

L

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

ISTED Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI) saw its net income increase by 16 percent to 0 BILLION IN THE kRST THREE MONTHS OF FROM 0 BILLION IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR ON THE BACK OF STRONG REVENUES FROM ITS SUBSIDIARIES In a disclosure on Monday, the Andrew Tan-led holding company said its consolidated revenues JUMPED BY PERCENT TO 0 billion in January to March from 0 BILLION A YEAR AGO WHILE ITS attributable net income climbed

BY PERCENT TO 0 BILLION FROM 0 BILLION YEAR ON YEAR !LL BUSINESSES POSTED SIGNIkCANT growth, with property arm Megaworld Corp. contributing strongly to the parent, it said.

Megaworld saw its net profit kNISH AT 0 BILLION IN THE kRST QUARTER COMPARED WITH 0 BILLION IN THE SAME PERIOD IN

driven by strong growth from core businesses. Its net income

Value

Chg

%Chg

PSEi

7,660.14

76.32

Ÿ

All Shares

4,747.40

34.13

Ÿ

Financials

1,715.40

14.67

Ÿ

Industrial

11,068.08

9.66

Ÿ

Holding Firms

7,161.30

91.4

Ÿ

Services

1,651.90

15.31

Ÿ

Mining and Oil

7,232.45

-24.21

Ĺş

Property

4,175.30

36.41

Ÿ

Stock indices as of May 20, 2019

PSEi

ALL SHARES

ongoing new store additions.

For this year, McDonald’s Philippines will open more “nextgeneration� or NXTGEN stores to boost customer experience.

At present, the fast-food chain OPERATOR HAS OF THESE STORIES nationwide.

Lastly, Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. announced that ITS NET INCOME IN THE kRST QUARTER STOOD AT 0 MILLION A PERCENT DECLINE FROM 0 MILLION IN Gross revenues amounted to 0 BILLION PERCENT HIGHER THAN 0 BILLION YEAR ON YEAR Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization was at P1.4 billion.

Alliance Global has allocated P85 billion in capital expenditures this year, the bulk of which will go to Megaworld and Travellers.

4HE AMOUNT WAS A PERCENT INCREASE FROM THE 0 BILLION IT actually spent last year.

Alliance Global shares decreased

BY CENTAVOS OR PERCENT TO CLOSE AT 0 EACH ON -ONDAY

PhilRealty plan to double capital stock approved THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved Philippine Realty and Holdings Corp.’s (PhilRealty) plan to double its authorized capital stock.

In a disclosure on Monday, PhilRealty said it received on May 14 the commission’s gosignal to increase the stock from P4 billion to P8 billion.

PhilRealty said in an earlier disclosure the new shares to be generated shall be issued to Greenhills Properties Inc. and Meridian Assurance Corp. in exchange for the two kRMS REAL ESTATE ASSETS COVERING SQUARE METERS SQM OF SPACE IN "ONIFACIO 'LOBAL

HOLDING FIRMS

Index

attributable to the parent grew by PERCENT TO 0 BILLION FROM 0 BILLION The property developer’s consolidated revenues grew by 15 PERCENT TO 0 BILLION FROM 0 billion. Of the total, its residential BUSINESS ACCOUNTED FOR PERCENT ITS RECURRING INCOME PORTFOLIO

PERCENT AND HOTEL OPERATIONS AND noncore revenues, the rest. ,IQUOR ARM %MPERADOR MEANwhile, reported that its net income attributable to shareholders of the PARENT ROSE BY PERCENT TO 0 billion, while its revenues jumped

BY PERCENT TO 0 BILLION FROM 0 BILLION A YEAR EARLIER )T CREDIT THE growth to strong sales from its whisky

and premium brandy brands. !T A NEWS BRIEkNG ON THE SIDElines of the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting in Quezon City on Monday, Emperador President Wilson Co said the brandy maker would focus this year on the globalization and premiumization of its malt whiskey business, which contributed strongly to the kRM S kNANCIAL PERFORMANCE The plan is part of Emperador’s kVE YEAR PLAN ‡ WHICHS STARTED LAST YEAR ‡ TO HELP ITS 7HYTE AND Mackay business contribute at least 85 percent to Emperador’s total revenues from the current PERCENT Golden Arches Development Corp., which holds the exclusive franchise of McDonald’s in the Philippines, registered an attribUTABLE NET PROkT OF 0 MILLION

A PERCENT IMPROVEMENT FROM 0 MILLION YEAR ON YEAR Its consolidated revenues grew

BY PERCENT TO 0 BILLION

supported by a healthy same-store sales growth of 4.8 percent and its

B3

SERVICES

MINING AND OIL

#ITY "'# 4AGUIG #ITY It also announced that Meridian Assurance WOULD CONTRIBUTE THREE OFkCE CONDOMINIUM units and six parking units in the Philippine Stock Exchange in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, as well as two commercial condominium units AND TWO PARKING UNITS IN )CON 0LAZA IN "'# PhilRealty saw its net income jump by 48 PERCENT TO 0 MILLION LAST YEAR FROM 0 MILLION IN THANKS TO HIGHER OPERATING gains and asset valuations. “The improved valuation of our investment properties, as well as the sustained increase in our real estate and rental businesses, led to

our bottomline leap,� PhilRealty President and #HIEF %XECUTIVE /FkCER !LFREDO DEL 2OSARIO SAID 0ROPERTY SALES JUMPED BY PERCENT TO 0 MILLION LARGELY DUE TO THE BRISK DEmand for its SkyVillas and Skyline projects in Quezon City, as well as the Icon Plaza.

2ENTAL INCOME SURGED BY PERCENT TO 0 MILLION AS A RESULT OF THE EXPANSION OF the company’s leasable portfolios, as well as new lease agreements.

PhilRealty said it was bullish about its business, given global and local developments favoring its prospects.

ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

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 Last Price Chg SM Investments Corporation 884.5 -3.5 Jollibee Foods Corporation 274.2 -2.8 SM Prime Holdings, Inc. 39.4 0.3 Ayala Land, Inc. 47.5 0.75 International Container Terminal Services, Inc. 139.5 -0.4 Bank Of The Philippine Islands 81 0 Universal Robina Corporation 153.7 1.2 Ayala Corporation 857 7 Megaworld Corporation 5.37 -0.08 PLDT Inc. 1,270.00 15 Security Bank Corporation 178.5 3.5 BDO Unibank, Inc. 130.9 0 JG Summit Holdings, Inc. 58.75 1.75 DMCI Holdings, Inc. 10.42 0.66 Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. 50.25 2.2 Globe Telecom, Inc. 2,018.00 19 Alliance Global Group, Inc. 13.8 -0.1 Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company 75.5 2.5 GT Capital Holdings, Inc. 850 30 Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corporation 27 -1

%Chg -0.39% -1.01% 0.77% 1.60% -0.29% 0% 0.79% 0.82% -1.47% 1.20% 2.00% 0% 3.07% 6.76% 4.58% 0.95% -0.72% 3.42% 3.66% -3.57%

ź ź Ÿ Ÿ ź Ÿ Ÿ ź Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ ź Ÿ Ÿ ź

Volume 432,470.00 1,336,880.00 7,410,300.00 4,448,100.00 1,428,030.00 1,825,310.00 897,020.00 156,510.00 24,277,800.00 101,950.00 730,630.00 930,950.00 1,975,080.00 10,226,600.00 1,866,700.00 39,425.00 5,436,100.00 955,290.00 79,620.00 2,459,200.00

Value(P) 382,202,695.00 367,386,242.00 289,826,330.00 210,252,165.00 199,181,392.00 148,049,837.00 137,463,786.00 134,108,850.00 130,569,389.00 129,130,310.00 127,792,216.00 121,545,037.00 113,974,340.00 104,035,815.00 92,928,845.00 79,080,685.00 75,021,148.00 71,154,559.00 67,012,925.00 66,598,480.00

*amounts in peso, except for volume, %chg

TOP GAINERS

FINANCIALS

INDUSTRIAL

PROPERTY

INDEX HISTORY Date May 20, 2019 May 17, 2019 May 16, 2019 May 15, 2019 May 14, 2019 May 10, 2019 May 09, 2019 May 08, 2019 May 07, 2019 May 06, 2019 May 03, 2019 May 02, 2019 Apr 30, 2019 Apr 29, 2019 Apr 26, 2019 Apr 25, 2019 Apr 24, 2019 Apr 23, 2019 Apr 22, 2019 Apr 17, 2019 Apr 16, 2019 Apr 15, 2019 Apr 12, 2019 Apr 11, 2019 Apr 10, 2019 Apr 8, 2019 Apr 05, 2019 Apr 04, 2019 Apr 03, 2019 Apr 02, 2019

Open 7,587 7,482 7,560 7,671 7,718 7,756 7,858 7,903 7,872 7,973 8,004 7,953 7,892 7,861 7,893 7,848 7,799 7,827 7,840 7,833 7,800 7,888 7,971 7,991 7,976 7,879 7,866 7,893 7,880 7,854

High 7,660 7,637 7,586 7,711 7,718 7,842 7,864 7,927 7,922 7,974 8,078 8,041 7,953 7,897 7,900 7,894 7,847 7,835 7,859 7,861 7,860 7,915 7,980 8,000 8,009 7,955 7,887 7,898 7,895 7,894

Low 7,534 7,482 7,475 7,577 7,578 7,719 7,756 7,755 7,861 7,851 7,968 7,947 7,889 7,846 7,840 7,832 7,799 7,770 7,818 7,824 7,799 7,788 7,881 7,956 7,953 7,879 7,866 7,836 7,861 7,854

Close 7,660 7,584 7,475 7,577 7,647 7,742 7,756 7,927 7,911 7,862 7,968 8,002 7,953 7,897 7,868 7,894 7,847 7,819 7,832 7,835 7,826 7,788 7,881 7,956 8,009 7,916 7,873 7,854 7,895 7,879

CLOSE

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

Security Name A. Brown Company, Inc. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation Acesite (Philippines) Hotel Corporation DMCI Holdings, Inc. APC Group, Inc. Premium Leisure Corp.

Basic Energy Corporation AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp.

Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company “B�

Jackstones, Inc. Mabuhay Vinyl Corporation Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. Leisure & Resorts World Corporation Waterfront Philippines, Inc. Golden Bria Holdings, Inc. Philippine Business Bank San Miguel Corporation Philippine National Bank

Volume Value Last Price 2,884,000.00 2,198,890.00 0.78 3,241,000.00 1,796,940.00 0.56 49,000.00 66,480.00 1.36 10,226,600.00 104,035,815.00 10.42 840,000.00 353,900.00 0.425 15,476,000.00 11,310,280.00 0.73 186,280,000.00 53,041,150.00 0.275 17,442,000.00 60,189,380.00 3.5 10,000.00 1,120.00 0.112 24,000.00 75,410.00 3.11 4,000 14,500.00 3.65 480,000.00 19,569,530.00 41.75 2,897,000.00 8,194,750.00 2.86 1,866,700.00 92,928,845.00 50.25 4,623,000.00 20,359,020.00 4.44 2,431,000.00 1,690,930.00 0.71 500.00 202,280.00 412.8 200.00 2,700.00 13.5 224,950.00 40,712,634.00 186.7 495,150.00 27,672,988.00 56.1

Chg 0.07 0.04 0.09 0.66 0.025 0.04 0.015 0.19 0.006 0.16 0.18 2.05 0.13 2.2 0.19 0.03 15.6 0.5 6.9 2

%Chg 9.86% 7.69% 7.09% 6.76% 6.25% 5.80% 5.77% 5.74% 5.66% 5.42% 5.19% 5.16% 4.76% 4.58% 4.47% 4.41% 3.93% 3.85% 3.84% 3.70%

*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

Security Name Primex Corporation Vitarich Corporation Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corporation “A�

Alliance Select Foods International, Inc. Chelsea Logistics and Infrastracture Holdings Corp.

Zeus Holdings, Inc. Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company “A�

Easycall Communications Phils., Inc. Metro Alliance Holdings & Equities Corp. “A�

Abacore Capital Holdings, Inc. ISM Communications Corporation Boulevard Holdings, Inc. DoubleDragon Properties Corp.

LT Group, Inc. Central Azucarera De Tarlac Macay Holdings, Inc. ATN Holdings, Inc. “A�

Arthaland Corporation Crown Equities, Inc. Capital Holdings, Inc. Non-Voting Perpetual 20 GT Preferred Shares Series “B�

*amounts in peso except for volume, %chg

Volume 2,644,000.00 15,889,000.00 3,800,000.00 4,771,000.00 2,859,500.00 27,370,000.00 6,470,000.00 71,700.00 21,000.00 23,546,000.00 6,989,000.00 20,180,000.00 472,300.00 3,330,000.00 1,500.00 54,700.00 1,519,000.00 1,552,000.00 420,000.00 170.00

Value Last Price 5,402,430.00 1.99 18,174,490.00 1.12 43,800.00 0.011 3,255,380.00 0.67 17,350,912.00 5.96 7,681,600.00 0.28 664,660.00 0.099 767,490.00 10.58 35,030.00 1.66 14,213,070.00 0.59 41,096,748.00 5.81 1,289,280.00 0.063 11,733,740.00 24.5 54,404,270.00 16.22 22,082.00 16.1 509,754.00 9.6 1,905,590.00 1.25 1,157,970.00 0.75 97,390.00 0.231 158,000.00

920

Chg %Chg -0.25 -11.16% -0.14 -11.11% -0.001 -8.33% -0.05 -6.94% -0.43 -6.73% -0.02 -6.67% -0.007 -6.60% -0.6 -5.37% -0.09 -5.14% -0.03 -4.84% -0.28 -4.60% -0.003 -4.55% -1.1 -4.30% -0.72 -4.25% -0.7 -4.17% -0.4 -4.00% -0.05 -3.85% -0.03 -3.85% -0.009 -3.75% -35

-3.66%

B4

Foreign Business

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Japan economy up 0.5% in Q1 T

OKYO: Japanese GDP expanded a betterTHAN EXPECTED PERCENT IN THE kRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR OFkCIAL DATA SHOWED ON -ONDAY

ALTHOUGH ANALYSTS CAUTIONED THAT THE WORLD S THIRD LARGEST ECONOMY WAS STILL FACING HEADWINDS It was the second successive expansion for the Japanese economy after growth of 0.4 percent in the fourth quarter of last year.

4HE RESULTS DEkED GLOOMY EXPECtations by analysts who predicted a small decline at the start of 2019, but some economists warned that

signs of weakness remained beNEATH THE POSITIVE HEADLINE kGURE g4HE HEADLINE kGURES WERE UNexpectedly good but if you take a closer look, the data was not something we should be pleased about,� said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin

Q LOANS FROM B1

Pag-IBIG BILLION MARK FOR THE kRST TIME ‡ SOMETHING THAT 0AG )")' &UND #HIEF %XECUTIVE /FkCER Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti said “took us a WHILEu TO ACHIEVE NOTING THAT gIN THE kRST quarters of 2017 and 2018, our releases hovered above P14 billion.� “The P17.22 billion in home loans we RELEASED FOR THE kRST QUARTER OF IS YET another testament to our continued growth

and reliability. We commit to continue working hard to maintain our strong performance and help more members achieve their own homes,� Moti added.

In total, Pag-IBIG Fund home loans from January to March totaled P29.25 billion to kNANCE HOMES FOR MEMBERS 4HIS includes the amount released and P12.03 billion pending for takeout to 11,066 members. These pending for takeout are approved home loan applications, the proceeds of which are ready for release upon submission by borrowers of post-approval requirements.

The latest data was being closely watched amid speculation that weak growth could prompt Prime

Q SUSPENSION FROM B1

PSE index jumps 1% AAA Southeast Equities Inc. President Matthew Cabangon, for his part, said local investors propelled the market during the day, noting that foreign investors remained net sellers. “Local investors were bullish that the lowering of the RRR (reserve requirement ratio) by the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), along with a potential boost in the second

Jennifer Hancock is the founder of Humanist Learning Systems and the author of several awardwinning books about Humanism.

She can be found online at https:// humanistlearning.com. De La 3ALLE 5NIVERSITY IS PART OF THE )NTERnational Humanistic Management Association.

such a threat.

One of the first to comply was American internet titan Google, which said on Monday it was reviewing the implica-

growth of late,� he added.

The current BOP position relECTED THE kNAL GROSS INTERNATIONAL reserves (GIR) level of $83.88 billion as of end-April, BSP said.

NARROWER TRADE DEkCIT ON THE BACK At this rate, the GIR represents a of slowing imports with capital more than ample liquidity buffer and goods seeing only single digit is equivalent to 7.4 months’ worth of

imports of goods and payments of services and primary income, it added.

The central bank also said the amount was equivalent to five times the Philippines’ short-term external debt, based on original maturity and 3.5 times based on residual maturity.

cal services that are not publicly available.

That means Huawei will only be able to use the open source version of Android.

It will need to manually access HAS BARRED 53 COMPANIES FROM engaging in telecommunications any updates or software patches trade with foreign companies said to from Android Open Source Projthreaten American national security. ect, and also distribute the updates The measure targets Huawei, to users itself, a source told AFP. In a statement, Huawei said it the world’s second-biggest smartphone maker, which has been would “continue to provide securiLISTED BY THE 53 #OMMERCE $E- ty updates and after-sales services�

PARTMENT AMONG kRMS THAT !MERI- to all existing smartphones and can companies can only trade with tablets globally, including those not yet sold. if authorities grant permission.

A person familiar with the matThe ban includes technology sharing. Google, like all tech com- ter who requested anonymity told panies, collaborates directly with Bloomberg News that Huawei smartphone makers to ensure its would be unable to offer Google’s systems are compatible with their proprietary apps and services in the future. devices.

China’s foreign ministry said “We are complying with the order and reviewing the implications,� a it was actively following the situGoogle spokesman told AFP. ation. “We assure you while we are “At the same time, the Chinese COMPLYING WITH ALL 53 GOV T RE- side supports Chinese enterprises quirements, services like Google in taking up legal weapons and Play & security from Google Play defending their legitimate rights,�

Protect will keep functioning on said spokesman Lu Kang. your existing Huawei device,�

Google’s official @Android ac- 5G leader count tweeted.

Due to the ban, Google will Huawei is a rapidly expanding have to halt business activities with leader in 5G technology, and Huawei that involve direct transfer currently has the most advanced of hardware, software and techni- and cheapest 5G capacities in the

world.

Its smartphones outsold Apple’s iPhones in the first quarter of this year, seizing the California company’s second-place spot in a tightening smartphone market dominated by Samsung.

"UT THE #HINESE kRM REMAINS dependent on foreign suppliers.

It buys about $67 billion worth of components each year, includING ABOUT BILLION FROM 53 suppliers, according to The Nikkei business daily.

53 CHIPMAKERS INCLUDING )Ntel, Qualcomm and Broadcom, have informed workers that they will stop supplying Huawei until further notice, Bloomberg said on Monday, citing people familiar with their actions.

Huawei is the target of an intense campaign by Washington, which has been trying to persuade allies not to allow China a role in building next-generation 5G mobile networks.

Super-fast networking 5G, the kFTH GENERATION SUCCESSOR TO TOday’s decade-old 4G technology which is struggling to keep pace with global broadband demand, promises radically quicker transfers of data.

53 GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ARE ALready banned from buying equipment from Huawei.

AFP

of failed “master plans� in this country provides insights into how to develop plans that have better prospects for success. In their simplest terms, these “rules for effective planning� are: 4HE LEVEL OF DETAIL IN A PLAN IS INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL TO ITS scope. This sounds like a paradox in an environment of centralized authority, but it really isn’t; the broader and less homogeneous the subject of a particular principle or idea is, the more exceptions to it will be encountered. This is why, for instance, the country does not have an effective set of national construction standards; different climates, economic capabilities and requirements, and lifestyles and cultures make it impossible to apply a “one SIZE kTS ALLu APPROACH !N EFFECTIVE plan on a national level would be one that simply requires lower levels of government to develop their own building standards according to very basic broad principles – adequate protection from seismic or other NATURAL HAZARDS DUE REGARD TO kRE safety, adherence to engineering best practices, and so on – and then allows local experts to develop the specific guidelines best suited to their environments. $ON T TRY TO DO TOO MUCH AT once. For two successive administrations, we have watched the failure of grand plans to build infrastructure on a massive scale. The Aquino administration’s much-heralded PPP initiative was by any measure a complete bust, only realizing about 10 percent of its objectives, and while the Duterte administration has done much better, its own “build, build, build� program is

stockholder’s voting and appearance cannot be conducted via teleconferencing or videoconferencing.

Now, with the release of the RCC, stockholders can now participate and vote through remote communication or in absentia.

However, with respect to the participation of directors at board meetings, Section 52 of the RCC provides that directors or trustees who cannot physically attend or vote at board meetings can participate and vote through remote communication such as videoconferencing, teleconferencing, or other alternative modes of communication that allow them reasonable opportunities to participate. Please take note

circular, it is interesting to note that the SEC had already allowed a form of remote communication for directors even as far back as 2001.

The increasing awareness of participation through remote board meetings has been adopted in counTRIES LIKE THE 5NITED +INGDOM MOST STATES IN THE 5NITED 3TATES 3OUTH Africa and Australia. However, as a condition sine qua non, certain conDITIONS MUST BE SATISkED INCLUDING the preparation of the signed minutes of the meeting. This is because participation through remote communication is not yet fully accepted by some countries. In addition, the minutes is an important piece of EVIDENCE AS TO THE CONkRMATION OF

whether a meeting has been actually held and attended, whether physically or remotely, by the directors present since it needs to be signed by the directors.

In any case, to promote good corporate governance, the SEC is keeping the Philippines aligned with other countries to adapt to the ever-changing business environment and to maintain the highest standards of corporate sector regulation towards accomplishing ease of doing business in the Philippines. This is in line with the responsibility of the SEC to promote good corporate governance and the protection of minority investors through, among others, the issuance of rules and regulations

Humanistic

Better and Higher-quality Opportunities (Trabaho) bill to remove the uncertainty about the tax regime ON kSCAL INCENTIVES AND CORPORATE income taxes. “We support the rationalization OF kSCAL INCENTIVES AND THE LOWERING of corporate income taxes under Trabaho, but we also support the retention of incentives for footloose and labor-intensive industries,� it added.

The amendment to the Public Service Act must also be passed soon to liberalize foreign investment in transportation and telecommunications, according to the group. g4HE QUALITY COST AND EFkCIENCY of transportation and telecommunications are inputs to the decision of companies whether to relocate here. Therefore, we need more foreign investment in‌transportation and telecommunications to bring more competition, improve services and lower prices,� it said.

FEF also urged the government to implement the Ease of Doing Business Act, noting that it had yet to issue the implementing rules and regulations for it a year after its passage.

This law “will simplify procedures and establish timelines in securing permits and other transactions with government,� the group said.

The organization also warned that passing the Security of Tenure bill, also known as the Ending Endo (End of Contract) Act, “will hamper THE lEXIBILITY OF kRMS ESPECIALLY IN dealing with disruptive changes to businesses caused by technology.�

Passing this measure “will not only deter China-based factories from relocating here, [but also] SCARE EXISTING INVESTORS WHO WILL lEE to other countries, such as Vietnam and Indonesia,� FEF said.

The group also cited the need to implement the government’s massive infrastructure program, noting that “our creaky infrastructure, from ports to roads, make doing business in the Philippines COSTLY AND INEFkCIENT u ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

You are competing. What you do doesn’t necessarily impact the societal whole. Except that it does.

And a humanistic understanding of business acknowledges that our businesses are embedded in society. We serve society and are dependent on society. It’s a two way street.

However, the strong headline GDP figure may dampen the speculation. “For those who want to implement the tax hike as scheduled, today’s data is a tailwind,� Shinke told AFP. Major Japanese business organisations support going ahead with the planned tax hike, and top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga has recently said the government will carry out the plan unless a crisis on the level of the 2008 kNANCIAL MELTDOWN HAPPENS AFP

in the red, as Shanghai was down 0.41 percent, Hong Kong declined 0.57 percent, Singapore fell 0.77 percent, Bangkok decreased 0.41 percent, and 3EOUL kNISHED UNCHANGED quarter, driven by election spending, would In contrast, Jakarta increased 1.43 support our market moving forward. This percent, while Tokyo grew 0.24 percent. would explain our market’s outperformance In Manila, only the mining and oil among Asian peers, despite the lingering trade kNISHED LOWER DOWN PERCENT war concern,� he said.

More than 1.01 billion issues were traded “It is possible that we have found a valued at P4.88 billion. bottom for the market in the near term,�

Winners led losers, 100 to 84, while 43 he added. issues were unchanged.

-OST REGIONAL COUNTERPARTS kNISHED ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

Q BAN FROM B1

Govt

when so authorized in the bylaws, through remote communication or in absentia. In line with this, the RCC mandates the SEC to issue rules and regulations governing participation and voting through remote communication or in absentia, taking into account the company’s scale, number of shareholders or members, structure, and other factors consistent with the protection and promotion of shareholders’ or member’s meetings (Section 49, RCC). This is a fresh provision because, under Section 50 of the Old Corporation Code (B.P. Blg. 68), a

‘Tailwinds’

Minister Shinzo Abe’s government to postpone a planned sales tax hike for the third time.

With global economic uncerTAINTIES ‡ SUCH AS THE 53 #HINA TRADE WAR AND "REXIT ‡ SOME suspect Abe plans to shelve the increase in the VAT-like tax from eight percent to 10 percent, previously expected in October.

Speculation is also mounting that he could use this decision to call a snap election over the summer, combining it with upper house elections.

Humanistic tendencies in business are pro-people, pro-business and pro-society. It’s not one or the other. It’s all three. In collaboration.

Q MANAGING FROM B2

Participation

don’t think we can be optimistic about the future of the economy,� said Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.

Nevertheless, the better-thanEXPECTED kGURE PUSHED UP THE 4Okyo stock exchange, with the main Nikkei index rising 0.74 percent at the open.

Paying a living wage to your EMPLOYEES BENEkTS YOUR COMPANY (in terms of lower employee turnOVER IT BENEkTS YOUR CUSTOMERS

which for most of us not building jumbo jets, are our employees, and IT BENEkTS SOCIETY BECAUSE IT HELPS make your company a positive force in society instead of a societal drain that is leaching tax payer BENEkTS TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR LESS than living wage to ensure your laborers can continue to live and participate in society.

Q ADVANTAGE FROM B1

Q SEC FROM B1

Research Institute. “Rather, the data clearly showed weak points in the economy with poor consumption and corporate investment on plants and equipment,� he told AFP. Net exports contributed strongly TO THE LATEST GROWTH kGURES ‡ BUT only because the fall in imports outweighed a decline in exports, according to the data from the #ABINET /FkCE “There is no clear sign of a bottoming out in exports, production, AND BUSINESS CONkDENCE AND SO )

Q SURPLUS FROM B1

PH’s BOP Q TIES FROM B1

Google

that while directors are allowed to participate and vote through remote communication, this does not give directors the unbridled opportunity to attend or vote by proxy at board meetings (Section 52, RCC). The law still does not allow members of the board of directors to vote by proxy.

In a way, Section 52 of the RCC can trace its roots from SEC Memorandum Circular No. 15, Series of 2001 which governed board meetings through teleconferencing or videoconferencing where the participants who are not physically present are located at different places, whether local or international. Although the RCC now supersedes the said

PLDT Q KRITZ FROM B1

Breaking

tions of the ban.

In response to the order, Huawei said in a statement that restricting the Chinese telecommunications giant from doing business in America “will not make the US more secure or stronger; instead, this will only serve to limit the US to inferior yet more expensive alternatives.�

JORDEENE B. LAGARE also trailing expectations, and cannot possibly catch up. It is okay to develop overarching strategies – in fact, it’s necessary – but to be effective, action plans should be broken up into manageable parts. Again, the government’s tax reform initiative is probably a good example: Rather than take on the entire task at once, the government’s economic policymakers broke it in digestible packages. That way, even if not all of them pass, the ones that do will still represent progressive steps, and prevent the failure of the whole.

3ET REALISTIC TARGETS The province of Palawan has recently attracted some approving attention for its work to create a master development plan. Among its goals, however, is one that is almost certain to be missed, and is of no guidance to the province in formulating action steps: The plan envisions Palawan raising its contribution to the national GDP from its current one PERCENT TO kVE PERCENT )N ORDER FOR that to be an achievable goal, the precise amount each possible action step will increase the province’s productivity has to be known, so that the best steps can be chosen; that does not appear to be the case in the planning that has been publicly disclosed. Even if those calculations are done, the target still relies on a variable – the national GDP – that is completely beyond the control of the plan.

The principles are deceptively simple; the work required to put them into real-world action is not. But the leaders who can do it successfully have a chance to set themselves apart from the rest of the interchangeable cogs of the country’s political class, and have an impact that extends far beyond their constituencies.

ben.kritz@manilatimes.net consistent with international best practices [Section 179 (d), RCC].

As such, it is fervently hoped that these reforms on remote communication as embodied in the RCC not only make it easier to do business, but also improve the protection of minority investors.

Kelvin Lester K. Lee is a Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He is the co-chairperson of the SEC Committee on Memorandum Circulars To Operationalize Revised Corporation Code Provisions.

The views and opinions stated herein are his own. You may email your comments and questions to oclee@sec.gov.ph.

Build&Design

TUESDAY MAY 21, 2019 B5 EDITOR: Mario F. Fetalino Jr.

www.manilatimes.net

mario.fetalino@manilatimes.net

Q Aside from the stateof-the-art damper systems installed, The Seasons Residences also strictly adhere to the Philippines’ National Building Code to further ensure an earthquake-resistant structure.

FLI township to boost Central Luzon economy

BY TYRONE C. PIAD

T

HE P3-billion lli ttownship hi project of the Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) in Capas, Tarlac is seen by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to boost the economy of Central Luzon. ! PART OF THE 0 BILLION INVESTment of FLI’s parent company — Filinvest Development Corp. &$ ‡ IN #LARK 0AMPANGA THE 299-hectare smart and mixed-use

development is expected to generate a million jobs for Filipinos. “The Filinvest project is going to be a major driver because it will create jobs and opportunities for people

not just in Capas, Tarlac but also to Central Luzon up to the north and EVEN -ETRO -ANILA u "#$! 0RESIDENT 6IVENCIO $IZON SAID It can help boost economic activities within and outside of the host province, Dizon added.

Dizon made his pronouncements during the groundbreaking ceremony for the project called “Filinvest in New Clark City,� a joint venture between FLI and BCDA. &OR HIS PART &,) 0RESIDENT *OSEphine Gotianun Yap said the devel-

opment is patterned on the trademark that Filinvest is known for. “As we break ground on phase 1 of Filinvest innovation and logistic part, we bring to New Clark City the same passion and clear vision our townships like Filinvest City stand and founded on to build economically and environmentally sustainable platforms that enliven and enrich the lives of its locators, residents and visitors,�

Yap explained during the occassion. “We see this as one of our most ambitious developments to date.

We are determined to build a smart and innovative township that we believe will integrate a variety of industries and lifestyles, local and foreign,� Yap said.

Further, Yap revealed Filinvest intends to apply for Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design ,%%$ CERTIkCATION FOR SOME OF ITS establishment in the township in line with its vision of building a sustainable community.

-EANWHILE THE kRST PHASE OF THE Filinvest at New Clark City is be-

ing prepared for the hosting of the Southeast Asian Games in Clark, 0AMPANGA &,) SAID 4HE LOCATION of the project is near the facilities to be used by the global sporting event, it added. .EW #LARK #ITY IS A HECTARE planned community under development being managed by the BCDA. Almost half of which is already MAPPED OUT FOR A PURPOSE ! 0 billion National Government Administrative Center is also set to be opened in the community by August this year.

Building in Manila still modest – study

AMENITIES SPELL FUN FOR RESIDENTS Families should savor life’s pleasurable

moments right in the comforts of their community. This is WHAT !MAIA 3CAPES 0AMPANGA ENVISIONED FOR ITS RESIDENTS WHEN it completed its cozy and highly functional amenities giving homeowners access to a village pavilion where they can hold fun social gatherings and celebrate milestones; a basketball court and play area where the community’s youngsters can get acquainted; and a swimming pool where residents can take refreshing dips. Located along Angeles-Magalang Road, Barangay 3APANG -AISAC IN -EXICO !MAIA 3CAPES 0AMPANGA IS A SPRAWLING development that offers quality homes at affordable prices. It is A RIDE AWAY FROM !NGELES #ITY AND -AGALANG 4OWN 0ROPER AND near key establishments and commercial centers like Marquee -ALL 2OBINSONS !NGELES 3- #ITY #LARK 0UREGOLD (OLY !NGELS University, Clark Special Economic Zone and the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.

8990, MEGAWIDE SIGN DEAL FOR MAIDEN HORIZONTAL PROJECT

8990 Holdings, one of the fastest growing real estate developers in THE 0HILIPPINES EXPANDS ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH -EGAWIDE #ONSTRUCtion Corp. with the signing of a contract to build its newest housing project in Meycauayan, Bulacan. “We are delighted to extend our partnership beyond just vertical developments. With the addition of Deca Homes Meycauayan to our list of projects with Megawide, we are certain that we will be able to deliver quality homes to every HARDWORKING &ILIPINO u SAID (OLDINGS 0RESIDENT AND #HIEF %XECUTIVE /FkCER 7ILLIE 5Y -EGAWIDE WILL BRING IN ITS PRECAST EXPERTISE THAT WILL PRODUCE APPROXIMATELY TOWNHOUSES WITHIN S 41-hectare property in Barangay Saluysoy, Meycauayan, Bulacan.

4HIS IS S SECOND PROJECT IN THE PROVINCE 0HOTO SHOWS FROM LEFT -EGAWIDE #ONSTRUCTION #ORP 0RECAST !SSISTANT 6ICE 0RESIDENT %INSTEIN #HIU (OLDINGS 0RESIDENT AND 7ILLIE 5Y AND #HIEF /PERATIONS /FkCER !LEXANDER !CE 3OTTO

A LEADING GLOBAL DESIGN AND CONSULTANCY kRM said Manila remains one of the least expensive cities to build in the world.

In its “International Construction Costs 2019� report, Arcadis, a design and consultancy company for natural and built assets, detailed and ranked the relative cost of construction in 100 of the world’s major cities.

The report said Manila ranked 82nd in the world, following Hong Kong, Macau, Tokyo, Singapore and Seoul in the Asia rankings.

Manila moved down from 39th in 2018.

However, the change in its ranking is due to an INCREASE IN THE SIZE OF THE INDEX FROM CITIES in 2018 to 100 in 2019.

4HE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT '$0 OF THE COUNtry grew over 6 percent in 2018, maintaining its position as one of the fastest growing economies IN !SIA WITH SIGNIkCANT GROWTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION sector, particularly in infrastructure, residential and commercial, the reports said. )T ADDED THAT THE GROWTH IN 0HILIPPINE TOURISM AYALA Land Corp. has remained on top of other midrange developers because for one of the many reasons, it is keeping a close eye and ear to the needs of a changing market. Its recent projects are DESIGNED SPECIkCALLY IN RESPONSE to the demands of a market that is younger, more mobile and more value-conscious.

Avida Towers (AT) Makati Southpoint, its fifth residential high-rise in Makati, is one of them. For young professionals seeking a more compact living area but with enough breathable spaces, this three-tower development may be the best choice.

Makati Southpoint is located on Don Chino Roces Ave. in Barangay Bangkal, Makati, less than 2 kilometers from the Makati central business district (CBD).

According to property research kRM #OLLIERS 0HILIPPINES OFkCE supply in the outskirts of the Makati CBD will be surging as much as 68 percent over the next few years. Housing demand is expected to rise further in the area.

0ROFESSIONAL WORKERS REGULARLY TAKING A BEATING FROM TRAFkC SAFETY and security issues and bad weathER HAVE PREFERRED TO kND SMALLER homes closer to their workplaces.

Q The Asian cities ranking in Arcadis’ ‘International Construction Costs 2019.’ had led to more commercial and institution construction and put increased pressure on Manila’s infrastructure.

To support this growth, the government is investing in infrastructure under the Build Build Build program, the report said.

Due to the time needed in feasibility, procurement and investigation, these projects have been

slow to take off and the increase in the number of jobs available has not translated into an increase in the number of works, it added. “We expect the construction market to remain strong in 2019 and 2020 due to ongoing government and private investments in major projects,�

2OSS -C+ENZIE HEAD OF 0HILIPPINES !RCADIS SAID “The government’s commitment to decongest Metro Manila and provide accessible travel to Manila and Clark International Airport is expected to create more jobs and spur economic growth in the city and across other parts of the country,� McKenzie explained. “However, a true driver of change will be the mandated use of ‘digital’ tools, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) to increase productivity and reduce construction costs,� he said. g0RESENTLY THE ADOPTION OF ")- IS BEING LED BY a few private construction companies, however this would accelerate with a government mandate on technology like BIM similar to elsewhere,�

McKenzie added.

Makati Southpoint draws young professionals

Q Makati Southpoint’s grand lobby.

Makati Southpoint will offer this market right-sized residences, or units ranging from 23.30 square METERS TO SQM FOR THE kRST tower. These are studio units, junior 1bedroom (BR) and 1BR units. “The market is a mix of Filipino millennials, single professionals and early nesters. This is a group seeking the adult experience of owning, living and investing in their own homes,� explained Jojo Fabricante, Avida Land head of Innovation and Design Group. “The units were created around the idea of people who have a

round-the-clock lifestyle, who are always on the go but want a restful home to sleep and unwind. Makati Southpoint has included a multifunction area and usable, open spaces to function as an extension of their living spaces,� he added.

The collab space can let residents work on their own devices, meet up or read or do hobbies in a comfortable indoor space. The lounge areas on the amenity deck allow them to meet guests or just enjoy the outdoors. A retail area will occupy the ground floor, where a grand central lobby will

also be located.

Makati Southpoint will eventuALLY HAVE THREE TOWERS BUT THE kRST at 32-stories high has been moving fast in the market. About 40 percent of its launched inventory have SOLD OUT IN THE kRST MONTH ALONE Residences have a choice of the skylines of Makati and Bonifacio Global City on one side, or the refreshingly open amenity deck on the other.

Makati Southpoint units range FROM 0 MILLION TO 0 MILLION 4HE kRST TOWER WILL BE COMPLETED by 2024.

B6

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

World

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

‘Biden has highest chance of kicking Trump out of office’ PHILADELPHIA: The crowded 2020 presidential race features six women, three African Americans and a dozen youthful contenders. But Denise Haley is going old school, supporting white male frontrunner Joe Biden as the Democrat best positioned to beat Donald Trump. “He could lead the nation and bring us back together,� Haley, who is black, told AFP of the 76-year-old former vice president, reflecting what appears to be a

solidifying sentiment amid voters whose support has given Biden a commanding poll lead.

Haley, a 60-year-old healthcare professional, was in the crowd Saturday when Biden came to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to address the biggest, most boisterous rally of his four-weekold White House campaign.

Many attendees thrilled at Biden essentially sidestepping discussion of the gruelling primary battle ahead and focusing on the general

election face-off with Republican Trump, whom he often attacked with explicit condemnation. “Biden is Trump’s biggest rival and has the highest chance of kicking 4RUMP OUT OF OFkCE u HIGH SCHOOLER Ankita Kalasabail, who is 16 but will be old enough to vote in 2020, said in explaining her support for a man 60 years her senior. “We need to beat Trump� and Biden has a stronger shot than the 22 other Democratic candidates,

said Mickey Kirzecky, a consultant.

Biden, a veteran Democrat who spent 36 years in the US Senate, boasts the thickest resume of any candidate seeking to deny Trump a second term.

John Lester, a graphic designer from Philadelphia, said Biden’s age could become a concern, although “he does seem like a healthy guy.�

What draws him to Biden is the candidate’s “broader appeal� and moderate politics, Lester, 61, said.

“I support the issues of diversity,� but moving too quickly toward a liberal agenda at a time of deep POLITICAL DIVISIONS MIGHT BACKkRE

he added. “I like that fact that he’s steady and I trust him,� added Lester’s wife Doreen. “I believe that he’s a good guy, and I think we need good again.�

Biden spent eight years in the White House with president Barack Obama, and his close alliance with

THE NATION S kRST BLACK COMMANDER in chief has earned him strong support from the coveted African-American voting bloc.

But Biden’s legislative record and past actions, such as his treatment of Anita Hill — the woman at the center of emblematic sex harassment hearings in the Senate almost three decades ago — or his support for a crime bill that led to mass incarcerations of black men, have come under scrutiny.AFP

Trump warns of Iran’s ‘official end’ if it fights US

W

ASHINGTON, D.C.:President Donald Trump issued an ominous warning to Iran on Sunday (Monday in Manila), suggesting that if the Islamic republic attacks American interests, it will be destroyed. g)F )RAN WANTS TO kGHT THAT WILL BE THE OFkCIAL END OF )RAN .EVER threaten the United States again,�

Trump said in a tweet.

Tensions between Washington

and Tehran have been on the rise as the United States has deployed a carrier group and B-52 bombers to the Gulf over what it termed Iranian “threats.� This account has been

met with widespread skepticism outside the United States.

The White House has sent mixed signals in recent days, amid multiPLE 53 MEDIA REPORTS OF INkGHTING in Trump’s cabinet over how hard to push Washington’s arch foe Iran.

The Trump administration has ordered nonessential diplomatic staff out of Iraq, citing threats from Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups,

and sent an aircraft carrier and heavy B-52 bombers to the region.

On Sunday, a Katyusha rocket was fired into Baghdad’s Green :ONE HOUSING GOVERNMENT OFkCES and embassies including the US mission. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack.

According to US media reports, Trump’s long-hawkish national security advisor John Bolton is pushing a hard line on Iran, but

others in the administration are resisting.

Trump himself said recently that he has to “temper� Bolton.

Iran’s foreign minister downplayed the prospect of a new war in the region on Saturday, saying Tehran opposed it and no party was under the “illusion� the Islamic republic could be confronted. “We are certain... there will not be a war since neither we want

a war nor does anyone have the illusion they can confront Iran in the region,� Mohammad Javad Zarif told state-run news agency IRNA at the end of a visit to China.

Iran-US relations hit a new low last year as US Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed unilateral sanctions that had been lifted in exchange for Tehran scaling back its nuclear program.

AFP

PLAY TIME Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, plays

with his youngest son Prince Louis in the ‘Back to Nature’ garden at their residence in London, England. AFP PHOTO

Expatriates fight Brexit at UK polls WILMSLOW, United Kingdom: Chatting with voters in a small town in northwest England ahead of this week’s European elections, lawyer Sophie Larroque’s French accent is hard to miss.

The MEP candidate is one of several European expatriates making the leap into politics in Britain, spurred on by their opposition to Brexit.

A few months ago, nobody expected Britain to take part in the European Parliament elections, as the country was supposed to have left the EU on March 29.

The British parliament cannot agree

on the exit terms, however, forcing the departure date to be put back to October 31 and opening the way for polls that are being seen as allowing voters to express their views on the whole Brexit process.

Larroque, 40, works as a legal adviser in London, a job made possible by the EU-enabled mutual recognition of university degrees. $ETERMINED TO kGHT "REXIT SHE FOUNDed the UK EU Party with three British friends in April, despite having no political experience.

They raised the ÂŁ15,000 needed to

register candidates in three of the 11 British constituencies.

She has traveled almost daily from her home in London to northwest England, where she is hoping to be elected.

She has spent hours on trains, eating sandwiches and scrambling to learn more about the region, all paid for out of her own pocket. “I’m juggling work, my clients, my cases — it takes a lot of organization,� she said, on her way to Wilmslow — an ELEGANT SUBURB OF -ANCHESTER kLLED WITH mock Tudor houses with luxury cars AFP parked outside.

Worldinbriefs

that there was no significant damage or impact on any US-inhabited facility.

AP

RUSSIAN AIR STRIKES KILL 10 IN SYRIA

11 KILLED IN BRAZIL GUN ATTACK

KAFRANBEL, Syria: Air strikes by Syrian regime ally Russia have killed 10 civilians, including five children, in a northwestern jihadist bastion, a monitor said Monday, hours after Moscow announced a ceasefire there. Clashes between regime forces and jihadists raged Monday on the edge of the region held by Syria’s former Al-Qaeda affiliate, following the deadly air raids overnight, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Idlib region controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is supposed to be protected from a government offensive by a September buffer zone deal, but regime and Russian bombardment has increased there since late April.

AFP

RIO de Janeiro: A gang of gunmen reportedly attacked a bar in the capital of Brazil’s northern Parå state Sunday afternoon, and authorities said 11 people were killed. The state security agency confirmed late Sunday (Monday in Manila) only that six women and five men died in the incident in the Guamå neighborhood of the Parå state capital, BelÊm. The G1 news website said police reported that seven gunmen were involved in the attack, which also wounded one person.

The news outlet said the attackers arrived at the bar on one motorcycle and in three cars.

AP

UKRAINE LEADER DISBANDS PARLIAMENT KIEV: Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky steps into his new role as Ukrainian president with his inauguration on Monday, immeditealy disbanding the parliament which he said was full of loyalty to former president Petro Poroshenko. A month after scoring a landslide victory against incumbent Petro Poroshenko in polls, the 41-year-old becomes Ukraine’s youngest post-Soviet president. He was sworn in at 0700 GMT (12 noon in Manila).

According to tradition, he will place his hand on a copy of the constitution and, possibly, also a Bible.

AFP

MONTGOMERY, Ala.: Hundreds of demonstrators marched to the Alabama Capitol on Sunday (Monday in Manila) to protest the state’s newly approved abortion ban, chanting “My body, my choice!� and “Vote them out!� The demonstration came days after Gov. Kay Ivey signed the most stringent abortion law in the nation — making performing an abortion a felony in nearly all cases unless necessary for the mother’s health. The law provides no exception for rape and incest. “Banning abortion does not stop abortion. It stops safe abortion,� said Staci Fox, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Southeast.

AP

ROCKET BLASTS NEAR US EMBASSY

32 DIE IN TAJIKISTAN PRISON RIOT

THE US military command that oversees the Mideast has confirmed an explosion outside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad and said there are no US or coalition casualties. A spokesman for US Central Command, Bill Urban, says in a statement that Iraqi Security Forces are investigating Sunday’s incident.

A State Department spokesman says that “a low-grade rocket� landed within the International Zone near the US embassy and

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan: A riot at a prison in Tajikistan has left 32 people dead, including 24 members of the Islamic State militant group and three guards, authorities said Monday. Five inmates and three guards were killed by IS prisoners during the riot that erupted on Sunday evening, the justice ministry said in a statement. The prison in Vakhdat, 17 kilometers (11 miles) east of the capital Dushanbe, holds 1,500 inmates.

AFP

PROTESTS MAR ALABAMA ABORTION BAN

˜ The Manila Times TUESDAY May 21, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

World

B7

Modi confident of winning anew as India prime minister NEW Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party said Monday that exit polls from the country’s marathon election showed an “overwhelming” vote in favor of a second term for the Hindu nationalist leader.

About 65 percent of India’s 900 million-strong electorate turned out over the six weeks of voting, the election commission said.

While the country faces a nerve-jangling three-day wait until the official count begins, media POLLS AFTER 3UNDAY S kNAL ROUND SAID Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies would secure enough seats to form a new government.

Modi, who fought an acrimonious campaign framed around his tough stance on national security, and other top BJP leaders made no

immediate claim of victory.

As the vote drew to a close, the nationalist leader spent the weekend at a retreat in the Himalayas.

He posted a Twitter picture of himself in a Hindu saffron robe looking out over the mountains.

Party spokesman G.V.L. Narasimha Rao said the polls “clearly show a huge positive vote for the leadership of Narendra Modi

who has served the country with unmatched dedication.

“That people reward good performance has once again been proved by the overwhelming public mandate. This is a slap for the abusive opposition that made baseless charges and spoke lies,” he added.

The BJP was not expected to match its landslide tally in 2014, which gave it enough seats to gov-

ern in its own right, but leading polls projected the ruling party and its allies winning between 282 and 313 seats of the 543 candidates elected to India’s lower house.

Modi’s alliance had 336 seats in the outgoing parliament.

The opposition Congress party was predicted to double its 2014 tally of 44 seats — a historic low since India’s independence in

1947 — but still fall far short of a claim to governing. The party has pointed to the unreliability of polls in previous elections.

After seven rounds of voting spread over six weeks, a huge security cordon was thrown around electronic voting machines and boxes of paper ballots used for the world’s BIGGEST ELECTION BEFORE THE OFkCIAL count starts on Thursday.

AFP

Seoul to send food aid to NKorea S

EOUL, South Korea: South Korea has vowed to move quickly on its plans to provide $8 million worth of humanitarian aid to North Korea through international organizations and is also considering sending food to the country that says it’s suffering its worst drought in decades.

Lee Sang-min, spokesman of Seoul’s Unification Ministry, said the government would discuss its plans with the World Food Program and the United Nations Children’s Fund, through which the aid would be provided, so it reaches North

Korean children and pregnant women quickly. South Korea is also trying to build public and political support for providing food aid to the North, either directly or through an international organization.

North Korea’s state media

said last week that the country was suffering its worst drought in nearly four decades amid reported food shortages.

“The government will first discuss with international organizations over the provision of aid and take measures so that the support arrives [in the North] quickly,” Lee said. “On the matter of direct aid, we will consider the matter while sufficiently garnering the opinions of our citizens.”

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has expressed hopes that aid will help revive diplo-

macy and engagement with Pyongyang, which tapered off following a high-stakes nuclear summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump in February that broke down over mismatched demands in sanctions relief and disarmament.

But Moon’s government has yet to decide on concrete plans amid growing public frustration over North Korea, which resumed short-range missile tests recently that were apparently aimed at pressuring Wash-

ington and Seoul.

North Korean state media said last week that 54.4 millimeters (2.1 inches) of rain fell in the first five months of 2019, which it said represented the lowest level since 1982. UN food agencies said earlier this month that about 10 million people were facing “severe food shortages” after one of the North’s worst harvests in a decade.

North Korean state media are currently campaigning to urge farmers to do

their best with what they have, to grow as much as possible this year.

“At our farm, we got an announcement about the dry weather conditions from our party and our state authorities, so we have taken advance measures to save water, like preparing the fields earlier than before, because we have to save water as much as we can,” said Kim Chang Jun, vice chairman of a cooperative farm in the village of Sambong, just outside the capital.

AP

Indonesian sentences drug courier to death MATARAM, Indonesia: An Indonesian court Monday sentenced Frenchman Felix Dorfin to death for drug smuggling, in a surprise verdict after prosecutors asked for a 20-year jail term.

“After finding Felix Dofin legally and convincingly guilty of importing narcotics ... [he] is sentenced to the death penalty,” presiding judge Isnurul Syamsul Arif told the court in Lombok.

Dorfin, 35, was arrested in September carrying the suitcase filled with about 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds), including ecstasy and amphetamines, at the airport in Lombok, a holiday island next to Bali where foreigners are routinely arrested

on drugs charges.

Indonesia has some of the world’s strictest drug laws, including death by firing squad for some drug traffickers, and it has executed foreigners in the past.

While prosecutors had not asked for the death penalty, Indonesian courts have been known to go beyond their demands.

He cited Dorfin’s involvement in an international drug syndicate and the amount of drugs in his possession as aggravating factors.

“The defendant’s actions could potentially do damage to the younger generation,” Arif added.

AFP

BEE HOUSES

Indian farmer Umed Singh Rana (right), 79, and his son Dinesh Rana (second from left) check the beehive boxes for honey in a mustard field in Qutubgarh village on the outskirts of New Delhi. The Rana family started honey farming with rows of 100 beehives on their mustard farm in 2018. AFP PHOTO

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Special Feature

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

B8

Q Liberato ‘Levy’ Laus, founder and chairman emeritus of the LausGroup of Companies.

PHOTOS FROM LAUSGROUP WEBSITE

LIBERATO ‘LEVY’ LAUS

Countryside taipan His legacy leaves a mark in the business industry

BY MAYLENE STEPHANIE S. VIRAY

H

E was known for finding success outside the metro, building his conglomerate in the province of 0AMPANGA (E WAS A NOTABLE kGURE IN THE country’s automotive industry, being named AMONG THE MOST INlUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE industry today. With his bright vision for the development of the province, he was dubbed as a “countryside taipan.� ,IBERATO g,EVYu ,AUS WAS A Pampanga-based businessman WHO WAS THE FOUNDER OF THE PROVINCE BASED ,AUS'ROUP OF #OMPANIES WHICH HAS THE AUTOMOTIVE dealership as its core business.

According to the company website, his group had successfully established more than 55 dealerSHIPS ACROSS -ETRO -ANILA #ENTRAL

and Northern Luzon since it began WITH ITS FLAGSHIP COMPANY #ARworld in 1978, carrying big autoMOTIVE BRANDS SUCH AS -ITSUBISHI

Ford, Peugeot and Jeep. !S IT GREW ,AUS BEGAN VENTURING into other businesses to complement its growth, further establishing around MORE ENTERPRISES COVERING AREAS IN AND OUT OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Among all the companies under the LausGroup portfolio, Laus brought in the same dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction his company was known for.

Unfortunately, Laus met an untimely death after the media reported his helicopter crashed in a kSHPOND IN -ALOLOS "ULACAN ON April 25, which also killed his pilot, IDENTIkED AS #APT %VER #ORONEL AND PERSONAL AIDE 7ILFRED %STEBAN (E WAS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE Theresa and children Lisset, Paul, #ARISSA !DRIAN ,EVY AND $IORELLA He was 68.

aspired to do more.

3TILL IN HIS S ,AUS ENVISIONED A DEVELOPED COUNTRYSIDE WITH A great deal of job opportunities for its citizens. Hence, he left his MANAGERIAL POST TO VENTURE IN BEcoming an entrepreneur himself. !T AGE HE ESTABLISHED #ARWORLD IN A SMALL AUTOMOTIVE dealership with only three cars on display and a meager capital that was threatened by the economic and political challenges at the time. %VENTUALLY HIS BUSINESS BOOMED into becoming the country’s largest multi-brand dealership network. &OLLOWING THE -OUNT 0IKapampangan at heart natubo eruption, the aftermath of THE TRAGEDY INCLUDED A LAHAR COVLaus grew up in the city of San Fer- ERED PROVINCE THAT CHALLENGED nando in Pampanga, born during ITS LIVELIHOOD AND ECONOMY "UT during the incident, Laus played a the 1950s.

Fast forward to his adulthood, key role in implementing disaster he already attained success in the management plans and relief and corporate world working as a bank emergency operations, which he MANAGER IN HIS HOMETOWN "UT HE worked in collaboration with

LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS FELLOW BUSINESSMEN AND THE CIVIC SOCIETY (IS LOVE FOR HIS PROVINCE BECAME MORE EVIDENT WHEN HE WAS appointed as the president of THE #LARK $EVELOPMENT #ORP IN 2006, which became his platform TO FURTHER DEVELOP THE COUNTRYSIDE AND RECEIVE NUMEROUS AWARDS FOR HIS NATIONALISTIC SERVICE Among his prestigious awards INCLUDED -OST /UTSTANDING Kapampangan in the field of BUSINESS WITH CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS GIVEN BY THE PROVINCE OF 0AMPANGA IN /UTSTANDING &ERNANDINO IN THE kELD OF BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP GIVEN BY THE #ITY OF 3AN &ERNANDO IN -OST $ISTINGUISHED "EDAN GIVEN BY THE 3AN "EDA #OLLEGE !LUMNI !SSOCIATION IN -OST $ISTINGUISHED !LUMNUS IN THE kELD OF BUSINESS

BY THE $ON "OSCO !CADEMY IN /UTSTANDING !LUMNUS GIVEN BY $ON "OSCO !CADEMY ON ITS

TH !NNIVERSARY IN $ISTINGUISHED "OSCONIAN !LUMNUS GIVEN BY $ON "OSCO !CADEMY IN /UTSTANDING !CHIEVEMENT !WARD FROM THE #LARK $EVELOPMENT #ORP IN 0RESIDENTIAL -EDAL OF -ERIT FROM FORMER 0RESIDENT 'LORIA -ACAPAGAL !RROYO IN AND "LESSED 0HILIPP 2INALDI 3ERVANT ,EADER FROM THE 3ALESIANS OF $ON "OSCO 0HILIPPINES IN

Growing the business !FTER THE SUCCESS OF #ARWORLD

Laus expanded his business by VENTURING INTO THE OTHER SECTORS OF the industry and incorporating it INTO HIS PORTFOLIO %VENTUALLY HIS business became the LausGroup OF #OMPANIES .EXT TO #ARWORLD ,AUS ESTABLISHED #ARMIX WHICH BUILT A REPUTATION AS the market’s trusted source of quality

ÂłLaus B7

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LAYOUT AND DESIGN BY PETER NATHANIEL S. BAGA AND GUIAN A. AVANTE

TTUESDAY, TUESDA U E S DAY DAY AY, Ma May M ay 21, ay 2211, 20 201199 2019 T H E M OTO R I N G S E C T I O N O F

Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo in winning debut in British GT Championship

L

AMBORGHINI began its 2019 British GT campaign in victorious fashion as Jonny Cocker and Sam De Haan came out on top in Race 2 at Oulton Park in Cheshire. The Barwell Motorsport duo, who completed a SPECTACULAR RECOVERY TO kNISH FOURTH IN 2ACE

BROUGHT THE )TALIAN MARQUE ITS kRST CONTINENTAL success for the brand-new Huracán GT3 Evo.

The sister Barwell No. 72 Huracán of Phil Keen and Adam Balon started the race from pole and opened up a healthy lead either side of safety car interventions

kRST FOR THE .O -ERCEDES OF -ICHAEL Broadhurst and then for the No. 2 Aston -ARTIN DRIVEN BY -ARK &ARMER De Haan emerged from the regula-

tion pit-stop in front of the No. 72 after "ALON TAKING OVER FROM +EEN JUST AFTER THE HALFWAY MARKER SERVED HIS SEVEN second time penalty for its Race 1 result, and maintained its advantage over the SECOND ,AMBORGHINI UNTIL THE END OF THE one-hour race.

Lying second at the restart of the second safety car period, De Haan immediately piled the pressure on race leader Richard .EARY IN THE -ERCEDES AND FAINTED A MOVE ON THE kRST RACING LAP AFTER RESUMPTION De Haan’s pressure ultimately paid off next time around, forcing Neary into RUNNING DEEP AT +NICKERBROOKE #HICANE

WITH THE ,AMBORGHINI SNATCHING THE LEAD

ROUND THE OUTSIDE WITH JUST MINUTES OF the race left to run. &ROM THEN ON $E (AAN OPENED UP A four-and-a-half second advantage over Neary, who had to fend off the attentions OF !NDREW (OWARD S !STON -ARTIN AND THE No. 72 Huracán of the recovering Balon.

Despite a late surge from Neary in the CLOSING LAPS $E (AAN COMFORTABLY CAME ACROSS THE LINE THE WINNER BY JUST OVER TWO SECONDS FROM THE -ERCEDES WITH "ALON UNLUCKY TO MISS OUT ON THE kNAL PODIUM position in fourth place.

Nevertheless, the opening round of the SEASON PROVED MORE THAN A SUCCESS FOR THE PAIR OF (URAC¶NS WITH BOTH CARS

kNISHING INSIDE THE TOP kVE IN EACH RACE 4HE /ULTON 0ARK VICTORY WAS THE THIRD THIS YEAR FOR THE ,AMBORGHINI (URAC¶N GT3 Evo, following the GTD triumphs at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 (OURS OF 3EBRING 3PEAKING OF HIS RACE VICTORY 3AM $E (AAN said post-race: “[I am] delighted with that ONE IT COULDN T HAVE GONE ANY BETTER 7E GOT REALLY LUCKY AT THE START AND IN THE PIT STOPS AND ) WORKED REALLY HARD TO GET PAST 2ICHARD IN THE -ERC BUT REALLY HAPPY WITH IT u &OR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ,AMBORGHINI -ANILA AT OR VISIT OUR showroom at 28th Street cor. 11th Avenue, "ONIFACIO 'LOBAL #ITY

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TUESDAY, May 21, 2019

Volvo launches Fika Talks with focus on sustainable fashion

V

of Sweden, shared in his OPENING REMARKS THE FASHion revolution would need everyone’s commitment and effort. During the emBASSY S LAUNCH OF ITS EXHIBIT g&ASHION 2EVOLUTION 4HE &UTURE OF 4EXTILES u SAMPLES products, clothing, and textiles from different Swedish companies were shown to highlight the various susTAINABLE WAYS AND MEANS THAT IT HAVE BEEN CREATED

OLVO Philippines LAUNCHED ITS kRST EVER Fika Talks on May 4, 2019 at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

4HE 6OLVO &IKA 4ALKS IS A SERIES OF TALKS THAT WOULD touch on various topics discussing relevant socioPOLITICAL CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES &OR THE introductory session, Volvo Philippines partnered WITH THE 3WEDISH %MBASSY IN -ANILA AND -ETROPOLITAN -USEUM OF -ANILA TO SHED LIGHT AND EXCHANGE IDEAS ABOUT SUSTAINABLE FASHION Key people in the fashion industry as well as fashion and entrepreneur students from different institutions, namely, University of the Philippines 50 3O&! $ESIGN )NSTITUTE I!#!$%-9 -ARIKINA 0OLYTECHNIC #OLLEGE 3LIM S &ASHION AND !RTS $ESIGN )NSTITUTE )NSTITUTE FOR #REATIVE %NTREPRENEURSHIP )#% 5NIVERSITY OF 3ANTO 4OMAS 534 AND #OLLEGE OF 3AINT "ENILDE #3" WERE ALSO PRESENT 0ROFESSOR +RISTYN #ARAGAY FROM 50 DELIVERED A CREATIVE YET EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATION ABOUT THE CONCEPTS OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION AND HOW DESIGNERS OF TODAY COULD CONTRIBUTE TO BOTH PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT $AN -EJIA ( - HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS ALSO SHARED THE COMPANY S EFFORTS BY HIGHLIGHTING THEIR corporate vision of “leading the change towards cirCULAR AND RENEWABLE FASHION WHILE BEING A FAIR AND EQUAL COMPANY u 4HE ( - 'ROUP IS ONE OF THE GLOBAL COMPANIES THAT SIGNED THE &ASHION )NDUSTRY #HARTER FOR #LIMATE !CTION THAT AIMS TO kND WAYS WHERE THE clothing and textile industry could move towards a HOLISTIC SYSTEM AND ACHIEVE NET ZERO EMISSIONS BY THE YEAR 0REMIER FASHION DESIGNER 2YAN -ADAMBA ALSO SHOWCASED ITS FABULOUS COLLECTION WITH PIECES FROM kVE TO SEVEN YEARS AGO HIGHLIGHTING THAT TIMELESS

WELL CRAFTED AND EFkCIENTLY DESIGNED MASTERPIECES

Q Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Harald Fries with participants of first Fika Talks launched by Volvo Philippines on May 4, 2019 at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

COULD LAST FOR YEARS -ADAMBA IS KNOWN FOR HAVING AN eye for unique and unconventional materials, such as BURLAP TO MAKE HIS CREATIONS STAND OUT

Fika on fashion revolution

&IKA IN 3WEDEN IS USUALLY A BREAK TO ENJOY COFFEE AND CAKE (OWEVER MORE THAN BEING A RITUAL OR A TRADITION IT IS ALSO A TIME TO TAKE A BREATHER FROM WORK AND GRAB THE CHANCE TO SOCIALIZE AND CHAT WITH FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES "USINESSES WHERE kKA IS INSTITUTIONALIZED m LIKE 6OLVO m HAVE MORE PRODUCTIVE TEAMS 4HAT IS WHY 6OLVO 0HILIPPINES HAS TAKEN ITS SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS FURTHER BY CREATING A VENUE WHERE PEOPLE CAN EXCHANGE IDEAS &IKA 4ALKS IS A CHANCE TO DISCUSS WAYS ON HOW TO BETTER SOCIETY THROUGH CONVERSATIONS that will help change the world. !S WHAT (IS %XCELLENCY !MBASSADOR (ARALD &RIES

All set for 2019 Formula V1 season TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ALAIN GERONIMO TUASON Racing School (TRS), the premier professional racing school in the country, recently launched its second season of Giti-Formula V1 Challenge at the Manila Polo Club, coinciding with the company’s being in the automotive and motor sports business for 20 years.

TRS President and racing veteran JP Tuason said in his remarks that the Formula V1 is one step in reviving the Philippine motor sports scene, alongside the Vios Cup. “With the growth of grassroots motor sports spearheaded by Toyota’s Vios Cup One Make Race program, racing is coming back with a vengeance. We at Tuason Racing in our long years in the motor sports business have always believed that Filipinos are made for racing, given the right opportunities and training, we can be a major player in any grid around the world.

So when the this opportunity crossed our paths three years ago, we believed that this is the next important step in rebuilding Philippine motor sports and making Filipino global racing champions,� Tuason said in a statement. “Our last season went very well - we had 14 cars in the grid, and we’re looking at an 18 to 20 car grid this season. What we concentrated on last year is to try to keep the cars as equal as possible, and we made sure that the cars did not have technical issues at all. The big issue when starting a new season is always the cars, so we had the guys from Japan fix those issues,� he added.

The winner from last year’s season was Luis Gono, who raced in Fuji Speedway for the Formula Vita championship carrying the Philippine flag. This year’s season winner would secure the

seat for the Formula Vita Japan in the challenging Suzuka Circuit, representing the Philippines.

The season launch also revealed the winner of Phoenix Pulse’s Young Drivers Program, in collaboration with Phoenix Fuels. Twenty-year old Raffy Rabe will represent the Phoenix Formula V1 racing team as its driver, and will be alongside Patrichk dela Rosa and Tara Laconico for the endurance race in November.

Round 1 for this season’s Giti-Formula V1 series would be held at the Batangas Racing Circuit from May 18 to 19. Rounds 2 and 3 would be held in Clark International Speedway on June

20 to 21 and October 19 to 20, respectively. The four-hour endurance final would also be held in Clark International Speedway on November 16, and the Formula V1 final in the Suzuka Circuit will be held in December.

The Formula V1 cars are the fruit of a collaboration between Tuason Racing School and West Racing Cars in Japan. The race car components would be sent to the Philippines, where it is assembled by TRS for racing use. Powering the car is the same 1NZ-FE engine found in the Vios, mated to a 5-speed racing gearbox. While it may have around 110 hp, the race car weighs only 530 kilograms, thanks to a fiberglass body, making it a rocket on both the straights and corners.

Volvo’s omtanke: protecting what’s important to you

6OLVO S SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT EXTENDS BEYOND CARS 'UIDED BY /MTANKE A 3WEDISH WORD THAT MEANS gCARING u gCONSIDERATIONu AND gTO THINK AGAIN u THE 3WEDISH CARMAKER REMAINS faithful to its core values of safety, quality and care for the environment.

Not only does the Volvo care for the people who drive their cars, they also want to care for the environMENT THEY LIVE IN %VEN BEFORE GOING GREEN HAS BECOME trendy for car companies, Volvo was already at the forefront of innovation that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of cars on the planet.

6OLVO HAS BEEN A LONG TIME PROPONENT OF SUSTAINABILITY 4HAT IS WHY IT IS ONE OF THE FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE 5NITED .ATIONS 'LOBAL #OMPACT 3INCE THE YEAR

6OLVO HAS STRIVED TO OBSERVE THE 4EN 0RINCIPLES OF THE 'LOBAL #OMPACT THAT INCLUDES THE ADOPTION of a precautionary approach to environmental chal-

LENGES 6OLVO HAS ALSO BEEN AN ACTIVE SUPPORTER OF THE 3USTAINABLE $EVELOPMENT 'OALS SET BY THE 5NITED .ATIONS 'ENERAL !SSEMBLY -ORE THAN THE THOUGHTFUL DESIGN AND FASHIONABLE STATEMENTS 6OLVO CARS MAKE IT IS WHAT GOES BEYOND every detail that counts. The company’s approach TO SUSTAINABILITY GOES BEYOND THEIR OPERATIONS AND products, and into society.

(ERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE WAYS THAT 6OLVO CONTRIBUTES TO MINIMIZING THEIR GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL footprint: !LL NEW 6OLVOS ARE PERCENT RECYCLABLE AND PERCENT RECOVERABLE "Y AT LEAST PERCENT OF ALL THE PLASTICS USED IN A NEWLY LAUNCHED 6OLVO WILL BE MADE FROM recycled material.

4HE 6OLVO 8# 4 PLUG IN HYBRID 356 DEMO UNIT SPECIALLY BUILT FOR THE 5. S #LEAN 3EAS CAMPAIGN HAS MORE THAN PARTS CONTAINING RECYCLED MATERIALS AND WOULD BE USED TO SHAPE 6OLVO S FUTURE USE OF recycled plastic.

6OLVO S ENGINE FACTORY IN 3KÇVDE 3WEDEN BECAME THE kRST PLANT IN 6OLVO S NETWORK TO REACH CLIMATE NEUTRAL STATUS A SIGNIkCANT STEP TOWARDS BECOMING A CARBON NEUTRAL MANUFACTURER BY 3ALES OF THE 6 #ROSS #OUNTRY 6OLVO /CEAN 2ACE CAR

ITSELF CONTAINING %CONYL MATS MADE FROM RECYCLED kSHING nets, fund the company’s innovative Science Program.

-OREOVER IN LINE WITH 6OLVO S INDUSTRY LEADING COMMITMENT TO ELECTRIFY ALL NEW 6OLVO AFTER 6OLVO 0HILIPPINES RECENTLY BROUGHT IN THE 3 AND 8# 4 4WIN %NGINE 0LUG IN (YBRIDS BALANCING POWER AND SUSTAINABILITY AND CAPABLE OF ZERO EMISSIONS TRAVEL 4HESE ARE JUST SOME EXAMPLES THAT MAKE 6OLVO CARS LITERAL VEHICLES FOR SUSTAINABLE CHANGE )T IS WHAT MAKES 6OLVO TRULY A CAR FOR PEOPLE FOR THE WORLD WE live in, for life.

4O KNOW MORE ABOUT 6OLVO S 3USTAINABILITY 0ROgram, please go to https://group.volvocars.com/ SUSTAINABILITY

Korean Ambassador lauds Hyundai for advancing technology, Korea-PH ties OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS (YUNDAI !SIA 2ESOURCES )NC (!2) THE OFkCIAL DISTRIBUTOR OF (YUNDAI PASSENGER CARS AND commercial vehicles in the Philippines, received support and praise from no less THAN (IS %XCELLENCY (AN $ONG -AN

THE !MBASSADOR OF 3OUTH +OREA TO THE Philippines.

Han was the guest of honor at HyunDAI S LAUNCH EVENT AT THE -ANILA )NTERNATIONAL !UTO 3HOW -)!3 IN April. HARI also hosted Han at the (YUNDAI $REAM #ENTER 0HILIPPINES IN ,AGUNA ON -AY

MIAS launch event

On April 4, Han praised HARI for its role in promoting cultural and economic TIES BETWEEN +OREANS AND &ILIPINOS 4O THE DELIGHT OF THE MEMBERS OF (!2) S BOARD AND THE LAUNCH EVENT S GUESTS THE AMBASSADOR DELIVERED HIS REMARKS IN NEAR lAWLESS &ILIPINO g4HIS IS THE TH YEAR OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE 0HILIPPINES AND THE 2EPUBLIC OF +OREA 3OUTH +OREA )T IS MY GREAT HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO BE WITH you all today at this wonderful auto show WITH (YUNDAI .OW (!2) MEANS KING

SO ) BELIEVE THAT (!2) WILL BE THE KING OF ALL THE VEHICLE BRANDS IN THE 0HILIPPINES u Han said. g 3OUTH +OREA RANKS AS THE FOURTH largest trading partner of the Philippines, FOLLOWING THE 53 #HINA AND *APAN ,AST YEAR OUR TRADE VOLUME REACHED BILLION INCREASING BY PERCENT COMPARED TO (YUNDAI HAS CONTRIBUTED A LOT TO this, as Hyundai now accounts for more THAN PERCENT MARKET SHARE IN THE 0HILIPPINES u HE ADDED HARI launched two new vehicles at -)!3 4HE 0ALISADE IS (YUNDAI S NEWEST lAGSHIP 356 AND WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE 0HILIPPINES JUST FOUR MONTHS

The latest batch of Hyundai Dream Center-Philippines scholars with (from left) Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) After Sales Service Division Head Richard Gapasin, Commercial AttachĂŠ of the Embassy of South Korea Jong Ju Kim, His Excellency Han Dong-Man, the Ambassador of South Korea to the Philippines, HARI President and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Fe Perez Agudo, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operation Officer for Corporate and Trade Operations Support Services Group Ladislao Avila Jr., and Hyundai Dream Center Philippines Department head for Training Norman Bocobo after they completed their hand-painting ceremony. The final product, a personalized poster greeting, was later presented to the ambassador.

AFTER TAKING THE ,OS !NGELES !UTO 3HOW BY storm. The Palisade won the prestigious 2ED $OT !WARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN IN THE CATEGORY 0RODUCT $ESIGNm#ARS AND -OTORCYCLES The fully electric Kona EV also made ITS 0HILIPPINE DEBUT AT -)!3 ROUNDING OUT (YUNDAI S ROSTER OF FORWARD LOOKING MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

Hyundai Dream CenterPhilippines visit

4HE AMBASSADOR ALSO CITED THE (YUNDAI $REAM #ENTER 0HILIPPINES AS AN EMBODIMENT OF THE STRONG PARTNERSHIP BEtween the Philippines and South Korea.

4HE (YUNDAI $REAM #ENTER 0HILIPPINES

a world-class training and education HUB WHERE UNDERPRIVILEGED YOUTH TRAIN WITH (YUNDAI TO BE EXPERT AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS WAS ESTABLISHED LAST YEAR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH (YUNDAI -OTOR #O and Plan International.

4HE CENTER S kRST BATCH OF SCHOLARS GRAD-

UATED IN .OVEMBER AND HAVE SINCE GONE ON TO BEGIN CAREERS WITH (YUNDAI S NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF DEALERSHIPS g(YUNDAI $REAM #ENTER 0HILIPPINES REPRESENTS OUR @HUMAN WARE THE BRILLIANT young men and women currently training TO BE WORLD CLASS AUTOMOTIVE PROFESSIONALS u SAID (!2) 0RESIDENT AND #HIEF %XECUTIVE /FkCER -A &E 0EREZ !GUDO

“Our ‘human-ware’ plus ‘hardware’ HAS BEEN (!2) S FORMULA IN OUR ALMOST YEARS OF MAKING CUTTING EDGE +OREAN TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBLE TO MORE AND MORE &ILIPINOS u SHE ADDED !T THE -)!3 LAUNCH EVENT (AN STATed: “Hyundai and HARI will continue to support Korean culture in this wonDERFUL COUNTRY %VERYONE HERE WILL BE WONDERFUL CIVIL DIPLOMATS IN BRIDGING Korea and the Philippines. There are ABOUT +OREANS LIVING IN THIS WONDERFUL COUNTRY 7ITH THEM WE WILL WORK HARD TO PROMOTE OUR FRIENDSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP u

TUESDAY, May 21, 2019

C 3

Piaggio Ape: The green business solution

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MATTHEW EMMANUEL BUHION

W

ITH PROkT MARGINS IN BUSINESSES GETTING SMALLER AND OVERHEAD COSTS lUCTUATING WEEKLY SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES 3-%S NEED A COST EFkCIENT AND GREEN SOLUTION FOR THEIR TRANSPORT NEEDS 7ELCOME THE 0IAGGIO !0% BRAND )NTRODUCED IN THE 0HILIPPINES IN BY THE !UTOHUB 'ROUP UNDER !UTO)TALIA 0HILIPPINE %NTERPRISES )NC

WITH THE LAUNCH CAMPAIGN g!RANGKADA 0INOY %NTREPRENYUR u 0AIGGIO !0% HAS SINCE GROWN AND DEVELOPED TO THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL 3-%S Piaggio APE also used the occasion with the media and its customers to announce the exclusive partnership with ride-hailing application Grab, to serve as an alternate solution, where its vehicle partners aren’t servicing.

A little history The Xtra LDX, Auto DAC and Auto DX Piaggio APE may not be a brand someone could easily recognize before its are powered by a single-cylinder, natuintroduction in the Philippines in rally-aspirated, direct injection 4-stroke, 2013. Starting its life in 1948, the APE 435-cc diesel engine. You read that corbrand was birthed in Italy at a time rectly, a diesel engine. This is among the war-stricken Italy needed it the most. world’s smallest diesel engine, meeting Post-war Italy left many of its residents the Philippines’ Euro 4 standard and rebuilding damage caused by World War ALSO IS THE SECRET TO THE HIGH EFkCIENCY OF 2. Financially, the Italians were strapped the Piaggio APE. Compact and packing for money, but they still needed an af- a punch, Piaggio APE’s three-wheelers fordable means of transport. The famed make it convenient to transport people Piaggio brand, which brought the revo- and haul cargo in tight spaces. With a lutionary scooter brand Vespa to this footprint of 3,144 millimeters (mm) x world, came up with a solution. Using 1,490 mm, and a load capacity of 435 the mechanical design of a Vespa 50-cc to 600 kilograms, you can bring the Xtra SCOOTER AND ADDING A lATBED RESTING ON LDX and Auto DX into most densely TOP A REAR AXLE WITH TWO WHEELS THE kRST populated locations. Pricing for the APE was born. These light three-wheeled passenger carrying Piaggio APE Auto DX vehicles were like the scooters they were is P218,000 while the Piaggio APE Xtra inspired from. Handling and accelera- LDX is P248,000. The Piaggio APE Auto tion inputs come via handlebars, and DAC is P218,000. power from the 50-cc scooter engine gave torque for inclines at the cost of The new four-wheeler speed. The Piaggio APE became a light Departing from the iconic three-wheeled delivery vehicle that was set out to fortify design, AutoItalia Philippine Enterprises also introduced the Piaggio Porter 1000 to the restructuring of Italy. the Philippines. Designed to carry larger Three-wheelers loads than its APE siblings, the Porter As mentioned earlier, AutoItalia Philip- 1000 gives you performance without the PINES %NTERPRISES INTRODUCED ITS kRST WAVE cost of a full-scale truck. Designed like of new products bound for the Philippines a provincial favorite, the multicab, the to members of the motoring media and Piaggio Porter 1000 is front-engined and their customers. The three-wheeled deliv- rear- wheel drive, giving fuel mileage of ery vehicle has since evolved to four new 20 kms/liter from its diesel motor. Costmodels, catering to more than just light effective compared to larger trucks, the deliveries and even growing an extra wheel compact package of the Porter 1000 gives during the evolution. the luxury of hauling a little over a ton of Staying true to the original APE design, cargo into densely populated areas. So, get the Piaggio APE Xtra LDX, APE Auto DAC, the toughness of a truck with the size of a and APE Auto DX retain the three-wheeled city car in the Piaggio Porter 1000. scooter handlebar look. The Xtra LDX is These four models are just the start the basic cargo model of Piaggio APE, with of the next generation Piaggio products a three-sided cargo deck opening bed, coming to our shores. Sunil Singh, senior which can carry 535 kilograms. Entrepre- manager for export sales of Piaggio India, NEURS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE lATBED boldly announced the release for 22 new of the Auto DAC, creating it into a mini models for 2019. jeepney, a mobile cafÊ or even a bar. On See all these vehicles in the metal by the other hand, the Auto DX is designed visiting their showroom at 138 Barangay to carry up to four passengers plus a driver, Tatalon, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, ideal for a short shuttling business or as OR VISIT THE OFkCIAL WEBSITE PIAGGIOAPE support logistical equipment within a com.ph, and check out the Piaggio Ape large compound.

Philippines Facebook page.

An event put together by the Philippine motorcycle importer gave the motoring media and their customers a look at what can be an exciting 2019.

Women! Drive the Future: Driving out the stereotypes IN celebration of International Women’s Month and Pilipinas Shell’s 105 years in the Philippines, the global leader in power and energy launched a campaign to provide a platform that would empower women to take control in making the future and help erase the stigma against women drivers.

Dubbed “Women! Drive the Future,� the campaign aims Q From left: Women! Drive The Future ambassadors Bianca Santiago-Reinoso, to help drive out gender stereotypes and support the many Kelly Misa-Fernandez, Patty Laurel-Filart, Girl Racers Club Directress Rowie meaningful journeys that women embark on every day. It Abracero and Michele Bumgarner. along with Shell FuelSave Brand Manager serves as a call-out to all women to embrace their capability Vanessa Ejercito and A-1 Driving School Business Development head Luna Garcia. to believe in their capabilities, embrace their passions, and go where they want to go.

Road safety also included “We want to bring together women to talk about how they take on The “Women on Wheels� program tackles road safety—from identifying the road ahead of and how they can use this to take control of their lives. road signs to changing tires.

We at Shell believe that, through this campaign, we will be able to better “We want to emphasize that there are numerous preventive measures that understand and subsequently address the needs of every female driver,� we can take to minimize accidents. You start with following the rules, driving said Vanessa Ejercito, Shell FuelSave Brand Manager. defensively, and ensuring proper vehicle maintenance,� Garcia noted.

With a goal to continuously enhance the journeys of their female custom“We believe that driving is a skill that every woman should have. And through ers, Pilipinas Shell has been coming up with several initiatives such as partner- this program, we foresee a future where there will no longer be a distinction of ing with the country’s biggest retailer, SM Advantage, to create a loyalty gender but only between an educated and misinformed driver,� he added. program and reward them with exciting shopping opportunities every time Racecar driver Michele Bumgarner, and Baby Barangay members Kelly Misathey gas up. Shell stations are also designed to provide convenient, refreshing Fernandez, Patty Laurel-Filart and Bianca Santiago-Reinoso were also present in retail experience – from putting up well-appointed comfort rooms to offering the Women! Drive the Future launch event held at Blackbird at the Neilson Tower in a wide range of healthy products at Shell Select and Deli2go.

Makati City. Joining them as well was Rowie Abracero, Directress of the Girls Racers And to strengthen their movement to empower women, Pilipinas Shell is club—the first all-female car enthusiast club in the Philippines. Led by the event partnering with the leading driving school network in the Philippines, A-1 host, Riki Flo of Magic 89.9, the women opened the discussion about driving out Driving School. With their expertise in providing driving education, A-1 supthe stereotypes and supporting equality among men and women on the road. ports the campaign’s goal to break the stigma through knowledge sharing.

Later in the program, the ladies participated in the hands-on demonLuna Garcia, A-1 Driving School Business Development head, pointed stration of A-1 where they had a refresher on tire changing, dealing with out the dependency of Filipinos in learning how to drive through informal a dead battery and performing a lubricant check. means. And with the increasing number of female drivers on the road, The event is first of three activations in spreading the call for women they came up with a program to equip female drivers on the road with to drive the future. Pilipinas Shell, along with their partner, A-1 aims to proper driving knowledge that would help in proving wrong the stereoflip the stigma against female drivers and empowering all women across types placed on them. the country with upcoming events in Cebu and Davao.

Phoenix Petroleum, Auto Focus hold summer test drive fest

GAC Motor, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, SsangYong, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota were among the exhibitors that showcased their model line-ups and offered test drives during the Phoenix Petroleum 2019 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival (AFTDF) held at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Concert Grounds from May 2 to 5.

Considered to be the country’s biggest outdoor test drive event, the Summer Test Drive Festival once again proved to be a veritable one-stop shop for prospective car buyers and a must-visit event for die-hard car buffs. A wide range of competing standard and luxury/premium models were on display and made available for test drives.

The AFTDF is organized by Sunshine Television (STV) as part of its annual trilogy of automobile industry service and merit programs alongside the Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards and the Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards. “We have been holding events of this type since 2005 not only for the benefit of local manufacturers and distributors, but even more so for the general motoring and car buying public. Buying a car and selecting a particular model suited to one’s individual purpose, preference and budget, can actually be a long-winded process. This may require multiple visits to various dealerships at varying locations, test driving and comparing varying models, and working out the best financing options. Usually these can’t be done in a day, or even two,� said STV Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ray Butch Gamboa. ““However, How ooweve we wev eve ver er, if the prospect is able to go to one single location, see and er, test tte esstt ddrive riv iv a wide range of competing brands and models, and be aassured ass as ss he gets the best financing deals the manufacturers and distributors can offer, then the best place to go to would be our festival. Practically everything one has to do to buy a model of choice can conveniently be done at the festival.

No more hopping from one dealer showroom to another because all the exhibiting brands will only be a few steps from one another,� he added.

The Phoenix Petroleum 2019 Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival was opened from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout its four-day run at the MOA Concert Grounds.

Spacious parking was available alongside the venue. Test drive participants got the chance to win prizes from select exhibitors. Admission to the public was also free.

C 4

TUESDAY, May 21, 2019

Driven

Q Initial size judgement of the 2019 Ford Expedition EL Limited MAX intimidates most drivers comparing it to their car. It’s a Boeing 747 versus an Airbus A320, if you could compare it to airplanes.

Why bigger is better F

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MATTHEW EMMANUEL N NUEL BUHION

ORD changed the landscape of vehicles in the h late 1990s with he t famed Ford the release of the Expedition, a successor to the "RONCO &OR AFlUENT &ILIPINOS THIS NEW !MERICAN E ERICAN full-sized SUV became the standard status symboll on wheels. Two decades since its introduction an all new fourth generation carries on the tradition as the 2019 Ford Expedition 3.5L EL Limited MAX 7$ kLLS LARGE SHOES

Max

)F THE (ULK WERE TO REINCARNATE HIMSELF AND BECOME A VEHICLE THE STRONGEST !VENGER WOULD PROBABLY BE AN %XPEDITION %VEN the length of the name of this full-sized SUV is matched to its sheer size. Naming CONVENTIONS OF &ORD DICTATES %, AS THE g%XTENDED ,ENGTHu VERSION WHICH WAS A VARIANT OF %XPEDITION ONLY SOLD IN A NUMBER OF TERRITORIES 4HE 53 MARKET NOW GETS AN extended version of the Expedition, which TRADES THE %, NAMING CONVENTION FOR -!8 9ES IT IS PRESENTED IN ALL CAPITALS WHICH DOES JUSTICE TO THE %XPLORER S BEHEMOTH PRESENCE )F YOU THINK ) M EXAGGERATING THE LENGTH OF A &ORD %XPEDITION %, ,IMITED -AX IS INCHES ! &ORD &IESTA S LENGTH COMES IN AT INCHES 9OU CAN FUSE ONE AND A HALF &ORD &IESTAS TO ROUGHLY EQUAL THE LENGTH OF ONE %XPEDITION %, ,IMITED -!8 4HE WIDTH IS ANOTHER STORY COMING IN AT INCHES SIDE MIRROR TO SIDE MIRROR THE &ORD %XPEDITION CAN ENGULF A &ORD &IESTA S inches of width.

All these measurements translate to a heightened comfort level once inside. The perfect vehicle for people with claustroPHOBIA INTERIOR SPACE IS BEYOND AMPLE FOR all eight occupants, even for the third row PASSENGERS !VERAGE FULL SIZED &ILIPINO ADULTS CAN COMFORTABLY SIT IN THE FURTHEST ROW

getting their fair share of creature comforts such as USB charging ports and individual air vents. Accessing the third row is as simple AS PRESSING A BUTTON WHICH IS ESPECIALLY USEFUL IN THIS SPECIkC EXAMPLE OF THE &ORD %XPEDITION %, ,IMITED -!8 THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW BENCH SEATS 0OWER&OLD SEATS ARE STANDARD FOR THE SECOND and third rows, which is a huge help when LOADING LARGE OBJECTS 7ITH ALL THE REAR ROWS FOLDED THE &ORD %XPEDITION %, ,IMITED -!8 TURNS INTO A CUBIC FEET FLAT FLOOR &OR an idea how

LARGE THAT IS THE AVERAGE KING SIZE BED IS CUBIC FEET

Captain of the road

)NITIAL SIZE JUDGEMENT OF THE &ORD %XPEDITION %, ,IMITED -!8 INTIMIDATES most drivers comparing it to their car. )T S A "OEING VERSUS AN !IRBUS !

if you could compare it to airplanes. Even WITH THE %XPEDITION -!8 S LARGE SIZE IT IS S FAIRLY SIMPLE TO DRIVE IN -ETRO -ANILA 3EATATTING POSITION CAN BE ADJUSTED TO GIVE YOU A UA COMMANDING VIEW OVER MOST MOTORISTS LIKE IKKE A $ON LOOKING OVER HIS HACIENDA 4HIS ALSO LSSO gives you a great view of the corners of the he HOOD 4HE REAL FACTOR YOU LL HAVE TO KEEP IN MIND IF YOU DECIDE TO DRIVE THE &ORD %XPEDITION -!8 IS THE LENGTH 4URNS HAVE TO BE TAKEN WITH CONSIDERATION ALONG WITH ENTERING INTERSECTIONS AND JOINING THE MAIN ROAD -ANEUVERABILITY IS NOT HARD AT ALL

WITH &ORD S ADAPTIVE STEERING SYSTEM $RIVERS NOTICE MORE STEERING INPUTS FROM LOCK TO LOCK WHICH HELPS ADD STEERING ANGLE IN TIGHT SITUATIONS 7ITH THE MYRIAD OF SENSORS AROUND THE %XPEDITION -!8 ALONG WITH THE BACKING CAMERA DRIVING BECOMES A BREEZE 0UT IT THIS WAY ) AM u WHICH IS DEBATABLE DEPENDING ON WHAT ANGLE ) M LOOKED at, and I had a harder time reaching over to THE PASSENGER SIDE lOOR WHEN ) DROPPED MY PHONE THAN PARALLEL PARKING IN THE PEAK of rush hour.

Power

5NDER THE HOOD IS A LITER 6 %COBOOST ENGINE PRODUCING HORSEPOWER WITH .M OF TORQUE -ATED TO THAT ENGINE IS A SPEED 3ELECT3HIFT AUTOMATIC GEARBOX

WHICH MAY SOUND LIKE A MASSIVE QUEST TO kND THE CORRECT GEAR BUT THE %XPEDITION S INTELLIGENT ONBOARD COMPUTERS WOULD

sort it out. Selecting gears with A ROTARY KNOB MAY SOUND COMPLICATED BUT THIS NEW FEATURE FOR BECOMES SECOND nature right away. The elephant in the room when it comes to the Expedition is ITS GAS MILEAGE 4HIS %COBOOST ENGINE RUNS PERCENT BETTER THAN THE LITER ENGINES previously found in older generations of the Expedition. Keeping all that power unDER CONTROL ARE A NUMBER OF SELECT DRIVING MODES VIA THE 4ERRAIN -ANAGEMENT 3YSTEM

WHICH THE %XPEDITION SHARES WITH THE &ORD & 2APTOR

Deducing it all

5SUALLY ) D HAVE CONSUMER ADVICE ABOUT which variant to purchase, or if this vehicle WOULD kT YOUR LIFESTYLE ) SPENT ONE DAY IN this vehicle and didn’t really stretch its legs AS MUCH AS ) WOULD VE LIKED %XPEDITIONS IN THE 0HILIPPINES ARE GENERALLY DRIVEN BY THE DRIVERS OF THE AFlUENT FEW THAT COULD AFFORD THIS VEHICLE 0RICING STARTS AT 0 MILLION (as of date tested) THAT MAKES THE DECISION EASY 7OULD YOU RATHER BUY A CONDOMINIUM or an Expedition? Though, you can defend THAT THE &ORD %XPEDITION %, -!8 IS large enough to live in. The price gets even HIGHER WHEN YOU DECIDE TO ADD BUCKET SEats FOR THE SECOND ROW INSTEAD OF THE BENCH )T STILL BAFlES THIS WRITER HOW TAKing a seat away i n -

creases the price. $EDUCING THE &ORD %XPEDITION %, -!8 REQUIRES ME TO BREAK IT DOWN FOR THE driver and the passengers. Since I didn’t spend much seat time, the following are what I noticed.

DAYS -OST ESPECIALLY USEFUL DAYS DA D AYS AYS AY S -O -O OST ESPEC OST ESPECI ST EESPEC ST ECI CIA IALL IA LLY LY USEFU Y USEFU Y USEF USE SEF EFU FUL FU aaddition ddi ddition dit iti tiion to thos those th hose features feaatu fe ture tur tu rees IS THE IS THE REMOTE REEMO OTE TE STARTING STA ST STARTI TAR ART RTTIN NGG ABIL ABILAB ABI BILIITY OF F THE H

% %XPEDITION DI DI I Even from afar, you have the option to remotely start the vehicle, which would automatically turn the climate CONTROL ON MAKING THE INTERIOR COMFORTABLE BEFORE YOUR PASSENGERS BOARD "EAUTIfully finished faux wood surfaces on the center console are well matched to the overall aesthetic of the VEHICLE 7IRELESS CHARGING IS AVAILABLE IN THE CUBBY BELOW THE 39.# INFOTAMENT SYStem. Oddly, no rain sensing WIPERS COULD BE FOUND AND the headlights didn’t give MUCH CONkDENCE BECAUSE of their dim nature. Though the advancement in the aluMINUM BODY CONSTRUCTION saved weight and power kGURES WERE ON THE HIGHER END THE %XPEDITION STILL FELT AS IF IT were carrying a heavy load under aggressive ACCELERATION AND BRAKING

Passenger

Nonetheless for all its shortcomings it excels in what the Philippines loves it for - status.

Driver The plush leather wrapped steering wheel, "E DRIVEN IN AND NOT DRIVEN THE %XPEMAKES NAVIGATING THE %XPEDITION DITION IS A GREAT PLACE TO BE IN ! DEPARTURE -!8 A TREAT FOR YOUR HANDS 0ER- from the original Expedition’s mostly plastic forated leather seats were used INTERIOR FOR LEVELS OF REkNEMENT ARE for the driver and passenger astronomical. Panoramic sunroof, leather in the front for effective INTERIOR WITH BEAUTIFULLY FINISHED TRIM use of the ven- pieces surround you and a premium Bang tilated seats, /LUFSEN SOUND SYSTEM ENCAPSULATES YOU great for those 4HE PRESENCE THIS 356 BRINGS IS JUST ON A extremely DIFFERENT LEVEL !RRIVE ANYWHERE IN THE hot &ORD %XPEDITION %, ,IMITED -!8 AND YOU WOULD NOT NEED TO BE ANNOUNCED 4HE &ORD %XPEDITION %, ,IMITED -!8 IS A BEAUTIFUL 356 WITH CHARACTER )T GIVES A SENSE OF PRIDE TO OWN A &ORD %XPEDITION %, -!8 MUCH LIKE THE PRIDE THIS 356 HAS WHILE IT WEARS THE BADGE OF THE ,OUISVILLE +ENTUCKY 4RUCK 0LANT OF &ORD 4HAT IS WHAT THIS 356 IS ALL ABOUT HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL WHEN YOU ARE SEEN GETTING IN AND OUT OF A %XPEDITION OR EVEN DRIVING IT 4HIS WOULD MAKE YOU RECONSIDER ALL THAT IS IMPRACTICAL ABOUT IT AND FALL MADLY in love with this full-sized SUV. So much so this writer even spent three hours online LOOKING FOR OLDER SECOND HAND %XPEDITIONS

D 1

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

THE MOTORING SECTION OF

What to love about the

Subaru Forester PHOTOS BY DINO RAY V. DIRECTO 3RD TEXT BY GENEVIEVE TIU

W

HEN all is said and done, Subaru got things right with its best-selling Forester. Not only is it a well-loved SUV, it has remained a contender whenever a woman is on the market for car that would suit her desire for space, but without the chunkiness that comes with today’s sportier rides.

Here is a checklist on what to love about the 2019 Subaru Forester: The ride is just right - While the experience behind the wheel of a Subaru is unparalleled, it is important to note that the ride of the vehicle as a passenger is just as much of a winner. For one thing, the Forester has just enough clearance that makes it easy to get in and out of the car – no need to climb in and no need to slide out.

Also, despite the many potholes that line our streets, there is little to be felt whenever you are unfortunate enough to go over one.

The Forester remains steady and controlled, with very little body roll.

Behold the EyeSight - As a driver, you

WOULD kND THE %YE3IGHT IS GODSEND ESPECIALLY IN STOP AND GO TRAFkC 7HILE CRUISE control is practically a standard, Subaru takes it a notch up with its lead vehicle start assist feature, collision warning/braking, and lane departure warning. Apart from those, even without cruise control being switched on, the system remains active and would alert YOU ONCE TRAFkC HAS BEGUN TO MOVE m PERFECT for those times when you start to space out from the standstill.

The little things count - Good design tells you the manufacturer cares about the needs of its customers. Features, such as the small thumb hooks on the steering wheel that make it more comfortable to grip, the

many cup holders that allow people to stay HYDRATED THROUGH TRAFkC DUAL 53" PORTS ACcessible for the back seat, and a large cargo HOLD THAT CAN kT A FULL LENGTH GOLF BAG !ND let’s not forget the automatic tailgate that gently holds when you accidentally find yourself under the door while it’s closing.

Again, it’s in the little things. %ASY PARALLEL PARKING 0ARALLEL PARKING IS A test of patience. There are so many angles to consider in very little time – and very little space. The beauty of the Forester is that once the car is put on reverse, the side mirrors angle downward, automatically giving you visibility of the curb. So you can focus on getting in the space without a hitch.

D 2

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

Q Lawyer Rommel Gutierrez, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Vice President, strikes a pose with the refreshed Avanza.

Toyota launches new Avanza in grand fashion TEXT AND PHOTOS BY DINO RAY V. DIRECTO 3RD

L

EAVE it to Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) to come up with creative ways to launch a new variant. This year, as in previous Toyota Roadtrek events, Toyota invited editors of major publications and online organizations for a scenic drive to the country’s largest province in terms of jurisdiction, Palawan. The islands of Palawan stretch between Mindoro in the northeast and Borneo in the southwest. It lies in between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, which was once a famed battle ground during World War 2, and the site where Japan’s greatest battleship Musashi lies under the depths of the Sulu sea.

After arriving mid-morning at the NEWLY REFURBISHED AIRPORT AT 0UERTO 0RINCESA THE 4OYOTA 2OADTREK CONVOY proceeded to a nearby resort for the launch of the refreshed Toyota Avanza.

The 2019 version of Toyota’s popular people mover gets an exterior overhaul.

Visible changes are visible in the front fascia of the Avanza, which includes a NEW SPLIT TYPE ,%$ HEADLAMP CLUSTERS that compliments the character lines of the hood and the body lines that extends up to the rear end. Front fog lamps located the lower corner of the front bumpers complete the sporty look of this refreshed variant.

The rear of the Avanza gets a spoiler WITH ,%$ BRAKE STRIPS kN TYPE ANTENNA and tail light extenders that complete the modern look of the 2019 variant.

Toyota also upgraded the interiors starting with a 6.8-inch capacitive touch panel display infotainment system that IS SIMILAR TO THE 2!6 AND THE #AMRY According to Tini Arevalo, first vice PRESIDENT OF 4-0 THE MULTIMEDIA CONsole is enhanced with high resolution K2 technology audio that enables two phones hands-Free and five phones music streaming capabilities. The layout enables the Avanza to comfortably accommodate seven adults with ease and has a spacious cargo trunk. “The interior design were patterned after versatility and practicality which is ideal for everyday use,� added Arevalo.

Fans of the Avan-

Q The refreshed Avanza’s dashboard has been upgraded with a touchscreen monitor and piano finish accents. za can choose from two versions, the Veloz G that is powered by a 103-hp 1.5-liter ENGINE OR THE % AND * VARIANT THAT HAVE THE 1.3-liter, 95-hp engine. It is available in both MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 0RICE OF THE REFRESHED !VANZA STARTS AT 0

The Roadtrek proper

After the media launch of the Avanza, the media participants then proceeded with the driving component of the 2OADTREK WITH THE kRST STOPOVER AT THE 4OYOTA S DEALERSHIP IN 0UERTO 0RINCESA 4OYOTA PREPARED ITS lEET FOR THE MEDIA to use throughout the road trip, from ITS BEST SELLING 6IOS 2!6 #AMRY AND the all-new Hi-Ace. With strategic stops and accompanying challenges along the route, participants gradually snaked THEIR WAY THROUGH THE ISLAND OF 0ALAWAN up to the jump-off point in the oldest Q The author with teammates (from left) Ulysses Ang of Carguide PH and Philippine Star, Ron Delos Reyes of Auto Review/Malaya, and Jong Arcano of the Inquirer.

Q The Toyota Dealership in Puerto Princesa was the first pit stop of the Roadtrek activity.

Q Satoru Suzuki, President and CEO of TMP, addresses the Roadtrek participants.

TOWN OF 0ALAWAN 4AYTAY The rest of the Roadtrek event was spent in typical Toyota fashion, sight-seeing by way of a boat ride, a sumptuous seafood lunch at an island, snorkeling, plus other activities that aimed to pamper and relax our tired bodies from the previous day of physically challenging games and a day of driving.

The Toyota Roadtrek was first held 15 years ago as an avenue to promote goodwill and to celebrate friendships with the country’s most dominant automotive brand and fellow motoring scribes. The question now is, what lies ahead for the next Roadtrek?

Tuned

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

D 3

Yacht inspired BMW 7 series is pure luxury on wheels

T

BY DINO RAY V. DIRECTO 3RD

O highlight the anniversary of the Teutonic automotive giant BMW, engineers came up with a special anniversary edition in collaboration with luxury yacht builder Nautor Swan. Dubbed as the M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence, the luxury car is sure to standout with its glamorous amenities that were purposely hand-crafted at the Finnish designer’s studio. The overall look is inspired by the luxury yachts commonly docked in Saint-Tropez.

"-7 AND THE &INNISH YACHT DESIGNER and manufacturer share a partnership of many years’ standing. The two brands appear together at prestigious regattas such as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez.

The cooperation has produced a one-off model to celebrate the 25th anniversary OF "-7 )NDIVIDUAL COMBINING THE BEST

OF BOTH WORLDS 4HE RESULT THE "-7 TOP MODEL - ,I X$RIVE 6 %XCELLENCE

inspired by a glamorous sailing yacht.

Yachting atmosphere on board

A brief glance is enough to reveal the yachting inspiration behind the

UNIQUE "-7 )NDIVIDUAL - ,I INSPIRED BY .AUTOR S 3WAN #OOPERATION partner Nautor’s Swan produced some elements for the special model by hand at their workshop in western Finland.

These include teak panels with joints filled precisely with a fine layer of rubber. This allows the wood to expand and contract with changing temperatures. This is particularly sensible for the deck on a yacht – but also in a car. That is why this carbon-bonded wooden component graces the boot FLOOR IN THE "-7 )NDIVIDUAL - ,I

inspired by Nautor’s Swan. The boot is also intricately fitted out in Alcantara Smoke White.

4HE INTERIOR TRIMS ENTRY SILLS AND lOOR mats are also made with teak and have been produced by Nautor’s Swan. You CAN FEEL AND SEE THE YACHTING lAIR IN EVERY inch. This is enhanced by the presence of the Finnish brand’s insignia. The Nautor’s Swan signet is stitched into the headrests and cushions. It also adorns the sun visors and interior trims made OF %UROPEAN OAK ON THE DRIVER S SIDE AND the central console.

Elegant and discreet exterior design details

The cooperation between the two brands is also apparent on the exterior. The BRAKE CALIPERS ON THE "-7 )NDIVIDUAL - ,I WHICH ARE EXCLUSIVELY kNISHED in the same color as the car, each bear a sublime, raised Swan logo, which is manufactured in an extra procedure.

The boot lid of the car is also decorated with the Nautor’s Swan arrow, which is usually found on the side of the yachts.

"Y WAY OF ANALOGY THE SIDE OF THE CAR features a coachline, underlining its luxury quality.

This special variant is based on the "-7 - ,I X$RIVE LUXURY LIMOUsine. It has an exterior finished in the SPECIAL "-7 )NDIVIDUAL COLOR DAMASK red and a two-tone fine-grain Merino leather interior in smoke white and #RIOLLO BROWN 4HE SAME IS TRUE OF other features finished in leather, such as the footrests in the back of the car.

"-7 )NDIVIDUAL TAKES THE FULL LEATHER interior to the next level, integrating TOP QUALITY "-7 LEATHER VARIETIES INTO THE TRIMS FOR THE ! AND " PILLARS SEAT trims, door sills and the side covers for the instrument panel. The vehicle manual is also produced inside the

Affordable executive protection COUNTLESS people die every day from criminal acts, politically motivated assassinations and even road rage. If you are an important person who deals with all kinds of people from the different facets of society, chances are, your life may be at risk. It does not matter whether you are a celebrity, diplomat, contractor, doctor, IT executive or government official - you are in danger if travelling is an essential part of your work.

With the advent of the internet, criminals have become creative in making life dangerous for a VIP. This is why an armored protection is the most viable solution. Impenetra Armor Protective Systems is the exclusive Philippine distributor of the AGP Stop gun ballistic glass.

Based at the Caltex Gas Station along Molino Road, Bacoor, Cavite, Impenetra is a one-stop

shop for vehicle and personal protection.

With its armor and bomb proofing technology currently in use by European and US security forces, Impenetra’s array of bullet proofing, armoring and personal protective equipment are battlefield-tested and have been certified by the Comite Europeen de Normalisation 1063 (CEN 1063). Impenetra’s ballistic protection meets EU Standards BR6, BR4 and Road Rage protection.  The best thing about Impenetra-protected vehicles is they like a normal car. Their current armoring protection program can equip light SUVs such as the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero and Nissan Terra, and pick-ups like the Nissan Navara and Toyota Hi-Lux. Impenetra also has ballistic protection for vans such as the Kia Carnival and Toyota Hi-Ace Grandia.

“We use lightweight composite ballistic panels which is the strongest in the world now,� said Paulo Villarta of Impenetra PH. The company’s armoring is light, so suspension and engine modifications are no longer necessary. “Although with higher level of armoring, we may need to improve the vehicle’s overall performance,� added Villarta.

Aside from vehicle armoring, Impenetra PH also offers armored vehicle maintenance, leasing services for bullet proof vehicles, armored vehicle maintenance and after-sales parts, tactical personal protective solutions. and vehicle performance upgrade for safety solutions.

For details visit Impenetra’s Facebook @impenetraPH or log on to www.impenetraph.com or call 0917-6363824/0920-9101111.

-ANUFAKTUR AND BOUND IN #RIOLLO brown Merino leather.

4HE "-7 )NDIVIDUAL - ,I INSPIRED

by Nautor’s Swan special model is just AS IMPRESSIVE ON THE ROAD !N - 0ERFORMANCE 4WIN0OWER 4URBO CYLINDER gasoline engine provides plenty of drive.

A cubic capacity of 6.6 liters allows the engine to perform at 448 kW/610 hp and provides maximum torque of 800 Nm. The high-performance engine lets the car accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in SECONDS In conjunction with the modern eight-gear Steptronic Sport transmission, the matchless characteristics of the V12 engine provides plenty of sporty yet controlled thrust. The innovative %XECUTIVE $RIVE 0RO CHASSIS SYSTEM ALSO combines remarkable driving dynamism with maximum driving comfort. As you would expect from such a high-quality car, the on-board technology is also state-of-the-art. Semi-automated drivING TOUCH DISPLAY AND "-7 'ESTURE #ONTROL ARE JUST THREE OF THE TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS UNIQUE PART OF "-7 S history.

"-7 S ELITE MODELS SHARE THEIR identity and attitude. The car presents ITSELF AS PART OF A DISTINCT "-7 PRODUCT category creating a new presence for its luxury cars. The identity and attitude SHARED BY "-7 S ELITE MODELS INCLUDING THE "-7 3ERIES AS WELL AS THE NEW "-7 8 "-7 I AND NEW "-7 i8 Roadster, are echoed in a newly designed logo that combines a black and white version of the manufacturer’s roundel first used 100 years ago with the company name “ "AYERISCHE -Otoren Werke � written out in full. With its classical, understated aesthetic and the company’s original name spelt out, THE LOGO HIGHLIGHTS "-7 S INIMITABLE history.

ĹŒÄžĆŒĹľÄ‚ĆŒĹŹÄžĆš

D 4

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ALAIN GERONIMO

I

SUZU Philippines Corp. (IPC) has entered a oneyear partnership agreement with WĂźrth of Germany to provide vehicle care products to customers.

The partnership was announced during the “I Love Isuzu� campaign launch in April, which is a culmination of months of research, planning and collaboration AMONG )0# AND ITS DEALERS BUSINESS PARTners, suppliers and various Isuzu clubs across the country.

The German automotive care and hardware company will manufacture Isuzu’s 3ILICONE 3PRAY "RAKE #LEANER AND "RAKE 0ASTE TO )SUZU S DEALER NETWORK MAKING them available nationwide to Isuzu customers. Its Silicone Spray helps polish rubber and plastic parts, and prevents squeaking sounds on the window glass RUN CHANNEL 4HE )SUZU "RAKE #LEANER eliminates grease and dirt on the brakes, WHILE THE "RAKE 0ASTE AIDS IN PREVENTING

Heavy Duty

TUESDAY

May 21, 2019

Q Officials from Isuzu Philippines and Wurth pose for posterity after the formal announcement of their partnership deal.

Isuzu-Wurth announces partnership deal unusual sounds when braking. “This is a partnership between two global brands. Wurth’s wealth of experience will compliment the reliability and

DURABILITY OF )SUZU S lEET OF VEHICLES u SAID !RIEL DE *ESUS PRESIDENT OF 7URTH 0( “Isuzu’s commitment to be a reliable partner strengthens by offering only high-quality

products manufactured by Wurth, one of the leading quality brands for assembly technology. Isuzu guarantees that through these new products, customer satisfaction will increase.

Isuzu vehicle parts and cleaning items will be available at Isuzu dealerships, making it a one-stop-shop to offer customer conveNIENCE u )0# SAID IN A STATEMENT

THE 3,000,000TH DFCV LIGHT TRUCKS ROLLS OFF LINE DONGFENG Automobile Co. Ltd. (DFAC)Â has announced that the 3,000,000th DFCV Light Truck rolled off the assembly line in Xiangyang production base, Hubei province on January 8, 2019. It was a new milestone for the truck maker since its first light truck was produced at its Xiangyang base in 1999.

In 2018, DFAC reported an annual sales of 100,000 units of light trucks, an increase of 9 percent from the previous year. It’s been four years since DFAC exceeded 100,000 units in light truck sales, maintaining its position as the best-selling Chinese auto brand for light trucks.

Established on July 15, 1999, DFAC is a Chinese automobile company based in Xiangyang, Hubei

province. So far in 2018, DFAC light truck sales has grown from less than 20,000 units to 600,000, one million, two million and to the current three million units in less than a decade.

Dongfeng Tuyi light truck, which was launched in just 2018, has set a new record with 7,000 units sold this year, according to DFAC. It also has been highly recognized by many for its great performance, comfort and flexible operation.

A major breakthrough has been made in several key special vehicle segments including sanitation vehicle, tow truck, refrigerator truck, recreational vehicle and dangerous goods transport vehicles. The company sold over 28,000

units of special vehicles last year, up 55 percent year-on-year, allowing it to retain the title as the No. 1 truck maker in the domestic light commercial vehicle refitting industry.

Through the years, DFAC’s continued efforts also have helped its success in new energy vehicles. A product structure consisting of both passenger car and commercial vehicles has been formed. In initial period, it has only Dongfeng Tianyi pure electric buses, while now the products series has been expanded to include Dongfeng Yufeng A100 bus, Dongfeng logistics minivan, Donfeng Junfeng ER30 electric sedan, E11k passenger car and Dongfeng Captain van.

CHINATRUCKNEWS

Sports

TTUESDAY MAY 21, 2019 M

E1

www.manilatimes.net

Leonard stars It’s Donaire vs Inoue as Raptors I claw back with win over Bucks L ANTITHESIS

CONRAD M. CARIĂ‘O

4 3 official — Nonito Donaire would be facing Japanese knock OUT ARTIST .AOYA )NOUE IN THE 7ORLD "OXING 3UPER 3ERIES 7"33 kNAL FOR BANTAMWEIGHT POUNDS )NOUE OVER THE WEEKEND DISPOSED IN JUST TWO ROUNDS 0UERTO 2ICAN %M MANUEL 2ODRIQUEZ WITH KNOCKOUTS IN THE LAST 7"33 SEMIk NAL BOUT FOR THE DIVISION 0RIOR TO THAT

Donaire knocked out Stephon Young WITH +/S IN THE OTHER 7"33 SEMIkNAL FOR BANTAMWEIGHT )NOUE KNOCKED DOWN 2ODRIGUEZ WITH A VICIOUS LEFT HOOK IN THE EARLY GOING OF THE SECOND ROUND AND IT WAS ALL DOWNHILL FOR THE 0UERTO 2ICAN WHO HIT THE CANVASS TWO MORE TIMES )NOUE IMPROVED HIS RECORD TO WITH +/S While I was impressed on how )NOUE DEFEATED 2ODRIGUEZ THERE WAS SOMETHING OBVIOUS IN THE 0UERTO 2ICAN ‡ INEXPERIENCE 0RIOR TO kGHTING )NOUE 2ODRIQUEZ ONLY HAD kGHTS WITH THREE OF THEM AT THE CHAMPIONSHIP LEVEL )NOUE ON THE OTHER HAND HAS kGURED IN CHAMPIONSHIP kGHTS PRIOR TO FACING 2ODRIGUEZ AND WON TITLES IN THREE WEIGHT DIVISIONS 4HE 0UERTO 2ICAN S LACK OF RING SAVVY WAS EVIDENT AS HE CHOSE TO stand in front of Inoue for most of THE kGHT WHICH COULD BE SUICIDAL FOR ANYONE FACING A ONE PUNCH KNOCKOUT ARTIST 0ERHAPS 2ODRIGUEZ FELT HE COULD MATCH )NOUE S PUNCHING POWER

WHICH PROVED FATAL 3O THE QUESTION NOW IS HOW WOULD $ONAIRE WITH +/S HANDLE )NOUE IN THEIR 7"33 BANTAMWEIGHT kNAL BOUT )N MY COLUMN PUBLISHED ON -AY

TITLED g7HEN THE LEFT HOOK LANDS u ) DISCUSSED HOW $ONAIRE CAN BEAT )NOUE CITING THE &ILIPINO S SIZE ADVANTAGE AMONG OTHERS )NOUE STANDS u AND kRST FOUGHT AT BANTAMWEIGHT IN -AY /N THE OTHER HAND $ONAIRE IS NEARLY u AND IS ACTUALLY A FEATHERWEIGHT POUNDS MASQUERADING AS A BANTAMWEIGHT $ONAIRE EVEN LOOKED LIKE A FULL BLOWN FEATHERWEIGHT IN HIS kGHTS AGAINST 9OUNG AND 2YAN "UR NETT WHICH SHOULD NOT BE SURPRISING GIVEN TODAY S WEIGH IN RULES "IGGER kGHTERS BENEkT MORE FROM TODAY S WEIGH IN RULES SINCE THE WEIGH IN FOR FIGHTS TAKES PLACE ABOUT HOURS TO TWO DAYS BEFORE A BOUT !ND DURING THAT TIME FRAME THE BIGGER kGHTER USUALLY PACKS ON MORE WEIGHT So when Inoue squares off against $ONAIRE IN THE 7"33 kNAL kGHT FOR BANTAMWEIGHT THE *APANESE MAY HAVE TO CONTEND AGAINST A FEATHER WEIGHT WHO HAS AN EIGHT TO POUND WEIGHT ADVANTAGE OVER HIM )N THE LOWER DIVISIONS THAT WEIGHT ADVAN TAGE IS ALREADY SIGNIkCANT GIVING THE BIGGER kGHTER AN EDGE IN PUSHING

SHOWING AND CLINCHING !ND MAYBE

in punching power.

4HEN THERE S $ONAIRE S EDGE IN CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS AND QUALITY OF OPPOSITION 4HE &ILIPINO HAS FOUGHT IN MORE THAN TITLE BOUTS AND WON WORLD TITLES IN kVE WEIGHT DIVISIONS (OWEVER TWO THINGS ARE GOING FOR )NOUE ‡ PUNCHING POWER AND YOUTH 4HE *APANESE IS YEARS YOUNGER THAN $ONAIRE AND NOBODY CAN DENY his punching power. .OW ) IS POSSIBLE FOR )NOUE TO STOP $ONAIRE 3O FAR THE ONLY BOXER WHO HAS stopped Donaire was Nicholas Walters at featherweight. But in THEIR kGHT IN /CTOBER 7ALTERS OUTWEIGHED $ONAIRE BY POUNDS

IN EFFECT MAKING HIM A JUNIOR WEL TERWEIGHT POUNDS 4O $ONAIRE S CREDIT HE FOUGHT GAL LANTLY FOR SIX ROUNDS AGAINST 7ALTERS /N THE OTHER HAND )NOUE S CHIN MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TESTED YET ,IKE THE UPCOMING -ANNY 0AC QUIAO +EITH 4HURMAN kGHT ON *ULY

EXPECT THE BOUT BETWEEN $ONAIRE and Inoue to generate debates and discussions on who would win. !ND WITH THAT LET US BEGIN THE DE bates and discussions on how would win between Donaire or Inoue.

OS ANGELES: Kawhi Leonard scored eight of his 36 points in the second overtime period on Sunday (Monday in Manila) to lead the Toronto Raptors to a gritty 118-112 victory over the Milwaukee "UCKS IN THE ."! %ASTERN #ONFERENCE kNALS 4HE 2APTORS WHO DROPPED THE kRST TWO GAMES OF THE BEST OF SEVEN SERIES IN -ILWAUKEE

CLAWED THEIR WAY BACK IN FRONT OF HOME FANS AND WILL TRY TO LEVEL THE SET WHEN THEY HOST GAME FOUR ON 4UESDAY 0ASCAL 3IAKAM SCORED POINTS AND 3PANISH CENTER -ARC 'ASOL ADDED FOR THE 2APTORS WHO GOT off to a quick start and led much of the night but had to battle to PUT THE "UCKS AWAY -ILWAUKEE S -OST 6ALUABLE 0LAYER kNALIST 'IANNIS !NTETOK OUNMPO STRUGGLED TO JUST POINTS ON kVE OF SHOOTING !NTETOKOUNMPO DIDN T REACH double figures in points until THE MIDDLE OF THE FOURTH QUARTER

ALTHOUGH HIS REBOUNDS HELPED THE "UCKS STAY IN TOUCH Antetokounmpo fouled out IN THE kRST MINUTE OF THE SECOND OVERTIME PERIOD -OMENTS LATER THE "UCKS MAN AGED TO EDGE AHEAD

BUT ,EONARD AND THE 2APTORS roared back. ,EONARD S STEAL AND DUNK PUT 4ORONTO AHEAD AND HIS DRIVING BANK SHOT GAVE 4ORONTO A LEAD WITH SEC onds remaining. ,EONARD PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN limiting Antetokounmpo and 4ORONTO COACH .ICK .URSE SAID HIS DEFENSIVE PLAY WAS gPROBABLY THE BIGGEST KEY OF THE GAME u g.OT ONLY DID HE JUST PLAY GOOD

BUT HE MADE SOME HUGE PLAYS WITH

SOME STEALS AND RIP AWAYS AND BREAK AWAYS u .URSE SAID g/FFENSE WAS HARD TO COME BY there for both teams for a while AND ANY TIME YOU CAN GET A STEAL AND A BREAK OUT IT S A HUGE MO MENTUM PLAY u 4ORONTO HAD A CHANCE TO WIN IT IN REGULATION BUT THEY LET A LEAD SLIP AWAY IN THE kNAL OF the fourth quarter.

-ILWAUKEE GUARD +HRIS -IDDLE TON S PUTBACK BASKET FROM HIS OWN MISS WITH SECONDS LEFT IN REGULATION FORCED OVERTIME 4HE 2APTORS LED WITH REMAINING IN THE FIRST EXTRA SESSION "UT -ALCOLM "ROGDON FLOATED in a shot and George Hill drained two free throws to tie IT BEFORE ,EONARD S JUMP SHOT fell short.

4HE 2APTORS OVERCAME A SLOW NIGHT FROM +YLE ,OWRY WHO SCORED POINTS AND PLAYED IN foul trouble much of the night BEFORE FOULING OUT WITH left in the fourth.

Q Kawhi Leonard (No. 2) of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball during overtime against the Milwaukee Bucks in game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. AFP PHOTO

Blazers star Lillard playing with separated ribs 0ORTLAND S STAR GUARD $AMIAN ,IL LARD CONkRMED 3UNDAY THAT HE S PLAYING WITH PAINFUL SEPARATED RIBS AND WORE PROTECTIVE PADDING IN THE 4RAIL "LAZERS LOSS TO THE Golden State Warriors.

Lillard told reporters he was

hurt in game two of the NBA We s t e r n C o n f e r e n c e f i n a l s against the defending cham PION 7ARRIORS SPEAKING ABOUT IT AFTER THE INJURY WAS REPORTED BY 4HE !THLETIC g) DON T THINK IT S SOMETHING

THAT S AFFECTING MY GAME u HE SAID g)T S THERE BUT IT S NOT SOME THING THAT S AFFECTING ANYTHING THAT ) M DOING g/BVIOUSLY YOU FEEL IT BUT THAT S IT u ADDED ,ILLARD WHO SAID HE COULD FEEL THE INJURY WHEN HE

was breathing hard or when he absorbed contact on his left side.

4HE INJURY OCCURRED IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF GAME TWO ON 4HURSDAY

WHEN THE 7ARRIORS +EVON ,OO NEY LANDED ON TOP OF ,ILLARD IN A scramble for the ball.

AFP

Odom used ‘fake penis’ in 2004 testing Iguodala ‘questionable’ for Game 4 with calf injury LOS ANGELES: &ORMER ."! STAR ,AMAR /DOM HAS REVEALED he used a prosthetic penis TO DUPE DRUG TESTERS BE FORE COMPETING AT THE /LYMPICS FOR THE 5NITED 3TATES ACCORDING TO AN UP coming memoir.

4HE YEAR OLD FORMER Los Angeles Lakers star MADE THE REVELATION IN HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY g$ARKNESS TO ,IGHTu

which lifts the lid on his battles with drugs and SEX ADDICTION Odom said he had panicked after being named to the 53 /LYMPIC team for the 'AMES I N ! T H E N S

fearing that he would fail a drugs test. g4HE JOY OF BEING NAMED TO THE TWELVE MAN ROSTER QUICKLY TURNED TO ANXIETY WHEN /LYMPIC OFFICIALS IN FORMED ME THAT ) WOULD HAVE TO PASS A DRUG TEST BEFORE OFFICIALLY JOINING THE TEAM u /DOM SAID ACCORDING TO EXCERPTS OF HIS BOOK PUBLISHED ON People.com. g4HERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY ) WAS GOING TO PASS ) D BEEN SMOKING WEED EVERY DAY THAT SUMMER u HE WROTE “Panic set in.�

Odom said he turned to the Internet to come up with a solution. g7E STARTED GOOGLING @FAKE PENISES

Q Lamar Odom (No. 7) AP FILE PHOTO

AND STUDIED DIFFERENT WAYS TO BEAT A DRUG TEST u HE WROTE BEFORE ORDERING A prosthetic penis online.

Odom said he used urine supplied

BY HIS DRUG FREE TRAINER TO PASS THE TEST WHEN A DOPING CONTROL OFkCER ARRIVED AT HIS HOUSE 4HE DRUG TESTER WATCHED FROM A FEW FEET AWAY AS /DOM PRODUCED A FAKE urine sample. “He stuck a thermometer in the cup TO GAUGE THE TEMPERATURE SATISkED THAT THE PEE WAS MINE AND SAID @7ELCOME TO 4EAM 53! u /DOM WRITES IN THE BOOK 4HE 53 BASKETBALL TEAM WOULD GO ON TO SUFFER DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE /LYM

PICS kNISHING WITH A BRONZE MEDAL /DOM A MEMBER TWO ."! FINALS WINNING ,AKERS TEAMS IN AND

SUFFERED A LIFE THREATENING BREAKDOWN IN WHEN HE WAS DISCOVERED UNCON SCIOUS AT A BROTHEL IN .EVADA (E HAD SUFFERED KIDNEY FAILURE AND multiple heart attacks and strokes and WAS IN A COMA BEFORE LATER RECOVERING consciousness. /DOM SAYS IN THE BOOK THAT HE IS STILL struggling with addiction. g) M STILL AN ADDICT u HE SAID g) STILL STRUGGLE "UT ) WILL NOT GO INTO THE DARKNESS %VER AGAIN u AFP

LOS ANGELES: Golden State swingman Andre Iguodala is “questionable� for game four of the NBA Western #ONFERENCE kNALS ON -ONDAY 4UESDAY IN -ANILA

when the Warriors will be seeking to complete a sweep in Portland. )GUODALA THE ."! &INALS -OST 6ALUABLE 0LAYER FOR THE 7ARRIORS EXITED IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 3ATURDAY S COMEBACK VICTORY OVER THE 4RAIL "LAZERS WHICH GAVE THE 7ARRIORS A COMMANDING LEAD IN THE BEST OF SEVEN SERIES (E PLAYED JUST MINUTES CONTRIBUTING TWO POINTS kVE REBOUNDS AND TWO ASSISTS g7E DIDN T WANT TO RISK ANYTHING AND PUT HIM BACK IN THE GAME u 7ARRIORS COACH 3TEVE +ERR SAID /N 3UNDAY THE TEAM SAID AN -2) EXAM ON )GUO DALA S LEFT CALF WAS gCLEANu AND )GUODALA WILL RECEIVE treatment in hopes of a quick return to action.

4HE 7ARRIORS ARE ALREADY WITHOUT SUPERSTAR +EVIN $URANT WHO HAS ALREADY BEEN RULED OUT OF GAME FOUR WITH A CALF STRAIN AND $E-ARCUS #OUSINS

WHO IS RECOVERING FROM A TORN QUADRICEPS MUSCLE g)NJURIES ARE PART OF THE GAME BUT WE HAVE GUYS WHO ARE CAPABLE AND CAN STEP UP u 7ARRIORS STAR 3TE PHEN #URRY SAID g7E VE BEEN HERE BEFORE 'UYS THAT ARE OUT ON THE lOOR KNOW HOW TO PLAY KNOW HOW TO WIN AND KNOW HOW TO MAKE WINNING PLAYS AND AREN T AFRAID OF ANYTHING u )GUODALA IS AVERAGING POINTS REBOUNDS

ASSISTS AND MINUTES IN GAMES IN THESE PLAYOFFS +ERR SAID THE 7ARRIORS WOULD gHAVE TO HAVE MORE MINUTESu FROM RESERVE !LFONZO -C+INNIE IN )GUODALA S ABSENCE g7E RE CONFIDENT HE CAN DO THE JOB u +ERR SAID

AFP

E2

Sports

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

PSL-Swim Pinas bags 14 golds in Canada Q Philippine national junior record holder Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh finishes a lap during backstroke event of the 2019 Ralph Hicken International Swimming Championship held at the Markham Pan Am Center in Ontario, Canada.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

T

HE Philippine Swimming LeagueSwimming Pinas delivered 14 gold, THREE SILVER AND kVE BRONZE MEDALS IN THE 2019 Ralph Hicken International Swimming Championship held at the Markham Pan Am Center in Ontario, Canada.

Philippine national junior record holder Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh closed out the country’s cam-

paign in the four-day meet with two more new tournament records in THE GIRLS YEAR DIVISION

The Immaculate Heart of Mary College-ParaĂąaque tanker submitTED TWO MINUTES AND SECOND IN THE M BUTTERlY TO SMASH THE PREVIOUS TOURNAMENT MARK She followed it up with another record-breaking performance in THE M BREASTSTROKE CHECKING IN AT ERASING THE old record.

Mojdeh settled for silver in the

M FREESTYLE “I want to dedicate this medals and records to coach Susan Papa.

She’s my motivation, my inspiration and I’ll be forever grateful to her,� said Mojdeh, who won a total of eight gold medals and one silver highlighted by one PhilipPINE JUNIOR RECORD AND kVE NEW tournament marks.

4HE YEAR OLD -OJDEH EARLIER

broke the Philippine junior record in THE M BUTTERlY EVENT BY VIRTUE OF HER SHOWING m BETTER THAN THE FORMER MARK OF #AMILLE "UICO ESTABLISHED IN THE 5NIVERSITY Athletic Association of the Philippines Swimming Championship.

Mojdeh also notched tournaMENT RECORDS IN M )NDIVIDUAL -EDLEY M BREASTSTROKE AND M BUTTERlY

AND WON MINTS IN M )NDIVIDUAL -EDLEY AND M BREASTSTROKE General Santos City bet Jie Angela Talosig chipped in one gold IN M FREESTYLE AND ONE BRONZE IN M BREASTSTROKE IN THE GIRLS YEAR CLASS while Saira Janelle Pabellon ruled THE GIRLS YEAR M BREASTSTROKE

Sports community mourns death of legend Papa Tams stun Pirates for first win in FilOil

PHILIPPINE Swimming League (PSL) president Susan Papa passed away Saturday night, May 18, after suffering from kidney failure and stroke.

Papa was 64 years old. Interment is at the Funeraria Paz, Jacinto Room, Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, ParaĂąaque.

In her final column for The Manila Times entitled “Faith, hope kept me alive� published early January, Papa revealed that she was initially diagnosed with ascites and later on with Stage 4 cancer.

The PSL chief was instrumental in the discovery of young talents such as Jasmine Micaela Mojdeh and Marc Bryan Dula who have been reaping numerous awards in local and international competitions.

Under Papa’s tutelage, Mojdeh was projected to be a future Olym-

pic gold medalist after breaking the 11-year record of Joseph 3CHOOLING IN THE YEARS OLD M BUTTERFLY CATEGORY OF THE Singapore Island Country Club Invitational Swimming ChampiONSHIP LAST -OJDEH THE 0ALARONG Pambansa’s most bemedalled athlete, also shattered several Philippine junior records and set SIX MARKS IN THE *APAN !GE Group Champs Swim Meet just two months ago.

0APA S YEAR OLD PROTÂźGÂź is currently competing in the 2ALPH (ICKEN )NTERNATIONAL Swimming Championship in Canada, wherein she already bagged six gold medals and tallied four new records. “She’s extra motivated because of coach Susan Papa. She wants to go home with gold

medals and new records to offer to coach Susan,� said PSL-Swimming Pinas delegation head Joan Melissa Mojdeh.

Papa also guided Dula to a number of record-breaking feats in PSL AND INTERNATIONAL TILTS 4HE YEAR old male tanker posted a 3-1-1 gold-silver-bronze medal haul in the recently-concluded 0ALARO As a swimmer, Papa represented the country in the Asian Games and Youth Olympic Games.

She was already part of the national team at the age of 11 and was able to set records.

JEREMIAH M. SEVILLAÂ Â Q Susan Papa CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

FAR Eastern University (FEU) scored a breakthrough victory after stunning erstwhile unbeaten leader Lyceum of the Philippines University, 86-78, in the 2019 FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup on Monday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City. The Tamaraws raced to a furious start then foiled the Pirates’ late fightback for their first win following a two-loss start in Group B. “We really played consistent basketball for 40 minutes,�said FEU head coach Olsen Racela. Brandrey Bienes fired a team-high 14 points built on 4-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc to ignite the Moraytabased squad’s hot start. Veteran guards Wendell Comboy, Alec Stockton and rookie swingman Cyrus Torres chipped in 13 points apiece in the win. FEU buried 17 triples on an impressive 44% shooting clip against Lyceum’s six treys (33%). Behind its fiery three-point shooting, FEU took a 30-17 lead early in the second quarter and extended it to 62-45

midway the third frame. Lyceum threatened within 70-77 on Ralph Tansingco’s and-one play at the 3:50 mark of the payoff period. But Comboy hit a dagger three-pointer and Patrick Tchuente sank a layup, 82-70, as the Tamaraws zapped the fight out of the Pirates. Jaycee Marcelino had a game-best 17 points while Mike Nzeusseu and Tansingco had 14 and 13 markers, respectively, for the Pirates, who slid to 4-1. Earlier in juniors play, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA stretched its Group B lead with its fourth straight win at the expense of debuting University of Sto. Tomas, 90-82. Nazareth School of National University decimated Jose Rizal University, 85-66, for a second consecutive win also in Group B. Mapua University (1-2) seized a breakthrough 73-69 triumph over the hapless Adamson University (0-3) in Group A. JEREMIAH M. SEVILLAÂ

NU ends campaign on bright note SMDC-National University went on A STRONG kNISH IN THE 0HILIPpine Basketball Association Developmental League (PBA D-League) after thrashing fellow also-ran University of Perpetual Help System $!,4!

ON -ONDAY AT THE JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.

Riding on an explosive third quarter performance, the Bulldogs wrapped up their inaugural campaign in the developmental ranks with a four-game winning streak for a 4-5 record in the Foundation Group. “We’re happy we got our goal for the team. This D-League was a good

experience for us,� said SMDC-NU assistant coach Kevin De Castro.

Sophomore guard Dave Ildefonso ERUPTED FOR A GAME HIGH POINTS on top of six rebounds and three assists to lead the Bulldogs.

John Lloyd Clemente tallied 16 points, Patrick Yu chipped in 13 markers and Issa Gaye added an 11-point, 16-rebound double-double in the blowout victory.

Up by only seven points, 43-36, AT THE HALF .5 ZOOMED TO A run capped by Clemente’s layup for A COMMANDING LEAD LATE IN the third quarter.

The Bulldogs then opened the

final frame with an eight-point surge to post their biggest buffer AT AND VIRTUALLY SEAL THE season-ending victory.

Rey Anthony Peralta had 18 POINTS +IM !URIN HAD MARKERS and Ben Adamos had 11 points and seven rebounds for the Altas.

Perpetual Help closed it campaign WITH A SLATE In the second game at press time, last season’s twice runner-up ChÊlu Bar & Grill is seeking to strengthen ITS QUARTERkNAL BID AGAINST OUSTED Family Mart-Enderun Colleges in the Aspirants Group.

JEREMIAH M. SEVILLAÂ

Patrombon, Capadocia rule Brookside JESON PATROMBON battled back from a set down and pounced on fellow Davis Cup veteran Johnny Arcilla’s poor condition in the decider to fashION OUT A

RET WIN WHILE Marian Capadocia survived Clarice 0ATRIMONIO

AS THEY KEPT their singles crowns in the PPS-PEPP Brookside Hills Open Tennis Championships at the Brookside Hills Tennis Club in Cainta, Rizal last Sunday.

Patrombon blew a 4-1 lead in the SECOND SET BUT RECOVERED IN TIME TO kGHT back from 4-5 down and force a decider with a sweep of the last three games. The YEAR OLD ACE FROM )LIGAN #ITY THEN TOOK THE kRST THREE GAMES OF THE THIRD AND eventually the match and the crown as Arcilla gave up due to dizziness.

4HE VICTORY WORTH 0

CAME on the heels of Patrombon’s emphatic victory in the Gov. Umali Cup in Oriental Mindoro last month, also against his long-time rival Arcilla.

Capadocia, who dropped just two

games to reach the women’s singles finals, sustained her form against 0ATRIMONIO TAKING FOUR OF THE kRST six games in the opening frame. But Patrimonio toughened up in the second, breaking Capadocia in the SECOND TO GO UP But the Antique City bet fought back to rack up the next two sets then broke Patrimonio in the seventh game and held serve twice to seize a 5-3 edge.

Patrimonio, however, refused to give up, banking on her baseline game to force another tie at 5 before the duo traded breaks to reach the tiebreaker where Capadocia proved steadier to repeat over Patrimonio, whom she also edged in last year’s kNALS OF THE EVENT SPONSORED BY 0ALAwan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala and hosted by Brookside Hills.

4HE YEAR OLD #APADOCIA WHO POCKETED 0 IN HER SINGLES romp, made it a twinkill as she teamed up with Khim Iglupas to

trounce Clarice and Christine Patrimonio. 6-3, 6-3, and clinch the womEN S DOUBLES CROWN WORTH 0 IN the event backed by Rep. Jack Duavit, One Cainta, Bgy. San Isidro, Cainta, Rizal, BRAI, Feeds Edition Batangas, RMJ Agricultural, board member Ross Gongora, Allan del Castillo and $UNLOP AS OFkCIAL BALL Leander Lazaro and Fritz Verdad, meanwhile, stole the thunder in men’s doubles, hacking out a 3-6,

DECISION OVER .O Patrombon and Noel Damian Jr. in the semis then foiling Arcilla and Eric *ED /LIVAREZ

FOR THE TITLE WORTH 0

Meanwhile, action in the country’s biggest and long-running talent-search shifts to Pasig City for the Valle Verde leg, a juniors Group I tournament, BEGINNING TODAY -AY WHILE THE Manila Southwoods will host the next stop for another Group I event on May IN #ARMONA #AVITE

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

Sports

E3

Koepka avoids collapse to win PGA for fourth major title B E T H PAG E , U n i t e d S t a t e s : Brooks Koepka held off a late charge from Dustin Johnson to capture his second consecutive PGA Championship on Sunday (Monday in Manila), completing a wire-to-wire victory for his fourth major title in nerve-wracking fashion.

A near-collapse saw Koepka’s record seven-stroke lead reduced to a single shot, but he withstood making four bogeys in a row on the back

nine and another at 17 for an unexpectedly narrow triumph. g4HIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST SATISkED ) VE been with all the majors,� said Koepka. g4HIS ONE S DEkNITELY AT THE TOP OF THE LIST

Q Brooks Koepka of the United States plays a shot from the 13th tee during the final round of the 2019 PGA Championship at the Bethpage Black course in Farmingdale, New York. AFP PHOTO

of how emotionally and how mentally SPENT ) AM u Koepka fired a four-over par 74 kNAL ROUND AT WINDY "ETHPAGE "LACK TO kNISH HOLES ON EIGHT UNDER and defeat Johnson by two strokes, replacing him as world number one as a result. g) M JUST GLAD WE DON T HAVE any more holes to play,� Koepka said. “That was a stressful round of golf.�

Bogeys b y Johnson at 16 and 17 made the difference but Koepka made bogey at the par-3 17th, then escaped sand and WEEDS OFF THE TH TEE BY kNDING THE fairway and green then sinking a six-foot putt for the victory. “DJ played a hell of a round to come back and to grind it out,� Koepka said. “He did a great job putting pressure on me, making me play some solid golf down the stretch.�

The usually poker-faced Koepka admitted the moment got to him on the kNAL HOLE WHERE HE kRED A kST PUMP after his winning putt.

Koepka, who seeks his third US Open win in a row next month at 0EBBLE "EACH BECAME THE kRST MAN TO own back-to-back titles at two majors simultaneously by capturing the Wanamaker Trophy and the $1.98 million

(1.77 million euro) top prize.

T h e 29-yearold American became THE 0'! S kFTH wire-to-wire winner after Hal Sutton in 1983, Ray Floyd in 1982, Jack Nicklaus in 1971 and Bobby Nichols in 1964.

Koepka joined Tiger Woods as the only back-to-back stroke-play winners of the PGA, Woods having done it in 2006-07 as well as 1999-2000.

Koepka seized a tournament-record lead of seven strokes after 54 holes on 12-under par 198.

No man has led a major by so much so late and lost. But Koepka came close.

Johnson, who shot 69, shrank the margin to four shots at the turn and just one with four holes to play, only for Koepka to outlast his US compatriot.

Johnson, seeking his second major title after the 2016 US Open, was HOPING TO MATCH THE BEST kNAL ROUND win comeback in PGA history, John Mahaffey’s seven-shot rally in 1978. )NSTEAD HE COMPLETED A CAREER “runner-up� Grand Slam, having placed second at the 2011 British Open, 2015 US Open and last AFP month’s Masters.

Davao Cocolife still intact for next MPBL season Wilder ready to fight anyone after KO win

DAVAO Cocolife Tigers remain intact and title contender in the next season of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) that will kickoff next month with a record team participation.

Frontliners Bonbon Custodio, Mark Yee, Billy Robles, Bogs Raymun-

do and homegrown Emman Calo will continue to don the Tigers uniform with minor change in the championship caliber that will sharpen it’s fang at the paint defensively and beyond the arc offensively.

Tiger slotman ex-PBA Leo Najorda has yet to sign a new contract accord-

ing to team deputy manger Ray Alao. “We are still looking for a bigman to man shaded area and a consistent shooter as a potential game changer,� he said.

Also after conducting a tryout in a Greenhills gym recently.

Two explosive Filipino-foreign

players will reinforce the team owned by Rep. Claudine Bautista backed by Cocolife President Jose Martin Loon, FVP Joseph Ronquillo and AVP Rowena Asnan as a new approved rule by the league organized by Senator Manny Pacquiao.

NADALÂ BEATS DJOKOVIC TO WIN NINTH ROME TITLE ROME:Â Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 to win A NINTH )TALIAN /PEN TITLE AND A record 34rd Masters crown on Sunday (Monday in Manila).

World number one Djokovic, winner at the Madrid Open last week, produced an error-strewn performance in his 54th meeting with second-ranked Nadal, who claimed the 81st title of his career.

Nadal overtakes Djokovic at the top of the list for Masters wins — the pair were level at 33 EACH BEFORE 3UNDAY S kNAL ‡ IN A timely boost ahead of his assault on a 12th French Open crown in a week’s time. !FTER THREE SEMI kNAL DEFEATS IN Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid, Nadal has returned to his best form ahead of Roland Garros and LIFTED HIS kRST TITLE OF THE SEASON The Spaniard dominated early with Djokovic losing a set 6-0 for

THE kRST TIME TO A PLAYER HE DEscribes as his “greatest rival�.

But Nadal missed four break chances in the second set, dropPING HIS kRST SET THIS WEEK AFTER losing serve at 4-5, to throw the Serb a lifeline.

4HE kGHTBACK WAS BRIEF AS THE 31-year-old Djokovic dropped his serve immediately in the third set, smashing his racket in frustration.

Nadal broke his opponent twice more to seal a third win over $JOKOVIC IN THEIR kVE 2OME kNALS

although the latter still holds a 2826 career edge.

Nadal, seeded second, was playING HIS FOURTH STRAIGHT SEMI kNAL

but had not managed to go further on clay this season.

The 32-year-old had been stunned by Stefanos Tsitsipas, seeded eighth and 12 years his junior, in THE SEMI kNALS AT THE -ADRID /PEN last weekend.

AFP

Q Rafael Nadal AFP PHOTO

NEW YORK: Deontay Wilder is ready to “fight anyone� after his brutal World Boxing Council heavyweight title defense but a showdown with Anthony Joshua is unlikely to happen this year.

Wilder demolished Dominic Breazeale with a devastating first round knockout on Saturday, flooring his challenger with a thunderous right hand at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

The knockout led to renewed calls for Wilder to face WBA, IBF and WBO champion Joshua or take a rematch against Tyson Fury following the two fighters’ bruising 12-round draw in Los Angeles last December.

Wilder, who improved to 41-0-1 with 40 knockouts with Saturday’s win, said afterwards he believed a fight with Joshua will happen eventually, urging fans to be patient. “The great thing about this is all these fights are in discussion, no doors are closed, all

teams, all parties that are involved are talking and that’s the great thing about it,� Wilder told reporters. “We know when the big fights happen everything is going to be silenced. There’s too many people involved, too many opinions involved right now. “This fight will happen. The big fight will happen, I promise you that. I just want you guys to have patience and give us a little time to make this thing happen so we all benefit from it, not only just you fans.�

Wilder’s co-manager Shelly Finkel said the champion’s next opponent would be decided shortly, with a rematch against Cuba’s Luis Ortiz reportedly the most likely option.

While protracted negotiations over a possible Joshua showdown broke down, Finkel said Wilder remained enthusiastic about fighting the undefeated Briton.

AFP

Red Sox avoids sweep, snaps Astros’ win streak BOSTON: Michael Chavis homered, Xander Bogaerts hit a tiebreaking double in the seventh inning and the Boston Red Sox averted a series sweep against Houston with a 4-3 victory on Sunday (Monday in Manila) that snapped the Astros’ 10-game winning streak.

Mookie Betts scored three runs FOR "OSTON WHICH LOST THE kRST TWO GAMES IN ITS kRST MEETING WITH THE Astros since beating them in the 2018 AL Championship Series.

Carlos Correa hit a two-run homer off Chris Sale for Houston, which is 13-4 in May. !STROS OUTkELDER 'EORGE 3PRINGER

who began the day leading the American League with 17 homers, exited with lower back stiffness after striking out three times against Sale.

Bogaerts’ double to deep leftcenter off Framber Valdez (1-2) SCORED "ETTS SCORED FROM kRST BASE Sale struck out 10 in 5 1/3 innings, giving up three runs and FOUR HITS WITH kVE WALKS )N HIS PREVIOUS START HE BECAME THE kRST major league pitcher to strike out 17 batters in seven innings.

Marcus Walden (6-0) escaped a bases-loaded, one-out jam and tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Brandon Workman got

THREE OUTS FOR HIS kRST CAREER SAVE Meanwhile, Brett Gardner homered early, then got two hits during a seven-run burst in the sixth inNING FUELED BY kVE WALKS THAT SENT New York past Tampa Bay. The Yankees took their second straight weekend series from the Rays and moved a half-game in front atop the AL East. Aaron Hicks homered for THE kRST TIME SINCE RETURNING FROM A back injury and DJ LeMahieu also connected to help New York win for

the 10th time in 13 games.

Kevin Kiermaier and Willy Adames homered on consecutive pitches in the second to give the Rays a 2-1 lead. Brandon Lowe hit a three-run homer in the third, his third of the series, to make it 5-3.

Adam Ottavino (2-1) struck out Austin Meadows with the bases loaded to end the sixth and keep the score tied at 5. Chance Adams pitched three scoreless innings for HIS kRST CAREER SAVE AP Q Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Matt Barnes follows through on a delivery during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros in a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston. AP PHOTO

TUESDAY MAY 21, 2019

Public Square

E4

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

For contributions, email to publicsquare@manilatimes.net

publicsquare@manilatimes.net

Bacolod mayor gets record-breaking votes M

AYOR Evelio Leonardia earned a record-breaking 144,776 votes in Monday’s elections, the highest votes from a local candidate in Bacolod — even breaking his own record.

Leonardia was proclaimed late by the Board of Canvassers (BoC) Thursday morning, after the BoC decided to proclaim all the winning candidates only when the canvassing of votes was 100 percent.

Seven SD cards were corrupted and were only read midnight of Thursday.

Leonardia was proclaimed together with his Grupo Progreso partymates, Rep. Greg Gasataya and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, who also got big margins over their closest opponents, and 11 of the 12 councilors-elect.

Leonardia got a margin of 63,528 votes — the biggest margin

in Bacolod elections — over his closest opponent, former councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, who only got 81,248 votes.

Familiaran got 126,238 votes, or a margin of 34,417 over his rival, former vice mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, who got 91,821 votes.

Gasataya had 135,346 votes, or a lead of 50,641 over his challenger, former representative Monico Puentevella, who only got 84,705 votes.

Leonardia also earned his sixth term as mayor of Bacolod, making him the longest-serving mayor of Bacolod.

In the political history of Bacolod, the maximum number of terms that other Bacolod mayors before had, was only two terms.

4HE kRST TIME HE JOINED POLITICS and ran for councilor in 1988, Leonardia was number 1 with more than 69,000 votes. He had more

Q Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia (3rd from right) wins a fresh mandate for a sixth term, after garnering 144,776 votes in May 13 elections, the highest votes earned by an individual candidate in Bacolod. He is proclaimed by the Board of Canvassers chaired by acting Bacolod election registrar Ann Janette Lamban (2nd from right) with vice chairman Perico Hernaez (3rd from left) of CoA and member Giovanni Alfonso Miraflores (extreme right) of the Registry of Deeds, at the SP Session Hall of Bacolod City Government Center early Thursday morning (May 16). With Leonardia also in picture are his wife, Elsa (2nd from left), and daughter Loren Kara (extreme left). votes than the candidates for mayor and vice mayor then, and it was the biggest number of votes recorded by any candidate at that time.

7HEN HE kRST RAN FOR MAYOR IN

1995, the 84,000 votes he got was also then the highest at that time.

In succeeding elections, he broke his own records with 110,000 votes in 2007 and 120,000 votes in 2016.

SM Foundation grants scholarships nationwide FIVE hundred high school graduates were awarded scholarship grants by SM Foundation Inc. at the Mall of Asia Arena Annex building for those coming from Metro Manila and nearby Luzon provinces and simultaneously in SM stores and malls in different parts of the country.

Of this, 35 percent are from the National Capital Region and 65 percent from the provinces. SM Foundation added new areas to this year’s batch of scholars: Daet, Sorsogon and Bataan. The last batch of scholars (for those taking 5-year courses) from the Yolanda-devastated regions have graduated this year.

The awarding of scholarship cerTIkCATES WAS WITNESSED BY Nanang

Felicidad Sy, wife of SM founder, the late Tatang Henry Sy Sr. and her son Harley Sy, executive director of SMIC, together with SM Foundation board of trustees led by its President Jose Sio, Debbie Sy, Executive Director and Trustees Lydia Echauz and Ramon Gil Macapagal.

Sio exhorted the awardees to focus on their studies, work hard and strive to achieve their dreams/goals, the same tenets that drove Henry Sy Sr. to greatness. He told them of the EXTREME kNANCIAL CHALLENGES Tatang faced in his life but withstood all of these because of these tenets.

Harley Sy urged the parents in attendance to always be there to support your children every step of the way.

spires us to continue reaching out to more OFWs and help them MANAGE THEIR kNANCES BETTER SO that, eventually, they wouldn’t have to be away from their families anymore,� said BPI Remittance Center Ltd. Managing Director Charius Voltaire Medina.

"0) HELD A SERIES OF kNANCIAL EDucation seminars in 2018 to teach Hong Kong-based OFWs how to save, invest, and secure their families’ future. The bank also held one-on-one consultations with the OFWs to guide them with their kNANCIAL DECISIONS

MALAYAN Insurance Company, Inc. has secured its position as a leader in the non-life insurance industry in the Philippines in terms of Gross Premiums Written (GPW) and Assets for Year 2018, according to unaudited industry kGURES RELEASED BY THE )NSURANCE Commission (IC) recently.

In 2018, Malayan Insurance produced Gross Premiums Written amounting to P10.16 Billion. With A SIGNIkCANT LEAD OVER THE NEXT INsurer, Malayan Insurance has been the dominant non-life insurer of Philippine businesses and families for almost 50 years.

Malayan Insurance has likewise led the industry in terms of assets, reporting P34.28 billion in total assets for year-end 2018, according to the Insurance Commission. This makes Malayan Insurance, the largest non-life insurer in the Philippines.

Malayan Insurance has been introducing new products and

services into the Philippine nonlife insurance market, with the launch of its Travelite budget travel insurance and Motomax motorcycle insurance, an affordable total loss only cover for the growing motorcycle market.

Malayan Insurance is the only Philippine non-life insurance company rated by AM Best, a global rating authority for the insurance industry. AM Best has affirmed the rating of Malayan Insurance with Financial Strength Rating: B++ (Good), and Insurer Credit Rating bbb+, providing the Philippine insuring public with world-class insurance protection.

Founded in 1930, Malayan Insurance is a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC). YGC is one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, WITH CORE BUSINESSES IN kNANCIAL services, banking, investments, construction, education, energy, and information technology.

NBI, professional-hospital associations rally behind PhilHealth’s drive Q Scholars from Puerto Princesa. “The foundation can’t do it alone, neither can your children. Be there for them for this is a family undertaking,� he said. Echauz and Debbie Sy urged the scholars to work hard and do your best to reach the top. “The foundation is now part of your family,� they said.

Macapagal said the scholars must

use the grade requirement and academic challenges as compass to their success. “Put all your efforts to BE EXCELLENT IN THE NEXT FOUR OR kVE years. Your parents and your SM family will be there to support you and of course never forget to ask help from your God.�

POLO Hong Kong recognizes BPI financial education program for OFWs THE Philippines Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Hong Kong recently recognized the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) for its financial education initiatives for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

POLO, an operating arm of the Department of Labor and Employment, conferred the recognition to BPI recently in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, for being one of its partners in “advocating for the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of our OFWs.� “This recognition further in-

Malayan Insurance tops Philippine non-life insurer rankings

Q BPI receives a plaque of recognition from POLO Hong Kong for being a valuable partner in promoting the welfare of OFWs in the country.

Receiving the award (from left) Welfare Officers Marivic Clarin and Virsie Tamayao, Assistant Labor AttachĂŠs Antonio Villafuerte and Angelica Sunga, BPI Remittance Center (HK) Ltd. Managing Director Charius Voltaire Medina, Labor AttachĂŠ Jalilo Dela Torre and Consul Roderico Atienza.

THE anti-fraud campaign launched

by Roy Ferrer, acting president of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), is gaining momentum bolstered by the expressed support of investigative agencies, enforcers, professional groups and hospital associations.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Philippine Hospital Association (PHA) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) have thrown their support for PhilHealth’s campaign against malpractices and violations that are defrauding government of its funds and resources.

The growing base of support for PhilHealth is prompted by people’s perception that the acting PhilHealth president has “shown his grit and determination to stamp out health insurance fraud,� said one physician who belongs to the PMA.

The NBI has made its investigative skills and facilities available to PhilHealth to catch wrongdoers, produce evidence of fraud, and assist prosecutors to buttress their cases against violators.

The PMA, vows to apply peer pressure against practitioners “who take the low road of deception and crime.� “Ours is an intelligence network than can easily spot our fellow practitioners if they make false medical claims, fabricate forms and documents, and submit multiple claims for ONE DISEASE u A 0-! OFkCIAL SAID “We are ashamed of hospitals which betray the trust of PhilHealth when they engage in fraudULENT ACTS u SAID AN OFkCIAL OF 0(!

The PRC said it is ready to suspend the licenses of unscrupulous medical doctors and participating nurses if evidence would show that they engaged in fraudulent activities.

The smashing truth about hydrated skin

New mandate for Las PiĂąas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar REELECTIONIST Las PiĂąas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and newly elected Vice MayOR !PRIL !GUILAR WERE OFkCIALly proclaimed by the Local "OARD OF %LECTION /FkCER *Ehan Lidasan-Marohombsar on Monday night (May 13) after getting overwhelming votes over their opponents.

The Aguilars reiterated their vow to deliver the Tuluy-tuloy na Serbisyo to the people of Las PiĂąas.

Q Las PiĂąas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar (2nd from right) and newly elected Vice Mayor April Aguilar (center) were officially proclaimed by the Local Board of Election Officer Jehan Lidasan-Marohombsar (2nd from left). With them are Loreta Torrecampo, DepEd Division superintendent, member-secretary of the City Board of Canvassers and City Chief Prosecutor Cynthia Madamba-Luang as vice chair.

QC Schools Division Office fetes Mayor Bautista QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista receives a plaque of appreciation from the City Local School Board, led by Schools Division Superintendent Natividad Bayubay, for his exemplary effort, unrelenting support and exceptional service in providing school building and facilities, as well as consistently implementing PROGRAMS BENEkCIAL FOR THE WELFARE of the students and teachers in the city.

Under the Bautista Administration, 43 school buildings with 623 classrooms were built throughout Quezon City.

Q City Local School Board, led by Schools Division Superintendent Natividad Bayubay, presents a plaque of appreciation to Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista.

PROPER hydration is vital to overall health. The right amount of liquid promotes healthy muscles, aids digestion and body cleansing, while keeping the skin smooth, clear and plump.

Low water intake causes dehydration and can result to headaches, lack of energy and weakened immune system. It can also lead to skin dryness making it prone to pimples, blemishes and breakouts.

Hydration is the key to clear and smooth skin. Aside from the moisturizing properties, it releases toxins and stops the build-up of dead skin cells.

To keep our bodies hydrated at all-times, remember to do the following: 1. Drink, drink, drink We lose water when we perspire.

The hot summer weather, exercise and other strenuous activities can trigger our eccrine glands to release sweat. We need to have enough liquid for normal body function and to strengthen our immune system.

Men are required to drink at LEAST LITERS OF lUID A DAY WHILE women must consume about 2.7 liters of water a day.

2. Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables Aside from consuming liquids you can hydrate by including tasty treats in your diet like watermelon, cucumbers, corn, tomatoes, squash, berries, peaches and other water rich foods.

Whip up a fresh salad, cold soup, low calorie drink or refreshing ice pops using these water rich ingredients.

3. Follow an advanced skincare routine with a complex moisturizing and skin hydrating system Address skin problem areas like pimples, blemishes and breakouts with the Proactiv+ 3 Step Skin System. It uses the Smart Target technology to deliver anti-acne formulation directly to the pores.

The Proactiv+ 3 Step Skin System is available at select Watsons and SM Department stores.

TTUESDAY U E S DAY MAYY 221, 1, 2019

Entertainment

F1 Q The afternoon series has given birth to ‘Gold Squad’ comprised of Seth Fedelin, Andrea Brillantes, Francine Diaz and Kyle Echarri.

www.manilatimes.net

S

BY CHRISTINA ALPAD

INCE ABS-CBN’s “Kadenang Ginto� began airing in October 2018, the rivalry of its lead stars Beauty Gonzalez and Dimples Romana has kept the audience glued to the afternoon drama series.

Armed with snappy banters, physical confrontations and dramatic scenes, “Kadenang Ginto� continues to win the audience what with its recent all-time high rating of 27.3 percent and its constant 20 percent audience rating, according to Kantar Media.

On social media, “Kadenang Ginto� is also a huge winner — its daily highlights on YouTube hit over 800 million total views, with almost each video reaching more than one million views.

The series is also a major hit on iWant, the network’s on-demand video streaming app, as it topped the list of most watched programs with over 1.5 million views daily.

The show was also hailed the Best Daytime Series in the 2019 Golden Laurel Awards at the University of the Philippines-Batangas for its gripping scenes and compelling story.

Recently though, Gonzalez AND 2OMANA S TRENDING CATkGHTS are not the only reason to watch the afternoon soap. The equally intriguing rivalry of young stars Andrea Brillantes and Francine Diaz has built a bigger fan base with their own characters’ rivalry

Golden opportunity shines for ‘Kadenang Ginto’ young stars Star Music soon to release album of ‘The Gold Squad’ getting more intense.

And with the addition of their on screen partners Seth Fedelin — a former “PBB Otso� housemate — and Kyle Echarri, the show has garnered even more followers from younger audiences.

It came then as no surprise that the creators of the show, Dreamscape Entertainment, has given the quartet their own spotlight.

Dubbed as “The Gold Squad,�

Diaz, Brillantes, Echarri and Fedelin are now known as the four fun, responsible, driven, and family-oriented teens from different backgrounds with diverse life experiences. “I’m really happy with how the show has turned out. I also didn’t expect na magiging ‘Gold Squad’ kami sa ‘Kadenang Ginto’,� shared Echarri, who added that whenever

Q John Lloyd Cruz with Martin Andanar during the dinner tendered by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and partner Honeylet AvanceĂąa in MalacaĂąang on May 8. FACEBOOK PHOTO @MARTIN ANDANAR

John Lloyd Cruz attends wake incognito

T

HE last night of the wake of veteran production designer Cesar Hernando at the Funeraria Paz on Araneta Avenue in Quezon City last May 11 could be likened to a CERTIkED BOX OFkCE HIT A 6Ignettes attendee-source said.

A UP professor — he was the elder brother OF FORMER COLLEAGUE AND kLM CRITIC -ARIO Hernando who passed away two years ago — most of the mourners were students of the award-winning showbiz denizen.

Cesar had done production design work MOSTLY IN -IKE DE ,EON S kLMS LIKE g3ISTER Stella L,� “Batch ’81� and “Kisapmata,� among others. Of course, de Leon couldn’t afford to not be at the wake, joined by a handful of actors like Sid Lucero whose late father, actor Mark Gil, starred in “Batch ’81� from whom he got his screen name.

The Vignettes source said that the crowd was too thick that they hardly noticed John Lloyd Cruz among those who paid their last respects.

Having seen the actor face-to-face, the tipster described John Lloyd as having deliberately showed up incognito, “He had such a thick beard that anyone who saw him would say he looked Q Ellen Adarna like an ermit-

anyo. But in fairness, John Lloyd looked as though he didn’t mind not staging a showbiz comeback.�

Same source has known the actor from way back, but not vice versa. “It was in 1995 when a lot in La Vista (a high-end subdivision near Ateneo de Manila University) was up for sale priced at P40 million. I learned later that it was John Lloyd who purchased it.

But I wasn’t sure if he had a house built on it. Ang alam ko kasi, may naipundar siyang property sa Valle Verde in Pasig. Twenty years later (2015), guess how much the La Vista property fetched‌twice as much!� the tweety bird informed.

It’s been nearly three years since John Lloyd Cruz had left showbiz. No TV shows, no movies, no other income-generating work except a recent commercial endorsement. “John Lloyd must have saved a lot, so would he still want to go back? I think it’s the artist in him that prevails, yung tipong he doesn’t mind if wala siyang masyadong kinikita as long as he’s happy.

Yes, as long as he’s happy with Ellen Adarna,� the source quipped. “Nakaalis na siya ng lamay without people even noticing he was around.�

VIGNETTES RONNIE CARRASCO 3RD

they go out right now, they are called with their characters’ name and no longer in their own names.

Brillantes, meanwhile, attributes the success of the young stars’ storyline with its relatability with the young audience. “Tingin ko po maraming natutuwa, maraming nakaka-relate kasi lahat naman tayo nagkakagusto sa hindi tayo gusto so feeling ko

GUESS

WHO

W

HEN not busy with their respective work, these four male showbiz friends (MSF) would spend their time together playing poker.

Usually, the session—which took all of hours—would be at the condo unit of one of the four which he used to share with a TV host-actress (THA). He was the only member in the group who wasn’t married.

Linked at that time to one of the

nakakahugot yung viewers dun,�

Brillantes said.

Together, “The Gold Squad� will bring surprises that their young fans will be able to relate to, starting off with their own album that will soon be released by Star Music.

Besides “The Gold Squad,� more unexpected revelations will grip viewers now that Romina (GonzaLEZ IS kNALLY ACQUITTED FROM THE

CASE kLED AGAINST HER "UT $ANIELA 2OMANA WILL kGHT TO NOT BE DEthroned and will do what it takes to defeat her mortal enemy. Seeing her mother struggle because of Romina, Marga’s (Brillantes) hatred toward Cassie (Diaz) will grow even more and make her realize that she is not worthy of being a Mondragon. “Kadenang Ginto� airs weekdays after “It’s Showtime.�

Poker games at a condo unit three married guys was a pretty sexy actress (PSA). Once during their poker session, PSA insisted that she go up to the unit to see how her boyfriend was doing.

While the three other guys didn’t see any problem with it, it was THA who had sent word to PSA that the latter wasn’t welcome. “Why meet her here when you can see her outside?� a miffed THA frankly told PSA’s BF. THA reasoned out that it was awk-

ward to let PSA in her unit when she was close to the wife (also an actress) of the latter’s BF. “Your wife might accuse me of consenting to your extramarital affair.

So please tell her (PSA) she couldn’t come up here!�

Truth is, the wife knew her husband’s affair with PSA but she believed (and still does), “Boys will be boys.�

RC3

And the winner of the ‘Game of Thrones’ is ...

LOS ANGELES: Winter has come and winter has gone, the last of the heads have been lopped off and the last of the dragon fire has been spit as “Game of Thrones� aired its 73rd and final episode Sunday night (Monday in Manila).

While the results of the game were a split decision as they were in most other episodes in the show’s eight seasons — the finale brought some clear winners, at least one clear loser, and a major upset.Â

Major spoilers ahead Brandon Stark, who until recently appeared happy to remain a mystic philosopher forever, instead becomes philosopher-king, Bran the Broken. Yet he doesn’t get to sit on the Iron Throne — a dragon melted that — or rule the Seven Kingdoms — his sister Sansa broke one off to become queen of an independent Winterfell.

And Daenerys Targaryen became the last of the show’s many, many major character deaths, given a Shakespearean send-off by Jon Snow, who watched her burn thousands of innocents and believed she had become a mad tyrant.  “You are my queen, now and

Q Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen then and now AP PHOTOS

always,� Jon says to Daenerys as he shoves a dagger into her, giving her what may have been the shortest reign of any monarch in Westeros.

The show was very much a split decision for critics and the public too. The finale had a 57 percent fresh score among reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

And while thousands of viewers aired their gripes on social media as they did all season, plenty of others thought it was a fitting end.

Regardless of how they felt about it, they watched. When ratings are released on the show Monday, it will almost certainly be the most-viewed episode in the show’s history, which would make it the most viewed episode of any kind in HBO history.

While the night brought a big

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end for “Thrones� fans, its universe was far from over.

Author George R.R. Martin still intends to finish and release two more books in the series after the show passed him by years ago.

And spin-offs are in the planning stages. One pilot in production takes place in the same realm thousands of years earlier, but HBO has said others are in consideration.

The finale might have hinted at another possibility.

Arya Stark, who saved humanity early in the season, decides to sail on to unknown lands, and her departure on a ship is among the series’ final images. “What’s west of Westeros?,� she asks her Stark siblings. “No one knows. It’s where all the maps stop.

AP It’s where I’m going.â€?Â

F2

Lifestyle

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

The ‘sharenting’ trap Why parents should think twice about posting photos of their kids online

Q Parent should realize they are creating a digital footprint for their child way before he or she has say about it.

Q ‘Sharenting’ is the over enthusiasm of parents to share details of their children, even before they are born.

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IKE most social media users, parents can also have the tendency to overshare their lives online. With today’s moms and dads being more internet savvy than ever, it’s not surprising to see many posting about their children (even before they’re born) regularly.

This predilection, and sometimes, over enthusiasm to share has been referred to as “sharenting.”

The constant documentation of kids is so prevalent that it’s been normalized — but according to some experts, it shouldn’t be.

Parents who are part of this trend should realize that they are creating a digital footprint for their child way before he or she has say about it, and

that digital identity is going stay whether or not he or she likes it.

Understandbly, it is easy to forget how these can be potentially harmful in the future, what with your overwhelming feelings of pride and joy.

Time for a reality check, is today, The Manila Times, together with Rakuten Viber, share four ways sharenting online might put

a child at risk, and why parents should think twice before posting all those baby pics.

Sharing online can invade a child’s privacy. Parents are in

effect taking control of their child’s digital identity, without their consent. Those funny bath time snaps and other sensitive

Dimples Romana shares fun kitchen bonding with son

Q Dimples Romana’s son, Onzo.

Children’s identity can be stolen. There’s been

quite a number of digital kidnapping incidents in recent years. It is a kind of identity theft that happens wh when another pers person takes the ph photos of a child ffrom social media media, creates a new name and iden identity, and then claims the child as their the own.

Q Those funny bath time snaps may impact their future social lives.

Q In ‘Dimp’s Kitchen,’ the actress shares different recipes with her son.

SHE is not only a high-caliber actress, indemand host and best-selling author, Dimples Romana is a proud homecook and she is excited to share her kitchen adventures in TFC Digital Shorts “Dimps’ Kitchen.”

Making the digital show even more special is the participation of the celebrity’s son, Onzo.

Just like every mom, Romana makes sure to spend quality time with her kids despite her busy schedule with the taping of her shows “Kadenang Ginto” and “Kabuhayang Swak na Swak.” Add to that the recent launch of her book “Dimps Tips.”

In “Dimps’ Kitchen,” Romana is sharing different recipes with her kids, one of her favorite

photos may impact their future social lives — sure, parents think it’s cute now, but that is not them in the embarrassing photo — and even employment.

The seemingly innocent photos can also undermine children’s trust in their parents.

bonding moments with them.

“I’m so excited about Dimps’ Kitchen because I’m in my element. Nandito ako sa lugar na pinakagusto ko ‘yong ginagawa ko, ‘yong pinakamasarap gawin para sa pamilya. I love cooking and I love my children, and this is a mix of both of the things that I love to do,” said Romana about her new show. &OR THE SHOW S kRST EPISODE THE MOM AND SON duo shared a Mac n Cheese recipe with a twist because of the surprise ingredient that Onzo challenged her mom to include in the recipe.

Now available at TFC Online, moms can get their pen and paper ready and tag along their kids as they watch the episodes of “Dimps’ Kitchen.”

Online predat o r s could come

Q Once posted, children’s photos will forever be out there.

after the little one. Parents need to be extra careful before sharing any kind of information about their child. Online predators are adult users who seek to exploit vulnerable children for sexual or other abusive purposes. They can get any kid’s photos and videos and post them on child pornography websites and other disturbing forums.

Parents cannot take any-

thing back. Once posted, those children’s photos will always be out there on a server. Even if parents try to tighten their privacy settings, anything shared online can, with a few indiscreet clicks, become public property.

It’s understandable for parents to want to share about their kids, but they have to be cautious about it and keep in mind the implications it might have on their kids’ future.

»justforkids

Fun, friendship and fashion in kids’ fun run LOTS of fun, friendship, and fashion excitement conquered SM by the Bay with My Little Pony Friendship Run Manila 2019.

Inspired by the famous “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” television series — the beloved ponies from the Ponyville world — Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity took part in this exciting event along with hundreds of kids and their families.

Kids had the chance to run together with their loved ones and meet new friends along the way as they finished the 5K, 3K and 1K runs respectively.

All participants brought home My Little Pony medals while race finishers received My Little Pony trophies and merchandise. Raffle winners, on the other hand, also received My Little Pony items and SM Skating Rink passes.

Along with the fun running experience, kids also had the chance to see the ponies up close and watch their stunning performances.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is a famous children television series launched in 2010. The show focuses on the lives of six ponies in the Ponyville world — Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity. Each pony represents a different facet of friendship as they travel together, seek new adventures and resolve problems that arise in their friendship.

Q ‘My Little Pony’s’ well-loved characters — Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity — joined the kids in an exciting fun run.

Q The Guevara Family bagged the Best in Family Costume

Q Alexa Isabelle Gerolia in her rainbow Q Fun run participants and their Friendship Run medals.

Q My Little Pony fan in her Pinkie Pie’s look. dash costume.

Funtimes

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

TUESDAY May 21, 2019

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LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Enjoy domestic comforts while you plan your next adventure. Seek new territory over the next month under the Gemini Sun and Mercury. Opportunities arise in conversation.

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 -- Discover new ways to grow shared accounts this month. Discuss financial priorities with your team, and coordinate actions for greatest impact. Profit together.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Your connections can support you with a professional opportunity. Communication seems easier, with Mercury and the Sun both entering Gemini today.

Learn voraciously.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Bring home the bacon today and tomorrow. Create partnership and strengthen your collaboration through communication this month, with Sun and Mercury in Gemini.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Your wanderlust is getting worse. Begin an especially lucrative month, with the Sun and Mercury in Gemini. Profit through collaboration, communication and networking.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Discuss ways to grow and expand a personal dream. Find solutions for your work, health and fitness this month. Get expert support for greater velocity.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Now you’re in the groove. You’re especially powerful and confident, with both Sun and Mercury entering your sign today. Get creative for lucrative solutions.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Work with a partner today and tomorrow. Finish old projects this month. Refine plans and organize preparations for what’s ahead. Rest and recuperate.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Maintain healthy routines.

Public participation this month can yield satisfying results. With both Sun DQG 0HUFXU\ LQ *HPLQL WHDPZRUN DQG FRPPXQLFDWLRQ ÀRZHU VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Discuss professional plans with someone whose view you respect. Your professional influence grows this month through networking. Advance your career through diplomacy and communication.

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AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Consider esoteric and spiritual concepts. It’s easier to express your love, with Mercury and the Sun in Gemini. Romance and fun arise in conversation.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Friends have good ideas for domestic solutions. Discuss home renovation possibilities with family. Words and actions align for satisfying results this month. Invite folks over.

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

NANCY BLACK. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

BY ROGER SEVILLA

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats.

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Today’s Birthday (05/21/19). Partnership is your golden key this year. Consistent contribution amplifies your shared finances.

Unexpected transformations alter your outlook. A lucrative summer leads to a shift in family finances. Shared accounts rise next winter, before changes with your personal income. Pull together for family love.

BY NANCY BLACK

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BY EUGENE SHEFFER

Solution from yesterday’s puzzle.

The Manila Times

7KH 3RZHU /XQFK 5RVWHU Read The Manila Times when you dine at these establishments.

7D]D 0LD &RȨHH Kasa Luntian, at The Lanai, St rosa-tagaytay road, Brgy, San Jose Tagaytay City Phone number 046 / 413 / 9449

Bldg J, Unit 1-16, SM By the Bay, Seaside Blvd, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 541-2767

Landline: (02) 403-9293 Globe: 0927-793-8817 | Smart: 0939-446-9455 Visit us at UGF Festival Mall Expansion, Civic Drive Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila

Address: 744 General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila Phone: (02) 527 3674

BINALOT FIESTA FOODS, INC. 3686 BUJ Building Sun Valley Drive, Sun Valley Subdivision, Paranaque City, 1700 Philippines Tel: +632 824-7014 Fax: +632 823-1832 Franchise: +632 822-6483 / +63 932 844 1807 Delivery: 8-10-10-10 (Metro Manila Only)

Address: #619 Norberto St. Binondo, Manila Contact: (02) 242 3143

133 Sto. Domingo Street Corner Del Monte Avenue, Barangay Manresa, Quezon City

191 Tomas Morato Ave Quezon City

191 Tomas Morator Avenue, Quezon City Tel. No. 376-62-10 Fax No. 372-03-52 mariosqc@gmail.com

(0921)-382-7221 SMART (0977)-361-8890 GLOBE 930-7623|930-8085 LANDLINE Tinapayan Festival Bakeshoppe 1650 Dapitan St. corner Don Quijote St. Sampaloc, Manila Tel. No. 732-2188; 740-6987 | Telefax No. 732-1082

CafÊ Terrace CAFÉ TERRACE Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Ȏ The Paseo Center, Makati City Ȏ Rockwell Center, Makati City Ȏ Westgate Center, Muntinlupa Ȏ Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia Ȏ Midtown Robinsons Place Manila Ȏ Trinoma Mall, Quezon City Ȏ The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu Ȏ Resort World Manila, Pasay City

Williams Street corner Roxas Blvd. Pasay City (beside old DFA) Tel. No. (02) 821-2031 or 358-2482 Globe: 0906 0020 623 | Smart: 0929 3701 810 Google, Instagram & FB PAGE: chateaubriandph | Email: jyfnb.ph@gmail.com (Monday - Thursday ) Lunch: 11am-3pm | Dinner: 6pm-11pm (Friday - Sunday & Holiday ) Lunch: 11am-3pm | Dinner: 6pm-11pm

ALI MALL 2nd Level Alimall Cubao, Quezon City

SM MEGAMALL 4th Level Mega Atrium SM Megamall Julia Vargas Cor. Edsa Mandaluyong City GLORIETTA 2nd Level Glorietta 4 Ayala Center Makati City 752-71-10

GREENBELT Ground Floor Greenbelt 1 Ayala Center Makati City ROBINSONS MAGNOLIA 3rd Level Robinsons Magnolia

Glorietta: Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Palm Dr, Makati, 1224 Manila, Philippines

BAGUIO CITY Chalet Baguio upper Military Cuf 2ČĽ 5RDG %DJXLR &LW\

SM Mall of Asia: Main Mall, SM Central Business Park Bay City, 123 MM, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines

Kitsho Japanese Restaurant & Sake Bar

Hotel Jen Manila Branch 3001 Roxas Boulevard Pasay City 1305 Metro Manila Philippines (02)795-8888 local.2312

Zuelig Building. Makati City

625 4831 and 625 4832

PROVIDORE SM AURA PREMIERE Bonifacio Global City | 802 9448

Summit Galleria Cebu Cebu City | 032 888 1710 loc.129

Address: Molito Commercial Complex,Ground Floor Madrigal Avenue corner Alabang Zapote Road,Alabang,Muntinlupa City Tel. Number: (02) 659-75-22 Email address: mail@woodenhorsesteakhouse.com

TOMAS MORATO 282 Tomas Morato Avebue Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City

16 Upper Session Road, Baguio City Tel. No. 074-442-4241 Telefax: 074-442-5445 website: marios.com.ph Facebook: marios.group

2nd Floor S’ Maison Conrad Manila MOA Complex Seaside Boulevard corner Coral Way Pasay City 02 8008061 | +63 9175464382 rossini.conrad@gmail.com

%HDQ %HOW &RȨHH 6KRS 2nd Floor Tinapayan Festival Building 1652 Dapitan St. corner Don Quijote St. Sampaloc, Manila Tel. No. 732-8718

Molvina Comm’l. Cmplx.Marcos Hiway, Brgy. Mayamot, Antipolo City | MCU - Edsa cor. B Serrano, Brgy. 86, Caloocan City | 771 km. 17 Talon II, Alabang0-zapote Rd., Las Pinas | Pasong Tamo-Makati Cinema Square Complex, Makati City | Shell Gasoline Stn. cor. Mola St., Pasong Tamo, Makati City | Penthouse Valero Tower, 122 Valero st., Salcedo Vill., Makati City | G/F Shaw Zentram Bldg., Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City | Remedios St., Malate, Manila | P. Sanchez Cor. Bagumbayan St., sta. Mesa, Manila | #49 National Highway, Putatan, Muntinlupa | Olivarez Plaza, Ninoy Aquino Ave., Sucat, Paranaque | Ground Level, Shopwise sucat, Paranaque | Unit 1A, Salem Int’l. Comml. Cmplx, Domestic Rd., Pasay city | El Pueblo Real de Manila cor. Ruby Rd. Julia Vargas, Ortigas, Pasig City | #32 Matalino St.,Brgy. Central, Diliman, Quezon City | #187 Mindanao Ave., Bahay Toro, Quezon City | G/F One Cyberpod, Eton Centris cor. Quezon Ave., Pinyahan, Quezon City | Quezon Ave. Cor. J. Abad Santos st., sta. Cruz, Quezon City | 295 Tomas Morato ave. Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City G/F Shell Logcom, C5 Road, Taguig City

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