The Standard - 2015 July 03 - Friday

VOL. XXIX NO. 133 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 FRIday : JULy 3, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Support charges, palace tells VP

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ferry SinkS, 38 die

Cebu-bound boat capsizes 200 meters from Ormoc

By Francisco Tuyay and Vito Barcelo

AT least 38 people died and 19 passengers were missing after an outrigger capsized 200 meters away from the Port of Ormoc past noon Thursday.

Initial reports said the victims were among the 173 passengers of Kim Nirvana-B, a motorized banca bound for Pilar, Camotes, Cebu when it capsized at about 12:50 p.m., 10 minutes after leaving the Port of Ormoc.

Malacañang said President Benigno Aquino III had been apprised of the situation and the Philippine Coast Guard has been ordered to assist the passengers and investigate the cause of the incident. Next page

Morales has prejudged Junjun, IBP head claims

By Rey Requejo and Vito Barcelo OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio-Morales prejudged the graft case against Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr., after she made public pronouncement defending her preventive suspension order against him, the president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) said Thursday.

Next page

Another sinking. A survivor of a passenger ferry (right) that capsized in rough waters in the Visayas cries after arriving at the pier in Ormoc City on Thursday. At least 38 people were killed when the ferry carrying close to 200 people sank. AFP

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Back up your charges, palace challenges VP

By Sandy Araneta

THE Palace challenged Vice President Jejomar Binay Thursday to provide sufficient data to back his claim that the administration of President Benigno Aquino III was a “failure, callous” and “lazy, slow and tentative.”

A day after Binay hurled those accusations at the launch of his United Nationalist Alliace (UNA) as a political party, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. enumerated the gains made by the administration as a way to refute the Vice President.

He said accusations must be based on concerete evidence, not opinions or rhetoric.

“Filinos are intelligent and are looking for concrete evidence. They cannot be duped or be influenced by emotional statements,” Coloma also said.

“President Aquino has built on the platform of good governance. The Aquino administration has brought forth a government that is open, transparent and accountable. The Aquino administration stands on its record of good governance that has transformed

Morales From A1...

Vicente Joyas, outgoing IBP national president, said it was “very unfair” for the Ombudsman to say there was strong evidence against the Makati mayor to justify her issuance of a preventive suspension order.

“That is a clear case of prejudgment. A judge is not allowed to discuss in public the merits of the cases pending before him or her. Ombudsman Morales is exercising a quasi-judicial function. Necessarily the rule must apply to her,” said Joyas, who said he was expressing his own opinion, not the IBP’s.

“How can Junjun Binay expect a fair judgment when she categorically pronounced him guilty even before the evidence is carefully evaluated?” he added.

In a speech inside the Makati City Hall Monday, Binay said the Ombudsman was being used by the administration as a conduit in the alleged political harassment against his family, especially since his father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, has been open about his plan to run for president in 2016.

Morales denied accusations of “selective justice” and pointed to her dismissal of former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisma, a close friend of President Benigno Aquino III, over an anomalous deal.

But Levito Baligod, former lawyer of the whistle blowers in the P10-billion pork barrel fund scam, said “selective justice” was apparent in this administration.

He said he understood if the

Philippine society and restored the Filipinos’ sense of pride and dignity,” said Coloma.

Binay tore into the Aquino administration Wednesday for failing to solve the country’s problems, including widespread poverty and the worsening state of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) system.

Binay also criticized the administration for supposedly being lazy, slow and tentative.

Coloma countered that the government was diligent, prompt and organized.

He said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and its local counterparts have always been ready to address the challenges posed by calamities with their goal of zero casualties—even though the administration was roundly criticized for failing to act promptly to bring rescue and relief to victims of super typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which killed at least 6,300 people Coloma also cited the government’s ability to save funds, citing the Department of Public Works and Highways that was able to save P49 billion through efficient work on infrastructure projects.

He also said the government allocated 37 percent of the national budget in 2015 or almost P1 trillion for social development and poverty reduction, playing up the government’s massive dole program for the poor.

filing of the second batch of cases related to the Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel scam was getting delayed due to personnel constraints.

“But the delay in the filing of the third batch by the Justice Department with the Office of the Ombudsman is unreasonable and indicative of a breach in the rule of law,” said Baligod.

“It is a clear case of partiality to favor its allies, especially in the light of Secretary Leila de Lima’s pronouncement way back on June 13, 2014 that the evidence was already complete and ready for filing,” he added.

Lawyer Harry Roque Jr. condemned the Ombudsman’s second and latest suspension order against Mayor Binay because it was issued when there was still a pending case over the legality of a first preventive suspension against him also issued

by Morales.

“The latter should have respected the hierarchy of courts and should have waited for the Supreme Court action on the first suspension order before issuing the second one,” said Roque, who is also a law professor at the University of the Philippines.

Roque said the second prevention order was a sign of disrespect for the Supreme Court.

“Although the Ombudsman is an independent constitutional body, it should nonetheless respect that the ultimate judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court,” he said.

Binay initially refused to heed the suspension order, but eventually vacated the Makati City hall while awaiting action from

Coloma also cited the May 2015 survey findings of the Social Weather Stations that showed fewer Filipinos rated themselves poor, or said they experienced hunger in the last three months.

While challenging Binay, Coloma said the Vice President performed well as a Cabinet member in the last five years.

“He (Binay) served as vice president during the almost last five years, and was a representative of President Aquino in different international state functions. He was also a member of the Cabinet of the President,” Coloma said.

“During the past, it is in the public records that President Aquino commended Vice President Binay in his work in the housing sector. There was not any record about any bad commentary regarding what he did for the OFW (overseas Filipino workers) where he served as presidential adviser,” he added.

Coloma also said that this good record may be a basis for an objective assessment of the citizens when the Vice President decides to file his certificate of candidacy.

Coloma also said that based on the principle that “Cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the President,” Binay was able to stay in the Cabinet for five years, and gave the President no reason to lose his confidence in him.

the Court of Appeals on a fresh plea contesting his suspension.

Binay on Thursday insisted that it was members of the antiriot squad who started a scuffle Tuesday in front of city hall that resulted in the injury of several of his supporters and some policemen.

He said a video clip showed a police officer with no helmet push one of the supporters that triggered the throwing of plastic chairs at the anti-riot police.

The violence erupted while the police and personnel from the Department of Interior and Local Government were posting a copy of the preventive suspension order in front of city hall around 8 a.m.

The Office of the Ombudsman issued the six-month preventive suspension order against Binay Monday in connection with the alleged irregularities in the construction of Makati Science High School.

Binay showed the said footage during his interview with television morning program ANC Headstart. He said the video was taken by one of his men.

He added that it was unfair that some TV news networks showed only the throwing of chairs.

“We have to complete the narrative, we cannot get a snippet of what transpired. We need to get the whole story,” he said. “If we complete the narrative, then who are the ones who instigated the fight? It didn’t come from our camp.”

Binay’s father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, earlier asked members of the media to show the videos to know what the policemen did to cause the injuries

of their supporters.

The PNP has formed a special team tasked to investigate the matter while a Commission on Human Rights official said there was nothing wrong on the part of the anti-riot police based on the videos shown on the news.

The Vice President on Thursday slammed Senior Supt. Elmer Jamias for resorting to cheap gimmickry by calling a press conference to present false accusations and gain media mileage.

In a statement, VP political affairs spokesperson Rico Quicho said the story Jamias told in the press conference was far from what transpired during the scuffle at the Makati City hall.

“What can be seen in the videos he presented is far from the truth,” Quicho said.

Quicho also challenged Jamias to name the supposed emissary that Binay sent to reconcile with him.

“His predilection for lying and his abusive actions disgrace the professional men and women of the PNP. Jamias exemplifies the abusive police officer who should be weeded out but is instead pampered by the DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] secretary,” Quicho said.

“Perhaps it is time to ask what actions have been taken on the case against Jamias still pending before Napolcom for his alleged involvement in extortion.

The Vice President personally received a complaint that he manhandled Chief Inspector Gideon Ines on their way to City Hall.

Gideon accused Binay of grabbing him by the collar during the confrontation.

Ferry From A1...

Early reports said the boat, with a crew of 16, was maneuvering 200 meters away from port when it hit a big wave and flipped over.

Coast Guard spokesman Commander Arman Balilo said at least 118 passengers have been rescued.

Balilo said the ferry could have been hit by big waves caused by a tropical depression 520 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes.

Divers were scouring the murky waters searching for survivors from the inside of the ship, Ciriaco Tolibao from the city’s disaster risk reduction and management office, said.

Coast Guard personnel were still locating the skipper of the boat to learn more about what happened.

Capt.

Pedro Tinampay, Coaost Guard district commander in Eastern Visayas, told a TV interview the boat was not overloaded since its total capacity was 178 passengers..

The boat’s skipper, who was among the survivors, said he did not expect big waves would hit the vessel when he tried to turn it toward the open sea.

The boat was loaded with hundreds of sacks of cement and rice, which likely also caused the boat to sink.

The Coast Guard confirmed that it was engaged in search and rescue activities but could give no further details of the operation.

Poorly-maintained, looselyregulated ferries are the backbone of maritime travel. This has led to frequent accidents that have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years, including the world’s worst peacetime maritime disaster in 1987 when the Dona Paz ferry collided with an oil tanker, leaving more than 4,300 dead.

The weather bureau said Thursday the low pressure area 520 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes had intensified into a tropical depression called “Egay.”

It is the fourth tropical cyclone to affect the country this year, the weather bureau said.

A weather forecaster with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Chris Perez, there was a slim chance that Egay would make landfall, but said it will enhance the west monsoon and induce rains in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Fishermen are advised not to venture out over the eastern seaboard of the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas.

Perez said the weather bureau continues to monitor the tropical storm with international name Chan-Hom and another low pressure area outside the Philippine area of responsibility. – With AFP, PNA

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Petrasanta seeks review of case THE camp of dismissed Central Luzon Police Chief Raul Petrasanta on Thursday urged the Ombudsman to review the facts surrounding his alleged complicity in an anomalous deal that the Philippine National Police signed with a private courier.

The Ombudsman on Tuesday ordered Petrasanta and resigned PNP Chief Alan Purisima— along with nine other police officials—dismissed over the PNP’s deal with Werfast Documentary Services to deliver licenses to gun owners.

“If only the Honorable Ombudsman had taken a closer look at these facts which we believe were grossly mis-appreciated, she would have easily concluded that there was no basis to include Gen. Petrasanta in this Werfast anomaly,” said Alex Avisado Jr., Petrasanta’s lawyer.

He made his statement even as Malacañang on Thursday denied that a powerful group—allegedly the so-called “Balay Group”—had caused the dismissal of a police official who is said to be one of those being eyed to replace Purisima.

“Does one think one can impose one’s will on the Ombudsman?

Any viewer who saw her press briefing yesterday [Wednesday] will come out convinced of her independence,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a text message to reporters.

He made his statement

after he was asked if the “Balay Group felt alluded to in the reports that a power bloc in the Palace maneuvered the ouster of Petrasanta to get him out of the race for PNP chief.

Earlier reports said Petrasanta was being eyed to replace Purisima, but Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Malacañang had “no info on that.”

In the meantime, Petrasanta has asked the Court of Appeals to intervene in his case and reverse the Ombudsman’s order dismissing him.

Avisado said Petrasanta remained unfazed by the latest challenge to him although he respected the Ombudsman’s decision.

He said the Ombudsman’s ruling “was obviously designed” to derail his client appointment to the PNP leadership.

“The timing of the release was obviously designed to derail his appointment as the next PNP Chief. The decision was released just a few days before the preventive suspension was set to expire on 05 July 2015,” Avisado said.

Francisco Tuyay and sandy Araneta

Temporarily in charge. Acting Makati Mayor Romulo Peña answers a call at the Communication Center on Thursday as he resumes office following Mayor Junjun Binay’s suspension. Ey AcAsio

Comelec chief suggests voting at the mall By sara susanne D. Fabunan AFTER tapping the malls as satellite registration venues, the Commission on Elections is now looking at allowing the public to vote inside them in the May 2016 national and local elections.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said they were looking holding elections inside the malls to make it more comfortable for the public to vote on election day.

“There are already private schools all over the country that house our elections—except that the Comelec has to pay them,” Bautista said.

“If we can do it in the private schools, why can’t we do it in other

public facilities such as the malls?”

The Omnibus Election Code says public schools or other public buildings within the villages could be used as polling places, but private buildings may also be used if necessary.

Comelec Commissioner Luie Guia said that was possible since the poll body had already allowed people with disability s and senior citizens to vote inside the malls during the October 2013 village elections.

“We did that in the last elections in four barangays in four SM malls, so there is that opportunity for us to have a more inclusive election next year,” he said.

SM Supermalls president Annie

Garcia immediately expressed support to the idea, saying it was part of her company’s corporate social responsibility to extend assistance to the government and the community.

“The malls are equipped with airconditioning, good parking, good transport terminals,” Garcia said.

“We also have company nurses and many facilities for the average Filipinos, so it makes perfect sense even for us to participate in the elections.”

On Wednesday, the Comelec and SM Supermalls signed a deal for the conduct of satellite voters’ registration in all 52 SM malls nationwide.

Earlier, the Comelec signed deals with Robinson’s Malls and Ayala Malls for the same function.

Infotech company lodges plunder complaint vs Lina By rio n. Araja

Deal. From left, SM Supermalls’ Bien Mateo and Anna Maria Garcia and Comelec commissioners Andres Bautista and Louie Garcia are shown after the signing of a deal on the registration of people with disability and senior citizens at the Mall of Asia on Thursday. MAnny PAlMEro

AN information technology company on Thursday filed plunder and graft charges before the Ombudsman against Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina, former commissioner Guillermo Parayno Jr., and former deputy commissioner Primo Aguas over the alleged cancellation “without any basis” of a P650-million contract to integrate a modern customs processing system at the bureau.

Omni Prime Marketing Inc.Intrasoft Joint Venture or OMI-Intrasoft JV, represented by Annabelle Margaroli, accused Lina, Parayno and Aguas of abuse for allegedly influencing the bidding for and cancellation of the IT deal.

“Lina and Aguas also face charges for violating the new government procurement law provisions prohibiting delays in the implementation of a government project,” Harry Roque, Margaroli’s lawyer, said in

blog message read.

Roque said Omni’s processing system would have created a national single window system to closely track down in real time all transactions and procedures at Customs’ main office in Manila and other branches.

“It aims to be fully electronic, paperless and human contact-free system of recording and monitoring customs transactions,” Roque said.

In November 2014 five prospective bidders including OMI-Intrasoft, E-Konek Pilipinas, a firm wherein Lina has a stake of 96.48 percent, submitted their eligibility documents for the project.

In December last year, with the exception of OMI-Intrasoft and EKonek, all of the prospective bidders were disqualified by the Budget Department’s awards committee.

Parayno was the president of EKonek, Customs’ current database provider.

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Pampanga Huk veteran passes away

By Francisco Tuyay

That time of year. A mother and her son wade in an ankle-high flood along Blumentritt Street in Manila on Thursday after a night-long downpour on Wednesday. DANNY PATA

China urged to answer for ecological damage MALACAÑANG urged China on Thursday to take responsibility and answer for the impact of its reclamation activities in disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea in line with its agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to maintain the existing features of the sea.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. stressed that the growing world public opinion against China’s reclamation activities is an indication of the truth believed by many countries and individuals in the global community.

Coloma said the Philippines’ position on the South China Sea dispute has gained support not just from neighboring countries but also from Group of Seven and the European Community.

Coloma said China should be responsible for that it declared under the “Declaration on

the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea”, an agreement it signed with other ASEAN members in 2002 indicating the need to maintain the existing features of the sea.

He noted that China’s reclamation activities clearly violate its own declaration under the 2002 agreement.

Coloma made the call after an American think-tank said the 3,000-meter (9,800-foot) airstrip Beijing is building on a reef in disputed waters is “nearly complete.”

A satellite picture taken on Sunday showed that China was paving and marking the runway on

Fiery Cross Reef and an apron and taxiway have been added, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said on its website.

Beijing’s project to build artificial islands and facilities on various reefs and outcrops in the Spratly islands only became publicly known in recent months but construction has since been rapid, raising tensions with both its neighbours and Washington.

The US has weighed sending warships and surveillance aircraft within 12 nautical miles —the normal territorial zone around natural land—of the new artificial islands.

A lake in the middle of Fiery Cross Reef has been filled in and it has a partially-developed port with nine temporary loading piers, CSIS said.

Personnel could be seen walking around and two helipads, up to 10 satellite communications antennas and one possible radar tower were

also visible, it added.

Washington wants Beijing to halt construction and militarization, which “the Chinese show no indication of willingness to do”, Bonnie Glaser of CSIS said.

She anticipated a short-term lull in construction as summer is typhoon season in the South China Sea while China’s President Xi Jinping is due to visit the US in September and “the Chinese are attaching priority to having a successful summit”.

But she expected activity would pick up again later.

The island is now 2.74 square kilometers (1.06 square miles) in size, CSIS said. China has reclaimed land on seven different reefs totaling an estimated 12.8 square kilometers, it added.

At one of the sites, South Johnson Reef, CSIS said Beijing has added a small port with two loading stations, two helipads on the reef and up to three satellite communications antennas. AFP

THE last living commander of the Second World War guerrilla group Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Hukbalahap) has died at the age of 92, the country’s veterans’ affairs office said on Thursday.

Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina, administrator of the said Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, said Simeona PunsalanTapang, one of the fighters of anti-Japanese Hukbalahap passed away last June 30 at her home in San Simon, Pampanga.

“It has been an honor to have served her,” Carolina said. “Lola Mameng’s life had exemplified not only love for country in her wartime military service against the Japanese but also her able leadership in their organization, a testament that women rise to the occasion of defending our country.”

“She was an epitome of service and love for her fellow Filipinos, especially for her comrades who joined the guerilla resistance movement and who are in need for government’s attention and support,” Carolina added.

PVAO records showed that Tapang started as an officer of the Squadron No. 104 with the rank of captain from November 1942 to December 1943 and was eventually promoted to Major in 1944 under the First Regiment, Second Battalion Staff, Regional Command No. 7.

Guerrero participated in the successful Battle of Mandili in Candaba, Pampanga against the Japanese in 1944 and led several encounters against enemy forces in Arayat, Pampanga.

The Hukbalahap, composed largely of farmers, was originally formed in 1942 as part of a united front resistance to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

By 1950, however, the Communist Party of the Philippines reconstituted the organization as the armed wing of the party, prompting a change in the official name to Hukbong Mapagpalaya ng Bayan (HMB), or “Peoples’ Liberation Army.”

Mison warns airport ‘escorts’

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration warned that assisting passengers with questionable travel documents is tantamount to human trafficking and those found to be part of the so-called “escort” scam in all the airports and seaports will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“I would like to remind the public of the ‘No Facilitation Policy’ in all the airports and seaports in the country,” Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison said. “We do not allow anyone to escort or facilitate departing and arriving passengers at any airport or seaport.”

The reminder came after an incident at the Mactan Cebu International Airport last June 21 where a certain Francisco Dalawampu, a retired Air Force officer wearing an Interpol shirt and an airport pass, attempted to

facilitate the departure of two Filipinos bound for France who presented tampered documents.

Philippine Center on Transnational Crime Head Executive Assistant Alfredo Caballes, Jr. was immediately informed of this incident.

Similarly, on June 24, two PNP officers identified as Julius Enriquez and Deejay Domingo attempted to escort a departing passenger at the Kalibo International Airport.

Records showed that the passenger they assisted had a previous deferred departure hit.

A report from KIA said when immigration officers accosted Enriquez and Domingo, they even threatened the immigration officer enforcing the departure formalities.

When informed of the incident, PNP Aviation Security Group Director Francisco Balagtas immediately ordered the relief of PNP personnel at the airport pending an investigation.

Plunder charges. Lawyer Harry Roque shows the complaint he later filed at the

Ombudsman on Thursday against incumbent Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina for graft and plunder during a weekly forum in Quezon City on Thursday.

LINO SANTOS

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‘Power plant shutdowns suspicious’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” r. Marcos Jr. on thursday called on energy officials to look into the “suspicious” unscheduled power plant outages that nearly caused widespread brownouts in Luzon in the past three days.

COURAGE-ous? Members of the Confederation for Unity and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) hold a

protest outside the Department of Justice in Manila on Thursday July 2 to denounce the harassment pepetuated by police and military. The group says it has documented 20 cases of harassment against its ranks. DANNY PATA

5 generals vie for top military post

By Florante S. Solmerin FIvE generals with three-star rank are scheduled to queue up on Friday for an interview in Malacanang with President Benigno Aquino III who has been scouting for the successor to Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on July 10.

Last Wednesday, the Catapangled Board of Generals submitted to Aquino the names of the candidates: Southern Luzon Command’s Lieutenant General ricardo visaya, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delagado, Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Irriberi, Western Command chief vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, and Central Command’s Lt. Gen. Nicanor vivar. visaya and Irriberi are classmates at the Philippine Military Academy

(PMA) Class “Matikas” 1983 while Delgado, vivar and Lopez belong to PMA “Sandigan” Class ’82.

Apart from Catapang, Delgado and Irriberi, the three other BoG members are AFP vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. John Bonafos, The Deputy Chief of Staff (TDCS) Maj. Gen. Edgar Fallorina and Navy chief vice Admiral Jesus Milan.

After their interview with Aquino, the five generals will attend the AFP command conference at Camp Aguinaldo where Aquino is also expected to attend Both active and retired military officers are awaiting word on whether Aquino is going to use again the “revolving door policy” in selecting the next AFP chief despite his repeated statements he will appoint one who will serve beyond his term in June next year.

In several occasions, Aquino repeatedly said he wanted the younger officers to

lead the AFP and the Philippine National Police.

The race for the AFP chief is focused on the three-cornered rivalry among visaya, Delgado and Irriberi, an officer said.

But in principle, both Irriberi and Delgado are already out of the running because they have less than a year remaining in service, the source said.

This gives visaya the edge because his mandatory retirement is in December 2016. visaya is considered the “dark horse”. Then Tarlac rep. Aquino came to know him when the general, then the commander of the 69th Infantry Battalion, broke up the violent rally of farmer-claimants in Hacienda Luisita in 2004. visaya got the attention of Aquino but the general earned the ire of progressive groups such as Karapatan, Bayan, Anakpawis, among others.

While no brownouts actually occurred, he said the sudden drop in the supply of electricity could hurt consumers with higher electric bills in the coming months.

Contrary to the assurances of the Department of Energy, power reserves dipped again on Wednesday, taking Luzon on the verge of rotational brownouts and forcing grid operators to raise the yellow alert for the third straight day.

The first yellow alert was raised Monday when 10 power plants unexpectedly shut down. As of Wednesday, only the 240MW Calaca Power plant in Batangas was able to go online out of the 10 power plants that went on unplanned outages.

“Energy officials should look closer into these suspicious unplanned outages of power generating plants,” said Marcos, chair of the senate public works committee.

He noted that the unplanned outages occurred when power distributor Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is set to slash around 18 centavos per kilowatt-hour from the bill of their consumers due to lower generation cost.

However, with tight energy supply, Meralco expects a spike in the price of electricity it would source from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). Consequently, consumers may have to pay higher electricity bills.

Under normal power supply conditions, the price of electricity in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) ranges from P5-P10 per KWH. Under tight supply, when the yellow alert is raised, WESM prices go up to around P20-35 per KWH. “It is unfortunate that these unplanned power plant outages have to happen at a time when consumers are anticipating lower electric bills,” Marcos said.

“It’s understandable that a few plants may experience unplanned shutdown simultaneously, but ten plants going down at the same time is something else. It may be mere coincidence but even the most naïve of us can’t help wonder if there is a hidden agenda behind these outages,” he added.

He recalled that in November 2013, suspicions of collusion among power producers were raised after several plants that were supposed to take up the supply slack as a result of the Malampaya shutdown went on unscheduled outages.

As a result of the power supply dip, distributors like Meralco were forced to buy more expensive electricity from WESM and charged record high rates from consumers.

Biazon rejects pork scam raps ForMEr congressman ruffy Biazon has come out in the open to reject allegations on his alleged misuse of his pork barrel or the Priority Development Assistance Fund.

A former Customs chief, Biazon said he decided to break his silence on the issue as an obligation to the public and those who believe in and supported him, now that the ombudsman has endorsed the case against him and other people implicated in the pork barrel scam allegedly masterminded by Janet Lim Napoles and her non-government oganizations.

“Since December of 2013 I have remained silent about the allegations of misuse of PDAF allocation to the district I formerly represented in Congress out of respect to the process that the complaint filed at the ombudsman was undergoing. I subjected myself to the legal process and even went to the extent of resigning as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs out of delicadeza to President Aquino and the general public, even if the allegations had nothing to do with my incumbent duties and responsibilities

at that time. In fact, there were no outstanding issues or cases against me as Commissioner except the usual controversies stirred up by those who were hurting from the reform initiatives I was pursuing.

“I continue to have respect for the rule of law and legal process, particularly for the ombudsman, in spite of the adverse resolution. I understand that the mandate of the ombudsman is to determine probable cause for the matter to undergo trial by the courts. Theirs is not to render judgment on the explanation or evidence that I have presented to defend my innocence from the allegation but only to ensure that the minimum requirement for the prosecution to argue its case against me is complied.

“I maintain my innocence from the allegations and I am more than adequately prepared for my defense in a venue where I will be given the opportunity to argue my case versus their allegations, to scrutinize their basis and present my evidence, to cross examine their witnesses and let mine be heard.”

Taking up the cudgels. Commission on Human Rights Chairman Chito Gascon listens intently as Gabriela party-list Rep. Emi de Jesus details the plight of political detainee Sharon Cabusao, a former Gabriela officer who was arrested with her husband. LINO SANTOS

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A6 QC dump closure rejected

By Rio N. Araja AMID calls for a stop to the operation of the Payatas dump in 2016, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista said dumping the city’s 2,000 metric tons of trash per day to other landfills could cost an additional P600 million to P1 billion in its annual budget.

Bautista rejected the proposal to close the Payatas sanitary landfill and tap the Rodriguez landfill or Pier 13 in Tondo, Manila as alternative waste disposal facility.

He allayed fears that the mountain of garbage at the Payatas dump could collapse and endanger the lives of the residents.

“Why close down the Payatas? Even the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and Environmental Management Bureau have said the dump has still a lifespan of three to four years,” he told The Standard.

The city government has been spending at least P1.1 billion a year for the management, maintenance and operation of the landfill by the IPM Environmental Services Inc., and the collection of trash.

“The landfill can still host garbage for three to four years as we wait for the completion of a study of the establishment of a waste-to-energy under a private-public partnership,” Bautista noted.

“Once it pushes through, we see the project to be completed three years to threeand-a-half years from now, the right time to stop the Payatas dump’s operation,” he said.

Last April, in a two-page proposed resolution, councilors Ranulfo Ludovica and Victor Ferrer raised fears for the lives of thousands of residents.

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Justice doubts BCDA’s compliance with ruling

By Rey E. Requejo

A MAGISTRATE of the Court of Appeals has raised concern on the lack of sincerity of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority to comply with the judgment of the arbitral tribunal mandating it to pay Camp John Hay Development Corporation P1.42 billion, representing total rentals paid to the government, in exchange for the latter to vacate the disputed leased property.

Staying fit. Elderly and young ones do their morning exercise at the Quezon Memorial Circle in QC using sports equipment for free. LINO SANTOS

‘Clash of clans’ looms over San Juan City

By John Paolo Bencito

TROUBLE is brewing in San Juan as the Zamoras are being pitted against the Ejercito- Estrada clan in a word war.

This developed as the city’s Vice Mayor Francis Zamora blasted the Ejercito-Estrada clan over what he calls their plans of “perpetuating their 46-year reign” by monopolizing local electoral posts.

“Clearly now, their selfish vision is to have the Mayor, Vice Mayor and Congressman positions under the sole ownership of the Estrada family and prolong their 46year reign in the city,” Zamora said .

“You know at this point I will go back to the clear message that they are sending—Wala na po bang ibang may kakayahan na mag-

ing punong lungsod ng San Juan? Ultimately, it is not about what I want or what they want but about what our people want. The people of San Juan deserve a choice,” said Zamora in a mix of English and Filipino.

Zamora claimed that incumbent Mayor Guia Gomez will run alongside Councilor Janella Ejercito—daughter of Senator Jinggoy Estrada as mayor and vice-mayor, respectively. Jinggoy’s wife—Precy Ejercito or Jana Ejercito—JV’s cousin will run for the congressional post.

Janella Ejercito is being groomed by the clan to be the next mayor of San Juan in 2019.

Senator JV Ejercito in a previous statement claimed that Vice Mayor Zamora was planning to unseat the senator’s moth-

er—Mayor Guia Gomez in the May 2016 elections.

The young Zamora told reporters he felt disappointed following Estrada’s pronouncements to dump them, together with family patriarch Congressman Ronaldo Zamora.

The vice mayor said that the Zamoras have been supportive of the Estrada family “for so long.”

Senator JV Ejercito dismissed these accusations made by Zamora, reminding him that he authored the ‘Anti-Political Dynasty Bill’ in Senate.

“May I remind Vice Mayor Francis Zamora, who appears to have a short-term memory, that it was him whom my family supported against my cousin, Jana Ejercito, in the 2013 elections. In that same election

also did I emphasize, through an open letter to San Juaneños, the importance of choosing qualified people in public office compared to popular people or those with political affiliations,” said Ejercito.

“The accusations Francis Zamora hurled at the rival camp are twisted since this rift has never been about the continuation of political families in power in San Juan. This is a falling out because of trust,” the senator said.

“We discovered that the Zamoras have been acting behind our back since 2013.

Francis has since planned to run against Mayor Guia Gomez in the 2016 elections. We have no problem with competition. But we would’ve appreciated if Francis had been frank with his ambition,” said Ejercito.

During the continuation of the summary hearing on the petition for writ of preliminary injunction sought by the CJHDEVCO and third party investors against the BCDA’s takeover of the Camp John Hay, Associate Justice Noel Tijam, chairman of the CA’s Special Fifth Division, inquired into the BCDA’s ability to fully comply wih the arbitral award.

Justice Tijam said that while the BCDA is strongly pushing for CJHDEVCO and the third-party investors to immediately vacate the Camp John Hay, the state-run agency however, admitted that its compliance with the arbitration award is stil subject to regulations of the Commission on Audit.

“The arbitration award does not make any distinction or qualifications. The award does not say it is subject to COA regulations,” Justice Tijam stressed.

“Why should it be necessary to enforce the notice to vacate if there is no actual payment yet,” the magistrate said.

According to Justice Tijam, despite the arbitral tribunal award, the hands of COA are not tied as they can conduct audit and even disallowances which may lead to the “dimunition” of the award.

Tijam noted that based on the language of the arbitral award, its implementation is “reciprocal” to the payment of award or should be “kaliwaan.”

Meanwhile, the appellate court has rendered a ruling that allows a large group of investors at the former US military to intervene in the petition filed

by CJHDEVCO) seeking to stop the BCDA from using the arbitration panel’s decision to evict thirdparty investors at the 247-hectare former American recreational facility in Baguio City.

Tijam also stressed that the CA will decide on the other motions to intervene filed by other investors in due time.

In a related development, lawyer Joel Bodegon who represents intervenor Camp John Hay Golf Club, which occupies 20 percent or 48.43 hectares of the leased area at Camp John Hay with more than 800 members, has lauded the ruling.

Bodegon also serves as counsel for CAP John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, a co-petitioner in the main petition filed by CJHDEVCO. Arguing for his client CAP-JHTCC, Bodego stressed that the arbitral award is not a judgment of eviction, but a judgment of recission of contract, thus, cannot be used as basis to justify their removal from the leased property.

“What aplies in this situation is not the law on lease but the law on rescission,” Bodegon said.

According to Bodeon, third party investors like CAP-JHTCC stand to sufer irreparable damage if the writ of execution is not granted.

Bodegon noted that its client spent more than P150 million for the construction of the trade center.

“Losing it would mean the demise of CAP trade and the deprivation of ownership without just compensation,” the lawyer told ––the appellate court.

Bodegon said that their eviction from the leased property will also be tantamount “to unjust enrichment” on the part of BCDA. But the lawyerclarified that there is nothing wrong with the arbitral award, but the problem lies with the way the BCDA would want to implement it.

f r i d ay : J u Ly 3 , 2 0 1 5

A7

news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Pangasinan intensifies efforts to curb school robberies

By Dexter A. See

A day’s catch. Fishermen from San Esteban, Ilocos Sur unload their harvest. DAVID CHAN

Caraga workers lambast contractual hiring practice

By Alvin T. Guanzon

BUTUAN CITY—Twenty-seven contractual sales workers of big stores in the Caraga region and job orders hired by local government units and national government agencies are seeking help from former ambassador, now OFW Family pary-list Rep. Roy Seneres.

The workers asked Seneres’ help in finding security in their jobs and addressing the violation of workers’ rights.

Seneres agreed with the workers. “Contractu-

alization is not righteous because it is unconstitutional and illegal. It deprives millions of workers of their constitutional right to security of tenure and it is against the Labor

Code,” he added.

The workers asked, however, that their identities be kept confidential since majority of them are re-applying for their previous job in malls, stores, government office, construction firms and other private establishments.

“Once our identities are exposed, we will be blacklisted,” they said, adding that most employers belong to the same business network and are even close friends.

Some of the workers claimed they have been serving their establishments for years but have

not been granted regular status, much less given promotions.

Those aged 30 and above are also considering looking for jobs abroad since most stores do not hire workers over the age of 30.

Aside from being denied regular status in their jobs, the workers said they were underpaid and overworked, at times serving more than eight hours a day.

But Caraga regional director lawyer Johnson Canete of the Department of Labor and Employment said contractualization is legal.

Seňeres meanwhile cited Article 280 of the Labor

Code on Regular and Casual Employment saying: “An employment shall be deemed to be regular where the employee has been engaged to perform activities which are usually necessary or desirable in the usual business or trade of the employer.”

Seňeres claimed that in the case of Cielo vs. NLRC, GR No. 78693, the Supreme Court condemned contractualization as: “A deceitful agreement cloaked in the habiliments of legality to conceal the selfish desire of the employer to reap undeserved profits at the expense of its employees.”

LINGAYEN—The provincial administration of Pangasinan assured the Department of Education of its efforts to solve robberies in elementary and secondary schools as it works with law-enforcement agencies, local government units and barangay officials.

According to police reports, robbery of school equipment – mostly computer units and multi-media projectors – took place during the summer vacation.

Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. presided over a meeting with police forces, fire marshals, provincial board members, superintendents and representatives of six school divisions here. The team discussed the status of investigations regarding school robberies and even burning incidents Calimlim said that if the issues are not resolved, the benefits of school programs, including computerization of public schools, will be delayed.

Key officials of schools divisions in the province were earlier invited by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to report during question hour, in particular about the details regarding theft incidents in schools.

Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro has asked the provincial government to help in the immediate resolution of the cases.

PSSupt. Rolly Saltat, OIC Police Provincial Director, said lack of coordination with police forces on the arrival or delivery of computer units and projectors in schools became an opportunity for robbery attempts.

Engineer from Bohol named 2015 Outstanding Professional

Bananas, anyone? A man carries a bunch of “amas”, a table banana variety, along the highway of Makilala town in North Cotabato. OMAR MANGORSI

ENGINEER Leonora Salvane was named Outstanding Professional for 2015 by the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers in cooperation with the Professional Regulation Commission for her exemplary professional and socio-civic contributions to society.

Salvane, founder and chief executive officer of GT Cosmetics, was also named Grand Chamber Countryside Entrepreneur of the Year by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

A chemical engineer graduate from the University of San Carlos in Cebu, she attributes her success to God. “GT actually means God’s Talent,” she said.

Salvane started her business with an initial capitalization of P500 in 1995. Together with her family, they manufactured soap in the kitchen, just using a baking pan. It became a family affair as the children were the workers. Salvane and her husband mixed the soaps while the children handled the packaging.

At the beginning, GT Cosmetics produced only 50 soap bars daily and was sold only to a “captive” market composed of family and friends.

Notwithstanding the challenges to break into the major markets, Salvane remained unfazed and persevered to build the brand. Gradually, the GT brand gained recognition in Cebu and later the Visayas region. “I believe God’s helping hand had a major role in our growth which was complemented by hardworking people,” Salvane said.

F R I D AY, J u LY 3 , 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA eDItor

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

VIrtUal realItY tonY loPeZ

Global warminG, Global revolution

[ EDI TORI A L ]

IsolatIng greece gREECE’S inability to pay its debt to the International Monetary Fund is a reminder of how the economies of the Philippines and other heavilyindebted countries suffered before turning the corner.

The Philippines in 1983 defaulted on its foreign debt shortly after the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. The country then was running out of foreign reserves to pay banks and other creditors. no bank was willing to extend financial assistance to the Philippines, unless it took the bitter pill to revive the ailing economy. That meant, among others, putting an end to a regime of subsidies, floating the peso, raising interest rates to curb a spiraling inflation and increasing revenues or taxes to fund state expenditures.

Fixing the fiscal house is paramount to the IMF. With no added revenues, any government will not function well in providing basic services to its people. new sources of foreign funds, aside from credits, must also be identified to correct the weakness in the balance of payments. Foreign investors will start coming in if they see fiscal discipline and a stable economic environment that starts with a manageable inflation regime.

But first things first. A troubled government must first obtain the proverbial seal of good housekeeping from the IMF. A go-signal from the IMF will trigger the release of much-needed foreign loans and prompt foreign investors to place their bets again on the ailing economy. greece on Tuesday became the first advanced economy to default on an IMF loan payment after Athens failed to reach an agreement with a group of lenders over a bailout program. With little foreign exchange reserves, the populist greek imposed capital controls, including a limit on cash withdrawals. greece can exit the eurozone and try to chart its own economic path. It can refuse the bitter pill and go against the economic prescriptions of the IMF. Through it all, however, greece will become a pariah in the global banking circle, unless it finds the way to repay its creditors.

The greek debacle may have little effect on the Philippines and the rest of Asia, which are experiencing an economic boom. But the economic crisis on that part of the world should keep government leaders on their toes.

It can still happen to any country that relies heavily on populist policies.

A simple solution lowDown jojo a. roBles AT first blush, the proposal seems intended merely to arouse laughter or to serve as “click bait,” as they say on the Internet. But Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing is very, very serious about his plan to turn the statue of national hero Jose Rizal around and make it “face the people” instead of the sea.

The veteran lawmaker, the son of the late longtime mayor Ramon Bagatsing, says he has hit upon the ultimate “win-win” solution to the problem of Rizal’s statue being “photobombed” by a high-rise condo building less than a kilometer behind it. Despite the criticism that the Bagatsing proposal has received, especially online, I’m willing to give it the benefit of a fair hearing, instead of just dismissing it out of hand.

First of all, Bagatsing ar-

gues that the hero wasn’t even facing Manila Bay when he was executed in Bagumbayan, which is now known as Rizal Park. (Truth to tell, all of the park as it is now didn’t even exist in Rizal’s time, since the seawall back then was where Taft Avenue is right now.)

“The Spaniards wanted Rizal to be shot in the back, facing the sea, as his statue does now, because he was supposed to be a traitor,” the congressman told me.

“But history tells us that he

A9

I admire the solution that Bagatsing has offered, because it’s the best I’ve heard on the matter, so far.

turned around and faced the firing squad that killed him, because he couldn’t accept being called a traitor.”

So, to be historically correct, Bagatsing said, Rizal should actually be facing Taft Avenue and the offending Torre de Manila instead of the bay. And if his statue is turned around to reflect this historical fact, then the photobombing furor is immediately eliminated.

“Even the tamaraw and the carabao statues in Rizal Park are facing the right way,” the congressman said. “And the reason the

statue of Lapu-Lapu there is facing the bay, I think, is because he is supposed to be protecting the country from the Spanish invaders, who must certainly be coming from the sea.”

Bagatsing says the people who are deriding his unusual proposal should first study their history. And he takes grave offense at those who accuse him of siding with Torre de Manila’s developer, DM Consunji Inc., because

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-

he is in the developer’s pocket or because he simply wants to side with greedy corporations who want to despoil the city’s skyline.

“Even the people who say they want to preserve the skyline of Rizal Park have not come up with a real alternative,” he said. “They just criticize and don’t look for a solution.” *** I must make it clear that I am not lawyering for DMCI, which

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

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I understand has more than enough advocates in court and outside it. And the developer and whoever conspired with it should be penalized to the fullest extent of the law, if they are proven to have violated any legal prohibition or restriction when it put up its 49-story structure.

DMCI is already doing just that before the Supreme Court, which slapped a restraining order on the 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. Isabel “Gina” P. Verzosa Head, Advertising Solutions Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

READIng Pope Francis’s scholarly and controversial encyclical, Laudato Si’, one will find that he is no ordinary pope. Francis is a very serious pope.

He knows what he wants and seeks it —to make the Catholic Church more relevant in this 21st century and that the one billion who are poor must be helped. He wants to change the world.

In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis makes global warming or climate change or plainly ecology— a moral, social justice, and most importantly, a human rights issue.

Even more disturbing, according to some analysts, Laudato Si’ is not a a thesis on the environment. It is a paper on a deeper problem — the indifference by the rich countries and by the rich people to address the decay and despoliation of the environment.

In effect, Pope Francis is indicting the world’s biggest polluters. He also attacks laissez-faire capitalism for exploiting nature to enrich the rich and impoverish the poor. Since climate is a common good and a basic human right, its management cannot be left to capitalists for them to make as much money as markets will allow. global warming cannot be solved by free markets; neither can it be solved by technology. It can only be solved by common and purposeful action by governments. Additionally, says Francis, “Every effort to protect and improve our world entails profound changes in ‘lifestyles, models of production and consumption, and the established structures of power which today govern societies.’”

A change in people’s lifestyle, a change on economic models, and a change in power structure in governments. Pope Francis sounds like he is advocating a new kind of global revolution.

The world’s biggest polluters, according to a ranking by the PBL netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, are: China, the United States, the 27 countries of the European Union, the Russian Federation, India, Japan, germany, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Iran.

As of 2012, the US, no. 1, polluter, was emitting 5.69 billion tons of carbon dioxide a year. It is followed closely by China, 4.01 billion tons, and the original 15 members of the EU (led by France, germany, Spain, UK and Spain) 3.29 billion tons. Together, the US and China account for half of the world’s pollution.

They also happen to harbor the world’s greatest number of billionaires.

Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco-Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

F R I D AY, J u LY 3 , 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA eDItor

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

VIrtUal realItY tonY loPeZ

Global warminG, Global revolution

[ EDI TORI A L ]

IsolatIng greece gREECE’S inability to pay its debt to the International Monetary Fund is a reminder of how the economies of the Philippines and other heavilyindebted countries suffered before turning the corner.

The Philippines in 1983 defaulted on its foreign debt shortly after the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. The country then was running out of foreign reserves to pay banks and other creditors. no bank was willing to extend financial assistance to the Philippines, unless it took the bitter pill to revive the ailing economy. That meant, among others, putting an end to a regime of subsidies, floating the peso, raising interest rates to curb a spiraling inflation and increasing revenues or taxes to fund state expenditures.

Fixing the fiscal house is paramount to the IMF. With no added revenues, any government will not function well in providing basic services to its people. new sources of foreign funds, aside from credits, must also be identified to correct the weakness in the balance of payments. Foreign investors will start coming in if they see fiscal discipline and a stable economic environment that starts with a manageable inflation regime.

But first things first. A troubled government must first obtain the proverbial seal of good housekeeping from the IMF. A go-signal from the IMF will trigger the release of much-needed foreign loans and prompt foreign investors to place their bets again on the ailing economy. greece on Tuesday became the first advanced economy to default on an IMF loan payment after Athens failed to reach an agreement with a group of lenders over a bailout program. With little foreign exchange reserves, the populist greek imposed capital controls, including a limit on cash withdrawals. greece can exit the eurozone and try to chart its own economic path. It can refuse the bitter pill and go against the economic prescriptions of the IMF. Through it all, however, greece will become a pariah in the global banking circle, unless it finds the way to repay its creditors.

The greek debacle may have little effect on the Philippines and the rest of Asia, which are experiencing an economic boom. But the economic crisis on that part of the world should keep government leaders on their toes.

It can still happen to any country that relies heavily on populist policies.

A simple solution lowDown jojo a. roBles AT first blush, the proposal seems intended merely to arouse laughter or to serve as “click bait,” as they say on the Internet. But Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing is very, very serious about his plan to turn the statue of national hero Jose Rizal around and make it “face the people” instead of the sea.

The veteran lawmaker, the son of the late longtime mayor Ramon Bagatsing, says he has hit upon the ultimate “win-win” solution to the problem of Rizal’s statue being “photobombed” by a high-rise condo building less than a kilometer behind it. Despite the criticism that the Bagatsing proposal has received, especially online, I’m willing to give it the benefit of a fair hearing, instead of just dismissing it out of hand.

First of all, Bagatsing ar-

gues that the hero wasn’t even facing Manila Bay when he was executed in Bagumbayan, which is now known as Rizal Park. (Truth to tell, all of the park as it is now didn’t even exist in Rizal’s time, since the seawall back then was where Taft Avenue is right now.)

“The Spaniards wanted Rizal to be shot in the back, facing the sea, as his statue does now, because he was supposed to be a traitor,” the congressman told me.

“But history tells us that he

A9

I admire the solution that Bagatsing has offered, because it’s the best I’ve heard on the matter, so far.

turned around and faced the firing squad that killed him, because he couldn’t accept being called a traitor.”

So, to be historically correct, Bagatsing said, Rizal should actually be facing Taft Avenue and the offending Torre de Manila instead of the bay. And if his statue is turned around to reflect this historical fact, then the photobombing furor is immediately eliminated.

“Even the tamaraw and the carabao statues in Rizal Park are facing the right way,” the congressman said. “And the reason the

statue of Lapu-Lapu there is facing the bay, I think, is because he is supposed to be protecting the country from the Spanish invaders, who must certainly be coming from the sea.”

Bagatsing says the people who are deriding his unusual proposal should first study their history. And he takes grave offense at those who accuse him of siding with Torre de Manila’s developer, DM Consunji Inc., because

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-

he is in the developer’s pocket or because he simply wants to side with greedy corporations who want to despoil the city’s skyline.

“Even the people who say they want to preserve the skyline of Rizal Park have not come up with a real alternative,” he said. “They just criticize and don’t look for a solution.” *** I must make it clear that I am not lawyering for DMCI, which

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

cYan Magenta Yellow BlacK

I understand has more than enough advocates in court and outside it. And the developer and whoever conspired with it should be penalized to the fullest extent of the law, if they are proven to have violated any legal prohibition or restriction when it put up its 49-story structure.

DMCI is already doing just that before the Supreme Court, which slapped a restraining order on the 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. Isabel “Gina” P. Verzosa Head, Advertising Solutions Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

READIng Pope Francis’s scholarly and controversial encyclical, Laudato Si’, one will find that he is no ordinary pope. Francis is a very serious pope.

He knows what he wants and seeks it —to make the Catholic Church more relevant in this 21st century and that the one billion who are poor must be helped. He wants to change the world.

In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis makes global warming or climate change or plainly ecology— a moral, social justice, and most importantly, a human rights issue.

Even more disturbing, according to some analysts, Laudato Si’ is not a a thesis on the environment. It is a paper on a deeper problem — the indifference by the rich countries and by the rich people to address the decay and despoliation of the environment.

In effect, Pope Francis is indicting the world’s biggest polluters. He also attacks laissez-faire capitalism for exploiting nature to enrich the rich and impoverish the poor. Since climate is a common good and a basic human right, its management cannot be left to capitalists for them to make as much money as markets will allow. global warming cannot be solved by free markets; neither can it be solved by technology. It can only be solved by common and purposeful action by governments. Additionally, says Francis, “Every effort to protect and improve our world entails profound changes in ‘lifestyles, models of production and consumption, and the established structures of power which today govern societies.’”

A change in people’s lifestyle, a change on economic models, and a change in power structure in governments. Pope Francis sounds like he is advocating a new kind of global revolution.

The world’s biggest polluters, according to a ranking by the PBL netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, are: China, the United States, the 27 countries of the European Union, the Russian Federation, India, Japan, germany, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Iran.

As of 2012, the US, no. 1, polluter, was emitting 5.69 billion tons of carbon dioxide a year. It is followed closely by China, 4.01 billion tons, and the original 15 members of the EU (led by France, germany, Spain, UK and Spain) 3.29 billion tons. Together, the US and China account for half of the world’s pollution.

They also happen to harbor the world’s greatest number of billionaires.

Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco-Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

F R I D AY, J U LY 3 , 2 0 1 5

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A NATIONAL CRISIS PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO It Is a dreadful malady because it afflicts the very rationality that is supposed to be characteristic of us, humans. It makes the pacific, non-violent resolution of issues impossible because it is the diametrical opposite of lucidity of thought. this is not the first time I warn against it, but posts on social media convince me that the alarm level should be raised by several notches.

A recent exchange on twitter should provide an interesting example. I had twitted: “thanks to Daan Matuwid, we have rotating brownouts in Cagayan now. How provident this Administration truly has been!”. I got this surprising reply that, in its illogicality, was really no reply at all: “Ok ba sa ‘yo yung pagnanakaw ng mga Binay?” there is always a punch to stupidity of this enormity, and I was floored. Where was this coming from? the Binays were not in the picture. Nowhere near them was my comment on rotating brownouts and the empty boasts of the administration. so, why this patent ignoratio elenchi, that which logicians characterize as the fallacy of the certified cretin?

If rationality is what allows planes to take to the air and skyscrapers to defy gravity, if rationality is what allowed homo sapiens, puny by size in contrast to the behemoths that roared and snarled all around him, not only to survive but to flourish, then the dreadful cultivation of irrationality in the country holds over our heads nothing short of a disaster of apocalyptic proportions! And, yes, we have “cultivated” the habit of irrationality, for just as correct thinking is a habit that can—and ought—to be formed, we can acquire the habit of slinking away in unreason!

Our advertisements alone offer ample instantiations of illogic that would be of far more interest—and relevance—to our college students who so frequently are bored to death by mediocre

logic teaches who harangue them endlessly with propositions about socrates’ mortality! And since ads are engineered to stick, so does the perversion of reason of which they are glaring examples.

But the statements of persons in high places are no less pernicious. sino man ang kumokontra sa pangulo ay ayaw sa tuwid na daan. A charming example of an abbreviated syllogism—what is technically called an enthymeme —but a poor excuse of one nonetheless! then, when Kabayan lets loose a barrage of criticism on government ineptitude and then is met with the apologists’ retort: At ano naman ang ginawa mo sa loob ng anim na taon na panunungkulan—then “ignoring the issue” receives Palace certification as an accepted way of reasoning.

We can start by boycotting any and all who have habitually treated the nation to unmistakable and often dramatic proof of the eclipse of reason.

there is nothing charming about this at all. It is a national crisis, and, on this score, there is no exaggeration. If the alternative to fighting wars and slaughtering our enemies is the rational process of staking our claims, vindicating them, and submitting to the better reason, then this national disease of cultured illogic makes this rational alternative to strategic action all but impossible. then, and of proximate concern, it also hardly matters what politicians tell us, or whether they even tell us anything at all, about their plans of government, their visions of leadership.

We will dislike with a vengeance those against whom

DeSTROyINg The pAST VICe President Jejomar “Jojo” slide down into the vice presiFILIPINO Binay—before the eDsA dency, confident that he would PENSIONER easily defeat an overly ambiRevolution of 1986—was undoubtedly a passionate human tious Mayor Binay.

HORACE rights lawyer but he was not Unexpectedly, though, while tEmPLO considered outstanding even the Balay group of mostly elite if he constantly tagged along future senators supporters who were based at the Araneta Joker Arroyo and Rene saguisag when they Center campaigned for Noynoy and Mar, a marched together in the streets in praise of different samar group supported a Noynoy senator Ninoy Aquino and in protest against and Binay tandem. they even gave away President Ferdinand Marcos.

NoyBi stickers and shirts. that has been forgotten after President the supporters of Mar could not believe Cory Aquino appointed him—for want of that Jojo beat their candidate and that Presicandidates to choose from, perhaps—as dent Cory’s brother Peping had been for Jojo officer-in-charge of Makati, still a municipal- all along. ity then but already the country’s undisputed they lodged their electoral protest, perpremier metropolis. haps out of false pride, but certainly conto the surprise of those who had belittled fused about how their presidential candidate him, Makati became Binay City since that won in a clean and honest election while his day of his OIC appointment on February 27, vice presidential partner who once topped a 1986. He and his family—the Binays—would senatorial race lost in that same election in a control it for the next 30 years as if President dirty and dishonest manner.

Cory gave it to him to own.

Noynoy now PNoy, the president, conJojo Binay got elected as its mayor, and tinued to support loser Mar, preferring him when he wasn’t eligible anymore, his wife el- over elected Vice President Binay. He would enita took over. then in 2010, as if Makati deny VP Binay the Department of Interior were a property for inheritance, it was hand- and Local Government post that he coveted ed over to his son Junjun. but would readily offer it in 2012 to secretwo popular movie actors – edu Manzano tary Roxas whom he had appointed earlier in and Lito Lapid - tried to unseat him but both 2011 as transportation and communications failed, losing by wide margins. secretary.

He irked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo As token appointments, PNoy assigned VP when he allowed opposition groups to stage Binay as head of the coordinating committee protests against her in his Makati’s business in housing and urban development and of a district. Accordingly, she had him suspended task force that dealt with concerns of overon October 17, 2006 and while he was defying seas Filipino workers. these were not reguthis suspension, President Cory visited him to lar cabinet posts but Binay would hold on to publicly extend her moral support. them for the next five years.

President Cory must have reciprocated He could then claim that he was able to inthe over-zealous support that Mayor Binay formally study and observe how to perform provided her administration in all the coup the president’s job properly as he was once attempts that were staged against it. Armed only a breath away from him. to the teeth ala-Rambo, he was always in full these assignments must have endeared battle gear as if he were prepared to shoot it him further to the Filipino people because— out to the death with the coup plotters. to the consternation of secretary Roxas and We just woke up one morning already ac- maybe, PNoy—VP Binay’s performance and knowledging the stature of Mayor Binay as popularity were consistently rated highest a formidable opposition leader in his own in national surveys, surpassing even that of right who didn’t have to bask anymore in the PNoy and far outdistancing that of secretary glory of others. He had become the star may- Roxas. or from Makati who proudly proclaimed that He could have easily won the presidency things were going very well for its residents, had it been held four years after the last preseven extending to non-Makati residents the idential election. same benefits that its residents enjoyed. they But alas, the man he defeated in the vice now compose the bulk of his nationwide sup- presidential election—secretary Roxas— port base. would not give up, still seeking the presiemboldened, he aspired to be vice presi- dency that he thought he gave up for PNoy dent in 2010. in 2010.

President Cory had recently died at that It is so clear—a grateful PNoy never left time and the outpouring of public sympa- him for a single moment since his defeat in thies for the Aquino children catapulted her 2010 and is now doing everything to make son Noynoy—then only a happy-go-lucky him the next president. bachelor—into becoming a political heir to He would destroy the Binays—once his the presidency. family’s allies and friends—starting now with this prompted the leading Liberal Party the son, Mayor Junjun and ending later with presidential aspirant senator Mar Roxas to the father, VP Binay. there have been sustained demolition efforts, even if we do not know the charges to be true, because “proof ” and “evidence” make sense only when reason matters.

We will once more vote for those who make us laugh and make us weep as we have done in the past, to our own woe!

Just as we wisely boycott rice outlets that sell us plastic rather than grain, we can start by boycotting any and all who have habitually treated the nation to unmistakable and often dramatic proof of the eclipse of reason! Jacques Benigne Bossuet may have had the perspicacity to discern “rea-

sons of the heart that reason does not understand”. But Wittgenstein’s advice in such affaires de coeur is classic: “What cannot be meaningful talked about should be passed over in silence.” rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

MAIL MATTERS

EDITORIAL CARTOON MALIGNED MISON NAME THIS is in reference to your newspaper’s editorial on 3 June 2015 with the caricature depicting the Chinese national Wang Bo running free while another person with the label “Mison” running the other way carrying a huge bag of money.

The caricature, without a doubt, has maligned, ruined, or otherwise destroyed the integrity of the MISON name, which my father and his siblings have nurtured in their many years in public service. While the editorial story did not point to any specific personality supposedly involved in the anomaly as it mentioned all the members of the Board of Commissioners – Siegfred Mison, Abdullah Mangotara, and Gilberto Repizo—the caricature only depicted “Mison”.

I find the caricature as well as the

A simple..From A9 company after a lawsuit was filed against it for putting up the building. And ultimately, it is the highest court in the land that will rule on the matter of the construction of Torre de Manila, not those for or against the building’s construction, regardless of how noisy either camp gets.

I just admire the simple and clean solution that Bagatsing has offered, because it’s the best I’ve heard on the matter, so far. And yes, I’m aware of proposals like draping the offending Torre with a giant flag, or planting trees behind Rizal’s statue to hide the building further behind it and even to just rename the entire structure after the national hero – as if this will make the problem go away.

Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest, after all. And at the very least, I think the congressman’s proposal deserves serious study.

History aside, I think Bagatsing’s proposal will also solve a host of problems that the controversy surrounding the Torre de Manila and the statue it supposedly disrespects. For one, I believe that making Rizal face inland instead

#FAILOCRACY

subsequent articles published in your reputable newspaper as not only inaccurate but also libelous. While I understand that the story has already been published and seen by the general public, I urge that all concerned persons, from the publisher, to the editor, to the reporter, to abide by the principles of veracity, independence, and accountability of responsible journalism.

In this regard, I strongly suggest that your paper not only print this letter but also publish an erratum or rectification with the same prominence as the published editorial article. I anticipate your prompt attention and favorable consideration to this letter.

SIEGFRED B. MISON Commissioner Bureau of Immigration of seaward will ensure that the national hero’s famed statue will never again be photobombed – unless someone decides to build skyscrapers on the very edge of the park near where the Quirino Grandstand is.

For one, it will free up development of that part of the city between Roxas Boulevard and Binondo which is already chock-full of skyscrapers. The city of Manila will certainly benefit from the taxes and the economic activity that the redevelopment of that area will bring, giving it more resources to pursue programs that will help the residents of the capital.

On a more personal note, some people that I personally admire have openly stated that they are against Bagatsing’s simple solution. I’m sorry I cannot join them, but that’s just the way it is in the column-writing game; I respect their opinion, and expect them to respect mine.

The important thing is to be open to new ideas and not to dogmatically reject those that do not, on the surface, mesh with ours. Then maybe we can learn from this controversy and make sure it doesn’t happen again in the future.

Global..From A9 Thus, one can say Francis’s Laudato Si’ is addressed primarily at the US and China.

Pope Francis says popes making statements on global issues is not new.

He is merely carrying on a tradition. In his particular case, however, the first Pope from the Third World is one the world’s most popular popes.

Thus, his word carries awesome weight, influence and power, few, if any, popes before him enjoyed.

Francis’s issuance of Laudato Si’ is is defining moment. It also lays the basis for his greatness if the encyclical achieves the impact it seeks.

Pope John the XXIII’s Pacem in Terris encyclical made a proposal for peace when the world teetered on the brink of nuclear war. In 1971, eight years later, Blessed Pope Paul VI referred to the ecological concern as “a tragic consequence” of unchecked human activity”. In his first encyclical, Saint John Paul II became increasingly concerned about this issue. He warned that human beings frequently seem “to see no other meaning in their natural environment than what serves for immediate use and consumption.” Subsequently, he would call for a global ecological conversion. At the same time, he noted that little effort had been made to “safeguard the moral conditions for an authentic human ecology.”

Benedict XVI likewise proposed “eliminating the structural causes of the dysfunctions of the world economy and correcting models of growth which have proved incapable of ensuring respect for the environment.”

Pope Francis says “the destruction of the human environment is extremely

serious, not only because God has entrusted the world to us men and women, but because human life is itself a gift which must be defended from various forms of debasement.”

Every effort to protect and improve our world entails profound changes in ‘lifestyles, models of production and consumption, and the established structures of power which today govern societies’.”

For his eco-theology, Francis cites other saints (like Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of gardening), other theologians (like the beloved Patriarch Bartholomew), experts (97 percent of climate change scientists say global warming is caused by humans), and very important, some 18 papers presented by the world’s various Catholic Bishops Conferences, including the Philippines’.

Thus, Pope Francis has the science, the theology and of course, the Bible behind him in making an urgent call for action on the environmental degradation.

The climate is a common good, says Francis. It belongs to all and is meant for all. He cites the global implications of global warming — environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods.

One impact is water poverty. “Every day, unsafe water results in many deaths and the spread of water-related diseases, including those caused by microorganisms and chemical substances.

Dysentery and cholera, linked to inadequate hygiene and water supplies, are a significant cause of suffering and of infant mortality. Underground water sources in many places are threatened by the pollution produced in certain mining, farming and industrial activities, especially in countries lacking adequate regula-

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tion or controls. It is not only a question of industrial waste. Detergents and chemical products, commonly used in many places of the world, continue to pour into our rivers, lakes and seas,” Francis explains.

He denounces attempts to privatize water, “turning it into a commodity subject to the laws of the market. Yet access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right, since it is essential to human survival and, as such, is a condition for the exercise of other human rights.”

“Greater scarcity of water will lead to an increase in the cost of food and the various products which depend on its use,” Francis adds.

On biodiversity, the Pope says “The earth’s resources are also be ing plundered because of short-sighted approaches to the economy, commerce and production. The loss of forests and woodlands entails the loss of species which may constitute extremely important resources in the future, not only for food but also for curing disease and other uses. Different species contain genes which could be key resources in years ahead for meeting human needs and regulating environmental problems.”

Laudato Si’ comes before three important global conferences on climate change this year.

The most important is the Conference of Parties (COP15) this December in Paris wherein countries must pledge by how much and when they will reduce their pollution under terms that are legally binding and/or subject them to shame if not complied with, so that the earth’s temperature could be reduced by two degrees Celsius before pre-industrial levels. biznewsasia@gmail.com

CHONG ARDIVILLA

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Love stays with Cavs; Thompson, Iman, too NEW YORK—Kevin Love announced Wednesday he will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers next season, with the 26-yearold power forward reportedly agreeing to a five-year deal worth $110 million to remain in Cleveland.

Love, obtained last year from Minnesota in a major trade, suffered a separated left shoulder in the first round of the NBA playoffs and could only watch as the Cavaliers lost to Golden State in the NBA Finals.

“I’m going back to Cleveland,” Love said on the Players’ Tribune website. “We’re all on the same page and we’re all in. We have unfinished business and now it’s time to get back to work.”

Love’s announcement came on the first day of free agency for the 2015-16 campaign.

Love had opted out of a deal that would have paid him $16.7 million next season to test the free agent waters, but ESPN reported he was cashing in for a maximum money deal with Cleveland.

- Shumpert, Thompson back In addition to Love and superstar LeBron James, who is a free agent but unlikely to leave the Cavaliers, Cleveland will welcome back guard Iman Shumpert and forward Tristan Thompson.

According to multiple reports, Shumpert agreed to a four-year deal worth $40 million while Thompson was expected to negotiate a deal

worth $80 million for five years.

Paul Pierce returned to his Southern California home and reunited with Doc Rivers, who coached him to an NBA title with Boston, as the 37-year-old forward reportedly agreed to a three-year deal worth $10 million with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Slovenian guard Goran Dragic agreed to a $90 million, five-year contract extension with Miami, ESPN reported, taking less than maximum money from the Heat to help Miami pursue other talent, such as keeping free agent star guard Dwyane Wade, who turned down a $16.1 million deal for next season to seek a longer-term contract, and Kevin Durant when he becomes a free agent next year.

- Bulls keep Butler The Chicago Bulls have agreed to a five-year deal worth $90 million with guard Jimmy Butler, ESPN reported, while also saying Phoenix had come to terms on a fiveyear deal for $70 million with Brandon Knight.

Chicago also came to terms on a three-year deal with forward Mike Dunleavy worth $14.4 million.

AFP

Olympic rings. Children play with sand in front of the Olympic rings at Madureira Park, the third largest park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, exactly 400 days ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic games. The 12-meter-high symbol was shipped from Great Britain after having decorated the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle during the 2012 London Olympic Games. AFP

Love-struck Tiger touts progress WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS —Tiger Woods expects some improvements, however slight, in his game when the PGA Greenbrier Classic begins Thursday even as he was romantically linked to a rival’s ex-wife on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old 14-time major champion, in the midst of the worst season of his career, missed the cut at last month’s US Open at Chambers Bay with rounds of 80 and 76, the worst 36-hole effort of his career.

“I’ve made a little bit of progress.

Obviously, that’s not saying much,” Woods said. “I’m looking forward to getting out there and competing.”

Woods, the former world number one who has slumped to 220th in the rankings, makes his only tuneup for the British Open in two weeks at St. Andrews against a field whose only top-10 rival is third-ranked Bubba Watson, the two-time Masters champion coming off a PGA victory last week.

Woods, who shared 17th at the Masters in his only decent showing this year, was again the subject of tabloid reports Wednesday as the Na-

tional Enquirer stated Woods and US ski star Lindsey Vonn split up in May after two years together because she caught Woods cheating on her with Amanda Boyd, a 27-year-old who in March divorced star golfer Jason Dufner, the 2013 PGA Championship winner.

Mark Steinberg, the agent for Woods, told Fox News in an e-mail the report linking Woods to Boyd was “Absolutely 100 percent false,” and a “Complete lie and fabrication.” he told the Golf Channel the story was “categorically false” and a “ridiculous rumor.”

Woods had a secret sex life with more than a dozen mistresses revealed in 2009, a scandal that led to his divorce from Elin Nordegren in 2010.

He has not won a major title since the scandal erupted, ruining his good-guy clean cut image and as a result saw his endorsement deals suffer a major blow.

- ‘I know what I’m doing’ Speaking before the Boyd report circulated but after his practice rounds, Woods continued to back his

swing changes and work with consultant Chris Como despite his ongoing struggles where even mediocrity would be an improvement.

“I know what I’m doing out here,” Woods said. “I know what it feels like. I know where my game is and what progress I have or haven’t made.

That’s what I’m concerned about.”

Woods has had to make adjustments on his swing over the years to ease the load on his body, which has suffered from numerous knee, leg and back injuries over the years as he smashed tee shots well beyond rivals in younger days.

Woods missed the cut in 2012 after going 71-69 for 36 holes the last time he played the Greenbrier, where scores typically finish well below par.

“The course is in great shape. The greens are a little faster than the last time I played,” Woods said. “I expect the scores to be very low. We’re going to have to go low. We’re going to have to make a bunch of birdies, keep the pedal down, be aggressive.”

Woods said he took a vacation with his children in the Bahamas after missing the cut at the US Open. AFP

Night runners reach P1-m benchmark

Like fireflies in the night, 3,000 runners participated in this year’s Energizer Night Race at Filinvest City. The first open loop run reached P 1,000,000.00 that benefited the medical treatments of Bantay Bata 163.

A TOTAL of 3,000 runners participated in this year’s Energizer Night Race 2015 at the Filinvest City in Alabang last June 27.

The first open loop run reached P1,000,000 worth of donations which benefited the children of Bantay Bata 163.

As part of its commitment to share positive energy, Energizer encouraged the participants to keep on going and run as far and as fast as they can within the two-hour frame. Every 3-kilometer loop ran equates to P100, which was added as part of Bantay Bata163’s medical treatment funds.

According to Vincent Lizo, Energizer Philippines’ business director, this never-before-seen loop run pushed the runners further in beating their personal records, with an added benefit of giving positive light to the most vulnerable children of Bantay Bata 163.

“Ever since the Energizer Night Race took form, we saw it as more than being just a simple fun run.

Above all, we used this platform to practice an important Energizer mantra, which is to share positivenergy,” Lizo said. “Ultimately, that is our primary goal.”

Meanwhile, Clarissa Ocampo—the Managing Director of Bantay Bata—stressed the importance of the organization’s partnership with Energizer

Philippines, Inc. “We are looking forward to engage in a joint venture with partners who have the same mission with Bantay Bata,” Ocampo said. “That’s why we partnered with Energizer—we want to light up lives. What we really need for the organization is to have partners who will be committed to help our children in ways that will affect them on a longer term” added Ocampo.

MJ Tiquia, Energizer brand activation manager, added that the night race offered a different running experience to the participants, saying that “there’s no boundary to helping change people’s lives. “All it takes is to go beyond your limits,” Tiquia said.

She also emphasized that while there’s no competition involved in the night race, it only required “the strength to go on to challenge yourself.”

The runners’ time were monitored through the radio frequency identification (RFID), which tracked every 3k loop a runner makes. For their added convenience, kilometer markers in the race route were also provided.

Likewise, a battery meter lights up everytime a runner finishes a three-kilometer run. This battery meter compiled all the three kilometer runs the runner makes, until it reaches the one million target. To monitor the runners’ progress, an LED-display was positioned onstage and in the start and finish arcs.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Tri United 2 slated THE ongoing 2015 season of Unilab Active Health’s Tri United series will make its much-awaited return to Playa Laiya in San Juan, Batangas as Tri United 2 fires off at precisely 6 a.m. on July 5.

In the race organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas, and presented by Unilab Active Health, over 800 participants will test their skills in the long distance (2 Km swim – 60 Km bike – 15 Km run) and sprint distance (750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run) courses, which cover the beachfront for the swim, the stretch of the San Juan Laiya road (turnaround points at Barangay Subukin) for the bike and a shorter and hilly portion of San Juan Laiya Road (with turnaround point near the Playa Laiya residential area) for the run.

For the Male Elite title, August Benedicto will have his hands full

with fierce competitors like John Chicano, Mark Hosana, Benjamin Rana, Deo Timbol and 2015 SEA Games triathlon finisher Jonard Saim.

Last year’s Tri United 3 champion Anna Stroh, meanwhile, is the lone competitor on the distaff side.

Also signed up to race in the agegroup category are celebrities that include Kim Atienza, director Sid Maderazo, Matteo Guidicelli and family, Paolo Abrera, Drew Arellano and Iya Villania-Arellano.

At stake in the event supported

by ULAH, Landco, Enervon Activ, Hydrite, Enervon HP, ORBEA, Pocari Sweat, Saucony, TIMEX, Playa Laiya, WeatherPhilippines SwimBikeRun.ph, Multisport Magazine, RaceDay Magazine and SPIN.ph are P10,000, P6,000 and P4,000 in cash prizes for the Top 3 Elite Male and Top 3 Elite Female category winners.

Good job. Japan’s players celebrate after England scored an own-goal late in the game to give Japan a 2-1 victory in their FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final match at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada. AFP

Poblete leads 2 batch of finalists

nd I’m not corrupt,

VETERAN Richie Poblete rolled a remarkable 12-game series of 2852 pinfalls recently to lead the second batch of finalists in the 2015 Bowling World Cup national championship.

Poblete produced the tournament’s highest 12game elimination score in the second center finals at Superbowl, where another regular campaigner – Lara Posadas – also qualified with 2114.

Also earning national final berths were Biboy Rivera, last year’s winner and representative to the international finals in Wroclaw, Poland together with Liza del Rosario, Jeff Carabeo, Raoul Miranda and little known Magallanes Bowling Association member John Paule Macatula, who shared the honors by rolling a perfect game at Q. Plaza.

Macatula tallied his 300 in the third of his 12-game

series, where he finished with 2615 pinfalls.

There were other high scorers like Rivera, Miranda, Carabeo, Gary Custodio, Nico Valderrama and Jomar Jumapao.

Rivera and Miranda tallied 2599 and 2530, respectively, at Coro Lanes (Starmall), Custodio and Carabeo shot 2685 and 2500, respectively, at Paeng’s Midtown, and Valderrama and Jumapao recorded 2659 and 2614, respectively, behind Poblete’s 2852 at Superbowl.

Also qualifying from the ladies’ division was multititled Liza Clutario, who carded 2240 at Paeng’s Midtown.

The first and second batch of men’s and ladies’ national finalists will vie for the right to represent the Philippines in the BWC international finals slated on Nov. 13 to 20, this year at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The national finals will be played on July 18 (men) and July 19 (ladies) at Paeng’s Midtown, July 20 (men) and July 21 (ladies) at Superbowl and July 23 (men and ladies) at SM North EDSA. The other national finalists are: Men – Boy Roman, Kap Aguila, Noel Abad, Jules Pedrajas, Joebert Buenafe, Orlando Palco, Gilbert Virata, Rodel Tungala, Ben Pacheco, Kevin Cu, Jay-Ar

Tan, Mike Crisol, Norman Lising, July Vargas, Ariel Young, Allan Gamboa, John Labasug, Lorenz Tugade, Don Evangelista, Jose Marie Diaz, Robert Plucena, Mar Serac, Jomin Wong, Aldwin Balangue, Ronnie Javier, Marc Matias, Kurt Mendoza, Paul Elona, Kenneth Chua, Mike Francis del Carmen, Donald Garcia and Danny Lagmay.

Ladies – Rica Macatula, Silva Yap, Delia Marquez, Dotie Dilig, Perla Pacheco, Susan Viray, Tess Eusebio, Gie Garcia, Sherry Ann Cruz, Farah Onasa, Myra Cruz, Cindy Edquilane, Geraldine dela Rosa, Alyssa dela Rosa, Mary Joy Darang, Rachelle Leon, Bernadette Ipapo, Leah Plucena, Rjoy Daval Santos, Sheila Elona, Alexis Sy, Gina Varilla, Luz Lagmay and Nancy Frianeza.

insists Blatter BERLIN—FIFA president Sepp Blatter has insisted he is not guilty of corruption despite the ongoing investigations into world football’s governing body.

Blatter passionately denied any wrongdoing to German magazine Bunte despite two separate ongoing Swiss and American investigations into FIFA. To anyone who accuses the 79-year-old of corruption, Blatter has a clear response.

“I will answer: Do you understand this word at all which you use? Anyone who accuses me of being corrupt must first of all prove it to me,” he insisted.

“No one can do that, because I am not corrupt.”

Blatter announced on June 2 that he would step down from the FIFA presidency at an extraor-

Blockbuster V-League college tilt starts July 11 A FULL-PACKED field of 12 teams, headed by reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion Ateneo and NCAA titlist Arellano University, gears up for a battle royale in what promises to be a blockbuster Shakey’s V-League Season 12 – Collegiate Conference unfolding July 11 at The Arena in San Juan City.

The upcoming event hopes to match, if not surpass the success of the league’s Open Conference offering last May where PLDT Home Ultera dethroned last year’s champion Philippine Army in a thrilling sudden death that generated so much interest from the ever-growing number of volley fans and enthusiasts.

What makes the Colle-

giate Conference a sure-fire hit is that is has a captive crowd of students raring to root for their respective school teams, thus guaranteeing a packed venue on each weekend playdates in the next three months of the mid-season tournament of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

The 12-team cast, the biggest since the league opened shop in 2004 with six school teams, is divided into two groups with Arellano heading Group A that includes National University, University of Batangas, University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University, which swept NU for the crown last year.

The upcoming Collegiate Conference of the Shakey’s V-League is expected to generate as much interest as the recent Open Conference, which raked in fullhouse crowd at The Arena.

dinary congress to be held between December this year and March 2016.

That decision follows the crisis engulfing FIFA with 18 people indicted in the United States on football-related corruption charges involving millions of dollars in bribes.

Since then, sources close to Blatter have been reported as saying he was not ruling out the prospect of going back on his decision to resign after receiving messages of support from Asian and African federations.

But the Swiss said he understands at least some of his critics, but has no time for unfounded, libellous accusations.

“I like to accept correct and constructive criticism, but when someone says Blatter is corrupt, because FIFA is corrupt, then I can only shake my head,” he added. AFP

Diliman College rules MBL Open LED by Ibrahim Quattara and handled by coach Rensy Bajar, DilimanGerry’s Grill brought down AMAWang’s Ballclub, 66-62, in overtime to capture the title at the Rizal Coliseum.

Quattara, a 6-8 African trying to find his niche in local basketball, provided a strong presence as DilimanGerry’s Grill completed another memorable season with a dramatic come-from-behind victory over AMA-Wang’s Ballclub.

Quattara finished with 14 points in a game-long battle against AMAWang’s imposing frontline to lead the Quezon City-based Dragons of former Sen. Nikki Coseteng and businessman-sportsman Jerome Ngo to victory in the tournament sponsored

by Smart Sports, Ironcon Builders, Dickies Underwear, PRC Couriers and Bread Story.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Alaska Aces Target 2-0 Lead

By Jeric Lopez

DESPITE the Alaska Aces being up 1-0 in their bestof-five semifinals clash with the Star Hotshots, Aces coach Alex Compton doesn’t feel too secure knowing the resilience of the defending champion Hotshots.

Compton wants his Aces to post a commanding 2-0 series lead against the Hotshots as the two protagonists resume their war with Game 2 of their semifinals tiff at 7 p.m. tonight in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup playoffs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Another victory for Alaska will push the team to the brink of getting back in the finals but Compton expects the defending champion Star to bounce back and give its best shot in an attempt to equalize the series. A 2-0 lead will certainly be huge as the Aces will move within a win away from get-

ting back to the big stage where termission before they turned the they played in the Philippine Cup. game around completely. Alaska ‘’I’m definitely sure Star will produced a blistering second come back,’’ said Compton to em- half storm that eventually overphasize his respect for the ability of whelmed the Hotshots as they the Hotshots. took the crucial opener and a vital Just like what hapearly lead in the series.

Game Today pened in its quarterCompton’s motiva(Game 2, Semifinals finals match with Ba- Smart Araneta Coliseum) tional skills was in full rangay Ginebra, Alaska display as his players 7 p.m. • Alaska vs. Star once again erased a once again responded huge first half deficit and flexed its to his call to carve out another muscles down the stretch to take classic Alaska turnaround.

Game 1, 97-91, last Wednesday ‘’I got a tough group of guys. night in the series opener.

I just told them that they are The Aces were down by 18 not quitters. I believed that they points in the opening half and weren’t gonna quit and they didn’t. were behind by 15 points at in- I want our identity to come out

and it did and now we’re ahead in the series,’’ said Compton. ‘’If we continue that, I believe we could win again.’’

Led by Romeo Travis who scored 18 of his 28 points in the last 24 minutes, Alaska outscored Star by 21 points in the second half of Game 1 to snatch the victory as its stingy defense was in full effect while its offense went on full throttle.

The trio of Travis and point guards Jvee Casio and Chris Banchero were the ones who did most of the damage for Alaska in Game 1.They’ll be relied upon by Compton once more as the Aces gun for a tighter grip in the series.

‘Rigo’ remains as Donaire’s redemption fight FILIPINO Flash Nonito Donaire, Jr. believes that a bout against Cuban world SPORTS CHAT champion Guillermo Rigondeaux is his best chance at getting boxing redemption.

Crownless for nearly a year, Donaire is eager to take on fighters that will make him not only regain a world crown, but also redeem a career that went off the charts since he became 2012’s Fighter of the Year.

The 32-year-old Donaire said he sees the need for Rigondeaux to give him a rematch if ever the Cuban wants to get more money and absolute respectability that has eluded the current world superbantamweight champion.

Notwithstanding his unquestionably impressive ring elegance, Rigondeaux’s style has been unappealing to the paying public and major promoters.

This despite Rigondeaux’s 12-round decision win over Donaire in their unification battle last April 2013 in New York.

Since then, Rigondeaux scored a shutout win against former champion Joseph Agbeko then traveled to Asia twice, knocking out Thai Sod Kokietgym in the opening round in Macau before scoring an 11th round technical decision win over hometown bet Hisashi Amagasa late last year in Japan.

Donaire feels it’s a must for Rigondeaux to include him in his plans before the year closes.

“For them it will be about money. Promoters the networks will put up the money to make this fight happen.

For me, I just want to get that title,” said Donaire.

Donaire (34-3, 22 knockouts) also sees a need to fight Rigondeaux or Mexican superstar Leo Santa Cruz, who currently holds the World Boxing Council superbantamweight crown.

“Those guys are the ones that will make my name go up again and we want to fight those guys. That’s our goal and hopefully, we can make it happen,” said Donaire.

“Like Rigondeaux, Santa Cruz is still looking for a fight though he’s been vocal about wanting to face fellow Mexican Abner Mares, a former world champion, who is still considered as one of the most marketable fighters in the featherweight division.

Santa Cruz is reportedly set to vacate his WBC throne once a better opportunity comes up in the 126lb class.

Meantime, Donaire is in the thick of his preparations for his July 18 bout opposite Anthony Settou of France in a 10-round non-title fight that will be staged in Macau.

Donaire currently trains at the famed ALA Boxing Gym in Cebu.

MOVING ON. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas hierarchy has taken full responsibility regarding the supposed debacle suffered by the women’s basketball team that went home medal-less in last month’s Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

According to SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios, the country’s basketball federation has moved on and would rather talk about a seemingly bright future regarding the team.

Perlas won three of five games in Singapore, but ended up fourth overall to bomb out of the podium.

But Barrios insists, he saw a silver lining in Perlas’ 6257 loss to Thailand.

“Nakakalungkot natalo tayo but hindi nawawala sa akin ‘yung historical perspective that the last time we played them for the gold in 2013, we lost by 35. Sabi ko kahit paano maganda,” said Barrios.

The women’s team brought home back-to-back silver medals in the 2011 and 2013 editions of the biennial meet, but changes in the coaching staff, players and corporate backer made people believe that it led to the coutry’s downfall in Singapore.

Still, Barrios and the federation remain supportive of the current women’s squad under coach Patrick Aquino.

“We leave it all up to coach Pat to present the training program to us para ma-evaluate. ‘Yung composition ng team, I suppose he will do some tweaking. I will not say 101% he will retain all. Wala pa kami doon,” added Barrios.

The Perlas team is set to start preparations for the upcoming 2015 FIBA Asia Women’s championship in Wuhan, China which will serve as the region’s qualifying tournament for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

DENNIS PRINCIPE

Alaska Aces forward Calvin Abueva (8) battles Star Hotshots import Marqus Blakely (23) for ball possession. The Aces and the Hotshots resume their war with Game 2 of their semifinals tiff at 7 p.m. tonight in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup playoffs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Red Lions rout EAC, 108-80

By Peter Atencio THE San Beda Red Lions celebrated the return of two veterans with a 10880 demolition of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at the Arena in San Juan, yesterday.

Their presence enhanced the already deep bench of the Red Lions who proved deadly with their run-and-gun game in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) menís basketball tournament.

Arthur de la Cruz drilled 22 points and dominated with 13 rebounds for the Red Lions, who went on to post their second straight triumph.

Playing for 29 minutes, de la Cruz delivered key baskets in the first period with teammate Roldan Sara, who had 11 points.

Their initial efforts enabled the Red Lions to quickly dictate the pace of the game with their 14-5 advantage with 5:33 left in the period.

“I’m happy we scored more than a hundred points, but I think our defense did better today,” said Red Lions coach Jamike Jarin after they forced the Generals to commit 26 turnovers.

In junior action, the San Beda Red Cubs got big baskets from Germy Mahinay and Jay Lagumen as they disposed of the

Emilio Aguinaldo College- Immaculate Conception Academy Brigadiers, 84-78, for their second straight win.

The Mapua Red Robins, bouncing back from a 63-80 beating administered by the Red Cubs, smashed the San Sebastian Staglets, 80-51, with Sherwin Concepcion and Jasper Salenga providing 19 points apiece.

Injured veterans Olaide Adeogun and Baser Amer finally played, but their brief presence on court hardly mattered as other teammates picked up the slack.

Ice Reyes, who was elevated from Team B, scored back-to-back hits in the last 8:14 of the second canto, handing the Red Lions a 29-16 spread.

Amer, who needs two to three weeks to fully recover from a shoulder injury he sustained in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore while with the Gilas cadets, played for only 12 minutes, and scored a triple in the last 5:42 of the second period, giving San Beda a 34-26 lead.

Adeogun, still recuperating from a hamstring injury, was on the floor for 15 minutes and had 12 points with Amiel Soberano.

His layup with 4:08 to go in the fourth helped gave San Beda a 23-point cushion, 97-74.

ICTSI golf leader. Michael

Bibat hits his approach shot at No. 13. Bibat clung to a one-stroke lead over a charging Miguel Tabuena halfway through the ICTSI Rancho Palos Verdes Classic in Davao yesterday.

F R I D AY : J U LY 3 , 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

LOTTO RESULTS

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

Arum wages war on Floyd’s adviser Haymon

By Ronnie Nathanielsz Ball boys sweep the grass on Court One at the end of play on Day 3 of the 2015 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London. AFP

Ball boy collapses, fans roast in Wimbledon heat LONDON—A ball boy collapsed and fans took cover as Wimbledon sweltered Wednesday on the hottest day ever recorded at the championships.

The suncream was slapped on and fans formed long queues at the water fountains as they tried to beat the heat in sweaty southwest London.

Britain’s Met Office national weather service said a temperature of 35.7 degrees Celsius (96.3 degrees Fahrenheit) was recorded at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew—its nearest station to the All England Club.

That topped the previous record of 34.6C (94.3F) set nearly four decades ago in 1976.

The heat got the better of one Wimbledon ball boy, who was stretchered off Court 17 after passing out.

He was sent to hospital for a precautionary check-up and after treatment was “feeling much better”, the All England Club said.

“We wish him a speedy recovery.”

The first aid charity St John Ambulance said it had treated

170 people with five taken to hospital—the majority suffering from heat-related conditions.

Spectators sheltered under umbrellas while others folded up newspapers into hats to keep the sun off. Some draped towels on their heads or used hand fans, while others formed lengthy queues to buy ice creams and refill their water bottles.

Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki handed out iced coffee to sun-baked spectators queueing to get in the grounds.

Players get dizzy The Centre Court sliding roof was closed before play to protect the grass surface from the heat, but was reopened before defending champion Novak Djokovic got play under way.

Wimbledon officials only close the folding roof during play for rain or bad light.

Centre Court was evacuated af-

ter the close of play due to a fire alert, though there was no immediate obvious indication of a blaze.

Out on Court 18, France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert sat with an ice-filled towel around his shoulders during a break in his match with Bernard Tomic, who was feeling hot and bothered.

“I was fatigued and starting to get dizzy out there with the heat hitting me,” said the Australian, who needed a medical time-out to get through the match.

“I just haven’t been sleeping well here. It’s been too hot.”

However, some players said they were used to such weather on the world tour and at their training bases.

“It’s much warmer in my hometown,” said Florida-based former champion Maria Sharapova.

“It’s way worse in Florida,” America’s John Isner confirmed.

‘It’s quite hot’ Wimbledon’s quirky requirement for players to be dressed “almost entirely in white”— preventing the appearance of unsightly sweat stains—really

comes into its own on such days.

“It’s quite hot,” said an All England Club spokesman.

“We’re advising people to drink lots of water, wear a hat and use plenty of suncream.”

Wimbledon chiefs cut the capacity at the club by 1,000 to 38,000.

“This is to make more space within the grounds, to make it more comfortable for the visitors. There will be more room, more space in the shade and easier access to the water fountains,” the spokesman told AFP. A heat rule, which allows for a 10-minute break between the second and final sets of women’s matches, can be used when temperatures rise above 30.1C (86.2F).

However, no such rule exists on the ATP men’s tour, even though they have to slug it out over the best of five sets at Grand Slam events like Wimbledon—something tennis legend John McEnroe on ESPN called “reverse sexism”.

An ATP spokesman said there was not “sufficient support or consensus for a specific heat rule”. AFP

TOP Rank promoter Bob Arum, who promotes eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, is going after undefeated pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr’s adviser Al Haymon.

In a breaking story, TMZ reported that Arum is accusing Haymon of “rigging the boxing industry” and taking aim at Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports company among others.

TMZ says many consider Haymon as the “most powerful man in boxing.”

According to the lawsuit, Top Rank claims Haymon who “famously runs his empire from an old school flip phone,” is leveraging his impressive client list (which includes Mayweather, Adrien Broner, Danny Garcia and more) to monopolize the boxing industry.

TMZ says that Top Rank claims Haymon cajoled one of his fighters – Peter Quillin – to turn down a $1.4-million payday in 2014, which was the biggest in his career because Jay Z had won the right to promote the fight and Haymon didn’t want to let Roc Nation get its foot into the boxing game.

Top Rank is reportedly going after Haymon and his financial backers, The Waddell & Reed investment group for fraud and conspiracy.

Meanwhile, Oscar De La Hoya will not come out of retirement to fight again at age 42, the 1992 Olympic lightweight champion saying Monday on his Facebook page that he has hung up the gloves for good.

It was only a week ago when De La Hoya told ESPN he was 50-50 on the prospects of returning to the ring, and trying to talk up fights against Floyd Mayweather or Gennady Golovkin.

“As a professional athlete and someone who has spent almost his entire life in boxing, not a day goes by when I don’t think about coming back,” De La Hoya said.

Watson defies death threats to shine at Wimby LONDON—Heather Watson insists she will never let the “cowards” who send her death threats damage her career after the British number one equalled her best ever performance at Wimbledon.

Watson defeated Slovakian world number 72 Daniela Hantuchova 6-4, 6-2 in the second round on Wednesday and is the only remaining Briton in the women’s singles.

The 23-year-old from Guernsey next faces the daunting task of taking on world number one Serena Williams in the last 32.

But Watson’s victory was overshadowed by her recent revelation that she has been sent numerous sick taunts to her Twitter account, including several death threats.

The unassuming Watson hardly seems the most likely candidate for such hateful abuse and she suggested most of the messages may have come from gamblers.

“I think those people, they’ve got no

life,” Watson said.

“They’re just kind of cowards thinking they can say whatever.

“I don’t really check anymore really. But it’s become such a usual occurrence that it doesn’t really mean much to me.

“It’s usually always positive when I win. It’s just when I don’t win.

“It usually is (gamblers), because you either win or lose the money. They shouldn’t gamble.”

Watson is adamant the abuse will never drive her off social media however.

“I use it. I really enjoy posting,” she said.

“I think some people get sick of me posting pictures. But I’m going to keep doing it.”

Watson’s progress has been hampered by a bout of glandular fever that sidelined her for two months in 2013 and a rib injury last year.

But her emphatic victory over Hantuchova equalled her best-ever showing at Wimbledon by reaching the third round for the first

time since 2012, when she was defeated by eventual finalist Agnieszka Radwanska.

The world number 59, who saved three match points in the first round against French 32nd seed Caroline Garcia, has never been past the third round of a Grand Slam in 18 previous attempts.

And to reach the last 16 for the first time she is likely to have to cause a huge upset against 20-time Grand Slam winner Williams.

Watson will be playing Serena for the first time, but she is relishing the chance to test herself against one of the all-time great.

“I’ve never played Serena before, so I’d love to play her,” she said.

“She’s an amazing athlete, a great champion. She’s always the favourite for every tournament she plays.

“She’s probably the toughest opponent. But I feel like in matches like that, you’ve got a lot to gain, so it’s a real positive as well to play Watson her.” AFP

F R I D AY : J U LY 3 , 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

Stockinger resumes GP2 bid Marlon Stockinger acknowledges the crowd after he shared the F1 experience by driving his Lotus-Gravity Charouz Formula Renault 3.5 around Bonifacio Global City during the recent Slipstream 2.0.

Djokovic, Sharapova, Serena breeze in heat LONDON—Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova breezed through at a sweltering Wimbledon on Wednesday where temperatures soared to an all-time record high.

But Japanese star Kei Nishikori was forced to withdraw with a calf injury while Ana Ivanovic became the third woman in the top 10 to be knocked out in the first three days.

Defending champion and top seed Djokovic reached the third round with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Jarkko Nieminen which brought the curtain down on the Finn’s Wimbledon career.

Djokovic will take on Australian 27th seed Bernard Tomic for a place in the last 16 as the Serb continues his bid to win a third Wimbledon and ninth Grand Slam crown.

It was Djokovic’s sixth career win in seven meetings against the

Love stays with Cavs TURN TO A12

33-year-old Nieminen and the two men exchanged a warm embrace at the net once their 92-minute Centre Court duel had ended.

“It was his last Wimbledon so I congratulated him on a great career,” said Djokovic.

Tomic made the third round by defeating Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).

Women’s top seed and five-time champion Serena Williams cruised into the third round with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Hungary’s Timea Babos with 12 aces and 23 winners in just 59 minutes on Centre Court.

The 33-year-old, bidding for a third Grand Slam title of the year,

will play Britain’s Heather Watson for a place in the last 16.

“I’m definitely playing well, which I never say, but I had two really tough matches straight off the bat so I had to pick up my game,” Serena said.

Sister Venus, also a five-time Wimbledon winner and a potential fourth round opponent, went through, beating Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.

Djokovic plays it cool Fourth-seeded Sharapova, the 2004 champion, downed Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp 6-3, 6-1 and next faces Romanian 29th seed Irina-Camelia Begu.

Temperatures at Wimbledon hit at a record high of 35.7 degrees Celsius (96.3 degrees Fahrenheit) —beating the previous mark of 34.6C in 1976.

However, Djokovic, who has played in 40C at the Australian

Watson defies death threats TURN TO A15

Open, said: “It wasn’t as bad as I thought. People were talking about it and predicting really difficult conditions. But I didn’t find it as difficult as I thought it might be.”

Fifth-seeded Nishikori had been scheduled to face Colombian world number 60 Santiago Giraldo on Centre Court for a place in the last 32.

But the 25-year-old admitted that the left calf injury he suffered last month in Halle, which had forced him to retire in the semifinals, was still a factor during his gruelling win over Simone Bolelli in the first round at Wimbledon on Monday.

“It got worse in the fifth set of that match, it hurt so much,” said Nishikori. “It hurt to walk and run today so I decided not to play.”

Giraldo goes on to face US wildcard Denis Kudla for a third round spot. AFP

MARLON Stockinger resumes his quest to become the next big Filipino sports icon as he competes in the fifth round of the GP2 Season this weekend at the Silverstone Circuit in England.

Stockinger, 24, is the only Filipino who has placed the country on the Formula One map.

One of his biggest racing milestones is winning the GP3 Series in Monaco in 2012 wresting the pole and setting the fastest lap of the race in the process.

“When I first left the Philippines to pursue my racing career, I actually lived next to the race track in Silverstone. It was my home base for a couple of years.

It’s a unique track because it has a lot of history,” Stockinger said.

“The first-ever Formula One Grand Prix was there. So I have a lot of close, good memories there and hopefully I’ll make many more,” he added.

Stockinger is expected to give his all for his team Status Grand Prix with his familiarity of the British circuit, following the successful staging of Slipstream 2.0 in Bonifacio Global City organized by his telecommunication partner and sponsor Globe Telecom to bring the F1 experience to the country.

During Slipstream 2.0, Stockinger shared the F1 experience to the ecstatic group of fans and racing aficionados by driving his Lotus-Gravity Charouz Formula Renault 3.5 around the streets of Bonifacio Global City.

Stockinger was warmly cheered by the huge crowd especially when he drove an actual passenger jeepney, an iconic Philippine symbol.

“Driving the jeepney was a lot of fun. I used to ride them when I was young but this is the first time I get to drive one. It was a cool experience,” Stockinger said.

This year’s GP Season will also have stops in Hungary later this month, Belgium in August, Italy in September, Russia in October and will conclude in Abu Dhabi this November. The GP2 Season is considered as the support series for the 2015 Formula One World Championship.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY: JULY 3, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

San Miguel bids for UCPB PSe comPoSite index Closing July 2, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,578.31 3.16

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing JULY 2, 2015 42

P45.155

43

CLOSE

44 45

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DIVERSIFIED conglomerate San Miguel Corp. is bidding for the government’s 74-percent stake in United Coconut Planters Bank, a top executive said Thursday.

UPCB was previously controlled by San Miguel chairman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. before the Supreme Court ruled with finality in 2013 that the government owned the shares held by Cojuangco.

San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said in a text message the conglomerate submitted a letter of intent to bid for the government’s 74 per-

cent stake in UPCB. Twelve groups have expressed interest in UCPB, according to the government. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. of Japan is among them, a person with knowledge of the matter said last month.

The government plans to sell its shareholding for a minimum of P1.1 billion ($24 million), while also requiring any new owner to

46

46-megawatt biomass power plant in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, to help meet the country’s pressing need for both food security and renewable energy. The plant will use bagasse, a by-product of URC’s sugar mill, also in Kabankalan as fuel. Shown during the inauguration of the plant are (inset, from left) URC chief executive Lance Gokongwei, Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco, Negros Occidental Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, Sugar Regulatory Administration chief Ma. Regina Martin, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, JG Summit chairman emeritus John Gokongwei Jr., JG Summit chairman and chief executive James Go and URC sugar and renewables division general manager Rene Cabati.

VOLUME 467.200M

P41.20-P47.85 Unleaded Gasoline P28.85-P32.20 Diesel

was planning to sell.

Malaysia’s CIMB Group Holdings Bhd scrapped a plan in June 2013 to buy 60 percent of Bank of Commerce for P12.2 billion .

In February this year, San Miguel said Mizuho Financial Group Inc. was interested in acquiring its stake in the lender.

The Privatization and Management Office of the Finance Department published a notice on newspapers on May 31 this year, inviting interested parties to participate in the UCPB bidding set in September this year.

Prospective bidders must vie for the government’s more than 70-percent stake in the bank and infuse at least P15 billion in fresh capital.

URC biomass plant. Universal Robina Corp. inaugurated a

HIGH P45.135 LOW P45.200 AVERAGE P45.163

P480.00-P680.00 LPG/11-kg tank

inject at least P15 billion of capital.

Ang didn’t give a reason for the firm’s interest in Coconut Bank --and nor would he say whether Bank of Commerce is still for sale.

Reuters reported San Miguel’s interest earlier, citing an unidentified person.

BDO Unibank, Robinsons Bank, East West Banking Corp. and Security Bank had also expressed interest in bidding for UCPB. San Miguel currently has investments in various industries, namely food and beverage manufacturing, power generation, real estate, packaging, fuel and oil, energy, infrastructure, mining and telecommunications.

It also owns Bank of Commerce, which the conglomerate

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, July 2, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

45.0740

Japan

Yen

0.008121

0.3660

UK

Pound

1.562100

70.4101

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129001

5.8146

Switzerland

Franc

1.054852

47.5464

Canada

Dollar

0.794344

35.8043

Singapore

Dollar

0.739317

33.3240

Australia

Dollar

0.767283

34.5845

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652379

119.5533

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

12.0191

Brunei

Dollar

0.736594

33.2012

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000075

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.029618

1.3350

UAE

Dirham

0.272264

12.2720

Euro

Euro

1.105400

49.8248

Korea

Won

0.000890

0.0401

China

Yuan

0.161262

7.2687

India

Rupee

0.015736

0.7093

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.267094

12.0390

New Zealand

Dollar

0.675493

30.4472

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032358

1.4585 Source: PDS Bridge

Public Works approves new design of NLEx-SLEx connector

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Public Works Department approved the new design of the P14-billion North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway Connector Road project, an official of Manila North Tollways Corp. said Thursday.

“The new concept design was already approved by the government. We are working on the MOU [memorandum of understanding],” MNTC president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco said.

Franco said the Public Works Department would submit the documents to the National Economic and Development Authority for approval.

“After Neda, the Swiss Challenge may start in the third quarter,” Franco said.

The 13-kilometer NLEx-SLEx connector road would link C-3 in Caloocan City to PUP campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila and would include a five-kilometer common alignment with the Skyway Stage 3 being built by San Miguel Corp. and Citra

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Metro Manila Tollways Corp.

The government required a new design for NLEx-SLEx link to accommodate another major project, the North-South Rail project.

Citra Metro Manila Tollways has already obtained financing for the common alignment portion of the road. San Miguel’s P26.5-billion Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project is a six-lane 14.8-kilometer expressway, from Buendia Avenue in Makati City to Balintawak in Quezon City, connecting the SLEx to NLEx.

The board of the National Economic and Development Authority earlier approved the NLExSLEx Connector road under the unsolicited mode subject to a Swiss Challenge.

The government decided to subject the project to a Swiss Challenge after the Justice Department issued a legal opinion, saying that an earlier decision to implement the project as a joint venture was “without factual basis or jurisdiction.”

The joint-venture route was supposed to do away with the

Swiss Challenge.

MNTC earlier sealed a joint venture with Philippine National Construction Corp. in a bid to facilitate construction of the NLExSLEx link.

The Swiss Challenge is expected to take place within the year.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. controls MNTC, which operates NLEx. Other MNTC shareholders are Egis Projects S.A. of France, Leighton Asia Ltd. of Australia and PNCC, which holds the franchise to run the expressway.

FRIDAY: JULY 3, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Thursday, July 2, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 0.92 890 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 75 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 0.74 625 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 58 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59

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 First Abacus Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

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

7.54 73.1 108.30 94.30 45.4 2.50 1.72 15.88 19.4 0.7 835.00 0.390 93.5 0.98 18.48 28.40 67.00 93.95 305 39.1 165 1470.00 60.80

47 1.46 2.36 15.3 89 148 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 17 31.8 109 15.3 9.4 241 12.5 3.95 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 7.34 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 1.3 2.17

35.9 1.01 1.86 7.92 40.3 32 15.32 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 8.61 20.2 71.5 13.24 5.34 173 8.65 2.3 33 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.37 3.87 8.45 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 1.65 5.9 161 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 0.640 1.2

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

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

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

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

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

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

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

45.75 1.05 1.94 10.32 53 91.50 18.4 26.8 55.1 2.52 1.48 12 19.540 8.95 7.42 9.75 11.8 26.5 82.15 13.40 5.79 195.40 10.2 2.15 60.00 23.9 25.05 5.97 292.00 3.95 4.8 8.88 12.00 3.38 1.97 3.52 4.16 1.94 6.3 163.8 1.61 0.140 1.26 2.16 192.2 0.75 1.23

0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 823.5 10.2 84 4.92 0.66 1455 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 9.66 0.0670 1.61 2.99 84.9 974 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 6.62 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.26 0.152 837 49.55 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 4.5 3 0.030 0.550 2.26 59.3 751 0.93 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

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

Forum Pacific GT Capital JG Summit Holdings Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

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

Minerales Industrias Corp.

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

0.475 57.5500 22.30 6.90 0.245 788 7.62 13.50 4.52 0.206 1384 71.35 7.18 0.66 13.8 0.62 4.67 6.35 3.79 0.0330 2.040 2.67 59.60 900.00 0.75 81.350 0.3350 0.1900 0.290

10.5 1.99 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.97 0.201

6.74 0.65 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 1.1 0.083

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Arthaland Corp.

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

7.350 0.69 0.220 37.10 3.32 5.1 0.83 1.24 0.129

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

SHARES 11013433 54746275 87662306 146742984 113337870 270957445 686801393

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 7.53 7.2 73.35 73 110.00 108.10 94.80 94.00 45.4 45.2 2.50 2.49 1.74 1.73 15.96 15.7 19.58 19.4 0.7 0.7 820.00 815.00 0.475 0.390 93.8 92.5 0.98 0.98 18.50 18.24 27.10 27.10 68.75 66.35 94 93 306.6 305 39.5 38.5 166 162.5 1475.00 1475.00 61.00 60.00 INDUSTRIAL 45.95 44.6 1.04 1.01 1.98 1.92 10.38 10.3 54.95 51.1 91.50 91.50 18.5 18.38 27 26.5 57.85 55.1 2.58 2.45 1.48 1.48 12.8 12 20.400 19.54 9.05 8.91 7.66 7.37 10.28 9.76 11.8 11.6 27.1 26 84.35 82.4 13.86 13.02 5.86 5.72 197.70 195.40 10.2 10.06 2.02 2.02 59.50 59.50 24.55 24 25.5 25 6.09 5.98 298.00 290.40 3.95 3.95 4.87 4.8 8.93 8.81 12.00 11.70 3.48 3.24 1.97 1.96 3.64 3.24 4.17 4.15 2 1.88 6.2 6.2 165 163.8 1.63 1.61 0.143 0.141 1.25 1.25 2.21 2.15 196.5 192 0.77 0.75 1.23 1.23 HOLDING FIRMS 0.475 0.470 57.1000 56.4000 22.90 22.30 7.09 6.88 0.245 0.230 789 778.5 7.8 7.6 13.60 13.30 4.50 2.70 0.207 0.205 1384 1352 72.50 70.60 7.34 7.16 0.67 0.65 13.98 13.6 0.61 0.61 4.86 4.67 6.61 6.4 3.8 3.8 0.0340 0.0330 2.040 1.960 2.7 2.69 60.60 59.00 903.50 893.50 0.75 0.75 82.000 81.300 0.3350 0.3250 0.2000 0.1850 0.290 0.290 PROPERTY 7.340 7.300 0.71 0.67 0.228 0.228 38.30 37.20 3.46 3.34 5.2 5.11 0.84 0.82 1.25 1.25 0.134 0.129

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

7.5 73.35 108.30 94.00 45.25 2.50 1.74 15.94 19.4 0.7 820.00 0.425 93.05 0.98 18.50 27.10 66.35 94 306.4 38.5 163 1475.00 60.00

-0.53 0.34 0.00 -0.32 -0.33 0.00 1.16 0.38 0.00 0.00 -1.80 8.97 -0.48 0.00 0.11 -4.58 -0.97 0.05 0.46 -1.53 -1.21 0.34 -1.32

39,200 18,700 2,087,300 1,485,660 58,800 102,000 30,000 6,000 360,400 8,000 170 1,810,000 3,217,220 1,011,000 36,400 2,000 105,020 990 1,820 347,700 264,870 5 10,750

44.75 1.04 1.96 10.38 54.95 91.50 18.38 27 57.5 2.45 1.48 12.66 20.000 9.00 7.57 10.06 11.8 26.6 82.4 13.40 5.85 196.00 10.12 2.02 59.50 24.15 25.35 6.04 298.00 3.95 4.8 8.81 12.00 3.37 1.96 3.3 4.16 1.98 6.2 164 1.63 0.142 1.25 2.18 193.9 0.76 1.23

-2.19 -0.95 1.03 0.58 3.68 0.00 -0.11 0.75 4.36 -2.78 0.00 5.50 2.35 0.56 2.02 3.18 0.00 0.38 0.30 0.00 1.04 0.31 -0.78 -6.05 -0.83 1.05 1.20 1.17 2.05 0.00 0.00 -0.79 0.00 -0.30 -0.51 -6.25 0.00 2.06 -1.59 0.12 1.24 1.43 -0.79 0.93 0.88 1.33 0.00

3,262,800 501,000 314,000 300 530 1,000 627,200 449,500 4,360 4,060,000 2,000 584,400 9,299,200 1,046,800 9,378,300 521,200 1,600 5,113,700 227,420 13,500 192,500 993,340 343,300 4,040 20 897,200 60,900 380,300 692,410 15,000 279,000 1,305,600 11,100 589,000 323,000 5,895,000 78,000 7,000 5,000 5,760 103,000 1,010,000 1,000 1,137,000 3,256,770 1,603,000 8,000

0.475 57.0000 22.30 7.04 0.245 779 7.6 13.48 4.29 0.207 1359 72.00 7.27 0.66 13.64 0.61 4.67 6.48 3.8 0.0330 2.010 2.7 59.00 897.00 0.75 81.950 0.3350 0.1990 0.290

0.00 -0.96 0.00 2.03 0.00 -1.14 -0.26 -0.15 -5.09 0.49 -1.81 0.91 1.25 0.00 -1.16 -1.61 0.00 2.05 0.26 0.00 -1.47 1.12 -1.01 -0.33 0.00 0.74 0.00 4.74 0.00

100,000 1,897,740 7,390,700 35,300 1,230,000 334,440 501,400 8,072,100 279,000 140,000 218,845 2,425,450 957,600 18,000 3,072,700 100,000 44,895,000 759,200 16,000 2,000,000 8,940,000 12,000 267,650 287,390 20,000 1,570 2,250,000 1,130,000 20,000

7.310 0.71 0.228 37.65 3.36 5.12 0.84 1.25 0.134

-0.54 2.90 3.64 1.48 1.20 0.39 1.20 0.81 3.88

95,200 405,000 10,000 14,527,100 5,859,000 133,300 306,000 19,000 4,990,000

490,381.50 5,581,557.00 -66,954,748.00 175,470.00 -34,800.00 53,620.00 -1,869,050.00

-78,252,933.50

-1,829,833.50 -27,540.00 -2,611,625.00 6,683,698.00 -35,040.00 -86,494,950.00

4,645,534.00 -18,900.00 425,270.00 5,731,084.00 11,484,238.00 3,928,916.00 7,291,079.00 1,053,377.00 31,013,455.00 -2,325,499.00 -51,070.00 -17,490.00 7,897,058.00 3,084,898.00 -993,740.00 376,180.00 -30,000.00 53,695,152.00 177,600.00 -1,945,260.00 10,080.00 149,120.00 20,380.00 -195,240.00 -18,595.00

-35,658,673.00 19,000.00

-178,360.00 9,445,680.00 -138,800.00 -10,263,875.00 -868,164.00 21,305,062.00 -78,292,135.00 15,600,617.00 -1,673,361.00 -637,974.00 -76,677,890.00 -158,400.00 -38,000.00 -70,100.00 -8,710,705.50 -49,559,330.00 -22,946.00 9,900.00

-276,318.00 88,732,480.00 -11,866,120.00 -254,451.00 25,670.00 1,250.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

0.97 2.22 2.1 1.8 8.4 4.88 0.180 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.83 1.15 1.42 1.27 3.1 2.75 0.090 0.39 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

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

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Realty `A’ Primex Corp.

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

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 2.6 7.67 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 7 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 95.5 1 15.2 0.62 1.040 4 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1 11.6 0.85 2.95 10 0.490 1.9

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 1.6 4.8 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 3.01 8.72 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 3.1 0.650 6 0.335 0.37 2.28 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55 7.59 0.63 1.71 5 0.315 1.14

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

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

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

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Paxys Inc. Phil. Seven Corp.

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

Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 0.330 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 0.236 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 0.013 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Basic Energy Corp.

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 525 118 120 515 8.21 12.28 1047 76.9 78.95 84.8

33 490 500 101 101.5 480 5.88 6.5 1011 74.2 74.5 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

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

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

10.96 12.88

2.4 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Double Dragon Xurpas

High

VALUE 746774573.83 1745918104.05 1709291310.27 1789241480.951 1373708107.75 206940566.17 7599454666.021

FINANCIAL 1,716.65 (down) 7.13 INDUSTRIAL 11,590.26 (up) 73.71 HOLDING FIRMS 6,789.73 (down) 29.47 PROPERTY 3,064.47 (up) 34.74 SERVICES 2,087.22 (up) 3.35 MINING & OIL 13,669.58 (up) 38.34 PSEI 7,578.31 (up) 3.16 All Shares Index 4,334.99 (up) 4.62 Gainers: 87 Losers: 64; Unchanged: 62; Total: 213

Close

0.880 1.21 1.88 1.31 5.00 4.76 0.110 0.4400 7.2 29.35 1.71 3.35 20.00 0.75 6.98 0.820 6.400

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.880 0.860 0.880 1.23 1.21 1.21 1.99 1.88 1.95 1.31 1.31 1.31 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.05 4.88 4.99 0.115 0.110 0.114 0.4400 0.4400 0.4400 7.2 7.2 7.2 29.90 29.20 29.90 1.73 1.7 1.72 3.34 3.34 3.34 20.70 19.80 19.94 0.75 0.74 0.75 7.2 6.98 7 0.850 0.830 0.830 6.750 6.430 6.580 SERVICES 5.95 6.15 5.95 6.03 62.25 62.5 62.2 62.35 1.14 1.15 1.14 1.14 0.630 0.640 0.630 0.640 13.02 13.56 13.56 13.56 9.10 9.37 9.10 9.15 0.0830 0.0850 0.0820 0.0820 3.7 3.7 3.6 3.65 85 88.5 85.3 88.5 10.12 10.12 10.12 10.12 1.68 1.68 1.68 1.68 6.65 6.65 6.64 6.65 2502 2560 2488 2500 6.48 6.55 6.40 6.45 1.31 1.34 1.30 1.30 113 113 111 113 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 12 12 12 12 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.201 0.215 0.202 0.209 1.3400 1.3800 1.3000 1.3700 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 9.30 9.32 9.30 9.30 2.74 2.76 2.59 2.69 1.21 1.22 1.21 1.21 2.01 2.01 2.01 2.01 47.50 47.00 47.00 47.00 0.690 0.680 0.650 0.650 5.8 6.26 5.7 6.05 0.345 0.345 0.345 0.345 0.455 0.495 0.495 0.495 3.3 3 2.95 3 118.50 118.00 117.50 117.50 18.80 18.80 18.00 18.78 2808.00 2858.00 2800.00 2800.00 0.660 0.670 0.660 0.660 1.280 1.340 1.300 1.300 37.00 37.35 37.00 37.20 75.50 76.40 75.20 76.00 9.58 9.65 9.54 9.54 0.64 0.66 0.64 0.64 1.75 1.71 1.71 1.71 5.25 5.39 5.25 5.35 0.315 0.315 0.320 0.320 1.750 1.910 1.700 1.770 MINING & OIL 0.0051 0.0051 0.0050 0.0051 2.50 2.88 2.60 2.80 6.41 6.55 6.49 6.49 0.239 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.94 0.97 0.9 0.96 0.79 0.8 0.79 0.79 6.95 7.00 6.94 6.95 1.63 1.68 1.62 1.64 0.310 0.320 0.310 0.310 0.222 0.223 0.222 0.222 0.228 0.228 0.225 0.226 0.0140 0.0140 0.0130 0.0130 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 0.0140 3.22 3.4 3.18 3.25 22.75 23.35 22.6 22.85 3.82 3.85 3.79 3.8 0.6200 0.6200 0.6200 0.6200 2.0200 2.0900 2.0400 2.0400 0.0120 0.0120 0.0110 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 0.0120 4.28 4.28 4.28 4.28 6.2 6.200 6.060 6.08 1.79 1.830 1.760 1.76 0.015 0.015 0.014 0.015 145.00 146.70 142.60 146.50 11.04 11.48 10.82 10.82 0.0100 0.0110 0.0100 0.0100 PREFERRED 62 62 61.55 61.75 526 526 526 526 531 531 531 531 110.4 105.5 105.5 105.5 118 120 118 118 521 523 523 523 6.45 6.1 6.1 6.1 1.11 1.11 1.11 1.11 1050 1054 1050 1054 75.2 75.3 75.15 75.25 85 85 84 85 89 89 87.2 89 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.890 3.870 3.700 3.700 SME 10.06 10.36 10.14 10.2 11.4 11.7 11.32 11.32 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 123 124 123.5 123.5

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

0.00 0.00 3.72 0.00 0.00 4.83 3.64 0.00 0.00 1.87 0.58 -0.30 -0.30 0.00 0.29 1.22 2.81

155,000 757,000 43,290,000 6,000 200 21,269,000 370,000 60,000 14,000 3,973,000 933,000 1,000 34,918,100 388,000 36,200 66,000 5,784,200

1.34 0.16 0.00 1.59 4.15 0.55 -1.20 -1.35 4.12 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.08 -0.46 -0.76 0.00 0.00 0.00 -8.33 3.98 2.24 0.00 0.00 -1.82 0.00 0.00 -1.05 -5.80 4.31 0.00 8.79 -9.09 -0.84 -0.11 -0.28 0.00 1.56 0.54 0.66 -0.42 0.00 -2.29 1.90 -1.56 1.14

58,400 25,300 6,000 576,000 100 9,763,300 8,620,000 76,000 1,518,090 200 2,000 5,000 141,630 15,300 4,000 748,180 2,000 40,000 5,800,000 14,120,000 271,000 2,000 1,071,500 476,000 18,000 2,000 100 12,000 10,962,000 10,000 10,000 25,000 440 129,100 157,395 1,272,000 46,180,000 229,200 280,190 7,888,700 335,000 5,000 1,406,100 280,000 409,000

0.00 12.00 1.25 2.51 2.13 0.00 0.00 0.61 0.00 0.00 -0.88 -7.14 0.00 0.93 0.44 -0.52 0.00 0.99 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1.94 -1.68 0.00 1.03 -1.99 0.00

175,000,000 575,000 148,300 -310,550.00 10,000 14,369,000 -4,560,500.00 93,000 -8,690.00 1,200 2,804,000 834,960.00 110,000 890,000 3,230,000 -409,510.00 11,200,000 22,000,000 93,000 -39,100.00 1,766,200 -25,423,175.00 432,000 37,000 66,000 6,900,000 100,000 2,000 847,400 -382,871.00 1,658,000 -16,310.00 26,600,000 23,800.00 872,880 -11,550,339.00 467,500 300,000

-0.40 0.00 0.00 -4.44 0.00 0.38 -5.43 0.00 0.38 0.07 0.00 0.00

36,760 3,000 2,000 500 5,600 2,500 20,000 11,000 3,500 136,500 26,440 111,160

-4.88

304,000

1.39 -0.70

467,500 1,862,600

0.41

10,980

-1,887,850.00 29,023,890.00

-22,916,925.00 -1,013,260.00 -23,237,915.00

13,004,475.00 23,800.00

8,935,434.00 -84,000.00 -32,873,981.50

-14,284,530.00 -5,495,402.00

-169,460.00 6,424,940.00

-20,162,908.00

36,580.00 174,026.00 41,841,280.00 53,600.00 11,142,790.00 3,267,405.00 -52,695.50 -33,055,054.00 61,300.00 2,064,942.00 -37,600.00

-334,727.50

-451,500.00

-1,079,600.00 -875,920.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Apex `A'

2.80

12.00

Paxys Inc.

3

-9.09

MEDCO Holdings

0.425

8.97

IP E-Game Ventures Inc.

0.011

-8.33

NOW Corp.

0.495

8.79

Manila Mining `A'

0.0130

-7.14

Del Monte

12.66

5.50

Pryce Corp. `A'

3.3

-6.25

Megaworld Corp.

4.99

4.83

LMG Chemicals

2.02

-6.05

Wellex Industries

0.1990

4.74

Manila Bulletin

0.650

-5.80

Concepcion

57.5

4.36

GMA Holdings Inc.

6.1

-5.43

Melco Crown

6.05

4.31

Filinvest Dev. Corp.

4.29

-5.09

Asian Terminals Inc.

13.56

4.15

LR Warrant

3.700

-4.88

Cebu Air Inc. (5J)

88.5

4.12

Phil Bank of Comm

27.10

-4.58

FRIDAY: JULY 3, 2015

B3

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

Otto rejects Pryce’s farm-in bid

By Alena Mae S. Flores

OTTO Energy Ltd. of Australia has rejected the offer of Pryce Corp. to acquire a 10-percent stake in service contract 55 off southern Palawan.

Otto disclosed to the Australian Securities Exchange “negotiations are incomplete and the current offer by Pryce is not capable of acceptance.” “Otto is fully funded for the drilling of Hawkeye 1,” it said.

Pryce, through unit Pryce Gases Inc., made a firm offer to acquire from Otto a 10-percent participating interest in SC 55 for the exploration, development and exploitation of petroleum resources.

“The offer is essentially subject to the condition that PGI is to receive 20 percent of the Filipino Participation Incentive Allowance under the service contract and will be entitled to 10 percent of the cost recovery pool,” the company said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday.

Pryce said the offer had not yet been accepted and might “still be subject to amendments and counterproposals.”

“There is likewise no certainty or assurance that any agreement

will be reached relative to PGI’s offer,” it said.

Pryce, formerly Pryce Properties Corp., is a property holding and real estate company incorporated in 1989.

Its lone subsidiary Pyrce Gases produces and sells industrial gases and engages in the importation and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas under the Pryce Gas brand name, Otto, meanwhile, said it issued a formal notice to Maersk Drilling to mobilize the Maersk Venturer drillship to the Hawkeye-1

exploration well location.

It said mobilization of Maersk Venturer to the oil prospect would start on July 31.

Otto, meanwhile, said the expression of interest from PNOC Exploration Corp. to acquire a 15 percent stake in SC 55 was still valid. Malacañang has not approved the transaction yet.

Otto owns 73.18 percent of SC 55 while Palawan55 Exploration & Production Co. holds 6.82 percent. Red Emperor Resources NL of Australia has 15 percent.

Market up; ALI, Meralco advance THE stock market rose minimally Thursday on hopes for a deal to keep Greece in the eurozone as the country prepares for a crucial weekend referendum.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 3.16 points, or 0.04 percent, to 7,578.31 on a value turnover of P7.6 billion. Gainers beat losers, 87 to 64, with 62 issues unchanged.

Ayala Land Inc. rose 1.5 percent to P37.65, while Manila Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, rallied 2 percent to a one-year high of P298.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. of tycoon George Ty fell 1.8 percent to P1,359, while Aboitiz Power Corp., a major power producer, declined 2.2 percent to P44.75.

Shanghai, meanwhile, tumbled again despite authorities relaxing trading rules to temper recent volatility.

Regional traders were broadly upbeat on the prospects for Greece despite Tuesday’s default as the government offered fresh concessions to reach a compromise.

Buying was also supported by a healthy pick-up on Wall Street that came after another strong batch of US data suggesting the world’s top economy is on the recovery path.

Tokyo added 0.95 percent, helped by a weaker yen. The Nikkei added 193.18 points to 20,522.50.

Sydney put on 1.53 percent, or 84.14 points, to close at 5,599.80 and Seoul gained 0.45 percent, or 9.44 points, to 2,107.33. Hong Kong closed 0.12 percent higher, adding 32.29 points to 26,282.32.

Shanghai suffered another afternoon sell-off to plunge 6.4 percent at one point, extending Wednesday’s more than five percent slump as investors brushed off the latest measures to temper a sell-off that has put the index into bear territory.

However, the benchmark recovered marginally to end 3.48 percent, or 140.93 points, down at 3,912.77—it has now lost a quarter of its value since hitting a June 12 peak. With AFP

New Zero Waste officers. Gonzalo Catan Jr., executive vice president of Mapecon Green Charcoal Philippines (seventh from right), assumed the presidency of Zero Waste Philippines. With him are Bert Guevara, president-elect, who will serve his term next year); Dr. Metodio Palaypay, executive vice president; Dr. Sessie Caoyonan, secretary; Jun Tibor, treasurer; Cynthia Paras, auditor; Pons Aberin, vice president for entrepreneur; Vicky Martines, information and press relations officer; Marlon Jolampong, assistant secretary; and Victor Corpus, vice president for research and development. Also in photo are Samuel Lua and Elsie de Veyra.

Meralco starts adapting to changes in technology

By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co., the biggest electricity retailer, is preparing to adapt to changes in technology to better serve its over five million customers.

“The times have changed and we have to adapt to these new business models. We need to do more to embrace the digital revolution and put technology and inManila Electric Co. launched a three-day technology and innovation summit, dubbed MTECH 2015, to mark the company’s push to create innovative solutions in the power industry to improve the reliability of the network and enhance the service to customers. The summit culminated in a forum on disruptive technologies, featuring innovations that will change the power industry. Meralco’s top brass led by chairman Manuel Pangilinan, president and chief executive Oscar Reyes, senior vice president Alfredo Panlilio and chief technology adviser Gavin Barfield. (in photo) attended the event.

novation at the heart of our organization,” said Meralco president Oscar Reyes during the recentlyconcluded MTECH 2015 summit.

“We believe that in order for Meralco to better serve and respond to the ever-changing needs of its customers, there must be a change in the way that we do business,” he said.

Meralco earlier launched a

three-day technology and innovation summit, dubbed MTECH 2015, to mark the company’s push to create innovative solutions in the power industry.

MTECH’s theme this year was “Visioneering,” a combination of the words “Vision” and “Engineering” that focused on not just imagining but creating a future of affordable, sustainable and reliable energy to its customers.

The One Meralco Technology Vision 2021 was also presented to serve as the company’s digital roadmap in developing innovative solutions to address the changing needs of its customers.

Featured were additional services Meralco will offer to its customers, such as new ways to interact via Facebook, Twitter, the Meralco Web site, or the mobile app “MoVE,” plus the ability to pay and check bills online, and control their home appliances with their smart devices.

Also discussed was the Smart Grid program where customers will be able to view and manage their electricity consumption in virtual real-time through the use of smart meters, empowering customers to make informed decisions on when they use electricity.

Meralco senior vice president Alfredo Panlilio said a new wave of “disruptive technologies,” including distributed generation (solar panels and battery storage), and the emergence of Internet technologies would change the business model of the utility.

“This summit aims to ensure that Meralco remains at the forefront of our industry whatever that may look like in the future” he said.

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FRIDAY: JULY 3, 2015

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

Are companies ready for the future?

BUSINESSES today face the most diverse work environment the world has ever seen with five different generations working together across geographies —each with different skills, experiences and work habits. A lot of these workers will be (if not already) freelancers and long-term contractors—representing a major opportunity for productivity, talent development and employee engagement. But are companies ready to capitalize on this emerging reality?

Apparently not, according to an independent global study by Oxford Economics with support from leading global enterprise application software company SAP. Titled “Workforce 2020,” the study found that most companies recognize the importance of managing an increasingly international, diverse and mobile workforce. However, majority lack the strategy, culture and solutions to leverage on this. Oxford Economics surveyed more than 5,400 employees and executives and interviewed 29 executives in 27 countries, finding that two-thirds of businesses have not made significant progress toward building a workforce that will meet their future business objectives.

“To gain advantage in the future, businesses must understand the workforce of tomorrow and its importance to bottom-line success—today,” said Edward Cone, managing editor of Thought Leadership at Oxford Economics. “Our research shows that the C-suite is out of touch with HR on business strategy and priorities, and workers are not getting what they want from their employers in terms of incentives, benefits and training.”

Company bosses should digest this: The study’s findings challenge the prevailing wisdom and highlight the most critical issues facing HR professionals. At the top of the list is the issue of compensation.

According to Workforce 2020, competitive compensation is the most important attribute of a job to two-thirds of respondents—20 percent higher than the next highest benefit. Retirement plans, flexibility and time-off rank well ahead of amenities such as fitness centers, daycare and subsidized food.

If compensation is what motivates employees, what they are most afraid of is being left behind as a result of insufficient skills and inability to keep up with the latest technologies. “Becoming obsolete” is the biggest concern for today’s worker, more than being laid off.

Another revealing discovery from the study: Millennials are “misunderstood.” Although 51 percent of executives say that millennials entering the workforce greatly impact their workforce strategy, fewer than one-third is giving special attention to this group’s particular wants and needs—mainly because the top brass do not understand how these “kids” think. Much has been written about how millennials are different in their use of technology and their attitudes toward work than past generations of workers. However, the Workforce 2020 study shows that they are surprisingly similar to their non-millennial coworkers when it comes to workplace priorities, with compensation being the most important benefit. Compensation, after all, is something that would greatly enhance an employee’s loyalty and engagement with the company.

“Companies that can excite millennials about work, train them to fill in gaps on experience and adapt to their style of working can build a workforce that can successfully execute on the objectives of today and adapt to drive advantage for the business of tomorrow,” said Mike Ettling, president, HR Line of Business, SAP/SuccessFactors.

Few companies, however, are properly supporting their workers, including millennials. Less than half of employees surveyed say their company provides enough training on the technology they need, and less than one-third say their company makes the latest technology available to them. The need for skills like analytics and programming/development will grow sizably over the next three years, but employees doubt the opportunity to gain proficiency in these areas. While executives cite a high level of education or institutional training as the most important employee attribute, only 23 percent say they offer development and training as a benefit. Incentives for pursuing educational opportunities are also rare.

Surprisingly, lack of leadership is also a factor, with executives admitting that this is a major impediment in achieving their goals of building a workforce that would meet future business objectives. Only 31 percent of executives interviewed say that when a person with key skills leaves, they fill the role from within the organization. Surprisingly, less than half indicate that their leadership team has the skills to effectively manage talent or inspire and empower employees.

Next is the changing workforce. As the economy evolves to a state where nearly everything can be delivered as a service, companies are increasingly tapping external expertise and resources they need—meaning more temporary staff, more consultants and contract workers, and even “crowd-sourced” projects. In fact, 83 percent of executives say they will be increasing the use of contingent, intermittent or consultant employees.

This changing nature of employment is affecting workforce strategies. Of the companies surveyed, 46 percent say they will require changes in compensation plans; 45 percent say they will require increased investment in training while 39 percent say they will result in changes to technology policies to support mobility. Additionally, 41 percent say they will drive new investments in HR technology that can better support their changing strategies and needs.

“When it comes to preparing for the future of work, knowledge is power.

Tomorrow’s workforce will be more diverse and work differently. Companies must understand this and develop new strategies that support diversity and foster a new level of employee engagement and collaboration—or they will ultimately remain stuck in the past,” Ettling concluded.

Are you stuck in one of these companies in danger of obsolescence?

••• 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!

CTBC-Manulife deal. CTBC Bank (Philippines) Corp., through its trust and investment services

department, and Manulife Philippines recently signed an agreement that enables CTBC Bank’s TISD to make available Manulife’s investment-linked products to its customers. Shown during the signing of the contract are (seated, from left) Manulife Philippines president and chief executive Ryan Charland and CTBC Bank Philippines president and chief executive Steve Tsai. With them are (standing, from left) CTBC Bank Philippines TISD marketing officer Dino Miguel Rodriguez, Manulife Philippines alternative distribution relationship head Elaine Montemayor, Manulife Philippines senior vice president and alternative distribution head Anthony Perez, CTBC Bank Philippines TISD head Ida Mendoza and CTBC Bank Philippines TISD operations head Gerardo Bien.

BSP: Asian lender to buy thrift bank

By Julito G. Rada

Jung-gu, Seoul.

Cathay United Bank is one of the largest commercial banks in Taiwan while Shinhan Bank is headquartered in Seoul.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. is a multinational banking

and financial services company based in Yurakucho, Chiyoda, Tokyo. It is the second largest bank in Japan.

Espenilla said branching was the focus of these foreign banks’ applications.

THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, said Thursday it approved the apN RIEF plication of an Asian Office space takeup doubles bank which plans to ex- REAL estate and investment management house Jones Lang Lasalle said compaare expected to absorb a million square meters of office space this year, or nearly pand in the Philippines nies double last year’s 513,800 sqm.

Jones Lang Lasalle director Philip Anonuevo said in the first half of the year alone, led by business process outsourcing firms absorbed 506,674 sqm of office by acquiring a thrift companies space.

“It is highly possible that figures will double this year. A lot of space has been takbank. en up by the BPOs. They remain the single biggest occupant of commercial spaces,”

I B

Bangko Sentral said it was the fifth foreign bank which received an approval from the board to enter the Philippines, after the domestic banking industry was further liberalized in 2014 to attract more foreign direct investments.

Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said in a text message the foreign bank was currently based in Asia.

“There is one more that came in after the Industrial Bank of Korea, by acquiring 100 percent of an existing thrift bank… MB approved [its application] last Thursday [June 25] but they have not announced yet,” Espenilla said.

However, Espenilla declined to name the Asian bank and the thrift bank.

“So far, one more [foreign bank] filed an application and now under the evaluation [of the Monetary Board],” Espenilla said.

The board earlier approved the applications of four Asian banks to operate in the Philippines, including Industrial Bank of Korea, Shinhan Bank of Korea, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. of Japan and Cathay United Bank of Taiwan.

Industrial Bank of Korea, established in 1961, is owned by the government of the Republic of Korea and headquartered in

Anonuevo said.

Total supply of new office space is estimated to reach 745,380 sqm in 2015 on of maturing lease contracts that will add to current inventory.

The BPO sector is expected to take up 63 percent of the demand in 2015, as full time employees in the sector is expected to expand to 1.3 million by 2016 from the expected 1.1 million in 2015.

“Translated, this will require another 900,000 square meters of office requirement in 2016. This year, BPO gets 500,000 square meters of available space,” said Anonuevo. Othel V. Campos

New Energy secretary holds office THE Energy Department is expected to have a new secretary today, sources said.

Sources said outgoing Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla would turn over the post to Energy Undersecretary Zenaida Monsada as the officer-in-charge.

Monsada is a career official in the department and was endorsed by Petilla as his replacement.

Petilla earlier said he would leave the post at the end of June, with or without a replacement.

“I’m confident that the president will appoint my replacement anytime now,” he said. Petilla was mum on the turnover.

Petilla resigned on April 30 due to personal reasons, but he was not able to step down in the absence of a replacement.

Petilla was appointed in 2012 replacing former Secretary Jose Rene Almendras who moved to Malacanang as Cabinet Secretary.

Meanwhile, Energy Regulatory Commission chairperson Zenaida Ducut started her terminal leave as part of her retirement process this July.

ERC appointed commissioner Alfredo Non as officer-in-charge until Malacañang makes a formal announcement. Alena Mae S. Flores

Transport hub’s auction set THE Transportation Department on Thursday set the bid submission for the P4billion transport terminal project in the south of Metro Manila on July 31.

“Please be reminded that the deadline for the bid submission is on July 31,” the agency said in a bid bulletin.

The four prospective bidders for the Integrated Transport System-South Terminal Project are Ayala Land Inc., Datem Inc., Filinvest Land Inc. and Megawide Terminals.

The ITS-South Terminal would be built near the Food Terminal Inc. complex, which is being developed by Ayala Land.

The project will connect passengers coming from the provinces of Laguna and Batangas to other urban transport systems, such as the future North-South Commuter Rail, city buses, taxis and other public utility vehicles that serve the inner Metro Manila.

The terminal will include a passenger terminal building, arrival and departure bays, public information systems, ticketing and baggage holding facilities and park-ride facilities. The winning bidder will build, operate and manage the terminal for 35 years.

Darwin G. Amojelar

F R I D AY : J U LY 3 , 2 0 1 5

B5

cesAR bARRIoqUInto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Australia praises UN decision on barrier reef SYDNEY—Australia Thursday hailed a United Nations decision to keep the Great Barrier Reef off its endangered list as “tremendous,” but activists warned more must be done to improve the marine park’s health.

The world’s biggest coral reef ecosystem, which has had World Heritage Site status since 1981, has been under increasing threat from climate change, farming run-off, development and the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish.

“This is a tremendous decision,” Environment Minister Greg Hunt told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from Germany, where UNESCO made its decision late Wednesday, adding that Canberra had “clearly heard the concerns of the World Heritage Committee.”

Ahead of the decision, UNESCO commended Australia’s recent efforts on working to ban the dumping of dredge spoil in the marine park, to limit port development and improve water quality.

“What we have got now is unanimous and overwhelming support for the reef, support for what Australia’s doing,” said Hunt.

He added that more than A$2.0 billion (US$1.53 billion) had been committed to protect the reef over the next decade.

The decision by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization will see the reef—a major tourist attraction off the Queensland coast—remain under surveillance but not listed as endangered.

Putting it on the “in danger” list would have been a huge embarrassment for Australia with the World Heritage Committee able to develop and adopt a program for corrective measures.

Australia is now required to report back to the UN on its progress on implementing its “Reef 2050” plan by December 1, 2016. The plan outlines the government’s vision on continuing to improve the health of the reef over successive decades.

Queensland state’s Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, who traveled with Hunt to the UNESCO meeting in Bonn, said: “We know that the real work starts now. AFP

world Young Greeks leave as debt crisis deepens ATHENS—What does the future look like for young people in crisishit Greece, where years of hardship and sky-high unemployment were followed this week by bank closures? The answer: self-imposed exile.

Iconic mountain. Birds fly near the peak of Matterhorn mountain in Gornergrat above Zermatt on June 30. The resort celebrates this year the 150th anniversary of the iconic Alpine mountain’s first climb. AFP

“I don’t see a future in Greece,” sighs Dani Iordake. The 21-year-old, who proudly sports selfstyled tattoos on his arms, was forced to drop out of university to help his mother pay the bills.

“It’s a beautiful country... [but] I couldn’t imagine living here and struggling every day,” he said.

With youth unemployment at nearly 50 percent and a breakdown in negotiations with Greece’s international creditors heralding further financial woes, many of Iordake’s contemporaries are packing their bags.

Over 200,000 Greeks have quit the country since the financial crisis began in 2010, according to Endeavor Greece, a local chapter of an entrepreneurial promotional group. They have been driven away by a dearth of jobs, pitiful wages, endemic corruption and a lack of meritocracy.

Thirty-two-year-old Christos Pennos left in 2013 because of a scarcity of opportunities in the scientific field, and managed to snap up a post as a university researcher in Norway.

“My brother lives in Spain, my best friend in Germany. I have a lot of friends in Britain, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, France and even in Poland,” he said.

At first, he had only planned to spend two or three years in Norway, but now believes he’ll stay longer―though he admits “I really miss my friends and family, and most of all the Greek sun and Greek food.”

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his radical left Syriza party were elected on the promise to help those worst hit by years of austerity, but instead have been forced to impose capital controls and close banks.

Friends Marilena and Josie, 22 and 33, catch up over a beer and falafel sandwich, which they eat on a bench on the street while they discuss their future.

As a massage therapist, Josie cannot find full-time work and has been forced in the past to take baby-sitting and cleaning jobs to make ends meet. AFP

Two Khmer Rouge leaders begin appeal hearings PHNOM PENH—Two former Khmer Rouge leaders Thursday began appeal hearings against landmark convictions for crimes against humanity last year that saw them handed life sentences by Cambodia’s UN-backed court.

“Brother Number Two” Nuon Chea, 88, and ex-head of state Khieu Samphan, 83, were the first top leaders to be jailed from a regime responsible for the deaths of up to two million Cambodians from 1975 to 1979.

But their lawyers quickly ap-

pealed, accusing the court of a string of errors and the judges of failing to remain impartial due to their personal experiences under the communist regime.

The pair sat in court on Thursday, when Nuon Chea’s lawyers called upon their first witness as 300 people watched the proceedings from the public gallery.

Sao Van, formerly a local Khmer Rouge chief, described a different picture of life under the communist rulers who dismantled modern society in their quest for an agrar-

ian utopia and wiped out nearly a quarter of Cambodia’s population through starvation or execution at forced labor camps.

He claimed that by 1977 there were sufficient food rations for everyone in his sub-district in southern Kandal province as the regime established “collective cooperation and communal dining.”

“There was no instruction for the cadre to starve people. In fact, it was on the contrary. If any cadre failed to resolve livelihood issues in their area, then they were subject to disci-

plinary action,” the 74-year-old said.

Nuon Chea, wearing his trademark sunglasses, left the room during questioning to watch the hearing remotely from a holding cell, with his lawyers saying he had back pain.

The tribunal, known as the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, is a complex hybrid court on the outskirts of Phnom Penh combining elements of international and domestic law.

It was set up following an agreement between Cambodia and the UN to prosecute senior Khmer Rouge

leaders “most responsible” for the regime’s crimes with both Cambodian and international judges.

There are four Cambodian judges and three international judges in the Supreme Court Chamber of the ECCC where the appeal is being heard. In order to reach a judgment, at least five out of seven judges must vote in accord.

The complex case against Chea and Khieu Samphan was split into a series of smaller trials in 2011 for reasons including their advanced age and the large number of accusations. AFP

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F R I D AY : J U LY 3 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

US, Cuba agree to restore ties WASHINGTON—The United States and Cuba on Wednesday agreed a historic deal to re-establish full diplomatic relations, which were severed 54 years ago in the heat of the Cold War. Republic of the Philippines

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF ORIENTAL MINDORO C ami lm il, Calapan City 5200, Or iental M indoro

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

INVITATION TO BID IB No. GS-2015-93 and 94 The Provincial Gove rnme n t o f O rie n t a l Min d o ro in v it e s P h ilG e p s re g is t e r e d s u p p l i e r s D e a l e r s / D i s t r i b u t o r s / I m p o r t e r s) to A p p ly f o r E lig ib ilit y a n d t o B id f o r t h e h e re u nd e r l i s t o f i t e m / s .

Item/Description

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)

Bid Document Fee

Source of Funding

Deliver y Period

1. Supply and d elivery of Medical Equipment for use of Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital ( M u l t i - D e t e c t o r 16 - s l i c e CT Scan with Picture Archiving and Communication S y s t e m) .

2.Supply & deliver y of Por tland Cement for use in the Provision of Cement- Provincewide

30,000,000.00

2 5 ,000.00

Tr u s t Fund (PCSO Financial A s s i s t a n c e)

W i t h i n 12 0 d ay s

7, 9 9 9 , 9 4 0 . 0 0

10 , 0 0 0 . 0 0

20% D eve l o p m e n t Fu n d

: : : : : : :

J uly J uly J uly J uly July July J uly

: :

J uly 27, 2015 at 2:00 pm at BAC Office J uly 27, 2015 at 2:00 pm BAC Office

3,2015 3,2015 3,2015 3,2015 9 - 27, 2015 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at BAC Office 27, 2015 at 1:3 0 p.m. at BAC Office

Bidding will b e conducted th ro u g h o p e n c o mp e t it iv e b id d in g p ro c e d u re s u s i n g n o n - d i s c r e t i o n a r y pass/fail criterion a s specifie d in R. A . 9 1 8 4 a n d it s I RR o t h e rwis e k n o w n a s t h e G o v e r n m e n t Pr ocur e ment Re form A ct.

The co mp lete set o f bid d ing d o c u me n t s ma y b e p u rc h a s e d a t t h e B A C S e c r e t a r i a t u p o n p a y m e n t of non-refu n d a b le p rice o f b id d o c u me n t s in d ic a t e d a b o v e .

All particu lars rela tive to e lig ib ilit y re q u ire me n t s a n d s c re e n in g , b id s e c u r i t y , p e r f o r m a n c e secur i ty, pre -bid confe rence , e v a lu a t io n o f b id s , p o s t q u a lif ic a t io n a n d aw a r d o f c o n t r a c t s h a l l b e gover n ed b y the p rovision o f R. A . 9 1 8 4 a n d it s I RR. The PGOM rese rve s the rig h t t o a c c e p t o r re je c t b id t o a n n u l b id d in g pr o c e s s , a n d t o r e j e c t a l l bids at anytime prior to cont ra c t a wa rd wit h o u t t h e re b y in c u rrin g a n y l i a b i l i t y t o t h e a f f e c t e d bidder o r b idders.

The National Housing Authority (NHA), through the Corporate Budget approved by the NHA Board for the year 2015 intends to apply the sum of the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payment for the following contracts: Ref. No.

2015 -07-130

2015 -07-131

For furth e r info rma tio n , p leas e re f e r t o :

( S g d .) E NG R . E L M E R V . D I L A Y P ro v i n c i a l E n g i n e e r BAC Chairman

(TS-J U LY 3 , 2015)

INVITATION TO BID 1.

The Local Government Unit of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, through the CALAMITY FUND intends to apply the sum of Two Million Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 2,400,000.00) being the total Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract Procurement of Bulldozer . Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The Local Government of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur through its Bids & Awards Committee (BAC), now invites Contractors/ Suppliers to bid for the Procurement of Bulldozer . Completion of the Works is required within 14 calendar days. 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. Instruction to Bidders.

3.

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

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

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Local Government Unit of Magsingal and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5,000.00).

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

6.

The Local Government of Magsingal will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on July 9, 2015 @ 10:00 A.M. at Municipal Hall Lobby, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents .

7.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before July 21, 2015 until 9:00 A.M. at Municipal Hall Lobby. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bids will be opened on the same day at 10:00 A.M. in the presence of the bidder’s representative who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The complete schedule of activities is listed as follows: Issuance of Bid Documents Pre - Bid Conference Submission and Opening of Bids Bid Evaluation Post Qualification Issuance of Notice of Award

9.

10.

2015 -07-132

ABC/ Source of Funds (P)

Duration (c.d.)

Required PCAB License

176,041,818.19 NG Subsidy

270

Category “AA” and Large “A” for Bldg.

170,459,613.51 NG Subsidy

270

Category “AA” and Large “A” for Bldg.

5,962,502.00 NG Subsidy

150

At least Cat.“C” and “D” & Small “B” for Bldg.

Projects Construction of Fourteen (14) 3-Storey Low Rise Buildings & Land Development Site 2 Disiplina Village Package 2 Construction of Fourteen (14) 3-Storey Low Rise Buildings & Land Development Site 2 Disiplina Village Package 1 Construction of Covered Court/MultiPurpose Center at Sarilikha Village AFP/PNP Housing Project, Brgy. Landasan, Parang, Maguindanao

Work Description Const. of Fourteen 3-Storey Low Rise Buildings and Land Development works Const. of Fourteen 3-Storey Low Rise Buildings and Land Development works

Const. of Multi-Purpose Center

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Republic of the Philippines Province of Ilocos Sur MUNICIPALITY OF MAGSINGAL

8.

Cuban people.”

US president Dwight Eisenhower shuttered the US embassy in Havana after a guerrilla insurgency brought Fidel Castro to power and placed Cuba firmly within the orbit of the Soviet Union.

The embassy closure foreshadowed conflagrations across the Straits of Florida that would define an era: from the failed Bay of Pigs invasion to the crisis over Russian missile sites in Cuba. AFP

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

Pr e- Bid Confe rence shall be o p e n e d t o a ll in t e re s t e d p a rt ie s , h o we v e r o n l y t h o s e w h o p u r c h a s e d the Biddin g Do cume n ts ma y p a rt ic ip a t e in t h e d is c u s s io n a t s a id c o n f e re n c e .

M R . JULIO R. ICAL H ead, B A C S ecreta ria t Pr ovi ncia l Ca p ito l, Ca milmil, Ca la p a n Cit y Tel. ( 043) 286-7 1 2 0 (0 43) 286-7 4 4 7

stop “clinging to a policy that was not working.”

He pressed the Republicancontrolled Congress to end a throttling US trade embargo set up in 1962.

“It’s long past time for us to realize that this approach doesn’t work,” he said in a White House Rose Garden address.

“It hasn’t worked for 50 years. It shuts America out of Cuba’s future and it only makes life worse for the

Invitation to Bid

The sc h e d u l e o f b i d d i n g a c ti v i ti e s i s a s fo l l o ws : 1. Advertisement/Posting of ITB Ø B ulletin Board of the PGOM Ø P GOM Website Ø P hilGEPS Website Ø N ewspaper of General Nationwide Circulation 2. Issuance of Bidding Documents 3. Pre-Bid Conference 4. Deadline of Submission of Bids 5. Opening of Bid in sealed envelope a).Eligibility Requirements and Technical Proposal b).Financial Proposal

Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro exchanged letters agreeing to unfreeze ties on July 20, when the embassies in Washington and Havana can be reopened.

Obama hailed the deal as a “historic step forward” that would end a failed and archaic US policy of isolating the still Communistruled island.

Obama—who was born the year the US embassy was closed in 1961—called on domestic critics to

July 01- 21, 2015 July 9, 2015 @ 10:00 A.M. Mun. Hall Lobby, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur July 21, 2015 @ 10:00 A.M., Municipal Hall Lobby, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur July 22, 2015 July 23, 2015 July 27, 2015

The Local Government Unit of Magsingal 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.

The NHA now invites bids for the above-cited projects. Completion of the works is required within the duration herein cited upon receipt of the Notice to Proceed. Bidders should have completed a single contract similar to the project costing at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. 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 non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

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

A complete set of Bidding Documents shall be issued only to bidders/ authorized official representatives or employees of the bidder who can show proof of Notarized Authority to secure bid documents for the specific project, Official Company ID upon submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and upon Cash Payment of non-refundable fee of P30,000.00 for Ref. Nos. 2015-07-130 & 2015-07-131 and P6,000.00 for Ref. No. 2015-07-132 at the Office of the NHA-BAC 2 Secretariat, 2nd Floor NHA Main Building, Diliman, Quezon City from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting on July 2, 2015. The BAC 2 Secretariat may be contacted at Tel/Fax No. 928-8272.

The NHA will hold a Pre-bid Conference on July 17, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. at the Operations Center, 3rd Floor NHA Main Building, Diliman, Quezon City, which shall be OPEN ONLY to bidders who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered at the Operations Center, 3rd Floor NHA Main Building, Diliman, Quezon City not later than 9:00 a.m. on the date specified below.

Schedule of opening of bid July 30, 2015 August 4, 2015

-

Ref. No. 2015-07-132 Ref. Nos. 2015-07-130 and 131

All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and amount as stated in Bid Data Sheet (BDS). Bid opening shall follow immediately after the deadline of submission of bids at the same venue. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The NHA 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/s.

For further information, please refer to: MARIVIC P. ALVAREZ Office of the Mayor Municipal Hall Main Building San Julian, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur (077) 726-3716 lgumagsingal@yahoo.com

(SGD.) TIBURCIO T. TABARREJO, JR. Chairman - Bids and Awards Committee

(SGD.) VICTOR C. BALBA Chairperson, Bids and Awards Committee 2 (BAC 2) NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City (TS-JUL. 3, 2015)

(TS-JUL. 3, 2015)

11,000 may be exposed to HIV SYDNEY—Up to 11,000 Australian dental patients were urged to see their doctors Thursday over fears they may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis due to hygiene breaches at clinics in Sydney.

New South Wales Health said 12 dentists from four surgeries were accused of poor cleaning and equipment sterilization practices and advised patients to get blood tests for HIV as well as Hepatitis A, B and C as a precaution.

While NSW Health director of health protection Jeremy McAnulty said no cases had been found so far and the risk of transmission was low, there was concern about people who had undergone invasive procedures.

“It’s important to stress we have no evidence of infection at this point, that no transmission has occurred,” he said.

“But the experts have been concerned in light of the reports of the problems with infection control at these facilities, that a risk is there.

“We are hopeful there won’t be transmissions and the risk is thought to be low but it’s best for people to know their status because there are treatments available for infections.”

The worry is that instruments may not have been properly cleaned and sterilized, risking the transmission of blood-borne diseases into the gums.

The scare was sparked by a complaint about one of the practices in November last year and subsequent investigations revealed “significant” safety breaches at the clinic and others, said Shane Fryer of the Dental Council of NSW. “Audits showed that there were some problems with the cleaning, sterilization and storage of instruments in that it was not being done in compliance with the guidelines of the dental board of Australia,” he said. AFP

F R I D AY : J U LY 3 , 2 0 1 5

MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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What it’s like to drive a people mover Text and photo by Dino Ray V. Directo III

AFTER a two-decade run which saw the brand dominating the commercial vehicle segment as the most favored people mover by transportation companies and private limousine operators, Nissan recently unveiled the Fifth-generation version of the Urvan. Codenamed NV350, the allnew Urvan is bigger and boasts a more powerful, yet economical engine with a more spacious interior. At a glance, you might even mistake the NV350 as a mirror image of its closest rival, the Toyota GL Grandia.

A week after its official launch, Nissan Philippines Incorporated invited the motoring media for a “ride”, without the drive this time, to experience the features and performance of its latest product. Our destination was the resort enclave town of Anilao, Batangas, a two and half hours drive from the Makati business district. “Since this is a commercial vehicle, we want the media to feel how it is to be a passenger in the Urvan,” explains SJ Huh, GM for Marketing of NPI. Being certified gear heads, my group would have none of them. Instead of being driven to the venue,

we drove ourselves to the venue with Anjo Perez of the Manila Times and Aris Ilagan of Balita taking turns behind the wheel. I decided to sit this one out and enjoy the cool comforts of the NV350.

We immediately noticed the upgraded engine, the powerful 2.5L engine similar to the engine platform of the all-new NP300 Navara pickup truck. On our way back from Anilao, with the Urvan operating at its full capacity with eight stocky pen pushers with bags and camera equipment, the all-new NV350 Urvan never had any problems hauling us up and down the steep, twisty mountainous roads of Anilao enroute to the Star Tollway to Manila. It had no qualms either during overtaking maneuvers

on an incline, or even when it came to braking while fully loaded, thanks to the Load Sensing Valve (LSV) that works in tandem with the engine in optimizing the balance in break pressure between the front and rear brakes. Plus, given the engine’s power, starting and accelerating has become smoother, leading to less jerky starts and stops. A shift indicator on the dashboard gives visual cues to the driver when to change gears thereby maximizing the power of the drivetrain yet maintaining its fuel efficiency.

A redesigned interior and a smart driver cockpit lends extra space by way of a generous legroom and elbow room with the gear stick shift cleverly moved onto the instrument panel

board freeing up more frontal driver and passenger space. The steering wheel features a moveable range for tilt, while the driver’s seat allows for more adjustment of the slide distance, for maximum driving comfort. We did not feel the heat of the mid-morning sun due to the excellent climate control system of the Urvan, of which Nissan has been known for. Cooling vents were strategically spread around the passenger cabin space for more cooling comfort.

Complementing this is a host of other benefits, such as enjoying a three-year manufacturer’s warranty at no additional cost, for those who will use the all-new NV350 Urvan for utility purposes and will be registered as Public Utility Vehicle.

FAST FASTLANE

tracted thousands of entries.

During the promo period, customers who made a minimum P500 purchase were given the chance to win a sleek Mazda 3 Hatchback.

Vibien Estrada’s entry came from Papa John’s Manila

Subaru XV: 5-point comeons MOTOR Image Pilipinas, the authorized distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, offers a brand new crossover for the price of a sedan. In an effort to make Subaru vehicles more accessible and allow the public the opportunity to experience the benefits of Subaru’s core technologies, MIP and its dealers are offering an all new price point for the Subaru XV. Customers who purchase a brand new Subaru XV can enjoy the following benefits of a crossover and Subaru’s core technologies as opposed to those who own a sedan: Drive provides real-time constant grip and stability on any road surface; Lineartronic CVT Trans-

mission delivers smooth acceleration and increases fuel efficiency; Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frames promise optimal protection in the event of a collision by dissipating energy around the frame while keeping the cabin intact; Break Away Engine design ensures that a front end collision will keep the engine from entering the cabin by collapsing the drivetrain; Larger space in the boot allows for more cargo especially with the 60/40 split folding rear sears; Higher ground clearance offers peace of mind when driving under different road conditions in and out of the metropolis.

This is a first in the local automotive industry. UV owners can also avail of the Alagang Nissan Program, where one can have competitivelypriced, dealer-quality service, as well as access to the Nissan Customer Assistance Center (NCAC), a concierge facility which provides 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and valet service.

The all-new NV350 Urvan is available in standard colors Alpine White and Brilliant Silver and special-order colors of Black Obsidian, Tiger Eye Brown, and Precision Grey. T h e all-new NV350 Urvan is now available in the following configurations and pricing:15-seater-PhP1.183M; 18-seater-P 1.196M and the threeseater carg at P 1.177M. Plaza, Ever Recto outlet.

To date, Papa John’s has 18 branches with newest outlets in Concepcion Uno in Marikina, Circumferential Road in Antipolo, and Aurora Blvd. in Cubao, Quezon City.

Roll ‘em up Mazda 3 hatchback promo winner Vibien N. Estrada (right) with Papa John’s COO Marian Castro.

Mazda 3 raffle promo for Papa John’s 5th year IN celebration of its 5th year of making better pizzas in the Philippines, restaurant chain Papa John’s has successfully wrapped up its first-ever Mazda 3 Grand Car Raffle Promo last June 21 at Blue Bay Walk. The luckiest among all customers who joined and now the proud owner of a brand new Mazda 3 Hatchback is Vibien N. Estrada of Sampaloc, Manila. Her name was officially drawn by Paul Soo, Berjaya Philippines Head amid much cheering from the crowd.

DTI representative Ernesto Gajo, Jr. was also present to validate the winning raffle entry.

Soo said the recent car promo affirmed Papa John’s

commitment and gratitude to loyal patrons since the USleading pizza chain brand opened its doors in the Philippines in 2010.

“When we thought about the promo, we want to do something that can give back to the people that helped us grow the brand and the business, for their loyalty and continued patronage to Papa John’s. Since we are on our fifth year, we decided to have a grand car raffle promo and what better car to give away than Mazda which is a very successful, reliable brand as well,” Soo said.

Via a store-wide promo that ran from January to June, the Mazda 3 Hatchback Grand Raffle Promo at-

OVERLAND makes it their business to protect your SUV from the harsh elements of the off-road environment.

Specially engineered and designed Grille guards and brush guards add protection and rugged looks to the front of your vehicle. Bull bars and light bars add good looks without over-powering the front of your vehicle. Most are made from heavy gauge steel tubing grille guards provides the ultimate custom appearance.

You won’t find a more thoroughly designed and manufactured vehicle protection system than Overland’s line of front, rear, side bumper protection and now the Atlas Series Roll Bar system. Designed to look good and to be functional, the Atlas Series is made of high quality iron, high strength and lightweight material and is available in black or glossy gray color. The Atlas Series also has limited edi-

tion version of which only 200 pieces will be made available worldwide.

Engineering a roll bar requires careful consideration of a number of factors to ensure it properly serves its purpose. Factors such as vehicle design, crush rate, accessory fitment, strength, weight and aesthetics are accessed in every Overland roll bar system before it enters production. Overland designs are engineered by people who are active 4-wheelers know first-hand the demands made on protection equipment.

Protect and enhance the capacity of your SUV with Overland. It is available in dealers nationwide.

F R I D AY : J U LY 3 , 2 0 1 5

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RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING wet and X A M wild D weather S

Be prepared for

weather

Safety is the best policy.

The Philippines is no stranger to the strongest and wildest typhoons that pass through the Pacific every year.

Dealing with tropical storms, rains, and other weather disturbances is part and parcel of every Pinoy’s life beginning in May. With the advent of the rainy season, motorists must prepare for the worst-case scenario when it comes to their vehicles. Vehicles take a lot of beating during the wet, wild, and dangerous rainy season, so cars, trucks, jeeps and vans must be in tip-top shape before they are ridden.

For Michelin Tires, safety is the No. 1 concern. Thus motorists must take heed of the following important advice.

R E U Q CON O B U T PINA

1

Listen to weather reports.

Check out newspapers, television, radio and the interneteveryday to have an idea about the weather. If it’s raining, look for alternative routes that are not susceptible to floods. If possible, postpone your trip and wait until the weather clears.

2

. Check everything thoroughly.Look for leaks, broken lights, or dangling wires. Double check your radiator, engine oil, wheel alignment, and tire pressure.

Always bring a bag or container with an umbrella, flashlight, car tools, and even a mini-radio. It always pays to be prepared in case of an emergency.

3

. Keep your windshield clean and clear. Wipe away all dirt, especially the sticky ones. Test if your wipers are working. Good vision is your number one friend during thunderstorms and heavy downpours.

4

. Don’t neglect your vehicle’s under belly.

Floods, puddles, and canals can leave stains and mud on your chassis.

This can hamper your car’s performance in the long run. Use a rust-inhibiting chemical spray for the different areas under your vehicle in order to keep them looking brand new. This will also keep your car in better condition for years down the road.

5

. Choose appropriate tires for the weather. During heavy rains or floods, a car may lift off the road because its tires may not be able to disperse enough water beneath its treads to provide a strong grip on the road. As a result, the car may lose contact with the road, which can result in loss of vehicle control or something even worse. The tire treads’thickness and design, materials used, and the proper tire pressure all contribute to how firm its grip will be on the roads.

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

I

SUZU is leaving no stone unturned in marketing its best-selling pick-up truck to carve a profitable niche in the domestic market. For this year alone, this sturdy truck has conquered various locations around the country with the most recent activity being staged at the Clark Speedway where the D-Max was out through its paces on the short course.

Recently, the marketing group of Isuzu Philippines Corporation did better than the last event by letting loose D-Max along with daredevilish motor gears in the dreaded Lahar land of Pampanga. Known as one of the toughest off-road trails in the country, the Mt. Pinatubo trail can be a handful for novice off-roaders, but pure nirvana for veteran pen pushers like this writer. According to Joseph Bautista, Head of Product Planning of IPC, the D-Max is in its element off-road. “This is our playground. Jungles and the Pinatubo trail is where we excel and this is the proper venue where we can really test the features of this variant,” says Bautista.

After a sumptuous breakfast at Café Ysabel in Greenhills, San Juan, the Isuzu convoy drove 197 kilometers to Sapang Bato at the Clark Ecozone. This writer chose to drive the first with Anjo Perez of the Manila Times as my navigator, and our VIP passenger Hajime Koso, the newly minted president of IPC. “This is my first journey with you guys,” says Koso, who used to be the coach of the Japan National Sailing Team. He is also an avid sailing enthusiast and a scuba nut. This is going to be Koso-san’s first off-road adventure.

From the SCTEX, we made our way to the popular Puning Hot Spring Base Camp where participants suited up for some downtime at the hot springs. Going to the venue is half the fun because we would have to drive for 30 minutes to get to the hot springs. The terrain was not for the faint of heart with its deep water crossings, loose gravel and sand plus the occasional drive down a narrow path. Halfway through our destination, I noticed the excitement of Koso-san, so I voluntarily gave him the wheel of our 4x4 D-Max. The usually calm and collected IPC President was like a kid in a sandbox. He was gamely driving through the trails with reckless abandon and seemed to love the water splashes. “This is absolute fun and I am enjoying this experience,” he says to us, to the delight of Takashi Tomita, EVP of IPC who rode with us during the off-road part of the event.

The two-day event was capped with a sailing/fishing expedition and some snorkeling fun in the deep waters a few kilometers away from Subic Bay. Being a water sports person, Kososan taught us the basics of sailing and how to catch a fish. Good thing some of us were lucky enough to catch some really big fish which we ate for lunch. “Next time we go sailing around the islands,” says Koso-san.

In the local market, the D-Max has amassed a loyal following for its reliability, fuel efficiency and affordability. Since the relaunch of the second generation D-Max last year, the country’s diesel authority has a profitable backlog problem of 2000 sold units.

The Isuzu D-Max is a pickup truck built by automaker Isuzu since 2002 and shares the same platform with several General Motors (GM) mid-size trucks in the United States such as the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Isuzu i-Series.

The Chevrolet Colorado name is also applied to a rebadged version of the D-Max in the Middle East and Thailand, although not identical to the American version. The original D-Max is sold alongside the Chevrolet Colorado in the Thai market where they are both built. In Australia, the D-Max is marketed as the Holden Rodeo, but has since been relaunched as the Holden Colorado. The Isuzu D-Max itself was also introduced in Australia during 2008, selling alongside the Holden offering. In the United Kingdom, the D-Max is sold as the Isuzu Rodeo.

Isuzu carves a path in lahar land

IPC president Hajime Koso walks the talk as he drives the D-Max off road

F R I D AY : J U LY 0 3 : 2 0 1 5

BING PAREL A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER life @ thestandard.com .ph

LIFE

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MARK BUMGARNER: DRIVEN TO SUCCEED

A

s a kid, Mark Bumgarner was already some sort of a legend in the motor sporting world, winning against much older boys and setting a record as the youngest driver – at 13 – to ever compete at the Ford Lynx Cup Touring Cars Novice Class in 2004.

International competitions soon followed, with Mark acquitting himself so well that he was soon dubbed as the Prince of Philippine Karting, then on to Formula racing.

Which is why when he shifted gears and started dabbling into fashion, not a few were surprised.

“I have been interested in fashion even was I was a little kid doing karting, up until formula cars. I used to sketch a lot as I see fashionable women during my trainings and races. I finally decided to try my luck about three years ago when I came back to the Philippines. I also took up several short courses on fashion design at Central Saint Martins in London to equip my knowledge in the industry.”

Asked how his experience in motor sports helps in his career as a designer, he says, “They are very different but similar at the same time.

Different because motor sports is physically demanding and dangerous. Similar in a sense that I get the same adrenaline rush when a new idea pops up or when I’m making a new collection. Both are very cerebral.”

Elegance and timeless glamour would best describe his approach towards design, his primary goal being to make his clients “feel good about themselves, and for them to wear the clothes, not the other way around.”

BY BING PAREL One could sense innate modesty in the young designer though, when he tells us: “I wouldn’t go as far as to say I’m different or edgier than my contemporaries. I think we all have different styles. I believe a solid point of view is what a designer needs to flourish.

Also, ‘taste’ level is a very important quality a designer should have. When you become a designer, you sell your ‘taste.’ I think this is what differs designers from each other.”

He admits that he has always been “driven” even as a young boy. “I put my heart and soul on anything I find worthy of doing. And for now, fashion is it. My parents instilled this trait in me, being driven and result oriented at a young age, and I’m forever grateful for it,” he discloses.

The best part about being a designer, Mark shares, is having a voice in actually shaping a part of our contemporary culture. “Fashion for me is an integral part of our society, and it should mirror the good and/or bad about it.”

The worst? “Numbers. I never liked having to tackle numbers or the business side of it. But I’m learning,” he admits.

The latest from Mark Bumgarner?

“I will be selling clothes in Beverly Hills, through Kamal Beverly Hills. It is a specialty boutique located steps from Rodeo Drive. It houses some of the best designers from India, Dubai and a few others. Im the only Filipino designer to be there, so I’m really humbled to be part of it. I will also be coming up with a readyto-wear line called M2 which will be available online very very soon and in partnership with Mazda. I am also working on my next collection for Spring Summer 2016 for Manila Fashion Festival which will be shown this coming October,” the young fashion hotshot concludes.

FRIDAY : J ULY 03 : 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

FASHION

A MODERN TWIST ON HERITAGE

Dressing up your little ones can be fun and stress-free with stylish and comfortable items that your child can wear anytime, anywhere.

STYLISHLY PRACTICAL CLOTHES FOR KIDS With so many brands that offer a multitude of choices, it’s easy to find cute and chic clothes for kids that suits any budget. What’s difficult is finding chic and practical clothes that can go from one season to the next.

Though the rainy season seems to be trickling in one day at a time, there are days when the scorching heat in the country makes kids cranky. Britishinspired international fashion brand F&F answers this problem with fun, affordable and fashionable clothing for babies, toddlers and kids.

The brand’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection introduces an understated feel and chic practicality with designs perfect for the Philippines’ two seasons.

F&F girlswear showcase pretty tea dresses in floral prints with volume swing skirts and tulle dresses. Casual ranges see jumpsuits and soft blazers in chiffon with separates in nautical colors of red, white and the color of the season, navy. There’s a sports luxe feel to sweats and rib tees in monochrome, while the black biker jacket is the definitive in layering for colder days.

Layering is the foundation for Boyswear, with a spirit of travel through utility cargos and textured knits paired with madras check shirts and shorts in hot, sand blasted colors and evening blues. Casual pieces are inspired by palm prints with bright tropical colors, with and a poolside feel to printed photographic tees and acid washed shorts and jeans.

The laid back vibe, relaxed silhouettes and loose fitting separates will surely make kids enjoy the remaining summer days and the coming rainy months with ensembles that are suitable for weekends with families and play dates with friends.

F&F is located at Glorietta 3, Century City Mall, SM North Edsa, SM Clark, Wellworth Fairview Terraces, Wellworth UP Town Center, Limketkai Mall Cagayan de Oro, Veranza Mall General Santos and Ayala Center Cebu.

Vibrant and ethnic weaves took center stage at the recent Pua Heritage Fashion show that showcased the rich heritage of Old Borneo. Directed

by Nathan de Leon, the event featured four current collections of women’s wear which proved that rich tradition could go well with modern fashion, and that proudly displaying one’s heritage is not limited to donning a national costume.

Malaysian boutique Pua Heritage’s collection evoked images of sea and sand, glorious open fields in the pieces highlighting the prints and designs of traditional local artisans of Southeast Asia.

The Urban Collection featured modern architectural designs with strategically placed patches of the Pua motif fabrics in a cotton and microfiber blend, its bold and striking colors evoking the boldspirited women of this century.

The Muslimah Wear Collection is designed for the modern Muslim, merging conformity with style.

Loose-fitting and flowing as homage to the dictates of the Muslim culture, the designs are mainly easy-to-wear outer garments. The line is stylish yet modest, and made from Valentino satin combined with soft Pua motif fabrics.

The Couture Collection featuring 10 gowns made from delicate French lace accented with embroidered Pua materials reflected opulence and glamour. The line of Leather Wear showed handmade Nappa leather jackets and trench coats, accented with patches of the Pua material in contrasting colors.

“All the pieces in our collections celebrate local artisans and our rich heritage, yet are totally wearable in today’s current setting. We recognize and create what is current, without forgetting our roots,” says Hussein Suhailin Majeni, Retail Manager and Designer of Pua Heritage.

Each Pua weave conveys a rich history of generations of treasured indigenous handicraft from the members of the Iban or Dayak clan, whose members still live in the long houses of rural Sarawak, Borneo. The weave tells of locally grown handspun cotton textiles using techniques and traditional looms with origins that date back to early trading among neighboring countries of the Indian subcontinent. Developed and refined by women of Sarawak, the weave, from design to technique, has been part of the unique character Malaysian Borneo has been known for. Pua Kumbu has many similarities with the popular “Ikat” weave.

Both share a common ancestry and method, and it is only the motifs that have evolved separately.

The Malaysian collection presented in the fashion show is just a preview of what will be unveiled this October when Pua Heritage launches its roster of fashion designs in the Philippines in the next Manila Fame Exhibit.

For more information on the latest collection, please check their website: www.gadingkenyalang.com.

POWER DRESSING FOR FILIPINAS

Amp up your child’s outfits with shirts, blouses and polos with cute prints to keep play time fun.

Take your pick from F&F’s Spring Summer 2015 Collection and keep your little ones cozy yet super adorable with choices that will keep them warm yet stylish as the rainy season starts to trickle in.

Who said greys and blues have to look somber? Put some fun into your kid’s wardrobe with these simple yet fashionable outfits for those weekend strolls with the family.

Accomplished Filipino women will look even more sharp and sophisticated with the extensive wardrobe choices from new fashion brand Mixology.

Classic polos and blouses paired with tailored pants and pencil skirts are appropriate for serious days at work, while short, embroidered dresses in both structured and relaxed varieties provide options in the event of after-work drinks.

Jumpsuits and free-flowing maxi dresses are also on hand for less conventional style statements in the office. The collection makes use of weather-appropriate materials like soft crepe, georgette, jersey, and cotton silk to keep ladies comfortable in the local climate and each piece is crafted with the Filipina complexion built in mind.

Mixology is now available in Robinsons Department Stores (Galleria, Ermita, Roxas, Magnolia, and Festival Mall) with prices that range from P699 to P1499 – making the brand a suitable new companion for every working Filipina.

Mixology’s love affair with black and white is evident in its tops, bottoms, and jumpsuits that nail the smart and stylish look.

Long sleeve blouses get surprising twists with floral prints.

White slacks, meanwhile, keep the look fresh and crisp.

FRIDAY : J ULY 03 : 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

MALE CELEB STREET STYLE AT FASHION WEEK

BY ED BIADO

Paris and Milan’s editions of Men’s Fashion Week are the best places to scope out the best-dressed men in the world. In and outside of the venues, all the guys – reporters, buyers, bloggers and male models on their cigarette breaks – are a sartorial delight. During the shows, street style is just as important as the pieces on the runway.

So if you’re a celebrity who snagged an invitation to see a designer presentation, you have to be impeccably dressed. And the men on this list definitely brought their A-game to the front row.

ZAYN MALIK AT THE VALENTINO SHOW

The former boybander is showing potential to be one hell of a style icon. This outfit, made up of three simple pieces, is on point. You can never go wrong with a crisp white shirt and that trendy, slightly slouchy, overcoat might just turn out to be the season’s must-have.

RUSSELL WESTBROOK AT THE ARMANI SHOW

Gray is such an understated and underrated color. This generous use of lighter tones is evidence of how fashionable it can actually be. We love the season-less casualness of it. The playful pattern on the shirt elevates the whole look and prevents it from being boring.

JOE JONAS AT THE DIESEL BLACK another GOLD SHOW

NICK YOUNG AT THE ZEGNA SHOW

Another celebrity, white shirt. A slouchier version of what Zayn was wearing, this look is giving us that “I just got out of bed” vibe. The deliberate choice of slim pants combined with moody raincoat makes the whole thing editorial-worthy.

The smoldering Jonas brother picked clashing patterns and materials to come up with this cohesive outfit. It might seem a bit too much (do we see two layers of leather?), but hey, it’s Fashion Week! And we love the effect of just a little bit of stripes peeking out up top.

NOLAN GERARD FUNK AT THE DSQUARED2 SHOW

The Glee star shows us that by simply putting on a tailored jacket with shiny slim lapels, you can take your T-shirt-andjeans look from the street to the runway. This outfit is such a classic and we’re wondering why men are not wearing this combination more often.

BACK TO BASICS T rendy clothes are fun and nice, but they are called trendy for a reason. They are the currently popular, but that doesn’t mean they will still be after a few months or weeks.

Meanwhile, well-made timeless basics – whether it’s a crisp white polo or a pair of wellfitted khakis – are a great foundation to any wardrobe. But more often than not, high quality basics come with a hefty price tag.

That’s why this July, popular clothing brand for wardrobe staples, Giordano launches the Bank on Basics campaign to help everyone get started. Giordano offers new colorful basics in budget-friendly prices while existing pieces come in discounted prices.

“Giordano has always been in the business of creating high quality basics and we know that basics will never go out of style. So for a limited

time only, you can buy these essential pieces at discounted prices in all Giordano stores nationwide,” said Rochelle Tan, Giordano Philippines vice president for Merchandising.

The Bank on Basics campaign includes a curated selection of shorts, pants, shirts and tees that will surely add that much-needed splash of color to the coming gloomy months. Extend the feeling of freedom and fun summer brings by pairing a classic plaid or casual shirt with colorful Giordano shorts. Folded khakis in different colors are also available for a more preppy yet relaxed look.

Linen and oxford fabrics take the center stage in Giordano’s collection of basic shirts – perfect casual and formal gatherings with friends, workmates and family. Classic yet chic, these fashion pieces can certainly stand the test of time.

Linen and oxford shirts, when worn right, are perfect for formal events and casual gatherings.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

SMELL CHIC - SCENTS FOR THE COSMOPOLITAN WOMAN “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel Did you know that fragrances have the power to affect your moods and perceptions? Studies have shown that a pleasant odor makes us more cheerful, relaxed or excited. The feelings that are aroused by scents PAULYNE largely depend on what thing, event FERMIN or experience we have previously attached to it. So if you remember coming home to the smell of home baked chocolate chip cookies, chances are the smell of cocoa will remind you of a happy childhood. Frolicking on the beach with the ocean breeze on your face, a liking for citrus fruits or waking up to the smell of a garden in full bloom will give you memories that later on will affect the way you react to the same or similar kinds of scents.

Summer is forever when you use Beach Aura.

Smell like a princess and try one of the bestsellers – Royal Diana body wash and hand sanitizer.

A good friend recommended that I try the scents of SMELL CHIC. She swears by the line’s Classic Audrey body wash and told me, “Go ahead, try it. It smells like that cologne you hoard from Singapore!” Intrigued but skeptical, I ordered a bottle of the body wash online. Oh my! It did have hints of my favorite nectarine and honey blossom cologne from JO MALONE! It immediately set me in a good mood. The label even reads, “I believe the happiest girls are the prettiest girls.”

Great way to start that particular Monday!

A scent for every day of the week!

Scents for the home.

A common love for fashion and fragrances prompted these four friends to start their own label of scents. (From left) Maui, Cathy, Vanna and Lisa

One week later, I sat down with two of the four owners of SMELL CHIC – Cathy Cruz and Vanna Garcia (Maui David-Chua and Lisa Rossiter were both indisposed). “We wanted to come up with a fragrance line that would suit the different moods of a cosmopolitan woman,” says Vanna.

“Some days are easy and laidback while some are highly-charged and busy. We have scents that match the persona that a woman wants to exude in whatever kind of day she’s having. Our brand now carries a compact line composed of hand sanitizers, body wash and linen sprays. In the future, we plan to add eau de toilette, colognes and even insect repellants,” Cathy further explains.

THE BQP’S TOP PICKS

Smell Chic has seven fragrances for both the body wash and the hand sanitizers (Beach Aura, Boyfriend Sense, Casual Petite, Classic Audrey, Sophisticated Grace, Royal Diana and Charming Impression). You may also want to try the linen sprays which has four scents (Olive, Fresh Bamboo, Lavender and Green Tea). According to the girls, the names of the scents were specifically chosen to capture the mood that they seek to create.

Keep your hands clean and fresh all the time.

My top three picks are Sophisticated Grace for the body wash (P379 for 500ml). It has a fresh and very mild floral scent that makes me stay in the shower longer than I should. A spritz of the Classic Audrey for the hand sanitizer (P99 for 50ml) assures me that my hands are clean and leaves my palms smelling like nectarine.

I also recommend the Olive spray (P479 for 500ml) for the bedroom. Again, there’s no need to spray a lot. A squirt or two will leave your beddings smelling squeaky clean and fresh. Perfect for a restful slumber.

Please check their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Call them at 09174864888 or email smellchicph@yahoo. com for orders.

With a pocketful of glitter,

Follow me on Twitter, IG and Facebook. Visit http:// thebusyqueenp.com/ for more interesting reads!

F RIDAY : J ULY 3 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

C5

Young with Tattoo’s Globe VP for Content Jil Go and Globe Director for Tattoo Mobile Broadband Ray Guinoo

Slater Young on facing the game of life the Pinoy Big Brother Big Winner talks about his life after winning the reality tV show and how he uses technology to manage his work and personal life

t

he Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) house has once again opened its doors to a new group of housemates hoping to bag the title of “Big Winner”.

One of its male winners, Slater Young, shares that life has been more exciting after joining the reality TV show.

After emerging as the Big Winner of Pinoy Big Brother: Unlimited in 2012, The aptly-nicknamed “Hotshot Engineer of Cebu” at the PBB house also joined local showbiz after leaving Kuya’s house and brought his acting chops to TV shows and movies like Maalaala Mo Kaya, A Beautiful Affair, Juan Dela Cruz, and Ina Kapatid Anak to name a few.

Today, Young has gone back to his roots and has set up a shop back in Cebu.

“Life has definitely been more exciting and colorful after Pinoy Big Brother. Before the show, I worked for my father - managing construction projects as an engineer,” says Young, who has, since then, ventured into businesses of his own. “Being in Pinoy Big Brother gave me a lot of self confidence, guts to take on new challenges, and the willingness to go outside my comfort zone.”

Young has ventured into a business of his own called Liteblock, an eco-friendly alternative to wall construction (www.liteblock.ph) and has partnered with his Manila-based friends Victor Consunji and Stephen Ku to setup a real estate development company called YKC. He is also currently developing an Android and iOS 2.0 version of a mobile dating app called KLIK with Ku and oth-

er Cebu-based friends under the company KLIKable Apps.

With a shift from his celebrity status to living a more normal life as a full-fledged entrepreneur, Young adds, “Life in Cebu has been a bit more quiet. I spend my time managing day to day operations of my businesses while trying to squeeze in tennis and some sports during my free time to stay healthy and active.”

With his many activities, Young uses his mobile devices like his tablet to manage his hectic schedule and to keep himself entertained. “I can’t live without my tablet as I use it to keep up my professional and personal life. My favorite apps are Spotify, Audible, and YouTube.”

Aside from social media, audiobooks, and music, Young also loves playing games on his gadgets, especially Candy Crush. “I can’t stop playing Candy Crush Saga and Candy Crush Soda Saga. I love to play games on my tablet to pass the time like when I’m waiting for my friends or flights at the airport.”

This is the reason why he was chosen to be the face of Tattoo Mobile Broadband, the broadband brand of leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom, and its flagship data promo GoSURF50. With Tattoo GoSURF50, customers can enjoy worry-free access to top mobile games titles such as Clash of Clans, Boom Beach, Summoners War, Soul Seeker, Candy Crush Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Hay Day, Dungeon Hunter 5, Brave Frontier, and Asphalt 8: Airborne with their mobile browsing plan on their tablets.

Tattoo GoSURF50 allots a browsing experience with a data allocation of 300MB and also comes with additional 400MB of free data to access games and Spotify – all these for the value of only P50 valid for 3 days.

“Slater Young is the embodiment of today’s digital lifestyle. Constantly on-the-go and heavily-reliant on his devices, he needs to have online access anytime and anywhere to keep up with his fast-paced life,” says Ray Guinoo, director for Tattoo Mobile Broadband. “With Tattoo GoSURF50, Slater’s connectivity and gaming needs are provided in one complete broadband and entertainment package.”

Young enthuses, “Tattoo just fits in seamlessly in my life as as it enables me to be online all the time even when on the go. Whether for playing games, browsing the Internet, listening to Spotify or watching videos, life is just so much better when you don’t have to worry about staying connected whenever, wherever.”

The inclusion of mobile games in the Tattoo’s suite of broadband offers forms part of its commitment to bring a complete suite of entertainment content with access to Spotify, NBA, and HOOQ alongside the Tattoo 4G Mobile WiFi available for P1,495, Tattoo 4G Mobile WiFi + Powerbank for P2,495, and the Tattoo LTE Prepaid Mobile WiFi + Powerbank for P3,495.

To subscribe to GoSURF50, text GoSURF50 to 8888 or text “GoSURF FREE” to 8888 to get detailed information about the different freebies you can get with the promo. To learn more, visit www.tattoo.globe.com.ph/promos/gosurf.

Slater Young is the new face of Tattoo mobile wifi

Young talks about his life after Pinoy Big Brother: Unlimited where he won the grand prize

F RIDAY : J ULY 3 : 2015

C6

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

PeOPle

...aRE taLKing aBOUt

DaniEL PaDiLLa

Teen King? No, he’s no longer a teenager. Concert or Pop King? Maybe.

Obviously, people can give him a better moniker after consistently staging sold out concerts and platinum records. And just recently, Daniel’s fourth studio album called I Feel Good (Star Records) turned gold record in less than a week. If that won’t validate his success as a recording star, we can’t think of anything else that will.

...aRE nOt taLKing aBOUt Charice

Daniel Padilla's new album cover PBB's Bailey May

Barbie Forteza

The cast of Sunday All Stars

BaRBiE FORtEZa

Despite difficulty in balancing studies and work, the Kapuso young star managed to pass the Alternative Learning System allowing her to graduate from High School. She also did it with flying colors being one of the students who got high grades. To think she’s one of the busiest talents of the network, this is a great achievement.

She’s back on the concert scene. But the crowd in her performances is now limited to Filipinos. Gone are the days when even foreign audiences admire her talent giving her standing ovation each time she hits the stage. Hence, local media should stop calling her an international singing sensation. She doesn’t fit the bill anymore.

SUnDay aLL StaRS

KEnLEy

Once criticized for being a scripted show, Pinoy Big Brother has found a new way to elicit attention. PBB’s Kenzo Gutierrez (17) and Bailey May (12) are now center of serious discussions among fans after seeing the two getting too close for comfort (giving each other a smack on the cheek, hugging and holding hands). Viewers question whether their unusual closeness can be viewed as gay relationship or just brotherly love. You, what’s your take on KenLey’s behavior?

ChaRiCE

Christian Bautista

Many singers and dancers will be jobless soon once the show bids Sunday television goodbye. The musical-variety program will be replaced by a talk show to be hosted by Ai-Ai delas Alas and Marian Rivera. Rumor has it that Regine Velasquez was supposed to be part of the new show but she declined the invitation. If this is the case, Sunday All Stars will be third show to raise the white flag.

ChRiStian BaUtiSta

He may still have a flourishing singing career but the same thing can’t be said when we talk about his acting stint. We heard through the grapevine that Kapuso management is giving the series that he stars in an ax really soon. The series called My Mother’s Secret is getting TV ratings below the management expectation.

For several weeks now, the series is trailing behind all primetime show both on GMA and ABS-CBN.

Antoine FuquA, JAke GyllenhAAl teAm up For ‘SouthpAw’

a

cclaimed director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriters Kurt Sutter and Richard Wenk team up to tell a riveting story in Southpaw about a boxer named Billy “The Great” Hope, reigning Junior Middleweight Boxing Champion of the World (Jake Gyllenhaal).

Billy Hope seemingly has it all with an impressive career, a

beautiful and loving wife (Rachel McAdams), an adorable daughter (Oona Laurence) and a lavish lifestyle. When tragedy strikes and his lifelong manager and friend (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson) leaves him behind, Hope hits rock bottom and turns to an unlikely savior at a run-down local gym: Tick Willis (Forest Whitaker), a retired fighter and trainer to the city’s toughest am-

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 43

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Chariot race locale 5 Reporter’s query 9 Count calories 13 Empty — — author’s pocket 14 Marching band composer 15 Ramble around 16 Overabundance 17 Gaels 18 Feels grateful 19 Only

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Chalet feature Like autumn leaves Escalator parts Prompted Host’s plea Tidy the lawn Stoic founder RN stations Closed the gap Pizazz Emulated Elsie Warriors coach Your Majesty Sticks Long-active volcano Diplomat’s forte “Blondie” kid View as

Guitarist — Paul DOWN Huff and puff 1 Dust collectors Jot down 2 Fjord port Tarzan’s title 3 Claw badly Memorable 4 Political accord British PM 5 Adversity Disquiet 6 Popcorn nuisance Loose garment 7 Helena rival Epochs 8 Bahamas resort Hot dog vendor 9 Cloud component Vocalist — Sumac Put up cedar shakes 10 The Hawkeyes 11 In a dead heat Crone

ateur boxers. With his future riding on Tick’s guidance and tenacity, Billy enters the hardest battle of his life as he struggles with redemption and to win back the trust of those he loves.

Southpaw opens in Philippine cinemas on July 22 from Pioneer Films.

See the fight here: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSojugY6aXQ

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015

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Course finale Reapers’ tools — cit. (footnote abbr.)

Uncanny Hosp. workers Secret meeting Marge Simpson’s hubby Diminish “M*A*S*H” clerk Oohed and — Pitfall, maybe Crept Break off Insists upon Rank above knight Fabric meas.

Skulked about Lithe DDE Move furtively Gusto Director — Kazan DEA operative Stay afloat Solar plexus Type of eagle Pharmacist’s weight I, to Caesar

Jake Gyllenhall plays boxer Billy “The Great” Hope in Southpaw

F RIDAY : J ULY 3 : 2015

C7

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

new sinGers in a GiG

Maya of the group Blush, is in a concert with Migz Haleco

From C8

T

wo new singers are being Merged for a special show on July 17 at 19 East Paranaque.

They are the newest artists/ singers of PPL Entertainment Inc., the talent management company of Perry Lansigan that counts among its talents the likes of Dingdong Dantes, Gabby Eigenmann, Jolina Magdangal, Janno Gibbs, Geoff Eigenmann, Angelika dela Cruz, Gloc 9, Rochelle Pangilinan, Max Collins, LJ Reyes, Arthur Solinap, Carlo Gonzales, Carl Guevara, Wendell Ramos, and Jaclyn Jose.

Maya and Migz Haleco are not a duo. They are only collaborating for the show to let the audience know what each of them can do on stage with, their love for music and their passion for performing.

PPL is proud to welcome and introduce them to everyone so they can experience their kind of music.

Maya is part of the Pan-Asian vocal group, Blush with members from China, India, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. She has performed with Justin Bieber, Black Eyed Peas, Jessie J, Diana Ross, Janoskians, and The Wanted in different concerts overseas.

While Blush is on their annual season break, Maya is trying it out in the Philippines by sharing her music and her moves.

Migz, on the other hand, is al-

ready a “star” in his own right and at the same time a campus heartthrob.

Known as a singer, songwriter and a guitar genius, Migz has been featured in several campus shows and concerts.

Up unit these days, his songs posted on Soundcloud, You Tube and other social networking sites are still a hit among students. His music continues to gain more “likes” and “views,” which make Migz a veritable Internet sensation today.

Talent manager Perry believes that both Maya and Migz are exceptional singers.

He says, “Both are young and fresh.

Maya has accomplished a lot in her singing career, and very pretty.

Migz is a complete package. Height, charisma and excellent talent.”

Weel, fans, get to know more about Migz and Maya in their first show together, titled Migz. Maya.

Merged. at 19 East Paranaque 10 p.m. on July 17 with special guests, Jay Durias and Gloc 9.

HHHHH Daniel’s ‘i Feel GooD’ album Turns GolD Daniel Padilla’s newest solo album I Feel Good, released by Star Music, has scored a gold record award after it sold more than 7,500 units in just less than a week.

He received his gold record in ASAP 20 last Sunday. Padilla thanked the album’s producers, Star Music, and fans for the support.

The track list includes Daniel’s swoon-worthy versions of “Isn’t She Lovely,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “Moon River,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “My Girl,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” “Knocks Me Off My Feet,” “For Once in My Life,” “Morning Girl,” and “Handog.”

Daniel’s fourth album also features his own version of “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” the theme song of his top-rating teleserye with Kathryn Bernardo, as well as the chart-topper “Simpleng Tulad Mo.” The album is still available at all record bars nationwide for only P299.00. Digital tracks can also be downloaded from leading record stores all over the country and in online music stores , like iTunes, Mymusicstore.com.ph, and Starmusic.ph.

For more information, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/starrecordsphil, Twitter.com/starrecordsph and Instagram.com/Starmusicph.

HHHHH PaGCor’s exCiTinG shows Julia Clarete is not only a good actress but also a regular fixture on the small screen as a talented host. Now, it’s your chance to watch her live tonight at Casino Filipino Madison.

Fast-rising singer Michael Pangilinan will showcase his soulful voice at Casino Filipino Bacolod

Campus heartthrob and Internet sensation Migz Haleco takes a plunge into the whirlpool of professional performance

Daniel Padilla receives gold record award for I Feel Good with Star Music head Roxy Liquigan and the album producers

(July 6) and Casino Filipino Iloilo (July 8). Michael is the voice behind the hit song “Pare, Mahal Mo Raw Ako.” Groove to the rhythm of Kris Lawrence as he performs at Casino Filipino Mimosa on July 17.

Armed with a brilliant voice, he

Quest for the next filipino runway pride

Lisa performing before an audience

e

TC launched the fourth season of Project Runway Philippines with 15 new, up-and-coming designers from Cebu to Tuguegarao, Davao to Koronadal, Samar to Quezon City in the hopes of becoming the next global Filipino designer to conquer international fashion.

Supermodel and fashion icon Tweetie De Leon-Gonzalez returns to the runway as host and judge, describing the fourth season of Project Runway Philippines as unexpected, fun, and more cut-throat than ever.

Rajo Laurel returns to the

lisa’s first gig

Fans of anime song (anison) artist LiSA gathered at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City for her mini live concert and fan meet - a first for the notable singer who sang hits such as Sword Art Online’s “Crossing Field” and

is always a formidable presence whenever he performs onstage.

For inquiries, call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 708-2046, 526-0337 loc 2401 or 2403. Check and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ pagcor.artists.

Fate/Zero’s “Oath Sign.”

She performed a mix of live and acoustic tracks from culled from the songs she recorded during her music career, A question and answer segment took place during the hour-and-a-half event. The questions ranged from her favorite anime series to the kind of guy she would like to date.

When she was asked what was on her mind while on her way to Manila, she answered, “I think I can eat a lot of bananas.”

The Philippines is an export-

er of bananas to Japan. She also mentioned that she has ben inspired by Avril Lavigne and she wants to be like her.

After the concert, she told the audience that she would be back with her band. She stated that she was not expecting Filipinos knew of her.

She was given a farewell gift featuring Minions at the end of the concert, in which she plays a role in the upcoming movie’s Japanese version. She gave away posters later.

– Jay aGonoy

judges’ seat with the aim to help produce a new breed of young designers who can make it both here and abroad by sharing his knowledge about the business side of fashion.

Apples Aberin returns with her no-holds-barred comments, expecting to see vision, technical skills, a unique point of view, and a whole lot of drama.

Jojie Lloren returns to the show with one goal in mind – to find the best designer in the history of Project Runway Philippines.

Watch Project Runway Philippines Season 4 every Sunday 8 p.m. only on ETC.

Project Runway Philippines judges: Rajo Laurel, Apples Aberin, Tweetie De Leon- Gonzales (also the show's host), and Jojie Lloren

F RIDAY : J ULY 3 : 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

ZsaZsa Padilla is back on the recording front with a new album that evokes the current state of affairs of her heart

SHOWBITZ

ZsaZsa Padilla’s ‘Beginnings’ ISAH V. RED The country’s celebrated singer and iconic diva, Zsa Zsa Padilla returns to the recording studio. The result is Beginnings, a new album. This is her first after three years.

Beginnings has several standout tracks among the album released in the Polyeast Records label.

Dubbed as Divine Diva, Padilla’s music has evolved since her debut as an artist in the PolyEast Records label. The new album contains ‘70s and ‘80s covers that evoke inspirational warmth, honest talent and humble grace of a woman. It is also her expression of love for the man from whom she finds happiness with the second time around.

It is easy to see why she is thrilled about this album. Zsa Zsa takes notes, “The last studio album I did was personal to me. Although it was filled with original OPM songs, I had just lost a great love so when I listen to it now; I find it a bit sad

and yes, at times angry. I was still grieving and never I though it (was) possible to love again.”

Her last album was 2013’s Palagi, which includes eight lushly orchestrated numbers like a duet with Martin Nievera (“Maging Sino Ka Man”) and her version of Joey Albert’s “Palagi. It was released months after Dolphy, the man of her life previously, passed on.

As a follow up to her Gold album Unchanging Love (2008) and Palagi, Beginnings, her third offering with PolyEast Records, brings out a new energy from Zsa Zsa— capturing her period of transition, from experiencing the loss to opening a new chapter in her life. “Never stop believing in the power of second chances. Thank you for being with me in this new chapter of my life,” she shares.

The new album opens with the “Just a Love Song,” a cover of the 70s’ pop ballad of singer-songwriter Walter Murphy—a proof that when it comes to shiny, multipurpose pop, nobody does it better than the Divine Diva.

Other songs also include remakes

from Bee Gees, Carpenters, and Chicago among others.

“PolyEast Records and I were urged to come up with an album that I hope everyone would enjoy, and we picked those that make up the 10 tracks of some of my favorite music from the 70s and one song from the 80s which recently became the theme of my concert and appropriately the title of this album,” she says referring to her Valentine concert Beginnings at the Music Museum and the upcoming show on July 31 at the Resorts World in which she will perform the newly recorded songs.

The songs both parties came up with veered away from the high notes that marked ZsaZsa’s re-

cording yet maintaining the vocal timbre that is the signature of her being the Divine Dive.

Other song in the album include “I Love You More Today Than Yesterday” (Spiral Staircase); “I Just Want to be your Everything” (Andy Gibb); “How Deep Is Your Love” (Bee Gees); “Rainy Days and Mondays” (Tony Bennett): “If You Leave Me Now” (Chicago); “Alone Again Naturally” (Gilbert O’Sullivan), which she says is one of her favorite tracks in the album; “One Hello” (Randy Crawford); and “I Got Caught Dancing Again” (Hues Corporation).

Zsa Zsa debuted as a recording artist in 1983 and has had a long string of hits that have become important marks in many people’s lives, like “Hiram,” “Mambobola,” and “Ikaw Lamang,” to name a few. With a voice that is distinct and only she can claim it’s hers in Pinoy music, small wonder Zsa Zsa still remains in a firmament above all others.

Zsa Zsa Padilla’s new album Beginnings is now available in stores (PolyEast Records) for only P300.00.

It is also available downloadable

from iTunes, SpinnrPh and Deezer.

For more information, you may log onto www.polyeastrecords.com or follow updates on facebook.com/twitter.com/Instagram: PolyeastRecords. ➜ Continued on C7

The last studio album I did was personal to me.

Although it was filled with original OPM songs, I had just lost a great love so when I listen to it now; I find it a bit sad and yes, at times angry. I was still grieving and never I though it (was) possible to love again – Zsa Zsa Padilla, singer