Court junks motion to re-open massacre trial

October 29, 2019 | 8:15 pm

A QUEZON City trial court has rejected a plea by the primary suspect in the massacre of more than 50 people in Maguindanao province to re-open the trial.

In a five-page order, Judge Jocelyn A. Solis-Reyes also denied Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan, Jr.’s motion to suspend judgment on the 10-year-old case.

The prime suspect earlier claimed a prosecution witness had contacted his representative saying he wanted to recant his testimonies against him.

But the court said this had been denied by the witness in open court. “With the denial made by prosecution witness Sukarno Badal of his intention to recant his previous testimony given on several dates, it is crystal clear that the ground relied upon by the accused-movant for the reopening of trial has no leg to stand on,” it said.

Mr. Ampatuan is among the main suspects in the massacre of 58 people, including 32 journalists, in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province on Nov. 23, 2009.

The ambush took place when media accompanied then gubernatorial candidate Esmael G. Mangudadatu and his family to the election body where he was to file his certificate of candidacy. Mr. Mangudadatu was then planning to challenge Datu Unsay for governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Justice department expects a decision on the case before the 10^th anniversary of the murders.

Andal Ampatuan, Sr., father of Mr. Ampatuan and the alleged mastermind of the massacre, died of cancer in 2015. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

MRII to build sewage treatment plant in Panglao

October 29, 2019 | 8:14 pm

MANDAUE CITY-based Mactan Rock Industries Inc., (MRII) has submitted its proposal to the Panglao local government for the construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP) on the popular tourist island. MRII Chairman Antonio Tompar said they have already given the technical design and financial plan for the STP, which will be undertaken as a joint venture with the local government. He said the Panglao government has already identified a property for the STP and construction is targeted to start before the end of the year. MRII, a firm that specializes in water and wastewater treatment as well as supplies bulk water to the Metro Cebu Water District, will fund the STP construction through a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines. Mr. Tompar said the STP will mainly serve small- and medium-sized establishments such as restaurants as the big resorts and hotels on Panglao have already set up their individual treatment facilities. — The Freeman

BoC seizes misdeclared stainless bars from China

October 29, 2019 | 8:14 pm

THE BUREAU of Customs (BoC) seized on Tuesday two containers of misdeclared stainless angle bars from China, with the value still to be assessed. In a statement, BoC-Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Raniel T. Ramiro said the shipment, which arrived at the Port of Manila on Oct. 19, was declared as flat bar and steel sheets by its consignee, Liuzhiga International Trading. “The IG-CIIS (Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service) received a report on 22 October this year from a reliable source that a certain shipment might have violated the Customs laws by gross misdeclaration in quality-description of goods,” Mr. Ramiro said. Further investigation is being conducted for the filing of appropriate charges against those involved in the smuggling.

PDIC to bid out 46 properties

October 29, 2019 | 8:13 pm

THE PHILIPPINE Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) is holding a bidding for 46 closed bank assets on Nov. 28 at the Best Western Plus Lex Cebu in Cebu City. In a statement on Tuesday, PDIC said the properties consist of residential and commercial lots with a total minimum disposal price of PhP80.9 million. The assets are located in Metro Manila, Aklan, Antique, Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Palawan. Sealed bids will be accepted by the PDIC Real and Other Properties Acquired (ROPA) Disposal Committee from direct buyers only between 9:00 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. at the venue. Bids will be opened at 2:00 p.m. The complete list of properties is posted on http://assetsforsale.pdic.gov.ph. “Bidders are advised to physically inspect the properties they are interested to buy, examine and verify the titles and other evidence of ownership, and determine any unpaid taxes, fees, charges and/or expenses before submitting their bids,” PDIC said.

Assistance programs for former MILF, MNLF combatants proposed before BTA

October 29, 2019 | 8:13 pm

THREE RESOLUTIONS calling for emergency financial assistance and other development programs for former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were proposed during the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) 21^st session last Friday. In a statement, the BTA said the proposals “call for the proper recognition of the shahid or those who were martyred in the Bangsamoro struggle and the allocation of funds for financial assistance to the mujahideen and their family.” One of the resolutions, asks BTA Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim to “allocate funds for emergency financial assistance” to both MILF and Moro National Liberation Front combatants and their families “pending the releases and implementation of the special development and rehabilitation programs” that are provided for under the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Faiz Alauddin, a member of parliament and the MILF provincial chair, earlier said “the mujahideen,” or those who helped in the struggle for the Bangsamoro’s right to self-determination, said, “Let us enable our mujahideen to reap the benefit of the peace agreement and assist them in every means possible so they may cherish civilian lives.” The proposed resolutions have been referred to BTA committees for action.

JPST BATCH 2
Meanwhile, the second batch of the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) started training last week at Camp Gen. SK Pendatun in Maguindanao. The latest JPST contingent is composed of 75 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 86 from the Philippine National Police, and 152 from the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). “The JPST training will prepare you in the fulfillment of the other tasks of the JPST: (1) tracking and documenting of Private Armed Groups, (2) security arrangements for Normalization activities, and (3) support to dispute resolution initiatives on the ground,” Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistant Secretary David B. Diciano said during the opening ceremony. The month-long JPST training, which will be concluded on Nov. 22, is simultaneous with the second phase of decommissioning of MILF-BIAF members, according to OPAPP. The first batch of former MILF combatants, composed of 219 men, completed their Joint Peace and Security Team in August. A formal ceremony for the first batch of decommissioning was held Sept. 7, with more than 12,000 of the estimated 40,000 BIAF turning over their weapons. — Marifi S. Jara

Nationwide round-up

October 29, 2019 | 8:13 pm

Malacañang honors late JICA president

MALACAÑANG ON Tuesday expressed condolences for the death of Sadako Ogata, who served as Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president from 2003 to 2012, recognizing her contribution to strengthening relations between the Philippines and Japan. “The remarkable and extraordinary service of Ms. Ogata, together with the time and effort she has devoted to strengthen the diplomatic relations of Philippines and Japan, will always be remembered given the beneficial and enduring consequences of her endeavors for our country,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement. Ms. Ogata passed away at age 92 on Tuesday, Japanese news site NHK World reported. She was the first woman minister at the Permanent Mission of Japan in the United Nations (UN), and was a UN high commissioner for refugees. According to JICA’s website, Ms. Ogata’s contributions to the Philippines under her term include accelerating the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and providing livelihood assistance programs for people in Mindanao’s poverty-stricken areas. In 2013, she was awarded the Order of Sikatuna by the Philippine government, a recognition given to diplomats and foreign heads of state for doing exceptional deeds and services to the Philippines. — Gillian M. Cortez

DoJ confirms President’s order for NBI probe on mayor’s killing

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) will issue a department order formalizing the directive of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the death of a mayor in Misamis Occidental, who was shot and killed while in police custody in Cebu City. “The President has control over the entire Executive department including the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the NBI. His directive should therefore be sufficient for the NBI to commence its probe,” Undersecretary Markk L. Perete told reporters in a mobile phone message. “Nevertheless, and purely for record-keeping purposes, the DoJ shall issue a Department Order reiterating the President’s directive to the NBI,” he added. The president wants the state agents to handle the probe in the killing of Clarin, Misamis Occidental Mayor David Navarro has ordered the PNP to terminate their investigation and hand all documents and other evidence to the NBI.

The President also confirmed that he earlier met with Mr. Navarro, who was included in the list of local government officials allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, and was told that somebody “is out to get him.” Mr. Navarro was being escorted by the police in Cebu City to a prosecutor’s office when he was ambushed last Oct. 25. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Nation at a Glance — (10/30/19)

October 29, 2019 | 8:11 pm

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

UP out to stop Ateneo sweep of eliminations

October 29, 2019 | 5:18 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE ELIMINATION round of University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 hits its final play date today with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons looking to prevent a sweep of the games by the defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Set for 4 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Maroons (9-4), who secured second spot in the race in their victory in their previous game, are out to avert a shutout of the eliminations by the Eagles (13-0) and exact some payback on the latter for the first-round defeat they were dealt with.

A win by UP over Ateneo today sends the semifinals to a traditional Final Four format with the top two teams earning a twice-to-beat advantage. An Ateneo victory, however, renders the semifinal round a step-ladder with the Eagles earning a direct entry into the finals.

In their first game in the opening round on Sept. 29, the Eagles gave the Maroons a solid reality check, winning by 26 points, 89-63.

Ateneo found themselves in a bind early in the said contest but collectively made the necessary adjustments on both ends of the court from the second quarter onwards to outsprint UP on its way to the big win.

Making matters worse for the Maroons was that they saw head coach Bo Perasol tossed out from the game midway because of excessive complaining, which also led to his two-game suspension by the UAAP after.

Heading into today’s game UP is on a three-game winning streak, including a gutsy 71-68 triumph over the De La Salle Green Archers on Oct. 27 which sealed for them the second spot.

Key plays by Bright Akhuetie, Kobe Paras and Jun Manzo gave the Maroons the push they needed down the stretch to survive and earn the victory.

Akhuetie led the Maroons in the win with 17 points and 10 rebounds with Manzo and Ricci Rivero adding 12 points apiece. Manzo also had eight assists. Paras, meanwhile, finished with 10 points.

For his steady effort against La Salle, Manzo sealed player of the week honors from the UAAP press corps, beating the likes of Ateneo’s Angelo Kouame, Rhenz Abando of University of Santo Tomas and Wendell Comboy of Far Eastern University.

Zeroing in on their game against Ateneo today, Mr. Perasol admitted that they have their work cut out for them but vowed to go all out and give their best to notch the victory. “What can I say about Ateneo? We just have to come out really strong. We have two days to prepare against them, we’ll give it our best shot. They’re not the champion for nothing. But we will give it our best shot,” said the UP coach after their win on Sunday.

On the part of Ateneo, which is angling for a third UAAP title this season, it said it knows that it is in a good position to give its title defense a huge boost with a win today but is more concerned on playing its best on the court whether it leads to a sweep or not.

“Nothing changes. Next game is the last game. I understand that is a sweep or not a sweep but again, those are just minor issues for us. The major issue for us is how we play against UP,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin following their 13^th win of the season on Oct. 26 at the expense of the National University Bulldogs, 88-51.

The Eagles have been impressive and unforgiving in their last two matches, winning by an average margin of 35.5 points.

Also playing today and wrapping up their campaign this season are already eliminated University of the East (3-10) and NU (2-11) at 10:30 a.m. and La Salle (6-7) and Adamson University (4-9) at 12:30 p.m.

Ceres tests Azkals U22 in Group A Copa match

October 29, 2019 | 5:18 pm

THREE-TIME Philippines Football League champion Ceres-Negros FC tests the mettle of the national under-22 team in Copa Paulino Alcantara action today at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna.

Perched at second spot in Group A entering the match with a point, the “Busmen” try to seize to the top spot from the Azkals U22 (three points) in their 4 p.m. engagement.

Ceres was held to a 2-2 draw in its Cup opener by Mendiola FC 1991 on Oct. 26 and is looking to have a favorable result this time around.

Against Mendiola, Robert Lopez Mendy got the Busmen to a solid start, connecting on two goals in the fourth and 31^st minute to hand his team a 2-0 lead early.

But they would not be able to hold on to the lead as Mendiola fashioned out a fight back.

Mendiola was able to trim its deficit into half, 2-1, just before the break (45+1’) with Hamed Hajimahdo providing the goal.

Papuh Corsame then levelled the count at 2-2 in the 64^th minute.

With the outcome of the match still open, the teams tried to go for the go-ahead but their attempts fell short, forcing them to settle for the draw and a point each from the match.

The U22 had it auspicious in its first game in the Copa, carving a 1-0 victory over Green Archers United FC on Oct. 27.

Chima Uzoka provided what turned out to be the winning goal in the 51^st minute off a header from a corner kick.

The Philippine team is using its Cup participation as part of its preparation for the 30^th Southeast Asian Games which the country is hosting beginning late next month.

Also playing today are Mendiola and GAU in a Group action at the Aboitiz Pitch in Lipa City, Batangas, at 4 p.m. and Stallion Laguna FC and Philippine Air Force FC in Group B at 7 p.m. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Ginebra Kings, NLEX Road Warriors resume attack to the top of standings

October 29, 2019 | 5:18 pm

THE Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings and NLEX Road Warriors, currently the hottest teams in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup, try to extend their assault to the top of the standings when they take on separate opponents in league action today at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Both riding a three-game winning streak, the Kings (4-2) and Road Warriors (6-1) look to fortify their spots in the top half as the elimination round of the tournament hits the homestretch.

Barangay Ginebra plays the Blackwater Elite (2-6) in the scheduled 7 p.m. game while NLEX faces off with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (2-6) in the opener at 4:30 p.m.

After losing back-to-back games previously, the Kings have racked up three straight victories, the most recent against Rain or Shine, 98-89, on Oct. 26.

The Kings did not have it easy in said game but an explosive effort in the payoff quarter allowed them to get the leverage they were angling for to outlast and defeat the Elasto Painters.

Import Justin Brownlee was once again stellar, posting all-around numbers of 39 points, 17 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block in 45 minutes on the floor.

Providing support to him were LA Tenorio and Scottie Thompson, who each scored 11 points, and Stanley Pringle who had nine points and seven assists.

While they had it tough against Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone said it was something that should help them in the tournament moving forward.

“It was really a tough game to manage. We had a big lead and we’re trying to hold them off, but then we fell behind. It’s really a tough game from start to finish. But I think we need this kind of game,” said Mr. Cone.

Adding, “The fact that we had grind-out games is good for us as a team. It would help us to be mentally strong and tough down the stretch as we try to find ways to win.”

Out to stop the Kings are the Elite, losers of their last three assignments.

Meanwhile, NLEX seeks to sustain its fine form in the ongoing PBA tournament where it is actually already assured of a spot in the next round.

The Road Warriors notched a quarterfinal spot in their last game, a 126-113 victory over erstwhile undefeated TNT KaTropa on Oct. 25.

Replacement import Manny Harris continued to impress in his second game in the PBA, finishing with 40 points, nine assists and seven steals.

He had ample support from Kiefer Ravena, who had 16 points and 13 assists, as well as Jericho Cruz (15 points), JP Erram (14) and JR Quñahan (10).

The Road Warriors were particularly steady in the second half, where the KaTropa just could not keep in step with them.

“Great effort by the guys. TNT is such a strong team and there’s a reason they were unbeaten up to this point. So we made sure we were ready for them,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao as he paid tribute to his players after the contest.

NLEX shoots for a share of the tournament lead with TNT (7-1) against Rain or Shine, which is coming off a loss. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Waiting game

October 29, 2019 | 5:17 pm

And so the waiting game continues.

A week into the 2019–20 season of the National Basketball Association, Filipino fans are still awaiting word when they get to see the games on mainstream TV.

Since the partnership between the NBA and Solar Entertainment lapsed on Sept. 30, local fans have been settling for the broadcast of games over social media — Facebook and Twitter in particular — provided by the office of the league here, and for those who can afford by way of NBA League Pass, the premium subscription service of the NBA.

Solar used to operate the Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV channels, which were widely acknowledged as the go-to sources on TV for comprehensive NBA coverage in the country.

This writer had the chance to sit down, along with other members of media, with NBA Philippines managing director Carlo Singson last week where he discussed their plans this season, particularly on the broadcast of games.

The NBA Philippines head said they are in continuous talks with multiple groups, both local and international, as broadcasting partners even as they reaffirmed their commitment to the Philippines as a “priority market” for the league.

Mr. Singson went on to say that they are bent on making things happen, looking to complete a deal “way before the end of the season.”

While as a fan such is a welcome news, knowing that something is being done on the matter, still with nothing concrete on sight at the moment, one cannot be blamed for being concerned.

It has been reported that among those bidding for the broadcasting rights here is the group composed of Cignal, TV5 and ABS-CBN (Sky Cable), a joint bid that would see them broadcast NBA games on various avenues, including free TV (TV5 and ABS-CBN S+A) and cable (Cignal TV and Sky Cable).

But hearing the side of Jane Basas, Cignal TV and TV5 president, during Smart’s launch of its Get Gold! Campaign for the Southeast Asian Games on Monday, any optimism of them getting the rights should be guarded.

Ms. Basas admitted that the bidding process has been a challenging one, especially since they think the price of the broadcasting rights is “expensive” despite it being lowered already.

She did not provide the actual figure though.

The Cignal official went on to say that their offered bid still stands, and given the chance she expressed their readiness to bring the games to the Filipino fans the best way they can.

They are hopeful to get word back from the NBA this week.

Also in the picture as possible broadcaster, according to reports, is CNN Philippines, although nothing concrete has come out of it as well.

At this point, I guess we, Filipino NBA fans, just have to wait and see how things will pan out. But hopefully it is not too long a wait.

Filipino fans have been supportive of the league, there is no denying that.

While they will flock Facebook and Twitter to watch the games and shell out money for their subscriptions for League Pass because they are that big of an NBA fan, still they deserve a steady and sustainable platform for their NBA fix which television can provide.

So to the NBA, please make it happen.

Michael Angelo S. Murillo has been a columnist since 2003. He is a BusinessWorld reporter covering the Sports beat.

msmurillo@bworldonline.com

Eagles ground game

October 29, 2019 | 5:16 pm

The Eagles were in turmoil, and something — anything — had to be done, fast. It wasn’t simply that they lost their second straight game. It was that they lost in a blowout anew, shining the spotlight on internal disagreements that would have otherwise been deemed typical through the course of a long season. And so, as recounted by ESPN, the players held an unprecedented closed-door meeting prior to their Week Eight set-to against the dangerous Bills. “We had a lot of internal conversations, a lot of tough conversations,” veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins, an acknowledged leader, was quoted as saying.

Considering how the Eagles buckled down to work the other day, the meeting obviously produced the desired effect. They came out with the kind of effort on the road that even their notoriously critical fan base couldn’t have helped but appreciate. For all the scrutiny they faced, they took to heart the message that they were masters of their fate; only they had the capacity to frame their future as they saw fit. And the result highlighted their potential moving forward; they dominated the 5-1 Bills in front of a hostile crowd of 69,435 en route to a 31-13 victory.

To argue that the Eagles displayed sharpness on both ends of the field would be an understatement. They were down early, but once they got in a groove, there was no stopping their balanced attack. Certainly, they proved that they had a ground attack to turn to, with running backs Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard combining for 214 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, quarterback Carson Wentz, whose playcalling was being questioned in the midst of their twin setbacks, turned in a rock-solid showing to complete 17 of 24 passes for 172 yards and a score, not to mention net an additional 38 yards off eight carries.

True, the Eagles will be in for a tough homestand. Up next are the Bears and, after a bye, the Patriots and the Seahawks, powerhouses both. If there’s anything their experience resulting in their triumph the other day underscored, however, it’s that the process is just as important as the outcome. Success is a journey, not a destination, and for as long as they’re able to continue canceling any outside noise, they’ll learn to live with any outcome they craft together.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.