The Standard - 2015 August 06 - Thursday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXIX  NO. 177  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  THURSDAY : AUGUST 6, 2015  www.thestandard.com.ph  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Lacierda employs ‘gayspeak’ on Binay

MAR WOOS GRACE; GRACE SAYS MAYBE

By John Paolo Bencito and Macon R. Araneta

INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II invited Senator Grace Poe Wednesday on national television to be his running mate when he seeks the presidency in 2016, but the neophyte senator could only ask him to wait some more. “We are inviting, the party is indeed inviting, and I’m very much open to the possibility of having Senator Grace Poe join us in our tandem, to join our movement, in our fight to continue and expand the ‘straight path’,” Roxas said in a television interview on GMA-7. Next page

Chinese, US foreign ministers tackle spat US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Wednesday discussed rising tensions over the South China Sea, a flashpoint issue that has been stoked by Beijing’s island building in the disputed waters. Beijing has sparked alarm in the region by expanding tiny reefs and constructing military posts to reinforce its claims over the strategic waters. The United States and Southeast Asian countries have called for Beijing to halt such activities, which have dominated discussions at the regional security forum, but China has refused. Next page

‘Yolanda funds may be used in polls’ Reaction. Senator Grace Poe reacts to Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II’s request that she be his vice presidential running mate in the 2016 elections. MACON RAMOS-ARANETA

t H U R S d ay : a U g U S t 6 , 2 0 1 5

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Lacierda disses Binay: ‘Charot’ By Sandy Araneta

By Sandy Araneta draft complaint as a preempare ofthoroughly she said. Upon the we advice her lawyer,studying she said, she votes” of her own. moveCasiple against said the senator’s can cases I tive Poe, who has topped Poe’s command votes came from would the releaseand thesescrutinizing documents how once the are A PALACE spokesman dismissed Vice presidential aspirations. comply ” them. most recent presidential her late father and these were not transferrable to A PALACE spokesman filed insurcourt and therewith is anthese orderpromises, to present From A1... Opinions are split on veys, said her parents,Poe actors From A1... President Jejomardismissed Binay’s “True State-ofwouldshe notsaid. say who she believed were be- her running mate. Vice President whether Poe could help Roxas, Poe also debunked Poe Jr. and Roxas saidhehehad had asked Roxas, he said, would havethe-Nation a hard time beating his hindSusar the demotion job against her,reports but said she Roxas said asked Poe toFernando be his running Address” (TSONA) as an exconsistently in Jejomar Binay and whoever said she washer anjob. alcoholic who has taught her towould be brave Poe beseveral his running mate on Jejomar Binay’s “True arch-rival Vice trailed President not be that distracted from matetoon occasions, even Roces, before President most opinion surveys, get the and a drug addict who went but not boastful. several occasions, even before ample of theJoseph “politics of hate at its crudest” City Mayor While President did not categorically asked Poe would be supported by Manila Benigno Aquino III had endorsed him as the LibState-of-the-Nation Advotes in 2016. into rehab, she had President IIIFriday.In dealing with topersonal “command votes. ” join the unified ticket, or thetht number 1 senator Estrada because the two haveand eral Party Benigno standard Aquino bearer on used a gay term Wedensday to suggest Political analystpegged RamonBinay’s Ca- command votes nation- dress” (TSONA) as an mauled anyone. anda false had the thought Lib- attacks Casiple in the 2013 senatorial race saidShe shesaid feelsallAquino Heendorsed said Poehim mayashave it was not for- accusations Binayor was trying to dupe theofpeople. siple said not help20 percent were aimed at impugnhurled againstwanted her, Poe eral standardhebearer widePoe at acould “formidable” more. her tothese be their vice presidential bet. mal Party offer because had yetonbeenbeing endorsed at the example the “politics Roxas win because she has no ing her credibility. said she exercises self conFriday. “Based on our electoral history, we never had Since Roxas is a friend, Poe said she is always time. “comman votes” of her own. “If you trol was andthankful gets courage from He said toPoe may Poe have such an experience that the vice presidential bet of hate at its crudest” willing to meet with him. are on the side Reacting the offer, said she said the Poe’s com- bearer“I win. of truth, you we should not beprepar-Casiple prayers, her loyal friends thought it wasfor nottaking a formal President’s offer NA sadly, , indicating that everythink sadly, the Vice“I think has made standard Based on our “Butand I’m telling you this, are already but apologized a long time to decide. mand experience, votes cameevery fromtime herthere afraid, ” Poe said. family and her dream for the offer because he had yet been to told run about for vice the Vice thingPresithat Binay the President hasthebeen is election, presi-hitting “We still have until October. I don’t want to them ing the platform of government and our promises late father andand these Poe said she drinks beerdone or with endorsed at the time. president been state of the nation were alongtrue. everyone like a shotgun. It’s has dency thewere vice not presidency are separate, ” Ca- dent the people. Until the time that we’re in a compromise because I am stillcountry deciding.inIt’swhich up toeveryone to her running like, TSONA was charot,” said wine at parties, butthoroughly that transferrable should equal. this, I cannotwhite to still the want offer, toPoe LP’s hitting everyone “We hopeside that the Secretary siple said. tell you because we are to Reacting them if they wait and I’mbe thankful mate. “The best that the popularpresidential does not make her a drunkShe said the tirades against said she was thankful but standard bearer, like a shotgun. Lacierda does not hide bespokesman Edvice presidential bet can studying and scrutinizing how can I comply with for [their] opening the door to me,” Poe said. Roxas, would have a iswin ard. her drove her harder to push apologized for taking a long Interior SecIt’s like,hind TSONA his ridiculous responses. Lacierda press briefing do he forsaid, her standard bearer when they goatogether these promises, ” she said. Roxas’ invitation came as a defeated senatorial time beating his arch-rival Also, as the chairman thewashard for her advocacies. time to decide. retary charot, he”should do isManuel admit Malacanang. come because was What Poe also debunked reports that saidofshe an during sorties, people wouldindefinitely candidate in 2010 and 2013, Rizalito David, filed Vice President Jejomar Binay Senate committee on public “I am preparing more for all “We still have until OctoRoxas II. have a said presidential the truth: he does not “We recognize all the proba petition before the Senate Electoral Tribunal in alcoholic and a drug addict who went into rehab, the vice presidential bet is popular. So the presidenand whoever would be suporder andanyone. dangerous drugs, the legal challenges that might ber. I don’t to to them in Poe. “The situation spokesman Ed-reply to rational everything that he audience. Butmentioned. if the lat- Hey or tht she had mauled She said all these tial bet can also speak to thelems Quezon Citywant in a bid unseat ported ter by cannot Manilaconnect City Mayor she has been pushing to come. I pity my (late) father a compromise because I am of former Senathat ViceaPresident Binay has but look,then we are addressing all Lacierda to the audience, nothing is win David questioned Poe’s citizenship and said she were aimed at impugning her credibility. Joseph gained, Estrada” Casiple becausesaid. the two of them,” Lacierda added. press briefing strengthen drug rehabilitation because during his time, he still deciding. It’s up to them if tor Tatad is one in said, because that was the true “If you are on the side of truth, you should not was not qualified to sit as a senator because she was have “command not have He enough prepa-” Poeefforts they want to wait and I’m of the misdirecMalacanang. state of the nation, ” he said. “Heinmentioned his TSOCasiplevotes. said ”there was no logic saying thatinPoe be afraid, said. to help drug addicts— not astill natural-born citizen of thedid Philippines. Casiple pegged Binay’s but she is not among them, rations. And he didn’t know, thankful for [their] opening tion. Obviously, “We recSalgado cited the data from NA all the things that you will Poe said she drinks beer or white wine at parties, would make Roxas win because she was popular. failed to pay the P50,000 docket fee required for commandThis votes nationwide a charge the doortotogo me, ” Poe said. youWeather all know ognizethealllatest theSocial Staafraid of. would leave Roxasberelianto on IWe “the are yel- telling that does she not said. make her a drunkard. his case forward, however. there was already but at a “formidable” 20 percent Vice loyal On the of program Unang court her against him, ” she Roxas’ as a herfiled President that he that showed survey five President Binay, we problems are tions to President Also, as the chairman the Senate committee low crowd” that has remained Poe saidinvitation attempts came to belittle andin destroy or more. Hirit GMA-7,drugs, Roxasshe said: defeated senatorialher candidate and mentioned. Hey Aquino in 10 Filipinos consider themgonna solve allover those deminished the probandon dangerous has been Aquino, but this “magic” has only emboldened to “fight forsaid. her cause,” but on public order electoral his“Hi Senator Grace, I was asked efforts“Based She asserted that she has allto strengthen in 2010refused and 2013, Rizalito Secrewe poor. are even selves lems and weF.are here, .we but are look, laston fiveour yeas, he said. – With Christine Herrera pushing drug rehabilitation again to say if sheDawould seek the presitory, we never had such an at Unang Hirit about this and the documents to counter alvid, filed a petition before the tary Mar Roxas addressing all ofConditional “The Cash governance, we’re gonna to help drug addicts—but she is not among them, Maricel V. Cruz and Rio N.inAraja dency in 2016. this is what I’ve told them. Just experience that the vice presi- stay here, we’re gonna solve she is disqualified Senate Tribunal would prefer them,” Transfer Lacierda(CCT) program is she said. “ThisElectoral is not only for my incauselegations but forthat others. dential bet has made the stan- the problem,” he said. informing you so you’ll hear it Roxas to runBut forifpresident Quezon City in want a bid to to unseat Poebut to be added.a temporary Grace solution, is Onquesthe program Unang Hirit on GMA-7, And now, they put me down. I give over dard bearer Based on our fromGrace, me straight. ” tionsAreonthey hernot citizenship andSenator Poe. viceand presimen- the by poor inLacierda said poputhat while“He undermined ]“I win. still believe that the President remains said: “Hi I was asked at Unang Hirit up, who will lose their rights here? every time there is Aquino Roxas said I’ve the told ruling Lib-Just experience, residency. questioned citidentialfor candiin his funding health not that be abletioned to adequate longermight the type is what them. in- lar. But his popularity is no theDavid children who alsoPoe’s fail to identify their parents? about this and this election, the presidency and eral Party is also considering Upon the advice of her zenship and said she was not ” said LaciTSONA the date, andalleducation services. The finish all the by 2016 could immediately mobilize people thatreforms fast,” he And who would prevail here? Are they not those forming you so you’ll hear it from me straight.” the vice presidency are sepa- when he steps down from things Batangas lawyer, she said, wouldsaid asking qualified as a senator that solution you erda. to poverty is of- real the ruling LiberalGov. PartyVilma is also con- said. [from the to oldsitpolitical system]? Are we going to she Roxas rate,” Casiple Santos or Camarines Sur Rep. or Cadocuments once because shetowas a natu“ S ejobs, n a t but or will benot afraid of. dole-outs but fice, but are his new successor “He said. remains popular and there voters.can finsidering asking Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos allow them leadnot us after the endrelease of this these adminis“TheBut best that the Leni Robredo to be his runthe cases are filed in court and ral-born citizen of the PhilGrace refusal Poe and the telling administration’s to ishenough what hetostarted. I doubt if it popular is significant make Mar IWe are marines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo to be his running tration? It would not seem right,” she said. vice presidential for his popularity an order to present ning mate. ippines. He has failed to pay this administraPresident the economy to foreign He said inthree de- open win. It is abet farcan crydo from 2010,words ” he Vice mate. Poe, who topped thethe most there recentispresidenher standard when F. “All of them have their owncompethem. P50,000 docket fee parents, requiredactors where Binay, investors we are robstion theknow people of scribed Binay’s TSONA: added. bearer – WithisChristine Herrera . Maricel V. “poli“All of them have their own experience, tial surveys, said her Fernando Poe they goCruz together during sorties, experience, competency and Poe would not say who she for his case to go forward, that is coming gonna solve all employment opportunities, ” tics of despair. ” and Rio N. Araja Jr. and Susar Roces, taught her to be brave but not tency and compassion for our countrymen and for people would definitely come compassion believed were behind de- ” Roxas however. those Salgado problems said. from, and it At the same time, Lacierda ourthe nation, said. for our counboastful. trymen for our nation, ” because the vice presidential bet denied that Malacanang was jobaccuagainst her, butwe want Poe said attempts to belittle definitelyAquino’s is not and we are Hehere, also denied “What for and a vice-president is someone In dealing with personal attacksmotion and false is popular. So the presidential trying to discredit Senator Roxas said. said she would not be disher and destroy her only emcoming from we are in govclaim that overseas Filipino sations being hurled against her, Poe said she ex- who is focused ‘to the bones’ and believes in the bet can also speak to the audi- Grace Poe, particularly with “What for a Grace, vice- Govtracted her job.straight path, which boldened to “fight adminisernance, we’re workers werethis returning to the we we see want in Senator ercises selfher control and for getsher courage fromfrom prayers, ence. But if the latter cannot questions about her citizenpresident is someone President did Vilma not and cause, ” but againand refused tration. It were does gonna country stay here,because there Congresswoman Leni,”who he added. her loyal friends family to and herWhile dream for the ernor connect to the audience, then ship. is focused ‘to the bones’ and categorically asked Poe to join say if she would seek the presinot do us any we’re gonna more jobs for them at home, Two opposition lawmakers dismissed as a decountry in which everyone should be equal. nothing is gained,” Casiple said. believes in the straight path, unified ticket, the numberjob the dency in 2016. is probsaying civil good, strife and and itwar Lacierda described Poesolve as the molition draft complaint filed by David. She said the tirades against her the drove her harder Casiple said there was no someone who could continue which we see in Senator 1 senator in the 2013 senato“This is not only for my important for us lem, ” he said. in the Middle East are what Reps. Silvestre Bello III of 1-BAP party-list and to push for her advocacies. in saying that Poe would the reforms the President hasLacierda Grace, Vilma and of logic race said she feels Aquino cause butpreparing for others.more Andfor now, GracetotPoe forcedsaid them that to return he Rodolfo Albano III ofGovernor Isabela, both stalwarts the “I am all therial legal challenges make Roxas win because she started. Congresswoman Leni, ” he wanted her to be their vice they want to put me down. that while Aqui- be part of our Philippines. that might come. I pity my (late) father because House minority bloc, belittled the draft complaint was popular. added. bet. But if I his givetime, up, who willnot losehavepresidential team, partinof not be also saidas the He also denied a claimno bymightSalgado as a preemptive move against the senator’s presiduring he did enough prepaThis would leave Roxas re- former senator Francisco able Two opposition lawmakers Since Roxas is a friend, Poe their rights here? Are they not generational finish all in thethe budgets of state Ta- tocreases rations. And he didn’t know, there was already a dential aspirations. lianto on “the yellow crowd” tad that the Liberal Party had dismissed a demolition job help she is always willing to are the children fail to change thatwere the the reforms collegesby and universities Opinions split onaswhether Poe could charge filed inwho courtalso against him,”said she said. that has remained loyal to in its possession classified the draft complaint filed by meet with him. identify their parents? And President wants 2016 when he nominal, but the cuts are real. She asserted that she has all the documents to Roxas, who has consistently trailed in most opinPresident Aquino, but this documents that could be used David. “But to I’mrun telling we get who would prevailthat here? for the country, steps down from “This is in keeping with the” ionthis, surveys, the votes in 2016. counter allegations she Are is disqualified for you “magic” has deminished over against Poe, who has declined Reps. Silvestre Bello III are already preparing the platthey not those [from the old Lacierda said. office, but his administration policy of rePolitical analyst Ramon Casiple said Poe could president over questions on her citizenship and resithe last five yeas, he said. – the President’s offer to run successor of win 1-BAP party-list and and ourRoxas political Hesupport refused budgetary for for ducingcan help because she has noRo“comman dency. system]? Are we go- form of governmentnot ing to allow them to lead us af- promises to the people. Until dolfo Albano III of Isabela, With Christine F. Herrera . vice president alongside finish to say whothem was what and he encouraging the SCUs ter the end of this administra- the time that we’re done with both stalwarts of the House Maricel V. Cruz and Rio N. LP’s standard bearer, Interior behind In efforts started.to be self-sufficient. short, the Araja tell their you because tion? It would not seem right,” this, I cannot a second airstrip on II. He said ingsbelittled at the forum, saying disagree- paring to build Before bilateral minority meeting, bloc, to discredit Poe, the three government is telling Secretary Manuel Roxas Kerry had said it was just one of the ments must be handled on a bilateral an artificial island. only” words them described to fendasking for themselves, “The situation of former alreadyTatad building basis between rival claimants. in rich the two power’s re- shares “who would said. is onea of Binay’s the heTSONA: Lumpur that the SouthChina China is Senator Washington their desire thoughtissues to hold oil and gas complex From A1... 3,000-meter on Fiery Cross you Diplomats and analysts saybethis lations that would command atten- peace “politics “And of de-untilbenefit now, the from Palmisdirection. Obviously, Sea should at the forefront of runway “to preserve and stability reserves. Kerry and China’s foreign minis-Vietnam, which could ultimately be used AquistanceSea”. is aimed at preventing tion in the the talks. this?” silent on spair.” ace has remained all know that President efforts to ASEAN build a morereef, peaceful, Philippines, in the South China From A1... ter Wang Yi discussed the matterMalaysia in for combat operations, according to MarAt the true presenting united front.region. These Binay same state ofThe the MRT, the no and even Secretary secure and stable He stressed from the need to main-a more and include Brunei plans -- allfor a SeptemKuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the the Center for Strategic and InternaManila this week again urged ber visit by Chinese President Xi Jincamp assailed time, switching Lacierda of contractors from “While we actively partici- Roxas would prefer Grace Poe Kerry and China’s foreign ASEAN members -- also have tain “the security of critical sea gathering,Wang hostedYibydiscussed the 10-memtional Studies. AFP, Barcelo ASEAN members make the efforts pas- within to the United States and China’s for denieda world-renowned that Lacierda service theVito vice presidential canin the the to–be lanes and fishing grounds and topate variousping claims, as does Taiwan, minister ber matter Association of Southeast sage of a legally codeof ofASEAN-China didate,” said Lacierda. on the recent and M a l acontractor c a n a n g to“immature a newly regisframework to see that disputes in the area binding many of“great whichcooperation” overlap. the in Kuala Lumpur Asian Nations (ASEAN), which runs until conduct in China toSeaimplement a Irantheir nuclear deal, meetKerry said. ridiculous” rewas trying to with tered firm ties to the Lib“Senator Grace Poe and this dialogue the are managed peacefully andthe onSouth Before bilateral on the sidelines of the gatherThursday. priority tolaw. stop Asian sponses to the discredit eral SenaParty, and the culpability DOC, expansion including the early har- administration know where of international ” China’s had Tuesday, said it wasSoutheast just the basis ing, hosted by the 10-member ing, KerryOn But they of downplayed the issue, a offoreign in severalavoided disputed areas in the conministers TSONA. tor Grace of thePoe, past and present DOTC vest measures, the Philippines that is coming from, and it defButlandhe otherwise one the issues in thesaid twoChina’s Association Southeast Asian day after Southeast Asian warned tested waters. reclamation activities were raising InDOTC a stateparticularly with secretaries. The says initely is not coming from this would like to see ASEAN makNations (ASEAN), which runs power’s complex relations that strong language. the row was threatening peace and Foreign Affairs Albert Philip-has insisted ment, isOffice aboutPresident blindthe to do the Vice ing concrete initiatives to ex- administration. It does notquestions it will not Secretary would regional commandtensions, attentionwith in the China until Thursday. stability. delduring Rosario told foreign ministers pines slamming Beijing’s “unilateral President her citizenship. reality. We sayVice it is the DOTC peditiously conclude a legally us any good, and it is impordiscuss the issue formal But they downplayed the is- the talks. just add I had meeting Kuala Lumpur that the andinclude aggressive activities”. sp okesp ers on and thedenational government binding Code of Conduct. The tant for us that Grace Poe beLacierda forum,insaying plans for a meetings at the sue,“Iawould day after Southeast Asiana goodThese meetingthe withrow thewas foreign ministerSeptember of China Sea should be at the Thevisit US and Southeast Asian South Poe are as blindJoey and deafSalgado to the the that COC should be our priority part of our team, as part of scribed disagreements must be handled by some Chinese warned threatenChina andand I hope very much thatPresident at countries of efforts to build have called China to forefront public who of said MRTthe commutthe suffering if it ais more still to be relevant, generational change that someone a bilateral basis between ri- now Xi Jinping to thefor on ing peace stability. this“Imeeting course of today stable region. suchChina’ activities. could ers, continue ” he said. has never heard and usable in the con- President wants for the counUnitedfreeze States and s “great val claimants. peaceful, secure andpractical would justover addthe I had a good and tomorrow will find a waycooperation” to “While we say actively in Kerry, in arecent meeting an intelligent the reforms the aofswipe He took at Lacitextparticipate of what is happening on the try,” Lacierda said. Diplomats and analysts on the Iran Wednesday meeting with theweforeign minmove forward effectively together, all the efforts within the framework of with ASEAN foreign ministers later response President has erda for making an issuefrom out He refused to say who was this stance is aimed at prevent- ground,” Del Rosario said. ister of China and I hope very nuclear deal, Kerry said. of us,” that Kerry their talks. On Tuesday, ASEAN-China to impleWednesday, said Washington Lacistarted.of the Cavite Secretary State University A Washington-based think behind efforts to discredit ASEAN from presenting adialogue Southeast Asian ing shares much at said this after meeting over meanwhile, told reportment the DOC, including the this earlyweek Beijing Poe, asking only “who wouldHe students desiresaid “to China’ preserve and front. about True the also de-whoerda attended tank said more united foreigntheir ministers s peace theWang, course of today and tomorers that Kerry “welcomed China’s harvest measures, the Philippines stability in the South China Sea”. VP’s TSONA nied a claim by SONA of Vice President Bi-, benefit from this?” Manila this week again urged could be preparing to build a row we will find a way to move land-reclamation activities were would making He stressed the with need toASEAN maintain support for peacefully resolving the formernay. senator indicating that The Binay camp assailed second airstrip on an artificial members to like maketothesee ASEAN regional tensions, forward effectively together, all of raising initiatives island. to expeditiously “the security of critical lanes andof aconcrete South China everything Francisco“We Tatad will remind him that Lacierda for “immature and legally binding the Philippines slamming Bei-sea passage us,” Kerry said Sea afterissue. their ”talks. conclude legally binding of fishing grounds and to seecode that of disBeijing claims control Binay told about Lib- their they held Gathering of the the ChinaCode is already building ridiculous” responses to that conduct in theaSouth jing’s “unilateral and aggressive Wang, meanwhile, toldover re- nearly COCa should be our putes in the area are managed peacethe entire Sea, a key stateinofClub the eral Party had[wasthe Friends held] 3,000-meter runway on Fi- TSONA. China Sea a Conduct. priority toThe stop activities”. porters thatSouth Kerry China “welcomed priorityinnow if it is still be relevant, andsome on the basis of international shipping route thought to hold richThe fully nation were posses-during office hours In a statement, Office in the itsFilipino erytoCross reef, which could China’s expansion several US and Southeast China’s support for peacefully and usable ultimately in the context of for combat Vice President spokesperson law.” oil and gasthe reserves. sion but classified Cabinet true. Secretaries and be used in the contested have called for disputed areaspractical resolving South China Sea Asian countries on the ground, ” But hesuch otherwise strong what is happening operations, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malay“We officials hope documents other that government according to the Joey Salgado said the public waters. China to freeze activities.avoided issue. ” Del Rosario said. language. siaBeijing and Brunei -all ASEAN memthat Secretary could be used were in attendance. We can has never heard of an intelliForeign Affairs Secretary Center for Strategic and InterKerry, in a meeting Wednesclaims control over A told Washington-based think tank – AFP, Vito gent response from Secretary insisted it willAlbert not disbers alsoentire have various claims,day as with China Lacierda againstonly Poe, hope who that they weredoes on Studies. del Rosario foreign national ASEANhas foreign minnearly-- the South Chisaid thisinweek Beijing could be precuss the issue during meet- meeting does Taiwan, of which hide behind has declined officialthe leave,”not he said. Lacierda about the VP’s TSOBarcelo ministers Kuala isters later Wednesday, saidformal na Sea, a keymany shipping routeoverlap.

Mar Mar

Chinese Chinese

T H U R S D AY : A U g U S T 6 , 2 0 1 5

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editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Tacloban airport closed for repairs THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has issued a notice to airmen that it is closing the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City from 2 pm on Aug. 5 until 5 am on Aug. 6 for repairs. Tacloban Area Manager Antonio Alfonso said part of the asphalted landing roll portion of the runway had been damaged and needed immediate repair. The closure order came less than eight months after the CAAP completed the repair work at the Tacloban airport and opened its runway for all aircraft in time for the papal visit in January this year. The airport was damaged by the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013. Alfonso said they were now assessing the damaged portion of the airport and taking up samples of asphalt material to evaluate the cause of the deterioration and chipping off of the asphalt overlay. From April 14 to May 7, 2015, airport authorities limited the Tacloban Airport to smaller aircraft to give way to runway repairs. It was only on May 7, 2015 that the airport reverted back to normal. Eric B. apolonio

Yolanda funds to be used in polls, CBCP exec warns AN OFFICIAL from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on Wednesday expressed alarm over the possible use of the government’s Typhoon Yolanda funds in next year’s elections.

Double duty. Hundreds of mothers including the one above donated their milk in support of Quezon City’s milk-letting program with support from the Department of Health on Wednesday. Lino SantoS

NASSA/Caritas Philippines Executive Secretary Edwin Gariguez expressed this view following recent studies supposedly showing the Aquino administration’s prolonged delays in releasing the funds under its Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan for Super Typhoon Yolanda. “The problem here is that 2016 is fast approaching,” Gariguez said. “When are they going to release the funds? Are they waiting to release it until 2016? What is sad is they may be waiting for 2016 before they release the funds. That’s not good. They may be waiting for 2016 so they could give away this big money. That should not happen.” Gariguez made his statement even as the Department of Budget and Management said the releases of money for the rehabilitation of the areas devastated by Yolanda were made as urgently as possible, and that former Senator Panfilo Lacson’s basis on the slow releases was wrong. The agency said Lacson’s allegations on the slow Yolanda releases were untrue and based on incorrect data. Lacson was the head of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery until he resigned in December 2014. “Lacson’s points do not give an accurate picture of the government’s efforts to

help the Yolanda survivors. Not only that—his claims are based on erroneous information,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said. Lacson claimed that the P80-billion requirement for the Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program was not included in the 2014 budget. Data from a recent study by NASSA/Caritas Philippines, Development & Peace and other advocacy groups showed that only P73.51 billion or 41.61-percent of the total P170 billion in funding requirements had been released as of March 2015. The study further said that only P2.4 billion of the targeted P26 billion for social services was funded in 2014. This was apart from the P13.6 billion released for the resettlement of the required P75 billion, P2.4 billion of the P26 billion for target social services, P9.8 billion of the P33 billion funds for livelihood, and P21.5 billion of the P35 billion budget for infrastructure. Gariguez also cited the lack of transparency on how the funds for Yolanda were used. A report from the Department of Budget and Management apparently showed that the budget for the Yolanda reconstruction was shared with other rehabilitation efforts for other calamities such as the Bohol earthquake. Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Sandy araneta

Roxas hit for ‘resignation drama’ By Maricel V. Cruz

Closed for repairs. Aviation authorities closed the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport from 2 pm on Wednesday up to 5 am on Thursday for repairs on its runway. EriC apoLonio

THE Minority Bloc in the House on Wednesday criticized Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II over his “resignation drama” following his endorsement as the Liberal Party’s standard-bearer in the 2016 elections. House deputy minority leader Silvestre Bello III said the resignation of any Cabinet member should be irrevocable. Roxas should not have waited for the President’s action on his resignation. “His resignation letter should have been irrevocable. You don’t have to wait for the President’s action,” Bello told reporters. Rep. Lea Pacquiz said Roxas should have left his post “out of delicadeza.” “If you really mean public service, you should have

resigned immediately so that people will not accuse you of using the government’s resources to advance your political ambition in 2016,” Pacquiz said of Roxas. Rep. Luz Ilagan had a similar view. “When you cut, cut clean. Hindi yung nagpapa hele-hele ka pa,” she said. But Reps. Elpidio Barzaga Jr.,Bolet Banal and Ben Evardone took the cudgels for Roxas. “Insofar as the makabayan bloc is concerned, PNoy’s government cannot do anything right,” Barzaga said. “If Secretary Mar will not resign they would be saying that Secretary Mar is using the resources of the DILG to enhance his candidacy. On the other hand, when Secretary Mar resigns they would

be saying it is part of the drama.” Banal, a House deputy majority leader and Liberal Party stalwart, criticized the Makabayan Bloc. “What else is new with the anti-government script of the Makabayan Bloc? It’s a tired old script which sometimes leaves me wondering as to who our countrymen trust more: them or P-Noy [President Aquino III],” Banal said. “That is totally a lie,” Rep Ben Evardone said. “It is the height of misleading information. Secretary Mar’s resignation is out of delicadeza. He told us that the moment he declares his candidacy, he will resign immediately.” Earlier, President Benigno Aquino II asked Roxas to keep his post after Roxas submitted his resignation letter on Monday.

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5 killed in Hanna-boosted rain By Francisco Tuyay AT least five minors were killed while three other kids were reported missing in Northern Mindanao due to widespread flooding caused by an Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the southwest monsoon which was intensified by Super Typhoon “Hanna.”

Crusading vs pork. Former Senator Panfilo Lacson relates to members of the University of Philippines community

how pork barrel funds were inserted in the 2015 national budget and threatened that he will ask the Supreme Court to strike out the hidden pork barrel. LINO SANTOS

Duterte warns of drug crisis By Christine F. Herrera DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte on Wednesday warned there are now three million drug addicts and 30,000 drug pushers in the Philippines and criticized President Benigno Aquino III for failing to mention the problem on illegal drugs during his State of the Nation Address. “I suppose he (Aquino) was not given the information about the drug problem. It was only a month ago that the Manila Police District revealed that nine out of 10 youths are influenced by drugs. That is dangerous as it already involves national security,” said Duterte, adding that it will require a bloodbath to win the war against illegal drugs. “If you have three million addicts, it means that you have at least 30,000 drug pushers,” Duterte told his stunned audience in Catarman, Northern Samar last Sunday. The mayor added that considering

this number, it would have to be “bloody to win the war.” Duterte did not reveal the source of his information but it is widely known that Duterte keeps a close tab on developments not only in the worsening drug situation but all forms of criminality. Duterte is passionate in his concern over the proliferation of illegal drugs, which is one of the main points he raises in all his speaking engagements. When asked for his reaction to the last state of the nation address of President Aquino, Duterte lamented there was no mention of the problem of illegal drugs. Duterte has pointed to the enormity of the drug problem as one of the reasons why he is hedging on a presidential bid. The tough-talking mayor does not mince words when it comes to drugs. “I told you, when you come to my city and sell drugs, I will really kill you,” he told his audience of local

officials, teachers and ordinary folk inside a covered court in Catarman. Duterte lamented that his response to the problem is instead given more importance by the administration, particularly Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. “Unya, kana bitawng asawa ni Samson, ako na nuoy gigukod (And yet, the wife of Samson is going after me instead),” Duterte added, drawing laughter from listeners who caught his reference to De Lima. When he strode into the venue after a four-hour delay due to mechanical hitches in the private plane that took him from Cagayan to Mambajao and back, the public address system was drowned out by the shouts and applause of the welcoming throng. “Duterte’s unequivocal stance and success - against illegal drugs has made him stand head and shoulder above the rest of the field in next year’s presidential polls,” according to Lito Banayo, Duterte’s political adviser.

Hanna [international name: “Soudelor”] entered the Philippine area of responsibility Wednesday morning and was not expected to make landfall in the country as it headed to Taiwan, but it strengthened the ITCZ and southwest monsoon causing massive flooding in Mindanao. In Bukidnon, the dead bodies of five of eight missing minors were retrieved by local disaster teams from Valencia town while search teams launched rescue operations for the three other missing minors. Initial reports said the victims were crossing a river en-route to their respective homes from school when they were swept away by flash floods brought by four hours nonstop rains. In Cagayan de Oro City, another unidentified toddler was drowned after the latter was caught by cascading high water current while swimming at lake and was rushed to a hospital whose condition remained unknown. At least 103 families of 483 persons from the villages of Poblacion, Ginoyoran, Sugud, Tugaya and Bagong Taas severely affected by floods have evacuated to the Valencia Gymnasium after the Panlibatuhan Creek overflowed due to heavy rains. The moderate but continuous rain spawned by the ITCZ has already affected at least 2,000 families in in 12 municipalities of

Maguindanao’s 36 towns, disaster officials said. In North Cotabato, six landslides were recorded by the Kidapawan City disaster office and planning to implement force evacuation to about 50 families living at the slopes of Mt. Apo. In Cotabato City, the city government suspended classes Wednesday in elementary and high school, both in public and private, due to inclement weather. Light to moderate rain have been affecting Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato, that inundated low-lying communities surrounding the Liguasan marshland, according to Jo Henry, spokesperson Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team. “The affected families prefer to stay since water normally recedes after an hour or two when rain stops,” Henry said of the affected families. “No evacuation is happening.” Henry said provincial disaster officials are closely monitoring 17 low-lying towns of Maguindanao’s 36 towns. Henry said all disaster and relief workers are on standby 24/7 in compliance to ARMM Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman specific directives to disaster agencies of “safety first and zero casualty.” According to Henry, the flooded communities have been tagged as “perennial flood prone towns of Maguidanao.”

DOJ deports Wang Bo By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Secretary Leila de Lima ordered on Wednesday the immediate deportation of Chinese national Wang Bo, a fugitive from China for illegal Internet gambling. De Lima’s order came after she denied Wang’s motion for reconsideration of her June 8 resolution approving Wang’s summary deportation. “In light of the denial of Wang Bo’s MR, the (Secretary of Justice) also directed the immediate implementation of the BOC’s summary deportation order,” De Lima’s order read. “The SOJ is of the view that the investigation being undertaken by he NBI (National Bureau Investigation) into the alleged bribery and corrupt activities involving Wang Bo can no longer serve s an obstacle to immediate deportation,” she said. The House of Representatives also terminated its investigation into the

alleged bribery after no evidence were produced to support the allegations. De Lima approved last June 8, 2015 the summary deportation order issued by the Bureau of Immigration against Wang, but decided to defer its implementation pending results of the fact-finding investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation on the alleged bribery involving several high-ranking officials of the BI who approved his release last May 21, 2015. However, in its July 12, 2015 report submitted to de Lima, the NBI said it found no evidence to prove the alleged pay-offs between Wang and any official of the BI. It also concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate the allegations that Wang financed the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in the House of Representatives and that he gave monetary contribution favoring the administration’s Liberal Party.

Enforcers’ best friend. While x-ray machines were turned off due to the ongoing

renovation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal One, drug-sniffing dogs were dispatched to check on incoming baggae. RUDY C. SANTOS

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Junjun hits out at libel case transfer; Trillanes no-show By Rey E. Requejo

Ambulance donation. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Vice-Chairman and General Manager lawyer Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II (second

from left) hands over the symbolic key of a brand new ambulance to Mayor Jay Manalo Ilagan of Mataas Na Kahoy, Batangas from the PCSO Ambulance Donation Program during a formal turnover cereremony held at the PCSO main office in Mandaluyong City on August 3. With them are (from left to right) Municipal Accountant Corazon Landicho and Health Officer Dr. Karla Caraan, together with Mayor Ilagan guest Emmanuel Atienza. JOSEPH MUEGO

Comelec advisers insist: Re-use PCOS By Sara D. Fabunan

The Commission on elections’ Advisory Council on Wednesday refused to scrap the contract for the repair and upgrade of the old Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines, despite Comelec’s repeated failure to bid out the contract. In an interview, Comelec commissioner Christian Robert Lim said that the CAC advised the poll officials to instead partially use both PCOS and Optical Mark Reader (OMR) units for the national and local elections next year. The CAC’s point is that it is such a waste if the Comelec will not use the existing PCOS machines, Lim told the reporters at the sideline of the sining of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for voters’ registration between Comelec and Fisher Mall through its owner and

president Robert del Rosario. Lim said that during their meeting with the CAC composed of technology experts and other stakeholders, the advisors urged the agency to look into the possibility of reducing the need for OMR machines from 70,977 to 50,000 machines and combining the OMR units and the existing PCOS units that are still in good condition. Lim said that the CAC would want to see if it is possible that the winning bidder, the Smartmatic -

Total Information Management— may produce only 50,000 OMR units instead of what the terms of reference require. The CAC will submit a final recommendation on Friday. Smartmatic was declared as the lowest bidder for the contract for the lease of 70,977 OMR units. Smartmatic-TIM submitted a bid of only P6.29-billion for the contract. Asked if the use of combined PCOS and OMR is legal, Lim said that Comelec was studying legal possibilities and trying to find a middle ground. Lim said that, they fear that once the Comelec has decided to reduce the machines that Smartmatic will manufacture, the technology provider may back out. Last Saturday, the Comelec - Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC 2) declared a “Failure of Bidding” after the lone

bidder, the joint venture Dermalog, Avante and Stone of David, was found to be “ineligible”. The bidding held by the SBAC 2 was so far its second after the first round of public bidding failed as three companies who purchased the bid documents backed out. Lim said so far, the commission en banc has yet to receive Dermalog-Avante’s motion for reconsideration. Without the MR, Lim said that the Comelec may now officially enter into a negotiated bid with technology providers who bought the TOR of the refurbishment. Companies which bought the document bid for the refurbishment and upgrade of 81,986 PCOS machines were Smartmatic - TIM, Miru Systems Co, and Dermalog - Avante and Stone of David. Lim said that the Comelec is still on track in its preparations to automate the 2016 elections.

The camp of Makati City Mayor Jejomar erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. has assailed the transfer of the libel complaint he filed against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV from the City Prosecutor’s Office to the Department of Justice. Trillanes, meanwhile, failed to show up at the first hearing at the DOJ requiring him to explain and substantiate his earlier claim that the Makati mayor bribed two Court of Appeals (CA) justices to stop the preventive suspension issued against the latterby the Ombudsman last March. Through lawyer Claro Certeza, Binay filed a motion seeking the return of the conduct of preliminary investigation on the libel charge to the Makati City prosecutor’s office. The lawyer questioned the basis for the transfer of the PI to the DOJ after the handling Makati prosecutor granted the plea of Trillanes and inhibited in the case. Certeza argued that none of the grounds for mandatory inhibition under Section 57 of the 2008 Manual for Prosecutors – prosecutor is wife or child is an interested party the case, related to either party by affinity or related to the counsel, or has been named executor, administrator, guardian or trustee of a party to the case – is present in the case. Trillanes sought the inhibition of the entire Makati Prosecutors Office because the Makati City government provides allowances as well as administrative, logistical and personnel support to the judiciary and prosecutorial offices in its city. however, Binay argued in his motion: “Jurisprudence on voluntary inhibition provides the rudimentary rule that mere suspicion that the judge is partial is not enough. The movants have to show by clear andconvincing evidence their charge of bias and partiality on the part of the judge or prosecutor sought to be inhibited.”

Quorum lack snags BBL; substitute eyed Rep. Boyet Gonzales said the quorum problem in the house has been a ‘tradition.’ Gonzales pointed out that during the first The house of Representatives on Wednesday failed to resume its deliberations on the session weeks of the resumption of Congress, Palace-backed Bangsamoro Basic Law be- lawmakers are still busy attending to their mandated constituency. cause of the absence of quorum for the past constitutionally But he said when deliberations on the six session days. budget comes, lawmakers are At the Senate, a committee report on the BBL 2016 was to be submitted on August 11, Senator expected to attend religiously the sessions. The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law was Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday. Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza supposed to be deliberated in the house plenary chided the house leadership for its session last Tuesday. Meanwhile, Marcos, chair of the local perrenial quorum problem. “This is illegal and immoral,” Atienza said, referring to government committee, said he gave a “third persistent quorum problem in the house. party monitoring team a sneak preview of the At Wednesday’s session, only a handful of substitute Bangsamoro Basic Law before he lawmakers showed up at the session hall. submits its committee report to the Senate on The house failed to muster a quroum after August 11. “I promised that I would have the committee President Aquino III delivered his State of on the Nation Address (SONA) last July 27. report Monday. I will sponsor the substitute The third regular session of the 16th Congress bill within a day or two and I will provide the opened on the same day of the President’s senators copies of the substitute bill for them to SONA, with more than 200 lawmakers study. Then we will come back, maybe the next present -- enough number to muster quorum week, and the interpellation process will begin,” But house Majority Leader and Mandaluyong Marcos said in a statement.

By Maricel V. Cruz

Sea row. Kalayaan Island Group Mayor Eugenio Bito-on makes a powerpoint

presentation on the reclamation activities being conducted by Chinese nationals in the disputed isles on the West Philippines Sea during the ‘Kapihan sa Manila Bay’ forum at the Luneta Hotel. Story on A1 Ey ACASiO

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Tax raps on GenSan trader

A BUSINESSMAN who is already embroiled in a fake land title case has been charged with tax evasion by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in connection with yet another questionable real estate purchase, according to land use and real estate report.

Freshman, finally. Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta and Krisel Mallari hold a copy of a document after she was accepted as a freshman at the University of Sto. Tomas on Wednesday August 5. Mallari whipped up a storm of controversy after she criticized her high school for being ‘unfair” to her during her graduation speech. DANNY PATA

Jimmy T. Tang, president of Jibetronic Trading Corporation, is now facing a criminal complaint filed by the BIR in the Department of Justice over his company’s alleged unreported purchase of a P92.66-million house and lot in Wack Wack, a posh subdivision in Greenhills, Mandaluyong City. Julian Montemayor, consultant for land affairs of the Alcantara Group of Companies said: “This is the same businessman who last year suddenly surfaced in General Santos City claiming to own a large, long-disputed piece of government land, brandishing a land title that was discovered to be fake.” The disputed land, he pointed out, is actually the subject of a criminal case that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) filed in the Regional Trial Court’s Branch 85 which is based in GenSan. It was also one of the many fake land title instances that the Senate committee on justice and human rights chaired by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III was investigating. Montemayor was referring to a 707-hectare prime land in General Santos that Tang claimed he bought last year. The area makes up 95 percent of a 747-hectare government property that is covered by an Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) signed in June 1992 between the DENR and Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Aldevinco), a member of the Alcantara Group. “To support his claim, Mr. Tang presented a land title which the GenSan Register of Deeds, upon investigation, declared to be fake,” the advocate said. In its complaint filed last July 23,

Sugar magnate may be deported—SC By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has paved the way for the Bureau of Immigration to deport sugar magnate Jimmy Go, alias Jaime Gaisano, for being an illegal alien. The SC’s Third Division through Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta denied the petition for review filed by Go seeking the nullification of

the October 28, 2009 decision and March 22, 2010 resolution of the Court of Appeals, which affirmed as final the April 17, 2002 decision of the BI ordering the arrest and deportation of Go. Associate Justices Martin Villarama, Jr., Bienvenido Reyes and Francis Jardeleza concurred with the ruling. The high court stressed that there are factual issues that make Go’s citi-

zenship controversial, which must be resolved before the BI and not before the Court, which is not a trier of facts. Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco, Jr., who chairs the Third Division, dissented from the majority opinion. Velasco said Go should be allowed to prove his citizenship in another proceeding. Go’s family ran the cashstrapped Noah’s Ark sugar refin-

ery, which failed to settle a P900million loan it borrowed from the United Coconut Planters Bank more than a decade ago. Suits are currently pending between Noah’s Ark and Cocobank and a syndicate of banks seeking to stop the foreclosure of its 3.9-hectare sugar refinery in Mandaluyong, across the prime real estate Rockwell property in Makati City.

Court stops MMDA anti-smoking drive THE Court of Appeals has stopped the Metro Manila Development Authority from conducting an anti-smoking campaign on the ground of lack of authority. The CA’s Twelfth Division through Associate Justice Maria Elisa Sempio Diy sustained the May 20, 2013 decision rendered by the Regional Trial Court of Mandaluyong City, prohibiting MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino and his personnel from enforcing the provisions of Republic Act 9211, otherwise known as Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. The appellate court rejected the petition filed by the MMDA seeking the nullification of the Mandaluyong RTC ruling. It did not give weight to the claim of Tolentino that MMDA is vested by Republic Act No. 7924, which created the MMDA, with authority to implement laws and ordinances relating to the protection of the environment and public. In particular, the MMDA cited Sections 2, 3(f) and 9 of the R.A. No. 7924 which allows the agency to exercise “regulatory and supervisory” authority over the delivery of metro-wide services which have metrowide impact. These services include health and sanitation, urban protection and pollution control, it said. But the CA ruled that Section 29 of Republic Act 9211 provides that the Inter-Agency Committee—Tobacco (IAC-Tobacco) has the exclusive power and functions to implement and administer the provisions of such act. Rey E. Requejo and Joel Zurbano

Youth power. Ideas Positive is a nationwide competition for innovative

ideas from those belonging to the 15-25 age bracket of the population which when implemented can solve an identified health problem of a community. The program was launched to empower the youth to be active partners in the promotion of a healthier Philippines. At least 14 teams will c join n he competition.

the BIR charged Tang and JTC with willful attempt to evade paying the appropriate income tax as well as with deliberate failure to file the proper income tax return for 2014 in violation of Sections 254 and 255, in relation to Sections 253 and 256 of the 1997 National Internal Revenue Code. Estela Sales, BIR deputy commissioner and legal group head, said their investigation showed that JTC, which is engaged in the wholesale of machinery, equipment and supplies, bought the Wack Wack house and lot from Keystone Real Estate Development Corporation. The company, she noted, was able to pay for the property in full on Jan. 14, 2014 despite having a paid-up capital of only P500,000. “How can a company capitalized at only half a million buy a property worth almost P100 million?” Montemayor asked. He added, however, that he was not surprised. “After all, Mr. Tang is known for making the impossible possible,” he said. “For instance, he was able to buy 707 hectares of government land in GenSan from their ‘rightful owners.’” Tang’s title actually covers five parcels of land located adjacent to the GenSan airport. According to Montemayor, when Tang asked the GenSan Register of Deeds to register the sale, the office wrote him a letter informing him that they could not do so because the mother title of the five parcels “has been found to be spurious” by the Land Registration Authority’s Task Force Titulong Malinis, and was even the subject of an earlier investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation.

3 cops in Edsa case plead ‘not guilty’ THE three detained police officers who were implicated in the EDSA “Hulidap” incident in Mandaluyong City almost a year ago all pleaded “not guilty” to all charges against them during their arraignment at the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court.\ on Wednesday. Chief Insp. Joseph De Vera, Sr. Insp. Allan Dolores Emilano, and PO2 Jonathan Rodriguez all pleaded not guilty at the sala of Judge Carlos Valenzuela of RTC Branch 213 of the charges of carnapping, kidnapping and robbery in band. The accused were handcuffed and wore yellow (detainee) shirts during the hearing. The complainants Samanodin Abdulgafur and Camal Mama were not present during the arraignment. Lawyer Jason Cantil, counsel of the defense, filed a motion for bail for the three accused. He also asked the court to postpone the arraignment but Judge Valenzuela insist ed that the case should proceed. The RTC Judge also issued a warrant of arrest against the remaining police officers identified as Sr. Insp. Marco Polo Estreba, Sr. Insp. Oliver Villanueva, SPO1 Ramil Hachero, PO2 Eronn Decatora, PO2 Weavin Masa, PO2 Jerome Datinguinoo, and PO2 Mark De Paz all still at-large. John Paolo Bencito

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Comelec, university tie up for voters’ registration By Butch Gunio

Razed. The Bureau of Fire Protection is still determining the cause of the fire that burned down the Cotabato City Alliance Evangelical Church Wednesday. OMAR MANGORSI

Authorities forbid runway crossing; residents protest By Eric B. Apolonio

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines reminded residents near the area of Loakan Airport in Baguio City that pedestrian and vehicles will be prohibited from crossing the runway for safety and security reasons, amid opposition from local residents. CAAP Director General William K Hotchkiss III reminded all airport personnel to comply fully with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations and implement the relevant standards, requirements and recommended best practices relating

to the safety in and around airports particularly the runway safety area. Runway incursion has become major safety issue, the CAAP said, as residents and motor vehicles passing through the airport premises pose a great risk to safety of aircraft

during aircraft takeoff and landings. But the announcement posted at the entrance of Baguio City’s Loakan Airport met strong opposition from local residents led by presiding officer Jesusa Lucio-Viscaya of Barangay Loakan Proper. A barangay resolution was even unanimously approved last July 18 with the officers strongly objecting the closing the runway to vehicles and pedestrians. Village officials said thousands of residents would be affected by the closure. The residents also said they did not want to use the alternate fourkilometer paved road provided by

the Department of Public Works and Highways because it requires them to travel longer to reach their school, church and barangay hall. There are no commercial flights flying out of Loakan Airport though it still remains open to aircraft in general aviation and military flights. Local executives are now appealing to CAAP and airline operators to continue their operations claiming it will greatly boast tourism in the area. The last commercial air service was in 2012 and was discontinued due to runway incursion, weather conditions and low passenger traffic.

BALANGA CITY— The Commission on Election—Balanga and Bataan Peninsula State University have tied up for mobile voters’ registration in this city. Balanga City Election Officer Melanio Sibayan said mobile voters’ registration was conducted whole day at BPSU Balanga Campus on Wednesday and will be conducted at the BPSU Main Campus, at the capitol complex, on Friday. BPSU is the biggest tertiary school in the province. Sibayan profusely thanked BPSU President Greg Rodis for supporting the mobile voters’ registration undertaking of his office He said they also conducted mobile voters’ registration to other campuses in this city. The Comelec Balanga has been intensifying its campaign for the registration of voters, and they have posted streamers in strategic areas in the city urging voters to register. He said those who want to register can go to their office in capitol compound. “We are open until Saturday,” Sibayan added.

Small-scale miners ask court to nullify Environment order By Dexter A. See

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet —The Benguet Federation of Small-Scale Miners has asked the Regional Trial Court of Benguet to issue a temporary restraining order and the subsequent writ of preliminary injunction enjoining Environment Secretary Ramon Paje from enforcing at least five Sections of Department Administrative Order 2015-03 revising the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act (RA) 6065 or the Peoples Small-Scale Ming Act of 1991. These sections, the miners say, are baseless, confis-

catory and oppressive to the pocket mining industry. The group headed by engineer Lomino N. Kaniteng said the livelihood of the small-scale miners which would be significantly affected. Caniteng said that the implementing rules and regulations has a penal provision such that if a small-scale miner could not afford to pay the application fees as prescribed for the issuance of a smallscale mining contract, then the miner would be at risk of being arrested and criminally charged for violating the law. Kaniteng also cited the stringent documentary

requirements and the unreasonable, excessive and exorbitant fees and charges imposed to small-scale miners in exercising their trade. Kaniteng cited limits to the period of operation of small-scale mining groups to a maximum of six years as irregular. “The small pocket miners will be left without recourse but to stop their trade which is their main source of livelihood,” he added. According to the group, Secretary Paje will not suffer any damage from being enjoined from enforcing the assialed sections but the miners stand to lose their source of income.

Closed. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has put up a sign that pedestrians and vehicles are no longer allowed to cross the runway of Loakan airport. ERIC APOLONIO

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

VIEW FROM MALCOM ATTY. HARRY ROQUE JR.

A TERRIFIC SPEECH

[ EDI TORI A L ]

STAYING ALIVE REMEMBER that businessman from Tacloban City who was concerned about the lawlessness and looting that was going on in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda in early November 2013? He voiced his concern to the President, who promptly told him in his characteristic devoid-of-empathy tone: “You’re still alive, aren’t you?” Not anymore. Kenneth Uy died of a heart attack July 15. The 42-year-old director of the local Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce is no longer around to act as “big brother,” “Santa Claus” or show his dedication to the city. Uy reportedly opened his hotel and grocery store a week after the howler to provide goods and accommodation to the people despite the fact that the looting had not yet been fully contained. Everybody must die sometime, of course, but it does not make sense to be content with just being alive. President Aquino has conditioned us, in the past five years, to expect little from the government that curiously prides itself in improving the lot of the poor. Despite its grand claims of improving the economy, attracting investments and lowering the unemployment rate, our leaders have set the bar so low that hardship and even danger have become regular fare to ordinary Filipinos. And if there is an improvement, however slight or skewed, the administration is quick to take credit for it, forgetting that its job is to make things better than how they were in the beginning. Yolanda happened a year and a half ago, but life has never been the same for the millions in Tacloban and elsewhere. Until now, rehabilitation in disaster-stricken areas is painfully slow. How can people build back better if they are having trouble building back at all? Merely staying afloat should not be an option. Let’s hold our officials accountable for failing to provide opportunities so that people can do more than survive from day to day.

PLAYED LIKE A STRADIVARIUS LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES IF politics makes strange bedfellows, it also sometimes requires strange courtship rituals. And none are stranger, to my mind, than the non-proposals pitched to Senator Grace Poe by President Noynoy Aquino. I can understand why Aquino is so fixated on Senator Grace Poe. I’ve always believed that Aquino wants Poe to run for President with his help, so he can buy protection and stay

out of jail after he steps down next year – only he can’t really say that without breaking Mar Roxas’ heart. But why did Roxas, who’s supposed to have brains, buy into the thoroughly incredible idea that Aquino was courting – in his strange fashion, of course – Poe to be the Chosen One’s running mate? It simply does not compute. First, let’s get some misconceptions out of the way. Aquino never offered Poe the vice presidential slot on the Liberal Party ticket; he never even offered her anything, truth be told, except the food that he

had prepared during the many times that he asked Poe to visit him in Malacanang. As far as I can tell, the only thing Aquino ever proposed to Poe was for her to go around the country together with Roxas, with Senator Chiz Escudero as their chaperone. Poe insists that no direct offer of any particular position was made to her during the five-hour sessions that she had with the President; I have no reason to doubt that this statement is true. No wonder Poe didn’t know – doesn’t know, to this day – how to respond to Aquino’s unusual overtures. If this were

The popularity of a candidate in a presidential and vice presidential election is never transferable.

a real courtship, no one can blame Poe if she couldn’t tell whether Aquino was asking her to marry him or if he just wanted to talk about the weather. (As an aside, I think I’ve hit upon the true reason why Aquino remains unmarried to this day. If I were a woman and I was courted by Aquino the same way he courted Poe, I’d stop seeing him myself.) Make no mistake about it: Aquino wanted a Poe-Roxas ticket, in that order. But he couldn’t come out and say it, especially not with Mar dropping in and out of the meetings like an insecure girlfriend. Even Aquino can’t possibly believe that Mar can win, with or without Grace as his

running mate. But everyone in the LP (who must also, in private, be convinced of Roxas’ abysmal chances) has to pretend that Poe is still being courted to be Mar’s running mate, just to save face. But I’m afraid that Roxas has just crossed the line between the fictional narrative and the real score. He actually thinks that he needs Poe – and that she will lead him to victory. *** The truth is, Grace Poe is not going to make Roxas win if she decides

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-

to run for Vice President with him on an LP ticket. This is not Joe America’s country (assuming that there really is a Joe America) where you can’t split the ticket, as they call this phenomenon. Filipino voters have always believed that it’s perfectly all right to elect Presidents and Vice Presidents from different parties. The only President and Vice President tandem that was voted into office in recent history was that of Gloria Arroyo and Noli de Castro in 2004 – and the results of that elec-

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tion, as everyone knows, were widely questioned. This is the second fallacy about a Mar-Grace tandem: That it is going to make not just Poe win, but Roxas, as well. Instead of bringing Roxas to the presidential palace in a blaze of Daang Matuwid glory, it will only make him the latest version of what Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco was to Joseph Estrada. Or what, to be more current, what Erap was to Jejomar Binay. Continued on A11

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IN stark contrast to P Noy’s State of the Nations Address, VP Jojo Binay’s True State of the Nation Address was simply terrific. To begin with, it was short, concise and straight to the point. It took no more than 50 minutes, which is the right length of a major speech. It was based on data and figures on the economy, and it thanked the proper individuals: those who sacrificed their lives for the nation, the SAF 44 and not just hair dressers and yayas -with no offense meant to the latter. It was a speech that articulated the unspoken views of a clear majority of our people: that is, from the very beginning of his term, P Noy’s administration was both palpak and manhid. VP Binay rightfully focused on three of the people’s woes: MRT, Luneta, and Mamasapano. I would be lying if I were to say that I take the MRT and LRT regularly. I don’t. But because I deliver regular lectures, too, at Fr. Rannie Aquino’s San Beda Graduate School of Law, I would always take the LRT2 from Katipunan and get off at Legarda. One time, I was very late for one such lecture that I opted to try the MRT line from SM North near UP to Caloocan and from there, the LRT to Manila. I was shocked! The LRT was jam-packed with people, the driver obviously callous and kept on stepping at the brakes making people fall forward and backwards. It was simply hell! The only consolation for me was that I do not take the trains regularly, unlike the ordinary person. Yesterday, after I guested at UNTV, I saw the line at SM North. It literally should be no less than 2 kilometers long snaking through a covered walkway that crossed EDSA. How can this administration promise the straight path when people are literally stuck in the MRT queue! The fact that Binay emphasized this administration’s neglect of the MRT and LRT was to articulate the everyday curse experiences by the train-riding common tao against daang matuwid. VP Binay then detailed the kapalpakan of Luneta, Tacloban, Zamboanga and Mamasapano. The Luneta hostage incident illustrated early on not only the incompetence of P Noy, but his callousness as well. It so happens that P Noy and I have the same favorite restaurant for siopao along Roxas Boulevard. The friendly waiters there confirmed that as the PNP proved incompetent in dealing with the lone hostage taker, PNoy, meanwhile, had a grand time consuming our favorite siopao. Tacloban illustrated Mar Roxas’s penchant for prioritizing partisan politics over the need to provide humanitarian assistance to the devastated city of Tacloban. People will never forget the image and words of Roxas telling Mayor Alfred Romualdez that unless he signed a sheet of paper, Tacloban should not expect assistance form the national government simply because he was a Romualdez. 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

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

VIEW FROM MALCOM ATTY. HARRY ROQUE JR.

A TERRIFIC SPEECH

[ EDI TORI A L ]

The popularity of a candidate in a presidential and vice presidential election is never transferable.

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T H U R S D AY : A U G U S T 6 , 2 0 1 5

A10

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

IGNORANCE OF THE LAW TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

I HAD a good laugh when it was reported that Jesuit priest Catalino Arevalo and some Corystas were working for the beatification of the late President Cory Aquino, mother of President Benigno Aquino III. It’s not a joke. *** The Court of Appeals’ Special Fifth Division has ordered Senator Antonio Trillanes to appear before it on August 14 to explain why he should not be held in contempt of court and penalized over his allegations that CA Associate Justices Jose Reyes Jr. and Francisco Acosta of the former sixth division received bribe money of P25 million each for issuing an injunction against the Ombudsman’s first preventive suspension of Makati Mayor Jejomar Irwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. Santa Banana, this is when I call comeuppance or “karma” on Trillanes over his continued demolition job against Vice President Jojo Binay and his family. Trillanes has been attacking the Vice Pre s i d e nt’s family, accusing them of corruption and amassing ill-gotten wealth, and all without evidence aside from the words of a disgruntled political opponent. I don’t know how Trillanes can get out it. If he says other people told him about this, that would be hearsay! Trillanes and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, together the Yellow, I mean Blue Ribbon, subcommittee Senator Koko Pimentel as chairman, have acted as accusers, prosecutors and judges all rolled into one in the 22-hearing investigation. Well, as they say, what goes around comes around. *** I have read and reread the July 30, 2015 final decision of the Former Special Fifth Division of Court of Appeals on the continuing controversy between the Bases Conversion

Development Authority and the Bob Sobrepenaowned Camp John Hay Development Corp. The company is the developer of the 247- hectare former American base in Baguio City. The findings are very clearly stated: First, that the Arbitration Tribunal assigned by the Baguio Regional Trial Court had ruled that the lease between the BCDA and the developer is rescinded, thus putting both the lessor (BCDA) and the developer (Camp John Hay Devco) to their prelease positions in 1996 because of mutual breaches of contract; Second, the developer, Camp John Hay Devco, must vacate the Camp with all their developments upon the payment of P1.42 billion by the BCDA. Upon payment, the developer must vacate and cease its operations on the leased properties. In the interim, the developer shall not enter into new contracts. CJH Devco must immediately turn over to the BCDA all contracts entered into with third parties consistent with the Arbitration Tribunal ruling; Third, that the BCDA is ordered NOT TO DISTURB the various contracts of the third parties occupying the leased premises; Fourth, that the BCDA is ordered to assist in the Processing of CJH Devco claim filed with the Commission on Audit, which must, pursuant to existing laws, act with 60 days; Fifth, that the petition is granted to petitionerintervenors and petitioner Camp John Hay Trade and Cultural Center that the March 27, 2015 Order, April 14, 2015 Writ of Execution and the April 20, 2015 Notice to Vacate issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 6 of Baguio City in Civil Case No. 7651-R are hereby ANNULLED and SET ASIDE: Sixth, a Writ of Prohibition is issued permanently restraining the Baguio RTC from enforcing and implementing the March 27 and April 14 Writ of Execution and the April 20

I suggest the BCDA lawyers refresh their knowledge.

THE ANOINTMENT DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA AFTER much speculation, President Aquino finally anointed DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas II as the standard bearer of the Liberal Party for the 2016 presidential elections. Everything considered, it must have been a difficult and agonizing decision for the President. Before the Club Filipino proclamation, he tried his best to form a winning team in Secretary Roxas and Senator Grace Poe. Senator Poe however, refused to join. In the end President Aquino was left with no other choice but to endorse Secretary Roxas. If he did not endorse Roxas, President Aquino would have been seen as someone who does not know how to acknowledge a debt of gratitude and reward loyalty. It would also have been difficult to explain to the Liberal Party why he did not endorse Roxas. The possibility of the party revolt was a big consideration. In a way, the endorsement was the easy part. The more difficult part is how to get Roxas elected as president in 2016. The gathering was billed as a gathering of friends -- but why there? It is understandable that the place has a lot of emotional attachment to the Aquino family. It was in Club Filipino, after all, where the late President Cory Aquino took her oath of office as President in 1986. It Notice to Vacate; and Seventh, that petitioners-intervenors and Petitioner Camp John Hay Trade and Cultural Center Inc. are ordered to submit themselves to arbitration pursuant to the provisions of the Original Lease Agreement which are equally binding on the third parties and existing laws and jurisprudence. That’s why I am surprised that the BCDA lawyers now claim that the Court of Appeals decision, after three summary hearings last month, was “highly irregular” and not in conformity with the ruling of the Arbitration Tribunal. Santa Banana, if BCDA lawyers can’t understand the decision of the Appellate Court, they should be fired for ignorance of the law. The Court of Appeals decision gave emphasis to the fact that the Third Par-

was also there that PNoy announced his intention to run for president in the 2010 national elections. But Roxas has no such attachment to the place. For a candidate battling the impression that he is elitist, Club Filipino was the worst place for him to announce his intention to run for president. The place is a bastion of elitism. Even if it was chosen because of its significance to the Liberal Party, it was a poor choice for Roxas because it only reinforces the notion that he is the candidate of the rich. Indeed, one journalist was overheard saying to the other camp, presumably the party of VP Binay, saying that “panalo na kayo puro mayayaman and nandito.” It would have been better if the place chosen was less ostentatious like a simple makeshift grandstand with less fortunate people in the crowd. As it was, an air-conditioned room full of rich people was not a good way to start a presidential run considering the number of poor people in the country. The crowd invited also included local political stalwarts who are considered kingpins in their provinces but have a reputation of being very corrupt which makes one wonder what corrupt politicians were doing in a gathering whose battle cry is daang matuwid. ****** With the endorsement of Secretary Roxas, there are now two declared presidential aspirants. Senator Poe, although she has not made any announcement ties or sub-leases, 1,631 of them, occupying log cabins, units in The Manor Hotel and Forest Lodge, share owners of the golf course, locators and investors are “strangers” to the BCDA-CJH Devco dispute and should not be made to vacate their properties since that would be a violation of the Constitution giving sanctity to their vested rights as “buyers in good faith.” The Court also said that since the sub-lessees were not heard by the RTC and the Arbitration Tribunal, that could constitute violation of “due process” in law. In fact, when the Baguio RTC affirmed the ruling of the Arbitration Tribunal, Page 4, Paragraph 3, of the ruling stated that “As to the list of sub-lesses and/ or vested right holders, they will be governed by the law on obligations and contracts. And Philippine

yet, is certain to declare her intention to run for president in September. This was at least what a very ranking official of the National Peoples Coalition told me. This NPC official also told me that Senator Cynthia Villar of the Nacionalista Party has also committed to support Senator Poe. If what this official said is accurate, then we will be seeing three or more candidates for President. Senator Poe who is clearly the frontrunner and is so far ahead that she could even afford to turn down an invitation from the Iglesia ni Cristo for a meeting. If this report is true, it is probably the first time that a politician has turned down an invitation from the INC, a denomination known for voting as a block. Whether this refusal is a show of strength on the part of Senator Poe or simply a calculated political move, we do not know. After all, she has not yet made any categorical pronouncements as to her clear political intentions. But her refusal to join the administration may now pose some problems for her. This could pave the way for parties to challenge her citizenship and residency status. Indeed, there are now reports that a disqualification case will soon be filed against her as a senator. She however, has been able to assemble a battery of legal luminaries reportedly led by two former Chief Justices of the Supreme Court to defend her. According to another source, part of the strategy

is to make her so popular and ahead of everybody that the people will simply turn against anyone wanting to derail her candidacy. It is hard to see how this particular strategy can gain traction because as lawyers would love to say, the law is the law. Except for Senator Escudero who already said that he is willing to be the vice president of Senator Poe, VP Binay and Secretary Roxas are still scouting for prospective running mates who can strengthen their teams. As of this time, we do not see any of those who have plans to seek higher office jockeying to be chosen by the two declared aspirants. It seems that they would rather be courted. Secretary Roxas is still hoping Senator Poe would change her mind and join him as his vice presidential running mate. This is wishful thinking. Secretary Roxas is better off looking for someone else. Maybe Senator Alan Cayetano or Senator Antonio Trillanes who jumped the gun on everyone by declaring that he would run for vice president no matter what. Governor Vilma Santos has also ruled out a run for higher office. Part of the reason why no presidential team has already been formed is that Senator Poe is delaying her decision whether to run or not. It is putting everyone in suspense. Pundits, candidates and contributors are waiting before they make their final moves. It seems that no one wants to make a hasty move and regret it later. Many things can still therefore happen.

Civil Code Article 1385 provides that “An order for mutual restitution cannot include properties currently in the possession of third persons who acted in good faith.” That’s why I was surprised that it was the same RTC that gave the order to the Sheriff ’s Office to post notices to vacate on all properties occupied by the sub-lesses on April 20, 2015 effective May 20, 2015. I had written that something fishy was happening. Another thing that the BCDA is claiming is that the 50-year lease given to sub-lesses until 2042 is null and void because the lease was only for 25 years. My gulay, either the BCDA is negligent or ignorant when they had representation in the CJHDevco for several years. Another thing, all the money the sub-lessees in-

vested in Camp John Hay went ultimately to the coffers of BCDA. Thus, in effect, the BCDA would be enriching itself at the expense of all the investors, and even getting double compensation by its attempt to have the sub-lesses execute a Deed of Assignment to the BCDA and then have them seek refund from the CJHDevco. The third parties, the CA stated, who are strangers in a dispute, and invested their hard-earned money in properties have vested interests, considered “buyers in good faith.” Legal jurisprudence attests to this. That’s why I suggest that BCDA President Arnel Paciano Casanova, the board of directors and all BCDA lawyers read the Court of Appeals decision again. They need to brush up on their understanding of the law.

T H U R S D AY : A U G U S T 6 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A11

A terrific.. From A9

OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ IN MY last column, I discussed a number of contradictions behind the good news presented during BS Aquino’s State-ofthe-Nation Address the other Monday. Perhaps similarly having observed too much of these inconsistencies, Vice President Jejomar Binay gave his own assessment of the true state of the nation, emphasizing there can be no true prosperity for Filipinos if the country’s leaders have never really experienced what it is like to be poor and hungry and therefore remain detached and insensitive to the needs of the people. In his message, the VP underscored the failure of this administration in its promise to provide jobs, bring down poverty and curtail corruption. Although Malacanang has issued statements belittling the statements of the VP, who can really argue against the sordid reality that after five years under the Tuwid na Daan (and the “kung walang corrupt walang mahirap” mantra) the country’s institutions remained steeply mired in corruption and majority of Filipinos remain jobless and poor. These have indirectly contributed to higher crime rates and more Filipinos becoming victims of poverty, hu-

POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III’s swan song that was the State-of-the-Nation Address polarized the nation not only by what was said but also by what was not said. Much was made of Aquino’s mention of 86 people including Cabinet secretaries and his hairdresser, whom he thanked for various personal and professional contributions to his life. His omission of Vice President Jejomar Binay from that roster was seen as a rebuke of the latter’s criticism of and continued attacks on the administration. Aquino also remained silent on issues such as the Disbursement Acceleration Program funds, justice for the Special Action Force 44, and the alleged un-uprootable corruption in several government agencies. Once again, he took potshots at the previous administration, a running theme in all his SONAs and many other speeches. VP Binay left the SONA “stage left, pursued by bears,” media people intent on getting

Played.. From A9 The popularity of a candidate in a presidential and vice presidential election is never transferable. Just ask Lito Osmena, Fidel Ramos’ VP bet; or maybe Roxas himself, version 2010. There is no benefit to Roxas if he convinces Poe to be his running mate. And the fact that

ONLY THE ‘GOOD NEWS’ 2 man trafficking, illegal recruiters, drug syndicates and other social maladies. For this reason, Malacanang should not be harping too much on the fact that it exceeded the previous administration’s economic achievements. BS Aquino and his advisers should remember that during the Arroyo administration, there was a worldwide recession that affected the global economy. Yet according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), comparatively among the Philippine leaders from 1986 to present, the best average economic performance was posted under the Arroyo administration. Under GMA, the country posted an 8.4-percent quarterly growth in the first quarter of 2010 (0.6 percentage points higher than Aquino’s high of 7.8 percent) and an even higher growth rate—8.9 percent in the second quarter of 2010 – during her last three months in office – the best quarterly economic growth ever in a generation, according to Tony Lopez. He adds that GMA actually “saved the Philippines from a crippling global recession in 2008 with an 1.1 percent economic growth in 2009—one of only four countries in the world able to score positive growth fol-

lowing the worst slowdown in 80 years…” Moreover, the Arroyo administration was credited by international bodies for ably steering the Philippine economy through the worldwide recession. Arroyo’s prudent management of the national government debt and the passage of legislation in support of financial market development, strong focus on tax reforms like the reformed VAT have all contributed to the strong fiscal performance of the country, and resulted in the country’s recent credit outlook upgrades. Even Fitch’s upgrade in March 2013 noted that it was due to the GMA administration’s “improvements in fiscal management…that made general government debt dynamics more resilient to shocks.” Yet under the current administration, despite several credit ratings and high GDP growth, the poverty index, unemployment, and hunger remain high. According to IBON 2014 figures, there were approximately 4.5 million unemployed and 7.3 million underemployed Filipinos. Collectively, this means that 11.5 million Filipinos (over ¼ of the labor force) unemployed or looking for more work. Moreover, the country’s unemployment rate

–using either IBON’s adjusted estimate of 10.4 percent or the official rate of 7.0 percent – is still the worst in Asia. Quoting from the same source, government’s 2014 poverty figures data from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) show that some 56 million Filipinos live off around P100 or less a day while some 66 million Filipinos live off around P125 or less a day. Data also show that the poor has approximately increased by some 2.5 million to 25.8 million poor in 2014. This is despite P178 billion being spent on the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the conditional cash transfer scheme over the period 2010-2014. In stark contrast, the wealth of the 10 richest Filipinos more than tripled from P630 billion in 2010 to P2.2 trillion in 2015. This is a 250-percent increase under this administration. In short, the rich have gotten richer while the poor have gotten more destitute. This is what you get when your leader was born with a cacique mentality. At the end of the day, what will really move the economy and improve the lives of our people are competence, knowledge, hard work and leadership that will guarantee performance and delivery of basic services.

WE NEED A HERO his reaction, which was merely that he would in time deliver his own version of a SONA. This he did at Cavite State University a week after the President’s SONA. Binay called it a “True SONA”, and took the opportunity to scald Aquino and his government for their alleged failures related to the MRT, BBL, DAP, and mouthfuls of other acronyms related to issues ranging from transport, peace and order, misuse of government funds, failure of economic growth to trickle down, and more. He scored Aquino for omitting to mention the SAF 44 in his speech, and proceeded to accord them honor, a gesture that seemed more theatrical than sincere, provoking some of the fallen soldiers’ widows – and many netizens – to tag it as manipulative. From a PR point of view, this was not a good idea, because it was only recently that Binay insulted a police colonel during the matter of the suspension of his son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay. As often with anything Binay, there is that sense of being dis-

connected from reality, of a song being played out of tune. For a citizenry weary of excuses and blame games, both speeches were letdowns. Aquino’s at least had the grace of being delivered with sincerity. Binay’s was a diatribe, a j’accuse, a litany of sins sans the redemption of solutions or hope for the immediate future. We need a hero for the next time around. And who do we have to choose from? Aquino, as expected, has anointed DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, who resigned to pursue his candidacy. Roxas has publicly and privately invited Senator Grace Poe, currently the frontrunner in the presidential polls, to join him as his vicepresident. Together they would be a formidable team – Poe has the bankability, the hatak at the takilya, and an untainted reputation made even sweeter by the esteemed memory of her father, the late actor and presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. Roxas would carry on, and hopefully improve, the programs of the Daang Matuwid.

But why would Poe agree to riding shotgun when she can very well take the wheel herself? Sure enough, last Tuesday, the Nationalist People’s Coalition announced that a proclamation will be made next month for Poe to run for president with Senator Francis Escudero as her running mate. This will make for an interesting race – Binay versus Poe versus Roxas versus – maybe Duterte? Marcos? There’s still time for the undecided to make up their minds. Meanwhile, we the Filipino people must choose a leader who will deliver SONAs of good news and not finger-pointing, of solutions and not scoldings, of feasible and effective programs for economic growth, poverty alleviation, and national development, and not petty ad hominem attacks that reveal small minds and smaller souls. May the next SONA we hear be better than what we got this year.

Poe appears all set to run for President herself at this point will only make next year’s election a real battle between the senator and Binay – with Mar relegated to the sidelines as a non-factor, regardless of Aquino’s endorsement. Of course, it perfectly possible that among those pushing for Poe to run is Aquino himself.

If such a sub rosa arrangement has already been hammered out, then Mar is once again left out in the cold – and Aquino can claim that he fulfilled his promise to Roxas to support his presidential bid. And if Poe runs for vice president, with or without Mar, she is almost certain to win. This is why no one except hope-

less cases like Senator Antonio Trillanes is openly seeking the number two spot – no one wants to fight Poe for vice president, because the odds would just be too great. And I guess this, finally, explains why Roxas breaks down in tears so much. He can’t believe that he’s been played like a Stradivarius all this time.

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That was enough for me to forever dismiss Mar Roxas from all my lists. That incident resulted in our common conviction that we will have nothing to do with Mar since he failed to heed the dictates of humanity and pursued instead the dirty ends of partisan politics. Anent Mamasapano, it should be clear to one and all that the SAF 44 were martyred because of PNoy’s insistence to have his trusted Alan Purisima lead an ill-planned police operation. It is also clear to one and all that PNoy allowed them to be martyred to please Ging Deles and their common friends at the MILF. Binay also articulated what is on the mind of every Filipino on the BBL. He said that any peace agreement must conform with the Constitution, must be inclusive, and must not be rammed through Congress. Perhaps the most noteworthy portion of the TSONA was the true state of the economy. According to Binay, economic indicators cited in the SONA were somehow deceiving because increases in economic indicators did not translate to better live for the poor. Citing the recent survey conducted by the SWS where five out of 10 Filipinos claimed to be in poverty, Binay concluded, “After five years, many are still poor”. Binay also said that while country’s foreign direct investments (FDIs) exceeded P6 billion ($131.24 million) in 2014 this is still he lowest FDI among countries in Southeast Asia. He also decried: ““Kahit na totoong record-breaking ang foreign direct investments noong 2014, hindi rin naman ito nagresulta sa trabaho para sa nakararami,” He said that 21 percent of the FDIs went to financial and insurance activities, which did not generate enough jobs. But the real highlight of the speech was something that I did not expect. After castigating PNoy for thanking everyone but the martyrs of the SAF 44, Binay read individually the names of the fallen heroes. I would say that even for this alone, a recognition to the heroes made by the second highest official of the land, Binay’s TSONA would go down in history as one of the best public addresses in Philippine history. I am happy too that some broadcast outfits carried the TSONA live. This allowed the people to make their own opinions free from the bias hurled against the speech by many commentators, disguised as journalists. As for the Malacanang reaction to the speech, Lacierda’s bad mouth was very scarce probably for the first time. This may be because it really is difficult to argue against the truth. I do not know if the TSONA would be enough to restore VP Binay as the leading presidential candidates come September, when the pollsters go to the people anew. One thing is certain though: ordinary people who heard the TSONA can now find satisfaction in that Binay articulated their views. In a democracy, this is priceless.

T HURS DAY : AUGUS T 6 , 2 0 1 5

A12

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Olympic champ rips drug cheats SYDNEY—Australian Olympic champion Sally Pearson said Wednesday she fears the Rio Games next year will be tainted by drugs, as she lashed out at doping cheats in the crisis-hit sport.

Los Angeles Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant plays against Chinese youth cagers at Huacheng Square in Guangzhou, capital of southern China’s Guangdong Province. Bryant is touring Guangzhou, Shanghai and Taipei. AFP

Bryant hinting of retirement LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant hinted that next season may be his last on Tuesday after admitting it was “absolutely” possible he may finally call time on his glittering NBA career. The 36-year-old icon’s recent seasons have been disrupted by various injuries, but Bryant said he was feeling fit and ready for another campaign with the Lakers, who missed the playoffs last season for only the seventh time. Bryant told Yahoo Sports he has not made a decision about his future yet, explaining that he will continue playing as long as he takes enjoyment from the sport. “We haven’t set anything in stone. And I’ve talked about it before,” Bryant said. “But could this be the last?

Absolutely. “It’s tough to decide. It’s really tough to make those types of decisions. Players I have spoken to say, ‘Kobe, you will know.’” Bryant insisted that his body was ready for the rigors of another season despite his recent injury record. “There are no question marks on what I can do (physically),” the 17time All-Star said. “My body and my legs feel extremely strong and healthy,” adding that he expected to make a decision on his future at the end of the season. “I’m making this very simple. Either I like playing the game and going through this process or I don’t,” Bryant said. “But I think that decision needs to be made after the season.” Lakers general manager Mitch

Kupchak said in May that Bryant had already signalled that the coming season would be his last. “He has indicated to me this is it,” Kupchak said. “He’s on the last year of a deal. There have been no discussions about anything going forward. I don’t think there will be.” Bryant has played for the Lakers for his entire NBA career, but a succession of injuries have left him unable to regularly display the form that made him a 17-time All-Star, two-time NBA scoring champion and two-time Olympic champion. Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon in April of 2013 to end his season, but signed a two-year contract extension worth $48.5 million that set him up to become the first player to compete for the same club for 20 seasons. AFP

The champion hurdler, who will miss this month’s world championships in Beijing after wrist surgery, said she had no doubt some athletes in Rio will be doped. “Unfortunately it’s going to be there,” she told reporters at an event in Sydney marking the oneyear countdown to the 2016 Olympics. “I don’t know how confident I am about how clean it’s going to be in Rio. But as long as we can do everything we can to make it the cleanest Olympics we can, then that is a really good start.” Pearson was speaking as the sport faced explosive new allegations of mass doping, with a database belonging to governing body the International Association of Athletics Federations leaked to German and British media. It allegedly shows details of 12,000 blood tests from 5,000 competitors which revealed “extraordinary”

levels of doping, although the IAAF dismissed it on Tuesday as “sensationalist and confusing”. Pearson, who injured her left wrist when she tumbled during a Diamond League race in Rome in June, said she was disappointed at the latest scandal. “I don’t understand how you can go out into a sporting arena and compete, knowing what you have taken, and be proud of that,” she said. “But at the end of the day, it’s good that they are being caught as much as it’s disappointing that it still exists.” Australian Olympic Committee chef de mission Kitty Chiller said at the same function that the nation had zero tolerance to drug cheats. “If you dope, to be blunt, if you cheat, and you’re a member of the Australian Olympic team, we will name, shame and put you on a plane,” she said. AFP

Knights edge Tigers in overtime; Chiefs nip Titans THE Letran Knights repulsed the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, 70-67, in overtime, while the Arellano University Chiefs turned back the AMA Computer University Titans, 79-76, last Saturday in the13th Fr. Martin Division 2 Cup basketball tournament at the Arellano gymnasium in Legarda, Manila. Renato Ular made 15 points for the

Knights, while Eugene Cujos and Morten Hansen had 15 points each. After the Knights took a 70-61 lead in the extra period, they weathered a late rally by UST in the final two minutes before posting their first win in two games in Group B of the senior division. Marvin Taywan hit 16 points, while Archie Concepcion made 14 for the Chiefs

in posting their first triumph in Group A. In the junior division, the Xavier School Golden Stallions and the AMA Junior Titans pulled of their second straight victories to take the lead in their respective brackets. Tyler Tio banged in 30 points for the Golden Stallions, who slammed San Benildo, 71-57, while the Junior Titans drew 37 points from Gel Macaranas in

stopping Lyceum 93-80. The National University Bullpups prevailed over Holy Cross-Pampanga, 87-71, while Lyceum won over St. Michael, 86-70. Big man Christian Kakonda, a 6’5” newcomer fired 15 points for the Growling Tigers, including a jumper with 1.2 seconds, which allowed UST to come close by 2 at endgame.

PH faces North Carolina in world tilt DELAWARE—Asia Pacific Champion Team Manila–Philippines will clash against USA Southeast Champion Morganton–North Carolina today (Thursday 8 a.m. in Manila) in one of the featured matches lined up in the 2015 edition of the prestigious World Series Girls Big League Championship at the Layton Field of the sprawling Pyles Center at Lower Sussex here. The 2012 Big League World Series Champion, coming off from a brilliant win last Monday against USA West Champion Antelope Valley–California, is favored to hurdle a tough North Carolina team, which absorbed a close loss yesterday to USA Central Champion South Bend–

Indiana, 2 – 1, which in turn was nipped by Antelope Valley, 2 – 1, on opening day Pool A action. The Manila batters are presently on top of the standings in Pool A with one win and no loss, followed by Antelope Valley– California and South Bend–Indiana, which both carry a 1-win, 1-loss slate, while North Carolina is with a 0-win, 1-loss card at the bottom. But the highly anticipated match today is the re-scheduled Pool B battle between the two teams from host Delaware, the 2014 Big League defending champion Host District 3–Millsboro at 1-win, 0-loss and USA East Champion Kent County with a 2-win, 0-loss record.

Courtesy call. Billiard Sports Confederation of the Philippines officials and athletes paid a courtesy visit to Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Ricardo Garcia recently to present their achievement of winning in the 2015 Asian Pocket Billiard Union Asian Men and Junior Pool Championships.

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Xavier hands La Salle-Zobel its first defeat

Dragon-boat champs. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Vice Chairman and General Manager lawyer Jose Ferdinand Rojas II (eighth from left) and Director lawyer Mabel V. Mamba (10th from left) received the members of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team, headed by Lt. Col. Rodolfo Elito after their victory in the Japan Dragon Boat Championship Race Open Category in Okawa River, in Osaka, Japan on July 19, 2015. The Army Team beat 51 others in the competition. JOSEPH MUEGO

XAVIER School—A dealt De la Salle-Zobel its first loss with a 43-27 win that sent the hosts to the Group A lead of the Small Basketeers Philippines tournament organized by the Best Center and sponsored by Milo over the weekend. Xavier remained as one of only two unbeaten teams in the group, the other being idle Chiang Kai Shek College at 2-0. DLS-Z fell to 1-1. Ateneo-B (2-1) clipped Notre Dame, 47-29, but Notre Dame regrouped to beat St. Mary’s College (0-2), 34-31, for its first win in three games. In Group B, La Salle Greenhills-A joined unbeaten and idle Marist at the lead with two wins when it zapped Ateneo-A (2-1), 58-34. The Passerelle Division of this twin tournament for children, Adamson University tripped Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, 8436, to join idle LSGH-A on top of Group A with back-to-back wins. In Group B, Nazareth School of National University marched to its third straight triumph with a 76-59 trouncing of LSGH-B (02) to keep the lead.

Webmasters spoil Panthers’ return By Mikey Izumi CEBU CITY—The University of Cebu Webmasters spoiled the return of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers after a one-year absence with an overwhelming 91-69 victory in the 2015 Cebu Schools Athletics Foundation Inc. at the Cebu Coliseum on Tuesday evening. The victory was the first for UC, which lost, 68-85, to the University of San Jose Recoletos Jaguars on opening day. The game was telecast by Viva Sports over IBC 13 at 7 p.m. yesterday.

Anchored on their constant pressure defense, which forced a series of turnovers that had new head coach Albert Alocillo of the Panthers groping for answers, the Webmasters raced to a 25-11 lead at the end of the first quarter and padded it to a 74-29 advantage at the half. Balanced scoring was the key for the Webmasters, who were led by Melvin Butohan, who did not see action against the Jaguars last Saturday as he was penalized by the team for his failure to attend practice. But he came back with a vengeance to score 23 points, which included five big triples. Team captain Clint Suelto, who had 10 points and 5 assists, was named “Best Player” of the game by TV panelists Rico Navarro and Sandi Grumo, while the three other players, who finished with double figures were Justine Dacalos with 12 points; Garciano Puerto Jr. (11) and Filvenson Culango (10).

Brantford Borces led the Panthers with 15 points, while rookies Mhike Patalinghug and Jaymes Villamor combined for 25 points in a losing effort. In the juniors’ division, defending champions Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu scored a comfortable 68-55 win over the Baby Panthers with Bacolod City native Eroll Pastor leading a balanced attack with 14 points, while Travis Mantua and Gilas Pilipinas Under-16 member Led Cedrick Colonia added 11 points. Box Scores: UC (91) -- Butohan 23, Dacalos 12, Puerto 11, Suelto 10, Culango 10, Montilla 6, Grafilo 4, Tagudin 3, Mayol 3, Santander 3, Codilla 3, Jabello 2, Dumat-ol 1, Luzares 0. USPF (69) -- Borces 15, Patalinghug 14, Villamor 11, Colina 9, Bajamunde 4, Ceniza 3, Laver 3, Avanceña 3, Alocillo 2, Quiachon 2, Bolivar 2, Langahin 1, Sastrillas 0, Silorio 0. Quarter Scores: 25-11; 74-29; 70-45; 91-69.

US Open champ Cilic, Nishikori tested but win WASHINGTON—Reigning US Open champion Marin Cilic and runner-up Kei Nishikori advanced to the third round of the ATP and WTA Washington Open in hard-fought matches that finished early Wednesday morning. Japan’s fifth-ranked Nishikori rallied to beat Australian James Duckworth 6-7 (8/10), 6-1, 6-4 while Croatia’s eighth-ranked Cilic defeated 77th-ranked South Korean teen Chung Hyeon 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 in their first hardcourt appearances on the road to this year’s US Open. “It wasn’t easy to put him away,” Cilic said. “He’s a great counterpuncher.” Cilic, the first reigning US Open champion to play in the US capital since Andre Agassi in 2000, and second seed Nishikori each had first round byes and saw their matches pushed into the wee hours by a rain delay. “It gives me more confidence,” Cilic said of his Grand Slam title. “I’m sure it’s going to give me more faith in my game. In this moment I’m very happy with my game.” Next in Nishikori’s path will be the winner of a Wednesday match between Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer and Slovenia’s Blaz Rola. The 25-year-old Asian number one, playing his first match since

pulling out of Wimbledon in the second round with a calf injury, fought back after dropping a tense tie-breaker to seize command of the match. “From the second set I started playing better, less unforced errors, more aggressive,” Nishikori said. “I was happy with how I played after the first set.” In his first match since a Wimbledon quarter-final loss to eventual champion Novak Djokovic, Cilic surrendered a break in the seventh game but broke back in the eighth. In the tie-breaker, Cilic jumped ahead 6-1, double faulted, then blasted a service winner to win the set after 53 minutes, taking all 18 of his first serve points in the set. “The important part was to get the ball back and put the first serve away,” Cilic said. Third seed Cilic opened the second set with a break and broke again for a 4-1 edge before Chung broke back and held to restore some pressure. Chung had two break-point chances on Cilic in the eighth game but the veteran saved them on a net cord winner and his ninth ace and held, then broke to claim the victory. AFP Kei Nishikori of Japan plays against James Duckworth of Australia at Day 2 of the Citi Open at the Rock Creek Tennis Center in Washington, DC. AFP

Floyd fights Berto on Sept. 12 By Ronnie Nathanielsz UNDEFEATED pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr., fresh from his unanimous 12-round decision over eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao in the “Fight of the Century” last May 2, has confirmed The Standard/boxing.mirror.com July 10 exclusive, reporting that he was set to face Andre Berto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sept. 12. Mayweather is heavily favored to win and equal heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano’s longstanding record of 49 wins without a loss. But some doubt as to whether he will retire as he said he would, or fight one more time in an effort to register a 50th win and break Marciano’s record. The 31-year-old Berto has a record of 32-3 with 23 knockouts and won the World Boxing Association welterweight Interim title, beating Josesito Lopez by a sixth-round TKO last March 13 after dropping him twice in the round. Berto earlier captured the vacant North American Boxing Federation welterweight title with a 12th-round TKO over Jesus Soto Carass, whom he dropped in the 11th round, en route to victory on July 27, 2013. However, Berto lost by a unanimous 12-round decision to Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in a clash for the World Boxing Council Interim title on Nov. 24, 2012. Guerrero faced Mayweather on May 4, 2013 and lost by a lopsided decision with all three judges turning in identical 117-111 scorecards in favor of Mayweather.

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Gilas suffers blow with Williams injury By Jeric Lopez

THE already depleted line-up of Smart Gilas Pilipinas suffered yet another setback as Kelly Williams is now officially out of the line-up due to a serious injury. Williams, a one-time Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player awardee, suffered an injury on his right knee in a freak accident during the nationals’ first official practice on Monday. He reportedly slipped on a wet spot on the court, while performing a set of drills with his teammates. Tests showed that he sustained an an MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury. Although doctors said Williams would not require surgery because there was no ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear, the injury would mean that Williams will not be able to join the Smart Gilas roster as he would need several months of rest and rehabilitation to fully recover. He is expected to return to action when the 41st season of the Philippine Basketball Association kicks off in mid-October. Still, there is no word on whether Williams will be replaced in the 18man Gilas pool. The nationals will resume practice today as they continue to build on team chemistry leading up to the FIBA-Asia Championship next month. Meanwhile, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot and Jeff Chan will stay with their respective teams in the Philippine Basketball Association. All three signed a similar maximum three-year deals to remain with their

mother teams amounting to P15.2 million each and will receive the maximum salary of P420,000 per month. After helping San Miguel Beer win the Philippine and Governors’ Cup last season, Santos and Cabagnot immediately sat down with SMB management and agreed to the new deal, which means that the Beermen will keep their powerhouse core intact. Santos and Cabagnot’s re-signing with the Beermen for the next three years guaranteed San Miguel of retaining its championship core and it will certainly continue to be a perennial contender with the two cagers, along with two-time reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo. After its successful 40th season, San Miguel is setting its sights on a rare grand-slam next season and the resigning of its two of its main guns is certainly a huge step towards achieving that overall goal. The hot-shooting Chan, meanwhile, also signed the same deal to stay with Rain or Shine. With Chan back in the roster, and with Rain or Shine’s other star guard Paul Lee still under contract, the Elasto Painters will continue to have its solid one-two backcourt punch intact and like San Miguel, will be expected to be contenders for championships in the near future.

Ironman Matteo. Triathlete and TV personality Matteo Guidicelli bikes his way through Newtown Boulevard at Megaworld’s The Mactan Newtown during the 2015 Cobra Ironman 70.3 held in Cebu, in which he finished 20th in the Male aged 25 to 29 division race.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY OF BCOLOD………………..)s.s.

7-way...

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

From A15

I, ELENITA P. AZCONA, of legal age, Filipino citizen, widow, and with residence address at Sunnyville Subdivision, Mandalagan, Bacolod City, Philippines, do hereby deposed and declare that: 1. I am the Vice-President and Treasurer of G.V. & SONS, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under Philippine laws, with principal office at No. 50 Burgos Street, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. 2. G.V. & Sons, Inc. is the registered stockholder of the shares of stock covered by the following stock certificates (the “subject Stock Certificates”), to wit: Stock Certificate No.

Issuer RFM Corporation

No. of Shares

7000002376

7000002772

7000003306

7000004067

7000005126

250

7000005856

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE- HEAD OFFICE INVITATION TO BID 1.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites bidders to apply for eligibility and to bid for the hereunder requirement: Name of Requirement

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC), VAT inclusive

One (1) Lot – Maintenance Service for Checkpoint Endpoint Protection System for a period of One (1) Year, as per BSP Terms of Reference

Php3,382,000.00, VAT inclusive

7000006534

Completion Period:

7000007032

140

7000008184

1,075

One (1) year from the date stipulated in the Notice to Proceed to be issued by the Information Technology Sub-sector.

7000008353

270

7000009153

2,325

7000011203

2,235

7000014486

3,355

7000017441

5,030

Total No. of Shares

Bidders should have completed from Y2010 to present a contract similar to the requirement. The Eligibility Check/Screening and Preliminary Examination of Bids shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criteria.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships/partnerships/, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens.

All particulars and activities relative to Eligibility of Bidders, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-bid Conference(s), Evaluation of Bids, Post-qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by Republic Act No. 9184 and its revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

15,095

3. The aforementioned stocks certificates issued to G.V. & Sons, Inc. have been missing or misplaced in the office of the corporation and despite diligent and exhausted search, all efforts proved futile. 4. Hence, said certificates of stocks are considered lost for all intents and purposes. 5. The subject stock certificates have not been sold, pledged or in any way encumbered to any third party in any manner whatsoever and as of this request, G.V. & Sons, Inc. remains to be the absolute owner of the shares of stocks covered by the Subject Stock Certificates, free from all liens and encumbrances. 6. I, for and in behalf of G.V. & Sons, Inc. hereby agree to indemnify and hold the Issuer and its stock transfer agent, the Securities Transfer Services, Inc. (the “Corporation”), their respective stockholders, directors, officers, employees and representatives, as well as their assigns and successorsin-interest, fee and harmless from any and all losses, claims, suits, liabilities and/or damages that the latter may incur as a result of or arising from my request for the replacement and/or actual replacement of the Subject Stock Certificates. In the event of such losses, claims, suits, liabilities and/or damages, G.V. & Sons, Inc. hereby agree to pay the Corporation and/or Issuer liquidated damages equivalent to twice the fair market value or the par value of the shares of stock covered by the Subject Stock Certificates, whichever is higher, in addition to actual damages and attorney’sfees that the Corporation and/or Issuer, their respective stockholders, directors, officers, employees and representatives, as well as their assigns and successors-in-interest, may suffer as a result of this request. 7. In the event that the missing stock certificates are recovered, I shall immediately notify the Corporation and/or the Issuer thereof and surrender the same to the latter. 8. I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing statements and to request the Corporation and/or the Issuer to replace the Subject Stock Certificates at G.V. & Sons, Inc.’s expense. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 13th day of July 2015 at Bacolod City, Philippines. (signed) ELENITA P. AZCONA Authorized Representative of G.V. & Sons, Inc. (Stockholder) SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this 13th day of July 2015 in Bacolod City, Philippines, affiant Elenita P. Azcona exhibiting to me her Community Tax Certificate No. 02912592 issued on January 12, 2015 at Bacolod City and her TIN ID No. 108575828 with her picture and signature as competent evidence of her identity. (signed) ELIAS A. GATANELA, JR. NOTARY PUBLIC FOR BACOLOD & TALISAY CITIES, MURCIA & SALVADOR BENEDICTO NOTARIAL COMMISSION NO. 0035-15 COMMISSION UNTIL DEC. 31, 2015 ROLL NO. 45552 IBP LIFETIME NO. 08536 PTR N0. 0005139 / 1-6-2015/ Bacolod City Doc.No. 34 Page No. 07 Book No. XVI Series of 2015.

Activities Issuance of Documents

Schedule Bid Starting 06 August 2015 (from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. only)

Venue Procurement Office, Room 212, 2/F, 5-Storey Bldg., BSP Main Complex, Malate, Manila

Tel. / Fax Nos. 7087118/306-2567; 708-7115 b. Pre-bid Conference 19 Au g u st 2 015 , 11:3 0 A . M MR2A Conference Room, c . O p e ni n g of B i ds 0 2 S e pte m b e r 2 015 , 2:0 0 2/F, 5 -Storey Bldg., BSP Main Complex, Malate, P. M . Manila 5.

The bidding documents are posted at the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the BSP Website (www.bsp.gov.ph). Prospective bidders may download the bidding documents from any of these websites; provided that bidders shall pay a non-refundable fee of Php5,000.00 at the address above prior to, or upon submission of their bids.

The pre-bid conference shall be open to interested parties. However, only those who have purchased the bidding documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre-bid conference and raise or submit written queries or clarifications. To ensure completeness and compliance of bids, bidders are advised to send not more than two (2) technical and/or administrative representatives who will prepare the bidding documents.

The BSP assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify any bidder for expenses incurred in the preparation of bid.

The BSP reserves the right to reject any bid, declare a failure of bidding, not award the contract, annul the bidding process and reject all bids at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to affected bidders. Further, the BSP reserves the right to waive any minor defects or formality and to accept the proposal most advantageous to the agency. (SGD) SILVINA Q. MAMARIL-ROXAS Chairperson

(TS-JULY 23,30 AUG. 6, 2015)

( T S - A U G U S T 6 , 2 015 )

“I could’ve also shot a 66 but missed my birdie putts on Nos. 16 and 18,” said Lascuña, who beat Que by three to nail his first ADT crown last year at Riviera’s Couples layout. Juvic Pagunsan, who led his team to the pro-am victory last Monday, kept a bogey-free card but hit just two birdies, finding himself down in joint 24th with Ferdie Aunzo, Aussie Paul Donahoo, Alvin Engino, American Micah Shin, India’s Himmat Rai, Artemio Murakami, Charles Hong and amateur Angelo Gandionco. Eleven others submitted 70 scores, including Mars Pucay, John Kier Abdon, Marvin Dumandan, Mhark Fernando, Zanieboy Gialon, Reymon Jaraula, Miguel Ochoa, Taiwanese Lee Cheih-Po, Korean Lee Gyeong Jun, Blake Snyder of the US and Aussie Jack Munro. Current PGT OOM leader Miguel Tabuena recovered from a two-bogey start after six holes at the back, gunning down three birdies against one more bogey to salvage an even par 71 in a tie with Elmer Salvador, the event’s only twotime champion, France’s Erwan Vieilledent, Americans James Bowen and Paul Harris, Japanese Mitsuhiko Hashizume, Cookie La’O, Benjie Magada, Rey Pagunsan, Rolando Marabe, Paul Echavez, Singapore’s Quincy Quek and Reagan Png, Aussie Sean Riordan and Willliam Sjaichudin of Indonesia.

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7-way logjam for lead in Aboitiz Invitational

LOTTO RESULTS

6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M+ 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0 M 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

CARMONA, Cavite—Malaysian Arie Irawan rattled off four straight birdies to close out the frontside en route to a bogey-free 66, joining six other players from different countries, including local ace Angelo Que, in a packed leaderboard at the start of the rich Aboitiz Invitational at the Manila Southwoods’ Legends course here yesterday.

Relay record falls twice at world meet KAZAN—More world records tumbled in the Kazan pool in Wednesday’s heats as the mixed 4x100m medley relay mark fell twice in back-to-back races. The USA quartet of Ryan Murphy, Kevin Cordes, Kendyl Stewart and Lia Neal clocked three minutes, 42.33 seconds in the event’s third heat of the morning session. The new world record came just minutes after Russia had swum 3:45.87 mins in the previous heat to better the old record of 3:46.52 set by Australia in Perth in January 2014. “It’s a fun new event and I was very happy to get a world record...even if the Americans broke it in the very next heat,” grinned Russia’s butterfly expert Daniil Pakhomov before the evening’s final. World records have now fallen on nine occasions in Kazan and more threaten to go later on Wednesday when Britain’s Adam Peaty and Cameron van der Burgh of South Africa clash in the men’s 50m breaststroke final. They both broke the 50m record on Tuesday when Van der Burgh lowered his own mark in the morning’s heats by clocking 26.62secs, only for 20-year-old Peaty to come out and break it with 26.42 in the semi-finals. Australia’s Emily Seebohm brushed off tiredness from her gold medal exploits to storm into the women’s 50m backstroke semi-finals. The 23-year-old led a golden night in the Kazan pool on Tuesday by winning the women’s 100m backstroke final before Mitchell Larkin won the men’s race as Australia enjoyed their best single day at a world championships for a decade. Seebohm was the third fastest qualifier into Wednesday’s semi-finals, but admitted she had not felt at her best before the race. “I didn’t get to bed until 1230am last night and I didn’t feel fantastic when I woke up this morning, but I’m beginning to brighten up a bit now,” she admitted after winning her first individual world title. AFP

Rousey... From A16

Expendables 3,” “Furious 7” and the comedy film “Entourage.” On Tuesday, Rousey was named by US burger chain “Carls Jr” as the face of its latest campaign, following in the footsteps of the likes of Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Heidi Klum and Kate Upton. “Aside from a variety of other factors, (Ronda) was chosen because she is loved and respected so much by both men and women,” a spokesperson from Carl’s Jr said. - Compelling life story While it’s Rousey’s fearless performances inside the UFC octagon that have won her fame and fortune, her back story is, in its own way, just as compelling. After a childhood upturned by family tragedy—her father com-

Heavy rains Tuesday night rendered some spots muddy with water had to be seeped out of some bunkers, forcing the organizing Asian Development Tour to use winter rules, leading to the pros’ assault of the shortened par71 layout, which yielded 44 under par scores with 15 others matching pars. Leading the charge was Irawan, chasing a follow-up to his four-shot romp over Miguel Tabuena in the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Invitational last April, who stayed in the lower half of the 126-player draw with five straight pars but surged to get a view of the top

by stringing four straight birdies from No. 6 and adding another on No. 13. The 24-year-old Irawan, the only two-time winner on the ADT this season, actually missed grabbing the solo lead in the strong field with a flubbed sixfoot birdie putt on the 18th. Like Irawan, Que came from out of nowhere to share the lead in the $100,000 championship sponsored by Aboitiz Equity Ventures, bucking an opening bogey mishap at the short par-4 No. 10 with six birdies, including backfrom-back from No. 15 and four in a solid windup at the front.

“The front nine was a bit easier but at the back, it’s important to make critical putts on birdie holes,” said Que, a three-time champion on the Asian Tour and winner of two legs in this year’s ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour. And if the first round results were any indication, a wild, wooly finish is seen in the third ADT event staged in the country this year co-sanctioned by the ADT and Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Finnish Janne Kaske matched Irawan’s four-birdie binge from No. 6 and went on to fire two more at the back against a lone bogey, Thai Pijit Petchkasem also fired a solid 32-34 card capped by a final hole birdie, Singapore’s Eugene Sim and Japanese Masaru Takahashi also opened with a pair of 32s, and Swede Malcolm Kokocinski leaned on a fiery 31 start as they joined Irawan and Que in the lead, one stroke ahead of

eight other players who churned out identical four-under 67s. They included Filipinos Jay Bayron, the inaugural winner of this event in Cebu in 2011, club bet Anthony Fernando, young turk Clyde Mondilla and Tonton Asistio, with Leon Ang of Singapore, American Sejun Yoon, Mark Leich of Australia and Thai Nirun Sae Ueng. “The course was set up for birdies and I took advantage of it. Overall my drives and iron shots were good but I just have to putt well more,” said Takahashi, out to snap a long title spell that started after he won the ADT KLCC title in 2013. Defending champion Tony Lascuña also put himself in the mix with a 68, leading another big bunch of three-under scorers, who included Aussie Jake Stirling, Taiwanese Chan Shih-chang, Orlan Sumcad, Art Arbole, Joenard Rates, Robert Pactolerin and amateur Jobim Carlos. Continued on A14

Finland’s Janne Kaske hits a bunker shot on No. 12.

mitted suicide when she was eight —she set about emulating her mother, the first American woman to win a judo world title, as a champion judoka. Rousey took up the sport at 11 and at the age of just 17 qualified for the 2004 Athens Olympics. Four years later, she won a bronze medal in Beijing. She was working in a bar when she saw the UFC for the first time and decided it was something she could thrive in. UFC chief Dana White had initially said women would never take part in the sport but was ultimately persuaded by Rousey. “She absolutely brings in a different audience,” White said in a recent interview. “She brings in an audience of people who don’t normally buy every fight. And she brings in a lot of women.” For now, however, the biggest chal-

lenge might be finding an opponent capable of giving Rousey a match. Many hope to see Rousey face another Brazilian, Cris “Cyborg” Justino. The South American, however, would have to come down in weight to face the American, usually fighting at the featherweight limit of 145 pounds rather than Rousey’s bantamweight 135 pounds. Rousey, who has ruled out a bout at a compromise weight of 140 pounds, appeared to be goading Justino into accepting a challenge, referencing the Brazilian’s recent drug ban for testing positive for steroids. “I fight in the UFC, in the 135-pound division,” Rousey told ESPN following her latest win. “(Justino) can fight at 145 pumped full of steroids or she can make the weight just like everybody else without them.”

UA&P to hold its 1st inter-collegite futsal tilt WITH futsal fast becoming the Philippines’ next big sport, the University of Asia and the Pacific will be kicking off on Aug. 15 its latest endeavor in the sport-- the UA&P Inter-Collegiate Futsal Tournament, organized in partnership with the Philippine Football Federation. Joining the competition so far are teams from UA&P, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Enderun Colleges, University of Makati, and Central Luzon State University. The tournament will begin with the opening ceremony

on Aug. 15 with matches every Saturday until the semifinals on Sept. 19 and the championship on Sept. 26. Matches will take place at the UA&P Parking and Sports Building, possibly the first and only facility in the country with an international standard futsal court. The tournament is open to futsal teams consisting of 15 male players ages 1724, representing a college or university. The registration forms, and rules and regulations are available at the UA&P website (wwww.uap.asia).

A16

T H U R S D AY : A U G U S T 6 , 2 0 1 5

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

RONDA ROUSEY’S FACEBOOK

SPORTS “She has that killer aura,” says Mike Tyson of Ronda Rousey.

Rousey eyes global stardom

Still spotless. Far Eastern University’s Peter Quiel hammers in a kill against National University’s Fauzi Ismail (10) and Kim Malabunga during their Spikers’ Turf duel at The Arena in San Juan City. National University pulled through in an endgame thriller, snatching a 25-23, 19-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-13, victory over FEU to match reigning NCAA champion Emilio Aguinaldo College’s 4-0 card.

Fil-Am Rivera rules nd Tour of Utah’s 2 day By Peter Atencio

FIL-AMERICAN rider Coryn Rivera, carrying the banner of UnitedHealthcare, pulled away in the final 600 meters to pocket the Criterium Classic diadem in Day 2 of the Tour of Utah in downtown Ogden, but it was her teammate Hannah Barnes, who grabbed the overall title. According to online reports from Velo News, Barnes started the race behind Allie Dragoo of Twenty 16-ShoAir, who finished

ahead of the pack, with Barnes at 10th place in Day 1. But UHC started Day 2 with three riders in front, with Barnes

sitting third behind Rivera,who hit the front a long way out to pace her teammates. The report said that Rivera’s powerful pull created a separation between UHC and their pursuers in the long finishing straight and held off the peloton to take the win. At the finish line, Rivera saluted her teammate Barnes, who took second and, in the process, won the overall title after Dragoo finished a far 14th place in Day 2. Samantha Schneider of ISCorp Cycling finished third. Two weeks ago, Rivera fell twice

and still finished tied for 18th To 24th positions in a rain-soaked, crash-packed La Course by Le Tour de France. Meanwhile, Tagaytay congressman and PhilCycling chief Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino hailed Rivera’s campaign in her races abroad. He added that PhilCycling has been reaching out to the Fil-American rider since she started riding when she was 15, and has been in constant communication with her family on how she can contribute to the cause of Philippine cycling.

LOS ANGELES—From Hollywood to hamburgers, Ronda Rousey’s cage-fighting exploits are propelling the ferocious former Olympic judoka further towards global superstardom. The 28-year-old martial artist from California completed the latest in a series of devastating knockouts on Saturday, demolishing Brazilian opponent Bethe Correia in just 34 seconds in Rio de Janeiro. The quickfire defeat cemented Rousey’s reputation as arguably the most exciting fighter in any combat sport—she has taken a total of just one minute, four seconds to dispatch her last three opponents. It’s the sort of record which has helped build a buzz around Rousey and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that has been compared to the rise of Mike Tyson in heavyweight boxing during the 1980s. “She has that killer aura, meaning anything is capable of happening,” Tyson said during a recent visit to watch a Rousey workout at her base in Los Angeles. Rousey was already a household name in the United States before her latest win. Two more significant deals announced in the aftermath of victory this week will raise her profile even further. On Monday, Paramount Pictures confirmed they had secured the rights to Rousey’s bestselling autobiography “My Fight/Your Fight,” the story of the fighter’s remarkable rise through the ranks. Unusually, Rousey will play herself in the Hollywood adaptation. She has already demonstrated a flair for the big-screen, appearing in the recent action movies “The Continued to A15

THURSDAY: AUGUST 6, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

July inflation sank to 0.8% PSe comPoSite index Closing August 5, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,662.55 64.26

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing AUGUST 5, 2015 42

P45.745

44 45 46

HIGH P45.700 LOW P45.770 AVERAGE P45.738 VOLUME 683.400M

P475.00-P675.00 LPG/11-kg tank P39.10-P45.35 Unleaded Gasoline P25.30-P28.55 Diesel

oPriceS il P

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

INFLATION rate slowed to 0.8 percent in July, the first time it fell below 1 percent in 20 years, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Wednesday. Data from the PSA showed the inflation rate, or the increase in consumer prices, decelerated from 1.2 percent in June and 4.9 percent in July 2014. This brought the average inflation rate in the first seven months to 1.9 percent, below the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for 2015. “In fact, using the current base year 2006, the July 2015 inflation rate is a new record low, covering the monthly inflation series from 1995 to June 2015,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. The low inflation rate, however, weighed on the peso, which depreciated to its lowest level in five years, amid speculation it would

dissuade Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from following the Federal Reserve when it raises interest rates. The peso closed at 45.745 against the US dollar Wednesday. Bangko Sentral’s Monetary Board will meet on Aug. 13 and see if there’s a need to adjust policy, Governor Amando Tetangco said in a mobile-phone message Wednesday. “While I don’t see the central bank cutting its policy rate or even the reserve requirement as inflation will normalize in the coming months, I don’t see think it will be in a rush to raise rates either after the Fed liftoff,” said Steven Reyes, senior vice president for commercial trading and

sales at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Bangko Sentral held its benchmark interest rate for a sixth straight meeting in June after the economy grew at the weakest pace in more than three years. Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes selected volatile food and energy prices, declined to 1.9 percent in July from 2 percent in June and 3 percent in July 2014. Core inflation in the first seven months of 2015 averaged at 2.3 percent. “The easing of the core inflation is favorable for household consumption and supports economic expansion moving forward, as it provides less pressure for interest rates to increase,” Balisacan said. Balisacan said despite the latest inflation figure, there were risks to inflation such as a prolonged El Niño dry spell that could affect harvests and the occurrence of typhoon in the second half. “Continued monitoring of ag-

Record-low inﬂation.

today

A merchant arranges rice at the Paco Market in Manila on Aug. 5, with the stable prices of the grain this year helping bring down inflation rate to a 20-year low of 0.8 percent in July. The Philippine Statistics Authority said inflation rate in the first seven months averaged 1.9 percent, below the government’s target range of 2 percent to 5 percent for 2015. DANNY PATA

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, August 5, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

45.7220

Japan

Yen

0.008044

0.3678

Pound

1.557300

71.2029

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128972

5.8969

Switzerland

Franc

1.023227

46.7840

Canada

Dollar

0.758610

34.6852

Singapore

Dollar

0.724585

33.1295

Australia

Dollar

0.742115

33.9310

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

121.2785

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266681

12.1932

Brunei

Dollar

0.721970

33.0099

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000074

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.028563

1.3060

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.4495

Euro

1.088800

49.7821

Korea

Won

0.000862

0.0394

China

Yuan

0.161041

7.3631

India

Rupee

0.015700

0.7178

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.259700

11.8740

New Zealand

Dollar

0.658415

30.1041

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031642

ricultural areas is important to ensure that appropriate policy actions are implemented without delay,” said Balisacan. Tetangco said the July inflation was within the bank’s forecast range of 0.5 to 1.3 percent [for the month]. “We expect some monthly out-turns below our target range, but we remain confident that the full-year averages over the policy horizon will be kept within the target range, albeit close to lower end,” Tetangco said. Jeff Ng, an economist at Standard Chartered said some price pressures came from food in July, particularly vegetables, meat and corn. He, however, said given that rice inflation remained benign, headline inflation could remain low. “These trends could imply a gradual pickup in headline inflation by the last quarter of the year. Meanwhile, inflation could remain around current levels for August and September,” Ng said. With Julito G. Rada, Bloomberg

1.4467 Source: PDS Bridge

Gozon defends right to keep Ang’s P1-b payment for GMA-7 By Darwin G. Amojelar GMA Network Inc. chairman and chief executive Felipe Gozon said Wednesday his group has the right to retain the P1-billion downpayment made by businessman Ramon Ang, who allegedly breached the contract to purchase a minority stake in the broadcast company. Gozon said in a statement Ang’s P1-billion downpayment for the purchase of a 34-percent stake in

GMA Network remained “intact and has not been used” and deposited in a reputable bank. Ang earlier filed a estafa case against the Gozon Group for allegedly terminating the negotiations and failing to return the P1billion downpayment made by the president and chief operating officer of San Miguel Corp. “The Gozon Group has the right to retain it to answer for its claims for damages against Ang among others for opportunity

loss, pursuant to law and the term sheet, as Ang prevented the transaction from conclusion and closing, by his unilateral decision not to proceed with the transaction and his imposition of new conditions after the purchase contract was perfected on March 21, 2015,” Gozon said. “As there is a valid and just reason for the retention of the downpayment, there is no estafa,” he said, adding that Ang offered to make a P1-billion downpayment

for the acceptance of the transaction. Gozon said “no deceit” was employed upon Ang who dealt with the Gozon Group and the Jimenez Group throughout the negotiations with a full complement of lawyers and financial advisors. The Gozon, Jimenez and Duavit families own a combined 79 percent of the network, which airs on Channel 7 on free TV. “His lawyers and financial advi-

sors conducted due diligence on the company for several months after the signing of the term sheet, and negotiated each and every provision in the share purchase agreement,” Gozon said. Gozon said he requested for a face-to-face final meeting with Ang to thresh out the remaining issues that the parties’ advisors could not agree on in December 2014, but Ang did not accept the request. Ang was unavailable for comment as of press time.

THURSDAY: AUGUST 6, 2015

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Wednesday, august 5, 2015

52 Weeks

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 17 30.45 10.4 2.6 890 1.01 100 30.5 75 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26 47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 89 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 31.8 109 15.3 9.4 241 12.5 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 238 3.28 0.315 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 26 2.17 0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 0.66 1455 7.5 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 0.0670 2.31 1.61 84.9 3.5 974 156 0.710 0.435 0.510 10.5 1.99 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97

STOCKS

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.94 3.5 73.35 72.2 104.90 102.50 96.50 95.00 47 46.6 2.53 2.53 16.2 16 21.7 21.3 7.77 7.60 1.74 1.74 810.00 810.00 0.430 0.415 89.25 88.1 19.10 19.00 26.00 26.00 65.50 64.60 95 95 308 305 40 39.5 148.8 148 1469.00 1469.00 59.85 59.20 3.31 3.3 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp. 43.3 43.65 43.15 1.11 Agrinurture Inc. 1.56 1.51 1.5 1.01 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 1.03 1.02 1 1.86 Alsons Cons. 1.88 1.89 1.88 7.92 Asiabest Group 11.08 11.36 10.8 40.3 Bogo Medelin 50.6 50.6 50.2 15.32 Century Food 18 18.48 18 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 25.95 26 25.2 29.15 Concepcion 55.5 55.5 54 1.5 Crown Asia 2.95 3 2.83 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.52 1.67 1.55 10.72 Del Monte 12.6 12.64 12.58 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 21.950 22.750 21.95 9.04 Emperador 9.10 9.49 9.12 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 7.33 7.41 7.22 8.86 EEI 9.90 9.89 9.80 20.2 First Gen Corp. 26.95 27 26.55 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 81.9 82.9 81.85 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 13.16 13.90 13.50 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 6.09 6.1 6 173 Jollibee Foods Corp. 194.10 195.90 190.00 8.65 Lafarge Rep 10.1 10.12 9.96 33 Macay Holdings 53.95 56.35 53.35 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 25.1 25.1 24.95 17.3 Maxs Group 25.5 25.8 25.05 5.88 Megawide 6.46 6.52 6.4 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co À’ 308.00 310.00 303.00 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.7 4.72 4.7 8.45 Petron Corporation 7.75 7.78 7.69 10.04 Phinma Corporation 11.86 11.80 11.20 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.43 3.49 3.37 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.42 2.44 2.35 1 Pryce Corp. À’ 4.07 4.16 3.94 4.02 RFM Corporation 4.35 4.46 4.31 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 164.5 164.5 163.6 1.55 Splash Corporation 1.72 1.76 1.72 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.150 0.160 0.150 2.09 Trans-Asia Oil 2.14 2.14 2.13 152 Universal Robina 195 203.8 196 4.28 Victorias Milling 4.4 4.4 4.3 0.640 Vitarich Corp. 0.69 0.7 0.69 10.02 Vivant Corp. 22.50 22.95 22.50 1.2 Vulcan Ind’l. 1.19 1.18 1.18 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. À’ 0.470 0.465 0.450 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 58.7500 58.9000 58.7000 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 22.55 23.20 22.50 1.6 Anglo Holdings A 1.20 1.19 1.19 6.62 Anscor À’ 6.95 7.00 6.82 0.23 ATN Holdings A 0.248 0.255 0.250 0.23 ATN Holdings B 0.250 0.250 0.250 634.5 Ayala Corp À’ 785 795 785 7.390 Cosco Capital 7.35 7.49 7.36 12.8 DMCI Holdings 12.00 12.00 11.78 0.152 Forum Pacific 0.203 0.205 0.205 837 GT Capital 1410 1439 1394 5.3 House of Inv. 6.49 6.58 6.50 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 72.45 74.90 72.05 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp. 7.14 7.3 7.12 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.65 0.65 0.64 12 LT Group 15.14 15.9 15.18 0.580 Mabuhay Holdings À’ 0.6 0.57 0.57 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.04 5.05 5.02 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 7.5 7.5 7.39 0.030 Pacifica À’ 0.0290 0.0300 0.0280 1.23 Prime Media Hldg 1.080 1.100 1.090 0.550 Prime Orion 2.070 2.100 2.040 59.3 San Miguel Corp À’ 55.60 56.95 55.55 1.5 Seafront À’ 2.23 2.55 2.55 751 SM Investments Inc. 910.00 922.50 908.00 80 Top Frontier 77.150 79.950 77.200 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3700 0.3750 0.3400 0.179 Wellex Industries 0.1920 0.1920 0.1810 0.310 Zeus Holdings 0.260 0.260 0.260 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 7.220 7.490 7.250 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.72 0.72 0.70 30.05 Ayala Land `B’ 36.85 38.25 36.75 3.36 Belle Corp. À’ 3.66 3.75 3.66 4.96 Cebu Holdings 5.15 5.15 5.08 0.79 Century Property 0.82 0.84 0.82 0.083 Crown Equities Inc. 0.126 0.129 0.127 0.415 Cyber Bay Corp. 0.435 0.430 0.430 2.4 Double Dragon 13.62 13.88 13.66 0.83 Empire East Land 0.860 0.880 0.860 2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 12.02 19.6 6.12 1.02 625 0.225 78 17.8 58 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

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

SHARES 15,440,640 80,352,531 87,734,356 144,900,607 184,038,464 2,038,356,655 2,551,574,863

3.66 71.8 102.50 95.60 46.8 2.52 16.2 21.6 7.66 1.68 775.00 0.435 88.5 19.36 26.00 64.50 93.5 305 40 148.3 1435.00 59.00 3.3

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.5 73 104.00 95.95 47 2.53 16 21.3 7.77 1.74 810.00 0.430 88.1 19.00 26.00 65.00 95 307 39.7 148.3 1469.00 59.85 3.3

-4.37 1.67 1.46 0.37 0.43 0.40 -1.23 -1.39 1.44 3.57 4.52 -1.15 -0.45 -1.86 0.00 0.78 1.60 0.66 -0.75 0.00 2.37 1.44 0.00

363,000 5,980 4,579,630 887,760 60,400 46,000 7,200 27,100 20,400 1,000 10 70,000 7,078,410 247,000 1,000 208,950 10 22,290 13,400 536,770 5 13,810 3,000

43.35 1.5 1 1.88 11.1 50.2 18.08 25.95 55.35 3 1.66 12.58 22.750 9.38 7.26 9.85 26.75 81.9 13.88 6.04 192.00 9.99 53.35 25.05 25.8 6.4 303.00 4.7 7.72 11.80 3.38 2.39 3.98 4.45 163.6 1.76 0.152 2.13 200 4.4 0.7 22.50 1.18

0.12 -3.85 -2.91 0.00 0.18 -0.79 0.44 0.00 -0.27 1.69 9.21 -0.16 3.64 3.08 -0.95 -0.51 -0.74 0.00 5.47 -0.82 -1.08 -1.09 -1.11 -0.20 1.18 -0.93 -1.62 0.00 -0.39 -0.51 -1.46 -1.24 -2.21 2.30 -0.55 2.33 1.33 -0.47 2.56 0.00 1.45 0.00 -0.84

925,900 62,000 42,000 298,000 34,100 210 132,900 331,700 72,060 5,829,000 494,000 6,600 6,080,900 2,100,300 15,373,200 570,300 6,258,700 34,390 22,800 164,000 843,200 2,059,200 10 147,200 52,100 544,800 839,480 123,000 642,500 800 227,000 974,000 5,345,000 1,117,000 1,180 37,000 21,680,000 602,000 5,501,810 31,000 204,000 11,200 1,000

0.465 58.8000 23.05 1.19 6.99 0.255 0.250 794 7.41 11.90 0.205 1429 6.50 73.00 7.3 0.65 15.6 0.57 5.03 7.5 0.0280 1.100 2.060 55.85 2.55 920.00 77.500 0.3550 0.1920 0.260

-1.06 0.09 2.22 -0.83 0.58 2.82 0.00 1.15 0.82 -0.83 0.99 1.35 0.15 0.76 2.24 0.00 3.04 -5.00 -0.20 0.00 -3.45 1.85 -0.48 0.45 14.35 1.10 0.45 -4.05 0.00 0.00

40,000 979,070 5,334,400 25,000 178,300 30,000 200,000 138,240 4,301,000 6,874,200 70,000 197,920 600 2,649,330 1,635,200 24,000 11,558,300 130,000 32,608,800 610,400 600,000 16,000 1,376,000 298,210 2,000 148,210 2,390 16,020,000 890,000 150,000

7.250 0.72 37.90 3.7 5.15 0.83 0.127 0.430 13.68 0.860

0.42 0.00 2.85 1.09 0.00 1.22 0.79 -1.15 0.44 0.00

152,400 50,000 10,623,800 1,709,000 9,900 1,305,000 2,450,000 150,000 568,700 350,000

36,700.00 330,257.50 272,719,361.00 811,621.50 187,800.00 -37,950.00 -14,995.00 -8,100.00 20,900.00 -29,282,650.50 19,100.00 -3,008,447.00 -6,100,000.00 83,370.00 -3,918,751.00 -82,880.00 13,625,615.00 -2,000.00 188,000.00 -1,136.00 -448,800.00 -3,271,955.50 56,800.00 9,900.00 1,557,690.00 1,464,748.00 -30,939,085.00 2,779,281.00 99,532,715.00 -242,129.00 21,862,398.00 -4,586,508.00 592,855.00 89,067,966.00 507,620.00 648,269.00 215,210.00 1,123,500.00 256,210.00 3,290.00 -45,940.00 -106,500.00 534,593,369.00 129,000.00 0.00

25,808,194.00 26,507,640.00

-50,000.00 -30,480,030.00 -8,019,721.00 6,523,626.00 81,423,045.00 -658.00 25,165,219.00 4,142,757.00 -47,075,188.00 57,413,128.00

-4,117,914.00 77,296,985.00 -38,675.00

-911,119.00 148,747,195.00 1,777,610.00 119.00 2,490.00 130,090.00

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 4.88 0.180 0.470 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 1.62 8.59

0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 2.75 0.090 0.290 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 0.83 5.73

Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Megaworld Corp. MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp. Primex Corp. Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 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 7.67 1700 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 3.2 95.5 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 4 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1 11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 4.8 830 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.95 3.1 1.8 6 0.335 0.37 14.54 3 2.28 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55 7.59 0.63 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. DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Macroasia Corp. Manila Broadcasting Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp. Pacific Online Sys. Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Seven Corp. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Waterfront Phils. Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 0.330 12.7 12.8 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 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 6.5 5.11 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 1.54 0.012 0.013 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

Abra Mining Apex À’ Atlas Cons. À’ Basic Energy Corp. Benguet Corp À’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto À’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining À’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. À’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Petroenergy Res. Corp. Philex À’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. À’ Semirara Corp. TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 525 515 8.21 12.28 111

33 490 500 480 5.88 6.5 101

1047 76.9 78.95 84.8 1.34

1011 74.2 74.5 75 1

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

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

15 88 12.88

3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Makati Fin. Corp. IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

High

VALUE 1,426,871,030.95 2,144,564,636.61 1,457,155,374.21 1,101,074,796.44 2,721,628,810.97 184,387,242.2002 9,045,779,664.38

FINANCIAL 1,678.88 (up) 7.10 INDUSTRIAL 11,655.08 (up) 89.79 HOLDING FIRMS 6,952.50 (up) 67.28 PROPERTY 3,166.60 (up) 52.62 SERVICES 2,142.18 (up) 9.11 MINING & OIL 11,763.24 (down) 63.50 PSEI 7,662.55 (up) 64.26 All Shares Index 4,382.94 (up) 34.13 Gainers: 94 Losers: 69; Unchanged: 47; Total: 210

0.182 1.25 1.93 1.29 4.8 0.102 0.2850 7.37 28.25 1.64 3.33 21.80 0.75 0.790 7.220

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.172 0.172 0.172 1.28 1.25 1.25 2.05 1.96 2.00 1.30 1.29 1.30 4.96 4.82 4.85 0.107 0.102 0.107 0.2850 0.2800 0.2800 7.68 7.38 7.65 29.20 28.60 28.80 1.65 1.64 1.64 3.34 3.30 3.34 22.30 21.80 22.00 0.74 0.72 0.74 0.860 0.800 0.850 7.370 7.220 7.300 SERVICES 8.4 8.99 8.32 8.71 61.3 61.5 61.2 61.3 1.12 1.2 1.12 1.2 0.610 0.620 0.610 0.610 13 13 13 13 9.75 9.92 9.64 9.65 0.0800 0.0810 0.0790 0.0810 3.22 3.24 3.19 3.24 96.35 98.6 96.35 97 10.4 10.46 10.46 10.46 5.20 5.48 5.22 5.44 970 975 975 975 2670 2698 2664 2674 6.35 6.49 6.35 6.36 1.28 1.28 1.25 1.28 110 110 109 110 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.206 0.209 0.200 0.205 1.3100 1.3400 1.3000 1.3200 2.22 2.22 2.22 2.22 9.99 10.20 9.92 9.95 2.15 2.16 2.15 2.15 2.10 2.11 2.08 2.08 41.50 40.00 36.00 40.00 2 2 2 2 7.85 7.99 7.6 7.6 0.325 0.315 0.315 0.315 0.465 0.465 0.445 0.465 20.9 20.95 19.88 20.9 4.80 4.93 4.90 4.90 3.15 3 3 3 107.00 106.00 105.50 105.50 18.90 18.90 18.54 18.90 2850.00 2884.00 2850.00 2860.00 0.660 0.660 0.660 0.660 1.520 1.570 1.510 1.530 36.85 38.35 36.95 38.00 76.35 78.80 76.55 78.80 8.57 8.75 8.58 8.64 0.67 0.70 0.65 0.65 5.4 5.5 5.4 5.46 0.330 0.320 0.320 0.320 2.800 2.790 2.630 2.650 MINING & OIL 0.0058 0.0060 0.0058 0.0058 2.40 2.50 2.40 2.40 5.55 5.55 5.52 5.52 0.215 0.220 0.215 0.220 6.6000 6.6200 6.6000 6.6000 6.8000 6.8 6.78 6.7800 0.67 0.71 0.67 0.7 0.75 0.75 0.74 0.75 6.76 7.30 6.76 6.90 1.27 1.33 1.27 1.27 0.300 0.305 0.300 0.300 0.202 0.203 0.201 0.201 0.214 0.215 0.215 0.215 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.014 0.013 0.013 0.013 2.81 2.87 2.73 2.85 10.4 10.42 10.2 10.2 3.87 3.95 3.87 3.88 1.9900 1.9900 1.9500 1.9900 0.0095 0.0097 0.0092 0.0097 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 4.12 4.15 4.12 4.15 5.36 5.370 5.330 5.36 1.65 1.660 1.630 1.64 0.011 0.011 0.010 0.011 119.00 119.90 118.60 118.80 8.88 8.9 8.6 8.84 0.0090 0.0110 0.0090 0.0110 PREFERRED 59.8 61.5 60 60 527 529 527 529 537 536 535 535 525 520 520 520 6.49 6.4 6.4 6.4 1.12 1.12 1.09 1.12 110 111.5 111.5 111.5 1091 1091 1091 1091 1025 1025 1020 1020 75.5 75.6 75.5 75.5 80 82 80 80 83 84 83.1 83.1 3.2 1.81 1.81 1.81 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.930 4.100 3.860 3.950 SME 6.3 6.2 6.2 6.2 65.95 68.5 65.9 68.5 12.58 12.6 12.3 12.3 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 123.5 124.9 124 124.8

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

-5.49 0.00 3.63 0.78 1.04 4.90 -1.75 3.80 1.95 0.00 0.30 0.92 -1.33 7.59 1.11

560,000 1,284,000 63,793,000 170,000 42,237,000 340,000 500,000 398,000 2,783,200 451,000 63,000 10,934,400 297,000 1,162,000 2,536,400

3.69 0.00 7.14 0.00 0.00 -1.03 1.25 0.62 0.67 0.58 4.62 0.52 0.15 0.16 0.00 0.00 -8.33 -0.49 0.76 0.00 -0.40 0.00 -0.95 -3.61 0.00 -3.18 -3.08 0.00 0.00 2.08 -4.76 -1.40 0.00 0.35 0.00 0.66 3.12 3.21 0.82 -2.99 1.11 -3.03 -5.36

1,244,100 16,800 3,000 104,000 300 9,111,600 16,500,000 176,000 1,676,240 100 139,800 10 169,665 156,500 349,000 815,720 600,000 14,560,000 1,203,000 1,000 1,036,300 493,000 33,000 900 100,000 5,467,600 50,000 130,000 47,859,900 9,000 30,000 2,990 50,900 137,190 262,000 5,579,000 4,634,300 1,571,780 2,094,300 60,745,000 3,950,400 10,000 2,485,000

0.00 0.00 -0.54 2.33 0.00 -0.29 4.48 0.00 2.07 0.00 0.00 -0.50 0.47 0.00 -7.14 1.42 -1.92 0.26 0.00 2.11 0.00 0.73 0.00 -0.61 0.00 -0.17 -0.45 22.22

1,859,000,000 -177,000.00 28,000 -7,500.00 23,200 50,000 13,200 3,200 2,130,000 -59,840.00 396,000 128,000 41,175,000 2,727,040.00 60,000 5,240,000 -50,500.00 80,000 18,700,000 2,000,000 451,000 -240,030.00 1,524,100 -7,107,530.00 2,289,000 7,780.00 26,000 3,000,000 31,500,000 198,000.00 31,000 -82,620.00 145,800 -382,959.00 708,000 -90,200.00 50,900,000 715,830 -8,247,959.00 173,200 -34,602.00 17,000,000

0.33 0.38 -0.37 -0.95 -1.39 0.00 1.36 0.00 -0.49 0.00 0.00 0.12 -43.44

11,600 29,000 1,700 7,000 129,200 87,000 17,390 1,670 6,430 86,880 13,400 1,200 4,000

0.51

218,000

-1.59 3.87 -2.23

100 500 744,300

1.05

6,710

-371,290.00 25,142,420.00 -28,177,460.00 7,350.00 30,544,985.00 -442,050.00 9,523,080.00 58,540.00 3,659,438.00 -26,860.00

-3,900.00 -51,932,132.00 50,948,639.00 540.00 64,183,970.00 -3,823,039.00 2,000.00 1,320.00 -1,293,260.00 2,150.00

-359,221.00 -15,750.00 49,150.00 -19,600.00 25,370.00 75,598.00 -41,582,340.00 -105,950.00 -14,931,490.00 81,330,505.00 3,014,947.00 -32,474,410.00 19,034,074.00 159,700.00

276,600.00

-192,000.00 -1,745,600.00

-16,620.00

-620.00 1,580.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

United Paragon

0.0110

22.22

Swift Pref

1.81

-43.44

Seafront `A'

2.55

14.35

IP E-Game Ventures Inc.

0.011

-8.33

Da Vinci Capital

1.66

9.21

Manila Mining `B'

0.013

-7.14

Suntrust Home Dev. Inc.

0.850

7.59

Ever Gotesco

0.172

-5.49

Acesite Hotel

1.2

7.14

Yehey

2.650

-5.36

Holcim Philippines Inc.

13.88

5.47

Mabuhay Holdings `A'

0.57

-5.00

MRC Allied Ind.

0.107

4.90

Paxys Inc.

-4.76

DFNN Inc.

5.44

4.62

AG Finance

3.5

-4.37

Manulife Fin. Corp.

810.00

4.52

Unioil Res. & Hldgs

0.3550

-4.05

Century Peak Metals Hldgs

0.7

4.48

Agrinurture Inc.

1.5

-3.85

THURSDAY: AUGUST 6, 2015

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

P8-b Filinvest Land bonds OKd By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission en banc approved the P8-billion bond offering of Filinvest Land Inc., the real estate unit of the Gotianun family. FLI said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission it would issue P5 billion in unsecured fixed rate notes with an oversubscription of P3 billion. The bonds will have seven- and 10-year maturities. The property company hired BDO Capi-

tal & Investments Corp., BPI Capital Corp. and First Metro Investments Corp. to handle the transaction. Filinvest Land plans to use proceeds from the bond sale to finance construction of residential and retail and office leasing projects from the fourth quarter of 2015 until the fourth quarter of 2016. “In addition to the net proceeds of this offering, the company intends to utilize internally generated funds considering that the projected total funding requirement for 4Q 2015 to 2016 is greater than the net proceeds of the offering,” FLI said. Filinvest Land plans to list the bonds with Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

The company earlier said it allotted P24 billion for this year to fund the construction of residential, office and shopping malls. It is earmarking around P7.4 billion of the programmed spending for residential project development and P13.2 billion for the construction of office buildings and commercial developments. Filinvest Land plans to use the balance of P2.9 billion to fund land banking opportunities. The company said it was focused on core residential and real estate development, which now includes construction of midrise and high rise condominium projects, residential farm estates and leisure businesses.

Filinvest Land is also expanding its retail and office building portfolio to generate recurring revenues. The property company this year plans to launch P16.2 billion worth of new projects, which include five mid-rise buildings, 10 horizontal developments, one condotel project and two high-rise buildings. Filinvest Land posted a net income of P1.24 billion in the first quarter of the year, up 15 percent from P1.08 billion year-onyear, supported by sustained growth in residential sales and rental income from office developments. First-quarter consolidated revenues grew 17 percent to P4.56 billion as real estate sales reached P3.55 billion, up 16 percent from a year ago level.

TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 32nd Floor G. T. Tower International, Ayala Avenue corner H. V. dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, 1226 Makati Cit y

STAT E M E NT O F CO N D I T I O N A s o f J u n e 3 0 , 2 015

ASSETS Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas P 6, 26 0,16 0,017 Deposit in Banks 5 8 0,75 4,9 6 8 GS Purchased Under Reverse Repurchase Agreement with BSP 0 GS Purchased Under RR A Sold Under Resale Agreement 0 Loans and Rec eivables (Net) 29,892,621,057 (Long -Ter m Por tion of P28,592,5 4 4, 28 4) Available -for- Sale Securities (Net) 1,0 0 0,0 0 0 Real Estate for Sale/ Lease (Net) 0 Real Proper ty, Furniture, Fixtures, Fixtures and Equipment (Net) 77, 26 4,553 Real and Other Proper ties Acquired (Net) 3 0,924,676 Other Assets (Net) 4,587,6 6 8,56 4 TOTAL ASSETS

P 41, 4 30,393,83 4

LI ABILITIES

China machinery expo. The China Machinery and Electronic Products Exhibition, the

country’s source of the latest China-made products, is set to highlight new energy technologies on its 12th run on August 20 to 22 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, SM Mall of Asia Complex. Shown are some of the event VIPs at the booth of Powercity Corp., a diesel generator manufacturer from China. They are (from left) Mary Ng, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. vice President; Delfin Wenceslao, Philippine Constructors Association president; Alfonso Siy, FFCCCII president; Manila Rep. Naida Angping; Jin Yuan, Commercial Counsellor of China in the Philippines; ex-Manila congressman Harry Angping; and George Chua, Fderation of Philippine Industries president.

Market rises for 6th straight day THE stock market climbed for the sixth straight day Wednesday, boosted by a government report that the inflation rate in July fell to a 20-year low of 0.8 percent. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 64.26 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,662.55 on a value turnover of P9.04 billion. Gainers beat losers, 94 to 69, with 47 issues unchanged. The record-low inflation sparked speculation it will dissuade the central bank from following the US Federal Reserve when it raises interest rates. The July inflation puts the year’s average at 1.9 percent, below the central bank’s target of 2 percent to 4 percent. “While I don’t see the central bank cutting its policy rate or even the reserve requirement as inflation will normalize in the coming months, I don’t see think it will be in a rush to raise rates either after the Fed liftoff,” said Steven Reyes, senior vice president for commercial trading and sales at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, gained 2.6 percent to P200, while BDO Unibank Inc., the largest lender in terms of assets, added 1.5 percent to P104. Ayala Land Inc., the oldest property developer, advanced 2.8 percent to P37.90, while LT Group Inc. of airline and tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan surged 3 percent to P15.60. Puregold Price Club Inc. of retail tycoon Lucio Co rose 3.1 percent to P38. Asian markets, meanwhile, were mixed Wednesday as traders assessed the prospects of an early US interest rate rise and China’s moves to stem a recent

market rout. The dollar advanced to a four-month high after a US Federal Reserve official expressed support Tuesday for an interest rate rise as early as September. Tokyo put on 0.46 percent, or 93.70 points, to close at 20,614.06, while Seoul ended flat, gaining 1.77 points to 2,029.76. Sydney lost 0.42 percent, or 23.9 points, to close at 5,674.0, despite big gains by miners on the back of an iron ore price rise. Hong Kong was up 0.47 percent in afternoon trading, while Shanghai was down 0.36 percent as investors took profits after strong gains the previous day sparked by new restrictions on short-selling. The Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges said Monday investors who borrow shares must wait until the next day to repay the loans, instead of settling the same day as previously. That measure followed earlier interventions including banning major shareholders from selling and funding a state-backed firm to buy stocks. “The government’s unprecedented, rushed market intervention may have supported prices initially but at the expense of its long-term credibility,” Alex Wolf, an economist for emerging markets at Standard Life Investments, told Bloomberg News. Traders were also taking note of a International Monetary Fund declaration Tuesday that “significant work” needs to be done in reviewing the inclusion of China’s currency in its basket of “special drawing rights” reserve currency. With Bloomberg, AFP

Bills Payable Accr ued Ta xes and Other E xpenses Other Liabilites

P 31,333,48 6,38 8 382,177,142 5,569,011, 269

TOTAL LI ABILITIES

P 37, 28 4 ,674 ,800

CAPITAL ACCOUNTS Capital Stock Retained Ear nings

P 1,70 0,0 0 0,0 0 0 2,4 45,719,03 4

Sub - Total Less: Treasur y Stock

P 4,145,719,03 4 0

TOTA L CA PITA L ACCOUNTS

P 4,145,719,03 4

TOTA L LIA BILITIES A ND CA PITA L ACCOUNTS

P 41,43 0,393,83 4

COMMITMENT AND OTHER CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Other Contingent Acc ounts

Note: 1. Held for Trading Securities c omprise of Government Securities of P0 and Equit y Securities - Common Shares of P0 2. Non - per for ming loans and ratio to total loan por t folio: P413,45 8,9 55; 1.14% 3. Classif ied loans and other risk assets: P1,056,8 48,0 6 4 4. General loan loss reser ve: P97,6 47,53 4 5. Specif ic loan loss reser ve: P69 6,411,821 6. Retur n on equit y (ROE): 15.14% 7. DOSRI loans/advanc es and ratio to total loan por t folio; None 8. Past due DOSRI loans/advanc es and ratio to total por t folio: None REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) We, Ma. Theresa J. Ilao, Comptroller / Vic e - President and Atsushi Murakami, President of the aboved - mentioned NBQB, do solemnly swear that all mat ters set for th in the statement of c ondition are tr ue and c orrect to the best of our knowledge and belief. (Sgd.) MA . THERESA J. IL AO Comptroller/ Vic e - President

(Sgd.) ATSUSHI MUR AK AMI President

SUBSCRIBED A ND SWORN to before me this 28 th day of July 2015, af f iants exhibiting to me their Driver ’s Lic ense No. N26 020 0 4505 issued at Manila and Passpor t No. TG826 0 43 6 issued at Japan.

Doc. No. 283 Page No.5 8 Book No.12 Ser ies of 2015

(Sgd.) AT T Y. DUSTIN JAY A . CONDE Z Roll No.57112 PTR No. 4281921; 02-12-14; Makati Cit y IBP No. 9233 40; 01-10 -13;RSM Chapter A ppointment No. M -241 (2014 -2015) Suite 1015, 10 F Cit yland Condominium 10 Tower 1 Ayala Ave. c or. H.V. dela Costa Street, Makati Cit y MCLE Complianc e No. IV- 0 014243 Issued on March 21, 2013

B4 Henry Sy center. The Henry Sy Foundation will build a new innovation center (inset)—an art, science and technology lab at Miriam College in Quezon City. To be named the “Henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center,” the cylindrical building will house workshop rooms, fabrication laboratories and exhibition spaces. Shown during the groundbreaking ceremony are (from left) architect Ed Calma, Miriam College chair and BDO Private Bank president Josefina Tan, SM Investments Corp. executive vice president and chief finance officer Jose Sio, Miriam College president Rosario Lapus and SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. president Elizabeth Sy.

Conergy bags solar contract By Alena Mae S. Flores

PETROSOLAR Corp. has awarded Conergy, a leading German photovoltaic solution and service provider, the contract to build a 50-megawatt solar power plant in Tarlac City. This is the first collaboration between Conergy and PetroSolar Corp., a company owned by PetroGreen Energy Corp. and EEI Power Corp. PetroGreen is a majority controlled by listed PetroEnergy Resources Corp. Conergy is one of the world’s largest downstream solar companies, specializing in the design, finance, build and operation of high performance solar systems for homes, businesses and utilityscale power.

PetroSolar was incorporated to carry out the Tarlac solar power project and is the latest addition to Conergy’s growing list of customers in the Philippines. “PetroGreen and EEI Power continue to carefully select for investments in renewable energy, realizing the huge potential and the benefit of the RE sector in the Philippines,” PetroSolar president Milagros Reyes said in a statement. “PetroSolar intends for the TSPP to be granted the feed-in-

tariff for solar projects and is thus geared towards completing the project on time,” she said. PetroEnergy earlier reallocated P175 million from the proceeds of its stock rights offering to fund the Tarlac solar project instead of the second phase of the 36-megawatt Nabas wind power project in Aklan. Alexander Lenz, president of Conergy Asia & Middle East said the company’s mission was to power the world by harnessing the power of the sun, paving the way for building greener communities that are less dependent on fossil fuels. “For this reason, we very much look forward to working with PetroSolar Corp. to bring this solar plant online. This project will utilize similar solar solutions as what we’ve deployed at our other projects in the country which

have performed very well and we expect this project to deliver similar success,” said Lenz. Tarlac, situated in the central plains of Luzon with approximately 75 percent of its land consisting of flat terrain makes it highly favorable for PV development. The Tarlac solar power project is located a 55-hectare property with no trees or mountains in close proximity that could potentially obstruct solar access. The facility has a size of 550,003 square meters capable of producing 78,070 megawatt-hours per year and providing clean energy to 31,700 households. The solar power plant is expected to save over 47,800 tons of carbon emissions annually. Conergy has established itself as one of the leading downstream solar companies in the Philippines.

Ayala unit studies liquefied natural gas investment AC ENERGY Holdings, Inc., the energy arm of the Ayala Group, said it is interested in investing in the liquefied natural gas industry. “Theoretically, yes but practically speaking, it’s very challenging because you need the scale to make LNG to work,” AC Energy president Eric Francia said when asked if the company was open to joining the LNG sector. Interest in LNG has been growing, amid concerns that natural gas from the Malampaya natural gas reservoir in northwest Palawan would be depleted by 2024. “You need, number one, the scale and number two, to solve the entire value or supply chain, meaning all parts, elements of that chain because it’s connected. You need to secure the gas supply, LNG facility, the gas plant and then the offtaker,” Francia said. Francia said the development of LNG might also involve establishing a natural gas pipeline. “You have to look at the entire chain…Each element should be financially feasible…If

there is a weakest link, it’s not going to work,” he said. Francia said AC Energy’s attributable capacity reached 700 megawatts, near its goal of attaining a 1,000-MW attributable capacity by 2016. He said the remaining 300 MW of the target was expected to be filled up from the expansion of GN Power’s Mariveles 600-MW coal plant in Bataan. Francia earlier said AC Energy was looking at expanding renewable energy projects. He said the company was studying the feasibility of solar projects and expanding AC Energy’s wind power project in Ilocos Norte. “We will continue to monitor solar. Panel prices have gone down...We are not participating in the race but [it] doesn’t mean we have forgotten solar. It’s a medium to longterm thing,” Francia said. He said AC Energy was also waiting for guidance from the government on the wind installation target to guide the expansion of

its 81-megawatt wind power project in Ilocos Norte. AC Energy, through affiliate North Luzon Renewable Energy Corp., completed an 81MW wind farm in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on Nov. 11, 2014. Francia said while the Energy Department had announced it would bid out wind projects outside the approved installation targets, the agency had not released the bidding guidelines yet. “We are waiting for guidance for the next round [of wind installation]....There is a potential increase [of the Pagudpud wind farm] by less than double the size,” he said. Francia said the company’s hydro projects had yet to fully take off. These projects include the Tinoc hydro projects in Ifugao. Quadriver Energy Corp., the joint venture of AC Energy and Sta. Clara Power Corp., received an approval from the Energy Department for the Tinoc hydro projects totaling 14.5 MW. Alena Mae S. Flores

Companies welcome new ERC chairman POWER producers said Wednesday they welcome the appointment of lawyer Jose Vicente Salazar as the new chairman of the Energy Regulatory Commission, replacing Zenaida Cruz-Ducut whose term expired in July. “We welcome his appointment. He is a lawyer with good technical capabilities. Hopefully, with a full set of commissioners, the backlog will be reduced and rule uncertainties will be resolved quickly,” Philippine Independent Power Producers Association Inc. president Luis Miguel Aboitiz said. PIPPA is an association of 28 companies engaged in power generation. Collectively, PIPPA’s members account for 13,549.4 megawatts or 82.8 percent of grid installed capacity and serve millions of Filipinos in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. National Renewable Energy Board chairman Pete Maniego said Salazar’s qualifications “appear to be appropriate for the position.” President Benigno Aquino III appointed Salazar, 45, who served as Justice undersecretaryon Friday, serving a sevenyear term until July 10, 2022. Salazar also co-chaired the Energy-Justice Task Force on the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998. He was also a former board member of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. and former senior consultant for the National Transmission Corp. from 2005 to 2007. Alena Mae S. Flores

T H U R S D AY : A U G U S T 6 , 2 0 1 5

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

Land Bank’s profit rises 19% By Julito G. Rada

STATE-RUN Land Bank of the Philippines, the country’s fourth largest lender, said Wednesday net income grew 19 percent in the first semester to P7.2 billion from P6.04 billion a year ago, on sustained growth in loans and investments. Land Bank said in a statement the first-half net profit exceeded by 20 percent its semestral income target of P6 billion. Return on equity for the sixmonth period reached 18.26 percent while net interest margin stood at 3.25 percent, above latest industry averages. Land Bank president and chief executive Gilda Pico attributed the increase in income to the continued focus on core operations. “We are on track to meet our full-year targets and well-positioned for continued growth as we double our efforts in strengthening our core business seg-

ments,” Pico said. Interest income on loans jumped 18 percent as the bank’s gross loan portfolio grew to P414 billion in the six-month period from P356.1 billion in the same period last year. Meanwhile, income from investments in financial assets grew 36 percent. Total assets went up by 16 percent to P1.09 trillion from 942 billion as deposits grew 18 percent to P954.3 billion from P808.4 billion a year ago. Total capital, meanwhile, stood at P74.5 billion. Land Bank is the only universal bank present in all provinces of the country with

its nationwide network of 353 branches and 1,404 automated teller machines. The bank plans to open eight more branches and extension offices within the year. Land Bank is the largest credit provider to small farmers and fishers, local government units, micro-enterprises and small and medium enterprises among government financial institutions. The bank said to complement its network of branches, it launched the LandBank Easy Access Facility or Leaf in line with its thrust towards greater financial inclusion. Leaf functions as “other banking office” that allows clients to conduct non-transactional banking activities such as ATM withdrawals, self-service cash deposits, submission of loan applications and requirements for opening accounts, and inquiries about loans, savings, and other products and services. The bank has so far opened 20 Leafs in rural locations across the country as of June this year.

French envoy’s award.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima (right) congratulates French Ambassador to the Philippines Gilles Garachon after the latter was conferred Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Grand Cross (Datu), Gold Distinction (Katangiang Ginto) by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Purisima thanked Ambassador Garachon for deepening the economic ties between France and the Philippines, as well as for being a steadfast development partner.

Nickel Asia hikes stake in power unit By Anna Leah E. Gonzales NICKEL Asia Corp. said Wednesday it increased its stake in Emerging Power Inc. to 66 percent from 55 percent to help fund a geothermal project in Mindoro Oriental. Nickel Asia said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it paid P237 million or half of the approved P474-million additional investment in the power company. The funds will be used to drill additional wells and related production facilities within Montelago geothermal project in Mindoro Oriental, the company said. The Montelago geothermal project in Mindoro Oriental recently received a new volumetric assessment report from Iceland Geosurvey, the consultant of project proponent EPI. The company said the new assessment report resulted in an increase in the Montelago geothermal resource to a range of 28 to 30 megawatts over a 25year period.

“The resource can expand with further drilling,” Nickel Asia said. The geothermal plant project involves the drilling of the Montelago field and the installation of up to 40 megawatts of power generating units at a projected cost of $185 million. Nickel Asia earlier said power would be supplied to Occidental and Oriental Mindoro provinces. EPI plans other renewable energy projects within the country, including a 70-MW wind project in Camarines Sur province. Other renewable energy projects are a 10-MW solar project in Camarines Sur, a 2.5-MW biogas station in Quezon and a 10-MW solar and bunker hybrid facility in northern Palawan. Nickel Asia made its first power investment in a 10-MW bunker-fired plant in Surigao City designed to minimize power outages in the area. The project has been approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission and is expected to be operational next year at a cost of P1 billion.

Gozon pisses off SMC’s Ramon Ang RAMON S. Ang, or RSA, president and chief operating officer of San Miguel Corp., doesn’t want to talk about it if he can help it. The failed talks with media mogul and GMA Network chairman Inc. chairman Felipe Gozon have left a bad taste in RSA’s mouth. RSA hast just asked the Department of Justice to prosecute Gozon and other executives of GMA Network for their alleged refusal to return P1 billion representing his downpayment for the partial acquisition of the network that did not materialize. RSA complained that Gozon, one of the network’s owners, his family and several others should be held accountable for syndicated estafa, an offense for which bail is not allowed. The RSA-Gozon tiff is centered on Gozon’s decision not to return immediately the P1-billion check paid by the San Miguel executive. Ang included in his complaint Anna Teresa Gozon-Abrogar and Ismael Augusto Gozon of FLG Management Corp; GMA stockholders Belinda Madrid, Maria Erlinda Gana, Jaime Javier Gana, Florencia Gozon Tarriela, Edgar Tarriela and Tricia Valderrama. RSA in his complaint cited that the downpayment of PI billion should be “returned to the purchaser not later than three working days from the expiration of the exclusivity period without need of any further notice or demand,” if the negotiations were not concluded or finalized. “...there is no longer any basis for Felipe L. Gozon to retain custody of the money, and the same should be forthwith returned to the buyer,” RSA said. Gozon has countered that his group wanted to retain the down payment to answer for the unliquidated and unspecified “claims” that his group plans to pursue against RSA. RSA obviously fumed at the antics of the Gozon group. The Jimenez Group and the Duavit Group, the other major shareholders of GMA Network, have already agreed that the down payment should be returned at once to RSA. “The position taken by the Gozon Group that there is no obligation to return, which is contrary to the position of its fellow sellers, is a shallow and baseless excuse for the respondents to hold on to the money and misappropriate the same,” RSA said in his complaint. The San Miguel executive said he “did not agree that the downpayment could be used for any other purpose, much less as security to answer for any claims for damages which the Gozon Group would minded to make later on.” RSA alleged the Gozon Group “converted and misappropriated the P1 billion” buy refusing to return the money despite his demand. “Assuming that the respondents have ‘causes of action’ or ‘claims for damages’ against the complainant, they cannot just take the law into their own hands and retain the complainant’s money to answer for such claims, for the simple reason that the money was not given to them for that purpose,” RSA said. New conditions The Gozon Group, meanwhile, claimed that the downpayment was intact and had not been used. “The Gozon Group has the right to retain it to answer for its claims for damages against Mr. Ang, among others for opportunity loss.... as Mr. Ang prevented the transaction from conclusion and closing, by his unilateral decision not to proceed with the transaction and his imposition of new conditions after the purchase contract was perfected on March 21, 2015.” Ang, according to the network, walked away from negotiations to invest in GMA Network as early as March this year. GMA vice president for corporate communications Angela Javier Cruz earlier said in a statement Ang “already walked away and informed sellers [on March 26] that he is no longer proceeding with the transaction on grounds of alleged material changes on the company which are not valid and not borne by the facts and recent financial reports of the company.” Cruz added Ang informed the major shareholders—the Jimenez, Duavit and Gozon groups, which own a combined 79 percent of GMA Network—on May 18 that he does not accept the deed of absolute sale and proposed new matters and terms. RSA had a different version. He accused the owners of GMA Network of abruptly terminating the plan to sell a minority stake in the broadcast company while talks were ongoing. But what prompted RSA to allegedly walk away from the talks and raise new issues in the negotiations? Sources said GMA Network executives declined to give him critical information and data that could “materially” affect the financials being discussed in the talks. RSA, according to one source, had inquired on the executive compensation structure, retrenchment plan, and marketing contracts with talents and consultants, which the broadcasting company declined to furnish. E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or business@manilastandardtoday.com or business@thestandard.com.ph

THURSDAY: AUGUST 6, 2015

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

Belle set to divest from Pacific Online By Jenniffer B. Austria

BELLE Corp., a company controlled by tycoon Henry Sy, said it will sell its remaining 16.03-percent stake in lotto operator Pacific Online Systems Corp. to subsidiary Premium Leisure Corp. for P1 billion. Belle said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it would sell its entire 47.851 million shares in Pacific Online for P20.90 per share, which was also the stock’s closing price on Tuesday. Belle said it would use the proceeds mostly for debt repayment. The deal will increase PLC’s total holdings in Pacific Online to 50.1 percent. “The sale will be crossed in

the Philippine Stock Exchange as soon as the required process is completed,” Belle said. Pacific Online is engaged in the development, design, and management of lottery software and terminals for principal client state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Belle earlier transformed PLC, formerly Sinophil Corp., as a purely gaming firm by injecting

Premium Leisure & Amusement Inc. into the company. PLAI is part of the consortium that holds a license from Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp. for City of Dreams Manila operated by Melco Crown Philippines in Parañaque City. Belle also transferred its 34.5 percent interest in lotto operator Pacific Online Systems Corp. In return, Belle subscribed to additional shares in PLC. It also acquired PLC’s real estate assets including membership shares in Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club Inc., a lot located within the Asean Business park at the Manila Bay Reclamation area, several parcels of land in Tagaytay and an undeveloped land in Tanauan City, Batangas.

Belle saw net income in the first half drop by 50 percent to P836.7 million from P1.66 billion recorded in the same period last year due to one-time gain posted in 2014. Minus the P1.2-billion non-recurring income from the reversal of provisions for probable losses by gaming unit Premium Leisure Corp. subsidiary in 2014, Belle’s underlying net income would have increased by 103 percent from a year ago. Belle’s first-half revenues increased 158 percent to P2.76 billion from P1.06 billion recorded in the same period last year, due to gaming income share of PLC from integrated resort City of Dreams Manila, which had a grand opening on Feb. 2.

PLDT’s income.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. reported a net income of P18.73 billion in the first half, down 6 percent from a year ago, as consolidated revenues fell 2 percent to P81.2 billion when more subscribers abandoned texting and traditional phones in favor of smartphones with a wider range of online services. Shown during a news briefing in Makati City are PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan (right) and president Napoleon Nazareno as they address the questions of journalists. AFP

NiHao to sell P388-m shares

MINING company NiHao Mineral Resources International Inc. is raising P388 million through a private placement. NiHao said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board approved the subscription by businessman Jerry Angping, a major shareholder, and Taiwanese businessman San-ho Cheng, to 97 million NiHao shares at P4 apiece. The P4-per-share acquisition price represents a 3.3-percent premium from the stock’s closing price of P3.87 on Tuesday and a 4.56 percent premium over the volume weighted average price of the stock over the past 15 days. The shares to be issued to the two investors will come from the company’s unissued capital stock. “The issuance of the private placement shares was entered into for purposes of providing funding for the settlement of contractual obligations, and working capital for the company’s projects. Over time, ultimate benefit to shareholders is expected as shareholders’ value will be enhanced,” NiHao said. The company said of the 97 million private placement shares, 42 million shares worth P168 million would be subscribed by Angping while 55 million shares worth P220 million would be subscribed by San-ho Cheng. Angping will boost his stake in the mining firm to 38.35 percent after the transaction from existing 37.83 percent. San-ho Cheng will have 5.44 percent interest in NiHao. NiHao said it would seek shareholders approval for the transaction during the company’s annual stockholders meeting slated in the last quarter of 2015. NiHao said the the deal qualified as an exempt transaction from the registration of securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The mining firm will also file an application with the Philippine Stock Exchange for the listing of the private placement shares. Jenniffer B. Austria

The supreme irony of Makati IT MUST by now have occurred to most perceptive people that it is very ironic that the most consistently anti-corruption business organization in this country and the most accused presidential candidate in Philippine history are both residents of the city of Makati. I am referring, of course, to MBC (Makati Business Club) and Vice President Jejomar Binay. Makati Business Club was founded in the late 1970s by a group of professionals that included Ricardo Romulo and my brother Joe to – in not very subtle fashion – assess the economic policies of the Marcos administration and offer advice on good economic governance. MBC treaded lightly during its early years, for obvious reasons, but came out swinging when Ninoy Aquino was assassinated. Cory Aquino chose her group of advisers from among MBC’s members, including

the late Jaime Ongpin. MBC had no ideological or other problems with the administration of President Cory (1986-1992) or the administration of Fidel Ramos (1992-1998). Those were MBC’s easy years. The problems and policy conflicts started to come with the inauguration of President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who MBC regarded as a person unfit for the presidency. It had a high regard for the members of Estrada’s company, though, especially Secretary of Finance Jose Pardo and NEDA director-general Felipe Medalla, but it was highly disapproving of what it considered Estrada’s unpresidential style of governance. Any honeymoon that MBC had with President Gloria Arroyo was soon over, and MBC quickly took to criticizing the in-your-face decision-making and legal shortcuts of Estrada’s successor and of the well-documented intrusions of her hus-

band Mike into the running of the government. The relations between MBC and the administration of PNoy Aquino have been kept cordial and tension-free largely by PNoy’s acknowledged honesty and the generally high caliber of the members of the Aquino Cabinet’s economic cluster. However, the opinion of most MBC members toward PNoy was perhaps best articulated by a member’s comment, “It’s not enough for a President to be honest.” Which brings me to Jejomar Binay. The Vice President is unquestionably the most charged candidate for the Presidency in this country’s history. He has been accused of committing the most grievous offenses that a Philippine public official can be accused of: cheating, stealing, lying, manipulating government procurement regulations, violating banking laws and AMLA regulations, among others – but he has steadfastly refused

to testify before a Senate investigation, claiming that the charges are all politically manipulated and baseless. Jejomar Binay declared his intention to run for the Presidency on the very day he took his oath of office as Vice President, and he was a member of PNoy’s Cabinet for five years as head of the government housing superbody (HUDCC). There we have it. The nation’s most ardent anti-corruption business organization and the public official with the most corruption charges leveled at him. Both Makati residents. The supreme irony of Makati. A final thought. MBC was unrelenting, even vicious, in its campaigns against Estrada and Arroyo corruption. But it has not gone hammer and tongs against Jejomar Binay’s alleged grievous corruption. Why not? E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

T H U R S D AY : A U G U S T 6 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Bomb still scarring Hiroshima HIROSHIMA— Charred bodies bobbed in the brackish waters that flowed through Hiroshima 70 years ago this week, after a oncevibrant Japanese city was consumed by the searing heat of the world’s first nuclear attack. The smell of burned flesh filled the air as scores of survivors with severe burns dived into rivers to escape the inferno. Countless hundreds never emerged, pushed under the surface by the mass of desperate humanity. “It was a white, silvery flash,” Sunao Tsuboi, 90, said of the moment when the United States un-

India recalls ban on porn NEW DELHI—India has reversed a controversial order banning hundreds of porn websites, a government official said Wednesday, after accusations of heavy-handed censorship in the world’s largest democracy. On Saturday, telecommunication authorities had directed Internet service providers or ISPs to block 857 websites on “morality and decency” grounds and to curb child pornography, the first of its crackdown on online pornography in the country. But the ban drew criticism and public ridicule, forcing the government to cancel the order late Tuesday and direct the ISPs to allow access to the banned websites, except those containing child porn. “ISPs are free to allow access to the previously banned websites, which do not have child pornographic content,” N. N. Kaul, spokesman for the government’s telecoms department, told AFP. Although the government has canceled the order, some service providers said they would not lift the block until they had more clarity as the new order put the onus on them to prevent access to child pornography. “This is very vague order. There is no clarity and until we don’t get clear answers, we will keep the websites blocked,” Rajesh Chharia, head of the Internet Service Providers Association of India, told AFP. AFP

leashed what was then the most destructive weapon ever produced. “I don’t know why I survived and lived this long,” said Tsuboi. “The more I think about it... the more painful it becomes to recall.” Seven decades since the attack, the city of 1.2 million people is once again thriving as a commercial hub, but the scars of the bombing—physical and emotional—still remain. It was 8:15 am on August 6, 1945, when a B-29 bomber called Enola Gay, flying high over the city, released Little Boy, a uranium bomb with a destructive force equivalent to 16 kilotons of TNT. Just 43 seconds later, when it was 1,800 feet from the ground, it erupted into a blistering fireball burning at a million degrees Celsius (1.8 million Fahrenheit). Nearly everything around it was incinerated, with the ground level

hit by a wall of heat up to 4,000 degrees Celsius—hot enough to melt steel. Stone buildings survived, but bore the shadows of anything—or anyone—that was charred in front of them. Gusts of around 1.5 kilometers a second roared outwards, carrying with them shattered debris and packing enough force to rip limbs and organs from bodies. The air pressure suddenly dropped due to the blast, crushing those on the ground, and an ominous mushroom cloud rose, towering 16 kilometers above the city. About 140,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the attack, including those who survived the bombing itself but died soon afterwards due to severe radiation exposure. Tsuboi, then a college student, was about 1.2 kilometers from the

hypocenter and was literally blown away by the blast and blinding heat. When he picked himself up, his shirt, trousers and skin flapped from his burned body; blood vessels dangled from open wounds and part of his ears were missing. Tsuboi remembers seeing a teenage girl with her right eyeball hanging from her face. Nearby, a woman grasped at her torso in a futile attempt to stop her intestines from falling through a gaping hole. “There were bodies all over the place,” he said. “Ones with no limbs, all charred. I said to myself: ‘Are they human?’” Many died of their terrible injuries over the following hours and days, lying where they fell, desperate for help that would never come, or even just for a sip of water. For those that survived, there was the terrifying unknown of radiation sickness still to come.

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

Gums bled, teeth fell out, hair came off in clumps; there were cancers, premature births, malformed babies and sudden deaths. As tales of the new, unknown illness spread through the warravaged country, survivors were shunned out of fear they might bring infection. For years afterwards, many found it difficult to get jobs, or to marry. Even today, 70 years on, some “hibakusha” (nuclear survivors) avoid talking openly about their experience for fear of discrimination. Hiroshima mayor Kazumi Matsui, 62, whose mother survived the bombing, said he had only recently begun discussing the personal effects of the attack. “I know personally how a single bomb changed many people’s lives,” said Matsui, a father of four and grandfather of six. AFP

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

INVITATION TO BID No.Goods-055-2015

INvItatIoN to BId No. INfra -056- 2015

The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the General Fund55 intends to apply the below listed procurement w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the Special Educational Fund56 intends to apply the below listed project w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Name of Project

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC)

1. Supply & Delivery of One (1) Unit X-Ray Machine for the use of Orani District Hospital,Orani, Bataan

=P= 2,200,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan now invites bids for the above listed Procurement. Delivery of goods is required on or before the maturity date stipulated on contract. Bidders should have completed, at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Name of Project

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC)

1. Construction of Two (2) Storey Four (4) Classroom School Building Dr. Victoria National High School Barangay Pantingan, Pilar, Bataan

=P=5,744,984.05

The Provincial Government of Bataan now invites bids for the above listed Projects. Completion of works is required on or before the maturity date stipulated on contract. Bidders should have completed, at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. 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 open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

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

Bid documents will be available only to eligible bidders upon payment of a non-refundable amount of using standard rates approved by GPPB as stated on their Resolution No. 042012 listed below.

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

Approved Budget for the Contract

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso)

500,000 and below

500.00

More than 500,000 up to 1 Million

1,000.00

More than 1 Million up to 5 Million

5,000.00

More than 5 Million up to 10 Million

10,000.00

More than 10 Million up to 50 Million

25,000.00

More than 50 Million up to 500 Million

50,000.00

More than 500 Million

75,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 12, 2015 at 10:00 A.M at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. Bids must be delivered on or before August 25, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated on IRR of RA 9184 and Bid Securing Declaration in standard form. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend opening of Bids at Bataan BAC Office. Late bids shall not be accepted. In case of the above dates is declared a special Non-Working Holidays, it will automatically reset on the next working days. Other necessary information deemed relevant by the Provincial Government of Bataan Activities 1. Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid 2. Eligibility Check 3. Issuance and availability of Bidding Documents 4. Request for Clarification 5. Opening of Bids

Schedule August 5 – August 11, 2015 Refer to date of Opening of Bids August 5 – August 25, 2015 August 12,2015 August 25, 2015

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

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso)

500,000 and below

500.00

More than 500,000 up to 1 Million

1,000.00

More than 1 Million up to 5 Million

5,000.00

More than 5 Million up to 10 Million

10,000.00

More than 10 Million up to 50 Million

25,000.00

More than 50 Million up to 500 Million

50,000.00

More than 500 Million

75,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 11, 2015 at 10:00 A.M at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. Bids must be delivered on or before August 24, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated on IRR of RA 9184 and Bid Securing Declaration in standard form. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend opening of Bids at Bataan BAC Office. Late bids shall not be accepted. In case of the above dates is declared a special Non-Working Holidays, it will automatically reset on the next working days. Other necessary information deemed relevant by the Provincial Government of Bataan 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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

Schedule August 04 – August 11, 2015 Refer to date of Opening of Bids August 04 – August 24, 2015 August 14, 2015 August 24, 2015

Engr. Josephine R. Valenzuela Provincial BAC / PEO Bataan Provincial BAC / PEO Office, Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan 047-237-9316 bac@bataan.gov.ph

(TS-AUGUST 6, 2015)

Approved Budget for the Contract

Engr. Josephine R. Valenzuela Provincial BAC / PEO Bataan Provincial BAC / PEO Office, Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan 047-237-9316 bac@bataan.gov.ph

(SGD) ENRICO T. YUZON BAC CHAIRMAN

(TS-AUGUST 6, 2015)

(SGD) ENRICO T. YUZON BAC Chairman

T H U R S D AY : A U G U S T 6 , 2 0 1 5

ceSAR bARRioqUinTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world

Hunter in court for lion’s death H W A N G E , Zimbabwe—The professional Zimbabwean hunter who led the expedition that killed Cecil the lion arrived in court Wednesday to stand trial on charges of organizing an illegal hunt. Theo Bronkhorst, who runs a safari company, denies any wrongdoing over the hunt in early July when Walter Palmer, a dentist from the American state of Minnesota, paid $55,000 (50,000 euros) to shoot the lion with a bow and arrow. The hunt provoked worldwide outrage when it emerged that Cecil was a well-known attraction among visitors to the Hwange National Park and was wearing a tracking collar as part of an Oxford University research project. Bronkhorst, dressed in a checked beige shirt and khaki trousers,

waited in the courtroom in Hwange with his lawyer Givemore Muvhiringi, an AFP reporter said. Palmer, an experienced trophy hunter, became the target of vicious abuse and death threats over the killing, and went into hiding after demonstrations outside his dental practice. He apologized for killing Cecil, who was renowned for his distinctive black mane, and blamed Bronkhorst for misleading him. But Bronkhorst said that he was innocent of all charges and had obtained the permits required to kill an elderly lion that was outside the national park boundaries. “We shot an old male lion that I believed was past his breeding age,” Bronkhorst told AFP last week. “I don’t think that I’ve done anything wrong. AFP

Prices up. An Indian man buys tomatoes at the Rythu Bazaar produce market in Hyderabad on August 5. Vegetable prices have risen by up to 67 percent due to tight supplies at the wholesale markets due to heavy monsoon rains. AFP

Juncker: Don’t reject migrants BRUSSELS—EU governments have a duty to help the flood of migrants arriving in Europe and not cave in to “populist” demands to turn them back, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said Wednesday. In an interview with AFP, Juncker said he was disappointed that EU ministers had failed late last month to agree on how to distribute a total of 40,000 mostly Syrian and Eritrean migrants from overstretched Italy and Greece. They agreed to start relocating

a little over 32,000 of the arrivals among the EU’s 28 members in October, falling around 8,000 short of the target agreed by EU leaders at a summit in June. “Ministers, unlike citizens, have an obligation to act. We made proposals that went far, while still being modest given the scale of the problem,” Juncker said, referring to the proposals from the Commission, the executive arm of the 28-nation EU. “We proposed a mandatory system to redistribute asylum seekers and people who need international protection, but the member states did not follow us and we are forced to seek an agreement on a voluntary basis,” he said. At a July 20 meeting in Brussels,

7 col x 10 cm

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EU justice and home affairs ministers agreed to relocate more than 32,250 Syrians, Eritreans, Iraqis and Somalis who had landed in Greece and Italy which have borne the brunt of the influx. The ministers also agreed however to take in some 22,500 Syrian refugees currently living in camps outside the EU -- exceeding their target for 20,000. Juncker said the EU would resume efforts in the autumn to reach the 40,000 target. “If we don’t get there on a voluntary basis, we will have to reconsider the Commission’s proposals,” the former prime minister of Luxembourg said. “But I want to believe that they will react ambitiously,” he said.

Juncker said governments had to be firm and take the lead, when asked how the EU can help share the migrant burden without provoking a backlash that only helps populist and xenophobic movements. “There are moments in politics when you must not follow the populists, otherwise you become populist yourself,” Juncker said. “You must say the opposite of what (the populists) say. You must not become blinded by populist thought which is present in every country,” he warned. Nationalist and anti-EU parties have seized on the migrant issue as a symbol of all that is wrong with the 28-member bloc, which they see as interfering in member states’

internal affairs on issues best left to national governments. The commission was prompted to act when a massive shipwreck left nearly 800 migrants dead in April. More than 2,000 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe this year, according to the International Organization for Migration. Some 188,000 people have been rescued so far this year trying to make the crossing. Juncker was concerned with the problem of migrants trying to reach Britain from France through the Channel Tunnel, which has caused tension between the two countries and highlighted a difficult problem for both countries. AFP

T H U R S D AY : A U G U S T 6 : 2 0 1 5

TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

W EL L BEING

LIFE Santika

The Wholesome Table

Corner Tree Café

Susi Sun Room

Epicurious

THE RISE OF HEALTHY RESTAURANTS BY TATUM ANCHETA

f you try checking out #healthyfood on Instagram, you get at least 7,573,550 posts, and it is still counting by the second. Aside from being Instagrammable – healthy, organic and artisanal food have been getting a lot of raves lately. People have become more receptive to sustainable healthy options. All of a sudden we are smarter in our eating and dining choices. We are now facing an era when healthy eating and living have become cooler (Millennials having the highest percentage of being more receptive to healthy options.) With the high demand for high quality and sustainable food, even restaurants and other food services are adapting to this consumer dining behavior. In Metro Manila alone, there has been a rising number of newly opened restaurants and food delivery choices. From Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati, BGC, to Muntinlupa and Parañaque – you will never run out of options; whether it’s organic, superfood, gluten-free, or pure vegan, there’s always a venue to satisfy your palate. We’ve asked different personalities (whose eating habits reflect their healthy lifestyle) to tell us their favorite healthy restaurants in the Metro and their favorites on the menu. Here’s what they have to say:

SARA BLACK

Celebrity Photographer/Model

Susi Smoothies

I dine in most of the healthy restaurants in the Metro. My favorites are – Susi in The Fort. I love their Oscar the Grouch smoothie – it’s got a strong punch of greens but tastes so good with the right blend of banana; Green pastures-burrata with strawberries – I love the cheese and fruit combo. In SaladStop, I usually get Iron “Wo” Man Salad, a filling, no-nonsense go-to meal when I’m in a hurry and it’s near where I live. When I’m craving for meat I get Paleo Burger in The Farm, it is so juicy. Also near my workplace is Juju Eats, I usually order Ay Caramba Salad. Then there’s also The Wholesome Table. I love the Be Gracious Smoothie, and their divine but guiltless desserts!

Juju Eats

SaladStop

LOURD RAMOS

CEO and Creative Director of Creations Salon My favorite is Juju Eats at Pasong Tamo Branch. I am simply in love with their Inasal Wheat Wrap and atomic carrot juice. My daily meal to eat though is The Happy Diet Inc. meals. On Friday nights, I love Cav! I partake of their wines and appetizers.

PRINCESS ANNE BARRETTO Production Designer

I like Juju Eats, I usually order the Inasal Salad because it doesn’t taste like those common salad in every restaurants’ menu. I like that it has a Filipino flavor, it has inasal chicken strips, onions, green mango and salted egg, contrasting in flavor but still complement each other.

NJ TORRES

Group Head PR and Media, Marie France Group of Companies I love home made flavored yogurts by Chef Jessie at 100 Revolving Restaurant. She makes mixes of detox drinks as well, but they usually have it by request for big events. I also frequent Kitchen 56 by Earth Kitchen at Senior Hub, my usual orders are fish tacos, shrimp spring rolls, tempura salad, and fresh home made pasta. And recently I’ve discovered SaladStop, I love their Tuna San Salad. Tempura Salad

FERDIE SALVADOR

Managing Partner and Founder at The Events Architects, and Pinstripe Boutique Communication I don’t want to eat healthy but it seems like I don’t have a choice because it is such a trend! I love Corner Tree Cafe, they serve amazing dishes that you would otherwise miss out on if you are not a vegetarian. I also love the salads from Epicurious where you can choose super healthy stuff.

NICCOLO COSME

Conceptual Photographer / Founder of Project Headshot Clinic My favorite is Satinka Natural. I fell in love with the place because of its home/community vibe, and of course the wide variety of vegan dishes! My favorite would be their meatless meatballs and raw zucchini pasta or brown rice!

Artisanal spreads Continued on C4

T H U R S D AY : A U G U S T 6 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

MORE FILIPINO MILLENNIALS OPEN UP ABOUT VIRGINITY A week ago, The Gist went all vox pop and got a sampling of Filipinos in their twenties and early thirties to reveal their thoughts about losing one’s virginity, particularly their own. THE GIST Unfortunately, some of BY ED BIADO the responses arrived after press time. However, the quotes are just too good and insightful to not see the light of day so we figured, why not make it a two-parter? So here is another round of pillow talk with millennials who answered the questions, “At what age did you lose your virginity? Do you think it was too early, too late or just the right time?”

It was too early. I was 12. At that time, I was nervous and excited. I liked feeling like a grownup when I was a kid so I felt like I leveled up by doing that. I feel like it happened way before I could imagine or idealize a ‘first time.’ It happened during Boy Scouts camping – we sneaked out of the site and went to the CR. Then, that’s it. – N, male

I was 15 and it made me feel really accomplished, like I’ve achieved something that not a lot of people have at that age. It was so much fun and exciting and I wouldn’t change anyting about it. It was everything I imagined it would be. I mean, I’ve had a lot of bad sex in my twenties and remembering my first time makes me realize how it used to be, just two people experiencing something new together and how it all came from a place of innocence, earnestness and tenderness. I guess it was the right time but at that point, because it was that good, I wish I had done it sooner. – P, male

I popped my cherry at the age of 20 and I think it’s just about right, or maybe bordering on late, considering our generation. It’s hard to recall what I was feeling exactly at that time but back then, I thought it wasn’t groundbreaking or anything. I just felt like, ‘Okay, so now I know what people are talking about,’ like finally belonging to a certain group already, something like that.

I was 18. It was just the right time because by then, based on my observation, people my age had already done it. I was prepared emotionally so the experience was very liberating. I could have done it with someone more special but eventually, I realized that sex, whether it’s the first time or not, doesn’t justify my femininity and doing it the way I want to do it doesn’t make me less of a woman. Losing one’s virginity is simply a rite of passage. – O, female

– M, female

I did it first with my second girlfriend when I was 15. I felt like I wasn’t ready back then and just thought that I was too young to do that. She’s two years older but we were on the same batch. I felt sticky after and there was this sense of fear before and after doing it even if we used a condom. I guess it’s just better to do it once you’re ready. If you’re still trying to convince yourself, don’t do it yet. Wait until there’s nothing holding you back anymore. – J, male

I was 19. I kind of felt guilty, confused, weirded out. It was like I wasn’t sure what I was doing. I was very introspective and reflective of my actions. It had moral implications on me. I felt that when I lost it, I got carried away with an emotion – a pseudo-emotion of liking someone too much that I eventually just agreed to what he wanted. Honestly I didn’t want it that time. But I never felt like I was ‘losing’ anything. It just didn’t feel right, was all it was. – L, male

I was 16 when it happened. I don’t think it was the right time, or maybe it wasn’t the right guy. There are other reasons too: My dad is a pastor and I was brought up with the belief that I should be pure until I get married. So it was not too early, not too late. It’s just the wrong person. Based on how it happened, it wasn’t at all empowering. It was more like degrading because it felt like I did something beneath me and my upbringing. – K, female Read our first report on the subject here: manilastandardtoday.com/2015/07/29/ filipino-millennials-open-up-about-virginity/ Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @EdBiado

The truth about dentures: Demystifying misconceptions

t’s a painful truth, but losing a tooth – whether caused by improper dental care, an accident, a birth defect, or just plain old age – can be very stressful. In the Philippines, tooth loss is rather common. A study, “Oral Care U&A Market Understanding Study Middle East and Asia” conducted in July 2014 revealed that there are nine million denture wearers in the Philippine urban areas alone, 61 percent of whom are female, while 39 percent are male. “The study reported that 80 percent of denture wearers reside in Metro Manila, with nine percent in Metro Cebu and six percent in Metro Davao. Fifty six percent cited careless oral regimen as the reason for wearing dentures, while 19 percent attributed wearing dentures and teeth loss due to accident, and 12 percent due to illness,” said Isa Marfori, GSK Polident product manager. Dentures, which are cheaper than dental implants and porcelain veneers, are considered the best substitute for missing teeth. The huge prevalence of tooth decay, gum disease, and the gradual ageing of the population in the

developed world contribute to the steady increase in the demand for dentures. While dentures are easier to clean with simple warm water or with specialized denture cleaners, prejudices against dentures remain prevalent among Filipinos. Among these misconceptions are: • Denture wearers did not take care of their teeth. The fact is, several factors may contribute to tooth loss, among which are accidents, sports mishaps, facial tumors, or birth defects such as cleft palates. • Dentures make one look older. Denture wearers feel old and suffer from selfloathing and lack of self-confidence whenever they remove their false teeth or see the dentures soaking in a glass. If secured properly, the dentures will look natural. The key is to make sure they fit snugly in the mouth with the use of a good denture adhesive. • Dentures limit one’s daily functions. Many believe that denture wearers lose the pleasure of eating anything

Secure your dentures with an effective adhesive cream

they want. Food such as corn, steak, or anything that challenges the bite is a no-no. Furthermore, denture wearers become self-conscious when speaking for fear of a denture mishap. However, this will not happen if the dentures are of proper and exact fit. Securely fastened dentures give wearers the confidence to eat anything they want or speak without covering their mouths. Belying myths and misconceptions, Polident, a line of denture care products by GlaxoSmithKline, aims to give back confidence to denture wearers and allow them

to pursue regular activities such as speaking and eating without fear and with pleasure. Polident Denture Cleanser, for instance, is formulated to clean dentures, remove stains, and kill 99.9 percent of odor-causing particles. Polident Denture Adhesive Cream, on the other hand, helps secure dentures properly and seals off gaps to stop food particles from getting into the dentures. Polident dares denture wearers to live a healthy life free of inhibitions by taking the Polident Challenge. For free samples and delivery nationwide of both Polident Denture Cleanser and Polident Adhesive Cream, call 924-2475.

T H U R S D AY : A U G U S T 6 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

EAT YOUR BREAKFAST! Nestlé designs the 21 Mornings Program TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MALOU E. ROSAL ADDITIONAL IMAGE COURTESY OF NESTLÉ PHILIPPINES

ou’ve heard your mother say that often enough. It rings in your ears, even on the bus, in the car, or on the train, long before you’ve left the house. You try to shake that nagging voice off, hoping one day she wouldn’t be so persistent. But by the time you get to school or the office, your stomach is growling, your head is spinning, and you are morphing into a cranky snappy turtle. Grudgingly, you realize – Mom was right all along. Breakfast is, after all, the breaking of the fast. After seven to eight hours of sleep, when you had not eaten anything, your body needs the nourishment to jump start your day. Nestlé Philippines places emphasis on a healthy breakfast as its advocacy this year, launched recently at the 2015 Nestlé Wellness Expo. At the same event, Nestlé Philippines chairman and chief executive Suresh Narayanan reiterated the company’s commitment and mission “to nurture generations of Filipino families and to contribute to the development of a strong and prosperous nation, as we have done these last 104 years.” This focus on breakfast dovetails with its campaign called “My Wellness Plate,” which Nestlé Philippines’ senior vice president and director of Communication and Marketing Services Paolo Mercado describes as virtually dividing your plate into two parts. “Half your plate should be ‘glow’ foods (fruits and vegetables),” Mercado says in a statement. “And the other half should be a combination of ‘go’ foods (carbohydrates) and ‘grow’ foods (proteins), accompanied by a healthy beverage.” This combination applied to every meal, especially for breakfast, is highly recommended in order to meet your daily nutritional needs, he adds. Different people have different lifestyles. Some rise to the tune of the rooster crowing; others linger in bed till the noonday sun shines brightly overhead. So, does breakfast have to be always in the morning? Not necessarily so. Mercado clarifies that “breakfast” is a meal consumed two hours after waking up. The actual time of waking depends on the person’s lifestyle, and as long as nourishment is taken within those two hours, it is still breakfast.

The Breakfast habit

Directly affecting lifestyle and habits is the time factor. Perhaps you are always rushing, chased by the constantly ticking clock. For you, Nestlé suggests a breakfast menu that can easily be packed and consumed once you get to your destination. If you are not as harassed and can spare a few minutes, there is a breakfast option that can be prepared and eaten within a 15-minute window. On days when you are not pressed for time, the five-star breakfast offers a more leisurely and sumptuous selection. Now, these breakfast options may be well and good but if you don’t practice them consistently, all these will be for naught. That is why Nestlé has embarked on its 21 Mornings Program. Designed by Nestlé Philippines and a panel of chefs and nutritionists, this 21-day meal plan gets you on the way to form a breakfast habit. Nestlé Corporate Wellness Head Leslie Go-Alcantara, explains: “It’s a ‘21 Mornings Program’ because it takes about 21 days to build a habit. However you choose to have your breakfast, whether it’s one you can easily prepare, or one you can eat on the go, or a full and hearty breakfast, we have a Wellness Breakfast Program for you.” To encourage and enlist those who skip breakfast altogether, Nestlé has also dispatched its Wellness Breakfast Truck. This breakfast on wheels visits selected venues to promote awareness about the 21 Mornings program. Helping spread the good habit are Brand Ambassadors who will share their own breakfast experiences and invite consumers to sign up for the program. The first 500 consumers per day will get a free breakfast as well as a Nestlé beverage.

People who breakfast

At the 2015 Nestlé Wellness Expo where the 21 Mornings program was also launched, three personalities stepped up to share their breakfast testimonies. Lifestyle blogger and Fashion Design and Merchandising student of DLSU-CSB Dani Barreto is a typical young lady who loves hanging out with family and friends. A student’s life, however, can be quite hectic and she stays healthy and fit in order to keep up with studies and extra-curricular activities. Breakfast for Dani is typically

cereal with skimmed milk, fruit, and a mug of Milo – all done in 15 minutes! On the other hand, English-Filipino pro footballer James Younghusband’s early morning practices do not give him the luxury of sitting down for breakfast. So he simply packs his usual oatmeal or toast, eggs, and corned beef, along with freshly squeezed orange juice. Busy Mom Nicole Hernandez delos Angeles constantly faces the challenge of making her sons Alonzo and Luis eat healthy, particularly their dreaded vegetables. But, she finds creative ways and means, like telling them that the various colors in their soup are super-hero tidbits that can make them as strong as the Incredible Hulk. The boys, wide-eyed and suitably motivated, willingly finish their bowls, as well as the other dishes Nicole prepares for her family’s Five-Star Breakfast. Such busy bees, these three. But if they can cook, prepare, and eat their breakfast, so can you! To be part of this 21 Mornings Program. Visit the Nestlé Choose Wellness website at www. choosewellness.com.ph. Upon signing up, you will be given a 21-day Breakfast Plan, recipes with nutrient count, wellness tips, and a grocery checklist to help you complete the program.

The Five-Star Breakfast

Breakfast on the Go

The 15-minute Breakfast

Creating better environments for children with asthma

ata from the global Asthma Report indicate that around 14 percent of children all over the world suffer from asthmatic symptoms, and it has been a leading cause of school absenteeism. In the US alone, 13 million school days are missed every year due to asthma. More often than not, children who suffer from asthma or display asthmatic symptoms are also discriminated against as they are excluded from sports and other activities. Electrolux, in a bid to elevate awareness about the potentially serious disease, has launched a global initiative aimed at inspiring school staff members, sports coaches, government leaders and other decision makers to create better environments for children with asthma. Dubbed Space to Breathe, the campaign invites everyone to send 10,000 straws to the said decision makers and ask them to breathe through a straw to remind them about their responsibility to create asthma friendly environments via the #spacetobreathe initiative.

A straw can be more than just something for drinking. Electrolux, a global leader in home appliances, gives this everyday item a new meaning in their latest campaign to raise awareness on the serious implications of the disease. “With medication, better knowledge about the disease, and improved indoor air quality, no child should have to stay home from school or get excluded from the community,” says Henrik Sundström, vice president, Group Sustainability at Electrolux. “With this initiative, we want to inspire people to take a stand and help create

safe and healthy environments that don’t exclude children with asthma. Reducing asthma triggers is easy, and we can all help,” he says, adding that every child should have the space to breathe. To reach school staff members, sports coaches, librarians, politicians and other policy makers, Electrolux will send out 10,000 straws with some easy-to-follow steps for those who want to create an asthma-friendly environment. Electrolux invites the general public to decide who should get a straw by nominating their names at electrolux.com/spacetobreathe.

“Electrolux is dedicated to creating a clean and safe home environment for children and families,” says Andrea Pionilla, marketing manager of Electrolux Philippines. “We are committed to improving the indoor air quality of homes through our highly efficient vacuum cleaners and air conditioners. Cleaning is important, but this campaign presents a wide range of actions that anyone can take in order to reduce asthma triggers at home and in public environments.” Electrolux is known for developing products that reduce asthma triggers and improve indoor air quality. Many of its products are recommended by asthma organizations around the world. In addition to creating asthma-friendly products, it also invests in campaigns that help raise awareness as asthma such as the current #spacetobreathe initiative. Visit electrolux.com/spacetobreathe to learn more and to send a straw to someone in your community.

T H U R S D AY : A U G U S T 6 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

THE RISE OF HEALTHY RESTAURANTS

FINE FETTLE BY BUBBLES PARAISO

BYE-BYE BELLY BLOAT!

aving my tummy bloat as if I were pregnant is the bane of my foodie existence. My body reacts to what I eat so fast that if I eat anything I’m intolerant of, or has MSG or too much salt, I get a food baby (the way your belly looks like you’re pregnant but you’re really just full) and/or feel so heavy and bloated due to water retention. We’ve all had that, some more often than others. Don’t you just hate it? I remember writing about this in my blog before, so I decided to revisit this topic and add a little more since it is a problem for many. In my recent trip to Bali, Indonesia, I kept freaking out because I’d eat something I’m not accustomed to and then get bloated like there’s no tomorrow. There were certain kinds of food that kept my belly ballooning as I ate them and it didn’t feel good. I felt sick. After figuring out what was causing the bloat, I’d avoid it like the plague and counter with natural bloat and water retention relievers. What causes one to bloat? Usually it is the body’s intolerance to certain types of food or fructose malabsorption. It occurs when your digestive tract had too much fermentation due to either stress, food sensitivity, lack of enzymes or perhaps too much fiber or sodium (which causes water retention). Prevention is always better than cure, I believe, but here I will enlist ways on how to keep bloating from happening or how to alleviate it once it’s already happened. To prevent your body from bloating or retaining fluid, you must: • Cut back on the salt and processed food. Processed food are usually high in sodium and low in fiber, which makes you bloated because our bodies are trying to dilute the salt to maintain balance of electrolytes in our body. • Cut back on artificial sweeteners especially aspartame. These sweeteners aren’t really digestible and trigger bloating. • Eat slowly. If you wolf down and devour your food too fast you tend to swallow gas, producing air which leads to bloating.

Fruits should be eaten at least 30 minutes before meals and not after because it is gas forming, which leads to bloating. • Cook your vegetables. Some raw produce may be tough for your body to break down and will result in bloating. Cooked veggies are easier for the tummy to handle. • Eliminate carbonated drinks like soda. The fizz in these drinks can cause gas to get trapped in your stomach. Don’t drink too much alcohol. Alcohol causes dehydration, which makes your body pull in and retain more fluid. Eat food rich in potassium like bananas and spinach. Potassium triggers your kidneys to excrete more sodium, because the latter contributes to bloating.

•

I followed these four guidelines every time I felt bloated in my month-long stay in Indonesia and I must say, they really do work. I hope we don’t have to resort to doing them too often, though! Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @bubblesparaiso

Take control of your life with the New Claritin Reditabs

Allergies should not prevent an active lifestyle.

Iron “Wo” Man Salad

FRANK HOEFSMIT Fashion Photographer

I like The Wholesome Table to entertain people because of its wide variety of food options. There’s something for everyone. I usually get one of their Powerbowls. My favorite is the Enlightened Bowl, a very nutritious vegan meal. SaladStop is great for lunch or a light evening meal, and their food is ideal to take out and consume during a shoot. From their signature salads I get the Iron “Wo” Man Salad and add avocado. Another vegan option is Corner Tree Café, a cool place to hang out with like-minded vegetarians for an honest Asian-inspired vegetarian dish. I get whatever is on the suggestion board.

However, even knowing these won’t keep you from still getting bloated from time to time. Here are some of the natural things you can do to get rid of the bloat, and I’ve tried and tested them myself. • Drink dandelion or cranberry tea. Dandelion and cranberry have a diuretic effect so you will pee out all the excess fluid in your body the whole day. Not to be taken too regularly, though. • Drink warm water with lemon. This one is my favorite and I drink this after every meal. Since lemons are a natural diuretic and laxative (when added to warm water), the amount of water retention in the body is significantly reduced when this is consumed. • Drink ginger, peppermint or fennel tea. They help dispel gas and calm your digestive system. • Go for a walk. Brisk walking helps increase blood circulation and releases gas and therefore gets rid of any feeling of bloatedness.

BE #ALWAYSREDI

From C1

llergies can be the biggest party poopers. They break out during the most inconvenient times, triggering a bout of sneezing and making your eyes go all watery or worse, make you itch all over. Allergies however shouldn’t cramp your active lifestyle – they should not dictate what you can – or can’t do. How do you take control of your life back from the tyranny of allergies? Always be ready with Claritin Reditabs. Loratadine (Claritin Reditabs) is the same powerful Claritin millions have trusted in a new and revolutionary format. Just peel off the foil and pop the tablet in your mouth. Revolutionary and innovative, this variant can be taken anytime, anywhere, with no water needed! The non-drowsy formula orally

dissolves in seconds and leaves you with a fresh minty taste – and the effects last for 24 hours. Now that’s powerful allergy relief made more convenient. When asked how she maintains an active lifestyle despite her allergies, actress, TV host, and Claritin Reditabs ambassador Iya Villania-Arellano said, “Living a healthy and active lifestyle is possible in spite of allergy attacks. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and of course, always be ready with a pack of the new Claritin Reditabs.” For more information, find Claritin on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ ClaritinPhilippines) and on Instagram (@ClaritinPhilippines), and check out the hashtags #ClaritinReditabs and #AlwaysRedi.

Nasi Lemak with Brown Rice and Shaved Coconut

BEA CONSTANTINO Fashion Stylist

I recently have become gluten-free and definitely removed processed foods in my diet. I usually drink slow juice in the morning and a detox one at night. For restos, I usually frequent The Wholesome Table and The Farm. The Wholesome Table because they are really accommodating with different diets and preferences. The Farm because ingredients are sourced from farm to table and are really tasty. On other days, I like Susi if I am in the mood for vegan meals. But my favorite place to get my healthy fix is The Chakra Cafe, 6th floor, Jecoprime Center at The Fort. They have meals made of organic produce that vary in taste. From mushroom Mac n’ Cheese, to nasi lemak, to Tex-Mex whole-wheat quesadilla. They also sell wellness products like super foods, detox juices, essential oils! They do healing and wellness work at the center, too, so I really enjoy connecting with different people there. Susi, BGC (02) 833-7874 www.susi.ph @susiph in Instagram; The Farm Organics Resto, BGC (02) 852- 8228; The Chakra Cafe at the Third Eye Wellness, BGC (02) 808 2984 / 0917 6362 800; Chef Jessie at 100 Revolving Restaurant, Libis (02) 962 1016, 962 5654; Epicurious, Mandaluyong (02) 570-7741, (02) 506-6474, or 0917- 5907420. www. epicuriousmanila.com; Corner Tree Café, Makati (02) 897 0295, www.cornertreecafe.com; SaladStop, Makati (02) 833 4754; Kitchen 56, operated by Earth Kitchen, Makati, (02) 856 4144 or 0917-5155656; Satinka Naturals, Makati 0927 761 9799; Juju Eats, Makati (02) 551 3968; The Happy Diet Inc. 0917 551 2808; The Wholesome Table, Makati, (0917) 8857520) www.thewholesometable.com.

T HUR S DAY : AUGUST 6 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Patti Grandidge is the Physiogel brand advocate

Ballerinas introduce the new Physiogel line with the new packaging

The Physiogel line

Grandidge with the products

How Patti GrandidGe Found Her Freedom

or model/entrepreneur and host Patti Grandidge, leaving Los Angeles five years ago was both an exciting and frightening time for her. She had graduated with a degree in International Business from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and worked at Sprinkles, a famous bakery in Los Angeles when she decided to move back to the Philippines to pursue her dreams (and sweet tooth) of putting up her own cupcake business. Little did she know that her love for desserts would eventually lead her to an entirely new direction. Although Sweet Patti Cakes was an instant hit it was her audition for ETC’s Etcetera that would open the doors for modeling and hosting opportunities. Patti’s move from the kitchen table to the TV screen (as well as magazine covers and billboards) was seamless; she was a fresh, beautiful face that the cameras loved, and she proved to be a natural at hosting. But the British-Filipina admits it wasn’t as easy as it looked on camera, as deep inside she was struggling with her own insecurities because of her sensitive skin. Patti shares that she used to be more self-conscious and watchful of what others would think of her. She was afraid of people’s reaction to the redness on her face. “In fact, there was a little thought in the back of my mind if my skin would be an issue or hindrance to booking jobs,” she shares. “Thankfully I found the solution to my problem in Physiogel! The redness on my face was gone, and my skin looked cleaner and clearer.

It’s so tedious to sample other products to find the right fit so it’s a great feeling when your skin has found the perfect fit in a product.” After using Physiogel, Patti was able to find the confidence and strength to finally face her fears. Physiogel is currently the most prescribed brand by dermatologists as it offers a differentiated solution dedicated to combat women’s daily dry and sensitive skincare needs. Backed by GSK’s 165-year skin science heritage and advanced technologies, Physiogel contains the unique BioMimic Technology that works to soothe, repair and restore the skin’s moisture barrier. It contains lipids similar to those found naturally in skin and protects skin cells not only against water loss from inside but also from the entry of bacteria and allergens from the outside. Sensitive skin affects 50 percent of women in Asia. In the Philippines, 60 percent of women suffer from sensitive skin in the body; 70 percent of women suffer from sensitive skin

Many of you may still remember what my life was like before I discovered Physiogel. I’m very proud to share with you the continuation of my journey towards being completely free in my skin!

on the face. Few are empowered to seek effective skincare treatments to combat the issue. Thus, they resign themselves to redness, dryness and itchiness. They also experience negative feelings: embarrassment, annoyance, low esteem, uneasiness, which hinder them from achieving their goals and dreams. Patti said she understands how insecurities can be restraining and wants every Filipina to be free from dry, sensitive skin and to confidently reveal their true selves. Just like she did. “Its amazing how one simple change in my skincare has renewed my confidence,” she enthused. One of the best feelings is when you feel confident, and have control of your life, like I can do anything! “Many of you may still remember what my life was like before I discovered Physiogel. I’m very proud to share with you the continuation of my journey towards being completely free in my skin!” According to GSK-Physiogel Brand Manager, Justin Lladoc, “we found her story to be closely identifiable with the many stories we hear about women with dry and sensitive skin. Life before Physiogel was certainly hindering; and so we said why not share Patti’s story so that others will know that they are not alone in this journey to find their true selves and break free from whatever is holding them back. We want to empower and mobilize them to transform their skin health and free the strength in sensitivity. And Physiogel is our answer,” Justin points out. Physiogel’s Daily Moisture Therapy line includes cream, face and cleanser.

T HUR S DAY : AUGUST 6 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

Daniel Matsunaga is KIX face for R U Tough Enough? competition

PaybaCk Time againsT The bullies

Kix aSKS, ‘R U TOUgh EnOUgh?’

IX and Daniel Matsunaga want to know, “R U Tough Enough? “ If you think you are, then time is running out on your best chance to prove it. KIX is currently recruiting tough Filipinos to participate in a one of a kind competition to find the toughest Filipino of all in “KIX R U Tough Enough?.” The contest is open to all legal residents of the Philippines, male and female aged 18- years old and above who exude toughness – physically strength, mental endurance and emotional resilience. To join the contest, apply online at www.kix-tv.com/tough. Those interested have until Aug, 07. Shortlisted participants will be invited for a closed-door audition on Aug. 16,

which will determine 10 finalists who will compete in a final showdown at SM Megamall on Sept. 5. The final showdown is an obstacle course with challenges that will test each contestant both physically and mentally. Out of the 10 finalists, only one man or woman will walk away with the title of “The Toughest Pinoy” and the grand prize of P250,000. Details and the terms and conditions of the competition can be found on the contest website www. KIX-TV.com/tough. You can also follow the competition via KIX’s social media accounts on Facebook: facebook.com/KIXAsia, Twitter:@ KIXAsia, and Instagram:@KIXAsia. KIX is available on Skycable Ch.63, Cablelink Ch.220, Destiny Cable Ch.10 and Cignal Ch. 133.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 43 45 46 48 50 53 54 55 57 58 60 65 66 67 68 69 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Uncanny 6 Sugarbush tree 11 Film classics channel 14 M*A*S*H site 15 Perrier rival 16 PBS funder 17 Makes waterproof 18 Permissible 19 First mo. 20 Ibsen’s Gabler

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Image, in combos Gumshoes, often Ptarmigan Goes along with Gloomier Novelist — Ambler Pyramid site Epic Put down carpet Barley bristle Fateful day Sheltered

Flooded Director Joel — Icky Go by, as time Utterly still Manet or Matisse Takes on cargo Do-re-mi Legal rep Trailer rental (hyph.) Plains drifters Styron’s — Turner Shake awake Free to roam Mao — -tung Works on a manuscript Follow upon

DOWN 1 Part of mos. 2 Help-wanted abbr. 3 Retiree’s kitty 4 Family mem. 5 Part of a churn 6 Canasta plays 7 Insatiable 8 Type option 9 Medieval poem 10 Whole 11 Green-skinned pear 12 Is sincere

The sins of the past is a couple’s present nightmare in the psychological thriller The Gift starring Joel Edgerton. The film Edgerton also wrote and directed. Starring with him are Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall. The Gift poses the deadening question: “What if someone you wronged long ago comes back to the present through a chance encounter?” Such thought-provoking reality is astutely presented in the film. Simon (Bateman) and Robyn (Hall) play a young married couple whose life is going just as planned until a chance encounter with an acquaintance from Simon’s high school sends their world into a harrowing tailspin. Simon doesn’t recognize Gordo (Edgerton) at first, but after a series of uninvited encounters and mysterious gifts prove troubling, a horrifying secret from the past is uncovered after more than 20 years. “The Gift started for me with a simple premise: what would happen if a high school bully ran into his victim 15 or so years later? What would or could be the effects? How might the past come to bear on the present? How could the past, unaccounted and unresolved, rupture a present situation?” shares Edgerton. The line between teasing and bullying can be razor-thin, and fluctuate greatly depending on which side of the equation you’re on. What one person may chalk

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

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White-water craft Gaelic Napoleon Frat letter Not built-up Priest’s vestment Askew Destroy, as a fire Side road RN assistants Rubberneck Give a home to Migratory flocks “Lou Grant” lead Do something Get better Hesitant Prone Biased viewpoint Smidgens Espresso with milk Tent supports Tropical isle Discharge Coal scuttle Solar wind component Emergency signal Buckeye campus Society column word

Joel Egerton wrote and stars in The Gift

Jason Bateman plays lead character in The Gift

up to an act of harmless play, another person may internalize as deeply hurtful behavior. Edgerton adds, “It could be just one of those things that you did when you’re a kid, but whether it’s that or a willful, deceptive act, it can snowball and have a massively damaging effect on another person’s life.” Why some people are able to move on from youthful torment and others are profoundly scarred remains a mystery. “So when I wrote this,” Edgerton explains, “I was interested in the question of where are those people that bullied us in

the past? Or, the ones that we bullied? I wanted to hold a mirror up through this story, about taking responsibility for our past and our actions but with a real sense of mystery and intrigue.” What The Gift addresses is what happens when someone is faced with a person who can’t get over the past. At what point does a sense of civility fall away, and uneasiness over a bygone person’s sudden reappearance in your life give way to a building sense of terror? The Gift opens on Aug. 19 in theatres nationwide from OctoArts Films.

T HUR S DAY : AUGUST 6 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

KeN CHaN a braND ambassaDOr iN CHiNa

MA Artist Center star Ken Chan is now a brand ambassador of an international brand of toothpaste. He says, “I am very happy and grateful for this blessing.” Chan was the choice to be the face of the toothpaste from among models from Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. According to the company that manufactures and distributes the toothpaste brand, Ken Chan matches the qualities in a brand ambassador the brand has been looking for. The Kapuso star says that he has heard about the project but did not expect an offer since lots of talents have been trying out for it. Not knowing how the company learned about him, Chan assumes that they were able to see some of his TV commercials. “When I was 17 years old, I started appearing in commercials. Doon siguro sila naging familiar sila sa’kin, tapos pinahanap na nila ako.” The project involves billboards to be put up across the country and a TV commercial that started airing in China last July. The brand shot the material in the Philippines, and the Artist Center talent feels happy with the accommodation he got during the shoot. He said the shooting crew was very friendly towards his team. Ken also feels proud that he can represent the Philippines in another country, but still wishes to show his commercials here. “Sayang, sana sa Philippines ipalabas kasi siyempre, taga-rito ako. Pero thankful pa rin, kasi syempre magandang opportunity na makita sa ibang bansa.” It can be said that this is only first of the many opportunities for Chan and surely his supporters will have more to look forward to since this new venture of the Kapuso star.

From C8

HHHHH New Team O member Oishi is a brand well known for taking every opportunity to give its fans a great time. With favorites like Cracklings and Marty’s Chicharon endorsed by superstars such as Ramon Bautista, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, it’s hard to top Oishi’s previous efforts to excite consumers. Oishi has truly outdone itself this time though, adding the multi-talented Alex Gonzaga to Team O! As an Oishi fan herself, Alex grew up snacking on Oishi’s Kirei and Prawn Crackers. Gonzaga couldn’t be more perfect for the brand. When she was growing up, she revealed she loved to snack, even going so far as to hide snacks in the classroom. Until now, she loves unwinding with a good snack. “Even when you’re just watching TV, nagiging mas exciting dahil sa kinakain mo.” Alex describes the flavor as something that her taste buds look for even after finishing a bag. It always leaves her wanting for more. Alex loves the snack so much that she says she can have it any time of the day with practically anything! When asked about what snack she’d love to receive from her crush, she said Crispy Patata. “Kasi sasabihin niya na may something na tayo!” Joking aside, she reassures that she really loves the snack. To her, Oishi Crispy Patata is a light snack that she can’t stop eating. She also admits to finishing a whole bag in one sitting. “One is not enough!” Joining the current Team O! members is an “O-nor”, she jokes. She looks forward to working with a quality team full of people that are just as fun loving as she is. For more on Alex, Team O and “O, Wow!” moments, drop by Oishi Snacktacular! on Aug. 7 to 9 at the Trinoma Activity Center! Get

your chance to win big prizes and meet your favorite Team O members, only with Oishi! HHHHH HelpiNG Overseas FilipiNOs The Filipino Channel (TFC) and the lead institution that promotes policies, programs and projects with Migration and Development as framework, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) recently reaffirmed their commitment to help overseas Filipinos (OFs) at Restaurant 9501 in Quezon City. TFC and CFO have been partners since 2011, starting with the Global Summit for Filipinos in the Diaspora (GSFD). Managing Director for Asia Pacific of ABS-CBN Global, Ltd. Philippine Branch Ailene Averion said, “When we first partnered with CFO in 2011, our focus was for the 1st Global Summit for Filipinos in the Diaspora, a fruition of CFO’s Diaspora to Development program. While both parties were open to all possibilities at that time, we never thought that we could go beyond.” CFO Chairperson Secretary Imelda Nicolas recognizes the role, which TFC has been playing over the past five years. Nicolas says TFC is an effective platform in the strengthening and empowering of the community of Filipinos overseas. In her remarks, Secretary Nicolas quoted former automobile executive Lido Anthony “Lee” Lacocca, “You may have brilliant ideas and services to offer, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas will not get you anywhere.” “We believe that through the TFC and CFO tandem, we can say that the Filipino diaspora is no longer the case of so near yet so far but just the opposite - so far yet so close. That is the wonder and miracle of media, which is what TFC provides,” said Nicolas.

Kapuso talent Ken Chan appears in a toothpaste commercial in China

Alex Gonzaga is the new member of Team O of Oishi

Commission of Filipinos Overseas Secretary Imelda Nicolas and ABS-CBN Global's Ailene Averion

Thrill on Thrill Channel

A scene from Perfect Proposal on Thrill channel

espite the fact that Thrill is a channel dedicated to delivering only the scariest, most spine tingly thrilling programs possible on a 24/7 basis, Filipino thriller fans seem to have an insatiable appetite for the kind of fear the titillates, shocks and exhilarates. That’s why for the whole month of August, Thrill is upping the ante again, and offering a thrill-filled month of viewing for every form of Filipino fan of fear with the Asian Fear Fest. Back on its 4th year, the Asian Fear Fest is the first and exclusive premiere of four thriller movies from across Asia to be aired on consecutive Fridays in August. If you crave that otherworldly chill that only supernatural terror films can deliver, then you’ll enjoy

Wewe, an Indonesian thriller that will make you afraid to be alone in your own home for weeks. Wewe premieres 11 p.m. Aug. 7. Asian Fear Fest also has something for fans of thrillers that reveal the monsters that lurk within the depths our very souls. On Aug. 14, 11 p.m., Thrill will air the television premiere of The Perfect Proposal, a tale of passion, love, hate and murder, based on a classic novel.. Then on Aug. 21, 11 p.m., Thrill will premiere Dirty Blood, a tale of vengeance gone extreme, about a young woman who plots to murder her father upon learning from her dying mother that she was conceived by rape. The last offering in the Asian Fear Fest is Haunted Road, a thriller about a group of teenagers trapped

in a service station with an evil otherworldly entity. Haunted Road is a landmark collaboration between Korean and Chinese filmmakers, it will air first 11 p.m. on Aug. 28. Aside from Asian Fear Fest, Thrill fans will also be treated to an incredible new series. Every Thursday of August at 10 p.m,, catch the critically acclaimed and award winning horror series from legendary screenwriter and director Guillermo del Torro, The Strain. Thrill, Asia’s first and only movie channel dedicated 24/7 to the widely popular horror, thriller and suspense genres is available on (Skycable Ch.107, Cablelink Ch.201, Destiny Cable Ch.11 and Cignal Ch.69). For more information, you can log on to www.thrill-tv.com or www.facebook.com/WatchThrill.

T HUR S DAY : AUGUST 6 : 2015

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado

Former sweethearts reunite in ‘my FaithFul husband’ isah V. red Rumors are pulsating ex-sweethearts Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado are back in each other’s arms even before GMA Network announced then estranged couple would be reunited in a new drama series. During the press conference last week for Kapuso’s new prime time show My Faithful Husband, neither of the two confirmed nor denied they have kissed and made up. Instead, both answered questions asking if they were a couple again obliquely. They admitted though they have become good friends again and going out

Rio Locsin

Ricky Davao

on dates again. “Whatever we have we value it, whether is just friendship or something else, let’s just say that we’re both happy that we are friends again,” Trillo and Mercado said. The two seem destined for each other. Both are single parents (the other parents of their own kids have long moved on and married). Each of them has been linked romantically with other individuals that failed surprisingly. Even their own relationship failed at one time, and this second relationship might be in progress yet still in danger of failing as well. So, both of them doesn’t want to label what they have at the moment. “We’re happy” is all the two can say about their getting together again. So be it! Their fans will wait what hap-

Louise delos Reyes

pens as the new series goes on, five nights a week. It is a story about a couple with the wife making a wrong turn in their marriage. The premise is as casual as what happens in the neighborhood and asks, “What if the wife is unfaithful?” My Faithful Husband probes the consequences of infidelity in a marriage. It is also a story that challenges the moral values of society and the audience’s own view of marriage. Emman and Mel, those are the characters Trillo and Mercado are playing in the series. Emman is a devoted and doting husband to Mel and father to their children. He is willing to do anything for his family. Meanwhile, Mel is a beautiful, spirited, and ambitious woman who after a long time sees her her former boyfriend again.

Mikael Daez

That triggers confusion in her emotion. Is she still in love with Dean (Mikael Daez), or will she remain faithful to Emman. What does Emman do when he finds out that Mel has betrayed him? Apart from Trillo, Mercado and Daez, the cast also includes Snooky Serna as Mercedes; Ricky Davao as Arnaldo; Nonie Buencamino as Lorenz; Lloyd Samartino as Artemio; Timmy Cruz as Elvie and Rio Locsin as Carmen with Louise delos Reyes as Mylene; Kevin Santos as Dodong; Jade Lopez as Doyee; Jerald Napoles as Mars; Julia Lee as Adelle; Jazz Ocampo as Carla; Aaron Yanga as Dante; and Rexcy Evert as Soling. My Faithful Husband premieres on Monday, Aug. 10 after Beautiful Strangers on GMA Telebabad.

dennis trillo and Jennylyn mercado are not a couple again, but what they say when the movie press asks them about their relationship confirms though that there is something between them and it’s not just friendship

➜ Continued on C7

Snooky Serna

Timmy Cruz