The Standard - 2015 April 24 - Friday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 68  3 Sections  32 Pages  P18  FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015  www.manilastandardtoday.com  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

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Chinese shoo away PH Navy planes

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War-crime raps eyed in massacre

‘PRESSURE’ MAKES CUSTOMS CHIEF QUIT Next page

Not business as usual. A fireman breaks into the iconic Savory Restaurant along Escolta Street in Manila that was hit by fire on Thursday while the building it had been occupying was being renovated. EY ACASIO

Rain or Shine, TNT break tie tonight

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Modern Spanish spirit

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300,000 graduates. President

Benigno Aquino III delivers a speech during the Pagdiriwang ng Pantawid Pamilya Graduates ng 2015 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, where he toasted the more than 300,000 Pantawid Pamilya high school beneficiaries nationwide. Malacañang Photo Bureau

Customs commissioner quits PNoy reiterates gains, pays no mind to hardships, insults

By Sandy Araneta and Rio N. Araja PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III said Thursday all the hardships and insults that he suffered were worthwhile when he looked upon the graduates of his administration’s massive dole program.

“If I look at all that we have gained, and the concrete proof of this are you, the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps), I really think it was all worth it, all the hardships, insults and the attacks on the presidency,” Aquino told some 11,000 graduating high school students at a ceremony in the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The students were beneficiaries of the 4Ps, a program that gives poor families a monthly stipend for keeping their children in school.

Aquino said seeing the graduates motivated him to double his efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos.

He said his administration has earmarked a total of P232 billion for the program over the years as an investment in the future of the youth.

The Department of

Social Welfare and Development, which administers the program, said more than 300,000 students who graduated in March were beneficiaries of the program.

“Your government is focused on fortifying the Pantawid Pamilya so that more Filipinos will have the capacity to hold on to their future. We are also targeting to make our technical-vocational subjects in high school stronger. If a beneficiary decides not to proceed to college, he will not just be a casual worker because he holds the ability to become a higher [paid] employee,” the President said.

“We are molding our youth to enjoy the opportunity of our booming market. Since the beneficiaries are qualified and they have employable skills, they can contribute to the expansion of businesses,” Aquino said.

He said companies would be encouraged to take advantage of the quality of the country’s workforce, which is the key to employment for more Filipinos.

“In this decade, our economy will become stronger, there will be

more jobs and the lives of families will be alleviated,” he said. “From whatever angle you may look, is this not a win-win situation?”

Aquino again took a dig at his critics, joking that had he trained under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and got a job as a highly paid mechanic outside the country, he would not have to suffer insults every day from “attention seekers.”

He also took the opportunity to recount how a former Cabinet secretary of the late President Ferdinand Marcos had pariased him as “the best President I’ve experienced” and how he was thanked for taking a job that nobody in his right mind would accept.

Despite the President’s rosy projections, the Ibon Foundation said most of the jobs created in 2014 represented low-paying part-time work.

The research group said although the Philippine Statistics Authority reported 1.02 million more Filipinos were employed in 2014, those who worked part-time or less than 40 hours a week accounted for 918,000 or 90 percent of the new jobs.

By Vito Barcelo

CUSTOMS Commissioner John Phillip P. Sevilla resigned Thursday from the Bureau of Customs, citing political pressures as the 2016 presidential elections draw near.

In a press conference, Sevilla said he didn’t want to use the agency he headed as a “milking cow” for politicians in the coming elections.

He also mentioned that an influential religious group is lobbying to appoint certain people in key posts at the bureau, particularly in “very sensitive” positions.

Sevilla became Customs commissioner in December 2013.

Sources at the bureau said Sevilla was referring to lawyer Teddy Sandy Raval, acting chief of the BOC Intellectual Property Rights Division, who will supposedly be moved to the post of Enforcement and Security Service, which is in charge of anti-smuggling operations.

Sevilla was informed of the plan-supposedly hatched in Malacañang--to promote Raval last November, but Sevilla has repeatedly refused to carry it out.

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) chief Jessie Dellosa was also said to be opposed to Raval’s promotion because it would run against the reforms that Sevilla and Dellosa have tried to implement.

“Why should he be placed in that position? He belongs to the old group and that will ditch all our reforms,” said the bureau source.

During the press conference, Sevilla referred to “fund-raising activities” involving the bureau during election years.

“We are changing that, and I think we have done a lot to change that. Whether it is an election year or not, politician or not, corruption is wrong. Period.

We should fight it,” Sevilla said without elaborating.

“I don’t compromise on morality. The law is clear on what is allowed and [what is] not,” the commissioner said.

Sevilla said he resigned because he is

not a political person.

“I am sad that I could not finish what I started,” Sevilla said, referring to reforms he pushed to eradicate corruption in BOC and to increase collections.

“I did my best to improve the process in Customs to make it easier for legitimate importers, to reward good behavior and penalize bad behavior. This is a work in progress,” Sevilla said.

The Customs bureau is said to be one of the most graft-ridden agencies of government and used as a source for raising funds for politicians.

In the Palace, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said President Benigno Aquino III has appointed Air 21 president Alberto D. Lina to replace Sevilla.

Lina is a close associate of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima.

Both Lina and Purisima are members of the “Hyatt 10” group of Cabinet officials who bolted the Arroyo administration at the height of the public outcry over the “Hello Garci” scandal.

Lina served as then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Customs chief in 2005. His stint lasted five months before his abrupt resignation.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Sevilla to name the persons exerting political pressure on him.

“I think he should identify the people he claims are pressuring him and what these people want him to do. Since he has already resigned, he should tell all he knows to prevent a repetition of the political pressure he mentioned,” Marcos said.

“What does he mean when he is being told to do something in preparation for the election? What does it mean exactly?

That because of the 2016 elections political pressure was exerted on him and by whom?” Marcos said. With Macon Ramos-

Araneta and Jennifer Ann Ambanta

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Chinese shoo away PH planes

By Florante S. Solmerin

CHINESE ships trained their lights upon Philippine Navy surveillance planes to drive them away from Kagitingan Reef in the West Philippine Sea, a military official confirmed Thursday.

Western Command chief Rear Admiral Alexander Lopez said the ships were believed to be naval warships, but denied earlier reports that they fired illumination rounds.

Lopez also said the incident was unconnected to the medical evacuation of a sick man who was part of a group of amateur radio enthusiasts doing broadcast tests on Pagasa Island, the seat of the local government of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), which is in the disputed Spratly Islands.

“The two incidents are not in any way connected to each other. It’s not true that our Islander was fired upon by a frigate... and thus stopped from picking up a sickly man for medical evacuation in Pagasa,” Lopez said in a phone interview.

He said on April 20, a pair of Islanders flew from airfields in Pureto Princesa City to conduct routine sovereignty patrols in the West Philippine Sea. A second mission was to evacuate a certain Chito Pastor for immediate medical treatment.

The patrol planes made run-ins over Kagitingan when one of the ships guarding the reclamation activities trained its lights on the planes, signaling them to go away.

“They even radioed us to leave Kagitingan because it was Chinese territory. That is what really happened in Kagitingan. There was no firing of illumination rounds,” Lopez said.

He said the planes proceeded to their second mission to pick up Pastor from Pagasa, but could not land because of bad weather and had to turn back.

Pastor was flown out by a private plane Thursday to Puerto Princesa City.

Pastor was a member of the Mabuhay DX ham radio group that arrived in Pagasa April 17 to test a portable solar power system in cooperation with the Navy’s Research and Development Center.

Pastor suffered an infection from drinking salt water after the group ran out of fresh drinking water.

Leo Almazan, the leader of the group, said its mission was to tell the rest of the world that Pagasa is sovereign Philippine territory.

Malaysia on Thursday called on China to cooperate with Southeast Asia to speed up talks on a set of rules in the disputed South China Sea, where Beijing’s island-building activities have sparked international alarm.

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, whose country hosts a regional summit next week, also cautioned rival claimants to the strategic seaway against taking actions that stoke tensions, according to an interview published Thursday in The Star. With AFP, Vito Barcelo

Award. Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Cliton and Georgetown University president John Degioia present Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the Philippine government’s peace negotiator with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, with the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Advancing Women in Peace and Security at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. AFP

Binay still hopes Veloso will be spared Marcos VICE President Jejomar Binay on Thursday expressed hope Mary Jane Veloso would be spared the death penalty after he relayed to Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla his appeal to commute Veloso’s sentence on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting in Jakarta.

Binay, who is in Indonesia to attend the Asian-African Summit in Bandung, reiterated the Philippine government’s respect for Indonesian laws as he maintained that Veloso was not part of any drug syndicate, and that it was her first time to go to Indonesia.

He also gave his counterpart a copy of President Benigno Aquino III’s letter to Indonesian

President Joko Widodo and a humanitarian appeal from the family.

Before leaving for Indonesia, Binay said he hoped he would be given the opportunity to appeal to Widodo regarding Veloso’s case.

He said he hoped Indonesia would look at Veloso with compassion since she was not part of any organized drug syndicate.

He noted that just recently, Widodo had appealed to the King of Saudi Arabia not to execute an Indonesian domestic worker.

“I am certain His Excellency understands why we in govern-

ment are doing all we can to save the life of our countrywoman,” Binay said.

“It is the responsibility of governments to come to the aid of their countrymen—especially those in difficult circumstances.”

While in Indonesia, Binay is set to attend the activities hosted by Widodo—including a 20-minute historical walk from Savoy Homann Hotel to Gedung Merdeka.

Binay, who concurrently Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers’ Concerns, is also scheduled to hold a dialogue with the Filipino community in Indonesia. Vito Barcelo

Appeal. Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kaila listens as Vice President Jejomar Binay relays his appeal to spare the life of convicted drug courier Mary Jane Veloso in Jakarta on Wednesday afternoon.

open to pairing with VP

By Macon Araneta

SENATOR Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday he was open to forging a partnership with Vice President Jejomar Binay in the 2016 elections, and that he would consider everything and all possibilities.

“They call politics the art of the possible. You never know, you have seen unlikely alliances,” Marcos told ANC. He earlier admitted he was contemplating joining the presidential race next year.

“My plan has always been to run for reelection in the Senate,” Marcos told reporters at the Fortune Restaurant in the City of San Fernando.

“But of course things are changing and people are mentioning my name. I have to look at the political terrain and see what’s happening.”

Marcos made his statement even as a Social Weather Stations survey conducted in the first quarter this year said Senator Grace Poe was the top choice for vice president in 2016 if the elections were held now.

Poe was the choice of 26 percent of the respondents for vice president, followed by Interrior Secretary Manuel Roxas II with 12 percent and Vice President Jejomar Binay with 7 percent. With Jess Malabanan

and Sandy Araneta

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Lawmaker lauds study of election alternatives

By Maricel V. Cruz

Too hot to handle. A resident of Liloan, Cebu clears dried mangrove tree branches that seemed to have been withered by the scorching sun. VER

NOVENO

War-crime raps eyed in Mamasapano slays

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon R. Araneta JUSTICE Secretary Leila de Lima has directed the government probers to review their findings on the criminal liability of Muslim rebels and private armies in the killing of Special Action Force (SAF) commandos during the Mamasapano clash last Jan. 25.

De Lima said she deferred taking action on the recommendation of the special probe team from the National Bureau of Investigation and National Prosecution Service, but ordered them to review their recommendations.

She specifically wanted to determine whether the 90 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)

and private armed groups (PAGs) are also liable under Republic Act No. 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

“I asked the team to reexamine the applicability of the IHL and determine if there could be possible offenses under the IHL for the crimes committed,” De Lima said, in an interview.

According to her, she asked the seven-man team, headed by Asst.

State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera, to submit a legal memorandum on this issue after several days.

In their 225-page report, the investigating team recommended the filing of charges of direct assault with murder and theft against the 90 suspects. But they did not recommend any charge for violation of RA 9851, saying it is inapplicable in this case.

However, De Lima did not agree and said there is a possibility of also filing charges under both the RPC and RA 9851 as she deferred action on their recommendations.

“The perspective of the team is that the charges should match with the testimony of the eyewitness and that there should be no duplicity. But there is no duplici-

ty when there are elements under the IHL present in other set of evidence,” the Justice Secretary stressed.

De Lima said she will await the position of the team before she orders a formal preliminary investigation of the case.

The DOJ report only covers the cases of 35 slain SAF men who belonged to the 55th SAF company that engaged MILF and BIFF fighters and PAGs in the cornfields of Brgy. Tukanalipao.

The cases of the nine other slain commandos from the 84th SAF company in Brgy. Pidsandawan as well as the five civilians and 18 MILF fighters who were also killed during the clash would be subject of further investigation by the team that was given two more months to complete the probe.

OPPOSITION lawmakers on Thursday lauded the Commission on Elections for immediately looking at viable alternatives to the ill-fated Smartmatic-TIM contract that was struck down by the Supreme Court and said the opposition was ready to help as needed.

House Independent Bloc Leader and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez noted that the poll body has announced several options available to ensure that the 2016 elections will proceed as scheduled.

“While some will say it is premature at this stage, there is nothing wrong to take all options possible to ensure that next year’s elections will push through as scheduled,” Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), said.

Romualdez also stressed the need for the Comelec to continue on its mandate to take corrective actions on the nullified contract.

“Congress should prepare for any eventuality. We should consult our colleagues here in Congress to discuss partial automation by passing a law on it,” Romualdez said, noting that reverting back to a manual with partial automation could also be an option “I support manual counting and automated transmittal of election results,” Romualdez added.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, senior member of the House Minority Bloc, said the Comelec must now work double or triple time to prepare for the 2016 national elections following the SC’s decision to scrap the P268million contract between the poll body and Smartmatic-TIM. Albano said the Comelec must now review and determine the viability of using the Transparent and Credible Election System or TCRES that had been proposed to the poll body before.

Albano said the Comelec is duty bound to immediately chart a new time line and look for viable alternatives to the illfated Smartmatic-TIM contract.

BBL negotiator gets US award

By Sandy Araneta DESPITE public criticism of the agreement the government forged with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer has been conferred Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Advancing Women, Peace and Security.

The award honors Ferrer’s “indefatigable work to bring about peace in the Philippines and for her historic role as the first female

chief negotiator to sign a comprehensive peace agreement,” said Ambassador Melanne Verveer, executive director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and former US ambassador for global women’s issues.

“It took 17 years of hard negotiations before the government and [MILF] signed an agreement that aims to stop the war,” Ferrer said after receiving the award from former US state secretary Hillary

Rodham Clinton, Georgetown University President John De Gioia and Ambassador Staffan de Mistura.

Ferrer said the agreement between the government and the MILF provides a road map for a new set of more democratic, representative and accountable political institutions.

“We hope it will reconcile families, political groups, tribes and communities alienated from each other by prejudice, vendetta and injustice,” said Ferrer.

Cooling Mali. An animal caretaker of the Manila Zoo sprays down the elephant Mali.

The elephant has to have a bath three to five times a day to keep her cool during the summer season. DANNY PATA

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Aliwan Queen. Twenty-one young women vying for the 2015 Aliwan Fiesta Festival Queen are introduced to the media during a press presentation at the Hotel Jen along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City on Thursday April 23. DANNY PATA

DAR projects messy

By Maricel V. Cruz and Sandy Araneta A militAnt lawmaker on Thursday denounced the alleged misuse of P12.8 billion in public funds that went to big-ticket projects under the supervision of the Department of Agrarian Reform.

But Malacanang denied the charges, adding that state agencies like the DAR and the Agriculture department which was also accused of irregularities in fund use, are accountable to the people for the proper spending of public funds.

But Anakpawis partylist Rep. Fernando Hicap demanded that the Office of the Ombudsman should take steps and order the preventive suspension of Secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes and other DAR officials involved in the

project.

“We are angered by the fact that poor and landless peasants all over the country were being used to pull off this mere ghost project of DAR. This is worse than the Napoles kickback scam” Hicap said.

“The Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project Phase III [Arisp] and the Agrarian Reform Community Project Phase II [ARCP] are nothing but the DAR’s white elephant project. It dwarfed the (pork) scheme using PDAF

and DAP” Hicap added.

Hicap asserted that President Benigno Aquino III should be held responsible for his Cabinet members’ plunder of public funds.

Hicap said the Aquino administration is robbing the Filipino people of much-needed public funds for agricultural production, development of industries and basic social services.

In addition, the lawmaker said that because o f DAR’s incompetency and negligence, the govern-

ment had to pay up P14.8 million in commitment fees to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund for International Development because of the delay on the use of loan despite the release of fund.

Amid Hicap’s allegations, Malacanang clarified that all efforts are being exerted to ensure that such funds were utilized in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

Coloma said “corrective measures initiated in 2012 achieved results in 2014, thereby accelerating project implementation and completion.”

La Vista or Lubao? Gloria pushes house arrest

By Rio Araja FORMER president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is urging the Sandiganbayan to place her under house arrest either in Quezon City or Pampanga.

Mrs. Arroyo through lawyer Laurence Hector Arroyo filed a two-page supplemental motion with the antigraft court’s First Division asking for her transfer from her detention facility at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center to her house in La Vista Subdivision or in Lubao, Pampanga.

Her lawyer gave the Sandiganbayan the assurance that Mrs. Arroyo’s home in Lubao is just near the town police station.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

“Lubao is home to President Arroyo,” according to her motion which she filed after the anti-graft court’s denied her demurrer to evidence, a legal step to junk the plunder suit against her for lack of evidence.

The camp of Arroyo said a house arrest could help her heal faster from her spine ailment.

“It is hoped that President Arroyo’s house arrest can help her recuperate and heal more quickly and fully,” the motion further read.

A house arrest would be able to help her heal faster from her cervical spine ailment.

“House arrest is not special treatment. It is a mode of arrest allowed by the Rules and recognized by the

Supreme Court,” the Flaminiano, Arroyo & Duenas law firm said, citing a previous ruling affirming the Sandiganbayan’s order to allow former president and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to be placed under house arrest in his rest house in Rizal province in connection with the plunder suit filed against him for illegal jueteng.

Also, Mrs. Arroyo slammed the Sandiganbayan for grave abuse of discretion for repeated denial of her bail pleas.

In a 39-page petition for certiorari for bail filed three days ago, the former president through the Flaminiano Arroyo & Duenas law office said she is not a flight risk, asking the Supreme Court to allow her to post bail.

Greening program fails, auditors say THE Commission on Audit has taken to task the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for its alleged failure to carry out the national greening program with a P7.246-billion budget in 2013.

Despite the allocation, the department’s NGP and cadastral survey projects were not able to attain their nationwide goals in 2013, COA said.

The state auditor attributed DENR’s failure to lack of efficient and/or effective implementation and monitoring mechanisms.

The department’s lapses resulted in low accomplishments in areas and seedlings planted and survival rates in DENR Regions 1, 3, 4-A and 5, and the non-compliance with memoranda of agreement, work and financial plans and other regulations in Cordillera Administrative Region and National Capital Region and by the Bukidnon Foundation Inc. Non-delivery and delays in delivery of seedlings in Regions 2 and 4-A, non-completion of various projects in accordance with plans and targets in DENR Regions 1, 3 and 5, and other deficiencies in the conduct of the CSP in

Regions 6, 3 and 9 were also blamed.

In a 2013 report, the state auditors said all these problems and issues had delayed the benefits that could have been derived from the completion of the NGP and cadastral surveys contrary to the project’s Implementation Manual, applicable DENR circulars, DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2010-13, Manual on Land Survey and other regulations.

The NGP, a centerpiece environmental program of the Aquino administration, and the CSP were two of the major activities of DENR two years ago with funding of P7,246,024,000, it said.

As far as the low accomplishments and tree-planting survival rates are concerned, the commission blamed typhoons, southwest monsoon, floods, landslides, rats and termites infestations, grass fires and illegal forest activities.

As for urban areas, the lack of coordination of DENR with the Department of Public Works and Highways and local governments also led to plant destruction due to road works.

Rio Araja

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Bases agency told

Pay up before you evict

By Rey Requejo

The Bases and Conversion Development Authority cannot evict the developer of Camp John hay as well as third party lessees and locators in the area unless it forks out P1.42 billion under the writ of execution issued by a Baguio City regional trial court.

Lacson,the book. Manila Mayor Joseph estrada and former senator Panfilo lacson do the handshake during the launching of a book on arsenio lacson, mayor of Manila from 1952 to 1962. DANNY PATA

new lawyers take oath of office THe Supreme Court will swear in today the 1,126 law graduates who passed the 2014 Bar examination.

In an advisory, the SC Public Information Office said that the oathtaking of the new lawyers will be held at 3 pm at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex, with Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno and the other magistrates in attendance.

The lawyers’ oathtaking is by tradition conducted before the Court en banc and considered a special en banc session. It is part of the ceremonial functions of the SC arising from its constitutionally prescribed power to

regulate admission into the practice of law.

Media access is allowed subject to the same guidelines for the coverage of en banc proceedings.

“The oathtaking is a special en banc session of the Court. No live coverage will be allowed but, for this occasion, video of the entire proceedings will be allowed,” the SC advisory stressed.

“No interviews will also be allowed inside the venue once the proceedings start to preserve the solemnity of the occasion,” it said.

Cameras and cellular phones are also strictly prohibited inside the venue with photographs to be taken

only by PICC official photographers with “appropriate documentation by the SC PIO.” The SC advised the new lawyers to arrive early for registration, adding that the PICC will be open at 12 noon.

“Because of the number of new lawyers, please consider coming earlier to avoid any inconveniences and delay in entry,” the advisory said, as it reminds the new lawyers to bring their Notice for the Oathtaking and their togas.

The advisory also reminded the new layers that due to space consideration, each one of them is entitled to only two tickets.

San Beda Law School graduate Irene Mae Alcobilla topped the 2014 Bar exams garnering a rating of 85.5 followed by Atenean Christian Drilon with a rating of 85.45 while Sandra Mae Magalang of the state-run University of the Philippines is at 3rd place with 84.6 percent. Drilon is a nephew of Senate President Franklin Drilon.

In 4th place are UP’s Mark Leo Bejemeno, Gil Garcia of Ateneo de Davao and Reginald Laco of De La Salle University with a grade of 84.55 percent while Michelle Liao of the University of Cebu comes in at 5th place with a rating of 84.5 percent.

Rey Requejo

Camp John Hay Development Corp. executive vice president Alfredo Yñiguez III said BCDA cannot include third party locators who have acted in good faith in the notice to vacate issued

by Judge Cecilia Archog of Baguio City RTC, Branch 6, on April 14.

In a writ of execution, Judge Archog ordered its sheriff to enforce its March 27, 2015 order that confirmed the “Final Award” dated February 11, 2015 by Philippine Dispute Resolution Center Inc. directing BCDA to immediately return to CJHDevCo P1.421,096,052, representing total amount of rentals it has paid to the agency, as well as for the Camp John Hay developer to vacate the leased property.

Judge Archog also made it clear that the writ of execution must be carried out simultaneously, and that in the event that developer fulfills its part but BCDA fails on its end, CJHDevCo may levy on properties of BCDA to satisfy the arbitral award.

“If respondent (BCDA) cannot return all or part of the obligation, in cash, certified bank check or other mode of payment acceptable to the petitioner (CJHDevCo), you (the sheriff) shall levy upon the properties of respondent (BCDA) of every kind and nature whatsoever which may be disposed of for value and not otherwise exempt from execution,” read the court order.

Yñiguez, in his letter to the partners of Camp John

Hay dated April 21 a day after the developer received a copy of the writ of execution and the notice to vacate, stressed that CJHDevCo is “ready, willing and able to vacate the ‘leased premises’ immediately or simultaneous with its actual receipt of payment from BCDA.” “This is consistent with the reciprocal nature of the Final Award rendered in the arbitration between CJHDevCo and BCDA, as well as the characterization by Judge Archog in open court that the judgment obligations are essentially, as termed in the vernacular, ‘kaliwaan.’ CJHDevCo vacates as and when it is paid by the BCDA in full,” he said.

“We also wish to emphasize that the Notice to Vacate IS NOT directed at persons who acquired rights in ‘good faith’ such as the CJH golf club members, Manor & Forest Lodge condotel unit owners, Forest Cabin unit owners, Country Home owners, Log Home Owners, lot owners, residents, locators and investors. These persons acted in ‘good faith’, and invested in Camp John Hay by purchasing your property with the consent and knowledge, if not the inducement, of the BCDA,” Yñiguez added.

The payments made by these third parties, according to Yñiguez, were in fact credited in the Final Award as BCDA’s payment for the interest it owed CJHDevCo on the rentals the government agency was ordered to return.

napoles’ bail hearing may be held at women’s facility

By Rio N. Araja PReSIDING Justice Amparo CabotajeTang of the Sandiganbayan on Thursday met with Correctional Institute for Women officer in charge edilinda Patac to make arrangements for the May 8 bail hearing of businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles who is convicted of serious illegal detention.

Dennis Pulma, the anti-graft court’s clerk of court, said he, Tang, Associate Justice Alex Quiros, and Sheriff and Security Division chief Alberto de la Cruz inspected the CIW facility in Mandaluyong City while waiting for the decision of the Supreme Court en banc on their request letter to allow Napoles to leave the jail facility and attend court proceedings in Sandiganbayan in Quezon City.

“In the meantime, we will hold hearings at the Correctional in compliance with various circulars of the Supreme Court on convicted persons,” he told The Standard.

The institution for female inmates has at least five air-conditioned court rooms, he said.

According to Pulma, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has given the CIW and Sandiganbayan to allow print, radio and broadcast reporters to enter the airconditioned courtroom inside the jail facility during proceedings on Napoles’ bail pleas, and plunder and graft raps.

He cautioned the media of the strict policy of the CIW and Sandiganbayan to ban any media personality who would be caught taking video footages or photographs, or recording court conversation.

Fiery protest. Former policeman-turned-activist abner afuang burns a china flag in front of the national Press club in Manila on april 23, 2015 in protest against china’s “aggressiveness” in the disputed islets on the West Philippines sea. DANNY PATA

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Luzon grid hits record demand of 8,727 mW

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Luzon power grid has recorded its highest demand year to date of 8,727 megawatts on Monday, April 20, prompting the Energy Department to urge the public to conserve electricity and promote energy efficiency due to the anticipated heightened demand next month.

Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla sought public support for the turning of cooling systems to 25 degrees Celsius particularly during the weekday peak hours (10AM 2PM) in Luzon.

Petilla said that if done collectively by all establishments and homes, this can potentially decrease the energy demands in significant levels therefore, reducing possibilities of power outages this time of the year.

Petilla said that the 25 degrees feel is relatively comfortable if compared with the 32 degrees feel outside.

Luzon has reserves of about 1,539 megawatts as of Thursday with system demand at 8,395 MW and generation capacity at 10,259 MW. The Energy Regulatory Commission, meanwhile, has tightened its monitoring of the reliability performance of the power generating companies in Luzon in the wake of the projected energy shortage during the dry months.

ERC has issued a resolution adopting the procedure in the reporting by the generation companies of outage events affecting their facilities.

“In view of the projected electricity imbalance in the Luzon grid in 2015, the ERC is cognizant of the need to monitor the reliability performance of the generating facilities of the generation companies not only on annual basis but close to real time,” it said.

Reach for these clouds. Moisture-laden, low-lying clouds nourish and water young broccoli plants in Bgy. Cabuyao, Mt. Santo Tomas, Tuba, Benguet, shielding the area from the brunt of the El Niño phenomenon. DAVID CHAN

Foul odor from Surigao nickel plant sickens 107

By Alvin T. Guanzon

CLAVER, Surigao Del Norte—Seven residents of Barangay Taganito in this town and nearby areas were brought for treatment in hospitals in Surigao City while around 100 hundred other residents— mostly children, women and the elderly—have complained of vomiting, headache, and stomach pains after smelling a foul, unusual odor believed to have come from nearby Taganito High-Pressured Acid Leach (THPAL) nickel processing plant.

Municipal health officials said the seven patients were brought to Surigao City on

April 13 and that the others who complained were given free medical consultations

and treatment by said office in cooperation with medical unit of THPAL.

Nobody among the patients, however, was found to have toxic poisoning.

Sought for reactions, THPAL plant officials refused to give any comments, with their office guards saying that only those with prior appointments woul d be entertained.

Citizens of this town as well as some lumad residents living near the plant had already requested for the help of the Environmental Management Bureau and

the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Health, and their local government officials about the foul-smelling chemical coming from the said plant.

There have been no developments on their request.

According to tribal leader Antonio Patac, the foul odor continues to seep out at least every other day from 10pm to early dawn.

Coastal barangay in La Union sinking due to climate change

By Dexter A. See CABA, La Union—Some 20 houses and several resorts in the coastal barangay of Santiago Norte here have been destroyed as the village has been slowly sinking since 2013 due to the sudden rise of seawater, likely brought by climate change.

Residents here said they are puzzled at the unexpected rise in seawater and are now asking immediate assistance from the government to prevent further damage to their properties and threat to their lives and livelihood.

Rudy Gatchalian, a barangay councilor, said he suspects that the destruction was caused by the “shore protection project” that

was built along the shoreline of the neighboring barangay of San Carlos.

Gatchalian and other barangay officials headed by Chairman Antonio Fonbuena already passed a resolution asking for assistance from the municipal and provincial government for their immediate relocation to higher ground.

Mayor Clyde Crispino and the municipal council passed a separate resolution requesting for additional funds from Malacañang for the construction of seawall to prevent the entry of seawater in the area.

Gatchalian said that about 35-meters of the shoreline was already wiped out because the water level had gone up to over 10 meters.

Traditional rice cakes. Linda Inso, 58, from Lapu-Lapu City has been making “bibingka” or rice cakes for more than 30 years cooks the cake in a traditional “inurno” style. She uses custom-made terra cotta ovens where wood is burned below and above the bibingka mixture. RALPH PIEZAS

F R I D AY, A P R I L 24 , 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

VIRTUAL REALITY TOnY LOPEZ

Murder, Murder, Murder

[ EDI TORI A L ]

ALL SMILES We wish it were satire, but it isn’t.

President Benigno Aquino III actually talked about the nuances of his facial expressions in an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post.

The President has drawn flak for appearing to smile in the most inappropriate occasions, such as during the wake of the 44 policemen slain in January in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, and much earlier in his term, while inspecting the bus where eight tourists from hong Kong were killed by a dismissed policemen after a botched negotiation and rescue operation.

Mr. Aquino explained that he has different smiles for different occasions.

“I have a particular smile when I am so fed up,” he said.

Another would seem to say: “Stop it, you’ve crossed the line.” Yet another, of delight.

What the President suggests however is that his notorious smiles are his way of coping with the absurdities that he encounters as president of the country. he likened his smile to cursing, or shouting to high heavens – something to resort to to control his emotions.

The SCMP piece, written by Raissa Robles, suggests that Mr. Aquino has always had the predisposition to smile away in the face of tragedy. Photos of when he was still a presidential son in 1987 show him smiling while narrating how he almost died and how three of his security escorts were killed during an attempted military takeover.

What we find an absurdity is the idea of a president trying to explain his facial expressions as though these were deliberate decisions he makes. unless one does not have anything better to do, body language cannot be planned or explained. Its impulsive nature is what betrays the person making it. Body language, facial expressions, and spontaneous speech are all windows into a person’s nature.

These tell us only one thing: a gaping disconnect between the President’s senses and what is actually happening, such that he insists on his own worldview no matter the evidence laid out before him. This view can fantastically be summarized into a few tenets: his friends can do no wrong, his enemies are always to blame, everything good that happens is because of his righteous administration, and that those who dare criticize him are part of a grand sinister plan to bring him down so the forces of evil can rule.

Alas, when you have a chief executive thinking this way, there is absolutely nothing to smile about—even when he is grinning from ear to ear.

Straight-path roadkill LOwDOwn jOjO A. RObLES The resignation of Customs Commissioner John Philip “Sunny” Sevilla came as no surprise to insiders at the bureau, who had been talking about it for at least weeks now. But unlike his predecessor, former Rep. Ruffino Biazon, Sevila did not quit amid allegations of corruption – it actually ap-

pears that Sevilla stepped down because he was fighting corruption in the notoriously corrupt agency that he headed.

Sevilla, a former investment banker before he joined the Department of Finance, said anyone doing the right thing at Customs exposed himself to risk.

While he did not go into further detail, Sevilla is widely believed to have resigned because he could no longer stomach the pressure being exerted on him to raise

funds for powerful politicians and to look the other way when favored importers were smuggling goods into the country.

I’m glad Sevilla didn’t cite “personal reasons” for leaving Customs or clam up altogether about his decision to go. Far too many former officials of this supposedly blameless administration have refused to reveal the true reason for leaving, ever since Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose “Ping” de Jesus resigned

A9

The true story of Sevilla’s resignation from the bureau and the daang matuwid is very compelling.

just months after President Noynoy Aquino assumed office in 2010.

And Sevilla left the door just open enough to arouse

interest in his case by hinting at the real reason for his resignation. Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was only one of those intrigued enough to demand that Sevilla explain himself further, especially because he has already resigned.

Malacañang has declared that it was accepting Sevilla’s resignation and that a former commissioner, logistics magnate Alberto “Bert” Lina, was taking Sevilla’s place. Lina, owner of the high-profile courier service Air21, was Customs chief for several months during the Arroyo adminis-

tration, but resigned together with the so-called “hyatt 10,” the group of top government officials who quit simultaneously in protest of alleged corruption committed by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Lina’s right-hand man, Angelito Alvarez, was Aquino’s first Customs commissioner, but he resigned like Biazon in a welter of corruption charges, including

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-

the still-unsolved case of 2,000 cargo-laden container vans that disappeared from the bureau in 2011. Alvarez was replaced by Biazon, but the former congressman and Liberal Party stalwart also resigned after Aquino himself made special mention of corruption in the bureau in a State of the Nation Address.

All of which makes the choice of Lina to reassume the Customs

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post just 14 months before Aquino steps down highly unusual, to say the least. And the true story of Sevilla’s resignation from the bureau and the daang matuwid very compelling, indeed. *** I’ve been informed that Sevilla resigned because of delays in the implementation of his proposal to institute a “pre-shipment 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

MuLTIPLe murder and violation of human rights.

These should have been the charges leveled against 90 out of over 1,000 elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and private armed groups (PAGs, a euphemism for plain bandits) who murdered 35 of the 36 elite commandos of Company 55 of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) on January 25, 2015 in Tukalinapao village, Mamasapano town, Maguindanao province.

Instead, a joint Department of Justice-National Bureau of Investigation special investigation team (SIT) has recommended the filing of charges of direct assault complex with murder or the complex crime of direct assault with murder, plus theft, against the 90 suspects. One of the suspects was named “Marathon”.

Yet, the same DOJ report says: “It was murder all the way and around when the MILF, BIFF, and PAGs crossed the river over to the cornfield to finish off the dying members of the 55th SAC, by means of gunshots to the head and other parts of their bodies. There was a conspiracy among the MILF, BIFF and PAGs elements to kill the 55th SAC commandos. This conspiracy took the form of the phenomenon that is called ‘pintakasi’. The MILF, BIFF and PAGs elements were impelled by a common intention, and banded together against the 55th SAC to kill and wipe out the latter.”

Should not the charge then be conspiracy to commit murder?

The DOJ’s SIT report also dismissed the January 25 murder as neither a “massacre” as claimed by the Senate, nor a “misencounter” as claimed

by Department of Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas. “The complicated truth is somewhat in between these two extremes,” DOJ said.

DOJ also “deemed inapplicable the provisions of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9851 (The Philippine Act on Crimes Against International humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against humanity), or the country’s domestic IhL. It pointed to the Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor Senior Deskman Art Director Chief Photographer

F R I D AY, A P R I L 24 , 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

VIRTUAL REALITY TOnY LOPEZ

Murder, Murder, Murder

[ EDI TORI A L ]

ALL SMILES We wish it were satire, but it isn’t.

President Benigno Aquino III actually talked about the nuances of his facial expressions in an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post.

The President has drawn flak for appearing to smile in the most inappropriate occasions, such as during the wake of the 44 policemen slain in January in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, and much earlier in his term, while inspecting the bus where eight tourists from hong Kong were killed by a dismissed policemen after a botched negotiation and rescue operation.

Mr. Aquino explained that he has different smiles for different occasions.

“I have a particular smile when I am so fed up,” he said.

Another would seem to say: “Stop it, you’ve crossed the line.” Yet another, of delight.

What the President suggests however is that his notorious smiles are his way of coping with the absurdities that he encounters as president of the country. he likened his smile to cursing, or shouting to high heavens – something to resort to to control his emotions.

The SCMP piece, written by Raissa Robles, suggests that Mr. Aquino has always had the predisposition to smile away in the face of tragedy. Photos of when he was still a presidential son in 1987 show him smiling while narrating how he almost died and how three of his security escorts were killed during an attempted military takeover.

What we find an absurdity is the idea of a president trying to explain his facial expressions as though these were deliberate decisions he makes. unless one does not have anything better to do, body language cannot be planned or explained. Its impulsive nature is what betrays the person making it. Body language, facial expressions, and spontaneous speech are all windows into a person’s nature.

These tell us only one thing: a gaping disconnect between the President’s senses and what is actually happening, such that he insists on his own worldview no matter the evidence laid out before him. This view can fantastically be summarized into a few tenets: his friends can do no wrong, his enemies are always to blame, everything good that happens is because of his righteous administration, and that those who dare criticize him are part of a grand sinister plan to bring him down so the forces of evil can rule.

Alas, when you have a chief executive thinking this way, there is absolutely nothing to smile about—even when he is grinning from ear to ear.

Straight-path roadkill LOwDOwn jOjO A. RObLES The resignation of Customs Commissioner John Philip “Sunny” Sevilla came as no surprise to insiders at the bureau, who had been talking about it for at least weeks now. But unlike his predecessor, former Rep. Ruffino Biazon, Sevila did not quit amid allegations of corruption – it actually ap-

pears that Sevilla stepped down because he was fighting corruption in the notoriously corrupt agency that he headed.

Sevilla, a former investment banker before he joined the Department of Finance, said anyone doing the right thing at Customs exposed himself to risk.

While he did not go into further detail, Sevilla is widely believed to have resigned because he could no longer stomach the pressure being exerted on him to raise

funds for powerful politicians and to look the other way when favored importers were smuggling goods into the country.

I’m glad Sevilla didn’t cite “personal reasons” for leaving Customs or clam up altogether about his decision to go. Far too many former officials of this supposedly blameless administration have refused to reveal the true reason for leaving, ever since Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose “Ping” de Jesus resigned

A9

The true story of Sevilla’s resignation from the bureau and the daang matuwid is very compelling.

just months after President Noynoy Aquino assumed office in 2010.

And Sevilla left the door just open enough to arouse

interest in his case by hinting at the real reason for his resignation. Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was only one of those intrigued enough to demand that Sevilla explain himself further, especially because he has already resigned.

Malacañang has declared that it was accepting Sevilla’s resignation and that a former commissioner, logistics magnate Alberto “Bert” Lina, was taking Sevilla’s place. Lina, owner of the high-profile courier service Air21, was Customs chief for several months during the Arroyo adminis-

tration, but resigned together with the so-called “hyatt 10,” the group of top government officials who quit simultaneously in protest of alleged corruption committed by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Lina’s right-hand man, Angelito Alvarez, was Aquino’s first Customs commissioner, but he resigned like Biazon in a welter of corruption charges, including

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-

the still-unsolved case of 2,000 cargo-laden container vans that disappeared from the bureau in 2011. Alvarez was replaced by Biazon, but the former congressman and Liberal Party stalwart also resigned after Aquino himself made special mention of corruption in the bureau in a State of the Nation Address.

All of which makes the choice of Lina to reassume the Customs

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MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

CYAn MAGEnTA YELLOw bLACK

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post just 14 months before Aquino steps down highly unusual, to say the least. And the true story of Sevilla’s resignation from the bureau and the daang matuwid very compelling, indeed. *** I’ve been informed that Sevilla resigned because of delays in the implementation of his proposal to institute a “pre-shipment 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

MuLTIPLe murder and violation of human rights.

These should have been the charges leveled against 90 out of over 1,000 elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and private armed groups (PAGs, a euphemism for plain bandits) who murdered 35 of the 36 elite commandos of Company 55 of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) on January 25, 2015 in Tukalinapao village, Mamasapano town, Maguindanao province.

Instead, a joint Department of Justice-National Bureau of Investigation special investigation team (SIT) has recommended the filing of charges of direct assault complex with murder or the complex crime of direct assault with murder, plus theft, against the 90 suspects. One of the suspects was named “Marathon”.

Yet, the same DOJ report says: “It was murder all the way and around when the MILF, BIFF, and PAGs crossed the river over to the cornfield to finish off the dying members of the 55th SAC, by means of gunshots to the head and other parts of their bodies. There was a conspiracy among the MILF, BIFF and PAGs elements to kill the 55th SAC commandos. This conspiracy took the form of the phenomenon that is called ‘pintakasi’. The MILF, BIFF and PAGs elements were impelled by a common intention, and banded together against the 55th SAC to kill and wipe out the latter.”

Should not the charge then be conspiracy to commit murder?

The DOJ’s SIT report also dismissed the January 25 murder as neither a “massacre” as claimed by the Senate, nor a “misencounter” as claimed

by Department of Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas. “The complicated truth is somewhat in between these two extremes,” DOJ said.

DOJ also “deemed inapplicable the provisions of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9851 (The Philippine Act on Crimes Against International humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against humanity), or the country’s domestic IhL. It pointed to the Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor Senior Deskman Art Director Chief Photographer

A10 Not AN UNreAsoNAble DoctriNe Although refusing to apply it to the case PENSEES before the Court at that FR. RANHILIO time, the present omCALLANGAN budsman who was then an associate justice of AQUINO the Supreme Court, with characteristic incisiveness and erudition, explained the rationale for the doctrine of condonation in Salumbides v. ombudsman (2010). Citing what she characterized as a “landmark ruling”, she reasoned: “the Court should never remove a public officer for acts done prior to his present term of office. to do otherwise would be to deprive the people of their right to elect their officers. When the people elect a man to office, it must be assumed that they did this with knowledge of his life and character, and that they disregarded or forgave his faults or misconduct, if he had been guilty of any. It is not for the court, by reason of such faults or misconduct, practically overrule the will of the people.” that is certainly not bad reasoning, is it? In fact, it is consistent with our democratic belief that the powers of the State are ultimately derived from the sovereign consent of the people. It is the sovereignty that resides in the people by which a Constitution becomes the Republic’s fundamental law. It is by the same sovereignty that laws are passed and crime defined and penalized, albeit in republican fashion, through legislators the sovereign people elect.

When the Court invoked the same doctrine the condonation in Aguinaldo v. Santos theory, however, (1992) it did so under the like any judicially aegis of the 1987 Constitution, recognizing that enunciated it was not crafting new doctrine, can be doctrine, but going back abandoned. in fact to established American jurisprudence.

Whatever the doctrine’s status in American jurisprudence might be now, the fact is that it was sound juridical doctrine! In fact, that is hardly pertinent. What we should be asking is whether or not the premises of the doctrine remain true and are consistent with our conceptions of democracy. the rule is best summed up in the Aguinaldo case: “A public official cannot be removed for administrative misconduct committed during a prior term, since his re-election to office operates as a condonation of the officer’s previous misconduct to the extent of curring off the right to remove him therefor.” there is an important qualification: Criminal offenses are not thereby condoned.

It is obvious then that it all depends on how much one is willing to attribute to popular sovereignty—and under the 1987 Constitution, it seems to be very much.

We have provisions that allow laws to be enacted and repealed through people’s initiative. the Constitution even contemplates amendment of the Constitution through the same procedure of directly appealing to the people. there are legislative proposals to de-criminalize libel, adultery and concubinage. Were candidates who support these propositions to stand for elections on a platform of espousal in respect to these measures and, and were they to win and constitute a majority of Congress, it would be clear that the sovereign people had chosen to condone acts of libel, adultery and concubinage! You can of course take that power away from the people -- as is the case in one-party States, but you would then have to re-define democracy or, more candidly, admit that you

F R I D AY, A P R I L 24 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

WithoUt sUpport AnY project—however noble and good its intentions are—would eventually fail without the support of those affected. often, the proponents of these projects act as if they know everything; they never bother asking the intended beneficiaries what they really need or want. Seldom do they get either the consent of those who would be adversely affected. they alone decide what is noble and good for everybody.

But when problems start to appear, the beneficiaries may not recognize their stake in the project. they would thus refuse to support it. the adversely affected parties, on the other hand, may slowly manifest their objections but in the end, they would be the real stumbling block.

By then, the proponents would admit the project’s weaknesses and reluctantly give it up. the project is simply set aside, waiting to get resurrected much later. one such recent project is the Bangsamoro Basic law, the passage of which its proponent Pnoy tried to fast-track.

When he submitted it to congressional leaders during ceremonies held in Malacañang Palace last September 10, 2014, Pnoy asked to “pass this bill in the soonest possible time.”

The draft house Bill no. 4994 is aptly entitled— “An act providing for the basic law for the Bangsamoro and abolishing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, repealing for the purpose Republic Act no. 9054, entitled ‘An act to strengthen and Expand the organic act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’, and Republic Act no. 6734, entitled ‘An act providing for an organic act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’, and for other purposes.”

Who would challenge the nobility of its purpose “to establish a political entity, provide for its basic structure of government in recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and their aspiration to chart their political future through a democratic process that will secure their identity and posterity and allow for meaningful self-governance?” the BBl is being passed for the Bangsamoro people “those who at the time of conquest and colonization were considered natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago and its adjacent islands including Palawan, and their descendants, whether of mixed or of full blood, shall have the right to identify themselves as Bangsamoro by ascription or self-ascription.

Spouses and their descendants are classified as Bangsamoro.” this 99-page draft bill is definitely complicated considering its very title alone and its abolition of ARMM, a legal entity in existence in the past 25 years.

For Pnoy, the passage of BBl is necessary to achieve lasting peace in Muslim Mindanao without bothering to ask all the affected people of Mindanao what they want and need. they could

had opted for some other form of political organization! the condonation theory takes popular sovereignty to include the right to condone the offenses of an elective official that are administratively actionable on the assumption, no matter how counterfactual, that voters know the life, the character and the peccadillos and pecados of their candidates. But the people, I submit, are entitled to such a presumption in their favor, unless we are ready to characterize elections as hardly anything more than displays of popular whim...only this, and nothing more! And when you reach that point, you

voice these out FILIPINO only during PENSIONER plebiscite time.

But those of HORACE us from the VitEmPLO sayas and luzon would also be affected. Among other obligations, we would finance the new Bangsamoro entity through the taxes that the Bureau of Revenue would force us to pay. under the draft, we “shall provide an annual block grant which shall be the share of the Bangsamoro in the national internal revenue of the government. the amount shall be sufficient for the exercise of the powers and functions of the Bangsamoro government under this Basic law.” this amount would “in no case be less than the last budget received by the ARMM immediately before the establishment of the Bangsamoro transition Authority.”

My pensioner-friends were pleasantly surprised to see social security and pensions listed as first among the 14 shared powers between our government and Bangsamoro “the Bangsamoro government may organize its own social security and pension systems alongside the existing Central government social security and pension systems.” the draft BBl may have been widely disseminated, but it had been minimally discussed and talked about.

For this, we should blame those responsible for the Mamasapano massacre last January 25 which drew our attention into it and diverted it away from scrutinizing the draft BBl. Consequently, we are almost clueless about it.

Did we know that the draft BBl was approved by the Bangsamoro transition Commission that Pnoy created on December 17, 2013? It is composed of 15 members: eight were chosen by the Moro Islamic liberation Front while seven members were handpicked by Pnoy. have we also learned that MIlF was the one that chose the BtC chairman who introduces himself using only his alias, “Mohagher Iqbal.” the chosen BtC members may not be popularly elected, but they theoretically represent the Christians, Muslims, and indigenous people of the Bangsamoro people. We could only wish that they are far better than our democratically-elected legislators.

After all, President Cory Aquino also handpicked the 50 elite members of her 1987 Freedom Constitution Commission.

Surveys have become a way of life for us. thus, why couldn’t we employ them now to guide us in determining whether we have the support of the Bangsamoro people themselves and other persons who would be affected by the BBl’s passage?

Without positive indication of support from them now, any BBl that is passed will not lead us to lasting peace in Muslim Mindanao.

have all but given up on democracy as we understand it.

In fact, Justice Carpio-Morales believed the doctrine to have a vaster reach than originally conceived: “Salalima did not distinguish as to the date of filing of the administrative complaint, as long as the alleged misconduct was committed during the prior term, the precise timing or period of which [the Court] did not further distinguish, as long as the wrongdoing that gave rise to the public official’s culpability was committed prior to the date of reelection.” And this too was a sterling piece of judicial reasoning!

Continued on A11

F R I d aY, a P R I l 24 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

adelle chua EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

Straight... From A9 inspection” scheme for imported goods that he wanted in place since June of last year. The proposed system is meant to make customs more “business-friendly” and was, to be fair, suggested by Biazon in a customs administrative order.

Sevilla’s own draft order on the matter proposed “trade facilitation for cargoes with load Port Survey by providing an advance clearance system.” The proposed program exempts cargoes covered by a lPS from physical and x-ray examination, allows for advance cargo clearance and immediate release of the cargo from customs custody upon arrival.

The proposal is intended to contrib-

Murder... From A9 existence of a ceasefire agreement between the gPh and Milf on account of which there has been no clash since 2011, hence, no armed conflict as may fall within the purview of ihl. “Even assuming that there is an existing state of armed conflict between the State and the Muslim rebels involved in Mamasapano, still the ihl expressly removes from its coverage isolated and sporadic acts of violence” actually, the doJ is the one making things complicated. i am sure there is a certain legal nuance or nuances between a killing complexed with assault and a plain, simple premeditated murder. and claiming the cold-blooded murder and torture of government policemen in broad daylight is not a human rights violation, just because there was a ceasefire in the area, is simply nitpicking. for murder, the suspects can be tried locally. for human rights violation, they can be tried before an international tribunal.

The 90 suspects from the Milf, Biff and Pags knew

ute to the faster movement of goods, deter the entry of smuggled items and contribute to decongestion of Manila’s ports. at the same time, the program is meant to bring down the cost of doing business and contribute to the growth of legitimate businesses. implementation of the scheme was initially put off, one source says, because of port congestion that the aquino administration blamed on a truck ban imposed by the Manila city government led by Mayor Joseph Estrada.

But this source said that Sevilla wasn’t given clearance to go ahead even after the government said it had eliminated congestion in Manila’s ports soon after the lifting of the truck ban.

Sevilla’s proposal to implement preshipment inspection of containerized

who they were dealing with – policemen of the national government entering a Philippine territory to enforce the law – specifically, the arrest of three terrorist-bomber suspects, two of whom were Zulkifli binhir, alias Marwan, a Malaysian, (the alleged bomber of Bali), and abdul Basit Usman. only Marwan was killed at 4:30 am of January 25 when commandos from another Saf company, the 84th Seaborne, surrounded his hut in Barangay Pidsandawan, Mamasapano. The two other targets escaped. nine of the men of the 84th died eventually.

The doJ doesn’t know yet who killed the nine, claiming it was not able to interview witnesses nor was allowed to interview the witnesses who were being harbored by the Milf.

The doJ said its “most noteworthy factual conclusions” are: • The 55th SAC fired the first shot that started the firefight at the cornfield in Brgy. Tukanalipao, Mamasapano.

• There was a “pintakasi” by the Milf, Biff and Pags against the 55th Sac. • By 8 am of January 25, 2015, the Milf, Biff and Pags who fought the 55th Sac

#failocracy

cargo is a simple expansion of the current Bulk/Break Bulk inspection Program in effect at customs since 2010.

The program for pre-shipment inspection of containerized cargos has, in fact, been awaiting implementation since July 2013.

Meanwhile, Malacanang will reportedly ask congress for approval of a P3 trillion national budget for 2015. But customs, the biggest-earning agency of government after the Bureau of internal revenue, is being prevented from taking the necessary steps to implement reform programs meant to increase its revenue collection efficiency. and yes, the customs bureau continues to miss its collection targets even under this supposedly clean government. More on this in later columns.

already knew that they were engaged in a firefight with police officers.

• Some 55th SAC commandos tried to surrender, but the Milf, Biff and Pags continued firing at them until the commandos would no longer fight back because many of them were already dead and those still alive were severely wounded.

• After the firefight, MILF elements crossed the river over to the cornfield to finish off the dying 55th Sac members.

The doJ report says: “The point where criminal liability clearly attached for the Milf, Biff and Pags involved in the ‘pintakasi’ was when they learned that they were shooting it out with police officers. at that point, they became liable for direct assault.” and, “when the firefight deteriorated still into the killing of the 55th Sac members, even as the latter already raised their arms in surrender, the perpetrators became liable for the complex crime of direct assault with Murder. Treachery and abuse of superior strength are easily two (2) qualifying circumstances that attended the killing of the 55th Sac

members at that point, who, according to witnesses, number to a thousand.”

The 90 probable respondents are charged only for the killing of the 35 commandos of Saf 55 in barangay Tukanalipao.

They are not yet accused for the killing of nine commandoes of Saf 84 in barangay Pidsandawan, Mamasapano, and the killing of three to four civilians blamed on Saf 55 commando christopher lalan, the lone survivor from his company.

Said the report: “There are no third party eyewitnesses so far regarding the assault by the 84th Seaborne on the house of Marwan and its consequences. The affidavits of the surviving 84th Sac members do not identify the particular persons belonging to either Milf, Biff or Pags, or whether these persons actually knew at the time that they were resisting and fighting police officers.” it added: “another set of eyewitnesses along the likes of Marathon, are necessary to give another perspective on what happened immediately before, during and after Marwan was killed by the Saf commandos at Brgy.

Pidsandawan.” biznewsasia@gmail.com

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Not... From A10 are the accountability provisions of the 1987 constitution irreconcilable with the theory of condonation? if they were, one wonders why the Supreme court applied the theory to aguinaldo, Salalima and a catena of other cases decided after the ratification of the 1987 constitution. and truth to tell, while impeachment, prosecution for crime and administrative investigations and sanctions are some forms the accountability take, elections are also a form of accountability. it all depends though on whether you trust the people to hold their officials to account for their actions. But when we have little confidence in popular sovereignty, shall we then opt for a society superintendent by Platonic guardians who tell us how life ought to be lived because of their superior knowledge? no, the condonation theory is not an unreasonable doctrine. But like any judicially enunciated doctrine, it can be abandoned. Stare decisis, insofar as the Supreme court is concerned, is a canon of consistency, but does not preclude the abandonment of doctrine that has outlived its usefulness. Should the court choose to revisit the doctrine, it will interest me immensely to study how it reasons its way through to an abandonment of this reading of the ambit of popular sovereignty. rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

chong ardivilla

F RI DAY : A P RI L 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

FEU’s 1-2 punch to spearhead PH chess team

By Arman Armero FAR Eastern University’s 1-2 punch in women’s chess will lead a powerful cast of Filipino chess players seeing action in the 2015 Asean Age Group Championships in June in Singapore.

Woman International Master Janelle Mae Frayna and Woman Fide Master Shania Mendoza will banner the women’s cast in the tournament to be participated by last Tuesday’s winners in the national finals organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Philippine Sports Com-

mission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

Mendoza, who took home six gold medals in last year’s tournament in Macau, China, topped the Under-18 girls’ side of the tournament, while Frayna was already seeded to the team because of her present stature as the country’s top woman player.

The 19-year-old Frayna, a psychology student at FEU, recently earned her second GM norm in Bangkok Open, scoring 5.5 points out of a possible eight. She won four games and drew three – all against highly rated male opponents.

Joining Frayna and Mendoza in the two-week long tournament in Singapore are the other winners in other age-group categories, along with the second and third placers.

The other winners in the girls’ side were Ruelle Canino (U-8), Jerlyn Mae San Diego (U-10), Irish Yngayo (U-12), Natori Biazza Diaz (U-14), Laila Camel Nadera (U-18) and Jean Karen Enriquez (U-20).

The boys’ division will be led

by Boys Under 16 winner, Fide Master Rhenzi Kyle Sevillano, who went undefeated with 11 points in the tournament.

Hawks announce sale, then defeat Nets for 2-0 lead

ATLANTA—The Atlanta Hawks defeated Brooklyn 96-91 to take a 2-0 lead in their playoff series Wednesday, just hours after announcing the club’s sale to a group headed by US business tycoon Tony Ressler.

Paul Millsap paced the Hawks attack by scoring 19 points as the Eastern Conference regular-season champions held onto home court advantage in their best-of-seven firstround series.

The Hawks got a big boost from their perimetre shooters Wednesday. They drained 12-of-31 attempts from beyond the arc, while fighting off a late rally from the Nets to become the sixth NBA team during this postseason to claim a 2-0 lead in the first round of the postseason.

Millsap was a perfect four-forfour from the three-point line and seven-of-11 overall from the floor, Kyle Korver buried a trio of three pointers en route to 17 points and Jeff Teague hit a pair of triples while collecting 16 points and six assists.

“The three-point shot was working,” Millsap said. “I was wide-open on a lot of shots. The drive-and-kick helped us out a lot. I was able to get free a few times. It really started with the guards penetrating, getting me easy buckets.”

Prior to the game, the Hawks announced the sale of the franchise to a group headed by billionaire Ressler for a reported $850 million.

The new ownership group also includes seven-time NBA all-star Grant Hill. Nothing is official yet, as the deal requires the approval of the NBA board of governors.

In other playoff action Wednesday, the Memphis Grizzlies breezed past the Portland Trail Blazers 97-82 to take a 2-0 in their Western Conference series.

In Los Angeles, the San Antonio Spurs edged the Los Angeles Clippers 111-107 in overtime to even their series at 1-1.

Al Horford led the inside attack for the Hawks despite playing with a dislocated finger. He tallied 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in addition to handing out seven assists.

“Honestly, once the game started, right from the beginning it went out the window,” said Horford of the injury. “I just went out there and played.”

Jarrett Jack tallied 23 points on nine-of-13 shooting for the eighth-seeded Nets, with Brook Lopez finishing with 20 points and Joe Johnson scoring 19 in the loss.

Brooklyn will seek to bounce back when the series shifts to Barclays Center for Saturday’s game three. AFP

REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS

LUNGSOD NG MAKATI

Bids and Awards Committee J.P. Rizal St. corner F. Zobel St., Makati City Tel. No. 870-1000 Fax No. 899-8988 www.makati.gov.ph

INVITATION TO BID

1.

NO.

NAME OF PROJECT AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

IMPLEMENTING OFFICE

APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT (ABC)

1

Pneumococcal Polyvalent Vaccines for Employees Health and Wellness Program of the Makati Health Department

MHD

P12,750,000.00

The MAKATI CITY GOVERNMENT, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites interested bidders to apply for eligibility and to bid for the above projects, with Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) indicated, inclusive of all taxes, such as, but not limited to, value added tax (VAT), income tax, local taxes and other fiscal levies.

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid Opening.

2.

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”.

3.

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.

4.

A complete set of Bidding Documents will be available one (1) day after posting / publication of the above projects up to Closing Date (before the deadline of the submission of bids),weekdays only from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount stated on the issued order of payment to the City Government of Makati Cashier.

5.

The BAC will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 30, 2015 (02:00 P.M.) at Pio del Pilar Conference Room, 21st floor, New Makati City Hall Building, F. Zobel Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City to discuss Eligibility Requirements and the Technical and Financial Components of these projects.

However, only those interested Bidders who have purchased the Bidding Documents are allowed to raise and submit queries or clarifications regarding the Bidding Documents.

6.

Deadline of Submission of Bids shall be on or before May 12, 2015 (02:00 P.M.), at Pio del Pilar Conference Room, 21st floor, New Makati City Hall Building, F. Zobel Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City.

Opening of Bids shall be on May 12, 2015 (02:00 P.M.), at Pio del Pilar Conference Room, 21st floor, New Makati City Hall Building, F. Zobel Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City.

7.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the said address. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

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

For further information, please visit or contact:

BAC SECRETARIAT OFFICE Makati City Government 9th Floor, New Makati City Hall Building F. Zobel Street, Brgy.Poblacion, Makati City Tel. No. 870-1000 loc. 1331; Fax No. 899-8988 website: www.makati.gov.ph

(SGD.) MS. VISSIA MARIE P. ALDON Chairperson (TS-APR 24, 2015)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BASILAN BIDS AND AWARDCOMMITTEE Provincial Capitol Bldg., Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300

Invitation to Bid FOR

CONCRETING OF 1km pROvINCIal ROad ,kumalaRaNG sECTION, kumalaRaNG baRaNGay , IsabEla CITy, basIlaN pROvINCE Under BAC Publication No. 001-2015 The Provincial Government of Basilan ,through the 20% DEVELOPMENT FUNDS intends to apply the sum of NINETEEN MILLION and FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P19,400.000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) intended for the CONCRETING OF 1 KM PROVINCIAL ROAD, KUMALARANG SECTION, KUMALARANG BARANGAY, ISABELA CITY, BASILAN PROVINCE . Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

1.

The Provincial Government of Basilan now invites bids for CONCRETING OF 1KM PROVINCIAL ROAD, KUMALARANG SECTION, KUMALARANG BARANGAY, ISABEA CITY, BASILAN PROVINCE . Measuring 1,000. Completion of the works is required within 201 Calendar days . Bidders should have completed within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt, 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.

2.

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

3.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from The Provincial Government of Basilan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00am to 5pm.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fees for the Bidding Documents in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P25,000.00) and ONE THOUSAND PESOS (P1,000.00) for the letter of intent..

6.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

7.

The Provincial Government of Basilan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 10:00 am, April 24, 2015 at BAC Office, Provincial Capitol, Isabela City, Basilan Province, which shall be open to all interested parties.

8.

Bids must be delivered on Bid Opening to the address below on or before 10:00 am, May 13, 2015 , at BAC Office, Provincial Capitol, Isabela City, Basilan Province. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

9.

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

10. For further information, please refer to: The BAC CHAIRPERSON LGU- BASILAN Bids and Award Committee C/O BAC Secretariat Ground Floor, Provincial Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 Fax No.: 062 200 3416 & 062 200 3417

Thaddeus Young (right) of the Brooklyn Nets defends against Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Hawks won, 96-91, to take a 2-0 lead in their series. AFP

(TS-APR. 24, 2015)

(SGD.) OMAR L. SUHUD Chairperson, Bids and Award Committee

f ri day : a p ri l 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Motorsports organizer Tan inducted into Hall of Fame

Automobile Association Philippines President Augusto “Gus” Lagman (left) and AAP Motorsports Committee chairman Armando “Mandy” Eduque hand the silver metal Plaque of Distinction to the Godfather of Philippine Motorsports, Johnny G. Tan, who was inducted as the fifth member of the elite AAP Motorsports Hall of Fame during the 20th AAP Awards Night held recently at the World Trade Center.

Huey, pal edge rivals

By Peter Atencio PHILIPPINE Davis Cupper Treat Huey and partner Scott Lipsky prevailed over Andrey Golubev of Kazakhstan and Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan, 6-3, 6-4, in the first round of the Progresul BNR Arenas Tennis championship men’s doubles in Bucharest, Romania The fourth-seeded pair advanced into the second round against British duo Colin Fleming and Jonathan Marray, who won over Mate Pavic and

Michael Venus, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3.

They dished out four aces and hit 62 percent of their first serves in turning back Golubev and Istomin, according to stats

released by the official website.

Last April 12, Huey and Lipsky made it to the finals of the Fayez Sarofim & Co. US Men’s Clay Court Championship in Texas.

This earned them the second place prize of $14,180.

They bowed to Ricadas Berankis of Lithuania and Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia, 6-4, 6-4, in the finals.

In other games in Romania, second seed Rohan Bopanna and Florin Mergea won by default over Marcos Baghdatis and Mikhail Youzhny, while

Dusan Lajovic of Serbia and Diego Schwartzman of Argentina stopped Patrick Grigoriu of Romania, and Costin Paval of Romania, 6-4, 2-6, 10-6.

Simone Bolelli (Italy) and Steve Darcis (Belgium) upended Mariusz Fyrstenberg (Poland) and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (Spain) 3-6, 6-3, 10-5.

A total of $534,000 in cash is up for grabs in this WT250 rated event, with $26,980 going to the champion and $14,180 to the finalist.

Powerman Duathlon expects 1,200 participants AT LEAST 1,200 duathlon athletes, locally and from abroad, are expected to participate when the first-ever Powerman Duathlon Pilipinas gets going on Nov. 15 in Balanga, Bataan.

No less than world champion Gael Lebelec of France lead the field of competitors that will vie for the total cash pot of P1 million for the event put up by F and F International Events Group.

The Powerman duathlon

series, which will cover a distance of 10km run-10km bike and 10km run in the elite division, will offer precious ranking points, being an official qualifying event for the ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championship.

“We have earned the distinction of holding the only Powerman duathlon event in Asia and this is a testament of the growing number of Fili-

pino athletes getting hooked in duathlon,” said Powerman Duathlon Philippines president Raymund Magdaluyo on Tuesday during the Philippine Sportswriters Assocation forum at the Shakey’s in Malate.

“More than just the chance of brining the world class sports event to the country, this is also an opportunity for us to send our athletes to international arena,” said F and F’s

marketing head Tobias Bernardo, who joined Magdaluyon in the forum sponsored by Pagcor and San Miguel Corporation.

Leading the charge of the local participants is top Filipino campaigner Robero Javier, who is expected to crash the top five finishers of this event, which is held in coordination with the provincial government of Bataan and city of Balanga.

Randy Caluag

CITING his decorated racing career and significant contributions to the promotion, development and growth of motorsports in the Philippines, the Board of Directors of the Automobile Association Philippines inducted Johnny G. Tan to its Motorsports Hall of Fame during the 20th AAP Awards Night held recently at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Tan, more known as the present day “Godfather of Philippine Motorsports,” was aptly described by the AAP Board of Directors as the man, who “dared to go where no man has gone before” for his unparalleled and unequaled passion and dedication that led to his significant contributions to local motorsports racing .

For his part, Tan vowed to continue his plans, programs and other unfinished business for local motorsports, expressing deep gratitude to the AAP for honoring him.

The Motorsports Hall of Fame was established in 2007 upon the suggestion of the Motorsports Committee to honor individuals, who have contributed significantly to the promotion, development and growth of motorsports in the Philippines.

The AAP Board of Directors has been following strict criteria that only five motorsports icons so far were conferred with such recognition in eight years. On its first year, Atty. Conrado “Dodo” Ayuyao, Pocholo Ramirez and Eddie Marcelo were the first three motorsports greats to be inducted to the Hall of Fame.

The fourth honoree, Dante Silverio, was added four years later in 2011 and it took another four years for the AAP Board of Directors to name Tan as the fifth member of the Hall of Fame.

Silverio and Tan are the only living motorsports pillars in the Hall of Fame.

Tan was a multi-awarded competitor during his time. But it was his accomplishments as a pioneering organizer of domestic and international motorsport events, and as a visionary and intrepid builder of infrastructures providing venues for motorsport events across the Philippines that earned the unanimous approval of the AAP Board of Directors in granting such prestigious award.

His motorsports career began in 1986 when he first sat in a racing kart in the old Libis karting track. The following year, he emerged the 1987 Rookie Karter of the Year and only after three years in active competition, Tan achieved the pinnacle of his karting career as the overall champion of the 1988 national karting championship with the coveted distinction as Karter of the Year.

Pacquiao is newest EastWest Bank endorser

JUST before eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao flew to the US for his billion-dollar fight with Floyd Mayweather, the People’s Champ inked an endorsement deal with EastWest Bank. EastWest president and Chief Executive Officer Antonio C. Moncupa Jr. said the bank chose Pacquiao as its endorser because he embodies what the country’s fastest-growing universal bank stands for.

“We could have not chosen a better celebrity than

the world champion. He has inspired and shown Filipinos that it’s possible to reach their dreams through hard work, passion, courage, focus on excellence and a singleminded will to succeed.”

PacMan did not always eke millions of dollars per bout. When he started his professional boxing career in a local TV show called Blow

by Blow, he was lucky to even scrape together P100 a fight.

In the same manner, starting from a single branch in Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati

City on August 1, 1994, EastWest Bank now ranks as the fifth largest in terms of branch network with 405 branch stores nationwide.

These humble beginnings grounded both Pacquiao and EastWest and influenced their moral fiber. Pacquiao quietly donates a fraction of his earnings to hospitals in his hometown after every fight. In a similar fashion, EastWest Bank is also actively supports various charities and participates in community outreach activities.

PAcquiAo

EastWest too worked hard for its rightful place in the industry. However, its rise

was steady and not quite as dramatic. It started growing organically but when opportunities presented themselves, EastWest did not hesitate to take advantage: it bought Ecology Savings Bank Inc., AIG PhilAm Savings Bank, Green Bank of Caraga, and Finman Rural Bank Inc. In 2011, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas granted EastWest its universal banking license that allowed it to offer a wider range of financial products and services and strengthen its position in the industry.

“Like Manny who gives his best in the world’s biggest boxing arenas, battling bigger opponents to become one of the world’s best pound-for-pound boxers and wealthiest athletes, we too are competing to the best of our abilities to continue earning the trust of the banking public by serving them better. We intend to become the best banking option for the consumer and reach our goal of becoming one of the country’s top five banks,” said Moncupa.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK F R I D AY : A P R I L 24 , 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Mixed martial arts gets boost

By Randy Caluag

OUT to keep its grip on the Asian market, ONE Championship is ready to meet the Ultimate Fighting Championship head on, but prefers to confine the battle in the region where it enjoys a huge following.

Victor Cui, the ONE Championship CEO, acknowledged the emerging battle between the ONE and UFC as the more preferred mixed martial arts promotion in Asia.

“Like every business industry, you see a natural duopoly emerge—Samsung versus Apple, Twitter versus Sina Weibo. Now it’s the battle of ONE vs UFC, the emergence of two global superpowers in

the world of MMA,” Cui said.

The UFC is touted as the most recognized MMA promotion in the world, but Asia is said to belong to Singapore-based ONE C’ship,which prides itself of a decade-long partnership with Fox Sports Network for the showing of its fight promotions mostly in Asian countries.

UFC also has a partnership with Fox for its US market and other Asian countries, in-

cluding the Philippines.

For the next couple of weeks, the Philippines will be at the center of rivalry between the ONE and UFC, which will host their fight promotions at the same venue—the 20,000-seater Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

After a long wait, the UFC will finally hold an event for its Filipino fans with the UFC Manila on May 16 to be topbilled by Frankie Edgar and Juriah Faber.

For its part, ONE C’ship will feature world-class wrestler and defending titlist Ben Askren who is making his first defense of his welterweight crown versus Brazilian veteran fighter Luis Santos at the ONE: Valor of Champions tonight.

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan City of Balanga BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE OFFICE

Cignal’s Carmela Tunay (left) pierces the defense of Mane ‘n Tail’s Samantha Dawson and Lilet Mabbayad. ROMAN PROSPERO

Republic of the Philippines Province of Ilocos Sur Municipality of Narvacan BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the General Fund7 intends to apply the below listed project w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC). Bids received in excess ofthe ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

THE MUNICIPALITY OF NARVACAN, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites contractors registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to bid for the hereunder contract:

NO. INFRA-022-2015

Name of Project 1.

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC)

Fabrication of Armchairs Provincewide

Name of Contract:

P 9,999,990.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan now invites bids for the above listed Project.

Completion of works is required on or before the maturity date stipulated on contract Bidders should have completed, within Ten (10)years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section ll. lnstructions to Bidders.

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

Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Office of Bataan Bids & Awards Committee and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the same office.

Bid documents will be available only to eligible bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable amount of using standard rates approved by GPPB as stated on their Resolution No. 04-2012 listed below.

Approved Budget for the Contract

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso)

500,000 and below

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

More than 50 Million up to 500 Million

50,000.00

More than 500 Million

75.000.00

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Contract Duration: Source of Fund:

Prospective bidders should possess a valid PCAB License applicable to the contract, have completed a similar contract with a value of at least 50% of the ABC, and have key personnel and equipment (listed in the eligibility forms) available for the prosecution of the contract. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the Eligibility Check/ Screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids. The BAC will conduct post qualification on the lowest calculated bid.

The schedule of BAC activities are as follows:

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 30, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

1.

2.

3.

Bids must be delivered on or before May 12, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. At Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated on IRR of RA 9184.

4.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend opening of Bids at Bataan BAC Office. Late bids shall not be accepted.

5.

6.

7.

In case of the above dates is declared a special Non-Working Holidays, it will automatically reset on the next working days.

Other necessary information deemed relevant by the Provincial Government of Bataan Activities 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Schedule

Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid Eligibility Check Issuance and availability of Bidding Documents Request for Clarification Opening of Bids

April 23-29, 2015 Refer to date of Opening of Bids April 23-May 12, 2015 May 4, 2015 May 12, 2015

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

BAC Activities /

Schedule

Issuance of Eligibility Documents / Issuance & availability of Bidding Documents / Pre-bid Conference /

April 24-May 18, 2015

April 24-May 18, 2015 May 04, 2015 – 2:30 PM/ BAC Office May 18, 2015 – 2:30 PM BAC Office

Receipt and Opening of Bids (includes submission of Eligibility Requirements and Eligibility Check) /

Bid Evaluation / Post Qualification / Approval of BAC Resolution/ Issuance of Notice of Award / 8.

Contract Preparation and Signing / 9.

Approval of Contract / 10. Issuance of Notice to Proceed /

May 19, 2015 May 20, 2015 May 21, 2015 May 22, 2015 May 25, 2015 May 26, 2015

The BAC will issue prospective bidders Eligibility Forms and Bidding Documents at the Office of the BAC Chairman, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, upon their payment of a non refundable amount of P 15,000.00 to the Municipal Treasurer’s Office, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. The Local Government Unit of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expense incurred in the preparation of their bids.

April 24, 2015

For further information, please refer to:

(SGD)ELEUTERIO G. INES BAC Chairman

Engr. Josephine R. Valenzuela Provincial BAC / PEO Bataan Provincial BAC / PEO Office, Capitol Compound Balanga City, Bataan 047-237-9316 bac@bataan.gov.ph (Sgd). ENRICO T. YUZON BAC Chairman

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

P 23,000,000.00 360 Calendar Days R.A. 7171 (Municipal Share)

All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

500.00

More than 500.000 up to 1 Million

Location: Brief Description:

Improvement/Concreting of Farm to Market Roads and Repair of Bridges Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Provision of Aggregate Sub-Base and Base Course, Stone Masonry Slope/Embankment Protection, Portland Cement Concrete Pavement and Sealing of Cracks and Patching of Potholes; Repair of Bridges

NOTED: (SGD) ZURIEL S. ZARAGOZA Municipal Mayor (MST-APR. 24, 2015)

(MST-APR. 24, 2015)

Cignal clobbers Mane ‘N Tail CIGNAL pulled off an easy 25-17, 25-23, 2520 conquest of Mane ‘N Tail in the final day of the double-round eliminations of the 2015 Philippine Superliga women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The HD Spikers had a hot start and a scorching finish to enter the quarterfinals on a high note in this inter-club tournament organized

by Sports Core and supported by Asics, Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller Sports Medicine, Via Mare, LGR and Heathway Medical.

University of Santo Tomas standout Carmela Tunay led the charge with 13 kills and a pair of service aces for a game-high 15 points, while Jeanette Panaga and Mervic Mangui chipped in 13 and 10 points, respectively, for the HD Spikers who displayed well-run sets, superb defense and powerful attacks all game long.

Cignal closed its elimination-round campaign with a 2-8 card.

The HD Spikers will face Philips Gold in the next round, which will be held at the Quezon Convention Center in Quezon Province tomorrow. Mane ‘N Tail, on the other hand, will battle the loser between Shopinas and Foton, which are still slugging it out as of press time.

The winner of the Shopinas and Foton clash will advance to the semifinals together with unbeaten Petron.

F R I D AY : A P R I L 24 , 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Ticket crisis solved, but few available to public

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

THE crisis that hounded the issue of tickets for the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. “Fight of the Century” has been resolved after the arbitration of CBS president and Chief Executive Officer Les Moonves, who also played a crucial role in making the fight happen.

“We have the contract and will sign it tonight (Las Vegas time) and expect the tickets to be released tomorrow (Thursday).”

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told the Standard/boxingmirror. com. The outstanding issues that unnecessarily irritated Arum was Mayweather Promotions’ alleged failure to honor previous

agreements, which forced the two parties to bring in Moonves, who had earlier been considered an arbiter of disputes.

The issues that had to some extent even raised the possibility of the fight being postponed or called off were resolved in a conference call on Wednesday morning, that included Mayweather adviser Al

Haymon and Top Rank president Todd duBoef.

The conference call came just 10 days before the bout that fight fans the world over have waited for five years to witness was scheduled to happen.

Arum said they had agreed on all the open issues. And after studying the contract from the MGM Grand, which apparently reflected what they had agreed upon, Arum indicated it would be signed on Wednesday night and transmitted to MGM. The Los Angeles Times reported that only 500 tickets will be sold to the public in a stadium that has a capacity of 16,800 seats with the face value of tickets ranging from $1,500 to $10,000.

MGM Grand will receive some

40 percent of the tickets with the remainder split between Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank and MP Promotions but with a larger percentage going to the Mayweather group.

It has been rumored for some time now that Haymon and Mayweather Promotions were planning to sell the tickets on the secondary market at prices way above the advertised rates, with ringside tickets going for a minimum of $20,000.

The snafu over the release of the tickets has reportedly caused many fight fans, who had earlier booked hotel accommodation at a rate of up to $1,000 a night, deciding to cancel their bookings which resulted in room rates dropping down to their original $350 price.

PLDT sinks Navy, nails semis seat Games Sunday 12:45 p.m. • Meralco vs PLDT 2:45 p.m. • Navy vs Cagayan

Ready. Members of the Philippine Volcanoes competing in the Asian Rugby Championship pose at one of the sections of the sprawling, state-of-the-art Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan. They are (from left) Chris Amuyao Hettel, Justin Villazor Coveney, Matthew Orag Bellenie, Steve Pagtalunan Howorth, Ashley Matias Heward, Jake Robrigado Letts and Benjamin Mudie.

Vintage Miñoza takes charge FRANKIE Miñoza showed flashes of his old brilliance, fighting back from a poor start with an eagle spiked four-under 68, seizing a two-stroke lead over erstwhile joint leader Poosit Supupramai and six others halfway through the $60,000 ICTSI Sherwood Hills Classic at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite yesterday.

Two birdies and an eagle at the back capped a big bounce-back by the veteran shotmaker, who put himself in early contention with an opening 71 but reeled back with a double-bogey, bogey start in another punishing day at the wind-raked layout.

But Minoza, seeking to snap a twoyear title spell, rebounded with four birdies in a five-hole stretch from No. 4 and bucked a bogey mishap on No. 9 with birdies on Nos. 11 and 14 before canning in a curling 25-footer off a solid drive in the wind and a superb 9-iron second shot from 180 yards on the par-5 15th.

He closed out with three straight pars with the lead safely tucked under his belt at five-under 139 as Supupramai fumbled with a 73 after a 68 and six others settling for three-under

141 aggregates, including another Thai Itthipat Buranatanyarat, Taiwanese Hsieh Chi-hsien, Singapore’s Mitchell Slorach, Japanese Masaru Takahashi and local bets Anthony Fernando and Orlan Sumcad.

Buranatanyarat also eagled No. 15 and hit four birdies but stumbled with three bogeys to card a 69, Hsieh, the current Asian Development Tour Order of Merit leader, also gunned down an eagle on the 15th but could only shoot a 71, Slorach missed grabbing solo second with a bogey on the ninth for a 71, and Takahashi settled for a three-birdie, three-bogey stint for a 72.

Fernando, the former national champion still in search of his breakthrough pro win, birdied two of the last three holes at the front for a 69 while the long-hitting Sumcad birdied the 18th for the second straight day to stay in the hunt for the top $10,500 purse in the 72-hole championship sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. Cassius Casas, winner of two events last year, and unheralded

Rico Depilo shot a pair of 71s for the second straight day to tie American Greg Moss, who fired a 70, at ninth while first round co-leader Paul Harris of the US birdied two of the first seven holes but made six bogeys against a lone birdie at the back for a three-over 75 and tumbled to joint 12th at 143 with German Torben Baumann, who rallied with a 69.

Charles Hong, last year’s winner of this event now co-organized by ADT and Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., also recovered with a 70 after a 74 to join seven others at 144, including Jessie Balasabas (70), Benjie Magada (71), Jun Rates (70), Aussies Kevin Marques (71) and Darren Tan (73) and Thai Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (72).

Missing the cut at 148 were last year’s ICTSI Royal Northwoods leg champion Zanie Boy Gialon (75-149), ICTSI Orchard Championship titlist Rufino Bayron (76150), ICTSI Tournament Players Championship winner Mars Pucay (75-151), this year’s ADT Langkawi Championship victor Wilson Choo of Malaysia (73-152).

PLDT Home Ultera feasted on Navy’s token net defense and cruised to a 25-14, 25-22, 25-14 romp to clinch the first semifinal berth while Perpetual Help stayed in the semis hunt with a victory over Baguio in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

The Ultra Fast Spikers, who have toppled some of the league’s toughest teams, proved too strong for the Lady Sailors, whom they clobbered with 37 attacks and frustrated with eight blocks with 10 aces to boot to annex the 64-minute victory, their fifth straight in the season-opening conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

So poor was the Lady Sailors net defense that they failed to score even a single block out of 28 tries.

Jaja Santiago, the league’s top blocker, topscored for PLDT with 11 hits, including three blocks, as regular hitters Alyssa Valdez, Sue Roces and Laurence Ann Latigay slowed down with eight points apiece while playing on limited minutes.

Gretchel Soltones, the other top PLDT spiker, chipped in six points in a one-set stint as coach Roger Gorayeb tried out new combinations as they go for a sweep of the elims against Meralco and Fourbees-Perpetual on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively.

Frankie Miñoza

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

WNBA legend to share expertise with youth campers

By Reuel Vidal WOMEN’S National Basketball Association legend Ruth Riley will teach local boys and girls not just basketball skills, but important life lessons during the National Training Ruth Riley Camp of the 2015 JrNBA/JrWNBA Presented by Alaska.

Riley spoke to select members of the media at the Marriot Hotel Manila on Thursday. She meets 50 boys and 24 girls—selected after a nationwide search involving 100,000 children from all over the country —at the NTC on Apr. 24 to 26.

“I’d like to teach them the value of a work ethic,” said Riley. “I was not the most athletic player in my teams. I was not the most skilled. I just worked harder than everybody else. I want to teach the children the importance of hard work.”

Riley, who graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Psychology, added that she also wants to teach the children the value of proper nutrition.

“What you put in your body is your fuel.

As an athlete, it’s important to eat right. And this is true not just for those engaged in sports. This is also important for everyone else. Without proper nutrition you cannot hope to do well,” she said.

Riley played in the WNBA for the Miami Sol (2001–2002), the Detroit Shock (2003– 2006), San Antonio Silver Stars (2007– 2011), Chicago Sky (2012) and the Atlanta Dream (2013-2014).

She won basketball championships at every level. She led Notre Dame to the 2001National Collegiate Athletic Association title in 2001. She led the USA women’s basketball team to the 2004 Olympics title in Athens, Greece. She won WNBA championships in 2003 and 2006 with the Detroit Shock and was Finals MVP in 2003.

The JrNBA/JrWNBA Presented by Alaska will name 10 boys and five girls as national all-stars. The lucky boys and girls will enjoy the experience of a lifetime with fellow all-stars from Southeast Asia and will travel abroad later in the year to watch an actual National Basketball Association game and meet NBA stars.

The search for the 2015 JrNBA and JrWNBA Coach of the Year will also conclude

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK F R I D AY : A P R I L 24 , 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

Kevin Alas (left) of Talk ‘N Text tries to maneuver his way against the defense of Rain or Shine’s Paul Lee and Beau Belga in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. The Texters won, 99-92, to square their series at two wins apiece.

LINO SANTOS

Rain, TNT break tie

By Jeric Lopez

IN a series where everything is tightly contested, every bit of advantage is critical, especially if it’s something that’ll put a team on the verge of winning the war.

With their intense clash all squared up, Rain or Shine and Talk ‘N Text go at it again as they both gun for a vital 3-2 advantage in their best-of-seven titular showdown in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. The pivotal Game 5 between the two prolific protagonists is scheduled at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today, with the victor gaining the much needed upperhand.

Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico now feels better that the series is leveled and it’s fair game again.

The Tropang Texters tied the series at 2-2 with a solid 99-92 victory in Game 4 over the Elasto Painters on Wednesday, when Ranidel De Ocampo exploded for a game-high 33 points and Best Player of the Conference Jayson Castro also did damage with 25 markers of his own.

“We tied the series and lived to

fight another day. Now, everything is close in this series and hopefully we can grind it out the rest of the way,” said Uichico.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao cited one key factor for his team heading into Game 5.

“We just need Wayne (Chism) to be a little cautious with his fouls,” said Guiao, referring to the limited minutes the Best Import of the Conference played in Game 4 as he was saddled with foul trouble for most part, already having four in the first half alone.

“We can hold on for a bit with that but at some point, the other team will take advantage and that’s what they’re doing. We can’t afford to have Wayne

Hawks announce sale, then beat Nets TURN TO A12

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

on the bench for that long.”

Following a very physical Game 4 which saw three players ejected, the key for the teams now is how they will adjust to the very hostile atmosphere of the series wherein neither team wanted to give an inch to the other.

Rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser of the Texters, Jireh Ibanes and JR Quinahan of the Painters got thrown out of Game 4 after their fighting actions that almost caused a free-for-all between the two teams.

Game Today

(Finals, Game 5 - Smart Araneta Coliseum) 7 p.m. • Rain or Shine vs. Talk ‘N Text

Quiñahan fined P50k, suspended for a game THE Philippine Basketball Association’s Commissioner’s Office handed out hefty fines against the players, who almost caused a freefor-all last Wednesday night in the heated Game 4 of the championship series between Rain or Shine and Talk ‘N Text.

Rain or Shine enforcer JR Quiñahan drew the biggest penalty after he was ordered to pay a fine of P50,000 for throwing the ball to the face of Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and for putting a fighting stance, and was also slapped a one-game suspension for Game 5 today for his actions.

Ganuelas-Rosser of the Tropang Texters and Jireh Ibanes of the Elasto Painters, the two instigators of the fracas in the game, were each fined P40,000 for their misconduct, but were both lucky to escape without a suspension.

The heated altercation happened with 9:47 remaining in Game 4 when GanuelasRosser and Ibanes got tangled up and eventually found themselves grappling each other after a physical battle for the rebound.

Ibanes pulled GanuelasRosser’s jersey and the latter retaliated by shoving the former into the stands. Right after the two were separated, Quiñahan threw the game ball to the face of Ganuelas-Rosser, causing players from both teams to rush to the scene.

Luckily, cooler heads prevailed to prevent things from escalating into a free-for-all.

“These non-basketball moves and actuations will be called. As we remind both teams that the responsibility of playing the game on its merits ultimately rests on them, the game officials have been directed to take the appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of these incidents,” Commissioner Chito Salud said. Jeric Lopez

Vintage Miñoza takes charge TURN TO A15

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY: APRIL 24, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

PSe comPoSite index Closing April 23, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,892.05 59.02

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing APRIL 23, 2015 46

P44.300

45

CLOSE

44 43 42

HIGH P44.240 LOW P44.320 AVERAGE P44.268 VOLUME 547.400M

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 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, April 23, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.2130

Japan

Yen

0.008342

0.3688

UK

Pound

1.504200

66.5052

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129039

5.7052

Switzerland

Franc

1.030609

45.5663

Canada

Dollar

0.817728

36.1542

Singapore

Dollar

0.742280

32.8184

Australia

Dollar

0.777303

34.3669

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

117.2759

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266674

11.7905

Brunei

Dollar

0.739536

32.6971

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000078

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.030912

1.3667

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.0373

Euro

Euro

1.072600

47.4229

Korea

Won

0.000926

0.0409

China

Yuan

0.161421

7.1369

India

Rupee

0.015883

0.7022

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.277085

12.2508

New Zealand

Dollar

0.768403

33.9734

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032196

1.4235 Source: PDS Bridge

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

B1

Madrid Fusion partners. San Miguel Pure Foods Company Inc. through its foodservice arm Great Food Solutions has teamed up with

the Tourism Department and organizers of the first-ever Madrid Fusion Manila international food congress and trade exhibition, to help promote the Philippines as a center of culinary excellence in Asia. Madrid Fusion, one the largest international culinary events, will debut in the country April 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Shown are (from left) Mielle Esteban-Powell of Arum Estrategias de Internacionalizacion, SMPFC president Francisco Alejo III, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., GFS vice president and general manager Helene Pontejos, DoT market development group director Verna Buensuceso and Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corp. president Marisa Nallana.

Water concessionaires demand compensation THE two water concessionaires in Metro Manila on Thursday demanded compensation from the government, after regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System ordered rate adjustments based on two different results of arbitration.

East zone concessionaire Manila Water Company Inc. demanded P79 billion in compensation from the government while west zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. said it would not implement the MWSS order on tariff adjustments.

Manila Water said in a statement it filed a notice of claim with the national government through the Finance Department, seeking compensation for financial losses arising from a recent appeals panel decision.

Manila Water, in its notice of claim to the Finance Department, asked that the government indemnify losses estimated to be over P79 billion from 2015 to 2037.

An arbitration panel of the International Chamber of Commerce earlier ordered Manila Water to reduce its tariff by 11 percent and decided that corporate income tax should be excluded from the cash flows used for the determination of tariffs.

This was a result of its finding that the company is a public utility.

Manila Water was ordered to reduce the P25.07 per cubic meter average basic charge by 11.05 percent. The reduction translates into P2.77 per cubic meter over a three-year period starting 2015.

The appeals panel upheld the position of the state-run Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System that Manila Water was a public utility.

Manila Water, however, said during the MWSS privatization in 1997, the government represented that MWSS would remain as the public utility and that under the concession agreement, Manila Water would only be an agent and contractor of MWSS. “Under this contractual arrangement, the CA assured Manila Water of a rate of return comparable to similar

infrastructure concessions.

These contractual provisions were guaranteed by the national government, as primary obligor, by way of its letter undertaking executed in line with the CA,” Manila Water said.

Meanwhile, conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which owns a stake in west zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc., said it would not implement the resolutions issued

by MWSS regarding water rate adjustment. Metro Pacific said it would pursue its claim against the government.

“For being contrary to the final award as well as the provisions of the concession agreement, Maynilad will not implement the resolutions,” Metro Pacific said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Century files arbitration case against Okada

By Jenniffer B. Austria CENTURY Properties Group Inc. said Thursday it filed a notice of arbitration before the Hong Kong International Arbitration Center against the group of Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada over the aborted joint venture for the planned $2-billion integrated resort and casino project in Paranaque City.

Century Properties said in a

disclosure to the stock exchange it filed the notice of arbitration on April 17, 2015, pursuant to the dispute resolution clause in the investment agreement executed between CPGI and Okada.

The property firm said it opted for an international arbitration after the Court of Appeals issued an order to set aside a previous ruling by the Makati regional trial court in favor of Century

Properties.

“CPGI’s counsels are now studying the legal options the company will take anent to this order,” Century Properties said.

Century Properties agreed in October 2013 to develop five hectares of land within the 44-hectare site of Manila Bay Resorts, which is being developed

by Okada’s Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment Inc. The five-hectare site will

include luxury residential and retail properties that will cover a total of 300,000 square meters of gross floor area upon completion.

Century Properties will also acquire a 36-percent interest in Eagle 1 LandHoldings Inc., which owns the 44-hectare land.

The agreement, however, was rescinded by Okada group after one of the parties involved in the investment agreement withdrew from the negotiation.

FRIDAY: APRIL 24, 2015

B2

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

MST BuSineSS Daily STockS Review Thursday, april 23, 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 2.95 1.01 99.4 1.46 30.5 75 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 1.75 0.225 78 0.9 18.02 58 76.5 95 276 45 107.6 1200 66 2.65

AG Finance 7.4 Asia United Bank 70.8 Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. 114.60 Bank of PI 103.40 China Bank 46 BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. 2.31 Bright Kindle Resources 2.09 COL Financial 14.98 Eastwest Bank 22.15 Filipino Fund Inc. 7.82 I-Remit Inc. 1.67 MEDCO Holdings 0.455 Metrobank 99 Natl. Reinsurance Corp. 1.04 PB Bank 18.14 Phil Bank of Comm 30.75 Phil. National Bank 77.80 Phil. Savings Bank 95 PSE Inc. 327 RCBC `A’ 46.6 Security Bank 160 Sun Life Financial 1375.00 Union Bank 68.90 Vantage Equities 3.06

35.6 1.6 1.04 1.41 7.92 14.6 62.5 10.08 29.15 1.04 10.72 8.44 9.79 5.43 9.54 1.06 8.61 18.06 67.9 14 0.0076 13.24 3.12 168 8.65 34.1 2.3 1.63 24.4 16.2 7.62 250.2 3.37 3.87 9 3.7 9.94 3.03 2.22 1 4.72 1.65 6 201.6 4.1 1.67 0.122 1.02 2.01 143.4 4.28 0.670 9.01

Aboitiz Power Corp.

42 Agrinurture Inc. 1.6 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 1.09 Alsons Cons.

2.01 Asiabest Group 11.2 Century Food 18.8 Chemphil 174 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 33.2 Concepcion 62.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.76 Del Monte 13.86 DNL Industries Inc. 19.580 Emperador 11.38 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 7.95 EEI 9.50 Euro-Med Lab 2.13 Federal Res. Inv. Group 17.8 First Gen Corp.

27.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 93.5 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 15.00 Greenergy 0.4400 Holcim Philippines Inc. 14.00 Integ. Micro-Electronics 6.1 Jollibee Foods Corp.

211.60 Lafarge Rep 9.8 Liberty Flour 33.00 LMG Chemicals 2.55 Mabuhay Vinyl 2.53 Manila Water Co. Inc. 25.4 Maxs Group 24.8 Megawide 7.780 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 265.00 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 4.18 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.09 Petron Corporation 9.59 Phil H2O 4.75 Phinma Corporation 11.50 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.98 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.35 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.57 RFM Corporation 5.00 Roxas and Co. 1.85 Roxas Holdings 6.4 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 199.1 SPC Power Corp.

4.4 Splash Corporation 1.64 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.164 TKC Steel Corp.

1.34 Trans-Asia Oil 2.10 Universal Robina 217 Victorias Milling 4.5 Vitarich Corp.

0.64 Vivant Corp.

21.00

0.7 59.2 31.85 7.39 2.27 3.4 3.35 800 11.06 84 5.14 0.66 1380 6.68 72.6 5.29 9.25 0.9 18.9 0.73 5.53 6.55 9.66 0.0670 2.31 0.84 87 934 2.2 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.45 48.1 20.85 6.62 1.210 1.4 1.6 600 7.390 14.18 4.25 0.144 818 5.3 46.6 3 4.43 0.59 12 0.580 4.22 4.5 3 0.036 1.23 0.450 66.7 709.5 1.13 0.93 85.2 0.200 0.173 0.310

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

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

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

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

Minerales Industrias Corp.

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

0.470 57.85 25.50 7.11 1.60 0.27 0.27 767 8.06 14.54 4.35 0.285 1280 6.12 71.10 5.5 8.5 0.79 14.96 0.67 4.78 5.1 2.75 0.0400 1.510 0.890 69.20 915.00 1.21 0.85 99.20 0.3800 0.2300 0.310

10.5 1.99 2.07 40 6.15

6.01 0.91 1.29 29.1 4.1

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’

8.800 0.82 1.290 39.50 4.01

47 5 1.66 2.36 15.3 20.6 125 32 65.8 4.57 23.35 21.6 12.98 9.13 12.34 2.89 17 31.8 109 20.75 0.820 15.3 9.4 241 12.5 79 3.95 4 33.9 90 13.98 292.4 5 5.25 13.04 6.8 14.5 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.68 7.86 8.1 253 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.5 2.68 226.6 5.5 1.3 26

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 8.05 7.28 71 70.75 117.90 114.70 105.00 103.00 46 45.85 2.38 2.31 2.09 2.07 15 14.98 22.3 22 7.84 7.50 1.75 1.67 0.490 0.460 98.5 96.85 1 1 18.38 18.10 31.00 31.00 77.85 76.05 95.05 94 330 320.2 47 46.5 165.4 160.5 1435.00 1434.00 69.90 68.50 3.05 3.05 INDUSTRIAL 42.7 42.3 1.6 1.6 1.1 1.09 2.08 2.02 11.26 10.98 18.96 18.6 220 165 33.5 32.1 63.05 62.5 1.76 1.75 13.98 13.62 20.100 19.58 11.54 11.40 7.99 7.85 9.60 9.50 2.19 1.98 19.38 17.7 28.05 27.45 94.3 92.2 15.00 15.00 0.4400 0.4400 14.00 13.84 6.2 6.06 215.00 212.20 9.92 9.63 36.40 36.40 2.54 2.54 2.55 2.5 25.25 23.8 25.25 24.8 7.800 7.700 265.00 264.40 3.97 3.91 4.18 4.1 9.60 9.51 4.4 4.4 15.00 12.00 4.05 3.95 2.48 2.39 2.66 2.53 5.10 5.05 2.68 1.7 6.4 6.28 199.1 197 5.4 4.4 1.64 1.62 0.168 0.164 1.40 1.24 2.17 2.10 220 217.2 4.3 4.5 0.67 0.64 21.05 21.00 HOLDING FIRMS 0.470 0.470 58.00 57.30 26.15 25.05 7.15 7.10 1.56 1.56 0.28 0.26 0.27 0.27 795 769.5 8.19 8.11 14.70 14.36 4.35 4.32 0.310 0.275 1350 1292 6.12 6.12 72.65 71.35 5.5 5.16 8.65 8.52 0.81 0.78 15.4 14.88 0.64 0.64 4.8 4.64 5.1 5 3.48 3.48 0.0400 0.0400 1.570 1.370 0.940 0.880 69.20 68.55 930.00 911.00 1.23 1.22 0.85 0.85 101.40 99.20 0.3950 0.3850 0.2300 0.2160 0.315 0.310 PROPERTY 9.150 8.700 0.85 0.82 1.290 1.290 39.70 39.50 4.06 4

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

8.05 71 116.00 104.00 46 2.38 2.09 14.98 22.25 7.50 1.75 0.490 97 1 18.20 31.00 77.85 95.05 322 46.9 165 1434.00 68.80 3.05

8.78 0.28 1.22 0.58 0.00 3.03 0.00 0.00 0.45 -4.09 4.79 7.69 -2.02 -3.85 0.33 0.81 0.06 0.05 -1.53 0.64 3.13 4.29 -0.15 -0.33

990,300 9,710 2,490,960 1,882,340 70,600 13,000 129,000 3,800 693,900 26,500 13,000 2,290,000 4,435,660 59,000 28,000 200 25,990 400 1,050 35,700 1,184,380 20 8,150 10,000

-90,190.00 573,641.50 -57,899,874.00 -6,240,145.00

42.4 1.6 1.09 2.06 11.02 18.94 185 33.05 63.05 1.75 13.76 20.050 11.44 7.95 9.50 2 18.88 27.45 93 15.00 0.4400 14.00 6.06 211.20 9.86 36.40 2.54 2.55 24 24.9 7.700 264.40 3.91 4.1 9.55 4.4 12.28 4.00 2.41 2.58 5.10 1.7 6.4 197 4.47 1.62 0.167 1.30 2.15 219 4.5 0.67 21.00

0.95 0.00 0.00 2.49 -1.61 0.74 6.32 -0.45 0.88 -0.57 -0.72 2.40 0.53 0.00 0.00 -6.10 6.07 -0.18 -0.53 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.66 -0.19 0.61 10.30 -0.39 0.79 -5.51 0.40 -1.03 -0.23 -6.46 0.24 -0.42 -7.37 6.78 0.50 2.55 0.39 2.00 -8.11 0.00 -1.05 1.59 -1.22 1.83 -2.99 2.38 0.92 0.00 4.69 0.00

5,208,300 43,944,720.00 5,000 1,208,000 -39,240.00 1,734,000 665,150.00 41,300 118,200 20,644.00 150 155,700 17,330 350,381.00 19,000 133,000 825,980.00 4,911,100 19,410,396.00 3,486,300 15,686,292.00 21,484,400 -58,878,605.00 172,600 192,403.00 508,000 255,100 92,500.00 6,227,800 2,725,670.00 126,490 -914,870.50 500 160,000 10,500 85,000 747,960 -91,799,842.00 777,300 -3,412,624.00 300 16,000 3,000 6,657,400 -119,022,465.00 98,300 63,400 256,800 25,070,878.00 74,000 341,000 -410,000.00 2,170,500 1,658,910.00 10,000 15,800 180,000 552,000 -24,300.00 327,000 387,300 1,159,905.00 139,461,000 12,400 64,000.00 40,130 -5,447,946.00 161,000 -4,470.00 265,000 -53,470.00 1,070,000 12,000 1,140,000 3,191,910 56,456,708.00 33,000 99,000.00 1,798,000 243,100.00 1,200

0.470 57.95 25.80 7.11 1.56 0.28 0.27 793 8.16 14.60 4.35 0.300 1350 6.12 71.55 5.16 8.6 0.79 15.28 0.64 4.66 5.1 3.48 0.0400 1.570 0.920 68.55 913.00 1.22 0.85 101.20 0.3850 0.2300 0.315

0.00 0.17 1.18 0.00 -2.50 3.77 0.00 3.39 1.24 0.41 0.00 5.26 5.47 0.00 0.63 -6.18 1.18 0.00 2.14 -4.48 -2.51 0.00 26.55 0.00 3.97 3.37 -0.94 -0.22 0.83 0.00 2.02 1.32 0.00 1.61

160,000 996,200 7,767,800 16,400 1,000 1,110,000 140,000 279,120 2,502,500 10,578,000 25,000 4,720,000 277,550 11,000 3,555,270 300 525,300 928,000 4,555,800 60,000 45,883,000 40,000 13,000 3,800,000 47,000 5,537,000 79,790 215,100 11,000 145,000 2,890 2,780,000 90,000 210,000

9.050 0.85 1.290 39.70 4

2.84 3.66 0.00 0.51 -0.25

1,016,400 78,000 67,000 4,660,100 3,750,000

-1,500.00 1,282,205.00 5,000.00 -149,297,550.50

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

5.4 1.54 1.97 1.48 0.201 0.98 1.09 0.305 2.25 1.87 1.8 4.88 0.180 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 3.6 20.6 1.02 7.56 1.96 8.59

4.96 0.89 1.1 0.97 0.083 0.445 0.85 0.188 1.4 1.42 1.19 2.75 0.090 0.39 2.57 21.35 1.64 3.08 15.08 0.69 3.38 1 5.69

Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

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

MRC Allied Ind. 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

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 15.82 0.1460 4.61 99.1 12.3 9 1700 2090 8.41 1.97 119.5 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 12.28 2.85 2.2 1.97 2.46 15.2 0.62 22.8 6.41 18 110.2 14 3486 0.710 2.28 48.5 90.1 11.6 0.87 2.95 10.2 0.490

1.97 32.5 1 0.6 9.61 0.0770 2.95 46.55 10.14 5.88 830 1600 5.95 1.36 105 8.72 0.012 0.036 1.200 6.5 1.69 1.1 0.490 1.8 8.7 0.34 14.54 3 8.8 79 4.39 2726 0.380 0.32 31.45 60.55 7.59 0.63 1.71 6.45 0.305

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

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

DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IPeople Inc. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

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 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 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

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

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 525 118 120 515 8.21 12.28 111 1060

33 490 500 101 101.5 480 5.88 6.5 101 997

1047 76.9 78.95 84.8

1011 74.2 74.5 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen F First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

10.96 15 88 12.88

2.4 3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

High

Low

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

5.21 0.92 1.22 1.03 0.152 0.455 0.880 0.193 1.39 1.80 1.43 5.49 0.121 0.4600 6.7 29.90 1.76 3.21 19.10 0.8 6.84 1.010 7.830

5.22 5.2 5.22 0.92 0.91 0.92 1.22 1.22 1.22 1.06 1.01 1.01 0.155 0.152 0.155 0.460 0.460 0.460 0.880 0.880 0.880 0.197 0.191 0.191 1.40 1.39 1.39 1.87 1.78 1.87 1.44 1.41 1.44 5.61 5.43 5.6 0.127 0.122 0.123 0.5200 0.4500 0.5200 7.2 6.7 7.01 29.90 29.30 29.65 1.76 1.75 1.76 3.27 3.20 3.26 19.80 19.22 19.60 0.81 0.78 0.79 7.2 7.1 7.2 1.040 1.010 1.040 7.830 7.730 7.780 SERVICES 6.79 6.9 6.7 6.8 60.5 61.9 60.3 60.5 1.03 1.2 1.06 1.06 0.680 0.690 0.670 0.680 11.10 11.38 11.14 11.26 0.1110 0.1130 0.1090 0.1090 3.49 3.87 3.5 3.87 82.25 82.7 81.7 81.75 10.18 10.18 10.18 10.18 7.00 7.10 6.98 6.98 995 995 995 995 2172 2244 2174 2240 6.24 6.29 6.12 6.12 1.46 1.49 1.40 1.49 107 108.3 106.9 108 12 11.9 11.24 11.9 0.015 0.014 0.013 0.013 0.230 0.243 0.226 0.243 1.2500 1.3200 1.2500 1.3200 8.64 8.80 8.64 8.80 2.07 2.00 2.00 2.00 1.32 1.4 1.3 1.3 0.670 0.690 0.650 0.650 2 2 1.99 2 9.39 9.55 9.31 9.37 0.365 0.375 0.360 0.370 18.4 18.44 18.44 18.44 4.50 4.50 4.45 4.50 9.2 9.01 9.01 9.01 112.00 113.00 112.00 113.00 14.62 14.66 14.60 14.66 2900.00 2908.00 2870.00 2900.00 0.610 0.620 0.600 0.610 1.550 1.570 1.520 1.560 39.45 39.70 39.00 39.50 83.60 86.25 84.00 86.25 9.90 10.72 9.90 10.58 0.67 0.68 0.67 0.68 1.99 1.88 1.85 1.85 6.7 6.75 6.63 6.75 0.355 0.355 0.350 0.355 MINING & OIL 0.0055 0.0056 0.0055 0.0056 2.66 2.66 2.66 2.66 8.06 8.49 8.07 8.16 12.70 16.40 12.48 16.40 0.260 0.255 0.255 0.255 7.0000 6.7800 6.7800 6.7800 6.9800 7.1700 6.9000 6.9000 1.06 1.06 1.05 1.06 0.9 0.9 0.88 0.9 8.08 8.17 7.76 8.08 1.96 2.02 1.92 1.92 0.375 0.380 0.365 0.375 0.229 0.235 0.230 0.235 0.236 0.240 0.233 0.240 0.0140 0.0150 0.0140 0.0150 0.0150 0.0160 0.0150 0.0160 4.25 4.25 4.22 4.23 20.8 21 20.35 20.8 3.75 3.8 3.72 3.78 0.7200 0.7300 0.7200 0.7200 2.100 2.100 2.070 2.100 5.38 5.36 5.20 5.20 7.1 7.69 7.1 7.49 1.95 2.03 1.95 1.99 0.016 0.016 0.015 0.016 161.50 165.50 161.00 164.00 4.45 4.47 4.37 4.47 0.0110 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 PREFERRED 61 61.3 60 61.25 525 510.5 510.5 510.5 522 522 520 520 120 122 119 122 119 119 119 119 511 514.5 511 514.5 6.14 6.11 6.1 6.1 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 111 111 111 111 1065 1065 1065 1065 1100 10950 1095 1095 1045 1044 1042 1043 76.4 76.35 75.95 75.95 83 83 81 83 85.3 85.5 85.3 85.5 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.910 3.940 3.850 3.894 SME 8.9 9.11 8.9 8.9 7.5 8.49 7.2 8.49 72.45 72.45 72.45 72.45 8.4 8.94 8.39 8.94 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 127.3 128.5 127.3 128.5

0.19 0.00 0.00 -1.94 1.97 1.10 0.00 -1.04 0.00 3.89 0.70 2.00 1.65 13.04 4.63 -0.84 0.00 1.56 2.62 -1.25 5.26 2.97 -0.64

46,100 7,695,000 3,000 23,000 2,320,000 350,000 43,000 280,000 1,772,000 40,211,000 984,000 44,787,600 2,580,000 660,000 294,300 2,258,700 142,000 52,000 55,476,200 532,000 25,000 94,000 12,220,400

0.15 0.00 2.91 0.00 1.44 -1.80 10.89 -0.61 0.00 -0.29 0.00 3.13 -1.92 2.05 0.93 -0.83 -10.34 5.65 5.60 1.85 -3.38 -1.52 -2.99 0.00 -0.21 1.37 0.22 0.00 -2.07 0.89 0.27 0.00 0.00 0.65 0.13 3.17 6.87 1.49 -7.04 0.75 0.00

101,800 27,200.00 30,130 306,000 2,283,000 -479,000.00 15,807,200 -18,199,486.00 100,690,000 121,130.00 1,184,000 -75,000.00 805,320 -28,391,208.00 800 93,500 330 70,820 105,787,740.00 428,300 1,312,000 15,650.00 1,719,810 -59,101,525.00 800 169,200,000 26,490,000 -463,400.00 505,000 321,600 322,222.00 10,000 133,000 944,000 340,000 4,118,000 28,033,024.00 580,000 122,400.00 1,000 19,000 500 801,300 69,440.00 216,300 699,014.00 180,155 -323,367,570.00 5,937,000 -30,500.00 3,614,000 -1,444,910.00 1,047,000 -22,602,925.00 1,188,800 8,433,864.50 28,117,100 -56,721,071.00 88,000 57,000 1,394,400 -4,177,390.00 50,000

1.82 0.00 1.24 29.13 -1.92 -3.14 -1.15 0.00 0.00 0.00 -2.04 0.00 2.62 1.69 7.14 6.67 -0.47 0.00 0.80 0.00 0.00 -3.35 5.49 2.05 0.00 1.55 0.45 -9.09

93,000,000 2,000 487,100 23,900 200,000 2,000 1,400 219,000 1,015,000 37,700 6,027,000 1,140,000 4,830,000 1,670,000 11,200,000 2,800,000 442,000 1,318,000 483,000 503,000 662,000 301,100 4,703,400 475,000 38,000,000 663,810 37,000 100,000

0.41 -2.76 -0.38 1.67 0.00 0.68 -0.65 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.45 -0.19 -0.59 0.00 0.23

146,560 6,000 14,500 600 50,000 8,620 25,000 1,000 6,700 50 1,000 6,520 417,400 86,510 83,370

-0.41

119,000

0.00 13.20 0.00 6.43

834,900 8,900 650 2,413,200

0.94

3,820

1,576,920.00

-2,178,400.00 2,164,420.00 13,481,290.00 748,031.00 -28,113,485.00 78,750.00

MST

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

SHARES 14,404,966 206,045,761 98,577,398 370,695,389 170,450,148 3,257,759 1,045,869,697

683,016.00

-8.00 772,965.00 2,784,803.00 -14,350.00 -14,455.00

-14,421,003.50 -22,635,830.00

96,911,580.00 2,063,387.00 -60,270,176.00

3,000.00 94,421,640.00 67,320.00 -28,944,352.50 1,354,205.00

25,898,266.00

-60,030,450.00

-1,860.00 -294,010.00 -24,535,840.00 58,650.00

2,243,910.00 29,670.00 -80,575,900.00 -2,378,590.00

Double Dragon Makati Fin. Corp.

IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

T op g ainerS VALUE 1,144,470,093.07 2,127,466,073.86 2,518,505,113.52 1,799,405,329.18 200,219,766.36 489,634.00 9,591,549,447.36

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,838.57 (up) 6.42 INDUSTRIAL 12,317.46 (up) 23.2 HOLDING FIRMS 7,017.95 (up) 72.24 PROPERTY 3,202.91 (up) 36.03 SERVICES 2,141.19 (up) 15.37 MINING & OIL 14,903.91 9up) 256.23 PSEI 7,892.05 (up) 59.02 All Shares Index 4,518.72 (up) 39.73 Gainers: 112; Losers: 63; Unchanged: 54; Total: 229

843,179,244.00

-19,161,232.00

48,786.00 -1,450.00

-17,800.00

-6,119,830.00 22,500.00

-967,270.00 14,360,345.00 75,000.00 46,730.00

10,173,805.00 19,500.00 -25,600.00 34,120,588.00

-3,207,371.50

30,500.00

-4,180,027.00

4,794.00 -428,691.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Atok-Big Wedge `A'

16.40

29.13

IP E-Game Ventures Inc.

0.013

-10.34

MJCI Investments Inc.

3.48

26.55

United Paragon

0.0100

-9.09

Makati Fin. Corp.

8.49

13.20

Roxas and Co.

1.7

-8.11

Phil. Realty `A'

0.5200

13.04

Phil H2O

4.4

-7.37

Calata Corp.

3.87

10.89

Transpacific Broadcast

1.85

-7.04

Liberty Flour

36.40

10.30

Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

3.91

-6.46

AG Finance

8.05

8.78

Keppel Holdings `A'

5.16

-6.18

MEDCO Holdings

0.490

7.69

Euro-Med Lab

2

-6.10

Manila Mining `A'

0.0150

7.14

Manila Water Co. Inc.

24

-5.51

SSI Group

10.58

6.87

Mabuhay Holdings `A'

0.64

-4.48

FRIDAY: APRIL 24, 2015

B3

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

PLDT invests $15m in iFlix Happier SO WE think it’s more fun in the Philippines. But are MAYA BALTAZAR we happier?

HERRERA This week, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network is set to release the 2015 World Happiness Report, with a public event to discuss the report scheduled on April 24. The second report was published in 2013. This report is only one among the studies that seek to understand global happiness.

Measuring happiness This notion of measuring happiness seems laughable. Happiness is, of course, an internal condition. In the field of psychology, happiness is often referred to as satisfaction with life or subjective well-being.

For those who believe happiness is desirable, it is important not just to measure happiness but also to understand what influences happiness. The challenge of studying subjective well-being is that what makes people happy can be very individual. Perceptions of Are Filipinos happier? well-being are not always reflective of the objective measures, as the report on the Global Youth Index, which uses perceptions and objective indicators, points out in its recent report. Additionally, wellbeing can be measured at least three ways: life evaluation, an individual’s level of satisfaction with his life in general, and two measures that essentially measure current emotion: positive affect which measures positive or pleasurable feelings, and negative affect which measures negative feelings.

There are a few areas that have been shown to have a broad and significant effect on general well-being, both objective and subjective.

The Gallup-Healthways Index measures perceptions of well-being using five elements: purpose (liking what you do and being motivated to achieve goals); social (relationships); financial; community, including safety; and physical.

The World Happiness Report uses information from the World Gallup Poll.

In 2013, the most recently available publication, the report explains that six key variables affect happiness, explaining three-quarters of the variations: (a) real GDP per capita, (b) healthy life expectancy, (c) having someone to count on, (d) perceived freedom to make life choices, (e) freedom from corruption, and (f) generosity.

The UN Human Development Index studies two categories of indicators: (a) those directly enhancing human abilities (long and healthy life, knowledge, decent standard of living), and (b) those creating the conditions for human development (participation in political and community life, environmental sustainability, human security and rights, and gender equality).

Who is happy?

Gallup-Healthways evaluates countries by estimating the proportion of the population that are thriving, struggling, or suffering. The thriving numbers for the Philippines are not bad. In three of the dimensions: purpose (32 percent), Social (35 pecent), Community (42 percent), the proportion of the population self-reporting as thriving top global averages. The country score in physical well-being, 24 percent report as thriving, equal to the world average. In physical well-being, 61 percent report as struggling and 15 percent as suffering. In financial well-being, the country’s numbers fall below the global average (25 percent thriving), with only 18 percent thriving, 52 percent struggling and 30 percent suffering. The Gallup report suggests that the high underemployment rate (19 percent) may explain the level of the country’s financial well-being. Unsurprisingly, more rural residents (35 percent) reported financial suffering than urban residents (24 percent).

Interestingly, more older (45 and up) Filipinos reported financial suffering, 41 percent compared to 25 percent for the under-45 respondents.

In the UN Human Development Index 2014 report, the Philippines ranked 117 out of 195 countries. By contrast, Singapore ranks 9th, Hong Kong ranks 16th, Japan ranks 17th, Malaysia ranks 62nd, Thailand ranks 89th, and Indonesia ranks 108th.

In the 2013 World Happiness Report, Denmark topped the rankings. the Philippines ranked 92nd out of 156 countries, trailing after Singapore (36), Thailand (36), Japan (43), Malaysia (56), Vietnam (63), and Indonesia (76).

These numbers provide a new perspective. In studies measuring primarily positive affect, Filipinos tend to score high. However, in the more stable measure of life evaluation, there is clearly much room for improvement. To the question of are Filipinos happier, the answer seems to be: “Maybe not.”

So what?

Why is happiness important? If leaders feel the happiness of those they lead is not important in and of itself, here is something illuminating: the second World Happiness Report (2013) points out that happy people live longer, are more productive, earn more, and are better citizens.

The 2013 World Happiness Report explains that, in fact, life evaluations show a strong relationship with objective measures of well-being. This is important for policy makes interested in putting happiness on the national agenda.

The 2013 World Happiness Report emphasizes that successful national policy must look at increasing well-being and income, and further suggest that balancing the economic agenda with a well-being focus might lead governments to align resources more efficiently, e.g. to prevention rather than care. The report points to three key policy areas: health, transport, and education.

What experienced policy analysts will notice is that the statistics merely add credibility to what they already knew. Government must pay attention to the basics.

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

IntegratIons

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PHILIPPINE Long Distance

Telephone Co. said Thursday it invested $15 million in iFlix, Southeast Asia’s leading Internet TV service provider.

The country’s largest telecom company said in a statement the investment in iFlix was in line with the strategy to develop new revenue streams and to complement its present business by participating in the digital world beyond providing access and connectivity.

“We are very bullish about the prospects of the iFlix service which has been designed to address the preferences and demands of the rapidly expanding Asian Market,” PLDT chairman

Manuel Pangilinan said.

“PLDT looks forward to working with iFlix to grow its business and introduce new media services that will fuel further the demand for broadband and mobile access in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia,” he said.

Catcha Group also invested another $15 million in iFlix, which plans to roll out the service across Southeast Asia, acquire rights to new content, produce original programming and market to potential

customers.

Launching in key Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam throughout 2015, iFlix will offer consumers more than 10,000 hours of top US, Asian regional, and local TV shows and movies.

Each subscription will allow a user to access the service on five devices, as well as download content to their mobile, tablet, computer, or television set, for viewing.

“We are excited to join forces with such an outstanding regional partner, who shares our vision. The new funds will allow us to execute on our plan to deliver thousands of hours of entertainment for a low monthly price

to the 600 million consumers in the region,” iFlix chairman Patrick Grove said.

“There is a seismic shift taking place in the global entertainment landscape. We believe iFlix is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this incredible opportunity,” Grove added.

PLDT last year invested $445 million in Germany’s Rocket Internet, which has created a suite of online e-commerce platforms such as Lazada and Zalora.

PLDT now owns a 6.1-percent stake in Rocket Internet.

Rocket and PLDT also formed a new company called Philippine Internet Group that will tap Smart’s expertise in mobile payments.

Viewstream award. Viewstream, the mobile live streaming and video-on-demand service of

Smart Communications Inc., was recently recognized with an Anvil Award in the mobile apps category for bringing mobile live streaming of the Gilas Pilipinas matches during the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain and the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea to millions of Smart, Sun Cellular, and Talk ‘N Text users nationwide. Shown are the members of the Smart-Viewstream team receiving the Silver Anvil Award during the 50th Anvil Awards organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.

Stocks rebound from 4-day slump STOCKS rebounded Thursday from a four-day slump, boosted by overnight gains on Wall Street and hopes for further stimulus in China, the country’s largest export market.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, gained 59 points, or 0.8 percent, to close at 7,892.05.

The heavier index, representing all shares, picked up 39 points, or 0.9 percent, to settle at 4,518.72 on value turnover of P9.6 billion.

Gainers outnumbered losers, 112 to 63, while 54 issues were unchanged.

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the property development arm of tycoon Henry Sy, emerged as the most active stock and rose 2.8 percent to P19.64.

Retailer SSI Group Inc. was the biggest gainer among the 20 most

active stocks, as it climbed 6.1 percent to P10.50.

GT Capital Holdings Inc., the investment company of tycoon George Ty, rose 4.7 percent to P1,340. Globe Telecom Inc. went up 3 percent to P2,238.

Meanwhile, Asian markets rose Thursday, with another poor reading of Chinese manufacturing lifting Hong Kong and Shanghai on hopes for further stimulus while a weaker yen boosted Japanese exporters.

Wall Street pushed higher on the back of strong house sales data, which also supported the dollar, while the euro was weighed down by worries about Greece’s future in the eurozone.

Tokyo added 0.27 percent, or 53.75 points, to finish at 20,187.65 while Sydney rose 0.13 percent,

or 7.3 points, to close at 5,844.8 and Seoul climbed 1.38 percent, or 29.52 points, to 2,173.41.

Shanghai finished 0.36 percent, or 16.01 points, higher at 4,414.51 while Hong Kong was up 0.15 percent in afternoon trade.

HSBC said its preliminary purchasing managers index of manufacturing activity in China had slipped to a 12-month low in April, the latest data to show the world’s number two economy slowing.

The reading of 49.2 is down from the 49.6 seen in March and well below the 50 break-even point that separates growth from expansion.

The result led Hong Kong and Shanghai shares higher on hopes the Chinese authorities will introduce more monetary easing measures. With AFP

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FRIDAY: APRIL 24, 2015

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

Disconnect on the connector AN INDEPENDENT study on traffic paints an ugly picture on how the daily “carmageddon” is wreaking havoc on the wellbeing of commuters, motorists, businessman and the economy. According to architect and urban planner Felino “Jun” Palafox, Metro Manila residents spend an average of 1,000 hours on congested roads every year as against the average 300 hours in other countries with better urban planning. Think of all those hours wasted – as much as 28,000 hours of the average metro peeps’ economic life due to monster traffic jams compounded by poor and inadequate road infrastructure.

“You’re like a prisoner inside your car or a prisoner inside jeepneys and buses,” remarked Palafox, who believes that the government of BS Aquino can still come up with innovative solutions like opening subdivision roads for public use at peak traffic hours, paying for the asphalt over-lay of these streets, and providing police security and closed circuit TV cameras to ensure the safety and security of residents in these gated residential hubs.

Local and foreign businessmen have been telling anyone who cares to listen that other solutions would be for government to dramatically raise infrastructure spending and speed up the implementation of its public private partnership road projects, especially during the “last two minutes” of its presidency.

Business groups like the Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines and the European Chamber of Commerce all finger poor infrastructure and the resulting gargantuan traffic as among the reasons why investors remain lukewarm about parking their money in the country despite the vaunted “daang matuwid” reforms of President BS. Just take a look at the Port of Manila’s worsening congestion which has cost an estimated $500 million in combined losses for local and foreign businessmen. European Chamber president Michael Raeuber estimates port congestion surcharges at the Manila International Container terminal and the South Harbor during the gridlock to have reached $166 million, while those for trucking amounted to an additional $418 million since last year.

Many also believe that government should get moving on the Metro Pacific Tollway Corp.’s unsolicited proposal to build a 13.4-kilometer expressway linking the North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway next to the NLEX-SLEX connector road now being built by San Miguel through its consortium with the Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp.

The SMC-Citra project, which did not have to go through a Swiss challenge, covers the Skyway Stage 3 of the SLEX, while MPTC’s portion involves the construction of the four-lane elevated expressway, originally via the PNR tracks, with three exits to connect NLEX with SLEX. MPTC’s P11-billion NLEX-SLEX connector road proposal is a classic story on everything that is pathetic with the government’s PPP infrastructure program.

Originally set for partial completion before President BS vacates the Palace next year, the proposal was conditionally approved by the government three years ago, after getting the thumbs-up from the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Metro Manila Development Authority and the local government units of Makati, Manila and Caloocan. The Japan International Cooperation Agency likewise cited the importance of this road project in terms of its multiplier effects on the Philippine economy.

In fact, BS even singled out this project as one of those he wants completed before his term ends, but delays brought about by official confusion on whether to build this (unsolicited) proposal via a Swiss challenge or a joint venture between MPTC’s subsidiary Manila North Tollways Corp. and the Philippine National Construction Corp., which holds the franchise for both NLEX and SLEX. MPTC’s connector road (Segment 10.2) is an 8-kilometer mainline road from C-3 Road in Caloocan City to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila. MPTC executives were optimistic that once the documentation and approvals are secured by June 2014, the firm could connect Harbor Area to Sta. Mesa and PUP, and then connect it to the SMCCitra component of the NLEX-SLEX connector project.

The NLEX-SLEX connector road will improve transport logistics as a result of the more efficient movement of cargo, roll-on, roll-off vessels, and passengers in and out of the ports located in Manila, and would reduce travel time from NLEX to SLEX to only 20 minutes. Studies show the NLEX-SLEX connector road would decongest Edsa, C-5 and other roads because these choked arteries would be freed of heavy vehicles traveling to and from the Port area.

Investors would start flocking to the country when the projects are completed because it would enhance connectivity between our international airports and seaports, including the Subic Freeport by way of the NLEX-SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway route, the Batangas Port via SLEX, and the Clark International Airport to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

President BS gave the go-signal for the project in January 2013, but nothing has actually moved up to now because his subordinates kept changing the rules – first a Swiss challenge, then joint venture, and back again to the Swiss challenge. Given the latest delay, MNTC will have to revise the alignment of its proposed connector road to give way to the P171-billion North-South rail project which was approved by the NEDA Board recently.

This design revision and the delayed schedule of the Swiss challenge will jack up the cost of the project by 30 percent to P14 billion from the original estimate of P11 billion, according to MNTC president Rodrigo Franco, and push back completion date by late 2017 or early 2018.

That’s PPP-BS Aquino style for you – confusing and circuitous like a road going round and round connecting to nowhere. Ano ba talaga, kuya? ### 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!

Panay eco-tourism. A new travel agency promoting sustainable and eco-cultural tourism recently opened in Roxas City. Las Islas Travel Agency, Souvenir Shop and Art Gallery opened at Pueblo de Panay Township in Roxas City, City to promote, through responsible tourism, the less visited islands in the country that are also as equally beautiful. Shown during the opening ceremony are (from left) Las Islas co-founder and Pueblo de Panay Inc. chief operating officer Hariette Ong-Banzon, broadcast network personalities John Heredia, Jesse Mendoza and Ely Abarra, Las Islas co-founder Aphrodite Cruz, Las Islas board member Mary Daphny Ong and Capiz provincial tourism head Al Tesoro.

Vehicle sales fell 7% in Q1—Avid

By Othel V. Campos

VEHICLE sales by

members of industry group Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors Inc. fell 7 percent in the first quarter to 8,448 units from 9,061 units sold in the same period last year.

Avid president Ma. Fe PerezAgudo said sales in the first quarter dropped, mainly because of the lackluster performance in January, at the end of Yuletide season.

She said despite slower demand in the first quarter, the group was pushing for a more aggressive marketing campaign to recover from the lost opportunities.

“The strong showing of local auto market gives Avid a further push to amplify its commitment to delight its customers with its exciting deals and exemplary customer service,” she said.

Among the members of Avid are distributors of Hyundai, Lamborghini, Porsche, Subaru, Volvo, Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Jaguar, Land Rover, Dodge, Faw, Foton, Geely, Jeep, Mini, Mercedez Benz and Rolls Royce.

Larger industry groups, the Chamber of Automobile Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association, said combined sales in the first quarter jumped 22 percent to a record 62,882 units.

Avid, however, reported an 8-percent drop in sales of pas-

senger cars in the first quarter, to 4,208 units from 4,564 units sold in the same period in 2014.

Sales of light commercial vehicles also declined 6 percent to 4,240 units from 4,497 units.

Avid said it remained optimistic the consumer’s growing interest for LCV would make it more resilient to fluctuations in

demand and seasonality than the passenger car segment/ Agudo said the Philippines would continue to outperform neighboring countries, due to support coming from strong inflows of remittances, upbeat business process outsourcing sector and rise in government spending.

In BrIef 8990 taps Waltermart to manage malls MASS housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. has selected Waltermart Group of Companies to be the mall operator of its two mixed-use developments in Metro Manila.

8990 Holdings chief executive Januario Jesus Atencio said in a statement the company signed a joint venture agreement with Waltermart, which would the strategic partner for the mall operations for the Ortigas Avenue Extension and the Vitas, Tondo properties.

The property firm earlier expressed plans to develop “integrated malls” within its horizontal and vertical housing developments.

The first integrated mall will be located on a 13-hectare mixed-use development in Ortigas Avenue Extension which the company acquired in 2014 for P2.2 billion.

It also plans to put up an integrated mall in its 8.5-hectare property in Tondo, Manila. Jenniffer B. Austria

Foreign funds exited in March—BSP FOREIGN portfolio investments or “hot money” posted a net outflow of $22 million in March, a reversal of the $1.2-billion net inflow recorded in February, as equity investors took profit after the stock market hit a record high, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

The March outflow, however, was lower than the $93-million net outflow recorded a year ago.

This brought hot money in the first three months of the year to a net inflow of $1.76 billion, a reversal of the $2.291-billion net outflow registered in the same period last year.

Gross inflows in March reached $2.082 billion, slightly lower than $2.127 billion a year ago, while gross outflows amounted to $2.104 billion, also lower than the $2.22 billion in the same month last year. Julito G. Rada

Alsons adding 20 MW in Mindanao THE Alsons Power Group said Thursday it will provide additional 13 to 20 megawatts in Zamboanga Peninsula to ease the rotating brownout in the region.

Alsons Power vice president Joseph Nocos said the company would be able to produce the additional a capacity in a span of two months.

“Provided we get all the necessary approvals, we can have a power plant ready to operate in Zamboanga in a span of eight weeks,” Nocos said.

He said the company would deploy modular diesel generator sets to produce the power requirement of the region.

Nocos said the generator sets were considered quick fixes to a long-term problem. Jennifer Ambanta

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F R I D AY : A P R I L 24 , 2 0 1 5

cesAR bARRIoquInto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Boston tragedy recalled

world

BOSTON—Relatives of the policeman shot dead after the Boston bombings gave harrowing testimony Wednesday as the defense downplayed a new video of convicted killer Dzhokhar Tsarnaev flipping his middle finger.

The 21-year-old former university student will be sentenced either to death, or to life in prison without parole, by a jury after the second phase of his trial, now under way.

Sean Collier, 27, was campus police officer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the most prestigious universities in the country, when the Tsarnaev brothers shot him dead on the night of April 18, 2013.

“It’s been a terrible two years,” stepfather Joseph Rogers, 58, told court. He married Collier’s mother more than 20 years ago, and the blended family grew up together, six children in all.

One woman on the jury cried as Rogers told of the phone call announcing that Sean had been shot and the rush to the hospital.

“All the children showed up,” he said. Rogers and his wife saw Sean’s bloodied body in a hospital room. “He had a hole in the middle of the head, he was shot to pieces.”

Tsarnaev, dressed in a brown blazer and white shirt, refused to look at Rogers, maintaining the impervious expression that he has

adopted since his federal trial began in early March.

“There is somebody missing. Thanksgiving and Christmas will never be the same,” said Rogers.

“It is still a huge loss for me and my family for the rest of our lives,” Sean’s younger brother Andrew Collier told the court.

Tsarnaev was convicted on April 8 on all 30 counts related to the April 15, 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, Collier’s murder, a carjacking and a shootout while he was on the run.

The killer of part Chechen descent who moved to America with his family aged eight took US nationality a year before carrying out the bombings, which killed three and wounded 264 more.

Prosecutors have told court that Tsarnaev was “America’s worst nightmare” who deserves to die for perpetrating one of the bloodiest attacks on US soil since the September 11, 2001 terror strikes.

They released a screen grab of Tsarnaev, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit flipping his middle finger at a surveillance camera in a cell before his first arraignment. afp

Eruption. This view from Puerto Varas, southern Chile, shows a high column of ash and lava spewing from the Calbuco volcano on April 23. Chile’s Calbuco volcano erupted on Wednesday, spewing a giant funnel of ash high into the sky near the southern port city of Puerto Montt and triggering a red alert. Authorities ordered an evacuation for a 10-kilometer radius around the volcano, which is the second in southern Chile to have a substantial eruption since March 3, when the Villarrica volcano emitted a brief but fiery burst of ash and lava. afp

Chef who inspired ‘Ratatouille’ the best LONDON—A French chef who inspired a tough kitchen character in the hit animated film “Ratatouille” was named the world’s best female chef on Wednesday.

Helene Darroze, 48, has an eponymous restaurant in Paris and another in the Connaught hotel in London, which has two Michelin stars.

Darroze was named the world’s best female chef by Britain’s Restaurant magazine, and is to collect her prize at “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants” awards in London in June.

“It is an honor to win the award because there are talented female chefs all over the world and I imagine it’s

hard to choose just one,” Darroze said in a statement.

“My hope is that the winners of this award inspire young women, including my daughters, to follow their passion and work hard to hone their skill regardless of their profession.”

Well known in the restaurant world, Darroze built her career as a single mom with two adopted daughters and inspired the character Colette in Disney Pixar’s 2007 “Ratatouille”, a tale of a rat who can cook and begins helping at a prestigious French restaurant.

“Haute cuisine is an antiquated hierarchy built upon rules written

by stupid old men, rules designed to make it impossible for women to enter this world,” Colette says in the film.

“But still I am here. How did this happen? Because I am the toughest cook in this kitchen.”

Restaurant magazine said that Darroze was “loved and admired” across the industry and said the chef was far sweeter than her feisty cartoon counterpart.

“The character’s aggressive kitchen style is far from a reflection of Darroze,” the magazine said. “The big heart she reveals towards the end of the movie is more fitting.” afp

‘N. Korea nuke arsenal expanding’

In camp. Refugee children who were born in Liberia pose at the PTP refugee camp, in the southeastern county of Grand Gedeh, about 50 km north of the capital Zwedru in Liberia, on April 14. Over 220,000 Ivorians found refuge in Liberian camps after fleeing the 2002 civil war and a 2011 conflict that claimed 3,000 lives as former president Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept election defeat to Alassane Ouattara. afp

SEOUL—Chinese nuclear experts believe North Korea may already have a nuclear arsenal of 20 warheads and the uranium enrichment capacity to double that figure by next year, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

The estimate, which the Journal said was relayed to US nuclear specialists in a closed-door meeting in February, is significantly higher than any previously known Chinese assessment.

It also exceeds recent estimates by US experts that put the North’s current ar-

senal at between 10 and 16 nuclear weapons.

A leading expert on North Korea’s nuclear program, Siegfried Hecker, who attended the February meeting, said a sizable North Korean stockpile would only compound the challenge the international community faces in persuading Pyongyang to denuclearize.

“The more they believe they have a fully functional nuclear arsenal and deterrent, the more difficult it’s going to be to walk them back from that,” Hecker told the Journal.

The Chinese estimate reflects growing concern in Beijing about the nuclear ambitions of its errant ally, and is the latest in a series of expert assessments that suggest Pyongyang is moving faster down the nuclear path than previously thought.

A recent report by US researchers warned that North Korea appeared poised to expand its nuclear program over the next five years and, in a worst-case scenario, could possess 100 atomic arms by 2020. afp

F R I D AY : A P R I L 24 , 2 0 1 5

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WORLD

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

EU to discuss military action BRUSSELS—EU leaders gathering in Brussels on Thursday will consider launching a military operation against human traffickers in Libya, in a bold effort to halt the deadly flow of refugees trying to reach Europe by sea.

As survivors laid bare the full horror of last weekend’s catastrophic shipwreck near Libya, a draft statement for the summit seen by AFP committed leaders to “undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and destroy vessels before they are used by traffickers.”

The EU’s top diplomat Federica Mogherini “is invited to immediately begin preparations for a possible security and defense policy operation to this effect, in accordance with international law,” the draft added.

A diplomatic source said EU members were preparing to approve the statement, reflecting the union’s readiness to take more de-

cisive action against people smugglers, who pack rickety boats to overflowing with people fleeing conflict and hardship in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Monday evoked the possibility of “targeted interventions” against the Libya-based smugglers that would fall short of a full military intervention.

“You can’t be serious about this problem if you don’t take Prime Minister Renzi’s proposals seriously, though you have to go through the legal and operational issues,” said a senior European official on the condition of anonymity.

If approved, the operation would be the first time EU govern-

ments used military force to fight illegal migration.

“No one is talking about boots on the ground,” a diplomatic source cautioned, adding that a potential requirement for UN backing would depend on the reach of the mission. “This isn’t a war.”

EU leaders go into Thursday’s summit under huge pressure to both check the tide of migrants landing on European shores and provide greater help to those whose boats run into trouble at sea.

The draft also proposes that member states provide resettlement to 5,000 migrants, but this is a small fraction of the number that arrive on the shores of southern Europe each year. AFP

HK leader slams his critics after being booed, heckled HONG KONG—Hong Kong’s chief hit back at “uncivilized” critics on Thursday after he was booed and heckled by local residents as he tried to promote a newly unveiled, Beijing-backed plan for leadership elections in 2017.

The road map for the city’s first ever public vote for its chief executive was announced on Wednesday.

It conforms to a controversial ruling from Beijing stipulating that candidates must be pre-screened by a loyalist committee.

That ruling sparked mass protests which lasted more than two months towards the end of last year.

The government kicked off a promotional campaign to sell the plan after its launch but Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his deputy, Carrie Lam, were drowned out by protesters as they visited a middleclass district late Wednesday.

“Yesterday during the district visit... there were some hecklers who kept using loud voices and quite uncivilized words to try to speak over others,” Leung told reporters Thursday.

“It’s not democratic behavior,” he said. “We don’t want to see such scenes at every district visit.”

Protesters booed Leung and Lam and blocked their path with yellow umbrellas, a symbol of the democracy movement.

The election proposal triggered a backlash from pro-democracy lawmakers and student leaders, and was slammed by Human Rights Watch, which described it as a “betrayal”.

Britain handed Hong Kong over to China in 1997 under a joint declaration which guaranteed political, social and economic freedoms not enjoyed on the Chinese mainland. AFP

SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease.

The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

001263

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF PRIYANKA DEVKISHAN CHAINANI to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares:

14. My character witnesses are Jocelyn Pangan Romero and Anita De Jesus Enriquez both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at Room 308 ITC Building, 337 Gil Puyat, Makati and 1704 Baler Street, Santiago Village, Makati respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

1. My full name is PRIYANKA DEVKISHAN CHAINANI , but I have also been known since childhood as N/A or I have been N/A . judicially authorized to use the alias name(s)

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box):

2. My present place of residence is 2176 Fatima Street, San Miguel Village, City/Municipality of Makati Province of Metro Manila and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence)

[ / ] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ / ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ / ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [ / ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [ / ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [ ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years

SCN CASE NO. 000574 x-------------------------- x

PETITION

1989-1990 at No. 8977 Araga Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City 1990-2002 at 9559-C Taguig Street, J.P. Rizal, Makati City 2003-2010 at 24 Saturn Street, Bel-Air 2 Subdivision, Makati City 2010 to present at 2176 Fatima Street, San Miguel Village, Makati City 3. I was born on Jan. 11, 1989, in Makati City Philippines.

I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of India.

4. My father's name is Devkishan Chainani and he was born on March 11, 1958, in Jaipur, India. He is a citizen or subject of India. My mother's name is Harsha Devkishan Chainani and she was born on Jan. 26, 1963 in Kolkata, India. She is a citizen or subject of India.

5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which I derive an average annual income of P N/A , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances.

My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A .

(Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained:N/A, (2) name of school: N/A and (3) years graduated: N/A] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

Single , I was married on N/A in 6. My civil status is N/A. My wife's/husband's name is N/A and she/he was born on in N/A . She/he is a citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides N/A. 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A. 8. I have N.A. child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Name

Date of Birth N/A

N/A

Place of Birth Residence N/A

N/A

Name of School

Place of School

Dates of Study

Think and Try

Makati City

06/91-03/92

Colegio de San Agustin Reedley Int’l. School Univ. of Prince Edward Island

Makati City Pasig City Canada

06/92-03/04 06/04-03/07 01/09-12/09

Raffles Designs Inst.

Makati City

Highest Grade Completed Nursery

Grade 9 High School One (1) Year College 2 n d Ye a r 07/12 to present AD di vp al no cme ad Course

11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

(foreground) and Kowloon (back L) separated by Victoria Harbor on April 23, a day after the city’s government unveiled its Beijing-backed plan for leadership elections in 2017. AFP

16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: Affidavit of Financial Support from Devkishan Chainani (Father) Affidavit of Financial Capacity from Devkishan Chainani (Father) Last 3 years Income Tax Returns of Devkishan Chainani (Father) Last 3 years Income Tax Return of Family Owned business, with complete SEC documents PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at San Juan, Metro Manila, this 28th day of January, 2015.

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: Tagalog

Fragrant Harbor. This aerial shot shows the skylines of Hong Kong Island

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to India of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

Name of Child

Name and Place of School

N/A

N/A

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living.

I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of

PRIYANKA DEVKISHAN CHAINANI Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: 2176 Fatima Street San Miguel Village, Makati City Telephone Number: 403-7085

Right Thumbmark of Petitioner

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF MAKATI) S.S. I, PRIYANKA DEVKISHAN CHAINANI of legal age and a resident of 2176 Fatima Street, San Miguel Village, Makati City after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

PRIYANKA DEVKISHAN CHAINANI Name ame and Signature of Petitioner

SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at Makati City, this JAN. 23, 2015.

(MST-Apr. 24/May 1 & 8, 2015)

F R I D AY : A P R I L 24 , 2 0 1 5

MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B7

The car as art in Milan Mazda Motor Corporation has unveiled art pieces inspired by its Kodo - Soul of Motion design theme in the famed design capital of the world, Milan, Italy. In an exhibit entitled, “Mazda design: The Car as art”, Mazda revealed stunning works that feature design cues inspired by its current Kododerived vehicles such as the CX-5, the Mazda6, the Mazda3, and the recently launched all-new Mazda2 and fourth generation MX-5.

Key standouts in the Milan exhibition are the “Bike by Kodo concept” and the “Sofa by Kodo

concept”. The two artworks are natural evolutions of Mazda’s car design language in that they utilize the same dignified minimalist design and alluring sensuality as found in Mazda’s current lineup.

“Mazda’s recent resurgence is due in large part to the implementation of the Kodo design language,” says Steven Tan, President and CEo of Berjaya auto Philippines, the exclusive distributors of Mazda vehicles in the country.

“Because of Kodo, we have car models that not only express dynamic motion but also elegance

and style, traits that make Mazda vehicles standout among its peers,” adds Tan. The “Bike by Kodo concept” is a track racer that seeks to express the innate beauty of the bicycle. Its minimalist structure is composed of the least possible number of parts. The frame was painstakingly formed by hammering a single sheet of steel and the black leather saddle is hand-stitched, featuring the same red thread and stitch design as found in the all-new Mazda MX-5. The bicycle’s mixture of dynamism and allure is evocative of

the Mazda MX-5’s styling.

The “Sofa by Kodo concept” is a collaborative effort between Mazda designers and Italian furniture makers. It exhibits an exquisite blend of Mazda design’s refined sensibilities and fine Italian craftsmanship backed by a long tradition of furniture making. The form of the sofa is as honed as the lines of

Mazda’s latest car models. It also evokes the strong stance common to the new-generation Kodo-inspired Mazda collection.

“Kodo has instigated a variety of design collaborations coming from the automotive sphere,” says Tan. He adds, “Mazda Philippines recently collaborated with renowned Filipino fashion designer

Mark Bumgarner to create a line of dresses for the 2015 Manila International auto Show. His interpretations of Kodo as presented in the Mazda Collection fashion show have been a stunning visual showcase and they demonstrate how Mazda’s new design language transcends sheet metal and permeates into real world practicality.

Foil limited edition Honda in refreshing colors Honda Cars Philippines Inc. rolls out limited editions for their all new Jazz and new CR-V. 20 all new Jazz Cool Blue Limited Edition units will have refreshing Brilliant Sporty Blue paint color and factory-installed Modulo accessories while ten new CR-V 2.4 SX units are available with limited edition Gold Brown Metallic paint. These limited editions are already open for reservations at any authorized Honda car dealership nationwide.

Edition model is a 1.5 VX CVT variant with exclusive Brilliant Sporty Blue paint and original, factory-installed Modulo accessories that enhance its looks and functionality. It will come with Modulo chrome front grille, door visor, tailgate spoiler, Modulo emblem, seatback pocket and cargo tray. This will retail at P938,000. only 20 units will be made available in the market.

Vehicle delivery will commence on May 12, according to HCPI.

Jazz Cool Blue If this edition rings a bell, it is because HCPI has already released 35 units of the Jazz Cool Blue Edition last year which was sold out in 10 days. Heeding the call for this edition to be available again, HCPI says it will offer limited quantity of the Jazz Cool Blue Limited Edition.

TheJazz Cool Blue Limited

CR-V Gold Brown The new CR-V is a vehicle developed to showcase the efficiency of a passenger car, the functionality of a minivan and the security and confidence of an SUV. To ably go well with various lifestyles and keep up with the demands of modern living, the new CR-V has sleeker and more masculine

exterior design with prominent front grille, LEd daytime Running Lights and a sporty 17-inch alloy wheel and now matched with Gold Brown Metallic color.

The new CR-V features Honda’s intuitive 7-inch touch screen display audio and this time coupled with a built-in navigation system.

This touch screen display audio also serves as a screen for the small camera mounted on the passenger side mir-

ror when activated. The new CR-V is the first-ever Honda vehicle available locally to be equipped with Honda’s exclusive safety technology, LaneWatch.

The LaneWatch technology was incorporated to help imwprove visibility specifically the driver’s blind spot. This can be activated by engaging the right turn signal or by pressing the LaneWatch button on the turn signal switch to view a constant real-time display.

technology expands to marine industry

Foilacar industries, the company which pioneered car paint protection technology in the country has added another feather in its cap by having the privilege of foiling a 200-foot luxury vessel in the country. owned by a Malaysian billionaire, the luxury yatch is a steel hulled ship customized to meet the requirements of the owner. “The ship was brought all the way from Malaysia to our facilities in Zambales. The businessman wanted his ship to reflect his extravagance and influence in the business community,” states lester codog, Managing Partner and cEo of Foilacar industries. “Foilacar is just one of three certified to a foil marine vessels, with specially trained marine grade foil installers,” he adds.

Foilacar industries aim to expand its network and operations with the automotive sector as its main line of business. Foilacar industries is expected to carve in roads in the aviation, marine and property development business,” relates Jan Vincent Mercado, Chief Financial Officer of Foilacar industries.

Foilacar industries has facilities located at the Karpot Building, Fort Bonifacio Global city and Foilacar in Santolan Quezon city and FoilPlus along West avenue Quezon city.

F R I D AY : A P R I L 24 , 2 0 1 5

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RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING

D-MAX TRACK TIME WITH THE

C

AC Mahindra, official distributor of Mahindra vehicles in the Philippines, has presented today several units of the Mahindra Enforcer to the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) in simple ceremonies at the Manila Hotel. The Mayors of the different municipalities were able to see and testdrive the units that will soon be finding their way to their respective localities.

The Mahindra Enforcer is the vehicle of choice for the Philippine National Police, which will be upgrading its patrol unit fleet nationwide soon. A total of 1,470 units of the Mahindra Enforcer will be distributed to municipalities and cities across the nation from May until October.

The Mahindra Enforcer is a no-nonsense workhorse that can be configured to the varying needs of police detachments all over the country. It is a true testament to the expertise of the Indian vehicle manufacturer that distributes such tireless vehicles to 20 countries across the world. In the coming months, Mahindra will also be introducing vehicles that address the needs of various individuals who are in search of affordable yet dependable people and load carriers.

Mahindra Enforcer units roll out for LGUs

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

Sturdy and powerful. These are just two of the qualities that discerning buyers demand of any vehicle worth its tag as “workhorse”. Isuzu Philippines Corporation just recently organized a track day at the Clark International Speedway with the purpose of showing off to the media veterans the qualities of its bestselling pick-up, the D-Max.

Introduced during the two-day event at the Speedway were the LT-X 4x2 manual transmission carrying its new 4JK1-TC 2.5-liter engine, and the high-end variant LS and the standard LT 4x4 equipped with a powerful 4JK1-TC (Hi) 2.5-liter engine fitted with Common Rail Direct Injection and an intercooled Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharger.

“The 2015 Isuzu D-MAX has what a typical pick-up user would want in his/her truck. It is proven to show its top performance in whatever terrain – whether on or off road.” said IPC President Nobuo Izumina. “Our new Isuzu D-MAX LT-X MT 2.5L variant is fit not just to withstand the usual capabilities of the current pick-up trucks in the market but to go beyond the borders of stereotypes.”

The day’s festivities started with a precision driving exhibition conducted by the track organizers led by veteran racer Pepon Marave. After the visual display of D-Max units doing some “ballet” maneuvers at the race track, participants of the event were divided into two groups and shepherded to the race track while the other group was led to the river bed beside the race track for the off-road experience.

Like gunslingers at the O.K. Corral, we drove the D-Max to the limits around the fast and tight corners of the Clark Speedway. I must say though that the 3.0 liter version of the D-Max should have been spot on during the track day,

but the current 2.5 liter version compensated with its high tech transmission and suspension.

After some fast laps around the race track, this writer hopped on the 4x4 version to literally dig up some dirt with the D-Max. Taking through the obstacle laden track at the riverbed was off-road guru Beeboy Bargas, giving me some much needed instructions for me to successfully traverse the challenging terrain.

“Just let the technology take control of the pick-up once we hit the steep slope up ahead,” says Bargas, as we started our ascent up the slope at the end of the off-road course. It was simply amazing to see and feel how the transmission drove the D-Max up the hill, without me stepping on the accelerator. “Mating the new model with the 2.5-L engine gives it a better performance and stronger torque as compared to the previous models. Ideally better torque equates to improved performance, even on uneven roads,” Izumina added.

Joseph Bautista, Product Development Head of IPC revealed that the target market of the D-Max are those who family oriented individuals with a sporty side. “We have added new colors to reflect a sporty lifestyle such as the new Cobalt Blue color along with the existing colors Cosmic Black, Garnet Red, Titanium Silver and Splash White,” says Bautista.

F R I D AY : A P R I L 24 : 2 0 1 5

C1

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

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

LIFE

Chain bracelet with rounded, silverplated metal links and a turquoise Swarovski pendant

LAKILOV. Bracelet with a thick, metal, silver-plated chain hung with pendants of different symbols: love, peace, gametes

Brown five strand leather bracelet with rounded studs

Long metal, silver-plated earrings in a rhombus shape with a red Swarovski crystal from which fine chains hang

Open bracelet in silver-plated metal with a coil, two skulls decorated with pink Swarovski crystals for eyes

FASHION

FASHION FUSION UNO DE 50 captures the modern Spanish spirit

Short leather necklace with three strands of different-sized, silver-plated beads interspersed with crafted colored crystals

We’ve gone a little bit loco for all things Spanish with the first ever Madrid Fusion Manila opening today.

And, economic depression or no economic depression, it’s clear that Spain is still bursting with creativity, from film to food to fashion. Uno de 50 is a Spanish accessories brand that embodies the modernity and forwardlooking character of Spain today.

Christine Syjueco, Business Unit Head for Uno de 50, picks her favorite pieces of the season: “I love these jewellery pieces since they strongly exemplify the boldness and unique “handcrafted” personality of the Uno de 50 brand. These can be worn in layers, with no boundaries on unique personality and moods created each time you add different piece—Leather silver or colored all together.”

Silver-plated metal ring with three rhombusshaped Swarovski crystals in different sizes

Short wide necklace made up of various leather strands that combine rounded and boomerang shaped beads in silverplated metal.

UNO DE 50 • SM Aura Premier • SM Mall Of Asia • SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall

Scuba diver.

Long necklace with various strands of rounded beads, silver-plated metal charms and multi-colored crafted crystals

FRIDAY : APRIL 24 : 2015

C2 FASHION FLASH POINTS CASTING COUP

Is this the new face of beauty? And does it really matter that she was born male and is now legally and anatomically female?

Transgender model Andreja Pejic is the new face of Make Up For Ever. She follows another transgender model, Lea T, who won a modelling contract for Redken. And New Yorkbased Filipina trans model Geena Rocero has modelled for local clothing powerhouse Bench.

A beauty contract is a significant coup for any model - “it opens doors in and outside of the industry and provides the kind of long-term financial security modeling rarely yields,” reports style.com. For a transgender model to front a prestigious beauty campaign such as Make Up For Ever indicates that the beauty industry is embracing modern notions of beauty, not just in terms of color or ethnicity, but also gender, and that advertising in general is “becoming more modern and representative.”

CARINE ROITFELD X UNIQLO

Collaboration fever, it seems, is here to stay. Fast fashion companies - Target, H&M, TopShop and Uniqlo among them - every season unveil limited edition collaborations with A-list fashion folk, from Kate Moss and Isabel Marant to Ines de la Fressange and Peter Pilotto, and the public goes crazy, standing in line for hours to snap up designer gear at mass-market prices.

Uniqlo has announced that it is partnering with fashion personality Carine Roitfeld, stylist-turned-editor-turnedglobal fashion director.

Roitfeld, former editor of French Vogue, currently publishes her own twice-yearly magazine, CR Fashion Book, and serves as global fashion director for Harper’s Bazaar. For Uniqlo, she will be creating a collection that will embody the LifeWear concept of clothing designed to enhance everyday life.

Business of Fashion quotes her as saying, “Creating new clothing within the Uniqlo LifeWear concept is a great challenge. I started from the idea of clothes that I would want to wear myself and developed this into clothes that anyone would want to wear, a woman’s ideal of clothes that make her feel transformed when she wears them.”

The collection, will debut in October, alongside another star collaborator for Uniqlo: ex-Hermes designer Christophe Lemaire.

BLING IT ON

Despite naysayers claiming the world is awash with too many diamonds, there clearly is a demand for seriously large rocks. During Sotheby’s latest jewellery auction in New York, a 100-carat diamond sold for $22.1 million - and that was only after a mere three minutes of bidding. Classed as Flawless, this emerald-cut stone has absolutely no imperfections, even under intense magnification. The gem was mined in South Africa over a year ago by De Beers and subsequently cut and facetted from the original 200-carat rough diamond to its current size.

Said Lisa Hubbard, Chairman of North and South America for Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division, the stunning jewel “has everything you could ever want from a diamond: the classic shape begs to be worn, while the quality puts it in an asset class of its own.”

The international auction house remains mum with regard to who the actual buyer was.

THE ART OF STROLLING AROUND

“Wanderland” is an exhibition by Hermes that is currently taking place in London’s Saatchi Gallery until May 2nd.

Consisting of various installations, “Wanderland” is devoted to the art of wandering about, called “flanerie” in French.

Saatchi Gallery quotes Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Hermes’ Artistic Director and sixth generation family member as explaining, “Flânerie, that wonderfully liberating art of urban wandering, is second nature to Hermès, one could even say our most profound nature.”

COMPILED BY BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE

SOURCES: STYLE.COM, BUSINESSOFFASHION.COM, BBC.COM, HERMES.COM AND SAATHCIGALLERY.COM

LIFE

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE E D I TOR

glweekend @ gmail.com

BRING YOUR BOHO ON

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

M

orocco evokes images of the glorious Sahara desert, palaces and mansions noted for their lavish and eclectic architecture, bustling souks teeming with heady mix of merchandise--from carpets to spices--and dynamic crowd, and rich, picturesque, and colorful culture overall. Images that women’s fashion accessories brand Parfois captures in its spring/ summer 2015 collection.

“Parfois allows you to create your own unique story with accessories,” says Parfois Philippines brand manager Michelle Ampil. And for this season, the Portugal-based accessories label is all about taking us on a trip to different countries one bag and one necklace at a time.

As a nod to the 1970’s Marrakech, Parfois gives tribal and bohemian styles a modern and romantic update. Bags, shoes, and a wide array of accessories made of natural materials, handcrafted embellishments, ethnic motifs, and striking geometric patterns comprise Parfois’s latest collection which is categorized by four themes, as it always is with the label: Boho Dream, Future Tribal, Marrakech, and Powder Power.

Bold, rustic, and chic, Boho Dream is the most eclectic of the four. The tote bags, clutches, and pouches are quite distinct with their striking prints, patterns, and organic shapes. As for the accesso-

ries, the bohemian collection is all about colorful beads piled together for a put-together look.

The color palette is fresh and summer-inspired, too, making them your perfect getaway companions during the season of the sun. Dominant colors orange, burgundy, blue, and yellow are neutralized by beige, black, and white. Suede is utilized primarily along with other natural materials.

Patchwork techniques, silk tassels, ropes, and other handmade details complete the hippie-chic look.

If there’s anything recent runway shows suggest, it is fringe is back, a trend that finds its way quite substantially in the Future Tribal theme of Parfois SS15 collection.

Aside from fringes, perforated details, geometric patterns, and knitting techniques are the core elements of this theme that’s inspired by the sporty-chic spirit with a touch of elegance.

As items in this sub-collection are made of modern and rich materials such as nylon and leather, Future Tribal is considered the most sophisticated in the spring/summer line-up.

Marrakech, on the other hand, features almost the same designs as Future Tribal making the distinction between the two a bit blurry. However, while Future Tribal is sporty and sophisticated, Marrakech is light and

elegant, on account of materials and colors used for the latter.

Natural materials such as wood, rope, raffia, straw, and stones are the base of this fresh trend. Color palette is based on tones associated with nature, such as brown, red, beige, and coral. These elements combined represent the warm, relaxed, and rustic atmosphere of Marrakech.

A perpetual member of spring/ summer trends, pastel colors are given an ethnic feel to make them theme-appropriate. The use of suede, leather, laser cuts, handmade crafts, and perforated items complement the feminine vibe of the Powder Power sub-collection.

Bucket bags in light colors and neutral shades as well as delicate and chunky accessories in powder hues are this theme’s popular items.

All items from this collection are now available in all 380 Parfois stores in 45 countries, including of course here in its nine branches in the Philippines. For an added feel of exclusivity, according to Parfois officials, they only release four to six items of each design in every store.

Parfois is located at SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, SM Southmall, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, Robinsons Galleria, Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro City, Ayala Center Cebu, and SM City Cebu.

FRIDAY : APRIL 24 : 2015

LIFE

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE E D I TOR

glweekend @ gmail.com

C3

LET THE SUNSHINE IN Zara goes seventies for summer

J. Mendel

Pamella Roland

Houghton

Theia

Jenny Packham

Amsale

Monique Lhuillier

Carolina Herrera

T

he traiblazing Spanish fashion and retail powerhouse is arguably Spain’s best import since sliced jamon, and its successful business model is much admired, often envied, and difficult to emulate, though many continue to try.

There’s a decidedly 70s vibe to the new Zara Spring-Summer 2015 collections for men and women. And perhaps the mood is right. After years in the economic doldrums, Spain’s fortunes are starting to shift, and the new positivity surrounding an economy that is gradually recovering is reflected in vibrant, hippie-inspired pieces - almost like a nostalgic return to more innocent times, but with a crisp, modern take on retro.

SEÑORAS

Theia (crop top)

Jim Hjelm

Naeem Khan

THE BOLD NEW BRIDE

BY ED BIADO As fashionable as some women are, they simply can’t venture into the unknown when it comes to their wedding dress.

More often than not, wild mood boards and inspiration pieces are toned down because most girls still want that fairytale wedding where they’re dressed up like a princess about to become a queen.

But this season at Bridal Fashion Week, designers were able to find a middle ground—the elusive spot that balances the classical with the fashion-forward.

One of the top trends from the shows is the combination of crop tops and big voluminous skirts. The crop top is a major trend across fashion and its entry into bridal is not surprising. Paired with ethereal layers upon layers of skirt, the effect is nothing short of spectacular.

The bridal pantsuit is an important part of the presentations, given the currency of conversations around marriage equality. Brides, who are to be wed to either grooms or other brides, will find this option a sensible choice. It also doesn’t hurt that more than a few designers, including Pamella Roland, Naeem Khan, Theia and Carolina Herrera, are on-board with the trend. Meanwhile, Oscar de la Renta’s version is the best of both worlds—trousers underneath an overskirt.

The mullet skirt is a recurring motif this season, arriving in luscious tiered versions and utilized to exaggerate the train. This is a great way to show off your legs for days and/or your statement heels. Houghton has one in a playfully unorthodox combination of floral and champagne.

Speaking of floral, if you’re having an informal/garden wedding, dainty prints should never be out of the question. Take cues from Naeem Khan and Randi Rahm, who both sent floral dresses down the aisle (aka catwalk). And they’re really, really gorgeous.

Finally, we have more color. It’s as if nude is the new white. Amsale went for slivers of gold to decorate a white base while Jim Hjelm chose the opposite, starting with nude tulle and adorning it with white applique. There’s also ultra-feminine blush from Monique Lhuillier and J Mendel. On the other hand, Jenny Packham’s traditional silhouette is offset by tones of sand a whole lot of feathers.

For women, the tailored and feminine aesthetics of the ladies’ pieces are inspired by the ‘70s – evident in the brand’s dreamy summer campaign images photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth. Ruffles, tassels, stripes, and flowy cuts take nostalgic remakes in the brand’s spring summer collections.

For its Sunset Garden line, florals and retro prints in vivid ‘70s, colors such as terra cotta, browns and yellows from amber to saffron, find their place in softly layered outfits and long billowy monochromatic dresses. Its second range called Denim Doubletime on the other hand, is a familiar but fresh take on wearing denims. Note that this is unlike the past seasons’ “denim on denim” trend.

Denim Doubletime focuses on utilizing the material on key items such as kaftans, skirt patchworks, jeans, and more—all evoking the hippie and carefree culture of the decade. Finally, the Total White collection will have something to satisfy every woman with an eclectic mix of styles utilizing the color white. This collection’s focal point is its fabrics—eyelet, lace, and cotton that make up clean and chic, ethereal

and romantic, simple but stylish ensembles perfect for the season. Simple silhouettes speak for themselves, with a clear focus on proportions. The styling is straightforward and emphasizes the quality of the collection’s fabrics.

Of course, the brand retains its collection of basics for ladies. Spring/summer 2015 anchors on color categorized lines such as Go Orange, which features sophisticated daywear made of chiffon, crepe, silk, and canvas in whites and oranges; Indigo Area, which is more casual with street style cotton, linen, knit, and denim pieces in stripes and tropical prints as well as solids; indigo blues and reds; Flamingo, featuring bright yellows, whites, and blues on satin, lace, chiffon, and denim for an ultra feminine yet casual pieces; Classic, which features various elegant work wear pieces such as blazers, skirts, and office trousers in classic colors like black, white, beige, and blue; and finally the Black & White collection, which highlights a military-inspired line for day with khakis and army greens paired with whites and touches of black and a street look for night with black, white, and acid wash denim and bamboo print as key colors and patterns.

For its more youthful range, Zara TRF features edgier, younger renditions of the season’s ‘70s trends with three collections: Denim Character, which is geared toward revamping the way we all wear jeans with different washes, styles, and silhouettes in trousers, tops, and even rompers, all made perfect to match with soft fabrics; Ethnic, which features modern ‘70s prints in kaftans, overalls, flowy tops, and dresses for laidback and casual looks; and finally, White, a collection of lace and cotton separates perfect for the season and for pairing with khakis for versatility.

CABALLEROS

The men’s collections take the most minimalist elements of various decades and are presented in various lines that truly evoke the vision of the modern gentleman.

The Classic collection features the simplicity of the ‘80s and ‘90s with whites and greys and suits with modern casual shirts and tees.

Under this is another line that takes from the stripes, florals, and checks of the ‘70s in white and blue casualwear. Taking influence from the ‘60s Italian fashion, the Moda collection is a wonderful take on sophisticated casualwear with jackets and blazers that are boxed yet fit and trousers that are cleverly reworked and tapered.

Along with solids, pieces come in stripes and paisley in shades like white, dark blue, and grey, and feature materials such as leather, silk, nylon and linen. It also has a navy floral line that takes inspiration from the ‘80s with sportier picks in bomber jackets, shorts, tees, and more. To complement the Total White collection of the ladies, the men’s Moda Collection also includes an all-white line that features voluminous pieces inspired by the ‘80s and ‘90s in linen and cotton apparel as well as white floral details on shirts.

The Dark collection, on the other hand, features stylish and comfortable oversized tailored casuals like cropped trousers, vests, and buttondowns in cotton, linen, and polyester— all in black and white. A young, fun, and dynamic set is the men’s Denim collection, featuring denim tops or jeans paired with colorful jackets or tanks and even statement shirts. Obviously inspired by the ‘80s and ‘90s, the collection features stripes and numbers as key elements to evoke a set that’s dynamic and urban.

C4

ISLA PALOMA:

THE SCENT OF SUMMER

BY MONICA URQUIJO

F

un. Playful. Floral. These are what summer dreams are made of. For this season of sun that boasts of sweltering heat and soaring temperatures, everyone yearns to enjoy the season while maintaining a look that not only feels fresh, but smells fresh as well. And that’s exactly what Isla Paloma is all about – the latest fragrance that budding It Girl, effortless fashionista, and bold Benchsetter Monica Urquijo has created for Bench.

Launched only last year as one of the freshest endorsers of the fashion powerhouse, Monica Urquijo’s Isla Paloma captures her passion for the summer season and fuses it with her Spanish-Filipino heritage and her playful and spirited personality. With her effortless style and radiant aura, Monica draws inspiration for her fragrance from two things: summer and Spain. “We wanted to take a classic Spanish cologne and make it fun by mixing it with floral and citrus smells,” Monica says. As someone whose fashion choices involve bold, bright colors, Monica’s personality clearly shines through from the tropical packaging to the scent itself, which she describes as both strong and citrusy – a formidable synthesis that would be perfect for a hot summer day.

Isla Paloma by Monica Urquijo is a gentle and refreshing scent perfect for warm sunny days. It opens with a cool summer breeze of Tuscan lemon, Calabrian bergamot with mint and cassis nuances followed by the distinct Mediterranean bouquet of muguet, neroli, rose & hyacinth in the heart. This fresh fragrance dries down in harmony with warm and comforting notes of amber, cedar wood & musk.

With a convenient size at 54ml that reasonably retails at Php 159.00, this body spray is the ultimate accessory for anyone on the go.

The name of the fragrance is a union between the things that remind Monica most of summer and the Philippines, the place she grew up in until she was 9 years old. For someone who considers the USA West Coast, Cartagena, the South of Spain, and Morocco as her favorite summer destinations, she certainly didn’t have to look far for inspiration behind the name Isla Paloma. “Islands! Isla is island in Spanish,’ she enthusiastically declares. “Paloma is my sister’s name. I’ve always loved that name.” The islands of the Philippines and her sister’s name – two things close to her heart that she felt would work well together in conception of the fragrance. If the final product is any indication, Monica was surely on the mark because the name is as exceptionally captivating as the scent itself.

Two forces have come together to create a fun, playful, and strong fragrance that would keep anyone smelling their freshest even on the most blistering of summer days. “I’m honored to a part of a company that represents the Philippines. They’ve give me so much creative freedom to express my own view of the Philippines with this scent and its packaging as well. I admire them a lot for the impact they have had, not just on the Filipino retail experience, but also on Filipino culture generally,” Monica proudly states about her collaboration with Bench for her fragrance.

Isla Paloma is available at all Bench, Herbench, Superbench, Bench Body and Bench To Go Nationwide.

For more updates, check out http://www.benchtm. com/shop. Like the Bench official page on http://www. facebook.com/benchtmofficial and follow them on Instagram and twitter @benchtm.

F R I D AY : A P R I L 24 : 2 0 1 5

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

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE EDITOR

F R I D AY : A P R I L 24 : 2 0 1 5

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

C5

STACKERS BAKED FRIED CHICKEN

LESS OIL, LESS GUILT

M

ost of us never really outgrow our love for fried chicken. There is always that craving for juiciness – and only fried chicken can satisfy to a full.

But how about an out-of-the-ordinary chicken delight that gives you the same satisfaction of a fried chicken yet healthier and even more flavorful?

At Stackers Burger Café, you can indulge in fried chicken without the guilt with its Baked Fried Chicken.

Using a special cooking process, the chicken pieces are baked and fried at the same to make it juicier and healthier. It has 80 percent less oil making it lighter than any other fried chicken in the metro. Reducing fat and cholesterol content, you not only get healthier fried chicken, but you also savor succulent, great-tasting chicken. The meat is as tender, the skin still as crispy, as that of a regular fried chicken. Now that’s a truly specSTACKular dining experience!

Order as dine-in, take out or just food–tripping with your friends, there are many ways to enjoy Stackers Baked Fried Chicken. It is available as a rice

meal or can be enjoyed in stacks of 3, 6, and 12 for group meals.

And if you go to a Stackers Burger Café store now, you can avail of special promotions to enjoy its special Baked Fried Chicken.

In the “Group ThreeEats” promotion, get a free order of one-piece Baked Fried Chicken with Rice with every two orders of Baked Fried Chicken Set Meals.

Available Friday to Sunday, the “Weekend Blowout” gives you a sampler of Stackers best items, including a Stack of 6 Baked Fried Chicken, Mozzarella Sticks, Crispy Fries, Shaker Nachos and four glasses of iced tea, the perfect treat for big groups.

Stackers Burger Cafe’s Baked Fried Chicken is just one of the many food offerings available at the casual dining restaurant chain. It has branches at Eastwood Citywalk 1, Alabang Town Center, Promenade in Greenhills, and at SM City Annex. Or like us on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/stackersburgercafeph. Expect more branches to open soon in major locations in Metro Manila.

Using a special cooking process, the chicken pieces are baked and fried at the same time to make it juicier and healthier. It has 80 percent less oil making it lighter than any other fried chicken in the metro

The healthiest fried chicken in town is found in Stackers Burger Cafe and is available in 12, 6. and 2 pieces

DELECTABLE DAY-TO-DAY DISHES IN ‘IDOL SA KUSINA’

The chef at her Michelin-starred restaurant

Chef Vicky Lau’s culinary journeys brings her to Hangzhou

Looking for more exciting ways to prepare typical day-to-day dishes? Tune in to Idol sa Kusina this Sunday as Chef Boy Logro, Bettinna Carlos, and Kapuso Diva Maricris Garcia show viewers how to bring ordinary, daily dishes to the next level.

Give the usual Tokwa’t Baboy a twist and turn it into a Sizzling Tofu and Mushroom in Cream Sauce dish. Make the typical fried chicken for the kids more exciting by preparing some Butter Fried Chicken with Fried Garlic Bits. Transform the bitter Ginisang Ampalaya better by whipping up some Ampalaya con Carne with Cashew Nuts. Even boring drinks can be made refreshing by serving some Green Tea Cooler with Buko and Pinipig.

Family dining only gets more fun with these wonderful recipes in Idol sa Kusina airing April 26, 7:15 p.m. on GMA News TV.

Lau learns the art of the legendary Dragon Well tea

CNN GOES ON A CULINARY JOURNEY On next month’s Culinary Journeys, CNN follows Asia’s best female chef Vicky Lau from her restaurant in Hong Kong to the Chinese city of Hangzhou where she explores the history and culture of a famous local dish, Dragon Well tea shrimp.

Lau’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Tate Dining Room & Bar, features a refined mix of delicate French techniques, artistic precision and pronounced flavors - a style that led to her being crowned Asia’s Best Female Chef 2015 by a panel of 300 industry experts.

Although Lau was born in Hong Kong, she feels she still has a lot to learn about Chinese cuisine, so begins her culinary journey in the dreamy landscape of Hangzhou. Starting in the mountainous tea farms, Lau learns the art of the legendary Dragon Well tea from tea master Wan Jiachun. Lau then joins Chef Colin Cheng from 28 HuBin Road to learn the secrets behind a dish that started as a mistake during the Qing Dynasty.

Culinary Journeys is a series of monthly half-hour shows on CNN

International, which feature worldrenowned chefs on a journey to explore the cuisine of one of the world’s food hotspots. In each episode, the cookery travelogue sees a chef leave the bustle of their own kitchen to discover a culinary experience in another country.

The show premieres on Friday May 8 at 11:30 p.m. with replays on Saturday, May 9 at 6:30 a.m.; Sunday, May 10 at 8:30 a.m.; Tuesday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, May 13 at 11:30 p.m. all Manila time.

Chef Boy Logro teaches his audience the way to cook yummy but affordable dishes

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SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

JOHN FORD COLEY AT RESORTS WORLD MANILA Another iconic American singer makes his way to the country to perform on the grand stage of Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT).

John Ford Coley, better known as the other half of the famous musical duo with Danny Wayland “England Dan” Seals, is set to take audiences on a musical joyride to the duo’s radio-friendly hits as “Just Tell Me You Love Me”, “It’s Sad To Belong”, “Longer”, “Love is the Answer”, “Gone Too Far”, “We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again”, “Soldier In The Rain”, “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight”, “What’s Forever For”, “Broken Hearted Me”, “Can We Still Be Friends”, “Make It With You”, “Leader of the Band” and more.

John Ford Coley performs at the Newport Performing Arts Theater

The ‘70s hit maker – England Dan and John Ford Coley – separated in 1980 but each of them continued in the industry by writing for film and TV. In 1996, John Ford Coley returned to concert tours having collaborated with such greats and yesteryear luminaries as Ambrosia, Foreigner’s Lou Gramm,

Christopher Cross, Poco, and Stephen Bishop among others.

This month, Coley makes his way to the Manila to give his avid fans another one of his John Ford Coley performs live on April 29, 8 p.m. at the NPAT, Resorts World Manila, with special guests Mark Mabasa, JV Decena, Lilibeth Garcia, and Lucky Robles, with the special participation of Barry Manilow protégé Kyle Vincent.

Tickets are available at the Resorts World Manila Box Office at the ground floor level of Newport Mall, and at all TicketWorld outlets. Visit www.rwmanila.com or call Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (632) 908-8833 for more details.

AXN ASIA Now Simulcasts in High Definition, a SKYcable Exclusive.

Among the popular shows on AXN include The Voice, Asia’s Got Talent, and The Amazing Race

AXN NOW IN HIGH DEFINITION You can now watch the best US action series, dramas, competitions, reality shows, and exclusive programming on the new AXN HD. A simulcast of the main AXN Asia channel, fans can now watch hit shows like The Voice, Amazing Race, CSI: Cyber, Wipeout, and Asia’s Got Talent in vividly-detailed high definition. AXN HD is exclusive only to SKYcable.

Fans of shows that test the physical limits of their contestants can look forward to these two series broadcast on AXN

HD. In Wipeout, 24 adventurous players compete to overcome the most challenging obstacle courses. Those who beat all courses in the fastest possible time win the game. For the already legendary show, The Amazing Race, 11 teams trek around the world for approximately 25 grueling days to beat each test, puzzle, and physical hurdle set against their way.

The first team that reaches the final destination wins $1 million.

Those who can’t get enough of talent competitions will surely love these international hits. The 8th season of The Voice begins with the return of Christina Aguilera, joining other musician heavyweights such as Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, and Pharell Williams in the search for America’s next singing superstar. While in Asia’s Got Talent, viewers can watch David Foster, Melanie C., Van Ness Wu, and Ang-

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gun find and crown the best and brightest talent in the region.

Avid followers of the Crime Scene Investigation franchise can get more of the mystery-solving action with CSI: Cyber.

Starring Emmy Award winner Patricia Arquette, we follow the story of Special Agent Avery Ryan as she fights criminals that thrive in the online world. Based on the real-life work of Cyber Psychologist Mary Aiken, we witness how FBI’s Cyber Crime Division thwarts the shadowy, illicit activities in the Internet -- especially the ones that hide in the “Dark Net”.

Subscribe now to SKYcable and enjoy all these exclusive, world-renowned shows on AXN HD. Dual Def 549 and 999 subscribers can tune-in to AXN HD on Ch. 247 (Metro Manila, Greater Manila Area, Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan) or Ch. 737 (Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo & Baguio).

Only SKYcable provides quality home entertainment with the widest-range of standard and high definition digital channels, with over 190 channels and other top-ofthe-line services such as flexible subscription options via SELECT; iRECORD that records, pauses, and rewinds live TV; as well as real-time coverage of live concerts and sporting events via FREE VIEW and PAY-PER-VIEW. To subscribe and to know more about SKYcable, log on to www.mysky.com.ph, or call the 24-hour customer service hotlines at at 02-381-0000 for Metro Manila, CAMANAVA, and Rizal, 046-484-4701 for Cavite, 049534-1555 for Calamba and Binan, Laguna, 02-520-8560 for San Pedro, Laguna, 044-6935877 for Bulacan, 032-421-1818 for Cebu, 082-305-5456 for Davao, 074-442-4841 for Baguio, 034-432 0051 for Bacolod and 033300-1210 for Iloilo.

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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KATY PERRY VIP CONCERT TICKETS FROM SMART MUSIC APP

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ecently adjudged world’s best mobile music app for 2015, SPINNR is taking the local music scene by storm.

After granting the wish of hundreds of One Direction fans to watch their recent concert in March and then sending select Ariana Grande supporters to watch and meet the young songstress at her concert in California this April, Smart Communications, Inc.’s homegrown music app is reviving the “Teenage Dream” by giving away VIP tickets to Katy Perry’s Prismatic World Tour in May. “We don’t just sustain Filipinos’ music fix by providing their daily dosage of soundtrack right off their mobile phones. SPINNR also makes it a point to bring the fans to an experience where they really want to be—in concerts and meet-and-greets with their idols,” said Lucille Tang, SPINNR’s product manager.

And SPINNR has been doing these scream-worthy perks with such accuracy and consistency.

“We were very thrilled to have seen all the SPINNR subscribers who are also fans of One Direction from all over the Philippines attend the concert in March at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. It really fills our hearts with so much joy and ‘mission accomplished’ kind of feeling when we know that everything SPINNR does is really for its subscribers,” added Tang. “Every scream we get over the phone when we tell them they’ve won or in person when they collect their tickets is a validation of all the #SpinnrEx-

Katy Perrry performs in Manila and Smart app SPINNR is giving away tickets to fans

KAPAMILYA WINS GRAND ANVIL FOR ‘TULONG PH’ CAMPAIGN ABS-CBN Corporation won the Grand Anvil Award--the highest form of recognition for a public relations program in the country--for its “Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na” campaign at the 50th Anvil Awards hosted by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines on April 17 at Marriott Grand Ballroom, Resorts World Manila in Newport City, Pasay City.

The “Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na” campaign, which also won a Gold Anvil, brought relief and rehabilitation for the victims of typhoon Pablo, Bohol quake, and typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

The advocacy campaign included selling of Tulong shirts and conducting a star-studded Tulong fund-raising concerts with the country’s leading artists performing pro bono and raising funds

from the public to help the victims.

ABS-CBN Corporation bagged a total of eight awards for its outstanding PR programs and tools, making it the most-awarded TV network in this year’s Anvil Awards, considered as the Oscars of the public relations industry in the country.

SKY Cable Corporation won an Anvil under the PR Tools category for its 2013 campaign “Tugon ng SKY sa Yolanda: Saya at Pag-asa para sa Kapamilyang Nasalanta,” which aimed to serve, enrich and uplift the spirit of the Yolanda survivors by providing them with free TV viewing stations in Tacloban and Villamor Air Base.

ABS-CBN’s commuter safety mobile app, “PasaHero” bagged an Anvil for protecting the passengers by broadcast-

perience promise and Internet for All campaign of Smart. We’re happy to be doing this through music and SPINNR.” Through the music streaming service’s partnership with MCA Music, subscribers are living their dreams.

Filipino fans of Katy Perry are definitely bound for the Philippine Arena on May 7 when the singer hits Manila stage for the second time.

Back in 2012, Katy sent all her followers into frenzy when she brought her California Girls tour here.

The ongoing Prismatic World Tour is the third world concert series of Katy Perry in support of her fourth studio album Prism, with hits such as “Roar,” “This Is How We Do,” and “Dark Horse.”

In recent reviews, Billboard called the concert “a spectacle of costume and colors” while Rolling Stones decided that it’s “uproariously entertaining” and “a show to damage retinas and blow minds.”

Katy is about to do this all over again and in a grander fashion. Of course, SPINNR is out to make sure that its subscribers get to experience and enjoy the hitmaker’s latest stage offering.

SPINNR will be raffling off 56 VIP tickets for Katy’s concert on May 7.

To register, subscribers of Smart, Sun, or TNT simply text “LIVE” to 4067 (P99) to get 30 days of Allday access and music streaming via Spinnr. After, subscribers may register for free at the Promos section in the Spinnr app or at www.spinnr.ph.

For more information, check out SPINNR’s Facebook page or follow @spinnrph on Twitter and Instagram

ABS-CBN shows off Anvil grand prize trophy for Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na

ing trip details via social media and sending emergency notifications and location to the user’s trusted circle.

The “Spotlight Series: The Music of Ryan Cayabyab” of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra also received an Anvil for its achievement in planning and execution of a special event for an external audience.

ABS-CBN’s internal online contest for employees dubbed as “Heartthrobs on 30” received an award for successfully putting the spotlight on ABS-CBN employees considered as heartthrobs but aged 30 and above and engaged the whole ABS-CBN workforce via an online voting competition.

The Filipino Channel’s “Boto Mo Kinabukasan ng Bawat Pilipino” achieved an Anvil for its extensive cam-

paign to propagate voting among overseas Filipino workers.

The “Pamilya OnGuard” campaign was awarded an Anvil for being the first and only health news advisory on ABSCBN that brings holistic and essential information on health and protection.

The Anvil Awards is an annual event organized by the PRSP that honors outstanding public relations programs and tools. Prior to the Anvil Awards, ABS-CBN earned 20 recognitions for its PR programs from the Philippine Quill Awards given by the International Association of Business Communicators. ABS-CBN was the most-awarded TV network in both Anvil and Quill Awards that honor the best works in public relations and business communications.

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Andie Eigenmann, Bret Jackson and Andre Paras play the lead characters in the upcoming Your Place Or Mine from Viva Films

IT’S ANDI’S OR BRET’S PLACE SIMPLY RED ISAH V. RED From the same producer who gave you the blockbuster hits Diary ngPanget and Talk Back and You’re Dead comes another popular Wattpad story that will soon invade the big screen— Your Place Or Mine?

Starring Andre Paras, Bret Jackson and Andi Eigenmann, the movie is based upon the best-selling novel of the same title by Turning Japanese. Joel Lamangan directed the film.

In the film, 19-year-old BS Psychology student Haley Saavedra (Eigenmann) gets drunk in a bar and sleeps with a stranger.

The stranger turns out to be Clay Russell Sandoval (Jackson). The two sleeps in Clay’s condo unit, which Haley’s family, the Saavedra Group of Companies, owns.

Clay Russell is a soccer player who is in the same school as Haley. The campus headturner is the scion of a rich family, which Haley is unaware of.

The two bump into each other unexpectedly in school, days after that onenight stand. The accidental meeting leaves them wanting for more.

By some stroke of fate, Haley’s dad, whose business is down in debt, arranges for his daughters fixed marriage. Though reluctant, Haley’s love for her father prevails and so, she agrees to be engaged. Haley is

relieved to learn in a supposed “family business meeting” that the man she’s about to engaged to is Russell. She thinks that the engagement gives them the chance to know each other better and also for them to do the thing they’ve wanted to do before.

But as the story goes, shocking revelations start to unfold. Russell’s older brother, Ralph (Gerard Garcia) unexpectedly comes into the picture with Russell’s bitter ex-flame Camille (Ashley Rivera).

Camille reveals that Ralph was supposed to be Haley’s fiancé and that Russell has

Viva Films sources out Wattpad stories for its film projects.

‘After Diary ng Panget’ and ‘Talk Back and You’re Dead,’ another popular online novel comes alive on the big screen with Andi Eigenmann, Bret Jackson, and Andre Paras

known about the “fixed marriage” even before their meeting. Haley confronts Russell and walks out on him. The family then decides that Ralph should marry Haley instead of Russell. Haley pours out her disappointments to close friend Seth (Andre Paras), who is secretly in love with her. Unknown to Haley, Seth talks to Russell and tells him how much Haley loves him. At the day of the wedding, Haley walks into church with Ralph and Russell waiting by the altar.

Love triumphs in the end as Haley’s mom, Amanda (Jackie Lou) decides to give Haley’s hand in marriage to Russell instead of Ralph. Haley and Russell are happily wed until the former learns about Russell’s first love, Kirsten. Will Russell’s past break their marriage or will Kirsten serve The cast will visit malls on April 25 (SM Clark Pampanga at 2 p.m. and Ayala Marquee Mall at 5:30 p.m.), April 26 (SM Manila at 5 p.m. and Lucky Chinatown Mall at 7.p.m).

The movie hits the big screens nationwide starting April 29, from VIVA Films.

Get more updates with VIVA’s social media accounts: Twitter: @VIVA_Films, Instagram: viva_films and Facebook: VIVAFilms.

HHHHH Don’t miss the real-time action when Manny Pacquiao clashes with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the most anticipated boxing match of the century by watching its live coverage via pay-per-view on ABS-CBN TVplus Ang Mahiwagang Black Box.

Subscribers can watch the historic fight on May 3 (8 a.m.) in crystal clear picture with no commercial breaks at P2,500, which will be offered by ABS-CBN TVplus until April 30.

Now, not only cable TV subscribers get to watch the match live.

To order, just visit the ABS-CBN online store (abscbnstore.com) and pay using credit card or debit card. Another way is to text PACMAY to 23661. Those who will be using this method will receive a call from ABS-CBN TVplus’ hotline and will be asked to go to any LBC outlet to settle their payment and give their ‘mahiwagang black box’’s serial number.

PPV can also be requested upon purchase of the box at the ABS-CBNmobile store. Consumers may also place their orders by texting 23661 and calling (632) 488-8888 or 1800-10-4888888 (outside Metro Manila), and their boxes will be delivered straight to their homes.

The historic match will be aired on TVPlus Xtra Channel, which will be activated within 48 upon payment.

ABS-CBN TVplus’ digital signal is available in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Benguet, and Metro Cebu.

For questions, call (632) 488-8888 and 1800-10-4888888 (outside Metro Manila), or text 23661. For additional information on ABS-CBN TVplus, visit www.facebook. com/abscbntvplus.

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