The Standard - 2015 June 06 - Saturday

VOL. XXIX NO. 108 2 Sections 24 Pages P18 SATURDAY : JUNE 6, 2015 www.manilastandardtoday.com editorial@thestandard.com.ph

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Binay now considering Erap as VP

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VFA-style pact with Japan eyed

Back from Japan. President Benigno Aquino III is escorted by Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Pio Gregorio Catapang upon his arrival back in Manila from Japan Friday.

‘SILENT PROTEST’ MAY SCUTTLE BBL

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It’s all about eaves

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Game 1 to Dubs; Kyrie hurt

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Marcos: Draft law not best for peace

Environment Day. Green activists celebrate World Environment Day at an outlet of Bacolod Chicken Inasal in Quezon City on Friday. Lino SantoS

‘Silent protest’ may scuttle BBL in House

By Christine F. Herrera

LAWMAKERS angered by the pressure being applied by the Palace mounted a tenacious effort Friday to block the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), ensuring that the bill certified as urgent by President Benigno Aquino III was dead in the water.

A silent protest against the draft law has also begun, in an obvious effort to scuttle the controversial draft law in the House.

In the plenary session Friday, 33 congressmen—20 of whom were from the majority—rose to question provisions of the BBL and also challenged the lack of a quorum, prompting House leaders to declare they would miss the Palace-imposedJune 11 deadline for the bill’s passage.

House insiders said the lawmakers were appalled that the Palace would use the threat of lawsuits against them and their relatives in local government units to speed up the passage of the bill, which is the lynchpin in the administration’s peace agree-

ment with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

House Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora said at least 20 of the 33 congressmen who stood up to question the BBL beloned to the majority.

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II confirmed that most on the list were allies of the President.

The “collective, silent protest” became evident as lawmakers showed up to have their attendance checked to establish a quorum.

But while they were in the House premises, the number of lawmakers in the session hall would dwindle to fewer than 40, giving the opposition lawmakers led by Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza room to immediately question the quorum.

No amount of quorum bells pealing to summon the lawmakers back to the session hall worked, leading House leaders to cancel the Friday sessions.

“We will find it hard to pass the BBL on June 11 due to lack of quorum,” said Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who sponsored a substitute bill that was almost identical to the Palace-drafted BBL. Among the first ones to interpellate Rodriguez were Zamora and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya.

Lawmakers who asked to remain anonymous said they

found it insulting that the Palace would try to ram the BBL down their throats when it was filled with legal infirmities. The Palace insistence on a deadline, they added, would give people no other course but to believe that Congress had railroaded the measure.

Under the House rules, questions of quorum take precedence over other motions and the plenary cannot transact business without a quorum.

House Deputy Speaker Henedina Abad of Batanes was found to have used the last announcement of a quorum to approve several measures, even if the session hall had empty seats.

With only about 40 lawmakers present, Abad would announce the approval of several bills on second and third reading with the vote count declaration, “With 197 voting in the affirmative and none in the negative, the measure is approved.”

The promised marathon hearing that was supposed to last until midnight ended at 7:30 p.m.

Atienza vowed to question the quorum again when the sessions resume on Monday.

Some lawmakers said they found it a low blow for the Palace to use their pending cases with the Ombudsman to force them to vote in favor of the BBL. They also confirmed Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Ro-

mualdez’s assertion that the Commission on Audit had threatened some 180 lawmakers to have their projects issued notices of disallowances.

The notices would serve as the COA’s proof that the projects were under question and thus should not proceed.

“This is ridiculous. We haven’t even received yet an approval of our projects and here is COA telling us we have notices of disallowances,” said one lawmaker.

“I was told that if I don’t vote for the BBL, I might find my wife (elected local government official] fighting a case in the Ombudsman. What kind of government is this?” said another lawmaker, a close ally of the President from Mindanao.

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio said the timing of the notices of disallowances was suspect.

He said while it has been the long practice of COA to issue notices of disallowances, this time, the teachers, whose bonuses were being withheld as a result of the notices of allowances, have started complaining.

“These are LGUs nationwide,” Tinio said.

“With three session days remaining before Congress adjourns sine die, no amount of BBL payola would make possible the passage of the BBL at the rate the Palace is treating the lawmakers shabbily,” a lawmaker said.

SENATOR Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rejected Friday the Palace pronouncement that its draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was the best course of action to bring peace to Mindanao.

“That is not what our resource persons told us in our committee hearings. The Palace should listen to them too instead of listening only to the concerns of the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front),” said Marcos, who chairs the committee on local governments that is scrutinizing the BBL. Marcos, who assailed the Palace-drafted bill as the road to perdition, said it would lead to more bloodshed in the region and disintegration.

During the panel’s public hearing on Wednesday, Koronadal Mayo Peter B. Miguel argued forcefully for the exclusion of his city and province from the proposed Bangsamoro region, saying it might cause disintegration.

Marcos agreed.

“There are certain elements of the BBL which we feel would tend to lead to that disintegration. Integration is what is desirous,” Marcos said.

Miguel told the panel that cultural and religious differences should not be a ground for disintegration.

After the hearing, Marcos delivered a privilege speech saying he could not support the draft BBL as its flaws would only lead to more bloodshed.

The BBL, in its present form, could not bring the nation to peace, he said.

“Instead, it will lead us to perdition. Armed conflict will ensue. Blood will be shed. And when blood is shed, it will not distinguish between right and wrong; between young and old, neither between men and women, nor soldiers or rebels, combatants and civilians, rich, poor, Muslims, Christians. Nobody wins. Everybody loses,” Marcos said.

In a radio interview, Marcos said the peace agreement between the government and the MILF and the BBL were concluded exclusively by the two parties, without soliciting the opinion of major stakeholders such as the Moro National Liberation Front, local government officials from the affected areas, the sultanates of Mindanao, and non-Muslim indigeous people.

Marcos said he would file a substitute bill that would address the BBL’s constitutional Ramos infirmities.—Macon

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MNLF belittles reports of uniting with rivals

By Francisco Tuyay AN OFFICIAL of the Moro National Liberation Front said Friday his group’s unification with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as being pushed by the House of Representatives could not happen and was a political maneuver to gain support for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza said his group, which comprises entirely of Joloanons, will not unite with the MILF since it was composed mainly of Maguindanaons and the two groups had tribal differences.

“It will not work because of tribal differences,” Cerveza said.

The unification of the MNLF and MILF unity was stipulated in House Bill 5811 of the “Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Autnomous Region,” a substitute bill to HB 4994, the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. Sulu Rep. Tupay Loong, chairman of the Committee on Muslim Affairs, has incorporated the move to unite the two rebel factions on the premise relating to the 42 contentious points in the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the government and the MNLF that has been reviewed by the Philippine government, the MNLF and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Loong said this would “certainly pave the way for the reconciliation of the MNLF and MILF

Press conference in Tokyo.

President Benigno Aquino III fields questions during a press conference at the Japan National Press Club on Friday.

Malacañang Photo Bureau

positions and the unity of the two liberation movement.”

Loong is considered one of the prominent leaders of the MNLF during the time of its founding chairman Nur Misuari at the height of the Mindanao rebellion in the 70s.

But Cerveza contradicted Loong’s position, saying the MNLF could not work with the MILF as a result of the clout of the Maguindanaons.

Cerveza says the MNLFMILF unity move by congress is a mere political persuasion aimed at gaining support from the MNLF for the eventual passage of the BBL and leading to the establishment of the Bangsamoro Entity.

He says the unification of the MNLF and MILF will instead create complex problems as they have differences―particularly when the MILF broke with the MNLF in the 1980s.

“If they want unity to work, the MILF will have to submit themselves under the MNLF, being the governing body,” Cerveza pointed out.

Cerveza says several sectors including the OIC have long been pushing for the MNLF-MILF unification, but their efforts failed and mainly because of the government’s abrogation of the 1996 final peace agreement and the 1976 Tripoli Agreement that led to the declaration of Mindanao independence by Misuari in 2012.

Mangotara: I didn’t tag Repizo IMMIGRATION Associate Commissioner Abdullah Mangotara denied Friday that he had tagged fellow commissioner Gilberto Repizo as the one who cut a deal to order the release of suspected Chinese crime lord Wang Bo in exchange for millions of pesos.

A former Lanao del Norte congressman and a member of the ruling Liberal Party, Magotara challenged anyone to produce documents to show that Immigration officials accepted cash in exchange for issuing the May 21 release order on Wang.

“No money changed hands, I challenge anyone to produce any videos or documents on the alleged money trail,” Mangotara said.

Immigration officials had told The Standard that the commissioners had ordered Wang released—reversing his deportation order--after meeting with his representative.

A well-placed congressional source told The Standard Wednesday that Mangotara was ready to tag Repizo.

But Mangotara said the media reports were putting words in his mouth and that there was a valid reason they decided to release Wang.

“The May 21 resolution ordering the release of Wang was based on principles of international law and the Philippine law on the right to due process and the rules on admissibility of foreign documents,” Mangotara said.

“The Chinese embassy replied by sending

photocopies of documents in Chinese scripts with accompanying English translations of Chinese scripts. Both are not properly authenticated and do not contain official seal of the proper Chinese authorities,” he added.

On May 26, the bureau’s board of commissioners reversed the May 21 resolution and upheld a March 5 order to deport Wang to China.

Mangotara registered his dissent while Repizo did not sign the order.

The Wang incident and allegations that the money taken from him was used to bribe lawmakers to vote in favor the the Palacebacked Bangsamoro Basic Law are being investigated by the House.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, however, said the investigation did not mean that the allegations were true.

“Congress can invistigate matters in aid of

legislation,” Valte said.

“It does not necessarily follow that just because an investigation is launched, there is already truth to the allegations.”

All three commissioners officially denied they cut a deal with Wang, but a confidential report to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima that included a transcript of their May 26 meeting showed all of them signed the May 21 release order.

The document also showed Mison tried to reverse the release order after the Chinese Embassy filed an official protest.

De Lima said she will review the latest allegations on the Wang case over the weekend and decide whether or not there is still a need for an investigation against the Immigration officials. – Vito Barcelo, Sara Susanne Fabunan

Talks on security agreement with Japanese to start soon “the relevant entities would soon be talking, and that would lead to a VisTOKYO --- The relevant entities of iting Forces Agreement that would the Philippines and Japan will soon have to be approved by the Philipstart talks that will lead up to a Visiting pine Senate.

The details of the agreement Forces Agreement, President Benigno would come after that, he said.

Aquino III said here Friday.

“Currently, the Philippines He told reporters at the Japan National Press Club that the Philippines only has two Visiting Forces had only two Visiting Forces Agree- Agreement: one with the United ments: one with the United States and States of America and we most recently passed one with Austhe other with Australia.

He said he and Japanese Prime tralia. We welcome this developMinister Shinzo Abe had agreed that ment,” Aquino said.

By Sandy araneta

Raid. Policemen raid the alleged shabu market in Culiat village in Quezon City that resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects. Lino SanToS

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So sorry, Tiangco tells Poe

By Maricel V. Cruz

Meeting of the minds. File photo shows Vice President Jejomar Binay with Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada after a closed-door meeting at the Manila City Hall last May 27. DANNY PATA

Binay eyes Erap as running mate

By Vito Barcelo VICE President Jejomar Binay said on Friday he may asked former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to be his running mate in 2016 in a reversal of roles during the 2010 presidential election.

“It is no longer Erap-Binay, it is now Binay-Erap,” Binay said in a radio interview in Naval, Biliran. “We call that BEST. Do you know what BEST means? BinayEstrada.”

Binay said he met with Estrada and had a one-hour closed-door meeting at the Manila city hall last week, but both denied that their meeting was in preparation

for the 2016 elections.

The Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), headed by Estrada, and the Partido Demokratiko PilipinoLakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), headed by Binay, signed a coalition agreement on April 4, 2012 for the 2013 elections, forming the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Binay is now considered the official standard bearer of UNA

and he said there is a search committee that is considering a number of possible running mates.

“The elections are still far away and we still have to discuss the mechanism for choosing our candidates,” Binay said.

The Binay camp had earlier indicated that it was hoping Senator Grace Poe would run as the Vice President’s running mate, but the senator declined the offer even as she considers running for president herself.

Binay’s spokespersons later denied the they offered Poe the spot on the slate. “There was never an offer. It was a reply to questions from media if (Grace Poe) was being considered. Of course, the polite answer of the VP is yes,”

said UNA interim president and Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco.

Joey Salgado, Binay’s spokesperson for media affairs, said Poe was only one of several personalities being considered to be the UNA’s vice presidential candidate next year, but “no offer was made formally or informally.”

Estrada and Binay are known to be close to the Poe family since the senator’s deceased father Fernando Poe Jr. was known to be a close friend of Estrada while Binay served as his campaign manager when the actor ran for president in 2004.

But their relationships appear to be souring recently, especially after Poe signed a Senate document recommending the filing of corruption charges against Binay.

NAVOTAS City Rep. Tobias Tiangco on Friday apologized to Senator Grace Poe for “having caused damage” to the friendship between the senator and Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“I apologize for having caused damage to the friendship of the Poe and Binay families,” Tiangco, staunch supporter of Binay and interim president of the United Nationalist Alliance, said.

Tiangco also said he would heed the advice of the Vice President’s daughter, Makati Rep. Mar-len Abigail Binay to refrain from speaking on the issue on the residency and citizenship of Poe whom Tiangco had earlier questioned before the media.

Tiangco said Rep. Binay was correct when she said that the matter is for the proper courts to decide.

Last June 2, Tiangco said at a news conference that Poe was not qualified to run for president or vice president because she did not meet the residency requirement set by the Constitution, but Poe insisted she is qualified to run and did not commit any violation of the Constitution.

When told of Tiangco’s apology, Poe said she accepts the apology if they are sincere and thanked Tiangco for coming out with the issue on her residency since she was able to explain it.

Meanwhile, Poe admitted on Friday that she had been going around more frequently, but denied public perceptions that she is already campaigning for president in 2016.

“I have always been moving around, you just didn’t notice it,” Poe said in an interview in Iloilo.

“Because now, you’re focussed on me, but that is also part of my job.

I must admit, I have been moving around more often now.”

“But I won’t say that I want people to convince me because in the end, you will just ask yourself if you are ready to face the problems, if I will be capable of alleviating their lives and mitigating poverty in the country,” she said.

Aquino: No plan to run

By Sandy Araneta AFTER meeting rejection of his “tongue-incheek” suggestion to run for a lower public office when his term expires next year, President Benigno Aquino III clarified that he had no intention of running for any position after he steps down from office.

“I have no intentions of running for any position,” Aquino said in meeting with the journalists who accompanied him in his state visit to Japan.

Aquino explained that he was just quoting the questions Filipino expatriates in Tokyo asked him when he attended a Filipino community event at the Okura Hotel.

But both his allies and critics rejected the suggestion that he run for a lower public office after

his term expires with some saying that he should start preparing his defense against the law suits that will likely be filed against him instead of planning to run for a lower public office.

Aquino critic Rep. Terry Ridon of the Kabataan party-list said Aquino should retire from being a “disaster” leader after his presidency.

“The President should get ready to respond to cases to be filed against him come 2016,” Ridon said made the statement in response to the President’s statement in Japan that he may consider lower public office in the 2016 elections.

“He can try [to dodge law suits], but I think he cannot prevent and evade the filing of suits against him and his allies who were involved in anomalous transactions, like Disbursement Acceleration Program, during his term,” Zarate said.

Frustrating search. Members of the group “Desaparecidos” hold a protest

at the DMCI Holdings in Makati City to demand that the company explain the disappearances of Dulangan Manobo tribesman John Calaba in Sultan Kudarat.

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Govt files drug raps vs Siniloa gang member

By Rey E. Requejo

Increasing resentment. Students, artists and fisher folk hold a forum to dissuade the government fron joining the Beijingproposed Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank because of China’s aggression in the South China Sea. AFP

THE Department of Justice filed on Friday criminal charges before the Regional Trial Court of Makati City against a suspected member of the international drug syndicate Siniloa who were arrested for selling 2,265 grams of cocaine worth P12 million last January.

In the 22-page resolution, the DOJ through Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera found probable cause to indict Mexican national Horacio Hernandez Herrera alias “Mex” for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Navera stressed that all elements enumerated under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 regarding the sale of illegal drugs is present in Herrera’s case.

The resolution said the elements were proven by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine National Police-Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force when poseur buyer Intelligence Officer 1 Errold Dayrit was able to identify the seller of the cocaine as “Mex” later identified as respondent Herrera.

Beware of lies, bishops warn

By Sara D. Fabunan VOTE vote “ for the right reasons” and do not allow “demolition jobs” to influence your decisions on choosing the deserving candidate, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines advised voters on Friday in a pastoral letter.

“Just as the discerning voter will not be easily won over by all the flattery in favor

of one candidate, neither should a voter allow demolition jobs to dissuade him from choosing a person who is truly fit for office,” CBCP president and LingayenDagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a statement.

“Reject the notoriously corrupt, but neither should one readily jump on the bandwagon of condemnation in the absence of incontrovertible evidence, for, these days, one’s reputation, so painstakingly built by sincerity and honesty over the years, can so easily be tarnished by the truly evil work of ‘spin-doctors’ in the payroll of one or the other political aspirant,” he said.

Villegas then reminded the faithful against a person who aspires for high of-

fice but will only be totally dependent on advisers.

However, he said, “we should be willing to repose trust on those who, we are convinced, are capable of leading and of serving with probity, high above suspicion and with skill, competence and wisdom that comes from abiding faith.”

“That a person is a firm believer, and that he or she practices her faith should be a crucial consideration for the Catholic voter,” he said.

The bishops again reminded Christian voters to snub candidates from political dynasties and “prudently choose others who may have equal if not superior abilities and competencies for the position.”

“There is no monopoly on ability for

government, and truly no one in government is indispensable,” Villegas said.

The CBCP has long condemned political dynasties in the Philippines, repeatedly calling for a passage of a law that prohibits them.

Since 1990s, the bishops’ collegial body released about six pastoral statements against politics being under the control of few notable families.

The bishop also took a jab against political patronage, calling on voters not to make ‘kapit sa taas’ as a criterion for their choice of local elective officials.

“We reject a government by patronage,” the CBCP head added, urging voters to ask the right questions as basis for selecting candidates.

House amends senior citizens act

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a proposal to amend Republic Act 9994, otherwise known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” to provide a more inclusive definition of “indigent senior citizen.”

The House approved the amendment embodied in House Bill 5752, which amends Section 2 of RA 9994, so that “any elderly who is without pension or permanent source of income, compensation, or regular and appropriate financial assistance from his/her relatives to support his/her basic needs, as determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in consultation with the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board” will be considered indigent.

Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan, author of the substituted bill, said the present definition of “indigent senior citizen” under RA 9994 excludes senior citizens who are not sick or disabled and who have pension or other sources of income.

Specifically, the law refers to an “indigent senior citizen” as “any elderly who is frail, sickly or with disability, and without pension or permanent source of income, compensation, or financial assistance from his/her relatives to support his/her basic needs, as determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in consultation with the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board.”

Beacon of Hope. The Wong Chu King Foundation (WCKF) is constructing two classrooms at the Our Lady of Piat Elementary School (formerly Minanga Elementary School) to serve pupils from the far northern barangays of Minanga and Calaoagan in Piat, Cagayan as requested by Mayor Black Villacete. The school serves as a beacon of hope for the future of the children of the neighboring barangays that both have high rates of poverty incidence as their parents rely solely on farming and informal labor as sources of income. The classrooms will be named after WCKF founders, Mr. Wong Chu King and Mrs. Nelia D. Wongchuking.

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Gabriela lawmaker: Release former info officer

With Their Majesties.

By Florante S. Solmerin

President Benigno Aquino III greets Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the reception area of the Imperial Hotel on Friday.

MALACAÑANG PHOTO

Ateneo mitigates fault risk, retrofits 3 buildings

By Rio N. Araja

TO mitigate the risks being posed by the West Valley Fault, the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City is retrofitting three of its building in the Grade School complex as recommended by structural consultants.

The David Hall, Fermin Hall and Pacquing Hall will have to undergo reconstruction in accordance with the 2010 National Structural Code of the Philippines (6th Edition), according to Ateneo president Fr. Jose Ramon “Jett” Villarin, SJ.

“Following these recommendations and the recent pronouncements by Department of Education on the West Valley Fault, we will commence soonest the retrofitting process of these buildings to ensure their structural integrity,” he said in a statement posted on

the school’s official website.

“The occupants of these buildings shall be temporarily relocated to various areas on campus, and provided with pre-fabricated modular air-conditioned classrooms as needed, while retrofitting the buildings is being done. Some offices will be temporarily relocated, likewise.”

He said classes in Junior High School (Grade 7 and 8) will start on June 15, while Grade 3 to 6 will open classes on Aug. 3 due to the retrofitting of the buildings.

On the other hand, classes in Grades 1 and 2 will

proceed as scheduled on June 8 and 9.

Despite possible inconvenience, concerned units have already prepared plans to ensure that classes can continue and that regular emergency drills will be conducted frequently for students in Grade School and Junior High School, Villarin said.

He gave the assurance that the school administration would communicate the preparation plans to students, faculty, non-teaching staff and parents of students.

“As we have been doing for several years now,

we shall keep working to streamline and integrate disaster risk education as part of our strategic thrust on environment and development, not just for our own but for our country as well,” he said.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology director Renato Solidum Jr. presented the result of a joint study conducted by various government agencies and the Australian government that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the West Valley Fault could result in severe damages to Metro Manila.

GABRIELA Representative Emmi De Jesus has appealed to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to release Sharon Cabusao, former public information officer of said group and currently consultant of the Crispin Beltran Resource Center.

De Jesus said Cabusao has thyroid and blood-related diseases and that she should be immediately released from CIDG detention.

“Her current situation could worsen her medical condition. We appeal for her immediate and unconditional release,” she said.

Cabusao was arrested with her husband Adelberto, alleged leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front, and Isidro de Lima, driver, last Tuesday in Bacoor, Cavite.

The main target of CIDG’s warrant was Adelberto who was facing 15 counts of murder before a a court.

But during the arrest, the arresting team claimed they found firearms and explosives from the group.

Earlier, Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay claimed Silva is a peace consultant of the NDF and de Jesus concurred. But military Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief Lieutenant Harold Cabunoc said Silva was Wilma Tiamzon’s replacement after she and her husband, Benito, top CPPNPA-NDF leader, along with 5 others were arrested in March 2014 in Cebu.

Sandiganbayan asked to consider house arrest petition for Arroyo

by Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Independent bloc Leader and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday appealed for mercy and compassion from the Sandiganbayan to consider the petition for house arrest for ailing Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Romualdez said he is hopeful the Sandiganbayan “would respond positively” to the decision of the House of Representatives to pass a resolution that will virtually grant the former president a temporary freedom to seek proper medical attention.

Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association

(Philconsa), also lauded the action taken by the House leadership led by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and House Majority Leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II. “We thank the House leadership and our colleagues for their support to the plight of the former President,” Romualdez said.

“She should be allowed to stay in her residence for cure and treatment because this would do more good on her failing health. Let us show compassion to her condition,” Romualdez added.

House Deputy Minority Leader and 1-BAP partylist Rep. Silvestre Bello III, who authored House Resolution 1908 also welcomed

the House’s considerable action to his resolution for the 67-year old Arroyo.

“I am happy for the former president, and I do hope the Sandiganbayan will show mercy and compassion which will surely have a curing effect on the illness of fpGMA,” Bello told The Standard.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, a senior member of the House Minority Bloc, said the issue involving the former leader is no longer a political issue but “human life.”

“We do hope and pray the Sandiganbayan will seriously consider the house arrest appeal for former president Arroyo. She is terribly sick,” Albano said.

Environment Day. Child scavengers from the Baseco Compound collect recyclable materials from Manila Bay. DANNY PATA

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P40M needed for Sto. Tomas rehab TUBA, Benguet—The government needs at least P40 million to implement the numerous activities outlined by the Court of Appeals in granting the Permanent Environment Protection Order against all man-made activities within the 3,00-hectare Mount Sto. Tomas forest reservation.

Carved to perfection. Korean artist Kim Pong carves creations for the Bahay na Bato art gallery in Luna, La Union.

CHRISTINE JUNIO

In a recent meeting with stakeholders, the writ of kalikasan petitioners, local officials of Tuba and representatives from the environment department, engineer Ralph Pablo revealed that instead of imposing a moratorium on the watershed, the municipal government of Tuba was tasked to determine the allowable number of tourists to visit the Mount Sto. Tomas area at one time to regulate the influx of visitors in the area.

The same must be done on or before June 15.

He added it was also decided by the concerned stakeholders that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau will closely coordinate with the Tuba municipal government and the Philippine National Police to immediately close the operation of ten small-scale mining associations that are located in the different parts of the

forest reservation.

Pablo added there will also be an immediate demolition of detached or temporary stalls, especially within Sitio Pungayan, popularly known as La Presa area, and that the Tuba municipal government shall issue the required demolition order.

Concerned agencies shall inform the business about the demolition.

“Voluntary demolition of the structures subject of the notices of demolition is also encouraged by the stakeholders, provided, that all illegal structures in the area should be removed on or before July 2,” Pablo stressed.

DENR personnel will closely monitor the implementation of the demolition of the detached structures considering that the agency already issued two notices to vacate to the stall owners.

First baby-food maker in Caraga Region starts operations

By Alvin T. Guanzon GIGAQUIT, SURIGAO DEL NORTE—The first baby food manufacturer in Caraga Region, located in this town of the province of Surigao del Norte, is now operational and will use monggo and malunggay—produced by farmers in this town and nearby areas—as raw materials.

The Department of Science

and Technology, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte and the Municipality of Gigaquit spearheaded this week’s inauguration of the Roll-out Complementary Food (Comfood) Processing Plant, located in Barangay Poblacion of this town.

Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo said this will help solve malnutrition and undernourishment cases in the

Caraga region.

The plant, capable of producing 500 to 700 nutri-packs daily, can now support the feeding programs in various communityand school-based feeding projects of Surigao del Norte which has total of 27 municipalities.

Twenty of these are found in mainland Surigao del Norte while seven are in Siargao Island.

Surigao del Norte Governor Sol

Matugas said malnutrition and undernourishment have longterm effects on children that they could carry until they are adults.

Gigaquit Mayor Carlos M. Egay, Sr. for his part claimed the plant will be operated, run and administered by NGO Gigaquit Women’s Association as part of the government’s livelihood program and empowerment of women in Gigaquit.

The Complementary Food Project is under supervision of the Women’s Association of Gigaguit produces the Himsog Bugas-Monggo Nutri-Curls and Himsog Bugas-Monggo Baby Food Blend.

Because raw materials are locally produced, the prices of baby foods would be affordable, officials at the inauguration said.

Military denies rights group’s claim of encampment in Lumad schools

By Florante S. Solmerin

THE military on Friday debunked rights group Karapatan’s claim that soldiers had been using a Lumad school in Talaingod, Davao del Norte for counter-insurgency in connivance with school officials.

“We are partnering with different stakeholders in promoting Bayanihan spirit among Filipinos. There is nothing wrong if we support DepEd (Department of Education) in preparing school facilities during Brigada Eskwela and other community activities like our Youth Leadership Summit and Medical Mission. The people have appreciated our services and more and more NPA members have renounced armed struggle after realizing the futility of their cause,” retorted Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc, Armed Forces of the PhilippinesPublic Affairs Office (AFP-PAO) chief, in rebuttal to Karapatan.

In a statement, Karapatan secretary-general Cristina Palabay accused the military and DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro for being “a conduit of the military’s implementation of the government’s counterinsurgency Oplan Bayanihan.”

“The way Sec. Luistro holds on the Department of Education’s Memorandum 221 of 2013 and his inaction on the plight of the Lumad children at risk with the military’s encampment in Lumad schools shows how he and his department is used by the military to justify their presence in the learning centers,” Palabay lamented.

She said such kind of partnership could lead to the closure of the schools established by the Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center (STTICLC) following the recommendation of the DepEd School Division Superintendent Dr. Josephine Fadul to Atty. Alberto Escobarte, director of DepEd Region XI.

Best view ever. A young woman looks out her window to see the world-renowned rice terraces. DAVID CHAN

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cYan MaGenta YelloW blacK S AT u R D AY : J u N E 6 , 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA edItor

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

PoWer PoInt elIZabetH anGsIoco

Honor our flag

[ EDI TORI A L ]

IndecIsIon, not delIberatIon THE void has lingered far too long.

Former Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima’s six month suspension has ended, now he would be technically back in police service, but the PNP remains leaderless.

The President, of all people, must know how crucial having a PNP chief is. The leader of the police, not an officer in charge, has real accountability for decisions made. The chief of the PNP will have direct and unquestionable authority and command responsibility over his people.

When the Office of the Ombudsman suspended Purisima in December over alleged corruption, it recognized that the shadow of these allegations would prevent Purisima from discharging his duties effectively and send the wrong signal to the rest of the police force who must be led by somebody with an impeccable record of integrity.

As bad as being led by somebody tarnished is not being led by anybody at all.

These are challenging times for the PNP. It is in the midst of implementing institutional reforms that focus on strengthening the organization regardless of the personalities in it. It is also lifting its people’s morale that has been brought down by the Mamasapano incident in January. It is trying to show a face to the citizenry that it is an ally and protector as it weeds out the undesirable elements among its ranks.

The President has time and again said that he is deliberating hard over whom to name to this crucial post. He must snap out of this paralysis and just make a decision soon. The 2016 national and local elections are approaching – yet another reason to have a national police chief installed and accepted by the people, given the sensitivity of overseeing the polls in all areas nationwide.

Mr. Aquino’s continued refusal to name the new PNP chief only heightens the public’s anxiety and suspicion that the top qualification for the next top cop is malleability to ensure that administration candidates, at whatever level, are given an advantage.

The President must name names soon, while there is time for the public to look into the next PNP chief ’s background, and react accordingly.

The SenaTor’S Speech bacK cHannel aleJandro del rosarIo IT was a significant speech affecting national interest that almost got lost on the issue of another senator’s residency and qualification.

I’m talking about the privilege speech delivered on Wednesday by Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. who rejected the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

and strip it naked of all constitutional infirmities.

“Like many Filipinos, I thirst for peace in Mindanao.

But the creation of a Bangsamoro in its present form and substance can only lead to the shedding of blood

by Christians and Muslims; and when blood is shed it will not distinguish between right and wrong, between combatants or civilians, between men and women, young and old. Everybody loses,” intoned Senator Marcos in an impassioned

speech on the Senate floor.

By rejecting the measure, Marcos who heads the Senate committee on local government, derailed a Malacanang timetable to pass it by June 11 so it can be included in President Benigno Aquino’s last State of the Nation Address in July.

Primarily, Marcos’ concern are the questionable provisions of the proposed law that will diminish the sovereign authority of the Republic because of the exclusive powers granted to

A9

Why did binay ask Poe to be his running mate if she’s not qualified and if she lacks experience?

the Bangsamoro—powers inherent to the national government under the Constitution--a view he shares with University of the Philippines College of Law Dean Merlin Magallona.

This is supported by the report of the committee on constitutional amendments and revisions of laws headed

by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago declaring the BBL flawed with legal violations.

Twelve senators so far have signed the Santiago report which would make the bill’s early approval dim.

“What is given to the Bangsamoro government

is necessarily taken away from the government of the Republic of the Philippines,” said Marcos, citing 58 provisions in the BBL which seeks exclusive powers for the BBL governing authority.

There are three particular provisions contained in the BBL which the senator found unacceptable. These are: The proposed law seeks to create a partly sovereign state within the Republic;

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

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

A parliamentary form of government within the present presidential system which would limit the powers of Congress; and The Bangsamoro parliament would be equal, not subordinate to Congress.

Senator Marcos also expressed concern over the Bangsamoro territory’s rather vague and flexible interpretations which could lead to possible conflict on rights and claims over “exclusive”

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and “internal” bodies of water in the Sulu Sea (claimed by the Sultanate of Sulu) and in Lake Lanao involving the equal rights of indigenous people like the Lumads.

A more workable solution is being prepared by Senator Marcos who said he plans to submit a substitute bill that will be acceptable to all and takes into account the interests of all the stakeholders in the proposed autonomous region.

Continued on A11

Continued on A11

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

OUR national flag is our identity as a race, as a people. Yet, who still cares?

The flag symbolizes our standing in the international community as an independent, free country, equal to any other no matter how rich or poor, big or small.

We are able to fly our flag, the red, white, and blue with the star and the stars BECAUSE our forefathers and foremothers gave up their lives, paid with their precious blood in the revolution against our colonizers to attain the right to fly this flag.

But, how many of us now still reflect on our flag’s importance? How many of us take pride in, respect and honor this symbol of our nationhood and celebrate the heroism that comes with it? How many of our young people know the rich history behind the flag, our heroes’ sacrifices so we are able to live the freedom we now enjoy?

May 28 is our Flag Day. June 12 is our Independence Day and the former to the latter are our Flag Days. Do we know that?

In 1994, as the country was preparing for our celebrations celebrations, then President Fidel V. Ramos issued Executive Order No. 179 entitled, “Prominent Display of the National Flag in All Buildings, Establishments, and Homes from 28 May 1994 to 12 June 1994 and Every Year Thereafter, and for Other Purposes” This EO mandates that government departments, agencies, government owned and controlled corporations, local government units shall prominently display the National Flag from 28 May to 12 June, 1994 and henceforth, during the same period of succeeding years.

It also gave the then Department of Education, Culture and Sports, in coordination with non-government organizations and civic groups the task to enjoin the prominent display of the national flag in all private buildings and homes.

This EO was observed in a big way during the Ramos administration but dissipated after.

During Flag Days, light posts had big proud flags flying, public spaces were decked not with one, but numerous flags that could not be missed. We also used to see them displayed outside of private homes

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

Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

cYan MaGenta YelloW blacK S AT u R D AY : J u N E 6 , 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA edItor

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

PoWer PoInt elIZabetH anGsIoco

Honor our flag

[ EDI TORI A L ]

IndecIsIon, not delIberatIon THE void has lingered far too long.

Former Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima’s six month suspension has ended, now he would be technically back in police service, but the PNP remains leaderless.

The President, of all people, must know how crucial having a PNP chief is. The leader of the police, not an officer in charge, has real accountability for decisions made. The chief of the PNP will have direct and unquestionable authority and command responsibility over his people.

When the Office of the Ombudsman suspended Purisima in December over alleged corruption, it recognized that the shadow of these allegations would prevent Purisima from discharging his duties effectively and send the wrong signal to the rest of the police force who must be led by somebody with an impeccable record of integrity.

As bad as being led by somebody tarnished is not being led by anybody at all.

These are challenging times for the PNP. It is in the midst of implementing institutional reforms that focus on strengthening the organization regardless of the personalities in it. It is also lifting its people’s morale that has been brought down by the Mamasapano incident in January. It is trying to show a face to the citizenry that it is an ally and protector as it weeds out the undesirable elements among its ranks.

The President has time and again said that he is deliberating hard over whom to name to this crucial post. He must snap out of this paralysis and just make a decision soon. The 2016 national and local elections are approaching – yet another reason to have a national police chief installed and accepted by the people, given the sensitivity of overseeing the polls in all areas nationwide.

Mr. Aquino’s continued refusal to name the new PNP chief only heightens the public’s anxiety and suspicion that the top qualification for the next top cop is malleability to ensure that administration candidates, at whatever level, are given an advantage.

The President must name names soon, while there is time for the public to look into the next PNP chief ’s background, and react accordingly.

The SenaTor’S Speech bacK cHannel aleJandro del rosarIo IT was a significant speech affecting national interest that almost got lost on the issue of another senator’s residency and qualification.

I’m talking about the privilege speech delivered on Wednesday by Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. who rejected the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

and strip it naked of all constitutional infirmities.

“Like many Filipinos, I thirst for peace in Mindanao.

But the creation of a Bangsamoro in its present form and substance can only lead to the shedding of blood

by Christians and Muslims; and when blood is shed it will not distinguish between right and wrong, between combatants or civilians, between men and women, young and old. Everybody loses,” intoned Senator Marcos in an impassioned

speech on the Senate floor.

By rejecting the measure, Marcos who heads the Senate committee on local government, derailed a Malacanang timetable to pass it by June 11 so it can be included in President Benigno Aquino’s last State of the Nation Address in July.

Primarily, Marcos’ concern are the questionable provisions of the proposed law that will diminish the sovereign authority of the Republic because of the exclusive powers granted to

A9

Why did binay ask Poe to be his running mate if she’s not qualified and if she lacks experience?

the Bangsamoro—powers inherent to the national government under the Constitution--a view he shares with University of the Philippines College of Law Dean Merlin Magallona.

This is supported by the report of the committee on constitutional amendments and revisions of laws headed

by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago declaring the BBL flawed with legal violations.

Twelve senators so far have signed the Santiago report which would make the bill’s early approval dim.

“What is given to the Bangsamoro government

is necessarily taken away from the government of the Republic of the Philippines,” said Marcos, citing 58 provisions in the BBL which seeks exclusive powers for the BBL governing authority.

There are three particular provisions contained in the BBL which the senator found unacceptable. These are: The proposed law seeks to create a partly sovereign state within the Republic;

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

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

A parliamentary form of government within the present presidential system which would limit the powers of Congress; and The Bangsamoro parliament would be equal, not subordinate to Congress.

Senator Marcos also expressed concern over the Bangsamoro territory’s rather vague and flexible interpretations which could lead to possible conflict on rights and claims over “exclusive”

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MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

cYan MaGenta YelloW blacK

and “internal” bodies of water in the Sulu Sea (claimed by the Sultanate of Sulu) and in Lake Lanao involving the equal rights of indigenous people like the Lumads.

A more workable solution is being prepared by Senator Marcos who said he plans to submit a substitute bill that will be acceptable to all and takes into account the interests of all the stakeholders in the proposed autonomous region.

Continued on A11

Continued on A11

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

OUR national flag is our identity as a race, as a people. Yet, who still cares?

The flag symbolizes our standing in the international community as an independent, free country, equal to any other no matter how rich or poor, big or small.

We are able to fly our flag, the red, white, and blue with the star and the stars BECAUSE our forefathers and foremothers gave up their lives, paid with their precious blood in the revolution against our colonizers to attain the right to fly this flag.

But, how many of us now still reflect on our flag’s importance? How many of us take pride in, respect and honor this symbol of our nationhood and celebrate the heroism that comes with it? How many of our young people know the rich history behind the flag, our heroes’ sacrifices so we are able to live the freedom we now enjoy?

May 28 is our Flag Day. June 12 is our Independence Day and the former to the latter are our Flag Days. Do we know that?

In 1994, as the country was preparing for our celebrations celebrations, then President Fidel V. Ramos issued Executive Order No. 179 entitled, “Prominent Display of the National Flag in All Buildings, Establishments, and Homes from 28 May 1994 to 12 June 1994 and Every Year Thereafter, and for Other Purposes” This EO mandates that government departments, agencies, government owned and controlled corporations, local government units shall prominently display the National Flag from 28 May to 12 June, 1994 and henceforth, during the same period of succeeding years.

It also gave the then Department of Education, Culture and Sports, in coordination with non-government organizations and civic groups the task to enjoin the prominent display of the national flag in all private buildings and homes.

This EO was observed in a big way during the Ramos administration but dissipated after.

During Flag Days, light posts had big proud flags flying, public spaces were decked not with one, but numerous flags that could not be missed. We also used to see them displayed outside of private homes

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

Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

A10 Profit, not ownershiP SOME members of the Senate are again toying with the idea of amending the Constitution, particularly Article XII, Section 2, paragraph 1, on national economy and patrimony. Apart from Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, lackeys of the administration have expressed their endorsement. However, those who oppose say there is no such thing as self-limitation to the power of Congress to amend the charter that was ratified in 1987 with much fanfare and delusion.

Their opposition is not that they love to preserve a document that was drafted by bigots and hypocrites seething with hatred, but of their deep distrust of people who used the same document to capture political power and declare their position private. They cannot even act on that simple mandate to enact an anti-dynasty law, and here they are, talking of giving investors the right to own what they are not supposed to own.

Many suspect a sinister design by Malacanang to erase the provision that declared President Aquino’s doling out to his minions in Congress their annual manna called Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and of Abad’s syndicated idea of Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) unconstitutional. Unless that is deleted, that now serves as the hangman’s rope that hovers above the head of their boss. An amendment could assure him he could not be charged for culpable violation of the constitution, plunder, and now of the serious crime of treason once he steps down.

Even if we are to remove the limitation on foreign investment in certain areas as Belmonte, Drilon and Recto would want to impress us, investment would not come in naturally. Investors have their business acumen to know where they are going to make money, and it is almost innate to them. They would not buy that retardate proposal of 100 percent ownership because ownership is not really the one that drives them to gamble their money, but on the greater chances of making profit. It is not even employment that they care for; that did not work when we liberalized the banking industry and capital investments sectors.

Once we give away our ownership of the remaining areas that are supposed to be owned by us as a sovereign state, we better forget the phrase “national patrimony” for clearly we have no more use for it. To invoke that is to emphasize our stupidity. It would have the effect of class legislation to make our own people second-class citizens.

Clearly, aside from 100 percent foreign ownership of anything they could buy, many of them enjoy privileges such as incentives and tax exemptions that are not even given to them or that are unknown to most Filipinos.

Investors are not really keen on the issue of ownership.

For the fact that only a handful of them grabbed the offer after we liberalized our investment laws and taxation, we could well surmise that something is wrong in our approach. We cannot go on giving away things just to bail us out of our predicament. We should stop equating foreign investment with foreign aid. We need only to look at our neighbors in Asia and examine what made them so successful. They did not talk of ownership as their solution to their problem of poverty and underdevelopment, but simply conducted themselves properly to assure investors that doing business in their country would be most profitable.

Unfortunately, the local oligarchy and the radical Left have both become greedy. Their antipathy against foreign investors is not for the love for this country. The Left would agitate the workers to demand wages increases, unmindful that it would add up to increase the cost of production, and is likely to end up with them losing their jobs. The local oligarchy takes in foreign investors if they could provide capital and are assured of greater profit with only their saliva and political connections as capital. Both want to drive

BACK­ BENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN

Only this will attract investors.

S AT U R D AY : J U N E 6 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

Act to trAnsform climAte

LAST Wednesday, at the Kaminzimmer Conference Hall of the Bonn World Conference Center, the Agreement on Climate Transformation 2015 or ACT 2015 hosted a side event where in our paper entitled “Getting Specific on the 2015 Climate Change Agreement: Suggestions for the legal Text with an Explanatory Memorandum” was presented to interested negotiators, observers, and media of the UNFCCC Bonn Climate Change Conference. “Kaminzimmer” in the German language means “fireplace”.

In the same way that fireplaces light up homes, ACT 2015 hopes to spread its advocacy of climate justice.

During this side event, the lead authors of our paper Jennifer Morgan, Sebastian Oberthur and myself, reiterated the importance the three continuing cycles of improvement for mitigation, adaptation. As I have elaborated on in my previous column, these cycles can only be achieved through a simultaneous cycle of support.

For mitigation, a strong and robust mitigation action plan is needed in this agreement with Parties being required to submit transparent mitigation commitments every five years with each submission more ambitious than the last. “Mitigation Commitments” is defined in Article 1 of the agreement as “quantified emission limitation and reduction objectives, long-term national emissions goals, other relevant quantified objectives, or policies and measures to reduce or limit greenhouse gas emissions and enhance sinks.” This definition allows for a wide range of commitments toward one goal, which is, as stated, to phase out GHG emissions to net zero as soon as possible.

This way, if one approach fails, other commitments or approaches could hopefully compensate for it.

In line with this, the ACT 2015 proposal welcomes cooperation between Parties in the implementation of commitments through market and non-market based mechanisms established under the Kyoto Protocol. In doing so, the agreement recognizes that some concessions must be made to ensure that there is no disconnect between the agreement and national economic and development goals. Beyond mere GHG limitation or reduction commitments, the agreement encourages market and nonmarket based climate mechanisms that not only reduce GHG in the atmosphere but also provides for a range of benefits to citizens. Examples of these are reduced air pollution through reduction of deforestation and restoration of degraded lands and increased energy security through the integration of renewable energy generation.

These mitigation commitments shall undergo a systematic, science-based assessment by an independent expert panel within one year from submission of the Parties. This assessment will result in country-specific advice on the ways and means to increase ambition and progression of commitments, and a global assessment of Parties’ aggre-

gate mitigation commitments in relation to the long-term mitigation goal. Parties will then be able to revise their current commitments as needed and as preferred.

Similarly, the adaptation section of our proposal will also follow a five-year cycle during which all Parties will be required adaptation efforts statements. “Adaptation efforts statements” are defined as “statements on existing and planned national and subnational policies, programs, plans, projects, processes and other measures, including impact, risk and vulnerability assessments or other studies, which aim to reduce the vulnerability and enhance the resilience of communities to climate change or otherwise to address the impacts of climate change”. This system is in line with the long-term adaptation goal of the agreement, that is “to reduce vulnerability, and build resilience of communities to climate change impacts, through collective actions applicable to all countries, based on their common but differentiated responsibilities and capabilities.” These adaptation effort statements will also undergo a review of progress by the Adaptation Committee that will identify best practices, promote mutual learning, and facilitate implementation. The Adaptation Committee will thereafter issue a status report that will include lessons learned and recommendations on the ways and means to enhance adaptation action.

As for Loss and Damage, our proposal is that the agreement will utilize the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts (WIM) established by the 18th COP as a platform for enhanced cooperation on loss and damage. This means that the agreement will build on the WIM’s work plan subject for review at the 22nd COP in 2016. The agreement also provides that the Meeting of the Parties shall regularly review the outcome of the work of, and provide guidance to, the WIM, ensuring its continued progress and improvement. Such review, subject to product of the WIM’s work plan, then may result in the expansion of the Adaptation Committee to include the work of the Executive Committee of the WIM or the creation of a new institution or mechanism on loss and damage.

During the panel discussion, a colleague pointed out that what we are doing is only a small part of a massive paradigm shift in to a low carbon and resilient world. In order to achieve this, the climate agreement must involve real people and affect the real economy. ACT 2015 aims to do exactly that. Hopefully, in the Kaminzimmer room of the Bonn World Conference Center, a spark for transforming the global response to climate change was lit. Yes, it’s time to act to transform climate.

away competitors that threaten their financial hold while pretending to raise the banner of nationalism.

We now have the lowest rate in commercial borrowings but that is only availed of by the local oligarchy to invest in non-productive ventures and money market placement resulting in what we might call financial cannibalism.

The privileges have only pushed the oligarchy to acquire and control the banking industry, power generation and distribution, water supply and distribution, communications, mass media, expressways, mining, oil exploration, construction, etc. As a result, we created for ourselves a prosaic economy where we have the highest cost in electricity with some paying their monthly bill almost equivalent to their apartment rental; the highest cost in potable water that a bottled water is even more expensive than soft drinks; toll, just to pass roads, that exceeds the transportation fare of commuters; and fuel cost that ushers in a spinoff of wage increases.

The unabated and unreasonable increases in the prices of goods and services exacted by the privately-owned strategic industries have deprived many of downstream and consumer–oriented industries of whatever competitiveness they still have. To sustain themselves they resorted to importation, and invariably rid themselves the problems related to labor. Despite that, we continue to legislate for higher wages thereby unleashing a chain of reaction of inflation.

In fact, we are the only country in the world that has diametrically opposed economic indicators. We give fairly high wages, yet we are ranked as the highest in unemploy-

ment rate. In turn, we use that artificial high wage to point out we are not lagging in our per capita income. We have sunk further from the practice of eliminating regular employees and substituting them with contractuals, but only to pay them below the minimum. There are no unions to protect our workers, and if they exist they are out to kill the goose that lays the golden egg than out to secure their employment. We need only to ask why we rank as the least investment destination in Asia, and the only country that has a receding production of manufactured goods.

Our neighbors in Asia did not wrangle on what condition to impose in their constitution to attract foreign investors. They simply zeroed in on how to lower their cost of production, and in assuring that their money will not melt fast for the holder to be proud only of its increased figure, but not of its value.

Many of them have organized their state-owned enterprises as their economic flagship. Their motive has nothing to do with socialism, but to allow the downstream and consumer-oriented industries to remain competitive, especially in the export market. This was noted by Michael Schuman who wrote the bestselling book “The Miracle: The Epic Story of Asia’s Quest for Wealth.” They created their respective SOE because they realize it plays a crucial role in the proliferation consumer-oriented industries that absorbs much of their labor force and in the creation of wealth.

In our case, after we sold the government-owned corporations, pray hard to attract foreign investors, export our surplus labor, and strip ourselves naked just to lure them.

Facebook page: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

S aT u R d aY : J u N e 6 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

adelle chua EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

A11

MMDA’s EARTHQUAKE DRILLs ARE TOLENTINO’s EARLY CAMPAIGN VEHICLEs

The news that Metropolitan Manila stands on an earthquake fault, and that the national capital may be in for a devastating tremor, was unsettling to many – but not to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino who wants to run for the Senate in the May 2016 elections under the Liberal Party of President Benigno Aquino III. Tolentino quickly announced that his MMDA will go around the metropolis and help the people prepare for the possible earthquake. his MMDA has a small, easy to assemble “earthquake house” which vibrates at different intensities depending on the electronic device running the contraption.

Indeed, people fear earthquakes, and Tolentino conveniently exploited that fear by associating his name with the solution – his “earthquake house.” That is quite a political strategy – organizing a political campaign bankrolled by the government.

We are not against earthquake drills.

Such exercises, however, should not be used as vehicles to promote the senatorial candidacy of an administration underling at government expense. ****** Although Tolentino remains at the helm of the MMDA, his attention appears to be in the countryside in anticipation of the political campaign which awaits him in the summer of 2016. Complaints from the motoring public are largely ignored. The road hazards in major metropolitan thoroughfares are still there. There are no traffic enforcers at night, which gives the people the wrong

impression that road safety is a concern for daytime motorists only.

Why does the MMDA have to manage the annual film festival in Metropolitan Manila? Sure, there is a government regulation which allows the arrangement, but it does not explain the relationship between the traffic problem in the metropolis and the annual film festival.

Moreover, the share of the MMDA from the box office sales and other sources of revenue must be publicly accounted for. The Commission on Audit should step in and enlighten the people about this. * * * * * * Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is a possible presidential contender in the May 2016 elections, is being criticized by human rights advocates for his iron-fist policies. Critics say that his style of management weakens the justice system. That may be true, but it is difficult to argue with the people of Davao who attest to the low crime rate in their city. human rights advocates ought to focus some of their attention instead to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. ever since Secretary de Lima announced that she is open to the idea of running for a Senate seat in May 2016 under the administration party, she regularly issues a statement to the media expressing her opinion that a person, usually a political ally of the government, did not incur any criminal liability regarding a certain incident.

For instance, when it was exposed that Mohagher Iqbal of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) used an alias

in the on-going peace talks with the docile government panel led by Miriam Coronel Ferrer, and in opening bank accounts in clear violation of the AntiMoney Laundering Act, de Lima told the television media that there was nothing illegal about what Iqbal did.

With that pre-judgment made by the justice secretary herself, how can one expect a city prosecutor to entertain any complaint against Iqbal as to his illegal use of an alias? No city prosecutor will want to court the ire of his or her boss in the Department of Justice by going against the public statements made earlier by the boss. There goes the justice system!

Just recently, party-list representatives Lito Atienza and Jonathan de la Cruz filed treason charges against the members of the panel negotiating peace with the MILF. They filed their complaint with a city prosecutor in Manila. how do they expect that prosecutor to handle their complaint after the prosecutor’s boss had already rendered judgment on the criminal culpability of those involved in the peace negotiations?

It seems that Secretary de Lima is so determined to get herself elected to the Senate that she has started her informal campaign by making regular pre-emptive statements to the news media. In her desire to get elected, de Lima has derailed the justice system in this country.

Another columnist of this newspaper once remarked that de Lima has virtually amended many Philippine laws and a substantial volume of jurisprudence by making statements to the news media.

The Senator’s.. From A9

Honor..From A9

Above all, he said his proposed substitute bill would conform to the provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

An unidentified source said FMJ is preparing a substitute bill that would revive the former Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao by improving and expanding its scope to make inclusive the interests of all Mindanaoans. Since the ARMM is already a law compliant with the Constitution, the substitute bill is expected to encounter less opposition.

Poe’s foe fumbled United Nationalist Alliance spokesman Toby Tiangco and United Nationalist Alliance might be facing a backlash from voters when he raised the issue of Senator Grace Poe’s ineligibility for lacking the 10-year residency requirement for anyone seeking public office.

Without going into the legal aspects of the case of which there are different opinions expressed by legal luminaries, Tiangco stepped into soft ground as he also (perhaps without meaning to) brought up the matter of Poe’s progeny. Replying to rumors, she denied being the daughter of the late President Marcos but has admitted to being an adopted daughter of Filipino film icon Fernando Poe, Jr. and actress Susan Roces.

According to a story pieced together by Jaro, Iloilo residents familiar with the foundling left at a church doorstep, Grace Poe was abandoned by an unwed mother who was poor and could not afford to raise a child. The baby was taken in by the prominent Ledesma family and several years later, was adopted by FPJ and Susan Roces.

Such a story, whether true or not, can only add to the lore and luster of Grace Poe’s phenomenal rise to political stardom. This, Tiangco and the Binay camp obviously failed to realize. More than anything else, raising the issue only made Binay seemed like a spurned suitor, who after his courtship was rejected now says she’s not desirable after all.

Then, why did Binay ask Poe to be his running mate if she’s not qualified and if she lacks experience?

Such an attack can only boomerang on Grace’s foe as she retorted that “honesty is better than experience,” obviously referring to the Vice President’s graft and plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman.

As for Navotas Rep.Toby Tiangco, Poe asked “is he really a resident of Navotas?”

and buildings, even inside establishments. Cars had flag stickers and small flags hoisted. We used to proclaim to everyone our patriotism and pride.

This changed. During the succeeding years after Ramos, we have been seeing less and less of the red, white, and blue during the period. Many times I have seen flags displayed the wrong ways. There was even a time when tattered, lonely, dirty Philippine flags were posted on social media as to make obvious the increasingly uncaring attitude we have towards our most important national symbol.

This year, we see flags, yes, but few. I think that government offices are content with minimal compliance with eO 179 and this is sad.

The flag we now know went through a process of evolution.

During the time of the Katipunan, our revolutionaries developed and used nine flags, mostly with one or three of letter K on a red field.

It was General emilio Aguinaldo who designed the tenth, the red, white, and blue with the sun and three stars. he instructed Marcela Agoncillo (originally from Taal, Batangas but whose family was exiled in hong Kong at that time because of their revolutionary activities) to make it. Agoncillo was helped

****** Former Senator Panfilo Lacson succeeded in instilling discipline within the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during his watch as PNP chief. Many cab drivers operating in Metropolitan Manila remember Lacson for getting rid of “kotong” cops who regularly victimized the drivers of public utility vehicles. The corrupt cops came back after Lacson left the PNP. The cab drivers say they will vote for Lacson if the ex-PNP chief decides to run for the presidency. * * * * * * The bulk of the communist insurgents in this country consider Jose Ma. Sison, who is on a luxurious, self-imposed exile in holland, as their leader. Sison’s group is identified with the communists in Red China.

In the wake of Communist China’s on-going bullying activities in the West Philippine Sea, Sison’s communists have been conveniently silent on the expansionist policies of their benefactor, even if Beijing’s bullying is obviously detrimental to the interests of the Republic of the Philippines. The local communists are quick to denounce American and western incursions in the Philippines, but they have no comment against the obvious violation of Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. Perhaps it is about time Filipinos demanded that the local communists reveal their view on Communist China’s unlawful incursions into Philippine territory. That way, the extent of their supposed pro-Filipino stance will be revealed in during these trying times.

by daughter, Lorenza, and Rizal kin Delfina herbosa in making what was to become the Philippine national flag.

This flag was first hoisted on May 28, 1898 in Cavite to celebrate General Aguinaldo’s first victory after returning from Singapore in the Battle of Alapan. Our revolutionaries first saw the proud flag flying when they defeated the Spanish colonizers there. Imagine how exhilarating such an experience was.

Thus, May 28 as the Flag Day. Soon after, on June 12, 1898, the Philippine Declaration of Independence happened. On this day, General Aguinaldo together with our valiant katipuneros proclaimed the country as sovereign and independent from Spain’s colonial rule. This was after our forces won over the colonizers’ in the Battle of Manila Bay. The “Act of the Declaration of Independence” was read to the jubilant shouting of our heroes. This event proclaimed to the world the birth of a new and independent nation, ours -- the Philippines. Again, the Philippine National Flag was proudly unfurled and hoisted in Cavite, this time, to herald our independence, our freedom from centuries of Spain’s colonial rule. Filipino revolutionaries rejoiced.

I would have wept with joy if I were there.

This historic day was also the first day when our national anthem, “Marcha Filipino Magdalo” composed by Julian Felipe, and now known as “Lupang hinirang”, was played to a proud and independent people -- us, Filipinos.

Where has the fervor gone? even our Independence Day is barely celebrated. I have copies of Independence Day souvenir programs during the administration of then Presidents Diosdado Macapagal and Ferdinand Marcos (before the latter became a dictator), and these were like books!

Going through these materials will make one feel the importance of the day. Our rich history was recalled complete with pictures and accounts of our heroes’ stories. The line-up of activities to celebrate our Independence Day was quite impressive.

The day used to be given the importance it deserves.

What we do now to commemorate this occasion pales in comparison to what was done before.

Our flag, our independence should not be taken lightly. We need to instill patriotism among our people, especially the young. honor our past, our rich history, our heroes. Celebrate our being free and independent.

If we love our country, honor our flag. Display it, proudly. bethangsioco@gmal.com @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on FaceBook

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Serena picked, but Safarova unfazed PARIS—S erena Williams plays Lucie Safarova in the French Open final on Saturday and the odds, on paper and also by the statistics, are hugely in the American’s favour.

Pharaoh eyes history in Triple Crown bid NEW YORK—American Pharoah will battle seven rivals and the weight of history on Saturday as he bids to end a 37-year Triple Crown drought in the Belmont Stakes.

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Victor Espinoza, is an odds-on favorite and owner Ahmed Zayat says there will be “no excuses” if the sweetstriding bay colt fails to clinch the coveted treble.

Then again, the 1 1/2-mile Belmont, dubbed the “Test of the Champion” has proved the undoing of 13 Triple Crown contenders since Affirmed became the 11th horse to win all three races in 1978.

Baffert, who saw his Triple Crown contenders Silver Charm, Real Quiet and War Emblem beaten in the Belmont, can’t even contemplate what it would feel like to pull off the feat that so fascinates US racing fans.

“It’s just something that I don’t think about,” he said.

“I know how tough it is and so I never get ahead of myself.

“I think the horse is deserving of it, what he’s done this year,” Baffert added of the colt that overcame unfavorable posts in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, winning the Derby by a length with a late stretch run before romping to a seven-length win in the Preakness on a sloppy Pimlico track.

“He’s an exciting horse to watch, and he’s an exciting horse for me to train—the way he does things easily,” Baffert said.

The pressure wasn’t affecting American Pharoah in the buildup to the biggest race of his career. AFP

Czech Republic’s Lucie Safarova hits a return to Spain’s Garbine Muguruza during their women’s quarter final match of the Roland Garros 2015 French Tennis Open in Paris. AFP

Red Cross gets charity Philracom race THE Philippine Racing Commission will sponsor a race for the Philippine Red Cross-Manila Chapter at the Manila Jockey Club’s San Lazaro Leisure Park on Sunday.

Philracom will provide a guaranteed purse of P300,000, allocated from first to fourth places, with the charity proceeds of the race to go to the beneficiary.

While best known for collecting and providing blood, offering rescue services during natural disasters and calamities, and providing short-term palliatives, the services of Philippine Red Cross now include a wide array of humanitarian services including preventive medicine,

therapeutic counseling, and youth leadership programs.

“We are pleased to render assistance to the Red Cross,” said Philracom Chairman Andrew A. Sanchez. “And by this means be involved in its mission of providing necessary services to those in vulnerable situations.”

Also on Sunday, Philracom will award the winners of the first part of the agency’s Triple Crown series photo contest with cash prizes and plaques. First place went to Abante Tonite’s Jonathan Jalbuna, second to Inquirer Libre’s Romeo Homillada, and third to Philippine Star’s Jose Mendoza, all members of the Press Photographers of the

Newcomers give Azkals a boost

By Peter Atencio KEVIN Ingresso can’t wait to see action for the Philippine Azkals national men’s football team when it opens its World Cup qualifying campaign against Bahrain next week.

“It’s very good to be with great players in the team. I have played in the fourth division in Germany. But the level is higher here,” said the 22-yearold Ingresso, whose parents migrated to Germany.

The 5’10” Ingresso is one of five new players included in the roster, aside from Iain Ramsay, Luke Woodland, Stephen Palla and Fil-Spanish goalie Tomas Trigo.

Ingresso, whose father is from Manila, talked about his inclusion in the team during the launch of We Believe campaign and the presentation of their new uniform kit by local sportswear

manufacturer LGR. He and his teammates showed up at the gathering at the Sports and Recreational Training Arena in Pioneer St., Mandaluyong for a meet and greet with their supporters and sponsors.

The Azkals, who were able to try out their new uniforms following a short turnover ceremony with LGR executive vice president Rhayan Cruz, practiced for the last three days at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

They then moved to the Philippine Arena in Bulacan yesterday.

The Philippines is in Group H of the second round of Asian Football Confederation matches for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.

The Azkals are also bracketed with Uzbekistan, North Korea and Yemen.

Coach Thomas Dooley said he is confident about the team’s chances.

“I’m always confident with the team.

Philippines.

Jalbuna will receive P20,000 for his winning entry published in Abante Tonite that depicts the entries of the first leg of the Triple Crown, won by longshot Superv, racing down the homestretch.

Second place and P15,000 went to Homillada for his photograph of horses rounding the top of the home turn.

Third place and P10,000 were earned by Mendoza, whose image of the entries pacing themselves in the early part of the race appeared in the Philippine Star.

Their section editors will receive P5,000, P3,000, and P2,000 respectively.

Only the top seed’s fragile state of health, it seems, stands in the way of what would be a 20th Grand Slam title—just two shy of the Open-era record of 22 set by Steffi Graf.

A new title to add to her collection would also take her halfway to winning all four Grand Slam titles in the same year—a feat only previously achieved by four women in the history of the sport, the last being Graf in 1988.

At 33, Williams is the consumate finisher in the top tournaments.

In 23 Grand Slam finals, she has lost just four times —twice to sister Venus and once to each of Maria Sharapova and Samantha Stosur.

In contrast, Safarova, at 28, five years younger than her opponent, will be playing in her first Grand Slam final after 12 years as a pro, mostly spent in the shadows.

Her head-to-head record against Williams is a dismal 0-8 and prior to this year she had never made it past the last 16 at Roland Garros in 10 previous unremarkable Paris campaigns.

To add weight to the challenge ahead of her, only twice in the history of the French Open has a player ranked outside the top 10 seeds won the title - once in 1933 and more recently in 2010 when Francesca Schiavone triumphed.

The Italian though grabbed her moment of glory against Australian Stosur on that occasion, the mighty Williams is an alltogether different prospect. AFP

Matsuyama grabs lead; Tiger falters DU BLI N—Defend i ng champion Hideki Matsuyama was pleasantly surprised to find himself sharing the first-round lead of the Memorial on Thursday, while the surprises for fivetime winner Tiger Woods were less welcome.

Matsuyama had eight birdies without a blemish on his card to share the firstround lead in the Jack Nicklaus-hosted US PGA Tour event with American Bo Van Pelt on eight-under par 64.

Van Pelt had 10 birdies and a clutch par save from a bunker at 18 for his slice of the lead.

They had a two-shot lead over Scotland’s Russell Knox and Jason Dufner, who shared third on 66, with another seven players tied on 67.

Masters champion Jordan Spieth headed a group of nine on 68 that also included major winners Justin Rose of England and Keegan Bradley.

But Woods, the 14-time major champion who has plunged to 172nd in the world rankings, wasn’t in the mix after scrambling to a 73.

Only a late-round rally saw the former world number one -- seeking his first victory since August of 2013 -- salvage a one-over round after he played his first nine holes in four-over -- with four bogeys and a double-bogey along with two birdies.

“I didn’t play very good today at all. I didn’t have much with my game,” said Woods,

who battled back with three birdies on his second nine.

“But I fought hard, I fought hard to get back. And to get it back on a golf course like that, it was pretty good work.”

While Woods struggled with a two-way miss, Matsuyama was delighted to find himself playing better than his practice had led him to expect.

“To be honest with you, up until yesterday I was not hitting the ball very well, I was not chipping very well, I was not putting very well,” said Matsuyama, who is trying to join Woods as players to successfully defend a Memorial title. “And I don’t know what happened overnight. We just caught magic.” AFP

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Cotto ready for challenger WORLD Boxing Council middleweight champion Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO) is ready to offer heavy bombardment, but take no sustained flak from incoming challenger Daniel Geale on D Day, on Sunday (Manila time) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The WBC reported that Cotto “offered up an impressive public training stint to the press at the legendary Gleasons Gym in Brooklyn.” “ We had a great training camp. And I’m really happy and satisfied with the work Miguel has been doing,” said trainer Freddie Roach.

For his part, Cotto said: “I’m fully prepared and calm about this bout. We’re totally focused on Daniel Geale. After June 6, we will talk about the next step. We are really happy to be in New York, as this is my second home. It is an enormous pleasure to fight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.”

Roach conceded that Geale “is a hard fighter who’ll be a good competitor. He will last a few rounds. Miguel is in great physical condition. I really enjoy working with him, because he’s always willing to give his best, to listen and to learn. At this level that’s not always a usual thing!” Ronnie Nathanielsz

LG G4 now in PH. LG Electronics Philippines Managing Director Sung Woo Nam (second from right) is shown with PBA greats

(from left) Alvin Patrimonio, LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar proudly displaying the trendsetting LG G4 and inviting everyone to “See the Great, Feel the Great” at the grand launch at the Theatre at Solaire. LG designed the 16-megapixel camera in the LG G4 to capture stunning images even under less than ideal lighting conditions. The camera module features an industry-first wide F1.8 aperture lens that allows 80 percent more light to reach the sensor. What makes the design of the LG G4 so unique is the luxurious and environmentally friendly, full-grain leather which is hand-crafted at the rear cover. Other material options are pure Ceramic White with 3D patterns, artisan-forged Metallic Gray and lustrous Shiny Gold. To discover more greatness in the LG G4, visit www. lg.com/ph, like LG Mobile Philippines’ Facebook page or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

Paras & Co. stun hosts to stay alive in FIBA tilt

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

TEENAGE sensation Kobe Paras played an excellent game to lead the Philippines in their second match in the FIBA Under-18 3x3 Tournament, where they stayed alive in their bid for a quarterfinal berth with a nail-biting 19-18 win over host Hungary.

The Filipino youngsters were tense and excited in their first game against Poland, in which they lost, 13-15, after taking an early 4-1 lead, but clawed back in the second game to set up a 5 p.m. showdown against Kazakhstan on Friday (11 p.m. Manila time).

Although his son top-scored with 9 points in the first game, Kobe Paras’ dad, former pro

Benjie Paras admitted that the youngsters took too many hurried outside shots, but played so much better in the game against Hungary.

The young Paras was outstanding in that game, scoring 15 points, which gave him a two-game total of 24 to become the leading scorer of the tournament at the end of Day 1.

Benjie said the win over Hungary would certainly boost the team’s confidence in the game against Kazakhstan.

The Under-18 team is bracketed in a formidable group that also includes Russia and Uruguay.

The 18-year-old Paras, joined

by Ricci Rivero, who added four points in the first game against the taller Polish squad, in a post-game tweet apologized to the fans after the loss and vowed to bounce back, which he did against the favored hosts at the outdoor court in Debrecen.

“This first game was my fault.

Sorry to all the people who are supporting us. I made too many mistakes. We will definitely bounce back,” Paras, who will play for UCLA in the US NCAA next season, said in his tweet.

The Philippine youngsters also include Michael Nieto and Richard Escoto and are ranked No. 17 in the tournament, where the top two teams from the four brackets advance to the knockout quarterfinals.

“I never expected to lead my country. It’s such a huge honor,” said Paras in an interview with FIBA. Paras is getting a lot of attention in the tournament as he is also the league’s reigning Slam Dunk champion in the last tournament in Jakarta.

Asked about what the objective was this time around, Paras said: “ We just want to take it team by team. Our pool is stuffed with good teams so my team really needs to focus and just go with the flow. I’m excited to play everyone!”

Manila Bay Clean-Up Run registration on MANILA Broadcasting Company will mount the fifth Manila Bay Clean-Up Run on July 11.

The event is open to all interested participants and will feature races in the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K divisions for both men and women. Medals and cash prizes will be given to the top three winners in each race division.

Interested runners may register at the designated registration desk at the lobby of Manila Broadcasting Company, Sotto Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City. Registration shall also be accepted at Planet Sports (Trinoma and Bonifacio Global City), as well as at Athlete’s Foot (Festival Mall) from June 7 to July 5.

MBC volunteers have joined their counterparts from other es-

Participants of last year’s Manila Bay Clean-Up Run get ready at the starting line.

tablishments based along Roxas Boulevard for Land Bank’s Manila Bay Clean-Up Program since 2009 as a solid manifestation of corporate social responsibility.

The fun run is one of many activities that have helped generate funds to institute systematic long-term solutions to environmental sanitation problems that

have beset the country’s coastal resources and tributaries.

For detailed enquiries, call Runners Link at mobile numbers 0929.829.2988 or 0926.205.2787.

FIFA scandal spans the globe NEW YORK—The FIFA corruption scandal escalated Thursday as one suspect told of World Cup bribes and another promised to reveal an “avalanche” of secrets, including about FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

The storm spread around the globe with South African police opening an investigation into claims that money was paid to secure the 2010 World Cup. Police are also looking into Australia’s bid for the 2022 World Cup, while in Venezuela investigators raided the country’s football headquarters looking for evidence against a FIFA official held in the scandal.

Following the shock resignation of Blatter on Tuesday, focus has shifted to the US investigation which led to seven FIFA officials being arrested last week in Zurich.

Evidence given by ailing whistleblower Chuck Blazer to US investigators told of attempts to buy the 1998 and 2010 World Cups hosted by France and South Africa respectively.

Now battling cancer in hospital, the disgraced former North American football supremo said in testimony released by prosecutors that FIFA executives conspired to accept bribes during bidding for the 1998 and 2010 events.

- Blazer saw bribe given Blazer has admitted to charges related to his leadership of the North and Central American body CONCACAF and membership of FIFA’s executive committee.

Under a plea deal with US prosecutors, the 70-year-old wore a hidden microphone and recorded conversations with other FIFA officials. None of the other suspects are named. AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Aces score merciless 38-point rout of KIA

By Jeric Lopez

ITS TRADEMARK suffocating defense in full display, Alaska imposed its class on Kia in hacking out a merciless 38-point rout, 101-63, to get back on track in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Vic Manuel led the Aces with a team-high 17 points on an impressive 6-of-8 shooting clip, while Romeo Travis, Chris Banchero and Dondon Hontiveros each had 14 points as the scoring attack was well-spread for Alaska.

The Aces, who moved a step closer towards securing a quarterfinal berth, kept their place in the upper half of the race with the

victory as they are now tied at second place with San Miguel, at 5-2, while the Carnival, who started out the conference hot, dropped two games in a row to fall to 3-3.

Alaska coach Alex Compton was pleased with how his wards bounced back from the setback they suffered the last time out against NLEX. ‘’Tonight, it was a superior ef-

fort from everyone in our team,’’ said Compton. ‘’I think our collective consciousness in this game is all about getting stops and we were able to do that.’’

From the latter part of the first frame all the way until the final horn, it was all Alaska. The Aces played their finest performance of the conference so far as they made a killing from both ends of the floor.

Alaska ended the opening period with a flurry to swiftly grab command of the contest early on behind a 13-2 blast to build a double-digit lead right away, 2312, just at the end of one.

And a minute-and-a-half into the second period, the Aces’ lead grew even bigger at 28-14 after Dondon Hontiveros’ trey at the 10:33 mark. Alaska never looked

Game Saturday (Bacolod City) 5 p.m. • Rain or Shine vs. Talk ‘N Text

back from there.

The Aces pushed through with their double-digit lead to carry a 42-30 cushion at the half.

The second half turned out to be much like the first half with Alaska breezing through the rest of the way to pick up the victory comfortably.

A triple by RJ Jazul near the final buzzer gave Alaska its biggest lead towards the final tally.

To add more woes to Kia’s already forgettable showing, its import Hamady N’Diaye went down at the 2:27 mark of the third after his left eye was accidentally poked by Calvin Abueva. He went out right after and didn’t return to the game.

Republic of the Philippines

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL MAYOR BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE Binmaley, Pangasinan

The all-new Shakey’s V-League champions PLDT HOME Ultera celebrate their victory with PLDT executives INVITATION TO BIDduring a courtesy call at the PLDT headquarters in Makati City. In the photo with various PLDT HOME Ultera team members are (L-R): VP and HOME Marketing Head Gary Dujali (front row, third from left); PLDT EVP and Head of Consumer Business Ariel Fermin and V. Pangilinan.

The Municipality of Binmaley, through thePLDT Bids Chairman and AwardsManny Committee (BAC) 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 hereunder project:

Ultra Fast Hitters savor volley championship AFTER an epic Shakey’s V-League championship game on May 31, 2015 at the jam-packed San Juan Arena, PLDT HOME Ultera reigned supreme against last year’s titleholder Philippine Army.

The former scored a five-set overall win of 2522, 18-25, 24-26, 28-26 and 15-13.

The season’s Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez racked up a total of 29 points for the PLDT HOME Ultera Ultra-Fast Hitters while Jaja Santiago and Gretchel Soltones brought to the team 17 points each.

On the side of the Philippine Army Lady Troopers, Jovelyn Gonzaga was the biggest contributor with 19 points, followed by Dindin Santiago-Manabat with 17 points, Mary Jean Balse with 13 points and Rachel Anne Daquis with 11 points.

Name of Project : CONSTRUCTION OF BINMALEY ARCADE (PHASE I) Location : POBLACION, BINMALEY, PANGASINAN Approved Budget “We are so proud of the PLDT HOME Ultera PLDT HOME Ultera women’s team consists of For the Contract (ABC) : 8,300,000.00 Ultra-Fast Hitters for their victoryPhp at this year’s skilled volleybelles Team Captain Suzanne Roces,

Valdez, Rubie De Leon, Rysabelle DevanadShakey’s Source V-League,” PLDT VP and HOME Mar- Alyssa of Fund : 20% DEVELOPMENT FUND Contract : 90 CD keting Head GaryDuration Dujali said. “They have done era, Gretchel Soltones, Elaine Kasilag, Amanda Villanueva, Ma. Asuncion Mendiola, Ann tremendously well throughout the entire season as a PCAB Prospective bidders should possess a valid License ( Category Small B) whichLaurence is Latigay, Jamwith Ferrer, Charo Denden Lazaro team andapplicable as individuals, we are honored to have to the and contract, have completed a similar contract a value of atSoriano, least 50% of the ABC, andbrand have key andcountry equipment and ( listed in the Eligibility Forms) available for Lizlee Ann Pantone. them represent our andpersonnel inspire the the prosecution of the contract.

Shakey’s V-League is among the projects highly towards sports excellence. It was an exciting and Theseason BAC will “pass/fail” in the by Eligibility Screening supported PLDTCheck HOME Ultera as as part of its memorable notuse onlynon-discretionary for the participants, but criteria well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids. The BAC will conduct post-qualification of the sports advocacy.

Earlier this summer, PLDT HOME also for the volleyball enthusiasts and their families lowest calculated bid. also implemented the Install Bid Patrol tour towho enjoyed and supported each All game.” particulars relative to Ultera Eligibility Statement and Screening, Screening , Bid HOME Security, Ultera, Performance Security, gether Pre-Bidding of volleyball with Conference(s), the country’s Evaluation top coaches, Presented

by PLDT the UltraBids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions superstars and the local government units, in which Fast LTEof forR.A. a Happy Family, the Shakey’sRules V-League 9184 and its Implementing and Regulations (IRR).

Season 12 Open Conference ran from April 5, 2015 they visited numerous cities nationwide to promote The2015. complete schedule activities is listedthe as follows: volleyball to young athletes at the grassroots level. to May 31, Coached by of Roger Gorayeb,

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED RITA EUCARE, WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS Notice is hereby given that LOLITA ANG PONIENTE, of legal age, Filipino, married to RODOLFO G. PONIENTE, and with postal address at Blk. 8 Lot 13, 16th Street, Tambo, Parañaque City; DOMINGO EUCARE ANG, of legal age Filipino, married to MARILYN QUEZON ANG and with postal address at Blk. 5 Lot 10, 16th Street, Puyat Compound, Tambo, Parañaque City; MARIA MELINA ANG HUNG, of legal age Filipino, married to HUNG YUK KEI and with postal address at #1 Hermoso Compound Dalandanan, Valenzuela City; ANTONIO EUCARE EGALIN, of legal age Filipino, married to ANGELITA UY EGALIN and with postal address at Blk. 7 Lot 17, Rainbow Drive, Goodwill II Subdivision, Parañaque City; BELLA EUCARE ANG, of legal age Filipino, single and with postal address at 26E Orchid Tower, Oriental Gardens Makati, Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City; -andRUBEN EUCARE ANG, of legal age Filipino, married to ROWENA CHUA ANG and with postal address at Blk. 5 Lot 10, 16th Street, Puyat Compound, Tambo, Parañaque City; Hereafter collectively referred to as the HEIRS: executed an extrajudicial settlement of the estate of the deceased RITA EUCARE with waiver of rights over a certain parcel of land located in Bacoor, Cavite covered by TCT#T-224962 of the Register of Deeds of Cavite. That all the HEIRS by virtue of this instrument agreed to divide the said eal Property in equal sharing and that one of the HEIRS namely BELLA E. ANG waives all her rights & interest over the above property in favor of all her abovementioned siblings. As per DOC. NO. 343, PAGE NO. 69, BOOK NO. 77 SERIES OF 2011 before notary public ATTY. SERGRE MARIO C. IYOG ( T S - M AY 2 3 , 3 0 & J U N E 6 , 2 0 15 )

BAC Activities 1. Pre-Procurement Conference

Schedule May 18, 2015- 2PM/Conference Rm., Municipal Hall, Binmaley, Pangasinan May 26, 2015 - June 15, 2015/BAC OFFICE Municipal Hall, Binmaley, Pangasinan June 4, 2015 - 2PM/Conference Rm., Municipal Hall, Binmaley, Pangasinan June 16, 2015- 2PM Conference Rm., Municipal Hall, Binmaley, Pangasinan Deadline for the Submission of Bids is 10:00AM June 17, 2015 June 18, 2015 of Rodriguez and told The Standard/boxingJune 22. 2015 mirror.com that he would show him who is the June 24, 2015 champion when they step into the ring.

Nietes wants to shut mouth of cocky Mexican challenger 2. Issuance of Bid Documents 3. Pre - bid Conference 4. Opening of Bids 5. Bid Evaluation

6. Post-Qualification By Ronnie Nathanielsz 7. Notice of Award

8. Notice to Proceed LONGEST-REIGNING Filipino world Bid Documents will“Ahas” be available to isprospective biddersearlier upon payment a non- he would Nietes told TheofStandard champion Donnie Nietes,only who the refundable amount of Php 10,000.00 at the Office of the Treasurer, Binmaley, Pangasinan.

World Boxing Organization light flyweight aim to remain a world champion for 10 years after surpassing the record of the late Gabriel The Municipal Government of Binmaley whatsoever to compensate champion wants to shut the mouth assumes of cockyno responsibility or indemnify bidders forFrancisco any expenses incurred in of the bids reserves thelightweight “Flash” Elorde, a and world junior Mexican challenger Rodriguez Jr.the preparation right to reject any or all bids, to waive any formality, informality, and/or defect and to make an champion for almost seven and a half years. when inwhose the main event of “Pinoy awardthey to theclash bidder proposal is most advantageous to the government.

Pride XXXI” on July 4 at the Waterfront Ho- But the way he feels now, he may increase that to 12 years because he feels like a 21 year old. telCONTACT and Casino in Cebu.

PERSON: “Rodriguez can box or fight, although he Nietes, who looked trim and ready at a (SGD.) doesn’t have much power,” said Nietes. luncheon news conference yesterday and then CATALINA R. FLORES Trainer Edmund Villamor said if Rodriguez worked out at the ALA Gym in Bakete Drive, BAC Secretariat Poblacion, Binmaley, Pangasinan Quezon City, said that he has been training comes to fight, “we will engage him but if he deTel. No. (075)543-3943 cides to run like Nietes’ last opponent Parra and since the first week of April.

He knows Rodriguez, who won the WBO run, we’ll chase him and catch him.”

APPROVED BY:three-time Trainer of the Year at the The minimum weight title with a stunning ninthround knockout of Merlito Sabillo as “a fight(SGD.) Annual Flash Elorde Awards said Nietes is “a fighter, who gave us no problems B. FERRER er and a boxer, who is good and cannotFERNANDO be disciplined BAC Chairman and is capable of lasting as a champion for taken lightly as he throws a lot of punches.”

(TS-MAY 30, 2015) However, Nietes was peeved at the cockiness three more years at least.”

A vision in sports IT always fills your heart with unbridled joy when longRONNIE time friends, who NATHANIELSZ are passionate about a particular sport and do everything they can to popularize it and eventually succeed in reaping their just rewards.

We have always been supportive of the Shakey’s V League and the remarkable dedication and efforts of Moying Martelino, Ricky Palou and Tony Liao of Sports Vision, an entity first conceived by the three gentleman and their anchor in many respects, the late Emilio “Jun” Bernardino, the long-running Commissioner of the highly successful Philippine Basketball Association.

It does seem a little odd that men steeped in basketball like Bernardino, Palou and Martelino would embark on a mission to build interest in women’s volleyball and to grow the sport in a sustained effort with the help of entities such as Shakey’s, whose original owner was the eminent businessman-sportsman Leo Prieto who, coincidentally, was the first Commissioner of the PBA and manager of the Philippine National Team that competed in the Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia and finished seventh behind the United States, the Soviet Union and Uruguay.

This is in itself a tribute to these fine gentlemen to whom sports was an all-encompassing love that covered more than one primary discipline.

Such men of substance are rare in these times. And what is truly commendable in the case of Sports Vision and the Shakey’s V League is that they never abandoned the project no matter how hard it was and how difficult it remained in the formative years to make inroads in terms of sponsorships and marketing and to effectively bear the financial burdens of running a league and ensuring television and print coverage that would tell the story of a pioneering venture in the finest possible manner.

The TV coverage as we knew it even when it was telecast on a delayed basis over the government network NBN 4 and replayed on the Viva cable channel was a success in many ways as people began to talk about the V-League and teams from the Visayas and Mindanao regions showed interest in participating and helped boost a nationwide audience.

The matches were good and the telecast even better, with panelists who knew the game and told the story in understandable terms and in an exciting fashion.

Sports is essentially fun and entertainment and the Shakey’s V League mirrored the twin requirements more especially now as it is being telecast on GMA TV with panelists who are alive, totally enthusiastic and certainly knowledgeable.

With the Armed Forces entering the fray together with PLDT, volleyball fans have been assured of excellent and competitive games, day in and day out.

We have always believed that the various branches of our Armed Forces should put a premium on staying fit by playing different sports and in competing whenever they have a chance to, thereby also presenting a wholesome image of the men and women who defend our country and our individual and collective lives and freedom.

Beyond that it teaches our men and women in uniform to enhance their discipline, which is an intrinsic requirement whether it be in the military or in sports and to underscore the need for hard work, dedication and sportsmanship.

It’s a question of values and virtues and Sports Vision in its advocacy has done that in a quiet, but commendable fashion.

When we saw the cheering throngs on television and the photos in the newspapers and various internet sites and followed a growing constituency on the social media networks, it was a gratifying feeling because we know how much the Sports Vision people, including the people who managed the little things in the office on game days, like Cesar and Mila Malapitan, put into the V-League on a consistent basis with a love for the product and a commitment that served as a beacon to others in Philippine Sports to think not of themselves and their personal success, but to help serve the public interest and share the ultimate joy that helps glorify sports and the dimensions of human excellence our athletes strive for.

Sports Vision and those who support this noble endeavor can be proud of what they have achieved which will, we fervently hope, drive them on to greater things and happier moments in sports.

INSIDE SPORTS

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

S AT U R D AY : J U N E 6 , 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

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

SEA Games bets backed The Phillipines’ synchronized swimming duet team of Allyssa Marey Salvador and Jemimah Nissi Tiambeng perform their routine during the duet finals at the 28th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Singapore. AFP

PH triathletes go for gold SINGAPORE—Armed with intensive training abroad and rated as the region’s best, Filipino triathletes are eyeing to give the Philippines its first gold medal in the 28th Singapore Southeast Asian games when the event starts with the women’s competition on Saturday.

Claire Adorna and Kim Mangrobang, who were the best Southeast Asian performers in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, finishing seventh and ninth, respectively, are tipped to dominate the swim-bike-run event set at the East Coast Park near the Changi International Airport.

“Realistically, if we look at their times, of course we also review their opponent’s times, these two kids are at a different level than their competition, more so than the men,” said women’s triathlete coach Ani de Leon Brown on Friday.

“I believe that these two (Ador-

na and Mangrobang) will dominate tomorrow,” added Brown, who finished fourth in the women’s triathlon in the Philippine SEA Games 10 years ago.

Both Adorna, 21, and Mangrobang, 23, she added, are coming off intensive training separately overseas going into this competition.

Mangrobang trained with Niko Huelgas at the elite triathlon training camp in Rio Maior, Portugal, while Adorna worked out with teammate Jonard Saim in Mooloolaba, Australia under world-class coach Toby Coote.

Adorna, whose personal best is

‘We need golden trigger to jumpstart PH campaign’ SINGAPORE—Top Filipino sports officials are looking for a golden “trigger” that could jumpstart the country’s campaign in the 28th Singapore Southeast, which steps into high gear on Saturday.

“What we are looking for is a (golden) trigger that can serve as inspiration of our other athletes,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richie Garcia yesterday, while the athletes took a break from the 11-nation sportsfest’s opening ceremonies at the Singapore National Stadium.

Garcia said that it could have come from fencing last Thursday through Harlene Raguin, who, however, faded and had to settle for silver in the women’s individual epee.

The PH campaigners actually ended the day with another silver medal, courtesy of grizzled 44-year-old veteran Richard Gonzales, who lost to three-time defending SEA Games champion Gao Ning in the men’s table tennis singles’ finals.

Garcia, however, said that the country was still doing well so far with with its haul of three silvers and one bronze medal.

This showing was good for fifth in the overall medal standings at the end of action last Thursday, a rung higher than traditional powerhouse Indonesia that could only sport three bronze medals.

Netting most of its golds from table tennis, synchronized swimming and netball, host Singapore was on top of the heap with a 7-4-7 gold-silver-bronze

tally, followed by Vietnam (4-1-8) while Thailand ranked third (2-3-7).

Garcia was confident that the Pinoy bets could finally strike pay dirt on Sunday, citing the sports of triathlon and wushu where they most likely to come from.

“Although I don’t have the background in triathlon, but I talked to triathlon chief Tom Carrasco, who was confident that his athletes would be able to deliver,” Garcia said. “Wushu, on the other hand, has always consistently given us golds in the past.”

National team chef de mission Julian Camacho, who is also the wushu secretary general, was likewise optimistic that one and possibly two of the golds would come from his own backyard.

“We are strong in the dulian (double weapons),” said Camacho, who was given the dope on the opposition from his coaches and technical officials.

The men’s dulian squad is bannered by Daniel Parantac, an Incheon Asian Games bronze medalist, who will be teaming up with Norlence Adlee Catolico and John Keithley Chan, while the woman’s squad is composed of Karisa Kris Chan and Natasha Enriquez.

Women’s triathlon coach Ani de de leon Brown, on the other hand, said that either female triathletes Claire Adorna or Kim Mangrobang, who trained for three months intensively in separate camps abroad, could reward the Philippines its first gold medal early Saturday morning at the East Coast Park.

2:09.70 set in the Incheon Asiad, said there was pressure for her and Mangroban in being tagged as the favorites in the event, “but we just focus on our race and hope to do our best.”

She added that she didn’t consider her teammate as a rival for the gold “because she trained and I trained hard. We consider the (foreign) competition as our rivals and just want to make our country proud.”

Barring unforeseen circumstances, Brown reiterated her confidence in her charges and expected either of them to take the gold and silver in the event.

SMART Communications joins the Filipino nation in supporting the country’s delegates to the 28th Southeast Asian Games slated June 5 to 16 in Singapore.

Philippine women’s volleyball team captain Alyssa Valdez is the country’s flag bearer. Kiefer Ravena will lead Gilas Pilipinas’ quest for a basketball gold, while Nikko Huelgas is the country’s bet in the triathlon event. All three star athletes are Smart endorsers and ambassadors.

Smart supports the men’s and women’s basketball teams through the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the football delegation through the Philippine Football Federation, as well as the country’s representatives in taekwondo and boxing.

A Smart employee, software development analyst Alexandrei Santos, will be wearing the country’s colors as part of the Frisbee team.

Over 400 athletes will represent the Philippines and compete against 11 Southeast Asian countries in 46 sports.

Smart continues to be a staunch supporter of sports development in the Philippines. It has backed national teams like Gilas Pilipinas and the Azkals, as well as the activities of various sports organizations. Smart chairman Manny V. Pangilinan is considered one of the country’s foremost sports patrons.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Saturday, June 6, 2015 ACROSS 1 Huge hairstyle 5 Gridiron deal 10 Had bills 14 Pole, for one 15 Sun, in combos 16 Marathon or 10K 17 Hookah 18 Dry white wine 19 Realty unit 20 It may face the rear (2 wds.)

22 Portly 23 Talk too much 24 Trout habitat 26 Dodge 28 Menacing 32 Miss the boat, e.g.

33 Bumper mishaps 34 Actor Alejandro — 35 Salt block 36 Hanes competitor 37 Vaccines 38 Green parrot 39 Hong Kong neighbor 40 Most of Iberia 41 Keeping alive 43 Oscar or Cornel 44 Europe-Asia range 45 Walk nervously 46 Fashion’s — Simpson

49 52 53 55 57 58 59 60 61 62

Root vegetable Bean-sprouts bean Play the guitar Hill’s opposite Novelist — Seton Delete Borodin prince Get wind of Readied the bow Parka filling

DOWN 1 Viper 2 Paris cop 3 — Nui (Easter Island) 4 Reserve too many 5 String beads

PREVIOUS PUZZLE SOLVED

6-6-15

© 2015 UFS, Dist. by Univ. Uclick for UFS

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Detox, perhaps Left the plane Racket Job-ad letters Spouts rhetoric Texas town Neutral color Bug repellent Willowy Snowmobile parts Jargon Industrious ones Farewell “The — of Wakefield” George of “The Goldbergs” Escalator part Spine-tingling O’Neal of films

32 33 36 37 39 40 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 53 54 56

Varieties Window sticker Pumice source Dazzling Deep mud Incites to attack Coarse Heated up Temporary stop Bombay nursemaid Desert feature “Orinoco Flow” singer Wheels for nanny Othello’s betrayer Break ground Jellyfish abode Prefix for pod Urn homophone

A16

S AT U R D AY : J U N E 6 , 2 0 1 5

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors steals the ball from LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime of Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals in Oakland, California. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers, 108-100, in overtime. AFP

Sonsona ready to put on a show

By Ronnie Nathanielsz FORMER world champion, promising southpaw “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona is ready to put on a show against Mexico’s Jonathan “ Lil’ Thunde’r Arellano in a “stay busy fight” at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California on Saturday and redeem his reputation after a disappointing performance against former world champion Wifredo Vazquez Jr in his last fight.

Promoter Sammy Gelloani, whose partner is the wellknown international promoter and matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz told The Standard/ boxingmirror.com that Sonsona has been training diligently at the Roy Jones Jr. Gym in LasVegas, under Filipino trainer Jun Agrabio and is facing the 27-year-old Arellano in a featherweight bout that he described as “an activity fight,” to size up whether Sonsona is ready to begin a serious attempt to win a world title once again.

Gello-ano revealed that should Sonsona perform well against Arellano, who has a record of 155-2 with 3 knockouts, he will be scheduled in a “big fight sometime in September.”

Arellano is coming off a majority decision loss to former World Boxing Organization super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. of Puerto Rico last Nov. 1 in a clash for the vacant World Boxing Council USNBC title.

Dubs take Game 1; Cavs lose Kyrie, too OAKLAND—Golden State outlasted Cleveland 108-100 in over-time to win Thursday’s opening game of the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers suffering another major setback with an injury to Kyrie Irving.

NBA Most Valuable Player Steph Curry scored 26 points and passed out eight assists while Klay Thompson added 21 points for the Warriors, who trailed most of the night but rallied late and dominated over-time after finishing deadlocked at 98-98 after regulation.

The first NBA Finals opener since 2001 to reach over-time was decided when Cleveland started with 0-for-9 shooting and made three turnovers while Curry, the NBA’s most accurate free throw shooter, hit four from the line and Harrison Barnes added a 3-pointer

Serena picked, but Safarova unfazed TURN TO A12

to open the extra frame.

“It was just a classic five minutes that we needed to get that win,” Curry said.

Cleveland superstar LeBron James scored 44 points, his bestever showing in an NBA Finals game, while Irving added 23 points before the star guard limped off to the locker room after reinjuring his sore left knee, a grimace of pain on his face as he hobbled away, Australian reserve Matthew Dellavedova taking his place.

“Seeing him walk out of the locker room on crutches just now, that’s

a tough blow for our team,” James said. “If Kyrie can’t go, Delly’s number is going to be called and everyone else has to pick each other up.”

Irving had battled through left knee tendinitis for a solid scoring night plus seven rebounds and six assists.

“You don’t like to see anyone get hurt but someone like Kyrie, it’s disheartening,” Cleveland’s J.R. Smith said.

The Warriors, who improved to 47-3 at home this season in regular-season and playoff games, will host game two Sunday before the series shifts to Cleveland.

Golden State seeks its first title in 40 years while the Cavaliers are trying to bring the city of Cleveland its first champion in any major team sport since the NFL’s 1964 Browns.

Aces in merciless rout of Carnival TURN TO A14

Golden State’s reserves outscored Cleveland’s bench 34-9, the Warriors paced by 15 points and tough defensive work on James from Andre Iguodala.

“He was fantastic,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “Andre is one of the smartest defenders I’ve ever seen. It’s funny to say when a guy gets 44 points that the defender did a really good job, but I thought Andre did extremely well, made LeBron take some tough shots.”

James, who became the first player since 1966 to appear in his fifth consecutive NBA Finals, went 18-of-38 from the floor and 6-of-10 from the free throw line.

“We had five guys guarding him all night,” Curry said. “We just had to stick with the game plan and trust in our guys.” AFP

B1

SATURDAY: JUNE 6, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Inflation falls to 20-year low

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

INFLATION rate eased to 1.6 percent in May, the slowest in 20 years, on ample supply of food and stable costs of fuel and electricity, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday.

Data from the PSA showed inflation rate decelerated from 2.2 percent in March and 4.5 percent in same period last year.

“Using the current base year 2006, the May 2015 inflation rate is the lowest [in 20 years], covering the monthly inflation series from 1995 to May 2015,” National Economic and Development Authority

officer-in-charge and deputy director Rolandao Tungpalan said.

This pulled down the average inflation rate in the first five months to 2.2 percent, near the low end of the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for 2015.

Core inflation, which excludes selected volatile food and energy

prices, also slowed to 2.2 percent in May from 2.5 percent in April and 3.1 percent in May 2014. Core inflation in the first five months of 2015 averaged 2.5 percent.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the May inflation rate fell within the inflation forecast for the month of 1.6 percent to 2.4 percent.

“Inflation expectations continue to be well-anchored, and growth is still sound [solid],” Tetangco said in a text message to reporters on Friday.

“We nevertheless remain watchful of developments, particularly in oil price movements, as these have knock-on effects on domestic

pump prices, transport and other utilities, and consumption in general, as well as the impact of a possibly pro-longed El Nino on the food supply chain,” Tetangco said.

Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. economist Trinh Nguyen said Bangko Sentral’s Monetary Board was not expected to touch the policy rates this year.

We believe the BSP will see through the CPI and growth slowdown and keep policy rates on hold. As we have stated in the previous data notes, the central bank may opt for more effective policy tools, such as the exchange rate, she said.

Tungpalan said the ample sup-

PSe comPoSite index

Quality ‘bangus.’

Closing June 5, 2015

8500

Trade Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo Jr. (right), along with with (from left) Agriculture Undersecretary Emerson Palad, Senator Cynthia Villar and Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez, look at some of the bangus or milkfish products displayed by one of the partner cities of the 10th International Food Fair at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on May 21, 2015. The city government of Dagupan has been certifying their bangus products to guarantee these are exclusively sourced and safely processed in the city. Trade granted a geographical indication seal for the Dagupan bangus.

8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,526.70 26.95

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing JUNE 5, 2015 46

P44.870

45

CLOSE

44 43 42

HIGH P44.850 LOW P45.000 AVERAGE P44.911 VOLUME 670.700M

P500.00-P650.00 LPG/11-kg tank P41.85-P47.20 Unleaded Gasoline P29.35-P32.70 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene

ply of rice helped bring down inflation rate in May. 迭ice prices have normalized, as total rice stocks inventory grew by 16.5 percent year-on-year as of April 2015. With favorable weather conditions, the supply of fish has been steady and sufficient and the volume of in-season fruits in the market stable, he said.

Tungpalan said the peso was expected to remain relatively stable and would contribute to stable prices going forward.

He said despite the latest inflation figure, there remained risks to inflation such as a prolonged El Niño dry spell that could affect harvests.

Balanced generation mix, lower power cost urged

P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, June 5, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

44.8080

Japan

Yen

0.008042

0.3603

UK

Pound

1.537000

68.8699

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129001

5.7803

Switzerland

Franc

1.071811

48.0257

Canada

Dollar

0.800512

35.8693

Singapore

Dollar

0.742335

33.2625

Australia

Dollar

0.767106

34.3725

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

118.8541

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

11.9488

Brunei

Dollar

0.739590

33.1395

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.029647

1.3284

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.2006

Euro

Euro

1.124500

50.3866

Korea

Won

0.000898

0.0402

China

Yuan

0.161264

7.2259

India

Rupee

0.015634

0.7005

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.270636

12.1267

New Zealand

Dollar

0.710985

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032368

31.8578 1.4503 Source: PDS Bridge

POLICY makers and the power sector must come up with a balanced generation mix and address cost affordability to ensure the security of supply, according to a roundtable discussion organized by the ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies on Friday.

The roundtable titled “Achieving Energy Security and the Role of Clean Energy in Striking a Balanced Energy Mix” was attended by energy industry players and focused on the current issues plagu-

B3

ing the industry and the role of renewable resources in achieving energy security.

Carlos Primo David, a geology professor at the University of the Philippines, urged doable policy changes but “not so much as repealing laws,” especially the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

“It is also good to look into medium and long terms solution on how to lower cost of power,” David said.

The Philippines has one of the highest power rates around the world and the private sector raised concern, saying it has affected com-

Peso declines to 4-month low

petitiveness of industries.

Jose Alejandro, director for energy and power of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries ,reiterated the need to address the high power cost amid stiff competition from member-countries of the AsiaPacific Economic Coopperation.

“To maintain our competitiveness, one of the major enticements to do that is to lower the cost of power, if we do not act with haste it will be too late,” Alejandro said.

Alejandro, meanwhile, said while renewable energy helped in securing the country’s power re-

B4

quirements, baseload power plants were needed for energy extensive industries.

“RE cannot move thousand horsepowers… Energy security should be balanced with economic growth and we want to see the clear economic direction… We want predictability and low [power] cost,” the PCCI official said.

He said the Philippines should also set clear directions on what kind of economy it wants to be [whether a service economy or not] so that power generation demand can be forecast.

Vietnam tops auction to supply rice to NFA

SATURDAY: JUNE 6, 2015

B2

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

MST BuSineSS Daily STockS Review Friday, June 5, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

75.3 124.4 104 63 4.2 18.48 31.6 9.5 890 1.01 99.4 30.5 94.95 361.2 59 174.8 1700 127.9 3.26

66 84.6 84.5 45.8 2.03 12.02 23.55 6.3 625 0.225 78 18.02 76.5 276 45 107.6 1200 66 2.65

Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

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

73.35 107.30 98.85 46.1 1.84 15.92 21.1 6.21 810.00 0.410 89.7 18.00 71.00 307 43.15 158.8 1430.00 64.90 3.24

35.6 1.6 1.04 1.41 7.92 14.6 10.08 29.15

1.04 10.72 8.44 9.79 5.43 9.54 8.61 18.06 67.9 14 13.24 3.12 0.395 168 8.65 16 24.4 16.2 7.62 250.2 3.87 9 9.94 3.03 2.22 1 4.72 1.65 201.6 4.1 1.67 0.122 2.01 143.4 4.28 0.670 1.39

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

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

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

Lafarge Rep Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

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

Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

43.1 1.38 1.04 1.97 10.5 18.78 27.5 57.5 1.98 1.65 12.3 19.480 10.20 7.60 9.76 12.2 26.6 88.5 14.00 14.50 6.18 0.520 198.00 9.94 52.85 24.5 25.3 6.34 286.80 4.57 9.75 11.58 4.00 2.22 2.2 4.50 2.24 181 4.5 1.6 0.151 2.23 193.3 4.4 0.75 1.27

0.7 59.2 31.85 7.39 3.4 800 11.06 84 3.35 5.14 0.66 1380 6.68 72.6 6.66 9.25 0.9 18.9 5.53 6.55 0.0670 0.84 2.99 87 934 2.2 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.45 48.1 20.85 6.62 1.4 600 7.390 14.18 2.6 4.25 0.144 818 5.3 46.6 3.52 4.43 0.59 12 4.22 4.5 0.036 0.450 2.26 66.7 709.5 1.13 85.2 0.200 0.173 0.310

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

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

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

LT Group Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Minerales Industrias Corp.

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

0.465 55.80 22.55 6.84 0.265 766.5 7.81 13.34 3.15 4.41 0.214 1352 6.47 67.50 5.1 7.59 0.7 13.64 4.49 5 0.0340 1.020 2.59 63.40 885.00 1.23 83.600 0.3550 0.2110 0.300

10.5 1.99 2.07 0.375 40 6.15 5.4 1.54

6.01 0.91 1.29 0.192 29.1 4.1 4.96 0.89

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

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

7.560 0.73 1.270 0.250 39.20 3.58 5.28 0.83

47 5 1.66 2.36 15.3 20.6 32 65.8 4.57 23.35 21.6 12.98 9.13 12.34 17 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 12.5 45.45 33.9 90 13.98 292.4 5.25 13.04 14.5 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.68 7.86 253 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.68 226.6 5.5 1.3 2.17

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 73.4 72 107.50 106.50 100.50 98.00 46.45 46 1.84 1.84 16 16 21.25 20.75 6.30 6.25 800.00 800.00 0.400 0.400 90.5 89.5 18.00 18.00 71.30 69.00 307 305 44 42 159.9 154.2 1430.00 1425.00 65.05 64.70 3.21 3.13 INDUSTRIAL 43.3 42.5 1.47 1.38 1.04 1.03 1.98 1.97 10.58 10.38 18.8 18.78 27.3 27 58 57.5 1.98 1.85 1.68 1.61 12.48 11.96 19.560 19.26 10.20 10.06 7.70 7.50 9.76 9.50 11.94 11.4 26.75 26 89 87.7 14.00 14.00 14.56 14.52 6.42 6.21 0.520 0.520 201.00 197.80 9.96 9.8 52.80 52.80 25 24.2 25.3 24.6 6.38 6.34 287.00 283.80 4.57 4.35 9.75 9.63 11.70 11.60 3.98 3.83 2.22 2.18 2.23 2.13 4.53 4.35 2.39 2.17 180.6 177 4.5 4.5 1.61 1.6 0.162 0.150 2.24 2.23 190 186.3 4.3 4.3 0.77 0.74 1.28 1.27 HOLDING FIRMS 0.465 0.465 55.90 55.50 22.55 22.40 6.86 6.85 0.270 0.255 775 759 7.9 7.6 13.34 13.10 3.15 3.15 4.62 2.26 0.213 0.206 1385 1333 6.47 6.40 69.35 66.25 5.1 5.1 7.61 7.45 0.7 0.67 13.62 13.5 4.47 4.4 5 5 0.0340 0.0340 1.040 1.010 2.59 2.59 63.40 62.15 890.00 874.50 1.24 1.23 83.000 82.800 0.3700 0.3550 0.2100 0.1900 0.295 0.295 PROPERTY 7.650 7.400 0.75 0.72 1.340 1.300 0.230 0.230 39.10 38.80 3.7 3.53 5.29 5.24 0.83 0.81

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

73.4 107.00 99.00 46 1.84 16 20.8 6.28 800.00 0.400 90.2 18.00 70.00 305 42.05 159.1 1425.00 64.70 3.17

0.07 -0.28 0.15 -0.22 0.00 0.50 -1.42 1.13 -1.23 -2.44 0.56 0.00 -1.41 -0.65 -2.55 0.19 -0.35 -0.31 -2.16

8,040 3,520,550 1,285,630 65,100 1,000 2,800 510,200 2,100 200 30,000 1,277,680 1,500 41,690 7,590 54,300 907,510 65 36,040 161,000

42.75 1.47 1.04 1.97 10.52 18.78 27.2 57.5 1.9 1.61 12.3 19.500 10.06 7.68 9.70 11.94 26.7 88.5 14.00 14.56 6.29 0.520 199.00 9.8 52.80 24.6 25.3 6.38 284.80 4.52 9.64 11.70 3.97 2.19 2.2 4.50 2.17 179 4.5 1.6 0.160 2.23 187 4.3 0.76 1.27

-0.81 6.52 0.00 0.00 0.19 0.00 -1.09 0.00 -4.04 -2.42 0.00 0.10 -1.37 1.05 -0.61 -2.13 0.38 0.00 0.00 0.41 1.78 0.00 0.51 -1.41 -0.09 0.41 0.00 0.63 -0.70 -1.09 -1.13 1.04 -0.75 -1.35 0.00 0.00 -3.13 -1.10 0.00 0.00 5.96 0.00 -3.26 -2.27 1.33 0.00

821,000 30,000 404,000 1,531,000 1,800 193,400 91,000 740 4,672,000 167,000 11,000 5,265,900 7,469,600 12,370,400 57,800 11,600 3,204,100 352,930 2,000 10,000 3,912,800 2,000 663,250 104,600 50 354,800 7,100 79,800 197,510 766,000 170,800 4,700 55,000 312,000 225,000 14,674,000 61,000 57,020 10,000 258,000 14,290,000 546,000 6,557,450 90,000 844,000 35,000

0.465 55.60 22.55 6.86 0.260 770.5 7.8 13.20 3.15 4.41 0.206 1385 6.47 67.80 5.1 7.61 0.7 13.54 4.45 5 0.0340 1.030 2.59 62.15 974.50 1.24 82.800 0.3650 0.2080 0.295

0.00 -0.36 0.00 0.29 -1.89 0.52 -0.13 -1.05 0.00 0.00 -3.74 2.44 0.00 0.44 0.00 0.26 0.00 -0.73 -0.89 0.00 0.00 0.98 0.00 -1.97 10.11 0.81 -0.96 2.82 -1.42 -1.67

30,000 640,500 4,306,600 9,600 2,260,000 172,370 2,082,300 6,130,800 15,000 300,000 330,000 282,695 338,500 2,808,820 200 1,822,600 338,000 1,791,900 17,316,000 35,000 1,000,000 1,414,000 8,000 265,680 132,580 103,000 2,500 5,890,000 1,200,000 500,000

7.450 0.75 1.340 0.230 38.80 3.7 5.29 0.83

-1.46 2.74 5.51 -8.00 -1.02 3.35 0.19 0.00

716,000 185,000 24,000 20,000 10,332,300 4,622,000 301,700 2,044,000

-161,358.50 -8,000,485.00 -46,893,068.50 1,600.00 -8,200,135.00 -1,260 160,000.00 -3,951,752.50

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

1.97 1.48 0.201 0.98 0.305 2.25 1.87 1.8 6.34 4.88 0.180 27 31.8 2.29 3.6 20.6 1.02 1.96 8.59

1.1 0.97 0.083 0.445 0.188 1.4 1.42 1.19 2.8 2.75 0.090 23 21.35 1.64 3.08 15.08 0.69 1 5.69

City & Land Dev. 1.25 Cityland Dev. `A’ 1.06 Crown Equities Inc. 0.140 Cyber Bay Corp.

0.430 Ever Gotesco 0.179 Global-Estate 1.26 Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.85 Interport `A’ 1.37 Keppel Properties 5.02 Megaworld Corp.

4.75 MRC Allied Ind. 0.115 Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 24.45 Robinson’s Land `B’ 28.20 Rockwell 1.72 Shang Properties Inc. 3.30 SM Prime Holdings 19.50 Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.72 Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 0.900 Vista Land & Lifescapes 7.170

1.25 1.25 1.25 1.11 1.06 1.10 0.145 0.140 0.143 0.430 0.430 0.430 0.179 0.179 0.179 1.26 1.24 1.24 1.87 1.80 1.81 1.38 1.38 1.38 5.47 5.47 5.47 4.8 4.73 4.77 0.112 0.113 0.113 24.45 24.45 24.45 29.45 28.20 29.00 1.73 1.7 1.7 3.25 3.25 3.25 19.52 19.12 19.40 0.72 0.7 0.71 0.910 0.880 0.880 7.250 7.050 7.250 SERVICES 6.53 6.58 6.41 6.5 61.2 61.45 60.7 61.2 0.700 0.700 0.680 0.690 9.34 9.60 9.27 9.38 0.0950 0.0970 0.0950 0.0960 4.23 4.19 4.05 4.06 87.3 87.4 84.95 84.95 9.99 9.99 9.8 9.99 1.67 1.7 1.7 1.7 6.74 6.70 6.06 6.30 2700 2706 2656 2702 6.16 6.31 6.17 6.30 24.05 24.05 22.20 23.00 1.29 1.30 1.23 1.30 110.9 110.9 108.1 110.5 0.221 0.235 0.220 0.226 1.2600 1.2800 1.2700 1.2700 9.54 9.55 9.45 9.50 2.95 3.00 2.90 2.98 2.00 2.04 1.99 2.04 50.00 54.00 46.00 48.00 1.95 2 1.95 2 7.15 7.45 7.18 7.4 0.350 0.350 0.350 0.350 0.510 0.630 0.530 0.560 18.08 18.8 18.02 18.8 4.50 4.48 4.42 4.42 3 3 3 3 20.50 20.50 18.92 19.00 2802.00 2800.00 2776.00 2784.00 0.730 0.750 0.690 0.690 1.410 1.420 1.380 1.400 38.00 38.10 37.95 38.00 74.10 74.90 74.10 74.25 9.51 9.94 9.50 9.94 0.67 0.68 0.66 0.67 5.79 5.8 5.7 5.7 MINING & OIL 0.0048 0.0049 0.0048 0.0049 7.02 7.48 7.00 7.35 11.68 11.88 11.50 11.88 0.255 0.255 0.255 0.255 7.7000 7.2000 7.2000 7.2000 1 1.01 0.99 1.01 0.8 0.8 0.79 0.8 7.32 7.80 7.09 7.38 1.52 1.62 1.53 1.6 0.325 0.345 0.325 0.325 0.239 0.244 0.235 0.241 0.240 0.247 0.239 0.239 0.0140 0.0150 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 3.58 3.6 3.5 3.57 24.6 25 24.55 24.65 3.74 3.75 3.7 3.72 0.6800 0.6800 0.6700 0.6700 2.1600 2.1500 2.1400 2.1500 0.0110 0.0120 0.0100 0.0120 0.0130 0.0130 0.0130 0.0130 4.45 4.43 4.45 4.44 6.55 6.7 6.59 6.69 2.11 2.21 2.01 2.01 0.015 0.015 0.014 0.015 148.90 149.00 148.50 148.60 12.18 12.5 12.14 12.26 PREFERRED 61.2 62.6 60.3 61.2 524.5 525 524.5 524.5 526 527 527 527 39.35 20.3 20.3 20.3 119 110.4 110.4 110.4 120.1 121 121 121 525 525 525 525 6 6 6 6 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.12 111.1 111.5 111.5 111.5 75.65 75.6 75.4 75.4 82.15 82.2 82.2 82.2 86.5 87 86.5 86.5 WARRANTS & BONDS 4.050 4.050 3.870 3.870 SME 9.66 9.7 9.49 9.66 6.2 6.2 6.2 6.2 73 66 60 65.95 9.73 10.36 9.6 10.12 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 123 123.1 122.3 122.7

0.00 3.77 2.14 0.00 0.00 -1.59 -2.16 0.73 8.96 0.42 -1.74 0.00 2.84 -1.16 -1.52 -0.51 -1.39 -2.22 1.12

7,000 54,000 550,000 200,000 570,000 366,000 22,372,000 1,000 100 55,383,000 300,000 200 928,000 347,000 5,000 25,944,400 151,000 17,000 13,402,600

10.5 66 1.09 15.82 0.1460 4.61 99.1 12.3 2.6 9 2090 8.41 33 1.97 119.5 0.8200 2.2800 12.28 2.85 3.2 5.9 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 4 14 3486 0.710 2.28 48.5 90.1 11.6 0.87 10.2

1.97 32.5 0.6 9.61 0.0770 2.95 46.55 10.14 1.6 5.88 1600 5.95 30 1.36 105 0.036 1.200 6.5 1.69 2 1.05 1.8 8.7 0.34 0.37 14.54 3 2.28 4.39 2726 0.380 0.32 31.45 60.55 7.59 0.63 6.45

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

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

Discovery World DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Island Info ISM Communications Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers

-0.46 0.00 -1.43 0.43 1.05 -4.02 -2.69 0.00 1.80 -6.53 0.07 2.27 -4.37 0.78 -0.36 2.26 0.79 -0.42 1.02 2.00 -4.00 2.56 3.50 0.00 9.80 3.98 -1.78 0.00 -7.32 -0.64 -5.48 -0.71 0.00 0.20 4.52 0.00 -1.55

27,200 4,490 986,000 19,092,300 5,600,000 830,000 386,950 500 2,000 51,000 43,595 7,600 4,300 23,000 683,460 6,660,000 152,000 67,100 987,000 3,000 1,870 98,000 3,928,600 10,000 3,526,000 12,000 27,000 9,000 739,000 98,610 19,431,000 5,358,000 1,227,800 467,510 4,693,000 1,368,000 1,653,900

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

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

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

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

2.08 4.70 1.71 0.00 -6.49 1.00 0.00 0.82 5.26 0.01 0.84 -0.42 0.00 0.00 -0.28 0.20 -0.53 -1.47 -0.46 9.09 0.00 0.45 2.14 -4.74 0.00 -0.20 0.66

30,000,000 1,355,900 2,200 100,000 1,700 234,000 866,000 27,500 12,135,000 827,350 3,800,000 2,200,000 20,800,000 1,500,000 248,000 1,631,300 337,000 134,000 99,000 86,200,000 800,000 53,000 425,600 19,640,000 8,300,000 163,670 778,300

70 553 525

33 490 500

0.00 0.00 0.19 -48.41 -7.23 0.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.36 -0.33 0.06 0.00

108,280 8,210 900 200 50 400 40 254,300 50,000 500 297,330 3,000 114,350

-127,101.00

-4.44

28,000

7,760.00

0.00 0.00 -9.66 4.01

248,600 900 4,350 1,627,400

38,200.00

-0.24

7,930

-20,020.00 -158,800.00 -1,058,240.00 82,579,110.00 11,809,030.00 -192,030.00

MST

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

SHARES 28,079,273 80,950,134 54,555,496 140,353,223 79,109,919 194,466,597 579,403,822

308,682.00 942,770.00 956,005.00 7,202,427.00

1,294,706.00 -733,440.00

-1,061,442.00 -162,900.00 8,625.00 66,300.00

-26,460,054.00 -1,368,398.00 -17,429,153.00 60,680.00 -42,851,690.00 19,688,665.50 16,321,664.00

-15,038,433.00 26,700.00

732,100.00

-56,426.00 3,461,704.00 170,650.00 521,549.00 3,970.00 45,810.00

4,319,560.00

16,100.00 124,500.00 -37,910.00 -614,099,559.00 365,500.00

-21,521,446.00 -22,190,765.00 -45,276.00

-23,354,385.00 1,151,004.00 -40,946,652.00

1,043,250.00

15,600,635.00 128,000.00 -57,276,560.50

-3,338,891.00

14,235,766.00 4,725,030.00

-87,550.00 20,720.00 -12,593,826.00 -36,826,780.00

-180,671.00

-2,793,104.00

-107,761,280.00 -1,671,290.00 -757,822.00 -99,420.00

118 120 515 8.21 12.28 111 76.9 78.95 84.8

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ BC Pref A 101 First Gen F 101.5 First Gen G 480 GLOBE PREF P 5.88 GMA Holdings Inc. 6.5 Leisure and Resort 101 MWIDE PREF 74.2 SMC Preferred A 74.5 SMC Preferred B 75 SMC Preferred C

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

10.96 15 88 12.88

2.4 3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Double Dragon Makati Fin. Corp.

IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

T op g ainerS VALUE 1,381,261,879.70 1,986,048,382.97 1,338,257,859.09 1,421,207,350.422 969,097,204.3135 155,345,971.264 7,271,219,917.7555

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,730.93 (down) 0.89 INDUSTRIAL 11,581.35 (down) 107.30 HOLDING FIRMS 6,661.98 (down) 9.35 PROPERTY 3,078.52 (down) 10.09 SERVICES 2,102.04 (down) 9.01 MINING & OIL 14,370.31 (up) 66.39 PSEI 7,526.70 (down) 26.95 All Shares Index 4,340.87 (down) 14.13 Gainers: 71 Losers: 81; Unchanged: 53; Total: 205

357,452,254.00

-14,635,841.00

-10,334,075.00 -16,326,301.50

3,400.00 41,872,180.00

26,783,904.00 2,300.00

477,755.00 195,850.00

-1,594,764.00 3,500.00 -476,200.00

-773,929.00 -10,224,660.00 Err:522 -3,898,150.00 -43,825,400.00 -2,423,077.50 -21,076,367.00 -40,270.00 -3,093,649.00 1,578,010.00 25,500.00 0.00

133,920.00

-14,700.00 -21,000.00 -21,000.00 -12,399,925.00 -74,800.00

-86,000.00

418,124.00 1,123,640.00 4,100.00 4,690,872.00 123,132.00

0.00

907,200.00

3,595,830.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

SM Investments Inc.

974.50

10.11

BC Pref A

20.3

-48.41

NOW Corp.

0.560

9.80

IRipple E-Business Intl

65.95

-9.66

Oriental Pet. `A'

0.0120

9.09

Arthaland Corp.

0.230

-8.00

Keppel Properties

5.47

8.96

Philweb.Com Inc.

19.00

-7.32

Agrinurture Inc.

1.47

6.52

First Gen F

110.4

-7.23

Swift Foods, Inc.

0.160

5.96

DFNN Inc.

6.30

-6.53

Araneta Prop `A'

1.340

5.51

Benguet Corp `B'

7.2000

-6.49

Ferronickel

1.6

5.26

PremiereHorizon

0.690

-5.48

Atlas Cons. `A'

7.35

4.70

PhilexPetroleum

2.01

-4.74

SSI Group

9.94

4.52

LR Warrant

3.870

-4.44

SATURDAY: JUNE 6, 2015

B3

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

Peso declines to 4-month low

By Julito G. Rada

THE peso closed at its weakest level in more than four months against the US dollar on Friday, amid a global selloff in bonds on renewed concerns over Greece’s ability to settle its debt.

The local currency closed at 44.87 against the greenback Friday, down by 0.1 percent from 44.815 on Thursday, with more than $670 million worth of foreign exchange traded in the local currency market.

The currency dropped 0.6 percent for the week, taking losses in the past three months to 1.7 percent.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr.

said global concerns over Greece, with a possibility of delayed debt payment to the International Monetary Fund worried investors. “[The peso’s weakness was due to] strong dollar and concerns about Greece,” Tetangco said in a text message.

Data showed the peso’s level on Friday was the lowest since Jan. 12 when it settled at 44.875 against the dollar. A weaker peso affects prices of imported products,

including petroleum and fuel.

“We’re seeing a broad dollar move across the region,” so the extent of the peso’s fall may be sustainable,’’ said Alan Cayetano, head of foreign-exchange trading at Bank of the Philippine Islands.

“We’re also getting the Greece effect, so that’s adding to riskaversion,” Cayetano said. He forecasts a year-end exchange rate of 45.50 to 46.50 per dollar.

Astro del Castillo, managing director of First Grade Finance Inc., said positive jobs data in the US provided support to the dollar. “[Also] the continued realignment of foreign fund managers in the stock market contributed [to the peso’s weakness] as well,” Del Castillo said, adding “foreign funds remain a net seller in the equities.”

Bangko Sentral revised its foreign exchange forecast this year to 43.46 to a dollar from the previous estimate of 41.44 made in October last year.

Greater volatility affected the peso in 2014 as the balance of payments posted a deficit of $2.9 billion, the biggest on record, driven primarily by the normalization of monetary policy in the US. National Economic and Development Authority directorgeneral Rolando Tungpalan said the peso was expected to remain stable in the coming months.

“With the country’s strong external position, the peso is expected to remain relatively stable and this will contribute to stable domestic prices going forward,” he said.

Brother-Go Negosyo deal. Brother Philippines recently teamed up with Go Negosyo to expand its corporate social responsibility programs geared towards advancing Filipinos’ entrepreneurship skills. Shown during the agreement signing are (from left) Go Negosyo executive director Ramon Lopez and founder Joey Concepcion and Brother Philippines president Glenn Hocson and marketing manager Lalaine Mesina.

CebuPac launches 2 flights to Doha

By Darwin G. Amojelar CEBU Pacific Air on Thursday mounted twice weekly non-stop flights between Manila and Doha, becoming the first Philippine carrier to land in Qatar.

“We look forward to offering Cebu Pacific’s trademark low fares to travelers in Doha, especially since we are the only low-cost carrier operating this route. With our expanding network, Qatar becomes more accessible from the Philippines, and the Filipino community can reunite with their families more often,” Cebu Pacific general manager for long-haul division Alex Reyes said.

The non-stop service departs Manila every Monday and Thursday at 9:35 p.m., arriving in Doha at 2:45 a.m. the next day. The return flight departs Doha every Tuesday and Friday at 4:15 a.m., arriving in Manila at 6:35 p.m.

The new route utilizes Cebu Pacific’s brand-new Airbus A330-300 aircraft, with a configuration of 436 all-economy class seats. Hot meals, seats with extra legroom and Wi-Fi onboard, among others, are options that can be added to the fare.

Lowest year-round fares between Manila and Doha start at P9,488, which is about 60 percent lower than other airlines.

“Cebu Pacific’s presence in Qatar will not only benefit the more than 200,000 Filipinos, but also both Qataris and the country’s flourishing expat population who will now be more enticed to visit the Philippines with its affordable rates. We are hoping to tap Cebu Pacific as the Embassy’s partner in promoting the Philippine tourism in Qatar,” Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Wilfredo Santos said.

Stocks drop again; GT Capital advances Atlas to issue P1.8-b notes STOCKS fell for the second day, following losses on Wall Street overnight, as the International Monetary Fund cut its US growth outlook and traders nervously watched events in Europe after Greece tied up a deal to delay its latest debt repayments.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, shed 26 points, or 0.4 percent, to close at 7,526.70 on Friday. The gauge was still up 4.1 percent since the start of the year.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also dropped 14 points, or 0.3 percent, to settle at 4,340.87 on a value turnover of P7.3 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 81 to 71, while 53 issues were unchanged.

GT Capital Holdings Inc., the investment company of tycoon George Ty, was the biggest gainer among the 20 most active stocks, as it climbed 2.4 percent to P1,385.

Property developer Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. rose 1.1 percent to P7.25, while Energy

Development Corp. added 1.1 percent to settle at P7.68.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. gained 0.6 percent to P90.20, while conglomerate Ayala Corp. picked up 0.5 percent to P770.50.

Meanwhile, most Asian markets also fell Friday. Tokyo slipped 0.13 percent, or 27.29 points, to close at 20,460.90, Sydney shed 0.11 percent, or 5.80 points, to 5,498.50 -- a fifth-straight loss -and Seoul was down 0.23 percent, or 4.76 points, at 2,068.10.

In late trade, Hong Kong skidded 0.82 percent but Shanghai rallied 1.20 percent.

Wall Street retreated after the International Monetary Fund slashed its forecasts for US growth this year to 2.5 percent from a previous estimate of 3.1 percent, citing a ports strike, bad winter weather, a strong dollar and the oil downturn.

IMF head Christine Lagarde also called on the Federal Reserve to refrain from hiking interest rates until 2016, saying conditions

were not supportive of a move this year.

Her comments come as markets await the release Friday of US jobs growth for May, which is used by the Fed to guide rate policy.

The OPEC oil cartel will also hold a meeting later in the day to determine production levels, with expectations that it will continue pumping at the current high levels, which would put downward pressure on crude prices.

The Dow fell 0.94 percent, the S&P 500 dropped 0.86 percent and the Nasdaq shed 0.79 percent.

On currency markets the dollar was at 124.52 yen against 124.37 yen late Thursday in New York.

The euro slipped to $1.1225 and 139.700 yen from $1.1239 and 139.79 yen in US trade.

The single currency is well off the $1.1283 and 140.25 yen seen earlier Thursday in Tokyo as Greece and its creditors struggle to reach a solution to overhaul its bailout. With AFP

to increase stake in Carmen

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ATLAS Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. said Friday its board approved the issuance of P1.8 billion worth of convertible notes to finance the acquisition of more shares in its copper unit.

Atlas in a disclosure to the stock exchange said the convertible notes, with a three-year maturity, would accrue interest at a rate of 4 percent per annum and have an indicative yield-to-maturity of 5.625 percent.

The notes will be convertible into shares of Atlas at a conversion price equivalent to whichever is higher of 120 percent of the volume weighted average price oover the period of 10 trading days immediately preceding and including the drawdown date.

The notes may all be paid prior to maturity at a price at which the agreed yield will be realized at the option of the lenders on the first

anniversary of the drawdown date and at the end of every six-month period thereafter, and at the option of Atlas at any time after the lapse of eighteen months from the drawdown date.

Atlas said the proceeds of the convertible loans would be used substantially by the company to subscribe to the capital stock of subsidiary, Carmen Copper Corp.

“While we continue to work to maximize production at Carmen Copper, we remain constrained by a weak copper price environment. Also, there is still a need to invest further in the development of our Carmen open pit mine to ensure that the target output levels for the ensuing years will be achieved. Through the convertible loan facilities to be extended to Atlas Mining, we will be able to provide an immediate boost to the financial position of Carmen Copper,” Atlas president Adrian Ramos said.

SATURDAY: JUNE 6, 2015

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

SGS award. SGS Philippines awards the prestigious Food Safety Systems Certification 22000 to Advance Food Concepts Manufacturing Inc., which supplies McDonald’s Philippines with dairy liquid mixes, cheese and formulated products. As an FSSC 22000 certified organization, consumers are assured the products are safely processed and adhere to the highest industry standard. Shown (from left) are AFCMI general manager Hector Jaraza; AFCMI production manager Henry Carreon; AFCMI engineering manager Gerald Antolin; AFCMI senior technical manager Glen Santos; AFCMI general manager Julius Migraso; SGS Philippines managing director Rosario Bradbury; AFCMI sales and marketing manager Jenn Reyes; AFCMI finance manager Michelle Chan; and AFCMI human resource manager Arnie del Parto.

In BrIef PH-Turkey air talks THE Philippines is set to hold air talks with Turkey next week, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board.

CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla said the Philippine air panel and its counterpart in Turkey would meet on June 9 and 10 in Cebu to amend their air service agreement (ASA).

Turkish Airlines flies three times a week from Manila to Istanbul at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

The Philippines had 3,731 visitors from Turkey in 2013, a 19 percent year-on-year increase, Tourism Department data showed. Philippine visitors to Turkey reached 3,581 in the same year.

Manila and Doha in May signed an agreement on air services, increasing the maximum number of flights for each country from the current eight flights per week to 14 flights a week.

Darwin G. Amojelar

RCBC unit expands RCBC Savings Bank, the consumer bank unit of the Yuchengco Group, plans to put up 10 additional branches and five lending centers in the provinces this year to seize the growth opportunities in the regions, bank president Rommel Latinazo said Friday.

“Right now, we have 150 branches and we have 32 lending centers and desks... Most of the expansions will be happening in the provinces,” Latinazo said at the sidelines of an RCBC event held in Manila.

“If you look at our branches, almost half are in Metro Manila. So we need to expand in the provinces,” Latinazo said.

He said RCBC Savings would invest approximately P5 million per branch, excluding the license fee. He said most of the investments would be in improvements and technology.

Julito G. Rada

Sensodyne sales up GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK) Philippines Inc. plans to increase the sales of specialized consumer care product Sensodyne by 30 percent to about P489.6 million from P360 million in 2014 following the company’s campaign to make the product more affordable to consumers.

GSK product manager for consumer healthcare Eduardo Cimafranca III said the product continued to grow, a proof of its quality, because of the company’s direction to lower the retail price.

“Admittedly, our product used to be expensive but that changed in 2012 when the company rode back prices to be at par with other leading brands that time. We also further went grassroots when we launched our sachet format in 2014,” he said in a company event Friday at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.

Sensodyne is the country’s leading specialized toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth. It has eaten up on other brands’ market share and now comprises half of the P10-billion Philippine market for specialized toothpaste. Othel V. Campos

Vietnam tops auction to supply rice to NFA

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales

VIETNAM offered Friday the lower price for the additional rice supply that the Philippines will import to increase its buffer stock for the lean season, the National Food Authority said.

NFA earlier invited Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam to supply an additional 250,000 metric tons of rice under the government-to-government deal.

Cambodia did not join the auction.

Vietnam offered to ship the whole volume for $419.35 per metric ton while Thailand bid $419 per MT. “Both offers were not acceptable since the offered prices were higher than the $410.12 per metric ton reference price,” said NFA

deputy administrator for marketing operation and chairman of bids and awards committee Joseph Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz said the NFA gave Vietnam and Thailand until 3 p.m.

Friday to resubmit another offer.

Thailand did not give a new offer during the second round, saying the decision was relayed by its Department of Foreign Trade.

“Vietnam’s second offer is $ 410.12 per metric ton. However, they only offered to supply 150,000 metric tons. The man-

agement will have to discuss what to do with the remaining 100,000 metric tons or the volume that is not taken,” Dela Cruz said.

“The NFA Council will decide if we will pursue another round of bidding whether it’s still government-to-government or international bidding. The 150,000 metric tons will arrive on July 15 while the remaining volume should arrive on August 15,” said Dela Cruz.

He clarified the reference price was not too low based on the latest world market price.

“We cannot say that it is too low. Because we have a basis in computing the reference price.

We have accessed the latest market prevailing price from a recognized world market bulletin. We made the computation and we submitted it to the administrator for approval,” Dela Cruz said.

The NFA earlier approved the importation of 250,000 MT of rice (25 percent brokens) under a government-to-government procurement mode.

The Philippines may import another 250,000 MT if the El Niño weather phenomenon reduces rice production, depending on the recommendation of the Food Security Committee to the NFA Council.

The Food Security Committee is headed by the National Economic and Development Authority. The members are the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomic Services Administration, Philippine Statistics Authority, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Irrigation Administration, Department of Agriculture and the NFA.

Meralco, EDC unit seeking approval of supply deal

By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co. and BacMan Geothermal Inc., a unit of Energy Development Corp., filed a joint application asking the Energy Regulatory Commission to to approve their power supply agreement.

Meralco and Bac-Man Geothermal executed a 50-megawatt power supply agreement at a price of P4.8960 per kilowatthour. Bac-Man Geothermal owns the 130-MW power plant in Bacon, Sorsogon bordering Manito, Albay.

“Under the PSA, BGI assures the supply of electricity to Meralco throughout the contract term, by providing replacement power in the event of outages of the plant, thus ensuring a stable rate that will redound to the benefit of Meralco consumers,” the joint petition said.

The agreement will expire on December 25, 2019 and extendable by another two years unless terminated earlier.

The parties said the immediate implementation of the power supply agreement was critical to help mitigate the impact

of Meralco’s purchases at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the country’s trading floor electricity.

“There is a paramount necessity for the timely approval of the instant joint application so that Meralco can immediately implement the PSA in order to ensure continuous and reliable electricity at reasonable prices and mitigate exposure to WESM purchases,” they said.

Meralco, the country’s largest power distributor with more than five million customers in its franchise area, obtains more

than 40 percent of its requirements from supply agreements.

Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan earlier said the company was focused on mitigating the risks of power supply outages and generation charge spikes to safeguard the interest of customers in the wake of increased demand.

Pangilinan said the company was in talks to extend the interim supply agreements and sign new agreements under least cost terms and as well as encourage strong participation in the interruptible load program.

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CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD

Landmark. People enter Sun Studio for a visit in Memphis, Tennessee, on May 28, 2015. Sun Studio, a recording studio where rock and roll, country music, and rockabilly artists including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Charlie Feathers, Ray Harris, Warren Smith, Charlie Rich and Jerry Lee Lewis, recorded throughout the mid-to-late 1950s since its opening by rock pioneer Sam Phillips on January 3, 1950. AFP

HK remembers Tiananmen HONG KONG—A park in central Hong Kong turned into a sea of candles Thursday as tens of thousands gathered to mark the 26th anniversary of China’s Tiananmen Square crackdown, with the city deeply divided ahead of a vote on how to choose its next leader.

Six football pitches in Victoria Park were filled with sombre crowds who held candles aloft as they paid silent tribute to the dead.

Students later took to the stage and burned a copy of Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, or Basic Law, saying it “restricted democracy”.

Hong Kong is the only location on Chinese soil to see a major commemoration of the military’s brutal crushing of pro-democracy protests in central Beijing in 1989.

Hundreds by some estimates more than a thousand died after the Communist Party sent tanks to crush demonstrations at the square in the heart of Beijing, where student-led protesters had staged a peaceful seven-week sit-in to demand democratic reforms.

“Tens of thousands have gathered every year to mourn your sacrifice... hoping your day of justice will come,” said Mak Hoi-wah of the Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which organizes the vigil.

“We will continue to demand an independent investigation into the truth.”

The wife of one student who died during the Tiananmen crackdown wept as she thanked Hong Kongers for coming to the park every year.

Organizers said 135,000 had attended. Police put the attendance figure much lower at 46,600.

The US called for “an official accounting of the victims” of the 1989 crackdown Thursday, as well as the release from prison of those serving Tiananmen-related sentences.

The State Department also urged a halt to the harassment and detention of those who want to commemorate the anniversary.

US-based group Chinese Human Rights Defenders said state security had detained dozens of activists in the Chinese provinces of Shaanxi and Hunan ahead of this year’s anniversary.

Zhang Xianling, 77, whose then 19-year-old son was killed during the crackdown, said she visited his grave site in Beijing Thursday, where dozens of plainclothes security staff stood watching.

More than seven security officers remain near her apartment, with two guarding her door, she told AFP. “Their main purpose is to stop me receiving interviews... and visiting areas deemed sensitive, such as Tiananmen Square,” she said.

In Taiwan, prominent former student leaders who were at Tiananmen Wu’er Kaixi and

Wang Dan spoke to a crowd of hundreds in the capital Taipei, some of whom carried yellow umbrellas, the symbol of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.

The Hong Kong vigil comes as tensions are high just two weeks ahead of a vote on the government’s controversial election road map.

It also follows huge pro-democracy protests that paralyzed parts of the city for months last year.

The election proposal goes before the legislature on June 17 and lays out a plan for the first ever public vote for Hong Kong’s chief executive.

It sticks to a stipulation from Beijing that candidates must be screened, a ruling that triggered last year’s street rallies.

Campaigners call the proposal “fake democracy”, and opposition lawmakers have pledged to vote it down.

There were some verbal clashes near the park between pro-democracy and pro-Beijing groups who support the government’s reform package.

But there is also a split in the city’s pro-democracy camp, reflected in an alternative gathering held by Hong Kong University’s student union, which has taken part in all previous June 4 vigils and took a leading role in last year’s demonstrations.

Organizers said they did not agree with the Alliance’s premise that democratization of China should be the prerequisite for democracy in Hong Kong. AFP

Thousands protest G7 summit in Bavaria MUNICH—More than 30,000 people on Thursday kicked off protests against a G7 summit starting at the weekend in the southern German state of Bavaria, police said.

The peaceful rally and march took place in the state capital Munich, about 100 kilometers north of the Alpine venue where Chancellor Angela Merkel is to welcome leaders from the club of rich nations from Sunday.

Authorities estimated the turnout by mid-afternoon at about 34,000, while organizers said 40,000 had turned out in warm, sunny weather on a public holiday in the region.

About 3,000 police kept watch as environmentalists, opposition parties and anti-globalisation activists rallied under the banner “Stop TTIP - Save the Climate - Fight Poverty”. The TTIP or Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is a proposed treaty currently under negotiation between the US and Europe.

In Germany, Europe’s largest economy, 43 percent of people think the US-EU trade deal would be “bad” for their country, according to a recent poll.

Hundreds of demonstrations against the planned pact were held across Europe in April.

“We must bring as much pressure as possible to bear,” said Anton Hofreiter of the ecologist Greens, one of the speakers at Thursday’s rally.

“No one in the world needs the TTIP treaty only big companies think it’s necessary,” added Klaus Ernst of the far-left Linke party.

One demonstrator scrawled the slogan “Throw your treaty in the garbage” on a rubbish dumpster that he dragged along the march route.

Merkel, who holds the Group of Seven presidency this year, will host the two-day meeting with the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and the United States.

A massive police presence is planned at the summit in Elmau Castle, a luxury resort near the Austrian border, with a total force of 25,000 mobilized from around the country.

Demonstrations are planned in and around the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 25 kilometers down the road, and about 300 activists have already set up camp nearby. AFP

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WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

Ukraine head sees renewed fighting KIEV—Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko warned Thursday of a “colossal threat” of renewed fighting with pro-Russian rebels after a surge in violence that left at least 26 people dead.

Fresh clashes erupted near the rebel stronghold of Donetsk on Wednesday, in one of the worst outbreaks of violence since a European-brokered truce was agreed in February.

The upsurge in fighting revived fears in Kiev that the separatists may be gearing up for a new push into government-controlled territory.

In an annual address to parliament, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko warned of the “permanent danger” of Russia unleashing “a full-blown war” against Ukraine.

“There remains a colossal threat of resumption of large-scale fighting on the part of Russian terrorist groups,” Poroshenko said, referring to the insurgents.

The Ukrainian president claimed that more than 9,000 Russian soldiers were now in east Ukraine to support the rebellion and that Moscow kept supplying separatist forces with new weapons.

The United States, the EU and Germany expressed alarm over the new spiral of violence, with European Commission spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic calling the clashes “the most serious violation” yet of the February ceasefire.

“The truce is fragile, the violations can lead to us again falling back into a state of military escalation,” said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Charles Kupchan, the US National Security Council’s senior director for European affairs, told reporters “we are particularly concerned about the uptick in fighting that we have seen over the last 24 to 48 hours in Ukraine.”

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the escalation, while NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg sounded the alarm over Russia’s increasingly aggressive behaviour. AFP

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Jihadists in fierce fight to seize key Syrian city BEIRUT—Islamic State group jihadists, emboldened by a string of battlefield victories, advanced Thursday to the gates of the Syrian city of Hasakeh after intense fighting with regime troops.

In attendance. Ana Villafane attends as Botran Rum celebrates the Chicago premiere Of Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s On Your Feet! musical at The Godfrey Hotel on June 3, 2015, in Chicago, Illinois. AFP

In neighboring Iraq, security forces foiled IS car bomb attacks on two military bases west of Baghdad, a day after US-led coalition warplanes destroyed a massive jihadist bomb-making factory.

Despite nine months of US-led air strikes, the militants have made new territorial gains recently, including the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra and Ramadi, capital of Iraq’s vast Anbar province.

Now they are “500 meters away from the entrance of Hasakeh, after fierce clashes against regime forces south of the city,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

He said IS had seized all military posts in that area of northeastern Syria, including an unfinished prison building and a power plant, after at least six suicide bombers struck on Wednesday.

IS set off a car bomb near an army position on the edges of Hasakeh late Thursday, the Observatory said, but there was no immediate word on casualties.

Control of Hasakeh is split between regime and Kurdish forces, who have fought IS elsewhere in the province.

If IS seizes Hasakeh it would be the second Syrian provincial capital to fall under its control, after Raqa, the group’s bastion in northern Syria.

It would also be the third provincial capital lost by the regime. The northwestern city of Idlib was seized by rebels in March.

On Thursday, 17 civilians were killed in regime air raids on the Silqin area in Idlib province, the Observatory said.

Iran and Iraq have deployed thousands of fighters in Syria to help the regime defend the Damascus area, a security source told AFP on Wednesday.

“Around 7,000 Iranian and Iraqi fighters have arrived in Syria over the past few weeks and their first priority is the defense of the capital,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

Iran, a key Damascus ally, has provided it with financial and military support.

But in recent months, the Syrian government has lost territory in several parts of the country to both IS and rebel groups including Al-Qaeda affiliate AlNusra Front.

Fighting on Wednesday around Hasakeh killed 27 regime fighters and 26 jihadists, according to the Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources on the ground. AFP

Obama, Merkel to talk ahead of G7 meeting WASHINGTON—Close allies US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will confer ahead of a G7 summit and meet local residents on a stroll through a small Bavarian town.

Officials said Thursday that the pair want to renew their own close cooperation before a great power meeting Sunday and Monday in Germany. The summit will be dominated by the crises in Ukraine, Syria and Iraq.

“Obviously the president has traveled to Germany in the past and has developed with Chancellor Merkel one of his closest partnerships in the world, on a whole host of issues,” Obama advisor Ben Rhodes said.

Rhodes said the pair would meet ahead of the summit at a castle in Bavaria “to make sure we are closely aligned, as we always are” before joining leaders from Britain, Canada France, Italy and Japan.

“We are planning for Sunday morning, before the summit starts, a meeting of the chancellor and President Obama” to focus on “common challenges we face,” a German official said.

“Part of the plan is a meeting with the citizens of the town Kruen.” AFP

Green top. This photo taken on May 14, 2015, shows a rooftop garden atop an office building in Seoul. From stylish, manicured creations to small vegetable plots, gardens are taking to the rooftops of the South Korean capital Seoul, bringing dashes of spontaneity and color to the skyline of one of the world’s most densely populated cities. AFP

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PROPERTY jdlacsamana@gmail.com

JOEL D. L ACSAMANA EDITOR

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HARDWARE STORE FRANCHISING. Entrepreneurs who want to operate their own hardware store may now franchise one from HuBB Stores & Services Inc. (HSSI), the retail subsidiary of cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines. The HuB Builders Center is the first community hardware store concept in the Philippines. “More Filipinos are investing to have their homes built or have repairs done. This provides HuB Builders Center franchisees a steady market for their business,” said Maribel Sumaria, HSSI general manager. The HSSI offers different packages for interested franchisees, which will be guided from pre- operations until the business is running. The HSSI will also supply franchises with the merchandise for the store.

Francorp Philippines helped develop the franchise program. Before opening for franchising, the HuB Builders Center had already been operating for the past five years, with a network of 20 stores in Luzon.

Stunner by the Lake. Splendido Taal Tower 2 will be finished by the first quarter of 2016, six stories higher than the first tower in the enclave, providing a better view of the surrounding valley.

SPLENDID LIVING AT TAGAYTAY RIDGE

D

eveloper Sta. Lucia Land (SLI) recently topped off Splendido Taal Tower 2, a mid-rise condominium development in Tagaytay set for completion in the first quarter of 2016. Seventeen out of 18 storeys are now completed.

Splendido Taal Tower, comprised of residential and condotel units, adds to Sta. Lucia’s prodi-

gious condotel portfolio, which includes operational projects in Sotogrande and La Mirada in Mactan, Cebu; La Breza in Quezon City; and projects set to rise in key locations across the country. These include Arterra Residences at Discovery Bay in Mactan; Sotogrande Hotel Suites in Davao City; Stradella at East BelAir in Cainta, Rizal;Sotogrande

Hotel at Neopolitan in Quezon City; Sotogrande in Katipunan and Santorini in Cainta.

A joint venture of SLI with JAKA Tagaytay Holdings Corp., Splendido Taal Tower 2 is the second of four planned towers in Splendido, located along Tagaytay ridge overlooking a majestic view of the Taal Lake and the greens and fairways of the Splendido Taal Golf Club.

Under Sta. Lucia’s condotel concept, unit owners get to vacation free anytime, with 30 nights each year with added option of using three of those nights at other Sta. Lucia Condotels around the country.

Unit owners also get to enjoy free membership to the Splendido Country Club, with access to the 14 different country clubs

of SLI nationwide. The Splendido Taal Tower Golf Club is also within the complex—with an 18-hole all-weather championship course designed by golfing great Greg Norman.

Splendido is an hour and a half away from Manila, and a short drive from the Tagaytay nightlife, the beaches of Nasugbu and Calatagan, or the dive sites of Anilao.

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JOEL D. L ACSAMANA EDITOR jdlacsamana@gmail.com

PROPERTY PH INDUSTRIAL SECTOR SCORCHES ASIAN RIVALS WITH FAST-PACED GROWTH

T

he Philippine industrial sector is still tops in Asia when it comes to manufacturing growth, driven by lower input costs and cheaper labor when ranged against its neighbours.

A recent study released by CBRE Asia-Pacific, said the country’s robust growth is expected to increase by 10.8% year-on-year this 2015. Due to rising income levels, an uptick of 6% in private consumption pattern is also expected to contribute to the grow-

BY JOEL LACSAMANA

ing manufacturing industry.

“More companies are putting the Philippines in the spotlight of industrial investments,” said Rick Santos, CEO of CBRE Philippines.” The country offers low costs in operations and labor, as well as other incentives from the government,” he explained.

Foreign investors are becoming more bullish on the country’s industrial field, ramped up by the government’s efforts to create a more profitable environment for

operations. This is evidenced by the fast take-up of economic zones launched in the previous quarters and the manufacturing growth rate of 7.5% recorded last year.

The country is also seen to attract electronics and textile production companies to relocate from their traditional base in China. The Philippine government’s efforts in improving the infrastructure of the country are aimed to boost more foreign direct investments (FDI) and sustain the growth of the in-

dustry in the coming years.

“Close coordination between the private and public sectors are positively seen by investors who wish for a more efficient and convenient place of operations,” said Santos.

The Philippines offers tax and other investment incentives, an affordable labor pool, and inexpensive rental rates. There are 316 economic zones nationwide which houses some of the top manufacturing and industrial names across the globe – Brother Industries, EPSON,

to name a few. Meanwhile, automotive and electronic vehicle (EV) companies from Japan and Germany are expanding in the country.

Other than the entry of multinational companies into the Philippines, the country is also gaining ground as a top exporter in the region. According to the Asia Pacific market view, exports are expected to increase in all markets this 2015, with export growth to be led by the Philippines (7.9%), China (6.8%), and Vietnam (6.6%).

ALL ABOUT EAVES

N

ot many people know what eaves are, yet they are an important part of a house. James Hardie, a pioneer in fiber cement technology, aims to preserve the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of every part of the structure, including the eaves, with solutions that are based on many years of R&D and innovation.

WHAT ARE EAVES? Eaves, outside ceilings or alero, are located at the lower edges or underside of the part of the roof that extends beyond the exterior walls. Eaves can be useful in defining a specific architectural style.

But aside from being a design en-

hancement, eaves protect the house against harmful weather. In the Philippines where rain damages structures, eaves can lessen the worries of homeowners.

Eaves prevent rain from falling directly onto the junction where the roof and walls meet. And they reduce rainwater splatter on the wall, thereby helping protect homes from moisture penetration. Properly designed and installed, eaves regulate the temperature and moisture levels under the roof, and promote better ventilation inside the home.

HARDIEFLEX® EAVES SOLUTION: EXPERTS’ CHOICE Eaves deserve special attention.

James Hardie offers a solution that

‘VENUE’ FOR SUCCESS. Looking for a location that would make your gathering a memorable one? Have no fear, The Venue at the Prism Plaza is here. Located at Two E-ComCenter at the Mall of Asia Complex, it has a versatile air-conditioned space that makes it ideal for all kinds of functions. Angel G. Ortiz, manager of The Venue, said the place can be dressed up depending on the needs of a client. It has sleek lines, white walls and an open ceiling that serve as a blank canvas for whatever look you may want for your event. With two halls totaling 500-square meters, it’s simply just what the doctor ordered for a slam-bang affair to remember. The Venue is perfect for late afternoon events to maximize the view of the sunset. Some events may even take advantage of the fireworks show held at the SM by the Bay on Friday and Saturday nights. The venue was popular during the recent Philippine International Pyromusical Competition held at the complex. The garden offered guests a vantage point from which they immensely enjoyed the show.

would prove advantageous all-year round, and suitable for the conditions in the Philippines. Its hero product, HardieFlex® fiber cement boards, has expanded the line to offer the right kind of solution to fit a specific purpose.

HardieFlex® Eaves are safer and more environment friendly than other products on the market, as they are 100% free from asbestos, and they have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Moreover, HardieFlex® Eaves are especially designed to be energy efficient and thermally comfortable; two important features that will make a big difference to residential structures in a tropical country like the Philippines.

Through thick or thin. They often receive very little attention, yet eaves deserve the same attention as your home’s ceiling. HardierFlex eaves come with a 10-year warranty, and will hand-hold you via reliable technical support

BUCOLIC LIVING. Ayala Land’s economic housing arm, Amaia, is launching another community in Lipa City, Batangas. Amaia Scapes Batangas, is the third horizontal development of Amaia Land Corp. in the province, in Barangay Anilao-Labac, Lipa City. Amaia provides a relaxed pace, with a village patio that has a pavilion, swimming pool, basketball court, and landscaped garden. The patio green serves as an extension of one’s home in a bucolic environment away from the bustle of the big city.