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Duterte wants Batanes patrols amid China row

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte wants regular patrols near the islands of Batanes province amid China’s land reclamation activities in the South China Sea.

The president, who visited the northern province on Sunday after a series of earthquakes hit Itbatan town at the weekend, said the Philippine Coast Guard should ensure Batanes “remains ours.”

“You might want to ask the Coast Guard to come here,” Mr. Duterte told Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during a briefing with Batanes officials, according a transcript emailed by the presidential palace. “Not everyday but just to assure that those islands will remain ours.”

Mr. Duterte said the government had bought a fast boat that the Coast Guard could use to patrol the northern islands.

He said China is known to have grabbed some lands and the Philippines cannot afford to do the same. “If we steal from China, we might get fired at by missiles,” he said in Filipino. It’s the government’s job, he added to “preserve the Republic of the Philippines.”

The Coast Guard last week took delivery of assets meant to upgrade its sea patrol capabilities and response to natural disasters. The assets included 73 rubber boats with outboard motors, 12 rigid-hulled inflatable boats, 90 pickup trucks, seven buses and five ambulances.

China’s neighbors are racing to empower their Coast Guard fleets amid increasing tensions in the South China Sea.

China claims sovereignty over more than 80 percent of the South China Sea based on its so-called nine-dash line drawn on a 1940s map.

It has been building artificial islands in the disputed Spratly Islands and setting up installations including several runways.

Mr. Duterte has sought closer investment and trade ties with Beijing, including over resources in the disputed sea, since he assumed office in 2016.

His predecessor, Benigno S. Aquino III, sued China before an international arbitration tribunal over its territorial claims, and won. He also strengthened Philippine alliance with the US to try to check China’s expansion in the main waterway. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Senate may probe DoH ‘conflict of interest’

THE SENATE will consider a probe of Health Secretary Francisco H. Duque III for alleged conflict of interest involving a family company, Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go said yesterday.

“I’m willing to investigate,” Mr. Go, who heads the health committee, told reporters. He added that he trusts Mr. Duque until proven guilty.

Senator Panfilo M. Lacson earlier said Doctors Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company allegedly owned by Mr. Duque’s family, had won contracts from the agency.

Mr. Go said newly appointed Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Gonzalo T. Duque, the Health chief’s brother, had denied “conflict of interest” during a conversation.

Mr. Lacson earlier said in a privilege speech, three of the company’s five directors were related to Mr. Duque.

“Is it just a mere coincidence that Doctors Pharmaceuticals, Inc. became an accredited government contractor and supplier on the same year that Secretary Duque was confirmed by the Commission on Appointment as secretary of Health during the Arroyo administration in 2005?” he asked.

Mr. Duque did not immediately reply to a text message seeking comment. — CAT

Appellate court denies lawyers’ protection plea

THE COURT of Appeals (CA) rejected the plea of a lawyers’ group seeking protection against government threats on its members.

In a 26-page ruling, the appellate court’s Special Fifteenth Division said the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyer had failed to prove that their life, liberty, and security had been violated.

The lawyer’s group earlier sought court protection from alleged government harassment of its members. Named respondents were President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., among others.

“However, the totality of the evidence presented by petitioners fails to meet the requisite evidentiary threshold,” the court said.

The court also denied their plea for the government to produce data, saying they failed to show how their rights to privacy were violated given that their names and their office locations were already known by the public.

In a statement, NUPL President Edre U. Olalia said he was not surprised by the ruling. “We shall nonetheless contest this adverse decision before the Supreme Court to push the envelope,” he said.

Meanwhile, human rights groups Karapatan, Gabriela, and Rural Missionaries of the Philippines asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its dismissal of their similar plea for protection.

In a related development, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) denounced the killing of lawyer Anthony H. Trinidad, who was ambushed in Negros Oriental on July 23.

In a statement, IBP demanded that authorities “do their job well” to ensure justice for the victim.

“For if lawyers who are sentinels of the rule of law and who serve the poor are themselves assassinated with impunity, no one would be safe and no one would expect justice in our country,” it said.

Mr. Trinidad and his wife, who was critically wounded, were shot several times while they were on his way home in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra on July 26 ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the ambush and file appropriate charges.

An international delegation of lawyers last March said at least 37 members of the legal profession were killed in the exercise of duty since President Rodrigo R. Duterte took office in June 2016. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Health chief’s brother asked to head PCA

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has appointed Gonzalo T. Duque, brother of Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, as administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), his spokesman said yesterday.

The new PCA chief served in the Social Security Commission where he represented the labor sector, presidential spokesman Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement.

He also served as a vice-governor of Pangasinan from 1987 to 1992. He later became a director and later promoted to deputy administrator at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

“With his credentials, we expect a man of competence and integrity in the likes of Mr. Duque to champion the cause of the Filipino coconut farmers,” Mr. Panelo said.

The Duque brothers are facing corruption complaints at the Ombudsman.

Mr. Gonzalo also served as chancellor, executive vice-president, chairman and fourth president at Lyceum Northwestern University for 17 years. — Arjay L. Balinbin

TNT shoots for series end vs Ginebra today

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

ON THE VERGE of returning to the Philippine Basketball Association finals for the first time in over two years, the TNT KaTropa seek to take advantage of the opportunity and close out the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in Game Three of their best-of-five Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series today at 7 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Up 2-0 after an 88-71 victory in Game Two on Sunday, the KaTropa now go for the clincher against the defending champions Kings which would push them to their first finals appearance since the 2016-17 Commissioner’s Cup.

TNT dominated Barangay Ginebra for much of Game Two last weekend on the solid all-around game by import Terrence Jones and shooting, especially from beyond the arc.

The contest was knotted at 21-all at the end of the first quarter before the KaTropa cranked things up both on offense and defense and never looked back after.

Mr. Jones finished with 15 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, four blocks and two steals in their Game Two victory.

Jayson Castro top-scored for the KaTropa with 20 points, going 4-of-7 from three-point land.

Roger Pogoy had 18 points with Troy Rosario and Brian Heruela adding 16 and 11 points, respectively.

As a team, TNT shot 36% from beyond the arc, going 16-of-44.

“We’re just lucky that Ginebra had a bad game. We did not expect that as we were expecting them to come back stronger,” said TNT coach Bong Ravena after their Game Two victory.

“Next game our preparation will be the same, expecting a more determined Ginebra team with its back against the wall. But we will come out strong and prepare. There is nothing to celebrate yet. We have to go out and get it,” he added.

For the Kings, primary is to make the needed adjustments come Game Three, said forward Japeth Aguilar.

“They did a good job defensively. We couldn’t get anything from our offense. We have to be more assertive in the next game, assert ourselves and capitalize on every opportunity that we can get,” said the Barangay Ginebra big man, who ended up with 14 points and five rebounds in their last game.

Import Justin Brownlee led the Kings with 25 points and 13 rebounds.

Scottie Thompson finished with 13 points, followed by LA Tenorio with 11.

Blazers seek to remain unbeaten in NCAA 95

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

ONE OF JUST two teams left sans a loss in Season 95 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the College of Saint Benilde Blazers look to continue to roll when they return to league action today at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Set for 4 p.m., the Taft-based Blazers (3-0) collide with the suddenly skidding San Sebastian Stags (2-2) with an eye on keeping its slate clean and staying in step with league-leading San Beda Red Lions (4-0) on top of the standings.

Also playing today are the streaking Letran Knights (4-1) against the tailending Mapua Cardinals (0-4) at 12 noon and middling squads Perpetual Help Altas (1-3) and Arellano Chiefs (1-3) at 2 p.m.

The Blazers are fresh from their 71-67 win over Mapua in an NCAA on Tour fare on July 25 at the Cardinals’ turf in Intramuros.

The trio of Justin Gutang, Clement Leutcheu and James Pasturan led Saint Benilde to the victory, finishing with 12, 11 and 11 points, respectively.

They combined for the 18 of the team’s 25 points in the payoff quarter, which proved to be the difference as they made their way to the win.

Unfortunately for the Blazers, Gutang was helped out in the dying seconds of the match after hurting his left leg.

Despite the strong start they are having in the ongoing season of the country’s oldest collegiate league, Blazers coach TY Tang said they are not getting ahead of themselves, recognizing that it is still too early in the race, and that they are taking things one game at a time.

Looking to send Saint Benilde crashing is San Sebastian, which has seen its promising 2-0 start to the tournament negated after losing back-to-back matches since.

The latest of the defeats of the Stags came at the hands of rival San Beda, 73-59, on July 26, in a game where San Sebastian once again could not sustain their solid game to start things, much like what happened against the Lyceum Pirates in a previous loss.

The Stags had control of the opening half, 35-32, but just could not keep in step with the Lions for the remainder of the contest.

In four games to date, Allyn Bulanadi leads San Sebastian with 12.8 points a game, followed by RK Ilagan with 12 points per contest and Alvin Capobres 10.3 points per outing.

Meanwhile, San Beda forward Calvin Oftana is the reigning NCAA player of the week, boosted by his solid outing against San Sebastian last Friday.

Oftana finished with a near triple-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Eight of his points came in the payoff period, helping his team to the win over the Stags.

In winning the weekly award, handed by media covering the league, Oftana beat out Renzon Navarro of Lyceum, Ato Ular of Letran, CSB’s Pasturan and Ken Salado of Arellano.

Nationwide round-up

Local governments given 60 days to clear roads, sidewalks


THE DEPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government (DILG), following a directive from the President during his State of the Nation Address last week, has released a memorandum circular directing all local government units (LGUs) to clear all roads and sidewalks from obstructions, such as illegal vendors and illegally-parked vehicles. DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said the 60 days period given to officials starts July 29. “Ang ating (Our) countdown starts today,” he said in a press conference on Monday. The memorandum states: “Within 60 calendar days, significant results must be achieved, documented, and reported together with the efforts of the LGUs to sustain the same.” Following the directive, the National Capital Region Police Office said they will provide additional forces to help barangay tanods (watchmen) in ensuring the implementation of the order. “We will provide the necessary police force… so even at night time, we will increase the number of police personnel to provide assistance to barangay tanods and other force multipliers to see to it the policies and guidelines will be implemented,” said NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo T. Eleazar. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), meanwhile, expects that the clearing operations will open more routes for vehicles. “Lahat ng kalsadang pwedeng idagdag sa dami ng sasakyan ay malaking tulong (All roads that could be added in view of the volume of vehicles would be a big help). Just imagine our alternate routes, more than 20% niyan ay ‘di madaanan (of those are obstructed),” said MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo S. Garcia Jr. Local chief executives who fail to implement the order could face a two-month preventive suspension and administrative charges. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

4 KAPA officials fail to file counter-affidavit as preliminary investigation resumes

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) resumed on Monday its preliminary investigation into the complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Kapa-Community Ministry International, Inc. (KAPA) over its alleged investment scam. Through their legal counsel, KAPA’s founder, Joel A. Apolinario, Corporate Secretary Reyna L. Apolinario, Rene Catubigan, and Catherine Evangelista submitted their joint counter-affidavit to the prosecution panel. The SEC has been given until Aug. 5 to submit its reply to the counter-affidavit. Four other respondents in the complaint who have yet to submit their counter-affidavits are trustee Margie A. Danao, Marisol M. Diaz, Adelfa Fernandico and Moises Mopia. The SEC recommended the charging of KAPA and its eight officials for violating provisions of the Securities Regulation Code. The corporate regulator said the organization’s “donation” and “blessing” scheme is the same as selling or distribution of securities in the form of investment contracts. SEC revoked KAPA’s registration last April 3. A freeze order was also secured from the Court of Appeals against its bank accounts and assets. The National Bureau of Investigation and three KAPA investors also filed a syndicated estafa against the organization and its officers. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Koepka dominates one-sided bout with McIlroy in Memphis

MEMPHIS — What loomed as a blockbuster bout between two four-times major champions ended up a technical knockout as Brooks Koepka floored Rory McIlroy on the way to a three-stroke victory at the WGC-St. Jude Invitational in Memphis on Sunday.

Koepka had McIlroy reeling with early blows in the final round and never eased up on his out-of-sorts rival at TPC Southwind as he underlined his world number one status.

The American sank a series of clutch putts and carded a five-under 65 for his first victory in the World Golf Championships series.

“I’ve been playing so well as of late and everything just kind of comes if you let it happen and stay patient,” said Koepka.

After starting the final round a stroke behind McIlroy, Koepka finished at 16-under 264, notching his third PGA Tour victory outside the majors.

On top of the $1.745 million winner’s cheque, he also picked up a $2 million bonus as winner of the regular season points race.

It was the first time Koepka and McIlroy had been paired in a final round, raising hopes of a day-long duel.

But McIlroy missed a short birdie putt at the third hole from inside four feet and never recovered.

The Northern Irishman failed to birdie until the 14th hole in his round of 71 and finished equal fourth, five shots adrift of Koepka.

American Webb Simpson (64) claimed second place on 13-under, a stroke ahead of Australian Marc Leishman (67).

Koepka won the PGA Championship in May for his fourth major title in less than two years, and if not for an uncooperative putter, he might have challenged Shane Lowry at last week’s British Open.

The 29-year-old hit a couple of loose shots early on Sunday but chipped and putted precisely, and three birdies were enough for a three-shot lead over McIlroy at the turn.

“These last few years have been unbelievable. It’s been an incredible run,” said Koepka, who spoke of his record of nine runner-up finishes.

“Every time I come second I’m learning something, watching the guy who wins if I’m playing with him, or trying to figure out how I handle shots under pressure.

“I’ve come into my own, figuring out my game, especially under the gun.” — Reuters

Gasoline price drops P.90/L, other fuel products up

OIL COMPANIES are cutting the prices of gasoline products this week by P0.90 per liter (/L), while slightly increasing those of diesel and kerosene. Based on their advisories, most of the companies are implementing the price adjustment at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30. Diesel will increase by P0.15 per/L, while kerosene by P0.10/L. Ahead of them, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. announced on Saturday a decrease in the price of gasoline by P1.00/L. It did not announce any adjustment for the other petroleum products. The company implemented the price cut at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday. Last week, oil companies cut the per liter prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene by P0.25, P0.20 and P0.40, respectively. — Victor V. Saulon

2 Itbayat health facilities damage cost at P47M

THE TWO main health facilities in Itbayat could not be used in the aftermath of the twin earthquakes that struck the island Saturday, with total damage estimated at P47 million, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). In its situational report as of Monday, the NDRRMC said cracks were reported on the Itbayat District Hospital and the Itbayat Rural Health Unit and “both hospitals are no longer functional due to the continuous aftershocks.” President Rodrigo R. Duterte, during the briefing in Itbayat Sunday afternoon with officials of local government units and national agencies, pledged the release of P40 million for the island’s hospital. In the meantime, Department of Health officials reported that doctors from Tuguegarao are going to Batanes to help tend to the seriously injured who have been airlifted to the hospital in Basco island. A team of medical, mental health, and psychosocial support staff will also provide assistance to affected residents.

San Miguel fashions out major comeback to bury Rain or Shine, 2-0

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE San Miguel Beermen are a win away from a finals return after fashioning out a major comeback against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 117-105, in Game Two of their best-of-five Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Down by as much as 29 points at one point in the second quarter, the Beermen, the Philippine Cup champions, channelled the unstoppable when they found their collective groove on their way to the big victory that pushed them to a commanding position to vie for a second straight PBA title this season.

Rain or Shine had a massive first quarter, riding a solid 61% shooting (7-of-13) from beyond the arc to make their way to a 34-13 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

The Elasto Painters continued to pour it on the Beermen to begin the second quarter, stretching their lead to 29 points, 47-19, by the 9:28 mark of the frame.

San Miguel then made its move back after, led by the triumvirate of Christian Standhardinger, Chris Ross and import Chris McCullough.

They would outscore the Elasto Painters, 30-5, the rest of the quarter to be down by just three points, 52-49, at the halftime break.

Getting the leverage they needed in the game, the Beermen came out shooting in the third period.

San Miguel overtook Rain or Shine, 61-60, after two free throws from Alex Cabagnot at the 7:20 mark before exploding some more on the lead of Messrs. Ross and McCullough.

When the quarter smoke cleared, the Beermen outscored the Elasto Painters, 40-21, to go on top, 89-73, heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth period, San Miguel spent much of the time fighting off any attempt from Rain or Shine to rally back.

James Yap drained some baskets to give the Elasto Painters hope but their effect was kept to a bare minimum by the Beermen who stood firm all the way to the end to close the game.

Mr. Ross paced the Beermen with a career-high 34 points, going 10-of-16 from three-point land, to go along with eight assists.

Mr. McCullough had 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists while Mr. Cabagnot finished with 17 points and seven dimes.

Mr. Standhardinger had 15 points with June Mar Fajardo adding 14 points and 15 rebounds for San Miguel.

For Rain or Shine it was import Carl Montgomery who led with 24 points, 15 rebounds and six assists.

Rey Nambatac had 15 points with Ed Daquioag and Mr. Yap adding 13 and 12 points, respectively.

“We were missing shots early but we just kept shooting. We’ve been through many situations before and nothing really rattles us,” said Mr. Ross in the postgame interview.

Game Three of the semifinals between San Miguel and Rain or Shine is on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tacloban City enforces street, sidewalk clearing

TACLOBAN CITY, the regional center of the Eastern Visayas Region, started clearing sidewalks and streets from obstructions last week, ahead of the President’s order to local government officials, also made last week, to strictly implement the country’s road laws. A statement from the City Information Office said the clearing operations was initiated in line with the local government’s earlier announcement that starting Aug. 1, there will be a crackdown on sidewalk and ambulant vendors without business permits. Members of the Traffic Operation Management Enforcement and Control Office (TOMECO) and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) have been going around the city to inspect structures. They have also been ordering owners to remove obstructions on public spaces, including canopies and illegal fences. Among the areas covered starting last July 22 were Barangay 36 Sabang and 37 Sea wall Reclamation Area, Salazar and Sta. Cruz Streets, and Sagkahan District. The Business Permits and Licenses Division, meanwhile, held a meeting last Friday with ambulant vendors. The TOMECO and CEO teams have also been issuing citation tickets to illegally-parked vehicles. Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, in a statement on his Facebook page, appealed to the public to cooperate with the clearing operations “for the continued improvement and development of Tacloban.” He said in Filipino, “Let us help each other, let us follow the laws.”

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