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Star conductor follows wife from Met’s ill-fated Tosca

NEW YORK — Star conductor Andris Nelsons on Monday followed his soprano wife Kristine Opolais in leaving the Metropolitan Opera’s upcoming Tosca, in the latest shake-up for a closely watched production.

The New York opera house said in a statement that Mr. Nelsons had “withdrawn” from the new take on the Puccini classic that will premiere on New Year’s Eve, without further explanation.

He will be replaced by another major conductor — James Levine, who stepped down last year amid health problems after four decades as the music director of the Metropolitan Opera.

Mr. Nelsons, a 38-year-old Latvian, is a rising star of classical music who was named the music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2013. He will simultaneously take charge of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in Germany starting next season.

With Mr. Nelsons already juggling a busy schedule, speculation had grown that he would leave the production after his wife pulled out last month from the title role in Tosca.

Ms. Opolais has also been a rising name but has recently faced mixed reviews, with some critics hearing a thinning of her voice.

The couple’s departure was only the latest blow to the Tosca production. It was set to star Jonas Kaufmann, one of the most famous stars of opera, but the German tenor withdrew in March citing a desire to spend more time with family.

The latest Tosca — one of the most popular works of opera — is a new version by Scottish director David McVicar. The Met has promised that it will restore some of the grandeur of the Met’s longtime production designed by Italian legend Franco Zeffirelli.

The Met in 2009 modernized Tosca with a new production by Swiss director Luc Bondy, who stripped back the ornate staging for a bare-bones look. The audience reaction was hostile, with booing on opening night.

In a twist, Mr. Nelsons had his debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2011 when he stepped in for the ill Mr. Levine. — AFP

Auction of prints

Auction of prints

AUCTION HOUSE Salcedo Auctions launches its subsidiary brand Gavel & Block, which will introduce the auction platform to a contemporary audience through quarterly themed sales dedicated to art, design, and the world of valuable collectibles. For its debut, Gavel & Block by Salcedo Auctions will host its first sale entitled “Editions” in collaboration with culinary group The Gourmand Market and Green Sun, in Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati City. This will be a one-of-a-kind weekend that will bring together the art, design, and culinary communities under one roof. The Gourmand Market will be offering a curated spread of fine food products. “Editions” is dedicated to the fine art of multiple originals and will offer original fine prints, ceramics, and sculptures by local and international masters such as Mauro Malang Santos, Jose Joya, BenCab, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Victor Vasarely. “Editions” will be held at The Axon, Green Sun from July 28 to 30, with the auction to be held on July 29 at 2 p.m. A week-long preview will be held at the Salcedo Auctions main sale room at Three Salcedo Place, 121 Tordesillas St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, from July 20 to 26. For inquiries, call 659-4094, 0917-894-6550 or e-mail info@salcedoauctions.com.

Secret Manila at the Met

THE Metropolitan Museum presents MANILA: Hidden in Plain Sight, an exhibit that represents the character of the metropolitan that is continuously reshaped by its urban landscape and city dwellers. This exhibit weaves the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ painting collection with the practices of contemporary art that reflects on the captured tenacity of the city. Participating artists are Manix Abrera, Tad Ermitaño, Dina Gadia, Cocoy Lumbao, Leeroy New, Issay Rodriguez, Denise Weldon, and MM Yu. It is organized with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is located at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila.

‘Nick on Nick’ lecture

FILIPINAS Heritage Library, with the support of San Miguel Brewery, Inc. and San Miguel Pale Pilsen, presents “Nick on Nick: Nick Joaquin and 100 Years of Philippine Cinema,” a talk to be given by Prof. Nick Deocampo. The lecture covers A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1965) and other Nick Joaquin works on screen. It will be held on July 15, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. This event is part of the exhibit REVOLUTIONARY: Julio Nakpil @150 / Nick Joaquin @ 100 which is ongoing until July 23 at the second floor of the Ayala Museum. Tickets to the lecture are P100. To register, log on to www.tinyurl.com/revolutionary201. For inquiries call 759-8288 local 8281 or e-mail asklibrarian@filipinaslibrary.org.ph.

Production design lectures

SOME of the country’s brightest set designers will be giving talks at Pelikula at Disenyo, a three-day intensive series of lectures and workshops on Production Design for Film and TV, from July 12 to 14 at the School of Design and Arts Campus of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). All talks are open and free for the general public. The lectures are: July 12, “Behind The Designs Of The Original Encantadia” by Rodell Cruz (Platoon and Born on the Fourth of July); July 13, “Directors & Design: How Film Directors Work With Production Designers” with Mark Meily, Jay Abello, and Gabby Fernandez, “Wes Anderson’s Cinematic Universe: The Production Design From The Director’s Iconic Films” with Joee Mejias, and a two-part workshop on “Recreating The Make-Up Design Of Walking Dead” with special effects lab Octopod, Inc. Founder Lora Ledesma; July 14, “Face Casting: Creating Your Own Face Mold” with prosthetics and armory specialist Jude Pagtakhan; “The Production Design Of Game Of Thrones” with Ed Cabagnot, and “Projections Mapping: The Latest In Video Projections Design” with Joee Mejias. For details, contact Tony Ramos at anthonymarion.ramos@benilde.edu.ph, or call 0906-343-0613, 0921-862-0693, or 0923-739-8663. For a complete list of schedules and venues, visit http://fb.com/pelikulaatdisenyo. Pelikula at Disenyo will be at the 5th Floor Scene Shop and 6th Floor Black Box Theater, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila.

‘7 Gs’ of boost for the all-new BMW 5 Series

By Aries B. Espinosa

THOSE “Gs” mean generations, of which the all-new BMW 5 Series, unveiled on July 4 in Taguig City, counts seven. As BMW’s Philippine distributor Asian Carmakers Corp. (ACC) put it, the world’s most successful business car is riding on the legacy of the brand’s successes in the past 45 years, as well as hinging on the numerous innovations of its latest iteration inside and out.

In her opening remarks before the official unveiling, the president of ACC, Maricar C. Parco, disclosed that the rollout of the new 5 Series reaffirms the global strategy of the Germany-based automaker. “The seventh generation 5 Series mirrors the goals of our ‘Number One > Next’ strategy, which is to continuously develop premium mobility solutions that are sustainable, responsible, yet revolutionary.”

She added, “With already over 7.9 million units of the 5 Series sold all over the world, the all-new model will further extend its emotional appeal by embodying all the values of the business athlete — strong character, relentless determination, and a dynamic outlook in life — as this sedan has all the innovations that will continue the remarkable success of its predecessors.”

The marketing director of ACC, Karl B. Magsuci, provided the rundown of the highlights of the latest 5 Series.

MATURE YET SPORTY
He began with the exterior, enumerating the merging of the Active Air Stream Kidney Grille with the adaptive LED head lamps, the two character lines on each side of the car that turns up rearwards, highlighting BMW’s signature Hoffmeister Kink, and the dual tailpipes symmetrically arranged on either side. “These exterior touches give out that very mature, yet sporty demeanor at all times.”

Mr. Magsuci moved on to the interior, characterizing that in the new model as such: “When you enter the 5 Series, it’s almost always like a special occasion. Everything that you see, smell, touch, feel and hear, are designed and selected carefully.”

Initially available in the country are the 520d Luxury and 520d M Sport, which come with leather Dakota upholstery as standard, and the range-topping 530d Luxury, which is fitted with Nappa leather.

Mr. Magsuci showed the rear passenger space, the knee room of which is now longer by 18 millimeters. The transmission tunnel is now narrower in the back, allowing the rear middle seat to become wider.

“Three full-size adults can now sit in the back,” he said.

Mr. Magsuci also discussed the 5 Series’ Ambient Light and Air packages. “You can select from 11 different LED designs, depending on your mood, or whom you’re with. The Ambient Air Package offers up to eight different types of scents sprayed through the air-conditioning system. So, no need to buy air fresheners that can damage the A/C and the environment. Ours is made of organic and environment-friendly material,” he said.

Proving that the new 5 Series is a driver-centric sedan, Mr. Magsuci laid out all the goodies for the person behind the wheel.

“Even before the driver gets behind the wheel, he or she already gets a taste of the new 5 Series’ innovations,” he said, pointing out that the BMW Display Key, the first in the car’s class, does more than locking and unlocking the car, and starting the engine.

“In fact, it has more similarities with a smart phone. It reads out vehicle and trip information, fuel level, and can even switch on the A/C with it.” He added that the Display Key of the 530d also features the BMW Remote Control Parking.

“You can step out of the car, and use the display key for the car to park itself. This is useful for tight spaces where you need to go out of the vehicle before you park.”

Mr. Magsuci also pointed to the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel display, and the latest version of BMW’s iDrive and Interface Design 6 (ID6), which features a 10.25-inch LED touch display equipped with Navigation Professional. The highlight of the ID6 is the BMW Gesture Control, introduced in the BMW 7 Series last year.

“You don’t need to fiddle with the audio system of your car or your phone when you’re answering a call. All you have to do is make simple gestures in the air, which are read by a camera mounted on the ceiling. When you want to turn up or down the volume, when you want to accept or reject a call, just gesture,” he stressed.

WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM
To enhance the performance of an already “ultimate” driving machine, Mr. Magsuci said the engineers of the new 5 Series focused on essentially a weight-loss program.

“BMW used high-tensile strength steel and aluminum in strategic parts of the vehicle to make the car’s handling crisp and very direct. We have lessened the weight by 100 kilograms compared to the previous model. This has been partnered with the award-winning BMW TwinPower Turbo engine that now has lower emissions compared to the previous model. We have also mated that to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic function for seamless shifting and ensuring smooth power delivery at all times.”

The improvements have resulted in the new 5 Series generating impressive power plant readouts: The 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engines of the 520d variants produce 190hp and 400Nm of torque while the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine of the 530d generates 265hp and a dizzying 620Nm of torque.

Prices of the new 5 Series start at P4.590 million for the 520d Luxury, P4.990 million for the 520d M Sport, and P6.390 million for the 530d Luxury.

New BMW 5 Series arrives in the Philippines in three choices — 520d Luxury, 520d M Sport and 530d Luxury.

Driver-focused cabin, engine packs a twin-scroll turbo

Officers of BMW’s local distributor, Maricar C. Parco (left) and Karl B. Magsuci, present the new 5 Series. — ARIES B. ESPINOSA

High 5: 7.9M BMW 5 Series owners can’t be wrong

By Kap Maceda Aguila

Before Bayerische Motoren Werke (yes, BMW) started adding more numerical prefixes, the 5 Series was effectively the midpoint — ensconced between the 3 Series and the 7 Series — in both pricing and size in the Munich-based car maker’s portfolio of vehicles. Started in 1972, the 5 Series succeeded the four-door sedan models dubbed BMW New Class, itself produced from 1962 to 1977.

To date seven generations of the 5 Series have rolled out. Following BMW’s company nomenclature for models, these are the E12 (1972-1981), E28 (1981-1988), E34 (1988-1996), E39 (1996-2003), E60 (2004-2010), F10/F11 (2010-2016), and G30/G31/G32 (from last year up to the present).

In a statement at the local launch of the newest generation, Asian Carmakers Corp. (Philippine distributor of BMW) president Maricar C. Parco said: “Since 1972, BMW has been producing an award-winning vehicle that enjoys international recognition and success,” and called the 5 Series as “the world’s most successful business car.”

Noted international auto Web site Edmunds.com describes the 5 Series as the “archetypal sport sedan for more than 30 years… in structure, form, performance, and overall excellence… the bogey against which every other sport sedan must be measured.” Indeed, sales figures bear this claim out. Some 7.9 million BMW 5 Series units across the previous six generations have been sold. In fact, the 5 Series accounted for about half of BMW’s profits in 2010.

If the first 5 Series certainly looks dated now, the design has indefinitely crossed into classic status. The simple lines, four circular head lamps supplanted on a dark background of the grille, and substantial bonnet underscored a package that was larger than BMW’s two-door 2002 series, yet was still small by present standards. Styled by Paul Bracq (who also has done work at Mercedes-Benz, Citro‘n, and Peugeot) and Italian coachbuilder and car designer Pietro Frua, this 5 was said to be based on the Bertone 1970 BMW Garmisch 2002ti Geneva show car. It is also significant in the pantheon of BMW vehicles as it is the first to use the naming system (i.e., series number followed by two numbers indicating engine displacement). Edmunds.com continues that this 5 was “designed to accommodate any of the company’s four- or six-cylinder engines [the first six-cylinder 5, the 2.5-liter 525, appeared in Europe for the 1973 model year].”

Perhaps more crucially, compared to other BMWs, the car proved simple and inexpensive to build — hence, it was markedly more profitable. It must be mentioned that despite the savings in production, BMW had in its hands a car that was “a leap forward in refinement and sophistication,” a vehicle that helped shed the company’s “dowdy” reputation in the 1970s.

Through the generations, the 5 Series has inherited many of the technologies and accoutrements of its more expensive brethren — distilling them into a more affordable package for the executive battling up the corporate ladder or the discriminating auto enthusiast who loves to get in the driver’s seat and command a compelling vehicle.

The third-generation 5’s innards and skeleton, for instance, were proven first on the 7 Series that preceded it. In many ways, this iteration helped define the tenor of the series henceforward — distilling the 7’s features into a more “manageable size while simultaneously increasing agility.” Meanwhile, the 3 Series (and other BMW vehicles) have also been getting cues in the 5’s execution.

As the 5 progressively grows in dimensions through generations, so do its slew of technological improvements. One thing that is also obvious is that the 5, through the marching of the years, rightfully earns its place among the best cars in the world to drive — or, in some cases, be driven in.

Porsches top J.D. Power quality ratings

PORSCHE announced its 911 and Macan models have topped their segments in 2017 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). The car maker noted the 911 has clinched first place for the sixth-straight year while the Macan has won for three consecutive years.

It added its Leipzig plant in Saxony, Germany also headed the IQS ranking of manufacturing facilities located in Europe and Africa. Porsche said it builds its Cayenne, Macan and Panamera models in Leipzig.

The 911 retained its title in the Midsize Premium Sporty Car category, which the car first secured in 2012. The Macan, launched in 2015, has since won the IQS Compact Premium SUV class.

According to Porsche, US-based market researcher J.D. Power surveyed “more than 77,000 private individuals… who rated 243 models from 33 manufacturers” to determine this year’s IQS results. The car maker said J.D. Power surveys new car owners once a year, 90 days after taking delivery of their vehicles. This year the owners were asked questions regarding 233 criteria in various categories. The survey was fielded between February and May 2017.

“Quality is the essence of the Porsche brand — we do not compromise. Over more than five decades, we have continued to significantly enhance, refine and perfect the 911 in order to offer our customers the highest possible level of quality,” said Oliver Blume, chairman of Porsche AG.

The executive added the Macan’s award has “validated” Porsche’s work.

Special Ducati Panigale pays tribute to SBK-winning V-twin

Handle Bar

DUCATI has bared the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition, which pays tribute to the brand’s legendary twin-cylinder engine that has won in World Superbike (SBK) Championship since its debut in 1988.

Propelling to victory the Ducati 851 ridden by Marco Luchinelli in World SBK in 1988, the bike maker’s Testrastretta V-twin with four valves (Desmoquattro) and Desmodromic timing has since seen duty on a number of Ducati Super Sport race models, the latest among which is on the 2017 Panigale R of Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri. Between the three decades that spanned the 851 and Panigale R, the V-twin won more than 330 World SBK races, powering Ducati’s 888, 916, 996, 998, 999, 1098, 1198 and 1199 models.

The 1299 Panigale R Final Edition, available in a numbered (but not limited) series, is a Euro4-compliant road bike that combines the high performance of the V-twin engine with a racing-derived chassis setup, Ducati said. An offshoot of the 1299 Superleggera engine, the unit within the Final Edition’s frame puts out 209hp at 11,000 rpm and 14.5 kgm of torque at 9,000 rpm The bike’s chassis, meanwhile, is identically configured to that in the Panigale R, packing an Ohlins mechanical suspension and a 24-degree rake.

Ducati said the Final Edition does not lack in the electronics department, too; it is fitted with Bosch’s inertial measurement unit and ABS cornering, as well as Ducati’s wheelie control EVO, traction control EVO and engine brake control. All the systems are set according to which riding mode (Race, Sport and Wet) is selected, and can be personalized, too.

Of course, performance and heritage are one thing, styling is another. To which pursuit Ducati has rendered the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition in a new red, white and green color scheme that is further brightened up by red wheels — all a proper tribute to a legendary engine.

Where machines get a make-over

After-Market

WRAPPING a car, whether with special vinyl stickers or spray-on vinyl, is the best way to transform its looks, according to Foilacar Industries, which offer both types of vinyl wrapping service.

The company added that other advantages offered by vinyl wraps is the protection these afford a car’s paint job — the paint surface is covered by the sticker, keeping it away from moisture, UV rays and items that may scratch it — and the ease and immediacy with which these can be applied. Foilacar said that, compared to the conventional painting process that can take at least two weeks to complete, applying vinyl may require only three to five days (in either case the duration depends on the extent of the job).

“Foilacar guarantees the car’s paint is scratch- and weather-proof, and that the vinyl wrap will last for at least five years. After this time, if the owner decides to sell the car, we can simply remove the vinyl wrap and the paint underneath it will be as shiny as it was as the day the car left the showroom,” said Lester Codog, a managing partner at Foilacar Industries.

Mr. Codog noted the same aesthetic, protection and convenience qualities afforded by the vinyl sticker also apply in the case of Foilacar’s spray-on vinyl. Branded FoilaDip, the material is sprayed on a car like it were conventional automotive paint. Unlike paint, however, FoilaDip turns into a vinyl sticker once it dries up, and so could be peeled off without damaging the painted surface underneath it.

Foilacar said another feature of FoilaDip is its ability to “self-heal,” staying malleable so it can resist minor dings and scratches. It also comes in glossy, matte, fluorescent or faux-chrome finishes, all of which can instantly make over a car’s looks.

Dashboard (07/12/17)

Toyota tech school produces 200 graduates

TOYOTA Motor Philippines School of Technology (TMP Tech) announced it held its 4th commencement exercises for the largest batch of students that took its two-year Toyota General Job Automotive Servicing Course.

The school said the 200 new graduates, set to be hired by Toyota dealerships in the Philippines and abroad, have completed classroom lectures and practical training in fully simulative workshop and facilities. The graduates acquired competencies in courses prescribed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (national certification levels I-IV), as well as through an on-the-job exposure program in Toyota dealerships.

TMP Tech said it has produced around 500 technicians since 2013.

Hyundai distributor marks 16th year with promo

HYUNDAI Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) said it has launched its “Thrivin’ and Drivin’ at 16” promo to mark its 16th year of operations in the Philippines. The promo offers discounts and easy monthly payment schemes for the Hyundai Eon, Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Veloster, Tucson, Santa Fe and Grand Starex models.

HARI said buyers may choose to avail of a discount as much as P100,000, or use the amount as a subsidy to reduce down payment or monthly amortization. They can also win iPhone 7 Plus and Macbook Pro gadgets, round-trip tickets to New York, London and Japan, or a new Veloster Turbo in a raffle draw.

HARI said its partner banks in the promo that runs until Aug. 21 are BPI, Chinabank Savings, Eastwest Bank, Maybank, RCBC and Security Bank.

The trouble with driving a BMW

Don’t Drink and Write — Vernon B. Sarne

If you’re a fan of stereotypes, here’s one from the motoring world: BMW drivers are jerks.

Now, before indignant BMW owners spam my mailbox in protest, let me point out that a 2012 academic study in the US appeared to support this oversimplified view of arrogant men who have a predilection for sporty, expensive cars.

As reported by The New York Times, the probe by University of California, Berkeley, researcher Paul Piff cast an unflattering light on the Bimmer crowd. Observing how motorists reacted to the sight of a pedestrian about to use a crosswalk, Mr. Piff’s team found that “none of the cars in the beater-car category drove through the crosswalk; they always stopped for pedestrians.” Those who tended to ignore foot travelers, the analysts discovered, were behind the wheel of fancy cars. You know, the kind narcissists purchase to showcase their narcissism.

“BMW drivers were the worst,” Mr. Piff was quoted as saying.

You can debate the authenticity or the fairness of the report all you want, but you can’t reverse the validating effect its publication had on the long-held perception that BMW drivers were indeed assholes. In August 2013, when the Times article came out, dozens of automotive Web sites and blogs around the world picked up the story, prompting Lexus and Mercedes-Benz customers to high-five one another.

If this presumption has any shred of truth to it, it deserves some scrutiny, at least among car nerds or middle-aged journalists who will never earn enough fortune to eventually afford even the most compact hatchback the German automaker has to offer. So how does it work? Is this another chicken-or-egg argument: Do douchebags buy BMWs because they’re contemptible human beings to begin with, or do they become douchebags after buying BMWs?

For sure, there’s a case to be made for the former, and BMW is largely to blame for it. Ill-mannered pigs will always gravitate toward flamboyant displays of bravado. And in the auto industry, nothing is flashier than BMW’s brand. In the ’70s, the Munich-based company came up with the haughtiest-ever marketing tag line in the business: “Ultimate Driving Machine.” Translation: “If your car isn’t a BMW, it’s crap. Also, you’ll work for a BMW-riding boss for the rest of your life.”

For four decades now, BMW has been subliminally telling car buyers that the absolute best metal money can buy rolls out of its factory, and that settling for anything less is a craven move reserved only for the feeble. If you’re a winner — if you’re the man — you aspire to a BMW, period. Think about the power of that suggestion for a minute, and you’ll understand how countless alpha males have developed a weakness for the blue-and-white roundel logo.

Even assuming that only a fraction of that self-absorbed demographic manage to put themselves in a BMW cockpit, their uncouth motoring conduct will be conspicuous enough for civil society to take notice. Some incessant honking here, a middle finger there, a lot of cutting in between, and you have a bad reputation for everyone.

In the Philippine market, this impression could be amplified even further with the expected takeover of BMW operations by San Miguel Corp., whose president, Ramon S. Ang, is arguably the strongest (and proudest) alpha male in the car-enthusiast community. Know that this dude won’t let his brand take a back seat to Ferrari or Lamborghini in a Sunday-morning pissing contest. And if entertaining business anecdotes about him are half-true, these are excellent times to be a cocky member of the BMW fraternity.

On the other hand, a case may also be built in favor of the other postulate — that BMW drivers become pricks after their conversion to Bayerische Motoren Werke. My recent week-long dalliance with a voguish X1 sort of backed this up. The small turbocharged diesel crossover, on loan from the official distributor, boasted 190hp and 400Nm from two liters of engine displacement. Those are figures that far exceed whatever anyone residing in Metro Manila might require for urban conveyance. In fact, with the kind of traffic congestion we now deal with on a daily basis, these are specs that are not only superfluous but are also pointless.

Still, there are rare instances when one is briefly presented with a clear stretch of asphalt, fleeting moments when those technical digits are useful and short bursts of speed are feasible. I had such an instance a couple of weeks ago, and the heavens so favored me that day that I was manning the tiller of an agile car. But then I suddenly found myself trailing a popular Japanese MPV while taking a corner, and this vehicle, to my eyes, moved a lot like a tortoise. Just like that and I was angrily (and inexplicably) abusing the X1’s horn pad, as though the other driver deserved to be arrested.

As my borrowed P3.34-million BMW passed the poor MPV, I felt like it had transformed me into a more obnoxious version of Sebastian Vettel, a racing driver who feels everyone else needs to get out of his way. No doubt because I had at my disposal a car so nimble that all others appeared to be in slow motion. Surely, even the meek and humble Kevin Durant would act condescendingly if you made him compete with a bunch of UAAP players.

I can tell you I’m normally not a rude person. But I was on that day, in those few seconds. Just because I was driving the ultimate ego-stroking machine.

You may e-mail the author at vbsarne@visor.ph.

SWS: Martial law in Mindanao favored but expansion opposed

By Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral
Reporter

MORE THAN HALF of respondents in a new survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said they support President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s martial rule in Mindanao, even as broad majorities oppose expanding martial law to the rest of the country.

The Second Quarter 2017 Social Weather Survey found that among the 92% Filipinos who are aware of the declaration, 57% said it was the right decision while 29% said the proclamation should have been enforced only in Marawi City and the Mindanao province of Lanao del Sur.

The same survey also showed that 11% of the respondents want military rule implemented only in Marawi, Lanao del Sur, and the nearby provinces.

The polling group interviewed face-to-face 1,200 adults nationwide from June 23 to 26. The latest poll has sampling error margins of ±3 points for national percentages (±6% each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao).

The same survey found that 67% of Filipinos disagreed that it should also be imposed in Luzon and 63% do not want martial law be extended to Visayas.

Awareness of Mr. Duterte’s martial law proclamation in Mindanao was highest in Mindanao at 98%, followed by Metro Manila at 93%, Visayas at 93%, and Balance Luzon at 88%, SWS said in its report.

Those who favored military rule in Mindanao is highest in that southern region at 64%.

Meanwhile, 58% of respondents living in urban areas want martial law in Mindanao while 56% of those residing in rural areas have the same sentiment.

Among classes, those who back martial law were the highest in classes ABC at 70%, followed by class E at 58%, and class D at 56%.

The second quarter SWS survey also concluded that 61% of men have thrown support behind Mr. Duterte’s decision to place Mindanao under martial law, compared to 53% among women.

By age group, it was at its peak among 55-year-olds and above at 68%, followed by 18 to 24-year-olds at 59%, 25 to 34-year-olds at 53%, 35 to 44-year-olds at 52%, and 45 to 54-year-olds at 51%.

Mr. Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao has the highest approval among college graduates at 70%, compared to the 57% among elementary graduates, 55% among non-elementary graduates, and 54% among high school graduates.

The SWS report also showed broad majorities, except in Mindanao, do not want martial law to be expanded to Visayas and Luzon.

Clashes between government forces and the pro-Islamic State (IS) Maute militants broke out in Marawi on May 23 — triggering what may be the biggest internal security crisis in the Philippines since the siege of Zamboanga City in 2013.

Mr. Duterte, in his Proclamation 216, declared martial law and enforced warrantless arrests over Mindanao on the first day of the battle to foil what he said was Maute’s plan to establish a caliphate for IS.

On May 24, Mr. Duterte floated the idea of putting the rest of the country under martial law to address possible terror spillover from Marawi City.

He has also maintained he wants the conflict to be over soon but his decision on whether or not to prolong martial law in Mindanao would depend on the recommendation of troops on the ground.

‘15 MORE DAYS’
In his speech during his first visit at the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday, Mr. Duterte said he needs “15 more days” to free Marawi from Islamist militants because the enemies remain well-equipped despite offensives by the military.

He added that Marawi will be “okay” by then, but did not say if the duration of martial law in Mindanao should be stretched.

“I need about 15 more days. Ang dahilan kasi ba’t nahirapan tayo, we knew that they were sorts — but ang hindi lang alam at baka na-miss-karami nang armas,” Mr. Duterte said. (I need about 15 more days. The reason why we’re having a hard time liberating the city is because although we knew about Maute’s terror plot, we did not know and we might have missed the fact that the enemy continued to stockpile weapons.)

The President earlier said the government knew about Maute’s plan to occupy Marawi even before the battle erupted.

Yet the urban warfare, despite being under a regime of martial law, has dragged on for seven weeks — surpassing the three-week siege of Zamboanga City in 2013.

Sought for comment, National Security Adviser, Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. said in a chance interview yesterday that Mr. Duterte’s deadline is an “indicative target” only.

The 1987 Constitution has set safeguards on martial law by limiting its enforcement to 60 days and allowing the Supreme Court and Congress to review the proclamation.

This is to prevent a repeat of the abuses under dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, who detained his critics during his martial rule and used this to stay in power for another 14 years. Mr. Marcos was overthrown in 1986 by a People Power revolution.

Voting 11-3-1, members of the High Court sitting in full court last week dismissed the consolidated petitions challenging the sufficiency of the factual basis of Mr. Duterte’s martial law declaration.

However, the court has yet to act on two other petitions filed against Proclamation No. 216 seeking to compel Congress to convene and deliberate on the declaration.

PNP CHIEF’S BRIEFING
For his part, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director-General Ronald M. dela Rosa said he and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo M. Año said on Tuesday they had “initial” discussions and “We are inclined for extension, hindi naman yung (but not really for) five years.”

Mr. Dela Rosa said offhand he prefers another 60 days, then another 60, depending on the situation.

“Kung tatanungin ako, sasabihin ko i-extend pa. Kung tatanungin ako,” he said. (If I were to be asked, I will say extend it. If I were to be asked.)

The PNP chief added he plans to draft a recommendation. According to Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito in a text message, “CPNP (PNP Chief dela Rosa) supports extension of martial law. They briefed us on prevailing situation.”

“Before we decide grant of extension for ML (martial law) in Mindanao, will still wait for the briefing by DND and AFP anytime soon,” Mr. Ejercito said, adding: “No commitment until finish security briefing from DND and AFP.”

In his interview with reporters, Senate President Aquilino L. Pimentel III said he is “okay” with House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez’s earlier proposal for five years of martial law, but added that the “extension of martial law must be requested by the President.”

“So, dapat sa kanya manggaling yung idea na kailangan ng extension hindi po galing sa kahit kanino,” Mr. Pimentel said. (So, the idea should come from [the President], not just from anyone.)

Mr. Pimentel said Mr. Alvarez, who drew criticism with his proposal, was merely “telegraphing” his “personal position.”

The Senate leader noted that he “would have to read the report (on martial law). What happened during the 60 days. The report will be given before 60 days. So what happened during the martial law implementation. What were achieved, then we measure this based on the goals from the start when martial law was declared. What would be the justification or the grounds for extending. (That’s when I will form my opinion) after I read this report.” — with Jil Danielle M. Caro and Mario M. Banzon

Former MMDA chair is Duterte’s political adviser

FORMER METRO Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman and senatorial also-ran Francis N. Tolentino has been appointed as President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s adviser on political affairs.

Mr. Tolentino’s reappointment was made public by Malacañang on Tuesday, July 11. His appointment letter was dated June 27.

Mr. Tolentino served as head of the MMDA during the Aquino administration. An early contender in the 2016 senatorial lineup of the then ruling Liberal Party, Mr. Tolentino was obliged to withdraw his senatorial bid under the LP following a controversy, but reemerged as an independent senatorial candidate that year. But he lost in the elections.

Meanwhile, Jose Manuel D.G. Romualdez has been reappointed special envoy to the United States. Mr. Romualdez was previously designated ambassador to Washington last December, but declined the post early January, citing health reasons. His appointment was dated July 5.

Messrs. Tolentino and Romualdez lead the list of new presidential appointees made available yesterday. — Kristine Joy V. Patag

Grab, Uber fined P5M each

By Imee Charlee C. Delavin
Senior Reporter

RIDE-SHARING companies Uber Systems, Inc. and Grab were yesterday fined P5 million each by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for allowing their drivers to operate without permits which violated the terms of their accreditation.

Although the penalty should have been revocation of accreditation, LTFRB board member and spokesperson Aileen A. Lizada, said doing so would be detrimental to the riding public given the demand for the ride-hailing platform apps.

“If we follow the penalty imposed by MC (Memorandum Circular) 2015-016, the penalty is cancellation of accreditation, but we have been very constant in our stand that the LTFRB stakeholders are the riding public, so we will consider the riding public’s concern because if we penalize by canceling the accreditation, we are penalizing our stakeholders kasi wala silang masasakyan so we have to address the violations of the TNCs (Transport Network Companies) separately,” Ms. Lizada told reporters yesterday, adding that suspension would also result in the same consequence.

The regulator on Tuesday set an accreditation hearing for Grab and Uber as their accreditation is set to expire this month and next month, respectively.

Classified as TNCs, Grab and Uber said yesterday that they allowed Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers to operate even if they lacked the necessary permits, citing demand and also the need to continue their business and competition.

“[T]he fine is justified because there was negligence, I think that’s the right word on our part for non-compliance, but all was done in the spirit of competition and all was done in the spirit of earnings for our Grab partners,” Brian P. Cu, Grab Philippine country head, said.

“We’re actually quite happy with the decision, it’s not cancellation, it’s not suspension, we as TNC along with our Grab partners will be able to continue the quality service that we’re providing to our partners,” he added.

Grab also cited the need for continuous operations in the public’s behalf, despite some of their drivers operating without permits.

The LTFRB gives two types of permits to TNVS drivers, the provisional authority permits valid for 45 to 135 days, and the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) franchise which is valid for one to seven years.

LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2015-015 requires that a TNC obtain LTFRB accreditation, valid for two years, before being allowed to operate.

Uber said in a statement it will comply with the order issued by LTFRB on the fine.

“We thank the LTFRB for recognizing the important role ride-sharing plays in our country’s transportation system. We look forward to working with the LTFRB and the DoTr (Department of Transportation) towards sustainable mobility solutions for the benefit of all our riders and drivers. We will comply with the order issued by the LTFRB,” the company said in a statement when sought for comment.

Ms. Lizada said LTFRB will not set a deadline yet for Uber and Grab to remove from their service those driving without necessary permits but will form a technical working group instead to coordinate with the ride-sharing companies before setting a deadline.

Sought for more details, a Grab representative said LTFRB did not disclose yet the details on how to settle the fine, although Grab said it will comply with whatever LTFRB requires — either payment in full or in tranches.

“[The fine is] primarily for violation committed by drivers without provisional authority,” Grab said, and noted that regarding the renewal of franchise, there is “no black and white statement yet on the renewal.”

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