CALAX ready for Nov. 1 long weekend

October 22, 2019 | 9:00 pm

DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar (left) inspects the first segment of the Cavite–Laguna Expressway (CALAX) with MPCALA Holdings, Inc. Vice President for Tollways Design and Engineering Arturo H. Monge and DPWH-Private Public Partnership Director Alex G. Bote. Mr. Villar, in a statement from MPCALA, said the entry and exit points at Mamplasan in Biñan, Laguna and the Sta. Rosa–Tagaytay Road will be open by Oct. 30, in time for the Nov. 1 long weekend in observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

DENR says low oxygen level caused fish death in Las Piñas-Parañaque

October 22, 2019 | 9:00 pm

THE RECENT fish death in the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park was due to low concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the water, which may have been caused by heavy rains, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said. On Oct. 11, more than 5,000 kilos of dead fish were gathered in the area. In a statement, DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said laboratory results from tests undertaken by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) show three of the four stations in the area did not conform to the water quality guideline (WQG) set for commercial fish propagation. Recent heavy rains may have led to low levels of dissolved oxygen “that caused the flushing of decomposed organic matter from the surface run-offs and inland water tributaries eventually polluting the open seas,” EMB National Capital Region Director Domingo M. Clemente said. The four stations also exceeded the WQG for fecal coliform, while traces of cyanide were also found in the stations. In a follow-up test on Oct. 14, water pollution measures showed improvements. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang

Peso weakens on profit taking

October 22, 2019 | 9:00 pm

THE PESO slipped versus the dollar on Tuesday as the market pocketed gains from its recent rally.

The local unit closed at P51.18 against the greenback on Tuesday, weaker by seven centavos from the P51.105-per-dollar close on Friday.

The peso opened the session at P51.07 versus the dollar. Its weakest point for the day was at P51.245, while its intraday high was at P51.05 against the greenback.

Dollars traded on Tuesday grew to $1.396 billion from $1.103 billion on Monday.

A trader said that the peso’s weakness for the day was due to some flows.

“Nag-bounce lang (The exchange rate just bounced). I guess there were some flows. Generally, the trade is still for improvement,” the trader said by phone.

He said that lower imports mean lower demand for the dollar.

“These factors continue to drive peso recovery as opposed to weakened peso expectations due to delayed spending from the government. Recent signs are pointing to government catching up on spending,” the trader added.

Another trader blamed the peso’s decline on profit taking after the unit’s climb last week.

“The market seems to be having a short position given the downward trading of peso,” the second trader added.

For today, the first trader expects the peso to range from P51.00-51.50 against the dollar while the second trader sees it moving around the P51.15-51.35 band.

Meanwhile, trade-exposed Asian currencies got some support on Tuesday from upbeat comments on the progress of US-China trade negotiations, but other units were capped by cautious investor sentiment.

Both the United States and China said talks on resolving their bitter trade war were progressing with White House adviser Larry Kudlow adding that tariffs scheduled for December could be withdrawn. — LWTN with Reuters

Trade optimism fuels bourse’s climb past 7,900

October 22, 2019 | 9:00 pm

LOCAL SHARES increased on Tuesday as trading volumes improved and investors reacted on renewed hopefulness over the trade talks between United States and China.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) jumped 64.11 points or 0.81% to close at 7,955.24, while the broader all shares index advanced 30.36 points or 0.63% to end at 4,784.11.

“Global equities markets inched higher as investors remain optimistic on a fair deal between China and the US. Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Le Yucheng said earlier today that any problem could be resolved if both sides respected each other… Here at the PSE, the main index ended higher on average trading volumes,” AAA Southeast Equities, Inc. Research Head Christopher John Mangun said in an e-mail.

Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan noted in a mobile phone message that “[s]hares traded higher today on stronger activity, boosted by optimism around US-China trade talks as well as the corporate earnings season.”

US President Donald Trump said talks on a prospective Sino-US trade deal were “coming along very well,” Reuters reported.

The development lifted major Wall Street indices, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite gaining 0.21%, 0.69% abd 0.91%, respectively.

Much of Asia followed suit: Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX by 0.25% and 0.41%, respectively, the Shanghai SE Composite by 0.5%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng by 0.23%, South Korea’s KOSPI by 1.16% and Singapore’s Straits Times index climbed 0.77%.

“Regional stocks also closed higher on gains by rotation into value stocks, despite fresh uncertainty as UK leader Boris Johnson was denied a parliamentary vote on his Brexit deal,” Mr. Limlingan added.

Only one sectoral index at home dropped: industrial, by 21.18 points or 0.19% to 10,668.93.

The rest picked up: mining and oil by 145.18 points or 1.63% to 9,016.60, holding firms by 100.62 points or 1.31% to 7,772.23, property by 21.01 points or 0.5% to 4,165.60, financials by 16.7 points or 0.89% to 1,873.51 and services by 0.3 points or 0.02% to 1,537.23.

Value turnover improved to 368.70 million shares worth P6.04 billion compared to Monday’s 403.79 million shares worth P3.35 billion.

“Trading volumes picked up today because of several cross trades done by a handful of brokerages. Selling pressure has been very light since last week which has allowed bargain hunters to have a bigger effect on price movements,” Mr. Mangun said. “If the index can sustain this momentum, we may see (the PSEi) break above 8,000 before the end of the week. However, profit-taking and an increase of selling pressure will take all gains back and test stronger support levels.”

Stocks that lost beat those that gained 94 to 85, while 61 others ended flat. Foreign investors turned bullish with net buying at P156.50 million from Monday’s net selling of P2.97 million. — Denise A. Valdez

Manila Hall of Justice eyed for completion by June 2022

October 22, 2019 | 9:00 pm

THE SUPREME Court (SC) targets the completion of the P2.8-billion Manila Hall of Justice by June 2022. The project, with an area of over 10,818 square meters, consists of three interconnected buildings, including the Old GSIS building, a new one, and another for parking. It will house 120 courtrooms, three special court rooms, the Philippine Mediation Center, and archives, among other facilities. Currently, Manila courts are spread out in three locations. Associate Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, chair of the Halls of Justice Coordinating Committee for the City of Manila, said the funds for the project will be “coming from the judiciary’s own savings.” Court Administrator Jose Midas P. Marquez said the budget reached P2.8 billion because the buildings are “environment friendly and green-certified.” — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Iloilo and Davao ramp up MICE marketing

October 22, 2019 | 8:58 pm

By Emme Rose S. Santiagudo and Maya M. Padillo, Correspondents

A ROADMAP for the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector was launched in January 2018, providing a program for its development as a major contributor to the tourism industry.

Under the plan, MICE — listed in the National Tourism Development Plan as one of the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) priority products — is eyed to generate P24.4 billion by 2030, almost five times the P4.6 billion recorded in 2016.

Two cities, Iloilo in the Visayas and Davao in Mindanao, are aiming to be major players in the sector with their respective public-private alliances ramping up initiatives to become known as MICE hubs.

The two are vying to host next year’s Philippine MICE Conference (MICECON), which was held last year in Bacolod City and is on this week at the capital.

MICECON, organized by the DoT’s Tourism Promotions Board, is the biggest gathering of stakeholders with discussions on industry trends as well as marketing and sales opportunities. The 2020 host is expected to be announced Oct. 23.

ILOILO
Earlier this month, Iloilo formally launched its “Meet you in Iloilo” campaign, a P50-million program specifically targeted to promote the city as a MICE destination.

“Iloilo is primed to be the next convention center or MICE destination in the (Western Visayas) region. Iloilo has proven itself an ideal site or city for MICE growth, given the city’s seamless infrastructure, ranging from its gateways both airports and seaports to wide highways and modern business parks,” DoT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said during the launching ceremony.

“Iloilo has already successfully hosted both Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) events within the last four years as well as other local and regional medium to large-scale conventions,” she noted.

City Tourism Officer Junel Ann T. Divinagracia said MICE participants accounted for more than 50% of the 1.24 million total visitor arrivals in 2018.

Senator Franklin M. Drilon, one of the main movers in the development of the Iloilo Convention Center, said his hometown is ready to become a tourism and convention center outside the capital.

“We have been doing preparations for years and now this is a celebration of the efforts of both the public and the private sectors to really put Iloilo where it deserves to be. You spread out tourism not only in Manila but also outside, the provinces because we need to generate employment,” Mr. Drilon said at the launch.

The Meet you in Iloilo campaign will be under the care of the Iloilo MICE Alliance Core Group, composed of representatives from various tourism sectors.

“One thing we can assure you, when you put your meetings and incentives here in Iloilo City, we will come in and prepare and collaborate with you to provide you with seamless service,” said Cleofe C. Albiso, general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo and chairman of the MICE group.

Ms. Romulo-Puyat vowed support to the program, saying: “The DoT will see this campaign and program through supporting the leadership of the Iloilo MICE Alliance.”

DAVAO
In Davao, a MICE program with the slogan “Let’s Meet in Davao” was introduced by the DoT back in 2011, and the current Davao MICE Board is working to revive and strengthen this campaign.

Win or lose in the 2020 MICECON bid, City Tourism Operations Officer Generose D. Tecson said they are working closely with the MICE Board to grow the sector.

She said the city government is putting in P30 million into the program, which does not include the funding from the private sector and the DoT.

“We are going to strengthen our incentives that we are offering to those organizers who will hold their conventions here in Davao… there should (also) be an incentive for various sectors of the tourism industry, especially the accommodation sector,” Ms. Tecson said in an interview.

Ken V. Kapulong, general manager of Seda Abreeza and co-chair of the Davao MICE executive committee, said while they are facing very tight competition from Iloilo City and Clark, he believes Davao is has the overall capacity and capability to host big events.

“I think our best gauge is the preparedness and the capacity of the city,” he said, noting that MICE destinations is not just about convention facilities and accommodations, but also the auxiliary services as well as leisure activities and tourism sites that are on offer.

“We are optimistic because we’ve gone to other conventions in other parts of the country and we can say that we are very much at par if not some of our activities are better than how they are presented in other places,” Ms. Tecson said.

‘Let’s Meet in Davao’

October 22, 2019 | 8:56 pm

In Davao, a MICE program with the slogan “Let’s Meet in Davao” was introduced by the DoT back in 2011, and the current Davao MICE Board is working to revive and strengthen this campaign. Win or lose in the 2020 MICECON bid, City Tourism Operations Officer Generose D. Tecson said they are working closely with the MICE Board to grow the sector. She said the city government is putting in P30 million into the program, which does not include the funding from the private sector and the DoT. “We are going to strengthen our incentives that we are offering to those organizers who will hold their conventions here in Davao… there should (also) be an incentive for various sectors of the tourism industry, especially the accommodation sector,” Ms. Tecson said in an interview. Ken V. Kapulong, general manager of Seda Abreeza and co-chair of the Davao MICE executive committee, said while they are facing very tight competition from Iloilo City and Clark, he believes Davao is has the overall capacity and capability to host big events. — Maya M. Padillo

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‘Meet you in Iloilo’

October 22, 2019 | 8:56 pm

Earlier this month, Iloilo formally launched its “Meet you in Iloilo” campaign, a P50-million program specifically targeted to promote the city as a MICE destination. “Iloilo is primed to be the next convention center or MICE destination in the (Western Visayas) region. Iloilo has proven itself an ideal site or city for MICE growth, given the city’s seamless infrastructure, ranging from its gateways both airports and seaports to wide highways and modern business parks,” DoT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said during the launching ceremony. The Meet you in Iloilo campaign will be under the care of the Iloilo MICE Alliance Core Group, composed of representatives from various tourism sectors. “One thing we can assure you, when you put your meetings and incentives here in Iloilo City, we will come in and prepare and collaborate with you to provide you with seamless service,” said Cleofe C. Albiso, general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo and chairman of the MICE group. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

Nationwide round-up

October 22, 2019 | 8:55 pm

Ombudsman orders suspension of ex-CHED director

THE OFFICE of the Ombudsman has directed the Commission on Education (CHEd) to suspend former executive director Julito D. Vitriolo after finding him guilty of simple misconduct. In its Oct. 11 decision, released yesterday, the Ombudsman ordered a three month suspension without pay against Mr. Vitriolo for the issuance of a memorandum without CHEd’s approval. “Respondent Julito D. Vitriolo is hereby found guilty of Simple Misconduct and is meted the penalty of suspension from the service for three months without pay,” the decision read in part. The case stemmed from a 2017 complaint filed by former CHEd chair Patricia B. Licuanan after Mr. Vitriolo issued a memorandum recommending the issuance of a provincial permit for St. Anthony College of Science and Technology to offer the first and second year levels of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The memo contradicts the CHEd en banc’s disapproval of the school’s application. The Ombudsman order noted that should Mr. Vitriolo be separated from service, he will be slapped with a fine equivalent to his latest salary for three months. This may also be deducted from his retirement benefits or accrued leave credits. CHEd Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera, in a statement on Tuesday, said Mr. Vitriolo had earlier been dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged irregularities at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

SC affirms decision reinstating case vs Sulpicio Lines official

THE SUPREME Court has declared final its December 2018 decision reinstating the reckless imprudence charge against an official of Sulpicio Lines, Inc. (SLI) in connection with the 2008 capsizing of M/V Princess of the Stars where more than 227 passengers died. The entry of judgement dated June 17, a copy of which was released Tuesday, said the Dec. 10, 2018 decision of the court’s third division has become “final and executory.” The decision reverses the resolution of the Court of Appeals, which ruled in favor of Edgar S. Go, then first vice-president for administration and team leader of the Crisis Management Committee of SLI. It ordered the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 5 to reinstate the case against Mr. Go. M/V Princess of the Stars capsized in June 2008 in the waters off Sibuyan Islands during a typhoon. The Department of Justice in 2009 indicted Mr. Go, saying he is “unarguably involved in deciding if the ship should be allowed to sail and he allowed the captain and the safety officer to decide among themselves whether should they depart.” — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Nation at a Glance — (10/23/19)

October 22, 2019 | 8:51 pm

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

UP Fighting Maroons seek to tighten hold of second spot

October 22, 2019 | 6:35 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

CURRENTLY second-running University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons seek to fortify their hold of the spot in Season 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines when they play in league action today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

To take on already-eliminated National University Bulldogs in the 10:30 a.m. opening game, the Maroons (7-4) will try to book the key win that would strengthen their bid to claim the second seed heading into the semifinals and earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

UP gave its push a boost when it came from behind to defeat the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 81-77, on Oct. 20.

Trailing for much of the contest, the Maroons used a key run in the fourth period to swing the tide in their favor to notch the victory, which also allowed them to stave off dropping back-to-back games.

Graduating guard Jun Manzo led UP’s spirited fightback from a 12-point deficit, 72-60, with 7:10 remaining in the payoff period.

Manzo spurred the Maroons’ 16-2 salvo after to grab a 76-74 lead with 2:19 left.

The Falcons tried to hold off the charge back of the Maroons but the latter were just not to be denied of the comeback win, making the needed plays on both ends of the court to eventually get the better of Adamson.

Kobe Paras top-scored for UP in the win with 21 points, which he peppered with five boards, and two assists.

Manzo had 17 points while Juan Gomez de Liano buried three triples on his way to 15 points, four rebounds, two assists.

Reigning most valuable player Bright Akhuetie, meanwhile, registered a double-double of 12 points, 11 boards, and six assists.

While happy with the win, the Maroons still recognize that their spot in the next round of the competition is anything but secured and that they have to build on their win over Adamson in their remaining games in the elimination round, including today’s game, if they are advance to the semifinals.

“This is a big win for us but it will all be for nothing if we do not win our remaining games,” said UP coach Bo Perasol following their gutsy win over the Falcons.

Out to frustrate UP is NU (2-9), which has had it rough in Season 82 but is still determined to finish its campaign on a high note and take it from there for next season.

The Bulldogs have lost two consecutive games, the last one against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 88-76, on Oct. 19.

Leading the way for NU is Dave Ildefonso with norms of 17.6 points and 6.3 rebounds, followed by his brother Shaun with 10.1 points and 5.6 boards.

Also playing today are the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (6-6) against Adamson (4-7) at 12:30 p.m. and UST (7-5) versus the De La Salle Green Archers (5-6) at 4 p.m.

San Miguel Beermen take on Northport Batang Pier

October 22, 2019 | 6:35 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE SAN MIGUEL Beermen and Northport Batang Pier, team which recently swapped big men via trade, meet up today in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup scheduled at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Set for 7 p.m., the Beermen (5-1) and the Batang Pier (2-4), who traded former number one picks Christian Standhardinger and Mo Tautuaa for one another in a high-profile deal last week, joust as they look to get the victory to further propel their cause in the season-ending PBA tournament.

Both teams are coming off victories entering the contest.

Mr. Tautuaa made his San Miguel debut in the team’s last game, a 113-107 win over the Columbian Dyip on Oct. 20.

The 2015 top rookie pick scored 10 points, all coming in the opening quarter, giving the Beermen a boost amid a tough challenge from the Dyip. He also had five rebounds in 19 minutes on the floor.

After the game, San Miguel coach Leo Austria said he liked what he saw from their new acquisition, saying as Mr. Tautuaa gets accustomed to their system he will be a steady contributing presence in their Grand Slam quest.

Turning his attention to his first game against his former team, Mr. Tautuaa said he is excited and looking forward to it.

“I’m just going to play hard. It’s gonna be a fun game. I get to see my former teammates who are still my friends even if I’m no longer with them,” said Mr. Tautuaa.

“It’s going to be a good game because Northport is capable of winning so we cannot count them out. We must play hard against them,” he added.

For Northport, Mr. Standhardinger, the first pick in the 2017 draft, looks to be of help right away to his struggling new team albeit his debut is still not a hundred percent certain as he deals with knee issues.

He made known that he was surprised to have been traded by the Beermen but has accepted it and moving on even as he said that he will do everything he can to help the Batang Pier.

In the ongoing tournament, the Fil-German has been averaging 3.5 points and four rebounds in 13 limited minutes with San Miguel.

Northport stopped a four-game losing streak in its previous game, defeating the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters, 80-70, on Oct. 12.

Mr. Tautuaa led the Batang Pier in the win with 16 points and nine boards with import Mychal Ammons adding 12 markers and six rebounds.

Incidentally, Mr. Ammons joined Mr. Tautuaa out of Northport as the team had decided to replace him with Michael Qualls.

Mr. Qualls, who played in the G-League and in Israel, debuts against the Beermen.

Meanwhile, playing in the 4:30 p.m. opener are the Blackwater Elite (2-4) and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (1-5).

The Elite lost in their previous game while the Elasto Painters are in a four-game slump, prompting them to tap another replacement import in Kwame Alexander.