Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube
Home Blog Page 11629

Philippines wins first Spartan H3X

THE Philippines was crowned as the 2018 Spartan H3X champion after a grueling 24-hour sandbag carries and conquering all the extreme challenges within the Timberland Heights grounds. Staged simultaneously in four countries, the 71-man Philippine contingent went against the participants from Greece, Mexico, and the United States.
According to Mike Reyes, Spartan Race Director, H3X is basically all three Hurricane Heat lengths rolled into a consecutively-run event, which started at the exact same time and run simultaneously regardless of time zone.
“I’m elated and proud to be Subic Bay-Zambales-Bataan Spartan community’s lone representative in that 24-hour battle. I scored the three-point shot in the tiebreaker, so to speak, by being the fastest to do 50 burpees at one minute 50 seconds while Mexico and California did theirs around two minutes 20 seconds,” said Jimi Arthur Binoya.
Lexi Noval, one of the participants who voluntarily finished the endurance event said that her H3X experience is definitely worth it. “It’s great knowing that you can go through challenges together as a team and strengthen friendships.

Game 10 retold

The 2018 London World Chess Championship match between Magnus Carlsen (Norway 2835) and Fabiano Caruana (USA 2832) ended in 12 draws. Magnus Carlsen then won the tiebreak match 3-0 to retain his title.
But don’t go about thinking that the match was a snoozefest. There were lots of intriguing battles and I think there is universal agreement that game 10 was the best of the series. In fact, former Russian Champion Evgeny Tomashevsky has called it “one of the best games in World Championship history.”

Caruana, Fabiano (2832) — Carlsen, Magnus (2835) [B33]
2018 World Chess Championship London (10), 22.11.2018

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e5 6.Ndb5 d6 7.Nd5
Flashback: Vladimir Kramnik was the new star of the 1992 Manila Olympiad. Sixteen years old only and not yet even a GM, he silenced all critics with an 8.5/9 score, performance rating of 2958, and won the gold medal for his board. Success followed success in just two years later he was playing Leonid Yudasin in the 1994 Candidates Match. Kramnik pulled a surprise when he responded to his opponent’s 1.e4 with the Sicilian Sveshnikov. Yudasin also avoided the main line (7.Bg5) and adopted the same move that Caruana used here with 7.Nd5. Kramnik won a brilliancy in game 1 but when he tried the same line again in the 3rd game just narrowly avoided defeat after Yudasin misplayed a winning rook-and-pawn endgame.
After the match, in his “Best Games” compilation, Kramnik assessed that “this way of playing the opening has to be deemed unfavorable for Black, as the position he obtains is too sterile.”
7…Nxd5 8.exd5 Nb8 9.a4 Be7 10.Be2 0–0 11.0–0 Nd7 12.b4
A new move. Previously either 12.Kh1 or 12.Be3 were played.
12…a6
DeepMind, the artificial intelligence division of Google, developed AlphaZero which is currently revolutionizing the chess world. Instead of relying on the hybrid brute-force (you know, as in looking at all the possible moves in a position) which most chess engines use today AlphaZero opts for an extremely selective search that emulates how humans think. A few months ago it played a 100–game match with the world computer chess champion, Stockfish, and won with a score of 64–36 (28 wins 0 losses and 72 draws). Anyway, GM Matthew Sadler got access to AlphaZero and used it to analyze the world championship games. Of particular interest is its evaluation of the current position. According to the artificial intelligence Black should try to keep his queenside undisturbed as much as possible and go straight for a kingside pawn push, to wit: 12…f5 13.a5 a6 14.Na3 f4 15.Nc4 e4 16.Nd2 Nf6 (16…Bf6 17.Ra3 Qe7 is also ok) 17.Ra3 Qe8 with a very exciting game ahead of us.
13.Na3 a5
Carlsen is not into these abandon-one-side-of-the-board and go all out in the other approaches. He fearlessly challenges White’s set-up and opens up the queenside. I say “fearlessly” because, as noted by GM Shankland, it was obviously a prepared line by Caruana.
14.bxa5 Rxa5
Take with the rook or with the queen? The answer is it does not matter – they lead to the same position. After 14…Qxa5 15.Nc4 the queen has to go back to d8. 15…Qc7 is not so appetizing as then white has the resource 16.a5 and now 16…b5 17.Nb6 Nxb6 18.axb6 attacks the black queen and White gets a much better position after 18…Qb7 19.Rxa8 Qxa8 20.Qd3 Bd7 21.Be3 the passed pawn on b6 will be a thorn on Black’s side.
15.Nc4 Ra8 16.Be3 f5!
Finally Black commences kingside operations.
17.a5 f4 18.Bb6 Qe8
Caruana had been playing very fast until now when he settled for a long think. This is probably not because of unfamiliarity with the position but more to adjust his mind to the firefight that is coming up.
19.Ra3
One of Black’s possible plans of attack is …Rf8–f6–h6 and Caruana responds to this by putting his rook on the 3rd rank first.
19…Qg6 20.Bc7 e4 <D>
POSITION AFTER 20…E4
A very exciting position! Black’s two pawns will either overrun White’s position or prove to be a weakness and fall off the board.
21.Kh1
[21.f3 e3 22.Qd3 Qg5 followed by Rf8–f6–h6 is obviously very scary for White]
21…b5!
Carlsen: “I thought for so long and I wasn’t sure about it but I thought I just go for it and up the stakes even more. Either you win the game, or you get mated.”
22.Nb6!
The “obvious” 22.axb6 faills to 22…Rxa3 23.Nxa3 f3! 24.gxf3 Ne5! 25.Rg1 (25.fxe4 Bh3 26.Rg1 Qxe4+ with a mating attack is too obvious) 25…Qh6! 26.Nc4 exf3 27.Nxe5 (27.Bf1 Nxc4 28.Bxc4 Rf4 Black is winning) 27…fxe2 28.Qxe2 dxe5 29.Bxe5 g6! White still retains chances but Black’s two bishops should ultimately prevail.
22…Nxb6 23. Bxb6 Qg5!
Clearing the way for …Rf8–f6–h6.
24.g3!?
Caruana’s idea is that 24…fxg3 is met by 25.Rxg3 (remember the rook on a3!) while 24…f3 is refuted by 25.Bxb5 Rf6 26.Re1 Qg4 27.Rxe4! Qxe4 28.Re3 Qf5 29.Rxe7 the winning chances are all with White.
24…b4!
A very deep move. You will see why later.
25.Rb3 Bh3
Very accurate. Black wants to play …Bh3 and …f3 but the move order is important — he should play …Bh3 first. Why? Let us see … 25…f3 26.Bb5 Bh3 27.Re1 (this would not have been possible if Black had played Bh3 first. See why later) the crucial e4–pawn is threatened and it is awkward for Black to defend it. Short of retreating his bishop to f5 if he uses his queen then 27…Qf5 28.Rxb4 Bf6 29.Rbxe4 White is winning.
26.Rg1!
Absolutely the correct square for the rook. If he had gone 26.Re1 then 26…Bf6! 27.Rxb4 Bc3 28.Rxe4 Bxe1 29.Qxe1 Rae8 It is Black who is going for the win.
26…f3 27.Bf1!
White is defending well. If 27.Bb5? which is the “obvious” move then Black goes 27…Rf6! Black intends to mate the opposing king via the h-file. 28.Bf1 now it is too late 28…Bg4 29.Be3 (not 29.h4 Rh6!) 29…Qh5 30.Bc4 Rf5 (now the threat is …Qxh2+ followed by …Rh5 mate) 31.Re1 Bh3 32.Kg1 (32.Bf1 Bxf1 33.Rxf1 Qh3 34.Rg1 Rh5 the end) 32…Bg2 now …Qxh2+ and …Rh5 check followed by mate can only be stopped by giving up ruinous amounts of material.
27…Bxf1
[27…Qh5 does not work: 28.Rxb4! Rf6 29.Bxh3 Qxh3 30.Be3! (covering the h6 square) 30…Rf5 31.g4 Rff8 32.Rg3 the attack is at an end and White has a decisive advantage].
28.Qxf1!
It is quite easy to overlook that Black’s attack is not yet over. After 28.Rxf1? Qg4! 29.Rxb4 Rf5! White is still going to be mated on the h-file.
28…Qxd5
After 28…Rf6 29.Rxb4 Qh5 30.Be3! and once again the attack is repelled (But not 30.Rxe4? Rh6 31.h4 Bxh4 32.Rxh4 Qxh4+ 33.gxh4 Rxh4+ 34.Qh3 Rxh3#).
29.Rxb4
Now White is out of the woods but still needs to be careful. And the material situation is surprisingly absolutely equal!
29…Qe6 30.Rb5 Bd8 31.Qe1 Bxb6 32.axb6 Rab8 33.Qe3 Qc4 34.Rb2 Rb7 35.Rd1 Qe2! 36.Re1!
Almost an “only” move.
36.Qxe2 fxe2 37.Re1 Rxf2 38.Kg1 Rbf7! 39.Rbb1 (39.b7 Rf1+ 40.Kg2 Rxb7 41.Rxe2 Rxb2 42.Kxf1 Kf7 Black is left a pawn up) 39…d5! 40.b7 Rf1+ 41.Rxf1 exf1Q+ 42.Rxf1 Rxb7 Black is better;
36.Qb3+? Kh8 37.c4 “trapping” the black queen, but the “trapper is trapped himself!” 37…Rxb6! 38.Rxe2 fxe2 Black wins;
36.Qd4? e3! 37.c4 exf2! 38.Rxe2 fxe2 Once again Black wins.
These lines are not just armchair analyse\is done in the comfort of my home — Magnus Carlsen pointed them out even after the game to illustrate why he played 35…Qe2!
36…Qxe3 37.Rxe3 d5 38.h4 Rc8 39.Ra3!
Setting a trap himself.
39…Kf7
White is not the only one who has to avoid pitfalls. Black could very easily have blundered here with 39…Rc6? and be bamboozled by 40.Ra8+ Kf7 41.Ra7 Rxa7 42.bxa7 Ra6 43.Rb7+ Kf6 (43…Kf8 44.Rb8+) 44.Rb6+! White’s pawn will queen.
40.Kh2
[40.Ra7 Rcb8 holds]
40…Ke6 41.g4 Rc6 42.Ra6 Ke5 43.Kg3 h6 44.h5 Kd4 45.Rb5!
Carlsen has been outplayed in the endgame and will lose a pawn.
45…Rd6! 46.Ra4+ Ke5 47.Rab4 Ke6! 48.c4 dxc4 49.Rxc4 Rdxb6 50.Rxe4+ Kf7 51.Rf5+ Rf6 52.Rxf6+ Kxf6 53.Kxf3 Kf7 54.Kg3 ½–½
At my level I would continue to try and win with 3 pawns vs. 2 in the kingside, but at the 2800+ level this is a trivial draw.
A titanic struggle!
 
Bobby Ang is a founding member of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and its first Executive Director. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he taught accounting in the University of Santo Tomas for 25 years and is currently Chief Audit Executive of the Equicom Group of Companies.
bobby@cpamd.net

Diehard insider

Kobe Bryant was his usual ebullient self at the Lakers’ All-Access event last Monday. The much-anticipated annual program, hosted by the franchise for sponsors and longtime fans, featured a tour of the Staples Center’s innards, the locker rooms included, but his talk was, by far, the highlight of the day. And, needless to say, he bled purple and gold to the delight of his captive and captivated audience. He spoke of roses and rainbows, cognizant of the change in outlook following the arrival of All-World LeBron James, and noted that “we’ll be champions before you know it.”
True, Bryant spoke from the vantage point of a diehard insider, imbibed with no small measure of confidence that may not be reflective of the Lakers’ current position. To his credit, though, he likewise acknowledged the work needed to get to where he was certain they would end up. And, to this end, he preached patience. “The patience is on all of us. We have to be patient,” he noted, even as he pointed out that those wearing the uniform don’t have the luxury. “As a player, you’re never patient with yourself. You’re patient with each other, but not yourself.”
Needless to say, Bryant was speaking from experience. In two decades of toiling in the National Basketball Association, he possessed a drive that continually compelled him to strive for perfection. And these days, he remains committed to excel off it, hence his presence, and success, in myriad business and entertainment ventures. And he understands that it’s also what propels James to achieve. He spoke of the 15-year veteran having to take over early in the season in seeming contravention of plans to distribute the workload, but with keen understanding that the ideal is what brings titles.
James being, well, James in the first fourth of the 2018-19 campaign is “not the recipe for winning championships by [any] means, but it is a recipe to keep your head above water, to give yourself a little breathing room,” Bryant contended, and he’s right. The four-time Most Valuable Player deemed it necessary to take over ball distribution chores in the absence, and given the inconsistency, of point guards Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball, respectively. “Now, it’s going back to teaching how to play the way that we want to play.”
For all the Lakers’ progress, it’s fair to point out that getting to the playoffs is one thing, and going deep is quite another. The lack of depth and experience will prove a bane in best-of-seven affairs against stacked opponents. Nonetheless, there’s cause for optimism. And who knows? Bryant may well have been on the mark when he claimed that, sooner rather than later, “we’ll just be laughing at all the Warrior fans who all of the sudden came out of nowhere.”
 
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.

Peso sinks to 3-week low

peso dollar
THE PESO weakened to a three-week low on profit taking.

THE PESO plunged further against the dollar to hit a three-week low on Wednesday on profit taking amid slower inflation print for last month.
The local unit closed at P52.74 versus the greenback yesterday, 22 centavos weaker from the P52.52-per-dollar finish on Tuesday.
This was the peso’s worst showing in almost three weeks or since it closed at P52.805 against the dollar last Nov. 15.
The peso traded weaker the whole day, opening the session at P52.79 per dollar. It slipped to as low as P52.815, while its intraday high stood at P52.64.
Trading volume jumped to $1.283 billion yesterday from the $1.058 billion that exchanged hands last Monday.
A foreign exchange trader said the peso weakened further versus the dollar as it continue to “consolidate within a wide band.”
“We were way past the level of resistance at P52.50, despite the fact that we’re seeing lower dollar against major currencies and some Asian currencies,” the trader said in a phone interview.
“I guess some investors took profits already from the big move we already saw…despite better inflation.”
Inflation printed at 6% in November, slower than the nine-year high print of 6.7% in September and October.
It was also slower than the 6.3% median in a BusinessWorld poll and sits at the lower end of the 5.8-6.6% range from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
“The local currency depreciated despite the softer-than-expected local inflation report,” another trader said in an e-mail.
Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. economist Michael L. Ricafort said the upward correction in global oil prices this week due to possible cut in oil production by Russia and members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries “has been a major factor” that caused the peso to correct against the greenback.
For today, the first trader expects the peso to trade between P52.50 and P53 versus the dollar, while the other gave a P52.65-P52.85 range. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal

Stocks drop as Wall St. sinks on recession fears

By Arra B. Francia, Reporter
LOCAL SHARES fell on Wednesday, reflecting the steep decline of markets in the United States pulled down by fears of a recession alongside the return of trade war fears.
The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) snapped a two-day rally as it retreated 0.94% or 73.02 points to 7,630.90 yesterday. The broader all-shares index also shed 0.61% or 28.35 points to 4,574.16.
“Philippine shares felt the onslaught of one of the biggest reversals this year as US stocks fell sharply on Tuesday in the biggest decline since the October rout. Investors renewed concerns about a bond market phenomenon signaling a possible economic slowdown,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis A. Limlingan said in a mobile message.
Investors were cautious about the fluctuating bond market, with the gap between short and long-term Treasury rates narrowing this week. The inversion of the yield curve is seen as a sign before almost every recession.
With this, Wall Street’s major indices bled overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunging 3.1% or 799.36 points to 25,027.07. The S&P 500 index plummeted 3.24% or 90.31 points to 2,700.06, while the Nasdaq Composite index tumbled 3.8% or 283.09 points to 7,158.43.
Diversified Securities, Inc. Equities trader Aniceto K. Pangan also attributed the market’s performance to the drop in US markets, disregarding the slower inflation print for the month of November.
“Market corrected today…after US market was down heavily by almost 800 points, despite Philippine inflation rate eased to 6% year on year from 6.7% (in October),” Mr. Pangan said via text.
“The US market was mainly affected by the concerns on the no progress between US-China trade talks, as well as the hawkish stance of US Federal Reserve thereby flattening the short term from the long term yield curve difference indicative of slow growth scenario.”
Back home, four sectoral indices moved to negative territory, led by holding firms which went down 1.4% or 107.13 points to 7,545.26. Financials slipped 0.92% or 16.69 points to 1,798.07; property declined 0.78% or 29.74 points to 3,745.43; while services dipped 0.19% or 2.76 points to 1,437.42.
Meanwhile, the mining and oil counter gained 0.38% or 32.95 points to 8,606.05. Industrials added 0.1% or 11.24 points to 10,907.24.
Some 1.66 billion issues switched hands resulting in a value turnover of P8.32 billion, slowing from the previous session’s P11.49 billion.
Foreign investors turned net sellers, albeit at a meager amount of P28 million versus the previous session’s net purchases of P1.08 billion.
Decliners outpaced advancers by a hair, 98 to 96, while 34 names were unchanged.

Senate says no time for charter change

By Camille A. Aguinaldo, Reporter
SENATE PRESIDENT Vicente C. Sotto III on Wednesday said his chamber could no longer tackle, due to time constraints, the draft federal charter that the House of Representatives approved on second reading on Tuesday.
“We don’t have time to take it up. If they had fast-tracked the budget, maybe we could’ve taken it up,” he told reporters.
The House of Representatives has formulated its own version of a draft federal charter through a resolution calling for charter change. It is expected to be passed on third reading on Monday.
The chamber’s proposed Constitution provides a “presidential-bicameral-federal system” of government. It gives power for Congress to establish a federal state through legislation.
Unlike the proposed charter of the Duterte-appointed Consultative Commission (ConCom), the House version does not contain provisions banning political dynasties and limiting congressional terms.
In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, House Speaker Gloria M. Arroyo said the draft federal charter underwent democratic processes, in response to accusations that the chamber railroaded the measure.
“It’s part of the democratic process. There was a debate. It was voted on, we send it to them. That’s part of the democratic process,” she said.
Under the 1987 Constitution, any amendment or revision to the Charter may be proposed through three methods: by convening Congress into a constituent assembly, by electing delegates in a constitutional convention, or by forming a people’s initiative.
Senator Francis N. Pangilinan, who heads the committee that the House’s charter change resolution may be referred to once it is transmitted to the Senate, said in a statement on Wednesday, “If within the administration, they cannot agree on what should be amended in the Constitution, why should it be forced to the public? It will be better if we let the next Congress tackle Charter Change.”

Madrigal named next AFP chief

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte has appointed Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr. as the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
For his part, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement on Wednesday that Mr. Duterte wants retiring chief of staff General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. to head the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
In his letter dated Dec. 5 to Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Mr. Duterte said that, “per your letter-endorsement and in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief of Staff…and Chairman, AFP Board of Generals,…the designation of…(Mr.) Madrigal…as Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines…is hereby approved effective December 12, 2018.”
Mr. Panelo, in his statement, also said, “The President announced his intention to appoint General Carlito Galvez, Jr. to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.”
Former presidential peace adviser Jesus G. Dureza resigned last month, following the dismissal of two OPAPP officials due to corruption allegations. In his letter to the President, Mr. Dureza said he was tendering his resignation “to pave the way for the needed reorganization” that the President may wish to undertake at OPAPP.
Last month, Mr. Galvez expressed his interest to become a consultant for the agency. He said he wanted to ensure the smooth implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
“I already conveyed my interest with OPAPP and I told Secretary Dureza that I can be some sort of consultant, so he accepted my request,” he said in a televised press conference on Nov. 19.
“We want that, if ever, during the effective implementation of the BOL, maybe we can also reach out with the BIFF so that they can also join hands with us, so that we can also have a peaceful life,” he said further.
Also in his statement on Wednesday, Mr. Panelo said: “The Chief Executive likewise instructed Secretary of Agriculture Emmanuel Piñol to exert more efforts in assuring that the plight of farmers would be lifted, in the President’s words, ‘to a degree of comfort.’”
“During the same Cabinet meeting, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio, Jr. thanked the President for the opportunity to work with the Administration, and expressed his willingness to work with incoming Secretary Gregorio Honasan II,” Mr. Panelo added.

SC upholds decision clearing Mikey Arroyo from tax case

THE SUPREME COURT (SC) upheld the Court of Tax Appeals’ (CTA) March 21 decision clearing former party-list congressman Juan Miguel “Mikey” M. Arroyo from his P27.3-million tax-evasion case.
The SC’s First Division said in a Sept. 12 resolution it dismissed the government’s petition for certiorari on Mr. Arroyo’s case because of “its procedural defects and substantive deficiencies.”
The high court said the CTA “did not act capriciously” and “assiduously sifted the evidence and analysed the records” on Mr. Arroyo’s case.
“Also, the CTA in Division, noting that the [Bureau of Internal Revenue] did not discover the sources of Arroyo’s vaunted income, fully disclosed the various reasons why the State’s theory of the charges could not prosper, and how the chosen audit procedure known as the net worth method did not suffice to prove his criminal liability under the informations,” the resolution read.
The Court also said the petition was prematurely filed because the government did not first file a motion for reconsideration, which is “a gross violation” of the Rules of Court.
“(P)rocedural rules should be treated with utmost respect and due regard mainly because they have been crafted and designed to ensure the prompt adjudication of cases to remedy the worsening problem of delay in the resolution of rival claims and in the administration of justice,” the SC said. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Bayan Muna tops Comelec’s roster of party-list groups

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) released on Wednesday the list of 181 party-list groups that will take part in the 2019 midterm elections, with Bayan Muna topping the list and Kasosyo of former communications assistant secretary Margaux J. Uson at the last.
Among the other parties included in the list are Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party (AKBAYAN), ACT Teachers Party-list, Gabriela Women’s Party-list (Gabriella), Magdalo Para sa Pilipino (Magdalo),Kabataan Party-list (Kabataan), ACTS Overseas Filipino Workers Coalition of Organizations (ACTS-OFW), Ako Bikol, ABONO, An Waray,AnakPawis, Trade Union Congress Party (TUCP), Partido Manggagawa and Kasosyo Producer-Consumer Exchange Association (Kasosyo).
Last October, 185 party-list groups filed their Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance.
AnakPawis and TUCP are the electoral wings of labor groups Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), respectively.
Kasosyo party-list was linked to the pork barrel scam years back when it was still AA-Kasosyo.
ACT Teachers was also drawn in controversy recently when its representative, Francisca L. Castro, was arrested for alleged trafficking and kidnapping of minors in behalf of the communist movement.
On Wednesday, the Comelec raffled the names of party-lists, organizations, and coalitions to determine their order in the ballots in next year’s midterm elections. These are the party-list groups:
1. Bayan Muna
2. Kabalikat ng Mamayanan
3. Magkakasama sa Sakahan, Kaunlaran
4. Philippine Educators Alliance for Community Empowerment Party
5. Nagkakaisang Pilipino Para sa Pag-Angat ng Maralitang Manileño
6. National Association of Electricity
7. OFW Family Club, Inc
8. 1-United Transport Koalisyon
9. Kusug Tausug
10. Global Workers and Family Federation, Inc.
11. Agila ng Katutubong Pilipino, Inc.
12, Ang Nars, Inc.
13. Barkadahan Para Sa Bansa Inc.
14. Anakpawis
15. Women and Child Crime Abuse Assistance
16. Construction Wokrers’ Solidarity
17. Parents Teachers Alliance
18. Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa
19. AKO OFW, INC
20. Dumper Philippines Taxi Drivers Association, Inc.
21. Luntiang Pilipinas Party-list
22. Ako Bisdak-Bisayang Dako (AB-BD), Inc.
23. Academicians, Students and Educators Alliance, Inc.
24. Association of Philippine Electric Cooperetives
25. Teachers’ Dignity Party-List
26. Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta
27. Amepa-OFW Access Center, Inc.
28. Aksyon Health Workers
29. Bahay Para sa Pamilyang Pilipino
30. Philippine National Police Retirees Association, Inc.
31. Joint Union of Activist Filipino Movement
32. Pinagbuklod Na Filipino Para sa Bayan
33. Citizen’s Battle Against Corruption.
34. Kaagapay ng Mamamayang Pilipino
35. Murang Kuryente Party-list
36. Angkla: Ang Partido ng mga Pilipinong Marino, Inc.
37. Gabriela Women’s Party-list
38. Ako An Bisaya
39. Isang Lapian ng Mangingisda at Bayan Tungo sa kaunlaran
40. Ranao Federal State Movement
41. Philippine Environment Recycling Association, Inc.
42. Kabataan Partylist
43. An Waray
44. Sulong Dignidad Party
45. Wired and Wireless Internet for Filipino, Inc.
46. Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federations Inc.
47. Alagaan Natin Ating Kalusugan
48. Talino at Galing Pinoy
49. Abe Kapampangan
50. Isang Alyansang Aalalay sa Pilipino Skilled Workers, Inc.
51. Aksyon Magsasaka-Partido Tinig ng Masa
52. Arts Business and Science Professionals
53. Bagong Henerasyon
54. Alyansa ng mga Mamamayang Probonsyano
55. Partido Manggagagawa
56. Alyansa General, Parents teacher Association Indigenous People, Inc.
57. Gawang Pinoy
58. Ang National Coalition of Indigenous Peoples Action Na! Inc.
59. Sinag Tungo sa Kaunlaran
60. Public Safety Alliance for transformation and Rule of Law Inc.
61. Cyclista at Motorista ng Pilipinas, Inc.
62. Kabalikat ng Baya sa Kaunlaran
63. Kooperatiba-Kapisanan ng Magsasaka ng Pilipinas
64. Probinsyano People’s Movement
65. Union of Nationalist Democratic Filipino Organization
66. Ang Bol-Anon
67. Serbisyo sa Bayan Party
68. Pilipinas Para sa Pinoy
69. Ina na Nagmamahal sa Anak
70. Kilusan ng organisadong Mamamayan Para sa Ulirang transportasyon at Epektibong Reporma
71. Una ang Edukasyon
72. Kapatirang Magmamais ng Pilipinas Inc.
73. Ang Laban ng Indiginong Pilipino
74. Ang Mata-y Alagaan
75. LPG Marketers Association, Inc.
76. Abono
77. Stop & Go Transport Coalition
78. Ako Ayoko sa Bawal na Droga
79. Avid Builders of Active Nation’s Citizenry Towards Empowered Philippines
80. Marino Samahan ng mga Seaman
81. Liga ng mga Mag-uumang Probinsyano, Inc
82. Ang Tao Muna at Bayan
83. ACT Teachers
84. People’s Champ Guardians
85. Kapisanan ng Nagkakaisang Naghahangad ng Kaunlaran, Kasaganaan, Katahimikan at Pagkakaisa
86. Alay Buhay Community Development Foundation, Inc.
87. Buhay Hayaan Yumabong
88. Akbayan Citizens Action party
89. Partido Sandugo
90. Confederation of Senior Citizens Coalition of Phil.
91. Probinsyano Ako
92. Ako Bisaya, Inc
93. Alliance of Volunteer Educators
94. Movement for Economic Transformation and Righteous Opportunities
95. Ating Agapay Sentrong Samahan ng mga Obrero
96. Alliance of Organizations, Networks and Associations of the Philippines
97. Tribal Communities Association of the Philippines
98. Barangay Natin
99. Tingog Sinirangan
100. Manila Teachers’ Savings and Loan Association, Inc.
101. Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support, Inc.
102. Ang Siguro, Inc.
103. Append, Inc.
104. Confederation of Savings and Loan Associations, Inc.
105. Kaisahan ng mga Maliliit na Magsasaka
106. Isogdabaw, Inc.
107. 1Anak Ti Ilocano Association, Inc.
108. Abakada Guro
109. Kalinga-Advocacy For Social Empowerment and Nation Building Through Easing Poverty, Inc.
110. Noble Advancement of Marvelous People of the Philippines, Inc.
111. Ang Pasahero, Inc.
112. Ang Asosasyon Sang Mangunguma Nga Bisaya-Owa Mangunguma, Inc.
113. Tinderong Pinoy Party
114. Agr-Agra Na Reporma Para sa Magsasaka ng Pilipinas Movement
115. Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines
116. ACTS Overseas Filipino Workers Coalition of organizations
117. Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications and Associations of the Philippines
118. People Surge Disaster Survivors Group, Inc.
119. Alliance for Truthful Information
120. Pambansang Nagkakaisa sa paggawa at Agrikultura
121. Sandigan ng mga Manggagagwa sa Konstruksiyon
122. One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals
123. 1-Ang Trabahador na Pinoy
124.Abante Mindanao, Inc
125. Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan
126. Partido Lakas ng Masa
127. Awareness of Keepers of the Environment, Inc.
128. Katipunan ng mga Guardians Brotherhood, Inc.
129. United Filipino Consumers and Commuters, Inc.
130. Coalition of Association of Senior Citizens in the Philippines, Inc.
131. Advocacy for Teacher Empowerment Through Action Cooperation and Harmony Towards Education Reform
132. Galing sa Puso Party
133. Alliance of Public Transport Organization, Inc.
134. One Bagong Ahapo ng Pilipinas Party-list
135. Association of Farmers, Fisherfolks and Small Miners
136. Ang Kabuhayan
137. You Against Corruption and Poverty
138. Magdalo Para sa Pilipino
139. Alliance of National Urban Poor Organizations Assembly, Inc.
140. 1st Consumers Alliance for Rural Energy, Inc.
141. Ako Bicol Political Party
142. Cooperative NATCCO Network
143. Kilusang Maypagasa
144. Adhikaing Tinataguyod ng kooperatiba
145. Adhikain at Kilusan ng Ordinaryong Tao Laban sa Kahirapan
146. GUARDJAN (Association of Guard, Utility Helper, Aider, Rider, Driver, Domestic Helper, Janitor, Agent, Nanny of the Philippines, Inc.)
147. Association of Lady Entrepreneurs
148. Aangat Tayo
149. Kabalikat ng Nagkakaisang Manileño
150. Barangay Health Wellness
151. Rural Electric Consumers and Beneficiaries of Development and Advancement, Inc
152. Ako Padayon Pilipino
153. Anak Mindanao
154. Alliance of OFW Party
155. Tanggol Maralita
156. One Unified Transport Alliance of the Philippines — Bicol Region
157. Duty to Energize the republic Through the Enlightenment of the Youth Sectoral Party-list organization
158. Butil Farmers Party
159. Pambansang Kilusan ng Nagkakaisang Manggagagwa, or Kilos na Mangagagawa
160. Tourism Educators and Movers, Philippines
161. Ang Aking Ina Ipaglaban Inc
162. Green Force for the Environment Sons and Daughters of Mother Earth
163. Abang Lingkod, Inc.
164. Agbiag! Timpuyog Ilocano, Inc.
165. Minimum Wage Earners
166. Trade Union Congress Party
167. 1Accountants Pary-list, Inc.
168. Filipino Family Party
169. Wow Pilipinas Movement
170. Social Amelioration & Genuie Intervention on Poverty
171. Democratic Independent Workers’ Association
172. Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc.
173. One Philippines
174. Gawing Una ang Tagumpay ng Ordinaryong Mamayanan
175. Partido ng Bayan ang Bida
176. Laang Kawal ng Pilipinas
177. 1 Alliance Advocating Autonomy Party
178. YESPH Community Development
179. RBU Tamang Isip Mental Health Center
180. Grains Retailers’ Confederation of the Philippines, Inc.
181. Kasosyo Producer-Consumer Exchange Association, Inc.
— Gillian M. Cortez

PCA officials ordered to submit courtesy resignation

AGRICULTURE Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said he has already instructed board members of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to submit their courtesy resignation in accordance with the reorganization of the agency under the Coco Levy Act. In a report of broadcast network ABS-CBN, Mr. Piñol was quoted as saying: “It was I who suggested to give PRRD (President Rodrigo R. Duterte) a free hand in selecting new officials.” “They will work until such time the new board members are appointed or if they are reappointed,” Mr. Piñol added. The announcement came after a Cabinet member meeting held last Tuesday. The PCA was transferred back under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture last September, along with the National Food Authority (NFA) and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), which were all placed under the Office of the President during the administration of former President Benigno S.C. Aquino III. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said on Wednesday that among Mr. Duterte’s directives at the Cabinet meeting was for Mr. Piñol “to exert more efforts in assuring that the plight of farmers would be lifted, in the President’s words, ‘to a degree of comfort.’” The implementation of the Coco Levy Act is expected to benefit coconut farmers nationwide, wit the funds to be used for shared facilities, scholarship program, strengthening cooperatives, and health and medical benefits, among others. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio

LTFRB cancels franchises of Dimple Star for fatal road crashes

THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has revoked the franchises of Dimple Star Transport Corp. following multiple road accidents involving its provincial buses that resulted to deaths and injuries. In a Dec. 3 decision, the LTFRB ordered the cancelation of the 11 franchises of the bus company, which covered its entire fleet of 118 units. “[T]his Board finds Mr. (Hilbert S.) Napat/Dimple Star to have repeatedly and deliberately violated or willfully and contumaciously refused to comply with the terms and conditions (in) his/its CPC (Certificate of Public Convenience),” it read. Dimple Star has been ordered to surrender to the LTFRB its plates, which will be destructed before being turned over to the Land Transportation Office. In a joint statement with the Department of Transportation (DoTr), the LTFRB said Dimple Star has recorded eight road crashes since 2011, which resulted to the death of 25 individuals and injury of 134. “We are cancelling the franchise of the entire fleet of Dimple Star because of repetitive recklessness in their transport service. One death is already one too many,” LTFRB Chairman Martin B. Delgra III said in the statement. In March, President Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered the arrest of the operator of Dimple Star following a road crash in Occidental Mindoro, where 19 passengers died and 21 others injured. The LTFRB Board said in its decision the casualties from the bus operator’s road accidents show Dimple Star’s failure to honor its franchise. “When a CPC is granted, the justification in the decision is that the proposed service shall promote public interest and convenience and not the private interest of the operator/grantee,” it said. — Denise A. Valdez

Pagsanjan celebrates 350th anniversary

PAGSANJAN town, knows for its falls that takes a thrilling boat ride to reach, is celebrating its 350th founding day this year with the week-long Lagaslas Bangkero Festival from Dec. 6-12. The municipal tourism office said the festivities would be “a tribute to the bangkeros or boatmen who skillfully navigate and shoot the rapids all the way to the picture-perfect falls.” The kick-off event would be the unveiling of the commemorative marker of the Spanish-era Royal Arch, which was built in 1878 to memorialize Pagsanjan as Laguna’s provincial capital from 1688 to 1872. The town has also been declared as Laguna’s “tourist capital.” Mayor Maita Javier-Ejercito said this year’s celebration is “special with the Seal of Good Local Governance received by Pagsanjan from the Department of the Interior and Local Government for its stewardship and sound fiscal management.” Aside from the waterfalls, the town’s other attractions are its ancestral stone houses and the new San Isidro Hill Religious Eco-Tourism Park.

1...11,62811,62911,630...14,244Page 11,629 of 14,244
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube