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Troubled Mindanao bags top Metro Manila Film Fest prizes

Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s Mindanao may have taken the lion’s share of awards at the recently held Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night including the night’s top awards – Best Picture, Best Director and Best Acting Awards for Judy Ann Santos and Allen Dizon – but the film struggling and both Ms. Santos and Mr. Mendoza used their acceptance speeches to appeal for more cinemas to show their film.

The awards night was held on Friday at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.

“Since we only have a few cinemas [showing the film], may we ask to have more screens?” Ms. Santos said during the acceptance speech for Best Picture.

She added during her Best Actress acceptance speech that if the prize money she and Mr. Dizon recieved (P100,000 each) was given to the production, the film might have a chance of turning profit.

At the same event, Mr. Mendoza also said that what they want is “to have more cinemas [for Mindanao].”

A cursory inspection of the cinema schedules of SM City North EDSA and SM Megamall on Dec. 28 showed that neither multiplex was showing Mindanao and instead SM Megamall assigned three cinemas each for Miracle in Cell #7 and The Mall the Merrier. Sure box-office draws such as Mission Unstapabol: The Don Identity and 3Pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon are also showing in these cinemas. The horror film Sunod also secured one cinema in rack of these locations.

Mindanao is about a Muslim mother taking care of her cancer-stricken daughter. Ms. Santos previously won Best Actress at the 41st Cairo International Film Festival for her work in the movie.

Aside from the top awards, Mindanao also went home with the Fernando Poe, Jr. Memorial Award, the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, Best Child Performer for Yuna Tangod, Gender Sensitivity Award, and Best Float bringing its total number of awards to 11.

Following Mindanao, the Second Best Picture winner Write About Love by Crisanto B. Aquino took home many of the remaining awards: the Special Jury Prize for Writing for Mr. Aquino, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress for Yeng Constantino, Best Supporting Actor for Joem Bascon, Best Original Song for “Ikaw ang Akin,” and Best Musical Score.

The Third Best Picture winner and lone horror film at this year’s festival, Sunod by Carlo Ledesma, won Best Production Design, while historical drama Culion by Alvin Yapan won a Special Jury Prize for its ensemble featuring Iza Calzado, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and Meryll Soriano.

The Metro Manila Film Festival runs until Jan. 7 in cinemas nationwide.

Below is the list of winners:

  • Best Picture: Mindanao
  • Second Best Picture: Write About Love
  • Third Best Picture: Sunod
  • Best Director: Brillante Ma. Mendoza for Mindanao
  • Best Actress: Judy Ann Santos for Mindanao
  • Best Actor: Allen Dizon for Mindanao
  • Best Supporting Actress: Yeng Constantino for Write About Love
  • Best Supporting Actor: Joem Bascon for Write About Love
  • Best Child Performer: Yuna Tangod for Mindanao
  • Special Jury Prize (Writing): Crisanto B. Aquino for Write About Love
  • Special Jury Prize (Cast): Culion
  • Best Screenplay: Write About Love
  • FPJ Memorial Award: Mindanao
  • Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: Mindanao
  • Best Visual Effects: Mindanao
  • Best Production Design: Sunod
  • Best Original Song: “Ikaw ang Akin” for Write About Love
  • Best Musical Score: Write About Love
  • Best Sound: Mindanao
  • Gender Sensitivity Award: Mindanao
  • Best Float: Mindanao
  • Best Student Short Film Award: Pamana ni Lola from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa

MMFF Hall of Fame Awardees

  • Industry Stalwarts: Marichu Vera-Perez; Boots Anson-Rodrigo; Bienvenido Lumbera; Joseph Estrada
  • Best Actor: Anthony Alonzo; Christopher De Leon
  • Best Actress: Nora Aunor; Amy Austria; Vilma Santos-Recto; Maricel Soriano
  • Best Supporting Actress: Eugene Domingo; Cherie Gil
  • Best Director: Marilou Diaz-Abaya; Joel Lamangan; Jose Javier Reyes
  • Best Screenplay/Story: Roy Iglesias; Ricky Lee; Jose Javier Reyes
  • Best Cinematographer: Rudy Lacap; Lee Meily; Carlo Mendoza; Romy Vitug
  • Best Sound Engineer: Ditoy Aguila; Michael Albert Idioma; Rolly Ruta
  • Best Musical Score: Dionisio Buencamino; Von de Guzman; Jaime Fabregas; Jessie Lasaten
  • Best Editor: Vito Cajili; Manet Dayrit; Jess Navarro; Edgardo Vinarao
  • Best Visual Effects: Roadrunner Network, Inc.

PHL threatens to change visa rule for US citizens

THE PHILIPPINE government on Friday announced it will remove the visa-on-arrival privilege for American citizens if their government fully enforces the provision banning the entry to the United States of Filipino officials supposedly involved in the detainment of Senator Leila M. De Lima.

In a briefing on Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said Philippine authorities will take this action if the US Secretary of State bans local officials from travelling to the US should there be “credible information” that they are linked to Ms. De Lima’s “unlawful” incarceration since 2017.

This provision was included in the recently signed US National Budget for 2020.

“If they will enforce this provision in the US budget, then we will be compelled to require all Americans entering into this country to secure a visa before they can be allowed entry,” Mr. Panelo said.

He added that this planned action has been fully thought out. “When the President makes a decision, all circumstances are factored in.”

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Gueverra, for his part, said, “The requirement to obtain Philippine visas is subject to a suspensive condition.”

“In general, unless a date of effectivity has been expressly specified, a presidential order is supposed to take effect immediately. Note however, that the President reportedly said, ‘if the US enforces its travel ban against Philippine government officials who wrongfully detained Senator De Lima.’ It appears therefore that the president’s countermove hinges on the actual implementation of the US travel ban against certain filipino individuals,” he said in a message to reporters on Friday.

Ms. De Lima, who has denied the drug-related charges against her, said last week that Mr. Duterte and Mr. Panelo are among those responsible for her incarceration.

Mr. Panelo reiterated that the arrest of Ms. De Lima “is not one of persecution but of prosecution,” and that it is “valid and lawful” under the Philippine judicial system.

US SENATORS
Mr. Panelo also announced that the President “is immediately ordering the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to deny US Senators Dick Durbin and Patrick Leahy, the imperious, uninformed and gullible American legislators who introduced the subject provision in the US 2020 Budget, entry to the Philippines.”

Mr. Guevarra said the ban is”effective immediately.”

The BI is an attached agency of the Department of Justice.

“The travel ban on the two US senators is effective immediately, according to a written statement from the office of the presidential spokesperson,” Mr. Guevarra said. — Gillian M. Cortez

Typhoon death toll rises to 28, agri damage over P600M

THE DEATH toll from typhoon Ursula (international name: Phanfone) has risen to 28 as authorities continue to take stock of the devastation in central areas of the Philippines.

On agricultural damage, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has placed the initial estimate at P633.7 million in terms of production loss and ruined facilities.

The highest number of deaths was in Iloilo province with 13, followed by Capiz with four, three in Eastern Samar, two each in Aklan and Leyte, and one each in Cebu, Southern Leyte, Biliran and Samar, according to the report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as of Friday morning.

The DA, in a bulletin on Friday, said initial assessment show “production loss of about 969 metric tons (MT), affecting 4,100 hectares and 44,061 farmers and fisherfolk.”

Fisheries bore the biggest brunt with damages reaching P587.41 million, affecting 43,813 fisherfolk.

The other affected commodities include rice and corn.

“The Agricultural Credit and Policy Council (ACPC) has an available fund of Php60 million for emergency loan under the Survival Recovery (SURE) Program for assistance to typhoon-affected farmers. In addition, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has available funds to pay for the losses to be incurred and will fast track processing of crop insurance of farmers that will be affected by the typhoon,” DA said.

In Capiz, one of the hardest hit province, several barangay roads were still not passable to light vehicles as of Friday morning due to flooding.

Several towns and provinces have already been placed under a state of calamity, including Capiz, Aklan, Leyte, Tacloban City, and Medellin and Daan-Bantayan in Cebu.

Meanwhile, on Thursday night, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake jolted the typhoon-stricken Panay island and nearby provinces.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded the tremor six kilometers northeast of San Enrique, Iloilo at around 8:19 p.m.

Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Judy Grace C. Pelaez said the earthquake prompted people staying in evacuation centers to step out.

“People were scared, especially with the recent typhoon and there were tsunami scares, especially in the coastal communities. But our (municipal) DRRMO officers were able to educate them and calm them down,” she said in a phone interview on Friday.

Various areas were still without power supply on Friday as poles and other facilities were toppled by the typhoon, but electric cooperatives (ECs) have started restoring power distribution services, according to the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

In a statement, NEA said 29 ECs were affected, covering 16 provinces in the three Visayas regions and MIMAROPA (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan). — Genshen L. Espedido, Vincent Mariel P. Galang, and Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

Majority of Filipinos welcoming 2020 ‘with hope’

MAJORITY OF Filipino adults are entering 2020 “with hope rather than with fear,” according to the Fourth Quarter 2019 Social Weather Survey.

In the survey conducted from December 13-16, 96% of respondents gave the positive outlook, up from from 92% in 2018 and matches the record-high level in 2017.

The December 2019 survey also found that 33% of Filipinos made New Year’s resolutions, 13 percentage points lower than the 46% in 2017.

Of the 33%, only 3% said that all or nearly all of their New Year’s resolutions have been or will be fulfilled.

In 2017, of the 46% who made New Year’s resolutions, 6% said all or nearly all of them have been fulfilled.

Among those who expected a “happy Christmas” this year, 97% have hope for the New Year, slightly lower than the 98% in 2017. — Genshen L. Espedido

House resolution filed to investigate Grab charges

A LEGISLATOR has filed a resolution seeking to conduct an investigation on the alleged illegal charges being imposed by car-hailing firm Grab on customers.

Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo filed House Resolution 623 last December 17 to look into whether or not the existing penalty mechanism contained in the “Undertaking” and “Extended Undertaking” documents is sufficient to deter Grab in charging “excessive” fares.

The Extended Undertaking includes a set of voluntary commitments by Grab to regulate prices and improve service quality “as a continuing condition for the antitrust authority’s clearance of Grab’s acquisition of Uber in the Philippines” last 2018.

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), in its Decision No. 33-M-012, ruled that it is necessary to extend and amend the Undertaking.

“Despite the commitment of Grab to comply with its obligations expressed in the Undertaking and Extended Undertaking, it cannot be denied that Grab continues to defy and violate its commitments to regulate prices and improve service quality,” part of the resolution read.

Last Dec. 18, the PCC imposed a fine of P14.5 million for Grab’s “extraordinary deviation on its pricing commitment” and P2 million for exceeding driver cancellations at 7.76%, higher than the committed 5%.

Grab was ordered to refund its passengers through their accounts on the app’s online wallet, GrabPay, “within a period of 60 days from receipt of the order” which was released on November 14. — Genshen L. Espedido

More than half of over 2,000 arrested illegal aliens in 2019 are Chinese

MORE THAN 2,000 illegal aliens were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in 2019, a majority of them Chinese nationals involved in unlicensed gaming operations and other illegitimate activities.

“Since January a total of 1,836 illegal aliens were arrested in various operations conducted by agents of the bureau’s intelligence division in Metro Manila and other places throughout the country, while 421 foreign fugitives were arrested by the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU) during the period,” BI Commissioner Jaime H. Morente said in a statement Friday.

The Chinese, mostly involved in anomalous activities such as cyber fraud and unlicensed gaming operations, include the 300 arrested in Puerto Princesa City in September, 500 in Pasay City last October, and 342 last week in Quezon City.

The BI also said that its Mindanao offices reported more illegal aliens caught in the area this year, including those linked to terrorist activities and usurious lending.

“Some of those we arrested were not only illegally working there. They were also suspected of involvement in terrorism while others are wanted fugitives,” BI acting intelligence chief Fortunato S. Manahan Jr. said. — Gillian M. Cortez

Duterte orders probe on deaths due to coconut wine

PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte has ordered an investigation on the recent mass poisoning due to coconut wine, locally called lambanog, according to Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra.

In a message to reporters on Friday, Mr. Guevarra said he has received an order from the Palace asking the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the high number of casualties relating to the drink, with 12 reported deaths and almost 500 falling ill.

“The president ordered the NBI to investigate the alleged lambanog poisoning incidents and to submit a report thereon immediately,” Mr Guevarra said.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday said it tested seven lambanog products sold in Rizal, Laguna and five were found to have high levels of methanol, a natural by-product of fermenting coconut wine, but is toxic if consumed in high volume.

Methanol poisoning could lead to permanent blindness, neurological problems, or even death.

Both Malacañang and FDA have advised the public to buy only FDA-approved products.

There are 14 lambanog drinks that have an FDA registration. — Gillian M. Cortez

Tiu’s ANI eyes JV with BuCor for Palawan property

By Vincent Mariel P. Galang, Reporter

AgriNurture, Inc. (ANI) is seeking to forge a joint venture with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to develop the latter’s 2,000 hectare property in Palawan into an agri-tourism corn plantation.

In a disclosure on Friday, the company led by businessman Antonio L. Tiu said its board of directors gave the go-signal to negotiate and enter into a joint venture with BuCor for the Palawan property.

“The company is set to negotiate a possible Joint Venture with the Department of Justice through the Bureau of Corrections for the development of about 2,000 hectares of property to an integrated Agri-Tourism Corn Plantation in Palawan,” ANI said.

ANI will provide the funds to develop the corn plantation, while the BuCor will provide the land. The two parties will conduct due diligence, which is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2020.

“The proposed Joint Venture is intended to expand the Company’s business through corn production and agri-tourism,” ANI said, adding this project is expected to be a profit center.

Other details, like the amount of investment and profit sharing, are still being finalized.

The BuCor currently operates the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa, alongside facilities in Muntinlupa City; Mandaluyong City; Panabo, Davao; Occidental Mindoro, Zamboanga City and Abuyog, Leyte.

In a separate disclosure, ANI said the board approved its divestment from fully-owned subsidiaries First Class Agriculture Corp. and Lucky Fruit and Vegetable Products, Inc..

ANI said it will use the funds from the sale of First Class Agriculture and Lucky Fruit to fund expansion projects, raise working capital, and to clean up the company’s books.

Both companies are engaged in trading commodities.

ANI’s board also gave the green light to negotiate the acquisition of a majority stake in Nutriceutical Food Corp.

“The intended acquisition will help boost the corporations market for organic coconut products in China,” the company said.

Nutriceutical is “engaged in the manufacturing, marketing, distribution, import and export of organic foods, drinks, and other natural commodities, and has a wide market in China.”

Due diligence is still being conducted. No other details were available.

For the first nine months, AgriNurture’s attributable net income was at P58.157 million, up 172% from a year ago. Revenues surged 120% to P3.422 billion, compared to the same period last year, with Philippine operations accounting for 49%, while foreign operations accounted for 51%.

Shares in AgriNurture went up 4 centavos or 0.30% to close at P13.50 each at the stock exchange on Friday.

DoE allows Semirara mine to resume operations

THE Department of Energy (DoE) has lifted the suspension order imposed on Semirara Mining and Power Corp’s (SMPC) coal mining operations in Semirara Island in Antique province.

“We wish to inform the Exchange that today the Company received official notice from the DOE lifting the suspension order and approving the resumption of mining operations except in the area adjacent of the former Casay Lake until such time that all liquefiable materials in the area have been removed,” the Consunji-led firm said in a disclosure on Friday.

The DOE ordered the suspension of SMPC’s mining operations under Coal Operating Contract No. 5 in a letter dated November 14 after a mudflow incident on October 2, 2019, which led to the death of SMPC’s mining operator.

The company noted that the suspension could result in opportunity loss in production per day of as much as 45,000 metric tons (MT), with value depending on the prevailing price of coal.

Despite this, SMPC noted that its total production is already 12% more than the volume in 2018, or is at 14.5 million MT. Coal shipments also reached 14.6 million MT, 26% higher, year-on-year.

The DoE also fined the company P1.735 million for violating section 3 of Department Circular No. DC2012-05-0006, or the Guidelines on the Accreditation of Coal Traders and Registration of Coal End-Users over alleged unabated and continuous coal trading despite the suspension of its accreditation.

Shares in SMPC climbed 5 centavos or 0.23% to close at P22 apiece at the stock exchange on Friday. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang

Boracay Airport continues operations after typhoon

THE Boracay (Godofredo P. Ramos) Airport in Caticlan continues to operate amid widespread damage in the Visayas region caused by typhoon Ursula, according to San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) infrastructure unit.

In a statement, SMC Infrastructure said the Boracay airport has accommodated additional flights, as the Kalibo airport remains shut after sustaining damage from the typhoon.

“We would like to ask for your understanding and patience for any delays and inconvenience you are experiencing at the Boracay (Godofredo P. Ramos) Airport, at this time,” the company said.

“Because of the continued closure of Kalibo Airport due to damage sustained from typhoon Ursula, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has diverted all Kalibo flights to Boracay Airport.”

From its usual 26 flights daily, the Boracay airport operated 40 outbound flights as of Dec. 26. This included the take-off of eight Airbus planes after sunset, SMC Infrastructure said.

“Also, because of widespread damage affecting Caticlan and many other areas, communication lines are still down and only Smart lines are intermittently available. Bank ATMs also continue to be offline at the moment. There is no electricity, however, the airport is currently running on generators,” the company said.

SMC Infrastructure operates the Boracay Airport in Caticlan.

Inflation seen quickening in December

THE overall rise in commodity prices likely accelerated in December on the back of an uptick in electricity rates and oil prices as well as price pressures on certain food items due to weather-related incidents, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

“The BSP Department of Economic Research projects December 2019 inflation to settle within the 1.8 — 2.6 percent range,” it said in a statement on Friday.

The range is higher than the 1.3% print logged in November. However, this is lower compared to the 5.1% headline inflation recorded in December 2018.

“Higher electricity rates and oil prices together with the impact of weather-related disturbances on selected food items are the primary sources of upward price pressures for the month,” the BSP said.

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said in early December that consumers will see an increase in their bills this month as prices rose in the spot market.

The generation charge for December stood at P5.1967 per kilowatt-hour (/kWh), up by P0.1650 per kWh from the November rate. With this, power users in Metro Manila and surrounding areas may see their December bills increase by P0.3044/kWh, Meralco said.

Meralco said households with electricity consumption of 200 kWh can expect December rates to rise to P9.8623/kWh from P9.5579/kWh in November. This translates to roughly a P61 increase in their monthly bill.

“Meanwhile, inflation could be tempered by the continued easing of domestic rice prices,” the BSP said.

Economists have attributed the decline in local rice prices to the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) or Republic Act 11203 which banned quotas on rice imports.

“RA 11203 is possibly the single most effective inflation fighting development in 2019 and will likely help keep inflation in-check going into 2020,” ING Bank NV-Manila Senior Economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa said in a note sent to reporters on Dec. 24.

Inflation in November averaged 2.5% in the first 11 months of the year, which is still well within the central bank’s 2-4% target range in 2019.

“Looking ahead, the BSP will remain watchful of evolving price trends and ensure that the monetary policy stance remains appropriate to maintain price stability that is conducive to a balanced and sustainable economic growth,” the BSP said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release the official data on December inflation on Jan. 7. — Luz Wendy T. Noble

DTI no longer pursuing safeguard duties on ceramic tile imports

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will no longer apply safeguard measures on ceramic floor and wall tile imports, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez told reporters last Friday.

The DTI will not be challenging the Tariff Commission’s recommendation against the measures. The commission in a Dec. 18 report said that it found no evidence of increases in ceramic tile imports that can cause serious injury to domestic production.

In May, the DTI had imposed a 200-day provisional safeguard duty of P3 per kilogram on ceramic tile imports in an effort to protect the domestic industry.

The Philippine ceramic tile industry consists of two companies: Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. and Formosa Ceramic Tiles Manufacturing Corp. Another firm, Eurotiles Industrial Corp., became a pure importer in 2017. First Lepanto Ceramics, Inc. ceased operations in 2013.

Following the commission’s decision, Mr. Lopez said that DTI will instead focus its efforts on standard compliance for ceramic tiles, glass, plywood, hollow blocks, and roofing materials.

Products under mandatory compliance are assessed by recognized testing centers for certification to protect consumers from substandard products.

“Babalikan namin ‘yung kaso nung sa glass (We will return to the case on glass),” Mr. Lopez said.

DTI in March issued a Department Administrative Order to place flat glass products under mandatory certification. The order had been suspended after importers were able to acquire court injunctions against it.

Mr. Lopez added that the department has also acquired additional funding in its budget to upgrade product quality testing facilities. — Jenina P. Ibañez

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