The Standard - 2015 August 11 - Tuesday

VOL. XXIX NO. 181 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 TUESday : aUgUST 11, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Senate will back BBL substitute — Marcos

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poe hitS Mar, Lp Let the voters decide, senator says of Roxas, Abad overtures

By Macon Ramos-araneta and John Paolo Bencito

SENATOR Grace Poe on Monday scored Liberal Party (LP) officials led by Interior and Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad for trying to weaken her position and dissuading her from running for president in 2016.

“This is a fight for the future of our countrymen. Some people have said I should not run for a higher position because I will only divide the votes.

Can’t we leave that to the voters to decide?” Poe said after Abad announced to the media that they would meet with Poe to convince her to run as

Roxas’ vice president.

She also said she suspected the Liberals of being behind reports questioning her citizenship.

Poe, who leads the latest opinion polls, said she had not yet spoken to Abad, but was open to talking to Roxas because he Next page is a friend.

New choppers. President Benigno Aquino III leads the inspection of two new helicopters at the Philippine Navy Camp Jose Andrada on Monday. DaNNy Pata

Lawyer wants DBM boss included in pork barrel charges A LAWYER urged the Sandiganbayan Monday to include Budget Secretary Florencio Abad in the plunder cases filed against those accused of benefiting from the P10 billion pork barrel scam.

“Without him, there would be no crime,” said lawyer Bonifacio Alentajan, who represents one of the accused in the case, former Technology Resource Center chief Antonio Ortiz.

Alentajan said Abad was the most guilty because he released the funds that went to bogus nongovernment organizations (NGOs) that were used to channel kickbacks to politicians.

He also questioned why the Office of the Ombudsman has not taken the initiative to file a case against the Budget chief.

In a text message to reporters, Abad lashed back at Alentajan,

who had filed a plunder against him late last month for distributing funds to senators who voted to convict Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012 during his impeachment trial. Next page

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Grace backs calls for Abaya to quit

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Sandy Araneta

SENATOR Grace Poe backed calls Monday for Transportation Secretary Emilio Abaya to resign for incompetence and his failure to solve the problems at the MRT. “I cannot blamed those making these calls,” said Poe, who said the Transportation Department needs technically qualified people, not lawyers who do not understand the MRT problems.

Poe recalled that the Transportation Department had earlier deceived the Senate by imposing a fare hike on city trains after asking Congress for a huge budget.

“We will check on the delivery dates prom-

ised by Abaya and other transportation officials during our hearings,’ said Poe, chairman of the Senate committee on public services, which is investigating the deteriorating service at the MRT, including a derailment last year.

In recent hearings, Poe reminded Abaya to ensure the completion of the needed upgrade and rehabilitation of the MRT following their submission to the Senate of the timeline of specific MRT projects.

She had called on the Transportation Department to find ways to expedite the completion of deliverables as allowed by law and as demanded by the urgency of undertaking such repairs to protect commuters.

Abaya earlier presented to the Senate MRT-3 rehabilitation deliverables with target dates: rail replacement, to be completed by September 2015; signaling system upgrade, September 2015; radio communications upgrade, November 2015; supply of traction

motors, October 2015; consulting services, April 2015; ancillary system, April 2016; supply of OCS road-rail vehicle, May 2016; supply of grinding machine rail vehicle, May 2016; total replacement of signaling system, October 2016; conveyance facilities, January 2016; and general train overhaul, June 2017.

The senator has blamed the breakdown of the city train system on poor maintenance.

Asked if the committee hearings would be resumed, she said “definitely… because the rehabilitation has not been completed yet.”

The Palace, on the other hand, said allegations that the DOTC was doing nothing to correct defects in the MRT were “baseless” and urged the public not to believe these “false claims.”

“A month ago, the DOTC initiated a multi-disciplinary approach to maintaining the MRT-3 system,” said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

“Now, contrary to baseless rumors, the

DOTC reports that up to 45 coaches are being deployed within the MRT-3 during peak hours,” Lacierda said.

“We encourage the public to read the DOTC’s statement in its entirety, as it dispels other false claims and outlines the facts about budget allocation and procurement for the MRT-3,” Lacierda also said.

On Sunday, an opposition spokesman called on Abaya to resign, deriding him as the poster child for the Aquino administration’s incompetence and insensitivity.

“The best advice we can give is for you to resign, Secretary Abaya, and leave the problem to competent people who are better-suited to the job,” said Rico Quicho, a spokesman for Vice President Jejomar Binay, in response to Abaya’s challenge to his critics to offer solutions to the problems at the MRT, including accidents and stalled trains, and long queues in deteriorating stations.

Graft suit. Lawyer Bonifacio Alentajan holds up a copy of the graft charges he filed at the Sandiganbayan on Monday against Budget Secretary Florencio Abad. LiNo SANtoS

Poe

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“But that’s it. They tell the media first about the invitation,” she said.

Sought for comment, Abad said: “I never said or did anything along that line.

I have always respected her choice, whichever way it goes.”

Roxas, the standard bearer for the Liberals, issued an invitation to Poe to be his running mate through a nationally televised morning talk show last week.

Until now, no meeting with Roxas has been scheduled, Poe said.

“He told somebody that we should see each other again, but there’s no schedule yet,” she said.

She also said what she would say to Roxas was the same: she was still “discerning and praying” on her decision.

A losing senatorial candidate last week filed a quo warranto case before the Senate Electoral Tribunal seeking to unseat Poe from the Senate by questioning her citizenship.

Before that, personal attacks against Poe came out in a tabloid, accusing her of being an alcoholic who had undergone rehab. The news report also said she was abusive to maids.

Although she is unsure of running, Poe said she would decide based on a platform of government that she and her advisers were preparing, and her consultations with people.

Senator Serge Osmena III said the LP would not be able to convince Poe to run with Roxas as she bent on seeking the presidency. He said the President met Poe on five occasions, but was unable to convince her to support a common ticket.

Also on Monday, Caloocan City congressman and Liberal Party spokesman Edgar Erice denied reports that he gave Rizalito David P1 million to pursue the disqualification bid against Poe before the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

“You know, whoever is behind that text message, his purpose is for Secretary Mar and Senator Grace not to reach common ground, so I’m very sure that I’m not the one behind that because it’s been my long

dream for them to be a tandem,” said Erice over radio dzMM. “I’ve never seen nor met Rizalito David in my entire life,” he added.

On Monday morning, text messages circulated to members of the press claiming that Erice was behind the suit.

“It was Edgar Erice who gave Rizalito David one million to pursue the case against Grace Poe. They call this tactic as “atake-hila” until Grace is forced to run as Mar’s VP. Liberal Party has already talked to SET (Senate Electoral Tribunal) members like (Loren) Legarda, Pia (Cayetano), and others,” the text message said.

Erice said a Roxas-Poe tandem would be the “perfect team” to continue the reforms started by the Aquino administration.

Erice said there has been no meeting between Poe and Roxas since they met in the Palace with President Aquino.

“It would be unethical if we would talk to other vice-presidential candidates if our talks with Senator Grace haven’t came to a close,” Erice said.

“In God’s time, (Mar’s VP) will come,” he added.

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“Attorney Alentajan should go back to law school.

In criminal cases, you just don’t file a motion to implead, you file a complaint before the Ombudsman first,” Abad said.

“It appears clearly from the preceding accusatorial allegations that Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio B. Abad, an alter ego of President Benigno C. Aquino III, is the most guilty among perpetrators of the case plunder, graft, and corrupt practices,” Alentajan said in his motion.

Also on Monday, the camp of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who is also facing a plunder case over the pork barrel scam, urged the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division to summon Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Senator Teofisto Guingona III to testify on the external hard drive of whistleblower Benhur Luy, which was used as evidence in the case.

Estrada is facing plunder and 11 counts of graft for allegedly receiving kickbacks from his pork barrel that was channeled to bogus NGOs set up by Janet Lim Napoles, the accused mastermind of the scam. – Rio N. Araja and Sandy Araneta

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Senate majority will sign BBL substitute

Budget hearing. Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares confers with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima during Monday’s hearing on the 2016 budget. The others in photo are Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Customs Commissioner Bert Lina. Lino SantoS

‘Noy budget protects two concessionaires’

By Christine F. Herrera

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III’s economic managers were accused on Monday of crafting a budget protecting the owners of two water concessionaires who would be paid P84 billion for being denied increases in their water rates.

On the first day of the deliberations on the P3.002-trillion national budget for 2016, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares accused Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima of lobbying for the Manila Water of the Ayalas and the Maynilad of businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, invoking sovereign guarantees.

Upon Colmenares’ questioning, Purisima admitted he had written President Aquino about his opposition to the ruling by Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System denying the two concessionaire’s petitions for water rate increases.

Manila Water had petitioned for an increase of P5.80 to its current rate of P25.45 a

cubic meter, bringing the cost to P31.25 a cubic meter.

Maynilad wanted to impose an increase of P8.58 per cubic meter to its its current charge of P30, bringing the total cost to P38 per cubic meter.

But MWSS denied their petitions, prompting Manila Water to demand to be paid P79 billion for the alleged losses it had incurred as a result of MWSS’ ruling.

Maynilad demanded to be paid P3.44 billion but Purisima could not explain why he pegged the payment at P5 billion.

Purisima could also not explain why Maynilad was demanding only P3.44 billion while Manila Water was demanding P79 billion.

“There was a contract since 1993 with the concessionaires and we have to honor the contract to protect the government’s credibility and to get the message across that we are not playing around with the contracts,” Purisima told the House committee on appropriations led by Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab during the start of deliberations on the national budget.

“But the MWSS already denied the petition of the water concessionaires for rate increases and the reason for the price hike was so that the concessionaires can recoup their revenue losses for the denial of rebasing adjustment from January 1, 2013, to February 28, 2015,” Colmenares said.

He said the concessionaires had already subjected the issue for arbitration and the decision was favorable to the consumers, who would not be absorbing the water firms’ income tax payments.

“The MWSS had already made a ruling affirmed by the arbitration board, and here is the government wanting the

taxpayers nationwide, not just the taxpayers who are consumers of the concessionaires, to pay for P84 billion,” Colmenares said.

“This is unjust and unfair.

The government is prioritizing easing the financial problems of the concessionaires like the Ayalas to be paid P79 billion, yet when it comes to the plight of the typhoon Yolanda survivors involving thousands of displaced families, the government would only allot P18 billion for reconstruction and rehabilitation.”

Colmenares demanded that the P30 billion in sovereign guarantees allocated under the heading Risk Management For Performance Undertaking be deleted.

Abad replied that there was no budget in the 2016 budget to pay for the demands of Maynilad and would not be charged against the P30 billion since the arbitration case was not yet final.

Colmenares insisted the item was very irregular particularly when Abad admitted that the P30 billion in the 2015 budget remained intact.

SENATOR Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday he was sure to get the majority signature in the committee report containing the substitute bill for the Malacañang-backed Bangsamoro Basic Law. “I am sure it will get the majority signature because that was what we talked about,” Marcos, the head of the Senate’s local government committee, told reporters.

“So we’ll get the majority signature today and then we can proceed with the interpolation and the period of amendments after that.”

Marcos made his statement even as the Moro National liberation Front under its newly-elected vice chairman, Punduma Sani, said the BBL will have a very rough sailing in the Bangsa Moro Homeland as the MNLF pursue the 1996 Jakarta peace accord for its implementation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Saudi Arabia this month.

Sani said the 1996 Jakarta Peace Agreement with the MNLF and the Philippine government, which is at the last stage of negotiations, will be the “sword of Damocles over the BBL. “It would be folly for the government to count the MNLF or chairman Nur Misuari out. The MNLF now feels more invigorated and more intensely enthusiastic to pursue the Bangsa Moro cause,” Sani said.

“President Aquino’s betrayal of the MNLF to produce the BBL is motivated by his desire to protect the Cojuangcos’ business interest in Malaysia, but it cannot be accepted by the front.”

Marcos will deliver the sponsorship speech on the substitute bill on Wednesday because he still needs to explain thechanges. He

promised to answer the questions to be raised by his colleagues in the interpellation period Senate Bill 2894, under Committee Report 200, shortly titled “Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” is 100 pages and contains 17 articles and 215 sections.

Marcos’ bill is a substitute to Senate Bill 2408 that Malacañang submitted to the Senate and referred to his local government committee on Sept. 15, 2014.

“In fulfillment of my promise and in compliance with our agreement during the [senators’] caucus last week, I filed today the substitute bill which I firmly believe will establish a strong mechanism for peace in Mindanao,” Marcos said in a statement.

He described the bill as an all-inclusive measure since it carried the applicable advocacies, positions, and proposals of all the stakeholders.

Marcos completed 12 public hearings and one briefing that started on Sept.

23, 2014, plus two separate hearings conducted by the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes led

by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. The last hearing was on June 9.

One hearing each was conducted in Cotabato City, Marawi City, Tawi-Tawi, Jolo and Zamboanga City.

“The number of hearings and resource persons speak for themselves,” Marcos said.

“Contrary to the accusation that I was delaying the BBL, I in fact focused on it and we even worked during the recess [of the Senate].

I’m confident that I will be vindicated by my proposed measure.” Macon Ramosaraneta and Francisco tuyay

Face Binay in court, Trillanes dared THE camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday challenged Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to face the vice president in court as it slammed Trillanes for asking the high court to transfer the hearing of the civil suit filed by Binay against him to another court.

Binay’s spokesman Rico Quicho said Trillanes should just answer the damage suit that Binay had filed against him and 12 other people instead of casting doubt on the integrity of the courts.

He made his statement even as Trillanes on Monday threatened to come out with two more exposes against Binay when the Senate resumes its hearing on the corruption charges against him next week.

“We’ll have another hearing against Vice President Binay because the new exposes are already set,” Trillanes told

dzRB radio.

Trillanes, who initiated the Senate investigations against Binay, said the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee led by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III will resume its hearings on Aug. 20 and 26.

Trillanes has asked the high court to move the venue of the hearing on the libel case filed against him by Binay from a Makati court “to any of the courts in Metro Manila,” but Quicho criticized him for it.

“Senator Trillanes’ request to move the venue of the hearing showcases his lack of respect for the independence and integrity of the courts,” Quicho said.

“It also highlights Senator Trillanes’ aversion to fairness and impartiality as exhibited by his conduct in the previous investigations that he participated in.”

In a letter addressed to Su-

preme Court administrator Jose Midas Marquez, Trillanes asked the high court to move the venue of the libel cae against him because the trial in Makati City “can endanger the lives of the defendants in the case.”

But Quicho reminded Trillanes how he called the vice president a coward for not appearing before a Senate hearing investigating the alleged overpriced construction of a Makati building.

“The people and institutions maligned by Senator Trillanes must have their day in court in a fair and impartial proceeding,” Quicho said.

“Trillanes appears to believe that the support of the Makati constituents [to Binay] can be a possible source of danger for him. If that is not paranoia, I don’t know what is.” Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramosaraneta

Picket at noon. Hundreds of employees of the National Printing Office picketed at noon on

Monday to criticize their budget in next year’s appropriations, saying it was too small and could result in their office’s abolition. Lino SantoS

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Govt allots P13B for elections

By Maricel V. Cruz and Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

THE government is set to spend almost P13 billion for two elections scheduled for next year, but employees of the Commission on Elections complained there is no funding for the very people who are expected to conduct honest and credible elections.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad told congressmen during a budget hearing on Monday the proposed P3.002-trillion national budget includes an allotment of P12.954 billion for automated elections on May 9, 2016 and synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 31, 2016.

Abad said the allocation includes P6.26 billion for the national and local elections and P6.69 billion for the Sanggunian Kabataan and

barangay elections.

Abad said the P6.26 billion will only be for the holding of the NLE, since P12.6 billion had already been allotted this year for the acquisition of additional voting machines and P1.2 billion for other expenses in preparation for the polls.

Of the P6.69 billion budget for the Sk and barangat elections, P507 million will be used for the SK registration, P5.9 billion for the holding of elections and P193 million for the Overseas

Absentee Voting (OAV).

This amount will be augmented by the P936 million allotment this year for the SK polls and P10 million for the OAV. But Comelec employees slammed the decision not to include the P32.4billion salary increase of poll employees in its gargantuan budget for the 2016 national and local elections.

“It is very disheartening that nowhere in the gargantuan election budget can you find allocations intended for the increase in the salary of the workers who will hold the fort in 2016. Billions were allocated for machines, but why is there no fund for the employees?,” the Comelec union said in a statement.

The union said Senator Francis Escudero has previously announced that Malacañang will recommend a P15.6 billion budget for Comelec, on top of the P16.8-billion already

allotted to Comelec for this year.

On December 16, 2014, the Comelec en banc issued a minute resolution No. 14-0869 approving the reclassification or upgrading of rank of 1,014 qualified provincial election supervisors (PESs), Election officers (EOs), and Election Assistants (Eas).

The resolution is in pursuant to a guideline issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) dated January 1, 1992 and based on the number of registered in a Province, City and municipality.

“The reclassification and upgrading of 1, 014 qualified PES, EO and EA positions, we firmly believe, will tremendously boost the morale of our field officials and employees, the very backbone of the entire COMELEC workforce, ahead of the 2016 National and Local Elections,” the COMELECEU said.

Added burden. Residents of Tondo, Manila refill gallons with water ahead of the scheduled service interruption because of a flood-control project of

the Department of Public Works and Highways. Affected areas are portions of Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, Makati, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Cavite City, Bacoor™ City, Imus City, and the towns of Kawit, Rosario and Noveleta in Cavite. DANNY PATA

Licuanan scored for remarks

By John Bencito THE activist youth group League of Filipino Students on Monday blasted Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. Patricia Licuanan for saying not every student should go to college, even encouraging students to take up vocational or skills programs.

“It even more despicable to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth, from the very institution that is chiefly at fault for the skyrocketing costs in college education,” said Charisse Bañez, LFS spokesperson.

“What CHED chair Licuanan said is a ruthless admission of one reason why the government is hell-bent on implementing K-12 – so that tertiary education will become a non-essential or a luxury only for those who can afford it,” she added.

The youth group also chided the Aquino administration for its supposed plan to commercialize higher education.

“CHED echoes the Aquino government’s twisted logic that students no longer need college since they can already enter a job right after graduating the technical-vocational track in senior high school. College will no longer be treated as a social service, but a money-making business,” said Bañez.

“The government uses K to 12 to justify its abandonment of tertiary education. This will entail greater budget cuts in state universities and colleges, as in the case of the University of the Philippines which faces a P 2-billion budget cut in 2016,” the LFS spokesperson added.

Sandigan gives Gloria 5-hour furlough THE Sandiganbayan’s First Division granted on Monday former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo’s plea for a five-hour furlough to visit her terminally-ill older brother, Arturo Macapagal, on Tuesday.

“The Court hereby allows the accused to visit her brother at the Makati Medical Center on August 11, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.,” the anti-graft court said in a two-page ruling.

In a motion submitted to the First Division on Friday, Mrs. Arroyo requested a five-hour furlough, exclusive of travel time, to be with her brother, Arturo Macapagal, who is suffering from stage four prostate cancer.

“President Arroyo once again comes before the Honorable Court as a supplicant. She is constrained by terrible circumstances to ask the Honorable Court for permission to visit her brother as soon as possible, while he is still alive and can still recognize her,” the motion read.

Arroyo’s camp told the court that her 72-year-old brother has been confined at the said hospital since July 2 and remains bed-ridden at its intensive care unit.

She said her brother’s doctors are of the opinion that his condition may worsen in the coming days due to the advance stage of his ailment.

“Mr. Macapagal, who is already

72 years old, may not have long to live. His cancer has spread to his brain, bones and lungs. While the family continues to pray for a miracle, the doctors are of the opinion that Mr. Macapagal’s condition may further decline in the coming days,” Arroyo’s motion read.

Mrs. Arroyo is facing plunder case before the Sandiganbayan First Division in connection with the alleged misuse of PhP 366 million intelligence fund of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office during her term as President.

She is under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City since October 2012. Rio N. Araja

New navy chief. President Benigno Aquino III hands over the Philippine Navy flag to Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad who was named flag-officer-incommand at the Navy headquarters on Roxas Boulevard in Manila on Monday. Taccad replaced Vice Admiral Jesus Milan. DANNY PATA

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Assembly of workers. Leyte Rep.Ferdinand Martin “FM” Romualdez (center) and OPASCOR president and general manager Tomas Rivera flash the two-thumbs up signs with more than 1,500 workers and senior citizens during the general assembly of Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation Workers held at OPASCOR Building at the North Reclamation Area in Cebu City. Ver NoVeNo

Where did P90b go? Palace asked

By Maricel V. Cruz

The house Independent Bloc on Monday demanded that Malacañang should provide complete details of the P90 billion Yolanda rehabilitation funds by identifying the projects where these have been appropriated.

Bloc leader Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualder of Leyte said the Aquino government must show “compassion” for Yolanda victims by prioritizing the rehabilitation effort for the Yolanda victims which, until now, have yet to be accommodated permanent shelters.

“We urge Malacañang to show compassion for the Yolanda victims,” Romualdez said, adding that the Yolanda tragedy which hardly hit Tacloban City among other provinces in the Visayas region has yet to feel the rehabilitation effort of the government in full swing.

Romualdez also reiterated his call to to the government to account for the multi-billion peso Yolanda funds.

“Where’s the P90 billion in Yolan-

da rehabilitation funds?” Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), asked after the Palace claimed that it released a total of P90 billion as of June 30, 2015 for the rehabilitation of Yolanda hit areas.

“I hope they can really show me – more importantly the victims and the hundreds of thousands who remain homeless and their farms and other properties destroyed – where that P90 billion is,” Romualdez said.

“The bulk of the rehabilitation of the areas devastated by Yolanda are done by non-governmental organizations and foreign institutions, and many of them tell me that the government has not coordinated with them,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez reiterated his challenge for the Aquino administration to set aside political color in the quick release and equal distribution of public funds for the longterm rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts of Yolanda-stricken areas.

“There should be no selective release of funds. Equal allocation to help the Yolanda-hit areas must be exercised regardless of political color of local leaders,” Romualdez said.

“Government program should cover all the administration and opposition areas that have been devastated by Yolanda. I call for justness and fairness,” Romualdez pointed out.

Earlier, former Senfilo Panfilo Lacson lambasted Budget Sec. Florencio Abad Jr. for not releasing fast enough the P167.8 billion budget approved by President Aquino III for the rehabilitation of areas devastated by Yolanda nearly two years ago.

This as The United Nations (UN) special rapporteur Chaloka Beyani made a widely publicized statement that the government has not done enough for those left homeless by Yolanda.

‘Hero’ of Zambo siege among COPS awardees

By Francisco Tuyay A policeman declared as hero in the 2013 Zamboanga siege and also a member of the assault team in Oplan Exodus in Mamasapano was among the 10 of the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) for 2015 feted recently by Metrobank.

Police Officer 2 Adolfo Andrada and nine others bested the 157 policemen nominated for this year’s 13th COPS awardees, said Anicerto Sobrepena, Metrobank Foundation president.

Andrada was chosen for his heroic actions in the 2013 Zamboanga City siege where he took part in the arrest of 163 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) r members and the rescue of 13 hostages during the same incident.

He also donated food to keep his comrades fit and healthy, a gesture labeled as heroic at the height of the Zamboanga crisis.

Andrada was then a member of the 84th Company of the Special Action Force, the main assault team during the Jan. 25 Mamasapano incident that claimed the lives of 44 SAF

commandos.

He left SAF last May to join the PNP Training Center in Cordillera Administrative Region as tactical and disciplinary officer.

The other COPS 2015 awardees are Senior Supt. Marlo Meneses, Albay Police Provincial Office chief; Senior Insp. Maricris Mulat, Tagoloan (Misamis Oriental) Municipal Police Station chief; Senior Supt. Camilo Cascolan, deputy regional director fr operations-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Police Regional Office; and Senior Supt.

Valfrie Tabian, deputy regional director for operations-Central Visayas Police Regional Office; and SPO4 Florante Ubina, engineering staff, PNP Engineering Service; SPO1 Aurora Manuela, chief clerk, Police Strategy Management Unit in Region 1; SPO3 Dino Sagayo, chief of investigation section, La Trinidad Municipal Police Station; SPO2 Dominador Canlas, intelligence operative, Tarlac Police Provincial Office; and PO2 Mary Catherine Demontano, police community relations officer, Buenavista (Guimaras) Municipal Police Station.

Pump prices down for eight straight weeks

By Alena Mae S. Flores ThE country’s oil firms cut pump prices for the eighth consecutive week, this time by as much as P1 per liter.

The oil firms reduced the price of kerosene by P1 per liter, gasoline and diesel by P0.45 per liter.

Some of them enforced the price cut starting 6 pm Monday while other cut price prices starting 12:01 am Tuesday.

“Petron will implement the following price rollbacks effective 12:01 am

August 11: P0.45 per liter for Blaze 100, XCS, Xtra Advance and Super Xtra, P0.45 per per liter for Turbo Diesel and DieselMax and P1 per liter for kerosene,” the country’s biggest oil player said in its advisory.

Petron said the price cut reflected the movements in the international oil market.

Other oil firms Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., PTT Philippines, Eastern Petroleum Corp., Seaoil Philippines, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, among others, also announced separate price advisories

of the rollback.

Fernando Martinez, Eastern Petroleum Chairman and Chief Executive, attributed the rollback to the continuous downward trend in world oil prices at the end of last week’s trading.

“The oversupply situation and downward trend in world oil prices continue to pressure local pump prices to go down further. Analysts also believe world oil prices will rebound towards the end of the year at an average of $60 to $69 per barrel,” Martinez said.

Asean stamps. The Philippine Postal Corporation has released the joint

ASEAN Community special stamps along with other members of the Association of South East Asian Nations to celebrate its 48th founding anniversary and to welcome the “ASEAN Economic Community”. DANNY PATA

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Roxas targets lawmakers’ spouses It looks like even non-profit, charitable, and non-political groups like the Congressional spouses Foundation, Inc. (CsFI) are being pressured to support the presidential bid of Interior and local Government secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

Mom’s plea. The mother of Jennifer Laude, Julita Cabillan, flanked by lawyers Virgie Suarez (left) and Harry Roque, uses a bullhorn to demand justice as she joins protesters outside Olongapo City’s Hall of Justice on August 10, 2015, where the hearing for US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, accused of murdering Laude in 2014, was supposed to take place. Pemberton failed to present witnesses in court , causing a delay in the case, officials said. AFP

Developer rejects proposal for Torre de Manila redesign He also disclosed that the DMCI actually offered the PRoPERTy developer DMCI management of Rizal Park to Homes has rejected various plant trees around in order to proposals such as altering the protect its view from Torre de design of Torre de Manila Manila but it was rejected.

“If we try to ameliorate the condominium project in order to end the controversy surrounding situation by addressing the concern of one party we encounter its construction.

DMCI Homes lawyer Roberto the concerns of other parties,” Dio Dio stressed that only a ruling by said.

“The only win-win solution is for the Supreme Court (SC) allowing the construction of the building to the Supreme Court to do its job of proceed would break the impasse rendering a fair judgment that is between it and the Knights of Rizal consistent with its previous ruling on similar issues,” Dio added.

(KoR).

The DMCI lawyer also defended The KoR is the petitioner before the SC seeking to permanently Torre de Manila serving as stop DMCI from building the background of the Rizal monument, 49-storey condominium project saying that the Constitution allows in Manila and eventually order a “marriage between heritage and its demolition because it ruins development.”

He cited in particular Article the sightline of the monument of national hero Jose Rizal in Luneta 14, Section 14 of the Constitution which states that: “ The State shall Park.

In a press briefing, Dio said more foster the preservation, enrichment, than 800 unit-buyers are unlikely and dynamic evolution of a to agree with the proposal by some Filipino national culture based on groups to change the building’s the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and design.

By Rey E. Requejo

intellectual expression.”

The court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRo) enjoining further construction of the building pending resolution of the petition filed by KoR. In its position paper submitted to the SC, the DMCI asked the Court to dismiss the petition filed

by KoR seeking to stop further construction of the building.

It described the petition as “high on political drama but short on the facts and the law,” which warrants the immediate lifting of the TRo. It noted that there is no provisions in RA 10066, Republic Act No. 4846 otherwise known as the Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act and Republic Act No. 7356, the law creating the National Commission for Culture and the Arts that protect the background or backdrop of any historical or cultural property The SC is set to continue the interpellation of DMCI Homes, the project developer, during the third round of the oral arguments, which was set on August 11.

This according to Rep. Mark Leandro Mendoza of the 4th District of Batangas, who on Monday revealed that members of the CSFI were being invited by no less than Roxas’ mother, Judy Araneta Roxas, to a lunch on Wednesday at Gloria Maris—the same venue where allies of Roxas gathered last week to show support for the administration bet.

According to Mendoza, it appears that nothing will be spared in their efforts to get Mar elected. Kahit ang di dapat pinupulitika, pinupulitika. (Even what should not be politicized is being politicized.)”

The CSFI is a nonstock, non-profit foundation composed of the wives and husbands of incumbent congressmen.

The foundation provides scholarships to deserving students, spearheads livelihood programs, and aids charitable institutions involved in women and child care. Its current president is Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.

“These are acts of desperation. The CSFI is traditionally non-partisan and non-political because it’s supposed the be a venue where its members

can work together without regard for the political affiliations of their spouses,” said the legislator.

“Unfortunately, Mrs. Roxas has pulled out all the stops to get her son elected.

This is a Mar-for-president train that has no brakes, ethical or otherwise,” lamented the solon.

After being endorsed

by President Benigno S. Aquino III, SecretaryRoxas announced that he would “lay everything on the floor” for the presidential derby. As early as June, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary and Liberal Party stalwart Butch Abad admitted that Aquino had “given the party the go signal to the extent that we all can to support his [Roxas] candidacy.”

Developments after the anointment of Roxas reveal a Liberal Party that has gone on full campaign mode. Ads for Roxas play daily on the radio and members of the party are now making the rounds of their networks to convince people to back Roxas, who currently lags in presidential surveys behind Sen. Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay.

UP alumni urged: Chip in for dorm fees He said the construction of a new lodging house for students UNIVERSITy of the Philippines in state universities and colleges Chancellor Michael Tan on Monday is not covered under the national said the school management is budget.

Despite the restriction, the UP already addressing the shortage of dormitories for its students, mostly management was able to put up 13 dormitories at P20 million in 2014, freshmen.

He said the enrolment of about 900 he added.

At least over 200 rooms are still freshmen has caused the dormitory shortage and appealed to alumni to available, but the monthly rental rates help affected students take on the are much higher, he noted. ‘’The processing was slower and dormitory fees.

By Rio n. Araja

there were communication gaps…

We have about 3,800 slots right now. There were something like 4,300 applications and they have to be processed based on geographical distance and socio-economic status,’’ he explained over a television interview.

At least 300 low-income students have been sleeping outdoors due to the university’s failure to provide them affordable housing.

Banned items. A member of the Office of

Transportation Security manning the final checkpoint at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals shows samples of cigarette lighters confiscated from departing passengers. Lighters either handcarried or checked-in luggage are totally banned inflight. Rudy C. SAntoS

T U E S D AY : A U g U S T 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Quezon province festival celebrates ‘tree of life’

Their Majesties. Eighty percent of these women’s—all candidates to be Festival Queen—gowns are made of coconut and coconut products. MACON ARANETA

Quezon Gov. David Suarez on Monday said he hoped they can entice domestic and international tourists to come to the province and watch the “niyogyugan” festival held in August every year with more fascinating creations from the coconut tree. “eventually, we will reach that point. I think we are receiving a lot of positive comments about niyogyugan festival,” Suarez told The Standard.

He said the competing booths in festivals and gowns worn by stunning beauties vying for the niyogyugan Festival Queen title were all made from different parts of the coconut tree, touted the “Tree of Life.”

He added that the niyogyugan festival was starting to become a by-word. “That come August, they go to Lucena City (the capital city of Quezon) to witness the grand event.

He acknowledged the competitive nature of all the participating municipalities and cities in coming out with gowns worn by Quezonians as one of the major factors for the boost.

The word “niyogyugan” was coined from niyog or coconut and yugan which means fast beat.

Rep. Aleta Suarez said this saw the birth of the festival with the captivating gowns and floats that have been “crowd drawers,” the lively street dancers and the glittering lights while promoting the province’s no. 1 produce and its products.

“This has been a source of livelihood for our people,” said Rep. Suarez.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Govt to give land to Negros indigents BACOLOD CITY—The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples is set to award almost 10,000 hectares of land to two IP communities in Negros Occidental this year through its certificate of ancestral domain title program.

Hazel Acse, nCIP Provincial Community Service Center head, said the awarding of CADT is mandated under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act to provide a communal, but private property for certain tribes.

“It is the flagship program of the nCIP in securing land tenure for the IPs that is aimed at empowering and strengthening their community,” Acse said.

In negros occidental, more than 8,000 hectares will be awarded to Bukidnon

Magahat of Barangay Damutan in Hinobaan town within the year.

The Ata community of Sitio Manara in Cadiz City is also expected to receive its CADT covering about 1,300 hectares.

In 2005, the nCIP processed and awarded 3,981 hectares to the Bukidnon Karulano of Barangay Karul-an in Kabankalan City, and the land was already registered with the Registry of Deeds.

At least 20 IP communities in negros occidental still have no CADTs, but the nCIP is continuously working on it, Acse said.

The covered areas are still to be determined based on the delineation report to be made by each community.

The province has three main tribes, the Ata, Ati, and the other is dominated by the Bukidnons. They are settling in far-flung areas of Silay City, e.B. Magalona, Cadiz City, Sagay City, Murcia, Salvador Benedicto, Calatrava, Toboso and San Carlos City in the north, and in Kabankalan City, Himamaylan City, Isabela, and Hinobaan in the southern part of the province. PNA

Grid agency boosts linemen’s skills GRID operator and transmission service provider national Grid Corporation of the Philippines recently conducted skills training among its line personnel to boost their expertise in expediting the restoration of transmission lines with grid functions. nGCP line personnel were given training on safe, reliable, and efficient erection and dismantling of the eRS or emergency Restoration Systems. eRS are structures utilized in the temporary restoration of power lines. These structures were extensively used in restoring transmission facilities in the eastern Visayas after the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda. nGCP’s transmission towers are between 18 to 57 meters in height, and are not easily replaced when toppled. eRS structures are pre-fabricated tower segments that are easily assembled without need for heavy machinery, and take only hours to erect. They are designed for flexibility in application, using smaller, manageable

and easily transported segments that are assembled in different configurations to take the place of any of nGCP’s different sized towers. These “portable, durable, and versatile tower parts systems enable faster restoration of damaged transmission structures, ensuring the over-all reliability of the transmission system. nGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets.

The consortium, which holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country’s power transmission network, is composed of Monte oro Grid Resources Corp. led by Henry Sy, Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation led by Robert Coyiuto, Jr., and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical Siesta time. Father and son take their afternoon nap as their jeepney waits in line for passengers at the Ayala terminal in Cebu City. MICHELLE ALVAREZ partner. Butch Gunio

A8

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR T U E S D AY, A U G U S T 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION [ EDI TORI A L ]

ABAYA’S TYPE IF he were the type to quit, he would have done so a long time ago.

Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya is being prodded to step down from his post as glitches in the country’s rail system continue to plague commuters who take the trains to and from their workplaces and schools.

Over the past few years, passengers have had an increasingly unpleasant—nay, harrowing— experience when taking the train.

Those taking the Edsa-plying MRT3 know from experience that fewer trains have been running, and on limited speed. Sections of rails regularly get damaged, forcing passengers to alight in between stations and dangerously tread the railway—on foot. The queue is kilometric during rush hours and sometimes even on supposedly non-peak hours. Elevators and escalators rarely work, much to the detriment of elderly or ailing passengers.

And remember that incident last year when a train overshot the Taft Avenue station? Dozens were injured in the incident which also stoked fear among regular passengers.

In the last State-of-the-Nation Address of President Aquino, he acknowledged the country’s public transport woes but all in an effort to malign once again his immediate predecessor.

When he mentioned the last two DOTC secretaries—Abaya and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, it was not to twit them for their poor performance but to boost their morale and to convey to Abaya that he still enjoyed his trust and confidence.

Abaya takes off from his boss, who is oblivious to the fact that he is ultimately responsible for any ill that happens under his watch, and that they can only blame somebody else to a point.

The latest to call for Abaya’s resignation was a spokesman of Vice President Jejomar Binay, who has only recently broken ties with the President and in fact delivered a stinging rebuke of the administration, where he lamented the state of public transport.

If only because of this, it would be easy to dismiss the call for resignation as politically motivated. It well may be, but if you take out politics, the same grievances ring true and loud.

Abaya is being asked to leave because he has not been able to improve the train services, because things have actually gotten worse under his watch, and because the department’s decisions have not looked as though they were made with the best interest of the government in mind.

The people are exhausted from the commute, frustrated with their leaders’ inability to fix the problem and aghast that they could arrogantly and consistently refuse to take responsibility for their failure.

But what can we expect from a man who does not have even the consideration to step down so a more effective person can get the job done?

Any other doubts would be quelled by the picture of Abaya riding the train in the special area, an aide holding an umbrella to protect him from the heat of the sun.

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.

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RAISING FUNDS AT DND (1) LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES (First of two parts) YOU know it’s the election season when politicians start milking private contractors to raise campaign funds. Of course, politicians have always been shaking down businessmen who deal with government – it’s just that this nefarious activity is ramped up when an election is nigh.

An intelligence report that came into my possession alleges that defense contractors are being asked to pay P15 million in “administrative fees” to allow them to participate in biddings for big-ticket items under the Armed Forces modernization program.

There’s more. A department insider has confirmed that this “seed money” paid by contractors to ensure they were included in key bids ends up the pockets of high-level defense and military officials.

“They operate like a country club. You pay a fixed amount to get a chance at cornering juicy defense contracts,” said one source who has worked in various capacities in the govern-

ment since the term of former President Fidel Ramos.

The seven-page defense intelligence report detailed interviews with bidders and suppliers as well as intercepted mobile phone messages discussing the fee demanded from the contractors. “This includes both local agents and foreign suppliers who were cajoled to sit down with them,” the document alleged.

Some of the contractors interviewed offered evidence such as taped conversations, pictures and footage of their meetings with a group of high-level defense and military officials involved in the awarding of military modernization projects, the report said. The document said some contractors were willing to execute their sworn affidavits.

The racket, I’ve been told, recently became part of fundraising efforts for the Liberal Party, and that former Defense undersecretary for civil, veterans and retirees affairs Eduardo Batac was present during the meetings with contractors. “The usual representation of the group is that they were authorized by the DND and the Secretary [Voltaire Gazmin], and most recently because it is a fundraising effort by the

government for the Liberal Party,” the document said. *** Batac could not be reached for comment. The DND has announced hat Batac resigned last month due to personal and health reasons.

“The common thread is that Undersecretary Batac would attend the first meet-

The shakedown racket, I’ve been told, recently became part of fundraising efforts for the Liberal Party.

ing usually in a hotel either in a special room or out in the open. In the latter case, he would not sit down with the proponent but would sit farther off, and [Jesse] Matibag will just show him as proof of assistance,” the document stated.

Matibag, a lawyer, was identified in the document as one of the brokers of the

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

group who set up meetings with contractors, along with a certain Rhea Maddatu.

“Rhea Maddatu would then join him. In one of the tapes obtained, Rhea would not sit down with the group claiming that she would be scolded by Undersecretary [Honorio] Azcueta if she joins the group. She would just sit further out, but would be there either as advance party, also as proof of life,” the document said.

It was not clear, though, whether Maddatu is an employee or consultant of the DND. In the meetings, Matibag would allegedly show a copy of a contract detailing the fees to be paid to the group, the document said.

“Under legal cover of consultancy agreement, the group will charge an administrative fee of fifteen (15) million pesos without guarantee of success. The usual arrangement is an advance payment of three (3) million and a monthly payment of 1 million pesos for twelve (12) months,” the document explained.

It said the group used consultancy names such as Elementum Inc. and SPAM, but “the name of the consultancy usually changes with each project.” A verification with the Securities and 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 IS GRACE POE AN ALIEN OR NOT? Let’s rewind a bit and look at facts. Grace claimed she was a foundEMIL P. ling left by her unknown JURADO parents at a church in Iloilo City. She was found by a THE continued debate in family and later on adoptcoffee shops, board rooms ed by childless couple FPJ and cocktail parties about and Susan Roces. These the residency and citizen- are the circumstances of ship of Senator Grace Poe her birth that automatically make her a naturalraises several questions.

Was she a natural-born born citizen as opined by Filipino citizen, residing some legal experts and luin the Philippines at the minaries, citing the Unittime of her election as ed Nations Convention senator? If she aspires to of the Reduction of Statebecome president or vice lessness that provides: “A president is she qualified? foundling found in the There is a requirement territory of a contracting that she must be natural- State shall, in the absence born and a Filipino citi- of proof to the contrary be zen, having residency in considered to have been the Philippines for at least born within that territory 10 years at the time of her to parents possessing the nationality of the State.” election?

Aside from the fact Since Grace was a foundling, left at a church that Grace’s unknown parents were by her unnot known known paras Filipinos ents, and latby birth, er cared for that Conby residents vention did of Jaro, Iloilo, The sooner not become and later on, adopted by the Supreme e n f o r c e able until Ronald Allan Court settles 1975 when Kelley Poe Mrs. Llla(Fernando this issue, manzares Poe Jr.) and Jesusa So- the better for was already seven years nora Poe (Sueverybody. old. Accordsan Roces), ing to fordoes that mer Senator make her auKit Tatad in tomatically a his column natural-born in another Filipino as newspaper, there’s no rerequired by law?

Later on, when she was cord of the President then in the United States, she having ratified that Conmarried a Filipino-Amer- vention with the concurican and became Grace rence of the Senate. This Poe Lllamanzares. Was makes that Convention she still a natural-born inapplicable to Poe. Granting without asFilipino or did she lose her suming that Grace was citizenship?

More importantly, natural-born, she lost when she came back to it when she became an the Philippines after FPJ American by renouncing died, did that indicate her her Philippine citizenship. intention to return to the I am told that an AmeriPhilippines since she con- can cannot renounce his/ tinued to hold an Ameri- her American citizenship.

As such, an American is can passport?

And when she applied forever an American alfor repatriation and re- though he/she can have acquisition of being a nat- dual citizenship.

While as an Ameriural-born, did she comply with the rule, and did she can residing in the US, faithfully state her condi- did Grace ever work for tion since she signed the the US government? If papers under oath? When she did, my gulay, that she claimed she renounced makes Grace also lose her her US citizenship, did residency with the intenthat automatically make tion to return (animus her a natural-born Fili- revertendi) to the land of her birth. In any case, by pino?

I am asking these ques- stating under oath when tions not to favor any pres- she filed her Certificate idential candidate, much of Candidacy for the Senless denigrate Grace, but ate -- that she had only six to find out the truth. That’s years and six months resiwhy I believe that a losing dency -- that makes her senatorial candidate is do- unable to comply with the ing the country a favor by 10-year residency requireseeking clarification of the ment to become a presistatus of Grace Poe. Santa dent or vice president.

And note this well, acBanana, can you imagine having an alien as a sena- cording to Tatad, who retor or worse, as president ported on her notarized petition for retention and/ or vice president?

TO THE POINT

T U E S D AY : A U G U S T 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

AIR TRAFFIC CONGESTION ARE WE THERE YET? BONG C. AUSTERO I HAD to travel to Davao City last Friday to attend a family affair. My flight was at 7:40pm. I had already checked in through the web to ensure a seat and left for the airport very early. The two-kilometer ride to the airport from Pasay City took an excruciating one hour and a half, thanks to the bedlam around the airport terminals caused by the construction activities in the area. I made it to the airport with barely enough time for a quick bite. Sadly, all that rushing was for naught. The flight was delayed for almost two hours.

The culprit: Air traffic congestion. We arrived in Davao at almost 11:00 PM. The trip back to Manila was even worse. Our flight was supposed to leave at 2:30 PM. We were at the Davao International Airport Terminal before noon. I knew the flight was going to be delayed because all the other flights were. Every single announcement in the public address system was about another flight that was going to be delayed due to air traffic congestion in Manila. Each announcement was met by a collective groan. We boarded the plane two hours later and waited. And then waited some more, captive to the government’s ground delay program, which requires that planes traveling to Manila must first require clearance prior to take off to ensure that they do not end up circling Metro Manila waiting for clearance to land. In our airports, boarding does not guarantee take off. But better to make passengers stew inside airplanes that are parked in some runway rather than being delayed on air, right? It’s a good stop-gap measure, but it doesn’t solve the main problem, which is or reacquisition of Philippine citizenship under Republic Act 9225, she declared: “I am a natural-born Philippine citizenship born on September 3, 1968 at Iloilo City to Ronald Allan Kelley Poe, a Filipino citizen, and Jesusa Sonora, a Filipino citizen. I became an American on October 19, 2001, thereby lost my Philippine citizenship. Pursuant thereto, I am holder of a US passport No. 01737793, issued on Dec. 19, 2001 in Washington.” That to me is a patent lie and the “senadora” can be cited for perjury since she was a foundling -- not born to FPJ Susan Roces, who were childless.

that the air traffic congestion is resulting in untold misery to passengers who suffer from overly delayed or canceled flights. We’re not yet talking about the costs to government, to industry, to the economy, and to individual citizens.

Bear with me for a little more digression - I got to get home last Sunday at close to midnight.

The flight could not land at Manila due to weather conditions so we had to be rerouted to the Clark International Airport where we had to wait for another two hours before being granted landing rights in Manila again. So overall, we were delayed for a grand total of more than six hours! There were some people who missed connecting flights, but as I will point out later on in this piece, they were just happy to be alive. Our innate tendency to be grateful for small blessings is one of the reasons why incompetent public officials get away with their inefficiency and incompetence.

Anyway. Most of us are focused on the problems of the LRT and MRT and the various manifestations of mismanagement at the Land Transportation Office, we seemed to have forgotten the other major shortcoming of the Department of Transportation and Communication, which is its utter inability to address the problems around air transportation in this country. It is true that there are ongoing improvements in our terminals in Manila and they are now constructing the quick exit ramps out of the terminals, but the problem of air traffic congestion has grown steadily worse. It has become customary for all flights in this country to be delayed. The problem not only causes inconvenience and gargantuan costs, it also poses a lot of safety hazards.

Thus, one of the major issues, among many others, that presidential candidate More importantly my gulay, by being a US citizen, she was no longer natural born as she claimed when she became an American.

That placed her beyond the coverage of RA 9225 since those covered by the law and allowed to retain their Philippine citizenship after becoming citizens of another country after, not before, the law took effect in 2003.

As I said earlier, while we can continue debating the issue of residency and citizenship of Senator Grace Poe, only the Supreme Court would have the final say.

As to the issue of whether or not Grace Poe had the necessary residen-

Mar Roxas has to address at one point in the next few months as the 2016 campaign gets underway are the problems of the DOTC, the department which he headed prior to his stint as interior secretary. If there is a government agency that truly stinks in the eyes of the general public, it is the DOTC. Of course Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya should be made accountable for the fact that the problems, instead of being fixed, have only worsened and that the consequent aggravation these have caused to Filipinos have become more magnified over time. Everyone knows about the many ways that the DOTC is making life difficult for commuters of the LRT/MRT system. And just when people thought DOTC people have already reached the limits of their sadism, they have decided to implement the shift to a new ticketing system, in the process adding to the confusion and the general chaos at the train terminals.

Those who have renewed their drivers license in the last two months already know that the problems at the LTO are not limited to the fiasco over those overpriced and overhyped plate numbers. Today, anyone who is applying for a drivers license have to wait for at least four months before they are able to get their plastic licenses - and that is if they are lucky.

Roxas must respond to the general perception that the current mess can all be traced back to the time he was at the helm of the department. The imbroglio over the maintenance contracts of the MRT, the grand plans to develop various airport terminals that got lost in the political labyrinth of the Aquino administration (there was a time when scale models of the various proposed developments sprouted in all major terminals in the country, most of these have now been forgotten), the various fiascos

at the Land Transportation Office - all these and many other aggravations are widely believed to be ideas that Roxas started but were later proved to be impractical or could not be implemented.

We had a Belgian national as a family guest recently. He was a very genial person who had very nice things to say about Filipinos in general.

The one thing he couldn’t figure out, though, after being stuck in traffic for hours and after experiencing the bedlam at the LRT/ MRT system, was how we could be so patient and forgiving of rank inefficiency. I told him that we’ve been conditioned through the years by our government and religious leaders to be thankful for every little blessing that comes our way that our default attitude during difficult times is to always to see the brighter side of things. I told him that anecdote about how Filipinos who survived being held at gunpoint would tend to thank criminals for being humane enough to spare their lives and take only their hard-earned money and valuables. He thought I was being funny and went on to note that other wonderful trait of Filipinos - being able to find something funny even in the face of extreme difficulties.

But this is exactly the attitude that our government and our leaders want us to have: To be grateful for their supposed selfless service to the Filipino people. This was the inescapable subtext of the President’s recent State-ofthe-Nation Address: This country could have done worse, we could have had another corrupt government, we could have all ended up in the gutter if not for the efforts of our leaders. True, the efforts have been sorely inadequate, but we are supposed to be thankful for small mercies.

cy of 10 years required to become president or vice president, it would seem she does not since she reportedly renounced her US citizenship. Records show that even after she renounced her US citizenship, she went outside the country and returned using her American passport. That’s some kind of duplicity by somebody who claims she is honest.

That is, if immigration reports are true.

If Mrs. Llamanzares were not a natural-born Filipino when she applied for retention and reacquisition of her Philippine citizenship before she became the chairperson of the Movie and Television

Ratings and Classification Board in 2010, she had lost her claim to be natural born when she took an oath to renounce her Philippine citizenship. This means going to court like other aliens seeking Philippine citizenship are supposed to do.

What bothers me as a Filipino and a voter, having voted for Grace Poe in 2010 for the Senate is that, Santa Banana, we may have an alien as a senator and probably as president or vice president.

Thus, it’s imperative that the Supreme Court must rule once and for all the residency and citizenship issues hanging over the head of Grace Poe.

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA THE Philippine Constitution, international law, and our domestic laws all favor protecting foundlings like Grace Poe. There is no way but to interpret constitutional provisions and statutes on due process and human rights in Poe’s favor. As any family and children’s rights lawyer know, the government, including courts, must always interpret the law from the best interest of a child.

The details are well known.

Senator Grace Poe, as an infant, was left in a church in Iloilo.

When found, she was immediately registered in the Iloilo City civil registrar. Later, when she was adopted by Fernando Poe and Susan Roces, the famous couple took the right steps to find Grace’s parents. The registration and adoption were done by the book as it with many foundlings and adopted children. As for the latter, the rights of being an adopted child retroacts to the birth of the child who now has all the rights of the legitimate child of the adoptive parents. From the time of adoption, there is no distinction on who the parents are of that adopted child and by extension the latter’s citizenship.

Indeed, the acts of registration and adoption all assumed Filipino citizenship and anyone impugning that would have to show

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

A11

INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL LAW ON SIDE OF POE conclusive proof that in fact she is a child of a foreign father and mother (both parents have to be foreigners). Without such proof, her status as a natural-born Filipino cannot be taken away from her. She does not have to prove filiation; the one questioning her status must prove that both her parents were foreign citizens.

Grace Poe also could not have been adopted if she was not a Filipino citizen at birth. And certainly it was natural born citizenship because she did not have to anything to perfect that citizenship.

From an international law perspective, as I have explained in an earlier article in Rappler, the Philippine law on citizenship must be interpreted as to avoid statelessness. Such an interpretation is consistent with our obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Convention on the Rights of children (CRC). The latter in particular specifically provides that the right to a nationality shall be implemented in accordance with national laws, in particular where the person would otherwise be stateless.

Nationality is a basic human right. Indeed, it is an internationally recognized natural, universal

and inalienable human right. As such, the right to nationality attaches and exists at the moment of birth. Thus in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 15, specifically provides that (1) Everyone has the right to a nationality; and (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

Article 24 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights complements this: (1) Every child shall have, without any discrimination as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, national or social origin, property or birth, the right to such measures of protection as are required by his status as a minor, on the part of his family, society and the State; (2) Every child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have a name. (3) Every child has the right to acquire a nationality.

Finally, Article 7 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child provided that (1) The child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth to a name, the right to acquire a nationality and, as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by his or her parents; (2) States Parties shall ensure the implementation of these rights in accordance with their national law and their obliga-

tions under the relevant international instruments in this field, in particular where the child would otherwise be stateless. Article 8 of the same convention provides that: “States Parties undertake to respect the right of the child to preserve his or her identity, including nationality, name and family relations as recognized by law without unlawful interference.”

As a signatory to the CRC, the Philippines must comply with its provisions that state that a State Party shall ensure the implementation of the inalienable right to a nationality in accordance with its national law and its obligations under other international instruments (such as the ICCPR), in particular where the child would otherwise be stateless.

The Philippine law on citizenship must thus be read in incorporation of this provision of the CRC and the recognized international principle on the right to a nationality of every human being, especially of a child. It must be read against engendering statelessness of the child or of any human being found in the Philippines who possess no proof of nationality other than the fact that he or she was found in the Philippines.

Philippine law does not state that foundlings are not Filipino

citizens. Why should we therefore postulate the contrary, in violation of our commitment under the CRC to implement our laws in a manner that would avoid statelessness of a child?

This is especially sound and reasonable under the incorporation doctrine of the 1987 Constitution – where we adopt the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land (Article 2, Section 2) - since the fundamental law itself has no provision that categorically states the contrary, that foundlings are not considered Philippine citizens.

To therefore say that a foundling cannot be considered a Philippine citizen is a violation of a child’s and a human being’s basic and inalienable human right to bear a nationality from birth. To say that a foundling cannot be considered a Philippine citizen just because his or her parents are not known is to arbitrarily deprive a human being of his or her inalienable right to a nationality from birth. Clearly, the law on citizenship cannot be interpreted in such a manner as to produce such an absurd and on its face unjust conclusion of law.

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THE SET CASE AGAINST GRACE POE

disclosure of vital informa*** filed outside incumbency, vents foreigners from ustion surrounding her citiA senator must be a the petition is moot and ing adoption as a means FINALLY, somebody has zenship. As suggested by natural-born citizen of the academic. of circumventing the strict decided to challenge the some quarters, Poe should Philippines for the entire *** provisions of the Constituvalidity of Grace Poe’s come out with a timeline duration of his or her inThe 1987 Constitution tion regarding citizenship. election to the Senate in containing pertinent in- cumbency. Being so, a pe- clearly states that natural- With greater reason, this May 2013. Last August 6, formation on how she was tition for disqualification born Filipino citizenship is rule should likewise apply Rizalino David, a defeat- found, and about her adop- may be filed with the SET reckoned only from one’s to foundlings. After all, it ed senatorial candidate in tion, her marriage, her at any time during such birth. Unless favorable evi- is easier for foreigners to that election, filed a peti- trips to the United States, incumbency, as long as the dence about a foundling’s make their child appear to tion with the Senate Elec- her renunciation of Philip- senator concerned is not a actual birth is established, be a foundling, than to go toral Tribunal asking pine citizenship, her natu- natural-born Filipino. the foundling cannot be through the tedious process that Poe be unseated as ralization as an American The election of a senator considered a natural-born of legal adoption. senator because she was citizen, her employment who is not a natural-born citizen of the Philippines.

The Constitution also not a natural-born citizen record abroad, her subse- citizen of the Philippines Since Poe claims that she is defines a natural-born citiof the Philippines at the quent renunciation of her is unconstitutional and, a foundling, she has to re- zen of the Philippines as one time of her election, and American citizenship, her therefore, void. Thus, to solve this serious constitu- who does not have to perremains so up to today. reacquisition of Philippine impose a deadline for the tional problem. So far, she form any act to acquire or Under the 1987 Consti- citizenship, and what pass- filing of a petition for dis- has not shown any evidence perfect his or her Philippine tution, a senator must be ports she used during these qualification against an in- in her favor. citizenship. Since it appears a natural-born citizen of periods. cumbent senator who is not A foundling cannot be that Poe has taken an oath the Philippines.

So far, Poe has not made a natural-born Filipino citi- presumed a citizen of the to reacquire her Philippine Richard Gordon placed any such disclosure. In zen is to allow something place where he or she was citizenship, this creates an13th (out of a winning 12) Law, evidence that is will- unconstitutional and void found. The 1961 Interna- other problem for Poe. in the 2013 senatorial race. fully withheld is presumed to ripen into something tional Convention on State*** If Poe is unseated, Gordon to be adverse to the party constitutional and valid. lessness may provide otherThis essay is not intendwill be senator until May withholding it. Is Poe hid- That is unacceptable. wise but the Philippines is ed to discriminate against 2016. Unseating Poe will ing something from the There may be instances not a signatory to this con- foundlings. Considering, also mean she cannot run electorate? when a senator was a natu- vention. Since the Philip- however, that the Constitufor president or vice presiThe issue about Poe’s ral-born citizen of the Phil- pines continuously refuses tion mandates that a senadent – welcome news for citizenship is imbued with ippines at the time of his or to be part of that conven- tor must be a natural-born presidential contenders public interest. Therefore, her election, but he or she tion for 54 years now, Ma- citizen of the Philippines Mar Roxas and Jejomar if her office does not come ceased to be one sometime nila’s refusal to be part of for the duration of his or Binay. out with the information after the election, but within that convention may even her incumbency, Poe must Senator Poe told the soon enough, a public in- his or her six (6)-year term be considered a repudiation comply with that mandate. media that she welcomes terest advocate can ask of office. Thus, imposing a of that convention, and a Since Poe voluntarily the disqualification case a court to compel Poe to deadline on when a petition disavowal of its provisions. sought elective public ofbecause it gives her the make the disclosure. To for disqualification on citi- For this reason, it is very fice which requires natuopportunity to reveal the avoid embarrassment and zenship grounds does not doubtful if the convention ral-born Filipino citizentruth about her citizenship. inconvenience, Poe’s of- make sense. A deadline of can be applied to Poe’s case. ship, she must be ready to That’s propaganda plain fice should make the pub- that sort even constitutes Besides, Philippine policies defend herself in any and and simple, of course. As a lic disclosure immediately. a loophole by which the on international relations all challenges to her claim rule, nobody welcomes be- Instead of brandishing mandate of the Constitu- should not adjust to suit an to that citizenship, whether ing sued. to the media a t-shirt an- tion may be circumvented. individual. she is a foundling or otherIf Poe really wants the nouncing that she has no That, too, is unacceptable.

Jurisprudence indicates wise, and regardless of her truth to surface, her of- plans so far for higher The disqualification that adoption does not unannounced plans for fice should have, early on, public office, Poe should suit, however, must be filed confer Philippine citizen- higher elective public ofprovided the public and release that timeline about during the incumbency of ship on the adopted child. fice. Everybody must obey the media with an official her citizenship. the senator concerned. If This time-tested rule pre- the Constitution.

Raising..

From A8 Exchange Commission made by the investigating team of the DND showed that the name Elementum Inc. as a corporation “has not yet been registered but its name has already been reserved.”

SPAM, on the other hand, was verified as a “shell corporation without many assets,” the departmental report said.

“But this (SPAM) has pronouncedly figured in both the coast watch project and the radar project,” the document said.

The document also alleged that an unidentified engineer “connected to SPAM” had asked an administrative fee of P40 million from the local representative of a foreign supplier.

The supplier is involved in a radar project with Israel – a negotiated government-to-government deal awaiting the issuance of a notice of award and contract and approval of President Noynoy Aquino.

The project involves three air surveillance radar units worth P2.68 billion.

On the other hand, the Coast-Watch System —a project of the Philippine Navy—is worth close to P1 billion and was awarded to another private company.

(Concluded tomorrow)

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Lowry rallies to win WGC meet AKRON—Ireland’s Shane Lowry shot a bogey-free four-under 66 Sunday to come from behind and beat Bubba Watson by two strokes to claim the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday.

Shane Lowry of Ireland holds the Gary Player Cup after winning the World Golf Championships - Bridgestone Invitational during the final round at Firestone Country Club South Course in Akron, Ohio. Lowry finished with a score of -11 under. AFP

South seeks repeat as Duel unwraps THE men of the tour take a break from individual competition as they flaunt their skills in team play for the fourth straight year in The Duel – North vs South 4, which fires off today at Wack Wack Golf and Country’s Club’s East Course in Mandaluyong.

The Southerners played like one solid unit last year to fashion out a runaway 20-8 victory at the Cebu Country Club and regain the crown they won in the event’s inaugurals in 2012 but lost the following year.

The top 24 players in the current ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour money rankings are slugging it out in the three-day tournament with foursomes (alternate shot) matches kicking off The Duel sponsored by ICTSI. Play shifts to four-ball (best ball) tomorrow

with the deciding singles (12 matches) set on Thursday.

Reigning PGT OOM winner Tony Lascuña and three-time ADT champion Elmer Salvador head Team South composed of the best golfers in the Visayas and Mindanao, including Charles Hong, Cassius Casas, Jay Bayron, Rufino Bayron, Marvin Dumandan, Arnold Villacencio, Orlan Sumcad, Clyde Mondilla, Ferdie Aunzo and Jhonnel Ababa, who proved to be the lynchpin for the squad’s romp last year.

“Our chance to score a repeat is very strong,” said Jerome Delariarte, the man at the helm of Team South with Zanieboy Gialon as assistant. “We have to keep the tee shots in play and stay patient on this tricky layout.”

But Team North, under coach

Artemio Murakami with Solomon Gines as assistant, is out to even things up on a squad built around Angelo Que and Miguel Tabuena, both winners of two legs in this year’s circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Backing up the duo are Mars Pucay, Joenard Rates, Benjie Magada, Randy Garalde, Mike Bibat, Keanu Jahns, James Ryan Lam, Miguel Ochoa, Gerald Rosales and Jun Bernis.

“I think it will boil down to putting since talent-wise, both teams are almost even. They’ve been playing for so long that these players already know each other’s strength and skills,” said Murakami. “But of course, both teams will go for a good start.”

PH softbelles settle for 3rd DELAWARE—Hobbling from a heartbreaking loss in its crossover semifinal match, Team Manila–Philippines, the 2012 Girls Big League Softball World Series Champion, showed its true form and class as it beat 2014 defending champion Host District 3 Millsboro–Delaware to settle for third place in the 2015 edition of the World Series at the packed out Connie Mack Field of the Pyles Center in Lower Sussex County here.

Redeeming herself from a lack-luster performance against Louisiana, standout pitcher Mary Ann Antolihao of UST pummeled Millsboro with a total of ten strike outs to lead the Manila softbelles to a masterful win over host Delaware.

And at the bottom of the first inning with center field Cristy Joy Roa of UST and pinch runner Mary Nicole Padasas of ADU both on base, catcher Celestine Palma of UST hammered the host team with an impressive three–run homerun play, her third homer in the Series, to put Team Manila ahead, 3 – 0.

Net champ. Kei Nishikori of Japan celebrates after defeating John Isner of the United States in the men’s singles final during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center in Washington, DC. AFP

It marked the first victory for Lowry since winning the European Tour’s Portugal Masters in 2012 and his maiden win on US soil.

“I can’t believe I am standing here as champion,” Lowry said. “I played as good of golf as I have ever played the last four days.

“I managed to hole a few putts and get a bit of luck.”

The 28-year-old Lowry sank four birdies including a 10-foot putt on the 72nd hole to finish with an 11-under 269 total in the final tune-up before the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

Two-time major winner Watson matched Lowry’s 66 on Sunday but finished two strokes back with a nine-under 271.

It was another disappointing finish at the Firestone Country Club for American Jim Furyk who finished in the top 10 for the 10th time but is still seeking his first WGC-Bridgestone victory.

Furyk fired a two-over 72 and tied England’s Justin Rose (72) for third place, four strokes back of Lowry.

Reigning US Open and Masters champion Jordan Spieth closed with his best round of the tournament by shooting a four-under 66.

Spieth rolled in six birdies Sunday and said he even though he is not playing his best golf right now he is ready

for the challenge of trying to win his third major of the season in Wisconsin.

“Going into the US Open and going into the Masters, I maybe felt even more confident about my game than right now .... but that can change in a couple days,” he said.

Lowry began his final round two shots off the pace set by third round leaders Rose and Furyk.

He wiped out that gap with birdies on the No. 2 and No. 8 and then took a two-shot lead with another birdie after the turn at No. 10.

Lowry held onto his two shot lead with a brilliant par save from 20 feet on the 14th after finding a fairway bunker with his drive.

Lowry moved to 11-under par when he sank his birdie putt at the last to win his first WGC title.

Lowry follows Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy in winning the WGC-Bridgestone but seemed nonplussed about two Ireland players going back-to-back.

“I don’t care really who won it last year,” Lowry said.

“I won it this year and that’s all that matters to me.”

Robert Streb (66) came in fifth at 274. Brooks Koepka (69), Sweden’s Henrik Stenson (70) and David Lingmerth (68), and New Zealand’s Danny Lee (68) tied for sixth at 275. AFP

Lagman, Kinaadman score in Olivarez Cup WILD card Jacob Lagman and qualifier Joshua Kinaadman came away with big victories over their respective seeded rivals to barge into the third round of the men’s Open singles of the sixth Olivarez Cup Tennis Championship at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque yesterday.

Lagman, one of the rising stars from Mactan, LapuLapu City, pulled off a 6-1, 1-0 (ret.) win over No. 9 Arcie Mano in the upper bracket while Cebu find Kinaadman shocked No. 11 Stefan Suarez, 6-4, 6-3, in the lower half of the draw of the premier class which features the country’s top players, headed by top seed PJ Tierro and Johnny Arcilla.

The second seeded Arcilla, who drew a first round bye, routed Betto Orendain, 6-0, 6-0, to advance to the Last 16 while Tierro was playing Joseph Arcilla at presstime, hoping for a win and a third round clash with No. 14 Deo

Talatayod, who held off Kennex Abadia, 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4, in the tournament presented

by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala and sanctioned by Philta.

Others who advanced in the event backed by Dunlop AllClay Court as the official ball, Stronghold Insurance and Aseana City were No. 8 Bryan Otico, who scored a walkover win over Leander Lazaro; No. 10 Arvin Ruel, who took a 7-5, 4-1 (ret.) win over Kyle Parpan; and another wild card by fancied Casey Alcantara, who scored a 3-1 (ret.) win over No. 13 Kim Saraza.

“We expect more reversals as the tournament progresses and continue to discover fresh talents,” said Philta president and Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, who also cited Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro’s continued support to the annual event also held in honor of former Paranaque City Mayor Pablo Olivarez.

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Lancers make it 3 in a row

By Mikey Izumi

Michael Phelps competes in the Men’s 200 Meter IM final during the 2015 Phillips 66 National Championships at the Northside Swim Center in San Antonio, Texas.

AFP

Phelps nabs another leading time in 200m medley of US tilt SAN ANTONIO—Michael Phelps made it three national titles in three world leading times in three days on Sunday with a sizzling 200m individual medley triumph at the US swimming championships.

The 18-time Olympic gold medalist electrified the crowd by hitting the 150-meter mark under world record pace en route to a dominant victory in 1min 54.75sec.

“I’m pumped,” Phelps said. “Being able to do that right now, I’m very, very pleased and it’s something great to build off of.”

Although he faded on the final freestyle leg to finish outside the world record of

1:54.00 set by US team-mate Ryan Lochte in 2011, he was more than a second faster than the 1:55.81 Lochte produced to win the world title in Kazan, Russia, this week.

Phelps lost his world championships berth as part of the sanctions for his drunk-driving arrest last September.

With the US nationals running opposite the worlds serving basically as a conso-

lation meet, Phelps has made sure he’s on the radar of the globe’s elite -- posting times that would have been good enough to win in Kazan in the 100m and 200m butterfly as well as the medley.

He admitted it was one of his aims going into the nationals, although he said he wasn’t sure things would pan out that way.

“Obviously, I’d like to make a statement like that,” Phelps said. “But sometimes that doesn’t happen.”

Phelps’s comeback from a near two-year retirement was disrupted last year when his second drunk-driving arrest brought a six-month

ban from competition.

He had trained hard through three prior meetings this season, producing only sluggish race times.

But he said he trusted longtime coach Bob Bowman would have him ready upon arrival in San Antonio.

“I had faith in what Bob was doing,” said Phelps, who left runner-up Will Licon trailing home 3.6 seconds adrift.

“I had faith that when the time came I’d be able to swim fast.”

- A great foundation Phelps said the three solid races had him feeling like his old self—the scintillat-

ing swimmer who won an unprecedented eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games rather than the under-prepared athlete who claimed one individual and two relay golds and two silver medals in 2012 in what he thought would be his last Olympics.

“Maybe since 2008 I haven’t felt this good swimming races back-to-back-toback,” Phelps said.

“It’s a great foundation, a place where we’ve never been in a long time leading up to an Olympics,” he added.

“Definitely wasn’t like this leading up to ‘12.” AFP

CEBU City – The University of Visayas Green Lancers made it three in a row following a 77-62 victory over the University of Cebu Webmasters to emerge as the hottest team in the 15th season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum Sunday.

In the second game, the University of San Carlos Warriors bounced back from a shaky start to whip the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers, 88-64.

While Franz Arong struggled to get his game going, former Batang Gilas Under-18 member Leonard Santillan made his presence felt from the opening tip, alongside Alwin Aguirre and Cameroonian import Steve Akomo to anchor a formidable front-court trio against the smaller but quicker Webmasters to take the lead, 22-13, at the end of the first quarter which they padded to 41-27 at the half.

The Webmasters clawed back behind sophomore Justine Dacalos and Peter Codilla, whose triple cut the lead to 10 points, 4131, at the start of the third quarter.

But the Green Lancers launched a blistering counter-attack to widen the gap to 53-37 in the middle of the third.

Dacolos and former NBTC Mythical Five member Joseph Daniel Mayol gave the Webmasters some hope with three big triples, two of them courtesy of Mayol to trim the lead to 12, 59-47 at the end of the third quarter.

Another trey from Melvin Butohan at the start of the payoff quarter trimmed the lead to nine, 59-50, but that was the closest UC got after a sudden slump in their outside shooting, in which they made only 12 of 46 attempts, enabling the UV Green Lancers to widen the gap further to 73-52, the largest lead of the game, with 3:01 remaining from which the UV squad never looked back.

FIBA went for China’s C30-M offer Chess champ.

Tenth-ranked Adrian Yulo emerged solo champion in juniors’ play in the 23rd Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship Southern Mindanao leg at SM Davao City, Event Center in Davao last Sunday. On hand during awards rites were Shell Social Investment manager Melanie Bularan, Shell project coordinator Mara Villanueva, Shell Sasa Terminal Operations administrator Romulo Agoto Jr. and Ingrid Vargas, Shell Commercial Fuels account manager for Southern Mindanao.

By Ronnie Nathanielsz THE ultimate factor that apparently decided, who Fiba, the international governing body for the sport, chose to host the 2019 World Cup of Basketball was money and not the passion and the heart of Filipinos for basketball.

Former Olympian Freddie Webb, who was staying at the same hotel where the FIBA Central Board met, reported that China dangled a massive 30 million Euros to stage the World Cup, while the Philippines’

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president, initially offered 12 million Euros, but upped it to 14 million at the request of FIBA. However, that offer by the Philippines was merely a bid and since we lost the rights to host the World Cup, we won’t have to pay FIBA. However, the winning bidder China will have to pay the 30 million Euros.

Webb reported on his dzMM Teleradyo program “Fastbreak” that while the Philippines had a tremendous presentation,

anchored by Fil-Am Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Philips, with excellent statements by Pangilinan, point guard supreme Jimmy Alapag, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao and former Gilas Pilipinas national coach Chot Reyes, the big money offered by China and that giant countries superb infrastructure compared to the Philippines made the difference.

However, despite the huge comparative disadvantages, the Philippines garnered 7 votes, while China got 14.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

La Salle to play in PSL

By Peter Atencio

Philippine SuperLiga Beach Volley Challenge Cup men’s champions Hachalia Gilbuena and Jade Becaldo of SM By the Bay Team are shown with SM Prime Chief Executive Officer Hans Sy and PSL president Tats Suzara during the awards ceremonies.

ROMAN PROSPERO

Pagara headlines ALA’s st 1 US fight promotion

By Ronnie Nathanielsz INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation Intercontinental super bantamweight champion Prince Albert Pagara will headline ALA Promotions’ initial foray into the highly competitive US market in a fight card at the popular StubHub Center in Carson City, California on Oct. 17.

ALA Promotions’ president Michael Aldeguer told The Standard/boxingmirror.com that he is looking for a name fighter to challenge the 21-year-old Pagara, who is coming off a

crushing first-round TKO over Mexican Jesus “Chito” Rios, a foe who was not just overweight, but also over-matched although the predominantly Filipino crowd at the International

World Trade Center in Dubai enjoyed the demolition, which came at 2:00 minutes of the opening round.

Pagara, who first broke into the World Boxing Council rankings at No. 12, has quickly moved up to No. 10, while remaining at No. 5 in the International Boxing Federation world rankings.

Aldeguer said the exciting Mark Magsayo, who lived up to his moniker by putting on a magnificent performance to score a smashing fifth-round knockout of rugged Mexican slugger Rafael Reyes before a huge crowd of wildly cheering

fans at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino last July 11, will also be featured on the inaugural US venture.

The 21-year-old Magsayo from Tagbilaran City, Bohol and who has been hyped as a genuine worldtitle prospect had earlier engaged five-division world champion Nonito Donaire in some torrid exchanges during sparring at the ALA Gym, as the Filipino Flash also prepared for a fight in Macau in which he destroyed former European champion Antony Settoul in two rounds on July 18.

Magsayo looked ripped

and ready, but the blue-chip prospect had his hands full against a tough opponent in a battle for the International Boxing Federation Youth featherweight title in an action-packed affair while it lasted, with Reyes refusing to back down.

Magsayo quickly found his rhythm and began to throw vicious combinations as he went for a knockout which came his way during a three-punch combination capped by a perfectly timed, uppercut that dropped Reyes, who spat out his mouthpiece as referee Abainza correctly called a halt to the bout

THE core of the multi-titled de La Salle University women’s volleyball team which made it to the finals of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines in the last two seasons, will see action in the Philippine Superliga.

Led by setter Kim Fajardo and middle blocker Mika Reyes, the La Salle spikers will carry the colors of Meralco when the league's season-ending Grand Prix tournament unfurls on Oct. 10.

The other members of the squad are Cyd Demecillo, Carol Cerveza, Mika Esperanza and Majoy Baron.

La Salle would be playing minus top spiker Ara Galang, who is still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury she sustained in Game 2 of the season 77 finals.

Ramil de Jesus will coach the Meralco-La Salle squad, which will also have veterans like Cha Cruz, Stephanie Mercado and Camille Hernandez as imports. De Jesus said he's also looking for other players to complete the lineup.

PSL officials said local teams may also avail from a shortlist of imports from Brazil, Cuba, Italy and United States who will be seeing action in the tournament.

Also expected to join the PSL Grand Prix are reigning champion Petron, Phillips Gold, Foton, Cignal and two-time crownholder Philippine Army.

The Army will bring back its solid core of setter Tina Salak, Mary Jean Balse, Jovelyn Gonzaga and new recruit Royse Tubino in its return from a brief absence.

Samuels, Hagler make Khan hits Mayweather, calls him ‘childish’ Nevada Hall of Fame TOP Rank chief publicist Lee Samuels and Marvelous Marvin Hagler have been inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, Saturday night during their 3rd annual red carpet and awards dinner gala.

Significantly, Samuels’ first big assignment was in the 1985 Hagler-Sugar Ray Leonard bout and has been involved in many of the biggest fights under Top Rank promoter Bob Arum over the past 25 years. He has also played a key role in helping promote some of the biggest names in the sport, which include big money superstars like Oscar De La Hoya, eight-

division world champion Manny Pacquiao and undefeated pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. Samuels won the Boxing Writers Association of America’s “Good Guy award” in 2007.

At that time, current World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman was quoted by the Sweet Science when he said: “Lee Samuels is a friend of boxing. He is always willing to resolve any matter at anytime always with a smile and a will to make people happy. We have known Lee for many years and he is a true gentleman and a great asset to the sport of boxing.”

Ronnie Nathanielsz

WORLD Boxing Council welterweight Silver champion Amir Khan has hit back at undefeated poundfor-pound No. 1 Floyd Mayweather Jr and branded him “childish,” saying the American star will not be remembered as a great fighter.

The two-time world champion has once again been frustrated in his efforts to land a fight with Mayweather, who instead selected Andre Berto for his 49th bout in Las Vegas on Sept. 12.

During a press conference to announce the Berto fight, Mayweather was asked about his reluctance to battle Khan and suggested that Khan could earn a shot if he avenges his 2012 stoppage defeat by Danny Garcia.

Richard Damerell of Sky Sports in Britain reported that boxing’s biggest star was shrugged off by Khan as he feels the 38-year-old is continuing to

tarnish his reputation by avoiding him.

“He’s just putting all these obstacles in front of me, because he knows that obviously I’m a big threat to him. Work it out. Look at my last few opponents and he’s fighting Berto, no disrespect to Berto, who is a friend of mine, but obviously there are levels in boxing.

I think he’s just being a little childish and he knows that Amir Khan will give him a tough fight and he’s kind of avoiding it,” said Khan.

The British champ was quoted by Damerell as saying “If he’s not going to man up and fight me, then I’ll have to fight Manny Pacquiao or someone like that. Someone who would fight me. I think even though Mayweather is a great champion, I don’t think he will be remembered as a great fighter because if he’s not fighting the top guys then he’s waiting until they get

old when he knows the guys in front of him would give him problems.

He’s cherry picking his fights.”

Khan added: “All the very best to Floyd Mayweather, if the fight happens between me and Mayweather it happens.”

He expects to return to the ring in late November or December and still has plenty of exciting options to consider.

World Boxing Association welterweight champion Keith Thurman is calling for a clash, while Khan is confident that a thrilling showdown with former gym-mate Manny Pacquiao can be agreed upon.

Khan who met with Pacquiao earlier this year in London had discussed a possible showdown and said “I really believe that fight can be made quite easily. I think Manny is a man and he would definitely take the fight.”

Ronnie Nathanielsz

T UE S DAY : AUGUS T 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

16 Fil-foreigners banner 2015 PBA amateur draft

By Jeric Lopez SIXTY-FOUR players have submitted their application for the upcoming 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Draft.

As expected, highly-touted big men Moala Tautuaa, a FilTongan big man, and versatile forward Troy Rosario heads the list of initial aspirants, who made themselves available for the slated draft on Aug. 23 to be held at Robinson’s Place Manila.

Of the 64 hopefuls, 16 are Filipino-Foreigners, led by Tautuaa, who are looking to carve a name for themselves in the local professional basketball scene.

Tautuaa and Rosario are expected to go as high as No. 1 or No. 2, or vice-versa, in the draft.

Other notable players who had applied that are expected to be picked in the first round include San Beda’s chief point guard Baser Amer, seasoned amateur and longtime Smart Gilas cadet Garvo Lanete, vastly improving San Beda forward Art Dela Cruz, playmaker Roi Sumang of the UE Warriors, bruiser Glenn Khobuntin of

National University, former La Salle Fillipino-Canadian big man Norbert Torres, FilipinoAmerican swingman Chris Newsome of Ateneo and reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player combo guard Scottie Thomson.

Aside from Tautuaa, Torres and Newsome, the other Fililipino-foreigners in the draft pool are Maverick Ahanmisi, who is slowly moving up the ladder of prospects according to several sources, Aly Austria, Joshua Cubillo, Leo De Vera, Mike Di Gregorio, Randy Dilay, Simon Enciso, Abel Galliguez, Dale Hodges, Jeramy King, Jawhar Purdy, Kris Rosales and Ryan Wetherell.

These aspirants will have a chance to showcase their skills

in the Draft Combine on Aug. 19 and 20 at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.

The Draft Combine will have the aspirants undergoing a series of tests and skills challenges that would give them the opportunity to enhance their stock and also give the coaches and scouts a chance to further evaluate their options.

Following that, the league will then release the official names of candidates for the draft on Aug. 21 based on the required qualifications.

The top pick belongs to Talk ‘N Text, while the No. 2 selection is for the Mahindra Enforcers (formerly Kia Carnival).

Rain or Shine will be picking next at No. 3.

Young participants face the morning with a good run to the finish line.

Raquin, Jaro conquer Milo Lipa race LIPA—MILO Marathon veterans Erinio Raquin and Cellie Rose Jaro triumphed in the 21K centerpiece event of the National MILO Marathon Lipa race on Sunday.

Almost 7,000 participants enjoyed the good weather as they took to the running routes of Batangas.

Raquin and Jaro have both secured their slots in the National Finals and each took home the top prize of P10,000 in cash and a trophy.

Both will go head-to-head with the country’s best runners at the National Finals in Angeles on December 6, where the MILO Marathon King and Queen titles are up for grabs.

This year’s King and Queen will be sent by MILO to the USA on all-expense paid trips, for a chance to run in the prestigious 2016 Boston Marathon.

Raquin posted a time of 01:15:13, beating rivals Archie Patubo (01:18:16) and Rolando Anonuevo (01:22:33) who came in second and third place, respectively.

The 30-year-old Raquin is no stranger to winning in the MILO Marathon. The native of Oriental Mindoro won second place in the Manila leg of the 2013 MILO Marathon Manila leg, and finished third in the 2013 National Finals.

This year, he is aiming to top his achievements.

“I have been doing a lot of long runs, drills and workouts.

I also watch my intake of food and vitamins,” shared Raquin.

“My main aim was to reach the qualifying time. I’m happy that I was able to win. I will now prepare very well for the finals.”

In the distaff side, Jaro fin-

ished with a time of 01:35:47, while Janeth Lumidao (01:37:16) followed in second place and Rowena Valdez (01:40:23) in third.

The 20-year-old Cellie Rose is one of the five siblings in the Jaro running family. Now a sophomore and varsity member at the University of the East, Jaro proves that balancing her studies with her running career can be achieved through determination and time management. “I do long runs in the morning then focus on my studies in the afternoon. It’s really important to manage my time well,” shared Jaro. “I was not able to train much for this race because I have classes in the afternoon. For the National Finals, I will focus more on long runs to build up on my endurance.”

The National MILO Mara-

thon is not only a breeding ground for local talents but also a program that empowers children nationwide. With the support of the Department of Education and the National MILO Marathon runners, MILO’s Help Gives Shoes advocacy will provide 10,000 underprivileged youth with brand new running shoes this year. MILO is working with DepEd in the selection of deserving public school student beneficiaries.

The race will resume in Naga (August 16), before heading to Lucena (August 30), Iloilo (September 20), Bacolod (September 27), Tagbilaran (October 4), Cebu (October 11), General Santos (October 18), Davao (November 8), Butuan (November 15), and Cagayan De Oro (November 22). The National Finals will be held on December 6 in Angeles, Pampanga.

A15 LOTTO RESULTS 6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

P0 M+ P0 M

Perpetual won’t take EAC lightly

By Peter Atencio UP against Games today (Aug. 11) the only 10 a.m. • Jose Rizal vs Mapua (jrs) team which 12 nn. • Perpetual Help vs EAC (jrs) d e f e a t e d 2 p.m. • Jose Rizal vs Mapua (srs) e r s t w h i l e 4 p.m. • Perpetual Help vs EAC (srs) unbeaten Letran, the University of Perpetual Help College isn’t taking Emilio Aguinaldo College lightly, not by a long shot.

The Altas take on the Generals in the main offering of the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at 4 p.m. at the San Juan Arena, fully aware that the Generals’ morale is at an all-time high following its 83-69 upset of the Letran Knights a week ago, their second victory in a row after beating the San Sebastian Stags, 77-71.

“Galing sa panalo iyan, kailangang paghandaan,” said Altas coach Aric del Rosario, referring to the Generals.

The Altas are also coming off a win, as they upended the Arellano University Chiefs, 76-66, to grab solo third place at 5-2, and will be gunning for another victory that will put them in a better position going into the second round.

They trail the second-running San Beda Red Lions (6-1) and the Knights, who remained on top with a 7-1 card.

The Altas will again draw strength from Nigerian Bright Akhuetie, who scored 31 points in their victory against the Chiefs.

For the Generals to sustain the momentum, EAC mentor Andy de Guzman said they need to continue to defend and rebound well.

In fact, the Generals have out-rebounded their foes in their two wins, plucking 55 in a 77-71 triumph over San Sebastian last week and collaring 67 in the stunning win over Letran to average 61 in those two outings.

PSA Forum tackles racefest, college tilt OFFICIALS of the 7th Mayor Bagatsing racing festival and the new season of the Inter-Scholastic Athletic Association make up today’s guests list in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

Lawyer and horseowner Ramon D. Bagatsing Jr., leads the panel that will talk about the annual horse racing meet being held in honor of his late father and former Manila mayor, Ramon Bagatsing.

Sharing the limelight with them in the session being aired over DZSR Sports Radio 918 and presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., are officers of the ISAA, led by Melanie Florentino of Feati to discuss about the coming season of the league that kicks off on Aug. 12.

PSA President Riera Mallari of The Standard enjoins all members to attend the 10:30 a.m. public sports program.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK T U E S D AY : A U G U S T 1 1 , 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

Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders get ready prior to the NFL Hall of Fame Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. AFP

PBA to review policies TOKYO – The Philippine Basketball Association will review its policies as a result of a dip in its live attendance and gate receipts during the past season.

The PBA board of governors, led by returning chair Robert Non, has tasked league president/chief executive officer Chito Salud to analyze specific aspects with an end view of keeping the PBA’s status as the No. 1 sports entertainment in the country.

The PBA officials aren’t about to sit back and relax even as they enjoyed further growth in total revenues, hitting the P200-million mark in gate sales for the second straight year.

That’s despite a compressed season, short in-between conference breaks and short playoffs – factors

LOWRY RALLIES TO WIN WGC TILT TURN TO A12

that obviously impacted on the league revenues.

“We reported to the board the performance of the league last season. Revenue-wise, combined both the PBA and PBA Properties, there was an overall growth of three percent. But while the sponsorship aspect increased, the mix of the growth is not good because the core business of the PBA which is really gate attendance and gate receipts are down,” said Chito Salud, the former league commissioner who is now functioning as PBA president/chief executive officer.

In their continuing planning ses-

sion at the Tokyo Hilton here, the PBA board identified some reasons for the decline of warm bodies in the games.

Salud is to take at look at these, then report to the board possible processes to address the situation.

The PBA chieftain rattled off their concerns: “We want our expansion teams to become more competitive, to prevent predictability of the games, to make the games they’re involved with more exciting.

“We want to avoid playing in smaller venues, meaning venues that are not either Smart Araneta Coliseum or MOA because the capacity and convenience of those venues have an impact on the gate attendance “We want to study the impact of

PHELPS DOMINATES SWIM MEET TURN TO A13

the extra game day that was introduced this season. We came from a four-game day week to five-game day week, that extra game day being Tuesday. We want to study the impact of that extra game day a week because we do understand that our industry is market driven and there could be some budget constraints to our fans.

“We also want to study and see the impact of the schedule of our games, meaning the 4:15 p.m. start and then the 45-minute break and the 7:15 p.m. tip-off for the second game.

“We want to know impact of the short breaks in between conferences. Normal breaks between conferences in the past before our total involvement with the national team is between 15 to 20 days.

Retirement not on Nadal’s mind yet MONTREAL—Rafael Nadal insisted Sunday that retirement is not on his mind despite a year in which he was dethroned as French Open champion and saw his ranking slip to its lowest in a decade.

The 29-year-old former world number one and 14-time major winner said that he will hang up his racquet only when he has lost the thrill of playing the sport.

“For sure, there is more behind than in front in my career. I’m sure of that,” Nadal said on the eve of the Montreal Masters -- a major tuneup for the US Open, which starts in three weeks.

“But I don’t think about retirement.

Day by day is my way to work. In 2005, I was aged 19 and I’m sure that I won’t be playing tennis until 39.

“I have motivation to keep going so it’s difficult to think about not playing.

But when it comes, I will know.

“When I wake up without motivation to improve, that will be the end. But until that day arrives, I’m here and enjoying it.”

Nadal slumped to number 10 in the world in June after he lost his French Open title and then went on to suffer a second round exit at Wimbledon.

But he won on clay in Hamburg recently and hopes to use that to his advantage in his summer hardcourt opener. AFP

B1

TUESDAY: AUGUST 11, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

P200-b projects up for approval

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

THE National Economic and Development Authority board led by President Benigno Aquino III will review four major publicprivate-partnership projects worth over P200 billion within the next two weeks, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Monday.

Balisacan told reporters the projects had been approved by the Neda Investment Coordination Committee, an inter-agency body that evaluates the fiscal, monetary and balance of payments implications of major national projects and recommends to the President the timetable of their implementation on a regular basis.

“Some of these are for con-

firmation, rotation, but the real major ones are the four PPP projects,” Balisacan told reporters at the sidelines of the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee meeting.

Balisacan’s presentation during the DBCC meeting showed some P201.19 billion worth of projects were up for Neda board approval.

Three out of the four projects

would be handled by the Transportation Department, including the Ortigas-LRT Line 4, with a P50.15-billion indicative cost, according to Balisacan’s presentation.

LRT Line 4 is a proposed 11-kilometer rail line running west from SM City Taytay to the intersection of Ortigas Avenue and Edsa in Ortigas.

Other projects to be handled by the department include the P64.71-LRT Line 6 project and the P74.56-billion Ninoy Aquino International Airport redevelopment project.

The other project is the Batangas-Manila (BatMan) 1 natural gas pipeline of Philippine National Oil Co. with a P10.53-billion indicative cost that will transport and supply natural gas in Batangas, Laguna, Cavite and Metro

Manila.

The government has so far awarded 10 projects under the PPP program, while 13 are in different stages of procurement, three for rollout, six for government approval and five are subject to studies.

The awarded projects were the Daang Hari-South Luzon Expressway Link, PPP for School Infrastructure Project (Phase 1), Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway Project (Phase 2), Modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, Automatic Fare Collection System, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Passenger Terminal Building, Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension and Operation and Maintenance and the Integrated Transport System-Southwest Terminal Project.

PSe comPoSite index Closing August 10, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,534.35 1.83

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing AUGUST 10, 2015 42

P45.755

43

CLOSE

44 45 46

HIGH P45.690 LOW P45.770 AVERAGE P45.730 VOLUME 541.800M

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 Monday, August 10, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate

SBS listing. Chemical distributor SBS Philippines Corp. listed its shares at the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday. The company, now listed under the stock symbol ‘SBS,’ raised P1.155 billion from the initial public offering. Shown during the bell-ringing ceremony at the PSE are (from left) BDO head of institutional banking Walter Wassmer, BDO Capital & Investment Corp. president Eduardo Francisco, SBS treasurer and chief financial officer Aylene Sytengco, SBS vice president for investments Ned Bryan Sytengco, SBS senior vice president for sales and marketing Necisto Sytengco II, SBS chairman and president Necisto Sytengco, PSE chairman Jose Pardo, PSE director Ma. Vivian Yuchengco, PSE president and chief executive Hans Sicat and PSE director Alejandro Yu. (See related story on B3)

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

45.7790

Japan

Yen

0.008049

0.3685

UK

Pound

1.549200

70.9208

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128987

5.9049

Switzerland

Franc

1.016363

46.5281

Canada

Dollar

0.761789

34.8739

Singapore

Dollar

0.722752

33.0869

Australia

Dollar

0.739809

33.8677

Bahrain

Dinar

2.651816

121.3975

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

12.2077

Brunei

Dollar

0.720150

32.9677

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000074

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.028450

1.3024

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

12.4657

Euro

Euro

1.096300

50.1875

Korea

Won

0.000859

0.0393

China

Yuan

0.161038

7.3722

India

Rupee

0.015686

0.7181

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.254836

11.6661

New Zealand

Dollar

0.659587

30.1952

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031592

1.4463 Source: PDS Bridge

Govt keeping ‘ambitious’ growth target for 2015—Balisacan

By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE government is keeping the “ambitious” growth target this year, despite the disappointing 5.2-percent expansion in the first quarter, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Monday.

Balisacan said the government should remain “ambitious” in meeting its growth target of 7 percent to 8 percent for 2015 and 2016.

He said despite the lower-thanexpected 5.2-percent gross domestic product growth in the first quarter, he remained optimistic the country would meet at least the lower end of the growth target.

“What we have to do is to be more ambitious because our neighbors are so far away. If we still do business as usual, then we will never be able to catch up with them,” he said.

Revising or lowering the growth target was not an option, according to Balisacan.

“If you underperform in the first quarter and then you revise, what’s the point of targeting and planning?

I don’t take it that way. I still have six months. I should work very hard to achieve that or to identify series of bottlenecks rather than reduce that [target],” he said.

Balisacan said revising the growth target in the middle of the

game would make it appear the government was not serious in its economic target.

“You can do that [revising the target] too, but [you’re] not being serious about where you want to go,” said Balisacan.

Balisacan said private investments, higher stock market performance and consumer confidence would likely drive economic growth for the rest of the year.

“We have to see the private investment involvement will kick in because that’s what will really deliver good quality employment,” he said.

Balisacan said the government would also retain the 7 percent to 8 percent growth target for 2016.

The economic chief earlier said the Philippines had emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region over the past five years.

TUESDAY: AUGUST 11, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Monday, august 10, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 10.4 2.6 1.01 100 30.5 91.5 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26 47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 17 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 241 12.5 3.95 4 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 6.75 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 7.34 238 3.28 0.315 2.65 234 1.3 26 2.17 0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 0.66 1455 7.5 76 6.5 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 2.31 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 1.44 1.48

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 4.2 3.7 73 71 104.10 102.00 93.40 92.40 43.55 43.3 2.53 2.51 1.46 1.46 16.2 16 21.25 20.7 7.90 7.85 1.70 1.70 0.415 0.400 88.25 87.1 19.10 18.96 64.80 63.50 307 305 39 38.5 143.1 142.5 1495.00 1480.00 59.00 58.80 3.3 3.27 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp.

42.95 43.6 42.65 1.11 Agrinurture Inc. 1.52 1.5 1.45 1.01 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.97 1.03 0.97 1.86 Alsons Cons.

1.87 1.9 1.86 7.92 Asiabest Group 11 11.1 10.9 15.32 Century Food 18.64 18.82 18.6 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 27.3 27.3 26.05 29.15 Concepcion 54.95 54.95 53.6 1.5 Crown Asia 3.04 3.2 3.05 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.61 1.56 1.55 10.72 Del Monte 12.52 12.6 12.5 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 22.300 22.750 22.2 9.04 Emperador 9.44 9.50 9.20 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 7.18 7.22 7.12 8.86 EEI 9.65 9.99 9.60 1.06 Euro-Med Lab 1.7 1.68 1.68 8.61 Federal Res. Inv. Group 12.84 13.6 12.86 20.2 First Gen Corp.

25.9 26.5 25.8 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 80 81 79.8 13.86 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 13.30 13.88 13.30 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 13.56 13.78 13.38 5.95 5.88 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.91 173 Jollibee Foods Corp.

188.30 192.20 188.80 8.65 Lafarge Rep 10.1 10.1 10.08 2.3 LMG Chemicals 2 2 2 1.63 Mabuhay Vinyl 2 2.09 1.88 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 24.9 24.9 24.75 17.3 Maxs Group 27.1 27.5 26.45 5.88 Megawide 6.47 6.47 6.15 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 302.00 308.00 302.20 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.61 4.61 4.59 8.45 Petron Corporation 7.68 8.40 7.54 3 Phil H2O 4 4 4 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.35 3.45 3.34 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.40 2.40 2.32 1 Pryce Corp. `A’ 3.61 3.83 3.64 4.02 RFM Corporation 4.43 4.48 4.35 1.65 Roxas and Co. 1.9 1.85 1.85 5.9 Roxas Holdings 6.05 6.05 6.05 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 161.9 162 161.6 1.55 Splash Corporation 1.82 1.85 1.8 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.148 0.150 0.146 2.09 Trans-Asia Oil 2.12 2.13 2.11 152 Universal Robina 190.6 198.8 190.6 0.640 Vitarich Corp.

0.68 0.7 0.68 10.02 Vivant Corp.

22.50 22.50 22.50 1.2 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.12 1.29 1.18 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.460 0.460 0.450 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 58.0000 58.5000 57.5000 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 22.95 22.90 22.20 6.62 Anscor `A’ 6.90 7.00 6.99 0.23 ATN Holdings A 0.249 0.249 0.248 634.5 Ayala Corp `A’ 769.5 780 768 7.390 Cosco Capital 7.33 7.4 7.3 12.8 DMCI Holdings 11.86 12.10 11.84 2.6 F&J Prince ‘A’ 3.2 3.21 2.75 0.152 Forum Pacific 0.197 0.218 0.217 837 GT Capital 1388 1391 1375 5.3 House of Inv. 6.50 6.55 6.46 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 72.85 73.50 72.85 3.43 Jolliville Holdings 3.8 3.8 3.8 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp.

7.15 7.15 7.03 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.63 0.7 0.64 12 LT Group 15.16 15.1 14.76 0.580 Mabuhay Holdings `A’ 0.57 0.58 0.56 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 4.99 5.03 4.97 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 7.72 7.8 7.73 1.23 Prime Media Hldg 1.100 1.100 1.100 0.550 Prime Orion 2.060 2.070 2.050 59.3 San Miguel Corp `A’ 55.80 56.35 55.65 1.5 Seafront `A’ 2.23 2.40 2.40 751 SM Investments Inc. 900.50 916.00 897.50 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.26 1.34 1.27 80 Top Frontier 77.600 77.750 77.600 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3600 0.3650 0.3400 0.179 Wellex Industries 0.1880 0.1900 0.1830 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 7.100 7.300 7.100 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.72 0.72 0.70 1.2 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.280 1.280 1.280 30.05 Ayala Land `B’ 38.70 38.65 38.15 3.36 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.75 3.81 3.77 4.96 Cebu Holdings 5.13 5.13 5.06 0.79 Century Property 0.81 0.83 0.81 0.97 Cityland Dev. `A’ 1.00 1.03 1.01 2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 1.02 0.225 78 17.8 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 COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank PB Bank 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 11,601,341 51,567,903 72,556,842 66,691,865 87,593,131 666,616,375 957,150,507

3.9 70.8 102.00 92.10 43.5 2.51 1.47 16 20.9 7.71 1.74 0.425 88 19.00 64.80 305 39 142.6 1495.00 59.00 3.29

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.75 73 103.60 92.80 43.5 2.52 1.46 16.2 20.95 7.85 1.70 0.415 87.1 18.96 63.50 306.6 38.8 142.8 1480.00 59.00 3.27

-3.85 3.11 1.57 0.76 0.00 0.40 -0.68 1.25 0.24 1.82 -2.30 -2.35 -1.02 -0.21 -2.01 0.53 -0.51 0.14 -1.00 0.00 -0.61

541,000 9,040 2,404,610 795,140 41,700 4,000 44,000 803,900 103,100 200 2,000 610,000 3,936,470 114,000 73,980 109,852 90,400 640,090 395 4,050 13,000

42.95 1.45 0.97 1.86 11.02 18.62 27.3 54.75 3.2 1.55 12.5 22.400 9.50 7.13 9.60 1.68 13.02 25.8 79.8 13.30 13.40 5.95 192.00 10.08 2 1.9 24.75 26.9 6.47 306.00 4.59 8.10 4 3.45 2.32 3.7 4.38 1.85 6.05 162 1.8 0.146 2.12 196.5 0.7 22.50 1.18

0.00 -4.61 0.00 -0.53 0.18 -0.11 0.00 -0.36 5.26 -3.73 -0.16 0.45 0.64 -0.70 -0.52 -1.18 1.40 -0.39 -0.25 0.00 -1.18 0.68 1.96 -0.20 0.00 -5.00 -0.60 -0.74 0.00 1.32 -0.43 5.47 0.00 2.99 -3.33 2.49 -1.13 -2.63 0.00 0.06 -1.10 -1.35 0.00 3.10 2.94 0.00 5.36

1,376,400 19,000 472,000 477,000 1,300 157,000 309,200 74,440 6,312,000 680,000 23,500 1,921,800 303,800 6,921,200 131,900 16,000 74,100 1,687,300 53,320 10,900 72,800 138,700 357,360 756,700 30,000 215,000 202,700 421,800 488,500 269,130 347,000 11,148,400 10,000 263,000 691,000 2,214,000 638,000 17,000 200 2,460 55,000 2,140,000 617,000 2,513,630 26,000 100 444,000

0.455 58.0500 22.20 6.99 0.249 770 7.34 11.84 3.21 0.217 1387 6.54 73.00 3.8 7.15 0.64 14.88 0.56 5.03 7.79 1.100 2.060 55.65 2.40 900.50 1.28 77.750 0.3450 0.1900

-1.09 0.09 -3.27 1.30 0.00 0.06 0.14 -0.17 0.31 10.15 -0.07 0.62 0.21 0.00 0.00 1.59 -1.85 -1.75 0.80 0.91 0.00 0.00 -0.27 7.62 0.00 1.59 0.19 -4.17 1.06

90,000 598,310 3,099,700 109,400 270,000 226,460 2,316,100 3,050,800 272,000 60,000 243,295 1,700 1,745,420 5,000 792,700 532,000 3,115,600 612,000 40,211,000 714,600 1,000 603,000 102,070 2,000 170,390 662,000 60 7,440,000 170,000

7.140 0.72 1.280 38.15 3.8 5.06 0.82 1.03

0.56 0.00 0.00 -1.42 1.33 -1.36 1.23 3.00

99,700 305,000 1,000 3,158,800 4,634,000 4,100 1,537,000 19,000

37,000.00 358,432.00 75,619,437.00 4,242,457.50

6,400,000.00 1,149,405.00 62,100.00 -23,130,711.00 -436,181.00 -702,820.00 -70,391.00 266,750.00 -11,800.00 -38,047,180.00 -205,620.00 -41,102.00 -3,832,573.50 604,330.00 5,705,690.00 167,702.00 -2,395,496.00 -378,053.00 95,634.00 -28,944,085.00 1,282,017.00 -916,420.00 -203,735.00 9,267,172.00 -505,000.00 -110,960.00 -54,610.00 -99,799.00 26,989,224.00 1,039,420.00 9,680,618.00 222,000.00 64,320.00 370,300.00 946,890.00

17,661,599.00 2,250.00

-4,057,774.00 -17,988,510.00 -128,670,380.00 10,372,125.00 -5,078,204.00 -125,963,405.00 -18,554,577.00 -402,545.00 -8,659,232.00 -26,430,670.00 41,000.00 -2,736,237.50 8,467,220.00

52 Weeks 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 8.4 4.88 0.180 0.470 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 3.1 2.75 0.090 0.290 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 7.67 1700 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 12.28 3.32 3.2 95.5 1 15.2 0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 4 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 4.8 830 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 8.72 0.011 0.041 1.200 6.5 1.91 1.95 3.1 0.650 6 0.335 0.37 14.54 3 2.28 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

133,810.00 100.00

STOCKS

Close

Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

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

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Primex Corp.

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

High 0.130 0.435 12.72 0.870 0.171 1.24 1.92 1.30 5.75 4.65 0.102 0.2850 7.38 29.00 1.65 3.30 21.80 0.74 7.16 0.820 7.270

1,781,200 86,860 18,000 477,000 3,390,300 4,160,000 1,879,000 1,649,800 400 24,800 20 132,165 127,600 1,550,000 396,370 100 9,600,000 3,580,000 1,100,000 331,900 565,000 34,000 100 280,000 11,005,600 660,000 300,000 6,500 873,000 12,000 1,980 336,100 229,575 7,036,000 7,068,000 1,123,100 1,032,250 1,032,250 7,823,700 1,519,000 2,295,400 300,000 993,000

0.0057 2.40 5.33 0.228 0.64 0.74 6.65 1.35 0.300 0.205 0.013 2.75 10.08 3.88 0.6000 1.9100 4.10 5.45 1.65 0.011 118.00 8.18 0.0100

0.00 2.13 -0.37 1.33 -8.57 -1.33 -1.63 -4.26 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.10 -2.70 -0.51 0.00 -1.55 -0.49 0.93 0.61 0.00 1.55 -1.92 -9.09

554,000,000 47,000 116,900 -108,222.00 400,000 8,991,000 -3,196,720.00 886,000 21,500 16,488,000 1,202,460.00 100,000 7,270,000 900,000 1,074,000 -752,520.00 647,400 -999,046.00 2,327,000 -7,860.00 20,000 611,000 260.00 124,000 8,180.00 173,900 -13,225.00 1,147,000 139,750.00 68,000,000 1,205,100 45,939,638.00 342,800 -140,297.00 1,400,000

67.3 527 535 6.4 1.12 110 1052 1081 1020 75.5 80 81.8

6.83 -0.38 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.90 0.00 -0.37 0.20 -0.07 0.00 0.99

1,225,790 30 1,010 190,400 136,000 3,000 50 50 20,385 370,140 18,800 19,390

3.970 3.820 3.960 SME 6.2 6.2 6.2 6.2 11.98 12.5 12.02 12.2 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 122.4 123 122.7 122.9

3.13

191,000

0.00 1.84

600 516,400

0.41

6,050

0.0057 2.35 5.35 0.225 0.7 0.75 6.76 1.41 0.300 0.205 0.013 2.72 10.36 3.9 0.6000 1.9400 4.12 5.40 1.64 0.011 116.20 8.34 0.0110

70 553 525 8.21 12.28 111 1060

33 490 500 5.88 6.5 101 997

15 12.88

3.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Makati Fin. Corp.

Xurpas

63 529 535 6.4 1.12 111 1052 1085 1018 75.55 80 81 3.840

T op g ainerS VALUE 930,379,023.596 1,107,759,104.62 1,304,766,642.596 500,037,320.74 1,752,406,776.36 204,085,548.2592 5,806,495,064.167

STOCKS

FINANCIAL 1,649.80 (UP) 6.15 INDUSTRIAL 11,526.22 (UP) 138.46 HOLDING FIRMS 6,818.99 (DOWN) 16.86 PROPERTY 3,168.30 (DOWN) 4.68 SERVICES 2,083.57 (DOWN) 13.58 MINING & OIL 11,716.28 (DOWN) 1.01 PSEI 7,534.35 (UP) 1.83 All Shares Index 4,332.27 (UP) 11.67 Gainers: 84 Losers: 76; Unchanged: 48; Total: 208

Trade/Buying

10.02 4.62 2.68 4.84 -1.57 -1.27 5.07 1.45 6.23 -1.81 0.00 0.08 -0.31 10.24 0.00 1.67 0.00 -0.50 0.00 -0.52 0.93 0.96 -0.12 -3.08 1.33 0.00 -4.35 0.97 14.78 0.00 0.20 0.53 -1.96 0.00 0.00 -0.26 0.84 49.82 -3.20 0.00 -0.36 3.13 -4.80

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

6.98

Net Foreign

Change Volume

9.99 64.55 1.15 0.650 9.40 0.0780 3.94 98 10.4 5.42 925 2652 6.52 1.40 108.5 12.2 0.011 0.201 1.3000 9.59 2.18 2.10 39.95 0.630 7.6 0.300 0.440 20.9 5.28 3 100.20 19.00 2702.00 0.650 1.510 37.75 78.05 4.12 8.16 0.64 5.52 0.330 2.380

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

0.129 0.125 0.450 0.435 13.28 12.72 0.860 0.860 0.172 0.172 1.26 1.23 1.96 1.93 1.30 1.29 6.37 5.00 4.76 4.59 0.100 0.100 0.2850 0.2850 7.38 7.35 29.30 28.85 1.65 1.64 3.33 3.30 22.20 21.70 0.74 0.72 7.16 7.15 0.830 0.830 7.300 7.120 SERVICES 9.99 9.15 64.55 61.7 1.15 1.15 0.650 0.610 9.66 9.30 0.0780 0.0780 3.96 3.8 99.5 96.6 10.46 10.4 5.42 5.36 925 925 2680 2646 6.55 6.51 1.42 1.27 110 108.5 12.2 12.2 0.011 0.011 0.202 0.200 1.3300 1.3000 9.96 9.59 2.19 2.16 2.18 2.10 39.95 39.95 0.700 0.630 7.85 7.33 0.300 0.300 0.440 0.440 20.9 20.7 5.70 4.75 3 2.92 100.20 100.00 19.00 18.60 2760.00 2702.00 0.670 0.650 1.540 1.490 38.05 37.40 79.30 77.40 4.12 4.12 8.52 8.12 0.65 0.64 5.7 5.52 0.330 0.330 2.480 2.350 MINING & OIL 0.0059 0.0057 2.49 2.35 5.45 5.33 0.228 0.210 0.69 0.64 0.75 0.74 6.85 6.63 1.44 1.34 0.305 0.300 0.209 0.204 0.013 0.012 2.75 2.65 10.34 10.08 3.95 3.87 0.6000 0.6000 1.9500 1.9000 4.12 4.02 5.550 5.380 1.650 1.600 0.011 0.010 119.30 116.00 8.5 8.16 0.0100 0.0094 PREFERRED 68.15 62.1 527 527 535 535 6.45 6.4 1.12 1.1 110.5 110 1052 1052 1081 1081 1022 1020 75.55 75.5 80 79 82 81

%

2,240,000 2,790,000 -314,500.00 649,600 197,158.00 4,000 120,000 3,515,000 -2,624,250.00 12,159,000 -474,930.00 28,000 14,400 -27,871.00 22,417,000 5,250,870.00 60,000 100,000 330,000,242,910 1,566,400 -8,629,070.00 83,000 -99,000.00 5,000 5,533,600 22,432,070.00 1,077,000 4,800 5,000 -4,150.00 3,470,500 -5,779,152.00

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B 1011 PF Pref 2 74.2 SMC Preferred A 74.5 SMC Preferred B 75 SMC Preferred C WARRANTS & BONDS 0.8900 LR Warrant

Close

-3.85 1.15 2.99 -1.15 0.58 0.00 1.04 0.00 -10.61 2.15 -1.96 0.00 -0.41 0.69 0.00 0.00 0.69 0.00 0.00 1.22 -0.55

9.08 61.7 1.12 0.620 9.55 0.0790 3.75 96.6 9.79 5.52 925 2650 6.54 1.27 108.5 12 0.011 0.202 1.3000 9.64 2.16 2.08 40.00 0.650 7.5 0.300 0.460 20.7 4.60 3 100.00 18.90 2756.00 0.650 1.510 37.85 77.40 2.750 8.43 0.64 5.54 0.320 2.500

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

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

Low

0.125 0.440 13.1 0.860 0.172 1.24 1.94 1.30 5.14 4.75 0.100 0.2850 7.35 29.20 1.65 3.30 21.95 0.74 7.16 0.830 7.230

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

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

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

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

7.59 SSI Group 0.63 STI Holdings 5 Travellers 0.315 Waterfront Phils.

1.14 Yehey

1047 76.9 78.95 84.8 -5,160,610.00 5,790,120.00

Previous

High Low

2,682,057.00

825,551.00 19,466,326.00

-53,449,220.00 84,600.00 4,990,065.00 2,000.00 14,820.00

-12,750,199.00 44,000.00 -39,350.00 38,890.00 -2,421,752.00 -390,749,870.00 2,367,740.00 -7,609,475.00 59,388,120.00 59,388,120.00 -12,095,331.00 -567,510.00 -504,051.00 -78,750.00

-22,609,115.50 -939,215.00

26,937,645.00

-1,860.00 -110,458.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

SBS Phil. Corp.

4.12

49.82

Keppel Properties

5.14

-10.61

PAL Holdings Inc.

5.28

14.78

United Paragon

0.0100

-9.09

Harbor Star

1.40

10.24

Century Peak Metals Hldgs

0.64

-8.57

Forum Pacific

0.217

10.15

Mabuhay Vinyl

1.9

-5.00

2GO Group'

9.99

10.02

Yehey

2.380

-4.80

Seafront `A'

2.40

7.62

Agrinurture Inc.

1.45

-4.61

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

67.3

6.83

NOW Corp.

0.440

-4.35

Centro Esc. Univ.

10.4

6.23

Ferronickel

1.35

-4.26

Petron Corporation

8.10

5.47

Unioil Res. & Hldgs

0.3450

-4.17

Vulcan Ind'l.

1.18

5.36

Crown Equities Inc.

0.125

-3.85

TUESDAY: AUGUST 11, 2015

B3

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

Petron books P3.4-b income

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PETRON Corp., the biggest oil company, posted a net income of P3.4 billion in the first half of 2015, up 13 percent from P3 billion year-onyear, as oil prices began to stabilize.

Petron said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange operating income surged 51 percent to P8.9 billion from P5.9 billion on year.

The company registered a consolidated net income of P3.2 billion in the second quarter, up 300 percent from P789 million posted over the same period in 2014 and 12 times the P257-million earnings in the first quarter.

“Our strong and positive performance re-affirms the value of our game-changing projects as well

as our strategy to increase sales of high-value products. We are confident of improved refining margins, even higher sales in all sectors, and increased market presence,” newlyelected Petron chairman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. said.

“We continue to invest for longterm growth such as further expanding our retail network, introducing revolutionary fuels, and making our value chain more efficient and resilient. Indeed, Petron is well-positioned to take its industry leadership to the next level,” Co-

juangco said.

Petron said the strong secondquarter financial performance was driven by higher sales volumes and better margins after oil prices stabilized during the period.

Consolidated sales volumes in the Philippines and Malaysia increased during the period as the company accelerated its retail network expansion.

Petron said first semester volumes rose 9 percent to 47.4 million barrels against last year’s 43.3 million barrels.

Total sales of the Philippines business climbed 17 percent to 29.7 million barrels from 25.3 million barrels on year.

Retail volumes saw a 10 percent growth as the company leveraged on its extensive nationwide network of 2,200 stations--the largest

in the Philippines.

Petron’s domestic LPG business, meanwhile, expanded 25 percent.

Petron said the sales performance in the Philippines was boosted by the initial volumes from the commissioning and stabilization runs of its Refinery Master Plan–2 (RMP-2), which started to produce more high-value products that now include cheaper medium and heavy crudes.

Petron operates a 180,000-barrels-per-day refinery in Limay, Bataan province. The company is currently testing different crude types to produce optimal refinery yields.

Petron Malaysia is contributing to Petron’s income with growth in key segments, including the commercial sector that expanded 18 percent.

ATI Batangas plaque. Shell Philippines Exploration BV, the country’s leading gas exploration company, recognized the Batangas Supply Base, a unit of Asian Terminals Inc. subsidiary ATI Batangas Inc., for helping achieve its Goal Zero safety program for three straight years. ATI Batangas terminal manager Peter Dimayuga (center) accepts the plaque of recognition from SPEX’s Scott Low and Manolito Pita (third and fifth from left), along with BSB’s officers and staff. The ceremony coincided with BSB’s own safety milestone, marking 13 consecutive years of zero incidents in July and Shell’s celebration of 100 years in the Philippines.

Market closes flat; Petron, PAL Holdings advance STOCKS closed virtually flat Monday, ignoring the gains in the regional market led by a surge in China.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 1.83 points to 7,534.35 on a value turnover of P5.8 billion. Gainers edged losers, 84 to 76, with 48 issues unchanged.

Petron Corp., the biggest oil company, advanced 5.5 percent to P8.10 after the company reported a net income of P3.4 billion in the first half of 2015, up 13 percent from P3 billion year-on-year, as oil prices began to stabilize.

Petron said in a disclosure to

the Philippine Stock Exchange, operating income jumped 51 percent to P8.9 billion from P5.9 billion on year.

Universal Robina Corp., the largest snack food maker, rose 3.1 percent to P196.50, while Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, gained 2.2 percent to P4.75.

PAL Holdings Inc., operator of Philippine Airlines, surged 14.8 percent to P5.28 on robust earnings in the first six months of 2015. The company said consolidated total comprehensive income amounted to P5.94 billion in the January-to-June period, up

1,500 percent from just P362.4 million year-on-year, on higher international and domestic passenger traffic and reduced fuel prices.

PAL Holdings posted a total comprehensive income of P2.16 billion in the second quarter, up 49 percent from P1.45 billion on year.

Total revenues in the first half totaled P55.95 billion, up 14 percent from P48.95 billion on year.

Revenues in the second quarter reached P28.09 billion, up 2.9 percent from P27.23 billion.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the largest telecom-

munications firm, fell 2 percent to P2,702.

Asian shares, meanwhile, mainly rose on Monday, as hopes for more market intervention in China and state-backed mergers overshadowed fresh weak economic data from the world’s number two economy.

The dollar gained against the yen after upbeat jobs data on Friday added to expectations the US central bank will raise interest rates as early as September.

Tokyo equities scraped back earlier losses to close up 0.41 percent and Sydney added 0.63 percent. With AFP

SBS up 50% in market debut

By Jenniffer B. Austria SHARE price of chemical distributor SBS Philippines Corp. hit the price ceiling on its debut Monday at the Philippine Stock Exchange on positive prospects of the company.

SBS shares opened at a high of P4.12 apiece, up nearly 50 percent from its initial public offering price of P2.75 per share.

SBS chairman Necisto Sytengco said in an interview following the company’s listing ceremony at the PSE the company was poised to register a double-digit growth in net income and revenues this year, driven by significant growth in the food industry and as the company launched more products in the market.

Sytengco predicted the company would book over P1 billion in revenues this year.

“I think we will surpass the P1-billion revenue target for this year,” Sytengco said.

The company also plans to expand its presence in Asia.

“We are icing some talks with multinational companies and local companies who have presence in those areas, like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand,” Sytengco said.

SBS raised as much as P1.15 billion in proceeds from the share sale that generated strong demand from local investors.

SBS plans to use the proceeds from the IPO to expand product offering, finance capital expenditures, partially retire a term loan, and fund working capital purposes.

“The strong demand from investors stands as testament to the company’s track record built over 45 years of providing a full line of chemical and ingredient products. This also speaks of the level of confidence that investors have on the company to remain profitable in the coming years,” PSE chairman Jose Pardo said during the listing ceremony.

Formed on July 17, 2001 and formerly known as Sytengco Philippines Corp., SBS supplies over 3,000 chemical products to more than 1,800 customers in various industries--food ingredients, industrial, feeds and veterinary care, pharmaceutical, personal care and cosmetics.

SBS was the second company to conduct an IPO this year after Crown Asia Chemicals Corp.

Several IPOs are in the pipeline, including the P242-million maiden offering of green building developer Italpinas, the P186-million share sale of brokerage firm Philstocks Financial Inc. and the P21.7-billion planned listing of D.M. Wenceslao Inc.

B4

Strada fleet. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. turned over a fleet of the all-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. Shown during the turnover ceremony are (from left) Ronald Gomez of MMPC, Josie Calimag of DMC-QA, Eduardo Icasiano of DMC QA, Dante Calma of MMPC and Manila Water representatives Estelita Orodio, Marlene Ferrer and Jose Cardona.

Melco’s losses double to P4.9b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MELCO Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corp., the operator of City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque City, said Monday net loss doubled to P4.9 billion in the first half of the year from P2.4 billion a year ago, on higher expenses for the development of the $1.2-billion casino and resort complex.

Melco said in a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange it incurred a net loss of P1.82 billion in the second quarter, higher compared with P1.4-billion net loss recorded in the same quarter

last year.

Total net operating revenues reached P5.67 billion in the first six months, following the opening of the integrated casino-resort in December 2014.

Casino revenues amounted to P4.85 billion in the six-month period and accounted for 85 percent of total revenues.

Melco said the number of table games reached 247 while the average number of gaming machines totaled 1,729 in the sixmonth period.

Melco said its hotel segment, including Crown Towers Hotel, Nobu Hotel and Hyatt City of Dreams Manila, registered P294.5 million in combined revenues.

City of Dreams Manila’s average daily rate was at P9,771 while occupancy rate stood at 83.5 percent in the JanuaryJune period.

Meanwhile, other non-casino revenues, including food and beverage, entertainment and retail segments, posted sales of P343.2 million.

Melco’s total operating costs and expenses accelerated to P9.18 billion in the first half, up by 261 percent from P1.26 billion recorded in the same period last year The increase in operating costs was attributed to full period of resort operations since the opening in December 2014.

The integrated resort also features three distinctive entertainment venues, including DreamPlay by DreamWorks, Manila’s

first branded Family Entertainment Center; Centerplay, a live performance central lounge inside the casino; and Chaos and Pangaea Ultra-Lounge, two night clubs situated within the Fortune Egg, an architecturally-unique dome-like structure accented with creative exterior lighting, which is expected to become an iconic landmark of the Manila Bay area.

The 6.2-hectare City of Dreams Manila is the second integrated resort and casino to open at government-sponsored Entertainment City, the Philippines’ version of the Las Vegas Strip.

Share price of Melco on Monday gained P0.10 to close at P7.60.

BSP seen cutting bank reserve ratio

By Julito G. Rada A BANK economist expects the Monetary Board of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to reduce the reserve requirement ratio of banks in its next meeting, after inflation rate fell below 1 percent in July.

Bank of the Philippine Islands lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. said there was need for Bangko Sentral to reduce the 20-percent reserve requirement ratio to keep the inflation target of 2 percent to 4 percent on track.

“We see the need for BSP to cut RRR as headline inflation could be at risk of falling below the 2-percent target regardless of what market expects the Fed to do in their September meeting,” Neri said in an e-mailed statement Monday.

Neri said Bangko Sentral “will find it difficult to explain to Congress why it did not lower record

high RRR despite risk of a sub-2 percent of FY [fiscal year] 2015 inflation.”

“Remember that BSP must write our legislators to explain a breach of either the lower or the upper end of the target,” Neri said.

The reserve requirement ratio of 20 percent for universal and commercial banks) is considered the highest in the region.

Reserve requirement, also called cash reserve ratio, is a central bank regulation used by most, but not all, of the world’s central banks that sets the minimum fraction of customer deposits and notes that each commercial bank must hold as reserves rather than lend out.

A Citigroup research said reducing the reserve ratio by one percent could unleash P67.7 billion into the financial system and ensure growth in the near term.

World Bank mission.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala (left) discusses with World Bank’s task team leader for Philippine Rural Development Project (Samik Sundar Das (center) and PRDP national deputy project director Arnel De Mesa plans for the upcoming WB implementation support mission set on Aug. 24 to Sept. 18, 2015. During the mission, the WB will monitor and assess status of some of the projects implemented under the DA-PRDP. PRDP is a six-year national project that aims to establish a modern, inclusive, value-chain oriented and climate resilient agriculture and fisheries sector.

T U E S D AY : A U G U S T 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

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

B5

Alliance’s P1-b offering bucked Finding Waze around traffic UNCANNY. This word aptly describes the ability of Waze, a free navigation app for GPS equipped smart phones, to know exactly where and when to tell you to hang a left, turn right or make a U-turn as you drive toward your specified destination.

The Google-owned program, available for iPhones and Android phones, is designed to help you choose the best route to a destination, with help from other drivers using Waze in your area, who provide real-time traffic and other road-related information such as accidents, police traps and road closures.

There is nothing groundbreaking about the technologies that make Waze possible, but its developers cleverly combined GPS, wireless data connectivity and crowd sourcing to create a system that is far more responsive and accurate than most dedicated navigation systems for cars.

Using Waze is pretty straightforward.

Before you start a trip, tap the menu icon on the bottom left side of the screen then choose Navigate.

Type in the address or place you’re searching for. Choose the most appropriate search result, choose your destination and click Go. Once you select your destination, a pop-up appears with your estimated time of arrival (ETA) and indications of any traffic or incidents along your route.

The recommended route with the shortest estimated travel time is on top, followed by two alternatives. If you prefer to take an alternate route, tap it to select it. You can see the routes on the map by clicking the Map button at the upper right corner.

Once you’ve selected a route, navigation will start.

If you’ve got a driver, you can safely follow your progress on a 3D map and see where traffic is building up along the way. You can also spot other Waze users on the map, and send them messages, if you wish. Simply driving with the app running will add useful information to the system, as Waze takes note of your travel speed. To help other Waze users in a more active way, you can use the Report icon to flag traffic jams or accidents as you encounter them, thereby giving others a heads-up.

Waze uses game techniques to encourage you to provide more information, assigning points for traffic or road hazard reports or for simply driving with the app running. You can use the points to change the your avatar, and to increase your status in the community.

Of course, it’s not advisable to look at the screen while you’re driving, as this may distract you and increase the likelihood of an accident. This is where Waze’s spoken directions shine; the program can talk you through every turn on the route until you reach your destination. If you deviate from your chosen route, Waze is also smart enough to recalculate your path and make the necessary adjustments in its directions.

To work properly, Waze requires that you have GPS enabled and have a constant Internet connection (either through Wi-Fi or a data connection) on your smart phone. Keep in mind that this could add a tidy sum to your monthly phone bill.

Waze was originally developed in Israel, funded by US venture capital firm in the early stages, and acquired by Google for more than $1 billion in 2013.

In that year, the Associated Press reported that Waze had almost 50 million users worldwide. Since then, Waze’s popularity has grown around the world. In Los Angeles, it’s estimated that at least one in 10 people now use Waze. Google also recently launched the service in Kenya in cooperation with a local telecommunications provider there. In the Philippines, the Waze Users Group estimates that users here have grown to 300,000.

Not all of the news is good, however.

Police forces in the UK and the United States, for example, are urging Google to turn off the feature that warns drivers when police are nearby, saying this could put officers’ lives in danger from would-be cop killers.

There are also real privacy concerns since Waze puts you on the map by default, making it possible for others to track you. You can take some sensible precautions such as going “invisible” on a single trip and using a handle instead of your real name. You might also want to shut down Waze when you get home so strangers won’t be able to see where you live.

Column archives and blog at: http://www.chinwong.com

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SINGAPOREAN minority shareholders of Alliance Select Foods International Inc. filed a complaint in court to stop the company from implementing a P1-billion stock rights offering.

Minority shareholders Albert Hong Hin Kay and Hedy Yap Chua, in a 34-page complaint, asked the Pasig regional trial court to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent ASFI officers, including chairman Jonathan Dee, vice chairman George Sycip, president and chief executive Raymond See and other board members from implementing the rights offering before the holding of the annual general meeting.

Alliance Select earlier said it would postpone its annual stockholders meeting on June 15 to an

indefinite date, until the completion of the P1-billion stock rights offering.

“Should the defendant officers and directors be allowed to indefinitely postpone the annual stockholders meeting until the stock rights offering, the plaintiffs’ shareholdings percentage will be severely dilute but the time the annual stockholders meeting is actually held,” the minority shareholders said in the complaint.

The minority shareholders expressed concern their shares would be severely diluted once

the rights offering was implemented.

“With the stock rights offering unenjoined before the annual stockholders meeting, the plaintiffs will have already been deprived their full voting rights proportionate to their shareholdings at the time the annual stockholders meeting should have been held under the ByLaws. This ultimately threatens plaintiffs’ last remaining seat in the board, leaving them with no means to safeguard their investments in the corporation that is grossly mismanaged enough already,” the minority shareholders said.

PSE earlier approved the application ASFI to conduct the rights offering that will entitle shareholders to buy 1 right share for very 1.5 common shares held as of record date at a price of P1 per share.

Offer period was set on Aug. 17 to 26.

California business mission. Trade Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. (center) receives a

certificate of recognition from Jason Paguio (right), policy and outreach advisor to council member Steve Meisen of the City of Chula Vista Council in California at the Industry and Investments Building in Makati City. The certificate commends Manalo for efforts to strengthen the relations between the Philippines and the City of Chula Vista. Led by Philippine honorary consul for San Diego, California Audie de Castro (left), Paguio joined the 11-member economic mission from San Diego to explore business opportunities in the Philippines.

ICTSI’s profit declines 1% to $100m

By Darwin G. Amojelar PORT operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. said Monday net income in the first half fell 1 percent from a year ago, in the absence of onetime gain booked this year.

The company led by businessman Enrique Razon said net income reached $100.4 million in the January-June period, slightly down from $101.7 million booked in the same period last year.

ICTSI recognized a $13.2-million gain from the sale of a nonoperating subsidiary in Cebu, $1.9 million from the termination of management contract in Kattupalli, India and $1.5 million from the settlement of the insurance claims in Guayaquil, Ecuador in the first half of 2014.

ICTSI said net income in the second-quarter fell 6 percent to $46.4 million from $49.3 million a year ago.

The company said excluding the non-recurring gains recognized and one-time tax expenses at the terminals in Karachi, Pakistan and Aguadulce, Colombia, recurring net income would have increased 5 percent.

Revenues in the first half increased 8 percent to $552.1 million from $510.3 million last year.

The company said port revenues in the second quarter decreased 2 percent to $256 million from $261.4 million last year.

ICTSI handled consolidated volume of 3,888,130 twentyfoot equivalent units in the first six months of 2015, or 9 percent more than 3,566,023 TEUs handled in the same period in 2014.

The increase in volume was mainly due to the continuing volume ramp-up at Contecon Manzanillo S.A. (CMSA) in Manzanillo, Mexico and Operadora Portuaria Centroamericana, S.A. de C.V. (OPC) in Puerto Cortez, Honduras; new shipping line contracts and services at Pakistan International Container Terminal in Karachi, Pakistan and increased demand for services at Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. in Subic Bay. ICTSI’s Yantai International Container Terminal in China and the new terminal Basra, Iraq also contributed to the increased volume during the period.

Excluding the volume generated by the new terminal in Iraq, organic volume growth was at seven percent.

TUESDAY: AUGUST 11, 2015

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

May foreign investments down

By Julito G. Rada

FOREIGN direct investments in May this year dropped 6.8 percent to $403 million from $433 million a year ago, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show Monday.

But the data show that net equity capital investments more than doubled in May to $160 million from $75 million on year.

“In particular, equity capital placements of $181 million [or more than twice the $86 million registered for the same month in 2014] exceeded withdrawals of $20 million in May,” the Bangko Sentral said in a statement.

Equity capital investments during the month came mostly from the United States, Germany, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. These were channeled mainly to financial and insurance sectors; wholesale and retail trade; real estate; manufacturing; and administra-

tive and support service activities.

Reinvestment of earnings remained positive at $52 million while non-residents’ investments in debt instruments (in the form of loans and debt securities) issued by local affiliates continued to post net inflows of $191 million. But these were lower by 15.6 percent and 35.6 percent, respectively, relative to their year-ago levels.

Net FDI in the first five months also decreased 41.9 percent to $1.6 billion from $2.8 billion a year ago. Despite the decline, positive year-to-date levels were recorded across FDI components.

Net equity capital placements reached $440 million as gross

placements of $550 million more than offset withdrawals of $110 million during the period.

Equity capital placements came largely from the United States, Germany, Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom. These were channeled mainly to financial and insurance; manufacturing, real estate; electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply; and wholesale and retail trade activities.

Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings amounted to $318 million while net placements in debt instruments settled at $879 in the January-toMay period. These were lower by 19.6 percent and 50.7 percent, respectively, compared with the levels recorded during the same period last year.

The FDI posted a record-high $6.2-billion net inflow, well above the target of $4.4 billion. The 2014 figure was also 65.9 percent higher than the $3.737 billion net inflow registered in 2013.

Gold trading firm clarifies SEC list PAZ MEMORIAL SERVICES, INC. SYNOPSES OF THE ANNUAL STATEMENTS As of December 31,2013 & 2012 ASSETS

2013 2012 89,780,527.00 P 84,112,560.00 6,554,124.70 6,459,533.00 17,477,091.47 23,274,518.28 300,000.00 144,057.75 361,714.00 512,101 .00 1,521,408.59 1,941,563.12 88,039.63 2,256,422.00 2,459,371 .00 P 117,821,671.14 119,421,360.40

Investments in Trust Funds Insurance Premium Fund Cash on Hand & in Banks Short-term Investment Planholders’ Loans Due from Trustee Banks Property and Equipment Accounts/Notes Receivable Other Assets Total Assets

P

LIABILITIES Pre-need Reserves Insurance Premium Reserves Other Reserves Planholders’ Deposits Accounts / Notes Payable Counselor’s Bond Reserves Taxes Payable Other Liabilities Total Liabilities

P

92,183,228.23 P 86,205,743.39 8,481,793.00 6,459,533.00 310 .775.07 17,940.00 6,469,052.58 6,653,348 .00 267,728.00 331,206.00 205,771.61 324,861.97 43,706.64 173,209.00 P 107,979,995.13 P 100,147,901.36 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Capital Stock Paid-Up Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings (Deficit) Total Stockholders’ Equity Total Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity

P

60,000,000.00 60.000.000 .00 3,316,888,23 1,411.800.00 (53,475,212.22) (42,138,340.96) 9.841,676.01** 19,273,459.00** P 117,821,671.14 P 119,421,360.40

PAZ MEMORIAL SERVICES, INC. Consolidated Trust Fund Annual Statements As of December 31,2013 & 2012 ASSETS Government Securities Cash in Savingsmme Deposits Short-term Investments (SDA) Mutual Funds/UITF Corporate Bonds Stocks Real Estate Accrued Investment Income Other Investments Other Assets Total Assets

P

P

53,810,059.26 P 63.132.872 .93 1,015,264.25 5,314.34 10,101,604.44 1,210,000.00 6,583,169.40 6,364.571.34 5,035,824.36 1,013,053.33 2,664,534.26 1,408,101.00 7,919,984.22 8,721,638.30 45,853.09 27,108.11 2,722,000.00 3,602,500.00 18,508.29 35,076.15 89,916,801.57 P 85,520,235.50

LIABILITIES Accounts Payable Trust fee payable Total Liabilities

Fluctuation/Revaluation Reserve Trust Fund Total Fund Equity

P P FUND EQUITY P P P

- P 136,274.57 136.274.57 P

1,281,301.00 126,374.50 1,407.675.50

5,637,434.40 P 7,709,711.33 84,143,092.60 76,402,848.67 89,780,527.00 P 84,112,560.00 89,916,801.57 P 85,520,235.00

These synopses, prepared from the 2013 and 2012 Annual Statements, approved by the Insurance Commissioner is published pursuant to Section 44 of the Pre-Need Code of the Philippines. *2013 and 2012 Trust Fund Deficiency subsequently covered up in full. **Capital lmpairment subsequently Covered up in full.

GOLD trading company GoldXtreme said Monday is not included in the ceaseand-desist order list of the Securities and Exchange Commission, amid reports of a crackdown on companies that are offering investment-type products without proper authorization.

“The SEC’s CDO list is a publicly-viewable file that is clearly posted on their Web site. Anyone can log on and check it out,” said GoldXtreme lawyer Dennis Manalo.

“There are currently 73 companies included in the list, and I can assure you with 100 percent certainty that GoldXtreme is not one of them,” he said.

Manalo said GoldXtreme supported the SEC initiative against unethical and unlawful companies.

“The company’s goal is to give hardworking Filipinos a chance to augment their income legally, by becoming gold traders,” Manalo said.

“They duly registered with the SEC as a gold trading company, and have remitted value added tax to the Bureau of Internal Revenue amounting to almost P44 million for the second quarter of 2015.”

The SEC in an earlier advisory said it received reports GoldXtreme was soliciting investments from the public, with the promise of guaranteed returns. Manalo clarified this was not in accordance with the company’s business model and practice, and that GoldXtreme itself would sanction traders who gave the impression.

“Once again, GoldXtreme’s only business is to sell gold. It just so happens that they offer a commission and incentive program for existing clients who refer others to buy gold,” Manalo said. “Furthermore, the money you make in GoldXtreme is not due to passive investing. It entails hard work and referring other customers to buy from the company.”

2 ways to achieve low inflation THE announcement made last week by the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) regarding the inflation rate was very welcome.

The central bank announced that on a year-on -ear basis, the inflation rate as measured by consumer prices rose in July by 0.8 percent. That, the BSP pointed out, was the lowest rate on record, surpassing the previous record, which was the preceding month’s 1.2 percent.

A low level of inflation--as measured by consumer prices--is the greatest gift that a monetary authority can give to the people of a country, especially its poorest citizens. Indeed, of the two functions assigned to the Central Bank of the Philippines by the Joint IMF-Central Bank review committee in 1971--maintaining domestic monetary stability and maintaining external monetary stability--I consider the first as the more important function.

This is particularly true in a developing country, which is by definition high-population, high-unemployment and highlyincome-maldistribution. In times of high and rising consumer prices, it is the poorest and the lower middle classes, particularly the former, that sustain the greatest damage. The affluent and the upper middle class are well able to cope with high inflation.

Essentially there are two ways that a central bank can achieve a low inflation rate. Using aeronautical terminology, one might call them the tailwinds way and the headwinds way. If it’s a tailwind situation, with the economic trends all positive, the monetary authority can simply accommodate and manage the situation. If, on the other hand, the prevailing scenario is of the headwinds kind, with adverse trends assailing the economy, the monetary authority must go into combat mode and fight the adverse trends with all the skills, tools and experience at its disposal.

The economic environment that produced last month’s 0.8 percent year on year inflation rate was decidedly of the tailwinds kind. The central bank did not have to perform the “(leaning) against the prevailing winds” role that a former US Federal Reserve Board chairman, Marriner Eccles, assigned to a central bank. It simply had to accommodate and manage the favorable economic trends that have been prevailing in this country. The trends have been steadily favorable for two of the three principal components of the CPI (consumer price index), namely, food, transportation and electricity. Rice, in turn, is the biggest element of the CPI’s food component.

The statement that accompanied the announcement of the July inflation rate spoke of rice prices’ having been the main factor for rice price stability and of the government’s having acted “proactively” by arranging for substantial rice imports. In effect, the government resolved the rice-self-sufficiency dilemma in favor of stable rice prices.

Electricity and transportation costs were held down mightily by the fall in world oil prices that has been in progress since the second half of 2014. The market consensus is that, with world oil supply up and world oil demand down --due in large measure to the slowdown in the Chinese economy--the price of a barrel of oil is unlikely to rise sharply anytime soon.

That the Philippine economy is not at or near a state of overheatedness has made it possible for the BSP to continue to maintain a benign interest rate environment, with interest rates remaining close to their historical lows. Naturally, this has been beneficial to costs and prices across the rest of the economy.

The tailwinds that made possible the historic 0.8 percent inflation rate last month are likely to persist during the rest of 2015.

However, the BSP may have to don its combat attire, as 2015 recedes and 2016 approaches because the money supply and aggregate spending will experience upward pressure with the onset of the 2016 elections. The central bank will have to counteract and neutralize the resulting headwinds with the deployment of appropriate strategies to hold down costs and prices, particularly consumer prices. BSP had set an inflation rate target range of 2-4 percent for 2015.

In the meantime, let the nation enjoy 0.8 percent inflation while it lasts. Especially the lowest-income groups.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

t u e s D aY : a u G u s t 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B7

Japan to restart nuke plants TOKYO—Japan will Tuesday begin restarting its nuclear power program, officials said, after a twoyear shutdown sparked by public fears following the Fukushima crisis.

The restart comes more than four years after a quake-sparked tsunami triggered meltdowns at the Fukushima plant, prompting the shutdown of Japan’s stable of reactors in the world’s worst atomic crisis in a generation.

Resource-poor Japan, which once relied on nuclear power for a quarter of its electricity, restarted two reactors temporarily to feed its needs. But they both went offline by September 2013, making it completely nuclear-free for about two years.

Japan has ushered in tougher safety

rules to avoid a repeat of Fukushima, including more backup prevention measures and higher tsunami-blocking walls in areas most susceptible to them.

The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is keen to get some of about four dozen reactors back up and running. So are the power companies that own them, fed up with having to make up lost generating capacity with pricey fossil fuels.

“It is important for the country’s energy policy that the government go ahead with reactor restarts once they are confirmed as safe,” top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters Monday.

“The biggest priority is safety.”

The reactor No. 1 at the Sendai nuclear plant, nearly 1,000 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, has been loaded with atomic fuel. Its operator announced Monday the reactor would be switched on by 10:30 am (0130 GMT) Tuesday. AFP

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

ERRATUM There was an error in the ad placement of National Housing Authority dated August 10, 2015.

In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published. We will not be responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

The correct paragraph should have read as follows: “A complete set of Bidding Documents shall be issued only to bidders/ authorized official representatives or employees of the bidder who can show proof of Notarized Authority to secure bid documents for the specific project, Official Company ID upon submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and upon Cash Payment of nonrefundable fee of P12,000.00 at the Office of the NHA-BAC 2 Secretariat, 2nd Floor NHA Main Building, Diliman, Quezon City from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting on August 10, 2015. The BAC 2 Secretariat may be contacted at Tel/Fax No. 928-8272

Shiva’s devotees. Kanwarias, devotees of the Hindu God Shiva who carry pots of holy water from the Ganga river in the town of Haridwar, take a rest while others dance to religious songs at a rest camp as traffic crawls past in New Delhi on August 10. Kanwarias, dressed in orange-colored clothes, carry holy water from the river Ganga from Neelkanth, Gomukh or Haridwar to be poured on the Shivlinga in their hometown temples on the occasion of Shivratri. This journey on foot, when completed, is supposed to fulfil their wishes and endear them to Lord Shiva. AFP

Myanmar flood death toll tops 100 HINTHADA, Myanmar—The death toll from severe flooding across Myanmar has topped 100, state media reported Monday, with nearly one million people affected as fears intensify for the country’s crucial rice bowl region.

Floods from a heavy monsoon season have cut through swathes of South and Southeast Asia in recent weeks, claiming hundreds of lives and displacing millions.

Myanmar, one of Asia’s most impoverished countries, has been hit particularly hard by weeks of torrential rain with 12 out of 14 states and regions suffering flooding.

International aid has been

stepped up in recent days following an official government request for help.

The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper on Monday gave updated government figures of “more than 100” dead, and “nearly one million” people affected, nationwide by the inundations.

More than 486,000 hectares of rice fields are currently under water, with more than 430,000 acres destroyed by the floods, the paper added.

Four regions have been designated disaster zones, with the cyclone-battered western state of Rakhine particularly hard hit.

In recent days fears have grown for rising waters in the the more downstream areas of the Irrawaddy basin and its delta, two key agricultural areas close to the commercial hub Yangon.

Citing the weather bureau, the Global New Light of Myanmar said river levels had dropped slightly on Sunday but “still remained above their designated danger levels”.

Myanmar’s previous junta government was accused of indifference in its sluggish response to Cyclone Nargis in May 2008, a crisis which at least 138,000 people dead or missing. AFP

Aussie dad asks MPS to fund holiday S Y D N E Y— A n Australian father outraged by taxpayerfunded travel perks for politicians and their families has turned the tables by asking members of parliament to help fund his own vacation with his children.

Australian politics has been consumed with stories about the “entitlements” elected representatives are allowed, with MPs under pressure for flying their children business

class for trips which cost thousands of dollars.

The furor prompted father-of-three Stephen Callaghan to establish a Go Fund Me page, entitled “Please Pay For My Kids’ Holiday”, which is directed squarely at federal politicians.

“It has come to my attention that many of you have been using tax payer’s (sic) money to fly your children around on various holidays,” he posted.

“I would appreciate it greatly if you were able to donate to my Go Fund Me campaign so MY kids can go on a holiday too.”

Callaghan said he wasn’t asking for donations from everyday Australians, but they had nonetheless donated more than Aus$700 (US$520) to his page

by Monday afternoon, with several donors saying they were prompted by their disgust at arrogant politicians.

“I plan on filing my donation to your holiday as a tax deduction,” one user who donated $10 wrote.

“I’m just so angry at all these politicians that think it’s acceptable for us to cart their kids around business class on holidays,” Callaghan told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“We’re working class, we’ve got lots of friends who have never been on a holiday.” AFP

Republic of the Philippines Province of Eastern Samar Municipality of Balangiga BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE Invitation to Bid CORE LOCAL ROAD CONSTRUCTION / REHABILITATION PROJECT The Local Government Unit of Balangiga through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites bids for the Core Local Road Construction / Rehabilitation Project, Balangiga,Eastern Samar, detailed as follows: Brief Description Location

Approved Budget for the Contract

: Core Local Road Construction / Rehabilitation Project : Poblacion 01, Poblacion 02, Poblacion 03, Poblacion 04, and Poblacion 05, Balangiga, Eastern Samar : Local Appropriations (2015 Annual Budget), Grant from Grassroots Participatory Budgeting, and Local Appropriations Barangay Poblacion 01, 02, 03, 04, and 05. : Php 13,895,227.09

Contract Completion Period

: Two Hundred Thirty Four (234) calendar days.

Funding Source

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/ fail criterion as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bids received in excess of the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC ) shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Moreover, bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy-five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines. Foreign bidders may be eligible to participate in the procurement of infrastructure projects only when authorized under any treaty or international or executive agreement as provided in Section 23.5.2.2 of the Revised IRR of R.A. No. 9184.

Also, bidders should have completed, within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project, which must have a value of at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC. The complete description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly in Section II. Instructions to Bidders (ITB).

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased on July 30, 2015 by interested Bidders from the BAC Secretariat, Municipal Building, Balangiga, Eastern Samar, and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Five Pesos (Php 25,000.00) only.

The Bidding Documents, except the Drawings, may be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System. In such case, bidders shall pay the non-refundable fee for the complete Bidding Documents not later than the date of submission of their bids.

Pre-Bid Conference will be held for the procurement on August 05, 2015, 2:30 in the Afternoon at SB Session Hall, Balangiga, Eastern Samar.

Bids must be delivered to the above address on or before August 17, 2015, 2:00 P.M. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18, will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend on the date, time and place above stated. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bid opening will be held on August 17, 2015, 2:30 P.M. at SB Session Hall, Municipal Building, Balangiga, Eastern Samar. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

The LGU- Balangiga BAC reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, annul the bidding process, and reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please contact: DANILO A. DARANG BAC Secretary 1st Floor Municipal Building, Balangiga, Eastern Samar Cellphone No. 09074128082

( T S - A U G . 11, 2 015 )

(SGD) GUALTIERRE MARL D. GANNABAN BAC Chairman LGU-Balangiga, Eastern Samar

T U E S D AY : A U G U S T 1 1 , 2 0 1 5

B8

cESAr bArrioqUinTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world

Singapore’s Lee mulled euthanasia in last years SINGAPORE—Singapore’s founding leader Lee Kuan Yew, shattered by the death of his wife, asked his doctors about the possibility of euthanasia in his final years, his daughter revealed Monday.

Lee Wei Ling, herself a doctor, wrote in a column for the Straits Times newspaper a day after Singapore celebrated 50 years of independence that the “last few years of Papa’s life without Mama were a sad and difficult time”.

“He raised the topic of euthanasia with his doctors, and they told him that was illegal in Singapore. I also told him it was illegal for me to help him to do so elsewhere,” Lee wrote.

The occasional column by Lee, a senior adviser at the National Neuroscience Institute, is closely watched for glimpses into the private life of Singapore’s most influential family―Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is her elder brother.

Lee Kuan Yew’s death at the age of 91 on March 23 after a prolonged stay in hospital due to severe pneumonia triggered an unprecedented outpouring of grief among Singaporeans.

In a book published in 2013, Lee had said he was feeling weaker by the day and wanted a quick death.

He rapidly began to look feeble after his wife of 63 years, Kwa Geok Choo, died in 2010, and he rarely appeared in public in his final years.

Lee had signed an Advance Medical Directive, a legal document instructing doctors not to use any life-sustaining treatment to prolong his life if he was unconscious and considered close to a natural death.

The British-educated lawyer is widely credited for helping to turn Singapore into one of the world’s wealthiest, safest and most stable places, but is also criticized for his iron-fisted rule.

He was prime minister from 1959, when colonial ruler Britain granted Singapore self-rule, to 1990. He led Singapore to independence in 1965 after a brief and stormy union with Malaysia.

He stepped down as prime minister in favor of his deputy Goh Chok Tong, who in turn handed the reins to Lee’s eldest child in 2004. AFP

Tourist draw. Tourists visit the Peyrepertuse Castle in the commune of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, in southern France, on August 5. The Cathar

Castles have been applied to be added to the Unesco list of World Heritage Sites in the hope of attracting more visitors and of thus promoting the economic growth of the rural hinterland of the Southwest. AFP

S. Korea blames North for maiming 2 soldiers SEOUL—South Korea on Monday threatened “harsh” retaliation after blaming North Korea for land mine blasts that maimed two soldiers on border patrol, ramping up military tensions on the divided peninsula.

The US-led United Nations Command, which oversees the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War, said analysis of the mine debris showed them to be North Korean “wooden box” land mines placed on a known South Korean border patrol path.

“The investigation determined that the devices were recently emplaced,” it said, ruling out the possibility they were old mines displaced over the border by shifting soil patterns.

The three land mines were detonated by members of a military patrol last Tuesday in the South Korean half of the Demilitarized Zone, a

buffer area flanking both sides of the inter-Korean frontier.

One soldier underwent a double leg amputation, while another had one leg removed.

“We are certain they were North Korean land mines planted with an intention to kill by our enemies who sneaked across the military border,” Defense Ministry spokesman Kim MinSeok told reporters.

The South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff vowed that North Korea would “pay a harsh price proportionate for the provocation it made”.

Describing the attack as a “baseless act” and “wanton violation” of non-aggression accords, it urged the North to apologize and punish those responsible.

The defense ministry declined to comment on what was meant by “harsh price” or speculate on the retaliatory options being considered.

Analysts said the type of incident made a proportionate response difficult to gauge.

“Realistically, it’s hard to see what South Korea

can actually do,” said Dan Pinkston, Korea expert at the International Crisis Group in Seoul.

“It’s an unacceptable breach of the armistice terms, but you don’t want to escalate the situation so it spins out of control. It’s very difficult,” Pinkston told AFP. There was no immediate reaction from North Korea.

Because the 1953 armistice was never replaced with a peace treaty, the two Koreas remain technically at war and the DMZ―despite its name―is one of the most heavily-militarized frontiers on the planet.

More than a million mines are believed to have been planted along the border, including those air-dropped in great numbers in the 1960s at the height of a Cold War confrontation with the North.

Yang Moo-Jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said North Korea was almost certain to deny planting the mines, and added that it was difficult to deduce any motive for such an operation. AFP

21 dead as temperatures soar in Egypt

Disaster area. Rescuers distribute drinking water to residents along

a flooded street in Wenling, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, on August 10, after strong storms hit the area during Typhoon Soudelor’s landfall. The number of people killed by Typhoon Soudelor in China rose to 21 on August 10, authorities said, with five more missing. AFP

CAIRO—Twenty-one people have died and 66 others were hospitalized with exhaustion as soaring temperatures and high humidity hit Cairo and other parts of Egypt, the health ministry said Monday.

The victims, who all died on Sunday, succumbed as temperatures soared as high as 47 degrees Celsius (117 Fahrenheit) in conditions made less bearable by elevated humidity levels.

Fifteen people died in Cairo, four in the Delta province of Qalibiya and two in Upper Egypt’s Qena province, the ministry said in a statement. Those who died,

including seven women, were all aged over 60.

Sixty-six people were admitted to hospital after suffering from exhaustion, including 37 who are still under observation, it added.

“There is a big rise in temperature compared with previous years.

But the problem is the humidity which is affecting people more,” said ministry spokesman Hossam Abdel Ghaffar.

“Long exposure under the sun is a killer.”

Meteorological officials confirmed that temperatures in the capital and some parts of the country were higher then average.

“The temperature is higher by four to five degrees than what is usually seen, and the humidity is very high this month,” Waheed Soudi, head of analysis in the Egyptian Meteorological Authority told AFP. “The peak temperature in the shade was 38 degrees Celsius in Cairo on Sunday, which means it was 47 degrees under the sun or in places with bad ventilation.”

Although it is not uncommon to see summer temperatures in the high 30s throughout Egypt, it is rare for humidity levels to remain elevated during excessively hot weather. AFP

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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

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

A RTS, CU LT U RE & T ECH

LIFE

“Ipinagkakait na Kalayaan” by Francis E. Andrade of the Bulacan State University, first place, Oil/Acrylic category (2014 Shell National Students Art Competition)

“Bottom of the Autumn,” first place in the Watercolor category in the 2014 Shell National Students Art Competition

“Buuin Natin Ulit. Bangon Na, Sulong Na!” by Jan Andrew B. Denila of the Philippine Women’s College – Davao, first place, Sculpture category (2014 Shell National Students Art Competition)

ART GOES DIGITAL

Film directors share their views on digital artistry at 48th Shell Art tilt “25 Hours a Day” by Wesley Jelo C. Almazar of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, first place, Digital Fine Arts category (2014 Shell National Students Art Competition)

“Beat Me Up with Colors” by Sharmaine V. Requine of the Technological University of the Philippines and “A Glint at the Fork in the Road” by Paulo C. Garinganao of La Consolacion College – Bacolod, special awardees, Digital Short Film category (2014 Shell National Students Art Competition)

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igital technolog y is democratizing art and allowing more people to become creative. Nowadays, smart gadgets like cellular phones, tablets and DLSR cameras can help anyone create a short film and publish his opus on the worldwide web – a trend recognized by the Shell National Students Art Competition when it included the Digital Short Film under the Multimedia category in last year’s tilt. This year, more and more students of digital arts are expected to participate in the said category and showcase their talents in filmmaking via the 48th Shell art competition that includes traditional categories such as Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Sculpture, and the Digital Fine Arts that is also under the Multimedia Arts category.

As observed by notable alternative cinema film director and NSAC judge (Digital Short Film category) Raymond Red, anyone can now become a “filmmaker.” “Technology allows us to be more creative. As artists and filmmakers, it is now so much easier to share our work and let other people see a piece of our imagination and creativity,” he said.

Red was among the first wave of Philippine independent filmmakers during the early 1980s, but back then, he was still using conventional Super 8mm and 16mm camera to shoot his films.

The director, however, is emphatic that technology, though an enabler, should not come before a great story.

“Having new camera lenses or a stateof-the-art editing tool might help, but it can never go beyond the power of an original story told in a refreshing way. A winning piece is made from a strong idea relayed through strong visuals. Technology can support, but it can never replace skill,” stressed Red,

whose accolades include a Palme d’Or award at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival for his short film “Anino”; a citation at the Oxford History of World Cinema; and a Rotterdam Hubert Bals Memorial grant, among others.

Pablo Biglang-Awa, also a judge in this year’s Shell NSAC Digital Short Film category, agrees with Red. A unique perspective is a key factor that can help artists stand out, and while the passion to create can be a great driving force, it is equally important to learn the nitty-gritty of the craft which is critical in the production, he avers. “Find your ‘voice’ and learn to share your stories effectively with the best crafting you can muster,” Biglang-Awa advises.

Like Red, Biglang-Awa was also at the front seat of the country’s digital revolution several years back. Among his acclaimed films include “Inang Yaya” which won the 2007 Young Critic’s Circle’s Best Performance Award and “Mother Nanny” (co-directed with Veronica Velasco) that won the 2007 FAMAS Award for Best Picture and the 2008 Cairo International Film Festival for Children Bronze Award.

Avid Liongoren, fellow NSAC judge for Digital Short Film, noted that sharpening one’s craft is also about exploring new ideas and learning from other filmmakers and artists. “We may have our own ideas and style, but sometimes, you need to communicate and listen to others to be able to create the best version of your art. Go out and see as much art as you can,” Liongoren shares his insights derived from 14 years of experience in the advertising industry. Among his notable works are commercials for 7-11 and Dutchmill.

The illustrator/director has also embarked on other imaginative projects in the past such as the “My Project 365” – drawings that were sketched every

day for a period of four years, and the indie film “Saving Sally,” a bittersweet love story dipped in a glaze of sci-fi and fantasy that he directed.

Just as the three judges have emphasized, a great story and an impeccable crafting are what can make a masterpiece. The 48th Shell NSAC recognizes this, which is why studentartist participants this year now have an opportunity to tell their story. The theme for this year’s NSAC competition is “Highlights.”

Over the years, the art tilt has been instrumental in enabling young Filipino student-artists to realize their dream. Past winners of the Shell NSAC include a number of contemporary Filipino art masters such as National Artists Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz.

The Shell NSAC is open to all Filipino college students who are currently enrolled this year for at least 12 units.

Grand prize winners will each be awarded a cash prize amounting to P60,000. The second and third place winners will receive P40,000 and P30,000, respectively.

Submission and acceptance of provincial entries will be from August 12, 13 and 14, 2015 at any Shell provincial depot and installations, or in any of the following receiving centers: Anthill Fabric Gallery, Gallery Orange and Museo Iloilo. Metro Manila-based contestants must bring their entries on September 3, 4 and 5, 2015 to Shell House, 156 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City. Students may inquire with the fine arts department or the students’ affairs office of their respective colleges and universities. Check out www.shell.com. ph/shell_art for more information.

TUESDAY : AUGUST 11 : 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

THE INSANITY OF FANBOY CULTURE The shortlived comedy game show Beat the Geeks (2001-2002) was one of mainstream THE GIST m e d i a’s depictions

BY ED BIADO of fanboy culture. On the show, contestants had to compete against one another, as well as against the resident “geeks,” who are trivia experts in their chosen category, such as movies, music and TV. Niche geeks exist, too, and they specialize in specific subcategories like James Bond, South Park and Star Trek.

However, we don’t call them geeks anymore.

Anyone who has an intensive and extensive knowledge of anything is now known as a fanboy. And they usually just happily indulge in their own fandoms and consume as much of the product/brand/pop culture form/genre that they love. But the word “fanboy” doesn’t so much talk about these people. The term is most used in the context of consumer tech, which can be traced back to the great “Mac or PC” debate a decade back.

“In today’s fanboy culture, kids are obsessively supporting products. They aren’t ‘fighting the man,’ they ‘are the man.’ They are using their fanboy legions and their inherent purchasing power to persuade and dissuade anyone in their way,” Mark Cuban wrote on his blog back in 2007. The same observation still applies today.

When “fanboy” is mentioned in a tech article, it almost always pertains to a smartphone fanboy, whom Lessley Anderson defined in an article on The Verge last year as “the kind of crazily obsessed tech enthusiast who appears to have become

unhinged somewhere between peeling off his smartphone’s screen protector and making his 457th comment on Android Central.”

The most notable characterization of the fanboy, according to Anderson, is that he seems to “romantically love” his phone to the point of “[exploding] with rage when somebody says anything less than glowingly positive about it.”

Most of us have probably been in a conversation with a fanboy. If you have, you’ve most likely noticed how passionate he is about his phone and how much he

believes that everything else is inferior.

You’ve probably also seen him live-tweet an announcement event of a new product, service or OS update, which he stayed up late for to live-stream.

All the sh*t goes down during these instances. When an Apple event is happening, Apple fanboys are gushing over the new features, thinking of them as groundbreaking, original, innovative, overwhelmingly superior and ahead of its time. On the other hand, Android fanboys are on their toes, looking through the cracks

for something less than stellar, which they’ll quickly point out. And the roles are reversed when it’s time for a Google/Android event.

Smartphone fanboys are a tech company’s unpaid marketing network. They are loyal followers, evangelists and cheerleaders. And as Anderson so accurately describes them in comparison with other types of fanboys, “They are noisier. They are more aggressive. And they seem, at times, truly out of their minds, or the least to have seriously lost perspective.”

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @EdBiado

T EC H TA L K

Style and Substance

Marshall Major II Headphones is now available in the Philippines

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ooking for a headphone that looks good and delivers? Marshall headphones and Marshall amplification proudly introduce Major II, the latest headphone model succeeding the original Marshall Major.

Though still resembling the old Marshall design, this second edition packs up on performance. Its more advanced sound features include customized drivers to deliver deeper bass and more extended detailed sounds with a redefined mid-range and overall lower distortion.

The headphone’s headband is more durable and flexible for movement; when you start listening to music you barely even know it’s there. The headband also adapts to

your head shape for increased comfort during those long listening sessions. The dual 3.5-mm jacks allow you to plug it either to the left or right of your earphones, and the best thing about it is you get to share the chords with someone else so you can listen to the same music.

Compared to the first release, Marshall II has a more rounded ear piece design that makes for a comfortable listening. The detachable double-ended coil cord with mic and remote is equipped with an L-plug end, providing improved durability and carrying case.

The style is very classic in its form. You can choose from four color variants depending on your mood or personality – brown, white, black, and pitch black (everything is black on

black including the signature logo). Our favorite is the black design with gold metal embellishments, the style reminiscent of a classic electric guitar especially towards the end of the cable.

An impressive second act, Marshall II is a good buy if you are looking for comfort, style and performance. It retails for only P4,650 and is available at Astroplus, Avid Surfer, Beyond the Box, BZB Gadget Hive, Cebu Audiophile, Complink, Digital Arena, Digital Hub, Digital Walker, E-Central, Egghead, Heima, iCenter, iCon, iStore, iStudio, Lazada (online), Listen Up, Listening Room, Mobile 1, Odyssey, PC Hub, PowerHub, Quicksound, Republik, Senco Link, SM Music & Video, Spectra, Stored Inc, Switch, Sync, Technoholics, TechSavvy, TechShop, and Technopop.

TUESDAY : AUGUST 11 : 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

ARTS AND CULTURE ROUNDUP What’s on in theaters and galleries this week

EXHIBITS Manix Abrera: 14 Silent Comics South Wing Gallery, UP Vargas Museum, Quezon City Ongoing until August 19

Madonna: Paintings by BenCab Print Gallery, BenCab Museum, Baguio City Ongoing until August 30

Manananggal, duwende, kapre and other Philippine mythological creatures go on nondialogue adventures in Manuel “Manix” Abrera’s latest solo exhibition “14 Silent Comics.”

Known for his Kikomachine Komix publications, Abrera exhibits his drawing skills, honed by years of experience in editorial cartoon and comic series, via a collection of funny and philosophical silent comics portraying these rather scary creatures as protagonists caught up in circumstances where they meet different characters, mortal or otherwise.

For more information, contact (02) 928-1927 or email vargasmuseum@gmail.com

In one of his exhibits for this month, National Artist Benedicto Cabrera, popularly known as BenCab, focuses on — arguably his most endearing subject — mother and child.

The series is composed of a collection of smallformat paintings on paper, and is presented in association with BenCab Art Foundation and Sureste Properties, Inc. BenCab Museum is located at Km. 6 Asin Road, Tuba, Metro Baguio. For inquiries, contact (074) 4427165, 0920-5301954, 0915-1286393 or visit www. bencabmuseum.org

Sarah Geneblazo: Fear of the Unknown Blanc Gallery, Quezon City Ongoing until August 25

Yeo Kaa: Okay Main Gallery, ArtInformal, Mandaluyong City August 13 to September 12

In her latest exhibition, Sara h G enebl azo continues to use her art to cope and heal herself with her current series that focuses on a young, vulnerable girl lost in a labyrinthine tangle of trees. Each painting depicts her recurring nightmare of getting lost in a forest.

Geneblazo, a victim of sexual abuse, acknowledges that this latest series is an important part of her journey through the wilderness that is her trauma. The young girl lost in the woods portrays her and many others who aspire to find their way out of their own miseries. The paintings aim to serve as non-violent but compelling weapons against fear and confusion.

For more information, visit http://blanc.ph

Over time, “okay” has taken several meanings other than a mere “yes.” Today, this word could also mean a confirmation that everything is alright, a question, a sarcastic retort, or an expression of resignation, and just like “okay’s” different definitions, Yeo Kaa’s second exhibition is teeming with meanings that are presented in such a way that appear far from being okay.

Kaa's latest series depicts destruction, crime and suicide through compelling images of the subject (Kaa's invented persona) cooking herself in a pan, dunking her head in a drum, and killing an infant who's still connected to her via the umbilical cord, among many other powerful presentations.

For more details on this exhibit, visit www.artinformal.com

Anton Mallari: Back:Track Blanc Gallery, Quezon City Ongoing until August 29

Joel Vega: What Falls Apart The Big Room, ArtInformal, Mandaluyong City August 13 to September 12

A curator and an artist, Anton Mallari takes viewers to a journey through art history in this exhibition that pays homage to masters, local and international, who have inspired him and many other artists.

Mallari’s creations explicitly reference the masterpieces of acclaimed artists: from Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, Salvador Dali’s Corpus Hypercubus, Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, Fernando Amorsolo’s The Burning of Manila, Edvard Munch’s The Scream, Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, to Raphael Sanzio’s Sistine Madonna in each of his paintings. He uses symbols from these notable works and merges them in an original piece that seek to comment on Philippine issues and affairs.

For more information, visit http://blanc.ph

In his second solo exhibit, visual artist Joel Vega once again explores the fascinating world of collages, found photos and embroidery as he creates images that invite viewers to reflect and imagine.

Vega stitched, layered and deconstructed photos, cloth and other materials to produce original compositions.

In some pieces, facial expressions are erased while in others, the landscape — layered with cloth — is its own character. The series, which Vega worked on at a time when he learned his partner had terminal disease, provided him “some foothold” and a space for expression.

For more details on this exhibit, visit www.artinformal.com

THEATER Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati City August 15 to December 10

For its holiday presentation, Repertory Philippines returns onstage with its own production of Michael Valenti and Elsa Rael’s adaptation of the classic fairy tale, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

Kids and kids-at-heart are familiar with the story of the young, fair lady who finds refuge and true friends in the form of seven little creatures with different characters, and later meets her prince whose kiss proves his love for her. Rep’s version retells this story in the same manner as Disney’s but with the addition of enthralling live music, mesmerizing choreography and classical ballet.

Tickets for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs range from P400 to P600. For more details on the play, call the Repertory Philippines at (02) 843-3570; for ticket reservations, contact TicketWorld at (02) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

CONCERTS Spanish Guitar Night Ayala Museum Lobby, Makati City August 18

For a one-night only concert, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Independent Philippine Art Ventures Inc. (IPAV) present “Spanish Guitar Night” featuring one of the world’s top classical guitarists, Francisco Bernier.

A multi-awarded Spanish guitarist, Bernier has forged a successful career throughout the years that led him to perform with different orchestras and play in prestigious venues in over 37 countries around the globe. Performing alongside him is the Philippines’ very own classic guitarist Adrik Cristobal, who is currently being mentored by Bernier himself.

For ticket reservations, call TicketWorld at (02) 891-9999

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Theater newbie Lucho Ayala plays the protagonist Ibarra/Simoun

A FRESH TAKE ON NOLI AND FILI PETA restages a theater classic

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oli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, the classic masterpieces of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, have a timeless appeal not only among Filipinos but virtually all audiences because the truths that they present continue to be relevant to this day.

Following the success of hit rockcomedy musical, Rak of Aegis, the Philippine Educational Theater Association brings back Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil in September at the PETA Theater Center.

Acclaimed writer and academic Nicanor Tiongson’s modern retelling of Rizal’s masterpieces brilliantly captures the revolutionary philosophies of the two great novels, enhanced by the visual prowess of theater stalwart Soxie Topacio, promising a powerful and moving theater piece that audiences will appreciate.

During its first tun in 2008, Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil got the nod of critics, with over 50 performances all over the country that underscored the brilliance of Rizal’s exceptional narratives.

Almost seven years thereafter, the production’s message remains as powerful, if not stronger, with a restructured script that tackles some of today’s most pressing political issues concentrating on governance and corruption.

According to Tiongson, he does not wish to encompass Rizal’s obra maestras but rather, to explore and showcase the prevailing message and influence of Rizal’s novels in present day Philippine society.

The noted writer and academic shares that he focused on Rizal’s idea on the “cancer of society” which he feels strongly about. “Iyon pa rin ba ang sakit na pumapatay sa lipunan ngayon? Ano kayang isyu ang maaring itapat dito sa kasalukuyan? Sunud-sunod na mga iskandalo sa gobiyerno kaugnay ang garapal na korupsyon ng sistema ang nagpatunay na walang pinagiba ang kanser sa panahon ni Rizal at sa kasalukuyan.” (Is that still

In the restaging of 'Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil,' PETA welcomes a mix of fresh-faced actors and seasoned thespians; Kris Bernal and Liza Dino-Seguerra portray Ibarra’s love interest, Clarissa (Maria Clara).

damsel Maria Clara, the flawed Padre Damaso and Salvi, and all the other rich characters of the canon text will still be recognized by audience members but with a contemporary twist as the story takes place in Maypajo, Quezon during one of the most devastating storms of the decade affecting the lives of almost 3,000 citizens and destroying 200 households.

A perfect reflection of Rizal’s profound ideologies during his time and the effects of today’s politics and corruption, Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil repackages Rizal’s obras into a modern production that people today will relates with, particularly students looking for a fresh perspective on their classroom lessons.

This run welcomes a mix of freshfaced actors and veteran thespians such as Lucho Ayala as the hero, Ibarra. His love interest, Clarissa (Maria Clara), will be played by two experienced performers: Kris Bernal and Liza Dino-Seguerra. Other cast members include Jojo Atienza, Renante Bustamante, Roi Calilong, Buddy Caramat, Mikou David, Eric dela Cruz, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Gio Gahol, Neomi Gonzales, Joseph Madriaga, Nicole Manlulo, Kitsi Pagaspas, Joanne Pamintuan, Norbs Portales, Bembol Roco, Raffy Tejada, Jack Yabut, and many others.

Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil will reopen at the PETA Theater Center on the weekend of September 10 until September 13; moving to a bigger venue at the Springs Production Studios in New Manila for the coming shows (September 18 to September 27). The run will end with a Rizal themed festival entitled “Sa Aking Mga Kabata: An arts festival on the life and works of Rizal” on September 25 to 27.

the illness that is killing society today? What issues would be the equivalent during this time? The government has been hounded by one scandal after another on the issues of blatant corruption of the system, which proves that the

For more information on Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil and Sa Aking Mga Kabata, interested viewers may visit www.petatheater.com or call PETA at 725 6244. Tickets for the gala night on September 10 are available on www.ticketworld.com.ph.

cancer during the time of Rizal is the same that afflicts society today.)

Making use of the 2004 Infanta landslide as an inspiration for his setting, Tiongson traversed to the Quezon province in order to gain a clearer perspective of his narrative.

Extensive research on Rizal’s novels coupled with an immersion in the province was what gave him the push to write and mold the characters and story of Noli at Fili Dekada Dos Mil. Not deviating too far from the text, the heroic Ibarra/Simoun, the

T UES DAY : AUGUST 11 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

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Speaking of album, he recently released his debut record JK, taken from his nickname. It contains six songs written by new breed of composers like Jensen Gomez, Brad Go, and Kennard Faraon. The carrier single “Para Sa ‘Yo” is now enjoying heavy rotation on top radio stations in the country. “Di Ka Man Lang Nagpaalam” is special to him as it the song he dedicates to his late mother. JK also includes the band version of “Para Sa ‘Yo” and the acoustic version of “This Gravity”.

JK has no words to describe this big adventure. He’s just extremely grateful and remembers one of the most important advise Coach Bamboo gave him, “…ang pagiging humble po at pagiging masunurin sa payo,” He’s sure that his mother is proud of what he has achieved so far. At his age, he has everything a young boy could ever ask for. But aside from the material wishes and the accolades, he has one big wish, “Sana may visiting hours ang heaven para pwede ako bumisita sa kanya at ma-hug at ma-kiss ko siya tapos sasabihin ko ‘I love you’.”

JK is now out on CDs at Astroplus and Astrovision outlets and through digital downloads via Spinnr and iTunes. It can also be streamed on Spinnr, Apple Music, VEVO, Spotify, Deezer, Guvera and Rdio.

For bookings and inquiries, please contact Sammy Samaniego of MCA Music Artist Management at +632 9162504 local 107, +639178565174 and +639209682991 or email sammy. samaniego@umusic.com or mcabookings@umusic.com

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thousands of videos of their choice with access to the world’s biggest online video databases.

Another unique feature of the YouTube and Dailymotion Video Bundle is that it is “stackable”, which means that a customer can register to the promo multiple times while the current registration is still active so that one can get more MBs to stream more videos.

Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan enthuses, “As we continue to revolutionize the mobile landscape and drive the country’s positioning as the ‘digital lifestyle capital of the world’, we are happy to introduce another groundbreaking offer in YouTube10. We know that Filipinos are heavy consumers of video content, and we are excited to bring YouTube and Dailymotion closer and more ac-

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JK's album cover

New mobile video experieNCe

he country’s no.1 mobile brand Globe Telecom continues to lead the drive in mobile data usage in the country with its recent partnership with popular online video websites YouTube and Dailymotion to further boost video content consumption and accessibility of the sites on mobile devices with affordable online video bundles.

With the YouTube and Dailymotion Video Bundle, Globe prepaid and TM customers get 100MB of data to access YouTube to watch and stream videos for as low as P10 per day. Customers who subscribe to the promo get extra access to more online videos via another online video site Dailymotion, a video platform which attracts 300 million users who watch 3 billion videos on its player each month.

Users who avail of the video bundle now have the power to view

EDITOR

The Voice Kids' Juan Karlos Labajo joins the roster of recording artits with his debut album

Juan Karlos labaJo’s debuT album

e’s a ball of energy with the charm that can win you over in an instant.

Juan Karlos Labajo became an instant favorite among The Voice Kids roster because of his smooth voice, his undeniable wit, and sense of humor. Coach Bamboo made a right choice turning for the then 13-year old Cebuano.

JK has a taste in music not all kids his age appreciate. He’s into jazz and more mellow genres that most adults listen to. Even his singing has a distinct style that his classmates and teachers immediately noticed.

After performing for a number of school programs, his family knew he would make it big. It was his mom’s wish for JK to join The Voice Kids, but she has passed away before she even got the chance to watch him compete. This made JK more determined to get to the final, with his grandmother and uncle by his side.

Even if the competition was tough, he knew that his mom was guiding him every single moment.

His third place finish opened lots of doors for Juan Karlos – an album with MCA Music, tours, concerts, and an acting stint on television.

The endless possibilities just intensified JK’s dreams to win awards for music and movies, start a modeling career, and of course bag an international record deal; not just for himself, but to help reach out to more people in need, “Dream ko po na makatulong sa mga cancer patients at pumunta sa home for the aged. Gusto ko na mapasaya sila sa aking talento at mag-share po ako ng aking mga blessings sa kanila.”

ISAH V. RED

cessible to our prepaid customers at a pocket-friendly price on their tablets and smartphones.

“We want to make sure we are making YouTube as enjoyable as possible for our growing base of mobile users in the Philippines.

By working with Globe to create a more affordable way for people to watch videos on mobile, we hope Filipinos will be able to enjoy a better YouTube experience across devices, either at home or on the go,” said Rajan Anandan, Vice President and Managing Director, Google Southeast Asia and India.

“Dailymotion is always looking to expand its reach across the globe to bring our expansive collection of online video content closer to more users. We are excited to partner with Globe in the Philippines to give avid Filipino users a convenient and affordable way to access our online video database,” shared

Globe's YouTube and Dailymotion video

Clement Gosse, director of Partnerships at Dailymotion.

Videos viewed outside of YouTube and Dailymotion will be charged regular browsing rates if not registered to any surf promo.

To keep prepaid load safe from data charges, one can use SurfAlert, which sends customers free notifications for every visit to another site. To learn more about

SurfAlert, dial *143#, then select My Account > Turn on mobile Internet alerts > SurfAlert.

To start using the YouTube and Dailymotion Video Bundle, customers just need to text YouTube10 to 8888 or via *143#. To know more about the new YouTube10 promo, visit www.globe. com.ph, call 730-1010 or visit a store nearest you.

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Good Life with hd ChanneLs first on sKY

T Roy Allan Magturo and Binky Lampano

Welcome to the Blues poster

BInky LamPanO IS BaCk

By JEnny ORTUOSTE

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n March, The Standard carried an exclusive story on the career of reclusive musical pioneer Binky Lampano, who excelled in various genres – new wave, rock, and the blues – but then melted away from the local scene.

He migrated to the US nearly 15 years ago, but still made his presence felt by gigging whenever he returned to Manila, which was almost every year until 2008, his last visit home.

After that, nothing was heard of him until three years ago when he briefly wrote a music column for The Standard, and when he coached Filipino blues band Brat Pack in the 2014 and 2015 International Blues Competition held every January in Memphis.

Lampano’s self-imposed seven-year absence from his home country made aficionados wonder: where in the world is he?

Now, Binky’s back to sing the blues.

FLaWLESS REhEaRSaLS Upon arriving in Manila last month, Lampano’s first act was to regroup his blues band, Lampano Alley, for a one-night only performance on Aug. 12 at Strumms Makati.

The event, organized by impresario-lawyer Roy Allan Magturo (who is also a director of the Philippine Blues Society) will also feature Bluesviminda and Ian Lofamia Band.

With a set list of about 30 songs familiar and new, the band mates buckle down to practice at a nonde-

script studio in Kamuning.

When I arrive to observe one of the sessions, the members of Lampano Alley are already in their places. Tom Colvin sits in a corner with his harmonicas, Kwachi Vergara beside him on guitar, Rey Vinoya in another corner on drums, Simon Tan opposite him on bass, and Binky, the vocalist, songwriter, and director, facing them all.

Their repertoire this afternoon comprises original tunes recorded in their only album so far Songs from the Alley (2002). Kwachi leads into the melody of “Losing You.” Rey brings the beat, Simon lays down the bass line, and Binky – his voice deeper, grainier – belts out the lyrics: “Got my TV up for repo…same for the stereo too…”

And when Tom joins in and starts stomping to keep himself in time, the sound of his harmonica is frosting on the cake, sweet curlicues of sound that twist around and adorn the foundations laid by Kwachi, Rey, and Simon, with Binky’s words the force that holds them all together.

They play the song flawlessly, with not one discordant note. It’s perfect.

BLUES TUnES anD mORE “What next?” they ask each other.

And off they go into “Major Fool”, “Trouble,” “Barking Up the Wrong Tree” – all Alley originals - and standards including Bobby Bland’s “Ask Me ‘Bout Nothing (But the Blues)” and Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic.”

That last tune might stray from

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 40 41 42 43 44 47 48 49 50 53 56 58 59 60 61 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Nikola the inventor 6 Explorer — de Leon 11 White vestment 14 Of an Andean empire 15 Steel girder (hyph.)

16 Fitting 17 Blue bloods 18 Where one stands 20 Pair in Scotland 21 Courts

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Rolex rival Germ source?

The Waltz King Solitude enjoyers Preside Phony handle Serious theater MTV hosts Beseeched Urbane Kettle handle Golf term

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Sponge Maggot, for one Jabs playfully Glitterati (2 wds.)

Juntas Cholla and nopal Elicit a chuckle “B.C.” cartoonist Mao — -tung Metal in bananas Kayak kin Part of TGIF Make a remark Ms. Witherspoon Susan of “L.A. Law” Fall guy Loosens, as a grip

DOWN 1 Pinball no-no 2 Enough, in verse 3 More spindly 4 Fictional collie 5 Results 6 Basketball move 7 Osaka sashes 8 Bridal notice word 9 Raven’s call 10 Department stores 11 Farewell 12 Gill alternatives

the regular blues offerings, but then Lampano is no cookie-cutter crooner, neither in the quality of his voice, which is distinctive, nor in his choice of music, which is eclectic.

His influences run from Morrison’s flavor of Celtic soul to hard bop jazz and other genres betwixt and beyond, their threads running into the warp and weft of his songs to create a sound like no other. It’s the combinatorial creativity Binky brings to his work that fuels his fans’ fascination through the years.

As I watch the rehearsal, Binky, Tom, Kwachi, Simon, and Rey fall into familiar patterns, picking up the rhythms ingrained into their senses by muscle memory and repetition, and despite the gap of years stepping into their old roles seamlessly.

And the reunited bandmates play on, entangled in the web of notes they have woven around themselves, their dedication to their art elevating their practice to a passionate pitch. These are musicians and friends bound together by memories and the music they made and will still make, and in the end, that’s what it’s all about and ever was.

I tiptoe out of the studio. If this rehearsal is any indication, August 12 is going to be a fantastic and memorable night of the blues.

Watch Lampano Alley with Bluesviminda and Ian Lofamia Band in a onenight only performance, “Welcome to the Blues,” on Aug. 12, Wednesday, at Strumms, 110 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati. Gate opens at 730 pm.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

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Second-brightest stars FitzGerald’s poet NATO cousin Aim toward Clear the stubble Gentle Reindeer herder Earthen pot Rugged cliffs Guys A-teams in high school Kid around Thin board Rice wine Quilt stuffing Arises (2 wds.)

Stern reprimand Leaning Tower town Canister Fast Steal the scene Plucky Accord competitor Tints Letter encl.

Just scrapes by RR terminal Gomez’s hairy cousin Drop — — line

he great delicacies and symphonies of the world can now be enjoyed in glorious detail on digital cable TV. The Asian Food Channel, the premiere food and lifestyle broadcaster in Asia; and Mezzo Live, the best place for classical music, jazz, and dance on television, now have high definition channels of their own, launched first on SKYcable and Destiny Cable. Each HD channel brings with its own flavor of the good life that everyone can savor.

Britain’s culinary landscape unfolds on the Asian Food Channel HD. Master Chef Gordon Ramsey is looking for the best dining establishments in the UK in his latest show, Ramsay’s Best Restaurant. Entire restaurant teams will be tested in this fast-paced, hard-hitting new competition. Fans of the genre will surely have an exhilarating experience watching the fiery Ramsey command contestants to victory.

Jamie Oliver offers a more comforting counterpoint to Ramsey’s fierceness. Also showing on the Asian Food Channel HD is Jamie Oliver’s new show, Jamie at Home. This time, Jamie demonstrates healthy and easy to cook cuisine for the busy urbanite. Fans will have a look at Jamie’s down to earth style, especially when he uses ingredients that are organically grown from his own garden.

Fantastic cuisine pairs wonderfully with the har-

monic musical performances that come to life in high definition video and concert-quality sound on Mezzo Live HD. Fans of these exquisite musical genres are treated to the sights and sounds of the most beautiful concert halls that can be experienced straight from TV at home.

With all programs recorded and broadcast in HD, viewers can indulge in concertos and symphonies held across the most renowned halls in Europe everyday.

This August, fans of the high arts can watch the best interpretations of the classics on Mezzo Live HD. Long-time followers of this scene will bear witness to Youn Sun Nah at Jazz à Vienne Festival; Verdi: Falstaff conducted by Daniele Gatti in Zurich; and Anna Netrebko sings Don Pasquale by Donizetti – all in an unparalleled HD TV experience.

SKYcable and Destiny Cable digital subscribers can experience these channels, each for only P50 per month via SELECT. Those with SKYcable Dual Def 999 can enjoy these channels on their basic plan with no additional fee. Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna and Bulacan subscribers can watch AFC HD on channel 248, while those in Baguio, Bacolod, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Davao & GenSan can tune in to channel 736. Mezzo Live HD is available on channel 252 in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna & Bulacan only.

T UES DAY : AUGUST 11 : 2015

C7

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

Actor Roi Vinzon directs a horror thriller based on a tale in Visayas

The Bogart Case Files: On the Job

AswAng tAle intrigues roi Vinzon

A

ctor Roi Vinzon is back in town, this time as director. He is the man who is bringing the legendary tale of Maria Labo to the big screen.

Just recently, he met a few members of the press to introduce Maria Labo, the film, and along with some members of the cast that includes Jestoni Alarcon and Migs Cuaderno.

Horror films are heavy on special effects. According to Vizon, he did not employ a lot of it to stay true to form and make Maria Labo more realistic. “’Pag special effects kasi hindi na totoo, eh. Para sa’kin, parang hindi ako natatakot ’pag gawa gawa lang,” said Roi during the press con at columnist Wilson Flores; Kamuning Bakery Cafe.

“Kung gagawa ako (ng pelikula), ’yung talagang totoo… ’Yung nakakatakot talaga. ’Yung horror talaga. Iba (’pag may effects), eh.”

Maria Labo is inspired by the Ilongo legend about an alleged aswang who butchered and ate her children.

from C8

What made Roi do this film? He said, “Na-intrigue ako kasi bukambibig du’n sa kanilang mga Ilonggo, eh. Word-of -mouth lang. So sabi ko, ‘Oo nga ‘no, sige gawin natin.’”

Many of the scenes in the film were shot in Dubai with the 61-year-old actor explaining, “Mahirap mangdaya nito. And I’m not saying that for publicity’s sake.

Gusto ko ’yung hindi daya. Hindi ko kayang dayain ’yung soil, ’yung background ng tao. Saan ko kukunin ’yun? Tsaka ’yung mga hospital nila du’n (na ancient), kailangan pumunta talaga ako du’n,” he added.

This is a brief synopsis of the film largely adapted from the tale passed on from one person to another in both Negros and Panay islands.

Maria, a local girl, finds work abroad as a caregiver in Dubai, She meets another woman who introduces herself as Nanay Leng. One night, this woman visits Maria while the latter was sleeping. She passes on her saliva to Maria. The following day she learns Nanay Leng has died.

She is shocked and nearly loses her sanity. Her employer commits her to

a mental institution in Dubai, The Dubai authorities decide to deport Maria back to the Philippines, where immediately she is taken to mental hospital.

There are reports that Maria is able to leave the isolation room without anyone noticing her. Sometimes people see her outside of the hospital. At one time her husband Ermin sees her after which she is allowed to leave the hospital with him.

Life seems normal again for the couple until one day, Ermin is shocked to find out her wife had butchered their two sons and cooked them for dinner.

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ConCert for A CAuse The University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Fund, Inc. (UPMAF), is holding a concert called Ang Soap Opera ng Buhay Ko (The Concert: Voices of Healing) at the new Marriott Grand Ballroom on Aug. 26to raise funds tfor the creation of the New UP College of Medicine Academic Center, a seven-story multi-million peso undertaking.

The dinner concert will feature several of the biggest names in the international and local concert scene, including the 50-piece ABSCBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Gerard Salonga, this special night will bring together Lea Salonga, Ryan Cayabyab, Jed Madela, Vice Ganda, Mark Bautista, Cris Villonco, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Bituin Escalante, Pinky Marquez, Franco Laurel, The Tux, Caisa Borromeo, Baihana, Catherine Fisher, among others, as they join the community in a collective voice of healing. A 70-strong chorus composed of The Mass Appeal, Ateneo Chamber Singers and UP Medicine Choir will also fill the ballroom.

For ticket and sponsorship inquiries please contact, Dr. Melfred L. Hernandez (0917) 815-2029), Overall Chair, Dr. Karin Estepa (0922) 825-3146, Chair, Business Committee, or Kareen Tapia (0923) 8568043 of UPMAF (02) 5264255, upmaf.secretariat@gmail.com.

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the BogArt CAse files: on the JoB

The lively adventurer Bogart is back this month with more exciting escapades. After exploring different places in the Philippines, Bogart is now off to explore the many jobs available to Filipinos on the second season of The Bogart Case Files, a weekly hour-long show where the Filipino YouTube sensation Bogart discovers the different sectors of our workforce by trying out different jobs. In each episode, he dives into a different industry, such as transportation, entertainment, and even gaming.

While some jobs seem easy to do, they do come with their own challenges. See how Bogart overcomes the hurdles of each job.

Also keep your eyes peeled for a new segment called, “Is that even a job?” where Bogart looks into odd services. Do you consider it a job when someone suddenly wipes your car windows?

Don’t miss out on any of Bogart’s new adventures. The Bogart Case Files: On the Job premieres Aug. 29, 9 p.m. on CNN Philippines.

New Mutya Ng PiliPiNas

t

wo Filipinas were crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas – Asia Pacific International and Mutya ng Pilipinas – Tourism International at the 46th Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater recently.

Leren Mae Bautista, 22, a marketing management graduate of Letran College and part time model bagged the Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International 2015 title, while Janela Joy Cuaton, 18, model and business administration student at Far Eastern University was named Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International 2015.

Bautista, from Laguna, and Cuaton, representing the oversees community in Doha, Qatar, will compete in Miss Tourism Queen of the

Year International 2915 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Dec. 9 and Miss Tourism International 2015 in Vietnam on Nov. 28, respectively.

Bautista also took home special awards – Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown and Mutya ng Sheridan Beach Resort, a worldclass resort located in the Midwest coast of Palawan, 80 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City.

The serene coastline of Sabang in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan became the perfect backdrop of the Swimsuit pictorials while Sheridan’s beachfront stage offered the best venue for the lovely delegates in their two-piece bikini swimsuits.

Cuaton won Miss Friendship, Miss Photogenic and Best in Festival Costume.

The finals of Mutya ng Pil-

ipinas 2015 was telecast on ABS-CBN with hosts Ruffa Gutierrez, Richard Gutierrez and Raymond Gutierrez.

Mutya ng Pilipinas partnered with Skyjet Airlines for their travel to the pre-pageant events and to support the Puerto Princesa Underground River campaign (PPUR).

The candidates had a memorable experience exploring the natural allure of the “city in the island” like the pristine white sand beaches, the Jungle Trail, mangrove & tropical jungle and wildlife sanctuary.

Beauty Tourism’ crusaders from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, Manila and Overseas Filipino Communities watched the much anticipated Swimsuit and Talent Competition on July 22.

–eton B. ConCepCion

The Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 candidates in swimsuit at Sheridan Beach Resort in Puerto Princesa

The winners are: Leren Mae Bautista (second from right) and Janela Joy Cuaton (second from left)

T UES DAY : AUGUST 11 : 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Wendell Ramos is on his third stop of network rounds; Ramos is the new attraction in Pasion de Amor

From Kapuso to Kapatid and now Kapamilya

weNdell Ramos Completes the RouNd oF NetwoRks ISAH V. RED

I think it’s de rigeur for actors to do the rounds of networks these days. And it’s becoming fashionable in showbiz circles. If there’s no assignment at one network, try looking at the other network, you might just be lucky to hit the pot.

And Wendell Ramos just did that.

After leaving the Kapuso network for greener pastures, he found himself signed with a fledgling network with the hopes he would become a bigger star there. Now, the contract has expired and the network and his new management agreed mutually not to renew.

Several months in between jobs, he is nearly forgotten. But the timing of his management is perfect, springing a surprise that nearly jolted the tabloid press.

“Wendell joins Pasion De Amor,” screamed ABS-CBN last week in announcing Kapamilya’s latest acquisition.

No, he is not a full-fledged Kapamilya yet. He is only doing one show. And if the network offers him an exclusive contract, Ramos who started on TV on the Kapuso network in 1995 would be very happy to accept it, with his management’s blessing, of course.

In the series, Ramos is introduced as Gabriel, the illegitimate son of Gabriela (Teresa Loyzaga), who is slowly entering the vortex of the lives of the Elizondos. His motives, however, remain unknown and the answer to whether he is a protagonist or antagonist

in the story is yet to be revealed.

After a DNA test confirmed that Gabriel is her son, Gabriela wasted no time and instantly pulled her son Gabriel out of the shabby place he lived in and made him move into a bigger and cozier apartment. What does Gabriela plan to do with Gabriel? When will she tell her daughters Norma (Arci Munoz), Sari (Ellen Adarna), and Jamie (Coleen Garcia) that they have an older half-brother? How will the Elizondo sisters react to this? And why did Gabriel introduce and show himself to the Elizondos out of the blue?

This is Wendell’s first starring role in a Kapamilya drama series following his acting stint in one of the episodes of ABS-CBN’s hit legal drama Ipaglaban Mo. Pasion De Amor airs weeknights before TV Patrol on ABS-CBN. For updates, like www.facebook. com/pasiondeamor.tv on Facebook, follow @pasiondeamor_TV on Twitter or follow @pasiondeamor.abscbn on Instagram.

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RayveR CRuz is NisCe skiN ‘N FaCe New maN We had sumptuous buffet lunch at Heat, Edsa Shangri-la’s popular coffee shop while waiting for Rayver Cruz who would sign a deal with Nisce ‘N Skin as its newest endorser.

Said Marie Antoinette T. Nisce, vice president/chief aesthetics officer/head trainer, “Surprisingly good, 60-80 percent of Nisce Skin ‘N Face clients are male customers.

We want someone to represent the brand for this market and Rayver Cruz is our top pick for this. He represents well the ‘modern man’ who is healthy, inside and out.”

In a little while, Cruz arrived, and the guests at one corner of the coffee shop became abuzz, many trying to click photos of the actor with the their camphones or others with their digital cameras.

Then Nisce and he settled down and sign the contract making Cruz’s endorsement of the services and products of the skin and beauty facility official.

“We want more people to trust the brand and try it. We strongly expect that Rayver Cruz’s endorsement would be loyally followed by his great number of fan base. Promisingly, his fan base is predominantly female which we would also like to tap through his influence,” added Nisce.

Nisce Skin ‘N Face has been in the business for 27 years now. It was founded by Dr. Edna Talavera Nisce, a renowned dermatologist from La Union, who started to run her own chain of clinics since 1987.

She opened the first branch at Nepo Mall, Dagupan in 2002 with a few other dermatologists as partners.

The she put up another Skin ‘N Face at CSI Mall, La Union in 2003.

At present, Nisce Skin ‘N Face is now with a total of 22 branches in Luzon and is headed by Antoinette Nisce as the COO and GM. Most of its branches are located in SM Malls having its flagship branch situated in SM Megamall.

Said Cruz, “I am very happy to be part of Nisce Skin ‘N Face family. This relationship, I think, will be more than professional as I will be exploring a lot of new things about keeping my skin healthy. I am also looking forward to meeting the other endorsers of the clinic.” ➜ Continued on C7

Rayver Cruz is the newest celebrity to join Nisce Skin 'N Face

Cruz and Marie Antoinette Nisce