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2 VCMs burned in Isabela hotspot; PNP probes why BEIs unescorted

TWO VOTE counting machines (VCM) were burned on Tuesday morning by still unidentified armed men in Jones, Isabela, an area identified as an election hotspot and categorized under “grave concern.” According to the police report, members of the board of election inspectors (BEIs), with no police or military escort, were on their way to the Jones Municipal Hall to deliver election paraphernalia when a group of armed men blocked their way at 6:20 am. Upon reaching Barangay Sta. Isabel, the group of armed men ordered them to unload the VCMs and immediately burned the equipment. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar D. Albayalde, in a live-streamed press briefing in on Tuesday, said they are looking into why the teachers, serving as BEIs, transported the election materials without security from law enforcement units. He said, “Remember, that area is a critical area, it is highly-influenced by the CPP-NPAs (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army).” — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

UHRI files building permit application for P18-B resort-casino project

GOKONGWEI-LED Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc. (UHRI) has filed its application for a building permit to start the construction of the P18-billion integrated resorts and casino development project on Kawit Island at the South Road Properties. Office of the Building Official (OBO) chief Josefa T. Ylanan said they are now reviewing the application and aim to release their assessment within the required 15-day period, which will fall within the month. “It’s still on process. I will have to endorse the copy of the plans to DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) for their comments since it’s on the national highway,” Ms. Ylanan told The Freeman. The first phase of the project includes the construction of a shopping center, integrated resort facility, convention center, performing arts theater, a theme park, one hotel, parking lot, and casino. The second phase will cover two more hotel buildings on the third and fourth year after the signing of the joint venture agreement with the Cebu City government. Ms. Ylanan said the OBO will check the structural design analysis if it is consistent with the design details on plan, electrical assumptions, yard regulations, among others. The UHRI will have to make the necessary corrections if the OBO engineers find any discrepancy. — The Freeman

Labella is new Cebu City mayor

VICE-MAYOR Edgardo C. Labella (left) defeats Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña in the mayoralty race in Cebu City. The campaign was marred by allegations of vote-buying and harassment, but Mr. Osmeña conceded even before the official proclamation.

VM Lim defeats reelectionist Fernandez

DAGUPAN CITY Vice-Mayor Marc Brian C. Lim defeated reelectionist Mayor Belen T. Fernandez by a narrow margin of 1,239 votes, based on unofficial results from 100% of election returns. Mr. Lim is the son of the late mayor Benjamin S. Lim, who was also a political opponent of Ms. Fernandez. Mr. Lim’s vice-mayoralty candidate, however, lost to Dean Bryan Kua, the incumbent mayor’s running mate. In his social media campaign page, Mr. Lim is quoted as saying, “Maraming Salamat Dagupan sa inyong tiwala at suporta. Ito ay tagumpay nating lahat (Thank you very much, Dagupan for your trust and support. This is a victory for all of us).”

Rep. Treñas wins as Iloilo City mayor

REPRESENTATIVE JERRY P. Treñas of the lone district of Iloilo City will be serving next as mayor after he defeated his brother-in-law, incumbent Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III in Monday’s elections. Mr. Treñas’ slate under the National Unity Party (NUP) also dominated other local positions. NUP’s Vice-Mayor Jeffrey P. Ganzon was reelected while former city councilor, Julienne L. Baronda was proclaimed as the city’s first woman congressional representative. “I cannot contain the happiness I feel right now knowing that the people of Iloilo City did not leave me alone in this journey. And now, I can finally say, as the mayor of Iloilo City, I am now ready to bring Iloilo City to the next level,” Mr. Treñas said after his proclamation at around 2:45 a.m. Tuesday. Mr. Espinosa, at the city hall’s flag ceremony on Tuesday, thanked his supporters saying, “The elections are over so it is now time for reconciliation and unity. Thank you for the support. We will respect the results.” The outgoing mayor, in an interview with reporters, hinted on running for another position in the 2022 elections. “I shall return,” he said. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

Alvarez-led candidates beat Floirendo-Del Rosario bets in Davao del Norte

By Carmelito Q. Francisco, Correspondent

DAVAO CITY — The hotly-contested province of Davao del Norte has been dominated by candidates under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) headed by reelectionist 1st District Rep. Pantaleon D. Alvarez, defeating the Floirendo-Del Rosario clan under the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP).

Commission on Elections (Comelec) results show Mr. Alvarez won another term, beating outgoing Gov. Antonio Rafael G. del Rosario, while his chief of staff, Edwin I. Jubahib, defeated Mr. del Rosario’s brother Rodolfo Jr.

The cousin of the Del Rosarios, 2nd District Rep. Antonio R. Floirendo, lost his reelection bid to outgoing Vice Gov. Alan R. Dujali.

The Del Rosario brothers conceded before the official proclamation on Tuesday, with both promising continued support the province where their father also served as governor.

“To the whole of Davao del Norte, I am just here. My family is just here that is ready to help you. Remember that all that I did as congressman and as governor, I did it for the people of Davao del Norte,” said the outgoing governor.

Mr. Floirendo, who earlier expressed intent to seek the speakership if he got reelected, also sent a “thank you” to his supporters.

OTHER DAVAO PROVINCES
In Davao del Sur, the Cagas family again dominated the elections with the patriarch, Douglas, getting reelected as governor, his wife Mercedes reelected to the congressional seat and son Marc Douglas IV becoming vice governor.

The mayoralty race in Mati City, Davao Oriental’s capital, is between cousins of the Rabat family — former mayor Michelle Denise N. Rabat, who was leading by 2,181 votes over her cousin, incumbent Mayor Carlo P. Rabat.

The count was based on 87.6% of the results transmitted, and the Board of Canvassers were scheduled to reconvene at 3 p.m. Tuesday.

In the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Occidental, and in Davao City, most of the candidates for the top positions won their reelection bids.

In Compostela Valley, Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, Vice Gov. Maria Carmen S. Zamora, and 2nd District Rep. Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga were running unopposed.

In Davao Occidental, Claude P. Bautista, his brother Franklin, and their sister Lorna P. Bandigan were all set to take the posts of governor, vice governor and lone representative to the House of Representatives, respectively.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has been reelected while her brother Sebastian, who was unopposed, will be vice-mayor.

On the reported delay in the transmission of results, Provincial Election Officer Jennifer P. Ancla explained that it was temporary as about 92% of the returns were transmitted as of 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Ms. Ancla said the remaining problem was involved some corrupted secure digital cards that needed to “undergo Comelec protocols.”

MILF prepares UBJP party for 2022 polls as BARMM transitions in post-midterm elections

SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO — Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim, also chair of the former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), cast his vote Monday, his first time to participate in national elections.

“We have always believed that the solution to the problem is a political one, not a military one. We were just forced to use weapons for survival and defense in the past,” he said in an earlier interview with BusinessWorld, remembering that the struggle started when “genocidal campaigns against the Moro people were committed” and worsened when Former President Ferdinand R. Marcos declared Martial Law.

Since the 71-year old joined what he calls the “Bangsamoro struggle” in 1969, his first participation in elections was in January this year for the ratification of Republic Act 11054, the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

As the BARMM, a fruit of the peace deal between the government and the MILF, transitions within the next three years with the elected officials in Monday’s midterm polls, Mr. Murad said they will also be preparing the MILF’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) for the 2022 elections.

“UBJP will be our political wing. Everyone who will be elected to be part of that party will work towards achieving our goals,” he said.

“The problem with most of our candidates (now) is that they cannot fulfill their campaign promises because these are individual commitments, but if the program is a program of a political party, and everyone is working towards achieving the goal, that will be more viable,” he said.

When asked to comment on the recurring violent incidents and reports of vote-buying in the region, the chief minister said the BARMM government aims to address those concerns.

“This is included in our moral governance. Until we erase the evils in our system, we will have a hard time attaining progress.” — Tajallih S. Basman

Nation at a Glance — (05/15/19)

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

Nation at a Glance — (05/15/19)

Philippine Cup champs to be crowned today

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

COMPETITION in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup concludes today with the crowning of the champion between the San Miguel Beermen and Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok who are to engage in a do-or-die match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Following six spiritedly fought matches, the finals of the season-opening Philippine Basketball Association tournament comes to a decider where the protagonists are expecting a grind of a contest.

The Beermen forced the rubber match after taking Game Six on Sunday, 98-86, behind a solid and steady effort right from the get-go.

They were challenged by the Hotshots along the way but the defending champions continued to find ways to fight off their opponents and stave off being dethroned.

June Mar Fajardo continued to be a thorn on the side of Magnolia, leading San Miguel to the win with 23 points and 18 rebounds.

Erstwhile struggling and making his back from injury Marcio Lassiter had his best game so far in the series, finishing with 20 points, going seven-of-14 from the field.

Guard Chris Ross also had it strong with 17 points and six assists.

“We are very thankful to be able to level the series. I think key for us in this game was our defense. Hopefully we can continue it in the rubber match,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria following Game Six.

The Beermen coach went on to say that while they are confident of their chances in Game Seven they are still have to work hard if they are to dispatch the Hotshots and win.

“It would take a lot preparation and hard work for us heading into Game Seven because we all know Magnolia is used to grind-out games. They continue to hustle and play tough no matter what,” he said.

For the Hotshots, all is not lost despite not being able to close out things in the previous game.Coach Chito Victolero took solace in his team not giving up in Game Six notwithstanding the control the Beermen had for much of the contest.

“Despite the loss I still give credit to my players for they never gave up. We had our chances but I guess the game was for San Miguel because they hit big shots that helped their cause. But we will review the tape and see what we can improve on,” Mr. Victolero said.

In Game Six, guard Jio Jalalon top-scored for the Hotshots with 17 points with Ian Sangalang adding 14.

The Beermen are going for their fifth straight Philippine Cup title and 26th league championship while the Hotshots are gunning for their first All-Filipino since the 2013-14 season and 15th PBA title overall.

UST goes for closeout as Ateneo tries to stay alive

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

Celebration or extension?

That is the scenario on hand today as Game Two of the best-of-three finals in women’s volleyball of University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 81 is to be played at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Carrying a 1-0 lead in the series, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses go for the closeout and notch their first UAAP title in nine years while the top seeds Ateneo Lady Eagles look to stay alive and force a decider at the weekend.

UST got hold of control of the series after an impressive performance in the series-opener on May 11, where it made its way to a straight-sets victory, 25-17, 25-16 and 25-20.

Graduating captain Sisi Rondina was stellar anew for the Tigresses, leading the charge with 23 points, 20 of which came off attacks.

The win was a continuation of the fine form of UST of late, having won seven straight since the windup of the elimination round, and the good tidings it has been receiving that has seen it claim the second seed and the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four and dethrone the De La Salle Lady Spikers in the semifinals at the first instance.

Giving Rondina ample support in Game One were super rookie Eya Laure, who finished with 11 points, and Caitlin Viray, Ysa Jimenez and Alina Bicar, who combined for 19 points.

Happy of taking control of the series and moving a win away from the much-sought-after title, the Tigresses have expressed determination to go all the way for it today but not without expecting a tough challenge from the Lady Eagles who they see as coming back with adjustments to their game.

“This is a good win for our morale. We have to continue playing at the present, work on our goal step by step. We had our game plan and studied Ateneo’s game to counter them. And the players stepped up,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes after Game One.

“We are now in this position and we will try our best to claim the title in the next game,” he added.

For Ateneo, it hopes to bounce back after not being able to take flight at all last time around.

Only Kat Tolentino managed to score in double-digits for the Lady Eagles in Game One with 12 points.

Maddie Madayag and Jules Samonte had six points each while Bea De Leon and Ponggay Gaston were only good for four and a point, respectively.

Such low output did not help the cause of Ateneo, which played catch-up for much of the contest.

Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro said they are going back to the drawing board after the loss and hoping to come up with a better showing in Game Two.

Game Two of the UAAP finals is set for 4 p.m. but prior to it the annual individual awards ceremony will be held.

Leading the awardees is Rondina, named Season 81 most valuable player as well as best scorer and second best open spiker.

Her teammate Laure is rookie of the year and first best open spiker.

Ateneo’s Tolentino is best opposite spiker while National University’s Roselyn Doria is first best blocker and Ateneo’s Madayag second best blocker.

Kath Arado of University of the East is best libero while teammate Lai Bendong is best setter.

NU rookie Princess Robles is best server.

Ceres out to keep unblemished record intact

THE lone undefeated team in its grouping in the 2019 AFC Cup, Ceres-Negros FC is out to stay unbeaten when it takes on Becamex Binh Duong of Vietnam in their final game in group play today at the Panaad Park and Football Stadium in Bacolod City.

Already assured of a spot in the next round of the ongoing tournament, Ceres (5-0-0), on top of Group G with 15 points, looks to stay in top form while dealing a huge blow to the bid of Becamex (3-1-1 and 10 points) advancing with a victory in their scheduled 8 p.m. match.

The “Busmen” are coming off a 5-0 shellacking of already-eliminated Shan United FC of Myanmar in Yangon on May 1.

Bievenido Maranon (38’, 43’ and 71’) had a hat trick to tow his team to the dominant win with Carli de Murga (80’) and substitute OJ Porteria (85’) adding a goal each.

Becamex, for its part, is off a win over Persija Jakarta of Indonesia, 3-1, also on May 1.

Nguyen Anh Duc (38’), To Van Vu (45+2’) and Wander Luiz (51’) provided the goals for Becamex in the victory.

Becamex is one of three teams still in the running to advance to the ASEAN Zonal semifinals of the tournament as the best runner-up.

The two are Hanoi FC in Group F and Kaya FC-Iloilo in Group H.

Hanoi has 10 points and is to play Group F leader Tampines Rovers of Singapore today while Kaya (eight points) was to play its final group game yesterday in an away match against Home United FC of Singapore. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Cavs to name Michigan’s John Beilein head coach

LOS ANGELES — John Beilein is set to become head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He signed a five-year deal to bolt for the NBA, ESPN reported.

In 12 years at Michigan, Beilein guided the Wolverines to two Final Four appearances and four Big Ten titles.

“Thanks to everyone at the Univ of Michigan for their incredible support these last 12 years,” Beilein said via Twitter. “Our fans, alums, leaders, players and students are AMAZING. It has been a heck of a ride and I hope you enjoyed our teams and staff as much as I did! Go Blue Forever! #GoBlue.”

The 66-year-old coach informed players and staff at Michigan he was moving on in a meeting Monday morning, prompting a message of thanks from the Wolverines’ athletic department.

“Thank you, @JohnBeilein, for everything you did for Michigan: 278 Wins, 9 NCAA Tournament Appearances, 2 Final Four Appearances, 2 #B1G Regular Season Championships, 2 #B1G Tournament Titles, 18 All-Big Ten Selections, 9 @NBA Draft Picks.”

The Cavaliers are back in the NBA draft lottery on Tuesday seeking another cornerstone for the franchise after narrowly missing the worst record in the league in their first season without LeBron James since his return from Miami. The Cavaliers, Suns and Knicks all have a 14 percent chance to land the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.

Beilein is an offensive-minded coach — Michigan played primarily a zone defense — using an approach similar to that of the Golden State Warriors “face and space” with four perimeter players set up outside the 3-point line and one working in the paint.

Beilein has a 829-468 combined coaching record and was interviewed twice last offseason for head-coaching jobs, but he broke off talks with the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons to stay at Michigan.

Cavaliers assistant general manager Mike Gansey played for Beilein at West Virginia, and general manager Koby Altman was said to be seeking a coach who could create a different culture in Cleveland. — Reuters

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