Budget deficit narrows in March; goals missed ÂťStory on B1 ++
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•• 4 SECTIONS PAGES • VOL. 120 NO. 191 24
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
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OUST-DUTERTE PLOT BARED BY DR. DANTE A. ANG CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
“T
HERE is a plot to discredit the President and destabilize his government,� a highly placed SOURCE IN THE /FkCE OF THE 0RESIDENT SAID
“There’s an obvious pattern of close coordination among some media organizations for the timely publication of anti-Duterte stories,� the source told this writer. The playbook is all too familiar: Utilize the media, plant fake news,
distribute them to the friendly media outlets, whet the people’s appetite, arouse their anger, manipulate public emotion, touch base with the Leftist organization, enlist the support of the police and the military, then go for
ÂłPlot A2
Vile video vs Duterte the work of Otso Diretso, Trillanes’ writer and US-funded websites
C
YBERCRIME experts have determined that the blackpropaganda video titled “Ang Totoong Narcolist,� which fabricated preposterous, vile allegations against President Duterte and his children, that they were linked to the illegal drug syndicates, was released
RIG RRIGOBERTO IGG DD. TIGLAO
ÂłTiglaoA5
Arroyo to lead first Boao Forum in PH HOUSE Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will spearHEAD THE kRST "OAO &ORUM FOR !SIA ON -ONDAY AND Tuesday, April 22 and 23, in Manila. A board member of the forum, Arroyo extended the invitation to hold the conference in Manila to “foster deeper ties between the Philippines and China.� The forum, which will have the theme “Concerted Action for Common Development in the New Era,�
ÂłForum A2
Pope on Easter: Reject the ‘glitter of wealth’ VATICAN CITY: At an Easter vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica, 0OPE &RANCIS ENCOURAGED PEOPLE TO RESIST CYNICISM OR pursuing the “glitter of wealth,â€? and to avoid seeking life’s meaning in “things that pass away.â€? g$O NOT BURY HOPEĂœu &RANCIS EXCLAIMED AFTER NOTing that when things go badly, “we lose heart and come to believe that death is stronger than life.â€? “We become cynical, negative and despondent,â€? &RANCIS ADDED
ÂłEaster A8
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Q This ‘matrix’ provided to The Manila Times over the weekend by a source shows what appears to be a coordinated media campaign to discredit the President.
Duterte: Easter a time to reflect ahead of May polls PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Easter 3UNDAY URGED &ILIPINOS TO BE BUILDING blocks of the nation ahead of the 2019 national elections. In a statement, Duterte voiced optimism that the Easter season would PROMPT &ILIPINOS TO RElECT AND THINK
What’s inside SYCIP SON, TUNA SCANNING EXECS ORDERED ARRESTED HEAT INDICES IN 15 AREAS REACH ‘DANGER’ LEVEL
NewsA8
wisely with roughly three weeks before the May 13 polls. “I trust that this season of Easter will be a blessed time for us to rekindle our shared commitment in nation-building, especially in the coming midterm elections,� he said.
“May it become an exercise of inTEGRITY AND RElECT THE TRUE WILL OF THE people,� Duterte added. The President, who usually criticizes the teachings of the Catholic Church in his speeches, also voiced hope that the “evil caused by the societal ills� would
BE gSWEPT AWAYu BY THE &ILIPINOS STRONG faith in the Almighty. He said Easter was a “time of new beginnings� and should inspire everyone to choose the good and uplifting.� “Let us strive to be instruments of
ÂłPolls A8
INSIDE A WALLED HOME NewsA2
STL OR MASIAO: IT’S STILL GAMBLING
Marit Stinus-CabugonA4
Hidden battles in a youth reform center BY GLEE JALEA (First of three parts) AMID an ongoing debate on the proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility in the Philippines, the condition in most transformational faciliTIES FOR CHILDREN IN CONlICT WITH THE LAW (CICL) still has a long way to go in meeting the basic standards of restorative justice. Considered the most populous city in the Philippines, Quezon City has only one fully functional rehabilitation facility for CICL to date. The Molave Youth Home has been sheltering youth offenders for over YEARS NOW &UNDED BY THE 1UEZON City local government, its temporary 24-hour residential center located in Barangay Amoranto is a three-story building that provides custodial care and basic education for its wards. &ROM THE OUTSIDE THE ESTABLISHMENT
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EMBIID SPARKS 76ERS TO NBA PLAYOFF WIN AFTER TWO EJECTED
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THE LAST-MINUTE ENCOUNTER WITH THE AVENGERS
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Q The Molave Youth Home has gates, barred windows and strict security. PHOTO BY GLEE JALEA
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News
˜ The Manila Times
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MONDAY April 22, 2019
ESTAFA CHARGES
Sycip son, tuna canning execs ordered arrested T BY JOMAR CANLAS
HE REGIONAL Trial Court (RTC) of Makati City has ordered the arrest of George 3YCIP SON OF THE LATE 3'6 AND #O FOUNDER 7ASHINGTON 3YCIP AND SEVERAL OFkCERS OF TUNA CANNING kRM !LLIANCE )NTERNATIONAL )NC !LLIANCE FOR THE CRIME OF ESTAFA In seven separate warrants of arrest dated April 11, but were released to the media only recently, Judge Honorio Guanlao Jr. of Makati RTC Branch 57 ordered law enforcers to arrest Alliance Board chairman Sycip and Directors Jonathan Dee, Alvin Dee, Joanna Dee-Laurel,
Teresita Ladanga, Grace Dogillo and Arak Ratborihan. 4HE COURT kXED BAIL PENDING TRIAL in the uniform amount of P120,000 for each of the individuals. Guanlao junked the accused individuals’ motion to quash warrant of arrest and/or dismiss the
case for lack of merit. The Department of Justice had found probable cause against 3YCIP AND OTHER !LLIANCE OFkCERS for the crime of estafa under Article 315 2(a) of the Revised Penal Code. Alliance’s foreign shareholders Harvest All Investment Ltd., VicTORY &UND ,TD "ONDEAST 0RIVATE Ltd. and Hedy S.C. Yap Chua kLED THE CASE ALLEGING THAT THE respondents improperly used their investments in the company to engage in supposedly illegal activities and transactions. They claimed they were enticed to invest their money in January 2009 amounting to more than P75
million, more than $65,000 and another P4 million, and added that Jonathan Dee made it appear THAT !LLIANCE WAS A kNANCIALLY REwarding company and that numerous entities were investing in it. The complainants described the management of Alliance as a “wire and shut out scheme� because the money infused to the company as corporate funds was siphoned off and misappropriated by the management for the benefit of Dee-owned companies, unknown to third parties. Alliance was supposedly formed as a “vehicle to win back the lost business empire of the Dee family,� the complainants claimed.
Go: ‘Service to people is service to God’ SENATE candidate Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go called on Sunday for an end to political mudslinging, saying the Easter season should be an opportunity TO UNITE IN SERVICE TO &ILIPINOS “We rightfully thank God because the nation’s commemoration of Holy Week was peaceful,� Go said in a statement. g,ET S HOPE EVERYONE S RElECTION becomes meaningful, hatred in
people’s hearts disappear, and we have forgiven all those who have wronged us,� he added. Go said the death and resurrection of Christ for mankind’s salvaTION WAS A SACRIkCE THAT EVERYONE should offer for the good of others. “At the end of Holy Week, let’s hope everyone stops the mudslinging and hurtful actions, and replace these with cooperation and service to the nation,� he said.
Filipino nurses taking US exam up 46% in Q1 A TOTAL of 2,890 Filipino nurses hoping to practice their profession in America took the US licensure examination for the first time from January to March this year, ACTS-OFW party-list group said on Sunday. The figure was up 46 percent compared to the 1,988 Philippine-educated nurses who took the US’ eligibility test or the NCLEX for the first time in the same three-month period in 2018, excluding repeaters, according to ACTSOFW Rep. Aniceto Bertiz 3rd. “It is evident that many Filipino nurses are still raring to move into America’s highly lucrative labor market,� Bertiz said. Citing data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bertiz said Filipino nurses woking in US hospitals received an average of $6,292 (or P327,870) in monthly wages. Even Filipino nurses gainfully employed in the Middle East were steadily relocating to the US, Bertiz said. “Drawn by superior pay and their strong connectedness to the Western culture, many Filipino nurses in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are now going to Texas and California,� he added. Based on figures from the US Na-
tional Council of State Boards of Nursing Inc., besides the 2,890 Filipinos, there were 361 Indians, 310 Puerto Ricans, 228 South Koreans and 181 Nigerians who also took the NCLEX for the first time from January to March. Since passing the NCLEX is usually the final step in the US nurse licensure process, the number of Filipinos taking the test for the first time is considered a good indicator as to how many of them are trying to enter the profession in the US. A total of 10,302 Filipino nurses took the NCLEX for the first time in the whole of 2018, up 32 percent compared to the 7,791 who took the test in 2017. A cumulative 189,993 Filipino nurses had taken the NCLEX for the first time since 1995, according to Bertiz. Unofficial estimates place at 150,000 the number of active Filipino registered nurses in America. Despite a huge national surplus, Bertiz said the Philippines continued to produce a large number of new nurses, many of whom end up working overseas. The Philippines’ Professional Regulation Commission issued licenses to 18,894 new nurses from 2017 to 2018, he added.
SC overturns Comelec ruling on old CoC format Q Image shows an analysis of the email footprint of the distribution of the so-called ‘Bikoy’ video.
Q PLOT FROM A1
OUST-DUTERTE the “kill.� That’s how coups are staged. Except that in this instance, there is no discernible support from the police and the military, much less the people. &OR A COUP TO SUCCEED IT IS critical to have the support of the people. Unfortunately for coup plotters in this country, the people have grown tired and weary of coups. More importantly, various polls have shown that President Rodrigo Duterte still enjoys the overwhelming support of the masses. His ratings have remained in the stratospheric levels for the past three years despite the incessant attacks by the opposition.
Media participants in the Oust-Duterte move
“Bikoy,� obviously a pseudonym, was the source of the black proPAGANDA THE MATRIX SHOWS &ROM Bikoy, the stories go to Ellen Tordesillas, president of Vera &ILES WHO ACTS AS THE NEXUS AND distributor of the materials to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Rappler and the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL). These organizations, in turn, distribute the false narratives to their respective members. (Please refer to the matrix.) Tordesillas also currently serves AS A FACT CHECKER FOR &ACEBOOK 4HE matrix, however, did not disclose The Matrix the real identity of Bikoy. Save for the NUPL, a leftist group, A document provided to The Manila Times over the weekend by the the rest of the people from Rappler, same source shows what appears 6ERA &ILES AND THE 0#)* NAMED IN THE to be a coordinated media cam- matrix are members of the media. It would now appear that these paign to discredit the President. Under the heading, “Associa- journalists are collaborating with tion Matrix Between BIKOY and the Left in their effort to destabilize ELLEN TORDESILLAS,� (all caps the government, the matrix shows. supplied), the matrix illustrates “Wala namang tao na ganoon THE lOW OF NEWS FROM THE SOURCE (referring to Bikoy),� the source to a nexus or distributor and said. The series of invented stories kNALLY TO THE INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL- against the President was part of ists for publication. It also names the black propaganda campaign the journalists and organizations by the Yellows, the source added. involved in the alleged plot to The opposition couldn’t accept blacken the image of the President. that the ratings of the President “A group sympathetic to the remain stratospheric. President and deeply involved “Mataas ang credibility ni Presiin the IT business had tracked dente.� They could not believe THE lOW OF INFORMATION FROM ITS that despite the series of black source to its various media assets propaganda campaign against the and decided to provide the infor- President, his popularity and trust mation to the President out of ratings remain unaffected. concern,� the source said. 6ERA &ILES THE 0#)* AND 2APPLER
received largesse from various foreign sources, the source said, WITHOUT SPECIFYING A kGURE
Bikoy also accused Go of having a dragon tattoo on his back that embedded a code name for alleged drug transactions. Plotters desperate Bikoy and his partners in crime went silent after Go bared his back Two other independent sources to the public that showed no dragon CONkRMED THAT THERE IS AN ACTIVE PLOT tattoo. “Ang kinis ng likod ni Bong to oust the President. It was obvious, Go,� an amused observer said. THEY SAID &OR ONE THING IT IS NOT the duty of the press or the media Paid hacks in media to be at the forefront of an active campaign to unseat a duly elected Another media practitioner sees malPresident. The role of the press is to ice and ill intent on the part of Ellen inform the public and expose the Tordesillas when she acted as distributor shenanigans, venalities and corrup- of the anti-Duterte stories, as the matrix tion in government; but certainly shows. “Normally, a journalist would not to participate in any manner or not share her story with other journalform in any campaign to destabilize ists or media outlets, especially if it is an the government. The media is sup- enterprise or exclusive story. He or she posed to be the purveyors of truth, would naturally want to have a scoop.� not an instrument to plot against a If it is true that Ellen participatsitting President, they added. ed in the distribution of the story They said it became particularly — whether that is legitimate or vicious when Bikoy in his second otherwise — at the very least, she video episode of the “Ang Totoong will be guilty of unethical practice. Narcolist� series, accused the Presi- And if she was paid for doing so, dent’s 14-year old daughter, Veronica then she would be nothing more and his partner, Honeylet, of receiving than a paid hack, a cheap propa“payoffs from the illegal drug trade gandist, and therefore, fair game and depositing such transactions in for the administration, he said. The same is true in the case of banks in Hong Kong.� “Paano nangyari na ‘yung 6ERA &ILES 2APPLER AND THE 0#)* batang edad 14, may gatas pa sa They appear to have received labi, ay tumatanggap na ng suhol massive foreign funding, which sa mga drug lords? Pati ‘yung is against our Constitution, and, kanyang ina na nananahimik sa THEREFORE THESE MEDIA OUTkTS CANDavao, isinangkot? Laking kabu- not claim objectivity. Their critical lastugan n’yan,� one of them said, Duterte stories become suspect. To this date, they have not reto which the other agreed. Another tall tale was when futed allegations of foreign fundBikoy accused erstwhile presiden- ing by our eminent writer, former tial assistant Christopher Lawrence ambassador Rigoberto Tiglao, in “Bong� Go of receiving kickbacks amounts that he said have ranged from the drug lords; that his takes from $106,000 to $278,000. were deposited in four local banks; Tordesillas has been asked and that his foreign bank transac- to comment on the allegations tions had reached P3.7 billion against her before publication from 2010 to 2018. The accuser did of this article, but the Times has not offer any shadow of proof to not received a reply by deadline back up his accusations. on Sunday.
THE Supreme Court (SC) has slammed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for disqualifying candidates who used the “old forMATu IN THE kLING OF THE CERTIkCATE of candidacy (CoC). )T THEN HALTED THE DISQUALIkCATION of a mayoralty candidate in Baguio City after the Comelec delisted his name for using the “old format.� In a three-page resolution, the court en banc in its summer session in the city ruled to issue a Status Quo Ante Order (SQAO), WHICH STOPPED THE DISQUALIkCATION of lawyer Edgar Avila. The resolution was signed and promulgated by lawyer Edgar Aricheta, dated April 11, 2019, after the issuance of the SQAO by Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin upon the recommendation of its ponente, Justice Antonio Carpio. The high tribunal subsequently ordered the Comelec to restrain from implementing its Minute Resolution 19-0826, dated March 6, 2019. The election court was also mandated by the high court to comment ON A PETITION kLED BY !VILA WITHIN days from notice. The ruling means that other candidates similarly situated like Avila
can seek the tribunal’s intervention to allow them to run again in the May 2019 midterm polls. Under the Comelec’s minute resolution, the commission’s Law Department recommended that “all CoC following the old format, which lacks Item No. 22, as received from Comelec field offices nationwide, shall be ‘Deemed .OT &ILED FOR BEING not in conformity with Comelec Resolution 10420, as amended by Comelec Resolution 10430 and as such, notwithstanding that their names are already in the Official Ballots for the 2019 NLE (national and local elections), they shall not be voted for, and any votes cast in their favor shall be considered stray.� This was adopted by the Comelec en banc by stating “that all CoC following the old format and lacking Item 22, as received FROM #OMELEC kELD OFkCES SHALL BE @$EEMED .OT &ILED u Item 22 asked a question if a particular candidate was disciplined or found guilty or had pending criminal or administrative cases. This question was not stated in the old format of the Comelec CoC. JOMAR CANLAS
EXCLUSIVE
Q FORUM FROM A1
Arroyo to lead first Boao Forum will be held at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. President Rodrigo Duterte and forum secretary general Li Badong will deliver keynote speeches at the event, which will be attended by members of the Cabinet and SEVERAL #HINESE OFkCIALS The conference will bring together approximately 300 participants, including business leaders from China and the Philippines and some executives from Chinese enterprises in the Philippines. The event aims to assist visiting Chinese entrepreneurs to better understand the business environment and related policies of the Philippines, as well as the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries. It also aims to strengthen the alignment of Beijing’s “Belt and
Road� initiative with the development strategies of the Philippines and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Arroyo’s camp said. The conference will be held in COOPERATION WITH THE &EDERATION OF &ILIPINO #HINESE #HAMBERS OF Commerce and Industry Inc., the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines. 4HE "OAO &ORUM FOR !SIA IS A NONPROkT ORGANIZATION CONVENING government leaders since 2002 to promote regional economic integration, and was named after the town of Boao, located in China’s Hainan province. It is headed by former United Nations secretary general Ban Kimoon. GLEE JALEA
News
˜ The Manila Times
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MONDAY April 22, 2019
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Six Filipinos still trapped in Tripoli T BY BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO
HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Sunday that six Filipinos remained TRAPPED IN HEAVY kGHTING IN 4RIPOLI AND advised families to convince their loved ones who are still in the Libyan capital to go home. ChargĂŠs d’Affaires and Philippine head of mission Elmer Cato made the appeal, expressing hope that the number of Filipinos requesting for repatriation from Libya increases. “We understand they are here to provide for their families back home, but the situation here is
becoming increasingly dangerous for those who want to stay,� Cato said over Facebook on Saturday. “Like their loved ones in the Philippines, we just want our kababayan (fellowmen) here to be safe. We want to bring them home alive,� he said. He said the Philippine Embassy
in Tripoli was hoping that the number of requests for repatriations “would go up.� “We have received 22 requests so far, including the seven we repatriated a few days ago, who have already arrived in Manila,� Cato added. Four Filipino students from the Islamic Call College in Tripoli and three hospital workers returned home on Saturday. “In the next few days, the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli will be evacuating 15 other Filipinos to Tunis (Tunisia) where they would be repatriated to the Philippines,� Cato said.
There are over 1,000 Filipinos in Tripoli working in hospitals, oil companies and the services sector. “We have received some queries from other Filipinos, but they are still undecided,� Cato added. He said that on April 16, one Filipino was wounded in a rocket attack in a neighborhood in Tripoli where more than 200 Filipinos were residing. “On Wednesday (April 17), mortars struck a hospital with 18 Filipinos in the outskirts where HEAVY kGHTING IS TAKING PLACE 4Oday (April 20), at least six Filipinos REMAIN TRAPPED IN kGHTING IN THEIR neighborhood in Tripoli,� he said.
He and some embassy staff met with some Filipinos on Friday at the St. Francis Church to convince them to go home. However, the Filipinos said they “would rather stay.� “Despite all our efforts, we just could not convince our kababayan here to take our offer to bring them home while we still can. If we cannot do it, then perhaps their families in the Philippines can,� he said. “We will continue to go where our people are. We will continue to call them. We will continue to engage them online. We will not stop while we still can, while we still have a window to get them out,� Cato added.
/N !PRIL THE $&! OFkCIAL said, “Our kababayan here in Tripoli keep telling us they will not LEAVE EVEN IF THE INkGHTING IN THE outskirts reaches the capital. We are not giving up.� “Everyday for the past several days, our team here at the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli, assisted by members of the augmentation team from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, have been calling Filipinos in areas in and NEAR WHERE THE kGHTING HAS BEEN taking place to check on them and assure them we are still here and are ready to bring them home if they want us to,� Cato added.
Go urges rebels to talk peace AGUSAN DEL SUR: Former special assistant to the President and Senate candidate Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go has appealed to communist rebels to return to the fold of the law, saying peace was necessary to spur development in the countryside. Speaking at the campaign rally of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago at the Agusan del Sur Cultural Center last week, April 12 Go thanked the officials and residents of the province for their warm welcome. He also appealed to communist rebels to seriously consider the opening President Rodrigo Duterte had given to them for peace, because no other president might give them the same chance. “Huwag ninyong palampasin ang pagkakataon (Do not let that chance pass),� Go said. He noted that while President Duterte announced in March 21, 2019 the official termination of talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines, Executive Order 70 signed last December by the President was still effect, which directs the creation of a national task force to “end
local communist armed conflict.� Go said this meant Duterte did not entirely close the doors to communist rebels to come down from the mountains, also citing the ongoing government incentives for rebel-returnees such as the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration and Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan programs. Likewise, the Philippine National Police instructed in March all police commanders, especially in communist rebel-infested areas, to start their own initiatives in pursuing local peace talks with communist units operating in their respective areas. Go, who has made localized peace talks one of the priority concerns under his legislative agenda, noted that the roots of rebellion in many places of the country stemmed from local issues and, thus, could be addressed locally. “Let us give enough authority and capabilities our local government units, including support mechanisms, so they can pursue lasting peace in their respective areas,� Go said in Filipino. “No Filipino would want to kill a fellow Filipino,� he added.
Go said he was familiar with the sentiment of the communist rebels, having accompanied then-Davao Mayor Duterte several times to the mountains, going into the lair of communist rebels, to facilitate the release of their hostages. It can be recalled that in February, Go and the President’s son, Sebastian “Baste� Duterte, facilitated the release of the remaining eight hostages held by the New People’s Army in Agusan del Sur.
Projects for the countryside Unless the problem of rebellion is solved, Go said it would be very difficult for progress to take off in provinces such as Agusan del Norte, despite its generous share of development projects under the Duterte administration. Among others, the government is awaiting proposals for the P50.46-million, 4.76-kilometer communal irrigation system in Rosario, Agusan del Sur, which would have 23 units of canal structures to serve 264 hectares of rice farms in Barangays Libuac, Poblacion and Tagbayan.
Q Former special assistant to the President and Senate candidate Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go is mobbed by supporters during the campaign rally of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago at the Agusan del Sur Cultural Center on April 12. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Upon completion, the project is expected to increase rice production from 3 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha) to 4 MT/ha for conventional rice farming, and from 3 MT/ha to 3.6 MT/ha for natural farming. Also, the administration announced in November last year the Rural Agro-Enter-
prise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth for various areas of the country, including the Caraga region. The P4.7-billion project aims to assist enterprises, strengthen institutions, technically assist financial service providers, and enhance project management for agriculture-based micro and
small enterprises. It is expected to benefit some 78,000 households. Go vowed that he would support the programs and projects of President Duterte, including development projects for the countryside and the threepronged campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.
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Opinion
MONDAY April 22, 2019
˜ The Manila Times
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E d i to r i a l Liberals need to get Mamasapano off their back
L
)"%2!, 0ARTY PRESIDENT &RANCIS 0ANGILINAN STILL DOES NOT realize it. Mamasapano is a national tragedy or wound that will not heal, it will keep recurring in national politics as a live issue, for as long as the LP refuses to own its shared responsibility for the tragedy. President Benigno Aquino 3rd, a Liberal, authorized the ill-fated mission, and even placed a suspended police general to take charge of the operation. -ANUEL @-AR 2OXAS WAS SECRETARY OF THE $EPARTMENT OF )NTERIOR AND ,OCAL 'OVERNMENT $),' AT THE TIME THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ,AW ENFORCEMENT IS THE $),' S MANDATE AND THE Special Action Forces troops were taken from the Philippine National Police, over which the interior secretary has supervision and authority. Mamasapano was a policy failure of the entire Aquino administration. It is a monkey on the back of the Liberal party. 7HEN -AR 2OXAS RAN FOR PRESIDENT IN THE ELECTIONS -Amasapano was one issue raised against him during the campaign. 2OXAS WAS WITH 0RESIDENT !QUINO IN -INDANAO AT THE TIME of the fatal encounter. He did nothing to press the president to send reinforcements to rescue the beleaguered commandos while the battle was taking place. Instead he meekly accepted Aquino’s stony indifference to the fate of the SAF commandos. 1UESTIONS WERE ASKED OF 2OXAS DURING THE 3ENATE INQUIRY into Mamasapano. And he never satisfied public doubts about his inaction in the affair. .OW THE -AMASAPANO ISSUE HAS RETURNED TO HOUND 2OXAS in his current candidacy for the Senate. )N THE LATEST BLAST AGAINST HIM 0RESIDENT $UTERTE SAYS g-AR 2OXAS ND WASTED THE LIVES OF THE POLICE COMMANDOS WHO DIED IN THE -AMASAPANO TRAGEDY u Senator Pangilinan, as LP president, has gamely taken up THE CUDGELS FOR 2OXAS DEFENDING HIM AGAINST THE CHARGE 4HE SENATOR HAS BRANDED $UTERTE S BLAST AS JUST gPOLITICKINGu OR gDIVISIONARY TACTICS u 0ANGILINAN ISSUED THIS STATEMENT g2AISING THE MATTER anew is pure and simple politicking, and a means to shun important and pressing issues affecting the Filipinos such as poverty, lack of opportunities, indignation over China’s aggression, and corruption hounding many of the administration candidates. g4HE MATTER HAS BEEN INVESTIGATED BY THE 3ENATE #HARGES have been filed and the courts are now handling the matter. Let’s allow the judicial processes to proceed and give the persons involved their day in court. That is where accountability IS ULTIMATELY DETERMINED u The truth is the Senate inquiry established nothing. Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero preempted the Senate inquiry to project their combined candidacy for president and vice president in the 2016 elections. The Senate inquiry came up with the swishy finding that President Aquino was gULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLEu FOR -AMASAPANO $ID WE SPEND MILLIONS IN THE INQUIRY TO MERELY COME UP WITH THIS gNOTHINGBURGERu $ID WE AUTHORIZE MILLIONS TO committees that adamantly refused to ask President Aquino QUESTIONS ABOUT -AMASAPANO Now, Grace Poe is running for reelection to the Senate. Ever fond of Senate inquiries because of the cameras, she no doubt plans to conduct more probes if she is reelected. It’s time to remind her of her abject failure as lead Mamasapano prober. )F -AR 2OXAS IS BEING HOUNDED AS $),' SECRETARY FOR -Amasapano, it’s only fair to also hound the lead investigator of Mamasapano who found nothing. It’s also relevant to point out here that the Commission on (UMAN 2IGHTS #(2 WENT TO -AMASAPANO TO INVESTIGATE THE INcident for possible violations of human rights. Oddly, it did not kND A SINGLE ABUSE IN THE SPECTACLE OF DEAD 3!& COMMANDOS
T
HE word popped into my head when, upon entering a coffee SHOP NEAR THE OFkCE THE NOTICE for payment options at the cashier CAUGHT MY ATTENTION g7E#HAT 0AY !LIPAY ACCEPTED HERE u IT SAID IN both English and Chinese characters. A new restaurant in the area that I discovered two days prior had a similar notice. Is Old Manila GETTING gCHINALIZEDu OR SINICIZED WeChat Pay and Alipay are mobile applications with products that include a digital wallet. These allow customers to pay accredited merchants directly by swiping their 12 CODE IN THEIR SMARTPHONES Transactions are then automatically charged to the customer’s registered bank account or credit card. Alipay by Alibaba and WeChat Pay by Tencent are the most popular mobile and online payment platforms in China, and are now recognized in several countries, including the Philippines. Alipay overtook the US-based Paypal as the world’s largest mobile payment service organization in 2013 with around 900 million users. With WeChat Pay and Alipay being accepted in a small coffee shop with just about 25-seating capacity, it goes to show that local business establishments in the country are now adopting the electronic payment system and may sooner or later be transformed into a cashless society like China. In China, even tiangge lEA MARKET SELLERS AND sidewalk vendors accept electronic
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MONDAY April 22, 2019
The Manila Times
VOLUME 120 NUMBER 191
DANTE A. ANG, Chairman Emeritus RENE Q. BAS, Publisher Emeritus NERILYN A. TENORIO, Publisher-Editor ARNOLD E. BELLEZA, Executive Editor FELIPE F. SALVOSA 2ND, Managing Editor LEENA C. CHUA, News Editor LYNETTE O. LUNA, National Editor TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA, Lifestyle Editor PERRY GIL 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, 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.
‘Chinalization’ of Manila
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TEA TIME TITA C. VALDERAMA payments. At the coffee shop, the cashier said they have a number of customers already using the digital wallet. The coffee shop is in historic Intramuros, a popular destination for tourists. Its location is close to a construction project awarded to a Chinese company employing Chinese workers. Lately, I have noticed that many fast-food chains, restaurants, and other business establishments in Metro Manila have placed sign boards and instructions in Chinese TEXT OTHERS ALSO HAVE +OREAN AND or Japanese characters. We’re already used to having alMOST EVERYTHING AT HOME gMADE IN #HINAu m FROM TOOTHPICK TO CLOTHING to kitchen appliances. But followING THE INlUX OF #HINESE TOURISTS traders, and workers into the Philippines, many business establishments have started adjusting their marketing ploy to cater to the needs of the growing Chinese population. While the Philippines is touted to have the oldest and largest Chinese community in the world, it appears that in recent years the entire counTRY IS BECOMING gCHINALIZED u OR INlUENCED IF NOT DICTATED TO BY THE Chinese and their culture.
A week ago, a friend in Beijing shared photos of a news cast on CCTV about employees at the Presidential Communications Office in Malacañang learning Mandarin. Mandarin is also offered as an elective subject in the Philippine school system. Other countries in Southeast Asia are in the same situation. A journalist-friend in Cambodia said a few days ago that Chinese capitalists have put up online gaming facilities, restaurants and other businesses there. My friend noted that there are speculations that some Chinese are engaged in money laundering through the CASINOS THAT HAVE lOURISHED IN THE last couple of years. In the Vietnamese province of +HANH (OA THE SURGE OF #HINESE arrivals as early as 2016 threatened local resort owners as travel agencies that brought in tourists later leased the facilities and took over the management and operations of businesses. 2EPORTS SAID AMONG THOSE WHO entered as tourists were owners of TRAVEL kRMS IN #HINA BUT WERE ABLE to take over businesses from Vietnamese by leasing their properties. Later, they also brought in Chinese products, labeled them as if they were made in Vietnam, and sold to Chinese tourists. What happened in Vietnam’s resort town of Nha Trang in 2016 looks like what’s happening in Boracay where Chinese establish-
ments are beginning to sprout following a six-month closure that was supposed to rehabilitate the resort island from environmental decay. In news reports last week, acting Mayor Abram Sualog of Malay, Aklan was quoted as saying that Chinese-run business establishments on Boracay had increased by roughly 30 percent since the major tourism destination reopened in October last year. The number of Chinese tourists has grown, he said, and so have the business establishments such as restaurants and lodging houses and these employ Chinese workers, some of whom were found to have no working permits. ) kND NOTHING WRONG IN BEING friendly with another country, especially when that country is MORE PROGRESSIVE AND INlUENTIAL than ours. But something is seriously wrong when we begin to lose our identity and dignity and bow down to a foreign power in our own territory. I find nothing wrong if we adopt technological innovations that China is introducing if these would ease doing business between and among countries. But something goes wrong when Chinese businessmen takeover businesses from Filipinos and deprive Filipino workers of decent jobs. Filipinos can be friends with the Chinese, but we should not allow ourSELVES TO BE gSINICIZEDu gCHINALIZED u or whatever goes with the root word.
STL or masiao: It’s still gambling
F there is one sector where Imperial Manila continues to wield its monopolistic authority it is in the gambling sector, especially as far as the ever expanding, community-based Small Town Lottery is concerned. Small town lottery, or STL, is the government’s successful strategy to tap into the grassroots gambling market, targeting mostly lower middle class and the poor. Operators of illegal numbers games like jueteng and masiao have been collecting billions of pesos from ordinary Filipinos over the years. A long list of Lotto numbers games notwithstanding, these illegal games of chance have remained POPULAR AND PROkTABLE STL was launched in early 2006. Initially it failed to stop illegal gambling and the previous Aquino administration even sought to scrap it altogether. However, since late 2016 the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes /FkCE 0#3/ HAS AGGRESSIVELY ROLLED out STL, approving 92 authorized AGENT CORPORATIONS !!#S IN THOUGH SOME WERE LATER REVOKED 0HILIPPINE .EWS !GENCY !PRIL 4HERE WERE gOPERATIONAL 34, !!#Su AS OF *AN OF WHICH WERE approved between November 2016 AND *ANUARY 0#3/ WEBSITE Each AAC has a monopoly of STL in its respective area of operation – either a city or a province. In Cebu, Saturn Gaming N’ Amusement Corp. has the exclusive authority to operate STL in Cebu province,
RESURGENCE
MARIT STINUSCABUGON excluding Metro Cebu. In Metro Cebu, Sinsilyo Corp., First Golden &ORTUNE ,EISURE )NC AND ,UCKY Games and Amusement Corp. run STL in Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu Lapu City, respectively. STL offers 2- and 3-digit numbers games at bets as low as P1, three times a day. The 3-digit Suwer3 is like masiao except that masiao results before were derived not FROM A DRAW BUT FROM kCTITIOUS JAI alai games aired on radio. Ushers AND COORDINATORS ARE NOW OFkCIALLY called sales representatives and sales supervisors, respectively. The sales representatives visit homes in their assigned area three times daily to collect bets for the three daily draws. While the implementING RULES STATE THAT g.O BET MUST BE ACCEPTED FROM MINORS u ) HEARD THAT ushers ask children in the homes they VISIT gWHAT S YOUR NUMBER u +IDS GROW up with STL being part of everyday life, and they imitate adults. Betting stations – STL substations – are sprouting in the communities. A friend told me that there are three within walking distance from her house. Illegal gambling operations continue but all in all, the campaign of
the government to place authorized STL operators all over the country, come up with better rules and regulations, and closely coordinate with law enforcement has reduced illegal GAMBLING ACTIVITIES SIGNIkCANTLY 4HE CONlICT WITH 'LOBALTECH -OBILE /NLINE #ORP WHICH OPERATES g0ERYAHAN NG "AYANu ON AN EXPIRED $EED OF Authority causes some confusion though. The Court of Appeals last January 15 told PCSO to stop its raids on Globaltech’s outlets, continue to send a representative to Globaltech’s draws, and submit to arbitration. The authority from the PCSO is SUFkCIENT FOR 34, OPERATORS TO OPERATE legally. They are not, unlike other businesses and organizations, required to secure business permits from the local government. Note that a local radio station must secure a business permit and pay local tax even if the broadcast corporation which owns the local station operates by virtue of a national franchise and permits granted by the National Telecommunications Commission. Cities, municipalities, provinces and congressional districts—as well as the Philippine National Police—all get their share from STL sales. Based on the STL implementING RULES AND GUIDELINES /CTOBER FROM GROSS SALES OF 0 MILlion, a city or municipality receives 0 A PROVINCE 0 AND a congressional district P25,000. However, due to the growing
reach of STL, questions raised about the selection of AACs—are the grantEES THE WELL CONNECTED FAVORED FEW —and the call of the times for further decentralization of governance AND gJUST SHARINGu OF REVENUES AND resources between national and local governments, mayors across the archipelago are demanding a say in regulating STL operations. Furthermore, STL could be made transparent and less susceptible to corruption allegations by opening it to free competition. The government, local as well as national, could increase earnings while bettors would get more value for their money if STL was no longer restricted by exclusivity or monopoly. At the end of the day, no matter how well managed STL is, no matter how much money it raises for medical assistance and other charitable undertakings, gambling is never good and should not be glorified. STL, more than other forms of gambling, siphons off what could have been the meager savings of cash-strapped Filipinos. $R *OS¼ 2IZAL SAID IT IN HIS SARCASTIC way in Noli Me Tangere. Using COCKkGHTING AS HIS EXAMPLE 2IZAL WROTE THAT gVICE PAYS FOR ITS FREEDOMu WHEN gMAGNIkCENT SCHOOLS rise [and] bridges and highways ARE BUILTu BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH ITS SHARE OF GAMBLING REVENUE g;"= lessed be the vice which produces SUCH BOUNTIFUL RESULTSÜu
˜ The Manila Times
w w w.manilatimes.net
MONDAY April 22, 2019
Opinion
A5
Q TIGLAO FROM A1
Earth Day amid the Vile video vs Duterte the work of Otso Diretso, scourge of climate change Trillanes’ writer, and US-funded websites T
intermittent drought that leads to enormous crop failures and the loss ODAY, April 22, we mark the of livestock. Also, the elderly are annual celebration of Earth becoming victims of heat stroke. The Philippines has advocated Day, organized 49 years ago in 1970 through the initiative of US Sen. keeping the temperature rise at Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. It 1.5°Celsius for the survival of was on April 4, 2000, when the archipelagic and small island national participation of the Philip- states. The 2019 celebration of life pines in Earth Day was established is focused on protecting our biodithrough a resolution I sponsored in versity of species. Accordingly, in the Senate to celebrate Earth Day to Santiago, Isabela, we linked the protect the abundance and promote RElECTION ON (OLY 7EEK DURING Palm Sunday with a techno-arts the beauty of the Earth. Earth Day is now observed by all workshop with a culminating 194 countries, to save Mother Earth presentation by the Earthsavers from ultimate disaster—climate Unesco Artist for Peace, with change— unless mankind can reduce DepEd and NCCA partnership, AND kNALLY REMOVE CARBON DIOXIDE about the “Agony, Death and Res(CO2) and other greenhouse gases urrection of the Forests and Seas� at the St Francis of Assisi Church. (GHGs) from the atmosphere. Earth Day must be a consciousSince 200 years ago, when man started to use machines, we have been ness awakening to protect life, to burning fossil fuels – coal and oil – to reduce CO2 that is causing the produce electricity for our develop- overheating of the Earth. To avoid climate catastrophe, ment and comfort. The process of producing electricity has produced governments, communities, inCO2, methane, black carbon from dividuals, must all join hands to diesel, and other GHGs which last for reduce CO2. Rapid carbon cuts at least 150 years in the atmosphere. are the only way to stop the severe From the report of the United impact of climate change. We reduce CO2 by using more Nations science body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change clean and renewable sources of en(IPCC), there is now a concentration ergy. We reduce GHGs by managing of 3,100 billion metric tons of GHGs our garbage, stopping the pollution in the atmosphere that brought of our rivers and lakes, growing trees about the overheating of the Earth to and mangroves along our coastal 1.3°Celsius, higher than before the areas, by reducing the wasteful and industrial revolution. This overheat- excessive lifestyle and consumption ing of the Earth is the cause of melting by man. Governments should proof the North Pole and the South Pole, mote a dramatic shift in policy to use the rising of the oceans, and severe alternative fuels systematically after and more frequent typhoons and RATIkCATION OF THE 0ARIS #LIMATE !GREEstorms, intense drought, including the ment and create the infrastructure to widespread vector-borne diseases – connect a wide range of action for dengue and malaria – of which there climate justice and actualization of the is currently an alarming increase in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Earth Day is dedicated to saving number of cases in the Philippines. Unless we reduce CO2, the heat- future generations from the deing will continue and if it reaches structive impacts of climate change 2°Celsius mankind cannot stop this due to global warming. I hope to be a distinct voice in overheating anymore that will see the gradual death of corals and reduction Congress to provide legal protection, OF kSH LIFE 4HE REDUCTION IN THE PRIN- advancement of new policies to slow cipal source of protein for the human down species extinction, encourage brain could mean the certain destruc- changes in consumer behavior and climate resilience through inclusive tion of human civilization. Climate change is a threat mul- lifelong learning while countering tiplier. It is undermining the eco- deforestation habitat, wildlife and nomic and political stability of underwater heritage loss. It is heroic nations. And ecological disasters to save our ailing mother earth. “Let us make Earth day everyday.� are wreaking turmoil in many societies to the point where huge numbers of people are being dis- The author served as a senator, placed, becoming “environmental congressman, ambassador, Concon delegate and secretary in the migrants� or “climate refugees.� Deforestation, removal of vegeta- cabinet for agrarian reform, environtion and exploitative agriculture ment, climate change and overseas have degraded lands, whipping Filipinos. He is the chairman of the up typhoons and tropical storms advisory board of Climate Instithat are becoming more intense, tute and is founding chairman of exacting a higher toll on lives Earthsavers. He is also a PDP-Laban and properties. In Mindanao and candidate for congressman for the Cagayan Valley, we have suffered an fourth district of Isabela. BY HEHERSON T. ALVAREZ
by a dubious website that rooted for Yellow “Otso Diretso� candidates. The video hosted by one “Bikoy� was distributed first by anti-Duterte writer Ellen Tordesillas, known since many years ago to be Sen. Antonio Trillanes’ most loyal and noisy apologist, and disseminated by three news websites here funded by US neoliberal entities—Tordesillas’ “Vera Files,� Rappler.com and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ)—as well as by the leftist National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL). The video was largely ignored by netizens, with viewers for each of its four “episodes� not exceeding 2,000. It was so amateurish and its allegations clearly fabricated that it bored or turned off people. Netizens for instance quickly pointed out that the deposits allegedly made by drug lords to the bank accounts of Duterte’s children were made on holidays, when banks are closed. Obviously copying from B-movies, the video claimed that Duterte’s former special assistant and senatorial candidate Bong Go had a dragon tattoo on his back, which ostensibly links him to narcotics syndicates. Go simply took off his shirt at a press conference and showed he had none. The videos got Duterte’s goat, however, as it made vicious allegations against his children. It even alleged that his 14-year-old daughter Kitty, the apple of his eye, is a drug addict. If it had any impact at all, the video demonstrated that the Yellows will resort to the dirtiest, most immoral tactic to throw dirt at the President in a desperate attempt to sell its senatorial candidates to the people.
ties. This technology was nearly perfected by Western intelligence services to track down the source of jihadist videos, in response to the worldwide outrage against THE HORRIkC BEHEADING VIDEOS BY the Islamic State. The Yellows should have consulted with their jailed comrade Leila de Lima who had bragged when she was justice secretary that the National Bureau of InVESTIGATION HAD IDENTIkED THE UPLOADER OF THE HORRIkC MASSACRE OF police troopers at Mamasapano using such techniques, The cyber-crime experts found the “Bikoy� video to have been kRST UPLOADED TO 9OU4UBE BY A website www.metrobalita.net. Metrobalita.net does not disclose who created or manages it. It pretends to be a news site focusing on celebrity news, e.g., “Gretchen Ho, napikon kay Mayweather.� It first went onLINE ON !PRIL OR WHEN THE kRST part of the video was uploaded into the worldwide web. It was last updated April 15, when the “Bikoy� video’s “4th episode� was released. Since then though it has not been updated at all. Whoever is responsible for it couldn’t resist the temptation of rooting for the Yellows (or perhaps the Yellow financiers demanded their money’s worth) that it had a prominent flashing ad for the so-called “Otso Diretso� senatorial candidates. Two were devoted solely to candidate Romy Macalintal, whose claim to fame has been his defending Vice President Leni Robredo from charges of massive cheating in the last elections. The site even had a “news article� titled “Look: Atty. Macalintal, napaiyak sa aklay na kanta ng mga PWDs para sa kanya.� That “news� was not reported anywhere else in media, and appears to be totally made up.
I had been told this many years ago when I was then President Arroyo’s chief of staff in the 2000s, by military intelligence who briefed me on her very close association with Trillanes. She was even at the Manila Peninsula a day before the hotel was invaded by Trillanes’ gang in 2007. She has never written in her blog or in her Malaya column a single piece critical of Trillanes. In fact, she wrote glowing pieces on him, with one article in 2013 titled “Sa Puso ni Trillanes ang Kapakanan ng Sundalo.� My military sources even jested that her reference to “puso ni Trillanes� was a slip of the tongue for the smitten Tordesillas. The cyber-crime experts—who were called in as the videos clearly violated the Cyber-libel Law— claimed their link analysis showed that it was Tordesillas who distributed the “Bikoy� video to the PCIJ (where Otso candidate Chel Diokno is a board member), to her Vera Files, to Rappler, PCIJ, and to the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) another Duterte-hating organization. These websites then sent it to as many email addresses as they could. (See cyber-crime expert's graphics on page 1.) If you don’t think that the use of the word “people’s� in its name is a neon sign that NUPL is a communist-linked organization nearly as much as the “New People’s Army,� consider the following. Its chairman for many years has been Neri Colmenares, the Red-front Bayan Muna’s party-list representative in Congress for three terms, who has the gall to run for the Senate in the coming elections. Its president is Edre Olalia, who for decades has been communist ideologue Jose Ma. Sison’s OFkCIAL attorney.
Link analysis
Cheap shot
According to the cyber-crime experts’ “link analysis,� Vera Files head Tordesillas, who is also a columnist of the Malaya newspaper, first accessed the video using her personal website www. ellentordesillas.com and that of the newspaper she has a column in, www.malaya.com.ph. Tordesillas has long been known to be Trillanes’ apologist.
The “Bikoy� video is just another cheap shot of that unholy alliance against Duterte now: the Yellows, the Reds, and Trillanes’ gang of mutineers as well as internet media companies funded by US entities which think they can mold the minds of Filipinos and remove Third World leaders that they don’t like. The PCIJ, an entity funded since its creation by US entities
Morons The Yellow morons apparently were oblivious to the fact that uploaders of videos to social media sites like YouTube, and those who actively distribute these, can be traced using rudimentary methods available to ordinary netizens. There is also a more advanced technology such as “Link Analysis� that law enforcers use to track down uploaders who meticulously try to hide their identi-
like the Asia Foundation and in recent years by the Washingtonbased National Endowment for Democracy a few weeks back undertook its own black-propaganda offensive against Duterte and his children by claiming that they had “big spikes in wealth, CASH WHILE IN PUBLIC OFkCE u "Eneath that screaming headline though is its own data showing that Duterte’s wealth indeed increased—from P1 million to P28 million in 19 years, hardly a “spikeâ€? compared to the rise in his predecessor Benigno Aquino’s wealth from P15 million to P55 MILLION AFTER JUST A YEAR IN OFkCE Last year, the PCIJ also published former police sergeant Arturo LascaĂąas’ purported diary exposing the “bloody exploits of the Davao Death Squadâ€? and then Davao Mayor Duterte’s alleged complicity in the group’s murders. I have conclusively proven that diary to be a total fake (“Trillanes, using PCIJ, taking us for fools with LascaĂąas’ obviously fake journalâ€?). Few believed in that PCIJ yarn, and no newspaper published it. Tordesillas though went to town on it, claiming that LascaĂąas had been told by God to reveal the truth. It wasn’t God though behind LascaĂąas but Trillanes, who even organized the press conference in which the “diaryâ€? was made public. It turned out to be the preliminary phase of Trillanes’ Yellow-funded plot to get the International Criminal Court to investigate the President for alleged human rights abuses. The NUPL followed Trillanes’ cue and, led by #OLMENARES kLED LAST YEAR A SECOND case at the ICC against Duterte for his war against illegal drugs. This “Bikoyâ€? video is so obviously from that Yellow-Reds’ worn-out playbook, this time for its desperate attempt to win votes next month for that hateful eight called the Otso Diretso. It is an opportunity though to throw into jail the kind of people fond of cyber-libel, who cowardly try to hide their identities in this new form of media.
Email: tiglao.manilatimes@ gmail.com Facebook: Rigoberto Tiglao Twitter: @bobitiglao Book orders: www.rigobertotiglao.com/debunked
CO M M E N TA R Y
Let’s talk about insurance What you need to know: The Insurance Commission of the Philippines Commission by chronicling its establishment and ensuing ANY Filipinos still consider development in the Philippines. Before the Spanish colonizainsurance as an extra cost rather than as an investment tion, the concept of insurance as that could lessen potential losses we know it today was unheard of resulting from dangers and di- IN THE 0HILIPPINES !NY kNANCIAL sasters that may affect lives or losses brought about by disasters properties. There is a sense of were either shouldered by the hesitation among Filipinos in individual or shared with the placing their hard-earned money family or the tribe which the famIN A kNANCIAL INSTRUMENT SUCH AS ily was a member of. Insurance an insurance policy. They believe was then introduced to Filipinos this to be useless unless some- when Lloyd’s of London, a European insurance market, appointthing bad happens. Aside from the low average ed Strachman, Murray & Co., Inc. incomes and high costs of basic to set up in the Philippines. The needs in the Philippines, the growing insurance-related activireluctance to invest in insur- ties necessitated the adoption of ance may also be rooted on the the laws on insurance found in general public’s inadequate the Spanish Civil Code of 1889. knowledge of how the insurance Strachman, Murray & Co. Inc.’s system works for their benefit. domestic operation set in motion There may also be a lack of the arrival of more foreign insurawareness of the insurance in- ance companies which brought dustry’s institutional safeguards, the life insurance (Sun Life Assuch as the governing laws on surance of Canada in 1898), INSURANCE AND RELATED kNANCIAL and non-life insurance (Yek Tong instruments and the Insurance Insurance Company in 1906) Commission, the regulatory into the country. Not long after, agency mandated to oversee the in 1910, the first homegrown insurance sector, promote its domestic life insurance company growth and sustainability, and was established (Insular Life Asprotect the rights and interest of surance Co. Ltd.). Four years later, the governboth insurer and insured entities. To help reduce this insurance ment opted to promulgate inawareness gap, this piece, a first surance laws tailored to the in the forthcoming series of ar- regulatory needs of the local ticles on “Let’s talk about insur- environment. In 1914, the Insurance,� introduces the Insurance ance Act (Act 2427) was enacted BY RANDY B. ESCOLANGO
M
and took effect on July 1, 1915, repealing and revising the adopted Spanish insurance laws. The Insurance Division of the Bureau of Treasury supervised the insurance business with the Insular Treasurer, designated as Insurance Commissioner exOFkCIO AT ITS HELM 4HE REGULATORY OFkCE LATER FUNCTIONED UNDER THE Bureau of Banking, which was EVENTUALLY RENAMED AS THE /FkCE of the Insurance Commissioner (by virtue of RA 275) when the Central Bank of the Philippines formally opened in 1949. Due to the changing needs of the insurance sector, the Insurance Code of the Philippines was instituted via PD 612 on Dec. 18, 1974, and repealed the Insurance Act of 1914. Among the several presidential decrees which later amended PD 612 and transformed it into the Insurance Code of 1978, a Presidential Decree (PD 63) renamed the Office of the Insurance Commissioner as the Insurance Commission in 1972. On Aug. 15, 2013, Republic Act 10607, otherwise known as the Amended Insurance Code, was signed into law by then President Benigno S. Aquino 3rd. At present, the Insurance Commission operates as an attached agency under the Department of Finance and is tasked to regulate and supervise the
insurance sector, including life and non-life companies, mutual benefit associations, and trusts for charitable uses. Because the insurance business is charged with public interest, the Insurance Commission guards the public from potential abuses by issuing licenses to insurance agents, general agents, resident agents, underwriters, brokers, adjusters and actuaries. It also authorizes the suspension and revocation of such licenses. The enactment of RA 9829, or An Act Establishing the Pre-Need Code of the Philippines, on Dec. 3, 2009 placed the pre-need sector under the regulatory supervision of the Insurance Commission. Under EO 192 s. 2015 issued by President Benigno Aquino 3rd, the regulation and supervision of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) were transferred from the Department of Health to the Insurance Commission. The next column will shed light on another relevant aspect of the insurance industry and its dynamic environment. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to contact the author.
Randy B. Escolango, Ph.D. is the Deputy Insurance Commissioner for Legal Service, appointed in August 2017. He may be contacted at: rb.escolango@yahoo.com.
Women in Ethiopia still struggle despite leadership in government BY BETHLEHEM MENGISTU ADDIS ABABA: Following 2018 elections in Ethiopia, a record-breaking number of women now hold leadership positions in the country’s government. But women still struggle to rise up the ranks in other sectors. I am thrilled to witness the fantastic changes that have taken place in Ethiopia over the recent months, with women assuming leadership positions at the highest levels of government. The best part of this narrative is that little Ethiopian girls will now see a woman president or minister as the new ‘normal’, and NO LONGER THE EXCEPTION ) kND this quite inspiring! "UT IN MY kELD OF WORK ‡ THE water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector — we are yet to see a sensible percentage of women in leadership roles. The participation of women is most often seen in community water supply management frameworks, where women are included within the team that manages the water supply system. This is important as the intenTION IS TO SUSTAIN THE BENEkTS OF THE system by both genders, but also
ensure both men and women are equally engaged. However at sector level (i.e. where policy, resourcing and planning are usually discussed and decided upon) there are very few female decision-makers.
Where are the women? I am often one of the only women leaders in the meetings I attend. And when the question "why aren’t there more women present?" is raised, the response is ofTEN �THERE AREN T ENOUGH QUALIkED women out there." This is not an accurate response. There are qualified women out there, but we need a reform in the sector’s approach to reaching those women professionals. For example, organizations like CARE Ethiopia have achieved good results through reforming their entire recruitment process. CARE regraded all their job descriptions, re-advertised positions 1 to 3 times if no women applied, head hunted, instituted a competency-based assessment system with written examination (coded so the panel does not see which applicant
ÂłEthiopiaA6
A6
Opinion
˜ The Manila Times
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MONDAY April 22, 2019
Death and resurrection of a visa petition
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HERE is no death without life. Then there is the afterlife, a resurrection, if you will. In terms of US immigration, a US visa petition is born when A QUALIkED FAMILY MEMBER GETS THE OFkCIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT the petition was received by the SPECIkC 53 #ITIZENSHIP AND )MMIGRATION 3ERVICES /FkCE Simply putting the documents and fees in an envelope and MAILING THE ENTIRE PACKAGE DOES not assure birth. Until the documents are received, evaluated for completeness and given a receipt number, the visa petition remains in the conception stage. Aa a guide to the Three Kings, the birthplace of petitions has changed. The petition delivery room used TO BE THE DISTRICT OFkCE WITH JURISdiction over the petitioner’s place OF RESIDENCE THEN THE 53#)3 MIDWIVES MOVED TO ADJUDICATION CENters, later renamed service centers. 4O KNOW WHEN AND WHERE YOUR PETITION WAS BORN CHECK THE 53#)3 RECEIPT NUMBER g7!#u MEANS IT IS WITH THE 7ESTERN !DJUDICATION
MIGRANT MATTERS
CRISPIN R. ARANDA #ENTER NOW KNOWN AS THE #ALIFORNIA 3ERVICE #ENTER g,). REFERS TO petitions and applications with the .EBRASKA 3ERVICE #ENTER LOCATED IN ,INCOLN .EBRASKA g%!#u STANDS FOR %ASTERN !DJUDICATION #ENTER NOW KNOWN AS 6ERMONT 3ERVICE #ENTER AND g32#u FOR CASES RECEIVED AND BEing processed at the Texas Service #ENTER FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE 3OUTHERN 2EGIONAL #ENTER "UT kRST A DETOUR 4HE PETITIONer must be sure that the petition goes through a petition emerGENCY ROOM 4HIS IS CALLED A LOCK box facility where the petition PACKAGE IS CHECKED AND REVIEWED for completeness before being SENT OFF TO THE SPECIkC DELIVERY room (service center). ,ET S SAY A 53#)3 ACKNOWLEDGment receipt – a petition’s birthdate
m SHOWS AS 7!# 7!# IS WHERE THE PETITION WAS RECEIVED THE NEXT TWO DIGITS m g u shows what year the petition was kLED IN THE FOLLOWING THREE DIGITS g u REPRESENTS THE WORKday when the case was encoded into the computer, the receipt WAS PROCESSED AND THE FEE TAKEN (ENCE g u WOULD MEAN THE PETITION WAS RECEIVED ON THE TH PROCESSING DATE OF THE kSCAL YEAR 4HE 53 kSCAL YEAR IS FROM /CTOBER TO 3EPTEMBER 4HE LAST FIVE DIGITS g u are case identifiers, sequential numbers assigned to a petition as it is being processed at the service center. 4HEN THE kRST PERIOD OF PACING BACK AND FORTH THE DELIVERY ROOM begins. Expectant father or mothER PETITIONERS MAY CHECK THE delivery status online at https:// egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Yes, either parent can “carry THE CHILD u 7HOEVER WOULD ASsure the faster delivery birth and release from the nursing room SHOULD kLE THE PETITION &OR EX-
FOCUS
Saudis grapple with ever shifting ‘red lines’ RIYADH: Two Saudis vent their opinions publicly. One is detained, the other is acquitted after the right to free speech IS INVOKED 3UCH INCONSISTENCIES ARE PROVOKING CONFUSION OVER THE KINGDOM S EVER SHIFTING gRED LINES u Sex, religion and politics were once clearly delineated as no-go areas in Saudi Arabia, part of an UNWRITTEN BUT WELL KNOWN SOCIAL code of conduct for staying out of trouble in the absolute monarchy. But as fast-paced social reforms SHAKE UP THE PETRO STATE AND AGGRESSIVE NATIONALISM TAKES ROOT inconsistent state responses to perceived transgressions are muddying public understanding of where the boundaries lie. This month, a criminal court in Jeddah acquitted an unnamed Snapchat influencer accused of insulting fellow Saudis, saying evERY CITIZEN HAD THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS his opinion, local media reported without offering specific details. The much-hyped case, which followed a broad government CRACKDOWN ON DISSENTERS AND CRITics, drew both cheers and bewilderMENT IN THE KINGDOM g&REEDOM OF EXPRESSION GUARANTEED u screamed a headline in bold red letters in the pro-government /KAZ daily. That freedom did not appear to be guaranteed to academic Anas al-AZROU WHO CAMPAIGNERS SAY WAS detained last month after he voiced SOLIDARITY WITH JAILED WOMEN ACTIVists during a panel discussion at THE 2IYADH BOOK FAIR Saudi Arabia’s media ministry did not respond to a request to explain the contradiction, one of MANY ACROSS THE KINGDOM )N &EBRUARY A COMEDIAN WAS SUMmoned by prosecutors and apparENTLY FORCED TO APOLOGIZE FOR POKING fun at the now-toothless religious police. But observers say other comedians have gotten away with it.
‘Push and pull’ One Jeddah cafe was recently shut down by authorities for not enforcing gender segregation. But that prompted perplexity among the managers of other venues, where in recent years the sexes have been allowed to mingle. ,AST YEAR OFkCIALS ARRESTED A HOTEL WORKER WHO APPEARED IN WHAT THEY DESCRIBED AS AN gOFFENSIVEu VIDEO EATING BREAKFAST WITH A FEMALE CO WORKER 4HAT LEFT OFFICE WORKERS WHO routinely share meals scratching their heads. “The system is full of contradictions. It has no definite shape, AND WE DON T KNOW WHAT IS RIGHT AND WHAT IS WRONG u SAID .OAH AL Ghamdi, a civil engineer. “Maybe you do something spontaneous and one official doesn’t LIKE IT AND DECIDES TO CRUSH YOU u he wrote on Twitter. Saudi political cartoonist Jabertoon recently captured the sentiment in a CARTOON DEPICTING A PUZZLED CITIZEN
BOXED IN BY ZIGZAGGING RED LINES AND BEING GRILLED BY AN OFkCIAL All this has raised questions OVER WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE AS #ROWN Prince Mohammed bin Salman carRIES OUT A SWEEPING LIBERALIZATION drive, which one official said aims TO DRAG THE KINGDOM gKICKING AND SCREAMING INTO THE ST CENTURY u The overhaul, popular with the youth, has ended decades-long bans on women driving and cinemas, and allowed mixed-gender concerts for the first time—at the RISK OF RILING HARDLINERS )T HAS SO FAR NOT PROVOKED ANY MAJOR BACKLASH BUT OFFICIALS WARN that reforming a society steeped in conservatism is fraught with peril. The inconsistencies underscore A gPUSH AND PULL STRATEGYu AS THE KINGDOM ATTEMPTS TO ROLL OUT REforms without sowing turmoil, said Ali Shihabi who founded Arabia &OUNDATION A PRO 3AUDI THINK TANK Often the government reaction depends on social media reactions, observers say. If an act goes viral online and creates a scandal, IT STANDS THE RISK OF A CRACKDOWN g9OU KEEP ON PUSHING THE ENvelope while being very alert of PUBLIC PUSHBACK AND REACT ACCORDINGLY u 3HIHABI TOLD !&0 “Public and social media reaction has an impact, as it should, and it shows that the government is pushing forward while treading CAREFULLY AT THE SAME TIME u
‘Gray zone’ (OLDING CITIZENS TO DIFFERENT OR vague standards, however, could prove unsustainable in the long run. “The Saudi government has gone to great lengths to forward its soCIAL MODERNIZATION PROJECT u %MAN Alhussein and Sara Almohamadi wrote in a report for the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. “However, without setting clear parameters for what is acceptable, the GRAY ZONE IS LIKELY TO STRETCH FURTHER AND COULD JEOPARDIZE SOCIAL REFORM u Most baffling perhaps is Saudi !RABIA S CRACKDOWN ON LIBERALS IN THE MIDST OF A LIBERALIZATION DRIVE This month campaigners said NEARLY A DOZEN WRITERS BLOGGERS AND academics were swept up in a new wave of arrests without any public explanation by the government. 3UCH ARBITRARY CRACKDOWNS ARE amplifying public fears as Saudi Arabia appears to pivot from austere religion to a form of hypernationalism that promotes veneration of rulers. In a televised debate last year, 3HURA #OUNCIL MEMBER !BDALLAH AL &AWZAN SAID 3AUDIS HAD THE RIGHT TO BRAND SOMEONE A gTRAITORu IF THAT person fails to defend the country or chooses to remain silent. Such rhetoric and confusion over red lines has prompted many liberals to shut down their Twitter accounts – including those engaged constructively in critiquing the reforms. AFP
ample, between two parents one OF WHOM IS A 53 CITIZEN AND THE other a green card holder, the US CITIZEN MUST BE THE ONE TO kLE FOR a minor child and the only parENT WHO CAN kLE A PETITION FOR A married son or daughter. -INOR CHILDREN ARE NOT SUBJECT to quota. Therefore, the waiting PERIOD m FROM kLING TO VISA ISSUANCE m IS APPROXIMATELY JUST A YEAR COMPARED TO TO YEARS of waiting if the petitioner is a lawful permanent resident. After approval, the newborn PETITION IS SENT TO THE .ATIONAL 6ISA #ENTER FOR MONITORING AND RELEASE to the parents. The delivery date IS ACTUALLY THE kLING DATE m COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE PRIORITY DATE ! PETITION TAKES ITS PLACE IN THE kVE QUEUES FOR &AMILY SPONSORED categories; released on a first COME kRST COMPLETED BASIS 4HE preference categories are: &IRST & m UNMARRIED SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF 53 CITIZENS & ! – spouses and children of permaNENT RESIDENTS & " m UNMARRIED SONS AND DAUGHTERS YEARS OF AGE
or older) of permanent residents; & m MARRIED SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF 53 CITIZENS AND & m BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF ADULT 53 CITIZENS When the priority date becomes current, immigrant visas become available and visa applicants with complete documentation get reunited with the petitioner/parents. Visa babies WHO LACK PAPERWORK ARE NOT released even if their number in the queue comes up. Why and when do visa petitions die, which in immigration and visa laws means revocation? “An approved visa petition MAY BE AUTOMATICALLY REVOKED if the petitioner withdraws the petition or if the petitioner or PRINCIPAL BENEkCIARY DIES UPON legal termination of the marriage upon which the petition was based, upon the marriage of a second preference unmarried son or daughter, or upon the termination of status of a lawful permanent resident petitioner (unless he or she becomes a US CITIZEN u 3ECTION OF THE 53-
#)3 !DJUDICATOR S &IELD -ANUAL
Resurrection When the petitioner/parent or qualikED FAMILY MEMBER DIES THE PETItion dies as well. However, current LAW ALLOWS THE PRINCIPAL BENEkCIARY to request that the petition be resurrected through a humanitarian reinstatement or revalidation request. The main factors given favorABLE CONSIDERATION ARE IF THERE is substitute sponsor to assume THE kNANCIAL OBLIGATION OF ENSURing that the applicant will not BECOME A PUBLIC CHARGE AND IF THERE IS A QUALIkED RELATIVE IN THE 53‡WITH LEGAL STATUS AS CITIZEN or green card holder—who will suffer extreme hardship if the reinstatement request is denied. Then there is the death by natural means or passage of time. Even if both the petitioner AND BENEkCIARY ARE ALIVE FAILURE to pursue the immigrant visa application will result in the termination of the petition and visa application (registration).
Media landscape marked by ‘climate of fear’ BY THARANGA YAKUPITIYAGE UNITED NATIONS: Journalists around the world are increasingly seeing threats of violence, detenTION AND EVEN DEATH SIMPLY FOR DOING THEIR JOB a new press index found. )N THE 7ORLD 0RESS &REEDOM )NDEX THE 2EPORTERS 7ITHOUT "ORDERS 23& HAS FOUND A worrisome decline in media freedoms as toxic anti-press rhetoric have devolved into violence, triggering a climate of fear. “The scene this year is fear. And the state of JOURNALISM AND PRESS FREEDOM AROUND THE WORLD is declining… but also in the traditional press freedom allies—countries in Europe and here in THE 5NITED 3TATES u SAID 23& S %XECUTIVE $IRECTOR 3ABINE $OLAN DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE INDEX 23& 3ECRETARY 'ENERAL #HRISTOPHE $ELOIRE echoed similar sentiments about the dangers of declining press freedom, stating: “If the political debate slides surreptitiously or openly towards A CIVIL WAR STYLE ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH JOURNALists are treated as scapegoats, then democracy is in great danger…Halting this cycle of fear and intimidation is a matter of the utmost urgency for all people of good will who value THE FREEDOMS ACQUIRED IN THE COURSE OF HISTORY u /F COUNTRIES EVALUATED IN 23& S INDEX ONLY PERCENT WERE CLASSIkED AS gGOODu OR gFAIRLY GOODu COMPARED TO PERCENT IN
‘Most dangerous area for journalists’ 4HE -IDDLE %AST AND .ORTH !FRICA -%.! region continues to be the most dangerous AREA FOR JOURNALISTS AS THEY FACE VIOLENCE DUE TO ONGOING CONlICTS WHILE ALSO BEING DELIBERATELY TARGETED IMPRISONED AND KILLED &OR EXAMPLE %MIRATI BLOGGER !HMED -ANSOOR WAS SENTENCED TO YEARS IN PRISON AFTER CRITICIZING THE 5NITED !RAB %MIRATES 5!% government on social media. He was accused of “publishing false informaTION RUMORS AND LIESu WHICH WOULD gDAMAGE THE 5!% S SOCIAL HARMONY AND UNITY u 4HE PERSECUTION OF -%.! S JOURNALISTS HAS even extended past its own borders as seen through the brutal murder of Jamal KhashogGI IN THE 3AUDI #ONSULATE IN 4URKEY 3UCH A CHILLING LEVEL OF VIOLENCE HAS PROVOKED FEAR AMONG THE REGION S JOURNALISTS CAUSING many to censor themselves. But of all the world’s regions, it is the Americas that has seen the largest dip in its press freedom score. .ICARAGUA FOR INSTANCE FELL PLACES TO TH MAKING IT ONE OF THE STEEPEST DECLINES WORLDwide—and with good reason.
Q The state of journalism and press freedom around the world is declining, according to a new press index by Reporters Without Borders. IPS What started as protests against controversial FOR JOURNALISTS u $OLAN SAID social security reforms has turned into one of !CCORDING TO THE #OMMITTEE TO 0ROTECT THE BIGGEST CRACKDOWNS ON DISSENT AND MEDIA *OURNALISTS #0* OVER PERCENT OF THE IN THE #ENTRAL !MERICAN NATION PRESIDENT S TWEETS HAVE INSULTED OR CRITICIZED .ICARAGUANS COVERING DEMONSTRATIONS HAVE JOURNALISTS AND NEWS MEDIA been treated as protesters or members of the opIn reference to a particular tweet by Trump POSITION AND HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO HARASSMENT WHICH STATES THAT IT IS gDISGUSTINGu THAT THE PRESS arbitrary arrest, and death threats. can write whatever they want, former White Some have been charged with terrorism, (OUSE #ORRESPONDENT "ILL 0LANTE NOTED THAT THE INCLUDING -IGUEL -ORA AND ,UCIA 0INEDA 5BAU 53 IS IN A VERY gDANGEROUS PLACEu NOW JOURNALISTS FOR THE NEWS AGENCY g .OTICIAS u “It is one thing to steer news coverage, by putTING THINGS OUT THERE OR LEAKING CERTAIN STORIES US media climate ’problematic’ or trying to avoid coverage of other things—it’s entirely another to threaten reporters and to say &URTHER NORTH THE 5NITED 3TATES MEDIA CLIMATE THAT NEWS COVERAGE SHOULDN T BE ALLOWED u HE SAID 4HIS RHETORIC HAS NOT ONLY IMPACTED JOURNALIS NOW CLASSIkED AS gPROBLEMATICu AS A RESULT OF ists in the US, but has also spilled over abroad as an increasingly toxic anti-media rhetoric. /VER THE LAST YEAR MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS WORLD LEADERS FROM 6ENEZUELA TO THE 0HILIPPINES across the country received bomb threats USE TERMS LIKE gFAKE NEWSu TO JUSTIFY HUMAN RIGHTS AND SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES INCLUDING #.. VIOLATIONS AND CRACKDOWNS ON PRESS FREEDOM forcing evacuations. )N *UNE AFTER EXPRESSING HIS HATRED FOR ‘Not all bad news’ the #APITAL 'AZETTE newspaper on social media, *ARROD 2AMOS WALKED INTO THE NEWSROOM AND But it is not all bad news. KILLED FOUR JOURNALISTS AND A STAFF MEMBER %THIOPIA MADE AN UNPRECEDENTED PLACE -OST RECENTLY #OAST 'UARD LIEUTENANT JUMP IN THE )NDEX AFTER NEW 0RIME -INISTER !BIY #HRISTOPHER 0AUL (ASSON WAS ARRESTED FOR !HMED TOOK SWIFT STEPS TO IMPROVE PRESS FREEDOM PLANNING A TERRORIST ATTACK TARGETING JOURNAL- INCLUDING THE RELEASE OF ALL DETAINED JOURNALISTS ists and politicians. While such progress is promising, there is a Such anti-media sentiment is partially fueled long way to go to secure press freedom globally, BY 53 0RESIDENT $ONALD 4RUMP WHO HAS CALLED especially as it seemingly regresses. JOURNALISTS gENEMY OF THE PEOPLE u “The only weapon we have is truth. The prob“When this becomes constant, it’s almost lem is that in today’s media environment along NORMALIZED AND IT PERCOLATES TO LARGE SEG- with social media, we can be overwhelmed. So, ments of the population. And this is how it we have to come out there with more effort than has contributed to create this climate of fear EVER TO GET THE TRUTH OUT u 0LANTE SAID IPS
Q ETHIOPIA FROM A5
Women in Ethiopia WROTE IT AND ASSESSED AND RECONkGURED THE interview questions using a gender lens. 4HIS HAS BROUGHT THE ORGANIZATION closer to meeting parity.
Lessons from a (woman) leader However, getting women a seat at the table IS NOT ENOUGH ,EADING IN A SECTOR THAT IS traditionally male-dominated comes with a distinct set of challenges, as I soon found out: — I was and still am the youngest female in MOST SECTOR MEETINGS &OR SOME TIME AFTER ) ASsumed the directorship, most assumed I was in an administrative or a support role rather than a leadership role (until I corrected them). It’s not enough to be in a role or to sit at the table. ‡ 3PEAKING UP CONkDENTLY IS CRITICAL ) HAVE A COLLEAGUE THAT IS FOND OF THE SAYING @FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT 4HE GREATEST BARRIER THAT ) AND
MOST OF MY FEMALE LEADER FRIENDS FACE IN SPEAKING UP IS FEAR OF BEING OSTRACIZED OR SCORNED – the dreaded ‘imposter syndrome’. — I have learned that respect comes when one’s voice is heard. I have seen how our voices can help shape policy and perspective. ) CHOOSE TO ENSURE MY PRESENCE IS KNOWN as a leader and that it’s to be regarded as a CONTRIBUTOR FOR GOOD .EARLY THREE YEARS INTO my current role as director, my voice is now SOUGHT AFTER AND ) CAN CHOOSE TO BE PICKY about how I collaborate with others. — Trusting my voice by learning to control SELF DOUBT WAS QUITE TASKING BUT ) SOON LEARNT to spot patterns of negative thought, identify them for what they were and train myself to TRUST MY EXPERTISE 4HIS LED TO SPEAKING UP more at meetings, ensuring I usually always sat at the front and participated. ‡ #ELEBRATING UNAPOLOGETICALLY IS NOT AS EASY as it sounds. I always found it interesting that many women in meetings, when introducing themselves, state their name and then their
familial status while the men state their name AND THEN THEIR TITLE 4HIS IS LINKED TO THE FACT that the type of accomplishments that are given weight by society is what we sub consciously align ourselves with to garner acceptance. ‡ &INDING A SISTERHOOD TO LIFT AND CELEBRATE one another has been paramount to my CONkDENCE 'IVEN THAT MOST OF THE ISSUES WE FACE AS WOMEN ARE PARTLY SIMILAR ) kND IT very helpful to surround myself with women LEADERS WHO ARE ON A SIMILAR JOURNEY AND WITH similar moral values. One of my mentors is a woman whom I deeply admire, and she provides me with invaluable support. I am thrilled that this past year has been the year where barriers have been shattered, and we are seeing better gender balance in leadership. We are invited to the party, but it is important for the rules of engagement at the party to be equally accessible. IPS
"ETHLEHEM -ENGISTU IS 7ATER!ID #OUNTRY $IRECTOR IN %THIOPIA
Regions 7 dead as dump truck plunges into ravine ˜ The Manila Times
MONDAY April 22, 2019
w w w.manilatimes.net
BYÂ DEXTER A. SEE
T
ABUK CITY, Kalinga: Seven people died, while 15 others were injured after a fully-loaded dump truck they were riding suffered engine trouble while ascending the road then plunged into a five-meter deep ravine at Sitio Binongsay, Barangay Malina-awa, on Saturday.
Police said dead on the spot were Crisenta Casirayan, Lucita Mangagom and Doming Matalang, while declared dead on arrival in different hospitals were 'HELYN +HIM 'ALLEMA 2UkNA Limto Dawagon, 49; Jules Mangagom Aldester, 7; and Edmund Lagwingon Mangagom, all residents of New Tanglag, Tabuk City. The injured were identified
as Luming Gallamoy, 48; Gaspar Edoc; Willy Salida; Cecilia Balangui; Stallon Mangagom, a minor; Purinomo Galamto; Divine Mangagom, 18; Elvira Otal Simangon, 27; Aprilyn Otal, 25; Basilio Baydon; Dominador Casirayan, 52; Corazon Matalang, 54; Kiefer Gallamoy Simangan, 1; Nelia Malawis Sabaway, 50; and Jeniffer Malawis
P18-M shabu seized from Nigerians in Naga LEGAZPI CITY: Two Nigerians were arrested with P18 million worth of illegal drugs in separate buy busts over the weekend by antinarcotics operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Naga City. Chief Supt. Arnel Escobal, Bicol police director, identified the suspects as Azubuike Obiagjanwa Onwigbolu, 32, a businessman and resident of Angeles City, Pampanga and Mbaneto Sopuluchukwu, alias “Hermann Kurt Philip,� 22, residing at Acacia Estage, Manila. Onwigbolu was nabbed at Zone 3, Triangulo, Naga City at about 2:15 a.m. on Sunday. He arrived in the city on Thursday. A Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Camarines Sur poseur buyer and an informant were able to buy 200 grams of shabu worth P400,000 from Onwigbolu . The operatives also recovered
a plastic ice bag secured with a knot that contained shabu estimated by the Dangerous Drugs Board at P1.36 million. During the inventory, about P16 million worth of shabu were seized from Onwigbolu. Escobal said prior to Onwigbolu’s apprehension, Sopuluchukwu and Judith Balaquiao Camacho, 46, of Barangay San Jose, Bombon, Camarines Sur were arrested in separate operations on Black Saturday in Barangay Dinaga, Naga City. Seized from Sopuluchukwu and Camacho were P680,000 worth of shabu. Recovered from the suspects in the separate operations were a total of P18-million shabu. PNP-Bicol is conducting an investigation to determine if the two Nigerians are members of bigtime drug syndicates operating in the country. RHAYDZ B. BARCIA
COOLING OFF
Residents and local tourists cool themselves on the waterfalls of Wawa Dam in Rodriguez, Rizal to beat the summer heat. PHOTO BY ROGER RANADA
Ecozone to break ground for multi-billion peso hub SANTA ANA, Cagayan: The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) is set to break ground this month for its multi billion peso Global City, which comprises the ecozone’s corporate center and commercial center to be constructed on an 11-hectare property that opens into a stunning view of this coastal town’s white sand beaches. Secretary Raul Lambino, CEZA Cagayan administrator and chief executive officer, said the two buildings would be ready for occupancy by early next year. “The centers will also fill the demand for offices of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport’s first 26 Fintech (Financial Technology) principal licensees,� Lambino added. Meanwhile, local commercial banks and a fresh batch of business locators in the tourism and manufacturing sectors are also setting up offices in the corporate and commercial centers. CEZA is also now undergoing rehabilitation and improvement of dilapidated structures at Port Irene. “We are now constructing at least six warehouses due to great demand for space by port users importing construction materials and supplies and a variety of loose cargoes,� Lambino said. He added that Cagwei, a Chinese company, is in need of workers in its recently finished paper-recycling plant that could produce tons of regular and special papers for domestic use and for export to several countries in the AsiaPacific region.
Parks development CEZA had sought permission and authority from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to work with local government unit and various people’s organizations to begin development of parks. Lambino said the proposed Nangaramoan Eco-Tourism Park and the Palaui Island Eco-Tourism Park had been strongly endorsed to boost tourism in this town and nearby Palaui Island with emphasis on their unspoiled natural beauty. “We have to protect and preserve these natural tourism havens from commercial abuse. We will allow Santa Ana and Palaui Island to breathe, not to be choked by exploitation,� he added. CEZA, according to Lambino, would pursue its goal of development but “will not sacrifice the pristine environment for unplanned and unregulated tourism growth.� An existing RoRo (roll on-roll off) Port at San Vicente is currently expanding its causeway and wharf to service not only inter-island and fishing vessels but foreign cruise ships, as well later. Lambino said tourists marvel at the Spanish-era Cape Engano Lighthouse on Palaui Island, home to 21 commercial species of fish, including the blue-fin tuna. “Palaui is endowed with glorious white sand beaches and was even tagged by CNN Travel magazine as one of the top 10
Court junks plea of exSurigao Sur lawmaker THE Sandiganbayan Seventh Division has denied the motions for LEAVE OF COURT kLED BY A FORMER Surigao del Sur Rep. Peter Jed Paul Falco and the municipal treasurer of Lingig town for lack of merit. Charged for graft, Falco and municipal treasurer Ibrencio InDOYON kLED SEPARATE MOTIONS TO leave court to file demurrer to evidence over an alleged misuse of P18.93-million “pork barrel� funds on “ghost� communications equipment. In his motion, Falcon asserted that the prosecution failed to prove that the funds for the purchase of the equipment were sourced from his Priority Development Assistance Fund, as the delivery receipt and sales invoice were undated and not properly IDENTIkED BY THE PERSON WHO ALlegedly noted them.
He claimed that the memorandum of agreement was only notarized after payment had already been received by the supplier, insisting that it was inconsistent with the suballotment advice and testimony of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) director Ester Aldana that the source of fund was THE $),' /FkCE OF THE 3ECRETARY Indoyon, on the other hand, claimed that he only signed the disbursement vouchers certifying that funds were available as part of his duty, after the municipal ACCOUNTANT CERTIkED THE COMPLETEness of the document. But the anti-graft court noted that the motions were “bereft of merit,� as the prosecution was able to establish that funds were disbursed even if the equipment were not delivered to the municipality of Lingig. GLEE JALEA
beaches of the world and number one in southeast Asia,� he added. Located between the famous Pozo Robo and Anguib beaches, the Nangaramoan Eco-Tourism Park will service local tourists and foreign backpackers to enjoy year-round warm sea water, powdery white-sand beaches, coral reefs, among others. Nangaramoan Park, located in the northeastern part of Santa Ana overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, would be managed by CEZA in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the local government unit. Lambino said the local community would be tapped to operate the various facilities, including an infinity pool, a canopy walk, stilt cabanas and an extended zip line.
New advocacy CEZA’s new advocacy includes promoting medical tourism, facilitating private investments and developing retirement villages and aligned tourism facilities and putting in place best practices, international compliance, quality standards, building codes and environmental safeguards. “We have commissioned a local company to prepare a master development plan of the entire 54,000-hectare special economic zone and freeport as well as feasibility studies including financial viability for the different projects the CEZA board has approved,� Lambino said. LEANDER C. DOMINGO
Sabaway, 13. The ill-fated dump truck was driven by Mark John Sumal Lazaro, 20, of Mosimos, Dupag, Tabuk City, Initial investigation showed that the dump truck was heading towards Barangay Balawag. Upon reaching the ascending portion of the road, its engine stopped, then it slid backwards and fell into the
A7
ravine. Police investigators are still determining the real cause of the accident. The front portion of the dump truck was heavily damaged and its windshield was broken. Lazaro, who voluntarily surrendered, was under custody of the Tabuk City 0OLICE /FkCE AND AWAITING THE kLing of appropriate charges.
News QC approves P3.1-M Heat indices in 15 areas investment plan reach ‘danger’ level A8
˜ The Manila Times
MONDAY April 22, 2019
w w w.manilatimes.net
BY DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ
H
EAT indices in 15 areas across the country reached the “danger� level on Saturday, the state weather bureau said.
The highest heat index or highest level of human discomfort was recorded in Dagupan City, Pangasinan at 47.6 degrees Celsius (C), resulting from a temperature of 35.5 C and relative humidity of 62 percent at 2 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Sunday. 4HE kGURE HOWEVER IS STILL LOWER than the highest registered heat index during the dry season of 51.7 C
also in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on April 9. Pagasa also recorded danger levels in Aparri, Cagayan at 43.9 C; Sangley Point, Cavite at 43.8 C; Tuguegarao, Cagayan at 42.9 C; Cotabato City, Maguindanao at 42.8 C; Cuyo, Palawan at 42.7 C; San Jose City, Occidental Mindoro at 42.3 C; Ambulong in Batangas, Masin in Southern Leyte and Roxas City in Capiz at 42.2 C; Virac, Catanduanes at 42.0 C;
Calapan, Oriental Mindoro at 41.8 C; Casiguran, Aurora at 41.7 C; Tayabas City, Quezon at 41.4 C; and Infanta, Quezon at. 41.3 C. Metro Manila’s 38.1 C heat index at the Science Garden weather station in Diliman, Quezon City was in the level of “extreme caution,� falling within 32 C to 41 C. Pagasa said the danger heat indexes from 41 C to 54 C would likely cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion and probable heat stroke with continuous activity. Pagasa advised against outdoor activities between 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sun protection, light-colored clothes and keeping hydrated by drinking lots of water was also
advised. Pagasa weather specialist Gener Quitlong said that high temperature, humidity and heat index were brought about by the prevailing easterlies in the weather system, which would bring winds from THE 0ACIkC /CEAN Other factors such as longer daytime and exposure to the sun during the dry season, nearness to the sea, and lack of trees also contribute to the heat, Quitlong said. Quitlong said that hotter temperature, humidity and heat index were expected to reach their peak in May, when “two or three [Celsius] may be added to the prevailing 37 C we are experiencing now.�
Q POLLS FROM A1
SALUBONG Children play
Duterte
angels removing the black veil covering the image of the Virgin Mary during the traditional Catholic rite, ‘Salubong,’ at the Heart of Jesus and Mary Parish in Quezon City on Sunday. PHOTO BY RUY L. MARTINEZ
peace in our families and communities and foster greater harmony and understanding wherever and whenever it is most needed,� the President added. Duterte said Easter was an “occasion of hope and inspiration� for all Christians as it commemorates the death and resurrection of Christ. Also on Easter Sunday, Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo called on Filipinos to have hope in THE SACRIkCES OF *ESUS #HRIST AND TO NOT BE AFRAID IN kGHTING FOR THEIR well-deserved democracy. In her video message, Robredo also urged the public to use Jesus Christ’s resurrection in committing TO THEIR DAILY ENDEAVORS AND RElECTing on what could be done better. “I hope we are inspired by His resurrection to do good in our daily endeavors by applying His word. This is also a good chance TO RElECT OUR DEEDS AND MISTAKES that could be corrected,� she said. Easter Sunday, she said, “serves as a reminder that in the end, in SPITE OF THE DARKNESS AND DIFkCULties, kindness and love will still prevail.� RALPH U. VILLANUEVA AND GLEE JALEA
THE Quezon City (QC) Council has approved a resolution adopting the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for 2019 to fund various programs and projects of the city, its maintenance and other operating expenses. The Annual Investment Plan is a legal instrument by which a local government unit annually manages and financially supports its Local Development Plan and Local Development Investment Plan. The AIP constitutes the total resource requirements for all programs, projects and activities for the fiscal year 2019, including the annual capital expenditures and the regular operating requirements of the local government unit. According to City Resolution 7747-2019, introduced by Councilors Raquel Malaùgen, Franz Pumaren, Godofredo Liban 2nd and Alexis Herrera, the City Council allotted the amount of P3,110,545,444 for the city’s AIP. The city government under Mayor Herbert Bautista proposed a budget of P21.5 billion for fiscal year 2019. Meanwhile, Quezon City’s contractual public health workers were set to receive their hazard pay, according to an ordinance recently approved by Bautista. Ordinance SP 2816-2019, spon-
sored by Liban, approves the granting of hazard pay to contractual public health workers of Novaliches District Hospital, Quezon City General Hospital and Quezon City Health Department in accordance with Republic Act 7305. The law, also known as the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers, mandates the giving of hazard pay to “all persons engaged in health and healthrelated work, employed in all hospitals, sanitation, health centers and other health-related establishments, owned and operated by the government or its political subdivisions, regardless of their employment status.� The law also provides that public health workers in hospitals shall be compensated hazard allowances equivalent to at least 25 percent of the monthly basic salary of health workers. Under Department of Budget and Management and Department of Health Joint Circular 1, series of 2016, hazard pay may be granted to public health workers if the nature of their duties and responsibilities, their actual services and location of work expose them to great danger, occupational risks, perils to life and physical hardships, as determined by the secretary of health or by the head of agency or the local chief executive.
Q EASTER FROM A1
tion. Arrayed before the steps of the altar was a row of cardinals, wearing ivory robes. Behind them in the pews sat diplomats with their spouses and thousands of rankand-file Catholics, tourists and pilgrims. Among those in the basilica were eight adults who were baptized by the Pope during the Mass. The Vatican said these new faithful were from Italy, Albania, Ecuador, Indonesia and Peru. From a shellshaped silver dish, Francis poured holy water over the bowed heads OF THE THREE MEN AND kVE WOMEN after they walked up to him, one by one, and listened to him calling THEIR kRST NAMES On Sunday, Francis celebrated Easter Mass in late morning at St. Peter’s Square and delivered the “Urbi et Orbi� (to the city and to THE WORLD SPEECH RElECTING ON the world’s war-ravaged and other tense spots, while paying tribute to Catholics’ practicing their faith sometimes in the face of persecuTION OR OTHER DIFkCULTIES AP
Pope For Christians, Easter is a day of joy and hope, as they mark their belief that Jesus triumphed over death by resurrection following CRUCIkXION “Sin seduces; it promises things easy and quick, prosperity and success, but leaves behind only solitude and death,� the Pope said. “Sin is looking for life among the dead, for the meaning of life in things that pass away.� Encouraging the faithful, Francis said: “Why not prefer Jesus, the true light, to the glitter of wealth, career, pride and pleasure?� At the start of the ceremony on Easter’s eve, Francis, dressed in white robes, slowly carried a lit candle up the aisle of a darkened St. Peter’s Basilica. At the chant in Latin for “light of Christ,� the basilica’s lights were suddenly switched on in a dramatic tradi-
Support for illegitimate child whose father did not sign birth certificate Dear PAO, I had a long-time partner for 10 years. We never got married since we were just happy being together even if we had some financial problems. During our relationship, I bore a child, with him as the father. However, he forgot to SIGN OUR CHILD S BIRTH CERTIkCATE When our relationship turned sour and we eventually parted ways, the father of my child also stopped providing for monthly support. Can I oblige him to provide for monthly support despite the fact that he did not sign our CHILD S BIRTH CERTIkCATE ) HOPE YOU can assist me on this matter. Mirasol Dear Mirasol, Article 165 of the Family Code
Q CENTER FROM A1
Hidden looks like a small school except that it has tall bars, fully gated doors and windows with bars; and security guards stationed at every entrance and exit point. The facility remains operational until the new and bigger building in Payatas is fully furnished, according to Marisol Casabuena, OFkCER IN CHARGE OF THE -OLAVE Residential and Rehabilitation Division. With a budget of at least P30 million per year, the Galing Pook Foundation earlier recognized Molave in 2005 as one of the Top 10 Most Innovative Programs among local government units. It also garnered an Award for Continuing Excellence in 2015 for maintaining numerous social
DEAR PAO PERSIDA ACOSTA clearly provides that, “Children conceived and born outside a valid marriage are illegitimate.� Relating thereto, your child is considered an illegitimate child because he was born outside of a valid marriage. It is well settled that illegitimate children are entitled to receive support from their parents, but unlike a legitimate child who is automatically entitled to receive support from his father, an illegitimate child NEEDS TO BE DULY RECOGNIZED kRST BY
services catering to youth offenders undergoing rehabilitation. But how is life really like inside the facility? Minors who spend weeks, months or even years inside Molave take part in basic and special education programs, undergo household training, are provided medical and dental services, recreational services, and values formation apart from custodial care. “We offer diversion, intervention programs and activities by collaborating with the local government and other organizations TO HELP THE CHILD FULkLL REQUIREments of the local court as part of its assessment in his or her pending case,� Casabuena told The Manila Times in mixed English and Filipino. But with only a 250-standard capacity, Molave houses almost 400 minors, separated according to gender and age. With its 17 small dormitories (16 for boys,
the biological father before he/she may be entitled for support. While the act of the father in signing an ILLEGITIMATE CHILD S BIRTH CERTIkCATE is the best way of recognizing such child as his own, the same is not the only way in which an illegitimate child may prove his illegitimate kLIATION It is well to note in Article 172 in relation to Article 175 of the FamILY #ODE THAT PROOF OF kLIATION MAY be established by an illegitimate child, to wit: g!RTICLE 4HE kLIATION OF LEgitimate children is established by any of the following: “(1) The record of birth appearING IN THE CIVIL REGISTER OR A kNAL judgment; or “(2)An admission of legitimate
kLIATION IN A PUBLIC DOCUMENT OR a private handwritten instrument and signed by the parent concerned. “In the absence of the foregoing evidence, the legitimate filiation shall be proved by: “The open and continuous possession of the status of a legitimate child; or “Any other means allowed by the Rules of Court and special laws. (265a, 266a, 267a).� “Article 175. Illegitimate children may establish their illegitimate kLIATION IN THE SAME WAY AND ON the same evidence as legitimate children.� However, if the father of your child unjustly refused to recognize YOUR CHILD YOU MAY kLE AN ACTION for compulsory recognition and
support against him before the Family Court of the place where you or the father of your child resides. 4HIS MAY BE kLED ONLY DURING THE lifetime of the child, in light with Article 173 in relation to Article 175 of the Family Code, to wit: “Article 173. The action to claim legitimacy may be brought by the child during his or her lifetime and shall be transmitted to the heirs should the child die during minority or in a state of insanity. In these cases, the heirs shall have a period OF kVE YEARS WITHIN WHICH TO INSTItute the action.� “Article 175. The action must be brought within the same period SPECIkED IN !RTICLE EXCEPT WHEN the action is based on the second paragraph of Article 172, in which
and only one for girls), each room guarded by a house parent, it can only provide a maximum of 10 double-deck beds, built-in cabinets, and supposed comfort rooms which are not entirely separated by proper windows and doors. The Times was allowed a tour the facility, but only in selected parts of the building — the adMINISTRATIVE OFkCES THE COMMON room, the girls’ dormitory, and the laundry room. Almost a year after he was released from Molave, 18-year-old John Carlo Gambito, only recalls the tough side of his 10-day stay in the facility. “When you’re outside, it looks like a school, but around 45 people are made to fit inside a dorm. You will not notice that more and more people are brought to the room every night. I couldn’t sleep. There are no beds. There is ONLY THE lOOR AND A BLANKET ONLY
when our ‘big brother’ lends us one,� Gambito said. “You are supposed to do chores or else they will punish you. You should do an Indian-sit for a week, face down. That’s why you can only follow what you are told, or else your record will be ruined in the log book. They will give it to the judge and your evaluation might not turn out good,� he added. Initially accused of using drugs, Gambito was turned over to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City. He has since continued studying after the local court cleared him. But for Casabuena, such kind of evaluation was only normal, especially for a child who had only stayed in Molave for a few days or weeks. “He was only here for 10 days so it’s usually like that. For those
who have stayed for less than two weeks, not everyone can fully understand and appreciate our programs and services because they want to be released immediately. But for those who stayed longer, they do appreciate our programs which educate and offer basic skills that can help them start over,� she said. In the past three years, theft and physical injury are the top offenses committed by CICL, according to the Philippine National Police. Theft cases reportedly decreased from 3,905 in 2016 to 1,813 last year. Cases of physical injury also decreased from 2,331 to 1,086. Although not considered a top offense, violation of Republic Act 9165 or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act,� is also listed among the crimes mentioned above. In 2017 and 2018, Molave admitted children at least 12 years
case the action may be brought during the lifetime of the alleged parent. (289a)� Once your child’s illegitimate kLIATION HAS BEEN DULY ESTABLISHED the court shall issue an order compelling the father of your child to recognize the latter, and to provide FOR kNANCIAL SUPPORT 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 OfkCE 1UESTIONS FOR #HIEF !COSTA MAY be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net of age who have used illegal drugs, apart from those who were accused of theft, robbery and malicious mischief. On January 28, lawmakers apPROVED ON THIRD AND kNAL READing House Bill (HB) 8858, an amended bill which lowers the minimum age of social responsibility to 12 years. HB 8858 mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development to fund and oversee Bahay Pag-asa centers which provide short-term residential care for CICL aged 12 to 17 who are committed for rehabilitation or are awaiting court disposition of their cases. House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo previously sought passage of the proposed measure initially tagged as one of the priority bills under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
MONDAY APRIL 22, 2019
What’s inside TOWER SHARING BUSINESS LIMITED TO 10 FIRMS – DICT BusinessB2
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PROFIT DROP HITS CEBU AIR SHARES
ÂťStock WatchB3
COSCO CAPITAL SETS 2019 CAPEX AT P5.8B
ÂťCorporate NewsB3
BIR to file cigarette tax case
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) IS SET TO kLE A TAX EVASION CASE THIS week against an alleged manufacturer of fake cigarettes in Pangasinan. g7E WILL kLE THE CASE ON !PRIL It’s a big case. Actually its basis will be the fake internal revenue stamps we DISCOVERED ;LAST YEAR=w u ")2 OFkCER Remedios Advincula Jr. told reporters last week. Advincula was referring to a raid conducted in November against a illegal cigarette factory in Barangay Portic in Bugallon, Pangasinan. At least P2 billion worth of cigarettes packed and imprinted with unregistered tax stamps, along with fake brand labels, was seized during the raid. Authorities later discovered that the factory had been given a barangay permit to operate as a piggery. !ROUND WORKERS INCLUDING kVE
ÂłCase B3
Business Times
B1
www.manilatimes.net
Budget deficit narrows in March; goals missed T BY MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO
HE GOVERNMENT INCURRED A DEkCIT IN -ARCH AND also missed its expenditure targets as a budget impasse continued to limit its capability to spend.
The P58.409-billion shortfall was narrower than the P76.373 billion posted in February, Treasury bureau data released over the weekend showed. It fell short of the P119.423 billion targeted for the month and was also
LOWER THAN THE 0 BILLION DEkCIT recorded a year earlier. Government revenues rose by 13.1 percent to P228.918 billion, from P202.360 billion last year, while expenditures fell by
ÂłDeficit B3
SHARES OUTLOOK FOR THE WEEK:
Will the price of Puregold Thin trading seen ahead of May polls shares breach P50.30? S
THE stock market is likely to continue trading sideways this week following a Holy Week break, with investors expected to be in wait and see mode ahead of the upcoming May elections. Diversified Securities Inc. trader Aniceto Pangan forecast thin trading volumes leading up to the May 13 polls, a view echoed by Eagle Equi-
ties Inc. research head Christopher Mangun who said “investors [will wait until] after the election before THEY START TO CONSIDER GETTING BACK IN u Factors that could potentially move the market moving forward, said Pangan, are fresh first quarter earnings RESULTS INlATION DATA DUE THE kRST WEEK of May and developments in trade
negotiations between the United States and China. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index grew 0.11 percent or 8.69 points to close at 7,835.15 on Wednesday, while the broader All Shares rose 0.18 percent or 8.54 points to end at 4,836.68. ANGELICA BALLESTEROS
Growth to hit target despite H1 dip PHILIPPINE economic growth could marginally accelerate this year, to 6.3 percent from 6.2 percent in 2018, on the back of higher household spending, anING Bank Manila economist said. “Growth this year will likely settle in the 6.0-7.0 target set by the government, although I note that 1H (first half) performance will likely see a dip before an eventual rebound in the last six months of the year,� ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa told The Manila Times.
“Household final consumption which is roughly 65 percent of the economy will be back with inflation sliding nicely back within the target. Last year, we saw how consumption had taken a back seat, especially in the second half after inflation peaked,� he added. Above-target inflation, which to 6.7 percent in October, prompted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipas to raise key rates five consecutive times last year. Consumer price growth has since eased to 3.3 percent as of March, within the BSP’s
2.0-4.0 percent target. Risks to growth, Mapa said, include delays in the 2019 national budget and a widening trade gap.  “Given this landscape, we still expect growth to be challenged in the first half,� Mapa said. Last week’s resolution of the budget impasse, along with expected policy rate cuts and reserve requirement reductions, will contribute to the second semester rebound, he added. ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES
M Investments Corp. (SMIC) portrays the public as holders of 533.577 million SMIC common shares, or 44.30 percent of 1.205 billion outstanding SMIC common shares as of March 31, 2019. As the company’s public stockholders, their 44.30 percent holdings should have entitled them to even a directorship. Yet, they are not. It seems SMIC, which is the listed holding company of the group, which businessman Henry Sy Sr. and his family own, prefers the appointment of three independent directors, namely, Joseph R. Higdon, Tomasa H. Lipan, and Alfredo E. Pascual. A public ownership report (POR) listed Lipana as direct holder of 150 SMIC common shares, Pascual, 10 SMIC common shares and Higdon, 187 SMIC common shares. If they were regular directors, they would have needed at least 133,842,541 SMIC common shares to qualify as members
of the board. As a listed stock, SMIC reported on the website of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) 1.205 billion outstanding SMIC common shares, which are ALL LISTED )T CLASSIkED PERCENT AS ITS gFREE lOAT LEVELu WHICH WOULD BE equivalent to 925.386 million SMIC common shares. ! gFREE lOAT LEVELu OF PERCENT would mean SM Investments’ public STOCKHOLDERS ARE THE COMPANY S SIGNIkcant stockholders but are not entitled to a seat in its nine-person board. On April 17, 2019, SM common shares opened trading at P940, hit a
ÂłPerez B2
B2
Business Times
˜ The Manila Times
w w w.manilatimes.net
MONDAY April 22, 2019
Tower sharing business limited to 10 firms – DICT O BY LISBET K. ESMAEL
NLY PLAYERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE COUNTRY S TOWER SHARING BUSINESS THE $EPARTMENT OF )NFORMATION AND #OMMUNICATIONS 4ECHNOLOGY $)#4 RECENTLY SAID
While the government continues to ink memorandum of understanding (MoU) and entertain potential tower providers, the market will be limited to only 10 companies, acting DICT chief Eliseo Rio Jr. said. Once tower companies (towercos) secure a business transaction with a telco
carrier, the DICT will sign a memorandum of agreement under which it will provide support in terms of facilitating government approvals. “As far as trying to get all interested tower companies to sign an MOU with DICT is concerned, there is no limit. But all those who signed MOUs with DICT
will be vetted on their capability to get BUSINESS FROM THE TELCOS u HE SAID g7E ARE kNALIZING THE POLICY GUIDELINES for the common towers by the end of April, where there is a proof of concept involving at least 1,000 common towers, where only the top 10 towercos able TO GET BUSINESS WILL BE REGISTERED u 2IO added. The common tower initiative already has 20 possible towercos — ISOC Infrastructures, Inc.; ISON ECP Tower Pte. Ltd.; IHS Holding Ltd. (IHS Towers); edotco Group Sdn Bhd; China Energy Equipment Co. Ltd.; RT Telecom Sdn Bhd.; Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc.; MGS Construction, Inc.;
Frontier Tower Associates Management Pte. Ltd.; the consortium of Global Networks, Inc. (GNI) and JTower, Inc.; American Tower Corp. (ATC); J.S. Cruz Construction and Development, Inc.; Desarrollos Terrestres (DT Towers); Taimon Industrial Service Corp., Crei Management Services Fze; Tiger Infrastructure Private Unlimited; UA Withya Public Co. Ltd.; and Wing-An Construction and Development Corp. and China Construction First Group Corp. Ltd. Opening the industry to more players is seen to hasten the deployment of 50,000 cell sites across the Philippines. The country currently has less than 20,000 towers.
Q PEREZ FROM B1
Will the price high of P943, fell to a low of P925 and closed the day’s session at P930. The stock peaked at 30-day high of P980 and dropped to a month’s low of P901.
Gotianuns’ FDC The Gotianuns own Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC), which has as outstanding 8.648 billion FDC common shares. Its issued common shares total 9.320 billion of which 7.717 billion common shares are listed. While having more than 8.648 outstanding FDC common shares, FDC’s public stockholders account for 10.70 percent, which, when computed, equals 925.386 million FDC common shares. They should have accumulated at least 1.235 billion FDC common shares to qualify to a seat in the company’s seven-person board. A public ownership report (POR) as of March 31, 2019 listed A.L. Gotianun Inc. as direct holder of 7.588 billion FDC common shares and indirect ownership of 61.827 million FDC common shares for total holdings of 7.65 billion FDC common shares, or 88.45 percent. It also listed Team Gladiola Inc. as direct holder of 123,000 FDC common shares and indirect ownership of 3.583 million FDC common shares, for total holdings of 3.706 million FDC common shares. As principal stockholders, according to the same POR, A.L. Gotianun and Team Gladiola had combined holdings of 7.653 billion FDC common shares, or 88.45 percent. When computed, the percentage was 88.494 percent. Apparently, the Gotianuns’ computations resulted in FDC having 8,652,748,921 outstanding common shares and not 8,648,462,987 as reported in POR. On April 17, 2019, FDC common shares opened the trading session at P14.72, peaked at P15, dropped to a low of P14.58 before closing at P14.98. The stock recorded a month’s high of P16.30 and a 30-day low of P13.84.
Cos are Puregold’s owners Lucio P. Co and wife Susan P. Co, owners of Puregold Price Club Inc. (PGold), which has 2.87 billion outstanding common shares of which 32.61 percent of OUTSTANDING IS FREE lOAT LEVEL 4HE STOCK HAS 0 PAR value and was last traded at P44.40 on April 17, 2019. In a definitive information statement (DIS), Puregold said it will hold on May 14, 2019 its annual stockholders’ meeting at Acacia Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. “Stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 16, 2019 are entitled to notice of, and vote AT SUCH MEETING u 0'OLD SAID IN ITS $)3 In a POR as of March 31, 2019, PGold reported having 19.981 million treasury shares. It listed two principal stockholders with combined holdings of 9.155 million PGold common shares. These were Camille Clarisse P. Co as direct holder of 8.155 million common shares and Katrina Marie P. Co who also directly owned more than one million common shares. As chairman of PGold’s nine-man board, Lucio, the patriarch, directly held 211.086 million common shares, or 7.36 percent of outstanding common shares. His wife, Susan, on the other hand, directly held 178.243 million PGold common shares, or 6.21 percent. In the DIS, Lucio and Susan disclosed their nomination of two independent directors, who, according to them, “have no relation with the nominated independent directors nor are they employees or CONSULTANTS OF THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS AFkLIATES
Compensation Lucio and Susan, vice chairman, are among PGold’s kVE HIGHEST PAID EXECUTIVES 4HE OTHERS ARE &ERDINAND Vincent P. Co, president; Antonio Delos Santos, headoperation and Teodoro Polinga, comptroller. PGold paid the three Cos and two other executives P15,855,129 in 2017; and P15,870,417 in 2018. In 2019, the company said it would pay them P16,130,417. In is DIS, which serves as the company’s call for fellow stockholders to attend PGold’s annual meetING gALL OTHER OFkCERS AS A GROUP UNNAMEDu WERE paid P105,887,063 in 2017; and P122,246,637 in 2018. This year, it would pay the group P132,026,368. “All directors receive per diem of P50,000 per board meeting and P20,000 per committee meetING u 0'OLD SAID IN THE $)3 4HE COMPANY ADDED THAT gTHEY u REFERRING TO THE NINE DIRECTORS gRECEIVE no salary or compensation from the company other than the directors’ fees when they attend board or COMMITTEE MEETINGS u Like other listed companies, PGold also said “the company has no other arrangement related to renuMERATION OF ITS EXISTING DIRECTORS AND OFkCERS ASIDE FROM THE COMPENSATION RECEIVED AS ABOVE STATED u As in other companies whether listed or not listed, 0'OLD SAID ITS EXECUTIVE OFkCERS ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE RETIREMENT BENEkTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND conditions of the company’s retirement plan and OTHER BENEkTS PRESCRIBED BY LABOR LAWS On April 17, 2019, PGold common shares opened trading at P44 and hit a high of P44.55 but fell to a low of P44 before closing the session at P44, which happened to be the stock’s opening price. With its price hitting a 30-day high of P50.30 but fell to month’s low of P43.70, when will PGold peak again? Just asking.
esdperez@gmail.com
DELOITTE ON THE DOT
IMELDA TAPAY-LAPRES
Due to space constraints, Deloitte on the Dot will instead be published on Tuesday.
Stock Watch
˜ The Manila Times
w w w.manilatimes.net
MONDAY April 22, 2019
B3
Profit drop hits Cebu Air shares BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS
B
UDGET carrier Cebu Air Inc. saw its shares drop by 1.2 percent during a shortened trading week, with analysts blaming a SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF LOWER PROkTS 3HARES OF THE COMPANY OPENED lAT AT 0 LAST -ONDAY AND SLIPPED BY PERCENT THE FOLLOWING DAY 0 BEFORE RISING PERCENT ON 7EDNESDAY TO 0 4HIS HOWEVER WAS LOWER THAN ITS 0 kNISH LAST
!PRIL /N A YEAR TO DATE BASIS #EBU !IR SHARES ARE UP PERCENT FROM 0 AT THE START OF THE YEAR BUT ITS CURRENT PRICE IS STILL LOWER THAN A 0 PEAK HIT LAST &EBRUARY
30-DAY STOCK PERFORMANCE
$IVERSIkED 3ECURITIES )NC TRADER !NICETO 0ANGAN POINTED TO LOWER NET INCOME LAST YEAR PLUS HIGHER FUEL AND INPUT COSTS WHICH ALSO WEIGHED ON PARENT kRM *' 3UMMIT (OLDINGS )NC AS HAVING TRIGGERED SELL OFFS #EBU !IR LAST MONTH REPORTED A PERCENT PLUNGE IN NET INCOME TO 0 BILLION FROM 0 BILLION IN GIVEN gCHALLENGING MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT u 4HIS CAME DESPITE REVENUES HAVING RISEN PERCENT TO 0 BILLION
FROM 0 BILLION YEAR ON YEAR ! YEAR EARLIER THE BUDGET CARRI ER S PROkT ALSO FELL BY PERCENT ALSO DUE TO HIGHER FUEL PRICES AND A WEAKER PESO !S FOR THE PARENT *' 3UMMIT S CORE NET INCOME FELL PERCENT TO 0 BILLION IN FROM 0 BILLION A YEAR EARLIER A RE SULT ATTRIBUTED TO gHIGHER FUEL AND INPUT COSTS AS WELL AS THE WEAKER PESOu THAT HAD AFFECTED #EBU !IR AND OTHER SUBSIDIARIES *' 3UMMIT 0ETROCHEMICAL #ORP AND 5NIVERSAL
PROFITABILITY
FINANCIAL CONDITION Year 2016
Total Assets
2OBINA #ORP ,OOKING AHEAD 0HILSTOCKS &I NANCIAL )NC RESEARCH ASSOCIATE *APHET ,OUIS 4ANTIANGCO SAID #EBU !IR COULD SEE A LIFT FROM CONTINU OUS INVESTMENTS IN AIRCRAFT TECH NOLOGIES THE CARGO BUSINESS AND THE REOPENING OF "ORACAY ISLAND IN !KLAN &UEL PRICES REMAIN THE MAIN RISK HE CONTINUED A VIEW SHARED BY 0ANGAN !S OF !PRIL PRICES OF 7EST 4EXAS )NTERMEDIATE CRUDE
Total Liabilities
Shareholders’ Equity
P/E
P/E growth
ratio
(%)
ratio
Apr. 15
12.9231
-
1.2618
Date
Price to book
100,514,342,283
67,009,069,764
33,505,272,519
2017
109,076,668,278
69,291,088,912
39,785,579,366
Apr. 16
12.5692
-
1.2273
2018
129,391,482,516
89,289,349,237
40,102,133,279
Apr. 17
12.7692
1.59
1.2468
Apr. 18
-
-
-
Apr. 19
-
-
-
*amounts in thousand pesos
HIGH
FINANCIAL RATIOS
LOW
AVERAGE
Year
Market capitalization: P49,124,963,258.00 Outstanding shares: 601,284,740
Date
Close
Date
Close
Apr 17, 2019
83
Mar 25, 2019
81.15
Apr 16, 2019
81.7
Mar 22, 2019
84.15
Apr 15, 2019
84
Apr 12, 2019 Apr 11, 2019
84 87
Mar 21, 2019 Mar 20, 2019 Mar 19, 2019
83.15 81 80.75
Apr 10, 2019
85
Mar 18, 2019
80.75
Apr 08, 2019
84.8
Apr 05, 2019 Apr 04, 2019
86 83.5
Mar 15, 2019 Mar 14, 2019
81.6 83.5
Mar 13, 2019
81.85
Apr 03, 2019 Apr 02, 2019 Apr 01, 2019
81.85 82.7 81.4
Mar 29, 2019
82.95
Mar 12, 2019 Mar 11, 2019 Mar 08, 2019 Mar 07, 2019
81.5 82.35 85 84.8
Mar 28, 2019 Mar 27, 2019
82 81.45
*amounts in peso
Mar 06, 2019
81.4
Mar 25, 2019
81.15
*amounts in peso
Return on Equity (%)
Debt to Equity ratio
Common ratio
2016
9.70
29.11
2.0000
0.5445
2017
7.25
19.88
1.7416
0.7417
2018
3.03
9.78
2.2265
0.7476
Q DEFICIT FROM B1
CLOSE
30-day high: P88.80 30-day low: P79.00
Return on Assets (%)
Budget PERCENT TO 0 BILLION FROM 0 BILLION ! MONTH EARLIER REVENUES ROSE BY PERCENT WHILE EXPENDITURES FELL BY PERCENT 4HE LATEST RESULT LED TO A FIRST QUARTER SHORTFALL OF 0 BILLION PERCENT LOWER COMPARED TO THE 0 BILLION POSTED IN THE COM PARABLE PERIOD )T WAS ALSO PERCENT OR 0 BILLION LOWER THAN PROGRAMMED 4HE GOVERNMENT IS TARGETING A BUDGET DEkCIT OF 0 BILLION OR PERCENT OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT '$0 FOR ,AST YEAR S 0 BILLION SHORTFALL WAS EQUIVALENT TO
Net income Earnings per share Book value per share *Net income in millions
PERCENT OF '$0 2ECKONED FROM THE START OF REVENUES WERE UP PERCENT YEAR ON YEAR AT 0 BILLION AS OF END -ARCH 4AX AND CUSTOMS COLLECTIONS IM PROVED BY PERCENT AND PERCENT RESPECTIVELY .ATIONAL 4REASURER 2OSA LIA DE ,EON SAID IN A REPORT SHARED BY &INANCE 3ECRETARY #ARLOS $OMINGUEZ RD WITH REPORTERS 3HE ADDED THAT NON TAX EARNINGS ROSE BY PERCENT TO 0 BILLION ON THE BACK OF HIGHER DIVIDENDS FROM "ANGKO 3ENTRAL NG 0ILIPINAS AND 0HIL IPPINE $EPOSIT )NSURANCE #ORP -EANWHILE THE g0 BILLION DAILY UNDERSPENDING FOR PRIMARY EXPENDITURESu RESULTED IN LOWER THAN PROGRAMMED STATE SPENDING IN THE kRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR DE ,EON ALSO REPORTED
2016 9,754 16.1
2017 7,907 13.05
2018 3,922 6.5
55.29
65.66
66.57
WERE UP BY PERCENT TO PER BARREL WHILE "RENT CRUDE ROSE PERCENT TO PER BARREL !S PART OF ITS EXPANSION PLANS MEANWHILE #EBU !IR HAS INCREASED lIGHT FREQUENCIES AND CAPACITY FOR ITS #EBU AND #LARK HUBS )NTER NATIONALLY THE COMPANY OPENED lIGHTS TO 3HANGHAI AND INCREASED lIGHTS TO !USTRALIA AND *APAN #EBU !IR HAS ALLOTTED MIL LION FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES THIS YEAR PART OF WHICH WILL BE USED TO kNANCE AIRCRAFT ACQUISITIONS
FOURTH QUARTER REPORT (2018) NET INCOME P 1,142,114,679 TOTAL ASSETS P129,391,482,516 TOTAL LIABILITIES P89,289,349,237 TOTAL EQUITY P40,102,133,279 FINANCIAL RATIOS Return on Assets: 0.88% Return on Equity: 2.85% Debt-to-Equity Ratio: 2.2265 Common Ratio: 0.7476
*amounts in pesos
*ANUARY -ARCH EXPENDITURES TOTALED 0 BILLION PERCENT HIGHER THAN A YEAR AGO BUT 0 BILLION LESS THAN THE ESTIMATED PROGRAMMED FUNDS OF 0 BILLION g,OOKS LIKE WE DIDN T SPEND A BIT OVER 0 BILLION PER DAY VERSUS PRO GRAM u $OMINGUEZ FOR HIS PART SAID g;)T= WILL DEFINITELY BE A DRAG TO GROWTH u THE &INANCE CHIEF ADDED WHEN ASKED FOR AN ASSESSMENT 4HE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN OPERATING ON LAST YEAR S 0 TRILLION BUDGET SINCE THE START OF THE YEAR 4HIS MEANS AGENCIES CAN ONLY SPEND FOR ITEMS DETAILED IN THE OUTLAY AND CAN NOT EMBARK ON PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS SUPPOSED TO BE IMPLEMENTED THIS YEAR 4HE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET WAS ONLY SIGNED LAST WEEK BY 0RESIDENT 2ODRIGO $UTERTE FOLLOWING MONTHS OF DELAY
Q CASE FROM B1
BIR to file #HINESE WERE SAID TO HAVE BEEN FOUND WORKING IN THE ILLEGAL CIGARETTE FACTORY #ONTRABAND CIGARETTES HAVE BEEN BLAMED BY THE &INANCE DEPARTMENT AS A SIGNIkCANT SOURCE OF LOST REVENUES AND THE ")2 RECENTLY SAID THAT THE IL LEGAL TOBACCO TRADE HAD SHIFTED FROM SMUGGLING CIGARETTES TO PRODUCING COUNTERFEITS USING UNDOCUMENTED MACHINES ACQUIRED FROM #HINA 4HE BUREAU ALSO RECENTLY DISCOVERED A NEW SCHEME BEING USED BY ILLICIT TOBACCO TRADERS TO AVOID TAXES 2ECYCLED TAX STAMPS ‡ GATHERED BY MEANS OF A PROMO WHERE THESE ARE EXCHANGED FOR GOODS ‡ ARE REPORTEDLY BEING USED TO SELL FAKE CIGARETTES MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO
Corporate News
Cosco Capital sets 2019 capex at P5.8B BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS
L
UCIO CO-led retail holding firm Cosco Capital Inc. has set a 4-percent increase in 2019 capital expenditures (capex), to P5.8 billion from P5.6 billion last year, to be primarily used for expansion.
)N A PRESENTATION TO INVESTORS #OSCO #APITAL SAID SUBSIDIARY 0UREGOLD 0RICE #LUB )NC WOULD BE GIVEN THE BULK AT 0 BILLION WITH THE REST GOING TO THE PROP ERTY BUSINESS 0 MILLION AND /FkCE 7AREHOUSE 0 MILLION 4HE MONEY WILL COME FROM IN TERNALLY GENERATED CASH AND SHORT TERM UNTAPPED BANK CREDIT LINES 4HE HOLDING kRM REPORTED A PERCENT JUMP IN CONSOLI DATED NET INCOME TO 0 BILLION
LAST YEAR FROM THE 0 BILLION REPORTED IN SAID TO HAVE BEEN BUOYED BY THE COUNTRY S CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH #ONSOLIDATED REVENUES IN CREASED BY PERCENT TO 0 BILLION FROM 0 BILLION IN /N A STAND ALONE BASIS 0URE GOLD REPORTED AN PERCENT INCREASE IN ITS NET INCOME LAST YEAR TO 0 BILLION BUOYED BY STRONG SAME STORE SALES GROWTH
#OSCO S LIQUOR DISTRIBUTION BUSI NESS MEANWHILE SAW A PERCENT JUMP IN NET INCOME TO 0 MILLION WHILE UNIT ,IQUIGAZ 0HIL IPPINES #ORP S PROFIT INCREASED PERCENT TO 0 MILLION 4HE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SEGMENT POSTED A PERCENT IN CREASE IN NET INCOME TO 0 BILLION WHILE /FkCE 7AREHOUSE RECORDED PERCENT GROWTH IN REVENUES TO 0 BILLION ,AST YEAR #OSCO #APITAL OPENED A TOTAL OF NEW 0URE GOLD STORES 3 2 7AREHOUSE #LUBS AND NEW 3 2 QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS 4HE COMPANY S SHARE PRICE FELL PERCENT TO 0 ON 7EDNES DAY BUCKING A PERCENT RISE FOR THE BENCHMARK 0HILIPPINE 3TOCK %XCHANGE INDEX
Steel Asia expansion to boost employment A SUBSTANTIAL number of jobs is expected to be created as Steel Asia Manufacturing Corp. continues to expand capacity amid growing construction sector demand, the Trade department said. “With the expansion of Steel Asia, jobs in the steel industry are expected to double from the present 10,500 personnel to around 21,000. Job multipliers in support industries will also result in creating 52,500 more jobs, doubling the support industries job output to around 126,000,� Steel Asia President Benjamin Yao was quoted as saying in a statement. “Once the HBIS (Hebei Iron and Steel Group) integrated steel facility becomes operational along with the revival of the
flat segment, steel industry jobs and its related industries could also potentially double up to 300,000 personnel,� he added. The steel manufacturer has an ongoing five-year P105-billion expansion program, P66 billion of which is registered with the Board of Investments. Steel Asia’s expansion projects are “in varying degrees of construction, commissioning or full-operational,� the Trade department noted. Last December, Steel Asia, HBIS, Huili Investment Fund Co. Ltd., the Trade and Defense departments inked a deal for a $4.4-billion integrated steel facility inside the Phividec Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental.
The Mindanao steel facility will produce “major intermediate steel products� including billets and slabs that are currently only sourced from imports, the Trade department said. The Steel Asia chief said that the firm’s bid to expand capacity was in a response to rising demand for steel amid the government’s “Build Build Build� infrastructure program. “The steel industry has been keeping pace with our strong GDP (gross domestic product) growth. This year, industry forecasts that steel consumption will rise by about 6 percent to around 11.1 million tons. Last year, steel consumption topped 10.5 million tons,� Yao said. TYRONE C. PIAD
B4
Special Feature
MONDAY April 22, 2019
˜ The Manila Times
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E A R T H D AY 2 0 1 9
Protect our species A call to educate and raise awareness about the accelerating rate of extinction of millions of species
C
L I M AT E c h a n g e , d e f o r e s t a t i o n , unsustainable agriculture, pollution and pesticides — these extreme human activities have caused harm and danger not only to humans, but also to other living species, such as plants and animals, taking shelter in this planet called Earth.
)N THE LAST MILLION YEARS SINCE the extinction of dinosaurs, which are believed to have inhabited the PLANET PRIOR TO HUMAN CIVILIZATION SCIENTISTS ESTIMATE THAT THE PLANET IS FACING A MASSIVE EXTINCTION RATE OF A VAST NUMBER OF SPECIES ACROSS the globe. !T A NORMAL RATE SCIENTISTS explained that between one and kVE SPECIES GO EXTINCT ON AN ANNUAL BASIS (OWEVER THIS NUMBER HAS REACHED ALARMING RATES AS the planet now loses species at AROUND TO TIMES THE NORMAL RATE Not only that, the decline in species have also declined its habitat, variation and biodiversity, AMONG OTHER PRESSING ISSUES AND it is all said to be heavily affected BY HUMAN ACTIVITY MOST NOTABLY since the industrial revolution. As it celebrates 49 years of the MODERN ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT today, April 22, the Earth Day organization, Earth Day Network, honors the planet’s habitants, with ITS THEME CAMPAIGN AND BATTLE CRY focused on “Protect our species.� 4HE CAMPAIGN AIMS TO EDUCATE and raise awareness about the accelerating rate of extinction of MILLIONS OF SPECIES AND THE CAUSES and consequences of the pheNOMENON ACHIEVE MAJOR POLICY victories that protect broad groups of species as well as individual speCIES AND THEIR HABITATS BUILD AND ACTIVATE A GLOBAL MOVEMENT THAT
EMBRACES NATURE AND ITS VALUES and encourage individual actions such as adopting plant based diet and stopping pesticide and herbicide use.
Global species decline Data posted on the Earth Day Network’s website listed 10 facts on the current situation of the PLANET S MASS EXTINCTION COVERING SPECIES ACROSS ANIMALS AND PLANTS $UE TO THE CURRENT gNORMALu extinction rate the planet faces today, scientists fear that with the MULTIPLE EXTINCTIONS HAPPENING DAILY MULTIPLE SPECIES MAY HAVE likewise disappear before given the chance to be studied or learned OF THE BENEkTS THEY BRING TO THE PLANET AND ITS ENTIRE ECOSYSTEM Meanwhile, a new study suggested that the insect population IN 'ERMANY HAVE DECREASED BY MORE THAN PERCENT IN THE LAST YEARS AFFECTING PERCENT OF WILD plants that rely on these insects FOR POLLINATION AND PERCENT OF bird species that rely on insects as source of food. 3CIENTISTS POINT THIS MASSIVE decline to habitat destruction, EXPLOITATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE as the driving forces for the loss OF HALF OF THE WORLD S WILD ANIMAL population. Included in the declining speCIES IS THE PRIMATE POPULATION which is facing an extraordinary
THREAT AS ABOUT PERCENT OF ITS 504 species is facing extinction while 75 percent is in severe population decline. /N TO MARINE LIFE MORE THAN MARINE MAMMALS ARE ANNUALLY CAUGHT OR SERIOUSLY INJURED BY kSHING GEAR WORLDWIDE PRIMARily declining the whale population THAT IS COMPOSED OF KNOWN whale species. In fact, over the last 20 years, 75 percent of all toothed whale species (such as dolphins, porpoises AND PERCENT OF BALEEN WHALE SPECIES ALONG WITH PERCENT OF pinniped species (sea lions) have been affected through bycatch in kSHING OPERATIONS WORLDWIDE Even the world’s bird species have declined by 40 percent, while IN BIRDS IS THREATENED WITH global extinction. ,AND MAMMALS TOO ARE EXperiencing a crucial decline in population. Around the world, big cats such as tigers, leopards and cheetahs are exploited for body parts and SKIN WITH #HINA REMAINING AS THE WORLD S LARGEST MARKET OF THESE endangered species along with the black rhino and other species. 3CIENTISTS FEAR THAT MANY OF ITS SPECIES MIGHT BECOME EXTINCT BY THE next decade.
Moreover, the lizard population has also been affected, with a RECENT STUDY PROJECTING PERCENT OF LIZARD SPECIES BECOMING EXTINCT BY ,ASTLY THE !MERICAN "ISON ONCE NUMBERED IN MILLIONS NOW occupy less than one percent of its original habitat, with existing HABITATS BECOMING SO COMPACT AND tightly controlled. 4HESE SHORTLISTED ANIMALS AND PLANTS ARE ONLY AMONG THE LARGER NUMBER OF LIVING SPECIES THAT ARE facing either threat or extinction OWING TO THE HUMAN CIVILIZATION Good news, however, because the decline in species can be altered by slowing it down until the species can recover itself, which is why the Earth Day organization CALLS FOR A UNITED GLOBAL MOVEMENT TO DEMAND IMMEDIATE ACTION "IRTH OF MODERN ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT The observance of the annual Earth Day traces its roots to the sociopolitical landscape of the United States in 1970. !T THE TIME MAINSTREAM !MERIca was facing the height of counterCULTURE MOURNING OVER THE DEATH OF ROCK SENSATION *IMI (ENDRIX and the release of the last Beatles ALBUM AND ENGULFED IN THE RAGING WAR IN 6IETNAM
World
˜ The Manila Times
!MID THESE EVENTS THE !MERICAN public had begun to take awareness and concern for living organISMS THE ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION and public health, owing to the publication of author Rachel CarSON S .EW 9ORK 4IMES BESTSELLER 3ILENT 3PRING IN #OME WHEN %ARTH $AY founder Gaylord Nelson, then A 53 SENATOR FROM 7ISCONSIN sparked the idea for a national day TO FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AFTER WITNESSING THE RAVAGES OF THE MASSIVE OIL SPILL IN 3ANTA "ARBARA California. Nelson announced his idea of a “national teach-in on the environMENTu TO THE NATIONAL MEDIA #ONsequently, he persuaded RepubliCAN #ONGRESSMAN 0ETE -C#LOSKEY TO SERVE AS HIS CO CHAIRMAN WHILE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE $ENIS (AYES WAS CHOSEN TO BE NATIONAL director. /N THE kRST %ARTH $AY ON !PRIL OF THE SAME YEAR MILLION !MERICANS FROM THOUSANDS OF colleges and universities as well AS VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS took to the streets, parks and AUDITORIUMS TO RALLY FOR A HEALTHY SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT The rally has resulted to a rare POLITICAL ALIGNMENT WHERE MASSIVE SUPPORT CAME FROM 2EPUBLICANS
AND $EMOCRATS RICH AND POOR CITY NATIVES AND COUNTRY FARMERS as well as business tycoons and labor leaders. By the end of the year, it had led to the creation of the United States %NVIRONMENTAL 0ROTECTION !GENCY and the passage of the Clean Air, #LEAN 7ATER AND %NDANGERED 3PEcies Acts. After two decades of observance, IN ENVIRONMENTALISTS URGED (AYES TO ORGANIZE A CAMPAIGN FAR bigger than US alone that enabled Earth Day to go global. /N THE WORLD STAGE (AYES WAS ABLE TO MOBILIZE MILLION people in 141 countries to give CONCERN ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES By 1992, the United Nations Earth $AY 3UMMIT WAS HELD AT 2IO DE Janeiro, Brazil. !S THE NEW MILLENNIUM CAME (AYES ORGANIZED ANOTHER CAMPAIGN FOCUSED ON GLOBAL WARMING AND A PUSH FOR CLEAN ENERGY MOBILIZING ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS IN COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE ‡ AND with the advent of the Internet, he was able to organize activists online. By 2020, the Earth Day obserVANCE MARKS ITS TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A NEW SET OF AMBITIOUS GOALS THAT IS AIMED TO SHAPE THE ST CENTURY ENVIRONMENTALISM
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156 killed in Sri Lanka explosions C OLOMBO: At least 156 people were killed, including 35 foreigners, in Sri Lanka on Sunday, when a total of eight blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches as worshippers attended Easter services.
6ARIOUS NUMBER OF FATALITIES ANONYMITY SAID AT LEAST HAD has been recorded as a police of- BEEN KILLED &ORTY TWO OF THOSE kCIAL SPEAKING ON CONDITION OF KILLED WERE IN #OLOMBO WHERE
three hotels and a church were hit. !NOTHER PEOPLE WERE CONkRMED dead in the town of Batticaloa, east of the country, where another church was targeted. There were also reports of casualties in a blast at a church north of the capital and the toll was expected to rise. The nature of the blasts was
NOT IMMEDIATELY CLEAR AND THERE WERE NO IMMEDIATE CLAIMS OF responsibility. President Maithripala Sirisena in an address said he was shocked by the explosions and appealed for CALM &INANCE -INISTER -ANGALA 3AMARAWEERA WRITING ON HIS verified Twitter account, said THE ATTACKS HAD KILLED gMANY IN-
nocent people� and appeared to BE A gWELL COORDINATED ATTEMPT TO CREATE MURDER MAYHEM ;AND= anarchy.� The first explosions were reported at St. Anthony’s Shrine, A CHURCH IN #OLOMBO AND 3T Sebastian’s Church in the town OF .EGOMBO JUST OUTSIDE THE capital.
Trump legal team declares victory WASHINGTON, D.C.: First they cooperated. Then they stonewalled. Their television interviews were scattershot and ridiculed, their client mercurial and unreliable. But President Donald Trump’s legal team, through a combination of bluster, legal precedent and shifting tactics, managed to protect their client from a potentially perilous inperson interview during special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. His lawyers are taking a victory lap after a redacted version of Mueller’s findings revealed politically damaging conduct by the President, but drew no conclusions of criminal behavior. “Our strategy came to be that when we weren’t talking, we were losing,� Rudy Giuliani, one of Trump’s lawyers, told The Associated
DEADLY EASTER
Press in a recent interview. Given that Mueller could not indict a sitting president, Giuliani said, the team kept its focus on Mueller’s “capacity to report, so we had to play in the media as well as legally.� The aftershocks from the Mueller report released Thursday will help shape the next two years of Trump’s administration. But while the report may cause some Democrats to take a renewed look at impeachment despite long odds of success in Congress, the legal threat to Trump that seemed so dangerous upon Mueller’s appointment in May 2017 has waned. At the outset, that appointment led Trump to predict “the end of my presidency.� The White House struggled to recruit top Washington attorneys, many of whom were reluctant
to work for a temperamental, scandal-prone president who repeatedly claimed he would be his own best legal mind. The initial strategy of the Trump legal team, including White House attorney Ty Cobb and personal defense lawyer John Dowd, was to be as cooperative as possible with Mueller’s prosecutors and ensure that investigators got access to the documents they requested and the witnesses they wanted to interview. The Trump lawyers hoped to bring about a quick conclusion to the investigation. Believing he could exonerate himself, Trump initially expressed a willingness to sit for an interview with Mueller’s team. A date was set for that to take place at Camp David. But then the President’s lawyers moved away from the plan,
in part by arguing that the special counsel already had gotten answers to his questions. “It became the most transparent investigation in history,� Jay Sekulow, one of the President’s personal lawyers, said in an interview. Still, there was internal tumult along the way, including the March 2018 departure of Dowd, a veteran and experienced criminal defense attorney, and the additions of Giuliani and the husband-wife team of Martin and Jane Raskin. Even as the legal team professed cooperation with Mueller’s prosecutors, the lawyers expressed impatience, frustration and skepticism in a series of private letters that challenged the credibility of the government’s witnesses and the demands to interview the President. AP
Sri Lankan security personnel keep watch outside the church premises following a blast at the St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo yesterday. Explosions have hit three churches and three hotels in and around the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, killing 156 people and wounding more than 400 others.
$OZENS OF PEOPLE INJURED IN THE 3T !NTHONY S BLAST lOODED INTO THE #OLOMBO .ATIONAL (OSPITAL g! BOMB ATTACK TO OUR CHURCH PLEASE COME AND HELP IF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS ARE THERE u READ A POST IN %NGLISH ON THE &ACEBOOK page of the St. Sebastian’s Church AT +ATUWAPITIYA IN .EGOMBO AFP
Worldinbriefs QUEEN ELIZABETH TURNS 93 LONDON: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has turned 93 and said she would continue her reign despite over 80 percent of Britons who have not experienced life under any other monarch. Having not been born when Elizabeth ascended the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, the Queen reigned over 14 prime ministers, coming to the throne during the tenure of Winston Churchill. She has also met with 11 of the 12 US presidents in office and signed more than 3,500 bills into law. On her birthday, the Queen will be 11 years and four months older than any British monarch in history, and at 67 years and 74 days, will be the longest serving by three years and 224 days. AFP
1 KILLED IN EBOLA CENTER SIEGE BUTEMBO, Congo: Militia members attacked an Ebola treatment center hours after another attack killed a staffer with the World Health Organization, a Congolese official said Sunday. Butembo city’s Deputy Mayor Patrick Kambale Tsiko told The Associated Press the attackers armed with machetes tried to burn down the center in Katwa district overnight. Military and police guarding the center killed one militia member and detained five others, he said. Such violence has deeply complicated efforts to contain what has become the second-deadliest Ebola virus outbreak in history, with the number of new cases jumping each time treatment and prevention work is disrupted. AP
˜ The Manila Times
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Special Feature
MONDAY April 22, 2019
B5
KABALIKAT SA KABUHAYAN
Fruits of labor SM Foundation continues to advocate sustainability as it holds the Harvest Festival of batch 188 BY MAYLENE STEPHANIE S. VIRAY PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
F
OR the past 12 years, SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM Group, has been helping the lives of thousands of Filipinos in different communities through its Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program (KSK-FTP), launched in 2007. Initially intended for rural communities, it aims to bring back hope in farming, farmers are taught with updated agricultural knowledge, effective backyard planting and small-scale farming techniques for high value crops fruits and vegetables. In turn, it improves the quality and quantity of crops that farmers can use to provide for their family, while the company links farm cooperatives with local markets and SM suppliers for a more stable source of income. In its continued mission to bring back hope in farming, 195 farmer-trainees of the foundation’s KSK-FTP batch 188 reaped the fruits of their labor as it held its Harvest Festival on April 12. In cooperation with the local government unit (LGU) of Calamba City, the festival was held in its laboratory farm site at Brgy. Sampiruan, Calamba, Laguna, the 188th batch HAD kNISHED THEIR WEEK TRAINING with SM Foundation, which was
launched on January 16. “We call this our laboratory wherein the farmers will come over for 12 weeks, once a week, to learn techniques that they can apply in their own homes,” said Cristina Angeles, SM Foundation’s assistant vice president for Livelihood and Outreach Program. At the farm site, which sits at a 5,000 square meters of land, farmers were able to plant and harvest vegetables and crops such as zucchini, bitter gourd (ampalaya), chili, upland kangkong, tomatoes, cabbage, patola and watermelon, among other produce. For 12 weeks, farmer-trainees from nearby villages (barangay) were taught of farm education from land preparation to cultivation by SM Malls. Moreover, the KSK training also taught business values and financial literacy on savings and simple bookkeeping, with the latter being taught by SM’s banking arm, Banco de Oro Foundation. Further, batch 188 became the
Q Farmers of Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Bacth 188 reaps the fruit of their labor as they hold their Harvest Festival at Brgy. Sampiruan, Calamba, Laguna g on April p 12.
Q SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy (center) joins farmers at the Harvest Festival.
Q Farmers harvest their grown onions during the Harvest Festival.
Q At the farm site, farmers harvest vegetables and crops such as zucchini, bitter gourd (ampalaya), chili, upland kangkong, tomatoes, cabbage, patola and watermelon, among other produce.
Q For 12 weeks, SM Malls teaches farmer-trainees on farm education from land preparation to cultivation.
pioneer batch of farmer-trainees who were taught of the 14 life principles of SM Founder Henry Sy Sr., who was fondly called “Tatang” (father). “We brought down the business values and the 14 principles of Mr. Henry Sy Sr. for them to revisit these values and look up to Mr. Sy’s life story for inspiration,” Angeles said. “Actually, Tatang really wanted his life principles to be taught,” added Earth Olazo, SM City Calamba’s assistant mall manager. “He wanted his ideas, vision, objectives in life be the same objectives of ordinary farmers such as those who will graduate tomorrow.” The 195 farmers of KSK-FTP batch 188 not only harvested their hard-earned crops, but also graduated the program the following day, April 13.
Partnering with stakeholders As it continues to uphold sustainability throughout its established farms, SM Foundation has partnered with various agencies as stakeholders of the KSK program to help uplift the livelihood of its graduated farmers. “The highlight of the program is the Sustainability Stakeholders Forum,” Angeles said. “Here we have the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), cooperatives, Department of Agriculture and SM Markets.” The foundation has also partnered with Harbest Agribusiness as the rural training program’s service provider, while the program is also conducted in cooperation with local government units. 3INCE VARIOUS kELD AND REGIONAL OFkCES OF $37$ HAS BEEN IN PARTNERSHIP with SM Foundation by providing agricultural farm technology on high-value CROPS FOR BOUNTIFUL HARVESTS TO BENEkT its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. On the other hand, DA has always been a partner from the start. It renewed its commitment with SMFI last year to PROVIDE INTENSIkED TRAINING TO FARMERS TO ensure better crop production. Formalized by Agricultural Secretary Emmanuel Piñol and SMFI Executive Director Deborah Sy, DA’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) will be responsible for identifying possible locations that will serve as training farm sites. For its part, Harbest Agribusiness provided the training plan and course outline on vegetable planting while SMFI did the comprehensive project plan along with the calendar of activities.
Meanwhile, the local government unit OF #ALAMBA CAN ALSO BENEkT THE PROGRAM through the city’s Agricultural Services Department that provides subsidized inputs, transfer of technology and establishment of trials, therefor encouraging farmers cooperatives/organizations and regular extension of technical assistance. SM Markets, on the other hand, through its concessionaires, will be eyeing potential harvest produce which will eventually be sold to SM Supermarkets. Put together, these stakeholders will be extending aid to the farmers’ sustainability plan. The sustainability plan was drafted by each group of farmers, which will be then presented at their graduation. g4HE $! CITY AGRI OFkCE AND $37$ clustered the farmers according to their proximity to form an association,” Angeles explained. “This allows the DA to know who plants what crops, when will they harvest it and how many produces can they harvest, at least two weeks before its target harvest season.” Right now, we have four sustainability plans made by the farmers, Angeles said. “In the process of training from day one, we aim to create a very very strong public-private partnership so that the program will not stop at being a training service,” she added.
B6
Classified Ads
MONDAY April 22, 2019
˜ The Manila Times
w w w.manilatimes.net NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND PARTITION OF ESTATE
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF SHANG PROPERTIES, INC. Pursuant to the Amended By-Laws of Shang Properties, Inc. (the “Corporation�), all interested shareholders of the Corporation may now submit the names of their nominees for Independent Directors and Regular Directors of the Corporation’s Board of Directors who shall be elected during the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on 19 JUNE 2019 at EDSA Shangri-La Manila, No. 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. All nominations should be submitted on or before 20 May 2019 to the Corporate Secretary at the following address: FEDERICO G. NOEL, JR. Shang Properties, Inc. Level 5, Shangri-La Plaza Mall Edsa cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City
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POSITION Chairman of the Board 9LFH &KDLUPDQ RI WKH %RDUG 'LUHFWRU 3UHVLGHQW DQG &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2I¿FHU 'LUHFWRU ([HFXWLYH 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG &KLHI 2SHUDWLQJ 2I¿FHU Ana Maria A. Delgado Director (GZLQ 5 %DXWLVWD Director 5DSKDHO 3 0 /RWLOOD Lead Independent Director -XVWLFH -RVH & 9LWXJ UHW Independent Director 0DQXHO 5 6DODN ,,, Independent Director 0DQXHO 5 /R]DQR 6HQLRU 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW &KLHI )LQDQFLDO 2I¿FHU &RUSRUDWH ,QIRUPDWLRQ 2I¿FHU 6XVDQ 9 9DOGH] 6HQLRU 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG &KLHI +XPDQ 5HVRXUFHV 2I¿FHU Gabriel T. Maùalac 6HQLRU 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG *URXS 7UHDVXUHU 5REHUW 0F *UHJRU ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU &KLHI ,QYHVWPHQWV 2I¿FHU Luis Miguel O. Aboitiz 6HQLRU 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW -RMR 6 *XLQJDR 6HQLRU 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG &KLHI 'LJLWDO 2I¿FHU David Jude L. Sta. Ana 6HQLRU 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG &KLHI ([WHUQDO $IIDLUV 2I¿FHU Christopher P. Beshouri ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU &KLHI 6WUDWHJ\ 2I¿FHU 5LFDUGR ) /DFVRQ -U 'DWD 3ULYDF\ 2I¿FHU Annacel A. Natividad &KLHI 5LVN 2I¿FHU Maria Lourdes Y. Tanate Group Internal Audit Head 0DQXHO $OEHUWR 5 &ROD\FR &KLHI /HJDO 2I¿FHU &RUSRUDWH 6HFUHWDU\ &KLHI &RPSOLDQFH 2I¿FHU Mailene M. de la Torre Assistant Corporate Secretary -RDQQH / 5DQDGD Assistant Corporate Secretary 7KH 5HJLVWUDWLRQ 6WDWHPHQW LWV DWWDFKPHQWV DQG DQ\ DPHQGPHQWV WKHUHLQ FROOHFWLYHO\ UHIHUUHG WR DV ³56´ DUH RSHQ IRU LQVSHFWLRQ E\ LQWHUHVWHG SDUWLHV GXULQJ business hours. Copies thereof, photostatic or otherwise, shall be furnished to every SDUW\ XSRQ UHTXHVW DW VXFK UHDVRQDEOH IHHV DV WKH &RPPLVVLRQ PD\ SUHVFULEH 6DLG 56 DQG LWV XSGDWHG YHUVLRQ PD\ EH GRZQORDGHG IURP WKH FRUSRUDWLRQœV website: http:/ ZZZ DERLWL] FRP
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7UDQVPLVVLRQ SURMHFWV RU JULG FRQQHFWLRQ SURMHFWV QHFHVVDU\ WR complement the proposed generation capacity &HUWLÂżFDWLRQ RI WKH FRQVLVWHQFLHV DQG LQFRQVLVWHQFLHV EHWZHHQ WKH proposed generation capacity and the Doe Philippine Development Plant. /RDG )RUHFDVW 3URMHFWV LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH 'LVWULEXWLRQ Development Plan Alternative Demand Side Management Program of PALECO
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE ADDENDUM TO THE POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT BETWEEN PALAWAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (PALECO) AND DELTA P INC., WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ERC CASE NO. 2019-010 RC PALAWAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (PALECO) AND DELTA P INC., Applicants. x---------------------------------------------------------------------------x
9.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that on 13 February 2019, Applicants Palawan Electric Cooperative, ,QF 3$/(&2 DQG 'HOWD 3 ,QF 'HOWD 3 ¿OHG DQ Application dated 10 December 2018, seeking the Commission’s approval of the addendum to their Power Supply Agreement (PSA), with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority. The pertinent allegations of the said Application DUH KHUHXQGHU TXRWHG DV IROORZV
3$/(&2 LV DQ HOHFWULF FRRSHUDWLYH H[LVWLQJ XQGHU WKH ODZV RI WKH 5HSXEOLF RI WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV VSHFL¿FDOO\ XQGHU 3UHVLGHQWLDO 'HFUHH 1R DQG GXO\ UHJLVWHUHG ZLWK WKH &RRSHUDWLYH 'HYHORSPHQW $XWKRULW\ XQGHU 5HJLVWUDWLRQ 1XPEHU 4& (& ZLWK SULQFLSDO RI¿FH DGGUHVV ORFDWHG DW 7LQLJXLEDQ 3XHUWR 3ULQFHVD &LW\ 3DODZDQ ,W LV D KROGHU RI D &HUWL¿FDWH RI )UDQFKLVH LVVXHG E\ WKH 1DWLRQDO (OHFWUL¿FDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ to operate as an electric distribution utility servicing its member-consumers within the Province of Palawan. 7KH 1DWLRQDO (OHFWUL¿FDWLRQ $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ JUDQWHG 3$/(&2 D ¿IW\ \HDU franchise to distribute electric service to its member-consumers in its franchise area covering Puerto Princesa City, Aborlan, Narra, Brooke’s Point, Espanola, &X\R 0DJVD\VD\ 4XH]RQ 5R[DV 7D\WD\ (O 1LGR $UDFHOL 6DQ 9LFHQWH %DWDU]D 5L]DO %DODEDF &DJD\DQFLOOR $JXWD\D DQG 'XPDUDQ
2.
Delta P is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing pursuant to the laws RI WKH 5HSXEOLF RI WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV ,WV SULQFLSDO SODFH RI EXVLQHVV LV DW .LORPHWHU 13, North National Highway, Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It may be served with pleadings and court processes through its counsel J. P. Garcia & Associates at Units 1501-1502 Ayala Life-FGU Center, Mindanao Avenue corner %LOLUDQ 5RDG &HEX %XVLQHVV 3DUN &HEX &LW\ 3XUVXDQW WR 5XOH % RI WKH (5& 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH DQG 3URFHGXUH DQG RWKHU pertinent rules and regulations, this Joint Application is submitted to this Honorable Commission to approve the Power Supply Agreement (“PSA�) executed by and between PALECO and Delta P I. STATEMENT OF FACTS
'HOWD 3 LV D FRUSRUDWLRQ GXO\ H[LVWLQJ XQGHU DQG E\ YLUWXH RI WKH ODZV RI WKH 5HSXEOLF RI WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV ZLWK SULQFLSDO RI¿FH DW .LORPHWHU 1RUWK 1DWLRQDO +LJKZD\ Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. 4.1 Copies of pertinent documents evidencing Delta P’s due registration and permit to operate as a generation company are attached as follows and made integral parts hereof:
DOCUMENT Latest Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws 6(& &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 5HJLVWUDWLRQ RI WKH $UWLFOHV RI ,QFRUSRUDWLRQ Generation Information Sheet for 2018 Latest Audited Financial Statements 5.
6.
ANNEX “A� “B� “C� “D�
August 8, 2009, PALECO conducted a competitive selection process (“CSPâ€?) for the appointment of a New Power Provider (“NPPâ€?) that will provide a portion of its present DQG IXWXUH SRZHU UHTXLUHPHQWV LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI (QHUJ\ Âł'2(œœ Circular No. 2004-01-001. The CSP concluded with the signing of a Power Supply Agreement on February 6, 2009 for the supply of an Estimated Deliverable Energy of 4,583,333 kWh/ month or 55,000,000 kWh/ year or a Maximum Deliverable Energy of 6,000,000 kWh/ month or 72,000,000 kWh/ year for a Cooperation Period of ten (10) years from Commercial 2SHUDWLRQV 'DWH DV WKHVH FDSLWDOL]HG WHUPV DUH GHÂżQHG LQ WKH 36$ WKH Âł2OG 36$´ (QHUJ\ ZLOO EH WUDQVPLWWHG WKURXJK WKH 3$/(&2 RZQHG N9 WUDQVPLVVLRQ OLQH ZLWK the billing meter located within PALECO’s substation.
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)ROORZLQJ WKH H[HFXWLRQ RI WKH 2OG 36$ RQ $SULO 3$/(&2 DQG 'HOWD 3 ÂżOHG D MRLQW SHWLWLRQ ZLWK WKH +RQRUDEOH &RPPLVVLRQ IRU LWV DSSURYDO ZKLFK ZDV GRFNHWHG DV (5& &DVH QR 5& HQWLWOHG “In Re: Petition for Approval of the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) and the New Power Provider-True Cost Generation Rate (NPP TCGR), with Prayer for Provisional Authority, Palawan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PALECO and Delta P, Inc. (Delta P), Petitioners.â€? In support of the application for the approval of the Old PSA, PALECO and Delta P submitted the following documentary evidence:
DOCUMENT Executive Summary of the Old PSA 5HOHYDQW 7HFKQLFDO DQG (FRQRPLF &KDUDFWHULVWLFV RI WKH *HQHUDWLRQ Capacity; Installed Capacity; Mode of Operation; Dependable Capacity Sources of Funds / Financial Plans 3XUFKDVH 3RZHU 5DWH Cash Flow Procurement Process of Fuel
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1RWLFH LV KHUHE\ JLYHQ WR WKH SXEOLF WKDW 2I¿FLDO 5HFHLSW RI %LOO 'HSRVLW %LOO 'HSRVLW 5HIXQG ZLWK 6HUYLFH ,' 1R 100138290101 & Account No. 000244566-9 under the name of Cabuyao Eagle Trading Corporation, service Add: 9832 @ 1DWLRQDO 5RDG 3XOR &DEX\DR /DJXQD ZDV GHFODUHG ORVW DV SHU DI¿GDYLW RI ORVV H[HFXWHG E\ &DWKHULQH 'HH RQ April 15, 2019 and acknowledged as Doc. No. 10 on Page No. 3 of Book No. 24 Series of 2019 before Atty. Arianne C. Malabanan, CPA, a notary public for and in the City of Cabuyao, Province of Laguna. MT – Apr. 22, 23 & 24, 2019
EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND PARTITION OF THE ESTATE OF PILAR R. ZARAGOZA KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS; that the deceased PILAR R. ZARAGOZA who died on 17 December 2018 died intestate without will or testament and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity; but left a certain parcel of land and can be described as TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 222255; two (2) condominium units and one (1) parking lot particularly described as CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 121145, CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 122843, and CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 122842; 7,168 shares of stock in D’Zaro Development Co., Inc. 6WRFN &HUWL¿FDWH No. 001; and 6,487 shares of stock in Pilar De Zaragoza, Inc. Stock &HUWL¿FDWH 1R ZHUH H[WUDMXGLFLDOO\ VHWWOHG DPRQJ KHLUV DV SHU 'HF 1R 3DJH 1R %RRN 1R , 6HULHV RI E\ 1RWDULDO 5HJLVWU\ RI $WW\ .DWKHULQH 7KHUHVH *UXED
NOTICE 1RWLFH LV KHUHE\ JLYHQ WKDW 9,/0$ % 6(/*$ RZQHU DQG .09$6,$ '(9(/230(17 &25325$7,21 GHYHORSHU KDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV %RDUG for the sale of condominium units DW 9,9( 5(6,'(1&(6 ORFDWHG DW 0RQWRMR 6W 0DNDWL &LW\ DV described by Lot No. 20, Block No. 32, Psd-18114, covered by TCT No. 006-2017001370 having a total area RI VTXDUH PHWHUV 7KH IRUHJRLQJ SURMHFW LV XWLOL]LQJ WKH Participation Through InvestmentIncentivized Compliance, by depositing the amount of Php. 465,008.52 in a trust account no. 202-79047-3 under Escrow Agreement executed on 22 March 2019 between the Housing and Land 8VH 5HJXODWRU\ %RDUG .09$6,$ '(9(/230(17 &25325$7,21 DQG %'2 81,%$1. ,1& Âą 75867 $1' ,19(670(17 *5283 DV LWV compliance pursuant to Section 18 of 5HSXEOLF $FW 1R DV DPHQGHG E\ 5HSXEOLF $FW 1R All papers relative thereto shall upon UHTXHVW DQG SD\PHQW RI SURFHVVLQJ fee, be available for inspection during business hours by any person having legal interest thereon. Absent any legal impediment, the DERYH FLWHG SURMHFW LV GHHPHG UHJLVWHUHG DQG D FHUWLÂżFDWH LQ evidence thereof, shall forthwith be LVVXHG DIWHU ÂżYH GD\V IURP WKH last day of publication. 4XH]RQ &LW\ 0HWUR 0DQLOD ATTY. NORMAN DORAL 2IÂżFHU ,Q &KDUJH
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MT - April 15, & 22, 2019
MT – April 11, 15 & 22, 2019
WARNING TO THE PUBLIC The Manila Times is warning the public that certain individuals posing as our employees have been threatening to publish articles against some companies. Anyone who receives a call from these extortionists should report the matter to the police.
21. However, the effectivity and term of this Addendum is dependent upon a provisional or ÂżQDO DXWKRULW\ IURP WKLV +RQRUDEOH &RPPLVVLRQ 5XOH 6HFWLRQ RI WKH +RQRUDEOH &RPPLVVLRQÂśV 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH DQG 3URFHGXUH allows the issuance of Provisional Authority, even prior to the conduct of a hearing on an application. Thus: “Section 3. Action on the Motion. - Motions for provisional authority or interim relief may be acted upon with or without hearing. The Commission shall act on the motion on the basis of the allegations of the application or petition and supporting documents and other evidences that applicant or petitioner has submitted and the FRPPHQWV RU RSSRVLWLRQ ÂżOHG E\ DQ\ interested person, if there be any.â€?
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After due notice and hearing, the Old PSA was approved in a November 9 , 2009 Decision of the Honorable Commission.
10. Several years after the approval of the Old PSA, PALECO foresaw a need to secure additional power to cope with the increase in load in its franchise area. Accordingly, PALECO conducted another CSP (the “2nd CSP�) for the appointment of a New Power Provider to provide a Guaranteed Dependable Capacity of 20.0 MW in accordance with the same DOE Circular No. 2004-01-001.
23. For the foregoing reasons, in the interest of keeping whole the Old PSA, the Applicants MRLQWO\ VHHN WKH LQGXOJHQFH RI WKLV +RQRUDEOH &RPPLVVLRQ IRU WKH LVVXDQFH RI D Provisional Authority for the Addendum. IV. Compliance with Pre-Filing Requirements 7KH $SSOLFDQWV MRLQWO\ PDQLIHVW FRPSOLDQFH ZLWK WKH SUH ÂżOLQJ UHTXLUHPHQWV XQGHU 5XOH 6HFWLRQ H RI WKH ,PSOHPHQWLQJ 5XOHV DQG 5HJXODWLRQV RI WKH (3,5$ DQG 5XOH RI WKH (5& 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH DQG 3URFHGXUH DV HYLGHQFHG E\ WKH IROORZLQJ documents:
11. The 2nd CSP resulted in the signing of a Power Supply Agreement with Delta P on March 18, 2016, having been declared as the winning bidder of the CSP (the “New 36$´ 7KLV WLPH WKH FDSDFLW\ LV WR EH PDGH DYDLODEOH WKURXJK WKH N9 RI 3$/(&2 RU N9 WUDQVPLVVLRQ OLQH RI WKH 1DWLRQDO 3RZHU &RUSRUDWLRQ Âł13&´ 7KHUHDIWHU RQ $SULO 3$/(&2 DQG 'HOWD 3 ÂżOHG D -RLQW $SSOLFDWLRQ IRU WKH DSSURYDO RI WKH 1HZ 36$ ZLWK WKH +RQRUDEOH &RPPLVVLRQ ZKLFK ZDV GRFNHWHG DV (5& &DVH 1R 5& DQG HQWLWOHG “In the Matter of the Application for Approval of the Power Supply Agreement Between Palawan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PALECO) and Delta P Inc. and New Power Provider-True Cost Generation Rate (NPP-TCGR), with Prayer for Provisional Authority, Palawan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PALECO) and Delta P Inc., Applicants.â€? 13. On January 9, 2018, the parties, through their legal counsel, received an Order for ,QWHULP 5HOLHI JUDQWLQJ SURYLVLRQDO DXWKRULW\ WR WKH 1HZ 36$ 14. At the time of the execution of the Old PSA on February 6, 2009, the parties did not contemplate that another power plant will use the same transmission line, that there will be a need to allocate system loss that will arise and which party shall bear the cost of the system loss. With the execution of the New PSA, even as the same supplier is involved, the parties saw the need to clarify the treatment of the system loss through an Addendum. Salient Provision of the Addendum To the Power Supply Agreements 15. The Addendum was signed on October 10, 2018 solely for the parties to implement a formula to allocate the system loss resulting from two (2) power plants using the same N9 WUDQVPLVVLRQ OLQH 16. The formula is as follows: EOTt
=
Energy delivered by Delta P (from the existing plant under the PSA signed on February 6, 2009) to PALECO as indicated in the Billing Meters during each Billing Period t expressed in kWh
EOTt
=
oDPlBM x (oDPISM / (EDBM + oDPISM))
oDPlBM
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Energy delivered by Delta P (from the existing plant under the PSA signed on February 6, 2009) to PALECO as indicated in the Billing Meters during each Billing Period t expressed in kWh
oDPISM
=
Energy generated by Delta P (from the existing plant under the PSA signed on February 6, 2009) to PALECO as indicated in the Summation Meter during each Billing Period t expressed in kWh
EDBM
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Energy delivered (of the expansion plant under the PSA signed on March 18, 2016) to PALECO as indicated in the Billing Meters during the Billing Month t expressed in kWh
Where:
6XEMHFW WR WKH DSSURYDO E\ WKH +RQRUDEOH &RPPLVVLRQ WKH SDUWLHV LQWHQG WR LPSOHPHQW the foregoing formula starting on March 25, 2017, RU WKH WLPH ZKHQ H'3, ÂżUVW LQIXVHG energy into the grid.
18.1 As proof of the respective authority of PALECO and Delta P to execute the $GGHQGXP DQG DSSO\ IRU LWV DSSURYDO D FRS\ RI WKH 5HVROXWLRQ RI PALECO and WKH 6HFUHWDU\ÂśV &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 'HOWD 3 DUHD DWWDFKHG DQG PDGH LQWHJUDO SDUW KHUHRI as Annexes “Oâ€? and “O-1 “, respectively. II. Financial Impact on PALECO’s Rates 19. If approved, the Addendum and the formula on the treatment of system loss shall not have any impact on PALECO’s rates to its customers. Any system loss resulting from applying the formula shall be paid by the National Power Corporation. III. Motion for Issuance of Provisional Authority
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18. Lastly, all other provisions of the Old PSA and the New PSA that are not inconsistent with the formula shall remain in effect. A copy of the Addendum is attached as Annex ‘N� and made an integral part hereof.
6.1 Thus, the Old PSA will end on April 03, 2019.
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The Manila Times DOES NOT ask for money to stop news articles from being published. This paper does not condone any form of blackmail.
MT - April 22, 2019
5HSXEOLF RI WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City
Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PURA MUĂ‘OZ LIOANAGALMENDAREZ was the VXEMHFW RI D GHHG RI H[WUD MXGLFLDO VHWWOHPHQW RI HVWDWH executed by and among her heirs on March 29, 2019 and acknowledged as Doc. No. 120 on Page No. 24 of Book No. 233 Series of 2019 before Atty. Nestor C. Tambio, a notary public for and in the City of Manila.
Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late AUGUSTO CESAR SUAREZ GARCIA KDV EHHQ H[WUDMXGLFLDOO\ VHWWOHG by and among his heirs as SHU 'HHG RI ([WUDMXGLFLDO Settlement and Partition of Estate executed on April 2, 2019 and entered as per Doc. No. 432; Page No. 88; Book No. 18; Series of 2019 of the notarial registry of Atty. James . $EXJDQ QRWDU\ SXEOLF IRU and in Mandaluyong City.
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NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE
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&HUWLÂżFDWLRQ LVVXHG E\ WKH Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Palawan and the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Puerto Princesa, attached as Annexes “Pâ€? and “Qâ€?, respectively;
b)
Notarized $IÂżGDYLW RI 3XEOLFDWLRQ certifying to the publication of this Application in a newspaper of generation circulation within the Franchise Area of PALECO, attached as Annex “Râ€?; and
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A copy of the newspaper where the Application was published, attached as Annex “S�. PRAYER
:+(5()25( in view of the foregoing, it is most respectfully prayed from this Honorable Commission:
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4.
Should the Provisional or Final Authority be issued after the expiration of the Old PSA (or after April 03, 2019), that the Honorable Commission authorize Delta P to 5(&29(5 7+528*+ 7+( 1(: 36$
2WKHU UHOLHIV DV PD\ EH MXVW DQG HTXLWDEOH XQGHU WKH SUHPLVHV DUH OLNHZLVH SUD\HG IRU The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the MXULVGLFWLRQDO UHTXLUHPHQWV H[SRVLWRU\ SUHVHQWDWLRQ SUH WULDO FRQIHUHQFH DQG HYLGHQWLDU\ hearing on 15 May 2019 (Wednesday) at one oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the afternoon (1:00 P.M.) at 3$/(&2ÂśV 3ULQFLSDO 2IÂżFH DW 7LQLJXLEDQ 3XHUWR 3ULQFHVD &LW\ 3DODZDQ $OO SHUVRQV ZKR KDYH DQ LQWHUHVW LQ WKH VXEMHFW PDWWHU RI WKH LQVWDQW FDVH PD\ EHFRPH D SDUW\ E\ ÂżOLQJ ZLWK WKH &RPPLVVLRQ D YHULÂżHG 3HWLWLRQ WR ,QWHUYHQH DW OHDVW ÂżYH GD\V SULRU WR WKH LQLWLDO KHDULQJ DQG VXEMHFW WR WKH UHTXLUHPHQWV XQGHU 5XOH RI WKH 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH DQG Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1)
The petitionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and address;
7KH QDWXUH RI SHWLWLRQHUÂśV LQWHUHVW LQ WKH VXEMHFW PDWWHU RI WKH SURFHHGLQJ DQG WKH ZD\ and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and
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A statement of the relief desired.
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All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application PD\ UHTXHVW IURP $SSOLFDQWV that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicants are KHUHE\ GLUHFWHG WR IXUQLVK DOO WKRVH PDNLQJ VXFK UHTXHVW ZLWK FRSLHV RI WKH Application and its DWWDFKPHQWV VXEMHFW WR WKH UHLPEXUVHPHQW RI UHDVRQDEOH SKRWRFRS\LQJ FRVWV $Q\ VXFK SHUVRQ may likewise examine the Application DQG RWKHU SHUWLQHQW UHFRUGV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKH &RPPLVVLRQ GXULQJ WKH VWDQGDUG RIÂżFH KRXUV WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO AGNES VST DEVANADERA and the Honorable Commissioners CATHERINE P. MACEDA, ALEXIS M. LUMBATAN and PAUL CHRISTIAN M. CERVANTES, (QHUJ\ 5HJXODWRU\ &RPPLVVLRQ WKLV WK GD\ RI 0DUFK LQ Pasig City.
20. As alleged in paragraph 6.1, the Old PSA shall end on April 03, 2019. For this reason, there is a need to grant provisional authority to the Addendum to keep the Old PSA whole in terms of system loss.
JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal Service MT - Apr. 22 & 29, 2019
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Banatao conferred Doctor of Science honoris causa DIOSDADO â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dadoâ&#x20AC;? Banatao, the top countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technological luminary and pride in Silicon Valley, California, USA, was conferred a Doctor of Science honoris causa by Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro City. He is being recognized for his visionary work as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Banatao is the working force BEHIND 7AVE #OMPUTING A 6# backed company that is revolu-
tionizing artificial intelligence with its data flow-based chips, systems and software.
Owndays launches cases for change
MONDAY April 22, 2019
Public Square
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Metrobank tapped as one of Pag-IBIGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fund managers
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ETROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) is chosen as one of the Local Equity Fund Managers (LEFM) of Pag-IBIG Fund. As part of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to diversify its investment portfolio, Pag-IBIGFund announced last year that they will be looking for LEFMs. According to Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy Moti, Pag-IBIG will invest a total of P 5 billion in local equities, broken down into five P 1 billion lots. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pag-IBIG Fund continues to grow, breaking performance records year after year. In 2018, our total assets breached the P500 bilLION MARK FOR THE kRST TIME 7E OWE it to the 14 million Pag-IBIG Fund members who trust us to manage and grow their savings. Thus, we are tapping Metrobankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise,
Q Pag-IBIG Fund officers (from left) Mariline Acosta, deputy chief executive officer, Home Lending Operations Cluster; Alexander Hilario Aguilar, deputy chief executive officer, Member Services Cluster; Reynaldo Malaya, OIC, Financial Services Sector and vice president, Fund Management Group; Atty. Robert John Cosico, officer-in-charge, Support Services Cluster and Chief Legal Counsel; Acmad Rizaldy Moti, chief executive officer; Leandro Antonio Santillan, head, Trust Banking Group MBTC; Ma. Jizzelle Lee Beltran, head, Trust Sales & Marketing Division MBTC; Mitzi Robles, head, Trust Sales South Metro Manila Department, MBTC. sound policies, and effective fund THE BID SECURED ONE OF THE kVE LOTS and investment experience, along g7E ARE PRIVILEGED TO WORK with our award-winning fund manmanagement strategies to manage part of our equity fund to help WITH 0AG )")' &UND IN THEIR kRST agers, ensures that the investment is us sustain the Fundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth that foray into the stock market,â&#x20AC;? in good hands,â&#x20AC;? he continued. Pag-IBIG Fund remains as one of WILL REDOUND TO THE BENEkT OF OUR said Dondi Santillan, Metrobank senior vice president and head of the strongest government institumembers,â&#x20AC;? Moti said. tions today with P533.72 billion in Metrobank, along with four Trust Banking Group. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our over six decades of banking total assets as of December 2018. other LEFMs who participated in
Muntinlupa LGU to construct public columbarium, viewing chapel
Q During the launching (from left) Anna Hashim â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cabrera, executive director of Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Dan Ramirez, Communications and Media Manager of World Wide Fund For Nature Philippines, Vohne Yao, Managing Director of OWNDAYS Philippines, Mr. Jun Godornes, Resource Development Director of World Vision Philippines. /7.$!93 IS ALWAYS LOOKING for ways to give back to society. In 2011, they started giving out glasses to those in need through Eye Camp. Owndays has again marked another milestone by embarking on a noble campaign called Cases For Change that PARTNERS WITH NON PROkT ORGANIzations supporting causes they believe in. As an eyewear retailer, Owndays aims to make the world LOOK MORE BEAUTIFUL 7ITH THAT GOAL IN MIND /7.$!93 CREATED Cases For Change and partnered WITH 0HILIPPINE !NIMAL 7ELFARE 3OCIETY 7ORLD 7IDE &UND &OR
.ATURE 0HILIPPINES AND 7ORLD Vision Philippines to create three uniquely designed eyewear cases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Cases For Change, our goal is to give back to society by allowing our customers to support THEIR CAUSES 7E HAVE CHOSEN THESE NON PROkT ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP them promote animal welfare, environmental protection and CHILD EMPOWERMENT 7E RE AIMING to raise up to a million Pesos for EACH OF THEM u SAYS 6OHNE 9AO managing director of Owndays Philippines. For more information, visit www.owndays.com/ph.
WTCMM offers 7-day certificate in international trade program THE 7ORLD 4RADE #ENTER -ETRO -ANILA 74#-- IS OFFERING A DAY #ERTIkCATION 0ROGRAM ON )NTERNAtional Trade (CIT), a professional trade designation program allowing ONE TO EARN THE #ERTIkED )NTERNAtional Trade Professional (CITP) designation by completing courses AND REQUIREMENTS SET BY 74#-- 0ATTERNED AFTER THE PROGRAMS OF 74# $ENVER 74# -UMBAI AND 74# 7INNIPEG THE #)40 DESIGNATION IS designed to be granted to one who has acquired a comprehensive set of skills enabling him to assess and evaluate the global opportunities available, as well as risks associated with international trade. The 7-day CIT Program is a combination of selected courses from the Export Operations Track and the International Business Track. Each of the courses will equip one with the required knowledge and credentials needed to succeed in a globally competitive marketplace. To BE A #ERTIkED )NTERNATIONAL 4RADE 0ROfessional (CITP), one must complete 80 credit hours of classroom training coupled with engaging discussions
on real life cases. The designation is valid for three (3) years and must be maintained by taking the required continuing professional development COURSES OFFERED BY 74#-- OF AT LEAST eight (8) credit units on the year the designation expires. In a globally competitive market place where trade activities are multi-faceted, CITPs will be recognized by peers, colleagues, employers, and clients as a professional with competencies in international trade of the highest standards and backed by a credential to prove it. CITPs can apply their professional skills in a wide-array of organizations, from small- and medium-sized enterprises to large manufacturing environments, to public sector and trade organizations. Common ground is all these organizations are active in global trade and recognize the value of KNOWLEDGE AND CERTIkCATION IN A highly competitive environment. To inquire and register in the #ERTIkCATION 0ROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT 902-0000 extension 601 or 201, or email wtcclub@wtcmanila.com.ph.
REMITTANCES by Overseas Filipino 7ORKERS /&7S REACHED BILlion in 2018, an all-time high record according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Remittances consistently account for 10 percent of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gross domestic product, but information solutions provider TranS5NION SAYS /&7S CAN PARTICIPATE IN the local economy more when crossborder data sharing, or the exchange of credit information between states, becomes institutionalized. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cross-border data sharing will asSIST /&7S IN PARTICIPATING IN THE CREDIT economy of their resident country and even after they decide to come home for good. It will help open up more opportunities to access credit for purposes like entrepreneurship,
obtaining mortgages and personal loans, or accessing the rental housing market, which can translate into more income for remittance, expenditure, or investment,â&#x20AC;? said TransUnion Philippines President and CEO Pia Arellano. TransUnion is also currently exploring opportunities to permit consumers to request online that their report be provided directly to a lender in another country. TransUnion has also participated in government-industry forums to promote discussions on how best regulators and the industry can work together to provide Filipinos access to their credit information no matter where they are in the world. For more information, visit https:// www.transunion.ph.
THE City Government of Muntinlupa is set to construct a public crematorium, columbarium, and viewing chapel in Muntinlupa City Public Cemetery for indigent residents. Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the ground breaking ceremony for the threestorey columbarium amounting to P39.7- million last April 17 together with other local officials. Initially, the columbarium will have at least 7,200 slots. The local exec said the columbarium will improve the burial assistance of the local government. He added that the project aims to provide opportunity for indigent residents in Muntinlupa to have a decent burial for their dead. Fresnedi noted that the City Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thrust is to deliver
Q Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and other local officials led the groundbreaking ceremony of the three-storey columbarium amounting to P39.7- million on April 17. services from â&#x20AC;&#x153;womb-to-tombâ&#x20AC;? concerns from infancy to death. torium will also be constructed A viewing chapel and crema- in the 6,705 sq.m facility. as public programs addresses
The search is on for the grandest Scent Ambassadors of the Philippines 2019 AUGUSTUS Scent Ambassadors of the Philippines 2019 is the biggest and grandest model search this year. The nationwide search will begin after Holy 7EEK !PRIL &IRST 3CREENing), May 3 (Second Screening) and May 11 (Final Screening/ Official Photoshoot). Grand winners will receive 100 thousand pesos in cash to be awarded during the grand finals.The grand coronation will be held at Teatrino Greenhills this coming August 19. The Pageant Segment includes National #OSTUME #ASUAL 7EAR AND
Designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sexy Sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wear. There will be No Question and Answer portion and the criteria for judging will be based on the following, Face and Beauty, Body, Photographic Appeal and X Factor. The Search is open to all Male and Female, ages 16 to 30 years old, Filipino citizen or dual citizenship, with good moral character, 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;5 in male and 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;2 in female.Over half million worth of cash and prizes to be given away for the lucky winners. For more information, email at richardhinola@ yahoo.com.
Q From left: Luther John Lim (national director) Richard Martin (Augustus marketing head) Richard Hinola (overall project director);(from left bottom) Barmae Chua (Augustus celebrity endorser, Miss Amore Philippines 2019), Jack Jakosalem, CEO / president Augustus Perfumes; William Thio, news anchor UNTV and Damayan Ngayon, Augustus celebrity endorser
AMA Group Holdings signs MoU with Manila Water AMA Group Holdings Chairman Amable Aguiluz V signs a Memorandum of Understanding with -ANILA 7ATER 0RESIDENT &ERDINAND de la Cruz for an initial 50mld bulk water supply to its franchise area utilizing the AMA water right of 300mld granted by the Laguna Lake Development Authority. Photo SHOWS FROM LEFT -ANILA 7ATER #// 6IRGILIO 2IVERA -ANILA 7ATER President Ferdinand de la Cruz, AMA Group Holdings Chairman Operations Leonor Cleofas, AMA Administrator for Innovation & !MABLE !GUILUZ 6 -733 $EPUTY Group Holdings VP & COO Charles Technology Gen. Romeo Roderos. Administrator for Engineering & $ANTER 3ULLIVAN AND -733 $EPUTY The MOU stipulates construction of
A kLTRATION PLANT ON THE LAKE S CENTRAL bay and delivery of bulk water to -ANILA 7ATER WITHIN A YEAR
Bayer, Philippine OB Gyne Society partner to provide family planning TransUnion: Cross-border credit data and responsible parenthood counseling link between unchecked pop- the same as Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s around 36 sharing, a boon to economy, OFWs THE ulation growth poverty and other million, and South Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s around economic issues was one of the key topics of the Family Planning #ERTIkCATION AND &ORUM ON 2Esponsible Parenthood, organized by the Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecological Society (POGS), and Bayer Philippines. Speaking at the forum NCR Regional Director for the Commission on Population and Development (PopCom), Lydio Espanol introduced the concept of economic dividend. This is what occurs when population growth is kept to reasonable levels. He shared some eye opening statistics into our more prosperous neighbors Thailand and south Korea: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 1969, we had a population of around 35 million, almost
32 million. In 2018, after 49 years, the Philippines had tripled its population to 107 million, Thailand just doubled, South Korea less than double.â&#x20AC;? In light of the urgency and timeliness of the issue of overpopulation, and its many consequences. Bayer, a global life science company, in partnership with the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), the largest medical organization of practicing OB-Gynes in the COUNTRY CONDUCTED THE kRST EVER &AMILY 0LANNING #ERTIkCATION AND Forum on Responsible Parenthood on March 27 at Seda hotel in Quezon City. )T IS THE kRST OF A SERIES OF EXPERT
Q In photo (from left): Christine Cervera, product manager, Contraception/ GT; Dr. Bryan Christopher Uy-Barreta, medical advisor, Dr. Mario Bernardino, POGS president, Dr. Carmela Pagunsan, country medical director, Bayer Philippines, Inc.; and Dr. Pilar Lagman-Dy, head of Reproductive Health, POGS. led talks on the need for responsible parenthood, and contraception counseling among healthcare providers. It seeks to equip doctors with the basic techniques in
contraceptive counseling and to inform them of the different methods of contraception and their application to womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual reproductive needs.
MONDAY M O NDAY APRIL 22,, 2019
Public Square publicsquare@manilatimes.net
Las Casas beats sweltering heat with summer treats T
HE sun is up and summer SIZZLE IS kNALLY HERE $URING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR ,AS Casas Filipinas de Acuzar adds a MODERN lAIR TO ITS PATRIOTIC PREMISE !LL GEARED UP TO BE THE PERFECT GO TO ESCAPADE THIS SEASON ,AS #ASAS WELCOMES ITS GUESTS WITH INCOMPARABLE &ILIPINO HOSPITALITY UMPTEEN OPTIONS OF EXCITING ACTIVITIES AND THIRST QUENCHING DELIGHTS .ESTLED ON THE TIP OF 7EST 0HILIPPINE 3EA ,AS #ASAS TAKES PRIDE OF ITS PRIVATE BEACH WHERE GUESTS MAY TAKE PLEASURE OF ITS kNE SAND SERENE WATERS AND PICTURESQUE VIEWS 4O KEEP OUR GUESTS ADRENALINE PUMPING A SELECTION OF WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES ARE MADE AVAILABLE 4HIS INCLUDES JETSKI BANDWAGON 5&/ BANANA BOAT KAYAK AND lYING kSH &OR THE FAINTHEARTED WORRY NO MORE AS YOU MAY UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHILD THROUGH OUR INlATABLE PLAYGROUND OR SIMPLY OPT TO BASK IN THE AFTER-
Q Bask in the waters of Umagol River aboard our kayak while appreciating the unique architectural treat of Las Casas. NOON SUN WHILE DIPPING INTO OUR $ELUXE THEMED ACCOMMODATION A THING ,AS #ASAS OFFERS A DIVERSE CHOICE OF WATER ACTIVITIES FOR TWO COLLECTION OF THIRST QUENCHING BATIS INSPIRED SWIMMING POOL 4RANSFORM YOUR DULL VACATION MINUTE TRADITIONAL MASSAGE FOR DELIGHTS MADE PERFECT FOR SOLO ADINTO A FUN kLLED ONE WITH ,AS #A- TWO AND FREE ACCESS TO THE RESORT S VENTURERS ROMANTIC COUPLES AND EVEN FEASTS FOR FAMILIES SAS @"EAT THE (EAT TREAT 'ROUPS OF HERITAGE WALKING TOUR &OR MORE INFORMATION VISIT !DULTS AND KIDS SURE GET HUNGRY FOUR MAY AVAIL THEIR SUMMER PACKAG INCLUSIVE OF ONE ,ARGE 3UPERIOR AFTER A LONG EUPHORIC DAY 'OOD WWW LASCASASkLIPINAS COM
Summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in full swing with Regatta 2%'!44! BOOSTS SUMMER WEAR THIS SEASON WITH A COLLECTION OF PIECES IN HOT WEATHER HUES IN LIGHTWEIGHT FABRICS 3UMMERY COLORS DOMINATE THE COLLECTION WITH WATERCOLOR PRINTS DOODLE STRIPES AND DITSY lORALS WHICH MAKE AN APPEARANCE ON RESORT SHIRTS SKIRTS AND SUNDRESSES THIS SEASON m AS WELL AS TROPICAL INSPIRED PRINTS ON TEES AND TEXTURED KNITS "REEZY PIECES AND TOPS IN PASTEL COLORS OF ORCHID PINK SUBDUED LEMON
YELLOW AND COOL SHADES OF MINT GREEN AND AQUA ARE PERFECTLY PAIRED WITH LOUNGE PANTS AND CHINO SHORTS 2EGATTA OFFERS A STYLISH ASSORTMENT OF SWIMWEAR THIS SEASON 4AKE YOUR PICK FROM FLATTERING ONE PIECE SWIMSUITS IN A RANGE OF FABRICS FROM TEXTURED SEERSUCKER TYPE STRIPE TO A RED RIBBED SWIMSUIT 3ELECT FROM RASH GUARD SETS AVAILABLE IN LONG SLEEVES AND HALTER ZIP NECK STYLE AND BOARDSHORTS IN SOLIDS AND PRINTS
Delta-Korean Air partnership marks 1 year $%,4! MARKS ITS kRST YEAR INTO THE APPROVAL OF ITS JOINT VENTURE WITH +OREAN !IR 0ICTURED IS $ELTA #%/ %D "ASTIAN LEFT AND +OREAN !IR #HAIRMAN #HO 9ANG HO DURING THE JOINT VENTURE SIGNING 4HE *6 WITH +OREA !IR HAS BEEN ONE OF THE FASTEST INTEGRATING PARTNERSHIPS THAT PROMOTES SHARED FOCUS ON CUSTOMERS AND A VISION TO GROW TOGETHER 4HEY ARE BUILDING THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE AND RELIABLE NETWORK
IN THE 4RANSPACIkC BY PROVIDING THEIR CUSTOMERS UNPARALLELED ACCESS TO OVER DESTINATIONS IN !SIA AND MORE THAN IN THE 5 3 /N !PRIL $ELTA BEGAN ITS SERVICE FROM -INNEAPOLIS 3T 0AUL HUB TO 3EOUL )NCHEON FEATURING THEIR NEWLY REFURBISHED "OEING S 4HE NEW +OREAN !IR SERVICE BETWEEN 3EOUL )NCHEON AND $ELTA S GROWING FOCUS CITY "OSTON BEGINS ON !PRIL ON THEIR NEW S
UnionBank wins Digital Bank of the Year Philippines again 5.)/. "ANK OF THE 0HILIPPINES 5NION"ANK THE COUNTRY S BEST DIGITAL BANK BAGGED kVE OF 4HE !SSET 4RIPLE ! $IGITAL !WARDS 5NION"ANK OFFICIALS LED BY 0RESIDENT AND #%/ %DWIN "AUTISTA RECEIVED THE AWARDS IN A CEREMONY HELD AT THE &OUR 3EASONS (OTEL IN (ONG +ONG 4HIS LATEST SLEW OF RECOGNITIONS FROM 4HE !SSET DUBBED THE kNANCIAL MAGAZINE FOR !SIA S DECISION MAKERS TO 5NION"ANK FURTHER VALIDATES THE BANK S VISIONARY AND INDUSTRY LEADING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION 4HESE AWARDS INCLUDE THE $IGITAL "ANK OF THE 9EAR 0HILIPPINES A REPEAT FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR "EST 2ETAIL -OBILE "ANKING %XPERIENCE -OST )NNOVATIVE #ORE 3YSTEM 0ROJECT FOR ITS !0) -ANAGEMENT 0LATFORM -OST )NNOVATIVE $IGITAL "RANCH 0ROJECT FOR 4HE !2+ ALL DIGITAL
Q UnionBank President and CEO Edwin Bautista leads the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s officials in receiving their five awards from The Asset in a ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong. With him are (from left) UnionBank Vice President for Corporate and Media Affairs James Ileto, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer Ana Delgado, Customer Experience Designer AJ Atienza, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer Dennis Omila and Customer Experience Designer Ron Batisan. BRANCHES AND -OST )NNOVATIVE INTERNAL PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES 7INNERS ARE CAREFULLY SELECTED BY 4HE !SSET 4RIPLE ! $IGITAL !WARDS 4HE !SSET S BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHO %MERGING 4ECHNOLOGIES 0ROJECT FOR ITS INTERNALLY CREATED IS A SET OF AWARDS THAT RECOG- COLLECTIVELY HAVE SEVERAL DECADES BLOCKCHAIN BASED SYSTEM FOR AR- NIZE THE BEST IN !SIA THAT HAVE WORTH OF EXPERIENCE EVALUATING CHIVING 'ENERAL #IRCULARS FROM EMBRACED DIGITAL AS THE NEXT STEP INDUSTRY AWARDS IN THE !SIA 0ACIkC REGULATORY BODIES AS WELL AS TO BETTER SERVE THEIR CLIENT BASE AND THE -IDDLE %AST
Distinguished Malaysian nutrition expert to talk about healthy aging (%2"!,)&% .UTRITION A PREMIER GLOBAL NUTRITION COMPANY WHOSE PURPOSE IS TO MAKE THE WORLD HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER ROLLS OUT THE !SIA 0ACIkC 7ELLNESS 4OUR 0HILIPPINES LEG WITH $R (AMID *AN BIN *AN -OHAMED IN PHOTO AS ITS GUEST SPEAKER $R (AMID *AN BIN *AN -OHAMED AN EXPERT IN NUTRITION FROM -ALAYSIA IS A MEMBER OF (ERBALIFE .UTRITION !DVISORY "OARD .!" !T PRESENT HE IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE .UTRITION AND $IETETICS 0ROGRAM AT 5NIVERSITY 3AINS -ALAYSIA AND IS AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR WITH EXPERTISE IN NUTRITION AND OBESITY $R (AMID *AN BIN *AN -OHAMED WILL BE TALKING ABOUT HEALTHY AGING
BEFORE THE INDEPENDENT MEMBERS OF (ERBALIFE .UTRITION 0HILIPPINES AT THE 7ELLNESS 4OUR g7E ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME $R (AMID *AN TO BE OUR GUEST SPEAKER AT THIS YEAR S !0!# 7ELLNESS 4OUR 7E ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO LEARNING MORE FROM HIM ON TOPICS LIKE GOOD NUTRITION AND HOW IT CAN HELP IN HEALTHY AGING u SAID 3RIDHAR 2AJAGOPALAN SENIOR DIRECTOR AND SUB REGION HEAD FOR 0HILIPPINES OF (ERBALIFE .UTRITION g7HILE AGING IS AN INEVITABLE PROCESS WE BELIEVE WE CAN TAKE ACTIVE STEPS TO AGE HEALTHILY 4HROUGH THE 7ELLNESS 4OUR $R (AMID ADVICE TO HELP PEOPLE HARNESS THE THEIR HEALTHY AGING JOURNEY EARLY u *AN WILL SHARE VALUABLE TIPS AND POWER OF NUTRITION TO KICK START ADDED 2AJAGOPALAN
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Cadbury Dairy Milk Bubbly leads the future of snacking
THESE DAYS MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE TURNING TO SNACKS TO MEET THEIR NEEDS FOR NUTRITION CONVENIENCE ENERGY OR ENJOYMENT 4HERE IS AN INCREASING SNACKING NEED IN 3OUTH %AST !SIA INCLUDING THE 0HILIPPINES 4HE WAY PEOPLE LIVE TODAY IS CHANGING THE WAY WE EAT 4HERE ARE NOW MORE SNACKING OPPORTUNITIES WITH MORE PEOPLE ON THE GO AND SEEKING HEIGHTENED SNACKING EXPERIENCES )N FACT SNACKING IS A LARGE AND GROWING BEHAVIOR AROUND THE WORLD WITH AROUND TRILLION SPENT ON SNACKING PRODUCTS EVERY YEAR )T S EVEN PREDICTED TO GROW FASTER AND BIGGER THAN THE BROADER FOOD INDUSTRY g4HE WORLD OF SNACKING IS CHANGING FAST AND WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO ADAPT BE AGILE AND MOVE FAST TO WIN IN SNACKING )T S A SPACE WE HAVE BEEN GROWING IN FOR THE PAST YEARS IN THE 0HILIPPINES AND ONE WHICH WE WANT TO LEAD IN THE
FUTURE 7E RE ALL ABOUT SNACKING u SHARES -ONDELEZ 0HILIPPINES !RLENE !MANTE SENIOR BRAND MANAGER FOR #HOCOLATES %QUITY AND )NNOVATION 3OUTH %AST !SIA 2ECENTLY #ADBURY $AIRY -ILK "UBBLY THE NEWEST SNACK OFFERING FROM -ONDELEZ 0HILIPPINES WAS LAUNCHED )T S A DISRUPTOR IN THE FAST CHANGING CONSUMER LANDSCAPE BECAUSE IT IS THE kRST EVER AERATED CHOCOLATE TO BE LAUNCHED IN THE COUNTRY BY THE COMPANY WITH INNOVATIVE BUBBLES ON THE INSIDE AND ON THE OUTSIDE ,AUNCHED IN )NDIA -ALAYSIA AND NOW IN THE 0HILIPPINES #ADBURY $AIRY -ILK "UBBLY LEVERAGES ON THE SNACKING AND CHOCOLATE MAKING EXPERTISE OF -ONDEL Z )NTERNATIONAL GLOBALLY TO CREATE THIS ONE OF A KIND CHOCOLATE BAR THAT OFFERS MORE HEIGHTENED SNACKING EXPERIENCES FOR CONSUMERS .OW AVAILABLE IN SUPERMARKETS AND CONVENIENCE STORES NATIONWIDE
A unique, sweet experience at The Dessert Museum *534 RECENTLY ONE OF THE TOURIST DESTINATIONS RIGHT NOW IN -ANILA IS AT 3 -AISON -ALL IN #ONRAD (OTEL -ANILA -ALL OF !SIA #OMPLEX 0ASAY #ITY 4HE )NSTAGRAM FRIENDLY AND THE SWEETEST 4HE $ESSERT -USEUM WHERE ,ANCE 4AN IS THE CHIEF OPERATION OFkCER INVITES THE MEDIA AGAIN TO SHOWCASE THEIR MOUTHWATERING ROOM CONCEPTS WITH SUGAR kLLED HAPPINESS ! C C O R D I N G T O ,ANCE g /UR COMPANIES PRODUCES MILLENNIAL CONCEPTS THAT MAKES OUR BUSINESS UNITS A MAJOR INlUENCER IN THE INDUSTRIES WHERE WE HAVE PRESENCE !LL OF OUR CONCEPTS ARE PROUDLY &ILIPINO AND ORIGINAL DESIGNS 7E TAKE OUR MARKET SERIOUSLY THAT WE ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT WHAT THEY WANT AND WHAT WILL TICKLE THEIR SENSES WOULD BE WHAT WE WILL BRING THEM !T THE END OF THE DAY WHAT MATTERS MOST IS THE KIND
OF EXPERIENCE THAT YOU LET YOUR GUESTS BRING HOME WITH THEM u !T ROOMS GUESTS EXPERIENCED TO SLIDE PLAY JUMP AND SWING WITH A READY CAMERA IN ALL TWIST AND TURNS AS ALL ROOMS ARE kLLED WITH EYE CATCHING DESIGNS LIKE THE #ANDY #ANE 'ROVES #OTTON #ANDY 0IÃ&#x201E;ATA $ONUT (OLE "ANANA "EACH -ARSHMALLOW AND MORE &OR MORE INFORMATION CONtact HELLO THEDESSERTMUSEUM COM
Beat the heat with cool fares from Emirates this summer )4 3 THE SUMMER SEASON AGAIN AND WHETHER YOU WANT TO ESCAPE THE HEAT WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY OR MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER BY YOURSELF OR WITH SOMEONE SPECIAL %MIRATES IS OFFERING SPECIAL RATES FOR A LIMITED TIME THIS !PRIL TO SOME OF THE BEST DESTINATIONS THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER "OOK YOUR lIGHT EARLY VIA THE %MIRATES WEBSITE WWW EMIRATES COM PH OR THROUGH YOUR PREFERRED TRAVEL AGENT AND ENJOY SPECIAL RATES FOR lIGHTS TO KEY CITIES IN %UROPE AND THE -IDDLE %AST
FROM AS LOW AS FOR "USINESS #LASS AND FOR %CONOMY #LASS 4HE PROMOTIONAL PERIOD RUNS UNTIL !PRIL FOR TRAVEL FROM NOW AND UNTIL $ECEMBER "LACKOUT PERIODS AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY 3EE THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF %UROPE THROUGH THE HISTORIC STREETS OF 2OME THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE OF "ARCELONA OR THE ROMANTIC EVENINGS OF 6ENICE OR THE EXQUISITE FOOD AND WINE IN 0ORTO 0ORTUGAL m ONE OF %MIRATES NEWEST DESTINATIONS WHICH WILL LAUNCH ON *ULY
Breakfast brew out at Tim Hortons 4)- (ORTONS ONCE AGAIN MAKES COOLING A BREEZE WITH THEIR LATEST COLD BEVERAGE ON OFFER FOR THE SUMMERTIME &OR THIS !PRIL ENJOY "REAKFAST "REWOUT /N !PRIL %ASTER
3UNDAY AND !PRIL FROM A M TO A M CUSTOMERS CAN ENJOY A FREE SAUSAGE AND CHEESE BISCUIT FOR EVERY PURCHASE OF A LARGE COFFEE OR ICED COFFEE IN ALL 4IM (ORTONS BRANCHES
Sports
C1 MONDAY APRIL 22, 2019
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The secret to Spursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; success BASKETBALL SLEUTH MICHAEL ANGELO B. ASIS
â&#x20AC;&#x153;I
T felt strange.â&#x20AC;? This was the reaction of most BASKETBALL FANS WHEN 4ONY 0ARKER kRST wore an NBA uniform which did not have â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spursâ&#x20AC;? on it. Parker was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2001, 29th overall as a 19-year old French professional player. While they were not, by any chance, the pioneers of the European revolution in the NBA, they did sway the curiosity of the rest of the NBA scouts in the years to come.
The best model is success Tony Parkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first year out of a Spurs UNIFORM IS ALSO HIS kRST TIME TO MISS THE playoffs. In a league where 14 out of 30 teams, almost half the league, will fail to make the post season, the streak of making the playoffs for 22 straight years is absolutely incredible. Sure, the Philadelphia 76ers, dating back to when they were the Syracuse Nationals also had 22 years of playoff participation, but making the playoffs with just 8 teams in the league is not the same as for 30 teams. There are just four teams in your division and only the worst gets eliminated. The Spurs have survived retirements, season-ending injuries, free agency transfers and whatever transpired with Kawhi Leonard. All of these are part of professional sports, and while any of the above incidents could be a valid excuse for missing the post-season for other teams, the Spurs have risen above that standard.
The anti-process Former Philadelphia 76ers GM Sam Hinkie was known to have coined the term, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Process,â&#x20AC;? which merely abused the draft system of rewarding the worst records. The Sixers put on a brazen tanking strategy to get the best draft picks. The NBA Commissioner hated him for it, and Hinkie eventually lost his job. But his vision has come into fruition. The Sixers are now a playoff team, an actual contender build behind The Processâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; direct fruits, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. This has led other teams--the Suns, Lakers, Knicks, Magic, Hawks among others, to conclude that tanking is necessary. Which proves that the San Antonio Spurs are true geniusesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an outlier from the rest of the NBA. There is a debate on whether they tanked in 1997, the draft that got them Tim Duncan. That is an entire column in itself, but even if they did, 1997 is a long time ago. They havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t missed the playoffs even after Duncan retired. The Spurs have never had one lottery pick since Tim Duncan. Not even Kawhi Leonard, whom they traded for, is in the top 14. The Spurs have made stars out of 28th-29th picks. They have attracted free agents recentlyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;breaking the â&#x20AC;&#x153;small marketâ&#x20AC;? barrier. LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol, the latter no longer at an elite level, chose the Spurs over glitzier options.
Embiid sparks 76ers to NBA playoff win after two ejected
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EW YORK: Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joel Embiid returned from injury to score a game-high 31 points and grab 16 rebounds, powering the 76ers to a 112-108 NBA playoff victory at Brooklyn on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
Despite a third-quarter incident that saw two players ejected, the 76ers seized A LEAD IN THE kRST ROUND SERIES AGAINST the Nets and could advance in the Eastern Conference best-of-seven matchup with a home victory Tuesday. In the other Eastern Conference game, +HRIS -IDDLETON kNISHED WITH POINTS and nine rebounds as the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks put the Detroit Pistons on the brink of elimination with a 119-103 win. The victory give the Bucks a 3-0 lead and they can wrap up the series with a win on the road in the Motor City on Monday. Philadelphia, down by 10 points early in the third quarter, battled back most of the second half before taking the lead on a run of eight points by Embiid, who missed game three with a sore left knee. A slam dunk and layup by Embiid gave THE ERS THEIR kRST LATE LEAD AT but, after an exchange of layups and threepointers as well as turnovers, fell behind 108-107 on a basket by Brooklynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joe Harris with 25 seconds remaining. On the next 76er possession, Embiid lIPPED THE LAST OF HIS SEVEN ASSISTS TO -IKE Scott, whose corner three-pointer put Philadelphia ahead to stay 110-108 with 19 seconds remaining. Australian Ben Simmons â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who added 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the 76ers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; stole the ball from Brooklynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jarett Allen and Tobias Harris sank two free throws for the last of his 24 points to clinch the triumph.
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Stay cool and not reactâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Caris LeVert led the Nets with 25 points while Brooklyn had 21 points each from
Allen and Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo Russell. Cameroon star center Embiid was isSUED A lAGRANT FOUL IN TOUCHING OFF AN altercation 4:18 into the third quarter that saw Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jimmy Butler Brooklynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jared Dudley ejected. Embiid, who had elbowed Allen in the face in game two, was whistled for a hard foul on Allen that prompted Dudley to rush at Embiid, taking down the Sixers big man. Butler swung his left arm at Dudley, who wound up in the front row seats with Simmons at one stage, to earn his ejection. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know these guys are going to go at me because they want me to retaliate, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to be mature when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m on the court and just stay cool and not react,â&#x20AC;? Embiid said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today I could have reacted but I felt like my team needed me more than they needed Jared Dudley, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just got to stay cool and mature and do my job.â&#x20AC;? In Detroit, Brook Lopez tallied 19 POINTS AND HAD SEVEN REBOUNDS AND kVE blocked shots and Eric Bledsoe scored 19 points for the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered 14 points and 10 rebounds for his third straight double-double in the series and Nikola Mirotic chipped in 12 points. $ETROIT S HOBBLED STAR "LAKE 'RIFkN HAD 27 points in 31 minutes after he missed the kRST TWO GAMES OF THE SERIES WITH A SORE KNEE 'RIFkN WAS CLEARED WITH HIS LEG HEAVILY wrapped but it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change the outcome. The Pistons have now lost 13 straight
Q Joel Embiid (No. 21) of the Philadelphia 76ers heads for the net as Jarrett Allen (No. 31) of the Brooklyn Nets defends at Barclays Center on Sunday in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. AFP PHOTO playoff games dating back to 2008.
Jokic spurs on Nuggets In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets â&#x20AC;&#x201D; led by game highs of 29 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists from Serbian playmaker Nikola Jokic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; pulled level with San Antonio at 2-2 in their opening series with a 117-103 road triumph over the Spurs. Denver posted the second-best regular-season record in the West this season but it was Spurs that could have pushed
Recharged RoS eyes to pull away further in Game 4
The new project Most everyone thought the Spursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; playoff streak will end this season with the entire Big Three of Parker, Duncan and the retired -ANU 'INOBILI ALL OUT FOR THE kRST TIME 4HEY found new building blocks, like Dejounte Murray, another 29th pick. He gets injured, ACL, an athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nightmare, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out for the season. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say the Spurs are luckyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; they have had their fair share of this. So they push another 29th pick, Derrick White, who spent more time in Division II basketball, and he drops 36 points in game 3, averaging 23 points in the playoffs. Spurs are leading the 2nd seeded Denver Nuggets at 2-1. DeMar DeRozan has been consistent and played more games than Kawhi Leonard, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not leaving San Antonio at the end of the season. So who really won that trade with Toronto? The Spurs have been handed all sorts of curveballs; Kawhiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bizarre tirade was even unprecedented. But the team of Coach Gregg Popovich, GM RC Buford and owner Peter Holt have found a way to survive without stinking. Other teams play the game. Some, like Hinkie, may have even aced the game. But the Spurs is the team that truly changed the game. Their secret will remain undiscovered, as none of the other 29 teams could even come close.
the Nuggets to the brink of elimination with a victory. Instead, the Nuggets hit 15-of-31 points from three-point range and snapped a 14game losing streak in San Antonio dating to March 2012, with Jokic and Jamal Murrayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 24 points leading the way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t won here in a while. That was on our minds,â&#x20AC;? Murray said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now we go back home 2-2. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll bring the same defensive energy and get the job done.â&#x20AC;? The series continues with game five Tuesday in Denver. AFP
Q Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine attempts a score against Rafi Reavis of Magnolia while Kris Rosales of Rain or Shine (No. 1) looks on during Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinals series in Season 44 PBA Philippine Cup game on Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA MEDIA BUREAU PHOTO
A REJUVENATED Rain or Shine will try to stretch its lead to 3-1 against Magnolia when they clash at 7 p.m. tonight in Game 4 of their BEST OF SEVEN SEMIkNALS SERIES IN 3EASON Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum. The Elasto Painters won Game 1 (84-77) and Game 2 (93-80) but the Hotshots took Game 3 (74-85) on Tuesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is basketball, I think both teams have enough time to rest and make adjustments and get ready for tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m CONkDENT IN US 7E ALREADY GOT TWO AND then we can get another one,â&#x20AC;? said Gabe Norwood, who praised Magnoliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stellar Game 3 performance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Magnolia just showed why they are a championship caliber team. They came out and played hard in all quarters. Down the stretch, we just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make the plays that needed to be done. So kudos to them for playing hard all the way through.â&#x20AC;? Rookie Javee Mocon emerged as Game 3 hero with 18 points and nine rebounds supported by Beau Belga with 12 points and seven rebounds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We only earned a good chance of tying the series. What is good here is the players were able to rest and get fresh legs and mind although both teams have their chance tomorrow,â&#x20AC;? Magnolia coach Chito Victolero told The Manila Times on Sunday. The Hotshots returned to practice on Friday after a two-day break. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already Game 4 and by now the players have already know their strength and weaknesses. But they are also coming from a vacation. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure Rain or Shine has prepared new strategies for tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game,â&#x20AC;? added Victolero. )AN 3ANGALANG S EIGHT POINTS IN THE kNAL canto proved crucial to Magnoliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory IN 'AME (E kNISHED WITH POINTS TOTAL plus 11 rebounds. Paul Lee also contributed 16 points in that game. JOSEF T. RAMOS
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Sports
Ë&#x153; The Manila Times
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MONDAY April 22, 2019
Casimero blasts Franco for WBO interim title Q Johnriel Casimero throws a left hook against Ricardo Espinoza Franco of Mexico during their fight for the WBO interim world bantamweight title on Sunday in Carson, California. PHOTO COURTESY OF JHAY OTAMIAS
BY JOSEF T. RAMOS
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OHNRIEL Casimero took the World Boxing Organization (WBO) interim world bantamweight belt via 12th round technical knockout win over Mexican Ricardo Espinoza Franco on Sunday at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Casimero came out lethargic in the opening round but regained his rhythm in the fourth round, peppering the YEAR OLD &RANCO WIN LOSS RECORD WITH KNOCKOUTS with crisp combinations.
4HE /RMOC #ITY NATIVE lOORED &RANCO WITH A SOLID RIGHT HOOK AT the end of round six. The blow HURT &RANCO BADLY THAT THE -EXICAN resorted to hugging Casimero to stop further punishment in later rounds.
#ASIMERO S VICIOUS COMBO IN THE TH PROMPTED !MERICAN REFEREE 2UDY "ARRAGAN TO CONDUCT A MANDATORY EIGHT COUNT BUT &RANCO refused to surrender. 4HE &ILIPINO SUSTAINED THE PUMmeling until the referee halted the
bout in the waning seconds to save the Mexican from severe injuries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just proved that there is still a LOT OF POWER LEFT IN ME u #ASIMERO told The Manila Times IN &ILIPINO via overseas call. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My opponent is durable and he fought hard, so
Crawford stops Khan to retain WBO title NEW YORK: American Terence Crawford retained his WBO welterweight title Saturday (Sunday in Manila), stopping Amir Khan in the sixth round when the Englishman was unable to continue because of an accidental low blow. Crawford, who was making the second defense of his title, had little trouble controlling THE kGHT AND WINNING BY A TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT against the overmatched Khan. Crawford has now won nine of his last 11 kGHTS BY STOPPAGE AND 3ATURDAY S SURPRISE ending happened after he hit Khan with a hard left to the groin 47 seconds into the sixth round at Madison Square Garden in New York. Khan buckled and was in obvious pain as he went over to his corner. During the inJURY STOPPAGE +HAN S TRAINER 6IRGIL (UNTER asked his boxer if he wanted to continue and Khan said no. Khan could have taken A kVE MINUTE BREAK TO REGAIN HIS COMPOSURE but chose not to. Crawford denied it was a low blow but the referee saw it differently. g)T WASN T A LOW BLOW u #RAWFORD SAID g) was rushing a little. Trying to box more and CATCH HIM IN THE TRENCHES u Three division world champion Crawford improved to 35 wins and no losses. Crawford, who is considered one of the BEST POUND FOR POUND kGHTERS IN THE WORLD SENT +HAN TO THE CANVAS IN THE kRST ROUND with an overhand right followed by a left TO THE TEMPLE (E DELIVERED A SIMILAR OVER-
hand punch Q Terence Crawford punches Amir Khan during in the last 10 their WBO welterweight title fight at Madison seconds of the Square Garden on Sunday in New York City. round which AFP PHOTO WOBBLED +HAN S legs again. The next couple of rounds saw the 146-pound Crawford t h r ow i n g a l most all his punches at +HAN S HEAD By the fourth round, Crawford was in complete conTROL AND +HAN S s wo l l e n f a c e was showing We are going to make it happen, sooner the marks of getting hit with clean punches. OR LATER u Crawford started going to the body in THE FOURTH AND IN THE kFTH HE GOT HIS JAB â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I am a warriorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; WORKING AGAIN POPPING +HAN S HEAD BACK with a series of quick shots. Khan defended his decision to not continue +HAN WASN T #RAWFORD S kRST CHOICE (E OR TAKE THE FULL kVE MINUTES OF THE TIME OUT WANTED TO kGHT )NTERNATIONAL "OXING &EDg) AM A WARRIOR u HE SAID g) WOULD NEVER eration champ Errol Spence and reiterated GIVE UP IN A kGHT LIKE THIS that on Saturday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was in pain. I could feel it in my stomg4HE ONLY ONE kGHT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT ACH -Y LEGS SEIZED ) COULDN T CONTINUE 9OU IS 3PENCE 7HENEVER HE IS READY ) AM HERE u HAVE TO KNOCK ME OUT FOR ME TO GIVE UP u said Crawford. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The only thing I can do is &OR +HAN THE /LYMPIC SILVER MEDALkGHT THE PERSON THEY PUT IN FRONT OF ME list, it was another disappointing world title kGHT (E IS IN HIS LAST FOUR kGHTS Three years ago, he was brutally knocked out by Canelo Alvarez in a MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE kGHT 3ATURDAY S kGHT DROPPED HIS RECORD IN WORLD TITLE kGHTS TO OVERALL "ETWEEN THE !LVAREZ kGHT AND 3ATURDAY S 4+/ LOSS +HAN WON two straight bouts against lesser opponents. AFP
) JUST LET HIM MOVE IN kRST BEFORE ) HIT HIM u It was a great comeback for Casimero who lost by unanimous decision to compatriot Jonas Sultan in Cebu on September
The victory improved CaSIMERO S RECORD TO WITH knockouts. Casimero was a former InterNATIONAL "OXING &EDERATION LIGHT flyweight and flyweight world champion.
Nadal crashes to Fognini in Monte Carlo shocker MONTE CARLO, Principality of Monaco: Rafael Nadal crashed out to F3abio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters semifinals on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) with the Spanish star admitting his 6-4, 6-2 loss was his â&#x20AC;&#x153;worst clay court match in 14 yearsâ&#x20AC;?. The shock result leaves Italian 13th seed Fognini facing unseeded Serb Dusan Lajovic in Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unscripted final. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I played one of my worst matches on clay in 14 years,â&#x20AC;? said Nadal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to find any positives â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I deserved to lose.â&#x20AC;? Fognini, who beat Nadal twice on clay in 2015, stopped a 25-set win streak in the principality for the world number two. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The vision is clear,â&#x20AC;? added 32-year-old Nadal who was playing his first tournament in a month after opting to rest his troublesome knees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I played a very bad match against a good player. In that situation, you have to lose. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had a bad feeling, it was a tough day. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m coming from low moments in terms of injuries, and in terms of the mental side it has not been easy to accept all the things that have been going on during recent weeks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything was wrong. I always expect the best. But you have to be ready to accept the negative things and today was a negative day.â&#x20AC;? For 31-year-old Fognini, based just over the border in San Remo, it was a fourth career win over Nadal and third on clay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had a really good week, did some good work,â&#x20AC;? said the Italian. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was born near here, I know how to play on clay. This will be the final that no-one expected, I just hope to recover well and be ready. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plus Lajovic is trained by my ex-coach â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we laughed about that in the locker room.â&#x20AC;? Fognini, cheered by thousands of compatriots on Centre Court, broke Nadal three times in a 55-minute opening set. Nadal saved three match points while trailing a set and 5-0 as he broke Fognini in a last-gasp effort.
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I really want the titleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; But the 13th seed would not be denied, earning another pair of chances in the eighth game and claiming victory with a forehand winner down the line. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m calm, I want to enjoy my victory,â&#x20AC;? Fognini said after reaching his first final at the Masters 1000 level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve beaten Rafa on clay, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really happy, it was windy and tough to play. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a surprise to play Lajovic, but heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playing good.â&#x20AC;? Fognini trailed 3-1 early in the opening set before giving himself a mental scolding: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told myself to calm down and play. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter now â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in the final. It was difficult, you need more than 100 percent concentration to play Rafa on clay. I really want to win this title now.â&#x20AC;? Lajovic, ranked 48th, will be playing his first ATP final after seeing off Russian 10th seed Daniil Medvedev â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the conqueror of Novak Djokovic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 7-5, 6-1. That match was also played in distracting, swirling conditions, with Lajovic making a recovery from 5-1 down after changing strategy when Medvedev had the upper hand. Lajovic ran off 10 straight games to claim the opening set in an hour and take a 4-0 lead in the second. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was completely out of rhythm, to start. It was the worst nightmare, being 5-1 down,â&#x20AC;? Lajovic said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still unaware of reaching the final, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m enjoying it,â&#x20AC;? added the player who has not dropped a set all week. AFP
Q Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fabio Fognini (right) shakes hands with Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rafael Nadal after he won the semi final tennis match of the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series tournament in Monaco on Sunday. AFP PHOTO
Cheng claims 1st WPA Players crown .%6%2-say-die Taiwanese Kevin Cheng ROSE FROM THE GRAVE TO OUTLAST &ILIPINO #ARLO "IADO IN EXTRA RACK AND CAPTURE THE &IRST 7ORLD 0OOL !SSOCIATION 70! 0LAYERS #HAMPIONSHIP ON &RIDAY NIGHT AT THE 'RIFFS "ILLIARD IN ,AS 6EGAS .EVADA Trailing, 5-8, in the race to 9 exciting kNALE #HENG TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE &ILIPINO WORLD BALL CHAMPION S uncharacteristic four-ball miss in what could have been a decider for Biado to clinch the title. Displaying his well-known warfare mentality Cheng proceeded to win the next four racks, and then slugged IT OUT IN A TENSION kLLED MINUTE stretch with Biado in the win-by-two format, until the pair reached the limit of 11-all standoff needing another rack to decide. (AVING HIS SECOND WIND THE 4AIwanese proved steadier in the pivotal extra period to earn the distinction of BECOMING THE kRST WINNER OF THE SERIES THE 70! PLANS TO MAKE A REGULAR kXTURE in its annual calendar. 4HE VICTORY CAPPED A TERRIkC WEEK for the Taiwanese sharpshooter, who showed that not only is he one of POOL S NEWEST AND HOTTEST CUE ARTISTS but also that he is a resilient, never-sayDIE kGHTER THAT CAN GRIND IT OUT WITH THE best of them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was down 8-5 and he is
shooting at an open table, I already KNOW THAT ) M GOING TO LOSE u A RELIEVED and delighted Cheng said after he was QUOTED BY 0HILIPPINE BASED 70! MEDIA OFkCER 4ED ,ERNER â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then when he missed that fourball, I can play without stress and I played really good. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Cheng said. g4HE LAST FEW RACKS WERE VERY DIFkCULT AND THAT S WHEN ) GOT NERVOUS AGAIN ) think I got lucky, but I also hit some very good shots at the end to take the MATCH AND THE TOURNAMENT u g/VERALL ) M VERY HAPPY WITH THE way I played this week. It was a great TOURNAMENT WITH A GREAT kELD AND THIS GIVES ME A LOT CONkDENCE HEADING INTO THE 53 /PEN u #HENG WHO ALSO pocketed the $10,000 top purse of the $65,000 series added. Earlier in the day, Biado beat Chang 9U ,UNG IN THE OTHER HALF OF THE !LL &ILIPINO !LL 4AIWANESE SEMIkNAL matchups to arrange a title showdown with Cheng. )N THE kRST &INAL &OUR CONTEST #HENG TOOK THE MEASURE OF "IADO S COMPATRIot Johann Chua in a similar 9-6 count. The race to nine, win-by-two gold medal encounter between Biado and Cheng was everything one would expect between two of the best not only of their respective countries, but in the entire world of professional pool. !FTER SPLITTING THE kRST EIGHT RACKS
THE &ILIPINO TOOK CONTROL OF HIS GAME winning the next two to take the upper hand, 6-4. Cheng got one back, but then Biado showed off his amazing potting and cue ball skills to regain the edge, 7-5. Cheng looked tense missing the four-ball in the next frame, which allowed Biado to clear the table and move one away from the title. And it certainly looked like it was all OVER IN THE NEXT RACK WITH THE &ILIPINO at the table and a fairly straightforward clear right in front of him. Until he himself missed the four-ball in the side. #HENG WON THE NEXT kVE RACKS INCLUDING two break and runs, to go up 9-8. "UT "IADO ISN T THE WORLD S THIRD ranked player for nothing as he stormed back to take the next two to lead 10-9 and move, again, one rack away from victory annexing the crown. The pool gods, though, conspired AGAINST THE &ILIPINO AS HE BROKE DRY IN the next frame and allowed Cheng to clear to tie at 10-10. A safety battle ensued, and in the next rack, the Taiwanese left a safe open, and Biado cleaned up the colors. Tied at 11-11, the match and the title went to a one rack decider. Biado consoled himself by bringing home the $7,000 second prize with Chua winning $5,000. EDDIE G. ALINEA
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Ë&#x153; The Manila Times
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MONDAY April 22, 2019
Sports
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Pagunsan, Que eye record TCC Invitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l win JUVIC Pagunsan hopes to snap a two-tournament slump while Angelo Que tries to rebound from a missed cut abroad as they resume their chase for a record fourth crown in The Country Club Invitational which unwraps tomorrow (April 23, Tuesday) in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The smooth-swinging Pagunsan lost momentum after dominating the PGT (Philippine Golf Tour) Asia Riviera leg last month, missing the cut in the Solaire Philippine Open the following week and ending up tied at 22nd in the ICTSI Luisita Championship last weekend. The power-hitting Que, on the OTHER HAND kNISHED JOINT THIRD IN the Phl Open but failed to advance in the Token Homemate Cup of the Japan PGA Tour last Friday, his abbreviated stint giving him MORE TIME TO kGURE OUT HIS GAME in time for the TCC Invitational also known as the Don Pocholo Razon Memorial Cup. Pagunsan and Que share the most number of titles at three apiece in what has long been regarded as one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR ITS PRIZE fund (P5 million) and stellar cast (featuring the top 30 of the 2018 PGT Order of Merit ranking) with the demanding Tom WeiskophDESIGNED LAYOUT PROVIDING A kTTING challenge for the best of the best. But the rest are also coming into the event brimming with CONkDENCE AND ARMED WITH GAMES honed by stints in the last two bigtime tournaments, guaranteeing four days of battle of shotmaking, iron play, short game, putting and wits at one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toughest courses. Micah Shin, for one, sets out for a rare back-to-back feat after the young Korean-American
stunned fancied and 2017 champion Miguel Tabuena in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finale to become the first nonFilipino winner of the event put up by ICTSI chairman Ricky Razon to honor the memory of his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo. Former champions Tony LascuĂąa and Frankie MiĂąoza are also in the fold with the former out to end a long title spell and duplicate his romp in 2004 and the latter hoping to re-display the vintage form he dished out in ruling the event in 2013. Clyde Mondilla and Jobim CarLOS ALSO AIM FOR A BIG kNISH IN THE 72-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. with the former seeking to make it two-in-row at TCC after topping the Phl Open and the latter hoping to bounce back from SO SO STINTS DUE TO HAND INJURY Though Tabuena is out to heal A BACK INJURY THE kELD REMAINS AS talent-laden as ever with PGT leg winners Jhonnel Ababa, Korean Kim Joo Hyung, Dutch Guido Van der Valk, Jerson Balasabas, Jay Bayron, Aussie Tim Stewart, Justin Quiban, Joenard Rates, Elmer Salvador, James Ryan Lam and Albin Engino along with American ,EXUS +EONINH 0ETER 3TOJANOVSKI of Macedonia, Michael Bibat, Reymon Jaraula, Zanieboy Gialon, Arnold Villacencio, Nico Salahog, Rene Menor, Keanu Jahns, Mhark Fernando and Anthony Fernando. -EANWHILE THE SELECT kELD TESTS the TCC layout one last time in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Monday) novel pro-am where two pros team up with two OFkCIALS AND GUESTS OF THE EVENT S chief backers.
Henderson defends Lotte title, tie Canadian victory mark K
APOLEI, Hawaii: Brooke Henderson successfully defended her title in the Lotte Championship on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) to tie Sandra Postâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record for LPGA Tour victories by a Canadian with eight. The 21-year-old Henderson closed with a 2-under 70 at windy Ko Olina Golf Club for a fourstroke victory over Eun-Hee Ji. g7HEN ) WAS YOUNGER IT WAS JUST a goal to be on the LPGA Tour, to WIN MY kRST EVENT u (ENDERSON said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And when that happened AND ) WON MY kRST MAJOR THE YEAR AFTER THINGS KIND OF JUST STARTED TO fall into place. I knew the record was eight. Just kept creeping toward it the last three years, which was really exciting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And then I think starting last year I sort of saw that it was within my reach if I had two good seasons. Last year put me
into great position, and coming back this year itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been on the back of my mind every week that I tee it UP ) M JUST REALLY HAPPY THAT ) HAVE kNALLY DONE IT ,OOKING FORWARD TO overtaking it now.â&#x20AC;? George Knudson and Mike Weir share the Canadian mark on the PGA Tour, also each winning eight times. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really amazing to even be mentioned in the same sentence as Mike Weir, George, and Sandra,â&#x20AC;? Henderson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This week was really special. I always love coming to Hawaii. Last year was such an incredible week for me, to be able TO HOIST THAT TROPHY FOR THE kRST
time. Coming back I knew I knew the golf course really well and I have so many great memories pretty much on every hole, which is a great feeling.â&#x20AC;? Nelly Korda, tied with Henderson for the third-round lead, finished with a quadruple-bogey 8 for a 77 that left her seven strokes back at 9 under. She hit into the water twice on 18, then threw her ball in after finishing. The 20-year-old American also had a double bogey on the par4 seventh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pretty bad,â&#x20AC;? Korda said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I mean, it was a tough day, but I ended really poorly and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty disappointed in that. ... It was AN UNFORTUNATE kNAL ROUND BUT there is nothing I can do about it anymore.â&#x20AC;? Henderson rebounded from a BOGEY ON THE PAR kRST WITH BIRDies on the par-4 third and par-5 kFTH ALSO BIRDIED THE PAR TH and closed with seven straight pars
National match play unwraps
Q Juvic Pagunsan CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
7 PH riders vie in Asian Road Cycling SEVEN Filipino riders led by upand-coming Daniel Ven Carino will vie in the 2019 Asian Road Cycling Championships in Chorvoq, Uzbekistan each hoping to become the next Rustom Lim or Rex Luis Krogg who have won medals in the annual continental race. Carino, 21 and the Best Young Rider of the 2018 Le Tour de Filipinas from Mangaldan (Pangasinan), is competing in his first of two eventsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the 40-kilometer Men Under-23 individual time trial (ITT) on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. in Manila). Earlier on Wednesday at 1 p.m., 18-year-old Marc Ryan Lago, of Taguig City, starts his own challenge in the 30-km Men Junior ITT hoping to kick off the campaign of the team sent here by PhilCycling President Abraham Tolentino and Secretary General Atty. Billy Sumagui. The teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign is bankrolled by Go For Gold, one of kVE 0HIL#YCLING STAKEHOLDERS THAT include Standard Insurance headed by Judes Echauz. Coached by Ednalyn Hualda, also the team manager of continental team Go For Gold, the Men Junior squad of Lago, Efren Reyes Jr. (18) AND %AN #AJUCOM WILL CAMpaign in the 105.6-km Men Junior
Q Brooke Henderson of Canada watches her drive on the 17th hole during the final round of the LOTTE Championship at Ko Olina Golf Club on Sunday in Kapolei, Hawaii. AFP PHOTO
individual road race that starts and ends at Gazalkentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;each setting a goal of duplicating or surpassing THE SILVER MEDAL kNISH +ROGG ACCOMplished in the 2018 championships in Myanmar and the bronze Lim bagged in Thailand in 2011. Carino will again head the Under 23 squad in the individual road race that covers 148.40 kms also in an out-and-back course in Gazalkent with the Filipino riders contending not only against crack teams from Asia but also against the mountain courses and cold and biting temperature that breaks 14 degrees Centigrade at its lowest. Ismael Gorospe Jr., Joshua Mari Bonifacio and Jerico Lucero complete the Under 23 roster hailed by the Philippine Sports Commission, headed by Chairman William Ramirez, as the potential future of Philippine cycling. The PhilCycling will also submit its bid to host the Asian BMC Championships for 2020 during the Asian Cycling Confederation Congress that will be held on Friday at the International Hotel Tashkent. A new International Cycling Unionregulation BMX track is nearing completion in Tagaytay for the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
THE Philippine Amateur Open Match Play Championships reel off today with a spirited battle up among the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top and rising players in the ranks in the 36-hole stroke play elims at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac. After staging the Philippine Golf Tour Asia qualifying tournament and a PGT event the last three weeks, the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.designed layout hosts the future STARS IN A kVE DAY TOURNAMENT THAT WILL SHOWCASE THE kELD S SKILLS TALent and endurance in medal and match play events. Carl Corpus banners the cast chasing the top 16 spots in the
knockout phase starting Wednesday while Rianne Malixi hopes to ride the momentum of her big, surprise victory in the Phl Junior Amateur Open (Stroke Paly) as she leads the title hunt in the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; side of the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation. Boosting the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roster are Kristoffer Arevalo, Tim Avramidis, Leandro Bagtas, siblings Aldo and Paqo Barro, Perry Bucay, Dylan Castillo, Zachary Castro, Dan Cruz, Jeffrey Gabe, Joaquin Gomez and David Guangko while young guns Josh Jorge and Sean Ramos are also expected to crowd the favorites in the event organized and
conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines and backed by the PLDT Group, Cignal AND -ETRO 0ACIkC Completing the cast are Luigi Guerrero, Elmer Jayloni, Ricardo Manotoc, Masaichi Otake, Don Petil, Roberto Poblete, Gilbert Purcia, Jacob Rolida and Paolo Wong. Also out to spoil the locals are Koreans Ha Tae Won, Kim Tae Hoon and Kim Tae Soo. Malixi, on the other hand, faces the likes of Laurea Duque, Laia Barro, Kristine Fleetwood, Kim Ga Yeon and Bang Hee Yeon in what PROMISES TO BE A kERY CHASE FOR THE girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; crown.
Martirez scores PPS twinkill ALTHEA Rose Martirez pulled off a pair of thrillers over France Lorin Idjao to clinch the MVP plum while Allen Rombawa and Benedict Santiago shared top honors in the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; side of the PPSPEPP Gov. Alfonso Umali Cup national age-grouper at the Pinamalayan Tennis Courts in Oriental Mindoro recently. Martirez thwarted Idjao, 6-4, 6-4, in the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; singles 16-U finals then the rising star from Central Philippine U in Iloilo rallied from a set down to hack out a 3-6, 6-3, 10-5 decision in the 18-U championship and emerge the lone â&#x20AC;&#x153;doubleâ&#x20AC;? winner in the Group 1 tournament presented by Dunlop and sponsored by Gov. Alfonso Umali and the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro. Rombawa, from Lipa, Batangas, overpowered Jann Guillano from Roxas City, Capiz, 6-0, 6-2, to bag the 16-U title while Santiago, also from Iloilo, survived Jeff Jimenea, 6-4, 7-5, for the 14-U plum in the event sanctioned by
the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Tobyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg. Up next is the PPS-PEPP juniors meet in Pulilan, Bulacan on April 22-27 while Zamboanga del Norte will host another age-grouper on April 24-27. Listup is ongoing. For details, call 09154046464. Other winners in the event which also served as prelude to the Umali Cup Open, which featured the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top male players, were Margaurette Mejos from Semirara (10-unisex), Guillano (boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 12-U), Angelo Mates from Lipa, Batangas (boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 18-U), local bet Diana Jalbay and Ma. Sophia Moreno, also from Lipa. Mejos trounced Reden Escultor in a duel of unfancied bets, 4-0, 4-1; Guillano toppled Nidrick Luara, 6-4, 6-0; the unranked Mates wore down No. 3 Leyton Portin, 5-7, 6-4, 10-8; the unseeded Jalbay stunned top seed Moreno, 4-2,
4-1, in the semis then held off Myzel Dumaplin, 6-0, 6-4, for the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 12-U crown; and Moreno got back at Jalbay, 6-4, 6-4, in the 14-U finals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reversal continue to be the norm in the circuit, keeping the seeded bets wary of the new faces armed with determination to gain ranking points and hopefully make it big someday,â&#x20AC;? said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Idjao, meanwhile, teamed up with Rose Ann Malaluan to beat Ivan Ladaga and Martirez, 8-3, for the 18-U doubles crown with Rombawa and Jose Buenaventura taking the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; plum via an 8-6 decision over Mates and Portin. Elayne Abreu and Moreno took the 14-U title via an 8-3 romp over Jonah Lopez and Shiene Martiinez with Jimenea and Santiago bagging the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; crown via an 8-1 rout of Bryll Laceda and Cris Salamat while Escultor and Mejos capturing the 10-U title by crushing Jaimee dela Cruz and Joy Lopez, 8-1.
TO kNISH AT UNDER â&#x20AC;&#x153;To come in today tied with the lead with so many amazing players TIED WITH OR JUST BACK OF ME WAS I knew it was going to be a tough task with the wind blowing as strong as it was,â&#x20AC;? Henderson said. g)T DEkNITELY WAS REALLY DIFkCULT u Ji opened with rounds of 64 and 65 to take the second-round lead, then shot 74-73. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I play really good first two rounds and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play well last two rounds,â&#x20AC;? the Southern Korean player said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;First two rounds doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a lot of windy, but last two rounds was really windy out there. Playing a lot differently than kRST TWO ROUNDS SO THAT MAKES IT little hard.â&#x20AC;? Ariya Jutanugarn (73) and 2016 WINNER -INJEE ,EE TIED FOR third at 11 under. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously, the wind was pretty tough today,â&#x20AC;? Lee said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Probably the windiest out of all the days.â&#x20AC;? AP
Jr. bowler Tan wins gold in Kuching JUNIOR bowler Merwin Tan won the gold medal in the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; singles event of the 20th Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships on Saturday at the Megalanes S a r awa k , B a t u Kawa i n Kuching City, Malaysia. The 19-year-old Tan tallied 1,352 pinfalls in six rounds to beat Australian William Clarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1,334 and South Korean Park SangHyeokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1,326. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a blessing for me since Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m playing now my last Asian youth championship. My performance will also give me a great chance in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SEA Games,â&#x20AC;? Tan told The Manila Times via overseas call. Tanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feat has ended the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; seven-year title drought in the Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships. Alexis Sy was the last player who won gold in the tilt in 2012, in Cairo, Egypt. Meanwhile, Kenzo Umali finished tenth in the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; singles with 1,261 pinfalls and Alyssa Ty 18th in the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; singles with 1,092 pinfalls. The competition runs from April 17 to 26. JOSEF T. RAMOS
C4
MONDAY April 22, 2019
Football
Ë&#x153; The Manila Times
w w w.manilatimes.net
Ronaldo makes history as Juventus claims 8th successive title
M
ILAN: Cristiano Ronaldo said he was â&#x20AC;&#x153;1,000 percent committed to stayingâ&#x20AC;? with Juventus next season as he claimed HIS kRST 3ERIE ! TITLE AND *UVENTUS THEIR EIGHTH IN A ROW ON 3ATURDAY 3UNDAY IN -ANILA
Q Juventusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates at the end of a Serie A football match between Juventus and AC Fiorentina at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy. AP PHOTO
-ASSIMILIANO !LLEGRI S SIDE HAD NEEDED JUST ONE MORE POINT FOR A TH 3CUDETTO AND THEIR LATEST TITLE TRIUMPH HELPED EASE SOME OF THE PAIN OF THEIR SHOCK #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE EXIT AT THE *U VENTUS 3TADIUM TO !JAX ON 4UESDAY ! COME FROM BE HIND WIN OVER &IORENTINA WAS E N O U G H T O GIVE THEM A P O I N T L E A D O N N E A R E S T RIVALS .A POLI WITH kVE GAMES TO PLAY 3ERBIAN DE FENDER .IKOLA - I L E N K O V I C PUT &IORENTI NA AHEAD AF TER LESS THAN
SIX MINUTES "UT !LEX 3ANDRO S DIVING HEADER ON MINUTES AND AN OWN GOAL FROM &IORENTINA DE FENDER 'ERMAN 0EZZELLA AFTER A 2ONALDO CROSS IN THE RD MIN UTE SEALED ANOTHER TITLE TO EASE THEIR %UROPEAN DISAPPOINTMENT g)T WAS A GREAT SEASON AND ) ADAPTED WELL 7E WON THE 3CU DETTO AND THE )TALIAN 3UPER #UP WHICH IS NOT EASY TO ACHIEVE u SAID 2ONALDO g)T DIDN T GO WELL IN THE #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE BUT NEXT YEAR IS A NEW PAGE THE FANS ALL WANT IT AND SO DO WE g) M STAYING AT *UVE PERCENT u
Ronaldo makes history )T WAS THE YEAR OLD S SIXTH DO MESTIC LEAGUE TITLE HAVING WON THREE WITH -ANCHESTER 5NITED AND TWO WITH 2EAL -ADRID AS HE
BECOMES THE kRST PLAYER TO WIN THE 0REMIER ,EAGUE ,A ,IGA AND 3ERIE ! *UVENTUS PURCHASED THE FIVE TIME "ALLON D /R WINNER FOR MILLION EUROS MILLION LAST SUMMER (E HAS SCORED GOALS AND HAD SIX ASSISTS AND IS IN THE RUNNING FOR THE TOP SCORER AWARD ALONG WITH 3AMPDORIA S &ABIO 1UAGLIARELLA WHO HAS GOALS AND !# -ILAN S +RZYSZTOF 0IATEK ON *UVENTUS HAVE LOST ONLY TWO MATCHES AGAINST 'ENOA AND 30!, WITH WINS AND THREE DRAWS 4HEIR EIGHT STRAIGHT TITLE SEES THEM OVERTAKE &RENCH CLUB ,YON FOR THE RECORD OF CONSECUTIVE VICTORIES IN THE TOP kVE %UROPEAN LEAGUES 4HE DAY WAS A DOUBLE CELEBRA TION AS *UVENTUS WOMEN S TEAM WON THEIR SECOND STRAIGHT LEAGUE TITLE SINCE BEING FOUNDED IN g) M VERY HAPPY BECAUSE WE VE ACHIEVED AN IMPORTANT GOAL u SAID !LLEGRI WHO BECOMES THE kRST COACH TO WIN kVE CONSECUTIVE 3ERIE ! TITLES (E HAS SIX IN TOTAL HAVING ALSO WON WITH !# -ILAN ONE BEHIND 'IOVANNI 4RAPATTONI WHO HAS SEVEN g7E HAD AN AMAZING SEASON AND WE WON PERCENT OF THE COMPETI
TIONS WE PARTICIPATED IN g/F COURSE WE ARE DISAPPOINTED BY THE ELIMINATION OF 4UESDAY BUT A TITLE IS CELEBRATED g7E WON IT kVE GAMES FROM THE END AND THAT S ALL ABOUT WHAT THE LADS DID ON THE PITCH u *UVENTUS ALSO EQUALED THE RECORD FOR THE EARLIEST THE )TALIAN TITLE HAS BEEN WON WITH kVE GAMES TO SPARE ACHIEVED BY 4ORINO IN &IORENTINA IN AND )NTER -ILAN IN g 7E W E R E G R E A T L Y D I S A P POINTED THIS WEEK BUT NOW IT S TIME TO PARTY u SAID DEFENDER 'IORGIO #HIELLINI g4HE #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE IS A COMPETITION WHICH COMES DOWN TO DETAILS 9OU CAN PLAY WELL FOR NINE MONTHS AND THEN COMPETE IN A WEEK WHERE THINGS ARE SLIGHTLY OFF AND IT S OVER g7E HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PROG RESS AND WORK IT S THE ONLY WAY WE KNOW AT *UVENTUS u 4HE BATTLE FOR %UROPEAN FOOTBALL NEXT SEASON REMAINS TIGHT WITH JUST FOUR POINTS SEPARATING !# -ILAN IN FOURTH AND ,AZIO IN EIGHTH !# -ILAN WERE HELD AT 0ARMA WITH 2OMA IN kFTH MISS ING A CHANCE TO MOVE UP AFTER A DRAW AT )NTER -ILAN AFP
BARCELONA ON CUSP OF LA LIGA TRIUMPH Phil Foden fires Man City back to top LONDON: Phil Foden fired Manchester City back to the top of the Premier League as the young midfielder sealed a vital 1-0 win over Tottenham, while Brighton improved their survival prospects with a goalless draw at Wolves on Saturday. Pep Guardiolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side are one point clear of second-placed Liverpool after Fodenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth-minute header exacted a measure of revenge for Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Champions League quarter-final exit against Tottenham on Wednesday, a result that ended their bid to win an unprecedented quadruple. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We could have lost the Premier League today â&#x20AC;&#x201D; after Wednesday it was really tough. As a footballer, I could not have done what my players have done today,â&#x20AC;? said Guardiola. Liverpool can regain pole position if they win at struggling Cardiff on Sunday, but City have won their last 10 league matches to keep the destiny of the title in their own hands because the champions will hold a game in hand on Jurgen Kloppâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was very important for the race for the Premier League. We know we cannot drop points. It was tight, Tottenham had more chances than the previous two games,â&#x20AC;? added Guardiola. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been playing for the Premier League every three days for 10 months, you can feel the pressure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The title is still in our hands. We are fighting until the end.â&#x20AC;? As well as Fodenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crucial contribution in only his second Premier League start, Guardiola was indebted to City goalkeeper Ederson for a series of fine saves as the champions gave a nervous display at the Etihad Stadium. The only frustration for Guardiola was an injury to Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who limped off again just before the break. De Bruyne, only recently back from a knee problem, is unlikely to play in the midweek derby at Manchester United. â&#x20AC;&#x153; We will see tomorrow b u t I t h i n k the next game he will be out,â&#x20AC;? Guardiola said. AFP
MADRID: "ARCELONA IS CLOSING IN ON THEIR EIGHTH ,A ,IGA TITLE IN YEARS AFTER #LEMENT ,ENGLET AND *ORDI !LBA BOTH SCORED IN A WIN OVER 2EAL 3OCIEDAD ON 3ATURDAY 3UNDAY IN -ANILA 6ICTORY MEANS "ARCA ONLY HAVE TO BEAT !LAVES ON 4UESDAY AND THEN ,EVANTE NEXT 3ATURDAY TO BE CROWNED CHAMPIONS AT #AMP .OU WHILE THREE POINTS AGAINST !LAVES WILL BE ENOUGH ON ITS OWN IF !T LETICO -ADRID THEN LOSE TO 6ALENCIA ON 7EDNESDAY 7HETHER IN THREE DAYS OR SEVEN IT IS NOW SURELY ONLY A MATTER OF WHEN RATHER THAN IF %RNESTO 6AL VERDE S SIDE SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND THEIR TROPHY DESPITE !TLETICO KEEPING THE GAP TO NINE POINTS
AFTER THEY EDGED PAST %IBAR EARLIER ON 3ATURDAY g7E HAVE TO GET IT OUT OF OUR HEADS THAT WE ARE NINE POINTS CLEAR u 6ALVERDE SAID g7E NOW HAVE THREE DAYS UNTIL WE PLAY AGAIN AND IT WILL BE DIFkCULT u 7RAPPING IT UP EARLY THOUGH WOULD ALLOW "ARCELONA THE LUXURY OF FOCUSING COMPLETELY ON THE #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE WHICH COULD GIVE THEM AN ADVANTAGE OVER THEIR SEMI kNAL OPPONENTS ,IVERPOOL WHO SEEM TO BE EMBROILED IN A 0REMIER ,EAGUE RACE TO THE kNISH WITH -ANCHESTER #ITY "UT THIS WAS NO STROLL WITH 2EAL 3OCIEDAD PULLING LEVEL IN THE SECOND HALF THANKS TO *UANMI S EQUALISER EVEN IF PARITY LASTED LESS
THAN TWO MINUTES ,IONEL -ESSI MIGHT NOT HAVE SCORED BUT IT WAS HIS CUTE PASS THAT TEED UP THE EXCELLENT !LBA TO SCORE THE WINNER AFTER ,ENGLET HAD EARLIER POWERED IN A HEADER FROM /USMANE $EMBELE S CROSS "ARCELONA STUMBLED OUT OF THE BLOCKS THIS SEASON BUT THEY ARE NOW TEARING DOWN THE HOME STRAIGHT 4HIS WAS THEIR ST LEAGUE GAME WITHOUT DEFEAT WHILE 2EAL -ADRID SIT POINTS BEHIND THEM AHEAD OF THEIR GAME AT HOME TO !THLETIC "ILBAO ON 3UNDAY )T WAS A SURPRISE WHEN -ESSI FAILED TO SCORE WITH TWO FREE KICKS IN THE FIRST HALF WHILE 3OCIEDAD COULD HAVE BEEN IN FRONT BUT *UAN MI WAS DENIED BY -ARC !NDRE TER
3TEGEN AND 7ILLIAN *OSE SPURNED THE REBOUND 4HERE WAS NOTHING COMPLI CATED ABOUT ,ENGLET S OPENER THE &RENCHMAN RISING HIGH ABOVE TWO DEFENDERS AND HEADING INTO THE CORNER FOR HIS kRST LEAGUE GOAL IN A "ARCELONA SHIRT 4ER 3TEGEN AND !LBA WERE FOR TUNATE NOT TO BE PUNISHED FOR A MIX UP AND THEN ,A 2EAL DID SCORE IN THE ND MINUTE AS *UANMI SLID TO CONNECT WITH -IKEL -ERINO S BRILLIANT THROUGH BALL "UT IN THE TH MINUTE "AR CA WERE AHEAD AGAIN AS -ESSI WEAVED ONE WAY AND THEN THE OTHER BEFORE kNDING !LBA TO HIS LEFT 4HE DEFENDER JINKED INSIDE AND DROVE A SHOT INTO THE FAR CORNER AFP
Q Barcelonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal (center) falls down beside Real Sociedadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spanish defender Aritz Elustondo during the Spanish league football match at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona. AFP PHOTO
Kante warns Chelsea to curb second half slumps
Q Manchester Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s English midfielder Phil Foden (right) takes on Tottenham Hotspurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen during the English Premier League football match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. AFP PHOTO
LONDON: . ' O L O + A N T E H A S WARNED #HELSEA TO CUT OUT THEIR SLOPPY SECOND HALFS AS THE "LUES LOOK TO BOOST THEIR BID TO kNISH IN THE 0REMIER ,EAGUE S TOP FOUR AGAINST "URNLEY ON -ONDAY 4UES DAY IN -ANILA -AURIZIO 3ARRI S SIDE ADVANCED TO THE %UROPA ,EAGUE SEMI kNALS ON 4HURSDAY WITH A WIN OVER 3LAVIA 0RAGUE "UT WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A STROLL INTO THE LAST FOUR AFTER THE HOSTS RACED INTO A HALF TIME LEAD ENDED UP AS A TENSE kNISH WHEN #HELSEA LET 3LAVIA SCORE TWICE EARLY IN THE SECOND HALF )T IS NOT THE FIRST TIME #HEL SEA HAVE SHOWN A LACK OF CONCEN
TRATION AFTER THE INTERVAL THIS TERM WITH ,IVERPOOL SCORING TWICE IN THE SECOND HALF TO BEAT THEM JUST DAYS EARLIER %VERTON DID EXACTLY THE SAME IN ANOTHER #HELSEA DEFEAT IN -ARCH AND &RANCE MIDkELDER +ANTE ADMITS HIS TEAM CAN T AFFORD TO CONTINUE THAT ALARMING TREND IF THEY ARE TO QUALIFY FOR NEXT SEASON S #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE VIA A TOP FOUR kNISH &IFTH PLACED #HELSEA ARE BEHIND FOURTH PLACED !RSENAL ON GOAL DIF FERENCE LEAVING THE WEST ,ONDON ERS WITH NO MARGIN FOR ERROR WHEN "URNLEY VISIT 3TAMFORD "RIDGE 4HAT GAP WILL EXTEND TO THREE POINTS IF !RSENAL BEAT #RYSTAL 0AL ACE ON 3UNDAY WHILE SIXTH PLACED
-ANCHESTER 5NITED COULD ALSO LEAPFROG THE "LUES IF THEY WIN AT %VERTON ON 3UNDAY #HELSEA S TARGET IS TO CLIMB ABOVE THIRD PLACED 4OTTENHAM WHO ARE JUST ONE POINT ABOVE THEM AND LOST TO -ANCHESTER #ITY ON 3ATURDAY )NSISTING #HELSEA ARE WORK ING TO RESOLVE THOSE SECOND HALF SHORTCOMINGS +ANTE SAID g)T S JUST SOMETHING THAT HAS HAP PENED MANY TIMES THIS SEASON AND SOMETHING WE NEED TO MAN AGE A BIT BETTER "UT WE STILL HAVE TO WORK ON THAT u #HELSEA IS CHASING A TOP FOUR kN ISH BUT IF THEY FALL SHORT WINNING THE %UROPA ,EAGUE WOULD OFFER A
SECONDARY ROUTE INTO THE #HAMPI ONS ,EAGUE !ND +ANTE BELIEVES COMPLETING THAT %UROPA ,EAGUE MISSION WOULD TURN #HELSEA S TURBULENT kRST SEASON UNDER 3ARRI S LEADERSHIP INTO A SUCCESS g7E CAN MAKE THE SEASON BEAUTI FUL BY WINNING THE %UROPA ,EAGUE u +ANTE SAID g4HAT S THE ONLY TITLE WE CAN WIN NOW SO IT WOULD BE GREAT TO WIN THE %UROPA ,EAGUE g) THINK AT THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME IT WAS A GOOD FEELING TO SCORE THREE GOALS LIKE THIS 4HE MOST IM PORTANT THING WAS TO QUALIFY g7E LL GO INTO THE SEMI FINAL WITH CONkDENCE AND WE HOPE TO QUALIFY FOR THE kNAL u AFP
MONDAY M O N DAY APRIL 22 22, 2, 2019
Entertainment
D1
www.manilatimes.net
A last minute encounter with The Avengers S
EOUL extension! Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what suddenly fell on In the Knowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lap before the Holy Week break AS WE WERE WRAPPING UP OUR .ETlIX COVERAGE IN 3OUTH +OREA ! LAST MINUTE INVITATION TO THE HISTORICAL g!VENGERS %NDGAMEu !SIAN JUNKET CAME THROUGH SO REBOOK OUR TICKET we did, pronto! Off we went with the Marvel Philippines media contingent for an awesome experience of getting to chat with Captain Marvel Brie Larson herself, and the comeback king of the Avengers, Hawkeye, aka Jeremy Renner. And oh! By the way, the godfather of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was also there, Robert Downey Jr. who danced his way across the stage during the media conference after which he looked back at his almost 11-year stint as Iron Man saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am glad I get to be part of witnessing this culture of the moment. I would not have it any other way. I remember the time [producer] Kevin [Feige] and I were running down Iron Man and hoping that things would work out and look how big this family has become. â&#x20AC;?
Q Robert Downey Jr. looking dapper as his character Tony Stark
IN THE KNOW MJ MARFORI During the three-day junket, we HAD kRST DIBS WATCHING A SPECIAL MINUTE PREVIEW OF THE kLM CONclusion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that left us all choked up with a host of emotions. In the Know then had a personal chat with Jeremy Renner who told us just like everyone else from the MCU that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll only get to watch Endgame when it opens on April 26 in the US. Of course, we informed Hawkeye that the movieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening in the Philippines earlier on April 24.
Q Renner happily engaged with the Marvel Cinematic Universe fans.
Q 'Captain Marvel's' Brie Larson Q The 'Avengers: Endgame' stars with (from left) directors Joe and Anthony Russo and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige at the Seoul Fan Event in Korea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why not just come back to the Philippines and watch it there kRST u HE JOKED g9OU KNOW ) LIVED THERE FOR kVE MONTHS 7HEN ) GO to a place, I always stay long and AT THAT TIME IT WAS FOR THE kLMING of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bourne Legacyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; so I extended. I love it there! I take pride in being THE kRST ACTOR TO GET TO SHOW -ANILA as Manila and not as Vietnam or some other place.â&#x20AC;? $ON T YOU JUST LOVE HIM "UT wait, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more love from Jeremy. g4HE 0HILIPPINES IS SPECIkCALLY is one of those places in my heart that I love so much just because of the people and how gracious and thoughtful, and giving and compassionate they are. There is also a great divide in poverty and wealth in the country, but everyone regardless has a smile on their face and giving. I have never seen anything quite like it in all my travels around this planet and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful place.â&#x20AC;? The A-List Hollywood actor then CLARIkED RUMORS THAT (AWKEYE WILL be getting his own show in the Disney streaming service to be
New beginnings mean a new show for Jennylyn and Gabby ing with her, and like I always say, may mga bagay na hindi ko na inaasahan at this point in my career pero nangyayari at binibigay sa iyo. So I really canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t complain dahil napakaswerte ko,â&#x20AC;? he enthused. )N ,OVE 9OU 4OO -ERCADO BREATHES LIFE to Raffy, a woman who has a thriving career, while Concepcion is Jake, a charming businessman and hotel owner who remains a dashing debonair even in his 40s. Raffy has a pretty younger sister named Sam (Shaira Diaz), who in the course of the story falls in love like her with Jake. Very CLOSE THE SISTERS kND THEMSELVES IN A UNIQUE love triangle with Jake, thus the rom-comâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TITLE g,OVE 9OU 4WO u Joining this riotous love story is a strong support cast in Solenn Heussaff, Sheena Halili, Jerald Napoles, Kiray Celis, Nar hindi ko pa rin mapaniwalaan #ABICO 9ASSER -ARTA na leading man ko na yung dating pinapanood at hinaMichelle Dee and Clint hangaan ko lang sa TV at sa Bondad in an introducpelikula!â&#x20AC;? tory role. Concepcion on the Directed by Irene other hand likens Villamor, the network is working with positioning Love one of this 9 O U 4 O O generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as GMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought kRST gTELE after leadpelikulaâ&#x20AC;? ing ladies with the to winning use of the lottery. the latest â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m technolv e r y ogy in blessed to videogQ Gabby Concepcion and Jennylyn Mercado be workraphy. team up for 'Love You Too.' 4/$!9 Easter Monday, marks the much awaited premiere of a fresh television tandem between top, versatile actors Jennylyn Mercado and Gabby Concepcion. A ROMANTIC COMEDY TITLED g,OVE 9OU 4OO u the series airs tonight on GMA Networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primetime line-up. Mercado, who has wo n a n u m b e r o f awards for her engaging portrayal in boxOFkCE ROM COM MOVIES LIKE g%NGLISH /NLY Pleaseâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just the Three of Us,â&#x20AC;? confessed at the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media launch before the Easter BREAK THAT SHE WAS STARSTRUCK WHEN SHE kRST worked with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s matinee idol and perennial leading man-material Concepcion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was very nervous on set and nabubulol-bulol pa ako sa dialogue ko,â&#x20AC;? she laughed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But eventually we became more and more comfortable on the set kahit na
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launched late this year, declaring, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing is written in stone yet.â&#x20AC;? He also shared how he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel left out with Hawkeye absent from THE g)NkNITY 7ARu INSTALLMENT AND even feels like his return to the most anticipated movie of the year is the best thing to happen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am so glad I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in it [InkNITY 7AR= @CAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE turned to dust!â&#x20AC;? he quipped. Meanwhile MCU newcomer Brie Larson aka Captain Marvel came in into our interview in such an energetic mood, even telling us about her grocery shopping list in Seoul. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I bought so many flavored almonds and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop eating street food!â&#x20AC;? she confessed. She then told us how she instantly felt welcome and a part of the MCU family despite coming in at the second to the last installment of the 22-title movie franchise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel really, really lucky and I feel like I came in at a really special time because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like this 10-year ANNIVERSARY AND MY kRST DAY WAS at the 10th year anniversary photo shoot. So I got to be around ev-
eryone and to have that time to connect and talk to everybody from this family before I went off on my own to make the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;CapTAIN -ARVEL SOLO kLM WAS REALLY SPECIAL ) kLMED %NDGAME BEFORE Captain Marvel.â&#x20AC;? Just as feisty as her Captain Marvel character, Brie went on to say just how much her character Carol Danvers grew on her and how it transformed her through the process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true that if I start working too much in this character for too long, the only time I get to be myself is when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m dreaming which is odd! So I always take big breaks in between movies and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my TIME TO KIND OF kGURE OUT WHAT ) want to keep [because] sometimes there are things from the character you want to hold on to.â&#x20AC;? Finally, she humbly addressed CRITICS WHO STILL kND IT DIFkCULT TO accept her as the next face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is more than just me. She is a symbolism of representation â&#x20AC;&#x201D; of the importance of representation â&#x20AC;&#x201D;
Q Jeremy Renner aka Hawkeye and the importance of the female story and the female journey. But sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also for everyone.â&#x20AC;? So there you have In the Knowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusives from the Avengers Endgame junket in Seoul, Korea. The countdown to the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opening day is coming down to its last two days with cinemas opening on April 24 as early as 6 am and pulling an all-nighter with back-to-back screenings of this historic movie. !RE YOU READY FOR THE %NDGAME Go get your tickets! NNN
Until next week, ta-ta!
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OMB, top telco rally youth to combat online piracy AS part of their intensified campaign to combat piracy in the Philippines, the Optical Media Board (OMB) and Globe Telecom have zeroed in on the youth to increase their awareness on the perils of accessing illegal digital content and torrent sites. OMB partnered with Globe, through the latterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anti-piracy advocacy #PlayItRight, to hold a series of events and seminars for over 2,500 high school students and about 100 law students regarding the impact of online piracy to the economy and the lifeblood of the film industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth consume content mostly online and most of them find nothing wrong about downloading and streaming through torrent sites and illegal streaming devices (ISDs). Such a widespread mindset will hurt not just the Philippine entertainment industry but will also affect thousands of livelihood. This shows the urgent need to inform young people about what is legal and what is not in a fast-developing online world. Not to mention the considerable dangers and risks around cybersafety when accessing illegal sites,â&#x20AC;? said Yoly Crisanto, Globe chief sustainability officer and senior vice-president for corporate communications. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a leader of Filipino digital lifestyle, it is important that we do what we can, alongside with all stakeholders, to help foster greater awareness of piracy and legal alternatives for consumers.â&#x20AC;? Globe and OMB conducted a schoolwide information campaign in Puerto Princesa, Palawan to discuss the perils of engaging in movie, TV or music piracy. One of the issues tackled was how accessing content through illegal means, like ISDs, exposes viewers to various threats such as viruses and malware that can steal private information. They also held an intellectual property de-
Q OMB and Globe Telecom hold the 1st Great IP Debate at the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Makati campus. Participating schools were Ateneo Law School and San Beda Law School.
Q The information dissemination campaign against piracy at Palawan National School. bate among students from Ateneo Law School and San Beda Law School. For these initiatives, the OMB gave Globe Telecom The Kalis (a sword used by tribes) Award at the recent OMB VIP Appreciation Night for their joint crusade against piracy. Latest from Alexa data analysis showed streaming pirated content online soared by 75 percent between 2017 and 2016. The Philippines alone has a total of 22 million visits to infringing websites in 2017, according to the same source. It was in 2017 when Globe launched its award-winning advocacy campaign #Play-
ItRight to help the entertainment industry curb piracy and protect intellectual property rights. Since then, the company has blocked about 2,500 illegal sites that hosted lewd content and child pornography. Organizations like the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) have also expressed support for #PlayItRight. The telco has further joined the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) to strengthen its mandate in fighting piracy across Asia through effective enforcement and disruption of intermediaries in the piracy chain.
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Funtimes
MONDAY April 22, 2019
Ë&#x153; The Manila Times
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Solution to puzzle
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BY EUGENE SHEFFER
ÂťHOROSCOPE Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday (04/22/19). Strategize for shared gain this year. Lay careful plans to advance your education and travels. Creative communications flower this summer, revealing a different fork in the road. Travel and studies especially flourish next winter, shifting your research and writing. Keep an open mind and heart. To get the advantage, check the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Handle practical details before dashing off. Create back up plans and review alternate routes to your destination. Explore options and research their costs and benefits. TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Review financial agreements, and handle obligations. Postpone buying treats. Decide in favor of good structure. Build solid foundations for future goals drop by steady drop. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Talk to work out practical details with your partner. Schedule actions for later, after determining what needs doing and who will do what.
BY NANCY BLACK LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Do the research before making a statement. Things may not be as they appear. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fall for a trick. Stick to reliable news sources. Anticipate surprises. SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Figure out what your ideal customer or client wants. Polish marketing materials, and articulate your brand. Plan and prepare for a powerful launch. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Follow your intuition. A trickster is at work. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t respond automatically. Consider your personal priorities before choosing your direction. Keep your bargains and agreements. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is a 5 -- Wait to see what develops. Anticipate chaos, controversy or resistance. Lay low, and reformulate plans. Complications could arise. Rest, review and revise. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Voice your views to your team. Illuminate a shadowy area. Passions could get intense. Listen to all perspectives. Discoveries could alter your groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direction.
CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Keep to your health, fitness and work routines. Guard against impulsive behavior or sudden moves. Avoid accidents or injury. Keep a steady pace and rhythm.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Find sweet little escapes. Take a walk outside. Try new flavors or views. Avoid traffic or hassle. Discover treasure in your own backyard.
LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Discuss the finer aspects of the game. Plot your moves in advance. Postpone a major reveal. Talk gets farther than action now. Romance kindles in conversation.
(Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Blackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @LindaCBlack. For more astrological interpretations like todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gemini horoscope, visit Linda Black Astrology by clicking daily horoscopes, or go to www.nancyblack.com.)
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Avoid unnecessary arguments at home. Adapt to changes as illusions evaporate. Stick to pracWLFDO SULRULWLHV DQG GRQÂśW ZRUU\ DERXW WKH VPDOO VWXá&#x201A;&#x2021; &OHDQ XS PHVVHV
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NANCY BLACK. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC BY ROGER SEVILLA
Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats. Solution from yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s puzzle.
˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net
Expats&Diplomats US Embassy launches new English Access Programs T
Q (From left) Jerry Chuang, director of press division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines; Jacky Chen, general manager of China Airlines Philippine Branch; Michael Hs, representative of TECO; Ritchie Tuano, president of Philippine Travel Agencies Association; and Shih-pi Chou, director of Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur Office.
Taiwan promotes small town charm in Manila THE Taiwan Travel Fair showcased authentic Taiwan small town decorated stalls with fun games such as ring toss, pinball, beanbag toss, kSHING UP THE BOTTLE AND MANY more on April 13 at the Glorietta Activity Center. Visitors were able to enjoy and win prizes at the same time from the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. By promoting Taiwan through fun games in the travel fair and online games, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau hopes to attract Filipinos with its small town charm and delicious food. Visitors were all enthusiastic about games and activities of Taiwan. Programs were held and guests were invited to come onto the stage for match-play and prized Q&A. The event was open all day for visitors to experience Taiwan local specialties. During the event, came to ask
lIGHT OR TOUR PACKAGES TO 4AIWAN which made the event a huge success in terms of promoting Taiwan as Filipino’s next destination. For those who plan to visit Taiwan, pass by the Taiwan Tourism Information Center to redeem exclusive freebies with a roundtrip electronic ticket and a twonight accommodation. Or simply mail the necessary documents together with your home address in a stamped envelope, includingpostage fee to receive your freebie. The Taiwan Tourism InformaTION #ENTER -ANILA OFkCE IS LOCATED at Tower 1, 8th Floor, Highstreet South Corporate Plaza, 9th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines. It is open from Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing Filipinos and other tourists with updated tourism information about Taiwan.
Q The Taiwan Travel Fair’s authentic Taiwan Small Town decorated stalls.
Japan turns over emergency vehicles THE Japanese Embassy, led by Second Secretary Shintaro Ichiki, has turned over emergency vehicles and equipment from the City of Nanjo in Okinawa, Japan to the City of Victorias in Negros Occidental on April 10. Also in attendance were Mayor Francis Frederick Peralta of Victorias City, Mayor Chobin Zukeran of Nanjo City, and Chochu Awa, Executive Director of NPO Lequio Wings. The donation project amounting to approximately P1.6 million is funded through the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects of the Government of Japan. It has been implemented through the non-profit organization Lequio Wings of Okinawa Prefecture where the donated vehicles and equipment originated from. Given the limited capacity of the hospitals in Victorias City which can provide intensive emergency
medical care, this project will benEkT PATIENTS IN NEED OF TRANSPORTAtion to other hospitals in neighboring cities, approximately more than 20 kilometers away. The projECT ALSO INCLUDES kRST AID TRAINING for the emergency response staff of Victorias City. It is hoped that this will improve its emergency rescue and relief systems, particularly in the mountainous areas. The Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects started in the Philippines in 2002. Since then, the Japanese Government has made contracts for 50 projects in the Philippines under this scheme amounting to approximately ¥1.2 billion in total. Japan believes that this project will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines but will also bolster the existing strategic partnership between the two countries.
MONDAY April 22, 2019
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HE US Embassy launched new English Access Microscholarship programs in Quezon City and Taguig which provide 13 to 20 year-old students from low income communities a foundation in English during two years of afterschool instruction and intensive summer learning activities.
Working in partnership with the University of the Philippines Diliman Research Institute for Islamic Social Sciences, Inc., the Embassy launched the Access Program in Quezon City on April 6 for 44 students. The Embassy launched the second program, for 50 students, in partnership with Taguig National High School on April 12. The Embassy has sponsored Access Programs in the Philippines since 2007 and 1,756 Filipino students have received scholarships to date. The new students, many from Muslim communities in Quezon City and Taguig, are among the 134 students currently enrolled in Access programs throughout the Philippines. On April 10, 50 students graduated from the Access Program at Leyte National High School in Tacloban City. Since its inception in 2004, approximately 150,000 students in more than 80 countries have participated in the Access Program.
Q Students celebrate the launch of the English Access Microscholarship Program at Taguig National High School.
Germany joins Viva Europa 2019 THE German Embassy Manila joins the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines and its member-states in celebrating “Viva Europa 2019”. Viva Europa is a series of cultural events within the months of April to June highlighting European culture and arts. It aims to highlight European culture, promoting socio-cultural dialogue and awareness, and most importantly, experiencing a unique cultural journey. Viva Europa is also a collaborative effort of the EU Delegation in the Philippines and its member-states, including the European cultural institutes in Manila. On May 7, the second installment of the “Euro-Pinoy Concert” will be held at The Ruins in Poblacion, Makati City. As the EU “goes techno” for Viva Europa 2019, the German Embassy Manila joins the Euro-Pinoy Concert with a well-known DJ, who is half-German and half-Filipina. DJ Badkiss is one of the leading female DJs in Manila, known for her edgy look and mesmerizing music. Her roots in funk, soul and R’n’B allow her to conjure a unique MIX OF lAVORS FROM DIFFERENT MUSIC GENRES THAT keeps everyone dancing to the beat all night. She has a rock solid reputation for a quality music selection that transcends genres, trends and generations which also allowed her to share
Q DJ Badkiss
her outstanding talent with the world - from going on a nationwide tour with Philippine telco giant, Globe, to playing launches and instore parties as resident DJ for Louis Vuitton. DJ Badkiss performs in different clubs in Manila including Time, Club XX XX (20/20), Chotto Matte, Café Curieux and The Belle and Dragon. The German Embassy Manila is also pleased to be part of “Lakbayin Natin ang EU” for the third consecutive year. This event, organized in coop-
eration with Museo Pambata for eleven years and counting, to be held on May 23 , is a children’s festival designed for less privileged children who come from children centers or NGOs around Metro Manila. It serves as an opportunity for the children to learn about the European Union and its member-states through creative activities including games, country presentations, storytelling and more. This year, the children’s festival will highlight the theme of “environment”. The German Embassy Manila hopes to share ideas about Germany’s renewable energy and environment policy with the children in an engaging and interesting manner. Other joint EU activities supported by the German Embassy Manila include the EU’s “Schuman Cup”, a friendly football match that seeks to expose children from disadvantaged communities to the sport and promote camaraderie and teamwork. The German Embassy Manila is pleased to support “Musica FEUropa 2019”, the annual choral competition organized by the Far Eastern University in cooperation with the EU Delegation and member-states. Running on its 11th year as well, the Musica FEUropa is open to choral groups around the country and seeks to engage these groups in performing both local and European songs as a testament to cultural exchange.
French Embassy, CCP present ‘Baka Naman Hindi’ THIS month for Les Jeudis culturels (Cultural Thursdays), the Embassy of France to the Philippines and the Cultural Center of the Philippines present “Baka Naman Hindi,” a Filipino theater adaptation of French playwright Georges Feydeau’s “La Puce à l’oreille” (“A Flea in Her Ear”) from April 25 to 29 at the CCP’s Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). Adapted to Filipino by Virgilio “Beer” Flores and starring Ricky Davao, Randy Villarama, and Lou Veloso, this play will be presented as part of the 6th edition of Cultural Thursdays. The Embassy of France is pleased to extend its cultural program to its institutional partners
to reach a broader and more diverse audience for French art and culture. Baka Naman Hindi is a classic farce kLLED WITH INNUENDO PHYSICAL COMEDY AND snappy dialogue. Dealing with jealousy, love and lust between long time couples and new friends, it is a humorous tale set amidst the French “belle époque” of the early 1900s. Tickets are priced at P1,000 and P1,200 (with a 50-percent student discount and a 20-percent senior citizen, PWD, and government employee discount), and may be PURCHASED AT THE ##0 "OX /FkCE OR THROUGH TicketWorld.
ILO WAGE SPECIALIST MEETS LABOR SECRETARY
Q The emergency vehicle donations benefited Victorias City in Negros Occidental.
International Labor Organization (ILO) in Asia and the Pacific's Senior Regional Wages Specialist Daniel Kostzer is warmly welcomed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd, during his courtesy call at the DOLE Central Office, Intramuros, Manila. Also in photo are ILO Country Director Khalid Hassan and NWPC Executive Director Ma. Criselda Sy. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MONDAY M O N DAY AAPRIL P RIL 22, 2019
Lifestyle
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www.manilatimes.net
A star-studded and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Snacktacular' event BY NIKA ROQUE
A
UNIQUE event that has become part of stars and snack loversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual calendars, Oishi Snacktacular 2019 was held at SM City Clark with a very impressive turnout. Meant to celebrate crowdfavorite munchers, the three-day e day gathering is known for fun games mes and creative booths inspired by the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and wide range of nibbles. les. Sancktackular was hosted this year by Sam Purvor, who was great in encouraging participants to the kNISH !CTRESS AND VLOGGER !LEX Gonzaga, meanwhile, provided entertainment with her quirky ditty â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chambe,â&#x20AC;? after which she gamely tried her hand at the activiTIES IN EVERY BOOTH â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oishi is special to me because I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of Filipino culture,â&#x20AC;? Gonzaga told 4HE -ANILA 4IMES
Q Vlogger Janina Vela
was Gonzagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perr SONAL FAVORITE 4HE newest and veryy fun addition for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event saw players standing ng on a platform and nd USING A kSHING NET NET to fill up a bag ag with as manyy seafood snackss IN ONE MINUTE
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wala akong kilalang bata o Pilipiâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Parang no na hindi nakakain ng any Oishi nakaka-FULkLL snack or walang paboritong /ISHI siya pag naEveryone has their own favorite k a k a k u h a PRODUCT FROM THEM -ORE THAN ka, parang years na sila and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an honor na â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I made it, MAKASAMA DITO u mom!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Kapag When she was a kid, Gonzaga kumukuha ako ko then nilalagay ko RECALLED ASKING HER PARENTS FOR EXTRA sa bag, parang may FULkLLMENT kasi MONEY JUST TO BUY AN /ISHI SNACK may effort ka,â&#x20AC;? SHARED 'ONZAGA â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pag dalawang piso, bibilin mo â&#x20AC;&#x153;Papa-setup ko yun sa bahay ko!â&#x20AC;? na yung masarap like Cracklings!â&#x20AC;? ENDED THE BUBBLY PERSONALITY Q Wil Dasovich
Q Kimpoy Feliciano
Q Bulacan 4th District Representative Linabelle Villarica, Joel Cruz, Ferdinand Topacio and Ricky Davao
Despite trying all of the games, the newest one entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fish for Chipsâ&#x20AC;?
Q Panama Ambassador Rolando Alvarado Guevara, Michelle Tiu Cabrera, Elmer Francisco and George Yang
Q Alex Gonzaga
The following days of the event WERE ALSO kLLED WITH NUMEROUS
Q Sam Purvor Q Donny Pangilinan brand ambassadors and social media names, including Donny Pangilinan, Janina Vela, Wil Dasovich, Kimpoy Feliciano, and
Q Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson and Jazz Carreon
*ERICHO !RCEO AMONG MANY OTHers, who willingly tried out every booth and left with a massive haul OF /ISHI SNACKS
Q Joel Cruz croons with Martin Nievera
Babies No.7 and 8 for Joel Cruz H
!),%$ AS THE g,ORD OF Scents,â&#x20AC;? president and CEO OF !kCIONADO *OEL #RUZ HAS JUST made his family even bigger with the christening of his seventh and EIGHTH CHILDREN His baby boys were born four MONTHS APART LAST YEAR :AID WHOSE NAME IS OF !RABIC ORIGIN meaning â&#x20AC;&#x153;to prosper,â&#x20AC;? was born *UNE WHEREAS :IV WHOSE name is of Jewish origin meaning â&#x20AC;&#x153;charm,â&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;brilliance,â&#x20AC;? was BORN ON .OVEMBER *OEL having three sets of twins via In-Vitro Fertilization now has EIGHT LOVELY AND HEALTHY KIDS His mother Milagros and family members, together with a battalion of caregivers would dote on
MARCH !FTER THE FESTIVITIES THE godparents and guests were feted to cocktails followed by a sumptuOUS kVE COURSE DINNER AT THE 2IZAL "ALLROOM OF -AKATI 3HANGRI LA ! RAMP WAS ARRANGED AT THE ballroom to present 94 godthe kids to grow as God-fearing PARENTS AND THE #RUZ FAMILY 4O AND RESPECTFUL CHILDREN entertain the guests, a video was On a bright Sunday afternoon, shown about the journey of Joel the Christening rites were held starting from his perfume comAT THE 3ANTUARIO DE 3AN !NTONIO pany and its current success, to Parish in Forbes Park with 94 doing philanthropy, and then to godparents composed of Joelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s becoming a father of his eight classmates from the University of kids were presented amidst the Santo Tomas (UST) High School, %NGLISH GARDEN SETUP business partners, government ofMusical entertainment was kCIALS THE DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY provided by the world class UST and fashion and art circles who did Singers under professor Fidel a processional just like a wedding Calalang; the Manila Philhar-
Q ER Ejercito with wife Maita and showbiz host and columnist Jobert Sucaldito
HI! SOCIETY BECKY GARCIA
Q Fleur de Franz President Francisco Duran, Aficionado VPO Ernie Laurente and Fleur de Franz EVP Chritian Ramos
monic Orchestra under the baTON OF MAESTRO 2ODEL #OLMENAR The Voice Philippines and X &ACTOR 5+ FINALIST !LISAH "ONAOBRA $ULCE ALSO KNOWN AS !SIA S Diva; singer and theatre actor David Ezra of the musical play g!NG (ULING %L "IMBO u AND the concert king Martin Nievera who brought the house down to serenade the guests with tunes from Disney, Broadway AND 7EST %ND ! kNALE CAPPED off the event with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Circle OF ,IFEu FROM g4HE ,ION +ING u through an all star presentation and dramatic lighting to present THE WHOLE FAMILY Congratulations Joel for a successful career and a big happy family!
Q Jiro 3rd, Jiro and Anika Shirakawa
Q Joel Cruz with baby boys Zaid and Ziv
Q Afficionado General Manager Lambert Lopez with (from left) wife Jane and children Sofia and Jan