Manila Standard - 2017 April 01 - Saturday

VOL. XXXI • NO. 50 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@thestandard.com.ph

READY FOR THE BIG ONE. Local government units, schools, and public offices nationwide, including Metro Manila, which lies above the active West Valley Fault, participate at 2 p.m. Friday in an earthquake drill as part of efforts to stimulate awareness of the possibility of strong earthquakes. Quezon City Fire Dept. and other government agencies (above/inset) join the country in the simultaneous exercise. (Story on A3) Manny Palmero

Govt, Reds: No truce ’till after peace talks Bello sees skirmishes ahead of The Netherlands gab

By Sandy Araneta

Silvestre Bello III, would not reciprocate.

“Right now, there is no reason to declare a unilatEITHER the government nor the communist rebels will ob- eral ceasefire because our President is more interserve a unilateral ceasefire ahead of the resumption of peace ested in obtaining a bilateral ceasefire agreement,” said Bello, chairman of the government panel talking talks next week, spokesmen on both sides said Friday. peace with the National Democratic Front.

Reacting to Bello’s statement, the chairman The communist rebels had earlier promised peace talks, but changed their minds when the Next page to declare a unilateral ceasefire ahead of the chairman of the government’s chief negotiator,

N

‘Alejano just gearing up for Senate’

THE Integrated Bar of the Philippines on Friday reminded lawyer and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez of the “highest standards of morality, behavior and professionalism” expected of lawyers.

The IBP made the statement even as Malacañang said it would not interfere in the ongoing row between Alvarez and Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr., saying it was their business.

Alvarez and Floreindo are both known allies of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Let’s put it this way. This a personal matter between two men,” presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

“The Palace will allow them

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Macon Ramos-Araneta FISTS STILL CLENCHED. Members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-Metro Manila Region march Friday

along busy Claro M. Recto Avenue in Manila to celebrate what they call the successful CPP Congress while calling on the people to join the New People’s Army. Elsewhere, the government says it will not reciprocate the unilateral truce the communist rebels promised to declare ahead of peace talks next week. Norman Cruz

Duterte slams 2 ‘biased’ media firms is not an attack on press freedom but a reaction to their biased coverage, the Palace said Thursday evening.

“The President’s remarks on PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s tirades against two media companies ABS-CBN... and Philippine Daily

By Sandy Araneta and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Inquirer is a complaint against unfairness and are not attacks against Philippine journalism,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella Next page said in a statement.

UN rights experts urge UAE to save Filipino from death

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Vito Barcelo

By Sandy Araneta

to settle it privately between themselves,” Abella said when asked if the row could impede the progress of the President’s legislative agenda.

The rift became public after Alvarez filed a graft complaint against Floirendo before the Office of the Ombudsman, over what he said was an anomalous contract between his company, Tagum Agricultural Development Co., Inc. and the Bureau of Corrections for land used by his banana plantation inside the Davao Penal Colony.

The quarrel reportedly started over suspicions that Floirendo was leading a plot to oust Alvarez as Speaker and to replace him with former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria MacapaNext page gal Arroyo.

EU reminds PH on rights treaties

By Sandy Araneta MALACAÑANG on Thursday night said the impeachment complaint filed by Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano against President Rodrigo Duterte was lacking in form and substance and that it was part of the congressman’s bid for the Senate in 2019.

“The supplemental impeachment complaint-affidavit filed by Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano against the President is unfounded, lacking both in form and substance,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

“But more seriously, it seems that this is part and parcel of his intention to run for the Senate to replace Next page Senator Trillanes.

IBP steps into Alvarez’s case

ecution of a Filipina convicted of killing her male employer and sentenced to death at the end of A GROUP of UN human rights a trial.

Jennifer Dalquez, 30, was emexperts are calling on the United Arab Emirates to prevent the ex- ployed as a domestic worker in

Abu Dhabi where she says her employer tried to rape her at knife point on Dec. 14, 2014.

Dalquez, a mother of two children, said she fought back and in the ensuing struggle her assailant

was fatally wounded.

At her trial in May 2015, she was convicted of murdering her employer and subsequently sentenced to death, despite her plea of self-defense.

Next page

IN THE face of a blistering, profanity-laced attack from President Rodrigo Duterte, European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen said it was the regional bloc’s moral obligation to raise human rights concerns in the Philippines, saying these cut

across other bilateral concerns such as development and trade.

In a roundtable discussion, Jessen also said that the EU has never forced any countries to do things but reminded the Philippines that, on its own, was one of the signatories of the 27 international treaties and conventions on human rights, labor rights, environment and Next page governance.

Cop positive for drug use; 7 others charged A POLICE officer caught sniffing suspected shabu on Thursday yielded positive for illegal drug use following the results of a laboratory examination, an official said Friday.

The PNP Crime Laboratory in Camp Crame said Supt. Lito Cabamongan, formerly head of the Crime Laboratory-Southern Dis-

trict Satellite Office in Muntinlupa City, was found positive for using illegal drugs, said Aurelio Trampe, director of the Crime Laboratory.

“The initial test yielded positive results. He will be subjected to confirmatory test and the result will be known next week,” Next page Trampe said.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

11 killed, 4 hurt in vehicles’ collision ELEVEN people were killed while four others were injured after a van crashed into the multi-cab they were riding on their way home in Botolan, Zambales, Thursday afternoon, an official said Friday.

Chief Inspector Generico Binan said seven passengers of the multi-cab died on the spot while four others―including a one-year-old girl and a fouryear-old boy―died on arrival at the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in Iba, Zambales.

Binan said the incident happened along the National Highway of Purok 6 in Barrage Carael in Botolan, Zambales, around 2:50 p.m.

The victims were on their way home after receiving their landtransfer certificates in Botolan, Zambales.

Initial investigation showed that the multi-cab, a mobile patrol of Barangay Amungan in Iba, Zambalez, was cruising Purok 6 highway when the white Izuzu van crashed into it after one of its tires blew off and the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Franciso Tuyay

Cop...

From A1

He made his statement even as criminal charges were finally filed against seven policemen from the Manila Police District who allegedly extorted money from a group of illegal vendors on Kalaw Street and at the Rizal Park in Manila.

MPD Chief Joel Coronel identified five of the dismissed officers allegedly involved in the racket as SPO2 Marvin Velasquez, SPO2 Romel Santos Alfaro, PO3 John Gaviola David, PO3 Leo De Jos and PO2 Romeo Rosini Jr. Cabamongan, 50, and alleged drug pusher Nedy Sabdao, 44, were arrested after being caught sniffing shabu in a house inside Everlasting Homes in Barangay Talon IV around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday.

The arrest of Cabamongan prompted PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa to rush to the Las Piñas City Police Station to give him a dressing down.

Trampe said the results of the test will be the basis of any legal action against Cabamongan, the highest police officer nabbed for illegal drug use so far.

Dela Rosa stressed Cabamongan’s arrest clearly showed there were no sacred cows in the PNP’s war on illegal drugs. Francisco

Tuyay and Sandy Araneta

IBP...

From A1 Floirendo has denied being part of any plot.

Other reports said the row started with a fight between Floirendo’s live-in partner, Cathy Binag, and Alvarez’s girlfriend, Jennifer Maliwanag Vicencio.

Floirendo has said he is “ready to face” the graft charges, but called on Alvarez to meet with him to settle the issue “like gentlemen.”

Meanwhile, the minority bloc in the House of Representatives said it is considering filing an ethics complaint against Alvarez, who admitted he had a mistress.

“That is something we in the minority bloc will discuss,” Magdalo partylist Rep. Gary Alejano said.

Alejano, who filed an impeachment complaint against President Duterte, said that Alvarez’s admission gave the House a bad name.

“His forthrightness does not equate to what is right and proper. His actions placed the image of his office and the institution he represents in a bad light which is not a good example or something worthy of emulation, especially

UN...

From A1

A hearing before the Court of Appeals, which was originally scheduled to begin on March 27 was postponed to April 12 because one of the victim’s children did not appear in court.

The UN experts said they had serious concerns over the conviction and death sentence passed on Dalquez because the judicial proceedings did not adequately guarantee a fair trial and due process. If the execution is carried out, it would be tantamount to arbitrary execution, the experts said.

‘PH consumers 2nd best among Asia-Pac nations’

M

ALACAÑANG on Friday welcomed a survey by the Mastercard Well-Being Index showing the Philippines is No. 2 in the consumers’ overall well-being among Asia-Pacific countries.

year’s Philippine gross domestic product is expected to reach 6.5 percent by maintaining domestic demand which includes increasing government expenditures and attracting more foreign direct investments,” Abella said.

Moody’s also reported that the Philippine economy had a very low chance of stagnating, he said.

“Also, today for women for most sectors, indigenous, urban poor, women with disability, women sectoral leaders from 82 provinces and 144 cities and OFW representatives today will be the culminating activity for the President to spend time with ordinary women who have contributed to nation building,” Abella said.

“We welcome the November-December 2016 survey of [the] Mastercard Well-Being Index which showed that the Philippines ranked No. 2 in terms of consumers’ overall wellbeing among countries in the AsiaPacific,” said presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella told reporters.

He said the Philippines got an overall score of 73 on the survey that covered the following: Work

and Finances, Safety from Threats, Personal and Work Satisfaction and Personal Well-Being.

Abella said the Fitch, a global leader in credit ratings and research, had given an investment grade of “BBB-“ or “good credit quality” on the Philippines’ capacity to pay for its financial commitments due to the constant drive of the Duterte administration to

improve the country’s economic growth.

This meant that the Philippines was able to enter a bigger market for debt offerings and international lenders could be confident in offering loans to the Philippines, Abella said.

Fitch also noted the Philippines’ strong economic growth, external creditor position and low debt levels. The Philippines could join the global market without much cost, he said.

Abella also welcomed Moody’s 6.5-percent forecast on the Philippines’ gross domestic product.

“Despite the political noise, the global debt watcher, Moody’s Investors Service, stated that this

Govt,...

why they are showing us they have the strength,” Bello said.

Bello said the government’s refusal to declare a unilateral ceasefire should not be an obstacle to peace, since a bilateral ceasefire will be on the table when peace talks resume April 2.

“I think we should concentrate more on this more important agreement because this is where we will be assured of the lowering or ending of hostilities,” Bello said.

Bello also said there were no conditions for the resumption of the peace talks despite Duterte’s statement that the rebels must stop collecting revolutionary taxes.

“I don’t think that the President has ever imposed that as a condition.

He only mentioned this as a possible term in the bilateral ceasefire agreement,” Bello said.

He also said the release of detained communist rebels was not a condition for the talks to resume.

He said the release of prisoners on both sides could be a confidencebuilding measure or a show of goodwill, but never be a condition for talks to resume.

Bello said he hoped that a bilateral ceasefire agreement can be a product of the fourth round of talks on peace.

“It will be the first item on our agenda. And we have already an exchange of drafts as to the terms and conditions and parameters of the agreement. Issues to be discussed are sensitive ones like the definition of buffer zones, the definition of collection of revolutionary tax. These will be discussed,” he said.

“And then, very important also is that the bilateral ceasefire agreement is the choice of the referee. We were for a while under the impression that our third party facilitator, the Royal Norwegian Government would be willing to be the referee,” he said.

“But I think they are mindful of

what happened in the FARC–Colombia peace process where they volunteered to be the referee. It seems that they had a bad experience so I think they are thinking of other countries who are also interested to be part of the ceasefire agreement. There were some countries already mentioned or are willing and in a position to act as our referee,” he said.

Bello said those mentioned were Switzerland, Canada and Australia, as well as several other countries.

New People’s Army supporters, meanwhile, held a lightning rally in Mendiola, near Malacañang on Friday.

The rally was done just two days after the communist rebels’ armed component marked its 48th founding anniversary on March 29.

Friday’s lightning rally was done in celebration of the “successful Second Congress” of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“The European Union is a union of values. We were born our of a peace process in Europe. We work based on shared values in order to have sustainable peace and development in Europe. That’s the whole purpose of our existence in Europe and we think it’s very valid foundation for our existence,” Jessen said.

He also cited the long history of strong relations between the EU and the Philippines.

“We have a close partnership that has developed for over many, many years. And in that partnership we have a tradition of being frank and open in our discussions...with the Philippines. It is not only us talking about human rights in the Philippines, but you are rightly very concerned about the welfare of your citizens in Europe,” he said.

The EU has been vocal against

Duterte’s anti-drug campaign and the spate of reported killings since he assumed his office in June.

Over the past months, the EU has reminded the Philippines that it is one of the signatories to the 27 international treaties and conventions and that it vowed to comply on human rights, labor rights, environment and governance in turn of a duty-free access among 6,274 eligible products to EU market.

In the last week, Duterte has issued strong statements against the EU. Duterte recently said he would be happy to hang EU officials who opposed his effort to revive the death penalty.

“I will just be happy to hang you.

If I have the preference, I’ll hang all of you,” Duterte had said last Friday in an arrival statement after his visit to Myanmar and Thailand.

“You are putting us down. You are exerting pressure in every country with the death penalty,” he added.

Even before that, the President has been asking the US and the EU

to leave the Philippines alone.

Jessen again denied the President’s statement that the EU had tried to convince him to set up “shabu clinic” where junkies could get their fix in a controlled environment.

He said Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella had talked to him to clarifiy that it was not the EU that Duterte was talking about.

“To suggest that we have, the EU member state to suggest to do something illegally in the drug center is simply not correct,” he added.

The EU was the largest exporting partner of the Philippines in January 2017, with almost $900 million or 17.5 percent of total Philippine exports.

Despite Duterte’s recent attacks, Jessen said that the relationship between the EU and the Philippines remained strong.

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, meanwhile, appealed to the EU to set aside politics and pursue its economic

priorities with the Philippines.

Business issues should not be linked to non-business issues, he added.

Earlier, the European parliamentarians urged the European Commission to “persuade the Philippines to put an end to extrajudicial killings related to the anti-drug campaign, including, in the absence of any substantive improvements in the next few months, procedural steps with a view to the possible removal of GSP + preferences.”

The Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus GSP+ has given the Philippines the privilege to export products to EU-member countries at zero tariff.

“Let us take away non-trade issues,” Lopez said.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said the EU had no moral right to interfere on how the country handles its illegal drug problem.

He noted that many of the EU member-countries allow the use of dangerous drugs. “What do they want, [for us] to be like them?” Sotto said.

of our youth,” Alejano said.

But should Alejano or anybody decides to file a case against the Speaker, IBP president Rosario Setias-Reyes said the organization would accord Alvarez due process.

“In the event that someone should file a complaint against Congressman Alvarez, he will, of course, be granted the full measure of his right to due process but these shall be the same standards against which his actions shall be measured,” the statement read.

The IBP added that lawyers are held to a “higher” standard than most which are enforced by the Supreme Court and the lawyers’ organization.

“The IBP has always and shall always maintain the highest standards of morality, behavior and professionalism among its members,” it said.

Alvarez on Thursday told his critics to “go ahead” with a disbarment case against him, after he admitted having a girlfriend and engaging in extramarital affairs.

He also admitted in a radio interview that he has “many” children out of wedlock.

“Meron po [akong anak sa labas], marami. Pero hindi sa relationship ko ngayon,” Alvarez said.

[I have children out of wedlock, many.

But not with my current partner.]

Alvarez also said he is willing to answer disbarment complaints on account of his extramarital affairs.

“Hindi ko naman pwedeng sabihin na hindi totoo ’yang kwento na ’yan.

Eh di mag-file ng disbarment, sasagutin ko din ’yan,” he said.

[I can’t say these stories aren’t true.

If they file a disbarment complaint, I will answer it.]

He also reiterated that he has long been estranged from his legal wife, Emelita Apostol Alvarez.

Alvarez’s admission of his extramarital affairs puts him at risk of disbarment and even possible disciplinary actions.

A lawmaker and an ally of Alvarez who requested anonymity, criticized Alvarez for his “ungentlemanly remarks.”

“The problem with the Speaker is he thinks between his legs,” the lawmaker said, adding that Alvarez should not have washed his dirty linen in public with his admission.

Gabriela Rep Arlene Brosas said Alvarez’s extramarital affairs and his insinuation that all other lawyers in the country might be disbarred too for such an act was a reckless generalization.

“It casts unnecessary intrigue on the legal profession, which is irrelevant to the main issue that Speaker Alvarez is in,” Brosas said.

Brosas said Alvarez’ flaunting of his extramarital affairs was in bad taste, and an admission of a crime.

“May I remind the Speaker that concubinage and adultery are still crimes in this country,” she said.

Brosas added: “As defender of women’s rights, we express grave concern as to how Speaker Alvarez flaunts his extramarital affairs as something ordinary and acceptable. It reeks of machismo unbecoming of a public servant, more so of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.”

Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin said a public official should exercise his office with the highest standards always in mind.

“Admitting an affair will not make you truthful nor give you an excuse just because everyone is doing it,” Villarin said.

But Alvarez found an ally in Isabela. Rep. Rodolfo Albano, who said he saw nothing wrong with the Speaker having a mistress.

“Speaker Alvarez and his wife are separated already. It is an open secret,” Albano said.

They noted that during the trial, Dalquez was unable to air her defense of self-defense, and that she was sentenced to death solely on the basis of statements provided by family members of the deceased.

“Discriminatory treatment by criminal courts, in particular, of migrant women who are not provided with interpretation services and quality legal aid, leads to disproportionately severe sentences and seems to be a persistent problem in the United Arab Emirates,” the experts noted.

“Migrant women, employed as domestic workers, are an easy target for gender-based violence, including sexual violence, beatings, threats and

psychological abuse, perpetrated with impunity,” they said.

“Governments have a responsibility to prevent such violence, punish the perpetrators and protect migrant and domestic workers from discrimination and abuse,” the experts stressed.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, meanwhile, said at least 5,000 distressed overseas Filipino workers who are currently stranded at various cities in Saudi Arabia will be repatriated this month.

“The government will take advantage of the 90-day amnesty period given by the Saudi government for all undocumented foreign individuals,” Bello said.

“A team composed of senior officials will be flying to Saudi this April to bring home at least 5,000 undocumented and stranded OFWs. This is our top priority. We will do our best to process their travel documents as soon as possible,” Bello said.

Bello directed Undersecretary Dominador Say, who is also the officer-incharge of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, to lead the repatriation mission team in Saudi.

Say said the department will assist the OFWs in processing their travel documents and papers, with three processing centers in Riyadh, Al Khobar, and in Jeddah.

From A1

of the communist National Democratic Front, Fidel Agcaoili, said the rebels would not declare a unilateral ceasefire if the government did not follow suit.

“The revolutionary movement would appear foolish and open to attacks by the AFP and PNP should it declare a unilateral ceasefire while the [government] would not,” he said. “We would still aim for a simultaneous announcement.”

Duterte had earlier scrapped the peace talks after communist rebels terminated their unilateral ceasefire and killed several soldiers.

Bello, however, said the skirmishes are to be expected ahead of the peace talks.

“We are in a negotiation. When you negotiate, you must negotiate from a position of strength. That’s

EU...

From A1

Duterte...

From A1 “The President himself agreed with the adversarial… role of media as [a] check and balance against government abuses and venalities,” said Abella.

“However, it is unfortunate that these two media outfits tend to project the President as a caricature of a berserk strongman over a failed state,” said Abella.

“The President’s statement is a call for media to be more fair and unbiased; after all, nations succeed when all sectors maintain objectivity and fairness as they collaborate in nation building,” Abella added.

After administering the oath of office to the new officers of the Philippine Councilors’ League on Thursday, Duterte lashed out at the two media companies, calling their journalists walang-hiya (shameless) over their stories about him and his administration.

“Alam mo ang Inquirer kahapon, talagang bull s--- ang p----- ina niya, basura talaga ’yan pati ’yung eleksyon na ganyan. The poor will be killed. Tignan mo mag-slant. Ewan ko ba but someday—hindi ko tinatakot but someday ’yung karma dadating ’yan,” Duterte said.

(You know the Inquirer yesterday, it’s really bull s---- those sons of bitches, it’s garbage. Look at the way they slanted [my comments] to say the poor will be killed. I don’t know—and I’m not threatening them, but someday, karma will catch up with them.)

“Talagang mga walang-hiya ang p----inang journalista na ‘yan. Sabihin ko sa inyo talagang walang-hiya pati ‘yung ABS-CBN,” he added.

“Made publicly and without basis whatsover, the President’s allegations against the media constitute verbal abuse—the cheapest form of harassment and intimidations that has brought the highest office to a

Filipino consumers were among the more resilient and satisfied individuals among emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region during the last quarter of 2016, according to the latest MasterCard Well-Being Index, with the Philippines placing second.

According to MasterCard’s Well-Being Index, which covered the November to December period, most emerging market economies in the Asia-Pacific region are still positive towards their overall well-being, with a score of 65.5 in an index of 100, in which the Philippines ranked second (73.0 on the index) behind India (75.0) and with Indonesia placing third (71.4). Sandy Araneta

‘Alejano...

From A1

“The political tactic of filing an incomplete impeachment complaint on the first day of recess of the HoR (House of Representatives), then to ‘supplement’ it on a different day seems geared towards providing media mileage for the proponent,” said Abella.

He insisted that Duterte will defend Philippine interests in his dealings with other nations.

“The President is the chief architect of the nation’s foreign policy and under his leadership, we strive to safeguard the national interest, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Abella said.

“On the issue of Benham Rise, Scarborough Shoal and the disputed features in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines will continuously uphold and assert our rights,” Abella said.

Alejano on Thursday filed a supplemental complaint to his impeachment raps against Duterte after the President supposedly refused to defend the Philippines’ maritime rights against China’s claims.

The impeachment complaint against Duterte was not a hopeless case, even as his allies make up the majority in Congress, Alejano said on Friday.

Alejano said lawmakers dismayed over the leadership of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez could be convinced to support the impeachment.

The complaint needs the signature of one third of the House of Representatives membership before it is transmitted to the Senate.

Congress is on recess and will “We understand it’s a numbers game and we’re working on it. It’s not a hopeless case,” Alejano told dzmm radio. historic low,” the Center for Media Freedom and Respoonsibility said in a statement. “The virulence and viciousness of his language are an abuse of power, a stain on the freedom of our public forum,” the media watchdog added. “The practice is protected by constitutional rights and held responsible under the law for any proven wrongdoing.”

The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines said Duterte’s comments were “unwarranted” and “absolutely twisted.”

“Excuse us, but it’s clear that it’s you, and not them, who is rude. It was a brazen abuse of your immense power as chief executive of this land and only shows how little, if any, appreciation you have of democracy and governance,” the NUJP said.

Liberal Party president Senator Francis Pangilinan on Friday reminded Duterte of the role of the press in a democratic society like the Philippines.

“Our individual freedoms and our democracy are better served by a free and critical press. It is part of our democracy for presidents to be at the receiving end of a critical press,” Pangilinan said in a statement, a day after Duterte hurled invectives at media firms whom he perceived to be unfair in their coverage of his administration.

Pangilinan, a member of the Senate minority bloc, said many presidents before have had their share of squaring off with the press.

“All these presidents have since left Malacañang but the press is still very much around,” he said.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday challenged again President Rodrigo Duterte to just sue him for libel if indeed his allegation that he had more than P2 billion in bank deposits was not true.

“Mr. President, if the media reports based on my allegations weren’t true, then why didn’t you just sue me for libel?” Trillanes said in a text message to reporters.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Earthquake drills held nationwide same time

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION.

President Rodrigo Duterte confers the Youth Entrepreneur Award on Arizza Nocum of KRIS Library and Good Karma Shirts during the awarding ceremony Thursday of the Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs 2017 at the Ruzal Hall in Malacañang.

Presidential Photo

By Joel E. Zurbano VARIOUS government agencies on Friday held simultaneous earthquake drill to prepare the people in the event a big one hit the country, which lies above a Fault System.

The System is a major inter-related system of faults throughout the archipelago primarily caused by tectonic forces compressing the Philippines into what geophysicists call the Philippine Mobile Belt.

The nationwide earthquake drill dubbed “Duck, Cover and Hold” called on all participants to familiarize and practice taking cover as if there was an earthquake and learn the safest places in their work place.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines officials and employees participated in the drill which was started at the sound of alarm at 2 p.m., declaring all participating employees must duck or drop down simultaneously on the floor, take cover under a study desk, table or other furniture and hold on to it until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.

The Metro Manila Development Authority also conducted its own drill started by a siren ordering all personnel to leave the main building along Orense Street in Barangay Guadalupe Nievo, Makati City.

Participants were briefed and given tips on how to protect themselves during an earthquake.

These were: 1) When in a high-rise building, move against an interior wall if you are not near a desk or table. Protect your head and neck with your arms. Do not use elevator.

2) When outdoors, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electrical wires and poles.

3) When on a sidewalk near buildings, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster and other debris.

4) When driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop.

Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside your vehicle until shaking stops.

5) When in a crowded store or other public place, move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.

Do not rush for the exit.

SC upholds Ombudsman’s suspension order vs police

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Supreme Court has overturned a ruling of the Court of Appeals stopping the suspension of a police official implicated in the anomalous purchase of 75 defective rubber boats worth P131.5 million in 2009.

In its decision, the SC’s Third Division upheld the resolution of the Office of the Ombudsman ordering the suspension of Police Senior Supt. Luis Saligumba for six months without pay after he was found guilty of simple neglect of duty on Jan. 9, 2013.

“Wherefore, the petition is ganted. The assailed decision and resolution of the Court of Appeals . . . are reversed and set aside. The Decision of the Ombudsman dated Jan. 9, 2013 is hereby reinstated,” the SC ruled.

“Clearly, [pertinent records] show incomplete deliveries and

deviations from the Napolcomapproved specifications, which make respondent and other IAC members liable for simple neglect of duty,” the SC stressed.

It noted that simple neglect of duty means the failure of an employee or official to give proper attention to a task expected of him or her, signifying a “disregard of a duty resulting from carelessness or indifference.’’

“The respondent and other members of the IAC fell short of the reasonable diligence required of them, for failing to perform the task of inspecting

the deliveries in accordance with the conditions of the procurement documents and rejecting said deliveries in case of deviation,” the SC said.

Since simple neglect of duty is classified as a less grave offense punishable by suspension without pay for one month and one day to six months, thus the imposition of the penalty of six months suspension by the Ombudsman is proper, the high tribunal pointed out.

The appellate court earlier granted the appeal of Saligumba assailing the validity of his suspension by the Ombudsman, prompting the anti-graft body to bring the case before the high court.

The controversy arose when the Philippine National Police bought through negotiated procurement 75 rubber boats and 18 spare engines or outboard motors intended for use by the PNP Maritime Group in its security and disaster operation efforts.

Upon delivery, however, the

PNP Maritime Group through its Technical Inspection Committee on Watercraft discovered various deficiencies in the equipment and that the boats and engines were not functional when fitted together.

Saligumba was part of the PNP Inspection and Acceptance Committee, which was tasked to inspect deliveries, accept or reject deliveries, and render inspection and acceptance report to the head of the procuring agency.

In ruling against Saligumba, the SC sided with the decision of the Ombudsman to hold the police official liable for simple neglect of duty.

“In this case, respondent [Saligumba] evidently neglected to efficiently and effectively discharge his functions and responsibilities.

In his counter-affidavit he even admitted that he did not personally inspect the deliveries since a group of experts and selected personnel knowledgable of rubber boats had conducted the inspection for him,” the SC ruled.

Court allows Justice Cornejo retirement DAR orders coverage THE Supreme Court has approved the retirement of Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Maria Cristina J. Cornejo even if she has not yet reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 due to “permanent disability.”

In an en banc decision, the SC also resolved to grant Cornejo full retirement benefits that will be processed with dispatch.

The high court made the decision after medical records showed that Cornejo had been diagnosed with “acute cerebrovascular disease in bilateral cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres, controlled hypertension, systemic lupus erythematous, pancytopenia, colon cancer stage III s/p left hemicolectomy, and acute kidney injury secondary to poor oral intake.”

Cornejo has been on sick leave since June 13, 2016. She turned 66 years old last March 1 and has been in government service for more than 39 years, the last 30 years of which she had continuously rendered in the judiciary.

Meanwhile, the Judicial and Bar Council has transmitted to President Rodrigo Duterte the short list of nominees to fill the vacancies in the Court of Appeals and Sandiganbayan.

During its session on Friday, the JBC, concurrently chaired by Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, submitted to the President seven nominees as possible successor of Court of Appeals Associate Justice Francisco P. Acosta who will reach his compulsory retirement age tomorrow.

Rey Requejo

CHOICE OVERLOAD. While the National Housing Authority faces some problems with informal

settlers the government says are illegally occupying resettlement areas in Bulacan, an unidentified woman in Makati City is confrontred by an overchoice: which house design to pick out from single, duplex or two-story house designs to serve as interior décor and the primary use of a coin bank. Diana Noche

of reservation area

By Rio N. Araja AFTER 27 years, the Department of Agrarian Reform ordered on Friday the coverage of 3,873 hectares of a reservation area inside the University of Southern Mindanao and Cotabao Foundation College of Science and Technology under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

The order followed Friday’s dialogue with the farmers from the USM and Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association Inc. (Marbai) in the town of Arakan, North Cotabato, and Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao at the Department of Agrarian Reform central office in Quezon City.

Secretary Rafael Mariano assured the farmers the unused portion of agricultural lands previously covered by the USM reservation would be awarded to them.

“DAR stands firm that the thousands of hectares of unused landholding proclaimed for the use of, or titled to the USM of the CFCST, should be awarded to the farmers who are actually and directly cultivating them,” Mariano said.

Farmer-occupants of the property have been engaged in a protracted struggle for land ownership since then President Carlos Garcia allotted some 7,200-hectare land as reservation for the university.

The farmers belonging to

Marbai were targets of several attacks by alleged goons of Lapanday Foods Corp. in December 2016.

They were dispossessed of the 145-hectare banana plantation when about 300 security guards forced them out of the landholdings on Dec. 31.

After the dialogue, Mariano signed a memorandum directing agrarian reform officials to cover the disputed reservation area under the agrarian reform program despite the absence of a deed of transfer from the USM and CFCST. “The lands or some of its portions that are reserved by virtue of presidential proclamation for specific public uses shall be segregated from the reservation and transferred to DAR for distribution under CARP to qualified beneficiaries if the two conditions are present that the lands or portions thereof are suitable for agriculture, and if the same is determined by department, in coordination with concerned government agencies or instrumentalities, as no longer actually, directly and exclusively or necessary for the purpose for which they have been reserved,” DAR said.

On Feb. 9, DAR legal team, led by Mariano, met with the schools’ board of trustees and board of regents to resolve the issue on the immediate distribution of the reservation land to the 2,110 potential farmer beneficiaries.

IN BRIEF Fisherfolk: Demolish fish pens ON THE deadline of the fish pen demolition, the fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) and the environmental alliance Save Laguna Lake Movement urged authorities to hasten the demolition of corporate-owned fish ponds.

They addressed their demands with the Laguna Lake Development Authority and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Friday to hasten the demolition of wide, corporate-owned fish pens in Laguna de Bay to bring back the common fishing ground of small and municipal fisherfolk in Laguna lake.

The government has been dismantling wide fish pens in Laguna de Bay since January this year in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to clear fish pen structures for the utilization of small fisherfolk.

Fish pen operators have been given until March 31 to harvest their fish stocks and to self-demolish their structures.

Fernando Hicap, Pamalakaya chairperson, said in a statement: “We laud the coherence of the DENR to demolish vast tracts of fish pens in Laguna de Bay. Sandy Araneta

Tax fraud deprives poor of services THE tobacco tax fraud has been depriving the poor of vital health services, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. RosellUbial said Friday.

Ubial decried how the Mighty Corp. tax mess resulted in a “mighty health miss” for the nation. She said the company’s refusal to pay the appropriate taxes on these products was tantamount to robbing the indigent sector of Filipino society of resources that were rightfully theirs.

Although the cigarette company had earned staggering amounts of money over the past few years by distributing products that support unhealthy habits, she said Mighty Corp. also hurt the Filipino people by failing to pay the legally prescribed taxes meant to support efforts to promote the health of the least privileged in society.

“It’s really a Double Whammy,” said Ubial.

The Bureau of Customs recently discovered that Mighty used fake excise stamps on cigarette packs, prompting Finance officials to estimate the loss of government revenue amounting to P9.56 billion.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

A4

Opinion

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

Bringing down the House

T

HE embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, Pantaleon Alvarez, deserves our ear, understanding and support.

Mr. Alvarez now finds himself in a tiff with a colleague and friend, Rep. Antonio Floirendo, and seeks a probe into the contract between the latter’s business and the Bureau of Corrections.

Alvarez says that the deal is disadvantageous to the government and must be investigated, pronto.

We agree. This is a congressional move that trumps all others, including pending

legislation like the long-overdue freedom of information bill. It is also more important than all the probes in aid of legislation on the queue.

This Speaker knows his priorities. Using his high position to go after his former friend is most definitely his prerogative. No one should begrudge him that even as all the other pending matters in Congress are at least as deserving of attention as this one.

The Speaker also speaks a truth many would deny.

Alvarez faces an ethics case in Congress and a petition for disbarment for having an extra-marital affair. “Bring it on,” he says.

He challenges all others in a similar situation—there would be no lawyers left in government if all those who were having affairs were disbarred.

The Speaker drives home his point well. Down with these hypocrites, indeed.

Never mind that his position as the third-highest official of the land subjects him to a

higher standard. Never mind that our acts and decisions must stand for themselves regardless or what everybody else may or may not be doing.

Why make an effort to hide a beautiful love affair from the rest of the world?

Finally, this is a man who keeps his promises.

When he shepherded the restoration of the death penalty at the House to aid the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, Alvarez said those who did not support the measure would face certain consequences for their opposition.

He made good on this thr...promise. The bill sailed through the readings, expectedly, and is now just awaiting its counterpart measure at the Senate. But those who voted against it had been marked. A few days after the third reading, their plum posts—deputy speakership, committee chairmanship— were declared vacant.

These are trying times for the House of Representatives generally, and Alvarez, specifically, as they struggle to show they are still worthy of respect. Let’s give them that.

Happy April Fools’ Day. HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

Sex scandal at QC jail

Misogyny in the House POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO “EH DIYOS ko naman! Kayo naman eh. Sino ba’ng walang girlfriend?” in jest, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Pantaleon Alvarez was quoted as saying during a phone interview about his rift with Davao del Norte Representative Antonio Floirendo Jr. The former recently filed a graft complaint against the latter. However, some allege that the cause of these lawmakers’ quarrel is the spat between their girlfriends. Thus, the angle of the interview.

Speaker Alvarez denied their girlfriends caused the problem.

However, he is said to have also admitted having eight children out of wedlock and two prior marriages. Currently though, he revealed being estranged from his wife. There is no talk of his marriage being annulled so it is

safe to assume that he remains married.

Alvarez’s nonchalance in publicly and lightheartedly announcing his extramarital relationship caught people’s attention, and, of course, ire. After all, the Philippine society, being predominantly Catholic, frowns upon extramarital, premarital, and other affairs outside of marriage. However (like many other men caught in the same predicament), the Speaker made it appear like what he is doing is a perfectly normal and acceptable thing for men to do.

His statement is loaded with many insinuations. No, I will not go on a rampage about such relationships as sins or immoral.

I refuse to moralize. Morality (when it comes to relationships) is a ticklish issue usually used against women to put us in our “proper place,” which is below men. Relationships should be regarded with liberality, and as personal to those involved. For as long as the relationship is between parties who are of legal

age where mutual consent is present, and does not impinge on the rights of one another and people around them, such should be left alone. It is none of our business.

Having said this though, I am in no way defending Alvarez and those who think like him.

‘Sino ba’ng walang girlfriend?’

His statement is misogynistic and unacceptable. Taken within the context of previous acts and statements especially against Senator Leila de Lima, Alvarez comes out as sexist. It will be remembered that the Speaker (and his ilk including Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre and President Rodrigo Duterte himself) crucified, made fun of, and slut-

shamed Senator Leila de Lima over her past relationship with Ronnie Dayan, a former security aide of the senator. They repeatedly threatened to publicly show alleged sex videos of the two.

They used “morality” to destroy De Lima’s credibility.

“Eh Diyos ko naman! Kayo naman eh. Sino ba’ng walang girlfriend?” implies that extramarital affairs are normal and thus, acceptable. The Speaker seemed incredulous that he would even be asked about the issue. For him, all men have girlfriends on the side, just like all men like him have cars. That is just how things are. His having a relationship indeed, should not be an issue IF his marriage has been annulled. Then he is free.

In contrast, De Lima was a free woman when she had a relationship. Her former marriage has been annulled way BEFORE she had another partner. Yet she was slut-shamed to the hilt by powerful men who, on the other hand, think that their “sidelines” should be perfectly accepted by people.

“Eh Diyos ko naman! Kayo naman eh. Sino ba’ng walang girlfriend?” smacks of double standards of morality. We have seen this used in Senator De Lima’s case. “It is okay for men to have other relationships but not for women” is an archaic notion adhered to by Alvarez and people like him. Thing is, if we speak of equality, what is good for one sex should be good for the other. Conversely, what is unacceptable for one should be equally unacceptable for the other. Quits lang dapat.

Will Alvarez (and those like him) agree with this proposition? I seriously doubt it. Wives having other relationships is unthinkable, an affront to the name of the man that they carry. The ego will be hurt. Ever heard of the local expression “iniputan ang ulo”? It refers to men “dishonored” by wives’ carrying on with other men. But when it is the man who plays around, there is no talk about the wife’s honor getting destroyed.

Turn to A5

WHEN will the anomalies and scandals in Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista’s Quezon City end? This is the question many taxpayers in Bautista City are asking in the wake of two recent anomalies in the biggest city in the metropolis.

One recent anomaly involves the replacement of the decorative tiles lining the sidewalks of Tomas Morato Avenue with new ones announcing who is the boss in Quezon City.

Those tiles are still in good order, so why replace them with vanity tiles at the expense of the city’s taxpayers? It’s easy for the mayor to spend money that doesn’t belong to him.

That anomaly gets underscored when one realizes that just recently, the Quezon City council increased real estate taxes in the city, thus making Bautista City one of the most expensive cities in Metropolitan Manila to live in. There goes Manuel L. Quezon’s vision of a city for the ordinary working man!

The other scandal involves the recent admission by Quezon City jail warden Randel Latoza that some of the detainees in his custody engage in male-to-male sex, and that a number of the detainees there have tested positive for the deadly human immuno-deficiency syndrome virus or HIV. Latoza’s admission came after he announced a plan to distribute condoms among the male inmates of the city jail.

Warden Latoza also disclosed to the news media that since there are no women in the city jail, he has advised the male inmates to use a condom if they can’t bear their sexual urges any longer. Good grief!

What kind of jail management style does Latoza advocate?

Prison rules allow conjugal visits for married inmates.

That arrangement is supposed to address the sexual needs of the detainees. The law, however, does not allow jail authorities to permit male inmates who have no access to the opposite gender to have sex among themselves, with or without a condom. Accordingly, Warden Latoza must explain why he tolerates sexual intercourse and contact between and among male inmates in the city jail. Since such revolting incidents cannot go unnoticed by the jail guards, the incidents must have taken place with the tacit consent of jail authorities.

Turn to A5

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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

WHEN the Philippines opted picion that he bargained away to forego the decision of the our territory just to obtain the Permanent Arbitration Court oft-repeated win-win formula sustaining our claim over some of seeking a modus vivendi of the islands in the South with China.

In fact, the gesture extended China Sea in July 2016, it did not specifically include the by the Philippines is being obPanatag or Scarborough Shoal, served by the rest of the counwhich our local fishermen tries in Southeast Asia. To put called Bajo de Masinloc. up structure in the Panatag What President Duterte did Shoal as some quarters would was to implement the Chinese claim is to deprive the Presiapproach of seeking a win-win dent of his leverage. This will also put to a crucible test Dusolution to the problem.

China could not have inter- terte’s unorthodox diplomacy preted the decision to include for which many believe that the Panatag Shoal. This is clear China is equally committed to because we cannot give what maintain.

This new equation is necesthe United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas recog- sary to put in proper balance nizes as an area where we exer- the reinvigorated relations cise our sovereign rights. To in- between the Philippine and clude the Panatag Shoal could China. As President Duterte make us appear ridiculous. The stated, “I am not so much into area is within the 200-mile lim- war. My country is only a small it demarcated by Unclos which one. On China, I can tell you: we have an exclusive right to We have not abandoned our explore and exploit the area of claim. When I went to China, its mineral resources, including my first statement was, “I come here in good faith and I oil and gas.

To begin with, when the extend my hand in friendship.”

Philippines decided to bring That means, China is now unour dispute for arbitration in der moral obligation to sustain February 2013, the policy mak- the goodwill and friendship to ers of PNoy, despite their being deny the wavering countries of profusely pro-US, did not have Southeast Asia the justification in mind the Panatag Shoal, ex- to warrant their need for the cept until after they bungled continued presence of the US the problem by sending in our navy in the area.

Summarizing the situation, warship and started arresting first we have Chinese fishthe decision of ermen that the PAC in our led to a standfavor which off for eight we cannot weeks.

It’s a model enforce and Since ChiChina refuses na has a tenu- of win-win to recognize. ous position We maintain over the Pa- diplomacy. our physical natag Shoal, it occupation in kept a low key some of the in asserting islands in the its claim until after that incident on April 8, South China Sea, specifically 2012. China managed to out- in the Kalayaan group of isflank the Philippines militarily. lands, which we claim as ours From the vantage position of and equally insisted by China effective occupation, it began as historically, a part of their territory. Despite China’s overto assert the nine-dash line Moreover, even if Panatag is whelming might, it has not within the so-called nine-dash shown any sign to harass or line, China could not well artic- evict us out of the Kalayaan isulate its claim. It is a signatory lands. Rather, China has mainto the Unclos. It can either give tained the policy of status quo up its claim or refuse to honor ante bellum.

On the other hand, we nearly the 200-mile limit demarcated as Exclusive Economic Zone. lost the Panatag Shoal because For China to insist, despite the of the bellicose stance exhibconciliatory gesture extended ited by the previous adminby President Duterte, could istration. But because of the create anxiety to its motive and warming relations initiated by even seriously alienate coun- President Duterte, China withdrew their maritime vessels tries in Southeast Asia.

Maybe the decision by the in the Panatag and allowed us Aquino administration to send once again to fish in the area BRP Gregorio del Pilar and the unmolested, impliedly handing attempt to arrest the Chinese it back to us. Our fisher folks fishermen promptly caused will testify that China has not China to send in their maritime built any structure in the Panavessels. But before that inci- tag, contrary to what others are dent, both countries allowed saying.

Finally, China has reciprotheir respective fishermen to cated the friendship extended fish in the area.

For China to build structures by the President with unprecin the Panatag Shoal, as some edented economic assistance alarmists would claim, could package something we can nevonly be interpreted that it is er have if we opted to adventurreneging on the understanding ously go to war against China. reached during the President’s We can only choose to either visit. That could politically blindly follow the dictates of push the Duterte administra- some who surely have a differtion to the precipice of isola- ent agenda in store for us or to tion. The opposition will surely just chart our own independent exploit that to validate their policy based on what is good charge to harass him of im- for our country.

To remove the mistrust and peachment. The vociferous but good-for-nothing opposition suspicion that is obviously bewill argue that while economic ing exploited by opposition and development assistance are and their US handlers, maybe of great value, the psyche of an agreement can be sorted out the “loss of sovereignty” would to convert the Panatag Shoal allow them to drumbeat their into a free zone where, as it was before, the Philippines anti-China propaganda.

The President has crossed would allow Chinese fishermore than half of the bridge to men to make their catch in the renew our friendship with an area with the Philippines havold friend, and many Filipinos ing jurisdiction, in recognition are hopeful that China would of the fact that it is within the reciprocate that. According EEZ, with the right to erect to President Duterte, “he had installation for maritime navithe assurance of the Chinese gation and for marine and government that they will not ecological safeguarding of the build anything on the Panatag area; and to commit ourselves because they want our friend- not to allow the area to be used ship. They [won’t] do anything or converted into a foreign to place it in jeopardy, he said.” military base.

Like it or not, China has to prorpkapunan@gmail.com vide him a leeway to allay sus-

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Raising of Lazarus from the dead

BACKBENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

Panatag Shoal

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

THE Gospel tomorrow, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, brings us to Bethany the village of Mary and her sister Martha. We recall that Mary was the one who had anointed the Lord with perfumed oil and dried his feet with her hair. Her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent word to him about their brother’s state of health. Upon hearing this, Jesus said “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

Note the words of Jesus “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God.” Our lives are so swamped with all forms of sickness, either spiritual, physical, or financial troubles. So much so that these afflictions seem so intricately intertwined with our very existence. Oftentimes, we rebel against God and blame him for all these troubles. Yet Jesus has demonstrated in this episode that he has the power to cure these ailments and that they exist for the glory of God. This brings us to the philo-

sophical question—why do the innocent suffer; why is it that sometimes righteousness is not rewarded with good? Jesus reminds us that the tribulations that men encounter are but means to manifest God’s glory.

A man sick with cancer or is living in abject poverty for example is more likely to depend on God than the rich man or perfectly health man. For man has the woeful tendency to become conceited and proud and to feel that he does not need God when he lives a very comfortable and easy life. He only learns to kneel in supplication when trouble visits him. Christ himself directs us to embrace our own crosses and to follow him. The catechesis of the world however tells us the opposite—cast away your cross, do not follow Christ who would only lead you to suffering, look for other means to find happiness and live a life apart from him.

Yet, this catechesis is deceitful. It can only bring us more misery and hopelessness. If we embrace these crosses along with Christ, the burden becomes light and bearable.

Suffering takes two forms— one is to suffer with Christ and the other without Christ. Only by bearing our suffering along with Christ can we, like Lazarus, be freed from death. In

the very end, man, despite his imperfections, is destined only to exist for the glory of his creator, nothing more.

We may ask—why is it that God allows evil deeds to prosper and worse seemingly permits then to enjoy the fruits of their evil deeds? Our God is a mysterious God. His nature cannot be grasped entirely by our finite minds. Yet God with all his infinite knowledge also respects our free will. He allows us to choose our very own destiny, whether we take the righteous or evil path. Although our God is the god of love and mercy, it would be well to impress in our minds and hearts that he is also a just God. Every sin is a debt contracted with the justice of God. The wise man never forgets the words of Jesus when he said—“Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” We may live for 80, 90 or 100 years, but what is that compared to eternity? We truly are but pilgrims who take temporary passage here on this earth. Our final destiny will be determined by the Supreme Judge who will judge us based on our life’s choices.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus, seeing the strong faith of Martha, said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will

live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. And so after thanking the Father, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth.

So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.” Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him.

Truly, faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains. Mary and Martha, because of their strong and unwavering faith in Jesus, the Messiah, witnessed their brother Lazarus brought back to life. Jesus is the resurrection.

He alone can bring us back to life. Dead because of our sins, Jesus can raise us up from all misery and wretchedness if only we have the faith of Martha and Mary. Sadly, few of us do which is why we are easily weighed down and crushed by the crosses that we carry daily in our lives. Many carry their crosses, depending only on their own strength and without the help of Christ.

This Lenten Season, we should learn to suffer our afflictions with patience, forbearance and total dependence on God knowing that with total faith in him, there will be a resurrection.

‘Asian century’ might never come

By A. Gary Shilling PEOPLE in the West, certainly Americans, have long had a fascination with the East, with many predicting an inevitable “Asian century” marked by economic and market dominance.

I have long disagreed with the consensus on China and other Asian Tigers, and others are beginning to agree. Many problems stand in the way of the “Asian century.”

Japan’s economic decline in the early 1990s did not curb fascination with Asia. It simply shifted to the rapidly-growing developing economies, the Asian Tigers. The original four, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, were later augmented by the likes of Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and, of course, China—and more recently, Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

The late-1990s Asian financial crisis only temporarily disrupted Western fascination with

Sex...

From A4

How can the city jail serve as a correccional facility for wrong-

doers if jail authorities allow sexual perversion to proliferate there? Now that several inmates of the Quezon City jail have tested positive for HIV, what is Mayor Bautista going to do about this?

Although the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology is in charge of the management of jails, this arrangement does not mean that the city mayor should just sit back and watch as sexual perversion and the spread of the deadly HIV disease take place in the city jail.

Records indicate that there are 2,800 detainees at the Quezon City jail, although it is designed to accommodate only 270. Such congestion will certainly take a toll on the health and sanitation conditions there. If an inmate afflicted with tuberculosis can easily contaminate hundreds of his fellow inmates, an HIV-

Misogyny...

From A4

“Eh Diyos ko naman! Kayo naman eh. Sino ba’ng walang girlfriend?” reveals a very low regard for women in general. I feel for the wives of these men who, at times, even boast of their extramarital relationships, and thus, their infidelity. This must hurt especially if the wives have been faithful to their wedding vows. These women have every reason to go to court because we still have a law that penalizes concubinage. It is, however, understandable why the legal wives

the East and the prospects for an “Asian century.”

The 2007-2009 Great Recession and financial crisis ended rapid economic growth in Western countries and, therefore, the robust demand for exports that were the mainstay of developing economies. Still, Western zeal for Asia persisted and many, for no logical reasons, believed emerging countries could independently continue to grow rapidly and, indeed, support economic activity in the sluggish US and Europe.

Chinese real economic annual growth rates nosedived from double digits to a recessionary 6.3 percent during the worldwide downturn, but then revived due to the massive 2009 stimulus program. Easy credit fueled a property boom and inflation, and excessive infrastructure spending replaced exports as the growth engine.

There are five main reasons why it won’t get any easier for Asia:

1. Globalization is largely completed. There isn’t much manufacturing in North America and Europe left to be moved to lower-cost developing economies. At the same time, the West is basically saturated with Asian exports, and those countries are competing fiercely among themselves for limited total export demand.

2. The shift from being export-led economies to ones driven by domestic spending, especially by consumers, has been slow. Chinese leaders want this transition, but it is moving at glacial speed. At 37 percent, Chinese consumer spending as a share of GDP is well below major developed countries such as the US at 68.1 percent, Japan at 58.6 percent, and even Russia at 51.9 percent.

3. There are government and cultural restraints. Almost all developing Asian economies are tightly controlled by governments. Top-down regimes stoutly resist reform and often

persist until they’re overthrown by revolutions.

4. Population problems endure. Despite the need for new workers in Japan as its population falls and ages, women are still discouraged from entering the labor force, and Japan continues to be unwelcoming toward newcomers.

China also has a looming labor shortage and severe limits to economic growth due to its earlier one-child policy. Low fertility rates are also destined to reduce the populations of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea. At the other end of the population spectrum are Asian countries like Indonesia and India, whose population is expected to exceed China’s by 2022.

5. Military threats are growing in Asia, and could severely disrupt stability and retard economic growth if they flare up.

There may well be an “Asian century” in the future, but don’t hold your breath. Bloomberg

infected detainee can spread the virus to the other prisoners at a faster pace, even without involving any sexual contact. Surely, it can be argued that detention under such circumstances is worse than the death penalty!

Instead of wasting city funds on those useless vanity tiles to decorate the sidewalks of Tomas Morato Avenue, Bautista should cause the construction of a bigger, more humane detention facility for Quezon City.

Last year, Hero Bautista, the city councilor and the mayor’s brother, publicly confessed to being a drug dependent. If, by chance, Councilor Bautista had been detained at the Quezon City jail for his drug use (an act constituting betrayal of the public trust because he kept it a secret from the electorate), will Mayor Bautista take steps to improve the jail in his city?

By the way, Hero Bautista is the chairman of the city council’s committee on infrastructure. Has he done anything to solve the congestion problem plaguing the Quezon City jail?

This recent anomaly concerning the Quezon City jail comes weeks after another prison irregularity, this time in Cebu. It will be recalled that less than a month ago, the inmates of the Cebu provincial jail were ordered to strip naked and remain naked in the prison quadrangle while their cells were searched for narcotics, weapons, and contraband.

The news media reported that the mass stripping was authorized by provincial officials.

Critics say that the treatment of the prisoners was unreasonable and inhumane.

Be that as it may, the recent anomalies taking place in Quezon City are very unsettling.

Let the record speak for itself—the city mayor beats up, infront of live television cameras, a foreigner suspected of pushing drugs at the Philcoa area near city hall; the city mayor’s brother admits to being a junkie, but claims that, despite the immense power and influence he wields in the city, he is a mere victim of the drug menace; a number of city

councilors are facing criminal raps before the Sandiganbayan after the Ombudsman accused them of hiring hundreds of ghost employees at the expense of the city’s coffers; motor vehicles purchased with city funds and used by the city’s politicians all bear painted signages praising the politician using the vehicle; and relatives of local and national politicians wield power in the city, despite the constitutional prohibition against political dynasties.

Many asinine draft city ordinances were not enacted because of popular opposition to them.

These draft ordinances include one imposing a ceiling on the number of pets a household in the city is allowed to maintain.

One ordinance that almost got away tried to impose a hefty garbage collection fee on the city residents. That ordinance was nullified in court.

The 2019 local election is a little more than two years away.

Fortunately, Bautista is ineligible for a fourth term as city mayor.

usually do not choose to. After all, society teaches women to sacrifice for their families. After all, their husbands are rich, powerful and influential and it will be most difficult to go against such men. In many cases, these men provide for their families a kind of life that women will not be able to give their children. So they suffer in silence, away from the inquisitive public eye.

I feel for their girlfriends, too.

They are like expensive material possessions flaunted by their owners for others to ogle at. I am not saying that women totally have no say in this situation. I know many who decided to go

into such relationships with eyes wide open. Of course love cannot be totally taken out of the equation. Granted that the couple really love each other, still, society is usually harsher on the woman. The “other woman” is the home wrecker even if in many instances, it is the married men who pursue them.

Speaker Alvarez’s statement can be taken as a message to men that, hey, it is okay to have a girlfriend even if you are married. This is careless, reckless, and irresponsible especially coming from one of the most powerful men in government. This makes one wonder

how low gender equality ranks in the Speaker’s legislative agenda.

“Eh Diyos ko naman! Kayo naman eh. Sino ba’ng walang girlfriend?” is not to be taken lightly. No, Mr. Speaker, this is not acceptable.

Misogyny in the House should not be taken lightly. It is very interesting how women’s rights champions in Congress will react to the Speaker’s statement.

Will they protest this? Or will they let this slide? Abangan. bethangsioco@gmail.com @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

News

A6

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

'Rent-tangay' victims warned vs perjury

V

ICTIMS of the rent-tangay scheme may end up being prosecuted for perjury charges for withdrawing the complaints they had filed against the perpetrators of the rent-tangay scheme and who instead accused the Philippine National PoliceHighway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) of forcing them to file the complaint.

Department of Justice prosecutors made the warning after nine complainants submitted an affidavit of desistance, and three of them accused the PNP-HPG of threatening them that they will no longer recover their vehicles unless they file a complaint against the respondents led by Rafaela Montes Anunciacion.

Besides Anunciacion, other respond-

ents are Eleanor “Leah” Constantino Rosales, Tychichus Historillo Nambio, Jhennelyn Berroya, Anastacia Montes Cauyan, Eliseo Cortez, Marilou V. Cruz and Sabina Torrea.

DoJ Assistant State Prosecutor Aristotle Reyes emphasized that when the victims’ vehicles went missing, they sought the help of the HPG. The missing vehicles eventually ended up at the

HPG’s impounding area.

Reyes also told the complainants that the vehicles at the HPG’s impounding area have been reported to be a product of fraudulent transaction.

The prosecutor cited the inconsistencies of the victims who issued an affidavit of desistance and allegations against the HPG. “They sought the HPG’s help to find their vehicles, but later said that the HPG forced them to file a complaint.

This is clearly a perjury,” Reyes said.

Police Officer 3 Aladdin Orale of the HPG was unhappy with the action of the nine to withdraw the complaint against the brains and perpetrators of rent-tangay scheme.

“Kami na nagpakahirap tapos magdedesist pa sila,” Orale said. (We worked

hard for these cases, and now they decide to desist).

The HPG initially recommended for prosecution the complaints of 29 victims, followed by a second batch of 18 more complainants.

The National Bureau of Investigation, meanwhile, has filed a separate case before the DoJ. Under the “rent-tangay” scheme, the suspects would convince car owners to become business associates in a rent-acar service and have their cars rented for a hefty profit.

At first, the car owners will get paid but, unknowingly, in the end their vehicles will be pawned to other people and the suspects will disappear, resulting in the victims unable to get their rented ve- 'Rent-tangay scam alleged mastermind Rafaela Anunciacion hicles back.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila

Republic of the Philippines StandardENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

TODAY

b. c. d. e.

San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROJECTS FOR CALENDAR YEARS 2016 AND 2017 WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY,

25. The “Tools and Instruments” project entails acquisition of tools, instruments, devices and implements to enable VECO to provide efficient service for the benefit of its customers.

26. The “Vehicles” and “Computers” projects take into account the acquisition of vehicles and computer hardware, with corresponding software, for 2016 and 2017 for the purposes of efficient delivery of services to VECO’s customers.

ERC CASE NO. 2016-203 RC

VISAYAN ELECTRIC CO., INC. (VECO), Applicant. x---------------- --- --- --------x

27. The “Buildings” projects entails the construction of new facilities and buildings including the renovations of existing once. Acquisition of essential office equipment is Iikewise a component of this project.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

28. The “SOD Building” addresses the need for a central cite to house both the VECO System Control Center (VSCC), which in turn will handle the management of the entire VECO distribution network and, the SCADA data center from all other engineering and administrative operations.

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 28 December 2016, Visayan Electric Co., Inc. (VECO) filed an Application dated 16 December 2016 (Application) for approval of the Capital Expenditure Projects for Calendar Years 2016 and 2017 with prayer for provisional authority.

29. The total estimated cost of the proposed CAPEX projects for CY 2016 and 2017 is PhP 2,334,327,702.09 and broken down as follows:

VECO alleged the following in its Application: 1.

2.

3.

VECO is a private corporation existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal business address at J. Panis Street, Banilad, Cebu City.

It is a duly authorized distribution utility of electric power in the municipalities of San Fernando, Minglanilla, Consolacion and Lilo-an and the Cities of Naga, Talisay, Cebu and Mandaue, province of Cebu, pursuant to its franchise under Republic Act No. 9339. VECO may be served with orders and other processes of the Honorable Commission through its undersigned counsel at the address indicated below.

This notwithstanding, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (“EPlRA”), under Section 23, obligates VECO, as well as other distribution utilities, to provide distribution services and connections to its customers consistent with the distribution code1. Further, distribution utilities share in the objective of the EPlRA to ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power.2 VECO, in accordance with Section 20 (b) of Commonwealth Act No. 146 3 , hereby applies for the approval of the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Projects for Calendar Years (“CY”) 2016 and 2017.

5.

VECO’s CAPEX projects are grouped into “Network Assets”, “Other Network Assets” and “Residual Projects”.

7.

8.

9.

CAPEX PROJECT

22. The “Station Equipment - 2016 & 2017” project involves the acquisition of station equipment to be used by VECO for 2016 & 2017. With the project in place, VECO will be able to efficiently maintain its assets and ensure proper operation thereof.

This will likewise mitigate damages thereto and adjacent equipment.

Hybrid Underground Distribution System Phase 2

52,976,308.67

VECO Cabancalan I Substation Feeder Take-off Cable Upgrade with 2 Feeders Single 300mm Cables and 2 Feeders with Bundled 240mm Cables

8,728,233.04 100,291,500.00

VECO Automated Switches Acquisition -- 2016-2017

52,337,131.00

VECO Customer Service Wires and Metering Equipment - 2016- 207

565,864.496.66

VECO Distribution Transformers - 2016-2017

477,029,692.03

VECO Overhead Conductor Acquisition - 2016-2017

65,105,146.33

VECO Poles and Compatible Unit - 2016-2017

373,400,140.24

VECO Station Equipment - 2016-2017

93,329,258.00

VECO Communication Equipment- 2016-2017

41,398,706.00

Tools and instruments

18,459,883.00

Vehicles

43,360,000.00

Computers

30,313,364.00

Buildings

72,421,452.00 4,170,000.00 2,334,327,702.61

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY 32. Public interest and necessity requires the immediate implementation, without delay, of the subject CAPEX projects. The loading and reliability constraints of the current substations are reaching critical levels, necessitating the upgrade and/or construction of the relevant substations. Aside from these, in the event that the CAPEX projects are not immediately implemented, the consumers may suffer from prolonged power interruptions and additional load coming from existing and new customers may likewise not be accommodated. These negative consequences, which are detrimental not only to the economy of the areas covered by VECO, but also to the livelihood and everyday lives of the consumers may be mitigated by the immediate approval of the VECO 2016-2017 CAPEX projects.

33. Thus, pending final approval, there is an urgent need for a provisional authority for VECO to immediately implement its proposed 2016 CAPEX projects. In support of the prayer for the grant of a provisional authority, attached as Annex “B” is the Judicial Affidavit of Jan Mikhail D. Villarino.

34. The foregoing CAPEX for CY 2016 and 2017 are indispensable for the systematic and economic expansion and rehabilitation of VECO’s distribution facilities and ensuring compliance with safety, performance and regulatory requirements. The benefit arising from these CAPEX projects will ultimately redound to the end-consumers in terms of continuous, reliable and efficient power supply.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, in view of the foregoing, VECO respectfully prays that this Honorable Commission: 1.

Pending trial on the merits, immediately issue a PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY authorizing VECO to implement its Capital Expenditure Projects (CAPEX) for Calendar Years 2016 and 2017.

2.

After due hearing, APPROVE WITH FINALITY, VECO’s proposed Capital Expenditure Projects (CAPEX) for Calendar Years 2016 and 2017.

Other reliefs just and equitable under 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 20 April 2017 (Thursday) at nine o’clock in the morning (09:00 A.M.) at the Energy Regulatory Commission Visayas Field Office in St. Mary’s Drive, Banilad, Cebu City.

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 20th day of March 2017 at Pasig City.

23. The “Communication Equipment - 2016 and 2017” project involves the acquisition of the communications equipment to be used by VECO for 2016 & 2017 to ensure proper communication from VECO’s system operation center to its automated equipment in the field or substation from its system operation control center.

24. The projects in the “Non-network” or Residuals category include the following: a. Tools and instruments

115,556,990.00

31. The detailed explanation, description, economic analysis, justification, alternatives considered and other information on all of VECO’s CAPEX projects for CY 2016-2017 are discussed in detail in Annex “A” in support of this application.

13. The “Hybrid Underground Distribution System Phase 2” project is in compliance with that statutory requirements of the City Ordinance No. 1894 dated 25 April 2001.

This project likewise improves the reliability of the system of VECO and enhances the safety of the general public.

21. The “Poles and Compatible Unit - 2016 & 2017” project involves the acquisition of the needed poles, with compatible accessories, to be used by VECO for the years 2016 and 2017. This project will address the yearly requirements of VECO for its supply of poles, with the corresponding accessories, needed to efficiently maintain the overhead distribution network reliability and availability.

Consolacion Substation 2 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer with Cansanga Bay Bridge 2 - 3Ø 23 kV 400mm2 Power Cable

30. The proposed CAPEX for CY 2016-2017 will not have a direct impact on the current rates of VECO until approved by the Honorable Commission as part of VECO’s Regulatory Asset Base in the next applicable Regulatory Period.

12. The “Consolacion Substation 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer with Cansaga Bay Bridge 2 - 3Ø 23kV 400mm2 Power Cable” project requires the installation of a 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV power transformer to address substation capacity deficiency of the interconnected group of substations composed of the 33 MVA Cabancalan and 2X33 MVA Paknaan, and an individual 33 MVA Consolacion substation. Without the project, the interconnected group of substations would be loaded by more than 70% of its total capacity.

20. The “Overhead Conductor Acquisition - 2016 & 2017” project involves the acquisition of overhead conductors to be used by VECO for 2016 and 2017. This project will address the yearly requirements of VECO for its supply of overhead conductors needed to serve reliable power to its consumers.

38,415,247.70

Total

11. The “NGCP Cebu to VECO Camputhaw 3-Ø 795 MCM ACSR Subtransmission Line” project involves stringing a 3-Ø 795 MCM ACSR 69kV circuit line spanning from NGCP Cebu to VECO Camputhaw substation to address reliability criterion noncompliance of the substransmission system. Without the project, the substransmission system will have 85.965 MVA of reliability criterion non-compliant load.

19. The “Distribution Transformer - 2016 & 2017” project involves the acquisition of distribution transformers, according to kVA rating and type, to be used by VECO for 2016 & 2017. This project will aid VECO in catering to the foreseen increase of customer demand, refurbishment or replacement of distribution transformers and new customer request applications.

82,060,299.89

NGCP Cebu to VECO Camputhaw 3-Ø 795 MCM ACSR Subtransmission Line

SOD Building

10. The “NGCP Cebu Substation 2nd 100 MVA 138/69 kV Power Transformer” project relates to the installation of a 2nd 100 MVA 138/69 kV Power Transformer to address subtransmission capacity deficiency of the interconnected group of substations composed of 100 MVA AYA1, 2 X 100 MVA NGCP Quiot (now named as IMA) and 100 MVA NGCP Cebu. If the project is not in place, the group would be loaded by more than 70% of its total capacity.

18. The “Customer Service Wires and Metering Equipment - 2016 & 2017” project intends to cater to new customers requesting for connection while also enabling VECO to efficiently monitor power consumption and maintenance thereof.

39,912,103.85

NGCP Cebu Substation 2nd 100 MVA 138/69 kV Power Transformer

NON-NETWORK PROJECTS (OR RESIDUALS)

The “Talisay Substation 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer” project involves the installation of a 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV power transformer to address the substation capacity deficiency of the interconnected group of substations composed of 2 x 33 MVA Don Gil Garcia, 33 MVA Naga, 33 MVA Pardo and 33 MVA Talisay. Without the project, the group would be loaded by more than 70% of its total capacity.

17. The “Automated Switches - 2016 & 2017” project involves acquiring automated switches, which include Load Break Switches and Reclosers, that will be used

by VECO for the years 2016 & 2017. The project will lessen the time required in restoring power in the event of interruptions and address reliability of the power system.

36,943,750.00

Talisay Substation 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer

OTHER NETWORK ASSETS

The “Subangdaku Lot Acquisition” project involves the acquisition of a lot as site to accommodate an additional substation in the eastern cluster of substations, composed of Mabolo, Mandaue, Banilad and MRA substations, of the franchise area. The proposed site is an ideal location to serve the fast growing needs of existing and new consumers therein.

16. The projects under the “Other Network Assets” category are the following: a. VECO Automated Switches - 2016-2017 b. Customer Service Wires and Metering Equipment 2016-2017 c. Distribution Transformers - 2016-2017 d. Overhead Conductor Acquisition - 2016-2017 e. Poles and Compatible Unit - 2017 - 2017 f. Station Equipment - 2016-2017 g. Communication Equipment - 2016-2017

22,254,000.00

Subangdaku Lot Acquisition

Lahug Lot Acquisition

The “Lorega B Lot Acquisition” project involves the acquisition of a lot as site to accommodate an additional substation in the western cluster of substations, composed of Lorega, Ayala, Calamba and Camputhaw substations, of the franchise area to address the needs for additional capacity. The proposed site, which is adjacent to the VECO Lorega Substation, is an ideal location to serve the supply requirements in the area as there is rapid growth of consumers therein.

15. The “Lahug Lot Acquisition” project involves the acquisition of a lot as site to accommodate an additional substation in the western cluster of substations, composed of Lorega, Ayala, Calamba and Camputhaw substations, of the franchise area to address the needs for additional capacity. The project enables VECO to acquire the optimal lot for the 2019 Lahug Substation project at an ideal price. If not implemented, the foreseen substation project will be in a farther area from the center of the loads to be served which may result in increased losses.

Lorega B Lot Acquisition

nd

The projects under the “Network Assets” category are the following: a. Lorega B Lot Acquisition b. Subangdaku Lot Acquisition c. Talisay Substation 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer d. NGCP Cebu Substation 2nd 100MVA 138/69 kV Power Transformer e. NGCP Cebu to VECO Camputhaw 3-Ø 795 MCM ACSR Subtransmission Line f. Consolacion Substation 2nd 33 MVA 67/33 kV Power Transformer with Cansaga Bay Bridge 2 - 3Ø 23kV 400mm2 Power Cable g. Hybrid Underground Distribution System Phase 2 h. VECO Cabancalan Substation Feeder Take-off Cable Upgrade with 2 Feeders Single 300mm2 Cables and 2 Feeders with Bundled 240mm2 Cables i. Lahug Lot Acquistion

14. The “VECO Cabancalan Substation Feeder Take-off Cable Upgrade with 2 Feeders Single 300mm2 Cables and 2 Feeders with Bundled 240mm2 Cables” project will address capacity criterion of the line. Upgrading the sizes of the distribution feeder take-off cable allows the lines to deliver loads during normal and during single-outage contingency. It allows better transformer optimization during single-outage contingency.

COST (Php)

NETWORK ASSETS

VECO’s 3rd Regulatory Period (3rd RP) covers 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2018, however VECO must still undergo the reset process and is currently awaiting the final rules to be released by the Honorable Commission to govern the filing of its 3rd RP reset application.

4.

6.

Vehicles Computers Buildings SOD Buildings

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

1

2 3

Section 23 of RA 9136. as implemented by Rule 7. Section 4 of the EPIRA Implementing Rules and Regulations Section 2 (b) of the EPIRA. Public Service Act

(MS-APR 1/8, 2017)

Docs on emergency exempt from UVVRP

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Friday clarified that physicians and medical doctors responding to emergency cases need not apply for an exemption from the unified vehicular volume reduction program or the number coding scheme.

According to MMDA acting chairman Thomas Orbos, medical practitioners in an emergency only need to show their updated Professional Regulation Commission identification cards in case they are flagged down by traffic enforcers for UVVRP violation.

He said this new guideline shows that the agency recognizes the necessity of unhampered travel for medical doctors responding to emergencies.

“We are optimistic that this new rule will not be abused by doctors and that they will be conscientious in using this privilege,” Orbos said.

Under the expanded UVVRP, the coverage of the number coding scheme has been extended to all circumferential and radial roads in the metropolis. The time of effectivity of the ban has also been extended for an hour, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the previous 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The expanded UVVRP also implemented the No Window Hours policy.

Before the implementation of the modified number coding scheme, the window hours used to be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to Orbos, this measure will take effect immediately.

Section 5(k) of MMDA Memorandum Circular Number 3 series of 2011 automatically exempts medical doctors in an emergency case, provided that they are present in the vehicle.

Based on the MMDA advisory, the following are automatically exempted from the scheme:—Emergency vehicles (police, military, ambulance, fire trucks); Government service vehicles (red plate); diplomatic vehicles; accredited tow trucks; vehicles carrying persons who need emergency attention and medical practitioners responding to emergency cases.

Vehicles with commemorative

plates are not exempted from the UVVRP. The MMDA public information office said media personnel and outlets that are using unmarked or unofficial vehicles during coverage need to apply for exemption from the scheme.

Assessment of the MMDA on the full implementation of the number coding scheme showed that motorists reduced their travel by 10 to 15 minutes along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue from Monumento in Caloocan City to Baclaran in Pasay City.

Members of the Metro Manila Council recently agreed with the proposal to extend the window hour suspension in the number coding scheme to one hour from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. to 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

The MMC, which is composed of the 17 mayors in Metro Manila, also signed a resolution expanding the coverage of the traffic scheme to at least 15 main roads, most of them circumferential and radial roads.

The 15 main roads are Rizal Avenue, Claro M. Recto Avenue, Taft Avenue, Del Pan Street, President Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Marcos Highway, Mac Arthur Highway, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard, Aurora Boulevard, A. Bonifacio Avenue and South Luzon Expressway.

The MMC initially approved the areas covered by the scheme are Edsa, Circumferential Road-5 (C-5 Road), Alabang-Zapote Road, Roxas Boulevard, and in the cities of Mandaluyong, Makati, and Las Piñas.

The number coding scheme, was devised to keep vehicles out of major thoroughfares on certain days based on the last digit of the license plate.

The system corresponds to 1 and 2 for Monday, 3 and 4 for Tuesday, 5 and 6 for Wednesday, 7 and 8 for Thursday, and 9 and 0 for Friday.

The window hours refer to the five-hour (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) period, but removing this means the vehicles covered by the Number Coding Scheme may not pass Edsa and other major thoroughfares.

NLEX projects to boost North Luzon tourism SIXTY-FOUR lane kilometers covering NLEX Bulacan and Pampanga are geared toward boosting the tourism industry in the North and Central Luzon regions by providing easy and faster access to tourist destinations.

Ronaldo Tiotuico, Tourism Region 3 Director said that these infrastructure developments are key to boosting the tourism sector in particular and the economy in general. “With improved infrastructure, like that of the NLEX, travel to the tourism hubs will be faster and more convenient thus helping us further transform the regions into favorite tourist destinations,” he said.

The Manila North Tollways Corp., builder and concessionaire of the NLEX, has invested P2.6-billion to expand the section between Sta. Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan and San Fernando City to 3x3 lanes from the former 2x2 lanes in each direction.

The new projects also include the construction of emergency stops in both northbound and southbound directions of the 5-km-long Candaba Viaduct and the upgrade of the shoulder lanes as third lanes to improve road capacity. Close to 800 expressway-standard LED lights were also installed from the Balagtas section to San Fernando City.

MNTC also built a new 2x2 northbound carriageway in the Mabalacat City portion of the NLEX including two bridges in Balem and Quitanguil. This new road helps promote road safety by segregating northbound and southbound motorists along separate carriageways.

The tollways firm is waiting for requisite government approvals, particularly by the Toll Regulatory Board, before the new projects are opened to the motoring public.

MNTC president Rodrigo E. Franco said, “The new expressway lanes, once opened to motorists, will enhance accessibility and convenience of the NLEX,” adding that “all improvements being undertaken at the expressway always intend to support travel and tourism in central and north Luzon provinces.”

Sports

A7

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Cocolife a win away from 4th spot C OCOLIFE blew hot and cold before finding its rhythm in the fifth set to overcome Sta. Lucia Realty, 25-23, 2325, 25-17, 12-25, 15-11, in the classification battle for 4th to 6th places of the Belo Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference yesterday at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Rose Vargas and Michele Gumabao provided the fireworks in that torrid rally down the stretch to put Cocolife a win away from a fourth-place finish in this prestigious women’s club tourney sponsored by Asics, Mikasa, Mueller and Senoh with TV5 as official broadcast partner.

Petron and Foton, as well as Cignal and guest team Kobe Shinwa

Women’s University are still clashing as of press time in the final round of this battle that also has Gold’s Gym as official fitness partner and UCPB Gen as official insurance provider.

The Japanese drew first blood as it pulled off a 25-15, 22-25, 2518, 25-12 victory over the Tornadoes late Thursday.

Vargas spearheaded the assault with 18 kills for a game-high

20 points, while first few sets.

Games Today Gumabao nailed “Kung makikita (FilOil Flying V Center) 18 markers for the natin, medyo in 3 p.m. – Cocolife vs Generika-Ayala 5 p.m. – Foton vs Cignal Asset Managers, control na kami.

7 p.m. – Kobe Shinwa vs Petron who played the Medyo nag-rerelax Japanese squad in lang talaga sa una.” a friendly match in preparation for True enough, the Asset Managers this important clash. were in a roller-coaster ride in the “Mas nakaganda ‘yung naging first four sets, prompting the Lady tuneup namin sa Japanese team,” said Realtors to stretch the match to a Cocolife coach Obet Javier, the archi- deciding set. tect of Arellano University’s rise to But the fifth set was a comNCAA women’s volleyball stardom. pletely different story as the Asset “Meron kaming natutunan du’n Managers quickly erected a 5-2 kahapon na dapat pag-whistle ng deficit before the Lady Realtors referee naka-ready ka na for ser- knotted it at 11, on an emphatic kill vice. Kanina medyo lumabas sa by Janine Navarro. amin yung ganu’ng style, espeIt was all Cocolife from there as cially sa services ni (Kaye) Daly.” Vargas shattered the deadlock with Javier said they were in control an attack off the block before foiling in the deciding set, although there the attempt of Rialen Sante for a were some minor turbulence in the 13-11 advantage.

RACING INDUSTRY PLAYERS. Philippine Racing Commission officials and awardees of the “Philracom 2016 Top Industry Players” are shown here. They are (from left) Philracom Chairman Andrew Sanchez, Dodec Vicente (Low Profile, Horse of the Year), Ruben Tupas (Trainer of the Year), Commissioner Dondon Bagatsing, Jojo Velasquez of SC Stockfarm Inc. (Horse Breeder of the Year), Cong. Amado Bagatsing, (Racing Festival of the Year), Santiago Cualupeng III (Racing Club of the Year); Fred Abobo (Para Kay Atty. Narciso Morales, Owner of the Year), Commissioner Jose Santillan, Commissioner Lyndon Guce and Philracom executive director Andrew Mangubat Buencamino.

Cavaliers in a bad spot CHICAGO—LeBron James says the reigning NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers are “in a bad spot” after losing their third consecutive game, falling 99-93 Thursday at Chicago.

The Bulls completed a 4-0 regular-season sweep of Cleveland, boosting their chances of reaching the playoffs and dropping the Cavaliers (47-27) behind Boston (48-27) at the top of the Eastern Conference.

“We’re in a bad spot right now,” James said.

“Not disappointed with the effort. Just in a bad spot. Got to try to figure it out... we’ve got some work to do and we don’t have a lot of time.”

The Bulls (36-39) moved within one game of Miami and Indiana for the last two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference with seven games remaining over the next two weeks.

Nikola Mirotic, a Montenegrin-born Spaniard, scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Chicago.

Jimmy Butler added 25 points for the Bulls, who used defensive effort to close the third quarter on a crucial 11-3 run.

James passed Shaquille O’Neal for seventh on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, ending the game with 28,599 career points, three more than “Shaq.”

Blazers down the Rockets Damian Lillard scored 31 points to lead six double-figure scorers in Portland’s 117-107 home victory over Houston.

The Trail Blazers (37-38) won their fifth consecutive game and moved 1 1/2 games ahead of Denver in the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot.

Marcus Morris scored 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as Detroit snapped a five-game losing streak with a 90-89 home victory over the NBA-worst Brooklyn Nets (16-59).

At 35-41, the Pistons are 2 1/2 games behind Miami and Indiana in the playoff hunt.

Rubio scores career-high 33 Spanish guard Ricky Rubio scored an NBA career-high 33 points and added 10 assists while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 32 points as host Minnesota defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-104. AFP

San Beda basketball camp set REGISTRATION is still open for the San Beda basketball camps, which kick off their 12th season next week.

There are limited slots left for classes at the Mendiola campus, which will be held every Tuesday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., starting on April 3.

Over at the Taytay campus, classes will take place every

Monday and Thursday, also starting on April 3.

Interested parties may contact Oliver Quiambao at 735-6011, local 2104, or at 0929-1971071, and through program head, coach Edmundo “Ato” Badolato, at 0908-8624543.

The camps are supported by Gatorade and Molten Balls, and is open to kids aged five years

old and above.

They will also be open for both students and outsiders.

Coaches from San Beda will handle the camp and will be joined by prominent ones from other schools as well.

Fees for the camp is set at P4,000. Enrollees for both the April and May sessions will pay only P7000, which will include a jersey and a ball.

Lady Tams try to keep hopes alive FAR Eastern University seeks to win one of its two remaining must-win matches to keep its Final Four hopes alive against National University today in the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With the Lady Tamaraws’ quest for a third straight semifinals appearance slowly slipping away, coach Shaq delos Santos is simply focusing on the task of beating the Lady Bulldogs in the 4 p.m. match.

“Challenge talaga ‘yung mangyayari para sa amin. Normal naman ‘yung pressure, kahit anong game na lalaruin mo.

Maganda yung possible pang

Games today

(Mall of Asia Arena) 8 a.m. – UP vs FEU (Men) 10 a.m. – DLSU vs ADMU (Men) 2 p.m. – AdU vs DLSU (Women) 4 p.m. – FEU vs NU (Women)

mangyayari sa amin kung maipapanalo namin,” said Delos Santos.

With a 6-6 record in sixth place, a loss to NU will put FEU on the brink of elimination.

Defending champion De La Salle, in a warm-up to its muchawaited April 8 showdown with co-leader Ateneo, takes on alsoran Adamson University in the curtain raiser at 2 p.m.

The Lady Bulldogs will have coach Roger Gorayeb back after a one-game absence, as the Bustillos-based spikers are eyeing to move within a win of advancing in the Final Four.

NU is sandwiched with University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas in a tie from third to fifth places at 7-5.

The Lady Maroons and the Tigresses clash at 4 p.m. tomorrow at the same Pasay venue, with the winner assured of a playoff for the last Final Four slot.

If they beat the Lady Bulldogs, the Lady Tamaraws still need to get past the Tigresses on April 8 for a possible playoff for the No. 4 slot.

Ignacio, Dizon lead Cebuana meet winners A BUNCH of relatively unfamiliar names, led by Lucena City’s Aidyll Ignacio and Nueva Ecija’s Melanie Faye Dizon, emerged winners at the recent Cainta leg of the 2017 Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Championship Series, the country’s longestrunning tennis grassroots developmental program now on its 11th year of discovering young tennis talents all over the country.

Ignacio posted a 7-6, 6-4 victory over Taytay’s Patrick Mendoza for the boys’ 18-under crown, while the duo partnered to rule the boys’ 18-under doubles’ event, beating Latrel Javier and Dawson Ormoc, 8-6.

Dizon duplicated Ignacio’s feat, winning the girls’ 18- under with a 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Olongapo City native Dana Regala and went on to add the girls’ 18-under doubles’ title with partner Ariana Nilasca, defeating Althea Fay Ong and Regala, 8-6, in the finals.

“The more unfamiliar names we see as winners, the better as it shows there are indeed young tennis talents out there just waiting for the opportunity to show what they can do. I initiated the Cebuana Lhuillier age-group series precisely for that purpose,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President/CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

The other individual winners in the tournament, also supported by Dunlop as the official ball, were Red Directo from Taytay in the boys’ 16-under as he had an easy 6-0, 6-1 win over Bacoor’s Laurenz Quitara; Axl Gonzaga, who topped the 16-under with a sweep of Aeden Walker from Makati, 6-0, 6-0, for the 14-under title; Alejandro Barrientos from Makati, who ruled the 12-under by trashing Nathan So, 6-2, 6-2; Alabang’s Samuel Salazar in the 10- under after he beat France Dilao, 4-0, 4-1, in the championship match; and Pasig City’s Novak Brazal, who blanked local bet Samuel Davila, 4-0, 4-0; in the finals of the 8-under unisex group.

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

Cocolife’s Erika Alquino scores against Sta. Lucia Realty’s Rachel Ann Austero.

Roman Prospero

Rookie helps TNT list its 2nd victory

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

A8

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

By Jeric Lopez

Sports Jose Jerry Belibestre leaps to a new record of 7.43 meters in the boys’ long jump event of the 2017 Ayala Philippine National Open Invitational Athletics Championships.

Rising Bacolod star smashes 18-year-old long jump mark I LAGAN CITY—A rising star from Bacolod stole the thunder from other fancied bets as he shattered an 18-year-old record in the 2017 Ayala Philippine National Open Invitational Athletics Championships Friday at the Ilagan Sports Complex in this sun-baked city.

medal with a mark of 6.82 meters, while Jhaelord Adriano of Team ISU grabbed the bronze medal after hammering 6.80 meters.

Belibestre, the eldest of the four children of a bicycle shop owner, said he was hardly threatened as he cleared the 7.0-meter mark in all of his six jumps.

“All of my jumps were more than seven meters,” said Belibestre, who claims to have registered a personal best of 7.53 meters in an unofficial competition in Bacolod City.

“I know I can win it. I prepared hard for this tournament and I am eyeing not just to win the gold, but also to break the record. That’s my goal. I always go for breaking records.”

Unfortunately, Belibestre is not leaning towards joining the national team as his coach, Miguel Arca, stressed that his ward is more comfortable training in the province rather than sending him to Manila to be under the care of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa).

“It‘s the chemistry of the athlete and the coach that makes it work (in the province),” said Arca, a noted Visayas-based mentor from Ramonito Maravilla National High School whose other wards delivered golden triumphs in the Asean School Games, Children of Asia and Malaysia Open.

While Belibestre is starting to

make a name for himself, a grizzled veteran resurfaced in a bid to reclaim his spot in the national squad headed for the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur this August.

Former national team star in Julius Sermona of Philippine Air Force zoomed in the final fourkilometer mark to reign supreme in the men’s 10,000-meter run.

The 38-year old Sermona, who last campaigned in the Laos SEA Games in 2009, clocked 33 minutes and 29.78 seconds in the long distance battle to overcome Gilbert Laido of Lucena City (33:32.28) and heavyweight Eduardo Buenavista of Philippine Air Force (33:43.29) to clinch the gold medal.

SOLID rookie Roger Pogoy continued to show his worth.

The sharpshooting neophyte hit the go-ahead basket and scored a game-high 24 points as TNT KaTropa escaped Blackwater, 92-89, in a competitive battle in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Tropang Texters listed their second victory and improved to 2-1, while the Elite fell to 0-4 at the bottom as it once again came up short of listing a win.

The game was tied at 87-apiece when Pogoy calmly sank the go-ahead jumper with 1:48 remaining to give TNT KaTropa the slight edge, 89-87.

Larry Fonacier followed that with a triple in the next possession to make it 92-87 for the Texters with around a minute left.

Blackwater gave itself a chance by coming to within just a single possession, 92-89, and it had its chance to tie, but the triple from newly acquired Nino Canaleta in the dying seconds didn’t find its mark.

New TNT import Dante Greene had a solid debut, scoring 22 points to further help his team capture the win.

The Elite was the one who started on fire, ending the opening quarter with a 14-2 blast to take a sizeable 27-15 gap early on.

However, TNT KaTropa bounced back right away in the second, outscoring Blackwater by 10 to trim the gap to just 39-41, in favor of the Elite, at the half and make it anyone’s game heading into the second half.

It was then neck-to-neck moving forward.

Blackwater played without star rookie Mac Belo, who is nursing a knee injury.

Canaleta debuted for the Elite after being acquired earlier this week in exchange for Dylan Ababou and James Forrester.

Blackwater hopes that Canaleta’s scoring prowess can help its cause with top stars Art Dela Cruz and Belo both out indefinitely with injuries.

Jose Jerry Belibestre of Negros ruled the boys’ long jump event in dominant fashion to join the elite list of record holders in this prestigious annual tourney sponsored

by Ayala Corporation with Milo, Philippine Sport Commission and International Amateur Athletics Federation as co-presentors.

A third-year BS Education stu-

dent at University Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod City, Belibestre tallied 7.43 meters to pocket the gold medal and destroy the 7.41-meter record tallied by Joebert Delicano in the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia in 1999, when he was barely one year old.

Jericho Hilario of San Beda College settled for the silver

Wesley, 3 others share US chess lead

Weiss, Allen banner Xterra off-road triathlon cast

FILIPINO grandmaster Wesley So’s black king was on the run following a series of checks, but he still escaped with a draw in 37 moves of his Sicilian Defense with Samuel Shankland on Thursday in Round 2 of the 2017 US Chess Championship at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis in St. Louis, Missouri.

A repetition of moves by Shankland’s queen at queenside allowed So to settle for his first draw in two games.

Because of this, he found himself sharing the lead with three others.

So has 1.5 points with first day co-leader Hikaru Nakamura, Alexander Onischuk and Varuzhan Akobian.

In Round 1, So beat Alexander Shabalov in 29 moves of an English Opening to grab the opening lead with Nakamura.

Nakamura, who started his campaign with a 65-move triumph over Ray Robson, settled for a draw in 58 moves with world no. 3 player Fabiano Caruano.

Onischuk earned a chance to catch up with So and Nakamura after he put away Shabalov in 44 moves.

Akobian also caught up with So when he prevailed over Gata Kamsky in 23 moves.

So will be meeting Caruana in the third round, and then Onischuk in the fourth.

A total of $194,000 cash prize is at stake in the 11-round tournament.

The champion will earn $50,000, with the runner-up taking home $35,000. Peter Atencio

Cebu 5th District Rep. Red Durano (center) holds the Xterra shirt as he poses with (from left) Sunrise Events Inc. general manager Princess Galura, Mark Tolentino, provincial administrator Cebu Province, Danny Roble, chief of staff to Mayor Nito Durano, and medical director Dr. Pedro Mancao during the launch of the Xterra OffRoad Triathlon South in Danao, Cebu.

BRADLEY Weiss and Ben Allen gear up for another spirited duel for the men’s crown while Great Britain’s Jacqui Slack seeks redemption in the women’s side of the Xterra Off-Road Triathlon South firing off April 23 in Danao, Cebu.

Weiss bucked wet and slippery condition then pounced on Allen’s miscue in the bike stage to keep the title in last year’s staging of one of the toughest off-road races in Albay.

But the South African ace braces for a tougher challenge this time, not only from the expected charge from Allen and the rest of the elite field but also from the challenging course in Danao that will not only test the field’s stamina and power but also mental toughness.

“This event is one of the biggest in recent years for Danao City, which has hosted in-

ternational MTB races. We’re happy and fortunate that Sunrise Events, Inc. has chosen us to host the event and we guarantee a triathlon to remember,” said Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI during the media launch of the event at the Coco Palms Beach Resort recently.

The event, featuring the 1.500m swim, 40km off-road bike and 10k trail run, will also showcase Danao as a top tourist destination, according to Durano.

Others who graced the event launch were Provincial administrator Atty. Mark Tolentino, DOT Region 7 officer-in-charge Judy Gabato and Galura along with triathletes Noy Jopson, Clark Gothong, TJ Mayol, Bernard Sia and Michael Randy Uy. The event actually serves as the first of three Xterra races the city will host till 2019 as

Durano and SEI general manager Princess Galura signed the three-year contract recently.

Galura said that around 300 to 400 triathletes are expected to join the event, sponsored by Alcoplus, Sanicare, The Philippine Star, 2GO Express, Cetaphil, Prudential Guarantee, Columbia, Garmin, Tri Life, Cignal Hyper TV, Rocktape, Gatorade, MNTC, Coca Cola Femsa, Powerade, Wilkins and Storck, which stakes $15,000 to the winners in the pro division and P120,000 in the Asian Elite class Slack, meanwhile, tries to redeem herself from last year’s setback to Lizzie Orchard of New Zealand, who rallied in the run stage to snare the women’s crown on her very first try in the event backed by El Salvador and Coco Palms as hotel partners.

BEST Center opens nationwide clinics BASKETBALL Efficiency Scientific Training Center (BEST Center), the pioneer and multi-awarded basketball clinic in the Philippines, is now accepting enrollees for its annual summer sports clinics to be held in various cities across the country.

Now on its 39th year, BEST Center teaches kids using scientific training methods to hone their skills in playing sports according to their level of experience and skills.

For the basketball clinic, kids as young as 5 years old are accepted and levels offered are level 1 for beginners and levels 2 to 6 for advance, while for volleyball clinics, kids as young as 8 years old are accepted and levels offered are 1 to 3.

Aside from learning the fundamentals of ball handling, dribbling,

passing, shooting, spiking, serving, blocking, footwork, and defensive and offensive moves, kids also spend their summer productively with BEST Center by learning values such as discipline, camaraderie, teamwork, and sportsmanship which are vital for their growth and development.

“To make the summer season more productive, we encourage parents to enroll their kids in sports clinics,” said former national coach and BEST Center founder, Nicanor Jorge. “Through sports, they will not only make use of their time productively and be physically active.

They will also have fun, meet new friends and develop social and life skills.”

Since its establishment in 1978, BEST Center continues to pro-

duce some of the country’s finest basketball and volleyball players including Chris Tiu, Kiefer Ravena, Michelle Gumabao, and Princess Gaiser.

The nationally renowned organization is sponsored by MILO and supported by Chris Sports and Rain or Shine, has also been cited by the Philippine Sportswriters Association and also received the Olympism Award from the Philippine Olympic Committee as hall of famer for its contribution to sports development in the Philippines.

To know the complete schedule or for more information about BEST Center’s classes and tournaments, call the hotlines 411-6260, 3723066 and 372-3065, email bestcentersports@gmail.com or follow BEST Center Sports Inc. on Facebook.

A young Milo BEST Center participant learns the basics from his instructor.

Wilcon gains in market debut

B2

Business

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

B1

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

Ayala, SM offer new elevated road

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE country’s two big conglomerates have jointly submitted an unsolicited proposal to build a P25-billion elevated expressway that will connect Manila and Pasay through the Ayala central business district.

AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ayala Corp., and SM Investments Corp. on Friday submitted an unsolicited proposal to the Department of Public Works and Highways to design, finance, construct, operate and maintain for a period of 35 years a toll road identified as C3 El-

evated Expressway.

The elevated toll road will run about 8.6-kilometer long, linking Sta. Mesa, Manila to the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

AC Infra president and chief executive Jose Rene Almendras told reporters the C3EX was “very interesting” and “game-changing”

in Metro Manila traffic.

Almendras said the C3EX would provide an alternative to Edsa, which is now congested, and improve access to the Manila Bay development areas, the Makati central business district, and the cities of Mandaluyong San Juan, and Manila.

It is proposed to have interchanges in Sta. Mesa, the Circuit Makati, Ayala-Gil Puyat, Roxas Boulevard and the SM Mall of Asia Complex.

The project could cut the travel time from one hour to only 15 minutes from Quezon City to Makati City.

Almendras also said the consortium had reached out to San

Miguel Corp. to join the C3EX project because it would be linked to San Miguel’s Skyway Stage 3 Project.

“There’s no decision yet, they are still evaluating it,” he added.

Almendras said other groups were interested to join the project.

“There’s a lot of local and international pension funds looking for projects like this,” he said.

Almendras said his company expects to get final contract award by the second quarter of 2018.

The proposed project will go through the government process for unsolicited proposals under

the Build-Operate-Transfer Law. Almendras said the project is expected to be completed in three years.

“Studies showed that the Philippines loses P2.4 billon a day in potential income because of the productive time spent waiting in traffic,” Almendras said.

“We are excited about this unsolicited proposal, as it would it increase our personal travel efficiency, but through it, more opportunities will open to improve sectors and services that heavily rely on the transport of materials, goods and other items to operate.

We are looking forward to a positive reception from the DPWH,” he added.

Drilling in Galoc begins, says Nido

SM Investments buys 35% of 2Go SM INVESTMENTS Corp. on Friday announced its entry into the logistic business with the acquisition of a minority stake in 2Go Group Inc. SM Investments said it acquired a 35-percent stake in Negros Navigation Co. Inc., the parent firm of 2Go. Nenaco, which is identified with the Tagud family, owns 88.3 percent of 2Go. 2Go’s ultimate parent company is Negros Holdings and Management Corp.

2Go is the country’s largest integrated supply chain operator whose businesses include shipping, freight forwarding, warehousing and express delivery services.

“We are pleased with this opportunity to invest in a fast growing, dynamic logistics business. It will benefit from, as well as contribute to the country’s economic progress especially as development spreads to the provinces” SM Investments president Harley Sy said. Darwin G. Amojelar

National Grid sees May peak demand NATIONAL Grid Corporation of the Philippines expects a peak demand of nearly 10,000 megawatts in Luzon in the second week of May but assured the public of adequate supply.

This year’s peak demand is 1.48 percent higher than the 2015 actual peak demand of 9,726 MW. “During the peak of 9,870 MW, gross reserves is 1,000 MW plus.

Excluding Malaya plant. Around 1,350 gross reserve,” National Grid division head Fidel Bagsaan Jr. said.

National Grid spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza said supply was expected to go up to over 10,000 MW. “(Supply is) stable. We should still exercise prudent use of electricity...

Use electricity judiciously,” Alabanza urged consumers.

Alena Mae S. Flores

By Alena Mae S. Flores OIL drill ship Deepsea Metro I has started drilling a new well in the Galoc oil field off northwest Palawan.

Nido Petroleum Ltd. disclosed to the Australian Securities Exchange that “the rig has commenced drilling operations at the Galoc-7 appraisal well location in Block C1 of revised contract 14.”

This is the first appraisal well conducted this year, signaling the optimism in the country’s oil and gas industry despite low oil prices in the global market.

Nido managing director Mike Fischer earlier said the company looking forward to drilling operations in the Philippines “as we seek to unlock the potential for extending the field life of our cornerstone asset.”

The drilling will appraise the Galoc mid area prospect, an extension of the north of the Galoc field. A successful drilling will initiate the third phase of Galoc development, with oil first production set in 2019.

Nido unit Galoc Production Co. W.L.L. signed in January a binding rig contract with Golden Close Maritime Corp. Ltd. to tap Deepsea Metro I to drill the Galoc appraisal well.

Deepsea Metro I is a cutting edge drill ship. The rig is capable of simultaneous, safe and efficient operations and can drill in water depths of up to 10,000 feet and to a total depth of 40,000 feet.

Nido and its joint venture partners in the fourth quarter last year approved the drilling of an appraisal well to confirm the viability of a potential phase three development.

IN BRIEF

Retail payments system to lift GDP

FIRST GO LOKAL! OUTLET. Robinsons Department Store in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry open the first mainstream Go Lokal! outlet at Robinsons Place Manila. Go Lokal! showcases modern, indigenous products designed and crafted by micro, small and medium enterprises. Shown at the store’s launching on March 24 are Robinsons Department Store president and chief operating officer Robina Gokongwei-Pe (second from right) and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (second from left), flanked by (from left) Robinsons Department Store general manager Johnson Go and Trade Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group Teodoro Pascua

DTI steps into sugar row, caps corn syrup imports

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Trade and Industry stepped into the row between sugar millers and importers of sweetened sugar after the Sugar Regulatory Administration restricted the shipments of high fructose corn syrup into the Philippines.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said a high-level meeting Thursday overturned the SRA order, and allowed the release of imported corn syrup that entered the Philippines before March 10.

Such shipments had been detained at the Manila Port in com-

pliance with the SRA order.

“There has been talks among stakeholders but the bottom line is based on a report to me there has been an agreement that rather than change the rules of game and (stop) the importation of HFCS, there will be a transition period,” Lopez said during the Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Cafe and Bakery in Quezon City.

The government during the transition will place a cap on corn syrup imports until it has resolved the problem of the sugar sector or come up with a better way to help sugar farmers.

Under the new terms, Lopez

said all orders of imported corn syrup prior to March 10, 2017 when the SRA order was issued would be released until the proportion of HFCS and local sugar to be used by beverage makers is balanced.

“There is a commitment (from the soft drinks industry) to buy more local sugar domestically and put a cap on sugar substitute.

So it’s a win-win case,” Lopez said.

He said imported high fructose corn syrup was still cheaper by 30 percent to 40 percent compared with local sugar.

After the transition, Lopez

said the beverage industry would have a blend of corn syrup and sugar as sweetener for manufacturing.

“You cannot tell them that it is going to be 100 percent (local sugar) but there will be a blend... there is a certain volume of HFCS, not zero but not unlimited,” said Lopez.

He added the local sugar industry should start modernizing production and manufacturing processes to stay competitive and obtain better returns.

“We should not protect the sugar industry if it affects the user,” he said.

Emperador completes Domecq brand buyout

By Jenniffer B. Austria

3 SMART AWARDS. Three Smart Communications Inc. employee programs win Gold Anvils at the

52nd Anvil Awards. Receiving the trophies are Smart representatives led by (starting sixth from left) chief financial officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla, People Group first vice president Gina Ordoñez, chief people and culture officer Liza Sichon and People Group assistant VP Che Agsaoay. Employees of Smart are increasingly being encouraged to use digital tools that can improve productivity and make the highly challenging work environment more fun.

BODEGAS Las Copas S.L., a 50-50 joint venture company of Emperador-led Grupo Emperador Spain and Gonzales Byass, has completed the acquisition of the Domecq and Pedro Domecq brands from Pernod Ricard, along with the brandy, spirit and wine business linked to those brands for € 80.9 million (P4.33 billion).

Emperador Inc.’s latest acquisition will give it access to the brandy market in Latin America, especially Mexico where the Domecq brandies take half of the entire brandy market.

The acquisition cost will be financed through a combination of cash on hand and external financing, Emperador said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

Pernod Ricard in a previous

statement said the transaction included the brand portfolio of Mexican brandies Don Pedro, Presidente and Azteca de Oro, as well as the winery related to the production of Mexican wines in Ensenada, along with the relevant inventories of the Domecq brands in several markets, including Spain, the United States, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The disposal is in line with the Pernod Ricard’s strategy to simplify its portfolio for growth and focus on priority spirits and wines brands. It reinforces the presence of Bodega Las Copas in the global brandy category.

The acquisition comes about a year after Emperador bought Beam Suntory’s brandy and sherry business in a deal valued at about 275 million euros ($292 million).

THE full implementation of the national retail payments system in the country will boost gross domestic product growth, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said Friday.

The national retail payment system is a policy and regulatory framework that aims to establish a safe and efficient reliable retail payment system in the country. Espenilla said the system, with a faster payment turnover, could lead to higher economic activities. Countries with high level of e-payment were found to have a higher level of per capita income.

“The economy now runs on cash but it has cost in using cash in the system.

NRPS will result in more efficiency,” Espenilla said. Julito G. Rada

PSE COMPOSITE INDEX Closing March 31, 2017

8000 7600 7200 6800 6400 6000

7,311.72 20.87

PESO-DOLLAR RATE

Closing MARCH 31, 2017 45.00 46.50 48.00 49.50

P50.160 CLOSE

51.00

HIGH P50.160 LOW P50.260 AVERAGE P50.219 VOLUME 483.100M Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, March 31, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.1940

Japan

Yen

0.008937

0.4486

UK

Pound

1.247300

62.6070

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128708

6.4604

Switzerland

Franc

0.998901

50.1388

Canada

Dollar

0.749569

37.6239

Singapore

Dollar

0.715308

35.9042

Australia

Dollar

0.764000

38.3482

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655408

133.2855

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266674

13.3854

Brunei

Dollar

0.712758

35.7762

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.029037

1.4575

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

13.6679

Euro

Euro

1.067700

53.5921

Korea

Won

0.000895

0.0449

China

Yuan

0.145167

7.2865

India

Rupee

0.015420

0.7740

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.226296

11.3587

New Zealand

Dollar

0.699300

35.1007

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032995

1.6562 Source: PDS Bridge

B2

Business

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks drop in mixed trading T HE stock market fell Friday in mixed trading, with dealers ignoring betterthan-expected US economic growth data.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost 20.87 points, or 0.3 percent, to 7,311.72 on a value turnover of P9.18 billion. Gainers, however, beat losers, 102 to 86, with 42 issues unchanged.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. of tycoon George Ty declined 2.7 percent to P1,145, while major property developer Ayala Land Inc. dropped 2.4 percent to P33.05.

Wilcon Depot Inc. debuted in the stock market, gaining 5.5 percent to P5.33 from its initial public offering price of P5.05.

Bloomberry Resorts Corp. of port tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. rose 2.7 percent to P7.95, while sister company International Container Terminal Services Inc., the biggest port operator, rallied 2.2 percent to P89.90.

Wall Street, meanwhile, cheered news that growth hit 2.1 percent in the last three months of 2016, which was 0.2 point better than first thought, with crucial consumer spending seeing a strong increase.

The result provided some much-needed support to markets

after Donald Trump’s failure last week to push through his healthcare bill stoked fears he would have trouble with his promised tax-cut and spending promises— a key driver of a global rally since November.

“It’s only a small upgrade but the marginal increase... seemed to have an outsized impact on sentiment,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader.

“That and the fact that the consumption component was upgraded seem to have been the key to reinforcing the strength of the US economy. We haven’t really seen any US data printing worse than expected for some months now. But for the moment the economy is supporting stocks

in the US.” But while Wall Street enjoyed advances, Asian investors were not so impressed and positioned themselves as they closed their books before the end of the quarter.

Tokyo closed 0.8 percent lower as the yen reversed early losses against the dollar, while Hong Kong slipped 0.7 percent in the afternoon.

Seoul closed 0.2 percent down and Sydney was off 0.5 percent, while Taipei, Jakarta and Bangkok were all off.

Shanghai edged up 0.4 percent, rebounding from early losses, following a forecast-beating reading on Chinese factory activity.

In early European trade London fell 0.4 percent, Frankfurt

shed 0.3 percent and Paris eased 0.2 percent.

“The market continues to be devoid of a clear direction,” Yoshihiro Okumura, general manager at Chibagin Asset Management, told Bloomberg News.

“It’s up one day, down the other on overseas factors. Economic data, hopes over corporate earnings is a plus but politics remains a minus factor, which will likely be the case for the new quarter.”

The dollar surged five percent against the rand after South African President Jacob Zuma sacked finance minister Pravin Gordhan, who had enjoyed the support of many international investors and had campaigned for budget discipline. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 47.15 3,000 3.33 12,000 101.2 1,048,710 3.96 3,000 117.6 4,191,780 1.24 182,000 40.7 79,100 10 500 16.2 1,459,700 20.6 453,900 0.73 20,000 1.62 7,000 0.65 1,904,000 80 5,182,220 14.7 6,600 55.3 509,280 239.2 7,150 87 3,450 38.4 112,800 202 1,080,060 79.65 44,660

141,660 37,680 106,064,294 11,870 494,955,113 222,630 3,217,960 5,000 23,650,158 9,358,140 14,600 11,340 1,237,770 414,478,303 97,020 28,164,503.50 1,710,280 300,179 4,310,800 217,641,800 3,557,889

-34,350 41,885,566 -76,829,902 6,050 -23,534,460 -593,380 -630,500 46,599,674 -213,568 1,698,320 -18,980 37,565,380 -

1.4 41.7 5.27 0.8 18.58 0.243 103.9 6.99 16.9 22.5 15.18 61 1.94 5.95 12.1 12.7 7.9 6 5.98 1.7 20.95 71.3 15.02 7.21 1.49 191.1 70.1 5.05 3.75 30.8 25.9 17.5 272 0.24 6.39 3.69 8.72 11.04 2.18 8.25 1.85 71.8 4.88 286.8 4.76 2 2.76 13.4 0.145 1.35 162 1.49 31.5

INDUSTRIAL 1.42 195,000 41.75 1,867,200 5.35 1,276,600 0.82 144,000 19.48 200 0.243 2,300,000 103.9 20 7.03 20,471,300 16.9 1,989,300 23.7 170,500 15.18 600 62.5 1,350 1.97 288,000 6.09 136,100 12.1 47,100 12.72 6,164,400 8.27 6,705,100 6.04 7,023,700 6.02 12,261,000 1.7 108,000 20.95 4,087,400 71.8 37,650 15.1 52,900 7.3 1,264,500 1.52 263,000 197.5 1,272,220 70.1 110 5.18 661,200 3.92 32,000 30.8 3,232,500 26.3 49,000 17.5 3,183,300 274 61,370 0.24 5,780,000 6.88 225,500 3.72 158,000 8.9 353,700 11.04 4,000 2.21 73,000 8.4 6,598,800 1.89 505,000 72 1,332,460 4.9 109,000 288 10,560 4.8 2,013,000 2 2,000 2.76 20,000 13.6 481,500 0.145 60,000 1.38 166,000 163.5 944,210 1.5 612,000 31.75 500

275,890 77,991,350 6,833,956 115,240 3,806 563,460 2,078 145,513,403 33,701,738 3,994,805 9,108 84,225 563,330 828,755 572,350 78,431,118 55,363,585 42,389,055 74,076,151 183,600 89,341,255 2,696,738 797,006 9,205,990 395,460 249,460,453 7,831 3,441,738 123,320 99,886,400 1,283,340 56,868,184 16,804,380 1,400,870 1,533,712 587,950 3,123,618 44,580 159,680 55,332,991 937,620 96,205,693 532,120 3,035,536 9,658,960 4,000 55,480 6,537,876 8,700 227,310 154,281,777 917,110 15,775

17,040 -14,359,170 377,045 108,800 -51,390,942 -22,298,446 83,600 -27,937,398 -937,960 -28,431,469 -15,951,741 -23,923,410 1,729,201.50 -506,960 -315,009 117,527,241 -131,307 42,460 8,416,585 -57,410 8,179,606 -254,258 -34,160 148,530 -906,567 -291,918 -22,320 23,333,590.50 439,200 2,061,818 291,800 294,822 8,700 69,000 -18,324,899 -33,190 3,175

0.37 73.6 12.46 1.1 6.1 0.315 0.305 833 8.48 11.26 7.9 0.189 1,137 6.15 81 0.99 7.71 15.92 6 3.4 0.053 1.97 101.9 2.53 694.5 1.4 272 0.28 0.19 0.255

HOLDING FIRMS 0.375 370,000 74.45 1,554,270 12.68 1,799,500 1.11 3,000 6.1 1,500 0.325 310,000 0.315 3,000,000 845 169,550 8.48 548,700 11.4 15,237,100 7.9 3,100 0.189 40,000 1,145 248,805 6.39 300 81.35 2,919,590 1.02 3,247,000 7.71 1,451,800 16.02 1,569,000 6.02 51,399,600 3.4 5,000 0.054 17,920,000 1.98 158,000 104 116,080 2.68 361,000 697 1,045,880 1.46 26,000 274 7,040 0.295 2,780,000 0.19 40,000 0.26 30,000

138,100 115,409,721 22,728,246 3,320 9,204 99,050 930,000 142,479,635 4,681,047 173,236,606 24,640 7,590 286,021,275 1,893 237,632,976.50 3,264,810 11,255,394 25,097,306 309,741,026 17,000 957,450 312,270 11,939,238 934,500 728,292,065 36,460 1,924,924 779,300 7,690 7,700

-65,882,993 3,510,594 37,200 1,500,905 86,558 -88,480,458 5,700 -61,243,810 -4,004,438.50 -6,371,234 -1,531,040 -134,797,834 8,150 1,023,464 217,822,005 -57,540 5,790 7,700

1.24 6.8 0.92 2.18 33.05 3.95 5.1 0.485 1.07 1.25 0.156 0.52 53.2 0.66 0.16 1.63 0.96 3.38 0.212 0.295 0.57 4.6 22.75

PROPERTY 1.24 6,651,000 6.8 363,600 0.96 616,000 2.3 1,000,000 33.05 12,644,500 4 1,212,000 5.14 13,100 0.49 2,590,000 1.07 30,000 1.25 8,000 0.157 3,540,000 0.54 539,000 53.65 320,720 0.69 1,002,000 0.166 1,690,000 1.64 9,756,000 0.96 2,871,000 3.38 16,676,000 0.216 25,890,000 0.3 1,080,000 0.58 16,521,000 4.79 1,588,000 23 4,661,700

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

ASIA UNITED AG FINANCE BANK PH ISLANDS BDO LEASING BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK CITYSTATE BANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FIRST ABACUS IREMIT MEDCO HLDG METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK

47.5 3.13 101 3.95 118.5 1.21 41 10 16.5 20.3 0.73 1.62 0.65 80 14.7 55.75 239 87 37.9 201.8 79.65

47.5 3.33 101.3 3.96 118.6 1.24 41.2 10 16.5 20.75 0.73 1.62 0.66 80.15 14.7 55.75 240 87.2 38.4 202.2 79.7

47.15 3.12 100.9 3.95 117.6 1.15 40.65 10 16.16 20.2 0.73 1.62 0.65 79.8 14.7 55.2 239 87 37.8 201 79.5

ALSONS CONS 1.41 ABOITIZ POWER 41.85 AGRINURTURE 5.4 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.8 ASIABEST GROUP 18.58 BASIC ENERGY 0.245 BOGO MEDELLIN 103.9 CEMEX HLDG 7.47 CENTURY FOOD 16.94 CIRTEK HLDG 23.65 CNTRL AZUCARERA15.18 CONCEPCION 61 CROWN ASIA 1.97 DAVINCI CAPITAL 5.96 DEL MONTE 12.2 DNL INDUS 12.9 EEI CORP 7.9 EMPERADOR 6 ENERGY DEVT 6.12 EUROMED 1.7 FIRST GEN 22.2 FIRST PHIL HLDG 71.35 HOLCIM 15.48 INTEGRATED MICR 7.27 IONICS 1.49 JOLLIBEE 191.1 LIBERTY FLOUR 73.1 LMG CHEMICALS 5.2 MABUHAY VINYL 3.8 MANILA WATER 31 MAXS GROUP 26.4 MEGAWIDE 17.82 MERALCO 274.6 MG HLDG 0.244 PANASONIC 6.39 PEPSI COLA 3.69 PETRON 8.9 PHINMA 11.46 PHINMA ENERGY 2.19 PHX PETROLEUM 8.33 PHX SEMICNDCTR 1.9 PILIPINAS SHELL 73.9 PRYCE CORP 4.88 PUREFOODS 287 RFM CORP 4.76 ROXAS AND CO 2 ROXAS HLDG 2.88 SHAKEYS PIZZA 13.5 SWIFT FOODS 0.145 TKC METALS 1.35 UNIV ROBINA 163 VITARICH 1.5 VIVANT 31.5

1.44 42 5.4 0.82 19.48 0.25 103.9 7.47 16.98 23.7 15.18 62.5 1.98 6.1 12.24 12.9 8.4 6.08 6.12 1.7 22.2 72 15.48 7.3 1.52 197.9 73.1 5.34 3.92 31 26.45 18 274.6 0.247 6.98 3.73 8.9 11.46 2.23 8.47 1.9 73.9 4.9 288 4.8 2 2.88 13.7 0.145 1.38 163.9 1.52 31.75

ABACORE CAPITAL 0.375 ABOITIZ EQUITY 75.1 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 12.46 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 1.1 ANSCOR 6.19 ATN HLDG A 0.315 ATN HLDG B 0.315 AYALA CORP 842 COSCO CAPITAL 8.6 DMCI HLDG 11.76 FILINVEST DEV 8 FORUM PACIFIC 0.19 GT CAPITAL 1,177 HOUSE OF INV 6.15 JG SUMMIT 82.7 LODESTAR 1 LOPEZ HLDG 7.84 LT GROUP 16.08 METRO PAC INV 6.08 MJC INVESTMENTS 3.4 PACIFICA 0.055 PRIME ORION 1.97 SAN MIGUEL CORP 102.8 SEAFRONT RES 2.53 SM INVESTMENTS 696.5 SOLID GROUP 1.4 TOP FRONTIER 272.8 UNIOIL HLDG 0.285 WELLEX INDUS 0.193 ZEUS HLDG 0.255

0.375 75.1 12.68 1.11 6.19 0.325 0.315 845 8.6 11.76 8 0.19 1,177 6.39 82.7 1.03 7.88 16.2 6.08 3.4 0.055 1.98 104 2.78 698 1.46 274 0.295 0.193 0.26

ARTHALAND CORP 8990 HLDG A BROWN ARANETA PROP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND

1.28 6.8 0.93 2.26 33.8 4 5.1 0.495 1.07 1.25 0.161 0.52 53.95 0.7 0.17 1.65 0.96 3.41 0.216 0.31 0.58 4.77 23.2

1.28 6.82 0.96 2.3 33.8 4.05 5.14 0.495 1.07 1.25 0.161 0.54 54.1 0.7 0.173 1.66 0.97 3.47 0.221 0.31 0.59 4.81 23.2

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

1.75 3.39 28.6 0.98 0.87 5

1.8 3.42 28.6 1.01 0.88 5.09

1.75 3.3 28.2 0.96 0.86 4.95

1.76 3.39 28.3 0.97 0.86 5.08

1,247,000 109,000 8,144,500 11,864,000 152,000 14,018,100

2,214,800 370,380 230,465,505 11,582,640 132,730 70,719,139

13,326,375 2,110,711

ABS CBN 46.1 2GO GROUP 9 APC GROUP 0.53 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.046 BERJAYA 5.5 BLOOMBERRY 7.74 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.077 CALATA CORP 2.07 CEBU AIR 95 CENTRO ESCOLAR 9.77 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.32 EASYCALL 5.2 GLOBE TELECOM 2,030 GMA NETWORK 6.5 GOLDEN HAVEN 16.12 GRAND PLAZA 15 HARBOR STAR 3.15 IMPERIAL 3.65 INTL CONTAINER 88 IP EGAME 0.0094 IPEOPLE 12.1 IPM HLDG 9.04 ISLAND INFO 0.178 ISM COMM 1.29 JACKSTONES 3.6 LBC EXPRESS 15 LEISURE AND RES 4.26 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.94 MACROASIA 3.82 MANILA JOCKEY 2.66 MELCO CROWN 6.73 METRO RETAIL 3.58 NOW CORP 2.98 PACIFIC ONLINE 11.4 PAL HLDG 5.5 PAXYS 3.15 PHIL SEVEN CORP 170 PHILWEB 7.7 PLDT 1,605 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.58 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.435 PUREGOLD 43.5 ROBINSONS RTL 77.15 SBS PHIL CORP 5.9 SSI GROUP 2.16 STI HLDG 1.09 TRAVELLERS 3.22 WATERFRONT 0.4 WILCON DEPOT 5.3

46.7 9.9 0.53 0.047 5.7 8.06 0.078 2.09 95 9.81 2.58 5.55 2,034 6.59 16.5 15 3.24 3.69 90.1 0.0094 12.46 9.04 0.18 1.35 3.7 15 4.3 0.95 3.89 2.66 6.8 3.64 2.98 11.5 5.5 3.16 177 7.78 1,647 1.6 0.445 43.9 77.2 5.99 2.16 1.1 3.22 0.4 5.37

46.1 9 0.51 0.044 5.36 7.74 0.073 2.03 93.4 9.77 2.32 4.81 1,990 6.49 16.12 15 3.1 3.63 88 0.0094 12.1 9 0.178 1.25 3.6 14.98 4.17 0.94 3.82 2.48 6.67 3.56 2.9 11.4 5.3 3.06 170 7.61 1,599 1.56 0.435 43.5 76.7 5.88 2.1 1.09 3.2 0.375 5.17

SERVICES 46.6 11,200 9.5 1,676,200 0.53 89,000 0.045 163,600,000 5.59 27,200 7.95 31,258,700 0.074 54,380,000 2.07 1,146,000 93.9 911,270 9.81 16,500 2.58 11,000 5.55 30,600 2,032 66,120 6.56 1,131,000 16.5 91,800 15 100 3.16 1,007,000 3.63 42,000 89.9 4,460,730 0.0094 1,000,000 12.46 106,000 9 334,000 0.179 2,930,000 1.3 917,000 3.67 115,000 14.98 3,100 4.17 540,000 0.95 3,000 3.83 581,000 2.5 279,000 6.68 4,905,100 3.6 930,000 2.9 1,295,000 11.48 1,005,600 5.48 12,100 3.06 220,000 170 850 7.7 94,900 1,646 208,365 1.57 21,338,000 0.435 2,030,000 43.7 1,437,400 77 60,120 5.99 460,400 2.14 487,000 1.1 1,258,000 3.2 361,000 0.38 260,000 5.33 201,325,500

518,235 16,045,059 45,610 7,391,400 150,550 248,837,322 4,079,280 2,351,040 85,748,609.50 161,767 27,840 149,944 134,131,180 7,416,932 1,512,782 1,500 3,182,690 153,140 400,121,729.50 9,400 1,312,960 3,008,740 522,560 1,174,200 417,070 46,440 2,265,440 2,830 2,233,660 698,830 32,874,425 3,337,280 3,797,560 11,544,170 65,115 674,700 148,070 731,809 341,341,605 33,774,400 893,450 62,709,900 4,632,314.50 2,715,674 1,034,570 1,373,290 1,155,260 100,350 1,064,501,830

-966 -39,780 136,000 -9,841,341 6,160 45,100 19,957,485.50 -16,638,475 13,125,677.50 9,400 946,960 600 -12,750 -402,140 4,842,802 355,370 70,630 530 104,040 -90,270 -13,121 64,176,930 3,347,360 -13,350 36,062,890 -863,157.50 -7,630 995,200 58,150 263,144,926

APEX MINING ABRA MINING ATLAS MINING 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 ORNTL PETROL B PETROENERGY PHILODRILL PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING TA PETROLEUM UNITED PARAGON

1.51 0.0033 5.28 0.57 0.41 8.72 2.85 0.255 0.18 0.195 0.011 0.012 1.72 6.28 2.2 0.455 0.9 0.011 0.012 4.01 0.014 8.44 3.44 147.4 2.66 0.0086

1.52 0.0033 5.3 0.57 0.41 9.3 2.86 0.255 0.182 0.195 0.012 0.012 1.72 6.28 2.2 0.455 0.9 0.011 0.012 4.01 0.014 8.45 3.48 149 2.7 0.0086

1.43 0.0032 5.28 0.54 0.4 8.72 2.78 0.25 0.18 0.191 0.011 0.012 1.7 6.08 2.09 0.455 0.86 0.011 0.012 4.01 0.013 8.38 3.32 147.4 2.66 0.0086

MINING & OIL 1.47 3,222,000 0.0032 13,000,000 5.3 116,500 0.57 4,600,000 0.4 330,000 9.3 200 2.86 3,293,000 0.25 30,000 0.181 2,800,000 0.191 1,100,000 0.012 5,600,000 0.012 100,000 1.7 12,000 6.08 1,947,800 2.1 60,000 0.455 70,000 0.86 32,000 0.011 7,200,000 0.012 200,000 4.01 3,000 0.014 62,100,000 8.38 547,800 3.34 2,721,000 147.6 1,359,490 2.7 22,000 0.0086 1,000,000

4,746,000 41,800 617,234 2,576,630 132,550 1,802 9,323,500 7,600 507,700 210,300 61,900 1,200 20,440 12,018,748 126,540 31,850 27,980 79,200 2,400 12,030 868,700 4,597,343 9,250,830 200,610,224 58,960 8,600

-1,300,230 6,600 -6,876 415,590 5,100 5,850 1,200 3,440 -2,731,811 -8,600 2,400 8,400 -1,614,396 -328,660 40,188,442 -2,660 -

AC PREF B2 ABS HLDG PDR ALCO PREF B DD PREF GMA HLDG PDR LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 2B SFI PREF SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

528 46 107.5 105.1 6.03 1.04 107.7 1,075 1,149 2.1 76 80.05 77.95 78.5 80 78 78.5

528 47 107.5 105.1 6.04 1.04 107.7 1,075 1,149 2.1 76 80.05 78 78.5 80 78 78.5

528 46 107.5 105.1 6.03 1.04 107.7 1,075 1,149 2.1 76 80.05 77.95 78.5 80 78 78.5

PREFERRED 528 10 47 540,300 107.5 200 105.1 2,000 6.04 714,700 1.04 288,000 107.7 2,800 1,075 50 1,149 15 2.1 1,000 76 270 80.05 100 78 52,000 78.5 3,000 80 3,100 78 5,000 78.5 26,780

5,280 25,230,180 21,500 210,200 4,316,572 299,520 301,560 53,750 17,235 2,100 20,520 8,005 4,055,670 235,500 248,000 390,000 2,102,230

2,089,900 -3,813,573 -

LR WARRANT

2.2

2.27

2.18

WARRANTS 2.18 89,000

195,240

-

6.78 3.64 10.1

6.7 3.53 9.8

SME 6.75 3.64 10.04

9,693,289 427,700 10,215,988

1,289,083

121.4

121

178,111

12,100

NAME ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

MS 8,338,210 2,474,515 569,120 2,218,630 422,154,660 4,838,160 66,942 1,269,600 32,100 10,000 555,540 284,320 17,228,860 677,420 275,950 16,022,380 2,757,190 56,575,550 5,591,120 321,600 9,586,500 7,531,270 107,075,725

352,120 -2,084,122 -136,214,090 634,290 -88,200 6,440 1,265,275 2,100 8,530 -11,850,360 -14,390 -9,694,120 -45,510 6,200 92,220 41,950 13,677,970

PHILAB HLDG ITALPINAS XURPAS

6.78 3.53 10.04

FIRST METRO ETF 121.4

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS

SHARES

17,539,625 96,334,977 131,956,514

PROPERTY

146,833,840

SERVICES

507,832,429

MINING & OIL

111,515,091

GRAND TOTAL

1,014,596,946

1,436,200 118,000 1,028,800

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 121.3 1,470

VALUE 1,820.56 (DOWN) 3.73 1,404,080,257.966 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,948.44 (DOWN) 13.19 1,407,806,330.11 HOLDING FIRMS 7,449.51 (DOWN) 44.51 2,493,601,778.244 PROPERTY 3,125.93 (DOWN) 33.67 SERVICES 1,552.15 (UP) 20.20 982,213,825.586 MINING & OIL 11,972.21 (DOWN) 56.08 2,621,676,369.038 PSEI 7,311.72 (DOWN) 20.87 245,965,185.989 All Shares Index 4,399.71 (DOWN) 11.94 9,175,858,834.935 Gainers:86; Losers: 102; Unchanged: 42; Total: 230

Wilcon gains in market debut

By Jenniffer B. Austria SHARE price of Wilcon Depot Inc. rose 5.5 percent on its debut at the Philippine Stock Exchange as the company expects to post double-digit growth in sales and net income this year.

Wilcon, the first initial public offering this year and the biggest purely domestic maiden share sale, opened at P5.30 and hit a high of P5.37 before closing at P5.33.

Wilcon chairman William Belo said in a press briefing following the listing ceremony the company was focused on expanding its presence in the country, especially in Visayas and Mindanao.

Twenty of the 29 stores set to open over the next five years will be situated in Visayas and Mindanao “Over the past few years the Philippine economy has been growing in a fast pace.

So we feel that now is the time to grow further and the only way to fast-track our opening of branches is to go public so we can put in more branches to capitalize on the booming economy,” Belo said.

“We see this trend continuing because we have good economic fundamentals,” he added.

Meanwhile, First Metro Investments Corp executive vice president Justino Ocampo said Wilcon IPO was 3.7 times oversubscribed on strong take-up from retail and institutional investors.

“We are very happy with the market reception as retail investors are banking on the strong Wilcon story being a market leader in a strong sector,” Ocampo said.

BDO Capital and Investments Corp. senior vice president Gabriel Lim said the strong take-up for the Wilcon IPO should encourage other companies to consider a purely domestic IPO.

Filinvest registers net profit of P8.5b FILINVEST Development Corp., the listed holding company of the Gotianun family, registered a net income of P8.5 billion in 2016, up 21 percent from a year ago, on the back of the strong performance of the banking and real estate businesses.

Filinvest said in a disclosure to the stock exchange 2016 consolidated revenues jumped 19 percent to P58.6 billion from P49.3 billion in 2015.

The main contributors to the holding company’s revenues were banking and the real estates business, which accounted for 41 percent and 39 percent, respectively. he power, sugar and hotel businesses contributed 13 percent, four percent and three percent, respectively.

FDC Utilities Inc., the group’s power generation unit, completed its 3 x 135 megawatt-clean coal power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental province on schedule, or before the end of 2016.

“We were excited to start supplying much-needed electricity to the Mindanao grid.

This will not be immediately reflected in the revenues, however, since commercial operations started toward the end of the year,” FDC president and chief executive officer Josephine Gotianun-Yap said.

East West Banking Corp. increased its loan portfolio by 29 percent to P202 billion, as consumer loans jumped 51 percent while deposits grew 30 percent.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Home / Design

B3

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BEING BOLD FOR CHANGE. Standard Chartered Bank Philippines employees together with their CEO and country head Lynette Ortiz, recently took time off from their ostensibly stressful banking chores to perform at the Vagina Monologues alongside stage thespians and women’s rights advocates Monique Wilson and Thea Tadiar.

SCB Philippines sponsored the episodic play written by Eve Ensler in celebration of International Women’s Month. The play, which was based on Ensler’s interviews with different women on feminine experiences, celebrates women empowerment. The play was a benefit performance for SCB’s global programme Seeing is Believing and also in support of Lila Filipina, an organization of Filipino comfort women, victims and survivors of rape during the WWII and One Billion Rising, a movement to end violence against women. Said Ortiz: “The show was a demonstration of female power at its best. We are proud of the cast for courageously putting themselves out there for our cause and for each other, reading aloud some of the most thought-provoking and controversial issues that beset women.”

LIVING IT UP AT BOTANIKA. Developer Filinvest Corp. recently announced that Botanika Nature Residences, its first luxury

condominium project in Filinvest Cty, Alabang, is still on its pre-selling period with turnover units set in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Located at the most exclusive and quiet area of Filinvest City, Botanika combines convenient condominium living with a relaxed suburban lifestyle.“Botanika is a condo complex that is laid out in a big garden, where greens are integrated in the whole development,” said Catherine Ilagan, Filinvest executive vice president.

When is the best time… the best time?

Lamudi PH gives tips on how you can afford your first home

H

ome-buying is one of the biggest purchases one can make in their lifetime. It pays to be ready before sealing that dream home deal. But the big question is: when is the best time to buy a home?

People often look at the current market standing, the trends in real estate, or the prevailing interest rates set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) before deciding to buy. But in this case, online real estate expert Lamudi Philippines says otherwise. It is wise to study the market and research for the best real estate deals, but it is way smarter to evaluate yourself and your financial standing first before signing the deed of sale.

sure that you are on the right track.

Settle your debts If you have a mountain of loans, try settling all the smaller amounts as quickly as possible. It might also be best to cover first the loans with the highest interest rates to make sure that they won’t keep earning interests, which can be hefty if you add them together.

Make a personal fiscal calendar

To veer away from late-payment penalty fees and big interest rates, keeping a journal or a calendar that lists all your money-related matters will help a great deal. This will help you not miss any upcoming payment or expense and smoothly plan your finances ahead.

Refrain from using credit cards

Here are is a useful personal fiImpulse buying is empowered by nance checklist you can follow. that plastic card inside your wallet.

If you can try going all cash with your Track your net worth daily necessities and expenses, this The capacity to buy a house de- will prevent you from spending unpends on an individual’s circumstance necessarily. and goals, and the best way to begin is by identifying your financial capabilSet a budget and ity. Track your net worth. Simply destrictly follow its fined, your net worth is the difference To successfully abide by this rule, between your assets and debts. The discipline is key. After receiving your bigger the difference, the nearer you paycheck, quickly set aside a portion are to your monetary goals. Regularly for savings and bills. Make use of what monitor your financial standing to en- will remain and divide it for the next

EYES ON THE PRIZE. Financial freedom gets you ready to finally get your dream home. couple of days until the next payday.

Be content

This is the mantra that you should Save and splurge say to yourself every time you dreamAllot a certain amount of your funds ily eye a new gadget, or an expensive to lifestyle spending and firmly abide pair of shoes that you don’t really by it. This includes movies, restau- need. rants, spas, expensive coffee, and all other non-basic necessities. This way Own a home you will not feel deprived.

A good motivation better drives you

to follow good money habits. Even if buying a home is your ultimate goal, you can also set smaller targets or short-term goals like taking a trip abroad. Once you reach these “mini goals”, you will have a daily reminder that all your dreams can be achieved, including your ultimate goal of settling into your own abode.

RELIVING THE GOLDEN DAYS.

LIFE’S A BEACH. AboitizLand, the real-estate arm of the AboitizGroup, recently

teamed up with Beach Volleyball Republic for a series of exhibition games during the launch of Seafront Residences, its first seaside residential community in Luzon. Shown in this photo are members of the Beach Volleyball Republic and AboitizLand’s Top Management. Standing (L-R): Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, Melissa Gohing and Amanda Villanueva of Beach Volleyball Republic; John Amon, VP and head of innovation, AboitizLand; and Eduardo Aboitiz, manager. Seated (L-R) Dzi Gervacio and Charo Soriano of Beach Volleyball Republic; Patrick Reyes, COO and President, AboitizLand; and Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, First VP of operations, AboitizLand.

ANCHORS AWEIGH IN BINONDO. Anchor Land Holdings, Inc. recently topped off

Princeview Parksuites, a 39-storey residential condominium in the Bindondo district. Princeview Parksuites is a short walk away from major establishments such as the Metropolitan Hospital, Arranque and Bambang Markets, Divisoria, 168 Mall, Tutuban, and several churches. The property boasts amenities such as a 36-meter infinity pool at the roof deck with a splendid view of the Manila skyline (See photo). Princeview Parksuites is a collaboration of various experts in their respective fields, including ASYA Design, SY^2 + Associates, Inc., DMCI –FVP Buildings, and Jose Aliling Construction Management, Inc..

PHINMA Corporation recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, treating its guests to the golden days of 20s Old Manila, complete with a historical touch supplied by the Senate Hall of the National Museum, including ladies and gentlemen in full 20s regalia. The event was attended by government officers, captains of industry, and socio-civic leaders. The company looked back to their long and storied journey, which dates back to 1957 when PHINMA Corporation was first known as Bacnotan Consolidated Industries, Inc. PHINMA President & CEO Ramon R. Del Rosario (Shown in photo) shared their achievements, the cornerstone of which is providing the materials that helped build the nation.

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

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SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

SOUTHERN COMFORT. Avida Settings Lipa targets growing families looking for a quiet, secure community that is accessible to major points of interest.

Under the Batangas sun Avida Settings Lipa gives Pinoy families a compelling pitch

L

IVING in the city can be exhilarating: the fast-paced life, the close proximity to commerce, leisure, and entertainment, and the everyday hustle and bustle. But it’s not for everyone.

More and more buildings sprout like mushrooms around the Metro, the traffic quickly builds up, malls get more

congested, and parks and patches of greenery are sparse – one tends to feel boxed in.

As more urban denizens seek out alternatives to city living, modern cities in South Luzon are offering a more laid back atmosphere with all the convenience offered by an up to date metropolis. Often dismissed by many as provincial, the recent boom in development in the region comprising Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon provinces is proving that you can still have all the convenience and access you get in the congested city, but with a more balanced atmosphere.

Mid-income residential developer Avida Land is one outfit which is putting serious money where its mouth as it entices Filipino families based in Metro Manila to buy weekend homes away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

SENSIBLE LAYOUT. House and lot packages range from P4.8 million to P7.2 million. Shown here is the 82 sqm Trista unit.

Strengthening South Luzon lead

Avida launched the first phase of Avida Settings Lipa in the fourth quarter last year. It is launching the second phase of its 21-hectare residential development in Batangas, its seventh in the province, this year.

With 20 projects across Batangas, Cavite and Laguna spanning 690 hectares in area, Avida has become one of the largest property developers in South Luzon.

Avida Settings Lipa features house and lot packages of 52sqm to 82sqm ranging from PHP4.8 million to PHP7.2 million, and lots only at 125sqm for PHP1.6 million up to 300sqm for PHP4.6 million. Land value at launch was at PHP14,600 per sqm, and has risen to PHP15,800 per sqm in just three months.

The development offers three modern-contemporary design house models. The exterior was designed to bring in more natural light and ventilation while the interior spaces were carefully planned to have more livable spaces. As with all Avida residences, the community features landscaped parks and open spaces, multipurpose hall, adult and children’s swimming pools, basketball court and other sensible amenities and facilities.

For the second phase, house and lot and lot only offerings are located adjacent to the community’s linear park and 1.4-hectare amenity area. Avida is confident the premium location of these second phase offerings will help sell out its inventory worth PHP604 million. Avida Settings Lipa sold out 70 per cent of its first phase in just one month.

“We encourage more buyers to consider house and lot packages,” said Herbert Herrero, Avida AVP for project & strategic management group. “In the long run, they come out as more convenient investments than just lots. They also gain more flexibility in customizing or expanding their properties in the future with less hassle.”

High demand

THAT TIME OF THE YEAR. Bosch gives tips on how to keep one’s home safe during the summer season.

Ayala Land, Inc.’s (ALI) mid-range housing unit is looking to generate P3.6 billion in sales from projects in South Luzon, such as Avida Settings Lipa, this year, citing high demand for mid-scale housing in the area.

“We continue to see a good increase in population in the Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas area,” Herrero acknowledged.

Phase 1 of Avida Settings Lipa, which is located along JP Laurel Highway, Barangay Tambo, Lipa City, generated P260 million in sales since its launch last year. Herrero said they are aiming to sell out the property by the third quarter of 2017, before launching the third of four phases in 2018.

Herrero said the target market are families with an average monthly income of P150,000 to P200,000, newly wed couples starting a family, or established families who are looking for a good place to retire.

“We seem to be attracting established families already,

those whose children are already working but still live with parents,” Hererro observed. “By and large, most house and lot clients are growing families with discerning taste seeking living spaces that can accommodate every family member.

Better than building your own?

House and lot offerings have a consistent demand in South Luzon, Herrero claimed. “This option saves time in house planning, supervision and construction,“ he explained. “Financing is also made more convenient as it can be done for both house and lot.”

Avida has long been growing its South Luzon portfolio. Aside from Batangas, the developer has eight projects in Laguna, as well as five in Cavite.

“South Luzon represents the largest area contributing to Avida’s overall house and lot sales today,” said Herrero. “We see how these areas’ growth potential has driven high demand for residences.”

Overseas buyers also comprise 40% of the take-up, with Herrero saying that Filipinos originally from Lipa who are now working abroad want to have “even a lot or a piece in their locality.”

7 cops ‘milking’ vendors sacked

By Sandy Araneta CRIMINAL charges have finally been filed against the seven policemen from the Manila Police District who allegedly extorted money from a group of illegal vendors in Kalaw and Luneta areas.

MPD director Chief Supt.

Joel Coronel said charges of extortion and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act have been slapped against the policemen-suspects before the Manila City Prosecutors Office.

Coronel identified five of the dismissed officers allegedly involved in the racket as SPO2 Marvin Velasquez, SPO2 Romel Santos Alfaro, PO3 John Gaviola David, PO3 Leo De Jos and PO2 Romeo Rosini Jr. “They’ve been relieved and transferred to NCRPO [National Capital Regional Police Office] headquarters and criminal charges have been formally filed in court,” Coronel said.

As to the administrative charges of grave misconduct, which has a corresponding penalty of dismissal from the service, MPD chief said these are presently being heard by the Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame.

“Summary dismissal proceedings are ongoing,” Coronel added.

Coronel said he received orders from Mayor Joseph Estrada to punish the erring policemen if evidence warrants it. “[Estrada] was angry since he said vendors must not be exploited because they are poor.

The police should be the ones who should implement the law,” said Coronel.

About two weeks ago, a group of about 30 illegal vendors rallied at the MPD headquarters to complain about the alleged extortion activities of several Ermita-based policemen.

During their dialogue at city hall, the vendors reported that several members of the MPDErmita Station had been forcing them to pay P100 to P200 daily, threatening to drive them away if they refuse to do so.

LGUs

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

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

Light and rice for Lanao Sur

By Nash B. Maulana

M

ARAWI CITY —Officials are bringing back hopes of restoring light and livelihood to half of Lanao del Sur, following recent visits here by top executives, including President Rodrigo Duterte.

The latest to bring in the good news was Vice President Leni Robredo, who launched here last week her office’s Angat Buhay Program.

It can be recalled that amid security concerns following a roadside explosion, President Duterte visited Lanao de Sur in January to address a fledgling extremist threat, claiming to be inspired by the

Middle East-based Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or Isis.

Robredo said a continuing dialogue among sectors could help bring back the province’s huge losses in basic social services, power utility, health, agriculture livelihood and development, and telecommunications facilities.

Duterte has promised local officials he would be sending more development programs and projects to Lanao del Sur —the province of his maternal ancestor —including the construction of a big hospital with modern facilities.

Vice Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr. said officials have added another factor to the usual social indicators in poverty surveys—the number of households that have been without electricity in 25 of the province’s 41 towns and one city, during the last three decades or more.

Residents said they have been deprived of electricity for decades, despite being host communities to major hydropower

generation facility of the state-run National Power Corp.

NPC officials were quick to pass the blame to the direct community distributor, the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative or Lasureco. The electric cooperative then cited compounded indebtedness of household consumers and end-user local government units.

The Office of the Vice President and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur signed a memorandum of agreement on March 21 to implement the “Angat Buhay: Partnerships Against Poverty Program,” at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol here.

Adiong said the Angat Buhay Program will “focus on four key areas, namely agri-fisheries, health, rural electrification and education.”

Lanao del Sur, despite being a main producer of corn and rice, has remained in the list of the poorest provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The province is one of the five provinces of the ARMM that surveys have rated poor, based on the 2016 Financial Expenditure and Income Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Local statistics showed poverty indicators include such factors as number of unemployed individuals, number of households without access to safe water and to sanitary facilities, as well as children aged 3 to 17 not attending school.

Meanwhile, agriculture development leads government efforts to restore normalcy in war-torn Butig town, and to take Lanao del Sur off the country’s list of poorest provinces, officials here said.

Butig has twice been under siege, most recently by extremists of the Maute Group, with ensuing clashes with government forces causing massive displacement of civilian residents.

The irrigation systems in Butig and Malabang towns, both recently visited by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, were dilapidated and hardly serviceable.

IN BRIEF Mariveles supports Bataan Freedom Run

CLIMATE-SMART FARMING. Linda Capilitan cleans an ampalaya or bitter gourd plant at the FAO Climate-Smart Farmer Field School in Barangay Bagolibas, Aleosan, Cotabato Province on March 21. The farmers were assisted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in partnership with the New Zealand Embassy on new farming techniques and agricultural input of vegetable and rice seeds. AFP

Duterte pushes federalism at councilors’ confab PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte pushed once more one of his campaign platforms—the shift to a federal form of government —at the 10th National Congress of the Philippine Councilors League held recently at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The chief executive made the pitch before the 17,000-strong league, the largest association of local officials, who will be crucial in spreading information on federalism.

Duterte cited the advantages of the possible new form of government and the economic benefits it will bring down to the city and municipal levels.

He also encouraged the local legislators to be reliable partners in the government’s campaign against drugs and criminality.

Meanwhile, the league called for the resumption of the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front in an official statement.

The two-day confab featured

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President Rodrigo Duterte poses with councilors from across the country as he lobbied for federalism at the Philippine Councilors League’s 10th National Congress at the World Trade Center in Pasig City.

talks from Philippine National Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, Party-list Rep. Harry Roque Jr., Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Datu Abdul Khayr Dangcal Alonto,

Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno, National Youth Commission Assistant Secretary Paul Anthony Pangilinan, People’s National Movement for Federalism president Dante Liban, Tourism Pro-

motions Board chief operating officer Cesar Montano, former Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel, also PDP-Laban

party chief.

Senators Cynthia Villar, Manny Pacquiao and Joseph Victor Ejercito also delivered keynote addresses on improving the quality of legislation for a more responsive local governance.

The group elected Danny Dayanghirang of Davao City and Luis “Chavit” Singson of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur as national chairman and national president, respectively.

Founded in 1990, the League seeks to capacitate its membership for relevant local legislation and establish a strategic and accessible forum for strengthening public sector relations towards community development.

Themed “Your PCL Advocating Genuine Peace, Inclusive Growth and Countryside Development through Federalism,” the triennial gathering was attended by some 10,000 city and municipal councilors led by its National Chairman Elmer Datuin of Baguio City and National President Maybelyn Dela Cruz-Fernandez of Dagupan City.

BALANGA CITY—Mariveles Mayor AJ Concepcion assured the town’s full support for this year’s Bataan Freedom Run and Freedom Trail, saying the twin events highlight the historical role of his town during World War 2.

“Aside from rekindling heroism, Bataan Freedom Run and Freedom bring to the consciousness the historicalness of Mariveles,” the young mayor said. “We will provide all the logistical support for the success of these events.”

Mariveles is the starting point of both races. The town was also one of the two starting points of the infamous Death March. The Bataan Freedom Run in Mariveles is on April 2 with five categories: 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 1 km.

For his part, Bataan Gov. Abet Garcia said: “These events can be a springboard to rediscover the role of Bataan during World War, especially for the younger generation.” Butch Gunio

Cops lauds disaster staff for video aid THE Quezon City Police District has commended seven personnel from the QC Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office for their assistance in the police campaign against criminality.

Marjorie Velazquez, Emilio Miguel C. Agustin, Kristina Cejas, John Carlo Placido, Kenneth T. Lopez, Jim Ellian Dagdagan, and Chester Ace Silvestre were lauded for their assistance during a shooting incident last Feb. 25.

Velazquez, Agustin, Cejas and Placido, who were all assigned as CCTV personnel, provided support to the QCPD Criminal Investigation Detection Unit that led to the identification of the road rage suspect who shot to death a motorist at the corner of D. Tuazon Street and Quezon Avenue in Barangay Doña Josefa.

Ten Outstanding Students of Makati honored with plaques, cash

By Joel E. Zurbano THE city government of Makati on Friday named this year’s Ten Outstanding Students of Makati, awarding each a plaque of recognition, a medallion, and a check worth P15,000.

The TOSM awardees consist of five students each from public and private schools in the city.

From public schools, the awardees are Grade 10 students Louiejabe Nuniela and Joan Lyn Fadri, both from Makati Science

High School; John Maven Tavas, Pitogo High School; Melbris Sacro, Bangkal High School; and Mhikaella Lhorainne Yu, San Antonio National High School.

From private schools, the five awardees are Grade 10 students Mark Edward Gonzales of Saint Paul College-Makati; Stephanie Noelle Blanco, Assumption College; Princess Jelycha Mare, Colegio de Sta. Rosa-Makati; and Grade 12 students Marcela Mercedes Rodolfo and Princess Jelycha Mare Rana, both from Colegio San Agustin-Makati.

Mayor Abigail Binay praised the awardees and reassured them of the city’s commitment to promote their overall growth and development.

“Your excellent performance in school is undoubtedly the best way to reciprocate all the support and encouragement you have received from your parents,” said Binay during the awarding ceremony at the Session Hall of Makati City Hall Building I. Binay also thanked the awardees for valuing the efforts of their mentors,

school administrators and local leaders to provide them the best education that will help secure a bright future.

“Rest assured that your city government will continue to provide the best programs and services we can afford to develop the youth of today into outstanding leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

Now on its 41st year, TOSM recognizes students from public and private high schools in Makati who have shown exceptional performance in academics, leadership, athletics and the arts.

Present during the ceremony were Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, Congressmen Luis Campos and Monsour Del Rosario, Councilor Marie-Alethea Casal-Uy, and DepEd-Makati superintendent Dr. Dominico Idanan.

According to city Education Department head Norma Tumambing, a total of 33 qualified students have been nominated by their respective schools for TOSM 2017. After the first level of screening, the number of nominees was cut down to 15.

World

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

C3

Japan kills 333 whales in hunt T The fleet set sail for the Southern Ocean in November, with plans to slaughter 333 minke whales, flouting a worldwide moratorium and opposition led by Australia and New Zealand.

The fleet consisted of five ships, three of which arrived in the morning at Shimonoseki port in western

OKYO―A Japanese whaling fleet returned to port Friday after an annual Antarctic hunt that killed more than 300 of the mammals as Tokyo pursues the program in defiance of global criticism.

22. In addition to the lower generation cost of the power supply from SMEC, DORELCO is also entitled to a Prompt Payment Discount (PPD), if conditions are met, equivalent to three percent (3%) of the total of the Capacity and Energy Charges and a Collection Efficiency Discount, again if conditions are met, equivalent to: Collection Efficiency Levels

Discount, PhP/kWh

Below 65%

None

66% to 75%

0.05

76% to 85%

0.10

86% to 95%

0.15

96% and above

0.20

23. In compliance with Rule 20 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure relative to the submission of supporting documents and information for the approval of the PSA and the rate structure embodied therein, Applicants DORELCO and SMEC attach the following documents to form integral parts hereof: Annex Documents/Information O and Details of the PSA: series a. Executive Summary b. Sources of Funds/Financial Plans ■ Debt/Equity Ratio ■ Project Cost ■ Computation of Return on Investment (ROI)/Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) ■ Certification from the Bank/Lending Institution specifying the principal amortization, term and interest during the cooperation period of the loan agreement c. Purchased Power Rate ■ Breakdown of the base prices ■ Sample Computation of Power Rates with the supporting documents on the assumptions taken ■ Rate Impact Study/Simulation ■ Statement of impact on the overall rates of DORELCO once the contract is approved ■ Basis/Rationale of indexation and level of indexation d. Cash Flow ■ Initial Costs ■ Breakdown of Operating and Maintenance expenses ■ Minimum Energy Off-take (MEOT) P

32. These annexes contain numbers, data, formula, methodology, and calculations involving valuable and sensitive commercial, financial information reflecting SMEC’s business operations and financial trade secrets. Therefore, SMEC’s confidential, proprietary, and private information included in the aforesaid annexes should be protected from public dissemination. Otherwise, such information can be illegally and unfairly utilized by business competitors who may use the same for their own private gain and to the irreparable prejudice of SMEC. Negotiations with prospective customers may also be affected; 33. Similarly, applicant DORELCO humbly requests for the confidential treatment of Annexes “V and series” hereof, consisting of the MOA among Region 8 ECs, e-mails confirming participation of interested suppliers in the bidding, Information Memorandum, Final Instructions to Bidders, Bid Forms, Bid Evaluation Slips, Comparison of Bids, and Notice of Award, respectively.

These annexes show the individual offers of the bidders which participated in the R8 JCPSP. The Region 8 ECs, DORELCO included, are bound by their undertaking to secure and keep in confidence the offers and the proposed terms of supply, so as not to prejudice or pre-empt any future CSPs in which these bidders will participate. Otherwise, DORELCO and the rest of the Region 8 ECs may be held liable for damages for breach of confidentiality, and eventually, risk their good relations with the suppliers concerned; 34. Accordingly, it is respectfully submitted that Annex “P”, Annex “Q” and series and Annexes “V” and series, must be accorded confidential treatment. As such, they are to be used exclusively by the Honorable Commission and for the sole purpose of evaluating this Application, thereby protecting these data from unnecessary public disclosure; 35. In accordance with Section i(b), Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, Applicants DORELCO and SMEC submit one (1) copy each of Annex “P”. Annex “Q” and series and Annexes “V” and series in sealed envelopes, with the envelope and each page of the documents stamped with the word “Confidential”.

VI.

for

R

Details of the Fuel Procurement Process

S

Transmission Service Agreement (TSA) between NGCP and EC, if applicable

the

24. Further, in compliance with Article VI, Sections 1 and 2 of the Honorable Commission’s Guidelines for the Recovery of Costs for the Generation Component of the Distribution Utilities’ (DU) Rates, copies of the foregoing are, likewise, attached to the .Joint Application as annexes and made integral parts hereof: Annex T U V and series

W and series X and series Y and series Z

Documents/Information Relevant technical and economic characteristics of the generation capacity, installed capacity, mode of operation, and dependable capacity Costs analysis of the proposed pricing provisions of the PSA Details of the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) undertaken by leading to the selection of SMEC as its supplier, including invitations to participate and submit proposals, Terms of Reference (TOR), proposals and/or tender offers received by R8 JCPSP, Joint Bids and Awards Committee (JBAC) Evaluation Report; R8 JCPSP ‘s Board Resolution confirming the said JBAC Evaluation Report, and the Notice of Award to SMEC (Confidential) Details of the interconnection facility of the Sual Coal Fired Thermal Power Plant DORELCO’s latest Distribution Development Plan (DDP)

DORELCO’s Load Forecast Projections, Power Demand and Supply Scenario and Average Daily Load Curve DORELCO’s Demand Side Management (DSM) Program that could be implemented by EC if approved by the Honorable Commission AA SMEC’s latest Audited Financial Statements (AFS), Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows and Operating Expenses as an IPPA Administrator AA-1 Certification from the engine manufacturer or SMEC of the net heat rate in liters per kWh AA-2 Updated Certificate of Compliance from the Energy Regulatory Commission 25. Furthermore, applicants DORELCO and SMEC are reserving their right to submit other documents, either in the course of the hearing or as may be required by this Honorable Commission.

26. The Joint Application is consistent and in accordance with Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9136, or EPIRA, declaring as a policy of the State, among others, “to ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power:” and Section 23 thereof, that “To achieve economies of scale in utility operations, distribution utilities may, after due notice and public hearing, pursue structural and operational reforms such as but not limited to, joint actions between or among the distribution utilities, subject to the guidelines issued by the ERC (which) . . . shall result in improved efficiencies, reliability of service, reduction of costs and compliance to the performance standards prescribed in the IRR of this Act” and that all distribution utilities shall have the obligation to supply electricity in the least-cost manner to its captive market subject to the collection of retail rate duly approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission;” 27. The Joint Application is likewise consistent with DOE Department Circular No. DC2015-06-0008 which mandates all distribution utilities to undergo Competitive Selection Process (CSP) in securing Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) which will ensure security and certainty of electricity prices of electric power to end-users in the long term, as well as with ERC Resolution No. 13, series of 2015, which requires that “PSA shall be awarded to the winning Generation Company following a successful transparent and competitive selection process. A CSP is successful if the DU receives at least two (2) qualified bids from entities with which the DU is not prohibited from entering into a contract for power supply in accordance with Rule 11, Section 5 (b) of the EPIRA IRR.” 28. The PSA with SMEC was made to ensure the continuous supply of power to EC and due to the former’s competitive pricing structure and other favorable terms of its contract, which will redound to the benefit of the latter and its end-consumers in terms of reliable and affordable power supply; IV.

COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS

29. Applicants manifest compliance with the pre-filing requirements mandated under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EPIRA and Rule 6 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to be established by the following: 29.1 Certifications acknowledging receipt of the Application with annexes to be issued by the Legislative Bodies of Pasig City, Municipality of Tolosa, and the Province of Leyte, to be appended as Annexes “BB”.

“BB-i” and “BB-2”. respectively; 29.2 Notarized Affidavit of Publication stating that the Application was published in a newspaper of general circulation within DORELCO’s Franchise Area, to be appended herein as Annex “CC”: and 29.3 Complete newspaper issue where the Application was published, to be appended herein as Annex “CC-1”. and the relevant page thereof where the Application appears, as Annex “CC-2”: V. MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF ANNEXES “P” “0” and “V” 30. Under Rule 4 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, a party to any proceeding before the Honorable Commission may request that certain information not be disclosed and be treated as confidential, by describing with particularity the information to be treated as confidential, specifying the ground for the claim of confidential treatment of the information and, if applicable, specifying the period during which the information must not be disclosed; 31. Applicant SMEC respectfully moves for the confidential treatment of Annexes “P” and “Q”. “Q-1” and “Q-2”” hereof, consisting of SMEC’s Sources of Funds and Financial Plans with Cost Assumptions. These annexes, exclusively owned by Applicant SMEC, contain information which are considered part of its business and trade secrets. As such, SMEC has the sole proprietary interest and will be unduly prejudiced should they be disclosed to the public;

PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

36. All the foregoing allegations are re-pleaded by reference in support of herein Prayer for the issuance of Provisional Authority to implement the subject PSA; 37. DORELCO and SMEC pray for the issuance of a Provisional Authority or interim relief prior to final decision pursuant to Rule 14 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, to wit: “Section 3. Action on the Motion. - Motions for provisional authority or interim relief may he acted upon with or without hearing. The Commission shall act on the motion on the basis of the allegations of the application or petition and supporting documents and other evidences that applicant or petitioner has submitted and the comments or opposition filed by any interested person, if there be any.”

Details of the Power Rate Calculations and Financial Model (Confidential)

Q, Q-1 Contracts for the Supply, Construction and Supervision and Power Plant (Confidential) Q-2

Japan, the country’s Fisheries Agency said.

More than 200 people, including crew members and their families, gathered in the rain for a 30-minute ceremony in front of the Nisshin Maru, the fleet’s main ship, according to an official of the Shimonoseki City government.

38. In recognition of the fact that a substantial amount of time is customarily needed to evaluate the documents submitted to support the approval of herein Application, Applicants DORELCO and SMEC seek the kind consideration of the Honorable Commission to approve the instant Application, immediately, albeit, provisionally; 39. Owing to the short term of the contract, which is only for a period of two (2) years, a Provisional Authority is all the more imperative to allow the timely delivery of energy by SMEC to DORELCO, which is set to start on 26 December 2016 at 12:00 A.M. in order to avoid their exposure to the WESM; 40. The additional power from SMEC is needed to curtail any power interruptions that may be experienced by DORELCO’s member-consumers due to inadequate power supply in the Region; 41. To further support the Prayer for Provisional Authority, an affidavit emphasizing the necessity thereof is attached hereto as Annex “DP”, to form an integral part hereof; 42. Finally, the following annexes are attached in compliance with the additional requirements of the Technical Working Group for write-ups on subject documents/information: Annex EE

Documents/Information SMEC Shareholders Agreement

EE-1 Renewable Energy Service/Operating Contract from the Department of Energy (DOE) EE-2 Certificate of Registration or Certificate of Confrimation of Commerciality by an RE Developer and after due confirmation by the DOE EE-3 Explanation on the non-applicability of potential cost of ancillary services EE-4 Consistency/inconsistency of the Sual Coal Fired Power Station with the DOE’s PDP EE-5 SMEC as an IPPA project EE-6 Explanation on the non-applicability of the MEOT provision on the SMEC contract EE-7 Status of the ECs’ Transition Supply Contract with the NPC/PSALM EE-8 Non-applicability to electric cooperatives of document showing list of board of directors and board members related to the ultimate parent company, its subsidiaries and all its affiliates EE-9 Write-up on SMEC's IPPA Agreement PRAYER WHEREFORE, the foregoing premises considered, the Joint Applicants Don Orestes Romualdez Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DORELCO) and San Miguel Energy Corporation (SMEC) most respectfully pray that the Honorable Commission: 1.

Pending hearing, ISSUE an Order provisionally approving the Joint Application and the PSC thereby authorizing DORELCO and SMEC to immediately implement the rate structures therein;

2.

ISSUE an Order treating Annexes “P”, “Q”, “Q-1”, and “Q-2”, and “V and series” and all the information contained therein as confidential, directing their nondisclosure to persons other than the officers and staff of the Honorable Commission, continuously protecting the said information from public disclosure by maintaining the same separate and apart from the records of the case, and ensuring that these are not divulged to unauthorized persons, pursuant to Rule 4 of its Rules of Practice and Procedure; and

3.

After due notice and hearing, ISSUE a Decision approving the Joint Application and the PSC between DORELCO and SMEC, and authorizing DORELCO to charge and collect the fees therein from its member-consumers.

Other reliefs just and equitable under 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 25 April 2017 (Tuesday) at three o’clock in the afternoon (3:00 P.M.), at DORELCO’s principal office in National Highway, Brgy.

San Roque, Tolosa, 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 Applicants rest their 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 Applicants that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing.

Applicants are 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 14th day of March 2017 in Pasig City.

ATTY. NATHAN J. MARASIGAN Chief of Staff Office of the Chairman and CEO Standard – Apr. 1 & 8, 2017

In a press release, the agency described the mission as “research for the purpose of studying the ecological system in the Antarctic Sea”.

But environmentalists and the International Court of Justice call that a fiction and say the real purpose is simply to hunt whales for their meat.

Anticipating the fleet’s return, animal protection charity Humane Society International called for an end to Japanese whaling.

“Each year that Japan persists with its discredited scientific whaling is another year where these wonderful animals are needlessly sacrificed,” said Kitty Block, the group’s executive vice president.

“It is an obscene cruelty in the name of science that must end,” she said in a release.

Japan also caught 333 minke whales in the previous season ending in 2016 after a one-year hiatus prompted by an ICJ ruling, which said the hunt was a commercial venture masquerading as science

and ordered Tokyo to end it.

Under the International Whaling Commission, to which Japan is a signatory, there has been a moratorium on hunting whales since 1986.

Tokyo exploits a loophole allowing whales to be killed for “scientific research” and claims it is trying to prove the population is large enough to sustain a return to commercial hunting.

But it also makes no secret of the fact that whale meat ends up on dinner tables.

Japan has hunted whales for centuries, and their meat was a key source of protein in the immediate post-World War II years when the country was desperately poor.

But consumption has dramatically declined in recent decades, with significant proportions of the population saying they “never” or “rarely” eat whale meat.

In response to the ICJ ruling, Japan’s 2014-15 mission carried out only “non-lethal research” such as taking skin samples and doing head counts. AFP

Park in custody after her arrest SEOUL―South Korea’s ousted president Park Geun-Hye was spending her first day in custody Friday after a court ordered her arrest, with her opponents crowing and her supporters crying.

The former head of state stared straight ahead, apparently trying to maintain her composure, as she was driven to the Seoul Detention Centre through a barrage of flashbulbs shortly before dawn.

After a marathon hearing on Thursday a court in the capital ordered Park’s arrest in connection with the corruption scandal that brought millions of people onto the streets and saw her impeached.

Prosecutors have yet to specify the formal charges against her, but have previously said she is suspected of bribery, abuse of authority, coercion, and leaking government secrets.

“It is justifiable and necessary to arrest (Park) as key charges were justified and there is risk of evidence being destroyed,” the court said in a statement.

The decision made Park, 65, the third former leader to be arrested over corruption in Asia’s fourthlargest economy, where politics and big business have long been closely tied.

It is a dramatic step in the disgrace of South Korea’s first woman president.

The liberal Democratic Party, which is favorite to win the election on May 9 to choose Park’s successor, said in a statement that the move showed “all are equal before the law”.

“We hope today’s landmark decision will provide fresh momentum in revealing the truth about the scandal of an unprecedented scale,” it added.

But Park’s own Liberty Korea

party -- which has changed its name in an effort to distance itself from her -- called the move “regrettable”.

Loyalist lawmaker and presidential hopeful Kim Jin-Tae was furious, calling it “the death knell for the country’s rule of law”.

While in office, Park took a tough approach to nuclear-armed North Korea, repeatedly calling for stronger international sanctions against the regime and openly urging more of its citizens to defect to the South, and Pyongyang’s official organs were relatively quick to report her arrest.

“Traitor Park was... thrown into a solitary cell in a prisoner uniform,” the state KCNA news agency said, adding her detention was “welcomed” by South Korean media and a “majority of the people”.

Despite the early hour, about 50 of her supporters were at the detention center when Park arrived, waving national flags and chanting slogans demanding her release.

According to normal procedure, she would have been processed -- including being fingerprinted and having her mugshot taken -changed into prison garb with her prisoner number on the chest, and put in a cell.

Under South Korean law prosecutors now have up to 20 days in which to indict her. Choi Soon-Sil, Park’s secret confidante at the heart of the scandal, is being held at the same center, as is Samsung heir Lee Jae-Yong.

Choi is already on trial for forcing top local firms including the tech giant to “donate” nearly $70 million to non-profit foundations which she allegedly used for personal gain, while Lee has been indicted for bribery and other offenses. AFP

Australia tightens airport security SYDNEY―Australia said Friday it will increase security checks for flights from some Middle East airports, but stopped short of implementing the laptop ban introduced by the United States and Britain.

Britain and the US banned laptops and tablet computers in cabins on flights from some countries in the Middle East and North Africa earlier this month, citing fears of possible attacks.

“Explosive detection screening will be conducted for randomly selected passengers and their baggage. Checks may also include targeted screening of electronic devices,” Transport Minister Darren Chester said in a statement.

“Our changes are in line with the UK, which recently announced that people traveling from Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be subject to random explosive trace detection screening.

“There is no ban on the carriage of electronic devices on flights to Australia at this stage.”

The airlines affected are Qantas Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.

The increase security checks will

hit passengers flying direct to Australia from Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Chester said there was “no specific threat to Australia”.

“In response to national security advice the federal government has made precautionary changes and instructed airlines to implement new protocols from next week.”

US officials said their measure was intended to thwart possible attacks on airliners with small explosive devices hidden in consumer electronics.

Alexandre de Juniac, director general of the International Air Transport Association, said Wednesday the American and British bans were not sustainable.

“Even in the short term, it is difficult to understand their effectiveness. And the commercial distortions they create are severe,” he said in a speech in Canada.

The US ban affects nine airlines from eight countries -- Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The British ban targets flights out of Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Lebanon. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

C4

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

World

‘Chance for N. Korea to bury the evidence’ S

EOUL—North Korea’s retrieval of the body of the assassinated half brother of leader Kim Jong-Un is aimed at destroying evidence of the regime’s involvement in the brutal killing, analysts say.

Kim Jong-Nam was killed with the lethal nerve agent VX on February 13 in a Kuala Lumpur airport, in a brutally clinical operation which removed a potential claimant to the Kim throne―he was late leader Kim Jong-Il’s first-born―who was an embarrassment to Pyongyang.

The murder triggered a diplomatic row between Malaysia and North Korea, which expelled each other’s ambassadors and barred their citizens from leaving.

But in a deal announced by both, they said they would lift their travel bans, and Kuala Lumpur would send the body to North Korea.

Analysts say Pyongyang will immediately dispose of the corpse and try to bury the issue.

“They will burn the body,” said Kim Kwang-Jin, a defectorturned-researcher at Seoul’s Institute for National Security Strategy.

Pyongyang will declare the man had died of natural causes and blame the controversy on its opponents, said Kim. “North Korea will say that its citizen named Kim Chol died from a heart attack and claim that enemies South Korea and the US have stirred up drama,” he said.

Pyongyang has refused to confirm the identity of the victim, who was carrying a North Korean passport bearing the name Kim Chol when he was killed.

Malaysia however has officially confirmed his identity using DNA evidence, and had said it had been waiting for his next

of kin to claim the body.

The joint statement referred to the North providing documentation from the family -- which could mean Kim Jong-Un himself or any of his relatives, rather than the dead man’s wives or children.

At the same time, destroying the evidence also avoids it becoming a focal point for the opponents of the regime, added researcher Kim, who worked for the North’s state insurance company before fleeing to the South.

“It is natural for them to want the body because it will continue to draw attention if it is anywhere else,” he told AFP. South Korea has blamed Pyongyang for the Cold Warstyle killing, citing what officials say was a standing order from North Korea’s leader to eliminate his exiled and estranged half-brother. AFP Some analysts say the North will be very discreet about the handling of Kim’s body to keep the truth of the incident a secret from its own citizens.

“Kim Jong-Nam’s existence and his murder are like a Pandora’s box that cannot be known by the people,” said Kim YongHyun, professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University.

“Everything will be done in secret with minimal procedures,” he said.

Even so, analysts said, retrieving the corpse would not resolve the repercussions of the assassination for Pyongyang.

“The case has been closed for now and the body swap was a small victory by the North,” said Chang Yong-Seok, senior researcher at Seoul National University’s Institute for Peace and Unification Studies.

But Pyongyang had suffered “irreparable damage” from Kim’s killing, which cemented its inhumane image and set it at loggerheads with one of its few diplomatic friends, he said.

South Korea has repeatedly referred to the assassination as a clear example of the North Korean leadership’s brutality and recklessness. AFP

DESIGNER SHOW. A model displays a creation by Italian designer Maria Grakova during the Italian Brands Designer Show in Minsk . AFP

Tillerson to push NATO to pay more

Venezuela high court accused of ‘coup’

BRUSSELS―US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson headed to Brussels on Friday to push President Donald Trump’s demand for NATO allies to boost defense spending.

Tillerson is meeting fellow NATO foreign ministers for the first time, ahead of a May 25 leaders summit with Trump in Brussels.

Seeking to draw a line under the funding row, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has sought to dismiss concern that Trump is less committed to the 28-nation alliance than his predecessors.

“We see a strong US commitment to NATO, to the transatlantic bond not only in words but also in deeds,” Stoltenberg told reporters shortly before the talks start, citing increased US military deployments in eastern Europe.

He said the European allies themselves realized the need to meet pledges made in 2014 to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by 2014, citing conflicts to the east and south of its borders.

“But it is not just about cash. It is also about investing in the capabilities we need and committing forces to NATO deployments,” Stoltenberg said.

Tillerson, due in Brussels at 10:45 (0845 GMT), will also push the allies to increase their role in fighting terrorism, US officials said.

Tillerson traveled to Brussels following a visit to Turkey, a NATO ally and key player in both Syria and Iraq where Washington wants to defeat the Islamic State group.

In the last two years, IS has claimed or hailed a wave of deadly attacks in US and European cities, including Brussels.

Tillerson will also work with NATO allies to press Russia to fulfil its obligations under the Minsk agreements to end the war in eastern Ukraine, the US official said.

Allies have been alarmed at the prospect of Trump seeking to improve relations with Russia at the expense of support for the pro-Western government in Ukraine or NATO allies in former Soviet parts of eastern Europe. AFP

CARACAS―International powers voiced alarm Thursday at the Venezuelan Supreme Court’s move to seize power from the oppositionled legislature, in what was widely branded as amounting to a coup.

The court’s move tightened socialist President Nicolas Maduro’s grip on power after more than a year in which he was locked in a political struggle with the center-right opposition.

Critics said it was an authoritarian turn for the South American oil producing giant, where an economic crisis has caused food shortages, riots and an epidemic of violent crime.

The crisis has raised concerns about stability in Venezuela, which has undergone three attempted military coups since 1992.

The US State Department called the court’s move “a serious setback for democracy.”

Regional powers Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Chile and others also warned it was a threat to democracy in Venezuela.

Guatemala also denounced the court’s action. But leftistled Bolivia defended Maduro.

Brazil’s foreign ministry said it was “a clear break with constitutional order.”

But the hardest line came from the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, who echoed Maduro’s opponents’ claims of an internal “coup d’etat.”

Maduro has yet to comment publicly about the outcry.

Protesting lawmakers scuffled with riot police outside the court. Opposition groups called for wider street protests on Saturday.

In a tweet, jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez called on people to take to the streets in order to “reject dictatorship and rescue democracy.”

The judges’ move strips Maduro’s opponents in the National Assembly legislature of what little grip they had over a key pillar of government.

The high court (TSJ) has consistently backed the leftist president in his power struggle with the legislature. AFP

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Host Natalie Morales speaks onstage at the CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards brought by the CocaCola Company at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theater Owners in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

Airbus to build next-generation fighter jet FRANKFURT―Aerospace giant Airbus is planning a nextgeneration European fighter jet, the group’s defense chief said Friday, hoping to profit from the Old Continent’s renewed commitment to reach NATO defense spending targets.

“We are currently putting together pre-design studies to show what such an aircraft could look like,” Airbus Defense and Space chief executive Dirk Hoke told German business daily Handelsblatt. “We’re speaking very intensively with European governments.”

Many EU nations are looking to boost defense spending, as pressure mounts from Donald Trump’s White House for NATO allies to increase military budgets to the alliance’s target of 2.0 percent of GDP. A future Airbus fighter— known as the “Next Generation Weapons System” (NGWS)— would have “far-reaching new technical qualities,” Hoke said.

It could “combine the best of both worlds” of manned and unmanned aircraft, with a human-piloted plane working “in combination with a swarm of

drones,” he went on. “The overwhelming opinion of the nations is that they should hang on to manned platforms.”

“Such projects can no longer be financed by individual nations” in Europe, Hoke believes.

The armaments chief expects France and Germany to take the lead on the new fighter, but there are disagreements about when it should enter service—in 2035, when Berlin’s 85 Tornado fighter-bombers are set to be mothballed, or Paris’ preferred option of between 2035 and 2040.

Germany is unlikely to com-

mit to the project before parliamentary elections in September, with Airbus expecting “farreaching studies to be authorized in the coming year.

“Then we would need a basic decision for the new platform in the next two to three years” to keep to a 2035 timetable, Hoke said.

Airbus has been dogged in recent years by troubles with another joint project, the A400M transport plane commissioned by seven countries -- Britain, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Belgium, and Turkey. AFP

Life TRAVEL AND LEISURE

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

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COLORADO IN TAGAYTAY. Tagaytay Highlands’ Aspenhills is the first residential community that allows residents to build their own log cabin

Premier Mountain Resort T

AGAYTAY Highlands has long been the benchmark of leisure-mountain living in the country. What started as a mere weekend getaway for the Filipino elite is now a township, a fusion of natural beauty with the conveniences found in a city.

For over 20 years, it continues to thrive while pioneering a lot of this country’s firsts, from residential communities like the signature log cabins, golf club membership, Swiss cable cars and other recreational amenities, taking mountain-side living up a notch.

Backed by the long-standing credibility of the SM Group, property value in Tagaytay Highlands remains to appreciate as it continues to develop its vast land area of more than one thousand hectares and introduce innovative concepts—like two of its residential communities—Aspenhills and Nob Hill.

Bespoke log cabin homes at Aspenhills

Tagaytay Highlands pioneered a lot of firsts in the Philippines like the first ever Swiss cable car and funicular system in a resort community

Aspenhills is a luxury hilltop enclave covering 27 hectares of the Highlands. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant summers of Aspen in Colorado, it features a modern-ranch style community that will allow residents to build their dream cabin home.

Imagine living in a home to be enjoyed with the family all year round—built in one of the highest points of Tagaytay and surrounded by the cool weather, scenic vistas, and a charming landscape of Araucaria pine trees.

An exclusive gated community, Aspenhills is envisioned to be a village of bespoke mountain lodges in lots ranging from 306 to 801 square meters. Residents get to see their dream home come to life, a personal masterpiece with architecture and design that fuses the rustic charm of wood with the modern touch of glass and stone.

Foster vibrant family ties at Nob Hill, an oasis where work and play seamlessly blend

Tranquil bonding weekends may be enjoyed at the Sunshine Picnic Grove; active explorers can bike through dedicated pathways of the Nature Trail, while kids can frolic around the Little Ranch Playground. Aspenhills also highlights its main amenity, The Village Hall, that serves as a venue for private festivities overlooking lush mountain views.

Contemporary living amidst nature at Nob Hill

Nob Hill seamlessly fuses the ease of modern living with the serene comfort that its lush environment evokes. A residential community situated on the highest point of the Greenlands, Nob Hill offers lots ranging from 300 to 722 square meters on top of verdant sloping hills.

Tailor-made for the urbane, Nob Hill is envisioned to be a

Alabang soon to have mid-rise condo

E

xcited to welcome its first batch of residents soon, Amaia Steps Alabang recently ‘topped off’ its Blanca building in a ceremony that signified that construction has reached the highest point of the structure.

Held on Jan. 25 at Amaia Steps Alabang along Alabang-Zapote-Road, Las Piñas, the topping off ceremony was attended by key officials from Amaia Land and Makati Development Corporation (MDC) BuildPlus.

Among the Amaia VIPs present in the event was Cybill Samillano, deputy head for Project Development for South Luzon.

According to Samillano, Amaia Steps Alabang, the newest mid-rise development of Amaia Land, boasts unbeatable location, only a few meters away from Madrigal Business Park and other business and commercial establishments.

She added that Amaia is very excited to finally open its doors to the first homeowners of Amaia Steps Alabang. “Now that Blanca building has been topped off, its completion is only a few months away,” she said.

Amaia Steps Alabang is envisioned to have a total of nine buildings, with all buildings capped at only nine stories. Blanca, the first building, has 176 spacious units—32 studios, 96 deluxe, and 48 premier that could possibly be a two to three bedroom unit. These units are scheduled for turnover to homeowners by the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, succeeding buildings such as Aria and Clara are lined up for construction this year and completion by the following year.

Amaia Steps Alabang offers aspiring residents a peaceful and cozy community in the heart of the city—metro living in a suburban setting, or what it calls ‘the best of both worlds’.

Its homeowners will enjoy an array of amenities ideal for families: function rooms, a linear garden, a swimming pool, a basketball court, and a play area.

Amaia Steps Alabang is also strategically located near shopping destinations like Alabang Town Center and SM Southmall, hospitals such as Perpetual Help Medical Center and Asian Hospital, and schools like De La Salle Zobel, San Beda Alabang, and Southville International School.

Likewise, this property is near major roads and highways, making it easy for residents to travel to the airport, head to the Makati Business District, or have a quick trip to Tagaytay or Batangas.

And to affirm Amaia Land’s goal of offering affordable condo living to Filipino families, future homeowners at Amaia Steps Alabang can choose from convenient and flexible payment methods: cash, deferred, and bank financing.

For inquiries, visit www.amaialand.com or like www.facebook.com/AmaiaLand.

Nob Hill is envisioned to be a community of modern homes rising amidst nature’s charm

Amaia Steps Alabang held a topping off ceremony of its Blanca building, the first of its nine buildings, last January 25

commune of modern homes within nature’s embrace, characterized by minimalist elements—clean lines highlighted through natural colored stone, powder-coated metal trims, and glazing natural wood finishes.

Nature inspires a harmony of luxury and serenity to future Nob Hill homes. Residents may build a home with large windows, maximizing natural light and the picturesque view of the mountains, creating an illusion of a living painting that adds a relaxing touch to one’s abode.

Nob Hill is the perfect place to unwind and foster vibrant family ties amidst an innovative and holistic lifestyle. Amenities designed for work and play can be found at the central park which features the Palm Court, Fitness Station, Trellis, Gazebo, Children’s Play Area, Linear Park, and Jogging Path.

Defining mountain resort ideals

From left: MDC BuildPlus project-in-charge Venn Joseph Aranas, MDC BuildPlus Metro Manila Operation Center head Augusto Baet, MDC BuildPlus area manager Royce Regala, Amaia project development manager Cybill Samillano, Amaia technical unit manager Vic Katigbak, Amaia senior project sales officer Chay Viray, and Amaia sales director Mike Nuqui

Tagaytay Highlands continues to provide the best in mountain resort living, a holistic lifestyle that is within easy reach of its residents and members.

Property purchase in Tagaytay Highlands comes with membership rights to The Country Club, giving residents access to world-class amenities and an extensive selection of recreational activities. Sports such as swimming, tennis, bowling and badminton to other leisure interests like Pedal Go Kart Racing, Oxboard Maze, Sporting Arrow, Console Gaming and life-size board games at the Supersized Game Park may be enjoyed. Gourmands can also choose from a number of specialty restaurants like the Gourmet Avenue, China Palace and the famed Highlander Steakhouse.

Tagaytay Highlands keeps on evolving not only to offer an escape, but a chance to reconnect with oneself and the family – an investment like no other.

Life

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SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

In the world of make believe E

VER since I was a child growing up in Cebu, I have always been dazzled by carnivals, circuses, and the world of make believe. I remember MERCURY RISING that every time a magic

BY BOB ZOZOBRADO show came to town, I would badger my parents no end until they got tickets for my siblings and me.

The marquee at the entrance to the Universal Studios park in Hollywood

The moment I had a stable career and could travel anywhere I wanted, I right away included visits to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea World and other theme parks. I don’t know how many times I’ve been to Disneyland and Universal Studios, but every so often, when there is a slack in my US scheduled itinerary, I find a way to visit either of these theme parks again, especially when I read about their new rides, because the thought of trying them out myself tickles my fancy.

Not too long ago, I was again at Universal Studios in Hollywood with my sons and younger sister. I always get thrilled at the possibility of bumping into my favorite movie stars because this facility is not just a theme park. It is also a film studio. In fact, the tram tour takes visitors to the different studio lots where popular movies and television shows are being filmed.

Tagged as “The Entertainment Capital of L.A.”, this first and original Universal

Studios in Hollywood is one of the oldest and is the most famous film studio

I have tried: Jurassic Park, where you ride on a raft through dinosaur exhibits and all of a sudden, things go wrong as dinosaurs come alive and run after the raft, with the ride ending in a breathtaking (literally!) 84-foot plunge.

The Revenge of the Mummy is a twominute indoor roller coaster that immediately accelerates to 45 miles per hour, going forward and backwards in such a short time, giving you a lot of shrieking reasons!

Transformers is a 3D dark ride where the rider has to protect himself from Megatron and his evil friends, as the car speeds along the streets of Chicago and hovers beautifully over its skyscrapers.

Then there’s Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey where you speed through the classrooms of Hogwarts, then fly above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter and his friends on a thrilling adventure.

I also enjoyed Despicable Me, a 3D Motion Simulator where riders are transformed into minions navigating an exciting obstacle course, as Gru’s daughters give him a present to celebrate their adoption anniversary. This is similar to The Simpsons Ride, also a motion simulator where you are with The Simpsons who visit Krustyland to try out the new roller-coaster but Sideshow Bob tries to sabotage the ride, and that’s when everything becomes exciting and fun!

Of course, there are also staged shows like Waterworld, the concept of which

YOUR SATURDAY CHUCKLE THE BIG DIFFERENCE: Wives want to videotape the birth of their child, while husbands want to videotape the conception.

in the world. Originally, the studio offered only tours to the different sets for movies and television shows. But, in the mid-60s, the tour started to include visits to dressing rooms, staged events and exciting movie-oriented rides.

Currently, there are dozens of thrilling rides available to the young ones… and the young once. For those of you who are now planning your summer escapade to the nearest Universal Studio lot, here are some of the exciting rides

was taken from the movie of the same title, and the show features an actual fight between jet skis and boats, including a crash of a plane, further enhanced by pyrotechnics and violent stunt fights.

And those who love pets will certainly enjoy the Animal Actors Show where a variety of animals show their cute stunts and tricks to an appreciative audience.

There are many other attractions— live performances, shows, and interactive displays—that make the US$129

The author getting friendly with Jaws

two-day pass worth every single cent. “…No matter how you heart is beating I guess the child in me will never disapIf you keep on believing pear, as I continue to be dazzled by things The dream that you wish will come true.” that might be and could have been, in the world of make believe. No wonder, to this For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ day, I still get starry-eyed when I sing: gmail.com

The exciting staged show Waterworld, with live stunts including a plane crashing into the scene

Face of Tourism 2017 official candidates THE National Association of Independent Travel Agencies of the Philippines (NAITAS) and La Unica Events formally introduced recently the 16 official candidates of NAITAS Face of Tourism 2017 Pageant to the members of the press, sponsors, and VIPs at the press presentation at ICON Hotel on Timog Ave., Quezon City. The candidates were chosen from over 50 applicants from all over the country, after a series of preliminary pageant screenings held at Hotel 101 in Pasay City and was further shortlisted at the final screening held at the ICON Hotel.

The official candidates are: Sarah Hilado, 20 of Lipa City, Arriane Sandy Buenaflor, 18 of Bacoor City, Jenny Rose Llorin, 22 of Tayabas City, Giayzelle Ramos, 18 of Rosario, Batangas, Sarah Margarette Joson, 23 of Manila, Fey Jesus de la Peña, 19 of Bulakan,

Peña, 25 of Candelaria, Quezon, Kayla Fajardo, 20 of Agoncillo, Batangas and Sarah Mae San Jose, 23 of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

“I am overwhelmed and very happy that we are able to come up with an outstanding line-up of candidates for this year’s Face of Tourism Search, and we would like to thank all those who made the press presentation a success, including the pageant handlers, members of the media, our valued corporate sponsors, members and officials of NAITAS and the entire production team,” says Roanne Refrea, Miss Tourism Philippines 2015 and over-all chairman of NAITAS Face of Tourism 2017 Pageant.

A hectic yet fun-filled activities await the official candidates, including a twoday and two-night stay at the Crown Jewel of the North, Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center in Pagudpud, Ilo-

Center as part of the culminating activity of NAITAS Trade and Travel Show.

The lucky winner will receive almost P100,000 worth of prizes and will be the Philippines’ official representative to an international pageant to be held later this year.

The 2017 NAITAS Face of Tourism is presented by the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies in cooperation with La Unica Events Management, Co-Presented by HANNAH’s Beach Resort and Convention Center, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotion Board Philippines and sponsored by ICON Hotel Timog, the Official Residence, Hotel 101, preliminary screening venue.

It is sponsored by Icon Hotel (official residence), La Provence (official hair and make-up salon), Montage Skin Science

Have an Easter-rific time in Makati’s newest 5-star hotel

THERE’S no need to travel out of the metro to spend a holiday break this Holy Week as I’M Hotel, located in the corner of Makati and Kalayaan Avenue, is hosting its first Easter Party on April 16.

The Grand Narra Ballroom of the newly-opened hotel will be transformed into a haven of excitement and fun. For just P1,100 net per person, participants will be treated to a buffet snacks spread prepared

by Bloom Restaurant, face painting, nail and towel art, magic acts, and life-size board games. Children aged 2 and below are free to enter, as long as they are accompanied by parents or guardians.

To book tickets, email reservations@imhotel.com or call (02) 7557888. Visit www.imhotel.com for more information.

Let children enjoy Easter without the hassle of venturing out the metro at the newly-opened I’M Hotel in Makati City

Spacious and durable bag for your travels

The 16 official candidates of NAITAS Face of Tourism 2017 Pageant show off their physique and beauty during the official presentation to the media, event sponsors, and VIPs

Bulacan, Hazel Ann Reyes, 20 of Valenzuela City, Charmaine Aller, 18 of Quezon City, Mewish de Castro, 19 of Oriental Mindoro, Alyssa Joren Reyes, 18 of Lemery Batangas, Coralyn Resurreccion, 20 of Sariaya, Quezon, Christine Marie Corrado, 21 of San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, Kristine de la

cos Norte, where each of the candidates can enjoy world-class resort service and amenities, a National Costume Competition, and on-site visit at the NAITAS Trade and Travel Show to be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The 2017 Face of Tourism will be chosen on April 9 at the SMX Convention

(official skin clinic), Sutla, Dave Lee Haute Couture (official gown designer), Ganda Anore (official swimwear), Kara Zapatos (official shoes), Fabric Nations, L’Oreal Philippines, Apo View Hotel, Eurotel, Atrium Hotel, Hotel 101, Lucky 3 Tours, Artem Levy, and Joel Panlilio of 7 Studio.

THRILLING adventures and spontaneous trips demand a bag that can keep up with intense activities and fit all your essentials.

Local brand Budpack answers this need with its spacious and durable range of bags. The bags come in simple unisex design that combines aesthetics and performance. The Globetrotter Wave is a large pack (21x14x8) that’s perfect as a traveling bag, while the medium-sized Globetrotter Soft Wave (18x12x7) can be used as overnighter or school bag.

Each Budpack bag is made of imported Ballistic and Cordura 1000 fabrics. The bag’s features include top zipped closure, top hidden zipped pocket, bottom compartment for clothes and shoes, waterproof side zipped pocket, rubberized slip pock-

et, gartered wall pocket for laptop or documents, five interior pockets, nylon oxford interior lining, interior foam support, and durable back strap with adjuster.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

Missing Vice Ganda THE noontime show It’s Showtime is indeed lackluster every time Vice Ganda is not around.

But in the spirit of fairness, some of its hosts are equally competent and entertaining though they do lack the wit and humor of a Vice Ganda.

And as an added observation, these hosts seem to showcase each other’s prowess instead of working as a group to achieve “real fun and entertainment.”

“Para bang ang bawat isa ay gustong magpapansin,” observed a colleague who also agrees to our noticing of each host not paying attention to what the other is saying or expressing.

“Eh di mawawala nga o maiiba ang flow of thought ng message or conversation kapag mas pinaiiral nila ang pagiging individualistic nila. Pati yung pagpapatawa, nawawala kasi nga, nagka-kanya-kanya sila. Nawawala yung listening well and natural bantering/reacting to things,” added another.

But the more nagging observation, which most of us agree on and that also applies to other live shows like Eat Bulaga, ASAP, Sunday Pinasaya and Wowowin, is the way newbies are given exposure to host a segment or a portion.

“Susme talaga, ni hindi yata ma-differentiate ng mga pinahahawak ng microphone ang mga simpleng letters like “B, V, F and P. Hindi pa kasama yung pagiging trying hard nila to convey messages and their murdering of either Filipino or English language.”

Can their management give them a lesson or two on the basics of hosting? It is really too irritating and insulting to hear and see them murder the things that we have learned and was taught to us to be correct, proper and appropriate.

Nakakahiya naman sa mga nag-aaral di ba? ****** Aljur Abrenica is being talked about not for his projects in the biz but for his lack of it.

Just very recently, he was the subject of our friend who reminded him of his reportedly balance in his payment for the house sold to him years back.

It intrigued a lot us since Aljur has no projects to depend on so he can pay such debt.

Last month, he got into this family controversy when he reportedly and allegedly favored his partner Kylie Padilla to move into their house and let his mother and sister and even brother Vin to look for their own places to live?

And as we write this, there’s this news on his supposedly “expired” contract with GMA Network that wasn’t renewed.

Hala, there’s this rumor that he is being replaced by a newbie hunk in this very interesting project due to his noncommunication with the businessmen-producers who want his services?

Tsk, tsk, tsk.. ****** When Erich Gonzales attended the premiere night of Northern Lights last Wednesday, it was reported that she was on a solo flight mode.

While that is true, that is also half incorrect according to our source.

“She just wanted to show the world that she has moved on from her failed relationship with Daniel Matsunaga. That she can face the people and display her sexiness and beauty,” said our source.

But the truth of the matter is, according to this same source, “There is a very good looking man waiting for her outside. And obviously, hindi basta lalaki lang yun kasi halatang may something sila.”

It has been reported that there is this very good looking guy from a well-off family who constantly visits and hangs out with Erich.

This guy, said to come from a political family and though is still in the process of annulling his previous marriage, is believed to have been so smitten by Erich’s charms, her natural sense of humor included.

“Siguro yun ang rason kung bakit hindi pa sila puwedeng magdisplay in public ng basta-basta. Mayroon pang mga legalities. But it seems, mas serious ang involvement nila sa isa’t-isa dahil they are practically together at any given time,” revealed our source.

Our highly placed source also confirmed with us that this rich and very good-looking guy was once the boyfriend of this popular sexy actress.

Hmmm...mahilig sa artista at magaganda huh!

Female jock Arienne Louise Calingo hopes to win one of the crowns at the annual Binibining Pilipinas pageant

By Rogelio Constantino Medina

C

URRENT Miss World Philippines First Princess Arienne Louise Braga Calingo was the presenter when Liza Soberano won Best TV Actress at the recent Paragala: The Central Luzon Media Awards in Holy Angel University in Angeles City.

Now a Bb. Pilipinas candidate, Arienne, who was featured as a guest/the first ever Mystery DJ on GV FM 99.1, began dancing ballet when she was five years old.

“I was a dancer for the Fresno Ballet when I was a child and participated in The Nutcracker every year. I also trained under Marin Dance Theatre when I still lived in California. During my college years, as well as after college, I started taking adult ballet classes at different dance schools. Through dancing ballet, I have learned the importance of maintaining good posture, and I also believe that ballet instilled me with discipline and diligence from a young age,” she vividly reminisces.

It takes, she says, a lot of work to dance on one’s toes and make it look effortless. “Yet, even if my toes hurt, I will always love dancing ballet. As people say, ‘Being beautiful hurts,’ and I think this saying can apply to ballet because I realize that the pain I feel in my toes and feet will produce something so beautiful to look at--graceful and elegant movements.”

Aside from ballet, she loves listening to 1970’s music. She listens to her parents’ music all the time because “I feel like I can relate to the lyrics more, as opposed to the lyrics of today which can lack meaning.” She especially loves Earth, Wind & Fire, The Stylistics, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder.

She also loves playing the violin and piano, and she mostly plays by ear. In college, she developed an avid interest in poetry, particularly spoken word

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, April 1, 2017

ACROSS 1 Passport companion 5 Vast emptiness 9 Lavish 13 Geishas’ apparel 14 Unadorned 15 Plant parasite 17 Roman foe 18 Hairy twin 19 Tropical fruit 20 Pull out 22 Enjoyed a puddle 24 Ticks off 25 Black Sea port 26 Wedding VIPs 29 Black-tie affairs 31 Ready to bake 32 Pepper or tower 33 Kernel 36 Cash dispenser 37 Minimally (2 wds.)

40 Ms. Hagen of films 41 Neon or ozone 42 Hot cross — 43 Weatherman Al — 45 Scarlett of Tara 47 Most plucky 48 Figure 51 Foreign film ender

52 Cleopatra’s Needle 54 From Asia 58 Long-gone birds 59 Nefertiti’s god 61 Authentic 62 New Orleans gridder 63 Tim — of oaters 64 Isle off Sicily 65 Labels 66 Monsterhunter’s loch 67 Fathomless DOWN 1 Sotto — 2 Wild goat 3 River sediment 4 On a bike 5 Sweater styles (hyph.)

6 Sends packing 7 Mont. neighbor 8 — ex machina 9 Joss stick locale 10 Literary works 11 Bygone rulers 12 Drones’ homes 16 Nursery syllables 21 Sports venue 23 Lounges around 26 Blow hard?

27 Meter maid of

song 28 Tenets 29 Davis of “The Fly” 30 Woe is me!

32 Lose focus 33 Microwave, slangily 34 Sporty trucks 35 “Simpsons” kid 38 Ski lifts (hyph.)

39 Mission starter 44 Skipped over 45 Rectangular 46 Bank jobs

47 Fairy tale heavies 48 Head movements 49 “Das Boot” craft (hyph.)

50 News services 51 Knows somehow 53 Actress Madeline — 55 Perry’s creator 56 Country cousin 57 Lowest high tide 60 “Little piggie”

poetry. Her favorite poet is E. E. Cummings. Moreover, she plays Sudoku every morning as a way to wake herself up and energize her brain. Her passion for Sudoku is something that she got from her father, who also loves playing Sudoku every day.

“I love my father very much, and I know we will always remain close. We have the most unique bond: Sudoku. Sometimes, I challenge him in solving puzzles.

I try to be faster than him; it’s a friendly competition. But, I will always know and recognize that he is the Sudoku master in the Calingo family,” she says.

From a young age, Arienne has always loved languages. Even in the English language, she loved learning the etymology of words, and she was also a Spelling Bee champion in the past.

“The first foreign language I really fell in love with was Spanish,” she says.

Her passion for the Spanish language really paid off when she won a special award for Spanish at her high school graduation. In college, she was able to learn the Arabic language through intensive courses.

She also practiced Arabic speaking, writing, and reading every single day, with writing being her favorite component.

“Although I mostly learned Modern Standard Arabic (the type of Arabic used for official speeches, reports, and the news), I was also able to take a Colloquial Egyptian Arabic language course as a college student at Georgetown University.”

In addition, she learned Thai when she lived in Bangkok

working for the Government of Thailand the year after she graduated from Georgetown University.

Surprisingly, out of all the languages she can speak, she considers Arabic her absolute favorite language.

She currently serves as EducationUSA Ambassador for the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

“Through this new role of mine, I offer my advice to Filipino high school students who are interested in pursuing their college studies in the U.S. It was so great because my very first mentee told me that my alma

mater--Georgetown University-is her first choice.”

After college, she moved to Bangkok, Thailand and lived there for a year. She remembers that on her 23rd birthday, she made a succinct list of goals she wants to achieve, one of which was to create a scholarship program.

Since November 2015, she has been training with Aces & Queens, the pageant camp that brought some of today’s most reputable international beauty queens, including Miss World 2013 Megan Young and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017

For Hiro Peralta and Divine,

LOVE IS BLIND ISAH V. RED

In today's episode of "Karelasyon," Hiro Peralta plays a difficult blind patient

‘The Amazing Race’

back for season 29 on AXN GET READY for a race unlike any before when the worldwide hit reality television show as The Amazing Race returns for its 29th edition on AXN. Unlike in previous seasons, this season offers a fresh, new format in response to the clamor of The Amazing Race fans for years. When the race began on March 31, all 22 contestants were complete strangers who meet for the first time on the starting line.

They competed in a challenge that will determine the order for choosing a teammate, based on nothing but first impressions. Then, these new teams engage in fierce competition as they complete a series of physical and mental challenges while racing around the world, spanning 17 cities in nine countries across five continents.

These odd couples of newfound partners, which include an army drill sergeant, a professional snowboarder,

a Wall Street banker, an auctioneer, and a college drum major, among others, discover for themselves how they handle the pressure and cope with the tension of competing and traveling with someone they just met.

The first team to arrive at the final finish line will win the grand prize of $1 million and crowned the winners of The Amazing Race.

New Zealand television personality Phil Keoghan returns as host in this latest installment of the competitive reality series.

The Amazing Race Season 29 airs every Friday at 8:50 p.m. within 12 hours of the U.S. telecast. on AXN. AXN is available on SKYCable Channel 49, Destiny Cable Channel 61, Cignal Channel 121, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and Cablelink Channel 38. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

I

S LOVE really blind? Kapuso actor Hiro Peralta and comedienne Divine Grace Aucina will try to find out if this were true in this Saturday’s episode of Karelasyon.

Divine plays Gigi, a nurse who makes up for what she lacks physically with her big and compassionate heart.

Hiro, on the other hand, is the handsome Anton—Gigi’s blind patient. Having an unpleasant demeanor, Anton is quite a difficult patient to handle. In fact, among the nurses who took care of Anton, Gigi remains to be the only one who has been able to endure him. Anton somehow feels that the bubbly Gigi is a good person.

Anton is about to undergo an operation with the possibility that he could regain his eyesight. If so, will he still feel the same about Gigi? Or will it change once he finally sees the nurse who replaced his pretty and rich girlfriend in his life?

Joining Hiro and Divine in this episode written and directed by Paul Sta. Ana are Rita Daniela, Maria Isabel Lopez, Tanya Gomez, Raul Morit, and Dess Verzosa.

Karelasyon with host Carla Abellana 3:15 p.m. on GMA 7 today. *** This Sunday, seasoned actresses Angelu De Leon, Gladys Reyes and Tina Paner will visit the stage of People vs. The Stars.

Will they be able to get the right answers to Iya Villania and Drew Arellano’s tricky questions, or will their fans succeed to get the prize?

It’s definitely a fun and exciting fight!

Have fun with People vs. The Stars,

5 p.m. on GMA Sunday Grande. *** Pepito Manaloto and Tsuperhero mark the beginning of April with a weekend filled with good vibes and laughter today and tomorrow.

The cheerful family of Pepito Manaloto offers fully loaded fun and entertainment with celebrity guests comedian Cai Cortez and sexy actress Ina Raymundo as they continue their summer getaway in Quezon Province. What can be their newest adventure?

Meanwhile, Tsuperhero will face a new nemesis in the episode this Sunday while Kapuso stars Jake Vargas, Arthur Solinap, and Gardo Versoza visit the gang. Will Tsuperhero be able to beat his newest opponent?

Tune in to Pepito Manaloto today and Tsuperhero tomorrow after 24 Oras Weekend on GMA. *** Find out more about Dr. Kwon Han Jin, famed Korean skin doctor who will further impart his knowledge on nonsurgical facelift procedures.

See how Fiber Health assists in the overall well being of our bodies by eliminating wastes and toxins.

Also, find out how magnesium is essential in managing stroke and e v e n

tuberculosis.

FilHair’s first ever hairdressers’ competition on national television continues as The World of Gandang Ricky Reyes presents the third week of the battle of the best in “The Hair Cut.” Women with severely damaged hair from Hair Relax can have Cryo Hair Therapy as it is guaranteed to reconstruct and revitalize your hair, SoftWave for dull hair, The Twist for curly ends, and natural wigs for hair loss available in all Gandang Ricky Reyes Salons.

Discover Ricky Reyes Learning Institute (RRLI) with branches in Manila, Cubao, Anonas and Fairview.

Tune in to The World of Gandang Ricky Reyes (TWGRR) with host Ricky Reyes, 9 to 10 a.m. today on GMA News TV.

TV host and beauty expert Ricky Reyes

The cast of "The Amazing Race" new season

The multi-faceted Loisa Andalio IN SHOWBIZ, it’s no longer enough to have a beautiful, flawless face in order to succeed.

Persistence, dedication to improving one’s craft and talent are required in order to stand out among numerous wannabes.

Young actress and singer Loisa Andalio knows this all too well. Loisa, who appears in her very first TV commercial for Ever Bilena, believes versatility is key to finding success in show business. Not surprisingly, this principle can be seen in the new TVC which shows her waking up and imagining her day – as a “cool girl” on the city streets, a fun-loving talented dancer, a high-impact performer, or a sweetly romantic date partner.

In real life, Loisa is all of these and more.

This girl, who constantly reaches out to her 574,000 followers on Twitter and 1.9 million on Instagram, makes it a point to live up to her title as the “Talented Darling of Parañaque” by making sure she looks and gives her best in every performance, whether in the Sunday musical variety show ASAP, or in Showtime as one of the members of girl group Girl Trends,

or her roles in ABS-CBN shows such as Goldie in Wansapanataym and Agatha in My Dear Heart.

The self-confessed beauty enthusiast – who proudly says she does her own make-up in Showtime – shares, “I love being in ASAP and Showtime because I have more freedom to be myself and I express this by playing around with different make-up looks. Thankfully, Ever Bilena helps me create different looks for the various roles that I need to play.”

The PBB alumna’s excitement over being the face of the country’s leading cosmetics brand is not just because it’s her first-ever TVC, but also because a long-time fan of Ever Bilena.

“I have loved Ever Bilena’s Lip and Cheek Tint since I was in high school, before entering showbiz,” Loisa says. “I have had it even when I began doing my own make-up for events and TV shows, up to now. I am really happy to be part of the Ever Bilena family, because I never once thought that all those things would lead me to where I am today!”

And there’s more in store for Loisa: apart from becoming the new Ever Bilena endorser, she is set to celebrate make her solo performing debut on her 18th birthday through Lo18a: A Birthday Concert on April 29 at the Music Museum. She also looks forward to new projects once her Wansapanataym series reaches its conclusion.

With all these opportunities as a singer, dancer and actress coming her way, she only feels blessed that the industry has ultimately been good to her, in spite of the haters and bashers.

The talented star promises to work even harder and to continue honing her skills for the benefit of her supporters.

“I want to look my best and give my best performance all the time – as a singer, a dancer, an actress, and even through my posts on social media because it’s the only way to thank and inspire my fans and followers to continue supporting me,” Loisa says.

To learn more about Ever Bilena and its products, visit Ever Bilena’s website, www. everbilena.com.ph, and Facebook page, www. facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics.

Teen star and Ever Bilena brand ambassador Loisa Andalio