The Standard - 2015 June 10 - Wednesday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 112  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  WEDNESDAY : JUNE 10, 2015  www.manilastandardtoday.com  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

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Purisima files leave at end of suspension

House hearing. Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, left, walks

with Pampanga Rep. Oscar Rodriquez, chairman of the committee on good government, before the start of the hearing on the alleged bribery

by Chinese national Wang Bo, where Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison (bottom) testified on Tuesday. LINO SANTOS

House hits flip-flops, delays in Wang case

By Maricel V. Cruz

LAWMAKERS on Tuesday questioned what they described as “flipflopping” and the “inordinate delay” in the deportation of suspected Chinese crime lord Wang Bo, who is wanted by the Chinese government for illegal gambling and money laundering.

At a hearing conducted by the House committee on good government and public accountability, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Iloilo Rep. Jerry Trenas, and Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., said the inordinate delay in deporting Wang strengthened the allegations that money changed hands for his release and even dragged Congress into the controversy when reports surfaced that the money taken from the Chinese fugitive went to bribes to ensure that lawmakers passed the Palace-drafted Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“The flip-flopping [on the deportation] adds credence to the alleged bribery charges. It’s confusing, you want to deport him, and then you want to Next page

‘Let’s not shoot the messenger’ A MINORITY member of the House panel investigating allegations that money from a suspected Chinese crime lord went to bribing lawmakers urged his colleagues Tuesday not to shoot the messenger, after some in the committee suggested summoning reporters from The Standard who covered the story.

At a hearing by the House committee on good government and public accountability, several lawmakers demanded that Standard reporter Christine F. Herrera, who broke the story, appear before them to shed light on the alleged bribery to win the swift passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Next page

Anish Bhatt, the man of the hour

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Fil-Am tops hammer throw mark

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Question hour. Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, left, questions Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison during the House inquiry on the alleged bribery of lawmakers by Chinese national Wang Bo, who has been declared a fugitive by the Chinese government. Ver NoVeNo

Mison not quitting post; Repizo denies meddling A BUREAU of Immigration spokeswoman denied Tuesday that Commissioner Siegfred Mison is resigning following reports of an impending Cabinet revamp.

At the same time, Associate Commissioner Gilberto Repizo denied allegations that he intervened to stop the deportation of suspected Chinese crime lord Wang Bo in exchange for millions of pesos that allegedly went to bribe lawmakers to pass the Palace-drafted Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

In a statement issued to the press, bureau spokeswoman Elaine Tan dismissed allegations of corruption against Mison, describing them as mere black

House From A1... deport him, and then you want to release him,” Romualdez told Immigration Commissioner Siegred Mison, and Associate Commissioners Gilberto Repizo and Abdullah Mangotara.

Mison, Repizo and Mangotara all denied the reported P100 million bribe for the campaign of LP and $10 million for lawmakers to pass the BBL. The committee, headed by Pampanga Rep. Oscar Rodriguez, conducted the hearing in response to House Resolution 2151 filed by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and HR 2156 of Romualdez.

Romualdez questioned why the commissioners reversed their own order to deport Wang

propaganda staged by “an influential Cabinet secretary, whose group has long been eyeing” control of the bureau.

“Even if they won’t admit it, it is obvious that a leftist group within the Aquino administration was behind all these intrigues who wanted Mison out of the bureau,” Tan said, without identifying the members of the group.

Tan said the intrigues were related to the 2016 presidential elections, because the group wanted to get hold of the bureau and use its resources to benefit their candidates.

Repizo, meanwhile, denied allegations published in The Standard that he pushed for Wang’s May 21 release order after meeting with the Chinese suspect’s representative.

“I object in the strongest possible terms to the insinuation linking the May 21 resolution of the

Bureau of Immigration’s board of commissioners to the allegation of [a] congressional pay-off...and [the] alleged fund raising for the Liberal Party,” Repizo said in a letter sent to The Standard. “The spin of the news story is baseless and unfounded.”

Repizo also questioned the use of anonymous sources, saying their claims about Wang were “exaggerated.”

“The allegations that the BI through the two associate commissioners is being used as a conduit for bribe money for the Liberal Party only seek to destroy the straight path governance of his excellency President [Benigno] Aquino [III] and to damage the credibility and independence of the Philippine Congress,” Repizo said.

Repizo said he supported Wang’s release because the Chinese Embassy failed to present

authenticated documentary evidence against Wang “in accordance with international practice.”

“The Bureau of Immigration and its disposition of issues are not and ought not to be dictated by a Chinese police official,” the associate commissioner said. “[The bureau] dismisses applications with unauthenticated documents coming from foreign governments. The deportation case at hand should not be treated differently,” he said.

“The BI board resolution is not about protection of an alleged fugitive. It is about according a person a chance to have the documents against him scrutinized and validated. It is about protecting the processes of the bureau and making the Chinese police attaché understand that in this country he or his office must observe compliance with documentary procedures,” Repizo added.

on March 5 with a new order to release him on May 21, after the suspect filed a motion for reconsideration.

On May 26, Mison drafted a resolution to overturn the May 21 release order, after the Chinese Embassy said Wang had violated not only the laws in the country, but also in China.

The Standard earlier reported that the May 26 draft resolution was not implemented after Repizo and Mangotara refused to sign it, saying authorities from China failed to present authenticated copies of documents pertaining to Wang.

“Frankly speaking, the BI leaves more questions in my mind... and I am very, very saddened to see how it is performing and I hope that this has not been happening all throughout or further demoralization and more

instances of allegations of bribery may occur,” Romualdez said.

Trenas, a member of the ruling Liberal Party, lost his temper after after Repizo tried to interrupt him at the middle of his discourse berating the failure of BI to implement the deportation order despite a request from China.

“Will you (Repizo) please allow me to finish my question?! This is the House of Representatives, you understand that!” an irate Trenas said. “China is a sovereign nation and yet you are asking for authenticated copies of documents. You do not believe the letter of Chinese Embassy?” Trenas asked.

“The name of House of Representatives is being dragged in this matter. I can’t understand that commissioners are fighting for the rights of a Chinese national (Wang) whose passport was can-

celled. Probably it is more fun in the Philippines,” Trenas told Repizo.

Barzaga also asked Mison, Repizo and Mangotara to explain the circumstances that delay the deportation of Wang. ‎“The delay in the deportation process raises doubts. Why did it take so long? A motion for reconsideration should be settled in at most 15 days, but in this case it is 40 days. They (the commissioners) have to explain further why Wang Bo was not deported immediately,” Barzaga, head of the National Unity Party (NUP) bloc in the House, said.

South Cotabato Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez, Butil party-list Rep. Agapito Guanlao, and Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento were also dismayed at the bureau’s failure to handle Wang’s deportation without delay.

Let’s not From A1...

They also sought to summon reporters Maricel Cruz and Rey E. Requejo, who shared the byline with Herrera.

But Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romuldez, the leader of the independent minority bloc in the House, said the reporters were only doing their job.

“Let’s not kill the messenger because I am very glad at the very least, that this issue came out,” Romualdez said.

“We are in a democracy and we enjoy prss freedom,” he added.

Instead of inviting journalists, Romualdez moved that the suspected crime lord Wang Bo, the subject of a deportation order, be invited to testify before the panel.

The motion was seconded by 1-BAP party-list Rep. Silvestre Bello III. “I strongly recommend at proper time to invite Wang Bo here to enlighten the body and substantiate the bribery allegations,” Romualdez said.

Rep. Christopher Belmonte of Quezon City, a member of the ruling Liberal Party, was the first to suggest that Herrera be summoned to testify.

Reps. Reynaldo Umali of Mindoro Oriental and Paulino Salvador Leachon of Mindoro, also LP members, also demanded for the presence of Herrera, as well as Cruz and Requejo, who sought reactions to the original story from government officials and lawmakers who were implicated in the case.

Umali, brother of Oriental Gov. Alfonso Umali, also cleared the governor of any wrongdoing and involvement in the alleged BBL payoff.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte played down the Wang controversy, saying he would resign if it were proven that money changed hands to sway voting on the BBL.

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G-7 chides China on reclamation THE leaders of the Group of 7 developed countries on Monday opposed the “large scale land reclamation” in the South China Sea and called for full implementation of a ceasefire in Ukraine, taking aim at the attempts by China and Russia to change the status quo by force.

“We strongly oppose the use of intimidation, coercion or force, as well as any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo, such as large scale land reclamation,” the leaders said in a declaration issued after a two-day summit at Schloss Elmau, a resort in the Bavarian Alps in southern Germany.

The document fell short of singling out China, but the wording was an apparent reference to Beijing’s muscle-flexing in asserting its territorial claims in the South China Sea. The Philippines and Vietnam are among other claimant states.

In Manila, two milestones were dropped Monday night at the Philippine International Convention Center following the growing tensions between Manila and Beijing over China’s reclamation activities in the South China Sea. The events were the joint celebration of the

40 years of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines and the 14th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day. The events were organized by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., but as a result of the tensions between Manila and Beijing the federation decided to focus only on the Philippines’ 117th Independence Day celebrations.

At the Supreme Court, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Haguebased Permanent Court of Arbitration would rule in favor of the Philippines’ claim to the disputed island in the South China Sea and reject China’s nine-dash-line.

Carpio said he expected the PCA to decide on the jurisdictional issue in August or September after hearing the oral arguments on the case that is set next month.

At the Department of Foreign Affairs, an official welcomed the remarks of a Chinese diplomat that Beijing’s relations with the Philippines could prosper especially in the field of economic and trade exchanges. PNA/Kyodo, Sandy Araneta, Rey E. Requejo and Vito Barcelo

PH, Japan to hold fresh naval drills THE Philippines and Japan will hold fresh joint naval drills this month, the Philippine military said Tuesday as the World War II foes swiftly ramp up security ties while China develops islands in disputed waters.

The June 22-26 joint maneuvers with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force would be only the second ever, after an unprecedented one-day exercise in the flashpoint South China Sea last month, Philippine Navy spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

He would not say where the new exercises would be held or which ships would take part.

But Japanese media, quoting unnamed official sources, suggested the second maneuvers would also take place in the South China Sea. On May 12, two Japanese destroyers and one of the Philippines’ newest warships held historic maneuvers less than 300 kilometers from the Philippine-claimed Scarborough Shoal, which is now under Chinese control.

“This navy-to-navy engagement envisions to share new tactics, tech-

niques and procedures as well as best practices to further maritime operations,” Arevalo said, referring to the planned drills.

Those would involve “maritime domain awareness,” search and rescue and disaster response, he said.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced in Tokyo last week that the two governments would start negotiations for the transfer of defense technology and equipment.

The agreement may include the export of Japanese hardware to the Philippines, including anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft and radar technology.

The two leaders also expressed “serious concern” over China’s construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea, which they said violated a 2002 regional agreement.

Aquino, who was making a state visit to Tokyo, also drew parallels between China’s recent actions and Nazi Germany’s creeping invasion of Europe just before World War II. AFP

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Palace agrees to new BBL passage deadline

By Sandy Araneta

MALACAÑANG said Tuesday it was amenable to the new timetable for the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law beyond the current session of Congress that it hoped would be passed by July.

“The decision of Congress leaders to continue working on the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law beyond the current session provides an opportunity to gain broader support for achieving long-term peace, stability and progress in Mindanao,” Communications Secretary Herminio Co-

loma Jr. said in his note “On New Timetable for BBL Enactment” that he emailed to reporters.

“Through continuing dialogue, differing viewpoints may be harmonized in crafting the law that, we hope, may be enacted shortly after Congress re-convenes in July,” Coloma.

He made his statement even as Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he and the other senators will defend their version of the BBL as best they could and resist any railroading that could delay its passage into law.

He said they were now ready to come up with a committee report on the BBL. “We will be ready with t he committee report when we return after the SONA [Stateof-the-Nation Address],” Marcos said.

Senator Ralph Recto said Tuesday he wanted a detailed “list of responsibilities and functions” to be undertaken by the Bangsamoro government once the BBL was approved.

To make the Bangsamoro government

viable, he said, there had to be accountabilities from those who would be running the proposed regional government and entrusted with billions of pesos coming from the Filipino people.

Coloma said they were continuing their efforts to promote the passage of the BBL to achieve lasting peace.

“We will intensify efforts at creating heightened citizen awareness that is essential in engaging their active participation in the peace process,” Coloma said.

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said Monday the House would no longer set a timetable for the passage of the BBL despite pressure from the Palace to pass the bill before the congressional break on June 11.

“There’s no more timetable... We agreed to finish the period of interpellations [during Congress’ sine die break on June 11].

We will discuss the amendments when we resume session in July,” Gonzales said.

With Macon Ramos-Araneta

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Purisima files leave after lifting of his suspension

By Francisco Tuyay and Macon ramos-araneta Resigned Philippine national Police chief Alan Purisima has filed a 30-day leave of absence following the lifting of a six-month preventive suspension slapped against him by the Office of the Ombudsman.

PnP spokesman Sr. Supt. Bartolome tobias said Purisima’s leave takes effect today (June 10), the same day he is scheduled to return on official duty status in Camp Crame.

Had he not filed the leave, Purisima would report on a daily basis to the PnP’s Personal Holding and administrative Unit for accounting purposes, a policy imposed on any police personnel with a floating status.

For his part, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged President Benigno aquino iii to fire Purisima and charge him in court for the botched oplan exodus that left 44 members of the PnP-Special action Force killed in Mamasapano on January 25.

Marcos said Purisima should be charged for usurpation of authority or official functions, violating the chain of command, gross misconduct, and negligence. “throw the book at him,” the senator said. “How in heaven’s name can we even allow this man to remain a police officer? Why can’t we do the only decent thing of removing Purisima and hailing him to court for leading our SaF 44 to their graves?”

“Why was Purisima being protected? apart from his removal from the PnP, isn’t it that Purisima should also be charged for his illegal participation in oplan exodus?

For the death of SaF 44?” Marcos added.

Purisima resigned as PnP chief on February 9 following the public outcry over his involvement in the Mamasapano operation against Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan.

He was earlier placed under preventive suspension by the ombudsman after he was charged with plunder for alleged irregularities in the PnP contract with license courier Werfast documentary agency. tobias said Purisima has still about 1,000 days leave credits until his mandatory retirement on november 21 when he reaches the age of 56. there was no confirmation yet if Purisima intends to avail of his remaining leave credits after his 30day leave lapses.

Marcos said the situation now only showed how Purisima has a “strong grip” on the President.

“Mr. President, do the right thing: Fire Purisima. at the very least, genuinely abide by your clear and unequivocal decision to accept his resignation, which was supposed to be ‘effective immediately,’ not effective temporarily. and most importantly, file the appropriate charges against him for the crimes against the people,” Marcos said. “this (Purisima’s return to official duty) is absurd. this is unfair not only to the people and to the widows and families of our SaF 44, but more particularly to the members of our police force,” he said.

Big gun. Senator Grace Poe inspects a Tabor assault rifle at the headquarters of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency as Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac looks on during PDEA’s 13th Anniversary in Quezon City. Poe was a keynote speaker during the event. Manny PalMero

Drilon advises rest for Aquino

By Macon ramos-araneta PreSident Benigno aquino iii should just rest and “become a statesman” once he steps down in 2016, Senate President Franklin drilon said. aquino earlier disclosed that some quarters have urged him to run for a lower position after he rejected calls for a term extension.

“For me, once you have served as President, that is already your highest gift to the country. after that, you can now rest and become a statesman, and give chance to others to lead the country,” drilon said in a radio interview. the senator said members of the administration coalition are awaiting the pronouncement of the President as to his anointed one for the 2016 polls.

He, however, dismissed speculations of a roxasdrilon tandem, referring to the Liberal Party’s presumptive standard bearer, interior Secretary Mar roxas ii. “there have been no talks to that effect. We are all waiting the anointment of the President, perhaps after

his State of the nation address (in July),” drilon said. drilon’s term as senator will expire next year, but he said he is not keen on seeking a higher post. “i have my feet on the ground. i know how this thing works. i have been in public service for 30 years,” he said. drilon added that recent survey results should not be the sole basis for choosing the next leaders of the country. “there is enough time to check and study the qualifications of the next President of the country. as for me, we should look at the background – if he is worthy to lead the country,” he said. roxas has been trailing behind Vice President Jejomar Binay, the standard bearer of the opposition, in recent surveys of possible presidential candidates for next year’s polls. aquino said he is open to fielding a non-party member such as Senator Grace Poe, who has consistently garnered the second highest percentage of winning the polls after Binay, but the President did not say for which position.

Nancy: Binay-Poe ties trump politics

To better ties. President Benigno Aquino III greets leaders of the Federation of

Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry during the Filipino-Chinese community’s celebration of the 117th Philippine Independence Day and the 40th Anniversary of Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations at the Philippine International Convention Center on Monday. Malacañang PhoTo Bureau

Senator nancy Binay said the “relationship” of her family with Senator Grace Poe is more important that the one-day presidential elections in 2016.

Binay made the statement after her sister, Makati rep. abigail Binay, called for a ceasefire on the residency and “ampon” issues hurled against Poe by the United nationalist alliance interim president and navotas rep. tobias tiangco. “as for us, the election is just for one day only. after that, it’s over so that we should take care of friendship over politics,” the senator said. “are we quarreling with

somebody? We are not fighting here. they were the ones who were fighting us,” Binay added.

While she did not disclose names of those attacking her father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, the senator pointed to people who hatched “oplan Stop nognog for 2016.”

“We did not start this.

We are just here to defend ourselves against the tirades that have been repeatedly hurled against us,” she added.

Binay said her relationship with Poe has not been affected by the recent heated exchanges between the latter and tiangco.

She said she has maintained good working rela-

tions even with the harshest critics of her father, including Senator alan Cayetano. “the personal issues between us have not affected our job (in the Senate),” she said. tiangco has already apologized to Poe for “having caused damaged” to her friendship with the Binays. tiangco also said he would heed the call to refrain from speaking on the issue of Poe’s residency and citizenship, which he earlier publicly questioned. the lawmaker earlier claimed Poe was not qualified to run for president or vice president because she did not meet the residency requirement set by the Constitution.

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Napoles gave cars to workers —witness

By Rio N. Araja A WITNESS in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam on Tuesday told the Sandiganbayan she was one of the “trusted” employees of Janet Lim Napoles, saying that she used to enjoy perks from Napoles’ transactions with lawmakers including cars, foreign trips and weekly bonuses.

At Tuesday’s hearing on the bail plea of former representative Edgar Valdez of Apec, Marina Sula took the witness stand and said she and two other whistleblowers— and several employees of the JLN Corp.—Evelyn de Leon, Fernando Ramirez, Napoles’ nephew Ronald John Lim and driver Raymund de Asis were Napoles’ most trusted employees.

Napoles gave her, Suñas and Ramirez a Toyota Innova each in 2009, and that Napoles would pay for the installment on their vehicles through a Metrobank branch, Sula said.

On the other hand, Luy was given a Honda CRV, she added.

“She (Napoles) did not trust any person, but only us. We were the only ones who were allowed to keep the documents pertaining to the PDAF of the lawmakers. She would never allow any employee to see the dossiers,” she told the Fifth Division.

In addition, Napoles treated her and other select employees to an all-expense paid trip to Hong Kong, China and even to Singapore sponsored by the lawmakers, Sula said.

“She would ask for support from lawmakers who would give her donations, which we had used to travel,” she said, adding “I heard Napoles talk to lawmakers at the JLN Corp. office asking for our pocket money.”

Despite such admission, Sula said she could no longer remember the dates of their foreign trips.

On top of their monthly wages and their one percent kickback as incorporators of Napoles-linked foundations, Napoles would give them weekly bonuses of P1,000.

Sula earlier admitted to accepting at least P3 million to P4 million in commissions as president of Masaganang Ani Para sa Magsasaka Foundation Inc. (MAMFI) before the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division.

She claimed she also received P1 million to P1.5 million in kickbacks from Napoles’ Country-wide Agri and Rural Economic and Development Foundation (CARED), headed by her niece – Simonette Briones, who was kept in the dark about the operations of the foundation.

Precaution. Health workers monitor incoming passengers from South Korea on Tuesday June 9 at the Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, following an outbreak of of the MERS-CoV in South Korea where at least seven people have died and 2,300 have been placed under quarantine and prompting the shutdown of nearly 1,900 schools mostly in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. DANNY PATA

Probers gain more time to finish report on SAF 44

By Rey Requejo Justice secretary Leila de Lima on tuesday gave the special fact-finding team that looked into the “Mamasapano massacre” another month to finish the second half of its investigation and submit its second report on the killing of the 44 special Action Force commandos last January 25.

“The team gives me regular updates but the probe is yet to be concluded, hence, the extension,” De Lima said in a text message.

The Department of Justice’s special

investigating panel recommended the filing of charges of direct assault with murder and theft against 90 commanders and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro

Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups (PAGs).

But the team report only covers the cases of 35 slain SAF men who belonged to the 55th SAF Company that engaged MILF and BIFF fighters and PAGs in the cornfields of Brgy.

Tukanalipao.

The second half of the probe covers the cases of the nine other slain commandos from the 84th SAF Company in Brgy.

Pidsandawan and the five civilians and 18 MILF fighters who were also killed during the clash as well as the alleged participation of American soldiers in the January 25 encounter where 67 people were killed.

De Lima initially gave the team two more months or until end of this month to complete its investigation.

In its initial report, the special panel concluded that the Mamasapano clash “was murder all the way and around when the MILF, BIFF and PAGs crossed the river over to the cornfield to finish off the dying members of the 55th SAF command, by means of gunshots to the head and other parts of their bodies.”

“There was a conspiracy among the MILF, BIFF and PAGs elements to kill the 55th SAF commandos. This conspiracy took the form of the phenomenon called ‘pintakasi,” the report stated.

Investigators said the

qualifying circumstances of treachery and abuse of superior strength were also present in this case.

In the same report, the DOJ team said the incident was neither a “massacre” as branded by the Senate nor a “plain misencounter” as claimed by the MILF in their respective reports.

Based on facts and available evidence, they said the “complicated truth is somewhat in between these two extremes.”

Besides the complex crime, the team also recommended the filing of theft charges against the 90 individuals for taking the firearms, fighting equipment and personal belongings of the slain SAF commandos.

Pinoy teener takes Sudan trip to save own life

By Cecil Morella

Reynaldo Nilo, 17, and his sister Sarah Joy Nilo, 25, in an interview with AFP at a relative’s house in Manila.

A COCKTAIL of fear, hope and gratitude bubbled inside Reynaldo Nilo’s feeble heart as the Filipino teenager prepared to take his first-ever plane ride for a journey to Sudan aimed at saving his life.

The rheumatic heart disease sufferer and son of impoverished farmers boarded a flight on Monday for Khartoum, the capital of the east African country, to have open heart surgery, without which he would likely die within a few years.

The city hosts a hospital run by EMERGENCY, an Italian charity that is renowned for its state-of-the art cardiac surgery provided

for free, usually to people from Africa.

“I am extremely grateful to them for giving me the chance to have a longer life,” the 17-year-old told AFP a few hours before he and his elder sister, Sarah Joy, boarded the plane, a first for both, to Khartoum.

Sarah Joy only found out about the Italian charity after chancing upon an Oscarnominated documentary about the Khartoum hospital.

Nilo, who had to drop out of high school because of his condition, said he knew little about Africa other than disease and conflict.

“I’m scared because I heard they have Ebola there.

I’m also concerned about the

wars there,” said Nilo, as he sat beside his tearful elder sister at a relative’s home in Manila.

“But if the Lord wills it, I should be okay and able to recover.”

Nilo had strep throat as a child and, because he did not take antibiotics at the time, it led to rheumatic heart disease.

Without open heart surgery, most sufferers of the disease die by the time they are 20, according to EMERGENCY. The surgery in the Philippines would cost tens of thousands of dollars, an impossible amount for the son of duck farmers from the remote far north of the country. AFP

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opinion

ADELLE chuA eDitor

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opinion

bacK cHaNNel alejaNDro Del roSario

Chinese doublespeak

[ EDI TORI A L ]

No time for complaceNcy LEADERS of the House of Representatives have admitted that they are likely to miss the Palace’s June 10 deadline for passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the lynchpin in the Aquino administration’s peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

There is very little public support for the law, which will create an autonomous Bangsamoro region to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. A recent poll commissioned by The Standard found that on a national level, at least 54 percent of Filipinos said they did not want the BBL passed, while 44 percent said they would oppose the measure even if it were amended to correct its unconstitutional provisions.

Even among respondents in Mindanao, who are supposed to benefit directly from the Palace-backed measure, 52 percent said they did not want the law passed.

Against this backdrop, the administration has pulled out all the stops in its campaign to have its bill passed in Congress.

To pressure some lawmakers into voting in favor of the BBL, the administration has threatened to file cases against 180 of them who have disallowances from the Commission on Audit.

There have also been allegations—as yet unproved—that millions in cash has changed hands to smooth the way for the swift passage of the BBL. In the House, the bill has sailed through three committees, highlighted by the 180-degree turnaround by the chairman of the ad hoc committee on the BBL, who vowed to excise eight unconstitutional provisions in the Palace-drafted bill, only to submit his own version with six of the eight provisions intact.

The momentum has slowed in the plenary, however, and now House leaders are saying the Palace’s June 10 deadline will probably go unmet.

In the Senate, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., head of the committee on local governments, said he cannot support the BBL as drafted, and said he would file a substitute bill that would remove all of the law’s objectionable provisions. In the Senate more than the House, it is clear the Palace will not get the bill it wants passed by June 10.

In neither chamber, however, should those opposed to the BBL rest easy. This administration has shown it is willing to employ massive resources to get its way in Congress—using both the carrot and the stick. In this manner, the House was “encouraged” to swiftly impeach President Benigno Aquino III’s political nemesis, Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Senators, acting as judges in an impeachment court, were also “convinced” to convict him.

Was there a causal relationship between the release of millions in project funding to the lawmakers and their votes in the Corona case? Only the naïve would believe otherwise.

In the same way, we should be wary of declarations this week by administration lawmakers who say the prospects are bleak that the Bangsamoro law will be passed in time, especially after the performance of Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, the head of the House ad hoc committee on the BBL, who fooled everyone into thinking he would righteously challenge the Palace on the bill’s unconstitutional provisions. We can only guess at what incentives were offered or what pressure was brought to bear on Rodriguez to trigger such a sudden change of heart.

The administration continues to pour huge resources into its campaign to have an illconceived bill passed, and is unlikely to give up on the mere say-so of a few troublesome senators and congressmen. The delay in the BBL’s approval could be a temporary retreat before the final push to pass a law that most Filipinos don’t want, and which many stakeholders believe will bring more fighting instead of peace.

Tension in ChinaTown loWDoWN jojo a. robleS nOT a lot of people talk about it, but it’s an issue that has to be confronted sooner or later: What’s the large ethnic Chinese community’s position on the growing tension between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine sea?

For the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and industry, the biggest organization of eth-

nic Chinese businessmen in the Philippines, the situation has gotten way too tense for comfort. That’s why FCCCi cancelled the diplomatic and friendship portion of its threepart celebration this week of the 117th anniversary of Philippine independence, which culminates on Friday, June 12. angel ngu, the association’s president, said President noynoy aquino’s remarks during his state visit to Japan last week, which were roundly denounced in China, forced the group to call an emergency meeting last saturday. The up-

shot of the meeting was a decision to scale down last Monday’s celebration, which included the cancellation of a scheduled speech by the Chinese ambassador, Zhao Jianhua, during the scuttled diplomatic and friendship portion.

“We think, as Filipinos, perhaps this is not a good time [to celebrate Filipino-Chinese friendship],” said ngu. “it should be a good relationship, [but] given what’s been happening, i think we have to [emphasize] independence Day rather than have a celebration of Filipino-Chinese friendship.”

A9

aquino’s saber-rattling on the West philippine Sea is polarizing filipinos against each other.

i’m sure the Filipino-Chinese community doesn’t want to be put in the uncomfortable situation of having to choose between the only country they call home and the homeland of their forefathers. Of course, if the tension continues to escalate in the disputed territories in the sea, that position could quickly become untenable. after all, as the FCCCi must very well know, the growing anti-Chinese sentiment could turn into a class war because of the widespread perception that the wealthy and influential classes in the Philippines are also predominantly ethnic Chinese. For the moment, ngu said local Chinese businessmen stand steadfastly behind

their adopted country, even if they are feeling the heat of the diplomatic and media back-and-forth between the two countries. ngu must have spoken for many of his fellow Filipino-Chinese when he said: “i was born here, i stay here, i love the Philippines but i don’t want us to be in conflict with where my father came from.” *** aquino, of course, has not helped the situation any by his statements on the matter of deteriorating Philippines-

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-

China relations. in fact, the Philippine President reached a new low when he compared China to nazi Germany because of its unabated encroachment.

The Chinese have called the latest broadside from aquino “reckless,” but neither the Philippine leader nor any of his spokesmen have expressed a willingness to ratchet down the heated rhetoric. in this sense, aquino – who is also ethnic Chinese on his mother’s side – is only running true to form, talking tough when even he knows that he may not be standing on solid legal

5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandardtoday.com E-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

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and diplomatic ground.

Of course, the unexpectedly strong reaction from the United states to Beijing’s reclamation efforts must have convinced aquino that he remains on some sort of straight path from which he can heckle the Chinese with impunity. it’s just sad that instead of acting like a statesmanlike and conciliatory leader, aquino is treating the whole intensifying crisis like a domestic political issue, which allows him to ridicule his opponents at will.

Continued on A11

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

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

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

China’s officials—from its defense and foreign ministers down to its official mouthpiece—keep saying the Philippines is raising tension in the region by dragging the United states into the south China sea territorial dispute.

This is the height of Orwellian doublespeak. Contradicting Beijing’s accusation are the military structures China built on reclaimed land. in a feat of engineering marvel, China was able to construct within months a military garrison complete with an airstrip and berthing docks for its warships. This, the Chinese did by piling sand from the sea on the protruding reefs, rocks and shoals.

The Us which used to be neutral in the overlapping claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia against China’s sweeping stake on nearly the entire south China sea, has indeed been dragged into the territorial dispute.

There was no need for the Philippines to play the american card. it is China’s own overreach of power beyond its sea boundaries that tweaked Us concern.

Previously and primarily, the Us interest was the threat to international navigation. But now, the Chinese military structures pose an even greater peril with the possibility of missiles and rocket launchers being placed on these manmade islands. a Us surveillance plane taking aerial photos of the military buildup in the south China sea was shooed away by the Chinese navy. The Us spy plane had enough evidence which made the Us rachet up rhetoric against the danger of China’s extension of power beyond its 200-mile economic exclusion zone as prescribed by the United nations Convention on the Law of the sea. note the strong warnings to China from Us President Barack Obama, secretary of state John Kerry and the commander of the Us seventh Fleet in asia and the Pacific.

The Group of 7 summit meeting in Germany also condemned China’s aggressive and unilateral moves to advance its claim on disputed waters. The G-7 is made up of leaders of Germany, Britain, Canada, France, italy , Japan and the Us. Criminal suit Criminal suits were filed last week against labor department and fire protection bureau officials by the kin of the Kentex factory fire victims. Remigio saladero, the lawyer of the alliance for Justice for the Kentex Fire Victims, said the suit is separate from the one being filed by against local officials and the owners of the slipper factory that went up in flames killing 72 workers. i had refrained commenting earlier on this case since the incident had already received extensive media coverage and passions were still high. But now, it may be useful to continue giving it coverage lest it’s soon forgotten by the public whose attention span is a good as the next major disaster.

Continued on A10 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

W E D n E s D Ay: J u n E 1 0 , 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA eDitor

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

bacK cHaNNel alejaNDro Del roSario

Chinese doublespeak

[ EDI TORI A L ]

No time for complaceNcy LEADERS of the House of Representatives have admitted that they are likely to miss the Palace’s June 10 deadline for passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the lynchpin in the Aquino administration’s peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

There is very little public support for the law, which will create an autonomous Bangsamoro region to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. A recent poll commissioned by The Standard found that on a national level, at least 54 percent of Filipinos said they did not want the BBL passed, while 44 percent said they would oppose the measure even if it were amended to correct its unconstitutional provisions.

Even among respondents in Mindanao, who are supposed to benefit directly from the Palace-backed measure, 52 percent said they did not want the law passed.

Against this backdrop, the administration has pulled out all the stops in its campaign to have its bill passed in Congress.

To pressure some lawmakers into voting in favor of the BBL, the administration has threatened to file cases against 180 of them who have disallowances from the Commission on Audit.

There have also been allegations—as yet unproved—that millions in cash has changed hands to smooth the way for the swift passage of the BBL. In the House, the bill has sailed through three committees, highlighted by the 180-degree turnaround by the chairman of the ad hoc committee on the BBL, who vowed to excise eight unconstitutional provisions in the Palace-drafted bill, only to submit his own version with six of the eight provisions intact.

The momentum has slowed in the plenary, however, and now House leaders are saying the Palace’s June 10 deadline will probably go unmet.

In the Senate, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., head of the committee on local governments, said he cannot support the BBL as drafted, and said he would file a substitute bill that would remove all of the law’s objectionable provisions. In the Senate more than the House, it is clear the Palace will not get the bill it wants passed by June 10.

In neither chamber, however, should those opposed to the BBL rest easy. This administration has shown it is willing to employ massive resources to get its way in Congress—using both the carrot and the stick. In this manner, the House was “encouraged” to swiftly impeach President Benigno Aquino III’s political nemesis, Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Senators, acting as judges in an impeachment court, were also “convinced” to convict him.

Was there a causal relationship between the release of millions in project funding to the lawmakers and their votes in the Corona case? Only the naïve would believe otherwise.

In the same way, we should be wary of declarations this week by administration lawmakers who say the prospects are bleak that the Bangsamoro law will be passed in time, especially after the performance of Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, the head of the House ad hoc committee on the BBL, who fooled everyone into thinking he would righteously challenge the Palace on the bill’s unconstitutional provisions. We can only guess at what incentives were offered or what pressure was brought to bear on Rodriguez to trigger such a sudden change of heart.

The administration continues to pour huge resources into its campaign to have an illconceived bill passed, and is unlikely to give up on the mere say-so of a few troublesome senators and congressmen. The delay in the BBL’s approval could be a temporary retreat before the final push to pass a law that most Filipinos don’t want, and which many stakeholders believe will bring more fighting instead of peace.

Tension in ChinaTown loWDoWN jojo a. robleS nOT a lot of people talk about it, but it’s an issue that has to be confronted sooner or later: What’s the large ethnic Chinese community’s position on the growing tension between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine sea?

For the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and industry, the biggest organization of eth-

nic Chinese businessmen in the Philippines, the situation has gotten way too tense for comfort. That’s why FCCCi cancelled the diplomatic and friendship portion of its threepart celebration this week of the 117th anniversary of Philippine independence, which culminates on Friday, June 12. angel ngu, the association’s president, said President noynoy aquino’s remarks during his state visit to Japan last week, which were roundly denounced in China, forced the group to call an emergency meeting last saturday. The up-

shot of the meeting was a decision to scale down last Monday’s celebration, which included the cancellation of a scheduled speech by the Chinese ambassador, Zhao Jianhua, during the scuttled diplomatic and friendship portion.

“We think, as Filipinos, perhaps this is not a good time [to celebrate Filipino-Chinese friendship],” said ngu. “it should be a good relationship, [but] given what’s been happening, i think we have to [emphasize] independence Day rather than have a celebration of Filipino-Chinese friendship.”

A9

aquino’s saber-rattling on the West philippine Sea is polarizing filipinos against each other.

i’m sure the Filipino-Chinese community doesn’t want to be put in the uncomfortable situation of having to choose between the only country they call home and the homeland of their forefathers. Of course, if the tension continues to escalate in the disputed territories in the sea, that position could quickly become untenable. after all, as the FCCCi must very well know, the growing anti-Chinese sentiment could turn into a class war because of the widespread perception that the wealthy and influential classes in the Philippines are also predominantly ethnic Chinese. For the moment, ngu said local Chinese businessmen stand steadfastly behind

their adopted country, even if they are feeling the heat of the diplomatic and media back-and-forth between the two countries. ngu must have spoken for many of his fellow Filipino-Chinese when he said: “i was born here, i stay here, i love the Philippines but i don’t want us to be in conflict with where my father came from.” *** aquino, of course, has not helped the situation any by his statements on the matter of deteriorating Philippines-

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-

China relations. in fact, the Philippine President reached a new low when he compared China to nazi Germany because of its unabated encroachment.

The Chinese have called the latest broadside from aquino “reckless,” but neither the Philippine leader nor any of his spokesmen have expressed a willingness to ratchet down the heated rhetoric. in this sense, aquino – who is also ethnic Chinese on his mother’s side – is only running true to form, talking tough when even he knows that he may not be standing on solid legal

5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandardtoday.com E-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

and diplomatic ground.

Of course, the unexpectedly strong reaction from the United states to Beijing’s reclamation efforts must have convinced aquino that he remains on some sort of straight path from which he can heckle the Chinese with impunity. it’s just sad that instead of acting like a statesmanlike and conciliatory leader, aquino is treating the whole intensifying crisis like a domestic political issue, which allows him to ridicule his opponents at will.

Continued on A11

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

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

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

China’s officials—from its defense and foreign ministers down to its official mouthpiece—keep saying the Philippines is raising tension in the region by dragging the United states into the south China sea territorial dispute.

This is the height of Orwellian doublespeak. Contradicting Beijing’s accusation are the military structures China built on reclaimed land. in a feat of engineering marvel, China was able to construct within months a military garrison complete with an airstrip and berthing docks for its warships. This, the Chinese did by piling sand from the sea on the protruding reefs, rocks and shoals.

The Us which used to be neutral in the overlapping claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia against China’s sweeping stake on nearly the entire south China sea, has indeed been dragged into the territorial dispute.

There was no need for the Philippines to play the american card. it is China’s own overreach of power beyond its sea boundaries that tweaked Us concern.

Previously and primarily, the Us interest was the threat to international navigation. But now, the Chinese military structures pose an even greater peril with the possibility of missiles and rocket launchers being placed on these manmade islands. a Us surveillance plane taking aerial photos of the military buildup in the south China sea was shooed away by the Chinese navy. The Us spy plane had enough evidence which made the Us rachet up rhetoric against the danger of China’s extension of power beyond its 200-mile economic exclusion zone as prescribed by the United nations Convention on the Law of the sea. note the strong warnings to China from Us President Barack Obama, secretary of state John Kerry and the commander of the Us seventh Fleet in asia and the Pacific.

The Group of 7 summit meeting in Germany also condemned China’s aggressive and unilateral moves to advance its claim on disputed waters. The G-7 is made up of leaders of Germany, Britain, Canada, France, italy , Japan and the Us. Criminal suit Criminal suits were filed last week against labor department and fire protection bureau officials by the kin of the Kentex factory fire victims. Remigio saladero, the lawyer of the alliance for Justice for the Kentex Fire Victims, said the suit is separate from the one being filed by against local officials and the owners of the slipper factory that went up in flames killing 72 workers. i had refrained commenting earlier on this case since the incident had already received extensive media coverage and passions were still high. But now, it may be useful to continue giving it coverage lest it’s soon forgotten by the public whose attention span is a good as the next major disaster.

Continued on A10 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

Criminal culpability, as the Office of the President had already announced, is widely spread to Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian, the Bureau of Fire Protection officials and the Kentex owners who are the most culpable. Fire investigators said the factory did not have fire safety measures like proper ventilation and emergency exits. It also did not store combustible materials properly. The bags of chemical placed recklessly near the factory entrance caught fire from the sparks from the welding as workers repaired the gate.

In retrospect, here are the factors that

TWO ISSUES DEFINE 2016 TWO issues should define the presand must rebalance things in this idential election of 2016 and deterregion.

VIRTUAL mine its winner the economy and President Aquino has used inREALITY foreign policy. sulting language to disparage the The Philippines , with 100 milChinese.

Resisting claims by TONY lion population or 22.22 million Beijing on islands closer to the families, is the 12th largest in the Philippines than to Hainan, the LOPEZ world. Its economy is the 30th bigPresident has likened the Chinese gest in the world. to the Nazis of Germany which The 12 largest countries population are: 1. China annexed Czechoslovakia in 1938, without the western 1.39 billion, 2. India 1.267 billion, 3. USA 322.5 mil- powers lifting a finger in protest. Aquino first made the lion, 4. Indonesia 252 million, 5. Brazil 202 million, parallelism in an interview published by The New York 6. Pakistan 185 million, 7. Nigeria 178.5 million, 8. Times in February 2014. That was bad. The Chinese Bangladesh 158.5 million, 9. Russia 142 million, 10. cannot be 1.4 billion Hitlers.

Japan 127 million, 11. Mexico 123.8 million, and 12.

Worse, Aquino repeated the historical inaccuracy the Philippines. while visiting Japan early this June. He did it twice in Usually, the bigger the country, the bigger is its econ- Tokyo, on June 1 and June 3. “I’m an amateur student omy, in purchasing power parity (PPP terms or what the of history and I’m reminded of how Germany was testdollar can buy in local goods). A nation’s best wealth ing the waters and what the response were by various and best capital are its people, quality people. Not sur- other European powers,” the President told a special prisingly thus, China is No. 1in GDP PPP. No. 2. Is US, conference by Nikkei publication on the future of Asia.

3. India, 4. Japan, 5. Germany, 6. Russia, 7. Brazil, 8.

“Unfortunately, up to the annexation of the Indonesia, 9. France, 10. UK, 11. Mexico, and 12. Italy. Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, and eventually, the anThe Philippines is underperforming, especially nexation of the entire country of Czechoslovakia, noconsidering that Filipinos have a median age of 23.2 body said ‘stop,” Aquino recalled his amateur history. years. The Chinese have a median age of 35.7 years, “What if somebody said stop to Hitler at that point Americans 37.5, and the Japanese 46.2 years. These peo- in time, or to Germany at that time? Could we have ple are ageing but getting richer. Filipinos are getting avoided World War II? And that is really a question that younger yet getting poorer, instead of richer. still occupies the thoughts of so many individuals,” he Three things are worsening in the Philippines unem- wondered. ployment, poverty incidence, and economic inequality.

Saying those things in Japan is bad. Japan was an Unemployment is the highest in ASEAN. More than ally of Nazi Germany. Writes Jean-Pierre Lehmann, a 20 million Filipinos either have no work or are under- French who specializes on Asia and teaches at Hongkong employed.

University: Asia has solved its poverty. The world has solved “The Japanese, not the Chinese, invaded and ocits poverty. Remarkably, the Philippines is one of the cupied the Philippines from 1942 to 1945, who killed, few countries in the world that failed to cut its poverty tortured and raped and forcibly recruited thousands by half, between 1990 and 2015, the deadline. Only of Philippine women as sex slaves, what the Japanese 100 families account for 85% of total economic output. euphemistically call “ianfu” (comfort women), into Only a good President can solve these problems.

Japanese military-run brothels. It was also the Japanese, Never mind corruption. Corrupt presidents could not the Chinese, who ordered the 1942 Bataan Death still be competent and work wonders. Honest but stu- March, in which thousands died from exhaustion, starpid presidents often do worse damage to the economy. vation, malaria and maltreatment. The Chinese died in Besides, in our history, corrupt presidents are enshrined the millions, both soldiers in battlefields and innocent in the pantheon of shame and often cannot recover civilians, seeking to prevent the world (including the from the ignominy.

Philippines) from being dominated and ruled by the Two countries define our foreign policy—the US and Japan-Nazi Germany alliance.

China.

Naturally, the Chinese envoy to Manila was aghast.

By habit, design and deceit, Filipino presidents have “It’s totally unacceptable.” “Such a comment made by always been pro-America, making the Philippines a US the Philippine president seriously hurt the feelings of colony. the Chinese people,” Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua The most pro-American president is Benigno Simeon told Chinese media in Manila on Friday, June 5. He Cojuangco Aquino III. He has allowed American sol- added: “Japanese fascists committed towering crimes to diers to roam anywhere in the Philippines and malinger people both in China and the Philippines during World in local military camps in the guise of strengthening War II. The Chinese people will never forget the atrociManila’s defense capability. Aquino brought back the ties by Japanese soldiers, and the Filipino people should US bases without making the Americans pay rent ($2.5 not forget it either.” This June marks the 40th anniverbillion per year during Ferdinand Marcos’s time). sary of Manila-Beijing relations.

Aquino is the only Philippine president to antagonize Did Aquino think he hurt the Chinese feelings? He simultaneously the three Chinas China mainland (for told Japanese media on June 5: its incessant reclamation of Philippine-claimed reefs in “One only has to look at the map. And if I guess, one the South China Sea), Taiwan (for the 2013 killing of a of the questions we would like to ask the Chinese people Taiwanese fisherman), and Hongkong (for the killing of were: If you were the Philippines, and suddenly you would eight tourists at Rizal Park in 2010). have one coastline, in effect, your whole west coast is gone, The Chinese want to talk with Manila. A bilateral you will be retained with your east coast, would you say, dialogue. sThey don’t want the Americans to meddle in ‘Yes please, take half of our waterways? I don’t think any this talk between relatives and between neighbors. country would willingly do that. So we are just standing up But the Americans say they are the policemen of Asia. for our rights. We respect everybody else’s rights. We ask They have the gun and the firepower, after all. And that our rights also be respected. the Pacific Ocean, where most of Asia is, extends 11,000 kms to their shore. Thus, the US is a Pacific power biznewsasia@gmail.com

contributed to the fire’s high number of casualties: Foremost is the lack of the required emergency exit doors (even the windows were protected by grills and a chicken wire mesh to prevent finished slipper products from being stolen by workers), fire sprinklers and extinguishers. By scrimping on the extra cost of installing a closed circuit TV camera to prevent pilferage, the factory owners will now have to pay millions of pesos for the loss of lives.

Fire safety violations were overlooked (either deliberately or not pursued for compliance) by the BFP inspectors.

The local government headed by Mayor Rex Gatchalian issued business

permits pending the BFP report of violations. But then, why the mayor’s office issue the permit to operate if the BFP has not issued a clearance?

The Department of Labor under Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz is equally criminally negligent for allowing Kentex to hire contractual workers without knowing the exact number that may have exceeded the factory’s space occupancy. This was the reason many of the fatalities who came from the provinces could not be identified.

It is ironic that a fire can raze a house (or a factory in this case) while also being able to reveal skeletons in the closet. The Gatchalian patriarch, William, who started the family business Wellex Plastics,

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

CITIZENSHIP and TO THE domiciliary/residency issues continue to POINT hang over the head EMIL P. of Senator Grace Poe, JURADO who has yet to decide whether or not she would run for the presidency or vice presidency in May 2016.

There have been as many conflicting opinions and theories as there are so-called legal experts and luminaries.

Until the Supreme Court puts these issues to rest, the presidential or vice presidential run of the adopted daughter of the late movie icon Fernando Poe Jr. remains.

Insofar as Grace Poe’s citizenship is concerned, if we are to believe that she was found in Jaro’s Cathedral in Iloilo as a foundling, there is no doubt that she would be a naturalborn citizen.

The problem is the fact that she has the features of a “mestiza,” very fair in complexion. Who then was her biological father or mother, who abandoned her? If her father or mother was not Filipino, that would make her NOT a natural-born Filipino.

Since we could now rule out the rumors that her biological parents were the late strongman President Ferdinand Marcos and Rosemarie Sonora, sister of Susan Roces, what then was her citizenship? Under our laws, we observe the “jus sanguinis” doctrine or blood relationship.

The United States observes the “jus soli” doctrine where one who is born on US soil becomes an American citizen. Premises considered, it is now for the courts to decide it.

Poe, in her Certificate of Candidacy, signed under oath that her Philippine residency was only six years and six months. This would make her lack residency for a presidential or vice presidential bid.

Grace claims that she has been in the Philippines since 2004 when her adopted father, FPJ died. This would make her a resident for more than 10 years during Election Day in 2016 in accordance with law. But I recall that Poe herself claimed that she renounced her US citizenship when she was appointed by President Aquino in 2010 as chairperson of the Movies and Television Ratings and Classification Board. This would coincide with her COC as senator with her oath that she was a resident of the country only for six years and six months.

Why didn’t Poe correct that so-called “honest mistake” sooner? She is bright enough to know it.

The domiciliary issue is another thing. When you become a US citizen, you must swear allegiance to the American flag, which could endanger your Philippine domicile. Under our laws, the intention to return or “animus revertendi” holds as in many cases in our jurisprudence. Another thing, did Grace Poe ever become an employee of the US government? My gulay, that too must be established whether or not she was.

These are issues that only the Supreme Court can decide. Until then, we can only speculate on them.

Chinese..From A9

OPINION

OPINION

HANGING OVER HER HEAD

Why did Senator Poe not correct her honest mistake earlier?

W E D N E S D AY: J U N E 1 0 , 2 0 1 5

W E D N E S D AY: J U N E 1 0 , 2 0 1 5

was almost deported to Formosa (now Taiwan) when his citizenship was questioned. Luckily, the court ruled in his favor. Known as the “Plastics King,” he parlayed his plastics business to include other interests such as Air Philippines which he sold to taipan Lucio Tan. He then acquired the Cebu Waterfront Hotel and the Manila Pavillon which used to be the Manila Hilton. At one time, he even wanted to go into newspaper publishing by buying shares in Manila Standard but his offer was rejected.

William Gatchalian raised two sons, Mayor Rex and Congressman Sherwin, to keep Valenzuela City pretty much in their grip.

RESOLUTION IS NOT ABOUT PROTECTING AN ALLEGED FUGITIVE BI dismisses applications with Honorable DoJ Secretary and THIS has reference to the news MAIL MATTERS the subject 21 May 2015 Board unauthenticated documents comitem written by Ms. Christine Herrera appearing in your newspaper’s 01 June 2015 issue.

For the record, I object in the strongest possible terms to the insinuation linking the 21 May 2015 Resolution of the Bureau of Immigration’s Board of Commissioners to the allegation of congressional pay-off for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) passage and allegedly fund raising for the campaign of the Liberal Party. The spin of the news story is baseless and unfounded. The statements of the alleged source from BI and the House of Representatives are malicious; their identities and statements should have been doublechecked. And the facts on the subject Chinese national are ex-

aggerated.

The allegations that the BI through the two Associate Commissioners is being used as conduit of bribe money for the Liberal Party only seek to destroy the straight path governance of His Excellency President Aquino and to damage the credibility and independence of the Philippine Congress.

The Wang Bo case is presently before the Office of the Secretary of Justice under a process of appeal filed by the BI Legal Division. There is likewise a pending Petition for Habeas Corpus filed before the Court of Appeals by the respondent Chinese national Wang Bo. The Memorandum for the

PRESIDENTIAL moist eyes await with bated breath the results of the second quarter poll surveys to be publicly released by Pulse Asia and SWS. The field research is currently being undertaken (first to second week of June), and the results likely to be announced by the major pollsters in late June or early July.

Even President Aquino, who announced in April that he would announce his “anointed” presidential candidate in June, has recently moved his endorsement date to “after-Sona”, which clearly indicates he too wants to see the surveys.

Noticeably, the four sure-fire candidates for president have been active in the public eye. VP Binay has been flying from province to province, conducting “boodle fights” in public markets, while his TV ads dominate the airwaves.

Mar Roxas has been flying all over likewise, distributing his recentlypurchased Mahindra-branded police jeeps to mayors all over the country.

Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte continues with his “listening tours,” advocating federalism, but quietly creating a “groundswell” of support in his native Mindanao, where he leaped from non-candidate to number one in the recent surveys.

His handlers have created a TV

ing from foreign governments. The deportation case at hand should not be treated differently.

The BI Board Resolution is not about protecting an alleged fugitive. It is about according a person a chance to have the documents against him scrutinized and validated. It is about protecting the processes of the Bureau and make the Chinese police attache understand that in this country he or his office must observe compliance with documentary procedures.

At any rate, the matter is pending review by higher authorities.

Atty. Gilberto J. Repizo Associate Commissioner, Bureau of Immigration

WITH BATED BREATH

SO I SEE LITO BANAYO

Resolution are both self-explanatory.

Essentially, my issues revolve around compliance by the Chinese authorities on the acceptable proof of their allegations.

Other countries like Australia, for instance, or the United States of America or those from the European Union are more compliant with the documentary requirements in accordance with the international practice.

The Bureau of Immigration and its disposition of issues are not and ought not to be dictated by a Chinese police official. If they can comply with the documents we need, then the resolution does not have the effect of res judicata.

commercial which went viral in the internet within the same day it was aired on primetime television shows.

Senator Grace Poe has been hogging the headlines as she rejects overtures for her to run as vice-president, and playing coy about her presidential ambitions.

Even her much-publicized signing of the Senate Blue Ribbon’s partial report recommending that the Ombudsman file plunder charges against her would-be opponent, Vice President Binay, even as she hardly attended any of the marathon 22 Senate investigative hearings, was calculated to give her maximum media mileage.

Of course, these candidates likely have their own “private” pollsters. Binay even hired a Canadian research expert, David Rink, as the recently-exposed AMLA money trail shows fund transfers to the Canadian’s bank accounts. Roxas, for his part, is said to have had a permanent poll researcher in American Paul Bograd, who was used by both Presidents Aquino and Estrada in the past.

While Poe and Duterte are not known to have “foreign” pollsters paid in dollars, surely their strategists have their own retained “inhouse” pollsters, whose findings are “for their eyes only”.

Aside from the four presidential contenders, namely Binay, Poe, Duterte and Roxas, the other “moist eyes” anticipate the second-

#FAILOCRACY

quarter results as well. Because ballots have to be printed early, the Comelec has announced that the deadline for filing certificates of candidacy is October 15 this year, virtually seven months before Election Day. Will Binay’s core support, estimated to be in the mid-20s range, hold on despite revelations of billions of pesos in 242 bank accounts exposed through the Anti-Money Laundering Council? If that core support is sundered, who among the three other sure-fire candidates would benefit from the fall-out?

Even likelier, if Binay’s support base is mortally eroded, there may be more “moist eyes” entering the fray, making the 2016 presidential derby a multi-cornered fight, similar to 1992, when Ramos, Miriam, Danding Cojuangco, the late Monching Mitra, Jovito Salonga, the late Doy Laurel, and even First Lady Imelda Marcos contested the presidency, thus allowing Cory Aquino’s anointed, FVR, squeak into a 2-percent margin of victory over Miriam Santiago.

That must be Mar Roxas’ fondest dream. If many more candidates enter the fight, he hopes that PNoy’s endorsement will allow him to squeak into a marginal victory. Liberals keep musing about the 1992 template, where Cory endorsed FVR, who had a 23-percent victory over then political rock-star Miriam who garnered 21 percent of the votes cast.

Those on the other hand whose numbers will remain in discouraging single-digit, except for LP’s Mar, will probably start peddling themselves as vice-presidentiables to the front-runners. Or remain in their senatorial seats, content with supporting their choice of presidential candidate, as they hope to bargain for positions of power later on, such as Senate President, or a future cabinet position upon their term expiration.

In the pre-martial law days when the Republic had a two-party system, the Nacionalistas and Liberals went into a national party convention to choose who their presidential and vice-presidential candidates would be. Mayors, governors, congressmen, even senators and provincial party chairmen would choose among their peers who should best represent their party and carry it to victory.

With the Cory Constitution allowing a multiplicity of political parties while retaining a presidential system, conventions are no longer the norm. The professional poll survey firms, notably SWS and Pulse Asia, have taken over the task of “proclaiming” candidates based on the tale of their surveys.

Thus, we have had a Senate composed of misfits with celebrity status, and even presidents who have neither moral nor intellectual capabilities to lead.

Sad.

A11

Tension.. From A9 On the other hand, I am sure the Aquino administration must be thankful that he has a big controversy with Beijing that allows him to divert attention from his other problems on the domestic scene, like the impending fiasco that is his bid to have Congress railroad the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. Since the BBL appears dead in the water in both the House and the Senate, Aquino seems to have decided to get into a shouting match with the Chinese – much to the dismay of our other neighbors in the region, including those who are also claiming parts of the disputed sea.

What Aquino’s American-aided saberrattling on the West Philippine Sea is obviously achieving is polarizing Filipinos against each other, specifically those of Chinese descent and those who are not. And if the FCCCI’s last-minute cancellation of its scheduled program is any indication, Aquino’s strange brand of diplomacy is already sending shivers down the collective spine of ethnic Chinese businessmen.

It doesn’t help, either, that some of Aquino’s more strident supporters have started making more and more strident calls to escalate the growing conflict, like calling for a boycott of Chinesemade products or local businesses. I don’t know if Malacanang is behind these calls in order to create a “Wag The Dog” scenario of diversionary publicity – all I know is that no one in this country will benefit from a shooting war with the Chinese.

The large and influential ethnic Chinese community is already on tenterhooks. And they want to remind the rest of us that they should not be targeted as the convenient victims this early in this conflict, simply because they, too, are Filipinos.

CHONG ARDIVILLA

A10

Criminal culpability, as the Office of the President had already announced, is widely spread to Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian, the Bureau of Fire Protection officials and the Kentex owners who are the most culpable. Fire investigators said the factory did not have fire safety measures like proper ventilation and emergency exits. It also did not store combustible materials properly. The bags of chemical placed recklessly near the factory entrance caught fire from the sparks from the welding as workers repaired the gate.

In retrospect, here are the factors that

TWO ISSUES DEFINE 2016 TWO issues should define the presand must rebalance things in this idential election of 2016 and deterregion.

VIRTUAL mine its winner the economy and President Aquino has used inREALITY foreign policy. sulting language to disparage the The Philippines , with 100 milChinese.

Resisting claims by TONY lion population or 22.22 million Beijing on islands closer to the families, is the 12th largest in the Philippines than to Hainan, the LOPEZ world. Its economy is the 30th bigPresident has likened the Chinese gest in the world. to the Nazis of Germany which The 12 largest countries population are: 1. China annexed Czechoslovakia in 1938, without the western 1.39 billion, 2. India 1.267 billion, 3. USA 322.5 mil- powers lifting a finger in protest. Aquino first made the lion, 4. Indonesia 252 million, 5. Brazil 202 million, parallelism in an interview published by The New York 6. Pakistan 185 million, 7. Nigeria 178.5 million, 8. Times in February 2014. That was bad. The Chinese Bangladesh 158.5 million, 9. Russia 142 million, 10. cannot be 1.4 billion Hitlers.

Japan 127 million, 11. Mexico 123.8 million, and 12.

Worse, Aquino repeated the historical inaccuracy the Philippines. while visiting Japan early this June. He did it twice in Usually, the bigger the country, the bigger is its econ- Tokyo, on June 1 and June 3. “I’m an amateur student omy, in purchasing power parity (PPP terms or what the of history and I’m reminded of how Germany was testdollar can buy in local goods). A nation’s best wealth ing the waters and what the response were by various and best capital are its people, quality people. Not sur- other European powers,” the President told a special prisingly thus, China is No. 1in GDP PPP. No. 2. Is US, conference by Nikkei publication on the future of Asia.

3. India, 4. Japan, 5. Germany, 6. Russia, 7. Brazil, 8.

“Unfortunately, up to the annexation of the Indonesia, 9. France, 10. UK, 11. Mexico, and 12. Italy. Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, and eventually, the anThe Philippines is underperforming, especially nexation of the entire country of Czechoslovakia, noconsidering that Filipinos have a median age of 23.2 body said ‘stop,” Aquino recalled his amateur history. years. The Chinese have a median age of 35.7 years, “What if somebody said stop to Hitler at that point Americans 37.5, and the Japanese 46.2 years. These peo- in time, or to Germany at that time? Could we have ple are ageing but getting richer. Filipinos are getting avoided World War II? And that is really a question that younger yet getting poorer, instead of richer. still occupies the thoughts of so many individuals,” he Three things are worsening in the Philippines unem- wondered. ployment, poverty incidence, and economic inequality.

Saying those things in Japan is bad. Japan was an Unemployment is the highest in ASEAN. More than ally of Nazi Germany. Writes Jean-Pierre Lehmann, a 20 million Filipinos either have no work or are under- French who specializes on Asia and teaches at Hongkong employed.

University: Asia has solved its poverty. The world has solved “The Japanese, not the Chinese, invaded and ocits poverty. Remarkably, the Philippines is one of the cupied the Philippines from 1942 to 1945, who killed, few countries in the world that failed to cut its poverty tortured and raped and forcibly recruited thousands by half, between 1990 and 2015, the deadline. Only of Philippine women as sex slaves, what the Japanese 100 families account for 85% of total economic output. euphemistically call “ianfu” (comfort women), into Only a good President can solve these problems.

Japanese military-run brothels. It was also the Japanese, Never mind corruption. Corrupt presidents could not the Chinese, who ordered the 1942 Bataan Death still be competent and work wonders. Honest but stu- March, in which thousands died from exhaustion, starpid presidents often do worse damage to the economy. vation, malaria and maltreatment. The Chinese died in Besides, in our history, corrupt presidents are enshrined the millions, both soldiers in battlefields and innocent in the pantheon of shame and often cannot recover civilians, seeking to prevent the world (including the from the ignominy.

Philippines) from being dominated and ruled by the Two countries define our foreign policy—the US and Japan-Nazi Germany alliance.

China.

Naturally, the Chinese envoy to Manila was aghast.

By habit, design and deceit, Filipino presidents have “It’s totally unacceptable.” “Such a comment made by always been pro-America, making the Philippines a US the Philippine president seriously hurt the feelings of colony. the Chinese people,” Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua The most pro-American president is Benigno Simeon told Chinese media in Manila on Friday, June 5. He Cojuangco Aquino III. He has allowed American sol- added: “Japanese fascists committed towering crimes to diers to roam anywhere in the Philippines and malinger people both in China and the Philippines during World in local military camps in the guise of strengthening War II. The Chinese people will never forget the atrociManila’s defense capability. Aquino brought back the ties by Japanese soldiers, and the Filipino people should US bases without making the Americans pay rent ($2.5 not forget it either.” This June marks the 40th anniverbillion per year during Ferdinand Marcos’s time). sary of Manila-Beijing relations.

Aquino is the only Philippine president to antagonize Did Aquino think he hurt the Chinese feelings? He simultaneously the three Chinas China mainland (for told Japanese media on June 5: its incessant reclamation of Philippine-claimed reefs in “One only has to look at the map. And if I guess, one the South China Sea), Taiwan (for the 2013 killing of a of the questions we would like to ask the Chinese people Taiwanese fisherman), and Hongkong (for the killing of were: If you were the Philippines, and suddenly you would eight tourists at Rizal Park in 2010). have one coastline, in effect, your whole west coast is gone, The Chinese want to talk with Manila. A bilateral you will be retained with your east coast, would you say, dialogue. sThey don’t want the Americans to meddle in ‘Yes please, take half of our waterways? I don’t think any this talk between relatives and between neighbors. country would willingly do that. So we are just standing up But the Americans say they are the policemen of Asia. for our rights. We respect everybody else’s rights. We ask They have the gun and the firepower, after all. And that our rights also be respected. the Pacific Ocean, where most of Asia is, extends 11,000 kms to their shore. Thus, the US is a Pacific power biznewsasia@gmail.com

contributed to the fire’s high number of casualties: Foremost is the lack of the required emergency exit doors (even the windows were protected by grills and a chicken wire mesh to prevent finished slipper products from being stolen by workers), fire sprinklers and extinguishers. By scrimping on the extra cost of installing a closed circuit TV camera to prevent pilferage, the factory owners will now have to pay millions of pesos for the loss of lives.

Fire safety violations were overlooked (either deliberately or not pursued for compliance) by the BFP inspectors.

The local government headed by Mayor Rex Gatchalian issued business

permits pending the BFP report of violations. But then, why the mayor’s office issue the permit to operate if the BFP has not issued a clearance?

The Department of Labor under Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz is equally criminally negligent for allowing Kentex to hire contractual workers without knowing the exact number that may have exceeded the factory’s space occupancy. This was the reason many of the fatalities who came from the provinces could not be identified.

It is ironic that a fire can raze a house (or a factory in this case) while also being able to reveal skeletons in the closet. The Gatchalian patriarch, William, who started the family business Wellex Plastics,

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

CITIZENSHIP and TO THE domiciliary/residency issues continue to POINT hang over the head EMIL P. of Senator Grace Poe, JURADO who has yet to decide whether or not she would run for the presidency or vice presidency in May 2016.

There have been as many conflicting opinions and theories as there are so-called legal experts and luminaries.

Until the Supreme Court puts these issues to rest, the presidential or vice presidential run of the adopted daughter of the late movie icon Fernando Poe Jr. remains.

Insofar as Grace Poe’s citizenship is concerned, if we are to believe that she was found in Jaro’s Cathedral in Iloilo as a foundling, there is no doubt that she would be a naturalborn citizen.

The problem is the fact that she has the features of a “mestiza,” very fair in complexion. Who then was her biological father or mother, who abandoned her? If her father or mother was not Filipino, that would make her NOT a natural-born Filipino.

Since we could now rule out the rumors that her biological parents were the late strongman President Ferdinand Marcos and Rosemarie Sonora, sister of Susan Roces, what then was her citizenship? Under our laws, we observe the “jus sanguinis” doctrine or blood relationship.

The United States observes the “jus soli” doctrine where one who is born on US soil becomes an American citizen. Premises considered, it is now for the courts to decide it.

Poe, in her Certificate of Candidacy, signed under oath that her Philippine residency was only six years and six months. This would make her lack residency for a presidential or vice presidential bid.

Grace claims that she has been in the Philippines since 2004 when her adopted father, FPJ died. This would make her a resident for more than 10 years during Election Day in 2016 in accordance with law. But I recall that Poe herself claimed that she renounced her US citizenship when she was appointed by President Aquino in 2010 as chairperson of the Movies and Television Ratings and Classification Board. This would coincide with her COC as senator with her oath that she was a resident of the country only for six years and six months.

Why didn’t Poe correct that so-called “honest mistake” sooner? She is bright enough to know it.

The domiciliary issue is another thing. When you become a US citizen, you must swear allegiance to the American flag, which could endanger your Philippine domicile. Under our laws, the intention to return or “animus revertendi” holds as in many cases in our jurisprudence. Another thing, did Grace Poe ever become an employee of the US government? My gulay, that too must be established whether or not she was.

These are issues that only the Supreme Court can decide. Until then, we can only speculate on them.

Chinese..From A9

OPINION

OPINION

HANGING OVER HER HEAD

Why did Senator Poe not correct her honest mistake earlier?

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was almost deported to Formosa (now Taiwan) when his citizenship was questioned. Luckily, the court ruled in his favor. Known as the “Plastics King,” he parlayed his plastics business to include other interests such as Air Philippines which he sold to taipan Lucio Tan. He then acquired the Cebu Waterfront Hotel and the Manila Pavillon which used to be the Manila Hilton. At one time, he even wanted to go into newspaper publishing by buying shares in Manila Standard but his offer was rejected.

William Gatchalian raised two sons, Mayor Rex and Congressman Sherwin, to keep Valenzuela City pretty much in their grip.

RESOLUTION IS NOT ABOUT PROTECTING AN ALLEGED FUGITIVE BI dismisses applications with Honorable DoJ Secretary and THIS has reference to the news MAIL MATTERS the subject 21 May 2015 Board unauthenticated documents comitem written by Ms. Christine Herrera appearing in your newspaper’s 01 June 2015 issue.

For the record, I object in the strongest possible terms to the insinuation linking the 21 May 2015 Resolution of the Bureau of Immigration’s Board of Commissioners to the allegation of congressional pay-off for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) passage and allegedly fund raising for the campaign of the Liberal Party. The spin of the news story is baseless and unfounded. The statements of the alleged source from BI and the House of Representatives are malicious; their identities and statements should have been doublechecked. And the facts on the subject Chinese national are ex-

aggerated.

The allegations that the BI through the two Associate Commissioners is being used as conduit of bribe money for the Liberal Party only seek to destroy the straight path governance of His Excellency President Aquino and to damage the credibility and independence of the Philippine Congress.

The Wang Bo case is presently before the Office of the Secretary of Justice under a process of appeal filed by the BI Legal Division. There is likewise a pending Petition for Habeas Corpus filed before the Court of Appeals by the respondent Chinese national Wang Bo. The Memorandum for the

PRESIDENTIAL moist eyes await with bated breath the results of the second quarter poll surveys to be publicly released by Pulse Asia and SWS. The field research is currently being undertaken (first to second week of June), and the results likely to be announced by the major pollsters in late June or early July.

Even President Aquino, who announced in April that he would announce his “anointed” presidential candidate in June, has recently moved his endorsement date to “after-Sona”, which clearly indicates he too wants to see the surveys.

Noticeably, the four sure-fire candidates for president have been active in the public eye. VP Binay has been flying from province to province, conducting “boodle fights” in public markets, while his TV ads dominate the airwaves.

Mar Roxas has been flying all over likewise, distributing his recentlypurchased Mahindra-branded police jeeps to mayors all over the country.

Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte continues with his “listening tours,” advocating federalism, but quietly creating a “groundswell” of support in his native Mindanao, where he leaped from non-candidate to number one in the recent surveys.

His handlers have created a TV

ing from foreign governments. The deportation case at hand should not be treated differently.

The BI Board Resolution is not about protecting an alleged fugitive. It is about according a person a chance to have the documents against him scrutinized and validated. It is about protecting the processes of the Bureau and make the Chinese police attache understand that in this country he or his office must observe compliance with documentary procedures.

At any rate, the matter is pending review by higher authorities.

Atty. Gilberto J. Repizo Associate Commissioner, Bureau of Immigration

WITH BATED BREATH

SO I SEE LITO BANAYO

Resolution are both self-explanatory.

Essentially, my issues revolve around compliance by the Chinese authorities on the acceptable proof of their allegations.

Other countries like Australia, for instance, or the United States of America or those from the European Union are more compliant with the documentary requirements in accordance with the international practice.

The Bureau of Immigration and its disposition of issues are not and ought not to be dictated by a Chinese police official. If they can comply with the documents we need, then the resolution does not have the effect of res judicata.

commercial which went viral in the internet within the same day it was aired on primetime television shows.

Senator Grace Poe has been hogging the headlines as she rejects overtures for her to run as vice-president, and playing coy about her presidential ambitions.

Even her much-publicized signing of the Senate Blue Ribbon’s partial report recommending that the Ombudsman file plunder charges against her would-be opponent, Vice President Binay, even as she hardly attended any of the marathon 22 Senate investigative hearings, was calculated to give her maximum media mileage.

Of course, these candidates likely have their own “private” pollsters. Binay even hired a Canadian research expert, David Rink, as the recently-exposed AMLA money trail shows fund transfers to the Canadian’s bank accounts. Roxas, for his part, is said to have had a permanent poll researcher in American Paul Bograd, who was used by both Presidents Aquino and Estrada in the past.

While Poe and Duterte are not known to have “foreign” pollsters paid in dollars, surely their strategists have their own retained “inhouse” pollsters, whose findings are “for their eyes only”.

Aside from the four presidential contenders, namely Binay, Poe, Duterte and Roxas, the other “moist eyes” anticipate the second-

#FAILOCRACY

quarter results as well. Because ballots have to be printed early, the Comelec has announced that the deadline for filing certificates of candidacy is October 15 this year, virtually seven months before Election Day. Will Binay’s core support, estimated to be in the mid-20s range, hold on despite revelations of billions of pesos in 242 bank accounts exposed through the Anti-Money Laundering Council? If that core support is sundered, who among the three other sure-fire candidates would benefit from the fall-out?

Even likelier, if Binay’s support base is mortally eroded, there may be more “moist eyes” entering the fray, making the 2016 presidential derby a multi-cornered fight, similar to 1992, when Ramos, Miriam, Danding Cojuangco, the late Monching Mitra, Jovito Salonga, the late Doy Laurel, and even First Lady Imelda Marcos contested the presidency, thus allowing Cory Aquino’s anointed, FVR, squeak into a 2-percent margin of victory over Miriam Santiago.

That must be Mar Roxas’ fondest dream. If many more candidates enter the fight, he hopes that PNoy’s endorsement will allow him to squeak into a marginal victory. Liberals keep musing about the 1992 template, where Cory endorsed FVR, who had a 23-percent victory over then political rock-star Miriam who garnered 21 percent of the votes cast.

Those on the other hand whose numbers will remain in discouraging single-digit, except for LP’s Mar, will probably start peddling themselves as vice-presidentiables to the front-runners. Or remain in their senatorial seats, content with supporting their choice of presidential candidate, as they hope to bargain for positions of power later on, such as Senate President, or a future cabinet position upon their term expiration.

In the pre-martial law days when the Republic had a two-party system, the Nacionalistas and Liberals went into a national party convention to choose who their presidential and vice-presidential candidates would be. Mayors, governors, congressmen, even senators and provincial party chairmen would choose among their peers who should best represent their party and carry it to victory.

With the Cory Constitution allowing a multiplicity of political parties while retaining a presidential system, conventions are no longer the norm. The professional poll survey firms, notably SWS and Pulse Asia, have taken over the task of “proclaiming” candidates based on the tale of their surveys.

Thus, we have had a Senate composed of misfits with celebrity status, and even presidents who have neither moral nor intellectual capabilities to lead.

Sad.

A11

Tension.. From A9 On the other hand, I am sure the Aquino administration must be thankful that he has a big controversy with Beijing that allows him to divert attention from his other problems on the domestic scene, like the impending fiasco that is his bid to have Congress railroad the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. Since the BBL appears dead in the water in both the House and the Senate, Aquino seems to have decided to get into a shouting match with the Chinese – much to the dismay of our other neighbors in the region, including those who are also claiming parts of the disputed sea.

What Aquino’s American-aided saberrattling on the West Philippine Sea is obviously achieving is polarizing Filipinos against each other, specifically those of Chinese descent and those who are not. And if the FCCCI’s last-minute cancellation of its scheduled program is any indication, Aquino’s strange brand of diplomacy is already sending shivers down the collective spine of ethnic Chinese businessmen.

It doesn’t help, either, that some of Aquino’s more strident supporters have started making more and more strident calls to escalate the growing conflict, like calling for a boycott of Chinesemade products or local businesses. I don’t know if Malacanang is behind these calls in order to create a “Wag The Dog” scenario of diversionary publicity – all I know is that no one in this country will benefit from a shooting war with the Chinese.

The large and influential ethnic Chinese community is already on tenterhooks. And they want to remind the rest of us that they should not be targeted as the convenient victims this early in this conflict, simply because they, too, are Filipinos.

CHONG ARDIVILLA

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A12 Boystown’s 78 children downed by ‘poisoning’ AT least 78 children from the Manila Boystown in Marikina City were hospitalized on Sunday night due to suspected food poisoning.

Police Chief Senior Supt.

Vincent Calanoga said the children were brought to Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City after suffering from nausea and vomiting.

He said the children suffered from food poisoning after eating boiled eggs and hotdogs donated by an n ongovernment organization.

Dr. Alfred Garcia, resident doctor of Boystown, said the food served to the victims was probably spoiled since this was prepared early in the morning and was given to the children in the afternoon.

Dr. Emmanuel Bueno, Director of Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, said some of the patients were given oral dehydration solution while others were given dextrose solutions after suffering from extreme stomach pain and vomiting.

The hospital said all the patients were already discharged on Monday.

The Boystown management said it will investigate while the NGO apologized over the incident.

It added that it would take full responsibility for the incident and vowed to ensured that assistance will be sent to help the children recover fully. John Paolo J. Bencito

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

House bloc blasts bid to amend Cha-cha plan

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives on Tuesday renewed its opposition to Charter change in any form even as the bloc urged colleagues in Congress not to approve the proposed amendments to the Constitution saying that opening up the economy to foreigners will only worsen poverty in the country.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares questioned the House majority bloc for deleting pro-Filipino provisions in the Constitution beyond what they initially promised as the ‘mere’ insertion of “unless otherwise

provided by law” “It is not true that the Majority only proposed the insertion of a phrase in the Constitution. They actually and stealthily deleted pro-Filipino provisions during the second reading of the bill,” Colmenares said.

“They deleted the provision under Art. XIV, Sec. 4 requiring Congress “to increase Filipino equity participation in all educational institutions”, thereby ensuring foreign control of education. They also deleted, in essence, the mandatory Constitutional requirement in Sec. 4 par. (2) that “control and administration of educational institutions shall be vested in Fiilipinos,” Colmenares said.

Additionally, Colmenares said accused the Palace allies in the Lower House for takng out the power of Congress to require “higher percentage” of Filipino ownership in Philippine businesses or corporations as mandated in Art. XII Sec. 10.

“The Majority also gave

away our public utilities to these foreigners and practically deleted the mandatory constitutional requirement under Sec. 11, Art. XII that “all executive and managing officers” of public utilities and franchises must be held by Filipino citizens. The majority promised they will not delete any provision but only insert a phrase. These were not mere insertions but also deletion,” Colmenares pointed out.

This developed as House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. denied that House leaders have made changes to the Charter as Colmenares claimed.

“We have made no changes,” Belmonte said even as he maintained that

his proposal to amend the economic provisions in the Constitution would be beneficial to the economy.

The House is expected to approve today Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 which was principally authored by Belmonte.

Belmonte’s RBH No. 1 seeks to provide amendments to economic provisions on the 60-40 rule that limits foreign ownership of certain activities in the Philippines.

The resolution will include the phrase “unless provided by law” in the foreign-ownership provision of the Constitution, particularly land ownership, public utilities, natural resources, media and advertising industries.

Makati sets grand party Thursday MAKATI City officials on Tuesday urged motorists to take alternate routes and avoid traffic along Makati Avenue as the city government will host its annual grand parade and street party in connection with the city’s 345th anniversary.

The city government will hold the grand parade dubbed “Sampiro de Makati Festival” on Thursday at 4:30 pm starting from City Hall grounds through J.P. Rizal Street, ending at the staging area near Berjaya Hotel in Makati Avenue.

The parade will culminate with a street dance competition at the staging area, which will be followed by a street party where five live bands will perform.

To make way for the construction of a stage near Berjaya Hotel, the stretch of Makati Avenue from the corner of J.P. Rizal Street to Kalayaan Avenue will be closed to traffic Wednesday (June 10) starting at 10 pm, and will remain closed until June 12 at 6 am.

Vehicles from Mandaluyong City going to Gil Puyat Avenue shall turn right at J.P. Rizal Street then turn left at Nicanor Garcia Street (formerly Reposo St.). Joel Zurbano

Demolished. Residents gather their belongings after the demolition of informal settlements in order to give way to a road widening project of the government near the fish port in Manila on June 9, 2015. Shantytowns dot the Philippine capital where many of the city’s poor are forced to reside. AFP

Freedom Day-ready.

An ambulant vendor sells miniature flags along the busy stretch of Roxas Boulevard ahead of the commmemoration of the Independence Day on June 12. EY ACASIO

Quake drill to shake, not rattle, Metro—Tolentino

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority will conduct “Metro Shake” drills in several subdivisions identified as vulnerable to a powerful earthquake.

This developed shortly after the agency received formal request from various groups for training on earthquake management, preparedness and disaster response trainings.

The agency will bring its so-called “Mobile Earthquake House” to the subdivisions in order to allow residents to experience a simulated earthquake.

“Although we have mobile earthquake house to use, we can’t do the drill simultaneously so it should be one at a time,” said MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino.

“We are happy to note the patriotism of our people. The overwhelm-

ing response from potential volunteers shows that we Filipinos are indeed compassionate people,” Tolentino said.

For the last two years now, more than 2,000 individuals have already undergone the MMDA disaster response training and are already considered members of the Task Force Yakal, composed of the MMDA’s 6,000-strong workforce who were trained as rescue volunteers.

Tolentino said volunteers will be clustered according to their skills so that they know what duties they will perform.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology earlier came up with the Valley Fault System Atlas, a handbook of large scale maps showing in detail areas traversed by the Valley Fault System, which was distributed to local government officials in preparation for the “Big One”, a phrase used to describe the gigantic earthquake.

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A13

news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Indigenous peoples fight for identity, territory under proposed law

Water level in Angat Dam drops despite downpours

By Rio N. Araja

By Ronald O. Reyes THE Tedurays along with other Philippine tribesmen continue their fight for identity and territory under the proposed new Bangsamoro territory in Mindanao despite the fact that they lack numbers and weaponry.

“We are not armed... this does not mean the lumads or the indigenous peoples in Mindanao do not have legitimate concerns.

Our territory is part of what is being proposed as Bangsamoro Territory,” said Jennevieve Cornelio, a Teduray woman leader of the Timuay Justice and Governance.

Cornelio, like other lumad delegates, travelled to Manila to push for their full inclusion of their rights in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which the Palace is pushing.

On Monday, she raised her group’s concerns in a media forum in Manila which was also attended by Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and lawyer Christian Monsod, who is part of the Peace Council.

“Our distinct identity as Teduray, Dulangan Manobo and Lambangian is being subsumed as Bangsamoro people.

We cannot allow this,” Cornelio added.

Cornelio said that their struggle to assert their rights of identity and territory “has started long before the MILF-GPH peace talks.”

“We have been consistent about this,” Cornelio added.

The Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process indeed held 32 meetings with indigenous peoples, but these were not consultations but information and education campaigns,” she said.

According to Bandara, the Teduray and Lambangian population is around 8,000 not including those who evacuated due to the wars.

DESPITE frequent downpours in Luzon, including Metro Manila, the water elevation in Angat Dam, Bulacan continues to plunge, experiencing a significant decrease of .20 centimeters to .30 centimeters a day.

Enthroned. Datu Sansaluna A. Pinagayao was recently enthroned as Saripada Gandawali V, Maulanan IV and Datu na Linantangan by the Council of Elders at Em Manor Hotel, Cotabato City. MARK NAVALES

Danilo Flores, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services and Administration hydrologist, said the dam’s level dipped to 178 meters as of Tuesday at 6 a.m.

“Unfortunately, thunderstorms or localized rains did not fall in the watershed of Angat in the past days,” he told The Standard.

Another hydrologist, Elmer Caringal, said at least one typhoon with an average of 110 millimeters of rain is needed to bring Angat Dam’s level to normalcy.

He said 1,420 millimeters of rain or an equivalent of 4 billion drums could increase the dam’s level. This is the equivalent of four strong southwest monsoon rains, or one typhoon.

Meanwhile, Salvador “Buddy” Javier, weather forecaster, said the rainy season is approaching with localized thunderstorms experienced in some parts of Metro Manila.

Another forecaster, Fernando Cada, said the intense heat brought about convective activity and the formation of cumulonimbus clouds are causing the thunderstorms.

Small-scale miners now need to secure consent of communities

Winners All. International evangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ congregation poses with the winners of the 2nd National Children’s Day Photo Contest. REVOLI CORTEZ

BAGUIO CITY—Smallscale miners in the region wanting to renew their contracts or those applying for new contracts within declared Minahang Bayan sites now have to secure the free and prior informed consent (FPIC) of their host communities before being issued permits to operate smallscale mines in their areas.

Engineer Faye W. Apil, regional technical director of the Cordillera office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-CAR), said the revised implementing guidelines of Republic Act (RA) 7076 or the Small-Scale Mining Act now also requires small-scale mining operators to have their centralized processing plant complete with

amenities and tailings storage facility to ensure lesser impact of their pocket mining operations.

This will also allow government regulators to constantly monitor their compliance to health, environment and safety standards.

Apil said that like largescale mining operators, smallscale mining contractors are also mandated to have their own community development projects for their host communities to make sure that they bring back portions of their income for the development of their host and neighboring communities and the local residents.

At the same time, the MGB-CAR official revealed small-scale miners are also

obligated to have their respective environmental protection and enhancement program similar to that of the requirements for largescale mining operations in order to ensure that the state of the environment in the areas where they are doing pocket mining will be enhanced and sustained for the benefit of the present and future generations.

According to her, smallscale mining contracts have a lifespan of two years, thus, those small-scale mining operators who will be renewing their contracts or those who will be applying for new concessions will undergo the stringent procedures required by the revised implementing rules and regulations.

W E D N E S D AY : J U N E 1 0 , 2 0 1 5

A14 2nd leg Triple Crown, Hopeful stakes this weekend THE Philippine Racing Club is set to deliver a speed-soaked weekend of racing at their Santa Ana Park racetrack in Naic, Cavite, featuring the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown series and the Hopeful Stakes races.

Both star-studded events are backed by the Philippine Racing Commission and showcase the talents of the country’s elite local-bred 3YO Thoroughbreds.

Kerby Chua’s filly Superv, longshot winner of the Triple Crown’s mile-long first leg last May 17 at San Lazaro Leisure Park, will attempt to repeat in the second leg on Sunday, June 14.

She faces the challenge of a longer distance—1,800 meters—and a formidable field of 11 other runners. They are Conrado Ong’s colt Breaking Bad, SC Stockfarm’s colt Cat Express, Honorato Neri’s filly Court of Honor, Alchy Enterprises’ colt Diamond’s Best, Felipe Vergara’s filly Driven, Stony Road Horse Farm’s colt Incredible Hook, RMR Equine’s colt Magnetism, Emmanuel King Jr.’s colt Money Talks, Bingson Tecson’s filly Princess Meili, Joseph Dyhengco’s colt Sky Hook, and Dennis Gaddi’s colt Wanderlust.

Up for grabs is P3 million allocated from first to fourth places, with the winner to receive P1.8 million. Colts will carry 54 kgs. and fillies 52.

While some racing fans are eager to see Superv score again, others are not discounting Wanderlust’s chances. Most opine that this race in honor of the late congressman and horseowner Enrique M. Cojuangco Sr. is even-steven.

The Hopeful Stakes on Saturday, June 13, has a full gate field. This is even tougher to call, with SC Stockfarm’s filly Princess Ella, a multiple stakes winner, having a slight edge.

Rolando Villardo’s colt Son of Thunder won a special race a couple of weeks ago and looks in good condition.

Also to be considered are the chances of Stony Road’s filly Hurricane Ridge, Marlon Cunanan’s colt Jebel Ali, and Aurora Sevilla’s Icon.

The purse is P1 million for first to fourth with the winner to receive P600,000. ***** Third choice Mezzanine (Street Sense x Parapet) came from behind to win a Philracom-sponsored charity race for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross – Manila Chapter last Sunday, June 7, at SLLP. The veteran racemare owned by SC Stockfarm and ridden by John Paul A. Guce negotiated the 1,500-meter distance off the pace from frontrunner Lucky Nine, the favorite, to win by a length and a half.

Boss Gee placed second in a photo-finish against Lucky Nine while Seni Seviyorum took fourth. The total time was 1:36.6 (18’24’-26-27).

Representing the Philippine Red Cross at the awarding ceremony were Jose Lozada Jr., Baby Cayetano, and Peping Chu, along with Manila councilman DJ Bagatsing. Philracom Commissioner lawyer Ramon S. Bagatsing Jr. handed the owner’s trophy to trainer Chito Santos. ***** American Pharoah ended racing’s 37-year Triple Crown drought last June 6 when he won the Belmont Stakes, the last leg of the US Triple Crown.

Affirmed was the last to sweep all three legs in 1978.

American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile x Littleprincessemma) blazed the last quarter of the mile and a half (2,400 meters) race .68 of a second faster than Secretariat’s 25-second time in the 1973 Belmont.

Acceleration in the last quarter is rare; what usually happens is that horses get tired in the stretch and their last quarter is the slowest.

American Pharoah clocked a total time of 2:26.65, the second-fastest time to Secretariat’s still-standing record of 2:24 among the 12 Triple Crown champions.

His trainer Bob Baffert called the run “ridiculously insane,” adding “he flew home the last quarter. I’ve never had a horse like that.” ***** Facebook: Gogirl Racing, Twitter: @gogirlracing, Blog: http://jennyo.net

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Alaska Aces move closer to Top 4 finish

By Jeric Lopez

ALASKA recovered in time when Meralco threatened, pulling off an 89-75 victory and moving a step closer to a Top 4 finish in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Romeo Travis provided a splendid all- place with San Miguel Beer with an imaround showing with team-highs of 24 proved 6-2 slate, while Meralco kept its place points and 18 rebounds on top at fourth but is now tied with of five assists and two blocks idle GlobalPort at 4-4.

Games Wednesday (Smart Araneta Coliseum): to spearhead the Aces.

“I thought our guys were 4:15 p.m. Kia vs. Barako Bull It was a crucial triumph flying out there defensively,” 7 p.m. - NLEX vs. Rain or Shine that put the Aces in a better said Alaska coach Alex Compposition to finish in the Top ton. “Our guys responded and 4 and virtually sealed them a seat in the they committed to help each other. quarterfinals.

Though they weren’t able to break the Alaska is momentarily tied for second game wide open, Alaska was in control for

most part and was able to keep its poise when Meralco had several uprisings in the second half to pull through.

The Aces held on to a 42-35 cushion at intermission as the Bolts kept staying within striking distance.

Midway in the third, Alaska was able to establish two 10-point leads, but the gritty Bolts roared back with a 16-8 run to end the period and inch to within just two, 67-65, heading into the fourth.

When Meralco came within just a point, 70-71, in the early part of the fourth, Alaska responded with a vital 7-0 run to gain further separation, 78-70, with 5:09 left after a split from Dondon Hontiveros, who scored four in that spurt. Hontiveros’ stepback jumper with under three minutes left practically iced the game for Alaska, which grabbed a 12-point advantage, 85-73, in the process.

Jared Dilinger of Meralco scores against Alaska’s Vic Manuel (4) and Romeo Travis in a PBA Governors’ Cup game won by the Aces, 89-75.

Innovative dunk won it for Kobe

By Ronnie Nathanielsz TEENAGE sensation Kobe Paras lived by his faith, guts and the support of his countrymen, which were key in his sensational victory in the FIBA Under-18 World Slam Dunk, beating back the spirited challenge of Jaleck Felton of the United States in a finals’ showdown with a sensational creative final slam that had the fans on the edge of their seats.

With the gold-medal triumph, Kobe repeated his stunning success two years ago in Jakarta when he overcame the challenge of the much-taller American and Spanish contestants.

Paras said a quiet prayer and made the sign of the cross, touched the name Philippines on his jersey and remembered the tremendous support he had received from his countrymen through the social media as well as the large crowd, most of them pretty Hungarian lasses, before he decided to change the dunk he had practiced for and innovated at the last minute.

His dad, Benjie Paras, the Philip-

pine Basketball Association’s only winner of the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards in the same year (1989), and an MVP winner 10 years later, told The Standard/Viva Sports that Kobe realized he needed something special to score a perfect 10 on the scorecards of all three judges, who had earlier displeased the crowd when they didn’t give Paras a better score than a 27 in his pre-final dunk, when he soared over three teammates and his coach to demonstrate his superb athletic ability that tied the score at 54-all with Felton.

“Kobe needed an innovative dunk which he tried for the very first time even without practice because he realized if he went ahead with the dunk he had prepared, he wouldn’t win,” said Benjie.

Although Felton failed in his first three attempts in the final round to catch a pass from his teammate, he decided to go for a between-the-legs slam that earned him 29 points and put the pressure on Paras, who needed a perfect score in his final attempt.

NCAA extends age limit of athletes to 25

By Peter Atencio BY 2016, student-athletes can still play in varsity competitions until they are 25 years old.

Management committee chairman Melchor Divina of Season 91 host Mapua said this after the National Collegiate Athletic Association set the age limit of student-athletes from 24 years old to 25 starting next year.

Divina said the decision will give more playing years to incoming freshmen, who will be affected by the K-to-12 system implemented recently by the Department Education.

“It will be implemented in Season 92,” said Divina.

The new educational system will stretch the high school years for students from four to six years.

Because of this, incoming first-year athletes will be denied some eligibility years when they start to play in college.

The present system could also deny college teams some fresh recruits straight from high school if the league does not make changes in its rules.

“The K-to-12 system will limit playing years of incoming athletes straight from high school so hopefully, this new age limit rule will address the issue,” said Divina.

The season opens on June 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Five-peat champion San Beda will fight Mapua at 2 p.m. and last year’s second placer Arellano University meets last year’s third placer Jose Rizal in the main game at 4 p.m.

W E D N E S D AY : J U N E 1 0 , 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

LOTTO RESULTS

Jose Gabuco of the Philippines (left) staggers Leona Hui of Singapore with a left hook during their women’s light flyweight semifinal bout at the 28th SEA Games in Singapore. Gabuco won and advanced to the finals. AFP

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 6 DIGITS 0-0-0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

P0.0 M+ P0.0 M+

Bautista calls for fair judging in SEAG boxing

PH chessers seek 2nd Asean title in 2 weeks

By Arman Armero

SINGAPORE—Bouyed by its exceptional showing in the just-concluded Asian Schools Championship where it won six gold medals to run away with the overall title, the gutsy Philippine chess team eyes another excellent finish when they take on their Southeast Asian neighbors in the 2015 ASEAN Age Group Chess Championships, which kicked off at the Nanyang Technological University here Tuesday.

International Master Paulo Bersamina, an incoming freshman at National University and Far Eastern University’s board 2 player WFM Shania Mae Mendoza, who won a gold each in the Asian Schools tilt, will continue

where they left off in a bid to hand the Philippines a possible second overall title in a span of two weeks.

They will be joined by WIM Janella Mae Frayna, also of FEU, who will be gunning for her third

and final WGM norm when she sees action in the girls’ under-20 category.

Frayna, 19, planed in late Monday along with the bulk of the Philippine delegation which totals 63, the biggest group of chess players so far sent by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, led by its president and chairman Prospero Pichay, NCFP Vice President for Visayas Cong.

Neri Colmenares and Executive Director GM Jayson Gonzales and bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission, headed by its Chairman Richie Garcia and also backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee, led by its president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

Other promising chess players (boys), who had been installed as

favorites owing to their impressive performances in previous age-group tournaments, include Asian Schools’ bronze medalist Joseph Vergara (boys under 8), Michael Concio (boys under-10) Emmanuel Van Paler (boys U-12), Stephen Rome Pangilinan (Boys U-14), Rhenzie Kyle Sevillano (Boys U-16) and Austin Literatus (Boys U-18).

In the girls side, picked to contend for the title are Jerlyn Mae San Diego (U-12), Allaney Doroy and Kylen Joy Mordido (U-14) and Samantha Glo Revita (U-16).

Another gold here by Bersamina in the boys’ U-20 will automatically make him a full-pledged IM, while Mendoza’s possible second gold will give her an outright WIM title.

SINGAPORE—Aggrieved Filipino boxer Ian Clark Bautista called for fair judging on Monday after he reached the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games flyweight final against home favorite Hanurdeen Hamid.

Bautista suffered a controversial defeat to South Korea’s Choe Sang-Don at last year’s Asian Games in Incheon, and he said he was praying that lightning wouldn’t strike twice.

“It’s difficult when you fight against a boxer from the home country but I pray that the judges are good in the final,” said Bautista.

“I’m happy and excited but nervous about the fight. But it’s my mission to get the gold medal and I’m determined to do my country proud.”

Bautista was denied a spot in the Asiad quarter-finals after his controversial points loss to South Korea’s Choe, but he left no doubt about his place in the SEA Games final after he knocked out Thongbang Seuaphom of Laos.

The 20-year-old dominated the bout at the Singapore Expo and ended it with 1min 13sec left in the second round with a left hook that sent the Laotian down for the count.

Bautista eliminated 2013 SEA Games gold medallist Chatchai Butdee of Thailand in the quarter-finals and he will now face Singapore’s Hanurdeen in the final on Wednesday.

Hanurdeen booked his spot in the final after beating 2013 silver medallist Maung Nge by unanimous decision despite suffering a painful cut just below his left eye after an accidental head-butt.

“It was a tough fight against a very strong opponent who won the silver medal at the last SEA Games so it’s really a big thing for me. I gave it all and I’m really happy with the result,” said the 21-year-old.

“The headbutt was an accident and things like that happen. But now I’m just focused on my next fight and hoping that I’m recovered for the final.” AFP

LeBron ready to carry gritty Cavs to title CLEVELAND—LeBron James is ready to carry the injury-hit Cleveland Cavaliers to a title, having shown his gritty teammates and the Golden State Warriors that the NBA Finals are far from over.

His masterpiece game for the ages of 39 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists powered the Cavaliers to a 95-93 over-time road victory Sunday, leveling the best-of seven series at 1-1 entering game three Tuesday in Cleveland.

“It’s what needs to be done to help our team win,” James said. “But if that’s what the case has to be to help us win, then I don’t have a choice.”

Asked if he could handle the load, James said, “Well, of course.

I’m built for it. It’s a maximum of five games left in the NBA season.

So I’m ready for whatever.”

The Cavaliers lost forward Kevin

Love with a separated shoulder in the first round of the playoffs and star guard Kyrie Irving in game one of the finals with a fractured left kneecap, leaving unheralded role players to compete with defensive hustle, rebounding and near-superhuman efforts from James.

And they are opposing this season’s winningest and best scoring NBA team, a deep Warriors lineup led by reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Steph Curry, a 3-point sharpshooter.

“I’m not a high-volume shooter.

I’ve never been in my career,” James said. “But things have changed on our team where the shots that Kevin and Kyrie would have has now been placed on myself and the rest of the guys as well.

“All we can do is go out and play hard. We’re undermanned. I don’t know any other team in this league

that would be able to do that, to be without two All-Stars on their team and compete the way we compete and be a force. So the guys are taking that very personal.”

Cavs have ‘grit squad’ It’s Australian Matthew Dellavedova filling in for Irving and shutting down Curry defensively. It’s 17 points and 11 rebounds from Russian big man Timofey Mozgov, 14 rebounds from Tristan Thompson and timely shotmaking by J.R. Smith and James Jones—often aided by spectacular passes from James.

“It’s the grit squad that we have,” James said. “It’s not cute at all. If you’re looking for us to play sexy, cute basketball, then that’s not us right now. Everything is tough.

We’re going to come in with an aggressive mindset defensively and offensively.” AFP

Participants in the Regent 5i50 Triathlon are shown with Regent Foods,

Inc. brand manager Jen See (front row, fourth from left), Sunrise Events, Inc. president Wilfred Uytengsu (back row, second from right) and Vice Commodore Isagani Pascual (back row, fourth from left) of Subic Yacht Club during the launch of the inaugural swim-run-bike event in Subic over the weekend. They are (front row, from left) Dan Brown, Carole Fuchs, Dimity LeeDuke, Monica Torres and Belinda Granger, (back row, from left) Mich Kibby, Casey Muno, Clayton Fettell, Michael Murphy, Justin Granger and Sam Betten.

Granger and Betten topped their respective sides in the premier pro category.

W E D N E S D AY : J U N E 1 0 , 2 0 1 5

A16

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Caleb John Christian Stuart of the Philippines celebrates after winning the final of the men’s hammer-throw athletics event during the 28th SEA Games in Singapore. Inset shows Stuart making his gold medal-clinching throw. AFP

Fil-Am shatters SEAG hammer-throw mark SINGAPORE—Caleb Stuart set a games’ record in men’s hammer throw, Eric Shawn Cray and Kayla Anise Richardson swept the 100 meters and Reyland Capellan broke a 10-year gold medal drought in gymnastics in the 28th Southeast Asian Games on Tuesday.

In billiards, Chezka Centeno upstaged fancied countryman Rubilen Amit, 5-7, to win the women’s 9-ball title—the second for the Philippines in the sport.

With those gold medals, the Philippines finally overtook Myanmar, which irritatingly occupied sixth spot ahead of the country on the medal tally board until the track

athletes did their thing at the 50,000seat track and field arena.

Stuart lived up to expectations and threw the hammer to a games’ record 65.63 meters, shattering the old standard of 62.23m held by defending champion Tanti Petchaiya of Thailand by over three meters.

Petchaiya could only settle for the silver, with 62.18m while Malaysia’s

LeBron ready to carry gritty Cavs TURN TO A15

Jackie Swiew Wong settled for the bronze with 61.18m.

Stuart’s veteran teammate, Arnel Ferreira, a four-time SEA Games titlist, placed fourth with 60.08.

“I’m happy that I came here and did what I had to do and win gold for our country,” said the soft-spoken 24-yearold former University of CaliforiniaRiverside varsity team mainstay.

“I couldn’t have done it without that woman in the white hat,” said Stuart of his mother, who came with her youngest son John and niece Jasina.

Cray and Richardson were also unstoppable in the 100m. Cray ran 10.25 seconds in ruling the men’s race and Richardson submitted 11.76

seconds to rule the women’s side.

Capellan, on the other hand, ruled the men’s artistic all-around event at the Expo Sports Hall 2 despite Competing with a right shoulder injury.

The 5-foot-2 pocket dynamo was a picture of confidence and artistry in taking the gold medal with a score of 14.733 points, 167 points better than Singapore’s Hoe Wah Toon, who took the silver (14.566). Vietnam’s Phuoc Hung Pham was third (14.500) and had the bronze.

It marked the country’s first gold medal in the men’s artistic gymnastics since Roel Ramirez bagged two mints in the 2005 Philippine SEA Games.

Aces near Top 4 finish TURN TO A14

8 PH boxers shoot for SEAG golds SINGAPORE—Eight Filipinos climb the ring on Wednesday, eyeing nothing less than a gold medal each to propel the Philippines to its best finish in Southeast Asian Games boxing.

The Philippines has the most number of boxers in the finals set the the Expo Hall III. Thailand has five.

Vietnam advanced four, Singapore and Indonesia,with two apiece and Cambodia one.

Although the Thais remain as the Filipinos’ most dangerous foes, the Singaporeans are as solid a threat because of possible hometown decisions that would help the hosts in their bid to dominate the 28th edition of the biennial games.

“Handang-handa ang mga boxers natin,” coach Nolito Velasco said. “Nagbunga ang magandang training nila na nagfocus sa stamina, power at speed.”

First up at 2 p.m. is former world champion and three-time SEA Games gold medal winner Josie Gabuco against Thai Chuthamat Raksat, a bronze medalist in the 2014 worlds, in the women’s light flyweight finals, followed by Irish Magno in the flyweight clash against Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Yen at 2:15 p.m. and bantamweight Nesthy Petecio against another Vietnamese, Le Thi Bang, at 2:30 p.m.

Four bets in the men’s division will also fight one after the other starting at 3 p.m. Light flyweight Rogen Ladon goes up against Indonesia’s Kornelis Kwangu Langu, flyweight Ian Clark Bautista takes on Singapore’s Mohamed Hamurdin Hamid, bantamweight Mario Fernandez battles Thailand’s Thanes Ongjunta and lightweight Junel Cantancio squares off with Vietnam’s Nguyen Van Hei.

B1

WEDNESDAY: JUNE 10, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

business@thestandardtoday.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

Air partners. Cebu

Pacific Air president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei (left) and Airbus executive vice president of sales Asia Jean Francois Laval commemorate 10 years of partnership. CEB took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft in 2005, as part of a massive refleeting program. It now operates 41 A320 family aircraft as well as six A330s and eight ATR aircraft, comprising one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world.

The airline launched direct flights between Manila and Doha on June 4, 2015, utilizing a 436-seat Airbus A330 aircraft, its latest aircraft delivered from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France. CEB will take delivery of 37 more brand-new Airbus A320 and A321neo aircraft from now until 2021.

ALI bares Arca South projects

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AYALA Land Inc. said it is launching P64 billion worth of projects in the 74-hectare Arca South, the former property of Food Terminal Inc. facility in Taguig City.

The amount represents 80 percent of the P80-billion programmed five-year capital investments for the property, which Ayala Land acquired through an auction conducted in 2012.

Ayala Land project development manager Stephen Comia said in a press briefing the company this year would complete roadworks and utilities development property to enable it to start building the residential, office, hotel, shopping mall and hospital

projects in the area.

Envisioned as the a mixed-use central business district, phase 1 of the project involves the development of a 265-room Seda Hotel, a 250-bed hospital, a 72,000 square-meter shopping mall, three residential towers and six office buildings for business process outsourcing companies.

“Over the next five years, we are building one million square meters gross floor area of leasing and residential products,” Comia said.

“We are on track on the P80billion capital spending plan and we expect to launch new projects in the next coming years,” he added.

Over 71 percent out of the 1,400 residential units launched last year have already been sold.

Ayala Land said a four-story mall structure will be completed by 2017 at Arca South, while the Seda Hotel will be operational by 2018.

The first two buildings will also be completed by 2017, while the Qualimed Hospital will be operational by 2018.

Meanwhile, Comia said Ayala Land was ready to turn over by first quarter next year the lots sold to various real estate firms.

Ayala Land earlier sold 5.6 hectares of land within Arca South to

real estate companies to jumpstart development of the project.

Comia said the company had no plans to sell additional lots to other real estate cpompanies.

Comia said Arca South would benefit from two government infrastructure projects in terms of making the development more accessible.

These are the Intermodal Transport System, a world-class bus terminal project that will accommodate as much as 4,000 buses and 200,000 commuters, and the Skyway C5-C6 connector road project that will provide another exit to Makati.

“Aside from increasing access to ARCA South, these projects will also link the area to Makati and Bonifacio Global City central business district,” Comia added.

BDO taking over Generali Pilipinas Life

By Julito G. Rada BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender controlled by tycoon Henry Sy, said Monday it is taking full control of the life insurance company, which it formed in 1999 in partnership with Generali Group of Italy.

BDO said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it agreed to terminate the joint-venture vehicle Generali Pilipinas Holdings Co. Inc., the parent of life insurer Generali Pilipinas Life Assurance Co. and non-life insurer Generali Pilipinas Insurance Co. “In the context of the agreement and subject to regulatory approvals, BDO will take full control of GPHC and GPLAC, and Generali will take full control of GPIC,” it said.

GPHC is the joint-venture vehicle created out of the insurance partnership between BDO and

Generali in March 1999.

BDO president and chief executive Nestor Tan said in a statement the bank was re-focusing its insurance strategy to align with its thrust to solidify its presence in the broad-based middle income market.

He said by assuming full control of the GPHC and GPLAC insurance operations, BDO would be able to adapt more readily to the demands of its target markets.

“While the partnership with Generali has been integral to the success of the companies to date, BDO intends to embark on a new journey of diversifying into the life insurance sector via this new wholly-owned unit to maximize cross selling of products to its extensive retail customer base,” Tan said.

Jack Howell, regional officer for Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A., said the Philippines remained an

integral part of their strategy in Asia given the growing opportunities in the market.

“Following this agreement, we confirm our commitment in the country with full control of GPIC and we intend to remain a significant player in the Philippines. We will leverage on our worldwide strength in the insurance markets and will continue our presence through GPIC,” Howell said.

“We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with BDO over the last 15 years, and we respect BDO’s desire to take full control of the life insurance business,” Howell said.

GPHC and GPLAC will eventually be renamed BDO Assurance Holdings Corp. and BDO Life Assurance Co. Inc. (BDO Life) respectively, subject to closing conditions and the requisite corporate and regulatory approvals.

“This transaction between BDO and Generali will have no impact whatsoever on the terms and conditions of all existing individual and group policies of GPLAC. These policies will remain in their present form and will be fully honored notwithstanding the change in ownership,” BDO said.

It said GPLAC would continue to support and service all existing policyholders as provided for under their in-force policies.

BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate, commercial and retail banking services.

These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards and credit card services.

PSe comPoSite index Closing June 9, 2015

7800 7500 7200 6900 6600 6300

7,323.44 41.81

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing JUNE 9, 2015 47

P44.990

46

CLOSE

45 44 43

HIGH P44.960 LOW P45.080 AVERAGE P45.021 VOLUME 542.700M

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 P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Tuesday, June 9, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

45.1030

Japan

Yen

0.008035

0.3624

UK

Pound

1.534800

69.2241

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129009

5.8187

Switzerland

Franc

1.077238

48.5867

Canada

Dollar

0.806712

36.3851

Singapore

Dollar

0.739481

33.3528

Australia

Dollar

0.764701

34.4903

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652379

119.6303

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

12.0275

Brunei

Dollar

0.736757

33.2300

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.029577

1.3340

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.2796

Euro

Euro

1.128900

50.9168

Korea

Won

0.000890

0.0401

China

Yuan

0.161145

7.2681

India

Rupee

0.015616

0.7043

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.265534

11.9764

New Zealand

Dollar

0.708717

31.9653

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032123

1.4488 Source: PDS Bridge

WEDNESDAY: JUNE 10, 2015

B2

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

MST BuSineSS Daily STockS Review Tuesday, June 9, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 104 63 2.49 4.2 18.48 31.6 9.5 2.95 890 1.01 99.4 1.46 30.5 94.95 361.2 59 174.8 1700 127.9 3.26 47 5 1.66 2.36 15.3 148 20.6 32 65.8 4.57 23.35 21.6 12.98 9.13 12.34 2.89 17 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 12.5 3.95 4 45.45 33.9 90 13.98 292.4 5.25 13.04 6.8 14.5 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.68 8.1 253 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.5 2.68 226.6 5.5 1.3 26 2.17 0.7 59.2 31.85 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 800 11.06 84 3.35 0.66 1380 6.68 72.6 9.25 0.9 18.9 0.73 5.53 6.55 0.84 87 934 2.2 1.39 156 0.710 0.510 10.5 1.99 2.07 0.375

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 7.01 7.01 73.1 72.1 107.00 105.50 98.50 96.20 46.05 46.45 2.37 2.36 1.75 1.75 15.72 15.4 20.6 19.6 6.80 6.30 1.66 1.66 810.00 800.00 0.425 0.405 89.6 85.5 1.03 1.01 18.00 18.00 69.20 65.00 307 304 42 41.25 156 152.6 1435.00 1435.00 64.60 64.30 3.14 3.13 INDUSTRIAL 35.6 Aboitiz Power Corp.

43.1 43.1 42.35 1.6 Agrinurture Inc. 1.47 1.45 1.34 1.04 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 1.04 1.03 1.02 1.41 Alsons Cons.

1.98 1.98 1.91 7.92 Asiabest Group 10.5 10.52 10.42 32 C. Azuc De Tarlac 86.00 85.00 85.00 14.6 Century Food 18.4 18.48 18.24 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 27 27.05 27 29.15 Concepcion 57.9 57.7 56 Crown Asia 1.95 2 1.84 1.04 Da Vinci Capital 1.65 1.65 1.59 10.72 Del Monte 12.16 12.3 12.06 8.44 DNL Industries Inc. 19.360 19.340 18.8 9.79 Emperador 10.08 10.20 9.35 5.43 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 7.53 7.48 7.35 9.54 EEI 9.68 9.80 9.65 1.06 Euro-Med Lab 1.72 1.7 1.7 8.61 Federal Res. Inv. Group 11.92 11.92 11.9 18.06 First Gen Corp.

26.1 26.3 24.75 67.9 First Holdings ‘A’ 87.7 87.4 85.3 14 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 14.00 14.48 13.90 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 14.62 14.20 13.88 3.12 Integ. Micro-Electronics 6.25 6.25 6 0.395 Ionics Inc 0.520 0.520 0.520 168 Jollibee Foods Corp.

196.00 196.00 194.00 8.65 Lafarge Rep 9.85 10.04 9.65 2.3 LMG Chemicals 2.09 2.09 2 1.63 Mabuhay Vinyl 2.78 2.52 2.4 16 Macay Holdings 52.80 52.85 45.00 24.4 Manila Water Co. Inc. 24.3 24.75 24.2 16.2 Maxs Group 25.3 25 24.2 7.62 Megawide 6.3 6.3 6.2 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 284.00 284.00 276.00 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.4 4.49 4.38 9 Petron Corporation 9.48 9.42 9.27 3.7 Phil H2O 3.95 3.81 3.8 9.94 Phinma Corporation 11.70 11.70 11.20 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.88 3.94 3.82 2.22 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.22 2.22 2.15 1 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.2 2.22 2.12 4.72 RFM Corporation 4.50 4.50 4.45 6 Roxas Holdings 6.25 6 6 201.6 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 180 180 177.4 4.5 4.5 4.1 SPC Power Corp.

4.5 1.67 Splash Corporation 1.64 1.62 1.58 0.122 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.153 0.153 0.138 1.02 TKC Steel Corp.

1.13 1.20 1.20 2.01 Trans-Asia Oil 2.27 2.27 2.22 143.4 Universal Robina 184.5 184.6 181 4.28 Victorias Milling 4.3 4.3 4.3 0.670 Vitarich Corp.

0.75 0.78 0.75 9.01 Vivant Corp.

25.00 22.50 22.50 1.39 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.27 1.34 1.27 HOLDING FIRMS 0.45 Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.460 0.465 0.450 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 54.7000 55.3000 53.0000 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 22.30 22.55 21.50 1.6 Anglo Holdings A 1.32 1.32 1.26 6.62 Anscor `A’ 6.87 6.80 6.75 1.4 ATN Holdings A 0.265 0.265 0.244 1.6 ATN Holdings B 0.290 0.255 0.240 600 Ayala Corp `A’ 760 760 736 7.390 Cosco Capital 7.81 7.81 7.63 14.18 DMCI Holdings 13.08 13.06 12.80 2.6 F&J Prince ‘A’ 3.15 3.15 3.11 0.144 Forum Pacific 0.219 0.220 0.200 818 GT Capital 1353 1351 1290 5.3 House of Inv. 6.47 6.50 6.49 46.6 JG Summit Holdings 67.80 67.80 62.80 4.43 Lopez Holdings Corp.

7.59 7.48 7.09 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.7 0.7 0.69 12 LT Group 13.54 13.54 13.2 0.580 Mabuhay Holdings `A’ 0.62 0.62 0.62 4.22 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 4.45 4.45 4.29 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 5 5 4.9 1.120 0.450 Prime Orion 1.170 1.240 66.7 San Miguel Corp `A’ 61.00 60.00 59.30 709.5 SM Investments Inc. 876.00 874.00 855.00 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.24 1.24 1.21 0.93 South China Res. Inc. 0.70 0.71 0.70 85.2 Top Frontier 82.500 82.900 80.000 0.200 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3600 0.3550 0.3500 0.310 Zeus Holdings 0.295 0.295 0.295 PROPERTY 6.01 8990 HLDG 7.450 7.450 7.200 0.91 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.76 0.75 0.70 1.29 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.270 1.280 1.250 0.192 Arthaland Corp.

0.230 0.230 0.230 2.5 66 84.6 84.5 45.8 1.97 2.03 12.02 23.55 6.3 1.75 625 0.225 78 0.9 18.02 76.5 276 45 107.6 1200 66 2.65

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

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

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

7.01 73.45 108.60 98.50 46 2.35 1.72 16 20.6 6.90 1.75 800.00 0.400 89.5 0.99 18.00 69.20 307 42 158 1445.00 64.50 3.17

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

7.01 73.1 106.00 96.45 45.6 2.36 1.75 15.4 19.62 6.30 1.66 810.00 0.405 86 1.01 18.00 65.20 305 42.45 153.7 1435.00 64.50 3.14

0.00 -0.48 -2.39 -2.08 -0.87 0.43 1.74 -3.75 -4.76 -8.70 -5.14 1.25 1.25 -3.91 2.02 0.00 -5.78 -0.65 1.07 -2.72 -0.69 0.00 -0.95

1,200 37,980 3,374,790 1,164,820 202,700 11,000 23,000 232,800 428,600 5,200 109,000 380 580,000 6,945,920 134,000 1,200 630,630 7,760 119,800 1,075,240 1,435 24,560 16,000

43.1 1.45 1.03 1.92 10.5 85.00 18.4 27.05 56 1.87 1.59 12.1 19.000 9.35 7.38 9.72 1.7 11.9 25 85.3 13.90 13.88 6.12 0.520 195.50 9.69 2 2.52 52.85 24.4 24.5 6.2 277.80 4.41 9.30 3.8 11.20 3.88 2.19 2.12 4.46 6 179 4.5 1.58 0.149 1.20 2.22 184 4.3 0.75 22.50 1.30

0.00 -1.36 -0.96 -3.03 0.00 -1.16 0.00 0.19 -3.28 -4.10 -3.64 -0.49 -1.86 -7.24 -1.99 0.41 -1.16 -0.17 -4.21 -2.74 -0.71 -5.06 -2.08 0.00 -0.26 -1.62 -4.31 -9.35 0.09 0.41 -3.16 -1.59 -2.18 0.23 -1.90 -3.80 -4.27 0.00 -1.35 -3.64 -0.89 -4.00 -0.56 0.00 -3.66 -2.61 6.19 -2.20 -0.27 0.00 0.00 -10.00 2.36

138,704,560 42,000 577,000 2,991,000 1,400 50 406,100 74,800 7,310 2,919,000 200,000 3,900 7,007,500 1,624,500 16,251,000 557,700 30,000 6,100 3,897,400 406,780 800 49,000 1,792,300 15,000 637,100 1,223,800 121,000 43,000 7,170 569,700 263,700 86,400 677,280 525,000 1,264,000 10,000 85,400 78,000 565,000 161,000 12,944,000 4,900 3,170 13,000 11,000 6,200,000 72,000 1,504,000 3,769,110 77,000 1,555,000 900 263,000

0.450 54.5000 21.55 1.32 6.75 0.244 0.240 749 7.69 13.00 3.11 0.215 1300 6.49 65.00 7.48 0.69 13.28 0.62 4.32 4.95 1.160 60.00 874.00 1.21 0.70 81.000 0.3500 0.295

-2.17 -0.37 -3.36 0.00 -1.75 -7.92 -17.24 -1.45 -1.54 -0.61 -1.27 -1.83 -3.92 0.31 -4.13 -1.45 -1.43 -1.92 0.00 -2.92 -1.00 -0.85 -1.64 -0.23 -2.42 0.00 -1.82 -2.78 0.00

250,000 819,960 17,153,000 2,000 19,600 5,880,000 830,000 316,650 1,115,500 7,640,300 40,000 700,000 278,320 311,300 4,222,490 8,557,700 2,000 2,300,600 266,000 19,578,000 95,000 10,781,000 327,770 325,670 195,000 100,000 16,880 4,740,000 390,000

7.200 0.72 1.250 0.230

-3.36 -5.26 -1.57 0.00

690,600 867,000 355,000 100,000

1,228,205.00 -21,904,758.00 -41,520,164.50 680,345.00

-5,472,736.00 129,550.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

40 6.15 5.4 1.54 1.48 0.201 0.98 1.09 0.305 2.25 1.87 1.8 6.34 4.88 0.180 0.470 8.54 31.8 2.29 3.6 20.6 1.02 7.56 1.96 8.59

29.1 4.1 4.96 0.89 0.97 0.083 0.445 0.85 0.188 1.4 1.42 1.19 2.8 2.75 0.090 0.325 2.57 21.35 1.64 3.08 15.08 0.69 3.38 1 5.69

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Century Property Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

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

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Primex Corp.

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

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 15.82 0.1460 4.61 99.1 12.3 2.6 9 2090 8.41 33 1.97 119.5 0.8200 2.2800 12.28 2.85 2.2 3.2 5.9 1.97 15.2 1.040 22.8 6.41 14 3486 0.710 2.28 48.5 90.1 11.6 0.87 2.95 10.2 0.490

1.97 32.5 1 0.6 9.61 0.0770 2.95 46.55 10.14 1.6 5.88 1600 5.95 30 1.36 105 0.036 1.200 6.5 1.69 1.1 2 1.05 0.490 8.7 0.37 14.54 3 4.39 2726 0.380 0.32 31.45 60.55 7.59 0.63 1.71 6.45 0.305

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

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

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 Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Melco Crown NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

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

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

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

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

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

TA Petroleum

70 553 525 118 120 8.21 111

33 490 500 101 101.5 5.88 101

1047 76.9 78.95 84.8

1011 74.2 74.5 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

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

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

10.96 15 88 12.88

2.4 3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

High

Low

Close

38.75 3.68 5.3 0.82 1.12 0.143 0.430 0.850 0.179 1.25 1.82 1.38 5.47 4.77 0.112 0.3200 7.19 27.65 1.72 3.34 19.48 0.73 7.25 0.980 7.110

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

38.65 36.50 37.00 3.66 3.43 3.43 5.31 5.24 5.31 0.82 0.8 0.82 1.12 1.09 1.09 0.144 0.138 0.138 0.440 0.420 0.420 0.850 0.850 0.850 0.179 0.171 0.170 1.25 1.21 1.21 1.83 1.77 1.78 1.40 1.40 1.40 5.01 5.01 5.01 4.64 4.46 4.5 0.112 0.112 0.112 0.3200 0.3200 0.3200 7.2 7.18 7.2 27.35 26.00 27.00 1.73 1.69 1.7 3.33 3.23 3.33 19.30 18.56 18.70 0.72 0.73 0.7 7.24 7.24 7.24 0.910 0.850 0.850 7.150 6.900 7.150 SERVICES 6.5 6.55 6.2 6.2 60.3 60.3 60 60.1 1.12 1.11 1.11 1.11 0.680 0.700 0.670 0.670 9.10 9.15 8.60 8.71 0.0950 0.0980 0.0940 0.0940 4.08 4.1 4.01 4.03 84.9 85 81.95 82.15 9.99 9.99 9.99 9.99 1.7 1.71 1.7 1.7 6.29 6.29 6.00 6.10 2666 2700 2590 2592 6.16 6.33 6.03 6.03 21.20 23.00 21.00 21.00 1.29 1.30 1.25 1.30 110.5 110.2 108.1 109.4 0.225 0.230 0.221 0.223 1.2800 1.3000 1.2200 1.2500 9.45 9.45 9.26 9.26 2.96 3.07 2.95 3.03 1.36 1.3 1.23 1.3 2.00 2.00 1.99 2.00 51.35 53.00 47.75 52.00 0.660 0.670 0.650 0.650 7.25 7.25 6.52 6.9 0.530 0.543 0.480 0.485 19.1 19 18.08 19 4.49 4.49 4.42 4.42 18.98 18.96 17.50 18.00 2796.00 2788.00 2774.00 2788.00 0.670 0.670 0.650 0.670 1.400 1.400 1.340 1.350 37.90 37.90 35.80 35.90 74.15 74.15 70.20 70.50 9.80 9.70 9.36 9.38 0.68 0.68 0.67 0.67 1.72 1.72 1.7 1.7 5.49 5.53 5 5.2 0.330 0.330 0.320 0.330 MINING & OIL 0.0048 0.0048 0.0048 0.0048 2.60 2.65 2.65 2.65 7.15 7.15 6.70 7.14 7.4000 7.2000 7.2000 7.2000 7.5000 7.4000 7.4000 7.4000 0.96 0.99 0.97 0.99 0.8 0.79 0.77 0.77 7.38 7.38 6.50 7.01 1.68 1.71 1.53 1.58 0.325 0.335 0.320 0.325 0.239 0.235 0.232 0.233 0.239 0.240 0.234 0.235 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 3.53 3.5 3.4 3.4 24.95 24.9 24.1 24.25 3.68 3.79 3.64 3.73 2.0900 2.1000 2.0500 2.0900 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 4.44 4.43 4.39 4.40 6.68 6.68 6.49 6.53 2.03 2.050 1.880 1.93 0.014 0.015 0.014 0.015 145.00 145.00 136.20 137.50 10.9 11.42 10.9 11 PREFERRED 60.8 61.1 60.1 60.1 524.5 524.5 524.5 524.5 527 527 527 527 110.4 110.4 110.4 110.4 122 123 122 123 6 6 6 6.03 111.1 113.8 113.8 113.8 1091 1092 1091 1091 1045 1050 1045 1050 75.4 75.5 75.35 75.35 80 84.15 83 84.15 86.8 87 86.5 87 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.980 4.000 3.810 3.930 SME 9.6 10.1 9.27 9.3 6.1 6.5 5.5 5.5 66 66 60 64.95 10.26 10.28 9.89 10.12 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 122 122 119 119.3

-4.52 -6.79 0.19 0.00 -2.68 -3.50 -2.33 0.00 -5.03 -3.20 -2.20 1.45 -8.41 -5.66 0.00 0.00 0.14 -2.35 -1.16 -0.30 -4.00 -1.37 -0.14 -13.27 0.56

18,582,000 6,712,000 801,600 2,534,000 30,000 10,360,000 1,630,000 290,000 220,000 2,766,000 15,444,000 1,000 6,700 33,751,000 600,000 200,000 32,300 3,559,600 298,000 19,000 10,526,600 656,000 1,000 383,000 3,605,200

-141,277,370.00 -10,379,910.00 -2,762,342.00 671,990.00

-4.62 -0.33 -0.89 -1.47 -4.29 -1.05 -1.23 -3.24 0.00 0.00 -3.02 -2.78 -2.11 -0.94 0.78 -1.00 -0.89 -2.34 -2.01 2.36 -4.41 0.50 1.27 -1.52 -4.83 -8.49 -0.52 -1.56 -5.16 -0.29 0.00 -3.57 -5.28 -4.92 -4.29 -1.47 -1.16 -5.28 0.00

187,100 14,320 11,000 1,315,000 19,639,000 11,110,000 766,000 685,500 2,200 60,000 62,400 148,570 124,100 6,100 39,000 1,638,180 2,500,000 287,000 253,600 232,000 19,000 20,000 1,630 690,000 3,757,000 918,000 57,200 20,000 408,900 50,635 11,656,000 15,924,000 3,138,700 2,215,090 7,576,500 494,000 32,000 4,316,100 670,000

0.00 1.92 -0.14 -2.70 -1.33 3.13 -3.75 -5.01 -5.95 0.00 -2.51 -1.67 0.00 0.00 -3.68 -2.81 1.36 0.00 0.00 -0.90 -2.25 -4.93 7.14 -5.17 0.92

211,000,000 6,000 213,900 -56,357.00 1,600 200 110,000 1,302,000 -31,600.00 86,800 228,325,000 -7,635,050.00 350,000 3,520,000 2,120,000 -16,450.00 48,400,000 29,700,000 620,000 -597,800.00 3,298,500 -57,150,305.00 1,553,000 -37,100.00 413,000 1,200,000 149,000 435,100 -68,562.00 7,719,000 4,137,110.00 151,200,000 -30,200.00 1,207,600 -120,037,978.00 692,500 -118,350.00

-1.15 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.82 0.50 2.43 0.00 0.48 -0.07 5.19 0.23

499,350 2,160 9,000 40 600 9,500 150 2,000 11,210 122,910 12,850 115,260

-1.26

160,000

-3.12 -9.84 -1.59 -1.36

2,410,900 3,700 550 1,481,900

-2.21

33,280

544,600.00 -1,064,800.00 -9,401,210.00 -4,941,040.00

MST

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

SHARES 15127523 92768521 92530059 115033949 91719230 694443753 1105553415

-149,635,837.00

-21,600.00 -17,232,739.50 2,202,120.00 -3,613,265.00 55,727,587.00 21,525.00 1,083,496.00

2,029,410.00 15,110.00

-4,753,968.00 -1,028,794.00 10,218,108.00 2,748,411.00

-49,794,260.00 -9,426,618.50

65,782.00 8,939,735.00

27,347,130.00 -5,839,282.00

5,553,905.00

-12,500.00 41,335,982.00 883,160.00 -12,858.00 23,400.00

974,820.00 49,904.00

-152,120.00

448,770.00 26,521,294.00 296,700.00 -12,320.00 20,250.00

-22,372,684.00 -95,126,435.00

-81,000.00

-19,476,040.00 743,540.00 2,616,026.00

-92,398,025.00 1,947,000.00 -137,533,930.00 -1,034,812.00

9,327,838.00

24,741,470.00

-157,500.00 -4,476,173.00 98,084,265.00 8,470.00 10,500.00 21,150.00 -1,051,801.00

Double Dragon Makati Fin. Corp.

IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

T op g ainerS VALUE 1314901824.53 2161129541.99 1947793445.53 1231962515.26 1410838447.335 663244358.4338 8771853134.58

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,686.38 (down) 44.32 INDUSTRIAL 11,310.92 (down) 157.83 HOLDING FIRMS 6,498.14 (down) 117.49 PROPERTY 2,943.61 (down) 116.56 SERVICES 2,060.09 (down) 36.04 MINING & OIL 13,756.76 (down) 443.63 PSEI 7,323.44 (down) 161.45 All Shares Index 4,224.57 (down) 95.77 Gainers: 30 Losers: 151; Unchanged: 35; Total: 216

-69,055,440.00 -249,310.00

-78,474,634.00 10,650.00 -16,456,921.00 -23,750.00

-48,173,997.00

1,040,150.00 -14,708,506.00

100,300.00 -6,858,670.00

-1,300.00 9,891,136.00 -11,050.00

441,326.00 9,060.00

2,667,177.00 43,655.00

2,822,526.00 -695,720.00 40,260.00 -3,358,790.00 -33,836,050.00 -67,979,418.00 5,719,125.00 -1,340.00 -9,888,265.00

3,580,626.00

4,137,839.50

-65,286.00 7,171,703.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.015

7.14

ATN Holdings B

0.240

-17.24

TKC Steel Corp.

1.20

6.19

Suntrust Home Dev. Inc.

0.850

-13.27

SMC Preferred B

84.15

5.19

Vivant Corp.

22.50

-10.00

Century Peak Metals Hldgs

0.99

3.13

Makati Fin. Corp.

5.5

-9.84

MWIDE PREF

113.8

2.43

Mabuhay Vinyl

2.52

-9.35

Liberty Telecom

3.03

2.36

Filipino Fund Inc.

6.30

-8.70

Vulcan Ind'l.

1.30

2.36

NOW Corp.

0.485

-8.49

Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

1.01

2.02

Keppel Properties

5.01

-8.41

Apex `A'

2.65

1.92

ATN Holdings A

0.244

-7.92

Bright Kindle Resources

1.75

1.74

Emperador

9.35

-7.24

WEDNESDAY: JUNE 10, 2015

B3

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

Maynilad gets nod to increase water rates

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales WATER rates in the west zone of Metro Manila will increase in the third quarter, after the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System granted Maynilad Water Services Inc. a foreign currency differential adjustment of P0.42 per cubic meter.

FCDA is a tariff mechanism granted to utility companies to allow it to recover losses or give back gains arising from the fluctuating movements of the peso against other currencies.

Maynilad said in a statement the adjustment represented 1.26 percent of the company’s average basic charge of P33.60 per cubic meter.

“This adjustment shall be effective from July 1, 2015 until the end of September 2015,” Maynilad said.

Maynilad said customers consuming an average of 10 cubic meters a month or less would seen an increase of P0.11 in their monthly water bill.

Those consuming 20 cubic meters a month will see a monthly bill increase of P0.44, while those consuming 30 cubic meters a month will have an additional P0.87 in their monthly bill.

Maynilad pays foreign currency-denominated concession fees to the MWSS, as well as loans to fund service improvement projects that will expand and modernize water and sewerage services for its customers in the west zone.

Maynilad is the agent and contractor of the MWSS for the west zone of the Greater Manila Area, which covers the cities of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon.

Maynilad also provides water services to the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite province.

Housing forum. The Social Housing Finance Corp. shared its expertise and experience on community-driven shelter and livelihood before

the local officials of Aklan who are planning to adopt the same approach in their rehabilitation projects. Shown is SHFC president Ma. Ana Oliveros (left) as she answers questions from the audience during a forum held in Kalibo, Aklan on May 21 and 22. With Oliveros in the panel are (from left) assistant secretary Gina dela Cruz from the Office of the President, Kate Landry of Build Change and UN Habitat Philippines project manager Warren Ubongen.

Stock index declines to lowest in 5 months

STOCKS fell for a fourth day, sending the benchmark index to the lowest level since January, as capital outflows continue amid concern economic growth is weakening.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, dropped 161 points, or 2.2 percent, to settle at 7,323.44 Tuesday, the lowest close since Jan. 7.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also lost 95 points, or 2.2 percent, to finish at 4,224.57, on a value turnover of P8.9 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 151 to 30, while 35 issues were unchanged.

All the 20 most active stocks ended in the red. Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., a mining company, tumbled 6 percent to P1.58, while Semirara Mining and Power Corp. shed 5.2 percent to P137.50.

Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. retreated 4.9 percent to P70.50.

Property developer Ayala Land Inc. fell 4.5 percent to P37.

“Investors are looking for some-

thing to hold onto, to overcome the first-quarter GDP disappointment,” said Justino Calaycay, an analyst at Manila-based Accord Capital Equities Corp.

“A big part of investor confidence has been lost because of weak GDP, and a weakening peso is eroding gains of international investors with exposure to the Philippines, fueling further foreign selling,” Calaycay said.

The Philippine stock gauge has retreated 9.1 percent since climbing to a record 8,127.48 on April 10, heading for the 10-percent decline some investors define as a correction. The peso dropped 1.5 percent in the same period. The peso closed at 44.99 against the US dollar on Tuesday.

The equity gauge sank 2.9 percent in the week ended May 29, the worst

loss since December 2013, after government data showed first-quartereconomic growth weakened to a three-year low, missing estimates.

It trades at 18.1 times projected 12-months earnings, still the most expensive in Southeast Asia, while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index is valued at a multiple of 11.8.

Meanwhile, Asian markets also fell Tuesday, with Shanghai and Hong Kong hit by another weak batch of indicators, but the euro was supported by upbeat German trade data.

Wall Street provided a negative lead as last week’s strong jobs report fanned expectations that the Federal Reserve will increase borrowing rates soon.

In afternoon trade, Hong Kong was 1.18 percent lower and Shanghai was down 1.45 percent.

Tokyo tumbled 1.76 percent, or 360.89 points, to end at 20,096.30 due partly to a pick-up in the yen, and Sydney dropped 0.49 percent, or 27.16 points, to 5,471.3. Seoul

was marginally lower, giving up 1.16 points to 2,064.03.

China’s National Bureau of Statistics said the consumer price index came in at 1.2 percent in May, down from April’s 1.5 percent.

The figure is the latest showing signs of weakness in the world’s second biggest economy and reignites worries about the country slipping into a painful spiral of deflation, which could further drag on any recovery.

Tuesday’s data came a day after a report showing a bigger than expected fall in imports, a seventhstraight drop, as Beijing struggles to get growth back on track.

In foreign exchange markets, the dollar was at 124.19 yen Tuesday, down from 124.47 yen in US trade late Monday and well below 125.52 yen in Tokyo earlier Monday on profit-taking.

President Barack Obama had told Group of Seven leaders in Germany that its recent strength “posed a problem”.

With Bloomberg, AFP

Empire East set to launch 2 townships in Pasig, Quezon City

By Jenniffer B. Austria EMPIRE East Land Holdings Inc., a unit of Megaworld Corp. that caters to the low-income market, said it will launch two large mixed-use developments this year as part of the P25-billion five-year capital spending program.

Empire East president Anthony Charlemagne Yu said in an interview at the sidelines of the annual

stockholders’ meeting it would launch this year the 23-hectare township in Pasig-Cainta area and the 1.7-hectare development at Broadway Centrum in Quezon City.

The 23-hectare lot in PasigCainta area, which Empire East acquired from the Tiu family, will be master-planned as “city within a city.”

The property, slightly bigger that the original size of Mega-

world’s Eastwood City development in Quezon City, will contain several condominium projects, shopping center and possibly office buildings for business process outsouring companies.

Yu said the company would launch the first residential tower in the area, which used to be a tiles and ceramics factory, within the year.

He said for the Broadway Centrum project, the property firm

would build up to five residential towers, on top of a shopping mall.

The shopping mall, which will be managed by Megaworld, is expected to provide Empire East with recurring income.

Empire East is waiting for the lease agreement of existing tenants at Broadway Centrum to expire before starting to develop the area.

Yu said all lease agreements with the tenants would expire be-

fore the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Yu said he remained confident on the prospects of the real estate industry as the company aimed to exceed the P22-billion reservation sales recorded in 2014.

“So far in the first quarter, we have exceeded first-quarter reservation sales last year. All indicators show we should be able to exceed what we had last year,” Yu said.

B4

BUSINESS

May automotive sales up 18%

By Othel V. Campos

AUTOMOTIVE sales in May rose 18 percent to 23,139 units from 19,598 units year-onyear, sustaining the gains of the industry, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association said Tuesday, “The consistent growth in sales is a continued manifestation of the trust and confidence of consumers in the attractive products and services that are being offered ”, said Campi president Rommel Gutierrez.

The May figures boosted sales in the first five months of 2015 to 107,280 units, up 20 percent from 89,335 on year.

Sales of passenger cars in

May increased 27 percent with 9,556 units from 7,507 units on year, while those of commercial vehicles climbed 12 percent to 13,583 units from 12,091 units.

All segments posted double digit growths, except for the Asian Utility Vehicle types that suffered a 2.3 percent drop to 3,895 units from 3,966 units.

Passenger car sales month-on-

month grew 15 percent, while commercial vehicle turnout rose 5.1 percent from April sales of 8,331 and 12,928 units, respectively.

Sales of Category 5 heavy duty truck and buses, part of part of the commercial vehicle segment, jumped 66 percent to 101 units from 61 units in April.

Sale of passenger cars in the first five months rose 33 percent to 42,938 from 32,331 units on year.

The commercial vehicle category also posted a 12.9-percent growth, with 64,342 units sold in the five-month period from 57,004 units on year.

Leading the May 2015 sales is Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. with a 45-percent market share, followed by Mitsubishi Motors

Philippines Corp. with 19 percent.

Ford Motor Philippines placed third with an 8 percent share, while Isuzu Philippines Corp. was at fourth with 7.5 percent.

Honda is at fift h with a 6.3 percent market share.

Gutierrez attributed the consistent growth to attractive and flexible financing options and new model introductions from several brands.

Meanwhile, the groups both welcomed the passage of Executive Order 182, or the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program.

They said with the onset of motorization, the program would give opportunity to local manufacturers to boost their competitiveness and help strengthen the manufacturing sector.

Environment statement. Zero-emission electric tricycles shared the limelight at the recently-concluded Apec ministerial meetings in Boracay, providing a tangible symbol of the Philippines’ commitment to efforts to reverse the harmful effects of climate change. Delegates to the meetings held in May, including trade ministers and senior officials from 21 Apec member states, were ferried around the island resort by EMotors Inc.’s ZUM e-trikes. Emotors president Elizabeth Lee said the e-trikes were a powerful symbol that complemented one of Apec’s most important concerns. The Boracay meetings kicked off with a workshop on climate change, a topic that has been high on Apec’s agenda because of its impact on the world’s economies, big and small.

San Miguel may issue preferred shares

By Jenniffer B. Austria DIVERSIFIED conglomerate San Miguel Corp., which has invested about P450 billion over the past seven years in new ventures and expansion of existing core businesses, may raise more funds through the issuance of preferred shares, depending on market opportunities.

San Miguel shareholders during the annual stockholders’ meeting held Tuesday at the Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City approved the change in its incorporation articles to give company more flexibility to issue Series 2 preferred shares.

“We are just readying [pfunds] just in case there are opportunities,” San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon

Ang told reporters.

San Miguel earlier approved to reclassify 810 million Series “1” preferred shares to Series “2” With the reclassification of 810 million preferred shares and the remaining 33,415,800 unissued Series “2” Preferred Shares, there will be a total of 843,415,800 Series “2” Preferred Shares which may be issued by the company.

San Miguel in April raised P21 billion from the re-issuance of 279.41 million of the Series “1” preferred shares at P75.00 apiece to three firms, namely Gingoog Holdings Corp., Lucena Holdings Corp. and Metroplex Holdings Corp.

San Miguel chairman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., in a taped speech aired during the stock-

holders’ meeting, said the conglomerate over the last seven years had invested almost P300 billion in acquisitions to build its current diversified portfolio and roughly another P150 billion in existing core businesses.

The acquisitions enabled San Miguel, which is considered a pioneer in the Philippine industry, to transform from a food and beverage company into a diversified conglomerate with investments in power generation, infrastructure, telecoms and oil refinery.

“In this new shape, we are more resilient, more competitive, more able to meet our performance goals. And as a result, we are also a more durable company,” Cojuangco said.

Silver Awards.

British life insurer Pru Life UK received two Silver Stevie Awards for its post-Yolanda relief and recovery efforts as well as its groundbreaking disaster preparedness and awareness campaign at the 2015 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are the only business awards program to recognize achievement in the workplace in all 22 nations of the AsiaPacific region. Accepting the awards at the 2015 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards in Shanghai, China are (from left) Pru Life UK assistant vice president for advertising and communications Reena Villamor-Baet and senior brand and communications specialist Coreen Chan.

Govt readies auction of CBK

By Alena Mae S. Flores POWER Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. plans to privatize the supply contracts of the 728-megawatt Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan hydro power plants in the second semester next year.

PSALM in a latest company presentation set the indicative turnover of the CBK contract administration by the first semester of 2017.

PSALM manages the assets and liabilities of state-owned National Power Corp. as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

The agency is pursuing the appointment of an independent power producer administrator for the Unified Leyte bulk energy geothermal contracts of around 200 MW and the 200MW Mindanao coal contracts.

PSALM is also pursuing the sale of power barges 101 to 103 (96 MW), PB 104 (32 MW) and the Sucat decommissioned power plant this year.

PSALM generated proceeds of $8.529 billion as of end December 2014, with $1.298 billion used for debt repayment, $4.899 billion for regular debt service, $2.223 billion for buildoperate-transfer lease obligations and $108 million for other privatization related expenses.

PSALM last year privatized and successfully turned over the 153.10-MW Naga power plant and the 218-MW Angat hydro station to its new owners.

W E D N E S D AY : J U N E 1 0 , 2 0 1 5

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

Meralco cuts rates HAPPY Hour received several text messages saying that Meralco has lowered its rates by P0.58 per kilowatt –hour for the month of June.

This means we can continue to use our aircons some more (“aircon pa more”), one of our buddies declared, recalling the agony he went through last month when some of the hottest days hit the country-feeling like Hamlet as he repeatedly asked himself: “to use or not to use?” (the airconditioner, that is).

For those consuming an average of 200 kilowatt-hours every month, this translates into about P116 in savings--but like they say, every peso counts! Better yet, take into heart the following power saving tips from www.moneywise.ph.com--whose tagline “because financial wisdom is freedom” is becoming a byword among those who are starting to realize that being wise about money and spending would not hurt: 1. When not in use, unplug all small appliances. Even if you turn off any appliances but left plugged, it still continue to consume electricity. Turn off lights when not needed and keep your appliances well-maintained. They operate more efficiently and use less energy when in good working order.

2. Use Mobile Apps to track appliances energy consumptions.

If you’re keen on monitoring, a useful app is only a tap away. Use it to pre-compute expected bills and energy consumptions of your appliances. Check out the Meralco Virtual Engine-Pto know the estimated cost of operating your individual home appliances.

3. Keep blinds or shades at home closed where the sun directly shines. When open, the sun can really heat up a room. Turn off the lights. They add heat, just like sunlight does. Use natural light whenever possible. It is the best source of light and will help you save kilowatt-hours. Strategically arrange your household in such a way that you can use natural light.

4. Keep the air conditioner on the same temperature. Don’t keep changing it. Cool down the house early in the morning by placing a box fan in the window and opening up another window at the opposite end of the house, if you do not have central air. Clean or replace your air conditioning filters to make sure it works efficiently. Install the aircon in a cool area. A unit operating in the shade uses 10 percent less electricity than the same unit operating in direct sunlight.

Consider also using an interior fan in conjunction with your air conditioner to help spread cool air more effectively without greatly increasing electricity consumption.

5. Clean lighting fixtures regularly, as dirt will lessen illumination by as much as 50 percent. One can work more effectively under good lighting which lessens the hours of operation of lamps. In contrast, poor lighting will make someone work longer thus increasing electrical consumption.

6. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps.

Although CFLs cost higher than incandescent bulbs, they use up only 25 percent of the energy being used up by incandescent bulbs, and last eight times longer. A 16-watt CFL produces the same light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb at a quarter of the energy cost.

7. Place refrigerators at least 4 inches away from the wall so as not to overwork the motor and to allow efficient heat release from the condenser coils. Don’t position your refrigerator in direct sunlight or near heat-producing appliances like the stove.

8. Clean your electric fans regularly, to keep them running efficiently. Remove the dust accumulated at the fan blades, motor housings, and grills as it reduces the air current generated by the fan.

Cobwebs, dust and other forms of impurities piling up at the motor’s cover prevent air to naturally provide the cooling needed by the motor or heat produced by the motor to be released. This causes additional heating of the motor’s windings, which leads to more consumption of energy.

9. Switch off your TV set when no one is watching. If you are using a transformer, unplug it because it consumes electricity. Don’t use the standby mode because this uses as much as 60 percent of the electricity that would be used by your TV set if it were switched on.

10. When your computer or monitor is not in use, turn it off to reduce energy consumption. The monitor uses as much as 60 percent of the power used by your computer. The other 40 percent is used to keep the hard drive spinning and to power the electronics.

Less energy is consumed when computers or monitors are turned on and off as often as required than when left on over time. If your computer makes use of a transformer or kept at standby mode, unplug it because these situations still consume electricity. Invest in energyefficient computers and printers which save up to 90 percent electricity than standard models. Study and use your computer’s power saving features. The sleep mode automatically converts the computer to a low-energy mode when not in use, cutting energy usage to less than half.

••• For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related concerns, readers may email to happyhourtoday2012@yahoo.com. You may also visit and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ happyhourmanilastandard.

We’d be very happy to hear from you. Cheers!

B5

San Miguel, K-water sign Angat Dam deal

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. finally signed the joint venture agreement with Korea Water Resources Corp., or K-water, to operate and maintain the 218-megawatt Angat hydroelectric power plant in Bulacan.

The joint venture will pursue the rehabilitation of the Angat dam amid potential risks of earthquakes and other natural calamities. “[The agreement was signed] last week,” San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang told reporters at the sidelines of the stockholders’ meeting Tuesday.

Ang did not disclose details of the signing. He said earlier San Miguel would take a 60-percent stake in the joint venture.

“Yes, it [signing] pushed through,” Ang said, adding the Angat hydro project partners

would will now proceed with the dam’s rehabilitation.

Ang did not say if talks with First Gen Corp. would still push through after San Miguel took a 60 percent stake. Ang earlier said San Miguel might offer a 30-percent stake in Angat to First Gen. Ang, meanwhile, said consulting company expert Poyry had completed a study on the Angat hydro project.

K-water engaged Poyry to conduct a dam safety assessment. The Angat dam and dike have been in operation over 40 years and a safe-

ty assessment is needed amid the potential risks to the facility.

“The rehabilitation of Angat dam is a go, that’s in the agreement. Poyry is finalizing the recommendation for a competent dam construction company [to conduct the rehabilitation],” he said.

The scope of the Angat hydro project rehab includes “strengthening of the dikes.”

“Because no one can stop a massive earthquake, we will try to minimize the risk,” Ang said, but declined to disclose the rehabilitation cost.

He assured power supply operations of the Angat power plant would not be affected during the rehabilitation. “No, we will just strengthen it,” Ang said.

K-water won the bid to operate and manage the Angat power plant. K-water is the dominant player in the Korean water industry with a 46.5 percent market share in the national water supply.

Ginebra mixes. Ginebra San Miguel Inc. showcased its distinctly Filipino drink mixes at the welcome dinner for Madrid Fusion Manila. In line with ‘Visit Philippines Year 2015’ festivities, GSMI used Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin to come up with ‘Drinks of the Philippines,’ inspired by, and named after, the country’s favorite tourist attractions--Boracay High, Manila Bay Sunset, Chocolate Hills, Mango Tango, Calamansi Surprise, Manila Sunrise, Intramuros Square, Manny’s Punch, Island Blues, and Underground River. Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin is an exquisite blend of extracts of botanicals and juniper berries, blended with ENA (extra neutral alcohol).

DMCI keen on LRT-2 port extension

By Darwin G. Amojelar DMCI Holdings Inc. of the Consunji family wants to join the auction for the contract to build the LRT Line 2 extension to the port area in Manila.

DMCI senior vice president Luis Pastor told reporters the company was keen in joining the bidding for the P10.12-billion LRT 2 West Extension Project.

“We will join as long as it is competitive,” Pastor said.

The board of the National Economic and Development Authority in May approved the project of the Transportation Department.

The project involves the design and construction for the extension of the existing LRT Line 2, which will run from Recto Station extending westward to Pier 4 area, including the turn-back track.

It will have a total length of approximately 3.02 kilometers and

with three proposed additional stations that include Tutuban Station (located next to the Cluster Mall); Divisoria Station (located west of the Recto Avenue and Asuncion Street intersection; and Pier 4 Station (located 50 meters north of Zaragoza Street).

The project, which will be locally-financed is targeted to be implemented within 3.5 years.

“We have just secured approval to proceed with the project and once this is completed, travel from East to West of Metro Manila and vice versa will be easier,” Transport Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said.

Transportation earlier said it would schedule the auction of the LRT Line 2 West Extension in the first quarter of 2016.

DMCI bagged the contract to construct a 3.9-kilometer elevated guideway for the LRT-2 East Extension from the railway’s cur-

rent end-station in Santolan in Pasig City to Masinag in Cainta, Rizal with a winning bid of P2.27 Billion.

DMCI has 18 months to complete the civil works for the elevated guideway or viaduct.

The project will be operational by the third quarter of 2017. It is expected to cater daily to an additional 75,000 passengers living in densely populated areas of Rizal.

Transportation is alsobidding out the operations and maintenance of the existing LRT Line 2 under a Public-Private Partnership scheme.

Interested groups which have purchased invitation documents for the project’s pre-qualification stage include DMCI, San Miguel Corp., GT Capital Holdings Inc., Light Rail Manila Corp., Marubeni Corp., France’s RATP Development and Spain’s Globalvia.

WEDNESDAY: JUNE 10, 2015

B6

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

PLDT hiking capex to P40b

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Livestock exhibit. Agriculture Undersecretary for livestock Jose Reaño (third from right) seals a partnership with livestock stakeholders during a press conference ahead of the country’s largest biannual event that will showcase the livestock and poultry sectors. Livestock Philippines 2015, to be held on June 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, will unveil a wide array of innovative technologies and insightful seminars and conferences in animal health, feed, livestock and meat production. With Reaño are (from left) UBM Asia business director Rose Chitanuwat, Philippine Association of Food Technologists vice president Pamela Forshage, assistant secretary for livestock Davinio Catbagan, UBM Exhibitions Philippines president M. Gandhi, Bureau of Animal Industry director Rubina Cresencio and National Meat Inspection Service executive director Minda Manantan.

PH jobless rate down to 6.4% in April—data

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

Republic of the Philippines Province of Kalinga City of Tabuk BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE Date Posted: June 10, 2015 INVITATION TO BID ITB No. CW-2015-011 The Local Government Unit of Tabuk through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) invites Contractors registered with and classified by the Philippines Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to bid for the hereunder contract/project: Lot

Name of Project

Location

ABC

Amount of Bid Documents

Contract Duration

Brief Description of the Project

1

Flood Control

Chico River, CalananNew Tanglag, Tabuk City

14,800,000.00

25,000.00

135 CD

Excavation, embankment

Prospective bidders should possess a valid PCAB license applicable to the contract, have completed a similar contract with a value of at least 50% of the ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check/screening as well as the preliminary examination of bids.

The BAC will conduct post-qualification to the lowest calculated bid.

Pre-Bid conference will be on June 17, 2015, 9:00AM at the BAC Meeting Room, City Engineering Office, Tabuk City Hall, Dagupan Centro, Tabuk City Bid Documents are available during office hours starting June 15, 2015 at the BAC-Secretariat, City Engineering Office and upon payment of a non-refundable amount for bid documents as shown above to the LGU Cashier, Office of the Treasurer.

All bid proposals should be received by the BAC Chairman/ Secretariat on or before July 1, 2015, Wednesday, 9:00AM at the BAC Meeting Room, City Engineering Office, Tabuk City Hall, Dagupan Centro, Tabuk City.

The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids or part thereof, or to waive formality therein and/or to accept the bids as may be considered most advantageous to the Local Government Unit of Tabuk.

Very truly yours, (SGD) RUBYPETER A. ALBERT BAC Chairman (TS-JUNE 10, 2015)

UNEMPLOYMENT rate dipped to 6.4 percent in April this year from 7 percent a year ago, as nearly half a million Filipinos found jobs over the 12-month period, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Tuesday.

Data also showed that underemployment rate eased to 17.8 percent in April from 18.2 percent a year earlier. In absolute terms, there were 2.7 million jobless and 6.98 million underemployed Filipinos as of April.

National Economic and Development Authority directorgeneral Arsenio Balisacan said the reduced unemployment and underemployment rates in April 2015 indicated a sustained favorable situation in the job market, owing to the continued strength of the economy.

“The favorable market condition in April 2015 follows a similar trend in the January 2015 round of the Labor Force Survey where unemployment and underemployment also declined,” Balisacan said.

Data showed the ranks of employed individuals grew 1.3 percent to 39.159 million in April 2015 from 38.664 million in the same month last year. “This translates to 495,000 more employed Filipinos and reduced the total number of unemployed to 2.7 million,” Neda said.

The PSA also showed the un-

employment rate was affected geographically, as 13 out of the 17 regions exhibited lower unemployment rates during the survey period.

“NCR continued to post the highest unemployment rate at 9.3 percent, while ARMM recorded the lowest unemployment rate at 3.2 percent,” said Balisacan.

Balisacan said in terms of the underemployed, improvements were observed across all classes of workers, except for the selfemployed without any paid employee, those who worked with pay in their own familyoperated farms, and workers in government or government corporations.

Balisacan was optimistic the country would reach or surpass the development plan target of 6.6 percent to 6.8 percent for the unemployment rate and 18 percent for the underemployment rate in 2015.

Balisacan, however, said there were still risks due to El Niño dry spell that impacted the agriculture sector, which accounted for about one-third of total employment.

PHILIPPINE Long Distance Telephone Co. plans to raise its capital expenditures this year to over P40 billion, as demand for mobile and fixed broadband continues to rise, its top executive said Tuesday.

“Our capex estimate was P39 billion [but] it might exceed P40 billion this year and most likely we will have an elevated capex next year,” PLDT president and chief executive Napoleon Nazareno told reporters at the sidelines of the annual stockholders’ meeting.

Nazareno said the capex would be used to expand data capacity and network coverage.

“The demand on data is really growing very fast for both mobile and fixed broadband.

The data requirements of enterprise and SMEs is also increasing very much,” he said.

The PLDT executive, however, said capex for 2017 might go down, “but it depends on how the demand will evolve. The data is moving very fast and smartphone penetration has gone up.”

Nazareno said the capex for 2015 and 2016 would be finalized in the third quarter.

PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan said capital spending this year would be the “highest ever.”

“It will be across the board.

We will aggressively rollout 3G and 4G networks,” he said.

Pangilinan also said the company expected improvements in profitability and share price after the painful transition that the company was undertaking.

“The year 2014 imposed a severe test for our company, as competition at home intensified and managed to gain some ground on our wireless business, whilst social media and other global Internet communications services continued to erode the revenues of our legacy businesses,” Pangilinan said.

PLDT’s core net income amounted to P37.4 billion in 2014, lower than P38.7 billion in 2013. Its service revenues amounted to P165.1 billion last year, down from P164.1 billion in 2013.

PLDT made changes in senior positions, after core profit fell 5 percent and revenues stagnated in the first quarter.

“It’s very clear that we cannot think and behave like a telco of the past. I think we have started to realize that we have to get people who have the experience, exposure and the skill sets that could bring us there,” said Pangilinan.

W E D N E S D AY : J U N E 1 0 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Museum honors fallen journalists WA S H I N G T O N — Fourteen journalists killed covering the news in 2014—including two executed by Islamic militants in Syria—were recognized Monday by the Newseum, which added their names to its Washington journalists’ memorial.

Among those honored were photojournalist James Foley, a freelancer who had reported for GlobalPost, Agence France-Presse and other outlets from Afghanistan, Libya and Syria, and Steven Sotloff, an American-Israeli journalist who had worked for Time and the Christian Science Monitor.

With the 14 names, the memorial will recognize a total of 2,271 reporters, photographers, broadcasters and news executives from around the world, dating back to 1837.

“It is right, and just, that we pause today in our busy lives to remember what these journalists did, and why they did it,” Peter Prichard, chief executive officer of the Newseum, said at a ceremony at the news media museum.

John Foley, father of James Foley, said his son and Sotloff

In India, residents paid to use toilets AHMEDABAD—A city council in western India is planning to pay residents to use public toilets in a desperate attempt to stop legions of people urinating and defecating in public.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has decided to give residents one rupee a visit in a bid to draw them into its 300 public toilets and away from open areas and public walls, which often reek of urine.

AMC health officer Bhavikk Joshi said the offer would be tried at 67 public facilities across Ahmedabad, the main city in western Gujarat state, where officers will give a coin to each user.

“Once successful the project will be implemented in all the 300 public toilets in Ahmedabad,” Joshi told AFP on Monday.

The move is the latest effort to motivate people

curiosity to understand the why and how of war, and most especially, the who of those caught in the middle -- the people,” she said.

The other journalists recognized were Yusuf Ahmed Abukar of Radio Ergo and Mustaqbal Radio, killed in Somalia; Muftah Bu Zeid of Brnieq, killed in Libya; Simone Camilli of the Associated Press, killed in Gaza; Michel du Cille of The Washington Post, who died in Liberia; Rubylita Garcia of Remate and dwA, killed in the Philippines; Nils Horner of Sveriges Radio, killed in Afghanistan; freelancer Camille Lepage, killed in Central African Republic; Irshad Mastoi of Online International News Network and ARY News; killed in Pakistan; Pablo Medina of ABC Color, killed in Paraguay; and freelancer Luke Somers, killed in Yemen.

Foley was kidnapped in November 2012 in northern Syria.

Last year, militants from the so-called “Islamic State” triggered worldwide revulsion by releasing video footage of his murder, which they declared was to avenge US air strikes against their group.

Sotloff ’s horrific killing was shown in a video which emerged on just days after Foley was murdered in nearidentical circumstances. AFP

suffered “horrific deaths” but that John “left his mark as a wonderful human being attempting to defend our right to know, one person at a time.”

For the first time in the Newseum’s seven-year history in Washington, the “Today’s Front Pages” exhibit was blacked out for the day to raise awareness of the threats journalists face.

Gene Policinski, chief operating officer of the Newseum Institute, said the memorial is a way to acknowledge the journalists’ sacrifices.

“We are but the caretakers and guardians of this Memorial on behalf of those who ultimately require no such construct to confirm their courage and self-sacrifice,” he said.

The 11 men and three women honored represent the more than 80 journalists who died while covering the news in 2014, according to the Newseum.

Keynote speaker Kathy Gannon of the Associated Press underscored the dangers faced by journalists as she recalled the death of the AP colleague Anja Niedringhaus, killed in an attack in Afghanistan that left Gannon injured.

“As journalists, we join this profession because we are curious. We who go off to conflict areas are satisfying that

to use toilets after India’s government announced a cleanliness drive last year championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Many people in India consider toilets unhygienic and prefer to squat in the open, believing it more sanitary to defecate far from home.

AMC standing committee chairman Pravin Patel said repeat offenders would be “identified and encouraged” to use the coin-paying toilets.

“The idea behind this project is to prevent open defecation in parts of the city where people, despite having public toilets, defecate in the open,” Patel told AFP. India’s government last year announced a scheme to check whether people who were given toilets as part of its cleanliness drive were actually using them, by getting sanitary inspectors to go door-to-door. AFP

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 140, Makati City IN RE: PETITION FOR JUDICIAL CONFIRMATION OF FOREIGN DECREE OF DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (ABSOLUTE DIVORCE) AND/OR ACTION FOR THE ENFORCEMENT/RECOGNITION OF A FOREIGN JUDGEMENT,

SP.PROC.NO. M-7404

GENEROSA CAPOQUIAN STRONG, Petitioner, -versusPAUL M. STRONG,

Respondent.

x----------------------------------------x DECISION WHEREFORE, the Petition for Judicial Recognition of a Foreign Divorce Decree obtained by respondent Paul Strong against the petitioner Generosa Capoquian – Strong from the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court of the State of Michigan on February 1, 2005, which became absolute and final, is granted judicial recognition and enforcement in the Philippines.

Accordingly, the marriage between petitioner Generosa Capoquian – Strong and respondent Paul M. Strong on February 25, 1992 in Makati City is dissolved by virtue of absolute divorce obtained by the latter against the former.

Upon finality of this Decision, the petitioner is declared single with legal capacity to enter into another marriage.

The Local Civil Registrar of Makati City and the Philippine Statistics Authority, Quezon City are directed to record and annotate the Decision of this case in their respective Book of Marriages.

Considering that the respondent Paul M. Strong was summoned through publication, the petitioner is directed to publish the dispositive portion of the Decision, once in a newspaper of general circulation to be chosen by raffle and to serve a copy of the Decision by registered mail to his last known address at the expense of the petitioner.

Furnish the Office of the Solicitor General and the Public Prosecutor with a copy this Decision.

SO ORDERED. Makati City, March 23, 2015.

(SGD)CRISTINA F. JAVALERA-SULIT Judge (TS-JUNE 10, 2015)

B7

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TARIFF COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING/CONSULTATION Pursuant to Sections 401 and 402 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP), as amended, the Tariff Commission will conduct public hearing/consultation on Philippines-European Free Trade Association (PH-EFTA) Negotiations specifically with respect to its impact on Philippine tariffs imposed on products falling under Chapters 1 to 97 of the TCCP. PH-EFTA is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and EFTA bloc composed of four (4) members, namely: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Interested parties will be given the opportunity to be heard and to present evidence in support of their positions.

The hearing/consultation is on 18 June 2015, 9:00 A.M. at the Tariff Commission Conference Room, 5th Floor Philippine Heart Center Building, East Avenue, Quezon City.

For particulars, please inquire with the Research, Investigation and International Trade Analysis Services (RIITAS) at telephone numbers 926-87-31 or 928-84-19.

Issued this 5th day of June 2015, Quezon City, Metro Manila

EDGARDO B. ABON Chairman (TS-JUNE 10, 2015)

Republic of the Philippines Provinc e of Bataan City of Balanga BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE INVITATION TO BID NO. INFRA -038- 2015 The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the General Fund intends to apply the below listed projects w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Name of Project

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC)

Rehabilitation of Sunrise Building (Phase III) Barangay Doña, Orani, Bataan

=P=5,399,917.15

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

Completion of works is required on or before the maturity date stipulated on contract.

Bidders should have completed, within Ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

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

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

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

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

Approved Budget for the Contract

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso)

500,000 and below More than 500,000 up to 1 Million More than 1 Million up to 5 Million

500.00 1,000.00 5,000.00

More than 5 Million up to 10 Million More than 10 Million up to 50 Million

10,000.00 25,000.00

More than 50 Million up to 500 Million More than 500 Million

50,000.00 75,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on June 15, 2015 at 10:00 A.M at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered on or before June 29, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated on IRR of RA 9184 and Bid Securing Declaration in standard form.

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

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

Other necessary information deemed relevant by the Provincial Government of Bataan Activities 1. Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid 2. Eligibility Check 3. Issuance and availability of Bidding Documents 4. Request for Clarification 5. Opening of Bids

Schedule June 8 - June 14, 2015 Refer to date of Opening of Bids June 8 - June 29, 2015 June 19, 2015 June 29, 2015

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

For further information, please refer to: Engr. Josephine R. Valenzuela Provincial BAC / PEO Bataan Provincial BAC / PEO Office, Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan 047-237-9316 bac@bataan.gov.ph

( T S - J U N E 10 , 2 015 )

(SGD) ENRICO T. YUZON BAC Chairman

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B8 HSBC set to remove over 50,000 global staff HONG KONG—Scandal-hit bank HSBC said Tuesday it would cut its global headcount by up to 50,000 as part of a restructuring that entails its withdrawal from Brazil and Turkey, while it also mulls abandoning London as its HQ. In a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange it also said it intended to save $5 billion in annual costs within two years.

The announcement comes ahead of an investor update later Tuesday in which chief executive Stuart Gulliver is expected to announce thousands of job losses.

“HSBC is now undertaking a significant reshaping of its business portfolio,” the bank, which this year marks its 150th anniversary, said.

“It is redeploying resources to capture expected future growth opportunities and adapting to structural changes in the operating climate,” it added.

The statement did not mention extensive job cuts, the details of which were buried in an investor update report.

That report said there would be a 10-percent reduction in jobs, with between 22,000 and 25,000 classified under “transformation savings,” including streamlining IT projects. A further 25,000 jobs would be lost with the selling of operations in Turkey and Brazil.

The move is the latest in a series of swingeing cuts under Gulliver, who joined at the beginning of 2011. Staff numbers have dropped from 295,000 in 2010 and by 2017 there will be 208,000 remaining.

The statement also said the bank will aim to save $4.5-$5 billion in annual costs by 2017 but would continue to serve large corporate clients in Brazil “with respect to their international needs”.

The bank added that it would focus more on Asia, particularly in the Pearl River Delta, and set up a ring-fenced British bank.

It also expects to complete a review of where to locate its headquarters by the end of this year.

Gulliver has said the lender may relocate due to increased British regulation and taxation of the banking sector. AFP

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD Rise in asylum seekers gets Hungary worried BUDAPEST—From billboards warning refugees not to steal Hungarians’ jobs, to a government survey linking migrants to terrorism, Hungary’s government has stepped up its anti-immigration rhetoric in recent weeks, sparking international concern.

Fashion show. A model displays a creation by Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab during a fashion show as part of the Yachting Premiere 2015 on June 8 at Zaitunay Bay in Beirut. AFP

The central European nation has been experiencing a surge in asylum seekers as thousands of desperate migrants fleeing war and conflict try to reach European shores.

Last year, Hungary received more refugees per capita than any other EU country apart from Sweden, up to almost 43,000 people from 2,000 in 2012.

In response, Prime Minister Viktor Orban— who recently called migration a threat to “European civilization”—has launched a national consultation on “immigration and terrorism”.

As part of the campaign, state-funded posters have popped up around the capital Budapest reading: “If you come to Hungary, you cannot take the jobs of Hungarians” and “If you come to Hungary, you have to respect our culture!”

In addition, the government sent a survey to eight million voters containing questions linking migrants with terrorism, which EU officials slammed as “malicious and wrong”.

The UN’s refugee agency UNHCR also expressed “shock” at the survey, which included questions like: “Some people believe that the mishandling of immigration issues in Brussels and the spread of terrorism are connected. Do you agree?”

Two of the three possible answers expressed agreement.

Another question asks: “According to some, Brussels’ policies regarding immigration and terrorism have failed and a new approach is needed to handle these issues. Do you agree?”

So far, some 400,000 people have returned the survey ahead of the July 1 deadline, government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs confirmed.

“We can decide for ourselves, with the help of the questionnaire,” he told AFP. “The consultation reflects the government’s philosophical approach to the issue. We never denied that it is a political questionnaire, obviously it’s different from what most in Brussels would go

Malaysia to protest Chinese ‘intrusion’ KUALA LUMPUR—Malaysia will lodge a diplomatic protest against an alleged incursion by a Chinese Coast Guard ship into its waters off Borneo island in the disputed South China Sea, a top naval official said Tuesday amid a continuing standoff with the vessel.

Navy Chief Abdul Aziz Jaafar said that since late 2014, intrusions

by Chinese ships into Malaysian waters had been a daily affair with Kuala Lumpur protesting to Beijing each time.

Abdul Aziz told AFP the Chinese vessel involved in the latest incident remained in Malaysian waters.

“We are maintaining our presence

there. We are shadowing the vessel continuously. It is a case where they want to maintain their presence there but at the same time we are there to make sure and tell them that this is our waters,” he said.

“We have been submitting (diplomatic protests). Every time we detect them... every time we sight them we challenge them (to indicate) that they are in our waters.

At the same time we lodge a diplomatic protest,” he added.

The latest incident is near the Luconia Shoals, an area of the South China Sea just outside the Spratlys, a reputedly oil-rich island chain claimed in whole or in part

by Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Abdul Aziz said the Chinese incursion had taken place very close to the Malaysian coast.

Luconia Shoals lies just 65 nautical miles northwest of the oil-rich town of Miri in eastern Sarawak state.

Abdul Aziz said in the latest incident attempts to communicate with the Chinese vessel to state that it was in Malaysian waters met no response.

“We are on Channel 16. We are communicating through VHF communications. We are telling them this is our waters. (But) they do not respond,” he said. AFP

Expo. Youth perform a traditional dance during the visit of Prince

Albert II of Monaco at the Expo Milano 2015, the universal exhibition, on June 9 in Milan. AFP

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BING PAREL A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER life @ thestandard.com .ph

LIFE

Photo courtesy of Bomberg Manila

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LUXURY

THE MAN OF THEAnishHOUR Bhatt walks and talks timepieces

BY MAAN D’ASIS PAMARAN

He came to the Bomberg launch party impeccably groomed and nattily-dressed in a tailored jacket and distressed denim, sporting a killer timepiece on his wrist.

One cannot expect less from stylemeister Anish Bhatt, an Internet superstar in these days when almost everyone online wants to be insta-famous.

The 30-something Londoner currently has 1.2 million followers on Instagram, among them Hollywood celebrities, sports figures, politicians, members of the millionaires club, and – we deduce, Middle Eastern royalty.

This A-lister is a far cry from the 18-year-old pharmacology student who developed a love for watches decades ago.

“Some guys develop interests in cars, others in girls; I became fascinated with high-end watches and what makes them fetch prices of $100,000 or $200,000,” he recalls. He did his research and started buying books even from places like Japan.

“I left my job in investing and started working in fashion. That’s where I had a more visual understanding of things that I liked to see.”

Continued on C2

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C2 THE MAN OF THE HOUR From C1

By 2003-2004, he moved to Florida to work for a fashion acquisition company. “That’s where I had the idea of starting my blog, which covered cars, travel, restaurants, and fashion.”

This happened at the dawn of street style photography, where shoots were done in the real world instead of in the studio. “This was the time the Sartorialist came around and I was really impressed by the really cool powerful pictures. There was not a lot of text but a lot of engagement with people. I wanted to do something like that.”

At the age of 30, he quit his job and moved back to London. “I had £5,000 in savings, not a sound idea,” he chuckles. He hired a college student as a photographer and set about the affluent areas of the city, looking for people who were nicely dressed in an eye-catching way.

“If they were wearing a watch, I would take a photo of their watch. If they weren’t I would let them wear one of my own. I had quite a collection then, because I started buying one for each year since I was 18. That’s how it all started. It was all quite organic.”

Six months later, he joined Instagram, and things just blew up. “That was three years ago. I like the platform because it fit what I wanted. It is picture-based, engaging, and quick. The space I was working in is the high-end luxury space and it is huge.

There is an impression that people with money like to go to the malls and boutiques to shop but actually that is not the case anymore. When the tide was turning, I was at the right place at the right time.”

ACCESSORY DU JOUR

He laughs when asked if he judges people according to their outfits. “Whether you are in the fashion industry or not, I think we are all guilty of that.”

He says that he himself is no label whore.

“I wear a lot of different things; it depends on where I am.” This is the same principle that he applies to the watch that he will wear for the day.

“Normally, I pair the strap color with my shoes or belt. If I am wearing something casual, I wear a big watch. Also, gold suits my complexion quite well. If I am going to a black-tie event, I wear a more discreet watch.” He explains further: With a formal suit, you always have to show your cuff.

“If a big watch is protruding it will look weird,” he adds sagely.

He has 50 to 60 watches by now, he reveals, and when he forgets one of them, he feels… naked. “When I wear a watch, it is not for functionality. If I want to know the time, I look at my phone first before I look at my watch,” he admits.

Why wear a watch then? “A watch is very much an emotional item. I look at the one I am wearing about 1500 times a day, not even registering what time it is. I look at the details, the dial, and the colors. Also, it is not just an instrument. It is a mechanical piece of art and a fashion accessory.”

EDGING FORWARD

He cites Bomberg as one example of how timekeeping is changing with the times.

“What I love about the brand is that for a Swiss brand it is very rock and roll. It is brash, aggressive, and sexy – stuff that a lot of the bigger brands would like to communicate but can’t.”

He describes the Bomberg profile. “The people in that party (he gestures outside to the floor where the DJ was playing EDM) they are all fun and very active. That is what the brand is. They may be executives at the top of their game, but they can party with you until 7 in the morning.”

Catch more of Anish online at www.

WatchAnish.com and on his Instagram account @watchanish

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

TOYS FOR THE BOYS

Swiss-made watch now in Manila Provocative, audacious and unconventional. These best encapsulate the style statement of luxury timepiece brand Bomberg that recently launched its famed watch products to the hip, modern and affluent crowd at the City of Dreams Manila.

Showcasing its excellent collections, the high-end watch line beautifully combines exquisite designs, high quality elements, and sophisticated branding to introduce the new definition of urban fashion.

Though the brand is still young in the industry, it has successfully captured the contemporary spirit of fashionable groups with its unconventional, out-of-the-box approach to design and function.

Bomberg offers a wide range of designs that would definitely catch the eye of any fashion maven, both men and women.

With the great combination of elegance and androgyny, its distinctive features – such as the crown and buttons placed at 12 o’clock, dual usage wrist or pocket and skull-and-crossbones chain – bind the overall look of this solid product as a true reinterpretation of classic watchmaking.

Bomberg presented the newly launched BOLT-68 and the iconic model 1968 – a revamped definition of being hip come alive with the innovation of design and function combined into one masterpiece. While the timeless and well-known 1968 collection exudes a beautiful rendition of an atypical sporty watch with its bull head- 12 o’clock and two large chronograph counters,

the BOLT-68, on the other hand, offers a dark object of desire that has two purposes which are all available in a single stellar item, either a wrist or a pocket one.

Synonymous to the unique identity of its fantastic advertising campaign hit of BOLT-68 collection, the watch brand’s apparent insight to lifestyle expresses a keen focus to being true to oneself by taking pride of independence and difference in an artistic approach. As Bomberg chairman Rick De La Croix shared, “Creativity is the ability to think outside the box.”

The most anticipated creation of BOLT-68 collection allows the watch lovers of Bomberg to turn an exclusive timepiece into a disruptive pocket watch for a more dynamic and flexible usage, making one standout among the rest.

Discover the luxury and style that Bomberg brings to Manila in Robinsons Magnolia and in the following branches of Washington — Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Megamall, Greenbelt 1, Powerplant Mall Rockwell, Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, Glorietta 4, SM North EDSA, Eastwood Mall, and Robinsons Place Manila.

BAROLO: THE CROWN JEWEL WINE OF PIEDMONT

Barolo is the undisputed king of Piedmont wines, and could also be argued as the best wine of Italy as well. Probably only Brunello di Montalcino, the Tuscan wine made from 100 percent Sangiovese (known as Brunello grape in the village of Montalcino) can be in the same conversation as best red wine of Italy. Barolo has to be made from 100 percent Nebbiolo. Tasting Barolo wine was my primary motivation in joining the Nebbiolo Prima last month in Alba. And it certainly did not disappoint. Borolo is the bulk, or around 59 percent of all Nebbiolo harvest in the Langhe region. In terms of vineyard size, Barolo has 1,992 hectares. This size is over 10 times the size of fellow Piedmontese Roero DOCG, and almost three times bigger than Barbaresco DOCG.

BAROLO-CENTRIC

In the Nebbiolo Prima 2015, three of the five days of intensive blind tastings were dedicated to just Barolos. I tasted all 308 Barolo wines in these three days, and easily another 30 Barolos on winery visits and evening dinners. In the case of Barolo, the obvious crown jewel of Piedmont, the wine flights were smartly clustered by Barolo communes. This way each `terroir’ is sort of highlighted, like the Sarralunga commune having soils higher in limestone, sand, and phosphorus, as differentiated by, for example, the La Morra commune soils that are higher in clay and magnesium oxide. There are 11 communes making Barolos, including one named Barolo itself. The bigger ones are Barolo (the commune), La Morra, At Palazzo Mostree Congressi in Alba, with a sea of concealed Barolos

Monforte d’Alba, Serralunga d’Alba and Castiglione Falletto, contributing 87 percent of total Barolo production. All Barolo wines were still tasted blind, but the wines from the same communes were queued together.

Barolo got its DOC and DOCG designations in 1966 and 1980 respectively – similar to its little brother Barbaresco.

Barolo wines are quite full bodied, but their color will never be as dark as the Bordeaux wines. This has always been the limitation of the Nebbiolo varietal. Barolos have the longest aging period required prior to commercial release among all Nebbiolomade wines. A Barolo can only be released after 38 months in cellar aging, of which 18 months should be in oak barrels. The Barolo Riserva on the other hand requires a longer cellaring period of up to 62 months before commercial release, of which the same 18 months should be in oak barrels. During the Nebbiolo Prima, the featured vintages were Barolo Classico 2011, and Barolo Riserva 2009. Again, like Barbaresco, Barolo makers often extend their cellaring/aging rules beyond those required by the Barolo Conzortio.

A Barolo Classico is normally oak aged for 24 months – six months beyond the required minimum, while the Barolo Riserva is aged up to 36 months in barrel. While these may sound extremely extensive, especially the oak influence, almost all Barolo producers age part of their oak requirements in large Slavonian oaks known as botti (vessels that can take in as much as 600+ liters), and the other oak part with small, normally French Bordeaux size barriques of more or less 225 liters. The huge Slavonian oaks add the delicate elements to the normally more powerful smaller barriques, and Barolo winemakers get to choose the ratio of aging between these two types of oak vessels base on their stylistic approach to each vintage.

Entrance to Fontanafredda, the largest Barolo producer in the world

GENERAL FEEDBACK

In my humble opinion, from the much larger sample group of 308 Barolos I tasted at the Nebbiolo Prima, the Barolos were mostly good, with more consistency as a whole.

Barolos are famously known for its’ fullflavored, full-bodied long aging wines. The wide slew of aromas range from juicy red berries, violets, herbaceousness, leather to more complex oak-influenced bouquets of vanilla, cinnamon, tobacco and white chocolate. I had very vivid memories of the Barolos I tasted as contained in my densely scribbled notes. In fact, I had several Barolos rated excellent to near perfect scores. May be it is my lack of experience tasting high quality Barolos (… possibly), but certainly if I simply based my judgment on the merits of rating good wines, regardless of wine region (and I had plenty of experience drinking good wines from all over the world: Bordeaux, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Tuscan, Napa, Barossa, Mendoza, etc.), I would still find several of these Barolos wonderfully delectable. I judged these wines as a spoiled oenophile, not as a wine writer or critic. I loved almost 40 percent of the wines I tasted – a really high ratio. Out of 268 Barolo Classicos from vintage 2011 tasted, I gave 108 of these wines very high ratings, and out of the 40 Barolo Riservas from vintage 2009 tasted, I gave 12 wines exceptional marks.

The conclusion of my Nebbiolo Prima trip, and my huge list of Barolo recommendations to be continued next week.

For comments, inquiries, wine event coverage, wine consultancy and other wine related concerns, please e-mail me at protegeinc@ yahoo.com. I am a proud member of the Federation Internationale des Journalists et Ecrivains du Vin et des Spiritueux or FIJEV since 2010. You can also follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/sherwinlao.

Three vintages from Casa Mirafiore, the premium label from Fontanafredda

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

UPCOMING SCENTS TO WATCH OUT FOR

BY ED BIADO Not all fragrances are created equal. Some are buzzier than others even before they launch. Here, we share with you all we know about four of the most anticipated perfumes that will be released in the next few months.

LANVIN ÉCLAT DE FLEURS

This summer scent, developed by Anne Flipo and Nicolas Beaulieu, arrives in July. With ultra-feminine floral and fruity notes, the pink creation is said to be inspired by meadows. The fragrant bouquet of Arabic jasmine, rose and freesia is topped by the watery goodness of juicy pears, and grounded by white musk and sandalwood.

Happiness and excitement are the emotions supposedly evoked by the combination, perfect for adventures that the season has to offer. Éclat de Fleurs is a followup to 2002’s Éclat d’Arpège.

UNNAMED DIOR FRAGRANCE FOR MEN The first men’s fragrance from the luxury house in 10 years, the yet-to-be-named scent is buzzy due to the announcement that Hollywood hot property Johnny Depp will front its advertising campaign. Crafted by Christian Dior Parfums resident nose, master perfumer François Demachy, the latest addition to the brand’s list of acclaimed perfume collection will hit stores September 1. As the new face of Dior, Depp joins other heartthrobs like Jude Law (Dior Homme Sport and Dior Homme Intense) and Robert Pattinson (Dior Homme).

MARC JACOBS DECADENCE

The bottle alone is decadent, designed like an emerald Marc Jacobs handbag with gold chain and black silk tassel. Launching in October, the “luxurious, woody scent” has notes of Italian plum, saffron, and iris up top; a heart of Bulgarian rose, orris, and jasmine Sambac; drying down with liquid amber, vetiver and papyrus woods. A “barely clothed” Adriana Lima will star in the forthcoming ads just in time for the fragrance’s October release.

PROENZA SCHOULER FRAGRANCE LINE

L’Oreal announced last week a license agreement to develop “fine fragrances” with the hip design duo Proenza Schouler. According to the beauty company, “Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez [the men behind the fashion brand] clearly belong to the very short list of today’s most aspiring US designers whose creativity will bring the perfect complement to L’Oreal Luxe’s portfolio of iconic fragrance brands.” The L’Oreal Luxe portfolio of Designer Brands Fragrances include Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Cacharel, Diesel, Maison Margiela and Victor&Rolf.

TIME TO MAKE A SPLASH

A

n all-white pool party and fashion show seemed like the perfect concept to launch timepieces in bright and solid colors. And this was exactly what Italian-inspired watch brand Veloci did when it recently unveiled its newest collection at The Palace Pool Club.

Some of the hottest celebrities and stylish personalities in their chic ensembles that include Valerie Weigmann, Ariella Arida, Rima Ostwani, LJ Reyes, Atty. Karen Jimeno, Jojie Lloren, Joey Samson, Ivarluski Aseron, Anthony Suntay, Ornusa Cadness, JM Rodriguez, Stephen Cu and more, joined in the fun, but it was the watches that popped and shone in the all-white white pool party.

Top models Hideo Muraoka and Catriona Gray led the beautiful pack of models that showcased the latest collection that features integrated silicone straps, exciting new dial colors, and stainless steel and gold cases. Perfect for all kinds of adventure, all of the brand’s timepieces are water-resistant up to 100 meters and come in a variety of colors suitable for any occasion.

“Veloci aims to be known as a brand that is always evolving – one that keeps up with the fashion trends and offers high quality watches at reasonable prices,” says managing director Marnie Chua.

For fans of laid-back and low-key statement pieces, the latest Cruise collection comes in different punches of color, with integrated silicone straps. The minimalist designs of case and match-

ing colors for the dials and strap exude effortless style and substance. Colors available are red, blue, black, and pink for stainless steel case version; black for gold PVD version; and black and blue for rose gold PVD version.

Widely popular with seafarers and other marine enthusiasts, Voyager watches show the exquisite taste of their wearers through their unidirectional rotating bezel and lavish dials with day-date display. In sizes of 40 and 44mm, six new color configurations with matching silicone colored straps are out: black and grey for stainless steel; black and white for gold PVD version; and black and blue for rose gold PVD version.

For active people who value passion and selfexpression, the Pulse collection is the perfect embodiment for their lifestyle. With dual time display, stopwatch and alarm, equipped with an illuminator and a fuss-free rubber strap, it’s a statement watch whose presence is felt with every pulse. New models come in combinations of black and blue, black and red, all black, and white and gray.

Veloci watches are available at Veloci outlets in SM Mall of Asia, SM San Lazaro, SM Clark, SM Pampanga, SM Manila, SM Fairview, SM Southmall, and Market! Market! It is also available at L Timestudio and Timegear boutiques, Asprey kiosks, and select SM Department Stores, Robinsons, Metro, Fisher Mall and Landmark. Get it online at Zalora.com.ph/veloci

Veloci’s all-white party and fashion show at The Palace Pool Club

Models show off the latest collection of Italian-inspired timepiece brand Veloci

Hideo Muraoka & Catriona Gray

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Preppy Living Room

Mosaic Bistro Tables

Embroidered Star Duvet

Ingrid Chair

WEST ELM GOES EAST Opens first Philippine store S

tores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc., the leading specialty retailer in the Philippines, announced a franchise partnership with West Elm, the Brooklyn, New York-based retailer known for helping people express their personal style at home with authentic, affordable, and approachable products. Opening this June 12 in Estancia Mall at Capitol Commons, the majority of West Elm products is exclusive to the brand and designed by a talented team of in-house designers. In addition, the brand collaborates with independent artists and craft communities around the world to create statement pieces and seasonal collections that make a positive impact on people, communities, and the environment.

“We’re excited to open our doors and introduce our full breadth of products to the Philippines where there is a tremendous appetite for welldesigned, finely crafted home goods and furnishings,” said Jim Brett, President, West Elm. The 7,000 sq. ft. store will open with West Elm’s summer collection which includes furniture, bedding, bathroom accessories, rugs, window textiles and hardware, lighting, decorative accessories, dining, kitchen products and gifts. West Elm also offers a suite of helpful services at the Design Lab, a center of creativity and inspiration where customers can partner with design specialists on complimentary consultations and space planning sessions.

“We are extremely proud to open West Elm in the country not only because we would be able to offer Filipinos more design and quality choices in home goods and furnishings, but also because West Elm cherishes Filipino craftsmanship in the products they offer. Their trust in our artisans is a testament to Filipinos’ skill and creativity, and we are honoured to be able to showcase these products in our store,” remarked Anthony Huang, President, SSI Group, Inc.

West Elm joins other Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brands that have opened stores in the Philippines with Stores Specialists, Inc., including Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and the soon to be opened PBteen in Estancia Mall.

In celebration of the opening, a limited edition West Elm Philippines tote bag capturing Manila’s iconic jeepney and designed by Filipino calligrapher Fozzy Castro-Dayrit will be offered.

Additional opening weekend promotions will also be enjoyed by West Elm lovers.

The West Elm Philippines store opening assortment will include locally crafted products from the following artisans: • Filipino Capiz Artisans – These family-owned businesses help support local Filipino artisans while preserving traditional capiz handcrafts to create lighting and decorative accessories including the Capiz Chandelier and Pendant lighting.

• Filipino Weavers – Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, the family-owned businesses weave, braid, twist and knit using innovative techniques passed down through generations to create the Braided Storage collection of baskets and bins.

• Santo Tomas Potters - Located in the northern province of Pampanga in the Philippines, Santo Tomas is known for its hand-thrown, hand-cast and hand-painted ceramics. This community of artisans creates the collection of Linework vases.

For up-to-date information on West Elm Philippines store promotions and events, like the store page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/westelmph and follow the store on Instagram @westelmph. West Elm Philippines is open Monday-Thursday 11am - 9pm, and Friday-Sunday 10am - 10pm. The store’s located at Ground Floor, South Wing, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City.

Nautical Melamine

Brass Faceted Lanterns

Steven Alan Plaid Duvet

Hobnail Acrylic Serveware

Colorblock Animal Pillows

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SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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A GUIDE TO WHAT’S IN CINEMAS THIS WEEK Insidious 3

INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3

This chilling prequel, set before the haunting of the Lambert family, reveals how gifted psychic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl (Stefanie Scott) who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity.

Jurrasic World

JURASSIC WORLD

THE AGE OF ADALINE

Outcasts

OUTCASTS

R16 An American-ChineseCanadian action film about the heir to the Imperial throne and his sister who team up with war weary Crusader Jacob (Hayden Christensen) and legendary Crusader-turned-bandit Gallain (Nicolas Cage) to defeat their evil older brother (Andy On), who kills their father and seeks for their deaths, and return the younger prince to his rightful place on the throne.

R13 Raiden is a fallen swordsman (Clive Owen) who leads a small army to seek vengeance for the loss of his master (Morgan Freeman) at the hands of a ruthless emperor (Aksel Hennie).

Rallying troops and standing for what is right, Raiden will stop at nothing to see the revenge he seeks and to take out the head of a corrupt government.

Tomorrowland

PG EElena (Maris Racal), an independent girl, grew up with a mother who is a devout believer in the power of the stars. She then crosses paths with happy-go-lucky Sonny (Manolo Pedrosa) whom she finds herself drawn to even if he makes her feel confused. A visit to a fortuneteller rocks their happy courtship and Elena ends up discovering a deep, dark secret that changes her and Sonny’s lives.

R16 A black comedy drama about the likeable and upbeat man Jerry Hickfang (Ryan Reynolds) who experiences severe hallucinations everyday. With the help of his court-appointed psychiatrist, Jerry pursues his office crush Fiona (Gemma Arterton), but when she stands him up for a date, the voices he hears in his head lead him into a murderous path.

TOMORROWLAND

SWORD OF VENGEANCE

STARS VERSUS ME

PG After figuring in a car accident and being struck by lightning, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) suffers an inexplicable condition in which she remains 29 years old forever. Now at 107, Adaline lives a solitary existence away from anyone who might reveal her secret. Her plan to live on a farm in Oregon suddenly changes when she meets the charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) who reignites her passion for life and romance, in the process reuniting her with William (Harrison Ford) her former lover who happens to be Ellis’ father.

THE VOICES

LAST KNIGHTS

R16 Returning to his homeland after years of slavery, a Norman (Stanley Weber) prince seeks revenge on his father’s murderer - his ruthless uncle, Earl Durant (Karl Roden). Gaining the trust of a band of exiled farmers, he leads them into battle against Durant, exploiting them in his inexorable quest for vengeance.

SAN ANDREAS

PG In the aftermath of the devastating magnitude 9 earthquake in California, Los Angeles search and rescue helicopter pilot Chief Ray Gaines (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and his ex-wife Emma (Carla Gugino) embark on a treacherous journey to San Francisco to find and rescue their estranged daughter Blake (Alexandra Daddario).

PG

PG Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park (1993), Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond.

But as visitor rates declining, park engineers add a new attraction to draw in more visitors to the park.

But that new attraction turns out to be far more dangerous than anyone expected.

San Andreas

Sword of Vengeance

PG Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (George Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a dangerfilled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.”

What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

YOU’RE STILL THE ONE Stars Versus Me

PG A love story that spans 15 years, the film tells the romantic affair that always happens at the wrong time between Jojo (Dennis Trillo) and Elise (Maja Salvador), who starts as young lovers but eventually drifts apart. Years later and more wiser, the two meet when Elise is ready for a commitment only to find out Jojo is about to get married.

COMPILED BY NICKIE WANG

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

SAM YG JOINS E! PHILIPPINES NICKIE WANG Whether you are a television or a radio person, chances are, you have already heard of Sam YG, the radio jock and television personality who is known for his playful and naughty brand of humor.

Sam has spent the past years establishing his name as one of the top radio jocks on the local scene.

He has also made a successful attempt to crossover to television appearing in different shows. Most memorable of which is his introduction of his alter ego, Shivaker, who is some sort of a love guru.

The 31-year-old DJ is fortunate that a lot of opportunities are coming his way. He will host two shows to be telecast on History Channel and the local CNN. But what he’s really excited about is his television project on E? that he will co-host with E! News Asia presenter, Erin Lim called Top 5.

It’s a new direction that now involves showing off his funny side on camera to a wider audience.

In an interview with The Standard during in a studio in Makati

where the show was being taped, Sam admitted that he is stoked for the opportunities headed his way.

“I have established myself as a DJ in the last seven years, now this one is a whole new experience. It allows me to extend my horizon when it comes to not just hosting but involving myself in a show,” he shared.

Sam feels honored because he did not audition for the show, he was handpicked by E! Philippines.

That was why at first he thought the offer he received through email was just a spam. He only realized that it was a legit offer when he started communicating with the team.

The radio jock is raving about the team he’s working with in this show. He admires their professionalism and their being detailed in every aspect of program.

He said that the whole crew is a bunch of talented people who make him feel special and challenged at the same time.

“They’re very detailed at almost everything. From my wardrobe to the way I sit while on the set, everything is very on point.”

Without giving out too much information, Sam said the show is going to be a countdown of the most talked about events, personalities

and happenings in local showbiz.

“I’m telling you, are guests are A-listers,” he ended.

HHHHH BILLY’S SHOW GETS RENEWED FOR ANOTHER SEASON Your Face Sounds Familiar ended on a high note on Sunday when grand winner Melai Cantiveros, the only non-singer in the final, walked home with a total of P2 million for herself and for chosen charity.

During the grand showdown on Saturday, the 27-year-old Melai took on Miley Cyrus and sported the pop star’s distinct look of white tank top and underwear. She even rode an actual wrecking ball much to the delight of the judges, her husband Jason Francisco and the rest of the studio audience.

On the same night, host Billy Crawford made a big announcement that the top-rating show is going to be renewed for another season. That’s great news for televiewers who have considered YFSF an entertaining program to cap off their weekend.

As we look forward for another season, the program should consider making drastic changes for the benefit of the viewers, of course.

First off, if they cannot stop Sharon Cuneta from laughing all

DJ Sam YG will be part of E! Channel soon

throughout the show, they could ask her to be more objective on her comment. Otherwise, there are better and more qualified singers who can take her place. Secondly, Billy should refrain calling Gary V. and Jed Madela “Sirs.” In the first place, they were not knighted by the Queen of England to be called as such. Elton John and Paul McCartney are called Sirs because they accepted the knighthood. (Unless, of course, Crawford feels he is Gary or Jed’s personal valet!)

Finally, to the panel of judges, we hope in the next season, they would be more honest when giving comments. It’s funny how Twitter users are more skilled on identifying what the judges couldn’t pinpoint during the contestants’ performance. It would also be helpful if

Melai Cantiveros wins P2 million after besting four others in Your Face Sounds Familiar

they would be honest enough to tell if the performance was really awful and that the contestant doesn’t really sound and look like the person they’re trying to impersonate.

MRS. PHILIPPINES-GLOBE 2015 WINNERS CROWNED After the candidates to the Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2015 showed their exceptional beauty and capacity of a Filipina mother to the board of Judges, the woman who truly stood out from the rest was chosen as this year’s grand winner.

She is a part-time makeup artist, full-time wife and mother of two. Sherry Lou Villaseñor won P200,000 worth of prizes and will also be the official representative of the Philippines to the prestigious Mrs. Globe 2015 World Finals in Shenzhen, China.

Mrs. Philippines-Globe is presented by L’Oreal, Solane, Camayan Beach Resort, Ocean Adventure, Calchews, Working Mom Magazine and Bio Oil, in partnership with Island Rose, Coffee Scrub Delight, Easyrock 96.3 and Bragais Shoes.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 41 42 43 44 45 48 52 55 56 57 58 60 61 62 63 64 65

Tolkien hobbit Sweet liqueur Zwiebacks Way of Lao-tzu Frisks about Proper Fish fry musts (2 wds.)

Sun. homily Latin hymn word Use a book Oater extras — Hari Inch forward Glacial ridge Discreet summons Fraus, in Mex. Watch site

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Mr. Spock’s father 6 Heavy-metal band 10 “Dancing Queen” group 14 — — time or another 15 Type of market 16 Wheat or corn 17 Sticker 18 Jungle warning 19 Storm 20 Prior to

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Escalator (2 wds.)

Loose blouses Term papers Sweater front Bell sounds Neatens a beard Backless slippers Crater edge Attila’s horde Marched in a line Band instrument From Jan. 1 till now

DOWN 1 Oregon capital 2 Video game pioneer 3 In judge’s garb 4 Compass pt.

5 Sheepdogs 6 Curly coifs 7 Hoofbeat 8 Good buy 9 Lurched 10 On the other side 11 Praise for a diva 12 Birdie plus two 13 Mimics

Sherry Lou Villaseñor (center) is Mrs.Philippines -Globe 2015 while Woman of Substance 2015 awardee Maria Engracia Maniago (to her left). Joining them are Jhunie Grace Lagman, 2nd runner-up; Mary Ann Ternora, 1st runner-up; and Jonalyn Agustin, 3rd runner-up

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2015

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AAA opposite Email contents Zoo workers (abbr.)

Daffodil starters Muffin spread Your, old-style Furrow Gary’s st.

Exploit Oaters’ Lash La — “Big Blue” Novelist Rita — Brown Deep cracks Slow run Impolite sound Unwitting tool (hyph.)

Fix leftovers Even score Tarzan’s Cheetah Mystiques Jrs.’ exams Bona — Japanese immigrant Snug retreats Wave hello Alligator — (avoca“El Condor —” Bobby of hockey

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

THE PROTÉGÉ IS NOW A CONCERT PRODUCER

A

t the age of 21, Mikoy Morales continues to grow as an artist. He started out humbly as a contestant in GMA Network’s reality talent search Protégé and from then, different opportunities came along his way. He appeared in several television programs in which he showed he has talent in acting, singing, dancing and even hosting. But as he ventures into producing events and concerts with his start-up company, Sparc Productions, he is ready to prove that he’s a Jack-of-all-trades.

Mikoy is also inclined in producing his own music and is passionate about songwriting. He even pitches his compositions to be the theme songs of Kapuso programs, with some of these making the cut. He says, “I enjoy creating ideas for specific reasons, people, and projects.

Parang mabilis ko siyang ma-figure

From C8

out kung paano siya ibi-bring to life. Na parang, ganito dapat pala.

For me, ito yung pinaka na-e-enjoy kong part dito, the act of making it come to life.”

The GMA Artist Center star shares that the first concert that he will be producing is entitled Mood Swings: The Music of “Maestro” Vincent de Jesus, which will be on June 27 and July 4 at the Teatrino Greenhills.

“This is actually the first concert that I’m co-producing under SPARC Productions and I’m really excited to work with Vince de Jesus with whom I worked in the Kapuso program With A Smile.

Ang ganda kasi ng songs niya, tapos ang dami na niyang awards, kaya naisip namin, bakit wala pa siyang concert? Since Filipino enthusiast yung company namin, we thought na siya yung una naming i-produce.

The concert also features Filipino artists Markki Stroem, Jett Pangan, Noel Cabangon, May Bayot, Aiza Seguerra, and Eula Valdes.”

HHHHH BROTHER REFILL TANK SYSTEM’S ULTRA-HIGH 6,000 PAGE-YIELD Brother International Philippines Corporation (Brother Philippines), a leader in home and business IT peripherals, recently made the Brother-Color Manila Nite Run: Blacklight Edition held in Filinvest City, Alabang the perfect backdrop for the launch of its revolutionary Multi-Function Centre (MFC) series that features a Refill Tank System with an ultra-high 6,000 page-yield.

A presenter of the color fun run where over 7,000 participants joined, Brother Philippines made the event even more exciting by

introducing a special 6K category in the race, instead of the usual 5K race, and putting up a booth where runners are given premium items. Brother also gave away refill ink pillows to 6k participants and Refill Tank System MFCs to lucky runners.

The color fun run also served as an opportunity for Brother customers and partners to experience the fun run as participants themselves. Celebrity supporters, which include Karylle Yuzon, Phil and James Younghusband, Elmo and Maxene Magalona, and JC Intal joined the colorful unveiling as well.

Brother Philippines President Glenn P. Hocson said that, “The colorful event not only highlighted Brother’s Refill Tank System’s CMYK refillable ink bottles, but also our competitively priced

6,000 page-yield that meets high print volume users’ need for lower ‘running’ costs.”

Perfect for personal users, or business users printing from small office home office (SOHO) who seek bigger savings, the new Brother Refill Tank System series has low-cost ink bottles with 6,000 page-yield for black ink, and 5,000 page-yield for each of the three color ink bottles for only P390.

The Refill Tank Series has suggested retail price of P8,450.00 for the DCP-T300 and P9,450.00 for the DCP-T500W inclusive of taxes and a one-year Standard Warranty plus one-year Extended Warranty, or 30,000 pages that is supported by the Brother Philippines Customer Service Center.

For more information about Brother, visit http://www.brother.com.ph.

Protégé alumnus Mikoy Morales moves from talent to producer

Brother executives and celebrities ‘glow’ in the Brother Refill Tank System launch and fun run. From left, Karylle Yuzon, Masao Kasagi, Phil Younghusband, Glenn Hocson, Elmo Magalona, Maxene Magalona, James Younghusband, JC Intal and Jerry Fukuhara.

NORA AUNOR WOWS CRITICS

“A

great Nora Aunor… extraordinary and powerful film, Taklub is the best film among the films that I have seen in this year’s Un Certain Regard and I hope it will be rewarded with the highest honor,” Italian film critic Maria Cera said of the Philippines’ entry at the recent 68th Festival de Cannes.

Brilliante Mendoza’s Taklub lost to Grimur Hakonarson’s Rams from Iceland for the Un Certain Regard top prize. It won, thought, the Ecumenical Jury PrizeSpecial Mention for its “sensitive portrayal of individuals and communities working for life in the midst of suffering and death in the shadows of natural catastrophes in the Philippines.” The Ecumenical Jury top prize was given to Nanni Moretti’s Main Competition entry Mia Madre while Competition entry Stéphane Brizé’s La Loi Du Marché shared honors with Taklub.

Un Certain Regard this year presented 19 films from 21 different countries. The films did not compete for the Palme d’Or (best picture, best actor, best actress, best screenplay) in the Main Competition.

The Ecumenical Jury Prize, an independent film award for competing films in major international film festivals created by Christian film makers, film critics and other film professionals in 1973, aims to “honor works of artistic quality which witnesses

to the power of film to reveal the mysterious depths of human beings through what concerns them, their hurts and failings as well as their hopes.” The ecumenical jury is composed of six members nominated

by SIGNIS for Catholics and Interfilm for Protestants. SIGNIS and Interfilm appoint ecumenical juries at film festivals, including Cannes (where The Ecumenical Jury is one of three juries at the film festival, along with the Official Jury and the FIPRESCI Jury), Berlin Film Festival, Locarno Film Festival, Montreal World Film Festival and Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

“Taklub is a heartbreaking film, but worthy… this is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Un Certain Regard section, which could upset the Jury,” French film critic Nicolas Lemerle said. “We, the Jury, would like to thank the Festival de Cannes for inviting us to be part of the Jury for Un Certain Regard. The experience of watching 19 films from 21 countries was memorable.

It was like taking a flight over our Planet and its inhabitants… any anthropologist would be envious of us,” Jury President Isabella Rossellini said of the entries.

Aunor, who was sorely missed at the red carpet at Debussy Theatre, earned unanimous acclaim from the international critics. “Brilliante Mendoza’s film offers an intimate yet detached portrait of survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, but mostly thanks to the

Nora Aunor wows critics in Cannes during Taklub's screening at the international film festival in France.

reverence that lead actress Nora Aunor commands,” said Maggie Lee of Variety Magazine. “Wonderful, understated performance

by Nora Aunor. Slow. Painful. Real,“ said American critic David Poland. “Another extraordinary chapter in the filmography of director Brilliante Mendoza… with the usual immense performance by Nora Aunor,” said Valerio Sammarco of Cinematografo.it.

Aunor, who bagged another international best actress award at the St. Tropez International Film Festival in Nice, France on May 16 for the film Dementia, was presented with a Commendation from the Senate for her worthy contributions to the film industry, which was held on May 20,

a day before the Superstar’s 62nd birthday celebration. Aunor has also been selected as recipient of this year’s Natatanging Gawad Urian while also in the running for the Urian best actress award for Dementia. Aunor was the first Urian best actress winner in 1977 for Mario O’Hara’s Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos and has won a total of seven Urian best actress trophies. Aunor will be honored with the 100-year celebration for the late National Artist director Lamberto Avellana who directed Aunor in Fe, Esperanza, Caridad in 1974.

The 38th Urian Awards will be covered live on Cinema One channel on June 16.

– ETON B. CONCEPCION

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ LUIS MANZANO ON MARRIAGE, POLITICS AND HIS SENSITIVE MOMENTS ISAH V. RED Luis Manzano was noticeably in a hurry for a scheduled taping of Deal or No Deal, but that didn’t stop him from spending as much time with entertainment reporters to update them about his political plans, wedding talks with girlfriend Angel Locsin, posting selfies, and his continued advocacy to put an end to sensitive teeth.

As the latest season of the hit game show coming to an end, Luis returns to hosting The Voice Kids 2 with Robi Domingo and Yeng Constantino.

“Busy is good,” he told The Standard at the launch of the #SayNoToNgilo campaign of Sensodyne where he has been an endorser since last year.

“And if the plans of ABS-CBN for me pushes through, next year will even be busier,” he adds.

Does that mean we won’t be hearing wedding bells anytime soon?

“Angel and I, we’ve been talking about it. We are not getting any younger and we’ve talked about some of the details like the pictorials and stuff or where we would be living…. The thought is there, the intention is there but we are taking our time to finish our individual commitments, especially Angel who is expecting an even busier year ahead.”

Luis says they have also decided who their wedding singer will be, “If ako lang masusunod gusto ko sana ako ang kakanta habang naglalakad,- but seriously we’ve decided we want Tito Gary Valenciano to sing at our wedding—I even talked to him about it during the ASAP Dubai, and when he asked me what song, I told him— Hataw Na!” (That’s of course, said in jest, if you knew Luis!)

The interview then shifted to politics and Luis was asked if he had made a decision to run for public office.

“If I do decide to prioritize it and run for office, I would have to take a step back on my showbiz career or at least [do] very minimal work. I can’t accept a daily show while campaigning because that would be very unfair to the people who would vote for me. Sabi ko nga, yung tiwala nila sa iyo, para sa kabuhayan nila, pero bigla na lang ang focus

mo na lang ay daily show. I have to weigh everything.”

Will he get the support of Angel Locsin?

“Oo naman. Kahit sa bahay lang ako, kamutin ko tiyan ko, suportado niya ako. Kahit anong gawin ko, suportado ako ni Angel.”

With his hectic schedule, Luis says he tries to make the most of the free time, valuing those great little moments he spends with his family and loved ones.

“We know how it is to be very busy, so if we are given maybe even an hour or two to spend time with our loved ones, we want to maximize it. Whether a simple dinner or chatting with friends over coffee or over desserts, we want to make the most of it. But the thing is if you have sensitive teeth, you are worried that maybe if you have a bite of this or a sip of that you may feel that sharp shooting pain and ruin the moment. Sensitive teeth can ruin the mood of any romantic date, or stop you from enjoying those unforgettable moments.”

Luis, who admits he is one of the nine out of 10 Filipinos who have sensitive teeth or pangingilo, says he decided to not let this condition get in the way of enjoying life.

“I love coffee and tea, and I also have a bad case of the sweet tooth but like a lot of Filipinos, I used to suffer in silence. But I realized that if I don’t do something about my sensitive teeth, I would definitely miss those great little moments in life. So I decided to take the initiative and looked for a solution, and

thankfully my dentists introduced me to Sensodyne even before I became part of the Say No to Ngilo campaign last year.

From GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Sensodyne, the no.1 sensitivity toothpaste in the Philippines, spearheaded the “Say No to Ngilo” advocacy where dentists, consumers and Sensodyne came together to enjoin everyone to heed the call to take action to no longer endure the discomfort of pangingilo.

“It’s more than just missing out on food. When you choose to just endure the pain, you do it at the expense of fully enjoying experiences and social occasions that go along with it, making you miss out on those great little moments with your loved ones,” says Heather Pelier, Incoming Consumer Healthcare General Manager, GSK Philippines.

SENSODYNE GREAT LITTLE MOMENTS CAMPAIGN GSK and Sensodyne now takes the advocacy a notch higher with the launch of “Great Little Moments” digital campaign which encourages Filipinos not only to “Say No to Ngilo,” but also share their experiences after converting to Sensodyne and how they are able to fully enjoy their great little moments sensitivity-free.

The digital campaign encourages consumers to share their “Great Little Moments” in the Sensodyne Philippines website (www.sensodyne.com.ph) by uploading a photo of a moment (eg. sipping hot chocolate, eating halo-halo, etc.) they can now fully enjoy because they are pangingilo-free.

Winners of the contest will win a trip for two to South Korea.

With the launch of the new campaign, GSK is likewise introducing the new Sensodyne Mouthwash to complement its toothpaste and complete its expert sensitivity regimen to help consumers put an end to teeth sensitivity. Sensodyne Mouthwash has all the benefits of a regular mouthwash like providing lasting freshening effect, and fluoride to strengthen teeth and protect against decay. It’s alcohol-free plus it gives relief from pangingilo.

“We highly recommend that you use the Sensodyne mouthwash together with the Sensodyne toothpaste to give clinically proven relief and daily protection from pangingilo,” says Pelier. ➜ Continued on C7

Luis Manzano has been an advocate of stop teeth sensitivity since he became Sensodyne's brand ambassador a year ago

Heather Pelier says Sensodyne has been proven to relieve teeth from 'pangingilo"