Manila Standard - 2016 December 03 - Saturday by Manila Standard

Militants, cops urge vigilance A LEFTIST lawmaker on Friday said he was wary over the declaration of a nationwide terror alert level 3 by the Philippine National Police due to the alleged spillover of violence by the Maute terrorist group in Mindanao. Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao warned that the Duterte administration should not use this security alert to sow fear among the people, and said this was prone to abuses against those who exercise their democratic rights. “The Duterte government should think of a better way to address the terror threat, if there is really any, and not execute a blanket measure that includes trampling on democratic rights,” Casilao said. Next page

VOL. XXX • NO. 294 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 • www.thestandard.com.ph • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

De Lima ignores pre-trial

HANDCRAFTED LANTERNS. The country’s summer capital, Baguio City, ushers in Yuletide, with the cold Mongolian icy winds blowing south, with a Christmas Lantern Parade this week—the sixth consecutive year--with 4,000 students from Saint Louis University joining the parade in the city’s main streets with their handcrafted and colorfully designed lanterns and costumes. David Chan

By Rey E. Requejo and John Paolo Bencito

Terrorists’ threat hampers drug war

SENATOR Leila de Lima and six other respondents did not show up on Friday during the preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice of the criminal complaints against them accusing them of involvement in the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison. Nonetheless, the Justice Department’s prosecutors gave De Lima and the other respondents up to December 21 to ﬁle their answers. In Malacañang, Communications Assistant Secretary

Maute group vows to behead Duterte, soldiers By Francisco Tuyay

Trump warns relocating US ﬁrms

ETREATING Maute rebels threatened to decapitate President Rodrigo Duterte and military officials who drove them out of Butig town in Lanao del Sur, even as Philippine National Police chief Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa said the terrorists’ real aim was to disrupt the government’s relentless campaign against illegal drugs in Mindanao. “The illegal drug operations in the region have been badly affected by the PNP’s operations, prompting them to tap terrorists in an effort to ease the pressure,” Dela Rosa said. The police chief acknowledged, however, that this was his personal view and not the official PNP position. Earlier this week, the military drove the some 200 members of the Maute group from their positions in Butig town in Lanao del Sur in six days of heavy fighting in which 62 terrorists were killed. The group vowed revenge Friday. “Better hide. Be wary, Duterte. We’ll have your head,” a parting message left by the terrorists on

INDIANAPOLIS--US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday warned American firms wanting to relocate abroad that they will face punishment, as he announced a deal with air conditioning manufacturer Carrier to keep jobs in the country. “Companies are not going to leave the United States any more without consequences. Not going to happen,” Trump told workers at the Carrier plant in Indianapolis in his first major public remarks since winning the White House. “They can leave from state to state, and negotiate deals with different states, but leaving the country will be very, very difficult,” Trump added. During the presidential campaign, the Republican billionaire threatened to slap tariffs on firms that decamped for places like Mexico or Asia where labor costs are cheaper. It became a repeated refrain of his victorious campaign. Trump specifically singled out Carrier, a brand of United Technologies Corporation, saying he had been encouraging the company not to shift thousands of jobs to Mexico. If they did, he said his administration would impose major tariffs on Carrier products as they made their way back into the United States. Next page

a chalkboard in Butig said. The jihadist group also offered this advice to soldiers: “Get ready, soldiers, we’ll cut off your heads.” Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla had a warning of his own for the terrorists. “There’s an end to everything,” he said in Filipino. “And if your pockets are not deep, the Armed Forces’ pocket are very deep, deep enough to hunt you down and ﬁnish you off.” Earlier this week, Padilla said the Maute group had already retreated from the old municipal building after being overpowered by ground and air Next page shelling.

New US envoy upbeat Fil-Am ties will deepen OTANJO-BI OMEDETOU GOZAIMASU! President

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

NEW US ENVOY. Korean-born US diplomat Sung Y. Kim has arrived in Manila to assume his post as Washington’s ambassador to Manila, with high hopes the partnership between the two major allies— the rhetoric against the United States from President Duterte despite—would be strengthened during his term. Eric Apolonio

DESPITE President Rodrigo Duterte’s antiAmerican tirades, new US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said he is ready to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries. In his arrival speech Thursday night, Kim, the ﬁrst US envoy of Asian decent to be stationed in the Philippines, also expressed conﬁdence that the relationship between Washington and Manila would deepen under his watch. He said the deep bond between the two peoples is based not only on a shared history, but also the four million Filipino-Americans residing in the United States, and the 250,000 US nationals living and working in the Next page Philippines. twitter.com/ MlaStandard

Rodrigo Duterte is greeted Thursday by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa in the run up to the birthday celebration of Japan Emperor Akihito, at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City, who turns 83 on December 23.

ERC ofﬁcials told to make way for graft probe ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Friday advised the ﬁve commissioners of the Energy Regulatory Commission to take a leave of absence while the case of an employee who committed suicide is ongoing. “That is the prudent thing to do

to give way to an independent investigation,” Cusi said. “We have already asked the NBI to investigate, and I believe an investigation is ongoing.” ERC director Francisco Villa Jr. killed himself on November 9 and left behind a suicide note alleging

corruption in the agency. Cusi said he had yet to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte to discuss the suicide’s case, but he stressed that Duterte was very much against corruption. He said there should be a legal basis for abolishing the ERC as de-

Congress gold medal for PH war vets By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE US House of Representatives on Wednesday (US time) unanimously passed a bill that seeks to award Filipino World War II veterans the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor the US Congress gives to civilians. “Today, the United States Congress

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took a historic step forward in honoring the more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers that served our country during World War II,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, who introduced the bill to the chamber. “With unanimous support from the United States Congress, our bill now heads to the President’s desk,” she added. Next page

manded by Duterte after its commissioners refused to resign over the case. Cusi said the ERC was created under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, but a replacement body should be created if it was abolished. Next page

Presidential pardon for 4 detainees OKd By John Paolo Bencito and Florante S. Solmerin

Friday granting presidential pardon to four communist rebels convicted of murder and kidnapping, the chief of PRESIDENT Rodrigo the government peace panel Next page Duterte has signed an order said Friday.

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Senate looks into case of 1,316 China illegals T By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

HE Senate will investigate on Wednesday the case of the 1,316 illegal Chinese workers in Clark, Pampanga, who were arrested by Immigration agents on November 25. The probe will be led by the Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development led by Senator Joel Villanueva. Villanueva has expressed alarm over what he said was the rising number of illegal foreign workers in the Philippines in manufacturing, construction, the power grids and in the mining sector. “These illegal foreign workers are displacing our Filipino workers.

[The Labor Department] should implement strong monitoring policies for migrant workers to control this influx,” Villanueva said. He made his statement even as Macau-based gambling tycoon Jack Lam on Friday stood firm that he did not bribe Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II over the arrest of the 1,316 Chinese nationals at the Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino Hotel on November 24.

At a forum in Quezon City, Raymond Fortun, Lam’s legal counsel, confirmed the reports that Lam, along with a Filipino-Chinese interpreter and retired police superintendent Wally Sombero, met with Aguirre at the Shangri-La Hotel at the Global Bonifacio City on November 26 “to let him know that he was a legitimate businessman.” “There was certainly a meeting so he could explain to the Secretary he was engaged in lawful businesses. Nothing more,” Fortun told reporters. “ D e f i n i t e l y, there was no intention to look for a godfather. That was not the purpose of the meeting.” Officials from the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Labor and

Employment and Philippine National Police will be invited to attend the Senate hearing on December 7. The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines says there were more than 3,500 illegal foreign workers in the country as of 2015. The labor group says the undocumented foreign workers are commonly employed in construction, manufacturing, electronics and in the service industries in Metro Manila, Central Visayas, Davao, Zamboanga, Bataan and Batangas. The Labor Department enforces the rules on the issuance of alien employment permits while Immigration is responsible for regulating the entry, stay and exit of foreign nationals in the country.

Trump... From A1

“But I called Greg [Hayes, UTC’s chairman] and I said it’s really important, we have to do something because you have a lot of people leaving and you have to understand we can’t allow this to happen anymore with our country,” Trump said as he recalled an early exchange with the firm’s top executive. Under a deal hammered out with the help of Vice Presidentelect Mike Pence, who is Indiana’s outgoing governor, the state offered Carrier $7 million in incentives over 10 years, “contingent upon factors including employment, job retention and capital investment,” the company said in a statement. Pence said the deal will keep about 1,100 jobs in “the heart of the heartland.” “This is a great day for Indiana and it’s a great day for working people all across the United States of America,” Pence said. The deal is seen as an extraordinary industry intervention by a president-elect. His supporters have described it as the first tangible part of Trump’s jobs creation plan. But liberal Senator Bernie Sanders, who challenged Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, said the deal should worry Americans. Carrier “took Trump hostage and won,” Sanders said in an oped he wrote for The Washington Post. Trump “endangered” other US jobs, Sanders said, “because he has signalled to every corporation in America that they can threaten to offshore jobs in exchange for business-friendly tax benefits and incentives.” AFP

De Lima... From A1

Ana Marie Banaag said De Lima was feeding “misinformation” to divert attention from her connection to the illegal drug trade and her illicit affair with her lover-driver Ronnie Dayan. She said De Lima was resorting to “squid tactics” to create distrust of the Duterte administration. “These are meant to create division and spread suspicion against the administration,” Banaag said. She made her statement even as De Lima on Friday asked Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre to inhibit himself and his team of prosecutors from hearing the four cases against her to allow an objective and independent investigation of those cases. De Lima asked the Department of Justice to refer the four cases to the Office of the Ombudsman which she said not only had the exclusive authority and sole jurisdiction but also the impartiality to investigate the charges against her. Respondents De Lima, Dayan, inmates Vicente Sy, Peter Co, Jaybee Sebastian and Jojo Baligad; Julius Rejuso, the alleged bagman of former Justice undersecretary Francisco Baraan; and former Bureau of Corrections director Reinier Cruz failed to appear or send a representative during the preliminary investigation. De Lima’s representative, Romeo Siazon, arrived minutes after the preliminary investigation ended to get copies of the complaints against the senator.

DISILLUSIONED. Young people burn a ﬂag of the United States near the US Embassy only hours after the arrival of the new US Ambassador Sung Kim. Norman Cruz

Militants,... From A1

Casilao made the statement after PNP chief Ronald Dela Rosa announced that people should expect more and stricter checkpoints as well as raids. “We oppose this measure as this clearly is to discourage people from joining legitimate rallies, and we totally doubt if these checkpoints would allow passage of [protesters], and the mere fact that their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are surrendered to the police’s discretion is an outright violation,” Casilao said. Casilao cited the case of peasants in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan who became targets of the PNP’s “Oplan Tokhang” antidrug operation and arrested in October, in what he said was actually harassment related to a land grabbing case. The military on Friday put the provinces of Davao, Cotabato and Zamboanga under red alert, following intensified operations against the Maute terrorist group and the Abu Sayyaf. The declaration is separate from the Terror Alert Level 3 raised by the police Thursday in response to a failed bomb attack on the US Embassy. In a Palace press briefing, Armed Forces spokesperson Restituto Padilla Jr., said the prov-

Congress... From A1

“I urge the President to sign this bill into law before the year’s end, and honor our veterans with this long-overdue recognition,” Gabbard said. The bill, which passed the Senate in July, acknowledges the more than 200,000 Filipino and FilipinoAmerican soldiers who responded to President Franklin Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the American flag against the Imperial Forces of Japan during World War II. The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 passed the House of Representatives on Nov. 30 following remarks by the bill’s sponsor — Gabbard (D-Hawaii) — and several co-sponsors, including Reps. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Joe Heck (R-Ne-

inces and the areas covered by the Eastern Mindanao Command and the Western Mindanao Command remain under red alert due to “prevailing terror threats and other contingencies.” “We have an ongoing offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in those areas, including Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi,” Padilla said. Metro Manila, Padilla added, was under white alert, despite the discovery of the US Embassy bomb. Padilla said the military follows a different alert system than the police. “This is the simplistic alert system that we follow and we do not subscribe to the terror alert level that was recently announced. This level system—this alert level system is actually an issuance from the Anti-Terrorism Council and I understand that the police has been following this alert level system,” he said. “In any case, the primary responsibility for securing our cities is in the hands of our police personnel. They are tasked to lead in all major cities and the Armed Forces [will] only provide support.” Philippine National Police chief Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa announced Thursday that the entire nation was under Terror Alert Level 3 after police arrested two men suspected of planting a bomb near the US Embassy in Manila on Monday.

Dela Rosa said that the higher alert level meant tighter security measures, particularly the setting up of random and mobile checkpoints. The leftist National Union of Students of the Philippines urged the public to remain vigilant with the government’s declaration of terror alert level 3 all over the country. “With the sustained efforts of the government to end the drug problems through the war-ondrugs campaign, it is not surprising for this government to put the country under the total rule of the military. Putting the entire nation at terror alert level 3 is a step closer to a declaration of martial law, bringing back the country to its mired and dark history under a fascist dictatorship,” Kevin Castro, NUSP spokesperson, said. “While the National Union is not disregarding the threats from terrorist groups, we must still be on our guard with such a decision, coupled with the earlier declaration of state of lawlessness. Given the fascist nature of the state’s armed forces, such pronouncements can be used to silence those who show political dissent against the current administration. In times where clamor and opposition against the regime is at its peak, political persecution and crackdowns might ensue,” Castro said. Maricel V. Cruz, John Paolo Bencito and Sandy Araneta

vada), Mike Honda (D-Calif.), and Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii). The bill had previously passed the Senate in July. It will now head to the desk of President Barack Obama. The Senate version of the bill was authored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono and was co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of 71 senators. “These veterans were instrumental to an Allied victory in the Pacific theater, but their fight didn’t end with the war,” Hirono said in a statement. “For decades, they have continued to fight for the benefits they have earned and to be reunited with their families in the United States. I thank my Senate colleagues for joining me in recognizing these veterans’ service and sacrifice with the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation’s highest civilian honors.” The Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC lauded the pas-

sage of the bill. “We welcome this good news and extend our appreciation to all the advocates and supporters of the bill at the US House of Representatives and the Senate,” Minister Patrick Chuasoto, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Philippine Embassy said in a statement. “Our veterans’ sacrifice is one of the greatest stories of heroism, courage, and strength that our two countries have ever seen. From ordinary civilians to defenders of free nations, these men and women deserve our deepest respect and gratitude,” Chuasoto said. Chuasoto also recognized the contributions of the Philippine Consulates General and Filipino communities across the United States, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, and the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project in the success of the joint campaign.

Terrorists'... From A1

Following six days of fighting in Butig town, the military said 62 members of the Maute group have been killed while 37 soldiers were wounded. Citing a report from the 103rd Infantry Brigade, Padilla added that the Butig has been “100 percent cleared” of the Maute group. Thousands of residents who fled the fighting have yet to return to their homes for fear of landmines that the retreating terrorists might have left. The Maute group was behind the deadly Davao City night market bomb attack on Sept. 2 that killed 15 people and wounded 70 others. At least three suspected Maute members were arrested by military operatives two months after the blast that Dela Rosa also linked to narco-terrorism. Also on Friday, a member of the Parojinog family of Ozamis City denied any connection with the Maute group or the illegal drug trade. “We outrightly deny any connections with Maute group or to any terrorist group here and abroad. We are not in any way involved in the drug trade nor associated with any terrorist group,” Ozamis City Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog said in a statement. She added that they have nothing to do with any act of terrorism or any act of violence or any act to destabilize the peace and order in the region. Padilla said that the military is willing to heed the call of President Duterte for the AFP to talk peace with the Maute group and the Abu Sayyaf, but warned that the offer to make peace should not be “at the expense of justice.” “If they want war, we will give them war. There is a limit to our patience... The Armed Forces has all the means to obliterate their forces,” Padilla told reporters. “Those who have pending warrants or who were already sentenced in court must answer for the crimes they have committed,” he added.

New... From A1

“I think there is a great deal of respect, affection and admiration between Americans and the Filipinos,” he said. Kim arrived three days after an improvised bomb was found near the US Embassy in Manila. The bomb threat sparked fears that local terrorist groups might be plotting to strike at strategic targets to divert the government troops from their full-scale offensive against the Maute Group in Central Mindanao. The bomb threat led Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa to raise the terror alert level to 3. Kim said he was eager to get to work. “No rest at all. I get started first thing tomorrow morning [Friday] on my new adventure,” he said. A career foreign service officer, Kim was the US ambassador to South Korea from 2011 to 2014. His recent posts are special representative for North Korea policy and deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs.

Presidential... From A1

“These rebels have long been recommended for pardon but the previous government did not sign the draft order to release them,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said. “We are giving them the justice they deserve regardless of their guilt or innocence. They deserve to be freed.” Belo made his statement even as a consultant to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, said

ERC... From A1

“There are a lot of factors that have to be considered. Investors, generators, the public. There have been delays simply because of the probe,” Cusi said. “A lot of approvals are necessary for the projects to proceed.” ERC Chairman Jose Vicente Salazar has previously described the corruption issues being raised by various camps against his

Padilla said that the terrorist group have yet to send surrender feelers. He also urged the press to limit the coverage of the Maute group because publicity is what they want to establish links with the Islamic State terrorist group. “It would be better if news about the Maute group will not be reported because we are only giving them an opportunity to reach their target audience,” Padilla said. Padilla said Butig would be secured to make sure the terrorist group did not return. At the same time, Padilla denied accusations from a youth group that the ambush on the President’s advance party in Marawi City was set up by the military. “I’d like to state that whatever news that came out viral in social media coming from a certain alleged youth group is nothing but propaganda,” Padilla said. “The incident did and actually happened and was not something that was contrived or made up by the Armed Forces. Our men were hurt in a roadside bombing,” he added. Padilla admitted that military committed lapses in securing the area, allowing the terrorist group to leave a bag containing an improvised bomb in the area where they know the convoy will be passing. “The convoy was an easy target because it was a marked vehicle and they were moving in broad daylight,” he said. Seven members of the Presidential Security Group and two of the troops escorting the convoy were hurt in the IED explosion. President Duterte visited the injured government troops in a hospital in Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday. Before trying to seek an alliance with IS, the Maute group has been affiliated with the Jemaah Islamiyah that used to be a significant terrorist group in Southeast Asia in the mid-90s but is now trying to seek funding and recognition from IS as a ‘wilayat’ or province in Southeast Asia. He earned his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University Law School in Los Angeles in 1985 and a Master of Laws degree from the London School of Economics. Outgoing US President Barack Obama nominated Kim to succeed US ambassador Philip Goldberg, who recently ended his three-year term in Manila. President Duterte had branded Goldberg “an annoying homosexual son of a whore” after the envoy criticized him for making a joke about the rape and murder of an Australian missionary in Davao years ago. Amid his attacks on the US, Duterte has declared a shift to an independent foreign policy that leans toward China and the country’s other Asian neighbors. “We welcome the new Ambassador of the United States to the Philippines and we hope that we could have better ties and negotiations, diplomacy and exchange with the United States, now with an Asian who is our counterpart from the US,” Communications Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Banaag said in a Palace press briefing. the urgent need to release the more than 400 “political prisoners” was not a precondition to the signing of a bilateral ceasefire with the Duterte administration. The four prisoners who will walk free anytime today or Monday at the latest were identified as Martin Villanueva, Bonifacio Suyon, Dindo Absalon and Rico Bodina. All of them are farmers. Villanueva and Suyom were convicted for kidnapping while Absalon and Bodino served time for murder. It was former President Benigno Aquino who sat on the recommendation of the PCBREP and company, Bello said. agency as “opportunism.” “I lament the apparent attempt on the part of some unscrupulous parties to piggyback on the unfortunate and untimely demise of our colleague, the late Director Jun Villa. This is grossly unfair to him and to his memory,” Salazar said. He said the insinuation that Villa’s death might have been precipitated by midnight deals “smacks of opportunism and a blatant at-

tempt to ride on the death of our colleague to advance a parochial agenda.” Alena Mae S. Flores

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

AFP chief reveals new top officials By Florante S. Solmerin THE much-awaited designation of senior officers to key commands caused by the recent mandatory retirement of the commander of the Western Command (Westcom) based in Palawan—reportedly marred by controversy—has been finally approved by President Rodrigo Duterte. During a dinner hosted for him after the testimonial parade Thursday by the Philippine Army, outgoing Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya mentioned in his speech the approved designation orders for some senior officers. Visaya particularly mentioned the designation of Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, at present AFP Inspector General, to take the helm of the Central Command based in Cebu. Both the Centcom and AFPIG are a three-star position but some of the latter’s previous commanders were denied of their third star ranks because of the “bata-bata system” that continues to lurk in the AFP’s promotion and designation of senior officers. Lactao, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class 1984, was one of the so-called “Novotel generals” who allegedly met with then Liberal Party presidential bet Mar Roxas several weeks before the May 2016 polls. Lactao though denied he was with the group that met Roxas, an honorary member of his batch. Multiple sources told Manila Standard that Lactao allegedly even sought the help of a defense official for the Centcom position. When contacted through his cellular mobile phone, Lactao ignored calls and messages for him to clarify the issue and instead texted back “wrong number.” Allegedly, Lactao’s meeting with the official did not sit well with Visaya. Even before his assumption as the new President, Duterte had ordered the military to restore the integrity of the Board of Generals which is in charge of selecting and recommending senior officers up for promotion and designation, including the chief of staff position. Duterte even berated senior officers who seek endorsements from influential politicians just to get “juicy positions.”

OFF TO SEA. The ofﬁcers and crew board the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF16) which is heading to Cam Ranh in Vietnam for a 10-day port call to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ofﬁcial diplomatic relations between the two countries. Norman Cruz

De Lima slams Duterte as ‘tired, old narcissist’ S By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ENATOR Leila De Lima on Friday criticized the revival of the death penalty as nothing more than what she called the desperate last stand of President Rodrigo Duterte whom she described “tired, old, narcissist,” who likely realized his temperament, skills set and parochial approach to governance could not solve the country’s problems.

Speaking in a forum on the “The Right to Life and The Death Penalty” at the Malcolm theater, UP College of Law, De Lima noted Duterte had been pushing for the re-imposition of the death penalty to hide his incompetence and failure to ﬁnd real and lasting solutions to the problems of the country he swore to serve. She ridiculed Duterte’s own brand of patronage politics and kumpadre (godfather) system, saying they were ill-suited and incapable of resolving the

Shortlist for new SC vacancy issued THE Judicial and Bar Council has forwarded to President Rodrigo Duterte a shortlist of candidates for one of the two vacancies in the Supreme Court. The JBC, concurrently chaired by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, voted for the inclusion in the shortlist of the following nominees: Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Andres Reyes and Associate Justices Jose Reyes, Apolinario Bruselas, Japar Dimaampao, and Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Samuel Martires for the ﬁrst vacancy in the 15-member bench.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, II, an ex-ofﬁcio member of the JBC, said the shortlist is for the position to be vacated by Associate Justice Jose Perez who will mandatory retire on December 14. The post to be vacated by Perez will be the ﬁrst of more than 10 to be appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to the Supreme Court. The JBC is scheduled to meet on December 9 to vote for another shortlist for the position to be vacated by Supreme Court Associate Justice Arturo Brion who will retire on December 29. Rey E. Requejo

country’s problems. “His go-to recourse has been to impose “ﬁnal solutions” upon the very people he was entrusted to serve and protect, hoping that we are stupid and naive enough to mistake the body count for real accomplishments,” said De Lima, the President’s staunchest critic in the Senate. In batting for the return of the capital punishment for heinous crimes, Duterte said executing hardened criminals could be an effective deterrent

to criminality. She strongly believes extreme measures are needed to curb heinous crimes. But De Lima, who served as justice secretary in the previous administration, stressed if the primary argument for death had failed (then) it is not a deterrent. She said very few criminals, if any, considered the penalty in the commission of crimes. “What they consider is that they are not caught and, if they are caught, that they can be acquitted. The death penalty does not necessarily determine whether the crime will be committed or not, as there are other factors that come into play, such as need brought about by poverty, environment, education and values.” The Deterrence Effect, De Lima said, is not something that will be achieved by slapping the severest punishment on people. She said it required effective law enforcement: from heightened crime prevention efforts and, if those fail, successful and effective crime detection, inves-

tigation and prosecution. “It requires more effort from law enforcers like the police force than just drawing their guns and shooting at criminals point-blank,” she said. At the very least, she said, the police should know the elements of the crimes they are preventing and investigating—a basic skill that Senate hearings have shown which is deplorably lacking in some members of the police force, including highranking ofﬁcials. “The fact that our so-called leaders are selling it to us as having such non-existent deterrent effect just goes to show the utter laziness that is infecting our leaders,” said De Lima. These leaders, De Lima said, would rather kill instead of protect. “They would rather risk killing the innocent, rather than make the effort to increase police visibility and enhance their investigative prowess. Apparently, that is too much to ask for,” said De Lima.

Tap millenials for 6,000 posts By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATE Minority Leader Ralph Recto said the Commission on Audit, which he described the “taxpayer’s whistleblower,” should be promoted as a “premier destination” for talented and idealistic millennials willing to do good by going into government service. Recto suggested this “recruitment tack” to ﬁll thousands of job vacancies in the independent agency which “performs the important task of being a tripwire against graft.” To attract talent, he urged CoA to bring its re-

cruitment drive to colleges and universities, and join job fairs. If there are casual auditors, the agency should institute a fast-track way for them to be “regularized,” Recto said. Of the CoA’s 14,102 authorized personnel positions, Recto said 6,070 are not ﬁlled, or a low appointment rate of 57 percent. Recto said this left CoA with only 8,032 “overworked and thinly stretched” personnel to thoroughly audit the trillions of pesos spent by 19,081 agencies, who submit about “39-million spending vouchers annually.”

Palace greets new Thailand monarch By John Paolo Bencito THE Philippine government extended Friday its felicitations to Thai King Vajiralongkorn, who ascended to his country’s throne. “The Philippines wishes to convey our warmest congratulations to his Majesty, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, on his ascension and and proclamation as the King of Thailand,” Communications Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Banaag told a news brieﬁng. “We are conﬁdent his reign will continue to bring happiness,

peace and prosperity to the Thai people. We wish for him success as he leads the Kingdom of Thailand,” she added. Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn became Thailand’s new king, succeeding his muchrevered late father King Bhumibol Adulyadej last Thursday. He becomes King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, the 10th monarch of the Chakri dynasty, but will also be known as Rama X. He accepted the throne in a televised broadcast following an invitation from parliament, formalizing his ascension.

WHOLESALE TRADE. A vendor checks on chicks that were dyed different colors at a poultry supply store in Manila’s Blumentritt district. Lino Santos

IN BRIEF Butig action center opened THE Department of Social Welfare and Development said Friday it continues to provide relief assistance to families in Butig, Lanao del Sur who have been displaced by armed conflict between the military and a local terror group. Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said that to ensure prompt delivery of aid to the affected families, her department’s field office in the Soccsksargen region has activated its operations center in Marawi City with the prepositioning of 500 bags of rice worth P625,000. Each family will be given 10 kg. of rice. According to the latest report by the DSWD Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center, a total of 2,894 families or 14,470 persons have been displaced in eight barangays in Butig since the clash between government troops and the Maute Group started on November 26. Of this number, 627 families or 3,135 individuals are taking refuge in four evacuation centers in Butig proper and in Barangays Bayabao and Madrasah Raya Timbab, while 2,035 families or 10,175 persons are staying with relatives and friends. The field office has also met with local officials of Marawi City on the participation of villagers in the repacking of relief goods. PNA

UK mission due next year THE United Kingdom plans to hold another business mission in the Philippines in the first quarter of next year, said British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines chairman Chris Nelson. In a briefing Friday, Nelson said the upcoming trade mission from the UK signals the strong interest of British firms in the country. Next year’s trade mission will be a follow-up visit of British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to the Philippines Richard Graham, who led a business delegation in August. “The Philippines is attracting attention with its fundamentals, like young and growing population and economic growth of about 6.0 to 7.0 percent,” Nelson said. He mentioned that BCCP welcomes the 10-point economic agenda of the current administration. In particular, British firms are supportive of amending some economic provisions in the Constitution to allow more entry of foreign players here, as well as boosting infrastructure spending to address infrastructure gaps. PNA

Opinion

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

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Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

The ghosts of ‘daang matuwid’

HE Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant Monday for the former general manager of the Metro Rail Transit, Al Vitangcol, who faces graft charges arising from a complaint of extortion ﬁled by Inekon, the Czech supplier of rail cars. The case stems from the allegedly anomalous awarding of the contract for the maintenance of the MRT. According to Inekon, Vitangcol attempted to extort $30 million from its representatives in 2012 so it could bag the deal to supply coaches to the MRT. The attempt

took place at the residence of the Czech ambassador to the Philippines. Vitangcol also allegedly exerted pressure on the Czech businessmen to enter into a joint venture agreement with “a group of persons.” It is not easy to forget Vitangcol. He and his boss,

former Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, were responsible for the gross deterioration of the MRT such that it has now become inconvenient, nay, dangerous, for the 600,000 daily commuters who find themselves with no choice but to use it anyway. It was also Vitangcol who tried dragging the country into a deal with a company owned by his relative, even as they insist the relative has divested from the firm, which is really not the point. We are sure he will not have trouble forking out the

P30,000 bail set by the court. Still, Vitangcol best exemplifies the duplicity of the previous administration that, we now know, allowed not a few scandals and ignominies as it preached it was treading the straight and narrow path. Look, for instance, at the magnitude of the drug problem and the extent to which its own officials are said to have allowed—no, benefitted from—it. Where, we wonder, was Mr. Aquino and what did he know and not know about the drug trade right at the offices of its Justice department?

We may never get to find out, but ongoing cases such as Vitangcol’s assurance that justice, while slow, will catch up with these hypocrites. The progress in the judicial processes also tells us not to fixate on the circuses happening in government— difficult as it is because of the presence of too many clowns—because if the cases are airtight, the evidence is strong and court officers do their jobs anyway, then the posers will get what they deserve, even though it may take a while. HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

TRO vs contraceptives will create problems

needed for the implementation when the bill becomes a law. Obviously, the mothers’ well-being is of little concern to SSS and it does not see women’s maternity function as a social responsibility. Not passing the 100-day maternity leave is a big disservice to mothers and their families. It will impact on the Filipino family because the need for mothers to fully care for their infants will not be addressed. Those who want to breastfeed their babies will have difficulties, and the mothers’ health may also suffer since they need many months to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. Congress needs to pass this bill if only to protect the health of mothers and infants. If the 100-Day Maternity Leave Bill is encountering delays, the reverse is being done to two bills that will do more harm than good to Filipino families. These are the bills lowering criminal liability to nine years old from 15, and the one that brings death penalty back.

POPULATION control, euphemistically called “family planning” by many, has divided Filipinos for the longest time. Past attempts by the government to promote family planning always encountered tough opposition from the Roman Catholic Church. The Church allows only two natural contraceptives— abstinence, and the so-called rhythm method, where the apex of feminine fertility is predicted and sexual intercourse during that period is avoided. Anything outside of these is unacceptable, including pharmaceutical contraceptives and the condom. Artificial contraception runs against the teachings of the Church and is, therefore, a sin. Despite opposition from the Church, the government under then President Ferdinand Marcos instituted a nationwide family planning program. Family planning was discretely promoted through free contraceptives readily available at barangay offices, posters situated at government buildings, and carefully crafted advertisements on radio. Jaime Cardinal Sin, then the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Metropolitan Manila, simply avoided confronting the government about the issue, even when he often celebrated mass for the First Couple in Malacañang. The government interest in population control is prompted by social and economic considerations. A runaway increase in the national population requires the generation of more employment opportunities, as well as facilities for education and health care. Job generation is, however, easier said than done. Strict laws on workers’ compensation, laws which favor labor over management, and militant labor unions aggravate the situation, which often ends up in the closure of establishments and a corresponding increase in the number of unemployed Filipinos. Restated, there aren’t enough jobs that can be generated to regularly meet the increase in the population. The national government does not have a steady budget for the construction of additional public schools and public hospitals proportionate to the annual increase in the population. Most of the public money is used for so-called

Turn to A5

Filipino families under threat POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO WE MAY not be noticing it but the Filipino family faces threats of various kinds. The Supreme Court decision on contraceptives, moves to derail passage of the 100-day maternity leave bill, the strong push to lower criminal liability to cover nine-year-old children, and the railroading of the bill that legalizes death penalty—all these have negative impact on our families. Until now, the SC has yet to reverse its ruling expanding the temporary restraining order against contraceptives. Until now, the Food and Drug Administration cannot register and certify new contraceptives. This means that no new contraceptives can be bought by private companies and government. The Department of Health

still cannot use its sub-dermal implants, a very popular and effective long-acting contraceptive among women. This means that women are deprived of one of the best choices among family planning methods. In the meantime, registrations and certifications of contraceptives are expiring. By this time, according to the Commission on Population, more than 60 percent of the registrations have already expired. By 2018, more than 90 percent shall have expired. If the SC does not act in favor of the women and our families, there may be a total stock-out of contraceptives. What does this mean? Simply put, contraceptives will not be available to all women, even to those with money to buy. Effectively, this is a total “ban” on contraceptives. What does this mean for families? For mothers, especially those in the poorest quintile, this means more unplanned pregnancies. This means giving birth to many more children than their desired

numbers. At present, poor women give birth to two children more than desired. On the average, poor women want only three kids but on the average, they give birth to five children. Without family planning, imagine the number of children poor families will have against their will.

We cannot afford to be passive.

Imagine how much more difficult it will be for poor families to make ends meet, and more importantly, for them to break the shackles of poverty which has become inter-generational. If parents continue to fail to provide their children with their needs, most particularly in terms of education and

health, how can we expect them to have a better future? Family planning affects the family’s economic development. Without it, expect more Filipino families to remain in abject poverty. This is a serious threat. A few weeks back, I wrote about the good work being done by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Women and Gender Equality. The Committee passed the 100-day maternity leave bill. This is commendable as the bill has been pending or several Congresses. The bill not only extends existing maternity leave (which is among the shortest in the world), it also covers more women, and has removed the limit in number of pregnancies that can be covered. These mean that all pregnancies by more women will be covered, and the leave will be longer. Recently however, I received news that the bill has been remanded to the committee because of objections raised by the Social Security System. Apparently, the SSS is concerned about the funds

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Opinion BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

The partisan Catholic Church Part II THE Communist Party of the Philippines, in collaboration with the hypocritical Church, continues to celebrate the student revolt to “remind” the people about the alleged brutality of the Marcos dictatorship calling that day of lawlessness as “First Quarter Storm.” Not a whimper of condemnation was heard from Cardinal Sin for the violent dispersal of the demonstrating farmers. Clerics and some nuns continue to make a hype of the violent riot by militant students on Jan. 30, 1970, ignoring that they provoked the violence after attempting to burn Malacanang and ramming Gate 1 by the fire truck they commandeered. Despite the gravity of the rioting, four students were killed in contrast to the Jan. 22, 1987 rally where 13 farmers were killed for peacefully demanding the implementation of the land reform promised by the Church-backed Cory Aquino government. The Catholic Church is not only used as tool to protect the interest of the US imperialist and the local oligarchy, but as an institution, it constitutes an integral part of the exploitative system that thrives on grave economic and social inequality. This explains why poor people seeking to be liberated unavoidably include the Church in their condemnation because it acts as the pacifier for resistance. Truthful political analysts refer to change in the system of government a “revolution” because the people’s action has reference to the overhauling of the economic and political system. A genuine revolution has nothing to do with the change of leadership. Neither can one accept violence as a precondition for change. People can replace a corrupt and exploitative system peacefully or prevent a leader of the status quo government from spearheading a movement for change. This is what Marcos referred to as the Revolution from the Center because the government he presided initiated the reforms which short-circuited the stereotyped approach of the Marxist ideologues. The structural political and economic changes in Venezuela under Hugo Chavez, in Bolivia under Evo Morales, and the return of Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua were governmentinitiated revolutions because their leaders participated in the Constitutional process, and used the instrument of the State to bring about reforms. It was their outlook of society that made them progressive. Today, the Catholic Church and the CPP/NDF are again collaborating with the US imperialist, the globalist and with the local oligarchy in raising the issue of human rights. The ploy serves to erase from the minds of the ignorant millennial generation that Marcos has not accomplished anything for his country and people. The yellow hypocrites led by the Liberal Party refuse to talk about that because people will eventually ask the same question—what have they accomplished in their more than 30 years in power? Rather, they insist on raising human rights violations using martial law as their point of reference to deflect the truth that killings did happen during the time of their idols but refused to acknowledge them as violations. The issue has become embarrassing when President Duterte

pointed out that their patron, the US, is not a signatory of the International Criminal Court. In fact, many African states are now withdrawing from the ICC because it has become a racist tribunal hauling accused leaders to the Hague to be tried and convicted for human rights violations by white Europeans who were once their colonizers and slave traders. To this day, not one suspect in the killings that transpired during the Cory and Noynoy Aquino administrations has been brought to justice nor has been accused of human rights violation. There is much dishonesty in their adamant refusal to reopen an investigation to identify the mastermind in the killing of Ninoy Aquino, fearing it will defrock their lie that he was killed by Marcos. Moreover, Bonifacio Gillego, who originally peddled the lie that Marcos is not a hero, himself agreed that the former President be buried at the LNMB. That means those he duped to believe his malicious prevarication are now the ones rabidly opposing his burial at the LnmB. We can never say Gillego was moved by compassion because that would mean retracting the canard he peddled against the person he slandered to the hilt. Maybe it is high time to squarely ask Satur Ocampo, Neri Colmenares and those idiots identified with the Left why they object to the internment of Marcos. Their argument is odious for it is like Pol Pot and Stalin complaining of human rights violation when the whole world knows they (CPP/NPA) butchered no less than thousands of their own comrades to weed out of DPAs. If given their way, we might as well look forward to seeing them proclaimed as heroes and given honorary burial. The ambivalence of the Church is most shameful and shows lack of decency. First, the Church has no moral clout to oppose the burial of Marcos at the LNMB because that honor is an official government act for which the Church has no business, it not being a taxpayer. Second, the Church cannot question the ground where Marcos should be buried because it is not one of its vast properties for which it does not pay taxes, including the income generated by their educational institutions. History will never absolve the Church for committing the most heinous and barbaric torture like disemboweling and burning at stake heretics, unbelievers, and those suspected for witchcraft. The act of routinely eviscerating human beings for their belief has never been admitted by the Church nor has it made an apology for the barbarity committed by Fr. Tomas de Torquemada, that at times exceeded that of the Roman emperors Nero and Caligula who persecuted the early Christians. The name Torquemada will forever be remembered in history as the greatest torturer of all ages, even surpassing the methods used by Gestapo chief Heinrich Himmler. Torquemada was not excommunicated by the Church which means he died and remained a member and defender of the Church. As one would put it, “Torquemada wasn’t evil. He was worse than evil. He was the Satan par excellence.”

So much dishonesty!

Filipino... From A4

No less than House Speaker Alvarez is a co-author of the bill that can turn nine-year-olds into criminals. He is also called for the swift passage of the death penalty bill. Imagine your grade three child or grandchild being treated like a hardened criminal. Would

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you allow this to happen? What do these kids know? What will happen to their future? How will their families accept this? A nine-year-old is a CHILD. He or she needs to be with his/her family to be loved and cared for. Children need to be in school. They have the right to enjoy their childhood and develop into the best person they can become. What kind of lawmakers can agree to treating nine-year-old

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

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Advent and the killing of the poor EAGLE EYES TONY LA VIÑA IN THE Second Sunday of Advent, the Gospel introduces us to John the Baptist. John is preaching in the desert to prepare the way of the Lord. It was him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken of: A voice of one crying out in the desert, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. Indeed several centuries before the coming of Christ. Isaiah had foretold the coming of a forerunner, a “the voice of one that crieth,” indeed, of him who would “prepare in the wilderness the way of Jehovah,” and “make level in the desert a highway for our God.” John is described as wearing clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food were locusts and wild honey. His demeanor and appearance was a bold relief to the wealthy, indulgent Jews of

his day. He was a veritable walking sermon! Before the birth of Christ, the Jews were under the oppressive Roman rule who put Herod, a non-Jew as their king. The Jews, as foretold, were expecting a messiah who would free them from the yoke of Roman oppression. How the Jews were so mistaken about the messiah that John was preaching about! The messiah in their midst was one who would not liberate them from foreign rule but who would bring salvation and free all mankind from the clutches and slavery of sin. In the traditional theological sense, Advent is a time for preparation for re-experiencing the birth of Jesus at Christmas, and to prepare for the second coming of Jesus. It is a time of preparation in the spiritual sense for the coming of Christ. And that preparation is repentance. In this context, repentance includes not only turning away from our personal sins, but more importantly, to clear our minds of the old ways and to turn towards God and the attitudes that set in sight the realm of heaven. Advent is not preparing to welcome a liberator that promises comfort and an easy life but one who prom-

ises immortality and life to those who would respond to His call to follow him faithfully to the end. Indeed, following the Messiah is no mean task. If we, just like the Jews, are expecting an earthly king who would free us from our problems and give us a comfortable and luxurious life, then again, like the Jews of John’s days, we are grossly mistaken. Following Christ requires faithfulness, mercy, compassion and fortitude on our part which are possible only when we are suffused with a heavy dose of grace from the Holy Spirit. In these trying times, when killings are happening left and right, when the poor particularly are targeted, powerless when labeled drug pusher or user; when political turmoil is rife, controversies abound; when fear grips us and we are bombarded by negativity and pessimism that seem to drown us, we cannot rely on any one man or woman or group of persons to give us relief and freedom. Often we realize that human beings cannot give us the joy and contentment that we so often crave; on the contrary these very persons become the source of our frustration, disappointment and even anger. It is

in drawing ourselves closer to God that we experience the bliss of God’s love and mercy. As Pope Francis says in Misericordia et misera, “The desire for closeness to Christ requires us to draw near to our brothers and sisters, for nothing is more pleasing to the Father than a true sign of mercy. By its very nature, mercy becomes visible and tangible in specific acts. Once mercy has been truly experienced, it is impossible to turn back. It grows constantly and it changes our lives. It is an authentic new creation: it brings about a new heart, capable of loving to the full, and it purifies our eyes to perceive hidden needs. How true are the words of the Church’s prayer at the Easter Vigil, after the reading of the creation account: “O God, who wonderfully created human nature and still more wonderfully redeemed it.” Surely, we can welcome the coming of Christ by heeding the call of John the Baptist, i.e. through repentance and conversion. For in this, we can truly say that we have welcomed the Lord and prepared the way for him in our hearts. Facebook: Twitter: tonylavs

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Fighting for the soul of Seoul capital of an economy that relied so much on the outside world. Getting around without speaking Korean was nearly impossible. Foreign cuisine was limited, for the most part, to pricey international hotels or fast-food joints. Foreign brands were almost as scarce. People would swear at me if I walked down the street with a Korean woman. Good luck getting a good cup of coffee. Despite its dependence on exports, the economy was just as parochial. Protected at home, the chaebols churned out cheap, uncompetitive stuff that ended up on the bottom shelves of US retailers. Korean brands were a laughingstock. Young college grads automatically joined the government or chaebol bureaucracies. There were well-founded concerns that the country was about to get chased down from behind by a rising China. When I visit Seoul today, the city is in many ways unrecognizable. South Korea has become one of the world’s most connected countries. Getting ahead depends on foreign education, foreign experience and foreign language skills. Restaurants dish out Indian curries and Mexican tacos. You can get a great cup of coffee just about anywhere. And the economy has advanced precisely because of that new diversity of ideas and influences. By enhancing creativity and innovation, greater openness has helped the chaebols develop proud brand names

and top-shelf products. A startup culture has emerged in the shadow of those sprawling conglomerates. Korean pop culture has developed a global appeal. Rather than being steamrolled by China, Korean businesses from autos to cosmetics have acquired the market savvy to profit from its economic growth. When Park was elected president in 2012—the first female leader in a country where women are rarely offered positions of leadership—she seemed a potent symbol of all this progress. Yet in power, she’s acted as a retrograde force. Perhaps she remains too influenced by her father, who reigned as dictator for 18 years. Park has faced criticism for her government’s attempts to stifle dissent and public protest, including dismantling an opposition party, suing and indicting journalists and jailing a prominent labor leader. One publication recently asked: “Is South Korea Regressing into a Dictatorship?” What’s happening right now on the streets of Seoul goes well beyond the particulars of Park’s alleged misdeeds. It’s a clash between a Korean society moving forward and a Korean government creeping backward. Younger Koreans rightfully see their country as something of a model for the emerging world. It is one of a tiny handful of developing nations that managed the difficult leap into the ranks of advanced economies. After decades of struggle, Kore-

ans brought down dictators and gained the political and civil liberties to match their economic gains. They are back out on the street today to preserve what they’ve won and, even more, to ensure their political leaders share their values and determination Who wins the struggle is critical for the country’s future. With Chinese companies advancing in technology and bursting onto the world stage, Korea needs more than just Hyundai, Samsung and LG to build global brands. With an aging population and economy in need of more talent, the still-low glass ceiling for women has to be smashed. A pressurecooker education system that many families simply flee must be reformed to better prepare the workers of tomorrow. The chaebols still wield too much power in South Korea, and still suffer from outdated corporate governance that damages their competitiveness and reputation. Park hasn’t proved up to the challenge. Though she’s tried helping women in the workforce, her programs haven’t gone far enough. Instead of cracking down on chaebol abuses, Park has pardoned their leaders of their financial crimes. Koreans have worked hard to build a thriving democracy out of dictatorship and a vibrant economy out of poverty. They deserve a government that helps them achieve even more. Bloomberg

“discretionary funds” of politicians. Whatever schools and hospitals are constructed every year are woefully insufficient to meet the demand brought about by more and more Filipinos being born every day. At the turn of the 20th century, the Philippine government took a more serious look at the population control issue, and with some encouragement from agencies of the United Nations, it considered the enactment of specific legislation towards promoting birth control, with the least possible objectionable features from a religious perspective. As expected, the Roman Catholic church opposed the move. This opposition lasted for about 15 years. Despite the opposition, Congress eventually enacted Republic Act No. 10354, or The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (commonly referred to as the RH Law). Even before the RH Law could be enforced, its constitutionality was challenged in the Supreme Court by those opposed to artificial contra-

ceptives. The Court restrained the enforcement of the RH Law during the pendency of the cases. In 2014, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the RH Law, but voided a few of its provisions. A year later, however, the opponents of the RH Law managed to derail the enforcement of the RH Law a second time around. After alleging in their petition that certain contraceptive products in the market are abortifacients, and that no hearings were conducted by health and drug authorities on the matter, they convinced the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) prohibiting the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration from “granting any and all pending applications for registration and/or recertification for reproductive products and supplies, including contraceptive drugs and devices.” As result of that TRO, all new contraceptive products and devices are required to undergo a protracted registration process that takes around two years before they can be sold to the public. The two-year period appears to be a minimum, though, because further delays can result when

every registration approved by the health and drug authorities is challenged in court. Those delays can last for more than a decade. In the meantime, a potential problem of unimaginable magnitude may be knocking at the nation’s door soon. That’s because the TRO issued by the Supreme Court in 2015, which is for an indefinite, unannounced period, means that there will be no new contraceptives in the market in the predictable future. Adding to the problem is that the existing registration papers of contraceptive products and devices currently available for sale to the public are expiring by next year. Upon expiration, those contraceptive products and devices will have to undergo the same protracted and tedious process of registration with the health and drug authorities. In other words, there may be no more contraceptive products or devices available in the market by next year. Under that scenario, the expected geometric increase in the national population will certainly become unmanageable, and poverty alleviation will become a nightmare even for the likes of determined leaders

like President Rodrigo Duterte. In that situation, couples are effectively deprived of their right to choose when to beget children. In American jurisprudence, that is a constitutional right. Likewise, unwanted pregnancies will inevitably ensue, and unwed mothers who want to conceal their situation will resort to abortion, which puts them at risk because abortions of this sort are usually done without proper medical supervision. Studies indicate that the numbers in this regard may be in the millions. From the legal perspective, that scenario brought about by the TRO will render an act of Congress useless. The possibility of this grim scenario taking place prompted many civic leaders and cause-oriented organizations to intervene in the ongoing case in the Supreme Court for the purpose of getting the TRO lifted soonest. A TRO is supposed to be temporary. When a TRO is for an indefinite period, it ceases to be temporary, and even becomes oppressive. The TRO in question created problems, and will create more problems. Reason and logic dictate that it’s time to revoke it.

CHILDREN like criminals in case they commit mistakes? Are these legislators willing to have their children jailed and lumped with murderers, rapists, and drug pushers? What will happen to families of these children? Will they not suffer in the same way their child will? Most definitely, this bill must be blocked by people. We cannot treat our kids this way. What about death penalty? We know how our “justice” system

works. It is easy to put the poor in jail. The process is very protracted and costly. It takes a lot of money to have justice. The system is far from being infallible. And when one is already dead, nothing can be done even if in the end, new evidence comes and s/he is proven to be innocent. By now we all know that most of those who are meted the death penalty are poor. They are those who cannot afford to fight in our

courts. They are those whose families are poor. What happens to families of those who were subjected to lethal injection? They are forever tarnished. They also carry the penalty like an ugly scar on their faces. The children are marked even if they knew nothing. The family suffers. Our society is quite harsh on the poor, and harsher on poor families marked by criminality. We must strongly oppose the re-

imposition of the death penalty. From the TRO on family planning to maternity leave to treating children as criminals to the death penalty, the Filipino family is under threat. These are issues that must be acted on. We cannot afford to be passive. At stake here are our families.

By Michael Schuman THE first big story I covered as a young correspondent in South Korea was a corruption scandal. Two former presidents were found guilty of, among other things, amassing fortunes with payoffs from the country’s major business groups, called chaebols. That was 1996. So it’s dismaying to write—20 years later, as a somewhat older correspondent—about yet another South Korean presidential scandal. Embattled President Park Geun-hye left her fate in the hands of parliament on Tuesday, after hundreds of thousands had taken to the streets to call for her resignation. A close confidant of Park’s allegedly abused her relationship with the president to extract tens of millions from the country’s chaebols and businessmen. Prosecutors claim that Park herself may have been an accomplice in the scheme. The more things change in Korean politics, the more they apparently don’t. The same can’t be said of Korea’s society and economy, however. That helps explain the ferocity of public outrage against Park (whose approval ratings have dipped to an infinitesimal four percent)—and should be a warning to whoever succeeds her. Today’s South Korea is a radically different country than the one I encountered two decades ago. Back then, Seoul was a surprisingly provincial place for the

TRO... From A4

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News

CBCP warns vs HIV epidemic T By Vito Barcelo

HE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines expressed concern over the rising number of HIV/AIDS infections among the youth as the United Nations Children’s Fund warned that new infections among teens may rise from 250,000 in 2015 to nearly 400,000 annually by 2030.

In the Philippines, official figures showed that from 1984 to 2016, about 10,279 of the total number of HIV/AIDS cases were in the 15-24 years-old range.

CBCP’s Commission on Health Care executive secretary Fr. Dan Cansino said that the number of youth cases of 9,066 was reported only in the last five years, and this

should raise concern for the government to tag it a “youth epidemic.” “This is a day for us to increase our knowledge, awareness, consciousness [about HIV/AIDS], especially because of the youth affected now by this global problem of HIV and AIDS,” Cancino said. “Most of those affected are our youth. Cases are rising among the 15 to 24 year-olds. So they are the future of our country, our high school and college students,” explained the priest. In an effort to further raise public awareness, the Church is calling on young people to join the celebration of National Catholic

AIDS Sunday on December 4. The prelate expressed the church’s concern as Unicef warned that New infections among teens may rise from 250,000 in 2015 to nearly 400,000 annually by 2030 if progress in reaching adolescents stalls. “The world has made tremendous progress in the global effort to end AIDS, but the fight is far from over—especially for children and adolescents,” said Unicef executive director Anthony Lake. “Every two minutes, another adolescent—most likely a girl— will be infected with HIV,” Lake said. “If we want to end AIDS, we need to recapture the urgency this

issue deserves—and redouble our efforts to reach every child and every adolescent.” AIDS remains a leading cause of death among adolescents, claiming the lives of 41,000 adolescents aged 10-19 in 2015, according to the 7th Stocktaking Report on Children and AIDS: For Every Child: End AIDS. Despite progress in averting new infections and reducing deaths, funding for the AIDS response has declined since 2014, Unicef said. World AIDS Day, observed every year since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread

IN BRIEF

Villar pushes refund system

Lawmen nab Russian over P64-m drugs A 32-YEAR-OLD Russian woman was arrested by customs authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after more than 12 kilos of high-grade cocaine, worth P64 million, was found in her luggage. The authorities identified the woman as Anastasha Novopashina, who was arrested after drug enforcers found 12,781 grams of highgrade cocaine was found in her luggage after she arrived on board Emirates Air Flight EK332 from Sao Paolo, Brazil via Dubai. Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said the bureau received intelligence report from the United States antinarcotics authorities about the impending arrival of the alleged Russian drug mule. Vito Barcelo

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Cynthia Villar yesterday said she will recommend to the Manila International Airport Authority to put up an online verification system for the refund of airport terminal fees paid by overseas Filipino workers. She said the verifications system should be made in coordination with the POEA and the Bureau of Immigration to make it easier for OFWs who have left the Philippines to request for a terminal fee refund. “We need an online platform that would make it easier for our OFWs to claim their refunds which may soon reach a billion pesos,” said Villar as she thanked MIAA general manager Ed Monreal for reversing the policy of the previous administration to collect airport terminal fees from OFWS. Villar noted that former MIAA General Manager Angel Honrado backed up by then Transportation and Communications Secretary Emilio Abaya Jr., proceeded to collect the P550 terminal fee from OFWs on Feb. 1, 2015. This was made despite the overwhelming objections of OFWs and civil society groups such as the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, Migrante International, and the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch. “I am happy that the new MIAA general manager, Ed Monreal is attuned to President Duterte’s policy of treating our modern-day heroes with respect and compassion,” said Villar. “We in the Senate have always believed that the integration of terminal fees in airport tickets can be accomplished without having to tread on the toes of millions of our OFWs. In fact, I had made repeated appeals to the MIAA, DOTC and the DOST to look at IT solutions to spare our OFWs from paying a fee that the law exempts them from,” added Villar.

Govt doctor meted 114 years in jail THAT THING CALLED CHRISTMAS SEASON. Pedestrians are now forced to walk on the roads in Manila’s Divisoria district as sidewalks have turned into veritable emporia ahead of the Christmas season. Lino Santos

Comelec returns VCMs to Smartmatic THE Commission on Elections has turned over 97,366 units of Optical Mark Reader Machines and Election Management Systems, including accessories not purchased by the Commission, used in the May 9, 2016 National and Local Elections to poll technology provider Smartmatic-TIM. In a statement, the Comelec said it has retained 151 units of OMR machines in view of a Resolution dated Nov. 22, 2016

issued by the Senate Electoral Tribunal. The OMR was turned over last Nov. 29, 2016 despite a protest filed by former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. In a resolution dated Nov. 8, 2016, the Presidential Electoral Tribunal modified the Precautionary Protection Order such that election materials and paraphernalia used during the May 9, 2016 NLE, which do not contain election results data, as enumer-

ated in the Commission’s Letter dated August 10, 2016, are excluded from the coverage of the PPO, the Comelec said. The statement also said that the PET authorized the Comelec and Smartmatic to immediately conduct closure stripping activities for all Vote Counting Machines and Consolidation/ Canvassing System kits provided prior notice to the tribunal, the parties, and other stakeholders. “We officially turned over

the leased goods to Smartmatic since the Commission en banc has already decided not to exercise its option to purchase,” Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said. Under two contracts of lease with option to purchase entered into by the Comelec with Smartmatic, all goods subject thereof that are in the possession of Comelec as of Dec.1, 2016 shall be considered sold pursuant to Comelec’s option to purchase, he said. Vito Barcelo

Congress names DoT poster boy By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives has designated Filipino boxing icon Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao as the official endorser of the Department of Tourism in its campaign to make the country a premier tourist destination. The House leadership led by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez will soon adopt the proposal contained in a committee report approved by the House committee on transportation during its hearing on the DOT’s plans and programs for 2017. The Lower House is expected to adopt the proposal before Congress adjourns for a one-month Christmas break starting Dec. 16. 1-PACMAN Rep. Enrico Pineda proposed that the DOT designate Pacquiao as the agency’s spokesperson because of the boxing champion’s tremendous popularity here and abroad. “Senator Pacquiao’s international stature is a big boost to the tourism industry of the country. His endorsement would create a lot of impact, especially in the social media,” said Pineda. Pineda further said the senator from Sarangani might lend his services to the DOT for free. Supporting Pineda’s proposal, Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales moved to make the boxing champ the official DOT endorser. The committee chaired by Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez unani-

of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control. The World Day is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization, along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day and World Hepatitis Day.

mously approved Gonzales’ motion. Also during the hearing, officials of the DOT and its attached agencies namely, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and the Tourism Promotions Board briefed House members on the state of the country’s tourism industry and their tourism plans and programs. Torres-Gomez said the committee takes cognizance of the issues and concerns that are vital to the promotion and development of the country’s tourism industry. Torres-Gomez cited there are more than 40 House bills filed seeking to declare the various areas in the country as tourism zones and destinations. “These are very important to House members for the development of local tourism in their respective districts. We will certainly take immediate action on these measures,” said Torres-Gomez. She said among the measures of national importanceare bills seeking better assistance, services, and protection to international tourists visiting the country; granting travel tax discount or exemption to groups such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, official country representatives to international sports events, academic conferences, and beauty pageants; and seeking the imposition of environmental fee or green fee for the preservation, conservation, development, and protection of the country’s national heritage sites and treasures.

THE Ombudsman announced on Friday the conviction of a government doctor for 19 counts of falsification of time cards in 2003 to 2005. The anti-graft court said Dr. Rosalinda Benitez, then a full-time medical officer IV at the Manila City health department and part-time medical specialist at the Jose Fabella Hospital, was sentenced to six years for each indictment, or a total of 114 years. “The holding of two government positions in the government is expressly prohibited by law and the accused in this case concealed and did not declare her simultaneous government employment with conf licting work schedule,” ruled Manila City Regional Trial Court Branch 25 Judge Marlina Manuel.

BoC exceeds target by 12%

SAME OLD. The already heavy trafﬁc on the approaches to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport are

expected to worsen with the coming of the holiday season and the expected homecoming of millions of Filipinos abroad. Eric Apolonio

THE Bureau of Customs on Friday said it has surpassed its collection target for the month of November 2016 by as much as 12 percent. Customs Commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon reported that the bureau has collected P40.239 billion at the end of November 2016 exceeding the P36.450-billion revenue target for the same period set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee. The BoC’s Financial Service also said that the P40.239 billion is 27 percent higher than the P29.061-billion collection posted for the same month last year. Vito Barcelo

Liban no longer connected with Penamfed FORMER Quezon City Rep. Dante Liban is no longer connected with the People’s National Movement for Federalism following his resignation last October 16, according to officials of the group. Penamfed is an offshoot of the Mayor Rodrigo Roa DuterteNational Executive Consultative Council whose officers and members were instrumental in convincing now President Rodrigo Duterte to run in the May elections. MRRD-NECC espouses the es-

tablishment of a federal Philippines, which is among the President’s campaign promises. In his letter addressed to MRRDNECC officials, including Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Guiling Mamondiong, Liban said his decision to leave both groups was borne out of his “desire to be happy at work.” “Upon discernment, I have realized that the time has come for me

to move on to new directions and opportunities where my simple desire to be happy at work is best realized,” said Liban. “With your kind indulgence and understanding, I am resigning my membership in MRRD-NECC. Likewise, I am resigning as President, effective immediately,” he stressed. MRRD-NECC had accepted his resignation and thanked him for his contribution to the group. Its officials stressed that there is no

such thing as PRRD-Penamfed because Penamfed belongs to MRRD NECC. “This is to clear the matter and so as not to bring confusion among the MRRD-NECC leaders and members on the ground, including DILG,” explained one official. They also cautioned Liban against using the name of the two groups in his public appearances and engagements, stressing that he no longer has authority to speak on behalf of the MRRD-NECC or Penamfed.

Sports Sea Lions, Engineers in game of death Game Today

(Olivarez Sports Center) 12 noon – Olivarez vs TIP

AFTER getting an extra day to live, Olivarez College vowed to give it all when it faces Technological Institute of the Philippines in a do-ordie duel showdown for the second finals berth today in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League at the Olivarez Sports Center. Banking on a furious second-quarter attack, the Olivarez Sea Lions wiped out a five-point, first-quarter deficit and coasted to a 70-53 win over the Engineers—who came into game armed with a twice-tobeat advantage. Centro Escolar University and TIP claimed twice-to-beat advantages in the semis after finishing 1-2 after the doubleround elims with an 11-1 and 8-4 records, respectively. The winner in the OlivarezTIP showdown will face the CEU Scorpions in a best-ofthree series starting on Monday. Behind a well-balanced attack, the Scorpions claimed the first finals slot with a masterful 99-57 win over the Colegio de San Lorenzo Griffins. Coming into the game emboldened by a 65-63 win over the Scorpions in the last playing day of the elims, the Sea Lions showed steely resolve as they refused to panic despite another tentative start. But when their offensive rhythm got going, the Sea Lions, led by Albert Rabe, Lawrence Udoba and Pruvil Bermudez, unleashed a mighty 25-9 run in the second frame to take a 35-24 halftime lead.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Rockets shoot down Dubs’ 12-game streak; Cavs fall L OS ANGELES—The Houston Rockets shot down streaking Golden State on Thursday, ending the Warriors’ 12-game NBA winning streak with a 132-127 doubleovertime triumph.

Rockets guard James Harden posted his fourth triple-double of the season, scoring 29 points with 15 rebounds and 13 assists. Harden connected on a threepointer to put the Rockets up 126-123 with 3:12 remaining in the second overtime and added two free throws with 2:10 left. Eric Gordon stretched the lead with a jump shot and the

Warriors couldn’t find an answer after losing Stephen Curry less than two minutes into the second extra session when the NBA Most Valuable Player fouled out having scored 28 points. The last time Curry fouled out of a game was on December 13, 2013—the last time the Rockets beat the Warriors. Kevin Durant tied a season-

high with 39 points and Draymond Green just missed a triple-double with 20 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists for the Warriors, who fell to 16-3—still the best record in the league. The battle of two of the league’s best three-point shooting teams saw a whopping 88 three-pointers attempted. The Rockets finished 14 of 44 from behind the arc, while the Warriors made 12 of their 44. It was a frantic race to the end of regulation, in which Durant tied the game at 113-113 with two free throws with 19 seconds left. Golden State nosed ahead in the first extra session, but

Curry then missed two threepointers and Houston’s Gordon tied it with 1:25 remaining with a three-pointer of his own. Sam Dekker then put Houston up with 45.4 seconds left before Golden State’s Klay Thompson tied it again with a short jump shot with 27.4 seconds left. That set the stage for the second overtime, in which the Rockets out-scored the Warriors 9-4. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers snapped a three-game NBA skid in impressive style Thursday, humbling the reigning champion Cavaliers 113-94 in Cleveland. LeBron James and the Cav-

Twitter, Globe ink agreement

Petron, Foton eye title duel Games Today

(Ibalong Centrum for Recreation) 10 a.m. – Foton vs RC Cola-Army 3 p.m. – Cignal vs Generika 5 p.m. – Petron vs F2 Logistics

LEGAZPI CITY—Foton and Petron aim to forge a championship rematch when they clash with separate foes in the suddendeath semifinals of the Asics Philippine Superliga Grand Prix women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation here. The Tornadoes tip things off when they face RC Cola-Army at 10 a.m., while the Tri-Activ Spikers tackle F2 Logistics in the 5 p.m. main match of this prestigious club tourney sponsored by Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller and Grand Sport with TV5 as official broadcast partner. After slicing through the preliminaries, the Tornadoes are heavily favored with their Serbian coach Moro Branislav pronouncing the semis as the “real battle” where they will unleash all their might and experience they gained from competing in the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship two months ago. Branislav said he would be sticking with his starting roster of Maika Ortiz and Dindin Manabat at the middle, imports Ariel Usher and Lindsay Stalzer at the open and Jaja Santiago at the opposite with veteran Rhea Dimaculangan setting the plays. But they are tipped to get challenged by the Lady Troopers, who are also looking to make it back to the finals after falling short in the All-Filipino Conference.

James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket during a game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. AFP

National U jins romp off with crown COMBINING smarts and strength, National University overwhelmed University of the East, 35-10, Sunday to capture its first junior men’s division championship in the MVPSFMeralco Philippine Taekwondo League at the SM City Sucat Mall in Parañaque. Under the tried and tested tutelage of coach Jeff Figueroa, the NU jins swept all of their three matches in lopsided fashion, capped by their finals’ rout of the defending champions in ruling the competition supported by the MVP Sports Foundation and Meralco. La Salle Greenhills turned back Far Eastern University-FERN, 53-35, to take the bronze medal in the event organized

by the Philippine Taekwondo Association and also backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission. Aside from the championship trophy and medals, the members of the NU squad were also given a Myphone each as part of their prizes. “We studied all of our rivals thoroughly and studied their weaknesses. It was not much about our strength and stamina but more of our mental toughness and strategy,” noted Figuerora, who used to be the UE coach before taking over the NU squad this season. “Medyo alam ko rin ang mga players ng

UE kaya yon na rin ang ginamit ko upang matalo namin sila,” added the mentor, who stretched his winning run to four straight PTL men’s junior titles after steering the UE bets to three consecutive crowns from 2013 to 2015. UE head coach Joenell Rendora, who was Figueroa’s assistant, cited the graduation of most of his veterans from last year’s champion squad as the major reason why they could not match their NU rivals. “Marami pong nag-graduate sa amin. At magaling po talaga si coach Jeff,” Rendora said, “and I pray that I can also be as good as him and win a championship for my UE team someday.”

TWITTER and Globe announced an advertising collaboration for the NBA’s two live exclusive programs streamed on Twitter and for custom NBA highlights on Twitter in the Philippines. The collaboration strengthens Twitter’s live stream strategy in the region with Globe as Twitter’s first official live stream advertising partner in Asia and reinforces the telco’s commitment to provide the best customer proposition of giving access to world class basketball entertainment. As an advertising partner, Globe will collaborate with Twitter on the live stream of two new weekly NBA shows with firstof-its-kind elements created specifically for integration with Twitter conversation. The Starters Twitter Show, produced by Turner Sports, is streamed once a week for an hour. Similarly, the weekly 30-minute show, The Warmup, also produced by Turner Sports, is featured exclusively to Twitter’s logged-in and logged-out audience. Read more on both programs, which are live every Tuesday and Thursday worldwide on Twitter and connected devices, here. NBA fans can visit thestarters.twitter. com and thewarmup.twitter.com to watch the programs on Twitter: The Starters Twitter Show airs on Tuesdays, 11am ET / Wednesdays, 12am Manila time throughout the regular season. Featuring co-hosts J.E. Skeets (@ jeskeets) and Tas Melas (@TasMelas), along with contributors Trey Kerby (@ treykerby), Leigh Ellis (@LeighEllis), Matt Osten (@StartersMatt) and Jason Coyle (@startersjd), the program delivers their trademark passion for the game with the same fun, entertaining, and engaging content that they provide each week on NBA TV and through their podcasts.

LOTTO RESULTS 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 4 DIGITS 00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

Manila

ORIE NTA L MINDORO E LEC TRIC COOPE R ATIV E , INC. Standard (O R M E C O)

TODAY

Simaron, Calapan Cit y INVITATION TO BID

All interested bidders are invited to participate in the actual bidding for these three (3) LOTs detailed as follows: LOT - I

Supply of Labor and Materials for Construction of New ORMECO District-V Office Building at Sta. Rita, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro Approved Budget Cost: Php 3,000,000.00 Source of Funding: E.C. Loan Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

LOT - II

Supply of Pole Line Materials, Steel Poles, Conductor, Connector, Fuselinks and Distribution Transformers Approved Budget Cost: Php45,494,741.00 Source of Funding: 5% Reinvestment Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-bid proper.

LOT - III

Supply of Service Vehicle, SUV, 4x2, Diesel, M/T Approved Budget Cost: Php1,200,000.00 Source of Funding: 5% Reinvestment Fund Delivery Schedule: To be announced during the pre-qualification proper. GENERAL GUIDELINES

Members of the National University team show of their trophies and medals after bagging the men’s junior championship of the MVPSF-Meralco Philippine Taekwondo League held last weekend at the SM City Sucat.

Tecson returns to rule PAL Mabuhay golf meet JENZ Vincent Tecson returned this year to the PAL Mabuhay Miles Elite Invitational Golf Tournament to claim the Overall Low Gross Championship trophy (gross 75, net 70), and the bragging rights for winning top prizes for two consecutive years. The young Tecson–Premier Elite member–was Men’s Class A champion at last year’s Mabuhay Miles Golf

aliers endured their second straight defeat on the heels of an upset loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. It’s the first time this season the 13-4 Cavaliers have lost two straight. “Those guys did a good job —they played desperate basketball, with them losing the last three,” James said of the Clippers. “They played some good ball. We’ve got to figure it out, which we will.” The Clippers held an eightpoint lead over the lackluster champs at halftime, and opened the third quarter with a 13-2 scoring run to seize control. AFP

tournament held at the Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club. A total of 257 Elite, Premium Elite and Million Miler members of PAL’s Mabuhay Miles battled for the 24 trophies. Bernabe Punsalan brought home the Low Net trophy, while Christine Marie Valdehueza Naidoo emerged Ladies division champion. The Seniors division was

ruled by Tranquilino Magpantay. Other division champions include: Class A–Louis Bartolome Borja; Class B–Joseph Owen Fulo; Class C–Elson Jose Dagondon; and Class D–Emeterio Dikitanan. Rodrigo Perez scored the most number of birdies while Vicente Solon had the most number of pars. Guest champion trophy was given to Rodrigo Perez.

The recent 24th PAL Mabuhay Miles golf was played at the two 18hole courses of The Orchard Golf & Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite. The presidents of PAL and PAL Express—Jaime J. Bautista and Bonifacio Sam—were joined by representatives of the tournament’s major sponsors at the ceremonial tee off.

Interested bidders may secure BID DOCUMENTS and obtain further INFORMATIONS from the ORMECO, Inc. Bids and Award Committee (BAC)/Procurement Section, ORMECO, Inc., Simaron, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. A non-refundable fee in the amount of Php10,000.00 for LOT - I, Php40,000.00 for LOT - II and Php10,000.00 for LOT - III and shall be collected as payment for BID DOCUMENTS.

Interested bidders must be accredited as contractor/supplier before joining the pre-bidding conference and accreditation will start on December 5, 2016 at 8:00am until 5:00p.m. of December 9, 2016. You can call at telephone number 043-2882349 or send an email at ormeco_coop@yahoo.com. PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at ORMECO, Inc. Board Room, Sta. Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro at 10:00 a.m. of December 13, 2016 for LOT - I, 2:00 p.m. of December 13, 2016 for LOT - II and 3:00p.m. of December 13, 2016 for LOT - III. SEALED PROPOSALS will be received at 10:00 a.m. of December 28, 2016 for LOT - I, 2:00 p.m. of December 28, 2016 for LOT - II and 3:00p.m. of December 28, 2016 for LOT - III, immediately after which, the said proposals will be opened during the actual bidding in the presence of the attending bidders. ALL BIDS must be accompanied by a BID BOND payable to ORMECO, Inc. in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT issued by a reputable bank equivalent to TWO PERCENT (2%) of the Approved Budget Cost (ABC). No Bid Bond in the form of Surety Bond shall be accepted. The bidder with the lowest calculated bid will be considered the winning bidder. The winning bidder shall issue FIVE PERCENT (5%) in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, MANAGER’S CHECK or BANK DRAFT from a reputable bank, representing the PERFORMANCE BOND. If the bidder who submitted the best offer refuses to push through with his / her proposed BID during and after the bidding, his / her Bid Bond shall be forfeited, and failure of bidding shall be declared. ORMECO, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject any Bids, declare failure of bidding and not to award the contract without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. ORMECO, Inc. also has no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnity bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids.

6. 7. 8.

ORMECO, INC. ENGR. PATROCINIO M. PANAGSAGAN, JR. General Manager (MS-DEC. 3,2016)

Texters hand Elite 1st setback

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

By Jeric Lopez

Sports Blackwater’s Ael Banal tries to score against TNT’s Kelly Williams in a PBA Philippine Cup game won by the Texters, 99-92.

Dream showdown today: Archers favored vs Eagles T By Peter Atencio

HE Ateneo Blue Eagles are past one of their two biggest struggles after they hurdled the defending champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the Final Four of the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament last Wednesday.

Now, their big-man rotation will undergo another huge test when the Blue Eagles meet their arch-rivals the La Salle Green Archers in Game 1 of their bestof-three finals series at 3:30 p.m. today at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Blue Eagles’ big-man rotation is one player short with GBoy Babilonia still out on an ACL injury he suffered in their first-

round game against La Salle. Since then, Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin said the team has been getting by with young players like Isaac Go and Vince Tolentino, combining beautifully with Thirdy Ravena. “He’s (Babilonia) our captain, one of our toughest rebounders. He’s important to the team and we lost him to ACL. Now, we have to

face a tough interior defense that La Salle has. But we’ll keep going. We’ll find a way. These guys are going to enjoy the game,” said Baldwin. Meanwhile, National University and La Salle meet at 11 a.m. in Game 1 of the women’s finals. Ateneo’s young roster proved itself when 6’7” Go played good defense to lead Ateneo to a 69-68 triumph of FEU in their rubber match last Wednesday. This will be their first finals showdown in eight years, with the Green Archers favored to win after reaching the finals with 14 wins and just one loss. Their only loss in the season-interestingly to the Blue Eagles, 71-83--is something Green Archers’ coach Aldin Ayo, nor the team, will not forget.

Games Today

(Game 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena) 11 a.m. – NU vs DLSU (women’s Game 1) 3:30 p.m. Ateneo vs La Salle (men’s Game 1)

“Motivated kami. Kasi, ‘di namin makalimutan iyung Nov. 5 na talo na iyun. Makes you wonder, kung gaano kahirap makapunta sa ganitong level,” said Ayo. Despite that loss, La Salle is still seen as the clear favorite, with big man Ben Mbala able to dish out double-digit outputs per game. Mbala is the odds-on pick to win MVP honors with averages of 20.7 points and 16 rebounds. Jeron Teng can back him up with 17. 5 points. There’s also Aljun Melecio and Thomas Torres with 8.3 and 7.5 points, along with Kib Montalbo and Abu Tratter with their norms

of 6.7 and 5.9 points. Ravena is Ateneo’s top cager with 10.1 points and 7.7 rebounds, with John Wong, Michael Nieto and Anton Asistio and Go giving out the supporting numbers that can carry the Blue Eagles through. Offensively, La Salle can average 86.9 points per game, while Ateneo can make 71.3. The Green Archers are well rested and are coming off a 10-day break after hurdling the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 69-64, in the Final Four. The last time Ateneo and La Salle met in the finals in 2008, the Blue Eagles finished with a 2-game sweep to win the title under coach Norman Black. Ateneo entered the Final Four as the top-seeded team back then, while La Salle took the no. 2 ranking.

Cavite bets Mordido, Quizon dominate chess

CAGE CHAMPS. Led by Champ Arejola (4th from left), Santi Sauler, Dwyne Miranda, CP Miranda, Alwyn Miranda, Kieffer Alas, Daniel Sta. Maria and MVP Waki Espina, La Salle Zobel retained its the Village Sports Club Interschool Basketball crown by beating San Sebastian College held recently at The Village in Parañaque City.

TAGUM CITY―Chessers Daniel Quizon and Kylen Joy Mordido of Dasmarinas City, Cavite bagged two gold medals Friday in the Philippine National Youth Games-Batang Pinoy Championships here. Quizon, a sixth grader from San Miguel Elementary School in Dasmarinas, ruled the boys’ 12-under blitz and standard chess while the 14-year-old Mordido dominated her age bracket in the same events. Unbeaten in seven games in the blitz, Quizon won via tie break in the standard with four other players in the seven-round Swiss system. Quizon scored 5.5 points and ended up tied with Clyde Harris Saraos of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental and Pasig City’s Mark Jay Bacojo, among others, in the competition held at the Bulwagang Panlalawigan of Davao Del Norte. “My dream is to become a grand master,’’ said the 12-year-old, who looks up to GM Eugene Torre and world champion GM Magnus Carlsen as his idols. “I just practice everyday and play with stronger players to reach that dream.’’ Mordido, a Grade 9 student from Dasmarinas National High School, also wound up unbeaten in the girls’ 13-17 blitz and captured the gold in the

standard by tie break after scoring 6.5 points, with Glybel Jane Quinanola of Cebu City. Quizon and Mordido are seeking their third gold medal in the rapid event of the Games designed to discover athletes 17 years old and younger. Over at the Tagum City trade center, lady grapplers Veronica Ompod (girls’ 40kg) and Rachel Claire Bais (girls’ 44kg) led an avalanche of gold medals for Leyte province in wrestling. Joining them were Leyte’s Andrea Rowella Abrea (girls’ 51kg), Marielle Jeanna Liwanag (58kg), Angela Alferez (62kg), Ronnel Nerzza (boys’ 35kg) and Francisco Arca (66kg). Baguio City had two golds on the mat courtesy of Lemuel Dalgo (boys’ 53kg) and Anthonie John Tenollar (boys’ 73kg) as well as Davao City through the efforts of siblings Chino Sy (boys’ 85kg) and Sydney Sy (girls’ 62kg). Zamboanga City’s Marvi Rivera struck two gold medals in the arnis anyo event after winning the boys’ individual single weapon and individual sword and dagger events, while Baguio also delivered two mints in the boys’ team double weapon and women’s team sword and dagger events.

Crucial UNTV Cup games on Sunday A THREE-GAME bill highlights the first provincial outing of the 2016 UNTV Cup, with action taking place this Sunday at the Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite. The games are expected to be tough with four teams facing a-must win situation in Group A. The winners will have a chance to become one of the Top 4 teams that will proceed to the second round of eliminations. The Ombudsman Graft Busters are in the running with their 2-3 record as they clash with the BFP

Firefighters at 3:30 p.m. The Firefighters are trying to stay in the running with their 3-2 slate, sharing the same card with the AFP Cavaliers. The Cavaliers will remain in contention if they get past the Malacanang Kamao, unbeaten in five games, at 5 p.m. The MMDA Black Wolves also have a 2-3 record as they take on the Senate Defenders. The UNTV Cup is now on its fifth season and is a charitable basketball game spearheaded by the Chairman

and CEO of UNTV-BMPI Mr. Public Service Kuya Daniel Razon. Public servants from different government agencies participate, vying for the prize for their chosen charities. Aside from these exciting games, Caviteños will also have some world-class OPM entertainment from Carmella Ravanilla, Jason Fernandez, Marcelito Pomoy and Jireh Lim. The games on Sunday will be telecast live, also boasting of a livestream via www.untvweb.com.

Ombudsman’s Mark Anthony Marcos is slapped with a technical foul by the game ofﬁcial during their game with AFP. This Sunday, the Graft Busters and the Cavaliers face each other again to settle their unﬁnished business as they have to evade elimination.

AFTER shaking off a slow start, TNT KaTropa established its game when it mattered to give erstwhile league-leader Blackwater a reality check. The Tropang Texters dealt the Elite its first taste of defeat, 99-92, while winning their second game in the process in the 2016-17 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Moala Tautuaa was solid in the middle, scoring 20 points, 15 in the first half, wherein he carried most of the load for Talk ‘N Text. In his first game this season after sitting out the first two to rest, Jayson Castro returned steadily, also scoring 20 markers for more firepower for the Tropang Texters. As a result, the two teams are now tied at 2-1 in the standings for second place. TNT KaTropa had a sluggish start, trailing by nine, 2130, after the first canto, but it quickly dug itself out of trouble, winning the second quarter big, 29-16, to snatch the lead, 50-46, at the half. The Tropang Texters then built on that and expanded their advantage through three quarters, 76-67. In the fourth, the knockout punch was delivered as TNT KaTropa created more separation, establishing double-digit leads early in the period before holding off Blackwater, which had a last-ditch effort in the closing minutes bet still fell short. New TNT KaTropa head coach Nash Racela officially made his coaching debut for his squad in the PBA after missing the team’s first two games as he finished his obligations first with Far Eastern University in the UAAP. Fortunately for him, he emerged victorious this time around, contrary to his fate with the Tamaraws just last Wednesday when they got booted out by Ateneo De Manila in the UAAP.

Ardina, Regina stay in the hunt REGINA de Guzman continued to flash top form, firing an eaglespiked four-under 68 to move to joint sixth while Dottie Ardina shot a 70 for a share of 12th after two rounds of the five-day LPGA Qualifying Tournament Final Stage at the LPGA International in Florida Thursday. Princess Superal bounced back from a 76 with a two-under 70 to break into the Magic 70 while Cyna Rodriguez also atoned for her atrocious opening 83 with a three-under 69 as the Filipina bets cashed in on the easier Jones Hills course to stay in the hunt. But Fil-Am Clariss Guce stumbled with a 75 at the Hills and dropped to joint 80th from a share of 38th while Mia Piccio also came away with an eagle on No. 5 and four birdies but made five bogeys, her 71 hardly moving her from 141st to joint 110th heading to the last 36 holes where the top 70, excluding ties, will advance to the fifth and final round where the top 20 will earn the coveted 2017 LPGA cards. Scot Mel Reid and Japanese Nasa Hataoka zeroed in on two of the berths as they pooled identical 133s after a 64 and 65, respectively, to share the lead, three ahead of American Jaye Green, who strung up a second straight 68 for a 136 while Latvian Krista Puisite carded a bogey-free 69 to tie erstwhile leader Katelyn Dambaugh, who settled for a 71 after a 67, at 138. But De Guzman also served notice of her bid for low medal honors as the 24-year-old San Jose State U senior moved from joint 14th to a share of sixth with three others at 139. She and Ardina actually started the round just four strokes off the pace but dropped two shots farther back behind the new joint leaders. But with her current form, which netted her a victory in the NWGA (National Women’s Golf Association) two weeks ago, also in Florida, De Guzman hopes to press her bid although she braces for another tough outing as they head back to the tough Hills layout for the third round.

SM Prime opening 60th mall in Ortigas

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

Tokyo Gas eyes LNG facility in Batangas By Alena Mae S. Flores

PSE COMPOSITE INDEX Closing December 2, 2016

8300 7840 7380 6920 6460 6000

6,886.74 21.87

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

Closing DECEMBER 2, 2016 43.00 45.40 46.60 47.80

P49.650

49.00

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT. Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Rafael Yabut (sixth from right) leads the ceremonial energiza-

tion of the Marikina North Sewage Treatment Plant in Balubad Resettlement, Barangay Nangka, Marikina City. He is joined by Environment Secretary Gina Lopez (fourth from left), Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro (ﬁfth from left) and Manila Water Co. Inc. chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala (third from left). Hailed as the country’s largest STP to date, Marikina North STP is designed to treat 100 million liters per day of used water conveyed through a system of 22-kilometer sewer network coming from over 500,000 residents from nine barangays in Marikina City and ﬁve barangays in San Mateo, Rizal.

Lucio Tan consolidates airlines to lure investors

YCOON Lucio Tan will consolidate his airline ventures as he focuses on expanding his ﬂagship PAL Holdings Inc. and increase its appeal to potential buyers.

HIGH P49.630 LOW P49.790 AVERAGE P49.721 VOLUME 602.500M

P430.00-P661.00 LPG/11-kg tank P35.40-P44.10 Unleaded Gasoline P25.75-P29.32 Diesel

OPRICES IL TODAY

P28.50-P36.85 Kerosene P20.75-P21.75 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, December 2, 2016

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.7740

Japan

Yen

0.008772

0.4366

Pound

1.258400

62.6356

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128932

6.4175

Switzerland

Franc

0.990197

49.2861

Canada

Dollar

0.751033

37.3819

Singapore

Dollar

0.701361

34.9095

Australia

Dollar

0.741800

36.9224

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

132.0335

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266709

13.2752

Brunei

Dollar

0.698910

34.7875

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000074

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.028043

1.3958

UAE

Dirham

0.272264

13.5517

Euro

1.066500

53.0840

Korea

Won

0.000857

0.0427

China

Yuan

0.145212

7.2278

India

Rupee

0.014663

0.7298

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.224165

11.1576

New Zealand

Dollar

0.708500

35.2649

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031343

1.5601 Source: PDS Bridge

PAL will acquire another company owned by Tan called Zuma Holdings & Management Corp. through a share-swap agreement, valuing the whole deal at P8.24 billion, the company said in a stock exchange ﬁling Friday. The purchase will consolidate Philippine Airlines Inc. and budget carrier Air Philippines Corp. “The integration of both businesses into a single organization structure would make PAL a more viable investment for interested investors,” PAL said in the statement. Consolidating

the two airlines will also reduce costs and increase revenue, it said. Philippine Airlines is in talks with potential investors and is seeking one with experience in running carriers so it can help manage its fleet, the carrier’s president Jaime Bautista said in June. The company is also open to private equity funds and other strategic investors. The reorganization comes as competition intensifies among carriers in Asia Pacific, where a dozen new airlines started operations in the past decade.

“Consolidating the airlines is very positive and will allow PAL to fetch a higher price from potential buyers,” said Victor Felix, an analyst at AB Capital Securities Inc. “Creating synergies for both carriers means that PAL is also intent on ramping up its domestic operations and get a larger piece of the market share.” Under the deal, PAL will issue to Zuma owners Cosmic Holdings Corp. and Horizon Global Investments Ltd. 19 shares in exchange for one Zuma stock, according to the statement. Trading of PAL shares, which closed 2 percent higher on Thursday, was suspended. Zuma owns 99.97 percent of Air Philippines Corp., or Airphil Express. Upon approval of the transaction by the regulators,

PHI will indirectly own Airphil Express through Zuma as one of its subsidiaries. The other direct subsidiary is Philippine Airlines. “The transaction will rationalize and consolidate the airline business of the Lucio Tan Group under PHI,” PAL said. PHI earlier reported a total total comprehensive income of P2.96 billion in the ﬁrst nine months of the year, lower by 54.8 percent from the previous year’s P6.55 billion. Revenues for the period January to September amounted to P85.35 billion, 3.5 percent higher than last year’s same period ﬁgure of P82.48 billion. The airline’s total operating expenses grew 8.9 percent to P76.21 billion. Bloomberg, Darwin G. Amojelar

BSP may keep P180-b weekly auction—Tetangco By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas is keeping the current P180-billion volume of the weekly term deposit facility auctions but is not discounting the possibility that further adjustments can be done in the future, Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said. “We are keeping it at P180 billion for now and we will see later if there is a need to adjust. It depends on the liquidity condition,” Tetangco said at the sidelines of an event at Bangko Sentral Thursday evening. “But right now, because it’s

Christmas season, the banks would want to have a sufﬁcient liquidity buffer so that in case there is a sudden demand from their clients, they can immediately respond to that,” Tetangco said. He said banks’ need for enough liquidity for the holidays was the main reason for the undersubscription of the auction for the ﬁrst time on Thursday. Other reason was the exit of the trust departments from the overnight facilities. The P180-billion volume of term deposits offered Thursday was the biggest on record.

The week-long P30-billion deposits lured total tenders of just P15.865 billion, with a weighted average accepted yield of 2.6 percent and a bid coverage ratio of 0.528 percent. Meanwhile, the month-long P150 billion deposits put on the auction block attracted total bids of P113.214 billion, with a weighted average accepted yield of 2.955 percent and bid coverage ratio of 0.754 percent. Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the undersubscription might continue until January next year, or after the holiday season. He said

oversubscriptions might recur in February. Tetangco estimated that about half of funds previously parked at overnight deposit facilities― approximately less than P1 trillion before the start of auctions in June this year―have already migrated to the term deposit facility due to the weekly auctions. However, Tetangco stressed that that was not a “hard target” which could compel the Monetary Board to reduce the reserve requirement of banks. The board earlier said signiﬁcant reduction in the ODF funds might trigger a cut in reserve requirement.

THE Bureau of Customs on Friday reported collections of P40.239 billion in November 2016, up 27 percent from P29.061 billion recorded yearon-year and surpassing its target of P36.45 billion for the month. Customs attributed the increased revenue collection to the transparency in transactions and full efforts of traders in helping the agency to increase the take. “In our outlook assessment report, the current collection record has exhibited a better leadership performance in past ﬁve months in 2016, covering July to November,” the agency said. Customs cited that out of the 17 BoC ports, the Manila In-

ternational Container Port registered a collection record of P11.362.52 billion, topping its November target of P10.367.14 billion by P1 billion. Danilo Ballena Jr., chief of staff of MICP Collector Vincent Philip Maronilla, attributed the P1-billion surplus in November to the increased volume of imports in the port brought about by coming the Christmas season and the Chinese New Year holidays. “We are targeting to improve more on our revenue collection performance to support Commissioner (Nicanor) Faeldon’s revenue collection efforts from today towards the future,” Ballena said. Faeldon also cited his consul-

IN BRIEF

Tobacco farmers oppose higher tax TOBACCO growers on Friday opposed a House bill that plans to introduce a big increase in the tobacco sin tax. The PhilTobacco Growers Association and the Philippine Aromatic Tobacco Development Association representing 50,000 tobacco farmers across the Philippines said House Bill 4144 authored by Congressman Eugene Micheal de Vera would introduce two new increased tax tiers, one at P32 per pack, and the other at P36 per pack. Tobacco growers said the bill also included an annual increase of 5 percent on the rates. Republic Act No. 10351, or the sin tax law, earlier restructured the excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products starting in January 2013 in preparation for the unitary taxation by 2017. Anna Leah E. Gonzales

SBMA mulls over smart city in Subic

Customs collections hit P40.24b, surpass target By Gabrielle H. Binaday

TOKYO Gas Co. Ltd. of Japan has expressed interest in the country’s liquefied natural gas industry, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said Friday. Cusi reporters Tokyo Gas was keen on the government’s plan to put up an LNG facility in Batangas through stateowned Philippine National Oil Co. “Tokyo Gas, they are interested,” Cusi said. Tokyo Gas is the main provider of gas in key cities in Japan. “PNOC is studying putting up LNG receiving stations in Batangas. That’s where these Japanese investors are looking at,” he said. Tokyo Gas plans to expand its operations and has recently signed an agreement with Centrica LNG Co. Ltd., the trading company of Centrica plc, the largest energy supplier in Europe. The move will link Tokyo Gas to an LNG value chain in Asia, North America and Europe. Cusi recently visited Japan and has has asked PNOC to conduct a study on the feasibility of putting up an LNG terminal and power plant in Batangas. “As an emerging LNG market in Asia, my country, the Philippines can take advantage of the current period of oversupply and the relatively low prices of LNG,” said Cusi. He noted that the Philippines only had Malampaya gas field supplying 98 percent of of the fuel requirements of five natural gas plants in Batangas, namely Ilijan, Sta. Rita, San Lorenzo, San Gabriel and Avion with a total installed capacity of 3,211 megawatts.

PNB’s advocacy. Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chairman Leni Robredo (second from left, front row) witnesses the turnover of the 2.5-hectare Philippine national Bank property to 491 family beneﬁciaries under the Community Mortgage Program. The CMP is one of the corporate social responsibility program vehicles of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies presented during PNB’s 100th year celebration.

THE Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority plans to develop a smart city that is expected to spur investments and international trade in the country, SBMA chair Martin Dino said. The smart city will be developed in the Redondo Peninsula in Zambales where the shipyard of Hanjin Philippines, now the world’s fourth biggest shipbuilding facility, and the 600-megawatt coal-ﬁred plant of RP Energy Inc. are located. The SBMA proposes to convert 3,000 hectares of the narrow 15-km long rugged peninsula into a new industrial park he designated as Subic 2. “This would become Subic’s Smart City, an exclusive enclave of modern high-tech corporations and a hub for scientiﬁc development and innovation. No other site in the country could match its advantage in location and accessibility,” said Dino. Othel V. Campos

Business

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rises; SMIC, Cemex up S TOCKS rose for a second day, after an agency of the United Nations raised its 2016 growth forecast for the Philippines to 7 percent from the previous estimate of 6 percent.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, gained 21 points or 0.3 percent, to close at 6,886.74 Friday. The bellwether was still down 0.9 percent since the start of the year. The heavier index, representing all shares, rose 7 points, or 0.2 percent, to settle at 4,166.49, on a value turnover of P6.8 billion. Advancers edged losers, 90 to 89, while 45 issues were unchanged. Ten of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by cement manufacturer Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. which climbed 3.5 percent to P11.28 and con-

glomerate SM Investments Corp. which rose 3.2 percent to P650. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Paciﬁc, the Bangkok-based regional development arm of the United Nations, said it expected the Philippine economy to grow 7 percent this year and 6.2 percent next year. The gross domestic product expanded 7.1 percent in the third quarter, bringing the average growth to 7 percent in the ﬁrst three quarters. Meanwhile, Asian stocks turned negative Friday and oil prices retreated along with the dollar as investors took a step back from a recent rally, while caution set in ahead of a crunch referendum in Italy at the weekend. World markets have been rising since Donald Trump’s shock US election win on hopes his big-spending, tax-cutting policies will boost the world’s largest economy. The advance was given extra impetus

Wednesday when Opec agreed on a plan to cut oil production, sending prices soaring. But James Woods, global investment analyst at Rivkin Securities in Sydney, told Bloomberg News: “Markets have rallied pretty strongly and we had three fantastic weeks but buying pressure certainly looks exhausted. We will see some corrective declines and proﬁt taking.” Japan’s Nikkei, which on Thursday closed at its highest level this year, slipped 0.5 percent, while Hong Kong gave up 1.2 percent and Shanghai slipped 0.9 percent. Sydney fell one percent and Seoul shed 0.7 percent, while Singapore gave back 0.3 percent. Wellington, Taipei and Manila were also down. Japanese exporters retreated on the back of a strengthening yen. In afternoon trade the dollar bought 114.00 yen, having ﬂirted with 115 yen earlier this week, which was a nine-month high. On oil markets both main contracts

dipped marginally after racking up double-digit gains in the previous two days in reaction to OPEC’s output-cutting deal. Traders are now awaiting key events at the weekend. On Friday the US releases its November jobs report, which could give an indication of the Federal Reserve’s plans for interest rates over the next year. And on Sunday Italy goes to the polls for a constitutional referendum, with Prime Minister Matteo Renzi saying he will resign if his government loses, leading to a possible general election. While experts say the chances of a Eurosceptic party gaining power is low, there are worries about the uncertainty it could create in one of the EU’s biggest economies. Also Sunday Austrians will vote for a new president, with Norbert Hofer seeking to become Europe’s ﬁrst far-right president since 1945. With AFP, Bloomberg

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.39 3,000 47.9 28,000 91.55 1,107,750 115.2 4,920,940 1.45 50,000 37.7 6,400 16.52 300 19.16 406,100 730 100 0.69 3,176,000 76 3,515,220 0.77 134,000 14.1 11,700 56 147,920 258 340 130 10 35.4 23,300 184.1 996,770 1,749 105 75.15 25,270 1.3 8,000

9,790 1,340,580 101,816,240.50 562,719,264 72,790 241,080 4,896 7,781,002 72,890 2,237,470 266,890,874 103,180 165,560 8,288,620.50 87,872 1,300 825,020 183,535,616 180,220 1,885,650.50 10,470

1,174,050 -55,061,035.50 107,469,053 143,260 -254,410 2,920 -153,012,647 -1,865,122.50 -757,630 -38,648,858 -8,575 1,672,094 -

42.5 4.4 0.89 1.25 21 0.204 85.25 11 17.06 23.35 20 57.5 88 1.89 7.15 12.06 11.08 6.42 6.99 5.09 21.7 67.6 12.06 15.64 6 1.72 212.2 75.15 2.28 3.7 29.65 25.75 14.9 257.8 0.24 4.6 3.3 9.9 11.3 2.05 5.61 1.35 67.5 4.95 230 4.42 2.85 4.2 0.144 1.49 169.5 4.55 1.69 1.12

INDUSTRIAL 43 925,900 4.52 1,384,000 0.92 414,000 1.3 474,000 21.3 39,500 0.204 2,850,000 85.25 30 11.28 21,703,100 17.4 1,503,200 23.4 268,100 20 6,200 57.5 180 91.45 1,420 1.9 716,000 7.22 28,600 12.06 7,400 11.16 1,970,400 6.47 113,300 7.1 771,700 5.15 29,450,800 22.2 405,900 68.45 26,400 12.58 15,800 15.7 411,700 6.23 2,996,600 1.75 145,000 219 465,930 75.15 150 2.28 40,000 3.7 3,000 29.9 4,181,800 26.7 112,700 15 607,000 258 225,940 0.25 240,000 4.94 7,000 3.3 966,000 10.12 12,746,000 11.3 16,800 2.07 807,000 5.62 47,700 1.36 315,000 68.1 1,239,720 4.95 4,605,000 235 11,450 4.45 28,000 2.86 88,000 4.6 40,000 0.144 800,000 1.54 1,016,000 171.5 1,706,830 4.57 40,000 1.74 3,942,000 1.12 1,000

39,740,255 6,245,820 377,150 606,670 838,225 595,040 2,560 243,543,708 26,226,338 6,283,300 136,095 10,350 126,075.50 1,362,210 205,545 89,302 22,167,218 730,076 5,409,735 151,157,297 8,948,295 1,789,844 198,570 6,450,922 18,302,346 253,900 100,459,940 11,272.50 91,400 11,100 124,995,365 3,003,025 9,112,470 58,400,512 57,800 33,020 3,249,060 128,737,629 190,140 1,664,300 271,916 428,310 84,563,882 23,427,440 2,650,830 124,240 254,560 176,260 115,330 1,558,040 291,621,831 182,300 6,806,260 1,120

4,259,555 3,093,610 62,092,568 7,711,618 -536,325 7,220 121,584 -38,016 1,257,670 -3,401,348 -2,388,325 -525,418.50 -1,843,264 6,000,000 31,213,652 -9,930,200 -1,584,560 -668,528 3,690,802 1,558,880 -30,026,646 -116,490 2,640 13,922,230.50 16,910,550 473,050 17,680 -37,723,101 -3,885,420 -

0.405 73.6 13.24 5.95 0.31 749 8.4 13.54 8.25 1,195 6.2 70.8 1.55 7.8 13.3 0.46 6.53 0.038 1.14 1.97 2.5 85.4 650 1.16 239 0.305 0.255

0.395 70.35 12.66 5.82 0.305 737 8.29 13.36 8.15 1,172 6.2 69.15 1.39 7.66 12.94 0.46 6.42 0.037 1.14 1.97 2.3 84.4 632.5 1.15 236 0.305 0.255

HOLDING FIRMS 0.395 700,000 73 2,425,520 13.02 5,793,100 5.95 14,100 0.305 260,000 739.5 453,200 8.29 1,324,300 13.4 8,534,700 8.24 101,400 1,185 144,620 6.2 1,300 70.8 2,109,400 1.4 16,378,000 7.8 1,322,700 12.94 12,961,200 0.46 60,000 6.5 19,534,500 0.038 3,200,000 1.14 50,000 1.97 6,000 2.5 14,000 85.4 401,580 650 300,240 1.15 1,100,000 236.6 14,270 0.305 170,000 0.255 150,000

276,700 176,055,554 74,738,070 82,345 80,300 336,062,540 11,096,344 114,677,464 828,825 171,450,305 8,060 147,910,769.50 23,546,530 10,260,444 169,921,958 27,600 126,632,677 121,300 57,000 11,820 32,600 34,135,458 193,137,720 1,266,150 3,391,870 51,850 38,250

-53,356,728 -41,764,604 -56,854,840 136,199 -15,858,694 66,892,670 93,107,086.00 -26,210.00 -1,658,666 -64,409,602 25,893,409 -14,089,678.50 75,531,815 -356,618 -

6.99 1.12 2.25 0.33 33.35 3.02 5.14 0.54 1.12 1.42 0.158 0.55 42.5 0.74 0.137 1.73 0.96 1.17 5.08 3.76 0.144 0.265

6.91 1.08 2.1 0.32 32.4 2.92 5.14 0.52 1.08 1.32 0.156 0.53 39.5 0.7 0.137 1.71 0.95 1.16 5.08 3.65 0.135 0.26

5,145,521 573,840 1,941,270 181,700 348,301,700 8,894,480 1,542 4,521,410 102,110 1,423,230 190,130 639,900 100,517,680 16,590 4,110 26,112,970 1,623,600 13,940 10,160 89,603,090 5,068,880 105,350

59,612 -10,950 56,621,450 -697,190 -1,046,900 32,400 -3,269,860 2,800 10,862,790 -35,676,750 70,000 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

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

3.19 48 93.5 114 1.47 37.6 16.22 19.26 730 0.72 76.2 0.77 14.2 56.4 258.8 130 35.5 185.2 1,710 73.5 1.31

3.39 48 93.5 115.2 1.54 37.8 16.52 19.26 740 0.73 76.35 0.77 14.2 56.65 258.8 130 35.5 186.2 1,749 75.2 1.31

3.19 47.5 90.6 113.8 1.39 37.6 16.22 19.1 726.5 0.69 75.2 0.77 14 56 258 130 35.4 182.7 1,710 73.5 1.3

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

43.2 4.47 0.9 1.26 22 0.21 85.5 11.08 17.18 23.35 21.95 57.5 89.9 1.92 7.16 12.08 11.5 6.45 7.1 5.12 22.45 67.6 12.06 15.64 6.03 1.72 215 75.15 2.28 3.7 29.9 25.75 15.02 260 0.24 4.7 3.35 9.9 11.32 2.06 5.8 1.38 68.4 4.99 230 4.45 2.98 4.2 0.145 1.54 169.5 4.55 1.8 1.12

43.2 4.62 0.92 1.3 22 0.215 85.5 11.36 17.56 23.5 22.15 57.5 92 1.92 7.33 12.08 11.52 6.48 7.1 5.24 22.45 68.45 12.6 15.84 6.48 1.77 219 75.15 2.29 3.7 29.9 26.7 15.1 262.4 0.25 4.96 3.4 10.3 11.5 2.07 5.8 1.4 68.5 5.2 235 4.45 3 4.6 0.145 1.58 173.6 4.57 1.8 1.12

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ATN HLDG A AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOLID GROUP TOP FRONTIER UNIOIL HLDG ZEUS HLDG

0.395 73.25 13.2 5.85 0.31 746 8.4 13.5 8.15 1,172 6.2 69.65 1.55 7.7 13.3 0.46 6.5 0.038 1.14 1.97 2.3 84.6 632.5 1.16 238.8 0.305 0.255

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

6.95 1.09 2.13 0.325 33.35 3.02 5.14 0.53 1.12 1.4 0.158 0.55 42.5 0.74 0.137 1.73 0.95 1.16 5.08 3.75 0.138 0.265

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.41 3.22 33 26.3 1.5 27.4 1.28 0.94 4.94

0.41 3.22 33 26.35 1.54 27.9 1.29 0.94 5.09

0.41 3.09 33 25.85 1.5 26.5 1.17 0.9 4.91

0.41 3.11 33 26 1.54 26.8 1.19 0.94 5.09

30,000 397,000 2,000 953,700 11,000 9,539,500 50,802,000 4,000 3,697,000

12,300 1,241,340 66,000 24,811,335 16,620 256,619,590 61,204,090 3,720 18,415,820

-3,781,090 0 -62,038,080 -2,901,000 -6,142,670

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

7.65 44.8 1.63 0.043 5 6.45 0.068 2.79 101 9.94 6.87 960 1,404 6.15 14.7 2 14.8 120 73 0.0097 9.1 0.18 1.39 3.3 13.48 5.5 2.06 2 4.3 3.61 2.67 11.18 2.73 140 13 1,296 1.18 0.43 40 75.4 5.23 2.55 0.96 3.12 0.35

7.65 44.8 1.63 0.044 5 6.6 0.071 2.81 101.6 9.94 6.94 990 1,411 6.16 15.04 2 15.5 122 73 0.0098 9.11 0.182 1.39 3.54 13.48 5.7 2.19 2 4.42 3.7 2.8 11.32 2.93 140 14 1,307 1.18 0.44 40 77.3 5.23 2.55 1.02 3.31 0.35

7.6 44.5 1.4 0.041 5 6.35 0.065 2.7 95 9.94 6.87 952 1,337 6.15 14.36 1.92 14.6 120 70.95 0.0096 9.1 0.178 1.34 3.27 13.48 5.46 2.05 2 4.09 3.61 2.62 11.18 2.69 140 13 1,270 1.17 0.425 38.8 75 5.15 2.49 0.96 3.12 0.33

SERVICES 7.6 44.5 1.4 0.042 5 6.52 0.07 2.74 97.8 9.94 6.92 990 1,390 6.15 15.04 1.97 15.4 121 72.65 0.0096 9.11 0.179 1.38 3.54 13.48 5.52 2.19 2 4.21 3.61 2.66 11.32 2.93 140 13.8 1,270 1.18 0.43 39.7 76.5 5.16 2.5 0.99 3.3 0.33

1,100 14,200 569,000 30,100,000 3,000 9,806,400 60,790,000 2,858,000 786,690 600 192,600 1,570 163,710 48,800 269,900 3,391,000 24,000 380 1,150,550 35,000,000 505,000 3,600,000 147,000 23,000 400 981,500 21,000 3,000 12,223,000 675,000 12,580,000 3,300 54,000 78,680 5,615,800 112,020 7,485,000 660,000 1,402,800 1,242,940 50,100 1,378,000 96,872,000 1,113,000 150,000

8,370 633,545 861,160 1,262,000 15,000 63,841,879 4,050,840 7,782,820 77,103,299.50 5,964 1,331,059 1,510,725 223,055,590 300,377 4,011,144 6,629,220 361,090 45,960 83,028,293 339,100 4,600,050 646,480 199,040 75,990 5,392 5,426,288 43,360 6,000 51,854,560 2,469,810 34,357,310 36,992 148,580 11,015,200 76,816,800 143,258,780 8,778,890 283,350 55,405,950 95,343,000 258,792 3,449,950 95,832,990 3,614,300 52,300

21,500.00 892,802 36,700 764,838 860,003 -115,945,435 11,820 -32,457,425.50 -7,360 854,675 -11,782,540.00 -857,980 -87,430 103,970 -74,200 -10,351,168 29,592,640 2,975,480 -7,101,030 38,514,862.50 -855,220 15,103,410 -100 -

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

0.0034 2.91 5.55 2.2 0.53 0.44 12.6 3.46 0.275 0.193 0.197 0.012 1.95 8.28 3.1 0.52 1.17 0.012 0.012 8.44 3.98 132 2.95 0.0086

0.0035 2.96 5.55 2.2 0.53 0.47 13.4 3.46 0.28 0.195 0.197 0.012 1.99 8.28 3.18 0.52 1.19 0.012 0.013 8.66 3.98 133.2 2.95 0.0086

0.0034 2.91 5 2.18 0.53 0.435 12.4 3.2 0.275 0.192 0.197 0.012 1.83 7.9 3.02 0.5 1.13 0.011 0.012 8.3 3.85 130 2.91 0.0086

MINING & OIL 0.0034 18,000,000 2.93 554,000 5.26 1,336,000 2.18 34,000 0.53 8,000 0.465 12,980,000 12.5 118,000 3.45 24,047,000 0.28 40,000 0.193 3,570,000 0.197 150,000 0.012 10,000,000 1.9 1,080,000 7.9 7,367,000 3.07 127,000 0.5 60,000 1.17 1,242,000 0.012 76,200,000 0.013 2,600,000 8.66 2,490,900 3.85 1,513,000 131.9 283,460 2.91 94,000 0.0086 7,000,000

61,300 1,617,820 7,079,040 74,300 4,240 5,913,500 1,522,984 80,884,810 11,150 690,320 29,550 120,000 2,065,230 58,600,448 386,280 30,200 1,438,580 913,400 31,600 21,317,069 5,873,720 37,350,604 275,900 60,200

243,276 -9,700 29,094,490 -3,768,780 4,452,024.00 269,080 -13,852,814 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B LR PREF MWIDE PREF PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2I

44 544.5 104.2 119 5.88 1,020 1,030 1.07 112.4 1,034 110 110 77.95 81 79.6 78.2

44 545 104.2 119 5.88 1,020 1,030 1.07 112.4 1,037 110 110 77.95 81 79.65 78.2

44 544.5 104 119 5.86 1,020 1,021 1.07 112.4 1,034 110 110 77.95 80.5 79.5 78.2

PREFERRED 44 27,300 545 670 104.2 26,300 119 5,000 5.86 15,500 1,020 3,330 1,021 665 1.07 731,000 112.4 7,600 1,037 1,675 110 1,810 110 30 77.95 28,060 80.6 57,750 79.65 38,950 78.2 5,100

1,201,200 365,105 2,736,520 595,000 91,030 3,396,600 683,285 782,170 854,240 1,734,650 199,100 3,300 2,187,277 4,664,154 3,100,935 398,820

-1,179,200 -56,200 3,300 810,000 -

LR WARRANT

2.56

2.65

2.47

WARRANTS 2.58 440,000

1,131,790

ALTERRA CAPITAL ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

2.47 3.59 2.81 9.91

2.56 3.59 2.81 9.93

2.47 3.37 2.81 9.72

2.54 3.5 2.81 9.73

870,000 144,000 126,000 760,200

2,184,300 496,100 354,060 7,412,019

1,719,178

FIRST METRO ETF

114.5

115

113.6

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 114.1 9,890

1,127,805

NAME

PROPERTY 6.99 1.1 2.2 0.33 33 2.93 5.14 0.53 1.09 1.38 0.157 0.54 40.45 0.73 0.137 1.72 0.95 1.17 5.08 3.7 0.144 0.26

737,600 523,000 888,000 560,000 10,553,700 2,995,000 300 8,552,000 94,000 1,057,000 1,210,000 1,191,000 2,495,000 23,000 30,000 15,124,000 1,709,000 12,000 2,000 24,250,000 35,750,000 400,000

TRADING SUMMARY

FINANCIAL

15,809,704

INDUSTRIAL

100,949,480

HOLDING FIRMS

81,327,807

PROPERTY

173,629,215

SERVICES

293,738,892

MINING & OIL

170,931,108

GRAND TOTAL

838,297,696

SME

VALUE 1,690.76 (down) 4.45 1,294,919,192.606 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,016.33 (up) 117.84 1,387,406,834.746 HOLDING FIRMS 7,015.83 (up) 86.12 1,752,243,132.7505 PROPERTY 3,050. 47 (down) 45.19 1,280.14 (down) 10.50 960,184,918.88 SERVICES MINING & OIL 12,094.56 (down) 18.43 1,216,933,867.382 PSEI 6,886.74 (up) 21.87 226,432,355.518 All Shares Index 4,166.49 (up) 7.96 6,849,698,620.8785 Gainers: 90; Losers: 89; Unchanged: 45; Total: 224

SM Prime opening 60th mall in Ortigas By Jenniffer B. Austria SM PRIME, one of the leading integrated property companies in Southeast Asia, on Friday opened SM City East Ortigas, its 60th mall in the Philippines. SM Prime said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the opening of the new mall with 80,000 square meters of gross floor area was in time for the December holiday season “We are delighted to open SM City East Ortigas just in time for the Christmas holidays. This mall is set to redefine shopping and entertainment particularly in the eastern part of Metro Manila. Our new mall reinforce our commitment to continue expanding in the country given the economy’s strong performance,” SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said. SM City East Ortigas is also SM Prime’ 8th shopping mall in eastern portion of Metro Manila, following SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, SM Center Pasig, SM Marikina, SM Taytay, SM Masinag, SM Angono and SM San Mateo in Rizal province. SM City East Ortigas is almost 80-percent leased out. The two-level mall will house SM’s flagship retail brands The SM Store and SM Supermarket and specialty stores Uniqlo, Watsons, SM Appliance Center and Ace Hardware.

Shakey’s to build 10 stores in Kuwait SHAKEY’S Pizza Asia Venture Inc., the county’s leading full service pizza chain owned by the Po family, is expanding overseas. SPAVI president and chief executive Vicente Gregorio said during an investors’ briefing ahead of its planned initial public offering the company signed on Thursday a franchise agreement with Kuwaiti partners, involving the opening of 10 Shakey’s stores in Kuwait over the next seven years. Gregorio said the first store in Kuwait was expected to open in the first half of 2017. Gregorio said aside from Kuwait, the company received many inquiries about the possibility of bringing Shakey’s to other international markets. SPAVI owns perpetual rights to the Shakey’s brand in the Philippines, the Middle East, Asia (excluding Japan and Malaysia), China, Australia and Oceania. SPAVI chairman Christoper Po said the company would be opportunistic on its international expansion. “We just signed today first international franchise and we don’t want to make commitment at this point,” Po said. “We will be opportunistic for each of the markets because we need to find the right partner. If we don’t find the right partner then we don’t want to rush it,” Po said. Gregorio said the company was also focused on building more stores in the country. SPAVI expected to have 204 stores by end-2017 and plans to build 10 to 12 stores annually to sustain its growth momentum. Shakey’s plans to raise up to P3.96 billion from the sale of 351.9 million common shares at P11.26 per share. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Singapore ﬁnes two UK banks for lapses

LUXURY TAX. A woman cycles past a billboard photo of a sports car in Beijing on December 2, 2016. China has imposed an extra 10 percent tax

on ultra high-end cars costing over 1.3 million yuan (USD 190,000) such as Lamborghinis and Ferraris, the government said, the latest step in a wide crackdown on conspicuous luxury consumption. AFP

Japan close to legalizing casinos TOKYO―Japan’s ruling party rolled the dice Friday on a long-awaited bill that could see casinos legalized in a market viewed as a potential global gaming powerhouse. A legislative committee sent the proposed law to the powerful lower house of parliament for a vote, possibly as early as next week. If passed, it would then go to the upper house before becoming law. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which controls both chambers of parliament, are betting that casinos can help boost tourism as Tokyo gets set to host the 2020 Olympics. Backers have said green lighting casinos could bring billions of dollars worth of investment, in a challenge to Asian gaming titan Macau. The former Portuguese colony has struggled to recover since a corruption crackdown by Chinese President Xi Jinping and an economic slowdown since mid-2014 drove away many mainland highrollers. Japan has long been viewed as the Holy Grail of Asian gaming due to its wealthy population, close proximity to China and appetite for other forms of legal gambling, including horse and boat racing. Pachinko, a slot machinestyle game played in thousands of smoky parlors in every corner of Japan, is a huge revenue generator. Winnings can be exchanged offsite for cash, skirting gaming laws. But casinos do not have wide public support owing to concerns about gambling addiction and the involvement of organized crime. The arrest of several professional baseball players for betting on their sport made headlines last year, while an Olympic badminton hopeful crashed out after admitting he gambled at an underground casino. Japan’s main opposition Democratic Party as well as some members of Komeito, the ruling party’s junior coalition partner, oppose casino legislation, although it could still become law. The top-selling, center-right Yomiuri newspaper cautioned against taking a gamble on casinos. “Gamblers’ losses are what makes the casinos money,” it said in an editorial Friday. AFP

SINGAPORE―Singapore’s financial regulator said Friday it has fined two British banks and barred a former Goldman Sachs banker in a widening crackdown on money laundering linked to Malaysian state fund 1MDB. Standard Chartered Bank was slapped with a Sg$5.2 million ($3.65 million) penalty while Coutts bank was fined Sg$2.4 million for breaching anti-money laundering regulations in 1MDBlinked transactions, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said in a statement. The fines came after MAS, also the city-state’s central bank, shut down the local branches of Swiss lenders BSI and Falcon Private Bank earlier this year for their role in facilitating illicit cross-border fund transfers involving 1MDB. The scandal has embroiled Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who had set up 1MDB. Najib has consistently denied any wrongdoing. An inspection of Standard Chartered Bank revealed “significant lapses” in due diligence measures, the MAS said, adding that some staff were unaware of money laundering risks. MAS said while the breaches

were “serious,” its investigation “did not find pervasive control weakness or wilflul misconduct” at the lender. British bank Coutts, which in 2015 was sold to Union Bancaire Privee, was sanctioned for a lack of due diligence on customers deemed “politically exposed persons,” a term for people with close government connections. Yak Yew Chee, a former Coutts private banker who had joined BSI, was last month jailed in Singapore on fraud charges related to the multi-billion dollar scandal. Yak was also a private banker for Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, a close family friend of Najib who had helped the Malaysian leader set up 1MDB. Low has also denied any wrongdoing. MAS also said it would ban former Goldman Sachs director Tim Leissner from working in the Singapore finance industry for 10 years. Leissner, who oversaw the 1MDB account, had issued an unauthorized reference letter saying that due diligence had been carried out on Low and his family, and that no money laundering concerns had been detected. AFP

Dollar, global stocks weaken T HE Trump rally is running out of steam as fresh concerns over the outlook for the US and stability in Europe weigh on the dollar and global equities.

The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index headed for its first weekly drop since Donald Trump’s election, as billionaire bondfund manager Bill Gross said investors betting on a windfall from the president-elect are misguided, with any benefits from increased stimulus likely to be temporary. A selloff in technology shares flowed into

Asia, driving declines in Japan, Australia and South Korea, while European equities also decreased. The yen held gains against the greenback amid caution ahead of key American jobs data, Italy’s weekend referendum and Austria’s presidential vote. Gold rallied while bonds in Australia and New Zealand extended

their slide as US oil stayed near $51 following Opec’s deal to cut output. Developed-market stocks are also on track for their ﬁrst weekly retreat since the US vote, amid a let up in support for so-called reﬂation trades which gained ground as Trump’s victory burnished the US economic outlook and helped odds on an interest-rate hike this month to 100 percent. Italy’s referendum on reducing the power of the Senate is also weighing on risk sentiment, given a win for ‘No’ could result in the government’s ouster. “Markets have rallied pretty

strongly and we had three fantastic weeks but buying pressure certainly looks exhausted,” James Woods, global investment analyst at Rivkin Securities in Sydney said by phone. “We will see some corrective declines and profit taking. And from a technical perspective, allowing momentum indicators to unwind before gains can be sustained.” More than five times as many stocks fell as rose on the Stoxx Europe 600 index as of 8:11 a.m. London time. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index lost 0.4 percent, with Japan’s Topix index slipping

0.4 percent and the Kospi index down 0.7 percent in South Korea. Technology and consumer-staple stocks led a 1 percent decline in Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Index, while New Zealand’s S&P/NZX 50 Index fell 0.4 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index slid 1.4 percent and the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.9 percent. S&P 500 Index futures dropped 0.2 percent after the underlying benchmark lost 0.4 percent Thursday, retreating for the third time in four days after ending last week at a record high. Bloomberg

Bank regulators fail to agree on new rules

Charlie Wood lifts a newly cut tree before loading it onto a trailer at Christmas Tree Place in Berkhamsted, Buckinghamshire on December 1, 2016. The trees are sold at Christmas Tree Farm, one of the largest growers in the London area. AFP

SANITAGO, Chile―Regulators failed to clinch a controversial agreement on new global banking rules aiming to prevent a repeat of the 2008 finance crisis, at talks in Chile on Thursday. The Basel Committee, a forum of international financial authorities, met with banking supervisors to set new global norms for banking stability. Committee chairman Stefan Ingves told the gathering in Santiago that delegates were close to a deal after two days of talks. “Discussions focused on the adjustments necessary to adapt to the new global regulatory framework, the revised standardized approach for credit risk, and the growing and important role of supervisory stress testing,” said the Bank for International Settlements, a global central bank, in a statement. But the delegates for the time being fell short of their aim of finalizing a deal to tighten capital requirements for banks. Ingves had said Wednesday the committee would oblige some banks to strengthen their capital base to cushion them against financial shocks. He hoped the members of the forum would approve the new regulations, known as the “Basel III” reforms, in January. Disagreements have threatened to complicate the reforms. The United States has been pushing for strict capital requirements. European governments, regulators and finance groups fear stringent capital requirements will hobble their banks and economies. Meanwhile US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate the landmark Dodd-Frank financial reform law adopted in the post-crisis era to protect consumers and the financial system from Wall Street excesses that some argue caused the meltdown. AFP

US car sales heat up in November, boosted by discounts CHICAGO―Deep discounts and extra selling days boosted US car sales in November among many brands, as Black Friday shopping helped reverse three months of year-over-year declines, automakers reported Thursday. But the good news was offset by steep declines for a few carmakers, leading to a slight downtick in sales compared to October. The industry sold 1.38 million units in November, just below the 1.39 million sold the prior month, according to Autodata. The seasonally adjusted annual rate fell 2 percent to 17.87 million units from a year ago, the industry research ﬁrm said.

GM, the biggest US carmaker, reported a sales surge of 10.2 percent compared to the year-ago period. Its Chevrolet and GMC brands saw most of the business, with the higher end Buick and Cadillac brands getting sizeable boosts. Ford sales rose 5 percent, driven by gains in its retail sales of trucks and SUVs. Sales to rental agencies, commercial operations and government were down 9 percent. Toyota reported a 4.3 percent gain, crediting two additional selling days this November compared to last. The company said SUV sales were a highlight, and was optimistic about a strong

December. GM also expressed optimism, saying it was ahead of schedule in selling off its 2016 model year inventory and expected robust December sales. “All economic indicators show signiﬁcantly improved optimism about the US economy including consumer and business sentiment, which continue to drive a very healthy US auto industry,” GM chief economist Mustafa Mohatarem said in a statement. “We believe the US auto industry is well-positioned for sales to continue at or near record levels into 2017.” In contrast, FCA US, the North American subsidiary of Fiat

Chrysler, had a dismal month, reporting a 14 percent drop compared to November 2015. While sales were up 12 percent in its Ram truck brand, all other brands posted double-digit declines, including Fiat and Jeep. And despite the good news overall, the healthy sales may prove costly as carmakers enticed customers with deep discounts, according to JD Power. It predicted incentive spending averaging $3,886 per unit, the highest since the record amount set in September. “It is important to note that in absolute terms vehicle sales remain close to record levels while transaction prices are at record highs,” JD Power automotive

analyst Deirdre Borrego said in an analysis. “However, these results are being driven in part by elevated incentive levels, which represent a meaningful risk to the long-term health of the auto industry.” GM said its incentive spending in November was 13.7 percent of the average transaction price of a vehicle, above the industry average. The company said its domestic competitors offered even greater discounts, if averaged throughout the year. Still, this year at least is on pace to conclude with a lot of good news for car companies, Edmunds analyst Jessica Caldwell said. AFP

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

Property

TIME TRAVEL

LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR AT

BUSINESS FUELLED BY PASSION. Las Casas’ specially-trained staff promise visitors an unforgettable journey through the Philippines’

He thought, why not use the entire house instead of only a few pieces. He proceeded to build a second one, currently dubbed as Casa Cagayan, by trial and error, and finally managed to assemble the whole piece on his land. Most of the structures in the park are from the 18th and 19th-century Philippines. They have been meticulously disassembled from their original sites, numbered, trucked or shipped to Bataan and reassembled. The parts that are beyond repair are replicated by a team of local carpenters on site. Manila Standard visited the warehouses onsite where they do this: it is a time-consuming and laborious endeavour, but the end results are nothing short of astonishing. For this undertaking, Acuzar trained a crew that, over time, has mastered disassembling structures, transporting the pieces and assembling them “as is” (Acuzar’s requirement) at the resort. Acuzar and his team, consisting of a foreman and craftsmen, take two years on the average to finish reconstructing a house. “Every part of the house is studied. Each part is numbered and documented. For parts that are missing, we research the source of the raw material, whether those are wood or stone. Each house helps you discover a method of construction for a particular time,” he said. Faced with protests over this type of heritage conservation, where structures are transplanted from out of their original communities, Acuzar told the Manila Standard that he had to do this to save the structures from decay and neglect. Then and now, local heritage conservation works get little or no state funding at all. “This is not a commercial project,” he said. “This is for the country, for the children today and tomorrow.“ Pride in the past, hope for the future” is the resort’s ostensible theme. Back to the time of Rizal and Luna A sprawl of houses with stone bases, wooden upper floors and red clay roofs greeted the Manila Standard behind sliding capiz windows as we strolled along a narrow hallway once used by “alipin sagigilid.”

These were Spanish-era servants who were not allowed into the main halls of these stately homes. We caught a shimmering glimpse of the past behind a facade of the present. A time where carriages ferried the rich illustrados, powerful friars and gobernadorcillos across cobbled streets; an era much more regal and opulent than the present. The structures transferred to Las Casas are so meticulously crafted and restored that one cannot help help but be transported back to the times of Rizal and Luna. From its bridges, water fountains, river scenes and meandering Venice-like canals, streets, plazas, mansions and interiors, one sees a near-perfect Spanish colonial era illusion . Collecting architecture There are many physical proofs of one’s past, architecture being one of the most concrete. When asked why he chose architecture instead of furniture, painting, or some other form of “heirloom art” that is so much easier to collect, Acuzar answered, “Why not?” Acuzar claimed he was a frustrated architect, thus explaining the construction tycoon’s passion for heritage projects. One of his ﬁrst jobs, early in his career, was landscape designing, perhaps explaining why Las Casas has such a well planned layout, its gardens simple and elegant. With sculptures and water features strategically placed around its vicinity, there is always a thing of beauty of behold— oftentimes a bronze sculpture mostly of Filipinos in a daily activity. Leaving his mark Acuzar stressed that money does not drive his obsession to build Las Casas. True, the resort does charge a modest fee for those entering its grounds and quite an amount if you want to stay overnight. What Acuzar said he wants to do is to make a mark. He doesn’t want to be “like the wind, passing thru life without leaving a trace.” Stories of the Philippines’ history is simply not enough for him. “I wants something more concrete, something today’s children can touch, something that would delight and make them appreciate the Philippines’ past” he told the Manila Standard.

storied past.

By Joel Lacsamana

e were at the much talked about Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in the town of Bagac a few weekends ago. To date, the 400-hectare resort in Bataan has a total of 27 heritage structures uprooted from dismal conditions all over the country and restored, piece by available piece to this Spanish colonial-themed resort. Understandably, there has been no let up in the noise from heritage conservationists who disagree with the way the resort restores old houses. But Las Casas’ efforts also continue to draw interest from locals and foreign visitors who drop by to walk through its cobblestoned streets, and take selﬁes amid houses in all their colonial glory sans the trappings of 21st century commercialism. The man behind Las Casas is Jose Rizalino “Jerry” Acuzar, owner of New San Jose Builders (NSJB), the same company which managed the construction of the mammoth Iglesia ni Cristo coliseum, the Philippine Arena, and over a dozen high-rise condominiums built close to places of work, leisure and wellness in Metro Manila. But Acuzar’s crown jewel remains Las Casas. Recent reports place his investment in the project to about P500 million, and he in-

sists it remains a “work in progress.” To build more houses and infrastructure in Las Casas and run the development, he employs some 150 workers, most of whom are Bataan residents. These include tour guides, waiters and waitresses, butlers, members of the in-house performing troupe Kundiman ni Lolo at Lola, women who make mosaic paintings on the houses’ ceilings and walls, carpenters, stone carvers, craftsmen who came from as far as Paete, Laguna and Maanggahan, Pasig, and other clerical and maintenance staffers.

HOMEGROWN ARTISANS WORK THEIR MAGIC.

Terracotta bricks, made in Las Casas workshops adorn the exteriors of Hotel de Oriente (inset).

Reliving history The idea of Las Casas came to Acuzar when he built his ﬁrst home in 2003 in Bagac using materials from an old house. It struck him then how incomplete and disjointed it was, like a Frankenstein of sorts.

LIFESTYLE TOUCH. SMEG Philippines and

its real estate partner Ayala Land Premier (ALP) hosted a classic cuisine night recently at its ﬂagship store at the Park Terraces in Makati. Guests were treated to a display of SMEG units, superb creations of technology and style, namely, free-standing cookers, range hoods, dishwashers, grills, gas hobs, coffee makers and toaster ovens aside from brand’s iconic refrigerators. Dining selections for guests of the event were freshly prepared during a live cooking demo, demonstrating both the technology of the SMEG appliances and the functionality of the Park Terraces store. ALP executives showed up in full strength to reinforce its partnership with SMEG Philippines: all ALP developments are customﬁtted with SMEG hob and hoods. These include units in Park Terraces Makati Towers, Arbor Lanes, The Suites, Garden Towers, and East Gallery Place. Shown in photo are Karen Concepcion of SMEG, Jose Juan Jugo of Ayala Land Premier, Ton Concepcion of SMEG.

RAISING THE BAR. Menarco Tower, a new office development by Menarco Development Corporation, has been shortlisted for the Best Green Development category at the South East Asia Property Awards 2016. Located along 32nd Street in Bonifacio Global City, Menarco Tower is a 32-storey edifice that aims to provide a working environment where organizations can perform their best work. With its energyefficient, safe and healthy spaces aimed at minimizing “sick building” syndrome, Menarco Tower is the first building in the country to register for WELL certification. “To be shortlisted as one of the best green developments highlights our continuous commitment towards creating spaces that facilitate the best office environment,” said Carmen Jimenez Ong, managing director of Menarco Development Corporation. The Southeast Asia Property Awards shines the spotlight on projects within the Asian real estate industry, encompassing construction, development, architecture, and interior design.

LGUs

Top LGU tourism events hailed THE country’s booming tourism industry took center stage once again as the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines feted the top tourism events and personalities in the DOT-ATOP Pearl Awards as part of its recent 17th National Convention at the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga. A collaboration between the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, and ATOP, the national group of local tourism officers, the prestigious award seeks to encourage excellence in promoting the culture of tourism in provincial, city and municipal levels. Awarded Best Tourism Events for Sports, Adventure and Wellness were La Union Surfing Break of La Union, the 16th National Scout Jamboree of Tagum City, Davao del Norte, and the Dolphin Watching and Bird Watching of Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. In the Festival Category, Panaad Festival of Negros Occidental, Ibong Dayo of Balanga City and the “Kneeling Carabao Festival” of Pulilan, Bulacan, garnered top honors. Sagay City in Negros Occidental and Mogpog, Marinduque were named for the Best Tourism Month/Week Celebrations. The Province of Negros Occidental, the City of Tagum, and the Municipality of Palompon in Leyte, emerged as the Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Units. Voted as Best Tourism Campaigns were the Cave Conservation Program of Compostela Valley, and Kamustahang Turismo sa mga Barangay of Tabuk City (Kalinga). Moreover, Angeles City and Silay City (Negros Occidental) were cited for their heritage conservation projects, which have preserved historic ancestral structures.

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor jimbo.gulle@gmail.com SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Dureza to CAR: Take a stand B By Dexter A. See

AGUIO CITY—Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza urged leaders of the Cordillera Administrative Region to take a common stand on either a renewed quest for autonomy or a shift to the federal form of government before President Rodrigo R. Duterte makes an official stand on what Cordillerans really want for their region.

Dureza recently met with several Cordillera officials through the Regional Development Council to discuss the possibility of soliciting the President’s support to the re-

gion’s renewed pursuit for regional autonomy and the government’s plan for a shift to the federal form of government. “It seems that there is still a di-

vision on the direction that they want to undertake. It will be difficult to convince the President once he will know that the leaders are not united for the cause that they want to pursue in his administration,” he stressed. Dureza said CAR leaders “must go back to the drawing board” to discuss the best option possible for the Cordillera before bringing the issue to the President. Duterte “has no problem” if Cordillera officials will decide to pursue regional autonomy again as enshrined in the Constitution, and be part of a federal state in the future as an autonomous region, he said. “It will be easier to convince the

President to certify the autonomy bill as an urgent administration measure once the leaders will be singing the same tune,” Dureza said, reminding the Cordillera leaders present to be mindful of the overall interest of the people instead of political survival. The RDC-CAR en banc had unanimously approved the new draft of the proposed bill for an Autonomous Region in the Cordillera, which will be transmitted to the region’s congressmen for filing before the House of Representatives. The President had always been supportive of the pursuit for autonomy in the Cordillera, Dureza said, like the administration’s sup-

port for the enactment of the new Bangsamoro law. Cordillerans could thus have their autonomy bill be deliberated in Congress side by side with the deliberation of the Bangsamoro law, he added. Dureza’s office “will support whatever options the Cordillera leaders will take” because both options dovetail with the administration’s bid of decentralization of the powers of the government to the different federal states. Once Cordillera leaders come back to him to relay whatever their decisions will be, they would have a unified stand on the issue, he said.

San Juan River eyed as QC water source By Rio N. Araja

FRUIT STOP. Motorists stop and taste samples of sweet pomelo from a vendor along Quezon Boulevard in Kidapawan City, South Cotabato. Pomelo vendors from other towns often come into Kidapawan, known as the City of Fruits and Highland Springs. Geonarri O. Solmerano

A QUEZON City councilor is looking at the San Juan River as the city’s new source of water. District 1 Councilor Elizabeth Delarmente has authored a measure seeking the support of Mandaluyong City, San Juan City and Manila, as well as the other stakeholders, to enhance the water quality of the San Juan River system and its tributaries as a potential water source for households, industries and commercial establishments. Delarmente filed a resolution duly approved by the city council to back the endorsement and redesignation of the San Juan River as a water quality man-

agement area, to restore the waterway and protect it from further degradation. “The present state of the water quality of the San Juan River and its tributaries requires serious protection and management. Working together to ensure the sustainability of the river system is expected to generate maximum benefits and welfare for the affected communities and stakeholders,” she said. Under the Clean Water Act of 2004, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in coordination with the National Water Resources Board, is mandated to designate water quality management areas.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

LGUs

Bataan eyes ‘special defense zone’ to oversee the property. Creating the proposed SpEDZA would make the area ALANGA CITY, Bataan—Bataan “accessible for inclusive busisecond district Rep. Joet Garcia plans ness prospects and progress in firearm module and techto convert the 370-hectare government competency of the govarsenal industrial estate in the upland section of nical ernment arsenal,” which are Barangay Lamao in Limay town into a Special vital in supporting the objectives of the Armed Forces of Economic Defense Zone. the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and other Garcia filed House Bill No. Camp Gen. Antonio Luna in Li- law enforcement agencies, the 4462, that would convert the may—and create a Special Eco- lawmaker said. Operating this economic zone government arsenal located at nomic Defense Zone Authority

By Butch Gunio

in the Bataan peninsula “would accelerate the inflow of top-notch material on advanced weaponry system, as well as the acquisition of sophisticated technology in armament production features,” Garcia said. He stressed the potential economic impact of the Defense Economic Zone project, “which would be the only one of its kind in Asia in terms of promoting indigenous capability in the manufacture of defense armaments.” Retired major general Jona-

than Martir said the government arsenal produces only small arms (pistol) ammunition, and its present state’s capability reflects how long the arsenal has been neglected. “Relying too much on our allies for our defense needs is certainly not a sound decision, as it could indeed bring false hope if not totally disaster because it could lead us to becoming a totally defenseless nation,” Martir said. Under Republic Act 7898 or

the AFP Modernization Act, the government arsenal should be modernized “for the development of production capabilities to enhance self-sufficiency in defense requirements,” the retired general said. Section 12 of the law mandates that the government arsenal “shall be utilized in the production of basic weapons, ammunition and other munitions for the use of AFP and PNP, and for the sale and export of products in excess of their requirements.”

El Niño drought victims get help DAVAO CITY—Thousands of farmers and fishermen affected by the El Niño drought have received assistance from the local government of Davao. The Davao City Social Services and Development Office said around 37,000 farmers and 927 fishermen were affected by the drought that hit the city early this year. Maria Luisa T. Bermudo, head of the CSSDO, said the distribution of food assistance that included rice and canned goods started middle of November. The drought devastated farms in Calinan, Tugbok, Marilog, Paquibato, and Toril. The city government has distributed 981 sacks of rice in Tapak and 1,300 in Colosas, both in Paquibato. The assistance was approved by the city government through a resolution declaring the affected areas under the state of calamity because of the drought. Meanwhile, around 121 families and 27 individuals affected by the fire that hit Barangay Tomas Monteverde in Agdao on Sunday received assistance from the city government through the CSSDO. The fire victims are currently at the barangay covered court. They were given food packs, sleeping mats, and medicines. Bermuda said the local government is set to extend financial assistance to the victims this week. Owners of houses destroyed by fire will receive P10,000, while those whose houses were damaged will receive P5,000. Renters and boarders will also receive cash assistance, CSSDO said. F. Pearl A. Gajunera

SAFE ARBOR. A tricycle passes by houses in North Hill Arbor, the relocation site for survivors of Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in Tacloban City. About 280 families now call the area home after the houses were turned over on Monday by Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Mike Dino and Tacloban Mayor Cristina Romualdez. Mel Caspe

Makati vaccinates over 5k pets for free THE Makati Veterinary Services Office has given free anti-rabies vaccinations to 5,217 pets in different barangays in the city’s two districts from July to early November, in line with the city government’s advocacy for rabiesfree communities. Dr. Ma. Katherina Mangahas, city veterinarian and MVSO head, reminded pet owners in the city to take their responsibilities seriously for the sake of their pets, and to protect their families and communities from harm. “The city veterinary office is asking all pet owners to please provide their pets with the care and attention that these animals deserve,” Mangahas said. The MVSO has given free rabies shots 496 pets in July, 1,634 in August, 1,951 in September,

1,304 in October, and 102 in early November. Aside from exposing residents to rabies, stray animals also endanger them with their fecal matter, the doctor pointed out. “We strongly advise pet owners to scoop up dog or cat stool in biodegradable plastic bags and properly dispose of it to protect themselves and their neighbors, especially children, from being infected,” she said. They can either throw the feces in the trash can or flush it down the toilet without the plastic bag, Mangahas added. Studies have shown that dog feces contain parasites and disease-causing bacteria and viruses that can infect humans, including hookworms, roundworms, Giardia, Salmonella, Leptospira, E. coli, and Parvo virus. It is also not safe

to be used as fertilizer because of its toxicity. The city veterinarian also warned pet owners that her office, in compliance with the directive of Mayor Abby Binay, has been imposing fines on pet owners caught violating the City Animal Regulation and Control Code, or City Ordinance No. 2009-009. “Following the mayor’s orders, we have spared no one from paying the corresponding penalty for every provision violated. In fact, some of the violators had to pay P2,500 each for three violations—their pets were unregistered, unvaccinated, and roaming freely on the streets,” Mangahas said. The MVSO has collected a total of P56,000 in fines paid by pet owners to reclaim their impounded dogs in the past months.

Most of the stray dogs impounded are either infected with distemper virus (a highly contagious viral infection in dogs), transmissible venereal tumor or TVT (a highly contagious viral infection in dogs that can be transmitted to humans) or mange (a contagious parasitic skin infection), Mangahas noted. Some of the dogs were also diagnosed with prolapsed uterus that needs immediate surgical treatment. Others were too sick or emaciated. The office also spayed and neutered 60 pets, 42 male and 18 female ones. Mangahas said surgeries for spay and neuter campaign are done by appointment. District 1 residents may call 8897949 and residents of District 2 may call 834-1166 for inquiries or appointments.

BLOOD DRIVE.

A Philippine Red Cross staffer facilitates the blood extraction of one of the volunteers during the 2016 Mead Johnson Nutrition Volunteer Blood Donation Drive in Makati City. Employees of Mead Johnson Nutrition signed up for the activity, an initiative of the company’s Environment, Health and Safety Committee in celebration of the company’s EHS Month. They generated 23,850 cc of blood and turned it over to the Red Cross.

IN BRIEF Pangasinan biz aid LINGAYEN, Pangasinan— The provincial government has distributed P3.345 million in livelihood assistance checks to 26 businesses under its Livelihood Assistance Program in a ceremony at the Urduja House inside the Capitol Compound here. A total of 23 multi-purpose cooperatives and three micro, small and medium enterprises, comprising 913 individual beneficiaries received the checks, the sixth time it’s been done in 2016 and the second under the administration of Gov. Amado “Pogi” Espino III. Espino said the province is committed to the flagship poverty-reduction program initiated by his predecessor, current 5th District Rep. Amado Espino Jr., which seeks to aid local entrepreneurs. Dexter A. See

Money for firearms CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental—Two former New People’s Army rebels who surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion have received a total of P166,000 in Fire Arm Cost Remuneration from this province’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Provincial Board Member Gerardo Sabal III handed the checks to the rebels witnessed by Department of Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Edward Bagwani, Emelia Andea of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, 403rd Brigade Commander Col. Eric Vinoya, and 58th IB Commander LTC Francis Carandang.

Nabbed for estafa

NFA cranks up rice milling work to create buffer CALAMBA CITY—The National Food Authority-Laguna Provincial Office has commenced its regular milling activity to augment the rice inventory for buffer stocking, and as a reserve to safeguard against unforeseen shortages or demands.

Among the Laguna rice mill contractors who were given notices to proceed were Irish Rice Mill in Biñan City, Villmill Rice Mill in Calauan and Bay, Aglahi Rice Mill in Sta. Cruz, and Victoria Rice Mill in Calauan. The millers were given a

schedule to issue and withdraw their lots and are expected to finish their tasks this month. Provincial Standard and Quality Assurance Officer Malvarosa Bundalian also deployed milling supervisors to their respective mill assignments to

check their operations. The 114,600 bags of palay stocks transferred from NFA Mamburao and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro that are set for milling are expected to recover 74,490 bags of rice, in addition to the existing rice in-

ventory of 59,895 for a total of 134,385 bags. The buffer-stock scheme is in consonance with the agency’s mandate of food security and goal of rice suff iciency in the province of Laguna. Roy Tomandao

TWO women, both real estate agents and both wanted for estafa, were arrested in separate operations at Indang and Trece Martires City in Cavite, police said. Emelita Pitil, No. 9 on Alfonso’s Most Wanted Person list, was caught at Barangay Poblacion 1 in Indang, while Teresita Arica was arrested at her home in Barangay Inocencio in Trece Martires. Benjamin Chavez

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

Hospital in Delhi gives birds new flight

Innocent man, 20, executed in China

NEW DELHI―Across from the Red Fort of the Mughal emperors in the heart of Old Delhi, a small hospital run by followers of the Jain faith looks after birds battered by harsh life in the Indian capital. Up to 4,000 birds are treated in the three-story ‘Charity Birds Hospital’ next to a Jain temple for anything from broken wings and legs to eye infections and stomach problems. Jainism is an ancient Indian religion―followed by less than one percent of India’s 1.25 billion people―that preaches non-violence and love for all creatures, great and small. Followers believe that all living beings are interdependent and that all have an obligations to help others. Jains also follow a strict vegetarian diet, and some monks and nuns cover their mouths with fabric to prevent them from accidentally swallowing an insect. “You can easily find private clinics, or ones run by the government or NGOs, [for dogs and cats]. But for the birds there is nothing,” the hospital’s vet Dr Dheeraj Kumar Singh told AFP, standing in a narrow corridor surrounded by cages filled with parrots, crows and parakeets. Built in 1957, the hospital is funded through donations from the Jain community and visitors.

EIJING―China’s top court on Friday cleared a man executed 21 years ago for murder―more than a decade after another man confessed to the killing-in the latest miscarriage of justice in the Communist-ruled country.

Nie Shubin was 20 years old when he faced a firing squad in 1995, two days after being convicted of rape and murder. “The Supreme People’s Court believes that the facts used in the original trial were unclear and the evidence insufficient, and so changes the original sentence to one of innocence,” it said in a statement on a verified social media account. Chinese courts have a conviction rate of 99.92 percent, and concerns over wrongful verdicts are fueled by police reliance on forced confessions and the lack of effective defense in criminal trials. Overseas rights groups say China executes more people than any other country, but Beijing does not give figures on the death penalty, regarding the statistics as state secrets. Nie was convicted of raping and murdering a woman whose body was discovered by her father in a corn field on the outskirts of Shijiazhuang city, in the northern province of Hebei. But the time, method and motive for the murder could not be confirmed, and key

documents related to witnesses and the defendant’s testimony were missing, the supreme court said. The “primary evidence was that Nie Shubin’s confession of guilt corroborated the other evidence”, but “there are doubts over the truth and legality of his confession of guilt”, the statement added. Nie’s family had been campaigning for justice since a serial murderer arrested in 2005 confessed to the killing. But the case was only formally reopened in 2014. “Thanks to all those who helped on Nie Shubin’s case!” his mother, Zhang Huanzhi, 72, said on social media. The Hebei high court, which convicted and executed Nie, “expressed deep, deep regrets” to his relatives and would investigate “possible illegal problems related to the trial” soon, according to state broadcaster CCTV. But Liu Fujin, one of the defense lawyers involved, said the court had been unwilling to reconsider the case for years because no one would take responsibility for a mistaken verdict.

He had applied to see documents related to the case 54 times to no avail, he told AFP. “So many examination statements and documents have been tampered with or lost; how could they let lawyers look at documents messed with to such an extent?” he said. Though the verdict was a “landmark” and China’s judicial system had improved since the 1990s, he said, many injustices remain unaddressed. “Every province and every region has old cases just like Nie’s and new ones coming up that are all still being suppressed,” he said. “Trial dossiers and evidence in favor of defendants are still being concealed, and inquisition by torture is happening every day.” In 2014, an Inner Mongolian court declared innocent Hugjiltu, who had been executed at age 18 in 1996 for rape and murder -- only for another man to confess to the crime later. Last February, China “penalized” 27 officials involved, issuing them demerits. AFP

From the cacophony of rickshaws, motorbikes, bicycles, cars and trucks on the roads to the stray dogs and cats that also call the city home―Delhi can be a dangerous place for a bird. Between 30 and 40 sick or wounded birds are brought to the hospital every day by good Samaritans. “Many people find birds on the streets during their morning walk in the park, at their office,” said Dr Singh. A few minutes later, the door opened and in walked a man gently holding a bloodied kite in his arms. “He was flying over our street, diving to catch food when he got caught in a kite string. When he fell he got hurt and he started to bleed,” said Manesh, 29, who has previously brought other birds to the hospital. The vet sets to work untangling the kite’s wing from the string. Once cleaned and bandaged, the bird is put in a cage to recover. But while under the care of the Jains the bird of prey, which usually eats small mammals like mice, will also have to follow a vegetarian diet―cubes of paneer cheese. Once recovered, the kite will be taken to the roof of the hospital and released, taking flight and disappearing into the sky. AFP

Impeachment motion readied against Park SEOUL―South Korea’s three opposition parties said they would file an impeachment motion Friday against beleaguered President Park Geun-Hye, and push for a national assembly vote next week. Accused of colluding with a close friend who faces embezzlement charges, Park said last week she would be willing to step down in the face of weekly mass protests that have seen millions take to the streets of Seoul and other cities. The opposition said Park’s offer, which put the manner and timing of her resignation in the hands of parliament, was an effort to buy time and avoid impeachment. The joint opposition commands the most seats in the legislature, but would need the support of nearly 30 members of Park’s Saenuri Party to secure the two-thirds majority needed to impeach the president. “We’ve agreed to actively persuade anti-Park [Saenuri] lawmakers to back us,” said Park Jie-Won, parliamentary floor leader of the opposition People’s Party. AFP 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. 2016-3457

LEAVING FOR A SAFER PLACE. Syrian residents of the eastern rebel-held parts of Aleppo walk through the Kadi Askar district as they leave their homes for a safer place in a distinct rebel-controlled area during a Syrian army offensive on the eastern sectors of the divided city. Two weeks into the all-out assault, pro-government forces have seized control of around 40 percent of what had been rebel-controlled east Aleppo since 2014. AFP

ed. South Korea on Friday unveiled its own sanctions against Pyongyang, adding dozens of individuals and organizations to a blacklist of those suspected of involvement in the North’s nuclear program. Given the absence of any trade links or meaningful contact of any sort between the two Koreas, the South’s measures are largely symbolic, and more aimed at “raising awareness”, senior government policy official Lee SukJoon told a press briefing. The expanded blacklist included the North’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea and two of Kim’s closest aides, Choe Ryong-Hae and Hwang Pyong-So―additions clearly aimed at riling the leadership in Pyongyang. South Korea also named the Chinese company Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development, which was placed on a US sanctions blacklist in September for allegedly supporting the North’s nuclear program. It marks the first time Seoul has sanctioned a Chinese firm in connection with North Korea, although Lee noted that Dandong Hongxiang had no existing transactions with any South Korean company. The US sanctions announcement had accused Dandong Hongxiang of making up a “key illicit network supporting North Korea’s weapons proliferation”. AFP

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna through the 2016 Budget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsodintends to apply the sum of Php 5,142,600.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply and Delivery of Food Packs for Food Security for Indigent Families of City of San Pedro Laguna. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna now invites bids forthe following: QTY UNIT 14,285 packs

Republic of the Philippines PROVINCE OF QUIRINO Cabarroguis -oOoBIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

N. Korea’s Kim leads drill against S. Korea SEOUL―North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un conducted a largescale artillery drill simulating an attack on the South Korean capital and other targets, as Seoul and Tokyo on Friday unveiled fresh unilateral sanctions against Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons program. The military exercise, involving multiple batteries of front-line heavy artillery units, targeted five border islands, as well as “reactionary ruling organs” in Seoul and other cities, the North’s official KCNA news Agency said. It took place on Thursday, just hours after the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a new resolution imposing tough new sanctions on North Korea following its fifth nuclear test in September. The UN resolution, which was spearheaded by the United States and came after three months of tough negotiations with fellow veto-wielding council member China, caps the North’s annual coal exports― its top external revenue source. “If a war breaks out, such a deadly strike should be inflicted upon the South Korean forces to completely break their will of counteraction at the start and make a clean sweep of them,” KCNA quoted Kim Jong-Un as saying during the artillery drill. “Nobody and nothing would survive,” the young leader add-

INVITATION TO BID FOR

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.

Procurement of 2 Units Brand New Dumptruck (Big) 10 Wheeler Contract No. 2016-071 December 3, 2016 1.

The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Provincial Government of Quirino, through the 5% LDRRMF intends to apply the sum of P 6,625,920.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for 2016-071 Procurement of 2 Units Brand New Dumptruck (Big) 10 Wheeler for the Provincial Government of Quirino. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Provincial Government of Quirino now invites bids for Procurement of 2 Units Brand New Dumptruck (Big) 10 Wheeler. Delivery of the Goods is required 90 Calendar Days. 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.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from December 3, 2016 to December 20, 2016 from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P10,000.00). The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents at the BAC Secretariat, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino, upon payment of the applicable nonrefundable fee. The Pre-Bid Conference shall open only to interested parties who have purchased the BD’s. Bids must be accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR.

The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Provincial Government of Quirino will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on December 7, 2016, 3:00PM at Special Projects Unit Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Commercial Building, Capitol Compound, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino, which shall be open to all interested parties.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before December 20, 2016, 2016, 3:00PM at Special Projects Unit Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Commercial Building, Capitol Compound, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. 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.

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. ISSUANCE OF ELIGIBILITY AND BIDDING DOCUMENTS: December 1 - 20, 2016 8:30AM – 9:30AM BAC Secretariat - 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office, City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna PRE-BID:December 8, 2016 10:00 AM BAC Secretariat - 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office, City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna 5.

The Provincial Government of Quirino 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: (SGD) Engr. Dencio A. Pagbilao Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee Province of Quirino +639175007275 +639177756155

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. DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND OPENING OF BIDS: December 20, 2016 10:00 AM BAC Secretariat - 4/f Conference Rm. City Administrator’s Office, City Hall Bldg., San Pedro, Laguna 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.

Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the BD’s in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and the post-qualification. 8.

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

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. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Provincial Government of Quirino and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00 AM to 4:00PM.

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”. 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.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary 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”.

DESCRIPTION Food Packs -rice (3kls) -lucheon meat 165g -meat loaf 150g -corned beef 150g -vienna sausage 80g -macaroni (elbow) 200g -evaporated milk -reusable container

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: Mr. Merlin B. Paala Office of the BAC Secretariat San Pedro City Hall San Pedro, Laguna Telefax No. 847.1722

(signed) ENGR. FILEMON I. SIBULO Chairman Bids and Awards Committee (MS-DEC. 3, 2016)

(MS-DEC. 3, 2016)

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

World

PREMIERE. A view of the atmosphere during the Fullscreen Original “The Deleted” premiere party on December 1, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Proposed cuts in holidays protested TAIPEI―Protests outside Taiwan’s parliament descended into chaos on Friday as workers angry over a proposed cut to public holidays attacked a lawmaker and threw smoke bombs. The controversial amendment to the labor law has already sparked a number of rallies and a hunger strike, with protesters accusing new President Tsai Ing-wen of betraying her campaign promises to protect labor rights. Tsai has seen her popularity plummet since taking office in May as her Democratic Progressive Party government attempts to tackle a raft of domestic issues from gay marriage to pension reform. Workers would be guaranteed one mandatory day off a week under the revised law, but seven annual holidays would be scrapped. Lawmakers may vote on the bill as soon as Friday, prompting more than 100 protesters to clash with police outside the parliament building in Taipei. They held up banners with “Oppose the cut of seven holidays” scrawled on them and a some threw colored smoke bombs. Senior DPP official Ker Chien-ming was pushed over, punched and had water splashed on him as he left the legislative complex, local media footage showed. After Ker was escorted away by police, protesters spat in a shoe they claim was one lost by the legislator in the scuffle, according to local media. AFP

$375b for climate-change action M EXICO CITY―The world’s big cities will need $375 billion of investment to curb climate change, a large gathering of mayors heard in Mexico on Thursday. “It is a lot, but there is no other option. Together we will seek that money,” said the new president of the C40 network of big cities, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. If that amount is made available

“humanity will have a chance of surviving,” she told a gathering of C40 mayors in Mexico. The mayors were meeting to plot strategy in the face of climate skepticism from US President-

elect Donald Trump. They said they planned to make commitments to reduce harmful emissions by promoting cycling in cities and renewable energy, among other measures. In one such initiative, the mayors of Paris, Mexico City and Madrid said in a statement Thursday they had committed to ridding their cities of diesel engines by 2025 to improve air quality. As leaders of busy, polluted cities that are home to millions

of people, the mayors gathered in Mexico City want countries to push on with adopting the socalled Paris Agreement to limit harmful emissions. Trump has cast doubt on the accord, which aims to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The Republican billionaire has in the past vowed to tear up international climate agreements, though he said in an interview last week that he has an “open mind” about

supporting them. He had previously said global warming was a “hoax” invented by the Chinese and not scientifically proven. The C40 group’s 85 cities include London, New York, Vancouver, Hong Kong and Seoul. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told the gathering that 38 US cities had sent a letter to Trump to tell him they would push ahead with their efforts against climate change.

Old notes can no longer buy gas NEW DELHI―India said old notes would no longer be accepted at the gas stations after Friday, fueling anger over the scrapping of high denomination bills that has caused an unprecedented cash crunch. Indians had been given until December 15 to use the old bills at filling stations but the government rushed forward the deadline on Thursday evening, giving millions of commuters still using the old 500 rupee notes barely 24 hours to spend them. “This cannot be right. First you say we have until December 15 and suddenly now you are saying something else,” said R. S. Yadav, a government employee, as he waited for his turn on a rickety two-wheeler at a refueling station in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked turmoil with his shock announcement last month that all 500 rupee ($7.30) and 1,000 rupee notes―some 86 percent of all bills in circulation―would cease to be legal tender. The sweeping abolition of all high-value notes was meant to bring billions in so-called “black”, or undeclared, money back into the formal system, the government says. The move has triggered chaos with long queues forming outside banks as people try to deposit their old notes or withdraw new ones. Frequent rule changes in response to pressure from various groups and growing disorder have made matters worse. AFP

C40 executive director Mark Watts said in an analysis unveiled Thursday that the world’s big cities must collectively cut their carbon footprint by nearly half within a decade if the 196-nation Paris Agreement is to be met. With only one degree Celsius of warming so far, the world has already seen an upsurge in extreme weather, including droughts, super storms, heat waves and coastal flooding boosted by rising seas. AFP

IN BRIEF New king leads prayers for his late father

SUNSET. The sun sets behind the Bavarian village of Puchheim near Munich, southern Germany, after a sunny afternoon. AFP

200,000 Muslims slam Christian governor JAKARTA―More than 200,000 Indonesian Muslims prayed in unison and chanted Koranic verses Friday in the second major demonstration against Jakarta’s Christian governor, as conservative groups push for his arrest for allegedly insulting Islam. People in white Islamic robes and skullcaps packed out a massive park in the capital, with over 20,000 security personnel deployed to prevent a repeat of violence that erupted at the last protest against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama. Purnama, known by his nickname Ahok, is being prosecuted for blasphemy over election campaign comments he made about the Koran, which have sparked widespread anger in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.

The case is seen in part as a test of religious tolerance in Indonesia, where a reputation for pluralism has been eroded by a surge in attacks on minorities, but critics say it is also about politics as the governor’s foes whip up anger to reduce his support. The decision to prosecute Purnama, Jakarta’s first non-Muslim governor for half a century and a member of the country’s tiny ethnic Chinese minority, has not been enough to quell anger and conservative groups are now demanding his arrest. Protesters waved banners that read “jail Ahok” as they marched en masse through the city’s streets in the early hours to converge on the park, which surrounds the National Monument, a tall tower that looms

over downtown Jakarta. “Let’s defend our religion,” Rizieq Shihab, leader of hardline group the Islamic Defenders’ Front (FPI), told the crowd as he delivered a fiery sermon. “Stop all forms of religious blasphemy and put all violators on trial.” President Joko Widodo, an ally of Purnama who has been meeting with Islamic and political leaders in recent days to calm tensions, joined the mass prayer, thanking the protesters for being peaceful and urging them to return home. Jakarta police spokesman Raden Prabowo Argo Yuwono said more than 200,000 joined Friday’s rally, dwarfing the last protest on November 4. He said it had passed off peacefully and protesters were start-

ing to head home. Meanwhile police said eight people were detained in early morning raids on suspicion of treason before the protest, with reports saying they included the sister of an ex-president and a retired general. They did not release details about what they were accused of but observers have expressed fears that opponents of Purnama and Widodo could try to take advantage of the chaotic protests to destabilize the government. The November rally drew 100,000 Muslims onto the streets. It was peaceful during the day but descended into violence as night fell, with hardliners hurling missiles and setting fire to police cars, leaving one person dead and hundreds injured. AFP

BANGKOK―Thailand’s new monarch King Maha Vajiralongkorn led prayers for his late father on Friday, his first appearance at Bangkok’s Grand Palace since he was officially appointed the day before after a seven week delay. The ceremony, which was broadcast live on television, offered Thais their first glimpse of Vajiralongkorn presiding over official duties as their new king, the tenth ruler of the current Chakri dynasty. Thailand has been plunged into grief since the death of his widely revered father King Bhumibol Adulyadej on 13 October after seven-decades on the throne. The kingdom also experienced an unusual royal interregnum when Thailand’s ruling junta announced that Vajiralongkorn, 64, had asked to put off officially ascending the throne to mourn his father. The monarchy is shielded by a harsh royal defamation law making debate about its role impossible in the kingdom and forcing media to heavily self-censor. AFP

Plane that ran out of fuel isw shut down MEDELLIN―The authorities on Thursday shut down a Bolivian charter airline whose plane ran out of fuel and crashed in the Colombian mountains, killing 71 people including most of a Brazilian football team. As grieving relatives identified their loved ones and the first body was sent home, a harrowing recording emerged of the pilot’s final minutes seeking to land the plane without fuel. Bolivia said it had suspended the charter company LAMIA’s permit and ordered an investigation into its operations. AFP

Stone crucifix on the second flloor of the iconic haunted hotel

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

TRAVEL AND LEISURE

OCATED on Dominican Hill and approximately 15 minutes away from Baguio City proper, Diplomat Hotel continues to lure tourists and thrill-seekers alike. The hotel was constructed in 1911 as a vacation house and seminary of the Dominican priests. Logically, the site would be named Dominican Hill. During the Japanese-American war in the Philippines, or more popularly known as World War II, it became a refuge for fleeing Japanese soldiers. Japanese Forces later bombed the entire place resulting to extensive damage. It was then reconstructed in 1947. In 1973, Diplomat Hotels, Inc. acquired ownership of the place and remodeled the interior into a 33-bedroom hotel that still retained the unique and distinct personality earlier established by the Dominican friars. Tony Agpaoa, a Baguio-based spiritual healer, managed the hotel. When he died in 1980s, the hotel has ceased operation and remained closed to the public. At the time when the hotel was still operational, the employees and guests claimed that they have been hearing strange sounds and seeing headless apparitions at the hotel especially at night. According to folks, this could be the ghosts of nuns and priests beheaded by the Japanese soldiers during the war. After it was closed to the public, local residents who also lived nearby claimed they could hear strange noises in the middle of the night. For instance, despite the fact that it didn’t have doors, they could hear doors banging, windows shuttering, clattering of dishes, and voices of screaming people in agony. There had also been a plan to install a cable car system linking Dominican Hill and Burnham Park. However, due to the absence of investors and lack of

BAGUIO’S haunted icon

The Diplomat Hotel in Baguio City is considered one of the most haunted places in the Philippines. Residents nearby claim that they could hear strange noises coming from the hotel in the middle of the night.

necessary funds to put up the project, the plan did not materialize. In May 2011, Baguio City government announced their plan of spending P35 million to reconstruct the old Diplomat Hotel and convert it into a wedding and conference venue on Dominican Hill. However, as of this date, there has been no major reconstruction done with the hotel.

The Diplomat Hotel could very well be a must-visit haunted icon to complete a vacation getaway in Baguio. Those looking to visit the City of Pines with the highest level of comfort and safety in mind can do so with Victory Liner, Inc., servicing Northern Luzon destinations for over 70 years. Book your tickets online via www. victoryliner.com.

It used to be a refuge for fleeing Japanese soldiers during WWII and was later transformed into a 33-bedroom hotel.

Smart WiFi in Tagbilaran airport

The serviced residence suits up its Suites with expansive living and dining areas, lavish fittings and fully equipped modern kitchens

Luxury up a notch PREMIER serviced residence Ascott Makati “suits up” its Suites with grander and more luxurious features in a bid to further set the benchmark in splendid living. Each residence now comes with expansive living and dining areas, designer interiors, lavish fittings, fully equipped modern kitchens, home entertainment systems and Wi-Fi connection. Ascott Makati also offers world-class services to lavish facilities that are well-appointed, extensive and personalized, designed exclusively to cater to discerning international business executives and their families. With the new suites come changes all throughout the property. Ascott Makati also unveils a new sophisticated lobby, the Executive Lounge and a Cubbies play room, the latter caters to children of long-staying guests. The property will also soon launch a premier restaurant under Myron’s and a pool bar called Que, as well as a ballroom and function rooms. For business needs, Regus at Ascott Makati operates serviced offices for lease, meeting rooms and a business center. Further, the well-appointed residence has a fully equipped fitness center so that guests could maintain their health and fitness routine. A new swimming pool is now open. The property is nestled within Makati’s largest shopping complex, Glorietta, Ayala Center, which is replete with dining and entertainment options; and proximate to the country’s major corporate offices along Ayala Avenue. For more information, call (02) 550-3200 or email enquiry. manila@the-ascott.com.

Ascott Makati upgrades its suites and unveils Cubbies play room for kids

PLDT and Smart Communications have installed highspeed Internet at Tagbilaran Airport, further expanding the footprint for Smart Wifi in the Visayas. The country’s 11th busiest airport, Tagbilaran Airport serves approximately 800,000 passengers each year. In the past 100 days, PLDT and Smart have deployed carrier-grade Smart Wifi in key transport hubs identified by the Department of Transportation all over the country, including the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. This is in line with the PLDT Group’s commitment to enable more Filipinos to experience high-speed Internet. This state-of-the-art communications infrastructure will help boost the country’s tourism industry given the reliance of today’s travelers on mobile apps for information and services to make their trips enjoyable and productive. With a backhaul capacity of up to one gigabit per second, up to 3,000 concurrent users of Smart Wifi will have seamless digital experience in checking their social media accounts, email, or keeping connected to home and office while traveling. “We have already deployed carrier-grade Smart Wifi in major transport hubs identified by the Department of Transportation. More installations are in the pipeline as part of our commitment to put up more Wifi hotspots in the country so more Filipinos can experience super-speed internet on a larger scale,” said Eric R. Alberto, EVP for PLDT/ Smart, and president and CEO of ePLDT. “Smart Wifi complements our mobile Internet service that we are also boosting through the deployment of enhanced LTE and 3G coverage all over the country. This is part of Smart’s three-year network improvement program, which has already integrated the use of additional radio frequency spectrum such as the 700 MHz band that we have gained access to as a result of the acquisition of the telecom business of San Miguel Corporation,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, FVP and Wireless Consumer Operations head at Smart. Smart Wifi is already in Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental, Bacolod-Silay International Airport and Iloilo International Airport, Roxas Airport, Zamboanga Airport, Clark International Airport, Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, Laoag International Airport, General Santos International Airport, Kalibo International Airport, Boracay Airport, and Puerto Princesa Airport. Smart Wifi has also been installed at the Batangas International Port in Batangas City, and Calapan City Port in Mindoro. High-speed Internet will also be installed in MRT and LRT stations in Metro Manila. More high traffic areas such as city halls, schools, hospitals and malls, among others, will be covered by the service over time. Smart has allocated about P1 billion for the first phase of the deployment of carrier-grade Smart Wifi. This is part of the PLDT Group’s P48-billion capital expenditure program for 2016, which is focused on improving data connectivity throughout the country using both fixed and wireless infrastructure.

Life

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 isahred@gmail.com

Breathtaking views on Christmas

MERCURY RISING BY BOB ZOZOBRADO

HE Christmas Season is always a joyous one not only for us, locals, but also for the country’s de luxe hotels, as their business always takes a remarkable surge in revenues. Not only are their guest rooms full throughout the Season but also their Food and Beverage outlets.

Here are two world-class properties that have recently prepared themselves for the onslaught of good business. One thing these two hotels have in common, which they use to the fullest as their Marketing tool, is their unparalleled, breathtaking views of nature.

Conrad Manila

This hotel definitely upstaged its competitors with its recent Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at its main lobby, which affords guests a panoramic view of the world-famous Manila Bay sunset. The management unveiled an ultramodern version of a stylized Christmas tree, made of steel wires and aluminum balls, crafted by Imelda “Impy” Pilapil, the sculptor known for her graceful works in glass, metal and stone. The tree’s unique, avant garde design certainly matches Conrad Manila’s trendsetting facilities and service. Not only were guests awed by the unique Christmas Tree, we were also fascinated by the performance of the adorable Vienna Boys Choir who, with their angelic voices, rendered a couple of Christmas songs. On hand also to entertain guests was the Hail Mary The Queen Choir composed of children dressed in brightly colored costumes. Members of the Sy family lent their presence to the event, led by the matriarch herself, Felicidad Sy, who at 86 years old looks very spritely and fit, and who shared with me her fitness regimen---take time to walk every day, then eat anything and everything, but with moderation. Director of SM Prime Holdings Hans Sy, President of SM Hotels and Convention Corp. Elizabeth Sy, and SVP of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. Peggy Angeles were also around to attend to the guests. Also, not too long ago, the hotel’s forward thinking general manager Harald Feurstein, realized that there was a lot more that could be done for their C Lounge, to encourage more patronage from the locals. He asked his Culinary

Conrad Manila offers an awesome view of the famed Manila Bay

A view of Taal Volcano and Lake from Taal Vista Hotel

Team to have more finger food on the Menu so that the outlet could attract office workers from nearby buildings who may want to have a quick and easy lunch, and further increase its clientele during the cocktail hours. Sure enough, the team came up with a winning list of delectable items, and C Lounge’s business has taken an unprecedented upward turn! Its enhanced menu now includes these that have instantly become my favorite—Salad of Shiitake Mushrooms; Olives and Roasted Beef Cubes in Rosemary; Tuna Rice Bowl; Sliders on 3, which are three pieces of Mini Wagyu Beef Burgers, each with a different cheese in it: Cheddar, Brie and Blue Cheese; and Steamed Chinese

Butterfly Bun with Honey, Barbecued Pork and Cucumber Pickles. I’m glad the C Lounge now has much more culinary treats to offer guests. These perfectly match the guests’ ringside seats to the panoramic view of Manila Bay, which is an ultimate stress reliever.

James Bevans switched on the beautiful, brightly decorated Tree, with the choir from De La Salle-Dasmariñas providing background music to the event. Recently, the hotel completed the renovation of its Veranda Restaurant, giving it a fresh new look. It now has lighter, airy, more pleasant colors For feedback, I’m at Taal Vista Hotel complementing the million-dollar bobzozobrado@gmail.com. The nippy air of Tagaytay provided view which the hotel prides itself with the perfect ambience for the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony of this hotel held in the garden right outside its main YOUR SATURDAY CHUCKLE lobby, affording guests a magnificent Q: If your wife is shouting outside the front door and your dog is barking view of Taal Volcano and Lake. Executive Vice-President for SM Hooutside the back door, who will you let in first? tels and Convention Center Peggy AngeA: The dog, of course, because he’ll shut up after you let him in. les, together with hotel General Manager

Online travelmart via Takatack TAKATACK, the shopping discovery platform from Voyager Innovations has now become the eCommerce partner of Cebu Pacific, enabling Filipinos to complete the traveling experience by getting the right travel essentials. Anyone who has ever traveled knows that booking a flight is only one part of the equation. To truly enjoy the experience one would need to prepare all the essentials for the journey. If you’re vacationing to a cold weather climate like Japan, you will want the perfect jacket, whereas if you’re going to a tropical location like Boracay, you will want the best and trendiest swimwear.

and CEB represents a powerful onetwo punch. “Flying affordably, which Cebu Pacific enables you to do, is the first important step in traveling. The next crucial part, which is often overlooked, is making sure that you have the right things—sometimes even the right things to do. As such, the portal even offers travel packages that help you experience the Philippines like never before,” said Ricalde. “As much as we love traveling, it can be hard to plan. With Takatack’s new CEB Online Shopping portal, we want to help travelers buy the essentials and maximize their trip,” she said.

“Voyager has been enabling enterprises like Cebu Pacific to grow their business and accelerate their digital transformation by providing a robust eCommerce platform that will allow them to easily sell online,” Benjie Fernandez, COO of Voyager Innovations, said. “Cebu Pacific has been an established game-changer in the airline industry, and we are happy to be taking this flight with them as we jointly expand eCommerce opportunities in the country.” Interested travelers can now shop for their travel essentials at www.takatack. com/pages/cebu-pacific.

Go Hotels,

With great travel comes great... shopping

Getting the right clothes is just one example of how you might need to prepare for a trip. Luckily, shopping discovery platform Takatack can help you with whatever you might need. Through the partnership between Cebu Pacific (CEB) and Voyager Innovations, Takatack brings eCommerce to the airline’s website as visitors will see a banner that redirects to a special portal in Takatack. “We’re happy to provide our guests with a hassle-free shopping experience for travel essentials through the CEB Online Shopping page on Takatack.com,” says Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for Marketing and Distribution. The CEB Online Shopping portal in Takatack carries everything you might need for your next trip with categories that address the typical traveler’s needs including travel essentials in Change Time Zones, Not Comfort Zones; luggage and bags in Bags are Packed, I’m Ready to Go; and pet travel items in When Pets Fly.

throughout the 77 years of its existence. Thanks to the creativity of a local architecture firm, AnDesigns, tasked to do the layout and the interiors, the restaurant now offers everybody more room to move about in, while making choices from the dozens of tasty items on the buffet spread. A welcome addition to the venue is the children’s buffet, constructed lower than the main buffet, so that children can easily see and take their pick from the many choices on it. Of course, my favorite corner is the Dessert Buffet, where a server made me an ice cream sandwich, with my favorite flavor squeezed between two large pieces of macaroons. And if you want to relive the golden days of your youth, there is a machine that makes your favorite color/flavor of Cotton Candy, which the hotel management prefers to call Sugar Floss. So, if you want to try something new and lift your spirit for the Holiday Season, spiced up with an unparalleled breathtaking view of nature at its best, set your Waze to any or both of these hotels, and you’ll be on your way to a Merry Christmas.

Manila Airport Road now open

Takatack features a CEB Online Shopping page which carries items for traveling

Each of these categories offers amazing deals on products that will make your traveling experience a delight. For example, Traveling, Music to My Ears has headphones of every shape and size, so that you can comfortably listen to your favorite artists every leg of your journey, while Ahead of the Pack(ing) provides a selection of organizers that make things easier to store, and much more importantly, find. Aggregating these disparate categories into a single portal makes it easier to plan your next trip, as Rebecca Ricalde, assistant vice president for Digital Commerce of Voyager Innovations, explained.

“Most online marketplaces are organized into product categories. If you’re planning a trip, this means you’ll have to scour different corners of a website to even begin to find what you want. With Takatack’s new CEB Online Shopping portal, you can quickly choose the items that you need in a single, easy-to-use interface,” Ricalde said, adding that she has already bought items from several of the categories, including Traveling, Music to My Ears, When Pets Fly, and Ahead of the Pack(ing) - in anticipation of her next trip to Palawan.

The Philippines like never before The partnership between Takatack

ROXACO-Vanguard Hotel Corporation opened its first branch of Go Hotels on Manila Airport Road. Just a short distance from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Go Hotels, Manila Airport Road is perfect for travelers who need to recharge before their next adventure begins.

The hotel’s amenities and services are now available for as low as P388. Visit gohotels.ph or Go Hotels’ Facebook page at facebook.com/GoHotels. ph for updates and more information. Go Hotels, Manila Airport Road is a licensee of Robinson Land Corporation.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

BARON GEISLER

‘The Boss Baby’ is an upcoming 3D animated movie, which will be coming out to the cinemas in 2017, emphasizes the importance of friendship and family

in new controversy

Dreamworks Animation’s

‘THE BOSS BABY’ in theaters next year

LAD in a business suit, the youngest member in the family has arrived in The Boss Baby.

In DreamWorks Animation’s latest trailer reveal, there’s no question who the boss is in this family – the one who wears the suit and throws an enormous ﬁt of tantrums when things don’t go his way, ergo, The Boss Baby. The titular character is voiced by talented veteran actor Alec Baldwin, and from the day the baby arrived, seven-year-old Tim (Miles Bakshi) knew this fast-talking, briefcase-carrying baby was trouble – after all, there’s only so much love to go around, right? But as Tim embarks on a mission to win back the sole affection

of his parents, voiced by Liza Kudrow and Jimmy Kimmel, he stumbles upon a secret plot that threatens to destroy the balance of love in the world – and this brash baby executive masquerading as his new brother is at the center of it all. Now, they must come together as true brothers to stop the dastardly scheme, save their parents, restore order to the world, and prove that love is indeed an inﬁnite force. Based on Marla Frazee’s 2010 award-winning picture book of the same title The Boss Baby, the movie is directed by Tom McGrath and will open on April 15, 2017 (in the Philippines) from DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. Trailer link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjMYUQwBG0w. The Boss Baby will also be available in 3D screens nationwide.

NOW it can be told. Baron Geisler has a new book coming out and that probably is the bigger reason why he is again very much in the news. Major broadcasting networks and most commentary programs carried the news on Baron’s urinating on co-actor Ping Medina in an indie movie shoot directed by broadcast journalist Arlyn de la Cruz. Indeed a big one for the film that probably needs attention and gimmick, especially each party continues to air his/her side of the story. Baron even threatened to file a case against his director and demanded for an investigation as he also felt being “violated.” But, nobody seems to believe him anymore as he has this image of being a troublemaker. Says almost everyone, “Look who’s talking? Who has many records on similar incidents?” Until we got this report that very soon, his publisher on this book called Beast Mode has scheduled its book release and they need something like this at all cost. Now you got it, but let us be the judge. **** As we write this, it seems that Vice Ganda’s Super Parental Guardians has taken the lead in the boxoffice race over Vic Sotto’s Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers. Since it opened on Nov. 30, the number of theaters showing it nationwide has increased from 240 to 280. Vic Sotto’s has around 200 theaters too and is also doing well at the tills. Although we still have to get Vice movie’s three-day gross earnings, it is reported that its opening gross has breached the 50 million peso mark.

Kenneth Cobonpue in ‘Modern Living TV’ THIS week in Modern Living TV, Stephanie Zubiri visits multi-awarded furniture designer and manufacturer Kenneth Cobonpue to take a look at his latest passion project, Progeny, a series that unveils talented young designers and artists unique in the marketplace. Also in this week’s episode, Steph continues her interview with power couple Maggie and Victor Consunji and tours their resort-inspired home. She also goes to one of Manila’s premium shopping destinations, The Shangri-La Mall, to check out the stores of the latest and chicest brand, while Bianca Gonzalez

scours the metro for unique DIY gift-wrapping ideas that’ll make your gifts more endearing to your friends and loved ones this Christmas. Every episode of Modern Living TV features the latest eye candy in the form of breathtaking living spaces and other elements of modern living. Now on its 6th season, Modern Living TV airs every Saturday on ANC at 6 p.m., with replays on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Modern Living TV is the ﬁrst lifestyle -TV show by a news media organization.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, December 3, 2016

ACROSS 1 Fumble the ball 5 Home for Hadrian 10 Unwanted email 14 — Russo, of “Tin Cup” 15 Kilt pattern 16 Not much, in Mexico 17 Just touch 18 Trawler net 19 Gravy no-no 20 Cattle herders of Kenya 22 Use up 24 Laundry amount 27 Bandleader — Kenton 28 Wonder about 32 Like dishwater 35 Subject for Keats 36 Improvise (hyph.) 38 Levees 40 Vigoda and Fortas 42 Kelp 44 Wine and — 45 Affleck’s friend 47 Oil-bearing rock 49 Dog days in Dijon 50 Chute material 52 Wire

54 Cash substitutes 56 Hockey feint 57 Not enhance 60 Less risky 64 Crumbly cheese 65 Judd of music 68 “Miami Vice” cop 69 Love, to Claudius 70 Understandable 71 Blows it 72 Theater trophy 73 Fisher or Rabbitt 74 — ex machina DOWN 1 Ounce fraction 2 Ms. McEntire 3 Unwelcome obligation 4 Blossom bits 5 FDR had three 6 Land in “la mer” 7 Fixed the table 8 Stripes 9 Whizzes 10 Dazzling 11 Look sullen 12 Zenith 13 Janitor’s need 21 Pinch 23 Extol 25 Met role 26 Well-behaved kids 28 Campus area

29 Citified 30 Rival 31 When to see stars 33 T-bar user 34 Busybody 37 Sounded sheepish? 39 Come off as 41 Remote 43 “Vogue” rival 46 Koh-i- — diamond 48 Cartoon shrieks 51 Subtle distinction

53 Equipped 55 Hot coffee hazard 57 DJ’s disk 58 School founded in 1440 59 Angled a nail 61 Caveman discovery 62 Tan shade 63 Antarctic sea 64 Bacon feature 66 — tai (rum drink) 67 Umbrage

Visionary and multi-awarded furniture designer and manufacturer Kenneth Cobonpue

Indeed, this early Christmas offering by said two boxofﬁce champion-stars is a sort of vindication to their being snubbed by the Screening Committee of the upcoming MMFF 2016. The biggest question is, has moviegoers still have money for the eight selected entries on Dec. 25, when most of the bonuses had already been spent. Let’s also remember that Regal’s Mano Po 7:Chinoy will hit the theaters on the 14th. **** Could it be true that this TV host-actor 1 has been trying very hard to imitate this more famous TV host-actor 2, and even dreams of hosting the same shows the more popular one has now? A highly placed source from this top rating variety show where these two TV host actors are part of, told this writer that TV host-actor 1 has this attitude of copying even the sense of fashion of TV host-actor 2, aside from his style of hosting. “But he wants more. He enrolls himself in singing and dancing workshops,” related our source. But the more nagging item we heard is, this TV host-actor 1’s attempt to “snatch” (read: sulot) the upcoming shows intended for TV host-actor 2 in the coming season. “Talagang nagpaparamdam siya sa mga bossing. Sumisipsip ng husto at laging nagpiprisintang maging host sa mga events/parties ngayong Holiday season--for free ha! Magaling mag-engineer ng future,” added our source. Engineer? Hmmm, that is a good clue huh!

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016

GABBY, CARLA ABELLANA reunited in

Senior actor Gabby Concepcion is Romeo in a romantic episode of the weekly drama program

ISAH V. RED

FTER the success of the primetime drama, Because of You, Carla Abellana is reunited with her leading man in the show, Gabby Concepcion, in a special episode of Karelasyon today.

In the story, the Karelasyon host plays Estela, sick but remains as the breadwinner of the family. Many would consider her a “survivor”. She works in a travel agency and sells street food at night. While she should be getting more rest, Estela still tries to attend the Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses) to fulfill a vow. She prays so she could get better and for her loved ones to be blessed. Little does Estela know that her devotion will lead her to the person she will eventually fall in love with. He is Romeo, a man who has the same prayers as Estela. Romeo’s mother is also sick and it turns out, has the same illness as Estela’s. Their meeting leads to the start of their romantic story. But is this the love destined for Estela and Romeo? Joining Gabby and Carla are Mara Alberto, Prince Clemente, Joanna Marie Tan, Mailes Kanapi, and Perla Bautista. Written by Jerome Zamora and directed by Adolf Alix, Jr., this is the first offering of Karelasyon’s month-long special. *** Kapuso love team Janine Gutierrez and Aljur Abrenica are back together in an unending kilig in GMA Network’s first-ever interactive rom-com series, URL presents Relationship Goals that started airing on Nov. 27. The story revolves around the lives of Yapi (Janine Gutierrez) and Kiso (Aljur Abrenica), two young professionals who are vying for the same position at work. Yapi is the young, popular achiever from the North Office while Kiso is everyone’s favorite golden boy from the South Office. They are easily attracted to each other since the time they met. However, because of the rivalry they have in the office, both will try to resist the feelings they have for each other while their superior gives them a challenge to

THERE are days in a man’s life, when he just wants to lay low, hang with his “bros” and go on a crazy, wild adventure – away from the girlfriend, the wife or the family. Well, this month, action entertainment channel KIX is debuting its brand-new reality show, The Ultimate BROcation, to give viewers a glimpse of that male fantasy. The Philippines’ own R&B / pop star, Billy Crawford, stars in this hilarious, ﬁveepisode reality series following four famous Southeast Asian celebrities who meet for the ﬁrst time in an unforgettable, testosterone-fueled vacation in Hong Kong. Joining Billy on the “brocation” are award-winning Malaysian hip hop artist SonaOne, Thailand’s “bad boy” DJ and TV host P.K., and Singapore’s maverick chef Bjorn Shen. Bringing

‘Karelasyon’ host Carla Abellana plays a special role in today’s episode of the toprating drama anthology

these four strangers together is Hong Kong martial arts movie star Philip Ng, who has invited them to join him on an all-expenses-paid trip full of authentic, tailor-made experiences offering the best of his hometown. “We are very excited to work with Hong Kong Tourism Board and Endemol Shine Group to create this KIX original production. The Ultimate BROcation is a funﬁlled ride that guys will relate to and ladies will laugh at! The show captures how four guys who don’t know each other can bond over shared experiences in a foreign land. I think our viewers will really enjoy the bro-bantering between Billy, SonaOne, P.K. and Bjorn. Their antics on this ‘brocation’ are truly hilarious.” said Andy Chang, senior vice president of Advertising Sales, Marketing and Original

decide who between them deserves the promotion. Will this competition become a hindrance for them to entertain the feelings they are keeping? Joining Janine and Aljur in this episode are Sherilyn Reyes, Dennis Padilla, Maricel Morales, Mikoy Morales, Stephanie Sol, Bryan Benedict, Lovely Abella, Nicki B., Kai Atienza, Allyssa de Real, and Kyle Vergara. *** Will friendship be strong enough to bind two people who are worlds apart? This is what viewers will ﬁnd out in ABS-CBN’s newest morning series Langit Lupa starring Kapamilya child stars Yesha Camile and Xia Vigor, which premiered on Nov. 28. While their families treat them as princesses, Princess (Xia Vigor) and Esang (Yesha Camile) come from different worlds. Princess (Xia) belongs to a wealthy family, while Esang (Yesha) leads a simple life with her loved ones. At ﬁrst, their differences drive them apart, but as they get to know each other better, they become inseparable. However, while their friendship grows stronger, a long forgotten past unfolds. Like them, their mothers Lala (Yam Concepcion) and Dey (Alessandra De Rossi) used to be best friends. They reached for their dreams together and later on became business partners. But when Dey got ill, Lala and her husband Ian (Patrick Garcia) failed to give Joey (Jason Abalos), Dey’s husband, the money he needed for her medication, which led to his wife’s death. This made him bear ill will toward Lala and Ian and put all the blame on them. Their paths cross again when their children become best friends. Will Princess and Esang’s friendship mend the wounds that have yet to heal a friendship broken in the past? *** In today’s Gandang Ricky Reyes

New Reality Series with

BILLY CRAWFORD

R&B star Billy Crawford joins other Asian superstar in KIX’s original production, ‘The Ultimate BROcation

Todo na Toh (GRR TNT) episode, Ricky Reyes takes the audience on a food trip in the Metro. Food parks are becoming popular these days and they are all over the city. If you’re looking for a fun dining experience with friends, food parks are the best choice. Reyes shows how to make homemade chorizo, something we can serve this Christmas. Entrepreneur couple John and Lady struggled through life but never gave up. Witness how our native delicacy suman sa latik granted them the sweet things they have now. Meanwhile, hair problems can be solved in all Gandang Ricky Reyes Salons with the following treatments: Regold for kinky hairs, SoftWave for dull hair and natural wigs for hair loss. Pursue your passion in beauty, learn from the best and enroll at the Ricky Reyes Learning Institute (RRLI) with branches in Manila, Cubao, Anonas and Fairview. All these and more, 9-10 a.m. today in GRR TNT on GMA News TV.

Beauty guru and TV host Ricky Reyes

Productions, Celestial Tiger Entertainment. Simon Wong, regional director, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Southeast Asia, shared, “We are glad to work with KIX and Endemol Shine Group on the production of The Ultimate BROcation and now we are excited about the airing of the series. We believe that the bros’ unforgettable fun times in Hong Kong will inspire the audience to experience for themselves the best and most authentic shopping, eating and playing options Hong Kong has to offer.” “It was a different yet fantastic experience to be able to bond with ‘bros’ I barely knew. When you put four guys together, regardless of whatever activity they are involved in, they will always try to compete with each other. In a way, you kind of get bullied and in my case, I bullied P.K. a lot since

he was the ﬁrst bro I met. But in all honesty, we all hit it up pretty well; SonaOne and I clicked on music; and Bjorn is just a big ole teddy bear. And what I really loved most about this experience is the fact that it was done in Hong Kong, one of my most favorite cities in the world,” said Billy Crawford. The Ultimate BROcation is produced by the top-rated action entertainment channel KIX and Endemol Shine Group, the global production house behind such popular and award-winning shows as MasterChef and Big Brother. The show is supported by Hong Kong Tourism Board, and co-sponsored by DJI, Cathay Paciﬁc and the Harbour Grand Hong Kong. KIX is available in the Philippines on Cablelink Ch.54, Cignal TV Ch. 133, Destiny Cable Ch.63, Gsat Ch. 18 and SKYcable Ch.63.