The Standard - 2015 August 18 - Tuesday

VOL. XXIX NO. 187 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 TUESday : aUgUST 18, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

US vows to help improve PH forces

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grAce: mAr’S men bAckSTAbbing me

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and John Paolo Bencito

SENATOR Grace Poe told Liberal Party standard bearer Secretary Manuel Roxas II in a meeting Sunday night not to wait for her to be his running mate in 2016, telling him that while he was wooing her, his men were stabbing her in the back.

“He personally and officially asked me [to be his running mate],” Poe said of Roxas, who went to her Greenhills residence in San Juan City with a common friend that she declined to name.

“My answer was ‘thank you for the consideration, but I’m not yet making a decision at this time,” Poe said Monday.

Using the same TV soap reference used by Roxas, she said they were not a “love team” and that he had many choices for vice president.

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Yolanda victims told to sign for ungiven aid

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan TACLOBAN—A priest privy to the rehabilitation efforts for victims of super typhoon Yolanda said Monday that survivors have been asked to sign their names on a list of Emergency Shelter Assistance beneficiaries even though they have received no money.

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Abaya: Traffic not fatal to anyone

Crying Day. Filipino-Australian Jason Day walks off the 18th green in tears with his son Dash after winning the 2015 PGA Championship with a majorrecord score of 20 under par at Whistling Straits on Aug. 16 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Stories on A15. AFP

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US vows to upgrade PH military Grace From A1...

Poe also said she confronted Roxas about information she received from many different sources that his men were behind a demolition job against her.

“I told him about it. I told him that when we talk, we are direct to the point, but you have some people who are really stabbing me in the back,” Poe said.

She said Roxas denied that the LP or his people were behind the attacks on her, and said he would not condone such actions.

But Poe recalled that it was Liberal Party members who described her as “unripe” for the highest office in the land.

During their meeting, Poe reminded Roxas that President Benigno Aquino III had said they should share the same vision and raise the level of discussion and not resort to mudslinging.

Roxas said he and Poe talked for hours on Sunday night, and described the meeting with her and her husband Teodoro Llamanzares as “positive.”

“I think the best is that we’ve met these past few days and we will be having talks in the coming days,” Roxas added.

Poe’s presumed running mate for 2016, Senator Francis Escudero, was not at the meeting.

“You know, these things, we’re keeping these fluid. I think what’s important is her good will and her good intentions. Then our talks will have direction,” Roxas said.

LP treasurer and Oriental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. said he remained hopeful of a RoxasPoe tandem.

“We’re seeing that there is a big chance that Mar and Grace will be together. The political parties are the ones talking with each other,” said Umali.

Umali said if Poe runs for the presidency, this would split the vote and favor the opposition candidate, Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Umali said that the President

is protecting not only the Liberal Party, but also the administration coalition—a loose formation of political groups which backed Aquino for his 2010 presidential campaign.

The LP treasurer also admitted that they are trying to convince either Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos to run with Roxas should talks with Poe fail.

“If Senator Grace won’t run alongside Mar, we have another veep,” Umali said.

In the House, lawmakers dismissed as political harassment the disqualification case filed against Poe before the Commission on Elections aimed at discouraging her from seeking the presidency.

“If she is not doing very well in the [opinion] polls, no one would bother,” said Speaker Feliciano Belmone Jr., vice chairman of the ruling Liberal Party.

Belmonte also said Poe was qualified to run as president.

1-BAP party-list Rep. Silvestre Bello III, a member of the House minority, said he sees no legal basis for the petition filed by Lito David, a losing senatorial candidate during the 2013 elections.

“Clearly the move is to discourage her from seeking a higher position [BS] at the same time to harass her,” Bello said.

David went to the Comelec Monday to file an election case against Poe on the ground that she misrepresented herself when she filed her certificate of candidacy where she claimed to be a natural-born citizen.

Earlier, David, who claims to be acting alone in the filing of the cases, also filed a disqualification case against the senator before the Senate Electoral Tribunal, saying she was not qualified to be a senator based on her citizenship.

David claims that Poe declared false information in her Certificate of Candidacy and that she cannot, as a foundling, claim to be a natural-born Filipino because her biological parents are unknown. – With Maricel V. Cruz and Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

Ex-senator Butz Aquino, 76 FORMER Senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino, an uncle of President Benigno Aquino III, died at the Cardinal Santos

AQUINO

Medical Center in San Juan at 4:22 p.m. Monday due to complications from various ailments. He was 76.

He was one of the leaders of the anti-Marcos August Twenty-One Movement and served as senator from 1987 to 1995. He later became the first congressman of Makati City’s second congressional district.

Butz was the brother of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Sr., the father of the incumbent president, and former Senator Tessie AquinoOreta. He is also an uncle of incumbent Senator Benigno Paolo “Bam” Aquino.

He is survived by his wife Popsy Mendez-Aquino and children Roxanne, Jackie and Bobby.

THE United States vowed to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its ongoing modernization program even as it called on China once again to take the peaceful path in resolving its territorial dispute with the Philippines.

US Ambassador Philip Goldberg gave this assurance at the turnover ceremonies of eight new Bell-412EP combat utility helicopters and two attack versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109Es Monday at Villamor Air Base, in Pasay City, as part of the country’s military buildup.

The contract for the eight combat utility choppers from Bell Helicopter Textron worth P4.8 billion and was signed in March 2014.

The country also bought eight attack aircraft from AgustaWestland for P3.44 billion, but only two of the units were delivered Monday.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and other ranking military officials were on hand to witness the turnover of the helicopters.

Speaking to reporters, Goldberg said: “I think that our position has been clear, that the way to settle disputes in South China Sea is through legal, peaceful and diplomatic means. That’s why we have supported the Philippines’ effort to bring the case before the ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea) process, under the law of the sea.”

“That’s why we have supported a Code of Conduct to better lay out the rules of the road, because ultimately, what we should all be seeking are rules-based, legalbased solutions to the various claims, not use of force or threats or any kind of coercion,” he added.

At the same time, Goldberg said, the US would continue to support the Philippine military’s acquisition of modern assets and

equipment.

This includes two additional Lockheed C-130 cargo planes for the Air Force.

“We help support Philippine modernization through excess defense articles. There are two more C-130s in the pipeline, we also support it through our foreign military funding, which last year, was at around $50 million. So all those kind of efforts help support what the Philippine government is trying to do and it’s important for the United States as a staunch ally of the Philippines,” Goldberg said.

“It’s also important because what happens when the equipment is similar and we train together is that [there is] interoperability, so that in humanitarian disasters, in cases where rescue missions have to take place, we are working from the same sheet,” he added.

Gazmin said that the additional 10 helicopters will help solve the lack of aircraft.

“The availability of missioncapable and combat-ready air platforms has always been an essential requirement of our air operations. Its importance places a key role in the operational readiness of the Philippine Air Force, especially in combat operations and movements of the troops and their equipment and supplies by air,” he said.

Five of the Bell-412EPs will be assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing while three Bell412EPs will be assigned to the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing to be used for the transport of VIPs in the upcoming APEC Summit.

After the summit, the aircraft will be transferred to 205th THW after the APEC summit.

The two Augusta Westland AW-109Es are the first batch to be turned over to the Air Force.

Six more will follow to complete the PAF’s eight “Attack Helicopter Aircraft Acquisition Project”.

The night capable AW-109Es will be assigned to the 15th Strike Wing and will be used to conduct closed-air support, armed air reconnaissance, forward air control and armed escort.

The AW-109Es are armed with .50 caliber machine gun pods and rocket launchers.

They are supplied by AugustaWestland of Italy, which won the contract in a public bidding.

Also on Monday, the Philippines urged China again to participate in the arbitration process on the disputed areas of the South China Sea and stop its reclamation and construction activities in the disputed sea.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that China should commit to the peaceful resolution of the South China Sea disputes, in conformity with the rule of law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as to the reduction of tensions through the 2002 ASEANChina Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and an eventual ASEAN-China Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

“The Philippines has won international respect and recognition for resorting to arbitration, and we reiterate our invitation to China to join in this process,” the DFA said.

“We will continue resolutely on this path, not only to protect our national interests, but also to promote regional and global peace, stability and prosperity,” it said. – Francisco Tuyay, Vito Barcelo, PNA

Yolanda

said, adding that she would investigate the report.

“I’m going to Alangalang Village and I will ask if that really happened,” she added.

Under the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) program, Yolanda victims in Tacloban, Leyte and Samar are supposed to be given P10,000 for houses partially damaged by the storm, and P30,000 to those whose houses were destroyed.

Soliman said her agency has already released, in tranches, P7 billion out of P8 billion fund to all local government units since November 2014.

“We were able to release P2 billion in November 2014; and P5 billion in May 2015 and June 2015,” she said.

Seh added that all the funds will be released by the end of August.

The National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines, held a ground breaking ceremony on the 17-hectare Pope Francis Village, which is funded by Caritas Canada.

Caritas Canada coordinator

Aida Vidal said in an interview the Pope Francis Village, which will be ready for occupancy in September 2016, will consist of 550 houses, a day care center, a basketball court, a chapel, and a school .

Vidal said they will also provide space for organic farming to boost the livelihood of the beneficiaries.

“This only proves that in-city housing is possible. We can provide permanent housing to the people of Tacloban without taking them away from their livelihood,” said Edwin Gariguez of NASSA/Caritas Philippines.

The project was named after Pope Francis, who visited the city earlier this year, to symbolize the values of mercy and compassion.

It is the first in-city relocation, as other permanent shelter projects are in far-flung areas in the northern barangays of the city.

“In-city relocation will allow every member of the family to earn a decent income and children to play in the playground,” Denis Murphy of Urban Poor Associates said.

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The priest, who asked not to be named, said a town official in Dapdap in Alangalang, Leyte, has been asking people to sign the document showing they have received the P30,000 to P10,000 in financial support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The source said the local officials told the survivors that this would speed up the release of funds from the municipal government.

The source added that now that elections are approaching, the money might not reach the intended beneficiaries at all.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, who was present for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pope Francis Village in Tacloban, said obtaining the signatures of beneficiaries before they received their assistance was not standard procedure.

“If such allegations were true that is not correct,” Soliman

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Comelec asked: Was deal junked intentionally?

A LAWMAKER on Monday asked if the Commission on Elections and SmartmaticTotal Information Management Corp. intentionally abandoned the refurbishment option to cover up the glitches that might be discovered in the old precinct count optical scanner or PCOS machines.

two storms. Weather forecaster Shaira Ann Nonot points to two tropical storms outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility being tracked by the weather bureau. lino SantoS

Palace, DoJ told to lay off INC THE Palace and the Department of Justice should respect the independence of the Iglesia Ni Cristo as a religious institution and stop interfering in it, Vice President Jejomar Binay said Monday.

“The issue that the Iglesia is facing right now is internal. Malacañang and the DOJ should refrain from making any statements and respect INC’s religious freedom,” Binay said.

“As public officials, it is our duty to respect the internal affairs and concerns of the INC and allow them, without the unwarranted interference from government, to conduct their own business in accordance with their religious beliefs.

No less than our Constitution guarantees this inviolable separation of church and state.”

Binay on Monday also

said he will not attend the Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee hearing on Aug. 20, which would mark the first anniversary of its probe against him.

Binay said the hearing had become a “politicized forum whose sole purpose is to make wild accusations and false statements” against the Binay family.

“This Senate hearing is one for the Guinness Book of World Records,” Binay said.

“Did they find any concrete evidence against me?

The investigation is in aid of legislation but these were all false accusations and lies.”

Binay said Justice Secretary Leila De Lima’s attitude toward the INC issue appeared similar to the “policy of demolition by perception that your office has been doing to my own person.”

“For the sake of uphold-

ing our Constitution, as well as protecting the integrity and good name of the INC as a religious community, I urge you to refrain from uttering baseless, if not reckless and irresponsible, statements that would tend to harm the religious institution of the INC,” Binay said.

“Instead of meddling with Iglesia’s affairs, government should focus more on pressing matters such as poverty alleviation and addressing the MRT problem. It would do well for the Palace and justice officials to deal with what’s on their plate first before they interfere with others.”

Earlier, Malacañang said the DOJ may continue to investigate the alleged abductions of INC ministers even after the National Bureau of Investigation declared the case “closed.” Vito Barcelo

Rep. Terry Ridon raised the question following the decision of the Comelec and Smartmatic to forget what he described as the “cost-effective” refurbishment contract and pursue the lease of 93,977 new OMRs. “It is really very suspicious for both Comelec and Smartmatic to simply junk the more cost-effective refurbishment contract and proceed with the lease of 93,977 new OMR machines,” Ridon said.

He said the ulterior motive in abandoning the refurbishment option might have been to “avoid uncovering glaring glitches in the old PCOS machines.”

Meanwhile, the Comelec plans to deploy some Optical Mark Reader machines in the canvassing centers for the May 2016 polls in a bid to enhance the credibility of the results.

“In view of the commission’s recognition of the need to enhance the transparency and credibility of the 2016 national and local elections, the

commission shall adopt measures such as providing (voting) machines at canvassing centers for purposes of contingency in case transmission fails...,” the Comelec said.

Ridon said the Comelec had never publicly disclosed the state of the 82,000 PCOS machines used in the past elections that are under their possession.

“There was never an independent and comprehensive audit made on the machines used in past automated elections. The public never knew how many PCOS machines were actually malfunctioning, or if there were bugs or glitches in the machines that may have compromised past elections,” Ridon said.

“And now that the Comelec has junked the refurbishment option altogether, questions on the integrity of past automated elections will remain unanswered perhaps forever.”

Before the Comelec approved the lease deal with Smartmatic, the poll body

was said to be considering refurbishing the PCOS machines in its possession.

However, not even Smartmatic participated in the public bidding for the refurbishment contract, in turn forcing Comelec to instead go for the lease deal.

“From the statements of Comelec commissioners and even Chairman Bautista himself, we clearly see how Smartmatic forced its hand in pushing for the lease deal, which by the way is much more expensive than the refurbishment option,” Ridon said.

“The questionable manner in which Smartmatic avoided the refurbishment contract like the plague only fuels speculation that the said consortium is trying to hide major glitches in the old machines.

“Clearly, the issue here is not only the highly questionable lease deal with Smartmatic-TIM, but also the continuing lack of transparency, the lack of check and balance within Comelec, and the lack of openness and accountability to the public, especially with regard to the old PCOS machines.”

Ridon earlier dismissed as “wasteful and impractical” for the poll body to do away with the refurbishment option. Maricel V. cruz and Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

Monday meeting. President Benigno Aquino leads the prayer before presiding over a meeting of his Cabinet in Malacañang on Monday. Malacañang Photo Bureau

Muslims unhappy with Roxas for not going against draft BBL MUSLIMS prefer Vice President Jejomar Binay over Interior Secretary Mar Roxas II as the country’s next president because Roxas has not said anything against the Bangsamoro Basic Law, a Muslim leader said Sunday.

Roxas could have also been deceiving the Moro people like President Benigno Aquino III, said Alan Balangi, president of 1BANGSA, an umbrella organiza-

tion of 37 Muslim groups.

“The President never mentioned the BBL in his State-of-the-Nation Address,” Balangi said.

“It is not remote that Roxas could also adopt such stance and principle since it was the President who endorsed him as the administration’s standard bearer in 2016.”

Balangi said the Muslims would most likely vote for Binay instead

of Roxas. As in 2010, the Muslim clerics and scholars will issue a “fatwa” or pronouncement to guide Muslims on who to support.

Balangi said former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Senator Franklin Drilon and then senator Roxas almost got zero votes from Mindanao.

Estrada lost in the presidential election against Aquino while

Roxas lost to Binay in the vice presidential race, he said. Drilon won a senatorial seat in 2010 but he received very few Muslim votes.

“We have not heard Binay say something bad against us or the BBL and some of its controversial provisions,” Balangi said.

He said the Filipino Muslims and their Christian counterparts saw the BBL as the lasting solution

to the armed conflict in Mindanao and urged Congress to consider passing it immediately.

“Muslims want a political solution to our poverty and inequality.

We don’t want war. That is why we want the BBL,” Balangi said, “We are once again fighting for our rights through the BBL. We are hoping against all hope.” rio n. araja

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BBL debates postponed

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Senate debates on the substitute bill for the Bangsamoro Basic Law was postponed to next week after senators asked for more time to study the version drafted by Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

May the force be with you. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin leads the christening of 10 helicopters that were turned over to the Philippine Air Force in simple rites at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Monday. DANNY PATA

CBCP: Addiction is wrong

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Maricel V. Cruz THE head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines scored as “misleading” reports that the Catholic Church supports proposed legislation to legalize the medical use of marijuana.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas clarified that the CBCP neither endorses nor objects to the proposal because regulatory schemes and administrative strategies are beyond the competence of the CBCP. But Villegas stressed three points in the Church’s teaching to summarize the CBCP’s position on the matter.

“Addiction is wrong,” Socrates said. “Those who facilitate addiction

by placing habituating drugs within easy reach commit a very serious wrong.”

Second, “the constant teaching of Church is that palliative care using narcotics is ethically permissible when there is no other convenient and available means with which to alleviate the suffering of the terminally ill.”

“In other cases, the principle of proportionality is to be applied which makes means licit when there is proportion between the risks and disadvantages and the benefits expected or anticipated,” Villegas said.

The archbishop made the clarification after news reports led congressmen behind the marijuana legalization proposal to thank the CBCP for the support.

“This is a welcome development,” Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III,

principal author of House Bill 4477, or the proposed Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. “This bill provides for control measures and regulation on the medical use of cannabis to ensure patient’s safety,” Albano added.

Albano said medical use of cannabis has been proven to be beneficial to patients in the treatment of various diseases but should be strictly regulated because of the danger it poses to society.

Marijuana is illegal in the Philippines. Marijuana abuse could lead to physical impairment.

But medical marijuana has been confirmed to treat sever and chronic pain, nausea, seizures, consistent muscle spasms and sclerosis. Its use must be supervised by a physician, Albano said, citing several medical studies.

“They asked for more time to examine completely and thoroughly the substitute bill,” said Sen. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., chairman of the Senate committee on local government that deliberated on the BBL. Marcos said at least 14 senators have registered intention to interpolate with Senator Teofisto ‘TG’ Guingona III, topping the list of the interpolators.

“Senator TG has requested to be rescheduled on Monday next week so that he will have more time to study. I understand because it’s not easy to scrutinize this kind of major piece of legislation,” Marcos said.

Marcos stressed that there was no intention to delay the bill and said it will have to go through the legislative process.

“It’s not really to stall it. There was no intention to delay. Although there are 14 who registered to interpolate, there was no given specific date as to when they will stand on the f loor,” Marcos said.

But Marcos said the Senate proceedings on the proposed measure will be unlike the one at the House of Representatives.

Marcos made the assurance after government peace panel chairperson Miriam Coronel-Ferrer assailed the Marcos version of the bill and said Marcos’ insistence on following the national legislative practice will only encourage personalistic politics,

political dynasties and weak political parties.

“Lopsided representation in favor of district representatives, presumably elected on the basis of plurality or highest number of votes, will perpetuate personalistic politics, clan dynasties and weak political parties,” said Ferrer.

“On the other hand, we believe that allocating more seats to regional political parties and sectoral representatives would encourage the practice and development of a political culture in the region that is based on broad-based political parties with defined programs of governance competing in free and fair elections,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer admitted that they are trying to implement a parliamentary form of government at the local level although the national practice is that of a bicameral legislative system.

“Our goal with this parliamentary form of government as envisioned in the original BBL is to ensure inclusive and more participatory governance,” Ferrer said in a statement.

According to Ferrer, the original proposal allocated 24 seats in the Bangsamoro parliament to parliamentary districts, 30 seats to party lists and the remaining six seats to reserved seats for nonMoro indigenous peoples, settler communities, and women, among others.

- With Sandy Araneta

2 typhoons over Pacific TWO tropical storms outside the Philippines intensified into typhoons on Monday and one of them is expected to enter the country’s area of responsibility on Tuesday, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Pagasa forecaster Jori Loiz said Tropical Cyclone “Goni” intensified into a typhoon before dawn Monday after it was spotted 2,150 kilometers east of Central Luzon with maximum winds of 150 kilometers per hour near its center and gustiness of up to 160 kilometers per hour.

The weather bureau defines a typhoon as an intense tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed exceeding 118 kph.

Another Pagasa forecaster Shaira Nonot said Goni is expected to enter PAR by Tuesday afternoon and will be locally renamed “Ineng,” the ninth tropical cyclone to affect the country

this year and second for the month of August.

She said the typhoon Goni is also expected to intensify but has only a slim chance of becoming a super typhoon and may not even make landfall, although a high-pressure area up north may lead the storm to veer towards extreme northern Luzon.

Nonot said rains are to be expected over parts of Visayas and southern Luzon due to typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon and by Thursday expect rains in most parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila.

At the same time, Nonot said the other typhoon, with international name “Atsani,” was located approximately 4,055 km east of southern Luzon, but it is not expected to enter the country.

If it does, it will be renamed “Jenny,” the tenth tropical cyclone to affect the country this year.

Electoral issue. Defeated senatorial candidate Lito David shows the pleading he submitted to the Commission on Election in a bid to disqualify Sen. Grace PoeLlamanzares, who is currently the top preferred candidate in next year’s presidential election. DANNY PATA

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Recto rides on ‘AlDub’ phenom to hit LTO promises

By Macon Araneta Senate President Pro tempore Ralph Recto on Monday taunted the Land transportation Office (LtO) for renewing the promises it made in 2014 when it requested P1.9-billion budget for 2016, saying there is no “forevermore” in waiting for a license. “alDub might have a child and still, there is no license,” said Recto while referring to the famous “Kalye Serye” segment of Channel 7’s eat Bulaga, featuring actor alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, known as “Yaya Dub.” “Forevermore” was the equally famous teleserye on Channel 2 which delves into the unending love for each other of main characters— Liza Soberano and enrique Gil. Land for the landless. Residents of Payatas, Commonwealth and Batasan troop to the National Housing Authority to ask for their land titles, urging Recto spelled out the the NHA not to violate the National Government Center Housing and Land Utilization Act of 2003 and award the titles for 20, 205 people as originally repeated promises of the envisioned under the law. LINO SANTOS LtO as follows: car plates and stickers for brand-new cars issued within seven days, registration of old cars, complete with car plates and stickers, done within two hours, new driver’s license processed within four hours and old Central Luzon, 55 cases, tanseco 12,941 PnCOs have qualify for driver’s licenses renewed By Francisco Tuyay said. promotion after passing the

within 60 minutes.

Metro Manila topped the list examination and interviews, a He noted that these were The Philippine National Police on Monday expressed of carjack incidents with 381, pre-requisites for the 2nd level the same “performance alarm over the sharp rise in carjacking cases this followed by Calabarzon with regular promotion program. pledges” the LtO has 165 and Central Luzon 157, he Director Dominador aquino attached to its request for year compared to last year’s despite the launching of said.

Jr., PnP director for Personnel the agency’s P1.9-billion the anti-crime drive “Oplan Lambat-Sibat,” a brain In a briefing, tanseco also and Records Management budget for next year. admitted to an upsurge in (DPRM), said a total of 36,739 child of Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, whom “Believe it or not, these motorcyle theft around the police officers applied for the Benigno Aquino ‘‘anointed” to be the country with 4,881 cases for the program. Promoted were 84 are actually the same President performance targets the administration’s standard bearer in the 2016 elections. six months of 2015 compared superintendents; 664 chief LtO has set for itself this to 8,515 in 2014, the highest of inspectors; 554 senior inspectors; which occurred in Region-3.

219 inspectors; 1,278 SPO4s; year,” said Recto.

Records showed that 586 with the intensified operations Meanwhile, PnP chief Ricardo 279 SPO3s; 2,867 SPO2s; 2,543 motor vehicles were stolen conducted by the Highway “So we should ask them Marquez approved the promotion SPO1s; 2,980 PO3s and 2,994 nationwide from January to Patrol Group,” said HPG Public if they are now delivering of 14,462 Police Commissioned PO2s.

June this year nationwide Information Officer Supt. Oliver plates for brand-new cars Officers (PCOs) and non“after the rigid process of compared to 843 from January tanseco. within a week, and what Commissioned Officers (PnCO), screening and evaluation, only to December 2014.

Most of the carjacking gives them the confidence who qualified for regular 14,461 met the qualification “It is higher than last year’s, incidents in the Metropolis took to renew the same promise promotion program. standards and complied with the but there has been significant place in Quezon City, followed of processing speed for next a total of 1,521 PCOs and requirements,” aquino added. results in the arrest of suspects by Calabarzon with 82 cases and year,” he also said.

Carjack cases on the rise

CA nominees shortlisted tHe Judicial and Bar Council has recommended to Malacañang the appointment of four new associate justices of the Court of appeals after shortlisting 14 candidates for the posts vacated by four magistrates who reached their mandatory retirement age recently.

In a two-page letter to President aquino, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, ex-officio chairperson of the 7-member JBC, formally submitted the shortlist of 14 nominees for the four positions of associate justice of the appellate court vacated by the retirement of associate Justices Michael P. elbinias, Rebecca de GuiaSalvador, Hakim S. abdulwahid, and Isaias P. Dicdican.

During its deliberation on Monday, the JBC approved the nomination of Makati RtC executive Judge Selma P. alaras, Manila City RtC Judge Ruben Reynaldo G. Roxas, Quezon

City RtC Judge Jocelyn a. SolisReyes, and Makati City RtC Judge andres Bartolome Soriano vice Justice elbinias. endorsed for the position vacated

by Justice De Guia-Salvador were Marikina RtC Judge Geraldine C. Fiel-Macaraig, Lipa, Batangas RtC Judge Danilo S. Sandoval and atty.

Ma. Celestina C. Cruz-Mangrobang.

Shortlisted to succeed the post of Justice abdulwahid were Iligan Regional trial Court Judge anisah B. amanodin-Umpa, Makati City Regional trial Court Judge Perpetua t. atal-Pano, and nueva ecija RtC Judge Celso O. Baguio, while nominated for the position left by Justice Dicdican include Pasig City RtC Judge Danilo S. Cruz, Quezon City RtC Judge angelene Mary Quimpo-Sale, Cagayan de Oro RtC Judge Jeoffre W. acebido and atty. Gabriel t. Robeniol.

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T U E S D AY : A U G U S T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

A6

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Ebdane to sell Chinese floaters IBA, Zambales—Hundreds of local fishermen stand to benefit from the auction of Chinese dredge floaters recently found along the coastline of Barangay Sto. Rosario should no one claims these.

Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. inspects dredge floaters off the shores of Sitio Lanao in San Agustin, Iba. The provincial government will auction off the equipment whose proceeds shall benefit the local fisher folk.

Scam victims lose bid to recover HK money City RTC for proper disposition.

Judge Catalo also issued a writ of THE Court of Appeals has junked injunction enjoining Sutton from the appeal of some victims of the enforcing the payment of the leso-called “Ponzi scheme” for the gal fees and expenses as liquidator transfer from the custody of the against the $2.2 million in their Hong Kong Court to the Regional possession.

Trial Court of Muntinlupa City the The judge sided with respondents amount of US$2.2 million recov- Harvie Baron and Alfonso Martin ered from the perpetrators of the Eizmendi that the money in posinvestment scam. session of the liquidators belonged In a 10-page decision, the CA’s to the investors of Ponzi scheme.

Fourth Division through AssoIn ruling against the victims, the ciate Justice Eduardo Peralta Jr. CA agreed with Sutton’s argument annulled the writ of preliminary that the subject funds are under mandatory injunction issued on the legal custody of the Hong Kong March 22, 2012 and May 25, 2015 High Court, to which the Philipby Presiding Judge Leandro Cat- pine court has no power to control, alo of the Muntinlupa City RTC, by means of injunction.

Branch 256, directing petitioner “It is worthy to emphasize Roderick John Sutton, the HK that the disposal of the funds, court-appointed liquidator of including the liquidation fees Performance Investment Prod- and charges, under receivership ucts Corporation, Ltd., to deposit is subject to the control of the amount with the Muntinlupa the court in Hong Kong. Any

By Rey E. Requejo

disposal thereon must be with the approval of the court,” the appellate court declared.

The appellate court said it would have been prudent for the Muntinlupa RTC, to decline the counterclaim of the respondents since the controversy was tackled in Hong Kong’s proceedings.

The CA also held that the respondents failed to justify that they stand to suffer “grave and irreparable” injury if Sutton’s claim for legal fees and other expenses will be granted and deducted from the US$2.2 million.

It noted that the damage alleged by claimants can be quantified and cannot be considered “grave” and “irreparable” under the law.

“Ultimately, the funds to which private respondents may be entitled to will be determined by the disposition of the trial court in the main case. Furthermore, private

Abaya: Traffic not fatal to anyone

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority has described the potential traffic situation in the eastern part of Metro Manila as “bloody” once the construction of Light Railway Transit (LRT-2) extension project starts next month.

But for Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, the traffic gridlock that may come about with the construction of LRT 2 extension affecting motorists and commuters residing and working in the areas of Antipolo, Marikina, Cainta and Pasig may not be “fatal” at all. “Hindi naman siguro fatal yan,” Abaya said over TV Patrol. He said “not fatal” means “not burdensome to the daily lives of the people.”

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino last Friday advised mo-

torists and commuters to brace for heavy traffic with the East Expansion Project construction.

“Madugo ito. Many will be affected when the construction starts because we have a number of subdivisions, residential areas and schools here,” said Tolentino.

To ease traffic, the MMDA is now preparing a traffic management plan to be carried out during the construction of the P2.27 billion project awarded by the government to D.M. Consunji Inc. The scheme, according to Tolentino, will be enforced in an effort to help ease traffic and make travel easy for the public.

Under the proposed traffic scheme, the MMDA will reduce the five-lane Marcos Highway to four lanes, freeing up a lane for the construction.

The agency will also designate alternative routes in Sumulong Highway, A. Rodriguez—J. Rizal, Felix Avenue—Fernando Avenue, Calle Industria, Kaginhawaan and Ortigas Avenue Extension while intersections will be opened to motorists on Felix Avenue, Amang Rodriguez and De La Paz. MMDA general manager Corazon Jimenez said a detailed traffic management scheme is needed for private motorists, public utility vehicles and commuters to prepare and plan their scheduled daily road trips.

The construction of LRT-2 East Extension from the railway’s current end-station in Santolan in Pasig City to Masinag in Cainta, Rizal will be undertaken by DMCI, which bagged the contract with a bid of P 2.27 billion.

respondents will not be deprived forthwith of their investments considering their participation in the liquidation proceedings before the High Court of Hong Kong,” the appellate court ruled.

Associate Justices Noel Tijam and Francisco Acosta concurred with the ruling.

Court records showed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region appointed Sutton as one of the provisional liquidators of PIPC. The appointment was a result of the Ponzi scheme allegedly perpetrated by Michael Liew, the principal owner of Performance Investment Group of Companies, which primarily engaged in the business of trading future commodities.

Under the PIPC’s financial scheme, investors were required to shell out a minimum of US$40,000 with a promised of 12 to 15 percent return of investment annually.

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the provincial government has already secured the floater assembly, and that it is planning to auction it.

He invoked Article 719 of the Civil Code.

“Part of the proceeds of the auction shall go to the taxes of the barangay and provincial government. The auction is also designed to raise funds for fishermen who have lost their livelihood due to incursion of China whose personnel had prevented them from fishing off the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

The floaters were kept and secured in barangays San Agustin and Sto. Rosario when fishermen tried to dismantle them so they could sell these as scrap metals.

The provincial government will document the confiscation of the floater assembly and will undertake the auction for the highest bidder, Ebdane said.

The bidding may be completed “in a month’s time,” he added.

Last Sunday morning, fishermen from Barangay San Agustin had retrieved from the sea a total of 34 dredging assemblies.

Each assembly is composed of a 12-meter long, one-meter diameter iron pipe with three plastic-encapsulated foam floaters and flexible rubber connectors.

“The auction will be made under the principle of ‘finders, keepers’,” Ebdane said.

The floaters are made of expensive material—seamless, zinc-coated pipe that does not rust seawater, and that each pipe could weigh from three to five tons.

“These could fetch a hefty price to benefit the displaced fishermen,” Ebdane said.

Japan vows to share technology with PH

By Vito Barcelo THE government of Japan vowed to share its technology to help the Philippines in the construction of dams, sabo technology, retarding basin and other flood control structures.

Japanese Minister Akihiro Ohta of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism met with Public works Secretary Rogelio Singson and agreed to the proposal in providing cooperation program to the Philippines on flood mitigation and management.

Singson said he also proposed for possible inclusion of training and capacity building program assistance on water resources

and flood management for young Filipino civil engineers.

For his part, Ohta said that the proposed program is a good idea and need to further discuss it as soon as possible.

The Japanese official also expressed his admiration to the DPWH for coming up with a long term vision for flood mitigation and roadmap for transport infrastructure development that will address worsening traffic in Metro Manila and surrounding areas.

Singson said that the DPWH has developed a flood control master plan for Metro Manila to include the structural measures for the Pasig-Marikina River Basin and adjacent areas.

t u e s d ay : a u G u s t 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

A7

news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Citizen asks court to stop bidding for Davao airport DAVAO CITY—A Davao resident has filed an application for preliminary prohibitory injunction and a 72-hour Temporary Restraining Order against the Department of Transportation and Communication and the Civil Aviation Authority to stop the bidding of the P40.57billion Davao International Airport, saying that the agencies’ acts violated the Constitution and the Local Government Code.

Andre Bucu questioned the bidding of the Davao airport and five other airport projects under the Airport Development Operations and Maintenance Public-Private Partnership projects.

It is a bundling plan that includes the airport of Bacolod in Silay City, Iloilo, Laguindingan, New Bohol in Panglao and Puerto Princesa.

Bucu said the DOTC and CAA failed to act with transparency as mandated by law in order to ensure a fair, open and competitive public bidding.

Bucu noted that a pre-bid conference had been conducted by the Pre-qualification Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) created by DOTC for which five bidders manifested their interest in pursuing the project. Despite the conference, Bucu said

Play time. A boy plays by the

shore while his father is busy fixing fishing nets on Bantayan Island, Cebu. MICHELLE ALVAREZ

there were still several inquiries of prospective bidders that followed after.

Bucu wants the court to stop DOTC from continuing the bidding process for the projects, issuance of bid bulletins, conduct of pre-bid conferences, acceptance of pre-qualification submissions, evaluation of submissions, issuance of instructions to bidders or the issuance of notice of award.

The Davao International Airport Rehabilitation and Modernization has an estimated cost of P40.57 billion that will be implemented in three phases. The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved the first phase of the project. The project has a concession period of 30 to 35 years with financing under PPP. PNA

10 women rescued from trafficking group in Zambo

By Florante S. Solmerin

TEN women from different provinces in Luzon were rescued from a human trafficking syndicate after authorities raided a hotel in Zamboanga City where the victims

were temporarily staying.

Police Officer 2 Radzben Jul, staff of the Public Information Office of the Police Regional Office 9, said they discovered the victims were bound for Lebanon via Sandakan, Malaysia, where they were

promised decent jobs.

Senior Inspector Garry Bahoy led representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other local officials in rescuing the victims Sunday morning at Room 307 at

the Hermosa Hotel.

Arrested during the raid was Ricardo Atayan y David, 32, a resident of Duncaan, Barangay Boalan, in said city.

“Accordingly, the suspect was tasked by his boss identified as Pas-

kal Shreih, a Lebanese national, who recruited the victims,” Jul said.

The rescued victims are currently sheltered at the Visayan Forum while the DSWD is processing their return to their respective provinces.

Ombudsman finds school officials guilty in field trip tragedy

By Orlan L. Mauricio MALOLOS CITY—The Ombudsman found the president of Bulacan State University and eight others guilty of grave neglect of duty nearly a year after a field trip during which seven students drowned in Madlum River.

The decision against Mariano C. de Jesus, president; Nicanor C. dela Rama, professor and dean, Student Affairs; Nerisa B. Viola and Angelina D. Singco, dean and assistant dean, respectively, College of

Home Economics; Mary Jane G. Lopez and Angeline C. Dy Tioco, both professors; Leslie C. Garcia, instructor; Reynita G. Del Fonso and Rossette G. Tanwangco, both part-time instructors, carries the penalty of dismissal from service.

The Ombudsman also ordered the forfeiture of all the retirement benefits, cancellation of eligibility, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office of the school officials.

The case was filed by one of the survivors and the families

of five of the victims who had drowned.

The families of the five victims—Mikhail Alcantara, Mitch Bonzo, Helena Marcelo, Jeanette Rivera at Sean Rodney Alejo and survivor Hanna Fabella—said they will now seek the criminal liabilities of the BulSU officials who were responsible for the death of their loved ones.

The two others who drowned were students Maiko Bartolome and Madeleine Navarro.

University officials could not be contacted for comment as of press time.

‘Breaktime’. Construction workers spend their break watching passers-by at Ayala Mall in Cebu City. MICHELLE ALVAREZ

T U E S D AY : A U G U S T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

TO BE LIKE THE ROBREDOS

[ EDI TORI A L ]

NO SINGLE ROAD SENATOR Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sponsored an alternative to the Bangsamoro Basic Law pushed by the Aquino administration. A majority of Marcos’ colleagues have signed the committee report, but interpellation scheduled for Monday were delayed.

Predictably, though, those who were involved in the crafting of the original bill being pushed by the Aquino administration are criticizing the bill before the senators could even debate on it.

According to peace negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer, the Marcos proposal tends to promote political dynasties. The negotiator from the MILF panel, Mohagher Iqbal, was reported to have said that a draft other than what the congressional committee had submitted would be unacceptable.

Marcos claims he crafted his own version of the Bangsamoro law in reaction to the government’s draft which stemmed from talks only with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The peace panel insists it did some consultations, but affected groups say they were never consulted at all.

In contrast, the senator went around various communities that stood to be included in the new territory.

Marcos also removed the provisions in the Palace draft perceived to run counter to the Constitution—provisions that have divided the nation especially after they were brought to fore following the Mamasapano incident in January.

The senator welcomes the deferment so his colleagues can study the bill, now renamed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Law where Bangsamoro refers to the people.

Given the rush to get the original Bangsamoro Basic Law passed at the House, this counter-measure seems to dim the chances of the Palace-backed bill of being passed as a “legacy” of President Aquino before he steps down in June next year.

But this is not the legacy of anybody. Peace in Mindanao, elusive for generations, is an end that can be achieved not through a method rammed down our throats, especially if it’s a product of consultation with a few parties.

We urge the members of the Senate to read the bill and deliberate on what it says, not on who filed it.

The pursuit of peace is always a multi-faceted, complicated exercise. It is best to tread carefully, than swiftly.

WHY BBL WILL DIE LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES TRANSPORTATION Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya is really a piece of work. According to this most incompetent and scandal-plagued official of this thoroughly inept and insensitive government, the monstrous traffic in Metro Manila doesn’t really kill anyone, so he’s really wondering what the fuss is all about.

Somebody put this guy out of his misery, please. Just so he stops causing us ours. *** If you’re wondering what went wrong with the original draft Bangsamoro Basic Law peddled by Malacañang, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Malaysia, perhaps you really haven’t been paying attention. Because the BBL is probably the most typical of the exclusive—as in, excluding everyone except those with a vested interest—initiatives of this

Aquino administration.

If you’re looking for what they call a proximate cause to the impending train wreck that is the BBL, of course, you’ll find it in a corn field in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, where 44 police commandos were butchered last January by a rebel force which included the same people who are demanding the draft law’s passage in Congress.

And I mean the MILF, not the government of President Noynoy Aquino, who basically allowed the carnage to

A9

No government should ever assume that the lessons and events of the past are of no import.

happen and who up to now is allergic to the combination of the words “Mamasapano” and “massacre.”

But the Mamasapano incident, spectacular as it was, merely awakened a huge segment of the population to the hypocrisy and lack of empathy of the people who want to shove the BBL down our throats. The original sin, or the remote cause of the draft law’s failure, is really the decision of the administration to reinvent the wheel of Muslim autonomy by excluding all the other stakeholders in the process outside of the MILF, Kuala Lumpur and the

palace-backed peace negotiators of the Manila government.

This is the compelling argument raised by Emmanuel Fontanilla, a spokesman of the MILF’s chief rival and direct parent, the Moro National Liberation Front. Fontanilla is of the firm belief that if the Aquino government had not excluded the MNLF of Nur Misuari from the peace process, the BBL would not be dead in the water like it is today.

“The MNLF already has a peace

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-

agreement with the government, which was ratified by no less than the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,” Fontanilla told me. “The Tripoli Agreement of 1976 and the Jakarta Accord of 1996 have never been revoked, and yet this administration decided to just throw these documents into the trash can.”

As everyone who has taken an interest in Muslim autonomy knows, the Aquino administration took the inflexible position that the

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

government’s deals with the MNLF and the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that flowed from them were “failed experiments.” But instead of fixing what was wrong with these two binding and valid agreements and amending the organic law creating the ARMM, Aquino’s government decided to throw the autonomy baby out with the bath water and start from scratch.

Continued on A11

Continued on A11

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

“DON’T grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” When Secretary Jesse Robredo died in a plane crash three years ago this day, I used this quotation from the Persian poet Rumi to comfort friends and comrades in the good governance community of practice. In my eulogy for Sec. Jesse during the necrological rites held in Malacañang of the Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance, published also as an Eagle Eyes column, I proposed: “Far better than to mourn death is to celebrate life that was lived. This should now be the rallying cry we offer to the memory of such an amazing life.

DILG has sworn it would continue the reforms Robredo pursued, and many of his colleagues elsewhere in government and outside, have offered similar sacred oaths: ‘Everyone a Robredo.’ It is the perfect way to keep his spirit alive in all of us, that a beloved friend we’ve lost come round to us in another form.”

My personal experience with Sec. Jesse came after his service as Naga City mayor. As Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, I asked him to teach at the school, among others, and to go around the country to share with other local governments his experience in instituting reforms.

He also graced many of our forums, roundtable discussions and executive education seminars. Among others, he lectured in our courses on leadership and elections where he emphasized that good governance was the best politics. Later, when our school facilitated the creation of Kaya Natin, Sec. Jesse went around the country to preach the gospel of ethical and effective governance.

Sec. Jesse was well-known for his simplicity. This simplicity was not just a personal, private thing. As a government official, he was also very thrifty. He rejected all types of extravagance and was extra careful with the people’s money.

More than his personal style, it was Sec. Jesse’s commitment to the poor that defined him as a leader, as mayor and local governments secretary. The delivery of basic services was so central to him as a public official. He made sure the

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

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

T U E S D AY : A U G U S T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

TO BE LIKE THE ROBREDOS

[ EDI TORI A L ]

NO SINGLE ROAD SENATOR Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sponsored an alternative to the Bangsamoro Basic Law pushed by the Aquino administration. A majority of Marcos’ colleagues have signed the committee report, but interpellation scheduled for Monday were delayed.

Predictably, though, those who were involved in the crafting of the original bill being pushed by the Aquino administration are criticizing the bill before the senators could even debate on it.

According to peace negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer, the Marcos proposal tends to promote political dynasties. The negotiator from the MILF panel, Mohagher Iqbal, was reported to have said that a draft other than what the congressional committee had submitted would be unacceptable.

Marcos claims he crafted his own version of the Bangsamoro law in reaction to the government’s draft which stemmed from talks only with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The peace panel insists it did some consultations, but affected groups say they were never consulted at all.

In contrast, the senator went around various communities that stood to be included in the new territory.

Marcos also removed the provisions in the Palace draft perceived to run counter to the Constitution—provisions that have divided the nation especially after they were brought to fore following the Mamasapano incident in January.

The senator welcomes the deferment so his colleagues can study the bill, now renamed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Law where Bangsamoro refers to the people.

Given the rush to get the original Bangsamoro Basic Law passed at the House, this counter-measure seems to dim the chances of the Palace-backed bill of being passed as a “legacy” of President Aquino before he steps down in June next year.

But this is not the legacy of anybody. Peace in Mindanao, elusive for generations, is an end that can be achieved not through a method rammed down our throats, especially if it’s a product of consultation with a few parties.

We urge the members of the Senate to read the bill and deliberate on what it says, not on who filed it.

The pursuit of peace is always a multi-faceted, complicated exercise. It is best to tread carefully, than swiftly.

WHY BBL WILL DIE LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES TRANSPORTATION Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya is really a piece of work. According to this most incompetent and scandal-plagued official of this thoroughly inept and insensitive government, the monstrous traffic in Metro Manila doesn’t really kill anyone, so he’s really wondering what the fuss is all about.

Somebody put this guy out of his misery, please. Just so he stops causing us ours. *** If you’re wondering what went wrong with the original draft Bangsamoro Basic Law peddled by Malacañang, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Malaysia, perhaps you really haven’t been paying attention. Because the BBL is probably the most typical of the exclusive—as in, excluding everyone except those with a vested interest—initiatives of this

Aquino administration.

If you’re looking for what they call a proximate cause to the impending train wreck that is the BBL, of course, you’ll find it in a corn field in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, where 44 police commandos were butchered last January by a rebel force which included the same people who are demanding the draft law’s passage in Congress.

And I mean the MILF, not the government of President Noynoy Aquino, who basically allowed the carnage to

A9

No government should ever assume that the lessons and events of the past are of no import.

happen and who up to now is allergic to the combination of the words “Mamasapano” and “massacre.”

But the Mamasapano incident, spectacular as it was, merely awakened a huge segment of the population to the hypocrisy and lack of empathy of the people who want to shove the BBL down our throats. The original sin, or the remote cause of the draft law’s failure, is really the decision of the administration to reinvent the wheel of Muslim autonomy by excluding all the other stakeholders in the process outside of the MILF, Kuala Lumpur and the

palace-backed peace negotiators of the Manila government.

This is the compelling argument raised by Emmanuel Fontanilla, a spokesman of the MILF’s chief rival and direct parent, the Moro National Liberation Front. Fontanilla is of the firm belief that if the Aquino government had not excluded the MNLF of Nur Misuari from the peace process, the BBL would not be dead in the water like it is today.

“The MNLF already has a peace

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-

agreement with the government, which was ratified by no less than the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,” Fontanilla told me. “The Tripoli Agreement of 1976 and the Jakarta Accord of 1996 have never been revoked, and yet this administration decided to just throw these documents into the trash can.”

As everyone who has taken an interest in Muslim autonomy knows, the Aquino administration took the inflexible position that the

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

government’s deals with the MNLF and the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that flowed from them were “failed experiments.” But instead of fixing what was wrong with these two binding and valid agreements and amending the organic law creating the ARMM, Aquino’s government decided to throw the autonomy baby out with the bath water and start from scratch.

Continued on A11

Continued on A11

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

“DON’T grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” When Secretary Jesse Robredo died in a plane crash three years ago this day, I used this quotation from the Persian poet Rumi to comfort friends and comrades in the good governance community of practice. In my eulogy for Sec. Jesse during the necrological rites held in Malacañang of the Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance, published also as an Eagle Eyes column, I proposed: “Far better than to mourn death is to celebrate life that was lived. This should now be the rallying cry we offer to the memory of such an amazing life.

DILG has sworn it would continue the reforms Robredo pursued, and many of his colleagues elsewhere in government and outside, have offered similar sacred oaths: ‘Everyone a Robredo.’ It is the perfect way to keep his spirit alive in all of us, that a beloved friend we’ve lost come round to us in another form.”

My personal experience with Sec. Jesse came after his service as Naga City mayor. As Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, I asked him to teach at the school, among others, and to go around the country to share with other local governments his experience in instituting reforms.

He also graced many of our forums, roundtable discussions and executive education seminars. Among others, he lectured in our courses on leadership and elections where he emphasized that good governance was the best politics. Later, when our school facilitated the creation of Kaya Natin, Sec. Jesse went around the country to preach the gospel of ethical and effective governance.

Sec. Jesse was well-known for his simplicity. This simplicity was not just a personal, private thing. As a government official, he was also very thrifty. He rejected all types of extravagance and was extra careful with the people’s money.

More than his personal style, it was Sec. Jesse’s commitment to the poor that defined him as a leader, as mayor and local governments secretary. The delivery of basic services was so central to him as a public official. He made sure the

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

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 THE HYPOCRISY OF ANTI-MINING the evidence against him/ her is not very strong.

With the decision of EMIL P. the Supreme Court, which JURADO is expected to be granted today, Enrile would be THREE of my four chil- free temporarily.

In a 9-5 decision with dren—my eldest Vic, my only daughter Nina, and Associate Justice Lucas son Eric, are all American Bersamin as the ponente, citizens. They have gone the Supreme Court voted there to study; they also to grant Enrile the right got married there. My to bail for “humanitarian youngest Nicky is the only reasons,” Enrile being 91 Filipino; he refused to go years of age and with frail health. There is also specto the States to study.

The three Americans ulation that the justices have since acquired dual might even have a unanicitizenship. They tell me mous decision. The High that when they took their Court has set the bail at oath as Americans and re- P500,000 for Enrile’s temnounced their Philippine porary liberty.

It is said that the draft citizenship, they also lost their status as natural- decision, which will be fiborn Filipinos, even as nalized today, directs the they were born here in immediate release of pethe Philippines to Filipi- titioner Enrile from custody or prison unless he no parents.

And when they took is detained for some other their oath as Filipino citi- unlawful cause. For over zens as they applied for a year now, JPE has been dual citizenship, they be- detained at the hospital in came naturalized Filipi- Camp Crame.

From the start, I have nos under the law.

Similarly, when Sena- always doubted if Enrile tor Grace Poe Llaman- could be found guilty. zares took her oath as an Evidence showed that he never met American Janet Lim citizen, havNapoles, ing marthe main ried a Filsuspect in American that P10husband, My heart billion pork she lost her naturalbleeds for the barrel scam ruling. born staO n l y tus—grant- people of Lobo, 14 of the ed without Supreme assuming Batangas.

Court jusshe had that tices parstatus in the ticipated in first place. the ruling And when showing she applied mercy and for retention and reacquisition of compassion for Enrile her Philippine citizen- because Justice Francis ship, it was clear she was Jardeleza, the former sonot a natural-born Fili- licitor general, inhibited himself. pino.

Enrile has been acThe law says that anybody who aspires to be cused of receiving P172 president or vice presi- million in kickbacks from dent must be natural his Priority Development born. Since Grace Poe Assistance Fund.

I am sure Malacañang Llamanzares is not natural born, is she then qual- will not take this Supreme ified to became president Court decision lightly. or vice president? You President Aquino has don’t have to be a rocket been telling his “bosses,” scientist to know the an- the people, that three minority senators have been swer. indicted as an example of *** When former Senate his “Daang Matuwid” or President Juan Ponce En- straight-path reform prorile’s petition for a Bill of gram. *** Particulars was granted There are serious by the Supreme Court, I knew it was only a matter doubts that the Bangsamof time before he would oro Basic Law will be enacted within the last 11 be granted bail.

A Bill of Particulars months of the Aquino adis required under the ministration.

With a substitute bill due-process clause of the Constitution to enable being sponsored by Senathe respondent to know tor Bongbong Marcos and what he is charged of and with some 14 senators exdefend himself or herself pressing their desire to in court. And it is usually interpellate him, it will given to the accused when be more than six weeks TO THE POINT

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

MEDICAL MARIJUANA ARE WE THERE YET? BONG C. AUSTERO AS can be expected in a country where people in positions of authority and influence make the mistake of assuming that being able to hold themselves up to a higher moral standard gives them license to assert superiority over others, the issue of legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes was bound to encounter major hurdles. There’s a lot of stigma associated with the use of marijuana for recreational purposes that most cannot imagine how something that’s illegal, immoral, and supposedly harmful could be allowed as medicine for the sick!

Just to clarify, it must be pointed out that medical marijuana is not prescribed as a cigarette. It’s important to point this out because there have been people who have been fulminating about the evils of allowing the sick to smoke marijuana.

Medical marijuana involves extracting oil from the herb and mixing it with food.

One of the groups behind the initiative to legalize medical marijuana, a group of mothers fighting for the rights of children with Dravet Syndrome was even publicly ridiculed by Senator Vicente Sotto.

The senator accused the mothers of having possibly caused the medical condition of their children. Sotto surmised that the medical condition of the kids may have been caused by the fact that their mothers probably used marijuana when they were pregnant, a sweeping accusation not only bereft of any scientific basis but also indicative of grave prejudice. Dravet syndrome is a rare case of epilepsy that cannot be controlled by medication; there have been documented cases in the country where kids with the syndrome suffered from as high as 300 seizures a week. Those who have witnessed someone experibefore the Senate can approve the substitute bill.

On the part of the House of Representatives, the move of Malacañang to have the BBL finally approved during the plenary session is even doubtful because the Moro Islamic Liberation Front wants all the deleted unconstitutional provisions of the BBL restored. If that ever happens, the House majority may even vote down the BBL. If it ever comes to pass that the BBL cannot get enacted during the last months of President Aquino it may well be better for the country as a whole. We cannot afford to have a BBL simply to please the Moro rebels. *** One industry in which the country could do better, in its effort to address

ence an epileptic seizure knows just how physically, emotionally, and psychologically debilitating it can be; imagine what it must be like for a mother to have to see her child having a seizure almost every two hours—and then get blamed by a senator for causing the suffering on the child.

Some hospitals in the United States have been using marijuana to treat children with the syndrome; they have produced encouraging results. Marijuana has also been used extensively as palliative measure among terminally ill patients although its use as medical treatment has remained controversial. Many continue to oppose the initiative for ethical, moral, and even scientific reasons.

Families of patients, particularly those who are suffering from terminal illnesses, see hope in medical marijuana, not just as possible cure but as a means to reduce the pain that patients experience. I had a friend who had terminal cancer and who used marijuana to dull the pain.

Many see desperation in the efforts to push for the use of medical marijuana arguing that the impetus may be driven more by emotions.

However, it is difficult to argue with those who see it as a means of managing pain and discomfort.

Even the Catholic bishops’ group, in a move that surprised many, indicated their support for the use of medical marijuana “when all other options have been explored.”

The position of the bishops which was released over the weekend was cloaked in gobbledygook, but it basically advocated compassion for those who are suffering.

One wishes our doctors had the same insight, particularly that bit about having compassion for those suffering. The various medical associations in the country went to town last week registering their opposition to House Bill 4477, filed

by Rodolfo Albano III of Isabela, which seeks to legalize the use of medical marijuana. Our doctors

poverty and joblessness, is mining. However, the lack of political will of those in power, despite the fact that the law that allows mining, effectively stifles what could have been the real driver of economic growth.

Mining positively affects the community where it operates. It creates employment opportunities for the locals, improves health services and modernizes infrastructure, among others. It also ensures the safety of ecosystems by employing modern mining techniques.

Most of all, the enormous income the country could get from this industry is more than enough to make a difference to the downtrodden.

Anti-mining advocates may be driven by their utter ignorance or their

basically squelched the idea on the grounds that there is not enough scientific basis for the measure.

The Philippine Medical Association said the country does not have the capacity to conduct large-scale clinical trials to determine the efficacy of medical marijuana. There are those who see politics behind the position of the medical community—legalizing medical marijuana would have disastrous consequences to the bottomline of drug companies, which spends for most of the representational and recreational needs of doctors in this country.

My objection to the position of the medical community, however, is based on philosophical grounds.

I’ve always thought that medical and professional associations exist primarily as thought leaders—their main job is to push the frontiers of science. The job of professionals and associations is to go where no one else has gone, to discover new things. Thus, it is rather incongruous for professional medical associations to take on the position that a possible cure should not be pursued because it has not been studied yet. It’s like saying doctors in this country have no brains and scientific rigor. I am not saying that doctors should make prescriptions and recommendations indiscriminately —all I am saying is that the answer should not be a flat out “No”; they owe it to themselves, their professions, and to science to say “let’s give the matter serious consideration.” A more proactive response is to create the impetus for more rigorous studies rather than categorically denying the initiative.

The problem with the issue of medical marijuana is that there is a lot of static that confuses and confounds; and people do get preoccupied with these, rather than focus on the core issues. In this particular case, it is about hope and compassion for people who are terminally ill.

Unfortunately, as has been proven many times over, there remains no cure for closed minds.

zealous desire to protect their vested interest.

This is why my heart bleeds for the community of Lobo, Batangas. This municipality has not had a taste of good life.The townsfolk finally got a glimpse of progress when mining company Egerton Gold started exploration works in their town. And then, self-styled environmentalists of the moneyed and politically influential Lopez clan proved to be the greatest hindrance.

It used the family-owned ABS-CBN to harass local government officials there.

Santa Banana, wasn’t she the same self-styled environmentalist who put up a tourist resort in the middle of sacred tribal ground in Palawan province?

Bert Palaan, a leader of Brookes Point Federa-

tion of Tribal Councils (BPFTC), has accused the self-styled environmentalist and her environment protection arm, ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan, of allegedly failing to practice what she was preaching when her construction crew allegedly forcibly took over the ancestral land of Sebastian Falls, Barangay Aribongus, at Brookes Point, reportedly with the aid of the police and the military.

Palaan said this woman had proposed to put up offices and ecotourism facilities, such as hotel, restaurant and function areas on the land. Palaan added that four lodging structures had been established for which the foundation had been charging, my gulay, P25,000 for a day’s stay.

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

MARIJUANA USE MUST REMAIN ILLEGAL; THE IRONY OF GARIN AND POE

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA ISABELA Representative Rodolfo Albano III has revived legislative plans to legalize the use of cannabis, or marijuana, for medical purposes. His proposal is embodied in House Bill (HB) No. 4477, which bears the haughty title “The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act.” To justify HB No. 4477, Albano cited countries where the medical use of marijuana is legal.

Health Secretary Janette Garin said her office would review HB No. 4477 to ascertain if it could be implemented once it becomes a law. Garin added that her office would rely on the representations made by the proponents of HB No. 4477.

The Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines apparently supports HB No. 4477 but only as far as the marijuana is used for treating terminally ill patients.

Numerous professional medical organizations of the country like the Philippine Medical Association, the Philippine College of Physicians, and the Philippine Neurological Association, are strongly opposed to HB No. 4477. One of its leaders, Dr. Anthony Leachon, disclosed that on a past occasion, their group explained to the legislators the danger involved in legalizing marijuana use even for medical purposes, but the legislators ignored them.

Responsible citizens should join the opposition to this latest act of lunacy on the part of our legislators. There are many reasons why HB No. 4477 should be scrapped.

Marijuana is undoubtedly addictive.

As such, it is hardly any different from

To be.. From A9 government was present to the poor. Indeed, this is what tsinelas leadership meant. Whether as Naga City Mayor or a cabinet member, Sec. Jesse always got his feet wet, was on the ground first, and showed by example what service and leadership meant.

He was a transformative and reformative individual seldom seen in our social and political firmament. He would take action and lead by example.

This brings me to Leni Robredo, wife and partner of Secretary Jesse, mother to his children, a human rights and alternative lawyer and now Representative of Camarines Sur in Congress.

While Leni does not yet have the long history of elected public service as Sec. Jesse had put in, there is no doubt that she has exceeded expectations in the way she has conducted herself in the world of politics and governance. Like Sec. Jesse, she too has been a model and example in the simplicity of her lifestyle. Well-known are her routines of going home to Naga City every weekend by taking a bus. During the last State-of-theNation Address, she was caught sneaking and exiting away from the Batasan, avoiding the notorious red carpet. One columnist, Paulyn Sicam, did point out that Leni, while modest and simple,

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cocaine, heroin and other narcotics.

How can something that can induce an addiction be good for the body? Curing a patient by making the patient a drug addict is questionable therapy.

There is no conclusive finding in the international medical community that will warrant the use of marijuana for medical treatment. The fact that medical professionals in the Philippines are openly against the idea should be sufficient indication that HB No. 4477 is a risky experiment at the expense of public health and welfare.

Law enforcement in the Philippines remains a serious problem. Simple traffic rules are ignored with impunity, many cops can be bribed, and almost everyone wants to be exempted from complying with the law. If HB No. 4477 becomes a law, marijuana addicts will pay large sums of money for a medical certification authorizing them to use the controversial weed.

Once HB No. 4477 becomes a law, a Philippine market for marijuana will be created which will lead to an underground marijuana industry. Inevitably, most of the marijuana will be sold to drug dealers. Marijuana will become a cash crop, prompting local farmers to grow marijuana instead of traditional agricultural crops. Under this arrangement, the price of agricultural products will skyrocket in no time.

By definition, a terminally ill patient has little time to live. How a terminally ill patient can be treated by marijuana seems like an exercise in futility. If the

did dress better than her husband.

More than the appearances, however, what distinguishes Leni Robredo is her commitment to her constituents and to the poor.

Again, there are iconic images of her crossing rivers or riding habalhabals to be able to reach those she has sworn to serve. She has brought services and much-needed infrastructure to far-flung places in her district, all without fanfare.

Cong. Leni is exactly how I described Sec. Jesse three years ago —a true servant leader. She is, as I wrote of her husband, the epitome of that public official described by Robert K. Greenleaf in The Servant as Leader, first published in 1970: “The servant-leader is servant first…It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead.”

On the policy side, Cong. Leni has also been consistently progressive and committed to good governance. She is a leading advocate of the Freedom of Information Act, a major supporter of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, as well as legislation involving agrarian and urban reform. We hope to hear her speak about these and other topics close to her heart this Saturday as our commencement speaker in the Ateneo de Manila School of Government commencement exercises.

I do not know whether Cong.

Leni will seek higher office and I

marijuana for the terminally ill patient is for anesthetic purposes, the objective can be achieved by existing painkillers.

It will be reckless for Secretary Garin to put more weight on the justifications submitted by the proponents of HB No. 4477, than on the professional opinion of the leading medical minds in the land.

Apparently, Garin is acting as a politician and not as a physician.

The reckless attitude of Secretary Garin no longer surprises anyone. It will be recalled that in November 2014, Filipino health workers who came from Africa in the wake of an Ebola virus outbreak there were ordered by the government to remain in quarantine in Caballo Island in Manila Bay. Garin, who was already an official of the Department of Health, violated that quarantine and visited the health workers at Caballo Island without wearing any protective gear, but accompanied by photographers. After violating the quarantine, Garin went to the Senate to explain her side in an investigation into a certain anomaly in the DOH. Thereafter, Garin shook hands with just about everybody in the Senate. Fortunately for the country, no one among the health workers under quarantine was a carrier of the Ebola virus, and so Garin did not spread the disease. *** Senator Grace Poe may be a proponent of the Freedom of Information Act in Congress, but her actuations seem to indicate otherwise. This is seen in her continuing refusal to reveal to the general public the pertinent information

will respect whatever decision she makes. Certainly, she is the best choice for Vice President for administration candidate Mar Roxas. If Roxas chooses her, it will consolidate support of the reform constituency for his candidacy and will dispel notions that he is a traditional politician. If Sec. Roxas chooses Leni, he will be perceived as courageous, visionary, and risk-taking. It will be tough for her to win because she starts at lower levels of awareness than other VP candidates but it is doable. Her candidacy and victory will be founded on the belief that the people like a real thing, and yes, in Leni Robredo, we will get exactly what we are promised—a servant leader, a true believer in good governance, and fully committed to the poor.

When Sec. Jesse left us, I said that the best way to celebrate such a wonderful and fruitful life was for all of us to emulate him, to live as he did—in service of others, of the poor, and of this country. That is also the perfect description of his wife, Representative Leni Robredo. To become like them, is also what we are all called for: every Filipino a Robredo, all of our politicians, all of us to become like the Robredos. That would be so good for this country.

Facebook Page: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

which will let the public know once and for all if she is really the natural-born citizen of the Philippines she claims to be.

Since her citizenship is now an open, legal issue against Poe before the Senate Electoral Tribunal, it is incumbent upon her to release the pertinent information to the public without further delay. It’s the least she can do as a purported proponent of Freedom of Information.

Is it possible that Poe herself is behind the case against her now pending in the SET? According to some political observers, the petition against Poe seems weak because it has not addressed all issues relating to the citizenship of Poe, particularly those relating to International Law. If the citizenship case is eventually resolved by the SET in favor of Poe, and no review by the Supreme Court ensues thereafter, political observers say that Poe will conveniently cite the ruling of the SET as a justification for her to run for either president or vice president.

To guard against that possibility, public interest advocates ought to file their own separate petitions in the SET, this time embodying all the possible arguments in support of the view that Poe is not a natural-born citizen of the Philippines. This way, the issue on Poe’s citizenship will be resolved on the merits, and not on some procedural technicality.

Constitutionalism, or the supremacy of the fundamental law of the land, demands nothing less from Poe. Hurry up, Senator Poe. Everybody is waiting for you.

Why.. From A9 The result is the Malaysian-sponsored Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the two pacts that led directly to the drafting on the BBL. With its new partner in the peace talks, the MILF, the Manila government decided to pretend that the MNLF doesn’t even exist—and is now already facing a lawsuit in the Supreme Court for going into both the FAB and the CAB. Well, the Manila government isn’t really completely ignoring the MNLF. When Misuari’s men began massing in Zamboanga City two years ago, the Aquino government made these rebels feel the wrath of Manila, nearly bombing and burning the city’s Muslim districts to extinction for daring to stage a show of force when they have been officially relegated into irrelevance.

Zamboanga City is still reeling from the wanton destruction wrought by Aquino, his sidekick Mar Roxas and all the other officials who ordered the 2013 siege. The overkill in Zamboanga predated the massacre in Mamasapano; both bloody incidents will prove to be the undoing of this administration, when the criminal and other charges comes after Aquino steps down.

And then there’s the growing belief, even inside Malacañang Palace, that the BBL will never pass in Congress, regardless of Aquino’s threats and largesse. That’s karma, really, for his administration’s hubris, lack of inclusion and self-serving incompetence.

What happened to the BBL should be reviewed by historians and political scientists and turned into a case study of the folly of exclusionary policy. And why no government should ever assume that the lessons and events of the past are of no import because it will merely be forced to repeat all previous, avoidable mistakes.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Cobras, Lancers crush opponents

By Mikey Izumi CEBU CITY—Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. defending champion Southwestern University Cobras and the University of the Visayas Green Lancers easily swept past their opponents in the15th CESAFI men’s basketball tournament Sunday at the Cebu Coliseum.

Players from the Philippine Table Tennis Academy, headed by its founder and president, table tennis Southeast Asian games medalist Jon Ebuen, are shown with NRG president Josuard Gonzales and CEO Julius Esposo.

Wellness firm backs tablenet bets NRG health and Wealth Corporation, a global direct selling company, has expressed its support of the young athletes of Philippine Table Tennis Academy, headed by its founder and president, table tennis Southeast Asian games medalist Jon Ebuen.

NRG, through its President Josuard Gonzales and Chief Executive Officer Julius Esposo, inked a memorandum of agreement with Ebuen’s PTTA to collaborate in supporting potential young athletes of the athletes’ association.

The formal agreement was during NRG-PTTA table tennis tournament over the weekend.

Gonzales explains that NRG will sponsor PTTA players by providing them allowances, supply of products, one-on-one training with former national athlete Esposo, and actively promote their table tennis activities.

Esposo and Ebuen both remain hopeful that in due time, a first Filipino Olympian table tennis player will emerge thru this small efforts coming together.

“That’s what they’ve been asking for, a future Filipino table tennis Olympian to be sponsored by NRG,” said Gonzales.

“That’s a possibility, a big possibility.”

Before agreeing with the PTTA,

NRG gave current national table tennis and the country’s oldest athlete Richard Gonzales a cash reward recently for bagging the men’s singles’ silver medal in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore last June.

NRG is eyeing to support the advocacies of other sports, not only table tennis but also other sports that can put Filipinos in the international limelight especially in the Olympics.

“NRG is eyeing to support more athletes in the future because their success will also be the success of the Filipinos,” he said. “We are also here to support grassroots development.”

Bagatsing, Garcia grace PSA Forum PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman Richie Garcia makes his first Philippine Sports Association Forum appearance for the year as he serves as the main guest in Tuesday’s regular session at Shakey’s Malate.

Garcia is expected to talk about the plans and programs of the government sports agency for the last quarter of 2015 in the session aired live over DZSR Sports Radio 918 and presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

The first part of the 10:30 a.m. public sports program will have the Bagatsing Cup Racing Festival.

Appearing to discuss the annual horseracing event are Congressman Amado Bagatsing, Atty. Ramon ‘Dondon’ Bagatsing Jr., and Manila Jockey Club President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. King Reyno.

Test event. French Alexis Vuilermoz celebrates his victory during the Interna-

tional Road Cycling in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, event that serves as a test for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games AFP

In the first game, the 10time CESAFI champion Green Lancers disposed of hapless University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers, 97-56.

UV started hot firing on all cylinders to take an early 36-10 lead at the end of the first period and never looked back in cruising to the win.

Franz Arong led the undefeated Lancers with 14 points, but it was Alwin Aguirre, who won Best Player of the Game honors after finishing with with 13 points and eight rebounds.

Every other player in the Gary Cortes-coached Lancers scored.

The winless Panthers (0-4) were led by Brantford Borces with 13 points, while wily guard Mhike Patalinghug was the only other player to score in double digits with 10 points.

In the main game, the SWU Cobras again leaned on their 9-man rotation to beat the undermanned University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars, who played minus starters Renzo Senining and

Edmundo Bayhonan, 71-62.

In the first half, the Jaguars of coach Jun Noel of Mama’s Love fame kept pace with the Cobras with their trapping defense, forcing SWU to commit 10 turnovers and eventually leading, 33-32 at the half.

But in the second half, the momentum shifted to the Yayoy Alcosaba-coached Cobras, whose patient offense worked wonders as they continuously moved the ball around and made the Jaguars’ defense slowly break down to grab the lead at the end of the third quarter, 51-44.

The Jaguars tried to inch closer at the start of the fourth frame, but SWU responded with timely baskets from Mark Christopher Racho late in the match to give the Cobras their third straight victory.

His performance earned Racho “Best Player of the Game” honors from Viva Sports TV panelists Rico Navarro and Sandi Grumo as he finished with a careerhigh 14 points and six rebounds.

Resuello bags 2nd win, keeps solo lead DUCATI franchise rider Raniel Resuello scored a crucial triumph that kept his hold on the solo leadership and fortified his chances of redeeming his throne recently in the fourth leg of 2015 Pirelli Superbikes Championship Series at the Clark International Speedway.

The win was a morale booster for Resuello, who’s raring to regain the distinction as the Superbikes’ champ in the new era of local two-wheel racing, held under the auspices of the Superbikes Racing Association and sponsored by Pirelli, FDR and ENEOS with media partners Inside Racing Magazine, Motorsiklo Xklusibo @ DZME 1530, and Motorcycle World Magazine.

Resuello’s impressive victory spoiled the hopes of defending Superbikes’ champion Dashi Watanabe of Kawasaki of a pivotal three-game winning streak that could have catapulted him to the solo lead in the premier Superbikes Open class.

Watanabe, as usual, dictated the tempo in the early goings, until Resuello pulled off a timely maneuver that grabbed for him the top

spot. He went on to preserve his post as he emerged champion with just a slim 0.112 of a second lead at the end of the abbreviated fivelap race.

The reigning champ spared no time to contest the result, claiming he’s the rightful winner, but before his supporters’ sentiments blew out of proportion, SBRA race officials, led by Clerk-of-Course Elson Carpio, called for a clarificatory meeting of both camps and quickly diffused the tension.

SBRA officials have continuously improved measures in their primary concern for rider safety and during the riders’ briefing, Carpio sought the consensus of the competitors on the issue, particularly on oil spills resulting from accidents that render the track highly dangerous for the riders.

In the same meeting, it was agreed that whoever spots an oil spill after an accident, the rider must stop and raise a clenched fist to notify Carpio and SBRA officials of the dangerous track condition, which meant an immediate race stoppage.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Lions want to end 1st round with a triumph Games today 10 a.m.- Perpetual Help vs Jose Rizal (jrs) 12 nn.- San Beda vs Arellano (jrs) 2 p.m.- Perpetual Help vs Jose Rizal (srs) 4 p.m.- San Beda vs Arellano (srs)

Novak Djokovic (left) of Serbia and Andy Murray of Great Britain hold their trophies during Day 7 of the Rogers Cup at Uniprix Stadium in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. AFP

Murray snaps 8-match losing streak to tormentor Djokovic MONTREAL—Britain’s Andy Murray snapped an eight-match losing streak against top-ranked rival Novak Djokovic on Sunday to win the ATP Montreal Masters only hours after his coach Amelie Mauresmo gave birth to a baby boy.

The Scotsman, who moves to second in the ATP rankings on Monday, revealed the news from his French mentor, the only woman to coach a major men’s player.

Murray dedicated the win to Mauresmo, and said he and his team saw a picture of mother and child.

“I would imagine she’s quite tired. Probably me and my tennis are the last thing

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland holds the Rogers Cup following her win over Simona Halep of Romania at the Aviva Centre at York University in Toronto, Canada.

Bencic, who upset world number one Serena Williams in the semi-finals, broke twice to open the third set before the effort of battling in extreme heat and humidity proved more than Halep could take.

AFP

on her mind just now, which is totally understandable.

But, glad she’s OK and everything went well,” Murray said.

With assistant Jonas Bjorkman watching from the player box, Murray turned in a fighting performance over three hours to finally beat Djokovic for the first time in more than two years, the first

time since he won the 2013 Wimbledon final over the Serbian.

“To win this one was nice, especially the way the match went as well,” Murray said.

“It would have been easy for me to let that one slip away but I fought well and stayed calm in the important moments of the third set.”

Murray and the world number one took an hour per set to settle their score in Quebec as Murray completed a Canadian title hattrick after trophies in 2009 and 2010.

“You never like losing, but any streak comes to an end,” said Djokovic, who said he received treatment this week on a right elbow niggle

which has been bothering him recently.

“I just did some tests.

They were good. They were positive. I hope for the best.”

Murray now owns 11 Masters 1000 titles and 35 over all. He denied Djokovic the chance at a 25th Masters trophy.

“I lost to a better player today. I lost to Andy, who I know very well. I did fight till the last point and did try my best. That’s something that I take as a positive from this week,” Djokovic said.

“Andy deserved the win.

He stepped in, played some great shots. Most of all the moments when he needed to, he served very, very well.

He just came up always with

big serves, so I couldn’t do much.”

Murray won his fourth title of 2015 and lifted his record on the season to 53-8.

“Novak made it extremely difficult out there,” said Murray, who needed five match points to win as the Djokovic defence came to life.

Djokovic said he hopes to carry his form into Cincinnati next week and the US Open, which starts on August 31 in New York.

“When I reflect on the week, of course it’s positive,” Djokovic said. “I’m playing better as the tournament progressed, and hopefully I can continue in the same style in Cincinnati.” AFP

SAN Beda College eyes to cap its first-round campaign with a win when it goes up against dangerous Arellano University in today’s main offering in the final first -ound playdate at 4 p.m. in the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the San Juan Arena.

“We are facing wellcoached teams. We can’t afford to put our guards down,” said Jarin after the Red Lions weathered a late rally to repulse the San Sebastian Stags, 92-81, last Thursday.

The Mendiola-based cagers are going for a win that will give them a share of the lead with the Letran Knights, who are currently on top of the standings with an 8-1slate.

In the 2 p.m. game, University of Perpetual Help Altas seek to keep their place at no. 3 when they take on another dangerous squad in Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers.

The Altas are coming off a morale-boosting victory over the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals, 68-55, last week to stay at no. 3 for a 6-2 slate, and another win today will strengthen their grip on third spot.

Meanwhile, the Red Lions will once again rely on Nigerian behemoth Ola Adeogun, who carried the fight for San Beda with 28 points and 14 rebounds against the SSC Stags.

The Chiefs, who are also coming off a win over the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 85-73, last Friday hope to improve to 5-3 in a tie with the JRU Heavy Bombers.

Swiss teen Bencic wins Toronto title TORONTO—Swiss teen Belinda Bencic outlasted Simona Halep to win Sunday’s WTA Rogers Cup final when the Romanian second seed retired trailing 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (4/7), 3-0.

Bencic, who upset world number one Serena Williams in the semi-finals, broke twice to open the third set before the effort of battling in extreme heat and humidity proved more than Halep could take.

The Swiss 18-year-old has won 21 of her last 25 matches and defeated four top-10 foes this week, improving to 6-1 this year against such high-ranked rivals.

“I don’t think I’m so good at

speeches yet,” Bencic said. “But first I want to congratulate Simona on a great week, and my mom, my dad and my team.

“Even if I lost today it would’ve been an amazing experience.”

It was the second career WTA crown for Bencic, whose first came in June at Eastbourne, and it capped an impressive week in which she defeated six Grand Slam finalists -- Eugenie Bouchard, Caroline Wozniacki, Sabine Lisicki, Ana Ivanovic, Halep and Williams, winner of the past four Grand Slam events in a row.

Bencic will jump to 12th in the world rankings after starting the week 20th, improving

her position for the US Open, the year’s final Grand Slam event that starts August 31 in New York.

Halep and Bencic exchanged breaks over the first five games of the match before Bencic held for a 4-2 edge.

The 18-year-old double faulted to surrender an equalising break in the eighth game as the two battled into the tie-breaker.

Halep, who had her left leg treated in the final changeover before the tie-breaker, seized a 4-1 lead but Bencic fought back to win six of the last seven points to claim the first set, the last when Halep netted a forehand. AFP

T UE S DAY : AUGUS T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

A14

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Fil-Am rider to represent PH in Olympics IF things go as planned, Filipino-American rider Siena Fines will represent the Philippines in an Olympic qualifier set this October.

Despite just recovering from an injury, the 17-year-old Fines, an aspiring rider from Sacramento, California, is determined to see action in the Asian BMX championships in Myanmar, an Olympic qualifying tournament slated from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1.

“I think I’m going to race. It’s my main focus.

I’ve been training all year for this,” said Fines during a radio interview.

Fine’s father Frank hails from Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. She is currently ranked no. 36 in the world junior women’s elite level.

Greg Romero, coach of Asian Games gold medalist Daniel Caluag, is coaching Fines online.

“I just got back to training eight weeks ago,” added Fines, who will be eligible to compete in the Rio Olympics when she turns 18 next year. She said she plans to compete in four World Cups and the World Championships events, including a tournament in Colombia to be held next May, in a bid to collect the needed Olympic qualifying points.

PhilCycling, headed by Tagaytay Cong. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, has already reached an agreement with Fines’ and her family for the young cyclist to represent the country in Rio. Peter Atencio

Semis boost. St. Benilde’s Johnvic De Guzman (10) elevates as he goes for a kill against Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Israel Encina (4) and Kerth Melizza (9) during their Spikers’ Turf quarterfinal clash at The Arena yesterday. St. Benilde carved out a tough 25-22, 21-25, 16-25, 25-22, 15-13 victory to revive its semifinal hopes.

La Salle’s Mbala ineligible to play in coming season

By Peter Atencio

THE De La Salle University Green Archers will be playing minus one big man this season after the University Athletic Association of the Philippines officials ruled that Ben Mbala, a 6’5” center from Cameroon, is ineligible to play this season.

League officials, through Season 78 secretary-treasurer Randy Dizer of the University of the Philippines, have already informed

PSC to hold tennis seminar in Dumalag A FOUR-DAY Philippine Sports Commission-Philta Junior Tennis tournament unfurls Wednesday at the Dumalag tennis court, featuring players from this town and nearby municipalities in Roxas City.

The competition, designed to tap young talents, has different age categories, namely 10-years-old unsex and 12to 18-years-old, boys and girls supervised by former player and national coach Tom Falcis.

Commissioner Salvador Andrada will grace the opening games, to be joined by Mayor Amado Eriberto Castro Jr.; Committee on Sports Chairman Cecilio Fecundo; Dumalag Tennis Club, headed by Tor Almasol and local officials.

Winners in different categories will win medals and earn points and the chance to play in tournaments sanctioned

by Philta, supported by Philippine Olympic Committee.

“Dumalag is known as tennis capital of Capiz. We hosted this competition precisely to encourage our youth to indulge actively in tennis and ultimately become national players,” said former tennis and varsity basketball player Ronilo Gialogo.

DLSU officials of their decision to bar Mbala from playing after the UAAP found out that the behemoth violated the UAAP residency

rule when he played in the Pacman Cup tournament in General City last January.

The board, however, said that Mbala can still play for De La Salle next season, provided that he does not suit up for other teams.

De La Salle was said to be grooming Mbala, a transferee from Southwestern University of Cebu, to be the Green Archers’ main man at the middle after Arnold Van Opstal chose to cut short his playing years with the school

Mbala

and applied for the Philippine Basketball Association

Draft, which will be held this Sunday.

The UAAP board ruling has prompted De La Salle to scour for other big men from its pool, including sophomore big man Prince Rivero, Team B players Larry Muyang and Daryl Pascual and rookie John Gob to fill in the vacant spot at the middle.

La Salle’s frontline has been decimated following the graduation of Norbert Torres and the departure of Van Opstal.

Jarencio get old cogs back to help GlobalPort

By Jeric Lopez AS fate would have it, another former University of Santo Tomas superstar has reunited with former coach “Pido” Jarencio at GlobalPort in the Philippine Basketball Association.

A week after acquiring Jeric Fortuna from San Miguel Beer, Jarencio welcomed another former UST Tiger in Jervy Cruz to the Batang Pier fold in the team’s bid to boost its title chances going into the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association season.

Cruz, a former UAAP Most Valuable Player while playing for UST under Jarencio’s watch, officially joins GlobalPort after he was traded by Rain or Shine in exchange for seldom-used

big man Jewel Ponferrada and GlobalPort’s first pick in the second round in the PBA Draft to be held this Sunday.

The transaction has already been finalized and the contract is now with the Commissioner’s office for approval.

Cruz, an undersized but a strong power forward, was a vital piece in Jarencio’s roster when the Golden Tigers won the UAAP men’s basketball crown.

GlobalPort will only be Cruz’s second team as he spent his first six years in the league with Rain or Shine after being taken fourth overall in the 2009 Draft.

His rebounding, outside touch and inside presence will be much-needed assets that are expected to add

more dimensions to the GlobalPort’s offensive and defensive rotations.

The Elasto Painters are also reportedly happy with the trade as coach Yeng Guiao had said earlier that he wanted another big man to shore up his frontline.

Ponferrada stands 6’6”, and his presence down low will add more ceiling to Rain or Shine, which already has beefy centers Beau Belga, JR Quinahan and the vastly-improving Raymund Almazan.

Fortuna, one of Jarencio’s top guns for UST after the Cruz era, was acquired a week ago from the Beermen in exchange for a future second round draft pick.

Still, the wheeling and dealing might not be over for Jarencio and his Batang Pier as

the coach is reportedly pursuing his other former players in the collegiate ranks.

Sources said Jarencio is also eyeing other former UST players such as Jeric Teng, who has languished deep inside Rain or Shine’s bench given the Elasto Painters’ crowded backcourt, and swingman Dylan Ababou, another former UAAP MVP who currently plays for Barako Bull.

After declining to entertain trades the past few seasons as he thought then that keeping the team intact would be best, Guiao said recently that he is now open for possible trades for Rain or Shine and that proved to be true as the Painters dealt away one of their long-tenured players in Cruz.

T UE S DAY : AUGUS T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

It’s Jason’s day KOEHLER—Jason Day made it look easy, but after years of major championship heartbreak his record-setting win Sunday at the PGA Championship was anything but.

“It was probably the hardest round of golf that I’ve ever had to play,” said Day, whose five-under 67 at Whistling Straits gave him a 20-under total of 268— the lowest winning score in relation to par ever in a major championship.

He was three strokes in front of Jordan Spieth, the 22-year old American who captured two majors this year.

Feeling the weight of the American crowd’s hopes for Spieth—as well as the weight of his own major championship

history—Day dug in.

As he approached the 72nd hole—at 20-under with a threeshot lead, Day told himself “don’t double bogey.”

But as the visions of disaster crowded in, he fought back.

“That’s the moments where you have to pull yourself back and say, ‘No, I’m not going to have that. I’m going to stamp my foot on that.’”

Day closed with a par—rolling a 45-foot birdie putt to within a foot and tapping in as the tears flowed.

The victory broke a series

of near-misses that stretches back years.

In 2011 a surging Charl Schwartzel denied him at the Masters before his fourth major start at the US Open saw him unable to catch Rory McIlroy.

In 2013, fellow Aussie Adam Scott won the Masters after Day’s late collapse.

Just this year, Day battled through vertigo to earn a place in the final group of the US Open in June, only to finish tied for ninth.

Last month his putt to reach the British Open playoff came up short and he settled for a share of fourth place.

That result at St. Andrews was a crushing blow, Day admitted, but he said the pile of disappointments did more to make Sunday’s triumph possible than

all of his consultations with mental coaches.

“The biggest thing that prepares you for something like this is just the sheer experience of failure,” Day said. “Knowing you can learn from anything ... that’s what gets you mentally tough.”

Day said he couldn’t fathom the fact that he’d posted the lowest winning score in relation to par in a major championship.

He’ll rise from fifth to a career-high number three in the world, but most importantly for the 27-year-old he’s shed the tag of one of the best players never to win a major.

“I haven’t had really much time to think about what I accomplished,” he said. “It’s good to be a major champion.” AFP

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

Day sheds tears of joy THIS is not the first time that FilipinoAussie golfer Jason Day has cried profusely after a game.

In 2013, Day shed tears after winning the World Cup of Golf days after eight of his relatives perished in Tacloban City during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda.

Day lost his grandmother, his uncle and six cousins to the typhoon that left more than 6,000 people dead.

His mother, Dening, grew up in Tacloban City, but migrated to Australia three decades ago where she raised her son.

One of his aunts survived despite being swept to another village, while another aunt’s family was spared from the tragedy after binding themselves together with a rope and taking refuge in their attic.

The champion golfer then pledged to allot a part of his $1.5-million prize to relief efforts in Yolanda-hit areas in the Philippines.

Last month, Day again cried in frustration after a missed birdie putt on the 72nd hole, failing to secure a slot in the British Open playoff.

Yesterday, however, the Filipino-Aussie golfer shed only tears of joy after winning the 2015 PGA Championship and breaking Tiger Woods’ major championship record for finishing at 20 under. Joyce Pangco Pañares

Palace praises Fil-Aussie champ

Jason Day of Australia celebrates on the 18th green with his pregnant wife Ellie and son Dash after winning the 2015 PGA Championship with a score of 20-under par at Whistling Straits in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. AFP

No. 1 spot consoles Spieth KOHLER—Jordan Spieth failed to add a third major title to his 2015 resume on Sunday, but with his runner-up finish to Jason Day at Whistling Straits, the 22-year-old claimed another coveted honor: the world number one ranking.

Spieth, the Masters and US Open winner, was touted as the player headed for history at the 97th PGA Championship, where he had a chance to join legendary Ben Hogan and superstar Tiger Woods as the only men to win three majors in a year.

But Day thwarted that dream with a record-setting 20-under par winning total for a threestroke win over Spieth, who nevertheless dislodged North-

ern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy from the number one spot he had held for 55 consecutive weeks.

“This is as easy a loss as I’ve ever had because felt that I not only couldn’t do much about it, as the round went on, I also accomplished one of my lifelong goals in the sport of golf,” Spieth said.

“That will never be taken away from me now. I’ll always be a number one player in the world,” added the American, the second-youngest to ascend the summit behind Woods, who was 21 when he first reached number one in 1997.

Despite the outcome on Sunday, Spieth has produced a remarkable 2015 campaign, capturing the Masters and US

Open and missing a playoff by one stroke at the British Open to finish equal fourth before his runner-up effort at Whistling Straits.

Deserving number one Spieth’s solo second place meant McIlroy needed a top-six finish to stay number one, and the 26-year-old came up short with a final-round 69 that left him in 17th place on 279 in his defense of the PGA crown he won at Valhalla last year.

“The way Jordan has been playing and the way I haven’t played much this year ... if he goes to number one today, it’s very deservedly so,” said McIlroy, who walked off the course 90 minutes before the last putts fell. AFP

MALACAÑANG yesterday hailed Filipino-Australian golfer Jason Day for winning the 2015 PGA Championship in Michigan, in the United States.

“We congratulate Filipino-Australian golfer Jason Day for winning the 2015 PGA championship. He highlighted his victory more for getting the lowest score during the major golf championship,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a text message to the Malacanang Press Corps.

“The Philippines is proud of golf champion Jason Day,” Coloma added. Sandy Araneta

A16

T U E S D AY : A U G U S T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

Cleverly crafted booths made with the different parts of a coconut tree.

NIYOGYUGAN:

A reason to go home to Quezon

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

“Give me a reason why I should go home to Quezon in August” This simple statement, Quezon Rep. Aleta Suarez said, is what gave birth to the Niyogyugan Festival in the country’s longest province– named after its greatest son, the late President Manuel Luis Quezon.

Suarez, the brains behind Niyogyugan Festival, told The Standard they are first enticing the locals to witness the celebration, which traditionally lasts a week or more.

Quezon Gov. David “Jayjay” Suarez, on the other hand, is very optimistic that Lucena City will soon be packed with huge crowds of national and international tourists, as the festivities grow bigger and much better.

The Beginnings of Niyogyugan Prior to start of the Niyogyugan festival in 2012 , the province merely had a trade fair promoting products from different parts of the coconut tree produced by local farmers. Given her intense passion for arts and culture, and her experience of witnessing the various festivals in the country, Suarez proposed to add the festivities and heighten the jovial mood to the trade fair, turning it into a full-blown agritourism occasion.

“Baguio’s flower industry is

showcased in its Penagbenga festival... Cebuanos have the Sinulog and in Bacolod, they have Masskara... I also went to Bukidnon, Guimaras for their festivals. Sometimes, they’re just small towns and yet, they have their well known festivals. So why can’t Quezon, a province, have its own?”

The Niyogyugan Festival gets its name from “niyog” (coconut) and “yugyog” (shaking to the beat).

The congresswoman quips, “Para masaya, tara na sa Niyogyugan!”

Using Our Coconut Coconut is the main product of Quezon, and majority of the 600,000 Quezonians engaged in agriculture are in the coconut industry. With Niyogyugan, they are able to creatively boost the products from the coconut tree, touted as “Tree of Life’” in a fun and vibrant way.

Each of the Niyog-based products of the 39 municipalities and two cities of the province are showcased in individual booths. Thus, the occasion is an exhibition of the industry, ingenuity and creativity of local talents who crafted the various designs of the booths which are made up of 80 percent coconut products. They will all be competing for the P6 million worth

Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez with Quezon Gov. David Suarez and former Minority Floor Leader Danilo Suarez at the Niyogyugan Festival’s Pamilyang Magsasaka

the provincial government leaders to discuss measures to institutionalize it as an annual event, to ensure its continuity and longevity through the years.

The congresswoman led the ribbon cutting last August 10 to kick

Ribbon cutting with Cong. Aleta Suarez, Gov. David ‘Jayjay’ Suarez, Mrs Ana V. Suarez and former Minority Floor Leader Danilo Suarez.

of livelihood projects Suarez said that with each passing year, the competition between the contestants involved in the creation of the booths have become stiffer.

She also noted that even the multi-colored gowns of pretty Quezonians vying for the Niyogyugan Festival Queen have become more fascinating every year. “I am very delighted!”

Solving Other Problems Aside from boosting tourism, she said the festival is also proof that the insurgency problem in Quezon is a thing of the past.

“Many fear Quezon because of insurgency. But how will they know there’s no more insurgency in the province if we will not show them?” she asked.

The occasion likewise spurs economic activities especially in the 4th and 5th district or the low-income municipalities.

Once the goods are sold, owners of the booths will return to their hometowns to get more,”said Suarez. “They’re earning at least P20,000 a day,” she adds, Gov. David Suarez with his family enjoying the festival.

saying that gross sales for the past two years was pegged at P6 million.

Future Plans She said this is the first year they have tapped the print and broadcast media to promote the activities lined up for the festival. Previously, the province used social networking sites like Facebook to instill public awareness about Niyogyugan.

“We expect a growing number of Quezonians to go home for this occasion. Soon, we want to draw crowds from other places and even from other countries,” she said.

She also intends to seek t h e inclusion of Niyogyugan in the Department of Tourism Calendar of famous festivals in the Philippines. She will also meet with

off the festivities, paying homage to the coconut tree. The week long festivities also involved a competition of cleverly-built floats made from different parts of a coconut tree and streetdancing competition by dancers clad in coconut-inspired coconut products.

B1

TUESDAY: AUGUST 18, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Aboitiz joins airport bidding

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SIX groups, including Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., are vying for the P108.2-billion regional airports that the government is bidding out under the public-private partnership program.

The auction process, however, may be delayed after the Davao regional trial court issued a temporary restraining order against the Transportation Department.

Transportation Undersecretary Rene Limcaoco said the agency received a TRO from the Davao RTC but it still proceeded with bid solicitations.

“We are studying it, [but] we will be proceeding with the bids submission,” Limcaoco said, dur-

ing the submission of pre-qualification documents Monday.

Limcaoco said the six groups that submitted pre-qualification documents were Maya Consortium led by Aboitiz Equity Ventures; Philippine Airports Consortium led by Metro Pacific Investments Corp.; San Miguel Holdings Corp-IIAC Airport Consortium; GMR-Megawide Consortium; Sojitz-Jatco-Filinvest; and Union Equities-Airports

Company South Africa.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures teamed up with Vinci Airports of France to form the Maya Consortium while San Miguel Holdings Corp. tapped Incheon International Airport Corp. to form SMHCIIAC Airport Corp.

The five provincial airports included in the PPP bundle are the P20.26billion Bacolod-Silay International Airport and the P30.4-billion Iloilo International Airport under package 1, and the P14.62-billion Laguindingan Airport, P2.34-billion New Bohol (Panglao) Airport and P40.57billion Davao International Airport under package 2.

Louie Ogsimer, transaction advisor for the five-airport project, said the 72-hour TRO, which was issued by Davao RTC on Aug. 12, had already lapsed.

“A regional trial court can only issue an injunction or TRO within his judicial region. It means that a Davao regional trial court can only straight acts which is being done within the judicial region of Davao,” Ogsimer said.

“Obviously, all the acts that were done and are being done is within Metro Manila, which is out of the courts territorial jurisdiction,” he said.

Ogsimer said Republic Act No. 8975 expressly prohibited the issuance of any injunction or TRO, against government infrastructure projects.

The winning concessionaires for each airport bundle will handle the operation and maintenance of the airports for 30 years and will undertake expansion of facilities.

PSe comPoSite index Closing August 17, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,336.84 71.60

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing AUGUST 17, 2015 42

P46.325

43

CLOSE

44 45 46

HIGH P46.260 LOW P46.330 AVERAGE P46.287 VOLUME 421.000M

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 17, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate

Potential food complex. San Miguel Corp. president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang (second from left) inspects the Pandacan oil depot Monday in Manila. With him are Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada (right) and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno. Ang, who is also president and chief executive of Petron Corp., proposed the conversion of the oil depot into a food processing complex. DANNY PATA

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.2080

Japan

Yen

0.008048

0.3719

UK

Pound

1.564500

72.2924

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128942

5.9582

Switzerland

Franc

1.024695

47.3491

Canada

Dollar

0.763767

35.2921

Singapore

Dollar

0.711086

32.8579

Australia

Dollar

0.737409

34.0742

Bahrain

Dinar

2.650903

122.4929

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266617

12.3198

Brunei

Dollar

0.708567

32.7415

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000073

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.028378

1.3113

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

12.5825

Euro

Euro

1.111500

51.3602

Korea

Won

0.000849

0.0392

China

Yuan

0.156450

7.2292

India

Rupee

0.015380

0.7107

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.245152

11.3280

New Zealand

Dollar

0.654493

30.2428

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031106

1.4373 Source: PDS Bridge

Remittances increased 6.1% to $2.2b in June—Bangko Sentral

By Julito G. Rada MONEY sent home by Filipinos working overseas climbed 6.1 percent in June to $2.18 billion from $2.05 billion a year ago, exceeding Bangko Sentral’s growth target of 5 percent for the year.

This brought total cash remittances in the first half to $12.1 billion, up 5.6 percent from $11.4 billion registered in the same six-month period in 2014, data

showed.

“In particular, cash remittances from land-based [$9.2 billion] and sea-based [$2.8 billion] workers grew by 6.2 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively,” Bangko Sentral said.

Top sources of cash remittances were the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Canada,” Bangko Sentral said.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, increased 5.3 percent in the first half to $13.37 billion from $12.7 billion a year earlier.

Personal remittances grew 5.8 percent to $2.4 billion in June from $2.27 billion a year ago.

“The sustained growth in personal remittances for the first half was boosted by the continued remittance inflows from land-based workers with contracts of at least

one year [6.1 percent] and seabased and land-based workers with short-term contracts [3.7 percent],” Bangko Sentral said.

Remittances remained robust partly due to stable demand for skilled Filipinos abroad, Bangko Sentral said.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration showed that total job orders reached 454,263 in the six month period.

About 37.8 percent of total job orders were intended mainly for service, production and professional, technical and related workers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates.

Cash remittances posted a record $24.308 billion in 2014, or 5.8-percent higher than $22.968 billion in 2013. It also accounted for 8.5 percent of gross domestic product last year.

TUESDAY: AUGUST 18, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Monday, august 17, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 10.4 890 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 625 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 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. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Union Bank Vantage Equities

3.39 70.1 103.00 93.00 42.9 2.51 1.46 16 20.8 7.80 790.00 0.400 85 0.98 18.86 62.85 95 304 38.8 137.7 58.20 3.24

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 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 12.5 3.95 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 6.75 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 7.34 238 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.65 234 1.3 26 2.17

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 15.32 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 1.06 8.61 20.2 71.5 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 8.65 2.3 1.63 33 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.37 3.87 8.45 3 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 1.65 5.9 161 4.1 1.55 0.138 2.09 152 0.640 10.02 1.2

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Century Food Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Euro-Med Lab Federal Res. Inv. Group First Gen Corp.

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

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

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ SPC Power Corp.

Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

43 1.43 1 1.86 11.18 18 27 45 2.92 1.51 12.34 11.000 9.50 6.65 9.30 1.78 14.1 25.6 75.8 13.30 5.98 0.480 188.40 10.12 2.02 1.74 52.90 24.05 25.9 6.14 297.40 3.85 4.64 8.40 4 11.70 3.28 2.23 3.66 4.28 1.82 6 165 4.49 1.82 0.140 2.07 190 0.69 22.95 1.13

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 3.68 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 6.5 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 0.0670 1.61 2.99 84.9 974 1.66 1.39 390 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 1.6 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 1.15 2.26 0.152 837 5.3 49.55 3.43 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 4.5 0.030 0.550 2.26 59.3 751 1.13 0.93 170 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ F&J Prince ‘B’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

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

Minerales Industrias Corp.

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

0.440 57.5000 22.30 1.15 6.80 0.255 0.26 759 7.75 12.00 2.76 2.85 4.40 0.195 1312 6.50 69.30 3.65 6.95 0.63 15 0.59 5.01 8.1 0.0380 2.260 2.8 55.65 929.00 1.28 0.69 140.00 77.650 0.3100 0.1720 0.255

10.5 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4

6.74 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’

7.100 0.68 1.200 0.221 37.50

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

SHARES 14,190,068 80,525,965 325,022,867 130,345,014 121,576,855 914,877,973 1,588,075,022

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.39 2.9 70 68.2 103.00 99.40 93.35 91.10 42.9 41 2.45 2.45 1.45 1.37 16 16 20.9 20.15 7.39 7.21 765.00 765.00 0.400 0.390 86.9 83.4 0.98 0.98 18.84 18.20 63.95 62.05 94.95 90.05 304 300 38.8 38.55 137.7 133 58.20 57.65 3.24 3.29 INDUSTRIAL 43.5 42.2 1.45 1.34 1 0.92 1.85 1.76 11.18 10.8 18 17.74 27.75 27.1 47 45 2.92 2.68 1.5 1.45 12.5 11.68 11.260 10.68 9.75 9.40 6.75 6.45 9.43 9.25 1.82 1.78 14.1 13.74 25.6 24.75 77 75.3 13.50 13.26 5.97 5.85 0.520 0.430 190.00 188.00 10.14 10.1 2.02 2 1.7 1.7 51.00 51.00 24.5 23.7 26.05 24.5 6.4 5.81 297.00 290.00 4.00 4.00 4.64 4.58 8.40 8.08 4 4 11.42 11.42 3.39 3.22 2.24 2.12 2.8 2.2 4.28 4.15 1.83 1.83 6.2 6.2 165.2 162 4.49 4.49 1.85 1.79 0.140 0.135 2.01 1.88 193 187.5 0.7 0.66 22.50 22.50 1.17 1.13 HOLDING FIRMS 0.450 0.440 57.5000 57.0000 22.50 22.20 1.16 1.15 6.90 6.90 0.260 0.220 0.25 0.24 767 756.5 7.75 7.41 12.10 11.82 3.09 3 2.86 2.86 4.30 4.30 0.193 0.188 1321 1305 6.46 6.35 69.80 68.00 3.65 3.65 6.93 6.82 0.63 0.62 15.04 14.5 0.56 0.54 5.02 4.89 8.12 7.8 0.0460 0.0340 2.300 2.090 2.85 2.79 56.00 54.50 928.00 897.00 1.23 1.21 0.69 0.68 140.00 140.00 77.700 77.650 31.0000 0.2700 0.1720 0.1640 0.250 0.250 PROPERTY 7.190 6.950 0.68 0.65 1.240 1.220 0.210 0.221 38.00 37.40

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.93 70 99.90 91.10 42.5 2.45 1.37 16 20.15 7.21 765.00 0.395 84.4 0.98 18.50 62.05 94.95 303 38.55 133 57.65 3.24

-13.57 -0.14 -3.01 -2.04 -0.93 -2.39 -6.16 0.00 -3.13 -7.56 -3.16 -1.25 -0.71 0.00 -1.91 -1.27 -0.05 -0.33 -0.64 -3.41 -0.95 0.00

282,000 37,330 3,113,030 652,670 409,600 15,000 399,000 2,900 42,400 2,100 170 190,000 3,180,320 25,000 3,836,800 19,220 100 1,350 163,800 856,640 1,470 53,000

43.5 1.44 0.94 1.78 11 17.88 27.6 45.9 2.71 1.5 12 10.800 9.75 6.55 9.25 1.82 13.74 24.75 75.4 13.26 5.88 0.430 190.00 10.12 2.02 1.7 51.00 24 25 5.9 290.00 4.00 4.58 8.35 4 11.42 3.39 2.16 2.65 4.16 1.83 6.2 162 4.49 1.8 0.135 1.91 188 0.66 22.50 1.13

1.16 0.70 -6.00 -4.30 -1.61 -0.67 2.22 2.00 -7.19 -0.66 -2.76 -1.82 2.63 -1.50 -0.54 2.25 -2.55 -3.32 -0.53 -0.30 -1.67 -10.42 0.85 0.00 0.00 -2.30 -3.59 -0.21 -3.47 -3.91 -2.49 3.90 -1.29 -0.60 0.00 -2.39 3.35 -3.14 -27.60 -2.80 0.55 3.33 -1.82 0.00 -1.10 -3.57 -7.73 -1.05 -4.35 -1.96 0.00

1,849,400 23,000 661,000 1,907,000 2,900 1,068,200 400,200 412,900 6,744,000 465,000 37,700 16,642,600 932,600 12,158,400 188,200 23,000 45,400 2,027,200 88,620 57,900 227,300 720,000 341,930 669,800 14,000 29,000 10,000 395,100 482,200 145,700 319,070 4,000 192,000 1,338,000 1,000 2,900 127,000 809,000 11,152,000 507,000 8,000 400 750 2,000 504,000 6,720,000 6,276,000 2,592,500 515,000 3,200 39,000

0.450 57.5000 22.30 1.15 6.90 0.250 0.24 760 7.46 11.82 3.09 2.86 4.30 0.188 1310 6.46 68.60 3.65 6.87 0.63 14.6 0.54 4.96 7.9 0.0440 2.090 2.85 55.60 900.00 1.21 0.68 140.00 77.650 0.2800 0.1640 0.250

2.27 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.47 -1.96 -6.54 0.13 -3.74 -1.50 11.96 0.35 -2.27 -3.59 -0.15 -0.62 -1.01 0.00 -1.15 0.00 -2.67 -8.47 -1.00 -2.47 15.79 -7.52 1.79 -0.09 -3.12 -5.47 -1.45 0.00 0.00 -9.68 -4.65 -1.96

110,000 1,301,940 -23,267,734.00 6,606,900 67,146,875.00 37,000 7 54,510.00 3,870,000 140,000 129,200 -40,719,490.00 2,493,800 13,448,005.00 3,304,600 -2,544,190.00 87,000 170,000 67,000 630,000 167,865 -41,972,880.00 101,300 963,780 -46,278,290.00 2,000 1,624,400 -3,202,279.00 2,000 1,105,500 -4,792,732.00 1,277,000 29,300,700 56,028,176.00 1,447,700 -679,700.00 239,300,000 18,992,000 -861,190.00 548,000 344,240 -6,477,905.00 234,170 -79,709,220.00 66,000 47,000 10 170 7,180,000 194,400.00 2,510,000 560,000

6.990 0.68 1.230 0.221 37.65

-1.55 0.00 2.50 0.00 0.40

852,800 158,000 105,000 10,000 4,730,300

1,604,800.00 -25,700,377.50 -15,744,734.50 3,572,070.00

15,170.00 38,250.00 -43,653,063.50 -71,213,436.00 -481,873.00 30,080.00 -1,053,215.00 -26,049,330.00

-28,409,905.00 1,800,000.00 13,875,380.00 -7,205,305.00 -117,310.00 6,172,682.00 -1,001,970.00 -26,037,668.00 -592,572.00 -36,080,890.00 -3,433,218.50 -478,460.00 117,000.00 -6,605,066.00 1,762,904.00

-3,402,635.00 -526,905.00 -22,661,854.00 689,960.00 -130,503.00 123,470.00 660.00 42,190.00 -889,760.00

-90,010.00 124,940.00 -52,348,642.00 72,000.00

-1,905,574.00

-1,452,925.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.97 1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 4.88 0.180 0.470 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

3.36 4.96 0.79 1.1 0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 2.75 0.090 0.290 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 7.67 1700 2720 8.41 70.5 1.97 119.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 1 2.46 15.2 1.040 22.8 6.41 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 4.8 830 1600 5.95 17.02 1.23 102.6 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 0.650 1.8 6 0.37 14.54 3 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

Close

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

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

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Primex Corp.

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

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

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

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings 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

0.0098 5.45 17.24 25 0.330 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 9.43 0.236 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 0.013 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Basic Energy Corp.

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 525 120 8.21 12.28 111

33 490 500 101.5 5.88 6.5 101

1047 76.9 84.8

1011 74.2 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

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

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

15 12.88

3.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Makati Fin. Corp.

Xurpas

High

VALUE 932,888,639.80 1,343,885,329.038 1,243,646,438.47 886,138,938.25 1,506,867,761.389 316,933,275.6657 6,249,279,276.608

FINANCIAL 1,598.74 (DOWN) 32.09 INDUSTRIAL 11,153088 (DOWN) 70.97 HOLDING FIRMS 6,697.86 (DOWN) 85.29 PROPERTY 3,025.45 (DOWN) 7.23 SERVICES 2,002.66 (DOWN) 19.65 MINING & OIL 11,104.59 (DOWN) 642.50 PSEI 7,336.84 (DOWN) 71.60 All Shares Index 4,191.43 (DOWN) 53.56 Gainers: 38 Losers: 144; Unchanged: 43; Total: 225

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.35 5.06 0.8 1.13 1.05 0.120 0.450 12.82 0.870 0.170 1.22 1.85 1.29 4.6 0.098 0.2950 7.5 29.00 1.65 3.24 19.98 0.71 7 0.770 6.960

3.34 3.15 3.16 5.14 5 5.13 0.81 0.78 0.78 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.05 1.05 1.05 0.124 0.110 0.120 0.445 0.430 0.430 13.2 12.62 12.68 0.830 0.830 0.830 0.170 0.170 0.170 1.23 1.15 1.16 1.91 1.85 1.90 1.32 1.27 1.32 4.66 4.39 4.49 0.100 0.098 0.100 0.2950 0.2750 0.2750 7.52 7.3 7.31 28.95 28.35 28.95 1.65 1.62 1.62 3.24 3.24 3.24 20.40 19.92 20.00 0.72 0.72 0.7 7.15 7 7 0.790 0.750 0.790 7.130 6.700 6.760 SERVICES 11.32 11.6 10.08 10.08 64.1 63.95 61.9 61.9 1.15 1.15 1.14 1.15 0.590 0.590 0.580 0.580 12.22 11.82 11.82 11.82 7.40 7.55 6.98 6.99 0.0740 0.0730 0.0700 0.0710 4.18 4.23 3.92 4.11 94.15 95.3 87.8 88 4.89 4.99 4.60 4.75 920 975 920 920 2636 2650 2588 2600 6.47 6.57 6.46 6.54 17.04 17.04 17.04 17.04 1.29 1.36 1.25 1.25 103.7 105 102.1 105 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.183 0.183 0.161 0.170 1.3100 1.3200 1.3000 1.3000 2.34 2.31 2.2 2.2 9.20 9.20 8.20 8.20 2.10 2.10 2.17 2.17 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 2.08 2.10 2.07 2.10 0.640 0.670 0.640 0.640 2 2 2 2 6.11 6.35 5.88 6.35 0.430 0.450 0.430 0.430 19.8 19.8 19.8 19.8 5.10 5.06 4.95 4.95 102.00 102.00 102.00 102.00 18.40 18.40 17.50 18.40 2712.00 2712.00 2698.00 2704.00 0.640 0.650 0.640 0.640 1.330 1.330 1.280 1.330 36.35 36.40 35.50 35.50 74.50 74.50 73.00 73.25 5.26 5.38 4.87 4.88 7.61 7.79 6.94 6.94 0.63 0.64 0.62 0.62 5.15 5.2 4.75 4.75 0.320 0.325 0.320 0.325 2.610 2.610 2.380 2.390 MINING & OIL 0.0059 0.0059 0.0057 0.0057 2.38 2.30 2.28 2.28 4.90 4.90 4.80 4.80 11.74 11.50 11.50 11.50 0.208 0.210 0.200 0.210 0.67 0.66 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.66 0.66 6.83 6.83 6.50 6.70 1.27 1.29 1.21 1.22 0.300 0.310 0.295 0.295 0.204 0.204 0.193 0.198 0.210 0.208 0.201 0.201 0.013 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.013 2.64 2.64 2.3 2.5 9.11 9.2 8.56 8.6 3.6 3.67 3.49 3.5 0.5900 0.5800 0.5800 0.5800 1.8400 1.8300 1.7000 1.7000 0.0092 0.0092 0.0090 0.0090 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 4.13 4.10 4.00 4.10 5.30 5.270 5.000 5.03 1.59 1.580 1.470 1.50 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 129.50 129.50 121.00 121.00 8.98 4.49 4.49 4.49 0.0100 0.0092 0.0090 0.0090 PREFERRED 64.05 63.6 61 61 525 529 528 529 530 531 530 530 116 118 116 118 6.38 6.65 6.55 6.6 1.1 1.11 1.09 1.11 109 108 108 108 1080 1080 1080 1080 1020 1025 1020 1020 75.5 75.5 75.45 75.45 80 80 80 80 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.630 3.690 3.380 3.450 SME 5.11 6.2 6 6.2 11.2 11.6 10.72 11.02 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 121 121.1 119.4 119.7

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

-5.67 1.38 -2.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 -4.44 -1.09 -4.60 0.00 -4.92 2.70 2.33 -2.39 2.04 -6.78 -2.53 -0.17 -1.82 0.00 0.10 1.41 0.00 2.60 -2.87

1,586,000 265,300 5,352,000 25,000 1,000 530,000 2,120,000 731,700 142,000 620,000 8,306,000 14,602,000 723,000 38,611,000 410,000 290,000 116,800 380,500 426,000 1,000 13,777,700 1,832,000 21,100 154,000 9,454,800

589,340.00 -1,291,178.00 1,409,470.00

-10.95 -3.43 0.00 -1.69 -3.27 -5.54 -4.05 -1.67 -6.53 -2.86 0.00 -1.37 1.08 0.00 -3.10 1.25 0.00 -7.10 -0.76 -5.98 -10.87 -3.23 0.00 0.96 0.00 0.00 3.93 0.00 0.00 -2.94 0.00 0.00 -0.29 0.00 0.00 -2.34 -1.68 -7.22 -8.80 -1.59 -7.77 1.56 -8.43

2,253,300 23,760 270,000 1,488,000 300 37,052,500 12,420,000 272,000 1,981,670 109,000 1,830 52,455 125,300 200 751,000 1,488,920 1,700,000 10,620,000 958,000 46,000 1,630,200 252,000 3,000 50,000 181,000 20,000 1,942,600 40,000 4,000 264,900 20,170 322,800 127,770 837,000 10,352,000 1,061,600 1,866,820 14,477,500 8,852,900 2,768,000 2,614,200 230,000 500,000

-3.39 -4.20 -2.04 -2.04 0.96 -10.45 -5.71 -1.90 -3.94 -1.67 -2.94 -4.29 -7.69 0.00 -5.30 -5.60 -2.78 -1.69 -7.61 -2.17 0.00 -0.73 -5.09 -5.66 0.00 -6.56 -50.00 -10.00

496,000,000 57,000.00 32,000 110,000 -140,040.00 100 90,000 5,950,000 1,349,990.00 327,000 45,300 7,254,000 1,761,920.00 190,000 6,290,000 5,420,000 600,000 28,200,000 3,147,000 -786,430.00 1,930,100 -2,849,001.00 1,269,000 90,000 424,000 -25,160.00 73,000,000 177,400,000 1,951,400.00 31,000 -3,000.00 715,100 -20,850.00 2,497,000 4,340.00 95,500,000 1,500.00 2,019,710 156,942,893.00 1,272,900 -2,276,430.00 4,000,000

-4.76 0.76 0.00 1.72 3.45 0.91 -0.92 0.00 0.00 -0.07 0.00

145,430 9,140 2,680 510 1,023,000 3,000 10 990 1,510 186,990 80

-4.96

345,000

21.33 -1.61

3,700 1,513,800

381,108.00

-1.07

18,780

577,028.00

155,300.00 200,548.00 -1,132,350.00 6,228,280.00 -22,650,090.00

1,233,865.00 -318,950.00 83,168,022.00 -148,730.00 -33,580.00 -14,225,055.00 2,325,932.00 580.00 12,014,939.00 -3,600.00 -83,100.00 -59,859,485.50 -1,582,450.00 31,305,280.00

-2,780,767.00 8,980.00 1,320.00 562,885.00 -4,340.00

5,996,015.00 4,300.00 32,125.00 0.00 -699,870.00 -130,809,470.00 2,677,470.00 -22,255,760.00 17,981,758.00 -1,014,599.00 -6,269,520.00 -820,880.00 916,479.00

3,273,312.50

6,434,000.00

30,600.00 11,097,512.00 -480,800.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Makati Fin. Corp.

6.2

21.33

TA Petroleum

4.49

-50.00

Pacifica `A'

0.0440

15.79

Pryce Corp. `A'

2.65

-27.60

F&J Prince 'A'

3.09

11.96

AG Finance

2.93

-13.57

Melco Crown

6.35

3.93

2GO Group'

10.08

-10.95

Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

4.00

3.90

Leisure & Resorts

8.20

-10.87

GMA Holdings Inc.

6.6

3.45

Century Peak Metals Hldgs

0.6

-10.45

Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

3.39

3.35

Ionics Inc

0.430

-10.42

Roxas Holdings

6.2

3.33

United Paragon

0.0090

-10.00

Filinvest Land,Inc.

1.90

2.70

Unioil Res. & Hldgs

0.2800

-9.68

Emperador

9.75

2.63

SSI Group

6.94

-8.80

TUESDAY: AUGUST 18, 2015

B3

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

Stocks slump; peso tumbles THE stock market tumbled Monday, dragged down by losses in Semirara Mining and Power Corp. and casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. and bouts of profit-taking.

The peso, meanwhile, dropped to a five-year low against the US dollar, shedding P0.11 to close at 46.325 from 46.215 Friday, as investors anticipated the imminent interest rates hike by the Federal Reserve next month.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index sank 71.60 points, or 1 percent, to 7,336.84 on a value turnover of P6.2 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 144 to 38, with 43 issues unchanged.

BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender, lost 3 percent to P99.90, while SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. dropped 3.1 percent to P900.

Bloomberry, owner and operator of the Solaire Resort & Casino, slumped 5.5 percent to P6.99, after booking a loss of P1.3 billion in the first half, a reversal of the P2.3-billion profit it booked a year ago, despite a 10-percent increase in gaming revenues.

Total expenses surged 47 percent to P12.474 billion, with the additional cost incurred as a result of the opening of Sky Tower in November 2014 and the consolidation of Solaire Korea in the second quarter.

Semirara, the largest coal miner, sank 6.6 percent to P121.

The peso dropped to its weakest

level since 46.33 on July 15, 2010.

Total volume traded stood at $421 million, lower than the $674 million Friday. “… The peso tracked the weakness in regional currencies as markets focused on the imminent Fed rate hike, possibly as early as September,” Nicholas Antonio Mapa, research officer of the financial markets and treasury division of the Bank of the Philippine Islands said in an e-mail to The Standard.

“Accelerating producer prices reported last Friday helped pad the case for an early Fed rate hike while the market remains anxious ahead of the release of the June FOMC meeting, later in the week,” Mapa said.

He said foreign players were also seen exiting from the local equity market, down by almost one percent for the session, on lackluster earnings reports from

heavyweight corporates.

“Expect rough sailing for the coming days although an acceleration in remittances may help alleviate some of the pain in the near term,” Mapa said.

Asian shares were mixed on Monday, with Tokyo helped by better than expected Japanese growth figures while Shanghai see-sawed as economic concerns overshadowed a government pledge to support China’s volatile stock markets.

The dollar strengthened after solid US data boosted expectations of an imminent rate rise, heaping pressure on oil prices after they slid to a six-and-a-halfyear low last week.

Hong Kong had dipped 0.81 percent in afternoon trade on concerns China’s devaluation of the yuan would hurt local companies, while Shanghai had added 0.66 percent. AFP, Julito G. Rada

BSP expansion. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas inaugurated the expansion of its Lucena branch building (inset). Bangko Sentral Amando Tetangco Jr. (second to right of center), Quezon Governor David Suarez (left of center) and Lucena Mayor Roderick Alcala (right of center) lead the inauguration, with (from right) Bangko Sentral Deputy Governors Vicente Aquino and Nestor Espenilla Jr., Lucena branch head Tomas Cariño Jr., Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo and Monetary Board members Armando Suratos, Alfredo Antonio, Juan De Zuñiga Jr., Felipe Medalla and Valentin Araneta. The expansion is part of the central bank’s efforts to serve sustained economic growth in Calabarzon and Mimaropa.

Megaworld set to open Belmont Hotel in October MEGAWORLD Corp., the real estate unit of tycoon Andrew Tan, said Monday it will open Belmont Hotel in the 25-hectare Newport City in Pasay City in October.

Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Belmont Hotel, the fourth hotel to rise in Newport City, would have 480 rooms and suites, ranging from 23 square meters to 33 square meters.

“The entry of Belmont Hotel in Newport City is a timely opportunity as the existing hotels experience remarkable monthly occupancy rates since they opened a few years ago. We are bringing a new brand to cater to the discerning tastes of busi-

ness travelers,” Newport Belmont Hotel general manager Lorenzo Tang said.

The hotel, which features contemporary architectural design, offers first-class amenities that include podium gardens, a 24hour fitness center and workout area, lap pool with in-water pool lounge, paved sunbathing lounge, massage deck and seating area, pool spa, steam and sauna rooms as well as its own business center and medical clinic.

It will also have a dining and shopping arcade at the ground level.

This will be Megaworld’s first hotel under the Belmont brand

and the fourth brand to rise in the vast Newport City township. The satellite city also houses Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila, Maxims Hotel and Remington Hotel.

The hotels have a total of 1,137 rooms that enjoy an average of as much 90 percent occupancy rate every month. With the opening of Newport Belmont Hotel in Newport City, total hotel rooms in Megaworld townships across the country will reach 2,500 by the end of 2015.

The Belmont Hotel will be the second local hotel brand to be operated by Megaworld. Its first hotel brand is the three-star Richmonde

Hotel, which has operations in the Ortigas central business district, Eastwood City and Iloilo.

Megaworld chairman Andrew Tan announced in 2014 that Megaworld, along with sister company Travellers International Hotel Group, would build hotels around the country with a total of 12,000 rooms.

Both companies plan to construct 10,000 new hotel rooms across Megaworld’s township developments over the next five years.

“By the year 2020, we envision our group to be the largest hotel developer in the Philippines,” Tan said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Pepsi PH registers net profit of P560m

By Jenniffer B. Austria SOFTDRINK maker PepsiCola Products Philippines Inc. said net income in the first half of 2015 rose 17 percent amid strong volume growth across all major product categories.

PCPPI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net income in the January-to -June period amounted to P560 million from P480 million year-onyear, while net sales hit P13.63 billion, up 8.9 percent from P12.51 billion posted in the same period a year ago.

Net sales from carbonated soft drinks climbed 9.2 percent to P10.06 billion from P9.2 billion, while net revenues from non-carbonated beverages rose 8.1 percent to P3.57 billion from P3.3 billion on year.

PCPPI in the second quarter booked a net income of P368.3 million, up 7 percent from P343.5 million on year, while second-quarter net sales amounted to P7.37 billion, an increase of 5 percent from P7.02 billion in the comparative period.

“We are pleased by our performance in the first half. The solid results have been made possible through gains in distribution, prudent revenue management, accelerated productivity and leverage on fixed costs. The creative excellence and uncontainable passion of our team continues to make a difference to our business performance,” said PCPPI president Furqan Ahmed Syed.

Cost of goods sold increased 9 percent for the six-month period and 7 percent for the quarter, driven by volume growth and higher depreciation and amortization from increased capital expenditure investments.

PCPPI in May announced it would make and distribute a range of PepsiCo’s popular snack products and flavors to the Philippines’ 100 million consumers.

It is currently building a P650-million manufacturing plant in Cabuyao, Laguna for its snack food venture, which is expected to start operation later this year.

The snack food business is in line with the company’s drive to ensure the integration of its food and beverage portfolio across multiple platforms, including manufacturing and distribution.

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Metrobank’s tournament. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company recently held a golf tournament for its Japanese corporate clients, at the Cebu Country Club. The outdoor activity served as an opportunity for Metrobank to deepen relationships among Japanese clients as well as foster new relations with other companies in the Japanese business community.

Shown are executives from Japanese companies based in Cebu who joined the golf tournament.

Otto quits Palawan oil drilling

By Alena Mae S. Flores

OTTO Energy Ltd. of Australia plugged and abandoned the Hawkeye-1 exploration well in offshore Palawan after drilling results showed little oil and gas deposits in the area.

Otto said the Hawkeye-1 exploration well covered by Service Contract No. 55 was drilled to a depth of 2,920 meters, ahead of schedule and budget.

“The Hawkeye-1 exploration well has proven the existence of hydrocarbons in SC 55. The

hydrocarbon size discovered is, however, at the very low end of expectations and is not economic to develop,” Otto Managing director and chief executive Matthew Allen said.

Allen said Otto would now incorporate the results from the

Hawkeye well “into our understanding of the other prospects, including Cinco, in the license which potentially share the same charge source.”

Otto said in a disclosure to the Australian Securities Exchange the top reservoir was intersected at 2,710 meters.

“Hydrocarbons were logged between 2,710 meters and 2,737 meters in reservoir of variable quality and cutting returns provided indications of fluorescence, usually an indicator of liquid hydrocarbons,” it said.

Otto said Hawkeye-1 would be

plugged and abandoned. The company spaded the Hawkeye-1 on July 31.

“Otto is preparing for the upcoming exploration programs in our Alaskan and Tanzania assets. Whilst the result at Hawkeye is disappointing, Otto is a well-funded explorer with high impact exploration activity in the coming twelve months,” it said.

SC 55 involves the exploration, development and exploitation of petroleum resources offshore southwestern Palawan covering about 9,880 square kilometers.

Otto earlier expected SC 55 to have the opportunity for multiple

petroleum systems, with any success at Hawkeye-1 seen to enhance the prospectivity of surrounding leads in the deepwater block.

The Hawkeye prospect was identified on a 2D seismic study in 2007 followed by 3D seismic acquisition in 2009.

The Hawkeye prospect contains best estimate of 480 million barrels of oil and best estimate net prospect resource of 47 million barrels of oil.

Meanwhile, the Cinco prospect, also located at SC 55, is estimated to contain up to 2.9 trillion cubic feet of gas.

54-ha. solar plant begins construction ENFINITY Philippines Renewable Sources Inc. on Monday broke ground for the 50.5-megawatt Concepcion Solar Power Project that will cover 54 hectares in Concepcion, Tarlac.

The project is estimated to cost P estimated to cost P3.6 billion, the company said. It will be directly connected to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ transmission line in Sta. Rosa, Concepcion, Tarlac.

The Concepcion project is among those awarded renewable energy service contracts by the Energy Department in late 2014.

Enfinity aims to construct solar projects in the country that will generate over 100 MW by early 2016.

Enfinity’s other solar projects are in Clark Freeport in Pampanga (23 MW); Digos, Davao del Sur (phase 1 MW - 28 MW); and Cavite (phase 1 MW to 3 MW).

The ground breaking ceremony was attended by national and

local officials headed by Rep. Noel Villanueva and Gov. Victor Yap, Vice Gov. Enrique Cojuangco, Mayor Andres Lacson and Vice Mayor Danilo David.

Enfinity Philippines was represented by Enfinity Philippines president Dennis Ibarra, chief operating officer Santiago Navarro and Enfinity Asia director William Ruccius.

Enfinity Philippines also started initial works in Clark in May and is set to pour some P1.5 billion for the construction, operation and maintenance of a solar plant in the area.

Enfinity leased about 25 hectares of property inside Clark Freeport to generate 23 MW. Enfinity Philippines teamed up with Imperial Homes Inc. to create Enfinity Imperial Solar Homes Inc. which ventured into 24-hour solar-powered mass housing projects in Sto. Tomas, Batangas and Estancia in Legazpi, Bicol. Alena Mae S. Flores

RGM&Co. luncheon. R.G. Manabat & Co., the Philippine member firm of KPMG International, recently hosted a welcome luncheon for Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell (third from left) at the Tower Club in Makati City. Members of the Australian business community in the Philippines and RGM&Co. executives attended the luncheon. Shown with Tweddell are (from left) RGM&Co. vice chairman and head of tax and chief operating officer Emmanuel Bonoan, head of audit Sharon Dayoan, chairman and chief executive Roberto Manabat, chief finance officer Pacifico Castañeda and advisory partner Michael Guarin.

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3 Clark firms on a hiring spree What’s holding Linux back?

FOR the last couple of years now, the job market for Linux talent has been red hot.

In March, Dice and the Linux Foundation released their 2015 Linux Jobs Report, which surveyed more than 1,000 hiring managers at corporations, small and medium business, government organizations, and staffing agencies across the globe and more than 3,400 Linux professionals worldwide.

Here’s what they found: • Nearly all hiring managers were looking to recruit Linux professionals in the next six months. With new Linux-based systems, projects and products constantly emerging, hiring the right talent to support the growth continues to be a priority among employers. A high 97 percent of hiring managers reported that they would bring Linux skills on board in the next six months—and 50 percent said they would hire even more Linux talent this year than they did last year.

• Demand for Linux skills far outstrips supply. Hiring managers are still struggling to find professionals with Linux skills, with 88 percent reporting that it is “very difficult” or “somewhat difficult” to find these candidates. Moreover, 70 percent of the hiring managers said their companies have increased incentives to retain Linux talent, with 37 percent offering more flixible work hours and telecommuting, and 36 percent increasing salaries for Linux pros more than in other parts of the company. On the other hand, most or 55 percent of Linux professionals surveyed believed it would be “very easy” or “fairly easy” to land a new job in 2015.

• Linux-certified professionals will be especially well positioned in the job market this year, with 44 percent of hiring managers saying they’re more likely to hire a candidate with Linux certification, and 54 percent expecting either certification or formal training of their system administrator candidates.

Given these numbers, the utter lack of Linux knowledge—forget expertise—among computer retailers is breathtakingly stupid. Walk into any computer retail shop in any mall today and ask about Linux and all you’ll get is a puzzled—or a dismissive—look. All they want to push are Windows machines. The shiny new laptops on display— they’re all running Windows, even though manufacturers abroad are already shipping laptops with Linux already installed.

In the United States, Chromebooks –laptops running Chrome OS, an operating system based on the Linux kernel—are hot commodities. Here, not a single major computer retailer carries Chromebooks, a full four years after they were introduced.

As far as Linux is concerned, our retailers might as well be in the Stone Age. Is this any way to grow and encourage Linux talent?

Part of the problem, too, are the myths that persist about Linux.

Writing in Tech Republic, Jack Wallen lists six. Here are four of the more pertinent ones: 1) Linux doesn’t have the apps I need. This has not been true for many years now. Most proprietary applications running on Windows already have equivalents that are free and open source and that run on multiple platforms, including Windows. LibreOffice is an excellent drop-in replacement for MS Office and will read any file created by Microsoft’s productivity suite. As a bonus (at least that’s the way I see it), it has not tried to mimic Microsoft’s awful ribbon interface and has stuck to the classic pre-MS Office 2007 menu. Besides, as Wallen points out, majority of users these days spend 90 percent of their time in a Web browser.

2) The Linux upgrade process is too challenging. Again, anyone who has done an upgrade on Ubuntu or other user-friendly Linux distributions in the last few years will know this is untrue.

3) The interface isn’t what I’m used to. These days, most people switch back and forth between multiple platforms on their mobile phones, tablets and laptops. The modern Linux desktop is no more complicated than any of the interfaces on these devices, so this is really a non-issue. Even my mom can get things done on her Ubuntu desktop—and she doesn’t do Windows.

4) New users aren’t smart enough for Linux. This myth is a throwback to the early days when Linux was limited to nerds. Users these days are a lot more tech-savvy, and Linux has become a lot easier to use.

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

By Othel V. Campos

THREE companies operating in Clark Freeport are hiring more workers as part of their expansion plans, Clark Development Corp. president Arthur Tugade said Monday.

Tugade identified the three companies as Beepo Inc., La Rose Noire Phils. Inc. and Midori Hotel and Casino.

Tugade said the three companies were looking for qualified workers to fill up vacant positions in the fields of business process outsourcing, food catering and hospitality.

Beepo, an Australian BPO firm, is in need of digital marketers, social media marketers, search engine optimization specialists, web developers, Wordpress developers, customer

service representatives, IT/technical support representatives, accountants, appointment setters, research analysts and a pool of Mandarin speaking people for research/marketing positions.

Catering services provider La Rose is in need of bakers, pastry chef, production manager, supervisor warehouse/procurement manager, finance manager, engineering assistant manager, engineering supervisor, engineering line staff, language translator (Filipino, English and Mandarin) and quality control staff.

Midori, the first five-star hotel in Central Luzon, is looking for bar and banquet captain, revenue supervisor, floor captain, assistant engineer manager, electronic engineer steward shift head, concierge supervisor, front officer supervisor and laundry supervisor and general foreman. The hotel is expected to have a soft opening before the end of the year.

Data from CDC showed actual employment in Clark reached 79,767 this year in 781 registered enterprises, including a number of government agencies.

CDC attributed the high employment rate to sound investment climate made possible by investor-friendly government policies.

Tugade said with the new job openings in the three companies, employment in CDC would likely reach 100,000 by 2016.

FedEx challenge. A team of student entrepreneurs from New Zealand has clinched victory at the annual FedEx Express/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific Finals in Singapore. Aidan Joseph Scott (center) and Wendy Lee (second from right) overcame stiff competition from 26 other teams from across the region, impressing the judges with their innovative business idea and well-developed proposal.

Shown with the winning team are (from left) JA Asia Pacific president Vivian Lau, FedEx Express Asia Pacific president Karen Reddington, Scott, Lee and JA Worldwide president and chief executive Asheesh Advani.

Alliance Select incurs $2.1-m net loss

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales CANNED tuna manufacturer Alliance Select Foods International said Monday it incurred a net loss of $2.1 million in the first half of 2015, a reversal of the $900,000 net income in posted a year ago, as revenues fell 7 percent.

Alliance Select said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net revenue in the six-month period declined 7 percent to $39.6 million. Revenue from the tuna business fell 11 percent, on lower sales volume and selling prices.

Revenue from the salmon business, however, grew 3 percent on improved volume sales.

The company said it remained optimistic this

year, as its new management planned to overhaul the company’s strategies.

“Our six-month net income is already what we’ve expected for the short period. Nonetheless, we see this as an opportunity for improvement and strike to make the company more profitable in the longer period as we set a new direction,” said Alliance Select oresident Raymond See. Alliance Select said despite the “disappointing revenue,” the company’s financials still looked strong in absolute terms.

“We don’t see any cash flow or liquidity problem over the next twelve months or so, since the company remains compliant to its debt-to-equity ratio,” See said.

TUESDAY: AUGUST 18, 2015

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

PSE sees P100-b share offerings

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine Stock Exchange expects another P100 billion worth of capital-raising activities through the equities market over the near-term period.

The fund-raising activities, according to presentation materials shown during an analysts’ briefing on the PSE’s first-half financial performance, will primarily come from initial public and other follow-on offerings.

“Another P100 billion capital raising is in the visible pipeline coming from 3 to 5 IPOs and other follow-on capital raising activities,” the PSE said.

Among the big deals in the pipeline are the P33.5-billion preferred shares offering of San Miguel Corp., the P21.7-billion IPO of D.M. Wenceslao & Associates Inc. and the P6.1-billion IPO of Metro Retail Stores Group Inc.

Three bite-size IPOs are also pending with corporate regulators, namely Italpinas Development Corp. (P242 million), Gweilo Corp. (P95 million) and Philstocks Financial Inc. (P186 million).

The PSE earlier projected capital raising activities through the stock market to hit P200 billion next year, as companies would likely continue to raise funds to finance expansion plans.

Capital raised through the exchange as of end Aug. 15 amounted to P105 billion, slightly lower than the P105.18 billion posted in the same period a year ago. Private placements and stock rights

offerings accounted for the bulk of the funds raised through the equities market so far this year.

So far, only two companies have conducted IPOs this year. These were Crown Asia Chemicals Corp., which raised P222 million in proceeds, and SBS Philippines Corp., which generated P1.15 billion in sale.

The PSE, meanwhile, said it would raise P1.95 billion to build a new office building in Bonifacio Global City and acquire a majority interest in Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp., the operator of the country’s markets for fixed-income securities and foreign exchange.

The exchange plans to raise funding for these two major projects through internally generated funds and bank loans.

The PSE earlier reported a 36-percent decline in first half net income to P366.8 million from P570.2 million in the same period last year on lower listing revenues.

Teachers’ conference. 51Talk, the fastest growing online English language teaching platform in China and the Philippines, gathered its e-Educators for a teachers’ conference for a day of training, team building and a celebration of individual and organizational achievements at Crowne Plaza in Ortigas, Pasig City. Shown (from left) are AJ Rivera, associate manager of the teacher support team; Jen Que, vice president for Philippine operations; Michele Gumabao, 51Talk brand ambassador; Teacher Nelli, One of the 51Talk Top Teachers; Shu Ting, country manager and co-founder; Mel Quozon, manager of the teacher support team.

51Talk will continue organizing conferences as a platform for teachers to get to know and to learn from each other.

Farm sector key to Asean integration THE Philippines is considered one of the few countries in Southeast Asia that has been declared foot-and-mouth disease and bird flu free--a competitive advantage that must be preserved and enhanced as the advent of the Asean Economic Community draws nearer, an animal health and nutrition expert said.

Dr. Elcid Paraso, a veterinarian, said one of the most tangible ways to strengthen the Philippine animal industry is to use veterinary products that have been proven and trusted by experts and consumers in protecting animals from diseases to ensure farm productivity, food safety for consumers and ultimately profitability for raisers.

“There is a need to inform

consumers that they must patronize veterinary products that are not only reliable and effective but can be used in a wide range of animals like swine, poultry and even game fowls because such informed decision benefits not only individual animal raisers but the whole industry as well,” he said.

He cited the Vetracin line of products which has been in the market for about 40 years and is the dominant market leader in the water soluble antibiotic-vitamin supplement for swine, poultry and game fowl because it has been proven to protect animals from diseases.

“Vetracin has been the leading and trusted antibiotic-vitamin supplement in the market in the

past four decades simply because it has been proven reliable in building the resistance of swine, broiler and layer chickens as well as game fowls,” he said.

“For the Philippine farm sector to remain competitive in the upcoming Asean market harmonization, we need to be more productive. And an essential ingredient in improving productivity and successful health management program is the use of trusted and tested animal healthcare products,” Paraso said.

Vetracin is one of the banner brands of Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Co., or Unahco, which is celebrating its 50 years in the industry. Unahco is a subsidiary of pharmaceutical industry leader Unilab.

No First World status for PH anytime soon A HIGH-RANKING official of the Aquino administration stated recently that on the basis of the Philippine economy’s significantly improved performance during the period 2010-2015, it was possible to predict that this country will achieve First World, i.e., developed-country status, by the year 2030.

That was not the first time that such a forecast had been made for the Philippines in recent decades. In the midst of the martial-law environment of the 1970s, some economists, Filipino and foreign, were heard to say that the Philippine economy was poised to join the ranks of the baby tiger economies of East Asia. In more recent times, Jose de Venecia Jr., former Speaker of the House of Representatives, repeatedly stated that the Philippines was capable of achieving 7 percent annual GDP (gross domestic product) growth and graduate from a middle-income Third World country to a First World country.

Speaker De Venecia almost certainly based his choice of 7 percent annual GDP growth on the famous conclusion of Massachusetts Institute of Technology economics professor Walt W. Rostow, in his 1960s book “The Stages of Growth,” that a developing country needs to post 7 percent annual GDP growth for fourteen consecutive years in order to achieve First-World status. That the Rostovian GDP growth requirement is difficult to achieve has been shown by the fact that after one year of 7 percent GDP growth--the second best in East Asia in that year--the Philippine economy has been faltering of late and has been moving back towards its 2010-2015 average annual growth rate of 6.2 percent.

Economic maturity came to today’s developed countries neither quickly nor easily. The First World status of the members of OECD (Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development)--the officially recognized grouping of developed countries--was achieved by those countries only after a long period of striving, perseverance and pain. In many instances, the development process took a century or more. The Industrial Revolution really began to gather steam in the 18th century, bringing in its train enormous strides in the development of the revolutionizing economies’ physical infrastructure, scientific systems and manufacturing capabilities. Many economic analysts and historians are saying that the First World is currently going through a second Industrial Revolution.

Nor was the drive toward economic maturity attended by physical development only. The Industrial Revolution necessitated changes in the way that the industrializing countries governed themselves and conducted the business of their citizens. The bad practices and systems of the past--inefficiency, indifference, corruption and exclusiveness--perforce had to give way to their opposites, to wit, efficiency, transparency, inclusiveness and a both-hands-on-the-plow attitude toward the handling of national business.

At the time that they started along the path toward economic development, today’s developed countries faced enormous problems and dilemmas relating to governance and societal management. But technical progress dictated that they improved the running of their societies; thus improved governance had to go with economic improvement. The 18th and early 19th centuries saw their shares of political and governance horrors, but by the dawn of the 20th century, the issue had largely been settled. Further economic progress could not be achieved without enlightened politics and good governance.

The US and most of the OECD member-countries got to where they are today, economically speaking, through the democratic route. But not all of the countries that today belong to the First World got there the democratic way.

Three East Asian countries that have achieved First World status-Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan--did not get there using democratic means. The South Korean and Taiwanese economies developed under dictatorial regimes--South Korea mostly under President Park Chung Hee and Taiwan under the Chiang family--while Singaporean politics have been controlled by Lee Kwan Yew and his son. The managers of those three East Asian economies did not have to contend with the trappings of democratic governance.

Being dictatorial in nature, the governments of South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan could fully access the single most essential need of a developing economy: tax revenues. An effective tax system is a sine qua non of rapid and sustained economic development. Without resources with which to finance physical and social infrastructure spending, economic development cannot get very far.

Which brings me back to the suggestion that the Philippines can graduate to First World economic status by 2013.

Can this country achieve developed-country status by 2030? Not anytime soon, in my view. For an explanation, just look around the Philippine political horizon and see the kinds of politicians--especially presidential candidates--that this country still has. And just look at the highly inefficient fiscal structure--collection as well as use of tax money--that this country still has. Last but certainly not least, just look also at the continuing pathetic deficit in this country’s physical and social infrastructure.

Unrealistic is the kindest adjective I can think of to describe the FirstWorld-by-2030 suggestion.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

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WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

More Afghans escaping violence KABUL—Fingers nervously skittering over his cellphone, one Afghan man calls a people-smuggler in a third desperate attempt to claim asylum abroad, as a record number of people escape escalating violence.

The toppling of the repressive Taliban regime in 2001 had ignited new hope about the future of Afghanistan, bringing waves of Afghan refugees home, but recent years have witnessed a stark reversal of that trend.

The snaking queues outside Kabul’s passport office are a totemic indicator that the exodus is gathering fresh momentum as pessimism abounds about the deteriorating war, the tanking economy and a government widely derided as lacking direction.

Ashraf, 28, casts worried looks around him as he bolts the door of his spartan home in a crowded Kabul suburb and gets the people-smuggler named Murad, “highly recommended” by a friend, on the phone.

“Meet me in Nimroz (on the Iran border),” Murad says over the crackling line after a lengthy exchange of Islamic greetings. “The journey to Tehran will take four or five days—partly by car, partly on foot.”

“I have a handicapped, wheelchairbound brother,” says Ashraf, who allowed AFP to listen to the conversation but requested that his last name be withheld.

“For you it’ll cost 2.2 million Toman (US$700); for your brother three million— because he cannot walk,” Murad says.

“What if we are arrested and deported?”

Ashraf asks, his tone cagey.

“No, no,” retorts Murad.

“I’ve been deported before and got duped (by the smuggler),” Ashraf insists.

“Listen brother, I give you 100 percent guarantee.”

Ashraf, an oil-tanker driver who carries supplies from Kabul to military bases in Taliban-prone provinces, was deported—first from Indonesia, next from Malaysia—while attempting to reach Australia in 2012. AFP

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S. Korea, US begin drill despite N. Korea threats SEOUL—Tens of thousands of South Korean and US troops Monday began a military exercise simulating an all-out North Korean attack, as Pyongyang matched Seoul in resuming a loudspeaker propaganda campaign across their heavily-fortified border.

The annual Ulchi Freedom exercise, which will run through August 28, is largely computer-simulated, but still involves 50,000 Korean and 30,000 US soldiers.

The drill plays out a full-scale invasion scenario by nucleararmed North Korea

and both Seoul and Washington insist it remains purely defensive in nature.

Pyongyang views Ulchi Freedom—along with other annual South Korea-US drills—as wilfully provocative and had threatened the “strongest military counter-action” should

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC This is to inform the public that Mary Grace B. Abalajon is no longer connected with Cirrus Global, Inc. effective August 15, 2015.

All transactions entered by Ms. Abalajon for and on behalf of the Company after the said date shall no longer be honored by the Company.

this year’s exercise go ahead.

“Such large-scale joint military exercises... are little short of a declaration of a war,” the North’s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea, which oversees crossborder issues, said last week.

The committee specifically warned of the drill’s potential for an accidental military clash that could trigger an “all-out” conflict.

Military tensions are already running high along the Korean peninsula after South Korea blamed the North for landmine blasts that

ERRORS & OMISSIONS 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.

(TS AUG. 18, 2015)

Republic of the Phillippines Department of Health National Capitol Regional Office VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER BIDS AND AWARD COMMITTEE Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Telefax No. 294-4625 Email addressvmc_bac@yahoo.com

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID PROCUREMENT OF MEDICAL AND DENTAL INSTRUMENTS CY 2015 PUBLIC BIDDING NO. 2015-020 Dated September 8, 2015 1.

FUNDING SOURCE: The Valenzuela Medical Center (VMC) through INCOME/GAA/GOP intends to apply the amount of Three Million Ninety Four Thousand Five Hundred Sixty One and 50/100 Pesos Only (Php 3,094,561.50), being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the provision of public bidding for medical and dental instruments . Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid Opening.

2.

3.

The Valenzuela Medical Center now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for medical and dental instruments. The description of an eligible Bidder is contained in Section II of the Bidding Documents’ ITB. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/ fail criteria as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations Parts A (IRR-A) of Republic Act No. 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act, and is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws and regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to Republic Act 5183 (RA 5183) and subject to Commonwealth Act 138 (CA 138). Only Bids from bidders who pass the eligibility check will be opened. The process for the eligibility check is described in Section II of the Bidding Documents, ITB. The Bidder with the lowest calculated bid (LCB) shall advance to the post-qualification stage in order to finally determine his responsiveness of the bid to the technical and financial requirements of the project. The contract shall then be awarded to the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was determined as such during the post-qualification procedure.

4.

Interested Bidders may obtain further information from Valenzuela Medical Center and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00AM-4:00PM starting August 18, 2015 to September 8, 2015.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos Only (Php 5,000.00). The method of payment will be in cash. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective bidder or his authorized representative. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

The Valenzuela Medical Center will hold a Pre-Bid Conference open to all interested parties on August 25, 2015, 10:00 AM at 4TH Flr. VMC Conference Room, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

7.

The Valenzuela Medical Center will hold a Public Bidding Conference open to all interested parties on September 8, 2015, 10:00 AM at 4TH Flr. VMC Conference Room, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

8.

Eligibility Check and Bid Opening will be on September 8, 2015. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

9.

Bids and eligibility requirements must be delivered to the address below on or before September 8, 2015, 10:00 AM, BAC Office. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security in the form of Cash, Manager’s Check or Cashier’s Check Bank Draft or Bank Guarantee of two (2%) percent, 5% Surety Bond and Bid securing Declaration (Notarized) of the total amount to bid. Late Bids shall not be accepted.

10. The Valenzuela Medical Center reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid, and to annul the bidding process and reject all Bids at any time prior to the contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidders.

maimed members of a border patrol earlier this month.

The South retaliated by resuming high-decibel propaganda broadcasts across the border, using loudspeakers that had lain silent for more than a decade.

North Korea has denied any involvement in the mine blasts and threatened “indiscriminate” strikes against South Korean border units unless the broadcasts were halted immediately.

But on Monday

Council meeting convened and chaired Monday morning by the South’s President Park Geun-Hye. “We need to maintain a strong military readiness to protect our people’s lives and their properties from North Korea’s provocations,” Park told a cabinet meeting afterwards.

Because the armistice that ended the 19501953 Korean conflict was never replaced by a full peace treaty, the two Koreas technically remain at war. AFP

ERRATUM: THE SUPPOSED TEXT FOR THE PUBLISHING OF PRIORITY PROJECTS OF THE CITY OF SAN PEDRO, LAGUNA, ON JUNE 29, 2015 ISSUED BY THEPHILIPPINE MANILA STANDARD PUBLISHING, INC. SHOULD BE THE TEXT HEREUNDER, BIDDING FOR JULY 15, 2015.

Republic of the Philippines CITY OF SAN PEDRO Province of Laguna BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE INVITATION TO BID The City Government of San Pedro Laguna through the 2015 LSB Budget Approved by Sangguniang Panglungsod intends to apply the sum of Php 36,474,483.93 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the hereunder project: NAME OF PROJECT LOCATION

: :

ABC SOURCE OF FUND CONTRACT DURATION BID DOCS

: : : :

NAME OF PROJECT LOCATION

: :

ABC SOURCE OF FUND CONTRACT DURATION BID DOCS

: : : :

Proposed Three Storey 9 Classroom School Building Landayan, Elementary School., Brgy. Landayan, City of San Pedro, Laguna Php 21,660,431.44 LSB Budget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsod 210 Calendar Days Php 25,000.00 Proposed Three Storey DEPED Building Phase 2 San Pedro, Central Elementary School, Brgy. Poblacion, City of San Pedro, Laguna Php 14,814,052.49 LSB Budget Approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsod 180 Calendar Days Php 25,000.00

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna now invites contractors registered with and classified by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) to apply for eligibility and if found eligible, to bid for the above-mentioned projects. Completion of the Works is required on or before the contract duration. Bidders should have completed, two hundred ten (210) calendar Days from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bids received in excess of the Approved Budget for the Contract shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted, unless otherwise stated, to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organization with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino Citizens, pursuant to Republic Act 5183 (RA 5183) and subject to Commonwealth Act 138 (CA 138). Only bids from eligible bidders will be opened. In accordance with the IRR-A or R.A. 9184, the contract/project shall only be awarded to the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bidder who was determined as such during post-qualification.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the City Government of San Pedro, Laguna and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:30AM to 9:30AM only.

Office of the BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Office City Hall of San Pedro A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of PESOS: (Php 25,000.00) ISSUANCE OF ELIGIBILITY AND BIDDING DOCUMENTS

June 29 – July 15 2015 8:30AM – 9:30AM BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Office City Hall of San Pedro

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on July 3, 2015 10:00AM at the Office of the BAC Secretariat, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before July 15, 2015 at 10:00AM Office of the BAC Secretariat 4/f Conference Room City Administrator’s Office City Hall of San Pedro All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, PreBidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Awards of Contract Shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

The City Government of San Pedro, Laguna reserves the right to accept or reject any bid to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For Further information, please refer to: Mr. Merlin B. Paala Office of the BAC Secretariat City Administrator Office City of San Pedro, Laguna Telefax No. 847-1722

(sgd) DONA D. SALMOS, RN, MAN BAC Chairperson (TS-AUG 18, 2015)

Seoul’s defense ministry reported that Pyongyang had resumed its own loudspeaker propaganda campaign at a site on the eastern section of the border.

The two Koreas had blasted propaganda messages at each other for years before the practice was discontinued by mutual agreement in 2004 during a period of rapprochement.

The rising tensions topped the agenda of a National Security

(TS-AUG. 18, 2015)

(SGD) ENGR. FILEMON I. SIBULO Chairman Bids and Awards Committee

T U E S D AY : A U G U S T 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

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cESAr bArrioqUinTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world

New film lambasted for Mao depiction BEIJING—Social media users blasted a new Chinese film Monday for depicting a summit of world leaders during World War II which embellished history by portraying revolutionary leader Mao Zedong as vital to a conference he never attended.

The Cairo Declaration—an upcoming war film produced by a company affiliated with China’s military—is part of a host of government-directed events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender.

The US, Britain, Soviet Union and China all met in Cairo in November 1943 to map out a postwar path for Asia, during which they decided that territories ceded to Japan before the war should be returned to China.

But the film’s trailer and poster have faced a backlash on social media and state media, with Internet users pointing out Mao played no major role at the conference.

China—then known as the Republic of China—was instead represented by Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek, who went on to lose China’s civil war to Mao’s Communist forces.

“I’m sad that my contributions at the Cairo Conference haven’t been recognized in the film,” joked one user on Monday.

Others were more jaded.

“Let Mao be a part of the conference, it’s not like the rest of our history is real anyway,” wrote another user.

China is planning to hold a large-scale military parade in Beijing next month to commemorate what it calls the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. A trailer for the film posted on YouTube opens with Mao making an impassioned speech saying, “The task for Communists around the world is to oppose Fascism through struggle”.

The poster advertising the movie features the actor playing Mao looking out into the distance, but a website has been set up allowing Internet users to mockingly edit themselves or others in his place. AFP

Diving high. Serbia’s Goran Bojic dives from a 17-meter-high bridge over the Soca river in Kanal during a diving competition on Aug. 16. AFP

Cyanide fears trigger mass cleanup in China TIANJIN—Rescue personnel battled to clean up hundreds of tons of cyanide at the site of huge explosions in northern China on Monday, as state-run media lambasted officials over their response to the blasts that killed 114.

The August 12 explosions at the hazardous goods storage facility in the port of Tianjin set off a giant fireball, devastated a vast area and raised fears over the impact of toxic pollutants.

The company operating the site had been storing hundreds of tons of cyanide, reportedly nearly 30 times the allowed amount, and while officials have insisted that the air and water in the city is safe, residents and victims’ relatives have voiced skepticism.

“Around 700 tons” of sodium cyanide was being stored at the warehouse where the blasts took place, He Shusheng, a Tianjin vice mayor, told a news conference.

The Beijing News, citing storage plans it had seen, said the warehouse was only authorized to hold 24 tonnes of the substance.

A huge, “very complicated and difficult” clean-up was under way on Monday, said He, made harder by the presence of 16,500 empty shipping containers and amid fears

forecast rain could release hydrogen cyanide gas.

Authorities had built up sand and earth barriers around the blasts’ 0.1 square kilometer “core area” to prevent any leakage of cyanide or other pollutants, said He. The closest water test point to the blast site revealed cyanide 27.4 times standards on Sunday, officials said without specifying the quantity, but not beyond the cordoned-off area.

Sodium cyanide had been found as far as around one kilometer from the blast site.

Military chemical and nuclear experts have been brought in, as have experts from producers of sodium cyanide—exposure to which can be “rapidly fatal”, according to the US Centers for Disease Control.

Environmental campaign group

Greenpeace said Sunday it had tested surface water for cyanide at four locations in the wider city and had not detected high levels of the chemical.

Officials said Monday the death toll from the disaster had risen to 114 with 70 people missing, but cautioned that some of those could among the 60 corpses yet to be identified.

Authorities have faced criticism over failing to uphold regulations surrounding the site’s operation, notably requirements that warehouses stocking dangerous materials be at least one kilometer from surrounding public buildings and main roads.

Chinese media reports on Monday said the son of a former police chief of Tianjin port was a major shareholder in the company operating the site, Rui Hai International Logistics. AFP

US, other nations condemn IS in Libya

Protest. Demonstrators protest against Brazilian President Dilma

Rousseff and the ruling Workers Party at Paulista Avenue in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug. 16. Protesters took to the streets of Brazil Sunday, kicking off nationwide rallies expected to draw hundreds of thousands demonstrating against corruption and economic slowdown and calling for Rousseff to step down. AFP

WASHINGTON—The governments of America, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Britain issued a joint statement Sunday condemning the “barbaric” acts carried out by the Islamic State group in Libya.

IS militants seized control of the Libyan coastal city of Sirte in June and militants beheaded 12 local militiamen who had been battling them in the east of the city and hung their bodies on crosses, the official news agency LANA has said.

“We are deeply concerned about reports that these fighters have shelled densely populated parts of

the city and committed indiscriminate acts of violence to terrorize the Libyan population,” reads the joint statement released late Sunday by the US State Department.

The governments want parties in Libya “to join efforts to combat the threat posed by transnational terrorist groups exploiting Libya for their own agenda.”

The situation in Sirte underscored the “urgent need for parties in Libya to reach agreement on forming a government of national accord that, in partnership with the international community, can provide security against violent extremist groups seeking to desta-

bilize the country,” the statement reads.

“There is no military solution to the political conflict in Libya,” it adds.

Libya has descended into chaos since the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, with two administrations and rival militias battling for control of the oil-rich country.

The internationally recognized Libyan government based in the country’s east has asked for an extraordinary meeting of the Arab League urging Arab countries to “adopt measures to confront” the jihadist IS group. 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 WRITER

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

A RTS, CU LT U RE & T ECH

LIFE

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World-renowned classical guitarist Francisco Bernier comes to Manila for ‘Spanish Guitar Night,’ a one-night only concert at Ayala Museum.

MAESTRO FRANCISCO BERNIER SERENADES MANILA August 18 Concert set at Ayala Museum Lobby

L

eading classical guitarist Francisco Bernier will literally play sweet music that will leave listeners enthralled at his one-night only concert tonight dubbed “Spanish Guitar Night” to be held at the Ayala Museum Lobby.

A native of Seville, Spain, Maestro Francisco has forged a successful and award-winning career over the years with his achievements that have led him to perform in over 37 countries and in such well-renowned venues that include the Salle Cortot and the Mogador Theatre in Paris; the Salle Corum in Montpellier; the Grand Theatre in Bordeaux; Oji Hall in Tokyo; the Kyoto Concert Hall; the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg; Teatro Maestranza in Seville; Teatro Comunale in Alessandria; Merkin Hall in New York; Hall of the O.E.A (Organization of American States) in Washington D.C.; and the Zellerbach Hall in San Francisco, to name a few.

Bernier’s love for music and the guitar was developed early in his childhood, listening to the radio and the music that his father liked. At the tender age of seven, he began his musical studies at the Conservatorio Superior de Música in Seville, then moved to France at the Ecole Normale Alfred Cortot in Paris under the direction of Maestro Alberto Ponce where he eventually received a Superior Diploma of Execution and

Concert Performer with distinction by means of a unanimous decision by the jury.

From 1998 to 2002, Francisco c o n t i n u e d his e x c e l l e nt education at the Hochschule für Musik of Cologne (Germany), at the Université du Québec in Montréal (Canada), and at Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris (France).

He also attended master classes with Alvaro Pierri, Roland Dyens, Leo Brouwe r, David Russel, José Tomas, Oscar Ghiglia and received guidance from composers, orchestra conductors and musicians from other disciplines.

Proof of the Spanish guitarist’s talent would be the international prizes he has won including the prestigious “Michele Pittaluga” competition in Allesandria in Italy, performing with the Camerata of Saint Petersburg,

the Manchester Symphony Orchestra, the Mediterranean Symphonic Orchestra, the Symphonic Orchestra of Vallés, the Symphonic Orchestra of Hu e l v a and the B erkeley Symphony of San Francisco (conducted by Kent Nagano) and other notable orchestras. While Francisco loves playing traditional Spanish music, he also plays baroque, renaissance and other musical styles. With his group known as the Zahir Ensemble, he plays music by contemporary Spanish composers.

In 2014, Francisco Bernier was included in the prestigious roster of Spanish artists performing abroad under the umbrella of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Such is his renown that many guitar societies in the US, Canada and other countries invite him

for performances. The classical guitarist has also recorded several albums for Spanish and European labels, with the first one produced under the sponsorship of the Spanish Ministry of Culture-INAEM (National Institute of Performing Arts and Music).

Joining Bernier at his Manila Concert is special guest Adrik Cristobal, noted Filipino classic guitarist who is a Certificate of Music Graduate from the University of the Philippines College of Music under Lester Demetillo. He was a member of the UP Guitar Orchestra from 2010-2014 and has performed around the Philippines and Bangkok. He also attended master classes with world-renowned guitarists such as Shin-ichi Fukuda, Marco Tamayo, Aniello Desiderio, Judicaël Perroy, and many others.

Cristobal is starting his studies at the Conservatorio Manuel Castillo de Sevilla under the tutelage of Maestro Francisco Bernier, which accounts for the Filipino artist’s excitement at performing with his mentor for this concert.

“SPANISH GUITAR NIGHT” is presented by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Independent Philippine Art Ventures Inc. (IPAV) in cooperation with Alliance Francaise and Fairmont Hotel.

For tickets, you may call TICKETWORLD at 891-9999.

TUESDAY : AUGUST 18 : 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

CLASH OF CLANS: The worldwide gaming hit everyone is playing The two largest mobile networks in the Philippines are mounting separate THE GIST Clash of Clans

BY ED BIADO tournaments all over the country this month and in September. Each competition boasts over P2 million worth of prizes, including real cash and in-game currency, and enthusiasts are going crazy.

Safe to say, Clash of Clans is the nation's digital gaming obsession right now. How did it get to this point?

The 2012 mobile gaming app reached mainstream consciousness when the firm that created it, Finland's Supercell, reportedly raked in $892 million in revenue in 2013 on the strength of only two games, the other one being Hay Day. In 2014, to support its world domination, the company supposedly spent close to $1 million a day on marketing.

One notable marketing effort is the Superbowl ad that aired last February

starring Liam Neeson parodying his character from the film Taken. Apparently, all that advertising worked as this year, Clash of Clans is arguably the biggest game internationally, with pegged daily earnings of $5 million.

“It turns out that the secret of Clash of Clans' success might be no secret at all. Clash of Clans, instead, is a demonstration of what can be achieved through a combination of smart marketing, consistent testing, and better execution than competitors of tried-and-tested core gameplay elements,” Inquisitr remarks.

The massively multiplayer online strategy game requires players to build a community, train fighting troops and attack

other players to earn currency and potions for protection and upgrading defenses.

Banding as clans, different players can get support from others materially and strategically. These clans can go on battle against one another and cause destruction to the opponent's community, as well as receive war loot when victorious.

“The CoC phenomenon has hit the Philippines big time, with Filipinos from all walks of life bonding together to form clans and compete every chance they get – on the train, while stuck in traffic, or

when they are just relaxing at home,” says Smart product development head Mellissa Limcaoco in a statement.

As the game is a hit not just here at home but worldwide, Supercell is staging the firstever ClashCon in Helsinki on October 24, which will feature a global tournament, meet-and-greets with top Clans, and Clan workshops. For more details, go to clashcon. clashofclans.com.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @EdBiado

T EC H TA L K

New Productivity Platforms SUN BROADBAND DASHBOARD

SOLANE LAUNCHES THE FIRST LPG MOBILE APP IN THE PHILIPPINES

The convenience of having apps on your mobile for almost everything you need for the household tops a new level now that an app is available even for your kitchen LPG. Solane has just launched its brand new app called Solane LPG Mobile App, making it the first LPG mobile app in the country.

What would you need it for? Well, it has the Solane Finder, the Solane Tank Checker, and the Kitchen eMinder. Through Solane Finder, customers can find the nearest Solane distributors in their area, by simply typing their general location. Solane Tank Checker is a tool for verifying the tank’s authenticity, by entering the unique 9-digit serial number tagged on its safety seal. Finally, the Kitchen eMinder is a handy Solane LPG, food and grocery reminder for tracking product consumption and expiry dates – adding value to their customers’ daily lives.

The Solane mobile app is now available on iTunes and Android Play Store. To learn more about Solane and its product offerings, visit www.solane.com.ph.

Sun introduces its Sun Broadband Dashboard, a convenient and more practical way to manage your broadband accounts, it also includes hassle-free prepaid loading through Easy Load using Sun mobile phones.

Users only need to visit http://broadband. s u n c e l l u l a r. c o m . p h / prepaid to gain access to their account balance and broadband SIM number, no need to send an SMS to know how much balance you have left. Keep track on how much volume data and the exact date and time your packages expire by logging on to the dashboard. It also

includes Surf Protect, an innovative “switch” which protects users from unwanted data charges once your broadband packages expire.

Access the Sun Shop Online anytime though the Sun Broadband Dashboad, users can purchase best-value data packages anytime. To add to all the conveniences, Sun Broadband prepaid subscribers now have an easier way to load their accounts using Sun Broadband load cards with the help of Easy Load, which only requires a Sun mobile SIM. For more information, visit www.suncellular.com. ph/broadband

LAZADA SELLER CENTER ANDROID APP: THE FIRST MOBILE SELLING PLATFORM IN SOUTHEAST ASIA Since Lazada’s launch in 2013, its marketplace platform has reached almost 20,000 sellers which accounts for approximately 75 percent of Lazada’s overall sales in Southeast Asia. This August, the online company officially launched its mobile selling platform, making it easier for the sellers to directly post and manage their brands.

The platform helps the sellers to manage inventory, pricing, promotions and orders – all the important features designed for sellers to manage their businesson-the-go. Sellers can conveniently edit, publish and share listed products. It also makes it easier for them to process orders, get notified on new orders, check delivery status and when a product is out of stock. With all the conveniences under the palm of their hands, business owners can make decisions anytime, anywhere.

For more information, please visithttp://www. lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, or connect via Facebook at Lazada Philippines.

TUESDAY : AUGUST 18 : 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 BANGAW by Leeroy New OpenSpace, Ayala Museum Plaza, Makati City Ongoing until August 23

An art installation that is as whimsical as it is reasonable, this Leeroy New creation is especially commissioned for Ayala Museum’s OpenSpace public installation program.

It is made up of metal frame, assorted plastic covers, plastic mesh and cable ties – an irony in itself as the primary material used to create this large, multicolored bangaw (blowfly) installation is the very typical household item used to protect food from flies and pests.

Perched on the museum’s fountain, greeting guests and passersby alike, this piece made of materials sourced from Divisoria is a telling statement on the state of museums in the Philippines: People no longer go to museums, and museums are left to the flies.

Catch the exhibit before the bangaw flies. For more information, visit www.ayalamuseum.org DINO GABITO: Ignore the Noise ArtistSpace, Ayala Museum, Makati City Ongoing until August 27

In his second solo exhibition, Dino Gabito presents a sequel of his March 2014 show “Shroud Ides of March” that tells the story of how the last 18 months have been for him as an artist, and how he evolved since his first one-man show.

Each piece shows a play of light and shadow, embracing and hiding what lies beneath. Thus, many are left intrigued by Gabito’s art. The University of Santo Tomas-educated artist conceptualized, modeled, drew and painted all of his pieces; from composition to construction, the exhibit serves as a representation of Gabito as an artist.

For inquiries, call (02) 759-8288 or email hello@ ayalamuseum.org

MANNA Blanc Gallery, Quezon City Ongoing until August 29 A group exhibition featuring the works of seasoned artists D ennis At ienza, Robert Besana and Michael Muñoz.

In this collaboration, viewers will see the pieces of contemporary visual artist Atienza, an overseas Filipino worker who uses his experience abroad in his artwork; multiawarded visual artist and instructor Besana, who’s been featured in various exhibits; and exhibition consultant and designer Muñoz, who has exhibited his work in and out of the country.

CONCERTS THE RUSH HOUR CONCERTS: Music on Fire Ground Floor Lobby, Ayala Museum, Makati City August 19 The ground floor lobby of Ayala Museum will be filled with passionate music as the Manila Symphony Orchestra performs the fiery tangos of Argentinian Ástor Piazzolla and other composers.

The concert, which will feature conductor Arturo Molina, violinist Sara Maria Gonzales and guitar expressionist Noli Aurillo, will also include orchestral interpretations of other Latininspired pop and OPM music.

For more information on this exhibit, visit http://blanc.ph

Tickets are now on sale at the Ayala Museum, prices range from P300 to P500. Limited seats available, however, once maximum seating capacity is reached, the museum will open standing room. For more information, call (02) 7598288 loc 31 or 35 or email concerts@ayalamuseum.org

JOJO SERRANO: Images on the Horizon The Inner Room, ArtInformal, Mandaluyong City Ongoing until September 12

FUTURE CLASSICS: The Big B's and Back to Bach Ayala Museum, Makati City August 20 and August 27 Young musicians keep the traditions of classical, choral and standard music alive as they perform in back-to-back concerts at Ayala Museum.

On August 20 at 6:30 p.m., 18-year-old pianist Matthew Calderon will perform in his solo concert, “The Big B’s (Bach, Beethoven, Berg and Brahms).” Next week, it’s 16-year-old clarinetist Andrew Constantino together with pianist Denise See for “Back to Bach”

Natural and man-made meet in the colossal visual assemblages of Jojo Serrano to create new horizons that unfold after the viewers’ eyes go through a maze of visuals. The artist’s aesthetic eclecticism is evident in his use of different textures to explore and merge flora and fauna with industrial surfaces and architectural interiors.

Serrano carried out his spontaneous play on textures and surfaces by the thickness of the paint he brushed on canvas. The images, which come in varying shapes and sizes, complement and cancel out each other – but in the midst of chaos emerges a contemporary elegance.

Concert ticket prices for each show range from P300 to P500. For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 759-8288 loc. 31, or email concerts@ayalamuseum.org

For more details on this ongoing exhibit, visit www. artinformal.com

WORKSHOPS

Open Ends Lopez Museum, Pasig City August 21 to December 23

The Professional Writer-Mama U-View, Fully Booked, BGC, Taguig City August 22

In the second exhibition of Lopez Museum and Library this year, a collection of unfinished, interrupted artwork of notable Filipino artists is presented. The show highlights the series of rarely seen studies, sketches and unfinished paintings of Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo.

Complementing the nonconcluded collection of Hidalgo’s works are those of Juan Luna, unfinished correspondences captured in Jose Rizal’s handwriting, and select sculptural and mixed media installations by guests artists Ling Quisumbing Ramilo, Toym Imao and Riel Hilario.

For hands-on mamas who aspire to write or already write from home, Writer’s Block Philippines will arm these hardworking ladies the necessary tools to start a professional career in writing while raising the kids and keeping the household in check.

For the first run of this workshop, Writer's Block founders Ana P. Santos and Nikka Sarthou-Lainez are collaborating with editor/writer/mom Candice LopezQuimpo to help attendees chart their writing skills while taking in consideration real-life parenting obligations.

Interested dads are welcome, too.

For more information, call (02) 631-2417 or email lmmpasig@gmail.com

Registration is now open and there are only limited slots available. For inquiries and reservations, email writersblock. ph@gmail.com or contact (0917) 397-9927.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

TECHIES GET THE BEST VIA SM CYBER MONTH EVENTS

S

M Supermalls’ ultimate technology and lifestyle center Cyberzone are indulging game geeks, gadget lovers and tech savvy consumers with the Cyber Month Tech Sale that showcases the best of the best in consumer electronics.

Celebrated in all SM Supermalls nationwide, the Cyber Month Tech Sale features loads of fun-filled attraction for techies – from the dropped down prices of the latest and hottest gadgets, insightful tech talks, friendly game fest, heaps of promos and freebies, and jaw-dropping expositions of the latest, state-of-the-art technology designed for optimal consumer experience.

SM’s Cyber Month kicked off with the launch of LG Electronics’ Smart Home at SM City Fairview that highlighted how technology can transform people’s homes and the way they live through the power of smart gadgets such as smartphones for instance that can control and connect diverse devices and home appliances together.

SM Cyberzone also teamed up with Smart Communications for the biggest Clash of Clans (CoC) tournament in the country dubbed as the Philippine Clash 2015 with over P2 million worth of prizes – the largest prize pool in a local mobile gaming competition to date. The contest will run for almost two months until the grand CoC battle on September 26 at SM Mall of Asia.

Aside from the competition, the CoC legs will feature exciting activities for fans such as tutorials, games and meet-and-greet with the CoC community.

Aside from the LG Smart Home launch and the Philippine Clash 2015, SM Supermalls will also mount the first ever Cyberzone Cosplay Craze, a grand celebration of cosplay through innovative and interactive activities that aim to entertain young and the youngat-heart. Happening this August 22 and 23 at SM North EDSA, the event coincides with the Cosplay Mania ‘15 Road Show and International Cosplay Day.

Gadget expositions and exclusive promo make Cyber Month even more exciting. Beginning August 28, SMART will hold its SMART Bro Gadget Expo at SM North EDSA where all SMART subscribers can avail of discounted devices, join gadget auctions, raffles and listen to tech talks and product demonstrations.

SM Supemalls’ Cyberzone, the country’s largest chain of IT retail stores, offers a vast number of global brands and comprises a wide range of local players who provide complete products and services as well.

For complete details on the Cyber Month activities, promos, and other event, visit http:// smsupermalls.com/events/cybermonth/ and follow @SMsupermalls on Twitter and Instagram.

Use the hashtag #SMCyberMonth to know what netizens say about the month-long event. Also, check out the latest gadgets and tech updates on SM Cyberzone’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/smcyberzone, Twitter.com/ smcyberzone and Instagram.com/smcyberzone.

Manila International Book Fair is back at SMX

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ookworms will enjoy browsing through numerous volumes of bestselling novels, academic tomes and textbooks, religious publications, various literature for both academic and leisure reading as well as stationery and school supplies at the Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center this September 16 to 20.

MIBF will also host two events – Digitech Manila Conference and Expo scheduled on September 17 and 18 where the latest trend in technology will be tackled, and the Best of Anime 2015 to be held on September 19 to 20 which will defienitely be a hit with anime and cosplay lovers.

Some of the cuntry’s biggest publishing houses will be joining this year’s book fair, among them Abiva Publishing House, Inc., Academic Book Sales, Inc., Adarna House, Inc., Adbox Book Distributors, Alexan Commercial, Alpha Stream Marketing, Anvil Publishing, Inc., Asean Book Publishers Association, Asia Pacific Publishers Association, Asia/Pacific Circulation Exponents, Inc., Ateneo de Manila University Press, Bantay OCW Foundation, Inc., Bayard Assumption Media Foundation, Belview Co., Inc., Book Trends Enterprises, Bridge Publications,

Multi-Media, Inc., Filway Marketing, Inc., Forefront Book Co., Inc., Fully Booked (Sketch Books, Inc.), Gentle Star Trading Corporation , Goethe Institut Philippinen , Golden Books Services, Inc. , Great Books Trading, Gunnar Lie & Associates Ltd, Hachette USA, Heartshaper/Lighthouse Educational Corporation, High Access Line Phils. Corp., IBC Book Consolidators, Inc., IBON Foundation, Inc., iGroup, Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing Corporation, Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc., Laxmi Publications, Lighthouse Inspirational Books and Gifts, Inc. , Linar Educational Materials, Inc., Logos Publications Inc., Lyric Piano and Organ Cop., Maxcos Publishing House, Inc., Meganon Comics Publishing House, Megatexts Phil., Inc., Mind Mover Publishing House, Inc., MSA Publishing House, and National Book Store, Inc. Inc., Brilliant Creations Publishing, Inc., C & E Publishing, Inc., Catholic Book Center , CD Books International, Inc., Cengage Learning , Central Books , Christian Growth Ministries, Inc. CGM, Christian Literature Crusade, Church Strengthening Ministry, Inc., Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc. , Cosmos Bazaar , Creative Mind Books

Center, CRW Learning, Cunanan Map House, Cyclophil Division, Data Science and Technology Corporation, and Edcrisch International, Inc. Also participating at the book fair are Elsevier Science and Technology, Emerald Headway Distributors, Inc., F & J de Jesus, Inc., Far Eastern University Publications, Fastbooks Educational Supply Inc., Felta

MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc., Book Development Association of the Philippines, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and the Overseas Publishers Representatives Organization of the Philippines. For details, call 896-0661 or 896-0682, or e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com.

T UES DAY : AUGUST 18 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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The set up at Forbes Country Club

The Allied set up at Marco Polo in Ortigas

Manila Penisula's kitchen look spankingly clean and shiny

Ren and FeliCi Silayan Count 50 yeaRS oF building kitChenS W hen you are in a restaurant, do you ever wonder why service is super slow and your orders come in so late you want to cancel them?

Have you tried looking at the restaurant’s kitchen? Perhaps you wouldn’t because you might just decide never to eat out again.

That is only possible if the restaurant’s kitchen were not made professionally to meet the standards of food service.

Recently, we met Ren Silayan and his wife Felici, at Spirals, the restaurant at Sofitel Hotel in the CCP Complex. The couple was proud to tell us that Spirals is like to a realtor, the model kitchen of his company, Allied Metals Inc. now celebrating 50 years of customizing kitchens and today professional stainless steel kitchen is the standard for hotels, restaurants, and food chains.

Its introduction into the Philippine food service industry can be traced back to one family-run company: Allied Metals Inc., said Silayan.

Ren Silayan is the younger brother of the late actor Vic Silayan.

While he claims he had had some theatrical stints when he was in college, show business was far from his mind. “It was Vic who had the passion for the theater …and later the movies and television. He also didn’t mind that he was not earning enough for his family. He loved

the craft and as for the money he’d need, he would come to me and tell me about his problem, but no he never begged for help,” he said.

Incorporated in 1965 by Silayan and his wife, Felici, Allied Metals’ humble beginnings has taken the company from a small operation run from the two-car garage of the Silayan family home in Potrero in Malabon to a successful operation with more than a hundred employees working from their well-equipped plant in Bulacan, Ren Silayan and Felici are no longer very active in the company. John Ecahuz is Allied Metals Inc. chairman wile while Kenneth Silayan Go is president.

Ren and Felici give the younger managers of the company latitude to carry on what they have started and bring the company to a new level.

“Allied Metals has 50 years of heavy duty experience that allows us to create a product that is difficult to replicate,” says Chairman John Echauz. “The company’s total kitchen system is a unique combination of superior craftmanship and personalized service. Every kitchen is the result of a carefully planned process from design to close coordination and consultation during construction with different trade contractors for the project; supply of equipment both imported and locally fabricated; and finally, installation, turn over, maintenance, and service.”

The Name BehiNd The BesT Names iN Food service Over five decades, the company has supplied total kitchen systems for some of the most recognized brands, hotel chains, and corporate clients, locally and internationally, including the City of Dreams Manila, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, the Excelsior Hong Kong, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, the Canlubang Golf and Country Club, Nestle Philippines, Via Mare, and almost 1,000 Jollibee branches, among several others.

As Allied Metals marks its 50th anniversary, Ren and Felici look back to those days when they were just starting with money loaned from a bank and spending it wisely until the company grew leaps and bounds.

The company will continue to build and reinvent the total kitchen system. In addition, Allied Metals is expanding its portfolio to include other immediate plans including a vocational school beginning with training in welding, cutting and bending techniques.

This is a form of giving back to society through CSR work.

Within the company, Allied Metals utilizes a management approach similar to the guardianship of a responsible owner of the home. “We believe in the concept of Owner Care,” says President Kenneth Silayan Go. “The company is a house and everybody must do their part.”

The Allied Metals Inc. founders, husband and wife team of Ren and Felici Silayan

Allied Metals Inc.'s management committee – standing from left, John Echauz, chairman of the board; Kenneth Silayan Go, president, and Joey Silayan, board member and son of Ren and Felici Silayan (seated)

T UES DAY : AUGUST 18 : 2015

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

CinEmaLaya 2015 WinnERS

P

usong Bato by Martika Ramirez Escobar was the Best Short Film in the recently concluced 11th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition.

This year, the festival featured only films in the Short Feature category. Wawa by Angelie Mae Macalanda won the Special Jury Prize and NETPAC Award. The Cinemalaya Awards were held Aug. 15 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Little Theater.

Pusong Bato is about a middle-aged actress who tries to relive her glory days as a movie star in the 1970s by watching films at home everyday until an earthquake trikes and wakes her up from her daydreaming.

It won a cash prize of P150,000 and a Balanghai trophy.

Wawa won the Special Jury Prize for “its engaging use of location to evoke longing and for its

poetic depiction of grief ” and the NETPAC Award for “its evocation of grief and the impermanence of life by a grippingly visual funeral ceremony on the river. Wawa is about a young boy’s journey as he, with others, takes his father to his final resting place.

The Best Direction award went to Petersen Vargas for Lisyun Qng Geografia. Vargas was cited for his “effective harnessing of the technical elements of filmmaking in telling a simple story” of a boy who finds an old map that triggers him to retrace the places that are special to him and his high school best friend.

The Best Screenplay Award was given to Darwin Novicio for Papetir, which he also directed. Papetir was cited “for its interesting presentation of contrast in what is being stated and what is actually happening.”

Sanctissima, a film about a girl

The winners at the recent Short Film category competition of Cinemalaya

who lives alone in the dark with an even darker secret, by Kenneth Dagatan won the Audience Choice Award with a cash prize of P25,000.00.

Finalists for the 2016 Cinemalaya Main Competition (Full Length Feature) were also announced during the Awards Night. The finalists will receive production grants of P750,000 each, up from the previous P500,000 of previous years.

The Main Competition finalists

included Ang Bagong Pamilya Ni Ponching by Inna Salazar, Victor Villanueva; Ang Mga Bisita Ni Mamang by Janice O’Hara, Denise O’Hara; Dagsin by Atom Magadia; Hiblang Abo by Ralston Jover; I America by Ivan Andrew Payawal; Kusina by David Corpuz, Cenon Palomares; Lando At Bugoy by Vic Acedillo, Jr.; Mercury Is Mine by Jason Paul Laxamana; Pamilya Ordinaryo by Eduardo Roy, Jr; and Tuos by Derick Cabrido.

Cinemalaya 2016 will be held

on August 5-14 at the CCP and other Festival venues.

Cinemalaya is a project of the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

For more information about Cinemalaya, visit www.cinemalaya. org, www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the Cinemalaya facebook page or CCP Media Arts Office at telephone number 832-1125 local 1704-1705 and the CCP Box Office at 8323704. (Photos by Kiko Cabuena)

Kadayawan sa dabaw Live exCLusiveLy on sKy Free view

a

ll things joyful and glorious burst in full color in Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival this month. Celebrating cultural treasures, bountiful harvests, and the serenity of life, the Kadayawan Festival highlights the heritage of Mindanao’s indigenous peoples and its migrant settlers. Until Aug. 23, dances and live performances fill Davao’s streets as everyone indulges in the happiest week in one of Mindanao’s grandest cities.

Rooted in the age-old ritual of offering thanksgiving to the ancient Gods, especially “Manama” The Supreme Being, this vibrant feast highlights the plentiful fruits, flowers, vegetables, and grains that are seen as blessings from the di-

vine. This spirit and practice of giving thanks, known collectively as pahinungod, is what breathes life to the Kadayawan Festival to this day.

This year’s celebration can be called the pinnacle of all festivals in the country. Starting-off with an ecumenical ceremony to give thanks for this year’s bounty, it’s followed by a gauntlet of food fests, dancing, musical performances, parades, and pageants.

Avid fans of this festival who can’t make it to Davao can enjoy all the fun straight from their TV screen at home as SKYcable and Destiny Cable digital postpaid and prepaid TV subscribers get exclusive live access to the major Kadayawan Festival events through SKY Free View.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Like cobras and parkas 7 Tooth pro’s deg.

10 Sushi-bar soup 14 Pink-eyed rat 15 Fill with amazement 16 Scott or Sandler 17 Holdups 18 State-of-the-art 19 Wordless actor 20 Romantic sight (2 wds.)

23 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 37 38 39

Portable boat Corn Belt st.

Tiny amounts Big party nights No gentleman Amatol ingredient 104, to Livy Channels 2-13 Snugger Dot in the Seine Promise to pay Homer Simpson’s dad

40 41 43 44 45 46 47 48 51 52 53 56 57 58 62 63 64 65 66 67

Vocalist — Sumac Pantries Family mem.

Bacon on the hoof Wind up NASA counterpart Merry old king Lake Nasser’s dam Is, for them Mitigated Andromeda, e.g.

Give an edge to Annapolis grad Discernment Units of work Air show formation Lodge Wildlife shelter Soyuz destination Polite word

DOWN 1 Villain’s cry 2 Grand — Opry 3 Kyoto sash 4 Nightclubs 5 — nous 6 Capsule, maybe 7 Did the twist 8 Dork 9 Stitched together 10 Ice Age beast 11 Dunce

On Aug. 21, from 6 to 10 p.m., revelers at home can catch Hiyas sa Kadayawan, a contest to find the Festival Gem of Davao among the 10 indigenous tribes of the city. Another great event the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, a street dancing competition alonsp Davao’s major streets and ends in a big showdown at Rizal Park – can be tuned-in to from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 22. And then, the Pamulak sa Kadayawan, a massive parade of floral-themed floats staged across the city airs 8 a.m. to 13 noon on Aug. 23.

The live coverage of these events is available for free on the following channels: Ch. 251 (HD) and Ch. 210 (SD) for those in Metro Manila, CAMANAVA, Rizal,

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2015

12 13 21 22 23 24 25 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 42 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 59 60 61

Pago Pago locale Shaman’s findings Foul-ups Faint traces — B. DeMille Town near Madrid Defiant reply Notes played together Shinbone Type of sausage Cornstalk tip Errors like thiss Zola’s name Hit the ceiling Most beloved Tapes over Horse on the range Pale Mushroom-to-be Pilot’s insignia Keats’ saint Outdo Strauss of denim fame Org. for seniors Hamm of soccer Mag. staffers Born as

The colorful posterof Davao's Kadayawan Festival

Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan (San Jose Del Monte); and Ch. 703 (HD) and Ch. 23 (SD) for those in Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, General Santos, and Dumaguete.

Destiny Cable subscribers can tune-in through Ch. 251 (HD) and Ch. 210 (SD).

Enjoy over 90 channels in clear digital signal for only P550 per month with Destiny Cable. For inquiries about the services and promos of Destiny Cable call 4180000. You may also contact Destiny Cable via their email address, weserve@destinycable.com.ph.

T UES DAY : AUGUST 18 : 2015

C7

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

S

cathy yaP-yang returnS to aBS-cBn

he has made a difference in international broadcasting for nearly two decades, and now she’s coming home.

Award-winning broadcast journalist Cathy Yap-Yang is returning to the Philippines and back to where it all began for her – at the Kapamilya network via ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel.

Starting Sept. 1, Yang will host Market Edge with Cathy Yang and Business Nightly” after The World Tonight.

“Cathy and I worked closely together when she covered business news for The World Tonight back in the day. We’re excited at her homecoming. Cathy would be a great addition to our roster of top caliber journalists and her international experience would give ANC an edge in its coverage of business news,” said Ging Reyes, head of ABS-CBN Integrated News.

“I feel extremely privileged to be rejoining my home studio, the Kapamilya network after 15 years covering global business from two of the world’s biggest financial centers, Tokyo and Hong Kong. It is high time to be back in the Philippines, where economic growth has taken hold. I am honored to stand at the forefront now of keeping tabs of where that momentum is headed, for our countrymen here and overseas, as well as to the wider, global financial community,” said Yang.

In the late ‘90s, Yang anchored ANC’s Stock Market Live and ABS-CBN Channel 2’s Usapang Business with Ces Drilon. She left the country to anchor for Bloomberg TV Asia-Pacific based in Tokyo and then in Hong Kong. She later worked for CCTV (China Central TV) in Hong Kong, where she was based in the past several years.

Yang brings with her valuable years of experience covering business in Asia, tracking stock markets and currencies and economic developments in the region. She was a reporter-presenter at Reuters TV in Hong Kong and, before that, she was an anchor for Bloomberg Television in Tokyo and Hong Kong.

She reaped several awards in her years working abroad, earning the distinction of being the Best News Anchor in Asia

From c8

in the prestigious Asian TV Awards in 2001, 2002, and 2003.

ANC is known for its discerning news, relentless coverage, and complete news experience delivered by seasoned journalists and experts. ANC’s strong team of journalists further enhances the ANC brand as the go-to channel of business leaders and decision-makers for breaking political and business news.

Cathy Yap-Yang returns to ANC after years of reporting for international news organizations

HHHHH

What iS Sari-Sari channel ?

Viva Communications, Inc., has joined forces with Cignal TV to create the Sari-Sari Channel. This new venture from two of Philippine television’s most noteworthy figures is a 24/7 channel that will bring the finest movies and teledramas to Cignal TV audiences both here and abroad.

Viva Communications, Inc., Chairman and CEO Vic del Rosario, Jr. and Viva Communications, Inc., President and COO Vincent del Rosario III recently signed the contract with MediaQuest Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, Cignal TV President and CEO Emmanuel C. Lorenzana and Cignal TV COO Oscar A. Reyes Jr. As the name aptly says, Sari-Sari, which is set to launch later this year, is a mixed bag of entertaining shows led by the new original films and mini-series that Viva will produce. An industry stalwart in films, music and television, Viva is set to bring its much vaunted production expertise to interesting titles like Class 3-C Has A Secret, Barrio Kulimlim, Kuya And Me, Sa Ngalan Ng Anak, Tabi Po, The Feb. 15 Club and many others.

Along with these shows, Viva is bringing to Cignal TV its stable of talents that include some of today’s biggest stars, finest actors, directors and writers and its collection of big-screen box office hits.

Viva Communications, Inc. is the leading film supplier in the country with a library of over 1000 titles and is also a foreign film distributor. It is also a software supplier for cable television like Pinoy Box Office, Viva-TV and TMC. Viva is also into talent management, music publishing, music recording, concerts and live events production.

Viva's Vic del Rosario and MediaQuest's Manny Pangilinan agreed to put up Sari-Sari Channel on Cignal

Star-Studded Palawan PawnShoP’S 30th anniverSary ConCert

P

Rizal branch of Palawan Express

alawan is abuzz these days. A free concert was held on Augt 15 at the Puerto Princesa Coliseum. The show featured performances of Paulo Avelino and TV comedian Pooh heading a cast of talents mimicking sensational local and international celebrities.

Billed Bonggang Handog Pasasalamat, the three-hour show was part of the multi-event celebration of Palawan Pawnshop’s 30th year anniversary. The show dramatized in song and dance milestones that made Palawan Pawnshop a marketplace leader.

Joining the performers were Palawan Express Pera Padala comic endorsers, Jack Falcis, Mao Leongson, and Lan Diana, who are featured as ongoing characters in the money remittance brand’s TV commercial.

Preceeding the free show was Palawan Pawnshop’s “Takbo Palaweno,” a fun run of 10K, 5K, and 3K on Aug. 9 in Puerto Princesa. Additionally, the anniversary event series was capped by a last night to recognize employees who have made vital contributions to the success of the company.

Palawan Pawnshop was founded in 1985 by spouses Bobby and Angie Castro to help cashstrapped folks who need to pay bills. It started as a lone pawnshop on Malvar street in Puerto Princesa City. In the succeeding years, the number of outlets grew beyond the confines of Palawan owing to innovations spearheaded by the founding couple.

Among the first to adopt the computerized systems in the nineties, Palawan Pawnshop translated

technology into consumer benefits of fast, accurate, low-priced no-fuss transactions that now compose the DNA of a successful money remittance brand introduced in 2003, Palawan Express Pera Padala.

Palawan Express Pera Padala has since partnered with other establishments in the business to furiously expand the number of outlets carryingthe money remittance service. The service may now be availed of in over 3,000 outlets nationwide.

Playing lead roles in the series of 30th anniversary events of Palawan Pawnshop in August are second-generation Castros – Karlo, Lilian, Korina, Lisa, and Roberto Ben – who are steadily taking over the reins of the company’s management. They are perceived to be the stewards of the company’s next 30 years.

T UES DAY : AUGUST 18 : 2015

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

The finalists with Massimo's Adamson Bactat

All set for MossiMo Music suMMit 2015 grAnd finAls ISAH V. RED After more than a month of grueling auditions and screenings, the much-awaited talent search to hit the music and fashion industries is ready to welcome its new big discovery.

The Mossimo Music Summit 2015 sets the stage for four talented performers in the grand finals on Aug. 21, 4 p.m. at the TriNoMa Activity Center.

“We, at Mossimo are very thrilled to put the spotlight on some of the countries aspiring artists,” says Adamson Bactat, Mossimo’s vice-president for Business Development.

“Our country is blessed with so much talents, and through this annual search, we are able to give these budding performers the opportunity to make their mark in the entertainment scene,” Bactat adds.

The four finalists who will battle it out for the grand prize are Kristel Herrera, Mark Francis Reyes, Zsaris Mendioro, and the trio OTM. Kristel Herrera is a 22-year old lounge singer from Sampaloc, Manila. She’s been singing since she was 9, and she’s into blues and jazz. Her four-year stint as a lounge singer has enabled her to improve her vocal skills and the way she relates to her audience.

Coming all the way from Pampanga is 20-year old Mark Francis Reyes. He’s been performing in local events and joining singing competitions since he was 15. His musical interest ranges from classic, pop and rock.

Zsaris Mendioro is 27 years old from Los Baños, Laguna. She’s a loop artist and also has impressive beat-boxing skills. She plays the guitar and has been performing in

different bars in Metro Manila.

Finally, the acoustic trio OTM is composed of Jenz on vocals and percussions, Kaye on vocals and guitar, and Matthew on vocals and violin.

They got together during a gig in a wedding and decided to form the group just so they could audition for Mossimo Music Summit.

Aside from the opportunity to become the next big recording star, as the winner will be signed to an exclusive recording and management contract with Curve Entertainment, the lucky finalist will bring home P500,000 in cash and prizes from Mossimo.

In addition to the music search, Mossimo also held an open casting for models and dance groups. 36 male and female models were fielded from thousands of aspirants, while three dance groups were chosen from hundreds of auditionees. They, together with the music finalists will form a special show that will treat TriNoma mall-goers to breathtaking entertainment.

Our country is blessed with so much talents, and through this annual search, we are able to give these budding performers the opportunity to make their mark in the entertainment scene – Adamson Bactat, Mossimo VP for Business Development

RnB mimic Kristel Herrera

The trio of called OTM playing new music

The multi-voiced Mark Francis

Loop artist Zsaris Mendioro