Comelec sets new discount rules for May election campaign ads

April 2, 2019 | 8:12 pm

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) has issued the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the amended election law, setting out the discount rates and guidelines for the May 2019 campaign ads that will be placed in different media outlets.

Under the IRR, media companies are ordered to give the following discounts for campaign ads by registered candidates and parties: 50% for television, 40% for radio, and 10% for print. The percentage will be based on the average regular rate in the past three years.

Media outlets can give even bigger discounts, but it should be applied to all candidates for the same position.

The Comelec requires media outlets to submit the average published rates charged during the past three years, and a certification that shows the discounted rates were applied uniformly to all those running for this midterm elections.

The IRR, contained in Comelec En Banc Resolution No. 10517 released on April 1, is in line with Republic Act 11207 signed last February 14, 2019, which amends Section 11 of RA 9006 or the Fair Elections Act.

“For the May 13, 2019 National and Local Elections, media outlets shall give registered political parties, party list groups, coalitions, and bona fide candidates the above discounted rates upon effectivity of these rules,” states the resolution signed by the Comelec En Banc on March 30.

The definition of media outlets include “intermediaries” who act between media outlets and candidates, political parties, party-list groups, and coalitions “for the purpose of entering into political advertisement contracts.”

Media companies are also still subject to the reportorial requirements for election-related advertising contracts contained in Comelec Resolution 9991. — Gillian M. Cortez

Cebu provincial government rolls out El Niño response plan

April 2, 2019 | 8:11 pm

AN INITIAL P20 to P25 million budget has been allocated by the Cebu provincial government for intervention projects to assist farmers, fisherfolk, and other communities affected by the prevailing El Niño phenomenon. The money will be sourced from the P59 million quick response fund, which is ready for release following the declaration of a state of calamity in the province on March 25. In a statement, the provincial government said among the initial projects identified is renting water tankers to deliver supply in priority affected areas such as the towns of Argao and Dalaguete. The local administration held a coordination meeting last Friday with provincial and national agencies to avoid a redundancy of interventions. Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Baltazar S. Tribunalo, Jr. said that as of March 27, there were already 29 local government units that submitted assessment and damage reports. Mr. Tribunalo said damage and losses estimate is so far least P100 million, including crops, tilapia and seaweeds. Affected farmers and fisherfolk will also be able to claim insurance under the program of the provincial government and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.

New Pigalo Bridge in Isabela completed

April 2, 2019 | 8:10 pm

THE 450-METER new Pigalo Bridge in Angadanan, Isabela is now complete, the Department of Public Works and Highways-Region 2 office announced on Tuesday. The project, with a total cost of P458 million, includes a 500-meter road network for the bridge approaches with drainage structures and embankment protections. Cagayan Valley Regional Director Melanio C. Briosos, in a statement, said travel time between the barangays on either side of Angadanan and San Guilllermo and other municipalities along Cagayan River will be shorter by 30 minutes. The new structure replaces the old dilapidated overflow bridge, which was damaged during typhoons Pedring (international name: Nesat) and Quiel (Nalgae), which both struck in 2011.

Evasco’s family asks NBI to verify alleged assassination plot against him

April 2, 2019 | 8:10 pm

THE FAMILY of former cabinet secretary Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr. asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to verify the alleged assassination plot against him. In a letter dated April 1, Mr. Evasco’s wife and three children asked the NBI to identify the supposed assassins contracted and the mastermind. Mr. Evasco is running for governor in Bohol under the Nationalist People’s Coalition-Hugpong ng Pagbabago. “In the event that the said plot is confirmed, we trust that this investigation will result to unmasking of the identities of the assassins contracted for the plot but most especially for the people who contracted them,” the family said in the letter. Security escorts have been provided for Mr. Evasco for the campaign period following the reported plot, but the family said visiting friends and supporters from Davao City observed that there were “unmarked motorcycles occasionally running alongside the service vehicle of the gubernatorial candidate.” The family requested that the probe be conducted by “a special team from the NBI Central Office to remove all doubts and suspicions. We believe in the impartiality and fairness of your Office hence this request.” — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Negros Oriental provincial, town police chiefs relieved amid probe of 14 deaths

April 2, 2019 | 8:10 pm

THE PROVINCIAL police director of Negros Oriental and the chiefs in one city and two towns have been relieved from their posts as the investigation on the death of 14 farmers suspected as communist supporters gets underway, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar D. Albayalde announced on Tuesday. The officers are: Provincial Director Col. Raul Taaca; Lt. Col. Patricio Degay of the Canlaon City police, Captain Michael A Rubia of Sta. of Catalina, and Lt. Kelvin Roy Mamaradlo of Manjuyod. “I would like to emphasize that their relief is not a punitive measure for alleged actions or inactions, rather it is an administrative relief to ensure that they will not be able to exert any influence in the ongoing investigation by the Internal Affairs Service and the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management,” said Mr. Albayalde in a press briefing. The PNP and the Department of Interior and Local Government will provide legal assistance to the police officers. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

Sta. Cruz prepares for nature festival while Mt. Apo trail temporarily closed due to El Niño

April 2, 2019 | 8:10 pm

STA. CRUZ town in Davao del Sur is gearing up for the annual Pista sa Kinaiyahan (Feast of Nature) on April 13-14, which will feature clean-up activities at Mt. Loay and the coast and a video. Meanwhile, the temporary closure of the Mt. Apo trail took effect April 1 to avoid potential forest fires and risks to climbers’ health due to the prevailing El Niño phenomenon. The regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced earlier in March the closure of all the other Mt. Apo trails in Magpet, Makilala, and Kidapawan.

INCOME
Meanwhile, the Sta. Cruz local government, through the Investment Promotions and Tourism Office, turned over last Monday the revenue shares of the indigenous community and the DENR-Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) from trekking fees generated in the second half of 2018. The Kapiid Ka Banua received the share for indigenous people amounting to P526,440.50. The DENR-IPAF received P373,537.50 intended for local operations, and P124,512.50 for the national office.

Davao Light to pilot solar project in public school

April 2, 2019 | 8:10 pm

DAVAO LIGHT and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC), a unit of Aboitiz Power Corp., is launching this year a solar power project, with the Sta. Ana National High School (SANHS) in Davao City as pilot site. “Solar for us is a competitor but still we strongly believe in renewable in reducing the carbon footprint,” Rodger S. Velasco, DLPC executive vice president and chief operating officer, told BusinessWorld in an interview. SANHS Principal Evelyn E. Magno said they need the solar project to minimize the school’s electricity expenses, which amounts to as much as P300,000 a month. The solar facility is seen to cut down the monthly cost by about P100,000. “We really need of that solar power to minimize our power expenses. This project will benefit the students,” she said. DLPC recently turned over equipment for the school’s E-laboratory and electrical tools. Mr. Velasco said the donation is part of the company’s social development program under Aboitiz Foundation. “Development skills are among the best things in preparing our young for a bright future ahead of them. In terms of job employment, there is a high demand for electrical skills locally and overseas. DLPC is also hiring more electricians,” he said.— Maya M. Padillo

Nation at a Glance — (04/03/19)

April 2, 2019 | 8:09 pm

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

UAAP: FEU tries to stop hot-streaking Ateneo

April 2, 2019 | 6:40 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

UNIVERSITY Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 81 women’s volleyball action returns to the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City, headlined at 4 p.m. by the clash between the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and Ateneo Lady Eagles where the latter try to stop the impressive winning streak of the latter.

FEU has won back-to-back matches to push its record to 6-3, good for solo third place. It is something it hopes to bank on as they meet anew league-leading Ateneo, which is on an amazing roll, winning eight straight matches.

The first time the two teams met in Season 81 on Feb. 24, the Lady Eagles came from behind to win in a thrilling five-setter, 14-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-18 and 15-12.

The Lady Tamaraws were solid in the first two sets, dominating the Lady Eagles to push them to the brink of defeat.

But FEU would not be able to complete the task as Ateneo gallantly fought back and showed nerves of steel to pull the rug from under the Lady Tamaraws.

Veterans Heather Guino-o, Jerrili Malabanan and Celine Domingo had steady games for FEU but it was not enough to pull their team to the victory.

Guino-o had 16 points while Malabanan and Domingo each had 13 markers.

Since then, however, FEU has been solid, going 5-1, with its last victory over University of the East in five sets on March 30.

The Lady Tamaraws though are still without top rookie Lycha Ebon when they go up against the Lady Eagles as she is still recovering from a knee injury and is expected to be out at least three weeks.

Ateneo, for its part, has been unstoppable since being dealt a defeat in its first game.

It has not drop a game since and is looking to extend it further.

Kat Tolentino is leading the Lady Eagles’ balanced attack, scoring 15.8 points per game, followed by Maddie Madayag with 12.8 points.

Bea De Leon has been good for 8.6 points with Ponggay Gaston adding 8.4 points and Jules Samonte 7.3 points.

Meanwhile, playing the opening game in women’s play at 2 p.m. are the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (5-4) and UE Lady Warriors (2-7).

Both are coming off losses in their previous matches and are angling to get back on the winning track.

CHENG IS POW
In separate news, Desiree Cheng of the defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers was named player of the week (POW).

After averaging 19.5 points in the two victories they had last week against National University and University of Santo Tomas, there was no denying the graduating player of her first POW award this season, given by media covering the league.

In winning the award, Cheng beat FEU’s Ivana Agudo, Jennifer Nierva of NU and Tolentino.

NLEX, Northport look to notch QF spots with wins

April 2, 2019 | 6:40 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE NLEX Road Warriors and Northport Batang Pier go for a complication-free passage into the quarterfinals of the PBA Philippine with a victory in their respect games today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Sporting identical 4-6 records, good for joint seventh place, the Road Warriors and Batang Pier just need to win their scheduled final matches in the elimination phase to move to the next round of the season-opening Philippine Basketball Association tournament and close the door on the still-hoping Alaska Aces (4-7).

NLEX collides with the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok (5-5) at 4:30 p.m. while Northport plays the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings (7-3) at 7 p.m.

The Road Warriors had a chance to notch their fifth win last time around but they bowed to Barangay Ginebra, 105-96, on March 23.

They started strong, even outscoring their opponent in the opening quarter, only to falter in the end as they bowed to the defeat.

Big man JP Erram led NLEX against the Kings with 16 points, with JR Quiñahan adding 15 and Juami Tiongson and Bong Galanza 12 apiece.

For its part, Northport has won back-to-back games to give their playoff push a tremendous boost.

The Batang Pier won their last game against Alaska, 94-84, on March 27 with Sean Anthony and Stanley Pringle showing the way with 24 and 21 points, respectively.

It was a huge win for Northport as it allowed it to stay in the hunt.

“This is a big win for us. It’s all the players. I give credit to them. Hopefully we get to beat Ginebra in our next game and advance to the playoffs,” said Northport coach Pido Jarencio after their win over Alaska.

“The players really want to reach the quarterfinals. It does not matter if we have to play a team with a twice-to-beat advantage. We’ll just take it from there,” he added.

If NLEX and Northport lose, however, they may find themselves playing in a playoff with Alaska for the final quarterfinal spot.

Today’s twin bill marks the return of league action after the PBA took a break for the annual All-Star Game in Calasiao, Pangasinan, at the weekend. The North All-Stars won the game over the South in a high-scoring contest, 185-170. Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar was named All-Star most valuable player.

Ceres-Negros FC hosts Persija Jakarta in AFC Cup match in Bacolod

April 2, 2019 | 6:40 pm

LEADERS in Group G of the ongoing AFC Cup battle it out as Ceres-Negros FC and Persija Jakarta FC of Indonesia play today at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

The number one and two teams in the grouping at the moment, respectively, Ceres (2-0-0) and Persija Jakarta (1-1-0) shoot for an important win that would propel their causes in the group stage of the tournament.

The “Busmen” are coming off a 3-1 win over Becamex Binh Duong, 3-1, in Vietnam on March 12 to keep its slate unblemished.

Ceres got a great performance from Spaniard Bienvenido Maranon, who scored a hat trick last time around to tow his team to its second straight victory and solo leadership in the grouping with six points.

Mr. Maranon silenced the home team early as he out-witted Becamex goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong, stealing the ball from the latter in the host’s penalty area and tapping it into the net for a Ceres goal and the lead, 1-0, in the 26^th minute.

Becamex tried to get back the point for the rest of the opening half, creating some solid opportunities to score, but Ceres continued to hold sway by the halftime break.

At the start of the second half both teams picked up the pace, looking to establish the momentum they needed to seize control of the match.

The home team got the first dent in the second half when Brazilian Wander Luiz pulled Becamex even when he volleyed the ball inside the net in the 72^nd minute.

Ceres immediately regrouped though with Mr. Maranon scoring his second goal two minutes later to give back the lead to his team, 2-1.

Mr. Maranon and the Busmen continued to put pressure on Becamex and created further separation, 3-1, in the 78^th minute when the Spaniard completed his hat trick with help from teammate OJ Porteria.

Becamex scrambled to make a late comeback on the lead of Wander Luiz but nothing would come of it as Ceres fought off everything that was thrown at it down the stretch en route to the victory.

For today’s game, Ceres will feature Philippine national players Stephan Schrock, Kevin Ingreso, and Alvaro Silva.

Persija Jakarta, meanwhile, is also unbeaten after goalless draw against Becamex on Feb. 26 in the Gelora Bung Karno while it is still one-hundred percent in away games after dispatching of Shan United FC, 3-1, in Yangon on March 12 after conceding early to secure full three points.

As per tournament format, the top teams in each of the groupings earn an automatic spot in the Zonal semifinals of the tournament.

Today’s fixture between Ceres and Persija Jakarta kicks off at 730 p.m. and will be shown live on 5PLUS and Fox Sports 1. Livestream will also be available via the 5PLUS Website and ESPN5 YouTube channel the Philippines. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

NBA: Dallas Mavericks blow out short-handed Philadelphia 76ers; Celtics beat Miami, 110-105

April 2, 2019 | 6:39 pm

LOS ANGELES — Justin Jackson scored 24 points to carry the host Dallas Mavericks past the Philadelphia 76ers 122-102 on Monday night.

Trey Burke added 16 points while Salah Mejri contributed 16 points to go along with a season-best 14 rebounds. Dwight Powell scored 14 points and rookie Jalen Brunson had 13 for the Mavericks, who won handily despite the fact that Luka Doncic wasn’t available because of a thigh injury.

The Mavericks have now won two straight for the first time since the first week of February.

JJ Redick led the Sixers with 26 points while Tobias Harris added 25. Ben Simmons scored 17.

The Sixers, who played without center Joel Embiid out (load management) and guard Jimmy Butler (back), had their brief two-game winning streak snapped. The Sixers are 7-8 without Embiid this season.

The Sixers went more than eight minutes without a field goal late in the second quarter and trailed 68-50 at halftime.

Dirk Nowitzki’s 3-pointer from the corner with 2.8 seconds left gave the Mavericks the 18-point lead at the break.

Brunson paced the Mavericks with 11 points in the first half.

Redick kept the Sixers close for a while with 21 first-half points though the Sixers missed their final 14 shots. The field goal drought actually lasted nearly two minutes into the third period, as well.

The Sixers closed within 11 early in the third before a late Dallas surge pushed its lead to 97-77 at the end of the quarter

Redick’s fourth 3-pointer cut the Mavericks’ advantage to 100-82 early in the fourth. But the Sixers fell behind by 18 thanks in large part to 18.2-percent 3-point shooting (6 of 33).

Dorian Finney-Smith drove in all alone and threw down a vicious one-handed dunk for a 109-87 Dallas lead with 5:41 remaining. Mejri even drained a deep trey with four minutes left to push the Mavericks’ lead to 115-91.

From there, Sixers head coach Brett Brown pulled his starters and essentially sealed the victory for the Mavericks.

HORFORD’S TRIPLE-DOUBLE CARRIES CELTICS OVER HEAT
Al Horford’s second career triple-double led the host Boston Celtics to a 110-105 win over the Miami Heat on Monday in the opener of a home-and-home.

Horford had 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his first triple-double since 2015. Kyrie Irving added 25 points and eight rebounds, Jayson Tatum scored 19, and Marcus Smart had 16 points as the Celtics (46-32) maintained their grip on a share of the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Goran Dragic scored 30 to lead the Heat (38-39), who narrowly held onto the eighth and final playoff spot in the East as Orlando lost to Toronto. Bam Adebayo had 19 points and 14 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade chipped in 17 points in his last regular-season game in Boston.

Before the game, Celtics president Danny Ainge presented Wade with a piece of the TD Garden parquet floor from 2008.

Heat starting forward Derrick Jones Jr. sustained a right knee injury in the first half and did not return. The team announced he will be re-evaluated in Miami, where the two teams will meet again Wednesday.

Trailing by 14 at the half, the Heat got within 71-65 on an alley-oop finished by Adebayo with 6:28 left in the third. Miami would get no closer in the period, entering the fourth down 88-77.

The Heat once again threatened in the fourth, getting within three on a trio of Kelly Olynyk free throws with 6:44 to go. Tatum and Terry Rozier responded with 3s for the Celtics, and the Heat took a timeout down 101-92 with 5:16 to play.

A Wade basket got Miami within 103-100 with two minutes left, but a three-point play by Irving with 1:25 to go essentially iced the game.

The teams traded baskets to begin the contest before the Celtics went on a 15-0 run, Tatum scoring eight points. Tatum had 11 points as Boston led 36-17 after one.

The Celtics kept their foot on the gas in the second, taking their biggest lead of the half, 46-23, on a Gordon Hayward layup with 8:02 left. The Heat responded with a 10-0 stretch, but Irving hit back-to-back 3s as Boston led 52-33 with five to go.

Irving had 15 points at the break as the Celtics led 61-47.

Boston played without swingman Jaylen Brown, ruled out pregame with back spasms.

GREEN, RAPTORS HANDLE MAGIC, 121-109
Danny Green scored a season-best 29 points and added five rebounds to help the Toronto Raptors defeat the visiting Orlando Magic 121-109 on Monday night.

The Raptors (55-23), who are second in the Eastern Conference, gained a split in the four-game season series with the Magic (38-40), who are still trying to get into the playoffs. They remain a half-game back of the Miami Heat, who also lost Monday, for the final spot in the East.

The Magic had won seven of their eight previous games.

Kawhi Leonard added 15 points and seven rebounds for the Raptors. Serge Ibaka scored 15 points, Marc Gasol had 13 points, Kyle Lowry contributed 12 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and Fred VanVleet scored 10 points for Toronto.

Evan Fournier scored 21 points for the Magic, Nikola Vucevic had 13 points and 13 rebounds, Wesley Iwundu added 16 points and Khem Birch had 11.

Toronto led by 24 during the third quarter and had a 20-point advantage entering the fourth.

The Magic scored the first six points of the fourth quarter, but the Raptors responded with their own 6-0 surge.

Orlando came back again and closed the margin to eight with 1:12 to play as the Raptors went with reserves. — Reuters