The Standard - 2015 May 18 - Monday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 90  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  MONDAY : MAY 18, 2015  www.manilastandardtoday.com  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

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Valenzuela plant owners may be jailed

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‘Comelec should ban Smartmatic’

‘INEXPERIENCE IS COSTLY’—VP Next page

Turnover. In this file photo, Vice President Jejomar Binay delivers his speech during the turnover of checks totaling P33.6 million to the beneficiary associations of Social Housing Finance Corp. under its Community Mortgage Program in Pinagbuhatan village in Pasig City. MANNY PALMERO

Sonsona wins vacant WBC crown

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Cathay redefines lounge

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Trader bewails asset freeze as VP ‘dummy’

By Rey Requejo and Macon Ramos araneta

Back home again. Allan Pineda Lindo, better known as Apl.de.ap, a Filipino-born American rapper and better known as a member of the award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas, gestures during a press conference before the start of hie one-night concert along with other rappers at the Quirino Grandstand. Danny Pata

Inexperience could cost PH, Binay says

By Macon Ramos-araneta

VICE President Jejomar C. Binay on Sunday warned the country cannot afford to elect an inexperienced President into office in 2016, given the number of serious problems it is already facing.

“I sincerely believe that the issue in this coming election, for the presidency particularly, is experience and competence... The country cannot afford inexperienced leaders,” Binay said in a statement issued from Cagayan de Oro City.

He added that many of today’s problems would not be so serious if the national leadership were more experienced and competent.

Binay, who is a frontrunner in early polling for 2016, did not name any politicians in his statement but appeared to be referring to neophyte Senator Grace Poe, whom President Benigno Aquino III has tried to recruit to run for the Liberal Party in 2016.

Poe has repeatedly admitted that the name of her father, the late movie star and losing presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr., was the biggest factor in her winning the senatorial race in 2010.

In the last election, she dropped her husband’s surname and ran as Grace Poe, and became the number one ranking senatorial candidate.

Over the weekend, former presi-

dent and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada—the best friend of Poe’s father—urged the senator to run under the opposition banner, hinting that he could not support her if she ran for the Liberals.

Other politicians who have expressed an interest in running in 2016 are the Liberal Party’s presumptive candidate, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former senator Panfilo Lacson and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Before he was detained on plunder charges, Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. had also said he wanted to run.

In his statement, Binay said Filipinos risked perpetuating the problems besetting the country today if they entrusted the next government to those without experience and competence.

In contrast, Binay pointed to his 20 years as mayor of Makati and his leadership of several government agencies as proof of his experience and competence.

Despite the numerous attacks against him, Binay said he is more determined to pursue his bid for the presidency in 2016 “to bring experience and competence” to the national leadership.

Renato Quicho, Binay’s spokesman for political concerns, said the Vice President’s detractors were clearly trying to try him by publicity by launching fishing expeditions for evidence.

On Saturday, the Vice President vowed he would not back out of the

presidential race despite persistent reports of corruption against him and his family.

Speaking before the National Conference of Employers at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, he said the accusations and lies would not stop him from running.

His daughter, Senator Nancy Binay, said it was ironic that President Aquino was looking for a candidate from outside his own party.

“We have heard some high officials of the Liberal Party, their statement is that Mar [Roxas] is their candidate, but the President himself, up to now, has yet to say that its Secretary Mar,” the senator said.

The senator added that she was baffled why the President would spend time looking for a candidate for the Liberals when Roxas, a party member, is available.

Roxas, opted to run for vice president in 2010 to give way to Aquino’s presidential bid following mounting calls for him to run after his mother, former President Cory Aquino, died of colon cancer.

Although Aquino served as congressman for nine years and senator for three years, his competence for the presidency was questioned due to his “poor performance” in Congress.

“Why look for another candidate?

What seems to be lacking with Secretary Mar? What’s the President looking for? Why can’t he endorse Secretary Mar?” asked Binay.

Roxas, who was defeated by Binay in the vice presidential race in 2010, has been faring poorling in opinion polls for the 2016 elections.

BUSINESSMAN Antonio Tiu bewailed Sunday the issuance of a freeze order by the Court of Appeals against his bank accounts as well as those of his three companies, saying the appellate court was misled by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, which has allowed itself to be used for political harassment.

Tiu, who has been dragged into the Senate hearings on the alleged irregularities involving Vice President Jejomar Binay, accused the AMLC of lying to the CA in order to justify the inclusion of his assets in the freeze of order, lamentably including all the bank accounts of his mother.

“Since last year when my name was dragged into the Senate hearings involving Vice President Jejomar Binay, I have been preparing myself and my companies for the barrage of attacks we would face. While I had already conceded that certain government agencies would relentlessly proceed with the attacks even if they have no basis both in fact and in law, I was hoping that the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) would be independent from any political pressure or persuasion. Regrettably, my trust in the AMLC was misplaced. Worse, I did not expect that the AMLC would recklessly cause the inclusion of all the bank accounts of my 61-year-old mother in the freeze order just to further harass me,” Tiu said.

“She is a private citizen who should have been spared by this. But no, they targeted my mother for no reason at all except to once again harass me,” he added.

Tiu admitted that he received Friday a copy of the CA’s order dated May 11, 2015 freezing his bank accounts as well as those of his companies Greenergy Holdings, Inc., Sunchamp Real Estate Development Corporation and Earthright Holdings, Inc. The businessman, who has been accused by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV of acting as dummy for the Vice President, denied the allegations made by AMLC that he lacks the capability to justify his business and financial dealings.

“The AMLC lied to the Court of Appeals and its authorized representatives perjured themselves,” he added.

Tiu said a simple perusal of the disclosures of Greenergy lodged with the Philippine Stock Exchange “would already belie the claim of the AMLC.” Tiu said that the AMLC’s alleged “unjustified trans-

actions” actually involved the following transactions where SPCMB Law acted his counsel: 1) the sale of Greenergy’s interest in a biomass power plant for at least P400 million; 2) the sale by Earthright of marketable securities to Greenergy for about P110 million; 3) the acquisition by Greenergy of additional marketable securities in the amount of around P170 million; and 4) receipt by Greenergy of the unpaid subscription that was due from him, Earthright and Sunchamp for the total amount of more than P300 million.

“Clearly, AMLC acted in bad faith and deliberately concealed from the Court of Appeals the truth on the transactions that allegedly warranted my inclusion as well as those of my companies in the freeze order.

They knew that the transactions were legitimate and fully documented, disclosed to the public and even to the SEC where one of the AMLC members is head,” the businessman said.

“It is disappointing that politicians and the AMLC are willing to risk the lives of more than 5,000 hardworking employees, farmers and suppliers who are directly and indirectly reliant on my businesses for their livelihood. This cycle of politics being involved in business, and business being involved in politics depending on who is in power must be stopped if we want our country to move forward and attain its true potential,” he said.

Tiu also deplored the leaking of the AMLC report to the public that resulted in the “defamatory articles coming out in the media which is against based on the AMLC report that was not truthful.”

On May 11, the Court of Appeals ordered 242 bank accounts frozen, including Binay’s and those of his wife, Elenita, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, several other associates and alleged dummies for the Vice President.

A spokesman for the Vice President on Sunday said he expected the Justice Department and the National Bureau of Investigation to get involved in the investigation of Binay in a last-ditch effort to destroy his credibility.

“The leak of the one-sided report of the AMLC is the start of their last ditch effort to malign the Vice President,” said Renato Quicho in a statement.

“As we enter the survey season, we expect within the next few weeks, the NBI and DOJ will resurrect the Rosario property issue despite clear statements and evidence showing Tony Tiu’s company as its owner.

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Cayetano: June deadline for BBL okay ‘impractical’

By Macon R. Araneta SENATE Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said Sunday it was “impractical” to meet the Palaceimposed deadline of June 11 to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law due to the many amendments to it.

“It will take us some time to pass this,” said Cayetano who withdrew his authorship of the BBL following the killing of 44 police commandos in an encounter with Muslim rebels in Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

“If the House made a line-byline review, we might also be doing the same.” Cayetano said.

He made his statement even as Bishop Broderick Pabillo of the CBCP praised the lawmakers’ decision to reschedule the voting for the passage of the BBL. “Everyone should be given a chance to talk since this does not only concern the people of Mindanao but the whole country,” Pabillo said.

Malacañang on Sunday expressed confidence that the lawmakers would base their decision on the BBL on the national interest and the welfare of the Filipino people.

“The goal of our government is to have a significant Bangsamoro Basic Law that will promote the peace process,” Communications

Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told the state-run dzRB radio.

However, few Filipinos approve of the BBL as revealed by a recent survey.

Cayetano said the Senate should not be forced by deadlines to pass the BBL. “It took the peace panels four years [to come up with a draft], so why should they expect that we will finish it within six to seven months?” Cayetano said.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., head of the Senate local government committee, will start to hear today, Tuesday, what the leaders and representatives of the Moro National Liberal Front would say about the BBL. The MNLF is one of the two Muslim groups that were excluded in the peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The other group is the Sultanate of Sulu.

During the committee’s hearing in Patikul, Jolo, the the MNLF and the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo protested their non-inclusion in the entire peace negotiations that resulted in the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Framework Agreement.

Grief. The mother of a missing footwear factory worker cries during a special mass in Manila on May 17 for the 72 people who were killed when a fire gutted the factory on May 13. AFP

Prison for owners of razed factory?

THE owners of the Valenzuela City footwear factory where 72 people died in a fire could face time in prison, a government task force said Saturday, vowing that they would make sure anyone found responsible would be punished.

Flores de Mayo. Teenagers parade in their colorful gowns during

the traditional Flores de Mayo in Mabolo village in Bacoor, Cavite, on Sunday. Ey AcAsio

The special inter-agency task force, including members from the national police, the fire-fighting service, the Justice and Health departments, have been given two weeks to finish their investigation, said Bureau of Fire Protection spokesman Supt. Renato Marcial.

“Definitely, if someone deserves to be punished, they will be punished,” he said.

The blaze at the two-story Kentex Manufacturing Corp. footwear factory in the industrial suburb has highlighted the unsafe working conditions for many workers.

The fire started when sparks from a welder repairing a metal

gate apparently ignited nearby chemicals.

Marcial said that Kentex should have had a special permit for such a dangerous welding job and its owners could face charges for safety lapses.

This could range from six months to six years in jail--but, he said, the scale of the fatalities could result in more stringent punishment.

He said the investigation will be “complete, thorough and based on scientific findings.”

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, who initially said the company had followed regulations, has since branded it “immoral” and accused it of a raft of illegal labor practices such as using unregistered “subcontractors” to get around paying workers the proper amount.

Representatives of both Kentex and the sub-contractor CJC Manpower Services have been summoned to a special meeting with the Labor Department on Monday, Baldoz said.

Representatives for Kentex this weekend gave out an initial P13,000 to survivors and families of the victims as assistance in the wake of the fire.

However, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian criticized the company, saying “Kentex is giving them once again the short [end] of the stick”.

“This goes to show what type of employer Kentex is and how they treat their employees. These are the same people who gave their lives,” he said in a statement.

Presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said the fire had prompted the government to step up its enforcement of labor regulations.

“That’s why the Labor Department is also intensifying their inspections when it comes to the industrial work places like (Kentex),” she told reporters.

About 50 activists held a candlelight vigil for the dead workers at a local university, carrying signs saying “Justice for Kentex workers.”

The Bukluran ng Maggagawang Pilipino (BMP) demanded the immediate junking of a Labor Department order on contractual labor because it circumvented the security of tenure of workers and exacerbated the working conditions of employees. In the Kentex case, the labor group said, it also led to the loss of lives. – sandy Araneta

Govt forces hunt Malaysian bomb-maker aiding PH extremists GOVERNMENT forces in Mindanao said Saturday they were hunting a suspected Malaysian bombmaker who might be helping local Al-Qaeda-linked extremists.

The suspect, identified as Mohammad Najib, is believed to have fled after troops overran one of their bomb-making camps in Basilan on Thursday, said Col. Joselito Rolando Bautista, Basilan’s military commander.

Three militants and one soldier

were killed when soldiers overran the camp of the Abu Sayyaf group, an armed band founded in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda network.

“Mohammad Najib has been helping Ustadz Abbas Alam, the Abu Sayyaf leader in the area in making bombs and recruiting young people,” Bautista told reporters.

Last week, acting National Police Chief Leonardo Espina said the authorities were now training

their guns on Malaysian bomb maker Amin Baco after the death of terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir of Malaysia and Basit Usman.

Basilan Mayor Jain Pawaki said residents had also told him that a Malaysian had been assisting the Abu Sayyaf especially in bomb-making.

Bautista and Pawaki made their remarks while escorting reporters to the captured Abu Sayyaf outpost and showed off captured transceiver radio sets, nails, am-

monium nitrate, rolls of wire, electrical components and iron pipes rigged with explosives.

They also showed several black flags that are similar to the ones used by the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

“The recovery is a big blow to the operation of the Abu Sayyaf and their plots to stage bombings were prevented,” Bautista said.

The Abu Sayyaf gained international notoriety for the worst mili-

tant attacks in Philippine history including bombings and kidnapping Christians and foreigners for ransom.

Their attacks include the 2004 firebombing of a ferry off Manila Bay that killed more than 100 people.

Despite receiving training assistance from the United States, the Philippines has struggled to contain the Abu Sayyaf, whose leader last year pledged allegiance to the Islamic State movement. AFP

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Graft raps filed vs 2 Ex-PCSO officials

By Rio N. Araja AN Australian executive of a paper firm has sued two former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office officials for graft before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly allowing unqualified suppliers to provide the paper used by lotto machines.

Anthony Karam, a representative of TMA Australia Pty Ltd. and TMA Group Philippines, filed criminal and administrative complaints against former PCSO Chairman Margarita Juico and former director Aleta Tolentino.

In the 12-page complaint, Karam said TMA Australia entered into a contractual joint venture agreement with PCSO in December 2009 for the production and marketing of thermal coated paper and other related products that the company sells to various lotto operators in several countries.

Under the contract, the PCSO should not enter into a similar supply contract with any other firm for its paper requirements.

After the deal went was reviewed and approved by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), he said TMA Australia registered its business and relocated its factory in the Philippines.

In July 2010, Karam said Juico took over PCSO and with the help of Tolentino disregarded agreement and even issued a board resolution unilaterally freezing its implementation.

TMA Australia instituted a complaint for specific performance against PCSO before a Makati City court, which issued a 20-day restraining order.

Summer slide. A young woman tries out the 1,000-foot water slide at Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Sunday. The slide is reputed to be the first of its kind in the country. DANNY PATA

‘Power rates can be cut’

By Rio N. Araja and Sandy Araneta

Power rates can be reduced by 20 percent immediately by aggregating demand and a system of competitive and transparent power supply contracting, according to a University of the Philippines professor.

Prof. Rowaldo del Mundo of UP’s electrical and electronics engineering Institute said in a study thaqt power rates in the Philippines, which are already the highest in the region, can be brought down by ensuring security of supply.

“The Philippines has the highest power rates in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but these can be reduced by up to 20 percent by ensuring security of supply,” he said.

Del Mundo, who worked with different electric cooperatives in Mindanao and Central Luzon, said that by aggregating

their power demands, distribution utilities such as electric cooperatives were able to attain the necessary economies of scale and obtain cheaper power.

“Security of supply can be achieved by organizing competitive procurement processes and designing properly the power supply contracts of DUs,” he added.

In his study, Del Mundo examined the country’s power rates in the context of five factors – taxes, subsidies, fuel mix, privatization and the electricity market.

The reduction of taxes in the power industry cannot be translated in huge reduction in power rates, “contrary to popular perception,” he said.

“If [power] taxes in the Philippines are reduced to the level of taxes in Asean countries, only [a] 2 percent or 3 percent [reduction] can be achieved,” he said.

And even if the other Asean countries remove their subsidies, power rates in the Philippines will still be 30 percent higher, he said.

“Moreover, compared with Singapore, which also does not subsidize its energy sector, even if we use the same fuel mix, Philippine tariffs will still be higher by P2 per kilowatt,” he added.

According to Del Mundo’s study, privatization could only lead to a power rate hike since the new owner would have to get back the costs of acquisition of the existing power plant.

“To attain the largest reduction, the focus of policies must be on the electricity market and the security of supply,” he said.

A mandatory public bidding by DUs in the procurement of power supply is one of Del Mundo’s recommendations. he said the government must encourage the private sector to build more power plants, and long-term forward contracts must be awarded for the operation of new power plants and only short-term contracts to existing ones.

The government must also have the power to step in and act when power producers fail to procure power according to schedule, he noted.

“SThe energy Regulatory Commission should take a more proactive role in evaluating and approving power supply contracts for captive consumers of DUs. hence, if a contract submitted by a DU is negotiated instead of resulting from a public bidding, the eRC should subject the contract to a ‘Swiss challenge,’” he said.

Ban Smartmatic, group tells Comelec

By Rey E. Requejo The Commission on elections has no other option but to perpetually disqualify technology provider Smartmatic-Total Information Managament if it wants to conduct credible and honest elections next year, a poll watchdog group said Sunday.

The Citizens for Clean and Credible elections said it will again ask the Comelec to blacklist Smartmatic from any election-related activity in the Philippines on the basis of its recent disqualification by a poll body bidding committee and by the Supreme Court.

C3e co-convenor Alain Pascua said the Comelec under its new Chairman Andres Bautista would consider the group’s appeal to blacklist Smartmatic.

“We are optimistic in the open-

ness shown by Chairman Bautista, and we hope that he finds merit in our cause. Smartmatic should not be allowed to participate any further, given its numerous violations, deficiencies, and sins of omission,” Pascua said in a statement.

The Comelec Bids and Awards Committee last week finally disqualified Smartmatic from its bid to bag the P2.5 billion contract for the lease of 23,000 Optical Mark Reader machines which will be used in next year’s elections.

The BAC announced Smartmatic’s disqualification following a post-qualification evaluation conducted by the Special Technical Working Group.

The working group recommended the disqualification of Comelec for its failure to submit valid articles of incorporation and after its test unit failed to meet the

requirement that the system shall have at least two storage devices, and shall be capable of writing all data simultaneously.

Last month, the Supreme Court also struck down a P268.8 million contract entered into by the Comelec and Smartmatic for being illegal.

The SC ruled that the Comelec failed to justify its resort to direct contracting with SmartmaticTIM under the Government Procurement Reform Act .

Bishop emeritus Oscar Cruz also said the people can look forward to an honest election next year with the exclusion of Smartmatic in the political exercise.

“I am happy to note that Smartmatic is practically out of the way for 2016 elections. We might have good and honest 2016 elections if there is no Smartmatic,” Cruz said in an interview over the weekend.

Pigs on parade. A float carrying roast pigs (lechon) joins the annual La Loma Lechon Festival in Quezon City on Sunday. La Loma district, famous for its lechon stores, hosts the annual parade of roasted pigs dressed up in colorful costumes. EY ACASIO

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Brace for the big one, volcanologists warn

By Sandy Araneta

MALACAÑANG said that state agencies including the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council are now conducting information campaign on the possibility of a “mega earthquake” occuring in the Philippines.

As this developed, the Metro Manila Development Authority urged local government units to inspect at random school dormitories and determine if these comply with safety rules and standards.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Phivolcs and the NDRRMC are

taking the lead in the earthquake information drive.

In several different communties, the local disaster risk reduction and management council is also performing its duties, Coloma said.

“In Muntinlupa, since the West Valley fault may be affected, there has been educational and awareness campaign with the residents, and the communities are working on measures that can be implemented. We all help out in spreading information and strengthen our readiness against earthquakes and other natural disasters. This is part of our duties as good citizens of our republic,” said Coloma.

PHIVOLCS said residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces should prepare for a “mega earthquake” that could destroy major infrastructure and kill thousands of people.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum reiterated the warning because the West Valley Fault traversing across Metro Manila could be hit by a powerful quake.

He said that the fault usually moves every 400 to 600 years, and that the last time a strong

quake occurred was in 1658 or 357 years ago.

Solidum issued the statement following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal last month. More than 8,000 died in the incident, with thousands left injured and homeless.

Last year, a joint study conducted by local agencies and the Australian government showed that a magnitude 7.2-earthquake in the West Valley Fault could kill 37,054 people and cause P2.4 trillion in damage.

The results were “very statistically similar” with the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study undertaken by Phivolcs, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2004, Solidum said.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, for his part, called on LGUs and Bureau of Fire Protection officials to ensure that fire exits, fire alarms and other safety equipment are functioning.

Taking advantage of the summer vacation to correct any deficiency will go a long way to keep the students’ out of harm’s way, Tolentino said.

Bomb factory. Filipino soldiers display various types of improvised explosive devices with related materials and ‘shahada’ banners similar to those used

by ISIS at a village in Mohammad Ajul town, Basilan in f Mindanao on May 16, 2015 after state troops raided the bomb factory on May 14. Three Muslim militants and a soldier were killed on May 14 when the troops raided a bomb factory of an Al-Qaeda-linked group, a military official said. AFP

Solon sets work terms for expats TRAINING and transfer of skills and technology from foreign workers to their local counterparts should be made mandatory as part of the terms of their employment, detained Senator Jose Estrada said.

This was contained in his proposed measure, Senate Bill 2760, he filed early last week, which sought to improve regulation, monitoring and compliance mechanisms for foreign nationals.

His proposal was part of the Department of Labor and Employment’s priority legislative measures for the current Congress.

“It is our position that Filipino manpower should always be given priority in employment, and that in no way should the foreign workers take over job vacancies when

there are capable and available the non-availability of a qualFilipino workers around,” Es- ified, able and willing person in the Philippines to do the trada said in a statement.

“Through continuous train- services for which the foreign ing and knowledge transfer national is being hired.

He said this will be the from their foreign counterparts, we wish to plug those basis for the issuance of ememployment gaps or skills ployment permit for the forshortage which eventually eign worker. MACON RAMOSshould be occupied by our lo- ARANETA cal workers,” he added.

He cited the need to enhance talent pool to develop and strengthen certain industries which calls for P16M entry of foreign workers with specific capacities.

DIGITS Foreign workers who wish to enter the country for employment EZ2 must go through a Labor Market Test, an instrument to determine

LOTTO RESULTS

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A5 Santiago gets tough over fire hazards

By Macon Araneta SENATOR Miriam Defensor-Santiago wants more “scary” laws by adding teeth to the Fire and Building codes to reduce the incidences of fire and related mishaps that kill people and destroy property.

In the aftermath of the public outrage over the Valenzuela fire in which 72 persons, mostly factory workers, were confirmed killed, Santiago pushed for the approval of her proposed measure that would make building owners criminally liable for failure to comply with safety laws.

Santiago filed Senate Bill No. 2530 in December 2014 that seeks to hold owners or lessors of residential or commercial building responsible for death, injury, and/or loss of property resulting from fire.

“Disasters such as the one in Valenzuela are unacceptable when we have laws that are supposed to minimize fire hazards and rule out fire traps. The only explanation is that these laws are not feared,” said Santiago.

Under Santiago’s proposal, owners or lessors may face life imprisonment if fire incidents in their residential or commercial buildings result in death.

They will also be required to indemnify victims’ families P1 million each.

Building owners or lessors will also be required to pay victims who suffer injuries or losses from fire P500,000 plus the equivalent of one year’s expected salary each if the victims suffer serious physical injuries; If the victims suffer less than serious or slight physical injuries, they will be made to pay P200,000 to P300,000 plus the equivalent of six months of expected salary.

Chicken feathers are

washed and hung to dry by a worker in Antipolo City prior to delivery for commercial purpose.

The feather fiber is used as diaperabsorbent, beauty product and other purposes. MANNY PALMERO

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Lina eyeing AFP facility to decongest Manila ports MalaCaÑang on Sunday urged the Bureau of Customs to discuss with the Cabinet Cluster on Port Congestion the proposal to use the warehouse of the armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp aguinaldo, Quezon City, as a means to solve the congestion at Manila’s ports. “they (BoC) can propose to the Cabinet task force headed by Cabinet Secretary Jose rene almendras in order that agencies concerned can tackle this matter,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said on state-run radio.

Coloma was replying to questions about the container vans which caused port congestion in Manila.

Customs requested the aFP to allow the use of one of the military warehouses in Camp aguinaldo to determine if all the goods seized by the agency over the years could still be accounted for or were lost due to pilferage.

Customs chief alberto lina wants the aFP leadership to transfer the goods from a warehouse to one of the big storage buildings in the logistics Command in Camp aguinaldo, Quezon City. lina, owner and chairman of the board of the lina group of companies, heads 18 companies, six of which offer logistics services with direct dealings with the BoC. lina said he will divest from all of these companies, including those that have nothing to do with logistics. among the lina companies are: U-Freight Philippines, Cargohaus Inc., 2100 Customs Brokers Inc, air21, lgC logistics, and e-Konek.

Sandy Araneta

Unclogging Pasig. A maintenance man removes water hyacinth from the polluted and clogged Pasig River, one of the major rivers in the Philippines.

MANNY PALMERO

Hagedorn counters Ombudsman findings “I dId not hide anything. I am not a lawbreaker.” that was the curt reply of former Puerto Princesa City mayor edward Hagedorn to the ombudsman that found him liable for alleged graft and perjury in the filing of his statement of assets and liabilities.

Hagedorn expressed confidence he would be able to prove his innocence against an alleged finding by the ombudsman that he should be indicted for graft and perjury and violation of ra 6713 for allegedly not declaring all his properties in his ‘Statement of assets liabilitiesand networth (Saln) covering the years 2004 to 2012.

Hagedorn said he would be filing a motion for reconsideration with the ombudsman as he pointed out that “he is yet to re-

ceive a copy of the ombudsman’s findings and yet it has already been widely reported in the media beginning with the ombudsman’s official website.” “ I was not given a chance to air my side,” the popular and highly respected former mayor said.

Hagedorn said that when he checked with the Sandiganbayan where the charges against him were supposed to have been filed, the court said it has also not received the supposed indictment against him that was allegedly reported out by the ombudsman last May 12.

“It is possible that the (ombudsman) investigators might have overlooked the details of my previous replies on this issue that is why I am filing an Mr,” he added.

according to the ombudsman’s press statement that was uploaded in its website on Wednesday, Hagedorn “failed” to declare his ownership of a total of 59 real estate properties and 49 vehicles. the ombudsman claimed that Hagedorn only declared his three residential properties while leaving out his agricultural and commercial properties. to disprove the ombudsman’s alleged findings, Hagedorn presented to the media the details of his Salns, as he lamented the fact that “if the investigators had only read and reviewed the entirety of the Salns he filed, they would see that ‘everything’ is listed there.”

“If only they perused the “annex” attached to my Salns, they would readily see that the total amount of P102,534,437.21 for the commercial/agricultural properties they claimed I failed to de-

clare, is exactly the same amount appearing in the annex that also detailed all my properties,” Hagedorn said.

“In other words, I did not hide anything. I am not a lawbreaker,” Hagedorn said. as for the “luxurious vehicles” that he allegedly failed to declare, Hagedorn said these include a used 1992 BMW that he bought in 2004 or 12 years later and, a secondhand 1997 ‘Volvo’ that he bought two years ago. “the used 1992 BMW is a 23 year old car while the second hand 1997 Volvo is an 18 year old sedan that do not have any book at all. Clearly these two items are not valid issues at all, “ he added.

Hagedorn also expressed confidence that he would be able to disprove the allegations against him “at the proper forum and under a fair and impartial court,”

Senator wary of Aquino’s action on Canadian waste

By Macon Araneta Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Sunday raised alarm the aquino government was willing to accept that “we are an international trash bin out of fear of ruffling Canada’s feathers.”

Santiago issued the statement in the wake of President aquino’s pronouncement that there is no need to return the 50 container vans of hazardous waste from Canada now sitting in Philippine ports. aquino said the government, through the Bureau of Customs, is seriously pursuing charges against the importer and customs agent who allowed the entry of the waste.

But Santiago insisted that the issue here goes beyond waste management as

it threatens Philippine sovereignty.

She has filed a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the government should cite an international agreement to force Canada to take back mountains of garbage illegally exported into Philippine soil.

In Senate resolution no. 1341, Santiago, chair of the Senate committee on foreign relations, said that under the Basel Convention, Canada is responsible for dumping its garbage into Philippine soil. officials from the executive have earlier ruled out negotiations to cause the return of the illegal shipment to Canada. a multi-agency task force has also allegedly agreed to locally process the waste which includes used adult diapers.

Avian visitors. Migratory birds flock to a farmland in Bulacan while a farmer plows the field, unearthing worms and insects that are fodder for the avian visitors. MANNY PALMERO

M ONday: May 18, 2015

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

A7

Kin of Australian killed in Galera seek help from government

By Robert A. Evora PUERTO GALERA, Oriental Mindoro—The relatives of a 52-year Australian national who was murdered in a beach resort here recently have sought the assistance of the Philippine government for the arrest of the suspects in the slaying.

Clayton West, an underwater videographer, was bludgeoned to death on his way home on board his electric bike by unidentified assailants at 1:30 a.m. on April 22 in sitio Kabilang Gulod, Bgy. Palangan, this resort town.

West, who has lived in Puerto Galera resident for 18 years, was returning home to Bgy. Palangan after spending the evening in nearby Bgy. Sabang, when he was brutally killed. The victim suffered two wounds at the back of his head.

He is survived by his Filipina wife and two children, ages 6 and 3.

The Puerto Galera police station has yet to come up with a progress or investigation report on the murder of West since his slaying.

Police Chief Marlon Cabatana said the “investigation is still ongoing as of today as there is no autopsy report yet.”

The autopsy report will come from the PNP crime laboratory based at Camp Crame, national headquarters of the Philippine Natioanl Police in Quezon City, he said.

“We will inform you if there is a development in the case,” Cabatana told The Standard.

Puerto Galera Mayor Hubbert Christopher Dolor said the “municipal police station is really doing their best to follow whatever leads they have right now. The family (West) can be assured that justice will be served in due time.”

Rudy West, a brother-in-law of the slain videographer, said the family of Clayton in Australia has offered a cash reward of US$5,000 leading to the arrest and conviction of the killers.

Sea and sky. Foreigners relax on the beach of Bantayan Island,. It is just recovering from the devastation brought by typhoon Yolanda.

RALPH PIEZAS

‘Baguio City lacks citizen participation in planning’

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY —An urban planner said the primary defect in the city’s overall development is the absence of real citizen participation, adding that consultations in the city are held merely so that the people can listen to proposals, instead of their ideas and concerns on the development of the city being heard.

RG Chan and Associates founder, architect Rafael Chan, said this has caused sporadic development in stra-

tegic areas of the summer capital.

Chan defined “real citizen participation” as the harmonious working relationship between the government and the private sector that should be backed up with visionary individuals in order to put in place the desired state of development in the city.

The architect was the special guest of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association – Baguio-Benguet Chapter in its monthly business meeting last week at the Palazo d BLISS Café and Restaurant along Military Cut-off Road.

He explained that the city government had been able to achieve its desired development, but only partially. It had failed in achieving Gov. Cameron Forbes’ vision of being a city on a hill.

Chan added that the failure of the city government to adopt and update its comprehen-

sive land use plan (CLUP) will translate to chaotic development in the city, aggravated by tremendous traffic problems and a dissatisfied population.

The land use plan is the blueprint of the supposed regulated development in the different parts of the city to prevent the possible occurrence of chaotic development that would bring the city to nowhere,” Chan stressed.

The president of Creba’s Baguio-Benguet chapter, engineer Mario Alzona, Jr., said they had already submitted to the city council a resolution calling for the organization of a Baguio City Development Authority. This body will be composed of non-politicians with background on urban planning in order to craft the overall development master plan of the city “It seems no significant action has been made by our local officials on the important suggestion that we had made,” Alzona added.

Convicted Czech rapist arrested in Siargao Island

By Alvin T. Guanzon BUTUAN CITY—A sect leader who had set up a convent for women in the Czech Republic and who had been found guilty of multiple rape by Czech courts was arrested on Friday in Dapa, Surigao del Norte by representatives of the Immigration Office Manila, Surigao del Norte Intelligence Police Unit and Provincial Public Safety Company based in Siargao Island.

Dobes Jaroslav, 44, who went by the aliases “Guru Jara,” “Om,” and “Uber Alpha Male,” had been convicted of raping at least eight women in his home country between 2004 and 2005.

Siargao Island residents, however, said he had been going in and out of the Philippines since 2005, despite an ex-

isting deportation order issued on the same year.

Also found guilty was Dobes’ assistant Barbora Plaskova, 40, who had helped him with all his activities. She was sentenced to nine and a half years in prison.

Dobes and Plsakova were represented in the Czech courts by their lawyers because they were allegedly in Thailand. Only Dobes, however, was arrested in the Philippines.

In a report from British newspaper The Daily Mail, Czech prosecutor Yvetta Eichlerova said Dobes had sexual intercourse with as many as 350 of his female clients. He allegedly also gave seminars and held conferences across the Czech Republic teaching yoga, astrology, feng shui and tantra.

High value. Farmers in Balaoan, La Union harvest tobacco leaves for which the Ilocos region is known for. DAVID CHAN

AY: :AM AY T H UMROSNDDAY PR I L 1283, , 22001155

A8 A8

opinion OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion OPINION

If they HAS OUR really COMMISSION want to ON HUMAN help RIGHTS MADE A DIFFERENCE?

FUNDAMENTAL ISSUE

WHEtHER it is true or not, it is alarming to hear Senator grace Poe say that she will seek the guidance of President Benigno Aquino III on whatever role she might find herself playing in the 2016 elections. Her statement comes days after the President met TALK about leaving a legacy with the neophyte senator to seeupon if she retirement. would be willing to seek higher office next year Former Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. certainly under his Liberal Party banner. left a problem at the agency. Shortly before he stepped down, Brillantes led “I believe in his vision for our country even before I was elected into office. He has the commission in approving a P268.8-million deal with Smartmatic for the persevered withofhis even through manyoptical challenges, said a visibly flattered refurbishment thevision 80,000 precinct count scan”machines it had first Poe, heaping praise on a leader who singlehandedly acquired fromfulsome the same company for use in has the 2010 elections.undermined the democratic institutions so crucialtotobeour freedoms.

The PCOS machinesthat areare supposed repaired and upgraded in time for theFor May national the2016 sake of Senator polls.

Poe and other Filipinos who are still taken in by Mr. Aquino’s The ways, Supreme however shotthis down the deal contained in Comelec folksy here Court is a reminder of what President hasas done.

Resolution 9922 and the Extended Warranty Contract Program because He has used Congress, government agencies, constitutional bodies, and 1, public funds the poll agency failed to justify its resort to direct contracting. as tools to persecute his political opponents, while sparing allies from official scrutiny.

Petitioners of the case argued that the Comelec committed grave abuse have seenintime and againthe howdeal, this President usedanomalous the Bureau of Internal Revenue of We discretion approving which was and scandalous. to harass associated with the to opposition; bribed his way through Congress They alsoindividuals said the poll body seemed be rushing to tap Smartmatic for the to impeach a troublesome Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; and used the Justice contract.

The Comelec now is entertaining several options onopposed how tohim. prepare for the Department to put behind bars only those politicians that elections given Supreme Court’s decision. could outthis thehappening refurbish-in Is Senator Poe the so blinded by stars in her eyes thatItshe does bid not see ment of the 82,000 – it says there is still time because the process is supposed her own home, the Senate? under her very nose, huge resources are being squandered to last only five months. on endless hearings by the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee–more than 20 to date— Another option is to use new machines altogether – 23,000 of them – which whose purpose to demolish the administration’s main though, opponentmany in thepre2016 are nowsole still in theisbidding process.

Under this set-up, elections, Viceshare President Jejomar Binay. The Comelec spokesman has said this cincts would a single machine.

Is thisslow trulydown the vision PoeYet has?another Does shescheme want a bureaucracy thattransportis malleable would the Senator counting would entail ing ballots from a group ofChief precincts to a designated voting center. A manual to the political whims of the Executive? scenario be stand whenfor voting is manual or doeswould she really something better? with automated transmission of votes.

An extreme scenario is having no elections all, iswhich some doomPoe says Mr. Aquino has “persevered” with his vision;atthis an unfortunate word sayers have mentioned to spook the people. that suggests the President overcame vast challenges to bring us to where we are today.

The poll body assures us it has enough time to put in place any of these alBut the truth that Mr. as Aquino did not try very hard—he simply used the ternatives, justis as soon it obtains thehave finaltodecision of the Supreme Court. state is machinery to bulldoze who stood in his path, andover at one point defied the This reassuring for now,allgiven that we have little the yeareven before citiSupreme Court to polling get his way.

The only challenges Mr.next Aquino’s way were zens troop to the centers again.

We willthat see,came in the few months, whether Comelecbycan be as it sounds. either presented nature orconfident by his ownasincompetence—including his reliance on It is easy to get swept upoutinto the election frenzy, which is expected friends and allies who turned to be corrupt and inefficient managers.

In all this,toit intensify as October, the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy, is we, the public, that suffered most. nears. There is bound to be another circus as the campaign season begins.

Senator Poe, who presents herself as an alternative to traditional politicians, Through all this, we should remember that more fundamental than who will needs a better role model. theor adviser she has identified reeksintensity of hubris and get elected is how they will win, lose. With equal interest and as we demagoguery that and she local must races, disavow if she is tothat retain any shred of credibility watch the national let us ensure the manner in which votes among thinking voters. are cast, counted and canvassed will truly reflect the people’s will.

QUESTIONS

LOWDOWN

JOJO A. pensées ROBLES fr. rAnhiliO cAllAngAn IT’S practically inevitable: All Presidents AquinO since 1986 have experienced drops in Not too long ago, popularity as the endthe of known their havensapproaches. of money-launderers terms The curwereChief someExecutive of the most rent is glorious no exand poshtoplaces to be in on earth! ception this phenomenon.

Forthen instance, the wildly And the international compopular Cory Aquino, upon munity started to see red flags her assumption to archipelago. the highfluttering over our est theSilanganan land, could The office Perlasinng was get awayred! withour declaring a flashing Legislature revolutionary government

to basically do whatever she wanted. Nearing the end of her reign, Cory was tumultuous prevailed upon to pass the could not even summon up original anti-money laundering a fraction of the early crowds act, R.A. 9160. But its proviof supporters that were a sions, particularly on “covered hallmark of her rallies when transactions”— those that would she took on the task of calltrigger inquiry and more ing for the extension of intense lease snooping—were seen to be in far of the US military bases too lax. two more amendments the Philippines – a job that weregovernment to follow: R.A. 9194 and her miserably R.A.10365. originally, failed to accomplish. the immensely Anti-Money Cory’s powerful successors, for Laundering Council (AMLC) various reasons, suffered the had the power to freeze deposits same fate.

Fidel Ramos was and accounts be rehobbled by suspected the first toAsian currency crisis, which wiped lated to unlawful activity.

It was out the economic gains that

I see no reason

i amhad not for keeping his term ushered in. criminal activity under why Aquino’s Joseph Estrada, while he wraps, but i have no failed to complete his term, numbers would liking for from voyeurism quickly turned a popuimprove in the either, whether this lar populist leader upon his election a bad parody of be byinto psychopaths or coming days. himself, until sycophants. he was ousted political for his alleged involvement in the illegal numbers game of jueteng, among other sins.

And Gloria Macapagal Arhowever rightly thought that royo was helpless to reverse this was giving an administrative the perception of her term inordinate power over asagency corruption-riddled, which people’s rights, and so under caused her survey numbersthe AMLC tocurrent dip intoamendments, negative territory. must apply with the Court of ApPresident Noynoy Aquinopeals seems be suffering for ato freeze order thatthe is issame fate of his predeces- he could deliver everything

A9 A9

pAsTOr ApOllO ATTY. HARRY quibOlOy ROQUE JR.

A MORE An Awful Adviser

INTRIGUING DECLINE INEVITABLE

ed TO ED I Ti O Rr

VIEW FROM plumbline MALCOM

EDITORI TORIAALL ]] [[ EDI

sued ex parte, without having to listen to the other side. Such an order has currency for not more than six months and within that period, the AMLC should bring an action for civil forfeiture of the frozen assets. The lavanderos or lavanderas can also be indicted for at least two criminal offenses: money-laundering and any of the crimes predicate to money laundering.

Its vast powers notwithstanding, the AMLC has absolutely no sors, for yet another authority prying into reason deposits entirely.

The second Aquiand accounts with stock brono has been stuck with the kers. The constitutional guar“noynoying” tag, which has antee of privacy will not be so led to the widespread belief easily trumped. When it applies that he has done nothing of for a freeze order, does so on significance after itunreasonthe basis of the report that the ably raising expectations that

ADELLECHUA chuA ADELLE

law good requires covered to institufrom governance bations such as banks, investment sic infrastructure as he enters houses, brokerage the sixthstock and last year offirms, his insurance companies to make of term. course, likeconsidered other PresiallOftransactions eidents before him, Aquino is ther “covered” (those exceeding fighting the thousand waning pesos of hison five hundred once-stratospheric popuone transaction day, whether the larity with everything that gods favored you at Lotto or not!) he’s And like as those who andgot. those classed suspicious went before him, he seems (as when a taxi-driver makes a doomed to three fail. hundred thoudeposit of Aquino’s for resistsand pesos)! reason And when it is aping the decline has to dodeposwith prised of suspicious bank ensuring that he stays out of its, it can do so only by order of a jail when he steps down. This competent court that has found is why he repeatedly declares probable cause that the deposits these days, when he attends are somehow related to moneyeven the most insignificant That is, to be sure, oflaundering. public functions, that he is a very fine balance between not a lame duck and thatbindhis ings itstohands and power makealtogether his chosen successor win in next year’s

granting it unbridled access to accounts elections remains undiminished. and deposits!

The reality, as survey after survey if AMLC applies for a freeze orhasSo, shown, is that Aquino is just der for deposits, assets and instruments barely keeping his head above the that have long beenacceptability in the places where waters of negative and it found them, onethere wonders: Why only popularity.

And is nothing now? is onitthe agenda?

This will that heWhat can do, seems, to reverse nottrend. vitiate the steps AMLC has taken the but in the very provoke us It itisshould significant thatleast Malacanang all intotoasking an instrumentalseems havewhether abandoned the stratity of pretending government to charged egy ignorewith thebeing results of the watchful for surveys criminal which activity show has in an fact irreversible decline in his popularbeen conscripted into the service of beity. once palace shruggedA ingWhere watchful for the political opponents.

Standard TODAY Manila

precept of judicial ethics applies with off survey data with dismissive equal rigor about to thejust AMLC: It must to not statements continuing only be fair.

It must be perceived to do the work of governance, Com-be fair! And the Secretary perception should at all munications Herminio times be now avoided thatthat the “there AMLC has Coloma says is lenses that allow only across the significant roomit to forseeimprovement political and... [a]divide. need to continually ascerwhatofare confidentiality tainExactly the needs ourthe people. ” provisions? under hell-bent the latest What Aquino seems on reincarnation of the making law, R.A.public 10365 doing is to continue the covered to institutions, appearances prove thattheir he isofficers still working, much are in control andto and theirvery employees bound not the possessor of game-changing en- a disclose that their institution has filed dorsement powers.

If subsequent report with the AMLC, and for obvious

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reasons, the law also makes it a crime to surveys show that Aquino’s poll publish such report whether through numbers are acontinuing to plumb traditional media or even through new, unfamiliar depths despitesocial his networking (the law “electronic efforts, I expect the says: campaign to mail or intensify. similar devices”). The purpose further needs has the same Thereno isbelaboring. no otherIt option for purpose really. as theButprohibition against Aquino, history and the disclosures ofofanthe application a search “stickiness” popularforpercepwarrant.

Court of Appeals tion that heBut is athe failure as President churns outhim. several writs and orders are against I see no reason why Aquino’s numand decisions everyday.

The fact that bers improve in the the court coming this would particular order of was singled out for dissemination, fed to all Continued Continuedon onA10 A10

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

DuRINg last month’s graduation season, I saw a photo of a young boy whom I initially thought was donning a Captain America costume, as he seemed to be clutching the comic hero’s shield. turned out that what was hanging like a HANOI, Vietnam—I am in the capital of gong from neck wasperson a medal Vietnam as his a resource in which a semi-he got for topping his fifth grade class. nar on “National Human Rights ComBeside Experiences him in thatfrom groupie were his missions: the Region” sponsored Konrad ribbons, Adenaer Stifclassmates,byallthesporting more tung. accepted the Korean invitation because of than Iwhat a North general would anormally long desire to evaluate the affectivity of display on his chest. our own Commission of Human Rights And if you’re a typical Pinoy with since its establishment through the 1987 multiple social accounts, you would Constitution 28 media years ago.

This invitation have gave also me noticed snapshotsto of this finally to thethe opportunity finalgeneration rolling out of your lybemedalled conduct this long-delayed study.

The starting point has to be the very newsfeed. high of theI people the Myexpectations curiosity piqued, quizzedthat a public CHR will help on promote protect school teacher why it and seemed that hueven man rights in the country when they kindergarten kids Constitution now end the schoolyear created it in the itself. Its looking they’ve beenMary giftwrapped first head,likeChairperson Bautista,in ribbonsbeand festooned medals. the should credited for with safeguarding independence of the constitutional She explained that politicos – body from from politicalcaptains interference.

Congress–then barangays to senators had took the appointment of the and acquired the habit of massChair donating the Commissioners of the Commission medals to schools which the latter have no should be submitted for conformation to accept. on Appointments. tochoice the but Commission The catch of Supreme course isCourt that ruled these Rightfully so, the lacquerized tansans bear the of the that Chairperson Bautista andname her commissioners were not among donor, reflectorized for goodthose so itpublic can be officers whose appointments needed conread from a distance. firmation by Congress.

This insulated the It doesn’t matter though that the mayor chair and members of the Commission who political had pompously named a medal for from interference. academic excellence after himself has The Constitution enumerates the powa lower IQ than the grade 4 student ers of the Commission. These include theto power the power to issue whomto theinvestigate, medal has been awarded. summons, cite in contempt and power A congressman who has attached to his ask assistance from any branch governname to a leadership awardofshows no ment. Here, we have a serious obstacle in traces of that trait whatsoever.

Name recall the task of evaluating the performance of is the game. the Commission.

For while the courts and politicos may of the theAnd DOJ with whosemany performance be realm, measured in terms case disposal and/ or its it comes as noofwonder that graduates are conviction CHR cansome only investigarlanded rate, withthemedals, coming gate butpersons has no power prosecute. from who intothe first place are In the case of Carino vs. Commission of handicapped from conferring honors.

Human Rights, the Supreme Court defined joining are alumniinvesclasses the Sadly, full extent of the the fray Commissions’ who think that“The onefunction way of of giving back tigative powers: receiving to their and school is buying therefrom a 100-pesothe tin evidence ascertaining facts of a from controversy is notand a judicial funcmedal Divisoria dispatching tion, speaking. be their considered one properly of their own to pin To it on chosen such, the faculty of receiving evidence and beneficiary. making factual conclusions in a controverto raise their visibility, who rely sy must be accompanied bythose the authority votes to in those officefactual have concluto make ofonapplying thestay law to “epal”. can more. sions toBut thealumni end that thedocontroversy may be decided or determined authoritatively, If they really want to donate something finally andthen definitively, such apmetallic, it bettersubject be nottosomething peals or modes of review as may be prothat is wafer-thin , but probably something vided by law. This function, to repeat, the heavier – anddoes helpful like”fans, computers Commission not –have. orItscience lab equipment. is this lack of prosecutorial powers After all, if one attributes his success Continued Continuedon onA11 A11

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

AY: :AM AY T H UMROSNDDAY PR I L 1283, , 22001155

A8 A8

opinion OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion OPINION

If they HAS OUR really COMMISSION want to ON HUMAN help RIGHTS MADE A DIFFERENCE?

FUNDAMENTAL ISSUE

WHEtHER it is true or not, it is alarming to hear Senator grace Poe say that she will seek the guidance of President Benigno Aquino III on whatever role she might find herself playing in the 2016 elections. Her statement comes days after the President met TALK about leaving a legacy with the neophyte senator to seeupon if she retirement. would be willing to seek higher office next year Former Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. certainly under his Liberal Party banner. left a problem at the agency. Shortly before he stepped down, Brillantes led “I believe in his vision for our country even before I was elected into office. He has the commission in approving a P268.8-million deal with Smartmatic for the persevered withofhis even through manyoptical challenges, said a visibly flattered refurbishment thevision 80,000 precinct count scan”machines it had first Poe, heaping praise on a leader who singlehandedly acquired fromfulsome the same company for use in has the 2010 elections.undermined the democratic institutions so crucialtotobeour freedoms.

The PCOS machinesthat areare supposed repaired and upgraded in time for theFor May national the2016 sake of Senator polls.

Poe and other Filipinos who are still taken in by Mr. Aquino’s The ways, Supreme however shotthis down the deal contained in Comelec folksy here Court is a reminder of what President hasas done.

Resolution 9922 and the Extended Warranty Contract Program because He has used Congress, government agencies, constitutional bodies, and 1, public funds the poll agency failed to justify its resort to direct contracting. as tools to persecute his political opponents, while sparing allies from official scrutiny.

Petitioners of the case argued that the Comelec committed grave abuse have seenintime and againthe howdeal, this President usedanomalous the Bureau of Internal Revenue of We discretion approving which was and scandalous. to harass associated with the to opposition; bribed his way through Congress They alsoindividuals said the poll body seemed be rushing to tap Smartmatic for the to impeach a troublesome Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; and used the Justice contract.

The Comelec now is entertaining several options onopposed how tohim. prepare for the Department to put behind bars only those politicians that elections given Supreme Court’s decision. could outthis thehappening refurbish-in Is Senator Poe the so blinded by stars in her eyes thatItshe does bid not see ment of the 82,000 – it says there is still time because the process is supposed her own home, the Senate? under her very nose, huge resources are being squandered to last only five months. on endless hearings by the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee–more than 20 to date— Another option is to use new machines altogether – 23,000 of them – which whose purpose to demolish the administration’s main though, opponentmany in thepre2016 are nowsole still in theisbidding process.

Under this set-up, elections, Viceshare President Jejomar Binay. The Comelec spokesman has said this cincts would a single machine.

Is thisslow trulydown the vision PoeYet has?another Does shescheme want a bureaucracy thattransportis malleable would the Senator counting would entail ing ballots from a group ofChief precincts to a designated voting center. A manual to the political whims of the Executive? scenario be stand whenfor voting is manual or doeswould she really something better? with automated transmission of votes.

An extreme scenario is having no elections all, iswhich some doomPoe says Mr. Aquino has “persevered” with his vision;atthis an unfortunate word sayers have mentioned to spook the people. that suggests the President overcame vast challenges to bring us to where we are today.

The poll body assures us it has enough time to put in place any of these alBut the truth that Mr. as Aquino did not try very hard—he simply used the ternatives, justis as soon it obtains thehave finaltodecision of the Supreme Court. state is machinery to bulldoze who stood in his path, andover at one point defied the This reassuring for now,allgiven that we have little the yeareven before citiSupreme Court to polling get his way.

The only challenges Mr.next Aquino’s way were zens troop to the centers again.

We willthat see,came in the few months, whether Comelecbycan be as it sounds. either presented nature orconfident by his ownasincompetence—including his reliance on It is easy to get swept upoutinto the election frenzy, which is expected friends and allies who turned to be corrupt and inefficient managers.

In all this,toit intensify as October, the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy, is we, the public, that suffered most. nears. There is bound to be another circus as the campaign season begins.

Senator Poe, who presents herself as an alternative to traditional politicians, Through all this, we should remember that more fundamental than who will needs a better role model. theor adviser she has identified reeksintensity of hubris and get elected is how they will win, lose. With equal interest and as we demagoguery that and she local must races, disavow if she is tothat retain any shred of credibility watch the national let us ensure the manner in which votes among thinking voters. are cast, counted and canvassed will truly reflect the people’s will.

QUESTIONS

LOWDOWN

JOJO A. pensées ROBLES fr. rAnhiliO cAllAngAn IT’S practically inevitable: All Presidents AquinO since 1986 have experienced drops in Not too long ago, popularity as the endthe of known their havensapproaches. of money-launderers terms The curwereChief someExecutive of the most rent is glorious no exand poshtoplaces to be in on earth! ception this phenomenon.

Forthen instance, the wildly And the international compopular Cory Aquino, upon munity started to see red flags her assumption to archipelago. the highfluttering over our est theSilanganan land, could The office Perlasinng was get awayred! withour declaring a flashing Legislature revolutionary government

to basically do whatever she wanted. Nearing the end of her reign, Cory was tumultuous prevailed upon to pass the could not even summon up original anti-money laundering a fraction of the early crowds act, R.A. 9160. But its proviof supporters that were a sions, particularly on “covered hallmark of her rallies when transactions”— those that would she took on the task of calltrigger inquiry and more ing for the extension of intense lease snooping—were seen to be in far of the US military bases too lax. two more amendments the Philippines – a job that weregovernment to follow: R.A. 9194 and her miserably R.A.10365. originally, failed to accomplish. the immensely Anti-Money Cory’s powerful successors, for Laundering Council (AMLC) various reasons, suffered the had the power to freeze deposits same fate.

Fidel Ramos was and accounts be rehobbled by suspected the first toAsian currency crisis, which wiped lated to unlawful activity.

It was out the economic gains that

I see no reason

i amhad not for keeping his term ushered in. criminal activity under why Aquino’s Joseph Estrada, while he wraps, but i have no failed to complete his term, numbers would liking for from voyeurism quickly turned a popuimprove in the either, whether this lar populist leader upon his election a bad parody of be byinto psychopaths or coming days. himself, until sycophants. he was ousted political for his alleged involvement in the illegal numbers game of jueteng, among other sins.

And Gloria Macapagal Arhowever rightly thought that royo was helpless to reverse this was giving an administrative the perception of her term inordinate power over asagency corruption-riddled, which people’s rights, and so under caused her survey numbersthe AMLC tocurrent dip intoamendments, negative territory. must apply with the Court of ApPresident Noynoy Aquinopeals seems be suffering for ato freeze order thatthe is issame fate of his predeces- he could deliver everything

A9 A9

pAsTOr ApOllO ATTY. HARRY quibOlOy ROQUE JR.

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sued ex parte, without having to listen to the other side. Such an order has currency for not more than six months and within that period, the AMLC should bring an action for civil forfeiture of the frozen assets. The lavanderos or lavanderas can also be indicted for at least two criminal offenses: money-laundering and any of the crimes predicate to money laundering.

Its vast powers notwithstanding, the AMLC has absolutely no sors, for yet another authority prying into reason deposits entirely.

The second Aquiand accounts with stock brono has been stuck with the kers. The constitutional guar“noynoying” tag, which has antee of privacy will not be so led to the widespread belief easily trumped. When it applies that he has done nothing of for a freeze order, does so on significance after itunreasonthe basis of the report that the ably raising expectations that

ADELLECHUA chuA ADELLE

law good requires covered to institufrom governance bations such as banks, investment sic infrastructure as he enters houses, brokerage the sixthstock and last year offirms, his insurance companies to make of term. course, likeconsidered other PresiallOftransactions eidents before him, Aquino is ther “covered” (those exceeding fighting the thousand waning pesos of hison five hundred once-stratospheric popuone transaction day, whether the larity with everything that gods favored you at Lotto or not!) he’s And like as those who andgot. those classed suspicious went before him, he seems (as when a taxi-driver makes a doomed to three fail. hundred thoudeposit of Aquino’s for resistsand pesos)! reason And when it is aping the decline has to dodeposwith prised of suspicious bank ensuring that he stays out of its, it can do so only by order of a jail when he steps down. This competent court that has found is why he repeatedly declares probable cause that the deposits these days, when he attends are somehow related to moneyeven the most insignificant That is, to be sure, oflaundering. public functions, that he is a very fine balance between not a lame duck and thatbindhis ings itstohands and power makealtogether his chosen successor win in next year’s

granting it unbridled access to accounts elections remains undiminished. and deposits!

The reality, as survey after survey if AMLC applies for a freeze orhasSo, shown, is that Aquino is just der for deposits, assets and instruments barely keeping his head above the that have long beenacceptability in the places where waters of negative and it found them, onethere wonders: Why only popularity.

And is nothing now? is onitthe agenda?

This will that heWhat can do, seems, to reverse nottrend. vitiate the steps AMLC has taken the but in the very provoke us It itisshould significant thatleast Malacanang all intotoasking an instrumentalseems havewhether abandoned the stratity of pretending government to charged egy ignorewith thebeing results of the watchful for surveys criminal which activity show has in an fact irreversible decline in his popularbeen conscripted into the service of beity. once palace shruggedA ingWhere watchful for the political opponents.

Standard TODAY Manila

precept of judicial ethics applies with off survey data with dismissive equal rigor about to thejust AMLC: It must to not statements continuing only be fair.

It must be perceived to do the work of governance, Com-be fair! And the Secretary perception should at all munications Herminio times be now avoided thatthat the “there AMLC has Coloma says is lenses that allow only across the significant roomit to forseeimprovement political and... [a]divide. need to continually ascerwhatofare confidentiality tainExactly the needs ourthe people. ” provisions? under hell-bent the latest What Aquino seems on reincarnation of the making law, R.A.public 10365 doing is to continue the covered to institutions, appearances prove thattheir he isofficers still working, much are in control andto and theirvery employees bound not the possessor of game-changing en- a disclose that their institution has filed dorsement powers.

If subsequent report with the AMLC, and for obvious

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reasons, the law also makes it a crime to surveys show that Aquino’s poll publish such report whether through numbers are acontinuing to plumb traditional media or even through new, unfamiliar depths despitesocial his networking (the law “electronic efforts, I expect the says: campaign to mail or intensify. similar devices”). The purpose further needs has the same Thereno isbelaboring. no otherIt option for purpose really. as theButprohibition against Aquino, history and the disclosures ofofanthe application a search “stickiness” popularforpercepwarrant.

Court of Appeals tion that heBut is athe failure as President churns outhim. several writs and orders are against I see no reason why Aquino’s numand decisions everyday.

The fact that bers improve in the the court coming this would particular order of was singled out for dissemination, fed to all Continued Continuedon onA10 A10

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

DuRINg last month’s graduation season, I saw a photo of a young boy whom I initially thought was donning a Captain America costume, as he seemed to be clutching the comic hero’s shield. turned out that what was hanging like a HANOI, Vietnam—I am in the capital of gong from neck wasperson a medal Vietnam as his a resource in which a semi-he got for topping his fifth grade class. nar on “National Human Rights ComBeside Experiences him in thatfrom groupie were his missions: the Region” sponsored Konrad ribbons, Adenaer Stifclassmates,byallthesporting more tung. accepted the Korean invitation because of than Iwhat a North general would anormally long desire to evaluate the affectivity of display on his chest. our own Commission of Human Rights And if you’re a typical Pinoy with since its establishment through the 1987 multiple social accounts, you would Constitution 28 media years ago.

This invitation have gave also me noticed snapshotsto of this finally to thethe opportunity finalgeneration rolling out of your lybemedalled conduct this long-delayed study.

The starting point has to be the very newsfeed. high of theI people the Myexpectations curiosity piqued, quizzedthat a public CHR will help on promote protect school teacher why it and seemed that hueven man rights in the country when they kindergarten kids Constitution now end the schoolyear created it in the itself. Its looking they’ve beenMary giftwrapped first head,likeChairperson Bautista,in ribbonsbeand festooned medals. the should credited for with safeguarding independence of the constitutional She explained that politicos – body from from politicalcaptains interference.

Congress–then barangays to senators had took the appointment of the and acquired the habit of massChair donating the Commissioners of the Commission medals to schools which the latter have no should be submitted for conformation to accept. on Appointments. tochoice the but Commission The catch of Supreme course isCourt that ruled these Rightfully so, the lacquerized tansans bear the of the that Chairperson Bautista andname her commissioners were not among donor, reflectorized for goodthose so itpublic can be officers whose appointments needed conread from a distance. firmation by Congress.

This insulated the It doesn’t matter though that the mayor chair and members of the Commission who political had pompously named a medal for from interference. academic excellence after himself has The Constitution enumerates the powa lower IQ than the grade 4 student ers of the Commission. These include theto power the power to issue whomto theinvestigate, medal has been awarded. summons, cite in contempt and power A congressman who has attached to his ask assistance from any branch governname to a leadership awardofshows no ment. Here, we have a serious obstacle in traces of that trait whatsoever.

Name recall the task of evaluating the performance of is the game. the Commission.

For while the courts and politicos may of the theAnd DOJ with whosemany performance be realm, measured in terms case disposal and/ or its it comes as noofwonder that graduates are conviction CHR cansome only investigarlanded rate, withthemedals, coming gate butpersons has no power prosecute. from who intothe first place are In the case of Carino vs. Commission of handicapped from conferring honors.

Human Rights, the Supreme Court defined joining are alumniinvesclasses the Sadly, full extent of the the fray Commissions’ who think that“The onefunction way of of giving back tigative powers: receiving to their and school is buying therefrom a 100-pesothe tin evidence ascertaining facts of a from controversy is notand a judicial funcmedal Divisoria dispatching tion, speaking. be their considered one properly of their own to pin To it on chosen such, the faculty of receiving evidence and beneficiary. making factual conclusions in a controverto raise their visibility, who rely sy must be accompanied bythose the authority votes to in those officefactual have concluto make ofonapplying thestay law to “epal”. can more. sions toBut thealumni end that thedocontroversy may be decided or determined authoritatively, If they really want to donate something finally andthen definitively, such apmetallic, it bettersubject be nottosomething peals or modes of review as may be prothat is wafer-thin , but probably something vided by law. This function, to repeat, the heavier – anddoes helpful like”fans, computers Commission not –have. orItscience lab equipment. is this lack of prosecutorial powers After all, if one attributes his success Continued Continuedon onA11 A11

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

A10 WILL THIS TRAGEDY CHANGE ANYTHING? THE fire that trapped and killed 72 people in a rubRITA LINDA ber slipper facV. JIMENO tory in Valenzuela brought back tormenting memories of how our own home—the one I grew up in—in Malabon City was razed to the ground nearly two years ago. My family’s ancestral home was gutted due to sparks and explosions that emanated from an adjacent factory dealing with welding and chemicals to manufacture metal products. How such a factory was able to operate in a purely residential zone was bewildering enough.

How it was able to obtain permits to engage in a hazardous business without having to put up firewalls and install safety measures was even more confounding.

All the memories of my youth and the mementos of our family were reduced to ashes. Yet, because no one died in that blaze, as my sister and her family who were living Filipinos have there were out of the learned to live house when the fire dangerously. gutted it in just 30 minutes, as recounted by neighbors, it did not cause a public outrage. Instead of conducting an investigation promptly, the Bureau of Fire Protection took its sweet time in issuing a fire investigation report, thus delaying the filing of our complaint in court. It was a pain to get pieces of documents from various government offices to determine if the factory had the needed permits and to get the fire investigation report out.

The Valenzuela fire on May 13 that took nearly six hours to contain also brings back memories of the Ozone disco fire that killed 160 people and seriously injured some 310 persons--19 years ago-in March 1996. Like the Valenzuela rubber slipper factory fire, the Ozone disco fire resulted in public outrage and mourning. A probe into the liability of officials and the owners of the disco ensued. In the Ozone disco, the mostly young people celebrating their graduation were trapped because there was only one narrow passage to the exit and the door had to be opened inwards causing it to close as the people tried to push it outward in panic.

No less than then President Fidel V. Ramos ordered a probe which exposed the establishment’s many violations. It lacked fire exits, emergency lights and alarm systems. It had a narrow door which swung inwards. The disco only had an official capacity of 35 people, yet there were about 400 persons inside the disco when the fire broke out.

Criminal charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple injuries were filed against the owners of the disco while officials of the Quezon City government were charged with graft in the negligent issuance of permits. It was only in November 2014, or 18 years later, when seven former officials of the Quezon City’s engineering office and the two individuals who managed the disco were convicted and meted out jail terms and ordered to pay damages.

Based on initial findings in the fire that killed 72 people, mostly laborers, in the Valenzuela factory, its building had grilled windows, no fire escape and its management did not do fire drills despite a legal requirement. The factory was said to have had the conditions of a sweat shop and, as an aside, its workers were

OUT OF THE BOX

MONDAY: MAY 18, 2015

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

WHEN IT HITS YOU CHASING HAPPY ADELLE CHUA JUST Saturday morning I wrote a column on the fire that killed 72 people inside a factory in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City, my hometown. On Saturday night, I was putting my room in order when I heard a commotion in the neighborhood. There was a fire, people were saying, and it was just a few streets away.

Yes, another fire. In the same city.

Curiosity is a human impulse. I stepped out our gate and to the gate of the townhouse compound where we lived. True enough, the flames were big and the smoke loomed tall and menacing. Embers that were shot up into the air came down, still aglow— and on the ground where I was standing.

Another human impulse is to panic at the first sign of danger. I went back to the house to put a few things in my bag—but what things, and how large the bag? Cell phone, wallet, charger— that was about it. I went back outside but felt I did not put in enough important things. The kids were all standing up and looking on, feeling worried but trying to maintain their composure.

In such an event, the mind blacks out. What to save first, just in case?

Clothes on your back? Books by your bedside? The crucifix on the wall? I decided to pick up a bag containing all our family’s important documents—birth certificates, re-

INTRIGUING... From A9 major media outlets and made it to the headlines of most newspapers bespeaks of the awesome machinery at work, does it not! For there are many decisions and orders of the high courts that truly affect jurisprudence that never merit the same attention and publicity.

But the AMLC and its officers and its employees may also be in trouble for, Leila de Lima’s characteristic eager defense of her masters’ battering rams notwithstanding, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the AMLC contains the following provision: “The members of the AMLC, the Executive Director, and all the members of the Secretariat, whether permanent, on detail or on secondment, shall not reveal in any manner except under orders of the court, the Congress or any government

port cards, passports, bills. I would have brought my laptop but it recently bogged down and I had left it at the office. I remember thinking, thank God for the Internet, because many things that were valuable to me—photos with friends and loved ones, and the entire archive of my published work – were online.

It was then I realized that families should always have a plan for such emergencies. A ready list, at least, of what to bring and where these essentials are located. For parents who work long hours, at whatever time of day, kids and other members of the household must be sufficiently briefed about what to do and where to go in the event of a fire, or earthquake, or a typhoon or flood . So briefed that they do not have a chance to lose their presence of mind. *** With my bag ready by the door, I asked my boys to accompany me to check on a friend’s mother who lived nearer the fire-razed area than I did. She was okay but shaken. On the way there, we saw hundreds of people converging on the street, looking at the flames as though entranced by them. I did not realize that there were that many people in our neighborhood. Every now and then a fire truck would come in or go out of the street, and people would shout, collectively: “Tabi (Step aside)!!!”

Some had their hastily packed belongings on the street, clothes bundled up in bedsheets, plastic drawers and even pets. Some were crying and others, obviously coming from out-

side (it was a Saturday night, after all), were in a hurry to check on loved ones. The mayor alighted from his car and went straight to the commotion, probably asking himself what he did to deserve at least two fires in the span of less than a week.

There were those standing on the street, wrapped in towels or blankets and just gazing into the fire as though wondering if it would reach their own houses and gut everything they had worked hard for.

Surprisingly, however, some bystanders can manage to crack jokes as people speculated what might have caused the fire. Thankfully, after about an hour, the fire seemed smaller and the smoke did not rise so high. People were relieved and started going back home. I put my stuff back to my room and fell asleep. *** Sometimes we are not able to appreciate how vulnerable we always are until we come face to face with it.

The few who are lucky are able to do as we did: get back home and climb into bed, thankful that it was just a brush with danger. Through the night we awoke to a smell of burnt objects, but were afraid no more as the sirens had stopped.

The more introspective would get into thinking how every comfort, every familiar thing we take for granted can just be wiped out in a matter of minutes. It’s a good, if jarring, exercise to evaluate which things we pick up to save, and which we can afford to leave behind.

office or agency authorized by law, or under such conditions as may be prescribed by the AMLC, any information known to them by reason of their office. In case of violation of this provision, the person shall be punished in accordance with the pertinent provisions of R. A. Nos. 3019, 6713 and 7653.”

I am not for keeping criminal activity under wraps, but I have no liking for voyeurism either, whether this be by psychopaths or political sycophants.

Furthermore, Richard Posner’s characterization of democracy is philosophically sound: People do not want to run government. And most have neither skill nor talent for it. That is not what democracy is about. Rather they elect those whose good sense and discretion they are confident about to work out the things they cannot do themselves. By the same token, guilt and innocence are not matters resolved in the often rambunctious

spaces of the free exchange of opinion, some considered, others ill-considered and inconsiderable! But of course if this is all about rigging elections— because there are many ways elections are rigged, including eliminating beforehand any feasible alternative—then discourse takes on a different turn, or perhaps perishes altogether!

Truth to tell, I take much comfort in the sober and truly wise positions taken by former Senators Joker Arroyo, Rene Saguisag and my good friend, Congressman Teddyboy Locsin on issues that presently beguile us. And I have nothing but admiration for PAGIBIG Chair Darlene Berberabe who gave us all admirable demonstration of what superior intelligence is in the face of arrogance!

underpaid. What exacerbated the situation was that the firefighters were not adequately equipped with tools to break down the building’s metal grills.

What is pathetic as far as we are all concerned is that our firefighters do not just lack essential tools, they do not even have the capability to put out fires in tall buildings or save victims located in high floors. Yet the entire Metropolitan Manila’s skyline is awash with skyscrapers and condominiums that rise beyond the firefighters’ reach.

An investigation of the Valenzuela fire is underway, but will it change the state of affairs at all as

adellechua@gmail.com

rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

far as the safety standards of all establishments and buildings are concerned?

Filipinos have learned to cope with living dangerously when they did not have to, if their public officials only did their jobs. One fire disaster after another has only resulted in probes but no real change or reform in policy and implementation has been put in place. Will the Valenzuela fire tragedy that claimed 72 lives be for naught just as well?

Email: ritalindaj@gmail.com law.com.ph

Visit: www.jimeno-

M O N d aY : M aY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

adelle chua EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A11

A penchAnt for purges

By Andrei Lankov Plenty of doubts have been raised about claims that north Korea executed its defense minister by anti-aircraft gun at the end of april. Whether or not general hyon yong chol met such a grisly end, though, the fact remains that top officials face increasingly uncertain fates in Pyongyang. Since coming to power three years ago, dictator Kim Jong Un has presided over a large-scale and very violent purge of north Korea’s military and civilian leadership. Some 70 high-level officials and generals have reportedly been executed during Kim’s brief reign. this marks a dramatic reversal of the strategies Kim’s father and grandfather used to stay in power. as dictators’ courts go, the palaces of Kim il Sung and Kim Jong il were remarkably safe places for their inner circle. after an initial period in which he exterminated all hostile factions, Kim il Sung surrounded himself almost exclusively by the former guerrillas who had fought under his command in 1930s Manchuria. compared to Stalin, who had a habit of killing half of his closest associates every few years, north Korea’s founder was relatively forgiving of trespasses. disgraced officials might lose their jobs and disappear, but then in many cases reappeared a few years later back in the top ranks of the state and party hierarchy. the system encouraged loyalty.

While a general or minister might suddenly find

IF THEY... From A9 in life to his elementary and high school education, then the appreciation should go beyond tokenism. rather, it should be substantial enough to help those who will receive it acquire better education that will, in turn, increase their chances of succeeding in life. in short, it is the virtuous cycle being played out, with those who have graduated ahead giving a helping hand to those who have yet to graduate.

By doing so, it is then hoped that when it is time for the latter to give back, they would be infected with the kindness they once received. on this, alumni of public schools need not to wait longer to

himself a clerk in a rural office or even a miner, he also knew that if he braced himself for humiliation and kept professing his devotion to the regime, he’d likely survive and prosper again. at the same time, both Kim il Sung and Kim Jong il adopted a much more brutal approach toward ordinary north Korean citizens, hundreds of thousands of whom were dispatched to prison camps and execution grounds even for minor deviations. the strategy worked: the Kim family survived the collapse of other communist regimes, nearly all of whom were much softer on their populations. thrust into power in his 20s, Kim Jong Un seems to perceive the threats to his rule differently. it’s entirely likely that the old guard didn’t take him seriously at first, given his lack of political experience or even knowledge about the country he runs. Previously, the rank of four-star general, or blood relations with the first family, served as virtual security guarantees and perhaps encouraged disrespect. Kim appears to have decided that only a campaign of terror would ensure obedience: Under his watch, disgraced officials aren’t merely sent to retirement or low-level office jobs, they’re frequently killed.

By contrast, Kim appears to have come around to the idea—long promoted by ally china—that the best way to control average citizens is to distract them with money. incipient market reforms have given farmers the right to keep more of the profits

show their thanks to where they learned all the things they need to learn in life. if they’re raring to reimburse their old haunts with kindness, this week is the best time.

They can join the broomwielding, paintbrush-swabbing, carpentry tools-carrying millions who will troop to the country’s 43,000 public schools for the annual Brigada eskwela. it will be hard to miss them this morning. in towns across the country, they will march to schools to the festive cadence of marching bands.

Brigada eskwela is part picnic, part labor, which can be explained by the filipino practice of celebrating a great workout with a great eat-out. it was conceived so that

#failocracy

ordinary citizens can put in their sweat equity into schools. it is a scheme in which their frustration can be harnessed into positive force.

So instead of pounding the tables during heated Pta meetings about that leaking roof, they can rechannel that passion to, say, hammering a new roof in place.

This is not to say that we should mute our complaints against schools packed like sardine cans and produce low-quality graduates with the efficiency of a canned sardines factory.

We can complain and construct at the same time, although more of the latter is preferable. educating our youth is a business too important to be left to government alone. Thus, our

from their crops— up to 60 percent—and factory managers the freedom to hire and fire, buy necessary supplies and pocket a significant part of whatever they sell. for now, this gives average north Koreans more of a stake in maintaining the status quo: they can legitimately aspire to owning a cell phone or even a motorbike, while having less fear of being carted away for minor infractions. While still guilty of appalling human-rights abuses, the regime has over the last few years steadily reduced the size of its gulags. the strategy seems to be working: there’s little sign of any real opposition to Kim’s rule among the Pyongyang elite. But it’s likely to prove destabilizing in the long run. Previously, any officials under suspicion knew their best bet was to remain calm and redouble their professions of loyalty, hoping to be rehabilitated. now, when a purge means almost certain death, threatened officials might well consider actions which would have been unthinkable before—fleeing overseas with bags of compromising documents to trade, or even trying to foment a conspiracy or coup in Pyongyang.

Meanwhile, the more economic freedom average north Koreans are given, the more their aspirations will grow. it’s long been known that revolutions seldom happen during periods of despair and economic collapse, but rather when commoners have tasted a bit of the good life and long for more. Kim’s efforts to stabilize his regime could just be what end up provoking a crisis. Bloomberg

involvement with schools must not end at the gates where we drop off our kids.

Schools are where most of our taxes go. (although many suspect that it has slipped to second place after corruption.) if schools are biggest terminus of our taxes, then that makes us stockholders of these institutions. as funders, it entitles us to oversight powers, and our exercising it makes us better overseers than school superintendents.

We can thus treat Brigada Week as some sort of our annual stockholders meeting, where we can hike our capital through infusion of sweat equity. our involvement in schools should go beyond the aesthetics and the architectural. The focus

shouldn’t be on the façade, but on the inside, like the quality of teaching, or the lack of it, and the quality of books, especially the types that need a second edition, not because they are good, but they need an accompanying volume containing errata.

Whether done by an individual or by the state, investment in education yields the highest return.

So when it comes to training our human capital —our greatest product—we shouldn’t scrimp. economizing in education creates a massive defect in talent, the kind which stunts a country’s growth and stops its democracy from maturing. if this is the challenge, then we can help by aiding schools produce outstanding students and not by simply donating medals to honor them.

chong ardivilla

m o n day : m ay 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

A12

sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

McIlroy shoots a stunning 61 CHARLOTTE—World number one Rory McIlroy fired an electrifying 11-under par 61 in Saturday’s third round to vault into a four-shot lead at the US PGA Tour Wells Fargo Championship.

The 26-year-old from Northern Ireland had 11 birdies with no bogeys to break his own Quail Hollow course record of 62.

“I feel like the best player in the world and I wanted to go out there and prove that,” McIlroy said.

McIlroy’s effort gave him an 18-under total of 198 and a four-shot lead over American Webb Simpson who shot a 68 and was alone at a 14-under 202.

McIlroy’s hopes of reaching golf ’s magical number of 59 ended with pars at 17 and 18.

But the finish didn’t mar a spectacular round that included McIlroy

streaks of four birdies in a row from the seventh through 10th holes and five birdies on the trot from the 12th through 16th.

Robert Streb (71) was in third, seven shots adrift while Brendan Steele (68) and Patrick Rodgers (70) were tied for fourth on 10-under 206.

Justin Thomas (65), Carlos Ortiz (66) and Will Mackenzie (70) were a further stroke back on 207.

The Quail Hollow course record of 62 was established by McIlroy in the final round in 2010 -- when he captured his first US PGA Tour title.

Zimbabwe’s Brendon de Jonge matched the mark in the second round last year.

McIlroy said he knew from watching the morning scores that the course record was “gettable”.

“But you never think that you’re

going to go out and do something like that,” said McIlroy, who also set the tournament’s 54-hole scoring record.

After opening his day with backto-back pars, McIlroy birdied 11 of the next 14 holes.

Highlights included driving the green at the 346-yard par-four 14th en route to a birdie.

“I was thinking 59 from the 14th tee box,” McIlroy admitted. Only six players have broken 60 on the US PGA Tour, but the idea seemed anything but farfetched after he rolled in a 10-foot birdie putt at 15 and a 14-footer at 16.

McIlroy said he was a tad disappointed with his seven-iron at the par-three 17th, where his tee shot left him 40 feet for birdie and he settled for a par.

“Obviously I’m delighted with the

score, and it’s nice to break your own course record as well.”

McIlroy said he now needs to turn his attention to Sunday’s final round when he will be seeking his 11th PGA Tour title.

“I guess I just have to forget about today. It’s a whole new challenge tomorrow,” said McIlroy, who has no plans to start playing it safe.

“Even though I’ve got a lead there’s no reason why I shouldn’t go out there and be aggressive and try and make as many birdies as I can,” he said.

Five-time major champion Phil Mickelson, the 2010 runner-up, had climbed within one stroke of the lead thanks to four front-nine birdies.

But closed with a triple bogey at 18 to fall into a group of five players tied for ninth at eight-under. AFP

Roger fights Novak in finals ROME—Swiss Roger Federer beat countryman Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 6-2 in the Italian Open semi-final to set up his third final of the year against Serbian rival Novak Djokovic.

Wawrinka had caused the first major upset of the week when he battled Rafael Nadal throughout a thrilling quarterfinal on Friday to send the seven-time Rome champion crashing out.

But despite a blistering start which saw Wawrinka race to a 3-0 lead in the opening set, the 30-year-old from Lausanne appeared to pay for his efforts late into the night at the Foro Italico.

Federer bounced back from losing the early break to break back twice on his way to sealing the first set 6-4.

Wawrinka was even more out of sorts in the second set, unforced errors steadily creeping into his game as Federer eased into his stride and reached a stage where he was able to pick his shots comfortably.

Federer, bidding for his maiden title in Rome having lost three finals -- two to Nadal -- earned three break points in the third game of the second set and won the game when Wawrinka attempted a wild half-volley from a tight angle which he netted. AFP

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J DR C 2 0 1 4 - 2 4 1 5 M K

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ORDE R A c ti ng on the Moti on wit h L e a v e o f Co u r t t o I s s u e S u mm o n s b y Pu b l i ca ti o n fil e d b y the peti ti oner, th r u c o u n s e l, a n d f in d in g t h e g r o u n d s a l l e g e d th e r e i n to b e m e rito ri ous , the s ame i s g r a n t e d .

A s pray ed, l et s ummo n s a n d a c o p y o f t h is O r d e r b e s e r v e d u p o n th e r e sp o n d e n t th ru p u bl i c ati on, onc e a we e k , f o r t wo ( 2 ) c o n s e c u t iv e we e ks i n a n e w sp a p e r o f g e n e ra l c i rc ul ati on i n the P h ilip p in e s . P e t it io n e r is lik e wis e o r d e r e d to fu r n i sh a co p y of the peti ti on to t h e O f f ic e o f t h e S o lic it o r G e n e r a l an d th e Offi ce o f th e C i ty P ros ec utor, Mari k i na Cit y f o r t h e la t t e r t o f ile t h e ir c o m m e n t/o p p o si ti o n to th e p e tition.

S end a c opy of thi s Su m m o n s t o t h e r e s p o n d e n t wit h t h e Su p p o r ti n g d o cu m e n ts b y r e g i s tered mai l at the la s t k n o wn a d d r e s s o f s a id r e s p o n d e n t.

The C l erk of C ourt, At t y M e la n io S h e ld o n S in g s o n is h e r e by d i r e cte d to fu r n i sh th e Offi c e of the E x ec utiv e J u d g e , t h r o u g h t h e O f f ic e o f t h e C l e r k o f C o u r t, th i s C o u rt, c opy of thi s Orde r f o r r a f f le a m o n g a c c r e d it e d n e wsp a p e r o r p e r i o d i ca l s p u rsu a nt to S ec ti ons 10 a n d 1 1 A . M No . 0 1 - 0 1 - 0 7 - S C in r e la t i o n to P.D . 1 0 7 9 .

HEading heading heading heading C i ty of Mari k i na, Feb r u a r y 1 6 , 2 0 1 5 .

(S g d .) L O RNA F . CA T R IS C H U A C H EN G Presiding Judge

Re p u b l i c o f t h e P h i l i p p i n e s RE G I O NAL T RI AL CO URT N a t i o n a l Ca p i t a l J u d i c i a l Re g i o n BRANCH 1 6 8 M a r i k i n a Ci t y JDRC-201-2415-MK FOR: "Declaration of Nullity of Marriage U n d e r A r t . 3 6 o f t h e Fa m i l y C o d e " SUMMONS

V er su s LOV E LY N T. MON TE MA Y O R- ADO L F O , Re s pondent (s)/D efenda n t ( s ) x -- -- -- ------------------------ - - - - - - - - - - - x

SU M M O N S A ve rifi ed “P eti ti on for De c la r a t io n o f Nu llit y o f M a r r ia g e ” h a vi n g b e e n fi l e d b y p e ti tioner R OMME L A . ADO L F O , t h a t t h e m a r r ia g e o f p e t it io n e r a n d r e sp o n d e n t o n 8 D ec ember 2002 be d e c la r e d NUL L a n d V O I D A B I NI T I O p u r su a n t to Ar ti cl e 3 6 o f the Fami l y C ode in r e la t io n t o A r t ic le 6 8 , y o u , r e s p o n d e n t L OVEL YN T .

M ONTE MA Y OR -A D OLFO , a r e h e r e b y d ir e c t e d t o e n t e r y o u r a p p e a r a n ce a n d fi l e yo u r A ns w er and/or res p o n s iv e p le a d in g wit h in a p e r io d o f T H IR T Y ( 3 0 ) D AYS fro m the l as t date of public a t io n h e r e o f , o t h e r wis e t h e p e t it io ne r w i l l ta ke j u d g m e n t a g a i n st y ou and may be g r a n t e d b y t h is Co u r t t h e r e lie f / s p r a y e d fo r i n h i s Pe ti ti o n .

WITN E S S TH E H ON . LO RNA F . CA T RI S - CHUA CHE NG , P r esi d i n g Ju d g e o f th i s Co u rt t hi s 4 th day of Marc h 2 0 1 5 , M a r ik in a Cit y .

(S g d .) AT T Y . S HE L DO N M E L ANIO S. SIN GSON Cl e r k o f c o u r t V (S g d .) RAM O NA T . NAJ ER A Co u r t I n t e r p r e t e r (TS-May 11 & 18, 2015)

electrolytes it loses during sweating, partnered with National Geographic Channel in its NatGeo Earth Day Run 2015 held recently at the Mall of Asia Open Grounds. More than 20,000 runners joined in raising money for portable solar powered lighting kits that will be sent to communities in Mindoro, a project of NGC environmental partner, World Wildlife Fund for Nature. Runners were given an extra boost of hydration when they drank bottles of Pocari Sweat. Pocari Sweat prevents dehydration because it contains the balance of ions and water the body needs to perform and sustain physical activity. The replacement of ions is important, because it helps the body retain fluids and prevents muscle cramps. Otsuka (Philippines) Pharmaceutical, Inc. Asst. Brand Manager Janeth M. Leus said: “The fluid in our bodies contains not just water, but also various ions. Every time you run, your body loses water and electrolytes through sweat. It is important that you replace both water and electrolytes with a drink that can replenish both.

Pocari Sweat is proud to participate in these fun runs, because they motivate people to develop very ac-

Monroe quits vs Golovkin in Round 6

S O OR D E R E D .

ROMMEL A. ADOLFO, Petitioner (s)/Plaintiff (s)

Pocari Sweat. the one and unique health hydration drink that can replenish the body with important

By Ronnie Nathanielsz MIDDLEWEIGHT champion Gennady Golovkin dropped an overmatched Willie Monroe Jr. three times before the American told the referee he had had enough and called it quits in the sixth round to give the popular Kazakhstan fighter a TKO victory, his 14th consecutive title defense and his 20th knockout in a row at the Forum in Inglewood, California.

Boxing writer Kevin Iole reported that “fight fans chanted and cheered Golovkin’s every move,” as he registered the highest knockout percentage in middleweight title history and edged closer to challenging

undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the No.1 spot in the Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound rankings.

With the win, Golovkin improved to 33-0 with 30 knockouts, while Monroe Jr., who was ranked No. 2 by the World Boxing Association and No. 3 by the World Boxing Organization, fell to 19-2 with 6 knockouts.

Golovkin scored the first knockdown in Round 2, when he connected with a hard left hook and followed up with a flurry of punches to drop Monroe for a second time in the round.

Monroe Jr. stayed out of trouble by moving around in the third stanza and even landed some good

shots in Round 4, before Golovkin rocked him with cracking uppercut in Round 5, but Monroe Jr. somehow got out of trouble by himself landing some solid counter-punches.

Golovkin nailed Monroe Jr in Round 6 and sent the challenger down on his knees to be almost counted out before Monroe told referee Jack Reiss he had enough at 0:45 of the round.

In a post-fight interview Golovkin said “this was a very big drama” and then in what was interpreted as a snide remark against Floyd Mayweather who was criticized for refusing to engage Manny Pacquiao in their May 2 showdown quipped “”this is not a track meet.”

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Unpolished gems shine in G-League swim meet

Francisco Gargantiel II takes part in the 400m Boys’ Long Course. ROMAN PROSPERO

Chikara IX nails 1st semis berth

TITLEHOLDER Chikara of Brunei sustained its blazing comeback off an opening game setback, beating National U-A, 6-3, yesterday to clinch the first semifinal berth in women’s play of the ninth Summer Grand Slam softball tournament at the Clark Freeport Zone in Clark, Pampanga.

Former national team members Sarah Agravante and Esmeralda Tayag took charge again for the Brunei-based sluggers, combining on the mound to power the team past the Lady Bulldogs-A and notch their fourth straight victory after dropping a 5-6 loss to the Adamson Alumni in Wednesday’s opener of the week-long event sponsored by Cebuana Lhuillier.

NU-A dropped to 3-2 but remained in the hunt for the other semis slots along with Adamson University, which totes a 3-1 slate, Rizal Technological

U, which has an even 2-2 card and Adamson Alumni, which dropped its next two games after a shock win over Chikara.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, president of the organizing Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (AsaPhil), has expressed satisfaction over the quality of play of the competing field and expects a spirited battle for top honors in various divisions.

“This edition of the Summer Grand Slam is turning out to be the most exciting and most competitive ever. I’m sure the fans are looking forward to the semifinals and finals,” said

Sacapaño wins 3 titles AVRILLE Sacapaño shone in the tenth leg of Globe 17th HEAD GRAPHENE XT Junior Tennis Satellite Circuit by winning three titles recently at the Capitol Park tennis courts in Kalibo, Aklan.

Sacapaño took home the girls’ 16- and 14-under singles’ title and the 18-under mixed doubles’ crown, along with Mark Crisosto in the annual junior tennis satellite competition sanctioned by Philippine Tennis Association and organized by the Dynamic Sports.

She blasted Stephanie Crisosto, 7-5, 6-3, to win the girls’ 16-under crown and then defeated again Crisosto, 6-2, 6-1, in the girls’ 14-under division for her second trophy.

Sacapaño then teamed up with Crisosto to beat Matthew Crisosto and Ma. Camille Sunio, 8-6, for the mixed dou-

bles’ crown.

In the 18-under singles’ finals results, Maria Camille Buensalido rallied past Herra Jean Sunio, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, to cop the girls’ crown and Matthew Crisosto blanked Lorenzo Legaspi, 6-4, 6-1, to capture the boys’ trophy.

The competition was sponsored by Globe Telecommunications, Chris Sports, Head ATP Tennis Balls, Graphene XT, Toalson, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Tennis Association, along with Sports Radio 918AM, Home Radio 97.9FM Natural, Boracay Informer, Todo 88.5FM Aklan, Radyo Inquirer 990AM, Power Wheels Magazine, Motorcycle Magazine, Balikbayan, The Asian Journal Magazine, Wazzup Pilipinas, Reach Magazine, Oishi and AMAX Inn Makati.

Lhuillier.

Action is expected to heat up today at the close of the elims with the semis and the finals set in the next two days, according to AsaPhil operations manager Jun Veloso.

Earlier, Adamson U Manila trounced Sta. Maria, Bulacan, 8-1, in the women’s club category.

AdU came away with eight hits as against Sta Maria’s one to wrap up the match in five innings.

In men’s Open, Cebu shares the top ranking with the Philippine Air Force team with a victory over Antipolo, which dropped to 1-3.

Purple Tower Tee set THE UP Beta Epsilon Alumni Inc. is hosting the Purple Tower Tee Golf Tournament, a UP BARKADA event, on May 22 at the South Course of Valley Golf Club in Antipolo.

The major sponsors this year are Datem Inc., Smart Communications, Metro Pacific Investments Corp, Batch 1975C and the Aboitiz Power Group consisting of Hedcor, SN Aboitiz Power, Aboitiz Power Corp, and AP Renewables. Proceeds will go to scholarships and projects of the UP College of Engineering.

Registration is from 6 to 9 a.m., while tee-off is from 8 to 9:30 a.m. For more details, contact Ojie Alzona at cell/viber 0917-9442474, or email ojiealzobe74@yahoo.com.

A SCORE of young talents made a lasting impression when the National Capital Region Leg of the 2015 Speedo G-League long course swimming competition came to a close yesterday at the Rizal Memorial swimming pool.

Rising stars Xiandi Chua, Maurice Sacho Ilustre, Jules Ong, Miguel Arellano and Marco Austriaco dominated their respective events to punch a ticket to the National Championship of this event organized by Galaxy Starships Swim Club, in cooperation with the Philippine Swimming, Inc. through the support of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Competing under the banner of Xavier School Swim Club, Chua came up with an impressive finish in the girls’ 400-meter individual medley as she clocked 5:11.33 to surpass the qualifying time of 6:30.39. She stormed back later in the day to tally 1:09.11 and shatter the qualifying mark of 1:23.69 in the girls’ 100-meter backstroke.

Also stealing the spotlight was Palarong Pambansa standout Ilustre Republic of the Philippines Metropolitan Naga Water District 40 J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City

of De La Salle Zobel, who registered 17:32.54 to break the 20:43.39 qualifying time in the boys’ 1500-meter freestyle. The 16-year old Ilustre also shone in the boys’ 100-meter backstroke and boys’ 400-meter individual medley as he clocked 1:08.16 and 4:54.20, respectively.

“I just wanted to get a good swim and qualify in the national finals,” said Ilustre, who shattered the 16-year old record of Juan Carlos Piccio in the secondary boys’ 200-meter butterfly event of the Palarong Pambansa in Tagum City two weeks ago.

NCR Leg Meet Manager Archie Lim said a lot of unpolished gems emerged in the two-day competition sanctioned by PSI through the leadership of president Mark Joseph. And more than coming up with an impressive performance, the young tankers also made sure that they had a fun-filled weekend while competing in one of the country’s most well-run, well-organized age-group swimming events that serves as a qualifying tourney for the National Championship in July.

INFRA 2015-006 Glass Fused to Steel Bolted Tank, EME with Pipeline & Fittings PR# 15-04-0117 Camaligan, Camarines Sur

INVITATION TO BID SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF MATERIALS AND FURNISHING OF LABOR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CAMALIGAN RESERVOIR – GLASS FUSED TO STEEL BOLTED TANK, ELECTRO-MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT WITH PIPELINE AND FITTINGS The METROPOLITAN NAGA WATER DISTRICT (MNWD), through its approved Corporate Budget, intends to apply the sum of FOURTEEN MILLION NINE HUNDRED NINETY THOUSAND PESOS ONLY (Php 14,990,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF MATERIALS AND FURNISHING OF LABOR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CAMALIGAN RESERVOIR – GLASS FUSED TO STEEL BOLTED TANK, ELECTRO-MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT WITH PIPELINE AND FITTINGS, Project No.: INFRA 2015-006. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The MNWD now invites bids for SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF MATERIALS AND FURNISHING OF LABOR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CAMALIGAN RESERVOIR – GLASS FUSED TO STEEL BOLTED TANK, ELECTROMECHANICAL EQUIPMENT WITH PIPELINE AND FITTINGS. Completion of the Works is required within TWO HUNDRED TEN (210) CALENDAR DAYS. Bidders must have an experience of having completed at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

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

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

Interested bidders may obtain further information from MNWD and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders starting on THURSDAY, MAY 14 TO JUNE 2, 2015, from the Office of the BAC Secretariat c/o Administrative Division, Ground Floor MNWD Building, MNWD, 40 J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City, and upon payment of a non refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (Php 25,000.00).

The MNWD will hold a PRE-BID CONFERENCE on MAY 21, 2015 at 1:30 PM at 2nd Floor, Conference Room, MNWD Building, 40 J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before JUNE 2, 2015 at 1:30 PM at Office of the BAC Chairman c/o Planning and Design Division, 2nd Floor MNWD Building, 40 J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid Opening shall be on JUNE 2, 2015 at 1:30 PM. 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.

The MNWD 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.

For further information, please refer to: ENGR. MELVIN B. MACARAIG Planning and Design Division MNWD Compound, 40 J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City Tel. No.: (054) 472-1685 local 119; Fax No.: (054) 473-9288 E-mail address: mnwdbac@yahoo.com _________________________ (Sgd.) MELVIN B. MACARAIG BAC Chairman (MAY 18, 2015)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

A memorable last fight for Mark

By Jeric Lopez

TALK about leaving the game in a blaze of glory.

As he bade his Ultimate Fighting Championship and Mixed Martial Arts goodbye, Mark Muñoz made it a point to express his love for his country and his countrymen through words and actions in the sold-out UFC Fight Night Manila: Edgar vs. Faber at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday night.

Announcing that it will be the last time he will fight because he plans to retire, Muñoz couldn’t have a more fitting end to his career when he put up a decisive show and won in front of an appreciative Filipino crowd.

It was the first event in the country of the world’s biggest MMA promotion.

The 37-year-old Filipino fighter

carved out a definitive, unanimous-decision victory over England’s Luke Barnatt (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) in their middleweight bout as thousands of his countrymen madly cheered for his triumph.

After delivering with flying colors, Muñoz took the opportunity to express how grateful he is for the opportunity given to him and to fight in front of his fellow Filipinos. ‘’Pilipinas, mahal ko kayong lahat. Maraming salamat sa lahat, sa suporta at tiwala sa akin. I represent you guys and I will continue to represent you from the bottom of my heart,’’ said a very emotional Munoz in his post-fight interview. ‘’This is something I dreamed about and hoped for. I will cherish these memories for a lifetime.’’

The other Filipino, who won his fight was the returning Philippe Nover, who was handed a tight split decision victory (29-28, 28-29, 2928) over Korean Yui Chul Nam.

Two other Filipino fighters weren’t as fortunate as Roldan Sangcha-an lost to Jon Delos Reyes of Guam via a rear-naked choke in the second round, while Mark Eddica bowed to Levan Makashvili in a split decision.

In the main event, between two of the world’s best fighters, former Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar routed Urijah

Faber via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45), while middleweight contender Gegard Mousasi did the same with Costas Phillipou in the co-main event bout (30-37, 30-27, 3027).

As expected, the pumped-up Filipino crowd showed the UFC why Manila is a big market as the audience enthusiastically

cheered every fight, shouting and jeering during various moments. ‘’You just keep on competing despite setbacks. I just keep on doing my best and giving everything I got to the sport. That’s what my career was all about,’’ said Muñoz, who got a welldeserved standing ovation after his victory.

Republic of the Philippines

C IT Y OF S A N PE D R O Pro v i n c e o f L a g u n a

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

INVITATION TO BID The City Government of San Pedro Laguna through the 2015 LSB Budget Approved

by Sangguniang Panglungsod intends to apply the sum of Php 39,114,767.45 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the hereunder project: NAME OF PROJECT

:

LOCATION

:

ABC SOURCE OF FUND CONTRACT DURATION

: : :

NAME OF PROJECT

:

LOCATION ABC SOURCE OF FUND CONTRACT DURATION

: : : :

Proposed 2-Storey 8 Classroom School Building w/ Roofdeck Pacita 1 Elementary School, Brgy. San Vicente, City of San Pedro, Laguna Php 23,715,372.07 LSB Budget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsod 210 Calendar Days Proposed 3-Storey 6 Classroom School Building San Pedro Central Elementary School, Brgy. Poblacion, City of San Pedro, Laguna Php 15,399,395.38 LSB Budget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsod 210 Calendar Days

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna now invites contractors registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to apply for eligibility and if found eligible, to bid for the above-mentioned projects. Completion of the Works is required on or before the contract duration. Bidders should have completed, within two hundred ten (210) calendar Days from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bids received in excess of the Approved Budget for the Contract shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted, unless otherwise stated, to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organization with at least seventy five percent (75%) 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 Republic Act 5183 (RA 5183) and subject to Commonwealth Act 138 (CA 138). Only bids from eligible bidders will be opened. In accordance with the IRR-A or R.A. 9184, the contract/project shall only be awarded to the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder who was determined as such during post-qualification.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the City Government of San Pedro, Laguna and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:30AM to 9:30AM only.

Office of the BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Office City Hall of San Pedro A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of PESOS: (Php 25,000.00) ISSUAN C E OF EL I GI BIL I T Y A ND BIDDI N G D OC U MEN T S

May 18 – June 3, 2015 8:30AM – 9:30AM BAC Secretariat 4 / f Co n f e r e n c e Ro o m Ci t y A d m i n i s t r a t o r ’ s O f f i c e Ci t y Ha l l o f S a n P e d ro

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on May 22, 2015 10:00AM at the Office of the BAC Secretariat, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before June 3, 2015 at 10:00AM Office of the BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Office City Hall of San Pedro All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Awards of Contract Shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna 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.

For Further information, please refer to: Mr. Merlin B. Paala Office of the BAC Secretariat City Administrator Office City of San Pedro, Laguna Telefax No. 847-1722

(TS-MAY 18, 2015)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

(Sgd.) ENGR. FILEMON I. SIBULO Chairman Bids and Awards Committee

Jovelyn Gonzaga of Army unleashes a kill against Rysabelle Devanadera (4) and Alyssa Valdez (2) of PLDT during their semis clash in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference.

Ultra Fast Hitters reach finals Games tomorrow 2 p.m. – Cagayan vs Army 4 p.m. – PLDT vs Meralco PLDT Home Ultera took the best dished out by last year’s best and proved this time its better, battling back from a set down and hacking out a tough 25-21, 2426, 20-26, 26-24, 15-12 victory to clinch the first final berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference before a big Sunday crowd at The Arena in San Juan.

Cagayan Valley bounced back from a straight-set defeat to PLDT

Home Ultera last Thursday as it clobbered Meralco, 25-20, 25-22, 25-21, in the other semis clash to remain in finals contention in the season-opening conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s.

Former MVP Aiza MaizoPontillas uncorked a 21-hit game, all in attacks, while Rosemarie Vargas, Janine Marciano, Marivic Meneses and Pau Soriano combined for 30 points as the Lady Rising Suns disposed of the Power Spikers in 1:25 to tie the Lady Troopers at 1-1.

Cagayan and Army clash tomorrow in the final semis playdate in a virtual do-or-die for the

Mizuno backs Yakult 10 Miler THE Yakult 10 MILE run gets a big boost with Mizuno backing its 26th year staging slated at the Cultural Center Complex grounds in Pasay City on May 24, 2015.

The 10- mile race will be run on an out and back course in the southbound side of Roxas Blvd. starting and ending at the Vicente Sotto St. inside the CCP complex.

The 16K run will start at 5 a.m., to be followed by the 5K and 3K run at 5:15 a.m. Assembly starts at 4 a.m.

Fees are pegged at P500 for the 16K run, P400 for the 5K, and P300 for the 3K race, inclusive of a running singlet issued upon registration and all finishers receiving an additional finishers t- shirt and a bottle of Yakult, the unique health drink with lacto- bacilli shirota strain.

Registration is on going until Thursday only at the following Mizuno Outlets: Trinoma Mall, (tel. 916 6495); SM Megamall, (954 2066); Bonifacio High Street at Bonifacio Global City, ( 551 3957) and at SM Mall of Asia, (954 2407).

Michael M. Ong, Director of Yakult Phils., Inc., said a P7,000 cash prize awaits the overall champion and the top female finisher of the 16K centerpiece event.

The second placers will get P3,000, while third pockets P2,000. In addition, trophies will also be awarded to the top three male and female finishers of the 16K race, while medals will be awarded to the fourth and fifth placers. The top three finishers in the 5K and the 3K age groups will also receive medals. A bag of Yakult unique health drink with lacto bacilli shirota strain will also be awarded to all awardees.

second finals seat with the winner disputing the crown with PLDT. Meralco, led by Charleen Cruz’s 13 hits and Steph Mercado’s 10 points, bowed out of the finals race with a 0-2 card.

Earlier, National team mainstay Alyssa Valdez put in another solid outing, rallying the Ultra Fast Hitters late in the fourth and then spearheading the team’s early attack in the decider before Gretchel Soltones, another Phl team mainstay, took over to deliver the match-clinching attack that grazed the arms of Dindin Manabat that ended a grueling, back-and-forth 2:13 encounter.

Obiena smashes pole vault record

By Peter Atencio

ERNEST John Obiena broke the national record again and emerged as one the best-performing Filipino athletes in the Taiwan Open athletics’ meet.

Obiena cleared 5.25 meters in the men’s pole vault for the silver medal, according to pinoyathletics.info.

He eclipsed the previous national record he himself set.

Last September, Obiena set the national mark at 5.21 meters during the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa) weekly relays.

He joined long jumper Marestella Torres, who made an impression when she leapt 6.53 meters for the gold.

Torres’ effort was even better than the 6.39-meter gold medal performance of defending champion Natalia Londa in the 2013 Southeast Asian Games.

Overall, the Philippines took home three golds, three silvers and two bronzes.

Mervin Guarte grabbed the 1,500-meter run gold in 3:54.09, with Christopher Ulboc placing sixth.

Julian Reem Fuentes ruled the men’s long jump in 7.28 meters and pulled through with a 1-2-3 finish for the Philippines, with Janrey Ubas (7.24 meters) and Henry Dagmil (7.15 meters) taking the silver and bronze respectively.

mon day : m ay 18, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

A15

Beermen notch nd 2 straight win

By Jeric Lopez

SAN Miguel Beer’s shooting was as hot as the scorching weather outside.

Relying on their torrid sniping, the Beermen tallied their second straight victory, demolishing erstwhile unbeaten GlobalPort, 124-102, in their most impressive showing thus far in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City yesterday.

Games Monday (Ynares Center-Antipolo City): 4:15 p.m. - NLEX vs. Kia 7 p.m. - Alaska vs. Talk ‘N Text

Arizona Reid sizzled all game, knocking down a season-high nine triples on just 11 attempts on his way to 41 points and nine rebounds as he carried San Miguel Beer to victory on his burly shoulders.

The win evened the Beermen’s record to 2-2 after a 0-2 start to be right in the middle of the pack, while giving the Batang Pier its

first taste of defeat and snapping the latter’s three-game winning streak to open the conference.

GlobalPort slipped to 3-1, still good for third place.

San Miguel coach Leo Austria was finally satisfied and pleased with his team’s play, which resulted in victory. ‘’I’m very happy with this victory and also that we’re all on the same page now,’’ said Austria. ‘’That’s what’s important for us.’’

Despite rumors that he was about to be traded, Marcio Lassiter stepped up and scored

24 points, including five triples.

Chris Ross added 17 markers for San Miguel.

Determined to keep its momentum going, San Miguel came out with a sense of purpose as it manhandled GlobalPort from start to finish. They were particularly deadly from the outside throughout the four quarters.

San Miguel made an impressive total of 18 triples, 14 from Reid and Lassiter. SMB shot at a 52 percent clip from the field as the GlobalPort defense had no answer to the Beermen’s hot shooting.

N OT I C E TO S H A R E H O L D E RS O F AG FI N A N C E I N C O R P O R AT E D (“AG F ” ) RYM Business Management Corporation (the “Bidder”) intends to acquire 183,276,801 common shares of AG Finance Incorporated representing 70% of its total issued and outstanding capital stock from Mr. Tony O. King, Ms. Sharone O. King and Ms. Charmaine King for a total purchase price of PhP280,000,000.00 or approximately PhP1.5278 per share (the “Private Sale Transaction”). To complete the Private Sale Transaction andpursuant to the requirements of the Philippine Securities Regulation Code (“SRC”) and its implementing rules, the Bidder is implementing a tender offer to acquire [78,547,201] common shares representing approximately [30.00%] of the issued and outstanding capital of AGF (the “AGF Public Shares”) from the owners thereof (the “AGF Public Shareholders”), subject to the SEC Form 19-1 filed by the Bidder with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (“Tender Offer”).

The Bidder shall purchase the AGF Public Shares which shall have been tendered (the “Tender Offer Shares”) by the AGF Public Shareholders (the “Tendering Shareholders”), at the price of [P1.5278] per share (the “Tender Offer Price”), payable in cash (before deductions for customary selling charges of 0.521%of the Tender Offer Price or P0.008 per share. The customary selling charges that will be deducted by the Bidder do not include the selling broker’s commission payable by the Tendering Shareholder, which is subject to mutual agreement between the Tendering Shareholder and its/his/her broker, and the taxes on the commission.

EachAGFPublic Shareholder as of any date during the Offer Period is entitled to sell its/ his/her AGFPublic Shares to the Bidder in accordance with and subject to the Terms of the Tender Offer, which is Annex A to the Application to Tender Common Shares in AG Finance Incorporated to RYM Business Management Corporation (the “Application”).

Scrip shareholders (i.e., shareholders who hold stock certificates) of AGF who wish to sell their shares to the Bidder should complete the Application to Tender Common Shares in AGF Finance Incorporated to RYM Business Management Corporation, (the “Application”) in triplicate and submit the same with the attachments set out below to Lucky Securities Inc. (the “TO Agent”) at the address set forth below, not later than the end of the Tender Offer Period: The Tender Offer Shares shall be deemed accepted by the Bidder on 19 June 2015subject to the conditions that the TO Agent has determined that the Tendering Shareholders shall have submitted the required documents and obtained all the required approvals and authorizations to enable it to transfer the Tender Offer Shares to the Bidders before the expiration of the Tender Offer.

Acceptance of Applications is subject to the terms hereof. The Bidder, through the TO Agent, at its sole discretion, shall have the right to reject any Application that does not qualify and accept qualified Applications at any time before the Tender Offer Shares are sold to the Bidder through the facilities of the PSE (the “Cross Date”). Applications (i) received after the Tender Offer Period, or (ii) that are not properly completed, or (iii) lack any of the required attachments, will be rejected.

The TO Agent will accept Applications on the condition that it is able to verify the signature/ endorsement on AGF stock certificates by verifying the signature on file with AGF’s stock transfer agent, if such is available. The TO Agent will rely on the signature affixed on the Application and on the supporting identification documents or board resolution when it verifies the endorsement of the relevant AGF stock certificates. The TO Agent shall not be required to make further inquiries into the authenticity of the signature. If the TO Agent is unable to verify the signature on the Application or the endorsement of the AGF stock certificate, the TO Agent will also reject the Application.

Tendering Shareholders whose Applications have been rejected, in whole or in part, shall be notified of such fact by the TO Agent on or before 18 June 2015.

All Applications shall be accepted only in the Philippines.

Rejected shares shall be returned in the same form they were received to the Tendering Stockholder’s broker (for scripless shares) or to the Tendering Stockholder (for certificated shares) within three (3) trading days from the end of the Tender Offer Period. Any and all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the return of the rejected shares shall be borne by the Tendering Stockholder.

The accepted Tender Offer Shares are intended to be crossed at the PSE on 25 June 2015 (the “Cross Date”), subject to the approval by the PSE and subject further to any extension of the Tender Offer Period with the approval of the SEC. Any change in the Cross Date shall be announced by the Biddersin The Standard (formerly known as the Manila Standard Today) and Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The settlement date shall be within three (3) trading days after the Cross Date (the “Settlement Date”), subject to any extension of the Tender Offer Period with the approval of the SEC. All accepted Applications shall be settled only in the Philippines.

The TO Agent will act as agent for the Tendering Shareholders for the purpose of receiving the check payments from the Bidder and transmitting the check payments to such Tendering Shareholders. The check payments to be issued to Tendering Shareholders shall be made available by the TO Agent for pick-up by the Tendering Shareholders starting on Settlement Date at its offices.

When collecting payment, the Tendering Shareholders shall present the “Applicant’s Copy” of the Application as well as proper identification (e.g., driver’s license, driver’s license, tax identification card, Social Security Services/Government Services and Insurance System card, or passport). Duly authorized representatives shall be required to present an authorization letter from the Tendering Shareholders.

Tendering beneficial owners of Tender Offer Shares are advised to consult with their custodian, fiduciaries, or other similar agents on the manner by which they may collect payment from such agents.

In any event, no payment shall be made without the TO Agent having timely received the duly accomplished Application, the stock certificates evidencing the Tender Offer Shares and other documents required herein.

Any payment not collected within thirty (30) trading days from the Cross Date shall be dispatched via registered mail, to the address of the Tendering Shareholder indicated in the Application, at the risk of the Tendering Shareholders.

Pulling away. Jockey Jeffrey Bacaycay and his steed Superve pull away from the pack to win the 1st

leg of the Philippine Racing Commission’s Triple Crown at the San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite yesterday. REVOLI CORTEZ

Aboitiz cyclists finish 1-2 in Subic ABOITIZPOWER cyclists Kristian Reyes and Jason Comandante settled for a 1-2 finish in the premier Category 2, even as Michelle Barnachea topped the Female Open to highlight yesterday’s AboitizPower Tour of Subic held at the Maritan Highway in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The 17-year-old Reyes, a neophyte in a road race event, competed like a grizzled veteran as he showed patience and determination in trekking the challenging three-kilometer uphill climb starting at the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, before unveiling his nerves of steel in the downhill to edge Comandante and Resty Aragon of Team Excellent Noodles in an electrifying sprint finish.

The three riders negotiated

the 90-kilometer race organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas, and presented by AboitizPower, in two hours, 34 minutes and 29 seconds but Reyes was the clear winner with almost a bikelength advantage.

“Last year lang ako nagcycling at first race ko ito.

Kinailangan talaga pong magpakita ng pagtitiis sa ahunan dahil alam kong kapag nalampasan ko ito ay maganda ang chance ko na manalo,” said Reyes, who hails from Binan, Laguna and is an incoming first year college student taking up management course at the Far Eastern University.

Last year’s champion Joey Delos Reyes failed to break free

from the watchful eyes of his rivals as he settled for 14th place overall with a 2:37:24 time.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Barnachea of Team Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance also needed a strong finish to edge Mari Maligaya of Sante Barley in the female class of this race also supported by SN Aboitiz Power Group, Sante Barley, WeatherPhilippines, Subic Holiday Villas, Gatorade, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and GU. Both Barnachea and Maligaya clocked at 3:04:34, while Irish Mae Wong of Corratec Philippines took the bronze in 3:17:15 time.

“Sinuwerte lang. Ang hirap ng karera dahil sa ahon at hindi ko forte

Tendering Shareholders shall have the right to withdraw any Tender Offer Shares at any time during the Tender Offer Period but only up to 4:00 pm on16 June 2015by submitting a written request for the withdrawal of the Tender Offer Shares to the TO Agent with a copy of the “Applicant’s Copy” of the Application issued by the TO Agent. If tendered Tender Offer Shares are not accepted by the Bidderson or before 19 June 2015, Tendering Shareholders may likewise withdraw their tendered shares.

For withdrawal of the tendered shares to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be received by the TO Agent before 4:00 p.m. on 16 June 2015at the address set forth herein. The notice must specify the name of the Tendering Shareholder and the number of Tender Offer Shares to be withdrawn. If the stock certificates evidencing the Tender Offer Shares have been delivered to the TO Agent, the serial numbers shown on such certificates must be submitted to the TO Agent prior to the physical release of such certificates. No request for withdrawal of fractions of Tender Offer Shares will be considered. The TO Agent shall have the right in its sole discretion, to determine the form and validity of the notice of withdrawal, including the time of receipt thereof.

All expenses incurred by the TO Agent in respect of withdrawal of Tender Offer Shares shall be for the account of the shareholder making the withdrawal.

The terms set out in SEC Form 19-1 filed with the SEC on 14 May 2015shall form integral parts of the Terms of the Tender Offer. Any shareholder who wishes to obtain a copy of the said form may do so at the office of the TO Agent.

For inquiries regarding the Tender Offer, the number of shares and stock certificates, please contact the following: Lucky Securities Inc. Contact Person: Ms. Bee F. Ang Telephone Number: 634-6786 Telephone Number: 634-5382

RYM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION BY:

REMEGIO C. DAYANDAYAN, JR. (TS-MAY 18, 2015)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK M O N DAY : M AY 1 8 , 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

40-1 PH underdog wins crown SPORTS Ronnie Nathanielsz

HARD-HITTING southpaw Eden Sonsona won the vacant World Boxing Council International super featherweight title with a stunning secondround knockout of previously undefeated worldrated Mexican Adrian “Diamante” Estrella in San Luis Potosi, Mexico yesterday (Manila time).

Boxing aficionados in Mexico considered Estrella, who is ranked No. 5 by the WBC and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation, a 40-1 favorite in a major mismatch.

However, they didn’t reckon with the fighting heart of Sonsona, nor his punching power.

The 26-year-old Filipino was the aggressor from the opening bell and threw hard punches and when he nailed Estrella with an overhand left and followed it up with a perfectly timed right hook to the jaw, Estrella hit the canvas and was never able to recover. And although he beat the count, Estrella stumbled into the ropes, prompting referee Curtis Thrasher to call a halt at 0:27 of the round before a stunned crowd of predominantly Mexican

supporters.

With the impressive win, Sonsona improved to 34-6 with 12 knockouts, while Estrella suffered his first setback to drop to 21-1 with 20 knockouts.

Estrella had some big wins in 2014, including successful defenses on his FECARBOX title against former world champion Celestino Caballero and the rugged Dante Jardon.

It was Sonsona’s seventh win aside from two no-decisions following his ninth-round knockout at the hands of a much bigger Jonathan Oquendo, who he had on the verge of a knockout in the earlier rounds on July 10, 2010 in Puerto Rico.

In his last fight, Sonsona scored a first-round TKO over veteran Rex Olisa following a third-round

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Southpaw Eden Sonsona celebrates his stunning victory.

technical draw against former two-time world title challenger Bernabe Concepcion last July 26, 2014, in a bout where Sonsona was getting the better of the exchanges when an accidental clash of heads forced a stoppage.

Sonsona appeared to be headed for a possible world title shot when he smashed Eilon Kedem in two

rounds in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s clash with Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 14, 2009 and an eighth-round knockout of former world champion Mauricio Pastrana on March 13, 2010, which sandwiched a first-round KO win over Mauricio Laurente for the Philippine bantamweight

title on Dec. 12, 2009.

However, a conflict with his father/trainer, who allegedly squandered his fight purses, saw Sonsona begin a wayward life which prompted then manager Rod Nazario to part ways with the fighter, who returned to the ring after a 13-month layoff and resurrected his career.

MONDAY: MAY 18, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

PAL’s award.

Philippine Airlines president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista (second from left) receives the prestigious Rotary Club of Manila Tourism Awards 2015 during the awarding ceremonies held recently at the New World Hotel in Makati City.

With Bautista are (from left) Rotary Club of Manila president Frank Evaristo, director and chairman of the tourism awards committee Bobby Joseph and former RCM president Rudy Bediones. Rotary Club of Manila annually recognizes professionals in the tourism industry whose significant contributions help boost the image of the Philippines as a world-class tourist destination.

B1

PSe comPoSite index Closing May 15, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,881.95 50.51

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing MAY 15, 2015 46

P44.500

45

CLOSE

44 43 42

HIGH P44.460 LOW P44.560 AVERAGE P44.512 VOLUME 722.200M

P500.00-P650.00 LPG/11-kg tank P39.65-P45.25 Unleaded Gasoline P28.00-P31.30 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P35.40-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, May 15, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.5690

Japan

Yen

0.008391

0.3740

UK

Pound

1.577900

70.3254

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129026

5.7506

Switzerland

Franc

1.096251

48.8588

Canada

Dollar

0.833889

37.1656

Singapore

Dollar

0.758035

33.7849

Australia

Dollar

0.807168

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652379

118.2139

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

11.8851

Brunei

Dollar

0.755173

33.6573

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000076

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.029842

1.3300

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.1342

Euro

Euro

1.141400

50.8711

Korea

Won

0.000918

0.0409

China

Yuan

0.161259

7.1872

India

Rupee

0.015759

0.7024

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.279330

12.4495

New Zealand

Dollar

0.749400

33.4000

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032732

1.4588

35.9747

Source: PDS Bridge

B3

PH coconut exporter building P3.5-b plant

By Othel V. Campos

FRANKLIN Baker Company of the Philippines, one of the largest coconut exporters, is investing P3.5 billion to build a new coconut processing facility in the country to boost exports amid the rising global demand.

Franklin Baker executives said over the weekend current operations needed a boost to augment the capacity of two plants in San Pablo City, Laguna and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. The company said it planned to modernize a plant it acquired in 2014 to expand the current capacity of 2,000 metric tons per day by another 1,000 MT a day.

Construction is expected to start by November or December 2015, company executives said.

Franklin Baker is one of the leading and preferred suppliers of desiccated coconut to major food manufacturers in the US and accounts for nearly 50 percent of total Philippine coconut exports to the US. Franklin Baker, a company es-

tablished in 1894 by American flour miller Franklin Baker, now exports desiccated coconut, coconut concentrate, creamed coconut, coconut chips, coconut water and coconut water concentrate, virgin, coconut oil, coconut flour and organic coconut sugar.

It has a main office in Memphis, Tennessee. The company has offices in Makati City, San Pablo City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Executives said the company would soon manufacture specialty high-value products that act as base or raw materials for food processing. Franklin Baker recently started selling consumer products in supermarkets, under the same brand name as its desic-

cated coconut.

Among all products, desiccated coconut remains the company’s single biggest export accounting for 80 percent of the total.

The US remains the company’s biggest market for products across-the-board, with 80 percent of the all markets combined.

It supplies desiccated coconut to chocolate and confectionary companies such as Mars and Hershey’s.

The company sources its coconut supply from Luzon and Mindanao via farm management, renting land and contract farming. It has 25,000 hectares of coconut area in Davao and about 12,000 to 15,000 hectares in San Pablo City.

GMA Network invests P3b for shift to digital TV

By Darwin G Amojelar GMA Network Inc. is investing up to P3 billion to roll out infrastructure for its digital terrestial television services nationwide.

GMA Network chairman and chief executive Felipe said the company had alloted about P2 billion to P3 billlion for infrastructure alone, including transmission and equipment.

The network told the National Telecommunications Commission in an application it planned

PLDT investing in Internet fir

to convert its very high frequency (VHF) TV broadcast station in Quezon City and in key cities and provinces from analog to digital.

GMA said it was legally, financially and technically qualified to maintain and operate the proposed DTTB service.

Gozon also said the company would be producing dongles, instead of set-top boxes for the digital TV rollout.

The NTC had said the country could shut off the analog TV ser-

B4

vice by 2020.

The NTC and the Information and Communications Technology Office are finalizing the migration plan for DTT service.

The migration plan will address the policy, regulatory and technical issues as well as fiscal considerations for the country’s migration to digital TV broadcasting, including the date for the planned analog shut-off date, when no analog TV will be allowed to operate.

The NTC in December last yea

ICTSI to bid for Greek port

B6

issued the final implementing rules and regulations for digital TV, adopting Japan’s ISDB-T. GMA Network earlier reported a net income of P408 million in the January-to-March period this year, up 25 percent from P326 million year-on-year.

Revenues amounted to P3.006 billion in the first quarter from P2.85 billion on year. Airtime revenues rose 7 percent to P2.71 billion, while subscription and others fell 5 percent to P294 million.

First Gen to build $500-m plants

MONDAY: MAY 18, 2015

B2

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

MST BuSineSS Weekly STockS RevieW STOCKS

MAY 11-15, 2015 Volume Value

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

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl Reinsurance Corp.

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

7.2 71 115.00 100.00 48.1 2.50 2.10 15.8 23.25 7.40 1.68 846.00 0.435 93.75 1.09 18.30 29.00 74.90 94 317 45.1 167 1475.00 65.10 3.12

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

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

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

Lafarge Rep Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Corp.

Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ SPC Power Corp.

Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

42.35 1.55 1.08 2.1 11.5 49.25 88.00 19.32 127 28 57 2 1.76 12.68 20.300 11.38 8.02 10.30 1.83 14.58 27.8 89.5 14.98 0.3700 13.98 5.9 0.580 212.00 10.4 32.05 2.5 3.05 52.55 26 27.95 7.4 273.00 3.90 4.2 10.02 4.03 11.60 4.05 2.35 2.32 5.03 1.93 6.2 188 4.4 1.59 0.160 1.28 2.27 210.6 4.46 0.72 20.80 1.32

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

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

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Minerales Industrias Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Transgrid Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs

0.470 57.65 24.40 7.00 1.61 0.285 0.29 821 9.38 15.10 3.6 3.4 4.37 0.265 1410 6.36 72.00 4.2 5.47 6.55 7.71 0.75 15.5 0.68 4.73 5 0.0380 1.350 1.100 2.42 66.50 2.96 910.00 1.21 0.81 268.80 88.10 0.3900

Close

FINANCIAL 1,930,532.00 14,640,534.00 1,255,667,388.00 1,506,093,403.00 31,816,795.00 489,800.00 879,600.00 3,295,382.00 199,480,260.00 358,299 162,560.00 2,389,560.00 273,050.00 1,454,513,951.00 2,180,210.00 3,677,514.00 1,680,405.00 15,706,175.00 765,821.00 30,667,140.00 36,695,210.00 315,287,996.00 969,650.00 6,623,578.00 3,225,330.00 INDUSTRIAL 11,362,400 480,742,715.00 38,002 58,930.00 5,464,000 5,803,730.00 5,062,000 10,509,360.00 83,600 979,590.00 400 19,702.00 30 2,660.00 3,406,900 65,950,056.00 90 11,251.00 1,306,000 35,798,510.00 880,830 51,235,760.00 40,992,000 88,371,590.00 1,812,000 3,190,410.00 603,900 7,684,114.00 19,395,800 405,016,870.00 8,210,400 93,736,202.00 136,186,500 1,082,026,403.00 1,251,200 12,710,020.00 503,000 882,350.00 298,500 4,340,430.00 13,483,700 368,669,470.00 2,212,850 198,696,796.00 23,000 332,744.00 4,850,000 1,813,900.00 167,300 2,341,800.00 4,786,800 28,244,707.00 483,000 282,770.00 5,146,310 1,087,446,132.00 7,201,300 74,272,714.00 5,600 180,755.00 367,000 924,180.00 245,000 735,000.00 7,900 408,895.00 9,829,800 248,675,035.00 2,702,300 75,607,990.00 1,129,500 8,458,386.00 1,356,350 362,437,550.00 186,000 795,900.00 12,611,000 52,931,440.00 22,566,300 221,866,444.00 48,000 202,870.00 157,500 1,825,468.00 2,364,000 9,480,140.00 3,910,000 9,002,830.00 3,716,000 8,502,730.00 10,703,100 53,900,671.00 249,000 475,210.00 359,800 2,222,315.00 81,320 15,452,617.00 6,000 26,580.00 1,284,000 2,050,720.00 8,340,000 1,341,880.00 91,000 123,770.00 17,363,000 40,209,130.00 18,912,020 3,870,241,064.00 125,000 559,730.00 4,963,000 3,468,630.00 500 10,400.00 810,000 1,065,890.00 HOLDING FIRMS 920,000 430,300.00 5,108,420 294,529,612.00 47,884,300 1,180,747,850.00 538,100 3,812,905.00 15,000 23,760.00 47,340,000 13,724,850.00 6,214,000 1,883,150.00 1,231,750 1,001,946,535.00 4,836,300 40,090,040.00 35,038,600 521,101,840.00 8,000 27,900.00 18,000 61,200.00 1,062,000 4,636,410.00 3,100,000 815,450.00 2,393,170 3,310,748,910.00 310,300 1,983,342.00 7,283,250 525,434,036.00 14,000 59,800.00 1,900 10,411.00 8,800 55,650.00 91,115,900 699,057,153.00 2,690,000 1,989,180.00 23,077,300 352,912,654.00 754,001 866,150.00 82,823,000 401,218,930.00 183,600 918,000.00 5,000,000 190,000.00 37,001 60,120.00 27,034,000 29,926,570.00 4,000 9,680.00 827,760 55,326,045.00 42,000 119,000.00 1,094,260 986,995,530.00 4,280,000 5,657,700.00 1,088,000 929,340.00 10 2,688.00 117,180 10,820,223.00 54,950,000 21,268,000.00 260,700 206,350 11,091,700 14,992,010 661,200 204,000 426,000 214,400 8,648,400 48,400 95,000 2,920 590,000 15,603,810 2,089,000 199,500 55,700 209,230 8,150 96,460 816,100 1,885,560 665 101,730 1,037,000

MAY 4-8, 2015 Volume Value

7.5 70.5 111.20 101.00 47.25 2.51 2.05 15.34 22.8 7.40 1.78 820.00 0.440 93 0.98 18.30 30.50 76.00 94 317 45 169.4 1440.00 66.20 3.09

575,500 343,530 23,506,240 25,637,830 258,700 73,000 2,315,000 1,980,000 4,734,100 69,300 43,000 3,540 1,370,000 22,601,590 4,291,000 131,800 15,900 289,670 33,160 118,590 1,505,500 1,830,590 3,655 102,380 83,000

4,546,934.00 24,184,566.00 2,594,645,402.00 2,601,555,910.00 11,987,355.00 177,210.00 4,791,620.00 30,272,112.00 90,668,535.00 513,282 74,570.00 2,764,820.00 609,550.00 2,109,462,524.00 4,629,400.00 2,409,010.00 486,010.00 22,210,456.00 3,116,234.00 37,663,404.00 67,820,310.00 308,402,817.00 5,199,140.00 6,744,518.00 256,450.00

42 1.65 1.08 2.07 11.32 51 90.00 19.56 135 27.4 62 2.41 1.77 12.94 20.800 11.42 8.05 10.28 1.88 15 27.55 93.9 14.10 0.4300 14.20 6.1 0.590 210.00 10.18 36.45 2.55 2.51 52.10 24.85 28.65 7.600 265.00 4.08 4.15 9.71 4.4 11.60 4.00 2.30 2.35 5.06 1.86 6.2 187 4.16 1.61 0.167 1.38 2.19 202 4.47 0.69 20.50 1.35

12,804,800 83,000 5,023,000 2,707,000 7,200 6,030 250 791,700 210 1,609,500 296,700 56,270,000 1,262,000 313,100 14,013,400 2,454,600 159,179,000 4,908,900 119,000 388,800 20,999,500 1,392,050 191,700 500,000 108,000 1,193,900 380,000 4,842,790 5,347,400 2,000 141,000 3,000 5,670 9,065,500 3,196,300 2,513,100 1,297,550 62,000 24,090,000 5,385,400 33,900 103,500 1,087,000 5,753,000 11,691,000 2,518,200 245,000 66,400 311,900 66,000 3,453,000 11,590,000 51,000 41,468,000 16,450,800 510,000 13,431,000 7,800 933,000

552,729,825.00 132,720.00 5,374,830.00 5,623,270.00 82,068.00 342,814.00 14,440.00 15,305,364.00 29,290.00 45,954,775.00 18,565,630.00 136,281,780.00 2,289,030.00 4,054,306.00 289,232,184.00 28,100,516.00 1,293,996,968.00 50,743,484.00 216,850.00 5,827,896.00 590,703,625.00 130,791,688.00 2,739,060.00 210,450.00 1,525,642.00 7,295,087.00 224,400.00 1,008,496,660.00 54,497,138.00 72,215.00 375,410.00 7,530.00 294,592.00 222,849,640.00 90,690,335.00 19,558,468.00 340,768,940.00 242,930.00 101,890,510.00 52,801,563.00 147,295.00 1,184,846.00 4,327,660.00 13,185,060.00 28,169,000.00 12,823,201.00 470,450.00 419,916.00 59,394,782.00 282,270.00 5,791,030.00 1,872,200.00 67,640.00 96,422,970.00 3,492,498,508.00 2,288,910.00 9,564,440.00 162,300.00 1,251,560.00

0.460 57.65 24.50 7.04 1.50 0.310 0.31 805 8.21 14.60 3.5 3.5 4.32 0.285 1293 6.40 70.75 4.2 6.39 6.26 8.72 0.72 15.5 0.67 4.61 4.99 0.0380 1.400 1.180 2.42 66.85 2.96 906.00 1.23 0.83 250.00 97.00 0.3700

840,000 7,729,300 61,193,600 108,100 123,000 226,590,000 30,970,000 1,698,270 7,695,000 22,912,100 17,000 64,000 161,000 1,270,000 1,179,045 1,266,900 9,434,150 56,400 43,100 43,800 9,993,300 3,723,000 26,177,600 984,000 125,747,000 421,100 4,700,000 35,000 46,205,000 3,000 864,900 11,000 2,185,762 111,000 539,000 1,190 42,590 12,030,000

431,150.00 443,002,146.00 1,532,744,045.00 756,507.00 188,390.00 71,018,150.00 9,985,600.00 1,361,122,810.00 63,120,395.00 342,075,166.00 59,420.00 224,740.00 698,240.00 353,640.00 1,527,861,385.00 8,078,437.00 683,348,505.00 295,677.00 256,930.00 318,390.00 88,530,016.00 2,702,600.00 398,816,290.00 643,260.00 574,237,620.00 2,120,760.00 180,800.00 50,200.00 53,105,860.00 7,260.00 58,220,989.00 32,540.00 2,153,548,005.00 131,140.00 454,050.00 311,056.00 4,236,443.00 4,532,250.00

STOCKS

Close

Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.2330 0.310

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

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Cebu Prop. `A’ Centennial City City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

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

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 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

8.790 10.30 0.84 1.300 0.240 40.70 4.1 5.19 5.8 0.88 1.30 1.19 0.156 0.450 0.850 0.180 1.39 2.02 1.41 6.60 5.25 0.126 0.3300 0.4900 27.00 7.29 30.00 1.73 3.31 19.70 0.74 7.1 0.980 7.450

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

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

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

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

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

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

Yehey

6.57 61.85 1.06 0.680 13.66 10.00 0.0990 4 91.2 10 1.69 6.90 2.86 976 2550 6.31 27.00 1.38 111 6.02 12.4 0.013 0.244 1.2700 2.41 9.80 2.05 1.3 2.14 64.00 0.680 2 9.5 0.365 0.470 18.46 4.50 3 128.00 17.10 2850.00 0.660 1.710 39.85 87.50 10.70 0.67 6.66 0.325 1.300

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. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Petroenergy Res. Corp.

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

0.0053 2.71 8.07 15.00 0.250 7.3900 7.3000 1.05 0.87 7.79 1.81 0.345 0.247 0.249 0.0150 0.0150 3.99 27.25 3.8 0.7100 2.100 0.0120 0.0130 4.44 6.93 2.12 0.016 163.00 7.83 0.0100

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure & Resort Pref.

MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C

63 521.5 525 119 520 6.2 1.09 115 1125 1170 1064 76.7 84 86.9

Leisure & Resort Warr.

4.630

Double Dragon Makati Fin. Corp.

Ripple E-Business Intl Xurpas

10.04 9 72.7 10.28

First Metro ETF

128.4

MAY 11-15, 2015 Volume Value 3,570,000 1,150,000

796,070.00 356,650.00 PROPERTY 2,080,000 17,949,532.00 4,400 44,066.00 87,242,000 72,333,980.00 559,000 728,360.00 60,000 14,400.00 26,124,700 1,053,711,340.00 5,157,000 21,246,240.00 266,100 1,384,790.00 800 1,160.00 25,636,000 22,790,260.00 367,000 463,430.00 679,000 772,920.00 57,090,000 8,966,980.00 340,000 152,750.00 2,339,000 2,009,010.00 650,000 118,870.00 7,447,000 10,246,690.00 133,215,000 260,954,580.00 1,983,000 2,764,480.00 65,600 425,769.00 72,155,700 383,728,206.00 16,880,000 2,092,080.00 1,350,000 442,200.00 2,660,000 1,229,000.00 178,900 4,839,025.00 332,400 2,423,556.00 10,125,800 296,295,415.00 3,829,000 6,612,740.00 245,000 809,480.00 31,829,100 626,370,424.00 2,752,000 2,063,210.00 174,800 1,202,317.00 778,000 760,430.00 46,363,900 342,984,050.00 SERVICES 545,300 3,550,982.00 73,820 4,560,655.00 389,000 425,290.00 4,314,000 2,936,810.00 149,800 2,032,950.00 120,646,300 1,340,314,568.00 60,170,000 5,989,930.00 8,806,000 35,898,850.00 5,781,440 516,932,991.00 29,700 297,000.00 5,000 8,450 348,300 2,419,320.00 45,000 128,850.00 1,310 1,259,060.00 264,280 636,850,180.00 517,800 3,229,819.00 7,800 193,070.00 4,594,000 6,289,620.00 2,916,510 323,566,261.00 1,200 8,320 16,400 202,860.00 20,600,000 261,300.00 113,720,000 27,193,880.00 1,086,000 1,384,090.00 237,000 570,210.00 12,014,500 118,036,402.00 15,000 31,190.00 69,000 32,693.00 1,000 2,140.00 166,380 8,386,299.00 378,000 252,870.00 269,000 537,220.00 20,199,300 195,877,703.00 360,000 128,850.00 1,450,000 677,350.00 81,600 1,508,288.00 122,000 555,790 12,000 36,200.00 2,390 322,090.00 1,357,700 21,212,822.00 413,320 1,170,981,090.00 41,284,000 27,366,920.00 195,236,000 332,590,270.00 9,519,900 375,006,250.00 4,719,360 399,192,844.00 23,928,700 254,900,906.00 8,737,000 5,808,980.00 9,883,900 65,911,829.00 1,580,000 516,400.00 1,000 1,300.00 MINING & OIL 733,000,000 3,879,800.00 1,160,000 3,232,500.00 647,500 5,240,613.00 1,800 26,240.00 3,480,000 872,700.00 160,200 1,144,497.00 15,400 113,040.00 3,818,000 3,976,770.00 4,332,000 3,742,140.00 80,900 638,110.00 71,161,000 129,252,680.00 6,970,000 2,430,350.00 63,400,000 15,306,650.00 17,070,000 4,193,840.00 63,400,000 892,100.00 72,200,000 1,109,800.00 3,353,000 13,748,650.00 18,685,400 447,626,165.00 8,522,000 33,028,620.00 167,000 118,570.00 1,136,000 2,388,930.00 97,100,000 1,208,300.00 17,300,000 225,100.00 990,000 4,417,030.00 2,295,200 16,120,380.00 95,112,000 226,440,520.00 364,800,000 5,831,000.00 3,718,280 595,515,712.00 15,532,800 114,887,925.00 24,800,000 258,300.00 PREFERRED 1,099,260 68,838,541.00 23,010 11,968,945.00 9,410 4,940,200 62,020 7,381,093.00 20,140 10,467,900.00 237,500 1,468,089.00 3,009,000 3,259,810 43,500 5,004,455.00 34,000 35,921,760.00 10,095 11,493,645.00 30,495 32,161,085.00 773,970 59,122,687.00 47,570 3,992,880.00 92,480 7,996,012.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 10,690,000 49,498,170.00 SME 12,208,600 121,265,987.00 137,300 1,194,019.00 7,660 541,276.00 12,767,500 125,744,018.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 53,210 6,765,643.00

Close

MAY 4-8, 2015 Volume Value

0.2350 0.315

2,150,000 1,470,000

496,320.00 450,150.00

8.840 9.46 0.71 1.290 0.265 39.80 4.12 5.13 6.45 0.89 1.26 1.10 0.156 0.450 0.860 0.182 1.36 1.87 1.43 5.48

6,025,700 3,900 8,810,000 224,000 320,000 36,911,300 16,770,000 197,000 100,500 20,099,000 60,000 417,000 38,190,000 17,120,000 58,000 4,390,000 15,104,000 81,365,000 1,387,000 88,000

52,999,851.00 40,190.00 6,527,310.00 293,470.00 79,100.00 1,475,036,400.00 69,843,970.00 1,020,445.00 603,160.00 17,916,540.00 74,760.00 449,140.00 6,041,060.00 8,036,300.00 2,774,200.00 798,100.00 20,684,420.00 154,390,880.00 1,959,840.00 437,596.00

0.127 0.3400 0.4700 24.05 7.3 29.10 1.76 3.30 19.64 0.76 6.56 0.990 7.410

9,140,000 3,380,000 2,283,000 123,500 892,300 17,674,200 1,710,000 1,029,000 101,452,900 2,507,000 124,300 458,000 25,685,700

1,108,770.00 1,589,750.00 1,134,100.00 3,891,370.00 6,411,624.00 518,779,715.00 3,011,670.00 3,383,340.00 1,975,334,592.00 1,916,610.00 853,365.00 401,170.00 191,432,112.00

6.5 62.1 1.04 0.660 13.7 11.50 0.1010 4.23 84.3 10 1.7 7.00 2.98 946 2184 6.21 30.40 1.45 109 7.00 12.4 0.013 0.226 1.2500 2.43 9.42 2.09 1.29 2.13 46.85 0.670 2 9.14 0.360 0.430 18.5 4.85 3.05 139.90 14.74 2836.00 0.660 1.610 39.55 85.50 10.30 0.67 6.65 0.325 1.300

557,300 83,630 536,000 4,795,000 379,100 54,489,600 40,400,000 10,842,200 1,781,230 81,300 59,000 423,000 141,000 1,340 362,010 520,600 78,700 627,000 4,592,510 115,500 106,500 152,500,000 28,080,000 1,201,000 122,000 4,006,500 35,000 174,000 288,000 103,230 345,000 263,000 22,999,500 1,256,000 202,000 24,100 759,700 80,000 27,850 468,700 555,485 41,256,000 98,697,000 17,178,300 3,247,590 19,348,100 8,566,000 6,232,900 5,410,000 76,000

3,571,374.00 5,188,605.00 582,780.00 3,228,020.00 5,142,954.00 635,709,534.00 4,083,900.00 51,519,133.00 152,965,602.00 813,000.00 100,300 1,281,384.00 492,060.00 1,268,175.00 792,980,410.00 3,253,232.00 3,098,370.00 887,940.00 505,140,932.00 742,438 1,318,548.00 1,985,900.00 6,485,210.00 1,505,540.00 304,420.00 37,935,068.00 71,580.00 223,000.00 586,440.00 5,247,431.00 233,210.00 526,300.00 206,329,192.00 1,636,400.00 135,550.00 443,738.00 3,704,004 236,500.00 3,769,645.00 6,897,066.00 1,581,517,210.00 26,629,080.00 160,042,370.00 688,810,480.00 278,379,826.00 204,379,792.00 5,728,340.00 42,009,128.00 1,771,400.00 98,910.00

0.0054 3.04 8.20 15.00 0.255 6.7000 8.0000 1.03 0.89 7.73 1.85 0.365 0.232 0.241 0.0140 0.0150 4.34 26.7 3.92 0.7100 2.150 0.0130 0.0130 4.49 7.09 1.5 0.016 162.80 5.73 0.0100

1,010,000,000 1,242,000 1,934,800 49,400 2,030,000 41,100 316,800 1,230,000 1,676,000 47,200 120,457,000 12,400,000 37,920,000 1,410,000 218,100,000 112,100,000 2,257,000 51,235,600 20,720,000 1,318,000 13,848,810 47,900,000 3,500,000 496,000 953,600 13,352,000 1,088,800,000 4,201,670 12,339,800 232,700,000

5,337,900.00 3,668,850.00 15,564,461.00 736,898.00 521,200.00 276,869.00 2,161,840.00 1,284,130.00 1,469,500.00 367,330.00 227,718,550.00 4,492,100.00 8,747,480.00 332,540.00 3,053,900.00 1,633,600.00 9,985,840.00 1,297,588,620.00 81,895,890.00 940,710.00 3,783,670.00 580,400.00 45,700.00 2,236,370.00 6,815,404.00 21,784,130.00 5,366,500.00 687,117,616.00 70,114,989.00 2,337,000.00

62.75 515 525 119 513 5.95 1.09 108.1 1050 1100 1045 76.1 84 87

1,027,960 3,900 12,340 43,100 2,060 388,200 2,444,000 340 8,035 890 6,835 349,490 8,870 391,470

65,246,970.00 2,025,500.00 6,478,500 5,181,152.00 1,055,580.00 2,323,335.00 2,663,960 38,080.00 8,519,535.00 975,300.00 7,142,435.00 26,562,106.00 744,830.00 33,415,563.00

4.160

1,960,000

8,274,830.00

9.89 8.24 77.65 9.13

22,627,000 24,100 4,330 4,525,200

216,374,754.00 167,736.00 329,166.00 41,723,880.00

126.2

72,510

9,200,344.00

MST WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS

Abra Mining Philodrill Corp. `A’ Premium Leisure Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) Filinvest Land,Inc. Bloomberry Island Info Oriental Pet. `A’ PhilexPetroleum Keppel Holdings `B’

VOLUME 733,000,000 364,800,000 195,236,000 136,186,500 133,215,000 120,646,300 113,720,000 97,100,000 95,112,000 91,115,900

STOCKS Universal Robina GT Capital Bank of PI Metrobank Bloomberry Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Alliance Global Inc. PLDT Common Jollibee Foods Corp.

Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC)

VALUE 3,870,241,064.00 3,310,748,910.00 1,506,093,403.00 1,454,513,951.00 1,340,314,568.00 1,255,667,388.00 1,180,747,850.00 1,170,981,090.00 1,087,446,132.00 1,082,026,403.00

MONDAY: MAY 18, 2015

B3

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

Ayala mall not as big as MoA afterall THE SM group could still claim the distinction of having the largest shopping mall on Manila Bay, as Ayala Land Inc.’s planned shopping center in the Aseana City complex in the reclaimed portion of Parañaque City will not be bigger than the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, contrary to previous news reports.

Ayala Land senior vice president Jose Emmanuel Jalandoni said the proposed shopping mall within a nine-hectare complex that the company would develop under a lease agreement with the Wenceslaos would have 200,000 square meters of gross leasable space.

This is less than half of the 407,000 square meters of gross leasable space of Mall of Asia, which is now the country’s third largest shopping mall, next to SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City and SM North Edsa in Quezon City.

So who is to be blamed for the inaccurate information fed to the press on the planned Ayala Land mall in Aseana City complex?

The official press statement released by the city government of Parañaque was apparently based on Ayala Land’s specific application submitted to lawyer Melanie Malaya, the head of the city’s business permits and licensing office.

Based on Ayala Land’s application for a locational clearance for the construction of a mall along Macapagal Avenue, Malaya said the planned project would be bigger than the nearby SM Mall of Asia complex.

Ayala Land president Bobby Dy, however, strongly denied putting the words “bigger than Mall of Asia” in its letter to the city government of Parañaque. Jenniffer B. Austria

Developers watch Daanghari completion

MOTORISTS are not the only ones patiently waiting for the completion of the four-kilometer Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, formerly called Daanghari-South Luzon Expressway of Ayala Corp.

Property developers, with planned projects in the southern part of Metro Manila, are also waiting for the toll road, the country’s first public-private partnership project, to be completed, before launching their real estate developments.

Vista Land Lifescapes Inc. of former senator Manuel Villar said it had moved the launching of several residential projects within the mixeduse development Vista City in Daanghari to the third quarter of 2015, because it wanted the toll road project to be operational before starting to sell the housing units.

Vista Land is setting the stage for three huge developments across various residential brands in Vista City this year.

The property developer believes it will be able to get better sales take-up, in the form of reservation sales, once the MCX toll road is operational.

Filinvest Land Inc. of the Gotianun family is also preparing to launch a 20-hectare residential development in Daanghari in the second half of the year, which could generate as much as P2.5 billion in sales.

Based on Ayala Corp.’s latest presentation during a recent analysts briefing, the conglomerate said it was still keeping the June 2015 completion date for the toll road project.

However, commercial operation may start by the third quarter of the year. Jenniffer B. Austria

PLDT buying more Internet companies

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. has disclosed a plan to invest in 10 Internet-related companies overseas.

“We have a healthy list of investment opportunities in the Internet.

It’s a whole range of Internet possibilities,” PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan told reporters, when asked if the company planned to invest in other ventures similar to

Rocket Internet and iFlix.

PLDT recently invested $15 million in iFlix, an Internet TV provider in Southeast Asia. The company also invested 333 million euros or about P19.66 billion for a 6.1-percent stake in Rocket Internet, the owner of Zalora, Lazada, Carmudi, Lamudi and Easy Taxi.

Pangilinan, without disclosing the identity of the companies, said they were located in the US, Europe and Asia.

“I think the decision to invest needs short-time frame, in other words you have to make a quick decision because the world of the Internet does not wait for anybody it moves quick-

ly so you have a few weeks to decide,” he said.

“Clearly any telco has got to engage the Internet now. They cannot participate in the Internet space beyond providing the connectivity or access,” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan said the investment in Rocket and iFlix was in line with PLDT’s strategy of providing relevant and valueenhancing services to customers.

“We will continue to pursue further digital partnerships as one of our key strategic initiatives to drive growth and create value for our stakeholders, whilst leveraging on PLDT’s unique combination of assets,” Pangilinan said.

PhilHealth to pursue negligent employers By: Michelle S. Nisperos

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced that it will run after employers who have failed to fulfill their obligations to their employees and to the state-run health insurer.

“We do not want any employee or their dependents to experience non-availment of PhilHealth benefits because of the employers’ negligence,” said PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla, “that is why we are issuing this reminder for the benefit of over 13 million employees, both in the public and private sectors.”

Reports have reached PhilHealth about erring employers who either do not remit the premium contributions deducted from a member’s monthly salary; do not remit the correct amount promptly; or do not submit the required remittance reports on schedule, thereby causing anxiety among employees who expect to avail themselves of the benefits at point-of-service.

According to Padilla, failure of employers to remit the required contributions and submit remittance reports shall make them liable for reimbursement of payment of a properly filed claim of their employees, as prescribed under Section 18(d) of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National Health Insurance Act of 2013.

Through Circular No. 003, s-2015, PhilHealth stressed its authority to recover the full amount of claim payments from employers for properly filed claims by employed members and their dependents who were later found out to have no qualifying contributions.

These erring employers shall also be penalized with a fine of not less than P5,000 multiplied by the total number of employees for failure or refusal to register or deduct PhilHealth premium contributions. In the same manner, a fine of not less than P5,000 but not more than P10,000 multiplied by the total number of employees shall be applied for employers who refused or failed to remit and report contributions.

Delinquent employers are those who have missed monthly premium contributions in behalf of its employees for at least one month within a six-month period. Under-remitting employers, on the other hand, are those who remitted and reported contributions that are less than the prescribed amount or those who remitted accurate contributions but did not include all its employees.

The circular also defines non-remitting employers as those who have not remitted any premium contributions to PhilHealth from the start of its operations or for six months or more, while non-reporting employers are those that may or may not have remitted premium contributions and have not submitted any report for at least one month within a period of six months.

B4 Strategic initiative.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario (seated center), former US Senator and Defense Secretary William Cohen (seated right) and Philippines Inc. chairman Antonio Cojuangco lead the launching of the United States-Philippine Strategic Initiative held in Washington, D.C. USPSI is a high-level policy dialogue project designed to explore the critical linkage of economic ties as the foundation for enduring security. Behind (from left) are Philippine Daily Inquirer publisher Raul Pangalangan, Stratbase ADR Institute deputy managing director Rupert Paul Manhit, KGL Investments president and chief executive Mark Williams, E-motors president Elizabeth Lee, Stratbase founder and managing director Dindo Manhit, Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng, Stratbase chairman and International Container Terminal Services Inc. director Jose Ibazeta, Harbor Star Shipping Services chairman and president Geronimo Bella Jr., De La Salle University professor Renato De Castro and CSIS Sumitro chairman for Southeast Asia Studies Ernie Bower.

BUSINESS

ICTSI to bid for Greek port

By Darwin G Amojelar

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. has expressed interest in a majority stake in Piraeus port in Greece.

“Yes. We are now reviewing this opportunity,” ICTSI vice president and treasurer Rafael Consing Jr. said in a text message.

The Greek government is selling a 51-percent stake in the Piraeus port, the largest port in Greece, lower than the 67 percent stake it earlier offered.

The cash-strapped Greek government has been raising funds through the sale of public assets to pay creditors from Europe and the International Monetary Fund.

Chinese conglomerate COSCO and the Dutch company APM Terminals have also expressed interest on the privatization of Piraeus port and have until September to submit their offer.

Available data from its Web site showed that Port of Piraeus handled 644,055 twenty-foot equivalent units of containers in 2013, up 2.9 percent from 625,914 TEU in 2012.

Passenger traffic at the Piraeus port stood at 17,669772 in 2013,

down 1.75 percent from 17,983,635.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s government, in power for the last three months, had been largely opposed to the previous regime’s plans to raise funds for the cash-strapped state through the sale of public assets, and had vowed to halt such privatisations.

But it has come under intense pressure from cash-strapped Greece’s international creditors to move forward with such sales.

In late April, the government carried out its first privatisation since coming to power came with the selling of a 20-year horseracing gambling licence to a subsidiary of Czech-Greek company Opap for 40.5 million euros ($44 million).

Government spokesperson Gabriel Sakellaridis said Thursday

that the question of privatisation was part of the “package” of measures being discussed with the EU and the IMF to free a slice of loans worth 7.2 billion euros. With AFP ICTSI, which operates the main international port in Manila, has been expanding its operations globally.

ICTSI chairman and president Enrique Razon Jr. said his company participated in an acution for a port in Cameroon in Africa and would bid for another one in Mombasa, Kenya.

ICTSI has port operations in Madagascar, Nigeria and Congo in Central Africa. The Philippine port operator has programmed $530 million in capital expenditure this year to develop new container terminals in Mexico and Iraq and

expand the capacity of the terminal operation in Manila.

ICTSI also plans to spend for the development of new terminals in Democratic Republic of Congo and Australia.

The port operator reported a net income of $54 million in the first quarter of 2015, up 3 percent from $52.4 million a year ago.

ICTSI booked a $13.2-million one-time gain in January 2014 from the sale of non-core asset when it divested its holdings in Cebu International Container Terminal Inc. The port operator handled consolidated volume of 1,982,773 twenty-foot equivalent units in the January-to-March period, or 13 percent more than 1,757,095 TEUs it handled in the same period in 2014. With AFP

Cheap, illegal cigarettes Stock market likely to sustain gains stimulate youth smoking By Jenniffer B. Austria WINSTON & Camel maker JT International (Philippines) Inc. said the sale of cheap and illegal cigarettes undermines government’s efforts to stop youth smoking.

“Minors should not smoke and should not be able to obtain tobacco products from any source, legitimate or otherwise,” JTIP general manager Manos Koukourakis said.

“Preventing minors from having access is key in reducing youth smoking. However, illegal traders of fake, cheap cigarettes don’t care who they sell to. Illegal cigarettes undermine government health efforts and the good work of the law-abiding retailers,” he said.

JTIP called on government to take a tougher stance against illegal cigarettes in to prevent youth access to tobacco products.

The tobacco company, which also produces Mevius, formerly Mild Seven, said it fully supported the law prohibiting retailers like sari-sari outlets and convenience stores from selling to underage smokers.

JTIP has a strict policy not to sell to minors, or in places frequented by underage people.

“The illegal trade harms small businesses and allows children to buy tobacco in the back streets. Enhanced enforcement and stiffer penalties are needed,” Manos said.

JTIP, meanwhile, is supporting a bill filed in Congress proposing a minimum cigarette price, which could help curb youth smoking and even stamp out tax evasion.

THE stock market is expected to sustain its advance this week, on renewed optimism over the growth of the domestic economy, despite the mixed first-quarter earnings.

Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan said the index would likely retest the 8,000-point level.

“Bullish condition this week is for the index to break 7,950, which will give us a buy signal as prices are now more likely to retest the 8,000 level and potentially 8,140,” Limlingan said.

The renewed investor optimism on the domestic economy came after the government reported favorable exports data and a rebound in manufacturing in March.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that cash remittances from Filipinos work-

ing overseas rose 11.3 percent in March to $2.101 billion from $1.888 billion a year ago, on the back of sustained demand for skilled workers abroad.

BDO Unibank Inc. chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said the market’s close above the 7,800 level last week indicated a retest of the 8,000-point mark.

The PSEi last week closed at 7,881.94 on Friday, up 1.52 percent from the previous week’s close, while the broader all-shares index rose 1.3 percent to 4,546.13.

“This week’s rally was fueled by the release of corporate earnings results and the rebalancing of the MSCI index. The market was further buoyed by the Central Bank keeping the policy rates unchanged during their last policy review,” Ravelas said.

All major sub-indices ended in the green led by services, which

climbed 2.05 percent; industrial which went up 1.47 percent; and holdings firms which advanced 1.38 percent.

Foreign investors were net sellers last week by P3.2 billion, as overseas selling hit P23.42 billion, while overseas buying amounted to P20.15 billion.

The average daily turnover remained at P8 billion.

Top gainers last week were Philex Petroleum Corp., which surged 41.3 percent to P2.12; Trans-Asia Petroleum Corp., which jumped 36.5 percent to P7.83; and Manila Broadcasting Co., which climbed 36 percent to P64.

Heavy losers were Crown Asia Chemicals Corp., which fell 17 percent to P2; Imperial Resources Inc., which dropped 14 percent to P6.02; and Greenergy Holdings Inc ., which dipped 13.9 percent to P0.37.

M O N D AY : M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

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

B5

LT Group posted flat Q1 profit of P1.59b

By Jenniffer B. Austria LT GROUP Inc., the listed holding company of tobacco and airline tycoon Lucio Tan, said net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company in the first three months of 2014 stood flat at P1.59 billion on mixed earnings results from core subsidiaries.

LT Group said in a financial statement filed with the Philippine Stock Exchange consolidated revenues amounted to P13.1 billion, up 1.9 percent from P12.9 billion recorded year-on-year, on increased revenues in the beverage and property development segment.

Reported net income in the first three months of 2015, however, was slightly lower at P2.1 billion from P2.2 billion in 2014.

LT Group said the tobacco segment’s net income was at P411 million for the quarter ending March 31, 2015, down 29 percent from P578 million on year, account of lower equity in net earnings from Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp.

LT Group, however, said PMFTC had been able to stabilize its market share at over 70 percent despite the proliferation of illicit trade in cigarettes.

The conglomerate’s spirits segment under Tanduay Distillers Inc. registered a net income of P75 million in the first three months of the year, a turnaround from a net loss of P11 million in the same period last year. Net revenues generated were flat at P3 billion in 2015 and 2014 as the increase in selling prices was offset by lower volumes in the first quarter.

The beverage segment under Asia Brewery Inc. also posted a net income of P301 million in the first quarter of the year, up 14.4 percent from P263 million in the same period last year.

Revenues of the beverage segment were higher by 3.9 percent to P3.5 billion in 2015 from P3.4 billion in 2014.

New Cemex investment. President Aquino greets Cemex chief executive Fernando Gonzalez during a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on May 14, 2015). With them are United Mexican States Ambassador to the Philippines Julio Camarena Villaseñor, Cemex Asia president Joaquin Estrada and Cemex Philippines president Pedro Palomino. Cemex is investing $300 million in the Philippines for a new 1.5-million-ton, integrated cement-production line at its Solid plant in Luzon. This will double the capacity of the Solid plant and will represent a 25 percent increase in the company’s cement capacity in the Philippines.

SMC still keen on Laiban

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. remains keen on building the controversial Laiban Dam project to help secure the country’s power supply.

SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. president and chief operating officer Alan Ortiz told reporters at the sidelines of a forum over the weekend the project was also crucial to secure the Philippines’ future water supply.

“This is the only remaining massive bulk water system for Luzon. This is very large and it’s waiting to be exploited properly for irrigation bulk water pump storage power generation. It’s there. In our estimate, [there’s an]

800-megawatt power generation capability which is waiting to be tapped,” Ortiz said.

He said power demand had been steady growing annually.

“If we have a six-percent growth, we need a six percent growth in power capacity. Our total installed capacity today is 16,000 MW, so if we get six percent of that, that’s about 300 to 400 MW [annually]… for the next 10 years,” Ortiz said.

He said the private sector had

stepped up to the challenge, citing around 2,700 MW of committed capacity and another 2,500 of indicative power projects in the pipeline.

San Miguel alone is building power projects in Bataan, Davao and Cebu provinces.

“My problem is on the political and leadership. We now have a golden opportunity in the next seven years… we can now move to the next level, bring manufacturing because there are no more blackouts,” Ortiz said.

“It’s imperative for the new government next year whoever that may be to accelerate installation of strategic energy infra and grid interconnections. We have to move fast,” he said.

Ortiz reiterated San Miguel would continue to be interested in the privatization of Laiban Dam.

“You need water for every new power plant, in the Laiban Dam. It’s still stuck in the bureaucracy for the last 35 years. There are eight billion litters of water and all 8 billion go back to the Paific Ocean. And yet we have taken 25 years to not build Laiban Dam. This is the only remaining massive bulk water system for Luzon,” he said.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System in 2013 identified over P100 billion worth of water projects in the mediumto long-term period, including the Laiban Dam. The new projects include the P85-billion development of a new water resource, called centennial water project, the P15-billion distribution facility and treatment plant in Bulacan and the P5.3billion Angat improvement.

DMCI sees ’15 income growing 23% to P12.6b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Museo Orlina exhibit. Resorts World Manila concluded Sunday its ‘Swerteng Pinoy’ art exhibit for charity at the Reflections Gallery inside the famed Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City. Part of the show’s proceeds will be donated to RWM’s corporate social responsibility partner, Caritas Manila. The generated funds for the endeavor will benefit the social services and integrated family development programs of the church-based non-profit organization. Shown ate opening of the charity art exhibit are (from left) renowned visual artist Nemi Miranda, acclaimed glass sculptor Ramon Orlina, Resorts World assistant director for public relations Archie Nicasio and Caritas Manila social marketing division head May Tiangco.

CONGLOMERATE DMCI Holdings Inc. expects core net income to increase 23 percent to P12.6 billion in 2015 from P10.2 billion in 2014, on strong earnings contribution from the power, construction and coal mining businesses.

DMCI president Isidro Consunji said the net income contribution from construction unit D.M. Consunji Inc. would likely jump 58 percent to P755 million from P479 million in 2014, while that of power subsidiary DMCI Power Corp. would surge 52 percent to P243 million from a year ago level of P127 million.

Semirara Mining and Power Corp.., which manages the group’s coal mining and coal-fired power plants, is expected to increase its net income contribution to the group by 32 percent this year to P5.3 billion from P4.06 billion in 2014.

DMCI Mining Corp., meanwhile, is expected to register a net income contribution of P438 million, up 21 percent from last year’s level, while that of DMCI Homes will increase 11 percent to P3.6 billion.

The group’s water business under Maynilad Water Services Inc. is expected to book a higher net income contribution of P2.14 billion despite the delay in water rate adjustment.

MONDAY: MAY 18, 2015

B6

BUSINESS business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

First Gen to build $500-m plants Campi and traffic JUST recently, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. or Campi DENNIS celebrated 20 years L. BERINO, DBA of growth of the auto industry. It cited among others, an impressive achievement of selling in 2014 a total of 234,747 units of cars and trucks for a 30-percent growth compared to 2013. For 2015, it says selling 300,000 is within its market growth projections.

An important economic driver The continuing increase in passenger car sales is cited as an indication that the country has entered the motorization stage. This has transformed the automotive industry to becoming an important economic driver which is noted to have a “multiplier effect of 3.4 percent and higher investments of up to 2.2 percent share in the GDP.” Campi has a laudable vision of being a socially responsible association in partnership with government and other stakeholders for the country’s economic growth through a viable auto industry. Its mission cites, among others, contribution to investments and government revenue generation, employment creation, skills development, technology transfer, environment protection and safety promotion.

Address pressing issues The foregoing are indeed things that the auto industry can be proud of. But what it has been quiet about and which we believe it should be addressing are the pressing issues on traffic management; the quality of life of motorists subjected to extreme vehicle congestion daily, especially in the metropolis; the contribution to pollution as well as the inefficient fuel consumption as a result of the traffic gridlock.

Growing metropolis in the country like Metro Manila and Metro Cebu are slowly coming into a stand still due to the volume of motor vehicles within its boundaries. In Metro Manila alone, with a land area of a little over 650 square kilometers can be found around 40 percent of the country’s motor vehicles.

It has been reported that the country losses an estimated P180 billion annually due to traffic congestion. That is indeed a huge amount and a big problem which the government alone is very hard pressed to solve.

The need to step up Considering that Campi’s output directly contributes to this onerous situation, it needs to step up and actively partner with government and other stakeholders to help address this very pressing problem. It cannot just focus on the supply side but also need to contribute to alleviating the traffic malady the metropolis is faced with.

If Campi will be able to do this, it will further its stature as a socially responsible association that contributes to the enhancement of society’s quality of life.

Green LiGht

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRST Gen Corp. is investing $500 million to build hydro power projects in Mindanao, which the company plans to start next year.

“We remain bullish on developing our hydro portfolio through a number of run-ofriver hydroelectric power plants.

We are currently fine-tuning the detailed technical and commercial feasibility studies of our concessions and are discussing the proper contracting strategies to strengthen our confidence to execute these projects properly,” First Gen president Francis Giles Puno said.

First Gen said last year that among its hydro projects in Mindanao, it would prioritize the 23-megawatt Bubunawan hydro project in Bukidnon.

First Gen officials earlier said the Bubunawan hydro project would cost $100 million.

First Gen also has service contracts for the 30-MW Puyo hydro plant in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte which is estimated to cost $120 million and the 10-MW Cabadbaran hydro project also in Agusan del Norte costing $40 million.

Puno said hydro projects usually took a longer time to construct than other renewable energy projects.

“Over time, we believe this platform will deliver increasing revenues and profits to the com-

pany,” he said.

Puno earlier said “hydro even without FIT [feed-in tariff] is still competitive.”

“We have a good chance of getting the FIT because the allocation is big but at the same time if we could not get it, hopefully there is a second round, or if not we can sell it in the grid,” Puno said.

First Gen, controlled by the Lopez Group, is building hydro facilities in Mindanao through subsidiary First Gen Mindanao Hydro Power Corp.

First Gen is the leading clean and renewable energy company in the Philippines, with installed capacity of 3,000 MW, half of which is natural gas.

The company was incorporated in December 1998 to become the primary holding company for the power generation and energyrelated businesses of the Lopez Group.

Dr. Berino is an Associate Professional Lecturer under the Decision Sciences and Innovation Department of the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University (DLSU). He can be reached at dennis.berino@dlsu.edu.ph.

The views expressed here are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

Atlas incurred P637-m net loss in first quarter

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales GOLD and copper producer Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. said it incurred a net loss of P637 million in the first quarter on lower revenues because of low copper prices in the world market.

Atlas said in a statement the net loss was due to the contraction of revenues in the first quarter to P2.6 billion from P3.6 billion a year ago.

“The decline in revenues is attributed mainly to lower realized metal prices,” Atlas said.

The average realized copper price during the period dropped 18 percent to $2.60 per pound from $3.19 per pound in the same period last year.

The average realized gold price also dropped 6 percent to $1,214 per ounce in the January-March period from $1,290 per ounce a

year ago.

Wholly-owned subsidiary Carmen Copper Corp. produced 22.4 million pounds of copper concentrate in the first quarter, lower by 8 percent than 24.4 million pounds it produced last year.

It said the decline was due to unusually heavy rainfall, pit slope ground movement, necessary maintenance activities and the continuing process optimization of the expanded processing plant.

Total volume of copper concentrate shipments also fell 5 percent to 38,400 dry metric tons from 40.4 dry metric tons in 2013.

“Our results were severely impacted by low copper prices, which we were not yet able to mitigate through higher production levels as we are currently focusing on key process enhancements and maintenance of our plant and mining equipment,” said Atlas Mining president Adrian Ramos.

ISO certified. Lorenzo Shipping Corp. was recently certified to ISO 9001: 2008 quality management

system by SocieteGenerale de Surveillance, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. Shown during the awarding ceremony are (from left) Lorenzo Shipping quality management officer Cezar Pamesa, chief operating officer Jay Olivarez, president Roberto Umali, SGS Philippines managing director and chief executive Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury, Lorenzo Shipping chief finance officer Edna Mendiola and vice president for sales and marketing Edralin Manapsal Jr.

MPIC bidding for Iloilo water project

By Jenniffer B. Austria METRO Pacific Investments Corp. said wholly-owned subsidiary MetroPac Water Investments Corp. will bid for the bulk water supply project of Metro Iloilo Water District.

Maynilad Water Services Inc. president Victorico Vargas said in an interview Metro Pacific’s participation in the planned bidding for the Metro Iloilo bulk water supply contract would be undertaken by MWIC. MPIC has a stake in Maynilad.

Metro Iloilo Water District is bidding out the contract for the bulk water supply of 10,000 cubic meters of water per day at its water treatment plant in Barangay Talanghau-

an, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo at P4.70 per cubic meter. The contract has a term of 10 years.

Under the bidding guidelines, prospective bidders should have a track record of a contract similar to the project for at least five years. Deadline for the submission of bids is on May 19. Opening and evaluation of bids will also take place on May 19.

Maynilad signed a twinning partnership with the MIWD in April. Under the partnership, Maynilad will share its technical expertise on managing water losses and operating water treatment plants, with the aim of helping MIWD develop a strategy and work plan to improve its operations.

Maynilad found in its initial assessment that MIWD was

losing almost half, or 49 percent, of the water it produced in its distribution line.

MIWD serves more than 31,000 accounts in the city of Iloilo and the towns of Oton, Pavia, Santa Barbara, Cabatuan, Maasin and San Miguel.

MWIC also bagged a deal with a local bulk water supplier to improve water operations in Cagayan de Oro City in December 2014.

The project involves the operation and maintenance of the 100 MLD bulk water facility of Rio Verde Water Corp. in Baungon, Bukidnon.

Metro Pacific currently has several water projects through Maynilad, Philhydro Inc., Subic water project and Carmen bulk water supply project.

M o n D aY : M aY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B7

Wine-loving French follow the British LYON, France—In wine-loving France, owners of fine bottles have ironically adopted a practice started in neighboring Britain that helps ensure the old French adage “life is too short to drink bad wine.”

Britain’s connoisseurs have long entrusted their best tipple to private firms for safe keeping.

The idea only crossed the Channel to France, which produces much of the great wine that interests collectors, when a wellheeled Asian clientele started driving up prices.

One of the pioneers in the business, London wine merchants FINE+RARE, started renting space to customers in 1994 to keep good bottles out of harm’s way—from thieves and other enemies like fick-

le temperature, light and vibration.

“Our storage clients are predominantly private clients, storing fine wine for future drinking or resale,” said Joss Flower, the firm’s grand cru director.

Most live in Britain, with the Far East in second place since the firm also operates in Hong Kong, but customers come from all over the world, Flower said.

The firm’s vaults are a 40-minute drive downstream from London at Tilbury, a historic port on the Thames ideally placed to ship deliveries worldwide, on the premises of the warehousing firm London City Bond.

The storage is “world-class,” Flower said, “safe, secure, temperature-controlled” so corks, labels

Moves start to discuss problem of migrants

US commandos kill top IS leader in Syria

KUALA LUMPUR-Malaysia said Sunday its foreign minister would meet his Indonesian and Thai counterparts to discuss the influx of boat people to Southeast Asia as international pressure grew for a regional solution.

The three nations have sparked outrage by turning away vessels overloaded with migrants from Myanmar’s ethnic Rohingya minority and with poor Bangladeshis.

Officials have increasingly pointed the finger at Myanmar and its alleged systematic persecution of Rohingya for fueling the mass migration.

“Myanmar should deal with the Rohingya community internally instead of forcing it on its [Southeast Asian] neighbors,” Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was quoted by local media on Sunday as saying.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman was to host Indonesia’s Retno Marsudi in the city of Kota Kinabalu on Borneo island on Monday, a government official said.

That would be followed by separate talks between Anifah and Thai Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn later in the week, most probably on Wednesday.

The official declined further comment but confirmed the meetings were called in response to the migrant crisis.

Earlier, state media said Anifah was to meet in Malaysia on Sunday with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali. His trip to Malaysia was arranged before the migrant crisis.

“It (boat people) is one of the topics and a very important issue in the agenda,” Anifah was quoted as saying in a brief dispatch by official news agency Bernama.

Nearly 3,000 migrants have been rescued or swum ashore in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in recent days, giving grim accounts of people dying at sea of starvation, sickness or drowning when rickety boats sank. AFP

and wine remain in a perfect state for years.

It’s no surprise that storing private wines caught on in London, the capital of European finance where almost anything is negotiable, including vintage bottles.

France took notice when wine prices began soaring—first with Bordeaux varieties around 2010 before Chinese buyers also turned to bottles from Burgundy, which are more rare, according to Angelique de Lencquesaing, founder of the online auction site iDealwine.

The “WineDexBordeaux,” an index established on her Internet site, has climbed by more than 103 percent since 2007, while the “WineDexBourgogne” (Burgundy) has gone up by 113 percent. AFP

Watching Kenzie. Fans watch Kenzie Nimmo perform at Macy’s

iHeartRadio rising star in-store performance at City Creek Center on May 16 in Salt Lake City, Utah. AFP

BEIRUT—The Syrian military unleashed heavy airstrikes and artillery bombardments targeting rebel strongholds in the north on Tuesday, killing at least 90 people according to activists.

Honoring Chad Smith. Kids enjoy a variety of games at the Little Kids Rock Family Jam event honoring Chad Smith at Facebook HQ on May 16 in Menlo Park, California. AFP

The barrage came as the U.N. food agency warned that more and more Syrians are depending on assistance from the World Food Program to stay alive with the civil war worsening.

The airstrikes hit northern Idlib and Aleppo provinces, both bordering Turkey.

Activists described them as some of the worst since rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Assad took over the key city of Maaret al-Numan in Idlib on Oct. 10. The city lies along the main highway connecting Aleppo with the cities to the south, including Homs and the capital Damascus.

Assad’s regime has increasingly relied on warplanes in its struggle to crush rebels who have taken over large swathes of territory in the north.

Rami Abdul-Rahman, who heads the Britain-based activist group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the airstrikes were “concentrated and intensive” and the worst in weeks. He said warplanes carried out 12 raids in the area of Maaret alNuman in one hour. The group relies on a network of activists on the ground.

Abdul-Rahman said at least 90 people were killed in airstrikes and artillery shelling. He said it is often difficult to determine “what hit a town or a village” in the immediate aftermath of a strike. The Local Coordination Committees, another activist group, put the death toll from airstrikes and artillery strikes at 96.

In addition to the air bombardment, Human Rights Watch on Sunday cited allegations that Assad’s government has been using cluster bombs — which are banned by most nations. The U.S. based group cited amateur video and testimony from the front lines. The Syrian military denied the reports, saying in a statement late Monday that the allegations were “baseless and are part of media propaganda that aims to divert international public opinion from crimes committed by armed terrorist groups.” AFP

M O N D AY : M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

B8

cesAr bArriOquiNtO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world

Cheering Suu Kyi. Supporters of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi cheer as they attend a public gathering at Than Phyu Zayat township in Mawlamyaing on May 17. AFP

Yingluck faces political ruin Thousands protest against US base TOKYO—Thousands of people rallied in Okinawa in southern Japan on Sunday in protest against a controversial US airbase on the island, as a two-decade-old bitter row over the relocation of the site drags on.

Okinawa is home to more than half of the 47,000 US service personnel stationed in Japan as part of a defense alliance, a proportion many islanders say is too high.

Futenma airbase has become emblematic of that ill-will since Washington announced plans to move it in 1996, hoping to ease tensions with the host communi-

ty after the gang-rape of a schoolgirl by servicemen.

But locals have blocked the move to relocate the base, insisting the facility should go off-island instead, queering relations between Tokyo and Okinawa—a once independent kingdom that was annexed by Japan in the 19th century.

“The government says we are to blame that the issue has stalled for 19 years and they tell us to find an alternative place (for the base relocation). That’s outrageous,” shouted the anti-US base mayor of Nago, Susumu Inamine. AFP

Onstage in Las Vegas.

Singer Joss Stone performs onstage during Rock in Rio USA at the MGM Resorts Festival Grounds on May 16 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

BANGKOK—Thailand’s first female prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, faces court Tuesday at the start of a negligence trial which could see her jailed for a decade and deliver a hammer blow to the political dominance of her family.

It is the latest legal move against Yingluck—sister of fugitive billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra— whose administration was toppled in a military coup nearly a year ago.

She is accused of criminal negligence over a populist but economically disastrous rice subsidy scheme, which paid farmers in the rural Shinawatra heartland twice the market rate for their crops.

Yingluck is not accused of corruption but of failing to prevent alleged graft within the program, which cost billions

of dollars and galvanized the protests that eventually felled her elected government leading to last May’s coup.

Thailand’s military-appointed parliament impeached Yingluck in January over the scheme, a move which banned her from politics for five years.

But the criminal case could see her jailed for up to a decade, an outcome that could ruin any chance of an imminent political comeback if and when the military eventually hand back power.

Analysts say the trial is the latest move by Thailand’s military rulers to neuter the Shinawatra clan since they seized power.

“This trial is being brought in order to permanently remove Yingluck from the political scene,” said Paul Chambers, director of research at the Institute of South East Asian Affairs in Chiang Mai. “But placing her behind bars—a friendly, female ex-prime minister— would make her look like a martyr,” he told AFP.

Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thai politics expert at Kyoto University in Japan, said convicting Yingluck risked enraging the Shinawatra’s “Red Shirt” support base, who have largely remained quiescent since the coup.

“Putting her in jail may unnecessarily resurrect the Red Shirts and force them to come out and fight against the NCPO,” he said, referring to the junta’s official name, the National Council for Peace and Order.

However Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a Thai politics expert at Chulalongkorn University, believes the military intend to use the threat of Yingluck’s prosecution as a way to keep the Shinawatra clan subdued, rather than push for an actual conviction.

“The criminal and other charges against her will be bogged down in red tape as long as she and other forces loyal to her brother Thaksin behave and play nice. If they agitate and mobilize against the coup, then the noose will tighten on her,” he told AFP. AFP

Clooney back to future in ‘Tomorrowland’ LOS ANGELES—Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney straps on a jet pack again for Disney’s new movie “Tomorrowland,” a retro-futuristic spectacle mixing environmental themes with sci-fi wizardry—and some good old-fashioned fun.

Clooney, who fired up his thrusters only two years ago in the Oscar-winning space drama “Gravity,” stars as a burned-out engineering genius in the film to be released next week, just in time for the summer blockbuster season.

The actor said the movie,

which is difficult to categorize, was a courageous gamble by the studio giant, going up against sure-fire box office hits like the latest “Avengers” sequel, “Age of Ultron.”

“It’s a really bold thing for Disney to be willing to do a film that isn’t a sequel and isn’t a comic book and truly invest in a summer film of this sort of ilk,” he said, presenting the film ahead of its US release on May 22.

The movie’s plot has been shrouded in secrecy and, without giving away spoil-

ers, it certainly provides a roller-coaster cinematic ride worthy of Disney’s Tomorrowland theme parks whose name it shares.

It tells the story of teenage rebel Casey, played by Britt Robertson, who finds herself sucked into a mission to unearth the secrets of “Tomorrowland,” a future realm ruled by a despot played by British “House” star Hugh Laurie.

Clooney plays inventor Frank Walker, who found his way into Tomorrowland as a young boy but became cyni-

cal and was thrown out by Laurie’s character, David Nix. The climax comes after some spectacular scenes, including one featuring the Eiffel Tower, showcasing computer-generated imagery by director Brad Bird, who won an Oscar for animated film “The Incredibles” in 2005.

It is unclear what Tomorrowland represents -- some kind of collective consciousness of the future might be a best bet -- but the basic theme of the movie is that optimism should overcome cynicism. AFP

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BAMBiNA OliVAres Wise ED ITO R

BiNg PArel ASSO C IAT E E DI TO R g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

LIFE

TRANSPORT

LOUNGING AROUND CAthAY PACifiC reDefiNes the AirliNe lOuNge

BY BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE

L

et’s be honest: not many people want to hang around in a crowded public airport lounge while waiting to board their flight. It’s noisy, the seats are uncomfortable, you have to buy your own coffee or water bottle or sandwich and lug it around with you, and getting Internet connectivity can be a pain.

But at the old Cathay Pacific lounge in NAIA Terminal 1, with its tired, worn carpet, cramped seating, shabby interiors, and rather sorry food selection, there was really no air of exclusivity, no sense of luxury. It was a business class lounge long past its sell-by date.

Continued on C2

M ONDAY : M AY 18 : 2015

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LIFE glweekend @ gmail.com

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE e D i toR

BING PAREL aSSo C i at e e Di toR

tRanSpoRt

Lounging Around From C1

So with the airline’s move to NAIA Terminal 3 came the opportunity to create a whole new lounge, giving passengers departing from Manila the same level of service they could expect at Cathay Pacific lounges in Hong Kong, for instance, which come replete with noodle bars, dimsum stations, and shower and toilet facilities.

Turns out Cathay Pacific was just waiting for the right time and the right space.

“Last September 30, after more than 30 years of operations at Terminal 1, Cathay Pacific finally made the move here to Terminal 3,” declared Nick Bury, chief representative for Dragonair in the Philippines, at the formal opening ceremony held on Friday, May 8.

“The transformation of this space has been remarkable, “ he continued. “In a little more than four months, the impressive space has been altered beyond recognition, from a construction site into a beautiful first and business class lounge.”

The new lounge is only the second in the world after Haneda, Japan, to adopt the new design template designed by renowned London-based design studio, Studioilse, led

by Ilse Crawford.

The aim, explained Allen Lui, Cathay Pacific Country Manager, was “to create an environment that helps passengers feel relaxed, engaging the senses and focusing on well-being as a core principle.”

Thus, warm, natural materials have been used, and lighting cleverly deployed, to create an ambience that is more living room than airline lounge. Natural sunlight pours in gently through the windows overlooking the runway; there are quietly elegant seating areas as well as fully-equipped workstations.

And then there’s the Noodle Bar, a long counter behind which is the kitchen where chefs steam har gau, toss wonton noodles in the air, and stir-fry rice and vegetables.

“We started this tradition in Hong Kong,” Bury said.

“This will be a focal point for us, serving fresh, hot food – dandan mein noodles, dimsum, all of those traditional things, and local food as well like chicken adobo and Filipino breakfast. So we’re really tailoring it to the local market so that they will feel at home here. Refined, under-

stated comfort is really what we’re trying to achieve.”

Dane Cheng, Director of Sales & Marketing for Cathay Pacific, stressed that after 69 years of operations, “the Philippines remains one of our most important markets.

We now operate seven flights a day between Hong Kong and Manila, as well as 10 flights per week between Hong Kong and Cebu, and four flights a week to Clark, on our sister airline, Dragonair.

“Selecting Manila as only the second location to showcase our brand-new concept lounges underlines the importance of the Philippine market to Cathay Pacific. We are very excited indeed about this new facility,” Cheng says.

So, thinking of where to fly off to next? Wherever you decide to go, make sure you travel via Cathay Pacific or Dragonair out of Manila on business or first, or present your silver Marco Polo card. And get to the airport as early as you can, so you can chill at the new Cathay Pacific lounge. Trust me, the wonton noodle soup and the adobo rice alone are worth the wait. www.cathaypacific.com

Views of the expansive new Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3

SpaniSh ConneCtion Etihad now Flies to Madrid

e

tihad Airways is bringing more choices to travellers with the introduction of direct non-stop flights between Abu Dhabi and Madrid.

Operated four times a week by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft with a total of 262 seats in a two class configuration, the launch of the new capital-to-capital link will bring major benefits to Spain, with enhanced flight connections to and from the country, Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer James Hogan disclosed.

“Our new Madrid service gives Spanish business and leisure travellers greater access to the UAE with a total of 2,096 weekly seats on offer. It also provides convenient two-way connections via our Abu Dhabi hub to important markets on Etihad Airways’ strong global network,” Hogan added.

Air travellers can now fly from Madrid, with one stop in Abu Dhabi and connect conveniently onto 30 destinations across the Gulf region, Africa, Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia, through Etihad Airways and its partner airlines.

From Madrid, travellers can connect on the network of Etihad Airways’ codeshare partner, Air Europa, to eight cities in Spain including Barcelona, Bilbao, Gran Canaria, La Coruna, Lanzarote, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife and Vigo, and also to Santo Domingo – the capital of the Dominican Republic.

Etihad Airways uses Boeing 777-300 aircraft with 28 seats in Business Class and 384 in Economy Class in its Abu Dhabi-Manila flights.

For more information on Etihad Airways: www.etihad.com

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan

M ONDAY : M AY 18 : 2015

LIFE glweekend @ gmail.com

BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE E D I TOR

BING PAREL ASSOC I AT E E D I TOR

C3

TECh

FOR ThE gREAT OuTDOORS

by ED bIADO

Back in the day, an outdoor adventure meant cutting yourself off from the rest of the world. But now, having a transistor radio as your only companion out in the woods or up the mountain simply doesn’t cut it anymore. We need devices that can keep us connected and powered up. But a lot of these gadgets aren’t made to withstand the elements, and taking your ordinary wireless speakers (because we absolutely need our into-the-wild playlist, right?) and powerbanks on hiking and camping trips can prove unwise.

That’s where the new line of Braven products come in. This summer, the brand introduces its Outdoor Series, which includes three ultra rugged Bluetooth speakers and the world’s first ultra rugged powerbank with Bluetooth. The new BRV-1, BRV-X, and BRV-HD speakers, as well as the BRV-BANK powerbank, can be your reliable travel buddies even in the harshest environments so that you can be #BravenBold.

The BRV-1 Bluetooth Speaker, with an IPX7 waterproof exterior, can keep up with you on any adventure. Enjoy great music even as you stand in awe of majestic views on the highest and coldest of mountains. The BRV-1 is available at P6,450.

The BRV-BANK is the world’s first Bluetooth-enabled, USB controlled ultra rugged power bank. Built with an IPX5 waterresistant rubber exterior, you don’t have to worry about this 6000 mAh rugged power solution getting exposed to the elements.

Available at P5,850, you can grab your own BRV-BANK to power your adventure.

The BRV-X Bluetooth Speaker rocks the outdoors with an IPX7 waterproof rating and shockproof rubber exterior. Pair it with another BRV-X speaker and experience Braven’s highly acclaimed TrueWireless Pairing for left and right stereo sound. The BRV-X retails for P10,350.

The BRV-HD Bluetooth Speaker, Braven’s biggest rugged speaker yet, packs high definition audio into a water-resistant package with 28 hours of wireless play time, smartphone or tablet charging, and built-in speakerphone. With enhanced SRS WOW HD sound and wireless daisy chaining to a second BRV-HD speaker, you can find respite in music no matter how tough the journey becomes. You can enjoy all the features of the BRV-HD at P13,950.

Planning a #BravenBold adventure soon? Learn more about Braven by checking out www.braven.com.

IN THE BUSINESS OF BOOSTING BUSINESS

T

hey say the clothes make the man, but increasingly, it would seem that investing in the right technology can jumpstart the path to success.

A piece of advanced equipment, something like the 42K2 Ultra HD Desktop Display from Sharp – which works as beautifully as it looks – can help improve business practices, inspire exceptional performance from employees, and boost your own output and creativity.

These are just some of the challenges that one faces when running a business.

Equipped with Sharp’s world-famous IGZO technology, which allows the display to support increased pixel transparency and reduced current leakage, the Ultra HD Desktop Display can show high resolution images while using lower power consumption.

Just how high is this display’s resolution?

Four times the resolution of a 1080p screen!

This isn’t only beneficial to entertainment

POwER uP wITh TESlA

BRV-1

BRV BANK

BRV-X

E BRV-HD

lectric car manufacturer Tesla Motors promises to help reduce the world’s overdependence on fossil fuel through Tesla Energy, a suite of batteries for homes, businesses, and utilities fostering a clean energy ecosystem and helping wean the world off fossil fuels.

Tesla is proving to be an energy innovator, not just an automotive company with Tesla Energy – a critical step in its mission to enable zero emis-

– this can improve a lot of business practices that require precise visual details. For example, medical professionals can use this during medical examinations, treatment, or surgery, as it has a bright and vivid screen that can show as much detail as is needed. Even security professionals can use this as a security monitor to show their CCTV clips.

To see how this display and many other Sharp models perform, pay a visit to the Sharp Total Business Solutions Center, designed to be a one-stop shop for all businesses – with great pieces of equipment that are meant to elevate the professional practices of the Filipino business community.

Sharp Total Business Solutions Center 8007 Pioneer Street, Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

For inquiries regarding the Sharp Business Equipment lineup, please contact 631- 8715. www.sharp.ph

sion power generation as it amplifies efforts to move towards a sustainable energy future.

Tesla recently introduced Powerwall, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery designed to store energy at a residential level for “load shifting, backup power and self-consumption of solar power generation.” It consists of Tesla’s lithiumion battery pack, liquid thermal control system and software that receives dispatch commands from a solar inverter.

The unit can be mounted seamlessly on a wall and integrated with the local grid to harness excess power and give customers the flexibility to draw energy from their own reserve.

The battery can provide a number of different benefits to the customer that include: • Load shifting where the battery can provide financial savings by charging during low rate periods when demand for electricity is lower, and discharging during more expensive rate periods when electricity demand is higher • Storing surplus solar energy not used at the time it is generated, then using that stored energy later when the sun is not shining • Assuring homes of back-up power in the event of outages Powerwall is available in 10kWh, optimized for backup applications, or 7kWh optimized for daily use applications. Both can be connected with solar or grid and both can provide backup power. The 10kWh Powerwall is optimized to provide backup when the grid goes down, providing power for your home when you need it most. When paired with solar power, the 7kWh Powerwall can be used in daily cycling to extend the environmental and cost benefits of solar into the night when sunlight is unavailable.

Tesla’s selling price to installers is $3500 for 10kWh and $3000 for 7kWh, exclusive of inverter and installation cost. For more information on Powerwall and Tesla batteries, visit http://www. teslamotors.com/powerwall.

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BAMBINA OLIVARES WISE

LIFE

E D I TOR

BING PAREL ASSOC I AT E E D I TOR

g l w e e ke n d @ g m a i l . c o m

ARIzONA: CHECK

FOR PARTY ANIMALS I’ve visited the US probably more than 30 times since my first ONLY trip at 17, when my cousin asked me to be her escort to her Senior Ball. It was held at the Ballroom of the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco’s Union Square, and was my very first formal tuxedo event, which explains why I can never forget it. My succeeding trips were made possible by my airline and BoB hotel affiliations, which would sometimes bring me here in the ZoZoBrado US as often as three times a year, for business meetings, some of which were in the dead of winter!

O

n each visit, I make it a point to do a side-trip to a city or town that I haven’t been to, to learn as much of the country as I can. Yet, in spite of the many times I’ve been here, there are still many places I haven’t crossed out of my Bucket List. But this year’s itinerary got me very excited as it gave me the opportunity to finally check Arizona off my Bucket List.

As part of our university’s required On-TheJob Training Program for graduating students, we deployed this year 350 of them, at various resorts, hotels and restaurants all over the US mainland.

A good number are at some establishments in the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. Part of my job is to check on these students’ workplace, their housing, relationship with colleagues, and get feedback from their Department Heads, thus my visit.

Arizona is best known for its sunny weather almost the entire year, and its claim-to-fame is its being home to the Grand Canyon and the Meteor Crater. It is also where one finds an abundance of saguaros, those tall and sturdy cacti that we see in Western movies. Phoenix, the capital, is also the biggest city. Just like most other cities in the US, it has its share of skyscrapers and is bustling with activity during the day.

But, there is one big difference at night---by 9PM, the city’s streets are deserted. In fact, while driving to my hotel following my evening arrival, I was completely surprised that there were no other cars on the streets. My two nephews, residents of Phoenix, who picked me up from the airport, affirmed my observation.

They told me that people are usually home by 9PM. Restaurants, bars and entertainment venues close early as they don’t get any business after that time, except on weekends. Goodness gracious, I don’t think I’ll survive in a city that starts to sleep at a time when I am still wide awake and raring to go!

But that didn’t really bother me because the purpose of my visit is to see how my students in the Grand Canyon are doing, a task scheduled for the day after my arrival. After dinner with my nephews and a restful overnight sleep in my cozy hotel suite, I was off to the Grand Canyon, a four-hour drive from the capital.

The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the first National Parks in the US, thanks to the efforts of former President Theodore Roosevelt, who liked visiting the area to enjoy the scenery and to hunt for mountain

lions. This very colorful gorge, carved by the Colorado River cutting a channel through it for millions of years, is 450 kilometers long, 1.6 kilometers deep and its width varies from six to 29 kilometers. The beautiful scenery exposes millions of years of the earth’s history, as can be vividly seen in the colorful layers of sediment on the rocks framing the canyon.

My students are at the Xanterra Resort in the South Rim of the Canyon. This establishment is the only one allowed by the US National Park Service to provide “in-the-park lodging” at this tourist attraction. It is also known to have set the standards for ecologically sound resorts that complement the environment. Its name is derived from the combination of “Xanadu,” which Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his masterpiece, Kublai Khan, depicts as an idyllic paradise, and “terra,” Latin for earth. Thus, the name means a “beautiful place on earth.”

In between accomplishing my task of checking on my students and meeting with their job supervisors, I made sure I had the time to marvel at the breathtaking spectacle that the Grand Canyon is. It was easy to do because the resort runs along the South Rim of this massive “wonder,” so I found myself hopping from one vantage point to another, awed by the poetry of colors as far as my eyes can see, painted by nature over the millions of years it took to form this breathtaking spectacle. I couldn’t have enough of the Grand Canyon. I just wanted to sit there and watch the vast expanse of pastel hues that change in intensity throughout the day. It was magical and truly mesmerizing!

Between checking on my students and gawking at the Grand Canyon, I no longer had the time to visit the other geological phenomenon that Arizona has---the Meteor Crater, especially because it is about 3 hours from where Xanterra is. This tourist attraction is also known as the Barringer Crater, after Daniel Barringer, a mining engineer and businessman, who first proved that this giant-sized concavity on the earth’s surface was caused by a meteor’s impact. It is 1930 kilometers in diameter and 209 kilometers deep.

I would have wanted to see more of Arizona’s geological “wonders” but Time was against me.

Nevertheless, I’m glad this trip gave me the chance to visit the most popular of them all. I can now check it off my Bucket List and move on to discover other horizons I haven’t been to. With 50 states comprising this country, you can bet there are many more interesting sights to marvel at.

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1 The breathtaking Grand Canyon 2 The Meteor Crater, arizona’s other geological attraction 3 a baby elk (a calf) crosses my path outside my cottage 4 arizona is bare and flat, as seen from the highway from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon 5 These saguaros are indigenous to arizona 6 My students Marinna Tolentino, Maureen Pascual, anne Marie Malagar, and Excel rhose aquino 7 The pastel hues of the Grand Canyon change in intensity throughout the day 8 How’s this for bravery? a close-up of a baby puma relaxing on a tree branch 9 This tour bus makes some sense 10 Grand Hotel Hr director Gloria Gonzales with another LPU-Manila student, angelica abellera and me 11 My nephews Jason and James Z, both residents of Phoenix 12 officials of various Philippine universities and I pose for this souvenir photo with Xanterra’s Hr officers Maureen and Meg

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE

:-d

a man in Hell asked the devil: “May I make a call to my Wife?” He was allowed to call his Wife on earth. realizing the distance traversed by the call, after talking to his Wife, he asked the devil how much he had to pay for the call. The devil answered, “Nothing.

Hell to ‘hell” is FrEE.

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For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

M ONDAY : M AY 18 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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COMEDY QUEEN IN ‘SPY’

M

iranda Hart, British Comedy Awards’ crowned Queen of Comedy, stars along with Hollywood A-listers Jason Statham, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Allison Janney, and Melissa McCarthy in the action comedy Spy. Hart plays Nancy, best friend to McCarthy’s Susan Cooper, a desk-bound CIA analyst, the brains behind her suave colleague, super spy, Bradley Fine (Law), who is out in the field, engaged in dangerous assignments. When Fine suddenly vanishes, Cooper goes undercover herself. Dressed in various disguises to ensure her anonymity, Agent Cooper quickly proves herself adept at the job, despite formidable challenges.

But Bradley’s attempt to walk a ‘Fine line’ with Susan doesn’t sit well with her best friend and colleague Nancy. Deeply protective, she blames him for stifling Susan’s career advancement and toying with her emotions.

“Nancy is an earpiece girl, like Susan,” Hart says. “She’s tacky, geeky, great at her job, but socially quite rubbish. She and Susan are two fish out of water, in the

same empty fishbowl. They have a ‘womance,’ you might say.”

Director Paul Feig tailored the part of Nancy specifically for Hart, whom he has admired for years. “I’ve tried to get her in other projects, and it never panned out, so it’s enormously satisfying to finally work with her.”

Topping notes that Feig celebrates unconventional women and Hart fits that bill – if the bill can accommodate her 6’1” stature. Skilled at using her lanky frame and gait to great comedic effect, the British star of her self-titled UK sitcom also appears as Chummy in the hit BBC series, Call the Midwife, set in the 1950s.

When it appears Susan has breeched the parameters of her mission, Nancy is dispatched by her boss, Elaine Crocker (Janney), to find out what the novice spy is up to. She quickly discovers her BFF has gone fullon rogue. “As a solid ‘rules and regs’ kind of gal, Nancy is both appalled and awed by Susan’s defiance of Elaine’s ‘observe and report only’ directive,” explains Hart. “Nancy is terrified of the world and begins screwing things up for Susan. She

makes everything a complete muddle, which is where a lot of the high comedy happens.”

Miranda Hart explains one of her favorite scenes in the movie, “Nancy needs to distract eyes away from the dance floor, so she rushes the stage and tackles 50 Cent. Just plows him over.” Miranda Hart said she appreciated spending two days sprawled all over the “handsome and muscular Mr. Cent.” The numerous bruises on her body afterward attest to the zeal with which Miranda performed the scene. “I mounted him rather aggressively after the tackle, which caused the security guards to manhandle me. We lay on each other for hours of shooting, which made for a somewhat awkward hello the next day.”

50 Cent himself confirms that, on the first take, “Miranda hit me like a linebacker. I was prepared to sort of fake fall when she made contact, but no fakery was required. I found myself on the ground.”

Planeload of action and laughs explode when Spy opens in cinemas on May 21 from 20th Century Fox distributed by Warner Bros.

A cinematic retelling of the American Revolution from the eyes of five important men on the premiere of the newest mini-series, Sons of Liberty

Learn the most ingenious and surprising insights that will help you win every day with the new series, How 2 Win

Catch the Counting Cars marathon on May 31 from 4PM-7Pm and see the hottest rides from Thunderbirds, Harleys, and Corvettes

SONS OF LIBERTY TOPS HISTORY LINE-UP

T

his month, History takes its viewers to the heart of America’s story with the premiere of its newest mini-series, Sons of Liberty. The three-night television event, which airs May 25-27 at 9 p.m., is a cinematic retelling of the American Revolution from the eyes of the five men who played significant roles in making America’s liberation from British rule possible.

Join Sam Adams, John Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Joseph Warren as they execute small acts of rebellion, engage in extensive guerrilla activities, rally mass support in the Boston Massacre, and lead the charge in the Battles of Lexington and Concord to pave the way for America’s freedom.

Actor Ben Barnes leads the cast of this compelling, not-to-be-missed

story on the fight for independence.

Learn how history can help you in the real world with the new series How 2 Win 10 p.m. every Saturday.

The series uses some of history’s most ingenious and surprising insights to give viewers real tools that will help them win every day from landing a job, getting a raise, and improving memory skills. With smart tips culled from Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac and survival skills inspired by our ancestors, How 2 Win is the show to help you make it big in life.

Marvel at the hottest rides from Thunderbirds, Harleys, and Corvettes with Danny “The Count” Koker on a Pimped Up Sunday on May 31, 4-7 p.m. as he acquires, restores, customizes, and flips legendary cars for a profit on a Counting Cars marathon.

DREAM WEDDINGS ON FYI

Miranda Hart and Melissa McCarthy are the two funniest ladies on screen

Mikie Saves the Date chronicles the crazy yet fun adventures of wedding planner extraordinaire Mikie Russo

It’s all about perfect weddings this month as lifestyle channel FYI presents a not-to-be-missed lineup of shows that will keep viewers glued to the television and their seats this May. From May 27, Wednesdays, 8p.m., Mikie Saves the Date chronicles the crazy yet fun adventures of wedding planner extraordinaire Mikie Russo. In this exciting new series, Mikie creates spectacular weddings for his clients, all the while managing the drama that surrounds every event. From emotionally-tense situations between bride and groom, families, and friends, the master of matrimony expertly deals with them while whipping up visually-arresting wedding themes that make every occasion extra memorable.

Be sure to find time to tune in to FYI and be entertained with the thrilling new shows hitting the lifestyle channel this month.

M ONDAY : M AY 18 : 2015

C6

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

NO TO DARING IMAGE JOSEPH PETER GONZALES Kristoffer Martin doesn’t want to join the bandwagon with young actors trying to project a more daring image and appear in undergarment fashion shows strutting on the runways in skimpy underwear.

“I don’t have anything against it but for me, it’s not in my immediate plan yet,” he says. “Apart from the fact that I’m conservative, I honestly feel that I’m not yet ready.

I would just pale in comparison with the others if ever I agree to appear in an event like that!”

Martin admits to being uncomfortable with his built at this point.

“Yes, my physique is not yet that developed. I’m shy to display it. Haha-ha! I see myself as thin. I still need to hit the gym and undergo

rigorous workouts to achieve that ‘bod-to-die-for’ state. I tried to do workouts before but it didn’t prosper. If you’ve started doing it, you should do it religiously to achieve the best results, right? In my case, it’s hard because of my heavy workload, like successive tapings then, there’s also my schooling. Most of the times, I lack a great amount of sleep. I don’t think it’s advisable to do workouts if you are not well-rested. That is why I decided to stop going to the gym in the meantime while my work schedule is full!”

Family and school are two huge factors why Kristoffer is not keen on leaving his wholesome image at least, for now.

“For sure, my folks would react if ever they’d see me in a sexy pictorial, say, I’ll be in my undies. In fact, when they see me removing my shirt in some soap operas, they react immediately. How much more if they’d see me in briefs, right? The scenario is: I’m not going to be ready

Nadine Lustre and James Reid are showbiz’s most solid love team

Kritoffer Martin remains conservative even when his peers are becoming more daring

for anything sexy on screen unless my family is. When it comes to my school, of course, it’s also hard.

I’m presently enrolled in San Beda College and I might get teased even

more if ever I’d sport a sexy image.

Right now my image is wholesome, and still I get teased, how much more if I’d go daring? It is better that while still studying, what they’ll see is the wholesome and conservative Kristoffer who is determined to obtain a degree!” he says.

The Kapuso star is aware though that it’s inevitable to make some changes in his image in the coming days especially when he enters mature portrayals on screen.

“I know that. Every good actor undergoes transition and doing some sexy stuff is part of the package. But personally, I believe it should happen naturally, not forced. It doesn’t mean that if my peers are going sexy, I’ll join the fray. I don’t want to do something that I would regret in the future.”

Kristoffer believes in perfect timing.

“There is a time for everything.

In my case, I’m still finishing a lot of things so there will be no change of image happening soon.

I’m not in a hurry anyway. I’m

still young. It’s best to take things slowly but surely,” he ends. ★★★★★ According to Nadine Lustre and James Reid, a love team’s success depends on a lot of factors.

“That’s right! For one, we didn’t expect that our screen tandem would create waves. Our launching vehicle was experimental. It’s good that the viewing public supported Diary ng Panget and the rest, as they say is history. We’re grateful,” they aver.

Working closely together is one key success component.“True!” says Nadine. “Be more understanding, patient and supportive of each other. There’s no one out there to help you both but your own selves!”

And when romance blossomed off cam, “Don’t let it affect your working relationship,” explains James. “Be careful and patient with each other. It’s also a must to give each other space at times because you work together day in, day out. It helps for you not to easily get tired of each other.

PAY-PER-VIEW PACQUIAO-MAYWEATHER MEGAFIGHT EXPERIENCE

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nmates were filled with excitement as they gathered at the gym of Quezon City Jail to watch the live, uninterrupted broadcast of a Manny Pacquiao bout live for the first time on May 3.

This optimal real-time viewing experience was brought by ABSCBN TVplus for free to areas with limited access to pay-per-view service, including Camp Crame, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Philippine General Hospital, and San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

For inmates at the Quezon City Jail, having been granted the opportunity to watch the real-time action of the “fight of the century” also meant uniting in support of the Pambansang Kamao in the biggest fight of his career.

Pacquiao-Mayweather screening in Camp Crame

and Quezon City Jail stadium

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 42 44 46 47 48 49 53 57 58 60 61 62 63 64 65 66

Groom excessively Mopped the floor with Brawl Aloha token Complain or complaint Cancel (2 wds.)

Whenever Chills Greek column style Mineral supplement Rave’s partner Fad Billionth, in combos Louvre display Sacked out Munch

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Keg stopper 5 Notorious pirate 9 Air-pump meas.

12 Two-piece cookie 13 Farewell 15 Cooper’s was high 16 Nonsense poet 17 Thesaurus man 18 Ms. Dinesen 19 Ordinary 21 Soyuz touchdown 23 Grants approval 24 No, to a laird

25 28 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41

Sedimentary rocks Snow (hyph.)

Wahines’ dances Heyerdahl’s “Kon- —” Winter festival “— — Ramblin’ Man” Grave risk Funny Charlotte — Frisk about Pharaoh’s god

DOWN 1 Run like heck 2 Heavy hydrogen discoverer 3 First-quarter tide 4 Big ape 5 Gold units 6 Baal and Presley?

7 Groove on 8 Hoofed animal 9 Upright timber 10 Fly high 11 Black as night 14 Piece of cutlery

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015

15 20 22 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 37 40 42 43 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 59

XC So-so grades Wolf, say Gambler’s loss?

Woody Allen’s stock-in-trade Texas tourist site Canned Related Mr. Goldfinger Guanaco kin Retains Monsieur’s pate Balboa’s ocean Hen Quarry White-water activity New prefix Sold hot goods Pool-table cover Irene of “Fame” Culture medium Fontanne’s husband — — song (cheaply) Baha’i origin “— Lisa” Plenty, in verse Seize suddenly

“We are thankful to TVplus because this is a first for the inmates.

We were very excited to watch the fight,” said Jayrex Bustinera, the institution’s chief of public relations.

Meanwhile, members of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame initially raised funds to avail of the pay-per-view (PPV) coverage of the fight, but found it difficult to collect the required amount for payment. When they were granted free PPV coverage

by ABS-CBN TVplus, they instead utilized the raised funds to provide free meals to the PNP members and their families during the fight.

Their digital TV experience did not end there, as ABS-CBN TVplus donated the Mahiwagang Black Boxes used during the screenings

to PNP offices for their future use.

Cheers and screams filled the public screening venues as spectators saw the fight in crystal clear picture, which, historically, is only accessible to cable or pay TV subscribers.

Pacquiao may have lost the “fight of the century” but for those who attended ABS-CBN TVplus’ screenings, Pacman remains an idol and inspiration for his determination and persistence to overcome life’s struggles and making the Philippines proud.

For questions, call (632) 4888888 and 1800-10-4888888 (outside Metro Manila), or text 23661. For additional information on ABS-CBN TVplus, visit http://tvplus.abs-cbn.com.

M ONDAY : M AY 18 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

C7

GOOD CONTENT DRIVE MEDIA CONSUMPTION

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BS-CBN, the country’s largest multimedia company, is aiming most of its resources on producing more engaging and interesting content as it charts its future.

In his speech during the Media Specialists Association of the Philippines (MSAP) 2015 Media Congress, ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio Lopez III said while technologies change and the future of media is unknown, ABSCBN will strengthen its focus on what it does best.

“Good content will remain to be the drivers of media consumption and choice. That is why at ABS-CBN, we are determined to keep content creation at the core of our business,” he said.

According to Lopez, ABS-CBN has invested a lot into research to gain valuable insights and understanding of Filipino content users.

“Our deep research into their emotional and intellectual needs has helped us come up with shows that sustain high ratings for a much longer time,” he said. “Research plus our multimedia experience also help us succeed in developing

From C8

content that travel across different platforms. The digital platform has allowed us to reach new publics, especially the millennials.”

This content is further enhanced by the introduction of innovations that ride on the latest technologies, such as digital TV. Lopez said he expects this technology will become the next standard in the industry and that ABSCBN, through its recently launched ABS-CBN TVplus, is at the forefront of a new era in TV broadcasting.

“We are grateful that Filipinos warmly welcomed our offering of free, clear digital signals that also bring new channels into the home,” he told participants of the event.

“Many of the users are experiencing some kind of time warp as they jump from the experience of blurry television to the age of crisp, digital transmission.”

In February this year, ABSCBN launched ABS-CBN TVplus.

With the ABS-CBN TV plus digital box, even an analog TV can now process digital TV signals for clear images and crisp sound. The company is selling the digital boxes at P2,500 each.

Bottom, from left, Chi de Guzman, brand manager, San San Cosmetics, Dr. Melvin Lim, CEO, Cosmocare, Cheanfei, project manager., PhilBeauty, Ricky Reyes. Top,from left, : Dr. Alvin Matulad, President, Professional Skin Formula, Gabriel Cui, Customer Management Services, PLDT and Les Reyes

Lopez said ABS-CBN has embraced innovation throughout the years. It introduced television in 1953, and a string of other innovations in the decades that followed.

More recently, ABS-CBN introduced iWant TV, a catch-up service available through the internet, and ABS-CBNmobile, which allows subscribers not only to watch their favorite shows, but also to enjoy exclusive videos and photos of their favorite Kapamilya stars.

These innovations, Lopez said, made him feel nostalgic and reminisce times of doubting and daring during ABS-CBN’s early years.

“Innovations require a lot of money. A lot of time, too,” he said. “There are many hurdles to overcome. And there will be no 100 percent guarantee of success.

You know that if you fail, you have to answer to stockholders, your own employees, your clients, and ultimately your audience. Here at ABS-CBN, we try to create a culture that allows innovation to thrive, that allows you to fail without becoming a failure.”

Despite all the challenges, ABSCBN has been blessed with suc-

cess as they took leaps of faith in the past.

“We believe it’s a matter of duty to invest in radical change if you’re the country’s advocate of the media industry. We simply cannot ignore the global technology wave. We innovate or we die,” Lopez said. ★★★★★ Cosmocare, Skin Essentials by Dr. Alvin, PLDT, San Cosmetics and PhilBeauty are the sponsors of Hair & Make-Up Trends 2015 now on its 31st year.

It gathers the country’s best in hairdressing and make-up in a healthy competition that aims to celebrate the latest in beauty trends.

Celestino Reyes chairs this year’s completion that highlights the brightest name in hair and make-up. A winner and two runners-up will be chosen.

The grand champion will be given the opportunity to represent the country in Taipei for the 19th Asian Pacific Hair Olympics. The whole day affair will be held on May 20at the Metro Tent, Ortigas.

Seminars, demos and trade exhibits will be conducted. Along-

ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio Lopez III during an interview in A &A with Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda

side with the competition, a search for Cosmocare Beauty Ambassador will be held. ★★★★★ Leading independent public relations firm Buensalido & Associates Public Relations recently won a Silver Anvil Award for its work on the Avon Do Something Beautiful Against Breast Cancer Campaign.

The campaign, which won the award in the Public Relations Programs On A Sustained Basis category, harnessed Filipinos’ innate trait of being matulungin (helpful) to remind people how small acts can make big and lasting impacts on many lives – even in the battle against breast cancer. Through information dissemination and intentional participation efforts, the campaign underlined the importance of prevention and early detection to fight the disease.

Dubbed as the “Oscars of PR”, the Anvil Award is the most prestigious honor conferred on outstanding public relations achievements in the Philippines and is handed by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.

At the awarding ceremony, Buensalido Public Relations Managing Director Mich del Rosario, President & CEO Joy Buensalido, Avon Philippines Head for PR and Communications Faith Fernandez Mondejar, and Buensalido Public Relations Creative Director Guia Marasigan

TECHNICAL IMAGE PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARDS FOR CANON

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The winning Canon cameras: EOS 7D Mark II, Ixus 160, 165, and 170 and EF 100-400mmf/4.5-5.6LIS II USM

anon camera products were honored with four “Best Photo and Imaging Product” awards by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), representing 27 photo and imaging magazines from 16 countries across five continents.

The award-winning products are: the EOS 7D Mark II digital SLR camera, the IXUS 160 (PowerShot ELPH 160 in the Americas) / IXUS 1651 / IXUS 170 (PowerShot ELPH 170 IS) digital compact cameras, the EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM super-telephoto zoom lens, and the EF1124mm f/4L USM ultra-wide-angle zoom lens. This year marks Canon’s 21st consecutive year as a TIPA award recipient.2 Selected for this year’s “Best DSLR Expert” award, Canon’s APS-C-size flagship-model EOS 7D Mark II offers impressive specifications that, according to the TIPA jury, “appeal to photographers who know what a DSLR is capable of delivering.” The camera is equipped with an approximately 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon’s Dual DIGIC 6 image processors, all housed within a weather- and dust-resistant magnesium alloy body. In addition to realizing a fast continuous shooting speed of 10 frames per second, the EOS 7D Mark II employs a 65-point (all cross type) AF

system and viewfinder providing an approximately 100 percent field of view.

With the introduction of the IXUS 160, IXUS 165 and IXUS 170, the TIPA judges said, “Canon has gone against the tide that supposedly swept away the possibility of new and exciting entrants in [the compact] camera category.” Named “Best Easy Compact Camera,” the three “compact and very affordable” IXUS-series cameras provide both “long-range optical zoom and stunning image quality,” features that, according to the jury, camera phones lack. In particular, the IXUS 170 was recognized for being an “exceptionally slim camera … with a very long-range [12x] optical zoom,” and for employing an approximately 20.0-megapixel image sensor and Intelligent IS, an optical image stabilization system that analyzes camera movement and applies the optimal correction method for shake-free stills and 720p HD video.

Winner of the “Best Expert DSLR Zoom Lens” award, the Canon EF100-400mm f/4.55.6L IS II USM was designed for full-frame SLR cameras, but is “equally beneficial” for APS-C digital SLR camera users who want to gain even more zoom range. In addition to 4-stop image stabilization and a USM (Ultra-Sonic Motor) delivering fast, near-silent AF performance,

the lens employs 21 elements in 16 groups, including fluorite and super UD (ultra-low dispersion) lens elements, making possible “high image quality across the frame.”

Earning TIPA’s “Best Professional DSLR Lens” title, the EF11-24mm f/4L USM ultra-wide-angle zoom lens provides users with access to the “widest angle of view5 yet achieved for a rectilinear full-frame DSLR zoom lens.” In addition to boasting an impressive minimum focal length of 11 mm, the lens makes possible “minimally distorted images throughout its range.” It employs 16 lens elements in 11 groups, and incorporates four aspherical lens elements that help “minimize distortion from the center to the frame edge,” as well as an optical array that “provides straight lines with minimal curvature throughout the entire [zoom] range.”

Held every year since 1991, the TIPA Awards recognize the best photo and imaging products announced during the previous 12 months based on such criteria as innovativeness, use of leading-edge technologies, design, and ease of use. In 1992, Canon took home its first TIPA accolade for the EOS 100 SLR camera and, over 23 separate occasions since then, has been honored with TIPA awards for a total of 73 products and technologies.2

M ONDAY : M AY 18 : 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Mark Neumann is TV5’s ace in the heartthrob arena. In Baker King, the executives are banking on him to draw in the audience

THIS YOUNG CROAT FILIPINO WILL MAKE HEARTS BEAT FASTER ISAH V. RED Mark Neumann, born of a Croatian mother and Filipino father and raised in Germanyt and the United Kingdom, is creating ripples after starring in several Wattpad Presents episodes on TV 5.

Tonight he stars in perhaps the biggest gamble the network has put its wager on a young male star in a primetime series – the Philippine adaptation of the Korean drama series Baker King.

What was loved by millions of fans all over Asia gets some Filipino baking idioms as TV5 proudly does a re-working on the Kimchi-flavored series.

Do you know that TV5 has picked up a label for Neumann?

And it is ‘Kilig Prince’ because the network believes the young man, who is in his young pubescent age, is able to produce excitements among his followers. And his “Kilig Princess?” Well, she’s her perennial leading lady, Shaira Mae. The two have starred together in Wattpad Presents episodes that, according to TV5 executives did fairly well in the ratings race, reason enough to cast them in this remake of Baker King.

Originally aired in South Korea in 2010, Baker King became a big hit in the Philippines when it aired in 2011.

In this remake Neumann plays Takgu. After the roles he played in Wattpad Presents’ “Mr Popular

Meets Ms Nobody Books 1 and 2”, “I’m in Love with a Dota Player” and “The Magic in You”, TV5 execs are sure Neumann’s charm will endear him more to the viewers as the Baker King.

TV5’s Baker King presents the story of how a simple boy overcomes various obstacles and achieves his dreams in life through sheer determination and perseverance. Takgu is the illegitimate son of President Johnny Lee (Raymond Bagatsing), an affluent businessman who runs the family enterprise Lee Han Seong Bread Factory. Raised solely by his mother Sonya (Diana Zubiri), Takgu was brought to the Lee household when he was just 10 years old so he could have a better life and also to be introduced to the Lee matriarch, Lee Hye Yeong (Boots Anson Roa). Takgu’s

Mark Neumann is poised to put a tight grip on TV’s youthful audience as he stars in a Korean series titled ‘Baker King.’

Will the other network’s drama princes do a double take and look at this new heartthrob?

stay in the Lee household was cut short when he had to run away and look for his mother who was kidnapped through the secret orders of the wife of President Lee, Irene (Jackie Lou Blanco).

From then on, Takgu grew up in the streets as an orphan determined to find his missing mother. Takgu’s efforts of finding his mother will lead him to a bakery school where he meets Sunshine (Shaira Mae), who will become an important part of his life.

When he learns the devastating news that his mother is already dead, Takgu decides to stay in the bakery school and learn the art of baking under the tutelage of Mas), the ter Javier (Joonee Gamboa), same master who taught President Lee how to become a good baker.

In the bakery school, Takgu meets Akihiro his half-brother Michael (Akihiro ), who is determined to win Blanco), the approval of their father and prove that he is the rightful heir to their family business. Michael competes with Takgu not only for their father’s attention but also for the heart of Takgu’s childhood love, Eunice (Inah Estrada).

Completing the powerhouse cast of this newest primetime series are Allan Paule, Ian de Leon, Malak So Shdifat, and Nicole Estrada.

Still, TV5 is banking on Neumann to bring in the needed numbers in the crazy ratings war among the three major players in the TV industry.

Baker King premieres tonight, 9:30: on TV 5. It airs five nights a week, Monday to Friday. ➜ Continued on C7

Starring with him in the series are Akihito Blanco, his love team Shaira Mae and Inah Estrada