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New flood control structure completed along Marikina River

A NEW flood control structure along the right bank of the Marikina River in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City has been completed, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced. has recently completed to protect citizens against flooding. The P93-million project covers the construction of a 152-linear meter, 12-meter high river wall in Vista Real Subdivision, Phase II. “By constructing flood control projects like this, we hope to protect lives and properties and avoid experiencing the same devastation to Metro Manila in 2009 by typhoon Ondoy,” DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar said in a statement. Tropical storm Ondoy (international name: Ketsana), which struck Luzon in September 2009, put the National Capital Region and several provinces under a state of calamity.

UPLB gets PPP Center support for agro-industrial, IT parks

THE PUBLIC-Private Partnership (PPP) Center has approved the provision of project preparation and transaction advisory support for the 70-hectare Agro-Industrial and Information Technology Parks Project of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in Laguna.

According to the PPP Center, the approval, which came from its Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) committee last May 30, will cover project feasibility study and project structuring, preparation of bid documents and assistance during PPP bidding process, and assistance and advisory until financial close.

The PDMF is a revolving fund used for developing bankable PPP projects, and is available to all national and local government units (LGUs) in the country.

“Through its institutional framework, the project aims to establish a robust academe-industry partnership wherein facilities such as the Institute of Plant Breeding, BIOTECH — Philippine National Collection of Microorganism, and National Crop Protection Center, among others, will be utilized in delivering innovative products and services by working with their respective pool of experts,” the PPP Center said in a statement on Tuesday.

The park would be located in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

“A close collaboration between UPLB and SEZ locators is seen to provide synergetic opportunities to technology development and augmentation of the labor market. The private sector partner is expected to construct, operate, and maintain infrastructure facilities, utilities, communication system, sewerage and drainage systems, garbage collection system and other amenities,” the PPP Center said. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio

Incoming Cebu governor sends letter anew to stop Capitol Resource Center project

CEBU GOVERNOR-elect Gwendolyn F. Garcia has again asked the outgoing provincial administration to stop the construction of the 20-storey Capitol Resource Center, a brainchild of Governor and now vice governor-elect Hilario P. Davide III. The latest letter reads, “(P)rudence dictates that you immediately discontinue the project bearing in mind the irreversible economic loss that the said works will entail given that the incoming governor… has already declared… that the project is not part of her program of government and that she never agreed to it.” Excavation works are ongoing at the site. Ms. Garcia’s lawyers, who compose part of her transition team, handed over the letter personally Monday morning at the governor’s office. Lawyer Frank Eduard Dinsay, the signatory of the June 3 letter, emphasized that “the ongoing activity will be an exercise in futility and will result into additional unnecessary expense on the part of the provincial government which, under Governor-elect Garcia’s administration, will restore the excavated area to its original state.” A separate letter was also sent to the contractor, WT Construction, Inc., indicating that Ms. Garcia, upon assuming office on June 30, will not honor the contract agreement between the provincial government and the firm. — The Freeman

CA affirms Ombudsman decision vs Junjun Binay

THE COURT of Appeals (CA) affirmed the 2017 Ombudsman decision perpetually denying former Makati City mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” S. Binay from holding public office. The case stems from the P1.3 billion construction of the Makati Science High School (MSHS) under his term. In an 88-page decision dated May 28, the CA found Mr. Binay guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. It cited that “Binay Jr., as the City Mayor and despite glaring irregularities in the procurement of the construction services of Phase VI, still approved the BAC (Bids and Awards Committee) Resolution…” The CA, however, dismissed three other Ombudsman cases against Mr. Binay based on the condonation doctrine as he was re-elected as mayor in May 2013, which “condoned any administrative liability arising from the procurement of architectural design and engineering services of the MSHS Building as well as in the procurement of the construction services of Phases IV and V thereof.” The condonation doctrine extinguishes administrative liabilities of an officer during his prior term. The case of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service against 12 others were also affirmed, while petitioner Eleno M. Mendoza, Jr. was only found administratively liable for simple misconduct and meted a penalty of suspension for six months without pay. Mr. Binay ran for mayor in the last May 13 elections, but lost to his sister, re-elected Mayor Abigail S. Binay. The decision was written by Associate Justice Ronaldo Roberto B. Martin. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

BARMM chief minister calls for support in building a ‘better Bangsamoro’ in Eid’l Fitr message

BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Alhadj Murad Ebrahim called for support towards a “better Bangsamoro” as the Islam community, along with the rest of the nation, observes the Eid’l Fitr holiday. “As we complete and end this year’s observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan, we in the Bangsamoro government call for your continued support as we lay down the foundation of moral governance… Our idea of a better Bangsamoro is not an easy task. This is our shared struggle and it is possible with all of us working for a common goal,” Mr. Murad said in a video message posted on the BARMM government’s social media page. “As we feast on the Eid’l Fitr, may all our prayers be heard and answered, may we all find forgiveness for those who wronged us, and inner peace for a healthy mind and soul. May the blessings of the Almighty be upon us all,” he said. This year was the first Ramadan and Eid’l Fitr celebrated by the region under the new BARMM established through the Bangsamoro Organic Law that was passed in 2018.

TRADE FAIR
Meanwhile, the BARMM Ramadhan Fair has been extended for another five days and will be open until this weekend. Rosslaini Sinarimbo, officer-in-charge of the region’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, said the extension is intended to compensate for the number of days that the fair had to be closed as part of security measures during the canvassing of ballots held inside the Office of the Chief Minister’s compound, where the fair is located. Ms. Sinarimbo also said that the added days will give an opportunity for more people to visit the fair that highlights Bangsamoro cuisine and local products.

Comelec approves withdrawal of Duterte Youth nominees

By Gilian M. Cortez
Reporter

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday has withdrawn the five original Duterte Youth nominees but has yet to decide if National Youth Commission (NYC) Chair Ronald Gian Carlo L. Cardema will be the first nominee of the youth party-list group.

On Tuesday, the Comelec released a resolution regarding Duterte Youth’s petition to withdraw all five of its nominees and substitute the first nominee with Mr. Cardema.

The Comelec En Banc recommended to grant the withdrawals of the Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination (CONA) of Ducielle Marie D. Suarez-Cardema, Joseph M. De Guzman, Benilda C. De Guzman, Arnaldo B. Villafranca, and Elizabeth Anne F. Cardema.

Last month, Mr. Cardema filed his petition for substitution in order to replace his wife. Ms. Suarez-Cardema, who was the first nominee of Duterte Youth.

During the May 13 National and Local Elections, Duterte Youth won one seat in the House of Representatives.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon clarified in a social media message that despite granting the withdrawal of all five nominees of Duterte Youth, “His substitution is not yet granted because there is a pending petition or opposition on the ground that he is over 30 (years) old and cannot be a (representative) of a youth sector party list.”

The resolution said the poll body will “give due course to the nomination of the following new nominees as substitutes.” No statement explicitly stated that the Comelec granted Mr. Cardema’s substitution.

Upon filing for substitution, Mr. Cardema drew flak for being over the age limit as required for a youth sector party-list representative. Republic Act No. 7941 or the Partylist System Act states that a youth sector representative should be between the ages of 25 to 30 years old before Election Day. Mr. Cardema is 33 years old.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo had said Mr. Cardema’s filing for substitution is considered a resignation from his post as NYC chairman. The Palace had ordered Mr. Cardema to vacate his office.

Senators doubt ROTC bill to pass in 17th Congress

By Charmaine A. Tadalan
Reporter

THE proposed bill reinstating the Reserve Officers’ Training Course (ROTC) program in senior high school will not hurdle the 17th Congress, even as President Rodrigo R. Duterte certified it as urgent.

“Pipilitin namin pigain nitong araw na ito yung ROTC bill at saka yung Public Service Act, and yung Foreign Investments Act,” Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said in a radio interview with DzMM, Tuesday morning. (We will try to tackle the ROTC bill and Public Service Act and the Foreign Investments Act.)

He noted, however, that the ROTC bill will have to be refiled in the 18h Congress if it is not tackled even through a “paper bicam.”

“Kung hindi rin lang naman magkakaroon ng kasunduan na magkakaroon ng paper bicam, sapagkat hindi maaaring hindi kami magkaroon ng mga amendments, mapipilitan tayong magrefile na lang sa July,” he said. (If we cannot agree on a paper bicam, since we can’t let this pass without amendments, we will be forced to refile this in July.)

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, for his part, said the ROTC bill will not be passed on Tuesday’s session, during which the 17th Congress will adjourn.

“ROTC maiiwan kasi napakarami sa aming priority measures na hiningi ni Presidente, napaka-controversial. For example, ’yung ROTC bill, pito ang nakalista na mag-interpellate at halos pito din o walo ang gusto mag-amend,” Mr. Zubiri told reporters on Tuesday. (ROTC will be left behind because many of our priority measures sought by the President are so controversial. Regarding the ROTC bill, seven senators have been enlisted to interpellate, and around seven or eight want to amend.)

Malacañang on Monday said Mr. Duterte has certified as urgent the bill that aims to revive ROTC.

Sought for comment, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo in a briefing Tuesday said he expects the new set of senators to support the measure in the 18th Congress.

“If it lacks time, there is another new Senate coming up so I don’t think that’s a problem,” Mr. Panelo said.

“I think the members of the Senate also like this particular bill.”

Palace lifts ban on official trips to Canada

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said it has lifted its ban on “official trips” to Canada.

This decision comes after the shipment of all 69 waste containers back to Canada last week.

“It’s lifted,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo told BusinessWorld in a phone message when asked regarding the status of the memorandum issued on May 20 by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea prohibiting government officials from going on official trips to Canada.

Mr. Medialdea issued the memorandum after the Canadian government failed to meet President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s May 15 deadline to ship out its garbage dumped in the Philippines about five years ago.

In his statement on May 26, Mr. Panelo said the memorandum also “directed heads of government agencies to reduce official interaction with representatives of the Canadian government.”

He said the President was “upset about the inordinate delay of Canada in shipping back its containers of garbage.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

PBA: Magnolia Hotshots return to action today

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

FOLLOWING a successful run in the previous Philippine Basketball Association tournament where they finished runner-up, the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok make their Commissioner’s Cup debut, taking on the Alaska Aces in the scheduled double-header today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Set for 4:30 p.m., the Hotshots, bannered by returning PBA import John Fields in the reinforced tournament, look to get their campaign off to a good start against the Aces (2-2) who have it up and down so far.

Magnolia is back with the core that has led it to back-to-back finals appearances in the last two conferences.

Leading the way is Ian Sangalang, who was the team’s league scoring in the Philippine Cup where they finished runner-up to five-time champions San Miguel Beermen.

Also back are the crack backcourt trio of Paul Lee, Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon.

Backstopping the Hotshots this time around is 31-year-old Fields, who suited up for Columbian Dyip last season.

In eight games for Columbian as a replacement import, Mr. Fields normed a solid double-double of 29.1 points and 19.1 rebounds while helping the team to a 4-7 record, 2-6 with him in tow.

He is coming off a stint in ASEAN Basketball League with the Singapore Slingers, which finished runner-up.

With the Hotshots, Mr. Fields is expected to shore up Magnolia’s front court as the team tries to make another run for a spot in the finals where it hopes to win a second PBA title in three conferences.

Out to derail Magnolia in its Commissioner’s Cup debut is Alaska, which is still finding consistency in winning after having played four games.

The Aces are coming off a 100-87 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on May 29.

Alaska banked on a total effort to book the win with Jeron Teng top-scoring with 20 points to go along with 15 rebounds.

Import Chris Daniels had 17 points and 12 rebounds while Chris Banchero also had 17 markers.

JVee Casio, Simon Enciso and Carl Bryan Cruz each had 10 points for the Aces in the win.

BEERMEN ALSO DEBUT
Also making its Commissioner’s Cup debut today is San Miguel, which is to face the Northport Batang Pier (3-1) in the 7 p.m. main game.

As Philippine Cup champions, the Beermen have another shot at the rare PBA Grand Slam.

To help the team in its push, San Miguel has brought back import Charles Rhodes who helped the Beermen to the title two seasons ago.

Apart from leading the Beermen to the title, Mr. Rhodes, 33, was also named best import in said conference for his steady solid play on both ends of the court.

Mr. Rhodes is rejoining the San Miguel crew of June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter and Arwind Santos as well as Christian Standhardinger and Terrence Romeo.

Meeting the Beermen at the door are the Batang Pier, who absorbed their first defeat in the tournament in their last game.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters has made an import change after just two games in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup, dropping the injured Rob Dozier for Richard Howell.

Mr. Dozier is suffering from plantar fasciitis which has hampered mobility, and, hence, his effectivity on the court.

In two games this conference, Mr. Dozier averaged 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Mr. Howell is a former best import awardee who helped TNT reach the finals of the Commissioner’s Cup in 2014.

Halep and Djokovic storm into French quarterfinals

PARIS — Defending champion Simona Halep continued to tighten her grip on the French Open as she demolished Polish teenager Iga Swiatek to reach the quarterfinals on Monday.

The Romanian, who claimed her first Grand Slam title on the Parisian clay a year ago, has taken a while to hit her stride this time and was taken to three sets in the first two rounds.

Since then, however, the 27-year-old has looked in superb form, dropping four games in her last two matches.

“I can’t say I feel bad (for my opponent), because I played my best tennis,” Halep said after a 6-1 6-0 win that set up a quarter-final against American teenager Amanda Anisimova.

Of the top eight women’s seeds, only Halep, number seven Sloane Stephens and eighth seed Ashleigh Barty, who beat Sofia Kenin 6-3 3-6 6-0 on Monday, have reached the quarterfinals.

Australian Barty will face big-serving American Madison Keys who maintained her consistency in Grand Slams with a 6-2 6-4 defeat of Czech Katerina Siniakova.

With Anisimova beating Spain’s Aliona Bolsova, three American women have reached the last eight.

“I can’t describe how excited I am,” Anisimova said of her upcoming clash with Halep. “I couldn’t ask for a better match up. I’m just extremely happy and excited for the next round.”

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic who is also in action during his fourth round match against Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff. — REUTERS

The men’s draw has been far more predictable.

Top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic continued his untroubled progress as he beat Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3 6-2 6-2 to reach a 10th successive quarterfinal at Roland Garros — the first man to achieve that feat.

The Serbian, on course to hold all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously, has yet to drop a set this year and described the last two sets against Struff as “perfect.”

Things might be about to get tougher for Djokovic, though, with Germany’s Alexander Zverev up next after the fifth seed beat Fabio Fognini in four sets to equal his run in Paris last year.

Six of the top eight men’s seeds have reached the quarters. Eighth seed Juan Martin del Potro lost to 10th seed Karen Khachanov on Monday.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori edged out home favorite Benoit Paire in five sets, having resumed two sets to one ahead after the match was suspended by bad light the previous day.

Paire served for the match in the fifth set but Nishikori scrambled over the line to earn himself the dubious honour of a meeting with defending champion Rafael Nadal who has looked in commanding form so far as he bids for title number 12.

French hopes in the singles were extinguished as Gael Monfils was handed a claycourt lesson in a three-set defeat by last year’s runner-up Dominic Thiem of Austria. — Reuters

Jollibee and PRFU renew partnership for PHL Volcanoes’ campaign

JOLLIBEE continues its partnership with the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) to support not only the Philippine Volcanoes, but also the PRFU leagues and PRFU Get Into Rugby youth development program.

The Philippine Volcanoes will both see action in the Asia Rugby Championships while also preparing for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

“Our national men’s and women’s rugby teams will be facing tougher competition. As an advocate of Filipino pride and excellence, we at Jollibee would want to help them prepare for these challenges,” said Arline Adeva, Jollibee Assistant Vice President and Head of Brand Communications, PR and Digital.

“Our thrust is also towards helping develop grassroots programs nationwide, to be able to sustain interest and participation for the sport, especially among the younger generations.”

Thompson questionable for Game 3; Looney out

LOS ANGELES — Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is questionable for Game 3 of the NBA Finals after an MRI exam on his injured left hamstring revealed only a strain, the team announced Monday evening.

In more dire injury news for Golden State, backup center Kevon Looney has a non-displaced collarbone fracture and is out indefinitely.

Both Thompson and Looney were injured during the Warriors’ 109-104 win over the Raptors on Sunday night in Toronto, a resulted that leveled the best-of-seven series at one win apiece.

The Warriors traveled to Oakland, Calif., following Game 2 but didn’t arrive until after 4 a.m. local time, delaying Thompson’s MRI and Looney’s MRI and CT scan until later in the day.

The team initially announced that Looney had a chest contusion, but coach Steve Kerr later said that Looney’s injury was “something with his shoulder.”

Thompson got hurt in the fourth quarter Sunday. He said after the game he expected to play in Game 3 on Wednesday, though he was seen limping around Scotiabank Arena following Golden State’s win.

Kerr said postgame, “Klay said he’ll be fine, but Klay could be half-dead and he would say he would be fine.”

The Warriors continue to await the return of All-NBA forward Kevin Durant, who hasn’t played since sustaining a right calf injury in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 8.

CURRY’S NBA FINALS MVP ODDS STRENGTHEN
He wasn’t the highest scorer on his own team in Game 2, but Stephen Curry’s odds to win the Most Valuable Player award in the 2019 NBA Finals strengthened after the Golden State Warriors evened the series 1-1.

Curry entered the Finals as a -125 favorite by Sportsbetting.ag to take home MVP honors. Those odds dipped to +100 after the Toronto Raptors won Game 1.

Curry scored 23 points to Klay Thompson’s 25 on Sunday night, but Curry is now back to a -150 MVP favorite.

Kawhi Leonard, who scored a game-high 34 points in Game 2 and is averaging 28.5 points through two games, is second at +300, followed by the Warriors’ Draymond Green (+450) and Kevin Durant (+1600), who has yet to play a game in the series while recovering from a calf injury.

Pascal Siakam (+1600) is the next lowest odds on the Raptors. Toronto’s Kyle Lowry is at +5000.

FanDuel.com listed Curry at -125 on Monday while PointsBet.com had his MVP odds at -154. — Reuters

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