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Hungarian firm expresses interest in supplying water tech during calamities

A HUNGARIAN COMPANY specializing in water management systems has expressed interest in working with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to improve its capabilities in times of calamity, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday.
In a statement, the DFA said Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr in his visit to Hungary met with officials of the Hungarian Watertechnology Corp. (HWTC) in Erd, Hungary on Feb. 14.
HWTC Chief Executive Officer Adrian Kiss presented to Mr. Locsin the possible areas for cooperation between Philippine and Hungarian businesses. The DFA added that the Foreign Affairs Secretary was also accompanied by retired Ambassador Marciano A. Paynor, Jr., who is also a consultant for Ayala Corp.
“HWTC officials have previously visited the Philippines to personally see Laguna de Bay and discuss possible projects with the Laguna Lake Development Authority. They have also offered support to the Philippine government through possible cooperation with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to improve the government’s capabilities to utilize state-of-the-art water technology in times of calamities,” the DFA said.
Mr. Locsin also invited Hungarian firms to look into applying their expertise towards the rehabilitation of Lake Lanao in Mindanao. According to its website, HWTC builds water and wastewater treatment systems, and flood protection infrastructure worldwide.
Aside from his visit to the company, Mr. Locsin also held bilateral talks with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Budapest on Feb. 15 and discussed further cooperation between two countries on trade, education, economy, and politics.
The DFA said the two ministers “acknowledged the growing trade relations between the Philippines and Hungary, and the increasing mutual interest between businesses from both countries in each other’s markets.”
“Hungarian products have been introduced in the Philippines, such as energy drinks, with meat imports possibly following,” the DFA stated.
Mr. Szijjarto also said Hungary has the water technology and expertise to support the rehabilitation of Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay.
Mr. Locsin also thanked the Hungarian government for its support for the Philippines’ policies, including the campaign against illegal drugs, as well as its financial assistance to the victims of the January Jolo bombing.
Both foreign ministers pledged to continue supporting each other’s advocacies in various international organizations, especially in the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council and reaffirmed their commitment to protect Christian minorities in conflict areas worldwide.
Mr. Locsin also met on Feb. 13 Hungarian National Assembly Speaker Laszlo Kover in Budapest, who expressed interest in further expanding bilateral relations through parliamentary friendship groups in the Hungarian Parliament and the Philippine Congress.
The DFA also noted that the Hungarian agricultural minister Istvan Nagy is set to visit Manila and that the inaugural Joint Economic Commission between the two countries in Budapest are scheduled in the first half of 2019. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

DBM rejects Andaya’s ‘kickback’ allegations in DPWH funding

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) dismissed as “speculation” allegations by Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. that it “restored the kickback system” by allocating P100 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), adding that correct procedures were followed for releasing notices of funding authority.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Budget department called the allegations “mere speculation” and “beyond the mandate of the DBM.”
“We reiterate that the DBM only releases spending authority and notices of cash allocation (NCA). Implementing agencies are the ones who engage contractors, through open and competitive bidding, for delivery and payment of goods/services,” the DBM said in its statement.
The Budget department issued the statement after Mr. Andaya, who is also the chairman of the House committee on appropriations, said Friday that unpaid contracts for infrastructure projects in 2018 rose to P100 billion from just P44 billion in November.
He alleged that the magnitude of the unpaid contracts signal the return of so-called “kickbacks,” by which contractors in corrupt deals illegally share the proceeds of government funding with officials.
“[T]he DBM has already released funds to cover its full-year cash requirements, including payments for due and demandable obligations in fiscal year 2018. This is reflected in the actual disbursement releases of the DPWH in 2018 amounting to P560.4 billion,” the DBM said.
It added that the original disbursement program of the DPWH was only P516 billion, before it submitted a request for an additional P44.4 billion in September.
The Budget department said it released DPWH’s funds in full.
It also reminded departments to “broaden the monitoring” of the implementation and payment for the services from their contractors.
“The DBM issued Circular Letter No. 14 series of 2017 on Cash Planning Reports to remind all departments, especially the top 10 spending agencies, to be more prudent in the planning of their monthly disbursement programs ahead of time.”
Responding to the allegations that the agency adjusted the budget of the Public Works department without their knowledge, the DBM said the approved budget of P555.7 billion was acknowledged by DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral during a hearing of the House committee of appropriations.
“The DPWH budget of P555.7 billion was then presented to the Cabinet and approved by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in the Cabinet meeting held on July 9, 2018,” the Budget department added. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal

Choose champions for economic reforms

The campaign season officially kicked off last week, marking the start of a three-month period that will no doubt be filled with theatrics and mudslinging. After all, the outcome of the midterm election is, in some ways, a litmus test for the popular support for this administration. Other than re-electionists, at least three hopefuls closely associated with President Duterte are vying for a seat in the senate. And in the latest Pulse Asia Senatorial Preferences survey, the former Special Assistant to the President finally broke into the coveted twelve spots, overtaking even more seasoned politicians.
While election outcomes are still heavily determined by personalities, for the more discerning voters, candidates’ platforms and stand on certain issues will be a crucial selling point. Of course, economic issues will — and should — be among the top agenda items, especially after a tumultuous year for our economic managers.
During the fourth quarter of 2018, the country’s gross domestic product grew only by 6.1%. This was a disappointing finish to the year, amidst expectations that growth will pick up at an even faster pace. For 2018, growth averaged at 6.2% — its weakest expansion in three years. Multilateral institutions predicted growth to reach at least 6.4%, already a downward revision by 0.4 percentage points. Economic managers also expected a growth of at least 6.5%, lower than their initial target of at least 7% for 2018. Yet even with these revised forecasts, targets were still missed.
Among sectors, industry expanded the highest during the final quarter of 2018 at 6.9%, followed by services at 6.3%, and agriculture at 1.7%. The industry sector was supported by the rapid expansion of construction at 21.3%, its fastest pace since 2013, affirming the administration’s infrastructure drive. Manufacturing, however, only grew by 3.2%, its weakest performance since 2011, which Socioeconomic Secretary Ernesto Pernia attributed to weak business confidence, policy uncertainties, and slower demand from key markets abroad. For the year, industry still grew the fastest at 6.8%; services expanded by 6.6% while agriculture grew by only 0.8%, continuing its streak of substandard performance.
On the demand side, government spending was an important growth driver. During the last quarter of 2018, public expenditure increased by 11.9%, bringing the 2018 average to 12.8%. For 2019, however, the delay in the passage of the 2019 budget, as well as the election spending ban, may clip its growth.
On the first week of February, lawmakers finally approved the 2019 budget, thwarting any proposals to operate on a reenacted budget for the year. Yet some damage has already been done — at least for the first quarter. To avoid putting infrastructure projects on a standstill, economic managers are also seeking an exemption for big-ticket infrastructure projects from the election ban.
Capital formation expanded by double-digits throughout the year, except for the 5.5% expansion during the fourth quarter. This was supported by the continued rapid increase in investments in durable equipment. However, the central bank’s tightening of its monetary policy to manage inflation also stifled investment appetite.
container ship cargo election
Merchandise exports were also a drag, contracting by 1.8% in 2018. December, in particular, was a grim month for exports, recording a negative growth rate of 12.3%. Exports of electronic products, which account for around half of the export base, declined by 15.2%. Imports, on the other hand, continued its double-digit expansion at 13.4% for the year. Yet in December imports also entered negative territory, with slower receipts of capital goods and raw materials. The trade gap now stands at USD 41.4 billion, the widest on record.
Household spending, which is traditionally the country’s main growth driver, took a hit from higher commodity prices, expanding by 5.4% during the 4th quarter, and 5.6% for the year. Consumer expectations, which reached its lowest level in years, only confirmed how inflation has adversely impacted consumers.
Fortunately, commodity prices are expected to ease in 2019. In line with expectations, inflation continued to decelerate on a month-on-month basis, opening the year at 4.4%, a ten-month low. This was attributed to slower price increases of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, clothing and footwear, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, health, and transport. However, the inflation rate may not have factored in the full impact of the second round of increase of fuel excise tax.
Meanwhile, foreign direct investment (FDI) recorded net inflows of USD 9.1 billion from January to November 2018, a decline of 3.2% year-on-year, due to lower inflows of equity capital. This in turn, reflects a more somber investment sentiment, on both external and domestic fronts. To reach its full-year target, FDI inflows must amount to USD 1.3 billion in December.
While still one of the fastest growing economies among emerging markets, The Philippines’ economic number for the past year had not been up to par with expectations. Undeterred by the latest figures, economic managers expect GDP growth to reach 7% in 2019. Yet some analysts are not as optimistic, with some projecting growth to fall below 6%. What is clear, however, is that more work needs to be done for the country to realize its full economic potential.
As we get bombarded by campaign rhetoric and promises, daily interviews and debates, let’s exercise our power as citizens to choose candidates who are well qualified, experienced, and proven competence. The top national concerns consistent in years of national survey is still economic. Let’s make sure that our ballot will have names who can become champions of much needed economic reforms.
 
Weslene Uy is an Economic fellow of Stratbase ADR Institute

How to avoid being sued for libel

The libel case that caused the arrest of Maria Ressa of Rappler has had a chilling effect on journalists who post their hard-hitting anti-government columns online, as well as folks who love to expose other people’s dirty laundry on social media.
We are now forewarned. We could spend up to 12 years in prison, with no possibility of parole, if found guilty of libel using the Internet. The penalty for online libel is more severe than libel committed in print media. This is based on the provisions of the anti-cybercrime law, Republic Act 10175.
The guys at my favorite watering hole in Daly City have varying reactions to the law. Some actually like it, while others think it is an infringement of the Freedom of Speech.
Pete, who is in favor of the anti-cybercrime law, is also known in town as Pedrong Playboy. Someone posted on Facebook a photo of him and a girlfriend and that got him into trouble with his wife.
Another pro-cybercrime advocate is Gerry who was said he was the victim of online slander committed by a self-appointed “investigative journalist.” He sued the slanderer and won a judgment that required the defendant to pay $15,000 in damages. However, the defendant claimed that he was insolvent and had no money and no assets in his name.
Under US law, slander is a civil offense for which one cannot be jailed but only made to pay for damages. If you claim to be insolvent, you can’t be forced to pay and can’t be jailed, either. Thus, Gerry has not been able to collect any money, while the slanderer boasts that he is “judgment proof.”
Most of the guys who frequent the watering hole are free speech advocates and media practitioners. In fact, some of them fled to the US as exiles from the Marcos dictatorship, while others privately admit that they fled after the EDSA revolt toppled Marcos.
“The way I criticize Philippine public officials and politicians, I could go to jail in the Philippines,” says Joe, who writes a regular opinion piece for a local FilAm paper. “I’m glad I’m in the US.”
“I wouldn’t be too sure of that,” cuts in Danny from the bar. “You post your opinion pieces on social media, thus making you liable even in the Philippines where your articles are also read.”
“I guess they could sue me, but they’ll have to extradite me first,” says Joe with a chuckle. “That would never happen,”
“Yeah but what happens if you go to the Philippines on vacation,” says Danny, half-seriously. “Baka sa airport pa lang, ma-aresto ka na!”
“Buti kung aresto lang,” butts in Gerry. “Baka ma-Ninoy ka pa!” He alludes to the assassination of Ninoy Aquino upon arriving in Manila.
Joe, who was among the newsmen picked up and detained at Camp Crame, following the declaration of martial law, still thinks he is lucky that he is no longer writing for Manila media. According to him, the House of Representatives is planning to amend Article 3, Section 4 of the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, which states “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”
“Those damn congressmen want to add the modifier ‘responsible exercise of the freedom of speech’ to the law,” says Joe. “In other words, when you criticize them for corruption or incompetence all they need to do is declare that you have not done so responsibly. On that basis, they can file charges against you.”
Gerry recalls, with a snicker, how President Cory Aquino sued Philippine Star columnist Luis Beltran, along with editor-in-chief Max Soliven, for libel for claiming that she hid under her bed during a coup attempt.
The president was so incensed that she even brought reporters to her bedroom to show that there was not enough space to hide under her bed. She pursued her case and won a favorable judgment that sentenced both defendants to two years in jail plus P2 million in moral damages. However, the Court of Appeals reversed the decision and acquitted Beltran and Soliven.
“Ah but there are ways of avoiding a libel suit,” says Danny, who is also a veteran journalist and is familiar with libel cases in the Philippines. “You simply have to be careful when you write your opinion pieces. First of all, make sure your facts are correct. No fake news. And make sure, there is no malice in your statement.”
“Otherwise,” Joe cuts in, “You should use the journalist’s favorite device — say ‘allegedly’ or ‘reportedly’ or ‘according to sources.’ That way, you have wiggle room or palusot.”
Johnny, who has been following the discussion, lights up at this. “The champion magpalusot of all was Damian Soto. He was a radio commentator in the 50s. He would say, “Did I call you a magnanakaw? No I did not. Did I call you kriminal? No I did not. Pero, he already called you a thief and a criminal.”
“But the best palusot of all,” declares Danny, “is that newspaper headline that stated, ‘Half of the people in Congress are crooks!’ When the members of Congress threatened to sue unless the newspaper put out a retraction, the following day’s headline read: ‘Half of the people in Congress are not crooks!’”
 
Greg B. Macabenta is an advertising and communications man shuttling between San Francisco and Manila and providing unique insights on issues from both perspectives.
gregmacabenta@hotmail.com

The business of art

By Tony Samson
PRIVATE BANKERS have included investment in art (paintings and sculptures, and now installations) as an asset class. Diversification of the investment portfolio beyond fixed-income securities and equities may include art pieces as a component. The dynamics of art as an investment, with its characteristics of scarcity and greed, can best be observed at an art auction.
This is the parallel of the stock trading on any given day, except that the stocks are called “lots,” and they are sold only in volumes of single pieces. Thus, the art auction is a display of market forces and how they value art pieces on offer.
An auction is a form of economic theater, more emotionally driven than the stock market. The objective of the auctioneer and the seller and broker he represents is to get the highest price for a lot by encouraging a furious bidding war. The buyer wants to get the lowest price he can for a work he desires.
Before the actual auction, the pieces are available for viewing and a catalogue of the lots (a nice unemotional word) is presented in coffee-table book quality printing with the size of the piece (It’s not just property that is paid by the square meter), along with the expected minimum bid (or reserve price). This last information defines the target market for the lots.
The auctioneer acts as the host of the show as he introduces the artworks, rattling off the starting bid with designated increments getting progressively bigger. He glances around the room and waves a hand to a general direction (a new place, bidding 800,000 — that’s 100,000 for each bird, a painting of eight parrots sitting in a row) and glances to his left at the phone bank where principals are directing their reps to place bids — I have Elizabeth’s caller at 900,000, against you, Sir in the room at the back…Thank you, a million. (The currency in this observed auction is not Philippine Pesos.)
When the numbers slow down or stop, the auctioneer surveys the room and doesn’t say, “going, going, gone.” There is a brief silence, “fair warning” (I’m going to sell this lot now at a million) as he gives another bidder three seconds to jump in — a million two hundred, to the gentleman at the center. When there are no more raised paddles, he brings down the hammer. He asks for the winner’s identity — your paddle sir, number 230, thank you.
An assistant quickly approaches the winning bidder for his signature to acknowledge the purchase.
Legitimate bidders are provided with paddles, the size of a ping-pong racket. They affect the blasé indifference of a reluctant participant. The bids, all visible to the auctioneer, are signaled with the most discreet of movements, touching a paddle to the side of the head, nodding.
Even when the process is repeated a hundred times, each lot provides its own drama. Some lots can go unsold for not meeting the minimum price (let’s move on). What do they do with these unsold lots? The paddle numbers help the auction house track down the winning bidder to send the invoice to and settle payment within a few days.
Auctions, even in ancient times when slaves were the lots being bid out to interested masters, seem the fairest method of matching supply and demand. The process presents the goods in question (look at those well-formed teeth) to a market ready to buy. And if the bidder is lucky, the piece may invite only limited interest and go for a price just slightly above the buyer’s minimum. As for the seller, he too can get a better-than-expected price if there are five interested bidders to ratchet up the price.
The auction is the perfect model for pricing goods. The element of sentimentality (this piece has been with the artist’s family for five generations) is discounted and there is the simple dynamic of buyers and sellers meeting at a certain point.
The auction combines economics and theater. Even without a paddle, one can be moved to applaud a record price for an artist after the hammer is brought down, especially if he is the anonymous seller.
The business of art does not always involve the artist. After all, Van Gogh never sold a painting during his lifetime. It was the frenzied auctions that drove up the prices, much later after his death to benefit early believers and the estates of collectors.
 
Tony Samson is Chairman and CEO, TOUCH xda
ar.samson@yahoo.com

Consumers should not pay the price for risky coal deals

By Sara Jane Ahmed
THE rapid drop in the cost of renewable energy has opened new possibilities in energy systems around the world, including the Philippines. Coal has become toxic, both in terms of its high cost to consumers and the negative financial consequences for banks and investors.
In India, China, Malaysia, and, most recently, Vietnam, a trend of cancellations and delays involving new coal plants has emerged. Vietnam is witnessing a rapid adoption of renewable energy while cumbersome coal power producers struggle to remain competitive.
Here in the Philippines, the Panay Energy Development Corporation signed a deal in 2016 to deliver coal-fired power at P3.96 per kilowatt hour (kWh). But because of favorable provisions in the contract, the company was allowed to game the system. The actual cost to ratepayers was 37% higher at P5.41/kWh.
San Miguel Corporation Global Power Holdings appears to have also missed the memo. Its power arm, SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., plans to forge ahead with the construction of a 300-megawatt (MW) coal plant in Negros Occidental.
San Miguel needs to take a good look around before it leaps. At the very least, the company’s shareholders need to pay close attention to moves planned by the conglomerate’s executives in the province.
The first factor to take into account is insurance, since no sector is more sophisticated at assessing risk. It should come as no surprise that insurance and reinsurance companies, including global behemoths such as Swiss Re, AXA, Allianz, Dai-ichi Life Insurance, and Nippon Life Insurance, will no longer insure coal. Since 2015, 17 of the largest insurers have divested approximately $30 billion from coal companies to reduce their coal risk exposure.
Wise investors are also steering clear of coal as it becomes “stranded” — a term which describes an asset, such as a coal-fired power station, which suffers from unanticipated write-downs or devaluations.
This is happening with increasing regularity to coal plants, including those from our neighboring countries, which are becoming obsolete in the face of cheaper renewables and the increasing ability of grid operators to turn to a mix of resources that dynamically contribute to creating reliable and cost-effective systems.
In addition to coal being a stranded risk with significant financial implications per plant, it can reverberate into the wider economy and affect financial stability as many Philippine local banks become entangled on the debt side.
The most sensible course of action for San Miguel would be for the company to cancel its controversial coal plans in Negros Occidental. But failing that, the Energy Regulatory Commission and Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO) should take firm action to ensure that it is the company and not the consumer that bears the cost when it inevitably becomes unable to compete with renewables on price. The power supply agreement must be rid of pass-through clauses that allow fluctuations in fuel cost and foreign exchange to be unfairly handed down to consumers.
San Miguel could hedge its fuel and foreign exchange risk at competitive rates, instead of leaving unsuspecting consumers in Negros Occidental in the lurch, unable to manage the risk. This is fundamental economics and it is bad economics to impose risks on consumers who cannot manage the risk.
As things stand, the additional costs would be passed along to the consumer without regulatory action, and if imported coal prices continue to rise, as they have largely done for the past two years.
The same applies to foreign exchange risk. Since coal is imported and bought largely in US dollars, in the likelihood that the peso devalues again, it is not San Miguel that will pay. Rather, the conglomerate’s mistake will be tacked onto the electricity bills of families and small businesses who can ill afford it.
A next step for NONECO would be to ensure that San Miguel offers a fixed price for its power with no allowance made for it to pass on additional costs to the public.
There is precedent for this. NONECO need look no further than Meralco, which has wisely included similar provisions — a carve-out (curtailment) clause — in its recent deals to protect consumers and industry from high electricity prices.
As renewable energy increasingly becomes part of the mix, coal and outdated fossil fuel industries are being left in the wake, unable keep up with new technologies and increasingly competitive alternatives. Since we already have cheaper renewable technology and grid upgrades underway, building new coal plants simply makes no sense in 2019.
But it is up to regulators and utilities to level the playing field and ensure that if companies are foolish enough to pursue this course, the company itself, rather than families and businesses, should bear the risk.
 
Sara Jane Ahmed is an energy finance analyst of the US-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. She is a former investment advisor specializing in originating and structuring energy opportunities in emerging markets.

FDA permanently bans Dengvaxia

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has permanently canceled the registration for anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.
“We completely support the decision of the FDA to revoke immediately the certificate of product registration (CPR) of all Dengvaxia products,” Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique D. Domingo told reporters on Tuesday.
FDA cited manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur’s repeated noncompliance in submitting post-approval commitment documents.
“Its brazen defiance of FDA’s directives and its continued failure to comply leaves us no other recourse but to impose the maximum penalty of revocation of the CPRs covering the Dengvaxia products,” FDA Director General Nela Charade G. Puno said in a statement on Tuesday.
As of December 17, 2018 , FDA’s Center for Drug Regulation and Research (CDRR) reported that Sanofi still did not comply with post marketing authorization requirements.
This led FDA to sign an order on December 21 that year for Sanofi to “immediately surrender the original CPRs of Dengue Tetravalent (Live Attenuated) (Dengvaxia MD) and Dengue Tetravalent (Live Attenuated) (Dengvaxia) upon receipt of the Order.”
Pursuant to the revocation, importing, selling, and distributing of Dengvaxia and Dengvaxia MD is illegal. Processing of any submission and application by Sanofi regarding the two Dengvaxia vaccines are also prohibited.
Mr. Domingo said, “The decision was made and communicated with the company last December 21 but I think for the FDA, normal course of business is tapos na (finished already) but we asked them to come up with an information to the public and that’s why they did it now.”
FDA had earlier suspended for one year the registration for Dengvaxia vaccines and ordered Sanofi to stop its distribution. — G.M. Cortez

High Court upholds extension of martial law in Mindanao

By Vann Marlo M. Villegas
Reporter
THE SUPREME COURT (SC) upheld the constitutionality of the third extension of martial in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2019.
Voting 9-4, the SC junked the four petitions questioning the factual basis of the extension of martial rule in Mindanao.
Those who voted to dismiss the petitions are Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin and Associate Justices Diosdado M. Peralta, Mariano C. Del Castillo, Estelas M. Perla-Bernabe, Andres B. Reyes, Jr., Alexander G. Gesmundo, Jose C. Reyes, Jr., Ramon Paul L. Hernando and Rosmari D. Carandang.
The justices who voted to grant the petitions are Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio, Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen, Francis H. Jardaleza, and Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa.
New SC Public Information Office Chief Brian Keith F. Hosaka said the decision was written by Ms. Carandang.
The court held an oral argument for the four petitions last Jan. 29 where Major General Pablo M. Lorenzo, Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief of staff for intelligence, said in his presentation that rebellion still exists despite the implementation of martial law in 2017.
Congress approved the third extension of martial law on Dec. 12, 2018, following President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s request.
Four separate petitions seeking to nullify the extension were then filed before the SC in January by the Makabayan bloc of the House of Representatives, a group of human right lawyers led by Christian M. Monsod, and lumad teachers from Mindanao.
According to the Constitution, the President may declare martial law for a period not exceeding 60 days when invasion or rebellion occurs. Congress, through the initiative of the President, may extend martial law if rebellion and invasion persist.
Martial law in Mindanao was first implemented on May 23, 2017, after the terrorist Maute group attacked Marawi City. Mr. Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi City after the killing of Maute leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.
After the prescription of 60 days, Congress first approved on July 22, 2017, the extension of martial law until Dec. 31 that year. It was then extended for the second time on Dec. 14, 2017, covering the entire 2018.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said, “We are pleased to note that the three separate and independent branches of government, the primordial duty of which is to protect the state and secure public safety, have forged a unified stand against the forces of rebellion and terrorism.”
He also said, “We are also pleased to note that the Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary are on the same page in quelling the rebellion as well as combatting and dissipating terroristic acts destructive to lives and properties unleashed by ruthless and barbaric local and foreign armed lawless elements.”
The Department of National Defense in its statement said, “The public can rest assured that our brave Defenders will remain steadfast in their duties to safeguard our communities from the threat of rebellion, terrorism, and violent extremism, and ensure that the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) will remain unhampered and protected from possible peace spoilers.”
Brigadier-General Edgard Arevalo, spokesperson of the Armed Forces, said in part, “The AFP leadership under General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. vows that every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine shall lawfully and conscientiously enforce ML to crush all threats-especially local and international terrorists groups and their supporters — that are determined to dismember the country and undermine the integrity of its territory by establishing a ‘wilayat’ in Mindanao.”
The Office of the Solicitor-General for its part said it “welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court that once again upheld the factual basis for the extension of martial law in Mindanao. This decision, together with the successful conduct of the Bangsamoro plebiscite, is a significant step towards achieving lasting peace in Mindanao. Let us continue to support the government’s efforts towards a stronger Philippines.”
Senatorial candidate and Magdalo Party-List Rep. Gary C. Alejano said in his statement, “For the third time, the Supreme Court has decided to disregard our Constitution and has bowed down to the whims of the Executive branch. Nasaan na ang independent Supreme Court natin? (Where is our independent Supreme Court?) Instead of being a vanguard of justice and rationality, the Supreme Court has shown otherwise.”
“The 1987 Constitution is clear that there should be sufficient factual bases for martial law to be declared. However, it is evident that no rebellion or actual threat is existing now in Mindanao.”
Akbayan Rep. Tom S. Villarin said in his statement, “The dismissal by the Supreme Court of the case questioning the third martial law extension is judicial subservience to executive overreach. The Court’s role here is to genuinely pursue and determine whether the government is pursuing constitutionally permissible limits of executive powers. It has defaulted and abdicated such critical role in our democracy.”

US Marines commander to push for joint activities with PHL

By Camille A. Aguinaldo
Reporter
UNITED STATES Commander of the Marine Forces Pacific (US MarForPac) Lt. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta met with top military officials in his three-day visit to the Philippines from Feb. 16 to 18, to discuss opportunities for collaboration with the Philippine Marines Corps (PMC).
In a statement on Monday, the US Embassy said both the US and Philippines Marines unit held a bilateral exchange called the Philippine Marine Corps-MarForPac Marine-to-Marine Staff Talks during Mr. Craparotta’s visit.
The Philippine side was represented by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. and PMC commandant Major Gen. Alvin A. Parreño.
The US Embassy said Mr. Craparotta discussed the “specific lines of effort” previously outlined by former AFP chief Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. and US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Philip S. Davidson that will frame the US and Philippine Marine Corps exercises and activities.
He also emphasized that the US military and its Philippine counterpart have a “long and lasting critical partnership for the region.”
“This week we are here to focus on training, readiness [and] interoperability, and not just for today and 2020, but really for the future,” he was quoted as saying.
Last September, Messrs. Galvez and Davidson signed agreements on security cooperation activities for 2019 during the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board Meeting in Quezon City.
The move signaled increased joint security activities between the two countries totaling 281 for 2019, higher than the 261 in 2018, according to the AFP.
For his part, Mr. Parreño said in his opening remarks that the Philippine Marines have been ready to address the defense and security challenges in the Pacific region.
“These Philippine Marine Corps-MarForPac Marine to Marine Staff Talks promote cooperation and interoperability between our forces. As the warriors from the sea and the crisis response force, we the Marines have always been ready and responsive to address the defense and security challenges of the Pacific region,” Mr. Parreño was quoted as saying.
“These topics also strengthen the trust and confidence that we have and promotes mutual security interests as well as contributing to global and security, peace security and stability,” he added.
The US Embassy noted that Mr. Craparotta’s first visit to Manila reaffirmed the US Marine Corps’ close ties with the PMC.
The Philippines has long depended on the US for military hardware and support. Last July, the US military provided equipment worth P178 million that would provide increased protection to the members of the Philippine Marines Corps during operations.
The two countries also have three standing military agreements, the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

BI arrests 276 foreigners in raid on Ayala Ave. company

THE BUREAU of Immigration (BI) arrested 276 foreign nationals in a raid on a network technology company along Ayala Avenue in Makati City on Feb. 18.
BI Commissioner Jaime H. Morente said the bureau started its surveillance of the company following reports on foreign nationals working there without the required immigration visas or permits.
For his part, BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato S. Manahan, Jr. said the 276 foreigners were mostly engaged in online gambling and were arrested for verification of their immigration status and travel documents.
“Most were undocumented and were unable to present any proof showing their status here during the arrest,” Mr. Manahan said, adding that “if proven to be working here without the proper visa, (they) may be charged for deportation.”
Mr. Morente said, “We are serious about our drive against illegal aliens, and are focusing our energies on arresting those working without the proper documentation, stealing jobs from Filipinos.”
The Intelligence Division in 2018 arrested a total of 533 foreign nationals, mostly found working without permit, which is 326% more than those arrested in 2017.
Mr. Morente said he “expects more arrests to follow” in the next months. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Slain businessman filed complaint of grave threat

POLICE said on Tuesday that slain businessman Jose Luis J. Yulo had filed a complaint for grave threat before he and his driver were killed along the beltway EDSA on Sunday.
“[May] grave threat na kaso na ipinayl ni Mr. Jose Luis Yulo against a certain individual na subject for verification pa namin kung sino at kung ano ang status ng kaso na ito,” Mandaluyong City Police Station chief Senior Supt. Moises Villaceran Jr. said in a phone interview on Tuesday, Feb. 19. (Mr. Jose Luis Yulo filed a complaint of grave threat against a certain individual which is still subject for verification and we are also verifying the status of the case).
Mr. Yulo, 62, was on board a Toyota Grandia together with Allan Nomer Santos, 51, and a companion, Esmeralda Ignacio, 38, when they were ambushed by motorcycle-riding gunmen in front of the VRP Medical Center in Mandaluyong City at about 3:30 p.m. of Sunday. Ms. Ignacio survived the shooting.
Mr. Villaceran also noted that the slain businessman was facing 14 complaints at the Makati Regional Trial Court for bouncing checks he had issued.
“There were 14 criminal cases filed against Mr. Yulo for violating Batas Pambansa Bilang 22 [Bouncing Checks Law] by different individuals that we are still identifying,” said the Mandaluyong Police chief.
Mr. Villaceran also said that investigators found among Mr. Yulo’s belongings a loaded 38 caliber revolver and 12 rounds of ammunition. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

Dry run on NLEx Harbor Link

PUBLIC WORKS Secretary Mark Villar, together with Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) officials led by president Rodrigo Franco and NLEx Corporation president and general manager Luigi Bautista, will conduct a dry run on Wednesday on the opening of the NLEx Harbor Link Segment 10 from Karuhatan, Valenzuela City, to the new Caloocan Interchange in C3 Road, Caloocan City.
The new segment, which is scheduled for opening soon, will serve as an alternate corridor for motorists and commercial vehicles, including heavy trucks, traveling from Central and North Luzon provinces, Valenzuela City, and Quezon City to Manila.
“The NLEx Harbor Link Segment 10 will…cut travel time from port area to NLEx,” Mr. Villar was quoted in a statement as saying. “Once opened, around 30,000 vehicles daily will be diverted away from busy roads in Metro Manila.”
Mr. Bautista, for his part, said, “Aside from connecting NLEx to key areas in Metro Manila, the NLEx Harbor Link Segment 10 is seen to bring more opportunities in nearby communities such as generation of employment and increase in land values.”
Mr. Franco said, “Metro Pacific remains committed in supporting the government in its infrastructure projects to improve accessibility between airports, seaports, and growth corridors in both the north and south.”

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