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Labor Day scenes: Seeking, protesting, working


THE JOB FAIR at the Quezon City hall, among those held across the country on May 1 in observance of Labor Day, is swarmed by job seekers while members of various labor groups hold protest activities nationwide. In another part of the city, public infrastructure maintenance workers take advantage of the low vehicular traffic volume during the holiday to paint the Quezon Avenue underpass.
No ‘untoward incident’ reported during Labor Day rallies — police
The Observance of Labor Day on May 1 was generally “peaceful” with no untoward incident reported during the protest actions, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said. “As of the moment, it is peaceful in view of the absence of untoward incident reported,” PNP Spokesperson P/CSupt. John C. Bulalacao said in a text message. As of noon Tuesday, May 1, PNP has monitored about 6,920 rallyists nationwide. In Metro Manila, about 5,000 protesters from various labor groups such as Kilusang Mayo Uno, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, and Sanlakas among others assembled in Mendiola, while smaller groups with 30 to 500 members held rallies in different areas outside the capital. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

Kidnappers dressed as cops to face charges

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) has recommended the filing of criminal charges against two suspects involved in the kidnapping of a man from Sariaya, Quezon last April 9. Four others have been served with subpoenas “for the conduct of regular preliminary investigation,” according to a DoJ resolution dated April 12. To be charged are Glenn M. Taningco and Lalaine G. Barrios, while those summoned for a preliminary probe are Ricky G. Barrios, Camille L. Bubudilla, Ricardo Arguelles, and Joshua Magbanua. The six were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Ronaldo Arguelles, who was rescued in Laguna on April 10 in a police operation that left five suspected kidnappers and one police officer dead. The members of the group were reported to have been wearing fake police uniforms when they abducted Mr. Arugelles from his home in Candelaria. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio

Palawan gov’t commends POEA officer for OFW rescue in Riyadh

THE PALAWAN provincial government has commended a labor officer for his efforts in rescuing an abused overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Senior officer Jonathan A. Gerodias of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Palawan office is credited by Palawan Governor Jose C. Alvarez for the rescue of OFW Jackilyn Berba. Ms. Berba first sought help from Mr. Alvarez, who then tapped the local POEA office. Ms. Berba’s employer, Forever Manpower Services Inc., prohibited her from returning home to the Philippines. Mr. Alvarez sent a letter to Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III praising Mr. Gerodias’ role in the rescue mission. — Gillian M. Cortez

Transport co-op wants BRT to push through

A LOCAL transport cooperative has urged President Rodrigo R. Duterte to intervene in what it called a “crisis situation” amid the strong opposition to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Cebu City. The Cebu Integrated Transport Service Multi-Purpose Cooperative, through its Chairman and General Manager Ryan Benjamin Yu, asked Mr. Duterte to give approval for the project to proceed. The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) Michael Lloyd L. Dino and Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade have recommended to the National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee to cancel the BRT. The BRT is a 23-kilometer corridor transport system with around 33 bus stations and 176 buses in operation. “It is our belief that the objections of the OPAV, which may or may not be valid, are solvable in the course of project implementation and should not be the basis of cancelling the project,” Mr. Yu said in a letter addressed to Mr. Duterte. He added that the BRT will benefit the public utility vehicle industry, residents, workers and tourists in Cebu. — The Freeman

Davao City business chamber to explore blockchain use for agri, other sectors

THE DAVAO City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) has taken the first step in exploring possible applications of blockchain to help local industries expand. “We look forward to integrate blockchain technology on our businesses, be it on agriculture, banking and finance, heavy industries etc.,” said DCCCII President Arturo M. Milan after a blockchain forum during the group’s 4th General Membership meeting last week. “However, we are still studying on how we can take advantage of this so we can help more businesses to grow,” Mr. Milan added. Blockchain, originally developed for the cryptocurrency bitcoin, is a new technology that allows secure and joint data sharing and management. “The distribution of database system or blockchain is happening all over the world. Top brands and companies are already employing it. It is a platform for greater security, safety and speed in doing business today. Now the only question now is how enterprises will utilize this technology,” said Anthony N. Pangilinan, business advisor for TraXion by Pluma Technologies, who was one of the speakers during the event. Chief Executive Officer Ann Cuisia of Traxion.tech, a blockchain-powered company, meanwhile, warned the DCCCII members against online scams. “I encourage everyone to be vigilant against investment opportunities that appear to be ‘too good to be true,’ especially on bitcoins and other cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is one of the products of blockchain technology and should never been used for criminal acts,” she said.

3 soldiers killed, 1 wounded in Bukidnon and Cotabato incidents

ONE SOLDIER was killed and another wounded after suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked in Quezon, Bukidnon on April 30. The two soldiers, both members of the 88th Infantry Battalion’s Community Support Program Security Team, were on board a motorcycle, unarmed, and in civilian clothes as they gathered necessary documents for a livelihood assistance program for the community when they were gunned down. Brigadier General Eric C. Vinoya, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, condemned the attack and slammed the NPA for its “deceitful” attack.
COTABATO CITY
Meanwhile, 2 soldiers were killed in a shooting incident in Bagua, Cotabato City also on April 30. The two victims, identified as Private First Class Nelson M. Paimalan and Private Richard L. Bendanillo, both from the 12 Special Forces Company, were shot by four unidentified men riding in tandem. Mr. Paimalan died on the spot while Mr. Bendanillo died later at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center. Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered one fired empty cartridge and one fired slug believed to be from a Cal .45 pistol. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

NEDA-6 head defends statement on Boracay closure impact

NATIONAL ECONOMIC and Development Authority-Western Visayas (NEDA-6) Regional Director Ro-Ann A. Bacal has defended her statements on the impact of Boracay’s temporary closure to the region’s economy, citing that the numbers come from their agency’s main office in the capital. In a press conference on April 30, Ms. Bacal said the data she used were based on the simulation study conducted by the NEDA Central Office. “During the presentation of the Gross Regional Domestic Product, there was a paper prepared by the national policy and planning staff of NEDA Central Office. They were the ones who made a simulation of what will be the socio-economic impact of Boracay. And they generated their info from the data of the central offices of agencies,” Ms. Bacal said. When asked further on the basis of the data, Ms. Bacal told the media, “Ask the central office.” Department of Tourism (DoT-6) Regional Director Helen J. Catalbas has criticized NEDA-6’s statements, saying these were “irresponsible” and “based on the wrong assumption.” — Louine Hope U. Conserva
>> See related story on DoT counters NEDA: Boracay closure won’t necessarily slow down Western Visayas growth

Nation at a Glance — (05/02/18)

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

La Salle seeks to close out FEU, win UAAP title

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
A WIN away from bagging another women’s volleyball title in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers seek to shut the door on the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in Game Two today of their best-of-three finals series.
Had it relatively easy in the series-opener on April 28, winning in straight sets, 29-27, 25-21 and 25-22, the Taft-based Lady Spikers try to build on it and go for the jugular in their scheduled 4 p.m. match that would give them their third straight UAAP title and 11th championship overall.
In Game One, La Salle had it tough in the opening set, needing to dig deep to hack out the win in extra time.
After that, however, the Lady Spikers were in their element. Even when they were trailing each time to start the second and third sets, they would find ways to come back en route to booking the Game One victory.
The result was the complete opposite of the two cutthroat encounters La Salle had with FEU in the elimination round, where the matches went to five sets each time.
La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus gave credit to their defense for first allowing them to take the first set of Game One and then amplifying their confidence as the game progressed.
“Our defense really stepped up for us, particularly our blocking. We had a hard time early but good thing we got the first set and it helped us a lot in getting our confidence going the rest of the way,” said Mr. De Jesus following their win.
The Lady Spikers had an even attack in the victory with graduating player Kim Kianna Dy the lone player in double digits in scoring with 10 points.
Majoy Baron and Tine Tiamzon added eight points apiece while Davao native May Luna came off the bench to provide nine points of her own.
While they put themselves in a good position to seize the UAAP title anew with the Game One win, Mr. De Jesus knows better than letting their guard down, recognizing that FEU is still alive in the series.
“FEU is not an easy opponent because it also has a deep lineup and can do different rotations. They are also aggressive and difficult to read at times so we must be ready. We will try our best to close out things in Game Two on Wednesday so as not to allow them to get back their confidence and make it tougher for us in a do-or-die if ever,” the La Salle coach said.
NOT OUT OF IT
While they rued not being able to stay at par with the Lady Spikers in the opening game, the Lady Tamaraws remain upbeat that they can still force a deciding Game Three with a victory today.
“We are not out of it. We will take the experience we had today (Saturday) and use it to play better in the next game. Adjustments, too, we have to make,” said FEU coach George Pascua postgame.
Heather Guino-o had a game-high 14 points for the Lady Tamaraws but top gun Bernadeth Pons only had nine and Chin-Chin Basas six points.
FEU, which is the Season 80 host, is gunning for its UAAP best 30th women’s volleyball title.
Meanwhile, prior to the start of Game Two of the UAAP Season 80 finals, the top individual awards will be handed out.
Leading the honor roll is league most valuable player Jaja Santiago of National University, who is also the best spiker.
Other awardees are Sisi Rondina of University of Santo Tomas (best scorer), Celine Domingo of FEU (best blocker), Desiree Cheng of La Salle (best server), Kath Arado of the University of the East (best digger and receiver), Deanna Wong of Ateneo De Manila University (best setter) and Milena Alessandrini of UST (rookie of the year).
On the men’s side, it is Ateneo’s Marck Espejo who is the MVP while also taking the awards for best scorer, best server and best spiker.

Celtics race to 1-0 lead

LOS ANGELES — Terry Rozier scored 29 points as Boston outmuscled Philadelphia, 117-101, to win the opening game of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Monday.
Rozier was the top-scorer in a dazzling Celtics offensive display at the TD Garden, with Al Horford and Jayson Tatum also making hefty contributions.
Horford finished with 26 points while Tatum added 28 points as Boston surged into a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series with a statement victory.
Horford later praised Rozier’s superb contribution.
“I’ve always seen that potential in Terry. I just think he’s taken advantage of the opportunity,” Horford said.
“It’s a great experience for him to come into a playoff game of this magnitude and have such a great game,” Horford added.
“I just think defensively we did a great job tonight, really containing them and just trying to play with pace at the other end.”
The third-seeded Sixers had advanced to the semifinals after a confident demolition of Miami in the opening round.
But the Celtics lineup look to be a vastly more challenging proposition for the Sixers, who saw Joel Embiid score 31 points while pulling down 13 rebounds.
J.J. Redick had 20 points for the Sixers, while point guard Ben Simmons had 18 points from 41 minutes on the court.
Yet it was the shooting prowess of Celtics ace Rozier that caught the eye as the 24-year-old point guard kept Boston firmly on track for a well-earned win.
Boston, who advanced to the semifinals after a grueling seven-game series win over Milwaukee, have regrouped superbly after a slew of injuries which means they are without stars Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward.
Rozier’s 29-point haul included 21 points from three-point range, a 77.8 conversion percentage from outside the arc.
Rozier credited his form to a determined training regime launched last year.
“Up early every day. Putting in a lot of work, watching a lot of film. A lot of hard work over the summer,” Rozier said.
“We got together yesterday and we had a plan. No matter who it is out there, we’re going to play hard and take care of business.”
Sixers coach Brett Brown was left to reflect on a below-par night for his team while acknowledging the Celtics had simply been better.
“We did have an off night shooting but a lot of that you can attribute to their good defense and them getting to our shooters,” Brown said.
“We give them credit. I never really felt we were in the game. It sure felt like we were playing a good team today.
“But defensively, offensively, this isn’t who we are. This was a poor game from us. We’re going to have to fix some things.”
Game Two takes place in Boston on Thursday. — AFP

Rain or Shine E-Painters shoot for third win in row

CURRENTLY leading in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup with an unblemished 2-0 record, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters look to stay in top form when they trek back to action today against the NLEX Road Warriors in the 7 p.m. main game at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Hitting from all cylinders to start their campaign in the midseason PBA tournament, the Elasto Painters have rendered themselves a team to take note of, something they hope to sustain as the Commissioner’s Cup moves on.
“For as long as we move the ball well to find open shots and make them, I think we’ll have a good conference,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia following their 108-89 domination of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in their last game on April 29.
Import Reggie Johnson continued with his impressive showing for Rain or Shine, finishing with 16 points and 15 rebounds in just 36 minutes on the floor against the Kings.
It was in follow up to his auspicious debut in the PBA against the Alaska Aces where he wound up with 32 points and 22 boards.
Also stepping up for the Elasto Painters in their previous game were Raymond Almazan and Ed Daquioag, who scored team-leading 20 and 17 points, respectively.
James Yap, Maverick Ahanmisi and Chris Tiu were the other Rain or Shine players in double digits with 10 points apiece to further underscore the balanced attack they had against the Kings.
Incidentally, with his steady play so far in the tournament, Mr. Tiu was named player of the week.
The 32-year-old Tiu has been averaging 14 points, 6.5 assists and three rebounds in their first two games.
Meanwhile, out to derail Rain or Shine is NLEX, which fell to Columbian Dyip, 123-103, in its debut on April 28.
The Road Warriors, who had an impressive run in the Philippine Cup, winding up in the semifinals, lost steam in the end against the Dyip en route to slumping to the defeat.
NLEX, who played sans key pieces Kevin Alas, Alex Mallari and Rabeh Al-Hussaini due to injuries, was led by fill-in import Adrian Forbes with 26 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks.
JR Quiñahan had 20 points while Larry Fonacier, Cyrus Baguio and Juami Tiongson finished with 12, 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Rookie sensation Kiefer Ravena was held to just nine points, three rebounds and three assists in 18 minutes on the floor.
Mr. Forbes, however, is not to play against Rain or Shine as he has been replaced by Arnett Moultrie.
In the first game at 4:30 p.m., meanwhile, GlobalPort Batang Pier clash with the Blackwater Elite.
The Batang Pier (1-1) try to make it back-to-back wins after barging into the win column in their last game against the Meralco Bolts.
Blackwater (0-3), for its part, makes another go at a first victory and hand new coach Bong Ramos a winning start.
Following their 93-74 loss to Alaska on April 29, the Elite decided to make a coaching change, relieving long-time coach Leo Isaac of his duties and replacing him with former deputy Ramos. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

‘Triple G’ goes for record-tying win vs Canelo fill-in

LOS ANGELES — Undefeated Gennady Golovkin defends his three major world middleweight titles against fill-in foe Vanes Martirosyan on Saturday with boxing history and a possible rematch with Canelo Alvarez on the line.
“Triple G” tries to stretch his reign, which began in 2010, to 20 fights and equal Bernard Hopkins for the longest title run in middleweight history when he faces Armenian-born American Martirosyan.
“[It means] a lot. I feel like a star,” Golovkin said Monday. “If you check Bernard Hopkins, my record is much bigger, much stronger. This is a good situation for my career, for my fans.”
Golovkin was set for a Las Vegas pay-per-view showdown on the Mexican Cinco de Mayo holiday against Alvarez, a rematch of their thrilling draw last September.
But the Mexican tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol and dropped out of the bout four weeks ago.
“He was extremely frustrated and disappointed when the positive test was announced,” said Golovkin promoter Tom Loeffler. “He had been training for the biggest fight in boxing and it was a big shockwave when it came.”
Alvarez is banned until August but hopes to fight again on Sept. 16, another Mexican holiday, and maybe against Golovkin.
Asked about fighting Alvarez next if he retains his titles Saturday, Golovkin said, “Maybe. Why not? I want activity.”
If not Alvarez, then British southpaw Billy Joe Saunders, whose World Boxing Organization middleweight crown is the only one not held by Golovkin, and Ukraine’s Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Golovkin’s mandatory next International Boxing Federation challenger, would be likely next rivals.
But Golovkin, 36, made it clear he wants to break the record championship middleweight run, saying, “Next fight I’m looking in the middleweight division. It’s best for boxing and for us.”
Golovkin, 37-0 with one drawn and 33 knockouts, surrenders a height and reach advantage to the light-middleweight contender who is moving up in class.
“I’m not a big guy. If I’m shorter, don’t care,” Golovkin said. “This is boxing. I know my style. I know my fight. I think it’s more stronger. My style is more interesting.
“He’s a good fighter. I remember him from 2004 Olympic Games. He has good experience. I believe this is a good show for people and a big fight for us.”
‘THIS IS WHAT WE DREAM ABOUT’
Martirosyan, 36-3 with one drawn and 21 knockouts, turns 32 on Tuesday ahead of the biggest fight of his career after a two-year layoff, having had several bouts fall through before getting a break for the biggest fight of his career.
“I took the fight on short notice but we’re ready,” Martirosyan said. “You could wake me up and I’d be ready to fight. I can’t wait. This is what we dream about, these big fights.”
Golovkin trainer Abel Sanchez said his fighter was in the ring only a couple of hours after Alvarez was out, confident of another foe and planning for two more fights this year, Alvarez or not.
“Hopefully we fight in September and again in December. We want to fight as much as we can as long as we can,” Sanchez said. “He’ the most entertaining boxer in the sport today. We need to appreciate him while he’s here.” — AFP

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