The Standard - 2015 March 06 - Friday

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK VOL. XXIX  NO. 22  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  FRIDAY: MARCH 6, 2015  www.manilastandardtoday.com  mst@mstandardtoday.com

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Enrile not in favor of house arrest

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Search for 16 lost Filipino sailors ends

RENEGOTIATE BBL Santiago denounces ‘unauthorized’ Malacañang-MILF talks Next page

Another fire. Firemen brave the heat and thick smoke from a burning junk shop in San Andres, Manila, as they struggle to put it out on Thursday. DANNY PATA

Donaire hurts sparmate

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Binky still singing the blues

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Renegotiate BBL—Santiago

By Macon R. araneta

SENATOR Miriam Defensor Santiago urged the government Thursday to scrap the Bangsamoro Basic Law and restart negotiations for peace in Mindanao, saying President Benigno Aquino III had no authority to enter into such talks without the concurrence of the Senate.

In a media briefing, Santiago said the President simply assumed he had the authority to negotiate with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with Malaysia as a go-between.

“That is not so. The President does not have the sole power over the foreign policy,” Santiago said, noting that in the Constitution, the power is shared between the President and the Senate.

“Now, where is the Senate authorization for the President to conduct these negotiations, sometimes called the peace process?

He does not have an instrument of such nature. He just assumed he has that power, but he does not,” Santiago said.

“If the Constitution requires that the President cannot move in foreign relations unless he has the concurrence of the Senate, how much more does the spirit of the Constitution require that there should be Senate concurrence when the President authorizes a so-called peace process through a peace panel? That is the very first question that tends to be overlooked,” she said.

She also questioned where the MILF got the authority to represent Muslims in the country, when there are other groups such as the Moro National Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

“Which one shall be validly allowed to claim that it represents the Bangsamoro or the entire Islamic peoples within the Philippine territory?” Santiago said.

Santiago warned that a struggle would ensue among those claiming to be Moro leaders once the BBL is enacted into law.

She also said debates on the BBL in Congress were irrelevant because the law will end up in the Supreme Court, which she said would declare it unconstitutional.

The BBL, she said, creates a substate,

which divides sovereignty and reserves some powers only for the Bangsamoro.

“If their powers are exclusive, that means that they exclude the powers even of our own state,” she said.

Santiago said that when senators begin debating the BBL, she would produce a list of all its unconstitutional provisions.

These, she added, were the result of government negotiators who believed they could negotiate away certain parts of the Constitution.

“We have to stop talking of negotiating the Constitution. That is heresy! The Constitution is supreme. It is a violation of principle of constitutional supremacy to say that we should negotiate the Constitution. What are we supposed to negotiate about the Constitution? The Constitution is non-negotiable, period,” he said.

The Palace rejected Santiago’s view, saying the BBL has undergone at least 37 consultations among experts and stakeholders.

“If you will refer to the speech of President Aquino on EDSA Day, it was clear in his statement that he would like the peace process to move forward and the most significant step would be to go on with the process of enacting the draft BBL,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma.

He also disputed Santiago’s characterization of the draft law as unconsti-

tutional, noting that 14 members of the Constitutional Commission who drafted the 1987 Charter supported the BBL. The 14 framers of the Constitution, he said, stated that the BBL adhered to the supreme law of the land in two aspects, human development and social justice.

“The core principle of the 1987 Constitution in mandating a special status for the autonomous regions is the human development of the people of Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras. Hence, the public conversation should not be about semantics but about people—their needs, their aspirations, their choices— and about empowering them with the environment and institutional framework for social justice.

Social justice that calls for genuine social change is the central theme of the 1987 Constitution,” Coloma said, quoting the 14 members of the Constitutional Commission.

On Tuesday, Coloma said that the Palace is open to amending the BBL, noting that this was part of the legislative process.

At the same time, however, he appealed to the lawmakers to read the whole draft law and not to dilute the final version.

A Muslim leader on Thursday said claims that the BBL would create a separate Commission on Elections and Commission on Audit in the Bangsamoro region was part of

a disinformation campaign.

Former Ambassador Macabangkit Lanto said these agencies would act much like the regional offices of the Comelec and the COA, exercising powers derived from them along the principles of autonomy and devolution of powers.

He also said the BBL is explicit in stating that the region’s police force will be part of the Philippine National Police, and that the Bangsamoro Police Board will be part of the National Police Commission.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday he would not be stampeded into rushing public hearings on the BBL, regardless of the Palace’s June target.

Marcos, chairman of the Senate committee on local government, said his actions would be based on his intention to craft a good law, and not be driven by a deadline set by other people.

Marcos added that the BBL is not a magic pill to stop the war in Mindanao, but an important element.

“I will try to meet the deadline, but I will not sacrifice the necessity of getting it right,” he said.

He noted that during a hearing conducted by the Senate committee on constitutional amendments chaired by Santiago, many legal experts said they believed several provisions of the BBL were unconstitutional.

BIFF seen in Liguasan Marsh after AFP attacks

By Florante Solmerin SUSPECTED fighters of the Bangsam-

Jammed as usual. Container trucks wait as they line up to enter the Manila International Container Port in Tondo, Manila, on Thursday amid heavy

traffic. Danny Pata

UNA slams Liberals for ‘bata-bata’ system at Crame

By Maricel V. Cruz AN OPPOSITION lawmaker on Thursday slammed President Aquino III’s administration and his Liberal Party for perpetuating the “bata-bata system” that, he said, had spawned the likes of Gen. Alan Purisima that led to the Mamasapano tragedy.

Forty-four police commandos were killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on Jan. 25 in an encounter with Muslim rebels, an encounter in which no reinforcements came to help them.

In a statement, United Nationalist Alliance interim president and Navotas City Rep. Tobias Tiangco said the Aquino administration and his yellow LP were institutionalizing “KKK” as the yardstick for key government appointments.

“May ‘KKK’ si Pangulo at meron

nang RRG si Mar Roxas sa PNP— Roxas Robot Generals!” Tiangco said.

“Kung ganyan ang paiiralin natin, whoever is chosen will still be in the mold of Purisima in the sense that he is loyal not to his uniform and the constitution but to his padrino. And how many lives will be sacrificed just like Mamasapano in the name of political patronage?”

Tiangco made his statement even as a panel in the House of Representatives will soon conduct its probe into the reported issuance of defective ammunition and armaments by the Philippine National Police to its operating elements like the SAF. The House committee on public order, led by Negros Occidental Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, vowed “to take appropriate action” on House Resolution 1909 filed by opposition Rep. Rodolfo Albano III of Isabela.

“The officers and members of the PNP perform continuing vital strategic functions in the preservation of peace and order and the fight against terrorism, criminality and all forms of lawlessness in the country,” Albano, a member of the committee, said in the resolution.

Ferrer stressed the need for his panel to determine the veracity of the PNP’s reported acquisition and issuance of defective ammunition and armaments to its operating elements and craft legislation to address the issue.

“The acquisition, issuance and use of defective armaments and munitions condemn the PNP’s operating forces to helplessness and ineffectiveness in ensuring that our communities are protected from criminals, terrorists and other lawless elements and incapacitates them from preventing

unnecessary losses of lives and limbs among their ranks,” Albano said in the resolution.

Tiangco cited reports that the LP is pushing for the appointment of Police Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr. as PNP head.

“This move shows again the indifference and insensitivity of the Administration on the death of the SAF 44,” Tiangco said.

“Instead of learning their lesson and correcting their mistakes by professionalizing the institution, they have again chosen their political maneuverings.

“Can we still trust Aquino in making the right choice for chief PNP when clearly there was an error of judgment on his part in the Mamasapano incident that caused the death of 44 SAF members?

oro Islamic Freedom Fighters have shown up at the other end of the Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao after six days of ground, air and artillery strikes from the military, local officials said on Thursday.

Villagers in M’lang and Kidapawan City, both in neighboring Cotabato province east of the Liguasan Marsh, said dozens of armed men were seen in Barangay Dungu-an in M’lang town after the military offensive in the area around Mamasapano, Maguindanao at the western side of Liguasan Marsh.

M’lang Mayor Joselito Piñol urged security officials to reinforce the local police force to drive away the armed men who are roaming remote villages in the 20-kilometer stretch between M’lang and Kidapawan City.

Residents of Barangay Patadon in Kidapawan City have already reported seeing armed roaming their village, but the local police allegedly dismissed the report and said the armed men were far from “Muslim areas.”

The reports of local officials bolstered claims that BIFF fighters have already left their encampments at the western side of Liguasan Marsh because of the ongoing military offensive.

But newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala said the military is firming up its troops in cleared areas in order to prevent the BIFF bothering the local populace.

“The AFP intends to neutralize the BIFF through law enforcement actions in the so-called ‘SPMS (Salvo, Pagatin, Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak) Box’ and deny them influence in surrounding areas,” said Kakilala, concurrent commander of the AFP Civil Relations Service.

Kakilala said the campaign against the BIFF has already resulted in the “neutralization” of 50 BIFF fighters in addition to 37 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group which is also the subject of another military operation in Sulu, 675 kilometers away.

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Higher fares, broken down trains By rio n. Araja A COMMUTER group on Thursday rejected the government’s claim that low fares led to the deterioration of Metro Manila’s commuter train system.

The Riles Laan sa Sambayanan or Riles Network blamed the deterioration instead on the privatization of the Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit .

“The Aquino administration should stop [its] baseless [excuses] to justify the privatization and burdensome fare hike, said Sammy Malunes, Riles Network spokesman.

Melquiades Robles, former Light Rail Transit Authority administrator, said the ridership of LRT 1 has dropped by 80,000 commuters per day because of the fare hike.

“There are fewer trains and a longer loop time now since they took over in 2010,” he told The Standard.

He attributed poor train service to mismanagement.

“A fare increase is not the response to improve the service,” he added.

Malunes said the fare hike would only benefit the train operators and the PangilinanAyala consortium, and not the 600,000 riders since the

proceeds from the increase will go to paying the P5 billion subsidy and to pay off the 15 percent return on investment guaranteed to the MRT Corp. from 2000 to 2025.

The LRT and MRT fares in the past years have been more than enough to maintain and sustain the train operation, he said.

He also criticized the Aquino administration for a recent spate of accidents on the MRT line, saying that the private maintenance service provider, APT Global, continues to earn profits while neglecting the safety and protection of commuters. – With Vito Barcelo and Macon r.Araneta

Against the train fare hikes. Members of a commuters’ group protest against the recent fare increases in the MRT and LRT trains at a press conference in Quezon City on Thursday. MAnny PAlMero

Enrile opposes house arrest bid

By Macon ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Juan Ponce Enrile, on trial for plunder, does not want to be held under house arrest and would rather go back to the PNP General Hospital where he has been detained, his son said Thursday.

High and dry. A Meralco lineman struggles to disconnect an illegal connection at the Parola Compound in Manila that was earlier hit by fire. DAnny PAtA

Interviewed over the ANC news channel, former Cagayan congressman Juan Ponce Enrile Jr., said he discussed proposals for house arrest but his father did not like the idea.

“He wants to go back and go through the process, face his accusers, face the charges before him, answer them before the Filipino public and clear his name. That’s what he wants,” said the younger Enrile. “He wants no doubt about his innocence and he doesn’t want the public to doubt the strength of his case.”

The former congressman said his father was in a “fighting mood” and in good spirits despite being taken to the Makati Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia.

“He wants to go back. At least there [in the PNP General Hospital], he can have sunlight. There are windows in his room where the sun can shine through. In Makati Med, it is all four walls,” the former congressman said.

While his father may be 91, he is still “very, very sharp,” the younger Enrile said.

“This is the trial of his life and he has a few years to clear his name,” he added.

Palace warns marchers of ‘opportunistic forces’ MALACAÑANG has called on the public to be vigilant against “opportunist” groups that may take advantage of the “March for Justice for SAF 44” event on March 8 to continue calling for the resignation of President Benigno Aquino III. Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said the Department of Justice considers the call for the installation of a junta government as an illegal act.

“While we are one in remembering the heroism of the 44 commandos of the Special Action Force who perished in Mamasapano, it is also important that we remain vigilant against

groups who want to take advantage of our grief to push their own agenda,” Coloma said.

“These opportunist groups even used the 29th anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution to urge our citizens to use People Power anew against the Aquino administration,” he said.

“According to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, these opportunist groups calling for People Power and military support to force the resignation of the President to pave the way for a junta government are already committing illegal acts in violation of the Constitution,” Coloma added.

For its part, the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association, Inc. said its March 8 event will remain “apolitical” and will focus on the demand for justice for the slain troopers, collectively known as SAF44.

The group cautioned its members from bringing “offensive, libelous, inflammatory or antigovernment statements, leaflets, hand-outs, placards, or tarpaulins.”

The march will start at Dasmariñas City in Cavite with a a 44-kilometer walk from Salitran in Dasmariñas to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The second phase will be the walk from Camp Crame to the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City while similar marches will be also held across the country with the slogan “Walk with the Widows, Run for our Heroes.”

The assembly point for the first phase will be at Central Mall Dasmariñas on Emilio Aguinaldo Highway in Salitran at 2 a.m. on March 8. Runners from Cavite will be joined by others at 10-km intervals along the route.

The families of the commandos will lead the march from Camp Crame to Quezon City Memorial Circle. Joyce P. Pañares

Enrile said his father’s condition was steadily improving and he might be able to leave the hospital this week.

The younger Enrile said his father was grateful to friends and supporters who were pushing for his house arrest.

Senator Vicente Sotto III on Monday moved for the passage of a resolution that would place Enrile under house arrest upon his discharge from the Makati Medical Center, saying justice would not be diminished by such a move.

Enrile’s nemesis, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago objected, however, saying this would violate the equal protection clause of the Constitution.

In a media briefing, Santiago said although people by nature are unequal, the law must treat them equally, otherwise the action is unconstitutional.

She cited the case of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo, who has been detained at the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center since 2011.

“Why was she given hospital arrest while Enrile will be given house arrest? That’s already a violation of the equal protection clause,” Santiago said.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT President Benigno S. Aquino III has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the nomination and ad interim appointments of the following officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs: Renato Pedro O. Villa – Chief of Mission, Class II, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Kuwait (nomination);Hjayceelyn M. Quintana – Chief of Mission, Class II; Angelito A. NayanandReginald S. Bernabe – Foreign Service Officer, Class I; Vanessa G. Bago-Llona, Gabriel R. Bautista, Shirley L. Flores andCharles Andrei P. Macaspac- Foreign Service Officer, Class II; Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro and Rosanna Marie B. VillamorVoogel - Career Minister (ad interim appointments) The public may submit any information, written report or sworn complaints or oppositions in forty (40) copies on the above nomination and appointments to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, DiosdadoMacapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 551-7532, 831-0893, 831-1824, 834-2706, 831-1566 and 834-2713.

05 March 2015.

(MST-MAR. 6, 2015)

ARTURO L. TIU Secretary

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IN BRIEF Aussie tagged in trafficking, murder cases A STRING of criminal charges, including qualified trafficking and murder, has been filed before the Department of Justice against an Australian national who was accused of killing a child and orchestrating an international pedophile ring in the country.

The National Bureau of Investigation charged Peter Gerald Scully, 50 years old, of committing various crimes, such as violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) or murder, child abuse, statutory rape and violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Scully was arrested by NBI agents at his residence in Malaybalay, Bukidnon last February 20 by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Cagayan de Oro Regional Trial Court Judge Jose Escobido for rape, illegal detention, physical harm, human trafficking and cybersex operation. He allegedly used minors ages ranging from one to 14 years by selling pornographic images and videos streaming to his European clients.

According to NBI AntiHuman Trafficking Division (AHTRAD) chief Czar Eric Nuqui, Scully had been the subject of an international investigation on human trafficking after police investigators in the Netherlands found out about Scully’s activities.

The Australian supposedly uploaded on the Internet videos of himself having sex with young girls.

Rey E. Requejo

77 Filipinos leave Libya AT LEAST 77 Filipino workers were repatriated from Libya and more than 200 are willing to leave the strife-torn country of Libya due to the worsening political and security situation in that country, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said.

The workers left Libya on chartered vehicles and were brought to the Tunisian border from where they took commercial flights back to Manila, where they arrived in separate batches the other day.

Representatives from the DFA, the Office of the Vice President, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration received the returning workers upon their arrival in Manila. They were subsequently briefed on the government’s reintegration program and other benefits available to them.

The DFA estimates that there remain approximately 4,000 Filipinos in Libya despite the call by the Philippine Government for their mandatory evacuation as a result of the deteriorating security situation in that country.

Vito Barcelo

Pep talk. Leyte Rep.Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (left) congratulates members of Tacloban City Rescue Unit and the Bureau of Fire Protection

who represent Region 8 during the 1st National Fire Olympic Competition, coinciding with the celebration of Fire Prevention Month at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. VER NOVENO

House opens debate on fair trade measure

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives has opened its plenary debates on the proposed anti-trust or fair competition measure with a member of the Independent Bloc seeking to delete a provision on “good faith” after it was inserted in the Senate version version and carried over to the lower chamber.

In his interpellation Tuesday night, Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz, a member of the Bloc headed by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, said the “good faith” provision in the proposed Philippine Fair Competition Act of 2015 provides an “escape clause” for big companies should they abuse their dominant position by running to the ground their smaller competitors in the guise of “acting in good faith.”

De la Cruz of Abakada party list, said that the good faith pro-

vision “has no place in an anticompetition act, just like what we are discussing right now.”

“The alternative, Mr. Speaker, will be to strike out the phrase ‘in good faith’, because in almost all competition laws, whether in ASEAN or in Europe or in the US, the well-established general presumption is that prices held average of variable cost applied for an undertaking in a dominant position are regarded as abusive in themselves without the necessity of accepting them by

way of good faith because the good faith is an escape clause,” de la Cruz said in his interpellation.

“Because dominant players can always claim good faith, and it will be very, very hard for any competitor, Your Honor, to even claim that such good faith is not available to the dominant player.

And that is the reason why I am suggesting that perhaps, in the opportune time, we can discuss properly and strike this out as part of our efforts to make sure that this particular act will be undertaken in pursuance of the public interest and not in the interest of any dominant player,” de la Cruz added.

De la Cruz was referring to the ‘good faith’ clause that was said to have been inserted in the proposed “Fair Competition Act of 2015” under Abuse of Dominant Position, which prohibits companies and other business entities from selling goods or services at below cost or at super discount prices just to eliminate their competition and

also prevent the entry of new players in the market.

The original anti-trust or competition bills filed in the Senate, three of which were authored

by Senators Miriam DefensorSantiago, Teofisto Guingona and Sergio Osmena did not contain the “good faith” provision.

Senators Bam Aquino, sponsor of the measure, likewise did not include the “good faith” clause in his committee report after holding extensive deliberation and getting inputs from business and competition experts.

The controversial clause was inserted as the bill underwent Senate plenary deliberations, de la Cruz said.

Earlier, Winston and Camel maker Japan Tobacco International Philippines Inc (JTIP) had written legislators to express its concern on the “good faith” clause in the proposed measure, which allows unscrupulous companies to resort to predatory pricing in the guise of “good faith.”

Breath analyzers to stop drunk drivers

By Joel E. Zurbano TRAFFIC enforcers will start using breath analyzer next week to arrest motorists who are driving under the influence (DUI) of liquor or prohibited substance, Chairman Francis Tolentino of the Metro Manila Development Authority said Thursday.

“We will implement this on March 12 but we need additional enforcers to do this. We all know during time of graduations, next is celebration and of course, it will end up in drinking spree,” said Tolentino.

He explained that the implementation of Republic Act 10586

or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 is nationwide, not limited only to the National Capital Region.

“So we need more people and proper training for the enforcers.

The Land Transportation Office will be the lead agency to implement this and we’re here to help them,” Tolentino said.

“The education is not only for our enforcers but also for motorists who should not drink alcohol when driving,” he said.

Emerson Carlos, MMDA assistant general manager for operations, said several teams from the LTO, National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency will be designated to

enforce the law.

Carlos said MMDA traffic enforcers that will be part of the team must be a regular employee, have no administrative case, drug free, and tested negative for alcohol.

He added it is the LTO that must train traffic enforcers to use the breath analyzers.

Violators face penalties ranging from three months to 20 years in prison and fines of P20,000 to P500,000. They will also face a 12-month suspension of non-professional driver’s license for the first offense and perpetual revocation of the license for the second offense.

Breath analyzer.

MANNY PALMERO

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16 Pinoy sailors ‘lost’ in Vietnam

By Vito Barcelo

VIETNAM has officially stopped its search and rescue operations for the missing 16 Filipino crew of the ill-fated MV Jupiter, which sank off the coast of Vietnam on January 2. The victims’ families will receive all the benefits due them, according to the Department of Labor and Employment.

Only one of the 19 all-Filipino crew survived the incident but only two bodies of the seafarers were found after the cargo

Palace checking Musashi report

1.

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Manila

Invitation to Bid

Invitation to Bid

The COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS (COMELEC), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites interested bidders to apply for eligibility and to bid for the Lease with Option to Purchase of Election Management System (EMS) and Precinct-Based Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) Technology for the 2016 National and Local Elections with the total Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of Thirty One Million Two Hundred Seventy Two Thousand Pesos (Php31,272,000.00), inclusive of all taxes, such as, but not limited to, value added tax (VAT), income tax, local taxes, and other fiscal levies, broken down as follows: COMPONENT

For LEASE WITH OPTION TO PURCHASE OF ELECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) AND PRECINCT-BASED OPTICAL MARK READER (OMR) OR OPTICAL SCAN (OP-SCAN) SYSTEM FOR THE 2016 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS (BAC Reference No. 01-2014-AES-OMR)

QUANTITY

1.

TOTAL

1 - Voting Machines

410 units

Php 30,750,000.00

2- Technical Support

30 Technicians (Polling Center)

Php 522,000.00

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)

QUANTITY 23,000 units 16,500,000 pieces 20,406 units 4,550 Technicians (Polling Center) 150 Technicians (National Technical Support Center) Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)

Php 31,272,000.00

Bids (Lease Price plus Option to Purchase Price) received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

Bidders should have completed, within SIX (6) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II -Instructions to Bidders. The Precinct-Based Optical Mark Reader (OMR) or Optical Scan (OpScan) System offered by the bidder must have been successfully used in a prior electoral exercise here and/ or abroad.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act” . Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184.

4.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders from March 6, 2015 to March 30, 2015 (before the deadline of the submission of bids), Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (Php 25,000.00).

6.

7.

Submission of Bids shall be on March 30, 2015 on or before 9:00 am at the BAC Secretariat Office, 7th Floor Palacio del Gobernador Bldg., Gen. Luna cor.

Postigo Sts., Intramuros, Manila. Opening of Bids shall be on the same day March 30, 2015,10:00 am at the COMELEC Session Hall, 8th Floor, Palacio del Gobernador Bldg., Gen. Luna cor. Postigo Sts., Intramuros, Manila.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

The COMELEC reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, or to reduce the corresponding ABC and Terms of Reference (TOR), without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please visit or contact: BAC SECRETARIAT OFFICE Commission on Elections 7th Floor, Palacio del Gobernador Bldg., Gen. Luna cor. Postigo Sts., intramuros, Manila Tel. No.: 527-5760, Telefax NO.:527-2774 E-mail Address: comelecbac@gmail.com COMELEC Website: www.comelec. gov.p gov.ph gov .p

Bidders should have completed, within SIX (6) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II -Instructions to Bidders. The Precinct-Based Optical Mark Reader (OMR) or Optical Scan (OpScan) System offered by the bidder must have been successfully used in a prior electoral exercise here and/ or abroad.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184.

4.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders from March 6, 2015 to March 30, 2015 (before the deadline of the submission of bids), Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Seventy Five Thousand Pesos (Php 75,000.00).

Copy of the Bidding Documents may also be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (Phil GEPS) and the COMELEC website.

5.

The BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on March 16, 2015 at 10:00 am at the Comelec Session Hall, 8th Floor Palacio del Gobernador Bldg., Gen. Luna cor. Postigo Sts., Intramuros, Manila, to discuss Eligibility Requirements and the Technical and Financial Components of this Project. However, only those interested Bidders who have purchased the Bidding Documents are allowed to raise and submit queries or clarifications regarding the Bidding Documents.

6.

Submission of Bids shall be on March 30, 2015 on or before 9:00 am at the BAC Secretariat Office, 7th Floor Palacio del Gobernador Bldg., Gen. Luna cor. Postigo Sts., Intramuros, Manila. Opening of Bids shall be on the same day March 30, 2015, 10:00 am at the COMELEC Session Hall, 8th Floor, Palacio del Gobernador Bldg., Gen. Luna cor. Postigo Sts., intramuros, Manila.

7.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

The COMELEC reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, or to reduce the corresponding ABC and Terms of Reference (TOR), without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please visit or contact: BAC SECRETARIAT OFFICE Commission on Elections 7th Floor, Palacio del Gobernador Bldg., Gen. Luna cor. Postigo Sts., intramuros, Manila Tel. No.: 527-5760, Telefax NO.:527-2774 E-mail Address: comelecbac@gmail.com com COMELEC Website: www.comelec. gov.ph .ph .p

HELEN G. AGUILA-FLORES BAC Chairperson (MST-MAR 6, 2015)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Php 2,503,518,000.00

2.

Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

TOTAL Php 2,070,000.00 Php 61,218,000.00 Php 1,312,000.00 Php 42,300,000.00

Bids (Lease Price plus Option to Purchase Price) received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Copy of the Bidding Documents may also be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (Phil GEPS) and the COMELEC website.

The BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on March 16, 2015 at 10:00 am at the Comelec Session Hall, 8th Floor Palacio del Gobernador Bldg., Gen. Luna cor. Postigo Sts., Intramuros, Manila, to discuss Eligibility Requirements and the Technical and Financial Components of this Project. However, only those interested Bidders who have purchased the Bidding Documents are allowed to raise and submit queries or clarifications regarding the Bidding Documents.

The COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS (COMELEC), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites interested bidders to apply for eligibility and to bid for the Lease with Option to Purchase of Election Management System (EMS) and Precinct-Based Optical Mark Reader (OMR) or Optical Scan (OP-SCAN) System for the 2016 National and Local Elections with the total Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of Two Billion Five Hundred Three Million Five Hundred Eighteen Thousand Pesos (Php2,503,518,000.00), inclusive of all taxes, such as, but not limited to, value added tax (V AT), income tax, local taxes, and other fiscal levies, broken down as follows: COMPONENT 1 - Voting Machines 2- Ballots 3 - Ballot Boxes 4 - Technical Support

28 Technicians (National Technical Support Center)

5.

Gearbulk Norway, which owned the MV Jupiter, had written to inform me of the stoppage of the search-and-rescue. He also informed me Gearbulk had settled all of the Filipino seafarer-victims’ contractual benefits and the families and beneficiaries have claimed these in Manila with the assistance of the DOLE,” labor secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.

“In addition, Gearbulk Norway had committed to extend other benefits, particularly scholarships for the children of the crew,” she said.

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Manila For LEASE WITH OPTION TO PURCHASE OF ELECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) AND PRECINCT-BASED DIRECT RECORDING ELECTRONIC (DRE) TECHNOLOGY FOR THE 2016 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS (BAC Reference No. 02-2014-AES-DRE)

By Sara Fabunan M ALACAÑANG said on Thursday that the National Museum is verifying the “discovery” of the wreckage of the Japanese battleship Musashi on the seabed of Sibuyan Island.

A m e r i c a n billionaire and Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen on Wednesday said on Twitter that his research team has found one of Japan’s biggest warships which was sunk by US forces during World War II. “The reported discovery of the Japanese battleship Musashi by the group of Mr. Paul Allen is now being verified by the National Museum and other concerned government agencies.

The discovery of an archeological artifact such as this is covered by Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. told reporters during a press briefing at the Palace.

The National Museum “is working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the provisions of our existing laws are enforced and complied with,” Coloma said.

These stakeholders, he said, include Romblon province, which is proximate to the Sibuyan Sea where the shipwreck has been found; the Japanese government, as this involves the shipwreck of a World War II Japanese battleship; and Allen’s organization.

The Musashi was one of three warships built

by Japan during the war.

vessel sank.

The lone survivor identified as Angelito Roxas of Iloilo, chief cook, is

still undergoing treatment, the cost of which is being borne by Gearbulk Norway.

Gearbulk Norway had declared the missing crew lost.

In a report, the remaining vessels of Vietnam’s Maritime Rescue Coordinating Committee has ceased the SAR operations and has left the vicinity where the ship sunk.

“Alexander Querol, chief operating officer of Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, the local manning agency of

HELEN G. AGUILA-FLORES BAC Chairperson (MST-MAR 6, 2015)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

A6

F R I D AY : M A R C H 6 , 2 0 1 5

NEWS

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Tplex exit re-do costly—Cosalan

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY—A proposal to realign the TarlacPangasinan-La Union Expressway (Tplex) at least 7 kilometers away from the original exit in Saytan, Rosario, La Union will cost the government an additional P12.5 billion or P500 million each year for 25 years, Benguet Rep. Ronald M. Cosalan said on Wednesday.

Cosalan, chairman of the House committee on public works,told the

en banc session of the 55-member Cordillera Regional Development __________________________

M u n i c i pa l i ty o f S u g p o n , Il ocos Sur

Rehab & Impt of Balbalayang Small Reser voir Irrigation System Balbalayang, Sugpon, I. Sur

I NVI TATI O N TO BI D The M unicip a l Gove rnme n t of S u g p o n , I lo c o s S u r, t h ro u g h it s B id s a n d Aw a r d s C o m m i t t e e ( B A C ) , i nvites suppliers / contractor s t o b id f o r t h e h e re u n d e r c o n t ra c t : :

R E HABI L I TAT I O N AND I MP RO V E ME N T O F B A L B A L AYA N G S MAL L RE S E RV O I R I RRI G AT I O N S YS T E M

Locatio n

:

B a lb a la y a n g , S u g p o n , I lo c o s S u r

Br ief Description

:

RE HABI L I TAT I O N & I MP RO V E ME NT

N am e of Co n tra ct

Appr oved B u d g e t for the Contract

:

P h p 11 , 7 0 8 , 5 0 6 . 7 2

Contr act Du ration

:

2 1 0 Ca le n d a r Da y s

P rosp e ctive b idders sh o u ld p o s s e s a v a lid L ic e n s e a p p lic a b le t o t h e c o n t r a c t , h a v e c o m p l e t e d a si m i l ar contract with a va lue o f a t le a s t 5 0 % o f t h e A B C, a n d h a v e k e y p e r s o n n e l a n d e q u i p m e n t ( listed in th e E lig ibility Forms ) a v a ila b le f o r t h e p ro s e c u t io n o f t h e c on t r a c t . T h e B A C w i l l u s e non- discre tio n a ry p a ss/fa il c rit e ria in t h e E lig ib ilit y Ch e c k / S c re e n in g a s w e l l a s t h e P r e l i m i n a r y Exam ination o f B ids. Th e B AC will c o n d u c t p o s t -q u a lif ic a t io n o f t h e lo wes t c a l c u l a t e d b i d .

A ll p a rticu lars re lative t o E lig ib ilit y S t a t e me n t a n d S c re e n in g , Bi d S e c u r i t y, P e r f o r m a n c e Secur i ty, P re-B iddin g Co n fere n c e (s ), E v a lu a t io n o f B id s , P o s t -Q u a lif ic a t i o n a n d Aw a r d o f C o n t r a c t shall be gove rned by the pe rt in e n t p ro v is io n s o f R. A . 9 1 8 4 a n d it s I m p l e m e n t i n g R u l e s a n d Regul ation (IRR).

The sch e d u les of B A C ac t iv it ie s a re lis t e d , a s f o llo ws :

Ac t i vi t i e s

Sc h e d ul e

1. Pre - Proc urement C onferenc e

M arc h 3, 2015

2. Adver tisement / Posting of Invit ation to Bid

M arc h 6 -13, 2015

3. Is suanc e of B id D oc ument s

M arc h 6 -25, 2015

4. Pre - B id C onferenc e

M arc h 13, 2015

5. Eligibilit y Chec k, Submis sion & Rec eipt of Bids

M arc h 25, 2015

6. B id Evaluation

M arc h 3 0, 2015

7. Post Q ualif ic ation

M arc h 3 0, 2015

8 . A pproval of Resolution / Is suanc e of N otic e of Award

M arc h 3 0 & 31, 2015

9. C ont rac t Preparation & Signing

M arc h 31, 2015 / A pr il 1, 2015

10. A pproval of C ont rac t by higher author it y

A pr il 6, 2015

11. Is suanc e of N otic e to Proc eed

A pr il 7, 2015

Council that the government will be heavily burdened by the extra cost if the proposed realignment is carried out.

Former congressman Mark Cojuangco of Pangasinan made the proposal, Cosalan said.

Under the contract between the government and the Philippine Development Investment Cor- Cosalan poration—a consortium of San Miguel Corporation and DMCI—the contractor of the TPLEX— the government is mandated to pay the consortium an annual subsidy of P4.7 billion to complete the P18.8 billion 8-phase tollway.

“We have to be assertive of what we know would be beneficial for our residents and visitors, especially the vegetable farmers, who will be using the TPLEX daily once it will be operational by the end of this year,” Cosalan stressed.

During a recent meeting with San Miguel president Ramon S. Ang, Rep. Cosalan said it seemed that President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III and the consortium are not amenable to Cojuangco’s proposal to realign the exit because of the high cost it would entail.

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

(S g d . ) V I R G I L I O B . A B A A G BAC Chairman

(MST FEB. 20,27 & MAR. 6, 2015)

Office Address: Website:

NIA Road, Marasbaras Tacloban City, Philippines www.nia.gov.ph

Telefax No. (632) 323-7596 TIN 000-916-415

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Region 8, Marasbaras, Tacloban City through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), hereby invites Domestic Contractors, registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), to bid for the hereunder contracts. Bids received in excess of ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

National Irrigation Administration

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) Region 3 Bulacan-Aurora-Nueva Ecija Irrigation Management Office Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan (044) 766-3888 / 766-4142 / 766-0157 / 766-3524 niabaneimoafs@yahoo.com

Failure to comply with the aforementioned notice shall result in the force-opening of the safe deposit box pursuant to paragraph 14 of the SDB Agreement.

INVITATION TO BID No. 03-2015

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

Office Address: Telephone Nos.: Email Address:

Notice is hereby given to the LESSOR of Safe Deposit Box (SDB) No. 35 maintained with the Guadalupe Branch of Security Bank Savings Corporation (Formerly Premiere Development Bank), to surrender the keys of your safe deposit box. and pay the Bank the outstanding charges of PHP 20,000.00 for the use of the safe deposit box, as of _February 1995 up to February 2015.

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION (PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG) Region 8, Tacloban City

The BAC assume s no re s p o n s ib ilit y wh a t s o e v e r t o c o mp e n s a t e o r i n d e m n i f y b i d d e r s f o r a n y expenses in curred in the p rep a ra t io n o f t h e b id .

Ap p ro v e d b y :

(MST-MAR. 6, 2015)

NOTICE

In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published. We will not be responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

A co mple te se t of b iddin g d o c u me n t s a n d o t h e r d e t a ile d in f o rma t io n m a y b e a c q u i r e d f r o m t h e BAC Secreta ria t, Municip a l H a ll S u g p o n , I lo c o s S u r. A ll p ro s p e c t iv e b i d d e r s s h a l l b e c h a r g e d a non- r efu n d a b le fee for th e B i d d in g Do c u me n t s , p u rs u a n t t o t h e la t e s t g u i d e l i n e s i s s u e d t h e G P P B , in the amo u n t o f Twe n ty Five T h o u s a n d P e s o s (P h p 2 5 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 ) o n ly .

The RDC-CAR, Benguet, Abra and Mountain Province provincial boards and the La Trinidad municipal council passed separate resolutions supporting the implementation by the Department of Public works and Highways of the original plan of the TPLEX which placed its exit right at the mouth of Kennon road and Marcos highway at Saytan, Rosario, La Union.

Earlier, the infrastructure committee of the RDC Region I also endorsed the original plan in order to boost the tourism not only in the Cordilleras but also in the Ilocos Region.

Cosalan explained that the extra seven kilometers from the original exit would translate to delays in the daily transport of highland vegetables from the farm to the high-end markets and wet markets in Metro Manila and the lowlands.

The Benguet lawmaker said the additional travel time of at least 10 minutes as a result of the proposed realignment would also mean the depreciation of motor vehicles of businessmen, motorists and travellers alike.

Telefax No. (044) 766-3888 TIN No. 000-578-009-000

Approved Budget for Contract (Php)

Item/Description

Duration

1.

Bantayan IP Contract #01-2015 – Construction of Canal Lining and Structures of Bantayan IP, San Roque, Northern Samar

8,978,155.54

240 cd

March 2, 2015

2.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Bulacan-Aurora-Nueva Ecija Irrigation Management Office (BANE), San Rafael, Bulacan, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites Supplier to bid for:

Bugko IP Contract #01-2015 – Construction of Canal Lining and Structures of Bugko IP, Mondragon, Northern Samar

18,455,293.95

280 cd

3.

Cat-Bobon IP Contract #01-2015 – Construction of Canal Lining and Structures of Catarman-Bobon IP, Catarman and Bobon, Northern Samar

18,455,530.92

280 cd

INVITATION to BID

R3-BANE-EGPIP-2015-BU-5 Supply of 46 sets of 8HP Diesel Engine & Pumps and its accessories for San Ildefonso SPIP, San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

The approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) is P 4,428,719.00 with contract duration of 30 calendar days.

R3-BANE-EGPIP-2015-BU-6Supply of 60 sets of 8HP Diesel Engine & Pumps and its accessories for San Rafael SPIP, San Rafael, Bulacan.

The approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) is P 5,776,590.00 with contract duration of 30 calendar days.

Only those, Letter of Intent together with the company profile, submitted by the owner or its authorized liaison officer will be accepted.

Interested bidders must have experience in undertaking a similar project within the last 3 years with an amount of at least 50% of the proposed project for bidding.

The Prospective Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project whose value must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government procurement Reform Act”.

Prospective Bidders are not allowed to participate if they have negative slippage in their on-going contracts. Individuals with Special Power of Attorney (SPA) are not allowed to transact and participate in the procurement utilizing another construction firm. The pre-bid conference shall be open only for those who have purchased the Bid documents. No more sale of bid documents after pre-bidding conference in order for the bidders to submit a highly technical and educated bid.

The schedule of BAC activities are as follows:

Any bid above the ABC stated above shall be rejected outright.

BAC Activities

Schedule

Time

Issuance of Bid Documents: (Upon payment of non-refundable amount of P 10,000.00)

March 6, 2015 – 10:00AM NIA-BANE, San Rafael, Bulacan

1.

Issuance of Bid Documents

Starting March 02, 2015

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2.

Pre-bid Conference

March 10, 2015

10:00 a.m.

Pre-Bid Conference Submission/Opening of Bids: R3-BANE-EGPIP-2015-BU-5 R3-BANE-EGPIP-2015-BU-6

March 13, 2015 – 10:00AM

3.

Receipt and Opening of Bids

March 23, 2015

2:00 p.m.

March 26, 2015 – 9:30AM March 26, 2015 – 10:30AM NIA-BANE, San Rafael, Bulacan

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

SGD. ROBERTO J. DELA CRUZ Chairman – BAC (MST-MAR 6, 2015)

The BAC will issue a complete set of Bidding Documents to eligible bidders from the address above and upon payment of non-refundable amount of P10,000.00 for Bantayan IP & P15,000.00 for Bugko & Cat-Bobon IP to the Cashier.

The NIA reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

(Sgd.) GLORIA A. SEVILLA BAC Chairman

Noted: (Sgd.) ROMEO G. QUIZA Regional Manager

(MST-MAR. 6, 2015)

IN BRIEF 1,113 finish school on-air STA. BARBARA—Some 1,113 farmers in Pangasinan received their certificates of training completion on their on--the-air schoiling for mango production course on March 4, 2015.

The farmers and agricultural extension workers from 25 local government units finished their four-month course or “Sanayang Pangradyo sa Agrikultura” which ran from November 4, 2014.

The SOA program is being implemented by the Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) since 2009, in coordination with the provincial government and LGUs. The program is another way to reach out to the farmers without them having to leave their farms and going to a traditional training center or school, said Rogelio Evangelista, ATI-RTC 1 director.

According to ATI-RTC I information officer, Maricel Dacapias, the recent SOA program taught farmers on sustainable mango production, profitability, environment safety and farming technologies.

Johanne Margarette R. Macob

‘Protect Mt. Data forest’ BAUKO, Mountain Province—Local executives in the towns hosting portions of the Mount Data National Park are being urged to work out the cancellation of tax declarations issued over the watershed and forest reservation and prevent enchroachment on these protected areas.

Mayor Abraham B. Akilit made the call and also urged the LGUs said to refrian from issuing tax declarations over remaining portions of the reservation.

“Tax declarations are not conclusive proofs of ownership to the lands that vegetable farmers are currently tilling. We consider the tax declarations as void because declared forest reservations are inalienable and indisposable,” Akilit stressed.

The over 50,000-hectare Mount Data forest reservation straddles the towns of Tublay, Benguet up to the capital town of Bontoc in Mountain Province and serves as the headwaters of four major river systems, the Agno, Chico, Abra and Magat rivers—the major source of water for agriculture and power generation.

Akilit was the former regional manager of the Cordillera office of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA-CAR).

Dexter A. See

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK F R I D Ay : m A R c h 6 , 2 0 1 5

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news

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Bulacan governor seeks TRO vs recall

By Orlan L. Maurico

Sea bounty. A fisherman prepares to set out for the sea in Palawan. ROLAND JUMAWAN

Work on Ecija dam resumes

By Ferdie G. Domingo

GENERAL TINIO–Construction of the long-stalled Upper Tabuating River Irrigation Project which was suspended a few years ago has finally resumed. This came after the National Irrigation Administration lifted the suspension order on the P456.25-million project.

Eleuterio Luz, manager of the Small River Irrigation Project, said a notice to resume has already been issued by NIA Administrator Florencio Padernal to the contractor, Tokwing Corporation, which has entered into a joint venture with ITP Construction in undertaking the project.

Luz said that the notice was issued after Mayor Virgilio Bote withdrree his objection following a dialogue with Secretary Francis Pangilinan, the Presidential Adviser on Food Security and Agriculture Modernization (PAFSAM), Padernal and himself.

Engineer Reynaldo

Puno, operations manager of the NIA’s Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems which has jurisdiction over the UTIP, said the dam would be a dream come true for local farmers in this town which used to be the hotbed of illegal logging operations.

Puno said the project

could irrigate 720 hectares in this town and portions of nearby Penaranda.

Work on the UTIP’s irrigation component started in 2010 after it was found to be technically feasible and economically viable, with potential annual benefits of P134.79 million based on a feasibility study conducted by a consulting company of the NIA. However, construction was suspended after Bote opposed it.

NIA Consult, the agency’s consulting firm which made the detailed engineering for the earth dam said aside from irrigation, the project also has flood control and livelihood components. The project site is Barangay Nazareth which has good rock formations and stream flows.

The project will tap as water supply source the Tabuating River upstream and the Pakanang Kabayo Creek to potentially irrigate 720 hectares and benefit 280 farmers in barangays Bago, Diwalaan

Malaki, Diwalaan Maliit, Rio Chico, San Marcelino, San Pedro and Nazareth and Barangay San Mariano in nearby Penaranda.

The municipal government funded the detailed engineering works while the provincial government under Gov. Aurelio Umali financed the preconstruction, irrigation and drainage works at a cost of P100 million.

NIA, under thenAdministrator Antonio Nangel funded the construction of the dam and appurtenant structures for P355 million.

Puno said the project is in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 8435, also known as the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act that aims to spur economic growth through irrigationinspired rice production and in keeping with the goal of President Aquino and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to achieve rice sufficiency.

MALOLOS CITY—Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino SyAlvarado has filed an urgent petition before the Regional Trial Court to stop the Provincial Election Supervisor of Bulacan from conducting the validation of signatures of some of some 300,000 recall-petitioners slated to start Monday, March 9.

In a petition, Alvarado’s counsel Wendell Dimaculangan asked the court to issue ex-parte a temporary restraining order effective for 72 hours and, in the alternative, a 20-day TRO enjoining acting-Bulacan PES Jerbee Anthony Cortez from proceeding with the recall elections.

The case filed Wednesday afternoon before the Office of the Clerk of Court of the Bulacan RTC, was assigned to the sala of RTC-Branch 83 Judge Guillermo Agloro after a special raffle conducted on the same day by RTC Executive Judge Theresa Mendoza-Arcega.

Agloro has set the case for hearing today (March 6) at 10 in the morning. Perlita Mendoza, the principal petitioner in the recall initiative was notified by the court sheriff about the hearing today, although she was not made a party in the civil complaint filed by Alvarado.

The civil action filed by the governor was seen as a last minute legal remedy to delay the the scheduled 15-day verification of signatures and thumb marks from March 9 to 23, a 15-day mandatory process before the Comelec En Banc sets the date of the recall elections expected sometime on the first week of May. Cortez was installed as acting PES of Bulacan after former Election Officer Elmo T. Duque was relieved effective Tuesday for still undisclosed reasons.

Alvarado’s petition was anchored on several grounds among them was the noncompliance with the requirements of posting and publication of the ‘Petition for Recall’ as required by Sec. 15 and 16 of Comelec Resolution 7505, the implementing rules governing all recall elections under the Local Government Code of 1991.

Isabela town gets World Bank grant

By Brenda Jocson SAN AGUSTIN- Farmers in this northeastern town of Isabela will get a big boost in their bid to become the country’s dairy capital with the World Bank providing them with technical assistance for the development of a feed component for crossbreed carabaos.

The World Bank project partnered with the Philippine Carabao Center with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture and Central Luzon State University.

Mayor Virgilio Padilla said the grant is the first

batch of technical assistance to the farmers here.

The project is expected to make the crossbreed carabao produce 15 liters more of milk from its present production rate.

“We are actually expecting this weekend some technical people who are coming over here to demonstrate and assist our farmers and stakeholders on the new kind of feed which will enable our crossbreed carabaos to produce 15 liters more of milk from their usual production,” he said.

Padilla said the WB will also finance the construc-

tion of modern facilities of San Agustin’s dairy and processing plant as well as road concreting and construction of milking barns.

He said foreign nationals from Korea and Canada connected with the WB also financed the conduct of surveys and feasibility studies in the town.

“The grant from the World Bank was initially considered during the 9th Nuang (Carabao) Festival where national PCC officials saw the potentials of our municipality as the crossbreed carabao capital of the Philippines,” Padilla said.

New schools. Pasay City Mayor Antonino “Tony” Calixto officially turns over on Tuesday the symbolic key of the newly-constructed four-storey school building to school officials of the Padre Burgos Elementary School in Brgy. 60, Pasay City. A similar four-storey school building containing a total of 12 classrooms was likewise turned over to the school administrators of Timoteo Paez Elementary School in Brgy. 161 on Wednesday, March 4. Joining Calixto is Rep. Emi Calixto-Rubiano (far right).

A8

opinion [ EDI TORI A L ]

Power outages MeTrO Manila and the rest of Luzon will not likely be spared by power outages starting this month, given the limited electricity supply available in the grid. energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla is praying no more power plants will bog down during the duration of the dry season, when most hydroelectric power plants cannot be relied on. Scheduled maintenance works and inefficient aging plants have reduced the power generating capacity of Luzon by 631 megawatts, or roughly the same output of one major station.

Petilla fears that an unexpected shutdown of just one power plant will result in brownouts in Luzon due to the thin reserves of the grid. Luzon will actually face a 200-MW shortage starting March 15, when the Malampaya natural gas facility in northwest Palawan goes on a 30-day maintenance shutdown. The Malampaya gas field supplies about 2,700 MW of power to three major plants in Batangas province.

The private sector, through the so-called interruptible load program, is expected to fill in the supply gap of 200 MW this month. The program calls on major industrial and commercial consumers of electricity to deload from the grid and use their own power generating sets to avoid blackouts.

But blackouts, Petilla conceded, are still possible if more plants go on unexpected forced outages.

Manila electric Co. this early warned that increased demand, coupled with plant shutdowns, might translate into higher electricity rates in March.

More expensive and less dependable power plants are taking the place of those cut off from the grid as a result of their scheduled repairs. Meralco noted that with some baseload plants like the coal stations in Masinloc, Zambales and Quezon unable to contribute to the grid, generations rates were starting to increase at the Wholesale electricity Spot Market. electricity rates are bound to increase in the face of tight supply and increased demand in hot weather. Authorities must ensure rates will not spike because of the thin power reserves. The government, too, should be a better energy manager the next time around to avoid a critical situation in which blackouts are likely to occur.

TruTh Time lowdown jojo a. robles SOMeOne has to speak the truth sometime. I’m just glad that the truth-teller is Miriam Defensor Santiago, who has the brains to express the harsh realities of which she speaks.

Santiago cut loose on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which the Aquino administration is pushing despite the massacre of the 44

Special Action Force commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

The fiery senator urged the government to scrap the BBL and to return to the negotiating table with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, things President noynoy Aquino should have done after Mamasapano, if he did not have his head stuck too far up his nether orifice.

“In my personal view, it will be best to start the process all over the again,” Santiago said. The senator questioned both the legitimacy

of allowing the President to authorize “a so-called peace process to a so-called peace panel” and “the authority of the MILF to represent the Bangsamoro [people].”

Both the peace panel and the MILF negotiated without the proper credentials, she said. This could very well have doomed the proposed law. “[The panels should have said to each other:] Here is my power to negotiate with you, show me your power so we can start at a proper legal footing,” Santiago said.

“That was not done in this case.”

It’s good to know that we still have people like Miriam santiago who will argue in favor of the people.

As for letting the Supreme Court decide on the legality of the law once it is passed

by Congress, Santiago took a dim view of that proposal,

as well. Malacanang’s best strategy at this point, she explained, is to review the questionable provisions in the law by itself, after consulting legal luminaries and starting its negotiations from scratch with the MILF. “Malacanang can form a review committee [so that] if there are changes to be made, it will come from the Palace itself,” she explained.

“There will be no embarrassment about being dictated to by another branch of government.”

On cue, Malacanang’s spokesmen have ruled out any renegotiation with the

F R I d aY, M a R c h 6 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

adelle chua EDITOR

adellechua@gmail.com

A9

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

Congress Cajoled on BBl

MIlF, apparently because it believes that the BBl is already perfect and because going back to the negotiating table will set back its deadline for the approval of the law that will basically hand over huge chunks of the country to the Muslim secessionists. I expect that, despite Miriam’s cogent analysis (and the festering public outrage), the aquino administration will not back down on its beloved BBl.

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But it’s good to know that we still have people like Miriam Santiago who will argue in favor of the people, who are always in danger of being overwhelmed by the palace’s formidable propaganda machine and its co-opted majorities in both Houses of Congress. It’s possible that Malacanang will still have its way and get Congress’ approval for the BBl; but the people know that what’s wrong is wrong –

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and Miriam is there to explain to them why. *** It’s wrong for the Metro Manila development authority and the government of Quezon City to withdraw the permits that they already issued to the members of the Philippine National Police academy alumni association who are staging a march in honor of the 44 Continued on A11

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Cajoled by Malacañang, the presidential palace, the Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed to pass the draft Bangsamoro Basic law bill into law by june, in time for President BS aquino to brag about its passage in his last State of the Nation address (SoNa) in july, also this year. The BBl is known as House Bill No. 4994 in the House.

Passing HB 4994 this time is like pouring gasoline on a burning house. In terrorist terms, passage of the BBl is like that viral video in which a fallen Special action Force commando, later identified as Police officer 1 joseph Sagonoy, is being shot mercilessly point-blank by an unidentified Moro Islamic liberation Front (MIlF) fighter while filming the blatant murder, in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province. It is a coup de grâce (pronounced ku d???r?s) of the worst kind.

If the BBl sees the light of day, through Congress, in its present or whatever form, I think it will be the coup de grâce of this unlamented aquino administration. even before the Mamasapano Massacre of jan. 25, 2015, in which 44 SaF commandos died during a 12-hour gunbattle with an overwhelming number of enemy fighters of the MIlF and its terrorist arm, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, there was already widespread resistance against the BBl and cynicism about its desirability. “every provision of the BBl is unconstitutional,” declared the Philippine Constitution association (Philconsa).

There are only about 7,000 MIlF fighters. The armed Forces has 130,000 combat soldiers. The Philippine National Police has 148,500 members. The country has a population of more than 101 million.

Muslims number no more than 4 million or 4 percent of the national population.

Yet, the BBl will cede to the MIlF 32 percent of the national territory – Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago and Palawan.

The MIlF, which represents barely half of total Filipino Muslims, will have their own state, the Bangsamoro; their own people (called the Bangsamoro people; nobody knows who they are); their own citizenship (called again the Bangsamoro); their own territory (land mass, as well as maritime, terrestrial, fluvial and alluvial domains, and the air above them); their own government (which will be parliamentary, unlike the Philippines, which is presidential).

Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Rolando G. Jojo Estabillo Publisher A. Robles Editor-in-Chief Jojo A.L.Robles Editor-in-Chief Ramonchito Tomeldan Managing Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Chin Wong/RayJoel S. Eñano Associate Editors P. Palacios News Editor Francis Lagniton CityCity Editor Francis Lagniton Editor Arman Armero Senior Deskman Arman Armero Senior Deskman Romel J. Mendez Art Director Leo A. Estonilo Senior Deskman Roberto Cabrera Chief Romel J. Mendez ArtPhotographer Director Roberto Cabrera Chief Photographer

F R I D AY, M A R C H 6 , 2 0 1 5

A10

OPINION adellechua@gmail.com

What ails us?

ExcEpt on Facebook, I had never before met Jam PENSEES Sebastian, but the posted entries introduced him FR. RANHILIO as “Jamich”, a You tube CALLANGAN sensation, because he and AQUINO his girlfriend, one Mich Liggayu (pronounce that with ‘Lig’ first, and then “gayu” as mabilis) -- whose roots go back to Alcala, a town of Ilocos migrants in cagayan -- had posted clips of their love-affair. posts like these never fail to attract swooning, fantasizing followers. As his health deteriorated and lung cancer took its toll, there were even more posts about his determination to cling on, until yesterday when it was announced that he had passed away. there were, to be sure, innumerable expressions of sympathy, but I was totally taken aback by many posts too that were execrable in their thoughtlessness and cruelty. comments like: “Sino ba yan? Anong pakialam namin?” and “Buti nga sa kanya” completely floored me! Some were obviously annoyed that there were just so many posts about him and bulletins about his health, but that is exactly what social media like Facebook is -- free space, an agora open to all, sane and insane! this was, however, not the first time. When former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appeared at the Sandiganbayan on a wheel-chair, wearing a cervical collar, there were posts undiluted in their brazen callousness, flowing over with venality like “Dapat kabaong na yan” or “Bitay ang nararapat diyan”. What really alarms me is the patent irrationality of it all. What is the reason for this opprobrium? Is there even concern with reasons? Do we know that she is guilty? If anything at all, the string of acquittals in different criminal cases filed against her point in the opposite direction. then again, whenever the catholic Bishops’ conWhat seems to be ference of the philippines issues a statement, or a clear is that there is bishop in his individual an eagerness to ride capacity does, there almost immediately follow rethe bandwagon of marks that manifest a paspite and ridicule. thetically abysmal grasp of the fundamental principles of our so-called democratic way of life, and yet are brazen in that kind of insult born of nescience. Very frequently, one will read spiteful references to the pajero bishops, forgetting rather stupidly that when Senate conducted a probe, the hearing that started with scathing remarks by Sen. Miriam against the bishops’ accusers who, to her, did not know the least thing about separation of church and state, ended in unmitigated embarrassment to the government, not the bishops: Not only was it admitted by the pcSO chair that no pajeros were involved. Even more indicting was cardinal Quevedo’s statement: “the vehicles given us were used by our bishops to reach the very hinterlands that government officials have never visited, and to bring relief and aid to those who will never receive them from the State.” And all the bishops decided to leave their vehicles -- not pajeros, let us be clear -- behind as an indictment of the indicters! the comments following a published cBcp statement bear eloquent testimony, many a time, to a serious deficit in rationality, sheer intellectual bankruptcy of national proportions!

What seems to be clear is that there is an eagerness to ride the bandwagon of spite and ridicule with what jurisprudence on libel calls “reckless disregard for truth”. In fact, the question of evidence hardly arises at all. It is enough that one posts a thoughtless remark.

This has its own way of teasing out other venal, cruel and frankly dumb ripostes. This is not in the least fascinating. Moral decadence should never be entertaining. It should alarm us all. The fall of the great civilizations cannot be attributed to military reversal. Defeats in battle and governments gone awry were only symptomatic of the more serious malady of moral decadence. When the Romans developed a perverse taste for gory displays of wild beasts devouring convicts and enemies of the State (that included christians) and cheered at the gruesomeness of crucifixions, when, in their drunken stupor, they allowed cruelty to smother every sense of compassion and humanity in them, Rome had taken the road to destruction from which there could be no more return.

For Want oF a coordinator thE defense of our country and citizens and - if necessary - the pursuit of war against any enemy state are tasks that our military force has pledged to undertake. complementary to these are the enforcement of laws, protection of private properties and prevention of civil disorder which we have entrusted to our police force.

Only when they perform well these tasks and assignments can we enjoy life peacefully with no fears or worries.

But to accomplish them, our military and police forces must coordinate with each other the way our left hand moves with our right hand.

We realize though – as what our elementary science teacher once taught us - that it is a functioning brain that quietly coordinates these hands.

Similarly, only our topmost executive could have coordinated our military and police forces in executing mission “Oplan Exodus” to arrest international terrorist Marwan in Mamasapano last January 25.

But pNoy did not coordinate them, according to him. thus, for want of a coordinator between our military and police forces, 44 helpless but gallant policemen and no fewer than 18 Muslim rebels and half-a-dozen civilians were killed. the mission was accomplished by our police force – alone, yes - but it ended as a national tragedy.

More for the sake of face-saving, a pNoycoordinated all-out offensive was launched a month after by our military force against extremist Muslim rebels and is causing heavy casualties among the rebels whom the military now consider terrorists even if they remain Filipinos.

But would this offensive only stop when their death toll has reached 44, too? the military says this is not yet war, but Maguindanao has already become a calamity area. thousands of civilians are caught in the crossfire and fleeing in exodus their homes.

With the Mamasapano debacle, many legislators have stopped supporting the passage of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, which before was perceived as necessary to achieve that elusive lasting peace in Mindanao. pNoy might thus lose the credit for having signed it and only his Machiavellian release of pork barrel funds to opportunistic legislators could probably save it from being archived.

For us pensioners, a coordinator is also missing between our two national social security institutions - the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System.

Our entire population was supposed to have been partitioned between the two of them. to SSS belonged the private sector workers, and to GSIS, the state workers.

But for lack of a coordinator, they have failed to cover the entire population. the SSS has left out the unemployed and elderly. Mostly indigent, they are now receiving social pensions and conditional cash transfers

this is what worries me. the symptoms of a national malady are clear. When my choir members were making their way through the thick crowds that had congregated around Luneta for pope Francis’ Mass, they tried to convince the police on duty to allow them to pass, worried that they would never make it to the grandstand where the papal choir was supposed to be. May ID kami na miyembro ng choir. Were we not a seriously sick nation, the people would have made way for those who clearly had some role in the liturgy that was to be celebrated. But came the retort, clearly an attempt at humor, but really a display of sheer uncaring stupidity: May ID din kami...voter’s ID! how does one surpass this level of thoughtless malice?

from the state FILIPINO via the social PENSIONER welfare department.

While HORACE they are doled tEmPLO out only minimal amounts, they don’t have to remit a single centavo of contribution or tax.

On the other hand, GSIS used to cover members of the judiciary, the constitutional bodies, and the military and police forces. Discontented and unhappy under this coverage, they have opted out. Now their benefits are generous by any standard under a defined benefit system that is non-contributory and funded annually in our national budget.

In other words, we taxpayers are carrying in our shoulders the burden of paying the pensions of these two big groups of non-SSS and nonGSIS beneficiaries. the lack of coordination between SSS and GSIS was again manifested lately.

SSS - as if it were running out of money - issued a threatening press release last February 27 that it has set a 10-year prescriptive period for re-adjudicating retirement, disability and death claims.

In fact, it only aimed harmlessly “to eliminate problems in the validation of submitted documents, since the retention period of claim records is limited to 10 years only” and its new rule would not apply to “unposted contributions and additional credited years of service, payment for additional dependents …”

SSS succeeded only in scaring us pensioners.

In contrast, GSIS head Robert Vergara last March 2 announced triumphantly that GSIS had earned in 2014 a record income of p140 billion. he added that GSIS was “recognized by the civil Service commission as the top government agency in its annual survey of front line service agencies last year, garnering an overall average rating of 92 percent in its Anti-Red tape Act customer feedback survey with no branch scoring a failing mark.” he then committed to its 1.8 million members that its “goal for this year is to sustain this momentum” and “continue to provide responsive service and benefits.” he didn’t announce what we pensioners wanted to hear – “to mark the time when GSIS became trillion-peso pension fund, it is increasing by 10 percent the pensions of all.” the absence of an SSS-GSIS coordinator has thus short-changed private sector workers and pensioners in their contributory SSS pensions because their GSIS counterparts and those funded by the national budget get more and better benefits.

But worse is the absence of a military-police coordinator. For want of a coordinator during the arrest of Marwan, our battle to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao is again being lost.

the trouble is largely us. Let us take to the couch and with the remaining flashes of thoughtfulness, ask ourselves whether we are still capable of making the fundamental distinctions that mark rationality, if reason and argument persuade us. the next oratio imperata should be a prayer of national exorcism. Jesus one day came upon a man who lived amidst tombs and tore at himself, while shrieking and howling. Who are you, demanded the Lord. the devil within replied: “Legion, for we are many”. By the looks of it, it is Legion that has taken hold of us too! rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

F R I d aY, M a R c h 6 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION adellechua@gmail.com

congress..From A9 Like a separate state, MILF will exercise powers covering defense, external security, foreign policy, foreign loans, issuance of IoUs, justice system, elections; and awards of licenses for casinos, free ports, power plants, water rights, and natural resources.

Mindanao alone is the Philippines’ second largest island, after Luzon where Manila, the national capital, is. Already, Mindanao is the eighth most populous island in the world, according to wikipedia. Mindanao, in fact, is larger than more than half of the nations of the world – larger than at least 125 countries, including the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary and Ireland.

Together, Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan are the richest region of the Philippines.

They can feed the entire Philippine population for the next 30 generations.

These three island groups are predominantly Christian, not Muslim.

Repeatedly in the past, the Christian-dominated Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan rejected inclusion in the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which the BBL will abolish and replace with the same animal, also called ARMM. This new ARMM will be infinitely richer in cash – with more than P100 billion a year in Manila subsidy, four times the present P24 billion budget of the present ARMM. The Mamasapano Massacre triggered outrage of unprecedented scale, probably even surpassing the outrage that attended the assassination of opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. The strongman Ferdinand Marcos was widely blamed for Ninoy’s 1983 murder.

In 30 months, Marcos was out of office, ousted by People Power.

Yet, looking back, what crime did Marcos do? Did he really mastermind the murder of Ninoy Aquino?

Six years and four months of the Cory Aquino presidency failed to link the late strongman to the assassination.

Almost 57 months of the

BS Aquino presidency also failed to pin Marcos down for the crime. If Ninoy Aquino was not felled by a bullet, would he have died just the same, a victim of heart attack, and therefore, not a hero?

After Mamasapano, calls have escalated for BS Aquino’s resignation, if not outright ouster, by People Power III. Beleaguered, Aquino blocked all roads leading to the EDSA shrine at the corner of EDSA and ortigas Ave. on Feb. 25 this year. As the entire Metro Manila fumed, caught as they were in unprecedented traffic gridlock lasting for a day, the President asked the top generals of the AFP and PNP to join him at the EDSA People Power monument a block away from the EDSA Shrine.

Soldiers and policemen were told to stand shoulder to shoulder, abrazo style, what Filipinos call kapitbisig.

I remember in early 1986, days before his ouster, Marcos also assembled his commanding generals of the AFP – the army, air force, navy, and the PC-INP (forerunner of the present PNP), which was then headed by then Major Gen. Fidel V. Ramos, also the vice chief of staff of the AFP. They all pledged commitment and devotion to duty for the commander-in-chief.

In four days in February 1986, without anyone firing a single cannon shot, their loyalty melted away and the soldiers and the policemen joined the people to end Marcos’s rule of 20 years.

The army and the police know when a ruler’s days are numbered. The authority to withdraw obedience and loyalty is right there in the present Constitution Section 3, Article II of the Constitution declares it in no uncertain terms: “The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.”

Integrity of the national territory. More than Mamasapano, BBL is about that. biznewsasia@gmail.com

adelle chua EDITOR

A11

VP Binay should succeed Now that the clamor for P Noy to resign because of the Mamasapano fiasco has found steam, the question asked by many is: who should succeed him? Unfortunately, while the Constitution is very clear that he should be succeeded by Vice-President Jejomar Binay, many muddle the issue by insisting on the unconstitutional option that a council of sorts should succeed.

I add my voice to the many that have warned against an unconstitutional succession. The people, and that includes me, voted for NoyBi in the last elections cognizant that should P Noy be unable to serve his full term of office for any reason, then he should be succeeded by VP Binay. while I do not pretend to speak for the millions that installed this Noy-Bi leadership, it was certainly my intention that should the son of democracy scion be unable to discharge the functions of his office- and his incompetence in dealing with the Mamasapano incident and its aftermath have made this very clear- then Binay should succeed. other than that his succession is etched in the Constitution, why should Binay succeed? well, the people, by electing him into the Vice-Presidency, said so. And they said so for many reason. To me, it was because of his proven managerial experience in running Makati for almost three decades and his dedication to the cause of human rights, which he proved as a Mabini lawyer during the dark days of martial law. Sure, there have been talk of corruption against him, including the many things that his former vice mayor has said against him. But the cynical truth is that in this country, corruption has become systemic. This is why despite the fact that his accusers have devoted record legislative hours in their witch hunt against him, people have taken the attacks against VP Binay in stride coming, as they were, from polluted sources themselves. The reality is outside of Ping Lacson who refused to accept his pork barrel (and possibly Joker Arroyo, as well), any senator who received his pork barrel and his DAP are not just presumptively but proven to be corrupt by two Supreme Court decisions invalidating both the PDAF and the DAP as being contrary to the Constitution and as forms of misappropriation of public funds.

Clearly, the botched witch hunt against VP Binay is proof of what our rules of evidence

already provides: that evidence to be believed, must not only be believable but must come from believable sources as well. Certainly, talk of corruption from those with proven unclean hands cannot bring a good man down.

But outside of managerial experience and dedication to the protection and promotion of human rights, VP Binay’s profession as a lawyer now comes in handy. Again, while the Constitution does not prescribe any minimum qualification for the Presidency other than being a natural born Filipino, we now know, particularly from the failed PNoy administration, that a President, as chief enforcer of the law, must know the law. Here I cannot help but wonder if a lawyer would have made the same mistake as implementing the DAP or asking a suspended PNP Chief to implement a police operation against a high value target. A lawyer is trained to follow the law. This is why Butch Abad would have the stigma hence of having breached the constitutional separation of powers when as a lawyer, he should have known what the power of the purse meant.

This is why the ombudsman has said that former PNP Chief Alan Purisima may have usurped authority when he participated in a police action at a time when he was suspended from office. A President who is a lawyer would not have made such basic mistakes. But PNoy, a non-lawyer, did; this despite his battery of lawyers including the Secretary of Justice, the Presidential Legal Counsel and the Solicitor General. Binay, by contrast, as a lawyer should know better.

But perhaps, the best reason for VP Binay to take over now is because he has become a seasoned and astute politician. Again the curse in having what Joker Arroyo described as a “student council” leadership is the lack of savvy to unite conflicting interests towards a common direction beneficial to the country. I myself have never been a politician and cannot see myself working with the likes of those in the close circle of P Noy. But Binay can and he can do so while working at the same time with the Erap camp, FVR’s camp, GMA’s camp and even the far left.

Perhaps, it is this quality that we now need the most in a leader. one who like Mao, can make “a thousand flowers bloom” and harness them to a common direction: a strong, prosperous, respected Philippines in the 21st century, rather than a pathetic third world country with lackluster and mediocre political leadership, prone to mendicancy.

Yes, I confess: I can’t wait for 2016 to see Binay as president. Lets make him president now.

Truth.. From A8

his minions to close off the main circumferential highway of Metro Manila for most a midweek working day last Feb. 25, causing untold suffering and grief among workers who lost time and productivity. Because of as yet undeclared “national security threats” that day, Malacanang and the MMDA converted most of Metro Manila into a giant parking lot for an event at which Aquino spent 15 minutes.

And now that same government has decided that it cannot allow a bunch of retired cops to show their solidarity with their fallen comrades because of “opportunistic forces” that it cannot even identify? what manner of paranoid behavior is this?

The denial of permits for legitimate public gatherings is a hoary tactic of oppressive administrations to scare the people that they may be violating the law when they gather. The threat of a rally being hijacked by other forces for their own purposes is another such trick.

The retired cops know all of these gimmicks, having used them in the past. They know it is their right to peaceably assemble – and they should not allow themselves to be hoodwinked just to assuage Aquino’s paranoia.

vIEw fROm malcOm aTTy. haRRy ROquE, jR

SAF members slain in Maguindanao. After all, the retired police officials leading the march, led by former General Tomas Renton, have repeatedly declared that they are not calling for the resignation of President Noynoy Aquino or anything like that.

The march, which will start at the national police headquarters in Camp Crame and end at the Quezon Memorial Circle, will be staged on a Sunday, when traffic is minimal. And the retired police officials have promised to guard their ranks against provocateurs, especially from the Left, who may attempt to hijack their protest action.

Malacanang’s chief spokesman, Herminio Coloma, raised the specter of “opportunistic groups” trying to use the decidedly apolitical protest for their own ends, like calling for the overthrow of the government. Coloma’s statement mirrors the paranoia of Aquino himself, who is deathly scared of a mass action that could turn into some sort of “people power” rally that will unite the people against his incompetent and unfeeling administration.

That same paranoia is what led Aquino and

f ri day : M a rc h 6 , 2 0 1 5

A12

sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Pacquiao needs to fight the perfect fight to win

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

CELEBRATED Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach believes his prized fighter, eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao needs “to fight the perfect fight” to beat undefeated World Boxing Council welterweight champion and pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. when they face off in a multi-million dollar showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 2.

According to ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo, Roach sensed that the fight would happen years ago and said “we started our game plan five years ago but we changed it a little bit. Definitely there will be some adjustments” even as he expressed confidence that Pacquiao would win “the biggest fight night of all our lives.”

Pacquiao expressed confidence

that he will be at his best when he fights Mayweather. In his workout at the Wild Card Gym for the third day Pacquiao said in an Instagram post “ Day 3 of my gym work out i feel slow but i’m not worried because i still have a lot of time. Thank you Lord for strengthening me day by day. God Bless everyone.”

Roach, Top Rank promoter Bob

Arum and adviser Michael Koncz all expect Pacquiao to be quicker than Mayweather and for his speed to be a key factor.

However, videos of Mayweather and Pacquiao alongside each other on the speed ball and shadow boxing by reporter Elie Seckbach of ES News showed Mayweather as being faster.

However, Roach conceded that Mayweather will be the toughest challenge in Pacquiao’s career pointing out that he is undefeated ”he’s a very good boxer and he’s the most talented fighter we’ll ever face.”

Roach who is currently in Macau where he will work the corner of two-time Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming of China in his IBF flyweight title fight against Thai world champion Amnat Ruenroeng on Mar. 7 said that Mayweather “is also tricky, is intelligent as a fighter and I believe we need to fight the perfect fight.”

While reminding Castillejo that

styles make fights, Roach said that Pacquiao has the advantage of “speed, movement and power. We may need to be aggressive at times because our opponent likes to run a lot, but we’ll find him.”

Roach admitted “it is not going to be easy but styles make fights and I think I have the right guy for this fight.”

While the strategy is to recruit sparring partners who can approximate the style of Mayweather and help Pacquiao get used to facing a defensively excellent fighter, Mayweather’s handlers such as Al Haymon has been getting his people to call up potential sparring partners and to offer them more money not to join Pacquiao’s training camp.

Roach indicated he is not worried about the so-called dirty tricks because he’s got four “really good sparring partners who are Mayweather look-alikes.”

Philippine Basketball Stars LA Revilla of Kia Carnival and Terrence Romeo of GlobalPort Batang Pier (wearing sunglasses) bring joy to a child patient and her mother at the Children’s Ward of Ospital ng Palawan. The PBA brings its brand of exciting basketball and star power to remote places of the archipelago to meet with basketball fans, young and old alike.

DavNor preps tourism sites for Palarong Pambansa DAVAO DEL NORTE-The Province of Davao del Norte is making its variety of attractions ready for the influx of tourists in the Palarong Pambansa this summer.

Along with the province’s revved up efforts in polishing playing venues and billeting quarters, and heightening security, local government units and resort operators are also expanding and burnishing the tourism sites for the May 3 to 9 Palaro.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario has directed the tourism stakeholders to spruce up their destinations in anticipation of the deluge of visitors in the annual multi-sport competition among the country’s student athletes in the elementary and high school level.

Del Rosario stressed the attractions must be in top shape for the participants and spectators, who are expected to exceed 20,000.

The governor said the delegates will be invited to discover and experience a good variety of attractions in the province during the lull in between and after their sporting events.

“We will promote our tourist attractions so they can make the most of their time and learn more about our province,” del Rosario said after spearheading the mangrove planting in Barangay Cagangohan, Panabo City.

Hundreds of government officials and employees, residents, volunteers and students participated in the mangrove planting activity, which is part of the coastal biodiversity conservation project under the Localized and Integrated Programs and Approaches for Development through Ugmad Komunidad (LIPADUK).

Hand steers muscle car to drag racing victory

Crowd favorite William “Bill” Hand and his car “Blue Haze,” a fiberglass replica of the 1932 Ford Roadster, draws a crowd of spectators and local media after clinching the Quick 8 crown.

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga -- The American V8 muscle cars dominated the scene behind the steady hand of former US servicemen William “Bill” Hand and John Ryzia who steered the Angeles City Hot Rod Association (AHRA)-Garage Power to a 1-2 finish recently in the second leg of the 2015 Philippine Drag Racing Championship Northern Series at the Clark International Speedway.

Hand captured the Quick 8 crown while Ryzia played a crucial role behind the V8 muscle cars’ supremacy over the modern six-cylinders in this event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and sponsored by CIMS, M&H, Sparco, Aguila Auto Glass and GT Radials.

The last time Hand and his car named “Blue Haze,” a fiberglass replica of the

1932 Ford Roadster, won was three years ago also on the second leg of the Northern Series in March, 2012. He earned his crack at the title after beating Jonathan Young of JCT-Blanche Racing in their semifinal duel.

It was also one of those bad days for JCTBlanche Racing top gun and defending champion Jonathan Tiu of JCT-Blanche Racing who suddenly experienced engine problems at the start of the semifinal encounter against Ryzia who sealed an allAmerican muscle cars finals with his classic Camaro named Thunder.

The crowd, amazed by the unique designs and loud engine roars of the American muscle cars, flocked to the pit walls to see which between Blue Haze and Thunder wins the crown.

F RI DAY : M A RC H 6 , 2 0 1 5

A13

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

JrNBA picks best South Luzon cagers BIÑAN, Laguna—Six young players – four boys and two girls from Laguna, Batangas and Cavite —topped the Regional Selection Camp of JrNBA/JrWNBA Philippines 2015 Presented by Alaska in Biñan, Laguna last weekend at the University of Perpetual Help System. This is the second time that the Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA has come to Biñan.

The four JrNBA players who made it to the National Training Camp that will be held at the PICC Forum in Roxas Boulevard, Manila from April 24-26 are Karl Georg Clauss from De La Salle University STC of Sta. Rosa; Joshua Yvan Garing from De La Salle Lipa, Jalen Angelo Limon of St. Francis School in Biñan and John Ashley Los Bañez of Canossa School, Sta. Rosa. Two Jr. WNBA players, Luisa San Juan of Amazing Grace School in Laguna and Pherl Gwyneth Savendano of Christain Values School in Cavite also made it to the NTC. The six players were selected from the Top 40 performers of the first day of camp at the Alonte Sports Arena which drew a field of 481 players aged 10-14 years old from various cities and towns in South Luzon.

The Top 40 were asked to return on Day 2 for more intense drills and basketball team exercises. A final scrimmage at the end of Day 2 selected the most skilled basketball players who also exemplified the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA core values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect.

The NTC finalists from South Luzon were chosen by the Jr. NBA evaluation committee headed by Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA head coach Chris Sumner and PBA Legend Jeffrey Cariaso of the Alaska Power Camp.

San Beda hosts 10th cage camp THE 10th edition of the San Beda basketball camp will open next month.

Organizers said the camp will start on Apr. 9 at the Mendiola campus in Manila, and on Apr. 10 in Taytay, Rizal.

They are open to boys and girls aged five years old and above, and will offer the fundamentals of the sport to first timers.

For those who attended the summer classes, a special advanced course will refine the skills they learned in previous classes.

The sessions will be handled with the help of guest players from the Philippine Basketball Association.

Coaches of the multi-titled San Beda Red Cubs, as well as prominent instructors from other schools are also in the camp.

A registration fee of P3,500 has been set.

For those who will join both the April and May camps, a package of P6,000 is offered.

Classes in Mendiola will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The classes in Taytay are on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Peter Atencio

Young basketball players, among the best cagers in South Luzon, battle for a rebound during the the Regional Selection Camp of JrNBA/ JrWNBA Philippines 2015 Presented by Alaska in Biñan, Laguna last weekend at the University of Perpetual Help System.

Six young players— four boys and two girls from Laguna, Batangas and Cavite—topped the Regional Selection Camp.

SEA Games preview looms in PH Open A PREVIEW of the 2015 Southeast Asian Games athletic competitions in Singapore looms in this year’s staging of the Philippine National Open Invitational Championships, set on March 19 to 22 at the San Luis Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Some 1,500 top-rated athletes from Asia, including 80 to 90 from Japan, Korea, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and host Philippines will pit guts and skills in the four-day National Open, which is making a return after a four-year hiatus.

“This will be a National Open like no other. Pang-SEA Games na ang level ng competition (The competition will be at the level of the SEA Games) because our regional neighbors are coming in and using this competition to select their athletes going to

the Singapore SEA Games this June,” said Philip Ella Juico, president of the organizing Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA).

The athletic championships are being held in cooperation with host Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez.

“We expect the competitions to be tough and it will be a treat to the people of Laguna seeing these top athletes from the region go at it,” said Juico, who is also running for the vice presidency of the Asian Athletics Association in June.

JUICO

Juico said he will be batting for sports cooperation among nations in the region, much like the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economic template in order to raise athletic standards.

A total of 23 gold medals will be at stake each in the men’s, wom-

en’s and junior competitions in the PH Open, while six others will be up for grabs in the masters’ category and the 19-under division.

The Philippine charge will be led by national Olympic program 19-year-old pole vaulter Ernest John Obien, who broke the national mark of 5.01 meters held

by Edward Lasqueta for 22 years when he leaped 5.05 meters in July last year during a Patafa meet, before smashing it again to 5.20 meters to win the Singapore Open.

Obiena, son of former national athlete Emerson Obiena, will be joined by six other athletes who made the elite list by the committee composed of Juico and sports patron-businessman Jim Lafferty.

They are Fil-Am hurdler Eric Cray, 15-year-old sprinter Zion CorralesNelson, middle-distance runner Archand Bagsit, decathlete Jesson Cid and former Asian long jump champion Marestella Torres.

Ateneo Blue Batters near UAAP championship THE Ateneo Blue Batters are almost there.

They moved closer to completing a three-peat with a 7-3 thumping of La Salle yesterday in the 77th University Athletic Association of the Philippines baseball championship series at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium yesterday.

Former MVP Matt Laurel unleashed a two-run single in the fourth inning to give the Blue Eagles a 4-3 lead.

They then moved away in the sixth inning, taking a 6-3 advantage after Dio Remollo scored a two-run single.

The Eagles can clinch their third consecutive title with another victory at the Rizal ballpark.

“Our three straight losses served as a wake up call for us. We were able to adjust and I think we have a flawless game sa defense,” said Ateneo coach Randy Dizer.

La Salle’s pitching was impressive in the opener, as rookie Boo Barandiaran struck out six batters while Carlos Munoz had three strike outs.

Not to be outdone are the Eagles, as rookie pitcher Paulo Macasaet had two strike outs in one and twothird innings after replacing reigning MVP Andy Tan, who pitched the first seven and one-third innings.

“As much as possible, we want to

get Game 2, we don’t want Game 3. Their pitchers are dominating (Green Batters),” said Dizer.

After conceding an early run, the Green Batters took a 3-1 lead in the second inning after Carly Laurel popped a two-run single to the centerfield.

Ateneo opened the season with seven straight wins before faltering late in the eliminations, allowing La Salle to tie the Katipunan-based battees in first place at 7-3.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Donaire hurts sparring partner sparring session Alibio said Nonito was “fast and strong and will surely be a world champion again.”

NONITO “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, the five diviHe said Donaire “caught me on sion world champion hurt his sparring partner Jonel the chest with a big punch and it pains up to now and I think Alibio during four rounds of sparring at the ALA it will hurt until tomorrow. He Gym along Balete Drive in Quezon City before easing is really strong. I gave it all I had but he is really good. He is up in a three-round session with Vergel Puton. a world caliber fighter.”

Donaire was obviously a little Donaire and Alibio, a Brazil on Mar. 28 at the SMART- bothered by the heat as he beat lightweight and former Oriental Araneta Coliseum. back the jet lag since his arrival on Pacific Boxing Federation In a torrid sequence late in the Monday which was followed by a featherweight champion engaged fourth round, Donaire ripped several series of appearances on the giant in several torrid exchanges in a punches to the body and head of broadcast network ABS-CBN and small ring that gave Donaire little Alibio who winced at the onslaught a luncheon press conference . room to maneuver and allowed but refused to show he was hurt.

Donaire told the New Standard Alibio to be in his face all the time.

However, in an interview “I had really good sparring with Donaire fights William Prado of with the New Standard after the those guys. They are tough and they are bigger. I came out there and had a good first session Republic of the Philippines knowing that it was hot and Department of Agriculture really affected me. Plus all the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization travel, and the ring was really Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines small so they were constantly www.philmech.gov.ph in front of me. I had to push myself which was really good.

INVITATION TO BID It showed where my stamina SUPPLY OF LABOR AND MATERIALS FOR THE was. I could have gone more CONSTRUCTION OF TRAMLINE SYSTEMS IN VARIOUS but there was no sense. I knew LOCATIONS IN MINDANAO exactly where my stamina is (PHilMech Infra 15-03-01) and there’s no point in a small

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

1.

2.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) through its General Fund intends to apply the sum of PhP 10, 910, 643.92 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) as indicated herein to payments under the contract for the Supply of Labor and Materials for the Construction of Tramline Systems in Various Locations in Mindanao. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid opening.

Location 1. Cadalian, Baguio District, Davao City 2. Tambobong, Baguio District, Davao City 3. Panigan, Tawan-Tawan, Davao City 4. Sumpitan, Tawan-Tawan, Davao City

Cable Span 1,160 m 995 m 750 m 870 m

PhP 10, 910, 643.92

Completion of the Works is required within one hundred fifty (150) calendar days from receipt of the Notice to Proceed. The Bidder must have an experience of having completed at least one (1) contract that is similar to this Project, equivalent to at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC adjusted to current prices using the National Statistic Office consumer price index.

However, contractors under Small A and Small B categories without similar experience on the contract to be bid may be allowed to bid if the cost of such contract is not more than fifty percent (50%) of the Allowable Range of Contract Cost (ARCC) of their registration based on the guidelines as prescribed by the PCAB. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II Instruction to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested Bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

5.

Roxas Boulevard Corner Pablo Ocampo, Sr. Street Manila 1004

Request for Expression of Interest for CONSULTING SERVICES FOR AN INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE PHILIPPINES EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE (PH-EITI) 1.

The Department of Finance (DOF), through the General Appropriations Act for CY 2015, intends to apply the sum of Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP7,500,000.00), being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC), to payments under the contract for Consulting Services for an Independent Administrator for the Philippines Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PHEITI). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of the financial proposals.

2.

The DOF now calls for the submission of eligibility documents for the procurement of consulting services of a consulting firm/company affiliated with an internationally recognized audit firm with extensive experience in large scale auditing and accounting projects in extractive and financial sectors Interested consultants must submit their eligibility documents on or before March 16, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at the BAC Secretariat, c/o General Services Division, 7th Floor EDPC Building, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila. Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion.

3.

The BAC shall draw up the short list of consultants from those who have submitted eligibility documents and have been determined as eligible in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 (RA No. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The short list shall consist of at least one (1) prospective bidder who will be entitled to submit bids. The criteria and rating system for short listing are:

PhP 10, 910, 643.92

TOTAL

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of PhP 25,000.00. The method of payment will be in cash. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective Bidder or his authorized representative. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre-bid conference and raise or submit written queries or clarification.

6.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization will hold a Pre-Bid Conference open to all interested parties on March 9, 2015, 1:30pm at DA RFU XI, Bangoy St., Agdao, Davao City.

7.

Bids and eligibility requirements must be delivered on or before March 26, 2015, 1:30pm at DA RFU XI, Bangoy St., Agdao, Davao City. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid security in the form and amount stated in the Bid Data Sheet or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency. Late Bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Bid opening shall be on March 26, 2015, 1:30pm at DA RFU XI, Bangoy St., Agdao, Davao City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend.

9.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all Bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidders.

PHILIPPINE CENTER FOR POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT AND MECHANIZATION (Formerly BUREAU OF POSTHARVEST RESEARCH AND EXTENSION) Main Office :CLSU Cmpd., Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija Tel. No. (044) 4560287 / 4560213 FAX No. (044) 4560110 Liaison Office : 3F ATI Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. No. 9274019 / 9274029 FAX No. 9268159

I. Applicable Experience II. Quality of Personnel to be Assigned III. Capacity to Execute the Project Total

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-30% -50% -20% 100%

4.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the IRR of RA No. 9184.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

5.

The Procuring Entity shall evaluate bids using the Quality Based Evaluation/ Selection (QBE/QBS) procedure. The Procuring Entity shall indicate the weights to be allocated for the Technical and Financial Proposals. The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of bids shall be provided in the Instructions to Bidders.

6.

The contract shall be completed within a period of eight (8) months from issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

7.

The DOF reserves the right to reject any and all bids, annul the bidding process, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

8.

For further information, please refer to: Atty. Marie Gay Alessandra V. Ordones National Coordinator PH-EITI Tel. No. 525-0487

RAUL R. PAZ BAC Chairman (MST-FEB. 28 & MAR. 6, 2015)

Donaire praised his two sparring partners pointing out “these guys are very humble good guys, very nice .We had a good session today” and with Alibio we were “slugging it out like it was a fight.”

Republic of the Philippines

Approved Budget for the Contract

Supply of Labor and Materials for the Construction of Tramline Systems in Various Locations in Mindanao (1 Lot)

ring where I can receive punches and get beat up unlike a bigger ring where I can move and avoid all of them.”

He said he was ready to fight 12 rounds if needed..

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization now invites bids from eligible contractors with at least Small B PCAB license with experience on cabling system for the Supply of Labor and Materials for the Construction of Agricultural Tramline Systems in Various Locations in Mindanao: Item / Specifications

Nonito Donaire is bloodied but unbowed during his bout against Simpiwe Vetyeka of South Africa May, 2014. Donaire is preparing for his fight against William Prado of Brazil on Mar. 28 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. AFP

(MST-Mar. 6, 2015)

(SGD.) GIL S. BELTRAN Undersecretary and BAC Chairman

Tio...

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and TwinTip Race titles in the event backed

by Cabrinha and LIP Sunglasses.

Julia Tausch of Austria shoots for a second Freestyle crown after topping the kickoff leg of the tour, supported by the City of Puerto Princesa, the Emerald Playa and Nature Park, Microtel by Wyndham, Kuyba Alomoneca Meditation Garden, Printhub Solution, Chez Rose Beach Bar and Restaurant, Katabom Bar, Blue Palawan Resort and Fluidsurf, in Sta. Ana, Cagayan last January.

Another Austrian ace Daniel Meissner is also in the fold along with local ace Paula Rosales and Swede champ Atte Kappel, who foiled Ortiz to capture the TwinTip Race Masters crown in Camarines Sur. Ortiz said this year’s tour is part of PKA’s continuing effort to promote the sport and showcase the Philippines as one of Asia’s top kitesurfing destinations.

“This tour is aimed at producing future kiteboarding champions and at the same time promote the sport and the country’s pristine beaches, exotic locals and great tourist attractions,” said Ortiz.

For details, call 632638-9273 or 09174123888 or email PKAtour@yahoo.com or joanne3santos@hotmail. com or Facebook at philippinekiteboardingtour.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

PH battle Sri Lanka in Davis Cup tie THE Asia-Oceania Group II Davis Cup tie between the Philippines and Sri Lanka begins today at the spanking new shell court of the Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig with both team captains predicting a close tie anchored on some exciting matches.

Sri Lankan captain Rohan Silva who was an outstanding player in his time said he hopes the Sri Lankans who have a good team will do well after a 3-1 defeat to the Filipinos last year in Colombo and having lost all previous eight cup ties against the Philippines.

The Philippines No.1 PJ Tierro was drawn to play talented Harshana Godamanna in a repeat of last year’s opening singles when Godamanna won a hard fought five set victory in Colombo 6-3, 6-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 while Ruben Gonzales will face 18 year old Davis Cup newcomer Sharmal Dissanayke who, according to Philta vice president Randy Villanueva has “lots of international experience playing in the juniors” where some years ago he won the boy’s singles in Brunei and recently grabbed an ITF Futures title.

Gonzales was in devastating form last year when he won his singles match against Dineskanthan Thangarajah in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 and teamed up with world ranked Treat Huey in the doubles to demolish Godamanna and Rajeev Rajapaske also in straight sets 6-1, 6-0, 6-1.

But the teenaged Dissanayake is expected to go for his shots and give the experienced Gonzales a test.

In the first match which starts at 4 p.m. Philippine team captain Roland Kraut believes that Godamanna’s win last year “puts pressure on him” to repeat against Tierro who told the Manila Standard/Viva Sports “I feel good and we’ve been practicing a lot.” Ronnie Nathanielsz

Mactan hosts tennis joust ONE HUNDRED FIFTY gear up for a showdown for top honors in various divisions, including ranking points staked in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age group Mactan leg which fires off today Friday, Mar. 6 in Cebu.

Young Tracy Llamas and Beverly Enriquez banner the cast in the premier girls’ side while Jan Godfrey Seno and Manila-based Stephan Lhuillier loom as the player to beat in the boys’ 18-and-U section of the five-day event at the Mactan island Tennis Club, LapuLapu City.

Llamas, one of La Carlota’s stalwarts, and Enriquez also head the roster in the girls’ 16-U along with Aubrey Calma and Elizabeth Abarquez while Seno is also the top seed in the 32-player boys’ 16-U side of the Group 2 tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association headed by president and Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

“This is the turn of the young players from Mactan and nearby provinces to showcase their skills and gain ranking points,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.

“Though the NCR bets remain the favorites, we expect surprises from the local talents in all divisions.”

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Globalport skipper Mikee Romero goes for the ball after getting a long pass from Argentinean pro Mariano Obregon. Romero scored his first goal of the tournament but Globalport still lost to Tang Polo of China, 8-7.

Tang Polo, Kingpower subdue local squads TANG Polo of China and Kingpower of Thailand pulled off huge wins over their rivals Wednesday to throw the battle for a final berths in the Globalport Philippine Polo Open 2015 into a wide open race in Calatagan, Batangas.

ShiLai Liu scored the go-ahead goal before Tang Polo watched Globalport misfire on successive attempts in the dying seconds of the four-chukker game for an 8-7 victory.

In the other game, Apichet Srivaddhanaprabha scored the first two goals in the first chukker while Lucas Lujan delivered two goals in the final chukker as Kingpower pulled off a 5-3 victory over Los Tamaraos for

their first win in Zone 2.

Argentinean pro Miguel Diaz struck hardest for Tang Polo with four goals while Benjamin Urquiza added two goals as they helped the team post its first win in the threeteam Zone 1while stalling Globalport’s bid to secure the first final berth.

Tang Polo can advance to the onegame final on Sunday if it beats Polo Escape of Thailand—a team beaten

by Mikee Romero’s Globalport, 9-4, in the opening day.

“It was a good game. Mikee is a very good friend, like a family, and we both loved to play with each other,” said Liu. In a fitting follow-up to his fivegoal performance in the opening day, Argentinean Mariano Obregon led Globalport once again with four goals but he turned from hero to goat when he muffed a game-tying goal in the last 40 ticks following an awkward shot.

Globalport had one last chance to tie the game but Adrian Garcia’s attempt went wide to the dismay of the good-size crowd that was cheering for the host team.

The loss spoiled Romero’s first

goal in the tournament after he completed a long pass from Obregon that gave his team a 5-3 lead at the half.

“It’s good that we won our first game,” said the 32-year old Srivaddhanaprabha. “It was very tough, it was a very, very close game but we managed to turn the game around in the final chukker.”

The loss denied Los Tamaraos an outright final berth after beating defending champion San Miguel, 9-5, in the opening day Tang Polo and Polo Escape are playing at press time and so are Kingpower and San Miguel. In case of multiple ties, tie breaks are going to be used to determine the finalists from both zones on Sunday.

PRU Life launches grassroots football

By Lito Cinco

PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio takes timeout from his busy schedule to attend the championship game in the Eulogion Rodriguez Jr. High School Alumni Sportsfest 2015 held at the Barangay N.S.Amoranto Covered Court on Quezon City. The Sportsfest promotes not just basketball but also physical fitness among members of the alumni association. Patrimonio joins ERJHS Alumni AssociatIon officials, led by president Jose Castro of Batch 66, and ERJHS Alumni Sports Club, led by Ed Andaya of Batch 81. A total of 10 teams participated in the month-long competition supported by Barangay Amoranto chairman Von Yalong.

TWENTY THOUSAND young football players nation-wide are expected to join this year’s Football For A Better Life 2015 program launched by chief backer PRU Life UK with former Azkal Chieffy Caligdong and Chris Thomas conducting a series of free football clinics aside from holding competitions for the participants.

The program starts in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo City this week-end where Caligdong expects around 3,000 participants including 250 teams coming from all over Visayas, Mindanao and even from Metro Manila and will cover nine other areas including San Fernando Pampanga, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Jamindan in Capiz, Dumaguete, Baguio, Palawan, Tagum, Davao del

Norte, and to culminate in NCR. “Pru Life UK is committed to supporting football in the Philippines because we believe in helping the education of the Filipino youth through a sustained sports training that develops positive values and discipline among them with the end results of enabling these young football players to have a better life in the future,” said Belle Tongco, Chief Marketing Office of the company that last year was also a major supporter of the Little Azkals who were sent to England for a training trip.

Caligdong, himself a product of a grassroots football program, Kasibulan which he joined in Iloilo when he was just a grade 2 student, believes that an early football traning for kids is the best way to develop young players.

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RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS Tio eyes second kiteboarding championship CHRISTIAN Tio guns for a second straight Freestyle crown while Norway’s Malin Amle targets another Hangtime plum as action in the ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding Tour-Season 2 resumes today (Friday, March 6) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The three-day event ending Sunday serves as the final leg of a four-stage circuit organized by the Philippine Kiteboarding Association and sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc., guaranteeing an all-out battle of tricks and kiteboarding skills from a crack international field.

The 14-year-old Boracay-based Tio scored a breakthrough in the third leg in Camarines Sur last month, upstaging French champ Pierre Vogel and local aces Reynard Gajisan and Doque delos Santos for the men’s Freestyle crown.

Amle, meanwhile, defends her Hangtime crown against an equally talent-laden field.

The Norwegian champ, ranked No. 15 in the PKRA world tour, aims for the Freestyle Turn to A14

Christian Tio displays awesome form as he guns for a second straight Freestyle crown against Doque delos Santos. The pair will see action in the ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding Tour-Season 2 today (Friday, March 6) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

PBA All-Star Games reel off

By Jeric Lopez

IT’S that time of the year for the brightest stars in the Philippine Basketball Association to strut their wares for the crowd as the 2015 All-Star Weekend unfolds.

The annual gathering of league stars takes place starting today as tons of activities are lined up for the weekend.

On Sunday, the format of the All-Star game returns to North vs.

South as stars from the league test themselves to give the fans some thrilling entertainment in the game set at 4 p.m. at the Puerto Princesa Coliseum, Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

North All-Stars head coach Leo Austria, who was named head coach for the first time after San

Miguel’s Philippine Cup conquest, shared his excitement over the mid-season festivities. ‘’Personally, I’m excited because this will be the first time that I will coach here in the AllStar but this is more exciting for the players and our fans. This will be a treat for everyone. We’re looking forward to entertain everyone and have a good time,’’ said Austria, who will be opposed

by Alex Compton who will handle the South All-Stars The North All-Stars will be led

Pacquiao needs to fight the perfect fight to win TURN TO A12

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Mark Pingris, Japeth Aguilar and Calvin Abueva while the South All-Stars will be spearheaded by James Yap, Greg Slaughter, Asi

“This is more exciting for the players and our fans. This will be a treat for everyone,” said North All-Stars coach Leo Austria.

Taulava and the recently retired Jimmy Alapag, who will have his swan song to officially cap off his illustrious career.

Stars such as Mark Caguioa, Dondon Hontiveros and reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar

Fajardo might sit out, despite being selected to participate, due to various injuries.

Others on the North squad are Caguioa, Justin Melton, Beau Belga, Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Jayson Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo, Arwind Santos and Terrence Romeo. The starters are Melton, Caguioa, if he plays, Pingris, Aguilar and Abueva.

The South All-Stars will be completed by Fajardo, Mark Barroca, Hontiveros, Jeff Chan, Cyruis Baguio, Stanley Pringle, Peter June Simon, Joe Devance and Reynel Hugnatan. Their starters would be Barroca, Yap, Taulava, Slaughter and Fajardo, should he be able to play.

In the event Caguioa won’t be able to play, Castro is set to take his spot as a starter and LA Tenorio will be tapped to complete the

roster for the North. today, the skills events will take center stage as various players compete in the obstacle challenge, three-point shootout and the slam dunk contest which starts at 4:15 p.m. while tons of youthful talents get the chance to strut their stuff in the rookies vs. sophomores game at 7 p.m.

Defending champion Mark Macapagal of GlobalPort shoots for an unprecedented fifth title in the three-point shootout but he’ll be challenged by the likes of former champion Chris Tiu, Yap, Santos and Romeo, among others.

All-Star events Friday

(Puerto Princesa Coliseum) 4:15 p.m. • Obstacle challenge, Threepoint contest, Slam dunk contest 7 p.m. • Rookies vs. Sophomores game

Tang Polo, LOTTO RESULTS Kingpower 6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ subdue 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ local 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 squads 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 TURN TO A15 2 EZ2 00-00

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FRIDAY: MARCH 6, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

February inflation picked up to 2.5%

By Jennifer Ambanta

INFLATION rate picked up to 2.5 percent in February from 2.4 percent in January, following the slight increase in oil prices and power rates, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Thursday.

The National Economic and Development Authority said despite the slight increase, inflation in February settled within the 2 percent to 4 percent target set by the government for 2015 and was much slower than 4.1 percent registered in February 2014.

Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the moderate inflation was due to the normalization of the supply chain

and relatively stable peso in the first two months of the year.

“There were no new major economic shocks such as adverse weather conditions. The supply chain also normalized, partly due to the easing of port congestion.

The peso likewise remained relatively stable due to the country’s strong external position,” Balisacan said Core inflation, which excludes

selected volatile food and energy prices, also rose to 2.5 percent in February from 2.2 percent in January, but still lower than 3 percent a year ago.

“The recent increase in oil prices was the result of cutbacks in the production and exploration of international energy firms triggered by soft oil prices,” Balisacan said.

“Outlook for prices in the medium term, however, remains modest given a backdrop of strong world crude oil supply growth and weak global demand,” he said.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said inflation would likely remain manageable in the coming months.

“Inflation for February inched up to 2.5 percent, within the BSP forecast of 2.2 to 3 percent. This puts year-to-date average at 2.4 percent,” Tetangco said in a text message.

“Inflation over the policy horizon is seen to remain manageable. While we see the stance of policy still appropriate at this time, we continue to watch global developments, including possible strong reversals in oil price trends and changes in investor sentiment which could create market volatilities and affect inflation expectations,” Tetangco said.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng earlier said Philippine inflation was in a bottoming-out process or near the bottom.

PSe comPoSite index Closing March 5, 2015

8000 7500 6840 7500 6180

7000

5520

6500

4860

6000 4200 3860 5500

7,819.04 28.79

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing MARCH 5, 2015 45

P44.125

44

CLOSE

43 42 41

HIGH P44.12 LOW P44.190 AVERAGE P44.159 VOLUME 509.000M

P508.00-P728.00 LPG/11-kg tank P37.80-P43.35 Unleaded Gasoline P27.90-P31.20 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P35.40-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG

Newest PAL jet.

Philippine Airlines took delivery of its 15th Airbus 321-231 jet on March 4, with a simple blessing the following day.

RP-C9918, the 30th aircraft out of the 65 original orders from Airbus, is the first of its kind equipped with runway overrun avoidance system that further ensures safe landings. Four more A321s will be delivered this year. Shown are the delivery team that flew the jet from Hamburg, Germany, led by Capt. Randolph Kier (third from right), PAL’s A320 deputy chief pilot.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, March 5, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.0890

Japan

Yen

0.008352

0.3682

UK

Pound

1.536400

67.7383

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128937

5.6847

Switzerland

Franc

1.040150

45.8592

Canada

Dollar

0.800833

35.3079

Singapore

Dollar

0.734268

32.3731

Australia

Dollar

0.777424

34.2758

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

116.9470

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

11.7564

Brunei

Dollar

0.731582

32.2547

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000077

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.030931

1.3637

UAE

Dirham

0.272264

12.0038

Euro

Euro

1.117500

49.2695

Korea

Won

0.000908

0.0400

China

Yuan

0.159380

7.0269

India

Rupee

0.016155

0.7123

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.275482

12.1457

New Zealand

Dollar

0.751428

33.1297

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031847

1.4041 Source: PDS Bridge

Customs collection fell P38.8 billion short of 2014 target CUSTOMS collection climbed 21 percent in 2014 from a year ago, but still fell P38.8 billion short of the target.

The Bureau of Customs said the collection, mostly import duties, reached P369.314 billion in 2014, up from P304.926 billion in 2013.

The actual collection, however, was 9-percent short of the 2014

B3

target of P408.097 billion.

Data showed revenues in December 2014 surged 60.3 percent to P38.142 billion from P23.796 billion registered in the same month in 2013. It also exceeded the collection goal of P31.984 billion for the month.

Cash collections grew 14 percent despite the decline in the

ICTSI increases capex to $530m

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

value of crude and petroleum products by 38 percent and 23 percent, respectively, on lower crude prices in the world market.

Tax expenditure funds posted a growth of more than 100 percent, arising from the collection of P11.012 government accounts, mostly rice importation by the National Food Authority.

B4

The Bureau of Customs said despite the declining oil prices, the ports of Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Subic and Aparri exceeded their collection targets for 2014. f the five so-called billionaire ports, only the Port of Batangas met its target for the entire 2014. The ports of Limay, Manila,

Emperador’s net profit hits P6.1b

Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Manila International Container Port fell short of their targets.

Manila International Container Port contributed the highest amount of P97.96 billion, followed by Batangas with P80 billion, Port of Manila with P60.28 billion, Limay with P37.88 billion, Ninoy Aquino International Airport with P28.7 billion and Subic with P15.30 billion.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee tasked BOC to collect a total of P456.468 billion in 2015, with P446.468 billion as cash component.

Jennifer Ambanta

FRIDAY: MARCH 6, 2015

B2

BUSINESS business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

MST BuSineSS Daily STockS Review Thursday, March 5, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

2.7 75.3 99.4 105.2 63 2.3 4.2 15.98 19.6 31.6 22.5 2.95 890 1.01 92.9 1.65 30.5 75 99 140 392 59 146.8 1700 130 2.8

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

42.6 6.1 1.66 2.3 17.98 17.2 15.8 56.8 4.57 39.5 14 12.98 8.15 12.34 17 27.1 90.5 27 0.014 15.74 9.4 0.98 199.8 10.98 79 5.2 30 90 14.7 317 5.37 14.48 7.5 14.5 7.03

1.55 63.5 67.5 82.5 50 1.9 1.1 8.58 14.5 23.2 6.84 1.75 625 0.175 69.35 1.2 20.45 58 76 119 276 41.5 105.1 1281 116 2.25

Close 4.2 69.85 113.00 99.60 47.35 2.40 2.57 10.02 16.3 25.8 8.01 1.78 735.00 0.540 94 0.95 18.60 31.95 83.30 95.40 356 47 169 1345.00 69.30 3.2

Low

FINANCIAL 4.4 4.18 69.8 69.1 114.70 113.40 99.70 99.40 47.95 47.55 2.49 2.40 2.59 2.50 10.5 10.5 16.3 16 26 25.55 8.01 7.90 1.80 1.77 730.00 730.00 0.580 0.550 94.5 92 0.96 0.96 19.48 18.60 32.00 31.70 84.50 83.00 95.35 95.30 359.8 353 47 46.25 168.8 166.2 1355.00 1350.00 70.00 69.95 3.23 3.12 INDUSTRIAL 45 44.3 1.8 1.75 1.1 1.08 2.05 2.01 8.3 8.12 18.8 18.68 20.95 20.7 58 57.2 1.93 1.88 12.88 12.8 19.940 19.18 11.30 10.84 8.94 8.85 10.60 10.50 18.8 17.78 30.6 30 102.5 102.2 14.32 14.20 0.4700 0.4600 14.86 14.84 6.96 6.75 0.640 0.610 220.00 218.20 10.2 10.6 38.00 35.00 2.67 2.67 28 26 30.3 29.3 8.200 8.100 279.00 274.80 4.62 4.51 10.60 10.50 4.48 4.48 11.38 10.84 3.99 3.91 2.91 2.84 5.95 5.88 6.6 6.5 206 204 1.85 1.8 0.280 0.195 1.55 1.55 2.31 2.29 216.00 211.4 0.75 0.73 21.00 21.00 1.60 1.55 HOLDING FIRMS 0.480 0.470 58.20 57.30 24.40 23.85 7.10 7.10 1.65 1.60 2.80 2.65 2.71 2.71 734.5 717 9.67 9.45 15.84 15.50 3.03 3.03 4.92 4.83 0.430 0.390 1295 1272 6.44 6.32 67.20 66.05 5.11 5.11 8.99 8.95 0.7 0.69 16.18 15.42 0.62 0.6 5.2 5.04 5.25 5.25 0.0420 0.0420 1.430 1.430 0.720 0.720 76.85 75.00 917.00 907.50 1.21 1.21 108.00 107.00 0.6600 0.5900 0.2700 0.2550 0.330 0.325 PROPERTY 10.500 10.220 10.28 10.28 1.06 1.05 1.380 1.310 38.05 37.00 4.46 4.4 5.01 5.01 6.1 6.1 0.95 0.93 1.28 1.28 0.166 0.155

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

4.4 69.8 113.90 99.55 47.8 2.49 2.51 10.5 16.28 25.85 7.93 1.80 730.00 0.550 92 0.96 19.20 32.00 84.00 95.30 359.8 47 168 1355.00 69.95 3.12

4.76 -0.07 0.80 -0.05 0.95 3.75 -2.33 4.79 -0.12 0.19 -1.00 1.12 -0.68 1.85 -2.13 1.05 3.23 0.16 0.84 -0.10 1.07 0.00 -0.59 0.74 0.94 -2.50

92,000 45,360 5,328,120 4,326,170 104,100 654,000 144,000 50,000 49,700 98,700 4,200 25,000 60 4,690,000 1,692,180 1,000 204,100 5,700 45,990 1,010 37,240 101,900 655,710 25 15,880 119,000

44.4 1.8 1.1 2.05 8.3 18.7 20.85 58 1.88 12.8 19.940 11.20 8.91 10.50 18.4 30.3 102.5 14.20 0.4600 14.86 6.8 0.640 218.60 10.1 35.00 2.67 26.8 29.45 8.110 275.00 4.62 10.52 4.48 11.36 3.97 2.90 5.88 6.5 204 1.84 0.195 1.55 2.31 213.2 0.75 21.00 1.59

0.23 2.27 0.00 0.99 1.22 -0.74 -0.71 1.31 -2.08 -0.62 4.07 3.32 0.79 0.00 2.22 0.33 0.00 -0.84 -2.13 0.41 -0.29 4.92 -0.64 -0.98 -7.89 5.95 -10.67 -1.17 0.00 -1.36 2.44 -0.19 0.00 5.38 -0.75 0.00 -0.68 0.00 -0.29 2.22 -1.52 0.00 0.43 -2.20 1.35 -8.70 0.00

763,800 134,000 266,000 2,436,200 10,700 472,600 264,900 8,100 614,000 32,200 10,693,800 9,692,700 10,503,300 102,800 156,600 2,080,900 359,940 12,900 870,000 4,900 1,071,700 37,000 488,950 7,794,520 13,800 2,000 18,224,800 172,200 1,490,345 541,450 326,000 2,199,100 2,000 356,600 360,000 3,985,000 1,621,500 10,700 6,580 761,000 25,050,000 44,000 504,000 2,475,450 596,000 500 142,500

0.470 58.10 23.85 7.10 1.60 2.76 2.71 728.5 9.46 15.76 3.03 4.84 0.390 1272 6.42 66.05 5.11 8.97 0.69 16.1 0.6 5.04 5.25 0.0420 1.430 0.720 75.00 912.50 1.21 107.00 0.6000 0.2700 0.325

-1.05 0.17 -1.04 -0.56 0.00 2.22 -3.21 -0.88 -2.37 -0.63 -10.62 0.83 -2.50 -0.39 -1.08 -1.71 -7.09 0.22 0.00 1.13 -3.23 -4.91 2.94 0.00 6.72 -1.37 -1.77 1.05 -0.82 -0.09 -3.23 1.89 -1.52

70,000 1,618,120 4,843,800 3,900 3,200 247,000 31,000 546,620 4,847,300 4,142,100 3,000 799,000 14,670,000 93,290 40,114 2,037,700 200 2,688,300 131,000 7,321,600 197,000 74,970,000 15,900 100,000 60,000 300,000 608,880 344,670 20,000 7,320 62,944,000 5,690,000 850,000

10.400 10.28 1.05 1.310 37.70 4.42 5.01 6.1 0.94 1.28 0.164

1.76 0.00 0.00 -0.76 -1.18 -0.90 -0.60 1.16 1.08 4.07 5.13

2,629,512 500 127,000 150,000 4,735,100 3,302,815.00 580,000 779,360.00 12,700 610 6,283,000 -1,622,440.00 2,000 161,350,000 24,880.00

199.00 170,730,569.00 35,371,489.00 119,415.00 -123,000.00 146,332.00 532,510.00

-20,350.00 -62,049,466.00 0.00 -21,038.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

0.98 1.09 0.370 2.25 1.77 1.6 4.88 0.180 0.470 0.74 4.45 24.8 2.06 3.6 19.62 1.02 6.66 1.96 6.5

0.47 0.87 0.175 1.22 1.18 1.19 2.75 0.070 0.325 0.4 2.5 18.72 1.45 2.9 14.1 0.58 3.05 0.87 4.37

3.25 43.7 1.43 1.09 12.46 14 0.1640 4.05 71 12.3 3.28 9 1700 2008 9.04 33 2.02 118.9 12.5 0.017 0.0653 2.2800 6.99 9.67 2.85 2.2 4.32 1.97 14.46 0.62 1.040 22.8 6.6 2.85 107 11.3 3486 0.710 2.01 48.5 74

1.55 27 0.92 0.59 10 8.28 0.0960 2.97 44.8 10.14 1.99 4 1080 1580 7.12 30 1.2 94.4 8.72 0.012 0.026 1.560 1.95 5.82 1.15 1.1 1.9 0.485 10.14 0.35 0.36 14.54 5.2 1.85 81 4.39 2572 0.250 0.26 32.2 48

Close

Cyber Bay Corp.

Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Megaworld Corp.

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

High

Low

Close

0.475 0.900 0.233 1.60 1.73 1.40 5.47 0.129 0.3650 0.5300 7.63 29.80 1.75 3.19 19.70 0.9 7.26 1.050 7.250

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.485 0.475 0.480 0.910 0.900 0.910 0.216 0.216 0.216 1.64 1.61 1.61 1.81 1.72 1.78 1.44 1.40 1.44 5.65 5.56 5.6 0.137 0.131 0.131 0.3650 0.3450 0.3650 0.5100 0.4850 0.5000 7.79 7.63 7.65 30.00 29.00 29.00 1.77 1.74 1.75 3.20 3.16 3.17 19.96 19.68 19.80 0.95 0.91 0.93 7.25 7.11 7.23 1.050 1.060 1.060 7.500 7.210 7.500 SERVICES 7.85 8.48 7.32 8.3 64.8 65.5 64.7 64.7 1.08 1.1 1.08 1.08 0.690 0.700 0.690 0.700 12.5 12.78 12.7 12.74 10.76 10.96 10.78 10.90 0.1130 0.1140 0.1120 0.1120 4.3 4.35 4.24 4.28 88.3 89.7 88.3 88.5 10.84 10.84 10.84 10.84 1.81 1.8 1.79 1.79 6.60 6.68 6.44 6.50 1061 1015 1000 1000 1939 1945 1920 1938 6.33 6.56 6.31 6.46 24.05 24.20 24.20 24.20 1.64 1.62 1.60 1.63 112.5 112.5 111.8 112.5 11.88 11.36 11.36 11.36 0.015 0.015 0.014 0.015 0.285 0.310 0.285 0.305 1.3900 1.4000 1.3500 1.3600 2.84 2.9 2.8 2.8 9.30 9.42 9.30 9.36 2.05 2.12 2.00 2.00 1.55 1.72 1.5 1.69 2.27 2.27 2.20 2.27 0.700 0.710 0.700 0.700 10.4 10.52 10.32 10.5 0.370 0.375 0.370 0.370 0.520 0.530 0.510 0.530 18.26 18.26 18.26 18.26 4.68 4.70 4.65 4.65 3.18 3.2 3.2 3.2 98.00 101.00 98.00 101.00 13.66 14.00 13.66 13.82 3096.00 3106.00 3098.00 3102.00 0.600 0.610 0.580 0.600 1.680 1.690 1.660 1.670 41.15 41.20 40.50 41.00 86.60 87.00 85.50 85.80 10.32 10.30 10.14 10.22 0.70 0.71 0.70 0.70 7.02 7.04 6.98 7.04 0.375 0.380 0.370 0.375 1.390 1.390 1.390 1.390 MINING & OIL 0.0053 0.0061 0.0053 0.0061 2.91 2.92 2.91 2.92 9.81 9.82 9.80 9.80 10.82 10.80 10.80 10.80 0.265 0.270 0.265 0.265 7.1200 7.14 7.14 7.1400 7.0000 7.42 7.4 7.4000 1.08 1.12 1.08 1.11 0.9 0.91 0.88 0.9 7.59 7.70 7.50 7.60 2.91 2.92 2.87 2.92 0.360 0.360 0.350 0.355 0.260 0.260 0.255 0.260 0.260 0.265 0.260 0.265 0.0140 0.0150 0.0140 0.0150 0.0150 0.0150 0.0150 0.0150 5.93 5.93 5.85 5.89 28.65 28.75 28.2 28.4 3.26 3.32 3.19 3.23 0.7300 0.7300 0.7300 0.7300 2.310 2.350 2.290 2.310 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 5.82 5.82 5.51 5.82 8.16 8.3 8.15 8.3 3.86 3.98 3.86 3.95 0.016 0.017 0.015 0.016 163.30 168.70 165.00 166.80 4.42 4.44 4.32 4.32 0.0110 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 PREFERRED 68 68 65 65.3 506 510 506 510 512 512 512 512 113 114 113 114 505.5 506 505.5 506 6.3 6.36 6.3 6.3 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 107.5 108.5 108.5 108.5 1024 1030 1025 1030 1037 1060 1041 1060 76.1 76.3 76.1 76.1 80 80 79.95 80 82.5 82.6 82.45 82.5 2.1 2.3 2.3 2.3 WARRANTS & BONDS 4.060 4.170 4.050 4.080 SME 7.87 7.84 7.7 7.73 68.45 68.4 68.4 68.4 11.2 11.38 11.1 11.34 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 126.5 126.5 126.3 126.3

1.05 1.11 -7.30 0.63 2.89 2.86 2.38 1.55 0.00 -5.66 0.26 -2.68 0.00 -0.63 0.51 3.33 -0.41 0.95 3.45

2,230,000 -4,850.00 335,000 -268,450.00 100,000 2,019,000 119,326,000 -56,211,360.00 442,000 114,749,200 58,287,074.00 16,420,000 40,000 373,000 961,500 1,662,200 578,225.00 203,000 113,690.00 992,120 10,703,700 79,193,846.00 4,505,000 129,000.00 207,000 248,000 4,547,800 -12,816,051.00

5.73 -0.15 0.00 1.45 1.92 1.30 -0.88 -0.47 0.23 0.00 -1.10 -1.52 -5.75 -0.05 2.05 0.62 -0.61 0.00 -4.38 0.00 7.02 -2.16 -1.41 0.65 -2.44 9.03 0.00 0.00 0.96 0.00 1.92 0.00 -0.64 0.63 3.06 1.17 0.19 0.00 -0.60 -0.36 -0.92 -0.97 0.00 0.28 0.00 0.00

2,109,500 85,210 4,000 405,000 137,900 8,805,600 13,660,000 347,000 723,270 100 199,190 273,200 1,065 28,755 607,000 400 501,000 364,790 300 42,900,000 112,810,000 1,697,000 313,170 790,000 6,000 777,000 16,000 77,010 1,309,700 60,000 527,000 27,100 45,000 19,000 18,400 850,300 253,755 3,398,000 3,209,000 1,664,500 619,890 1,251,200 1,264,000 4,925,600 570,000 1,000

15.09 0.34 -0.10 -0.18 0.00 0.28 5.71 2.78 0.00 0.13 0.34 -1.39 0.00 1.92 7.14 0.00 -0.67 -0.87 -0.92 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.72 2.33 0.00 2.14 -2.26 0.00

5,527,000,000 68,600.00 89,000 158,100 -1,209,477.00 2,400 420,000 300 11,700 74,200.00 3,223,000 -11,990.00 323,000 162,000.00 49,700 4,000,000 -838,910.00 230,000 5,840,000 270,000 -13,000.00 148,500,000 900,000 12,000.00 127,300 -8,895.00 6,123,900 65,719,685.00 3,921,810 63,000 459,000 7,400,000 400,000 18,800 322,800 -192,670.00 274,000 39,500.00 331,300,000 15,000.00 2,344,940 -36,807,684.00 212,000 43,700.00 600,000

-3.97 0.79 0.00 0.88 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.93 0.59 2.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 9.52

153,560 6,050 3,100 45,070 750 32,900 1,915,000 29,000 1,030 1,800 186,280 16,760 213,060 27,000

MST Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Century Food Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Federal Res. Inv. Group First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Greenergy Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

Lafarge Rep Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor 4.88 RFM Corporation 2.28 Roxas Holdings 210 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 1.7 Splash Corporation 0.102 Swift Foods, Inc. 1.6 TKC Steel Corp.

1.37 Trans-Asia Oil 111.3 Universal Robina 0.550 Vitarich Corp.

9.01 Vivant Corp.

1.33 Vulcan Ind’l.

44.3 1.76 1.1 2.03 8.2 18.84 21 57.25 1.92 12.88 19.160 10.84 8.84 10.50 18 30.2 102.5 14.32 0.4700 14.80 6.82 0.610 220.00 10.2 38.00 2.52 30 29.8 8.110 278.80 4.51 10.54 4.48 10.78 4.00 2.90 5.92 6.5 204.6 1.8 0.198 1.55 2.30 218 0.74 23.00 1.59

0.7 61.6 31.85 7.39 2.7 3.29 2.05 747 11.34 84 3.68 5.34 0.23 1060 7.1 59.8 5.29 6.55 0.9 19.9 0.75 5.4 5.35 0.0550 2.31 0.84 88 866 2.2 156 0.285 0.245 0.510

0.46 45.75 21.95 6.3 1.550 1.8 1.04 508 7.470 47.25 1.15 4 0.144 706 5.3 36.7 3 3.95 0.58 12.96 0.580 4.06 4.5 0.027 1.23 0.355 54.5 680 1.04 58.05 0.158 0.150 0.295

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anscor `A’ Asia Amalgamated A ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘B’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Minerales Industrias Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion San Miguel Corp `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.475 58.00 24.10 7.14 1.60 2.70 2.8 735 9.69 15.86 3.39 4.80 0.400 1277 6.49 67.20 5.5 8.95 0.69 15.92 0.62 5.3 5.1 0.0420 1.340 0.730 76.35 903.00 1.22 107.10 0.6200 0.2650 0.330

9.03 26.95 1.99 2.07 35.3 6.15 6.1 5.6 2 2.51 0.201

5.51 12 0.99 1 23.7 4.41 5 2.8 1.22 1.21 0.068

8990 HLDG 10.220 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 10.28 A. Brown Co., Inc. 1.05 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.320 Ayala Land `B’ 38.15 Belle Corp. `A’ 4.46 Cebu Holdings 5.04 Cebu Prop. `A’ 6.03 Century Property 0.93 City & Land Dev. 1.23 Crown Equities Inc. 0.156

6.68 8.1 275 2.25 0.191 2.5 2.68 188.6 1.3 26 2.17

High

31.75 2.51 0.88 1.25 9.58 14.6 9.82 21.5 0.82 17.3 5.98 9.05 4.25 8.68 8.61 12.2 48.9 16 0.0097 12.8 2.05 0.32 150.8 8.55 48.5 2.8 20.35 12 10.1 246 4 11.56 5 9.94 4.33

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

SHARES 18,900,776 100,018,437 190,857,166 452,898,362 212,924,112 6,042,084,631 7,019,699,734

1,585,807.00 10,488.50 -9,315,526.00 1,662,875.00 21,294,750.00

-10,709,425.00

-39,600.00

-1,646,314.00 104,750.00 19,762.00

90,612,020.00 53,247,200.00 21,615,479.00 542,084.00 -180,064.00 26,905,745.00 -7,134,779.00 -169,902.00 68,900.00

-302,441.00 -3,690.00 -60,934,374.00

-82,654,890.00 88,050.00

-76,419,038.00 124,740.00 9,031,592.00 10.84 -394,530.00 101,150.00 2,120,632.00 -130,751.00

0.00

-2,846,268.00

27,793,430.50 -18,831,675.00

208,696,035.00 -20,516,930.00 -1,687,790.00 9,090.00

24,900.00 37,956,310.00

-44,755,148.50

13,843,237.00 9,806,648.00

-49,769,723.00

-25,563,443.00 22,921,235.00

-234,330.00 -923,530.00 -13.00

0.87 11.46 0.435 1.6

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp.

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

Discovery World DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IPeople Inc. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Bulletin Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SSI Group 0.59 STI Holdings 7.78 Travellers 0.305 Waterfront Phils.

1.04 Yehey

0.0086 5.55 17.24 25 0.325 12.8 12.7 1.2 1.73 10.98

0.0028 3.5 11.48 9.43 0.225 6.2 6 0.5 0.76 4.93

0.46 0.455 0.730 0.024 0.026 8.2 48.85 3.35 1.030 3.06 0.021 0.023 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.042 420 9 0.016

0.385 0.3000 0.2950 0.012 0.014 1.960 14.22 1.47 0.220 1.24 0.016 0.017 4.02 7.8 6.5 0.031 123 4.3 0.0087

44.1

26.3

60 116 511 9.04 9.67

30 102 480 6.76 5.82

77.3 78.95 81.85 1.34

74.2 74.5 75 1

Abra Mining Apex `B’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Basic Energy Corp.

Benguet Corp `A’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Semirara Corp.

TA Petroleum United Paragon ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C Swift Pref

2.42

0.0010 LR Warrant

10.96 35

2.4 7.74

Double Dragon IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

119.6

94

First Metro ETF

T op g ainerS VALUE 1,404,400,043.56 2,049,188,770.947 2,115,712,507.85 1,387,092,351.106 1,481,545,540.3991 635,125,279.096 9,091,921,899.9621

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,797.07 (down) 2.22 INDUSTRIAL 12,762.22 (down) 137.59 HOLDING FIRMS 6,875.29 (down) 34.26 PROPERTY 3,141.58 (down) 4.27 SERVICES 2,212.45 (up) 2.87 MINING & OIL 16,669.44 (up) 160.02 PSEI 7,819.04 (down) 28.79 All Shares Index 4,547.60 (down) 9.71 Gainers: 95; Losers: 90; Unchanged: 46; Total: 231

0.49

337,000

-1.78 -0.07 1.25

1,341,500 50 667,000

-0.16

7,700

22.00 -3,500.00 206,388.00 -7,702,068.00 -11,300.00 -23,830,018.50

-780,000.00 10,000.00 14,303,075.00 8,000.00 -1,419,813.00

78,500.00

3.00

-4,560.00

4,973,136.00 122,300.00

-60,800.00 1,479,870.00 -929,264.00 64,469,810.00 -676,200.00 2,503,130.00 -2,735,190.00 -820,603.00 2,756,334.00 212,500.00 2,893,264.00

-4,146,487.00 -331,300.00

-10,250.00

195,200.00

123,500.00 -773,882.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Abra Mining

0.0061

15.09

Manila Water Co. Inc.

26.8

-10.67

Swift Pref

2.3

9.52

F&J Prince 'B'

3.03

-10.62

Lorenzo Shipping

1.69

9.03

Vivant Corp.

21.00

-8.70

Manila Mining `A'

0.0150

7.14

Liberty Flour

35.00

-7.89

Island Info

0.305

7.02

Ever Gotesco

0.216

-7.30

Prime Media Hldg

1.430

6.72

Keppel Holdings `A'

5.11

-7.09

LMG Chemicals

2.67

5.95

FEUI

1000

-5.75

2GO Group'

8.3

5.73

Phil. Realty `A'

0.5000

-5.66

Benguet Corp `B'

7.4000

5.71

Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

5.04

-4.91

Phinma Corporation

11.36

5.38

IPeople Inc. `A'

11.36

-4.38

FRIDAY: MARCH 6, 2015

B3

BUSINESS business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

Nurturing billionaires WHO wants to be a billionaire? Wait. That’s not the right question. The real MAYA BALTAZAR question is: How do you HERRERA get there?

An Exclusive Club A record 290, 71 from China, joined the 2015 Forbes list of the world’s billionaires, up from 268 in the previous year. The number of billionaires on the Forbes list is now at 1,826, also up from 1,645 in 2014.

The Forbes 1,826 have an aggregate net worth of US$7.05 trillion, up from last year’s US$6.4 trillion. 138 people dropped out of the list and the average net worth dropped by US$60 million to US$3.86 billion.

Bill Gates, with US$79.2 billion in net worth, tops the list, a slot Forbes reports he has held for 16 of the last 21 years. Gates’ net worth grew a reported $3.2 billion in 2014, an amount net of the $1.5 billion in Microsoft shares donated to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2014. Carlos Slim Helu (Mexico) whose family controls pan-Latin American wireless carrier America Movil came in second (he topped the list in 2013). The Oracle of Omaha took the number 3 slot back from Amancio Ortega (Zara) who is now number four again. Buffett topped the list of gainers for the year, with an increase in net worth of $14.5 billion, primarily from capital gains on Berkshire Hathaway share prices. Jack Ma, whose Alibaba accounted for the biggest IPO in history in 2014, took 33rd slot with $22.7 billion. It took $29.2 billion to make it to this year’s top 20 and $18.1 billion to make it to the top 50.

Forty six in the Forbes list are under 40, with Facebook’s Zuckerberg (Age 30, No. 16, $33.4 billion) leading the pack in terms of net worth. 21 of the under 40’s are making their debut in this year’s list, including the very youngest on the list, Snapchat co-founders, Evan Spiegel, 24, and Bobby Murphy, 26, each with an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion.Spiegel and Murphy reportedly turned down a $3-billion buyout offer from Zuckerberg and Fortune reports that they are now getting offers in the region of $19 billion. 27 of these under 40s are self-made and 20 did so in tech. The newcomers include Airbnb creators Blecharczyk and Chesky; Uber’s Kalanicik, Camp and Graves; and Theranos blood test creator Elizabeth Holmes, one of nine in the under 40 list and, at 31, the youngest self-made woman in the world.

Of the world’s richest, 1,191 (65.2 percent) are self-made billionaires, 230 (12.6 percent) inherited their fortunes, and 405 (22.2 percent) inherited part of their fortunes but are continuing to work to increase it.

Entrepreneurship is clearly the path for majority of the members of this exclusive club.

Making It There are a handful of ways to make money: inherit it, marry it, or earn it. If you are preparing to earn money yourself, there are three paths: get employed, practice a craft or profession, or start a business.

If you want to be a billionaire, the lesson of the Forbes list seems to be to start a business. There are, of course, many who claim to know what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. Those lessons cover management tips as well as selfmanagement tips.

There is, however, another side to the question of entrepreneurship and that is a policy question. What nobody seems to dispute is that entrepreneurship is the primary engine for growth for most economies of the world. The question of nurturing entrepreneurship is one that is important to many countries. In April of 2014, the UK Centre for Policy Studies released a report promising to shed light on precisely this question.

The report is entitled SuperEntrepreneurs (Sanandaji & Sanandaji). The study adopts economist Joseph Schumpeter definition of entrepreneurship: the creation of innovative and growth-oriented firms. To identify the creators of the most successful innovative companies, the researchers mined the list of Forbes list of richest people between 1996 and 2000, identify 1000 self-made billionaires, the SuperEntrepreneurs.

The study provides some very interesting observations. The “SuperEntrepreneurs” founded half of the largest new firms since the end of the Second World War. 42 percent of Western European billionaires in the sample are self-made, sharply contrasting with 70 percent in the US and almost 100 percent in China.

The proportion of SuperEntrepreneurs vary significantly by country, with Hong Kong (3 per million), Israel, the US, Switzerland, and Singapore topping the list.

The Policy Question The key policy question is, of course, this: What accounts for country differences? The study concluded that active government and supranational programs (such as the EU’s Lisbon strategy) to encourage entrepreneurship have largely failed. However, governments can encourage entrepreneurship by lowering taxes (particularly capital gains taxes), reducing regulations and vigorously enforcing property rights.The report points out that corruption and regulations go hand in hand, a lesson those in government would do well to heed.

The report concludes that high rates of philanthropy also correlate strongly with entrepreneurship and that SuperEntrepreneurs tend to be well-educated. SuperEntrepreneurs in the US are five times more likely to hold a PhD degree than the general population. In addition, some industries are inherently friendlier to entrepreneurs because of their fixed cost and capital requirements.

The Forbes data indicate that the US outstrips Western Europe in entrepreneurship, with US SuperEntrepreneurs per capita being 4.5 times more in the US. Using observations concerning the negative linkage of taxes and regulation, the report estimates that taxes and regulations explains two-thirds of the difference between Western Europe and the US. The report also explains that per capita income is positively correlated to entrepreneurship, although it is not clear whether this is a cause or a result (or both). Together, taxes, regulations and per capita wealth explain 80 percent of the entrepreneurship difference between the US and Western Europe.

The report cautions policymakers against conflating self-employment with entrepreneurship, pointing to innovation as a key differentiating factor. The selfemployment rate in Silicon Valley, a hotbed for entrepreneurship, is half of the California average.

The SuperEntrepreneurs report ends with a few lessons for entrepreneurs themselves. Entrepreneurship is risky and failure is part of the game. Because of the high level of risk, entrepreneurship is a numbers game. Entrepreneurship is knowledge intensive. Entrepreneurship increasingly requires specialization and an infrastructure (think venture capital availability). Entrepreneurship is more common in certain areas than in others. Entrepreneurship often requires industry experience and entrepreneurship requires scaling up.

The lessons for policymakers seem clear. Define entrepreneurship clearly. Innovation is the key differentiator. Lower taxes, especially capital gains taxes. Ease the regulatory burden. Pay particular attention to regulations that affect the preconditions to entrepreneurship, e.g. those affecting capital markets. Eliminate corruption. Encourage education. Focus on industries that are entrepreneur-friendly.

In this year before the elections, this perhaps is what our policymakers need to add to their agenda.

You can email Maya at integrations_manila@yahoo.com. Please like the Integrations Manila Facebook page or visit her archives atmanilastandardtoday.com/author/ maya-baltazar-herrera/ or integrations.tumblr.com or www.mayaherrera.aim.edu.

IntegratIons

ICTSI increases capex to $530m

By Jenniffer B. Austria

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc., an international port operator owned by tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., is increasing its capital expenditure for 2015 to $530 million from $279 million in 2013 after posting positive financial performance in 2014.

ICTSI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net income attributable to equity holders in 2014 rose 6 percent to $182 million from $172.4 million in 2013.

“The increase in net income attributable to equity holders for 2014 was mainly due to strong consolidated revenue and EBITDA growth driven by increased contributions from newer operations in Manzanillo, Mexico and Puerto Cortes, Honduras, the consolidation of terminal operations in Yantai, China, and improved performance at Subic

Bay, Philippines,” ICTSI said.

The income was boosted by non-recurring items, including gains on the sale of a non-operating subsidiary in the Philippines ($13.2 million), the termination of a management contract in Kattupalli, India ($1.9 million), settlement of insurance claims in Guayaquil, Ecuador ($1.5 million) and the restructuring of investment in Yantai, China amounting to $31.8 million.

The gains were offset by start-up costs and higher levels of operating expenses in new

ports, as well as an impairment charge of $38.1 million against the subsidiary in Argentina and a $0.9-million insurance settlement claim in Gdynia, Poland, ICTSI said.

Minus these non-recurring items, net income would have been flat at $172.6 million.

Revenues from port operations totalled $1.1 billion in 2014, up 24 percent from $852.4 million reported in the previous year.

ICTSI attributed the increase in gross revenues to higher contribution from new terminals and robust growth from the company’s consolidated terminal operations in Yantai, China.

Excluding the revenues from the new terminals, organic revenue growth was at eight percent.

All three geographical segments reported double-digit growth in gross revenues with Americas posting a notable growth of 40 percent and Asia and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) each posting a 16 percent increases.

Sun Life anniversary.

Former President Fidel Ramos (second from left) graces Sun Life Philippines’ musical gala at the Palacio de Maynila in celebration of the company’s 120th anniversary in the Philippines. With Ramos (from left) are Sun Life Philippines chairman Lito Camacho, Sun Life Financial-Asia chief operating officer Fabien Jeudy and Sun Life Philippines president and chief executive Riza Mantaring. Ramos received a special gift of appreciation for helping Sun Life reach its decision to stay in the country, at a time of chaos before the dawn of the Edsa revolution.

Stocks retreat; Manila Water sinks THE stock market retreated Thursday on profit-taking after the government reported a slight increase in the inflation rate for the month of February.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 28.79 points, or 0.4 percent, to 7,819.04 on a value turnover of P9 billion. Gainers edged losers, 95 to 90, with 46 issues unchanged.

The National Economic and Development Authority reported Thursday that inflation in February rose to 2.5 percent from 2.4 percent in January due to higher petroleum prices and utility rates, offsetting the slow increase in food prices. The February inflation rate was within the 2 percent to 4 percent target set by the government for 2015 and 2016 and

much slower than 4.1 percent year-on-year.

Manila Water Co. Inc., a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp., sank 10.7 percent to P26.80 on a television report that an arbitration body ruled against the company’s bid for a higher tariff rate by passing the income tax burden to consumers. Parent Ayala Corp. lost 0.9 percent to P728.50.

Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, dropped 2.2 percent to P213.20, while parent JG Summit Holdings Inc. of retail and airline tycoon John Gokongwei fell 1.7 percent to P66.05.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, water and electricity distribution and hospitals, tumbled 4.9 per-

cent to P5.04, while Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the secondlargest lender, fell 2.1 percent to P92.

Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, rose 2.8 percent to P5.60, while Semirara Mining and Power Corp. added 2.1 percent to P166.80.

Hong Kong and Shanghai markets, meanwhile, sank in Asian trade Thursday after China set tepid 2015 economic and trade growth targets, while the euro fell to 11-year lows ahead of a key European Central Bank meeting.

Wall Street provided a negative lead again despite an upbeat report on the state of the US economy and another round of healthy private-sector jobs growth.

With AFP

FRIDAY: MARCH 6, 2015

B4

BUSINESS business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

Raging fires PRESIDENTIAL Proclamation 115-A in 1966 declared March as the “National Fire Prevention Month,” but 23 fires already occurred in the first three days of the month alone, bringing the total to 2,277 since January according to Bureau of Fire Protection data. The conflagration that hit a slum area in Parola, Tondo displaced an estimated 10,000 families—again bringing into focus the vulnerability of low-income, densely populated areas with wall-to-wall shanties made of plywood, tin, cardboard boxes and tarpaulins (with the faces of local politicians plastered on them).

Making it even more difficult to responding firemen are the narrow roads that prevent fire trucks from entering. Just recently, reports also came out that about half or perhaps even more) of the fire hydrants in Metro Manila are non-functional—either they have been stolen (and sold to the friendly dyaryo-bote-bakal dealer) or seriously damaged because residents use them as faucets for free water. Worse, some areas do not even have fire hydrants at all! Some effort though has been made to prevent the theft of the ordinary elevated fire hydrants by converting them into water pumps with lock and key. But the problem is, fire volunteers and BFP personnel don’t have the keys to activate the pumps.

Apparently, only Maynilad and Manila Water have access to the keys.

Then there is the shortage of fire trucks—a persistent problem that definitely hampers the ability of the BFP to quickly respond. The Bureau has about 150 trucks for the whole National Capital Region and many of them seem to be perennially under repair because they are so old. According to a fire official, they need an additional 1,000 trucks but so far, the 469 trucks that the government is acquiring remains just nice-to-read figures on paper.

Oftentimes, the cause of fires in residential and even commercial areas is faulty electrical wiring especially in old buildings with the owners not bothering to check the wiring for years. Then there are the neglected candles as the cause, mostly in slum areas where people do not have access to electricity. At times though, fires can be caused by wackos like that man who set his house on fire after a spat with his wife, or that slime bag who set his home in Cagayan de Oro ablaze because his pregnant partner refused to have sex with him (apparently as punishment because he was too lazy to get rice from his grandma).

We appreciate the efforts of the Bureau of Fire Protection to spread awareness about the importance of fire prevention but surely, they can do something more substantial than just parading around town in their trucks with sirens on full blast. Perhaps they should hook up with those early morning shows for a segment on simple fire prevention tips (like putting a lid on the frying pan instead of pouring water on it when oil accidentally spills on the burner) or maybe on TV Patrol or 24 Oras or some other popular news program. They can also organize seminars with local government heads or maybe have one session in schools, since they already conduct fire drills anyway.

US-style golf school now in PH Those looking for productive but fun ways to spend the summer may want to check out the facilities of the US Professional Golf Academy and Tours in Commercenter, Alabang.

The school is the first in the Philippines and Asia in fact to offer a US-style golf education, and it has state-of-the-art indoor golf school facilities that can go a long way in helping enthusiasts and newbies increase their theoretical knowledge in mastering the sport.

The facilities also include a physical fitness gym that can help students improve and work on their biomechanics; a 3D swing analyzer that can help correct swing faults and movements; and an indoor putting and chipping area for practicing those winning swings and strokes.

The USPGAT is the baby of partners Ronald Iledan and golfing pro/ champion Honeyboy Pabonita who also serves as the Academy Director. The academy provides serious golf players a less expensive but equally effective option to pursue a US-based golf degree minus the stiff expense. Programs are also designed to cater to the needs of enthusiasts at different skill levels.

According to Pabonita, one of the reasons why they put up the school in Commercenter, Alabang is because of the degree of privacy and security it provides to the high-profile students that include celebrities and company executives. The proximity of Commercenter to other establishments such as hotels and golf courses as well are also a plus, with students able to do outdoor activities since the driving range is jut walking distance from the school.

The USPGAT course outline includes Golf Fitness, Golf Biomechanics, Golf Fundamentals, Sequential Stages of the Golf Swing, Long and Short Game Approach, Playing with the Pros, as well as Mental Toughness Training and Examination where students will be tested on swings, handling pressure, game management, consistency and accuracy. A holistic approach, in short.

••• For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related concerns, readers may email to happyhourtoday2012@yahoo.com. You may also visit and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/happyhourmanilastandard. We’d be very happy to hear from you. Cheers!

SMB awards. The Energy Department has cited four major facilities of San Miguel Brewery Inc. for significantly reducing usage of power during the recent Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Awards. Cited were San Fernando Brewery in Pampanga, Polo Brewery in Valenzuela City, Sta. Rosa Bottling Plant in City of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and Bacolod Brewery in Bacolod City. Shown receiving the awards are (from left) Sta. Rosa engineering supervisor Jovani Patrick Araza, San Fernando engineering supervisor Larry del Rosario, San Fernando engineering supervisor Nemesio Sanchez, San Fernando Brewery engineering manager Mariano Dayag, Sta. Rosa Bottling Plant operations manager Enrico Mariano, Polo engineering supervisor Francis Joseph Marquez, Polo Brewery plant manager Roberto de Leon, Polo Brewery engineering manager Danny Pajarillo, DOE senior science specialist Genevieve Almonares, San Fernando Brewery plant manager Noel Villanueva and Operations Technology specialist Rofuat Lu.

Emperador’s net profit hits P6.1b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

EMPERADOR Inc., the liquor unit of tycoon Andrew Tan, said net income in 2014 grew 5 percent to P6.1 billion from P5.8 billion in 2013, after the company acquired several overseas companies last year.

Emperador said in a disclosure to the stock exchange 2014 revenues also rose 7 percent to P32 billion.

“We have successfully transformed Emperador into a global company after our acquisition of Whyte and Mackay in the United Kingdom and various vineyard and brandy production facilities in Spain,” Emperador chairman Andrew Tan said.

“We see 2015 as the beginning of the rapid expansion of our businesses, both in the domestic and global markets. This year, we expect our revenues to grow by 35 percent,” he said.

Emperador said in 2015, it expected revenues to grow 35 percent to P43.2 billion.

The company, citing figures from Euromonitor International, said the global brandy market was expected to expand to 195 million cases by 2018.

“Out of 100 bottles of brandy sold in the world today, 21 bottles are Emperador. We are set

to launch Emperador in several countries in Europe and Africa, and we will be very active in Duty Free travel retail shops globally,” Emperador International managing director Jorge Domecq said.

“Depending on the price points required by our clients, we can supply Emperador products from either the Philippines or Spain. With our aggressive pace,

In BrIef

DBP’s income falls 13%

STATE-OWNED Development Bank of the Philippines said net profit in 2014 fell 13 percent to P4.6 billion from P5.28 billion in 2013 on lower trading gains.

The 2014 net income translated into a return on equity of 11.01 percent and a return on assets of 1.03 percent.

DBP said trading gains declined P2.084billion from P2.762-billion in 2013 to P678 million in 2014. This was offset by higher interest income from investments in debt securities (P1.472-billion) and regular loans (P870-million) and higher foreign exchange gains (P287-million). Total deposits climbed 17 percent to P293.5 billion. Current and savings accounts deposits grew 8.5 percent to P201.0-billion.

The high deposit growth rate, coupled by the high proportion of low cost funds, helped the bank improve on its net interest margin to 2.34 percent in 2014 from 2.15 percent in 2013. Total resources went up by 9 percent to P467.5-billion, nearing the half-trillion mark from P427.3billion in 2013.

Govt debt reaches P5.7t

OUTSTANDING debt of the national government climbed P17 billion to hit P5.752 trillion as of end-January 2015 from the December 2014 level, the Bureau of Treasury said Thursday.

Data also showed that total debt increased 2.8 percent or P158 billion from January 2014, due to the P208-billion increment in domestic debt. External debt were P49 billion lower year-on-year.

Domestic obligations accounted for 68 percent of the total outstanding debt stock while the balance were external obligations.

we expect our current share in the world brandy market to grow even further,” he said.

The liquor firm plans to launch eight major liquor products in the Philippines this year to cover all segments and categories in the market, making 2015 an exciting and busy year for the company.

Emperador earlier said it expected net income to double by 2017 from P5.8 billion in 2013.

Domestic debt increased P7 billion while external debt went up by P10 billion since the start of the year due to net availments amounting to P33 billion used to meet financing requirements for the year as well as to redeem high-coupon bonds.

This was also partially offset by the appreciation of the local currency which reduced the peso value of foreign obligations by P26 billion.

The Treasury said the national government’s debt portfolio continued to exhibit resilience against interest rate risk with only 6.78 percent of the total subject to refixing owing to the issuance of fixedrate instruments. Jennifer Ambanta

California fowls barred

THE Agriculture Department has imposed a temporary ban on poultry and bird imports from Stanislaus County in California, USA. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the temporary import ban was due to outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu virus, in the said area.

Alcala said the bird flu outbreak which affected a commercial turkey farm was confirmed by the USDA APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories.

The Philippines remains free from the highly contagious avian influenza microbe.

The Philippines has managed to maintain its bird-flu free status since the virus, which afflicted Asian countries in 2003, affected the poultry of neighboring nations such as Vietnam.

“There is a need to prevent the entry of HPAI virus to protect the health of the public and the local poultry population,” Alcala said.

Alcala said with the exception of heattreated products, all shipments of aforementioned items shall be stopped and confiscated by DA veterinary quarantine officers and inspectors stationed at all major ports. Anna Leah E. Gonzales

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK F R I D AY : M A R C H 6 , 2 0 1 5

B5

CesAR bARRIoquInto EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

world

US Secretary of State John Kerry walks with Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, during a meeting of Gulf foreign ministers at Riyadh Air Base on March 5 in the Saudi capital. Kerry arrived in regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia for talks with Gulf allies on the Middle East turmoil and the battle against jihadists. AFP

Rape victim’s father urges docu viewing NEW DELHI—The father of a woman who died after a savage gang-rape in Delhi said Thursday he thought everyone should watch a documentary about the attack broadcast by the BBC but banned in India.

The British broadcaster brought forward its screening of “India’s Daughter” to Wednesday evening, citing a strong public interest after an Indian court issued an order barring broadcasters from showing it.

The film has sparked a fierce debate in India because it includes an interview in which one of the convicted rapists, Mukesh Singh, blamed the 23-year-old victim, saying she should not have been out at night and should not have fought back.

But the father of the victim, who cannot be named, said the

comments should be exposed publicly.

“Everyone should watch the film,” news channel NDTV quoted him as saying on its website.

“If a man can speak like that in jail, imagine what he would say if he was walking free,” he said, describing the documentary as “the bitter truth”.

The victim’s mother told NDTV, which was due to broadcast the film along with the BBC on Sunday to mark International Women’s Day, she did not object to the ban but believed Singh’s views were widespread in India.

“I don’t care what the government does, bans the film, doesn’t ban the film, the only thing I know is that nobody is afraid,” she said.

“It is not only Mukesh who thinks like this.” AFP

‘Tough challenges in Iran nuke talks’

MONTREUX, Switzerland—The United States said tough challenges remained to seal a nuclear deal with Iran, vowing not to be distracted by external politics in its quest to stop Tehran acquiring the atomic bomb.

Secretary of State John Kerry and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif wrapped up three days of “intense” nuclear negotiations in the Swiss lakeside town of Montreux with still no deal, as a March 31 deadline for a framework agreement looms.

“We’ve made some progress from where we were and important choices need to be made,” Kerry told reporters after the talks, with a senior State Department official adding that “tough challenges” had yet to be resolved.

Zarif sounded more optimistic, telling Iranian news agency ISNA that “despite existing differences, a final deal is not too far off.”

But he warned that the thorny issue of sanctions, which Iran wants lifted, risked torpedoing the deal.

“The Western countries, and especially the United States, must decide whether they want a nuclear deal or to continue the sanctions,” he said.

Speaking a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stridently criticised an agreement he said would not stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb, Kerry stressed that the purpose of negotiations was to “get the right deal, one that can withstand scrutiny”.

Netanyahu warned in his dramatic speech to the US Congress Tuesday that an agreement that was “supposed to prevent nuclear proliferation would instead spark a nuclear arms race in the most dangerous part of the planet.”

Kerry said that “any deal we reach would give us the intrusive access and verification measures necessary to confirm that Iran’s nuclear facilities are indeed on a peaceful path.

“That would allow us to promptly detect any attempt to cheat or break out and then to respond appropriately.”

He cautioned that the so-called P5+1 countries -- the five permanent members

of the UN Security Council and Germany -- negotiating with Iran would not “be distracted by external factors or politics”.

Zarif meanwhile told Iranian state television the sides had made progress on the issue of its Fordo nuclear plant, but still had a way to go on Arak.

The world powers negotiating with Iran want to block the country from enriching uranium at Fordo, and from developing weaponsgrade plutonium at its unfinished Arak reactor, a senior US official said last week.

Kerry flew to Riyadh later Wednesday to brief US Gulf allies on the emerging deal and plans to meet in Paris on Saturday with his British, French and German counterparts.

And despite the political drama around Netanyahu’s speech, US President Barack Obama shrugged off the address, saying it was nothing new.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, meanwhile, responded that Israel creates the “greatest danger” in the region.

The Iranian foreign ministry denounced what it called Netanyahu’s “continuous lie-spreading about the goals and intentions behind Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme”. AFP

World’s oldest person, a woman, turns 117 This picture shows an object that has four lanes and the balls climbing to the top of the object, produced

by Japan’s Meiji University professor Kokichi Sugihara, at an exhibition at the university in Tokyo on March 5.

The optical illusion symposium was held in Tokyo and Sugihara displayed his products that show quite different images in the different viewing angles. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

TOKYO—The world’s oldest person, Misao Okawa, a mother of three, grandmother of four and great-grandmother of six, turned 117 on Thursday in western Japan.

Okawa, one of only a handful of people born in the 19th century and still alive “is looking in good shape,” an official at her Osaka nursing home told AFP. Okawa, who came into the

world five years before the Wright brothers achieved the first powered human flight, celebrated her birthday a day early, surrounded by family.

Guests included her oldest son Hiroshi, 92, and a twoyear-old great-grandchild.

Local official Takehiro Ogura also stopped by with a bunch of flowers for Okawa, whose birth coincided with the out-

break of the Spanish-American war as the old empires gave way to new.

“Happy birthday to you,” Ogura said into her ear. “Was it (the past 117 years) long?”

“It was short,” said Okawa, dressed in a pale pink kimono with a cherry blossom pattern.

Asked if she has discovered the secret of living a long life, Okawa wasn’t telling the as-

sembled media, answering coyly: “Well, I don’t know.”

Japan, known for the longevity of its people, is also home to the world’s oldest man—112year-old Sakari Momoi.

In 2013, life expectancy for women in Japan was 86.61, the longest in the world, while for men it was 80.21, the fourth longest, according to the health ministry. AFP

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cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

Criticized for using beggars as props MALMO, Sweden—By putting two Romanian beggars on display in their latest show, Swedish artists meant to raise questions about global inequality but instead find themselves accused of exploiting the poor.

For the street beggars, from Europe’s oppressed Roma minority, it was an offer they could not refuse.

But since it opened in January, the show has turned out more contentious than organizers expected -- with critics saying it reflected a middle-class Swedish view and slighted the Roma.

Even some visitors were disturbed. “The poverty came so close. It bothered me,” said Ann-Margret Oftedal.

Luca Lacatus, a 28-year-old carpenter from a village in northern Romania, and his girlfriend Marcella Cheresi, 26, were panhandling on the cold, windy streets of Malmoe, Sweden’s third largest city, when they were approached.

Instead of bringing in 30 to 60 kronor (3 to 6 euros, $3.5 and $7.1) per day, the two could quadruple their income for just two hours’ work inside the warm, cosy Konsthall, one of the biggest galleries in the city.

The only catch: as part of the installation, they still had to act as if they were begging.

“It’s better than out on the street,” the soft spoken Lacatus told AFP using a Romanian translator. “Outside it’s cold and people aren’t as nice as they are in here. And you don’t have to talk very much.”

The 140 kronor he earned per hour would go towards rebuilding his home, which he said was destroyed in a blaze two years ago and prompted social services to take two of his four children. The other two were staying with family members, he added.

Cheresi, now pregnant with the couple’s first child, also had two children of her own now staying with her sister.

Romania’s impoverished Roma minority suffers widespread discrimination in the job market -- even Romanian President Traian Basescu was last year fined for claiming the group traditionally lived off stealing and was unwilling to work. AFP

WORLD mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Graffiti vandals ordered caned, jailed 9 months SINGAPORE—A Singapore court on Thursday sentenced two young German men to nine months in prison and three strokes of the cane for spray-painting a metro train in the city-state, which enforces hard-line rules on vandalism.

Andreas Von Knorre, 22, and Elton Hinz, 21, were sentenced after pleading guilty to vandalism and trespassing.

Both asked for mercy before sentencing and called their acts a “stupid mistake”.

“The imprisonment sentence in this case will be a total of nine months...

and the mandatory minimum of three strokes of the cane,” District Judge Liew Thiam Leng said.

“Overall, the court is of the view that the circumstances and facts of this case will justify the proposed sentence given by the prosecution,” he added.

Caning is a punishment dating back to British colonial rule in Singapore and involves being flogged with a rattan stick which often leaves permanent scars.

The men were sentenced to four months in jail for breaking into a suburban train depot operated by state-linked SMRT in November 2014 and five months and three strokes of the cane for vandalizing a carriage with spray paint.

Both men fled Singapore after the incident but were caught in neighboring Malaysia en route to Australia, where they were working, and extradited.

The hearing in the packed courtroom, filled with German and other

international journalists, was delayed for around two hours because an interpreter was not available.

Both men, handcuffed and dressed in white and brown prison attire, requested to speak directly to the judge before he handed down the sentence.

“This is the darkest episode of my entire life... I am very angry with myself and my foolish act, and I want to apologize to the state of Singapore for my stupid mistake,” Van Knorre said in English.

Hinz also described the offence as a “stupid mistake” when he addressed the judge.

“I promise you I will never do this again, and I not only apologize to you but to my family because of the shame this situation has put them into,” he added.

State prosecutors said Von Knorre and Hinz, who are friends, arrived in Singapore from Australia on November 4, 2014 and stayed at a hotel.

In the wee hours of November 7, they first sneaked into the train depot through a drainage system and by scaling a wall. They surveyed the area for a short while before leaving.

In the wee hours of November 8, the duo again sneaked into the depot where they proceeded to spray paint graffiti measuring 1.8 meters in height and 10 meters in length on a train carriage.

In written submissions to the court, state prosecutor Timotheus Koh said “these are not offences committed by rash and impressionable persons”.

“The evidence indicates that the offenses were committed after thorough, meticulous, deliberate and elaborate planning,” he said.

Koh added that a “self-timed” photograph the two men had taken in front of the train before vandalizing it “was meant to serve as a trophy to gain notoriety”. AFP

A beauty-parlor attendant looks out of the window in Kuala Lumpur on March 5. AFP

Condoms a bonus at radio station

A man eats a ham sandwich on the zinc counter of a bar on March 4 in Paris. The price of the “Jambon-Beurre” sandwich (ham and butter), eaten a billion times in France in 2014, continued to rise but slower than other catering products, according to a price index released on March 5. AFP

SYDNEY—An Australian broadcaster on Thursday revealed how it discourages staff from having babies and taking maternity leave—a big jar of condoms at work.

A senior executive in Perth for Southern Cross Austereo, which runs the radio station that became embroiled in a British royal fake call scandal in 2012, said a third of her 100 staff were on maternity leave or covering for someone who was.

“We do have a big jar of condoms at work,” Linda Wayman, who is boss of the broadcaster’s two Perth stations Mix 94.9 and Hit 929, told a conference on recruitment and culture.

“I’m not lying, I’m not exaggerating,” she added, according to the conference organizers Mumbrella, a marketing and media website.

“I do encourage people regularly, to have sex with condoms. That is a big area of focus for me, encouraging people to have sex with condoms.”

Wayman also revealed she runs an “Angelina Jolie award”, in recognition of the childadopting actress, to reward employees who have flourished in more senior roles made available by women on maternity leave.

“Our acting brand director for Hit 929 at our Christmas party last year received the Angelina Jolie Award, for the person who has benefited most for other people’s pregnancies,” she said.

“If women weren’t pregnant then she would not have got this turbo-charged career opportunity.”

Southern Cross Austereo chief executive Rhys Holleran told the Sydney Morning Her-

ald Wayman’s comments were “clearly... made tongue in cheek”.

“She has an exemplary record as one of Perth’s most compassionate advocates on all issues surrounding equality of women in the workforce,” he said.

Southern Cross Austereo also runs Sydney station 2Day FM, which endured a global backlash after Indian-born nurse Jacintha Saldanha killed herself in 2012.

Her death came after she transferred a prank call by two DJs to staff caring for Prince William’s wife Kate who was suffering from severe morning sickness.

Mel Greig and co-host Michael Christian had posed as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles on the phone to the London hospital and were able to get details of Kate’s condition on air. AFP

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MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Volkswagen levels up with the GTi Text and photo by Dino Ray V. Directo III

Volkswagen Philippines is on a roll. Barely a month after launching the new Polo automatic version, Volkswagen recently unveiled its pocket rocket, the Golf GTi. A car which carved for itself a reputable niche in the realm of automotive performance tuning, the GTi provides the Ayala owned VW group with a new weapon to poke the eye of its Japanese and European rivals.

“The Golf GTI is indeed the sports car with true “style and performance,” because it is THE GTI. It is the perfect car for performance seekers looking for fun and excitement,” said John Philip Orbeta, president and Chief Executive Officer of VW Philippines.

First introduced in 1976 as the 1st generation Golf, the GTi version is one of the brands stars due to its baseline perform-

ance and tuner-friendly features. The Golf Gti combines technological leadership and uncompromised performance making it an affordable sports car for lead footed drivers.

T Under the hood of the Golf GTi is a 2.0 turbocharged stratified injection engine with maximum output of 220 Ps at 4,5006,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,500-4,400 rpm; a 6-speed dual shift gear transmission; and, sports suspension. Other

Ayala siblings Mariana Beatriz (2nd from left) and Jaime Alfonso join JP Orbeta left) and Klaus Schadewald, VW Philippines adviser to thepresident in presenting VW’s pocket rocket, the Golf GTi.

noteworthy features of this pocket rocket are the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) with XDS plus technology, engine drag torque control (MSR), electronic parking brake with auto hold, rear assist rear view camera with 8-channel park distance control, driver alert system, airbags (driver, passenger, driver knee, front side and curtain) are some of the safety features of the Golf GTI. Complimenting the performance of the car is the GTI package which consists of an 18-inch Austin alloy wheel set, aggressive looking front fascia, tail lamps, spoiler, dual tailpipes; Bi-Xenon headlamps with daytime running lights (DRL); and dy-

namic headlamp control. The interiors are spruced up with GTI premium sport seats with “Clark” material, GTI steering wheel with paddle shifts; GTI shift knob, stainless steel pedals, scuff plates, and trim; keyless-go entry/exit with push start; interior ambient lighting; and, a climatronic 2-zone air-conditioning system.

Produced in Germany since 1974 and marketed across seven generations, it has been the recipient of several awards globally, which include the 2013 European Car of the Year for the second time (first recognition received was in 1992), 2013 World Car of the Year, 2013-2014 Car of the Year Japan (the first imported car to win the award), among others.

FAST FASTLANE Campers’ must-have accessory EXPLORE and enjoy your world in a relaxing shade to protect you from the damaging UV rays of the sun. The Sunseeker Awning of Rhino Racks is easy to operate, roll-out shade that will protect the side of your vehicle in a matter of moments.

Designed and engineered for ease of use, the Sunseeker Awning can be set up and packed away in minutes making it the perfect solution to protect you from the ele-

ments. Stored in its own heavy duty PVC bag, the Sunseeker Awning comes complete with all the gear you need to set it up including telescopic poles, guy ropes and pegs. The solid frame consists of anodised aluminium and corrosion resistant hardware, so it won’t rust. The Sunseeker Awning is a quick and easy solution to protect you and your family from the elements, so whether your an avid camper, traveler or tradesman the Sunseeker Awning is a must-have accessory when braving the outdoors.

If you’re gearing up for that camping weekend, bird photography, outdoors photography session or bike trailing, check out the Sunseeker Awning of Rhino Racks at the Outdoors Club in at the Ground Floor of the Banco de Oro Bldg. 2, Ortigas Avenue, West Greenhills, San Juan, beside the Segafredo Zanetti Café, with Tel. numbers 744-6367.

——oOo——

Auto Madness: Bigger, madder BPI Auto Madness, the car- selling event of BPI Family Auto Loan, provides car offers 24/7, making it convenient and affordable for you to own that brand new car you have been dreaming of. This car sale kicked off simultaneous in several shopping mall venues all throughout the country until March 31. This time around, the BPI Auto Madness is bigger and better than ever with super low loan rates with freebies: 1 year comprehensive insurance or 1-Month Amortization, BPI Family Auto Loan-Petron Value Card, and a wide selection of participating car models to choose from!

Bpiautomadness.com serves as a onestop-shop that gives you access to a wide selection of car brands, models, and variants to choose from complete with detailed car specifications and updated prices. With just a few clicks on your internet-enabled PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, you can shop for a car and avail of the financing package that best suits you. Filipinos working abroad are likewise encouraged to take advantage of this one-of-a-kind offering to buy their family a brand new car as they can

now easily do so online. “We at BPI respond to the evolving nature of the industry in our aim to make car ownership very affordable and highly convenient through the use of available digital technology. We make the best happen for our clients by developing innovations that provide them access to our offerings anytime and anywhere they may be. Through the BPI Auto Madness, we make peoples’ dreams of having their brand new car a reality ” shares Pepe Carlos, VP and Head of BPI Family Auto Loan Division.

JD Powers’ first VDS award to Kia Sportage SEOUL–J.D. Power 2015 Vehicle Dependability Study has ranked the Kia Sportage as the leader in the Small SUV category, marking the first-ever VDS award in the brand’s history. The industry-wide study examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year old vehicles (2012 model year).

Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100).

Thus, a lower score reflects a higher long-term quality

level. The Sportage ranked first in a field of seven contenders with a score of 129 PP100. This latest recognition for Sportage follows the model’s two consecutive J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS) awards in 2013 and 2014.

“We believe the results of the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study demonstrate Kia’s on-going commitment to quality and obsession with craftsmanship in building our world-class products,” said John Crowe, vice president, service & aftersale opera-

tions, Kia Motors America (KMA). “The Sportage is a clear example of how far the entire Kia model lineup has progressed, and this kind of quality is tangible evidence of our long-term strategy to enhance the Kia ownership experience.”

VDS measures the longterm quality of vehicles, including new technologies and features currently available to buyers. It includes 32 nameplates and 228 models, covering 177 specific problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle categories.

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RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MOTORING

Honda Cars president and general manager Toshio Kuwahara finds the new Odyssey having more than ample space during the launching rites held on Tuesday at One Esplanade, Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City. SONNY ESPIRITU

Luxury van redefined Honda Odyssey sets out to regain lost glory

By Dino Ray V. Directo III

It was the vehicle that jumpstarted the minivan phenomenon in Japan when it was first introduced 20 years ago. The combination of elegant styling, class leading performance and unrivalled utility has made the Honda Odyssey the perfect product for a market that requires an increased need for family mobility and a utility van.

Trying to replicate its success, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. has taken the wraps off the latest version of the Odyssey in grand fashion.

Honda’s new Odyssey stays true to its

mission as it continuously boasts hperfect balance of being a passenger vehicle that meets the demands of modern time.

Its exterior design was based on the “Solid Streamline” concept with an ultra-low platform resulting to a sedan-like stance with low floor to ease passenger entry and exit, unique to the All New Odyssey luxury minivan.

The interiors of the All New Odyssey reminds its patrons of a hotel suite as it is primarily patterned to one based on its “Modern Suite Room” concept; easily described as elegant and high-class fitted with only the finest choice of materials and luxury features such as a pair of Captain Cradle seats up front and Ottoman seats at the second row.

Passengers of the 2015 Odyssey also get to enjoy quiet cabin during idling, low and high speed driving as well as during rough road surfaces due to the effective use of sound absorbing or isolating materials and acoustic glass for the windscreen and thick glass for all side windows to provide

refined Noise, Vibration, Harshness levels for absolute comfort.

Powering the all new Odyssey is Honda’s next generation engine technology dubbed as the “Earth Dreams” with a fuel efficient and robust engine.

The 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT with 7-speed paddle shifter) is also equipped with the Eco Assist System, which promotes a more fuel efficient driving habit.

Honda also introduced innovative features to the current model to boost the safety and comfort levels of its luxury van.

The Odyssey has a multi-view camera system consisting of four wide angle cameras situated on the front grille, right and left door mirrors and tailgate. These cameras provide a 360 degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings which is also shown in the display audio.

For added safety and convenience, the All New Odyssey features Honda’s Smart Parking Assist System which automati-

cally steers the Odyssey into the parking space using the Electric Power Steering motor. With the Smart Parking Assist System, the driver can utilize the multi-view camera system for better visibility when reversing into a parking space or parallel parking mode.

To complete the array of safety features, the All New Odyssey has Active Cornering Lights, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), driver and passenger SRS airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

This luxury chariot carries a sticker price of P2,298,000 and is available in three variants, with the Mugen Sport Package and Modulo version as the special models for the Odyssey line. For just an additional P91,200, you can upgrade your Odyssey with a genuine Mugen package that includes a MUGEN front sports grille, front lower grille, wing spoiler, door visor and luggage mat.

Foilacar expands it services Text and photo by Dino Ray V. Directo III

At the ground breaking ceremony of its sprawling facility in Pasig are (from left) Lester Codog, president of Foilacar and Jan Vincent Mercado of IPM Group and CFO of Foilacar Industries.

FOILACAR Manila, the company which innovated car paint protection technology in the country is set to expand its operations in Southeast Asia with the investment of the IPM Group.

The IPM Group is a publicly listed company with business assets in real estate and waste management. “With the investment of IPM in Foilacar, we aim to expand the network and operations of the newly formed Foilacar Industries.

With the automotive sector as its main line of business, Foilacar Industries is expected to carve in roads in the aviation, marine and property development

business,” says Lester Codog, President of Foilacar Industries.

Aside from cars, Foilacar have expanded their wrap technology expertise to marine and building/interior wrap color change. “Car wrapping will just be a part of our services, and now we are upgrading our equipment, materials and manpower training to include wrap color change of boats, building exterior and interiors. Designers will now have a variety of designs and colors to choose from for a more visual appeal to their creativity,” explains Codog.

“One of our most recent marine project is the foiling of a 200 foot yatch which is privately owned by a businessman. With this, we are also

undertaking exterior protection and aesthetic projects in the aviation industry and a building in Makati,” adds Jan Vincent Mercado, Chief Financial Officer of Foilacar Industries. Part of the expansion plan is the upgrading of foil facilities to cater to a much larger portion of the target market. Foilacar Industries is will soon open to the public a 700 square meter corporate headquarters, which will also function as the company’s foiling facility.

“The warehouse type facility will also be our Research and Development facility. Plans are in the pipeline to bring in more variations of foil materials to be used for cars, planes, boats and even buildings,” adds Codog.

F R I D AY : M A R C H 0 6 : 2 0 1 5

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BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

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

LIFE

FASHION

MODERN ENGLISH Wardrobe staples, redefined.

W Joseph store in Sloane Street, UK

ith temperatures rising, JOSEPH shows you how to beat the heat with consummate chic.

JOSEPH is the London fashion boutique the Casablanca-born hairdresser Joseph Ettedgui opened towards the end of the Sixties along the King’s Road. He envisioned a space that was more magazine than clothes shop, somewhere to discover new ideas, new styles and new designers, offering a curated experience at a time when the concept barely even existed.

His approach was revolutionary. He brought Kenzo and Castelbajac to the world’s attention.

As his influence grew, he added more designers, introducing London and the rest of the world to Azzedine Alaia and Yohji Yamamoto. He was also the first in London to sell Prada. Eventually he started his own label, which remains a successful brand synonymous with an easy elegance and timeless chic.

Ettedgui sadly passed away some years back, but the spirit and style of JOSEPH lives on. Under the creative direction of Lousie Trotter, JOSEPH continues to showcase a contemporary ready-to-wear collection with a strong core of luxury essentials.

JOSEPH is available at SM AURA Premier.

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LIFE

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

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

FASHION

FASHION FLASH POINTS INSTACOUTURE

Jean-Paul Gaultier hosted a three-course dinner by celebrated French chef Jean Imbert in Paris this week, attended by Instagram founder Kevin Systrom, who found himself a bit out of his depth in the fashion world. But he certainly appreciated how everyone including guests like supermodel of the moment Karlie Kloss - snapped away as each dish was presented, then posted the photos on Instagram.

Though a tech guy, Systrom was no slouch in the clothes department, opting for Brioni suits and Charvet ties as he did the fashion rounds. He acknowledged how fashion and Instagram had a beautifully symbiotic relationship. He even posted a selfie taken at Coco Chanel’s legendary Rue Cambon apartment. And the coup de grace? A Kevin and Karl photoshoot, Karl being Karl Lagerfeld, of course. @kevin

CURRENT COMEBACK

Three years away is a long time in the fashion world.

Especially when there’s a non-compete clause involved. But the coast is now clear, and former stylists turned designers Merritt Elliott and Emily Current, founders of the cult denim brand Current/ Elliott along with Serge Azria, have launched a new jeans label, The Great Blue, complementing their equally new contemporary clothing range, The Great.

The duo continue to use denim as the cornerstone of their collection, going beyond the five-pocket jean to offer a variety of clothing options such as jackets, tops, overalls and dresses. As for jeans, The Great Blue offers six different fits, among them the button fly “dude slim”, the “super-high-rise” and the “nerd jeans”, depending on how snug and skinny or flared and relaxed you like your jeans.

At barneys.com, shopbop.com and nordstrom.com

LOST LEGENDS

The fashion industry lost not just one but two legendary figures this week, the French model Bettina Graziani, and former publisher and editor of Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) and W, John Fairchild. (Full disclosure: this section’s editor is a longtime contributor to WWD).

Despite the Italian-sounding name, Graziani was in fact French. Born Simone Micheline Bodin in 1925, she was known professionally as Bettina. Vogue hailed her as one of the first supermodels; she dominated the runways and print in the Fifties. She was also muse to the couturier Jacques Fath, who was the one who christened her “Bettina”, since he already had a model named “Simone.” After Fath’s untimely death, she became Hubert de Givenchy’s muse, gracing his debut couture collection in 1952. Givenchy created the iconic “Bettina” blouse in her honor.

She died at the age of 90 in Paris.

John Fairchild, on the other hand, is credited with transforming a solid but stodgy family-owned fashion trade newspaper, Women’s Wear Daily, into the fashion industry’s newspaper of record, died in his Manhattan home at the age of 87.

His literary alter-ago was the Countess Louise J. Esterhazy, a nom de plume he created to he could pen his sharp and acerbic critiques of the fashion industry and the people who were part of it.

There’s a generation of fashion folk who likely have no idea who he was, but he was responsible, in many ways, for creating the cult of the designer personality.

He was also notorious for disregarding embargoes imposed by fashion houses back then at the couture shows to prevent images or sketches of the collections to be published in the media until some months had passed. In this age of Instagram, it’s almost inconceivable that such restrictions were heeded and respected. By everyone except Fairchild, that is.

Anna Wintour, in a statement, said, “It is difficult at this most democratic moment in the history of fashion journalism to understand the power John Fairchild wielded and the fear he commanded.

Designers literally quivered in his wake. I remember him, however, as a delightful and wickedly funny lunch companion, a devoted husband and father, and an unrepentant Anglophile who loved to discuss all things English. I will miss him.”

SOURCE: WWD.COM, VARIETY.COM AND VOGUE.COM

SPEEDO COMBINES FASHION AND FUNCTION IN SUMMER COLLECTION

BY LITO CINCO

S

ummer is just around the corner but for Speedo, the world’s leading swimwear brand, summer arrived last week with the launch of its 2015 spring and summer collection, featuring a full line of swim wear and accessories for swimmers of all types and ages, from recreational to competitive, and to those who swim only for health and fun.

Held at the Glorietta in Makati, both the invited guests and the public were treated to a preview of Speedo’s collection, which focused on graphics, prints, and colors revolving around the theme Intensity. How appropriate, considering the intense heat of the forthcoming summer months.

Its Swim Fitness Collection now features more compression panels, making the suits feel tighter, while the panels help fitness swim buffs engage the core muscles, minimizing drag and energy, and makes maintaining a horizontal streamlined position in the water easier for a more efficient performance.

The Speedo Sculpture Selection, inspired by the theme Magnify, draws on microscopic views and uses classic graphics, bold colors and bright prints in colorful capsules. This collection also features a new high stretch fabric exclusive to Speedo, the Xtra Life LYCRA, enabling swimsuits to last up to 10 times longer than conventional swimwear. As a result, there is

a softer, lighter and smoother suit, but with the same great shaping power that enhances feminine curves combined with a natural feeling.

For competitive swimmers, Speedo has updated its Fastskin LZR Racer Elite 2 with increased water repellency but retaining its highly compressive and lightweight qualities to help maintain a strong body position in the water, this was the result of Speedo’s global research and development team’s efforts as it analyzed the physical and psychological aspects of competitive swimming with over 330 elite swimmers including American Olympian Ryan Lochte who has won five gold medals, three silvers, and three bronzes in past Olympic Games, and 20 swimming experts from 28 countries. The research included 3D scanning of swimmers’ bodies to identify exactly where a swimsuit could offer support and compression of specific muscle groups, enhancing the body’s muscle kinetic chain for maximum speed and performance.

At the same time, the company also launched its Competitive Training Collection that took inspiration from the look of chemical and biological reactions, amplified by contrasting colors with both the adult and junior styles, using improved comfort threads and are made using Speedo’s exclusive Endurance fabrics that feature in-

creased chlorine resistance , superior softness, and longer lasting fit.

Among the models was former swimming champion, multi-titled Akiko Thomson-Guevara, who paraded on the ramp with husband Chips and their two sons.

For beach lovers, Speedo unveiled a variety of fashionable designs in its Play & Fun Collection, featuring flattering feminine styles that come in one piece, bikinis, and tankinis.

To go with the new swimwear collections, new and improved Speedo goggles were also included in the launch, boasting of the revolutionary Speedo Biofuse and IQfit technologies. The Aquapulse Max 2 has been updated to provide a more secure and accurate fit, while the Futura Biofuse features a smoother seal and frame for even better comfort. The Speedo Fastskin Elite Mirror goggles have been made available in bright colors.

Speedo Concept Stores are located in Abreeza Mall, Alabang Town Center, Ayala center Cebu, Bonifacio High Street, Centrio-Cagayan de Oro, Fairview Terraces, Gateway, Glorietta 4, Harbor Point Subic, LimKetKai Mall, Lucky China Town all, Marquee Mall, Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Robinson’s Place Bacolod, Magnolia, Manila, Palawan, SM Aura, SM City Cebu, SM City Davao, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, The District cavite, The Podium, and Trinoma.

F R I D AY : M A R C H 0 6 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

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

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STRETCH YOUR LIMITS Replay drives the stretch-denim revolution

R ANTI-PAPARAZZI WEAR

BY ED BIADO

Like many other artists before him, DJ Chris Holmes is trying to make a name for himself outside of music. Inspired by the demands of being a celebrity, Holmes thought of creating a fashion line made for those moments when you’re in no mood to smile and pose as the paparazzi are hounding you.

Folks, meet Flashback, a collection of garments made from highly reflective thread, “perfect for anyone who doesn’t want his or her picture taken, or for photobombers who really want to make a lasting impression.”

The fabric of Flashback items is coated with “gazillions” of glass nanospheres that are energized by the flash of a camera. When intense light is shone on it, it gives off an intense amplified reflection that overpowers the whole image in blinding white light, rendering the rest of the frame pitch black. It’s supposedly the same material used on stop signs and jogging/biking reflectors used at night.

“But what happens with the camera is that it defines the brightest spot [on an image] and adjusts to what that brightness is,” Holmes explains.

As the paparazzi usually have cameras with strong flashes, the resulting pictures of a celebrity wearing Flashback will be utterly “worthless.” The effect is said to be similar even when shots are taken with camera phones. In normal lighting conditions, on the other hand, the pieces appear light gray.

Currently, the collection is in development under Betabrand, a fashion-focused crowdfunding company.

The pieces will be commercially launched only when they reach their funding goal, meaning that there is enough demand for the products to be produced. In Betabrand terms, funding pertains to provisional preselling—backers are essentially purchasing the yet-tobe-made products that they support.

As of this writing, the hoodie and scarf have exceeded their respective targets and are expected to start shipping in August. Backers have until March 10 to make sure that the other items from the collection (hat, suit pants and suit jacket) enter production.

Check them all out, plus other community-designed apparel, on www.betabrand.com.

eplay changes the rules of denim by stretching the limits of the manufacturing process, then brings the concept to the fore by launching the Replay Hyperflex collection, an innovative product where the stretch denim experience attains smart new heights.

The main features of Replay Hyperflex are 100% elasticity, incredible shaping performance and superior comfort. This means that Replay Hyperflex offers complete ease of motion, great shape retention - no sagging or deforming even after considerable wear, plus a luxurious feel.

As for the fabric per se, Lycra comprises the corespun, Poly defines the middle, while the external layer of cotton is what gives the jeans an authentic denim look. The two top fibers protecting the Lycra ensure that the stretch factor is compromised by neither industrial nor domestic washes.

Fits for women go from a super skinny fivepocket with snug push-up bottom, to a skinny jean with distinctive biker-inspired detailing, all the way to the very latest in a straight leg style.

Guys, rather, can choose between a skinny low waist five-pocket jean and a slim-fit regular waist style with softly tapered leg.

The jeans come in three different washes: a very dark tone with rich sheen, a medium tone with pale yellow dirty tinge, and a light tone with quiet brilliance. Last December, Replay also introduced a first colour capsule - black and light & dark grey, to be followed in February 2015 by one featuring a fab selection of bright upbeat hues: azure, lime green, coral red and white for her and red, hunter green, turquoise and white for him.

Replay Hyperflex arrives in the Philippines this January 2015. In addition to selling retail at stand-alone Replay stores, corners and in-store shops worldwide, the jeans will be available on the wholesale circuit and on the online shop.

The in-store launch will benefit from an ad campaign involving experts from the worlds of soccer, dance, fashion and gymnastics, all of whom take part in special tests to see how far they can stretch the limits of the Hyperflex collection. In particular, as supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio dons the scientist’s smock to examine how the collection holds up when subjected to extreme dance steps, contortion moves and amazing soccer tricks, FC Barcelona stars Neymar Jr., Gerard Piqué, Luis Suarez, Andrés Iniesta and Ivan Rakitić work wonders with the ball while sporting the new Replay Hyperflex jeans.

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

FASHION

THE INFINITE PALACE Prada once again the changes the conversation. For its Autumn-Winter 2015 fashion show in Milan, the show space was transformed into a classic enfilade of rooms, gradually changing proportions as in an abstract mannerist perspective. As opposed to a single stage, the new sequence of spaces multiplies and fragments the show into a series of intimate moments.

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

F R I D AY : M A R C H 0 6 : 2 0 1 5

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

C5

BINKY LAMPANO:

STILL SINGING THE BLUES

BY JENNY ORTUOSTE

W

hen he first tumbled onto the music scene in the mid-1980s, he was tall and awkward and had a habit of raking his tumbled locks back from his forehead with slim fingers that by turns could take apart a computer or pluck a tune from his guitar.

He looked just like any other street-smart teenager, except when he opened his mouth – when he did, his voice was that of an angel.

Anyone who’s heard Binky Lampano sing will tell you his voice is distinctive, unique, unforgettable.

VERSATILE IN VARIOUS GENRES The former frontman and lyricist for ‘80s New Wave band Deans December gained recognition for an energetic style that catapulted their group into near-cult status with songs like “First Light” and “It Doesn’t Snow In Manila” with its barbed social commentary.

In the early ‘90s, he launched a solo career in rock, writing and recording the hits “Kwentong Looban” and “Hallelujah.”

After that, he discovered jazz and crooned standards such as “Time After Time”, showing his versatility in every genre. But when he lit upon the blues, he fell hard in a seismic shock heard around the Philippine music world.

Mention his name today to aficionados and most often the reaction will be, “Binky Lampano? He’s a legend!”

WHERE IS HE NOW? Since those frenetic days as a blues pioneer, Binky has been permanently based in Los Angeles. He obtained a BS Business Information Systems degree magna cum laude from California State University and now teaches IT-related subjects in several colleges in the area.

He still sings.

Over the years, Binky’s voice has further deepened into the baritone range.

His vocals possess a sound element described by some as a growl, by others a rasp – a smokey texture that adds layers of complexity to his sound.

His most recent foray was in January 2014, when he performed live with Philippine blues band Brat Pack at the Biscuits and Blues bar in San Francisco, and at Ditty. tv and BB King’s Blues Club in Memphis.

He still writes music and lyrics.

A surge of creative energy in recent years has spurred him into a frenzy of songwriting. He is, in fact, sitting on a motherlode of original material – “at least two albums’ worth” - that only needs time in a recording studio to be brought to life.

“It’s all in here,” he says, tapping his temple.

His new lyrics are pure poetry, an entire story compressed in a few lines. A stanza from “Remedios in Circles” tells of a child’s religious experience: “As the flames dance on every votive candle/ With a glow that fills the statues’ weary eyes/Somebody whispers, boy, are you a believer?/ And I am too deep in trance to even sympathize…”

“State of Grace” is a story of old lovers meeting once more: “Round the bend, the

tunnel’s end/ There’s a light that shines with your name and mine, old friend / It may be every bit as complicated / There ain’t no use to be so isolated / When you meet with me in the state of grace…”

He is still reinventing himself in a continuous cycle of learning and practicing new skills. Binky had a brief stint as a culture columnist for MST in 2012. Among his most memorable pieces from that time were an exclusive interview with Curt Smith of Tears for Fears and insights into pianist Glenn Gould’s body of work.

A polymath and auto-didact, he has lately taken up photography, extending his scope as an artist into the visual arts.

His haunting portraits of musicians capture them at their most vulnerable, at the moment of the baring of their souls.

Binky catches the synergy between guitarist Sammy Asuncion and vocalist Maegan Aguilar of the Glass Cherry Breakers, in the way the two lean into one another during a performance in the 2015 IBC. PHOTO BY BINKY LAMPANO

BOOSTING PHILIPPINE BLUES He is still committed to supporting the Philippine blues community, and among his contributions is the coaching and mentoring of bands competing in the International Blues Challenge (IBC) held in Memphis every January.

At this year’s and last year’s IBC, Binky helped guide Brat Pack into the finals round, making them the first Asian band to both enter the finals and do it two years in a row.

As a mentor, he says, “I help with strategy and how to approach the whole thing. What I deliver is finesse.”

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF STORYTELLING What’s important for musicians to remember, Binky says, is the narrative. The blues, after all, was born on cotton plantations as the plaints of slaves about struggle and love and hardship and despair, and how hope still prevails.

It is a story that Filipinos are all too familiar with; for this reason, the blues among the imported genres seems to be the one most fitting in the local context.

Respect for the genre and its fans is paramount. “The blues is really serious business,” Binky says. Posturing has no place, not when “You need to tell a story.”

How can you tell if you’re connecting with your audience? “You need instincts to do it.

You need chemistry. You should just play it.

You have to shut up and let people listen.”

LOOKING FORWARD After four years of Filipinos campaigning in Memphis, it’s obvious by now that judges favor bands that have mastered traditional blues while being able to add their unique twists to their performances.

What should the blues community look for when casting its nets for talent?

Binky advises, “You need to diversify the pool and come up with stronger acts that are really well-focused. They gotta really listen to the whole expanse of the blues, and make it work.”

Ultimately, he says, “You gotta play with joy.”

For Binky Lampano’s fans, joy will come when he again tells his stories, whether in music or images or words.

Blog: http://jennyo.net, Facebook: Jenny Ortuoste, Twitter: @jennyortuoste Binky (left) with Deans December bandmates sometime in the ‘80s.

Binky has a knack of capturing light in photos, as seen in this image of competitors at the 31st IBC last January 2015. PHOTO BY BINKY LAMPANO

Binky creates riveting portraits of musicians. Here, Maegan Aguilar of Glass Cherry Breakers shows her fierce side in Memphis while performing on Ditty.tv in January 2015. PHOTO BY BINKY LAMPANO

Glass Cherry Breakers guitarist Sammy “Faith”Asuncion plays with joy.

PHOTO BY BINKY LAMPANO

Binky Lampano strums a guitar in a Memphis hotel room during International Blues Challenge week in January 2015. PHOTO BY JAY DAVID

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SHOWBITZ

EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

TV host Drew Arellano had a strong showing in the Yellow Cab Challenge Philippines Subic-Bataan last Feb. 21 after finishing 65th overall against more than 700 athletes.

CANON REDEFINES FUN

C TV host Drew Arellano races his way out of the pristine waters of Subic Bay.

News Anchor Kara David of Powerpops TriKings 3 (mixed relay category) finishes the race after clocking in at 7:00:29.

TV personality Drew Arellano finished strong after a recorded time of 5:58:19, ranking ninth under Men’s 35-39 category.

CELEBRITIES ENDURE ‘TOUGHER’ YELLOW CAB CHALLENGE PHILIPPINES SUBIC-BATAAN

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oming from a very successful inaugural race last year, the Yellow Cab Challenge Philippines Subic-Bataan showcased multiawarded triathletes from different parts of the world on Feb.21, including some of the country’s celebrity triathletes.

TV host and triathlete Drew Arellano finished strong despite lack of training after clocking in at 5:58:41, ranking 9th in the 35-39 year-old category.

“Wala [kaming special training], just the usual. It’s just really hard to prepare properly coming from a Christmas vacation and this is still early in the season so people are still making kapa, people are just starting have better fitness levels,” Arellano said.

“There are flats, there are rolling hills, [and] definitely there are mountains to climb, so this course was probably the hardest… It’s challenging but the trade-off is it’s very enjoyable and not boring,” Arellano added.

GMA News anchor Kara David, on the other hand, was part of the Powerpops TriKings 3 for swim, while TGIS alumnus Onemig Bondoc also participated in the relay for run.

David’s mixed relay group clocked in at 7:00:29 while Bondoc’s all male team, Powerpops TriKings 1, registered a 6:29:30 record.

Former PBB housemate Paul Jake Castillo was also among the race finishers

of the 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21.1km course.

The PBB alumnus clocked in at 7:07:11, finishing 17th under the 30-34 year-old category. “Despite so little training, I finished the toughest and hardest triathlon in the Philippines,” Castillo posted on his Instagram account.

After being dubbed by the TRIMAG Asia as the most prestigious triathlon event in the Asian region last year, this year’s race in Subic-Bataan is already being called as one of the toughest race in the world by a lot of triathletes and fans.

On the other hand, the race’s broadcast coverage extends to over 82 countries worldwide, showcasing the Philippines as the most desired lifestyle and sports destination.

The world-class season opener for longdistance racing in the Philippines—and all other festivities—were held at the Camayan Beach Resort, Subic Bay, and at the rugged and beautiful province of Bataan.

On June 14, the team will stage another race, this time in CamSur, where multiawarded world champs and local celebrities are expected to join. This one is touted to be one of the fastest races in the world.

For more details about the race and future races, please visit the Challenge Philippines website at http://challengephilippines.com.ph.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 46 48 49 51 53 55 56

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Quick kiss 5 “— la vista, baby!”

10 Munch 14 Seldom seen 15 Low voices 16 Gossipy Barrett 17 Above 18 Speak horsely?

19 They carry a charge 20 Judged 22 Shower unit 24 Like some fears

ISAH V. RED

26 27 30 34 35 38 39 40 42 43

Gardener’s purchase Marley, to Scrooge Feel empathy “Orange” or “stock” ending Fields Audition tapes Ms. Peeples of TV “Beat it!”

Well-chosen Don Diego, masked

60 64 65 67 68 69 70 71 72 73

Rome’s river Tenth inning cause Good points Skyscraper Vietnam’s Ho Chi — — - — -tat-tat Morning star dweller?

Tags Oklahoma town Famous fountain In — of Lisbon lady Curry herb Great Lakes port “Woe is me!”

Asian immigrant Skillful

DOWN 1 Nudge forward 2 Gutter site 3 Subarctic tribe 4 Henson frog 5 Boxer’s crew 6 Stein filler 7 Move briskly 8 Forum attire 9 More pale 10 Pancake pan 11 Koh-i- — diamond 12 Half of A.D. 13 Yellow jacket

FRIDAY, MARCH 06, 2015

21 23 25 27 28 29 31 32 33 36 37 41 44 45 47 50 52 54 56 57 58 59 61 62 63 66

Ms. Ferber Exigency Upright Quixote’s companion Tijuana farewell Brings up Valuable violin Subject Helena rival Jackie’s tycoon Type of sword Winning the gold Groups of saddle horses Elevator guy Meter maid of song Tattle Storied Rock’s Procol — Hindu’s Rig- — Organic compound 1492 vessel Verne skipper Dublin’s locale Explorer — Erikson Bird-feeder treat Monsieur’s wine

anon launched two new models in the IXUS range – IXUS 170 and The all-new Canon IXUS for hobbyists IXUS 160 – targeted at consumers of picture taking who desire a reliable, intuitive, point and shoot camera with superb quality image to 160 features an 8x zoom lens with a range capture daily moments. of 28-224mm. The IXUS 170 is versatile The new IXUS 170 and IXUS 160 feature for wide group shots and close-ups of dishigh resolution of 20.0 megapixel CCD at a tant subjects. Despite the wide range of the competitive price point. Exuding the IXUS zoom lens, the IXUS 170 is cleverly designed signature style of elegance in simplicity, the into a compact body, making it lightweight new cameras are thoughtfully designed in and conveniently pocket-sized. sleek and streamlined form factor. With Both cameras make use of Canon’s ZoomPlus technology, an ZoomPlus technology – a intuitive imaging techtechnique that effectively nology unique to Canon doubles the zoom distance which dramatically dou- The super compact of the cameras with almost and user-friendly no loss in image quality. bles the zoom range in cameras are both cameras, the IXUS With ZoomPlus, the IXUS 170 and 160 with opti170 and IXUS 160 can enhanced with cal zooms of 12x and 8x intelligent zoom and achieve 24x zoom and 16x respectively, will now be image stabilization zoom respectively. able to achieve a zoom for spontaneous range of up to 24x and Seamless operations moments 16x respectively. Intuitive for simple joy in features such as Intelligent photography Image Stabilization (IS) on Consumers who enjoy the IXUS 170 and Smart Auto also enhance taking pictures with minimal tweaking of the fun and user-friendly experience, mak- settings will be able to trust in the camera’s ing photography a joy to rediscover. technology to detect the optimal settings, “The new IXUS 170 and IXUS 160 were the ease in operation to simply point and manufactured in line with the IXUS brand shoot is paramount. Understanding the of providing images of remarkable quality needs of this group of photographers, the at great value for the everyday user,” said IXUS 170 and IXUS 160 are designed to Vinchy Sanchez, director for the Consum- be intuitive and straightforward to use. er Group, Canon Marketing (Phils.) Inc. The IXUS 170 is also equipped with the “With intuitive features, users can expect Intelligent IS technology, which instinca compact camera that delivers high image tively corrects incidental movement while quality and usability.’’ shooting to ensure image clarity.

The environment of the framed scene Outstanding image quality accessible to all such as brightness, colors, depth etc. will Powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4+ image be automatically analyzed with Smart Auto processor, the 20.0 megapixels 1/2.3-type technology. Settings will then be adjusted CCD sensor on both cameras will produce to optimal levels to achieve the best image high-resolution images, even where crop- output. For example, when taking a shot of ping is required. In addition, both camer- the sunset, the camera will emphasize the as are capable of producing HD movie of warm amber hue of the sky so subjects in high clarity in high definition resolution the picture will be evenly exposed. at a cinematic frame rate of 25p (frames per second).

Colors to suit your personality Encased within attractive and slim de- The IXUS 170 will be available in Black, signs, the IXUS 170 has a 12x zoom lens Silver and Blue, while the IXUS 160 will with a 25-300mm range while the IXUS feature in Black, White and Red.

F R I D AY : M A R C H 0 6 : 2 0 1 5

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

C7

PEOPLE ...ARE TALKING ABOUT

GMA SAVP for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago – Lara, GMA SVP for Entertainment Lilybeth G. Rasonable, LJ Reyes, Perry P. Lansigan

Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Chynna Ortaleza, Gigi Santiago – Lara

“MUSIC OF MARCH” AT CASINO FILIPINO

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From C7

All shows start at 9:00 p.m. For more details, call the PAGCOR Entertainment and Bingo Department at (02) 708-2046 or (02) 526-0337 loc. 2401 to 2403 or visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/ casinofilipino, www.facebook.com/ pagcorartists, www.twitter.com/casinofilipino. ★★★★★ Chynna Ortaleza and LJ Reyes renewed exclusive contracts with GMA Network as well as with GMA Artist Center.

Ervic Vijandre on the other hand, is the newest addition to the GMA Artist Center family as he signed a management contract with the Network’s talent management arm.

Present in the contract-signing were GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara and GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer.

Chynna has been with Artist Center for 14 years now, and she is filled with gratitude and high spirits as she remains to be part of the GMA family. “Mahirap iwanan yung kung saan ka nagsimula nung bata ka pa. Yung ganong klaseng bonding, ganung klaseng pamilya,” she shares.

New to the Artist Center family is Ervic who is very excited for the project, Kailan Ba Tama Ang Mali. During the contract signing, he expressed that he’s happy to sign up with GMAAC. “Kapuso talaga ako. Wala akong balak na pumunta kahit saan kung hindi doon sa pinaka the best na station, GMA Network.”

And LJ, who has also been a faithful Kapuso, treats GMA Network as her second home. “Ang sarap kasi siyempre, parang pamilya ko talaga ‘tong GMA. Feeling ko dito na ‘ko tatanda. Parang yung signing, celebration lang ng new chapter ulit ng career ko, ng relationship ko with the network,” she reveals.

It was a poignant moment seeing Bong Revilla hugging his weeping son who’s recuperating in his hospital bed. The scene looks as if directly lifted from a heavy drama series. But going back to the real issue, the young Revilla’s camp has vehemently denied that he attempted suicide. They are ready to prove that with the ballistic and medical results. But we’re just really wondering how someone, who has a license to own a gun, accidentally shot himself while cleaning it.

PAOLO BALLESTEROS

Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Ervic Vijandre, Gigi Santiago – Lara Jolo Revilla in the hospital

atrons and guests of Casino Filipino (CF) will be treated this month to free entertainment shows featuring some of the country’s best performers.

Among the artists who will perform in the different CF venues are Jaya, Christian Bautista, Karylle, and KZ Tandingan.

To add variety and fun to its monthly entertainment line-up, Casino Filipino will also have shows featuring some of the country’s best comedians like Willie Nepomuceno, Pokwang, K Brosas, and Pooh.

Bong Quintana, PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President for Entertainment said their monthly theme ‘Music of March’ is a special prelude to summer. “We always associate summer with fun. That is what we want to exactly give to our patrons who will visit our different CF venues through the special shows that we have lined up for the month,” he said.

Quintana likewise cited that featuring great talents in its gaming venues is a testament to Casino Filipino’s commitment to offer its guests nothing but the best entertainment.

“Because they are important to us, our goal is to always give them an entertainment experience like no othe,” he added.

K Brosas and Pooh kickedoff the entertainment offerings for March with a show in CF Malate on March 5. Meanwhile, Bautista and Karylle will serenade CF Pavilion guests today. Also, Jaya will perform at Ronquillo Satellite today. Tomorrow, Nepomuceno will entertain the guests at CF Tagaytay.

Other performers who will add excitement to Casino Filipino’s entertainment offerings are Yam Concepcion and Meg Imperial on March 11 (Pavilion); Pokwang on March 12 (Angeles); singer-songwriter Aiza Seguerra on March 13 (Cebu); standup comedian Le Chaz with AJ Tamiza and the Mistresses Mia, Angel and Mariko on March 13 (Malabon Satellite); and KZ Tandingan on March 13 (Tagum Satellite).

JOLO REVILLA

The “make-up transformation king” has taken the Internet by storm and is likely to make more buzzes as he stars in his own movie. Paolo top-bills Die Beautiful, an indie movie selected by the Hong Kong Asian Film Financing Forum for funding assistance. The comedy-drama is about a Filipino trans-woman (who loves to impersonate celebrities) with the dying wish to be buried as Lady Gaga. He can easily ace the make-up part for sure, but for the acting, that we still need to see.

AIKO MELENDEZ

The inactive politician and actress must do a lot of indie movies because in this field, people still see her as a relevant star.

Recently, Aiko validated her acting skills when she was declared best actress at the 7th International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema held in London. Aiko was given the Best Actress in a Foreign Language Film award for her performance in Asintado beating out big stars from other countries.

The many faces of Paolo Ballesteros

Aiko Melendez wins Best Actress in London

...ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT

ALJUR ABRENICA

The Machete star surprised everybody after he appeared on Sunday All Stars over the weekend. But no, he and the network haven’t settled yet but the latter just allowed the actor to appear on the show as he still has a live contract with them. Aljur has definitely felt the financial blow caused by his rebellion, now all he needs to do is to raise a white flag and cooperate with his mother network. Problem solved.

Aljur Abrenica back on GMA7?

DINGDONG DANTES Dingdong Dantes replaced in Ponzi

In a recent presscon, the actor was clueless why he’s no longer doing the movie under Regal Films called Ponzi. Apparently, the film producer who asked him to do the film first felt he wasn’t keen on doing it when he accepted the teleserye assignment from his mother network, so she decided to take John Lloyd Cruz’s service instead.

Though the producer’s unprofessionalism was definitely at play, it’s easy to understand. Lloydie can assure him of a much better box office turn out.

HALIK SA HANGIN

Star Cinema tried to do away with its usual rom-com and family drama formula with a romantic mystery thriller. It starred Julia Montes, Gerald Anderson, and JC de Vera in a love triangle full of confusion and devoid of logic. The film was able to capture the beauty of Baguio, where the film was entirely shot, but failed miserably in capturing the hearts of moviegoers. As a result, even this early, Halik sa Hangin is a perfect candidate for one of the biggest box office bombs of 2015.

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

‘INDAY BOTE’ REDUX SIMPLY RED ISAH V. RED If you were growing up in the 80s, you must have watch the Regal Films photoplay Inday Bote with Maricel Soriano, Richard Gomez, and William Martinez. It was one of the funniest fi lms of the late Luciano (Chaning) Carlos, Dolphy’s favorite director then and among the early fi lms of now Philippine cinema’s iconic leading man Gomez.

Roderick Paulate played one of the duwende (dwarves) along with Balot and Dely Atay-atayan.

Now, ABS-CBN is set to give primetime viewers a magical and inspirational viewing experience as it breathes new life into the masterpiece of veteran komiks novelist Pablo Gomez.

The revivified Inday Bote features Alex Gonzaga, younger sister of Toni.

Both of them are with ABS-CBN. For a time Alex was with TV5, but when her contract with the Kapatid network expired, a couple of years back, she joined her sister in the Kapamilya network.

Inday Bote is the story of Inday, a free spirit ready to do everything for her family. Because of her kind heart, Inday is given a magic bottle that, unknown to her, is inhabited by dwarves with magical powers.

How will the dwarves and magic bottle change Inday’s life? Will they bring her luck or misfortune?

The series introduces the newest Kapamilya in the person of child actor Alonzo Muhlach. He plays the character of Entoy, one of the dwarves who befriends Inday.

The series also stars Matteo Guidicelli, Kean Cipriano, Alora Sasam, Smokey Manaloto, Nikki Valdez, Malou Crisologo, and Izzy Canillo.

Inday Bote is under the production of Dreamscape Entertainment Television, the group that created top-rating TV masterpieces such as Walang Hanggan, Ina Kapatid Anak, Juan dela Cruz, Ikaw Lamang, and Bagito, which will soon air its finale.

It will soon air on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

ABS-CBN is set to give primetime viewers a magical and inspirational viewing experience as it breathes new life to the masterpiece of veteran komiks novelist Pablo Gomez

Alex Gonzaga plays Inday Bote in the TV remake of the komiks serial by Pablo S. Gomez, a role Maricel Soriano played in the film version in 80s

★★★★★ Phenomenal reality show Pinoy Big Brother marks its tenth anniversary by looking for new housemates for its new season in the auditions today and tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

The “PBB” auditions will be held at the Red Gate Entrance of the coliseum for hopefuls aged 18 to 35 years old today, and for teens aged 13 to 17 years old tomorrow. Make sure to come early as only the first 10,000 auditionees will be accommodated. Auditionees should bring a birth certificate or a valid ID. On both days, the coliseum’s Green Gate Entrance will also serve as venue for auditions for It’s Showtime’s “Mini Me” segment (open to nine-year-old kids or younger, solo or group) and “That’s My Tomboy” (open to participants 18 years old and up), as well as the second season of The Voice Kids Season 2 (open to kids aged seven to 13).

Maalaala Mo Kaya will hold a story gathering for those who want to share their life stories, while Star Magic will look for new talents with potential.

ABS-CBN’s Grand Kapamilya Audition Caravan will also be conducted in other parts of the country, such as Pacific Mall Mandaue in Cebu (March 13 and 14), Pacific Mall Lucena in Lucena City (March 20 and 21), Robinsons Place Santiago in Isabela (March 28 and 29), KCC Mall in General Santos City (April 17 and 18), and Abreeza Mall in Davao (April 24 and 25).

Continued on c7

Alonzo Muhlach is the dwarf that Inday Bote befriends

WHERE IS BINKY LAMPANO? ➜ Turn to C5

Glass Cherry Breakers perform live on Ditty.tv in Memphis PHOTO BY BINKY LAMPANO JR.