Manila Standard - 2016 November 11 - Friday by Manila Standard

‘DUMP TRUMP’ PROTESTS CATCH FIRE

VOL. XXX • NO. 272 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 • www.thestandard.com.ph • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

SERIOUS SEQUEL. In Oakland, California, a man (right) tosses a cone into a burning trash ﬁre hours after Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States, with thousands of protesters across the nation vowing to oppose divisive views they say helped the 70-year-old Republican billionaire win the presidency. In Manila (left) student activists hold a protest action in front of the US Embassy Thursday, denouncing Trump’s victory. AFP/Norman Cruz

Du30: No more fights with US Cites parallels with Trump, names envoy By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan, John Paolo Bencito and Maricel V. Cruz

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he would not be picking any ﬁghts with America anymore as he drew parallels between him and US President-elect Donald Trump, and named the billionaire’s real estate partner in the Philippines as his special envoy to the United States.

After constantly cursing the United States and US President Barack Obama for criticizing his bloody anti-drug campaign, Duterte sounded upbeat about Trump. “I would like to congratulate President Trump. Mabuhay! (Long live!)” Duterte told members of the Filipino community in Kuala Lumpur, while singing praises for the Republican billionaire. “We are both making curses.

By Sandy Araneta, Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

ASEAN GESTURE. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak (left) wel-

comes President Rodrigo Duterte Thursday on the ﬁrst leg of a two-nation Asean swing—the other country to be visited is Thailand—where the two discussed security and counter-terrorism issues and strategies to strengthen bilateral relations. AFP

THE National Bureau of Investigation has filed drug, bribery and graft charges against Senator Leila de Lima and 17 others over allegations that they encouraged and benefitted from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison. The charges, filed before the Justice department, come after almost two months of investigation. De Lima, a former Justice

secretary, was also accused of violating An Act Punishing the Receiving and Giving of Gifts of Public Officials and Employees (Presidential Decree 46) and Section 7 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713). The others were charged with direct bribery and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Next page

Espinosa raiders deﬁed SOP; 24 cops grounded By Macon R. Araneta

A TOP-RANKING ofﬁcial of the Philippine National Police told a Senate investigation Thursday that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 8 violated procedure by not coor-

promised by the previous administration to rebuild their homes, leaving them deep in debt, according to Reps. Antonio Tinio and France Castro. Worse, they said, after the

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teachers contracted loans while waiting for the long-delayed ﬁnancial assistance, the previous administration downgraded the aid from “totally damaged to partially damaged.” Next page

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ties with drug lord ORMOC City Mayor Richard Gomez was among the high government ofﬁcials in Leyte who had been involved in the “Espinosa Drug Group,” according to the testimony of a police ofﬁcial during Thursday’s Senate investigation of the death of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. The actor-turned-politician described as “ridiculous and outright laughable” the statement of Chief Inspector Leo Laraga of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Region 8. Next page

Kerwin may opt to turn govt witness

dinating their raid that killed Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa in his jail cell with their superiors or provincial jail ofﬁcials. Testifying before the joint investigation of the Senate committees on public order and illegal

Yolanda-hit teachers seeking shelter THREE years after Super Typhoon “Yolanda” struck Eastern Visayas, schools have been rebuilt and students are back to school, but the teachers have yet to receive the ﬁnancial assistance

org, told the crowd that others were coming together in hundreds of communities around the country. “People are justly frightened,” he said. “We are here because in these darkest moments, we are not alone,” he added, before leading chants of “We are not alone!” Protests were also held in Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Portland and other cities. In Oakland, California, protesters lit fires in the street and stood around them chanting, news reports said. Some threw bottles and firecrackers at police, KPIX TV reported. In Los Angeles, demonstrators outside city hall held aloft a burning, box-shaped likeness of Trump’s head, topped with bright orange hair. Ethan Miller of the workers’ rights group Jobs with Justice said organizers held the Washington vigil to show that civil society was resilient. “It’s a hard time for a lot of Americans,” he told AFP. “We saw a campaign that was filled with racism and misogyny and whole host of other terrible tactics that ultimately were successful for winning the electoral college.”

Leila, 17 others slapped Gomez with illegal drug charges disowns

7K Pinoys in Sabah deported in phases PRIME Minister Najib Razak on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte had agreed to the gradual deportation of more than 7,000 illegal Filipino immigrants now staying in Sabah. He also told reporters that Duterte had allowed Malaysia to pursue kidnappers beyond its maritime borders. Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had earlier said that Duterte had expressed his resolve to end the hostilities between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. That, he said, would indirectly solve the problem of the illegal immigrants in Sabah, a Malaysia-controlled territory claimed by the Sulu Sultanate. Duterte had said the Philippines would no longer require peace facilitators in its talks with Moro rebels, but he requested Malaysia to continue sending monitoring teams to Mindanao.

Even with trivial matters we curse. I was supposed to stop because Trump is there. I don’t want to quarrel anymore, because Trump has won,” he said. Duterte won a May election by a huge margin and is often compared with Trump, having himself been the alternative candidate from outside of national politics. “I’m just four months and there has been a lot of controversy woven

WASHINGTON–Protesters burned an orange-haired Donald Trump head in effigy, lit bonfires and blocked traffic late Wednesday as anger over the billionaire’s election to the presidency spilled onto the streets of major cities. From New York to Los Angeles, thousands of people marched, rallied and chanted in around 10 cities against the billionaire presidentelect a day after his stunning upset win, some carrying signs with slogans such as “Not our President” and “Love trumps hate.” Most of the rallies were peaceful. Protesters carrying signs reading “Dump Trump” gathered outside Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, where the president elect lives. Police said they had arrested 15 people, the New York Times reported. In Washington, several hundred gathered in front of the White House for a candlelight vigil on a damp, chilly evening, criticizing what they called Trump’s racism, sexism and xenophobia, and carrying signs reading “We have a voice!” and “Education for all!” One of the organizers, Ben Wikler, Washington director of the liberal advocacy group MoveOn.

EXCHANGING THOUGHTS. P/Supt. Marvin Marcos, Region 8 Director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (left), in a huddle with P/Chief Insp. Leo Laraga and P/Supt. Noel Matira, Deputy Regional Commander, during an inquiry Thursday by the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs chaired by Senator Panﬁlo Lacson into the killing on Nov. 5 of Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte. Lino Santos

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SUSPECTED drug lord Kerwin Espinosa has agreed to talk about his illegal-drug operation when he returns from Abu Dhabi next week, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Thursday. He said Espinosa had offered to submit a sworn statement narrating his operation and identifying his protectors and cohorts in exchange for being placed under the Justice department’s Witness Protection Program. Next page

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Parayno replaces Gan at Army’s 2ID By Florante S. Solmerin THE anti-coup support force 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army welcomed Thursday its new commander after the mandatory retirement of its former commander Major General Romeo Gan. Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno, outgoing commander of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, replaced Gan during a command turnover ceremony at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal. Parayno is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sandiwa” Class 1985, while Gan belongs to PMA “Matikas” Class ’83. Brig. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, outgoing Deputy Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and concurrent commander of the Joint Task Force Harribon, will assume the AFP-CRS command on November 20. Evangelista is a member of the PMA “Sinagtala” Class ’86. The turnover of command is just a prelude to a bigger movement of position by senior officers come December 8 with the mandatory retirement of AFP chief of staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya.

Espinosa... From A1 drugs and justice and human rights, Director Benjamin Magalong, PNP operations chief, said the CIDG raiding team had violated standard procedures. PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa ordered the relief of 24 policemen who were involved in the operation that killed Espinosa and another inmate, Raul Yap, in a dawn raid on Nov. 5. “After being appraised of the initial results of the investigation… I have directed Police Director Fernando Mendez Jr. of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management to immediately issue the order for the relief of 18 other Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit 8 (CIDU 8) and six Regional Maritime Unit 8 (RMU 8) personnel involved in operation effective immediately,” said Dela Rosa. Dela Rosa, who is in Malaysia with President Rodrigo Duterte, failed to attend the Senate hearing, but said adequate protection has been given the slain mayor’s son, Kerwin, who is alleged to be the biggest drug lord in the Visayas. Magalong said he came to the conclusion that there were violations during the raid after he discussed the incident with Supt. Marvin Marcos, Region 8 chief. Responding to a query from Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto, Marcos and Chief Insp. Leo Laraga, head of the raiding team, admit they did not report the plan to serve search warrants on Espinosa and Yap to their superiors. They told Recto they did not coordinate with provincial prison officials because they wanted to avoid a leak. But Magalong said they should have coordinated with their commanders, and “especially the jail warden.” Laraga admitted that they disarmed the jail guards because they were “uncooperative.” Then members of the team ordered the guards to kneel and face the wall while the operation was going on. Magalong said this procedure was only for “dealing with criminals, not for friendlies.” “That was wrong,” he said in Filipino. Ordered relieved and reassigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit in Camp Crame were: Supt. Marvin Marcos, former CIDG 8 chief; Supt. Santi Noel Matira; Chief Insp. Leo Laraga, team leader during the operation; Senior Insp. Deogracias Diaz; Senior Insp. Eric Constantino; Senior Insp. Fritz Blanco; SPO4 Melvin Cayobit; SPO4 Juanito Duarte; SPO2 Alphinor Serrano Jr.; SPO1 Benjamin Dacallos; PO3 Johnny Ibañez; PO3 Norman Abellanosa; PO2 Neil Centino; PO1 Lloyd Ortigueza; PO1 Bhernard Orpilla; PO1 Kristal Jane Gisma; PO1 Kerlan Cabiyaan; and PO1 Divine Grace Songalia, all with CIDG 8.

Yolanda-hit... From A1

Some were even excluded as beneficiaries, they said. More than 10,000 were killed and thousands more were left homeless when “Yolanda,” the strongest typhoon to hit land in history, slammed into Eastern Visayas on Nov. 8, 2013. Many victims remain homeless and the aid promised them never came. Tinio said teachers and other government employees were entitled to P100,000

Monday spectacle: Supermoon

ARIS—An unusually large and bright Moon will adorn the night sky next Monday—the closest “supermoon” to Earth in 68 years and a chance for dramatic photos and spectacular surf. Weather permitting, the phenomenon should appear at its most impressive at 1352 GMT, when it will be at its fullest just as night falls over Asia, astronomers said. Provided there are no clouds and not too much light pollution, people should be able to see Earth’s satellite loom unusually large over the horizon shortly after sunset, irrespective of where

in the world they are. This happens when the Moon is full at the same time as, or very near, perigee—its closest point to Earth on an elliptical, monthly orbit. “On November 14, it becomes full within about two hours of perigee—arguably making it an extra-super Moon,” Nasa says on its website. The orbit itself is changeable,

meaning the distance from Earth differs from perigee to perigee— this time it will be the closest since 1948 at a distance of 356,509 kilometers (221,524 miles). The average is 384,400km. On Monday, the full Moon’s relative proximity should make it appear about 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than at its furthest orbit point, according to the Irish Astronomical Association. “Because the Earth/Moon system will be getting quite close to the time of year when it is closest to the Sun (January 4, 2017), the Moon will be receiving more sunlight than average, also boosting its apparent brightness.”

Furthermore, the Moon’s position in the sky will mean its southern hemisphere, the brighter of the two, will be turned towards Earth, said the IAA. Without foreknowledge, one might barely notice that the Moonappears brighter than usual, astronomers say. Once it is high in the sky, it would be hard to tell that the Moon is larger. But on the horizon, it could be quite spectacular. “When you look at the Moon when it’s rising, there is this optical illusion where it looks bigger,” astronomer Mark Bailey, emeritus director of the Ar- File photo shows a commercial airplane ﬂying magh Observatory in Northern under a full moon on June 14, 2014. Ireland, told AFP. AFP Ver Noveno

“Don’t give us the aid, s***, to hell with you,” he said, recalling comments he had directed at Obama. Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Duterte had named Century Properties Group Inc. head Jose E. B. Antonio as special envoy to Washington. Antonio had previously partnered with real-estate developer and former TV reality show host turned president for the construction of the 3.4-hectare high-rise condominium Trump Tower in Makati City. So far, Duterte has yet to appoint a Philippine ambassador to the United States. Asked if Antonio would fill this role, department spokesman Charles Jose said it was unlikely. “Nothing of that sort,” Jose said, adding that Antonio’s mission is to enhance business ties and strengthen the economic affairs between the Philippines and the US. The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable nations in Asia if Trump follows through with imposing trade barriers and tighter immigration controls. The Southeast Asia country has one of the region’s biggest export exposures to the US, while about 35 percent of Filipinos working abroad are in the US, pro-

viding a key source of foreign inflows for their home economy. Antonio graduated cum laude from San Beda College, Manila in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Science major in Marketing and received a master’s degree in Business Management in 1968 from Ateneo de Manila’s Graduate School of Business. He also graduated from a Management program at Harvard University in 2003. In 2005, Antonio also served as the Philippine special envoy for trade and economics to the People’s Republic of China. Antonio is also a founder and chairman of the Philippine-China Business Council and vice chairman of Penta Pacific Realty Corp. and Subic Air Charter Inc. Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Trump and Duterte had many things in common as they were underdogs and unknown as politicians on a national scale, and while they were sometimes not politically correct, they both “spoke from the heart.” Andanar said he is hopeful and optimistic that Trump’s leadership will usher in a better and safer world. “The world cannot afford a Third World War or we are all finished,” he

told Channel News Asia. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said one would have to take a look at the policies of the president-elect before assessing the impact of the US election on Asia. Duterte met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to discuss the progress of ongoing bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and the Philippines. This is Duterte’s maiden visit to Malaysia since taking office as the 16th president of the Philippines on June 30. Lawmakers led by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Thursday expressed optimism that the diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United States will be strengthened under a Trump presidency. Reps. Raneo Abu of Batangas City, Karlo Alexei Nograles of Davao City and Rodolfo Albano III of Isabela also offered their wishes for the success to Trump. “I like him, he walks the talk,” Albano, House majority leader for the House contingent of the Commission on Appointments, said of Trump, a businessman and a TV show host before he became a politician. With Bloomberg

on drugs, of fabricating evidence and coercing witnesses to testify against her. The NBI alleged that De Lima started receiving drug money as early as 2012. “It is evident from the revelations of numerous witnesses as detailed in their sworn affidavits that herein subject Senator Leila De Lima and the other government officials in the complaint were fully aware of the unlawfulness of their actions yet, still actively conspired with their superiors,” the complaint stated. “[The probers] could not possibly fathom the idea that upon the culmination of the raid, Jaybee Sebastian, regarded by numerous personalities as the most powerful and influential drug lord inside NBP was peacefully left to himself inside his ‘kubol’ without so much as a cursory search,” the complaint said. “These circumstances only cement the allegations propounded against her that Jaybee Sebastian, the figurative goose that lays the golden eggs, enjoyed her protection,” the complaint added. In a press conference in the afternoon, Aguirre II revealed that the latest NBI complaint would be consolidated with the three earlier complaints. He also said the Justice department would issue a subpoena to De Lima and other respondents either today or early next week to require them to answer the charges. De Lima on Thursday said she is no longer surprised by what she said were trumped-up charges. “Like their propensity for manufacturing lies, the filing of charges is fast becoming a bad habit for them. They just wont quit until they destroy me,” she said. “It was very clear from the very start that the evidence leveled against me in almost all forums has always been manufactured, fabricated, and the product of

fantasists,” said De Lima. “Even the testimonial and documentary evidence presented during the House hearing on which the NBI has based its charges has shown nothing but fantastic lies and fairy tales linking me to the drug trade. “At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I repeat that I stand by my innocence because I only speak the truth. I shall in the proper time confront my accusers before the proper venue,” she added. De Lima faced new woes, however, as a police official testified before the Senate that she received P8 million from drug lord Kerwin Espinosa. In the presence of De Lima, Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido, police chief of Albuera, Leyte, said Espinosa handed De Lima the money at Dampa Restaurant, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Espenido said his testimony was based on the statement given to them by Kevin, son of the slain Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. and brother of Kerwin. De Lima did not object when the Senate committees on public order and dangerous drugs, and justice and human rights, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Richard Gordon, respectively, proposed to reveal the names in the slain mayor’s sworn statement. “I don’t mind that you disclose that because I know that my name is in the number one [position on] list if we are to believe the announcement of Secretary Aguirre,” De Lima said. Espenido said not only the slain mayor, but even his family members, attested that De Lima had met and even talked for more than 20 minutes to Espinosa’s son and suspected drug lord Kerwin at Burnham Park in Baguio City. He said the Espinosa family even took

a picture with De Lima. Presiding over the hearing, Lacson said that politicians are usually approached by people who want to have a picture taken with them. Espenido revealed that Kevin had executed an affidavit, claiming that he gave P8 million to De Lima at a restaurant in Pasay City. Lacson said it was crucial that the younger Espinosa be given adequate security as he is moved from the United Arab Emirates, where he was arrested, to the Philippines. Espinosa was arrested last month in Abu Dhabi after some overseas Filipino workers tipped off authorities about his presence. He is still detained at the Al Wathba jail in Abu Dhabi. Senator Gregorio Honasan said should be placed under the protective custody of Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa or the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Kerwin’s father was killed in an alleged shootout with authorities serving him a search warrant in his cell at the Baybay City Provincial Jail on Nov. 5. The Albuera mayor was supposed to reveal the identities of some 30 people involved in the narcotics trade with his son, among them a senator, police and congressmen, but changed his mind for fear of his life. Lacson said the killing of the Albuera mayor not a simple case of someone who fought and was killed. “Foremost in our minds is why would Mayor Espinosa even attempt to put up a fight while he was trapped inside a prison cell with nowhere to go, not to mention that he had surrendered and was fully cooperating hoping to become a state witness? Nothing make sense,” Lacson said.

“If we reach international maritime boundaries reaching the Philippines, we can continue pursuing them [kidnappers] and possibly interdict them,” Najib told Malaysian reporters in a press briefing in Putrajaya. “But once they reach Philippine boundaries, we will inform them [Filipino authorities] and they will try to assist us so the bad guys

won’t get away.” Before leaving for Malaysia, Duterte said he and Najib would discuss joint operations to fight the Abu Sayyaf terrorists. Duterte on Tuesday discussed a possible cooperation between the Philippines and Malaysia to fight piracy in the Strait of Malacca. “We have a lot to talk about concerning piracy in Malacca Strait. It’s very important that Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines talk about it,” Duterte said. Najib echoed Duterte saying the

terrorists were affecting economic growth in Malaysia. Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Jose Eduardo Malaya III said the issue of kidnapping in the Sulu Sea and surrounding waters would take priority in the meetings. “The kidnapping in the Sulu Sea not only alarms Filipinos but also Malaysia,” Malaya said. “We are preoccupied with the issue. The Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia are serious in addressing the issue in Sulu and Sulawesi.” John Paolo Bencito

in aid for totally damaged homes and P30,000 for partially damaged homes. In a joint statement, Tinio and Castro slammed the failure of the Presidential Management Staff and the Department of Education to provide the housing reimbursement assistance to Education employees who survived “Yolanda” three years after it struck. “We take these agencies to task for failing to deliver on their promise that they will extend financial assistance to survivors who had to repair or rebuild their homes,” Tinio said. He said the houses of many of the

survivors had not been fully repaired or rebuilt as they continued to wait for the second tranche of the aid. Castro said many who had to contract loans from various sources to make their homes habitable again were now deep in debt. Tinio and Castro said they received complaints from teachers and other Education employees that they submitted complete liquidation documents three months after they received the first tranche as required by the PMS guidelines, or by the end of 2014 for the earliest recipients.

“We believe that the lag is with the liquidation in the regional office level and the PMS evaluation. Adding to the delay is the very late release by the PMS and DepEd of the aid to some of the beneficiaries, some of whom report receiving their first half only this year,” the two said in their statement. “We therefore urge the PMS and DepEd to speed up the liquidation, evaluation and release of the entire assistance to our teachers, non-teaching personnel and other DepEd employees. Three years is too long to keep the survivors of major disasters hanging.” Christine F. Herrera

Du30... From A1

around my person, including my quarrel with America,” Duterte said, but added that he no longer wanted to fight. Duterte has shown outright hostility toward the United States under Obama, with nearly daily tirades in reaction to American criticism of the rising death toll in war on illegal drugs, which has seen 4,000 suspects killed since Duterte came to office. He also threatened repeatedly to sever the country’s longstanding military relationship with the United States, a key element in Washington’s “pivot to Asia.” Like Trump, Duterte campaigned on a populist, anti-establishment platform and struck a chord among ordinary Filipinos with his promises to fix what he called a “broken country,” and bragged about sexually harassing women. Duterte reiterated how angry he had been at Washington for allegedly threatening to cut off aid and treating the country like a dog on a leash. “They talk as if we are still the colonies,” Duterte said.

Leila... From A1

Charged were former Bureau of Corrections chief Franklin Jesus Bucayu; former Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III; former Bucor officer-incharge Rafael Ragos; De Lima’s former security aide and Presidential Security Group Member Joenel Sanchez; De Lima’s former driver and bodyguard Ronnie Dayan; Ragos’ close-in aide and NBI agent Jovencio Ablen Jr.; Bucayu’s alleged bagman Wilfredo Elli; DoJ employee Jesusa Francisco; De Lima’s personal assistant during her DoJ stint, Lyn Sagum; a certain Julius Rejuso; and an alias George. High-profile inmates were also included in the charge sheet, specifically in relation to the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. They were identified as Jaybee Sebastian, Herbert Colanggo, Engelbert Durano, Vicente Sy, Wu Tuan Yuan alias Peter Co, and Jojo Baligad. The NBI based its complaints on sworn statements, documents, and testimonies of various resource persons, including inmates, who took part in the inquiry of the House of Representatives on the issue. The complaints will likely be consolidated with two others pending before a five-man panel of prosecutors formed by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II. De Lima has repeatedly denied all the allegations. She also denied that she was a protector of drug syndicates inside the NBP in exchange for funds for her 2016 election campaign. De Lima accused the government, whom she criticized for its bloody war

7K... From A1

Kerwin...

From A1

President Rodrigo Duterte had tagged Espinosa as the drug kingpin in Eastern Visayas. Aguirre said Espinosa will be fetched by a police team from Abu Dhabi, where he was arrested on Oct. 17. He said the three-man police team leaves on Sunday. Aguirre said he had received a letter from the Philippine ambassador to UAE saying Espinosa had expressed intention to be placed under the Witness Protection Program. “He could qualify for the WPP because he appears to be not the most guilty,” Aguirre told reporters. “Once he arrives, he will be brought to the PNP custodial center before he is turned over with his sworn statement to WPP custody.” Aguirre said the government needed to be extra careful in securing Espinosa following the killing of his father, Albuera, Leyte, Mayor Roland Espinosa while in detention in the Baybay sub-provincial jail on Nov. 5. Rey E. Requejo

‘Dump Trump’... From A1

“But we’re not going to let a Donald Trump presidency stop the progress in this country,” he added. In New York City, demonstrators gathered in Union Square holding signs saying “Love Trumps Hate” and “Trump Grabbed America by the Pussy!” before marching uptown in the thousands to chant in front of Trump Tower. “The electoral college is broken,” protester Nicholas Forker said of the US indirect voting system. “I think it definitely needs to be reformed... I think it’s ridiculous.” In Chicago, several thousand people gathered around TrumpTower, blocking downtown streets and traffic while other staged a counter-protest on the opposite side of the building. Across the country, high school and college students also staged campus demonstrations and walkouts from classes. In Oregon, demonstrators blocked traffic in downtown Portland, forcing a delay on two light-rail lines. The crowd there grew to about 300 people, local reports said, including some who sat in the middle of a road to block traffic. Others burned American flags. In Pennsylvania, hundreds of University of Pittsburgh students marched through the streets, with some in the crowd calling for unity. The rallies followed protests overnight on Tuesday as voting results were being tallied, when at least one person was seriously injured in Oakland, California, where demonstrators broke store windows and set garbage alight. AFP

Gomez... From A1

Laraga claimed that Gomez had been involved in the drug trade through his alleged ties with the slain mayor. “I will not even dignify that with an answer. They should not drag me into their circus,” Gomez said. He said he did not know the Espinosas. “I have never met them and have never spoken to them,” Gomez said. The other Leyte officials with alleged links to Espinosa’s drug operation were Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, former Court of Appeals associate justice and now Leyte Rep. Vicente Veloso, and Baybay City Vice Mayor Michael Cari. Petilla also denied the allegation against him saying he had no links with the Espinosas and with illegal drugs. Veloso denied any involvement in the illegal drug trade. In a Facebook post on Sunday, Nov. 6, the former justice denied his inclusion in the affidavit of the mayor, who had tagged him as a “protector” of the mayor’s son, alleged drug lord Kerwin. The names of Gomez and the three other politicians were brought up when Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III asked Laraga why the CIDG had to apply for search warrants against the slain mayor from a court in Basey, Samar, and not from Leyte during the joint investigation of the Senate committees on public order and dangerous drugs and Justice and Human Rights. Laraga, the leader of the CIDG team that raided Espinosa’s jail cell and allegedly traded shots with him, told the Senate panels they had to secure search warrants in Samar because most of the courts in Leyte were controlled by politicians and police officials there. When Sotto questioned Laraga who those officials were, Laraga denied to name them. But Sotto insisted that the inquiry was being held in aid of legislation. He also noted they needed to know the compelling reason to secure a search warrants from Samar. “OK, your honor. Allegedly, the vice mayor of Baybay City, the governor of Leyte, the mayor of Ormoc City and the congressman of the third district of Leyte,” Laraga said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

News IN BRIEF Mentors to get 2 bonuses Dec. TEACHERS are set to receive their annual cash incentives, such as the Performance Based Bonus and the Productivity Enhancement Incentive, before the year ends, the Education department said Thursday. In a statement, DepEd teachers can expect their performance-based bonuses for 2015, ﬁnally released before the end of November. The PBB ranges from P5,000 to P35,000 depending on the teacher’s rank and performance. Meanwhile, the additional PEI, amounting to P5,000 will also be received by teachers in December. “The aforementioned ﬁgures are standard to the mandates of the department, and consistent to the incentives received and still to be received by our teachers,” the DepEd said. John Paolo Bencito

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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Senators reach consensus on P75-b coco levy fund S By Macon Ramos-Araneta

IXTEEN senators signed the committee report on a Senate bill establishing a trust fund involving the P75-billion coco levy fund that has remained unused for the past 40 years. However, the disposition of the fund is still pending before at the House of Representatives which formed a technical working group to tackle 13 different proposals submitted by congressmen. The report on Senate Bill 1233 was signed by Senators

Francis Pangilinan, Loren Legarda, Richard Gordon, Francis Escudero, Grace Poe, Nancy Binay, Gregorio Honasan II, Sonny Angara, Panﬁlo Lacson, Bam Aquino, Manny Pacquiao, Leila de Lima, Sherwin Gatchalian and

Risa Hontiveros. As ex-oﬁcio members, Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto and Senate Majority Vicente Sotto III also signed the committee report. Pangilinan, who sponsored the bill, said the bill speciﬁes that P75 billion in cash and assets of the coco levy fund will only be used for the development of the coconut industry and establishes a perpetual trust fund which will only use the earned interest income. “This is for a lifetime in which the interest income will be used,” said Pangilinan, adding that the bill also creates a trust fund committee composed of 11

members, six of whom should either be from coconut farmers groups or their representatives. The trust fund committee will be chaired by the Secretary of Finance and co-chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture. He said the bill also seeks to specify the formulation of a Coconut Development Plan and ensure the active participation of coconut farmers at every stage of the implementation of the law. At the same time, the farmers’ groups Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and Coco Levy Fund Ibalik sa Amin on Thursday cited two mechanisms to take control and

management of the funds and ensure beneﬁts from the fund. “The twin mechanisms of a Genuine Small Coconut Farmers Fund and Genuine Small Coconut Farmers’ Council are acceptable measures to ensure that coco farmers would beneﬁt from the P75-billion coco levy that is now under escrow at the Bureau of Treasury,” Claim spokesman Arvin Borromeo said. “These mechanisms are necessary to ensure that the control and management of the levy are in the hands of coco farmers,” Borromeo said. With Sandy Araneta

Adjust tax rates, QC govt told THE Commission on Audit has urged the Quezon City government to update its realestate property valuation after neglect to do so in the past 21 years, contrary to the threeyear adjustment required by the Local Government Code of 1992. State auditor V Rosa dela Cruz, in an Oct. 7 letter, reminded Mayor Herbert Bautista and city assessor Rodolfo Ordanes of their failure to upgrade their fair market values aside from the two general revision ordinances in 1995 for the cost land, buildings and structures, and in 2005 for adjustment in assessment levels. Ordanes, in a reply to CoA, acknowledged the 1995 last revision of a tax hike. “For instance, a per square meter lot in Caloocan City is pegged at P55,600. Makati City is P80,000 per square meter, while Pasay City is P40,000. On the other hand, a (measly) P30,000 per square meter is being proposed,” he said. Rio Araja

M5 quake felt in MM AN EARTHQUAKE of magnitude 5 rocked Quezon province and parts of Metro Manila, including Quezon City, on Thursday at 3:10 p.m. The quake’s epicenter was located 24 kilometers northwest of General Nakar, Quezon. It was of tectonic origin, the quake hit at a depth of 13 kilometers. The quake was felt at intensity 5 in General Nakar, Quezon, intensity 4 in Antipolo City, while an intensity 3 was felt in Quezon City, Marikina City, Manila, Makati City, Tarlac City and San Juan City. An intensity 2 was felt in Taguig City and Mandaluyong City. Rio N. Araja

LADLUBBING MARINE PARK. Manila Ocean Park launched on Thursday two new attractions, the Barnyard and the Birdhouse, to highlight the importance of the farm animals and birds in human life. Norman Cruz

PH eyes relaxing visas to Chinese By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE government is looking into the possibility of relaxing visa requirements for Chinese tourists to encourage them to visit the Philippines. In a press brieﬁng on Thursday, incoming Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jose Santiago Sta. Romana said it would be better if both countries relax their visa requirements to bolster both tourism industries. “The basic approach is to relax the visa restrictions to encourage tourism both ways on mutually beneﬁcial terms,” Sta. Romana told the reporters during the China-Philippines

Dialogue 2016 at Manila Peninsula in Makati. He said relaxing visa requirements may result in China extending the same privilege to Filipino travelers to China. “We like to have the same access to travel as the Chinese,” he noted. Based on data from the China National Tourism Administration, the Philippines ranked 11th in top source travel markets of China, with more than a million arrivals. Last year, the number of Chinese that arrived in the Philippines was 490,841, or 24.28 percent higher than the 394,951 recorded arrivals in 2014. In the past seven months, 422,801 accumulated arrivals were recorded

from China. “There are more Philippine tourists now to China so we want ﬁrst to balance that. The Chinese are talking about one-million tourist target,” he said, adding that visa relaxation depends on the outcome of the bilateral talks between China and the Philippines and its involved government agencies. Under the Duterte administration, Sta. Romana said the Philippines will focus on enhancing further its economic cooperation with China, boost economic cooperation with China, despite ongoing territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea.

CBCP invited to death penalty hearing By Maricel V. Cruz JUSTICE Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, Philippine National Police chief DirectorGeneral Ronaldo dela Rosa, ofﬁcials of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and civil society groups have been invited to the congressional hearing next week on the restoration of the death penalty.

The subcommittee on judicial reforms, which is under the committee on justice, moved to invite the ofﬁcials and representatives of government ofﬁces, religious and civil society groups during the initial deliberation of seven bills seeking to reimpose the death penalty. Leyte Rep. Vicente Veloso, subcommittee chairman, instructed their panel’s secretariat to send invitations accordingly in response to the

motion of Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman to invite possible resource persons for their next hearing. Lagman’s proposed list includes Aguirre, Dela Rosa, ofﬁcials or representatives of the CBCP, Free Legal Assistance Group, iDefend or In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement, Amnesty International-Philippines Chapter, Coalition Against the Death Penalty, and other civil society organizations.

Hasten Cha-Cha, Congress urged

GO TO EUROPE, YOUNG PEOPLE. European envoys Philippe Ruﬁo of the European Commission,

Thorsten Gottfried of Germany, Czech Republic Ambassador to the Philippines Jaroslav Olsa of the Czech Republic, Jan Top Christensen of Denmark, Xavier Leblanc of Belgium, Marion Delix of The Netherlands, Luis Antonio Calvo of Spain, Dr. Jozsef Bencze of Hungary, Yves Zoberman of France and Erasmus Mundus alumna cut the ceremonial ribbon opening the European Higher Education Fair. Norman Cruz

CONGRESS was urged to hasten the convening of a Constituent Assembly to propose amendments to the Constitution that would clear the way to federalism, especially now that President Rodrigo Duterte has renewed his pitch to speed up the shift in the system of government. Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte stressed the need for the Senate and the House of Representatives need to craft new provisions in the Constitution specifying the federal switch in time for a plebiscite that would be held either alongside the midterm elections in 2019 or the 2020 at the latest. Villafuerte said Duterte has renewed his call for this

government switch during a speech before the launching of the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda for Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other conﬂict affected areas in Mindanao in Cotabato City. “Holding the plebiscite along with the elections either in 2019 or 2020 is not only the most economical but also the soonest time we can let the people decide on federalism while giving the Congress ample time to deliberate and ﬁnetune the provisions that would ensure the shift would lead to growth and prosperity in the regions,” said Villafuerte, vice chairperson of the House committee on appropriations. Maricel V. Cruz

Maternity leave law pushed A GLOBAL women’s union yesterday called on the country’s lawmakers to give women protection the same level of attention they give to business, investments, technological advancement and education and pass Senate Bill 215 or the “Expanded Maternity Leave Act of 2016. IndustriALL, a global union which represents 50-million workers in 140 countries in the mining, energy and manufacturing sectors, said the country’s 24-year-old Social Security Law does not follow the International Labor Organization Convention 183, or the Maternity Convention signed by the Philippines in 2000. “It is lamentable that our lawmakers have always struggled to pass laws and craft policies for world class efﬁciency and global competitiveness, despite challenges of budget limitation, broken structure and structural inequalities but leave behind women protection,” said Sion Binos, the groups’ Women Chairperson. “We are glad that Senator Risa Hontiveros, author of the bill, champions our campaign in the Senate and that lawmakers of the 17th Congress put this agenda in the early part of the Congress. We now challenge the Senate to expedite hearing on SB 215,” added Binos. Conﬁdent that increased maternity leave will greatly reduce child mortality in the Philippines, Hontiveros stressed that the center of this legislation is that: women workers’ rights are human rights. Macon R. Araneta

Opinion

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

The Trump card

HE stunning election victory of Donald Trump and the defeat of market favorite Hillary Clinton rattled financial markets across the globe Wednesday. But just as soon as the shock ebbed, the same markets rallied Thursday as the despair was replaced by hopes that Trump’s plan to bolster the US economy would succeed. It is too early to tell the economic implications of a Trump administration. Global markets during the campaign period have viewed Clinton as market-friendly and deemed

Adelle Chua, Editor

Trump as protectionist— one who will put up trade barriers to discourage imports and recall American jobs taken away through outsourcing operations. Trump’s rhetoric, some

of them on the extreme side just like those of President Rodrigo Duterte, may remain just like that, and not translate into action. It will take the majority of US Congress, for instance, to dismantle free trade agreements that are already in force with the European Union, Asian countries and the rest of the world. Trump’s victory was unexpected by many. As such, his ascendancy as the 45th US president introduced an element of

uncertainty in the future political and economic directions of the world’s most powerful nation and biggest economy. How the US Federal Reserve Board will proceed with an expected increase in interest rates next month is now a subject of speculation. The US Fed’s policy, generally based on the performance of the US economy, may be swayed by Trump’s overall plan which he will soon announce. The Philippines and

the rest of US trading partners, meanwhile, will have to secondguess Trump’s protectionist stance. At stake in the Philippines is the business process outsourcing sector, which last year brought in revenues equivalent to around 10 percent of the gross domestic product. The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines estimated that the BPO industry as of end-2015 had

generated 1.2-million direct jobs and $22 billion in revenues. Economic Planning Secretary has feared fewer investments may come from the US if Trump makes good his threat. But given the nature of global trading and business operations, the Philippine still has a lot of economic partners to rely on. All Manila has to do is make its business environment friendly and stay competitive as much as possible. VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

Marcos burial; Trump’s triumph

Leila, Leni and ‘delicadeza’ LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES I THINK we can all agree that democracy hasn’t died. But what seems to be deader than the victims of extra-judicial killings is delicadeza, or a sense of propriety and ethical behavior among some of our public officials. I was watching the Senate investigation into the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa when Senator Leila de Lima jumped into the fray and started asking questions directed at the resource persons from the national police. And I asked myself: Why is De Lima even in the Senate at this particular time? Shouldn’t De Lima be in church somewhere, on her knees, praying for deliverance from the Duterte administration? Or shouldn’t she be visiting the Supreme Court again, questioning the immunity

from suit of President Rodrigo Duterte? She could have been anywhere except at the Senate. And she was there because she is sorely deficient in delicadeza. (By the way, delicadeza, while it is routinely taken in this country to mean a sensitivity to what others consider moral and ethical behavior, is simply defined as gentleness, softness and delicateness in the original Spanish. Thus, the Oxford Dictionary defines the Spanish phrase “con mucha delicadeza” as “very gently.”) I’m not saying that delicadeza, especially the supposed trait that Filipino officials must have, has altogether disappeared. De Lima may not have it (including the original attributes that the Spanish ascribe to the term), but others still do. To cite just two recent examples, Supreme Court Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes displayed delicadeza when he inhibited himself from the deliberations regarding the directive of Duterte to have the

late President Ferdinand Marcos buried in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. Reyes administered the oath to Duterte upon his election in May and is a fraternity brother and personal friend of the president.

Some people just don’t have delicadeza,’no matter how much they pretend to have it, in all senses of that word. In the Senate itself, Senator JV Ejercito did not ask his colleagues to grant him a reprieve after he was suspended for 90 days by the Sandiganbayan for his involvement

in a gun purchase made when he was still mayor of San Juan City. Ejercito simply announced that he would serve out his suspension even if he was still contesting the charges. De Lima is also engaged fulltime in parrying charges made by Duterte and his justice secretary, Vitaliano Aguirre, that she is involved in the illegal drug trade and benefited hugely from the proliferation of drug syndicates in the national penitentiary. But she could not even stay away from an investigation that directly leads to her alleged involvement, according to Espinosa’s sworn statement. *** On the other hand, the original Spanish sense of delicadeza, I think, is what Vice President Leni Robredo is trying so hard to convince everyone that she possesses, when she took offense over the salty jokes directed her way by Duterte earlier this week. Why it took Robredo a full day to realize that she should take umbrage at

the president’s sexual innuendoes is something I can’t really understand. Robredo, bless her gentle and delicate heart, explained that it took her that long to understand the unsavory tone of Duterte’s off-color jokes because she was distressed at the time, since the Supreme Court had just ruled in favor of the Marcos burial. I watched the footage, though, and I thought Robredo was either a) taking the jokes in stride, like a trouper and a member of Duterte’s Cabinet, b) didn’t understand the jokes or c) was just smiling even if she couldn’t hear the president speaking very well. Yes, Robredo was smiling throughout what she later described as an ordeal for her. She certainly didn’t look like she was grievously hurt or bothered at the time Duterte narrated how he was “stalking” her, describing her legs and knees and asking her if it was true that she already Turn to A5

TWO developments this week define how a legacy is made and how a nation is united and built. The first is the Philippine Supreme Court’s 9-5-1 decision on Tuesday, Nov. 8, allowing the burial of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, who died in 1989, at the state cemetery for heroes and the armed forces, Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB). The second is the stunning upset victory by tycoon-turned-political outsider, self-proclaimed racist and bigot, Republican Donald Trump on Nov. 8 (Nov. 9 in Manila). Divisive, deeply polarizing and one who has never held public office before, the property mogul snatched the presidency from Democratic contender, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, 68, in the most bitter, brutal and ugliest presidential election ever in US history. Trump got 290 electoral votes, 20 more than the required 270, and Mrs. Clinton 232, despite her leading preelection polls. Both developments betray a sad truth—a divided nation in each case. The Philippines is riven even today by political discord triggered by the overweening ambition of two political clans whose rivalry has dominated the political life of the nation in the last half century. Meanwhile, the United States is a divided, bitter, insecure and insular country. “The 2016 U.S. election was unprecedented in the way it turned Americans against each other,” says Reuters. In a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey, 15 percent of respondents said they had stopped talking to a family member or close friend as a result of the election. For Democrats, this shoots up to 23 percent, compared to 10 percent for Republicans. And 12 percent had ended a relationship because of it, according to Reuters. Mrs. Clinton early on conceded defeat despite winning the general election although by a slim margin. She had 59,755,284 votes, according to CNN’s tally, with 92 percent of the expected vote total. Trump had 59,535,522, a difference of 219,762 with nearly 120 million votes counted so far. Turn to A5

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Opinion PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO

The gavel seals the burial ONCE more, we knew the is no legal obstacle to his result first, because the burial there.” Besides, bayCourt’s spokesman an- ani is not a univocal term. nounced the disposition, but Not too long ago, I wrote not the reasons—because precisely on the question the ponencia and the dis- of heroes: Was Bonifacio sents (as well as the concur- a hero? Was Aguinaldo? ring opinions) were only lat- How about Laurel? One is er to be released. I have my drawn not only into a nasty reservations about what was debate on history. It is the becoming a common prac- more difficult hermeneutice, because a disposition tic inquiry into “hero” and is not self-justifying, and what it takes to be one, and the malicious entertain the whether one act of courage suspicion that the opinions makes one a hero, or whethare subsequently written (or er one has to be consistently rewritten) in response to the heroic throughout one’s life. applause or the outrage that Then, there is the nettlemeets the announcement of some problem of whether the disposition. an unpopular decision — I have been twice inter- though borne out of honest viewed since the time At- conviction — disqualif ies torney Theodore Te faced one from being a hero. the press, the latest, in an If we believe in the rule of amiable exchange with the law—as we should— then inimitable Alvin Elchico since the high court has on the issue of the Supreme dismissed the petitions by Court’s decision on the a convincing margin (other Marcos Burial. cases were decided on very Here is my position: close calls, not this!), let us According to Baker v. abide by the Court’s deciCarr, when a sion. But court does not a visiting have the judilecturer of cial tools by the Philipwhich to repine JudiThere are no solve an issue, cial Acadthe case is NOT judicial tools emy, an justiciable. expert on (You can call it to resolve such A mer ican “political”—an issues. constituunfortunate aptional law, p el l a t io n — o r had someby some other thing very term.) salutary to You cannot suggest: A ask courts to adjudge a Supreme Court compromisbeauty contest, or the win- es its own credibility when ning rooster in a cockfight, it wades into political waor the valedictorian in a ters and immerses itself in a school. There are no judi- partisan debate. This was a cial tools to resolve such thoroughly partisan debate, issues. Similarly when you really, and I would have preargue: “Marcos should not ferred the Court to dismiss be buried at the Libingan the petitions outright and to because he is not a baya- hold, as I have suggested, ni.” The implied issue of that what had been brought fact is: Was he a bayani for its resolution was a nonor not? Now, what judicial jusiticable question. tools do you use to answer Those who consider that question? themselves victims of Even the position that Martial Law have not he was “dishonorably dis- been deprived of any of charged” from office by their remedies under the the Edsa revolution is one law, unless their claims reading of events, but is have prescribed. A claim by no means a settled in- for damages may still be terpretation. Did he leave brought under the proviof his own accord? Did he sions of the Civil Code leave because he wanted against the Marcos Estate. to prevent mayhem and And the decision by no bloodshed? Did he leave means forecloses further with his tail between his debate among historians, legs? These questions are political scientists and thenot for a court to answer, orists, lawyers and jurists. but for historians accord- It merely says that the Suing to a method of which preme Court will not shut jurists are not necessarily the cemetery gates to the experts. funeral. It follows that in dismissing the petitions, the Court was not enshrining FM in rannie_aquino@outlook.com the pantheon of heroes. It rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph was merely saying: “There rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph

Leila... From A4 has a boyfriend. But I think, now that Robredo has declared that she doesn’t relish being the butt of the President’s overtly sexual jokes in public, that she shouldn’t stay one moment longer in his Cabinet. Why give Duterte the opportunity to make her the target of his usual tasteless jokes by remaining in his official family, when she can leave and join those calling him an insensitive, chauvinist pig? Since Robredo will probably never respond to those questions herself, allow me to offer my own conclusion: Leni, for all her wounded feminine pride, simply

cannot risk losing her Cabinet post and becoming politically irrelevant. These days, especially, Robredo must be feeling a wee bit paranoid about her housing czarina post—and even about the security of her tenure as vice president. No wonder she was distressed by the Marcos burial ruling; anything that favors someone with that family name must cause her to have anxiety attacks and bring on bouts of smiling incomprehension. Now Robredo wants to make it known that she’s offended— but not offended enough that she would leave the Cabinet. Like I said, some people just don’t have delicadeza, no matter how much they pretend to have it, in all senses of that word.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US not ready for woman president BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO NO ONE saw it coming. The pollsters didn’t, and neither did poll frontrunner Hillary Clinton. Only Donald Trump knew he had a chance of pulling off a major upset and he stunned the world by getting elected as the 45th US president. I myself thought Hillary Clinton was in the cusp of making history as the first woman president of the United States. Americans apparently were not ready to accept a woman president. They took a chance on someone who promised them change, no matter how draconian his methods may be. Campaigning on what many saw as divisive rhetoric and slamming both his Democratic rival Clinton and incumbent President Barack Obama, Trump struck the right chord that resonated with American voters. Clinton concentrated her campaign on the presidential debates and banked on the voter backlash against Trump’s abrasive and offensive language, thinking her rival would self-destruct. But Trump didn’t and instead gained followers with his cam-

paign platform to make America great again, strengthen the military so it is second to none, and restore jobs that had gone overseas because of flawed economic policy. Hillary lost because she had the disadvantage of running under the shadow of Obama and his hated Obamacare health program. Pensioners, retirees and the ordinary folks find the Obama health care more expensive instead of easing their medical expenses. These gut issues favored Trump and allowed the Republicans to gain control of both the Senate and the House. The other not so spoken Hillary handicap? She ran under the shadow of husband and former President Bill Clinton’s sex scandal with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Voters still talked about the Oval Office as the Oral Office. This is a joke that leaves a bad taste in the mouth—it does not need to be explained. Hillary, visibly stunned, conceded defeat while outgoing President Obama called up Trump to congratulate him and set a meeting to discuss transition details. In his victory speech, Trump said he will be “a president for all Americans and the time has come to bind the wounds of a long and bitter

campaign.” He paid tribute to his rival’s hard fought campaign and acknowledged Hillary Clinton’s contributions as senator and Secretary of State. It was a gracious departure from his tirades against Hillary during the campaign. Trump won the battleground states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and the other swing states to clinch the historic victory. He ran and won despite the opposition and misgiving of some of his own Republican partymates. In the presidential elections of 2000, Democrat Al Gore won the popular vote but lost to Republican candidate George W. Bush in the electoral vote. It happened to Hillary, too, losing by 218 to 278 in the electoral votes. Only 270 electoral votes are needed to win. The major upset in this year’s president election unsettled both the global market and the US stock exchange. But this is seen as temporary and the market is expected to adjust depending on the billionaire businessman’s economic policy and how he will govern to unite all Americans. How will Trump’s election affect relations with the Philippines? Some local observers think ties between Manila and Washington will improve because Trump and Rodrigo Du-

terte talk the same language. But unless they fall in love and lock lips, I think the two presidents with their strong and volatile personalities might clash, particularly if Digong continues with his verbal attacks on the US. It would be interesting to see the sparks fly when the two firebrands exchange colorful language. Trump in his victory speech made clear he would “make American great again and second to none.” This is ominous for a rising China and its aggressive moves in the Southeast Asian region. This could be bad news for Duterte who shifted Philippine foreign policy towards China at the expense of its long and traditional ties with the US. Digong’s drift to China threw the US pivot to Asia and its rebalancing of military forces into an awkward position. The announcement Duterte has reconsidered and would now allow the continuation of the USPhilippine war games and to implement the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement should smooth out strained relations between Washington and Manila. This is vital for the security and stability of the Southeast Asian region that has been unsettled by the contentious maritime border disputes in the South China Sea.

Countdowns FILIPINO PENSIONER HORACE TEMPLO AFTER this year’s almost uneventful Undas, we immediately started our countdown to Christmas 2016, which is turning out to be much more exciting compared to those of yesteryears. Thus, even if it is still 44 days away, we’ll start preparing to celebrate it as soon as we receive our yearend bonuses next week to cap this very memorable year. Certain events have taken place this year and although they couldn’t be counted yet as truly good tidings for this Christmas, they are surely very unique and significant. Undeniably, the most special of these events is the election to the presidency last May 9 of the mayor from Davao City, which served as precedent to all others including those that happened this week. Last Sunday, our 37-year-old national treasure and people’s champ Manny Pacquiao became again the WBO welterweight champion by beating, via a unanimous decision, his much younger 27-yearold Mexican-American opponent. Now a senator, would this victory pave the way for him to aspire for the highest elected position in government? Then on Tuesday, our Supreme Court released its 9-5 ruling to allow the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan

Marcos... From A4 “We owe him (Trump) an open mind and a chance to lead,” Clinton said, barely able to hold back tears. “I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday, someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think right now.” For his part, a subdued Trump promised to be the president of all Americans. He pleaded: “Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division; have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. It’s time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me.” Still, pro-Clinton protesters spilled onto the streets in major US cities, declaring Trump is not their president and fearing an antiimmigrant backlash with the victor’s insular policies. In Manila, the mutual and endless antagonism between the families of Ferdinand Marcos and the late opposition leader Benigno

ng mga Bayani. Would this lead to the healing of our nation? Finally last Wednesday, the 70-year-old controversial Donald Trump won the presidency of the world’s most powerful nation. As his stunning victory was being met by street protests, could he really be a “president for all Americans” as he had immediately pledged? But for us pensioners of the Social Security System, the more relevant countdown is the number of days after President Digong has assumed office that SSS continues to deny us our much-awaited P2,000 pension increase. Our countdown has reached 134 days and would be 178 days by Christmas Day. We have also been counting the number of days after April 30 that SSS has continued to fail to submit its 2015 annual report to Pres. Digong and Congress. It’s now 196 days and SSS has not even published the report in its website. SSS has instead published a summary of operations for the first semester of 2016, showing that it paid an average monthly pension of P 3,229 and has accumulated P474.7 billion in total assets as of June 30. Why should this report be submitted? It is where SSS could disclose the financial impact of restoring the “missing contributions” of 1985-1989 and present its contribution collection, investments, benefit disbursements, and operational efficiency in 2015. It is not enough for SSS to dis-

close how dismally unable it is in granting the P2,000 pension increase. It should also propose on how to provide for it. In fact, the Social Security Act requires SSS to submit “a public report to the President of the Philippines and to the Congress of the Philippines covering its activities in the administration and enforcement of this Act during the preceding year including information and recommendations on broad policies for the development and perfection of the program of the SSS.” Why is SSS ignoring its reportorial obligation? It neither complies with Pres. Digong’s executive order on the freedom of information. The Government Service Insurance System and PhilHealth, in contrast, have published their 2015 financial statements, both of which have been audited by the Commission on Audit. Unfortunately, they showed alarming financial results in 2015 without giving any prospect of improvements in 2016 and beyond. GSIS had only P140.1 billion in gross incomes compared to P230.9 billion in 2014. Noticeably, its financial assets had lost P1.9 billion compared to making a gain of P124.7 billion last year. While GSIS collected P89.9 billion in premiums, it spent P85.9 billion in benefit claims, P3.7 billion in personnel expenses, and P2.0 billion in operating expenses. Only its incomes from salary loans and property investments enabled it to realize a positive net income of

P46.9 billion. This is much lower than its P140.3 billion net income in 2014. GSIS ended 2015 with a total net worth of P933.7 billion, which should have reached P1 trillion had it sustained its previous year’s investment performance. PhilHealth confirmed its worrisome 2015 financial performance that it underplayed in its disclosure earlier this year. It collected premium contributions of P99.6 billion but these were not enough to support its benefit payments of P97.0 billion, personnel expenses of P3.6 billion, and other operating expenses ofP2.0 billion. Thanks to its P7.0 billion in interest income, PhilHealth still managed to eke out a net income of P3.9 billion and to raise slightly its net worth to P131.8 billion by yearend. These precarious financial performances of GSIS and PhilHealth both demand the conduct of actuarial studies on their programs’ financial viability and actuarial life. Like SSS, they must also disclose their programs’ actuarial life. For all we know, we may now have to start our countdowns on when they would become bankrupt, with or without any benefit increase. Of course, we should also start our countdown to the bankruptcy of SSS in 2029 if it is compelled through legislation to pay the P2,000 pension increase even without the necessary authority to reform its funding system.

S. Aquino Jr. has frozen time for millions of Filipinos, caught in the web of never-ending poverty and a bleak future. One of every four Filipinos is dirt poor, unable to make more than $1.25 a day, the universal measure of poverty. That’s exactly 25 million Filipinos—out of more than 100 million. The same poverty ratio has subsisted in the last 30 years, the peak period of the Marcos-Aquino rivalry. When the charismatic lawyer and war veteran Marcos took power in 1966, there were only 32 million Filipinos and the Philippines was the second richest country in Asia, after Japan. Few of the country’s dynamic neighbors today did not even exist as unified or independent states— Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Marcos ruled for 20 years, 14 of them under martial law or one-man rule because he could legislate and execute at will at the same time. On Aug. 21, 1983, Ninoy Aquino was murdered with a single bullet pumped into his nape by the military in broad daylight while descending from a plane’s stairs. He was hoping to succeed the then-ailing Marcos in an aborted political succession without an electoral exercise. The killing

was blamed on Marcos who insisted he had no motive to kill his arch political rival. Indeed, the wily strongman had deftly handled the boyish Aquino with the legal and political arsenal in his command during the latter’s time in the Philippines before his seven-year exile. On Feb. 25, 1986, Marcos was ousted by a US-backed, Churchinspired military-civilian fourday rebellion, ending his 20-year reign. He was succeeded by Aquino’s widow, the plain housewife-turned-politician, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. The same night, the deposed president was brought to Hawaii by the US military where he died in disgrace, ignominy and defeat on Sept. 28, 1989, of a heart attack. On Sept. 7, 1993, his body was returned to the Philippines under a deal worked out with Fidel V. Ramos, a third cousin and who helped plot Marcos’ ouster. The West Point-trained general had succeeded Cory Aquino as president. Cory’s only son, Benigno Simeon Aquino III, served as president from June 30, 2010 to June 30, 2016. His election was boosted by his mother’s death in August 2009. In effect, a grieving nation elected a ghost, not

her bumbling son. Outside of the abuses under 14 years of martial law, Marcos is considered one of the best Filipino presidents. He achieved a rice surplus. He reduced the lease on the US bases from 99 years to just 25 and made the America pay for their annual use. He built more roads, bridges and schools than all presidents before him did combined, and managed to unify the country despite two of the world’s longest-running insurgencies—the communist New People’s Army and the Muslim separatists. On the other hand, the two Aquino terms—Cory’s from Feb. 25, 1986 to June 30, 1992 (six years and four months) and Noynoy’s— are among the most unforgettable presidencies marked as they were by incompetence, corruption of their people, preservation of the vast 6,400-hectare family hacienda, lack of inclusion (for the poor), and lack of vision. So when Marcos’ body is interred finally at the Libingan complete with colors and ceremony fit for a hero, the nation hopefully will also bury with him the socalled Aquino myth and legend, both of them spurious. And then let’s have enough of the Marcoses and the Aquinos.

News

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

2m deactivated voters can relist By Vito Barcelo

INCREASING TRAFFIC. Passenger trafﬁc at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport began to pick up the past few days as Filipinos all over the world started trickling into the country ahead of the Christmas holiday. Eric Apolonio

AT LEAST two million deactivated voters may apply to reactivate their registration records during the five-month registration period from Nov. 7, 2016 to April 29, 2017 so they can participate in the coming future elections, the Commission on Elections said. Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said there are around two million voters whose records have been deactivated. Under Republic Act 8189, also known as the Voters Registration Act of 1996, failure to vote in two consecutive national elections will result in the deactivation of a voter’s registration. “If you did not vote in 2013 and in the May 2016 elections, you will not be able to vote in the October 23, 2017 Barangay and SK elections, and subsequent elections, unless you reactivate. We have a longer registration period, we are also open even on Saturdays and holidays to accommodate as many registrants as possible,” Jimenez added. The Commission is expecting three million voters to register for the barangay elections, and two

Suspend Marcos burial pending MR, SC urged By Rey E. Requejo

HE Supreme Court has been asked to temporarily suspend the burial of strongman Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani pending appeal of its decision last Tuesday allowing the interment. One of the petitioners Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman pleaded the SC to consider the re-issuance of its status quo ante order enjoining the government from implementing President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for the Marcos burial to give way to the resolu-

tion of the appeal they intend to file. As alternative, Lagman appealed to the SC to instead advise the respondents Armed Forces of the Philippines or Department of National Defense not to implement the or-

der yet until the SC ruling becomes final. The petitioner made the plea “considering that the subject decision is not yet final and to foreclose the projected motions for reconsideration from being rendered moot by the precipitate burial of the late President Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.” The lawyer stressed they have not received copy of the decision yet for filing of appeal while the Marcos family is already planning to proceed with the burial. The Marcos family has reportedly not set a specific date yet

for the burial after getting the go-signal from the SC. The high court has also not yet released the decision as of yesterday afternoon and its spokesman Theodore Te said he is not aware if the ruling approved last Tuesday by a 9-5 vote would be immediately executory. In its decision last Tuesday, the high court said the order of Duterte for the Marcos burial is well within his presidential power provided under Article VII, section 17 of the Constitution. The decision penned by Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta held that Marcos possessed the

qualifications to be interred at the Libingan as a “former president and commander-in-chief, a legislator, a secretary of national defense, a military personnel, a veteran and a Medal of Valor awardee.” The SC ruled that there is no law prohibiting Marcos’ burial at LNMB. It also rejected the claim of petitioners that Duterte’s decision was motivated by his debt of gratitude and payback to the Marcoses for supporting his presidential candidacy in the elections last May, saying they failed to establish factual basis for this.

INC celebrates leader’s birthday THE Iglesia ni Cristo marked the 61st birth anniversary of Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo on Sunday with the launch of its 2017 theme, “Ikinararangal ko na ako ay Iglesia Ni Cristo” (I am proud to be a member of the INC). According to INC General Auditor Glicerio B. Santos Jr., the new theme is in line with the Church’s aggressive expansion programs, and seeks to inspire its members to reach out and share their faith with non-members of the INC. “The INC has witnessed unprecedented growth under Ka Eduardo 1,642 chapels, and 74 of these are located outside the country. We now have a presence in every continent in the world,” revealed Santos. “More and more people have embraced the faith and the Church, which has grown in leaps and bounds since Brother Felix Manalo founded the Church in 1914. We believe that this has become possible through His guiding hand, the leadership of

Ka Eduardo, and the example being made by our membership and our communities––and this is something everyone in the INC should be proud of,” Santos said. The INC has congregations worldwide. It also has congregations in 130 countries and territories in six continents. Established in 1914 by its first executive minister, Brother Felix Y. Manalo, the INC has become one of the biggest and fastestgrowing churches in the country and the world. “To put the growth of the Church in perspective, we have to remember that the Church’s membership is still growing in the Philippines before Ka Eduardo was born.” “In Brother Eduardo V. Manalo’s administration, the Church’s numbers have grown significantly. That is something all INC members can take credit for, since all of them have, in their own ways, contributed to this unparalleled growth,” added Santos.

THE National Bureau of Investigation on Thursday arrested a fake NBI agent who tried to recruit applicants who also want to be NBI agents. The NBI said operatives of NBI-Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division arrested Dinzon Estrella for estafa and usurpation of authority in Pasay City on November 9. Estrella was charged before the Pasay City prosecutor for Violation of Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority) and Article 172 (Falsi-

fication by Private Individual and Use of Falsified Documents) of the amended Revised Penal Code. The case stemmed from a complaint of victim Victor B. Borromeo against Estrella who claimed the suspect introduced himself as an NBI agent who is authorized to recruit NBI agents. The suspect required Borromeo to submit a licensed firearm as a condition for membership and even mentioned names of some NBI agents as his superiors and presented documents signed by past and present NBI officials to prove his authority.

IN BRIEF HK maids get training FILIPINO nurses working as domestic helpers in Hong Kong were trained on dementia care to enable them to look for a more suitable work in the former British colony, the Department of Labor and Employment said. The DoLE-Philippine Overseas Labor Office said the DoLE and the Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing trained 17 Filipina nurses on how to care for elderly patients to diversify their skill sets and allow them to find alternative work from housekeeping. The nurses were trained in supporting the physical, psychological, emotional, social, spiritual and even intellectual needs of their elderly charges, as well as creating a secure, loving environment for them, the DoLE said. Participants were also taught how to identify and resolve problems and to communicate effectively with their charges without losing their patience. Labor attaché Jalilo O. dela Torre of POLO-Hong Kong said the seminar was crucial in teaching nurses new skills and “understanding the conditions associated with old age.” “Elderlies still need to feel recognized and appreciated for their ideas, abilities and talents, thus caregivers must make them feel that their choices are followed and that they are given the chance to make their own decisions,” Dela Torre said. Vito Barcelo

Over 5,000 jobs at fairs

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Policemen and Metro Manila Development Authority personally hold up signs reminding public utility vehicles of trafﬁc regulations on the metropolis’ main thoroughfare Epifanio delos Santos Avenue. Manny Palmero

Lawmen arrest bogus NBI recruiting agent in Pasay By Sandy Araneta

million voters for the SK elections. Around 1,632,000 voters registered during the initial round of the voter registration from July 15 to 30, 2016. Jimenez also reminded the public to bring their valid IDs as most of the problems encountered by the Election Officers involved registrants using IDs without their picture or address. Valid IDs include government-issued IDs, corporate IDs, current school IDs, senior citizens ID, and NBI Clearance. The Comelec resumed the regisration of voters after President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law a measure postponing the village and youth council elections from Oct. 31, 2016 to Oct. 23 next year. The Comelec also announced the resumption of registration for overseas Filipino voters from Dec.1, 2016 to Sept. 30, 2018 in connection with the May 13, 2019 national elections. Comelec Resolution No. 10166 promulgated on Oct. 25, 2016 sets the registration period for the 2017 village and SK elections from Nov. 7, 2016 to April 29, 2017, including Saturdays and holidays except on Dec. 24 and 25, 2016 and April 13 and 14, 2017.

Borromeo, who is interested in becoming an agent, applied for membership and thus surrendered his Colt. .45 pistol to the suspect who told the victim that the firearm is to be subjected to ballistic examination before the membership could be processed. However, the suspect failed to return the victim’s firearm which prompted Borromeo to check with the NBI main cffice where he discovered that Estrella is not a legitimate NBI agent and has no authority to recruit NBI personnel. When the victim demanded the return of his firearm, Estrella de-

manded that Borromeo refer him to other applicants for NBI agents before the return of his firearm. Estrella also demanded P18,000 for the mission order, permit to carry firearm, NBI ID, and uniform which he would give to the victim. With this, an entrapment operation was planned wherein suspect agreed to meet with the NBI operative posing as a prospective applicant. Both parties agreed to meet at Razon’s Restaurant along Seaside, Mall of Asia, Pasay City where Estrella was arrested. Meanwhile, NBI agents shot

dead a suspect and arrested another, who are both wanted for murder, during an NBI operation in San Mateo, Rizal. The NBI identified the dead suspect as Wilson Ortega while the arrested suspect was identified as Raymund Camero. The two suspects have warrants for their arrest issued by Judge Mary Josephine P. Lazaro of the Antipolo Regional Trial Court for the murder of lawyer Leandro T. Yanguas, NBI Supervising Agent who was ambushed and killed on May 12, 2012 at Soliven Avenue, Brgy. Mayamot, Antipolo City.

OVER 5,000 jobs will be offered in various job fairs in the country this November, as many establishments are expected to hire additional workers because of the coming holiday season, the Department of Labor and Employment said. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said more job opportunities await jobseekers as the department continues to conduct job fairs this month of November in partnership with the Public Employment Service Offices. The labor chief said that 23 job fairs are initially scheduled for November in Regions 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, CAR and Caraga. “We expect the number of job fairs for November to increase as soon as other DOLE regional offices have finalized their own schedules,” according to Bureau of Local Employment Director Dominique Rubia-Tutay. The labor official said job seekers can find the dates of job fairs by using the PhilJobnet website. She urged jobseekers to take advantage of these job fairs, saying that these are really effective in bringing together employers and job applicants under one roof. “We encourage our jobseekers to join and participate in these job fairs for it speeds up the meeting of companies looking for potential employees and jobseekers seeking for employment,” Tutay said. She also reminded jobseekers to bring with them the following documents before going to any of these job fairs: resumé or curriculum vitaé; 2x2 ID pictures (have multiple copies for multiple applications); certificate of employment (for those who were formerly employed); diploma; transcript of records; and authenticated birth certificate. Vito Barcelo

Sports

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

LBJ to US: Trump ‘isn’t the end’

OS ANGELES—NBA superstar LeBron James, who backed US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, urged minorites and women to remember that Donald Trump’s shock election triumph “isn’t the end” in an Instagram musing on Wednesday. James, who led the Cleve- Clinton as the candidate best land Cavaliers to last sea- able to continue the legacy son’s NBA title, had endorsed of Barack Obama, America’s

first black president. He and the Cavs’ J.R. Smith appeared on stage with her at a rally on Sunday, hoping to boost her in the key state of Ohio, which eventually went to Trump. James was clearly troubled by the outcome of a campaign during which Trump pledged to deport illegal immigrants, ban Muslims from the country and was heard on a video bragging

that he groped women without their consent. “Parents and leaders of our children please let them know they can still change the world for the better!” James said. “Don’t lose a bit of faith! They’re our future and we must remain stronger than ever!! ... Minorities and Women in all please know that this isn’t the end, it’s just a very challenging obstacle that we will overcome!!”

Smith posted a picture on Instagram of his daughter in front of the White House, asking how he should explain the election result to her. “You can be an educated women in your field and not get the job because your a women or cause your black? How do you say ‘go try your best’ even though it won’t be good enough,” he wrote. The reigning NBA cham-

pion Cavaliers are due to visit Obama at the White House on Thursday, the visit to celebrate their title arranged to coincide with their trip to Washington to play the Wizards on Wednesday night. On Wednesday, Obama announced that he has also invited Trump to the White House on Thursday so that the presidentelect can begin the transition to power. AFP

DeRozan too much for OKC to handle

BAR NONE. Supporters of the Colombian national football team cheer as they watch a training session at the University Autonoma in Barranquilla, Colombia, ahead of their 2018 World Cup qualiﬁer match against Chile. AFP

OKLAHOMA CITY—Try as they might, the Oklahoma City Thunder couldn’t slow down Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan on Wednesday. DeRozan scored 37 points and Toronto broke through the Thunder’s stifling defence to hand them their first home loss of the season with a 112-102 victory at Chesapeake Energy Center arena. “You have to have toughness to go against this team,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said of the Thunder. “This is one of the toughest teams in the league. Billy (Donovan) has created a team that is hard-nosed, a tough place to play. “You have to have a strong constitution to be able to come in here and compete with the Thunder.” That answer came in the form of DeRozan, who made 13 of 22 shots from the field and 11 of 15 from the free-throw line as he scored a game-high 37 in front of a crowd of 18,200. In other NBA games, it was New York 110, Brooklyn 96; Washington 118, Boston 93; Charlotte 104, Utah 98; Minnesota 123, Orlando 107; Indiana 122, Philadelphia 115; Atlanta

Rosberg set to deliver F1 KO to Hamilton SAO PAULO, Brazil—Nico Rosberg may not want to talk about it, but he is poised to join an illustrious club if he can complete a hat-trick at the Brazilian Grand Prix and secure his maiden world championship. The 31-year-old German has a 19-point lead ahead of his Mercedes teammate and defending champion Lewis Hamilton in the title race with two races remaining. Victory in what is sure to be one of the most dramatic and tense races of the year will lift

him beyond the reach of the three-time champion and end his dogged pursuit of the glory he prefers not to mention. He won in Brazil in both 2014 and 2015, but missed out on the championship each time as Hamilton claimed the titles. Victory this time would gain him entry to the sport’s “hall of champions” in which he would emulate the feat of his father Keke, the original ‘Flying Finn’, who won the title in 1982. Hamilton, who clinched his first title by taking fifth place

in a nail-biting final lap at the 4.3km Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace in 2008, knows that he has to win—and then hope that Rosberg has an off day and misses out on a podium finish. That would ensure the title race continues down to the wire at the final race in Abu Dhabi at the end of this month. But the Englishman, who has experienced a desperate triumph and dramatic defeat at the atmospheric track cut in to a hillside in the sprawling Interlagos suburb of Sao Paulo, has won the

last two races and is driving with a freedom that comes from a sense of resignation. Hamilton, who has never won in Brazil, knows that he has to be at his best only to keep his hopes alive—and then wait and see how Rosberg performs. “It’s great for me to be performing as I know I can perform,” he said, after his 51st career win at the Mexican Grand Prix on October 30. “But I am fighting for something now and I don’t really know if I’ll be able to make it.

“It’s definitely an unusual scenario for me to be in so I’ve just got to push all the way to the end. One way, it can be painful. Another way, it can be a great thing.“ Since 2004, the championship has been decided in Brazil six times, but only once has the race winner been champion—when Kimi Raikkonen took the title with a late-season surge to beat Hamilton in 2007. In that season, Raikkonen turned a 17-point deficit into a title triumph in the final two wins. AFP

Is Karyakin-Carlsen duel the new Fischer-Spassky? MOSCOW—Russian chess grandmaster Sergei Karyakin dismisses the geopolitical overtones of his forthcoming East-West showdown against Norwegian reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen —insisting it’s just a matter of sporting pride. But the 26-year-old from Crimea—who has supported Russia’s 2014 annexation of the peninsula—adds a special dimension to Friday’s match in New York, held amid acute US-Russia tensions over Ukraine and Syria. “He has to prove that he’s better than me,” Karyakin told AFP during an interview last month, sitting next to an ornate chess board in his home outside Moscow. “If he tries too hard, I can beat him on the counter-attack. That’s my plan.” The showdown, the youngest ever by cumulative age, has drawn parallels with the 1972 world championship match between American grandmaster Bobby Fischer and Soviet star Boris Spassky, at the height of the Cold War.

“Back then it was the USSR versus the US, and now it’s the European Union and the US and their sanctions against Russia,” the Russian president of the World Chess Federation said ahead of the event. Karyakin and Carlsen, both born in 1990, are part of a new generation of chess players whose training relies heavily on computer software, revealing moves that would not necessarily have occurred to them. Born on the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, Karyakin grew up playing for Ukraine until he moved to Moscow seven years ago and took Russian citizenship. But despite supporting Moscow’s takeover of his home region, he dismisses any comparisons with the Spassky-Fischer clash. “I don’t see the same kind of rivalry,” said Karyakin, who shied from discussing politics further. “But of course we all want to show that our chess school is stronger.” AFP

MANILA MASTERS. Lin Wen-tang of Chinese Taipei tees off during round one of the Resorts World Manila Masters tournament held at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club. ASIAN TOUR VIA AFP

Poppies and pride as England, Scotland booters collide LONDON – England and Scotland renew the oldest rivalry in international football on Friday in a 2018 World Cup qualifier that has been dogged by a pre-match row about commemorative poppies. The football associations of both countries have pledged to defy a FIFA ban on political, religious or commercial symbols by wearing black armbands with red poppy emblems. It leaves both teams at risk of sanctions from FIFA, but England and Scotland are determined to observe the custom, by which people

in Britain pay respect to the country’s war dead on November 11. “As head coach, I was keen for us to wear poppies,” interim England manager Gareth Southgate said this week. “It’s important we represent the nation and wearing the poppy is the right thing to do.” Players on both sides have backed the stance taken by their national associations. But the risk of punishment by world governing body FIFA has led Northern Ireland to decide to wear plain black armbands without poppies on for their home game with

Azerbaijan on the same day. On the sporting front, Friday’s game at Wembley represents Southgate’s penultimate opportunity to show his Football Association bosses he deserves to be awarded the manager’s job full-time. Southgate was promoted from his role as England Under-21 coach when Sam Allardyce was brought down by a newspaper sting after just one match at the helm. His four-game tenure has been underwhelming so far, with a laboured 2-0 win over Malta followed by a 0-0 draw away to Slovenia in

which England were indebted to the reflexes of goalkeeper Joe Hart. But England remain top of UEFA qualifying Group F, two points clear of Lithuania and Slovenia, and the Daily Telegraph has reported the job will be Southgate’s barring a disastrous result against Scotland. England host Spain at Wembley on Tuesday in their final game of 2016. England and Scotland’s first meeting, a 0-0 draw in November 1872, was the first recognised fixture in international football and they will be facing off for the

113th time. Their rivalry has produced some iconic images, from Scotland’s fans storming the Wembley pitch after a British Home Championship win in 1977 to Paul Gascoigne’s memorable volley for England at Euro 96. This will be their first competitive meeting since a two-legged Euro 2000 qualifying play-off in November 1999, which England won 2-1 on aggregate. Southgate has been educating his players on the history of the rivalry with the aid of video footage. AFP

115, Chicago 107; Phoenix 107, Detroit 100; Houston 101, San Antonio 99; Los Angeles Clippers 111, Portland 80; and Golden State 116, Dallas 95. DeRozan has been on an impressive run. Heading into Wednesday’s game, the 27-yearold guard out of the University of Southern California has averaged 33.7 points on 52 percent shooting to kick off the season. DeRozan is averaging more than nine free throw attempts a game, which is putting opposing defenses on their heels. Kyle Lowry had 19 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds for Toronto. Patrick Patterson came off the bench to score 13 points. “A couple of guys started knocking down shots,” DeRozan said. “We’re going to continue to get better. “The key was just continue to get stops and give ourselves the best opportunity to get good looks. “As long as we did that, we felt like we had a great chance.” Russell Westbrook nearly matched DeRozan by scoring 36 points for the Thunder. He also nearly had a triple-double with seven assists and seven rebounds. AFP

Jones stripped of UFC crown; Dana White: ‘He’s blown it’ LOS ANGELES—Mixed martial arts star Jon Jones, suspended for a year after testing positive for a banned drug, has been stripped of the Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight interim title, UFC president Dana White said Wednesday. White told an ESPN podcast that Jones “has blown it in every way, shape and form a guy with that much talent can blow it.” “Greatest talent ever and the biggest screw-up ever,” White said of the 29-year-old, who was handed a oneyear ban after taking a sexual-performance pill tainted with a performanceenhancing substance. The US Anti-Doping Agency announced the ban on Monday, saying it will be applied retroactively to the date of the positive test and that Jones will be free to fight again in July of 2017. Jones was dubbed the interim champion in April, when he defeated Ovince St. Preux at UFC 197. He had been scheduled to fight Daniel Cormier for the official title, but Cormier pulled out with an injury. “It doesn’t make sense with all the stuff that is going on for him to still be the interim champion,” White said. Jones was already serving a suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for a positive test conducted in June for clomiphene and Letrozole, both testosterone-boosting drugs. In 2015, the UFC stripped Jones (221) of the official title after he was arrested on a hit-and-run charge. AFP

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

Azkals profit from Kyrgyz

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@thestandard.com.ph sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

Sports ‘LANDSLIDE’ READY. Filipino MMA icon Eduard ‘Landslide’ Folayang (right) is all business as he gets ready to challenge titleholder Shinya ‘Tobikan Judan’ Aoki for the ONE FC lightweight world championship belt in the ‘ONE: Defending Honor’ event today at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Peping ready for Senate probe; Vargas eyes TRO Angara, as vice-chairman of the sports committee, said the Senate will also look into the issue surrounding the alleged unjust and arbitrary disqualification of candidates for the position of POC president in the body’s coming Nov. 25 elections. It’s a move that favors Cojuangco’s rival, boxing association chief Ricky Vargas. “Whereas, it has been further alleged that the democratic election processes within the POC are under attack and that interested candidates from member National Sports Associations are being prevented from participating as candidates because of, among others,

By Peter Atencio

HILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. on Thursday welcomed a Senate inquiry into allegations the sports body has not liquidated funds amounting to P129.6 million with the Philippine Sports Commission.

the allegedly unreasonable eligibility requirements imposed in the Amended By-Laws of the POC,” said Angara in his resolution. Despite the support of powerful sports patron and tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, Vargas was recently disqualified from running as president by the POC and is now seeking legal remedies. “We welcome a Senate probe on POC issues as it highlights two important reasons why Ricky Vargas is presenting an alternative leadership: greater transparency and accountability,” said Vargas spokesman Chito Salud. Salud believes the POC should disclose how and where

“Mabuti naman at malalaman din ng publiko kung ano ang mga pangyayari,” Cojuangco told The Standard after learning of Senate Resolution No. 229 filed on Tuesday by Sen. Sonny Angara. The resolution directs the Sen-

ate Committee on Sports, chaired by Sen. Manny Pacquiao, to look into reports that from 2010 to 2016, funds released by the PSC to the national sports associations through the POC have not been fully liquidated.

Jalalon inks 3-yr P7M deal

In V-L finale, Customs assumes underdog role

By Jeric Lopez INCOMING rookie Jio Jalalon is indeed being groomed as the future of the Star Hotshots in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Believing the talented freshman can help the franchise regain its old glory, the Hotshots signed Jalalon to a three-year deal amounting to P7 million on Thursday. The Gilas draftee of Star hopes to continue the success he enjoyed in college, after leading the Arellano University Chiefs to two straight National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) finals appearances despite standing just 5-foot-9. “Tuloy ko lang ginagawa ko para makatulong sa team. Sana magawa ko rin ‘yung mga nagawa ko sa NCAA dito sa PBA,” said Jalalon. The point guard will join forces with new acquisition Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Peter June Simon and Justin Melton in a crowded and loaded backcourt for Star. The Hotshots shipped guards RR Garcia and Alex Mallari in succession last week, leaving the spotlight to the newcomers and holdovers, as new Star coach Chito Victolero will count on them to lead. A solid playmaker, Jalalon has been considered the top point guard in the amateur ranks the past few years as he was the face of Arellano and led the Chiefs to finals appearances against Letran College and San Beda College in the NCAA.

THERE couldn’t be a more fitting final match-up than pitting the two most popular teams in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Reinforced Conference. Pocari Sweat and Customs hope to live up to the hype and provide the kind of duel fans expect them to dish out when they slug it out in Game One at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Saturday. The Transformers leaned on Thai Kanjana Kuthaisong and Alyssa Valdez to knock off the BaliPure Purest Water Defenders in their Game 3 clash for the other finals berth, pulling off a thriller of a five-setter, 25-21, 25-16, 24-26, 8-25, 15-8, late Wednesday. But for Customs, making it to

Games tomorrow 10:30 a.m. – Champion vs IEM (Spiker’ for third) 12:30 p.m. – Cignal vs Air Force (Spikers finals) 4 p.m. – UST vs BaliPure (V-L for third) 6 p.m. – Customs vs Pocari (V-L finals)

the finals on its very first try is one thing. Winning it all is another, particularly against a tested, champion team like Pocari. “We’re the underdogs,” said Customs coach Sherwin Meneses after steering the Transformers to the come-from-behind win over the Water Defenders. “For us to beat them (Lady Warriors), we have to play solid in reception and blocking.” Meanwhile, Air Force tries to finish off Cignal in their duel for the Spikers’ Turf Season 2

Air Force’s Bryan Bagunas soars with a power hit against Cignal’s Herschel Ramos during their Spiker’s Turf Season 2 Reinforced Conference Finals duel at the Philsports Arena.

Reinforced Conference crown with the Air Spikers looking to score a follow-up to their 23-25, 19-25, 25-19, 27-25, 15-12 win in Game One last Wednesday. Heading to the finals, Customs is No. 5 in reception, although a rung higher than Pocari, but the Transformers lag in blocking, also at No. 5 with the Lady Warriors lording it over the eight-team field with 2.03 per set. But in a duel of stars, focus will be on offense with Valdez, second to BaliPure import Katherine Morrell in scoring with a 19.7 norm, and No. 3 Breanna Mackie of Pocari, who packs a 21-hit average, tipped to load up more in their upcoming title showdown.

UP-CHK hosts int’l conference LOCAL and international experts in physical and sports science will converge next week when the University of the Philippines’ College of Human Kinetics (UP-CHK), in partnership with Sport Management Council of the Philippines (SportPhil), holds the first ever three-day international academic sports event in the country. Over 800 attendees are expected in the 2016 International Conference on Sport Pedagogy, Health, and Wellness (ICSPHW 2016) from November 18 to 20. “This conference was conceived in 2012. Back then, there were a few experts in the field of physical education and sports science who had the privilege of going to seminars in Hong Kong.

the money was utilized. Vargas’ camp is now seeking a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) from the Pasig Regional Trial Court court to stop the scheduled election of POC officers in a fortnight. Jake Corporal of the ACCRA law office, a lawyer representing Vargas, said they will obtain the TRO from the Pasig RTC on Nov. 19, two weeks after receiving the copy of the Nov. 4 final decision of the POC Commission on Elections. The POC panel rejected Vargas’ appeal for reconsideration over the earlier ruling disqualifying the boxing chief from running as president.

Most of us go there, and have become members of the Asian Sports Council,” said UP-CHK Dean Romualdo Dizer. Dizer discussed the conference with MILO Sports Executive Robbie De Vera, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) executive director Carlo Abarquez, and Geraldine Bernardo of SportPhil at the Wolfgang Steakhouse inside Resorts World Manila in Pasay City. The conference’s theme is “P.E. Plus: Retooling Physical Education and School Sports for Inclusion, Development and Competition,” and will be held at the Celebrity Sports Plaza and the UP Diliman campus in Quezon City. Among the event’s notable speakers are Asian Council of Exercise and Sports Science

(ACESS) co-founder Prof. Dr. Ming- Kai Chin, German Olympic Sports Confederation’s Prof. Dr. Gudrun Doll-Tepper, and Prof. G L Khanna of India. The conference is expected to equip attendees with meaningful and substantial lectures and training from distinguished sports scholars from all over the world. It aims to highlight the importance of games, play, and physical activity for the development of students. The event is looking to attract PE teachers, coaches, instructors, trainers, managers, students, athletes and sports advocates. It is endorsed by the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, PSC, and ACESS, among other institutions. Peter Atencio

THE Philippine Azkals national men’s football team will have a lot of good chances to score and win games in the coming 2016 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup, set to start next week at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. Assistant coach Chieffy Caligdong made this assessment after the Azkals got past Kyrgyzstan again, 1-0, Wednesday evening in a friendly at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. “Sa transition from defense to attack, we’re good, we’re fast. We will have many chances,” remarked Caligdong. The Azkals scored when when Misagh Bahadoran got a pass from Iain Ramsay and volleyed past Valery Kashuba from inside the box in the 65th minute. “We created good chances in the second half, our breakaway from defense to offense,” added Caligdong, an Azkals veteran himself before retiring in 2014. It was the Philippines’ second victory again the Kyrgyz in a friendly. The last time around, Bahadoran also scored the winning goal in their 2-1 win in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, last September. Even though the Azkals were victorious, head coach Thomas Dooley hopes to get a little more out of them next week. “We hope to get maybe 20 to 30 percent more from them,” he added. The Azkals start their campaign in the AFF Suzuki Cup against Singapore on November 19th, followed by Indonesia on the 22nd. They close out the group stage against Thailand on the 25th. World ranking points will be at stake for the first time in the Suzuki Cup after FIFA recognized the event as a Category Aranked tournament. Peter Atencio

Superal ends up joint 4th in Arizona Open PRINCESS Superal failed to launch a final-round charge despite an eagle-spiked 72, settling for joint fourth with Jennifer Hahn in the 2016 Arizona Women’s Open ruled by Kaitlin Park in wire-towire fashion at the Sun City Country Club in Sun City, Arizona on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila). Superal, who fell by six with a 73 in the second round, went on the attack early but hit errant shots instead and continued to grope for putting form. She fumbled with three bogeys against a bogey at the back where they teed off. before drilling a 14-foot eagle putt on the par-5 third hole. The Filipina missed three birdie putts inside eight feet in the last six holes, closing out with a 34 and a

72 for a 213, six shots behind Park’s 207 total. Park blew a 34 start with a twoover 38. but the ace Californian still ran away with the crown at 207, three ahead over Texan Celine Boutier, who rallied with a 68 for a 210. Brittany Benvenuto of Pennsylvania placed third at 212 after a 70. Filipino amateur Regan de Guzman also wavered with a 74 and dropped to joint seventh at 216. Superal, De Guzman, along with Cyna Rodriguez, Dottie Ardina and Mia Piccio will next see action in the LPGA Q-School Final Stage from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 at Daytona Beach, along with 80 other aspirants from all over the world who will be fighting for 20 LPGA Tour cards for next year.

Mitsubishi bullish on PH B3

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

IN BRIEF Peso drops to new 7-year low of 48.66

THE peso weakened to a fresh sevenyear low against the greenback Thursday, a day after Republican Party bet Donald Trump won the US presidential election. The local currency lost seven centavos to close at 48.66 from 48.59 on Wednesday. It was the peso’s weakest level in seven years since the 48.71 on Sept. 3, 2009 at the height of the global financial crisis. Total volume turnover reached $357 million, significantly lower than $765.9 million Wednesday. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo did not attribute solely the peso’s further decline to the results of the latest US presidential election. “It is difficult to make attribution to that alone. There are factors behind the exchange rates, such as fundamentals and sentiment,” Guinigundo said. Julito G. Rada

Apex allots $85m to rehabilitate mines

COMMEMORATIVE STAMP. Postmaster General Joel Otarra (second from left) of Philippine Postal Corp. presents to Philippine Airlines chairman Dr. Lucio Tan the first day issue of a commemorative stamp marking PAL’s 75th anniversary this year. Witnessing the turn-over are Mrs. Carmen Tan (right) and PAL president Jaime Bautista (left). The stamp (inset) features PAL’s flagship aircraft—the Boeing 777-300ER—soaring over a world map as well as the Philippine map. It reflects PAL’s role of flying Filipinos to the far corners of the globe and back home, as well as linking the islands of a nation.

SMC’s profit jumps to P43b booked a net income of P12.2 billion in the first three quarters the year, up 22 percent from ONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said of P9.9 billion, as sales climbed Thursday net income in the first nine18 percent, while Ginebra San months of the year jumped 125 percent to Miguel’s profit surged to P238 from just P9 million in P42.9 billion from P19.08 billion year-on-year, million 2015. as all the core businesses posted double digit Food manufacturing unit San Miguel Pure Foods Co Inc. also growth in terms of operating income. delivered a net income of P3.75 The new businesses posted revenues declined 1 percent to billion, an increase of 29 percent a strong performance with the P498.3 billion from P503.3 bil- from a year ago level, while powpower group registering an oper- lion posted in the same period a er subsidiary San Miguel Global Power Holdings Inc. registered ating income growth of 18 per- year ago. cent, while that of Petron Corp. Income from operations in- a net income of P5.7 billion, up posting 23 percent and infra- creased 24 percent to P73.2 bil- 320 percent from 2015 level. San Miguel, meanwhile, said structure’s operating toll roads lion from P59.01 billion in 2015. climbing 7 percent. The conglomerate’s beer its board of authorized the shelf Nine-month consolidated unit San Miguel Brewery Inc. registration of up to P60 billion

By Jenniffer B. Austria

worth of bonds to be issued over a period of three years. The initial issuance will amount to P20 billion with or without oversubscription, San Miguel chief information officer Ferdinand Constantino said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. San Miguel said it would file a registration statement and prospectus pertaining to the planned bond offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It will also file a listing application with Philippine Dealing and Exchange for the issuance of the initial tranche. “For these purposes, the board has authorized the engagement of the services of underwriters, ad-

visors, legal counsels, stock and transfer agent, receiving agent/ bank and other agents as may be necessary to effect the offering,” San Miguel said. This will be the second shelf registration program of to be ﬁled by San Miguel with the SEC. Early this year, the SEC approved the San Miguel’s shelf registration of up to P80 billion worth of Series “2” Preferred Shares, involving 1.066 billion shares at a price of P75 per share. San Miguel will issue the preferred shares over the a period of three years. It initially offered P30 billion worth of preferred shares, comprising 400 million shares.

APEX Mining Co. Inc is spending $85 million to rehabilitate and increase the production of two mining areas. Apex said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it planned to rehabilitate Sangilo mine in Itogon, Benguet to increase the mine’s production to 400 tons per day by early 2018 and up to 1,400 tons per day by late 2019. The company’s is also gearing up Suyoc mine for a 300-ton-per-day operation by 2019. “The total investment cost for these projects is currently estimated to amount to about $85 million. Itogon-Suyoc is proceeding with arranging the funding either through equity contribution or by way of borrowings,” Apex Mining said. Meanwhile, Apex reported that consolidated net income in the ﬁrst nine months of the year surged 281 percent to P291 million from P76 million year-onyear. Jenniffer B. Austria

September factory production rose 9.9%

FACTORY output rose 9.9 percent in September following the increase in the production of capital goods on strong domestic demand and stable macroeconomic policies, the National Economic and Development Authority said Thursday. “This is a sign that our domestic economy is robust and resilient, despite the slow global economic recovery,” said Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia. The Volume of Production Index rose 9.9 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries for September 2016, pushing the three-month moving average to 11.6 percent. This is a leap from the 3 percent registered growth in September 2015. “This signals the manufacturing sector’s recovery and expansion from its weak performance last year,” said Pernia. Gabrielle H. Binaday

7380

September exports bounced back 5.1%

6920

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

PSE COMPOSITE INDEX Closing November 10, 2016

8300 7840

6460

THE

6000

7,181.87 62.83

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

Closing NOVEMBER 10, 2016 43.00 45.40 46.60 47.80

P48.660

49.00

HIGH P48.610 LOW P48.725 AVERAGE P48.666 VOLUME 357.000M

P442.00-P662.00 LPG/11-kg tank P36.70-P45.40 Unleaded Gasoline

OPRICES IL TODAY

P27.40-P30.97 Diesel P28.50-P36.85 Kerosene Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, November 10, 2016

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.6740

Japan

Yen

0.009445

0.4597

Pound

1.242400

60.4726

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128937

6.2759

Switzerland

Franc

1.015641

49.4353

Canada

Dollar

0.747664

36.3918

Singapore

Dollar

0.714950

34.7995

Australia

Dollar

2.654703

129.2150

Bahrain

Dinar

0.712403

34.6755

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266709

12.9690

Brunei

Dollar

0.718649

34.9450

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000076

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.028587

1.3914

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

13.2529

Euro

1.091000

53.1033

Korea

Won

0.000865

0.0421

China

Yuan

0.147543

7.1815

India

Rupee

0.015050

0.7325

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.236742

11.5232

New Zealand

Dollar

0.733200

35.6878

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031622

1.5392 Source: PDS Bridge

ABOITIZ EQUITY AWARD. Aboitiz Equity Ventures wins a Silver Stevie award at the 2016 International Business Awards held in Rome, Italy on October 21. The award recognized AEV in the communications or PR Campaign of the Year-Sponsorship category for excellence in promotions or creating awareness of sponsorship of an event or activity, particularly, AEV’s support of Aboitiz Foundation’s Green Fashion Revolution program. AEV corporate communications manager Dave Devilles receives the award on behalf of the company.

Construction bullish on new US leadership By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine construction industry is looking at better opportunities with the ascendance of a new US leader and the emerging popularity of a political party considered to be business-friendly. “Historically, the Republicans are business-minded people. We can hope that President (Donald) Trump’s somewhat protectionist position on a lot of things... will allow business opportunities to ﬂow to markets other than the US. After all they have a lot of markets to serve,” said Jorge Consunji, a board member of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines. “Now everybody is saying

‘where are we heading to where are going.’ We are all speculating at this time and the US wants collaboration, so we better be optimistic about these developments,” Consunji said said in a press brieﬁng Thursday during the 27th Philippine International Construction and Exhibition at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. He added the time differential with the US would bring better collaboration, especially designs and creatives. “While the US is asleep, we on the contracting side can generate the designs and creatives they need, pass them overnight, thereby maximizing opportunities and wasting no time at all,” he said.

country’s merchandise exports rebounded 5.1 percent to $5.2 billion in September to snap a 17-month decline on the back of strong demand for mineral products and electronic equipment and parts, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Thursday. Imports in the same month grew 13.5 percent to $7.5 billion. The National Economic and Development Authority attributed the export recovery to the rebound in all commodity groups, except forest products. “Exports of manufactured products may continue to ﬁrm up in the near term, possibly riding on the growth of the global industry sector,” said Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia. Exports were backed from

manufactured products, up 4.8 percent; agro-based, 24 percent; petroleum, 71.7 percent; and mineral products, 4.7 percent. Neda noted a recovery in most Asian countries and the rebound in global trade. “Recent developments in China and Japan, which are the Philippine’s largest trading partners in Asia, provide good prospects for merchandise trade. The steady growth of China’s economy is a welcome development, and the Japanese government also appears to be on track reviving its economy,” Pernia said. Pernia said aside from lifting the ban on bananas, China announced its intention to buy more high-value commercial crops from the Philippines, like mangoes and coconut, as well as high-end ﬁshery products like lapu-lapu, crabs and tuna.

Trump’s economic message resonates WA S H I N G T O N ― D o n a l d Trump won the White House race arguing that the US economy is in dismal shape―despite it growing better than other advanced economies. Now economists worry about how his views will impact growth going ahead, from the trade protectionism he espouses to criticism of Federal Reserve monetary policy. Despite four years of solid economic growth, with unemployment falling to 4.9 percent, Trump’s opponent Democrat Hillary Clinton could not capitalize on the stronger economy left by President Barack Obama. Trump gained more traction with his message to those who

may not have felt the impact of the growing economy in their daily lives. He said he would ﬁght back against unfair trade, restore US manufacturing jobs, and create jobs through spending on infrastructure. “We’re going to rebuild our infrastructure, which will become, by the way, second to none. And we will put millions of our people to work as we rebuild it,” Trump said in his victory speech early Wednesday. “We have a great economic plan. We will double our growth and have the strongest economy anywhere in the world. At the same time, we will get along with all other nations willing to get along with us.”

In a statement congratulating Trump, the Alliance for American Manufacturing, which represents manufacturers and steelworkers, said the election was about the economic pain felt by voters. “Communities across America felt left behind as manufacturing jobs disappeared, and no single election cycle can erase that,” it said. “Factory workers were more than a prop in this election. Now’s the time to deliver for them.” Economists agree an infrastructure program could provide a boost to the economy and jobs if properly executed over time, and some sectors stand to beneﬁt as well from the tax cuts and deregulation Trump has promised. AFP

Business

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market rallies; ICTSI, Puregold climb S

Interest rates steady on subdued inflation By Julito G. Rada THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Thursday kept the benchmark interest rates steady on subdued inflation and robust domestic economy. Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the interest rates of 3.5 percent for overnight lending, 3 percent for overnight borrowing, and 2.5 percent for overnight deposits were maintained. Also, the reserve requirement ratios were left unchanged. “The board’s decision is based on its assessment that inflation continues to be manageable, with a gradual return to the inflation target range expected over the policy horizon,” Tetangco said. “While forecasts indicate that

average inflation is likely to settle below the lower edge of the 2 to 4 percent target range in 2016, it is projected to rise toward the midpoint of the target range in 2017 and 2018,” Tetangco said. Tetangco said the prospects for global economic growth remained modest and uneven since the previous meeting. He said domestic economy, on the other hand, was seen to be firm, backed by solid private household consumption and investment, buoyant business and consumer sentiment, and adequate credit and domestic liquidity. The board raised the inflation average target this year to 1.8 percent from 1.7 percent. The targets for 2017 and 2018 were increased to 3 percent from 2.9 percent, and 2.9 percent from 2.6 percent, respectively.

TOCKS along with the rest of Asia rallied Thursday, joining a gold rush across world markets as the initial shock of Donald Trump’s election win was replaced by hopes his plan to kickstart the US economy will succeed.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 62.83 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,181.87 on a value turnover of P7.2 billion. Gainers swamped losers, 135 to 56, with 45 issues unchanged. International Container Terminal Services Inc., the biggest port operator, advanced 5.4 percent to P75.90, while Met-

ropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-largest lender, gained 4.2 percent to P81. Puregold Price Club Inc. of retail tycoon Lucio Co surged 6.9 percent to P44, while Manila Water Co. Inc. rose 3.5 percent to P32.35. Trading ﬂoors in Asia were awash in red Wednesday as the

region’s investors were the ﬁrst to react to news that the ﬁrebrand tycoon had defeated market-favorite Hillary Clinton, upending expectations. However, a reassuring victory speech―followed by calls by Clinton and President Obama to get behind Trump―provided some encouragement to traders, sending risk assets rallying. Most markets in Asia either wiped out or clawed back most of the previous day’s losses, while the dollar pushed higher. The greenback had come under pressure on worries that uncertainty over Trump’s policies would

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PHILTRUST RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK AG FINANCE BRIGHT KINDLE BDO LEASING COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

47.6 111.5 96.2 38.15 19.1 79.45 14.2 56.1 149 35.5 215 73.05 3.32 1.3 3.85 16.4 0.68 0.84 675 0.88 260 1,547

48 112.9 97 38.15 19.46 81 14.2 57.05 152 36.25 215 76 3.52 1.35 3.93 16.5 0.72 0.84 675 0.91 260 1,550

47.6 110.2 96.2 38 19.1 79.25 14.2 56.1 137 35.5 210.8 73.05 3.32 1.3 3.85 16.08 0.67 0.81 650 0.85 260 1,505

ALSONS CONS ABOITIZ POWER BASIC ENERGY ENERGY DEVT FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO MANILA WATER PETRON PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL SPC POWER AGRINURTURE BOGO MEDELLIN CNTRL AZUCARERA CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EMPERADOR ALLIANCE SELECT GINEBRA JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR MACAY HLDG MAXS GROUP PUREFOODS PEPSI COLA RFM CORP ROXAS HLDG SWIFT FOODS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH ASIABEST GROUP CONCRETE A CEMEX HLDG DAVINCI CAPITAL EEI CORP HOLCIM MEGAWIDE PHINMA TKC METALS VULCAN INDL CHEMPHIL CROWN ASIA LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION INTEGRATED MICR IONICS PHX SEMICNDCTR CIRTEK HLDG

1.37 45.8 0.204 5.56 23.2 67.25 281 31.35 9.77 2.15 5.78 70.3 4.1 3.7 100 27 16.98 12.02 11.04 7.2 0.91 12.6 240 84 27.4 26.5 218 3.35 4.35 2.8 0.145 176 2.02 19.54 94 11.34 7.13 6.88 16.82 14.92 11.54 1.61 1.17 197 2.06 2.08 4 3.66 66 6.1 1.85 1.5 23.6

1.43 45.8 0.206 5.62 24.15 69 283 32.95 10.02 2.16 5.85 71.2 4.1 3.83 111.9 30 16.98 12.28 11.2 7.26 0.96 12.6 240 88 27.4 27 225 3.38 4.43 3.19 0.147 178.5 2.08 21.5 94 11.72 7.18 6.97 17.08 15.24 11.54 1.65 1.17 197 2.12 2.08 4.09 3.7 66 6.1 1.9 1.5 23.6

1.37 44.2 0.202 5.5 23.2 67.25 277 31.35 9.6 2.14 5.73 70.3 4.1 3.63 100 27 16.5 12.02 10.98 7.11 0.91 12.6 236.2 78.35 26.05 26.5 218 3.35 4.34 2.8 0.145 174.5 2.02 19.54 94 11.32 7.1 6.88 16.82 14.92 11.54 1.61 1.13 181 2.05 2.08 3.98 3.56 64 6 1.85 1.43 23.45

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A FJ PRINCE B FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME ORION PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SOC RESOURCES TOP FRONTIER UNIOIL HLDG ZEUS HLDG

0.38 813 75.3 13.5 5.9 1.16 0.32 8.6 12.8 8.1 5.95 6.01 0.203 1,320 72.2 1.16 7.75 14.46 7.11 0.039 1.9 1.17 2.65 1.21 187.1 680 80.5 0.85 234 0.3 0.27

0.38 815 76.05 13.6 6 1.23 0.325 8.84 13.16 8.16 5.95 6.01 0.203 1,360 72.95 1.23 7.75 14.6 7.2 0.039 1.9 1.17 2.65 1.21 187.1 680 80.5 0.85 235.8 0.3 0.27

0.375 792.5 75.3 13.36 5.9 1.16 0.32 8.6 12.7 8.1 5.95 6.01 0.203 1,320 70.6 1.16 7.56 14.46 6.99 0.038 1.9 1.17 2.58 1.19 187.1 666 79.85 0.85 232 0.29 0.27

ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND ARANETA PROP BELLE CORP A BROWN CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG IRC PROP KEPPEL PROP CITY AND LAND MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES

0.3 34.6 2.3 3.12 1.11 1.14 0.149 5.05 0.72 0.55 54 0.75 0.147 1.81 0.97 7.25 1.02 5 1.18 4.1 0.154 0.27

0.3 35 2.3 3.2 1.14 1.15 0.15 5.05 0.75 0.57 55 0.77 0.148 1.83 0.97 7.35 1.05 5.6 1.19 4.1 0.154 0.27

0.295 33.8 2.22 3.12 1.1 1.14 0.149 5.05 0.63 0.55 53.6 0.74 0.147 1.81 0.96 7.2 1 5 1.17 3.95 0.15 0.27

VOLUME

FINANCIALS 48 21,800 110.3 2,475,220 96.65 2,586,660 38 31,100 19.4 192,300 81 4,062,900 14.2 33,000 57 136,160 149 850 36.1 34,700 212 981,690 74.8 219,050 3.52 2,000 1.35 74,000 3.93 2,000 16.5 85,800 0.72 79,000 0.83 2,412,000 650 400 0.91 22,288,000 260 10 1,505 210 INDUSTRIAL 1.42 763,000 44.85 844,700 0.206 210,000 5.5 11,694,800 24 1,184,500 67.9 95,330 278 211,110 32.35 5,478,400 9.6 2,812,200 2.15 5,303,000 5.85 288,100 70.75 2,149,960 4.1 3,000 3.8 609,000 111.9 570 27.4 28,300 16.7 418,600 12.1 26,900 11 4,228,300 7.2 1,246,100 0.91 464,000 12.6 6,500 239.8 294,990 87 1,570 27.4 700 27 69,700 225 2,740 3.38 57,000 4.4 269,000 3.09 15,000 0.145 610,000 174.8 2,691,280 2.05 2,287,000 20.8 10,500 94 330 11.44 11,969,900 7.18 119,600 6.95 389,700 17.08 1,066,000 15.08 1,708,700 11.54 3,000 1.65 58,000 1.13 140,000 181 1,470 2.08 341,000 2.08 15,000 4.09 10,000 3.7 132,000 64 683,130 6.1 996,800 1.9 392,000 1.44 97,000 23.55 310,900 HOLDING FIRMS 0.38 60,000 800 496,100 75.85 1,353,500 13.6 3,606,500 6 47,200 1.21 61,000 0.32 1,010,000 8.84 9,077,600 12.8 9,485,200 8.15 8,700 5.95 3,000 6.01 10,000 0.203 10,000 1,335 105,310 70.8 1,899,150 1.18 11,961,000 7.65 593,600 14.6 594,500 7.04 27,628,000 0.039 12,600,000 1.9 49,000 1.17 1,000 2.58 20,000 1.19 25,000 187.1 10 669.5 401,770 80.3 100,530 0.85 26,000 235.8 8,950 0.295 800,000 0.27 430,000 PROPERTY 0.295 1,340,000 33.85 15,647,300 2.28 357,000 3.17 2,135,000 1.14 887,000 1.14 35,000 0.149 2,510,000 5.05 700 0.63 278,754,000 0.55 3,263,000 53.9 118,230 0.75 45,660,000 0.148 110,000 1.82 18,538,000 0.96 2,892,000 7.32 72,500 1.05 465,000 5.6 7,800 1.19 11,000 3.95 37,583,000 0.151 10,900,000 0.27 100,000

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

1,040,630 276,814,510 250,024,197 1,182,890 3,726,192 326,893,710.50 468,600 7,755,308.50 125,010 1,242,830 208,409,818 16,322,540.50 6,840 97,150 7,780 1,406,542 53,000 1,996,130 265,000 18,954,520 2,600 321,535

340,565 -904,132 -102,465,114.50 19,075 -1,585,684.00 52,954,751 -894,102.50 -17,230 -17,573,520 -290,054.50 66,000 18,705,280 2,600 -

1,067,920 37,775,680 42,590 64,661,344 28,319,710 6,462,141.50 59,086,812 178,175,840 27,571,601 11,403,080 1,667,090 152,293,715.50 12,300 2,303,870 61,257 773,925 6,973,598 325,714 46,636,178 8,975,574 428,380 81,900 70,376,726 132,833.50 18,515 1,879,080 612,860 191,550 1,179,480 43,000 88,790 472,392,405 4,726,210 218,383 31,020 138,926,588 856,962 2,694,552 18,118,940 25,734,766 34,620 95,290 158,280 273,590 714,420 31,200 40,490 484,860 43,736,924.50 6,075,025 735,260 140,330 7,316,215

8,340 -26,537,655 -26,571,036 3,094,565 -1,288,122.50 64,532 26,017,245 501,409 10,360,850 -1,024,135 54,303,828.00 530,200 -335,340 355,300.00 10,890 19,020,646 -6,711,558 2,690,896 -156,600 125,860 134,390 34,690 29,200.00 -81,156,255 33,050 -7,344,942 -644,921 1,198,254.00 -21,606 -28,470 1,043,370 -9,450 -7,200 -

22,750 398,217,975 102,634,330.50 48,680,954 281,030 72,330 325,850 79,147,170 122,673,378 70,530 17,850 60,100 2,030 140,607,375 136,051,421.50 14,347,000 4,545,625 8,643,134 194,866,774 482,800 93,100 1,170 52,080 30,030 1,871 268,912,205 8,063,701 22,100 2,104,860 235,850 116,100

-184,011,435 -37,916,823.00 -25,286,986 57,492,420 43,043,086 32,370 60,100 -56,346,235 -57,505,877.50 29,250 -109,649 1,678,614 -43,230,430 -37,143,890 -1,764,316.50 -

396,000 536,634,870 807,800 6,774,170 996,650 39,950 374,990 3,535 184,448,040 1,828,770 6,374,302.50 33,801,180 16,180 33,727,910 2,790,890 529,343 471,720 39,769 13,000 150,882,050 1,651,530 27,000

-254,119,820 -3,332,800 -3,330 -105,629,830 12,860 703,209.50 33,180,650 16,198,690 76,713 -10,247,280.00 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW 3.11 28.15 0.42 1.54 3.23 0.97 26 0.94 32.3 5.2

PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG SUNTRUST HOME PTFC REDEV CORP VISTA LAND

3.14 28.15 0.42 1.59 3.23 0.97 26.8 0.97 32.3 5.2

3.28 30 0.425 1.6 3.27 1.01 27 0.97 32.3 5.29

ABS CBN GMA NETWORK MLA BRDCASTING GLOBE TELECOM PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL DFNN INC IMPERIAL A ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES NOW CORP PHILWEB 2GO GROUP CEBU AIR INTL CONTAINER LBC EXPRESS PAL HLDG HARBOR STAR BOULEVARD HLDG GRAND PLAZA WATERFRONT FAR EASTERN U IPEOPLE STI HLDG BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY IP EGAME PACIFIC ONLINE LEISURE AND RES MELCO CROWN PREMIUM LEISURE TRAVELLERS CALATA CORP METRO RETAIL PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL PHIL SEVEN CORP SSI GROUP APC GROUP GOLDEN HAVEN IPM HLDG PRMIERE HORIZON SBS PHIL CORP

46.3 6.18 22 1,594 1,455 0.052 6.75 14.7 0.201 1.35 3.59 2.55 8.49 7.66 106.5 74.1 12.2 5.1 2.25 0.079 17.42 0.335 955 11.2 0.75 5.15 6.31 0.0092 11.3 5.15 4.18 1.14 3.21 2.81 4.46 41.15 76 155 2.7 0.6 13.1 9.14 0.405 5.8

46.5 6.19 22 1,598 1,479 0.054 6.97 15 0.207 1.4 3.65 2.69 8.6 7.81 108.5 75.9 13.16 5.3 2.25 0.081 17.42 0.355 985 12.3 0.78 5.15 6.63 0.0092 11.3 5.16 4.4 1.17 3.27 2.87 4.56 44 78 160 2.75 0.62 13.2 9.14 0.405 5.8

APEX MINING ABRA MINING ATLAS MINING BENGUET A BENGUET B COAL ASIA HLDG CENTURY PEAK DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B MARCVENTURES NIHAO NICKEL ASIA OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON ORNTL PETROL A PHILODRILL PETROENERGY PXP ENERGY TA PETROLEUM

3.26 0.0035 4.43 2.38 2.31 0.395 0.57 8.72 1.34 0.295 0.207 0.205 0.012 0.012 1.68 3.03 7.72 0.48 1.08 8.48 127 0.0096 0.011 0.012 4.04 3.82 3.01

3.3 0.0036 4.65 2.38 2.31 0.4 0.58 8.8 1.38 0.295 0.207 0.206 0.013 0.012 1.87 3.18 7.99 0.52 1.1 8.48 129 0.0096 0.011 0.013 4.17 4 3.16

AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF F FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B LR PREF PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3B PCOR PREF 2A SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

540 104 112.9 115.1 530 1,040 1,023 1.06 1,019 122 1,090 77.05 80.05 76 78.5 80 79.95 77.5 78.1 45.75 5.87

542 104.2 112.9 120 530 1,040 1,023 1.06 1,030 122 1,091 77.05 82 76.5 78.5 80 79.95 77.5 78.15 45.9 5.87

LR WARRANT

2.34

2.42

ALTERRA CAPITAL ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

2.91 3.94 2.81 9.7

3.08 4.06 2.81 10.42

FIRST METRO ETF

119.7

120.6

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

35,719,231

INDUSTRIAL

62,917,657

HOLDING FIRMS

82,554,603

PROPERTY

438,699,415

SERVICES

178,532,011

MINING & OIL

746,707,052

GRAND TOTAL

1,552,671,427

VOLUME

3.2 377,000 28.6 3,624,300 0.425 20,000 1.54 46,000 3.27 2,000 1 1,075,000 26.25 7,736,000 0.94 311,000 32.3 100 5.29 1,117,200 SERVICES 46 46.3 11,200 6.17 6.19 25,500 21 21 4,400 1,559 1,571 70,810 1,455 1,464 157,575 0.051 0.053 43,900,000 6.65 6.97 62,700 14.7 14.88 2,600 0.201 0.203 5,050,000 1.35 1.36 277,000 3.34 3.34 19,000 2.55 2.67 2,597,000 8.33 8.5 154,000 7.66 7.8 140,600 103 103.9 672,880 74 75.9 3,935,960 12.2 13.16 1,300 5.1 5.3 21,900 2.08 2.16 5,298,000 0.078 0.078 44,850,000 17.42 17.42 38,600 0.335 0.355 30,000 955 985 1,180 11.14 12.3 5,200 0.75 0.78 8,840,000 5.15 5.15 3,000 6.3 6.59 20,795,600 0.0092 0.0092 6,000,000 11.3 11.3 111,000 5 5.13 505,000 4.18 4.23 12,030,000 1.14 1.17 8,801,000 3.21 3.25 335,000 2.8 2.84 1,497,000 4.45 4.52 1,338,000 41.1 44 3,795,300 75.95 77.65 657,580 150 150 840 2.7 2.75 406,000 0.58 0.59 2,046,000 12.94 13.12 130,100 9.14 9.14 487,000 0.39 0.405 2,960,000 5.56 5.8 213,500 MINING & OIL 3.03 3.15 1,754,000 0.0035 0.0035 303,000,000 4.38 4.64 1,223,000 2.35 2.36 83,000 2.3 2.3 22,000 0.39 0.4 150,000 0.57 0.58 95,000 8.31 8.51 69,400 1.33 1.35 97,123,000 0.285 0.29 500,000 0.195 0.199 19,880,000 0.197 0.203 4,880,000 0.012 0.012 99,300,000 0.012 0.012 2,200,000 1.68 1.8 3,577,000 2.98 3.05 926,000 7.7 7.8 19,606,900 0.48 0.52 33,000 1.07 1.08 349,000 8.29 8.31 1,496,500 126.4 126.7 932,820 0.0096 0.0096 1,000,000 0.011 0.011 6,300,000 0.012 0.012 180,000,000 4.04 4.17 4,000 3.82 3.9 2,075,000 3 3 61,000 PREFERRED 540 542 3,700 104 104.2 29,410 112.9 112.9 60 115.1 120 102,870 530 530 4,000 1,020 1,020 1,550 1,023 1,023 500 1.06 1.06 100,000 1,019 1,030 2,500 122 122 10 1,090 1,091 1,215 77.05 77.05 7,500 80.05 80.05 21,690 76 76.5 4,000 78.5 78.5 1,200 80 80 1,600 79.95 79.95 24,940 77.5 77.5 10,000 78.1 78.15 5,000 45.75 45.85 70,000 5.87 5.87 1,000 WARRANTS 2.33 2.35 62,000 SME 2.91 3.06 444,000 3.87 3.87 56,000 2.81 2.81 1,000 9.57 10.2 7,015,300 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118.8 118.8 23,140

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

1,193,520 103,645,815 8,450 73,250 6,500 1,064,120 205,264,485 292,470 3,230 5,864,824

-9,192,495 -9,900 -15,506,070 1,180,285

516,655 157,550 94,660 111,373,775 231,075,285 2,273,260 428,089 38,382 1,033,050 379,620 68,170 6,817,290 1,306,835 1,092,763 70,782,462 297,492,071.50 16,244 113,400 11,493,250 3,538,620 672,412 10,250 1,144,900 58,410 6,768,250 15,450 135,447,940 55,200 1,254,300 2,586,900 51,830,130 10,199,020 1,083,360 4,234,290 6,055,500 161,475,600 51,015,661 130,240 1,110,260 1,225,500 1,698,820 4,451,180 1,178,650 1,225,339

-39,411,580 31,425,725 43,160 -38,950 11,760 1,011,896 46,640,885.50 585,990 -6,240 5,595,420 21,627,829 856,400 -8,597,420 -232,000 3,180 333,460 -380,050 65,072,625 37,137,602.50 23,408 -13,700 -

5,634,190 1,065,700 5,532,650 195,890 50,640 59,200 54,520 609,298 130,972,840 144,000 3,960,910 978,610 1,266,700 26,400 6,414,240 2,864,280 154,034,616 16,480 380,060 12,470,730 118,684,908 9,600 69,300 2,255,000 16,420 8,146,140 183,260

-1,140,330 -175,000 -1,645,970 -375,760 14,003,200 19,900 -8,600 25,285,093 10,800 12,720 27,344,248 449,740 -

2,004,200 3,063,078 6,774 12,246,122 2,120,000 1,601,500 511,500 106,000 2,569,500 1,220 1,325,190 577,875 1,736,304 305,000 94,200 128,000 1,993,953 775,000 390,744 3,205,250 5,870

2,004,200 463,690 -916,100 -

146,700

1,324,100 220,040 2,810 70,949,369

-5,830 11,497,506

2,772,047

24,050

VALUE 1,749.14 (up) 17.17 1,117,134,016.08 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,445.47 (up) 122.44 1,449,319,579.88 HOLDING FIRMS 7,310 (up) 54.9 1,541,529,113.99 PROPERTY 3,138.82 (up) 7.48 1,387.82 (up) 37.95 1,374,555,831.02 SERVICES MINING & OIL 11,872.73 (up) 100.68 1,190,637,591.695 PSEI 7,181.87 (up) 62.83 456,127,789.2684 All Shares Index 4,322.26 (up) 39.91 7,204,578,928.21 Gainers: 135; Losers: 56; Unchanged: 45; Total: 236

cause the Federal Reserve to hold off an interest rate rise, but analysts said those worries had abated for now. Tokyo closed up 6.7 percent, with a plunging yen also providing support. The dollar dallied with 106 yen before easing slightly, well up from Wednesday’s low of 101.20 yen. In the afternoon Hong Kong gained 2.1 percent and Shanghai closed 1.4 percent up. Sydney closed 3.3 percent higher, Seoul jumped two percent and Taipei put on 2.4 percent. There were also gains of more than one percent in Wellington and Singapore. CMC Markets strategist Michael McCarthy said it appeared a consensus was building that much of Trump’s extreme rhetoric during the campaign “was a sales pitch rather than a commitment to act.” “Investors ignored the potential for damage to international trade and growth prospects and focused on Republican control of both houses of Congress as well as the White House,” he said. “This offers the prospect of reform that could stimulate the US economy.” And Grant Williamson, an investment adviser at brokerage Hamilton Hindin Greene in Christchurch, New Zealand, told Bloomberg News: “He’ll certainly be friendly to American business and that could very well stimulate their economy.”

Cebu Air’s net profit up sharply to P7.09b By Darwin G Amojelar CEBU Air Inc. said Thursday net income doubled in the first nine months of the year due to higher passenger traffic and cheaper jet fuel prices. The airline company owned by industrialist John Gokongwei said net income amounted to P7.09 billion in the January-to-September period from P3.56 billion year-on-year. Cebu Air said revenues rose 10.5 percent to P46.69 billion from P42.30 billion last year. Passenger revenues grew 10.1 percent to P35.36 billion in the first nine months from P32.13 billion posted in the same period last year. The airline attributed the increase to the 6-percent growth in passenger volume to 14.48 million from 13.65 million in 2015. Cargo revenues increased 2.5 percent to P2.549 billion from P2.488 billion last year. The group incurred operating expenses of P37.24 billion during the period, up 5.7 percent from P35.22 billion last year. Flying operations expenses decreased 8.2 percent to P14.688 billion from P15.997 billion incurred in the same period last year. It attributed the lower expenses to the 12.8-percent decline in aviation fuel expenses to P11.825 billion from P13.57 billion for the same period last year following the drop in jet fuel prices. Jet fuel prices averaged at $50.25 per barrel in the first nine months from $68.13 per barrel in 2015. The drop in fuel prices, however, was partially offset by the weakening of the Philippine peso against the US dollar to an average of 46.96 from P45.06 last year.

Business 2 illegal cigarette traders nabbed REPERCUSSIONS of the upcoming annual sin tax law cigarette price increases keep authorities busy as Philippine National Police operatives once again arrested two illicit cigarette traders in Barangay Cut-cot, Pulilan, Bulacan. The suspects identified as Wilfredo Dimaano, 22, and Laarni Leslie Bautista, 21, were nabbed by police while in possession of more than 60 reams of counterfeit Mighty brand cigarette variants. A Mighty Corp. representative certified the products to be counterfeit due to inconsistencies in the packaging. Both suspects were charged with violating Section 155 (trademark infringement) in relation to Section 170 of Republic Act 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines under Case No. III-04-INV-16K-02327. Bureau of Internal Revenue personnel noted that any violator caught in possession of any product proven to be fake would incur a penalty of two to five years imprisonment and a fine ranging from P50,000 to P200,000. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), illicit cigarettes generally fall under three classifications: - contraband, cigarettes smuggled from overseas without local duties paid; - counterfeit, cigarettes manufactured without rightful owners’ authorization and with deceptive intentions as well as avoiding duties; and - illicit whites, brands manufactured legitimately in one country but smuggled and sold to another while avoiding duties. All undercut the government in due taxes and are subject to penalties as prescribed by existing laws.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Mitsubishi bullish on PH T By Roderick T. dela Cruz

OKYO—Japanese automotive manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is pursuing the production of Mirage and Mirage 4 vehicles in the Philippines, despite its recent alliance with Nissan Motor Company Ltd. and Groupe Renault.

Nissan became a major shareholder of MMC on Oct. 20, when it invested 237 billion yen ($2.18 billion) equivalent to a 34-percent equity stake in the company. MMC chairman, president and chief executive Osamu Masuko said Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn vowed to keep the three brands separate and independent. Masuko said that under the alliance, MMC would pursue its expansion plan in the Philippines. “The production of Mirage G4 will start in January 2017, followed by Mirage and the new stamping plant

to be completed in January 2018. In addition, we would like to further make use of production capacity in the future and make further investment,” Masuko told Filipino journalists here. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., the local unit of MMC, is the ﬁrst company to register in the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy—the Philippine government’s incentive program for the automotive industry. Masuko said MMPC would produce Mirage and Mirage 4 vehicles in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, its new production base. “The annual production capacity of this plant is 50,000 units, but with additional investment, that capacity can be expanded to 100,000 units,” he said. He said the plan would also involve exporting Mirage and Mirage 4 vehicles from the Philippines. “MMPC has started investing about P4.3 billion, implemented the expansion of the passenger production line as well as construction of a new stamping plant,” Masuko said. MMPC president and chief executive Yoshiaki Kato said the stamping plant in Laguna was already under construction and would be completed by January 2018. The

plant would produce Mirage body. “For the ﬁrst time, we will have a stamping plant in the Philippines. It is a challenge we would like to take. We could increase capacity to 100,000 units,” said Masuko. MMPC hired 400 new Filipino workers to produce Mirage vehicles, bringing its total workforce in the Philippines to 1,400. “Furthermore, once the stamping plant is completed, we are planning to increase headcount to about 1,500,” said Masuko. “I hope that the government will keep supporting the CARS program. If volume goes up, you can eventually export,” he said. The triple alliance between Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi created one of the world’s top three automotive groups, with a goal to sell 10 million vehicles in 2016. Masuko said the alliance aimed to become the leading producer of electric vehicles in the world. The alliance is expected to cut costs for the three companies. “The alliance has the basic spirit of respecting each other’s brand, history and management autonomy. The brand, marketing and sales network will be kept separate as in the past,” Masuko said.

EU cuts growth outlook for 2017

CLOUD EVENT. IT experts in South Luzon attend ePLDT Inc.’s ‘Reinventing Productivity in the New World of Work’ event held recently at the Seda

Hotel in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. In partnership with Microsoft Philippines and PLDT ALPHA, the cloud productivity event aims to raise awareness on how business leaders can make insight-driven decisions with the help of technology.

BoI to approve P52b worth of new investments—Lopez By Othel V. Campos THE Board of Investments sees more investments in the coming months with the expected approval of about 44 more projects worth P52.03 billion. “More investments mean more jobs, ensuring economic development from the bottom of the pyramid,” Trade Secretary and BoI Chairman Ramon Lopez said. Projects evaluated and checklisted by the BoI will come from the energy sector worth P29.57 billion or 57 percent of total investments; manufacturing, P7.77 billion or 15 percent;

agriculture P6.58 billion or 12 percent; real estate activities, P6.37 billion or 12 percent; logistics or water transport P1.07 billion or 2 percent; and other sectors at P665.3 million or 1 percent. “What we are seeing in the real sector that relies on fundamentals of the economy, the fundamental strengths of the economy, is that growth is being sustained or even accelerated,” said Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo. The BoI reported last month that investments registered with the agency reached P51.03 billion in September 2016, up 193 percent from just P17.41 billion in the

Perspective THE week began with speculation and analysis concerning the possible results of the US elections and what the potential effects are on the rest of the world. By the middle of Wednesday afternoon this week, late in the night of the 2016 US national elections, mere hours after most exit polls were predicting between an 80% to 90% probability of a Clinton win, Donald Trump took Wisconsin, gaining 276 electoral votes, and pulling off what many media outlets are calling a “stunning upset.” As analysts strove to understand what had happened, media outlets referenced the similarly unexpected UK vote to exit the European Union. Local pundits drew parallels between the Trump and Duterte campaign, at least, in terms of messaging. Unlike the pollsters studying the US elections, our local pollsters actually called it correctly - our polls had Duterte winning by a comfortable margin. Leaders Many local pundits found an eerie similarity between the Trump rhetoric and the Duterte campaign rhetoric. The central theme of both campaigns boils down to a single word: change.

same month in 2015. The BoI attributed the increase in October investments to the approval of two big ticket projects—Light Rail Manila Corp.’s P30.37-billion publicprivate partnership project for the operations and maintenance of the Manila Light Rail Transit 1 Integrated Railway SystemCavite Extension and Energy Development Corp.’s P16.42billion wind energy in Iloilo. “The mass transport project, for example, will be a big help for the commuting public while the renewable energy projects will improve and sustain the quality of life of the people,”

Rodolfo said. BoI-approved investments in the ﬁrst nine months increased 49 percent to P286.44 billion from P192.39 year-on-year. The investment pledges were from 255 projects with total estimated job generation of 46,716 at full operations. The largest share of approved investments from January to September 2016 were from the power sector, which accounted for 48 percent of the approved investments. Other sectors that topped the list of investment approvals were construction with P62.27 billion or 22 percent; real estate activities

Both candidates painted themselves other candidates. as outsiders, appealing to those who felt This allowed them to run radically that the current system is broken. Both aggressive campaigns. Mudslinging, candidates spoke to those who felt cut which many campaigns end up off from the incumbent leadership. Their deteriorating too once the opponent messages were simple: I hear you. I will becomes too popular, is extremely push for the change you want. This, difficult when all the mud you have to shared interests, is the first connection sling has already been proudly slung leaders need to make in order to earn – and by the person you are trying to that essential foundation of leadership: smear. trust. New world They articulated Both candidates clear and simple ran atypical goals. Traditional campaigns and both politicians called ran aggressive social I hear you. these goals simplistic media campaigns. and unrealistic. But More importantly, that, unfortunately, both Duterte was not what many and Trump were voters wanted to hear. candidates cast in a And, in the age of the sound bite, long- radically different mold than your usual winded goals get lost in translation. candidate. Both candidates painted themselves as To gain insight into national strong-minded leaders, unlikely to bend elections, it might make sense to to the status quo, and especially unlikely ask what people look for. Havas, a to be swayed by those currently in power multinational advertising and public or having influence over those in power. relations company recently released the This is one of the other foundations of results of an online survey of 11,976 trust – creating the belief that the leader adults in 37 markets. The question was: can bring you to the desired goal. Which would you prefer: (a) a national Analysts, both of the Trump campaign leader with a clear vision and the will to and the Duterte campaign, point out that execute it or (b) a national leader who these are not campaigns that could have is collaborative and inclusive, and who been ran by the normal political candidate. makes decisions based on the will of They were made possible because these the people? 67% - that’s two thirds! - of were candidates that had built a reputation Filipinos chose clarity of vision and will and track record of being mavericks. to execute over being collaborative and They have always been outspoken and inclusive. For comparison, Singaporeans unafraid. Having painted themselves as also chose strong leadership (59%). By outsiders, they are unlikely to be judged contrast, Japanese chose inclusiveness by the same stringent standards used for and collaboration (57%).

including the mass housing subsector with P36.68 billion or 13 percent; the manufacturing with P21.02 billion or 7 percent; and transportation and storage with P14.31 billion or 5 percent share. Major manufacturing subsectors, based on their respective shares to total investment approvals from January to September 2016 include food products with P8.99 billion or 43 percent; motor vehicles/trailers, P7.80 billion or 37 percent; fabricated metal products, P1.98 billion or 9 percent; wood products P1.48 billion or 7 percent; and other manufacturing sub-sectors, P763.18 million or 4 percent.

This little bit of information might explain why that seemingly innocuous criticism hurled against Roxas was so successful – that he was not strong-willed and did not have his own clear agenda. Until almost the very end, the Roxas campaign essentially ran on a promise of “continuation.” For many citizens, all this meant was “more of the same.” The electorate, evidenced by the combined preference for Duterte and Poe versus Roxas was clearly for some change. It could actually be argued that Duterte won against Poe on the basis of a very simple matter: that his track record made it believable that he would actually be strong-willed enough to execute. In the Philippines, where political will is often whispered as a lament by both public and private sectors, it should have come as no surprise that the will to execute would resonate powerfully. The question, of course, is what does it say as a country that we would prefer that our leader choose our path for us? As for the American pollsters, we should point out there were a few polls that actually predicted a Trump win. But of the big boys, only LA Times consistently picked Trump to lead. There are many theories about why pollsters got it wrong but here’s an interesting tidbit: On November 7, Nevo.news posted a Facebook analytics map predicting a Trump win. Who were they listening to? And how? Readers can email Maya at integrations_manila@yahoo.com. Or visit her site at http://integrations. tumblr.com.

BRUSSELS, Belgium―The European Union on Wednesday edged up its eurozone growth forecast for this year but trimmed it for 2017, warning that the economy faced new challenges due to Brexit and rising inequality. Brussels also nearly halved its economic growth outlook for Britain itself next year due to uncertainty over the country’s vote to leave the bloc. Pointing to increased global risks for the 19-country single currency area as shown by the shock victory of Donald Trump in the United States, the European Commission said economic growth this year would reach a modest 1.7 percent. The commission also said that eurozone growth would slow to 1.5 percent growth next year, as the negative effects of Britain’s looming divorce from the EU began to be felt more deeply. “In these volatile and uncertain times, no effort must be spared to safeguard and strengthen this recovery–-and ensure that all sections of society feel its benefits,” said EU Economics Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici. Asked about the impact of the Trump vote in the US, Moscovici stressed the need to boost economic recovery. “The frustration expressed in the US clearly echoes that of European voters,” Moscovivi said. “Many of our citizens feel excluded from the economic recovery and many of them feel disconnected from government,” he said. Inflation, long stuck near negative territory, would accelerate sharply, the commission said, as rising oil prices began to lift consumer prices. The commission said inflation in the eurozone would hit 1.4 percent in 2017, up from an expected 0.3 percent for 2016. This will come as a relief to the European Central Bank which has embarked on a controversial stimulus program to get inflation nearer to the official target of close to 2.0 percent. Growth in all 28 EU nations would hit 1.8 percent in 2016, the commission said, with a drop to 1.6 percent next year. The EU nearly halved its economic growth outlook for Britain in 2017 due to the impact of the Brexit vote to leave the bloc. It is set to edge up again to 1.2 percent in 2018. Growth in the UK was projected to fall to to 1.0 percent from 1.9 percent in 2016 “reflecting the impact of heightened uncertainty following the referendum,” the commission said. Britain voted to leave the EU in a referendum on June 23, with the government expected to trigger two years of divorce negotiations in March of next year. The “UK ‘leave’ vote... has raised uncertainty and can be seen as an indicator of heightened policy risks in the current volatile political environment,” the commission forecast said. AFP

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

Motoring VWorld Weekend unfolds on Nov. 12

Wheel Gallery carted away major awards with their resto-mod Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 and the Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution.

STAR OF THE SHOW. Motul’s Ferrari Novitec F12 N Largo, one of 11 Prancing Horses in the world.

Sizzling hot rides at the

Auto Salon Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

T WAS a red letter date for tuning and custom car enthusiasts as the Manila Auto Salon opened its doors late last week at the SMX Convention Center of the SM Mall of Asia. Tuning and custom shops from Metro Manila and nearby provinces put their best foot forward as the public feasted their eyes on 100 plus custom cars, trucks and motorcycles. “The Auto Salon is probably the country will ever see,” says production company behind the the biggest display of aftermarket Sophie Delos Santos, president event As a partner of the Tokyo Auto vehicles, parts and accessories of Tradeshow International, the

Salon, the Manila Auto Salon is the largest custom car show in the country today. What started as a show for custom sedans and sports cars, have now evolved into an off-road show with majority of the vehicles on display being massive off-road trucks and SUV’s. “This trend reflects why there is a surge in pick-up and SUV sales, because these vehicles are the most logical choice for our local roads given the tropical setting, flash floods and bad roads,” says Sam Liuson of Wheel Gallery. Liuson’s display booth had a retro-mod Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, his take on a classic SUV with a dash of modernity and a custom Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution which won the plum fpr the Japanese SUV 4x4 Division. Atoy Llave, the country’s King of Bodykits and celebrity van maker, displayed a customized Toyota Grandia and a Kia Carnival with a bubble top roof which won the Best Van category. A crowd drawer was Atoy’s zombie apocalypse inspired Mercedes Benz 190E drift machine. Also pulling in the crowds were the display of Overland of Thailand, who had a fleet of customized rigs equipped with Overland’s off-road gear such as front

and rear bumpers and lift kits for higher ground clearance. The off-road machines were customized by Lance Chua of Autobuff QC and Warren Torres of Wernz Off Road shop and the Overland group won a handful of trophies as well. The “in your face” display of 199 Off Road house had a rare Mercedes Benz Unimog, plus a 4x4 monster trucks equipped with PIAA LED lights. PIAA displayed their dominance in the local market with majority of the off-road rigs and cars on display had PIAA as their preferred choice of lighting systems. Another crowd pleaser was the Ferrari Novitec F12 N Largo of Autoplus-Motul. What this Ferrari Novitec cool was its rarity, which is reportedly one of 11 in existence around the World. JDM fans were also treated with some visual eye candy starting with the Honda Type R Spoon EK of Henry Chua of Team AutoGenix, the Mitsubishi Lancer “Boxtype” of Autoindustriya, a customized Honda Fit with clear hood of JDM Select and a rare rally spec Ford Escort Mexico owned by Press Undersecretary George Apacible. The Manila Auto Salon runs up to this weekend.

THERE’S BEAUTY IN BLACK—HONDA HONDA stirs the game with the New City and Jazz Black Edition Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit, adds an even sportier taste to its subcompact vehicles with the introduction of the New City and Jazz Black Edition. The Black Edition gets a sportier treatment with its Crystal Black Pearl paint, which perfectly blends with all-black original factory-installed Modulo or MUGEN accessories. With a total of one hundred

(100) units available in the market, customers are already encouraged to reserve, and be one of the few to own the exclusive Black Edition. • Sixty (60) New City 1.5 E CVT Modulo and 1.5 VX Navi CVT Modulo Black Edition • Ten (10) New City 1.5 VX Navi CVT MUGEN Black Edition • Thirty (30) New Jazz 1.5 VX Navi CVT Modulo Black Edition The New City Modulo Black Edition (1.5 E CVT and 1.5

VX Navi CVT) boasts a styling refresh with its black front underspoiler, rear underspoiler, side underspoiler, wing spoiler, front grille, 16-inch black Modulo wheels, and Modulo emblem. On the other hand, the New City MUGEN Black Edition (1.5 VX Navi CVT) flaunts a black front underspoiler, rear underspoiler, side underspoiler, front sports grille, 16-inch black alloy wheels, and MUGEN emblem. The New Jazz Modulo Black Edition (1.5 VX Navi CVT) also

gets a more athletic design with the integration of black front underspoiler, rear underspoiler, side underspoiler, trunk spoiler, front grille, shark fin antenna, 16-inch black Modulo wheels, and Modulo emblem. Both the New City and Jazz Black Edition carry the same dynamic and fuel efficient 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine, which delivers a maximum power output of 120 ps at 6,600 rpm. It is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under Honda’s Earth Dreams

Technology for a better driving experience. The New City and Jazz Black Edition will be available with the following suggested retail prices: [Black Edition] • New City 1.5 E CVT Modulo Php 874,000 • New City 1.5 VX Navi CVT Modulo Php 983,000 • New City 1.5 VX Navi CVT MUGEN Php 1,043,000 • New Jazz 1.5 VX CVT Modulo Php 998,000

VOLKSWAGEN’S Metro Manila dealers to hold ‘VWorld Weekend’ for families on Nov. 12-13 Families residing in or near Metro Manila can jumpstart their Christmas celebration by visiting Volkswagen’s VWorld Weekend on November 12 and 13 at Capitol Commons Park in Pasig City. There will be something for every member of the family at “VWorld Weekend,” as various attractions and treats await visitors. For parents and urban professionals on the lookout for their favourite Volkswagen vehicle, there will be cars on display and available for public test drives. The units will also come with special financing deals exclusive only during the “VWorld Weekend” event. The younger set can get their loads of fun at the popcorn and cotton candy stalls, face painting and glitter tattoo sections, and take souvenir photos. Hungry tummies can then go for a filling stop at the Kombi food truck to be stationed at the event venue. A “throwback” of sorts will be provided by the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines as it displays its vintage cars, while the Golf GTI Club of the Philippines brings out the eye candy with its own fleet. A set-up of Volkswagen Philippines’ award-winning road safety advocacy, the Child Safety Initiative (CSI), will also be featured to make the families’ visit not only fun, but educational and empowering, as well. The CSI booth highlights the Junior Driving Course where kids and their parents can learn responsible driving practices using miniature cars on a simulated road network with signs and traffic lights. The “VWorld Weekend” is open from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on November 12 and 13, 2016, and entrance is free. It is organized by Volkswagen Philippines’ Metro Manila dealerships, specifically in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, Greenfield District Service Center along Sheridan Street in Mandaluyong City, and in Molito Lifestyle Building in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Collectively, they are known as the Iconic Dealership, Inc. The “VWorld Weekend” aims to bring the experience of world-class German automotive engineering and multi-generation bond between Volkswagen and the Philippines---closer to families in Metro Manila during the Yuletide season. For more information on Volkswagen products and services, log on to www.volkswagen.com.ph.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

CHRISTMAS ICONS. Lights, including those from lanterns with intricate designs, dotting the national road in Barangay Pansol in Calamba, Laguna, south of Manila are suggestive of a colorful, lively and tradition-filled Filipino celebration, and an expression of shared faith and hope, of the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago. Roy Tomandao

MMDA: Helmets on, or risk arrest M By Joel E. Zurbano

OTORCYCLE riders with no helmets and proper safety gear will be be arrested and fined beginning next Monday, Metro Manila Development Authority acting chairman Thomas Orbos said.

Orbos made the announcement following a meeting with federation of motorcycle riders at the MMDA main office along Orense Street in Makati City Thursday. “We invited them precisely to

discuss how to solve the problem on traffic. They [riders] are important because next to private vehicles, they are the second biggest,” he said. During the meeting, officers and members of the Motorcycle Phil-

ippines Federation agreed to the agency’s proposal to revive the motorcycle lanes scheme to be implemented along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Circumferential Road-5, Commonwealth Avenue and President Diosdado Macapagal Avenue. “There should be proper gear, helmet and the headlights are on even during daylight. They should wear gloves, long pants and shoes. We observed that some of the riders are just wearing shorts and slippers, and others have no side mirrors. They should wear proper attire along the Motorcycle

Lanes,” said Orbos. The MMDA will be having a dry-run activity on Saturday and Sunday to inform and remind the motorcycle riders about the reimplementation of the scheme. “This Saturday and Sunday we will go there and [inform] erring motorcycle riders. Monday we will enforce and this is enforcement of regulations,” said Orbos. He added they would be issuing traffic violation receipts to violators on Monday. Undet the scheme, the designated motorcycle lane shall be the

fourth lane from the right sidewalk and shall run the length of Edsa and other assigned areas. The lanes are “non-exclusive,” which means that private vehicles may also use them. The establishment of the motorcycle lanes is based on Memorandum Circular 12-01 Series of 2012 approved by the Metro Manila Council. Orbos said the implementation of the motorcycle lanes is also necessary to promote a more orderly flow of traffic along the major thoroughfare and reduce

Duterte negative for use of drugs

Ombudsman indicts officials in rigged deal BAGUIO CITY—Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the filing of charges against former Professional Regulation Commission officials for anomalies in the 2012 lease contract for the agency’s regional office in CTLL Bldg. here. Charged before the Sandiganbayan for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) are former Chairperson Teresita Manzala, Commissioner Alfredo Po, Regional Director Teofilo Gaius Sison, Jr., Supervising Professional Regulations Officer Tricia Camara and Chief Professional Regulations Officer Sarah Edna Tabije. Sison and Tabije were also found administratively liable for grave misconduct and were ordered dismissed from the service. They have also been meted the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of eli-

gibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits. Ombudsman investigators found that respondents approved the 15-month lease contract and paid over P6.6 million (at a monthly rate of P431,309.80) in rental fees, advance rentals, and deposits from December 2012 to December 2013 without complying with the requirements of the Government Procurement Reform Act. In its Resolution, the Ombudsman said “respondents’ actions indicate their obvious preference for CTLL Building and circumvented the legally mandated procurement process to ensure its selection as PRC Baguio’s relocation site.” As proof of the rigged bidding, investigators found that the Bids and Awards Committee “had no copies of any request for expression of interests, request for quotation, performance of warranties and securities, resolution recommending award, notice of award.” Dexter See

By Pearl A. Gajunera

HOPE, FAITH and LOVE. Tacloban City Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez leads City Government officials

in marking the 3rd Anniversary of Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in solemn rites at the Tacloban City Convention Center, ushered in by a Mass attended by foreign dignitaries, 1st District Rep. Yedda Romualdez, former Mayor Alfred Romualdez, former Senator Bongbong Marcos and Senator Cynthia Villar. Mel Caspe

Erap acquires P30-m mobile command center By Sandy Araneta READYING the city of Manila for disasters and calamities, Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Thursday acquired a P30million state-of-the-art mobile command center to facilitate emergency searchand-rescue operations in the capital city. Estrada said the acquisition of the MCC was the latest addition to the con-

tinuing upgrading and modernization of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as well as its auxiliary rescue units and volunteer groups in each of the 896 barangays of Manila. “We utilize our disaster mitigation funds by upgrading MDRRMO’s equipment, facilities and gears, that’s always part of my priorities—to make Manileños safe,” Estrada said.

Estrada said he acknowledged the land area of Manila, most of which is below sea level, was one of the megacities worldwide most vulnerable to cyclones, superstorms, and earthquakes. It also has the highest number of people exposed to natural disasters, according to the Natural Hazards Vulnerability Index. “This is why we continue to equip our rescue units and boost our disaster

response capabilities. When disasters strike, precious lives are lost. We ought to protect the safety of each Manileño,” Estrada pointed out. The MCC trailer functions as a highly movable command-and-control office from which emergency operations can be directed and organized. It has work stations, a conference room, a galley, and a lavatory.

PhilRice turns 31, fetes 100 rank-and-file employees SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija—At least 100 staff members and employees of the Philippine Rice Research Institute were honored as the institute marked its 31st anniversary as the country’s sole research agency on rice Tuesday. This year’s anniversary celebrations, themed “Rice science and innovation for

the number of fatal accidents involving motorcycles. Based on the MMC memorandum circular, motorcycle riders may deviate from the motorcycle lanes when making a turn or uturn at authorized intersections and u-turn slots, in which case they are to gradually shift lanes not less than 200 meters away from the turning point, while making the appropriate signals. Study showed that motorcycle crashes remained the leading cause of death and injury on Metro Manila roads.

inclusive growth,” kicked off Monday at its central experiment station in Barangay Maligaya with the opening of the National Rice Awareness Month and the Santiago R. Obien seminar series on research management and institution. The seminar was named after the former PhilRice executive director.

Dr. Sailila Abdulla, PhilRice executive director, said the employees were honored during the “Dangal ng PhilRice” recognition day on Tuesday. Dr. V. Bruce J. Tolentino, deputy director general for communication and partnerships of the International Rice Research Institute, awarded plaques and

certificates to the awardees who included those who excelled in external fields, scientific productivity, scholastic, loyalty, and as outstanding employee. Abdulla said as a research institution, PhilRice had advanced rice science by producing scientific publications written by its researchers and scientists. Ferdie Domingo

DAVAO CITY—Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte said here he had tested negative for use of seven classes of drugs, including shabu, cocaine, and heroin. The comprehensive sevenpanel drug test was conducted by Omega Laboratories upon the request of Hi-Precision Diagnostic Center where Duterte submitted hair samples for testing on Oct 30. “I have submitted myself to yet another drug test, this time more comprehensive than the first test administered by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency,” Duterte said. He said the drug test was in “response to the challenge made by Senator Antonio Trillanes who said I was a drug user.” “I have accepted his challenge not to dignify him, but to clear my name and the name of my family,” he said. “His imputations that I was a drug addict were based entirely on a fabricated story by a man whose imagination is as twisted as the senator’s,” he added. Trillanes has been quoting selfconfessed killer Edgar Matobato who said the vice mayor was a known drug addict in Davao City. The comprehensive drug test results showed the young Duterte tested negative for amphetamine, methampethamines, cocaine/metabolites, opiates, extended opiates, phencyclidine, THC metabolite, and benzodiazepines. The substances can be detected in hair samples. A person’s history of drug use are best detected using hair screening.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

LGUs

DSWD to give livelihood aid B AGUIO CITY—To further support the recovery and rehabilitation of Typhoon “Lawin”-affected communities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development here will provide livelihood support through the Cash for Work and Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Disaster Management Focal Person Arnold Lartec said the programs were designed to provide an alternative source of income to the affected families while they stayed in their communities during rehabilitation and recovery of their areas. “Since most of the victims rely on their farms for their income, their livelihood is affected because their lands have been devastated by Typhoon “Lawin.” Also, some have homes to re-

build. We will help them by augmenting some cash in exchange for their services,” Lartec added. Under the CFW, individuals from families affected by Typhoon “Lawin” will be allowed to work for 15 days with a wage of P214 per day, which is equivalent to 7 percent of the daily minimum wage of the region. Cash for Work Program is a short-term intervention to provide temporary employment to distressed/displaced individuals

by participating in or undertaking preparedness, mitigation, relief, rehabilitation or risk reduction projects and activities in their communities or in evacuation centers. Activities such as rehabilitation of communal infrastructures and houses, clearing of drainage canals, and other activities that need intervention as a result of the disaster or calamity may be covered under the program. Meanwhile, the SLP will be providing additional support through the Cash for Building Livelihood Assets. Through the CBLA, labor for the repair or rehabilitation of common infrastructures used for livelihood damaged by Typhoon Lawin will be funded by the DSWD. Participants will be allowed to work for a maximum

of 10 days and provided 75 percent of the daily minimum wage. “The DSWD can provide the labor cost for the rehabilitation under CBLA, however, our partners need to provide their counterpart,” SLP project development officer Victoria Llanes shared. For the Cash for Work, project proposals from the local government units should be submitted to the DSWD Regional Office. Proposals should come with the following: Program of Work prepared and signed by the Municipal Engineer; Certificate of Eligibility signed by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO); Barangay Certificate of qualified beneficiaries that they were affected by the disaster and need temporary employment; list of

beneficiaries per barangay and per project signed by the MSWDO; schedule of work activities per day with number of participants signed by the barangay chairperson; daily attendance sheet of beneficiaries signed by the Team Leader and concurred by the MSWDO; photos before, during, and after the project implementation; and completion report from the MSWDO. For the CBLA under SLP, same requirements are required only that project proposals will be coming from SLP Project Development Officers. Proposals and supporting documents can be sent to the Regional Office addressed to DSWD-CAR OIC- Regional Director Janet P. Armas at DSWD Training Center, Cabinet Hill, Baguio City. Dexter See

DEFYING DESTRUCTION. A resident stands on the roof of his house smashed by powerful Typhoon ‘Lawin’ in San Pablo, Isabela, soon after ‘Karen’ lashed the area and wrecked infrastructure projects and agricultural rice lands. AFP

Power up soon in Cagayan, Isabela TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija— Within two weeks, electricity is expected to be restored in the Lawin-devastated provinces of Isabela and Cagayan with the help of various rural electric cooperatives in Central Luzon. Reynaldo Villanueva, president of the Central Luzon Electric Cooperatives Association, said members of Task Force Kapatid consisting of RECs who were working on the damaged power lines in Isabela and Cagayan—“Bayanihan-style”— were expected to wrap up their work in 12 days. Villanueva, also the president of the Board of Directors of Nueva Ecija Electric Cooperative 2 along with Neeco 2 Area 1 general manager Nelson dela Cruz led send-off ceremonies for Task Force Kapatid last Oct. 26. The fleet consisted of RECs in Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales reinforced with 20 vehicles, including boom trucks and 98 linemen. These include the Pampanga Electric Cooperatives 1-3, Fresco, Zambales Electric Cooperative 1 and 2, Tarlac Electric Cooperative 1 and 2, Peninsula Electric Cooperative of Bataan, Aurora Electric Cooperative and Neeco 1 and 2 and additional crewmen from the Tarlac Electric Co., Dagupan Electric and the Cabanatuan Electric Corp. Cleca provided allowances for the linemen for the duration of their stay in the mission areas. Villanueva said the deployment of RECs in typhoon-hit regions would help speed up the rehabilitation of toppled power lines and restore electricity. “If we do not help out areas which have suffered blackouts due to calamities, then it would be hard to have power restored at once so we have to engage in Bayanihan-style teamwork,” he said, citing massive damage due to “Lawin.” Ferdie Domingo

Yuletide German Shepherd dog show Nov. 13 in Clark spirit up in Makati By Joel E. Zurbano CHRISTMAS is breathing through the corner in the City of Makati. The city’s Department of Environmental Services opened on Monday the 13th “3B sa Pasko” project, an annual recyclables fair at the ground floor of Makati City Hall Building II that will run until Dec. 2. The project—dubbed as “Basura’y Bawasan, BalikGamitin at Baguhin ang Anyo sa Pasko” or 3B,—is open to shoppers from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It features booths with ecofriendly and affordable Christmas decorations, wallets, bags, figurines and novelty items made out of recyclables. “The turnout of participants in the bazaar is heartening. So far, we already have 18 participants from various barangays, schools, and nongovernment organizations. We are still expecting additional participants,” said Mayor Abigail Binay. Binay invited residents and clients at City Hall to visit the bazaar and buy Christmas decors for their homes and offices. “I encourage the public to support the project, which aims to promote waste diversion and segregation at source by providing a venue for entrepreneurs, including residents and students, to sell their products made from recycled materials,” she said. According to DES head Leopoldo Parumog, six barangays have joined the fair to date. These are Pinagkaisahan, Carmona, Guadalupe Viejo, Kasilawan, Cembo, and San Lorenzo Village.

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga— The Central Luzon German Shepherd Dog Association will host its annual German Shepherd Dog Landesgruppen Show this Sunday, organizers said. The show will be held at the Omni Aviation Complex and Parade Grounds in this sprawling former home to the 13th US Air Force. This exhibition, supported

by the German Shepherd Dog Federation of the Philippines, will be attended and judged by the renowned German Shepherd breeder and SV Judge, Herr Mario Magsaysay. This Dog Show is sponsored by Pet Express and supported by Mars Phils. and Dr. Clauder’s dog food. The GSDF will also hold the annual Philippine Sieger Show

on Dec. 10 and 11, to be officiated by German SV Judge, Dr. Wolfgang Lauber. The GSDF and CLGSDA have been actively promoting the German Shepherd breed, the most popular breed in the country. It has received support from enthusiasts and holds the record for most dog entries in a German Shepherd breed show under the

auspices of the Philippine Canine Club Inc. “We are delighted to welcome spectators and participants back to the annual Landesgruppen Dog Show and Philippine Sieger Show,” said Joselito Madlambayan, CLGSDA-GSDF president. Madlambayan said: “We expect this year to have German Shepherds from all over the

country (from) as far as La Union, Isabela, Baguio, Pampanga and Bulacan in Central Luzon, and from Dumaguete, Cebu in the Visayas, and Davao, Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao and from Metro Manila. “Eight other Landesgruppen Clubs are expected to participate, as we are certain the event will be a sure crowd drawer from all walks of life.”

Ecija mega drug rehab center opening Nov. 29

SWEARING IN. Members of the Regional Legislative Assembly in the ARMM witness the oathtaking of newly appointed Datu Ombra Sinsuat Jr. as the 7th regional secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications-ARMM since the devolution of DOTC to the autonomous regional government led by Speaker Ronnie Sinsuat. Omar Mangorsi

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija—The opening of the giant 10,000-patient capacity drug rehabilitation center under construction inside this military camp, originally set last month and moved to Nov. 15, will push through on Nov. 29. A technical working group from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Health said the Mega Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center will become fully operational within this month. Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial said the bed facilities for the rehab center would be provided by Chinese businessman and philanthropist Huang Rulun, a real estate developer who invested in 20 five-star hotels and 10 shopping malls in China. Rulun, who also donated the left wing of the building and the female dormitory, is listed in the Hurun Philanthropy List for 13 consecutive years in China. He ranks second in the latest list behind Alibaba Group Holdings, with total donations of more than $97 million for the construction of three high schools. Rulun met with President Duterte thrice and asked how

he could help address the drug problem in the country. Construction of the project started last September after Ubial signed a Deed of Donation with Rulun. The construction materials were imported from China and were previously used in rebuilding houses for victims of typhoon “Yolanda.” The DOH used P15 million from the DOH’s Quick Response Fund to hire personnel in the facility. The DOH is hiring 200 health workers to work in the facility aside from 200 to be provided by the government and another 200 from existing health facilities. Ubial noted that since drug addiction has become a national health emergency because of the sheer number of surrenderers— some 790,000 as of the latest count—then the use of the QRF was justified. She said the DOH was working with local government units, particularly barangays and municipal and city officials who would handle the community-based rehabilitation program, expected to cover an estimated over 95 percent to 98 percent of the surrenderers. Ferdie Domingo

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TODAY

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

Looking to science to save crops Z AKA, Zimbabwe―Under the scorching Zimbabwean sun, cattle seek shade among stunted thorn bushes in the drought-prone district of Zaka, where crops wither due to increasing temperatures and changing weather patterns. Severe lack of rain across southern Africa has hit the country hard, with government ofﬁcials saying a quarter of the population faces starvation. Many villagers are forced to survive on wild fruit. Maize, the country’s traditional staple crop, has suffered a series of poor harvests. Late rains this year again wrecked the planting season, and the little that is growing has often been destroyed by heat. It may not help the immediate crisis, but science is providing a glimmer of hope for small holder maize farmers in Zimbabwe. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center― known by its Spanish acronym CIMMYT―is conducting trials in Zaka on hybrid maize seeds adapted to tackle drought and

high temperatures. The seeds are developed to survive dry conditions with 60 percent less water than normal and in temperatures of up to 35 degrees C (95 degrees F), according to CIMMYT researchers. “If we get these new maize seed varieties that will help us a lot,” said Ceaser Chavizha, a small holder in Zaka, located in Masvingo province, south of the capital Harare. Like many farmers in the region who rely on maize produce, Chavizha has been forced to survive on food handouts as his crops have been reduced to dried husks. “We cannot continue with handouts as we have ﬁelds that we can work on to produce food for our own, so we hope the new

Trump win prompts uncertainty in Cuba HAVANA―Just when Cuba was starting to warm up to the United States, Americans elected Donald Trump president, throwing the countries’ rapprochement into doubt and causing stunned reactions in Havana. The brash Republican billionaire’s shock victory cast uncertainty over two years of moves by President Barack Obama to end more than a half-century of Cold War enmity with the communist island. Trump has sent mixed messages about the thaw. He gave it a lukewarm welcome at ﬁrst, saying “50 years is enough,” although he characteristically insisted the Democratic president should have struck a “better deal.” Then as the Republican primary heated up, he vowed to reverse the new policies unless the Raul Castro regime agrees to democratic reforms and other demands. “I’m afraid,” said Marcos Creach, a 27-year-old cell phone repairman in Havana. “Obama did a lot” for USCuban relations, he added, and now Trump “can come in as president of the United States and put up a wall, an obstacle to make sure it never becomes reality.” Creach counts himself among those Cubans who stand to beneﬁt from resumed ties between Havana and Washington and a softening of trade and tourism restrictions -- part of a new generation of entrepreneurs Obama said the thaw aims to help thrive. Droves of Cubans descended on the capital’s few Wi-Fi hotspots from the early hours Wednesday, trying to contact relatives in the United States to help make sense of the shock result. Alison Taylor, an 18-yearold epidemiology student, worried Trump’s proposed anti-immigration policies mean she will have a hard time reuniting with her boyfriend. Two years ago, he joined the exodus across the Florida Straits that started with the Cuban Revolution in 1959. “All Cubans dream of meeting their families [in the United States] someday,” she said. “For many, it’s been so long since they’ve seen them. “I’m chatting with my boyfriend in New Jersey right now and we’re talking about that, and how much it hurts.” She called Trump’s election “the worst thing that could have happened.”

“I think all Cubans feel that way,” she said, calling Trump a “man with no scruples, a fascist, a horrible person.” Cuba’s government said in a terse note that President Castro sent his congratulations to Trump. But it raised eyebrows when it published a notice Wednesday morning in the Communist Party’s ofﬁcial newspaper, Granma, that it will hold military exercises from November 16 to 18. The nationwide exercises would prepare to confront “the enemy,” it said, employing its longstanding term for the United States. Although Cuba has periodically held such exercises since 1980, the timing was conspicuous. It is unclear how Trump as president will act on Cuba. The US president-elect has been “ambivalent” about the issue, said political analyst Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University. But Trump’s shift to a hardline stance―fending off attacks from primary challengers such as Cuban-American Senator Marco Rubio of Florida―probably helped him win that key swing state in the general election, Duany said. “This new position probably won him a large part of the conservative CubanAmerican vote in southern Florida.” Obama enacted his signature Cuba rapprochement using executive authority. Blocked from ending the US embargo on the island by a Republican-controlled Congress, he pushed smaller reforms through with the power of his presidential pen. That means Trump can now change course just as easily, reinstating trade and ﬁnancial restrictions and reversing developments like the resumption of air and cruise-ship travel, and postal service. However, Cuba will probably not be a “priority issue” for Trump, said Michael Shifter, head of the InterAmerican Dialogue, a Washington-based think tank. “It’s not clear if he will try to roll back policy toward Cuba that is fairly popular, according to polls,” he said. One thing is certain: with the Republicans retaining control of Congress, the 54-year-old embargo is probably not going away anytime soon. AFP

maize seeds will help us improve our yields,” he told AFP. Maize meal crops are ground and turned into mealie meal, used to make porridge and other food, but the El Nino-induced drought has wrecked arable ﬁelds, grazing pastures and water sources. The drought scourge is high on the agenda at UN COP22 climate talks in Morocco, where world leaders and experts are discussing how to implement the landmark Paris Agreement that was signed last year. The pact aims to cap global warming at below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees F), compared with pre-industrial levels.

Once referred to as the breadbasket of Africa, Zimbabwe used to be an exporter of maize, but now aid organizations say the country requires about two million metric tonnes a year to feed itself. Cosmos Magorokosho, a senior scientist and maize breeder at CIMMYT, said the ultimate goal of hybrids was to help farmers develop long-term sustainable agriculture. “Basically it means transfer-

ring genes from one plant to another type so that you create a new type that has the characteristics that you want,” he said. He said CIMMYT had received $500,000 funding from USAID to develop the new maize variety for drought-prone areas in east, central and southern Africa. Magorokosho stressed that more funds were needed to extend the project, and criticized the Zimbabwe government’s delay in adopting new maize hybrids. “There is a layer of testing that is required by the authorities which is a little bit long... we would wish it is shortened so that the varieties can get quickly to the farmers,” Magorokosho said. CIMMYT, a non-proﬁt research project headquartered in Mexico, is also working on a vitamin Arich maize variety which is already in production in other parts of Africa and Latin America. This year, Zimbabwe’s cashstrapped government declared a “state of disaster” in most rural areas, with at least 2.4 million people in urgent need of food aid. Sekai Makonese, another small-scale farmer in Zaka, welcomed the potential impact of

Republic of the Philippines CITY OF SAN PEDRO Province of Laguna BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID PR NO. 2016-3140 1. The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna through the 2016 Budget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsodintends to apply the sum of Php 2,000,740.40 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply and Delivery of Various Medicines for the Indigent Constituents of City of San Pedro, Laguna 4th Qtr 2016. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. 2. The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna now invites bids forthe following: QTY 25 10 288 30 30 25 288 25 144 288 25 20 25 144 25 288 10 10 20 25 144 288 144 78 25 10 78 20 25 10 144 10 25 10 25 30 25 6 30 10 25 144 20 5 5 25 25 10 20 288 25 10 30 288 20 25 20 25 25 144 20 288 25 25 20 144 144 288 25 144 288 288 20 5 5 5 25 4 25 144 20 20 10 30 10 2 3 6 2 5 2 2 110 2 2 2 2

UNIT boxes boxes bots boxes boxes boxes bots boxes bots bots boxes boxes boxes bots boxes bots boxes boxes boxes boxes bots bots bots bots boxes boxes bots boxes boxes boxes bots boxes boxes boxes boxes bots boxes boxes bots boxes boxes bots boxes pcs pcs boxes boxes boxes boxes bots boxes boxes bots bots boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes bots boxes bots boxes boxes boxes bots bots bots boxes bots bots bots boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes boxes bots boxes boxes boxes boxes bots boxes boxes boxes bots boxes bots boxes pcs boxes boxes boxes boxes

DESCRIPTION Amoxicillin 500mg. Cap 100’s Amoxicilling 250mg Cap 100’s Amoxicillin Suspension 250mg Amlodipine 5mg Tab Amlodipine 10mg Tab Ambroxol Tab Ambroxol Syrup Aspirin Ascorbic Acid Drops Ascorbic Acid Syrup Ascorbic Acid Tab 500mg 100’s Atorvastatin 20mg Tab Allopurinol 300mg Carbocisteine Drops Carbocisteine 500mg cap Carbocisteine Syrup 250mg Clonidine 75mg Tab Captopril 75mg Cefalexin Cap 250mg 100’s Cefalexin Cap 500mg 100’s Cefalexin Drops 10ml Cefalexin Suspension 250ml Cefalexin Suspension 125ml Cefuroxime Suspension 125 mg 60ml Cefuroxime Cap 500mg Celecoxib Cetrizine Syrup Cetrizine Cap Ciprofloxacin Tab 500mg Cinnarizine 25mg Tab Cloxacillin 250mg. Syrup Cloxacilling 250mg Cap Cloxacillin 500mg. Cap Clopidogrel 75mg Tab Cotrimoxazole 400mg Cap Co-Amoxiclav 250mg syrup Co-Amoxiclav 625mg Cefixime Cap Cefixime Syrup Clindamycin 300mg Cap Cefaclor Cap Cefaclor Syrup Diclofenac Tab 50mg Chloramphenicol 0.5% eye drops Tobramycin / Dexamethasone eye drops Ferrous Sulfate Tab Folic Acid Tab Gliclazide 80mg Tab Glibenclamide 5mg Guaifenesin syrup 60ml Losartan 50mg Tab Loratadine 10mg Tab Loratadine Syrup Mefenamic Acid Suspension Mefenamic Acid Cap 250mg Mefenamic Acid Cap 500mg. Meloxicam tab 50mg Metoprolol 50mg Tab Metformin 500mg Multivitamin Drops 60ml Multivitamins Cap 100’s Multivitamins Syrup Phenylpropanolamine Tab Omeprazole Cap 20mg 30’s ORS Paracetamol Drops 60mg. Paracetamol Syrup 125mg Paracetamol Syrup 250mg Paracetamol tab 500mg Phenyl+Brompheniramine Drops Phenyl+Brompheniramine Syrup Salbutamol + Guaifenesin Syrup Salbutamol Nebules Budesonide Nebules Combivent Nebules Salbutamol + Ipratropium Nebule Simvastatin 20mg Tab Tranexamic Acid 500mg Tab Salbutamol/Guafenesin Cap Cotrimoxazole 200mg/5ml susp. Cotrimoxazole tab 800mg Cotrimoxazole tab 400mg Hyoscine N Butylbromide 10mg Tab Vitamin B12 Tab Tobramycin eye drops Sulodexide Vessel Due 250 soft gel Carvedilol Esomeprazole 40mg Sitagliptin/Metformin HCL 100mg Telmisartan/Amlodipine 40mg/10mg Eltroxin Rabeprazole Sodium 20mg Cap Flunarizine 5mg Cap Ploglitazone 5mg Tab Doxoflylline 200mg Tab Maleate+glycopyrronium Bromide (ultibro breezhaler) Monetelukast Levoceterizine Tab

(MS-NOV. 4,11 & 18, 2016)

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE NOW! email us at advertise@ the standard.com. ph or call us at 832-5547

Re p u b l i c o f t h e Ph i l i p p i n e s PROV I N C E O F M A R I N D U Q U E Capitol Boac, Marinduque O FFI C E O F B I D S A N D AWA R D S C O M M I T T E E Invitation to Bid Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for Upgrading of BoacMogpog via Tagwak-Danao- Mataas na Bayan Provincial Road The Marinduque Provincial Government, through the KALSADA PROGRAM intends to apply the sum of FORTY THREE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED NINETY FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED SEVENTY FOUR PESOS & 53/100 (Php43,594,974.53) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for Upgrading of Boac-Mogpog via Tagwak-Danao- Mataas na Bayan Provincial Road. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The Marinduque Provincial Government now invites bids for Furnishing labor, materials and equipment for Upgrading of Boac-Mogpog via Tagwak-DanaoMataas na Bayan Provincial Road. Completion of the Works is required 248 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

The Marinduque Provincial Government will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November 18, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque, which shall be open to all interested parties. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before December 01, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on December 01, 2016, 10:00 AM at Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The Marinduque Provincial Government reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: ALMA C. TIMTIMAN BAC Head Secretariat Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque (042)-332-0722 www.marinduque.gov.ph (Sgd) BARON JOSE L. LAGRAN BAC Chairman

( M S - N O V. 11, 2 016)

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan Municipality of Hermosa Tel.No. (047-633-1531 to 34) Telefax No. (047) 633-1531 to 34 E-mail address:hermosa_bataan@yahoo.com INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID The MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF HERMOSA, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors to apply for eligibility and, if found eligible, to bid for the following contract: Contract ID

4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from City Government of San Pedro, Laguna and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 8:30AM to 9:30 AM only. Office of the BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on thedate, time and address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php 5,000.00.

16CRN041

Name of Project

Purchase of One (1) Unit Payloader

Location

Hermosa, Bataan

Brief Description

Specifications:Engine:6BTAA5.9-C130(cummins), Bkt. Capacity: 2.5 cubic meter, Rated speed:2200 r/min, Operating Weight: 12,000 kg., Rated Power: 92/97 kw, Rated Load: 1.85 tons, Dump Height: 3800 mm, Tires: 17.5 x 25, Overall Dimension: 8390 x 2245 x 3450 mm and Long Arm

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) :

P 2,500,000.00

Contract Duration

15 Calendar Days

The BAC will conduct this public bidding in accordance with R.A.9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations Part A. To be eligible to bid for this contract, a bidder/supplier must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF HERMOSA, (b) Filipino Citizen or 60% Filipinoowned partnership/corporation to the type and cost of this contract, (c) completion of similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC, and (d) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment/cash deposit certificate for at least 10% of ABC or. The MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF HERMOSA will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check, preliminary examination of bids, post qualification, and award. The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:

November 10 – December 1, 2016 8:30AM – 9:30AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

Activities

Schedule

1. Submission of Letter of Issuance of Bid Documents

November 18, 2016 10:00 AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

5. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before the specified date and time. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Intent/

10:00 AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna

6. The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bid. Further, City Government of San Pedro, Laguna, reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to:

November 11 to 29, 2016 (Regular Office Hours)

2. Pre-Bid conference

November 15, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.

Venue

Mayor’s Conference Rm. 2nd floor

3. Submission and Receipts of Bids

November 29, 2016 – 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Venue

Mayor’s Conference Rm. 2nd floor

December 1, 2016

Bid opening shall be on the same date and time for deadline of submission of eligibility requirements and submission of bids and shall be conducted at the Office of the BAC Secretariat. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address given above. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Mr. Merlin B. Paala Office of the BAC Secretariat San Pedro City Hall San Pedro, Laguna Telefax No. 847.1722 (sgd.) ENGR. FILEMON I. SIBULO Chairman Bids and Awards Committee

Notice is hereby given that the Estates of the late FELIX B. MORALES, who died on April 30, 1989 at Pangasinan Medical Center, Inc. has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF FELIX B. MORALES WITH WAIVER OF SHARES AND TRANSFER OF RIGHTS among their heirs over a parcel of land covered by TCT No. 34712; the heirs agreed to adjudicate among themselves, that they release, waive and transfer their rights in favor of their co-heirs, EMER JOHN M. MACAPAGAL and ELTON JOHN M. MACAPAGAL, the parcel of land and existing improvements covered by TCT No. 34712; as per instrument dated June 28, 2016; known as per Doc. No. 432;Page No. 88; Book No. III; Series of 2016 under the Notary Public ATTY. CLAUDETTE C. TOLENTINO.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

In addition,bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND OPENING OF BIDS:

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF FELIX B. MORALES WITH WAIVER OF SHARES AND TRANSFER OF RIGHTS

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee from the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Php25,000.00.

3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

PRE-BID:

change and now our crops fail before we harvest,” she said. The Zimbabwe government is yet to approve the mass distribution of the seeds, but the product is already available at some agricultural outlets. AFP

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Provincial Government of Marinduque and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the Bids & Awards Committee, Capitol Compound, Boac, Marinduque from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Delivery of the Goods is required within thirty (30) days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

ISSUANCE OF ELIGIBILITY AND BIDDING DOCUMENTS:

scientiﬁc intervention, saying she was counting on hybrids becoming widespread as soon as possible. “Long ago, we used to farm maize with no problems but now we have a problem with climate

4. Eligibility Screening/Opening of Bids

November 29, 2016 @ 9:00 a.m.

Venue

Mayor’s Conference Rm. 2nd floor

The BAC will issue copies of Bid documents at the same address to eligible bidders upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos ( P 2,500.00 ) to the Municipal Treasurer of Hermosa. The MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF HERMOSA reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid to annul the Bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. Approved by: (SGD) ATTY. JOSEPH MARIO S. SABADO BAC Chairman

(MS-NOV. 11, 2016)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

World

Trump triumph deals big blow to US brand N EW YORK―With his stunning election triumph, Donald Trump has emblazoned his name in golden letters on the brand of the United States. The superpower of soft power that produces much of the world’s most-loved music, movies and technology on Tuesday chose a president who is wildly unpopular in close US allies. Trump’s surprise election could have far-reaching effects for the US image with potential consequences for companies, universities and tourism. Still, the extent of Trump’s impact remains to be seen. Most foreigners presumably can differentiate between politics and people, and America’s best-known entertainers overwhelmingly backed rival Hillary Clinton. The presidency itself has long been key to the US global image,

with popular ﬁlms and television series such as “Air Force One” and “The West Wing” depicting wise, principled presidents, and embassies around the world throwing election watch parties to showcase the peaceful transition of power. The harsh tone of the campaign, and the protests that followed Trump’s victory, undercut that message this time, said Nicholas Cull, a professor of public diplomacy at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School. “I think it’s unsettling to audiences around the world, especially as part of Trump’s approach is to be tough and to be rude around foreigners―saying he is going to teach China a lesson, or that China

has been ‘raping’ the American economy, or to say that NATO allies are not pulling their weight,” Cull said. “However, on the other side of that, I think people around the world are not stupid and they recognize an American version of a kind of politics that is occurring in many countries,” said Cull, referring to the rise of populist leaders. The foreign image of the United States has shifted sharply in the recent past. Outside much of the Islamic world, strong majorities in major countries have consistently seen the United States favorably since President Barack Obama took ofﬁce in 2009, according to annual surveys by the Pew Research Center. The enduring popularity of the United States under its ﬁrst African American president was a marked change after wide criticism of the country among European allies following president George W. Bush’s invasion of Iraq. Trump, a brash tycoon who

has boasted of forcing himself on women and has no experience in government, has an abysmally low image in much of the world with Russia a rare exception. The Pew survey released in June found that only single-digit percentages in US allies France, Germany and Japan were conﬁdent about his decision-making in world affairs. The drag on the US image could be particularly acute to the travel and tourism industry, which has been growing steadily with help from the marketing ﬁrm Brand USA, set up under a 2010 law. The United States last year was the largest recipient of foreign tourists after France, with the tourism industry accounting for 7.6 million jobs directly or indirectly. Trump has called for a ban on all Muslim visitors and a wall to block the border with Mexico, the biggest source of visitors to the United States after Canada. AFP

North Korea warns new administration SEOUL―North Korea on Thursday warned the incoming Donald Trump administration will have to acknowledge it as a nuclear state, as the South said the maverick billionaire had pledged to protect it. The United States maintains it cannot accept North Korea as a nuclear power, despite it conducting five nuclear tests―including two in 2016―and has pushed harsh international sanctions against the Pyongyang regime. “If there is anything the Obama administration has done... it has put the security of the US mainland in the greatest danger,” said an editorial carried by North Korea’s ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun. “It has burdened the new administration with the difficulty of facing the Juche nuclear state,” it said, referring to the North Korean ideology usually translated as “self-reliance”. The editorial, which did not mention Trump by name, follows growing calls for the United States to change tack on North Korea, with US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper last month labeling the attempts to denuclearise the North a lost cause. President Barack Obama has made talks with the North conditional on Pyongyang first making some tangible commitment towards de-nuclearization, but Thursday’s editorial called the goal an “outdated illusion”. Although Trump has not laid out a clear direction for his policy on North Korea, he has indicated that he would be open to

negotiations with its leader Kim Jong-Un in the US to talk him out of his nuclear ambitions. Trump caused consternation during his campaign when he threatened to withdraw the troops unless Seoul paid more for their upkeep, and suggested South Korea and Japan develop their own nuclear weapons to counter threats from Pyongyang. But in a phone call with South Korean President Park Geun-Hye on Thursday, Trump vowed that US commitment on protecting its ally against the North “will not waver”. “We are going to be with you 100 percent,” Trump said, according to a statement from South Korea’s Blue House. “We will be steadfast and strong with respect to working with you to protect against the instability in North Korea,” Seoul quoted him as saying. North Korea has been hit by five sets of UN sanctions since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006. After Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test in January, the Security Council adopted the toughest sanctions resolution to date, targeting North Korea’s trade in minerals and tightening banking restrictions. Council members are currently debating a fresh resolution after the North’s fifth nuclear test in September. According to Security Council diplomats, the negotiations are focused on closing loopholes and zeroing in on North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile technology industry. AFP

Threat seen to Fed policy, independence WASHINGTON―Donald Trump’s surprise victory in the US presidential race raises new questions over Federal Reserve policy in the short run and the central bank’s vital operational independence over the longer term. How his proposed, dramatic policy shifts impact the economy could influence Fed plans to resume raising interest rates after a year’s hiatus, which was widely expected to begin in December. Meanwhile, Trump’s sharp attacks on the Fed and especially Chair Janet Yellen during the campaign, some worry, could lead to greater political interference in monetary policy. “We are in a big, fat, ugly bubble. And we have a Fed that’s doing political things, this Janet Yellen of the Fed,” Trump charged during the campaign. “The day [President Barack] Obama goes out ... to the golf course for the rest of his life to play golf, when they raise interest rates, you are going to see some very bad things happen,” he said. In fact, the Fed has been hinting at raising rates for months and prior to the election most expectations were that it would do so in its December policy meeting. But that was when Democrat Hillary Clinton, who espoused continuity in economic policy, was expected to win Tuesday. With the Trump victory, some analysts say a rate increase could again be off the table. “As of right now, the chance of a December hike probably is no more than one in three,” said Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics. Paul Ashworth, of Capitol Economics, however said it depends on how the markets generally respond to Trump’s election. If the markets turn negative and stay there, he said, “the Fed will hold off in December.” Yellen has steadfastly insisted that monetary policy moves are not influenced by politics, and she bristled at Trump’s accusations. Some say the combination of continued economic momentum, and the need to show independence from Trump, could in fact support a rate increase at the December 13-14 policy meeting. “We still think the Fed hikes in December,”said David Kotok, chairman of Cumberland Advisors. Trump’s announced economic policies, including spending big on infrastructure projects, tax cuts, and protectionist moves on trade, could add to inflationary pressure that would further support a Fed hike, according to Fed specialist Tim Duy. “There is going to be some concern that this next presidency will have a powerful fiscal stimulus,” he said. “A forward-looking central bank should be considering that and considering raising interest rates.” Even so, Trump’s populist, interventionist declarations have shaken the market’s confidence in the Fed’s ability to protect its independence. For two years Republicans in Congress have repeatedly attacked Yellen for not following their policy guidance, their views on bank regulations, and for not being transparent over the inner workings of the central bank. AFP

WAITING. Indian bank customers wait to deposit 500 and 1000 Indian currency notes at a bank in Amritsar on November 10, 2016. Long queues formed outside banks in India as they reopened for the ﬁrst time since the government’s shock decision to withdraw the two largest denomination notes from circulation. AFP

Republican fared well despite sex-assault claims LOS ANGELES―Despite the sex assault allegations hounding him, fat-shaming a former beauty queen and his controversial abortion stand, a large number of women voters helped put Donald Trump in the White House. Though his rival, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, clinched 54 percent of the female vote, Trump was backed by 42 percent of women voters, which contributed to his stunning victory, according to CNN exit polls. Some 53 percent of white women voters supported the Republican candidate, CNN said, the majority of them (62 percent) non-college educated. The results upended predictions that sexist and degrading comments Trump made against women would sway female voters―who accounted for about

52 percent of the electorate Tuesday―in favor of a candidate that could have broken the glass ceiling. Experts said the outcome is not surprising, and reﬂects an election in which issues about the economy, jobs and immigration were much higher on all voters’ priority list than gender issues. “At the heart of it is what was driving all voters,” said Diane Heith, professor and chair of the Department of Government and Politics at St. John’s University in New York. Heith said although the leaked Access Hollywood tape in which Trump boasted about groping women, and his disparaging comments about a former Miss Universe had made many women cringe, it was not enough to turn them against the candidate.

“There was no sisterhood created,” Heith said. “The issue of how he treated women did not overshadow the attitudes these individuals already had―being disaffected and how they had been treated by the establishment elite of which Hillary was absolutely part of.” Still, the real estate magnate’s shock win has left many women struggling to cope with the election of a president whose misogynistic behavior was disregarded at the polls. “More than half of white women voted for the man who bragged about committing sexual assault on tape, who said he would appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade ... who has spent 30-plus years in the public eye reducing women to their sexual attributes,” wrote L.V. Anderson in an article in the online current

affairs magazine Slate. “White women sold out their fellow women, their country, and themselves last night,” added the author. “Most white women don’t want to be part of an intersectional feminist sisterhood. Most white women just want to be one of the guys. And we will all suffer for it.” One issue of particular concern for women―both Democrats and Republicans―will be how Trump deals with abortion rights while in the White House. Trump moved further and further to the right on abortion during his campaign, at one point suggesting that women who seek to terminate their pregnancy should be subject “to some form of punishment” should abortion be outlawed. He backtracked on his remarks following an outcry. But it’s unclear where he really

stands on the issue, especially considering his running mate Mike Pence’s views on abortion. As governor of Indiana, Pence pushed for some of the most abortion-restrictive regulations in the country and has fought to defund Planned Parenthood, which offers reproductive health services, including abortions, to mostly lower-income Americans. “American women who are seeking reproductive freedom should be concerned about a Trump-Pence presidency,” Heith said. Juliet Williams, professor of gender studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, said Trump’s shocking win could be attributed to a disconnect―both among Republicans and Democrats―when it came to women’s voting. AFP

5 things Korean

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com

DESTINATIONS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

we should be raving about Y

ES, we know, Korean things and people are so cool and cute. KPop has taken the world by storm and Korean skin is #goals. Practically anything Korean gets Filipino millennials excited in this day and age.

Here are the top 5 hype-worthy Korean things that we are #ATM (at the moment) crazy about. Check the list and try out the items you haven’t yet. 1. Korean food This has to be on top of the list because everyone who loves Korean food knows that they are flavorful and well, spicy. A Korean pancake called Hoeddeok may be something new to get acquainted with but it is worth the try. It is a flat dough with a mixture of cinnamon, honey, brown sugar and peanut which can be bought on the streets of Korea and available in restaurants here in Manila. One of the latest trends is the famous Korean dessert Bingsu. A cold dessert, it is made up of shaved ice and toppings of your choice like mango, chocolate, coffee and other delightful flavors. Lastly, for those who are into soups, there is a dish called Hobakjuk. It is a Korean porridge soup from steamed pumpkin and glutinous rice. ***** 2. Korean Makeup Although Korean beauty products are available almost everywhere, there might still be a few things missing in your makeup kits. Like the cushion compact which is one of the must-have Korean beauty products today. Another Korean beauty trend to try out are anything brown or nude make up. Although it’s not limited to Korea only since you can get any brown eye shadow or lip color anywhere, it is the trend with Korean girls since the brown color accentuates their faces giving a more dramatic look.

***** 3. Skin and Dental Products If you have watched any of the new beauty tutorials on YouTube, it probably included Korean face mask. Face masks are extremely popular in Korea for their exfoliating, cleansing and relaxing properties. What’s good about the Korean facemasks is that they come in various fun and light scents such as banana, peach, mango, and even chocolate which adds more enjoyment to the experience. Another product to like is the cute neon-colored Cleene CLIO Toothbrushes from Philusa Corporation. It has anti-bacterial bristles that assure your teeth to be thoroughly cleaned without harming your gums thanks to its soft bristles. The products are available in the country but imported from Korea and went through strict quality control. The Cleene CLIO Toothbrush is one great way to have a fun brushing experience, Korean-style. ***** *****

5. Korean fashion Oversized T-shirts are another Korean favorite these days. There are a lot of versions to it like an oversized T-shirt with a long trail that is good to pair with high-waist shorts or pants. There are some that are oversized enough to be used as dresses. Another Korean fashion trend to rave about are pastel-colored bottoms – shorts, pants or skirts. The colors provide a welcome break from a sea of jeans and dark-colored bottoms.

4. Korean Pop Music and Koreanovelas Now who can forget about the famous 2NE1 girl group, which Sandara Park is a member? The same label that created 2NE1, YG Entertainment, recently introduced another girl group, the Blackpink now on its way to the top–fast. Its debut album Square One already has two hit music videos, “Boombayah” and ‘”Whistle.” Meanwhile, Filipinos were hooked on a famous Korean drama series (or what we commonly call Koreanovelas) Descendants of the Sun. And why not, after all, it is one great love story about two characters, Captain Yoo Shi Jin who goes head over heels for Dr. Kang Mo Yeon all during an intense time in their country. ***** So whether it’s food, clothing or a fun toothbrush, Korean things are definitely something to have in your homes or closets. Have a great Korean experience.

Filinvest Mimosa’s new estate general manager AT quarter past six in the morning, Mike Jawad gets off his bed, dons his most comfortable sneakers, and takes a leisurely walk at the new Filinvest Mimosa estate, surveying the vast land of its potential, and of course, the challenges the property brings. Mike is the newly appointed General Manager of Filinvest Mimosa, which houses Quest Hotel and Conference Center and the Mimosa Golf Course featuring two, tournament ready, 18-hole courses. Mike identifies himself as a 24/7, on-duty general manager, as he currently resides in the hotel. This was a conscious decision by him though, saying it’s a lot more advantageous. “Living in-house has allowed me

to have a different perspective of the hotel and the estate. Perhaps this kind of practice is not liked by many, but I prefer it as it gives me a better insight on the operations and allows me to spot the discrepancies that the hotel may have before even guests arrive.” says Mike. “This is especially true when all the department heads and managers are not yet on board, which gives me a totally different view of the hotel, its outlets and the rest of the property,” he added. As general manager, the Pakistani national from Dubai is responsible for overseeing the long-term development and establishment goals of the estate. “Apart from ensuring the profitability of the hotel and golf course,

my most important goal and focus is to guarantee the satisfaction of our customers—that they choose our hotel not only as a hotel but as a preferred destination for business, as well as a leisure getaway.” Prior to working in the Philippines, Mike has worked in the USA, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. He realized his early potentials in hospitality management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in USA, having completed its Hotel Administration program. Mike holds an MBA, major in Business and Marketing, also from UNLV. He brings 20 years of education and experience to the Philippines and sees it as a very exciting destination for travel and leisure because of the country’s

natural penchant for excellent hospitality practices. While Mike is fluent in English, Arabic, Turkish and Hindi, he says that he’s excited to learn the Filipino language. Chroma Hospitality, Inc., the hotel management company of Filinvest Development Corporation also operates the luxury Crimson Resort and Spa in Mactan, Cebu, Crimson Hotel in Filinvest City, Manila, Quest Hotel Cebu City, and will soon open the highly anticipated Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay in 2017. For inquiries and bookings, you may contact (02) 845-1888, (045) 599-8000 or (02) 843-1363 or visit clark.questhotels.com and mimosagolf.com.

Pakistani national Mike Jawad is named the new general manager of Filinvest Mimosa

Life

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

Oba, Oba, Brazil

The Copacabana Beach, with its 4-km stretch of powdery white sand, makes Rio de Janeiro the fun capital of South America

OT only did two weeks in Rio de Janeiro make me use with ease the Brazilian/Portuguese interjection “Oba, Oba” (which means Wow! or, Amazing!), it also convinced MERCURY RISING me that Brazil has to be in BY BOB ZOZOBRADO everybody’s bucket list. There is so much to see, to marvel at and to do in this country, the biggest in the South American continent. I stayed at a hotel right along Copacabana Beach, the four-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand facing the Atlantic Ocean, which is one of the reasons why the country is very popular among fun-loving tourists. I learned that the original beach used to be just a thin sliver of white sand, not enough to accommodate sunbathers. But in the early 1970s, the government decided to do something to prevent the sea from reaching the houses along the beach during typhoons. A large landfill took care of that problem, consequently increasing the beach area, giving Copacabana Beach the aesthetics that has made it famous. Then there is Cristo Redentor (Christ The Redeemer), the biggest statue of Jesus Christ in the world, and recently named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Perched on top of Corcovado Mountain, overlooking the entire city of Rio de Janeiro and the surrounding bay, the statue is two-thirds the size of the Statue of Liberty (officially known as Liberty Enlightening The World) and has become the iconic symbol of Brazil. Its outstretched arms signify peace, but tourist guides are quick to claim that the country wants to show visitors that Jesus Christ himself welcomes them to Rio, as the statue is

popular Astrud Gilberto bossa nova hit song in the mid-60s, I made sure I would spend time in Ipanema. The girl referred to in the song is Helo Pinheiro, at that time, a very attractive 17-year-old girl living in Ipanema. Every day, she would walk past the same bar-café, when she leaves her house to go anywhere. Sometimes, she would even go inside the bar to get cigarettes for her mother and would be complimented with wolf-whistles when she leaves. In The Imperial Palace, now the Imperial Museum, in Petropolis used to be the summer residence of the Brazilian Emperor

very visible to those arriving in the city by plane or by ship. A little over an hour away north of Rio de Janeiro is Petropolis, also known as The Imperial City, simply because it is where the Brazilian Emperor had his beautiful summer residence. Now, that building is being used as the Imperial Museum, with loads of precious artifacts detailing the history of the country. Very much like our Baguio City, Petropolis has cool climate throughout the year, except during winter when the temperature goes down to as low as 11 degrees Centigrade. But my visit to Rio would not have been complete if I didn’t go to Ipanema Beach, which is just at the southern end of Copacabana Beach. Taking a cue from the very

one of those times, noted Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim saw her walk by the bar, was mesmerized by her beauty coupled with her distinct sensuous gait, and the rest is history. Car iocas, the name given to residents of Rio de Janeiro, are just like us, FiliThe Cristo Redentor (Christ The Redeemer) is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World

pinos. They also love to have fun, eat and party. Of course, they love the Samba, best performed during the weeklong Pre-Lenten Carnival in Rio, the biggest, most famous, most colorful, and longest street dancing event in the world. Groups participating in the event are called Samba schools. Each school dons their chosen costume and performs a particular set of synchronized Samba steps. Close to a hundred Samba schools take part in the celebration, each with hundreds of participants dressed in extremely colorful and dazzling get-ups. Another discovery I had about Brazil recently is the Acai (pronounced “asa-ee”) berry, which is indigenous to the country. This small, round, dark-purple fruit of the Acai palms is reported to purvey health benefits,

like lowering cholesterol, decreasing body weight, improving memory, reversing diabetes and is even believed to be an aphrodisiac. Its popularity has surged in recent years that a local Filipino company has marketed a concentrated health supplement, Organique Acai Premium Blend, which is processed and bottled in California. Cathy Salimbangon, executive vice president of Organique, underscores the company’s commitment to encourage Filipinos to lead a happy, fulfilling life. I’m sure she wants all of us to be able to party some more and enjoy what life and the world has in store for us. And so, as the Cariocas are wont to proclaim, “Oba, Oba to life!” For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

YOUR FRIDAY CHUCKLE A little boy says, “Dad, I heard that, in some parts of Africa, a man doesn’t know his wife until he marries her.” “Son,” says the Dad “that happens everywhere.”

Tourist, retiree’s haven NEGROS ORIENTAL’S peaceful and serene surroundings enhanced by its distinct natural, historical and cultural buildings make it for a perfect retirement destination, as well as a tourist attraction. “This is where you’d want to live,” Undersecretary Katherine Chloe de Castro of the Department of Tourism (DoT) said at Buglasan Festival. The 10-day Buglasan Festival of Festivals is the summit of celebrations, bringing together the year’s finest celebrations of Negros Oriental’s 20 towns and five cities. De Castro said the tranquil location and genteel people perfectly suit DoT’s thrust to promote accessibility and tourism for all. “Under the Duterte administration, the work we do at DoT contributes meaningfully to the objective of inclusivity, encompassing to all sectors of society, including the poor rural and urban folks, people with disability, elderly, youth and underprivileged Filipinos,” De Castro continued. Negros Oriental’s visitor arrivals have constantly grown over the years, from a

total of 260,312 in 2011 to 625,295 in 2015, bulk of which are domestic tourists coming to the provincial capital Dumaguete City. Of the total arrivals last year, 517,016 were domestic travelers while 104,926 were foreigners and 3,353 were balikbayans, the DoT data show. At least 490,046 of the 2015 total came to Dumaguete City. Nicknamed “The City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete City was rated by Forbes magazine as the “fourth best city in the world to live in” while readers of the New York Times voted it as one of the top five cities for its healthy and low cost of living. “In line with the DoT’s Policy Direction make sure that we preserve the beauty of our destinations, highlight the best of our culture, and project the best image of our country and our people on the world stage,” she added. Governor Roel Ragay Degamo also said the province is conducive to artistic, scholarly and entrepreneurial pursuits, prompting him to establish a foundation

Department of Tourism Undersecretary Katherine de Castro (third from left) said during Buglasan Festival that Negros Oriental's tranquil location and genteel people make it an ideal tourist destination

for culture and the arts for nurturing the God-given talents of the local youth in music and theater. “Negros Oriental now ranked as sec-

ond among the provinces of Central Visayas in terms of the number of domestic and international visitor-arrivals. Our strategy is to complement each

other and not compete with each other in terms of the tourism products and services of the different destinations in the Philippines,” Degamo declared.

New BAE 146-200 for Skyjet

The boutique airline acquired a 'Whispering Jet' from a Peruvian operator

SKYJET AIRLINES, Manila’s boutique airline, acquired an additional BAE 146-200 aircraft model from a Peruvian operator. The aircraft arrived in October, which boosting flights to Batanes (daily), Coron (Busuanga), twice daily, and Boracay (Caticlan) thrice daily. Skyjet has the fastest flights to dream destinations, specializing

Short Take-Off/Landing that’s perfect and ideal for the Philippines’ airports with short runways. The BAE 146 is also known as the “Whispering Jet.” The Skyjet ticketing office is at Terminal 4, Domestic road, Pasay City, Unit 08 Aseana One Building, Bradco Ave., Paranaque City, ( Tel. no. (02) 8867186). In Batanes, it is

on Cantor Street cor. Reyes Street, Brgy. Kayvaluganan, Basco, Batanes. In Coron, G/F Gateway Hotel Bldg. Coron, (Tel. no. 0915-3469895, 0915-3469895, 0939-0197304730, 0917-8537430). In Boracay, G/F Naya Building, Mainroad, Brgy. Balabag Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. (Tel. no. (036) 2889130, 0917-8074798

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

PEOPLE

PAT BOONE

in Manila for a Christmas concert

...are talking about Janella Salvador Disney has a new movie and the teen actress is tasked to sing the theme song for its Philippine release. Earlier this week in Singapore, Disney announced that it has tapped some female singers in Southeast Asia to sing the theme song for Moana, the newest addition to the list of Disney movies about princesses. As the fantasy ﬁlm hits the local theaters this month, people will also remember Janella for being part of this big screen offering.

ON DEC. 6 AT BIG DOME

Jodi Sta. Maria She’s made a brave confession that she turned to drugs and alcohol after her five-year marriage with Pampi Lacson collapsed. But for the record, she’s sober now. Since, her failed marriage, Jodi has kept herself busy with work. She even engaged herself in meaningful causes. Who would have thought she was experiencing some sort of “dark days”? We didn’t see her look wasted to begin with. The Third Party We are having a dose of gay themed mainstream movies of late, among them is the Star Cinema film starring Angel Locsin, Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo. It was received better than the other gay films for earning P10 million on its first day. It breached the 100-peso-mark on its third week making it one of the biggest local films this year.

...are not talking about Ruffa Gutierrez Ghostwriting for a celebrity stands today as a rising industry. Imagine almost every month at least one popular bookstore is cordoned off for the launch of a book purportedly written by a showbiz personality. Meanwhile, Ruffa is at the center of online bashing after the release of her book early this week. The now published author is being questioned for her claim to be an expert in the ﬁeld of love and relationship when in fact she didn’t have any stable or successful romantic life. Sometimes, trolls do make sense.

Mark Anthony Fernandez The actor’s wrist is currently wrapped with gauze. Rumor has it that he slashed his wrist after his petition to move to a more spacious provincial jail was denied. As far as we know, his last name is Fernandez and not Estrada or Revilla. In short, he’s neither a VIP nor an inﬂuential personality.

Luis Manzano He’s one of the most active celebrities on social media. As a result, he’s an easy target of online trolls who spend all their days surﬁng Facebook, Twitter and Instagram just to irritate people online. Sadly, Luis almost turned himself into one of them as he constantly lashes at them whenever he doesn’t agree with their comments. What do we call again the people who stoop down to the level of their detractors?

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Friday, November 11, 2016

ACROSS 1 Dogs, slangily 5 Fake 10 All, in combos 14 Easy gait 15 Hawaii hi 16 Speckled horse 17 DOS alternative 18 Asian capital 19 Wharf 20 “The Pina Colada Song” 22 Icily 24 Insensitive to pain 26 The Bard’s river 27 Wall covering 30 Gold Rush state 34 Mouse alert 35 Junk food, maybe 38 Relax in the pool 39 — chi ch’uan 40 Stadium levels 42 Mongrel 43 Organic compound 46 Some are raw 48 Chiang — -shek 49 Blushing 51 Hanging plant 53 Averages 55 Salver 56 Stand for

60 Admires oneself 64 Hound’s track 65 Ms. LaBelle 67 Claw or talon 68 Lover of Aeneas 69 John of “Crocodile Rock” 70 Woody’s son 71 Hoofed animal 72 Breezy talk 73 Lots and lots DOWN 1 Furnace duct 2 Many centuries 3 Grand in scale 4 Lubbock residents 5 Cellar 6 Fiesta cheer 7 Careless mistake 8 Lieutenant under Kirk 9 Digestive fluid 10 Type of number 11 Sometimes it swings 12 Ocean compound 13 Pitch-dark 21 Delays, with “off” 23 Outdoor game 25 Cornrow

27 Townshend and Seeger 28 Dog walker’s aid 29 Japanese canine 31 Foot warmers 32 One of the Hawaiian Islands 33 Courtyards 36 So-so grade 37 Strong brown paper 41 Soup eater’s sound 44 Napoleon, e.g.

45 Caboose’s spot 47 “Lion King” villain 50 Hangs loosely 52 Carrion feeders 54 Conk out 56 “Sweeney —” 57 Comics pooch 58 Ore deposit 59 Jazzy — James 61 Tarzan’s title 62 Cairo’s river 63 Dilatory 66 Freight weight

American singer and composer Pat Boone is popularly known for his wholesome pop hits in the 1950s and hosting of evangelical radio and television programs

THE concert scene resonates with the sweet and merry sound of Christmas songs from one of the most successful and most popular pop singers in the 1950s. Pat Boone comes for a special concert on Dec. 6 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. The one-night-only Christmas offering from Ovation Productions, dubbed A Merry Christmas with Pat Boone, will usher in the Yuletide season’s musical entertainment calendar featuring top local and foreign acts during what is considered to be the biggest, merriest and longest Christmas celebration in the world. A big number of music enthusiasts is expected to turn out at the Big Dome and give the acclaimed American pop star a rousing welcome when he takes center stage in his trademark white buck shoes, perfectly combed hair and a gleaming smile on his handsome, clean-cut face. He will spread holiday cheers to his Pinoy audience as he sings his most popular Christmas carols, such as “White Christmas,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night,” I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “God Rest\Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “O Little Town Of Bethlehem,” “Winter Wonderland,” “O Holy Night,” “First Noel,” “Silver Bells,” and. many more. He will also perform his greatest hits, including “Love Letters In The Sand,” “Ain’t That A Shame,,” “Friendly Persuasion,” Bernardine,” “April Love,” “Speedy Gonzales,” “Deep Purple,” “Blueberry Hill,” “Fascination,” “Tennessee Waltz,” among many others.. Boone made his professional recording debut in 1955. His career attained greater heights when he set several new records in music and entertainment that have remained unsurpassed until today. Aside from selling over 45 million records, he has scored 38 Top 40 hits and appeared in more than 15 Hollywood movies. Arguably the best crooner of his time, Boone has been listed by Billboard as the second biggest charting artist of the late ‘50s, behind only Elvis Presley and ahead of Ricky Nelson and The Platters. He was also ranked at No. 9 – behind The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney but ahead of artists such as Aretha Franklin and The Beach Boys – in the magazine’s listing of the Top 100 Top 40 Artists for 1955-1995. He still holds Billboard’s record for spending 220 consecutive weeks on the charts with one or more songs each week. The new millennium saw the singer turning out regular releases featuring a diverse batch of albums that included Christmas songs, most of which are in his playlist for his coming Big Dome concert on Dec. 6. The album collection also includes patriotic standards, a tribute to the Ink Spots, classic R&B songs and 2015’s “Pat Boone’s Favorite Bible Stories & Sing-Along Songs.”. A Merry Christmas with Pat Boone is presented by Ovation Productions. Tickets are priced at P5,810, P5,280, P4,755, P3,700 and P2,640 and are available at all Ticketnet outlets and online at www.ticketnet.com or call 9115555.

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

ARAH Geronimo is a hundred percent ready and energized for her special show on Nov. 29, 8 p.m. at the Kia Theatre.

In The Great Unknown Unplugged, Sarah will again display her ﬂair in singing. “Yes, 100% back na. ‘Yung mindset ko is talagang energized, mas motivated to work even harder,” enthused Sarah in an interview after her two-month break. “I’d like to focus more sa music ko at i-promote ‘yung mga nakaraang album ko. Hindi ko kasi talaga na-promote nang maayos. We are planning na talagang mailabas ‘yung magagandang tracks dito sa latest album ko. Pitching pa lang ng new movie. Concert planning stage pa lang din po, TV shows, wala pa po,” she adds. Sarah has just won Female Concert Performer of the Year at the recently concluded Star Awards for M-TV for her two-night all-original song concert From The Top held at Smart Araneta in December last year. She was also one of the nominees at the 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards - Best Southeast Asia Act category alongside Vietnam’s Dong Nhi, Singapore’s Gentle Bones, Indonesia’s Raisa Andriana, Thailand’s Thaitanium, and Yuna’s Malaysia. And while she’s planning for her major concert, her music is her main concentration. Tickets for The Great Unknown Unplugged are P2,500 (orchestra), P1,750 (loge), P1,000 (balcony) – exclusive of ticket charges. Available at TicketNet outlets. For inquiries, please call 911-555 or VIVA Live 687-7236. The Popstar Royalty invites all her fans, and supporters to watch her show on Nov. 29 at the Kia Theatre, “Sana po makanood kayo. Magkita-kita po tayo.” *** GMA Network hosted a welcome celebration for eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao upon his arrival in Manila on Nov. 8. The Network’s ofﬁcers along with distinguished guests were present at the breakfast organized by his home network to congratulate him for his victory over Jessie Vargas. Solar Entertainment Chairman William Tieng and Solar Entertainment President and CEO Wilson Tieng also congratulated the Senator.

Showbiz high in national TV ratings. Resurgence: Pacquiao versus According to data from Kantar Vargas was telecast on Philippine Media, the episode recorded 17.6 free TV last Sunday on GMA percent nationwide, a 7.2-lead Network and on Solar Sports on cable. ISAH V. RED versus rival program Trops, which only got 10.4 percent. *** Netizens also shared kilig and This Saturday in Wagas, Paolo excitement online as the show’s Contis and LJ Reyes bring to life a timely story on how drugs can make or break a official hashtag #BMLTheProposal also topped the list of the trending topics on Twitter. relationship. As the story continues, the two faces a new Aying (Paolo) is a self-confessed drug addict and trouble-maker. He meets Nancy (LJ), a beautiful challenge in their journey to forever and that is to vendor in a wet market. Smitten by her, Aying get the approval of Phil’s mother Chelsea (Priscilla Mereilles). Will Chelsea accept Pinang as her soondecides to hide and get away from his dark world. The two eventually get married but their marriage to-be daughter-in-law? Be My Lady airs weekdays at 11:30 a.m. before is rocked by one disaster to another. Aying goes back to his addiction. It does not take long before It’s Showtime in ABS-CBN’s PrimeTanghali. For Nancy finds out about everything. She realizes she updates, follow @bemyladyabscbn on Twitter and Instagram or like www.facebook.com/ does not really know her husband that well. But is it a lost cause? Or will the true love that bemyladyabscbn on Facebook. *** Aying and Nancy have for each other be able to save Catch the highly anticipated second run of their relationship? Will love be able to transform Karylle’s successful concert series titled A Different one person and be able to teach forgiveness? Watch real couple Paolo and LJ this Saturday in Playground at Teatrino in Promenade, Greenhills, 8 p.m. tonight. Wagas, 7 p.m. on GMA News TV. As inspired by the same title of her current full*** More viewers nationwide tuned in to the much- length studio album under Polyeast Records, A awaited proposal of Phil (Daniel Matsunaga) Different Playground is a musical spectacle that to Pinang (Erich Gonzales) last Friday, making showcases Karylle as one of today’s most talented the ABS-CBN primetime and accomplished singers and songwriters in the industry. series Be My Fans and music aficionados alike can look L a d y forward to an evening of amazing music as Karylle score dishes out live chart-topping and iconic OPM songs as well as a sampling of homegrown favorites, party anthems, and standard favorites as well as her multi-platinum hits including her latest single “Balik Tanaw” from her newest CD. Joining Karylle as her very special guests are R&B King JayR, Tatay Antonio of It’s Showtime’s much talked about and top-rating segment “Tawag Ng Tanghalan,” Robin Nievera, and Sponge Cola’s acclaimed frontman, Yael Yuzon. A Different Playground is supported by Gerry’s Grill, Polyeast Records, Belo Medical Group, Sta. Elena Construction and Development Group, and AD Venue. For tickets contact Teatrino at 721-2949 and/or 722-4501 local 116. For more information follow Karylle on Twitter and Instagram at @anakarylle. *** Viewers and loyal fans were the true winners in It’s Showtime’s monthlong seventh anniversary celebration, aptly titled “haPITOgether,” as it served up non-stop surprises and performances that showed what the program is all about. Serving as the highlight of the October festivities, this year’s “Magpasikat Week” performances

Karylle treats her fans to another night of music in the second run of “A Different Playground” concert series

were even more ambitious and spectacular as the hosts faced pressure and tougher competition. For their daring and death-defying performance, the team of Anne Curtis, Amy Perez, and Joey Marquez was declared this year’s “Magpasikat” champion. Aside from Tsang Amy at Tsong Joey’s aerial stunts, what even amazed the crowd was the performance of Anne, and GirlTrends Dawn and Krissha, who rappelled and performed on the side of a building. The group, who was also composed of GirlTrends Miho and Maika and Hashtags Paulo and Ryle, won P300,000, which they donated to their chosen charity. Twin sisters Joj and Jai Agpangan also stunned viewers with their breathtaking aerial stunts performance in the finals of “Clash of Celebrities.” They won P100,000 and beat other finalists, namely actor-rapper Young JV, beauty queen Bea Rose Santiago, The Voice Kids contestant Kyle Echarri, and former PBB housemate Shey Bustamante. Even the past champions returned via the “Clash of Champions” to impress the madlang people once again. The competition declared 2015 Halo-Haloween grand champion Names Going Wild, which won P100,000. Kicking off the “haPITOgether” celebration last month was the Quarter 3 semi-finals of “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” which saw Noven Belleza and Eumee Capile bagging the spots in the singing competition’s grand finals. Aside from these surprises, It’s Showtime ultimately made the madlang people happy by giving away prizes every day, such as appliances and a trip to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, continue to tune in to the vocal battles in “Tawag ng Tanghalan” as it scours for the best singers in the country. In the Quarter 4 of the competition, Mindanao’s Jeramie Sanico and Metro Manila’s Hazelyn Cascano already made it as semi-finalists. Don’t miss It’s Showtime at noon from Monday to Saturday. To get updates, follow the program on Twitter (@ItsShowtimena) or like Facebook.com/ ItsShowtimeNa.