The Standard - 2015 June 02 - Tuesday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXIX  NO. 104  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  TUESDAY : JUNE 2, 2015  www.manilastandardtoday.com  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

THE STANDARD POLL

BINAY KEEPS SLIM LEAD

FINGER-POINTING ON PAYOLA STARTS Next page

Fire prober in chief. President Benigno Aquino III presents a scale model of the Kentex Manufacturing Corp. factory during a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday. Aquino showed how the fatalities were trapped in the fire at the factory as a result of inadequate facilities. MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

Going Filipino for June 12

Tsonga shines in French

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Palace denies paying off draft law backers tion in exchange for ordering Wang’s release. Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison and Associate Commissioners THE administration de- Gilberto Repizo and Abnied allegations Monday dullah Mangotara denied that it used funds from an they met with any Palace alleged Chinese crime lord or Liberal Party officials to to raise campaign money raise funds for administrafor the ruling Liberal Party tion candidates in the 2016 and to guarantee the swift national elections. approval of the Bangsam“It is not true,” Mison oro Basic Law (BBL). said. In a text message, ComMangotara described munications Secretary the allegations as political Herminio Coloma Jr. propaganda aimed at beslammed The Standard smirching the reputation report, saying the allega- of the ruling Liberal Party tions were “baseless and and the Aquino adminisuntrue.” tration. “The proposed BBL is Mangotara, former the product of a painstak- Lanao de Norte repreing process of negotiations sentative, suggested that a and democratic consulta- congressional hearing be tion. The administration’s conducted to find out if campaign for its enactment there was any anomaly in is premised on achieving the bureau linking them to enduring peace and pros- allegations that Wang paid perity in Mindanao,” Co- $10 million or more than loma said. P400 million. Coloma was reacting to “This is another cama report published in The paign against the govStandard that lawmakers ernment to obstruct and allegedly received mil- impede the passing of the lions of pesos in cash from BBL,” Mangotara told The Monday to Wednesday Standard. last week shortly after Bu“Who in his right mind reau of Immigration offi- would give P400 million cials ordered the release of in exchange for his release Chinese national Wang Bo, from the Bureau of Immiwho is wanted by Interpol gration?” Mangotara, an and the Chinese govern- LP member, said. ment for allegedly embez“I have never met a cerzling $100 million. tain Dennis Manalo. I A source in Immigration don’t known him from said Wang, through a rep- Adam. I did not meet any resentative, had commit- emissary of Bo’s,” he said. ted to provide funds that Repizo said he welcomed would be given to lawmak- any congressional probe ers as bribes to ensure the linking them to the anomswift passage of the BBL. aly. The May 21 release orBoth Mangotara and der, issued by the bureau’s Repizo said they would board of commissioners, stand by their decision overruled a March 5 de- to lift the blacklist order portation order that had against Wang, based on been issued upon the re- the supporting documents quest of the Chinese Em- presented to the board of bassy in Manila. commissioners. A protest by the ChiWang was held at the nese Embassy stopped the airport when he arrived release of Wang, who now from Malaysia on Feb. 10, remains in BID custody. 2015 after immigration ofJustice Secretary Leila ficers found him to be in de Lima also dismissed the the bureau’s blacklist. report as “ridiculous and “Wang is still detained at preposterous.” the BI detention center in She said her office was Taguig. He’s not released as reviewing the bureau’s de- reported,” said BI spokescision to release Wang. person Elaine Tan “As part of our review of The board of commisthe case on appeal, we’re sioners, comprised of Misof course looking into the on, Mangotara, and Repizo correctness of the BOC’s and Eric Dimaculangan, action in reconsidering its executive director, signed initial order of summary the May 21 release order. deportation. But such a “I sustained my vote story of of ‘fund raising’ is for [Wang] Bo because definitely far out as it is ir- there are no pending casresponsible,” De Lima said es against [him],” Repizo in a text message to The said, noting that the ChiStandard. nese Embassy was late in De Lima earlier con- submitting its documents. firmed that she had to inBoth Mangotara and tervene in the case of Wang Repizo said they asked the to prevent his release pend- Chinese Embassy officials ing a review of his appeal. to have their attached docThe Bureau of Immigra- uments authenticated by tion also denied it raised the Philippine Embassy in funds for the administra- Beijing.

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan, rey e. requejo and Vito Barcelo

In support of Puno. A group of former government officials led by former Budget Secretary Salvador Enriquez,

right, and former PCINP Chief Ramon Montano on Monday threw their support behind former Chief Justice Reynato Puno’s proposal to amend the 1987 Constitution to forestall a possible crisis that could result from the approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Manny PalMero

Finger-pointing on BBL payola starts By Christine F. Herrera and Maricel V. Cruz

IMMIGRATION officials pointed fingers at each other Monday as lawmakers sought a congressional inquiry into reports that they cut a deal with a Chinese crime lord to bribe congressmen to swiftly approve the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Oriental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali, treasurer of the ruling Liberal Party and a close associate of President Benigno Aquino III, said Deputy Commissioners Gilberto Repizo and Abdullah Mangotara, who were accused of reaching an agreement with Wang, had nothing to do with the deal. “It’s Mison who made the deal with Wang,” Umali said, referring to Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison. “He turned the story around when the deal was discovered. Mison panicked.” Umali admitted that Repizo and Mangotara, who are also Liberal Party members, were close to him, and that he had recommended Repizo to his current post. Umali added that he has already submitted a report to the President to expose Mison’s alleged illegal activities and the truth behind the agreement with Wang. Addressing The Standard’s report Monday, Umali said: “I will no longer ask who your source was. It’s Mison. Everything that he pinned on his deputies was what he actually did. That’s all his doing. He pinned it on [his two deputy commissioner] because he was exposed.” Told that Justice Secretary had affirmed that it was Mison who pushed for the reinstatement of Wang’s deportation, Umali retorted: “Who is Secretary De Lima? Bata niya si Mison [Mison is her guy].” But Mison told The Standard he was willing to face any inquiry to prove he had nothing to do with the deal. “I will reveal the truth that

it was Chinese Embassy officials who officially relayed to me that Deputy Commissioner Repizo and other Immigration officials met with a representative of Wang and after that meeting, they pushed for the issuance of a release order,” Mison said. Mison added that official records would show that it was Repizo who pushed for Wang’s release. Repizo, Umali’s personal lawyer and province mate, was a former councilor in Calapan under the LP. He ran but lost in the vice mayoralty race in 2010. Mangotara was a two-term congressman of Lanao del Norte. Umali vouched for the two deputy commissioners, who he said, were following President Aquino’s orders to tread the “straight path.” “That’s why when Mison learned that his deputies were made aware of his illegal activities in Immigration, he is now trying to impugn... them,” Umali said. “As LP treasurer and a close friend of the President, it is my duty to inform him of the truth. After all, Repizo and Mangotara are members of LP and I vouched for them to the President,” Umali said. Asked what the President’s response was to his 10-page report, Umali said, “The President told me not to worry because he believed me.” Opposition lawmakers, however, demanded an investigation, saying the allegations of bribery had serious implications on the ongoing House debates on the BBL. “The allegations of corruption.. are not only serious but

also have national security implications and require immediate and thorough investigation,” said 1BAP Rep. Silvestre Bello III. ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio added: “This is shocking. The House must investigate why this administration was dealing with crime lords involved in illegal gambling, laundering and other illegal activities.” Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz, a member of the independent minority bloc in the House, said he would file a resolution calling for an investigation. “If that is true then that only confrims what some sectors have feared all along, that this administration will do anything, including dealing with criminals and syndicates to push its anti-Filipino, anti-people agenda,”De la Cruz said. He said the BBL was unconstitutional and would balkanize the country and bring it closer to conflict. Administration lawmakers, however, denounced the reports of bribery as black propaganda aimed at derailing the BBL. Majority Leader and Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales II said the report was “full of holes.” “That was absolutely false,” he said. Quezon City Rep. Jorge Banal said The Standard’s report was “amazing and amusing, but very alarming.” “The black propaganda operators of P-Noy (President Aquino III)’s opponents are becoming more desperate,” he said. Reps. Gus Tambunting of Paranaque and Giorgidi Aggabao of Isabela said an investigation is necessary to substantiate such a serious allegation. “It is difficult to speculate on this or other matters that imply these actions by government without any evidence. Instead of these, I would call on everyone to focus the discussion on the provisions of the BBL proposal that need scrutiny.

These speculations should not distract us from the importance of the matters on hand,” Tambunting said. “However, considering that this is a serious allegation, this poses a challenge to the [Justice Department] and our investigating bodies. They must show the real tuwid na daan and investigate this matter with the same zeal and vigor as the investigations being done against members of the opposition,” Tambunting added Aggabao, a House deputy speaker, said he would support any investigation but described the report as “a tall tale.” “As a ranking member of the House, I can tell you that no quid pro quo ever happened between the Palace and members of Congress. It is also highly inconceivable that the ruling party would deal with a rogue Chinese. I will however support a congressional inquiry to look into the circumstances behind the release by the BID of the Chinese,” Aggabao said. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the ad hoc panel on the BBL, also denied that money changed hands to win approval of the bill. “Absolute rubbish! No money was delivered nor received by me last week or at anytime for the approval of BBL,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez on Monday delivered his sponsorship speech for the BBL, urging his colleagues to vote for the bill because it would bring lasting peace to Mindanao. Rodriguez had earlier vowed to excise eight provisions in the bill that he said were unconstitutional, but later supported the Palacedrafted BBL after meeting with the President. House leaders said passing the BBL was still an uphill battle. “Passing the BBL is no joke,” Gonzales said. “This is more challenging than passing the Reproductive Health Bill.”

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Binay keeps slim lead over Poe THE STANDARD POLL

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT of AGRARIAN REFORM ELLIPTICAL ROAD, DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY • TELS. 928-7031 TO 39

POSSIBLE PRESIDENTIAL BETS

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 04 Series of 2015 SUBJECT : AMENDMENT TO ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 7, SERIES OF 2014

In order to make the procedure of deciding cases more efficient, the following amendments to Administrative Order (A.O.) No. 7, Series of 2014 is hereby instituted, as follows: SECTION 1. The first sentence of Section 1 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2014 is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 1. Coverage. — These rules of procedure (“Rules”) shall apply to all cases involving the involuntary cancellation of registered EPs, CLOAs, and other titles issued pursuant to any agrarian reform program, except in the following instances: SECTION 2. The first enumerated item in Section 11 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2014 is hereby amended to read as follows: 1.

SECTION 3. The last paragraph of Section 14 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2014 is hereby amended to read as follows:

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

VICE President Jejomar Binay has posted a slim lead over the other possible presidential candidates in the 2016 elections, the results of the first The Standard Poll showed The poll, conducted by resident pollster Junie Laylo from May 8 to 18, showed Senator Grace Poe in second place, four percentage points behind Binay’s 28 percent. Poe led the survey across the geographic areas except in Mindanao, where Binay posted a plurality of 41 percent. Binay was the top choice of the respondents in the rural areas at 32 percent, while Poe held the lead in the urban areas at 28 percent. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte were tied in third place with 10 percent each. Senator Miriam Santiago and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II—the administration’s presumptive standard bearer—shared the fourth spot at eight percent each. Senator Francis Escudero was in fifth place at four percent; Senators Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Alan Cayetano were tied in sixth place at three percent each; and former Senator Panfilo Lacson was in seventh place at one percent. The survey also showed that Binay was the strongest candidate among the very poor: at 27 percent among the Class D and 32 percent among the Class E, while Poe was the top choice among the Class ABC at 27 percent. Those polled were also most likely to give their vote to Poe if their preferred presidential bet decided to withdraw from the race. Poe also enjoyed the highest trust rating among the possible contenders at 76 percent followed by Santiago (63 percent), Escudero

Certified true copy of the final and executory Order or Resolution of the DAR Regional Director, DAR Secretary, or the court;

(59 percent), Cayetano (51 percent), Estrada (51 percent), Binay (50 percent), Roxas (48 percent), Duterte (43 percent) and Lacson (36 percent). The Liberal Party posted a higher net trust rating of +14 (38 percent “much” trust, 24 percent “little” trust), while the opposition United Nationalist Alliance received +3 (31 percent “much” trust, 28 percent “little” trust). Among the possible candidates for vice president, Poe led the pack at 23 percent with Escudero at close second at 16 percent. The other possible vice presidential candidates included Cayetano and Duterte at 11 percent each, Estrada and Lacson at seven percent each, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV (six percent), Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos and Marcos at five percent each, and former senator Francis Pangilinan and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao at four percent each. For the possible senatorial candidates, Senator Vicente Sotto III was the top choice of those

surveyed at 55 percent, followed by Lacson at 50 percent. The other politicians who made it to the Top 12 were Senator Ralph Recto and Pangilinan at 42 percent each; former senator Juan Miguel Zubiri at 40 percent; Senate President Franklin Drilon at 39 percent; Marcos at 38 percent; Pacquiao at 34 percent; former senators Dick Gordon and Jamby Madrigal and Senator Sergio Osmeña at 31 percent each; and director Lino Cayetano and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima at 30 percent each. The poll had a sample size of 1,500 with 300 respondents each from the National Capital Region, North/Central Luzon, South Luzon/Bicol, the Visayas and Mindanao. The Standard Poll had error margins of +/- 2.6 percent for the national result and +/- 6 percent for the regional results. All regions were represented in the survey. Laylo, The Standard’s in-house pollster, has 25 years of experience in political polling and strategic research.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT President Benigno S. Aquino III has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the ad interim appointments of the following ranking officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines: Allan B. Rosal – Rear Admiral; Herminigildo C. Aquino, Arnold Rafael Y. Depakakibo, Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., Marcial O. Constante, Jr., Elvin E. Hermogino and Danilo Chad D. Isleta - Brigadier General;Armel S. Tolato, PN(M) (Reserve), Emilio D. Felicen, JAGS (Reserve), Rudith Vivienne C. Villanueva, NC (Reserve), Ma Vene R. Tacuboy, PAF, Cupid C. Ortiz, PAF (Reserve), Fernando G. Gaila, CHS, Agustin G. Matavia, JAGS (Reserve), Jelenne J. Quintana, NC (Reserve), Minerva A. Nana, NC (Reserve), Maria Luz B. Tagle, NC (Reserve), and Nieves Teresita D. Boac, DS – Colonel; Jose Gaspar A. Anduiza, PN (Reserve) – Captain

The Sheriff shall submit a report to the PARAD on the mode of service used for said Notice, and the fact of transmittal of the notice to the Barangay Secretary concerned. The report shall contain the following: (1) The date the Notice was served; (2) The time the Notice was served or attempted to serve, through personal or substituted service; (3) The mode of service (whether personal, substituted, registered mail [in case the respondent is residing abroad], and/or publication); (4) The name of the person who received the Notice and the proof of identification shown by the person who received the same, in case through personal or substituted service; (5) In case through substituted service, the age of the person receiving the Notice, if received in the residence, or the position of the person in the office, if received in the place of business; and (6) The fact of failure of personal or substituted service. SECTION 4. Items (e) and (f) of Section 17 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2014 is hereby amended to read as follows: (e) Notices, and proof of service and receipt of said notices, and the report of the Sheriff to the PARAD; (f) Certified true copy of EPs, CLOAs, or other titles; SECTION 5. Section 25 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2014 is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 25. Review, Findings, and Recommendation by the BALA. — The BALA shall conduct a review, evaluation, and thorough assessment of the entire case records. Thereafter, the BALA shall prepare its findings and recommendation and transmit the same to the Legal Affairs Office (LAO). SECTION 6. Section 26 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2014 is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 26. Review, Findings, and Recommendation by the LAO. — The LAO shall conduct its own review, evaluation, and thorough assessment of the entire case records. Thereafter, the LAO shall prepare its findings and recommendation. SECTION 7. Section 27 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2014 is hereby repealed. SECTION 8. Section 28 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2014 is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 28. Conduct of Clarificatory Hearing. — The DAR Undersecretary or Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs may conduct a hearing for clarification, issue interlocutory orders, and require submission of additional evidence. The Legal Division Chief of the Provincial or Regional Office or the PARAD or RARAD concerned may be authorized to conduct such hearings, if the Undersecretary or Assistant Secretary deems it necessary. For this purpose, the official record of the proceedings conducted shall be kept and form part of the case folder. SECTION 9. Section 29 of A.O. No. 7, Series of 2014 is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 29. Transmittal of Case Folder with Findings and Recommendation to the DAR Secretary. — The LAO shall, upon the completion of its aforesaid recommendation, transmit the same, together with the Case Folder, to the DAR Secretary. SECTION 10. Sub-items (a), (b), and (c) of the first enumerated item in Section 33, and the third enumerated item therein are hereby amended to read as follows: (a) Certified true copies of the final and executory Order and Resolution of the DAR Regional Director, DAR Secretary, or the courts; (b) Original or Certified true copy of the Certificate of Finality; (c) Certified true copy of the EPs, CLOAs, or any other titles sought to be cancelled; xxx 3. Failure to comply with Section 8 of Article III of these Rules on Disclosure Statement and/or failure to verify the Petition; SECTION 11. Transitory Provisions. – Sections 3 and 4 shall not be applicable to pending cases at the time of the effectivity of this A.O. where Notices to Comment have already been served, provided that if the Undersecretary/Assistant Secretary of Legal Affairs require the reissuance or a repeat of the service thereof, these two provisions shall apply therein. All the other provisions shall apply only to all pending cases covered by A.O. No. 7, Series of 2014. SECTION 12. Repealing Clause. – All orders, circulars, rules and regulations, and issuances or portions thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby accordingly deemed repealed or modified. SECTION 13. Separability Clause. – Any judicial pronouncement declaring as unconstitutional any provision hereof shall have no effect on the validity of the other provisions not affected thereby. SECTION 14. Effectivity Clause. – This A.O. shall take effect ten (10) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Diliman, Quezon City, MAY 28, 2015.

The public may submit any information, written report or sworn complaints or oppositions in forty (40) copies on the above appointments to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

VIRGILIO R. DE LOS REYES Secretary

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 551-7532, 831-0893, 831-1824, 834-2706, 831-1566 and 834-2713. 01 June 2015. ARTURO L. TIU Secretary (TS-JUNE 2, 2015)

Standard – June 2, 2015

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Lina hit for Customs deal By Vito Barcelo LESS than six weeks after being appointed to his current position, Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina was accused of junking a legitimate P650-million contract to favor his own company that had lost in the bidding process. Lawyer Harry Roque said Lina junked the P650-million contract to set up a integrated data processing system for the Bureau of Customs two weeks after he assumed office although the contract had already bee won by the joint venture of Omniprime Marketing Inc. and Intrasoft International Inc. “Lina’s decision to unceremoniously cancel the contract reeks of the foul smell of a clear conflict of interest,” Roque, who is representing the joint venture, said in a press conference. Roque said that, on April 13, 2015, The joint venture won the seven-month public bidding process on April 13, 2015 and the contract was finalized on April 23 and was scheduled to be signed by the end of the same month. But on April 24, Lina replaced reformist Commissioner John Sevilla and canceled the contract two weeks later, or on May 6. “It took him only two weeks to cancel a contract that had undergone two biddings in the span of nearly a decade,” Roque said. “Lina canceled the contract apparently to maintain the status quo, in order for his company to continue doing business with Customs. It is too obvious that this has been fixed,” Roque said. Roque said the cancellation of the contract will allow Lina to upgrade the current system being used by BOC, which is operated by the company Webb Fontaine which allegedly has a beneficial business relationship with E-Konek. Lina has a 96.48 percent stake in EKonek, which is managed by Lina’s business partner, former customs and internal revenue commissioner Guillermo Parayno Jr. “[But] even the World Bank has said that the present system cannot be used to integrate with the Asean Single Window system,” Roque said, referring to the common window system approved by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to hasten cargo clearance ahead of regional integration. The integrated system, along with a national single window, is seen as the long sought after solution to rampant smuggling in the country.

School opening blues. Emergency services personnel of the Manila City Hall man their post at the University Belt in the Manila districts of Quiapo and San Miguel as public schools opened on Monday. DANNY PATA

PNP: School opening peaceful By Francisco Tuyay and JP Bencito THE opening of classes on Monday was generally peaceful and orderly in most parts of the country even with an estimated 23 million students public school students reported for the start of the school year, according to Philippine National Police chief Deputy Director Leonardo Espina. Espina made the assessment while Education Secretary Armin Luistro spent the opening day of classes inspecting public schools in the Davao region. The DepEd had earlier said 23 million students will go to 46,624 public elementary and high schools where the controversial K-12 program will also start to be implemented. But youth groups, led by Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students and National Union of Students of the Philippines, and organizations under the “Stop K to 12” alliance met the first day of classes with protests against the program as well as tuition and other school fee increases. Espina said there were no reports of any serious untoward incidents from the dif-

ferent regions even though the the PNP focused mainly on Metro Manila. “I’m personally satisfied with the deployment of troops for police beat patrol and visibility operations in Manila’s university belt, and in school premises elsewhere around the country,” Espina said. Espina directed all PNP regional and district directors to maintain vigilance and police visibility and ordered the retention of police assistance desk installed in schools until the situation normalizes. “The police assistance desk will remain until the flow of students become stable,” Espina said. Espina said police traffic units will also maintain its presence in and around school premises to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and influx of students especially during morning and afternoon sessions. Meanwhile, the youth groups held protest actions and signature campaigns in Batasan National High School, Ramon Magsaysay High School-España and Manila Science High School as soon as gates opened. Noise barrage activities were held in Caloocan High School and Manila High

School at noon while organizations together with students, parents, and teachers gathered in a march to Mendiola in the afternoon. “K-12 is another burden that will further push Filipino families to deeper poverty. It will push tuition rates and education costs higher,” said Anakbayan national chairperson Vencer Crisostomo,. According to the statement of the DepEd only 3,839 of the 7,976 or only 48% of public high schools have been submitted for K-12 funding and construction. The DepEd aims to accommodate 800,000 to 1.1 million or only about half of the 2.2 million students currently taking up 4th year. “While DepEd is ensuring the profits of private schools, there are a million students that will either be forced to enroll in private schools and be made to pay higher tuition rates or drop-out,” he said. He said the K-12 will worsen the grim state of education in the country at present. “The K-12 will worsen the education shortages and will not improve quality of education. Lalong itutulak ang maraming eskwela sa kumunoy,” he said.

‘Infomercial’ execs slammed By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE use of public funds in their personal bids to win an elective position may be used against Cabinet secretaries who have hired public relations agencies and bought radio and television air time for purported “information commercials” of their agencies, an election lawyer said on Monday. Election lawyer Romeo Macalintal said that those who are planning to file their certificates of candidacy in October can be disqualified from running and even face six years imprisonment if they are proven to have used government funds to finance their campaign bids. “Government officials using public funds promoting themselves for the 2016 polls in the guise of promoting their agencies could be held liable for entering into transaction disadvantageous to the government,” Macalintal said in a Kapihan sa Diamond Hotel yesterday.

He said the Ombudsman should look into their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth if such government officials claim that they used their own funds. “How can you afford those millions of pesos in advertisement from your own pocket? Why do you have so much money?” Macalintal asked On the other hand, if a government official that the funds was given by a private person, the Bureau of Internal Revenue should look into this financier’s income tax return if he reported an income sufficient enough to finance such an activitiy. “It would not be difficult to pursue sych cases against these officials since the facts could not be disputed in that the transactions are grossly and manifestly disadvantageous to the government because the funds were irregularly, unnecessarily and unconscionably used to the advantage of these government officials who are eyeing elective posts in the 2016 elections,” Macalintal said.

Back to the grind. A high school student yawns while waiting for the start of the

classes at the Pedro E. Diaz High School in Muntinlupa City. About 23 million students in public school flock to the school. DANNY PATA

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Qatar saves 3 Pinoys from death, lowers sentence dOHA—A death sentence handed to a Filipino in Qatar for spying was reduced on appeal by a doha court on Sunday to life imprisonment. two other sentences of life imprisonment against another pair of defendants, also from the philippines, were reduced at the same time by Qatar’s court of Appeal to 15 years in jail. One of the men sentenced to serve 15 years has been named as Ronaldo Lopez ulep. All three had been convicted last year on charges of espionage and passing on Qatar military and economic secrets to the philippines government. the unnamed defendant who was originally sentenced to death is likely to spend up to 25 years in prison. He worked as a supervisor at Qatar petroleum. the other two defendants worked for the Qatar Air Force. At the time of their conviction it was alleged that the two men working for the air force supplied information to the third man for cash. Following Sunday’s brief hearing, the philippines ambassador to Qatar, Wilfred c. Santos, said the reduction in sentences was “welcome” but a further appeal may take place. “We welcome this development and we will continue to monitor the case,” he said. “We are willing to exhaust all legal avenues.” Manila has “emphatically” denied spying on Qatar. All three men have been detained since 2010. the case has raised concerns among rights groups, which question the convictions and allege the three men have been tortured while being detained. AFP

Winners of the Miss Earth Philippines 2015 celebrate during their coronation night at the Arena Mall of Asia in Pasay City. From left: Miss Ecotourism Jona Sweet of Iloilo City, Catherine Joy Marin of Bago City, Miss Earth Philippine 2015 )Manila) Angelia Gabrena Ong (San Antonio Nueva Ecija), Chanel Olive Thomas Miss Air and Miss Fire Carla Angela Valderrama from Siniloan Laguna. DANNY PATA

New twist in Cha-cha: Group pushes Con-con By Joel E. Zurbano Former government officials and representatives from different sectors on monday formed a group pushing for a Constitutional Convention to revise the 1987 Constitution and re-examine the present form of government. “We have to review and study what we need for a change to improve the lives of our people, and how we will do it. We need your support, and the people from various sectors, like the media. Now is the time for a change,” said Salvador enriquez Jr., former Budget secretary and one of the convenors of Bagong Sistema, Bagong pag-asa Movement. In a forum at club Filipino in San Juan, the group also expressed support for former chief justice Reynato puno who proposed to revise

the 1987 constitution to forestall a crisis that could emanate from the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, whether it is passed or not. the Bagong Sistem shared puno’s view that regardless of the outcome of the BBL, now pending in congress, it will not bring about permanent peace in Mindanao but may even lead to a crisis. puno earlier called for a change in the country’s political system to avert a crisis and provide the right framework for the envisioned Bang-

samoro government. He maintained that if passed in its “emerging” form, the BBL will most likely be questioned before the Supreme court and if declared unconstitutional, it could put the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in a dilemma. pointing out that the peace process and BBL are not inclusive of all stakeholders in Mindanao, puno said the prospect of lasting peace is not certain. Many other groups feel they were excluded, he said. “You could have disorder in Mindanao especially with the presence of different groups with different agendas, including radical ones,” he said. enriquez seconded puno, saying the root of the problem lies in the 1987 constitution. “We share Justice puno’s view that whether the law is passed or not, amended or not, it will not bring per-

manent peace because the problems are rooted in the constitution―our government structure, the distribution of powers and its concentration in the hands of a few, the lack of proper representation,” he said. enriquez added the BBL isssue has provided the country an opportunity to review the country’s entire political system so that a more effective, efficient and united government that truly serves the interest of the nation can be established. “We are already being rated and labeled as a “falling state”. Let us not wait to become a failed state before we start addressing our national problems in a way that would bring about permanent solutions,” he said. citing survey results conducted from 1999 to 2014, the group said most Filipinos have long wanted and still are in favor of changing the constitution.

Napoles denies conspiracy with Plaza By Rio N. Araja SuSpected pork scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles is urging the Sandiganbayan’s Second division to quash 12 criminal charges she is facing in connection with her alleged conspiracy with former Agusan del Sur representative Rodolfo plaza to defraud the government of p27.5 million in priority development Assistance Fund. Napoles through davidcui-david Buenaventura Law Office said the prosecution has failed to substantiate probable cause of her indictment for five counts of graft, another five counts of malversation of public funds, and two counts of direct bribery. Her lawyers – Stephen dav-

id and Nicole Rose Margaret Jamilla – said all 12 information contained fatal infirmities that failed to satisfy the key elements of the charges filed against their client, citing Napoles was not a public official and there was no evidence to show she committed malversation or bribery. “the information never presented direct evidence or proof of overt acts linking Napoles and plaza. there were no positive act (sic) that Accused acted in concert with the public respondent in the implementation of his pdAF,” Napoles’ reply read. the camp of Napoles challenged the prosecution’s failure to establish “concerted acts, common design, and united execution” among all defendants.

Government prosecutors erred for relying too much on the testimonies of whistleblowers Benhur Luy, Marina Sula and Merlina Suñas, it added. Meanwhile, Justice undersecretary Jose Justiniano on Monday said the National Bureau of Investigation has already completed its probe of the next and third batch of lawmakers tagged in the pork barrel fund scam, and the information will be submitted to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for review within the week. After the bail hearing of Senator Jose “Jinggoy” estrada, Justiniano said a senator and members of House of Representatives both from the administration and opposition have been included as accused.

Water-proof terminal? Airport authorities have ordered the water proofing of the entire Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 1 after airlines complained about leaks in their areas of operations last Wednesday. ERIC APOLONIO

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‘10 senators don’t bolster case vs VP’ By Vito Barcelo

The The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday said that the signing by ten senators of the Blue Ribbon sub-committee report does not necessarily equate to his culpability . The VP spokesman Rico Quicho said the supposed findings and recommendation of the hostile and highly partisan investigation conducted by the SubCommittee are conveniently based on hasty conclusions, inadmissible evidence and malicious narrative of defeated local politicians.

“These would certainly not be given credence and in fact would be dismissed by a competent, impartial and fair tribunal,” he said. So far, ten senators have signed the report recommending the filing of plunder charges against Binay and several others in connection with the alleged overpric-

ing of the Makati City Hall 2 parking building Senator Bam Aquino said he was signing the report because “the findings warrant that the appropriate government agency further investigates the matter and file the corresponding charges, as it deems proper.” Escudero said he will also sign the recommendation. Escudero noted that Binay was invited and given the opportunity to attend the subcommittee hearings but refused. Osmeña said he would also sign the draft report against Binay.

Apart from the Vice President, the draft report also recommends the filing of plunder charges against his son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and other personalities who allegedly conspired to jack up the cost of the parking building. The Binays have repeatedly denied the allegations “Only nine signatures are needed to be adopted by the 17-member Blue Ribbon Committee,” according to subcommittee chairman Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III The latest to sign were Senators Teofisto Guingona III, Sergio Osmena III,

Francis Escudero, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Pia Cayetano and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV. Those who signed the report earlier include subcommittee chairman Aquilino Pimentel III, S Alan Peter Cayetano, Antonio Trillanes IV and . Grace Poe. The other members of Guingona’s committee are Cynthia Villar, Loren Legarda, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Lito Lapid, Gregorio Honasan, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Binay’s daughter, Nancy Binay.

MASSIVE BOODLE. Vice President Jejomar C. Binay shares a meal with residents of Mulanay, Quezon on Friday. The boodle spanned over 200 meters and the Vice President said that it was the longest boodle that he took part in. While in Quezon, Binay visited the towns of San Francisco, Mulanay, and Catanauan to engage the residents in a dialogue and bring the government’s housing program closer to the people.

Town mayor may be held liable for Kentex fire -Noy By Sara Fabunan THE mayor of Valenzuela City Rex Gatchalian may face criminal charges for issuing a business permit to Kentex Manufacturing Corporation without the required fire safety inspection certificate, President Benigno Aquino III hinted on Monday. In a press briefing, Aquino vowed to prosecute all government and private officials involved in the Valenzuela factory fire that killed 72 workers and injured many others last May 14. “ Right now, we already see that it looks there are agencies that are actually not doing the right thing.

We need to take out our whip and said: ‘hey, you have an obligation and if you did not fullfil your obligation, there are respective punishment),” Aquino said. “Iyong local government unit, alam ninyo na requirement iyong fire safety inspection certificate, binigyan ninyo ng business permit, binigyan din ng certificate of occupancy na wala itong fire safety inspection certificate (Those local government units, you know that it is required [for companies] to have fire safety inspection certificate, you gave them business permit, you also gave a certificate of occupancy with- Salt man. A resident of Ilocos Sur sprinkles sea water on his salt farm at Barangay out having fire safety inspection cer- Villa Gracia in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur. Residents rush to make salt before the rainy tificate,” Aquino pointed out. season sets in. CHRISTINE JUNIO

Veloso‘s recruiters rapped for trafficking By Rey Requejo THE Department of Justice on Monday wrapped up its preliminary investigation into the human trafficking and estafa charges filed against the suspected recruiters of Mary Jane Veloso, the overseas Filipino worker who is on death row in Indonesia. State Prosecutor Susan Azarcon has submitted the criminal charges against suspected recruiters -- Ma. Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao -- for resolution after the two respondents submitted their rejoinder, where they asserted that they did not recruit Veloso to smuggle 2.6 kg of heroin to Indonesia. In a 17-page rejoinder, Sergio and Lacanilao sought the dismissal of the charges against them for failure of the complainants to substantiate or explain how Veloso could be considered as a victim of human trafficking. The respondents stressed that the prosecutor should have outrightly dismissed the case since Veloso failed to subscribe her affidavit before the government prosecutor. They said it would violate their right to due process, particularly the right to meet the witnesses face to face during the preliminary investigation, if the DOJ will give weight to the sworn affidavit of Mary Jane Veloso. Nonetheless, the respondents stood by their earlier statements that Veloso is innocent and that suspected members of the West African Drug Syndicate (WADS) exploited her ignorance, duping her into carrying a bag containing 2.6 kg of heroin. Sergio and Lacanilao were accused of duping Veloso into smuggling 2.6 kg of heroin to Indonesia in guise of a new employment. The NBI, on behalf of Veloso, filed human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and estafa complaints against Sergio and Lacanilao, on the same day when Veloso was scheduled to be executed by Indonesian authorities by firing squad. But Veloso was granted temporary reprieve from execution by the Indonesian government after the voluntary surrender of Sergio and Lacanilao before the Philippine National Police (PNP). Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima revealed that the Philippine government has already submitted its formal request for mutual legal assistance to Malaysia last week.

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Board seats in SUCs eyed for Muslims, ethnic groups By maricel V. Cruz MUSLIM and indigenous groups will gain membership in the governing body of the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) if a female lawmaker has her way. Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman, in House Bill 5786, seeks to amend Republic Act 8292, also known as the “Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997,” which was enacted into law on June 6, 1997. At present, Turabin-Hataman said the Muslim and the indigenous groups are not represented in the governing body of SUCs. “If they are, they represent not the Muslim and indigenous groups but their constituents, such as alumni president, faculty president and president of the Student Council,” said TurabinHataman, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Muslim Affairs and wife of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor Mujiv Hataman, said. Turabin-Hataman said Muslim or indigenous groups are not represented in the Board of Regents for State University and Board of Trustees for State Colleges despite the fact that there is huge number of Muslim students enrolled in these SUCs. Under the bill, the head of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall automatically sit in all these governing boards of SUCs where Muslim students population is obviously significant. The bill also provides that the head of the Commission on Indigenous Peoples shall also sit in all governing boards of SUCs where there is significant number of indigenous students.

Back-to-school ride. Handcrafted wooden scooters take these children from Banaue to a seven-kilometer ride downhill toward school in central Banaue. DAVID CHAN

Infant-food producer a first in Caraga region By Alvin T. Guanzon

Gigaquit, SURIGAO DEL NORTE- The first and only infant food manufacturer in Caraga Region which is situated in this town is now operational. Officials of the Department of Science and Technology, provincial government of Surigao del Norte and the municipality of Gigaquit spearheaded the blessing and inauguration on Wednesday of the first Nutritive Food Processing Plant in Caraga Region. The plant dubbed “Roll-out Complementary Food (Comfood) Processing Plant Project” is located in Barangay Poblacion of this town. DOST Secretary Mario Montejo,

Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas, Rep Francisco Tinio Matugas, Gigaquit Mayor Carlos M. Egay, Sr. and other officials of DOST and provincial board members of Surigao del Norte attended the inauguration and blessing of the plant. In his speech, Montejo said DOST chipped in P5.5-M for the equipment and facilities, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte provided P1.6-M for the building of the plant while the Gigaquit LGU shelled out

P1.5-M for the land acquisition and other expenses. Montejo lauded the local Cerelac and Berger infant food producer which will help solve malnutrition and undernourishment cases in Caraga Region. For her part, Matugas said in her speech that the plant capable of producing 500 to 700 nutri-packs daily can now supply massive feeding program in various community-based and school-based feeding projects of Surigao del Norte which has a total of 27 municipalities, 20 of which are found in mainland Surigao del Norte and seven in Siargao Island. “Under my top priority programs for the province dubbed HEALS by which H

stands for Health, Housing, E for Environment and Education, A for Agriculture and Aqua-Marine resources sustainable development agenda, L for livelihood and S for Sanitation, Health fighting to at least eradicate and wipe out malnutrition cases is my number one priority” the governor of Surigao del Norte added. Matugas said addressing malnutrition and undernourished children in the province has lifetime long effect on children. Gigaquit Mayor Carlos M. Egay, Sr. for his part claimed the plant will be operated, run and administered by NGO Gigaquit Women’s Association as part of the government’s livelihood program and empowerment of women in Gigaquit.

CDO solon rejects pork-linked raps By rio Araja

Smashup. Nine vehicles including a limousine figured in a crash along North Luzon Expressway after a trailer truck lost control around ten am on Mondayin San Fernando Pampanga, resulting in injuries to four people. mANNy pAlmero

CAGAyAN de Oro ‘s former representative Constantino Jaraula on Monday pleaded not guilty before the Sandiganbayan to three counts each of malversation, graft and direct bribery in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel fund scam. “I vehemently plead not guilty, your honor,” he told the anti-graft court’s First Division during his arraignment. He said he he had no knowledge about the Napoles-linked Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic and Development Foundation (CARED). Earlier, Jaraula posted a

P300,000 bail for his temporary liberty. In February, the Office of the Ombudsman filed the charges against Jaraula for alleged misuse of P50.5 million worth of his Priority Development Assistance Fund from 2004 to 2007. The Ombudsman accused Jaurala of channelling his pork barrel fund to fake non-government organizations engineered by Napoles and of receiving P20.8 million in commissions. “The charges were just made up. I never transacted with Napoles. I never knew about this CARED,” Jaraula told an interview. Endorsement letters showing he chose CARED as PDAF beneficiary were fraud, he said.

“If you examine the (content of) endorsement letters, it’s not my language. It was the language of a high school graduate,” he added. A preliminary conference is set on July 2, to be followed by successive conferences every Tuesdays and Thursdays afterwards. The First Division has scheduled a pre-trial on Aug. 27 at 8:30 a.m. Janet Lim Napoles, Jaraula’s co-accused in the malversation, graft and direct bribery suits, also entered a notguilty plea. “I plead not guilty, your honor,” Napoles told the First Division composed of Associate Justices Efren de la Cruz, Rafael Lagos and Rodolfo Ponferrada.

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Putting out fires no less than the President presented the findings of the Department of Justice on the fire that killed 72 people at a slippers factory in Valenzuela City last month. A confluence of events caused the fire at the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation factory, but what was glaring was the lack of exits that would have allowed the workers to run to their safety outside. Fire safety should be checked before the local government issues permits and licenses or renews them. Going by this logic, the blame would then rest on the city executives who allowed the company to operate amid the serious breach of safety standards. The President blasted the city government for not revoking the permit of the business. Mayor Rex Gatchalian soon hit back, saying the LGU could not act without legal basis, and that basis should be provided by the Bureau of Fire Protection. The mayor said the BFP inspected only 83,000 out of 300,000 business establishments in the city. The city has been recognized for streamlining business transactions to make it easier for investors to do business there. Amid this blame tossing, we hardly hear from the families of those who perished in the fire. Did they accept the money being offered by the owners, are they filing cases, or have they become resigned to their loss knowing that whatever bickering would never bring their loved one back? Processes exist so they can be implemented and achieve desired results. If the who-does-what part is not clear, the objectives will not be met and they goals will remain pretty words on paper – nothing more. They will not be able to prevent deaths or make officials accountable for their actions, or the lack of it. Worse, this will likely be forgotten as soon as another emotional, populist issue comes about. nothing will be resolved – that is, until the next tragedy occurs. This is why our nation’s problems do not get fixed, ever.

A nAtion of beggArs LowDown jojo A. robLes WhEn it comes to bribery, this administration knows no peer. And I’m not talking about the money given out by President noynoy Aquino to our distinguished members of Congress whenever he wants something done by them. In peso terms, it’s perfectly possible that Aquino

has paid out more – in taxpayers’ money of course, because he never gives from his own pocket – to Congress in the form of projects and pork that has routinely been stolen by most of our distinguished lawmakers over five years. But the poor people on whom Aquino has “lavished” funds from a dole program that he copied from the predecessor that he reviles has basically converted them into a sub-state of millions upon millions of beggars, who can also be

expected to approve of whatever he does, as long as the money keeps coming in. And these are the people who turned up in this newspaper’s exclusively commissioned nationwide survey, The Standard Poll, who gave Aquino very high trust and satisfaction marks. According to the survey conducted by veteran pollster Junie Laylo from interviews with 1,500 respondents all over the country, 52 percent of Filipinos were satisfied with the performance

Aquino has basically bought the poor’s allegiance in a very old-school, hacienda-like fashion.

of the Aquino administration while only 24 percent were dissatisfied, resulting in a net satisfaction rating of +28. And Aquino got his highest satisfaction ratings from impoverished respondents who cited the administration’s centerpiece Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (also known as 4Ps) as their main reason for doing so. With a full third of the survey respondents saying that they belonged to the bottom Class D and E income levels and who admitted that they were also beneficiaries of the dole program, it’s really no surprise

that Aquino has basically bought the poor’s allegiance in a very old-school, hacienda-like fashion. It’s unreasonable to expect dirtpoor people who receive up to P1,400 a month in cash (assuming they have the maximum of three school-age children) to speak ill of the government that gives the money. And it’s also not surprising that the 4Ps – which was copied by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from similar programs in several Latin

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American countries – has become the centerpiece poverty-alleviation scheme of this government. This year, the Aquino government has targeted more than 4.5 million family-beneficiaries of the 4Ps scheme and will spend P64 billion for a program whose funding it has steadily increased funding for since 2011. That year, which was Aquino’s first opportunity to craft a national budget, his government set aside a “mere” P29.2 billion for

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4Ps, identifying only more than two million families as beneficiaries. For those scoring at home, the budget for Arroyo’s Conditional Cash Transfer program in 2010, her last budgeting year, was a little over P10 billion. That means Aquino has increased funding for a program instituted by his predecessor – one of the very few she initiated that he adopted and claimed as his own – by more than six times so far . Continued on A11

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ThE Rhine River stretches around 800 miles and passes through nine countries in Europe. A vital waterway for European trade, it has encouraged international cooperation and has inspired the enactment of a number of international conventions for its protection. This June, it is once plays a part of global history as a witness to the Bonn Climate Change Conference. Yesterday, at the World Conference Center Bonn located along Lower Rhine, the 42nd session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, the 42nd session of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, and the 2nd session of the Ad hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP), Part 9 officially opened. These are all bodies under the United nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UnFCCC). In the ADP, governments are negotiating a new global agreement on climate change that will hopefully be adopted in Paris. I am here as an adviser to the Philippine delegation, a role I had played many times starting the First Conference of the Parties of the UnFCCC. Aside from me, a team from the Ateneo School of Government is also in Bonn to work on climate and forest issues and as a member of an international consortium called Agreement on Climate Transformation, or ACT 2015. As I mentioned in my last column, ACT 2015 is a consortium of the world’s top climate experts from both developed and developing countries that have come together to formulate and present a wellresearched but concise proposal for the global climate agreement. As the delegates from all over the world start grinding down the negotiating text for the 2015 global climate deal over the following weeks, the ACT 2015 consortium will be attempting to guide Parties to agree upon the well researched and intensively consulted concepts of this proposal. This proposal aims to raise global ambition on climate change through strong universal participation. Continued on A11

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Aquino has basically bought the poor’s allegiance in a very old-school, hacienda-like fashion.

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PoPularity gets into grace’s head TO THE POiNT Emil P. JURAdO

VICE President Jojo Binay has boxing ixon Manny Pacquiao on top of his list, among others, for the Sen-

ate slate next year, The boxing champion with no less than eight crowns under his belt will surely make it considering his popularity among the “masa” electorate. And with his billions of pesos, the “masa” will surely go for him. That’s what the voters expect from every candidate either for the presidency or the Senate. But, Santa Banana, he would be another Lito Lapid in the Senate, who recently confessed that his years in the Senate was a big embarrassment because of his lack of formal education, so much so that he often had to absent himself. The problem with people who are very popular is that they don’t know their limitations. For, my gulay, how in the world can Pacquiao perform in the Senate without a formal education? He can’t even speak straight English. Pacquiao wants to be a senator and then President in 2022? God forbid! Well at least, I may no longer be around seven years from now. *** Senator Grace Poe’s vote endorsing the subcommittee report of the Senate Yellow Ribbon Committee recommending the filing of graft and plunder charges against the Vice President and his son, incumbent Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay for the alleged overprice Makati City Hall parking building, speaks volumes. Poe has apparently convinced herself that with her popularity as the adopted daughter of the late movie icon Fernando Poe Jr., only she can beat Binay. Insiders tell me that up to this day, she hasn’t decided to be the running mate of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, the presumptive annointed one of President Aquino and the ruling Liberal Party. Grace had said that she was more comfortable with a Grace Poe-Chiz Escudero tandem as independents. Apparently, she believes that with her popularity and also that of Chiz, they can win. Besides, as analysts and observers say, since Poe is more popular than Mar Roxas, why should she settle for the vice presidency? Clearly, as the days pass by till the May 2016 polls, the popularity of Grace Poe, who topped the 2010 senatorial polls, coupled with the widely-held belief that she may be the only candidate who can beat Binay, has gone to her head. There is no doubt that Grace, who uses the Poe name and not of her husband’s family name of Llamanzares, is popular and if we can believe poll surveys, she may even top Binay’s ratings, especially with the ongoing demolition work against the Vice President, which will surely shift into high gear until next year. But, popularity is not all there is to winning elections. Grace should have the learned a lesson from FPJ himself in the 2004 polls. FPJ was extremely popular and was believed to be invincible as a candidate against then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. But while it’s a given that FPJ was favored against GMA, the actor ran out of funds in the last two weeks of the 2004 polls as people from many provinces, especially from Cebu, lined in front of FPJ’s headquarters to beg for funds, which had dwindled by then. Thus, GMA won in 2004 with Cebu giving her a million votes. Of course, there was also the Iglesia

Paano naman kami? pared to deal with the real world IF anyone noticed, there was less ARE WE should be reassuring to parents; of the screeching and caterwauling THERE YET? unfortunately, we are being made that used to characterize the start to believe that parents out there of the school year yesterday when BONG C. equate schooling only with expensclasses started. We didn’t see the AUSTERO es rather than learning or developusual parade of irate parents, hament. Instead of pushing for more rassed teachers, and beleaguered administrators reciting the litany of miseries as- scholarships and subsidies and other programs to sociated with the Philippine public educational help families cope, they would rather that K12 be system. I would like to think this was because we stopped. I was at a public forum recently where have finally been able to address (to some extent) someone pontificated about the supposed evils of K12. His thesis was that poor families are althe many shortcomings in our system. In addition to the structural programs that have ready not able to send their kids to school, how been put in place, I know for a fact that the relative much more if two more years are added? The logic ease in which we met the start of classes yesterday stank because quite frankly, if families are going to use poverty as the excuse for not sending kids to was partly due to Brigada Iskwela. Brigada Iskwela is a collaborative effort among school, reducing, adding, or maintaining the stavarious stakeholders – teachers, local and barangay tus quo would not really matter. In the meantime, officials, parents, and various private organizations we perpetuate the current system that clearly puts – to ensure overall readiness of our public schools. Filipinos at a disadvantage over others who manThe Brigada project highlights the power that can date systems similar to K12. I am not saying we be had if everyone pitches in and realizes that ed- should exclude poor families from the equation; I ucating Filipino children is a shared responsibil- am saying that we help them directly and not hold ity among all Filipinos. If we really come to think hostage the whole educational system. I could go on and on, but you get the drift. Those about it, educating our children is the best form of who oppose the K12 program are claiming that the investment that we can make towards our future. Human capital remains our best – if not the only - country is not ready. I have news for them – regardless of what we do, we will never ever reach the state source of sustainable competitive advantage. One wishes the same bayanihan spirit were evi- of readiness that they prescribe. They argue that K12 dent in our transition towards K12. Alas, the im- does not solve the many recurring problems of the plementation of the whole initiative is now threat- educational system. Well, many of the problems are ened, because certain sectors are now raising all systemic in nature and will never be solved through kinds of questions and throwing all kinds of ob- piecemeal solutions; we are better off revamping the whole system. In this context, K12 represents revostacles into a path that is already difficult as it is. We can summarize all the lamentations into just lutionary change. If people only see beyond the adone howl: “Paano naman kami?” Roughly, what ditional two years of schooling and really study the full implications of the program (for example, the about poor us? The transition phase will result in a drop of proposed curriculum allows students at senior high enrollment during a certain period, so naturally, school to specialize, and therefore, not anymore go certain groups of schools and teachers have put up to college just to get jobs) perhaps the nature of the a lobby against K12 because of economic reasons. debate would be more constructive. We all agree K12 is a foregone conclusion. I But instead of lobbying for government support and running to Congress to rush the approval of am tempted to inquire where all these people have the Bill that will provide subsidies during the tran- been in the last two decades that the measure has been continually debated upon. But for now, I will sition period, they want the measure stopped. Certain groups that claim to speak for parents focus on what, to my mind, should be the relevant are complaining that K12 will add two more years question that people should be asking: How do we of schooling. In an ideal world, two years of ad- all pitch in to make sure that the transition and the ditional education to make children better pre- implementation is successful? Ni Cristo which supported GMA billion, he or she may as well with its 3 million votes. That, my forget it. That’s the reason dear Grace, is the reality of presiwhy many popular national dential elections in our country and local candidates lose. ... popularity is not which has no less than 12 million Even movie stars have lost, people who consider themselves all there is to winning my gulay. poor. Local and national elections And without a nationare for them the only time they elections. Grace should wide party, an independent could get back at politicians by candidate are bound to lose. have learned a lesson For one thing, independents selling their votes. How do you think the “Dagdag without a party have no poll from FPJ himself in the Bawas,” “Bawas Dagdag” scandal watchers. And more imporstarted? It started when some senatantly, contributions go only 2004 polls. torial candidates were cliff-hanging to political party candidates on Nos. 13 and 14 after the votes who are assured of victory. were counted, when these cliffYes, contributions also go to hangers had to pour in money with independents, but only as tothe help of the many “Garcis” at kens and in trickles, if at all. the Comelec to add to their votes and deduct them The point I am driving at is that popularity is no from other winning candidates. Again, that’s a fact guarantee for winning in a national or local elecof life in elections in our country, my dear Grace. tions. Voters would rather go for competence and As a journalist for 65 years, I have seen people experience, and honesty, of course. lining up in precincts but do not vote until the last But, Santa Banana, funding becomes crucial hour. These people wait for representatives of can- since the bulk of our electorate are the “masa,” or didates to hand out money to them. These things the people who think only of two things: “What’s happen even in urban centers like Makati. That in it for me and my family,? or “Can this or that again, is a fact, my dear Grace. candidate make my life better?” This is a sad fact The point I am driving at is that presidential in a country like the Philippines where poverty elections get costlier every year. It is now said that and joblessness appear to have no solution. if a presidential candidate does not have at least P3 Continued on A11

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OPINION

adelle chua EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA Disturbing issues for one day are often drowned out by other disturbing events which take place the next day. Lest it be consigned to the cellar of forgetfulness, the attention of the public is invited anew to the pending application of the Moro islamic Liberation Front (MiLF) for accreditation by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as a political party to enable it to participate in the party-list system in the coming May 2016 national elections. under the Omnibus Election Code, a political party which seeks to achieve its objectives through violence is not entitled to accreditation by the Comelec. The law also disallows a group which seeks political changes through extra-constitutional means from participating in any electoral exercise. The MiLF is covered by both prohibitions – its leadership admits that it is a revolutionary group, and that it has not renounced war to achieve its goals. For these reasons alone, the Comelec must deny the accreditation of the MiLF as a political party. ****** A former lawmaker from negros Oriental says that there is no need to wait for Congress to approve the bangsamoro basic Law (bbL) and for President benigno Aquino iii to sign it into law, before it may be challenged in the supreme Court. According to the ex-solon, the basis of the bbL (which is the Comprehensive Agreement on the bangsamoro, together with its annexes) is tainted with numerous unconstitutional provisions – no different from the Memorandum of Agreement on

Getting.. From A9 Perhaps the biggest criticism of the climate regime is its slow progress in addressing the overall objective of the unFCCC. it is admittedly alarming that since the Convention was drafted 23 years ago, binding gHg emission targets, which are modest at best, are still limited to a handful of unFCCC Parties. This proposal aims to remedy this and even goes as far as prohibiting the rolling back of targets and compelling Parties to strengthen their reduction commitments every five years. This ambitious proposal can only be achieved through a strong support mechanism. recognizing this, the Agreement builds upon the principle of common but differentiated principles. This concept acknowledges that countries are currently at different stages of development and that in the fulfillment and implementation of this agreement, different national circumstances and capabilities must be taken into account. With this in mind, all commitments under this agreement are nationally determined with Least Developed Countries and small island Developing states provided with particular flexibility in the scope,

Popularity... From A10 *** it would do well for both President Aquino and members of the senate to junk the idea for a meeting to discuss the fate of the constitutionally-infirmed bangsamoro basic Law. Despite all the denials of the deputy spokesperson of the President, also known as Lady gaga, that members of the House of representatives were not bribed when the President met them not once but twice to vote the bbL into the plenary, who in his

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MILF NOT ENTITLED TO ACCREDITATION AS A POLITICAL PARTY Ancestral Domain pursued during the administration of then President gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and ultimately declared unconstitutional by the supreme Court in October 2008. so far, the former lawmaker is set to take legal action on what he and many Filipinos consider as a matter of transcendental importance to the nation. After that, he intends to challenge supporters of the bbL to a continuing debate. He ought to focus on those individuals who have ignored the unconstitutional features of the bbL to achieve an artificial peace, at any cost. ****** Last week, party-list representatives Jonathan de la Cruz and Lito Atienza filed treason and inciting to sedition raps against members of the government panel negotiating with the MiLF, including panel chairman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and MiLF negotiator Mohagher iqbal (an alias), former panel head Marvic Leonen (who is now a justice of the supreme Court), and Aquino’s peace process adviser teresita Deles. The charges were filed in the office of Manila senior Deputy Prosecutor Eufrosino sulla. if the complainants expect Prosecutor sulla to find probable cause to pursue the charges in court, they are in for a big surprise. sulla’s boss in the Department of Justice (DOJ), secretary Leila de Lima, has repeatedly made public pronouncements upholding the legality of all the proceedings undertaken by the negotiating panel, and the use of an alias by iqbal. it will also be recalled that de Lima virtually absolved iqbal of criminal liability for the use of a

pseudonym in signing the peace deal with the national government. Moreover, the DOJ has no jurisdiction over Justice Leonen, who is a constitutional official removable only by impeachment. Although treason is a ground for impeachment, only Congress, not the DOJ may pursue impeachment proceedings. Adding to the problem of the complainants is de Lima’s supposed interest in running for the senate in the May 2016 elections under the Liberal Party of her own boss, President Aquino. to do so, de Lima must stay in the good graces of Aquino from now until the LP convention for the selection of senatorial candidates. One way for de Lima to do that is to uphold everything and anything the peace panelists do. ****** Prior to June 2010, many politicians traveled all over the metropolis in a motorcade composed of several luxury vehicles and motorcycle-police escorts. The motorcade used sirens to intimidate motorists, while the police escorts used their motorcycles to block traffic and clear the way for the motorcade. On one occasion, the police escorts of a cabinet secretary on his way to the batasang Pambansa destroyed the side mirror of a car that was getting in their way. it was only after the news media exposed his abusive behavior that the official issued an apology. under the law, only ambulances, fire engines, and official police vehicles are allowed to use sirens. That privilege is extended only to the top five officials of the country – the president, vice president,

stringency, form, type, and frequency of their commitments. in addition to this, the agreement specifically provides for support for the preparation, updating, and implementation of commitments for developing countries. The support mechanism under the Agreement, which comes in a package that includes finance, capacity building, and technology development and transfer, will guarantee equality both in effort and in performance. The Agreement will ensure that all Parties will be able to substantially contribute to achieving the long-term goals, aiding those countries that need support while at the same time providing avenues for able countries to continually better themselves. This allows for universal application of the agreement and for ensuring real global cooperation. beyond the need for support, another vital factor that must be considered is trust. trust, while intangible and ambiguous, it often times the only glue that holds Parties together in international conventions and treaties. given the structure of public international law and the supremacy given to state sovereignty, the implementation of international conventions and treaties can be a tricky matter. While there are interna-

tional courts that adjudicate on the basis of these agreements between countries, using stringent enforcement measures to force a country to comply with the judgment, save for issues relating to genocide and the like, is often controversial and therefore very rarely done. it is the utmost importance, especially in multilateral agreements such as this, that there is a mechanism in place that will ensure transparency and integrity in the fulfillment of obligations. realizing this, the proposal will include a strong system of measuring, reporting and verifying of countries’ actions to ensure transparency and accountability. this framework will encourage Parties to collect and report complete and genuine data in a common format that will be accessible to all Parties. Much like the long and winding rhine river, the path to climate justice has been very prolonged and arduous. While the 2015 global climate deal will not be finished here in bonn, i, along with many others of the same mind, will aim to gain ground on climate justice over the following weeks.

right mind would believe this? This is because all of a sudden, Cagayan de Oro rep. rufus rodriguez and his cohorts changed their tune and railroaded the bbL’s passage. santa banana, now it has become clear that there really was bribery! On the part of the senators, whose mandate was to enact laws that can withstand the supreme Court’s scrutiny, why should they allow themselves to be summoned by the President to discuss the bbL? What for, so that Malacanang can dangle pork barrel allotments for their favorite projects, which seems to be a

practice of the President in getting what he wants from Congress? besides, Congress is supposed to be a co-equal and co-independent body from the executive. Thus, the senators meeting with the President to discuss the bbL would render the separation of powers of government as myth and fiction. The bbL may not be enacted by June 11 in time for the President’s sOnA or state-of-the-nation-Address where Mr. Aquino can boast of his legacy to the nation, but for such an important law affecting the nation, why rush it?

Facebook page: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

president of the senate, the house speaker, and the chief justice of the supreme Court. it does not extend to barangay security vehicles, vehicles of private security agencies, and armored vehicles used by banks. When President Aquino assumed office in June 2010, he imposed a ban on the use of sirens on vehicles used by public officials, politicians in particular. The “wang-wang” had to go and the days of their road bullying were over. Politicians had to go through the same traffic nightmare ordinary citizens must face on a regular basis. Lately, however, politicians have resorted to annoying alternatives to the siren. They use flashers on their vehicles, and their back-up vehicles. in some cases, the back-up vehicles simply keep on blowing their horns and hog space on the road to keep other vehicles away from the politician’s car. They have police escorts again, but these cops use flashers, not sirens. With so many policemen assigned as police escorts of congressmen, the Philippine national Police should transfer its headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City to the batasang Pambansa complex. That way, the police escorts can be assigned some office work while their politician masters are inside the halls of Congress. Private citizens will encounter many of these roadway bullies in the Quezon City area, particularly along EDsA, Quezon Avenue, East Avenue, and Katipunan Avenue, all the way to Commonwealth Avenue which, in turn, leads to the batasang Pambansa.

A nation.. From A9 *** Of course, any economist will tell you that dole programs should always be temporary and are unsustainable in the long term. Even countries like brazil which initiated such schemes have since discontinued them because of the huge cost to public coffers. The reason for this is by no means technical. As the saying that goes, if you want to feed a man for his entire life, you teach him how to fish, instead of giving him a fish that will only feed him for a day. but Aquino, perhaps because of his hacienda background, has apparently no patience with plans that will improve the lives of poor people in the long term. What he knows is how his family kept the workers at Hacienda Luisita barely alive with wages of P10 a day for the longest time – and these poor agricultural workers were no doubt always reminded of how benevolent the President’s family were to pay them even while they were just living off the land waiting in between planting and harvesting. (The reason why he gives such huge amounts to congressmen and senators is because these are persons in authority that he, the hacienda owner, has no choice but to bribe. The feudal model holds, of course, that the amount of a bribe is directly proportional to the status of the bribe-taker.) ultimately, it really doesn’t cost Aquino anything to buy everyone from the poorest subsistence farmer in Mindanao to the richest senator in the land. He’s playing with house money, after all, which is probably why he is so profligate with it. but if you still believe in the “daang matuwid,” spare a thought for all the succeeding governments that are now expected to buy off the affection and trust of the poor with money taken from other people who have just barely enough themselves. What Aquino has done is to encourage indolence by giving handouts, using money from those who work to make the payoffs.

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Wedding bells turn to victory bell for Bowditch IRVING—Steven Bowditch cruised to a fourshot win at the Byron Nelson Championship Sunday by closing with a 64 at Las Colinas, the same resort where he celebrated his wedding in 2011. The 31-year-old Aussie distanced himself from the rest of the field by posting four birdies on the back nine in the final round to go wire-to-wire and finish at 18-under 259 overall. This was his second win on the USPGA Tour, and his second victory in the state of Texas after claiming the Texas Open in San Antonio in 2014. “We took some wedding pictures here at TPC so it is a special place and I get to take some more pictures here,” said Bowditch, who was married at the Dallas area golf resort in 2011. Americans Charley Hoffman (65), Jimmy Walker (66) and Scott Pinckney (66) shared second place at 14-under. Both Hoffman and Walker tried to catch Bowditch but Walker posted two bogeys early on the back nine and Hoffman simply ran out of steam. Bowditch started the day with a two-stroke lead. He birdied the first hole and parred the last to seal the win. “It was great to be patient out there and wait for my time. I had to go shot-for-shot,” he said. Bowditch’s struggles over the years with severe depression has

Steven Bowditch of Australia holds the championship trophy after his four-stroke victory at the AT&T Byron Nelson at the TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. AFP

been well documented. The Newcastle native is an avid spokesman for beyondblue, an Australian non-profit group that promotes awareness of mental illness and depression. But two of his happiest moments have taken place on the TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas grounds where he posed for

wedding pictures with his wife, Amanda, in September 2011. “It’s such a special place to me and I just wanted to stay patient out there,” Bowditch said. Zach Johnson fired a six-under 63 to seize fifth place at 13-underpar 264. Brandt Snedeker (64) and Jon Curran (68) tied for sixth at 12-under.

Dustin Johnson grabbed a share of the lead with a pair of early birdies, but he stumbled to a quadruple-bogey at the sixth which dropped him four back. Johnson closed with an evenpar 69 to end in a share of eighth at 11-under-par 266. He was joined there by 2012 champion Jason Dufner (66). AFP

US grandma, 92, shatters record for oldest woman marathoner SAN DIEGO—A 92-year-old US grandmother has become the oldest woman to finish a marathon, when she crossed the finish line of a San Diego 26-miler on Sunday, race organizers said. A smiling Harriette Thompson, aged 92 years and 65 days, was cheered by dozens of onlookers and supporters as she completed the Southern California event in seven hours, 24 minutes and 36 seconds. Speaking to her hometown newspaper, the Charlotte Observer, Thompson said she felt “a little stiff ” after the race. “I was really tired at one point. Around mile 21, I was going up a hill and it was like a mountain,” she told the Observer. “I was thinking, ‘This is sort of crazy at my age.’ But then I felt better coming down the hill. And my son Brenny kept feeding me all this wonderful carbohydrates that kept me going.” The previous oldest woman marathon runner was another American, Gladys “Gladyator” Burrill, who was 92 years and 19 days old when she did the Honolulu event in 2010. Thompson participated in the marathon to raise money for cancer research, a disease she has herself survived. The grandmother to 10 grandkids also completed the race last year with a time of seven hours, seven minutes and 42 seconds. The oldest male marathon runner is Fauja Singh, who was 101 when he retired from racing in 2013. AFP

PLDT shoots for Men’s Turf volley title vs Cagayan PLDT Home Ultera tries to wrap it all up today and complete the firm’s sweep of the country’s premier volley titles as it guns for the Spikers’ Cup crown against Cagayan Valley today in Game 2 of the First Conference Ffinals at The Arena in San Juan City. The Ultra Fast Spikers went to their floor and

net defense to stymie the Rising Suns and hack out a 25-22, 21-25, 25-23, 2512 victory in the opener of their best-of-three series last Sunday. The win came moments after their counterparts – the PLDT Ultra Fast Hitters – edged the Army Lady Troopers in a classic five-set duel to capture the

Tsonga... From A16 Berdych looked out of sorts from the start against Tsonga in the cold, damp conditions that marked the tournament’s second Sunday, allowing the French favourite to dominate rally after rally with his powerful serve and shot-making. The Czech player rallied briefly in the third set as Tsonga’s level dropped, but after a brief scare at the start of the fourth set, Tsonga won five games in a row to move through. The 14th seeded Frenchman will take on Nishikori with the prospect of reaching what would be just his second appearance in a French Open semi-final. “It was not easy because I played

encounter Shakey’s VGames today earn League Sea- 2 p.m. – Air Force vs Cignal and 4 p.m. – PLDT vs Cagayan the bragging son 12 Open rights as the Conference first Spikers’ diadem beTurf champions. fore a jampacked crowd. Mamon will again pin Coach Odjie Mamon braces for a big Cagayan his hopes on the foursome fightback but remains of Mark Alfafara, Vic de confident of his wards’ Guzman, Howard Mojica chances to finish off the and Kheeno Franco for Rising Suns in their 4 p.m. firepower and blocking,

really well during three sets. And when it was time to finish I played a little bit differently and because he’s a good player, he came back in the match,” Tsonga said. “Then I started to miss a little bit more. But I had a good reaction in the fourth, and finally I won it. So it’s good for me. I’m happy to beat a guy like this—one of the best at the moment.” Tsonga was one of five French players into the last 16, equalling the best home showing at Roland Garros in the Open-era since 1968. But on the two previous occasions that happened, only one man reached the quarter-finals. His win briefly raised French hopes, but they were soon let down when current French number one

Simon was thrashed by Wawrinka, the 2014 Australian Open winner who is perfectly at home on clay, having grown up playing on the surface in Lausanne. “It was perfect and I am happy to have won the match. I had been expecting a tough match against Gilles, but I played very well, aggressive, as the conditions were slow,” Wawrinka said. The Monfils-Federer match always looked likely to be unfinished at the end of the day as darkness started to fall to add to the gloomy conditions as they took to the court. Second seed and 2009 champion Federer dominated the opening set, with Monfils looking exasperated at times with the wind and the cold. AFP

Vincent Mangulabnan for playmaking, and Gilbert Longavela and Jayson Ramos for reception and digs while skipper Rolando Casillan, Henry Peca-A and John Torres hope to provide quality minutes and clutch hits for the team. “We’ll make it a little harder for them with our

defense,” said Mamon. But Cagayan, which lorded it over the field in the elims, is expected to come up with key adjustments although coach Nes Pamilar will most likely rely on his talented crew of Marck Espejo, Peter Torres, Jan Paglinawan and Rex Intal for offense.

France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga celebrates during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych during the men’s fourth round at the Roland Garros 2015 French Tennis Open in Paris. AFP

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DILG is champ a 2nd time of Inter-Agency tilt

PCSO shooting team. Members of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Shooting Team show their respective trophies after successfully earning various awards during the Government Corporation Athletic Association Inter Agency Shootfest 2015 on May 28 and 29 at the Philippine Airforce Shooting Range in Villamor Airbase, Pasay City. The shooters are (from left) Angelito Artuz (2nd runner up Classic Division), Benito Montallana (2nd Runner Up Senior Classic Division); Hernando Laquindanum (3rd Runner Up Team Awards), Agnes Ibera (GrandSlam Champion Lady Classic 2013-2014-2015), PCSO Assistant General Manager for Administrative Sector Atty. Lauro Patiag; Eric delos Reyes ( 4th Runner Up Standard Division); Noy Consolacion (4th Runner Up Production Division) and Michael Fernando. (4th Runner Up Production Division). The PCSO Shooting Team placed overall third runner-up. JOSEPH MUEGO

FOR the second straight time, the Department of the Interior and Local Government swept Season 4 of the Inter-Government Agency Female Employees Sportsfest Volleyball Tournament last May at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Coach Ney Mateo led Lesli Polistico, Woodrose Kwan, Elenita Mahinay, Mary Grace Alejandro, Maricor Dayadante, Joy Marie Campomares, Jobie Angot, Aisa Tanada, Lannie Angulo, Maria Olivine Contreras, Jessica Banzali, Kristine dela Pena and Norma Corpuz to a 26-24, 25-20, 25-19 win over the Department of National Defense and the Department of Health. A Gender and Development project of Philippine Sports Commissioner Akiko Thomson-Guevara and also featured badminton, billiards, bowling and table tennis, competition sizzled among female players from the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health, Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Registration Authority, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Sports Commission and Department of Public Works and Highways.

Cristobal named NCAA commissioner THE National Collegiate Athletic Association has appointed Arturo “Bai” Cristobal as commissioner for the second straight season, announced Management Committee chair Melchor Divina of host Mapua. The 91st NCAA basketball tournament comes off the wraps on June 27 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City. It will be the second tour of duty for Cristobal after he also served

as commissioner in last year’s cage wars, topped by the San Beda Lions, who swept the Arellano University Chiefs in two games. Cristobal is a former coach of the San Sebastian Stags, a team he

Dayrit, Nuguit capture First Gen tennis crowns DIEGO Dayrit and Samuel Nuguit bucked the odds and overcame their higher seeded rivals to record a pair of thrilling reversals in the eighth First Gen Juntaphil Metro Age Group Tennis Championship at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa over the weekend. The eighth-ranked Dayrit proved steadier than top seed Daniel Estanislao III in a pressure-packed tiebreaker, pulling off a 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (6) victory to snatch the boys’ 12-and-under crown in the annual tournament co-presented by the First Gen Corp. headed by Francis Giles Puno and sponsored by Smart Communications. Earlier, the 12-year-old Dayrit, way down in 18th in the current Philta ranking, toppled No. 2 Miguel Vicencio, 6-2, 6-3, to arrange a title duel with Estanislao, who whipped Rupert Tortal, 6-1, 6-1, in their side of the semis. The second seeded Nuguit, on the other hand, upended No. 1 Marc Jarata, 2-5, 5-3, 5-1, to pocket the 10-unisex plum in the week-long event organized

by Juntaphil led by president Edward Puno with Technifibre as the official ball and Caloy Creer as tournament referee. Unlike in the girls’ side where Shaira Rivera and Alex Eala romped off with two titles via straight-set romps, the boys’ finals went downto-the-wire with Cenon Gonzales Jr. and Gabriel Tiamson also carving out a pair of three-setters in the 18and 16-U sections. The top seeded Gonzales came back strong from a tight first-set setback and essayed a 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-2 victory over No. 5 Joel Atienza to rule the premier division while the fifth-ranked Tiamson likewise rallied to upend No. 3 Manuel Balce III, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, for the 16-U crown. Marc del Rosario took the 14-U title with a 1-0 (ret.) win over Arthur Pantino. Rivera edged Rafaella Villanueva, 7-6(2), 6-3, for the 18-U title then thwarted Melanie Faye Dizon, 6-4, 6-3, for the 16-U plum, while Eala ripped Macie Carlos, 6-2, 6-0, in the 12-U finals then stunned No. 1 Mikaela Vicencio, 6-1, 6-1, for the 14-U crown.

steered to several senior championships before transferring to the Perpetual Help Altas. A former national team member and player of the legendary Crispa Redmanizers dynasty, Cristobal also served as an assistant commissioner to Joe Lipa, when the latter handled the commissionership a few years back. Divina said he had already received the list of referees he will

tap and it will immediately be sent to the Mancom for approval. The season opens with five-peat champion San Beda clashing with Mapua at 2 p.m. and last year’s second placer Arellano University battling last year’s third place Jose Rizal in the main game at 4 p.m. The pair of explosive games will be preceded by what organizers tipped as a performance to remember centered on the league’s theme for this year: “NCAA: En-

gineered for Sports Excellence in the New Decade.” All games will be telecast live on ABS-CBN’s Sports and Action channel as part of the 10-year contract it signed with the NCAA recently. Games are set from Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with a total of seven senior games to be played every week.

Key to volley success: Fan support PLDT Home Ultera coach Roger Gorayeb yesterday said their Shakey’s V-League triumph serves as a big morale boost for the national team competing for the first time in 10 years in the SEA Games beginning June 10. Gorayeb is tasked to handle the Nationals, bannered by his PLDT stalwarts – Valdez, Santiago, Gretchel Soltones and Denden Lazaro – and Army’s talented troika of Jovelyn Gonzaga, Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Rachel Ann Daquis. Other members of the squad are Air Force’s Rhea Dimaculangan and Maika Ortiz, Ateneo’s Jia Morado

and Bea de Leon and Meralco’s Aby Marano. Cagayan Valley’s Aiza MaizoPontillas is a reserve and an assistant coach while Ricky Palou is the team manager. “Somehow it gives us something to feel good about and at the same time we feel a sense of relief since we can now focus 100 percent in training for the SEA Games,” said Gorayeb. Meanwhile, after edging Army to annex its first Shakey’s V-League crown, PLDT Home Ultera can’t wait to take on another challenge and contend for another champion-

Shakey’s V-League fans cheer their teams.

ship in the Reinforced Conference later this year. “Hopefully, we can do it again,” said Gorayeb moments after the Ultra Fast Lady Hitters downed the Lady Troopers, 25-22, 18-25, 24-26, 28-26, 15-13, in Sunday’s Game Three at The Arena in San Juan City. “Teams are allowed to field in a maximum of two imports so we expect a different ballgame,” he added. Gorayeb is also hoping to keep his current stellar roster headed by reigning conference MVP Alyssa Valdez and Finals MVP Jaja Santiago.

A14 Duremdes sacked By Peter Atencio

KENNETH Duremdes was supposed to handle the men’s basketball program of Adamson University for three years. It was cut short this weekend when team management informed Duremdes that he will no long handle the squad starting this month. “Team management has agreed to release Mr. Duremdes from his duties as they would like to have someone, who dedicate full time and attention to the development of the team,” said university officials in a statement released through team manager Gilbert Cruz. Assistant coach Mike Fermin has been tasked to take over as the team’s interim coach. Fermin will be around until a suitable replacement is found. “I don’t think na may

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mangyayari this early. Kasi we agreed on a three-year program. Walang superhero na makapagturn around a team on a rebuilding process into an instant champion,” said Duremdes in a statement. Duremdes said he was shocked over the decision to fire him. “Kasi sa first year, maraming adjustments, recruitment process. Normal lang ‘yun (na magstruggle) sa unang taon,” said Duremdes. Duremdes, 41, said no reason was given on the decision to sack him. He was around when the Falcons reached the finals of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines in 1991 and 1993. “Nagkaroon ng maayos na paghihiwalay kasi binigyan naman natin ng karangalan sa school kahit papaano,” stated Duremdes.

Rubillar loses again By Ronnie Nathanielsz VETERAN southpaw Juanito Rubillar lost once again, suffering a fourthround technical defeat at the hands of former world champion Joseph Agbeko at the El Paso Memorial Coliseum in El Paso, Texas. It was the 38-year-old Rubillar’s fourth straight defeat and his 10th loss in his last 11 fights, raising serious questions as to why the Philippine Games and Amusements Board allows Rubillar, who is well past his prime, to continue fighting. Rubillar’s only win in his last 11 fights was when Basilio Nievas of Manila

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the Dominican Republic quit in the fifth round of a scheduled 10-round bout with a hip injury, enabling the Filipino to register a TKO victory. Bill Knight of the El Paso Times reported that Agbeko “returned to the ring for the first time in over 13 months and won when the bout was halted by a cut ruled to be from a punch,” which improved his record to 30-6 with 26 knockouts. Rubillar who, according to boxrec.com last fought on Aug. 24, 2013 when he was knocked out in the fourth round by Rey Vargas, dropped to 49-23-7 with 24 knockouts.

national iRRigation administRation

(pambansang pangasiWaan ng patubig) Region 3 bulacan-auRoRa-nueva ecija iRRigation management office office addRess: telephone nos.: email addRess:

tambubong, san Rafael, bulacan (044) 766-3888 / 766-4142 / 766-0157 / 766-3524 niabaneimoafs@yahoo.com

telefax no. (044) 766-3888 tin no. 000-578-009-000

INVITATION to BID No. R3-BANE-2015-AU-36 May 28, 2015 The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Bulacan-Aurora-Nueva Ecija Irrigation Management Office (BANE), San Rafael, Bulacan, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites Suppliers to bid for the Supply of 104 sets of 8HP Diesel Engine & Pumps and its accessories for Umiray CIS, Dingalan, Aurora. The approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) is P 9,535,742.32 with contract duration of 30 calendar days. Any bid above the ABC shall be rejected. Bidders shall have available stocks/units and store or service center within the region to ensure the aftersales service for the farmer beneficiaries. Interested bidders must have experience in undertaking a similar project within the last 3 years with an amount of at least 50% of the proposed project for bidding. Issuance of Bid Documents: (Upon payment of non-refundable amount of P 10,000.00)

June 3, 2015 – 10:00AM NIA-BANE, San Rafael, Bulacan

Pre-Bidding:

June 15, 2015 – 1:30 PM

Submission/Opening of Bids:

June 29, 2015 – 1:30 PM NIA-BANE, San Rafael, Bulacan

The NIA-BANE assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of bids. Also, NIA reserves the right to reject any or all bids at any time prior to award, waive any defects therein and to declare the bidding a failure for whatever reasons it may deem appropriate.

SGD. ROBERTO J. DELA CRUZ Chairman – BAC (TS-JUNE 2, 2015)

Greg Slaughter of Barangay Ginebra is hounded by San Miguel Beer’s Junemar Fajardo in a PBA Governors’ Cup game won by the Beermen, 100-85.

Alaska Aces seek piece of PBA lead again grasp a share of first place with surprise league-leader Barako Bull, which is currently in solo first place at 5-1. Alaska coach Alex Compton credits the consistent play of his wards to their defensive efforts. ‘’I admire the effort of our players so far especially on the defensive end. Our commitment to what we do is bringing us success so far and we’re just looking to continue what we’ve been doing and hopefully get more wins,’’ said Compton. Contrary to what the Aces are enjoying right now, NLEX still couldn’t get any groove as it is still on a serious skid, having lost two in a row. The Road Warriors, who suffered a 108-89 drubbing at the hands of Talk ‘N Text last week, are

currently in a bad spot, languishing CYAN MAGENTA YELLO in a 10th-place tie with Rain or Shine near the bottom. They are in obvious need of a win if they want to keep their chances of getting in the next round up. Otherwise, another defeat should send them down deeper. For the Tropang Texters, bouncing back is the main goal as they suffered a heartbreaking setback in their last outing, yielding to GlobalPort, 123-120, last Friday. Instead of moving to first place, they slid down to a fifthplace tie with Kia. A bounceback victory for Talk ‘N Text will put it right back in fourth place. On the other hand, the Bolts were finally able have a solid outing where they can build momentum and confidence from, routing cellar-dweller Blackwater, 87-72, also last Friday to even their slate. The Bolts were finally able to get the balance they’re looking for, getting some lift from locals such as Gary David, Jared Dillinger and Sean Anthony to help their consistent imports Andre Emmett and Seiya Ando.

Other members of the council are Saad Al-Hiasat (JOR), Mohammad Jumah(KUW), Karim Ibrahim (MAS), Maj Gen (R) Muhammad Akram Sahi (PAK), Maj Gen W.. Palitha P. Fernando (SRI), Mr. Ching Cheng Wang (TPE), Mr Nasser Sultan A.S. AL-Maamari (UAE), Mr. Hoang Manh Cuong (VIE). Juico said he considers this as a big break for the Philippines since Gov. Jose Sering led the formation of the Asian association in 1973.

“This is the first time in many years that the Philippines is back in the mainstream of international athletics,” said Juico. “I will push for the AAA’s support for the creation of the ASEAN Athletics Integration, which mimics the ASEAN Economic Integration using the ASEAN as one athletic development platform with each country assigned a specific role to play like championing and/or being the center of excellence for a particular athletics event/discipline.”

By Jeric Lopez

WITH an eye on a possible first-place tie, Alaska shoots for another win in the resumption of the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup. Games Today (Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City) 4:15 p.m. - NLEX vs. Alaska 7 p.m. - Meralco vs. Talk ‘N Text

Off to a dazzling start, the Aces (4-1) attempt to earn a tie for the lead when they clash with ailing NLEX (1-4) at 4:15 p.m. as action shifts to the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. In the ensuing game, Talk ‘N Text (3-2) hopes to get back on track when it takes on sister team Meralco (3-3) at 7 p.m. in the night cap. With steady and heady import Romeo Travis taking the lead, the Aces are once again looking like a strong contender this early in the tournament. Should they top the struggling Road Warriors, the Aces can From A15...Juico

Du Zhaocai of China was elected unopposed to the post of Senior Vice President. On the other hand, Ruqaya Manssor Ebrahim Al-Ghasara of Bahrain and Mala Sakonhninhom of Laos were elected as women’s representatives to the council. The other five VPs voted were Dr. Lalit Bhanot (IND), Dr Talib F. Al-Saffar (IRQ), Mr Alexey Kondrat (KAZ) and Eng. Suhail Q. AlZawawi (KSA).

T U E S D AY : J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 5

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

PH tri-colors raised at Singapore games SINGAPORE—The Philippine presence in the 28th Singapore Southeast Asian Games gets official recognition here on Tuesday when the country’s colors are raised during the SEA Games welcome ceremonies at the Singapore National Stadium. National team chef de mission Julian Camacho will lead the PH contingent composed mostly of the members of the secretariat and medical team during the flag-raising ceremonies set at 8 a.m. (same time in Manila). Joining them are Philippine Olympic Committee first vice president Joey Romasanta, who arrived last Sunday, assistant chef

de mission Jonne Go, and Philippines Sports Commission executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. PSC chairman Richie Garcia, the PH team chef de mission in last year’s Incheon Asian Games and was scheduled to arrive Monday night, might possibly also be present during the event, according to Camacho. “We decided it would be

best for the athletes who are already to focus on their training and competition so only members of the secretariat and our medical team on top of the POC officials are required the flag-raising ceremonies,” he said. The Philippines will be the second country, whose colors will be raised during the welcome rites following Myanmar at 6 a.m. Cambodia, Laos, Timor Leste, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Thailand, Vietnam. in that order, and finally host Singapore were to hold their own respective flag-raising ceremonies during the day. Already in town are the teams in men’s football, which

played host Singapore yesterday at the Jalan Besar Stadium, table tennis, synchronized swimming, fencing, floorball, canoe-kayak and dragon boat rowing. The Filipino table netters swung into preliminary action yesterday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium while the duo of Jemimah Tianmbeng and Alyssa Marey Salvador were to compete in the duet and technical free routine events of synchronized swimming at the OCBC Aquatic Center on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Philippines absorbed a 22-62 beating in preliminary matches of women’s floorball last Sunday at the OCBC Arena Hall 1.

IBF light flyweight champion boxes Filipino Milan Melindo into a corner and hits him with a couple of combinations.

Melindo continues to be boxing’s Hearbreak Kid By Ronnie Nathanielsz MILAN Melindo lost in his second attempt to win a world title in a contentious sixth-round technical decision after referee Gerard White of the US questionably ruled that a cut on the left eye of International Boxing Federation light flyweight champion Javier Mendoza was the result of an accidental clash of heads, instead of a legitimate punch. This forced them to go to the scorecards of the three judges after the ringside doctor said Mendoza was in no position to continue. All three judges scored the fight in a lopsided fashion for Mendoza, with Chris Wilson and

Richard Ocasio scoring it a 60-52 shutout, while the third judge Bill Lerch gave Melindo one round for a 59-53 tally. “I saw the replay and Melindo should have won by a TKO because the referee did not rule the cut was caused by an accidental head-butt when he stopped the bout in the sixth round,” trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor said. Mexican matchmaker Sergio Sotelo, identified as a friend of Villamor, said he was “very ashamed of the type of officials” assigned by the IBF and noted that Mexican TV commentators, led by legendary champion Julio Cesar Chavez, claimed the replay showed there was no clash of heads although they came close.

Sotelo also said the body shots of Melindo were legal and he didn’t deserve a point deduction in Round 5 for an alleged low blow in Round 5. It is worth noting that referee White has been officiating in four- and six-round bouts since he was the third man in the ring when former BF light flyweight champion Johnreil Casimero knocked out Mexico’s Mauricio Fuentes last May 3, 2014 in Manila, when Casimero failed to make the weight and lost his title on the scales, prompting him to move up to flyweight where he has earned a mandatory title shot against Thai champion Amnat Ruenroeng in Bangkok on June 27.

A15 LOTTO RESULTS

6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

UEFA plans break away from FIFA FED UP with the scandal-riddled world governing body for football, FIFA, the powerful Union of European Football Associations or UEFA plans a “World Cup” breakaway, which was first proposed by Denmark’s UEFA ExCo member Allan Hansen — one of the powerbrokers keen on UEFA breaking away from FIFA. The Daily Mail reported that the radical plan was proposed at a meeting of Europe’s 54 territories and ahead of 79-year-old Blatter’s re-election for a fifth term as president last Friday in Zurich. Under the plan, a European Championship every two years with invitations to other big football countries outside Europe was one of the proposals UEFA is putting forward in the fight against FIFA corruption. The initiative would see all the top-ranked teams in world football take part in a competition that would not be under the jurisdiction of Sepp Blatter’s administration. Correspondent Charles Sale reported that Blatter and FIFA “have been tarnished almost beyond repair” after the arrest of seven of the body’s officials and the indictment of 18 people on $150 million worth of fraud, bribery and kick-back charges in a United States-led investigation. Disenchanted sponsors and TV rights holders have made Hansen believe that his plan would be attractive enough to take significant sponsorship and broadcasting rights — FIFA’s two important revenue streams — away from Zurich until FIFA reforms itself to the extent that UEFA feel they can take part in a global World Cup once again which will not happen until Blatter is deposed or steps down before his four year term ends. The English Football Association is one of the leaders in the fight to get rid of Blatter. Ronnie Nathanielsz

Juico elected Vice President of Asian athletics association By Peter Atencio PHILIPPINE Amateur Track and Field Athletic Association president Philip Ella Juico was elected as one of the five vice presidents of the Asian Athletic Association. Juico confirmed his election following a meeting held yesterday in Wuhan, China during the ongoing 21st Asian Athletics Championships 2015. “I’m the newest kid on the block. The other members of the board have been there for a long time. It’s time for new blood, new ideas coming from experienced professional managers with substantial experience in government, sports, corporate life and development work,” said Juico, who is also a former Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission and a cabinet member (Agrarian Reform) of the administration of President Corazon Aquino. “By being active in the AAA, we will be in a better position to lobby for more outside, non-government assistance for athletics’ development. If we produce results as a Vice President, our country will stand to benefit,” explained Juico. Dahlan Al-Hamad of Qatar was unanimously elected as the President of Asian Athletics Association for the period of 2015-2019. Turn to A14

A16 S I N G A P O R E —T h e Southeast Asian (SEA) Games was rocked by a match-fixing scandal on Monday when East Timor’s under-23 team manager was suspended from football over alleged bribery and corruption. Orlando Marques Henriques Mendes was provisionally barred from football activities for 30 days after he was detained and charged by Singapore’s anti-corruption bureau, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said. It was an unfortunate beginning for the regional multisport event in Singapore, a city seen as a centre for international match-fixing networks. The AFC has opened disciplinary proceedings against Mendes for alleged violations of its rules on bribery and match integrity, a statement said. Mendes’ suspension can be extended once for a further period of 20 days, the AFC added. On Friday Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau said it had been “proactively monitoring football match-fixing activities” and acted on information to arrest “a Singaporean alleged match-fixer and several co-conspirators of different nationalities”. East Timor lost their opening game on Saturday 1-0 to Malaysia, who played most of the game with 10 men after the dismissal of playmaker Nazmi Faiz Mansor. Football is among a handful of events which are getting under way before the SEA Games’ opening ceremony at Singapore’s National Stadium on Friday. Singapore has been hit by previous fixing scandals including in April 2013, when a local businessman provided prostitutes for visiting referees

to influence an AFC Cup game. Alleged global match-fixing mastermind Tan Seet Eng, or Dan Tan, is being held under a law that allows for indefinite detention following a crackdown in September that year.

T U E S D AY : J U N E 0 2 , 2 0 1 5

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

REUEL VIDAL A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R

sports@thestandard.com.ph

Game-ﬁxing mars Singapore Games

SPORTS Tsonga shines on gloomy day at French Open PARIS—Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat fourth seed Tomas Berdych at a weather-hit Roland Garros on Sunday, winning their fourth round tie 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 on a day of mixed fortunes for French hopes. The 14th seed’s emphatic win was followed by a loss for Gilles Simon, who went down 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to eighth seeded Swiss Stan Wawrinka. Then Gael Monfils saw his contest with Roger Federer suspended due to poor light with the score level at one set all. It will resume Monday afternoon with the winner going up against Wawrinka. In the other match completed, Japan’s fifth-seeded Kei Nishikori comfortably saw off the challenge of Russia’s Teymuraz Gabashvili and he will be the next opponent for Tsonga. Turn to A12

France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga lunges forward as he serves the ball to Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych during the men’s fourth round at the Roland Garros 2015 French Tennis Open in Paris. AFP

Fan support fuels V-League TURN TO A13

Bowditch rules Nelson golf TURN TO A12

TUESDAY: JUNE 2, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

Aquino approves auto program By Othel V. Campos

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III approved the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy that will provide incentives to the local production of vehicles, the Trade Department said Monday. The incentives package is expected to attract more than P27 billion in new parts manufacturing investments, locally produce at least 600,000 vehicles and generate a total economic activity estimated to be worth P300 billion over a six-year period.

The Cars program calls for fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to jumpstart the revitalization of the country’s automotive industry, improve its competitiveness and elevate the country into an auto manufacturing hub in the region. Trade Secretary Gregory Domin-

go said the program was designed to build and expand the parts making capability of the auto industry, “for without a robust parts making industry, our car making industry will remain uncompetitive.” “The Cars program is about building capabilities and jobs to make our automotive manufacturing industry competitive in Asean,” said Domingo. It is expected to generate 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in the industry throughout the six-year program. The program calls for new investments in manufacturing parts not currently available in the country, such as large car body

panels, bumpers, instrument panels, head lamps, shock absorbers, plastic fuel tanks and automotive fabric. “After thorough study, extensive stakeholder consultations and inter-agency coordination, the government’s Cars program will be implemented with the signing of the EO,” said Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Adrian Cristobal Jr. He said the incentives package would be pooled from the General Appropriations Act . “We will try to secure the required funding during the budget hearing for 2016 so we can give

the incentives starting next year,” he said. Cars program offers a package of time-bound and performancebased fiscal incentives to support new investments in fixed capital expenditures in new parts making capability and to encourage large scale production in vehicle assembly. The resulting contribution to gross domestic product is estimated at 1.7 percent. “As parts making capability develops and production reaches economic scale, we expect consumers to benefit from lower prices of cars and spare parts,” said Cristobal.

PSe comPoSite index Closing June 1, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,670.37 89.91

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing JUNE 1, 2015 46

P44.530

44 43 42

HIGH P44.515 LOW P44.590 AVERAGE P44.549 VOLUME 429.400M

P500.00-P650.00 LPG/11-kg tank P41.85-P47.20 Unleaded Gasoline P29.35-P32.70 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene

Luxury village. Property developer Megaworld Corp. is launching its ﬁrst upscale residential village in the Visayas and Mindanao in its

53-hectare Northill Gateway township in Bacolod City. Shown are Megaworld public relations and communications head Harold Geronimo (left) and vice president for sales and marketing Rachelle Peñaﬂorida as they display the development plan of Forbes Hill, which offers 197 lots at P16,000 to P17,000 per square meter. See related story on B4.

Govt set to start bidding of Bicol rail next week By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Transportation Department said Monday it plans to roll out the auction for the construction of a P170.7-billion commuter railway from Metro Manila to Bicol region next week. “It should be published within the week,” Transportation Department spokesman Michael Arthur Sagcal said. The proposed North-South Railway Project-South Line covers Metro Manila to Legazpi City, Albay, plus a number of existing

and proposed branch lines with a total length of 653 kilometers. It also consists of commuter railway operations between Tutuban and Calamba and longhaul railway operations between Tutuban and Legazpi, including extended long-haul rail operations on the branch line between Calamba and Batangas and extension between Legazpi and Matnog. The project, which was approved the National Economic and Development Authority board in February, is expected to

become operational by the first quarter of 2020. Construction is expected to start by the first quarter of 2016. Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. of Ayala Corp. earlier said they were keen on participating in the bidding for the NSRP– South Line, which would be implemented through publicprivate partnership scheme. “To us, it is the most interesting one out of those big-ticket projects. If and when that is bidded out, it is something that we would

like to take a serious look at,” AC Infrastructure president John Eric Francia said. The south line project is a part of the P287-billion North-South Railway project, whose first phase involves the construction of a 36.7-kilometer narrow gauge elevated commuter railway from Malolos, Bulacan to Tutuban, Manila. The first phase is projected to be completed by the third quarter of 2020. It would be financed either through official development assistance or the national budget.

P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monday, June 1, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.5670

Japan

Yen

0.008058

0.3591

Pound

1.529000

68.1429

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128984

5.7484

Switzerland

Franc

1.064169

47.4268

Canada

Dollar

0.803794

35.8227

Singapore

Dollar

0.742225

33.0787

Australia

Dollar

0.765111

34.0987

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653294

118.2494

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

11.8839

Brunei

Dollar

0.739481

32.9564

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000076

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.029735

1.3252

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.1337

Euro

1.098800

48.9702

Korea

Won

0.000899

0.0401

China

Yuan

0.161329

7.1899

India

Rupee

0.015700

0.6997

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.272926

12.1635

New Zealand

Dollar

0.709975

31.6415

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032446

1.4460 Source: PDS Bridge

TUESDAY: JUNE 2, 2015

BUSINESS business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

MST BuSineSS Daily STockS Review Monday, June 1, 2015

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 104 63 2.49 4.2 18.48 31.6 2.95 890 1.01 99.4 30.5 94.95 361.2 59 174.8 1700 127.9 3.26

2.5 66 84.6 84.5 45.8 1.97 2.03 12.02 23.55 1.75 625 0.225 78 18.02 76.5 276 45 107.6 1200 66 2.65

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank PB Bank Phil. National Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

7 74.8 108.00 98.00 46.1 2.46 1.81 16.1 21.95 1.74 760.00 0.445 89.5 18.20 62.00 307 41 156 1405.00 64.90 3.13

35.6 1.6 1.04 1.41 7.92 14.6 62.5 10.08 29.15

1.04 10.72 8.44 9.79 5.43 9.54 1.06 8.61 18.06 67.9 14 13.24 3.12 168 8.65 34.1 2.3 24.4 16.2 7.62 250.2 3.87 9 3.7 9.94 3.03 2.22 1 4.72 1.65 6 201.6 1.67 0.122 1.02 2.01 143.4 4.28 0.670 1.39

Aboitiz Power Corp. Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons. Asiabest Group Century Food Chemphil Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Euro-Med Lab Federal Res. Inv. Group First Gen Corp. First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Jollibee Foods Corp. Lafarge Rep Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp. Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp. Vulcan Ind’l.

43 1.55 1.05 2.1 10.72 19 101 27 55.8 1.6 1.68 12.6 19.400 9.99 7.91 9.41 1.72 12.02 26.95 89.7 14.50 14.52 5.84 201.00 10.08 32.50 2.2 23.5 25 6.8 281.20 4.27 9.96 4 11.60 3.85 2.22 2.1 4.06 1.9 6.6 183.2 1.62 0.158 1.14 2.25 190.8 4.4 0.73 1.26

0.7 59.2 31.85 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 800 11.06 84 0.66 1380 6.68 72.6 8.9 5.29 9.25 0.9 18.9 0.73 5.53 6.55 0.0670 0.84 87 3.5 934 2.2 156 0.710 0.435

0.45 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 1.4 1.6 600 7.390 14.18 0.144 818 5.3 46.6 4.96 3 4.43 0.59 12 0.580 4.22 4.5 0.036 0.450 66.7 1.5 709.5 1.13 85.2 0.200 0.173

Abacus Cons. À’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor À’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp À’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings À’ Lopez Holdings Corp. Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. LT Group Mabuhay Holdings À’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. Minerales Industrias Corp. Pacifica À’ Prime Orion San Miguel Corp À’ Seafront À’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries

0.465 56.00 22.95 1.26 6.99 0.270 0.285 790 7.77 13.20 0.235 1396 6.45 68.50 3.69 5 7.5 0.72 13.96 0.63 4.5 5.1 0.0360 1.020 65.00 2.96 880.00 1.24 88.450 0.3500 0.2110

10.5 26.95 1.99 2.07

6.01 12 0.91 1.29

8990 HLDG 7.890 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 8.90 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.74 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.300

47 5 1.66 2.36 15.3 20.6 125 32 65.8 4.57 23.35 21.6 12.98 9.13 12.34 2.89 17 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 241 12.5 79 3.95 33.9 90 13.98 292.4 5.25 13.04 6.8 14.5 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.68 7.86 8.1 253 3.28 0.315 2.5 2.68 226.6 5.5 1.3 2.17

High

Low

FINANCIAL 7 7 74.7 73 111.00 107.00 102.20 97.20 46.4 46.1 2.46 2.46 1.84 1.80 16 15.9 22 21.35 1.65 1.65 790.00 790.00 0.445 0.410 91.4 89.5 18.26 18.26 69.50 65.00 315 307 43.5 41.35 157.1 154 1400.00 1400.00 65.00 64.90 3.13 3.13 INDUSTRIAL 43.2 42.35 1.56 1.45 1.06 1.03 2.15 2.08 10.8 10.6 19.2 18.96 102 102 27.5 25.05 55.75 55.75 1.66 1.55 1.68 1.61 12.5 12.18 19.400 19.04 10.12 9.80 7.99 7.67 9.54 9.30 1.85 1.8 13.7 12.04 26.95 25.9 89.85 87.5 14.10 14.10 14.70 14.54 5.85 5.7 201.20 197.50 10.2 10.08 30.00 30.00 2.38 2.2 25.1 24 25.2 24.5 6.7 6.58 283.40 276.00 4.45 4.29 9.90 9.60 3.92 3.8 11.70 11.60 3.85 3.78 2.22 2.19 2.16 2.05 4.43 4.20 2.15 1.85 6.6 5.9 184.1 183.2 1.64 1.62 0.153 0.151 1.14 1.14 2.25 2.23 199.3 191 4.37 4.3 0.74 0.72 1.28 1.27 HOLDING FIRMS 0.465 0.465 57.50 55.60 23.40 22.70 1.26 1.26 7.00 6.99 0.275 0.260 0.260 0.260 801 775 7.8 7.72 13.48 13.04 0.235 0.220 1390 1362 6.40 6.39 69.50 68.00 3.72 3.72 5.05 5.05 7.55 7.38 0.72 0.71 13.98 13.84 0.66 0.63 4.55 4.39 5.1 5 0.0360 0.0350 1.030 0.970 65.95 63.95 2.96 2.96 888.00 866.00 1.26 1.25 83.200 83.000 0.3650 0.3500 0.2110 0.2010 PROPERTY 7.890 7.790 8.75 8.01 0.76 0.74 1.300 1.260

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

7 73 111.00 102.20 46.35 2.46 1.80 15.9 21.9 1.65 790.00 0.445 91 18.26 68.60 315 42.25 155 1400.00 64.95 3.13

0.00 -2.41 2.78 4.29 0.54 0.00 -0.55 -1.24 -0.23 -5.17 3.95 0.00 1.68 0.33 10.65 2.61 3.05 -0.64 -0.36 0.08 0.00

4,500 28,440 2,580,920 1,672,820 6,300 6,000 117,000 21,300 918,300 1,000 10 40,000 2,659,890 300 478,110 490 113,110 808,760 65 37,900 1,000

43 1.56 1.04 2.15 10.6 18.98 102 27.5 55.75 1.6 1.68 12.22 19.320 10.04 7.95 9.35 1.8 12.98 26.75 88.9 14.10 14.70 5.85 200.00 10.2 30.00 2.38 24.8 25 6.6 282.60 4.3 9.88 3.82 11.60 3.84 2.20 2.06 4.31 1.87 6.6 183.2 1.64 0.153 1.14 2.25 198.9 4.3 0.74 1.28

0.00 0.65 -0.95 2.38 -1.12 -0.11 0.99 1.85 -0.09 0.00 0.00 -3.02 -0.41 0.50 0.51 -0.64 4.65 7.99 -0.74 -0.89 -2.76 1.24 0.17 -0.50 1.19 -7.69 8.18 5.53 0.00 -2.94 0.50 0.70 -0.80 -4.50 0.00 -0.26 -0.90 -1.90 6.16 -1.58 0.00 0.00 1.23 -3.16 0.00 0.00 4.25 -2.27 1.37 1.59

2,300,000 19,000 884,000 7,170,000 300 205,200 70 239,200 20,520 2,028,000 124,000 3,000 1,578,800 1,696,000 18,081,800 4,688,500 27,000 65,400 4,276,800 116,930 100 2,100 349,800 615,660 327,300 16,300 3,000 1,954,600 43,600 164,700 633,440 4,251,000 436,100 11,000 15,100 47,000 316,000 227,000 9,150,000 187,000 5,800 124,460 16,000 2,560,000 18,000 463,000 2,241,760 41,000 232,000 134,000

0.465 57.35 23.35 1.26 7.00 0.275 0.260 800 7.72 13.36 0.230 1380 6.39 69.00 3.72 5.05 7.51 0.71 13.9 0.63 4.43 5 0.0350 1.000 65.95 2.96 888.00 1.26 83.200 0.3550 0.2110

0.00 2.41 1.74 0.00 0.14 1.85 -8.77 1.27 -0.64 1.21 -2.13 -1.15 -0.93 0.73 0.81 1.00 0.13 -1.39 -0.43 0.00 -1.56 -1.96 -2.78 -1.96 1.46 0.00 0.91 1.61 -5.94 1.43 0.00

20,000 851,000 2,242,800 110,000 11,000 650,000 330,000 217,900 2,563,900 6,796,100 80,000 506,905 90,000 2,922,590 1,000 100 1,119,000 2,000 3,236,900 1,123,000 18,790,000 70,100 2,000,000 3,412,000 71,980 1,000 338,500 77,000 14,910 2,080,000 60,000

7.800 8.01 0.75 1.260

-1.14 -10.00 1.35 -3.08

112,800 600 35,000 1,018,000

306,866.00 31,812,696.00 770,329.50

1,590.00 1,050,345.00

1,933,803.50

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

High

Low

40.50 39.35 3.65 3.4 5.22 5.2 0.86 0.82 1.05 1.05 0.140 0.140 0.430 0.430 0.850 0.850 0.180 0.179 1.28 1.22 1.95 1.90 1.37 1.35 5.65 5.07 4.82 4.64 0.120 0.115 24.80 24.80 7.21 7.18 29.90 29.50 1.73 1.69 3.26 3.26 19.44 18.76 0.73 0.72 7.15 7.15 0.880 0.850 7.250 6.990 SERVICES 6.5 6.5 6.3 62 62 61.2 1.15 1.18 1.09 0.670 0.670 0.660 27 27 27 9.70 9.69 9.35 0.0960 0.0970 0.9500 4.3 4.31 4.1 86 87.7 85.5 10 9.99 9.99 6.70 6.95 6.50 985 985 985 2550 2620 2550 6.22 6.36 6.23 1.37 1.30 1.28 107 109 106 12.3 11.66 11.66 0.224 0.229 0.223 2.25 2.25 2.24 9.60 9.60 9.50 2.88 3.32 2.80 2.02 2.02 2.02 51.00 51.90 46.00 0.670 0.670 0.670 8.14 8.16 8.05 0.350 0.350 0.340 18.18 18.18 18.18 4.55 4.48 4.48 22.20 22.50 19.00 2780.00 2810.00 2768.00 0.650 0.680 0.660 1.540 1.540 1.460 38.00 38.95 38.00 75.00 75.55 75.00 9.98 9.99 9.79 0.67 0.67 0.66 5.99 6 5.85 1.260 1.260 1.260 MINING & OIL 0.0049 0.0048 0.0048 2.60 2.60 2.58 6.60 6.99 6.60 7.4300 7.4300 7.4200 1 1 0.99 0.81 0.81 0.8 7.38 7.60 7.30 1.6 1.58 1.43 0.320 0.340 0.320 0.233 0.235 0.233 0.238 0.238 0.238 0.0140 0.0150 0.0140 0.0150 0.0150 0.0140 3.8 3.78 3.52 22.7 23.35 22.5 3.77 3.81 3.75 0.6900 0.6800 0.6800 2.040 2.120 2.030 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 4.38 4.40 4.35 6.2 6.44 6.15 1.98 2.14 1.95 0.014 0.015 0.014 154.00 156.00 151.00 10.74 12.2 10.8 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 PREFERRED 61.5 61.5 61.4 523 524 523 525 526 526 519 520 518 6.1 6.12 6.1 1.09 1.12 1.09 1125 1124 1121 76 75.9 75.6 81.15 82.2 82.1 86.5 86.8 86.5 WARRANTS & BONDS 4.000 3.900 3.850

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

40 6.15 5.4 1.54 1.48 0.201 0.98 1.09 0.305 2.25 1.87 1.8 6.34 4.88 0.180 27 8.54 31.8 2.29 3.6 20.6 1.02 7.56 1.96 8.59

29.1 4.1 4.96 0.89 0.97 0.083 0.445 0.85 0.188 1.4 1.42 1.19 2.8 2.75 0.090 23 2.57 21.35 1.64 3.08 15.08 0.69 3.38 1 5.69

Ayala Land `B’ 40.05 Belle Corp. À’ 3.5 Cebu Holdings 5.16 Century Property 0.85 Cityland Dev. À’ 1.05 Crown Equities Inc. 0.140 Cyber Bay Corp. 0.430 Empire East Land 0.860 Ever Gotesco 0.180 Global-Estate 1.22 Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.86 Interport À’ 1.34 Keppel Properties 5.05 Megaworld Corp. 4.75 MRC Allied Ind. 0.121 Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 25.50 Primex Corp. 7.19 Robinson’s Land `B’ 29.50 Rockwell 1.7 Shang Properties Inc. 3.23 SM Prime Holdings 19.42 Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.71 Starmalls 7.14 Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 0.870 Vista Land & Lifescapes 7.030

40.30 3.4 5.2 0.83 1.05 0.140 0.430 0.850 0.179 1.22 1.93 1.36 5.12 4.8 0.115 24.80 7.21 29.60 1.73 3.26 19.40 0.73 7.15 0.880 7.250

0.62 -2.86 0.78 -2.35 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1.16 -0.56 0.00 3.76 1.49 1.39 1.05 -4.96 -2.75 0.28 0.34 1.76 0.93 -0.10 2.82 0.14 1.15 3.13

6,323,800 8,226,000 548,300 3,868,000 2,000 1,180,000 490,000 37,000 190,000 2,760,000 25,352,000 237,000 6,600 21,200,000 1,370,000 700 27,400 5,275,300 5,347,000 8,000 7,937,400 270,000 1,400 43,000 15,127,600

26,965,245.00 -10,388,050.00

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 28.5 15.82 0.1460 4.61 99.1 12.3 9 1700 2090 8.41 1.97 119.5 12.5 0.8200 5.93 12.28 2.85 3.2 5.9 1.97 15.2 0.62 22.8 6.41 14 3486 0.710 2.28 48.5 90.1 11.6 0.87 10.2 1.6

1.97 32.5 1 0.6 18.2 9.61 0.0770 2.95 46.55 10.14 5.88 830 1600 5.95 1.36 105 8.72 0.036 2.34 6.5 1.69 2 1.05 0.490 8.7 0.34 14.54 3 4.39 2726 0.380 0.32 31.45 60.55 7.59 0.63 6.45 1.04

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ. DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IPeople Inc. `A’ Island Info Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Macroasia Corp. Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Melco Crown MG Holdings Pacific Online Sys. Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Yehey

6.49 61.3 1.09 0.670 27 9.47 0.0950 4.1 86.3 9.99 6.95 985 2606 6.34 1.30 109 11.66 0.223 2.24 9.55 3.02 2.02 46.00 0.670 8.15 0.350 18.18 4.48 20.20 2786.00 0.670 1.500 38.80 75.40 9.89 0.66 5.92 1.260

-0.15 -1.13 -5.22 0.00 0.00 -2.37 -1.04 -4.65 0.35 -0.10 3.73 0.00 2.20 1.93 -5.11 1.87 -5.20 -0.45 -0.44 -0.52 4.86 0.00 -9.80 0.00 0.12 0.00 0.00 -1.54 -9.01 0.22 3.08 -2.60 2.11 0.53 -0.90 -1.49 -1.17 0.00

127,500 11,310 170,000 3,966,000 100 2,741,400 2,500,000 533,000 431,830 600 20,600 10 63,345 168,700 6,000 432,720 7,900 400,000 20,000 283,400 4,825,000 52,000 2,250 98,000 2,891,100 3,290,000 300 2,000 707,400 58,785 2,584,000 44,786,000 299,400 723,090 4,119,400 543,000 279,600 2,000

0.0098 5.45 17.24 12.7 1.2 1.73 10.98 4.2 0.48 0.455 0.475 0.023 0.026 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 8.65 6.5 0.61 0.78 5.99 1.08 0.330 0.2130 0.2160 0.014 0.014 3.660 20.2 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

Abra Mining Apex À’ Atlas Cons. À’ Benguet Corp À’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto À’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining À’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. À’ Petroenergy Res. Corp. Philex À’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. À’ Semirara Corp. TA Petroleum United Paragon

0.0048 2.59 6.61 7.4200 0.99 0.8 7.40 1.43 0.330 0.235 0.238 0.0150 0.0140 3.61 23.05 3.75 0.6800 2.040 0.0120 4.36 6.35 1.98 0.015 152.40 12 0.0100

-2.04 -0.38 0.15 -0.13 -1.00 -1.23 0.27 -10.63 3.13 0.86 0.00 7.14 -6.67 -5.00 1.54 -0.53 -1.45 0.00 0.00 -0.46 2.42 0.00 7.14 -1.04 11.73 0.00

72,000,000 239,000 901,000 -3,549,335.00 14,100 77,000 -8,000.00 155,000 -123,800.00 40,700 37,590,000 -16,545,960.00 300,000 3,030,000 500,000 798,900,000 15,700,000 9,000.00 314,000 -230,740.00 1,341,800 -8,512,260.00 63,000 -15,120.00 15,000 241,000 4,100,000 30,000 184,100 -311,498.00 5,933,000 257,660.00 3,100,000 -24,000.00 302,350 2,892,329.00 2,479,500 -255,650.00 1,000,000

70 553 525 515 8.21 12.28 1060 76.9 78.95 84.8

33 490 500 480 5.88 6.5 997 74.2 74.5 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort PCOR-Preferred A SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C

61.5 524 526 520 6.11 1.12 1124 75.6 82.2 86.5

0.00 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.16 2.75 -0.09 -0.53 1.29 0.00

389,520 2,440 8,420 730 212,800 5,000 3,790 154,390 2,080 77,430

6.98

3.850

-3.75

334,000

9.43 9.5 9.2 9.48 6.59 7.2 6 6 9.7 9.8 9.65 9.65 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 123.6 124.6 123 124.6

0.53 -8.95 -0.52

645,500 12,800 96,500

0.81

7,560

-1,452,290.00

10,800.00 -2,602,860.00 12,609,890.00 -4,032,670.00

MST

Trading Summary FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS PROPERTY SERVICES MINING & OIL GRAND TOTAL

SHARES 10,593,487 71,693,681 50,508,756 126,606,332 79,990,673 956,584,981 1,296,740,270

-10,058,315.50 31,276.00 -3,309,950.00 11,965,016.00

2,337,022.00

-23,405,880.00

-31,930.00 21,200.00

-3,118,078.00

0.00 -22,568,548.00 -1,510,527.00 11,856,064.00 -14,183,507.00

13,000.00 -13,958,695.00 -4,227,306.50

-54,557,607.00

397,800.00

-587,810.00 22,885,646.00 656,040.00 27,849.00 34,470.00

-41,300.00 -10,005,890.00 22,082,973.00 9,720.00 207,870.00

101,250.00 42,091,958.00

-8,072,303.50 7,629,680.00 -20,970.00

-308,225.00 216,626.00 -53,364,690.00 -17,876,620.00 255,750.00 -75,662,547.00 -3,223,049.00

6,781,202.00

-7,710,220.00

-105,060.00 -812,453.50

-75,118,505.00 -630,863.00

51,108.00

10.96 15 12.88

0.8900 LR Warrant SME 2.4 Double Dragon 3.5 Makati Fin. Corp. 5.95 Xurpas

0.00

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

T op g ainerS VALUE 992,956,643.832 1,502,381,931.548 2,406,955,205.73 979,849,777.24 794,328,837.17 387,982,130.952 7,072,449,723.47

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,762.36 (UP) 42.78 INDUSTRIAL 11,833.41 (UP) 158.93 HOLDING FIRMS 6,799.39 (UP) 53.91 PROPERTY 3,139.96 (UP) 23.76 SERVICES 2,103.25 (UP) 9.63 MINING & OIL 14,146.04 (UP) 14.92 PSEI 7,670.37 (UP) 89.91 All Shares Index 4,397.37 (UP) 36.56 Gainers: 88 Losers: 85; Unchanged: 37; Total: 210

22,733,965.00 -8,566,960.00 -33,777,328.00

-48,536,666.00

2,990,309.00 -3,025,594.00

10,062,450.00

-30,442,492.00

2,715,955.00 -720,480.00

5,256,993.00 172,500.00 2,207,396.00 -69,525,130.00

-9,555,920.00 72,800.00 -11,717,499.00 -6,428,370.00 -216,407.00

-1,963,083.00

-246,620.00 181,680.00 -2,941,000.00

854,126.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

TA Petroleum

11.73

Ferronickel

1.43

-10.63

Phil. National Bank

68.60

10.65

Anchor Land Holdings Inc.

8.01

-10.00

LMG Chemicals

2.38

8.18

Manila Broadcasting

46.00

-9.80

Federal Res. Inv. Group

12.98

7.99

Philweb.Com Inc.

20.20

-9.01

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.015

7.14

Makati Fin. Corp.

-8.95

Manila Mining `A'

0.0150

7.14

ATN Holdings B

0.260

-8.77

RFM Corporation

4.31

6.16

Liberty Flour

30.00

-7.69

Manila Water Co. Inc.

24.8

5.53

Manila Mining `B'

0.0140

-6.67

Liberty Telecom

3.02

4.86

Top Frontier

83.200

-5.94

Euro-Med Lab

1.8

4.65

Acesite Hotel

1.09

-5.22

TUESDAY: JUNE 2, 2015

BUSINESS business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

MPIC eyes 15 more hospitals By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE Metro Pacific Investments Corp. plans to acquire as many as 15 more hospitals to achieve its goal of hitting 5,000 beds. Metro Pacific chief finance officer David Nicol said in a recent interview the group planned to invest in 10 to 15 hospitals to add around 2,000 more beds and expand existing medical facilities by another 700 to 800 beds to increase its presence in the sector across the country. “In our existing portfolio we can add 700 to 800 beds so we don’t have to buy more to get to our target. Each hospital we will acquire will have 100 to 150 beds, so it will take a while to get to 5,000 beds,” Nicol said. Metro Pacific has a chain of private hospitals with a combined 2,244 beds.

Metro Pacific’s hospital unit Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc. plans to acquire two hospitals a year until its hits the additional 2,000-bed target. It also plans to venture into mallbased diagnostic and tele-health centers through a joint venture with a leading Australian tele-health service provider. This service is aimed to provide access to medical advice, including linkage with doctors over the phone, for subscribers that are unable to get to their physicians. The conglomerate’s hospital group is actively on the lookout for investments in the healthcare sector

after getting GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund through its private equity arm, as a strategic partner for its hospital business. GIC in May agreed to invest P3.7 billion for an initial 14.4-percent stake in Metro Pacific’s hospital unit. The Singaporean fund will also advance to Metro Pacific some P6.5 billion through an exchangeable bond that it can swap for an additional 25.5-percent stake in MPHHI in the future, subject to certain conditions. Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc., the hospital investment arm of Metro Pacific, reported in March that it would manage and operate the 110-bed Western Mindanao Medical Center in Zamboanga City. Other hospitals in the Metro Pacific portfolio are Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital & Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Our

Lady of Lourdes Hospital, De Los Santos Medical Center, Davao Doctors Hospital, Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod and Central Luzon Doctors Hospital in Tarlac—with a total capacity of 2,075 beds. Aside from hospital, Metro Pacific also has investments in toll road, power generation and water utility. Aside from hospital, Metro Pacific also has investments in toll road, power generation and water utility. Metro Pacific last week emerged as the higher bidder for the 47-kilometer Cavite Laguna Expressway project, beating the offer of San Miguel Corp. The agency’s bids and awards committee said during the opening of financial bids MPIC’s unit MPCala Holdings Inc. submitted the higher premium bid of P27.3 billion, compared with the P22.2 billion offered by San Miguel’s Optimal Infrastructure Development Inc.

Aboitiz advocacy.

Team members from AP Renewables Inc. Makban joined forces with some of its technical-vocational scholars and faculty members to repaint exterior and interior walls, boards, and desks which will be used by Grade 1 students in time for the opening of schools. the beneficiary school, San Vicente Elementary School in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, is one of the nine public schools situated in the seven host geothermal barangays of APRI Makban in Laguna province. The Aboitiz Group has been supporting the Brigada Eskwela program of the Education Department since 2008 with hundreds of team members volunteering to make public school classrooms better learning environment.

Maynilad builds 2 reservoirs in Cavite naval base By Anna Leah E. Gonzales MAYNILAD Water Services Inc., a unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., has built two new water reservoirs at the Cavite Naval Base in Cavite City, Cavite province to boost water supply and pressure inside the military camp. The west zone concessionaire said the reservoirs had a combined holding capacity of 1,500 cubic meters and supplied potable surface water to the Naval Base Heracleno Alano and the nearby Naval Station Pascual Ledesma. The installation of the reservoirs, which convey water through 20 watering points inside the military camps, supplemented the lone 1,200 cubic-meter reservoir of the Philippine Navy.

Maynilad said the new reservoirs improved the daily operations of the naval base and supply to naval ships. “We are grateful to Maynilad for always supporting the Philippine Navy. Before those reservoirs were built, our ships had to get water supply from other sources, thus, we end up spending so much more. Now, we have saved a lot of money because of Maynilad,” said Cavite Naval Base Deputy Commander Francisco Gabudao Jr. Maynilad has been providing potable and sufficient water supply to the military facilities, schools, hospital, and homes of over 5,600 residents inside the military camp since 2008. Prior to Maynilad’s service, the only water sources are deep wells that have already be-

come over-extracted. “... this partnership with the Philippine Navy is just our way of living out this corporate value. We are happy to support our navy and be of service to the country,” Maynilad president and chief executive Ricky Vargas said. Maynilad is the agent and contractor of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System for the west zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon. Maynilad also provides water services to the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite province.

Stock market rallies; URC up THE stock market rallied Monday on bargain-hunting and as data indicated a pick-up in Chinese manufacturing. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index advanced 89.91 points, or 1.2 percent, to 7,670.37 on a value turnover of P7 billion. Gainers edged losers, 88 to 85, with 37 issues unchanged. Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, jumped 4.2 percent to P198.90, while BDO Unibank Inc., the largest lender in terms of assets, climbed 2.8 percent to P111. Bank of the Philippine Islands, the third-biggest bank, surged 4.3 percent to P102.20, while sister unit Globe Telecom Inc. rose 2.2 percent to P2,606. Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. of businessman Manuel Villar advanced 3.1 percent to P7.25. Tokyo stocks chalked up a 12th straight gain Monday, their best run in more than a quarter of a century, while Shanghai and Hong Kong rebounded as data indicated a pick-up in Chinese manufacturing. The euro edged down as Greece’s bailout reform talks plod on without agreement in sight despite this week’s deadline to repay some debts--fueling fears of a default that could see it leave the eurozone. Tokyo recovered from initial losses to end marginally higher, adding 6.72 points, at 20,569.87. The 12 days of gains marked the best rally since 1988 at the height of Japan’s stock market bubble. Shanghai, which plunged almost seven percent over Thursday and Friday, jumped 4.71 percent, or 216.99 points, to end at 4,828.74. Hong Kong added 0.63 percent, or 172.97 points, to 27,597.16. But Sydney dropped 0.72 percent, or 41.8 points, to close at 5,735.4 and Seoul fell 0.59 percent, or 12.43 points, to 2,102.37. Singapore, Wellington and Bangkok were closed for public holidays. In Tokyo, the Nikkei reversed initial losses caused by profittaking as investors bet on the Bank of Japan announcing more monetary easing, while the yen sits around 12-year lows against the dollar. On Monday the dollar was at 124.20 yen in Tokyo against 124.12 yen late Friday in New York. The greenback briefly touched 124.46 last Thursday, the highest level since December 2002. With Bloomberg

BUSINESS

Megaworld launches ﬁrst upscale village in Bacolod City By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. said it expects to raise as much as P1.65 billion from the sale of its first upscale residential project outside Metro Manila called Forbes Hill in Bacolod City. Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Forbes Hill would offer as much as 197 residential lots with sizes ranging from 449 square meters to 861 sq.m. to be sold at P16,000 to P17,000 per square meter. Forbes Hill is located along the

high-end neighborhood in the up and coming lifestyle district along the new Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road, and forms part of the 15-hectare prime portion within the 53-hectare Northhill Gateway township. “Finally, Megaworld is rolling out a premiere residential offering for Bacolod. This is the company’s first venture for a luxury village outside of Metro Manila because we recognize the sophisticated market in this wonderful province,” Megaworld Premier vice president for sales and market Rachelle Penaflorida.

“This means there will only be 197 homeowners or even less in Forbes Hill. This is why exclusivity and privacy are guaranteed. And this is the true promise of luxury,” Penaflorida said. Forbes Hill has a low density of only 13 residential lots per hectare. Around one-third of the entire village will be allocated for open and green spaces, and roads that are 12 to 20 meters wide. The upscale neighborhood will feature first-class amenities exclusively for residents which include an events hall, fitness cen-

ter, game room, entertainment room, lap pool, children’s pool, a gazebo park and a basketball court. “More importantly, we are giving our residents with a wider breadth of lifestyle amenities that the entire Northill Gateway township brings – from malls and commercial centers to office spaces and educational institutions – everything will just be within reach. Megaworld is bringing its pioneering livework-play-learn concept to the future residents of Forbes Hill which will be the first in Negros

Occidental and Bacolod City,” said Penaflorida. Megaworld, along with its wholly-owned subsidiary Suntrust Properties, Inc. and in partnership with the Lacson Family, is developing the 53-hectare Northill Gateway which is envisioned to be a refreshing lifestyle district. Forbes Hill is 20 minutes away from the downtown area of Bacolod City and only around 10 minutes away from the new Bacolod People’s House through the new Circumferential Road.

Group prepares imports of Euro 4 cars By Othel V. Campos

THE Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors Inc. said it is prepared to import vehicles with Euro 4-compliant engines once PTT mega station. PTT Philippines, the local unit of Thailand’s oil company, is developing a twothe necessary measures are in place. hectare mega station along the northbound lane of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway in Concepcion, Tarlac. Shown “The move to upgrade our emission standards to Euro 4 is a positive step towards green motoring. This challenges everyone to make smarter choices when it comes to choice and use of vehicles. We are urging motorists, car manufacturers, and oil companies to support this drive,” Avid president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said in a text message, while on a trip to Japan. A group of car industry executives organized a business mission to Japan ahead of President Aquino’s state visit until June 5, 2015. The President will discuss with Japanese officials about updates on investments, tourism and security issues. Perez-Agudo said her group was committed to contribute to cleaner and healthier air. “Avid members have been preparing for this new standard and are confident that the target date for full compliance set by the law will be met,” she said. Euro 4 is part of the emission standards set by the European countries, which call for the reduction of the sul-

fur, benzene and aromatics content of fuels. The Environment Department wanted to enforce the new emission standards on fuel, based on Euro 4, by July 2015, or six months ahead of the original January 2016 to allow a lead time for fuel suppliers to stock up or start importing Euro 4 compliant gasoline and diesel. Euro 4 standards impose a maximum emission of sulfur content both for diesel and gasoline at 50 parts per million, instead of the 500 ppm for Euro 2. Benzene in Euro 4 gasoline is only 1 percent by volume compared to 5 percent in Euro 2. For aromatics, Euro 4 fuel contains only 35 percent by volume compared to Euro 2 which prescribes no limit. The agency issued DAO No. 2015-14, requiring all news vehicles to be equipped with Euro 4 engines. The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. earlier expressed concern over the early implementation of Euro 4 standards in the country, saying several issues should be resolved first.

is PTT Philippines president and chief executive Sukanya Seriyothin (middle) spearheading the ceremonial time capsule laying during the groundbreaking ceremony. With him are (from left) Monthip Upatising, her husband Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Thanatip Upatising, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Bases Conversion Development Authority president and chief executive Arnel Casanova, Concepcion Mayor Andy Lacson, Metro Paciﬁc Toll Corp. president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez, Toll Regulatory Board executive director Edmund Reyes, former BCDA chairman Felicito Payumo and Manila North Tollway Corp. president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco.

PTT starts building 2-hectare station By Alena Mae S. Flores PTT Philippines Corp., the local unit of PTT Public Company Limited of Thailand, has started building a two-hectare service station along the Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway, the company’s biggest outlet in the country. “PTT’s expansion of its investment shows our confidence in the government and in the business climate in the Philippines,” PTT Philippines president and chief executive Sukanya Seriyothin said in a statement. PTT Philippines bagged the contract for the development of the service area in June last year after a competitive bidding conducted by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. PTT was given two years to develop the two-hectare property. “We will bring the kind of sta-

tion, products and services that we have in Thailand similar to our Platinum Stations with one-stopshop facilities for customers from fuel, to food, to car services, to toilets and other amenities, including our signature coffee shop, Café Jungle,” Sukanya said. The SCTEx service station is located at the highway’s northbound lane on Barangay Macangcung, Concepcion, Tarlac. The construction of PTT SCTEx project is currently on its Phase 1 that involves land development which includes backfilling works and construction of retaining walls. “PTT’s mega station will provide and assure motorists quality comfort and convenience. The service area is expected to be completed by May next year,” BCDA president and chief executive Arnel Paciano Casanova said during

the groundbreaking rites. “Once completed, motorists can gas-up, rest and avail of other services they need to travel,” Casanova said. PTT initially invested P121 million for the development of the service area that involves the establishment, operation and maintenance of a gasoline station with amenities. “We welcome PTT to the SCTEx and are optimistic that its mega station will become an SCTEx icon,” Casanova said. PTT’s winning bid for the annual fixed lease starting on the fifth year amounted to P4.1 million, inclusive of 12-percent value added tax and subject to a 5-percent annual escalation. The lease period for SCTEx Macangcung service area is 25 years and renewable for another 25 years.

T U E S D AY : J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 5

BUSINESS business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

What’s in store for OS X? IT’S that time of the year again when Apple watchers set their sights on the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco to find out what new software and technologies are on the horizon. Apple says developers attending the WWDC from June 8 to 12 at the Moscone West will “learn about the future of iOS and OS X,” which means they could get a first look at the next versions of OS X for desktops and laptops and iOS for the iPhone and iPad. “We’ve got incredible new technologies for iOS and OS X to share with developers at WWDC and around the world, and can’t wait to see the next generation of apps they create,” Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said in a press release. Being an iPad and iPhone Luddite, I’m not all that interested in the new iOS (iOS 9) that is expected to be announced. But as a longtime user of Mac laptops, I’m eager to see what OS X 10.11, the successor to Yosemite (OS X 10.10) will be. There’s not a whole lot of hard information about the operating system upgrade—we don’t even know what it will be called. Apple stopped naming its operating system after big cats with Mountain Lion (OS X 10.8) and began using California landmarks starting with Mavericks (OS X 10.9). In May last year, MacRumors searched for clues in the California-related trademark registrations filed by Apple in Trinidad and Tobago, apparently a favorite early filing spot for the company. The terms that might be used include OS X Sequoia, OS X Mojave, OS X Sonoma and OS X Ventura. Apple watchers agree that most of the improvements in OS X 10.11 will be made under the hood, emphasizing improvements to performance and stability rather than flashy new features or any major redesign. This would make the next OS X release similar to Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6), which focused on optimization, bug fixes and security enhancements for Leopard (OS X 10.5). Snow Leopard, in fact, did such a good job of optimizing the operating system that it actually left users with more hard disk space after they upgraded to the newer OS. That kind of improvement would be most welcome in Yosemite, which has had its share of bugs. These include reported problems with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that have kept some users from upgrading from Mavericks (OS X 10.9), even though the upgrade is free. If history is any indication, OS X 10.11 will likely be introduced at the WWDC but released several months later, in the autumn of 2015. Like its predecessor, it is also likely to be a free upgrade. Given the paucity of official information from Apple, Macworld has put together a collection of rumors on what we might expect. For example, OS X 10.11 could have a new feature called Trusted WiFi that will allow Macs and iOS devices to connect to trusted routers without requiring security measures, MacWorld says. Data that passes through untrusted routers, on the other hand, will be heavily encrypted. Apple is also said to be moving some of its IMAP-based apps such as Notes, Reminders and Calendar over to iCloud Drive to improve communication and offer faster syncing between the applications. MacRumors, meanwhile, says Apple is working on a new kernel-level security system that will prevent malicious software from accessing protected system files. OS X 10.11 may also gain a new Control Center that will include music controls and other features, similar to the Control Center on iOS, the website says. Taken all together, these changes might not seem like a lot, but like Snow Leopard, the as yet unnamed OS X upgrade may well be worth the download when it is finally released. Unless you have tickets to the WWDC—which as in years previous are in short supply—you’ll have to wait for the reports to trickle out from Apple’s annual developer event to learn more. Or, if you can’t wait, you can catch a live steam of the keynote and other major WWDC events. Column archives and blog at: http://www.chinwong.com

Future of Asia. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima speaks at the 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia in Tokyo. Purisima gave eight reasons why the Philippines makes sense to Japan. Ticking off demographic, geographic, and resource compatibility, as well as solid growth and macroeconomic fundamentals, and opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, and business process outsourcing, Purisima said that it is more fun to do business in the Philippines.

PAL changes sked of London flights By Darwin G. Amojelar

PHILIPPINE Airlines said Monday it adjusted the schedule of its London flights in a bid to improve load factor. “The change in departure times better suits our customers, especially those connecting from our provincial services,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista. “This is just one of the many service enhancements passengers can expect as we continue to improve and build up our London operation,” he said. PAL’s load factor at London flights stood at over 70 percent.

PAL operates four-timesweekly service between Manila and London’s Heathrow airport. Since the start of its current summer schedule, PAL has moved its Manila departure time from early morning to a more convenient early-afternoon slot. The schedule change has allowed passengers from PAL’s various domestic and regional points, whose flights typically reach Manila in the morning, to

expediently connect to its principal European service. Flight PR 720 now departs Manila at 1 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Arrival at London Heathrow is now at 9 p.m. The return service, PR 721, now departs London at 10:50 p.m., a slot moved back from the previous mid-afternoon departure. This gives passengers the benefit of a full day’s stay in the British capital for business or leisure. Arrival in Manila is now at 8:05 p.m. the following day. PAL earlier said it was evaluating options to acquire new Airbus 350 for long-haul flights.

BDO defers takeover of One Network By Julito G. Rada BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender controlled by tycoon Henry Sy, said Monday it deferred the acquisition of Davao City-based One Network Bank Inc., pending the completion of regulatory requirements. “Please be informed that BDO and the selling shareholders of ONB have agreed to defer closing of the transaction to comply with regulatory requirements relating to the tender-offer that BDO is required to make to the minority shareholders of ONB,” BDO said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. “Parties estimate closing of the

transaction within two months but the parties will exercise their best efforts to achieve closing soonest subject to the required regulatory approvals,” the bank said. BDO’s acquisition of ONB was first disclosed to the public on Dec. 23, 2016. BDO obtained the approval of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in March this year. BDO signed an agreement in December to acquire ONB, a rural bank with 105 branches and micro-banking offices in Mindanao and Panay Island. ONB is majority-owned by the Consunji Group and is headed by Victor Consunji as chairman and Alex Buenaventura as president.

Available data showed that ONB had total assets of P28.1 billion, net loans of P19.7 billion and deposits of P17.9 billion as of Sept. 30, 2014. BDO said the addition of ONB to the BDO Group would give BDO access to new market segments in Mindanao and Panay Island, which are among the bank’s targeted growth areas. ONB, formed in 2004 through the consolidation of Network Rural Bank of Davao del Sur, the Rural Bank of Panabo of Davao del Norte and the Provident Rural Bank of Cotabato, is the largest rural bank in the Philippines in terms of assets.

TUESDAY: JUNE 2, 2015

BUSINESS business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

MPIC unit sale still an option By Darwin G. Amojelar

METRO Pacific Investments Corp. is still keen on selling up to 20 percent of the conglomerate’s tollway unit. “Yes, [but] I think we have to look at the timing of this,” MPIC chief financial officer David Nicol said. Nicol earlier said the company was in discussions with Chinese and European private equity companies for a possible investment in MPIC unit Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. “They are still interested,” Nicol added. MPIC owns 99.88 percent of MPTC, which in turn owns 75.6 percent of Manila North Tollways Corp., 46 percent of Tollways Management Corp., 100 percent of Cavitex Infrastructure Corp., 29.5 percent of Don Muang Tollway Public Co. Ltd. and 45 percent of CII Bridges & Roads Investments Joint Stock Company. MPIC estimated the 20-percent

stake in MPTC would fetch P16 billion. Nicol said MPIC might use the proceeds of the sale to finance the P55.5-billion Cavite Laguna Expressway and other tollway projects. MPIC unit MPCala Holdings Inc. on Tuesday submitted the higher premium bid of P27.3 billion, compared with P22.2 billion offered by San Miguel Corp.’s Optimal Infrastructure Development Inc. Calax, one of the largest public-private partnership projects, involves the financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of a four-lane, 47-kilometer closed-system toll expressway connecting the Cavitex and South Luzon Expressway.

The P35.4-billion expressway will start from the Cavitex in Kawit, Cavite and end at the SLEX-Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna. Metro Pacific may also borrow up to P20 billion from local and foreign banks to finance the P55.5-billion Cavite Laguna Expressway project. MPIC president and chief executive Jose Ma. Lim said at the sidelines of the stockholders’ meeting last week a number of local and foreign banks had approached the company to finance the Calax project. “We are still discussing the funding plans. [But] it depends on the offer that we get from these banks and our internal resources,” Lim said He added the total amount of borrowings from banks would depend on the projected traffic of Calax. MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan, when asked to comment, said the bank loans could reach P20 billion.

Accenture Hackathon. Accenture in the Philippines held its first Technology Talks Hackathon in

line with its commitment to enhance the programming skills of Filipino information technology professionals. The two-day event challenged participants to develop a people tracking application that can spell the difference between rescue and recovery operations during an emergency. Shown (from left) are Accenture technology leaders--software engineering senior manager Danny Honrado, Global Delivery Network for Technology in the Philippines Avanade Delivery managing director Stephan Alba; GDN digital lead managing director JP Palpal-latoc; Tech Talks Hackathon champions Maria Imelda Pizarra and Argie Badua; software engineering senior manager Warren Yu; and technology architecture senior manager Dennis Lingga.

PCSO loses case on online lotto betting By Jenniffer B. Austria LISTED information technology firm DFNN Inc. said it obtained a favorable ruling from an arbitration panel on the termination of its equipment lease agreement with state-run Philippine Charity and Sweepstakes Office. DFNN said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that the Ad Hoc Arbitration Panel composed of chairman Victor Alimirong and members Fulgencio Factoran Jr. and Jose Tomas Syquia declared that PCSO erred when it rescinded DFNN’s ELA. The ELA would have enabled DFNN to provide wireless technology or text-based system on nationwide lotto betting. DFNN, quoting the ruling, said

the grounds cited by PCSO in canceling the contract were misplaced or unfounded. The panel also acknowledged that DFNN complied with the ELA when “DFNN delivered, as it did, a system that was integretable with PCSO’s existing lotto betting system.” The panel ordered PCSO to pay DFNN P27 million as liquidated damages on account of the improper termination of the ELA. “We are gratified with the positive outcome of the arbitration. We would like to thank the Arbitration Panel for validating our stance on the baseless and unjust termination of our license by the previous administrators of the PCSO,” DFNN president and chief executive Ramon Garcia Jr. said.

“We are, however, still committed to examining and evaluating all further legal remedies to ensure that the maximum restitution is effected in order to protect the interests of our shareholders,” Garcia added. DFNN and PCSO signed the lease agreement on April 9, 2003. PCSO agreed to exclusively lease from DFNN all the hardware, software, and know-how to design and develop a system that would allow the company to accept and process bets from personal communication device users nationwide, or online betting. However, on April 5, 2005, prior to the impending commercial operation of the system, DFNN was informed of PCSO’s decision to terminate the ELA.

Rate implications of 5.2% GDP growth THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has for some time been fairly confident about its ability to maintain its basic interest rates—4 percent for overnight borrowing and 6 percent for overnight lending--at their current levels in the near term. A newspaper business-section item of several days ago reported that the BSP might keep interest rates steady until the end of the year. But a very recent development has jarred the monetary authorities’ equanimity and made them sit up and take another look at their interest rate policy operations. That development was the announcement by the National Economic and Development Authority that this country’s GDP (gross domestic product) grew by 5.2 percent during this year’s first quarter, substantially lower than the 6-percent-and above forecasts of many economists and sharply lower that the up-to-8 percent forecast of the Aquino administration. It goes without saying that the below-expectations growth of GDP during the first quarter will have prompted a review by BSP management of its assumptions regarding the performance of the Philippine economy in 2015 and the bases for those assumptions. The Monetary Board, the BSP’s policymaking body, doubtless will now ask the BSP’s economists for answers to two questions. The first question is, was the first quarter’s 5.2 percent GDP growth a temporary departure from an otherwise robust growth trend? The second question is, was the first quarter’s 5.2 percent GDP growth a temporary departure from an otherwise robust growth trend? The second question is, can the nation expect, in the remaining quarters of 2015, a return to the 6-percent-and-above GDP growth rates of recent years? The answers will determine the tenor of monetary policy in the remainder of 2015. More pointedly, they will determine whether BSP can maintain the present monetary policy environment or should shift gears and appropriate changes in its basic interest rates. BSP’s economists could tell the Monetary Board that the 5.2 percent upward movement of GDP in the first quarter was a mere glitch in the upward trend of the Philippine economy’s 2015 performance and that the unrealized higher GDP growth forecasts will materialize during the rest of the year. In operational terms, this would mean that the 4 percent overnight borrowing rate and the 6 percent overnight lending rate can safely be maintained. On the other hand, BSP’s economists could tell the Monetary Board that the 5.2 percent first-quarter GDP growth was no mere glitch, that the earlier 6 percent-plus growth forecasts were overly optimistic and that appropriate adjustments to BSP interest rate policy if GDP is to be able to grow at a faster clip in the rest of 2015. The implications of acceptance of the latter view are obvious. BSP will have to move toward reducing the cost of funds, and that will mean lowering its overnight lending rate, upon which commercial bank lending rates are based. By encouraging borrowing for investment and consumption, a reduced overnight lending rate will do much toward ensuring GDP growth in 2015 will be substantially higher than 5.2 percent. However, I am inclined to believe that the BSP’s economists will tell the Monetary Board that if the 2015 infrastructure budget is spent at the proper rate—there apparently was substantial underspending, 6.6 percent versus the programmed 21 percent, in the first quarter—there will be substantially greater infrastructure spending during the remaining three quarters of 2015. They will remind the Monetary Board members, in addition that an election year is looming and that there is a Comelec-mandated electoral-spending ban to be beaten. On the bigger side of the spending picture—consumer spending—the BSP economists will report to their bosses that OFWfueled spending remains strong and that there is nothing in the horizon to suggest a near-term consumer spending slowdown. In sum, the Monetary Board will be told that the first quarter’s comparatively slow GDP growth appears to have been a bureaucratically caused glitch and that 2015 should post an above-6 percent rise in the nation’s production. Ergo, the BSP can safely maintain its present basic interest rates. I agree with this assessment. E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

T U E S D AY : J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

In Iraq, fear of ‘beard patrols’ BAGHDAD—Every time he looks in a mirror, Laith Ahmed is worried. As of Monday, the young Iraqi’s hopelessly hairless chin could land him in an Islamic State group jail. The jihadist group has handed out leaflets in their stronghold of Mosul in recent weeks announcing that full beards become compulsory on June 1 and ex-

Disaster movie in seismic US debut WASHINGTON—The mega-disaster epic “San Andreas” lived up to its earth-shaking hype—at least at the box office— earning $53.2 million in ticket sales in its debut weekend early in the blockbuster summer season. The big-budget visual spectacular by Warner Bros., whose title refers to the geological rift most likely to produce a massive California quake, stars Dwayne Johnson as a rescue helicopter pilot who teams up with his estranged wife to rescue their daughter after temblors unleash chaos on Los Angeles and San Francisco. The movie rocked the weekend competition, according to box office tracker Exhibitor Relations estimates released Sunday, which showed that “Pitch Perfect 2” was kept far behind at $14.8 million in its second week in second place. Starring Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson, the musical comedy sequel follows the fortunes of the Barden Bellas singing team as they chase international success after being banned from the competitive circuit. D i s n e y ’ s “Tomorrowland,” the scifi adventure drama starring George Clooney that topped last weekend’s box office, slipped to third, snatching $13.8 million. “Mad Max: Fury Road,” the fourth film of the iconic “Mad Max” franchise and the first in 30 years, took fourth position in the rankings, with $13.6 million. AFP

plaining why shaving is punishable. “My facial hair is just slow to come out for my age,” said the 18-yearold, who like others in this story did not give

his real name for fear of retribution. “I’m scared because they deal ruthlessly with anyone who opposes or ignores their instructions,” he told AFP from Mosul, the de facto Iraqi capital of IS’s self-proclaimed caliphate. “My work in a bakery means I have to leave home every day and interact with Daesh militants,” he said, using an Arabic acronym for the jihadist group. Mosul is Iraq’s second

city and used to have a population of around two million before IS swept in a year ago and made it their main hub. Unlike some of the other cities IS conquered in Iraq, Mosul still holds a large civilian population, making any air campaign difficult. The group made Mosul a laboratory for its state-building experiment, not just a military bastion but a city where it regulates everything from education to the

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

N OTICE

In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published. We will not be responsible for any incorrect a d s n o t reported to us immediately.

Notice is hereby given that TUBAO MINI-HYDRO ELECTRIC CORPORATION is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Renewable Energy Developer of 1.5 MW Tubao Hydroelectric Power Project in Brgy. Rizal Municipality of Tubao, La Union to avail of the incentives under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513). Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned project may ﬁle his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD.) NESTOR P. ARCANSALIN Director Resource-based Industries Service (TS-JUNE 2, 2015)

opening hours of shops. “What hairdressers do today, shaving and trimming men’s beards, is an accessory to sin,” reads the leaflet, which quotes a selection of hadiths, or sayings of the Prophet Mohammed, supporting the claim that he banned shaving.

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID PR No. 2015 - 1027 1.

The City Government of San Pedro Laguna through the 2015 Budget Approved by Sangguniang Panglunsod intends to apply the sum of Php 3,000,000.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Supply & Delivery of 6 Wheeler Drop Side with Telescopic Crane truck for Disaster Operations of City of San Pedro Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna now invites bids for the following : QTY

UNIT

Unit

DESCRIPTION 6 Wheeler drop Side with Telescopic Crane Truck Speciﬁcations :  16 Footer  Engine : Direct Injection Diesel EURO 2 Compliant  Displacement : 4600cc  Power KW (PS) /rpm: 89 (121) / 3000  Torque N-m (Kg-m) / rpm: 333 (34.0) / 1800  Transmission : 5 speed Manual Transmission  Steering : Recirculating Ball & Nut w/ Power Assist  Wheelbase : 3,365mm  Gross Vehicle Weight : 6,500kgs / 6.5 tons  Gross Payload Capacity: 4,280 kgs  Clutch Type & Size: Dry single plate diaphragm springs, hydraulic control (240mm)  Brakes : Drum Type, Hydraulic Circuit w/ Vacuum assist front two leading, rear dual leading  Fuel Capacity: 100ltrs  Tires: 7.50 x 16 x 12 PR Body Speciﬁcations  Maximum lifting capacity : 3,030 kgs at 1.6m  Maximum Hook Length : 24.93 ft  Boom Length: 21.65 ft  Boom Section : 3  Slewing Angle: 360 continious

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004 3.

Delivery of the goods is required within ﬁfteen (15) days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed, within one (1) year from the date of submissions and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as speciﬁed in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

NEGOTIATED PROCUREMENT – TWO FAILED COMPETITIVE PUBLIC BIDDINGS REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

In addition, bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138. 5.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the City Government of San Pedro, Laguna and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:30AM to 9:30AM only. Ofﬁce of the BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Ofﬁce City Hall of San Pedro A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the date, time and below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of PESOS: (Php 5,000.00)

The Approved Budget for the Contract is Four Million Pesos (P4,000,000.00).

ISSUANCE OF ELIGIBILITY AND BIDDING DOCUMENTS

The schedule of bidding activities are as follows:

ACTIVITIES Posting of Request for Quotation Issuance and Availability of Request for Quotation Preliminary Conference Issuance of Amendments/Clariﬁcations Submission of Eligibility, Technical Components and Financial Documents

SCHEDULE June 2, 2015 Starting June 2, 2015 June 9, 2015, 9:45 a.m. June 15, 2015 June 22, 2015, 10:00 a.m.

The complete set of Request for Quotation may be purchased at the SBAC Secretariat c/o General Services Division, 7th Floor EDPC Building, Roxas Blvd., P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) not later than the submission of their bids. Bidders who have been declared “eligible” during the ﬁrst two-failed biddings need not pay for the bid documents.

(SGD.) GIL S. BELTRAN Undersecretary and and SBAC Chairman (TS-JUNE 2, 2015)

May 18 – June 3, 2015 8:30AM – 9:30AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Ofﬁce City Hall of San Pedro

The City Government of San Pedro Laguna, will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on the date, time and address speciﬁed below, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. PRE-BID CONFENRENCE

May 22, 2015 10:00 AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Ofﬁce City Hallof San Pedro

Bids must be delivered to the address given below on or before the speciﬁed date and time. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable form and in the amount sated in ITB Clause 18. DEADLINE OF SUBMSSION OF REQUIREMENTS AND OPENING OF BIDS

The bidders shall drop their duly accomplished bid proposals in sealed envelopes in the box located at the General Services Division, 7th Floor, EDPC Building, Roxas Blvd. cor. P. Ocampo St., Malate Manila. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the SBAC Secretariat at telephone number 526-84-75 during ofﬁce hours. DOF reserves the right to waive any formality in the responses to the eligibility requirements and to this invitation. DOF further reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract, and makes no assurance that the contract shall be entered into as a result of this invitation without thereby incurring any liability in accordance with Republic Act No. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.

tache because of the bad skin rashes he gets. He said he submitted medical reports on the matter to the religious police. “They didn’t care... One of them told me I’d better stay at home if I shaved.” Moslawis are essentially trapped in their city. AFP

Republic of the Philippines CITY OF SAN PEDRO Province of Laguna

Republic of the Philippines

In view of the two (2) failed biddings, the DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE (DOF) through its Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) invites PhilGEPS registered suppliers, to apply for eligibility and to participate in the negotiation for the Supply and Delivery of Sustainability Trainings for the Asset Information Management Program (AIMP) in accordance with Section 53.1 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (R-IRR) of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

“Thanks to our brothers from the Islamic police, an order has been issued for the shaving of beards to be banned and violators to be detained,” it says. Nadhim Ali, a 30-year-old taxi driver from the eastern side of the city, said he has never been able to grow a beard or even a mous-

ELIGIBILITY

June 3, 2015 10:00AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Ofﬁce City Hall of San Pedro

Bid opening shall be on the date and time speciﬁed above for deadline of submission of eligibility requirements and submission of bids and shall be conducted at the Ofﬁce of the BAC Secretariat. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address given above. Late bids shall not be accepted. 8.

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bid. Further, City Government of San Pedro, Laguna, reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annual the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For Further information, please refer to: Mr. Merlin B. Paala Ofﬁce of the BAC Secretariat City Hall of San Pedro San Pedro, Laguna / Telefax No. 847-1722

(TS-JUNE 2, 2015)

(SGD.) ENGR. FILEMON I. SIBULO Chairman Bids and Awards Committee

T U E S D AY : J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 5

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD

Australia faces gay marriage pressure SYDNEY—Australia’s opposition Labor party introduced a bill into parliament Monday aimed at legalizing same-sex marriage, stepping up pressure on Prime Minister Tony Abbott to allow a conscience vote on the issue. Building on the momentum of Ireland’s recent successful referendum, the legislation plans to replace the current definition of marriage as an act between “man and woman” with the words “two people”. “This parliament can change a law that no longer describes modern Australia and pass a law of which we can all be proud,” Labor leader Bill Shorten said in tabling the proposal. “Let us delay no more. Let us embrace a definition of marriage that respects, values and includes every Australian.” Labor does not have the numbers to pass the bill and debate was adjourned. But it is using the draft legislation as a challenge to Abbott to allow government MPs a free vote on an issue believed to have broad community support. Abbott’s conservative government opposes gay marriage, and the Liberal party has previously refused to let members have a conscience vote. A lower house vote on the issue in 2012 was defeated 98 to 42 after Abbott refused to allow his MPs, then in opposition, to break party lines. The prime minister, who has a gay sister, last week promised a “full and frank” debate on gay marriage, but said on Monday it was not a priority. “I accept that same-sex marriage is a significant issue. It’s an important issue. It’s important to many people,” he said. “But frankly, this government’s absolute fundamental priority in the budget session of parliament is to get the most urgent budget measures through.” Asked whether he felt momentum was building to change the law, Abbott, a staunch Catholic, said: “Let’s see where the community debate goes. “There’s a range of views on both sides of the issue, and it’s an issue upon which decent people can disagree, and let’s see where it all goes.” AFP

Summer in Seoul. A woman eats an ice cream bar outside Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul on June 1. AFP

In China, tough fines in effect vs smoking BEIJING—The toughest anti-smoking legislation in China’s history came into effect Monday in Beijing, with unprecedented fines and a hotline to report offenders but fears of weak enforcement. The law makes smoking in offices, restaurants, hotels and hospitals illegal, with venues where the ban is flouted subject to fines of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,600). Venues which repeatedly ignore the law could have their licenses revoked, while individuals caught smoking in prohibited zones could be fined as much as 200 yuan.

As well as indoor smoking, the law prohibits lighting up in some open-air spaces close to schools, hospitals, and sports venues. Despite a government awareness campaign that saw posters detailing the law displayed in restaurants and offices around the city, many doubt authorities will implement it effectively. Nightclubs had been singled out as a potential problem area, Zhang Jianshu, president of the Beijing Tobacco Control Association, told the China Daily newspaper. “The key lies in the business owners,” the paper quoted Zhang as saying Monday. “They have the responsibility to ensure no smoking within their establishments.” The measure “fails to make clear who is ultimately responsible,” for implementation, leaving the pos-

sibility that authorities will “pass the buck to each other”, state-run newspaper Beijing Youth Daily said. Health commission inspectors will be in charge of enforcing the law, carrying out spot-checks and acting on tip-offs from the public. Posters in the capital advertise a hot line number for tip-offs, and the city government has launched a social media account allowing observers to upload images of smokers caught in the act. But some restaurants visited by AFP on Monday were unaware of the regulations. “I haven’t heard of the specific law banning smoking, but we follow all rules and regulations,” said a Beijing noodle shop manager surnamed Chen. Some eateries said they wanted

to enforce the law, though it could hurt business. “We normally allow people to smoke inside at night, but we’re going start stopping them from tonight,” said Zhang Lin, a manager at a Japanese restaurant. “Some people might be very unhappy though, and after all, the customer is god.” Other businesses had set up outdoor seating in order to provide space for people to smoke. But waiters said they were unsure what would happen during Beijing’s freezing winter months. The law—limited to the capital—is not China’s first such effort. A similar nationwide measure was passed in 2011, although without financial sanctions, and the implementation was lackluster. AFP

Malaysia Airlines ‘technically bankrupt’

Anniversary. Sri Lankan Buddhist monks walk along a road in

Piliyandala, a suburb of Colombo, on June 1. Sri Lanka will celebrate the anniversary of the spread of Buddhism from India on June 2. AFP

KUALA LUMPUR—Malaysia Airlines is “technically bankrupt,” its new German CEO said Monday as he outlined plans to stabilize the failing flag carrier including 6,000 job cuts. “We are technically bankrupt and that decline of performance started long before the tragic events of 2014,” Christoph Mueller told reporters, referring to two deadly disasters that rocked the airline last year. Malaysia Airlines took its first major steps on Monday under Mueller, sending termination letters to all of its roughly 20,000 employees, followed by new contracts offered to 14,000 of them.

The exercise—which was expected—trims around 6,000 jobs. Mueller had previously initiated turnarounds at Ireland’s Aer Lingus and Belgium’s Sabena that earned him the nickname “The Terminator” for his job-slashing. Under Mueller, 52, the carrier plans to “re-invent” itself beginning from September 1 with an unspecified new brand image and expected new livery as it seeks to shed the stigma of a disastrous 2014. In March of last year, Flight MH370 disappeared with 239 passengers and crew aboard and remains missing. Four months later, Flight MH17 was blown out of the sky by a suspected ground-to-air

missile over Ukraine and all 298 people on board were killed. The tragedies were the final straw for an airline that analysts say had been poorly managed for years, slipping further into the red. A state investment fund took it over in a rescue bid late last year, tapping Mueller to take the helm. Mueller said he planned to “stop the bleeding” in 2015, stabilize the business next year, and seek to start growing again by 2017. Mueller, in an email to staff last month, had warned that a major overhaul was necessary as the airline was weighed down by “uncompetitive cost levels” 20 percent higher than its rivals. AFP

T U E S D AY : J U N E 0 2 : 2 0 1 5

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

BING PAREL A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

LIFE

LOCAL EDITION Going Filipino for Independence Day

Is there anything more festive and Filipino than a succulent lechon? Circles Event Cafe at the Makati Shangri-La presents an all-Filipino Independence Day buffet for lunch and dinner from June 12 to 14, 2015. Expect to find authentic and traditional fare spread out along the buffet stations, such as Kare-kare, Salmon Belly Sinigang sa Miso, Kalderetang Kambing, Kilawing Tanigue and more. There’s a variety of seafood on offer, ready to be grilled or fried, then served with savory sauces and condiments like Bagoong Alamang, Atchara and more.

And don’t forget dessert! Filipino cuisine may be characterized by a strong sour flavor, but there are always sweet endings to balance the main meal, like Brazo de Mercedes, Maja Blanca, Fruit Salad and more. It’s almost unpatriotic to resist! The Philippine Independence Day Buffet at Circles Event Cafe runs from June 12-14 and is priced at Php1,800 nett to Php 2,350 nett. For inquiries and reservations, please call Restaurant Reservations at (02) 814 2580, email rric.slm@shangri-la.com, or book a table online through www,bitlly/circles8.

T U E S D AY : J U N E 0 2 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

TR AVEL & HOSPITALIT Y

PERKS FROM THE CITI Enjoy exclusive discounts when booking hotel stays online

THE STATE OF FUN Sentosa and MasterCard ink exclusive partnership

entosa and MasterCard are joining hands for the first time to offer exclusive deals to MasterCard cardholders from all over the world when they visit the State of Fun at Sentosa Island in Singapore. Cardholders of the 2.1 billion MasterCard and Maestro-branded cards in circulation worldwide can expect to receive special privileges at Sentosa Island’s exciting array of themed attractions, award-winning spa retreats, golden sandy beaches, resort accommodations and world-renowned golf courses with the new tie-up. The two-year partnership will see the island resort’s businesses collaborate with MasterCard to provide attractive deals for guests to enjoy on the island. Whether opting for a staycation, indulging in good food, gearing up for adrenaline-pumping activities or partying the nights away, there will be a deal for all MasterCard holders. “Our consumers have come to expect the best deals when they pay with their cards. In addition to fantastic discounts offered by MasterCard at establishments across the island, our collaboration with Sentosa will provide novel experiences to both domestic and visiting cardholders,” said Deborah Heng, group head and general manager, MasterCard Singapore. “With over 30 attractions and 120 F&B establishments on the island, Sentosa receives more than 18 million local and foreign visitors annually. We believe that this partnership is a step in the right direc-

tion towards expanding our reach and connecting with even more prospective visitors. We are very encouraged by our business partners’ warm reception towards this collaboration and are confident that this will further enhance the Sentosa experience for each and every single one of our visitors,” said Sentosa Development Corporation’s Addison Goh. Sentosa is Asia’s leading leisure destination and Singapore’s premier island resort getaway, located within 15 minutes from the central business and shopping districts. The 500-hectare island resort is home to an exciting array of themed attractions, award-winning spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resort accommodations, world-renowned golf courses, a deep-water yachting marina and luxurious residences – making Sentosa a vibrant island resort for business and leisure. Making Sentosa its home, too, is Singapore’s first integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa, which operates South East Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park. Most of the businesses on Sentosa have jumped onboard this partnership program with attractions offering up to 20 percent off their published rates and all island hotels having committed discounts either on hotel stays or at their food and beverage and spa outlets. Check out more deals at http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/ MasterCard/. Tweet: #MasterCard & @Sentosa_Island partner to offer island-wide deals in #Singapore to all MasterCard cardholders!

If you’re planning to go on a tour across Asia, even a monthlong trip to Europe, or explore the countryside, you’ll surely need a place to stay. The good news is Citi offers year-round discounts on hotel accommodations in any destination when you book through Agoda.com and pay using your Philippineissued Citi credit card. Get up to 7% off on a great selection of hotels worldwide when you make a reservation online through www.agoda.com/ citibankph until January 31, 2016 and charge it to your Citi credit card. The promotion period is valid for stays scheduled until April 30, 2016. Just follow these three easy steps: First, go to a special cobranded landing page www.agoda.com/citibankph and enter the required information – check in/check out dates and hotel. Next, make a reservation and enter your personal information. Then, proceed to checkout and enter your payment details. Last, key in your Citibank credit card number and wait for the discount to appear. To check if you have entered a valid credit card number, look for the ‘Citibank Discount’ on the booking form. To know more about the year-round offers available to Citi Cardholders, log on to www.citibank.com.ph or call the 24-hour CitiPhone Hotline at 995 9999.

YOUR ‘RESIDENCE’ IN BORACAY BY ED BIADO

There’s a new resort concept in Boracay that I can’t wait to experience. The 285room Azalea Hotels & Residences Boracay at Station 2, which opened late last month, is said to be “the island’s very first four-star quality serviced apartments thoughtfully designed to provide value for money vacation accommodations for large groups of families and friends.” Azalea Boracay features spacious one-, two- or three-bedroom units between 30 and 75 square meters, complete with full kitchen amenities, separate dining and living areas. Aside from sizable rooms, it’s also equipped with a kitchen facility complete with a cooktop range, microwave, refrigerator, rice cooker, electric water kettle, cookware, and dinnerware set. In-room entertainment facilities such as multiple LCD TV with cable channels are available, as well as free Wi-Fi access so you can “Instagram that” anytime you like. With its full kitchen facility, guests may do simple cooking, reheat food or load up on snacks, drinks and even ice cream in the freezers for midnight snacking, all while lounging and shooting the breeze at their personal balcony. As traveling in large groups usually calls

for space, functionality and practicality, all suites are conveniently configured for multiple persons. By staying at Azalea, vacationers can save by getting one unit to accommodate everyone instead of booking multiple hotel rooms. The larger the group, the bigger the savings on hotel rooms. The three-bedroom suite good for eight guests goes for only P20,000 a night. That means you can spend the money you saved on activities, experiences and food that you’ve always wanted to try. Never miss some island activities and water sports as the vacation concierge at the front desk can map out an efficient tour and travel arrangement for everyone’s maximum comfort and enjoyment. For those who want to let the pampering continue, the in-room wellness spa masseuse is just a buzz away. And when they’re completed before the year ends, two rooftop swimming pools overlooking the beach horizon and an infinity pool for adults adjacent to a kiddie wading pool will complete the resort experience. Currently, the resort has a restaurant and a pool bar. If you book now until June 30, you can take advantage of the pre-opening sale, which features rates as low as P4,500 (deluxe room). For reservations, call their Manila office at 450-1151, 0917-8611641 and 0919-9944140 or email reservations@azalea.com.ph. More info here: www.azaleaboracay.com.

T U E S D AY : J U N E 0 2 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

HE ALTH & FAMILY

THE ART OF LIVING A T STRESS-FREE LIFE

he challenges of the modern world have forced many of us to lead a hectic and stressful life. To help us deal with these daily challenges, The Art of Living Foundation started the Happiness Program – a course specifically designed to help its participants get rid of negative emotions. Founded by world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Foundation has been educating people around the world to live a stress-free life. In the Philippines, the foundation has been in operation since April 2005. With thousands of graduates and beneficiaries of their programs to date, they continue to plan and implement programs that uplift the lives of every Filipino. From June 4-7, experience peace and empowerment through The Art of Living’s Happiness Program at the Farm in San Benito in the heart of Batangas. The Happiness Program, like all of the foundation’s courses, is centered on Sudarshan Kriya – a powerful and unique breathing technique. A result of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s 10-day period of silence in the Indian State of Karnataka, it incorporates the natural rhythms of breath that harmonizes the body, mind, and heart, helping its practitioners get rid of stress. Specifically for the Happiness Program, this technique is combined with meditation, yoga, interactive exercises, and practical wisdom that help in dealing with life’s daily challenges. The Art of Living’s master practitioners will guide guests in their personal journey to a stress-free life. With The Farm’s own in-house healing treatments that combine the potency of western and eastern therapeutic practices, those who go through the Happiness Program will find that their journey to enlightenment is truly relaxing and luxurious. Not only that, The Farm has diverse menus of fresh, organic, living foods to sate even the deepest of hungers while keeping bodies fit and clean. To complement the program, they also have a complete roster of integrative medical, fitness, and nature-based activities that everyone can enjoy. During the program, guests can stay at any of The Farm’s beautiful villas, expertly designed to bring the vibrancy of nature indoors. For those interested in learning more about The Happiness Program, The Art of Living, and all the award-winning services of The Farm at San Benito, simply visit http://www.thefarmatsanbenito.com. For direct inquiries, call (+632) 8848074, (+63918) 884-8080, or email: reservations@thefarm.com.ph

PAMPERING BABY The benefits of sleep Mornings are sweeter when you see your baby achieve his first milestones in life – his first smile, his first crawl, his first steps, his first word – the list is just endless. But not many know that baby’s many firsts start with a night of complete sleep. “Sleep for babies isn’t just about resting; it’s about the overall development of their health. The first three years is when babies develop the fastest and this happens the most during sleep,” Pampers’ partner pediatrician Dra. Apple Alfonso says. Because of the crucial role of sleeping in baby’s development, Pampers recently launched the best and driest diaper that

can provide up to 12 hours of superior overnight dryness – the all-new Pampers Baby Dry. The launch further shed light on how a night of complete sleep helps babies achieve their first milestones in life. A baby looks so peaceful when asleep, but while while his body is at rest, his brain is also busy learning. This state of lowered consciousness and reduced physical activity allow the brain to complete vital jobs that cannot be as efficiently accomplished when he is awake. “During his waking hours, your baby has endless experiences, many of them new, and his brain stores multiple different impressions of what she hears, feels, does, or sees, that will

need to be further organized during sleep,” Dra. Alfonso shares. Because of this process, the amount of sleep a baby has will affect his moods, alertness, and ability to concentrate and participate in his environment. According to studies, babies who sleep better are happier and more sociable in the mornings. They also appear more positive about interacting and concentrating, and are more alert, playful and friendly with those around them. Aside from the nervous system, a night of complete sleep can also strengthen baby’s immune system. The baby’s immune system during his first few months depend on the antibodies passed on from the mother’s. As time goes by, these antibodies diminish and only the right nutrition and complete sleep can revitalize baby’s capacity to fight bacteria and viruses. One of the things that moms always ponder on is on how to keep baby dry during

the entire night. Pampers offers a better solution to this problem with its newly launched product, Pampers® Baby Dry that utilizes new core technology to deliver a thinner and drier diaper, which features a Soft Touch-Dry Layer which quickly absorbs wetness to keep it away from baby’s skin and Magic Gel which helps to absorb and lock in up to seven wettings. Stretchy tape sides provide a superior fit, while All Around Breathability and a Soft Cotttony Cover wraps a baby’s skin with comfort. Dryness makes it easier for mommies to a night of complete sleep – a significant process that helps babies greet the next day with happier hearts, healthier bodies, stronger minds and many firsts in life. Share baby’s first milestones with your loved ones through Pampers’ newly launched FB app FirstBook. Simply post his photos and videos via http://www.firstbook.ph and keep those precious moments online!

DETECTING THE BIG C Knowing your genetic makeup is key

i-Precision Diagnostics (HPD), the leading diagnostics center in the country, is now exclusively offering a new multi-hereditary cancer panel, called myRisk Hereditary Cancer in the Philippines. The company earned exclusive rights to provide the gene test developed by Myriad Genetics. Myriad myRisk is a risk assessment test that detects gene mutations associated with eight major cancers. These include cancer of the breast, ovarian, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, melanoma, prostate and endometrial, which can all be associated with a single gene. Studies show that approximately five to 10 percent of all cancers develop because a person inherited a genetic mutation in a way that encourages the disease to grow. “Individuals with certain genetic mutations are far more likely to develop cancer, often at a much earlier age than most people. As such, knowing a patient’s genetic makeup can help reduce risks and lead to the correct management of the disease,” said Dr. Karl T. Morales, a Surgical Oncology & General Surgery doctor and a

Fellow of American College of Surgeons. Myriad is also the company that offered BRACAnalysis, the test used by Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie to determine her cancer risk. In May 2013, Jolie made headlines when she announced that she had undergone a preventive double mastectomy. Her controversial decision came after test results showed that she had 87 percent of getting breast and ovarian cancer because of a high-risk gene. Since then, the issue of hereditary cancer came to the fore, encouraging women all over the world to get tested and seek consultations. “What makes Myriad myRisk different from other tests is that this is the only hereditary cancer test combining your genetic information with your personal and family history, in order to generate guideline-based management options to help you lower cancer risks,” Dr. Morales said. He clarified that Myriad myRisk does not determine whether one has cancer – rather, the test looks at multiple genes that impact inherited risks for eight important

cancers. Testing multiple genes helps avoid missing a possible cancer-causing mutation. The myRisk report is a helpful tool to understand a patient’s options, leading to management recommendations for specific cancer risks. With these recommendations, the patient and healthcare provider discuss and determine the right course of management, including improved screenings, preventive medication, and riskreducing procedures. Considered to be the global benchmark in accuracy and in offering fast turnaround time for panel testing, Myriad myRisk is among the range of special diagnostic tests that HPD offers. Currently, HPD is one of the widest networks of diagnostics centers in the country, offering comprehensive diagnostics services with the latest testing technologies accessible to more Filipinos. For more information about Hi-Precision Diagnostics, the Myriad myRisk Hereditary Cancer test, as well as other diagnostic tests, visit www.hi-precision.com.ph or contact their hotlines, (02) 741-7777 or (02) 863-9999.

T U E S D AY : J U N E 0 2 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

Refillable correction tape

Disney Frozen composition notebooks

Bakery correction tape

BACK TO SCHOOL

Bakery eraser set

After a whole summer spent waking up late, school kids may groan at the thought of rising early once more to get ready for school. But back to school also means stationery shopping. SM shares some of its favorite stationery items for the season.

School girls will love this Sofia the First composition notebooks

Silky crayons

Batman composition notebooks for the boys

Stylish powerbanks

Sharpeners in different sizes

Stylish Five-Subject Notebooks are perfect for college

These reading lamps can be used as correction tapes

T UES DAY : J UNE 2 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

ACCESSORIES FOR MRS. PHILIPPINES-GLOBE 2015

rs. Philippines Globe, the country’s biggest pageant for moms and married women, has unveiled its newest online shop offering accessories fit for queens. “The new line of Mrs. Philippines-Globe accessories were designed to highlight the grace and elegance of a queen,” says national pageant Director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo. “A real queen is confident and generous. She empowers other people. She knows how to stand up with grace when she falls and aims to get better and bolder. All the accessories in the store are sheer representations of a queen’s majestic beauty, strength and capacity, and we want to share them with more women out there,” she adds. With a vision that is focused on empowerment, part of the proceeds from the online store will be donated to the W.I.N. Foundation, an outreach that specializes in self-esteem recovery for women and children faced with all kinds of abuse – physical, emotional, financial or spiritual. By purchasing one of the elegant charms and accessories made from indigenous materials, including Mother of Pearl rings and bangles, gold brass necklaces, capiz copper antique pendants, and capiz earrings, online shoppers can already make a positive impact on other people’s lives. The new accessories line was showcased and worn by the candidates on the coronation night last Sunday at Moonbay Beach, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The grand winner will represent the Philippines in the prestigious Mrs. Globe 2016 World Finals at Shenzhen, China in November 2015.

Mrs. Philippines-Globe Accessories features elegant charms and accessories made from indigenous materials, including Mother of Pearl rings and bangles, gold brass necklaces, capiz copper antique pendants, and capiz earrings

FASHION WITH FUNCTION

ith great fashion comes great productivity. In the same way that “you are what you eat,” what you wear also speaks so much about you and your body of work. Dressing up sharply in the workplace does not only make you look smart and respected in the eyes of your colleagues, but also make you feel more confident about yourself and what you are capable of. There is more to fashion than looking good, and that is feeling good. To look aesthetically presentable is one thing, but to feel better about the way you carry yourself is totally another. A true, classy fashion sense transcends from the outside to the more essential components inside. With Dockers’ Signature OnThe-Go, fashion comes with a function. Wearing simple yet smart-looking Dockers pants in the office makes a modern gentleman feel more comfortable about himself and his craft, which makes one a more efficient worker. Feeling good is the first step to better productivity. In fact, several studies have showed that dressing properly translates to ease, comfort, and pro-

ductivity in a specific environment. Thus, wearing Dockers On-TheGo allows the busy guy to imbibe the qualities that make the signature pants and the Dockers brand stand out over the others—versatility, presentability, and durability. You are what you wear, and you can’t afford to sacrifice a day’s worth of effort and productivity just because you don’t feel good about yourself and what you are wearing. With Dockers, you are clad with just the right amount of confidence and excellence that will carry you past through the daily grind. That is what Dockers has been advocating ever since—a laid-back and effortless style and confidence stitched together by the right fit, fabric, design. And there’s no better product to embody these ideals than the Signature On-The-Go, because as in any matter of style, excellence doesn’t have to try so hard. But while Dockers maintains its signature look that made it the leading khaki brand, it does not stop reinventing styles tailor-fitted for the changing needs of the modern, on-the-go man. After introducing “Casual Friday” almost 30 years ago, Dockers has

never been passive in incorporating innovation to its staples, making sure that “what to wear” does not add up more to the worries of the on-the-go guy. With the Signature On-TheGo, Dockers values quality over quantity as it believes that a bulk of clothes are not necessary for a stylish look—just the right pieces mixed and matched together. This gives the modern gentleman the opportunity to explore available choices on what he thinks is best for him for the day. Beating style monotony with continued innovation and refined aesthetics, Dockers continues to change the way people carry themselves out there in a competitive world by prioritizing wearability and function. Maximizing one’s wardrobe options, after all, has always been more efficient than bulk-buying. Dockers and its signature OnThe-Go wants the modern men to be the best versions of themselves wherever they go and whatever they do, without having to stress over the appropriate outfit. You are what you wear. And with Dockers, you wear nothing but effortless confidence that comes with free-flowing productivity.

Dockers values quality over quantity as it believes that a bulk of clothes are not necessary for a stylish look.

Dockers Signature Khaki highlights a fashion style that will make you feel good.

Dockers Signature On-The-Go is a laid-back and effortless style and confidence stitched together by the right fit, fabric, design.

Wearing simple yet smart-looking Dockers pants in the office or to a meeting will make you feel more comfortable and confident with your work.

T UES DAY : J UNE 2 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

ANGEL LOCSIN BACK AS AVON CELEBRITY AMBASSADOR FOR MAKEUP

“I am forever grateful for being part of the amazing Avon family. I have been with Avon for 10 years now and being the makeup endorser was my first Avon ambassador role. I am honored by how the company has trusted me to be their endorser for the fragrance line as well. Now, as I return as the Avon spokesperson for the makeup line, I want to say that it feels wonderful to be with a brand you truly believe in,” says Angel Locsin. “I am happy to present the limited edition Tropical Paradise collection. This collection of pressed powder, lipsticks, and eyeshadows are the season’s musthaves to looking beautiful!” Locsin returns as Avon’s celebrity ambassador for the beauty company’s makeup line and headlines the launch of Tropical Paradise, Avon’s newest makeup collection. The limited edition color line is a curated collection of enticing hues of blue and hints of coral, inspired by the hottest runway trends. Avon Philippines General Manager Emie Aguilar-Nierves admits, “Avon is delighted to welcome back Angel as our brand ambassador for the Avon makeup

NOMINEES FOR THE 38TH GAWAD URIAN (Continued from yesterday)

The Mze Runner: Scorch Trials unspools in theaters in September

PHASE 2 BEGINS IN ‘MAZE RUNNER’

P Angel Locsin is back as Avon ambassador for make up

line. Angel is loved by many due to her strong yet amiable portrayals. She has the traits of the modern Filipina – empowered, stunningly confident, and beautiful.” Locsin has been with the Avon family since 2005, and has rep-

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: 1. Nico Antonio, Red (Cinema One Originals/ Creative program Inc, Brainchild Solutions and Seventh Film ) 2.Roeder Camañag, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon, (Sine Olivia Pilipinas) 3. Martin Del Rosario, Dagitab (Ten17P) 4. Joel Lamangan , Violator (Cinema One Originals)

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 47 48 50 54 58 61 62 63 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Smooth-tongued 5 Author Horatio — 10 Every 14 Viking letter 15 Mantle teammate 16 Slugger Moises — 17 Woofs 18 January, in Jalisco 19 Cloudburst 20 Handwriting 22 Pouncing 24 Cast a shadow

25 26 28 32 35 37 38 39 41 42 45 46

Wine or root — Emerald Isle Kind of relief — there? Bleachers shout Border town (2 wds.) Friction easer Sedaris’ medium Fishtail Causes havoc Stretchy bandage Tureen

Asian capital Whodunit terrier — up (got ready) Classic song Was a sunbird Keepsakes Sleuth’s find Duplicity Med sch. subject Before long Grouchy Muppet Three squared Scream and shout Wyoming range Hook’s henchman

DOWN 1 Lawn planting 2 Stagger suddenly 3 Opposite of “supra” 4 Moreover 5 Foster a felon 6 Writer — Deighton 7 Diving bird 8 Flynn of old movies 9 Cult classic “Eating —” 10 Pendant jewelry 11 Jai — 12 Mint product 13 Like some juries

resented the color and fragrance lines. Angel continues to be part of Avon’s enviable roster of A-list Avon Ambassadors that includes Kathryn Bernardo, Isabelle Daza, Julia Montes, Georgina Wilson, and Richard Yap.

5. Nicco Manalo, Barber’s Tales (APT Entertainment,Inc. /Octobertrain) 6. Karl Medina, Bwaya (Cinemalaya, FrontRow International, Eight Films, Source of Light Films) 7. Jess Mendoza, Mauban (Triple M Production, Inc.) 8. Noel Santodomingo, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon, (Sine Olivia Pilipinas)

TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015

21 Canadian prov. 23 Table salt 25 High notes 27 Blended whiskeys 29 “Hold the —!” 30 What “vidi” means (2 wds.) 31 Monk’s hood 32 Happy shouts 33 Charter 34 Low-fat spread 36 Stiff — — board 37 Potato buds 40 Mil. school 43 Increase 44 Swiss painter Paul — 46 Nations of SE Europe 49 Excessively 51 Tech talk 52 Wear hand-medowns 53 Mandate 55 Tough fabric 56 Really stupid 57 Ms. Lauder 58 Blemish 59 Humerus neighbor 60 Unstable lepton 61 Gull cousin 64 Philosopher — -tzu

repare to burn in the upcoming and most awaited thrilling adventure of the year, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials where the course of the Gladers’ lives who successfully survived the Maze will define the rest of humanity’s future. Reprising his role as Thomas, Dylan O’Brien returns along with fellow Gladers Kaya Scodelario, Ki Hong Lee, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster set in a more challenging post apocalyptic future where they sprint for another run of their lives. Director Wes Ball is at the helm once again in this next chapter of the epic Maze Runner

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: 1. Shamaine Buencamino, Barber’s Tales (APT Entertainment, Inc. /Octobertrain) 2. Iza Calzado,Barber’s Tales (APT Entertainment, Inc. /Octobertrain) 3. Alessandra De Rossi, Mauban; Ang Resiko (Triple M Production, Inc. in cooperation with Blue Skies Productions) 4. Barbie Forteza, Marquina (Ten17P)

saga where our young heroes search for clues about the mysterious and powerful organization known as WCKD. Their journey takes them to the Scorch, a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles. Teaming up with resistance fighters, the Gladers take on WCKD’s vastly superior forces and uncover its shocking plans for them all. (Check out the first trailer reveal of Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials here https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=WlNRlJBdKSI.) Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” opens at cinemas on Sept. 9 from 20th Century distributed by Warner Bros.

5. Karenina Haniel, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon, (Sine Olivia Pilipinas) 6. Gladys Reyes, Magkakabaung (ATD Entertainment) 7.Gloria Sevilla, M: Mother’s Maiden Name (Eight Films) The 38th Gawad Urian will be held on June 16 and will be aired live on Cinema One. (To be continued tomorrow.)

T UES DAY : J UNE 2 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

MMDA AND CNN PHILIPPINES TO DELIVER TRAFFIC REPORT

From C8

he Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and CNN Philippines agreed to provide motorists and commuters with extensive reports about the traffic situation in Metro Manila through CNN Philippines Traffic Center. The CNN Philippines Traffic Center is a program that airs weekdays on CNN Philippines (RPN-9). The program aims to be the authority in traffic reporting by providing real-time traffic video and information from official and credible sources. The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement was held at the MMDA Office on Edsa-Guadalupe on May 29 with MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino and CNN Philippines SVP for News & Current Affairs Jing Magsaysay. Estimated travel time from point to point will be given to help motorists and commuters plan their trips. Live updates from reporters will be supplemented with information from the city of Manila, SLEX and the command center of MMDA. CNN Philippines Traffic Center airs Monday to Friday, 6:30 to 7 a.m. with Claudine Trillo and 5:45 to 6

p.m. with Menchu Macapagal. CNN Philippines Traffic Center will also be in our Updates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. HHHHH DOUG KRAMER JOINS ELECTROLUX FAMILY Electrolux, a global leader in home appliances, welcomes professional basketball player and hands-on dad, Doug Kramer, as its newest brand ambassador. Doug now joins Chef Bruce Lim, Chef Rosebud Benitez-Velasco, and Cheska Garcia-Kramer in the newest Electrolux Campaign entitled “Do More With Less.” The campaign aims to raise awareness in reducing household waste by empowering Filipinos to be more creative and resourceful at home. “I am thrilled to finally be a part of the Electrolux family. I love how Electrolux appliances help Cheska and me manage our home conveniently, so we have more time to be with our kids,” says Doug. “As a practical dad, I’ve always been a believer that with the right tools, you can always do more with less.” Do More With Less campaign was launched onApril 22 at Abenson Global City.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino and CNN Philippines' Jing Magsaysay during the singing of the CNN Philippines Traffic Center

Doug Kramer and wife Cheska with Electrolux officer

SPOTIFY AND GLOBE TELECOM TEAM UP TO DISCOVER THE NEXT BIG OPM ACT

OPM artists vying to be the next big thing

ho will be OPM’s next biggest act? Spotify, in partnership with Globe Telecom, launched Spotify Emerge program in the Philippines, placing local artists in the spotlight in a bid to break the next big OPM act into the mainstream. Spotify Emerge offers unique insight into up-and-coming music talent across Asia by leveraging Spotify’s wealth of data to identify 10 emerging artists from the region, based on their virality (increase in streams and shares week on week). Spotify users will choose the ultimate winner through streams, follows and shares. The t10 rising stars vying for Emerge supremacy in the Philippines are December Avenue, Jeric Medina, Kai Honasan, Kito Romualdez, Marion Aunor, Midnight Meetings, Paolo Valenciano, Save Me Hollywood, Shehyee, and The Ransom Collective. Emerge enables users to watch the competition play out on the dedicated Emerge website, which features an engaging and visually appealing graphic timeline where the artists who attract the most attention and listens are rewarded with more prominence on the site. The list of ten up-and-coming acts will be pared down each week until an outright winner is picked. Past participants of the program in other countries have included the likes of Lorde, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and alt-J, before they became global success stories. Meanwhile, brands who have collaborated with Spotify Emerge in

other markets include Chevrolet and American Family Insurance. “We’re thrilled to be launching Spotify’s first Emerge program in Asia to the Philippines, our fastest-growing market in the region and a country with a rich history of music talent,” says Chee Meng Tan, Director of Label Relations, Spotify (APAC). “We want to shine a light on the very best emerging artists, giving them a huge global platform to showcase their talent by harnessing Spotify’s unique access to data and technology.” Dan Horan, senior advisor for Consumer Business at Globe, adds, “The Philippines is home to some of the world’s best artists and performers, and Globe is very happy to be working with Spotify on this program. Spotify Emerge aims to discover music’s next big act and expose the wonderful talents of Filipino musicians to the rest of the world. As the purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle where we give customers access to their passions such as music on their devices, we are excited to see Filipinos conquering the centerstage once again using the power of technology with Spotify Emerge.” Globe customers can access Spotify Emerge on the Spotify app, and enjoy it best with Spotify Premium. To register to Spotify Premium, Globe postpaid and prepaid customers can text SP 129 to 8888. The campaign launches today at ph.spotifyemerge.com where you’ll be able to stream, vote, share, and find out more about the ten music acts involved.

T UES DAY : J UNE 2 : 2015

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ KAPATID NETWORK DRIVES

‘HAPPY TRUCK NG BAYAN’ ISAH V. RED In the beginning of TV5’s new management, officers of the network avoided like the plague the thought of putting up a noontime show, either weekly or just once a week. The reason? “We don’t want of meet head on the competition,” they said, which meant they didn’t know if they could cope with the competition that they’d face on the noontime block. It seems the direction of the wind in the network, now based in Mandaluyong and not in far Novaliches, has changed. Last week, at a press conference it organized for members of the entertainment press, TV5 introduced Happy Truck Ng Bayan to keep with its dictum of being the country’s only ‘Happy Network.’ Happy Truck Ng Bayan, the network’s executives say, it is the first-of-its-kind game and musical variety show. It features a roving truck that transforms into a stage. And the roving variety show rolls out on June 14. Filipinos across the archipelago don’t have to go places to look for happiness because TV5 will bring it right to their doorsteps. Dubbed as TV5’s biggest project this year, Happy Truck Ng Bayan brings together TV5’s most popular, sought-after and most loved Kapatid stars in a Sunday noontime program that spreads happiness among Filipinos one barangay at a time. And that includes two of the country’s most popular singer-songwriters – Ogie Alcasid and Janno Gibbs, who has hopped over to the Kapatid network to reunite with his longtime friend and TV costar. TV5’s hunk and ‘Extreme’ king Derek Ramsay and TV5 princess Jasmine Curtis Smith will share their spontaneity and crowd charm as they venture into variety show hosting. Well-loved homemakers Gelli de Belen and Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla add sugar and spice as they cook up surprises for moms and

wives in the neighborhood, while Tuesday Vargas, Empoy, and Kim Idol bring laughter to the barangays with their hilarious antics. Kids and teens will also have their weekly dose of kilig from Baker King’s Mark Neumann, Shaira Mae, and Akihiro Blanco; and Wattpad Presents’ Vin Abrenica, Sophie Albert, and Chanel Morales. Soon to be collectively known as “Happypeeps”, this powerhouse ensemble of Kapatid stars will extend weekly happiness and cheer to 10 barangays of various well-populated areas in the country and give away big prizes coming from the program’s game segments – Barangay’s Most Wanted; Bida Ng Dance Floor!; OCW: Ooooh… Construction Worker!; Barangay Bayani; TaWattpad; Ready, Set, Goma!; SingKo; and Kwarta o Kwar-truck. On top of all these, a literally ‘big’ star emerges in each episode of Happy Truck ng Bayan – no other than the truck itself! Equipped with a highly advanced, remote-controlled hydraulic system that transforms a 12-foot high, 17.58-foot wide and 34-foot long vehicle into a mobile stage, the innovative truck lets the program transform every place into a grand fiesta and bring true “happiness-on-wheels”. ➜ Continued on C7

It seems the direction of the wind in the network, now based in Mandaluyong and not in far Novaliches, has changed. Last week, at a press conference it organized for members of the entertainment press, TV5 introduced ‘Happy Truck Ng Bayan’ to keep with its dictum of being the country’s only ‘Happy Network’ Happy Truck ng Bayan, TV5's newest variety show, brings together Kapatid network stars - Derek Ramsay, Empoy, Gelli de Belen, Janno Gibbs, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith Also joining Happy Truck ng Bayan are Ogie Alcasid, Tom Taus, and Vin Abrenica