The Standard - 2015 August 07 - Friday

VOL. XXIX NO. 178 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 frIday : auguSt 7, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

I’m Pinoy by birth, choice, Poe declares

A3 Japan offers $2 billion for shelved rail system

By Vito Barcelo JAPAN has pledged to the Philippines its biggest official development assistance package worth 240 billion yen (or $2 billion) for the construction of the shelved Northrail project that was once awarded to a Chinese state construction firm.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Japanese ODA package is Next page

us vows to keeP chIna sea oPen WASHINGTON will not tolerate any navigation restrictions in the South China Sea, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday at a regional security meeting dominated by tensions over Beijing’s island building.

“Let me be clear: The United States will not accept restrictions on freedom of navigation and overflight, or other lawful uses of the sea. These are intrinsic rights that we all share,” he said according to a transcript of his remarks.

Kerry made his comments at a security meeting hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lumpur.

China has sparked alarm by expanding tiny reefs and constructing military posts, steps viewed by

some of its neighbors as violating a regional pledge against provocative actions in the area.

The long simmering dispute has flared at the Malaysia meet, attended by members of the 10-nation regional grouping as well as more than a dozen others including China, Japan, South Korea and the US. The US and Southeast Asian nations have called for Beijing to halt both reclamation in the South China Sea and construction on reefs, something Beijing has

staunchly resisted.

“I have urged all claimants to make a joint commitment to halt further land reclamation and construction of new facilities or militarization on disputed features,” Kerry told delegates, arguing such a step would “lower tensions”.

ASEAN members were at loggerheads Thursday over how hard to press China on its contentious efforts to assert control over the South China Sea, with the issue threatening to fray regional unity.

Bilateral meeting. US Secretary of State John Kerry and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario stand together before a bilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 6. AFP

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A2 Japan From A1...

intended for Phase One of the North-South Commuter Rail which will replace the Northrail project that was scrapped over legal issues.

The Northrail project was meant to build a rail line to Clark Air Base in Pampanga and was awarded to China National Machinery and Industry Corp. in 2003 for an initial $431 million, with China EximBank signing a loan agreement in 2004 to finance $400 million.

The government has already paid a total of $180 million on top of the $50 million outstanding loan, or P9 billion.

But the Supreme Court ruled that the project was not a governmentto-government agreement and was therefore invalid because there was no competitive bidding as the law requires.

When the government informed Sinomach of its inability to carry out the agreement, China EximBank declared a default.

The incident led President Benigno Aquino III to say during a trip to Japan last June that the financial squeeze was part of China’s strategy in asserting its maritime claims in the South China Sea. “We are unfortunately also possessor of an experience wherein there was a concessional loan which was neither concessional nor helpful to our country,” Aquino said during the Nikkei Conference on the Future of Asia in Tokyo.

The Philippines’ experience with that particular project has led Manila to be “very very cautious” about becoming a member of China’s Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, he said.

The Philippines is concerned that “the economic help that is supposed to be afforded will not be subjected to vagaries of politics.”

“The only thing we can show for the hundred of millions of dollars that we had to pay immediately was about a kilometer of columns and the plans for this project. So that behooves us to be very, very cautious whether or not to join the AIIB,” Aquino added.

But in his meeting with Japan State Minister for Foreign Affairs Minoru Kiuchi at the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Del Rosario the ODA pledge was part of “quality infrastructure” pacts forged during Aquino III’s state visit to Japan.

The North-South Commuter Line will be implemented in three phases.

The first phase, which will run from Malolos, Bulacan, to Tutuban station in Divisoria, will be funded by Japan while the two other phases will be funded through public-private partnerships.

But the details for the last two phases, the Tutuban-to-Calamba, Laguna, phase and the Malolos-toClark in Pampanga phase, have yet to be evaluated.

Del Rosario said they also discussed initiatives for closer security cooperation, including the acceleration of discussion for an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology.

The North-South Commuter Rail (NSCR) Project, Phase 1 is the single-biggest ODA yen loan package (US$2 billion) to date that Japan has given any development partner.

The NSCR, which the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) will implement, involves the construction of a 36.7-kilometer narrow-gauge elevated commuter railway from Malolos to Tutuban. – With Sandy Araneta

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End gayspeak use in political discourse, lawmaker advises

By Maricel V. cruz

A LAWMAKER on Thursday called to task the spokesmen of President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay for using “gayspeak” to attack each other.

Transfer. Airport officials said Thursday all international flights operating out of Terminal 4 will transfer to Terminal 3 effective August 15 following the activation of the secondary runway to ease congestion. Eric Apolonio

US VOWS From A1...

Diplomatic sources said the Philippines and Vietnam in particular were pushing for stronger language on Chinese land reclamation, which could help shore up Beijing’s disputed territorial claims.

But there was pushback from traditional China allies among the ASEAN. “China’s friends are taking a hard stance,” said one diplomat familiar with the drafting.

The diplomat did not specify which countries were taking a hard line, but Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar traditionally ally with China within ASEAN. The tug-of-war raises the specter of a 2012 ASEAN meeting hosted by Cambodia, when the bloc was unable for the first time in its four-decade history to issue a joint statement.

Cambodia was accused of precipitating the debacle by refusing to allow criticism of China over its maritime territorial assertions.

“China has already figured out how ASEAN works on the South China Sea, it knows how to divide us. Look at what happened in Cambodia,” one diplomat at the talks in Kuala Lumpur said.

Envoys from 27 nations -- including the United States and China -- were in Kuala Lumpur for the final day of regional security talks dominated by longrunning disputes over the strategic sea.

Beijing claims control over nearly the entire South China Sea, a key shipping route thought to hold rich oil and gas reserves.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malay-

sia and Brunei -- all ASEAN members -- also have various claims, as does Taiwan, many of which overlap.

Each year the regional bloc, which prides itself on its history of consensus diplomacy, releases a joint communique after the annual meeting of its foreign ministers, which took place Tuesday.

Singapore Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam told reporters Thursday morning that the joint statement was supposed to have been completed the previous day.

“It has not been finalized as of now. There are difficulties,” he said.

“The paragraphs relating to the South China Sea are causing some problems,” he added.

A draft of the communique obtained by Agence France-Presse makes no mention of halting reclamation.

Instead it warns that recent developments in the sea “have the very potential of undermining peace, security and stability”.

It adds: “There is an imperative need to urgently address the erosion of trust and corrosion of confidence amongst parties on these matters”.

Delegates said they still hoped to get a final joint statement by the end of the day.

The United States and Southeast Asian nations have called for a halt to further land-reclamation and construction.

China had so far refused, but on Wednesday Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said land reclamation had “already stopped”.

However some delegates in Kuala Lumpur have played down those claims.

One diplomat told reporters: “They’re not saying they’re stopping construction, nor are they saying

they’ll stop future reclamation.”

The Philippines said it would only be satisfied once Beijing halts construction in the disputed sea.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said Thursday that the East Asia Summit should play a major role in crafting the region’s security architecture and it must address all major issues that prevent the creation of a region of peace and cooperation.

Del Rosario made the call during high-level meetings of the ASEAN and East Asia summit in Kuala Lumpur, and emphasized that recent provocative actions by China constituted an infringement on the rights of the Philippines and other countries under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and a violation of the 2002 ASEAN China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The Palace on Thursday said that China’s claims that it has already stopped construction on disputed areas in the South China Sea still needed to be verified.

“Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario had earlier said there must be a halt to reclamation, halt to construction and halt to activities that tend to escalate tensions in the region,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. Coloma also said there were reports that there is a second phase of construction, which he said must also be stopped.

He could not verify, however, reports that Japan will provide the Philippines with surveillance planes.

“This must be verified first from the Department of National Defense,” he said. – AFp, Sandy Araneta and Vito Barcelo

“It is really a sad commentary on the state of our politics and public discourse, this exchange of statements of the spokesmen,” said Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz. “There is a need to level up and ensure that we focus on the basics to better serve the public interest.”

Earlier, presidential spokesman dismissed Binay’s “True State-ofthe-Nation Address” (TSONA) as an example of the “politics of hate” and used a gay term—charot--to suggest Binay was trying to dupe the people.

In response, the Vice President’s spokesman, Joey Salgado, replied: “Imbey ang fez ni Secretarush dahil trulalu ang spluk ni VP. Pero ang SONA ng pangulo, chaka ever sa madlang pipol dahil hindi trulalu.” (The secretary was angered because the speech of the Vice President is truthful. But people saw the SONA of the President as ugly because it is not true.)

Lacierda responded Thursday, saying: “Ha ha! I love it that Vice President Binay is marching to the beat of our drums!”

“The line in the sand has been drawn since Vice President Binay bitterly attacked the President after having failed to secure the endorsement of President Aquino. It is ‘Daang Matuwid’ versus ‘Daang Baluktot’,” Lacierda added.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., during a press briefing in Malacanang, said the Palace allows “gayspeak” or any form of communication as long as “it speaks the truth.”

This was Coloma’s reaction to Lacierda’s way of handling the Binay camp’s attacks.

In a statement released to the press, Salgado said Lacierda’s response showed that he would rather dwell on the trivial than on the substantive.

“A lot of questions remain unanswered,” Salgado said.

“The people are waiting for your explanation of why the contract for the MRT maintenance was suddenly switched in favor of a company connected with the Liberal Party,” he continued in Filipino.

“The people are waiting for his answer as to why the previous Transportaion and Communications secretary allowed this. This is the reason hundreds of thousands of passengers of the MRT suffer.”

Turning to the use of the gay term “charot,” Salgado said he was not fluent in gayspeak, but he consulted someone who was, who came up with his own gay rejoinder.

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Poe: I’m Pinoy by birth, choice

By Macon ramos-araneta

SENATOR Grace Poe on Thursday assured the more than 20 million Filipinos who voted for her in the 2013 elections that she is a Filipino by birth and choice.

Petition fee. Losing senatorial candidate Lito David holds up a receipt for the P50,000 he paid to the Senate Electoral Tribunal to file a petition to unseat Senator Grace Poe as a result of her alleged American citizenship. Manny PalMero

Binay considering Miriam as running mate VICE President Jejomar Binay, who is still searching for his running mate, said Thursday he was considering Senator Miriam DefensorSantiago to be his running mate in the 2016 elections.

He said he still had no vice president in the coming elections, but he would soon announce who it would be before the filing of candidacies on Oct. 12 to 16.

Binay made his statement even as Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the Binay-Marcos tandem was viable but he was also open to teaming up with another Nacionalista Party senator for 2016.

In an interview during yesterday’s Kapihan sa Senado, Marcos stressed that every-

thing is viable.

“As I said, all of them are possibilities so we are talking about them, we’re thinking about them because they might happen,” Marcos said at the breakfast forum at the Senate.

Asked if the offer to be the vice president of Binay was communicated to him, Marcos said there were discussions on the subject but those were going on with not only one group.

He had friends in all other groups and they had been talking about everything.

“That is why I am grateful that I am being considered,” Marcos said.

“The decisions especially in the national level involve a party. So although we have talked about it, Senator Cynthia [Villar] and I see each

other every day, and she has asked me if they had already approached me. I told her not everyday but [Navotas Rep.] Toby [Tiangco±] and I often talked... That applies not only to UNA, that also applies to the group of [Davao Mayor Rodrigo] Duterte and to the other groups.”

United nationalist Alliance search committee member and former Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez had earlier said they had discussed the possibility of Santiago becoming Binay’s running mate with Jun Santiago, the senator’s husband.

However, Suarez said the good senator had yet to decide on it because of her health.

“Whether for President or vice president will be subject to

the clearance of the cancer doctor that’s in town,” Suarez said.

Among those being considered as Binay’s running mate are Marcos, former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Batangas governor Vilma Santos, former senator Manny Villar and Teresita Sy-Coson.

Binay confirmed that Jacel Kiram, daughter of the late Jamalul Kiram III of the Sultanate of Sulu, and actress and former Parañaque City Councilor Alma Moreno or Vanessa “Ness” Lacsamana in real life would be part of UNA’s senatorial slate.

He said he was still uncertain if Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao would be joining their senatorial ticket. Vito Barcelo and Macon ramosaraneta

“Their confidence in me is not misplaced. I remain truthful to our countrymen, said Poe, the first placer in the last senatorial race.

She said she was actually relieved that a petition had been filed so that she could answer the questions on her citizenship.

“It is an opportunity for the truth to come out and for this issue to be resolved once and for all,” Poe said.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos said Poe could take care of herself and did not need help from him because she was tough, but that he was always ready to help her.

Poe earlier said she had all the documents to counter all allegations about her citizenship and residency. But she would come out with those documents only when ordered by a court.

Poe was reacting to the petition filed before the Senate Electoral Tribunal by two-time losing senatorial candidate Rizalito David.

David argues that Poe is ineligible to remain the Senate because she is a foundling or a “stateless” being.

“Being a foundling, her parents are not known and cannot be presumed Filipino citizens, hence she cannot claim or acquire the status of a natural-born citizen,” said David as he

noted there was no law in the country that gives a natural-born status to a foundling.

He said Poe’s adoption by actors Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces did not give the senator the stature of a Filipino citizen.

“It should be emphasized that [Poe] was a foundling when she was adopted She had no known biological parents, having been allegedly found in a church in Jaro, Iloilo, and was allegedly taken by a rich woman and later on ended up in the hands of the Poe couple,” David said.

Senator Francis Escudero described as “funny and irritating” the case filed by David against Poe. “It’s funny because he was not prepared with what he needed in order to file. It’s irritating because why only now?”

Escudero said.

“If they want to challenge her citizenship, they should have done it early on.”

Escudero believes Poe can weather this new political storm and that the public can see through David’s motive.

“If there are accusations against you, no matter how bad, if they are not true, you would be able to respond and explain them to the public,” Escudero said.

With rio n. araja

Roxas in no hurry to find partner

By John Paolo Bencito A MORE confident Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said Thursday he was not in a rush to find a running mate for the 2016 elections in which he will be running for president.

The Liberal Party’s standard bearer said he and his allies had not set any deadlines for announcing the party’s vice presidential candidate during the 6th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, where he was guest of honor.

“There’s no deadline whatsoever,” Roxas said.

“One day, one week, one month before that or near that is not material. What we’re fighting for is the dreams of one-hundred-mil-

lion Filipinos.”

On Wednesday, Roxas publicly courted Senator Grace Poe on national television to be his running mate in 2016, saying the administration party had been considering her as its top choice for vice president.

“I mean, we’re not talking here about who will be the costar, the producer and director.

What we’re talking about is the welfare of our nation, of our countrymen,” Roxas said.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said Roxas and Poe were seen to continue the Aquino administration’s so-called straight path.

“Well, as the President said, both [Roxas and Poe] are important. However, only Secretary Roxas has expressed his intention for the presidency and

in fairness, Senator Grace Poe hasn’t,” Abad said.

“I think Senator Grace Poe needs to make a decision right now.”

Roxas has also said he is prepared for a Plan B, C, D, E or F should Senator Poe decide to take a separate path.

Since the President’s endorsement at Club Filipino on Friday last week, Roxas has seemed more confident and has been smiling a lot and cracking jokes, although he says he “is still the same person.”

He promised more on the coming days.

“We’re ready. We will have a series of policy speeches,” Roxas said.

“The challenges in 2016 are very different from those in the past years.”

new vehicles. E-trikes wait for passengers within Intramuros on Thursday. Danny Pata

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Coloma: Statue honors SAF 44

By Sandy Araneta and Vito Barcelo

Report ready. Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the Senate committee on local government, which he chairs, is ready to submit its report on the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law, but declined to commit that the bill could be passed under the Aquino administration. EY ACASIO

Taguig mayor, exec rapped for lockdown

By Rio N. Araja THE Ombudsman indicted Taguig City Mayor Laarni “Lani” Cayetano on Thursday for preventing councilors from holding regular legislative sessions in 2010 by padlocking the council’s session hall in 2010.

Also indicted was city administrator Jose Montales for violation of Article 143 of the Revised Penal Code penalizing “persons who, by force or fraud, prevent or tend to prevent the meetings of local legislative bodies.”

Because of Cayetano’s acts, the city council was forced to

hold their official sessions at a staircase of the city hall on its maiden session and in various venues inside and outside the city hall for the next 14 sessions.

The case arose from the padlocking of the session hall on August 16, 2010 preventing the Sanggunian Panlungsod (SP) from holding its maiden

council session following the 2010 elections.

The complainants headed by former Vice Mayor George Elias and other members of the SP said they were surprised to see that all entrances to the session hall which they used for the previous six years were closed on orders of the respondents without advance notice.

They said the city administrator informed them belatedly that the session hall was closed to start the implementation of “reengineering and reorganization plan.”

The councilors said the padlocking of the session hall was an act of hostility, premeditated and executed with undue haste,

affording no prior consultation and no prior notice.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales dismissed the explanations of Cayetano and Montales that their act was part of the city’s reengineering and reorganizational plan.

“The documentary evidence as well as respondents’ own admissions belied their claim that any ‘reorganizational or reengineering plan’ with respect to city hall offices actually existed,” Morales said in her resolution.

She also noted there was no plan nor a semblance of a project study that would validate the necessity of effecting immediate change in the layout of the city hall offices.

A STATUE of the 44 police commandos at Camp Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite is enough to honor the slain policemen and Malacañang had nothing to do with the removal of a mural that was made by a group of eminent painters to memorialize the Mamasapano incident.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. mentioned the statue as he denied President Benigno Aquino III ordered that the mural be removed from the the Philippine National Police Academy “because too many visitors were takings photos or selfies with the mural as backdrop.”

“According to General Ricardo de Leon, president of the Philippine Public Safety College, [which] supervises the Philippine National Police Academy, there is already a statue erected which honors the SAF 44, inside Camp Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite,” Coloma said.

On the other hand, the 26-foot mural of the 44 Special Action Force troopers, who were slain while hunting down two international terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25, has found a new home in the Coconut Palace where Vice President Jejomar C. Binay holds office.

The mural is now at the ground floor of the Coconut Palace so that all visitors can see the artwork, which was created by a group of artists to remind Filipinos of the SAF 44’s sacrifice and heroism.

The source added the PNPA, instead of putting the mural inside a “bodega,” decided to inform the owner of the mural, Erehwon Artworld Corp., of the President’s order. Erehwon decided to retrieve the mural sometime mid-April.

This was about a month after it was inaugurated by Binay.

It was actually Aquino who was invited to unveil the mural but he did not arrive. Binay, who was invited to attend, unveiled the mural when Aquino snubbed the event, sources said.

The mural called “Tagaligtas 44” and an 18-foot war monument dubbed “Bantayog Tagaligtas: Heroic 44” were installed in the PNPA in Silang, Cavite on March 14, the annual homecoming of the alumni.

Tax break for PWDs pushed

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

MORE than 1.4 million Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) will be exempted from the 12-percent value added tax (VAT) once Senate Bill 2890 is passed into law, said Senator Sonny Angara.

The Senate ways and means committee, chaired

by Angara, reported out on Wedensday the proposed measure, a consolidated version of House Bill 1039 principally authored by Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and similar bills authored by Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto and Senator Bam Aquino.

Senate Bill 2890 seeks to expand the benefits and privileges of PWDs under Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

Based on the 2010 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, there were over 1.4 million Filipino PWDs or 1.57 percent of the country’s population.

Under RA 7277, disabled persons are those

suffering from restriction or different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.

Angara noted that if the bill is passed into law, it will align the PWD law with that of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act which provides a VAT exemption on top of their 20-percent discount on particular goods and services.

Specifically, PWDs will be exempted from the VAT on land transportation, domestic air and sea travels; on fees and charges for medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory fees, and professional fees of attending doctors in all government facilities as well as in all private hospitals and medical facilities; on cost of medicines; on fees and charges in hotels, restaurants and recreation centers; and, on admission fees in theatres, cinema houses, concert halls, and other similar places of culture, leisure and amusement.

Sent home. Four law enforcers from China escort fugitive Wang Bo as he goes to board China Southern Flight No. CZ3078 for Guangzhou, China after he was official deported by the Bureau of Immigration on Thursday.

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Wang Bo deported

Just a drill. Rescuers immediately respond to a bystander hit by a fallen lamp post during an earthquake, one of the dramatizations held at SM MOA Complex while participating in the Shake Drill spearheaded by MMDA.

Comelec warned: ‘No-el’ scenario must not happen

By Maricel V. Cruz

House Independent Bloc leader and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Thursday prodded the Commission on Elections to ensure that a “no-election” scenario in 2016 would not occur amid criticism raised by some sectors that the Comelec was not prepared to automate the polls.

Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), said Comelec chair Andres Bautista must exhaust all means to guarantee that the May 9, 2016 automated polls will push through as scheduled despite the declaration made by the special Bids and Awards Committee-2 of the poll body on a failed second bidding for the contract to refurbish 81,896 precinct count optical scan machines. “i am confident that the

poll body can carry their mandate and decide on what is best for the interest of the country despite the failed second bidding in the refurbishment of PCOs,” Romualdez said.

“Let us all work for the maintenance of good. i believe the Comelec will not allow a possible no-election scenario,” he said.

Romualdez made the statement as Bautista said the poll body would ensure the success of a parallel public bidding for the refurbishment

and repair of the 81,896 PCOs machines and the purchase of 100,000 Optical Mark Reader (OMR) voting machines for the peaceful conduct of the national elections on May 9, 2016. speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said he was confident the Comelec would still be able to address the problem.

“The failed two biddings are very serious concern, but still hoping that the poll body can address this problem,” Belmonte said.

Cavite Rep. elpidio Barzaga Jr., a former chair of the house committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, said the Comelec could still lease two batches of brand new 23,000 OMR voting machines and another new batch of 70,977 OMRs. “i talked to some directors of the Comelec and they assured tha leasing new OMR machines based on their timetable is really possible,” Barzaga

said. “These new machines are very reliable unlike repairing the old ones whose successful operation cannot be guaranteed and we cannot even assure that there will be no delays,” Barzaga, vice chair of the house committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, said.

Barzaga said the lease will be P2 billion more expensive than the refurbishment of the existing PCOs machines. in separate letters submitted to sBAC-2, smartmaticTotal information Management (TiM) Corp. and Miru systems Co. attributed their decision to withdraw from the P3.1-billion project to the tight timeline imposed by the Comelec. smartmatic-TiM Corp. said it has “serious doubts and legitimate concerns whether this project is still feasible,” considering that the election day is barely nine months away.

Chinese crime lord Wang Bo, who allegedly bribed congressmen to pass the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, has been deported to China, according to the Department of Justice and Bureau of immigration. immigration spokesperson elaine Tan said that Wang left the ninoy Aquino internatinal Airport at 8:48 am on board China southern Airline flight CZ3078 for Guangzhou .

“The deportation was in compliance with the August 4 resolution from the secretary of Justice directing the immediate implementation of the March 5 summary Deportation Order against Wang,” Tan said.

The Chinese fugitive was escorted by four Chinese police officers and a Filipino immigration agent.

The sDO was also enforced after the national Bureau of investigation said there was no evidence to prove that Wang bribed lawmakers and immigration officials including Justice secretary Leila De Lima. in a resolution issued Wednesday, De Lima affirmed her June 8, 2015 ruling that reinstated a March 5, 2015 sDO issued by the Bureau of immigration (Bi) against Wang.

The latest resolution stated that Wang “has been amply heard in the deportation and appeal proceedings thru his pleadings with the Bi, the Court of Appeals, and his present motion for reconsideration.”

The resolution also pointed out that there was “no reason to reverse” the June 8 ruling that “the documents presented by the Chinese embassy are sufficient basis to order the deportation of [Wang].”

The June 8 resolution junked a May 21, 2015 resolution of the Bi’s Board of Commissioners that reversed the sDO. The ruling was bolstered by the submission of documents by the Chinese embassy that certified Wang as a fugitive from justice and bearer of a cancelled passport. Vito Barcelo

Dengue downs House speaker hOuse speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has been suffering from dengue since Monday.

Belmonte confirmed that he is currently confined at st. Luke’s Medical Center along e. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City after diagnosed the illness brought by aedes aegypti mosquito. “it takes time to study the blood samples taken from me twice a day. As of today it is dengue,” Belmonte told reporters in a text message.

Belmonte said he has been suffering from fever since Monday evening, and so he failed to attend the gathering of local leaders and other officials of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) last Tuesday in san Juan City in support of the presidential bid of interior and Local Government secretary Manuel Roxas ii. “ i’m sick, might miss it (LP gathering). [i am suffering from] very fever since last (Wednesday) night,” Belmonte said.

But Belmonte said he hopes he would be feeling well by Monday next week so that he would be able to report for work by then.

Maricel V. Cruz

Court upholds case vs fratman in Bar blast

By Rey Requejo

The Court of Appeals has allowed the Department of Justice to proceed with the prosecution of a member of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity for multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder in connection with the grenade explosion outside the De La salle university during the 2010 Bar exams that left at least 50 persons injured. in a 17-page decision written

by Associate Justice Francisco

Acosta, the CA’s special Fourth Division denied the petition filed

by Anthony nepomuceno, the alleged grenade-thrower, seeking t to nullify the resolution issued

by Prosecution Attorney on April 27, 2011 which found probable cause to file criminal charges against him.

The CA ruled that the DOJ did not commit grave abuse of discretion in recommending the filing of information against nepomuceno.

The appellate court junked

nepomuceno’s defense that the affidavits of the witnesses presented by the national Bureau of investigation (nBi) are inconsistent and the positive identifications were questionable, saying those issues should be addressed during the trial proper.

“Thus, the perceived inconsistencies in the statements of the witnesses are not sufficient to debunk the investigating prosecutor’s finding of probable cause against nepomuceno,” the CA stressed.

Fake rice. More than a month after “fake rice” was reported in Davao City, a

series of test conducted by government agencies showed that it was an isolated case and not a cause for alarm. National Food Authority Administrator Renan Dalisay (left) and Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Secretary Francis Pangilinan clarify the fake rice issue during a press conference held in Quezon City. MANNY PALMERO

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John Hay hits out at BCDA Over misleading claim on Court of Appeals decision

By Rey E. Requejo

The Camp John hay Development Corporation has slammed the Bases Conversion and Development Authority for questioning a recent ruling of the Court of Appeals which prevented the eviction of more than 1,600 third party investors and the private developer from the 247-hectare former American recreational facility.

In a memorandum to all Camp John Hay locators and enterprises, CJHDevCo executive vice president Alfredo Yñiguez III accused the BCDA of trying to mislead and confuse the public in assailing the CA order.

“There is nothing irregular about the July 30 decision of the Court of Appeals which ordered BCDA to respect and not to disturb the contracts of third parties occupying the leased premises. In fact, the CA decision

merely affirms the arbitration award, which the BCDA has been trying to illegally modify,” Yñiguez said.

In a 67-page decision penned by Associate Justice Noel Tijam, the CA’s former Special Fifth Division granted the petition for certiorari and prohibition filed by the private developer to stop Baguio City regional trial court Branch 6 Judge Cecilia Corazon Dulay-Archog from implementing a writ of execution and notice to vacate against CJH-

DevCo and the third parties occupying the leased property.

“The instant petition for certiorari is granted. Accordingly, public respondents are ordered to cease and desist from enforcing the Writ of Execution dated April 14 and Notice to Vacate dated April 20 against petitioner CJHDevCo until it is fully paid of the amount of P1,421,096,052 as indicated in the Arbitral Award,” the CA said in its ruling.

The appellate court, however, directed CJHDevCo to “promptly vacate and cease its operations on the leased premises upon payment of its claim in the amount of P1,421,096,052 with the Commission on Audit.”

“However, in the interim, CJHDevCo shall not enter into new contracts with 3rd parties and/ or perform any action that would contravene the tenor of the arbitral award before receipt of its payment,” it stressed.

Yñiguez said the CA ruling upheld the position of the property developer that all third parties are also vested rights holders who acted in “good faith” when they entered into contracts with CJHDevCo. “This clearly shows that third party residents and locators possess rights and cannot simply be evicted by the BCDA,” he said. “The Court of Appeals directed the BCDA to respect and not to disturb the various contracts of third parties occupying the premises in Camp John Hay.” Yñiguez stressed that what the CA found irregular, amounting to grave abuse of discretion, are the acts of Dulay-Archog, the ex-officio sheriff of Baguio City Linda-Montes Loloy, and the sheriff of Baguio RTCBranch 6 Bobby Galano in enforcing and implementing writ of execution and the notice to vacate against the third parties.

“The Court of Appeals ruled it is so patent and gross as to amount to

an evasion of positive duty for RTC Baguio Court Branch 6 to include petitioner-intervenors (third parties) in the notice to vacate that resulted in the taking of property without due process of law,” he added.

Yñiguez also accused BCDA of being maliciously misleading in claiming that the lease agreement with CJHDevCo “was only for 25 years, subject to renewal for another 25 years and not an automatic 50 years.”

The CJHDEVCO official said what BCDA failed to include in their statement that as per contract, “renewal for another 25 years is at the sole option of CJHDevCo” - something that the property developer has already exercised.

“In fact, the BCDA itself accepted residential units, condotel units and golf shares from CJHDevCo with a term of 50 years, and further, resold one unit for a 75-year lease period,” Yñiguez said.

August power rates lowest in five years

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Supply disruption. Residents of Bacoor, Cavite on Thursday form a line to buy containers with which to stock up water in preparation for the scheduled water service interruption next week. DANNY PATA

POWER rates will decrease for the fourth consecutive month in August because of lower generation charges, distributor Manila Electric Co. said Thursday.

Meralco said in a statement residential customers would see their electricity bill decrease

by P0.26 per kilowatt-hour this month to around P9.12 per kWh, the lowest in nearly five years.

This brings the total reduction to P1.56 per kWh over the past four months. The reduction also marked the sixth time this year that rates went down.

Meralco said a typical household consuming 200 kWh would see their monthly electricity bill go down by P52 in August.

Meralco said that at P9.12 per kWh, the overall electricity rate in August was lower by P1.82 than P10.94 per kWh in August 2014 and was the lowest since October 2010.

The utility company attributed the reduction in the overall rates to the drop in generation charges by P0.19 per kWh to P4.55 per kWh. The August month’s generation charge is also the second lowest since October 2010.

“The generation charge reduction was largely driven by lower charges from power plants under the independent power producers (IPPs) due to lower fuel costs resulting from the quarterly repricing of natural gas and lower condensate cost due to fewer gas restrictions requiring these plants to use the higher priced condensate,” Meralco said.

The power distributor said charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the country’s trading floor of electricity, also registered a reduction.

“This was due to lower demand caused by weather disturbances that affected several days of the July supply month,” it said.

MMDA bares landslide-prone areas

By Joel E. Zurbano

Women’s right. Akbayan members led by former party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros express the difficulty of raising families in poverty as they appeal to the Supreme Court justices to once again become the “champion for women’s rights.” Akbayan members are joining forces with the reproductive health advocates network to espouse the rights of women to reproductive health. MANNY PALMERO

TWELVE barangays in Metro Manila, ten of them in Quezon City, were identified as highly susceptible to landslides in the event southwest monsoon struck the National Capital Region on Monday.

The areas are barangays Pansol, Loyola Heights, North Fairview, Greater Lagro, Old Balara, Batasan Hills, Payatas, Commonwealth (Lower Bayanihan), Bagong Silangan and Holy Spirit, all in Quezon City; Barangay Fortune in Marikina City, and Tunasan in Muntinlupa City.

These high risk areas were identified by Mines and Geoscience Bureau officials during an emergency meeting with members of the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and local government officials last Thursday.

The meeting, which was presided by Metro Manila Development Authority

chairman Francis Tolentino held at the MMDA central office in Makati City, was made in preparation for the possible heavy rains on Monday.

“These areas are high risk if ever heavy rains comes Monday but it doesnt necessarily mean there will be landslides in these areas,” said Raymond Ancog, MGB senior geologist.

Tolentino, for his part, asked local officials to use public schools in their areas as evacuation centers for residents who would be affected by landslides. He added he already met with Metro Manila mayors on what to do in their respective areas in case of emergency.

The MMDA said during heavy rains, people should: -Stay indoors and keep calm.

-Monitor TV and radio reports.

-Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

-Go to the nearest designated evacuation center if your house is

in a flood-prone area.

-Have a flashlight and radio handy, with fresh batteries.

-Stock up on food, potable water, kerosene, batteries, and first-aid supplies.

-In case of flooding, turn off the main sources of electricity, gas and water in your home.

-Stack furniture above the expected flood level. Keep appliances, valuables, chemicals, toxic substances, and garbage beyond the reach of floodwaters.

-Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, creeks and coastal areas, slopes, cliffs, and foothills. Rain can trigger landslides, rockslides or mudslides.

-Avoid wading through flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.

-Do not operate any electrical equipment during a flood.

-Do not use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded.

f r i d ay : a U G U S T 7, 2 0 1 5

A7

news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Village chief arrested for killing of 6-year-old

By Dexter A. See CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union—A barangay chairman wanted for killing a six-year old boy and seriously wounding the boy’s father in a shooting incident in Bangar, La Union last year was arrested Wednesday in Barangay Sto. Nino, Magalang, Pampanga by joint elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group here and the La Union police.

Supt. Angeles Genorga Jr, CIDG1 officer-in-charge, identified the suspect as Marlou Lucina, 33, chairman and resident of Barangay Quintarong, Bangar, La Union.

Genorga said Lucina was arrested based on warrants issued by Judge Manuel R. Aquino of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 21 in Balaoan, La Union.

Lucina was charged with murder and frustrated murder without bail for the death of Stephen Nicolai Munio and the wounding of his father, Nazer Munio.

According to the investigation, father and son were sitting in front of their house in Barangay Quintarong when the suspect appeared and shot them with a shotgun, targeting different parts of their body.

The victims were rushed to the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City but the boy was declared dead upon arrival while his father survived.

Police said the motive of the incident is a personal grudge.

Hanna brings more rain, flooding to Mindanao

By Francisco Tuyay

More families have fled their homes for safety as flood water continued to rise, brought by rain from the southwest monsoon spawned by typhoon Hanna in Mindanao.

Authorities have declared a state of calamity in Valencia City in the province of Bukidnon.

As of press time, seven minors have died and two remain missing.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, a total of 426 families or 1,085 persons representing residence in four villages

of Valencia City and two areas in Malaybalay in Bukidnon province were forced to evacuate due to massive flooding.

The severely affected villages in Valencia City were Sugud, Ginoyuran, Tugaya, Bagong Mataas and Poblacion and sitios and Brgy Jose and Purok 4 in Lanawan Linabo in Malaybalay

town in Bukidnon.

Pagasa said typhoon Hanna was 955 kilometers east of Basco Batanes with 175 kph winds near the center and gustiness of 210 kph moving west northwest at 20 kph.

Typhoon Hanna, Pagasa said, has maintained its intensity as it move closer to Batanes area bringing moderate and heavy rainfall within a radius of 650 kilometers.

Despite Hanna’s predicted exit on Saturday, monsoon rains will still prevails which may trigger flash floods and landslides to be experienced over Bicol or, Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan while moderate and isolated thunderstorm is expected in Metro Manila,

Calabrzon and Mindoro.

Teoveloni Eliaconi, spokesperson of Valencia City DRRMO declined to provide the actual amount of the calamity fund to be utilized to finance food for flood victims who were in different evacuation centers and rehabilitation of damage dwellings and structures brought by the flooding.

In Kidapawan, incidents of landslides were reported in the three far flung Sitios of Sudsuhayon, Sayaban and Agco, rendering the areas temporarily unpassable due to all kinds of vehicles due to earth debris along its road networks.

Trying his luck. A fisherman in Vigan casts his net, still hoping for some catch as stormy clouds loom over the horizon. DAVID CHAN

Benguet town, electric coop ink deal on mini-hydro plant

Seeking shelter. A child in Kidpawan City tries to stay dry under a stall umbrella amid a downpour.

GEONARRI SOLMERANO

BUGUIAS, Benguet—Officials of the Benguet Electric Cooperative and the Buguias municipal government recently signed a memorandum of agreement in relation to the development of the 3-megawatt Man-asok mini-hydro power plant that will be hosted by the town in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.

Beneco is currently developing the run of river mini-hydroelectric power plant located in the municipality with an installed capacity of 3 megawatts.

Under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, the government share on existing and new renewable energy development projects “shall be equal to 1 percent of the gross income of renewable energy resource developers resulting from the sale of renewable energy produced and such other income incidental to and arising from the renewable energy generation, transmission and sale of electric power.”

Further, the government share as required under the law shall be distributed as follows: 60 percent to the national government and 40 percent

to the local government.

Pursuant to Section 292 of RA No. 7160 and Department of Energy Circular No. 2009-05-0008, the allocation and distribution of the local government share shall be province—20 percent, component city or municipality —45 and barangay—35 percent.

Beneco has the obligation of sharing with its host communities a part of income to be derived from the operation of the 3-megawatt mini-hyroelectric power plant, and in consideration of the exploitation, development and utilization of naturallyoccurring renewable energy resources within the territory of the municipality.

Based on the agreement, a joint venture or partnership agreement between Beneco and the municipality shall be executed with a 50-50 percent sharing of ownership of the facilities after the 26th year of operation of the mini-hydro plant without any initial financial investment to be cashed out by the municipality.

The agreement was signed by Mayor Melchor Diclas and Beneco Board President Peter Busaing. Dexter A. See

F R I D AY, A u G u S T 7, 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA eDItOr

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

VIrtUal realItY tOnY lOPeZ

DiD Erap win thE 2010 racE?

[ EDI TORI A L ]

ImmInent US rate hIke GLoBAL financial markets are again volatile as investors speculate on the timing of the US interest rate hike. The impending rate increase, a confirmation of the economic recovery in the US, has prompted investors to dump their holdings in the global stock markets in favor of the US dollar and other dollar-based instruments, and weakened many currencies, including the peso.

An interest rate hike by the US Federal reserve Board offers better yields to investors who place their bets on the American currency and US treasury bills. As investors flee the yen, euro and other major currencies, the US dollar gets stronger with the increased demand. The yen and euro receive a beating, which may force some economies to also raise their interest rates in order to compete with the US currency in drawing foreign funds. higher interest rates, however, will increase the cost of borrowing and ultimately the production cost of companies.

The peso lately has felt the effects of the imminent US rate increase.

The local currency closed at 45.745 to a US dollar Thursday, the weakest level in five years, as foreign funds leave the philippine financial markets in search for higher investment returns.

Foreign fund managers are speculating the record-low inflation rate of 0.8 percent in July will prevent the Bangko Sentral ng pilipinas from following the Federal reserve when it raises interest rates.

The peso, thus, is expected to remain weak in the coming months as the central bank keeps local interest rates low. Monetary authorities will rather wait and let the peso depreciate amid an extended el Niño and government’s target to sustain an economic growth rate of at least 6 percent.

The weaker peso will benefit exporters and relatives of migrant Filipino workers here. But the philippines will have a difficult time attracting foreign funds in the local financial markets in the face of a stronger US currency.

The government, in the meantime, should start evaluating its trade and economic policies in preparation for a US economic boom.

A mAtter of reputAtion lOwDOwn jOjO a. rObleS To pArAphrASe the old trust “smell test,’’ would you buy a car (not to mention a television network) from Felipe Gozon? perhaps some people still would – but they’d be very, very careful when they do from here on in.

I wonder what Gozon, chairman of the giant GMA 7 network, was thinking when he decided not to return the

p1 billion downpayment made

by San Miguel Corp. top honcho ramon Ang after Ang’s plan to purchase the station fell through. I’ll hazard a guess: Gozon wasn’t thinking about the good of the company, its stockholders – not just his partners Menardo Jimenez and Gualberto Duavit, by the way – and even his own personal reputation as a top businessman and executive.

Because Gozon is a lawyer, I was not surprised to hear his legalistic response to Ang’s filing of a syndicated estafa suit against him for the return of the money recently. Gozon said

that the money paid by Ang was intact and that he will not return it because he intends to sue Ang for damages for unilaterally aborting the sale.

Gozon’s reply may or may not be legally correct; that is really for the courts to decide. But, either way, his position does nothing to improve his image or that of his company outside of the courts, where the real business of business happens.

After all, it’s perfectly possible, in the world of business, for one to take a strictly legal position and still be wrong, because business is not all about the law. There are other things

A9

I wonder if permanent damage to the reputation of Gma 7’s owners and that of the company itself has already been done.

in play, like a businessman’s reputation and, by extension, the reputation of his company.

And when the president of a company like San Miguel, the biggest diversified conglomerate in the country, sues the head of another large company like GMA 7 for syndicated estafa, you have to wonder if there is not actually cause for investors and future partners and buyers to worry. The charge, after all, is almost exclusively reserved for financial securities scam artists like the shadowy people who sell imaginary gold bars or those who offer fantastic – and equally imaginary – profits in “multilevel marketing” schemes.

It doesn’t help Gozon’s defense that Jimenez and Duavit,

his fellow majority partners in GMA 7, want Ang to get his money back, since the sale didn’t happen. No one has the right to keep money that isn’t his and which was given as a downpayment towards the sale of anything, whether the thing being sold is a second-hand car or 90 percent of a big broadcasting network, the total holdings of the three partners that Ang had wanted to purchase originally.

I find it hard to believe that the Gozon bloc seriously believes that it can hang on to Ang’s money because it

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-

wants to sue Ang for opportunity losses as a result of the sale falling through.

Ang’s complaint, which states that the terms of the aborted sale never included a provision allowing the withholding of his downpayment in case the deal didn’t push through, is more believable.

After all, if there is no provision that specifically allows the withholding of Ang’s downpayment as security for future damage claims, then there is real cause to charge Gozon of attempting to defraud the San Miguel president.

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

And the law that punishes syndicated estafa, because it is aimed particularly at perpetrators who victimize people who hand over money to them in good faith, is a non-bailable offense. *** I’ve been told that Gozon has softened his earlier position and that he is now open to an out-of-court settlement with Ang. This is good news, because the GMA 7 chairman must have realized, however belatedly, that his stand is untenable.

Continued on A11

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

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

Ma. Isabel “Gina” P. Verzosa Head, Advertising Solutions Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

Who won the presidential elections of May 2010?

The Commission on elections proclaimed Liberal party’s Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III the duly elected president in 2010. he garnered 15,208,678 votes, 42.08 percent of the total votes cast for president. on second place was former president Joseph ejercito estrada of the partido ng Masang pilipino. he got 9,487,837 votes, or 26.25 percent. A distant third was tycoon and former Senate president Manuel B. Villar Jr. of the Nacionalista party, 5,573,535 votes or 15.42 percent. A poor fourth was former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro of the then ruling Lakas-Kampi party, with 4,095,839 votes or 11.33 percent. erap celebrates this year his 46th year of distinguished public service – as mayor, senator, vice president, and president, and now mayor again, only this time as Ceo of Manila. he initially lost his first election, in 1967, as mayor of San Juan town. he protested.

The case lasted two years and reached the Supreme Court which ordered a manual recount. The recount showed erap won. he assumed office as mayor on August 5, 1969.

This year, estrada got his vindication after losing the 2010 presidential elections. The National Competitiveness Council declared Manila the most competitive city among cities nationwide and the city which is No. 1 in infrastructure, among highly urbanized cities nationwide. The men behind the NCC are men who really don’t like estrada, like the Ayalas of Makati, and Bill Luz himself, the NCC chair. So you can say erap won the best city race this year fairly and squarely.

But did Aquino III really win in the 2010 presidential elections fairly and squarely? That is not clear today. In fact, a growing number of experts and analysts now believe estrada probably won the election in his comeback bid for the presidency five years ago, after having been convicted, politically, he says, for plunder.

Three factors helped Aquino’s victory in 2010: one, the death of his mother, the beloved former president Corazon Cojuangco Aquino on Aug. 1, 2009. It gave her only son Noynoy sympathy votes in massive numbers.

Two, employment for the first time, on a massive scale, of pCoS – precinct Continued on A11

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

F R I D AY, A u G u S T 7, 2 0 1 5

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA eDItOr

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

VIrtUal realItY tOnY lOPeZ

DiD Erap win thE 2010 racE?

[ EDI TORI A L ]

ImmInent US rate hIke GLoBAL financial markets are again volatile as investors speculate on the timing of the US interest rate hike. The impending rate increase, a confirmation of the economic recovery in the US, has prompted investors to dump their holdings in the global stock markets in favor of the US dollar and other dollar-based instruments, and weakened many currencies, including the peso.

An interest rate hike by the US Federal reserve Board offers better yields to investors who place their bets on the American currency and US treasury bills. As investors flee the yen, euro and other major currencies, the US dollar gets stronger with the increased demand. The yen and euro receive a beating, which may force some economies to also raise their interest rates in order to compete with the US currency in drawing foreign funds. higher interest rates, however, will increase the cost of borrowing and ultimately the production cost of companies.

The peso lately has felt the effects of the imminent US rate increase.

The local currency closed at 45.745 to a US dollar Thursday, the weakest level in five years, as foreign funds leave the philippine financial markets in search for higher investment returns.

Foreign fund managers are speculating the record-low inflation rate of 0.8 percent in July will prevent the Bangko Sentral ng pilipinas from following the Federal reserve when it raises interest rates.

The peso, thus, is expected to remain weak in the coming months as the central bank keeps local interest rates low. Monetary authorities will rather wait and let the peso depreciate amid an extended el Niño and government’s target to sustain an economic growth rate of at least 6 percent.

The weaker peso will benefit exporters and relatives of migrant Filipino workers here. But the philippines will have a difficult time attracting foreign funds in the local financial markets in the face of a stronger US currency.

The government, in the meantime, should start evaluating its trade and economic policies in preparation for a US economic boom.

A mAtter of reputAtion lOwDOwn jOjO a. rObleS To pArAphrASe the old trust “smell test,’’ would you buy a car (not to mention a television network) from Felipe Gozon? perhaps some people still would – but they’d be very, very careful when they do from here on in.

I wonder what Gozon, chairman of the giant GMA 7 network, was thinking when he decided not to return the

p1 billion downpayment made

by San Miguel Corp. top honcho ramon Ang after Ang’s plan to purchase the station fell through. I’ll hazard a guess: Gozon wasn’t thinking about the good of the company, its stockholders – not just his partners Menardo Jimenez and Gualberto Duavit, by the way – and even his own personal reputation as a top businessman and executive.

Because Gozon is a lawyer, I was not surprised to hear his legalistic response to Ang’s filing of a syndicated estafa suit against him for the return of the money recently. Gozon said

that the money paid by Ang was intact and that he will not return it because he intends to sue Ang for damages for unilaterally aborting the sale.

Gozon’s reply may or may not be legally correct; that is really for the courts to decide. But, either way, his position does nothing to improve his image or that of his company outside of the courts, where the real business of business happens.

After all, it’s perfectly possible, in the world of business, for one to take a strictly legal position and still be wrong, because business is not all about the law. There are other things

A9

I wonder if permanent damage to the reputation of Gma 7’s owners and that of the company itself has already been done.

in play, like a businessman’s reputation and, by extension, the reputation of his company.

And when the president of a company like San Miguel, the biggest diversified conglomerate in the country, sues the head of another large company like GMA 7 for syndicated estafa, you have to wonder if there is not actually cause for investors and future partners and buyers to worry. The charge, after all, is almost exclusively reserved for financial securities scam artists like the shadowy people who sell imaginary gold bars or those who offer fantastic – and equally imaginary – profits in “multilevel marketing” schemes.

It doesn’t help Gozon’s defense that Jimenez and Duavit,

his fellow majority partners in GMA 7, want Ang to get his money back, since the sale didn’t happen. No one has the right to keep money that isn’t his and which was given as a downpayment towards the sale of anything, whether the thing being sold is a second-hand car or 90 percent of a big broadcasting network, the total holdings of the three partners that Ang had wanted to purchase originally.

I find it hard to believe that the Gozon bloc seriously believes that it can hang on to Ang’s money because it

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-

wants to sue Ang for opportunity losses as a result of the sale falling through.

Ang’s complaint, which states that the terms of the aborted sale never included a provision allowing the withholding of his downpayment in case the deal didn’t push through, is more believable.

After all, if there is no provision that specifically allows the withholding of Ang’s downpayment as security for future damage claims, then there is real cause to charge Gozon of attempting to defraud the San Miguel president.

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

And the law that punishes syndicated estafa, because it is aimed particularly at perpetrators who victimize people who hand over money to them in good faith, is a non-bailable offense. *** I’ve been told that Gozon has softened his earlier position and that he is now open to an out-of-court settlement with Ang. This is good news, because the GMA 7 chairman must have realized, however belatedly, that his stand is untenable.

Continued on A11

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

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

Ma. Isabel “Gina” P. Verzosa Head, Advertising Solutions Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

Who won the presidential elections of May 2010?

The Commission on elections proclaimed Liberal party’s Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III the duly elected president in 2010. he garnered 15,208,678 votes, 42.08 percent of the total votes cast for president. on second place was former president Joseph ejercito estrada of the partido ng Masang pilipino. he got 9,487,837 votes, or 26.25 percent. A distant third was tycoon and former Senate president Manuel B. Villar Jr. of the Nacionalista party, 5,573,535 votes or 15.42 percent. A poor fourth was former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro of the then ruling Lakas-Kampi party, with 4,095,839 votes or 11.33 percent. erap celebrates this year his 46th year of distinguished public service – as mayor, senator, vice president, and president, and now mayor again, only this time as Ceo of Manila. he initially lost his first election, in 1967, as mayor of San Juan town. he protested.

The case lasted two years and reached the Supreme Court which ordered a manual recount. The recount showed erap won. he assumed office as mayor on August 5, 1969.

This year, estrada got his vindication after losing the 2010 presidential elections. The National Competitiveness Council declared Manila the most competitive city among cities nationwide and the city which is No. 1 in infrastructure, among highly urbanized cities nationwide. The men behind the NCC are men who really don’t like estrada, like the Ayalas of Makati, and Bill Luz himself, the NCC chair. So you can say erap won the best city race this year fairly and squarely.

But did Aquino III really win in the 2010 presidential elections fairly and squarely? That is not clear today. In fact, a growing number of experts and analysts now believe estrada probably won the election in his comeback bid for the presidency five years ago, after having been convicted, politically, he says, for plunder.

Three factors helped Aquino’s victory in 2010: one, the death of his mother, the beloved former president Corazon Cojuangco Aquino on Aug. 1, 2009. It gave her only son Noynoy sympathy votes in massive numbers.

Two, employment for the first time, on a massive scale, of pCoS – precinct Continued on A11

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

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

A10

F R I D AY, A U G U S T 7, 2 0 1 5

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

DID TUNYING DETERmINED TO INCREASE CONTRIbUTIONS TRANSGRESS THE ETHICS OF HIS PROFESSION? cisely because a commentator has convictions that he firmly FR. RANHILIO holds that he can be interestCALLANGAN ing.

Why should tunying taberAQUINO na be under obligation to disAnthony taberna has a cuss a topic he is not disposed creditable following. The top- to talk about? his profession ics he takes up are timely, the as commentator obligates him guests he invites, generally in- to attempt to form public opinteresting, the exchanges lively, ion on some issues. It is deat times, sharp. That is not manding the impossible to reto say that tunying is always quire him to discuss all. And right. no one is -- and that because he must choose, then should be a self-evident propo- he will talk about issues that sition, at least after The Fall. interest him and leave out othLately, however, he has come ers that he believes he should under fire for what, to some is an not take up -- and no one can astonishing silence on the Iglesia begrudge him this choice withni Cristo’s internal squabbles. out seriously compromising his critics claim the constituthat, as an opintionally guarion-maker, he anteed freedom was supposed of a writer or an to rise above his opinion-maker.

If it is his right religious affiliThere is yet ations and con- to comment, it is another related victions and to matter. The rediscuss the issue equally his right not fusal of a jourof the expulsion nalist to join in to. of some key the chorus of figures in the condemnation church and the against an obdissension that ject of popular has wracked its opprobrium ranks. This quite clearly raises does not, without seriously via question of supreme impor- olating the tenets of rationality, tance to the ethics of journalism support the conclusion of such – print, broadcast or internet. a journalist’s collusion with Is a commentator, an opinion- the corrupt or the unrighteous maker, obliged to suspend his or the ungodly. —If it is his credal or ideological allegiances right to comment, it is equally to be able to discuss topics that, his right not to—and a right though offensive or hurtful to would not be one, were a negahis deepest convictions, are nev- tive conclusion to be drawn ertheless of currency and of na- from its exercise. “Bayaran” is tional interest? a commonly used label against There is no journalist or col- one who does not join the umnist I know who will accept bandwagon of condemnation. the proposition that he is under Sadly, it is a characterization some kind of a professional obli- that ends all debate. one never gation to take up the burning is- takes seriously a “bayaran”; afsues of the day and to take some ter all, he says only what he was stand or other. I furthermore paid to say. But why should reject the proposition that the anyone who takes up an unethics of the profession demand popular position be “bayaran”? that one suspend his personal al- how can discourse flourish legiances to be “objective”. when it is unanimity we want In the first place, “objectiv- at every turn? I think, that is ity” -- if it means detachment essentially the trouble: While from any subjective consider- free speech and expression are ation -- is a myth in the pejo- jealously guarded rights in this rative sense. It was a fantasy country, we have yet to learn people indulged it when hu- the ways of true discourse. manity knew no better!

We need that maturity that by In the second place, it is which we can seriously enterprecisely one’s allegiances and tain a contradictory proposipartisanship that allow him to tion and not dismiss it outright influence public opinion. It because we have consigned is a commentator’s job, a col- him who maintains what we umnist’s calling, to provoke oppose to the infernal regions debate by taking sides on the of the morally or intellectually basis of his convictions. you bankrupt! read a news report when you want a narration of facts; you rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph read a columnist when you rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph want opinion. And it is pre- rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

PENSEES

For the Social Security Sysgrant a token 5-percent pension FILIPINO tem, August used to be the faincrease effective June 1, 2014.

PENSIONER vorite month for finalizing the As of now, we no longer explans to enhance programs and pect anything significant to hapHORACE benefits that it would announce pen to the SSS pension program tEmPLO on September 1 during its anniduring the remainder of his versary celebration. term. It will only continue to dePensioners have become accustomed to this teriorate into uselessness and irrelevance. tradition that they would second-guess penSSS may still trumpet re-posting millions of sion announcements and ask: contribution records that it had lost; introduce By how much would SSS increase its pen- new and creative educational, calamity and salsions this time? ary loan programs; establish small offices in reSadly, this tradition was discontinued by mote areas; and register kasambahays, market President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo beginning vendors and tricycle drivers here and there. in 2001 and has been completely forgotten by It could sweeten up its peripheral programs President Benigno S. Aquino III until today in like the funeral benefit which it had recently in2015. creased from P20,000 to P40,000. UnfortunateThey have made us wonder why. Perhaps, ly, the amount now depends on the number they have not even thought that adjusting pen- and amount of contributions of the deceased sions in keeping with inflation has already be- and maybe, this new formula would encourage come a worldwide practice since the proclama- more payments before they die. tion of the Universal Declaration of human But it would also mess up the simplicity in rights on December 10, 1948. determining the amount of funeral benefit of They must have gotten fixated with the short those who die before their contributions were actuarial life of the SSS, and blamed repeat- fully accounted for and posted. Funeral benedly their predecessors for granting pension efits would then be processed much longer. increases almost annually without the counPnoy’s “Daang Matuwid” administration is terpart contribution increases. They were not a bitter lesson from which we can learn how six told, perhaps, that investments in those years years of precious time could be squandered by yielded high percentages of returns in the 20s doing nothing. and 30s.

This August, we should then start contemBoth feared that SSS reserves would be de- plating on how to improve the national pension pleted in the next 38 years and that by giving system that is being administered by SSS. pension increases, this depletion would even But first we must agree that an average reaccelerate. Thus, they gave almost nothing. tirement pension of P3,540 - which is way bePGMA granted two pension increases of ten low $100 - is simply unacceptable after we have percent each during her ten-year administra- contributed patiently for 30 or 40 years. If it is tion but only because SSS celebrated its golden all that awaits us at retirement, we now must 50th founding anniversary in 2007. As if agree- declare that national pension system as a big, ing, Pnoy granted once a 5-percent pension in- big failure. crease in the past five years.

We have to drastically alter it, and restore it Consistently, PGMA shored up SSS funds. to its original objective of providing adequate Immediately after assuming office, she in- pensions. creased, on January 1, 2002 the covered salary We must redesign the SSS pension system so or maximum amount that was subject to con- that all pensioners would receive at least P5,000 tributions from P12,000 to P15,000. She then and as much as P50,000 in the next six years, increased its rate of contribution by 1 percent and up to P100,000 in the next 10 years. of salary credit in 2003 and another 1 percent Are these impossible dreams? not quite, if in 2007. In both, employers shouldered the en- we consider that these amounts are now curtire additional contributions without the em- rently being enjoyed by all pensioners of the ployee sharing any.

Government Service Insurance System, the Pnoy, on the other hand, increased the con- military and police, the judiciary and the Contribution rate only once at 0.6 percent of salary stitutional bodies. Moreover, these amounts are credit and even made the employer and his em- just about $100 and $1,000. ployees share this equally at 0.3 percent each.

We must agree to pay the necessary contrihe made this effective on January 1, 2014 to- butions to establish this kind of national pengether with the increase in covered salary from sion system for all. Subsidize through general P15,000 to P16,000. appropriations the unfunded liabilities of penhe probably didn’t plan to increase pensions sioners who no longer contribute, if we have but his appointed SSS officials awarded them- to, but we must require the employed and their selves fat bonuses for a performance that we pen- employers to contribute more. sioners neither felt nor appreciated. Expectedly, This is the only way. they were immediately bombarded with public Determined to enforce this out because he protests and criticism and a consenting Pnoy - cares for us is the president that we must have to assuage the irate public - had no choice but to for the next six years.

A mAttER...From A9 There may be a mutually amicable – or at least mutually acceptable – resolution to this whole affair. But I can’t help but wonder if some permanent, irreparable damage to the reputation of GMA 7’s owners and to that of the company itself has already been done.

As the various financial and investment scandals here and abroad teach us, the seemingly innate desire to put one over one’s fellow man is not at all confined to sleazy scam artists who seek to take the piddling amounts stashed away by poor and the ignorant. In fact, the only difference between the scams pulled by nickeland-dime swindlers and those perpetrated by

huge, more outwardly reputable, responsible and established businessmen is the humongous amounts of money involved.

As a media person myself, I’ve always admired GMA 7’s declarations that it aspires to the highest standards of journalism and programming. For the most part, I know that the men and women who work in the network take these goals seriously and strive every day to achieve them.

That’s why Gozon’s actions and statements in the aborted sale of GMA to Ang sound so discordant. And if Gozon knows what really good for him, his partners and investors and the company itself, he won’t allow his problems with Ang’s refusal to go on with his plan to buy GMA 7 to ultimately ruin the network over a “mere” P1 billion.

F R I d aY, a u G u S T 7, 2 0 1 5

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

adelle chua EDITOR

A11

It’s Not AustrAlIA’s JoB to FINd MH370 administrative burden of leading the search, the mystery of flight The discovery last week of a Boe- 370 should probably remain just ing 777 fragment on reunion is- that. australia’s connection to flight land in the western indian ocean, 370 is tenuous. of the 239 passenand the Malaysian government’s confirmation on Wednesday that gers and crew lost during the flight, it belongs to missing Malaysia only six were australians. By comairlines flight 370, has kindled parison, 153 were chinese, and 38 hopes that the plane’s wreckage were Malaysians. and Malaysia, in might still be found. But the aus- particular, has an economic stake tralian government, which has in the tragedy. on Tuesday, chrisbeen coordinating the search and toph Mueller, ceo of Malaysia airrecovery mission for the plane lines, said that continued speculasince its disappearance in March tion over flight 370, especially on 2014, has so far refused to indulge social media, hurts the state-owned in sentimentalism. rather than carrier’s ticket sales. despite australia’s thin connecrecommit to the search, Warren Truss, australia’s deputy prime tion to the flight, when suspicions minister, said on Monday that -- about the plane’s crash site shifted barring actionable evidence from from the South china Sea toward reunion island about the precise the indian ocean, australia was location of the crash -- his gov- obligated under agreements that ernment won’t extend the mission govern the international civil aviation organization, the United nabeyond next year.

That decision might seem tion’s aviation arm, to take a role brusque, but it’s entirely appro- in the search mission, which was priate. australia is preparing to taking place in its legally defined abdicate a responsibility that it search and rescue zone.

But when the search and rescue never should have assumed in the first place. if china and Malaysia, mission transitioned into a search the countries most directly affect- and recovery mission on March ed by the tragedy, aren’t interested 24, 2014, australia’s obligations in shouldering the financial and became much less clear. icao of-

By Adam Minter

DID ERAP... From A9 count optical Scan –machines. PcoS machines were supposed to automate the elections. instead, PcoS institutionalized large-scale fraud and cheating. The tragedy is that with PcoS being new and esoteric technology, it was not easy to prove digital fraud. There was no paper trail.

Three, the powerful iglesia ni cristo shifted support to aquino, away from estrada, who in previous elections had always been backed by the cult. inc claims three million voting membership. Plus another one million in bandwagon effect. assuming three million inc members voted for aquino, that was three million fewer votes for estrada. Thus, if you deduct three million from aquino’s 15.2 million, he ends up with just 12.2 million votes. add the three million

#failocracy

to estrada’s 9.487 million votes, he ends up with 12.487 million votes, which is at least 287,000 more votes than aquino’s 12.2 million. add the one million bandwagon votes (by reducing aquino’s 12.2 million to 11.2 million) and estrada’s votes swell to 13.487 million – 2.287 million votes more than aquino’s net votes. factor in cheating. estrada’s home province is laguna. his hometown is Pagsanjan, in laguna. his nephew, e. r. ejercito campaigned as a newphew of erap. er’s posters showed erap in the background. er won by a landslide in 2010. his wife won as mayor of Pagsanjan. But erap lost – in Pagsanjan town, and in laguna province. estrada had served for 17 years as mayor of San Juan city in Metro Manila. a wife, guia gomez was the incumbent mayor in 2010. Their son, Jv ejercito estrada, won as congressman. The estradas had never lost an

fered no clear guidelines on who should lead such a mission, or for how long. if the legal situation wasn’t immediately clear, however, the practical constraints were. neither Malaysia, with its small navy, nor china, had the ability to initiate a complex search and recovery mission in the remote, kilometers-deep waters in which the plane is predicted to have sunk. So australia, with the agreement of both countries, took on the burden of coordinating the search. it was supposed to be a collaborative arrangement, and in some ways it was. early on, for example, china contributed a ship to help map seafloor in preparation for an ongoing underwater survey conducted by hired vessels.

But when it comes to financing the search, australia has been on its own. Malaysia initially announced that it would split the costs 50-50 with the australian government.

Meanwhile, Warren Truss’s office has told australian media that china and Malaysia were asked to “go thirds” in the cost. neither scenario played out. according to Truss’s office, australia has spent 76 million australian dollars ($55.87 million) election in San Juan. in 2010, however, erap lost in San Juan for president. he also lost in his own San Juan precinct.

When he ran for senator in 1987, vice president in 1992, and president in 1998, estrada carried the vote-rich provinces of Bulacan and nueva ecija handily. he lost in those provinces in 2010. can that really happen? only with PcoS machines.

The PcoS machines were aided by flawed results of surveys by Pulse asia and Social Weather Station. in March and april 2010, both polling firms showed estrada in third place, when in fact, the former president had already overtaken Manny villar to become aquino’s closest challenger. Because he was made to appear a loser or in a statistical tie with second placer villar (when when in fact he was ahead by at least five percentage points), estrada could

on the search, with an additional 14 million australian dollars budgeted for it, while Malaysia has contributed 40 million. as for china, a Truss spokesman noted: “china has not contributed resources or equipment to the underwater search.”

Truss himself noted that a lack of appropriate boats and technology is no excuse. “We’ve had to hire vessels, as well,” he told the Wall Street Journal. australia, unsurprisingly, wants to ensure it doesn’t ever find itself in this position again. in february, it formally requested that the icao draft guidelines to clarify the delegation of responsibility for future accidents that resemble flight 370. in the meantime, the australian government should be forgiven for running out of patience. if flight 370 isn’t found in the next year, australia will walk away from the search having led and largely paid for an effort to map the 46,000 miles of ocean floor most likely to contain its wreckage. china and Malaysia are certainly capable of hiring ships to continue that search. But next year they’ll finally be forced to decide if it’s truly worth doing so.

Bloomberg not raise enough campaign logistics in the crucial closing weeks of the campaign. “had the campaign lasted two more weeks,” erap now says, “i would have defeated noynoy.”

To his credit, despite compelling evidence of having been cheated in 2010, estrada gracefully accepted defeat. he did not protest. in 2013, erap ran for mayor of Manila, ousting incumbent alfredo lim who was backed to the hilt and financed by President aquino. next year, comelec will employ 93,000 brand-new PcoS machines at a cost of more than P12 billion. Until today, PcoS has proved a controversial and abstruse technology. That technology could again elect a man – or a woman – who was not really chosen by the people, in a free, transparent, open, and democratic fight. biznewsasia@gmail.com

chong ardivilla

F ri day : augus t 7 , 2 0 1 5

A12

sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Visayas teams clash in PSL finals PHILADELPHIA—The Atlanta Hawks, fresh off a victory over LeBron James and Cleveland, saw their six-game win streak snapped Saturday by the NBA’s second-worst team, Philadelphia, while the Cavaliers ripped Phoenix.

IT’S going to be an intense and personal battle as two of the best beach volleyball players from the Visayas lock horns tomorrow in the finals of the PLDT Home Ultera Philippine Superliga Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup 2015, powered

by Smart Live More at the Sands By the Bay in SM Mall of Asia.

The pride of Iloilo, Fiola Ceballos of Foton Tornadoes, will renew her rivalry with Cebu’s best in Danica Gendrauli of Gilligan’s in the gold-medal match of this tournament organized

by Sports Core with Accel as official outfitter, Senoh as technical sponsor, Sands By the Bay as venue partner and Maynilad as official water provider.

The match will be aired live over TV 5 and is expected to attract another overflow crowd.

Also expected to generate attention is the title showdown in the men’s division between Hachaliah Gilbuena and Jade Becaldo of SM By the Bay A and Tippy Tipgos and Marjun Alingasa of Champion Infinity B. Becaldo, one of the best sand spikers from the University of the Visayas, will again test the mettle of Tipgos, who used to campaign for University of San Jose-Recoletos.

Their rivalry in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. continues in Manila when they clash for the

crown and prestige of becoming the tournament’s inaugural men’s division champion.

A 20-year-old Tourism senior from Central Philippine University, Ceballos is regarded as one of the best young players on the sand. In fact, just few weeks ago, she stole the thunder from a powerhouse field as she emerged as the country’s First Queen of the Sands.

Then, she partnered with another Ilongga in Patty Jane Orendain of Bacolod to tow the Tornadoes to a pair of victories in the classification round before demolishing their sister team -- Foton Hurricane -- in the semifinals.

Japan’s Kaneto Rie competes in a preliminary heat of the women’s 200m breaststroke swimming event at the 2015 FINA World Championships in Kazan on August 6, 2015. AFP

Lancers open quest vs Jaguars

By Mikey Izumi CEBU CITY—The University of Visayas Green Lancers opened their quest for the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. title when they faced opening-day winners University of San Jose –Recoletos Jaguars in the main game late Thursday.

Regarded as one of the favorites to win the 15th season basketball crown, the Green Lancers boast of a talented and experienced line-up, anchored on the backcourt duo of Franz Arong and Alfred Codilla, while the frontcourt is manned by Gilas Under-18 standout Leonard Santillan, Cameroonian import Steve Cedric Akomo, Alwin Aguirre and the returning tandem of Arvie Cabanero and Vincent Mendoza, who failed to make the roster last season due to academic shortcomings.

While the Green Lancers are regarded as favorites, there is no way they can take the Jaguars under veteran coach Jun Noel of Mama’s Love fame lightly, after their big opening day win over the University of Cebu Webmasters.

Murray falls to Gavashvili in net tuneup WASHINGTON—British top seed Andy Murray suffered a stunning defeat in his first hardcourt warm-up match for the US Open, losing Wednesday to Teymuraz Gabashvili at the ATP and WTA Washington Open.

The 53rd-ranked Russian outlasted third-ranked Murray 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) over two hours and 42 minutes to reach the third round at the ATP and WTA Washington Open.

Murray, the first Washington top seed to lose his first match since Ivan Lendl in 1993, served for the match in the third set and was two points from victory before Gabashvili broke to 5-5 and the Russian later took the final four tie-breaker points to secure the triumph.

“It was a tough match,” Murray said. “Obviously disappointing not to close out the third set when I had a chance. Struggled with my rhythm early. There were some good rallies. He served well in the big moments, especially in the third set.”

Gabashvili, who was 3-22 against prior top-10 foes, hit 30 winners and only made 15 unforced errors while winning 86 percent of first-serve points in making Murray the highestranked victim of his career.

“Anytime you beat Andy Murray 7-6 in the third it’s something special -- 100 percent it’s my best victory,” Gabashvili said.

It was a shocking defeat for the 28-year-old Scotsman, who sparked Britain’s Davis Cup team past France in July after a semi-final run at Wimbledon.

Murray, the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon champion, has much to work on before the Flushing Meadows fortnight begins August 31.

Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia returns a shot in the third set against Andy Murray of Great Britain during their singles match at Rock Creek Tennis Center in Washington, DC. AFP

Softbelles roll over North Carolina DELAWARE – Asia Pacific Champion Team Manila–Philippines showed fine form as it rolled over USA Southeast Champion Morganton–North Carolina, 5–1, yesterday going into the final day of group competition in the 2015 edition of the World Series Girls Big League Championship at the packed out Layton Field of the Pyles Center in Lower Sussex County here.

Standout pitcher Mary Ann Antolihao again delivered a stellar performance with a total of eight strike outs, six no-run innings, and two fine defensive stops as the 18-year old stunner from the University of Sto. Tomas limited Morganton to just four hits to lead the Manila batters to a semi-finals berth.

But it was at the bottom of the second inning when the Big City softbelles scored five straight runs led by first baseman Florabelle Pabiania off a base hit by catcher Delyrose Covarrubias, who in turn had a single off a hit by short stop Edna Mae Severino.

Fil-Chinese teams vow to dominate Asean meet BEEFED up by former Philippine Basketball Association players, the FilipinoChinese Veterans Basketball Association hopes to dominate the 24th ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament when the annual seniors’ tournament starts on Tuesday in Kuching, Malaysia.

Out to lead FCVBA’s campaign in the threedivision tournament is the 60-and-above division which is eager to reclaim its title it lost two years ago in Indonesia.

Former PBA and La Salle star Kenneth Yap and University of the East’s Julio Cruz will backstop the Eduard Tiomentored 60s along with Rain or Shine’s co-team owner Terry Que, Jimi Lim of Ironcon Builders and Johnny Chua.

Other members of the 60s, which is also supported

by Freego, are former Crispa player Bong dela Cruz, Ching Ka Lee, Zotico Tan, James Chua, Antonio Go, Danny Co and Israel Catacutan.

The 50-years-and-above team will be bannered by Andrew Ongteco, Jerry Gonzales, Sonny Cabatu, Bennet Palad. Achit Kaw, Gerry Tee, Robert Cabrera, Lawrence Chongson, Bong Tan, Ng Yuk Chi, Greg Po and Aldo Perez.

F ri day : augus t 7 , 2 0 1 5

A13

sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Last push. A high-profile Philippine delegation, led by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny Pangilinan (fifth from left) and Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao (sixth from left), is currently in Tokyo to present to the FIBA Central Board its final presentation in its bid to host the 2019 World Cup. The delegation is also composed of (from left) Al Panlilio, Ricky Vargas, former Gilas player Jimmy Alapag, Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Phillips, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios and former Gilas coach Chot Reyes.

Khan: Floyd has right to choose his opponent

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

WORLD Boxing Council welterweight Silver champion Amir Khan expressed disappointment that undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. chose former world champion Andre Berto for what the pound-for-pound king said will be his last fight on Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, bypassing the British star for the third time.

Despite his disappointment, Khan told Sky Sports in Britain that he he respects the unbeaten American’s decision, saying Mayweather has earned the right to fight whoever he wants in what he says will be his 49th and final fight.

However, Khan once again said that Mayweather is scared to fight him, that’s why he picked Berto.

Mayweather is coming off a unanimous 12-pound decision in the Fight of the Century against eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao last

May 2 to take his perfect run to 48-0, one shy of Rocky Marciano’s unblemished record. The American claimed afterwards he would retire after a final bout in September.

Sky Sports reported that Khan appeared to be one of his potential opponents, but Mayweather has instead opted to take on the Briton’s stablemate Berto, a two-time welterweight world champion, on Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In a statement Khan said: “I’m disappointed not to have got the fight for what is the third time af-

ter having been one of the frontrunners. But there are many big fights out there for me and I’m going to continue working hard to establish myself at the top of the welterweight division. Floyd Mayweather has fought the biggest names throughout his career and has earned the right to face whoever he chooses.”

Khan added: “I wish my stablemate Andre Berto and trainer Virgil Hunter the very best of luck in the fight. I have seen how hard Andre trains and works and know that he is ready to give Floyd a very tough night.”

Rivera, Vitaliano clinch WTA Future net berths

SHAIRAHope Rivera and Miles Vitaliano dished out top forms to upstage their higher-ranked rivals yesterday, rule their respective divisions in the Olivarez Cup Open 2015 and gain berths in the WTA Future Stars Tournament in Singapore in October.

The third ranked Rivera kept the momentum of her stirring comefrom-behind semis win over second seed Rafaella Villanueva, 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, as the Moncayo, Davao Del Norte find outplayed No. 1 Monica Therese Cruz, 6-4, 6-1, to capture the girls’ 16-and-under crown in the upset-marred event presented by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala.

Vitaliano, also ranked No. 3 in the 14-U play, survived Danna Abad in the quarterfinals, 2-6, 6-4, 10-6, eased out second seed Carlyn Bless Guarde, 6-3, 6-3, in the semis before upending No. 1 Mikaela Vicencio, 7-6(5), 6-0, to claim the crown in the Group I tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association and backed by Dunlop AllClay Court as the official ball, Stronghold Insurance and Aseana City.

Rivera, a La Salle-Zobel mainstay,

and Vitaliano from Quezon City thus clinched the coveted berths in the WTA Futures where they will slug it out with the top junior players in the Asia-Pacific region from Oct. 20-27.

Philta, through president Edwin Olivarez, designated the Olivarez Cup as the qualifying tournament for the WTA Future Stars, a series of community events featuring U-14 and U-16 tournaments produced in association with the Sport Singapore and Singapore Tennis Association featuring the top junior female talents in Asia-Pacific.

“This is their chance to prove their worth and enhance their promising career and Philta and Palawan Pawnshop are confident Rivera and Vitaliano will be able to hold their own against the top juniors in the WTA Future Stars,” said Olivarez.

“Shaira and Miles have shown tremendous improvement through their campaign in the Palawan Pawnshop circuit and with proper training and motivation, we expect them to do good in WTA Futures,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.

SBP/Passerelle kicks off 30th season THE SBP/Passerelle Twin Tournament, the country’s most prestigious inter-school basketball competition for kids, officially opened its 30th season at the Xavier School Fr. Rafael Cortina Gym in Greenhills, San Juan.

Organized by the Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center, the tournament will run for three months with kids 9-11 years old playing for the Small Basketeers

Philippines championship and kids 12-14 years old competing for the Passerelle title.

This year’s season promises exciting playoffs with over a thousand players from 150 teams from NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao competing for the coveted championship trophy.

Defending their titles is Xavier School for the SBP category and the University of Visayas for the Passerelle category.

Gracing the SBP/Passerelle Twin Tournament are Batang Gilas players and BEST Center graduates Mike and Matt Nieto, leading the ceremonial toss.

F R I D AY : A U G U S T 7, 2 0 1 5

A14

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Juvic storms ahead with a 62, leads by 1 CARMONA, Cavite—Juvic Pagunsan and Pijit Petchkasem put on a pair of brilliant show of shotmaking and putting, churning out second straight bogey-free rounds with the Filipino star barely edging the Thai ace with a nine-under 62 for a one-stroke lead halfway through the Aboitiz Invitational here yesterday.

Juvic Pagunsan lines up his birdie putt on No. 18

Manila

Standard Republic of the Philippines

TODAY Department of Agriculture Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines www.philmech.gov.ph

`

INVITATION TO BID Supply of Labor and Materials for the Fabrication and Delivery of the Drive Mechanism Assembly of the Experimental Prototype Sugarcane Harvester for Medium Scale (PHilMech Goods 15-08-09) 1. The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) through its Regular Fund intends to apply the sum of PhP 2,947,168.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) as indicated herein to payments under the contract for the Supply of Labor and Materials for the Fabrication and Delivery of the Drive Mechanism Assembly of the Experimental Prototype Sugarcane Harvester for Medium Scale. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid opening.

2. The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization now invites Bids from eligible bidders with CNC for the following items: ITEMS Supply of Labor and Materials for the Fabrication and Delivery of the Drive Mechanism Assembly of the Experimental Prototype Sugarcane Harvester for Medium Scale Total

ABC PhP 2,947,168.00 PhP 2,947,168.00

Delivery is required within Ninety (90) calendar days from receipt of the Notice to Proceed. The description of an eligible Bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents.

3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criteria as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations Part A (IRR-A) of Republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act,” and is restricted to Filipino citizens/ sole proprietorships, 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, pursuant to Republic Act 5183 (R.A. 5183) and subject to Commonwealth Act 138 (C.A. 138). Only Bids from Bidders who pass the eligibility check will be opened. The process for the eligibility check is described in the Bidding Documents. The bidder with the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB) shall advance to the post-qualification stage in order to finally determine responsiveness of the bid to technical and financial requirements of the project. The contract shall then be awarded to the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was determined as such during the post-qualification procedure.

4. Interested Bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Only those who have submitted Affidavit of Undertaking shall be allowed to purchase Bidding Documents and participate in the bidding project.

5. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of PhP 5,000.00.

The method of payment will be in cash. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective Bidder or his authorized representative.

6. The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization will hold a Pre-Bid Conference open to all interested parties on August 20, 2015, 10:00am at Executive Lounge, PHilMech Main Office CLSU Compound Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

7. Bids and eligibility requirements must be delivered to the address below on or before September 1, 2015. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid security in the form and amount stated in the Bid Data Sheet or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency. Late Bids shall not be accepted.

8. Bid opening shall be on September 1, 2015, 10:00am at Executive Lounge, PHilMech Main Office CLSU Compound Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

9. The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization 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.

PHILIPPINE CENTER FOR POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT AND MECHANIZATION

(Formerly BUREAU OF POSTHARVEST RESEARCH AND EXTENSION) Main Office :CLSU Cmpd., Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija Tel. No. (044) 4560287 / 4560213 FAX No. (044) 4560110 Liaison Office : 3F ATI Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. No. 9274019 / 9274029 FAX No. 9268159

(SGD) RAUL R. PAZ BAC Chairman (TS-AUGUST 7 & 17, 2015)

The smooth-swinging Pagunsan flaunted the form that made him the top player in Asia in 2011, coming through with near-flawless driving and impeccable iron shots that set up birdies from close range, the last two matching Petchkasem’s equally hot finish at the front for a 30 and an 11-under 131.

Petchkasem, one of seven who shared the first round lead with 66, fired another five-under card and stood just behind Pagunsan at 132 while Zanieboy Gialon took advantage of an early start and shot a 63 to share third place

with Angelo Que, who bucked shaky putting at the back to turn in a bogey-less 67 for 133.

Erstwhile co-leader Janne Kaske of Finland rallied with four birdies at the front to save a 68 for solo fifth at 134 while Aussie Paul Donahoo and Japanese Masaru Takahashi lay a shot farther back at 135s with 66 and 69, respectively.

Malaysian Arie Irawat. Singapore’s Eugene Sim and Swede Malcolm Kokocinski, who also opened with 66s, slowed down with similar 70s and dropped to joint eighth at 136 with Ferdie Aunzo and Indian Himmat Rai,

who carded identical 67s, Thai Nirun Sae-ueng, who made a 69, and Aussie Jake Stirling, who shot another 68.

Forty others made the cut 50plus cut at 142 with current local Order of Merit leader Miguel Tabuena barely pulling through with another 71 along with 10 others but ADT OOM pacesetter Hsieh Chi-hsien of Taiwan missed it by one despite a 69 for a 143.

Pagunsan, 37, actually kept a bogey-free round for the first 36 holes of this $100,000 event sponsored by Aboitiz Equity Ventures although his opening 69 proved to be mediocre by his own standards that put him in joint 24th in a lowscoring start Wednesday.

“I was actually hitting it really well since yesterday (first round). And I focused hitting CYANon MAGENTA YELL the greens and fairways,” said Pagunsan, who complemented his superb all-around game with awesome putting.

Milo building champs in life

By Peter Atencio ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Rayya Abellar had a clear picture on her mind the moment she took her first stride and answered the starting gun of the 39th Milo Marathon’s Metro Manila eliminations at the Seaside Drive of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on July 26.

That picture showed her winning her first medal, fueled by her father’s passion for running that had him bringing home two finisher’s medals from previous stagings of the Milo Marathon 42k.

At the end of the race, 11-yearold Rayya finally had her own piece of shimmering metal, symbolizing her 3k triumph in the footrace, with her eight-year-old sister Rishane placing third and a teammate (Elaine Camu) taking runner-up honors.

“Tiwala po ako sa sarili ko, nagdasal po ako bago tumakbo,” said Rayya, a sixth grader from Oranbo Elementary School in Pasig City.

In reaching the finish line with a time of 13 minutes and 19 seconds, Rayya improved on her 10th-place finish (15:46) in the eliminations last year. In the national finals that same year, Rishane and Rayya improved further to seventh and eighth places, respectively, with clockings of 14:23 and 14:52.

“Mas confident po kami ngayon than last year,” said Rayya, who only started taking running seriously just early last year.

The Abellar sisters got interested in the sport after their dad Ronnie ran twice in the 42-km event of the Milo Marathon during its 36th and 37th editions.

All Ronnie did to encourage the two was show them his finisher’s medal.

“They became really interested after touching my medal. Sabi nila, gusto din nila magkaroon

Rayya Abellar won her first Milo marathon gold medal recently.

noon,” said Ronnie, an administrative assistant at the Office of Government Corporate Counsel, who started going into recreational running three years ago, so he can improve on his fitness.

“Nahilig talaga ako sa running at that time,” explained Ronnie, whose new lifestyle quickly rubbed on to his two kids.

He started teaching them how to run around their home in Novaliches. But things changed last year when they transferred in Pasig.

Being close to the Philsports oval was the reason why they moved.

“Nakita ko ang potential ng mga bata. Kaya para maturuan sila nang maayos sa takbuhan, lumipat kami ng Pasig dahil nandoon ang oval sa Philsports,” added Ronnie.

His kids had the passion to run, and a track to fulfill this passion.

Ronnie figured out, they needed guidance from the pros.

Soon, Ronnie tapped the services of coach Titus Salazar, a retired Philippine Army 2nd Lt., who has a running program for kids under Team Titus.

With Salazar keeping an

eye on the kids, training intensified with sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Last month, the kids and members of Team Titus were able to join the athletics’ meet of the Batang Pinoy northern Luzon regionals, some two weeks before the Milo event.

Since they went into training under Team Titus, the kids have improved, earning podium finishes in many other races they participated in, with the Milo event earning Rayya her first title.

The National Milo Finals, of course, is the ultimate target this year. Eventually, the Abellars plan to use the sport to enter college through athletic scholarships.

“May kanya-kanyang isip na sila kung saan magka-college at tatakbo. Naging responsible sila, thinking of their future because of these Milo running events na naging part na ng buhay nila for the past two years,” added Ronnie.

Rayya and Rishane may only be in their teens. But their maturity is beyond their age, thanks to a running program that builds champions in life.

F R I D AY : A U G U S T 7, 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

LOTTO RESULTS

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

Jimmy Alapag has not left the building

Mark Neil Cruz (right) of JRU sticks to Arthur De La Cruz of SBC like a leech in an NCAA game won by the Lions, 88-69. SONNY ESPIRITU

Lions solidify hold on 2nd; coaches Ayo, Co suspended

By Peter Atencio

THE defending National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball champion San Beda Red Lions beat the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 88-69, yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.

Things got scary for San Beda when Paolo Pontejos’s triple allowed the Heavy Bombers to threaten, 54-56, near the end of the third period.

But Olaide Adeogun’s two charities and Roldan Sara’s baskets from inside the paint allowed the Red Lions to widen their lead, which sent them on their way to their sixth win in seven games.

“We were hard-headed today.

But, of course, they’re still kids.

They’re still learning. But one good thing about this is that we were able to get a win,” said Red Lions coach Jamike Jarin.

The victory allowed the Red Lions to stay in second place behind the unbeaten Letran Knights (7-0).

Meanwhile, Bright Akhuetie scored 31 points to power the University of Perpetual Help Altas past the Arellano University

Chiefs, 76-66. This put the Altas (5-2) in solo third.

A 7-0 spurt touched off by Akhuetie, Gab Dangangon and Earl Thompson in the last 6:21 handed the Altas the upperhand, 63-56.

The Chiefs, with Jiovani Jalalon making 14 points, fell to a share of fourth with the Heavy Bombers.

“Kailangan itong panalo. Kung hindi, pang-lima na kami,” said Altas coach Aric del Rosario.

Meanwhile, Letran Knights coach Aldin Ayo will miss his team’s game against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at 2 p.m. today.

NCAA basketball commissioner Bai Cristobal penalized Ayo and Mapua mentor Atoy Co with a one-game suspension. Ayo

Games Today (The Arena in San Juan) 8 a.m. San Sebastian vs LPU (jrs) 10 a.m. EAC vs Letran (jrs) 12 nn San Sebastian vs LPU (srs) 2 p.m. EAC vs Letran (srs) 4 p.m. Mapua vs CSB (srs) 6 p.m. Mapua vs LSGH (jrs)

resented a referee’s call, which handed Mcjour Luib a fifth foul during their game against Lyceum last Tuesday and threw a chair towards the exit.

It was his second infraction.

Earlier he took the eyeglasses of an assistant coach and handed it over to a referee during their match against San Sebastian.

During Mapua’s match with Lyceum last Friday, Co took off his shirt to show his resentment over the officiating.

Chicago Summer 2015 NABC THE 2015 Summer NABC (North American Bridge SYLVIA LOPEZ Championships) ALEJANDRO will be held in Chicago from August 6 to 16, 2015.

I shall monitor the very interesting event: the Spingold teams event -oOoMichel Giguere’s thoughts on “modern bridge” Michel Giguere who was my partner when we won the National Open pairs championship last July 11, 2015 shared with me his thoughts on basic principles of Roman Control Cuebid.

North Declarer ♠KT8 ♥Q974 ♦KQ9 ♣KT9 12 West East ♠ ♠ ♥ 3 6♥ ♦ ♦ ♣ 19 ♣ South Declarer ♠A5 ♥AKJ86 ♦AJT8 ♣A2

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Pass 5♣!¹ 0 Pass 5NT!¹² Pass 6♦!¹⁴ Pass

K♠ SOUTH 1♥ 2♠!³ 3♥⁵ 4NT!⁹ 5♦!¹¹ 6♣!¹³ 7♥!¹⁵

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9 - RKC (3014) 4 - No Aces 10- O Keycards 5 - Confirmation of Trump suit ♥ 11-Do you have Q♥ 6 - King of singleton ♠ 12-Yes I have Q♥ and I have KQ suited, we know now that North have K♠ K♦ 13- If it is KQ♣, bid 7¼ 14- I have KQ♦ 15- To play North Declarer ♠KQ8 ♥Q974 ♦K93 ♣KT9 13 West East ♠ ♠ ♥ 3 6 ♥

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19 South Declarer ♠AT6 ♥AKJ86 ♦AJ ♣A2 LEAD EAST SOUTH Pass 1♥ Pass 2♠!³ Pass 3♥⁵ Pass 4NT!⁹ Pass 5♦!¹¹ Pass 6♣!¹² Pass Pass

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NORTH 1-Can have only 1 or 2 7 - Ace or Void♣ 2-Fit minimum hand 8 - King or singleton ♦ 3-Reverse 18 pts.

9 - RKC (3014) 4-No Aces 10- O Keycards 5-Confirmation of Trump suit ♥ 11- Do you have Q♥ 6 - King of singleton ♠ 12- Yes I have Q♥ and I have KQ suited, we know now that North have K♠ K♦ 13- If it is KQ♣, bid 7¼ 14- I have KQ♦ 15- To play Comments to:

HE has already come to terms DENNIS PRINCIPE with being a SPORTS CHAT retired Philippine Basketball Association player, but former Gilas skipper Jimmy Alapag just can’t simply let go of that desire to play competitive basketball.

Months after hanging up his sneakers, Alapag has decided to join 15 other players of the Gilas Pilipinas 3.0 training pool who have committed their readiness to play for flag and country.

Alapag called it a career during the annual All-Star week last March in Puerto Princesa in an emotional retirement ceremony though he played one last time in that event’s All-Star game.

“For anybody who is a competitor, I don’t think that fire completely goes away. You look at someone like (Michael) Jordan, he’s 50 years old and that fire flickers for him a little bit. I was at peace walking away from the game a few months ago,” said Alapag.

Everything, however, gradually changed for Alapag when reports came out regarding some of his former Gilas teammates who would be unavailable for the next batch of our national team.

Alapag’s desire became fervent when he was asked by newly-installed national team coach Tab Baldwin if he could join their practice sessions.

“I thought ‘well, I might be getting back out there’. Coach Tab asked me if I can join practice, I told them if I’m going to practice then I’m going to join practice as if I’m playing,” said Alapag. “It’s not in my DNA to come out here and just be relaxed. If I’m going to be here, I’m going to compete especially wearing the Gilas shirt.”

The 37-year-old Alapag said he is still in playing shape as he is just two pounds over his usual playing weight of 170lbs.

“I train four or five days a week to stay in shape. I could’ve not foreseen that a few months ago but now that we’re here and if coach Tab and the coaching staff feel like I can help the team, I’ll be in. If the call comes, I’ll be ready,” said Alapag.

Regarding his former Gilas teammates, Alapag said he won’t exert any effort to convince them to reconsider their decisions.

Of the 16 names released by the PBA who are supposed to be the available players for Gilas, JuneMar Fajardo, LA Tenorio and Marc Pingris have begged off citing personal and health reasons.

“It’s tough to question be it personal or health reasons. LA is my guy, but if you look at his schedule and see what he went through the last four or five years, I don’t think anybody in the PBA has gone through that rigorous of a schedule,” said Alapag.

Gilas Pilipinas is now in the thick of preparations for next month’s FIBA Asia championship to be held in Wuhan, China.

Only the gold winner of the FIBA Asia joust will be qualified to join next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

JONES CUP OPTION. After the team’s training camp Turkey and Lithuania, there’s a big chance the Nationals might compete in the upcoming William Jones Cup in Taipei this month.

A source told Sports Chat there are serious discussions about the team’s possible participation in the annual tournament.

For a while, Baldwin was not that excited about competing in that tournament, noting that the entire training camp for the FIBA Asia joust will be more on knowing the weaknesses of the team and making each player get familiar with his system.

As it is, a Philippine team in the Jones Cup is always expected to win it all, something that seems to be deviating from Baldwin’s idea of a training camp.

F R I D AY : A U G U S T 7, 2 0 1 5

A16

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Spieth targets McIlroy’s no. 1 world ranking Jordan Spieth of the United States plays a shot during a practice round for the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club South Course in Akron, Ohio. AFP

AKRON—Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth will be seeking to unseat Rory McIlroy as world number one here Thursday when he tees off in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Spieth, still smarting from his agonising failure to win the British Open at St. Andrews last month, headlines the smallfield, no-cut tournament which includes 48 of the top 50 players in the world.

“It would be a dream come true,” Spieth said Wednesday of the number-one ranking. “At the beginning of the year I wanted to work my way up the world rankings. I didn’t think I could be in this position or have this opportunity.

“I feel blessed at the way this year has gone .... Obviously we all want Rory back ASAP. It would be really incredible if at the end of the week I was holding the trophy and having that position moving forward.”

The two most recent WGC-

Building champs in life TURN TO A14

Bridgestone winners, defending champion McIlroy and Tiger Woods, are noticeably absent but there will still be plenty of firepower at the event, the final tune-up before the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

McIlroy, who held off Sergio Garcia to win last year, suffered a torn ankle ligament in July and eight-time Bridgestone winner Woods wasn’t invited. Woods won in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2013.

Spieth will have a host of challengers standing in his way at the Firestone Country Club, including red-hot Australian Jason Day, fellow American Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott of Australia, England’s Justin Rose and Rickie Fowler, of the US.

Spieth, 22, leads the PGA Tour with four victories this season. In his last outing he was in contention to claim his third straight major before finishing in a tie for fourth at the Open Championship at St. Andrews.

He ended up one shot shy of getting in a playoff with winner Zach Johnson so he comes into the Bridgestone with a chip on his shoulder.

“I’m hoping to prove that I’ve kind of got a little bit of revenge that I need to get out from having control of the Open Championship with two holes to go and not closing it out,” Spieth said.

“That leaves a bad taste in my mouth, not because of the third in a row, but strictly because you don’t get many opportunities to contend in a major, in an Open at St. Andrews, in your life.

“It was a tough feeling on that flight home, especially with Zach and the [Claret] Jug there. I wish that it was in my possession and not his.”

Lions solidify hold on 2nd TURN TO A15

Spieth finished 49th and failed to break par in any of his rounds in his Bridgestone debut last year.

- ‘Big, meaty course’ “It’s a big, meaty course,” he said. “I struggled with it last year.

It’s going to take some really strong driving of the golf ball.”

Day, who is coming off his second win this season at the Canadian Open, returns to the Bridgestone where he withdrew two holes into the third round last year with dizziness.

He since was diagnosed with vertigo which flared up again at this year’s US Open in June.

“It’s tough because vertigo, I can’t get rid of, and it will come back whenever it wants to. So I’m just trying to manage it the best I can,” Day said.

Johnson is hoping to add to a strong season that includes seven top-10 finishes and his last two victories came in World Golf Championships -- the 2013 HSBC Champions in China and the Cadillac Championship at Doral in March. AFP

Pagara foe overweight by 3.8 lbs

By Ronnie Nathanielsz INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation Intercontinental super bantamweight champion Prince Albert Pagara’s opponent, Mexico’s Jesus “Chito” Rios, was 3.8 pounds over the 122-pound limit at the official weigh-in for “Duel in Dubai II” at the International Trade Center in Dubai yesterday and was given two hours to shed off the excess weight.

Most boxing enthusiasts at the weigh-in indicated Rios would have a hard time making the weight, which means that in the unlikely event he beats Pagara, he won’t win the title.

However, Rios’ effort to shed off the 3.8 pounds is expected to take a heavy toll on the Mexican warrior which would make Prince Albert’s task so much easier.

Pagara himself tipped the scales at 121.4 pounds.

His elder brother Jason “El Nino” Pagara, the light welterweight, who is ranked No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization, came in at 142.4 pounds, which was below the stipulated weight limit of 143 pounds, while his Mexican opponent Ramiro Alcaraz came in a fraction heavier at 142.6 pounds.

Veteran Jimrex “Executioner” Jaca (39-8, 22KOs) will go up against Mexican Pablo Lugo Montiel (21-5, 17KOs) in what is expected to be a regular slugfest, with both fighters weighing in at 139 pounds.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY: AUGUST 7, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

SM Investments briefing. SM Investments Corp., the holding company of tycoon Henry Sy, reported a 10-percent growth in net income in the first half to P13.5 billion from a year ago, as revenues grew 6 percent to P138.9 billion. Shown during a media and analysts briefing at SMX Convention Center in Taguig City are (from left) SMIC senior vice president for finance Frank Gomez, executive vice president and chief finance officer Jose Sio and SM Prime Holdings Inc. executive vice president Jeffrey Lim. BOBBY CABRERA

PSe comPoSite

index

Closing August 6, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,589.95 72.60

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing AUGUST 6, 2015 42

P45.790

43

CLOSE

44 45 46

HIGH P45.750 LOW P45.800 AVERAGE P45.782 VOLUME 521.400M

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

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, August 6, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

45.7380

Japan

Yen

0.008010

0.3664

UK

Pound

1.560400

71.3696

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129007

5.9005

Switzerland

Franc

1.022077

46.7478

Canada

Dollar

0.758610

34.6973

Singapore

Dollar

0.722857

33.0620

Australia

Dollar

0.734808

33.6086

Bahrain

Dinar

2.657666

121.5563

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266695

12.1981

Brunei

Dollar

0.720254

32.9430

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000074

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.028441

1.3008

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

12.4535

Euro

Euro

1.090600

Korea

Won

0.000852

0.0390

China

Yuan

0.161041

7.3657

India

49.8819

Rupee

0.015691

0.7177

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.257958

11.7985

New Zealand

Dollar

0.652018

29.8220

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031549

1.4430 Source: PDS Bridge

Govt offers 2nd rail hub near SM Annex

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Govt expenditures accelerated in June

THE government on Thursday offered to allow the construction of a second common station for Metro Manila’s overhead train system near SM Annex in Quezon City to appease By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE government incurred a P72.7-billion budget deficit in June as public SM Prime Holdings Inc. “We have drafted a compromise agreement. We will send it over to SM. Hopefully, it’s the right version that they want,” Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya told reporters, referring to SM Prime which protested the agency’s plan to build the common station near Trinoma shopping mall of rival Ayala Land Inc. Abaya said the government would also submit the compromise agreement to the Supreme Court, which earlier barred the Transportation Department from transferring the common station to Trinoma mall along Edsa near North Ave. The compromise aims to lift the court’s injunction and allow the private sector to take over LRT Line 1, which will be extended to Cavite province.

Under the agreement, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 will be linked to MRT 7 of San Miguel Corp.’s Universal LRT Corp. while the other common station will link the existing LRT Line 1 and MRT 3.

Abaya said ULC would finance the construction of the common station near SM Annex.

“So hopefully, once we get the

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

TRO [temporary restraining order] lifted, ULC can start their groundwork,” Abaya said.

ULC, however, still needs financial closure to start works on MRT 7.

The agency’s new strategy was meant to resolve a conflict with SM over the common station. SM Prime earlier secured a Supreme Court stay order to stop the transfer of the planned common station to Trinoma Mall.

The Transportation Department decided to relocate the common station to Trinoma from SM North, because of the alleged P1 billion worth of savings the government would realize from the transfer.

Under an earlier agreement between SM Prime and state-run Light Rail Transit Authority, the common station should be situated beside SM North Edsa. SM Prime also paid the government P200 million for the naming rights for the proposed station.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman Manuel Pangilinan earlier said the best solution to resolve the issue was to build the common station between SM North Edsa and Trinoma shopping mall.

spending accelerated 17 percent from a year ago, the Finance Department said Thursday.

The agency said the budget shortfall in June was higher by16.3 percent than the P62.5-billion deficit registered a year ago and reversed the consecutive surplus posted in April and May. The June deficit also surpassed the government’s deficit target of P29.21 billion.

“As we close out the first half of the year, we continue to see robust growth trends across the board--be it from the revenue generating agencies or the expenditure side. June shaped up to be a good month for our fiscal story as performance at the BIR [Bureau of Internal Revenue] and the BOC [Bureau of Customs] jumped by double digits,” said Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima.

The agency said despite the June deficit, the government’s budget position still yielded a surplus of P13.7 billion in the first half, in contrast to the P53.97-billion deficit in the same six-month period last year. The government set a deficit target of P155.083 in the first half and P283.7 billion in the whole 2015.

The department said the primary balance, which nets out debt interest payments, ended with a deficit of P53.5 billion in June, or 25 percent higher than P42.9-billion deficit in June last year.

The government, however, recorded a primary balance surplus of P169.9 billion in the first half, up by 61 percent from P105.8 billion a year ago.

Revenue collection increased 18 percent to P163.6 billion in June while expenditures jumped 17 percent to P236.2 billion. Expenditures during the month also exceeded the P190.75-billion target.

“We are seeing a strong showing on the expenditure side as well, with the 17-percent growth posted this month a high water mark for the year. This reflects the government’s continued commitment to accelerate the use our ample fiscal space for critical investments to our economy and people.” Purisima said.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the improvement in public spending was due to the adoption by government offices of new reforms.

FRIDAY: AUGUST 7, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Thursday, augusT 6, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 4 17 30.45 10.4 2.6 890 100 30.5 75 91.5 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26 47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 148 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 79 3.95 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.34 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 26 2.17 0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 9.66 1.61 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 156 0.710 0.435 10.5 1.99 1.75 41.4 5.6 5.59

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.71 3.45 73.3 73 104.20 102.00 96.00 92.50 47.3 47.05 2.54 2.45 1.47 1.47 10.04 9.22 16.2 16.16 21.15 20.5 7.82 7.80 1.75 1.74 810.00 810.00 89.9 88 19.10 19.00 26.00 26.00 66.00 65.05 305.2 305 39.75 39.5 148.1 147 1435.00 1430.00 59.95 59.10 3.32 3.22 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp.

43.35 43.85 43.15 1.11 Agrinurture Inc. 1.5 1.38 1.34 1.01 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 1 1 0.92 1.86 Alsons Cons.

1.88 1.89 1.88 7.92 Asiabest Group 11.1 11.6 11 32 C. Azuc De Tarlac 81.05 92.95 92.95 15.32 Century Food 18.08 18.7 18.2 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 25.95 26.3 25.95 29.15 Concepcion 55.35 56 54.9 1.5 Crown Asia 3 3.03 2.92 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.66 1.7 1.6 10.72 Del Monte 12.58 12.78 12.7 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 22.750 23.150 22.4 9.04 Emperador 9.38 9.50 9.37 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 7.26 7.34 7.07 8.86 EEI 9.85 9.85 9.75 20.2 First Gen Corp.

26.75 26.85 26.1 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 81.9 82 80.3 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 13.88 13.60 13.52 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 6.04 5.99 5.9 173 Jollibee Foods Corp.

192.00 191.00 188.10 8.65 Lafarge Rep 9.99 10.16 9.95 34.1 Liberty Flour 28.05 28.05 28.05 2.3 LMG Chemicals 2.16 2.02 2 1.63 Mabuhay Vinyl 2.48 2.3 2 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 25.05 25.1 24.9 17.3 Maxs Group 25.8 26.9 25.5 5.88 Megawide 6.4 6.52 6.4 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 303.00 308.00 303.00 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.7 4.7 4.65 8.45 Petron Corporation 7.72 7.78 7.70 10.04 Phinma Corporation 11.80 11.60 11.60 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.38 3.45 3.35 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.39 2.41 2.37 1 Pryce Corp. `A’ 3.98 4.05 3.65 4.02 RFM Corporation 4.45 4.72 4.42 5.9 Roxas Holdings 5.7 5.7 5.7 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 163.6 165.5 162.2 1.55 Splash Corporation 1.76 1.85 1.72 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.152 0.156 0.150 1.02 TKC Steel Corp.

1.23 1.20 1.20 2.09 Trans-Asia Oil 2.13 2.16 2.12 152 Universal Robina 200 201.8 195 4.28 Victorias Milling 4.4 4.49 4.3 0.640 Vitarich Corp.

0.7 0.71 0.69 10.02 Vivant Corp.

22.50 22.50 22.50 1.2 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.18 1.23 1.14 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.465 0.465 0.465 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 58.8000 58.8000 57.7000 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 23.05 23.30 22.85 1.6 Anglo Holdings A 1.19 1.20 1.18 6.62 Anscor `A’ 6.99 6.90 6.90 0.23 ATN Holdings A 0.255 0.250 0.248 634.5 Ayala Corp `A’ 794 799 787 7.390 Cosco Capital 7.41 7.49 7.29 12.8 DMCI Holdings 11.90 12.12 11.86 2.6 F&J Prince ‘A’ 3.11 3.2 3.2 2.26 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

4.22 4.40 4.21 0.152 Forum Pacific 0.205 0.218 0.205 837 GT Capital 1429 1449 1427 5.3 House of Inv. 6.50 6.55 6.47 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 73.00 74.90 73.00 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp.

7.3 7.24 7.13 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.65 0.65 0.64 12 LT Group 15.6 15.96 15.4 0.580 Mabuhay Holdings `A’ 0.57 0.57 0.57 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.03 5.07 4.9 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 7.5 7.68 7.5 3 MJCI Investments Inc. 3.6 3.6 3.6 0.550 Prime Orion 2.060 2.080 2.050 59.3 San Miguel Corp `A’ 55.85 56.00 55.60 1.5 Seafront `A’ 2.55 2.25 2.23 751 SM Investments Inc. 920.00 920.00 908.00 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.26 1.26 1.26 80 Top Frontier 77.500 78.000 77.600 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3550 0.3600 0.3400 0.179 Wellex Industries 0.1920 0.1920 0.1810 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 7.250 7.390 7.080 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.72 0.72 0.69 1.2 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.300 1.290 1.280 30.05 Ayala Land `B’ 37.90 38.65 37.95 3.36 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.7 3.75 3.66 4.96 Cebu Holdings 5.15 5.06 5.06

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 8.7 12.02 19.6 6.12 1.02 625 78 17.8 58 62 276 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. Bright Kindle Resources Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

Metrobank PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National 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 9,733,479 92,004,628 68,289,994 110,186,143 50,103,949 752,190,547 1,082,944,790

3.5 73 104.00 95.95 47 2.53 1.48 10.08 16 21.3 7.77 1.74 810.00 88.1 19.00 26.00 65.00 307 39.7 148.3 1469.00 59.85 3.3

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.64 73 103.60 92.95 47.1 2.54 1.47 10.04 16.18 21.1 7.80 1.75 810.00 88 19.00 26.00 65.05 305 39.5 147.3 1430.00 59.90 3.32

4.00 0.00 -0.38 -3.13 0.21 0.40 -0.68 -0.40 1.13 -0.94 0.39 0.57 0.00 -0.11 0.00 0.00 0.08 -0.65 -0.50 -0.67 -2.65 0.08 0.61

122,000 4,200 2,911,000 1,255,790 93,500 2,000 18,000 2,100 4,700 270,900 52,000 13,000 10 3,146,900 90,100 6,000 26,870 22,190 106,300 496,310 130 10,960 53,000

43.45 1.38 0.96 1.88 11.22 92.95 18.52 26 55 2.96 1.6 12.7 22.850 9.40 7.07 9.84 26.1 80.3 13.60 5.97 188.10 10.08 28.05 2 2.1 24.9 26.55 6.46 303.20 4.7 7.72 11.60 3.40 2.39 3.65 4.64 5.7 165 1.85 0.152 1.20 2.13 195 4.49 0.7 22.50 1.14

0.23 -8.00 -4.00 0.00 1.08 14.68 2.43 0.19 -0.63 -1.33 -3.61 0.95 0.44 0.21 -2.62 -0.10 -2.43 -1.95 -2.02 -1.16 -2.03 0.90 0.00 -7.41 -15.32 -0.60 2.91 0.94 0.07 0.00 0.00 -1.69 0.59 0.00 -8.29 4.27 0.00 0.86 5.11 0.00 -2.44 0.00 -2.50 2.05 0.00 0.00 -3.39

2,462,000 8,000 101,000 327,000 24,900 110 2,339,800 380,800 21,970 2,890,000 691,000 11,600 6,579,700 6,695,400 20,138,900 68,800 1,978,200 348,990 55,300 227,600 656,590 15,780,400 200 17,000 332,000 234,800 508,500 48,200 913,870 533,000 2,032,900 2,000 454,000 385,000 7,899,000 5,357,000 45,900 9,540 1,434,000 2,970,000 24,000 1,532,000 4,073,990 65,000 377,000 204,000 502,000

0.465 57.7000 22.85 1.20 6.90 0.248 789 7.29 11.88 3.2 4.40 0.205 1430 6.48 73.20 7.2 0.65 15.48 0.57 4.98 7.68 3.6 2.060 55.75 2.23 915.00 1.26 78.000 0.3550 0.1880

0.00 -1.87 -0.87 0.84 -1.29 -2.75 -0.63 -1.62 -0.17 2.89 4.27 0.00 0.07 -0.31 0.27 -1.37 0.00 -0.77 0.00 -0.99 2.40 0.00 0.00 -0.18 -12.55 -0.54 0.00 0.65 0.00 -2.08

20,000 1,032,090 11,138,100 375,000 69,900 1,350,000 113,850 4,208,000 4,145,500 10,000 4,000 50,000 144,870 4,200 1,646,540 675,000 2,000 3,563,900 102,000 28,441,600 797,400 3,000 877,000 443,260 7,000 145,720 7,000 7,700 8,400,000 450,000

7.150 0.72 1.280 38.15 3.66 5.06

-1.38 0.00 -1.54 0.66 -1.08 -1.75

2,091,800 176,000 174,000 9,224,700 1,287,000 37,000

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

Close

1.44 1.97 0.201 0.69 10.96 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.79 1.1 0.083 0.415 2.4 1.15 1.42 1.27 4.13 0.090 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

Century Property City & Land Dev. Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Primex Corp.

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

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 2.6 7.67 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 3.2 1 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 18 185 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 1.6 4.8 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.95 0.650 1.8 6 0.335 0.37 14.54 3 8.8 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.

Discovery World DFNN Inc. 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 Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Racing Club 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 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

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

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

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

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

TA Petroleum

70 525 120 515 8.21 12.28 111 1060

33 500 101.5 480 5.88 6.5 101 997

1047 76.9 78.95 84.8

1011 74.2 74.5 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

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

-14,119,948.00

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

129,000.00 196,633,005.00 2,017,470.00

88 12.88

13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

277,660.00 170,909,536.00 -52,764,029.00 9,440.00

932,875.00

-44,854,957.50 -454,255.00 -3,544,100.00 396,775.00 -41,132,787.00

-9,749,540.00 6,850.00 -14,400.00 282,000.00 -21,833,948.00 -1,119,941.50 257,330.00 59,765,705.00 -31,198,221.00 -54,089,436.00 -58,949.00 -23,933,795.00 2,330,106.50 -751,280.00 41,370.00 -80,316,447.00 -65,325,013.00

515,630.00 26,000.00 47,302.00 40,194,758.00 592,100.00 2,842,524.00 380,220.00 -146,000.00 8,783,640.00 383,280.00 24,320.00 42,600.00 -202,361,311.00 129,000.00 -16,100.00 4,590,000.00

-11,966,333.00 72,810,190.00 68,310.00 1,554,090.00 1,126,837.00 -5,441,474.00

59,853,710.00 -15,682,983.00 -2,876,034.00 1,624,246.00 23,401,161.00 316,690.00 -7,294,425.50 32,066,830.00 -512,060.00

IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

High

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.83 0.81 0.82 1.06 1.06 1.06 0.127 0.125 0.125 0.430 0.430 0.430 13.8 13.3 13.3 1.26 1.24 1.24 2.05 1.95 1.95 1.32 1.31 1.32 4.86 4.76 4.77 0.108 0.102 0.102 7.83 7.54 7.54 28.95 28.50 28.65 1.65 1.64 1.65 3.34 3.32 3.32 22.50 21.25 21.80 0.75 0.73 0.74 7.16 7.16 7.16 0.850 0.820 0.850 7.380 7.170 7.290 SERVICES 8.71 8.99 8.75 8.75 61.3 61.5 61 61.5 1.2 1.12 1.12 1.12 0.610 0.640 0.600 0.640 13 13 13 13 9.65 10.00 9.60 9.60 0.0810 0.0810 0.0790 0.0800 3.24 3.58 3.22 3.44 97 98.8 96.55 96.55 10.46 10.48 10.46 10.48 1.66 1.7 1.66 1.7 5.44 5.35 5.20 5.35 2674 2708 2666 2666 6.36 6.49 6.40 6.49 1.28 1.32 1.26 1.26 110 110.1 109.6 110 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.205 0.206 0.203 0.204 1.3200 1.3200 1.3000 1.3200 2.22 2.25 2.22 2.25 9.95 10.00 9.78 9.80 2.15 2.17 2.15 2.16 2.08 2.15 2.04 2.15 0.680 0.660 0.620 0.650 2 2 2 2 7.6 7.84 7.3 7.3 0.315 0.315 0.305 0.315 0.465 0.445 0.440 0.440 20.9 20.9 19.88 19.88 4.90 4.65 4.50 4.60 8.62 9 9 9 105.50 105.00 103.00 103.00 18.90 18.90 18.60 18.90 2860.00 2850.00 2800.00 2800.00 0.660 0.680 0.650 0.650 1.530 1.560 1.510 1.510 38.00 38.35 38.00 38.00 78.80 78.80 77.00 77.75 8.64 8.71 8.52 8.52 0.65 0.66 0.64 0.65 5.46 5.55 5.4 5.49 0.320 0.330 0.320 0.320 2.650 2.660 2.560 2.580 MINING & OIL 0.0058 0.0058 0.0057 0.0057 2.40 2.50 2.40 2.50 5.52 5.52 5.45 5.45 0.220 0.229 0.225 0.225 0.7 0.77 0.7 0.71 0.75 0.77 0.75 0.75 6.90 7.00 6.80 6.81 1.27 1.29 1.24 1.25 0.300 0.305 0.295 0.300 0.201 0.202 0.201 0.202 0.215 0.213 0.213 0.213 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.013 2.85 2.88 2.75 2.75 10.2 10.36 10.2 10.28 3.88 3.98 3.87 3.89 1.9900 1.9500 1.9200 1.9300 0.0097 0.0097 0.0097 0.0097 0.0110 0.0120 0.0110 0.0110 4.15 4.19 4.15 4.19 5.36 5.360 5.280 5.29 1.64 1.660 1.620 1.63 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 118.80 118.80 114.10 115.10 8.84 8.84 8.66 8.7 PREFERRED 60 61.5 60.05 61 535 535 535 535 118 118 116 116 520 522 520 520 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4 1.12 1.11 1.11 1.11 111.5 111.3 111.3 111.3 1080 1056 1051 1052 1091 1090 1090 1090 1020 1020 1018 1020 75.5 75.55 75.5 75.5 80 81 81 81 83.1 83 83 83 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.950 4.080 3.950 4.050 SME 68.5 69.5 68.5 69.5 12.3 12.5 12.14 12.2 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 124.8 125 123.6 123.6

-1.20 0.00 -1.57 0.00 -2.78 -0.80 -2.50 1.54 -3.05 -4.67 -1.44 -0.52 0.61 -0.60 -0.91 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.14

2,697,000 5,000 1,310,000 50,000 1,453,100 1,204,000 34,386,000 28,000 19,747,000 1,140,000 444,000 674,600 79,000 14,000 25,225,400 505,000 1,200 14,000 1,455,300

-1,462,570.00 5,300.00

0.46 0.33 -6.67 4.92 0.00 -0.52 -1.23 6.17 -0.46 0.19 2.41 -1.65 -0.30 2.04 -1.56 0.00 0.00 -0.49 0.00 1.35 -1.51 0.47 3.37 -4.41 0.00 -3.95 0.00 -5.38 -4.88 -6.12 4.41 -2.37 0.00 -2.10 -1.52 -1.31 0.00 -1.33 -1.39 0.00 0.55 0.00 -2.64

586,400 19,720 1,000 981,000 330,000 3,218,100 7,290,000 554,000 895,850 900 24,000 6,800 123,940 66,700 353,000 1,821,420 6,600,000 1,330,000 1,526,000 13,000 407,900 316,000 41,000 18,000 1,000 2,891,500 130,000 340,000 137,300 47,000 500,000 800 50,700 197,560 1,209,000 6,027,000 3,827,900 110,160 1,497,100 3,606,000 1,492,000 160,000 1,166,000

-1.72 4.17 -1.27 2.27 1.43 0.00 -1.30 -1.57 0.00 0.50 -0.93 0.00 0.00 -3.51 0.78 0.26 -3.02 0.00 0.00 0.96 -1.31 -0.61 0.00 -3.11 -1.58

699,000,000 500.00 75,000 -100,000.00 256,700 -493.00 30,000 5,134,000 -146,000.00 481,000 8,700 10,301,000 -371,380.00 180,000 390,000 280,000 1,100,000 6,400,000 991,000 -748,710.00 1,147,300 3,311,062.00 2,044,000 -1,109,140.00 134,000 -231,380.00 3,000,000 5,900,000 44,000.00 10,000 519,100 -120,949.00 757,000 -13,040.00 12,400,000 904,400 -37,057,277.00 294,100

1.67 0.00 -1.69 0.00 0.00 -0.89 -0.18 -2.59 -0.09 0.00 0.00 1.25 -0.12

17,610 210 3,030 16,000 10,000 50,000 9,560 1,800 80 4,910 52,950 200 510

2.53

31,000

1.46 -0.81

100 428,100

-0.96

7,850

251,408.00 -3,750.00 4,267,740.00 -9,990,080.00 -131,840.00 -2,074,570.00 -26,400.00 142,307,630.00

-994,376.00 -31,220.00

-2,470,000.00 7,321,184.00 27,534,821.50

49,661,970.00 25,200.00 59,622,674.00

49,750.00

-2,975,083.00 88,500.00 -27,600.00 -24,150.00 -243,213,960.00 98,150.00 25,645,305.00 -4,739,356.50 -4,839,003.00 -2,115,850.00 1,310,510.00 44,070.00

1,041,431.00

-64,000.00 1,064,028.00

3,431,475.00

1,365,276.00

T op L oSerS

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,661.60 (down) 17.28 INDUSTRIAL 11,488.40 (down) 166.68 HOLDING FIRMS 6,911.03 (down) 41.47 PROPERTY 3,157.50 (down) 9.10 SERVICES 2,118.28 (down) 23.90 MINING & OIL 11,599.17 (down) 164.07 PSEI 7,589.95 (down) 72.60 All Shares Index 4,347.93 (down) 35.01 Gainers: 58 Losers: 102; Unchanged: 50; Total: 210

Close

0.83 1.06 0.127 0.430 13.68 1.25 2.00 1.30 4.92 0.107 7.65 28.80 1.64 3.34 22.00 0.74 7.16 0.850 7.300

T op g ainerS VALUE 894,677,905.66 2,139,486,231.081 1,193,694,923.72 1,407,265,092.67 1,629,920,918.23 157,378,765.6878 7,428,660,136.051

Low

Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

C. Azuc De Tarlac

92.95

14.68

Mabuhay Vinyl

2.1

-15.32

Calata Corp.

3.44

6.17

Seafront `A'

2.23

-12.55

Splash Corporation

1.85

5.11

Pryce Corp. `A'

3.65

-8.29

APC Group, Inc.

0.640

4.92

Agrinurture Inc.

1.38

-8.00

Phil. Racing Club

9

4.41

LMG Chemicals

2

-7.41

RFM Corporation

4.64

4.27

Acesite Hotel

1.12

-6.67

Filinvest Dev. Corp.

4.40

4.27

PAL Holdings Inc.

4.60

-6.12

Apex `A'

2.50

4.17

NOW Corp.

0.440

-5.38

AG Finance

3.64

4.00

Unioil Res. & Hldgs

0.3550

-4.05

Macroasia Corp.

2.15

3.37

Agrinurture Inc.

1.5

-3.85

FRIDAY: AUGUST 7, 2015

B3

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

Well and good

GMA reports. GMA Network Inc. holds a press briefing to announce its financial performance in the

first six months of 2015 at the GMA headquarters office in Quezon City. Briefing the journalists are (from right) GMA Network chairman and chief executive Felipe Gozon, president and chief operating officer Gilberto Duavit Jr. and executive vice president and chief financial officer Felipe Yalong. GMA Network reported a net income of P1.099 billion in the first half of 2015, up 89 percent over the same period last year. Revenues during the six-month period increased 15 percent to P6.653 billion. manny palmero

SM Prime borrowing P30b to fund projects

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the country’s leading real estate company in the country, plans to raise as much as P30 billion over the next 12 months to partially fund its 2015-2016 capital spending program.

SM Prime executive vice president Jeffrey Lim said the company would raise P12 billion to P15 billion in the latter part of 2015 and another P15 billion in the first half of 2016.

Lim said it planned to raise the amount through the issuance of retail bonds or through bank borrowings.

“We are working on the 2016 plan and we might consider raising funds [before the possible interest rate hike and May presidential elections],” Lim said, “We have not decided yet how to raise the amount. It could be retail bonds or bilateral debts, de-

pending on the cost and alternatives presented,” he said.

Lim said the company opted to conduct the fund raising activity in two tranches to reflect a negative carry on the company’s balance sheet.

Meanwhile, SM Prime’s parent SM Investments Corp. reported that net income rose 10 percent to P13.5 billion in the first six months of 2015 on the strong performance of core businesses engaged in the banking, real estate and retail sectors.

SM Investments said first-half consolidated revenues increased six percent to P138.9 billion from

P130.9 billion a year ago.

“Our core businesses continue to deliver good revenue and earnings growth. Earnings growth in property is now in the mid teens, in line with our medium term goals. The retail group maintained its pace through organic growth and store expansion despite its already significant size and intense competition,” SM Investments president Harley Sy said.

“Our focus on costs across the group resulted in improved operating margins. While we are pleased with the results so far, we are keeping our eyes on the challenges ahead,” Sy added.

The conglomerate’s property business led the growth, increasing its share in the consolidated net income to 42 percent. The banking unit followed with 38 percent and retail at 20 percent.

SM Prime said it would acquire properties in China for future landbanking.

Stocks snap 6-day rally; PLDT falls THE stock market tumbled Thursday to end a six-day rally after investors took profits on recent gains, and as speculation grew that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates as soon as next month.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost 72.60 points, or 1 percent, to 7,589.95 on a value turnover of P7.4 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 102 to 58, with 50 issues unchanged.

The rest of Asian stocks were mixed on Thursday, as gains on Wall Street drove trading in Tokyo but patchy US economic data fed wider uncertainty in the region.

A report showed the fastest US service-sector growth in a decade,

bolstering the case for the Fed to raise the near-zero rates that have buoyed demand for riskier assets.

The US reports monthly payrolls Friday that will offer more clues on the rate timing.

“Investors seem to be selling in anticipation of a US rate increase that’s expected to happen next month,” said Dang Tran Hai Dang, a Hanoi-based deputy manager of research at VietinBank Securities JSC. Investors should “reduce equity weightings in emerging markets.”

Traders have never been more convinced of a September rate hike by the Fed. The chances of an interest-rate increase next month reached 52 percent Wednesday, up from just 38 percent just two

days earlier.

Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, dropped 2.5 percent to P195, while Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the largest telecommunications firm, fell 2.1 percent to P2,800.

Manila Electric Co., the biggest electricity retailer, declined 1.6 percent to P303.20, while Energy Development Corp., the largest steam producer, lost 2.6 percent to P7.07.

Tokyo rose 0.24 percent to finish up 50.38 points at 20,664.64, while Seoul lost 0.81 percent, or 16.47 points, on losses from technology firms and mobile carriers to end the day at 2,013.29. With Bloomberg,

IT SEEMS self-evident that the job of a manager is to ensure that the organization he works for is successful. But what is the purpose of enterprise? When executives are faced with this question, there will be many answers, but there is one thing they will all agree upon: a successful enterprise makes money. To be specific, a successful business delivers a fair return to the investor. That objective, however, does not exist in a vacuum. Neither is it the only objective. Managers also need to deliver long-term growth and a certain level of predictability in profits.

In the business management classroom, we refer to this as doing well.

What many are quick to point out, especially when the discussion includes development managers is that companies should also try to do good; that is, they should also create value for society. In the academic literature, this is often called corporate philanthropy, a topic closely related to corporate social responsibility. They are, however, not the same.

Not always good CSR has, unfortunately, been too closely linked to charitable activities such as feeding programs or scholarships. These are, of course, certainly laudable acts. However, there are at least two difficulties involved in straight philanthropy.

The first concern is what we would call the “executive wife” syndrome.

When we ask executives whether they believe it is acceptable for companies to engage in charitable activities, many will say yes. When we begin to ask more specific questions, then the answers become much more hesitant.

Let’s tackle just the two most important questions.

How much money should be devoted to charitable activities? Is it an amount that is spent regardless of the company’s results or should it be contingent on making a profit? If the company is making a profit, how much of the profit can be devoted to charitable projects? And here is the acid test: if you are not the owner of the company, is this a decision that you should be making without consulting the owner? Here is a critical ethical dilemma: How can an executive essentially give away money that belongs to someone else? When we take into account the fact that many of these corporate giving activities enable executives to create powerful relationships and valuable venues for raising their individual reputations, there is a clear ethical dilemma involved.

What kind of charitable activities? Sports because the president is an avid basketball fan? A particular sports team because that COO is an alumnus of a certain university? A museum or dance troupe because the chairman’s wife is an avid fan?

When does corporate philanthropy begin to be about utilizing corporate resources in order to further one’s own personal interests?

The second important concern around corporate philanthropy is a practice involving what is often called “greenwashing.” This happens when a company engages in charitable activities but continue to operate their business in a way that is harmful to the environment or their host communities. The hope is that their philanthropic activities will provide enough of a reputation effect to balance harmful behavior. This is corporate hypocrisy.

Being good Companies that truly believe in being responsible have a single answer to what it means to be a responsible business and it is not about “doing good”, although many companies do good, it is about “being good.”

This is a phrase I picked up from Anjan Ghosh of the Intel Corp. It was part of his response to my question of what he thought was the most fundamental requirement for real corporate responsibility.

In the aftermath of the Enron collapse and then again in the depths of the global credit crisis, business schools were criticized about the seeming failure to instill ethics in their graduates.

A paper by Mary Kay Copeland examines the plethora of leadership literature and, in particular, values-based leadership, that emerged around the perceived need for improved ethical behavior among leaders. While Copeland’s paper reviews many theories of leadership including servant leadership, stewardship, contextual leadership, shared leadership and spiritual leadership, she focused on three types of leadership that have gained interest from both scholars and practitioners: authentic, ethical and transformational leadership.

Copeland also considers leader effectiveness and proposes a two-bytwo matrix with ethical/authentic along one dimension and transformational along the other dimension. Based on this matrix, Copeland proposes four categories of leaders. Ineffective leaders score low in both dimensions and maximizers score high in both dimensions. Copeland classifies under unrealized gains leaders who score high in authenticity and ethics but low on being transformational. Finally, Copeland classifies as fakers those who score high on being transformational and low on authenticity/ethics. Copeland hypothesizes that these leadership traits influence follower behavior and through this enterprise performance.

The fly in the pudding, of course, is that the interplay of factors has not been tested.

What the literature supports is that ethical leadership lapses in the ethics of leaders can have costly organizational consequences (De Hoogh & Den Hartog, 2008) and that ethical leadership is a stronger predictor of leader effectiveness than authenticity or being transformational (Copeland, 2009).

So yes, companies should do well. But they should also be good. Corporate responsibility is ultimately about being good and that begins with managers who are good.

Readers can email Maya at integrations_manila@yahoo.com. Or visit her site at http://integrations.tumblr.com.

B4

FRIDAY: AUGUST 7, 2015

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

AEV-CRH buys Lafarge for $1.3b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

The picture ain’t as bright as BS painted “AMAZE with numbers” must have been the marching order of the writers, who spiced up President BS Aquino’s State of the Nation Address with stats and figures to make it appear like the mewling is set to become a roaring tiger. Senator Bongbong Marcos did not mince words when he said he will do some actual fact check to figure our where or how the president conjured the numbers that he cited, or if the success stories that were presented actually reflect the situation of others. Party list representative Carlos Zarate was even more blunt, calling the administration to task for its “duplicity” and callously insulting the intellectual capacity of the people, and lying—repeat—lying with the “out-of-reality figures” presented during the SONA. It’s not just the figures that are out of reality, even AVPs where people are singing Hosannas to the programs and accomplishments of the administration. All that drumbeating about the K-12 program turned to be such a dud with the Palace covering up the identity of the person responsible for producing that video where a girl claimed to be a graduate of the K-12 program. As usual, the Palace mouthpieces gave a roundabout answer when it was clear that the video was “so exaj”—how can anyone claim to be graduate of the K-12 program that requires 13 years to complete when it was just implemented a few years ago?

But back to the numbers. Jobs, for instance. It’s hard to understand why Filipinos continue to leave the country to look for decent jobs abroad when things are supposed to be so much brighter now than during the previous administration. And when the president started talking about the huge foreign direct investments that have come in, we were almost waiting for a cock to crow in victory or the yellow crowd to go woot! woot! with the requisite closed fist waving and shaking.

Conveniently omitted, of course, is the fact that compared to our Asean neighbors (even those that experienced economic slumps), the Philippines’ $6.2 billion FDI is pathetic. Singapore attracted $67.5; Indonesia had $22.6 billion, Thailand $12.5 billion, Malaysia $10.8 billion, while Vietnam recorded $9. But hey, we beat Cambodia ($1.7 billion) and Myanmar ($946 million, up from the previous $584 million) and Laos with $721 million (up from $427 million)— countries that have just recently opened up and facing big democratic and political challenges.

It’s this weak FDI inflow that has caused a slump in hiring for online jobs, in particular the BPO/IT sector. According to the Monster Employment Index Philippines—a gauge of online job posting activity that records the industries and occupations that show the highest and lowest growth in recruitment activity locally— “slow hiring in the first half of Q2 can be attributed to Philippines’ weak Foreign Direct Investment, where figures have fallen by over 50 percent,” it said. MEI though is positive that the upcoming elections will boost online hiring activities—which come to think of it, is really expected because more election years always spur more economic activities in almost all sectors/industries—from printing to manufacturing (for give-aways or tokens). Even telcos will see more happy days when the campaign period officially begins (especially because MEI says the telecoms/ISP industry remained stagnant at 0 percent year-on-year).

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also warned about looming slowdowns in FDI inflows, citing the restrictive policies of the government. According to PCCI president Alfredo Yao, this country is the weakest when it comes to protecting investors. It’s no secret that the wishy-washy policies and the inaction of some government agencies with regard to big-ticket infrastructure projects are turning off investors big-time. Throw in port congestion, confusing tax regulations, poor transport systems and of course the traffic and you have a surefire formula to make potential investors turn tail and look elsewhere – like Vietnam or Myanmar for example. And this administration has the nerve to ask us to elect somebody that would continue what it has started?

••• For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related concerns, readers may email to happyhourtoday2012@yahoo.com. You may also visit and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ happyhourmanilastandard. We’d be very happy to hear from you.

Cheers!

AEV CRH Holdings Inc., a 60:40 joint venture between Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. and CRH International of Ireland, is acquiring cement manufacturer Lafarge Republic Inc. for $1.3 billion.

AEV chief finance officer Manuel Lozano said in an interview at the sidelines of the company’s P24-billion bond listing at the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. the company aimed to take over Lafarge Republic’s operations by September.

Final structure of the AEV CRH Holdings, however, is still being finalized.

“It is being fixed now. But basically, we will co-manage the project, so we will both have significant investments in this. Because it’s a group of companies so the

key for us is that we ensure that it meets all the regulatory requirements… But both of us will be working together,” Lozano said.

AEV CRH said in a regulatory filing it will acquire an 88.85-percent interest in Lafarge Republic Inc. for about P53.1 billion.

The joint venture company will acquire 5.174 billion common shares in Lafarge Republic, owned by Lafarge Holdings (Philippines) Inc., Calumboyan Holdings Inc., Round Royal Inc. and Southwestern Cement Ventures Inc., at P10.26 per share.

AEV-CRH said it would conduct a tender offer to acquire the remaining 11.15 percent interest in LRI which would require another P6.65 billion in capital spending.

Tender offer period will be from Aug. 11 to Sept. 9, 2015.

AEV-CRH said it planned to delist Lafarge Republic from the Philippines Stock Exchange once it acquired more than 90-percent stake in the local cement company after the tender offer.

“There is a plan to withdraw the registration statement of Lafarge Republic if it no longer meets the requirements for a public corporation,” AEV-CRH said.

Under the PSE rules, a public company should have a minimum public float of 10 percent.

AEV earlier said that it planned to invest P24 billion to fund its cement venture.

PLDT award.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Smart Communications were recently honored during the 2015 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Stakeholders Awards, an annual celebration of strong partnerships and successful collaborations. PLDT was awarded outstanding respondent in the coordinated portfolio investment survey while Smart was given the award for outstanding respondent for transactions coursed through bank accounts abroad. Shown receiving the award is PLDT group controller and Smart chief financial officer Chaye CabalRevilla from Bangko Sentral Governor Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. (right) and Monetary Board member and chairman of the board of judges Juan De Zuñiga Jr.

IN BRIEF PAL flying from Cebu to LA

PHILIPPINE Airlines said Thursday it will launch non-stop flights between Cebu and Los Angeles in March 2016 as part of its expansion to the United States.

“Our customers in the Visayas and Mindanao have long clamoured for direct flights between Cebu and the US due to the travel convenience this will bring. One can simply take a short hop to Cebu from any point in the Visayas and Mindanao and connect to Los Angeles, instead of flying all the way to Manila,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista said.

The thrice weekly service will utilize the 254-seater bi-class Airbus A340 with 36 lie-flat seats on business class and 218 seats on regular economy.

The flag carrier currently operates 35 weekly flights to mainland USA and two US territories combined. Darwin G. Amojelar

PH to swap $6.5-b debt

THE Philippines plans to offer as much as P300 billion ($6.5 billion) of bonds in a debt swap as it seeks to lengthen maturities amid record-low inflation.

The target is to conduct the exchange before the US starts raising interest rates, Treasurer Roberto Tan said in a phone interview from Manila Thursday.

New 20- or 25-year notes, and possibly 10-year securities, will be offered to replace shorter-maturity illiquid debt, he said. Futures show a 50 percent chance the Federal Reserve will tighten policy at the next meeting in September and 75 percent odds before year-end.

“We want to refinance our short-term maturing obligations while cleaning up the yield curve and taking away illiquid” securities, Tan said. “This is an opportunity for those that would like to move to longer-term debt.”

Consumer prices rose 0.8 percent in July from a year earlier, one of the lowest inflation rates in Southeast Asia, barring those in the midst of deflation. Bloomberg

BDO borrows $500m BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender controlled by ty-

coon Henry Sy, has closed a $500-million three-year syndicated term loan with a diverse group of international banks.

The amount is considered the largest syndicated loan transaction by a Philippine financial institution.

“The facility generated strong interest and was oversubscribed,

prompting BDO to upsize it to $500 million from the initial tranche of $350 million,” BDO said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday.

It said lending commitments were received from various lenders widely distributed across the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

“BDO intends to utilize the facility for refinancing of an existing term loan and for general banking and corporate purposes,” the bank said.

Lead arrangers and bookrunners were Bank of America, N.A.; Deutsche Bank AG, Singapore branch; The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp. Ltd.; Mizuho bank, Ltd.; Standard Chartered Bank; and United Overseas Bank Ltd. Julito G. Rada

Gozon seeks settlement with Ang GMA Network Inc. chairman and chief executive Felipe Gozon said

he is open to an out-of-court settlement to thresh out issues with businessman Ramon Ang on the botched buy-in talks.

“I don’t know the feelings of Mr. Ang, I can only speak for ourselves that despite all of these we are open to a reasonable, mutually and acceptable settlement,” Gozon told reporters at the sidelines of the company’s financial briefing.

Gozon, however, said a revival of negotiations with Ang would no longer push through, after the San Miguel Corp. president filed an estafa case against the GMA-7 executive.

Ang earlier filed a estafa case against the Gozon Group for allegedly terminating the negotiations and failing to return the P1-billion downpament for a 34-percent stake in GMA Network.

GMA Network reported a net income of P1.099 billion in the first half, up 89 percent from a year ago as revenues rose 15 percent to P6.653 billion.

Bemac qualifies for e-Trike deal THE Energy Department said only one group out of the five inter-

ested bidders has passed the bidding requirements for the contract to supply 3,000 electric tricyles funded by the Asian Development Bank.

Uzushio Electric Co. Ltd. of Japan and its local partner Bemac Electric Transportation Philippines Inc. met the requirements of the agency for the e-Trike deal.

Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos told reporters said four other bidders had submitted “non-responsive bids, meaning the documents required of them were lacking.”

The other bidders were Teco Electric & Machinery Co. Ltd. of Taiwan, Mulan Electric Vehicle Co. Ltd. of China, local company Camec JCB Corp. and Invenic Inc. and Jiang Siu Hansen of China.

Uzushio and Bemac submitted a fbid of P364.17 million, or the amount that government will pay for the delivery of the e-trikes.

Marcos said Uzushio and Bemac’s bid still needed clearance from the ADB prior to award. “The post evaluation of the bid will start next week. It will be up to end of this month. The ADB will still have to clear this,” Marcos said. Alena Mae S. Flores

F R I D AY : A U G U S T 7, 2 0 1 5

B5

ceSAR bARRIoqUInTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

HK youth reject digital world and go analogue HONG KONG—In a city crammed with neon-lit tech stores, smartphone vendors and high-end camera shops, a digital backlash is mounting as young Hong Kongers seek out an old-fashioned analogue experience.

Hong Kong is a buzzing market for cutting edge technological offerings, with queues around the block for the latest iPhone or tablet.

As consumers focus firmly on the new, there has been little demand for old-school gadgets―retro collectibles are much harder to find in Hong Kong than in other major world cities, where vintage stores have long been a shopping staple.

But interest in the pre-digital era is growing as the city’s younger generations seek out everything from film cameras to vinyl records in response to the hi-tech deluge.

“We are constantly bombarded by an endless stream of advertisements for the newest and latest gadgets in our everyday lives, says Sonia Ho, 24, who works at an architectural design firm.

“The functions of a radio, typewriter or even a light meter can be easily downloaded onto our smartphones... but we’re losing the idea of how a particular item actually works,” said Ho, who now prefers a second-hand Nikon FE2 film camera to the digital models she previously used.

“It’s like being assigned to continue the adventures of the camera from the previous owner and start to capture your own,” Ho said.

A growing number of younger photographers in Hong Kong are experimenting with old film cameras—some painstakingly scanning their film photos onto a computer to share on social media feed Instagram. Ho shares hers under the handle @soniahyh.

Tinny Kwan, who owns a film processing store popular with young photographers in the residential area of Prince Edward, says they are starting to discover the joys of delayed gratification.

“It’s like the feeling of gambling.

There is a sense of excitement right up until you can see the photos... with digital, you can see it immediately, that sense of curiosity is lacking,” says Kwan, whose shop is popular with young photographers. AFP

world Russians still struggling despite West embargo NOVOYE SELTSO, Russia—As she milks a stubborn goat at her farm just outside Moscow, Larisa Sukhanova says she’s worried about the future of her milk business as a year-old embargo on Western foodstuffs fails to yield a promised bonanza for local farmers.

A walk in the park. A model walks at Ralph Lauren Children’s Fashion Show at Central Park Zoo on August 5 in New York City. AFP

While authorities present the embargo enacted in reprisal for Western sanctions over Ukraine as an opportunity to develop the country’s flagging farming sector, analysts say the crippling economic crisis roiling the country, and years of the state’s neglect of agriculture, have seen local producers struggle to make gains.

“The government has been paying more attention to us farmers,” Sukhanova, 68, told AFP as she stroked one of her 120 white goats. “But I can’t say I see much of a difference.”

The authorities have pledged some $3.8 billion (3.5 billion euros) to help Russian farmers bolster their production of substitutes for the long list of embargoed goods, which range from luxury French cheeses to Spanish hams and Polish apples.

But Sukhanova—who produces some 200 liters of milk a day—says that a 10-million-ruble ($159,000) grant she was promised in March to expand her farm has yet to materialize.

“I needed that grant money months ago,” she said. “Now I’m afraid I will have nowhere to keep my goats this winter.”

Agriculture is one of the few bright spots in the Russian economy, growing in the first quarter of 2015, despite the economy as a whole sinking into recession on the back of Western sanctions and low oil prices.

Meat production increased by 6.4 percent in comparison to the first quarter of 2014, official statistics show, and producers like Sukhanova added an additional one percent to the country’s milk output.

A bullish agriculture minister Alexander Tkachyov has gone as far as to predict that Russian products will have replaced all foreign foods on supermarket shelves within a decade.

But the increase in production has still fallen well short of filling the gap left by the embargo and experts are doubtful that the ban is spurring genuine improvements in the industry. AFP

Survivors head to Sicily after horror ROME—The survivors of a shipwreck off the coast of Libya in which some 200 migrants were feared drowned were being brought to safety in Sicily on Thursday.

Their fishing boat, believed to have been carrying over 600 people, ran into difficulty about 15 nautical miles off Libya on Wednesday and overturned when rescuers neared, after frantic migrants rushed to one side in their desperation to be saved.

Irish patrol vessel Niamh, first on the scene of the disaster, was headed to Palermo with 367 sur-

vivors, including 12 women and 13 children, as well as 25 bodies recovered from the sea.

The Italian coastguard told AFP the search for remaining survivors “continued throughout the night and will be carried out all day today”.

Six migrants in need of urgent medical attention, including a feverish one-year-old baby and a man with a broken leg, were transported by helicopter to the Italian island of Lampedusa late Wednesday, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR. It is not the first time a boat

making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean has overturned because of sudden movement on board when help is in sight.

Many migrants cannot swim, making it a race against time for rescue workers trying to pull them from the water.

“It was a horrific sight, people desperately clinging to lifebelts, boats and anything they could, fighting for their lives, amidst people drowning, and those who had already died,” said Juan Matias, a project coordinator for Doctors Without Borders. AFP

Strike. Commuters queue for buses as a 24-hour tube strike hits the morning rush hour at Victoria station in central London on August 6.

The strike began at 6:30 pm (1730 GMT) on August 5 and will run until Friday morning, causing disruption for millions of commuters and tourists. AFP

B6

F r i D aY : a u G u s t 7, 2 0 1 5

WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Bombing of Hiroshima recalled HIROSHIMA—Tens of thousands gathered in Hiroshima Thursday to mark 70 years since the dropping of the first atomic bomb, with opinion still divided over whether its deadly destruction was justified.

Bells tolled as a solemn crowd observed a moment of silence at 8:15 am local time (2315 GMT), when the detonation turned the bustling city into an inferno, killing thousands instantly and leaving others with horrific injuries to die a slow death.

Children, elderly survivors and delegates representing 100 countries were in the crowd with many placing flowers in front of the cenotaph at Peace Memorial Park, as doves were released into the air.

American B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped a bomb, dubbed “Little Boy”, on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, in one of the closing chapters of World War II. Nearly everything around it was incinerated by a wall of heat up to 4,000 degrees Celsius—hot enough to melt steel.

“As the only country ever attacked by an atomic bomb... we have a mission to

create a world without nuclear arms,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the crowd.

“We have been tasked with conveying the inhumanity of nuclear weapons, across generations and borders.”

Japan plans to submit a fresh resolution to abolish nuclear weapons at the UN general assembly later this year, he said.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, at a regional diplomatic meeting in Malaysia, described the bombing as a “very, very powerful reminder” of the impact of war.

US ambassador Caroline Kennedy and under-secretary for arms control Rose Gottemoeller, the most senior Washington official ever sent to the service, attended Thursday’s ceremony.

This year’s memorial comes days ahead of the scheduled restart of a nuclear reactor in southern Japan -- the first one to go

back on line after a twoyear hiatus following the tsunami-sparked disaster at Fukushima in 2011.

While Abe has pushed to switch reactors back on, public opposition remains high after the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl in 1986.

Japan’s nationalist leader has also been criticized for efforts to expand the role of his pacifist country’s SelfDefence Forces, changes that open the door to putting troops into combat for the first time since the war.

In a fresh controversy over the unpopular moves, defense minister Gen Nakatani admitted that the new security laws being debated in parliament could -- in theory -- allow for Japan to transport nuclear weapons to allies, but he quickly dismissed it as unlikely.

Bomb survivors, known as hibakusha, demanded that Abe drop the military plan.

“You must never make Japan a country that repeats the same mistakes (of the past),” Yukio Yoshioka, an 86-year-old, told Abe during a brief meeting on Thursday, local media said. AFP

After the conference. Academy award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, left, and her mother, actress Blythe Danner, pause for a photo as they leave a press conference on the importance of GMO labeling and opposing the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 on August 5 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. AFP Republic of the Philippines PROVINCE OF QUIRINO Cabarroguis

Republic of the Philippines COURT OF APPEALS

Manila For the Supply, Installation, and Commissioning of Fourteen (14) Rack Servers 1.

2.

The Court of Appeals, through its Continuing Appropriations under Capital Outlay - Information and Communication Technology Equipment intends to apply the sum of P11,500,000.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Supply, Installation, and Commissioning of Fourteen (14) Rack Servers. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Court of Appeals through its Bids and Awards Committee now invites bids for the Supply, Installation, and Commissioning of Fourteen (14) Rack Servers. Project duration is Fifty (50) days from receipt of P.O. The description of work is as follows: Perform all the necessary operations to complete the supply, installation and commissioning of fourteen (14) servers. These includes but not limited to the following: • • • • •

3.

Supply of fourteen (14) rack servers; Delivery of three (3) servers to CA-Cebu after setup and configuration of MIS Division personnel; Delivery of three (3) servers to CA-CDO after setup and configuration of MIS Division personnel; Supply of two (2) sets of Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard Edition with 5 CALs (Government License); Configure servers for RAID-1, RAID1+0 and RAID-5.

Bidders should have completed, within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/ fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” 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, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat, c/o Office of the Clerk of Court and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on August 07, 2015 from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB in the amount of P6,000.00.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Court of Appeals, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

5.

The Court of Appeals through its Bids and Awards Committee will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 19, 2015 at 2:30PM at the Conference Room, Ground Floor, Annex 1 Building, Ma. Orosa St., Ermita, Manila which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

6.

Bids must be delivered to the BAC Secretariat, c/o Office of the Clerk of Court, Room 101, Main Building, Ma. Orosa St., Ermita Manila on September 01, 2015, from 8:00AM - 12:00NOON. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security which shall be limited to a Bid Securing Declaration and at least one (1) other form of bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the BDS and ITB. Bid opening shall be on September 01, 2015 at 2:30 PM at the Conference room, Ground Floor, Annex 1 Bldg. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

7.

The Court of Appeals reserves the right to reject any or all eligibility documents or proposals without offering any reason, waive any defect or formalities contained therein, accept any proposal which is considered most advantageous to the government or annul the bidding process prior to contract award.

8.

The Court of Appeals assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid.

9.

For further inquiries, contact the BAC Secretariat, c/o Office of the Clerk of Court at 523-21-13 or 52412-41 loc. 219, 315, telefax 526-58-34.

E-mail add: ca-bacsecretariat@ca.judiciary.gov.ph.

Approved by:

(Sgd.) EDWIN D. SORONGON Associate Justice Chairperson Bids & Awards Committee on Purchase and Acquisition of Court Facilities, Equipment and Supplies (TS AUGUST 7, 2015)

INVITATION TO BID The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Provincial Government of Quirino invites all interested contractors to apply for eligibility and to tender bids for the following project/s: 1.

2015-089 Proposed Central Sierra Madre Mountain Range Safari Zoo Park and Adventure Land Complex (Entrance Bldg.)

Aglipay, Quirino

Contract ID Name of Project

: :

Location

:

Scope of Work

:

Proposed Central Sierra Madre Mountain Range Safari Zoo Park and Adventure Land Complex (Entrance Bldg.)

:

P 19,000,000.00

: :

MOA-TIEZA 186 CD

Approved Budget Contract (ABC) Source of Fund Duration

for

the

The BAC will conduct the procurement process in accordance with the Revised IRR of R.A 9184. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of bid.

To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a letter of Intent (LOI), purchase bid documents and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration/accreditation with Provincial Government, (b) Filipino citizen of 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or joint venture, (c) with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (d) completion of similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, and (e) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment for at least 10% of the ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids.

The significant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:

1. Receipt of LOIs from prospective bidders August 7-23, 2015 2. Issuance of Bid Documents 3. Pre-Bid Conference

4. Receipt of Bids

5. Opening of Bids

August 7-23, 2015 August 10, 2015, 3:00PM, Special Projects Unit, Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Commercial Bldg., Capitol Compound, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino August 24, 2015, 2:30PM, Special Projects Unit, Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Commercial Bldg., Capitol Compound, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino August 24, 2015, 3:00PM, Special Projects Unit, Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Commercial Bldg., Capitol Compound, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino

The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents at the BAC Secretariat, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis, Quirino, upon payment of the applicable non-refundable fee. The Pre-Bid Conference shall open only to interested parties who have purchased the BD’s. Bids must be accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR. Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specified in the BD’s in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The first envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid. The second envelope shall contain the financial component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and the post-qualification.

The Provincial Government of Quirino reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process at anytime prior Contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder/s.

(SGD) DENCIO A. PAGBILAO Prov’l. Planning & Development Coordinator BAC Chairman ( TS- A U G U S T 7, 2 0 1 5 )

Paper attacks Japan over rites BEIJING—A Chinese newspaper with close ties to the ruling Communist Party slammed Japan on Thursday for commemorating the atomic bombing of Hiroshima without highlighting its own wartime aggression.

The Global Times tabloid, which is published under the People’s Daily newspaper, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party, conceded in an editorial that it was “understandable” for Japan to recall the bombing.

“But it must be pointed out that the ceremony directs people’s attention only to the fact that Japan is a victim of atomic bombing, but turns a blind eye to the reason why,” the Englishlanguage editorial said.

“Ceremonies like this water down the fact that Japan was also a perpetrator of war crimes. This shows how adept Japan is at scheming and calculating.”

The dropping of the bomb—dubbed “Little Boy”—by the US B-29 bomber Enola Gay left an estimated 140,000 people dead, including those who survived the bombing itself but died in the following days, weeks and months. AFP

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MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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FAST FASTLANE Saffiro SF 6000: safety, comfort DESIGNED for the latest generation of cars where comfort, high-speed stability and safety are the essential requirements, one of America’s most trusted and sought after tire brands Saffiro is letting consumers experience true performance with the SF6000. The Saffiro SF6000 tire suitable for all passenger or sports cars. The unique tread design ensures excellent traction on wet road. Dry tread zone helps enhance handling and grip on dry pavement.

The SF6000 includes a technological platform that gives a special footprint (contact patch) making this model a reliable tire, which is secure on wet surfaces when braking, quiet on the road and resistant to all types of road stress. The benefits are more grip and total stability, with less tire fatigue and thus longer mileage. This model reduces fuel consumption and atmospheric pollution.

Saffiro is the only brand in the country today which has a 40,000Mile Limited Warranty for H-Rated Size vehicles. It has also passed the qualif ications of OEM as the safest choice when replacing your worn out tires, because it fits most standard OEM rims and wheel specifications.

Mitsubishi Strada is Manila Water’s choice MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corporation recently turned over a fleet of new Strada pickups to Manila Water Company, Inc. One hundred sixteen units of Strada GL 2WD Manual Transmission were acquired by Manila Water through MMPC’s authorized dealership Diamond Motor Corp. – Quezon Ave. (DMC-QA). Among other available pickups in the market, Manila Water chose the Strada because of its fuel efficiency, improved features, and very competitive price. A thorough evaluation was conducted by Manila Water to determine the best pickup that will fit their requirements. The ceremonial turn-over was headed by MMPC’s Assistant Vice President for Vehicle Sales Dante Calma, Manila Water’s Director for Operations Support Services, Estelita Orodio, and DMC-QA’s Vice President/ Branch Head Eduardo Icasiano. With Manila Water’s nature of business, the all-new Strada is the perfect workhorse for them.

From Left: Ronald Gomez –MMPC, Josie Calimag – DMC-QA, Eduardo Icasiano – DMC QA, Dante Calma – MMPC and from Manila Water: Estelita Orodio , Marlene Ferrer, and Jose Cardona

Volkswagen’s pint size wonder feels solid and precise

Volkswagen PH ‘hatches’ a winner Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

LAUNCHED early this year, the Volkswagen Polo Hatch has a lot to carry on its shoulder because VW Philippines has positioned this variant to be its volume seller. “We are bullish this year and the Polo is one of our models that can carry the baton for the brand,” says John Philip Orbeta, president and chief executive of Volkswagen Philippines.

As an outsider looking in, it seems that VW is on the right track as reflected by the 47 percent growth in sales and in the number of VW Polo units sold (56 units) since February this year. Competitively priced at just below a million pesos at P950k, you get superb Teutonic engineering and a more solid feel compared to its rivals in the domestic market. A plus factor of this car is that it looks good too in my opinion. It may not look as dynamic as the Honda Jazz or the Ford Fiesta, but the Polo looks smart and bit understated. Think of this car as the nerd in the class with a hot body. While it is not exciting to look at, the Polo is radical in its design cues such as the LED blacked headlights, a sharp front fascia with a strip of chrome along the grille design. The tight lines are a sign of quality, the solid feel and that “thump” when you shut the doors are hints of quality that will appeal to a much broader spectrum of the target market.

Inside the Polo is a dynamically functional dashboard with a meaty flat bot-

tomed three-spoke steering wheel and an infotainment system similar to that of the MkVII Golf. Unlike its competitors, particularly the Koreans, the audio system of the Polo is superb and one can enjoy your selection of music to breeze through the frustrating traffic jams. The climate control system will also help you maintain your composure in a cool cabin.

I have driven the diesel powered manual transmission version, and I must admit that I prefer this 1.6 liter 4 cylinder gasoline version which pumps out an appropriate 105bhp. The sixspeed automatic swayed my loyalty to this hatch version also, which is precise and does not have the “nutty” feel of some test units that have gone through my personal testing.

The new Polo Hatchback provides its patrons with a premium European subcompact in the competitive hatchback segment. It is expected to lock horns with the Honda Jazz, Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Almera, Mazda 2 and the Hyundai Accent in carving out a profitable slice

The dashboard layout is drive-oriented and engineered for functionality

of the domestic market.

For a sub million subcompact with a special low down payment scheme of just P95,000, you get a list of features which include an Anti-lock braking system, anti-theft with immobilizer and interior monitoring system, crash-safe body design, front and rear seatbelts, SRS dual front airbags and park distance control are just some of the safety features to ensure a secured and protected driving every day. Also, ISOFIX

Ready Seats are available for the rear seats.

Launched in 1975, the Polo became one of the most successful cars of VW and is the car to beat as it defends its two-time championship at the gruelling World Rally Championship. Today, VW produces the Polo in Germany, Spain, South Africa, Russia, India and China. According to Orbeta, the Polo will be marketed as a practical vehicle for young professionals and first time car buyers

The world’s most versatile compact SUV has landed in the Philippine market as Land Rover Philippines unveils The New Discovery Sport. Wellington Soong (left), chair and president of LRPhils Motors Inc. and British Ambassador Asif Ahmad present the “Discovery Sport” in launching ceremony held at the Axon in Makati City on Tuesday. MANNY PALMERO

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RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING

Toyota raises the bar Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

T

OYOTA Motors Philippines unveiled the latest iteration of its most popular workhorse in grand fashion last week at the Clark Ecozone in Angeles, Pampanga.

Heralded by Toyota as the most powerful and daring eighth generation pick-up, the all new Hi-Lux has a much bigger body, a larger cabin, improved dynamics and a tuned chassis that can handle increased loads and towing capacity. “Toyota raised the level in terms of expectations, the all-new Hilux turns to a new age outperforming its previous generations and even competition. True to its name, the brand is a combination of the words “high” and “luxury,” to underline the vehicle’s competitive edge across other pick-ups,” says Michunobu Sugata, president of TMP. From the front end, the latest version Hilux boasts of a powerful and stylish front fascia suggesting the look of a “next-generation” Pickup truck. Its new thick bumper contrasts with the thin grille and headlamps achieving both toughness and refinement. It also now carries the signature Toyota “under-priority and keen look” offering its customers a more appealing shape. Moreover, it displays a wider and more stable stance, as seen in its continuous flow of lines with protruding wheel flares. Its lower side body is emphasized for a more secure look. The sleek cabin silhouette also proves that refined features can actually pair well with toughness as seen in the all-new Hilux. The top-of-the-line 4x4 and 4x2 (G Grade) models are equipped with a side step and 17 inch alloy wheels for a sportier look. Its rear design, on the other hand, shows a strong and unified form as seen in its voluminous beltline which continues to the deck and tailgate.

Moreover, the pick-up’s contour of the cabin area seamlessly connects to the deck area exuding an element of strength. Toughness is further embodied as seen in its large rear combination lamps.

As you step inside the vehicle,

one can immediately notice the perfect balance of style and function throughout the cabin. The all-new Hilux renders toughness and functionality required for a dependable space combined with ease and convenience enjoyed for private use. The new generation Hilux securely seats up to 5 passengers. It offers greater front seat comfort with larger head room and shoulder room. Moreover, its

rear seat passengers of the all-new Hilux will enjoy the expanded knee room and rear center armrest.

Toyota’s workhorse is powered by two different engines, a 2.8 liter for the 4x4 version or the base line 2.4 Liter 4 cylinder for the 4x2 version. Both engines have the 16-valve configuration and armed with a VN Turbo Intercooler diesel GD engines. Toyota’s premier pick-

up provides a maximum output of 174hp/3,400rpm, and maximum torque of 450Nm/1600-2400rpm.

Moreover, it is equipped with a 6-speed sequential automatic or 6-speed manual transmission available in the G variant. Aside from performance, the Hi-Lux’s new engine is considerably more refined in practical usage conditions – vibrations and road noise are well suppressed even on rough terrain. A day after the event, event organizers took select members of the media for a drive around the treacherous Segovia river bed for a real-world test drive of their latest baby. “it is noteworthy that the Hilux has gained a loyal following since it was first introduced in the Philippines in 1993. Registering 56, 417 units for 22 years now… this is a clear indication of how this model has been loved by thousands of our customers and giving it the name “King of Pick-Ups. Truly, the All-new Hilux is tougher than you can imagine. Toyota has redefined toughness and comfort as seen in this 8th generation Toyota pick-up, adds Sugata. The all-new Hilux is offered in seven variants with a starting price of P929,000.00. With Olson Camacho

New law sets curbs on motorbike riders

By Sandy Araneta PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has signed Republic Act No. 10666, which imposes restrictions on motorcycles drivers who allow children onboard their vehicles as part of measures to instill safety on the road.

Signed on July 21, 2015, the new law requires children to wear standard protective helmets can comfortably reach the standard foot peg, and reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle driver.

RA 10666 is also known as the “Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015.” It defines motorcycles as any two-wheeled motor vehicle having one or two riding saddles.

The new law, however, allows a child to be transported onboard a motorcycle if he or she needs immediate medical attention.

The prohibition was particularly imposed on public roads with heavy volume of vehicles, high density of fast-moving vehicles or where a speed limit of more than 60 kilometer-per- hour is imposed.

Under the law, public roads refer to roads designed by the national government or local government units as roads for public use such as, but not limited to, national highways, provincial roads, city, municipal and barangay streets.

Motorcycle riders who will violate the new law face a fine of P3,000 for the first offense, P5,000 for the second offense, and P10,000 for the third and succeeding offenses.

The driver’s license will also be automatically revoked if he or she will violate the law beyond the third time.

The Land Transportation Office is authorized to raise the amounts of the fines once every three years, provided that the hike undergoes public consultation and does not exceed 20 percent of the original amount.

The new law also states that the LTO is authorized to tap the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local

government units to enforce the new law.

“It is the policy of the State to defend the right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development,” RA 10666 stated.

“Towards this end, the State shall pursue a more proactive and preventive approach to secure the safety of passengers, especially children, by regulating the operation of motorcycles along roads and highways,” it also said.

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER

PROUDLY PINOY

Filipino fashion designers share their thoughts on what makes Filipino design a cut above the rest.

BY KAI MAGSANOC

T

o say that Filipinos are making waves in the design industry is an understatement. It would be more apt to say that we are conquering the world – in fashion, interior and furniture design, even digital arts.

We talked to some of today’s successful Filipino designers on their thoughts about what makes Filipino fashion design stand out, and what sets these designers apart from their peers from other countries.

Their answers made us stand up, place our hand on our chest, and affirm that we are – more than ever – proud to be Pinoy!

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

ST Y L E & BE AU T Y

LIFE JOHN HERRERA Winner, London Emerging Designer (LED) Awards 2015

Our rich culture and history make Filipino design stand out. Our natural resources combined with our influences and our dreams make Filipinos amazing designers. It is only when we try to become someone other than who we are that we don’t become global. National identity is what defines us and it should drive our passion in design or in any creative human activity.

“Design is design, and people will celebrate creativity if it is authentic, no matter where it comes from. I was tempted to tweak my design sensibility to be more ‘London’ but in the end I decided against it. I would rather not win doing what I love, than to win with a collection that wasn’t me. Winning only comes second to the real triumph here: I showed London what Manila fashion is today.

C1 AMINA ARANAZALUNAN Designer and educator

The Filipino aesthetic is highly intricate and detailed. One will notice a lot of handmade techniques and materials.

We gravitate towards a lot of detail, texture, and material manipulation. [We are] definitely not minimalists but lean towards exuberance.

JC BUENDIA Fashion designer

Unusual shapes and handiwork set Filipino design apart. Look at our butterfly sleeves, Kenneth Cobonpue’s wave-like furniture – Filipino designers usually draw inspiration from nature. Uniquely ours is fine embroidery, hand embroidery using techniques like callado. There is also the technique suksuk which is incorporated in the weaving process.

Continued on C2

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

PROUDLY PINOY From C1

TRACY DIZON Milliner

Seeing Filipino creations abroad, what makes our [design] stand out is the human craftsmanship.

There’s this sincerity, passion, and human touch or haplos ng pagmamahal innate in Filipinos that translate to our creations. Being a Filipino designer gave me the impetus to be resourceful. As they say, if you can’t find it, make it. This makes us more creative and innovative in transforming nothing into something.

JOHN ABLAZA

International eco-couture designer

RENCIE SANTOS Accessory designer

What makes us stand out is our sense of adventure.

Because the Philippines has many international influences, we have no constraints with ideas.

We have abundant and beautiful natural resources that designers can draw from in terms of subject matter, materials, and structure.

THE GIST

BY ED BIADO

Filipino designers are world class – very creative, ever-evolving, always re-inventing, and very resourceful.

[We are] always on the lookout to create something unique and original. I do fashion not just for the glamour of it; I have advocacies attached to my work. I incorporate natural and highly sustainable materials in my creations.

This way, I contribute in preserving nature’s bounty and create livelihood for less fortunate Filipinos.

ALBERT ANDRADA Fashion designer

Filipino design stands out because of its artful aesthetics. The Philippines is a country very rich in culture. From the earlier times, making fabrics from [the] raw has been a part of our rich heritage. We make our own fabric; we weave it and even color it with natural dyes. Art has always been a part of every Filipino.

ERIC DELOS SANTOS

Fashion designer

Filipino design stands out because of our workmanship and innate creativity.

Our Filipino hospitality also comes out when we deal with our clients, both here and abroad.

THESE 5 TRENDS FOR MEN ARE OVER

In fashion, a trend reaches its saturation point when you can’t turn a corner without seeing it on someone. When everybody starts wearing the same thing, it’s your cue to stop wearing it. We’re rounding up some of the items for guys that became too huge for their own good that maybe it’s time to hide them at the back of the closet.

POCKET SHIRT

The pocket tee, which is a plain T-shirt with a colored and/ or patterned pocket, was all the rage in 2013 and it quickly reached its “best before” date.

But it spawned the pocket tank top around summer that year and the pocket button-down shirt. Then it all went downhill from there because we recently spotted the pocket polo shirt.

Just. No.

DENIM JACKET

This resilient garment comes and goes and the denim jacket’s most recent reincarnation was filled with ‘90s nostalgia.

We loved it but there is such a thing as denim overload.

After mixing, matching and layering different kinds of denim items for a couple of seasons now, it’s getting a little dated. A hiatus right about now doesn’t seem like a terrible idea.

LONG CARDIGAN

You saw your favorite fashion blogger wearing one so you wanted to wear one. And you did. But you found out that the slouchy long cardigan was also oftentimes lousy. On OOTD posts, it’s sartorial.

In real life, not so much.

We once heard someone say that it looks like a bathrobe.

CHAMBRAY SHIRT

To achieve that all-denim look without really wearing only denim, the chambray shirt was utilized. And it did its job in completing the illusion. But again, the novelty is wearing off because it got too trendy and there are duplicates upon duplicates of the same outfit everywhere at any given time.

JOGGER PANTS AND SWEATSHORTS

Don’t hate on us, but we’re kind of over the jogger pants and its cropped cousin, the sweatshort. Not only are these bottoms too locker-roomy for going out, they’re also quite revealing if you have an ample package or if you get a random midday boner (and that happens to every fella).

But apparently, that’s the goal for some guys – to show off what they have – which is why joggers have become associated with douchery. So if you’re not a douche, you know what to do.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

AUTUMN/WINTER 2015 HAIR AND MAKEUP TRENDS

I

POP-UP BEAUTY

BY JIGS MAYUGA

t’s almost September and in the fashion and beauty scene, it means that trend forecasts for Fall 2015’s hair and makeup looks are being rolled out by most major fashion publications and magazines. Autumn/Winter runway shows for 2015 were all about bold color for the lips and eyes, an ode to all things punk and imperfect, and the celebration of pure, unadulterated but beautiful skin and hair. M.A.C senior makeup artist, John Stapleton (who was recently in Manila for the M.A.C Cosmetics Autumn/ Winter 2015 Trends Presentation), demonstrated key looks for fall that every woman can wear. Meanwhile at Aveda, the brand’s artists were the key hairstylists at many major fashion week shows around the world and they predicted the chief hair trends for Fall 2015 that are easy to recreate with the right products and tools.

THE MAKEUP TRENDS

M.A.C senior makeup artist John Stapleton

THE HAIR TRENDS ROMANTIC PUNK

BEAUTIFUL AND DAMNED

Black has always been a constant in makeup, and for fall, makeup artists are harnessing the chaotic spirit of dark shades and channeling it into the chic and beautiful. At Giles, models were seen with black lipstick on an almost bare face. Dark brows were the focal point at Missoni. To rock the dark lip trend, the brave can always wear black but for women who are afraid of inky lips, shades like plum and deep purples are the perfect alternatives.

LOVE WORN

The ’90s are back – and if the grunged-out and livedin makeup on the runways were evidence enough, I’d say it’s back in a big way.

At Marco De Vicenzo and Manish Arora, models wore makeup that looked like the girls partied all night. Very rock star. To get this look, play up your eyes with some smudged liner and a bit of smoke with eye shadows in shades of taupe and brown.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Fall Color Artist Shadows 1 Palette, SM Megamall

RED ’70S

This season’s reds veer away from the true, bright reds that were popular in the last few years. Retro brick reds and deep reds in both matte and gloss are must-haves.

Shades like rust, bordeaux, wine and burgundy were visible on the runways at Acne Studios and Houghton.

Lacquered red lips are my personal favorite. Try a warm red lip color and top with some clear gloss on the center of the lip.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Transylvania, SM North Edsa

M.A.C. COSMETICS Lipstick in Chili, Glorietta

WAVY CHIC

Big solid curls are out for fall. Novis designer Jordana Warmflash’s inspiration for the Fall/Winter 2015 collection came from the shapes, patterns, textures, and use of color inspired by the artist Matisse. To complement the bright clothes featuring shapes and cutouts, Aveda guest artist Frank Rizzieri created wearable tousled waves, perfect for a city girl’s afternoon at an art gallery. The look is healthy and fresh with slightly bended strands and hints of texture. Starting with clean hair, blow dry with a paddle brush. Apply a volume-infusing product on the roots and spots that need a lift once hair is halfway dry for added body and grip. Focusing on the top layer of hair, build in bends by using a double-barrel curling iron, intermittently wrapping sections of hair around the larger barrel through to the smaller barrel, leaving one or two inches of the ends straight. Finish with a light mist of hair spray. An antithesis to the huge curls we’ve seen on celebrities for so long.

KIEHL’S Stylist Series Super Thick Volumizer, Greenbelt 5 Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @jigsmayuga

M2 by Mark Bumgarner Zalora and Mazda Philippines launch limited edition M2 collection

by Mark Bumgarner

M2 Collection

At Haider Ackermann’s Fall/Winter 2015 collection in Paris, the designer showcased intricate stitching of colorful threads sewn throughout each garment. Wanting to play off these details, Aveda guest artist, Kamo, created a punk rock style complete with threaded needlework in the hair. To get this look, blow dry hair using the hands to help add volume and texture.

Let hair lie with no visible part and mold around face; begin to add dimension with a crimping iron by clamping small sections of hair 2-3 inches apart throughout the head. Start crafting a punk style with the hands and intermittently using hairspray to hold the created shapes. Once the shape is achieved, take small sections of hair on the right side and weave strands with thread going upward, creating haphazard braid-like patterns. Repeat on the other side.

AVEDA Control Force Firm Hold Hairspray, SM Makati

Zalora Philippines’ pop-up store in EDSA Shangri-La Mall

R

acer and fashion designer Mark Bumgarner collaborated with Zalora and Mazda Philippines to launch his new collection – M2 – inspired by two of the things he loves: cars and fashion.

“In Zalora, our love for fashion is what drives us to bring in the hottest items from the local and international runways straight to our customers’ doorsteps across the region, that is why we are Asia’s online fashion destination,” explains Paolo Campos, co-founder and CEO of Zalora Philippines.

Their partnership with Mazda and Mark Bumgarner marks their effort to provide an venue where local designers can showcase their designs.

M2 by Mark Bumgarner is a 100-piece limited edition collection inspired by the KODO “soul of motion” design philosophy of Mazda, which exudes the power and elegance of a wild animal at that instant when it pounces on its prey. M2 handmade pieces are inspired by the imagery and character of Mazda SKYACTIV. Featuring straight lines and minimal as well as elegant in design, the collection showcases the colors white, red,

black and faded bluish gray reminiscent of the Mazda2 SKYACTIV. “M2 combines two of my first loves – cars and fashion. Being able to find the connection between two opposing worlds was a truly inspiring experience, “ shares Bumgarner.

The limited edition collection is now available for sale in www.zalora.com.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

THE FRINGE FEVER

Spruce up a solid-colored top with this gold necklace from Penshoppe Accessories (P350). Be sure to hang this during storage to prevent the chains from tangling and also from discoloring.

@LIFEatStandard

*Fringe (noun) – an ornamental border of threads left loose or formed into tassels or twists that are used to edge clothing or any kind of material.

This Busy Q u e e n has been seeing a lot of products w i t h fringes in THE BUSY QUEEN P a l m o s t

BY PAULYNE FERMIN all of the display windows of stores and boutiques she’s gone to around the metro. Fringes in bags, shoes, accessories and in clothes abound aplenty. It looks like this ’70s trend, which started several seasons back, is not slowing down any time soon.

It was love at first sight for me when I saw this pair. Black suede high heels with ankle wrap fringes and tassels from ZARA (P4500).

Guaranteed to add style points to any ensemble. Also comes in cream.

FROM FUNCTION TO FASHION

Just exactly when and how did the use of fringes originate? The American Indians cut the edges of their outerwear to help shed moisture. As the fringes moved back and forth, their clothes dried faster as water fell to the tips more quickly.

So back then, the focus was more on function and not fashion. The Apache tribe, however, mimicked nature in their clothing and might have used fringes to simulate feathers and wings. Many years later, in the 1920s, the skirts got shorter, fringed hemlines went swinging and the flapper look was born. But it was the freespirited ’60s and ’70s that immortalized

the hippie-happy fringe look. Everyone from rock stars to your average Joes and Janes embraced the fringe like they did free love. Four decades later, we now have elite fashion houses such as Miu Miu, Chanel and Gucci breathing new life to the fringe look in their runways and making it a global trend.

INTO THE SWING OF THINGS

This column is all about sharing my fabulous finds. Here, I’ve rounded up products from the affordable to the expensive. I’m quite sure the fashionista in you is more than willing to give this look a try. Just how much you want to embrace the craze is totally up to you.

I’m a proud owner of a TALI handmade bag. Women prisoners turned artisans were tapped and taught to make beautiful patterns. This local luxury line empowers the marginalized to afford the basic necessities in life. You can support this socially conscious business model by purchasing their unique products. Shown here is the GINA big chevron tote (P13,800). Made from plastic straw with genuine leather fringes and tassel.

Turn heads and treat yourself to this gorgeous arm candy! After all, Chanel is always a good option.

As I mentioned earlier, the fringe mania is likely to be with us for several seasons more.

Be sure to choose pieces that you can mix and match with whatever is in your closet.

With that said, go ahead and get caught up in the fringe fever!

With a pocketful of glitter,

Follow me on Twitter, IG and Facebook.

Visit http://thebusyqueenp.com/ for more interesting reads!

Burberry fringed scarves and bucket bag from the Autumn/Winter 2015 collection.

Fringe ETHNIQUE bags

STYLE IS FOR EVERY SIZE WITH PARISIAN PLUS

I Go into neutral territory with Parisian Plus’ selection of sandals.

Be fun and fab with Parisian Plus ballet flats.

conic shoe brand Parisian makes style available for everyone with its Parisian Plus collection that has a line for ladies with shoe sizes from 9.5 to 12, with the styles that are both on-trend and comfortable at the same time.

Ladies need not be embarrassed with their shoe size, and SM’S Parisian Plus allows everyone to step out in style with flattering and fab designs – with wedges and chunky heels that can actually make the feet look smaller as most high heels do.

Or how about bows, buckles, lace

overlays and other accents that can make the feet look more petite?

Walk on the wild side with animal printed pumps. Give your look a modern edge with laser cut accents.

Step in neutral territory with earthtoned sandals, and slip on ballet flats for those casual days.

Parisian Plus is exclusively available at all SM Stores nationwide. Get connected with Parisian Plus through Parisian Shoes and Bags on Facebook and @ SMParisian and @SMShoesandBags on Twitter and Instagram. #SMParisianPlus

F RIDAY : AUGUST 7 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

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WhO Will be SM’S little StarS 2015?

Aiyana Kailyn Silva of SM Center Las Piñas

Jeanne Elisha Ventura of SM Center Muntinlupa

Yessha Hilkiah De La Calzada of SM City Cebu

Ma. Teresa Sagario of SM City GenSan

Kyle Ian Baterna of SM City Marilao

O

n Aug.9, 19 adorable and talented kids will compete in the Grand Finals of SM Little Stars 2015 3 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia.

Now on its eighth year, SM Little Stars is a yearly nationwide search for cute, bright and promising kids aged 4-7 in a talent competition.

It has also become an avenue for brighter things. Previous SM Little Stars winners are now shining in the field of acting and modelling.

Over P3.5 million worth of prizes await the Grand Prize winners (boy and girl). These include P200,000 worth of cash and shopping money; a five-day and four-night trip to China for two including round-trip tickets, hotel accommodations and tours; and a four-year college scholarship grant from National University.

SM’s Little Stars will also receive P15,000 worth of gift certificates from Toy Kingdom, ride-allyou-can passes for one year from Storyland, and an overnight stay for two with complimentary breakfast from Microtel.

The First Runner Up will receive P100,000 worth of cash and shopping money and a four-year college scholarship grant from National University; while the Second and Third Runners Up will get P80,000 and P60,000 worth of cash and shopping money respectively, and tuition fee discounts from National University. Runners up will also each get a five-day and four-night trip to China for two, Toy Kingdom gift certificates, and ride-all-you-can passes for one year from Storyland.

The rest of the finalists will each get P8,000 worth of cash and shopping money, and Toy Kingdom gift certificates worth P2,000.

This year’s Grand Finals will be hosted by Jasmine Curtis Smith, and will have an amazing board of judges who will also act as mentors: movie and TV director Mac Alejandre (TV/ film acting), Trumpets Playshop President Audie Gemora (voice and theatricality), Gelli De Belen (hosting), Joshua Zamora (dance) and Miss Universe 2010 4th runner up Venus Raj. They will be choosing the winners based on the following

Dawn Arione Angela Ilagan of SM City Naga

criteria: 40 percent for Star Quality, 20 percent for Personality and 40 percent for Talent.

Who will shine as SM’s Little Stars 2015? Here’s a look at the finalists. In the metro area, SM City Manila’s Sofia Novielle Santos loves to sing, dance and draw, and dreams to be a singer someday; while SM City Bicutan’s Leandro Comia and SM Center Las Piñas’ Aiyana Kailyn Silva enjoy showing their talents in dancing and singing.

SM Center Muntinlupa’s Jeanne Elisha Ventura loves to paint and read books, and Jian Arthur Wills likes to go cycling and playing basketball. SM City North EDSA has a talented duo: Lei Andre Navarro, who is into dancing, acting and modeling; and Annastacia Beatriz Penny who wants to become either an engineer or a doctor.

In Northern Luzon, SM City Baguio’s Freyjah Jazz Tablizo, SM City San Fernando Downtown’s Aian Kurt Garcia and SM City Marilao’s Kyle Ian Baterna charm the audience with their dancing moves.

Going south, SM City Naga’s Dawn Arione Angela Ilagan and SM City San Pablo’s Johan Jozef Yalong dream to become nurses, while SM City Lucena’s Liam Thaddea Paglicawan wants to be a fashion designer and dentist.

SM Little Stars also drew a lot of star quality from the VisMin region. SM City Cebu’s Yessha Hilkiah De La Calzada dreams to be a professional singer; while SM City Iloilo’s Raphaela Louise Aguila wants to be a doctor. SM City Iloilo’s Arnell Johnn Borre joined the contest to develop his talent and gain more experience.

SM City Davao’s Seth Levi Salada enjoys playing drums, SM City GenSan’s Ma. Teresa Sagario loves acting, hosting and doing declamations, while SM City Cagayan de Oro’s Leanne Margaret Cajulao likes dancing and acting, and dreams of becoming the President of the Philippines.

SM Little Stars is one of the many exciting events of the SM Supermalls.

Arnell Johnn Borre of SM City Iloilo

Seth Levi Salada of SM City Davao

Lei Andre Navarro of SM City North EDSA

Raphaela Louise Aguila of SM City Iloilo

F RIDAY : AUGUST 7 : 2015

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

PEOPLE

...aRE taLKing abOUt

JUan KaRLOS LabaJO

Juan Karlos Labajo

The talented young singer from The Queen City of the South has just dropped his highly anticipated debut album. Finally, the fans of The Voice Kids finalist will be able to enjoy his music, the very reason why they religiously follow the teenager on social media. The record is rather long overdue, nevertheless it’s worth the wait since JK is just one of the few talents that really deserve to have an album.

PBB 737 new housemate Richard Juan

MaRiEL RODRigUEZ

It can be recalled that she was devastated when she experienced miscarriage early this year. This time, she’s expecting twins or even a triplet. Obviously Robin Padilla couldn’t contain his excitement when he shared an Instagram post to announce that his wife is pregnant again. It’s fun to share good news.

PreCious little seCret

W

hen 2005 Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman stepped into the world of motherhood, it turned her life upside down.

Straight out of the hospital, she was, for a brief moment, overwhelmed with the new role she was to take in life, along with all the responsibilities that go with caring for her son, Noah Lamar.

So as Lara experienced a new kind of inexplicable joy, new fears were unveiled before her as well.

Aside from the daily stress of caring for her son and thinking of his future, Lara also worries about her own body. Lara, for one, felt bad about the way she looked soon after giving birth. She was not too happy with what she saw in the mirror. At times, she felt sad and frustrated even with constant

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Gerald Anderson

49 50 51 53 56 57 61 65 66 69 70

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE 27 28 32 36 37 39 40 42 44 45 47

Plunder Molar’s job Photographer — Beaton Ooh companion Minneapolis exurb Fountain in Rome Beat a retreat Aussie minerals Lissome Pilot light “Melrose Place” star

71 72 73 74 75

Writer — Tolstoy Pancake go-with Kind of bun (2 wds.)

Zoo denizen Drive away Broke the rules Doses the dog Register Claims Thick fog In that case (2 wds.)

Scope Ceramic piece Look curiously Matrix Multitude

DOWN 1 Dollop 2 Casino implement 3 Farm unit 4 Lighthouse light 5 After taxes 6 Fifi’s boyfriend 7 German industrial region 8 Buenos — 9 Andes ruminant 10 Worn-out cars 11 Saddle part 12 Perimeter

assurances from her husband, Marco Alcaraz, that she was as beautiful as ever.

Those self-doubts eventually faded away, however, as Lara regained her good figure, coupled with growing confidence in handling her role as mother. She also discovered a breakthrough product that helped address her stretch marks, a common skin problem in women who have just given birth.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

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Alfalfa or oats Conceal No. cruncher Chic beach resort Marsh bird Large fishhooks Market upswing “That’s not what — —!”

Show frustration Yo-Yo Ma plays it Leafy vines Luxury cars Low voices PC work-around, maybe Murderer of Osiris DeMille genre Trash hauler They’re often ruled Maureen of the screen On no occasion Object on radar Widespread Latin I verb Precious Churn up Backless slipper Gush forth Onetime electronics co.

Not outgoing

Perhaps the introduction of new housemates would salvage the dwindling interest of the public in the reality show that is billed “teleserye ng totoong buhay.” Truth be told, the Kapamilya network needs to realize that it’s time to let go of PBB. People are growing tired of this lazy show that lacks dexterity.

Give televiewers a better program, a show that will not just entertain them but will also treat them with intellectual respect.

The Nathaniel star is doing fine now after an awful accident that dislocated his shoulder. In what seemed to be an awkward moment, his ex-girlfriends Maja Salvador and Kim Chiu shared the camera to report the accident. And people noticed that both girls were neither bothered nor sorry. Gerald may not care, but that’s a big “ouch.”

PabEbE giRLS

Mariel Rodriguez

PinOy big bROthER

gERaLD anDERSOn

You know them, of course. The duo also known as ang babaeng utal at ang babaeng walang kilay that ignited intellectual and adult discussions on social media is invading television, too. They now get their chance to be real TV stars after TV 5 cast them in an episode of LolaBasyang.Com fittingly playing wicked stepsisters to Eula Caballero. What’s next for them? Maybe “wala kayong paki-alam” but it’s not everyday that ordinary folks are given such public attention. They can enjoy it while it lasts though.

The Pabebe Girls

ACROSS 1 Snatch 5 Type of spray 10 Upscale cook 14 “Chantilly —” 15 In-box contents 16 Miner’s quest 17 Slimy vegetable 18 Dainty ornament 19 Try to influence 20 Deciduous tree 22 Ended a layoff 24 Rembrandt works

...aRE nOt taLKing abOUt

thE RiChMan’S DaUghtER

Rich Man’s Daughter’s Glaiza nd Rhian

This ‘precious little secret’ is Bio-Oil, a combination of essential plant extracts, vitamins, and the innovative ingredient, PurCellin Oil, that improves the appearance of scars, stretch marks, blemishes, and other skin marks.

Bio-Oil is also effective against dehydrated and ageing skin and is proven safe for pregnant women (used after the first trimester) for over 20 years.

The provocative primetime is losing steam. After becoming the talk of the town solely for the fact that it deals on an issue long held as taboo on local TV, the show’s ratings is sliding down according to AGB Nielsen. Well, the management won’t care any longer. The show will be off the air on Monday.

Precious Lara Quigaman and son Noah

F RIDAY : AUGUST 7 : 2015

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

MeMes aMuse senator nancY bInaY from c8

Senator Nancy Binay in her blue terno during the SONA 2015

The Thing

Yasmien Kurdi and Paolo Contis in Karelasyon

Miles Teller

Kurdi and James Blanco

M

ost people, women in particular, would raise hell when they see memes of themselves in the social media websites.

Not, Senator Nancy Binay who simply laughed it off and found them more amusing than irritating.

Again, her bashers in Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram had a grand time posting memes of her in the blue terno she wore during President Benigno Aquino III’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“I’m so flattered na ginagawan nila ko ng meme. Mag-research pa sila ng close sa outfit ko. For me, yung pag-aksayahan ka ng one minute of their time makes me wonder, sino ba ko para pagaksayahan nila ng oras?” Binay said.

She said her favorite among the memes were the ones depicting her as the “X-Men” character “Mystique” and “Maleficent.”

She said she would even consider using the memes as her profile picture on her social media accounts. “Siguro, pwede,” she said.

According to Binay, she did not feel alluded to when the President talked about political dynasties in his two-hour speech.

Binay is a daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay and former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay. Her two siblings are also elected officials -- Makati Rep. Abigail Binay and Makati Mayor Junjun Binay.

“For as long as it’s a clean and honest election, why prevent people from running?” the senator said.

She said people should watch out for family members appointed -- not elected -- to various government offices.

She also said she did not feel bad that the President didn’t thank her father.

“We respect the decision of the President not to include his name.

Kung baga, prerogative niya yun not to include it,” she said.

HHHHH YasMIen KurdI cheats on husband Yagit stars Paolo Contis, James Blanco, and Yasmien Kurdi are the featured performers in this Saturday’s episode of Karelasyon.

Paolo plays Mark, a husband and father who becomes too absorbed in his business in order to provide a better future for his family. Unfortunately, his being workaholic leaves his wife Belen (Yasmien) wanting for his attention and affection.

Then comes Mark’s brother Niño (James) whose arrival seems to be helpful at first. Little did they know that Niño’s closeness to Belen would eventually lead to problems between Mark and his wife.

Niño and Belen let themselves be consumed by temptation causing a rift not only between the married couple but also between Mark and his brother.

Carla Abellana is the narrator in Karelasyon every Saturday, 2:30 p.m. after Eat Bulaga on GMA-7.

HHHHH MYth or fact ¼ august Is ghost Month Most of the superstitions handed

down from one generation to another are from the Chinese who had lived in the country. Among these superstitious beliefs is that August is a “Ghost Month.”

A Chinese astrologer talks about the precautions people must take to maintain a successful business on this month when bad evil and ghosts supposedly roam the earth?

Watch GMA News TV lifestyle show Gandang Ricky Reyes Todo Na Toh (GRR TNT) this Saturday at 9 o’clock in the morning.

The Philippines’ Karen Carpenter voice-alike Claire dela Fuente is gifted with enviable musical talent and unbelievable business acumen. Ricky Reyes engages the intelligent lady in a one-on-one conversation in the show.

Stay tuned to find out the many progressive business establishments the enterprising Claire owns and manages.

GRR TNT visits also the one-stop-shop of an entrepreneur-like-no-other named Eva who relates how her former carinderia turned into a big store with the motto – “name it we have it.”

When you wake up to a “bad hair day” then worry no more.

Visit any branch of Gandang Ricky Reyes Salons and say goodbye to dull, dry and unruly hair via a treatment called “Regold.” You will be amazed at the end result – shiny, bouncy and heathy-looking crowning glory.

GRR TNT is produced by ScriptoVision.

Kate Mara and Michael B. Jordan

I

‘FantastiC Four’ in Cinemas

n this year’s Fantastic Four, pioneering filmmakers director Josh Trank and scribe/producer Simon Kinberg contemporize the re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team that centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Set in contemporary New York, this retelling focuses on the Four before they become a team – when they were four young idealistic adventurers who make a headstrong leap into the unknown.

The new Fantastic Four stars Miles Teller as Reed Richards, Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm, Kate Mara as Sue Storm, and Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm.

The film also stars Toby Kebbell as Victor von Doom, a brilliant but rebellious computer programmer and Baxter Institute student; Reg E. Cathey as Dr. Franklin Storm, Johnny and Sue’s father; and Tim Blake Nelson as an unscrupulous

Baxter Institute board member.

Director Trank is part of a generation that grew up with comic books and comic book movie adaptations that possessed an intriguingly dark tone, which would also inspire his concept for a new Fantastic Four.

He entered the project with one key mandate: “It starts with the movie I really want to see as a fan,” he says. First, he wanted to show the origins of the Four in their younger years before they become a team. Equally important, he strove to make its tone realistic, emotional and relatable.

Trank placed the story and the characters in a world marked by diversity, reflecting our world today. The story takes place before the team becomes celebrated around the world. They don’t wear spandex uniforms, and they have yet to adopt their familiar monikers of Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, The Human Torch and The Thing.

Fantastic Four is showing nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

F RIDAY : AUGUST 7 : 2015

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Richard Gomez still a bankable leading man

Bea Alonzo finds comfort in a married man after she breaks up with her boyfriend

Dawn Zulueta pretty as ever as a woman who commits a grave mistake in the movie

Dawn anD RichaRD in ‘The Love affaiR’ Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta are back as a couple in The Love Affair

Richard finds himself involved with Bea Alonzo after learning his wife cheated on him

ISAH V. RED Remember the time when Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta were a hot love team? The two were the stellar attractions in several movies, most popular of those was Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit in 1991.

The two became tabloid fodder as well immediately after the film was released. It seems they weren’t meant to be. Richard found the love of his life and married Lucy Torres, a commercial model now a congressman from Ormoc City, and Dawn went on to marry Anton Lagdameo of Davao, now also a congressman of the his home province.

Yet, the two have remained very good friends, on and off camera.

They have starred together in a couple of drama series on ABSCBN, and now they are starring in The Love Affair, a movie produced

by Star Cinema.

No, it’s no longer the movie that fans of the two are waiting to see.

In the movie, a third wheel comes in between the couple and it’s going to break their relationship.

Bea Alonzo plays the woman in between.

in the commercially successful and critically acclaimed films Four Sisters And A Wedding and She’s The One in 2013.

Find out how a love affair could affect the lives of three people. In the trailer, the movie asks, does getting hurt gives a person the right to hurt others back?

The Love Affair explores how much Patricia, Vince, and Adie are willing to give or give-up, to attain happiness, forgiveness, and healing. Whose love will prevail in The Love Affair, which opens in cinemas nationwide on Aug. 12. ➜ continued on c7

The Love Affair is a story of three different individuals. Love binds them together. Patricia (Zulueta) is a wife seeking for forgiveness after committing the biggest mistake of her life. Vince (Gomez), a man who yearns to be the best husband and provider he could be, and is bound to make the most crucial decision in his life. And Adie (Alonzo) is an emotionally broken woman searching for happiness after a failed relationship.

The lives of Patricia, Vince,

and Adie will all intersect at the crossroads of their lives as circumstances force them to face the ultimate source of their pain.

The Love Affair marks the reunion of Dawn and Richard. It is also the first time the two will be with Bea Alonzo in a movie.

The love team of Dawn and Richard is one of the most celebrated and enduring tandems in the history of the industry. Their fans cut across different generations, from 90s to a younger fan

base. The success of their recent projects, like Walang Hanggan and the box-office smash hit She’s Dating The Gangster is proof that the tandem has still a big fan base.

Bea on the other hand, is both a movie and a box-office queen regarded by millions of Filipinos as the perennial heroine. If you’ve seen One More Chance (2007) and The Mistress (2012) among many, you’d know why she is called that.

The Love Affair is Bea’s first fulllength movie since she appeared

Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta are back, but only in a movie for Star Cinema. They play a beleaguered couple thrown into the vortex of marital problems that need to be addressed to by most couples