Ombudsman junks Arroyo plunder case

December 1, 2019 | 11:45 pm

THE OFFICE of the Ombudsman has dismissed a plunder complaint filed in April 2016 against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and several officials of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Commission on Audit (CoA) over the use of intelligence funds.

The Ombudsman found no probable cause to indict the respondents, who were accused of misusing P73.6 million in intelligence funds, it said in a statement at the weekend.

Also cleared were former PCSO Vice Chairman and General Manager Rosario C. Uriarte, former Chairman Sergio O. Valencia, former Manager Benigno B. Aguas and former Manager Gloria F. Araullo.

The Ombudsman also exonerated former Audit Assistant Commissioner Lorna B. Dimapilis and former auditor Nilda B. Plaras.

The Ombudsman said government prosecutors failed to prove conspiracy among the respondents to amass ill-gotten wealth.

Prosecutors filed the complaint in 2016, six to eight years after the alleged crime happened.

The Ombudsman said there was no proof of fund misuse and “a discussion on the allegation of conspiracy among respondents becomes irrelevant.” — Genshen L. Spedido

Bill to strengthen data privacy

December 1, 2019 | 11:42 pm

A CONGRESSMAN has filed a bill that seeks to strengthen the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Congressman Victor A. Yap, who heads the information and communications technology committee, filed House Bill 5612, which outlines the functions of the National Privacy Commission.

The Data Privacy Act was enacted in 2012 to protect “individual personal information by imposing obligations on all those who collect and process personal information, whether in the government or the private sector.”

Cultivating a culture of privacy is needed given the “capitalization of businesses on personal information and the emerging threats to data protection,” Mr. Yap said.

“The bill will effectively address data privacy challenges and other cross-border data processing concerns in support of the country’s digital transformation towards a knowledge-based economy,” he added. — Genshen L. Espedido

Hospitals buck drug price controls

December 1, 2019 | 11:42 pm

A GROUP representing private hospitals warned that a proposal to impose price controls on more than 100 medicines would affect industry revenue.

Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPi) President Rustico A. Jimenez said the plan would affect sales at their pharmacy units.

“Pharmacies are one of the income-generating programs of the hospital,” he said in an interview.

The Health department has submitted to the presidential palace its list of 122 drugs that will be covered by a price ceiling, Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go said at a Senate hearing last month.

The the price control measure is in keeping with the rules that will implement a law on cheaper medicines, especially those against the top 40 diseases in the country.

Mr. Jimenez said the quality of imported medicines could be at risk because of the price control.

The government would be better off implementing this on fewer medicines at a time, he added.

Last week, the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) said the ceiling would force small and medium pharmacies to close down or sell to larger pharmacies, which could lead to joblessness.

It noted that the industry lost P11 billion worth of sales when price controls were enforced in 2009. — Gillian M. Cortez

Golden Sunday start for Team PHL

December 1, 2019 | 11:36 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

TRIATHLON got the Philippines’ medal quest in the 30^th Southeast Asian Games to a solid start with Filipino triathletes topping both the men’s and women’s events at Subic Bay Bordwalk, Zambales.

John “Rambo” Chicano won the gold in the men’s division followed by compatriot Kim Remolino while on the women’s sides it was a 1-2 finish as well for the Filipinos with Kim Mangrobang taking the top hardware and Kim Kilgroe finishing second.

Also an early gold medal winner was wushu athlete Agatha Wong, who retained her SEA Games title in the taolu taijiquan event, as well as world champion gymnast Caloy Yulo.

Mr. Chicano picked up the pace in the bike-to-run transition on his way to clocking a SEA Games record of one hour, 53 minutes and 23 seconds and bagging the gold.

Teammate Remolino finished with a time of 1:55:03 while ending third was Indonesian Muhammad Ahlul Firman (1:57:10).

“I’m so happy with this win and I can’t believe it. It was tough because the Indonesian (Firman) really put up a tough challenge for us,” said Mr. Chicano, who finished second behind compatriot Nikko Huelgas, in the 2017 edition of the Games in Malaysia.

In the women’s side, defending champion Mangrobang delivered on her promise to repeat as gold winner.

Banking on a strong finish in the running leg of the event, Ms. Mangrobang secured her back-to-back SEA Games gold conquest with a time of two hours and two minutes.

Behind her was Ms. Kilgroe with a time of 2:05:02.

Finishing third was Indonesia’s Nethavani Octaria (2:16:33).

GOLD FOR WONG ANEW
Meanwhile, Ms. Wong ruled the women’s taolu taijiquan event in wushu competitions held on Sunday at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The College of Saint Benilde product won the gold with a score of 9.670 points, ahead of Basma Lachkar of Brunei (9.550) and Minh Huyen Tran Thi of Vietnam (9.530). Ms. Wong credited their hard work in training in the lead-up as key to her winning performance.

“There was no holiday for us (in our training) so we are very fatigued right now. My body is aching. I was relieved after I finished my first event. I just did my best and I hope that’s enough for team Philippines,” said Ms. Wong.

Olympic-bound Yulo, for his part, dazzled the hometown fans by topping the men’s artistic gymnastics individual all-around.

OTHERS
Also having it golden yesterday for the Philippines was the women’s sepak takraw team in the hoop event at the Subic Gym.

Led by playing coach Deseree Autor, the Filipinas banked on a close 670-660 win over Indonesia before crossing their fingers for Myanmar to struggle on their way to clinching their first ever gold in SEA Games hoop event history.

Myanmar outscored Laos, 640-420, but fell 30 points shy from the hosts’ total score to settle for the bronze medal in the 30-minute sepak takraw hoop category.

Ms. Autor was joined by Josefina Maat, Sara Jean Kalalo, Jean Marie Sucalit, Mary Ann Lopez and Abigail Sinugbohan in the country’s good pace-setting win.

It was seconded by its men’s counterpart which bagged gold in the hoop event as well.

The dancesports team, for its part, had five gold medals from Standard Tango, Standard Five Dance, and Standard Viennese Waltz (Sean Aranar and Ana Nualla) and another gold for Standard Waltz and Standard Slow Foxtrot (Mark Gayon and Mary Renigen).

As of this writing, two gold medals were also won in arnis care of Niño Mark Talledo (live stick featherweight — men’s division) and Dexter Bolambao (men’s live stick bantamweight).

Filipino pride kicks off official start of SEA Games

December 1, 2019 | 11:36 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

POMP and pageantry championing Filipino pride marked the official start of the 30^th Southeast Asian Games on Saturday night with the indoor opening ceremony held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Made history as the first opening rites of the biennial regional sporting meet held indoors, the proceedings rolled off nearly two weeks of competition that would see athletes from 11 participating nations compete in 56 sports involving 530 events.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who was joined by Brunei Sultan and Prime Minister Hassanal Bolkiah to watch the Games’ kickoff, opened the 30^th edition of the SEA Games, which the country is hosting for the fourth time in history, following 1981, 1991 and 2005.

The ceremony featured a collaboration of local and international talent and an exposition of Filipino culture and contemporary music and dance.

Artists Iñigo Pascual, Elmo Magalona and KZ Tandingan sung the hits of the late “Master Rapper” Francis Magalona — “Mga Kababayan,” “Man from Manila” and “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy” — that got the local crowd inside the arena up and celebrating.

The classic track of ‘70s band Hotdog — “Manila” — meanwhile, was played as Team Philippines made its way out for the parade of nations, sending even Mr. Duterte to groove a little to the tune.

Singer Lani Misalucha’s rendition of “Lupang Hinirang” and native dances from the different regions of the country after set the tone for the hour-and-a-half ceremony.

Tony Award-winning performer Lea Salonga, who sang the SEA Games theme song “We Win As One” was not present because of a prior commitment abroad but the track was ably rendered in the ceremony by Christian Bautista, Aicelle Santos, Jed Madela, Messrs. Pascual and Magalona, Robert Sena, The TNT Boys, Ms. Tandingan, Anna Fegi, Ms. Misalucha and international Apl d Ap.

“We Win As One” was written by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.

The ceremony also was a tribute of sorts to Filipino sports legends with Lydia de Vega (athletics), Akiko Thompson and Eric Buhain (swimming), Alvin Patrimonio (basketball), Bong Coo and Paeng Nepomuceno (bowling), Onyok Velasco (boxing) and Efren “Bata” Reyes (billiards) taking part as they carried the SEA Games Federation flag.

Capping of the proceedings was boxing legend and senator Manny Pacquiao and boxing bet Nesthy Petecio lighting the Games’ cauldron at the New Clark City sports complex in Capas, Tarlac.

During the program, House Speaker and Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino delivered speeches, underscoring the honor that goes with hosting the SEA Games and vowing to make the Games a success despite the early hiccups it has experienced and allegations of corruption thrown the hosting’s way.

CAMPAIGN BEGINS
Meanwhile, Filipino athletes were looking to bag the first gold medals for the country in a number of events on Sunday.

Triathletes John Chicano and Kim Remolino were to plunge first in men’s triathlon at 6 a.m. while female counterparts Kim Mangrobang and Kim Kilgroe making a good at it at 8 a.m.

Also going for gold were the Philippines’ cycling, polo, gymnastics and arnis teams.

In his message to the Filipino athletes, Philippine Chef de Mission and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez underscored how he believes in their capabilities especially playing in front of their compatriots.

“We will have 11 days of competitions, and I can see the 1,496-strong Philippine contingent fighting it out with their every breath and exerting their effort to the last drop of their sweat to bring honor to this country, in front of their very own blood and flesh,” said Mr. Ramirez in a statement.

He went on to assure them that they are behind them all the way as they bring pride and honor to the country.

“As the Chef de Mission, I have been in constant communication with athletes, teams, officials, NSAs (national sports associations) to ensure that needs are met, issues are resolved and that our sincere care for the Filipino athlete are felt and shown,” he said.

The 30^th SEA Games happens in four designated clusters — Clark, Subic, Metro Manila and “Other Areas,” which include Batangas, Cavite, La Union and Laguna until Dec. 11.

PHL 3X3 teams sweep way on Day One of tournament

December 1, 2019 | 11:35 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE 3×3 basketball teams in the ongoing 30^th Southeast Asian Games stayed perfect on opening day of the tournament on Sunday at FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

The men’s team, composed of players from the Philippine Basketball Association, and the women’s squad swept all their matches yesterday to pad their respective causes in the tournament, which is making its SEA Games debut this year.

The men’s team of CJ Perez, Jason Perkins, Mo Tautuaa and Chris Newsome opened its campaign with a 21-17 win over Indonesia, following it up with a 21-10 pounding of Myanmar, and a 21-15 victory over Vietnam.

It played Thailand in its final game of the day, winning, 21-10.

Mr. Perkins topscored for the Philippines against the Thais with seven points.

Mr. Tautuaa had six points while Messrs. Perez and Newsome had five and three points, respectively, In a game that had them trailing early but just was unstoppable once they got their collective groove going.

WOMEN’S
Meanwhile on the distaff side of the tournament, the Philippines was steady in beating Myanmar, 21-4, Malaysia, 15-13, and Indonesia, 16-13, in that order.

Against Indonesia, the Philippines got off to a hot start led by Jack Animam and Afril Bernardino.

The Indonesians though would make a charge back as they waxed hot from the outside.

The count stood at 11-9 with three minutes to play but Ms. Bernardino would drain key baskets in the wind-up to preserve the win.

“It was good day for us but tomorrow is another day. Hopefully what we did here we can carry it over in our next matches,” said Ms. Animam after their sweep of Day One.

Also part of the women’s team are Janine Pontejos and Clare Castro.

The Philippine men’s team battles Malaysia and Cambodia today where it hopes to continue to roll and book a spot in the championship rounds.

The women’s team, meanwhile, will play Vietnam and Thailand.

Philippine softball teams, duathletes start SEA Games campaigns

December 1, 2019 | 11:35 pm

NEW CLARK CITY — The Philippine softball teams set off to battle Monday in their quest to deliver the gold medals expected of them here in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

The Blu Girls will have a double-header as they tackle Singapore at 9 a.m. and Malaysia at 2:30 p.m., at the Villages.

The Filipinas are the favorites in the three-day competitions having won the gold every time the sport was played in the biennial meet.

They will be bannered by Fil-American Garie Blando, a short stop who hails from Las Vegas, and team captain and catcher Ceska Altomonte.

The Blu Boys, who are a dominating force in the region, will battle Thailand at 9 a.m.

Marlon Pagkalinawan, Leo Barredo and Reagan Park will be the pitchers for the Blu Boys who are beefed up with members of the national team that placed second in the 2017 Asian junior championship.

Meanwhile, Filipino duathletes will try to duplicate the huge success of their triathlete counterparts when they see action today at the Subic Baywalk inside the Subic Freeport Zone.

Jerwyn Banatao, Joey delos Reyes, Monica Torres and Chelsea Sabado will plunge into action boosted by the gold medal sweep scored by John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang Sunday.

Triathlon chief Tom Carrasco is banking on Banatao and Delos Reyes to deliver golden performances.

“I’m pretty confident that either of them (Banato and Delos Reyes) winning the gold and silver in the men’s duathlon,” said Carrasco, adding: “Torres is my bet in the women’s division.”

Duathlon coach Marco Vilog said his charges had been training hard for the past four months in the run-bike-run event around the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

“They practiced well and they’re inspired by the success of our triathletes,” said Vilog.

Ryan Mendoza was the last Filipino to rule the men’s duathlon race in the 2007 Thailand SEA Games.

Typhoon ‘Tisoy’ forces postponement of windsurfing competition

December 1, 2019 | 11:33 pm

SUBIC — Windsurfing in SEA Games Philippines 2019 has been postponed due to typhoon “Tisoy.”

“It will be moved to a date when weather will be clear of typhoon,” said SEA Games Subic Cluster Chairman and lawyer Ramon Agregado Sunday. There is no decision yet on whether sailing competitions will also be re-scheduled.

Typhoon “Tisoy” is expected to make landfall in the Bicol region by late Monday or early Tuesday, bringing maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and 185 kph gusts.

Because of this, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of “frequent to continuous heavy rains” in Bicol, Metro Manila, Zambales, Pampanga, Calabarzon, Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, Bataan, and Bulacan.

Windsurfing was originally scheduled at the Lighthouse Jetty Area and Subic Bay Yacht Club, respectively, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9.

That original time frame included practices, weighing and measuring of equipment, and competition proper. Depending on the effects of typhoon Tisoy, the two events may have to be postponed to Dec. 5.

“We are anticipating December 5 as the start of the official competition,” said venue manager Julious Macam.

Filipino boxer Casimero captures WBO bantamweight title via KO

December 1, 2019 | 11:33 pm

FILIPINO BOXER John Riel Casimero became a three-division world champion after he defeated South African Zolani Tete by way of knockout in the third round in Birmingham, England, on Sunday, to win the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title.

Following a feeling-out moment in the early goings in the bout, Mr. Casimero began to make things happen that had him breaking through in the third round, landing a solid right hand to the temple of his opponent who was instantly rocked by it before hitting the canvas.

The victory earned for him a third division world title, in addition to the flyweight and junior flyweight belts he held.

It also improved him to 29-4 and has him now winning five straight fights.

After the win, Mr. Casimero, a native of Ormoc, Leyte, called out undefeated Japanese champion Naoya Inoue.

Mr. Inoue recently outlasted Filipino Nonito Donaire, Jr. to stay unblemished. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Araneta gets fresh term as PFF president

December 1, 2019 | 11:32 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

MARIANO “NONONG” ARANETA stayed as Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president after he was elected for a third term as head of the football body in elections held on Nov. 29 at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

Part of the 16th PFF Congress, the election saw Mr. Araneta winning over Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) president Ricky Yanson, 23-12, to earn a third straight mandate.

Mr. Araneta was first elected to the position in 2011 and earned a second term in 2015.

The PFF president said in the lead-up to the elections that if privileged enough to be given a fresh mandate he would work on sustaining and adding to the progress that Philippine football has made in the last decade.

“Rest assured, we will do better and we will move on as one,” said Mr. Araneta following his victory.

“I enjoin everyone to unite for the good of Philippine football. I am extending my hand to my opponent so we can bring football further,” he added.

Mr. Araneta got solid support from the Mindanao bloc, led by his running mate M’lang Cotabato mayor Joselito Piñol, who was also reelected as vice-president.

Also boosting Mr. Araneta’s candidacy was the entry of three Philippines Football League (PFL) clubs Ceres Negros FC, Kaya Iloilo and Stallion Laguna, which were able to secure voting rights after their membership to the PFF was approved earlier during the PFF Congress.

The PFF, under Mr. Araneta, is fully supportive of the PFL as it sees it as very important since it gives younger players a place to aspire for.

The PFL is set to welcome a new sponsor in Qatar Airways beginning next season.

Mr. Araneta said his four-year plan for the federation include more infrastructure with the impending completion of the National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite, as well as the establishment of more age-group tournaments, something the PFF was hit for under his watch.

The PFF president said the entry of Qatar Airways would allow flexibility for funds to be channelled to youth tournaments.

“All the money we usually spend for the league will now be plowed back to the development of the youth,” said Mr. Araneta.

The PFF started the Under-15 tournament this year and next year will have the Under-17.

Women’s youth tournaments are also being considered to further grow women’s football to go hand-in-hand with the three-year-old PFF Women’s League.

ACCEPTS RESULTS
Despite losing his bid for the PFF presidency, Mr. Yanson said “life goes on” for him and vowed to continue his advocacy for the sport through NOFA and give his support to the federation.

“I graciously acknowledge the victory of Mr. Mariano “Nonong” Araneta and sincerely wish him well as the new president of the Philippine Football Federation,” said Mr. Yanson in a statement.

“Life goes on for me. I will continue to help Philippine Football through the ‘Football Para Sa Lahat’ advocacy. I will continue the programs we’ve begun in Negros Occidental and will wholeheartedly partner with PFF in endeavors just like NOFA has done in the past,” he added.

Cleanfuel-Motul Racing Team emerges endurance race champ

December 1, 2019 | 11:32 pm

IT WAS sort of déjà vu for the reigning champion Cleanfuel-Motul Racing Team after an intense 96-lap finish at the recently concluded 2019 Giti Formula V1 Ultra 4-Hours Endurance Race held in Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Cleanfuel-Motul Racing car number #17, driven by the veteran karter/racing phenom/champion trio of Luis Gono, Ryo Yamada and Naoki Koizumi, was declared as the event’s overall champion with a total time of 4:00:12.93.

After repeating its win last year, Gono, who spent his birthday on the racetrack, took full control and went wheel-to-wheel against top-caliber seasoned racers like Tyson Sy of Edgesport Racing and Estafano Rivera of Toyota Otis Obengers.

Despite his one-year absence on the race track, Gono drove the green Cleanfuel Formula Vita winning car and completed 1 hour and 40 minutes with only 30-minutes seat time before the race.

“Being absent for almost a year was definitely a tough obstacle to overcome. Although due to strong determination and having the support of a great team, I managed to clock-in quick lap times and we finished first,” said Luis Gono, Cleanfuel-Motul Racing Team ace driver.

With a total of 61 drivers and 21 cars, Cleanfuel-Motul Racing Team showcased an outstanding race from the beginning to end.

Cleanfuel-Motul Racing Team had two entry cars in the endurance race. On-board the Cleanfuel-Motul Racing number #24 car were Tomomitsu Senoo, Ai Koizumi, and celebrity racer Dominic Roque. The team completed a total of 95 laps and garnered a time of 4:01:12.330 behind Ensport/Fourth Floor Racing Team which clocked in at 4:00:24.611.

“This is a major test for the team as we conclude and cap off the 2019 Formula V1 Endurance Race. We’ve raced with world-class champions like Tyson Sy, Daniel Miranda, Estafo Rivera, Alex Brown, Stefan Ramirez, and more. There are many lessons to learn from this race and also exciting memories to cherish. I am proud that Cleanfuel-Motul Racing Team exemplifies true sportsmanship whether we are on podium or not,” said Marco Atienza, Team Manager of Cleanfuel-Motul Racing Team.

Cleanfuel-Motul Racing car number #17, driven by the veteran karter/racing phenom/champion trio of Luis Gono, Ryo Yamada and Naoki Koizumi, was declared as the event’s overall champion at the recently held 2019 Giti Formula V1 Ultra 4-Hours Endurance Race.

Surging Lakers

December 1, 2019 | 11:31 pm

The Lakers are rolling with the National Basketball Association’s best win-loss slate, thanks to a November run in which they lost only once in 15 outings. Not coincidentally, that setback, courtesy of the surprisingly resilient Raptors, came three weeks ago, as good an indication as any that they learned — and managed to move on — from it, pronto. Their 17-2 record to date is a franchise best equaled or surpassed only twice before, and includes an ongoing 10-match win streak last seen when the purple and gold marched to a successful title defense in 2010. In other words, they’re playing extremely well, and certainly chasms apart from their immediate past performances.

That the Lakers will make the playoffs for the first time in seven years seems a foregone conclusion at this point, barring, of course, the forced sidelining of key players, and especially of their resident All-Stars. Certainly, the memory of last season’s roller-coaster ride is still fresh in the minds of pro hoops followers; after climbing to fourth in the West standings following a statement win against the powerhouse Warriors on Christmas Day, they suffered a swoon triggered by the first major injury in four-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James’ career.

For now, the Lakers are oozing with confidence. Offseason acquisition Anthony Davis is proving to be worth all the assets they gave up for him, partnering with James to make the best one-two punch in the league. They’ve been so good together, in fact, that their individual campaigns for accolades aren’t pulled down by the presence of the other. Not a few quarters have deemed one to be the frontrunner for Most Valuable Player and the other for Defensive Player of the Year. And while the exercise may be speculative at this point, a consideration of their accomplishments through the first fourth of the 2019–20 campaign does offer probative value.

True, adversity faces the Lakers after a relatively soft phase. Up next are meetings with highly regarded opposition, and eight of 10 on the road. Such notables as the Mavericks, Nuggets, Jazz, Blazers, Heat, Pacers, and Bucks are lying in wait. And because James, Davis, and Company are who they are, they would do well to prep for ultra-sharp and -prepped competition. They should be proud they already have the respect even without an accompanying body of work that impresses. At the same time, they cannot but be bent on showing they deserve it every time out.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.