The Standard - 2015 April 17 - Friday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 61  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  FRIDAY : APRIL 17, 2015  www.manilastandardtoday.com  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

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Aquino still angry with Marcoses

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Napoles starts sentence

IQBAL UNMASKED: HE’S DATUCAN ABAS Next page

Quick attack. A woman interrupts a news conference by Mario Draghi, president of the European Central Bank, by criticizing the ECB for believing itself the master of the universe and showering him with confetti from her chopped up manifesto. AFP

Painters gun for equalizer

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Redefining The New Sexy

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NEWS

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BIFF, under new head, attacks Army post

By Francisco Tuyay and Sandy Araneta A DAY after naming their new leader following the death of Ameril Umbra Kato on Tuesday, the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters attacked a military position only two weeks after security forces ended an offensive.

Sixth Infantry Division spokesperson Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay said an undetermined number of BIFF rebels attacked the headquarters of the Army’s First Mechanized Brigade at Barangay Kabingi in Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao about 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Petinglay said no one was hurt in the 10-minute sporadic attack nor was there any damage to the armored vehicles at the camp and officials speculated that it may just have been a weak show of force after the BIFF named Esmael Abubakar as their new leader.

Abubakar replaced Kato who died of a heart attack at his hideout in Guindolungan, Maguindanao before dawn Tuesday.

“The BIFF was just trying to make their presence felt with the installation of their new leader, Esmael Abubakar, alias Bungos,” said Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc.

Cabunoc said the BIFF is now at a cross roads because they have to determine the right path after the death of Kato.

“After the death of Kato, would they still want to continue the armed violence, which will not only incite anxiety but pose serious implications to the people in the community,” Cabunoc said.

The attack came as Malacanang said it is unperturbed by the alleged threats of violence made by Moros in connection with the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law. The first statement was made by representatives of the royal houses of Maguindanao who warned that the failure of the BBL to pass Congress “would burn bridges for peace.”

The other one was made during the The Standard Talks in Manila Golf and Country Club, Makati, where a member of the MILF peace panel warned that the Moros do not need the BBL to secede from the country.

“We remain focused on the big picture and that big picture we are looking at is the whole peace process,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. “There have been several changes on groups participating in the peace process, the last one was an agreement made between the Philippine panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Coloma said.

“We are unperturbed by the comments such as those because our focus is on important elements of the peace process,” Coloma also said.

Last Wednesday, a member of the negotiating panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) denied Wednesday that the BBL was a step toward secession as some critics fear, noting that separatists would not need a law to break away from the republic.

Interview. This photo taken on April 14 shows President Benigno Aquino III listening to a question in Manila. In a lengthy interview with AFP this week in Malacañang, Aquino offered rare insights into his struggle to ensure anger did not affect his running of the country. AFP

Cayetano says Iqbal really Datucan Abas

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATE Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said Thursday he is 100 percent sure that Datucan Abas is the real name of Mohagher Iqbal, the chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), based on his criminal records and his school records from the Manuel L. Quezon University in Manila from which he graduated.

Cayetano said Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta was the lawyer of Iqbal and the other leaders of the MILF—Al Hadz Ibrahim Salamat, Aleeem Aziz Mimbantas, Ghadzli Jaafar and Eid Kabalu-when they were charged with multiple murder over the Davao bombings in 2003.

Twenty people died and 143 were injured in the Davao International Airport bombing March 4, 2003. Seventeen were killed and 56 were wounded in the bombing at the Davao City Sasa wharf on April 2, 2003.

Cayetano said he was baffled why government peace chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer told the Senate hearing on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) last April 13 she does not know any case filed against Iqbal, whether under his alias or his real name.

“Remember, Chairman Ferrer said she does not know of any case against Iqbal. I’m just wondering why she did not know because the MILF leadership, including Datucan Abas Mohagher Iqbal, was issued warrants of arrest in connection with the bombings at Sasa Wharf and

Davao Airport. His name was there,” said Cayetano.

Cayetano surmised the government is just hiding these facts because they are negotiating peace—with people who were engaged in bombings.

“Also, they didn’t answer the hard question—is it true that they even targeted civilians like what happened in the Rizal Day bombing, the bombings in bus stations, the Sasa Wharf bombing... maybe, that’s one thing they’re hiding. That’s why, Ferrer and (presidential adviser on peace process Teresita) Deles were saying they’re not terrorists,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano said he also dug into the school records of Iqbal and found that he carried the name Datucan Abas.

He said this name appeared in the certification issued by MLQU acting registrar Norman Guillermo that said the Moro leader obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in April 1969 and a Master of Arts major in Political Science in April 1972.

He also used the name Datucan Abas in his masteral thesis

used the name Datucan Abas, Cayetano said.

Cayetano said there was no need to conceal the true identity of Iqbal because many were in possession of documents showing his real name even as early as 2003.

He said Iqbal’s use of a psuedonym would not be an issue if he admitted his real identity from the start.

Iqbal had told the Senate he was using an alias but refused to reveal his true name for security reasons.

During Monday’s resumption of hearings on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pressed Iqbal to reveal his true name. But Iqbal begged the senators not to compel him to do so, as this might endanger him and his family.

Acosta on Thursday confirmed that Iqbal’s name was Datucan Abas whe he and others were charged for the bombing of Sasa Wharf and the Davao International Airport. The charges were dismissed.

“Iqbal used the name of Datucan Abas,” she said.

“His true name is Datucan Abas. We defended them all who were all in the order of battle, members and officials of the MILF,” she said in a radio interview. – With Florante S. Solmerin and Rio N. Araja

Chairman Ferrer said she does not know of any case against Iqbal. I’m just wondering why she did not know because the MILF leadership, including Datucan Abas Mohagher Iqbal, was issued warrants of arrest in connection with the bombings at Sasa Wharf and Davao Airport. His name was there. entitled, “Muslim Secession in the Philippines.”

There were other documents signed by then Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Joey Lina and then Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) chief Eduardo Ermita showing that Iqbal

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NEWS

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Lawyer tells Senate: VP pocketed shelter fund

By Macon Ramos-Araneta A LAWYER accused Vice President Jejomar Binay Thursday of pocketing P1 billion in kickbacks from low-cost housing projects in Makati City and Calauan, Laguna, but admitted to reporters he didn’t have enough evidence to substantiate his accusations.

“I have a pretty good feeling there was overpricing,” said lawyer Renato Bondal, who testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee that held its 18th hearing to date on allegations of corruption against Binay.

“We have sought the assistance of the Senate committee to subpoena all the documents so that it can also help us determine exactly,” said Bondal, who had run against Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. and lost.

A Binay spokesman, JV Bautista, said Bondal’s computations presented before the Senate came “out of thin air.”

He added that the Langdon and Seah construction cost handbook, which Bondal used as basis to arrive at his conclusion of overpricing, cannot be used in evaluating public works projects.

He added that overpricing had to be technically determined and could not be arrived at through speculative computing.

In his testimony Thursday, Bondal said Binay said got P195 million from the overpricing in the Makati Friendship Suites and P900 million from the Makati HomeVille project in Barangay Dayap, San Isidro, Laguna.

He pointed out that these projects went beyond the threshold price of P50 million for plunder.

Bondal had earlier sued Binay and his son, Mayor Binay of Makati, for plunder and graft, which led the Ombudsman to impose a six-month preventive suspension on the mayor.

Poe closes in on Binay in latest SWS polling By sandy Araneta

SENATOR Grace Poe closed in rapidly on frontrunner Vice President Jejomar Binay in the latest Social Weather Stations survey of top presidential contenders for the 2016 national elections.

Handover. Officials from the National Bureau of Investigation hand over copies of the result of the

NBI’s probe of the Mamasapano incident, in which 44 police commandos were killed in an encounter with Muslim rebels on Jan. 25, in her office on Thursday. DANNy PATA

In the first quarter, Poe gained 10 points from the previous survey to finish second at 31 percent, just five points behind Binay, who lost one point to 36 percent.

Tied for third place were Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, at 15 percent.

Roxas lost four points from the previous survey, while Duterte gained 10 points.

Tied in fourth place were Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago and former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada at 11 percent. Santiago gained one point from the previous survey; Estrada picked up two points.

In fifth place was Senator Francis Escudero, who lost one point to 8 percent.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gained three points to 7 percent for sixth place.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano came in seventh with 4 percent, up one point from the previous survey.

Tied for eight place were former speaker Manny Villar and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, with 3 percent. Villar picked up one point, while Trillanes lost two points.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, with 1 percent, took ninth place, in a tie with Senator Loren Legarda, boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, Senator Franklin Drilon and Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. Some 12 percent of the respondents had no choice for president, while 3 percent said they didn’t know.

SWS said respondents were not given a list to choose from, but were asked to name up to three persons whom they thought should succeed President Benigno Aquino III. The latest survey was conducted from March 20 to 23, using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide, broken down into 300 each from Metro Manila, Balance of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

With Vito Barcelo

Justice report finds MILF, BIFF liable

By Rey E. Requejo

Resumption. Former Makati City residents Edison Rivera,left, and Domingo

Arcilla,right,flank lawyer Renato Bondal as they testify against Vice-President Jejomar Binay during Thursday’s resumption of the Senate hearing on the alleged anomalies committed by Binay. Ey AcAsio

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

THE fact-finding task force created by the Department of Justice has found 90 commanders and members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and private armed groups liable for the death of police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the task force, composed of DOJ prosecutors and National Bureau of Investigation agents, submitted its 224-page report recommending the prosecution of the 90 people who were identified by eyewitnesses and other evidence.

However, the contents of the report, including the

names of those implicated, were not disclosed because De Lima has yet to review the report.

Nonetheless, De Lima only confirmed that a total of 90 members of MILF, BIFF and PAGs were endorsed for preliminary investigation on various criminal charges, which she also did not reveal pending her review.

The Justice Secretary also disclosed that a major eyewitness with the codename “Marathon” and other witnesses were key to the identification of the liable individuals. “(Marathon) and other witnesses identified those who were in the clash in the cornfields in Tukanalipao.

You will see later the discussion of the criminal liabilities of those who participat-

ed in the killing of the SAF members who died in the cornfields,” De Lima said.

“Our team was lucky to get these witnesses,” she said, adding that these witnesses are already under the government’s Witness Protection Program.

De Lima admitted that the report only covers the cases of 35 slain SAF men who belonged to the 55th SAF company that engaged the fighters in the cornfields of Barangay Tukanalipao.

She said the cases of the nine other slain commandos from the 84th SAF Company in Barangay Pidsandawan as well as the five civilians and 18 MILF fighters who were also killed during the clash would be subject of further investigation.

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news

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Still angry vs Marcos, Aquino admits LIKE the bullet embedded in his neck that may kill him if removed, Philippine President Benigno Aquino believes it is safer that some atrocities of his nation’s previous dictatorship remain buried.

But like the thousands who were tortured, jailed or lost relatives during the reign of Ferdinand Marcos a generation ago, Aquino is still seething.

In a lengthy interview with AFP this week from the presidential palace that was once the domain of his nemesis, Aquino offered rare insights into his struggle to ensure anger did not impact his running of the country.

“I am 55 years old right now. I cannot act like I am a hot-headed 16-year-old,” Aquino said when asked to reflect on the Marcos dictatorship.

“It doesn’t mean I don’t have emotions. It doesn’t mean I’m not frustrated. It doesn’t mean I am not angry. But I do know that letting go of my emotions does have serious repercussions.”

The power struggle between the Marcos and Aquino families has created one of Asia’s great political rivalries, with betrayals, murders and family secrets worthy of a Shakespeare plot.

The duelling began with Aquino’s father and namesake leading the democracy movement that sought to end Marcos’s martial law in the 1970s.

Marcos infamously ruled the Southeast Asian nation with the aid of the United States, his theatrical wife, Imelda, and omnipresent security personnel who were willing to abduct, torture and kill for their boss.

But the deadly shooting of the elder democracy-champion Aquino at Manila airport in 1983 as he returned from exile proved to be the dictator’s undoing.

The assassination triggered national outrage that launched the victim’s wife, Corazon, into the leadership of a suddenly powerful opposition.

In 1986, the previously timid housewife led millions onto the streets in what became known as the “People Power” revolution that forced the Marcos family to flee aboard a US military plane to exile in Hawaii.

Corazon Aquino had a tumultuous six years as president, surviving coup attempts by military figures who were once loyal to Marcos, then to her, then only to themselves.

The Philippines endured many more years of political chaos after she stepped down in 1992, as Imelda Marcos and her children returned home and began plotting their return to power.

One Good Vote. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle takes up a point with former ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta de Villa of Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting during the launching of One Good Vote, a campaign against vote buying, at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila on Thursday. DANNY PATA

DFA to confirm China missiles

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Foreign Affairs said it has yet to confirm that China would deploy radar and missile systems in reefs it claimed in the South China Sea to avoid escalating tensions in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The DFA, however, declined to comment further on the statement of US military commander for Asia Admiral Samuel Locklear who described as “aggressive” the land reclamation and construction projects China has been conducting at eight military outposts in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, Secretary Albert del Rosario said he would seek clarification from United States officials on a plan by Washington to deploy more air and naval assets to the Asia Pacific region.

Del Rosario wants to find out more details on this when he travels to Washington and to find out more

about what these plans involved.

“We welcome this but we have not talked about to what extent this would happen,” the DFA chief said.

Del Rosario said Manila and Washington have not been engaged in discussion over this as it is the first time that it has heard of such plan.

The Philippines is seeking more “substantive” support from its longtime security ally United States on how to counter China’s rapid expansion in the South China Sea. China’s rapid reclamation around seven reefs in the Spratly archipelago of the South China Sea has alarmed claimants, including the Philippines and Vietnam, and drawn growing criticism from US government officials and the military.

Locklear said that the work in the disputed areas involved “fairly massive” reclamation in the Spratly archipelago and upgrades to facilities in the Paracel Islands.

The building in the Spratlys included better berthing space for ships, as well as what was presumed to be an airfield on the Fiery Cross Reef, Locklear, head of the US Pacific Command, said in testimony to the House Armed Services Committee.

It would allow China to deploy more patrol ships in the area and to base and resupply them, he said.

“It allows them to exert basically greater influence over what’s now a contested area. Expanded land features down there also could eventually lead to the deployment of things such as long-range radars, military, and advanced missile systems,” he said.

“And it might be a platform if they ever wanted to establish an air defense zone.”

Western and Asian naval officials have expressed fears that China could also try to limit sea navigation once the reclaimed islands are fully established.

Palace refuses to speculate on ‘leak’ of Espina resignation

By Florante Solmerin and Sandy Araneta

United Visayans. Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (5th from left) join a moment

of solidarity with mayors of Cebu province during a breakfast fellowship at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. The mayors are (from left) Dean Michael Singlo of Gelatilan, Sigfred Duterte of Tabogon, Aly Arguillano of San Francisco, Teresa Alegado of Consolacion, Democrito Diamente of Taburan, Raymund Joseph Calderon of Samboan, Luciano Rama Jr. of Poro, Ronald Celaren of Oslob, Jesus Fernandez of Pilar, Merlou Derama of Boliron, and Nicomedes De Los Santos of Ahoy. VER NOVENO

REPORTS of the supposed resignation of Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina as officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police emerged late Wednesday, but the Palace declined to comment because officials had no information to that effect.

“It would not be fair to speculate,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. a day after reports, citing unnamed sources, claimed Espina had resigned. “We do not have any particular information about it.”

“What we know is that the process on deciding or the process of vetting or considering possible candidates for the position of PNP chief is still continuing,” Coloma said.

The PNP also had no record of the supposed resignation and PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr.

said that if it were true people in the PNP would know.

“There is nothing like that in the official records of the PNP. You can see where that report came from. This supposedly happened in March alleged, but why did it come out only now?” Cerbo said.

“Normally, if there is a resignation, it will be through channels. It will pass through many people,” he added.

Cerbo also said the alleged resignation of Espina has no logic because the National Police Commission recently authorized Espina for additional authority as officerin-charge.

Recently, Napolcom vice-chairman Eduardo Escueta said that Resolution No. 2015-106 authorizes Espina to approve and issue permits to import/transport ammunition, explosives, firearms of any type/ caliber, weapons systems and accessories attached or pertaining to air, naval and land assets.

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NEWS

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Napoles starts jail term “Jojo” Lim to detain Luy in a house in Lapu Lapu Street in Magallanes Village, Makati City from December 19, 2012 to March 22, 2013.

“Janet ordered the detention of Benhur on suspicion that he was defrauding her of her collections from the allocated PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) of certain legislators. Without hesitation and getting orders from Janet, Jojo held Benhur captive against his will which lasted for three months. The detention of Benhur deprived him of his liberty,” the court decision stated.

The court said that while Benhur was under detention, Napoles had all the opportunity to order his brother Reynald to release him (Benhur) but did not.

“Instead, she opted not to be visible and in fact disappeared from the scene and after the December 19, 2012 incident. She cannot feign ignorance of the whereabouts and actual condition of Benhur because the places because the places where he was brought and detained belonged to her. She (Napoles) also ignored the pleas of Benhur’s family to release him.”

“Clearly, Janet had ample opportunity to order the release of Benhur ais he wanted to but she never did. She did not make any effort to perform an act to detach herself from the conspiracy to commit the crime that would exempt her from criminal liability. Clearly, she willingly agreed to be part of the conspiracy with her brother Jojo (Reynald). Her inaction can be construed as assent to their evil deeds,” the decision said.

The serious illegal detention case is separate from the plunder charges filed against Napoles, tagged as the mastermind in the P10-billion pork barrel, with the Sandiganbayan. Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada were also indicted for their alleged involvement in the illegal diversion of billions of pesos from PDAF into bogus organizations.

By Joel E. Zurbano

Janet Lim Napoles has started serving her 40-year jail term at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City after a Makati City court found her guilty of illegal detention filed against her by her cousin Benhur Luy two years ago.

Napoles, who is also charged with plunder for the P10-billion pork barrel scam, arrived at the correctional facility around 1:40 a.m. and was escorted by personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology from the Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Insp. Aries Villaester, BJMP spokesman, said Napoles underwent medical examination at the correctional before taking her fingerprints and mugshot photo.

The other day, Napoles through a lawyer said he would file a motion to block her transfer from the Taguig camp to the Mandaluyong facility.

Dr. Elenita Patac, officer in charge of the prison, said there will be no special treatment for Napoles. She added the businesswoman will initially spend two months at the reception dormitory of the correctional for her to adjust.

On Tuesday, Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda sentenced Napoles to life imprisonment or 40 years in jail in connection with the serious illegal detention case filed by Luy, the principal witness in the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

In a 26-page decision, Alameda found Napoles guilty of conspiring with her brother Reynald

InvItatIon to BId for the re-BIddIng of Supply and delIvery of three (3) lotS employeeS’ unIformS under ITB No. 04-17-2015 The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is inviting all interested bidders in its forthcoming public bidding for the Re-bidding of Supply and Delivery of Three (3) Lots Employees’ Uniforms under ITB No. 04-17-2015.

Brief Description

LOT

Delivery Schedule

LOT

1

2

Final call to leave Yemen, Libya THE Philippine government on Thursday sounded the final alarm for Filipinos still in Yemen and Libya to make use of the government’s repatriation program and leave the two war-torn countries immediately. To evacuate them later would put the Philippine team and embassy personnel at risk, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The repatriation of Filipinos in Yemen continues even after another group of 21 Filipinos and one foreigner, traveled from Sana’a and were expected to cross the Yemeni-Saudi border.

With this latest group, the total number of Filipinos evacuated from Yemen reached 537.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario earlier said he was mulling over setting a deadline for the Filipinos holding out in Yemen.

However, he said the government will exert all its efforts to bring all Filipino workers out of Yemen. Vito Barcelo

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invitation to Bid for the supply and delivery of various loCal spare parts for the repair and maintenanCe of eleCtroniC GaminG maChines under ITB No. 04-18-2015 The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is inviting all interested bidders in its forthcoming public bidding for the Supply and Delivery of Various Local Spare Parts for the Repair and Maintenance of Electronic Gaming Machines under ITB No.04-18-2015.

QUANTITY

1 Lot

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Various Local Spare Parts for the Repair and Maintenance of Electronic Gaming Machines

Source of Funds:

Internally Funded

Bidders should have completed, within the last three (3) yearsbefore 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. 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) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

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

All particulars relative to the Pre-Bid Conference, Detailed Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its IRR. The schedule of activities is listed, as follows:

Issuance of the Bidding Documents

POLO for Male Supervisory BLOUSE for Female Supervisory

2,014 pcs.

c.

POLO for Male Non-Supervisory

22,997 pcs.

d.

BLOUSE for Female Non- Supervisory

10,278 pcs.

e.

POLO for Male Dealers

10,440 pcs.

f.

BLOUSE for Female Dealers

Schedule

a. b.

DARK GRAY - GSED

3,720 pcs.

c.

GREEN – Treasury

1,022 pcs.

d.

BLUISH GRAY – Security

e.

BLACK – Entertainment Dept.

f.

ORANGE – Bingo Dept.

g.

BROWN - Property

Pre-Bid Conference

April 24, 2015 (Fri), 10:00 a.m.

3.

Deadline for the Submission and Receipt of Bids

May 6, 2015 (Wed), 2:00 p.m.

4.

Opening and Preliminary Examination of Bids

May 6, 2015 (Wed), 2:00 p.m., onwards

12 pcs.

282 pcs.

54 pcs.

508 pcs.

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF UNIFORMS FOR NURSES and SANITATION AIDES 120 sets a. POLO and PANTS for Male Nurses 174 sets

b.

BLOUSE and PANTS for Female Nurses

c.

BLAZER for Female Senior Nurses

d.

BLAZER for Male Senior Nurses

e.

BLAZER, INNER BLOUSE and PANTS for Healthcare Nurses

24 pcs.

7 pcs.

28 sets

f.

POLO for Male Sanitation Aide

231 pcs.

g.

BLOUSE for Female Sanitation Aide

289 pcs.

h.

VEST for Female Sanitation Aide

169 pcs.

DESCRIPTION

DELIVERY SCHEDULE Metro Manila Branches: Within ninety (90) calendar days from the effectivity date specified in the Notice to Proceed; Provincial Branches: Within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF from the effectivity date specified in the Notice to CORPORATE UNIFORMS Proceed; Buffers: Within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the effectivity date specified in the Notice to Proceed; Total quantity to be delivered within ninety (90) SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF calendar days from the effectivity date specified in COLLARED SHIRTS the Notice to Proceed; Metro Manila Branches: Within ninety (90) calendar days from the effectivity date specified in the Notice to Proceed; Provincial Branches: SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF Within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days UNIFORMS FOR NURSES from the effectivity date specified in the Notice to Proceed; and SANITATION AIDES Buffers: Within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the effectivity date specified in the Notice to Proceed;

The total ABC is Twenty-Nine Million Nine Hundred Seventeen Thousand Five Hundred Fifteen Pesos and 64/100, (PhP 29,917,515.64), VAT-Exclusive, Zero-Rated Transaction.

LOT

DESCRIPTION

Source of Funds:

APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT (ABC) VAT-Exclusive, Zero Rated Transaction

1

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF CORPORATE UNIFORMS

TWENTY-SIX MILLION FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SIXTY PESOS AND 91/100 (PhP 26,526,660.91)

2

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF COLLARED SHIRTS

TWO MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY-THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY PESOS (PhP 2,743,250.00)

3

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF UNIFORMS FOR NURSES and SANITATION AIDES

SIX HUNDRED FORTY-SEVEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FOUR PESOS AND 73/100 (PhP 647,604.73)

Internally Funded

NOTE: Bidders may bid on one or all of the lots.

Bidders should have completed, within the last three (3) years before 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. 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) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

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

All particulars relative to Pre-Bid Conference, Detailed Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its IRR. The schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Activities

April 17, 2015 (Friday) to May 6, 2015 (Wed)

2.

3,410 pcs.

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF COLLARED SHIRTS – 10,973 pcs.

5,375 pcs.

MAROON – Slot Machine

The ABC for each of the three (3) lots are as follows:

Two Million One Hundred EightySeven Thousand Eleven Pesos and 80/100 (PhP2,187,011.80)

Within thirty (30) calendar days from the effectivitydate specified in the Notice to Proceed

1.

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC):

4,808 pcs.

a. b.

APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT (VAT EXCLUSIVE, ZERO RATED TRANSACTION)

DELIVERY SCHEDULE

Activities

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF CORPORATE UNIFORMS

2

3

QTY.

DESCRIPTION

1

1. Issuance of the Bidding Documents 2. Pre-Bid Conference 3. Deadline for the Submission and Receipt of Bids 4. Opening and Preliminary Examination of Bids

Schedule April 17, 2015 (Fri.) to May 11, 2015 (Mon.) April 27, 2015 (Mon), 2:00 p.m.

May 11, 2015 (Mon), 2:00 p.m.

May 11, 2015 (Mon), 2:00 p.m. onwards

Complete details of the project are indicated in the bid documents which will be available to prospective bidders at the Bids and Awards Services Department (BASD), upon payment of the non-refundable bidding fee in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00).

Complete details of the project are indicated in the bidding documents which will be available to prospective bidders at the Bids and Awards Services Department (BASD), upon payment of the non-refundable bidding fee based on the following matrix from the address below:

Prospective bidders may also download the Bidding Documents free of charge from the following websites: www.pagcor.ph and www.philgeps.gov.ph and may be allowed to submit bids provided that bidders shall pay the non-refundable bidding fee not later than the date of the submission of bids. The Pre-bid Conference is open to all prospective bidders. Prospective bidders should present to PAGCOR’s Cashier located at the Sixth(6th) Floor, PAGCOR Corporate Office, M.H. del PilarStreet corner Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila either the Bidding Fee Slip which may be secured from the BASD or a copy of this ITB in effecting payment for the Bidding Documents. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Cost of Bidding Documents Approved Budget for the Contract (in Philippine Pesos) 500,000.00 and below 500.00 More than 500,000.00 up to 1 Million 1,000.00 More than 1 Million up to 5 Million 5,000.00 More than 5 Million up to 10 Million 10,000.00 More than 10 Million up to 50 Million 25,000.00 Prospective bidders may also download the Bidding Documents free of charge from the following websites: www.pagcor.ph and www.philgeps.gov.ph and may be allowed to submit bids provided that bidders shall pay the nonrefundable bidding fee not later than the date of the submission of bids. The Pre-bid Conference is open to all prospective bidders. Prospective bidders should present to PAGCOR’s Cashier located at the Sixth (6th) Floor, PAGCOR Corporate Office, M.H. del Pilar Street corner Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila either the Bidding Fee Slip which may be secured from BASD or a copy of this ITB in effecting payment for the Bidding Documents. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

PAGCOR assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids.

In accordance with Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) Circular 06-2005 - Tie-Breaking Method, the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) 2 shall use a non-discretionary and non-discriminatory measure based on sheer luck or chance, which is “DRAW LOTS,” in the event that two or more bidders have been post-qualified and determined as the bidder having the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid (LCRB) to determine the final bidder having the LCRB, based on the following procedures: 1.

2.

In alphabetical order, the bidders shall pick one rolled paper.

The lucky bidder who would pick the paper with a “CONGRATULATIONS” remark shall be declared as the final bidder having the LCRB and recommended for award of the contract.

PAGCOR reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid, and to annul the bidding process and reject all Bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

Please address all communications to the Bids and Awards Committee thru BASD, Room 203, Second (2nd) Floor, PAGCOR House, 1330 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, Tel No.: 524-3911, 521-1542 local 223/571.

PAGCOR assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids.

In accordance with Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) Circular 06-2005 - Tie-Breaking Method, the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) 4 shall use a non-discretionary and non-discriminatory measure based on sheer luck or chance, which is “DRAW LOTS,” in the event that two or more bidders have been post-qualified and determined as the bidder having the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid (LCRB) to determine the final bidder having the LCRB, based on the following procedures: 1. In alphabetical order, the bidders shall pick one rolled paper.

2. The lucky bidder who would pick the paper with a “CONGRATULATIONS” remark shall be declared as the final bidder having the LCRB and recommended for award of the contract.

PAGCOR reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid, and to annul the bidding process and reject all Bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

Please address all communications to the Bids and Awards Committee thru BASD, Room 203, Second Floor, PAGCOR House, 1330 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, Tel No.: 524-3911, 523-0577 and 521-1542 local 223/617.

LIZETTE F. MORTEL (sgd) Chairperson Bids and awards Committee (BaC) 2

(Sgd.) RODERICK R. CONSOLACION Chairperson Bids and awards Committee (BaC) 4

(TS-Apr. 17, 2015)

(TS-Apr. 17, 2015)

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE UPGRADING OF THE PANITAN-NABAS 138 KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT, WITH PRAYER FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ERC CASE NO. 2014-181 RC NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (NGCP), Applicant, x-------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on December 12, 2014, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) filed with the Commission an application for the approval of the upgrading of the Panitan-Nabas 138 kV Transmission Line Project, with prayer for the issuance of a provisional authority.

In the said application, NGCP alleged, among others, the following: 1.

It is a corporation created and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with principal office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City. It is the corporate vehicle of the consortium which was awarded the concession to assume the power transmission functions of the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) pursuant to Republic Act No. 9136 (R.A. 9135), otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or the EPIRA. It was also awarded by Congress a franchise under R.A. 9511 (NGCP Franchise) to operate, manage, and maintain the nationwide transmission system of the Republic of the Philippines.

STATEMENT OF THE CASE

2.

3.

One of its functions and responsibilities enumerated in Section 9 of the EPIRA is to “improve and expand its transmission facilities, consistent with the Grid Code and the Transmission Development Plan (TDP) to be promulgated pursuant to this Act, to adequately serve generation companies, distribution utilities and suppliers requiring transmission service and/or ancillary services through the transmission system: Provided, That TRANSCO (now NGCP) shall submit any plan for expansion or improvement of its facilities for approval by the ERC.” Pursuant to its Franchise, it is also authorized to construct, install, finance, manage, improve, expand, operate, maintain, rehabilitate, repair and refurbish the present nationwide transmission system; In accordance with its mandate to ensure and maintain the quality, reliability, adequacy, security, stability and integrity of the Grid, it seeks authority from the Commission to immediately approve the implementation of the proposed upgrading of the Panitan-Nabas 138 kV Transmission Line Project (the Project), which aims, among others, to meet the transmission capacity requirements of capacity additions and load centers; STATEMENT OF FACTS Brief Background

4.

5.

6.

7.

In November 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda with maximum sustained winds of 235 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center with gustiness of 275 kph, hit the Philippines and devastated many areas in Visayas. The Panitan-Nabas 138 kV Transmission Line was one of the most damaged transmission lines, wherein 128 transmission towers toppled and were damaged; Typhoon Yolanda was an exceptionally powerful tropical cyclone. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), a joint United States Navy - United States Air Force Task Force, responsible for issuing tropical cyclone warnings in the South Pacific Ocean, considered Yolanda as the strongest storm ever recorded to make landfall and the fourth most intense tropical cyclone ever observed in terms of wind speed; As such, the wind velocities carried by Typhoon Yolanda surpassed the wind velocity design of the said transmission lines, which was at 240 kph based on the three wind zones described in Appendix A (Basic Wind Speed on Various Wind Zones for the Philippines) of the 2008 Philippine Electrical Code Part 2; Based on the analysis conducted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the trend of tropical cyclone occurrence or passage within the Philippine area of responsibility shows that there will be no increase in number of tropical cyclones per year, however, there will be an increase in number of tropical cyclones with maximum sustained winds of greater than 150 kph and above (typhoon category).1 In view of these, NGCP considered new wind design criteria for new overhead transmission lines in Visayas;

8.

The temporary structures such as Emergency Restoration System (ERS) were installed in order to address the power requirements of the customers connected to Nabas Substation, i.e. Boracay Island, Antique Electric Cooperative and Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO). This interim scheme allowed NGCP to establish a by-pass transmission line that linked the remaining undamaged portions of the 138 kV line and provided transmission link towards Isabel Substation;

9.

However, the temporary scheme has a limited transfer capacity of 100 MW due to the use of smaller conductor size of 1 x 336.4 MCM ACSR. Furthermore, the ERS may not be able to withstand any typhoon even with lesser wind velocities that will pass the Visayas, hence, making it highly susceptible to damage which could lead to widespread power interruption;

10. Thus, there is an urgent need to implement the Project.

Brief Project Description 11. The project involves the construction of 123 new steel tower structures along Panitan-Nabas 138 kV line adopting a new wind design criteria of 270 kph (from 240 kph). The typical tower design parameters for the proposed transmission line structures are as follows: 1

Published on PAGASA website: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/climate-agromet/ climate-change-in-the-Philippines/116-climate-change-in-the-philippines/594current-climate-and-observed-trends

Proposed Upgrading of Panitan-Nabas 138 kV Transmission Lines Tower Type Suspension/ Tension/ Line Angle Wind Span Dead End (Degree) DT1sus-Z1-138 Suspension 0-2 400 DT1ten5-Z1-138 Suspension/Tension 0-5 400 DT1ten15-Z1-138 Tension 0-15 400 DT1ten-Z1-138 Tension 0-45 400 DT1de45-Z1-138 Dead End 0-45 300 12. These towers shall require construction of new foundations suitable for the new wind design criteria.

Existing limits for the rights-of-way for the PanitanNabas 138 kV line shall be utilized. However, additional rights-of-way may be required, as other towers shall be located at new sites to be able to construct new foundations; Project Cost Estimate 13. The estimated cost of the Project is Nine Hundred Thirty-Three Million Seven Hundred Seventy-Four Thousand One Hundred Ninety-One and 90/100 Pesos (PhP933,774,191.90); Justification 14. The temporary scheme employed has a limited transfer capacity of 100 MW. Moreover, the by-pass lines are supported mostly by steel pole structures designed for lower voltage level. Hence, the design capability of the bypass lines to maintain the required line clearances is limited. As a result, swinging of transmission line conductors due to strong winds causes fault along the line as the energized conductors may come in contact with nearby vegetation. There is higher possibility of outage due to line to ground fault which will result to overloading of the transformers and load curtailment at Panitan Substation; 15. The proposed project shall have the following justifications for implementation: a.

To minimize exposure to fault along the temporary bypass lines for the Panitan-Nabas 138 kV lines. Thus, there will be minimal load curtailment and interruption of power delivery towards the loads being served by Nabas Substation should there be an outage of the single-circuit Panitan-Nabas 138 kV line;

b)

To increase the maximum transfer capacity of the Panitan-Nabas 138 kV line to 180 MW; and

c)

It may be able to retrieve the temporary structures used for the by-pass lines to ensure sufficient availability of temporary structures for future emergency use.

Allegation in Support of the Prayer for Provisional Approval 16. The power restoration activities undertaken in Panitan-Nabas 138 kV line involved the use of ERS, lightweight modular towers and steel pole structures designed for lower voltage level; 17. There is an urgent need to implement the Project to construct permanent towers and put up conductors along Panitan-Nabas 138 kV transmission line in order to upgrade the line and minimize fault exposure which will eventually result to load curtailment in Panit-an Substation and interruption of power; 18. It will help achieve the maximum transfer capacity of 180 MW along Panitan-Nabas 138 kV Transmission Line; 19. Due to the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Yolanda, it was constrained to borrow steel pole structures from its district offices to use for the bypass line in Panay. Thus, it needs to retrieve the temporary structures used for the by-pass lines to ensure sufficient availability of temporary structures for future emergency use, not only in Panay, but also in other provinces; 20. There is a need to file an application with prayer for issuance of a provisional authority (PA) before the Commission to be able to implement the project; 21. A copy of the Judicial Affidavit of Engr. Christian Ereño, Head of the Visayas System Planning Division of NGCP is attached to the application as Annex ‘B’: and 22. lt prays that the Commission: a.

Issue, immediately upon filing of the application, a provisional authority for the implementation of the upgrading of the Panitan-Nabas 138 kV transmission line project; and

b.

Approve, after notice and hearing, the application for the implementation of the upgrading of the Panitan-Nabas 138 kV transmission line project; and render judgment making the provisional approval permanent.

The Commission has set the application for jurisdictional hearing, expository presentation, pre-trial conference and evidentiary hearing on May 26, 2015 (Tuesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) at the ERC Hearing Room, 15th Floor, Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the proceeding may become a party by filing, at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements in the ERC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, a verified petition with the Commission giving the docket number and title of the proceeding and stating: (1) the petitioner’s name and address; (2) the nature of petitioners interest in the subject matter of the proceeding, and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and (3) a statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the proceeding may file their opposition to the application or comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before the applicant concludes the presentation of its evidence.

No particular form of opposition or comment is required, but the document, letter or writing should contain the name and address of such person and a concise statement of the opposition or comment and the grounds relied upon.

All such persons who may wish to have a copy of the application may request the applicant, prior to the date of the initial hearing, that they be furnished with a copy of the application. The applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the application and its attachments, subject to reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Likewise, any such person may examine the application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the usual office hours.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson, ZENAIDA G. CRUZ-DUCUT, and the Honorable Commissioners, GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, ALFREDO J. NON, and JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 16th day of March, 2015 at Pasig City.

ATTY. FRANCIS SATURNINO C. JUAN Executive Director III The New Standard – April 10 & 17, 2015

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editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Send Pemberton to regular jail, high court asked

By Rey Requejo

The Supreme Court has been asked to order the transfer of US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton from Camp Aguinaldo to a regular civilian detention facility while he is being tried for the murder of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude.

In their 32-page petition, Laude’s sisters—Marilou and Mesehilda— appealed to the SC to reverse two orders earlier issued by Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 Judge Roline Jinez-Jabalde denying their requests to have Pemberton jailed in a regular civilian facility.

The petitioners claimed that Jabalde committed grave abuse of discretion when the judge dismissed their motion.

In her order dated December 23, 2014, Jabalde junked the request of the Laude family for violating the threeday notice rule of the Rules of Court requiring the conformity of the public prosecutor in any pleading filed by a private complainant with the court in the criminal proceeding.

The second petition was filed by the family last January 9, but it was again cast aside by the court in February 18.

However, the Laude sisters asserted that the judge committed grave abuse of discretion when she used the three-day notice rule as the reason for junking their petition adding that the rule is not absolute.

“The three-day notice rule is not absolute. Its rationale is satisfied when there is an opportunity to be heard which was clearly present in the hearing for these two motions,” the petition said.

“A liberal construction of the procedural rules is proper where the lapse in the literal observance of a rule of procedure has not prejudiced the adverse party and has not deprived the court of its authority,” the petitioners added.

Even the SC has ruled in previous cases that the purpose for the 3-day notice rule is fulfilled when there is an opportunity to be heard, the petitioners said.

2 suspects in date-rape drug sued

by NBI TWO suspects nabbed by the National Bureau of Investigation for selling new date-rape drug Gamma Hydroxybutyrate were charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday.

Model Mica Anatacio and her Nigerian friend Balogun Ashimiyu were brought before Assistant State Prosecutor Mark Estepa for inquest proceedings on charges of violation of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Anatacio and Ashimiyu were arrested last Wednesday during drug operation in Mandaluyong City.

GHB, known as liquid ecstasy, is being sold in the market for P10,000 per 100 milliliters, an NBI officer said. Women in clubs and bars are the common victims of the new drug that’s also known as “G,” “Liquid X,” “Liquid E,” “Georgia Home Boy,” “Juice,” “Mils,” “Liquid G,” and “Fantasy.”

Rey Requejo

Sour prospects. Refined sugar in Metro Manila

is getting prohibitive with prices rising because of strong demand from P2,094 per 50-kilogram bag as of April 1 to P2,180 as of April 16, according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration. MANNY PALMERO

Tiamzons cleared of abduction raps THE Quezon City Regional Trial Court has junked one of the two abduction charges filed against suspected Communist leader, Benito Tiamzon, and his wife, Wilma Austria, over the failure of a prosecution witnesscomplainant to appear during the pre-trial hearing.

In a hearing at the Philippine National Police-Training Service building at Camp Crame, RTC Branch 81 dismissed the criminal charge after a complainant Sgt. John Jacob failed to appear in court.

The Tiamzons are detained at the Custodial Center, also inside the camp, but the court transferred the trial venue from the QC Hall of Justice for “security reasons.”

The other abduction case will go through the process

since one of the complainants, Lt. Abraham Casis, was able to appear at the pre-trial hearing on Thursday.

The Tiamzons however will have to contend with other criminal cases such as illegal possession of firearms and explosive as well as another kidnapping case.

The kidnapping suits stemmed from the arrest of five army soldiers, including Casis, who were held prisoners of war by the New People’s Army in Tiaong, Quezon in 1989. The military men were later released.

During the hearing, militants stormed Camp Crame, Quezon City, demanding the release of the Tiamzons, who have been detained for more than a year now.

Rio N. Araja, Florante Solmerin

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editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Farmers reel from drought, conflict COTABATO CITY—Farmers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Region 12 are facing two challenges these days— fleeing their homes due to armed conflict and failing to attend to their farmlands affected by the drought.

More than 6,000 hectares of farmlands in Region 12 have been affected by the continuing dry spell, which has destroyed more than P300 million worth of crops such as rice, corn, banana, and other high-value crops.

Region 12 is composed of the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong, and Gen. Santos.

North Cotabato, the region’s rice- and corn-producing province, has lost about P230 million worth of crops to the dry spell, aggravated by frequent grass and forest fires that destroy plantations.

Agriculture regional secretary for ARMM, Sec. Makmod Mending Jr, and Maguindanao provincial agricultural officer Salik Panalunsong said vast tracts of farmlands in 34 of Maguindanao s 36 towns have been damaged by the drought.

Dr. Eliseo Mangliwan, North Cotabato provincial agriculturist, said only rain could solve the problem but added that cloud-seeding operations are expensive.

The Department of Agriculture in Region 12 has approved the conduct of cloud seeding this week and has launched projects worth P4 million to boost the productivity of farmers in Central Mindanao in the face of the dry spell.

Iraya Mangyans: P66-million Galera dump will displace us

By Robert A. Evora

PUERTO GALERA, Oriental Mindoro—Mangyan representatives walked out on a meeting called by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples after refusing to sign a resolution endorsing the P66-million dump project that they said would encroach on their ancestral land.

Hidden paradise. Talusi, a 200-meter high waterfall, is found in Maslog town, an interior municipality of Eastern Samar. MEL CASPE

“The proposed Categorized Waste Disposal Facility/Sanitary Landfill Project will displace us and contaminate the purity of the nearby source of springwater (bukal) flowing into the Tamaraw Falls,” said Ciriaco Bibo, who led the tribesmen belonging to the Iraya Mangyan subtribe.

But NCIP Provincial Officer Karen Ignacio reportedly gave the Mangyans until the end of the month to sign the resolution agreeing to relocate to another area, far from the proposed municipal dump and landfill project.

Should the deadline lapse, the Mangyans would be evicted from the village.

The project will be on a 10-hectate public land owned by the Puerto Galera municipal government, in upper sitio Lapantay, Bgy. Villaflor. The village is home to 47 Iraya Mangyan families who have been living there for more than 40 years.

The municipal resolution that the Iraya Mangyans refused to sign says they endorse the sanitary landfill and waste disposal project and agree to a relocation site far from their village.

“Yan po ang dahilan kung bakit kami umalis sa pinatawag na miting ng NCIP. Pinipilit kami pumirma sa hindi namin kagustuhan (This is the reason we walked out. We were being told to sign something we don’t agree to),” Bibo explained.

He added that the proposed dump project will adversely affect their livelihood derived from agriculture, the Tamaraw Falls, the community, and their two-year old two-classroom school buildings where 50 Mangyan children use in their elementary education.

The Mangyan leader stressed that the NCIP must respect and honor Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous People’s Act of 1997 which “recognizes our ancestral land rights.”

Ombudsman indicts Surigao City mayor for graft and corruption

By Rio Araja THE Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday found probable cause to indict the mayor of Surigao City for implementing contracts using public funds without approval and authority of the city councilors.

In a resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said Mayor Ernesto Matugas had violated Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Local Government Code of 1991.

In entering into service contracts [for the period January to June 2011] without prior authority of the Sanggunian, respondent Matugas caused un-

due injury to the government in the consideration stated in such contracts, or an aggregate amount of P1,206,000, the order read.

The complaints against job order personnel Balgamelo Ma, Philip Sykimte, Mario Gesta, Valeriano Ma, Cesar Concepcion, William Angob, Gilgie Degala, Karen Chastity Ma, Michael Litang, Col. Rodolfo de la Piedra, Kim Olaivar, Maria Lowela Marasigan, Kim Jonas Orquillas Jr. and Emilda Retorta have been cleared of the charges for lack of probable cause.

The administrative case against Matugas was dismissed in view of his reelection in 2013.

Ready for battle. ARMM Education Secretary Jamar Kulayan (center) gives instructions and words of en-

couragement to the region’s official delegation to the 2015 Palarong Pambansa. The national sporting event will be held on May 2 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. OMAR MANGORSI

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OPINION [ EDI TORI A L ]

REMEMBER THE RAGE

JANET Lim Napoles is more popularly known for being the Queen of Pork Barrel, the mastermind/ engineer/architect of a scam that involved the grave misuse of taxpayers’ money.

She is in jail, however, for an entirely different thing – serious illegal detention for holding her relative Benhur Luy against his will for three months. After her controversial surrender to no less than President Benigno Aquino III in August 2013, she was brought to Sta. Rosa Laguna. When her transportation expenses (she attended hearings in Quezon City) were found to still be costly for taxpayers, she was on transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

This week, a Makati court found Mrs. Napoles guilty of the crime and sentenced her to 40 years in prison. At dawn on Thursday, she was transferred to the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City.

Unlike the frenzy that attended her surrender and initial days in prison, however, there was little to remind us of the collective outrage we felt when Napoles first became notorious for supposedly setting up dummy foundations and nongovernment organizations that would receive the budget allotments of lawmakers.

Those days, we were an angry lot, disgusted at our leaders for benefitting from an entrenched system that had allowed them to exercise their financial discretion liberally, and at Napoles herself for her unapologetic, unabashed ostentation. Remember the cars, the houses, the parties, even that bathtub?

Today, however, we are more subdued. Is it because three senators are already in jail for dealing with the Napoles NGOs? Because of Mamapasapano and the other equally agitating news we have heard since then? Because the Supreme Court has declared the Priority Development Assistance Fund unconstitutional and it has been banished from government documents, at least under its original name?

Is it because the woman is already in jail, never mind what she is in jail for?

Or is this our collective attention deficit in action, losing interest in an issue because it has been reported excessively, notwithstanding the fact that we must not be content with half-baked justice and that we have to see this one through to its just and logical conclusion, however long it takes?

This is not the end – oh no, far from it. The commitment of Napoles to the correctional does not make everything all right. It does not erase the fact that numerous lawmakers and even officials from the Executive department unduly enriched themselves just because they believed they could get away with it. It does not make us forget that there were scams in other forms or different names that have remained unreported, and may be bleeding us dry to this minute.

BEGGARS LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES THERE was a time when the national government had to beg municipal and city mayors for their support for projects, programs and even candidates that required the help of local officials. That was then; the current political reality seems a bit different.

Don’t believe me? Listen to Javier, Leyte Mayor Leon-

ardo Javier Jr. make this impassioned appeal to President Noynoy Aquino last Wednesday, during the national convention of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines at the Manila Hotel: “Mr. President, may we respectfully request and humbly beseech you, even if I have to kneel down in front of you, to please certify as urgent the ‘Bigger Pie, Bigger Slice’ bill now pending in Congress.”

And Javier, who is more popularly known as the owner of the Andok’s roasted chicken

chain and as the brother of singer-songwriter Danny Javier, is LMP president, not some ordinary town mayor groveling before the President after being given a once-in-alifetime audience.

The bill in question, by the way, seeks to increase the Internal Revenue Allotments of local government units. Perhaps because so many impoverished towns and provinces rely on their IRA just to sustain their operations and fund the barest of their own local programs, Javier may be forgiven somewhat for indulging in town mayor hyperbole that is more suited to the free-for-

It’s not as if the mayors are asking Aquino for out-ofpocket cash from the presidential wallet.

alls that are a fixture of most mayoralty campaigns than that of a League president.

Somewhat, but not entirely.

After all, it’s not as if Javier and

his fellow mayors are asking Aquino for out-of-pocket cash from the presidential wallet.

The Local Government Code stipulates that IRA (pronounced Eee-ra by bureaucrats), which represents the share of local governments in national government revenues, should automatically be released and may not be held back by the national government for any reason, except in the extreme case of an “unmanageable public sector deficit.” The current rules say the allotment may be adjusted, provided that it cannot “be less than 30 percent of the collection of national internal

F R I D AY, A P R I L 17, 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

adellechua@gmail.com

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VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

POE CATCHES UP

revenue taxes of the third fiscal year preceding the current fiscal year.”

Nearly all of the revenue that a local government can spend comes from IRA, though some local governments also have additional local sources of revenue such as property taxes and government fees. Typically for municipalities, the IRA accounts for 90 percent of total revenues, while for cities, which have more sources of local revenues, IRA accounts for 50

Standard TODAY Manila

to 70 percent of their total budget.

No wonder Javier and his fellow town mayors were in such a servile mood, forgetting that they are actually elected leaders in their own right who have traditionally been courted by officials of the national government. I guess times are really hard, even for the owner of a biggest “inihaw” business in the land. *** But I guess paying servile obei-

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sance to Aquino is the new way to act, if you’re a cash-starved elected local official these days. After all, Aquino is certainly not new to being treated like an old-fashioned hacendero, because he actually is one.

However, Javier and the mayors didn’t get anywhere by playing to Aquino’s inner landowner. Instead, Aquino used the opportunity to call Continued on A11

MST Management, Inc. Philip G. Romualdez Arnold C. Liong Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Jocelyn F. Domingo Ron Ryan S. Buguis

Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Director of Operations Finance Officer

Ma. Editha D. Angeles Advertising Manager Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

HOW true are reports that the Lorenzo family has acquired substantially the 4,915-ha. Hacienda Luisita?

Last year, the Lorenzo family, through their CAT Resources and Asset Holdings, Inc., bought majority of the Central Azucarera de Tarlac, Inc. (CAT) to foray into industrial and residential development, in addition to modernizing the ageing sugar mill of the Cojuangco-Aquino families in Tarlac. CAT owns 300 hectares of industrial land that is part of the buy-in.

The Lorenzos want to buy more hacienda lands. Hence, their reported purchase of the hacienda.

If the Lorenzos are now the owners of Hacienda Luisita, what happens to the 6,296 original farmer-worker beneficiaries and the additional 4,206 farmer-worker beneficiaries who the Supreme Court in July 2011 ordered to be the owners of the hacienda? Are they part of the deal? Isn’t the sale of the hacienda to the Lorenzos a contravention of the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling of July 2011 that the hacienda belongs to the farmers or the farmer-worker beneficiaries?

The vast hacienda, the single largest contiguous piece of land north of Manila, has suddenly become awesomely viable with the opening of San Miguel Corp’s Tarlac-Pangasian-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) which has cut travel time to Tarlac City to just 90 minutes from Balintawak, to Pangasinan to just two hours, and to Baguio to just three hours. If Clark is developed as Manila’s second gateway airport, the more the hacienda becomes valuable.

Vice President Jejomar Binay received more brutal beating yesterday, before the bar of public opinion, at the 18th hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on alleged anomalies in Makati during the Binay family’s 29-year reign.

Two new issues were raised yesterday.

The first issue is that with Binay as then-mayor, the country’s premier city bought a parcel of land and then built a hotel not for the use of Makati residents but to entertain officials of LGUs with whom Makati has sister city arrangement. The friendship hotel was allegedly overpriced. Makati is sister city of no less than 607 LGUs, making it the friendliest city in the world vis-à-vis other cities. The sister cities program is one reason for the astounding victory of Jojo Binay in the 2010 vice presidential elections, nosing out the presumptive frontrunContinued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Jojo A. Robles Editor-in-Chief Jojo A. Robles Editor-in-Chief Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors P. Palacios News Editor FrancisJoel Lagniton News Editor Francis Lagniton Editor Joyce Pangco Pañares CityCity Editor Arman Armero Senior Deskman Adelle Chua Senior Deskman Leo A. Estonilo Senior Deskman Romel J. Mendez Art Director Romel J. Mendez ArtPhotographer Director Roberto Cabrera Chief Roberto Cabrera Chief Photographer

F R I D AY, A P R I L 17, 2 0 1 5

A10

OPINION adellechua@gmail.com

INQUIRIES AND INDEPENDENCE I MAINTAIN the position that under present jurisprudence interpreting the Constitution of the Republic and the doctrines we have deemed essential to our system of government, particularly judicial independence and separation of powers, Congress cannot compel the attendance of justices and judges at inquiries conducted even in aid of legislation.

Were Congress able to compel justices and judges to attend inquiries “in aid of legislation”, there would be nothing to prevent a legislator, spurned in his attempts at importuning the judiciary, to exact revenge by calling for an inquiry “in aid of legislation”, and then subjecting the judge or the justices concerned to the ordeal of a nationally televised and amply publicized congressional inquisition.

Against an adverse judgment, relief comes by way of appeal or through a petition for certiorari (or any other relevant prerogative writ) filed with superior courts – not from the political branches of government. Justices and judges cannot and should never be called to account for their decisions and orders by legislators. In the present case, justices of the Court of Appeals are asked to account for the temporary reliefs granted a petitioner – through the subterfuge of an allegation that they received bribes to act favorably towards the petitioner.

Without disclosing his sources or even bothering to show that he has factual grounds, their legislator-accuser has simply made an allegation of bribetaking, and now demands a Senate inquiry “in aid of legislation”. It should be obvious to all that this is a not-too-subtle manner of requiring the justices to defend their orders before a chamber of Congress – a proposition completely abhorrent to judicial independence and unacceptable in a system of separation of powers.

In a 2012 administrative matter, the Supreme Court reiterated a long-standing doctrine: “Jurisprudence has characterized administrative supervision as exclusive, noting that only the Supreme Court can oversee the judges and court personnel’s compliance with all laws, rules and regulations. No other branch of government may intrude into this power, without running afoul of the doctrine of separation of powers.”

PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO

The present attempt of a senator to hale Court of Appeals justices before the Senate on his own unsubstantiated allegations of bribery constitutes an attempt to usurp the disciplinary power of the Supreme Court over members of the Court of Appeals even if the senator styles the inquiry

One senator’s act is totally repugnant to our system of separation of powers as well as to the valued principle of judicial independence.

“in aid of legislation”.

The bare claim that the inquiry is “in aid of legislation” will not suffice to allow Congress to intrude into the competence of coordinate and co-equal branches. The Supreme Court has made it clear that the burden of proving the necessity of the information Senate seeks to obtain from the justices of the Court of Appeals towards the crafting of legislation lies with Senate. In other words, “in aid of legislation” is no mystical mantra that confers on Senate the power to summon – with threat of citation for contempt – whomsoever it will!

In the 2006 EO 464 Cases, the Supreme Court ruled that while the Legislature could lawfully demand of the Executive information that it needed for legislation, the same rule did not apply to the judiciary.

Taught the Court: “By the same token, members of the Supreme Court are also exempt from this power of inquiry. Unlike the Presidency, judicial power is vested in a collegial body; hence, each member thereof is exempt on the basis not only of separation of powers but also on the fiscal autonomy and the constitutional independence of the judiciary.

This point is not in dispute, as even counsel for the Senate, Sen. Joker Arroyo, admitted it during the oral argument upon interpellation of the Chief Justice.”

Note that while the Su-

LABOR AND PACQUIAO DAYS EXACTLY 14 days away from today, the entire nation would be enjoying a three-day summer weekend which would be ushered in by Labor Day and capped by the Manny Pacquiao- Floyd Mayweather boxing bout - now billed as the Fight of the Century.

Like other fun-loving Filipinos, my fellow pensioner-buddies and I have already made plans for those days.

In the afternoon of Friday, we’ll travel to a cool mountain resort outside Metro Manila and spend the night relaxing while cooking, sipping affordable red wine, reminiscing about good old days, and watching Manny’s previous fights. Early the following morning, we’ll walk leisurely around town, and in the evening relax once again with the same activities as the previous night.

Then on Sunday morning – like everybody else – we’ll do nothing but follow Manny’s fight live on television, radio and Internet while enjoying the special bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon wine that we have reserved for the occasion.

We have made sure that we would have lots of fun.

If he wins, we would not end yet our celebration. We would postpone to Monday morning our trip back home.

But all the time, the killjoy in me would sneak in discussions on the significance of Labor Day this year and in past years.

I would first insinuate that our labor leaders must also be doing what we were doing, and that they have set aside their demand for the P125 across-theboard daily wage increase.

Perhaps they still demand knowing who were responsible for the massacre of our Fallen 44, want to lower electricity rates and gasoline prices, and pursue prosecuting public officials who misused pork barrel funds.

Haven’t they become vanguards of national interests, too?

Certainly, they could not have issued a manifesto supporting the International Labour Organization’s Decent Work agenda.

This is barely understood by ordinary Filipino workers.

Neither could they have pursued ILO’s four strategic objectives of promoting jobs (http:// www.ilo.org/global/topics/em-

preme Court mentions “members of the Supreme Court”, its ratio – resting on the principles of separation of powers and judicial independence – applies to “judicial power” as such. Article VIII, Section 1 vests judicial power in one Supreme Court and “in such other courts as may be created by law”. Clearly therefore, the ratio of the Court applies to the Court of Appeals as well.

It is totally repugnant to our system of separation of powers as well as to the valued princi-

ployment-promotion/lang—en/ index.htm), guaranteeing rights at work (http://www.ilo.org/global/standards/lang—en/index. htm), extending social protection (“http://www.ilo.org/global/ topics/social-security/lang—en/ index.htm) and promoting social dialogue (http://www.ilo. org/global/topics/workers-andemployers-organizations-tripartism-and-social-dialogue/ lang—en/index.htm) with gender equality as a crosscutting objective.

They have not appreciated that social security - once the worker’s main welfare program - has evolved into the more comprehensive social protection, which should “promote both inclusion and productivity by ensuring that women and men enjoy working conditions that are safe, allow adequate free time and rest, take into account family and social values, provide for adequate compensation in case of lost or reduced income and permit access to adequate healthcare.”

Redundant, maybe, but the word “adequate” was mentioned three times to emphasize that adequacy is part and parcel of social protection.

Our national healthcare program - as implemented by the Department of Health in tandem with PhilHealth - is inadequate. Yet few complain because pragmatic employers are now voluntarily topping it off with non-contributory health maintenance organization plans for their employees and their employees’ dependents.

A similar development has not happened to the insignificant pension system of the Social Security System, which remains the sole pension scheme of private sector workers. Company retirement benefits are awarded as lump sum but they serve as parting gifts only at retirement.

They do not last long.

PNoy has done worse. Not only has he not espoused ILO’s Decent Work agenda; he has watered it down.

Only last March 27, 2015, PNoy addressed members of the Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and begged them to -

“Make the effort to give your employees a little more.”

A little more - the opposite of adequate - is what he begged from these employers.

Perhaps, the Kilusang Mayo Uno would do something more significant as it celebrates its 35th foundation day this year under the leadership of Chairman Elmer Labog and SecretaryGeneral Roger Soluta.

As its official Website proclaims “The Kilusang Mayo Uno espouses the revolutionary tradition of the Filipino Working Class which has its roots in the formation of the country’s first trade union, the Union Impresores y Litografos de Filipinas in 1892, to the 1896 Nationalist Revolution of the Katipunan, to the Congress of Labor Organizations (CLO) of the 1950s.

“The US Imperialist success in crushing the CLO in 1952 forestalled the revolutionary tradition and bred the collaborationist character of the workers’ movement. …Filipino workers rallied behind the KMU when it was formed on May 1, 1980… a rallying point for genuine, militant and nationalist unionism emerged.”

Labor Day remains a nonworking public holiday despite its declining significance.

In contrast, the day that Manny Pacquiao fights is a day that we all would proudly celebrate as we partake of the adulation that the world would be pouring unto him.

He has become our hero. He has given us pride, which all our countrymen enjoy wherever they are. He has also given us hope for a better future through the trail that he has blazed for us. We now realize that through sheer hard work and dedication, we could also be world champions.

Surely, many of us want the following Monday to be declared a special non-working holiday Pacquiao Day – especially if and when Manny wins his fight that Sunday.

ple of judicial independence to allow Senate, under the guise of conducting an “inquiry in aid of legislation” to take the justices to task and to demand of them an account of their judicial orders and resolutions.

That a legislator claims an inquiry to be “in aid of legislation” does not necessarily make it so: The Supreme Court imposes on the Committee or the Chamber that summons the burden of showing the necessity of the information it seeks to obtain for the craft-

ing of legislation. But, if as has been shown, there is hardly any relevant legislation that can be passed or that needs to be crafted, is it not obvious that the inquiry is in fact a devious way of hitting back at justices for a ruling adverse to one’s political interests, an obnoxious assault on judicial independence that should not be countenanced at all? rannie_aquino@sanbeda. edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

FILIPINO PENSIONER HORACE TEMPLO

F R I D AY, A P R I L 17, 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

adellechua@gmail.com

Poe... From A9 ner Mar Roxas by a hairline margin.

The other issue, if true, could hurt badly the veep’s 2016 presidential chances.

Two former squatter residents of Makati appeared before the Senate probe body and denounced Binay for having forcefully evacuated (a video was shown some of the Makati squatters being beaten up) some 300 Makati squatter families in 2009 to Calauan, Laguna on a 40-ha. property bought by Makati as a resettlement site.

Two squatter leaders relocated to Calauan claimed Binay had not, contrary to his promises, provide, until this day, housing, water, electricity and other amenities. So abject are their living conditions in Calauan that girls, as young as 11, were forced at night to sell their bodies, in exchange for a packet of noodle worth P5 so they could have something to eat. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will visit the relocation site.

Eighteen Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings in eight months have done much to Binay’s reputation as a competent, pro-masses and incorruptible public official. Two-thirds of those who said they would vote for him a year ago are not so sure now or are not voting for him at all.

Coincidentally, yesterday, the Social Weather Stations made public its survey findings of March 20-23, 2015 indicating that Senator Grace Poe has finally caught up with Vice President Binay as the frontrunner for the 2016 presidential elections.

The survey asked respondents to list three names, top of mind, as the “best leaders” to succeed President BS Aquino III. Binay topped the poll with 36 percent (almost unchanged from 37 percent in December 2014). Poe gained 10 percentage points, from 21 percent in December to 31 percent last March. On a voter base of 55 million, 10 is equivalent to 5.5 million votes, a substantial and ir-

reversible gain, in just three months.

In the Pulse Asia survey, on March 1-7, Binay still led Poe by a 2-to-1 ratio, 29 percent vs. senator’s 14 percent. It seems that in just two weeks, the vice president suffered a huge erosion of support, so that now, per the SWS survey, Binay and Poe are just about even at the starting gate. Jojo is suddenly an underdog, thanks to the Senate hearings that shellacked his carefully burnished image as a competent, hardworking and honest public servant.

A surprisingly strong third in the SWS survey is Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who also gained 10 points, from 5 percent in December to 15 percent in March, equivalent also to 5.5 million votes.

Mar Roxas tied Duterte for third, but showed a loss of 4 percentage points, from 19 to 15.

Tied for fourth place are Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, who chalked up two points to 11, and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago who got an additional one point to 11 percent.

Bringing up the rear are No. 5 Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero 8 (from 9), No. 6 Bongbong Marcos 7 (3), and No. 9 Alan Peter Cayetano 4 (from 3). No. 10 is tycoon Manny Villar 3 (2), No. 11 Senator Antonio Trillanes 3 (5), No. 12 former Senator Panfilo Lacson 1 (2), and No. 13 Senator Loren Legarda 1 (1).

The survey asked respondents to list three names, top of mind, as the “best leaders” to succeed President BS Aquino III. If you ask me, those named are certainly not our “best”. There are better people out there.

It is the sad fate of this benighted country that in the last 50 years, seven presidents came from only four families – two cousins (Marcos and Ramos), two Aquinos (mother and son), two Macapagals (father and daughter), and one actor (Estrada). Ordinarily, at four years per presidency, we should have had 12 presidents, coming from 12 families. biznewsasia@gmail.com

#FAILOCRACY

A11

HONG KONG’S PEG TO INSTABILITY

By William Pesek FOR years, any call for Hong Kong to scrap its peg to the U.S. dollar was deflected with a single word: stability. The city’s monetary authority has consistently treated the 32-year-old link as the linchpin to the economy’s international credibility. But with Chinese money now swamping the city, the opposite may be true.

China this week announced limits on mainland visitors to Hong Kong, who have been a longstanding source of tension in the city. But the flow of money from the mainland shows no sign of slowing. Politically-connected Chinese tycoons, who have a longstanding habit of squirreling their money abroad (the better to hide it from authorities in Beijing), are increasingly turning to Hong Kong’s stock and property markets. As Louis-Vincent Gave of fund manager GaveKal puts it: “In its troubled marriage with China, it looks very much as if Hong Kong is about to get more money and less mainlanders.”

And this is likely only to increase tensions in Hong Kong.

Although last year’s enormous protests in the city were presented in the international press as a call for democracy, they were as much about income inequality fueled by money from the mainland. As of 2011, Hong Kong’s Gini coefficient, a measure of inequality, was 0.537. That was the

Beggars... From A9

for a loyalty check on the mayors, based solely on his power to give them money.

“We are wary of those who cause us many problems,” the President, slipping into the royal – and landowning – plural first person. “That is up to you.”

And for the mayors in attendance who may have missed his true meaning, the President added: “The viciousness of the attacks [against me] is proof positive that I am still a force to be reckoned with and that I am not a lame duck.”

At the very least, Aquino was saying that he still holds the power of increasing and releasing the mayors’ IRA.

highest since record-keeping began in 1971 and puts Hong Kong well above the 0.4 level analysts associate with social unrest.

It’s no coincidence that record protests flared up at the same time as residential home prices surged by 13 percent. By the start of 2015, prices had more than doubled since 2009, spurred in part by money flowing in from China.

To their credit, locals officials tightened rules in February to keep homeownership from rising further out of the reach of local residents. But those efforts will likely soon be overwhelmed by tidal waves of mainland cash. It’s safe to expect higher living costs in a city already plagued by a scandalous rich-poor divide.

If Hong Kong authorities want to cool down their overheating economy, they should start by addressing its undervalued currency. That’s a key reason why Hong Kong’s inflation is growing 4.6 percent compared with 1.4 percent in China and 0.4 percent in South Korea. It has also forced the Hong Kong Monetary Authority into an increasingly uncomfortable position. Since August, it has been forced to defend its conversation rate to the U.S. currency by selling off massive amounts of Hong Kong dollars.

But those efforts have allowed mainlanders to get a cheaper conversion rate than if the Hong Kong dollar traded freely. Unsurprisingly, they’ve been rushing to

take advantage of it, by pouring more money into the city.

Hong Kong’s peg, in other words, has outlived its usefulness.

But Hong Kong authorities have been reluctant to scrap the peg, because they see it as the source of their credibility with western investors. Chinese President Xi Jinping—who has ultimate authority over Hong Kong—might have his own reasons for feeling risk-averse, given the magnitude of economic challenges facing China at the moment.

But there are options available to Hong Kong short of a sudden abandonment of the dollar peg.

The city could shift to a basket of currencies, like Singapore.

Even better, it could begin laying the groundwork for a peg to the Chinese yuan. There would be important prerequisites, including China making the yuan more freely convertible. But if China is serious about its bid to internationalize the yuan, its economy will eventually need to become far more transparent anyway; a Hong Kong-yuan peg could spur that process along.

Hong Kong, for its part, would be far more stable if its peg to the dollar weren’t acting as a transmission device for China’s imbalances. Local residents may greet the news that there will be fewer mainland tourists in the years ahead, but they would do better to worry about the mainland money that’s been visiting their shores. Bloomberg

And that money will be forthcoming if the “problematic” mayors stop attacking him.

As they say on the street these days: E di, wow. Ikaw na ang force to be reckoned with.

Again, I must insist that past local politicians would probably not seek reelection first before they publicly grovel before the Emperor of Manila. And, of course, the only reason why politicians would not seek reelection is because their terms have ended and their wife, son, daughter or dog have to replace them.

I’ve been told by a friend that I should be more understanding of the mayors, because they really don’t want to

act like beggars and that they would revert immediately to their old, familiar warlord mode as soon as they get some more cash out of Aquino. But, I counter, wouldn’t it make more sense for the mayors to threaten Aquino back for demanding their loyalty by saying that they would never sell out for a little more IRA, thereby forcing him to cough up more to mollify them because the President needs their votes for his anointed?

But maybe Aquino just doesn’t like Javier because the President is known by people close to him to have a morbid hatred of chicken. And I swear I am not making this up.

CHONG ARDIVILLA

F RI DAY : A P RI L 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

A12

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Pacquiao sees exciting fight

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

A CONFIDENT eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao aims to put on a show when he faces unbeaten poundfor-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 3, (Manila time).

With some two and a half weeks to go, Pacquiao was clearly excited at the prospect that Mayweather will also come to fight for the sake of entertaining

the fans.

Pacquiao radiated confidence and excitement Wednesday at the Wild Manny Pacquiao works out in front of a Card gym before his latest workout large media continin preparation for their bout, one day gent during a training after Mayweather himself showed he session at the Wild Card Boxing Club in is in terrific shape for the fight titled Hollywood. AFP

in the Philippines as “The Battle for Greatness.”

Pacquiao had a good laugh when told that the defense-minded Mayweather had called him “a very reckless fighter” on Tuesday.

Pacquiao retorted, “Reckless fighter?

That’s how people like me and love me, because they like an exciting fight. We call this boxing, (and) boxing is more punching. We talk about punching.”

Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) has always been an exciting fighter but he concedes he is facing the best defensive fighter of their era in Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs).

Clearly, with Freddie Roach hammering

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

National Irrigation Administration

National Irrigation Administration

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG)

Office Address: Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone Nos.: (044)766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 Email Address: niar03@yahoo.com

Telefax No. (044) 766-2467 TIN No. 000-979-570-00

InvItatIon to BId for

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG)

Office Address: Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone Nos.: (044)766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 Email Address: niar03@yahoo.com

2.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Region III, through funds transferred by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to NIA under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NIA and MWSS, intends to apply the sum of Forty Five Million Five Hundred Sixty Two Thousand Seven HundredOne Pesos (P 45,562,701.00) being the Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Rehabilitation of AngatAfterbay Regulator Dam, Package 1 – Improvement of North Main Canal. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The NIA-Region 3 now invites bids for the Rehabilitation of Angat Afterbay Regulator Dam, Package 1-Improvement of North Main Canal located in Barangay Lico, San Rafael, Bulacan. The major items of works are as follows: Items of Work

for

rehaBIlItatIon of angatafterBay regulator dam Package 2-ImProvement of South maIn canal

InvItatIon to BId no. nIar3–2015-aard-Bane-2 1.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Region III, through funds transferred by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to NIA under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NIA and MWSS, intends to apply the sum of Forty Five Million Five Hundred NinetyThousand Seven HundredEightPesos (P 45,590,708.00) being the Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Rehabilitation of AngatAfterbay Regulator Dam, Package 2 – Improvement of South Main Canal. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The NIA-Region 3 now invites bids for the Rehabilitation of Angat After bay Regulator Dam, Package 2-Improvement of South Main Canal located in Barangay Tibagan, Bustos, Bulacan.

The major items of works are as follows:

Description

Items of Work

Canalization (a)

Common Excavation (mechanized)

(b)

Class “A” Reinforced Concrete

4,519 cubic meters

(c)

Backfill and Compaction

4,416 cubic meters

(d)

Backfill and Compaction (Haul Borrow)

3,412 cubic meters

(e)

Filter Drain

285 cubic meters

Drain Pipe, 2 1/2 “ dia. PVC Pipe

340 linear meters

(g)

Silt / Waste Disposal

1,892 cubic meters

(h)

Road Surfacing

219 cubic meters

Description

Canalization

6,308 cubic meters

(f)

Telefax No. (044) 766-2467 TIN No. 000-979-570-00

InvItatIon to BId

rehaBIlItatIon of angatafterBay regulator dam Package 1-ImProvement of north maIn canal

InvItatIon to BId no. nIar3–2015-aard-Bane-1 1.

out a gameplan where Pacquiao will swarm all over Mayweather from the start throwing punches from all angles, most experts including Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez who scored a crushing 6th round knockout of Pacquiao believes a brawl would be his best chance to win.

Pacquiao’s first trainer Rick Staheli, who led the Pacman to his first world title – the WBC flyweight crown, meanwhile, says Pacquiao must take some risks and fight like the Pacquiao of old.

Pacquiao said if Mayweather himself goes for a knockout as his father/trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe have predicted, “that’s good for me. I like that. We’ll see. That’s what I want, and that’s definitely what the fans want—action.”

Obviously benefiting from a one-week break from sparring imposed by celebrated trainer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao resumed sparring at the Wild Card Gym on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) and looked terrific.

(a)

Common Excavation (mechanized)

22,092 cubic meters

(b)

Class “A” Reinforced Concrete

4,344 cubic meters

(c)

Backfill and Compaction

4,797 cubic meters

(d)

Filter Drain

239 cubic meters

(e)

Drain Pipe, 2 1/2 “ dia. PVC Pipe

285 linear meters

(f)

Silt / Waste Disposal

17,295 cubic meters

3.

Completion of the Works is required within 60 calendar days.

3.

Completion of the Works is required within 60 calendar days.

4.

4.

Bidders should have completed a single contract in the construction of irrigation and flood controlprojects with a value of at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

Bidders should have completed a single contract in the construction of irrigation and flood controlprojects with a value of at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

5.

5.

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 ( RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

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 ( RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

6.

6.

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.

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.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from NIA-Region 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the BAC Secretariat,NIA-Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan from 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

7.

7.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from NIA-Region 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the BAC Secretariat,NIA-Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan from 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidder on April 17, 2015 from the above address, Office of the BAC Secretariat and upon presentation of its original PCAB license and payment at the NIA-Region 3 Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (Php25,000.00).

8.

8.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidder on April 17, 2015 from the above address, Office of the BAC Secretariat and upon presentation of its original PCAB license and payment at the NIA-Region 3 Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (Php25,000.00).

Interested bidder must also present a notarized letter authorizing his/her representative to acquire the Bidding Documents duly signed by the General Manager/Owner, if a Sole Proprietorship, or certified true copy of Board Resolution, if a Corporation.

Interested bidder must also present a notarized letter authorizing his/her representative to acquire the Bidding Documents duly signed by the General Manager/Owner, if a Sole Proprietorship, or certified true copy of Board Resolution, if a Corporation.

It may also downloadfree of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the NIA-Region 3 website, provided that bidder shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of its bid.

It may also download free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the NIA-Region 3 website, provided that bidder shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of its bid.

9.

The NIA-Region 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 23, 2015, 8:00 AM at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacanwhich shall beopened only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

10. Bids must be delivered on or before 8:00 AM, May 5, 2015, at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. Opening of bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11. The NIA – Region 3 reserves the right to acceptor 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.

12. For further information, please refer to: The Chairman Bids and Awards Committee Office of the Engineering & Operations Division National Irrigation Administration – Region 3 Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone/Fax No. (044) 766 - 4839

(TS-Apr. 17, 2015)

(Sgd.) VIRGILIO J. ILAO Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

9.

The NIA-Region 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 23, 2015, 9:00 AM at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacanwhich shall beopened only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

10.

Bids must be delivered on or before 9:00 AM, May 5, 2015, at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. Opening of bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11.

The NIA – Region 3 reserves the right to acceptor 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.

12.

For further information, please refer to: The Chairman Bids and Awards Committee Office of the Engineering & Operations Division National Irrigation Administration – Region 3 Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone/Fax No. (044) 766 - 4839 (Sgd.) VIRGILIO J. ILAO Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

(TS-Apr. 17, 2015)

Coaches see better showing at SEAG COACHES of the national athletics team have a higher expectation in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

They believe that Filipino athletes can excel in at least 13 events and bring home more medals than expected.

Sean Guevarra, a member of the national coaching staff, said this after members of the national team saw action in Philippine National Open and the Singapore National Open.

Guevarra said this after the SEA Games management committee, headed by chef de mission Julian Camacho approved a final list of 459 athletes to the Games.

The Philippines is participating in 34 of 36 events, according to Camacho.

Around 34 national athletes are going to the Games, with 24 in the men’s division, and 10 in the distaff side.

This includes Edgardo Alejan who claimed two gold medal, one in the 400-meter run and in 4x400-meter relays, with Joan Caido, Jesson Cid and Archand Christian Bagsit in the Singapore Open.

Peter Atencio

UAAP to change age limits THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines is poised to raise the eligibility of athletes recruited for college to 18 years old.

Incoming season 78 president of chancellor Dr. Michael Tan of the University of the Philippines said such changes will happen within the next two years as the K to 12 curriculum is implemented.

Tan talked about coming the season, which is set to open with the basketball games on Sept. 5.

“There are reviews going on because of the K to 12 policy. Age requirements will change because we are getting older college students soon,” said Tan. Because of this, the league is also reviewing plans extend the eligibility of high school athletes to five playing years. Peter Atencio

F RI DAY : A P RI L 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

A13

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Global mauls Myanmar, 4-1

By Peter Atencio

GLOBAL FC came up with a historic first win in an Asian level tournament on Wednesday night at the new, 24,000-capacity Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Mark Hartmann struck twice for Global FC which went on to put away Yadanarbon FC of Myanmar, 4-1.

This gave the Filipinos a memorable first win in the Asian Football Confederation 2015 Group G qualifying match to validate Global FC coach Leigh Manson’s assertion that his players deserve to play in international meets

Hartmann found the net in the 16th and 40th minutes and helped the Filipino club take a 3-1 advantage at the end of the first half.

It was Global FC’s first win in two matches as they improved their chances of advancing into the round of 16.

“There were many chances for the Philippines to win this game and (for the players) to show that they deserve to be here. Our players deserve the three points that go with the win. They got what they deserve,” said Manson.

Global FC moved up to second spot behind South China FC, which leads after posting a 3-1 beating of Pahang FC of Malaysia and Yadarnarbon, 3-1.

Yadanarbon is now in third with its 1-0-1 win-draw-loss slate, followed by Pahang which fell to fourth(0-1-1).

The Filipino club found its chance to score in the 16th minute

after Yan Paing blocked the free kick of Raul Martinez. Hartmann scored on the rebound after sending goalkeeper Thiha Sithu towards another direction with a feint.

Yadanarbon equalized four minutes later when Paing unleashed a left footer strike past Filipino goalie Patrick Deyto.

Then, Hartmann scored his second goal in the 39th minute after Sithu dove to keep the back pass from reaching the net.

The Filipinos found another chance to score when Misagh Bahadoran charged the net from the right flank in the 60th.

They then got their final goal off Gonzales’ free kick outside the opposition’s box at the 84th minute.

Global FC will return to action against South China AA on Apr. 29 in Hong Kong to find out if they can make it to the knockout stage.

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

National Irrigation Administration

National Irrigation Administration

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG)

Office Address: Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone Nos.: (044)766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 Email Address: niar03@yahoo.com

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG)

Telefax No. (044) 766-2467 TIN No. 000-979-570-00

Office Address: Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone Nos.: (044)766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 Email Address: niar03@yahoo.com

InvItatIon to BId rehaBIlItatIon of angatafterBay regulator dam Package 3-ImProvement of north lateral canal

rehaBIlItatIon of angatafterBay regulator dam Package 4-ImProvement of Southlateral canal

for

InvItatIon to BId no. nIar3–2015-aard-Bane-3

2.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Region III, through funds transferred by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to NIA under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NIA and MWSS, intends to apply the sum of Forty Five Million Thirty FourThousand Three HundredNinety FourPesos (P 45,034,394.00) being the Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Rehabilitation of AngatAfterbay Regulator Dam, Package 3 – Improvement of North Lateral Canal. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The NIA-Region 3 now invites bids for the Rehabilitation of Angat After bay Regulator Dam, Package 3-Improvement of NorthLateral Canal located in Barangay BagongNayon, Pulilan, Bulacan. The major items of works are as follows: Items of Work

Description

Telefax No. (044) 766-2467 TIN No. 000-979-570-00

InvItatIon to BId

for

1.

Global Football Club team members get ready for their match at the Darul Makmur Stadium. The team came up with a historic first win in an Asian level tournament on Wednesday night at the new, 24,000-capacity Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan with a 4-1 victory over Yadanarbon FC of Myanmar, 4-1. The team validated Global FC coach Leigh Manson’s assertion that his players deserve to play in international meets. MARK MALCAMPO

InvItatIon to BId no. nIar3–2015-aard-Bane-4 1. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Region III, through funds transferred by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to NIA under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NIA and MWSS, intends to apply the sum of Forty Four Million Eight Hundred Eighty FiveThousand Five HundredFifty TwoPesos (P 44,885,552.00) being the Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Rehabilitation of AngatAfterbay Regulator Dam, Package 4 – Improvement of SouthLateral Canal. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The NIA-Region 3now invites bids for the Rehabilitation of AngatAfterbay Regulator Dam, Package 4-Improvement of SouthLateral Canal located in Brgy.Bagbagin&Manatal, Pandi, Bulacan. The major items of works are as follows:

Canalization

Items of Work

Description

(a)

Common Excavation (manual)

2,188 cubic meters

(b)

Installation of 24” dia HDPE Pipesdr 21

2,412 linear meters

Canalization

(c)

Class “A” Reinforced Concrete Manhole

171 cubic meters

(a)

Common Excavation (manual)

17,588 cubic meters

(d)

Class “A” Reinforced Concrete Road Crossing

20 cubic meters

(b)

Class “B” Precast Concrete Canal

3,257 pieces, L = 2m / pc

(e)

Gravel Blanket

16cubic meters

(c)

Structure Backfill and Compaction

12,312 cubic meters

(f)

Backfill and Compaction

1,532 cubic meters

(g)

Backfill and Compaction (Haul Borrow)

4,068 cubic meters

(d)

Structure Backfill and Compaction (Haul Borrow)

12,435 cubic meters

(h)

Silt / Waste Disposal

656 cubic meters

(e)

Silt / Waste Disposal

5,276 cubic meters

(i)

Road Surfacing

193 cubic meters

(f)

Road Surfacing

1,540 cubic meters

Completion of the Works is required within 60 calendar days.

3.

Completion of the Works is required within 60 calendar days.

3.

4.

Bidders should have completed a single contract in the construction of irrigation and flood controlprojects with a value of at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

4. Bidders should have completeda single contract in the construction of irrigation and flood controlprojects with a value of at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

5.

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 ( RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

5. 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 ( RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

6.

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.

6. 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.

7.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from NIA-Region 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the BAC Secretariat,NIA-Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan from 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

8.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidder on April 17, 2015 from the above address, Office of the BAC Secretariat and upon presentation of its original PCAB license and payment at the NIA-Region 3 Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (Php25,000.00).

7. Interested bidders may obtain further information from NIA-Region 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the BAC Secretariat,NIA-Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan from 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

8. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidder on April 17, 2015from the above address, Office of the BAC Secretariat and upon presentation of its original PCAB license and payment at the NIA-Region 3 Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (Php25,000.00).

Interested bidder must also present a notarizedletter authorizing his/her representative to acquire the Bidding Documents duly signed by the General Manager/Owner, if a Sole Proprietorship, or certified true copy of Board Resolution, if a Corporation.

Interested bidder must also present a notarized letter authorizing his/her representative to acquire the Bidding Documents duly signed by the General Manager/Owner, if a Sole Proprietorship, or certified true copy of Board Resolution, if a Corporation.

It may also downloadfree of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the NIA-Region 3 website, provided that bidder shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of its bid.

It may also download free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the NIA-Region 3 website, provided that bidder shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of its bid.

9.

The NIA-Region 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 23, 2015, 10:00 AM at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacanwhich shall beopened only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

10.

Bids must be delivered on or before 10:00 AM, May 5, 2015, at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. Opening of bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11.

The NIA – Region 3 reserves the right to acceptor 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.

12.

For further information, please refer to:

The Chairman Bids and Awards Committee Office of the Engineering & Operations Division National Irrigation Administration – Region 3 Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone/Fax No. (044) 766 - 4839

9. The NIA-Region 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 23, 2015, 11:00 AM at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacanwhich shall beopened only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

10. Bids must be delivered on or before 11:00 AM, May 5, 2015, at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. Opening of bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11. The NIA – Region 3 reserves the right to acceptor 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.

12. For further information, please refer to:

The Chairman Bids and Awards Committee Office of the Engineering & Operations Division National Irrigation Administration – Region 3 Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone/Fax No. (044) 766 – 4839 (Sgd.) VIRGILIO J. ILAO Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

(Sgd.) VIRGILIO J. ILAO Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee (TS-Apr. 17, 2015)

(TS-Apr. 17, 2015)

Bulacan to host FIFA games OFFICIALS of the Philippine Football Federation are impressed at the size and facilities of the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Because of its 24,000 seating capacity and its ability to hold night games, the PFF is negotiating with Iglesia ni Kristo officials so that the home games of the Philippine Azkals national football team in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers 2015 will be played there.

“Lahat, dito na lahat ng home games (All home games will be played here),” said PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta after he watched an Asian Football Confederation 2015 Group G qualifying encounter between Global FC and Yadanarbon FC. Araneta said he has tasked PFF secretary-treasurer Atty. Ed Gastanes to talk to concerned officials so that the games can be held successfully in the new turf.

He added that the big capacity of the Philippine Arena will make it a better venue, instead of holding it at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Azkals were put in Group H during the draw of lots held by FIFA in Kuala Lumpur last Tuesday.

They were bunched with Uzbekistan, Bahrain, DPR Korea, and Yemen. Peter Atencio

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK F R I D AY : A P R I L 17, 2 0 1 5

A14

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Shopinas rips Mane ‘N Tail BOUNCING back from a sorry loss in its previous outing, Shopinas came out smoking for an easy 25-23, 25-20, 25-15 triumph over Mane N Tail yesterday in the 2015 Philippine Superliga women’s volleyball tournament All-Filipino Conference yesterday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Former La Salle standouts Cruz delivered 15 of her Cha Cruz and Stephanie Mer- 18 points on kills while Mercado posted imcado chipped in Games Tomorrow pressive numbers 14 markers for (Alonte Sports Arena) to help the Lady 2:30 p.m.

Shopinas, which • Foton vs Philips Gold Clickers claim 4:30 p.m. • Mane ‘N Tail vs Petron made a resoundtheir fourth win 6:30 p.m. • Cignal vs Shopinas ing rebound folin seven games lowing a sorry in this prestigious inter-club five-set loss to Philips Gold tourney organized by Sports late Wednesday that someCore and backed by Asics, how hurt its chances of bagMikasa, Senoh, Mueller ging one of the two semifinal Sports Medicine, Via Mare, slots at stake.

LGR and Healthway Medical.

“I told them that we can’t

PHOTO

take the next few games for granted. We always have to be at our best because the competition is getting tougher,” said Shopinas coach Ramil de Jesus, the genius behind La Salle’s numerous title runs in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Catching their foes on a bad day, the Lady Clickers came out with vastly-improved floor and net defense that crippled the Lady Stallions early on.

Althoug h Mane ‘N Tail posted a 16-13 lead entering the second technical timeout, Cruz and Mercado waxed hot to capture a 22-18 lead en route to an easy victory in the first set that dictated the tempo of the match.

Kim Dy of Shopinas soars high for a kill against the defense of Abigail Praca of Mane ‘N Text in one of the highlights of their match in Philippine Superliga. ROMAN PROSPERO

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

Republic of the Philippines Office of the President

National Irrigation Administration

National Irrigation Administration

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG)

Office Address: Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone Nos.: (044)766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 Email Address: niar03@yahoo.com

Telefax No. (044) 766-2467 TIN No. 000-979-570-00

(PAMBANSANG PANGASIWAAN NG PATUBIG)

Office Address: Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone Nos.: (044)766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 Email Address: niar03@yahoo.com

InvItatIon to BId

InvItatIon to BId

rehaBIlItatIon of angatafterBay regulator dam Package 6-ImProvement of lowermaasIm canal

rehaBIlItatIon of angatafterBay regulator dam Package 5-ImProvement of uPPermaasIm canal

for

for

InvItatIon to BId no. nIar3–2015-aard-Bane-5 1.

2.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Region III, through funds transferred by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to NIA under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NIA and MWSS, intends to apply the sum of Thirty Four Million Nine Hundred Eighty NineThousand Two HundredSeventy FivePesos (P 34,989,275.00) being the Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Rehabilitation of AngatAfterbay Regulator Dam, Package 5 – Improvement of Upper Maasim Canal. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The NIA-Region 3 now invites bids for the Rehabilitation of AngatAfterbay Regulator Dam, Package 5-Improvement of UpperMaasim Canal located in the municipality of Bulacan andPampanga. The major items of works are as follows:

Items of Work

InvItatIon to BId no. nIar3–2015-aard-Bane-6 1.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Region III, through funds transferred by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to NIA under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NIA and MWSS, intends to apply the sum of Thirty Five Million Five Hundred Seventy TwoThousand Five Hundred Thirty SixPesos (P 35,572,536.00) being the Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Rehabilitation of AngatAfterbay Regulator Dam, Package 6 – Improvement of Lower Maasim Canal. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The NIA-Region 3 now invites bids for the Rehabilitation of AngatAfterbay Regulator Dam, Package 6-Improvement of LowerMaasim Canallocated in Barangay BahayPari&Pangclara, Candaba, Pampanga. The major items of works are as follows:

Description

Items of Work

Canalization

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Telefax No. (044) 766-2467 TIN No. 000-979-570-00

(a)

Common Excavation (Mechanized)

11,666.00 cubic meters

(b)

Class “B” Reinforced Concrete Canal

4,512.00 cubic meters

(c)

Gravel Blanket

557.00 cubic meters

(d)

Backfill and Compaction

8,259.00 cubic meters

(e)

Silt / Waste Disposal

3,407.00 cubic meters

(f)

Road Surfacing

1,264.00 cubic meters

Description

Canalization

Completion of the Works is required within 60 calendar days.

(a)

Common Excavation (mechanized)

9,674 cubic meters

(b)

Class “B” Reinforced Concrete Canal

4,680 cubic meters

(c)

Gravel Blanket

577 cubic meters

(d)

Backfill and Compaction

8,993 cubic meters

(e)

Silt / Waste Disposal

681 cubic meters

(f)

Road Surfacing

1,147 cubic meters

3.

Completion of the Works is required within 60 calendar days.

4.

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 ( RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidders should have completed a single contract in the construction of irrigation and flood control projects with a value of at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

5.

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.

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 ( RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

6.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from NIA-Region 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the BAC Secretariat,NIA-Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan from 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

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.

7.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidder on April 17, 2015 from the above address, Office of the BAC Secretariat and upon presentation of its original PCAB license and payment at the NIA-Region 3 Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (Php25,000.00).

Interested bidders may obtain further information from NIA-Region 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Office of the BAC Secretariat,NIA-Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan from 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

8.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidder on April 17, 2015 from the above address, Office of the BAC Secretariat and upon presentation of its original PCAB license and payment at the NIA-Region 3 Cashier of a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents in the amount of Twenty FiveThousand Pesos (Php25,000.00).

Bidders should have completed a single contract in the construction of irrigation and flood controlprojects with a value of at least 50% of the ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

Interested bidder must also present a letter authorizing his/her representative to acquire the Bidding Documents duly signed by the General Manager/Owner, if a Sole Proprietorship, or certified true copy of Board Resolution, if a Corporation.

Interested bidder must also present a notarized letter authorizing his/her representative to acquire the Bidding Documents duly signed by the General Manager/Owner, if a Sole Proprietorship, or certified true copy of Board Resolution, if a Corporation.

It may also download free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the NIA-Region 3 website, provided that bidder shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of its bid.

9.

The NIA-Region 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 23, 2015, 1:30 PM at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan which shall be opened only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

10.

Bids must be delivered on or before 1:30 PM, May 5, 2015, at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. Opening of bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11.

The NIA – Region 3 reserves the right to acceptor 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.

12.

For further information, please refer to:

The Chairman Bids and Awards Committee Office of the Engineering & Operations Division National Irrigation Administration – Region 3 Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone/Fax No. (044) 766 - 4839 (Sgd.) VIRGILIO J. ILAO Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

(TS-Apr. 17, 2015)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

It may also downloadfree of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the NIA-Region 3 website, provided that bidder shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of its bid.

9.

The NIA-Region 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 23, 2015, 2:30PM at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacanwhich shall beopened only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

10.

Bids must be delivered on or before 2:30 PM, May 5, 2015, at the Conference Room, NIA – Region 3, Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan.Opening of bids will immediately follow in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

11.

The NIA – Region 3 reserves the right to acceptor 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.

12.

For further information, please refer to:

The Chairman Bids and Awards Committee Office of the Engineering & Operations Division National Irrigation Administration – Region 3 Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone/Fax No. (044) 766 - 4839

(TS-Apr. 17, 2015)

(Sgd.) VIRGILIO J. ILAO Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee

IBO sets probe vs promoter I N T E R N AT I O N A L Boxing Organization president Ed Levine said he will convene an emergency meeting of the IBO Championship Committee on Monday to take up the issue of the non-payment of light flyweight champion Rey Loreto’s purse following his first-round knockout of former champion Nkosinathi Joyi in a rematch in South Africa.

In his response to an inquiry from this reporter, Levine said in an email “I am not in the office today but I will be convening an emergency meeting of the Championship’s Committee on Monday to take appropriate steps regarding this promoters malfeasance.”

The Championship Committee is headed

by John Daddono, an inductee in the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame.

Loreto filed a formal complaint with the Philippines Games and Amusements Board (GAB) against South African promoter Siphatho Handi over his failure to pay Loreto’s purse amounting to $42,000 which is around P2 million.

The 23-year old Loreto who was last March 25 honored at the 15th “Flash” Elorde Annual Awards as one of the “Boxers of the Year” along with IBF light flyweight champion Randy Petalcorin for winning the title by a 3rd round knockout of former world champion Nkosinathi Joyi repeated the spectacular victory with a stunning 1st round KO last March 24. Ronnie

Nathanielsz

F R I D AY : A P R I L 17, 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Pelicans subdue Spurs to snatch playoff berth THE New Orleans Pelicans snapped the San Antonio Spurs’ 11-game NBA winning streak on Wednesday, punching their playoff ticket on the last day of the regular season.

Anthony Davis scored 31 points, pulled down 13 rebounds and blocked three shots to lead the Pelicans to a 108-103 win over the reigning NBA champions who were storming into the post-season.

With the win, the Pelicans clinched the Western Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot and will open on the aroad against the NBA-best Golden State Warriors.

New Orleans needed the vic-

tory to grab their first postseason appearance since 2011 because the Oklahoma City Thunder, also chasing the final berth, trounced lowly Minnesota 138-113.

Russell Westbrook scored 34 of his 37 points in the first half and the Thunder scored a season-high points total.

But the effort went unrewarded after the Pelicans handed the Spurs their first defeat since March 24.

Westbrook secured the regular-season scoring for the first time, but was in no mood to celebrate.

“Doesn’t mean nothing,” he said. “Good job. Hurray. I’m at home. Watching other teams play.”

The Spurs would have clinched the Western Conference second seed with a win.

Instead Houston secured the second seed with a 117-91 victory over Utah.

James Harden had a tripledouble by the end of the third quarter, finishing with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for the Rockets, who also captured the title in the Southwest Division, which will send all five of its

Rising Suns foil Airmen, near S. Turf semifinal

teams to the playoffs.

It’s the first time each team from one division will compete in the same post-season since 2005-06, when the Pistons, Cavaliers, Pacers, Bulls and Bucks all advanced from the Central Division.

Memphis, second in the Southwest, earned home-court advantage in the first round with a 95-83 win over Indiana that ended the Pacers’ playoff hopes.

Indiana would have grabbed the final berth in the Eastern Conference with a win, or a Brooklyn Nets defeat.

Brooklyn defeated Orlando 101-88, thanks in large part to a career-high 28 points by Bojan Bogdanovic.

NEW ORLEANS, LA —Tim Duncan (#21) of the San Antonio Spurs goes for a lay up against the New Orleans Pelicans during their game on April 15, 2015 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. AFP

Games Sunday 9 a.m. • Army vs Cignal 5 p.m. • Air Force vs Champion

CAGAYAN Valley rebounded from a third set setback and out-steadied Air Force in a fiercely-fought fourth set duel, carving out a 25-16, 25-22, 21-25, 26-24 victory to close in on the first semifinal berth in the Spikers’ Turf Season I Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

UAAP MVP Marck Espejo combined with Jan Paglinawan on attacks while Peter Torres and Rex Intal took care of their defense upfront as the Rising Suns subdued the tough-fighting Airmen to annex their fourth straight victory in the inaugural league presented

by PLDT Home Ultera.

Air Force practically matched Cagayan’s power but just couldn’t sustain their third set charge and fell to their first defeat after trouncing Cignal, 3-1, last week.

Espejo came through with 17 hits, including 13 on attacks, while Paglinawan scored all his 14 markers on kills and Torres and Intal combined for five blocks while finishing 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Cignal bounced back from back-to-back setbacks with a tough 25-22, 26-24, 25-22 victory over Instituto Estetico Manila in the other game as Lorenzo Capate Jr. fired 12 hits, Edmar Bonono shot 11 points and Bonjomar Castel and Jeffrey Lansangan each chipped in 10 markers.

IEM, which ruled the first Shakey’s V-League men’s tournament last year, dropped to 0-2.

Trainer says Provodnikov is ready

By Ronnie Nathanielsz STRENGTH and conditioning coach Nick Curson says Russian beast Ruslan Provodnikov “looks better than ever” for his war against Argentine Lucas Matthysse at the TurningStone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York on Sunday, Manila Time.

Curson, who did an excellent job with the longest reigning Filipino world champion, WBO light flyweight Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, said from New York that unlike in the past “when his condition was poor and he hardly had any reaction” in the ring he is now at

his best in preparation for what most fight fans will be a war and a candidate for “Fight of the Year.”

Provodnikov’s trainer, Filipino Marvin Somodio who has taken over as Freddie Roach concentrates on Manny Pacquiao’s preparation for the Floyd Mayweather Jr. showdown said Ruslan will only have “some light training to maintain his peak form while keeping his weight in check.”

Sonsona said “both men are very strong” even as he said Provodnikov is “much better now.”

The 31-year-old Provodnikov has a record of 24-3 with 17 knockouts while Matthysse has a

record of 36-3 with 34 knockouts and is, like Provodnikov, considered a devastating puncher.

Matthysse is coming off a 5th round TKO of veteran Jose Luis Castillo last November 28. Castillo is the same fighter who many believe was robbed of the decision when he first fought currently undefeated pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. However, Provodnikov, the former sparring partner of eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao lost a split decision and his WBO light welterweight title to Chris Algieri on June 14, 2014.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 6 DIGITS 00-00-00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

Mayweather and the PH flag POUND-forpound King Floyd MayDENNIS PRINCIPE weather Jr. is SPORTS CHAT so shrewd he would use every trick, including his opponent’s nationality, just to make money.

Mayweather created quite a stir when he appeared wearing a Philippine flag-inspired black shirt during his media day in Las Vegas a few days ago.

The shirt had a full body picture of Mayweather in front which was colored blue and red on each side while a sun is located at the back of the photo’s head.

Reporters noticed the design and instantly thought it was probably Mayweather’s way of trying to upset Pacquiao.

But Mayweather said the shirt and a few more designs are actually on sale through his online store.

“We got Money Team gear for all countries and we support everybody I have American fans, African fans, Japanese fans, Filipino fans. Go to the Money team dot com and get a shirt,” said Mayweather.

True enough, the shirt, which is labeled as ‘King of the Ring’, is being sold on Mayweather’s website and is priced at $45.

It was actually not the first time Mayweather wore apparels that served as inklings about how he thinks regarding his opponents.

When Mayweather and Pacquiao had a supposed chance meeting in a Miami Heat home game, the undefeated American wore a hoodie where the country’s tri-colors was emblazoned on his chest.

In 2008, Mayweather wore trunks that was designed like a Mexican flag when he fought and defeated Oscar De La Hoya, an American Olympic gold medal winner who traces his roots in Mexico.

NO CRAMPS Famed trainer Freddie Roach recently cleared an issue that came up regarding the condition of Manny Pacquiao.

According to Roach, he’s been bugged by reports of a supposed leg cramps that has hounded Pacquiao in their most recently training session.

Roach admits he mistakenly thought that Pacquiao was suffering from cramps when the multi-division champion suddenly held on to his foot during one of their sessions at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood.

“After the workout we go back to the dressing room. And he showed me this big blister on the bottom of his foot. He said, ‘it’s not leg cramps. It’s the blister that hurts.’ So it was the blister and that was all. We had no leg cramps whatsoever,” said Roach.

Roach then went on to insist that Pacquiao is peaking at the right time and that he is happy with the way the power of his punches has been improving about three week before they get to face Floyd Mayweather Jr. “I can’t believe he’s throwing those strong combinations at me at the mitts and on the chest. I honestly had a new chest protector. It’s a little bit thicker.

But you know what? It’s not working that well. He knocked the wind out of me yesterday five times.

His power is really looking good,” said Roach.

Meantime team Pacquiao is back to its closed-door policy training a day after their media workout on Los Angeles.

Pacquiao is currently preparing for what is believed to be the biggest fight of his career against Mayweather who has yet to taste a defeat after 47 fights.

Pacquiao and Mayweather will both stake their respective welterweight belts when they clash in a 12-round contest on May 3 (Manila Time) at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada.

SPORTS CHAT Tune in to our daily morning show Sports Chat starting next week as we start conducting interviews with well-known personalities here and abroad and talk about the upcoming Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather welterweight match.

Also to be discussed are the latest updates about the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between Talk ‘N Text and Rain or Shine.

Our show airs Monday to Friday from 6-8 a.m. over DZSR Sports Radio 918.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK F R I D AY : A p R I l 17, 2 0 1 5

A16

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

Game today

(Finals, Game 2 - Smart Araneta Coliseum) 7 p.m. • Rain or Shine vs.

Talk ‘N Text

By Jeric Lopez

DON’T count out the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Facing a 0-1 deficit in the best-of-seven finals of the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao cited some key factors his players need to work on in Game 2 at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We’ll come out harder in Game 2. We’ll focus on what needs to be done. ‘We need to improve on our free throws and find a solution to lessening our turnovers. We probably just needed to break the ice,’’ said Guiao.

Seventy percent of teams who won Game 1 and held a 1-0 lead in a best-of-seven championship series went on to win the title that’s why Guiao needs his squad to even things up and avoid a huge deficit.

Despite a 1-0 lead for Talk ‘N Text, Tropang Texters coach Jong Uichico is far from a satisfied tactician. He wants a whole lot more from his troops.

As Talk ‘N Text shoots for a sizeable 2-0 advantage, Uichico seeks for more aggression from his troops as the Texters meet Rain or Shine again in the resumption of their best-of-seven warfare. ‘’We’re happy we won Game 1 and it’s good to have a 1-0 lead but we have to still perform better,’’ said Uichico.

He then emphasized what his wards need to work on for them to be able to get that commanding series lead and rack up another win against the very capable Elasto Painters. ‘’We gave up too many points in Game 1 and we didn’t show the level of emotion that we showed in the semifinals. We’re still not satisfied with the way we’re playing and hopefully we can do better in Game 2 to win again,’’ said Uichico whose Texters are currently in a four-game winning run.

Behind the lead of Ranidel De Ocampo and Ivan Johnson, Talk ‘N Text took Game 1 last Wednesday with a 99-92 victory.

Obviously, the Elasto Painters, who had their seven-game winning streak snapped, are looking for some remedy as they need to make the necessary adjustments to be able to square the series up and avoid a deep 0-2 hole.

Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters rookie point guard Kevin Alas takes it strong to the hoop against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 1 of their Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup finals encounter. The two squads sqaure off again in Game 2 of their playoff 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. LIno SAntoS

Elasto Painters gun for equalizer Children of Moro rebels join free football clinic

By Peter Atencio THE children of Moro rebels are among 200 boys and girls who were brought in from conflict areas in Mindanao to take part in the annual Football for Peace Clinic.

Lt. Col. Stephen Cabanlet, executive officer of the third

Pacquiao sees exciting battle turn to A12

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Philippine Marine Batallion, said the children from Sulu joined other young boys and girls in the big outdoor class held at the University of Makati turf Wednesday.

“Some of the kids who came have relatives who are part of the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). One is the son of an MILF

commander. We in the Armed Forces of the Philippines are helping teach values to these kids,” said Cabanlet in Tagalog.

The boy, whom Cabanlet declined to identify, had learned to dismantle rifles at a young age, just like many of his peers, because of the ongoing conflict between

government soldiers and rebels in their home.

Cabanlet said his unit earned the trust of the families in the conflict areas in the South.

The clinics were done with help of One Meralco Foundation and with assistance from players from Loyola Meralco Sparks.

Shopinas rips Mane ‘N Tail turn to A14

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY: APRIL 17, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

Razon investing $1b in Korea

By Jenniffer B. Austria

GAMING company Bloomberry Resorts Corp. plans to invest more than $1 billion to develop an integrated residential, commercial, tourism and gaming complex in South Korea.

Bloomberry chairman Enrique Razon Jr. said the company was now in the process of securing a gaming license from the Korean government to enable it to jumpstart the construction of the whole project.

“We are presenting the master plan to the [Korean] government in our application for a gaming license. It’s a multi-purpose development, not just casino and

hotel. There will be a residential aspect and it is going to be a tourism community,” Razon said in an interview at the sidelines of the annual stockholders meeting of port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc., which he also heads.

Razon said while the minimum investment to qualify for a gaming license in Korea was $1 billion, the whole

development could cost much bigger than that.

Bloomberry, which owns and operates Solaire Resorts and Casino in the Philippines, said it expected to start the Korean resort development in 2017.

Razon said the company was currently in talks with potential Korean joint venture partners for the project.

He said aside from allowing the company to diversify its revenue source, the Korean venture would be “good business” for Bloomberry, given the increasing tourist arrivals in Korea.

Bloomberry, through unit Solaire Korea Co. Ltd., earlier acquired two Korean islands, including Silmi Island and Muui

Island, to expand its operations outside the Philippines.

Both islands are located in the Greater Incheon area and within the coverage of the Incheon Free Economic Zone, which is being developed into a leisure and tourism complex with entertainment facilities and mixed-use developments.

Solaire Korea also purchased up to 92 percent of Golden & Luxury Co Ltd., which owns and operates T.H.E. Hotel & Vegas Casino in Jeju Island in South Korea.

Aside from Korea, Bloomberry is also looking at Latin America for possible expansion of its gaming business. The company is also waiting for Japan’s

PSe comPoSite index

Turkish bread.

Closing April 16, 2015

8500

The Turkish Flour Yeast and Ingredients Promotion Group, an organization of traders exporting and promoting Turkish products to the global market, recently hosted a Turkish flour baking seminar in Manila. Chef Emin Aydemir (second right), founder and president of the Association of Pastry & Suppliers in Turkey, gives out instructions on preparing Turkish bread during the seminar held at the training facility of FilipinoChinese Bakers Association Inc.

8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,948.20 41.74

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing APRIL 16, 2015 46

P44.430

45

CLOSE

44 43 42

HIGH P44.380 LOW P44.450 AVERAGE P44.430 VOLUME 687.300M

P508.00-P728.00 LPG/11-kg tank P38.40-P52.05 Unleaded Gasoline P26.90-P43.80 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

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

parliament to pass a gaming law before making investment plans there.

Meanwhile, Bloomberry said it maintained its foot traffic in its Solaire casino complex in Paranaque City even with the opening of rival City of Dreams Manila.

“I guess the market has increased with the opening [of City of Dreams Manila],” Razon said.

City of Dreams Manila, which is being operated by Melco Crown, held a grand opening on Feb. 2, becoming the second integrated resort and gaming complex to open within the governmentsponsored Pagcor Entertainment City.

JG Summit’s profit surges 75% to P18.25b

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, April 16, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.5550

Japan

Yen

0.008393

0.3740

UK

Pound

1.484100

66.1241

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129001

5.7476

Switzerland

Franc

1.036914

46.1997

Canada

Dollar

0.813074

36.2265

Singapore

Dollar

0.737191

32.8455

Australia

Dollar

0.761615

33.9338

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

118.1893

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

11.8810

Brunei

Dollar

0.734484

32.7249

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000078

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.030733

1.3693

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.1304

Euro

Euro

1.068700

47.6159

Korea

Won

0.000913

0.0407

China

Yuan

0.161155

7.1803

India

Rupee

0.016043

0.7148

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.270051

12.0321

New Zealand

Dollar

0.753807

33.5859

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031998

1.4257 Source: PDS Bridge

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

JG SUMMIT Holdings Inc., the holding company of billionaire John Gokongwei, said it earned P18.25 billion in 2014, up by 75 percent from the P10.43-billion net income it booked in 2013, on sustained growth of core businesses.

JG Summit, in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, said the 2014 profit was boosted by the full-year recognition of equity earnings from the company’s investment in distributor Manila Electric Co. and higher dividends received from investments in Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and

Jobstreet Malaysia.

JG Summit also has investments in real estate, air transportation, food manufacturing and financial services.

Consolidated revenues grew 23 percent in 2014 to P184.8 billion from P150.35 billion in 2013, led by the strong performance of all subsidiaries, except for the banking business.

JG Summit’s food manufacturing arm Universal Robina Corp. posted a 15.6-percent growth in revenues in 2014 to P96.6 billion, on the back of the strong performance of the branded consumer food

products in both domestic and international markets.

The group’s airline unit Cebu Air Inc. registered a 26.8-percent increase in gross revenues to P52 billion from P41 billion in 2013, brought about by a 17.5-percent growth in passenger volume and higher cargo and ancillary revenues.

Robinsons Land Corp., the group’s property unit, saw its real estate and hotel revenues increase 5.4 percent to P17.43 billion.

JG Petrochem’s revenue jumped to P3.23 billion in 2014 from P542.55 million in the same period in 2013, as it resumed

commercial operations in November 2014.

Banking revenue slightly dropped 1.2 percent to P2.72 billion this year, on lower trading gains and commission income for the period.

Meanwhile, equity in net earnings of associates and joint ventures posted a 217.4-percent increase to P7.25 billion mainly due to full-year recognition of equity earnings from Meralco in 2014.

The company completed the purchase of a 27.1-percent stake in Meralco in December 2013.

Jenniffer B. Austria

FRIDAY: APRIL 17, 2015

B2

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

MST BuSineSS Daily STockS Review Thursday, april 16, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 104 63 2.49 4.2 18.48 31.6 9.5 0.92 2.95 890 1.01 99.4 30.5 94.95 137 361.2 59 174.8 1700 127.9 3.26

2.5 66 84.6 84.5 45.8 1.97 2.03 12.02 23.55 6.3 0.74 1.75 625 0.225 78 18.02 76.5 95 276 45 107.6 1200 66 2.65

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

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank PB Bank Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

7.11 70.85 118.00 104.20 46.4 2.28 2.26 16.2 24.35 8.26 0.7 1.68 765.00 0.420 97.2 18.22 74.50 94 330 45.6 168.5 1350.00 69.75 3.03

35.6 1.04 1.41 7.92 40.3 14.6 62.5 10.08 29.15 1.04 10.72 8.44 9.79 5.43 9.54 1.06 8.61 18.06 67.9 14 0.0076 13.24 3.12 0.395 168 8.65 34.1 1.63 24.4 16.2 7.62 250.2 3.87 9 3.7 9.94 3.03 2.22 1 4.72 6 201.6 1.67 0.122 1.02 2.01 143.4 4.28 0.670 1.39

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

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

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

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

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas Holdings San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

43.25 1.1 1.98 11.8 47.3 18.32 194 35.3 61.5 1.79 12.96 18.520 11.48 7.96 9.71 1.88 19.6 28.3 94 15.12 0.4500 14.20 6.1 0.580 211.00 9.09 33.60 2.86 26.5 24.15 7.900 262.40 4.11 9.80 4.45 11.60 4.00 2.47 2.87 5.01 6.4 201.8 1.66 0.170 1.38 2.15 214 4.5 0.67 1.45

0.45 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 1.4 1.6 600 7.390 14.18 4.25 0.144 818 5.3 46.6 4.43 0.59 12 0.580 4.22 4.5 1.23 0.450 66.7 1.5 709.5 1.13 0.93 85.2 0.200 0.173 0.310

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

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

Minerales Industrias Corp.

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

0.465 58.00 26.00 1.36 7.05 0.27 0.26 791 8.4 15.30 4.46 0.315 1346 6.12 71.00 8.72 0.76 16.18 0.63 4.77 5.1 1.370 0.760 69.55 2.93 925.50 1.20 0.87 102.50 0.3850 0.2440 0.315

6.01 0.91 1.29 0.192 29.1 4.1 4.96 0.89 1.1

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev.

8.780 0.88 1.290 0.240 39.45 4.27 5.17 0.93 1.20

47 1.66 2.36 15.3 113 20.6 125 32 65.8 4.57 23.35 21.6 12.98 9.13 12.34 2.89 17 31.8 109 20.75 0.820 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 12.5 79 4 33.9 90 13.98 292.4 5.25 13.04 6.8 14.5 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.68 8.1 253 3.28 0.315 2.5 2.68 226.6 5.5 1.3 2.17 0.7 59.2 31.85 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 800 11.06 84 5.14 0.66 1380 6.68 72.6 9.25 0.9 18.9 0.73 5.53 6.55 2.31 0.84 87 3.5 934 2.2 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510 10.5 1.99 2.07 0.375 40 6.15 5.4 1.54 1.97

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 7.39 7.05 70.95 70.3 118.50 115.50 106.00 104.00 46.5 45.9 2.35 2.29 2.19 2.14 16.3 15.32 24.3 23.2 8.50 7.99 0.7 0.7 1.75 1.67 773.00 770.00 0.415 0.415 97.5 95.5 18.40 18.20 77.00 74.45 95 92 330 326 45.6 44.95 172.3 165 1410.00 1380.00 70.00 69.75 3.03 3.02 INDUSTRIAL 43.2 40.8 1.09 1.06 2.02 1.98 11.9 11.48 49.95 49.95 18.94 18.3 194 194 35 33.5 61.75 61.45 1.79 1.78 13.12 13 19.020 18.52 11.50 11.28 7.99 7.64 9.72 9.58 1.8 1.7 20.3 19.5 28.4 27.35 94.5 93.6 15.00 14.10 0.4400 0.4300 14.30 14.30 6.1 5.94 0.580 0.580 214.80 211.00 9.35 9.1 33.60 32.00 3.3 2.44 26.85 26.55 24.5 23.5 7.900 7.700 270.00 262.40 4.12 4.04 9.99 9.84 4.75 4.25 11.64 11.48 4.05 4.00 2.50 2.41 2.94 2.65 5.05 4.96 6.4 6.4 202 201.4 1.66 1.61 0.170 0.168 1.32 1.31 2.18 2.12 223 212.2 4.5 4.47 0.69 0.68 1.44 1.42 HOLDING FIRMS 0.465 0.465 57.45 55.10 26.30 25.50 1.31 1.30 7.06 7.00 0.27 0.27 0.29 0.28 795 780 8.48 8.28 15.34 15.06 4.50 4.40 0.310 0.300 1350 1310 6.12 6.12 73.95 70.50 8.8 8.56 0.8 0.76 16.18 15.6 0.64 0.62 4.93 4.72 5.2 5.2 1.360 1.360 0.780 0.760 70.75 67.80 2.83 2.83 936.00 916.50 1.23 1.23 0.81 0.86 106.50 100.00 0.3950 0.3750 0.2440 0.2400 0.315 0.315 PROPERTY 8.800 8.590 0.88 0.85 1.290 1.280 0.250 0.245 40.35 38.50 4.29 4.2 5.22 5.12 0.94 0.91 1.20 1.20

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

7.13 70.95 118.00 106.00 46.4 2.29 2.14 15.32 23.5 7.99 0.7 1.67 771.00 0.415 96.8 18.40 77.00 95 326 44.95 166.4 1410.00 70.00 3.02

0.28 0.14 0.00 1.73 0.00 0.44 -5.31 -5.43 -3.49 -3.27 0.00 -0.60 0.78 -1.19 -0.41 0.99 3.36 1.06 -1.21 -1.43 -1.25 4.44 0.36 -0.33

24,600 13,020 4,189,890 2,727,680 221,000 29,000 307,000 127,100 377,500 32,000 5,000 30,000 2,620 40,000 6,335,770 141,900 185,340 35,620 36,340 11,400 710,250 2,490 19,250 14,000

-1,463.00 884,889.00 -203,639,624.00 20,473,805.00

41.5 1.09 2.02 11.9 49.95 18.48 194 34.9 61.5 1.78 13.08 19.020 11.50 7.98 9.64 1.79 19.96 28.3 94.2 14.10 0.4400 14.30 6.1 0.580 212.40 9.26 32.00 2.9 26.8 23.85 7.820 264.00 4.12 9.86 4.75 11.48 4.05 2.45 2.7 4.96 6.4 201.8 1.61 0.170 1.31 2.17 223 4.47 0.68 1.44

-4.05 -0.91 2.02 0.85 5.60 0.87 0.00 -1.13 0.00 -0.56 0.93 2.70 0.17 0.25 -0.72 -4.79 1.84 0.00 0.21 -6.75 -2.22 0.70 0.00 0.00 0.66 1.87 -4.76 1.40 1.13 -1.24 -1.01 0.61 0.24 0.61 6.74 -1.03 1.25 -0.81 -5.92 -1.00 0.00 0.00 -3.01 0.00 -5.07 0.93 4.21 -0.67 1.49 -0.69

8,362,900 -182,325,165.00 2,517,000 681,000 -100,000.00 30,500 100 1,092,300 -8,689,612.00 10 583,500 -341,000.00 194,280 2,223,847.00 285,000 1,111,200 8,932,956.00 3,985,100 -34,875,220.00 2,037,200 1,767,100.00 51,015,400 -158,383,989.00 1,490,900 1,736,097.00 80,000 17,500.00 82,700 10,873,500 -95,025,455.00 262,460 -2,586,341.00 900 350,000 17,400.00 2,500 1,850,800 4,221,877.00 18,000 641,080 -41,091,108.00 6,540,300 -10,821,079.00 4,800 118,000 13,000.00 393,600 4,429,660.00 484,400 -4,420,850.00 100,200 449,658.00 237,960 -18,639,418.00 150,000 40,500.00 1,513,400 1,723,454.00 5,000 34,200 349,000 313,000 1,395,000 5,450,300 -848,668.00 2,000 24,080 -390,170.00 278,000 1,310,000 15,000 685,685,000 3,338,810 78,707,504.00 778,000 -429,060.00 1,065,000 304,000

0.465 56.70 25.60 1.30 7.06 0.27 0.28 795 8.28 15.34 4.50 0.310 1330 6.12 71.40 8.79 0.8 15.86 0.64 4.93 5.2 1.360 0.780 67.80 2.83 936.00 1.23 0.86 104.60 0.3750 0.2440 0.315

0.00 -2.24 -1.54 -4.41 0.14 -1.85 7.69 0.51 -1.43 0.26 0.90 -1.59 -1.19 0.00 0.56 0.80 5.26 -1.98 1.59 3.35 1.96 -0.73 2.63 -2.52 -3.41 1.13 2.50 -1.15 2.05 -2.60 0.00 0.00

60,000 2,784,470 12,032,200 25,000 31,000 200,000 220,000 400,550 3,205,200 7,836,200 130,000 1,130,000 492,200 11,000 5,873,650 2,067,600 1,148,000 9,058,900 925,000 43,240,000 100,000 2,000 386,000 390,550 13,000 360,790 27,000 50,000 12,490 4,990,000 110,000 1,270,000

8.800 0.85 1.280 0.245 40.35 4.2 5.22 0.91 1.20

0.23 -3.41 -0.78 2.08 2.28 -1.64 0.97 -2.15 0.00

152,000 1,079,000 80,000 870,000 11,450,400 1,015,000 302,000 5,774,000 100,000

-203,473,805.00 -449,348.00 -3,458,315.00 8,000 965,150.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

0.201 0.98 1.09 0.305 2.25 1.87 1.8 5.73 0.180 0.470 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 3.6 20.6 1.02 7.56 1.96 8.59

0.083 0.445 0.85 0.188 1.4 1.42 1.19 4.13 0.090 0.325 0.39 2.57 21.35 1.64 3.08 15.08 0.69 3.38 1 5.69

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 12.46 15.82 0.1460 4.61 99.1 12.3 9 1700 2090 8.41 1.97 119.5 7 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 2.85 2.2 1.97 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 22.8 18 110.2 14 3486 0.710 2.28 48.5 90.1 11.6 0.87 2.95 10.2 0.490 1.6

1.97 32.5 1 0.6 10 9.61 0.0770 2.95 46.55 10.14 5.88 830 1600 5.95 1.36 105 3.01 8.72 0.012 0.036 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.69 1.1 0.490 1.8 8.7 0.34 0.37 14.54 8.8 79 4.39 2726 0.380 0.32 31.45 60.55 7.59 0.63 1.71 6.45 0.305 1.04

0.0098 5.45 17.24 25 0.330 12.7 12.8 1.2 1.73 10.98 4.2 0.48 0.455 0.475 0.023 0.026 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 8.65 9.43 0.236 6.5 6.98 0.61 0.78 5.99 1.08 0.330 0.2130 0.2160 0.014 0.014 3.660 20.2 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 0.013 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

70 553 515 12.28 111 1060

33 490 480 6.5 101 997

1047 76.9 84.8 1.34

1011 74.2 75 1

6.98 2.2

0.8900 0.74

10.96 15 88 12.88

2.4 3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6

Close

Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

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

0.160 0.455 0.880 0.190 1.46 1.92 1.45 5.7 0.128 0.3500 0.5200 7 29.10 1.76 3.22 19.86 0.79 7.53 1.040 8.000

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.160 0.158 0.159 0.455 0.450 0.450 0.880 0.880 0.880 0.195 0.190 0.195 1.46 1.40 1.42 1.95 1.87 1.92 1.45 1.42 1.45 5.5 5.18 5.5 0.133 0.129 0.129 0.3500 0.3400 0.3500 0.5100 0.5100 0.5100 7.38 7.1 7.28 29.45 28.90 29.10 1.77 1.76 1.77 3.24 3.19 3.22 20.10 19.68 19.80 0.81 0.78 0.81 7.55 7.55 7.55 1.080 1.030 1.030 8.020 7.700 7.700 SERVICES 2GO Group’ 6.48 6.65 6.35 6.5 ABS-CBN 62.5 63.5 61.4 61.4 Acesite Hotel 1.03 1.04 1.04 1.04 APC Group, Inc. 0.700 0.700 0.690 0.690 Asian Terminals Inc. 13.5 13.02 13 13 Bloomberry 11.32 11.90 11.32 11.84 Boulevard Holdings 0.1130 0.1150 0.1120 0.1130 Calata Corp.

3.44 3.41 3.25 3.25 Cebu Air Inc. (5J) 82.5 82.5 79.8 80.7 Centro Esc. Univ.

10.02 10.06 10.06 10.06 DFNN Inc. 6.90 7.10 6.90 7.04 FEUI 995 1000 1000 1000 Globe Telecom 2190 2264 2190 2202 GMA Network Inc. 6.50 6.52 6.50 6.50 Harbor Star 1.53 1.54 1.50 1.50 I.C.T.S.I. 107.6 107.5 105.2 106 Imperial Res. `A’ 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 IPeople Inc. `A’ 11.22 11.98 11.96 11.96 IP E-Game Ventures Inc. 0.014 0.014 0.014 0.014 Island Info 0.227 0.229 0.226 0.227 ISM Communications 1.2500 1.2600 1.2500 1.2500 Jackstones 2.64 2.74 2.61 2.74 Leisure & Resorts 8.55 8.75 8.50 8.65 Liberty Telecom 2.00 2.02 2.00 2.02 Lorenzo Shipping 1.34 1.34 1.34 1.34 Manila Bulletin 0.680 0.680 0.680 0.680 Manila Jockey 2 2 1.99 1.99 Melco Crown 10.08 10.08 9.91 10 MG Holdings 0.360 0.370 0.360 0.360 NOW Corp.

0.465 0.460 0.460 0.460 Pacific Online Sys. Corp. 18.32 18.4 18.4 18.4 Phil. Racing Club 9 9.2 9.2 9.2 Phil. Seven Corp.

111.00 110.00 110.00 110.00 Philweb.Com Inc. 14.26 14.36 14.26 14.36 PLDT Common 2900.00 2908.00 2872.00 2900.00 PremiereHorizon 0.600 0.600 0.590 0.600 Premium Leisure 1.600 1.610 1.570 1.580 Puregold 39.05 40.20 39.25 40.05 Robinsons RTL 85.00 85.50 84.85 85.50 SSI Group 9.66 9.75 9.42 9.74 STI Holdings 0.65 0.67 0.65 0.65 Transpacific Broadcast 1.87 1.89 1.89 1.89 Travellers 6.55 6.7 6.5 6.61 0.340 0.345 0.355 0.355 Waterfront Phils.

Yehey 1.350 1.320 1.310 1.310 MINING & OIL Abra Mining 0.0058 0.0057 0.0056 0.0057 Apex `A’ 2.60 2.73 2.73 2.73 Atlas Cons. `A’ 8.21 8.20 8.01 8.03 Atok-Big Wedge `A’ 11.20 11.10 11.10 11.10 Basic Energy Corp.

0.255 0.255 0.255 0.255 Benguet Corp `A’ 6.9800 7.2000 6.9800 6.9800 Benguet Corp `B’ 6.9800 6.9800 6.9500 6.9800 Century Peak Metals Hldgs 1.07 1.07 1.05 1.07 Coal Asia 0.9 0.91 0.9 0.9 Dizon 7.88 8.41 7.59 8.12 Ferronickel 1.94 1.98 1.88 1.91 Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. 0.395 0.410 0.390 0.390 Lepanto `A’ 0.231 0.234 0.228 0.233 Lepanto `B’ 0.243 0.243 0.237 0.243 Manila Mining `A’ 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 Manila Mining `B’ 0.0140 0.0150 0.0150 0.0150 Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. 4.03 4.24 4.08 4.18 Nickelasia 19 20.2 19.18 19.7 Nihao Mineral Resources 3.68 3.82 3.68 3.69 Omico 0.7200 0.7200 0.7200 0.7200 Oriental Peninsula Res. 2.100 2.110 2.100 2.110 Oriental Pet. `A’ 0.0130 0.0130 0.0120 0.0130 Oriental Pet. `B’ 0.0140 0.0130 0.0130 0.0130 Petroenergy Res. Corp. 5.80 5.80 5.80 5.80 Philex `A’ 6.65 6.65 6.35 6.41 PhilexPetroleum 1.95 2.18 1.95 1.95 Philodrill Corp. `A’ 0.016 0.016 0.015 0.016 Semirara Corp.

162.00 167.00 159.00 160.50 TA Petroleum 4.06 4.18 4.12 4.13 United Paragon 0.0110 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 PREFERRED ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. 63.8 63.8 62 62.2 Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ 515 515 515 515 GLOBE PREF P 510 511 510.5 510.5 Leisure and Resort 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.08 MWIDE PREF 109 111 110 111 PCOR-Preferred A 1150 1060 1060 1060 PCOR-Preferred B 1090 1090 1070 1070 PF Pref 2 1046 1047 1045 1047 SMC Preferred A 76.2 76.1 75.95 76.1 SMC Preferred C 84.75 85 85 85 Swift Pref 3.11 3.2 3 3.11 WARRANTS & BONDS LR Warrant 3.970 4.000 3.900 4.000 Megaworld Corp. Warrants2 4.45 3.53 3.53 3.53 SME Double Dragon 8.61 8.8 8.43 8.75 Makati Fin. Corp.

7 7 5.52 6.4 IRipple E-Business Intl 72.7 72.85 68 72.85 Xurpas 9.3 9.36 9.27 9.27 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS First Metro ETF 128.6 130 127.8 129.1

-0.63 -1.10 0.00 2.63 -2.74 0.00 0.00 -3.51 0.78 0.00 -1.92 4.00 0.00 0.57 0.00 -0.30 2.53 0.27 -0.96 -3.75

7,060,000 620,000 10,000 550,000 22,221,000 41,085,000 275,000 77,754,400 1,500,000 70,000 2,000 328,500 5,445,600 450,000 183,000 10,195,600 1,295,000 200 55,000 9,337,300

445,200.00 -234,150.00

0.31 -1.76 0.97 -1.43 -3.70 4.59 0.00 -5.52 -2.18 0.40 2.03 0.50 0.55 0.00 -1.96 -1.49 0.00 6.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.79 1.17 1.00 0.00 0.00 -0.50 -0.79 0.00 -1.08 0.44 2.22 -0.90 0.70 0.00 0.00 -1.25 2.56 0.59 0.83 0.00 1.07 0.92 -2.82 -2.96

94,600 30,430 8,000 1,511,000 23,600 21,738,900 12,540,000 354,000 1,562,590 1,400 428,200 10 62,795 90,500 273,000 2,572,100 18,000 8,100 2,000,000 4,870,000 243,000 46,000 34,800 28,000 6,000 100,000 390,000 6,570,000 800,000 10,000 900 9,900 31,670 327,200 255,935 411,000 4,143,000 2,140,500 2,326,360 3,217,400 1,707,000 1,000 1,414,300 250,000 22,000

-1.72 5.00 -2.19 -0.89 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.05 -1.55 -1.27 0.87 0.00 0.00 7.14 3.72 3.68 0.27 0.00 0.48 0.00 -7.14 0.00 -3.61 0.00 0.00 -0.93 1.72 0.00

128,000,000 2,000 955,000 -803,213.00 100 110,000 4,000 6,500 937,000 394,400.00 208,000 90,000.00 72,600 7,396,000 2,937,590.00 4,000,000 3,550,000 360,000 97,700,000 2,100,000 887,000 -71,060.00 14,894,900 -6,011,360.00 3,375,000 -1,282,100.00 10,000 147,000 -10,510.00 200,000 400,000 200 1,019,700 -164,401.00 1,216,000 199,000.00 26,800,000 814,480 -3,215,760.00 69,000 34,000,000

-2.51 0.00 0.10 0.00 1.83 -7.83 -1.83 0.10 -0.13 0.29 0.00

1,306,330 10 2,350 49,000 10,000 2,050 625 8,755 67,000 33,400 33,000

0.76 -20.67

106,000 1,000

1.63 -8.57 0.21 -0.32

2,015,100 36,800 1,630 953,800

3,742,598.00

0.39

296,460

-41,275.00

-1,273,520.00 -8,753,260.00 -148,397,269.00 1,330.00

61,991,485.00

MST

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

SHARES 15,629,418 120,181,964 103,694,433 205,629,717 74,145,675 329,401,386 851,986,442

-124,539,572.50 56,606.00 1,035,488.00 2,847,927.00 -3,294,140.00 62,885.00 -47,618,177.00 2,158,300.00 16,865.00

-88,537,456.00 -222,302,850.00 9,170.00

7,427,545.00 6,477,704.00 -62,725,672.00

-309,089,020.00 61,200.00 -201,579,747.00 -2,737,323.00 -102,700.00 -39,590,062.00 151,399,920.00

15,960.00 -10,339,627.50 -17,122,300.00

15,500.00 375,047.00

49,670,305.00 636,000.00 -1,896,540.00

T op g ainerS VALUE 1,571,285,807.12 2,422,429,058.03 2,893,160,027.63 1,545,031,626.66 2,037,625,414.62 478,904,529.97 110,130,005,698.86

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,857.21 (up) 5.16 INDUSTRIAL 12,435.40 (up) 141.69 HOLDING FIRMS 7,081.03 (up) 2.31 PROPERTY 3,228.27 (up) 30.98 SERVICES 2,140.97 (up) 2.39 MINING & OIL 14,335.50 (down) 13.64 PSEI 7,948.20 (up) 41.74 All Shares Index 4,534.32 (up) 13.43 Gainers: 95; Losers: 83; Unchanged: 50; Total: 228

11,993,354.00

-47,304,958.00

-403,650.00 127,400.00 144,444,100.00 -40,042,883.50

-140,000.00 14,434,830.00

-16,101,897.00

68,954.00

-139,300.00 19,999,733.00

51,700.00 280,096.00 -400,540,640.00

74,060.00 -12,237,030.00 45,426,719.50 5,767,980.00 7,800.00 -278,670.00

569,490.00 -1,021,250.00

-3,038,650.00 -935,000.00

70,770.00 12,100.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

ATN Holdings B

0.28

7.69

Megaworld Corp. Warrants2

3.53

-20.67

Manila Mining `B'

0.0150

7.14

Makati Fin. Corp.

6.4

-8.57

Phil H2O

4.75

6.74

PCOR-Preferred A

1060

-7.83

IPeople Inc. `A'

11.96

6.60

Oriental Pet. `B'

0.0130

-7.14

Bogo Medelin

49.95

5.60

Ginebra San Miguel Inc.

14.10

-6.75

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

0.8

5.26

Pryce Corp. `A'

2.7

-5.92

Apex `A'

2.73

5.00

Calata Corp.

3.25

-5.52

Bloomberry

11.84

4.59

COL Financial

15.32

-5.43

Sun Life Financial

1410.00

4.44

Bright Kindle Resources

2.14

-5.31

Universal Robina

223

4.21

TKC Steel Corp.

1.31

-5.07

FRIDAY: APRIL 17, 2015

B3

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

Market ends 3-day slump STOCKS rose Thursday, ending a three-day slump, following a positive lead from Wall Street and Asian markets.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, rose 41 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 7,948.20. The benchmark has gained 9.9 percent since the start of the year.

The heavier index, representing all shares, gained 13 points, or 0.3 percent, to settle at 4,534.32, on value turnover of P7.2 billion.

Losers outnumbered gainers, 93 to 82, while 50 issues were unchanged.

Casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. emerged as the biggest gainer among the 20 most active stocks, as it climbed 5 percent to P11.88. Miner Nickel Asia Corp. advanced 4.2 percent to P19.80 while developer Megaworld Corp. added 2.8 percent to close at P5.48.

The market’s gains follow a positive lead from Wall Street, where another batch of weak figures was offset by a pick-up in oil prices, an upbeat Federal Reserve economic report and hopes for lower rates for a little longer.

Meanwhile, Shanghai surged 2.71 percent, or 110.66 points, to 4,194.82 and in the afternoon Hong Kong was 0.41 percent higher.

Tokyo bounced from a morning sell-off to end slightly higher, gaining 16.01 points to 19,885.77.

Sydney advanced 0.66 percent, or 39.08 points, to close at 5,947.5 after a better-than-expected unemployment reading for March, while Seoul rose 0.94 percent, or 19.94 points, to 2,139.90.

Hong Kong’s bourse continued its rally after soaring over the past week with record turnover as mainland investors look for cheap assets in the city following a year-long rally in Shanghai that almost doubled its value.

Chinese investors have been flooding into stocks—using a link-up between the Hong Kong and Shanghai exchanges —on expectations China will ramp up its stimulus programme to support the struggling economy, which in January-March grew at its slowest pace in six years.

US industrial production fell 0.6 percent in March, according to the Fed, twice the decline projected by analysts. Also, the New York Fed said its Empire State index on manufacturing activity plunged into negative territory in April for the first time since December.

With AFP

MAYA BALTAZAR HERRERA

IntegratIons

NOBODY seems to argue that entrepreneurship is necessary for driving the growth of economies. This explains why creating environments that are conducive to successful entrepreneurship is on the policy agenda of most governments.

In comparative studies, there are clearly locations that produce a higher concentration of successful entrepreneurs. What policymakers need to know is this: What are the conditions that enhance the likelihood of value-creating enterprises? Now, clearly these conditions interact in a system. In the management classroom, we call this collection of conditions interacting together an ecosystem.

So here is the question for the week: What types of ecosystems are conducive to successful entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship Ecosystems 101 First, a few basics. When analysts talk about an entrepreneurial ecosystem, the common model is Silicon Valley. However, we also know from the study on “SuperEntrepreneurs” (see Nurturing Billionaires, Integrations, March 6, 2015) that countries such as Hong Kong, Israel, Switzerland and Singapore are home to a large proportion of successful entrepreneurs.

Daniel Isenberg, who led a study on entrepreneurship ecosystems in the US as well as in such diverse locations as Israel, Ireland, Taiwan, Chile, Spain and South Africa explains a few things in a 2011 Forbes article. Isenberg explains that the elements of an entrepreneurial ecosystem can be categorized into six domains: (a) culture; (b) policies and leadership; (c) finance; (d) human capital; (e) markets; and (f) institutional and infrastructure support. However, he also points out that each ecosystem is unique and evolved within a specific context.

Perhaps most interesting among Isenberg’s conclusions is that the generic conditions have limited practical value. He explains that evidence clearly supports certain conditions such as education, regulatory framework and well-functioning capital markets, are supportive of entrepreneurship. However, he also

Nurturing enterprise asserts that the impact of these factors occur over a long time frame and are generally weak. He focuses on what policymakers would tend to think about as the big bang changes, those big step changes that occur over a short period of time. These big changes, he explains, are the result of “high order interactions”, essentially the result of multiple factors working together as opposed to just a single factor. Isenberg also suggests that a handful of individuals can become catalysts for change. He identifies certain companies that heavily impacted local ecosystems: Skype in Estonia, HP in the Silicon Valley, Scitex in Israel, Baidu in China. Isenberg calls this the “Law of small numbers” and says that these first few pioneers pave the way.

For policymakers, Isenberg has two reassuring comments. First, he says there is evidence that these entrepreneurship ecosystems eventually become selfsustaining. “Success breeds success.” Second, to the question of whether these ecosystems can be crafted, his answer is a qualified yes. Entrepreneurship ecosystems, Isenberg claims, can be intelligently evolved.

On the ground In a more recent article for the Harvard Business Review, Isenberg points out potential misunderstandings concerning entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Many of Isenberg’s clarifications echo the Superentrepreneurs study: (a) an increased number of start-ups does not necessarily indicate a strong ecosystem; (b) offering state-sponsored financial incentives for early stage enterprise does not necessarily improve the ecosystem; (c) the creation of jobs should not be the primary purpose of the ecosystem; (d) Coworking spaces such as incubators do not necessarily strengthen the ecosystem; (e) no single player drives the ecosystem; (f) large corporations can be very important within the ecosystem, providing a flow of markets as well as talent.

The many studies on entrepreneurship ecosystems underline a few basic things all policy makers need to understand.

Entrepreneurship relies on some very basic wellsprings: (a) access to markets; (b) access to capital; (c) access to ideas and inspiration such as information concerning new trends and technology; (d) access to

talent; and (e) access to critical raw material. Most importantly, it is important to understand that the elements in the ecosystem must all work together in order to provide all five wellsprings.

In some ways, it is really a matter of simply understanding how business works. However, it is really important to keep track of important balances.

The tricky matter for state actors is to determine how much and what kind of policy and regulatory interventions are necessary.

For the Philippines, there are two areas of improvement that are immediately obvious. From a legal and regulatory framework standpoint, it is clear that the burden of compliance is very high in the Philippines. A simple review of the Ease of Doing Business Index should point policymakers in the right direction. This combined with a review of tax laws and regulations should provide a clear blueprint for regulatory overhaul. Second, there is infrastructure. These are obvious: telecommunication and transportation. Port and roads gridlock create massive roadblocks for business. Gridlock on the information highway is even more problematic. Just last week, one of my expatriate friends pointed out that the massive deterioration in mobile connectivity simply in the last three years.

One of the real problems in the Philippines is a failure to prepare for the future. We are constantly in a cycle of demand outpacing capacity.

The challenge of leadership has never been simply about vision. Being able to see the future is useless if one does not have the ability to do something about it. Painting a bright future is pointless if there is no plan for reaching it.

Leadership is about making things happen. In the area of entrepreneurship ecosystems, as in many complex spaces, Filipino analysts and policy makers are likely to be excellent at analytics and proposing solutions. The real challenge is going to be in implementation.

Readers can email Maya at integrations_manila@yahoo.com. Or visit her site at http://integrations.tumblr.com.

B4

FRIDAY: APRIL 17, 2015

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

Senate review of labor migration laws hailed OUR Wednesday item on the millions of domestic workers who are denied basic labor rights and are subjected to indecent treatment and abuse by their employers invited all kinds of angry reactions, from dismay at the pitiful plight of these OFWs to anger at the government for its inability to provide decent jobs for our countrymen (notwithstanding the much ballyhooed economic progress).

A few days ago, a Filipina domestic worker in Bahrain was rescued by Philippine Embassy personnel after the video she posted on her Facebook account pleading for help and saying she was raped and beaten by her employer’s drug-addict son who threatened to bury her out in the desert went viral, alerting Philippine authorities about her plight. Not many are as fortunate however, as validated by stories about OFWs jumping to their deaths because of desperation and hopelessness, many of them victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

In the past few weeks, the list of OFWs in distress seems to be increasing: trapped in conflict-affected areas like Yemen, Libya and Syria or under at risk of infection by the dreaded MERS-Corona Virus in Saudi Arabia or some other kind of trouble and misfortune.

The plan of Senator Sonny Angara to review the country’s migration policies particularly with regard to labor laws and regulations designed to protect the rights and promote the welfare of OFWs is “timely and urgent” as Blas F. Ople Policy and Training Center president Susan Ople described it.

“It has been 40 years since the Philippine overseas labor program was initiated. The world has vastly changed since then, and our workers overseas face multiple risks due to political, economic, and security issues as well as climate and technology changes beyond their control. Are our laws, policies and bureaucratic structures for overseas employment still relevant and effective today as they were forty years ago? It would take several committee hearings to arrive at the right answer,” Ople stated.

Senate Resolution 1242 filed by Senator Angara, who chairs the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources development, took note of troubling reports about the increasing number of OFWs facing death penalty cases, the thousands victimized by human trafficking syndicates, workers (both land- and water-based) targeted for kidnapping by rebels and lawless groups and the victims of illegal recruitment as well as the growing number of overseas employment cases received by the National Labor Relations Commission.

Ople Center hailed the move of Angara, saying the review is also necessary to map out the government’s plan on how to improve the protection of overseas Filipino workers once the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia implements its mega-recruitment policy. Under the mega-recruitment policy, visa sponsorships of foreign workers will be directly issued to mega-recruitment consortiums accredited by the Saudi government instead of the current set-up of having Saudi employers apply for the sponsorship of their workers.

“We anticipate a massive recruitment effort on the part of these elite mega-recruitment consortiums in Saudi Arabia since they would be allowed to put up regional branches all over the Kingdom.

Foreign domestic workers will also be housed in agency-owned accommodations unless or until the Saudi employers take them in under a live-in arrangement. Mega-recruitment agencies can also function as labor suppliers, and it would be a challenge for our own embassy and consulate in Saudi Arabia to keep track of our workers under this kind of arrangement considering their lack of manpower and resources,” the Ople Center pointed out.

Age discrimination in the workplace is also an issue that must be addressed because it is one of the reasons why OFWs keep leaving. Instead of welcoming returning OFWs because of their vast experience working abroad, they are turned away due to a mere number that is a very poor gauge of their actual skill and suitability for a particular job. “No matter how skilled they are, regardless of their work ethic, many OFWs find themselves unable to land a job interview simply because they are above 30 years old,” Ople correctly noted.

In many other countries, there are “age friendly” job opportunities for people who have passed a certain age, and these workers are valued because of the quality of work they turn in. In Canada for example, they have a Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program where they allocate millions of dollars to help downsized older workers find employment and provide training for those who want to upgrade their skills and continue with their careers.

••• 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!

Land Bank award.

The Mobile Loan Saver program of the Land Bank of the Philippines and Smart e-Money Inc., the digital financial subsidiary of Smart Communications Inc., received global recognition anew for the Mobile Loan Saver during the 6th Retail Bankers International Asia Trailblazer Summit and Awards held at the Carlton Hotel in Singapore. Shown presenting the award is Timetric regional director Ruben Kempeneer (second from right) to (from left) Land Bank executive vice president and branch banking sector head Jocelyn Cabreza, Land Bank president and chief executive Gilda Pico and Smart e-Money vice president and head of financial innovation, digital inclusion and alliances Lito Villanueva.

PAL swings back to P129-m profit

By Darwin G. Amojelar

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines said Thursday it booked a net profit in 2014, as it carried more passengers following the opening of new routes and the drop in aviation fuel prices.

The airline, which returned to the management of tycoon Lucio Tan, said net income last year reached P129.74 million, swinging from a net loss of P11.85 billion in 2013.

The carrier is now wholly owned by Tan after he bought back a 49-percent stake last year that San Miguel Corp. purchased from him in 2012 Revenues in 2014 climbed 80.3 percent to P100. 95 billion from P55.98 billion in 2013, the airline said.

The passenger business contributed the biggest share of 81 percent to total revenues. Cargo revenues represented 7.8 percent of total revenues while the balance was accounted by other revenues which included ancillary revenues and lease income from aircraft operating under lease arrangements.

PAL said it carried 9.6 million passengers in 2014, up from 5 million passengers in 2013. Average yield increased 4 percent in 2014 from a year ago.

Total operating expenses also jumped 60.3 percent to P98.58 billion last year from P61.50 billion in 2013.

Jet fuel costs, the biggest expense, amounted to P38.81 billon

last year, up from P24.26 billion in 2013.

This represented 6.8 million barrels of fuel burned in 2014, up from 4.4 million barrels a year earlier.

In BrIef

Therma gets court reprieve

THE Pasig regional trial court has issued a writ of preliminary injunction preventing the Philippine Electricity Market Corp., operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, from collecting a P234.9-million penalty from Therma Mobile Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp.

Aboitiz Power said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that after considering the factual and legal circumstances, Pasig RTC Branch 157 found Therma Mobile’s petition to be meritorious and issued a writ of preliminary injunction which also prevented PEMC from charging interest on the amount.

The injunction further restrains the PEMC Enforcement and Compliance Office from transmitting its investigation report to the Energy Regulatory Commission until the dispute is finally resolved.

PEMC earlier imposed the penalty after finding out that Therma Mobile allegedly withheld capacity during the November and December 2013 supply period.

Alena Mae S. Flores

MNTC nets P2.57b MANILA North Tollways Corp., the operator of North Luzon Expressway, said it posted an 8-percent increase in net income last year, on higher traffic.

MNTC said net income last year amounted to P2.57 billion, up from P2.38 billion in 2013. “This can be attributed to the impressive traffic volume and the rapidly expanding non-toll revenue base generated in 2014,”MNTC said.

NLEX traffic climbed to a record 185,297 vehicles a day in 2014, surpassing the 2013 figure by 7 percent.

It said traffic growth was driven mainly by the sustained economic stability in the regions around the NLEX service area, backstopped by robust vehicle sales and lower fuel prices.

Revenues amounted to P7.52 billion in 2014, up 6 percent from the 2013 level.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Wingstop opens more stores AMERICA’S biggest chicken wings casual diner Wingstop is opening more stores in the Philippines, after expanding to Singapore and Indonesia.

Table Group, the company that brought in several international brands to the Philippines, said it expected Wingstop to be its next flagship business in the Philippines.

The company is spending at least P100 million in the first nine stores.

“We now have nine branches and we’re still expanding our locations in Metro Manila. We’re opening seven more branches starting this April until September 2015,” Table Group president Walden Chu said during the launching of the brand at Wingstop Glorietta in Makati City.

The Table Group will open new stores at the UP Town Center and BGC Stopover in April; Uptown and Circuit Lane in July; Alabang Terraces and Soledad 3 in Nuvali in May; and the seventh store at the Venice Grand Canal in Fort Bonifacio.

Wingstop now has stores now in Trinoma, Glorietta 2, University Mall along Taft Avenue, Fairview Terraces, Estancia in Pasig, Eastwood, StarMall in Las Pinas, Greenhills and Starmall Prima in Taguig. Othel V. Campos

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cesAR bARRIoquInto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B5

world

Slow growth on IMF’s menu WASHINGTON—A sluggish global economy, the Greek debt crisis and continuing fallout of the Ebola epidemic will take focus beginning Thursday when top finance officials gather for the World Bank and IMF Spring meetings.

Recurring shortages put water in spotlight DAEGU, South Korea—It’s arguably our most vital and precious natural resource, and one that is growing dangerously scarce from China to California, but no matter how much we value water, we’re not that keen on paying for it.

The issue of pricing water is extremely sensitive—socially, politically, economically—but it’s an issue that is being revisited with increasing frequency as warnings of a looming global crisis over water scarcity grow louder.

A recent editorial in The Economist and an op-ed piece in the New York Times—on China’s and California’s chronic water shortages respectively—both insisted that the best way forward was to raise prices.

The suggestion raises the hackles of those who feel pricing public water is tantamount to monetizing nature, while others say there is simply no alternative given UN estimates that the world will face a 40 percent “global water deficit” by 2030.

“If you have an artificially low price for a product, you tend to consume more of it and tend not to give it importance,” said Angel Gurria, secretary general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

“It’s human nature. You give something away, people will take it for granted, waste it and not appreciate it,” Gurria told AFP in the South Korean city of Daegu where he was attending the World Water Forum—a seven-day gathering of policymakers, corporations and NGOs. AFP

Opening night. Renee Puente attends the opening night after party for “Finding Neverland” at the Metropolitan Club on April 15 in New York City. AFP

With high unemployment festering in advanced economies, and emerging countries entering their fifth straight year of slowing growth, how to fire up output and demand is the primary order of business for the world’s central bankers and finance ministers in Washington.

Christine Lagarde, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, has warned that the world risks sinking into an laconic “new mediocre” which does not lift people’s livelihoods.

“In too many parts of the world [growth] is not strong enough. In too many parts of the world, people do not feel it enough,” she said last week in a preview of the meetings.

In its update of global prospects this week, the IMF stuck to its forecast of “subdued” growth of 3.5 percent this year, picking up to 3.8 percent in 2016.

But IMF chief economist Olivier Blanchard warned that countries need to commit more effort to investments, especially in infrastructure, and implement market-opening reforms to increase output faster.

“It would be wrong to speak, as some have done, of stagnation, but prospects are more subdued,” he said.

“And more subdued prospects lead, in turn, to lower spending and lower growth.”

Lagarde and her World Bank counterpart Jim Yong Kim have already warned middle and lowincome countries that they face more financial turbulence ahead, as the US central bank tightens up monetary policy with fresh interest rate hikes later this year.

But Kim will also try to keep the focus on fighting extreme poverty, and is planning a new fund-raising effort for long-term relief and rebuilding for the three West African countries savaged by the Ebola epidemic, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

After the World Bank, the IMF and individual governments threw in hundreds of millions of dollars to confront the outbreak last year, Ebola is now mostly under control, though with a toll of more than 10,000 dead.

Oxfam International is urging the World Bank to raise $1.7 billion to help countries hit by the epidemic to improve their sanitary infrastructure.

Longer-term efforts are needed to build the capacities of the health care systems in each country to prevent a future outbreak, said Oxfam’s Washington office chief Nicolas Mombrial. AFP

Israelis remember Holocaust dead JERUSALEM—Israeli Jews stood in silence as sirens wailed across the country on Thursday marking Holocaust memorial day and 70 years since the liberation of the Nazi death camps.

Traffic came to a halt and pedestrians stood at attention for two minutes as the sirens rang out.

Commemorations began at sunset on Wednesday and were to continue Thursday with Israeli leaders attending official ceremonies at Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, parliament and elsewhere.

Until sundown, radio and

television stations were to broadcast programs on the genocide and play sombre music, while places of entertainment were closed.

The theme of this year’s observances—”The Anguish of Liberation and the Return to Life: 70 Years Since the End of World War II”—dealt with the pain of survivors and the challenge of rebuilding shattered lives.

About 189,000 survivors live in Israel today, but according to their welfare organization close to 25 percent struggle financially, despite government assistance.

At opening commemora-

tions for the six million victims on Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu compared archfoe Iran to Hitler’s Germany.

“As the Nazis sought to stamp out civilization and to set the master race to rule across the earth... while wiping out the Jewish people, so does Iran seek to control the region, spread outwards and destroy the Jewish state,” he said.

Netanyahu misses no opportunity to slam the emerging nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers, which is to be finalized by June 30. AFP

Two minutes of silence. Israelis stop walking and stand in silence in the center of Jerusalem on April 16 as sirens wailed across Israel for two minutes, marking Holocaust memorial day and 70 years since the liberation of the Nazi death camps.

Commemorations began at sunset on April 15 and were to continue on April 16. AFP

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WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Jakarta starts campaign against alcohol retailers JAKARTA—Indonesia on Thursday banned small retailers from selling beer, despite an outcry from the booze industry and in tourism hot spots over the Muslim-majority country’s latest offensive against drinking.

The ban restricts the sale of beer and pre-mixed drinks—such as spirits with soft drinks—to large supermarkets only, outlawing sales in the country’s 16,000 mini-marts and 55,000 other small shops. Hotels, restaurants and bars are unaffected.

There had been particular anxiety about how the ban might affect tourism on the Hindu-majority resort island of Bali.

However, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel—who was shouted at during an ill-tempered meeting with community

leaders in Bali last weekend—has now pledged to ease the restrictions on the island to ensure street vendors can still sell beer at the beach.

But others have not been so lucky.

Convenience stores in the capital Jakarta began pulling booze from their shelves weeks ago in anticipation, replacing chilled beers and bourbon and cokes with signs apologizing to customers for the inconvenience.

Very few small retailers can stock unmixed spirits and wine, meaning the regulation has been viewed as an an at-

tempt to completely ban alcohol sales at such outlets.

German traveler Daniel Kowalski told AFP he tried to buy a beer from a convenience store on Jakarta’s backpacker strip only to learn they no longer stocked alcohol.

“I think tourists will not appreciate it.

Everybody likes to have a beer,” he said.

“Some people may actually say ‘well, I can’t have a beer, I’d rather go to Thailand’.”

The national ban is the latest sign that conservative forces in the country of 250 million people are pushing back against growing alcohol consumption, and comes the same week that Islamic parties in the world’s most populous Muslimmajority nation proposed a total ban on drinking.

The trade ministry has justified the

ban on sales at small retailers on health and moral grounds, as concerns grow that underage drinking is being fueled by wide availability in local neighborhoods.

Lawmaker Fahira Idris, the founder of the National Anti-Alcohol Movement and a leading proponent of the measure, likened alcohol to a “machine killing our youth”.

“Our volunteers often see minors buying alcohol with ease in mini-markets,” she told AFP. But major brewers have voiced their unhappiness.

Multinational giant Diageo, which distributes well-known brands such as Guinness in Indonesia, called the ban “regrettable”. A spokeswoman for Heineken, a popular brand in Indonesia, said the ban would hurt at the local level. AFP

When to shop a puzzle in Helena JAMESTOWN, UK-If you think grocery shopping is a chore, spare a moment for those on the tiny island of Saint Helena who never know what will be on the shelf from one day to the next.

“This is like living under Soviet rule,” jokes Francois Haffner, a French tourist determined to eat well on the remote South Atlantic island, famous as the place the French military leader Napoleon was exiled until his death in 1821.

“In the first store there is butter, in another there are lemons, and in the third you can find some cream. There are no greens, and eggs aren’t there every day,” said an exasperated Haffner.

“The fish comes at 1 pm, the bread after 11 am—but no later than 12 noon—and all the shops close at 5 pm.”

The shopping schedule requires that hungry tourists and residents dedicate a good chunk of time to planning how to fill their stomachs.

“There are no stores where you can find everything, and shopping takes some time,” said Haffner.

Still, he is determined never to visit the frozen food section, which was stocked with last year’s Christmas pudding in March.

In contrast with Haffner, the 4,200 inhabitants of the British island are more relaxed about the grocery situation, having resigned themselves to the reality that choice is a luxury in a place where supplies come only every three weeks on a ship from Cape Town.

As a result, shopping in the island’s capital, Jamestown, requires some flexibility and a close knowledge of the ship’s schedule.

“Of course, you do not want to starve, but it is better not to look for something specific,” says David Pryce, a native of England who studies insects on the island.

A successful islander has to balance patience with spontaneity, he says.

“You have to make the rounds of stores every day.

And if you see something, you have to buy it.”

However, sometimes excitement over new items causes problems, says Tara Thomas, whose family owns four convenience stores.

“When bottled water hits the shop, people bulk buy. They panic buy, and they create another shortage,” she says.

“If people had a normal consumer behavior, we wouldn’t have so many problems.”

Most produce on the island comes from Britain or South Africa. AFP

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MOTORING editorial@thestandard.com.ph

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

B7

GONO 1st VIOS CUP CHAMP

Young driver makes history

THE AUTOMOBILE Association of the Philippine, the country’s authority in the realm of domestic motorsports, gave out awards in recognition of sporting achievements in the fiscal year of 2014 in a special ceremony at the recently concluded Manila International Autoshow 2015.

Among the top awardees in this year’s AAP Motorsports Awards is Luis Gono of Team Obengers-Motul.

Gono made motorsports history as the first Toyota Vios Cup Champion. “He is the embodiment of the future of Philippine Motorsports, “ says Mandy Eduque, AAP Director and Motorsports Chairman.

Gono fought his way to win the 2014 Vios Cup against aggressive drivers and seasoned racers. “My training fell through and the advice of my Uncle Mike Anton and Tito Pacho Blanco helped me a lot during the crucial moments of the final leg. This award also goes out to my Dad for always being there for me at every race, and his words of encouragement pushed me to do good. I would also like to thank the management of Toyota North Edsa, Tito Cosco Oben, Miguel Marius, Jun and Maui Santos for the logistical support,” says the young Gono.

Prior to becoming the first Vios Cup Champion, Luis Gono was a champion karter. He started racing at the age of 13, with businessman Ramon Ang as his first true believer which gave him a competition ready kart to win the second quarter 2012 season championship. Gono is also the country’s youngest drift racer with consistent top finishes and even impressed Keichi Tsuchiya, the Drift King himself with his smooth performance on track driving a custom built Nissan S13 Sylvia by Autoplus, a renowned tuning firm based in San Juan.

VIOS

Toyota’s best-selling subcompact marches on The largest local car manufacturer in the country so far this year achieved its highest sales in a single month last March. Toyota Motor Philippines registered its record-breaking performance of 10,237 units sold.

Its previous sales milestone was recorded last October 2014 with 10,163 units. Based on the most recent Campi data, Toyota accounted for a market share of 43.5% for the month.

During this record breaking run, the best-selling vehicle in the country has once again outperformed its best sales level since its introduction. The locallymanufactured Toyota Vios sub-compact chalked up a total of 2,774 units continuing to show strength in the automotive industry. This is the highest record a single model has achieved in the history of the local automotive scene, according to Campi.

For the first three months of the year, TMP has reached 10,960 and 16,856 sales for its Passenger Car and Commercial Vehicle Segments respectively. In total, the number one car maker in the Philippines has already sold a 27,816 units in just the first quarter of the year. Compared to the same period of last year, Toyota’s performance grew by 22%.

In a statement, TMPC President Michinobu Sugata expressed “The continued robust economy has given us the momentum to achieve this sales milestone. Toyota has also foreseen that market demand will continue to strengthen especially before the long holiday as customers eagerly require new vehicles for out-of-town trips. That is why, we at Toyota, took action by ensuring supply of vehicles to meet the requirements of the consumers during this period.”

Sugata added: “…With the launch of our summer “Drive Away Deals” promo, it even makes owning a Toyota more attainable. TMP is likewise extending this promo for the whole month of April for customers who would want to take advantage of this offer and purchase a vehicle this summer.”

First Vios Cup champion Luis Gono is flanked by Gus Lagman and Mandy Eduque of AAP.

FAST FASTLANE Motorsports driven technology With research and development gained from motorsports campaigns such as being the official lighting system of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, Team ADVAN-Tein Subaru and a domineering presence in the Paris-Dakar and Japan Super GT, PIAA upholds the knowledge gained by combining market driven concepts with the latest technology to make night, inclement weather, and off-road driving as safe as possible. PIAA technicians continually raise the bar on visibility products.

With the introduction of the RF Series and LP Series of PIAA LED lamps, PIAA

is set to innovate the market. PIAA designed a reflector-facing bulb and new “first-in-the-industry” reflector technology. The innovative design offers significantly improved lighting and beam control compared to conventional LED and halogen lamps with forward-facing bulbs. PIAA lamps put the light were you need it most: On the Road. The result is greater visibility for drivers.

Both the RF Series and LP Series of PIAA LED lamps provide brilliant illumination, but with lower power consumption than conventional LED and halogen lamps. They light the road with bright white color that is clearly visible to oncoming traffic, providing an added measure of driving safety. The lamps are compact

and durable, with the cast aluminum housings and polycarbonate lenses to withstand the harshest conditions.

It is a standard fit for most trucks, SUV’s and even sedans.

Road safety: Back to basics With the rising incidents of road crash fatalities in the country, Total (Philippines) Corporation has launched a campaign to perk up road safety awareness among road users in the country.

The year-long campaign dubbed “Road Safety Awareness for Everyone” or simply, R-SAFE, was born out of the company’s

commitment to address the growing need to further educate and remind drivers of commuter vehicles on the important role they play in the lives of thousands of Filipinos.

“The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has reported that over 79% of road crash fatalities in the Philippines are due to driver error. This is alarming, especially with 13 million driving licenses issued just in 2014,” says Chito Poblete, Vice President for HSEQ and Logistics, Total (Philippines) Corporation. “Total, as a provider of fuel and lubricants to different vehicles, recognizes the need to do something to promote road safety in the country.”

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B8

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING Best of Ford

Ford Philippines once again took center stage at the 11th Manila International Auto Show with the reveal of the all-new Everest and the launch of the new Expedition Platinum, completing the line-up of segment-leading cars, SUVs, and trucks in the Ford pavilion.

Joining the Everest and Expedition Platinum are seven other popular Ford nameplates. These include the Fiesta equipped with the award-winning 1.0-liter engine, Focus that blends smart and safety technology seamlessly, the ground-breaking EcoSport compact urban SUV that redefined a whole new segment, the Escape and Explorer Sport and the Ranger that tops its segment in the market. The iconic Mustang was also highlighted at the Ford stand, showcasing the 50 Years Limited Edition.

“We want to display the very best of Ford and that means bringing in our One Ford vehicles from the global stage and into the homes of our loyal Filipino customers,” said Kay Hart, managing director, Ford Philippines.

The reveal of the all-new Ford Everest marks a new direction for one of the most sought after Ford SUVs, Hart said.

The seven-seat Everest comes with several first-in-segment features including Terrain Management System, panoramic sunroof, third-row PowerFold seats and Power Tailgate, Active Park Assist and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, which informs drivers when there is a vehicle in their blind spot while driving or when preparing to reverse out of parking spots.

The new Ford Expedition Platinum is the most powerful yet fuel-efficient model to date since first being introduced in 1996.

With the Platinum series bringing the Expedition into a whole new arena of design and style, the exterior has been updated with a new grille with LED fog lamps, setting that aggressive tone that perfectly complements the flagship of Ford SUVs. It also features a redesigned rear hatch and subtle, chrome-tipped exhaust pipes and 22-inch wheels, making it the largest and boldest offering in the segment today.

Ford’s Ranger came equipped for the great outdoors with a Rhino Rack bike system.

Text and photos

by Dino Ray V. Directo III

FOR the Filipino car enthusiasts, the Manila International Auto Show officially ushered in the summer season with its dazzling display of new car models, vintage and custom rides spread over the massive hall of the Word Trade Center complex in Pasay City.

A show of force from Motul with its 1,500 horsepower Nissan GTR as the centerpiece.

With at least 500 cars and trucks being displayed by 30 automotive car manufacturers and 139 exhibitors, the MIAS lived up to its reputation as the most anticipated auto show in the country today. “The turnout on the first day broke the attendance record. The automotive manufacturers left no stone unturned in showing off their latest models,” says Alvin Uy, organizer of the MIAS. The car brand that had the most number of people abuzz with excitement was Mazda,

as it presented its model lineup with the Mazda 2 and the new Miata up front and center. First to present their wares were the boys from the Blue Oval with their new generation Ford Mustang and their “Forza” Ranger which came equipped with a Montblanc and Rhino Rack bicycle equipment.

Next to shine under the klieglights is Motor Image which featured the luxurious upgrade of its flagship model, the all-new Outback. Powered by a redesigned FB25 Boxer engine, this 3.6L model’s Engine Control

MIAS CELEBRATES THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Unit (ECU) further improves the vehicle’s environmental-friendly measures. The all-new Outback features a new distinct crossover look with a bold, rugged body shape, bigger tires and muscular fenders.

BMW unveiled the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer which embodies the dynamic nature of BMW to prove that the brand is not afraid to go out of its comfort zone in order to raise the bar for the premium automotive segment. The 2 Series is BMW’s first Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), decked out with new innovations that make it the perfect choice for every family raring to take the next stage in life.

With a simulated road as the centerpiece of its exhibition booth, Volkswagen Philippines went a step further to not just promote their cars, but to introduce their VW Child Safety Initiative (CSI) campaign to support child safety on Philippines roads. The Philippine campaign is part of the global CSI strategy to heighten

Dante Reyes of General Motors regional poses with the Chevrolet TRAX the awareness o road safety.

The “child safety corner” is a simulated road to teach the motoring public how child seats greatly increase safety for younger passengers.

The 2015 MIAS did not disappoint and the public had a good serving of brand new cars, hybrid cars, concept car launches, tuned rides and the Russ Swift stunt show. The

MIAS is indeed the biggest one-stop car exposition which gathers the biggest automotive brands under one roof.

Moreover, it makes the experience a multifaceted one as it not only showcases the latest auto parts but also offer up a range of worthwhile events such as the electronic gadgets exhibits, motorsports clinic, demos, and on-road and off-road test drives

F R I D AY : A P R I L 17 : 2 0 1 5

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

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

LIFE

C1

I THIS IS NOT FASHION

A PHONE REVIEW

n T-minus X hours, the Samsung Galaxy S6 (and its even-more-premium twin the S6 Edge) will make its debut at SM’s Mega Fashion Hall, in an invitational event boasting a collection of eveningwear by Fashion Design Council Philippines members. There’s going to be glass sculptures by Ramon Orlina. There’s going to be a white and yellowgold phone case by Marilou Co, with diamonds. It’s called S Carpet: Art & Fashion, and Solenn Heussaff is going to be there.

Actually, Samsung’s latest model has been available for in-shop trial for a while, and elsewhere in the world the S6 has officially dropped, but Manila is to get its own unique design event out of it. I’m no techie, but it’s fascinating to me how the latest phone coming out is somehow a great cultural event. I suppose we have Apple to thank for the playbook, though it’s pretty much the case now for everything in our consumer’s world. There is something extra shiny and attractive about smartphones, it seems, that justifies taking the excessive and frivolous path. There’s nothing minimal about a diamond-encrusted phone case; yet here we are talking about it, so clearly the joke’s on me.

So from a plebeian non-techie standpoint, the best thing about Samsung’s phones versus the iPhone was always the range. They have entry-level smartphones along with their flagship model, as well as a few in-between phones. If you are not in the realm of buying an iPhone, Samsung has some choice smartphones for much less. If you are at that tier, but Continued on C2

FRIDAY : APRIL 17 : 2015

C2

LIFE

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE E D I TOR

glweekend @ gmail.com

THIS IS NOT A PHONE REVIEW

FASHION FLASH POINTS

From C1

Avel Bacudio

JC Buendia

COCO GOES LOCO FOR E-COMMERCE

It’s been a long time coming, but Chanel finally announced plans to sell its merchandise online in the very near future via its own dedicated e-tail channel.

Meanwhile, it’s testing the market, so to speak, with its latest fine jewellery collection, Coco Crush. The luxury brand chose to do a pop-up with Net-a-Porter, and the collection went live on Wednesday. Coco Crush consists of extremely wearable pieces - rings, pendants and cuffs - in 18K yellow, rose and white gold, in a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic Chanel quilted motif.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK IS ON THE MOVE

After several seasons, New York Fashion Week will no longer be calling Lincoln Center home for its twice-yearly shows, thanks to a ruling by the Supreme Court of the State of New York that stipulated that Lincoln Center could not renew its contract with IMG, the entity that owns New York Fashion Week.

Possible contenders for NYFW’s new home after the February 2016 shows include Hudson Yards, along Manhattan’s West Side, which is still under development.

In a statement, IMG said that while Lincoln Center had been a great home for five years, “IMG has been actively looking for a new home for NYFW that gives our designers and partners the best possible environment to share their creative visions.”

THE NEW GUCCI

There was a collective scratching of heads in January when luxury behemoth Kering - parent company of Gucci - announced that creative director Frida Giannini was being replaced by a virtual unknown, Alessandro Michele.

Before then, Michele was very much a behindthe-scenes accessories designer, and according to Business of Fashion, he was “now tasked with revitalizing the stagnating Gucci business whose brand image and runway collections under Giannini were well-executied, yet failed to inspire consumers and the industry.”

The Gucci girl as now interpreted by Michele after his first season, exuded “a new kind of sexiness that was one part intellectual, one part romantic and one part repressed.”

This new Gucci girl is now immortalized in Michele’s first ad campaign, which will debut for Pre-Fall 2015, with Glen Luchford as photographer, Joe McKenna as stylist and Michele, naturally, as creative director.

COMPILED BY BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE SOURCES: FASHIONISTA.COM, THE BUSINESS OF FASHION, NET-A-PORTER

Hindy Weber-Tantoco

Gerry Sunga

Malou Araneta-Romero

Rajo Laurel

Dong Omaga-Diaz

have a bone to pick with Apple’s restrictions, then Samsung’s premium models are good bets. And of course, it’s the premium models that mascot for the brand.

The S6 is supposed to be Samsung’s grand overhaul. Far beyond petty updates and improvements, the model is meant to be a ‘next phase.’ In the great narrative of the Samsung line-up, this is also their avenging angel for the disappointment in their last model, the S5 (which, while not a flop, did not come close to meeting projected sales). It also appears that they’ve spared no expense for their latest flagship; there are already breathless reports about how expensive it is for Samsung to make the Edge.

Reviews for the S6 phone itself were good overall, with a few complaints about battery (now sealed-in, instead of removable as in previous models) and the lack of a memory card slot (though if you’re a techie, this is not really a lack, because you probably believe that Cloud storage is the future). Reviews on the design were quick to point out that its compact elegance now made it closely resemble an iPhone; fair enough, especially from the bottom, but it’s more a branding risk than a design flaw.

What makes this launch-as-a-design-event bemusing, though, is how Samsung has felt enabled to call its phones ‘artisanal’ and pieces of ‘craftsmanship.’ They’re certainly not the first mega-company to put out a premium product that does not fall anywhere in the vicinity of the definition of either of those words and still call it as such; and yet, what a stretch.

The promotional materials were not lying when they said this would be a ‘re-imagining,’ because calling the manufacturing of a smartphone an artisanal craft is a stretch of the imagination, however way you spin it. On the other hand, S Carpet looks like a great, non-binding design opportunity for all involved (FDCP, Ramon Orlina, Marilou Co) that everyone dove into ready and willing, and enjoyed, so why knock it?

In any case, the emphasis on premium seems to have finally hit the right note at Samsung, whose marketing team claims that they’ve always been about ‘style, power, and innovation.’ It’s not the first time FDCP has teamed up with Samsung over a phone, but this time around the design commitment reaches a point where the collaboration does make sense. The S6 comes in a selection of colours, with names like Blue Topaz, White Pearl, and Black Sapphire (word is, the hot items will be Gold Platinum and Green Emerald), but it’s the curved glass and matte-aluminium body that makes it feel great in the hand.

As the previews do show, all the collaborators approached the exercise earnestly—the designs aren’t simply a translation of the S6 onto a dress or a glass sculpture, but a collection of pieces drawing from the phone’s specific design features. And some of the designs are actually interesting. Maybe S Carpet won’t be the design event of the year, but it’s a tidy collaboration that will tempt some.

LAZADA PHILIPPINES CELEBRATES SUMMER FANTASY WITH LZD PREMIUM After launching LZD – Lazada’s private label, last November 2014, the Philippines’ Online Shopping destination Lazada.com.ph invites you to step into the realm of fantasy with the exclusive LZD Premium range.

LZD Premium breaks the walls of boundaries of trends and rules; with an emphasis around individuality and beauty. This capsule moves from dark to light with meticulous detailing, exclusive cuts and detailed embellishment.

The collection is inspired by fairytales, the continuous struggle between the ‘good’ versus ‘evil’, light versus dark.

Indulge your darker side; starting with a series of glamorous blacks, from formal jacketing with gold fringing to silk chiffon maxi dresses. Transition through to the lighter side

of the collection with great individual denim pieces dressed up with silver detailing; and silver foil evening dresses balanced back with distressed denim. And finally close the collection with bright white sequin dresses, great chain detail tops and boyfriend denim to take your wardrobe to a whole new world.

Curated specially for Filipinas, the LZD Premium’s strong design aesthetics and fashion-forward, contemporary elements breaks convention, taking the individual from mundane to the unique.

Join the fairytale, express your inner LZD Premium Girl. Open the doors to a new and fantastic you. LZD Premium is available in the Philippines online via http://www.lazada.com. ph/lzd-premium.

FRIDAY : APRIL 17 : 2015

LIFE

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE E D I TOR

glweekend @ gmail.com

C3

ALL THE COACHELLA LOOKS YOU NEED TO SEE

BY ED BIADO

Most modern festivals look to the Coachella Valley Music Festival to tell them what to do.

And the influence is not limited to music.

All eyes are on the town of Indio in California for the fashions as well. As the music event that unofficially opens the spring/summer season, celebrities go to the event simply to show off their style.

The two-weekend extravaganza is basically the template for our very own Wanderland Music and Arts Festival, which happens next Saturday. So don’t be surprised to see more than a few keen trendhunting festival-goers in outfits patterned after these famous folk:

Paris and Nicky Hilton are pristine in white and are in contention for Best Matching Festival Wear.

Alessandra Ambrosio is a vintage goddess in a smartly tie-dyed frock.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is a breath of fresh air in a pared down ensemble.

Kate Bosworth is a street-style pro with a fine mix of sandy plains and vintage prints.

Emily Ratajkowski knows that you can never go wrong with a DVF wrap dress.

Gigi Hadid personifies casual glam in a palette of blue and easy flip-flops.

Jamie Chung takes the award in Best in Footwear.

Julianne Hough does boyfriend-jeans-done-right, covering up with a plaid shirt.

Cody Simpson dons the ontrend cowboy hat.

Katy Perry is a confused gothic disaster.

Kendall Jenner’s accessories are on point and sexy without looking trashy.

Nikki Reed plays down the festival-ness of her separates by going for black and white.

Behati Prinsloo opts for a been-there-done-that outfit that would’ve looked cliché on a lesser mortal.

Sarah Hyland’s bright outfit is summer-appropriate but the flower crown is a bit much.

Victoria Justice wears all the festival must-haves from head to toe.

Zoe Kravitz infuses her own personality in an otherwise typical festival outfit.

PARTNERS FOR A CAUSE

GLOBAL FASHION FLAIR MAKES A COMEBACK Mark your calendars and get your tickets. Global Fashion Flair II is all set to take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at the New World Makati Hotel at &:30 p.m.

The brainchild of the International Bazaar Foundation (IBF) of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM), the event is an encore of the immensely successful and much acclaimed first Global Fashion Flair held two years ago.

The organizers, spearheaded by Madame Gretchen V. del Rosario, spouse of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Albert del Rosario, and Madame Agnes Roscigno, spouse of H.E. Ambassador Massimo Roscigno of Italy, and event chair Mrs. Fortune A. Ledesma, Consul General of Monaco, have tapped SM, through the generosity of Mrs. Tessie Sy-Coson, as the major sponsor of the show. SM will be providing all the Filipiniana gowns, barongs and accessories from Kultura; additional clothes and shoes will be provided by the SM Store.

Proceeds from the Global Fashion Flair II show will go to the rehabilitation of houses devastated by Supertyphoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Leyte, and Typhoon Ruby in Eastern Samar, as there are still so many families struggling to recover to rebuilt their lives and spirits.

For tickets, please go to New World Makati Hotel or the Special Projects Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City. Tickets are also available at Tesoro’s along Arnaiz Avenue in Makati City.

For inquiries, please call the IBF Secretariat at 833-1320 or email ibf.dfa@gmail.com

F R I D AY : A P R I L 17 : 2 0 1 5

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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

MICHAEL Michael Kors Black Luggage Izzy Large Bonded Leather Tote

Furla Candy Bag in Speed

Abbey Carry-On in Garden Mum Print

COCCINELLE IN COLOR Presenting the new B14 Bag

MICHAEL Michael Kors Black Tropical-Print Eliza Large Plastic Tote

HOT BAGS THIS SPRING

BY KRISSY SUPENA CABRERA

P

urses come in a myriad of silhouettes, tones, and prints. This season’s must haves are an assortment of quality eye candy carryalls, timeless totes, and contemporary bag designs in dynamic shades and sizes. Search for the right bag that fits your style from Furla, Michael Kors, and LeSportsac’s spring collection.

The Furla spring/summer collection is inspired by the Neo Pop artistic movement. Painted and graphic effects in festive shades of sunshine, hibiscus orange as well as ocean blue and in contrast with soft tones of white, gray, and dove.

The Twist bag displays color-block impressions, a versatile and labor-intensive bucket-shaped shopper, complete with a metal bar and a woven inner compartment. For the chic trendsetter, the Furla Spy is perfect for day to night. This season’s novelty shape, the soft-edged, user-friendly backpack in soft nappa and suede, adorned with either mini or macro flat studs in burnished metal that set off a graphic polka dot effect.

The iconic Metropolis bag is chainstrapped and characterized by handstitched padded details that trace geometric motifs down the front. The clasp features a multi-color rubber coating.The

same padded details also enhance the clean and casual class of the Alice tote.

The latest version of the Candy bag in soft PVC is a burst of playful colors and opposing textures. Another design of the same silhouette features resin brushstroke effects that vary from subtle trickles to bold splotches, rigorously handapplied to make each bag unique.

The Michael Kors spring collection showcases themes such as Safari Chic, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Haute Hawaii coupled with bags that mirror, fashion, form, and function. Natural woven raffia totes with leather straps and logo-etched hardware, the ideal carryall for casual weekend outings or tropical escapes.

There is beauty in the basics with the black luggage Izzy large bonded leather reversible tote, a chic and fundamental item that complements your daily wardrobe. It is designed from Venus leather with clean lines and polished top handles. The black tropical-print Eliza large plastic tote is a lightweight, spacious, top-handle, high quality bag for practical style and comfort.

LeSportsac features key items this spring in focused print and color stories.

The Edie backpack, and the double zip belt bag in prints Tennis Stripe to Garden

Furla Alice Tote in Emerald

Mum, a heritage floral print updated in modern color.

Classic travel styles including weekenders, packing cubes, crossbody bags and backpacks in prints such as Blissful, a soft imaging of flora in Spring color and Pink Pyramid, a geo played up in pretty pastel.

The Every Girl and medium travel totes in Euphoria, a bouquet of flowers against a black ground and Blooming, a bold blending of animal print and graphic scribble.

The season’s solid picks also consist of metallics: Magnetic Snake, Gold Rush, and Wisteria Lightning–a lilac shimmer; debossings: Geodisic (black) and Solar (orange), as well as the Optic Patent (white) and Denim Pique, a textured washed denim photoreal.

Furla, Michael Kors, and LeSportsac are distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) - a member of the SSI Group. Furla and Michael Kors offered at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Central Square, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Newport Mall.

Michael Kors also available at The Power Plant Mall and Bonifacio High Street Central Square.LeSportsac offered at Estancia Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, Rustan’s in the following branches: Alabang, Cebu, Gateway, Robinsons Place Manila, Makati, and Shangri-La.

Striking, intense, full colour power.

Coccinelle is pleased to present the new Spring/Summer 2015 advertising campaign which focuses on colour to launch the B14 Bag, it-bag of the upcoming season.

A powerful woman behind a powerful image. The concept behind the powerful new images is explained by Billy Kidd, award-winning New York-based fashion photographer who shot the campaign: “I wanted each bag to stand out and be the absolute protagonist of each shot and at the same time each bag was meant to portray a different woman and a different mood which was represented very successfully by the different colour combinations.”

In these visual games against strong backgrounds, garments and details melt together and become one, and the B14 Bag breaks into the scene, disrupting the image with its colours in clear contrast with the surrounding mood.

Daring is a must and, shot after shot, contrast after contrast, these bags do not need any other presentation but their own image. A total glam look that doesn’t compromise and that dictates the rules of this season.

The model is the fascinating Devon Windsor - known to the fashion world since she was 15 years old, she has modelled for the most important fashion brands and is also one of the faces of Victoria’s Secret.

Coccinelle is exclusively available in Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-la.

F R I D AY : A P R I L 17 : 2 0 1 5

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

Zen promotes health through its numerous well-being programs, particularly colonics

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

C5

OVER A HUNDRED STARS IN

‘SHINE PILIPINAS’

A

BS-CBN launched on April 12, its 2015 summer station ID, “Shine Pilipinas.” Its theme song was performed by Forevermore stars Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. The latest Kapamilya SID, which was aired first in ASAP, gathered more than a hundred stars and news personalities of the network.

ABS-CBN said the station ID aims to show the different ways Filipinos express love. It also

“urges us to keep the fire burning and empowers us to move to the beat of positivity.”

The song was written by Eric Po and Lloyd Oliver Corpuz, with music composed and produced by Marcus and Amber Davis.

Headed by Robert Labayan, Johnny delos Santos and Patrick de Leon, the “Shine Pilipinas” SID was directed by Paolo Ramos and Pewee Gonzales.

HAVE A HEALTHY, TOXIN FREE SUMMER BODY

M

ost people think diet and exercise spell instant perfect health. While fitness activities and low fat diet can control weight gain, it is equally important to release wastes and toxins from the body.

Unhealthy diet and lifestyle can hamper the efficiency of the body’s digestive system. Instead of flushing out wastes it stays in the colon and in time, it can block the body’s natural detoxification process.

Located in the large intestines the colon performs an important function of absorbing nourishment from digested food. Nutrients like water, electrolytes and vitamins, are sent back to the body for better regeneration. The colon is also responsible for keeping the body safe from harmful toxins.

Body waste accumulation can result from lack of exercise, low water intake, too much processed meat, sugar and carbohydrates in the diet, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and caffeine and believe it or not—stress. Wastes that stay in the body longer can lead to hormonal imbalance, insomnia, constipation, acne diarrhea, fatigue and other related illnesses.

The best way to keep the colon healthy is to regularly cleanse it from harmful wastes.

Zen Medical Institute recommends colonics therapy for better digestive function.

Known for its holistic approach that combines medical science, aesthetics and creativity, the programs and treatments offered at Zen are performed by licensed medical practitioners.

Colonics is recommended for those who wish to improve their digestive function for a healthier and sexier body.

The cleansing procedure is called peristalsis. A small hose (very small only .5 cm) attached to a hydrotherapy machine is placed in the rectum and flushes out waste with warm water.

Apart from improved digestion, colonics refreshes the entire body system. With the toxins eliminated, the body now feels light and relaxed. The mind is also cleared from stress, giving the skin a youthful glow.

Dr. MJ Torres, head physician and owner of Zen Institute recommends colonics for weight management. “Regular sessions can help the body lose as much as 20 lbs in 21 days. Each session lasts between 50-60 minutes.

Even those who are relatively healthy will find the treatment beneficial for flushing toxins. “If you are really conscious about your body it is recommended that you have it four times a year. If you do not get enough fiber from vegetables, drink a lot of alcohol, basically unhealthy diet and lifestyle, then you should have it more often,’ she said.”

Colonics also encourages the growth of good bacteria that easily boosts the immune system.

The Zen Institute is located at 69 Scout Rallos St., Tomas Morato, Quezon City (02-441-1712/02-412-2528); Ground Floor, Bonifacio Technology Center, 31st St., Corner 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (02-856-2027); and at the St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center, Maharlika Highway, Bgy. 2, Sto.Tomas, Batangas (+43-778-4811). For more information about The Zen Institute, visit www.thezeninstitute.com and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ZenMedicalSpa

Body waste accumulation can result from lack of exercise, low water intake, too much processed meat, sugar and carbohydrates in the diet, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and caffeine and believe it or not—stress. Wastes that stay in the body longer can lead to hormonal imbalance, insomnia, constipation, acne diarrhea, fatigue and other related illnesses The Kapamilya station ID features over a hundred personalities from the network that include Vice Ganda, Sharon Cuneta, Piolo Pascual and many more

F R I D AY : A P R I L 17 : 2 0 1 5

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SHOWBITZ

EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

MINIGOSYANTES SHARE STORIES FAMILY SUCCESS

HONG KONG’S ATTRACTION THEMED ON SOUTH AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK

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G

uests can visit the new exhibit to encounter animals unique to South Australia, including southern koalas, red-necked wallabies and laughing kookaburras in a setting reminiscent of the South Australia outback.

Through the immersive walk-through experience, guests will be inspired to contribute to the sustainable future of the planet by practising LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability).

Ocean Park announced that a female koala was given the name of “Yani” in accordance with the result of the extremely popular Koala Naming Campaign.

Through Adventures in Australia presented by ANZ, Ocean Park has taken its creativity in designing immersive attractions to new heights.

Guests will enter the new attraction through the Great Entertainment Theatre in Old Hong Kong under the pretext of viewing a movie entitled Adventures in Australia. At the theatre’s entrance foyer, guests will learn about the natural heritage of South Australia, from the interior “outback” to the coastal metropolis of Adelaide, as well as the wisdom behind the sustainable lifestyle of Aboriginal communities. After guests proceed past a dimly-lit “film corridor” of breathtaking images of South Australia, they will emerge in an open exhibit space modeled on the South Australian outback for a visual and full sensory encounter with southern koalas, red-necked wallabies and laughing kookaburras in a natural-looking eucalyptus forest.

To provide guests a more realistic Australian outback experience and the animals a more suitable living environment, the exhibit is climate-controlled to match the temperature and humidity during the different seasons in South Australia, and illuminated by a combination of natural and LED lights to simulate the hours of the day. Consistent with its LOHAS message, the attraction features

Ocean Park in Hong Kong opened recently an Australian Outback-themed attraction

extensive use of recycled timber and a wide range of environmentally friendly materials, equipment and designs.

The new attraction features extensive interactive panels and games to offer guests an engaging way to learn tips on adopting LOHAS in everyday life, such as taking 5-minute showers to save water and time; making low-carbon choices when shopping for groceries; and using natural materials such as lemon juice and baking soda to clean different stains. Other interactive games showcase the natural landscapes and rich biodiversity of South Australia, and present the threats koalas face and how humans can help by reducing the use of wood products. Guests can support conservation by donating to the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) by cash or Octopus Card inside the exhibit. Before guests exit the attraction, they have the opportunity to learn about common environmental challenges faced by Hong Kong and South Australia, and explore eco-tourism destinations in South Australia against the backdrop of a panoramic view of Adelaide’s beautiful skyline.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 40 41 43 44 45 46 47 48 51 52 53

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Veer 7 Frat letter 10 Ring around the moon 14 Double-check 15 Untold centuries 16 Finished 17 Road divider 18 Bearskin, maybe 19 Heroic tale 20 Luxury item 23 Stranger

ISAH V. RED

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 37 38 39

Hawaii’s Mauna — Cheers Cattle mover Prospect for gold The works Catch for speeding Knock-knock joke Enjoyed a puddle Pierre’s here Airport code for O’Hare Sweetie-pie

56 57 58 62 63 64 65 66 67

Boxer called “The Greatest” Forces Hosp. workers Admin. head Mamie’s man Leo mo.

— Nui (Easter Island) Tequila cactus End up ahead Dangerous woman Restaurant nicety (2 wds.)

Coup d’— Banff prov.

Trinket stealer Chariot race locale Snake River loc.

Fluffs feathers Beat a path Captain’s journal Taxicabs, mostly

DOWN 1 Next year’s alums 2 Squishy 3 Go wrong 4 — in (curbed) 5 Steam 6 Blissful spot 7 Individual 8 Marching band composer

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

9 10 11 12 13 21 22 23 24 25 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 42 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 59 60 61

“Picnic” author Youth lodgings Do the trick Kind of pad Doctoral exams Veld grazers Quick-dry fabrics Telescope lens Big Dipper neighbor Cowboy’s stray Put through a blender Moving right — Pool table part Drew up Snert’s master Split to join Couch Fastened Car safety device (2 wds.)

Outfitted Ward off Swamp critter Historic shrine Hider in kids’ books Simple trap Water carrier Rascals Potpie veggie Wayfarer’s refuge Superman’s emblem

hen it comes to minigosyo success, passion and hard work are key, but access to reliable communication tools is also crucial especially in a world where everything and everyone is going digital.

This is why PLDT KaAsenso, the micro-entrepreneurship arm of the telecommunications leader, is committed to empowering minigosyantes with relevant tools to help their businesses, and consequently, their families, succeed.

For May Hoseña Gregorio, owner of Pretty Sweets Homemade Food Products, it was access to social media that really helped bring her signature eggche flan to mainstream success.

“Nahihirapan talaga kaming mag-reach out sa tao. Kaya naman naghanap talaga kami ng paraan para madaling makilala. Tapos nabasa ko nga na isang paraan ang Facebook para magpromote. Kaya naman gumawa ako agad ng Facebook page para sa Pretty Sweets,” she says Through the help of the Internet, Pretty Sweets has indeed come a long way. “Biglang dami ang customers namin nung nagka-online presence kami. At dahil tuloy-tuloy ang orders, nakapagpatayo na ako ng sari-sari store at mini-canteen para sa family ko.”

Minigosyante and mother of two, Divina Gracia Nene, knew that paving a bright future for her children required extra financial efforts from her end. After her first attempt into business did not go as planned, she researched and found out that online business is the way to go.

“Technology definitely helps a lot. ‘Yung business ko kasi online talaga so mahalaga sa akin reliable ang Internet connection. I can

take care of my kids and do chores around the house while chatting with my customers or talking to them on the phone,” she says.

She opened her online fashion boutique, Trend Gallery PH, in 2012. Since then, she has managed to tap bloggers and celebrities to put in a good word about her business.

MINIGOSYO PARTNER Gregorio and Nene rely on PLDT KaAsenso to help them grow their minigosyos. PLDT KaAsenso carries a wide array of tools and services that minigosyantes can use to maximize the growth of their ventures.

PLDT KaAsenso offers the affordable Plan 1888 that comes with a landline and highspeed Internet at up to 3mbps. On top of this, there are also add-ons like Store Watch, which lets minigosyantes monitor their minigosyo wherever they are.

Because of the inspiring stories, these two minigosyantes were featured in a segment of a popular morning show hosted by their fellow PLDT KaAsenso subscriber and ambassador Regine Tolentino who, herself, is a keen entrepreneur. She owns and manages a dance studio.

“We believe in the skills and determination of the Filipino micro-entrepreneurs and we would like to be a part of their success. PLDT KaAsenso provides them with the latest technologies to help them manage and grow their minigosyos so that they can also improve the lives of their families,” says Ariel P. Fermin, PLDT executive vice president and head of Home Business.

To find out more about PLDT KaAsenso and other success stories, visit pldtkaasenso.com.

PLDT Kaasenso minigosyantes Divina Gracia Nene with fellow entrepreneur Regine Tolentino and May Gregorio have found the Internet as the best tool for a successful business operation

F R I D AY : A P R I L 17 : 2 0 1 5

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

C7

PEOPLE ...ARE TALKING ABOUT

Tennis ace Andy Murray and long-time fiancee were married in traditional Scottish cerermony on April 11 to loud cheers from fans who came to Dunblane from across the United Kingdon

Nora Aunor is congratulated

by Jackie Chan after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asean International Film

TENNIS SUPERSTAR IS NOW A MARRIED MAN

F

From C8

ans of Andy Murray are both sad and happy. Sad because he is no longer single, but happy he married his long-term girlfriend Kim Sears.

The two were married at Dunblane’s 12th century cathedral on April 11. According to news from Scotland, the marriage brought his Scottish hometown to a standstill.

The newlyweds came under a shower of confetti as they left the venue to the sound of cathedral bells at 5:40 p.m. in Scotland, just over an hour after they arrived. Crowds cheered as they drove off in a grey car decorated with ribbons.

Sears wore a white dress with a plunging neckline, lace sleeves and a long veil carried by four bridesmaids dressed in identical pink outfits while the groom wore a green and blue tartan kilt.

A bagpiper earlier welcomed the 2013 Wimbledon champion into the church while Sears arrived in a car a few minutes later, to a peel of applause from the gathered spectators.

Murray’s brother Jamie and friends Ross Hutchins and Carlos Mier shared best man duties.

The 27-year-old Sears has already become accustomed to the limelight, often finding herself in the cameraman’s sights while watching Murray courtside at events all around the world.

Murray hosted the reception at his own 15-bedroom Cromlix House Hotel, which he bought two years ago for $2.8 million.

Pubs in the town got into the spirit, offering champagne and strawberries to mark the occasion. ★★★★★ Thirty nine years on the air and counting, the Philippines’ longest running public service program Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko (KKMK) shows no signs of slowing down as it remains committed to its mission of improving the welfare of indigent Filipinos across the country, especially children afflicted with cancer.

Since 1975, the program has served as a bridge between patients in need of financial assistance and the generous donors who wish to make a difference

in other people’s lives. Subsequently, the Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko Foundation, Inc. was established to further the program’s dedication to public service.

With KKMK Foundation President Orly Mercado and KKMK Foundation, Inc. Board Director Connie Angeles, who also serve as the program’s hosts, the Foundation continues to promote its health advocacies and extend medical assistance to Filipinos.

In 2014, the Foundation came to the aid of residents affected by the earthquake in Bohol through a medical mission conducted in the area. Along with partners in the private sector, KKMK also took part in the restoration of the Tacloban City Hospital, which was turned over to the local government in August of that year.

Continuing its advocacy of raising the standards of public health, the Foundation also conducted 118 medical missions nationwide, which benefited a total of 105,936 patients last year. With the help of the private sector, other non-government organizations and the local government units, KKMK was able to provide free check-ups and laboratory procedures to the beneficiaries.

Also in the same year, Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko’s long-standing project “Batang Kapwa” or “Batang K” saw 13 of its beneficiaries graduate from the program. “Batang K” helps children afflicted with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and their families find financial assistance for the patient’s chemotherapy. The program also boosts the children’s morale through support group activities.

Moreover, the Foundation has heeded the call of over 800 patients who came to their office in the form of medicines and financial assistance for laboratory procedures and surgical needs, while 592 patients were referred to hospitals and medical institutions.

With 39 years of unwavering commitment to public service to its name, Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko moves closer towards its vision of raising the quality of life of Filipinos in need.

NORA AUNOR

Hot off her unprecedented victories in the biggest local film events, the superstar yet again added another trophy to her vast collection of acting awards. In the second edition of the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards held in Malaysia, La Aunor received the lifetime achievement award (previously given to Michelle Yeoh in 2013) for “breaking international barriers in the course of her career.” This feat is just one of the numerous reasons why this country only has one superstar. She is truly unmatched.

PAUL SORIANO

He makes films developed through years of research. Take Kid Kulafu, for example.

It took him two years to turn Manny Pacquiao’s story into a meaningful feature film.

The result? Kid Kulafu tells an insightful tale about the early life of the great boxer. This would have been an entirely different movie had another director tried to develop it into a big screen project. Actually, all we wanted to say is that we need more Paul Sorianos in the filmmaking business.

Paul Soriano

MARIAN RIVERA

...ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT

Marian Rivera

Other than her new show, product endorsements and showbiz gigs, her upcoming baby bump is what makes the Kapuso primetime queen the talk of the town of late. Gone are the days when all we read about Marian was bad press. You see, her married life is working to her favor. Ask the masses and they would tell you she’s more desirable and appealing now compared to her MariMar days.

EMPRESS SCHUCK

People were actually more intrigued about her boyfriend who’s responsible for her condition now. When Empress made the official announcement, the attention suddenly shifted to her non-showbiz boyfriend, a member of a powerful political clan. And it’s too bad for the former Kapamilya star that Marian announced she’s at last having a baby. It’s a sad reality but it’s just a matter of who interests the public the most. We just hope it won’t dictate her fate in showbiz after this pregnancy.

Empress Schuck

SHARK

Mark Neumann and Shaira Mae

No, we are not talking about any shows on Discovery Channel or Animal Planet. We are actually referring to a love team formed to compete against JaDine and KathNiel.

Shark is actually a portmanteau, a word tha combines the first three letters of Sha(ira Mae dela Cruz) and the last two letters of Ma (rk)Neumann’s first names. Just so you know, they are products of TV5’s Artista Academy. The tandem is gearing up for some shows in the network. Moving ahead, let’s again talk about how popular and successful JaDine and KathNiel are…

MEGAN YOUNG

Orly Mercado hosts Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko with

Why did she allow herself to be part of an overrated show that employs virtually unknown dancers, singers and hosts? Her supposedly grand welcome as a Kapuso contract star was absolutely underwhelming. Sunday All Stars staged a tacky version of J-Lo’s performance in American Idol featuring the former Miss World. The production was rather painful to watch considering J-Lo’s number went viral for so many good reasons. Megan’s version was just really cheap.

Connie Angeles

Megan Young

C8

F R I D AY : A P R I L 17 : 2 0 1 5

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

REDEFINING

Sarah slowly transformed herself into a more mature artist, unafraid to take risks and has become daring in breaking the mold. Clearly more confident in who she is, Sarah exudes an effortless sexiness that doesn’t rely on baring of her skin

NEW SEXY A world-class talent deserves a world-class denim brand. Just like how the Philippine’s own Sarah Geronimo, a simple girl that gracefully grew to become one of the most elite of talents that the country has to offer, is now the face of the leading jeans brand in the Philippines: JAG! Since 1976, JAG has been the top choice in denim wear because of their dedication to providing each customer with nothing less than excellence in terms of quality, to go with its continuous innovation in the world of clothing. With their groundbreaking denim technology, JAG believes that the future of denimwear is NOW. And it is only fitting that Sarah Geronimo is the new face of JAG! Sarah Geronimo started her career as a shy young girl whose angelic voice inspired the Philippine public. Soon, her skyrocketing popularity made venturing in movies inevitable. She quickly showed that she is a natural, effortlessly going through an impressive range of emotions that negated her young age. Her romantic comedy movies were all box office hits, leaving audiences captivated.

As the years went by, Sarah slowly transformed herself into a more mature artist, unafraid to take risks and has become daring in breaking the mold.

Clearly more confident in who she is, Sarah exudes an effortless sexiness that doesn’t rely on baring of her skin.

And this is why Sarah is the ideal representation of what a JAG woman should be. Hand in hand, they are versatile. They are bold. They are fierce.

Together, Sarah and JAG are redefining the “New Sexy”. ★★★★★ The charming family drama series Dream Dad bid farewell as the show’s finale is aired this week.

Sarah Geronimo is now the face behind JAG, redefining what sexy is all about

The show’s positive vibes and challenges will be missed by its fans that followed Zanjoe Marudo and Jana Agoncillo. The two are saying adieu to them both on ABS-CBN and The Filipino Channel (TFC) worldwide.

Since the serye, dubbed in English for non-Filipino viewers, aired in November 2014, Dream Dad has charmed the hearts of viewers worldwide because of the good vibes of Baste (Marudo) and Baby (Agoncillo) who answer each blessing with the expression “Yes,yes,yes” which has become popular among netizens.

The support of fans also grew as the cute love story of Baste and Alex (Beauty Gonzales) who were known as the ‘BasLex’ love team, grew.

Completing the cast led by Marudo, Agoncillo, and Gonzales who also made another phrase - ‘Magandang Buhay!’

- a household greeting are Yen Santos, Gloria Diaz, Ariel Ureta, Maxene Magalona, Matt Evans, Ana Feleo, Katya Santos, and Ketchup Eusebio.

In the final week of the series helmed by veteran director Jeff Jeturian, Dream Dad keep more viewers hooked now that Baste and Alex are officially together, and Baby has finally embraced her birth mother Bebeth (Yen Santos) wholeheartedly. What will they all do to give Baby a complete, happy, and loving family?

Do not miss the ‘Yes, Yes, Yes, Finale’ of the feel-good family drama series Dream Dad today (April 18, Saturday Australian Daylight Savings Time [AEST], New Zealand Daylight Savings Time [NZST], and Guam time) on TFC worldwide. Viewers can also catch the finale via livestream on TFC’s official online service, TFC.tv and relive the charming moments during the entire run of the show via its video-on-demand or VOD (Internet Protocol television or IPTV) service available in the U.S.A., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Continued on C7

Zanjoe Marudo and Jana Agoncillo are the pair Baste and Alex in Dream Dad