Manila Standard - 2017 February 11 - Saturday

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Council reviews mining order

VOL. XXXI • NO. 1 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 • www.thestandard.com.ph • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

(LGUs, Section C)

Duterte targets online gambling

By John Paolo Bencito

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte prohibited the assignment, sharing, lease, transfer or selling of online gambling licenses after he ordered authorities to intensify the government’s fight against illegal gambling.

Under an executive order signed Feb. 2, online gambling operators who wish to operate outside the jurisdiction of the government authority must apply for a separate license.

“The license to operate online gambling granted to qualified operators shall not be assigned,

shared, leased, transferred, sold or encumbered to any other party.

Any gambling operator desiring to operate outside the jurisdiction of the government authority which issued its existing license shall apply for a separate license with the appropriate authority,” the EO read.

By John Paolo Bencito

“All gambling activities, and activities and services directly or indirectly related to or in support of such gambling activities, conducted beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the government authority which issued the license therefore, shall be dealt with as illegal gambling.”

Next page

THE Mining Industry Coordinating Council on Friday agreed to a multi-stakeholder review of Environment Secretary Regina Lopez’s decision to shut down 23 mining companies after she admitted to disregarding the recommendation of a technical review committee to levy only fines and suspensions on erring firms.

Following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to give the affected companies the opportunity to dispute the mining audit undertaken by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and Lopez, who co-chair the MICC, agreed to take another look at the performance of existing mining operations in consultation with local government units.

“The review shall be based on the guidelines and parameters set forth in specific mining contract and in other pertinent laws, taking into account the Next page

AFP puts forward terms of peace gab THE New People’s Army must first prove their sincerity and show that they are united with their political wing in the quest for peace before any new negotiations can take place, the military said Friday.

“First they must be united in the goal of seeking peace and they must show sincerity by complying with all peace negotiation agreements, especially on the part calling for the cessation of attacks against government troops,” said Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the Armed Forces public affairs office.

Arevalo was responding to a question about what the military would seek if President Rodrigo Duterte decides to resume talks that he broke off with the communist rebels last week.

Earlier, he noted, the National Democratic Front negotiating panel headed by Fidel Agcaoili said that the NPA unilateral ceasefire would continue while Jorge Madlos, the top communist leader in

PERSEVERING PROTEST. Militants burn Friday a US flag once more in front of the US Embassy in Manila, only three weeks after burning one in protest against American military presence in the country, this time denouncing the immigration and refugee restrictions recently imposed by President Donald Trump. Norman Cruz

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Prison guards holding FVR chides Digong over ‘one-way’ decisions drug inmates relieved By John Paolo Bencito

By Rey E. Requejo ALL 20 prison guards assigned at the Armed Forces of the Philippines detention facility where eight high-profile inmates are detained have been relieved, Bureau of Corrections Chief Benjamin de los Santos said Friday.

He said the 20 guards were relieved following reports that the inmates in the facility continued to enjoy special treatment as a reward for testifying against

Senator Leila de Lima.

De Lima is accused of protecting the drug lords inside the National Bilibid Prison when she was justice secretary, while Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II is accused of pampering the inmates at the AFP detention facility for testifying against her.

The inmates were said to have been provided with mobile phones, television sets and airconditioning units.

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FORMER President Fidel V. Ramos on Friday advised an ‘insecure’ President Rodrigo Duterte to avoid making decisions, particularly on policies and security

without first consulting his Cabinet members.

“A lot of these fears being generated by him is because he is... insecure. Pardon me for saying this, Mr. President Duterte, but you must be at peace with yourself, do not talk about dying soon or be-

PET LOVERS.

Some 100 of them— including but not limited to their dogs, rabbits, and hamsters—celebrate Valentine’s Day Friday at the Malabon Zoo, Aquarium and Botanical Garden, a unique conservatory of both endemic and exotic animals, including a large variety of unusual fishes, stashed inside a one-hectare tropical rainforest environment. Andrew Rabulan

Dureza’s nephew falls in narc buy-bust sting

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY―The nephew of Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus Dureza was arrested in a buy-bust operation by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency operatives in his house here on Thursday, officials said.

John Paul Dureza was arrested in Del Rio, Catalunan Pequeño around 5:45 p.m.

One Jose Antonio Huilar was

arrested with him.

Authorities seized 15 grams of shabu worth P225,000, a 22-caliber rifle and 117 live ammunition, the officials said.

John Paul’s arrest was immediately confirmed by Jesus through his Facebook account.

“I slept early last night [still on sick leave but feeling okay] only to wake up early to be informed that one of my nephews was arrested by PDEA for Next page drugs,” Jesus said. twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

ing killed or not caring about your life,” Ramos said in an interview with online news portal Rappler.

“You must preserve your life, you have a lot of things to do and people will support you. We don’t want the President to be just disposed of like that. You are elected for six years,

you fulfill it,” he added.

Ramos expressed concern after observing Duterte making policy pronouncements without the knowledge of people around him, and urged him to make proper use of government mechNext page anisms at hand.

99 policemen fired, 40 more to follow suit

By Francisco Tuyay

POLICE Chief Ronald dela Rosa has signed an order dismissing 99 policemen after they were found guilty of using illegal drugs, an official said Friday.

“Our recommendation to dismiss the 99 policemen has already been signed by PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa,” said Alfegar Triambulo, inspector general of the PNP Internal Affairs Service.

He did not provide details including the ranks of the dismissed policemen, but he said they would be transmitting another recommendation to dismiss 40 more policemen who were also found guilty of using illegal drugs.

The 99 policemen were part of the 198 PNP personnel who were found positive Next page

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‘Expanded’ Bangsamoro Commission members named

'PH will not repeat Colombia's mistakes'

the agreements reached during the August meeting between the implementing panels of the government and the MILF, where they discussed the new Peace and Development Roadmap for the implementation of the signed peace agreements.

The crafting of the law is part of the implementation process of the southern peace pact or the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in March 2014.

Among the new members of the expanded BTC are MILF vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar, former MILF chief negotiator Mohagher M. Iqbal, lawyer Jose I. Lorena,

By John Paolo Bencito

By John Paolo Bencito

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday named members of the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission—a body that will be tasked to draft the new Bangsamoro enabling law.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has just released the appointment papers of the 21-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission. This will signal the start of the work to come up with an inclusive Bangsamoro law that will truly reflect and address the clamor

Council...

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valid exercise of the State’s police power to serve the common good, especially of the poor,” the MICC resolution read.

“Those found guilty of violating mining contracts, laws and regulations, after observance of due process, shall be meted the appropriate penalty under relevant laws,” it added.

Lopez said that the 23 mining companies ordered closed and five others ordered suspended can still continue to operate if they appeal the DENR’s show cause order to the Office of the President.

“They [firms violating mining rules] should be receiving today [February 10] the official notices of closure or suspension. They can appeal to the President and unfortunately, while the appeal is ongoing, they can still actually mine,” Lopez said.

“If they receive the order and they don’t appeal, [those ordered closed down] they’ll be closed down,” she said.

“The closure order remains but if they appeal to the Office of the President, they can continue,” she added.

Lopez admitted that only after President Rodrigo Duterte decides on the status of mining operations can she order for the closure of the mining companies in question.

Dominguez, who appealed to the President to ensure due process in the mining audit, said the review would provide assistance and guidance to the DENR. “We’ll look at the contract of each mining firm; if there’s clause that they can appeal or invoke arbitration, they can do so,” he said.

The Finance chief said that there can be a fallout from actions, such as closing a mine.

“Essentially, the council will assist DENR. There are considerations to be taken and the government has to prepare for the fallout on those decisions,” he added.

for a genuine political autonomy for the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao,” Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza said.

The creation of the expanded BTC from 15 to 21 was made after President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 8 on Nov. 7.

The EO was the result of one of

“We just want to assure everybody, including local government units that may be affected, that there will be a process of listening to them in this whole process,” he added.

Dominguez said that the review will be composed of a “very large” group from the members of the MICC. “It is a combination of the economic cluster and the climate change cluster. There will be a technical working group that will be identified,” he said.

Lopez recently came under fire after she confirmed disregarding the recommendation of a technical review committee to merely suspend some mining companies.

In an interview at the Palace, Lopez confirmed reports that the technical review committee she created in November 2016 recommended only a maximum of “suspension and fines,” and that she decided to close 23 of them nonetheless.

Contrary to her previous stance, Lopez now says she is willing to show the results of the mining audit.

Lopez said that while she is open to looking at new information that the multistakeholder review may find, she will stick with her decision to scrap all mines operating in watersheds.

“MICC [Mining Industry Coordinating Council] is recommendatory. They are not over me. They cannot tell me what to do. The only one who can tell me what to do is the President,” Lopez said in a televised interview.

“My stand right now given what I know is that there should be no mining in watersheds...

My decision will always be on the side of the common good,” she added.

She noted, however, that “perhaps a multi-faceted solution to the problem may come up.”

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines—an organization of local miners— has argued that the regulator’s audit was “one-sided” and “compromised.”

FVR...

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“The way it is, there is a lack of consultation, as I said in the beginning, not just with his active commanders. Maybe not even with the Cabinet members concerned, but also with the rest of the citizenry,” Ramos said.

The former president also decried what he called a “one-way kind of decision-making in law enforcement these days.”

“There is a need for more consultation by the leaders, led by the President, with other stakeholders, meaning the people themselves, including the most ordinary guy,” he added.

Prison...

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But Aguirre denied giving special privileges to the inmates.

“I have never issued an order either verbal or written that granted special privileges to these inmates,” Aguirre said.

He said the inmates testified against De Lima without any conditions.

De Los Santos said he moved

the 20 prison guards to the New Bilibid Prison and that their leader, Prison Guard 3 Marlon Mangubat, would be investigated for possible administrative liability.

He said a clearing operation was conducted by a team at the AFP detention facility to dismantle the air-conditioning units, but the men found no cellphones.

He said there was only one television set installed and it was at the reception area.

lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, Datu Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan, Dr. Susana Salvador-Anayatin, lawyer Hussin Amin, Romeo Saliga, Hatimil Hassan, lawyer Firdausi Ismail Y. Abbas, lawyer Omar Yasser C. Sema, Abdulraof Abdul Macacua, Ibrahim D. Ali, Haron M. Abas, lawyer Raissa H. Jajurie, Said M. Shiek, Hussein P. Muñoz, Melanio U. Ulama, Gafur A. Kanain and Ammal D. Solaiman.

Under the EO, the consultative body will be chaired by the MILF with 11 members, while the government nominates 10 members, including three members from the Moro National Liberation Front.

Government implementation

panel chairman Irene Santiago said the members were chosen because of their capacity to listen and their extensive knowledge in Mindanao.

“It is expected that the new members of the BTC will hit the ground running. Their role is vital for us to reach a CAB-compliant enabling law,” she said.

The government has set a deadline for the BTC to submit the draft to Congress by July for deliberations and ratification.

Earlier, Secretary Dureza said the old Bangsamoro Basic Law, which failed to be enacted as a law last Congress, will probably be the basic document, among other pertinent legislations, of the new enabling law.

HELPING HANDS. Joint personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Moro Islamic

Liberation Front, the Moro National Liberation Front and the local government of Datu PIang, Maguindanao manually unclog the Dansalan River of water hyacinths stuck under the Sajid Piang Bridge which connects Datu Piang and Midsayap, North Cotabato on Thursday, Feb. 9. The floods has caused the Dansalan River to overflow due to extreme weather condition the past several weeks that swamped the town’s 14 of 16 villages. Omar Mangorsi

Duterte...

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The same EO said that no licensed online gambling operator shall provide direct or indirect betting outside of the territorial jurisdiction where it is physically located.

Nevertheless, participation of persons who are betting outside of the Philippine territory can still continue.

The President’s order came as lawmakers investigated allegations that Chinese tycoon Jack Lam, who tried to bribe Philippine officials to allow him to operate an illegal online casino.

Duterte instructed the PNP, the NBI, and law enforcement agencies to “coordinate and promptly act on requests of gambling regulatory authorities to investigate and put a stop to

AFP...

From A1

Mindanao, said the ceasefire would end on Feb. 10.

“Before seeking any new peace negotiations with the government, the NPA must show that its leadership and units on the ground are united in the goal of seeking a just and lasting peace,” Arevalo said.

On Friday, Armed Forces chief Eduardo Año said he saw no reason for the President to declare Martial Law, even though peace talks with the communists have collapsed and Abu Sayyaf and other terrorist groups continue to pose a threat.

“Well right now the PNP [Philippine National Police] and the AFP can still operate within the prevailing situation with full control so right now I don’t see a reason why the President will declare Martial Law, although he has the discretion

illegal activities in their respective jurisdictions.”

“The state condemns the existence of illegal gambling as a widespread social menace and source of corruption, as it has become an influential factor in an individual’s disregard for the value of dignified work, perseverance and thrift,” the President said.

The order also directs the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and other regulatory entities to submit a consolidated report on the progress of the fight against illegal gambling in their jurisdictions within six months and every six months thereafter from the effective date of the EO. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Friday

said the 56 players of Small Town Lottery (STL) are expected to give more than half a million people jobs this year.

This is the reason the PCSO is doing its best to implement the government’s campaign against illegal gambling, the agency said in a press release.

PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan said that aside from the projected revenue from STL, legal employment of more than half a million people is another benefit of the operation of 56 accredited agent corporations that were given permits to operate STL nationwide.

He said that all illegal gambling operations are called on to go legal. This includes kubradors and kabos who work in the illegal numbers game.

If they work under the STL, Balutan said, they would be given a legal source of income.

[and] authority based on the Constitution,” Año said.

He added that even if the President does declare Martial Law, there are checks and balances available through the Constitution.

And should the Chief Executive ever decides to do so, he said there are checks and balances available to ensure that its declaration are in accordance with Constitutional provisions.

“But right now, we don’t see the reason [for Martial Law],” he added.

Año earlier said that close military and police cooperation is one of the strategies which will be employed by the Duterte administration in defeating the NPA insurgency threat.

He made this statement during the sidelights of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) meeting in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.

“In our meeting this morning,

we strengthened the mechanism of the JPSCC particularly the creation of joint cells at the different levels, so in our planning and actions, the Philippine National Police and the AFP, will be always together, down to the provincial level,” he said in Filipino.

The AFP and PNP also said they would intensify operations against the NPA. “In view of the lifting of the unilateral ceasefire and the cancellation of the talks, we will intensify our operations together—the PNP and the AFP—to fight the NPA to defeat the armed group and put back into jail all those high-ranking personalities [earlier released to help in the peace negotiations],” he added.

At the moment, the AFP chief said there is no need to deploy additional troops in NPA hot spots in Northern and Eastern Mindanao as the military has enough forces in these areas. PNA

Dureza's...

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“I am of course embarrassed as he is a close relative, but I commend the authorities for enforcing and applying the law without fear or favor.”

John Paul is the son of Jerry, Jesus’ youngest brother.

PDEA Director Adzhar Albani said the younger

Dureza had been in their watch list.

“We validated all the information we had gathered on him, and that is why he was on our watch list,” Albani said.

He said John Paul had a big network in Davao City and Davao Del Norte.

Albani said they had seen the connection between John Paul and John Saavedra, one of the top drug personalities in the city who was arrested last December inside his car shop in Bajada.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said that the Philippines will not commit the same mistakes of Colombia in the war that he has been waging against illegal drugs in the country.

Duterte said he won’t be committing Colombia’s mistakes “because he’s not stupid” unlike former Colombian President Cesar Gaviria.

The former Colombian president had warned Duterte not to commit the same mistakes so as not to suffer the consequences that Colombian suffered when he waged a bloody war against illegal drugs in the South American country.

“There are many things that the human rights [organizations,] even this “tontong” [idiotic] President— you must be stupid. This ex-president of Colombia, he is saying that Duterte is committing the same mistakes,” the President said in a business forum at Davao City.

“That [mistake] is only possible, Mr. ex-President, if I am stupid as you,” he added.

Duterte, who previously called Gaviria an “idiot,” pointed out that unlike the Philippines, the South American nation got the help of United States in its anti-drug war.

“Kasi ang Amerika, nagbuhos ng bilyon because they were flooding America with...All the supplies of cocaine and heroin came from that country. Anong itinulong ng America dito except to recommend for my prosecution in the International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court?” he added.

Gaviria, who became famous for battling drug kingpin Pablo Escobar during a bloody chapter of Colombia’s war against drug trafficking, gave some unsolicited advice for President Rodrigo Duterte that his war on drugs will likely backfire.

Gaviria—who was president of Colombia from 1990 to 1994 and was credited for taking down international drug trafficker Pablo Escobar—said using brute force in combating illegal drugs only created more problems for their country.

He added that Duterte’s order to use the armed forces in the war against illegal drugs would be “disastrous.”

Duterte’s war on drugs has been blamed for the death of over 7,000 people, most of whom were allegedly involved in trafficking illegal drugs.

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for illegal drugs use during a random drug testing nationwide.

Of those, the highest ranking officer was a chief inspector and the lowest a Police Officer 1.

Triambulo said the policemen’s dismissal was based on Civil Service Commission rules.

“According to the CSC and Napolcom [National Police Commission], the use of drugs is penalized by dismissal because it is a grave offense,” he said.

In July 1 last year, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Dela Rosa to conduct a random drug testing of the 165,000-strong police force.

Duterte even accused as narco generals retired Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo, former Chief Supt. and now Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot; former NCRPO chief Director Joel Pagdilao, former QCPD director Chief Supt. Edgardo Tino, and former Western Visayas police director Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz.

But all of them denied involvement in illegal drugs.

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Lawmaker questions Meralco rate hike

By Maricel V. Cruz

B

AYAN Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate on Friday questioned the projected P0.92/kilowatt Meralco power rate hike for February and March, respectively, because of the supposed unsteady price of fuel.

“Oil price fluctuations and foreign exchange discrepancies are business risks that distribution utilities like Meralco should take and not pass on to consumers,” Zarate said.

“Besides the fuel being used for power production now had been purchased at least a month ago and the price of oil then was much lower,” Zarate added.

Zarate also wondered why

Meralco already had a power rate computation for March when billing for that month ends only in Feb. 26; and it is only Feb. 11 today.

“How can they pre-compute impact if they don’t even have billings from suppliers?

May bolang kristal po ba ang Meralco para dito? [Do they have a crystal ball here?]”

Zarate asked.

Kin of slain drug suspects need shield

By Rey E. Requejo THE government through the Office of the Solicitor General did not oppose the protection order being sought by relatives of drug suspects killed in a police operation in a Quezon City village in August last year, invoking the state’s duty to guard its citizens.

During the hearing at the Court of Appeals’s 14th Division on Friday, Assistant Solicitor General Herman Cimafranca told magistrates the government agreed with the view of the petitioners that their right to life and liberty must be protected.

The CA’s 14th Division has

been mandated by the Supreme Court to hear the petition for writ of amparo filed by the families of the slain drug suspects in Payatas, Quezon City.

“The State is not opposed to that because it is the duty of the government to guarantee and protect every citizen. There’s no dispute,” Cimafranca said, when interviewed by reporters after the hearing.

Cimafranca also said the police had furnished the petitioners copies of intelligence and surveillance reports, police blotters, coordination, video and other documents pertaining to the anti-drug operation on Aug. 21, 2016.

Poe sets hearing on MRT-LRT common station

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Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa GSIS METROHOMES, Pureza, Sta. Mesa MENZYLAND SUBD., Mojon MENZYLAND SUBD., Mojon MENZYLAND SUBD., Mojon MENZYLAND SUBD., Mojon MENZYLAND SUBD., Mojon MENZYLAND SUBD., Mojon MENZYLAND SUBD., Mojon MENZYLAND SUBD., Mojon MENZYLAND SUBD., Mojon MENZYLAND SUBD., Mojon ROCKA VILLAGE II, Tabang ROCKA VILLAGE II, Tabang SAN RAFAEL VILLAGE II, Cruz Na Daan SAN RAFAEL VILLAGE II, Cruz Na Daan SAN RAFAEL VILLAGE II, Cruz Na Daan SAN RAFAEL VILLAGE II, Cruz Na Daan SAN RAFAEL VILLAGE II, Cruz Na Daan SAN RAFAEL VILLAGE II, Cruz Na Daan SAN RAFAEL VILLAGE II, Cruz Na Daan SAN RAFAEL VILLAGE II, Cruz Na Daan SAN RAFAEL VILLAGE II, Cruz Na Daan SAN RAFAEL VILLAGE II, Cruz Na Daan SAN RAFAEL VILLAGE II, Cruz Na Daan

B008 L005 B008 L013 B008 L027 B008 L033 B008 L071 B008 L074 B008 L087 B008 L091 B009 L006 B009 L013 B010 L001 B010 L005 B010 L013 B010 L014 B011 L002 B011 L009 B012 L002 B012 L003 B012 L004 B012 L006 B012 L013 B013 L001 B013 L014 B018 L005 B019 L003 B019 L006 B019 L007 B020 L002 B020 L005 B020 L007 B020 L012 B020 L013 B021 L005 B021 L010 B021 L012 B022 L003 B022 L004A B022 L008 B022 L009 B022 L015 B023 L010 B025 L025 B030 L050 B032 L006 B032 L010 B032 L012 B033 L008 B033 L014 B034 L004 B034 L005 B035 L014 B038 L023 B040 L003 B040 L014 B041 L015 B042 L004 B042 L011 B042 L016 B043 L004 B043 L005 B043 L006 B043 L016 B043 L018 B044 L005 B044 L007 B044 L008 B045 L005 B045 L014 B046 L001 B046 L008 B046 L013 B047 L014 B047 L017 B065 L014 B065 L016 B065 L024 B065 L026 B065 L030 B065 L034 B065 L038 B070 L005 B070 L007 B070 L008 B070 L010 B001 L048 (Bldg001 Unit005) Cedar St B002 L011 (Bldg001 Unit011) Orchid St Bldg001 UnitGB-002 Ph 5A Bldg001 UnitGC-002 Bldg002 UnitGA-001 Bldg002 UnitGA-003 Bldg002 UnitGA-004 Bldg002 UnitGB-001 Bldg002 UnitGC-001 Bldg003 UnitGA-001 Bldg003 UnitGA-005 Bldg003 UnitGA-007 Bldg003 UnitGA-008 Bldg003 UnitGB-002 Bldg004 Unit4E-008 Bldg004 Unit4E-010 Bldg004 UnitGA-003 Bldg004 UnitGB-001 Ph 5A Bldg004 UnitGB-003 Ph 5A Bldg005 Unit2D-016 Bldg005 Unit3D-006 Bldg005 Unit3D-007 Bldg005 Unit3DE-016 Bldg005 UnitGA-004 Ph 5A Bldg005 UnitGA-005 Ph 5A Bldg005 UnitGA-008 Ph 5A Bldg005 UnitGB-001 Ph 5A Bldg005 UnitGB-002 Ph 5A Bldg005 UnitGC-001 Ph 5A Bldg006 Unit4D-014 Bldg006 Unit4E-002 Bldg006 UnitGA-001 Bldg006 UnitGA-004 Bldg006 UnitGA-005 Bldg006 UnitGA-008 Bldg006 UnitGB-001 Bldg006 UnitGB-002 Bldg006 UnitGC-001 Bldg006 UnitGC-002 Bldg007 UnitGA-004 Ph 5A Bldg007 UnitGA-008 Ph 5A Bldg007 UnitGB-001 Ph 5A Bldg007 UnitGB-002 Ph 5A Bldg007 UnitGC-001 Ph 5A Bldg007 UnitGC-002 Ph 5A Bldg008 UnitGB-001 Ph 5A Bldg008 UnitGB-002 Ph 5A Bldg023 UnitAE-008 Bldg023 UnitAE-014 Bldg023 UnitE-001 Bldg023 UnitE-002 Bldg024 UnitAE-006&AE-007 Bldg024 UnitE-001 Bldg024 UnitE-002 Bldg024 UnitE-003 Bldg025 UnitAE-007 Bldg025 UnitAE-012 Bldg026 UnitA-003 Bldg026 UnitA-004 Bldg026 UnitA-005 Bldg026 UnitAE-001 Bldg026 UnitAE-006 Bldg026 UnitAE-007 Bldg026 UnitE-001 Bldg026 UnitE-002 Bldg026 UnitE-003 Bldg026 UnitE-004 Bldg027 UnitA-009 Bldg027 UnitA-010 Bldg027 UnitAE-008 Bldg027 UnitBA-010 Bldg027 UnitE-001 Bldg027 UnitE-002 Bldg028 UnitA2 Bldg028 UnitA3 Bldg028 UnitA4 Bldg028 UnitA5 Bldg028 UnitA6 Bldg028 UnitAE-001 Bldg028 UnitAE7 Bldg028 UnitCA-012 Bldg028 UnitCE8 Bldg028 UnitD19 Bldg028 UnitD2 Bldg028 UnitD4 Bldg028 UnitE1 Bldg028 UnitE2 Bldg028 UnitE3 Bldg028 UnitE4 Bldg029 UnitA2 Bldg029 UnitA3 Bldg029 UnitA4 Bldg029 UnitA5 Bldg029 UnitAE1 Bldg029 UnitAE6 Bldg029 UnitB-013 Bldg029 UnitBA9 Bldg029 UnitC6 Bldg029 UnitCA9 Bldg029 UnitCE11 Bldg029 UnitDA19 Bldg029 UnitDE8 Bldg029 UnitE2 Bldg029 UnitE3 Bldg029 UnitE4 B001 L004 MENZYVILLE Maya St. B001 L005 MENZYVILLE Agila St. B001 L006 Ph 2B Alladin St. B001 L007 Ph 2B Alladin St. B001 L014 Toledo Extension Road Lot 8 B003 L006 Ph 2B Brilliance St. B003 L007 Ph 2B Brilliance St. B006 L009 Ph 2B Cardinal St. B007 L014 Ph 1 Fairfield St. B009 L011 Toledo Extension Road Lot 12 B015 L012 Ph 7 St Francis St. B016 L020 Ph 7 St. Paul St. B001 L015 Ph 2 J P Rizal B001 L017 Ph 2 J P Rizal B001 L018 Ph 2 J P Rizal B001 L020 Ph 2 J P Rizal B001 L022 Ph 2 J P Rizal B001 L023B Ph 1 M. Ponce St. B001 L025 Ph 2 B001 L050 Ph 1 B002 L009 Ph 3 P. Burgos B005 L001 Ph 3 B008 L011 Ph 2

(T-406020) T-77695 (T-431704) T-67388 (T-431706) T-67390 (T-431708) T-67392 (T-431739) T-67422 T-2510 (T-431700) T-67384 (T-424813) T-58099 (T-424814) T-58100 (T-393425) T-58231 (T-431724) T-67407 (T-424816) T-58102 (T-408234) T-73177 (T-393428) T-58234 T-4106 (T-410387) T-81488 (T-431734) T-67417 (T-408233) T-73176 (T-431697) T-67381 (T-408232) T-73175 (T-406023) T-77698 (T-441086) T-62553 (T-410392) T-81492 (T-389909) T-55653 (T-424821) T-58107 (T-406025) T-77700 (T-408224) T-73168 T-1636 (T-408218) T-73162 (T-431729) T-67412 (T-424823) T-58109 (T-406024) T-77699 (T-406026) T-77701 (T-408216) T-73160 (T-408217) T-73161 (T-389916) T-55660 (T-389917) T-55661 (T-424825) T-58111 (T-406027) T-77702 (T-431733) T-67416 (T-424811) T-58097 T-4098 T-1319 T-1328 T-1323 T-4097 T-1321 T-1679 T-820 T-1320 T-1725 T-1644 T-4107 T-18697 T-1322 T-1332 T-1352 T-1357 T-1683 T-1682 T-1681 T-1317 T-1637 T-1355 T-1331 T-1324 T-4102 T-817 T-4093 T-1339 T-1643 T-1680 T-1639 T-4140 T-4141 T-4119 T-4120 T-4122 T-4124 T-4126 T-4130 T-4132 T-4133 T-4135 123732 119505 22610 22612 22670 22672 22673 22678 22680 22742 22746 22748 22749 22751 22871 22873 22816 22822 22824 22909 22919 22920 22929 22885 22886 22889 22890 22891 22892 23019 23023 22954 22957 22958 22961 22962 22963 22964 22965 23029 23033 23034 23035 23036 23037 23106 23107 26879 26884 26945 26946 26954 27021 27022 27023 27031 27036 27103 27104 27105 27101 27106 27107 27171 27172 27173 27174 27183 27184 27182 27198 27249 27250 27254 27255 27256 27257 27258 27253 27259 27298 27294 27325 27308 27310 27327 27328 27329 27330 27332 27333 27334 27335 27331 27336 27355 27351 27368 27371 27373 27401 27390 27404 27405 27406 T-103706 T-103735 T-112280 T-109186 T-87831 T-109134 T-109141 T-109121 T-66494 T-87801 T-129954 T-124073 T-98464 T-98466 T-98467 T-98469 T-98471 T-95473 T-984741 T-954401 T-103439 T-103467 T-103449

Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Trece Marteres City (Capital) Quezon City Quezon City Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Manila Malolos Malolos Malolos Malolos Malolos Malolos Malolos Malolos Malolos Malolos Plaridel Plaridel San Rafael San Rafael San Rafael San Rafael San Rafael San Rafael San Rafael San Rafael San Rafael San Rafael San Rafael

TCT/CCT No.

Lot Area/ Floor Area (sqm)

Minimum Acceptable Offer / CMV ( ₱ )

Property Classification

Occupancy Status

Bidding Date

Place of Bidding

80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 110.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 88.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 88.00 80.00 88.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 88.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 88.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 88.00 80.00 110.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 107.00 80.00 80.00 82.00 80.00 80.00 98.00 88.00 80.00 80.00 98.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 88.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 40.00 59.57 98.57 100.01 47.81 40.92 47.40 97.86 94.99 47.81 47.40 44.70 47.40 98.70 35.58 36.75 41.32 65.97 50.74 40.94 40.64 40.64 40.94 47.02 47.02 46.96 97.56 97.94 96.89 85.64 39.60 47.33 47.02 47.02 46.96 97.56 97.94 96.89 100.18 47.02 46.96 97.56 97.94 96.89 100.18 97.56 97.94 98.40 70.68 52.25 52.25 98.40 52.25 52.25 52.25 98.40 99.30 42.60 42.50 47.00 100.90 96.10 98.40 45.00 45.00 45.00 45.00 49.20 49.20 49.20 35.12 52.25 52.25 44.70 44.70 44.70 49.20 49.20 70.68 49.20 49.12 44.36 44.36 44.36 44.36 52.25 52.25 52.25 52.25 46.60 42.60 42.50 47.00 100.90 96.10 40.80 46.10 40.50 45.40 41.60 35.40 41.00 45.00 45.00 45.00 60.00 60.00 83.00 82.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 35.00 78.00 90.00 104.00 106.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 59.00 43.00 49.00 143.00 120.00 106.00

620,000.00 409,666.67 451,333.33 451,333.33 434,666.67 695,000.00 409,666.67 409,666.67 434,666.67 451,333.33 572,400.00 448,000.00 508,000.00 568,000.00 529,066.67 409,666.67 484,400.00 409,666.67 409,666.67 484,666.67 528,000.00 505,066.67 434,666.67 409,666.67 578,000.00 409,666.67 434,666.67 474,066.67 451,333.33 434,666.67 578,000.00 534,666.67 501,333.33 543,000.00 409,666.67 409,666.67 409,666.67 455,500.00 409,666.67 542,400.00 409,666.67 609,333.33 409,666.67 434,666.67 663,166.67 409,666.67 451,333.33 723,600.00 455,500.00 409,666.67 708,600.00 468,000.00 409,666.67 522,066.67 529,066.67 448,000.00 409,666.67 553,066.67 409,666.67 484,666.67 409,666.67 409,666.67 474,066.67 474,666.67 662,000.00 451,333.33 599,000.00 451,333.33 636,000.00 560,500.00 501,333.33 409,666.67 451,333.33 409,666.67 409,666.67 409,666.67 409,666.67 409,666.67 409,666.67 409,666.67 409,666.67 426,333.33 426,333.33 409,666.67 888,000.00 1,016,410.00 3,321,809.00 3,370,337.00 1,611,197.00 1,379,004.00 1,597,380.00 3,297,882.00 3,201,163.00 1,611,197.00 1,597,380.00 1,506,390.00 1,597,380.00 3,326,190.00 846,804.00 874,650.00 1,392,484.00 2,223,189.00 1,709,938.00 1,199,542.00 1,072,896.00 1,072,896.00 1,080,816.00 1,584,574.00 1,584,574.00 1,582,552.00 3,287,772.00 3,300,578.00 3,265,193.00 2,038,232.00 942,480.00 1,595,021.00 1,584,574.00 1,584,574.00 1,582,552.00 3,287,772.00 3,300,578.00 3,265,193.00 3,376,066.00 1,584,574.00 1,582,552.00 3,287,772.00 3,300,578.00 3,265,193.00 3,376,066.00 3,287,772.00 3,300,578.00 3,316,080.00 2,381,916.00 1,118,150.00 1,118,150.00 3,316,080.00 1,118,150.00 1,118,150.00 1,118,150.00 3,316,080.00 3,346,410.00 1,435,620.00 1,432,250.00 1,583,900.00 3,400,330.00 3,238,570.00 3,316,080.00 963,000.00 963,000.00 963,000.00 963,000.00 1,658,040.00 1,658,040.00 1,658,040.00 1,029,016.00 1,118,150.00 1,118,150.00 1,506,390.00 1,506,390.00 1,506,390.00 1,658,040.00 1,658,040.00 2,381,916.00 1,658,040.00 1,296,768.00 1,171,104.00 1,055,768.00 1,055,768.00 1,055,768.00 1,118,150.00 1,118,150.00 1,118,150.00 1,118,150.00 1,570,420.00 1,435,620.00 1,432,250.00 1,583,900.00 3,400,330.00 3,238,570.00 1,195,440.00 1,350,730.00 1,069,200.00 1,198,560.00 1,098,240.00 842,520.00 975,800.00 963,000.00 963,000.00 963,000.00 500,250.00 1,089,000.00 415,200.00 440,800.00 648,000.00 516,000.00 648,000.00 280,000.00 448,200.00 473,000.00 683,733.33 898,266.67 217,000.00 217,000.00 217,000.00 296,750.00 253,666.67 214,300.00 491,100.00 465,300.00 438,600.00 376,500.00 412,200.00

House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium Condominium House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot House & Lot

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Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Level 8, Narra Room, GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

Senate public services committee chairman Senator Grace Poe will lead a public hearing on the LRT-MRT common station on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, at 12 p.m., at the Senate Laurel Room.

SENATOR Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, will hold a public hearing on Monday, Feb. 13 on the planned construction of the common station that will link three elevated railways in the capital.

The hearing will be held at noon at the Laurel Room, Philippine Senate.

The committee has invited Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade and Public Works Sec. Mark Villar, along with officials from the Light Rail Transit Authority, MRT-3, Light Rail Manila Corp., and concerned stakeholders to shed light on the planned common station which costs P2.8 billion.

“We need to conduct this hearing to determine the benefits and convenience to the riding public and apprise

them on the concept, design and terms of reference of the common station just as we have to make sure that the project is cost-efficient and effective in addressing various concerns of stakeholders,” said Poe. The hearing will discuss Senate Resolution No. 278 filed by Poe on the need for transparency in the concept, design and construction of the common station project at Edsa and North Avenue in Quezon City for LRT-1, MRT-3 and the proposed MRT-7 which will originate from San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.

The Department of Transportation signed an agreement with three private sector proponents for the construction of the common station, effectively ending a long running dispute.

1.

Disposal of GSIS Investment Properties – Retail Units (IP-RUs) is through a competitive public bidding process. Acceptance of Purchase Offer shall start on the scheduled bidding date and time.

2.

Dropping of bid envelopes inside the designated bid box will be on the date of auction from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Opening of Bids will immediately follow.

3.

Disposal of GSIS IP-RUs is on “As-Is Where-Is” basis. Interested bidders are enjoined to personally inspect the GSIS IP-RUs for sale. “As-Is Where-Is” is defined as the present physical condition of the retail unit that GSIS is selling and the buyer is buying, “with all attendant faults, if any,” whether or not immediately apparent and without any express or implied warranty. The buyer takes this condition at his or her own risk, without recourse against the GSIS as to their condition. This includes knowledge by the buyer of the presence of occupants in the retail-unit being purchased.

4.

Strictly, “One bidder, One specific property” only, which means that a bidder cannot submit two (2) or more bids for one property. A bidder may submit one bid each to as many properties as he wants to buy, as long as, he posts a bidder’s deposit for each property in an amount provided below. The bidder must present valid government IDs upon registration on the date of public bidding.

5.

Purchase offer may either be in Cash or through External Financing Institution.

6.

A downloadable bid form shall be properly accomplished with the following data: a. b. c. d. e. f.

Name and complete address of the bidder Exact address of property you are interested to bid Transfer Certificate of Title No. Amount of bid (in numbers and in words) 10 % Bidder’s Deposit equivalent to 10% of the total amount of Bid Offer Signature of the bidder/representative

7.

Bid proposal shall be written in words and in figures and shall not be lower than the Minimum Bid Price of the property published in the newspaper or posted in the GSIS website. Should there be a difference in the amount in words and in figures, the amount in words shall prevail.

8.

Bidders’ deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer shall be in the form of MANAGER’S CHECK payable to the Government Service Insurance System

9.

The following shall be inserted in the sealed bid envelope: a. properly accomplished Bid Form (form can be downloaded from www.gsis.gov.ph) b.

Manager’s Check payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer c. duly notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA), if the bidder is an authorized representative d. pre-conditional approval from PBCOM, if applicable

10.

The following information shall be clearly written outside the sealed bid envelope (mailing envelope)

(Address of Property you want to bid) Block No. ______ Lot. No. ______ Phase No.____ Name of Subdivision Address of Subdivision TCT NO. _______ Mode: __________ Cash __________ thru External Financing Institution Name of Bidder: Mailing Address: 11.

Interested bidders planning to purchase the GSIS property through External Financing Institution (EFI) shall first secure certification from accredited banks stating that he/she is qualified to avail of a loan from External Financing Institution and insert inside the bid envelope.

12.

The existing tenant or occupant or his duly authorized representative through a valid Special Power of Attorney (SPA) has the right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, provided: a. he/she is present during the bidding b. participated in actual bidding c. presently occupying the property subject of bidding supported by the following proofs of occupancy:

13.

If the occupant will exercise his/her right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, he/she need not secure another bank pre-qualification corresponding to the matched offer. Instead, he/she shall pay the equity in cash as stated in Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS). The equity shall be computed as the difference between the Letter of Guarantee from the bank and the offered bid amount.

14.

The declared highest/winning bidder shall submit within the day of the actual bidding, the following documents: a. duly accomplished Personal Profile/Company Profile/Corporate Profile, whichever is applicable (form can be downloaded from www.gsis.gov.ph); b. photocopies of two valid IDs (one should be a government-issued ID); c.

Articles of Incorporation/Partnership, By-Laws and current General Information Sheet, for corporation/partnership, if applicable; d.

Registration Certificate from SEC for corporation/partnership, DTI for sole proprietorship and CDA for cooperatives, or any proof of such registration, if applicable; e. current Mayor’s permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located, if applicable.

15.

A Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS) shall be issued to the highest/winning bidder on the day of bidding. In case the bid is thru EFI, the equity shall be paid in cash within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of Letter of Guarantee (LOG) by the GSIS. The equity is the amount corresponding to the difference between the LOG and the Offered Bid Amount.

16.

Upon issuance of the NOAS to the highest/winning bidder, the Bidder’s Deposit of the other non-winning bidder/s shall be returned immediately.

17.

Non-compliance with the terms and conditions stated in the NOAS shall result in the forfeiture of the bidder’s deposit.

18.

In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the GSIS shall write the second highest bidder to confirm if he/she is still interested to acquire the property. If still interested, GSIS will require him/her to pay the nonrefundable deposit equivalent to ten percent (10%) of his/her previously submitted bid amount and will be issued NOAS.

19.

GSIS reserves the right to waive any formality or to reject any or all bids received. The list of properties available for sale may be updated without prior notice.

20.

For inquiries, you may call Real Property Accounts Management Department at telephone nos. 479-3536 or 976-4619.

c.1 c.2.

Barangay certificate that he/she is occupying or residing in the subject property Any valid government identification document with his/her address similar to the address of the property he/.she is bidding.

(MS-FEB. 10,11 & 12, 2017)

A4

Opinion

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

Messenger of death

H

OUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is so desperate for the death penalty to be restored that he now says members of Congress not in favor of it can expect to lose their committee chairmanships.

The last time we looked, lawmakers were free to support or reject any piece of legislation based on the dictates of their conscience—and, ideally, the will of their constituents.

It is no surprise that Mr. Alvarez would be

the prime advocate of the restoration of the death penalty. He has been the quintessential yes-man to his boss and friend, President Rodrigo Duterte. And we know, all too well, how these men treat life and death so lightly—just look at the

7,000 deaths in the name of the war on drugs.

Alas, most Filipinos have yet to work up the voice to cry foul against these unwarranted killings. It is likely they are afraid. Maybe they honestly believe we are on to a good thing.

Certainly bringing back a method of punishment better suited to old, barbaric times is never a good thing. And that’s assuming all judgments are correct and fair—a

pipe dream here in the Philippines, where law enforcement and the justice system leave much to be desired.

But pushing for the death penalty is the prerogative of anybody —even Alvarez. What is unacceptable is the way he uses it to make his colleagues toe the line if they supposedly know what is good for them. This is not what we have in mind when we think of him as lead-

er of the House.

We can only hope that the senators would be more enlightened about the issue, even as one of them—a supposedly religious man who has built his fortune dealing blows to others—insists even God had his own version of capital punishment.

We will be watching these lawmakers in the next few days. We’ll see if they will allow Alvarez to get to them with his message of death.

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

Inequitable traffic rules

The argument that death penalty is a deterrent to crime, therefore, is a myth.

In our own setting, the death penalty can very well be antipoor. We all know how rotten our justice system is. It is protracted, complex, and EXPENSIVE. Oh, and the corruption is common knowledge. Undoubtedly, our system favors the rich.

Moreover, this administration is not known as a stickler for due process. In fact, many of our leaders seem to dislike it as shown by the more than 7,000 deaths brought about by the President’s war against drugs.

Poor innocent suspects are without the capacity to fight to prove their innocence. How can they afford adequate representation? Our Public Attorneys Office (PAO) is saddled with thousands and thousands of cases and acutely lacks human resources.

How can it possibly defend to the fullest their indigent clients. The odds are against poor suspects.

THIS column has repeatedly urged Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Thomas “Tim” Orbos to take a second look at his purported “solutions” to the traffic mess in the metropolis. Obviously, Orbos does not care to listen and like many upstart officials of the government, he believes that he has a monopoly of great ideas. Nobody at the MMDA head office will dare disagree with him.

Orbos’ approach to the traffic mess is outright prohibition, and not reasonable regulation. Too many vehicles on Edsa? Orbos’ solution is to ban 20 percent of the vehicles from the road on the basis of the last digit of their license plates.

That may reduce the volume of vehicles on the road, but the relief is inequitable, because households which own more than one vehicle are at a marked advantage over those who own only one. Inevitably, the measure espoused by Orbos favors those with more resources over those with less.

The Orbos vehicle ban also invites legal dispute. Vehicle owners are required by law to pay a so-called “road-users tax” each time they register their vehicles. This tax notwithstanding, motorists are denied the use of the roads once a week.

At first glance, the arrangement does not seem to be so objectionable, but then, Orbos allowed exemptions to his once-a-week road ban, too many to escape attention.

Motorcycles are exempted from the Orbos road restriction measure, apparently on the impression that motorcycles use less road space compared to four-wheeled vehicles. This is hogwash.

Precisely because of their smaller size, motorcycles are able to weave through traffic in complete disregard of traffic regulations. Whenever traffic accumulates at an intersection, motorcycles create their own counterflow and reduce the space of the opposite lane. They also have the bad habit of going ahead of the vehicles and stationing themselves smack on the pedestrian lane, without due regard for pedestrians. This compels

Turn to A5

Turn to A5

No to death penalty POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO THE House of Representatives has started the debates on the bill to reinstate death penalty in the country. It is no secret that President Rodrigo Duterte is the leading proponent of this bill which is the reason why his allies in Congress are working double time to pass the proposed measure.

I stand against death penalty for any crime.

Memories come back of that time when in 1999, women leaders, including myself, came out in public opposing death penalty for the then convicted rapist Leo Echegaray. He was the first to be executed after the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1993, and the passage of the anti-rape law in 1997.

My group was among those that worked for almost 10 years

to get the anti-rape law passed.

We started the advocacy when there was no death penalty yet and we wanted the severest punishment for rapists, but certainly not death.

I remember that people were puzzled about our opposition to convicted child rapist Echegaray’s execution when we were the ones who worked for the anti-rape law. Did he not deserve it? Wasn’t that what you wanted?

What about justice to the girl he abused? These were but some of the questions thrown our way.

Our coming out was difficult.

I remember the long discussions that took place before we faced the media. We were not softening in how we viewed Echegaray. In fact, we were furious at the crime he committed. But we wanted to respond to questions adequately and make clear our nuanced position because we knew that some saw it as inconsistent with our being anti-rape and anti-violence against women.

We made our anti-death penalty position public not because we believed that Echegaray was innocent. We never wavered in our anti-VAW position. However, we firmly believed (and many of us still do), that death penalty will not solve criminality, and

Shall we just let innocent suspects die just because they are poor? more specifically, will not deter the commission of rape. We also believed that the right to life is paramount as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and that the State should not take it away.

Did the execution of Echegaray and others convicted of heinous

crimes deter criminality? No. After Echegaray, there were others who were meted the same fate.

Even during the years when there was death penalty, rampant criminality remained as a major problem in the country. The Philippine experience on death penalty points to the fact that it does not deter the commission of crimes.

Various studies on the death penalty in other countries have concluded that there is no evidence showing deterrence. For instance, the US-based National Research Council of the National Academies released a report in 2012 “based on a review of more than three decades of research concluded that the studies claiming a deterrent effect on murder rates from the death penalty are fundamentally flawed.

The report concluded that the research to date on the effect of capital punishment on homicide is not informative about whether capital punishment decreases, increases, or has no effect on homicide rates.”

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher can be accessed at: thestandard.com.ph

Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.thestandard. com.ph; e-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

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Opinion

sue in court if he does not pay the docket fee.

WHEN interest rate was deChina’s refusal to revalue its regulated, or should we say, currency has been subjected usury was made legal, the to criticism, for allegedly unmonetarists had to put more dervaluing the value of their money in circulation to stave exports. The US now accuses off the shock caused by the sys- China of currency manipulatem of unregulated profit. The tion, that it is engaged in unfair monetarists failed to anticipate trade or worse, for dumping of that business would rely more goods. But a second thought of on lending because the risk is that policy has greatly favored much lower than production, US manufacturing companies and is not affected by labor un- were able to export their prodrest. ucts to the world market at The money that the monetar- competitive prices. ists anticipated to bring about Rather, it is not the aggregate the revival of industries did value of China’s exports that not come. Instead, the excess the US is seeking to demolish money resulted in uncontrolla- but its comparative advantage. ble inflation that even reserve A revaluation of the currency bank capital had to be invested would result in the increase in for fear it could well be dissi- the value of its exports. Invaripated. As former first lady Im- ably, that could increase doelda Marcos would succinctly mestic wage and diminish the put it, “money placed in a vault purchasing power of its conis like ice that it could melt.” sumers.

Manufacturers had to fight Today, the US is the only for its survival due to increas- country that refuses to acing production cost. This ex- knowledge that the regulation plains why multinational com- of the renminbi has benefited panies had to relocate their many countries mostly sufferproduction plants to China ing from huge trade deficit or because of lower cost of labor worst, experiencing acute forand raw materials. They felt be- eign exchange earnings. The trayed by their own government low value of Chinese export for focusing on lending than on products facilitated the rapid creating wealth through the increase in trade, revived manconventional process of manu- ufacturing, and allowed the facturing and production. transfer of technology.

It was the height in what For its failure to pressure Marx predicted as capital’s own China to revalue the renminbi, contradiction, for while pro- it now resorts to the most deduction began with the use of basing form of currency macapital, and brought about the nipulation called “quantitative industrial revolution, the mon- easing.” That has allowed the etarists transUS Federal Reserve to formed capital purchase more into a cannibalistic mutant degover n ment vouring its own securities from A revaluation specie withthe market at out producing of the currency lower interest anything of would result in rate and invalue except crease money that theoreti- the increase in the supply. cally, money value of exports.

Ad mit tedly, the prices increased by were kept low its figure but because of innot in value. creased money Effectively, the deregulation of interest rate supply. But this has only encourerased from the public mind aged stock speculation, borrowthe idea of public service, a ing from collateralized debt obliconcept that justified the pay- gation, and made the business of ment of tax. hedge funds lucrative. Ironically, The monetarists soon dis- the US seems happy every time covered that their decision cre- the value of the peso plunges ated a big hole in the national against the dollar. budget. Revenues from taxes In fact, the US need not tell were no longer sufficient to us to devalue our peso because provide salaries for govern- they imposed an automatic ment personnel. It could no mechanism called “floating longer sustain public services. rate.” Revaluing our currency That means all the basic duties has never happened since former President Macapagal imof the state must be charged.

They then enacted the value- planted that into our monetary added tax to ensure that all system calling it “decontrol.” goods purchased are taxed. The From an original value of 2:1, public must now pay toll fees the peso then began to decay; for the use of roads and bridges such the value of the dollar toto pass through these privately day is 50:1.

Nationalists insist that if constructed highways. From Balintawak to Binalonan, mo- President Duterte truly wants torists will pay an average toll to adopt an independent foramounting to almost P1,000; eign policy, he should begin by plane passengers must pay an formulating an economic poliaverage of P600 terminal fees, cy that would detach the peso pay road user’s tax and car reg- from the dollar. The country istration when supposedly tax should align the valuation of is already imposed in the sale our currency to one reflecting of vehicles; government col- more of its true value. If that lects garbage fees, irrigation currency is slightly undervalued, as the US would say, that fee, etc.

Certification and authentica- would be favorable to us. Philtion of public documents like ippine imports would increase land title, clearance from the due to the higher valuation of police, NBI and barangay for our currency against the renpre-employment and certifica- minbi. Invariably, we will be tion of residence must all be importing more machinery to paid. In other words, a request- boost our manufacturing ining citizen must pay, otherwise dustries, raw materials for our he can be denied of his right to local industries and semi manexercise his profession, engage ufactured goods to accelerate in legitimate business or even employment.

Part III

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Our bishops speak

BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

The greatest currency manipulator

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

IT IS wonderful that our bishops have finally, unequivocally and courageously spoken against extrajudicial killings and the death penalty. Speaking truth to power, they guide the faithful on how to respond to these two crucial issues.

In its most recent Pastoral Letter, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, while recognizing the problem of illegal drugs, expressed grave concern over the unacceptable solution by this government to kill suspected drug users and pushers. The Pastoral Letter adds: “An additional cause of concern is the reign of terror in many places of the poor.

Many are killed not because of drugs. Those who kill them are not brought to account. An even greater cause of concern is the indifference of many to this kind of wrong.

The CBCP deplores the indifference to this “reign of terror,” considered as normal, and, even worse, something that (according to them) needs to be done.

The Letter emphasizes that change must be guided by truth and justice; that the life of every person comes from God and the opportunity to change is never lost in every person. And to destroy one’s own life and the life of another, is a grave sin and does evil to society.

The Bishops reiterate basic teachings of the Catholic Church, teachings “rooted in our being human, our being Filipino, and our being Christian”.

These are: “1. The life of every person comes from God. It is he who gives it, and it is he alone who can take it back. Not even the government has a right to kill life

Inequitable...

From A4

pedestrians to cross the street wherever they find it convenient to do so.

Many of these motorcycles belch smoke because they dilute their fuel with oil, just to cut costs. Plenty of them do not even have mufflers. A lot of these noise makers have no regard for school and hospital zones.

Along Edsa and other major roadways, motorcycles use any lane they want, and they travel at their own pace, with no concern for the four-wheeled vehicles behind them.

One does not need a formal study to confirm these observations. All one needs is to observe any major intersection in the metropolis for confirmation.

Because of their mobility, motorcycles are the motor vehicles of choice of assassins and terrorists who liquidate people in public places. Since motorcycles are not covered by Orbos’ road ban, the motorcycle will certainly remain in the list of preferred motor vehicles of

No...

From A4

The possibility of being convicted despite innocence is high.

A wrong conviction meted with death penalty cannot be rectified.

A life lost cannot be brought back, no magic can. Shall we just let innocent suspects die just because they are poor?

It is also the worst time to even discuss the death penalty.

People’s trust in our law enforcers is most probably at its There is no more impediment to this, much that the renminbi is now recognized and accepted as part of the international currency basket. However, the present valuation of the peso to the dollar, aside from being overvalued, has already reached a

because it is only God’s steward and not the owner of life.

2. The opportunity to change is never lost in every person.

This is because God is merciful, as our Holy Father Pope Francis repeatedly teaches . . .

3. To destroy one’s own life and the life of another, is a grave sin and does evil to society. The use of drugs is a sign that a person no longer values his own life, and endangers the lives of others. We must all work together to solve the drug problem and work for the rehabilitation of drug addicts.

4. Every person has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Society has ways and processes to catch, prove guilty and punish perpetrators of crimes. This process must be followed, especially by agents of the law.

5. Any action that harms another (seriously) is a grave sin.

To push drugs is a grave sin as is killing (except in self-defense).

We cannot correct a wrong by doing another wrong. A good purpose is not a justification for using evil means. It is good to remove the drug problem, but to kill in order to achieve this is also wrong.

6. The deep root of the drug problem and criminality is the poverty of the majority, the destruction of the family and corruption in society. The step we have to take is to overcome poverty, especially through the giving of permanent work and sufficient wages to workers. Let us strengthen and carry forward the unity and love of the family members. Let us not allow any law that destroys the unity of families. We must also give priority to reforming rogue policemen and corrupt judges. The excessively slow adjudication of court cases is one big reason for the spread of criminality. Often it is the poor who suffer from this system. We also call upon

elected politicians to serve the common good of the people and not their own interests.

7. To consent and to keep silent in front of evil is to be an accomplice to it. If we neglect the drug addicts and pushers we have become part of the drug problem. If we consent or allow the killing of suspected drug addicts, we shall also be responsible for their deaths.”

In another pastoral letter, this time for the Archdiocese of Manila but relevant to all of us, Cardinal Chito Tagle offers the following reasons for opposing the death penalty as guides for reflection by the faithful: “1. Studies worldwide show that the death penalty has not lessened violent crimes. The threat of punishment by death has not reduced criminality.

The best approach is to address positively and comprehensively the roots of crime of which offenders have probably been victims themselves: the loss of moral values, injustice, inequality, poverty, lack of access to food, education, jobs and housing, proliferation of weapons, drugs, pornography, loss of respect for sexuality, and many others. The death penalty has not reduced crime because it does not solve criminality from its roots. To help solve these roots of criminality, the Church and the state need to protect and strengthen the basic unit of society, which is the family.

2. There is a danger that the death penalty might legitimize the use of violence to deal with very wrongdoing. We affirm that victims of crimes need justice and healing. An honest and upright judicial and penal system assures the victims and society of protection and renewal.

There is real danger that the death penalty might be applied to an innocent person. We need to reform institutions so they would safeguard justice while

preventing the spread of a culture of violence. Penalties are not imposed for vengeance but for the correction of offenders and the good of society. A culture of violence dehumanizes.

A culture of justice, integrity, and hope heals.

3. As Christians we believe that human life is God´s gift.

Every human being is created in God´s image and likeness.

Every human being is saved by Jesus Christ. This is the reason for forgiveness, hope and salvation. This is the reason why an ethic of life, a culture of life, is inconsistent with abortion, euthanasia, human trafficking, mutilation, and violence against innocent and vulnerable persons. Before God the source of life, we are humble. We cannot pretend to be gods.”

The message is clear. The Church is urging the faithful to wake up from their stupor and indifference, and to take a more vigorous and pro-active course in fighting the anti-life culture manifested by the extrajudicial killings and the proposal to reimpose the death penalty.

With these pastoral letters, the Catholic Church is once again taking on its principal, traditional and ancient role as mother, teacher and family.

Surely, as the Church leadership grapples with the moral and social issues presented by this presidency and the society at large, it would be doing its people grave disservice unless it remains faithful to its nature and role to, as the catechism says, “announce moral principles, including those pertaining to the social order, and to make judgments on any human affairs to the extent that they are required by the fundamental rights of the human person or the salvation of souls.”

criminal syndicates.

On the matter of public safety, suffice it to say that two weeks ago, a barangay official in Cavite was killed by assassins riding in tandem on a motorcycle.

A news feature on television also showed two motorcycles crashing into each other on a major road in broad daylight.

Government vehicles are also exempted from Orbos’ once-aweek road use ban. This means that government officials may use the roads anytime, while the taxpayers, the supposed “bosses” of government officials, are denied that prerogative. Isn’t that violative of the principles of democratic and republican government?

It is an open secret that ranking government officials are issued alternative license plates for their vehicles, and that they interchange the use of these plates to circumvent the road use ban. Special plates bearing intimidating names like “Philippine National Police,” “Armed Forces of the Philippines,” and “National Bureau of Investigation” are also used indiscriminately to circumvent the same ban. Unscrupulous officials

even make money by selling or renting out these special plates to businessmen who use them to exempt their vehicles from the road ban. No MMDA traffic enforcer will dare flag down any of these vehicles.

All vehicles, whether private owned or owned by the government, must be duly registered with the Land Transportation Office. Many government vehicles traversing the major roads in the metropolis are not even properly registered with the LTO. Their license plates are not even updated. A number of government vehicles on the road do not even have license plates!

As in other cities, many vehicles at the Quezon City Hall compound do not have updated registration, but they are still being used on the road.

Orbos is currently entertaining plans to authorize privatelyowned tow trucks to take away and impound vehicles stalled on the streets. Whether this task may be validly delegated to private concessionaires is a delicate legal issue. Impounding private property like a motor vehicle must be done personally

by a public officer, and not by a mere private hireling contracted by the MMDA. To allow that is like allowing a private security guard hired by the government to enforce a search a warrant or a warrant of arrest.

What happens when the personnel of the towing concessionaire commit abuses? Are they public officers who may be haled to the Office of the Ombudsman? If they are, do they submit the requisite Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth expected from public officers?

Towing and impounding vehicles stalled along major roadways is a concern of law enforcement. Being so, it cannot be delegated to private contractors. That is like hiring private policemen to enforce the law.

If Orbos’ plan is carried out, he may be courting anti-graft raps.

The excuse that the MMDA has no personnel or the proper equipment to tow and impound vehicles stalled on public roads is no justification for breaching the rules on law enforcement. If the MMDA cannot enforce its rules, then it shouldn’t create those rules in the first place.

lowest. What with the rouge police who kill for money? Can we really trust them to make lawful arrests? What if moneyed criminals pay to cover their crimes and instead accuse some poor persons as perpetrators of crimes they themselves committed? It is not the time to discuss death penalty when among our law enforcers are law breakers who will do anything for money.

Another strong argument against the reimposition of death penalty especially at this time is

the recent HOR decision to remove plunder from the recommended list of crimes punishable by death. This of course, was done to favor the corrupt in government. However, if our lawmakers really believe that death penalty is a deterrent to crime, and if they want to erase corruption and plunder from the vocabulary of politicians, they should have retained it.

There simply is no logic in removing plunder from the list if they believe in their own argu-

ment of deterrence.

There is a reason why most countries, 102 in total, have abolished the death penalty. It is because beyond being barbaric, it does not work. In the Philippines, it did not work and will not work especially now.

We must all say NO TO DEATH PENALTY.

port is not an increase in demand, but due to the devaluation of the currency resulting in reduced export prices. Many of us could not even feel that it equally lessens our capacity to match our neighbors in the race to industrialize. Devaluation

of the currency and increase in the price of oil are two factors that compel the government to increase the minimum wage resulting in inflation, and bury us deeper in debt.

disproportionate level, and this explains why the country has perennially suffered trade imbalance.

One must take note that weak currencies create frenzy for our domestic exporters. They failed to realize that the increase ex-

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Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF ADJUSTMENT IN RATES PURSUANT TO THE TARIFF GLIDE PATH RULES, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY,

C. WITH PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” AND WITH DATA UNDER TYPHOON YOLANDA UNITS

ERC CASE NO. 2015-143 RC

LEYECO IV ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (LEYECO IV), Applicant. x-----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Notice is hereby given that on 29 July 2015, applicant Leyte IV Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LEYECO IV) filed an application seeking the Commission’s approval for the adjustment in its rates in accordance with the rules governing the tariff glide path pursuant to Article VII of the Rules for Setting the Rural Electric Cooperatives’ Wheeling Rates (RSEC-WR).

LEYECO IV alleged the following in its application: 1.

LEYECO IV is a non-stock, non-profit electric cooperative, duly organized and existing under and by virtue of Philippine laws, with principal offices at Brgy. Lamak, Hilongos, Leyte;

2.

It holds an exclusive franchise issued by the National Electrification Commission to operate an electric light and power distribution service in the City of Baybay and five (5) municipalities in the Province of Leyte, namely, Inopacan, Hindang, Hilongos, Bato and Matalom; THE ANTECEDENT FACTS

3.

In 2009, the Honorable Commission promulgated the Rules for Setting the Electric Cooperatives’ Wheeling Rates (RSEC-WR);

4.

The RSEC-WR envisioned a regulatory framework whereby an Initial Tariff and a Tariff Glide Path shall be developed for each Electric Cooperative (EC) Group for a Regulatory Period;

5.

Pursuant to the RSEC-WR, in 2009, LEYECO IV filed with the Honorable Commission an application for approval of proposed adjustment in its rates, docketed as ERC Case No. 2009-151 RC;

6.

In the said application, the Honorable Commission granted the cooperative provisional authority to implement the proposed rates in three-year tranches, with the following rate caps or initial tariffs on the Distribution, Supply and Metering (DSM) Charges being implemented starting at the end of the transition period, to wit: CHARGES

UNITS

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential

Low Voltage

0.8449

0.9259

Higher Voltage

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge

PhP/kW

19. From the foregoing, it is shown that LEYECO IV’s resulting rates are lower if the extra-ordinary effects of Typhoon Yolanda is considered in the calculations; 20. However, the effects of Typhoon Yolanda is an extraordinary occurrence and not reflective of the normal operations of LEYECO IV. Consequently, the cooperative respectfully prays for the approval of the calculated DSM rates utilizing data during normal operations.

SUPPORTING DATA AND DOCUMENTS 21. In support of the foregoing computations, the cooperative is submitting herewith the following data and documents, which are being made integral parts hereof, to wit: Annex A A-l A-2 B C D E F G H

Nature of Document Proposed TGP Calculation and supporting documents using the prescribed templates: Index “I” Calculation Efficiency Factor “X” Calculation Performance Incentive “S” Calculation Monthly Financial and Statistical Report (MFSR) -Sections B and E (20102014) Billing Determinants Template (kWh Sales, Number of Customers, kW Demand) (2010-2104) Sample Bills (per customer type) (2010-2014) Regional CPI (2011-2014) RFSC/Reinvestment Fund Utilization (2012-2014) Consumer Complaints (Summary or Tracking Form) (2012-2014) Audited Financial Statements (2010-2014) ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

22. Applicant repleads the foregoing allegations as may be material herein;

Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Customer/Mo

Supply System Charge

PhP/kWh

0.7732

40.1500 40.1500

Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Meter/Mo

5.0000

Metering System Charge

PhP/kWh

0.4569

Metering Charges:

7.

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge PhP/kW 209.37 Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh 0.6603 0.7236 Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Customer/Mo 31.38 31.38 Supply System Charge PhP/kWh 0.6043 Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Meter/Mo. 3.91 22.44 22.44 Metering System Charge PhP/kWh o.3571 D. EXCLUDING PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE "S" AND WITH DATA UNDER TYPHOON YOLANDA UNITS CUSTOMER TYPE Residential Low Higher Voltage Voltage Distribution Charges: Demand Charge PhP/kW 195.70 Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh 0.6172 0.6764 Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Customer/Mo 29.33 29.33 Supply System Charge PhP/kWh 0.5648 Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Meter/Mo. 3.65 20.98 20.98 Metering System Charge PhP/kWh 0.3338

267.9000

Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential Low Higher Voltage Voltage

28.7200 28.7200

It is provided under Article 7 of the RSEC-WR that during the regulatory period, the rate of the ECs per group shall be adjusted using the following formula, to wit: Tariff x (1+ index “I”-Efficiency Factor “X” + Performance Incentive “S”) The Index “I”, shall be an escalation factor to be used in adjusting the rates to reflect the combined impact of inflation and load factor. There shall be an efficiency factor “X” to account for the operational efficiency of the ECs in setting their rates. There shall be a performance incentive “S” which shall reward or penalize the EC for above or below standard performance, respectively.

The TGP is intended as a cap and the EC may move up to the cap, if it is a positive adjustment. If the cap is lower than the current average tariff, a reduction may be implemented.

LEGAL BASES FOR THE APPLICATION

8.

On May 2, 2011, the Honorable Commission promulgated the Tariff Glide Path (TGP) Rules pursuant to Article 7 of the RSEC-WR;

9.

The TGP is a rate adjustment mechanism which provides an opportunity for the ECs to adjust their rates once every three (3) years. The rate adjustments may occur at the start of the fourth year of the first Regulatory Period and every three years thereafter;

10. Under the TGP, the regulatory period is six (6) years for each entry group.

For the Third Entrant Group, the first regulatory period is from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018. LEYECO IV belongs to the Third Entrant Group; 11. Further under the TGP Rules, the concerned EC shall use the following formula in determining the TGP for the first to third years of the Regulatory Period, to wit: TGPA= TGPn + TGPn+1 TGPn + 2 where TGPn = In — Xn + Sn N= the first year of their Regulatory Period and succeeding Regulatory Periods Except that for the first two years of the First Regulatory Period, “X” will be equal to zero and thereafter shall not be less than zero. The TGP calculated for each of the three years will be summed to determine the possible rate adjustment starting on the Fourth Year of the current Regulatory Period.

THE PROPOSED RATE ADJUSTMENT 12. LEYECO IV was among the electric cooperatives whose franchise areas were severely hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda on that fateful day of November 8, 2013; 13. The typhoon brought about massive destruciton to life and property, including LEYECO IV’s distribution facilites; 14. The catastrope destroyed the households and businesses of LEYECO IV’s customers, and during the months that the cooperative was unable to bill and collect payment from its customers, its revenues and number of customers fell; 15. It should be noted that the number of billed customers as well amount of kilowatt hour sales during the period covered by the instant application are determinants in the computation of the TGP; 16. If the reduction in its revenues and number of billed customers brought about by the destruction of Typhoon Yolanda is considered in LEYECO IV’S calculations, the resulting rates would not be reflective of the cooperative’s normal operations; 17. LEYECO IV prepared a comparative analysis utilizing historical data under normal operations as well as actual data when the cooperative’s operations was being prejudiced by the effects of Typhoon Yolanda, and applying the methodology embodied in the TGP Rules, calculated the values of the “I”, “X” and “S”, and came up with the followng results, to wit: Utilizing data under normal operations: “I”

"X"

"S"

TGPA

Year 2013 0.00% 0.00% 1.50% 1.50% Year 2014 0.59% 0.00% 2.30% 2.89% Year 2015 5.47% 6.15% 1.30% 0.62% Net Results 5.01% Including actual data affected by Typhoon Yolanda

TGPA (Excluding "S") 0.00% 0.59% -0.68% -0.09%

TGPA (Excluding "S") Year 2013 0.00% 0.00% 1.50% 1.50% 0.00% Year 2014 6.80% 0.00% 2.30% 9.10% 6.80% Year 2015 2.48% 36.23% 1.30% -32.45% -33-75% Net Results -21.85% -26.95% 18. Applying the above values pursuant to the TGP Rules resulted in adjustments in LEYECO IV’s DSM Rates, as follows: A. WITH PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” AND UNDER NORMAL OPERATIONS “I”

"X"

"S"

TGPA

UNITS

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential Low Higher Voltage Voltage

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge PhP/kW 281.33 Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh 0.8873 0.9723 Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Customer/Mo 42.16 42.16 Supply System Charge PhP/kWh 0.8120 Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Meter/Mo. 5.25 30.16 30.16 Metering System Charge PhP/kWh 0.4798 B. EXCLUDING PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE "S" AND UNDER NORMAL OPERATIONS UNITS CUSTOMER TYPE Residential Low Higher Voltage Voltage Distribution Charges: Demand Charge PhP/kW 267.67 Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh 0.8442 0.9251 Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Customer/Mo 40.12 40.12 Supply System Charge PhP/kWh 0.7725 Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Meter/Mo. 5.00 28.70 28.70 Metering System Charge PhP/kWh 0.4565

23. Applicant’s current DSM rates which were granted by the Honorable Commission provisionally, were implemented in three - year tranches starting way back January 2010, with the rate caps or initial tariffs being implemented only starting at the end of the three-year transition period; 24. Over the years, the cost of its operations has significantly increased, not only as a logical effect of inflation as well as certain governmental requirements, but likewise due to the inevitable expansion of its distribution network brought about by the extension of its services to remote areas. More significantly, the cooperative has been implementing the Sitio Energization Program (SEP) of the Aquino government, such that the massive expansion of its distribution lines up to the remotest areas has considerably increased its operational and maintenance costs, not to mention the increased system loss which the cooperative is likely to absorb. All these costs were not duly provided for in its current rates and the general funds being generated from its DSM revenues as granted under the RSEC-WR are no longer sufficient to cover these inevitable costs; 25. Thus, the cooperative urgently needs additional funds to be able to cope with the rising costs of its operations; 26. Further, based on the provisions of the TGP Rules, for cooperatives belonging to the Third Entrant Group, their initial tariff shall be adjusted at the start of the fourth regulatory year of the First Regulatory Period, which is January 1, 2016; 27. Considering the foregoing, applicant respectfully prays that while the instant application is pending, it be granted a provisional authority to implement the proposed rates effective January 1, 2016.

COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS 28. Finally, in compliance with the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, applicant is likewise submitting herewith the following documents, which are being made integral parts hereof, to wit: Annex Nature of Document I Affidavit in Support of the Prayer for Provisional Authority J to J-1 Proof of furnishing copies of the Application to the Sangguniang Bayan of Hilongos and Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte K and Proof of publication of the Application in a newspaper of general circulation series in LEYECO I V ’ s franchise area or where it principally operates PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission that pending evaluation of the instant application or after due notice and hearing, as the case may be, LEYECO IV be allowed to implement effective January 1, 2016 either of the following two (2) alternative proposed new rates for Distribution, Supply and Metering (DSM) Charges, to wit: A. WITH PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” AND UNDER NORMAL OPERATIONS UNITS Distribution Charges: Demand Charge Distribution System Charge Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge Supply System Charge Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge Metering System Charge

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential Low Higher Voltage Voltage

PhP/kW PhP/kWh

0.8873

PhP/Customer/Mo PhP/kWh

0.8120

PhP/Meter/Mo. PhP/kWh

5.25 0.4798

0.9723

281.33

42.16

42.16

30.16

30.16

B. EXCLUDING PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” AND UNDER NORMAL OPERATIONS UNITS Distribution Charges: Demand Charge Distribution System Charge Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge Supply System Charge Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge Metering System Charge

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential Low Higher Voltage Voltage

PhP/kW PhP/kWh

0.8442

PhP/Customer/Mo PhP/kWh

0.7725

PhP/Meter/Mo. PhP/kWh

5.00 0.4565

0.9251

267.67

40.12

40.12

28.70

28.70

Other reliefs, just and equitable in the premises are likewise prayed for.

The Commission has set the application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository-presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 22 February 2017 (Wednesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) at LEYECO IV’s Main Office in Lamak, Hilongos, Leyte.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1)

The petitioner’s name and address;

2)

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

3)

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before applicant rests its case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1)

The name and address of such person;

2)

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3)

The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the application may request from applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing.

Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairman JOSE VICENTE B. SALAZAR, and the Honorable Commissioners ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 30th day of January 2017 at Pasig City.

ATTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Office of the Chairman and CEO Standard – Feb. 4 & 11, 2017

A6

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Tourist arrivals hit 5.9m

By Azer N. Parrocha

F

OREIGN tourist arrivals in the Philippines fell short of its 6 million target in 2016 with 5.9 million visitors, but a tourism official on Friday said the figure was “not bad” for a year of transition into the Duterte administration.

“That is not so bad for someone transitioning,” Tourism Undersecretary for Media Affairs Kat de Castro told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

De Castro, however, said that the Department of Tourism will work more “aggressively” to meet if not exceed its target of 6.5 to 7 million arrivals by the end of 2017.

“We’ll do better this year. We’ll be more aggressive,” De Castro said.

The Philippines recorded a total of 5.9-million foreign tourist arrivals, which is 11.31 percent higher compared to 5.3 million arrivals it acquired in 2015.

Korea remained the top source market with 1.4 million arrivals followed by the US with 869,463 arrivals, China with 675,663, Japan with 535,238 arrivals, and Australia with 251,098 arrivals.

Rounding up the top 10 source markets are Taiwan (229,303), Singapore (176,057), Canada (175,631), United Kingdom (173,299) and Malaysia (139,133).

The 5.9-million foreign tourist

arrivals generated tourism earnings of P230.13 billion which is 1.11 percent higher than the P227.62-billion earnings in 2015.

De Castro also expressed hope that the launch of the agency’s new campaign will convince more tourists to visit the Philippines.

The DoT launched its new campaign advertisement in January which answered the question why it’s “More Fun in the Philippines. The answer?

“When you’re with Filipinos, you’re with family.” It was first broadcast worldwide during the Miss Universe coronation show on Jan. 30, 2017.

The Tourism official also said that DoT is looking forward to more big-ticket events this year such as the annual culinary event, Madrid Fusion Manila.

DoT will also be launching a new sports tourism-themed campaign with support from Senator-boxer Manny Pacquiao, who serves as the department’s official endorser or tourism poster boy. PNA

BI unveils text advisory system

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration will launch a mobile text messaging system for foreigners applying for alien certificate of registration identity cards (ACR I-Card) in line with the agency’s continuing efforts to cut red tape and improve the quality of services to its clientele.

Commissioner Jaime Morente said that starting March 1, applicants for the ACR I-Card need not go to the bureau’s offices to follow up the status of their application.

“Instead, applicants or their representatives will receive text messages on their cellular phone informing them that their I-Cards are ready for pickup at our main office in Intramuros,” Morente said.

“This scheme is being implemented without any cost on the part of ICard applicants. It will also relieve them of the inconvenience of having to go to our office to follow up their I-Card application,” the BI chief said.

He explained that once an I-Card application is recorded for release, an electronic text message will automatically be sent to the applicant asking him to claim his card at a designated window at the BI main office in Intramuros.

As for applicants who filed their application in any of the bureau’s field or subport offices, the applicants/representatives will be informed by text that their cards will be sent via a courier service to the said offices.

Under the alien registration act, all foreign nationals registered with the BI must obtain their ACR as proof of the legal resident status in the country.

Foreigners who have been issued immigrant and non-immigrant visas are required to register with the BI and secure the said I-Card.

The I-Card replaced the paper-based ACR that BI-registered foreigners used to possess and which were canceled when the I-Card project was launched in 2004 as part of the BI’s thrust to introduce paperless transactions.

Aside from proving an alien’s legal status, the I-Card also serves as the holder’s reentry and exit permit whenever they enter or leave the country.

New UP president names appointments

By Rio N. Araja THE University of the Philippines welcomed on Friday its 21st president, UP Diliman College of Law dean Danilo Concepcion, in a ceremonial turnover of the university leadership in Diliman, Quezon City.

The new UP president’s platform is the redefinition of UP’s culture, enhancing the time-honored traditions of honor and excellence to include compassion, a virtue he considers as “UP’s moral core as the national university.”

The 21st UP president has reappointed three officials from the previous administration to continue serving as part of his executive team —Vice President for Planning and Finance Joselito Florendo, Cesar Virata school of Business-Department of Accounting and Finance, Vice President for Development Elvira Zamora, also from the same school,

but from the Department of Business Administration, and Vice President for Legal Affairs Hector Danny Uy from the UP Diliman College of Law. The executive vice president post will be occupied by Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, former undersecretary of the Department of Health, 3rd vice president of the UP Alumni Association, and professor at the UP Manila College of Medicine. Vice President for Academic Affairs is Dr. Cynthia Rose Bautista, former commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education and professor at the UP Diliman College of Social Sciences and Philosophy-Department of Sociology.

Dr. Nestor Yunque, professor at the UP Visayas College of Arts and Sciences-Division of Biological Sciences and former UP Visayas vice chancellor for Administration, has been appointed by Concepcion as the vice president for administration.

Sports

A7

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Apo Golf, Palos Verdes ready for PAL Interclub

OKC WINS.

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes for a lay up against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The Thunder won, 118-109. AFP

T

WO of the finest championship courses in the land, Apo Golf and Rancho Palos Verdes, are being spruced up and are close to being perfect when the 70th Philippine Airlines Interclub gets off the ground with the Seniors Division seeing action on Feb. 22 in Davao City. couple of days ago to be with his son, Gabriel, in his first NCAA tournament.

Manila Southwoods, which owns the most successful youth program in the land nowadays, will shoot for a third straight Men’s championship using the core that overwhelmed the opposition last year in Pampanga.

Southwoods, though, will be without Justin Quiban, who has since turned pro, putting much of the spearheading chores on reedy Japanese teenager Yuto Katsuragawa and Ryan Monsalve.

Luisita, which is also embarking on a youth program of its own, is expected to fare a lot better in its second year back in the Men’s ranks, while Canlubang and Cebu Country Club remain as threats.

The 70th edition of the PAL Interclub is being supported by Mareco Broadcasting Network, A&E Networks Asia, Radio Mindanao Network, The Manila Standard, Fox Networks Group, Rolls Royce, TV5, TFC (ABS-CBN) as well as Asian Air Safari, Airbus and Primax Broadcasting Network.

Corporate sponsors include Baron Travel, Boeing, MX3, GE Aviation, Bombo Radyo, Asia Brewery and Sabre Airline Solutions. Donors include Shangri-la, Trinity Insurance and Eton Properties.

Apo, long regarded as probably the toughest layout in the south, is again expected to decide both the Seniors and Regular Men’s championships, with both divisions to play their final rounds at the treelined layout.

Palos Verdes, meanwhile, will host the second and third rounds of both divisions, and could tell on any team’s campaigns with the prospect of going low over the well-manicured layout always present, especially on players who are long off the tees.

“We did an ocular (inspection) on both and they are gorgeous,” Henry Arabelo, the tournament director, said. “We will set up both courses to challenge the players while at the same time make it an enjoyable tournament for everyone.”

Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol and defense chief Delfin Lorenzana will hit the ceremonial drives opening both divisions in place of President Rodrigo Duterte, who used to play a lot at Apo Golf and even had local pro star Jay Bayron as caddy in the 1990s.

Canlubang, which has had a lot of success at Apo in the past, will be defending its Seniors’ division title against bitter rival Luisita.

The Sugar Barons, though, will be without Tommy Manotoc, the many-time individual champion who went to the United States a

Standard Insurance athletes to be cited BEMEDALLED athletes backed

by Standard Insurance are among those to be honored during the annual Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night presented

by San Miguel Beer and MILO on Feb. 13 at the LE PAVILLON. Top Filipina triathlete Monica Torres and the Standard Insurance Centennial Sailing Team lead the list of athletes and entities to be cited during the gala night also copresented by CIGNAL/HYPER HD for excelling in their respective fields.

Torres, the veteran triathlete from Subic Bay, remained as the undefeated Filipina in the Ironman 70.3 race for the eighth consecutive year.

In last year’s Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines Asia Pacific Championship, Torres clocked 21 minutes faster than the secondplacer foreign participant, who ranked eighth overall among the elite women racers, including some of the world’s best.

Torres, who has won numerous titles since 2009, defeated Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Claire Adorna in the elite women division in last year’s Tri United 2 in Zambales.

She was also the overall women champion during the Tri La Union held in San Fernando town last March, while finished second

during the Milo Marathon 21 Km eliminations in Tarlac.

“I am incredibly proud to be representing the Philippines as a professional, but I still have a long way to go. It’s a good thing that at this sport, you can have a pretty long career,” said the 33-year-old triahlete during a recent media interview.

Torres wants to continue advocating sport and a healthy lifestyle to Filipinos, and hopefully, inspire ordinary people to get into sport and for young athletes to aspire and become professionals in the future.

Currently, she is gearing up for the Thailand Tri-League Series at the Bangsaen Beach, Chonburi, Thailand on Feb. 19, seeking no less than a third place finish to secure a podium finish in the four-leg circuit.

Meanwhile, Standard Insurance Centennial Sailing team representing the Philippines, successfully defended its title last year during the DBS Marina Match Racing International Regatta by handily beating 11 other international teams in Marina Bay, Singapore.

The sailing team is composed of SEA Games skipper and gold medalist Allan Balladares and team members Teodorico Asejo, Rommel Chavez, Richly Magsanay, Joel Majarito, and Harry Kim Lumapas.

Weightlifting qualifier for Universiade today THE qualifying weightlifting tournament to the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei City from Aug. 19 to 30 will be held at the Cebu Coliseum Weightlifting gymnasium in Cebu City on Saturday, starting at 2 p.m.

Former Universiade athlete and current University of San Jose Recoletos coach Kelly Rojas has been designated by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines as event director for the Universiade-qualifying weightlifting tryouts for university student-athletes from the South.

Among the schools that have been invited to the qualifying tournament are FESSAP-accredited members from the Cebu and Bohol Provinces, which have a reservoir of up-and-coming weightlifters from the Visayas region.

The University of Cebu and University of San Carlos have confirmed their participation in the tryouts. Student-athletes from Tagbilaran City in Bohol province also are expected to show up for the competitions.

To witness the qualifying tryouts are officials from the Cebu Weightlifting Association and Cebu School Athletic Foundation Inc. Commissioner, Felix Tiukinhoy, University of Cebu’s Dean of Law, Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, who is also FESSAP vice president, and FESSAP Executive Assistant Cecille Sarmiento.

The final result of the 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ tryouts will be submitted to the Chairman of FESSAP’s Universiade Preparation DIGITS 00-00-00-00 & Monitoring Committee, Prof. Robert Milton A. Calo, for evaluation and DIGITS 00-00-00 recommendation for participation in the Taipei Universiade.

LOTTO RESULTS

Graham C. Lim

6/45 4 3 2 EZ2

00-00

SUPPORTING DATA AND DOCUMENTS

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

15. In support of the foregoing computations, the cooperative is submitting herewith the following data and documents, which are being made integral parts hereof, to wit:

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF ADJUSTMENT IN RATES PURSUANT TO THE TARIFF GLIDE PATH (TGP) RULES, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY,

Annex

ERC CASE NO. 2015 -104 RC QUEZON I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (QUEZELCO I), Applicant. x-----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 27 May 2015, Quezon I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (QUEZELCO I) filed an Application for approval of the adjustment in rates pursuant to the tariff glide path (TGP) rules, with prayer for provisional authority.

A A-1 A-2

Nature of Document Proposed TGP Calculation and supporting documents using the prescribed templates: Index “I” Calculation Efficiency Factor “X” Calculation Performance Incentive “S” Calculation

B

Monthly Financial and Statistical Report (MFSR) - Sections B and E (2010-2014)

C

Billing Determinants Template (kWh Sales, Number of Customers, kW Demand) (2010-2014)

D

Sample Bills (per customer type) (2010 -2014)

E

Regional CPI (2011-2014)

F

RFSC/Reinvestment Fund Utilization (2012-2014)

G

Consumer Complaints (Summary or Tracking Form) (2012- 2014)

H

Audited Financial Statements (2010-2014) ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

QUEZELCO I alleged the following in its Application:

16. Applicant repleads the foregoing allegations as may be material herein;

1.

QUEZELCO I is a non-stock, non-profit electric cooperative, duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office at Brgy. Poctol, Pitogo, Quezon;

2.

It holds an exclusive franchise from the National Electrification Commission, to operate an electric light and power distribution service in certain municipalities of the province of Quezon, namely: Agdangan, Alabat, Atimonan, Buenavista, Calauag, Catanauan, General Luna, Guinayangan, Gumaca, Lopez, Macalelon, Mulanay, Padre Burgos, Perez, Pitogo, Plaridel, Quezon, San Andres, San Francisco, San Narciso, Tagkawayan and Unisan, and one municipality of the province of Camarines Sur, namely: Del Gallego;

17. Applicant’s current DSM rates which were granted by the Honorable Commission provisionally, were implemented in three-year tranches starting way back January 2010, with the rate caps or initial tariffs being implemented only starting at the end of the three-year transition period;

3.

In 2009, the Honorable Commission promulgated the Rules for Setting the Electric Cooperatives’ Wheeling Rates (RSEC-WR);

4.

The RSEC-WR envisioned a regulatory framework whereby an Initial Tariff and a Tariff Glide Path shall be developed for each Electric Cooperative (EC) Group for a Regulatory Period;

THE ANTECEDENT FACTS

5.

In the same year, QUEZELCO I filed with the Honorable Commission an application for approval of its proposed adjustment in rates pursuant to the RSEC-WR, docketed as ERC Case No. 2009-117 RC;

6.

In the said application, the Honorable Commission granted the cooperative provisional authority to implement the proposed rates in three-year tranches, with the following rate caps or initial tariffs on the Distribution, Supply and Metering (DSM) Charges being implemented starting at the end of the transition period, to wit: CHARGES

UNITS

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge Distribution System Charge Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge Supply System Charge Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge Metering System Charge 7.

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential Low Higher Voltage Voltage

PhP/kW PhP/kWh

219.6800 0.5782

PhP/Customer/ Mo PhP/kWh

0.7595

42.9200

42.9200

0.6001

PhP/Meter/Mo PhP/kWh

5.0000 0.4326

18. Over the years, the cost of its operations has significantly increased, not only as a logical effect of inflation as well as certain governmental requirements, but likewise due to the inevitable expansion of its distribution network brought about by the extension of its services to remote areas. More significantly, the cooperative has been implementing the Sitio Energization Program (SEP) of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, such that the massive expansion of its distribution lines up to the remotest areas has considerably increased its operational and maintenance costs, not to mention the increased system loss which the cooperative is likely to absorb. All these costs were not duly provided for in its current rates and the general funds being generated from its DSM revenues as granted under the RSEC-WR are no longer sufficient to cover these inevitable costs; 19. Thus, the cooperative urgently needs additional funds to be able to cope with the rising costs of its operations; 20. Further, based on the provisions of the TGP Rules, for cooperatives belonging to the Third Entrant Group, their initial tariff shall be adjusted at the start of the fourth regulatory year of the First Regulatory Period, which is January 1, 2016; 21. Considering the foregoing, applicant respectfully prays that while the instant application is pending, it be granted a provisional authority to implement the proposed rates effective January 1, 2016.

COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS 22. Finally, in compliance with the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, applicant is likewise submitting herewith the following documents, which are being made integral parts hereof, to wit: Annex I J to J-1

Proof of furnishing copies of the Application to the Sangguniang Bayan of Pitogo and Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Quezon

K and series

Proof of publication of the Application in a newspaper of general circulation in QUEZELCO I’s franchise area or where it principally operates PRAYER

35.9400

35.9400

On the other hand, Article 7 of the RSEC-WR provides that during the regulatory period, the rate of the ECs per group shall be adjusted using the following formula, to wit:

WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission that pending evaluation of the instant application or after due notice and hearing, as the case may be, QUEZELCO I be allowed to implement either of the following two (2) alternative proposed new rates for its Distribution, Supply and Metering (DSM) Charges, effective January 1, 2016, to wit: A. WITH PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” CHARGES

Tariff x (1+ index “I”-Efficiency Factor “X” + Performance Incentive “S”) The Index “I”, shall be an escalation factor to be used in adjusting the rates to reflect the combined impact of inflation and load factor. There shall be an efficiency factor “X” to account for the operational efficiency of the ECs in setting their rates. There shall be a performance incentive “S” which shall reward or penalize the EC for above or below standard performance, respectively.

The TGP is intended as a cap and the EC may move up to the cap, if it is a positive adjustment. If the cap is lower than the current average tariff, a reduction may be implemented.

LEGAL BASIS FOR THE APPLICATION 8.

On May 2, 2011, the Honorable Commission promulgated the Tariff Glide Path (TGP) Rules pursuant to Article 7 of the RSEC-WR;

9.

The TGP is a rate adjustment mechanism which provides an opportunity for the ECs to adjust their rates once every three (3) years. The rate adjustments may occur at the start of the fourth year of the first Regulatory Period and every three years thereafter;

10. Under the TGP, the regulatory period is six (6) years for each entry group.

For the Third Entrant Group, the first regulatory period is from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018. QUEZELCO I belongs to the Third Entrant Group; 11. Further under the TGP Rules, the concerned EC shall use the following formula in determining the TGP for the first to third years of the Regulatory Period, to wit: TGPA= TGPn + TGPn+1TGPn+2 where TGPn — In

—

Xn + Sn

N= the first year of their Regulatory Period and succeeding Regulatory Periods Except that for the first two years of the First Regulatory Period, “X” will be equal to zero and thereafter shall not be less than zero. The TGP calculated for each of the three years will be summed to determine the possible rate adjustment starting on the Fourth Year of the current Regulatory Period.

THE PROPOSED RATE ADJUSTMENT 12. Applying the methodology embodied in the TGP Rules, QUEZELCO I calculated the values of the “I”, “X” and “S” and came up with the following results, to wit: “I” “X” “S” TGP A TGP A (Excluding “S”) Year 2013 0.00% 0.00% 0.40% 0.40% 0.00% Year 2014 0.00% 0.00% 0.40% 0.40% 0.00% Year 2015 11.30% 0.00% 1.30% 12.60% 11.30% Net Results 13.40% 11.30% 13. Applying the above values resulted in adjustments on QUEZELCO I’s DSM Rates, as follows: A. WITH PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” CHARGES

UNITS

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge PhP/kW Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Customer/ Mo Supply System Charge PhP/kWh Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Meter/Mo Metering System Charge PhP/kWh B. EXCLUDING PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” CHARGES Distribution Charges: Demand Charge Distribution System Charge Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge Supply System Charge Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge Metering System Charge

UNITS

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential Low Higher Voltage Voltage 0.6557 0.6805 5.67 0.4906

0.8613 48.67 40.76

249.11 48.67 40.76

CUSTOMER T kTPE Residential Low Higher Voltage Voltage

PhP/kW PhP/kWh

0.6435

PhP/Customer/ Mo PhP/kWh

0.6679

PhP/Meter/Mo PhP/kWh

5.56 0.4815

Nature of Document Affidavit in Support of the Prayer for Provisional Authority

0.8453

244.50

47.77

47.77

40.00

40.00

14. Consequently, applicant respectfully prays for the approval of the foregoing calculated DSM rates.

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge Distribution System Charge Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge Supply System Charge Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge Metering System Charge

UNITS

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential Low Higher Voltage Voltage

PhP/kW PhP/kWh

0.6557

249.11

PhP/Customer/ Mo PhP/kWh

0.6805

PhP/Meter/Mo PhP/kWh

5.67 0.4906

0.8613 48.67

48.67

40.76

40.76

B. EXCLUDING PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” CHARGES

UNITS

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential

Low Higher Voltage Voltage

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge

PhP/kW

244.50

Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh

0.6435

0.8453

Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Customer/ Mo

Supply System Charge

PhP/kWh

47.77

47.77

40.00

40.00

0.6679

Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Meter/Mo

Metering System Charge

PhP/kWh

5.56 0.4815

Other reliefs, just and equitable in the premises are likewise prayed for.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 22 February 2017 (Wednesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) at QUEZELCO I’s principal office at Brgy. Poctol, Pitogo, Quezon.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: i.

The petitioner’s name and address;

ii.

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

iii.

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicant rests its case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1)

The name and address of such person;

2)

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3)

The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing.

Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairman JOSE VICENTE B. SALAZAR, and the Honorable Commissioners ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 24th day of January 2017 at Pasig City.

ATTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Office of the Chairman and CEO Standard – Feb. 4 & 11, 2017

Joven chases Roque, Morales

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@thestandard.com.ph; sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

Sports Arellano University’s Andrea Marzan uses all her might to smash one against SSC’s Grethcel Soltones and Joyce Sta. Rita. Roman Prospero

Lady Chiefs take Game 2, move a win closer to title

By Peter Atencio

straight to steal the championship.

Arellano spiker Mary Anne Esguerra, who had 10 hits, tied ETERAN utility spiker Rielen Sante the game for the last time in the spearheaded Arellano University’s deciding set with a kill at 13-all, before Regine Arocha scored off ferocious play, as the Lady Chiefs a drop shot that sailed past the pounced on San Sebastian Lady Stags’ errors hands of MVP awardee Gretchel down the stretch en route to a hard-earned 18Soltones.

The Chiefs then moved with25, 25-16, 25-10, 26-28, 15-13 victory last in match point as Soltones misnight in Game 2 of the 92nd National Collegiate handled and erred on her return Athletic Association women’s volleyball finals spike, 14-13.

In the next play, Lady Stags at the Arena in San Juan.

Dangie Encarnacion hit the ball Sante struck with 15 points for the thrice-to-beat Lady Stags. long, allowing the Lady Chiefs to With the win, the Lady Chiefs seal the win. the Lady Chiefs, who needed two hours and four minutes to post drew a game closer to win the title, Arellano won despite committheir second straight win against while the Stags need two win two ting 51 errors, mostly from team-

V

mate Jovielyn Prado.

The errors allowed the Lady Stags to stay within range in the final set.

“Talagang nagtrabaho ang Baste. Tapos nawala si Prado sa errors. Mahirap ang ganun. Buti na lang, na-depensahan namin ang atake nila,” said Arellano coach Obet Javier.

Earlier, the Perpetual Help Junior Altas fought their way out of a two-set deficit to frustrate Lyceum of the Philippines , 25-16, 2325, 19-25, 25-18, 15-10, and move within reach of a three-peat feat in the juniors division.

Ivan Encila led with 20 hits while Paul Solamin, Marvien Castillo and

Ryuji Condrad Etorma contributed 19, 17 and 12 points, respectively, to push the Junior Altas towithin win away from booking their third straight title.

In Game 1, the Las Pinas-based spikers, who outsteadied LPU, 25-21, 25-18, 25-22, in the series opener last Tuesday, will go for the crown on Feb. 14.

“We knew they’re going to bounce back strong and I’m happy we were able to handle it and adjusted well,” said Perpetual Help coach Sandy Rieta.

The Junior Pirates are danger of getting swept by Perpetual Help after emerging unbeaten during the eliminations.

Star shoots for 2-0 lead; Ginebra eyes to rebound

By Jeric Lopez ARMED with a seven-game winning streak and with all momentum on its side, Star tries to continue its rampage and move a step closer to returning to the finals.

The Hotshots are looking to carve a commanding 2-0 best-of-seven series lead over Barangay Ginebra as the two protagonists lock horns again in the semifinals of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. Game 2 of their semis affair is slated today at 5 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay

City, with both having contradicting goals.

Despite a 1-0 series lead, the rampaging Star isn’t in any mood to be complacent at all, knowing how long a seven-game series is.

“It’s a grinding series and I told the team that what we need to do at all times is stay together,” said Star coach Chito Victolero, who is the man responsible for this renaissance of the Hotshots. “We need to play with a proper mindset pa rin and bring our heart and emotion.”

“It’s just 1-0. Wala pa kaming napapatunayan. We need to win Game 2 kasi hindi masyado magma-matter ‘yung Game 1

win,” said Star forward Marc Pingris, who remains a difference maker, especially on the defensive end.

After trailing by double-digits early in the first half of Game 1, Star stormed back and hammered out a hard-earned 78-74 victory against the Gin Kings in Game 1 Thursday night to draw first blood.

“It was all about team effort and team defense. We were able to have the mental toughness to win it. May suwerte and hard work,” said Victolero of the opening victory.

“It’s all about defense in this series.

That’s what got us our win,” said Pingris.

Superstar Paul Lee, Mark Barroca and Pingris joined hands to spearhead Star’s attack on the depleted Gin Kings.

Lee scored five crucial points in the last three minutes to boost Star and lead it to triumph.

In total, he scored 18 while Barroca had 17 and Pingris contributed nine along with 13 rebounds.

The Hotshots’ Game 1 defense limited Japeth Aguilar to only 11 points and LA Tenorio to only eight.

Ginebra is now facing a must-win situation to avoid a deep 0-2 hole.

Asian stars boost Solaire PH Open cast

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananon leads the spirited chase for top honors in Asia’s oldest national Open.

A SLEW of Asian Tour and Asian Development Tour campaigners signed up for the Solaire Philippine Open, firming up the stellar cast headed by the country’s leading players in the $350,000 event unfolding March 2 at the tough The Country Club course in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Pachara Khongwatmai, Jazz Janewattananon, Panuphol Pittayarat and Rattanon Wannasrichan of Thailand, Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh and Brazilian Adilson Da Silva, among the Top 25 in the early Asian Tour Order of Merit ranking, and ADT top players Brett Munson of the US, Panuwat Muenlek of Thailand, Malaysian Arie Irawan and American John Catlin all brace for a spirited chase for top honors in

Asia’s oldest national Open.

Other ace shotmakers in the early roster are Sam Chien of the US, Nicolas Fung and Gavin Green of Malaysia, Himmat Rai of India, Scott Barr, Unho Park and Scott Hend of Australia, Michael Tran of Vietnam, and Thais Thaworn Wiratchant, Thammanoon Sriroj, Chawalit Plaphol, Poom Saksansin.

The country’s premier golf championship has lured some of the region’s top players owing to a break in the Asian Tour and ADT calendar with the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and sponsoring Solaire Resort and Casino guaranteeing four days of top notch action over a long, windy course refurbished to PGA standard.

Although the field is expected to come into the event in top form, a wild, wooly finish is seen given the playing condition at TCC, which yielded just one under-par score and 13-over winning total posted by Miguel Tabuena in the recent TCC Invitational which marked its return to hosting big-time tournaments after undergoing a major facelift for two years.

Tabuena, who rallied from five down to edge Juvic Pagunsan by one last week, will lead the local challenge along with Angelo Que, Tony Lascuña, Elmer Salvador, Jay Bayron, Frankie Miñoza, Clyde Mondilla, Jhonnel Ababa, Arnold Villacencio, Orlan Sumcad, Cassius Casas and Pagunsan.

Karatedo bet, swimmer are MILO junior athletes of year CONSISTENT to its initiative to recognize young and promising talents, the Philippine Sportswriters Association will again honor a pair of MILO Junior Athletes for men and women during its Feb. 13 Awards Night presented by San Miguel and MILO at the LE PAVILLON. Karatedo’s Adam Bondoc and swimmer Kyla Soguilon are the 2016 recipients of the special award

being given out by the country’s oldest media organization for the fourth straight time during the traditional gala night co-presented by CIGNAL/HYPER HD. The recognition is being given to young outstanding athletes 18-years-old-and-below.

The 15-year-old Bondoc won numerous gold medals in various international tournaments last year,

including the 1st International Indonesian Open Karatedo Championship held in Jakarta.

The 12-year-old Soguilon will be recognized with the same award for the third straight time following another fruitful campaign that saw her bag a total of 32 gold medals abroad and adjudged as the Most Outstanding Swimmer and the Most Bemedalled Athlete during the Palarong

Pambansa in the province of Albay.

The award is given to ‘inspire excellence among the youth,’ according to MILO Sports Executives Andrew Neri and Robbie De Vera.

“Through the MILO Junior Athletes of the Year award, MILO and PSA jointly acknowledge the efforts our young athletes make as a way to motivate them to achieve greatness in both national

and international leagues as the next generation of Filipino champions,” said Neri.

Bondoc and Soguilon are two of the 92 total awardees to be honored in the two-hour program being held in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission, Phoenix Petroleum, Gold Toe, Foton, ICTSI, Globalport, Mighty Sports, Rain or Shine, and Smart.

LUCENA CITY—Cris Joven of Kinetix Lab-Army seeks to continue his pursuit of NavyStandard Insurance’s Rudy Roque and Jan Paul Morales when the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2017 resumes tomorrow for the Lucena-Daet Stage Five.

Joven, 30, made his move by snaring the Subic-Subic Stage 4 the other day to jump from 14th the day before to ninth place in the overall individual race, less than five minutes off Roque and Morales.

Roque kept his stranglehold of the red LBC jersey with an aggregate time of 11 hours, 12 minutes and 15 seconds, while Morales, the defending champion, is at No. 2 with a clocking of 11:13:45.

Joven, whose best finish here came five years ago when he wound up fourth, has a time of 11:16:48.

The race will resume with Stage 5 on Sunday in a lap where riders will be flagged off in Lucena. The race ends at the Camsur Water Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur. Joven knows he needs another strong effort for him to close the gap.

“It’s too early to say who will win it but I need more strong efforts like in Stage 5 for me to catch up on them (Roque and Morales),” said Joven, who is from Iriga, Camarines Sur. The only thing bothering Joven though is his conditioning.

Joven admitted he sat out the whole of last year to join the Army and only started training on Jan. 11 this year, giving him just a few weeks to prepare for the 14-stage event considered the biggest cycling race in the country today.

“I hope I can last the whole 14 stages because I really had little time to prepare for Ronda. But I will not give up and I think it will all be about heart,” he said.

The race will take a twoday breather before resuming action on Sunday with the dreaded Lucena-Pili Stage 5, the race’s longest lap at 251 kms that was made difficult by the ascent at Tatlong Eme in Atimonan, Quezon.

Ronda is staking P1 million to the champion courtesy of presentor LBC and in partnership with MVP Sports Foundation, Petron, Mitsubishi, Versa.ph, Partas, Maynilad, Standard Insurance, CCN, Bike Xtreme, NLEX, PhilCycling and 3Q Sports Event Management.

PPS kicks off 3-day confab for teachers THE Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Peara Padala holds a three-day Tennis Teachers/ Coaches Conference and free clinic, which started Friday at the Nazareth Tennis Club in Cagayan de Oro City.

The PPS-PEPP, the country’s longest running age-group circuit, has linked up with the Macs Crankit Tennis Academy of Australia (MCTA) and the National Tennis Coaches Association of the Philippines (NTCAP) to stage the Mindanao-wide program aimed up providing a high quality experience to every coaches and athletes alike.

MCTA coach Patricia “Matet” Concon-Puzon will conduct the Teachers Conference and the free tennis clinic for grassroots and advance under the Australian Tennis Professional Coaches Association (ATPCA).

Concon-Puzon, a former mainstay of the Philippine team, is a member of the Australian Tennis Professional Coaches Association with a Master Pro Level 3 title. She is also a client service officer at Villawood Immigration Detention Center in New South Wales who’s also into golf and martial arts.

Also joining the event, designed to help the community and the youth aspiring to become the best coach/athlete through minimal if not at no cost for training, coaching and home base studies, is ITF Level 3 coach Roland Kraut along with guests from Luzon, Visayas and all over Mindanao.

PSE set to delist shares of Uniwide

Business Manila

Standard

TODAY

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Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

B1

January auto sales broke record

By Othel V. Campos

A

UTOMOTIVE sales in the Philippines increased 28 percent in January to a record 30,425 units from 23,808 units year-on-year.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association said Friday in a joint report the January sales were highest on record for the month, with all the categories contributing to the growth.

“Although we expected lower sales due to seasonality, reaching 30,000-unit level in January is a

good start for the auto industry.

We welcome appropriate measures that will not hamper the growth of the auto industry as it continues to positively contribute to the economy,” said CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez.

Sales in the passenger car segment rose 27 percent to 10,984 units from 8,632 units in January last year.

Sales of commercial vehicles jumped 28 percent to 19,441 units from 15,176 units on year, reflecting the increased purchase power of consumers.

Sales of the Asian Utility Vehicles (Category 1) gained 26 percent to 6,026 units from 4,780 on year, sales of the light commercial vehicles (Category 2) grew 28 percent to 12,340 units from 9,678 units.

Light Trucks (Category 3) sales also went up 61 percent to 630 units sold from 392 units sold in the beginning of 2016.

Sales of category 4 trucks and buses surged 74 percent to 272 units from 156 units in January last year, while those of category

5 trucks and buses rose 1.8 percent to 173 units from 170 units on year.

Total industry sales, however, slowed 10.8 percent from December 2016. Passenger car sales declined 12 percent while commercial vehicle sales dropped 10 percent.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. leads automotive sales with a 48 percent market share, followed by Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. with 16 percent.

Ford Motor Philippines Inc. ranked third with an 8.3 percent market share. On fourth spot with a market share of 7.2 percent was Honda Cars Philippines Inc. A new entry in the top 5 is Nissan

Philippines Inc. with a 5.4 percent market share.

Vehicle sales in 2016 jumped 25 percent to 359,572 units from 288,609 units in 2015, amid the expansion of the automotive market and introduction of new models.

The 2016 sales exceeded the industry target of 329,300 units for the year.

“We are very glad that we were able to surpass the target this year. Successful introductions of new models complemented by various events and promotions enabled us to meet the increasing customers’ demands in an expanding Philippine market,” said Campi president Rommel Gutierrez last month.

Exports increased by 4.5% in December

NET inflow of foreign direct investments in the first 11 months of 2016 reached $6.973 billion, surpassing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ revised target for the year of $6.7 billion, driven mainly by investors’ sustained confidence in the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals.

Data showed the net inflow in the first 11 months was 25 percent higher than $5.563 billion a year ago.

“The continued FDI inflows were buoyed by investors’ confidence in the economy on the back of sound macroeconomic fundamentals and sustained growth potential,” Bangko Sentral said in a statement.

Net availment of debt instruments increased 44 percent to $4.5 billion from $3.1 billion a year ago. Net equity capital investments grew 3.4 percent to $1.8 billion. Julito G. Rada

set Management and Trust Corp. formally begins its operations as a stand-alone trust corporation, after receiving a certificate of authority from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Shown during the awarding of the certificate are (from left) BPI AMTC president Mario Miranda, Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., BPI AMTC chairman Antonio Jose Periquet and BPI president and chief executive officer and BPI AMTC director Cezar Consing. Parent Bank of the Philippine Islands earlier spun off its trust corporation with over P566 billion in assets under management.

Meralco billings up by over P200

By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co. said Friday electricity rates of a typical household will increase by P0.92 per kilowatt-hour in February and March, one of the biggest rate increases in recent years.

Meralco customers with an average monthly consumption of 200 to 300 kWh will see their monthly billings increase by P184 to P276 for two months.

Meralco in a statement said its overall rate was now at P9 per kWh, after a seven-year low of P8.09 per kilowatt hour in January.

The power distributor said the increase would bring the running average overall residential rate in 2017 to P8.55 per kWh, which approximated the 2016 average of P8.50 per kWh. Meralco said the average residential rate in 2017 was also P2.17 per kWh lower than the

2014 average rate of P10.72 per kWh, and P0.89 per kWh down from the 2015 average rate of PhP9.44 per kWh. “The increase this month is mainly due to the upward movement in the generation charge,” Meralco said, adding the normalization of capacity charges and lower dispatch caused the generation rate increase.

“January 2017’s record low generation charge (since October 2004) of P3.70 per kWh was largely due to a reduction in capacity fees arising from the annual reconciliation of outage allowances that is done at the end of each year, under the contracts approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission. The reduction in capacity fees every January represents savings immediately passed on to consumers by way of lower electricity rates, Meralco said.

The electricity retailer said power rates would go up by

P0.92 per kWh in March and asked the Energy Regulatory Commission to stagger the rate increase to mitigate the impact to consumers.

Meralco proposed to recover the amount in three installments starting March.

It said the capacity fees, particularly of Pagbilao coal and Ilijan natural gas plants returned to normal levels this month, pushing up the generation charge by P0.62 per kWh higher to P4.32 per kWh. Meralco said the lower dispatch of power supply agreements and independent power producers due to a variety of scheduled and forced outages also pushed up rates.

The Calaca, Masinloc, Quezon Power, and First Gas-Sta. Rita power plants underwent scheduled shutdowns, while the Ilijan power plant was isolated by transmission line troubles due to Typhoon “Nina.”

Factory production expanded 23% in December FACTORY output jumped 23 percent in December, the highest in 11 months, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday.

Manufacturing output, according to the latest Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries report, posted double-digit growth in both December and the full year due to the increase in production of petroleum products, food manufacturing and transport equipment.

Data showed the volume of production index for manufacturing soared 23 percent in December from a 5-per-

Foreign investments exceed BSP target

STAND-ALONE COMPANY. BPI As-

By Gabrielle H. Binaday PHILIPPINE merchandise exports rebounded 4.5 percent in December 2016 to $4.871 billion as shipments of all major commodities, led by agrobased and petroleum and mineral products and manufactured goods, increased, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday.

The total inward shipment bill performance in December brought the total trade for the month to $12.9 billion.

Imports in December increased 19 percent to $6.435 billion year-on-year.

The National Economic and Development Authority said Philippine merchandise trade in 2016 grew 5.8 percent from 2015, backed by the doubledigit growth of imports that offset the decline in exports.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said total trade in 2016 reached $137.4 billion, with the 14 percent growth in imports offsetting the 4.4-percent decline in exports.

“This means that we need to keep diversifying and exploring new markets, in addition to fully tapping our existing trade agreements to push further our upward trajectory,” said Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

Meanwhile, the December trade rose 12.9 percent to $12.9 billion, backed by the 4.5-percent rebound of exports the 19 percent growth of imports.

“This demonstrates the recovery of our agricultural sector from the effects of the El Niño. It also indicates the positive contributions of mining and petroleum to the economy.

This implies that we will have to find a wholesome balance between mining development and environmental protection,” Pernia said.

Import payments rose $7.4 billion due to the expanding demand for capital, consumer and raw materials and intermediate goods, despite the drop in

IN BRIEF

cent growth year-on-year.

The value of production index for manufacturing expanded 19 percent, after declining 2.7 percent in December 2015.

As a result, the full-year VoPI for manufacturing rose 14 percent in 2016 from a 2.5-percent growth recorded in 2015.

“The manufacturing sector is performing very well.

Increases in the purchases of capital and durable goods contributed to the increase and further indicates that there is business and consumer confidence in the domestic economy,” said Eco-

nomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

Transport equipment recorded a growth in production volume and value of 34.3 percent and 35.6 percent, respectively, in December.

Meanwhile, constructionrelated production sustained a upward trend, primarily in response to the increase in demand for both residential (19.2 percent) and non-residential buildings (27.3 percent) during the third quarter of 2016.

Food manufacturing in December rose 35 percent,

the highest production volume growth recorded since 2013.

The value of production of the food sub-sector also increased 37.7 percent, driven mainly by domestic demand during the holiday season and higher production value of vegetable oil and animal fats.

The petroleum sub-sector in the intermediate goods sustained its growth, with production volume surging 63 percent in December 2016, a reversal from the 34-percent decline in 2015.

Gabrielle H. Binaday

CEB passengers rose 4% to 19.1m in ‘16

CEBU Pacific said on Friday the number of passengers it carried last year rose 4 percent to 19.1 million from 18.4 million in 2015.

The airline, owned by tycoon John Gokongwei, said growth in passenger volume was largely driven by the airline’s low-cost short-haul services, and increased frequencies in key domestic markets.

Cebu Pacific flights on average were 86 percent full during the year.

“Last December 27, 2016, the Cebu Pacific Air Group carried a total of 64,684 passengers— the highest number of travelers we have ever flown in one day.

This surpasses our prior record of 62,947 passengers flown last January 3, 2016, translating to 1,737 additional passengers,” said CEB vice president for corporate affairs AJR Mantaring.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Republic of the Philippines

ERRATUM

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

There was an error in the ad placement of CITY OF MAKATI dated February 10, 2017.

The correct text should have read as follows: CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2017-010

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

ONE STOP SHOP INTER AGENCY TAX CREDIT AND DUTY DRAWBACK CENTER

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given to the public that Tax Credit Certificate (TCC) No. 1014400T issued by DOF, OSS-Center on July 8, 2015 in the name of SOLID DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION has been lost and is hereby CANCELLED.

And not as published.

This is in compliance with Department Order No. 26-01 Section 5 (b) dated November 5, 2001.

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE NOW! email us at advertise@ the standard.com.ph or call us at 832-5547

(MS-FEB. 11, 2017)

PMO-Negros Occidental Banago Port, Banago, Bacolod City Tel. Nos. (034) 441-1041;441-1225, 441-1402-1403; Email add: ehfuentebaja@ppa.com.ph

February 8, 2017

PPA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 03 - 2017 TO

:

All Port Managers, Port Users And Others Concerned

SUBJECT

:

AMENDMENT TO PPA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 03-2016 ENTITLED “PORT TERMINAL MANAGEMENT REGULATORY FRAMWORK”

Pursuant to PPA Board Resolution No. 2586 subsequent to its 444th Regular Board Meeting held on January 23, 2017, Section VII of PPA Administrative Order No. 03-2016 is hereby amended to read as: “Section VII. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS All cargo handling operators with expired or expiring cargo handling contracts shall be granted a Holdover Authority for a period of One (1) year or until the award of the Agreement under this Administrative Order, whichever comes first.”

Expiring contracts shall be construed to mean only those contracts that will expire within this one-year period.

All other provisions of PPA Administrative Order No. 03-2016 not affected by this Order shall remain valid and in full force.

This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation and a copy filed with the University of the Philippines Law Center.

(SGD.) JAY DANIEL R. SANTIAGO General Manager (MS-FEB. 11, 2017)

B2

Business

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market declines; Cemex falls T HE stock market slipped Friday, ignoring the gains in the region and favorable domestic economic data showing exports rebounding 4.5 percent in December and factory output jumping 23 percent in the same month.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost 17.45 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,235.21 on a value turnover of P7.2 billion.

Losers beat gainers, 114 to 81, with 40 issues unchanged.

Merchandise exports rebounded 4.5 percent in December to $4.871 billion, led by agro-based and petroleum and mineral products and manufactured goods, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday.

Factory output, meanwhile,

surged 23 percent in December 2016, the highest in 11 months.

Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. tumbled 9.7 percent to P10.10 after reporting a loss in the fourth quarter on lower sales volume, while GT Capital Holdings Inc. of tycoon George Ty fell 2.3 percent to P1,251.

SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. declined 1.9 percent to P671, while Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, gained 2.5

percent to P163 to buck the trend.

The dollar, meanwhile, extended a rally on Friday after Donald Trump said he would release details of a “phenomenal” tax-cut plan, sending the rest of Asian stock markets soaring on hopes it will ramp up the US economy.

Japan’s Nikkei index led the regional advance, piling on more than two percent, as the yen sank, while a forecast-busting trade report from China also lifted spirits in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

World markets surged in the two months after Trump’s November election, buoyed by his promises to slash taxes, hike infrastructure spending and cut red tape to fan economic growth.

But the three weeks since he took office have been consumed with a series of controversial

measures and outbursts on trade that had left dealers worried his domestic agenda had been put on the back burner.

The news sent a rocket through Wall Street, where all three main indexes ended at record levels, and the dollar powered higher.

On equity markets the Nikkei ended up 2.5 percent.

“In the end, policies pushed forward by Trump, including tax cuts and infrastructure investment, should be positive for Japanese companies,” said Nobuyuki Fujimoto, a senior market analyst at SBI Securities.

Hong Kong added 0.4 percent in the afternoon and Shanghai closed up 0.4 percent after news China’s exports and imports surged more than expected in January thanks to a pick-up in the

world’s number two economy, improving global manufacturing and stronger commodity prices.

Sydney rallied one percent, Seoul 0.5 percent and Singapore put on 0.7 percent.

Taipei, Bangkok and Jakarta were also higher.

Gains continued with the greenback buying 113.75 yen on Friday, compared with 112.67 yen in New York and 112.00 yen in Asia earlier Thursday.

It also rose against higheryielding Asia-Pacific currencies, with South Korea’s won losing 0.4 percent, Australia’s dollar down 0.1 percent and the Indonesian rupiah also losing 0.1 percent. Malaysia’s ringgit, the Singapore dollar and the New Zealand dollar were also well down. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017

NAME

OPEN

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.27 88,000 48.3 12,900 93 8,325,260 4.38 4,000 114.6 1,914,840 1.29 117,000 38.75 112,200 16.08 1,400 19.78 139,200 7.4 5,000 1.65 7,000 0.79 11,915,000 77.3 9,915,710 0.76 598,000 25 18,000 59.2 47,250 239 80 125 110 91 480 40.15 112,600 213 384,550 1,760 275 78.8 78,040

280,040 622,770 774,106,343.50 17,540 219,646,638 155,440 4,352,495 22,512 2,759,818 37,202 11,550 9,630,590 767,127,580 454,450 450,000 2,788,430 19,120 14,000 43,433.50 4,517,745 81,932,108 484,550 6,159,490

516,610 853,847 -5,355,050 766,996 -13,464 -58,168,484 200,682.50 -185,890 -12,427,576 176,000 -1,043,931.50

43.25 4.82 0.87 1.45 18 0.275 99 9.9 16.18 22.85 14.52 56.1 91.7 97.3 2 6.08 11.96 12.72 8.37 7.06 5.77 21.95 72.1 12.14 17.08 6.12 1.7 205 69.3 3.91 3.47 27.95 30.25 26.9 14.76 290 0.26 5.26 3.28 9.45 2.4 7.1 1.5 78.15 4.8 265 4.93 3.25 12.2 4.2 0.143 1.48 160 4.54 1.68 1.12

INDUSTRIAL 43.45 1,636,800 4.98 531,000 0.87 241,000 1.45 644,000 18.9 6,900 0.285 108,360,000 109.8 1,320 10.1 49,840,700 16.36 434,300 23.6 120,300 14.9 34,600 58.5 350 95 700 97.3 60 2.04 167,000 6.08 95,400 11.98 31,500 12.8 6,007,200 8.4 1,841,600 7.14 914,300 5.82 11,830,100 22 632,300 72.4 313,220 12.38 10,500 17.08 37,400 6.24 103,100 1.7 267,000 206 381,160 70 200 3.92 335,000 3.47 2,000 27.95 1,000 30.4 1,290,600 27.1 422,600 14.78 1,647,800 290 301,200 0.27 2,540,000 5.44 16,600 3.3 20,000 9.5 572,600 2.41 1,627,000 7.18 914,100 1.51 264,000 78.35 436,560 4.9 455,000 274 19,570 4.98 18,000 3.3 673,000 12.36 521,900 4.2 244,000 0.146 16,010,000 1.49 959,000 163 2,284,760 4.54 4,000 1.71 5,603,000 1.15 6,000

70,992,625 2,599,220 211,660 944,800 129,950 32,981,950 134,289 514,476,520 7,109,848 2,800,665 507,940 20,347.50 64,381 5,838 335,970 580,792 377,546 76,854,824 15,509,389 6,491,548 68,675,666 13,910,050 22,657,320 129,694 639,702 636,306 456,380 78,476,072 13,916 1,316,010 6,940 27,950 39,621,655 11,446,340 24,399,942 87,728,656 674,300 89,806 65,690 5,422,352 3,920,480 6,589,363 404,010 34,192,745 2,218,110 5,368,738 89,630 2,253,360 6,413,060 1,024,830 2,330,640 1,435,260 370,367,024 18,160 9,582,740 6,840

9,442,525 112,100 14,600 54,200 -231,348,789 3,359,538.00 61,000,968 4,584,619 -4,957,167 29,519,954.00 -1,594,340 9,973,094 -323,206 -23,695,572 -78,400 27,950 2,936,720 -2,209,815 22,058,222 22,064,902 3,300 -916,976 1,086,150 2,542,015 -15,000 4,181,948.50 1,569,900.00 -1,375,000 2,645,926 1,003,800 35,198,658 196,210 -

0.395 74 12.8 1.18 6.2 0.375 0.38 798.5 9.04 13.18 8.14 5.27 0.223 1,285 73.25 1.06 7.83 13.86 6.85 3.01 0.073 1.11 2.12 104.4 685 1.46 265.8 0.305 0.2 0.285

0.38 72 12.58 1.12 6.1 0.335 0.35 782.5 8.81 12.9 8 5.23 0.198 1,230 71.55 1.01 7.8 13.66 6.77 3.01 0.057 1.11 2.08 102.8 670.5 1.4 263 0.3 0.192 0.275

HOLDING FIRMS 0.39 4,370,000 72.65 1,491,820 12.7 4,304,300 1.13 45,000 6.2 1,900 0.335 35,520,000 0.35 830,000 793 122,960 8.91 4,291,100 13 7,744,100 8.14 24,400 5.23 42,600 0.212 1,320,000 1,251 175,785 72 2,958,020 1.03 3,111,000 7.81 95,100 13.78 838,400 6.81 32,101,700 3.01 2,000 0.065 3,752,490,000 1.11 2,000 2.08 989,000 103 163,820 671 397,840 1.43 1,027,000 265.8 10,430 0.305 460,000 0.192 1,510,000 0.275 660,000

1,695,350 108,364,721 54,727,540 50,550 11,770 12,772,050 295,700 97,206,085 38,252,796 100,645,858 195,270 223,256 276,370 219,486,640 213,389,252 3,201,770 742,994 11,542,266 218,784,334 6,020 248,771,680 2,220 2,075,690 16,913,684 268,548,115 1,478,930 2,769,006 138,600 294,600 182,350

3,548,891.50 -18,883,872 -37,000 -18,151,700 19,669,035 -44,450,152 -26,851,465 -34,951,822.50 -56,100 -148,480 5,887,890 87,910,861 770,800 -31,800 -895,325 -57,050,730 -1,090 -504,320 -

7.16 1.06 6.1 2.68 1.75 36.3 3.34 5.13 5.8 0.54 1.08 1.31 0.17 0.59 53.5 0.72 0.16 1.68 1.04 3.85 0.163

7.13 1.01 6.1 2.63 1.53 35.05 3.3 5.13 5.8 0.52 1.01 1.27 0.165 0.57 52.9 0.72 0.15 1.66 1.01 3.69 0.159

PROPERTY 7.15 521,900 1.03 2,371,000 6.1 2,000 2.63 671,000 1.55 71,565,000 36.3 5,128,900 3.33 1,285,000 5.13 100 5.8 5,400 0.53 29,730,000 1.01 329,000 1.28 48,000 0.165 43,690,000 0.58 3,494,000 53.5 159,810 0.72 218,000 0.15 1,930,000 1.67 16,731,000 1.03 8,648,000 3.71 31,067,000 0.16 15,780,000

3,730,241 2,443,820 12,200 1,774,410 118,354,960 183,889,630 4,267,570 513 31,320 15,776,050 347,160 61,670 7,231,870 2,012,320 8,505,893 156,960 293,650 28,096,690 8,890,370 116,203,560 2,534,590

-2,881,817 -63,120 355,970 55,702,275 -1,372,250 -4,113,810 34,640 29,210 -24,620.00 1,567,362.50 -2,880 -9,600 511,140 -30,862,110 -

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE 3.22 ASIA UNITED 48.3 BANK PH ISLANDS 92.4 BDO LEASING 4.38 BDO UNIBANK 114.8 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.33 CHINABANK 38.75 COL FINANCIAL 16.08 EAST WEST BANK 19.86 FILIPINO FUND 7.44 IREMIT 1.65 MEDCO HLDG 0.84 METROBANK 77.5 NTL REINSURANCE 0.76 PBCOM 25 PHIL NATL BANK 59.2 PHIL STOCK EXCH 239 PHILTRUST 130 PSBANK 89 RCBC 40.45 SECURITY BANK 213.2 SUN LIFE 1,780 UNION BANK 79.2

3.27 48.3 93.2 4.39 115.6 1.35 38.8 16.08 19.9 7.48 1.65 0.85 77.9 0.77 25 59.3 239 130 91 40.7 213.8 1,780 79.2

3.16 47.8 92.3 4.38 114.5 1.29 38.75 16.08 19.74 7.4 1.65 0.79 77 0.75 25 58 239 125 89 39.95 212.8 1,760 78.2

ABOITIZ POWER 43.4 AGRINURTURE 4.9 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.89 ALSONS CONS 1.46 ASIABEST GROUP 18.9 BASIC ENERGY 0.28 BOGO MEDELLIN 99 CEMEX HLDG 11.16 CENTURY FOOD 16.64 CIRTEK HLDG 23.2 CNTRL AZUCARERA15 CONCEPCION 59 CONCRETE A 93 CONCRETE B 97.3 CROWN ASIA 2.01 DAVINCI CAPITAL 6.2 DEL MONTE 11.98 DNL INDUS 12.8 EEI CORP 8.4 EMPERADOR 7.11 ENERGY DEVT 5.81 FIRST GEN 22.05 FIRST PHIL HLDG 72.3 GINEBRA 12.14 HOLCIM 17.2 INTEGRATED MICR 6.2 IONICS 1.76 JOLLIBEE 206 LIBERTY FLOUR 69.3 LMG CHEMICALS 3.94 MABUHAY VINYL 3.47 MACAY HLDG 27.95 MANILA WATER 30.25 MAXS GROUP 27 MEGAWIDE 14.76 MERALCO 290 MG HLDG 0.275 PANASONIC 5.42 PEPSI COLA 3.29 PETRON 9.46 PHINMA ENERGY 2.44 PHX PETROLEUM 7.15 PHX SEMICNDCTR 1.51 PILIPINAS SHELL 78.2 PRYCE CORP 4.95 PUREFOODS 265 RFM CORP 4.93 ROXAS HLDG 3.34 SHAKEYS PIZZA 12.48 SPC POWER 4.21 SWIFT FOODS 0.149 TKC METALS 1.52 UNIV ROBINA 160 VICTORIAS 4.54 VITARICH 1.75 VULCAN INDL 1.12

43.45 4.98 0.89 1.49 19 0.325 110 11.16 16.66 23.6 15.12 59 95 97.3 2.04 6.2 12.06 12.86 8.5 7.14 5.82 22.05 72.45 12.38 17.2 6.24 1.76 207 70 4.02 3.47 27.95 31.3 27.1 15.1 293 0.28 5.45 3.3 9.5 2.44 7.3 1.55 78.4 4.99 275 4.99 3.48 12.48 4.21 0.15 1.52 163 4.54 1.75 1.15

ABACORE CAPITAL 0.39 ABOITIZ EQUITY 74 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 12.8 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 1.12 ANSCOR 6.1 ATN HLDG A 0.345 ATN HLDG B 0.37 AYALA CORP 798.5 COSCO CAPITAL 9.04 DMCI HLDG 13.18 FILINVEST DEV 8 FJ PRINCE A 5.27 FORUM PACIFIC 0.212 GT CAPITAL 1,285 JG SUMMIT 72.7 LODESTAR 1.06 LOPEZ HLDG 7.83 LT GROUP 13.86 METRO PAC INV 6.84 MJC INVESTMENTS 3.01 PACIFICA 0.059 PRIME MEDIA 1.11 PRIME ORION 2.11 SAN MIGUEL CORP 104 SM INVESTMENTS 684.5 SOLID GROUP 1.43 TOP FRONTIER 265.8 UNIOIL HLDG 0.305 WELLEX INDUS 0.193 ZEUS HLDG 0.285 8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEBU HLDG CEBU PROP A CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED

7.16 1.02 6.1 2.66 1.71 35.75 3.33 5.13 5.8 0.54 1.08 1.27 0.17 0.57 53 0.72 0.158 1.67 1.02 3.84 0.162

VOLUME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

PHIL ESTATES 0.33 PHIL REALTY 0.79 PRIMEX CORP 4.85 PTFC REDEV CORP 28 ROBINSONS LAND 25.85 ROCKWELL 1.6 SHANG PROP 3.35 SM PRIME HLDG 30 STA LUCIA LAND 1.02 SUNTRUST HOME 0.91 VISTA LAND 5.06

0.37 0.82 5.17 28 25.85 1.62 3.35 30.05 1.03 0.93 5.06

0.315 0.72 4.8 27.65 24.9 1.58 3.35 29.55 1.01 0.91 4.98

0.35 0.73 5.05 27.65 24.95 1.6 3.35 30 1.03 0.91 5.04

9,600,000 58,731,000 4,312,000 1,600 1,397,600 1,675,000 5,000 8,892,400 6,352,000 191,000 1,684,800

3,289,100 44,801,090 21,808,570 44,605 34,900,410 2,681,260 16,750 265,323,330 6,460,190 173,840 8,456,752

-109,500 64,270 -19,886,000 -1,416,130 -4,933,130 -19,190 -1,042,641.00

2GO GROUP 7.72 ABS CBN 46.2 ACESITE HOTEL 1.48 APC GROUP 0.56 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.059 BLOOMBERRY 7.13 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.065 CALATA CORP 2.4 CEBU AIR 95.8 CENTRO ESCOLAR 9.6 DFNN INC 8.68 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.3 GLOBE TELECOM 1,800 GMA NETWORK 6.26 GOLDEN HAVEN 16.46 GRAND PLAZA 15.62 HARBOR STAR 3.67 IMPERIAL A 15.56 INTL CONTAINER 74.8 IP EGAME 0.0099 IPEOPLE 12 IPM HLDG 9.04 ISLAND INFO 0.201 ISM COMM 1.35 JACKSTONES 2.95 LBC EXPRESS 14.5 LEISURE AND RES 4.06 MACROASIA 2.56 MELCO CROWN 4.69 METRO RETAIL 3.96 MLA BRDCASTING 18 NOW CORP 2.78 PACIFIC ONLINE 11.08 PAL HLDG 5.35 PAXYS 3.06 PHIL SEVEN CORP 144.6 PHILWEB 9.06 PLDT 1,500 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.39 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.43 PUREGOLD 44.2 ROBINSONS RTL 79.5 SBS PHIL CORP 6.32 SSI GROUP 2.64 STI HLDG 1.11 TRANSPACIFIC BR 1.8 TRAVELLERS 3.21 WATERFRONT 0.44

7.8 46.2 1.59 0.57 0.062 7.2 0.067 2.47 97 9.6 8.8 2.3 1,812 6.26 16.7 15.62 4 16 76.95 0.0099 12.2 9.06 0.201 1.37 2.95 14.5 4.1 2.59 4.7 3.98 18 2.79 11.08 5.35 3.23 144.6 9.1 1,535 1.4 0.43 44.5 79.5 6.42 2.66 1.11 1.88 3.24 0.47

7.65 44.3 1.44 0.53 0.058 7.01 0.064 2.37 95.65 9.6 8.6 2.3 1,780 6.18 16.42 15.62 3.67 15.48 74.55 0.0096 12 9.04 0.195 1.35 2.95 14.5 4.01 2.5 4.54 3.88 17.84 2.74 11 5.33 3.05 144.6 8.98 1,491 1.39 0.425 44.15 79 6.32 2.61 1.08 1.79 3.2 0.43

SERVICES 7.79 118,400 46.1 9,200 1.56 115,000 0.53 644,000 0.059 653,440,000 7.05 3,762,800 0.065 40,140,000 2.38 3,043,000 95.7 485,850 9.6 3,900 8.6 69,500 2.3 5,000 1,800 77,060 6.21 527,600 16.6 14,100 15.62 500 3.92 10,215,000 15.6 6,800 76 1,922,360 0.0096 3,000,000 12 30,000 9.06 551,000 0.195 18,540,000 1.35 745,000 2.95 5,000 14.5 6,500 4.05 2,270,000 2.58 297,000 4.54 4,097,000 3.98 656,000 17.84 200 2.75 1,486,000 11 15,000 5.33 5,300 3.22 135,000 144.6 700 8.99 813,700 1,520 91,800 1.39 2,209,000 0.425 4,050,000 44.2 445,400 79.25 1,061,840 6.34 64,400 2.61 2,759,000 1.09 8,810,000 1.79 31,000 3.2 1,295,000 0.445 4,140,000

915,088 418,925 172,730 356,900 39,396,540 26,622,079 2,588,740 7,304,620 46,519,122.50 37,440 602,225 11,500 138,459,975 3,280,892 232,050 7,810 39,846,230 105,952 144,378,714.50 29,400 361,000 4,990,760 3,647,440 1,010,560 14,750 94,250 9,180,500 761,470 18,874,320 2,581,210 3,584 4,103,340 165,900 28,253 412,150 101,220 7,331,279 138,720,375 3,070,730 1,733,350 19,694,575 84,174,940 407,834 7,236,240 9,606,890 55,820 4,145,510 1,877,300

-11,130 23,350 -8,144,777 57,200 -17,202,850.50 25,243,875 252,890 20,004,535.50 119,890 14,500 -1,056,110.00 -7,770 317,620 100 -138,760 369,050 -392,600 -24,748,490 1,390 215,000 4,159,355 2,673,479 -1,011,610 2,844,820 110,710 -

ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATLAS MINING BENGUET A CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA ORNTL PETROL A PHILODRILL PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING TA PETROLEUM UNITED PARAGON

0.0033 2.49 5.56 1.84 0.51 0.47 11.3 2.76 0.265 0.189 0.204 0.012 0.012 1.94 7.16 2.63 0.46 0.97 0.011 0.014 9.81 3.53 135.9 2.9 0.0092

0.0033 2.49 5.74 1.84 0.52 0.47 11.3 2.79 0.275 0.191 0.204 0.012 0.012 2.02 7.19 2.63 0.46 1.02 0.012 0.015 10.1 3.53 135.9 2.9 0.0094

0.0032 2.32 5.51 1.82 0.5 0.46 11.02 2.62 0.26 0.184 0.198 0.011 0.012 1.86 6.92 2.49 0.46 0.97 0.011 0.014 9.67 3.49 135 2.87 0.0092

MINING & OIL 0.0032 378,000,000 2.32 4,676,000 5.73 669,200 1.82 10,000 0.5 3,308,000 0.46 1,320,000 11.08 4,200 2.63 4,251,000 0.26 890,000 0.186 15,500,000 0.2 2,480,000 0.011 1,200,000 0.012 2,000,000 1.86 3,920,000 7.05 3,772,100 2.56 104,000 0.46 10,000 0.98 406,000 0.012 35,400,000 0.015 53,800,000 9.8 10,312,100 3.5 1,229,000 135.8 563,360 2.88 234,000 0.0094 5,000,000

1,237,800 11,195,080 3,803,321 18,310 1,657,370 610,900 46,588 11,453,050 233,500 2,916,500 501,120 14,200 24,000 7,697,790 26,706,406 266,150 4,600 403,400 395,300 761,900 102,091,960 4,303,730 76,470,746 673,230 46,800

-306,070 50,007 -525,840.00 -15,800 -5,497,224 130,420 -11,640 22,307,785.00 -350,000 16,485,981 -

ABS HLDG PDR ALCO PREF B DD PREF FGEN PREF F FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR LR PREF PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3A SFI PREF SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

45.9 106 104.6 112.9 115 5.88 1.04 1,025 106.3 1.92 77.3 81 79.85 77.75 78.5

45.95 106 104.7 112.9 115 5.88 1.04 1,025 107 2.2 77.3 81.5 80.1 77.75 78.5

45.7 105.6 103 112.9 115 5.86 1.04 1,020 106.3 1.92 77 81 79.8 77.75 78.5

PREFERRED 45.7 102,400 105.6 510 104.7 206,670 112.9 30 115 11,850 5.86 1,285,800 1.04 7,000 1,025 1,520 107 20,500 2.2 17,000 77 26,300 81.1 35,000 79.8 13,210 77.75 18,900 78.5 3,000

4,690,710 53,860 21,392,279 3,387 1,362,750 7,536,988 7,280 1,550,500 2,193,150 35,240 2,025,490 2,838,000 1,054,181 1,469,475 235,500

-3,315,510 -2,555,988 -

LR WARRANT

2.03

2.1

2

WARRANTS 2.08 226,000

458,420

-

9.06 3.8 2.93 7.8

6.01 3.75 2.93 7.44

SME 9.06 3.78 2.93 7.44

9,828,508 706,860 2,930 25,546,305

-6,040 -10,537,739

119.5

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118.6 118.9 11,100

1,324,130

59,300

NAME

OPEN

MS ALTERRA CAPITAL ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

6.04 3.76 2.93 7.75

FIRST METRO ETF 119

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS

SHARES

34,398,955 221,741,196 3,862,282,888

PROPERTY

327,191,458

SERVICES

773,842,979

MINING & OIL

530,448,530

GRAND TOTAL

5,754,697,765

1,222,200 188,000 1,000 3,368,900

VALUE 1,768.11 (up) 2.07 1,979,979,003.81 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,129.29 (up) 78.74 1,540,915,095.867 HOLDING FIRMS 7,254.82 (down) 93.24 1,700,140,175.857 PROPERTY 3,332.70 (up) 7.07 SERVICES 1,433.63 (up) 4.84 940,655,424.74 MINING & OIL 12,158.12 (down) 51.78 788,388,212.778 PSEI 7,235.21 (down) 17.45 253,589,962.015 All Shares Index 4,380.51 (down) 13.57 7,241,078,931.464 Gainers:81; Losers: 114; Unchanged: 40; Total: 235

PSE set to delist shares of Uniwide

By Jenniffer B. Austria The Philippine Stock Exchange initiated a involuntary delisting procedure against dormant Uniwide Holdings Inc., a company owned by businessman Jimmy Gow, due to persistent violation of the disclosure rules.

The PSE said in a notice posted on its website Uniwide failed to submit reportorial requirements, including the filing of annual reports for the years ended 2013 to 2015 and quarterly reports for the years ended 2014 to 2016.

The PSE said Uniwide Holdings also failed to timely submit other reports pertaining to foreign ownership, top 100 stockholders, public ownership and as well as other reportorial requirements in relation to the legal proceedings involving the company and changes in its principal officers.

The PSE said the Securities and Exchange Commission had affirmed the dissolution and liquidation of assets of all companies in the Uniwide Group, including Uniwide Holdings way back in 2013.

Under the exchange’s rules on delisting, the non-submission of reportorial requirements of the exchange, failure to timely file adequate and non-accurate disclosures, and dissolution of the company and liquidation of assets, are among the grounds for initiating involuntary delisting proceedings.

The PSE said it would give Uniwide 15 days to submit a written request for a hearing.

“Should the company decide not to or fail to request for a hearing within the specified period, the exchange shall decide the case solely on the basis of the records on hand,” the PSE said.

Globe to borrow P40b in 3 years

By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. raised its borrowing requirement within a three-year period to P40 billion from P20 billion The company, controlled by conglomerate Ayala Corp., said its board of directors approved the increase of the amount of the shelf registration by P20 billion, bringing the total amount to P40 billion.

“We only asked for P20 billion, but our shareholders said that you know, for flexibility, its better one time.

One time filing so we don’t have to file again,” Globe chief financial officer Rizza Maniego-Eala said.

“It’s really to give us flexibility on funding not only this year but in the next two years,” she added.

Globe this year earmarked $750 million to accelerate the deployment of LTE sites and broadband nationwide.

The company earlier said core profits amounted to P16.01 billion in 2016, up 6 percent from P15.13 billion in 2015.

Globe’s net income, meanwhile, fell 4 percent to P15.9 billion last year from P16.5 billion in 2015.

Consolidated revenues increased 6 percent to P120 billion last year from P113.7 billion in 2015.

Globe’s mobile revenues slightly grew year-on-year to P91.9 billion in 2016 from P91.2 billion reported a year ago, driven by the continued shift from core voice and texts in favor of data.

World

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

B3

Trump loses appeal on travel ban LOS ANGELES―A US court on Thursday unanimously refused to reinstate Donald Trump’s ban on refugees and nationals from seven Muslimmajority countries, dealing the new president and his controversial law-andorder agenda a major defeat.

suspended by a lower court a week later -- capped a turbulent first three weeks of his presidency.

A defiant Trump quickly pledged to battle on, tweeting within minutes of the decision: “SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!” “It’s a political decision,” he told reporters later.

The Justice Department had asked the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to restore the measure on an emergency basis, but the threejudge panel instead maintained the suspension ordered by a federal judge in Seattle.

“We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable in-

The San Francisco federal appeals court’s ruling on Trump’s executive order -- issued on January 27 with no prior warning and

jury,” the judges ruled.

Trump’s decree summarily denied entry to all refugees for 120 days, and travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. Refugees from Syria were blocked indefinitely.

The new Republican administration argued the ban was needed to prevent Islamic State and AlQaeda fighters from reaching US soil, but it prompted travel chaos and was roundly rejected by immigration advocacy groups.

Critics say the measure targeted Muslims in violation of US law.

Now, the case could end up in the Supreme Court.

The San Francisco court said aspects of the public interest favored both sides, highlighting the “massive attention” the case

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

b)

ERC CASE NO. 2014-080 RC II ELECTRIC INC. - AREA 2

Applicant. x------------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

FASHION WEEK. A model walks the runway at the Popoganda By

Richie Rich fashion show during the February 2017 New York Fashion Week at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. AFP

Aide faces probe over brand plug WASHINGTON―A key aide to Donald Trump was facing possible investigation Thursday after pitching the clothing line of the president’s daughter Ivanka on television, with top lawmakers from both camps denouncing a major ethics breach and urging “disciplinary action.”

Speaking with the White House seal clearly visible over her shoulder, Kellyanne Conway gave Ivanka Trump’s clothing a rave review during a Fox interview early Thursday, urging shoppers to “go buy Ivanka’s stuff.”

“This is just a wonderful line,” she said. “I own some of it. I fully -- I’m going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online.”

Conway was clearly channeling the anger expressed a day earlier by the president himself, when he tweeted that Ivanka had been “treated so unfairly” by Nordstrom, an upscale department store chain that dropped her fashion brand.

But to Washington traditionalists, Conway’s direct pitch from the White House for a product line sold by the president’s child

seemed a jaw-dropping -- and possibly illegal -- misuse of presidential prestige.

Democrat Elijah Cummings and Republican Jason Chaffetz -- both lawmakers on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which Chaffetz chairs -- led calls for Conway to face rebuke.

“Conway’s statements clearly violate the ethical principles for federal employees and are unacceptable,” the congressmen said in a letter to the federal ethics chief, Walter Shaub, requesting that he recommend “appropriate disciplinary action” against her.

“What she did was wrong, wrong, wrong,” said Chaffetz on Twitter.

The Office of Government Ethics, which Shaub heads, separately said it had been “receiving an extraordinary volume of contacts from citizens about recent events.”

Without mentioning Conway by name, it said it was reaching out to the appropriate government agencies who would decide whether to pursue the matter -- the established protocol when the OGE learns of “possible ethics violations.” AFP

First royal slur case under the new king BANGKOK―A prominent student activist was indicted Friday in the first royal defamation case brought under Thailand’s new monarch, his lawyer said, after the UN urged the kingdom to scrap its lese majeste law.

Jatupat Boonpatararaksa was arrested in December for sharing on Facebook a profile of King Maha Vajiralongkorn written by the BBC’s Thai-language service in London.

Criticising the royal family is punishable by up to 15 years in prison per count in Thailand, where the law is broadly-interpreted and aggressively enforced.

Scores of lese majeste cases have been brought against members of the public and activists in recent years, often for comments made online.

Jatupat, better known by his nickname Pai, was indicted by a court in northeastern Khon Kaen province Friday, his lawyer Krisadang Nacharut told AFP. “He is still in good spirits and will fight,” Krisadang said, adding that the activist has also been charged with violating the Computer Crimes Act -- another

tough law used to punish online defamation. Jatupat has denied both charges.

While thousands shared the article, Jatupat -- a prominent critic of the country’s military junta -- is the only person to have been prosecuted so far.

The 25-year-old law student had already been detained for more than 50 days, after judges rejected multiple requests for his release on bail in closed-door hearings.

The UN this week expressed concern over the secret proceedings and called for Thailand to repeal the lese majeste law.

Jatupat’s lese majeste charges are the first to be taken up in court since King Vajiralongkorn ascended to the throne in December following the death of his revered father, whose reign spanned 70 years.

Observers are closely watching whether the new monarch endorses or backs away from the royal defamation law.

The lese majeste law effectively bars public scrutiny of key royal figures, spawning a culture of self-censorship across media, academia and arts. AFP

EXCLUDING PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” UNITS

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF ADJUSTMENT IN RATES PURSUANT TO THE TARIFF GLIDE PATH (TGP) RULES, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY, NUEVA ECIJA COOPERATIVE, (NEECO II - AREA 2),

had drawn.

“On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies,” the ruling said.

“And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination.”

While acknowledging that the Seattle judge’s ruling “may have been overbroad in some respects,” the panel said it was not their “role to try, in effect, to rewrite the executive order.”

“The government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States,” the court said. AFP

CUSTOMER TYPE Low Higher Voltage Voltage

Residential

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge PhP/kW 222.3302 Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh 0.5852 0.7687 Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Customer/ Mo 43.4378 43.4378 Supply System Charge PhP/kWh 0.6073 Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge PhP/Meter /Mo 5.0603 36.3736 36.3736 Metering System Charge PhP/kWh 0.4378 11. Consequently, applicant respectfully prays that it be allowed to implement either of the above two alternative calculated DSM rates, either provisionally during the pendency of the instant application or permanently by virtue of a final decision, effective January 2015, and up to December 31, 2017; 12. In support of the foregoing computations, the cooperative is submitting herewith the following documents, which are being made integral parts hereof, to wit:

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Annex No. Nature of Document Proposed TGP Calculations and supporting documents using prescribed templates: A to A-2 Index “I” Calculation Efficiency Factor “X” Calculation Performance Incentive “S” Calculation B MFSR - Sections B and E (2010-2013) Billing Determinants Template C kWh Sales, No. of Customers, kW Demand (2010-2013) D Sample bills per customer type (2010-2012) E Regional CPI (2010-2013) F RFSC/Reinvestment Fund Utilization (2011-2013) Consumer Complaints (Complaint Tracking Form) (2011G 2013) H Audited Financial Statements (2010- 2013)

Notice is hereby given that on 09 June 2014, Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative, Inc.-Area 2 (NEECO II-Area 2) filed an Application seeking the Commission’s approval of the adjustment in its rates pursuant to the Tariff Glide Path (TGP) Rules, with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority.

NEECO II-Area 2 alleged the following in its Application: 1.

Applicant is an electric cooperative existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office at Maharlika Highway, Barangay Diversion, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija;

2.

It is engaged in the distribution of electric light and power in the City of Palayan and certain municipalities in the Province of Nueva Ecija, namely: San Leonardo, Sta. Rosa, Papaya (Gen. Tinio),Penaranda, Bongabon, Laur, Gabaldon, Rizal, Llanera and Gen. M. Natividad;

3.

Sometime in 2009, NEECO II- Area 2 filed with the Honorable Commission an application for approval of its proposed adjustment in rates pursuant to the Rules for Setting the Electric Cooperatives’ Wheeling Rates (RSEC-WR);

13. Finally, in compliance with the pre-filing requirements for the instant application, applicant is likewise submitting herewith the following documents, which are being made integral parts hereof, to wit:

4.

The Honorable Commission approved the application, granting the cooperative the following initial tariffs on its Distribution, Supply and Metering (DSM) Charges, among others, to wit:

Annex No. Nature of Document I Affidavit in Support of the Prayer for Provisional Authority J to J-1 Proof of furnishing copies of the Application to the Sangguniang Bayan of San Leonardo and Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Nueva Ecija K to K-1 Publication of the Application in a newspaper of general circulation in NEECO II - Area 2’s franchise area or where it principally operates, with Affidavit of Publication

CUSTOMER TYPE

UNITS

Residential

Low Voltage

Higher Voltage

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge

PhP/KW

Distribution System Charge

PhP/KWh

219.6800 0.5782

0.7595

Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Customer/ Mo

Supply System Charge

PhP/KWh

0.6001

Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Meter/Mo

5.0000

Metering System Charge

PhP/KWh

0.4326

42.9200

42.9200

35.9400

35.9400

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission that pending evaluation of the instant application or after due notice and hearing, as the case may be, NEECO II - Area 2 be allowed to implement either of the following two (2) alternative proposed new rates for its Distribution, Supply and Metering (DSM) Charges, effective January 2015 and up to December 2017, to wit:

Metering Charges:

5.

a)

On May 2, 2011, the Honorable Commission promulgated the Tariff Glide Path (TGP) Rules pursuant to Article 7 of the RSEC-WR whereby during the regulatory period, the rate of the Electric Cooperatives (ECs) per group shall be adjusted using the following formula, to wit: Tariff x (1+ index “I”-Efficiency Factor “X” + Performance Incentive “S”) The Index “I”, shall be an escalation factor to be used in adjusting the rates to reflect the combined impact of inflation and load factor. There shall be an efficiency factor “X” to account for the operational efficiency of the ECs in setting their rates. There shall be a performance incentive “S” which shall reward or penalize the EC for above or below standard performance, respectively.

The TGP is intended as a cap and the EC may move up to the cap, if it is a positive adjustment. If the cap is lower than the current average tariff, a reduction may be implemented.

6.

7.

8.

The TGP is a rate adjustment mechanism which provides an opportunity for the ECs to adjust their rates once every three (3) years. The rate adjustments may occur at the start of the fourth year of the first Regulatory Period and every three years thereafter.

Under the TGP, the regulatory period is six (6) years for each entry Group.

For the Second Entrant Group, the first regulatory period is from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017. NEECO II- Area 2 belongs to the Second Entrant Group.

Further under the TGP Rules, the concerned EC shall use the following formula in determining the TGP for the first to third years of the Regulatory Period, to wit: TGPA= TGPn + TGPn+1TGPn+2 where TGPn = In - Xn + Sn N= the first year of the Regulatory Period and succeeding Regulatory Periods Except that for the first two years of the First Regulatory Period, “X” will be equal to zero and thereafter shall not be less than zero. The TGP calculated for each of the three years will be summed to determine the possible rate adjustment starting on the Fourth Year of the current Regulatory Period.

9.

Applying the methodology embodied in the TGP Rules, NEECO II - Area 2 calculated the values of the “I”, “X” and “S” and came up with the following results, to wit: “I”

“X”

“S”

TGP A

TGP A (Excluding “S”)

Year 2012

2.94%

0.00%

2.30%

5.24%

2.94%

Year 2013

0.00%

0.00%

2.30%

2.30%

0.00%

Year 2014

0.00%

1.73%

1.90%

0.17%

-1.73%

7.71%

1.21%

Net Results

10. Application of the above values resulted in adjustments on the cooperative’s DSM Rates, as follows: a)

WITH PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” UNITS

CUSTOMER TYPE Residential

Low Voltage

Higher Voltage

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge

PhP/kW

Distribution System Charge PhP/kWh

236.6094 0.6228

0.8180

WITH PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” UNITS

CUSTOMER TYPE Low Higher Voltage Voltage

Residential Distribution Charges: Demand Charge Distribution System Charge Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge Supply System Charge Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge Metering System Charge b)

PhP/kW PhP/kWh

0.6228

PhP/Customer/Mo PhP/kWh

0.6463

PhP/Meter/ Mo PhP/kWh

5.3853 0.4659

0.8180

236.6094

46.2276

46.2276

38.7097

38.7097

EXCLUDING PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE “S” UNITS

Distribution Charges: Demand Charge Distribution System Charge Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge Supply System Charge Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge Metering System Charge

CUSTOMER TYPE Low Higher Voltage Voltage

Residential

PhP/kW PhP/kWh

0.5852

PhP/Customer /Mo PhP/kWh

0.6073

PhP/Meter/ Mo PhP/kWh

5.0603 0.4378

0.7687

222.3302

43.4378

43.4378

36.3736

36.3736

Other reliefs, just and equitable in the premises are likewise prayed for.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 23 February 2017 (Thursday) at one o’clock in the afternoon (1:00 P.M.), at NEECO II-Area 2’s principal office at Maharlika Highway, Barangay Diversion, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: i.

The petitioner’s name and address;

ii.

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

iii.

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicant rests its case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1) 2) 3)

The name and address of such person; A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing.

Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairman JOSE VICENTE B. SALAZAR, and the Honorable Commissioners ALFREDO J. NON, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT, and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 26th day of January 2017 at Pasig City.

Supply Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/ Customer/ Mo

Supply System Charge

PhP/kWh

46.2276

46.2276

0.6463

Metering Charges: Retail Customer Charge

PhP/Meter /Mo

5.3853 38.7097

Metering System Charge

PhP/kWh

0.4659

38.7097

ATTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Office of the Chairman and CEO

Standard – Feb. 4 & 11, 2017

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on the property block

Lawmakers, ex-athletes, heritage advocates seek to save ‘field of dreams’

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eing a neophyte lawmaker, former Olympian and now Makati representative Monsour del Rosario admits he is loath to give speeches at Congress while he learns the ropes of legislative work

But the former movie actor and city councilor told the Manila Staandard he had to “jump the gun” in Congress last week when rumors broke out that the City of Manila was already “favorably looking” at the real estate deal offered by

In its statement, the Razon group said that for the longest time, RMSC had not undergone any structural and facilities improvements or upgrading, rendering it “virtually unsuitable and unsafe not only for training athletes, but especially for holding not only local but also international games.”

“The City has had no income from RMSC for years now, leaving the city with no funds to modernize facilities,” the statement said.

Of late, the Razon group noted that the PSC had been considering to transfer the RMSC to a different location, possi-

pian.

Del Rosario added that the Philippine Olympians Association, a group of active and retired athletes who competed in the Olympics, is against the tearing down of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex following a meeting with the group last week.

Del Rosario claimed among colleagues who support his call to save the sports complex are Manila Rep. and former boxing chief Manny Lopez, Quezon City Rep. Winnie Castelo, Makati Rep. Luis Campos, Quezon City Rep. Bingbong Crisologo, Buhay party list Rep. Lito Atienza, Pa-

A LOST PARK. The site of many a Filipino sports triumph, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) may soon fall prey to commercial development.

case of the RMSC structures (the stadia) have no context without their indoor and outdoor spaces - the sports fields, play courts, pools, etc.,” he said.

The heritage advocate likewise dismissed claims that the RMSC is too unsafe to serve its intended purpose as a sports facility. “Pre-war structures were made of solid poured concrete, and are generally robust,” said. “That’s why they were so difficult to destroy in the war. They have been and are being used, so any safety concern would have been raised years ago. There have been no structural, engineering or architectural audits released to

as historical significance,” he said.

Heritage conservationists such as Alcazaren point out that the RMSC contains significant structures and spaces over 50 years old. This means they are protected by the National Cultural Heritage Act (RA 10066).

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) requested the National Museum recently to assess RMSC and consider it for declaration in December. Jeremy Barns, head of the National Museum, told the Manila Standard that the expectation is for the declaration of the four original stadia as Important Cultural

REALITY BITES. Condos loom over the RMSC track, football and baseball stadiums, the latter, a lyrical bandbox of a ballpark where Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig cracked homers off Pinoy pitchers. businessman Enrique Razon to buy the 9.6-hectare Rizal Memorial sports Complex (RMSC) for a P10 billion.

An earlier statement from the Razon group said Manila would benefit from “urban renewal” and unlock more revenues from the preservation and redevelopment of the 82-year-old RMSC. The statement came on the heels of an online signature campaign among heritage conservation advocates, now backed by ex-athletes and lawmakers such as Del Rosario, opposing the conversion of the sports complex, – cited as an “architectural and historical gem” into a shopping mall.

Originally built in 1934, RMSC was destroyed during World War II, reconstructed in 1953 and renovated in 2011.

The complex is owned by the City of Manila and managed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Unsuitable, unsafe

bly Clark, in order to build the Philippine Olympic Village. This new sports complex is envisioned to be a larger and more modern sports complex complete with training facilities for national athletes as well as facilities to host large sports meets.

This is expected to happen when funding for the relocation is complete. In the meantime, the group said the City of Manila had not generated any income from the RMSC which could have been used to preserve the complex.

Save RMSC Del Rosario acknowledged that he is no architectural or heritage conservation expert.

“But being a former athlete, and current sports advocate, I voiced out my sentiments since a lot of our NSA (National Sports Association) friends feel the same way as I do, and so do members of the House of Representatives who love sports,” said the 1988 Taekwondo Olym-

ranaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, and Sen. validate these claims.”

Alcazaren stressed to the Manila Migs Zubiri.

Standard that the RMSC “can and still should” function as a sports complex Cultural landmark Heritage columnist Paulo Alcazaren “because it is needed as one by citizens likewise lamented the possible conversion of Metro Manila in the many universiof the historic sports complex into a com- ties around it.”

Adaptive re-use mercial development.

“The city of Manila, private developers, “The fear of most conservation advocates is the threat to architectural heritage NGOs and the diverse community around in a city that is fast losing its historical it should consider, instead, “adaptive recharacter and identity,” Alcazaren told use” for the RMSC,” he said. “This is the the Manila standard in a phone inter- use of a heritage building for a contemview. “The fear is that the complex will porary function other than the one it was be turned into a mixed-use, high-density designed for.”

Alcazaren cited examples such as a post development; all this in an area already filled with malls, supermarkets and high- office building in Singapore turned into a five-star hotel, a power station in London rise towers.”

Alcazaren maintained that the RMSC turned into a museum, a Villa in Venice is an important cultural landmark, this im- turned into an indoor basketball facility. portance covering both the four original “In the case of the RMSC, a portion of it can still be used as a sports complex while heritage structures and their sites.

“Heritage laws and definitions of heri- the rest of the area is developed creatively tage covers both sites and structures. In the to retain its art deco look-and-feel, as well

Properties (ICP) due to their exceptional cultural and social significance.

The fear of heritage advocates led by the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) were actually confirmed by the statement from the Razon group.

The press release stated that (although the historic facades will be preserved), “… within the façade and walls will rise contemporary buildings that will house modern offices and commercial areas run by smart technologies, replete with modern amenities and green open spaces.”

The HCS immediately took issue with the couched reference to replacing the playing fields with office and commercial buildings.

Alcazaren said on this important point, he is in complete agreement with Del Rosario: the playing fields are at the heart of the legacy of the RMSC. They are the fields of dreams of generations of Filipino athletes.

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor Roger M. Garcia, Assistant Editor jimbo.gulle@gmail.com mslocalgov@gmail.com SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

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LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

A Triple Celebration for the CITY OF LIFE

By Roy Tomandao

Photos by Uniokeez Bautista, Jr., Sheryll Pontillas, Binan City Information Office, and Binan Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Office

T

HE City of Biñan has much to be thankful for, and did just that from February 2 to 4 as the progressive city in Laguna held a triple celebration to mark its milestones under the theme “Araw ng Biñan: Buhay ang Nakaraan, Sumasalubong sa Hinaharap (The Day of Biñan: Living its History, Facing its Future).”

Led by Mayor Walfredo “Arman” Reyes Dimaguila Jr., Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte representing the City Council, and lone district Rep. Len Alonte-Naguiat, Biñan celebrated its 7th Cityhood Anniversary with a whole day of activities.

Starting with the flag ceremony and opening program at the town plaza, Biñan’s officials and residents witnessed the Grand Parade, which traveled the traditional parade route around the city. They returned to the plaza for the opening of the Biñan Kakanin Food Fair, where locals and visitors alike sampled the native delicacies and new gastronomic offerings.

To cap the morning, Mayor Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Alonte and Rep. Alonte-Naguiat led the opening of the “Art in Public Places: National Arts Month 2017” exhibit at the town plaza. In the afternoon, residents were regaled by the Biñan City Brass Band Exhibition at the Biñan Multi-Purpose Hall, and the day ended with a Thanksgiving Mass at San Isidro Labrador Parish Church and a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Casa Binanense/School of Rizal Site and Museum.

Participants in Binan’s Grand Parade massed in front of the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church before marching on the city’s streets in their colorful attire.

February 3: Liberation Day

The following day marked the city’s 72nd Liberation Day, and started with the 1st Binan Folk Dance Festival, featuring “The Dances of Luzon” at the Binan Multi-Purpose Hall.

Dancers from across the city came in colorful outfits and regaled tourists and natives alike.

Midmorning saw the inauguration and blessing of the Binan Command, Control and Communication Center and the Binan People’s Center, both at the City Hall Complex (see related stories on pages 3 and 4 – Editor). After lunch, the crowd headed up to the Biñan City Auditorium and People’s Center, where the city government staged a film showing for residents and visitors alike.

The afternoon program was all about Biñan’s World War II veterans, as Mayor Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Alonte, Rep. Alonte-Naguiat and city officials led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Binan’s Veterans Memorial. The city also hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner for the veterans at the same venue, then treated the honorees to a tribute song-and-dance show, the “Liberation of Binan DulaSayawit” interschool competition, at Plaza Rizal.

Mayor Dimaguila and city officials joined students from different schools in the city in painting Biñan’s walls under the “Art in Public Places” Program.

February 4: Foundation Day

Early the next day, a Friday, Mayor Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Alonte, Rep. Alonte-Naguiat and city officials led residents and guests in the Brigada Binan, a three-in-one activity held all over the city. They planted trees, joined the “Oplan Linis” community cleaning, and bolstered the Binan River clean-up drive, showing the true spirit of “bayanihan” or communal unity.

Working up an appetite, they later converged at the Binan Multi-Purpose Hall for a hearty Brigada Lunch, then headed once again to the City Hall Complex to witness the start of the Friendship Games, which lasted the whole afternoon.

At night, the Binan City Auditorium and People’s Center was once again filled as the city held its first Binan Choral Festival with the theme “Songs for Inang Kalikasan (Mother Nature).”

The three-day festival finally ended with a grand Fireworks Display at the Binan City Hall – showing how vibrant “the City of Life” truly is as it looks toward a bright future.

Binan Rep. Len Alonte-Naguiat receives a bouquet from Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte during the Thanksgiving Night, where the city’s dancers also performed.

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

LGUs

‘Dito sa Biñan,

Mamamayan ay Maaasahan’

(In Biñan, the people can be counted on) MAYOR’S MESSAGE FOR THE ARAW NG BIÑAN

By Mayor Walfredo “Arman” Reyes Dimaguila Jr.

T

HIS year, as we celebrate Araw ng Biñan with the theme “Buhay ang Nakaraan, Sumasalubong sa Hinaharap,” we will highlight the historical milestones of this city: the 7th Cityhood Anniversary, the 72nd Liberation Day from the Japanese Imperial Forces, and the Foundation Day Commemoration. It will be celebrated in style with a wide array of cultural entertainments and presentations to enrich our knowledge more in the history of Biñan.

The American author Ernest Vincent Wright said: “A city is not an array of buildings, parks, and fountains. A city is a living thing. It is actually human, for it is a group of humanity growing up in daily contact.”

As we strive harder to give public the best, let us all look back on some of Biñan’s accomplishments since July 2016: Installation of twelve (12) Mobile Police Substations strategically located in the entry and exit points in the city. These stations have addressed various incidents in a timely manner and helped the city in its peace and order programs. These are manned by police officers and trained city marshals; Procurement of fire trucks, mobile patrols, Enduro motor cycles to complement the operation of Biñan Police and Biñan Fire; Purchase of garbage trucks to address the garbage collection problem in the city; Renovation and repair of our community hospital, Ospital ng Biñan, and improve its services to the public; Completion of Biñan City Command Control and Communication Center. The center will be the Biñan’s 24/7 action center;

Completion of Biñan People’s Center to cater cultural activities and gatherings in the city; Completion of Birthing Home in Barangay San Antonio; Conduct of OplanSalikop (Operation: Lockdown) which addresses the rampant drug related incidents in the city; and Implementation of 2016 Biñan Revised Revenue Code.

According to Jack Lew, who served as US Secretary of the Treasury and White House Chief of Staff under the Obama administration, “There’s no higher calling in terms of a career than public service, which is a chance to make a difference in people’s lives and improve the world.” We can still accomplish so much for Biñan. A lot of programs are in placed because we are committed to make living in Biñan better, safer, and healthier. The greatest good must necessarily come from the combined efforts of many in dedicated service to mankind.

Here in our city, there is a collaborative effort with the public as we share a common goal to succeed, because we believe that “Sa Lungsod ng Biñan, Mamamayan ay Maaasahan!”

The Binan Folkloric Dance Troupe performs during the 72nd Liberation Day celebration at the Binan MultiPurpose Hall.

The champion and first runner up teams of the “Liberation of Binan Dula-Sayawit” contest perform at the Biñan Multi-Purpose Hall.

Rep. Len Alonte-Naguiat (center) and Mayor Arman Dimaguila discuss the Veteran’s Memorial tribute with other city officials.

Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza (fourth from left), the guest of honor, hands a plaque to one of Binan’s World War II veterans as city officials led by Mayor Arman Dimaguila and Rep. Len Alonte-Naguiat look on.

LGUs

B

IÑAN City has unveiled its new modern command center, which will boost its crime-fighting capability and provide a more efficient emergency response.

The city government, under the leadership of Mayor Walfredo “Arman” Reyes Dimaguila Jr., poured in nearly P6 million to acquire and install state-of-the-art equipment and technologies for the new Biñan City Command Control and Communication Center, which is already fully operational.

Mayor Dimaguila said the command center will improve not only the city’s crime watch and prevention mechanisms, but also its response capabilities during disaster and other emergency situations.

He said it will also enhance the city’s vehicular traffic monitoring.

“The center will act as a central monitoring hub for the integration, management, and monitoring of emergency services and traffic system,” Dimaguila said.

“We are very keen in monitoring so that we can immediately dispatch personnel in the area in cases of emergency. This is also part of our plan to fight criminality and mitigate traffic in Biñan,” he added.

Erected in a 400-square-meter space in front of Biñan City Hall, the two-storey building of the command center is equipped with high-end networking and communication equipment, cutting-edge surveillance camera system, and an integrated video wall.

The facility, which is the first among the cities and municipalities in the south of Manila, also boasts of advanced automatic telephone switching and radio equipment.

Mayor Dimaguila said about 96 security cameras were recently installed all over Biñan, which will operate round-theclock as part of the city’s new monitoring system.

He said these cameras will provide the city government with real-time data on traffic, crime, and emergency situations.

The mayor added that 12 emergency mobile substations manned by policemen and duty officers of the Public Order and Safety Office were also placed at strategic locations in barangays Canlalay, Dela Paz, San Francisco, San Antonio, Platero, Malaban, Casile, Soro-Soro, Mamplasan, Santo Tomas, Langkiwa, and Timbao, to boost monitoring of the city and coordinating responses to incidents.

Mayor Dimaguila said each substation has its own patrol vehicle, mini fire truck and motorcycle, as well as communication equipment and dispatch application system linked to the center.

The city government will also activate its own emergency hotline to enable its residents to immediately seek help for any emergencies.

Mayor Dimaguila said residents will only have to dial one number, and their calls will be directed to the city’s command control and communication

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

C3

Biñan City opens its own

HIGH-TECH COMMAND CENTER

Mayor Arman Dimaguila inspects the façade of the new Binan City Command, Control and Communication Center ahead of its blessing and inauguration.

center, where operators are on duty 24/7.

Mayor Dimaguila noted that the activation of the hotline will complete the full roll-out of the city’s emergency services capability upgrade.

The mayor said it is their aim to respond to an emergency within three minutes.

“We will continue to improve and integrate our command and control systems so that we can build a consolidated situation picture and help our ground and frontline officers when they are sent to the scene, to respond more quickly, precisely and effectively,” said Dimaguila.

“We are doing this because primarily we want our residents to live in a safe, secure, and comfortable environment,” he added.

The Biñan City Command Control and Communication Center is managed by POSO officials and will be composed of law and traffic enforcers as well as emergency and disaster unit personnel.

Angela Lopez de Leon

Mayor Arman Dimaguila, Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte, and Rep. Len Alonte-Naguiat cut the ceremonial ribbon as the Binan City People’s Center, which also houses the Binan City Auditorium on its third floor, is blessed and inaugurated.

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

LGUs

The Servi Dei Vocal Ensemble proudly displays their trophy for winning in the Binan Chorale Festival.

The Young Christian Choir, first runner up.

Mayor Arman Dimaguila shares lunch with volunteers, boodle-fight style, after the Brigada Binan city cleanup activity.

Nereo Joaquin Choir, second runner up.

The History, Facts and Figures of Binan T

HE City of Biñan is the newest component city in the province of Laguna, Philippines. Accessible from Metro Manila via the South Luzon Expressway, Biñan has become both a suburban residential community of Metro Manila and a location for some of the Philippines’ largest industrial estates and export processing zones. became part of Sta Rosa. In 1771, during the time of Pablo Faustino, Binan was finally established as a separate town from Sta Rosa.

The church of Binan had no immediate parochial priest and as a result, the priest of Cabuyao led the mass. Augustinian priests took control of the church of Binan until 1637 when Dominican priests took over.

In 1757, the first appointed parochial priest History Binan, according to historical litera- of Binan was Dr. Jose Monroy. In the same ture, was discovered and established by year, Dr. Jose Monroy appointed Antonio de the Spaniards in June 1571, a month after Sta Rosa as the first Kapitan.

Miguel Lopez De Legaspi founded Manila.

Under the leadership of Juan de Sal- How Biñan got its name cedo, Legaspi’s nephew, about 45 SpanAnecdotes about the name Binan had iards sailed and landed on the towns of originated from the name of a big tree called Taytay and Cainta in the province of Mo- Banyan or Banian (Ficus Bengalensus; Urrong (now known as Rizal). Armed with tika Crae). Since the tree was unusual to small cannons and other weapons, the the place and people had not heard of it, it Spaniards conquered the people of Mo- was then disregarded. In Greece, “Banyan” rong. They then sailed Laguna De Bay means trader or “Mercader,” which then and peacefully invaded one by one the changed to Binan. places along the shores of the lake.

Others believe that Biñan came from the They proceeded to Pinagsangahan (now word “Binyagan” which means baptized Pagsanjan) then to Nagcarlan and ended or baptismal place. During the Spanish in Majayjay. From these three towns, the Era, the town was named Parochia de San Spaniards return to the lake and landed on Isidro de Biñan, which is now the emblem the biggest town they named Bahi, Bae, or of the church.

Bay. The town of Bahi became the first capital town in 1688.

Other notable Binan facts: • Shaped like a number 7, Binan’s total The Spaniards sailed once again from Bahi going Northwest and landed on land area is 43.5 square kilometers and is a wide town they named Tabuco (now the second city or town in Laguna if you’re Cabuyao). After Cabuyao was founded, coming from Manila. It is bounded by San Kapitan Salcedo and his men continued Pedro City in the north, Santa Rosa City in sailing but were driven by strong winds the south, the town of Carmona in Cavite in to the mouth of the wide river and ended the west and Laguna de Bay to the east.

• Binan’s population as of the 2015 census between residential houses.

Some of the residents on the left of the is 333,028, making it the fourth-most-popriver exerted resistance and fought against ulous city or municipality in Laguna after the colonizers using bows and arrows, and Calamba, San Pedro and Santa Rosa.

• Binan has 24 barangays, all classified bolos and swords. The residents later conceded and the place was named Manlalaban as urban, with Barangay San Francisco the largest in terms of land area and Barangay (now Brgy. Malaban).

The Spaniards resumed sailing the river Casile the smallest.

• Spanish Captain Juan de Salcedo disuntil they reached the center of the area.

Kapitan Salcedo, accompanied by Father covered and founded Biñan in June 1571, Alonzo Alvarado, explained to the people one month after Miguel López de Legazthat their purpose was not to conquer and pi established Manila, when he explored invade but to spread friendship and help Laguna de Bay, the largest freshwater the people. The people consented, and Fa- lake in the Philippines and second-largther Alvarado planted a big wooden cross est in Asia.

• Binan as its own town emerged in 1688 on the ground and announced the birth when the seat of the provincial government of a new church. of the Provincia de la Laguna de Bay was Father Alvarado moved from Bay to Pagsanjan, separating it invited the people from Tabuco (now the city of Cabuyao).

• Binan became a city in 2010 through Reto thank God and know Jesus Christ public Act 9740, which was ratified by its by showing respect residents in a plebiscite on February 2, 2010 to the wooden cross under the leadership of then-Mayor Marlyn through the means “Len” B. Alonte-Naguiat, now the city’s Representative in Congress. of giving a bow.

• Binan gained its own congressional disThe following day, Kapitan Sal- trict on March 27, 2015 when then-President cedo and Father Benigno Aquino III signed into law RepubAlvarado suc- lic Act 10658, separating the city from the cessfully built a first district of Laguna. government at • The city is known for “Puto Binan,” Cabuyao near the a pancake made from rice f lour topped capital town Bay. with cheese or butter. Residents say the The appointed best makers of Puto Binan are in Baranleaders of certain gay San Vicente. areas were named • Binan’s Barangays Dela Paz and Ma“cebecillas,” which laban host several skilled shoemakers later became and slipper manufacturers, and Baranknown as Cabezas gay Platero has well-known “sombrero” de Barangay. or hat makers.

In 1769, when the • Despite its cityhood, Binan still has town of Pagsan- about 220 rice farmers, 240 vegetable farmjan was the capital, ers, and about 25,000 fishermen, who take Binan was sepa- their produce every week to the public marrated from Bay and ket in front of Plaza Rizal.

Before it was converted into a city, Biñan was the richest municipality in the Philippines with an annual gross income of P677 million and net income of P250 million, as of 2007 by the Commission on Audit. According to the latest census, it has a population of 262,735 in 42,307 households.

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

TRAVEL AND LEISURE

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OFF-ROAD. Take the off the beaten path near the foot of Mayon Volcano riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

CAGSAWA FESTIVAL:

AN ERUPTION of culture and adventure

M

AYON Volcano’s eruption on Feb. 1, 1814 was the most destructive, killing over 1,200 persons and leveling the poblacion of Cagsawa, then a town in the town in Albay province.

The Cagsawa Ruins, where only the church belfry stands, is what remains of the Spanish-era town whose population relocated to higher and safer grounds in a place now known as Daraga in which Cagsawa remains as a barangay.

Since then, the perfect-coned volcano would erupt every decade or so, though of smaller magnitude.

Joey Salceda, then governor of Albay, now a congressman representing the second district of Albay in which Daraga is part of, launched a cultural festival in 2012 to mark the 198th anniversary of the tragedy.

Called Cagsawa Festival, the event puts to the fore Daraga’s history, heritage and everything in between in a month-long province-wide observance.

The festivity showcases a wide array of entertainment shows, musical tilts, sports tournaments, socio-civic activities, pageants, culinary activities, and

First Colonial Grill’s famous Sili Ice Cream

Cagsawa Trail Run is one of Cagsawa Festival’s extreme sports events

special interest events.

The town is at the core of Albay’s culinary tourism program with the presence of home-grown restaurants, like Balay Cena Una, Alvi’s Café, Balay Bicol, Casa Lorenzo Food and Culture, and First Colonial Grill. The latter is home of sili ice cream, an award winning trademark Bicol dessert.

Salceda, a resident of Daraga, said this year’s festival highlights the rapid urbanization of the first-class municipality while it aspires for cityhood.

Now on its sixth year, the main attraction in the celebration is the cultural presentation and street dance competition on Feb. 21 participated in by contingents from the town’s various barangays and nearby municipalities.

The cultural event depicts the events surrounding the 1814 eruption.

Bicol region’s iconic image and top tourist attraction, the Cagsawa Ruins was declared by the National Museum in 2016 as a National Cultural Treasure (NCT), the country’s highest

Street dance performance during Cagsawa Festival

designation for a cultural property.

Two noteworthy extreme sports events will also be held and these are the Endurocross and the Trail Run, a motorcycle race and half marathon, which cut through Mayon’s rugged and

challenging lava trail where the old Cagsawa village used to stand.

Another exciting adventure around the area is driving the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on the beaten path near the foot of Mayon.

Tourism group fetes top events, personalities

Top: La Union province’s La Union Surfing Break was awarded ‘Best Tourism for Sports, Adventure and Wellness.

Bottom: Balay Negrense is one of Silay City, Negros Occidental’s famous heritage houses.

THE country’s booming tourism industry took center stage as the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP) feted the top tourism events and personalities in the DOT-ATOP Pearl Awards as part of its recent 17th National Convention at the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga.

A collaboration between the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board and ATOP— the national group of local tourism officers—the prestigious award seeks to encourage excellence in promoting the culture of tourism in provincial, city and municipal levels.

Awarded “Best Tourism Events for Sports, Adventure and Wellness” were La Union Surfing Break of La Union, the 16th National Scout Jamboree of Tagum City, Davao del Norte, and the Dolphin Watching and Bird Watching of Pulupandan, Negros Occidental.

In the Festival Category, Panaad Festival of Negros Occidental, Ibong Dayo of Balanga City and the “Kneeling Carabao Festival” of Pulilan, Bulacan, garnered top honors.

Negros Occidental, Sagay City (Negros Occidental) and Mogpog, Marinduque were named for the “Best Tourism Month/Week Celebrations.”

The province of Negros Occidental, the City of Tagum, and the Municipality of Palompon (Leyte), emerged as the “Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Units.”

Voted as “Best Tourism Campaigns” were the Cave Conservation Program of Compostela Valley, and Kamustahang Turismo sa mga Barangay of Tabuk City (Kalinga). Moreover, Angeles City and Silay City (Negros Occidental) were cited for their heritage conservation projects which have preserved historic ancestral structures.

Palina Greenbelt Ecopark of Roxas City (Capiz) received a citation for “Best Practices in Community-Based Responsible Tourism.”

Named “Most Outstanding Tourism Officers” were Irene Magallon of Sta. Barbara (Iloilo), Arlene Ethel Odiem of Tabuk City, and Gilbert Marin of Iloilo Province, while Iloilo Tourism Officers Association (ITOA) was cited “Most Outstanding Tourism Officers Organization.”

The association also elected the new set of national officers led by Minda Vargas-Regis, provincial tourism head Lanao Del Norte, who will serve from 2017-2019. They were sworn to office by former President and now Pampanga Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

ATOP National President Alphonsus Tesoro said the three-day meet bore the theme “Tourism for All: Promoting Universal Accessibility” based on the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s thrust of providing accessibility for all to tourist facilities, products, and opportunities especially to persons with disability (PWDs).

Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, was the keynote speaker of the event and talked on the “Legislative Programs and Agenda on Philippine Tourism.”

Other resource speakers included International School for Sustainable Tourism President Mina Gabor, Biodiversity Management Bureau Director Theresa Mundita Lim, and Amarela Resort President Lucas Nunag.

The delegates also toured Pampanga’s farm tourism spots, eco-tourism sites, museums, heritage spots, adventure parks, native crafts, tourism-related enterprises, and signature restaurants.

Hosting the community immersion were the local government units of Apalit, Arayat, Bacolor, Candaba, Guagua, Lubao, Macabebe, Magalang, Masantol, Mexico, Minalin, Porac, San Luis, San Simon, Sasmuan, Sta. Ana, Sta. Rita, Sto. Tomas and the cities of San Fernando, Mabalacat and Angeles.

Life

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

My weekend in New England The Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut possesses a ‘Middle Ages look’

MERCURY RISING

BY BOB ZOZOBRADO

I

T WAS not only because of Barry Manilow’s hit song that I decided to visit this part of the USA. The past decades, I have been fascinated by my friends’ stories of how they marveled at the region’s natural beauty and in everything else that it has to offer.

New England is the name given to the area in the northeastern corner of continental US composed of the states of Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and Connecticut. Each of these states has something that merited a closer look, thus my decision to spend a good part of the week on a tour of these places.

Vermont, which is also known as The Green Mountain State, its literal translation, is where my favorite ice cream, Ben and Jerry’s, is made. A 30-minute Tour of its factory in Burlington reveals the beautiful story of how this global enterprise started.

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield were childhood friends who, after college, decided to enroll in a correspondence course on Ice Cream-Making. With $12000, mostly borrowed, as start-up capital, they converted an old gas station into an ice cream parlor.

Ben suffers from an illness that has robbed him of his sense of smell and taste, so he relies only on the food’s texture, for him to appreciate what he’s eating. This led to the trademark chunks found in each flavor, giving the brand a distinct advantage over its competitors.

After the Factory Tour, you can imagine how many pounds I gained!

The state of Rhode Island is popularly known as the “home” of yacht races, especially the world-famous America’s Cup, and is the Summer Capital of New England. I was surprised that there were very few people in Downtown Newport, which is probably why it is very clean and orderly. The city is where we find the mansions of the rich and famous. One such mansion that I took time out to visit was The Breakers, owned by, probably America’s richest family, the Vanderbilts.

The five-story, 70-room mansion of Cornelius Vanderbilt is fireproof and uses only concrete, marble, steel trusses, and no wood at all. It sits on top of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and got its name from the rush of waves that constantly crash on the rocks below. Its present owner, The Preservation Society of Newport has seen to it that the mansion’s opulence, shown through the lavish multimillion-dollar furnishings, is kept intact, for its halfa-million annual visitors to marvel at.

New Hampshire is known as the Live Free Or Die State. At first, I found this

Quaint shops in Downtown Newport

tag quite threatening, until I visited the state and realized how such tag came about. Although it is part of a quote from General John Stark, a famous soldier in the American Revolutionary War, it could have been precipitated

by Patrick Henry’s famous speech to the Virginia Legislature, which ended with, “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

The state is a favorite of adventure seekers as it has a wide expanse of wilderness, The White Mountains and Mount Washington are choice destinations for hikers, mountain climbers and skiers. Not being into any of these, I didn’t stay long, and proceeded to my next stop.

When people talk about Massachusetts, more often than not, they talk

about Boston, its capital, and the largest city among all the New England states. This particular visit made me discover a lot about this historical city.

I enjoyed walking along the Freedom Trail, a 4-kilometer path marked on the sidewalk with red bricks, going through 16 different historical locations in the downtown area, each one identified by an implanted marker on the sidewalk.

The interesting landmarks include Paul Revere’s House and the site of the Boston Tea Party.

An impressive structure in the downtown area is the imposing Massachusetts State House where the Office of the Governor and the state’s legislature are located. The building has a very attractive golden dome, which can be seen from almost any part of the city, shimmering through the clear blue sky.

Another impressive destination in as a college for Theology and Sacred the city is Quincy Market, steep in his- Languages. Located in New Haven, tory, but a mecca for the “blackbelters” the university prides itself with havin shopping. Any time of the day, the ing graduated five U.S. Presidents, 19 place is buzzing with activity, with hun- Supreme Court Justices, hundreds of dreds of customers walking through its Congressmen and diplomats, 52 Norectangular structure, hobbling towards bel Laureates and 20 billionaires. Its every direction Law School was carrying bags where Hillary of merchandise.

Rodham met YOUR SATURDAY Naturally, I was Bill Clinton, her one of those, classmate.

CHUCKLE because the barI like the A HUSBAND’S CONFESSION: When gains were just Gothic archimy wife starts to sing, I always go too hard to resist. tecture of the out and do some garden work so The easternmain campus our neighbors can see there’s no most state in the in downtown domestic violence going on. continental US New Haven. It is Maine, which has stone carvmeans it is the ings on its walls first to see America’s sunrise. Going depicting various personalities, like over the brochure, I saw that the state an athlete, a writer, etc. adding more is known for its giant-sized lobsters and character to the entire structure. And king crabs, and that people go crazy I learned that the architect deliberately over how inexpensive seafood is in this splashed acid on the walls to give the state, which, in fact, is a big factor in its buildings and the fortress-like stone tourism campaign. towers that “Middle Ages look.”

It is also the home state of celebrated My New England sojourn was indeed poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a most fulfilling endeavor. A swing he of the “Song Of Hiawatha” and “A over the northeastern corner of the conPsalm Of Life” fame. But his house is tinental U.S. gave me a filling dose of in another city, not in Augusta, the capi- the varied delights that America has to tal, which meant additional travel time, offer. There were many other attracif I had to visit it, plus, I’m allergic to tions I wanted to visit but time, rather, shellfish, so I decided to bypass Maine the lack of it prevented me from doing this time. so. Nevertheless, I was happy having The southernmost state of New Eng- visited these impressive destinations. land is Connecticut, which forms the Now, I can picture what Barry Manilow Tri-State Area with New York and New meant when he sang: Jersey. It is also known as the Constitu“Time in New England tion State because many provisions of Took me away the United States Constitution were deTo long rocky beaches... rived from the state’s own Constitution. …When will I hold you again?”

What got me interested in Connecticut is Yale University, the Ivy League For feedback, I’m at research university, which started out bobzozobrado@gmail.com

Surigao del Sur’s Surf, Sea and Spring EMBRACED by the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine archipelago is a surfing haven. Depending on the season, both seaboards offer exhilarating rides on the ocean waves.

Lanuza town in Surigao del Sur is one of the less heralded surf sites on the Pacific side, which can spring up a pleasant surprise to surfers in the hunt for new water playgrounds.

Lanuza Surfing Festival was born more than a decade ago when the municipal government decided to bring the spotlight to its challenging surfs, as well as its tourism assets.

According to Lanuza Mayor Salvacion Azarcon, the sporting event aims to position Doot Poktoy, the town’s surf site, as the surfing paradise of mainland Caraga region.

She said that the tourney is an avenue to promote the town’s natural and cultural attractions such as Magkawas Falls, Campamento Cave, Silop Cold Spring and the Herrera Ancestral House, which make Lanuza a consummate eco-tourism getaway.

Spicing up the sporting event are musical nights which starred big names in the entertainment world such as Abra, Akihiro Blanco, Nikki Gonzalez of Girl

Trend, Nairud sa Wabad, and Apekz.

There were also evening parties led

by DJ Buddha and DJ Inan Ratilla of Surigao City, which rocked the sleepy coastal town till the wee hours of the morning.

For a dash of pomp and pageantry, the festival also named Marla Alforque of Mandaue City as the ambassadress of goodwill and tourism in the search for Miss Surfing Lanuza.

In the main event, homegrown veteran wave rider Nexyol Ruina topped the Longboard Men’s Open, with La Union’s Jay-R Esquivel, Jefferson Basquina de la Torre and Allan Bunani winning runners-up honors.

Perennial winner Piso Alcala of Siargao topped the Men’s Shortboard for the third consecutive year, as fellow Siargaonon champ John Mark Tokong captured second place.

Meanwhile, Urbiztondo surfers Carlito Nogalo, and Esquivel settled for runners-up honors.

Siargao lady waveriders Nilbie Blancada dominated the Women’s Shortboard category, with Ana Mae Alipayo, Manette Alcala and Susan Escamillia rounding up the winning circle.

Daisy Valdez of La Union emerged champ of the Wahine class, edging Ikit Agudo, Alcala and Blancada of Siargao.

It was a shutout in the Grommet or the under-16 Division, as Siargao bagged all the awards with Gabriel Antipasado as champ, and John Jabi Noguerra, Benjomar Cañon and Benladen Arjona as runners-up.

Now on its 14th year, the surfing fest also included an agri-aqua trade fair, coastal cleanups, a street dancing tilt, and surfing clinics.

Seasoned surfer Nexyol Ruina rides the waves of Doot Poktoy during the Lanuza Surfing Festival, where he emerged champion in Longboard Men’s Open.

Silop Spring in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur

The event is supported by the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, the Department of Tourism-Caraga Region, the Congressional Office of the Second District, and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

Waiting for Cesar Montano to air his side on son’s tirade Ogie Alcasid, AiAi delas Alas and Erik Santos join forces in staging a concert for lovers, singles, and those who are still mending a broken heart

Valentine’s Day is all about love

... even if it is about falling out of love

A

I AI DELAS Alas, Ogie Alcasid and Erik Santos join forces for the first time in a musical journey that will make you feel the love, the pain and at the same time, see the fun side of falling out of love, in a show entitled #HugotPlaylist.

A concert with songs that kept us company during the heartbreaks as the soundtrack of our pains.

Find out how AlAi, Ogie and Erik, together with special guest Solenn Heusaff reminisce on their past loves, and how humor has made it easier to let go, move on and fall in love again. #HugotPlaylist is your playlist.

Another exciting twist in #HugotPlaylist is the organizers are raffling

off a 60” TV. This heart-wrenching yet laugh-out-loud concert is happening on Feb. 14, 8 p.m. at the Kia Theater.

A lucky concertgoer can win the TV set.

Presented by PLDT HOME and Produced by ATEAM (ALCASID Total Entertainment & Management Inc.), #HugotPlaylist is also sponsored by HMR, McDonald’s, RYU Ramen, Jet 7 Bistro and Dakki, with Media Partners My Inquirer and 105.1 Crossover Tickets are at P5,500 for VIP 1, P4,500 for VIP 2, P3,000 Orchestra1, P2,000 for Orchestra Loge, P1,800 for VIP Loge and Orchestra 2, and P1,500 for Balcony.

Tickets are available through DSL Productions 0918-563-3781 or Ticketnet.ph with number 911-5555. For other inquiries, you may contact Kirsty@ateam.ph or through mobile number 0906.287.8049.

For updates, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at facebook.com/starmusicph, Twitter.com/starmusicph and Instagram.com/Starmusicph.

BoybandPH spreads ‘Unli-Kilig’ in debut album AFTER winning last year’s Pinoy Boyband Superstar, Ford Valencia, Joao Constancia, Niel Murillo, Russell Reyes, and Tristan Ramirez of BoybandPH continue their musical journey and prove they have what it takes to be called the country’s first ultimate boyband.

The music scene’s newest singing heartthrobs have finally released their highly anticipated self- titled first album - a collection of love songs that fans heard for the first time in two-sold out grand album launch events last week.

“It’s overwhelming and surreal. We didn’t expect to release an album so soon, just a month after the competition. Now, we have all these shows where we get to bond with our fans and we’re enjoying it so far,” said Russell.

“I still can’t believe we’re here, I’m ‘trying to wrap my head around it.

We promise not to disappoint the fans, because we’re definitely having the time of our lives,” said Joao about their sold- out shows.

Their debut album includes their catchy single, “Unli,” which has been topping radio charts since its release. The song, whose music video features singer-actress Janella Salvador, can now be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music.

Other tracks include a cover of Depeche Mode’s “Somebody”, and originals “Boyfriend,” “Magmamahal,” their winning song “We Made It,” and the acoustic version of “Boyfriend.” Having performed the songs in their album launch, the boys said they are encouraged by the positive feedback posted by their fans about their songs.

“Our fans matter a lot to us, because they have been supportive of all of us since the beginning. We had the most amazing time recording the album, and we’re happy to have finally shared it with them,” Ford said.

“We dedicate this to our families, friends, and especially to our fans and supporters. Our dreams have come true, but this is just the beginning. There’s more to watch out for,” shared Tristan. Moreover, the boys also said they have gotten better and better at performing as a group.

Niel, the group’s youngest, said, “We’ve learned so much from Pinoy Boyband Superstar. I gained confidence, we all did. We became more comfortable with our voice and now we’re moving as one.

BoybandPH is overall produced by Jonathan Manalo, Kidwolf, and Kiko Salazar under Star Music. It is now available at all record stores nationwide.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, February 11, 2017

ACROSS 1 Actress Grant 5 “People” person 10 Territory, so to speak 14 Chestnut or bay 15 On Mom’s side 16 Spoken 17 Razor brand 18 Nouveau — 19 “Minimum” amount 20 Suspensions 22 Fell short 24 Fabric meas.

25 Brick baker 26 Tabloids “monster” 29 Acrophobe’s dread 33 Raise spirits 34 Masseuse employers 36 Hurricane center 37 Thicken 38 — a prayer 39 Tavern fare 40 U2 producer 41 Late spring flower 42 Told all 44 Popular flavoring 47 “— Rides Again” 48 Burrito morsel 49 Museum contents

50 More risky 53 Small rodent 58 Bronze and Iron 59 Aleut language 61 Guide 62 Fashion of the times 63 Fidgety 64 Botanist’s wings 65 Veep’s boss 66 Hitched, as oxen 67 Gull cousin DOWN 1 Bric-a- — 2 — -Rooter 3 Tarzan’s title 4 Wall Street worker 5 Cherry-red 6 Novelist — Bagnold 7 Resins 8 Afr. nation 9 Best burger?

10 Pulling along behind 11 Mountains or river 12 Frenzy 13 Made a fast exit 21 Comics pooch 23 MacGraw of the movies 25 Mongol rulers 26 Desert near Sinai 27 Ms. Verdugo

28 Drawing room 30 Genuine warmth 31 Mary — Moore 32 Like pomegranates 34 Sandwich wrapper 35 Air-pump meas.

38 Mirth 42 Road shoulder 43 Elaine, Lily Maid of — 45 Wading birds 46 Unisex name 47 Moved like a

minnow 50 Muggy 51 Borodin prince 52 Yield territory 53 Douse a donut 54 Seine tributary 55 River in the Congo 56 German industrial region 57 Shangri-la 60 Opposite of “paleo”

AS OF press time, our friend Cesar Montano has yet to issue an official statement or reply to his son Diego’s laments or more aptly, tirades against him on social media.

Several issues were raised by his teen actor son who even called his own father “duwag” (coward), hypocrite and liar. Among these issues included Cesar’s broken promises to Diego, the time when Diego was asked to leave the place he was living, and even the item on DNA, short of a shout out to the world that Montano doubts his being Diego’s father.

But, the most disturbing item Diego cried out was his father’s accusation of him being a drug addict. The teen actor even stated that he had already undergone five drug tests to disprove his father’s allegation. All tests were negative.

Diego went on with his tirades as he used some cryptic messages that even talked about “tokhang’’ and related drug arrest and even his death,’ his father, he says, has the connection and powers.

Very disturbing indeed, isn’t it? ***** Talking about being disturbing, did we, as well as many others, take Kris Aquino’s text to the President seriously?

We are talking about Kris’s reportedly text message to President Rodrigo Duterte on her plea not to send his brother, former President Noynoy Aquino, to jail.

Since the news broke out about, survivors of the slain SAF (Special Action Force) members are still crying for justice. With the President’s recent admission that he’d just wait for the outcome of the cases filed with the Ombudsman, his supporters are getting disturbed.

Followers and supporters of the former President believe Noynoy has got nothing to do with the death of the SAF members.

Kris was the very first to react and her move could be described as ridiculous if not stupid at all.

This Kris could not really differentiate the reality from fantasy, as she seems to still be living under magic spells, feng shui and the wonders of the stars and the moon.

She really feels their clan is among the chosen ones and can simply evade even the simplest form of “karma.”

Why can she not she just let the wheels of justice take its course for those that ask for truth and peace?

Daaahhhh! ***** There is a new show which Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes will be hosting.

It is called Case Solved and it simply talks about court cases that are now solved or have been declared by the highest court with “absolute resolution.”

“But the dramatization makes it a bit exciting. The show’s goal is to be able to impart the legal impediments and remedies and for our audience to understand that there is still hope with our legal system in this country,” was why Dingdong accepted the offer.

Dingdong admitted to be in the process of re-inventing himself as an actor or media practitioner. He is grateful to his network GMA 7, “because they always give me noteworthy projects. Masaya ako dahil lahat binabagay sa akin at sa estado ko ngayon bilang isang family man.”

Case Solved will begin airing on Feb. 18, a Saturday, and will be seen after Eat Bulaga.

This once-a-week show promises to feature only real-life cases ranging from non-aggressive to violent circumstances derived from the Philippines’ Supreme Court Reports Annotated (SCRA), PNP, International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), judicial agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ), Supreme Court and Bureau of Corrections.

More than presenting how the crime is committed, it further explains how the crime is solved.

“I am so challenged as an actor and a person, a Filipino in particular, because I believe this kind of show will not only teach all of us to have faith in our legal system, and the government, but also see the realities of life in the manner to which most of us have a say or take. Madami tayong matutunan kung paano tayo dapat mabuhay ng safe, secure at disente sa mga lipunang kinabibilangan natin,” explained Dingdong.

Jean Garcia appears in the weekly drama anthology playing the role of a mother who has children with Microcephaly

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

ISAH V. RED

G

MA News TV’s drama anthology, Wagas, is now moving into its fourth year in the air. Beginning tonight, it will feature three stories that will show the different faces of love.

First to air is an independent filmmaker’s take on a love story between a hearing impaired man and the woman who loves him.

Kapuso stars Rocco Nacino and Kris Bernal play the lead characters with the former playing a deaf-mute who can’t express his feelings vocally to the woman he loves. He is constrained to use an improvised sign language since he has not gone to a deafmute institution to teach him dactylology.

Zig Dulay says this episode will show that true love enables someone to hear even the unspoken words.

Meanwhile, Jean Garcia makes her first appearance in Wagas in the following Saturday (Feb. 18). She portrays the life of a mother who has children with Microcephaly. This birth defect makes the baby’s head smaller compared to babies of the same sex and age. Those who have Microcephaly have hairy body and long arms. They also walk using both hands and feet that they are oftentimes likened to monkeys. Jean’s character has to overcome the challenge of being a parent to not just one, but three kids with this condition. Michael Cardoz directed the episode.

Real-life Kapuso couple Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana cap off the month-long special episodes of Wagas on Feb. 25.

Coinciding with the EDSA Revolution anniversary on the last Saturday of the month is the unique love story that blossomed during Martial Law—that of known activist and journalist Satur Ocampo and freedom fighter Bobbie Malay. At the helm of this episode is Adolf Alix, Jr. Two other directors – Jeffrey Hidalgo and Rember Gelera – make the weekly drama anthology a refreshing break from the overthe-top daily melodramas seen on the other Kapuso channel.

The two, though, did not direct episodes for the anniversary celebration this month, but they as well consider directing, as well as the others, episodes for Wagas, like a laboratory for their independent film projects.

Kris Bernal and Rocco Nacino in an unconventional love story in "Wagas"

Different faces of love in

‘WAGAS’ “It is only in this show that directors are allowed creative freedom,” chorused the five directors.

I am just wondering if GMA Network has no plans of moving it to Channel 7 as it may be able to reaffirm its belief in presenting groundbreaking shows. If not, just put it as a pre-program for Unang Hirit on any day from Monday to Friday. It might spell a difference in early morning programming.

Meanwhil,catch the 4th Anniversary Specials of Wagas on all Saturdays of February, 7 p.m., on GMA News TV.

* ** Smells like Valentine’s Day in Regine Velasquez-Alcasid’s home. And this Saturday, the Songbird will have lunch guests who are double-dating. Yes, they are Mark Herras and Wynwyn Marquez and Rochelle Pangilinan and Arthur Solinap.

The date is budget friendly as the couples partake of home-cooked dishes. Wynwyn and Rochelle will try their hands on the stove as they try to instruct their boyfriends the ABC’s of cooking. It’s going to be a cooking challenge between the Wynwyn-Mark and Rochelle-

Real-life couple Tom Rodriguez and Karla Abellana cap off the month-long special episodes of "Wagas"

From left: "Wagas" directors Zig Dulay, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Rember Gelera, Michael Cardoz, and Adold Alix, Jr. With them are the show's Program Manager Joni Mosatalla and Executive Producer Richelle Pancho-Ramirez

CHRIS EVANS and his ‘Gifted’ niece TV host Ricky Reyes

Arthur tandems.

Who will win the challenge?

Will they be friends later?

Sarap Diva airs Saturday’s before Eat Bulaga. * ** Host, philanthropist and beauty expert Ricky Reyes has more love stories today in The World of Gandang Ricky Reyes (TWGRR).

Thinking of where to spend Valentine’s Day? TWGRR takes you to some restaurants perfect for you and your loved one. And for the more adventurous, the day can be celebrated with family watching the sun set at the Golden Sunset Resort in Calatagan, Batangas.

Prepare to be beautiful before your special date by visiting a beauty doctor.

The Cabinet Spouses Association together with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior Local Gov’t. (DILG), Metro Manila Mayors Spouses Foundation (MMMSF) and PAMET launches Type ng Bayan, a free blood typing program for the marginalized sector.

Try Regold for kinky hairs, SoftWave for dull hair, natural wigs for hair loss and the newest Cryo Hair Treatment in all Gandang Ricky Reyes Salons.

Discover Ricky Reyes Learning Institute (RRLI) with branches in Manila, Cubao, Anonas and Fairview and be your own boss.

Tune in to The World of Gandang Ricky Reyes, 9-10 a.m. today on GMA News TV.

CHRIS Evans plays another kind of hero in the upcoming deeply touching family drama Gifted as a doting uncle to McKenna Grace.

Gifted trails the joyous journey of Frank Adler (Evans) and Mary Adler living peacefully on their own but is interrupted when Frank’s mother, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), discovers that Mary is a prodigy like her mother.

Fighting against his mother for the custody of Mary, Frank is determined to give the child a normal upbringing as opposed to the plans of Evelyn.

Supported with an impressive cast, Gifted also includes Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer and Critics’ Choice Best Actress (Comedy) Jenny Slate directed by Marc Webb who also helmed blockbuster favorites such as 500 Days of Summer, The Amazing Spider-Man, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Gifted opens May 3 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=raYLGfpGxes

Chris Evans and McKenna Grace in a few scenes from the drama "Gifted"