The Standard - 2015 August 21 - Friday

VOL. XXIX NO. 190 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 FRIday : auguSt 21, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

LP leader smearing Grace Poe, VP insists

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afP baTTLes abu 15 bandits, 1 soldier killed in hour-long Sulu clash

By Florante s. solmerin

GOVERNMENT troops clashed with some 200 Abu Sayyaf fighters Thursday in an hour-long firefight in Indanan, Sulu, that left 15 bandits and a soldier dead and scores wounded on both sides.

The huge number of Abu Sayyaf fighters involved in a single firefight seemed to contradict the repeated assertions by military officials that the numbers of the Abu Sayyaf were dwindling, and that the “remnants” were fewer than 400.

But Col. Noel Detoyato, head of public affairs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the Abu Sayyaf bandits might be consolidating.

Capt. Antonio Bulao of the Joint Task

Group Sulu added that they were reinforced by fighters belonging to the Nur Misuari faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Military and police officials say the number of Abu Sayyaf fighters has dropped from a peak of 1,500 in the early 2000s to just a few hundreds.

On Thursday, at around 5:20 p.m., a company from the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion stormed the Abu Sayyaf lair in Ba-

rangay Buanza.

“At first, we estimated there were about 80 of them, but as the fighting continued, their numbers increased to an estimated 200,” Detoyato said.

The pursuing soldiers recovered at least five dead bandits.

On Friday morning, the military pressed the attack against the escaping bandits that led to the rescue of Seaman 1st Class Rod Next page

Joint maneuvers. Members of the police special forces jump from an Air Force helicopter at Poro Point in La Union during joint maneuvers with Air Force personnel on Thursday.

Christine Junio

Drilon roasted for defending Trillanes on consultants

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Abaya apologizes for ‘fatal’ remark cuff statement made earlier in the week, which understandably came TRANSPORTATION Secretary across as reckless and insensitive,” Joseph Emilio Abaya apologized said Abaya.

“I am aware that what I said has only Friday for playing down the impact of traffic congestion by saying added to the frustration and the suffering of the public. I am profoundly it was “not fatal.”

“I extend my deepest apolo- sorry for this,” Abaya also said.

“With this apology, I wish to gies to the public, for an off-theBy sandy Araneta

assure the public that we are well aware of the situation we all face every day. Please be assured that we are doing everything in our power and exerting the maximum effort to ease traffic in Metro Manila and the surrounding areas.

Some of these solutions will take time,” he said.

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AFP

From A1...

Remembering the actor. Senator Grace Poe was joined by relatives and friends at the grave of Fernando Poe Jr. at the Manila North Cemetery on Thursday on the occasion of what would have been his 76th birthday. (Related story on A6) Ey AcAsio

UNA hits Drilon’s defense of Trillanes consultants In defense of Trillanes, Drilon said the hiring of siblings and relatives as consultants in congressional offices was common practice, and was neither unusual nor illegal.

But UNA president and Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco contested Drilon’s statement.

“Common practice?” Tiangco asked. “I have no sibling or relative employed as my consultant.”

Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz, on the other hand, said it was all right to hire siblings as consultants or as part of the congressional staff, as long as the lawmakers abide by Commission on Audit rules for such hiring.

In Trillanes’ case, he added, this might not be the case.

Earlier, Trillanes dismissed as “petty” reports that he spent well over his budget for consultants—including

his brother who received P71,200 a month—and threatened to sue Facebook users for posting or sharing the “black propaganda.”

In a television interview on the ANC news channel after the story broke in The Standard, Trillanes admitted that his brother, Juan Antonio Trillanes, was indeed one of his consultants, but said he was paid a consultancy fee of P60,000 a month, which he said “is definitely not high.”

Senate documents obtained by The Standard, however, showed that the senator’s brother was receiving P71,200 a month, and had earned P427,000 from July to December 2014.

On Thursday, Trillanes defended his brother’s employment.

“He actually helps me out in organizing work. So it’s a position of confidence and trust,” the senator said, add-

ing that this was allowed.

Reacting to reports that his brother earned P427,000 for a period of six months or from July to December 2014, Trillanes said: “You see how they try to angle it in such a way that it would look bad?”

“Yes, he is earning P60,000 net, which is not exorbitant... I believe all of these things, this conversation that we’re having right now, is a hatchet job to tarnish the messenger, or the main inquisitor in this investigation according to the Binay camp,” he said, referring to Vice President Jejomar Binay, against whom he has launched a campaign to expose his alleged corruption.

Trillanes noted that it is up to the senator how to spend funds that are allocated to him.

In his case, he said, he believed his strength is information gathering and intelligence gathering.

Thus he has a security analyst, a financial analyst and legal consultants.

Trillanes said not a single centavo of the P18 million he spent for consultants went to his own pocket. Instead, he said, the money was used to make him do a better job as a senator.

Earlier, Drilon said all senators are given a free hand to choose their own consultants. It is also up to a senator

Abaya

fic congestion.

“The DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) is doing its share in government’s efforts to ease traffic congestion and lessen the burden on our people,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. Coloma said government agencies including the Metro Manila Development Authority, the Philippine National Police and local traffic enforcement units were coordinating to ease traffic congestion and to enforce the laws on traffic.

Coloma urged people to cooperate by following traffic laws.

The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay lashed out at Abaya for his remark, saying that “excessive exposure to Daang Matuwid (the straight path) may cause permanent loss of rational thinking and lead to insensitivity.”

“We lose at least 20,000 work hours per day. The economy loses billions to traffic. The air and noise pollution

cause illnesses to commuters and motorists. Yet the DOTC chief is actually telling us: buhay pa naman kayo di ba? (You’re still alive, aren’t you?)” said Rico Quicho, spokesman for the Vice President.

Quicho also criticized Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II for dismissing the hideous traffic as a sign of progress, when traffic congestion in Metro Manila cost the country P2.4 billion in lost income daily and P962 million in hospitalization expenses.

“Studies show that the country loses billions of pesos due to traffic, yet Roxas says it’s a good thing. If his political party which controls government cannot manage traffic efficiently, and dismisses the daily commuter’s hell as a sign of a booming economy, then it has no business staying in power for another six years,” Quicho said.

“The people’s patience has long run out with this administration that cannot even make the trains run on time, release

By Maricel V. cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THe opposition United Nationalist Alliance blasted Senate President Franklin Drilon Friday for defending Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who was exposed as having hired 55 consultants, including his brother who was paid P71,200 a month.

From A1...

“For instance, my comments were made in relation to the impact of the LRT2 (Light Rail Transit 2) extension project on traffic. While construction will take two years, this is precisely the infrastructure needed to ease traffic congestion in the area,” he said.

“Our goal in extending the rail system to Masinag is to provide a more efficient and reliable commuting option to those affected,” he said.

“We humbly ask for your patience and understanding in these matters,” Abaya concluded.

In a TV interview Monday, Abaya was asked about the traffic snarls that would be caused by the LRT extension.

Abaya said, “Hindi naman siguro fatal yan (That’s probably not fatal).”

The Palace on Friday said the government is doing all it can to ease traf-

how much to pay the consultant.

He said this was settled when Senate officials sat down with auditors from the Commission on Audit.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Senate Secretary Oscar Yabes said both parties have agreed that the Feb. 5, 2015 Audit Observation Memorandum was about procedural improvements, and not a discovery of any anomaly or irregularity in the Senate’s hiring of consultants.

During the discussions, the COA and the Senate officials agreed on the following: the hiring of consultants is a prerogative of the senators, based on the necessities of their office; who to hire as consultants, how many to hire and the appropriate fees to be paid is within the sound discretion of the senators, depending on the nature and volume of the task involved, as well as the expertise required to accomplish it; and, the senators are permitted under the law to realign savings from other expense items to augment their budgetary allocations, including those on consultancy services, as in the cases observed in the COA memo.

Supervising auditor Mario Lipana said during the meeting that he did not find any violation by senators as contained in his memo to Drilon. budgets on time, provide aid to calamity victims on time. The people have to suffer a work ethic that is simply: Kapag may time (Only when we have the time).

Nothing is on time, except their political agenda of stifling dissent and raiding government resources for political ends,” he said.

Earlier, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) warned that traffic will worsen this year and urged the administration to set up measures to handle the problem.

JICA warned that traffic losses will shoot up from P2.4 billion daily in 2014 to P6 billion per day in 2030. It also urged the administration to ensure completion of the P4.76-trillion Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas, known as the Dream Plan, which has been approved by the board of the National Economic and Development Authority. – With Vito Barcelo

Pagaling and Seaman 2nd Class Gringo Villaruz, both belonging to the Coast Guard.

Pagaling and Villaruz together with Roldolfo Boligao, village chief of Aliguay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in May. Just recently, the bandits beheaded Boligao and left his body in Maimbung, Sulu.

The two Coast Guard men sprinted through gunfire to freedom as government forces raided the bandit hideout, the Army said.

Villaruz and Pagaling slipped separately from the Abu Sayyaf camp on Wednesday night and raced through the jungle as their captors engaged in a gunbattle with the military, Detoyato said.

“Apparently at the height of the encounter, the two Coast Guard men were able to flee,” he said.

The men sought refuge at a village about 1.5 kilometers away, said Bulao, the spokesman of the unit involved in the clash.

Found an hour apart, they did not know the other had escaped until they saw each other Thursday at a local hospital where they were being treated for bruises.

Yasser Igasan, one of the Abu Sayyaf Group’s most senior leaders, was believed to have escaped after the firefight, Detoyato said.

Fifteen Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed, but the remains of only five were recovered as the rest were carried away by their comrades, he said. Several soldiers sustained minor injuries.

The fighting was so fierce that the military had to use artillery to drive the bandits back, Detoyato said.

“It was a long fight: one hour and 35 minutes. That is unusual because they normally disengage immediately,” he said.

Bulao said Villaruz and Pagaling told authorities four other hostages were held with them, including a Malaysian and a Korean. He said the military would continue efforts to free all the hostages.

Separate fighting in neighboring Basilan island on Wednesday left five Abu Sayyaf members and one soldier killed, the military said.

Impoverished Jolo and Basilan are known strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf, a loose band of several hundred armed men set up in the 1990s with seed money from the Al-Qaeda network of Osama Bin Laden.

The group engages in kidnappings to finance operations, often targeting foreigners and sometimes beheading captives if ransom is not paid.

It has also been blamed for the worst bomb attacks in the country, including the firebombing of a ferry off Manila Bay in 2004 that killed more than 100 people.

The Palace commended the AFP for conducting operations to free the two Coast Guard personnel held captive by the Abu Sayyaf.

“We believe that operations are still ongoing in Sulu, and the military troops have succeeded in breaking the areas that were previously held by the Abu Sayyaf Group,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. – With sandy Araneta, AFP

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Reports on ‘ghosts’ misleading Erice behind attacks on Poe, Binay insists THE camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday insisted that Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice is behind the electoral protest against Senator Grace Poe, saying that, after being exposed as the mastermind, he now points the blame to them.

“We will not dignify him with a reply,” Binay spokesman Joey Salgado said.

“When you point one finger, there are three fingers pointing back to you.”

The opposition United Nationalist Alliance on Thursday pooh-poohed Erice, a Liberal Party stalwart, over his accusation that Binay could have been behind the disqualification case against Poe. UNA president and Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco said he doubted Binay would resort to such action

to discredit Poe, who has emerged as the top presidential contender in 2016.

“Vice President Binay is definitely not behind it,” Tiangco told The Standard in a text message.

“Definitely not UNA.” Paranaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, an UNA stalwart, also defended Binay.

“I don’t think the Vice President is capable of doing that,” Tambunting said.

Erice had earlier said there was no way Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II would give way to Poe and slide down to vice president.

Erice, who is the Liberal Party’s vice chairman for political affairs, said that while Poe was a good leader, she needed more experience to beef up her otherwise thin resume in the government service. Vito Barcelo and Maricel V. Cruz

By Vito Barcelo, Macon R. Araneta and Joel E. Zurbano

IT is misleading and pure conjecture for Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to claim that almost half of the senior citizen beneficiaries of Makati City were “ghost” beneficiaries because these people personally apply and submit documents to be included in the program.

“Assuming without conceding the existence of fake beneficiaries, where is the evidence to show any link to the Vice President [Jejomar Binay]? None, because this is another tall tale,” said Binay’s spokesman Joey Salgado.

Salgado lashed at Makati City Action Center head Arthur Cruto for making wild and sensational statements to drum up interest in an “inquisition” of Binay and his family meant to undermine the programs and services of Makati City.

Salgado also said Cruto had no objections at the time his mother was living in Cavite but remained a senior

citizen in Makati.

“Senior citizens who have moved to other localities but who are registered voters remain beneficiaries,” Salgado explained.

Salgado said that under city guidelines, senior citizens are required to personally apply for benefits. He said those listed as beneficiaries are actual persons who have submitted the required documents and have passed the verification process.

He said Trillanes’ latest bomb turned out to be another “dud”, adding all they can expect are lies from a known protégé of ex-Vice Mayor Mercado.

Cruto had claimed at the 23rd hearing against Binay at the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee that Makati is losing P367.5 million a year to 31,280 senior citizens who each receive P11,750 a year from the city government but could not be located.

Cruto said that, of the 68,187 senior citizens of the city, 36,720 or 54 percent were qualified recipients of the BLU Card.

The BLU card is given to senior citizens in Makati so they could avail themselves of benefits as elders. Those benefits include a birthday cake worth worth P300, P3,000 in cash, special groceries for Christmas worth P1,500, P1,500 worth of medicines a month, and free moves worth an average of P350.

But “Of the more than 68,000 senior

citizens, 31,280 senior citizens or 48 percent are doubtful,” Cruto told the Senate panel.

“So Makati is losing an average of P367.5 million a year if we are to base it on P11,750 per elder.”

Meanwhile, the Makati City government said Thursday it was willing to cooperate with the Senate’s investigation over the alleged ghots senior citizens receiving benefits from the city.

“Here in city hall under the administration of Acting Mayor [Romulo] Peña, we are willing to help senators looking into that issue,” chief information officer Gilbert Delos Reyes said.

Cruto said they got the figures based on the results of surveys, from the Makati Social Welfare and Development Office, the Civil Registrar’s Office and the Makati Comelec.

He said they conducted an initial audit in two small villages in Makati and found that 40 to 52 percent of the listed seniors citizens could not be located and were not included in the Comelec voters’ list.

He said their initial findings showed that in Barangay Kasilawan, only 660 of the 1,095 listed senior citizens or BLU card holders were located. In Barangay Pinagkaisahan, only 439 out of the 938 card holders were located.

He said 25 senior citizens were living in one house on A. Mendoza Street, but they did not see 22 out of the 25.

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Marcos backs SB on Moro basic law

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

What ghosts? Vice President Jejomar Binay returned to Makati City on Thursday to face senior citizens and answer allegations at the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that there are “ghosts” enjoying senior citizen benefits in the city. EY ACASIO

Enrile out on bail, eyes Senate return

By Rey E. Requejo

SENATOR Juan Ponce Enrile was released Thursday evening after posting a bail of P1.45 million to the Sandiganbayan where he is undergoing trial for plunder and corruption.

The 91-year-old Enrile is expected to return to work at the Senate on Monday, according to his lawyer Eleazar Reyes.

Lawyer Dennis Pulma, clerk of court of the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division, said Enrile was released after he posted a bail of P1 million bail for the plunder charge against him plus an additional of P450,000 for the 15 counts of graft in connection to the alleged pork barrel scam.

Pulma said Sandiganbayan employees were asked to work overtime to wait for Enrile who was fetched from the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame where he was detained under hospital arrest.

The senator was asked to complete some documents before a release order, signed by Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, after the Supreme Court found that

the anti-graft court have gravely abused its discretion in denying bail to Enrile.

In its decision, the high court said Enrile’s fragile health and advanced age were the substantive considerations to grant him provision freedom while facing trial.

In a 17-page decision penned by Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin, the SC ruled that Enrile’s condition deserves humanitarian consideration and stressed that the 91-year-old senator is not a flight risk.

The high court stressed that the Sandiganbayan committed grave abuse of discretion in denying the bail motion of Enrile.

However, Associate Justice Marvic Leonen who dissented from the majority decision found the SC decision

granting bail to Enrile as a dangerous precedent “Accordingly, we conclude that the Sandiganbayan arbitrarily ignored the objective of bail to ensure the appearance of the accused during the trial’ and unwarrantedly disregarded the clear sowing of the fragile health and advanced age of Enrile,” the SC said.

Joining Justice Bersamin in this majority decision were Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo- De Castro, Arturo Brion, Diosdado Peralta, Mariano del Castillo, Jose Perez and Jose Mendoza.

The ruling specifically ordered the “immediate release of petitioner Juan Ponce Enrile from custody unless he is being detained for some other lawful cause” upon posting of bail bond of P1 million.

SENATOR Bongbong Marcos on Thursday said he supports Speaker Feliciano “SB” Belmonte Jr.’s rejection of the demand of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to restore 28 provisions deleted in their version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“The Senate and the House of Representatives are united in saying no to the demands of the MILF and Malacañang for Congress to pass the proposed BBL without any changes,” stressed Marcos, chairman of the Senate local government committee, which crafted a substitute bill for the BBL. Marcos said the substitute bill —Senate Bill 2948, or the “Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region” – will address the flaws of the Malacanang-drafted BBL. It is expected to undergo floor debates next week.

Speaking before college students in a forum on BBL at the San Sebastian College in Manila, Marcos explained that while the draft BBL seeks to implement the MILF’s peace pact with the Philippine government, it only binds the Executive Department.

“The agreements do not bind the Congress. Neither do they bind the Supreme Court, much less the entire country,” said Marcos.

Marcos said this is the reason why the MILF cannot demand the passage of the draft BBL in its original form although it has been insisting that Congress should pass the BBL as drafted due to the peace pact it signed with the Aquino administration.

“If it’s a sovereign nation that is signing a treaty with the Philippines, then because foreign policy is within the powers of the Executive, that is right.

Once the President signs it, the entire Philippine government is committed to honor that,” Marcos said.

VACC raps Albay gov THE Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) filed a complaint before the Ombudsman against Albay Gov. Joey Salceda for his alleged failure to submit his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for the years 2012, 2013, and 2014.

But Salceda denied the charge and said he submitted copies of his SALN to the Provincial Human Resource Management Office in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission.

But according to VACC Vice Chairman Martin Diño who filed the complaint, their group formally requested the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon for an official copy of Salceda’s SALN, but they could not find a copy for the three specified years.

Diño said the only explanation could be that Salceda did not file SALNs for 2012, 2013 at 2014 and, thus, violated Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and

Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

But Salcedo contested the charge and told journalists he had been religiously submitting the required asset statements since 2007.

“Since 2007, I have dutifully filed my SALN with the Albay PHRMO in accordance with CSC MC No. 3, s. 2015, as amended.

“And in accordance with the same CSC MC, the PHRMO then submitted / transmitted these SALNs via ‘registered mail’ to the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon per instruction of the Office of the Ombudsman,” he said.

“These are shown in the attached copies of the SALNs and registered mail official receipts,” Salceda added.

“Therefore, the reported complaint of the VACC against me for allegedly failing to file my SALNS for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014 have no basis in fact and are downright malicious,” he added.

Free at last. Senator Juan Ponce Enrile arrives to post bail at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City on Thursday. LINO SANTOS

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Ninoy killing recalled today

By Sandy Araneta EVERY Filipino should contribute to building a stronger democracy and a more prosperous and inclusive society as espoused by former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., Malacañang said on Thursday on the eve of Aquino’s 32nd death anniversary.

“Tomorrow, August 21, a grateful nation pays homage to the heroism of the late Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., who selflessly offered his life for the restoration of democracy in our country,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a statement.

“Ninoy Aquino continues to inspire generations of Filipinos to overcome difficulties and challenges in attaining their aspirations for a better future. As we celebrate his 32nd death anniversary, it is well to reaffirm the duty of every Filipino citizen to contribute to building a stronger democracy and a more prosperous and inclusive society,” said Coloma.

Aquino was a senator from 1967 until the declaration of martial law in 1972, when he was arrested along with other lawmakers and jailed for seven years.

Despite his detention, however, Aquino became the acknowledged leader of those opposed to the imposition of martial law and unsuccessfully led the opposition slate during the 1978 parliamentary elections.

In 1980, Aquino had a heart attack while under detention and was allowed to leave for the United States for medical treatment. He stayed in the US with his wife Corazon and his children, including incumbent President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. In 1983, however, Aquino decided to return to the Philippines despite threats to his life. He was assassinated at the tarmac of the Manila International Airport.

His assassination catalyzed protests against martial law and later catapulted his widow, Corazon Aquino, into the political limelight and prompted her to run for president in the 1986 snap presidential election.

Charges of cheating during the 1986 election fomented the 1986 People Power Revolution which resulted in the ouster of then President Ferdinand Marcos and installed Corazon in office as the country’s first female president.

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Solon slams exploitation of Poe citizenship Slamming what he called “traditional politics of the worst kind,” Rep. Rodel Batocabe of ako Bicol party list on Thursday sought an end to the exploitation of the citizenship issue being leveled at Senator grace Poe and called on the parties of presidential aspirants to stick to the issues that matter to the people.

“Whether Poe is qualified to run is a matter for the courts to decide.

But all this black propaganda aimed at questioning her patriotism because she lived abroad is uncalled for,” said Batocabe, a lawyer who obtained his economics and law degrees from the University of the Philippines.

Batocabe said that there were columnists and social media cam-

paigns that sought to cast in a negative light Poe’s decision to live and work in the United States before deciding to return to the Philippines for good in 2005. “i think this is unfair, not just to Senator Poe, but to every Filipino who decides to work in another country, many of whom come from Bicol,” said the solon, who is the chairman of the Committee on Climate Change and the Vice Chairman for the Special Committee on Bicol Recovery and Economic Development and the Committee on Tourism. “let’s not forget that economic realities and other factors force many of our countrymen to go abroad and live there. That does not mean they do not love our

country. if a Filipino OFW came home after working abroad and decided to run for office and she was sincere and capable, then we would support her.” according to Batocabe, the tactics employed by traditional politicians have contributed to their unpopularity, while highlighting the appeal of the first-term senator. “i have found that many Bicolanos are drawn to her because Sen. Poe is the anti-Trapo; as an independent senator, she is not associated with the kind of traditional politics that have marred our elections for decades—the traditional politics that involve mudslinging and namecalling instead of the presentation of platforms and programs,” lamented the native of albay.

The legislator added that Poe, a “political outsider” like her late father and presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr., was a fresh alternative to “the same old names and faces dominating the political landscape.” meanwhile, several elective officials and prominent people apart from thousands of FPJ fanatics trooped to his grave at the north Cemetery to mark the 76th birthday of the late actor. among them were manila mayor Joseph Estrada, godfather of Senator grace Poe; former Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes, who lawyered for FPJ in his protest against former president gloria arroyo; Parañaque Rep. Roilo golez and former Vice gov. mark leviste of Batangas. at the cemetery, grace said that

people visit FPJ’s grave because they hope “we will continue the goals of FPJ in our own individual capacity,” but she remained unsure if she will continue his broken dreams for the Filipino people.

“But even if i admire him, i”m still looking at it—can i (do the job)? He ran for president, i knew that. i’m thoroughly studying it. i believe that what is more important of all is to give honor to his memories and i should not destroy that capital,” grace added.

The senator, who topped the last surveys on presidentiables, has yet to decide if she would run for higher office in 2016 although she said she was crafting her own program of government.

With Macon Araneta

Mar-Noy tandem ruled out

By Sandy Araneta and Maricel Cruz

President Benigno s. Aquino iii will not run for the vice presidency as running mate of interior and Local Government secretary Manuel roxas ii, dispelling rumors that the ruling Liberal Party will have a “Mar-noy” tandem.

Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., during a press briefing in malacañang, said aquino has said that he will not run for any elective post after his term in 2016.

“President aquino has stated that he would like to retire from public office when his term ends at noon of June 30, 2016, and to the best of my knowledge, he has made no comments to the contrary,” said Coloma.

With regard to House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte’s suggestion that Senator alan Peter Cayetano is the next best optionfor Roxas’ running mate, Coloma said, “Speaker Belmonte as a leader of the liberal Party is entitled to express his views and give his inputs to the organization.”

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, a member of the administration-allied national Unity Party, described Roxas and aquino’s tandem as the “dream team” for the upcoming national elections. “(This is) a tandem that will not only win but more importantly, would work for the next six years for the continuity of the Daang matuwid,” Barzaga said in a statement.

The congressman added that it would be “more realistic” for aquino to become Roxas’ running mate. another lP member, House majoority leader neptali gonzales ii said

delicadeza would prevent President aquino from seeking another public office. “He is imbued with too much delicadeza. it is beneath his character of the chief executive to run foranother position,” gonzales said.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin lacierda pointed out that aquino had already addressed this issue in the past.

During a forum last December, aquino said he is not keen on seeking a lower government post after 2016. He also said that his “foremost” concern when he ends his term is to “take a break.”

During the 2010 polls, Roxas ran for vice president opposite aquino, but ultimately lost to then-makati mayor Jejomar Binay.

Roxas has a pending electoral protest against Binay.

Barzaga floated this idea as the ruling lP continues its search for a vice-presidential candidate for Roxas, whom aquino endorsed as his preferred successor last month.

Senator grace Poe, aquino’s and Roxas’ top choice for administration vice-presidential candidate, already told the lP to no longer wait for her decision on her political plans for the upcoming elections.

Poe, who led recent presidential and vice presidential preference polls, said the lP has a lot of choices for Roxas’ running mate.

FPJ fans. Senator Grace Poe reaches out to several children at Manila’s North Cemetery after offering prayers and flowers at the tomb of her father, the late movie actor Fernando Poe Jr. on his 76th birthday. Ey ACASio

Drilon chides solon for meddling in LP affairs

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SEnaTE President Franklin Drilon on Thursday castigated Rep. Reynaldo Umali in a bid to get Senator grace Poe to agree to be interior Secretary manuel Roxas ii’s running mate in the 2016 elections.

Umali is deputy spokesman of the liberal Party’s national Political Council, but on Thursday Drilon, his colleague in the party, urged him to stop meddling in the Senate’s internal affairs.

“Don’t interfere in the affairs of the Senate,” Drilon told Umali.

Drilon is the national chairman of the ruling liberal Party, which is still wooing Poe to run as Roxas’ vice president.

Roxas has formally made an offer to Poe to be his running mate in the 2016 elections.

President Benigno aquino iii, the lP’s honorary national chairman, has met with Poe on five occasions but they have failed to reach any agreement.

While aquino has not made any offer to Poe, Poe has said she feels aquino wants her to be Roxas’ vice presidential bet. But she has said that she will be an independent candidate

should she decide to seek a higher office in 2016.

Drilon’s statement came in the wake of Umali’s proposal for a major overhaul of the Senate committees in case Poe and Senator Francis Escudero choose to run for a higher office in 2016.

Poe and Escudero, who both ran as independents in the last elections, are perceived as front runners in the coming elections.

Drilon said Umali’s statements “constitute a serious breach in the longstanding tradition of inter-parliamentary courtesy.”

Book on Tsinoys.

Book editor Prof.

Richard T. Chu (left) and Gus Vibal hold copies of a newly published book “More Tsinoy Than We Admit “ during the launching at the Bahay Tsino in Intramuros, Manila. The book details how “Tsinoys” have helped shaped the destiny of the country.

DANNy PATA

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editorial@thestandard.com.ph

‘Probe Pamana killing, reward up’

By Macon Araneta and Anna Gonzales

SENATOR Miriam Defensor Santiago called on her colleagues in the Senate to investigate the killing of Pamana, a rare Philippine eagle, within a protected area in Davao Oriental.

Santiago said there is a disconnect between the fact that Pamana was killed in Mount Hamiguitan, and the fact that the mountain range is a protected site.

“If we cannot protect wildlife in what we dare call protected areas, what kind of protection are we providing?” the senator said.

Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said his department was offering a reward of

P100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person or persons responsible for the death of Pamana.

Paje condemned the killing even as he called on law enforcement units in the province to assist regional environment officials in hunting down the perpetrators.

He also urged residents to help authorities track down the killer/killers.

Paje said those found guility

of killing wildlife species can be imprisoned from six years to 12 years with a fine ranging from P100,000 to P1 million. Moreover, illegal hunting within Mt. Hamiguitan is punishable by a jail term of six years and a fine of up to P500,000.

The Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental was declared a World Heritage Site in June 2014, with the UNESCO citing the area as an important habitat for the critically endangered Philippine eagle.

Santiago, sponsor of the treaty on the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity at the Senate, vowed to file a resolution on Monday, calling for an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the death of Pama-

na and risks to endangered Philippine species in protected areas.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a nongovernment organization, released Pamana in the area in June, two years after taking the bird in captivity while rehabilitating it for bullet injuries sustained in April 2013.

On August 16, the PEF launched search efforts for Pamana, after the bird’s tracker signalled its death. The group found Pamana only a kilometer from the site of the bird’s release, with bullet wounds that are believed to be from an airgun.

This is not the first time Santiago called for a Senate hearing on the killing of a Philippine eagle, which the International Union for the Conservation of Nature considers

a critically endangered species, or at extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

In 2013, she filed Senate Resolution No. 342, calling for an inquiry on the death of Minalwang, a Philippine eagle also shot dead months after being released into Mt. Balatukan Range in Gingoog City.

She also filed S.R. No. 1347 in May, calling for an investigation on the impact of kaingin and other prevalent forest activities on the dwindling Philippine eagle population in the forests of Samar Island.

Both resolutions have not been acted upon by the Senate committee on the environment and natural resources to which they have been referred.

Pork raps vs Agusan lawmaker affirmed

By Rio N. Araja THE Sandiganbayan has upheld the indictment of former Agusan del Sur representative Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza for malversation and graft over his alleged involvement in the pork fund barrel scam.

In a May 22 resolution released to the media on Thursday, the anti-graft court’s Second Division junked Plaza’s urgent motion for judicial determination of Agusan del Sur congressman Rodolfo Plaza for involvement in the pork barrel fund scam.

In a nine-page resolution, the anti-graft court’s Second Division denied Plaza’s urgent motion for judicial determination of probable cause for the charges of malversation, graft and direct bribery.

With the affirmation of Plaza’s indictment, his litigation will proceed.

It, however, granted the “alternative motion for reduction of bail bond” of Plaza.

The court has allowed Plaza to post bail “50 percent of the recommended amount, or P75,000 for the five anti-graft cases, P100,000 for the five malversation cases and P20,000 for the two cases of direct bribery or provided the total amount of P195,000.”

The charges stemmed when he funneled his Priority Development Assistance Fund to Janet Lim Napoles-linked fake nongovernment organizations in exchange for kickbacks of P42.1 million in 2004 to 2010.

Plaza, however, challenged the cases, saying these were just anchored on whistleblower Benhur Luy’s testimony and “hearsay,” and not on evidence.

In his 18-page “urgent motion for judicial determination of probable cause,” Plaza said the Office of the Ombudsman erred in its resolution finding probable cause to file against cases of malversation, graft and direct bribery against him.

Hot zone. Youngsters enjoy free Internet connection at the Quezon Memorial Circle. LINO SANTOS

Palace vows to revive ‘dead’ FOI measure

By Sandy Araneta PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has included the Freedom of Information bill in the list of priority measures for legislation but 19 groups under the “Right to Know Right Now” coalition insist the bill is already “dead” because Malacañang and Congress have refused to act on it.

The President included the FOI bill in his listing of priority legislation when he conveyed his Budget Message to Congress, said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Thursday.

“On record, the Speaker of the House has also included this bill in the list of priority legislation that the House leadership would like to take up in their session, and I think the record would speak for itself,”

said Coloma.

When asked if Malacañang is still optimistic that the FOI Bill will be passed into law under the Aquino administration, Coloma said, “We will just await the developments and we believe that the House leadership will do what is needed to be able to ensure action on the priority legislation.”

Despite continued assurances from President Benigno Aquino III’s spokespersons that he is committed to passing the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, advocates of the proposed legislation on Thursday gave up hope that the measure could get enacted.

In a statement signed by 19 affiliated organizations and individuals, the Right To Know, Right Now Coalition said Aqui-

no and Congress “are not ready to overcome their selfish fears and take the side of public interest on the issue of FOI.” “The FOI Bill is dead. We put the blame squarely on President Aquino and the leadership of the House or Representatives,” the coalition said in its statement.

The coalition members will hold a funeral march and indignation rally on August 26.

The group said Aquino did not provide “decisive action” for the FOI bill to be passed into law.

“From our years of campaigning for the passage of the FOI Act, this we know for certain: without decisive support from the President and the leadership of the House of Representatives, the bill will not pass,” the coalition said.

The group also lamented how

Aquino failed to push for the FOI bill’s passage in all of his six States of the Nation Address (SONA).

Instead, Aquino “buried” his FOI push in the 43-page budget message, the coalition added.

“If it can be included in the budget message, why can’t it be said openly for all to hear in the 2-hourlong SONA?” the group said.

In a forum with business leaders last year, Aquino pledged to pass the FOI bill before his term ends in 2016, although he remained noncommittal about certifying the measure as urgent at that time.

The measure, which seeks to promote transparency in government transactions and data, has already been approved by the Senate, but it remains at the committee level in the House of Representatives. With Rio Araja

dAY Augus 2t1 1, 9, 2 021051 5 wferi dn e s d: AY : A u gtu s

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NEWS NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Mindanao to see longer outages by November

By Lance Baconguis

Tsinelas leadership. Janine Patricia Robredo, daughter of Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo and the late Secretary Jesse Robredo, speaks during the Tsinelas Leadership Awards ceremony on her father’s third death anniversary. LINO SANTOS

Broadcaster shot dead outside Sorsogon home

By Francisco Tuyay

A rAdio broadcaster in Sorsogon was shot dead by two unidentified assailants outside his house Wednesday evening, police said.

Supt.

Nonito Marquez, spokesman of the Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, identified the victim as Teodoro Escanilla, 59, a block timer of DZMS station in Sorsogon,

resident of Barangay Tagdon, Barcelona town.

The killing of Escanilla follows the death of Gregorio Ibanez, another media worker, who was shot dead by a lone gunman in Davao

del Norte Tuesday.

Escanilla hosted the radio program “Pamana ng Lahi” aired every Saturday over DZMS. Police said Escanilla is also a spokesman of the human rights group Karapatan and chairman of Anak Pawis chapter in Sorsogon.

Marquez said Escanilla was shot by an armalite rifle and 9mm pistol at about 11:45 p.m.

Wednesday.

Police Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) who responded to the shooting incident recovered five cartridges of M-16 rifle and three slugs of caliber 45 pistol.

Reports said Escanilla was talking to somebody outside his house when one of the supposed suspects appeared and shot him. A task force has been formed to resolve the case swiftly.

CAGAyAN de Oro City—The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines on Wednesday said that by November this year, Mindanao will suffer prolonged blackouts due to the onset of the El Niño phenomenon.

El Niño is a weather phenomenon that causes warming of the sea temperatures in the Eastern and Central Pacific Ocean. The warming disrupts weather pattern across the Pacific.

El Niño results in a prolonged dry season, causing Mindanao’s hydropower plants to lose significant volumes of water.

NGCP’s Eugene Bicar, head of Mindanao Systems Operation, said that the island needs 1632 megawatt in November and 1700 MW by 2016 while its supply peaked at 1251 MW. While Mindanao has several power plants being constructed, they are yet to go online next year.

Bicar said that Mindanao’s Hydro Electric Power Plants in the Agus and Pulangi Complex in Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon respectively are not reliable anymore as they rely on the availability of rainfall.

As of August 19, 2015, the power supply of Mindanao is 1251 MW while its demand is 1378 MW, with a negative supply of 127 MW. Bicar explained that the AgusPulangi Hydro Electric Power Plant has a base plate rated capacity of 955 MW but can only produced 385 MW of power.

“This means that they cannot be relied upon and Mindanao’s power investments are just on the way,” Bicar said.

An engineer of the National Power Corporation (NPC) who requested anonymity said that the NPC has been doing all it can to maintain and provide full generation of the power plant.

P8.1 million in marijuana destroyed in Benguet town

By Dexter A. See

BAKUN, Benguet—More than P8.1 million worth of marijuana plants were successfully destroyed by combined police operatives and antinarcotics agents in a 10-hour marijuana eradication operation in a 5,607—square meter plantation site at sitios Nakneng and Balisawsaw, Kayapa here Wednesday.

Superintendent Cherry Fajardo, public information officer of the Police Regional Office in the Cordillera, said the destroyed illegal hem was composed of 33,700 pieces of fully-grown marijuana plants, 1,400 seedlings and 10 kilos dried marijuana stalks.

The latest accomplishment of police operatives and anti-narcotics operatives is separate from the over P2.8 million worth of marijuana that were destroyed in a 2-day marijuana eradication operation in some parts of Barangay Kayapa last week.

Fajardo said most of the contraband were burned on site while only a portion was taken by the operating troops for evidentiary purposes.

The operating troops were composed of elements from the Bakun Municipal Police Station, Benguet Provincial Public Safety Company, Benguet Provincial Police Office and the Cordillera office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Good as new. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines announced the completion of the P40-million refurbishment of the Legazpi International Airport Passenger Terminal Building in Albay. ERIC APOLONIO

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

OPINION [ EDI TORI A L ]

A MORE SEVERE EL NIÑO

THIS early, the El Niño weather phenomenon has already reared its ugly head.

Philippine agriculture production dropped 0.37 percent in the second quarter from a year ago, as the dry spell reduced rice and corn harvest, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show.

The second-quarter contraction in farm and fishery output reversed the 1.8-percent growth in the first quarter and the 2.73-percent expansion a year ago. It is also expected to drag down the gross domestic product growth in the second quarter, as agriculture accounts for nearly 15 percent of the economy.

The prolonged dry spell and insufficient rainfall in many parts of the Philippines had significantly cut palay production in the April-to-June period. Corn production, the statistics agency noted, fell 15.8 percent to 1 million MT in the second quarter from 1.2 million MT last year. Lower corn harvest was observed in the Davao region, Soccsksargen, Cagayan Valley, Northern Mindanao and the Bicol area amid insufficient water supply.

The agricultural data followed the report of Maryland, US-based Climate Prediction Center last week that predicted El Niño will last at least until early spring, and it could be one of the strongest in 65 years. The center’s forecast models show that El Niño will peak sometime in late fall or early winter this year in the northern hemisphere. Temperatures in parts of the Pacific may be close to 2 degrees Celsius above normal, it added.

The Philippine government, meanwhile, said it was bracing for the onslaught of the dry spell. The Department of Science and Technology, according to Malacañang, has drawn up guidelines on cloud-seeding and made preparations for irrigation to help farmers who are most likely to suffer the adverse effects of the prolonged dry spell.

El Niño may occur more frequently in the succeeding years due to climate change.

The government, thus, must draw up longterm measures, such as constructing more reservoirs or dams to impound water during the rainy season, to mitigate the impact of future El Niños.

Band-aid solutions like cloud-seeding may help, but they do not address the fundamental problems of farmers—low output and limited access to water sources.

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NOTHING HIGHER THAN LIBERTY PENSÉES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO

THE Supreme Court has yet to release its full-length decision on Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s petition for bail, although we now know, through the High Court’s Public Information Office, that the court has ruled in favor of the former senate president’s liberty. And that is good not only for Senator Enrile but for the country. This is not the first time I write on my issues with the present rule in this jurisdiction on the detention of persons prior to conviction. The points bear repetition.

As the rules are presently construed, a person charged with a crime that makes bail

unavailable as a matter of right is detained pending trial, if the court finds that evidence of guilt is strong.

There is, to my mind, no way to defend this derogation of human liberty. It is merely probable cause that supports the filing of a criminal information in court. And no matter the pompousness of the formulation, “probable cause” simply means: a crime might have been committed, and the respondent might be guilty. Two “mights” to be sure—but quite a long way from certitude. When the judge orders the arrest of the accused, once more, all he goes by is probable cause. In many cases, this means hardly anything more than being convinced that

the prosecutor made no atrocious lapses of judgment.

But when a person is detained prior to conviction, there is very

I am glad things turned out the way they did for Senator Enrile.

little to distinguish the privation of liberty he suffers from that suffered by one already convicted. Calling him a detainee to distinguish him from a con-

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

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victed felon is little consolation to one who is denied the consortium of family, the comforts of home and the liberty of movement. And nothing supports this curtailment of liberty other than that the belief that a crime might have been committed and that the hapless detainee might be the guilty party!

It would be reckless, I concede, to allow a terrorist caught in flagrante delicto planting bombs free to roam our streets and carry on with his murderous escapades. But we should be clever enough to craft rules to cover such cases. Excepting cases however where the accused is apprehended “in flagrante delicto” and the offense constitutes a threat to life and

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

Continued on A11

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Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ THE Philippines is supposed to be the second fastest-growing economy in Asia, after China.

China has solved its poverty.

The Philippines has not. China is supposed to be corrupt. The Philippines, under BS Aquino III, is supposed to be honest.

A corrupt country that delivers. An honest country that does not deliver. There must be something wrong in between to explain that contradiction.

There are at least 25 million poor Filipinos today. On a population of 100 million, that represents a 25-percent poverty incidence, a ratio that is only a slight improvement from the 2730 percent poverty incidence of 25-30 years ago.

In 1990, countries of the world agreed to halve their poverty in 25 years, by 2015—this year. The world succeeded. Asia succeeded. The Philippines did not. In 1990, Philippine poverty incidence was 34 percent. That ratio should have been 17 percent by now. It did not happen.

Poverty incidence is at above 25 percent, and that’s being generous with statistics, instead of 17 percent.

That failure happened under Benigno Simeon (BS) Aquino III’s watch. BS was elected president in 2010—thanks to his promise that he would not steal, thanks to the death of his

COMPARTMENTALIZED PROSPERITY mother, the beloved Cory Aquino on Aug. 1, 2009, and thanks to the deployment of hundreds of thousands of precinct count optical scan machines—glamorized photocopier and fax machines—that were supposed to speed up counting, with or without safeguards.

To this day, nobody really knows how many people voted for BS because they really liked him, how many voted for him because of Cory, and how many more votes the PCOS machines counted in his favor because the machines read favorably anything identified with yellow.

Please note: Until 2010, Joseph Estrada was more popular than Aquino. In the 1998 presidential elections, when he was elected president, the actor defeated several name-brand candidates—Jose de Venecia, Raul Roco, Lito Osmeña, Alfredo Lim, Rene de Villa, Miriam Santiago, and Juan Ponce Enrile. Erap had 40 percent of the vote—more than the combined votes of the next two, (15.87 percent plus 12.44 percent) JdV and Roco, respectively.

In the 1992 vice presidential elections, Estrada also defeated famous and revered names— Chief Justice Marcelo Fernan, Lito Osmeña, Ramon Magsaysay Jr., and Nene Pimentel.

Yet, in the 2010 presidential

elections, BS Aquino III easily trounced Estrada—15 million vs. 9.48 million votes—despite Ninoy’s son having little to show in nine years as congressman and three years as senator in terms of achievements.

In that election, Estrada lost in his home province, Laguna (where he never lost before), lost in his hometown, Pagsanjan (where he never lost before), lost in his city, San Juan (where he never lost before since 1969), and lost in his precinct (where he never lost before).

Did PCOS machines have anything to do with this mystery?

Anyway, back to poverty. We have 25-percent poverty incidence instead of just 17 percent by now.

What does the eight-percentage point difference mean? Easily eight million Filipinos still earning $1.25 a day, the universal measure of extreme poverty.

If those eight million were to form a country, it would be the 99th largest in the world, larger than at least 100 other countries or economies, including Hong Kong and Singapore.

Thus, prosperity in the Philippines is compartmentalized.

The country has one of the worst income inequality ratios in the world. Very few are very, very rich. So many are very, very poor.

“Financial inclusion” is a phrase invented for the majority of Filipinos. They do not have access to a bank, or refuse to have access to a bank. In fact, of the 1,490 towns in the Philippines, about 600 do not have a bank—a branch or a unit of a bank. Easily thus, one-third of the archipelago is not serviced by a bank.

Half of the 20 richest Filipinos listed by Forbes are bankers. That makes banking a tremendous wealth generator. The richest, Henry Sy Sr. owns BDO, the biggest bank, and China Bank, sixth largest. Sy controls about 22 percent of the P10.65trillion Philippine commercial banking system.

Lucio Tan, second or third richest Filipino, owns Philippine National Bank, which with P592 billion assets, is No. 5, with 4.54 percent share of total resources.

George Ty controls Metrobank, No. 2 with P1.6 trillion or 15 percent of the banking system’s resources.

The Ayala family, represented by Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, controls or manages No. 3, Bank of PI, with P1.4 trillion in assets, 13.11 percent of the

system.

Four people, Sy, Tan, Ty and Ayala, own or control more than half or 52.6 percent, of the Philippine banking system.

In the Philippines, according to BSP data, 25 percent of Filipino adults have never saved.

Another 32 percent used to save.

That’s 57 percent of Filipinos who have no savings at all at the moment.

About 71.5 million Filipinos are considered adults, those who are 15 years old and above. So 57 percent of that is 40.75 million. More than 40 million Filipinos have no savings. Of that 40 million, 26 million have no savings simply because they don’t have money to save. Not having money to save, they don’t have a bank account.

Sadly, the vast majority of Filipinos do not care about dealing with a bank. Only four of every 100 people who borrow money, borrow from a bank. In fact, 62 of every 100 borrowers borrow from someone familiar—a relative or a friend.

Clearly, our banks, hugely profitable and owned by the richest Filipinos, and our central bank ought to do more for the less of our brethren—the majority of Filipinos, 25 million of whom live in abject poverty.

What does this mean? Only the poor can help each other. A supposedly honest president is useless to them. Remember that in 2016. biznewsasia@gmail.com

NATIONAL FUNERAL BENEFIT FUND FILIPINO PENSIONER HORACE TEMPLO IN celebrating its 58th anniversary on September 1, the Social Security System can trumpet its achievements—certainly not in providing pensions to its living beneficiaries of orphans, widows, disabled and retirees—but only in the morbid business of burying its dead members.

President Benigno Aquino III earned the full credit for this when he increased the funeral benefit from P20,000 to a maximum of P40,000 effective last August 1.

It could probably be his only significant contribution to the programs of SSS in the six years of his presidency.

He made a disruptive innovation by increasing incrementally the present fixed funeral benefit of P20,000 based on the deceased member’s actual contributions —P20,000 plus one-half of one percent of the average monthly salary credit for every monthly contribution.

Every centavo of the monthly salary credit and every single contribution now count in deter-

mining the benefit amount.

For instance, if two pensioners contributed on the same monthly salary credit of P1,000 for 120 and 200 months, they presently receive the same minimum pension of P1,200 and the same funeral benefit of P20,000.

They would now be entitled to benefits of P20,600 and P21,000, respectively.

This difference of P400 in their funeral benefits could trigger a hot argument between these widows and to defuse this, SSS processors must thoroughly account for the bases of their FB computation.

As a consequence, funeral benefit applications—like pensions—would be processed much longer.

The computation of the benefit amount has become much more complicated compared to the way it was first paid by SSS under Presidential Decree No. 347 that President Ferdinand Marcos approved on December 21, 1973: “A funeral grant seven hundred fifty pesos to help defray the cost of funeral expenses.”

There couldn’t be any way simpler than this in determining the amount of a social insurance benefit that anyone—rich

or poor—was entitled to. Everyone knew how much he would receive without having to train as a professional actuary or as a claims adjudicator. He who once contributed any amount would get P750.

The provision that President Fidel Ramos approved into the Social Security Act of 1997 on May 1, 1997 was also very simple: “A funeral grant equivalent to twelve thousand pesos (P12,000) shall be paid, in cash or in kind, to help defray the cost of funeral expenses upon the death of a member, including permanently totally disabled member or retiree.”

President Erap Estrada without amending the law also increased funeral benefits—from P12,000 to P15,000 on August 19, 1998 and to P20,000 on August 23, 2000—merely through the resolutions of the Social Security Commission which he had to approve before they could be implemented.

The recent increase of the funeral benefit to a variable amount up to P40,000 was justified by SSS officials by citing that “the costs of burial services have climbed to an average of more than P40,000 or twice the cur-

rent fixed amount of benefit SSS disburses for funeral claims.”

Yes, they increased the funeral benefits of the deceased to meet the rising costs of their burial but wouldn’t increase the pensions of us the living pensioners so we could cope up with inflation.

This benefit increase is for our survivors, and not for us.

Aren’t they only engaging their Government Service Insurance System counterparts in a childish play to determine who pays higher benefits? Because they couldn’t keep up with the generous GSIS pensions, they could at least brag that they now pay the higher funeral benefit.

Undoubtedly, SSS officials have made widows worry less about burial expenses. They need not spend all the little extra money to feed the mourners during the burial rites. They could save some of it for their basic consumption later.

Still, my senior citizen friends who have become cynics lately keep commenting sarcastically that this increase would benefit only the funeral parlors and fraud syndicates.

The increase costs money, and when SSS officials said that “funeral claims are seen to jump

nearly 12 percent or P332 million per year,” we believed them.

But when they assured us that it wouldn’t “result to a contribution rate hike,” we suspected that we were being fooled.

They didn’t disclose where the funding would come from and probably assumed that members would now contribute more after the FB amount has been pegged to contributions. Do they realize that additional contributions raise accordingly benefit obligations?

The plain truth is that any FB increase reduces the funds that are needed to increase our pensions.

The new FB amount—capped at P40,000—only highlighted how disproportionately much higher it has become compared to pensions. This cap could even be lifted any time by a clueless president like PNoy who would prioritize an FB increase over a much-needed pension increase.

With their meager and stagnant pensions, my senior citizen friends lament in frustration that they are now worth more to their families dead than alive because of their much higher FB. And they ask: “Once our national pension system, has SSS retrogressed into being the national funeral benefit fund?”

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

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

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HOW A BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS CAN GO WRONG of single-use plastic shopping bags amounted to around 0.28 percent WHEN the city council in Austin, of the total municipal solid waste Texas passed a single-use plastic that Americans generate. A more shopping bag ban in 2013, it as- finely tuned litter survey in Fort sumed environmental benefits Worth, Texas (reported in the Auswould follow. The calculation was tin assessment) found that just 0.12 reasonable enough: Fewer single- percent of the weight of litter in the use bags in circulation would mean city (which does not have a ban) less waste at city landfills. comes from single-use bags.

Two years later, an assessment Nonetheless, as proponents of commissioned by the city finds that bag bans rightly point out, weight the ban is having an unintended isn’t the only measure of environeffect—people are now throwing mental impact. Single-use plastic away heavy-duty reusable plastic bags pose outsized problems in bags at an unprecedented rate. The the form of visual pollution on the city’s good intentions have proven landscape—South Africans joke all too vulnerable to the laws of that plastic bags are their “national supply and demand. flower,” due to their propensity to What’s true for Austin is likely hang on branches—and damage and true elsewhere. Plastic bag bans delays at high-tech recycling cenare one of America’s most popular ters. (Reusable bags usually aren’t environmental measures of recent eligible for recycling, but when they years: Since San Francisco became end up at centers by mistake, they the first US city to implement a ban often wrap around and jam moving in 2007, more than 100 other US equipment.) Single-use bags can cities have joined the cause. While also pose health hazards to wildlife it’s been relatively easy to rally con- and livestock—during a recent trip sensus around these bans, however, to Dubai, I heard a plastic recycler it’s been far harder to achieve sig- lament that ranched camels frenificant results. quently die from ingesting the plasPart of the problem is that —de- tic bags that are constantly catching spite the world-saving rhetoric that flight in the desert wind—and even typically promotes and supports when they do wind up at landfills, plastic bag bans—plastic bags sim- they take centuries to decompose. ply aren’t that big of a problem. AcThere’s little doubt that targeted cording to the national data record- bans can mitigate these kinds of efed by the EPA in 2013, the weight fects by cutting down on the use of

By Adam Minter

Nothing..From A9 limb, I cannot see any legal and moral justification for depriving anyone of liberty on the basis of a catena of “mights”.

Liberty is so precious a commodity that our Constitution requires nothing less than “proof beyond reasonable doubt,” also known as “moral certitude” to

deprive a person of his liberty through a judgment of conviction. In traditional epistemology, “moral certitude” meant that there was no other conclusion to be drawn in the ordinary course of events than that the accused was guilty. But one does not have this PRIOR to conviction, and YET we cause an in-

#FAILOCRACY

dictee to suffer the loss of liberty before we are sure! Is that not appalling, atrocious and unconscionable? Not even the risk of flight can warrant this assault on human liberty. The burden of surveillance and vigilance is on the State, and should not be transferred to the citizens especially when this takes the form of

single-use bags in the first place.

In Austin, for example, a post-ban survey found that single-use plastic bags accounted for only 0.03 percent of the total litter collected in the city in 2015. Assuming the pre-ban rate was closer to the 0.12 percent in nearby Fort Worth, that marks a roughly 75 percent reduction of single-use plastic bags in Austin’s landfills.

But, as the Austin assessment pointedly notes, reducing the use of a product that’s harmful to the environment is no guarantee of a positive environmental outcome.

Among the main environmental benefits of Austin’s ban was supposed to be a reduction in the amount of energy and raw materials used to manufacture the bags.

To that end, the city encouraged residents to instead use reusable bags. Those bags have larger carbon footprints, due to the greater energy required to produce their stronger plastics, but the city figured the overall impact would be lower, as consumers got acquainted with the new, more durable product.

What the city didn’t foresee is that residents would start treating reusable bags like single-use bags.

The volume of reusable plastic bags now turning up at the city’s recycling centers has become “nearly equivalent to the amount of all of the single use bags removed from derogating from basic liberties!

It seems that Senator Enrile—himself a brilliant lawyer—and counsel crafted a powerful argument. A person can be denied bail in those cases where bail is not available as a matter of right ONLY when evidence of of guilt is strong. But this can be determined only af-

the recycling stream as a result of the ordinance implemented in 2013,” according to the assessment.

And those lightly used bags are landfill-bound, because recycling isn’t any more cost-effective for reusable plastic bags than the singleuse variety.

Some of these issues could be addressed through the increased use of reusable canvas bags. But canvas is even more carbon intensive to produce than plastic; studies suggest consumers would need to use a single canvas bag around 130 times before they start achieving any net environmental benefit as compared with a single-use plastic bag. And, for some consumers, the higher price for canvas bags may be prohibitive, in any case.

Austin deserves to be commended for its candid assessment of what its plastic bag ban has actually accomplished; it’s probably not the only city where a ban has produced unintended environmental consequences. That shouldn’t deter the scores of other cities in the US and elsewhere considering their own plastic bag bans. But it should encourage a more thorough and realistic assessment of what such a ban can actually accomplish, and what damage it might inflict along the way. When it comes to environmental policy, good intentions often aren’t good enough. Bloomberg

ter the prosecution has been heard. And so the practice of detaining persons before hearing the prosecution actually modifies the rule—and denies bail, even before it is known that evidence of guilt is strong.

I am not worried at all that other detainees may demand that the same doctrine, if in fact the Supreme Court did lay it

down, should be applied to them. Every person can lawfully make a claim to liberty. In dubiis, libertas! I am glad things turned out the way they did for Senator Enrile. This can only serve the country well. rannie_aquino@sanbeda. edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

CHONG ARDIVILLA

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New Bundesliga airs on FOX Sports A COMPREHENSIVE coverage of the Bundesliga games, the primary competition series of the German Football League, is being offered by FOX Sports as part of its effort of bolstering its strong lineup of sports events this year.

The 2015/16 season of the Bundesliga games is a landmark cable TV first for most Asian countries, including the Philippines as FOX Sports has acquired a five-year rights deal with the Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH, the league association responsible for the games.

The Bundesliga boasts of having the highest in-arena attendance with an average per-game headcount of roughly 45,000 spectators per match, providing an electric atmosphere for German football fans.

And with the highest average goals scored per match, the level of excitement of each Bundesliga game is unparalleled by its other European football counterparts.

The Bundesliga currently

PH triathlon trials set in Iloilo THE stage is set for the search of new triathlon talent among Visayans as well as energizing the ambitious Iloilo River clean-up project as the City of Iloilo hosts the Philippine National Triathlon Trials this Saturday starting at 6 a.m.

Over 300 triathletes, led by 2015 Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Nikko Huelgas and Claire Adorna, silver medalist Kim Mangrobang and other Philippine team members will test their skills in the Standard Distance (1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run) and Sprint Distance (750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 6 Km run) courses that will start by the beach at Joe II Garden, followed by cycling around the city’s roads and running along Benigno Aquino avenue before finishing at Esplanade.

Apart from P40,000 in total cash prizes, at stake in event co-organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines and the City Government of Iloilo, headed by Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Office of the Senate President Franklin Drilon, are opportunities for Visayan triathletes to qualify in the Philippine team’s developmental pool.

features 18 clubs, and each club plays against the 17 other clubs twice (Home & Away), with a total of 306 matches per season. The honor of being the first hailed champions back in 1903 went to the VfB Leipzig, and the current champions FC Bayern München holds the most titles with 25, including the 2014/15 season.

The strength of the Bundesliga lies in its investment in youth player development that is reinforced by scientific training. This endeavor has paid off for Germany in the delivery of a World Cup-winning national team.

Last Aug. 15, FOX Sports Philippines started its liveand exclusive coverage of the Bundesliga and will be providing 5 to 6 live matches every week, with ancillary programming comprised of highlights, replays, magazine shows and a dedicated studio team bringing fans all the action from studios in Singapore. Mavelle P. Durian

Jude Turcuato, Senior Vice President-General Manager of Fox International Channels, announces a comprehensive coverage of the Bundesliga games, courtesy of FOX Sports. PATRICIA FLORES

Animal charity group hails Spanish woman for bravery MADRID—The word’s largest animal rights group, PETA, on Wednesday hailed the “bravery” of a Spanish woman who jumped into a bullring to comfort a bull just before it was slaughtered.

Virginia Ruiz, a 38-year-old animal rights activist, jumped into the “La Malagueta” ring in the southern city of Malaga on Friday in front of thousands of onlookers and crouched over an injured bull as it lay on the ground.

She was eventually pulled away as spectators waved white kerchiefs and jeered in protest at her action, a video released by a local anti-bullfighting group showed.

“Virginia showed a great deal of bravery and kindness when she jumped into the ring,” the director of PETA UK, Mimi Bekhechi, said in statement released in Spain.

“Hopefully her compassionate act is giving citizens a new look at the archaic, shameful spectacle that is bullfighting,” she added in a statement which called on the Spanish government to end bull-

fighting.

Ruiz told private television station Telecinco that her intention had originally been to film the cruelty in the arena but she could not resist jumping in the ring after hearing the bull moan.

“I wanted to give him love before he left this world,” she said.

She faces a fine of 6,000 euros (6,600 dollars) for trespassing.

During Spain’s 1939-75 rightwing dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, bullfighting was promoted as a unifying national spectacle.

But its mass appeal has faded with polls showing a rising disin-

terest in bullfighting throughout Spain, especially among the young, although it retains a passionate following and leading matadors are treated as celebrities.

Bullfighting has been banned in Spain’s northeastern region of Catalonia, which has a distinctive language and culture, since 2012.

Prior to Catalonia, bullfighting was outlawed in 1991 in Spain’s Canary Islands, but the fights were never popular there.

Seen as an art form rather than a sport by fans, bullfighting is also popular in southern France and some Latin American countries. AFP

Batcho, Bernardo bag chess titles It’s Cuello vs Juarez RICARDO Batcho bested Vince Medina in a duel of fancied bets in the seventh round to capture the seniors crown while Dale Bernardo and Dennis Gutierrez III ruled their respective divisions in the Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship Southern Luzon leg at SM City Batangas Event Center in Batangas City last Sunday.

The No. 2 Batcho, who trailed Medina by half-a-point after six rounds, outwitted his top seeded rival from National U at endgame with the white to fashion out the victory then the City University of Pasay’s ace disposed of Jerwin Mendoza and Denzel Amar to emerge solo champion in the 17-20 age category with 8.5 points.

Medina, who swept his first six matches Saturday, bounced back with an eighth round win over Michael Manansala then drew with Arvie Lozano in the final round to finish solo second with 7.5 points and clinch the other berth in the national finals of the event sponsored by Pilipinas Shell for the 23rd year.

Despite the draw, Lozano, a University of the Philippines standout, made it to the grand finals as the top female finisher with

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Ricardo Batcho

seven points, nipping Rowelyn Joy Acedo in the tiebreak. Other seven pointers were John Margarito, Jude Que and Manansala.

The eighth-ranked Bernardo, who shared the juniors lead with three others after six rounds, drew with Brylle Vinluan in the seventh then the FEU mainstay toppled Eric Labog Jr. and No. 2 Istraelito Rilloraza to top the 13-16 category with eight points. NU’s Jayson Danday scored 2.5 points in the last three rounds, including a final round victory over No. 4 Jeth Morado to finish with 7.5 then nipped Jhoemar Mendiogarin and Alexander Nouri in the tietbreak to snare the other berth in the national finals set Sept. 1920 at SM Megamall.

FACED with the problem of former minimum weight champion Raul “Rayito” Garcia’s decision to pull out of a final eliminator against No. 1 contender Denver Cuello because of the former’s inability to make the weight, World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman has decided to grant the request of Saul “Baby” Juarez to replace Garcia in a final title eliminator against the no. I-ranked Filipino southpaw.

The winner will get a title shot at 29-year old Wanheng Menayothin of Thailand who is undefeated with a record of 38-0 with 13 knockouts and is coming off a ninth-round knockout in his last title defense against Filipino Jerry Tomogdan on Feb. 5.

The 28-year-old Cuello has a record of 36-5-6 with 24 knockouts. He won the WBC Silver title with a stunning firstround knockout of Carlos Perez in Mexico on Oct. 15, 2011 and successfully defended the title with a second-round TKO over fancied Ganigan Lopez on May 19, 2012.

Cuello’s only loss in the last five years was in a title fight against China’s Xiong Zhao Zhong in Dubai on June 28, 2013, when he suffered a torn rotator cuff early in the fight and fought the rest of the way with one hand, but still managed to hold the champion to a majority decision win.

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Doping cloud shadows world tilt BEIJING—As athletics gears up for the world championships in Beijing, a sport torpedoed by explosive allegations of widespread doping will be desperately hoping to avoid further scandal.

After winning the vote to become the new president of world athletics body the IAAF on Wednesday, Sebastian Coe promised zero tolerance for drug cheats after previously blasting media revelations as a “declaration of war.”

Media reports claimed

that data from 12,000 blood tests between 2001 and 2012 had revealed an “extraordinary extent of cheating” and that more than 50 Olympic and world gold medals during that period could be tainted by drug use.

The allegations by the Sunday Times and German

broadcaster ARD triggered lurid headlines likening athletics to cycling, whose dark history of doping scandals culminated in disgraced American Lance Armstrong being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles.

“There is a zero tolerance to abuse of doping in my sport,” said Coe. “I will maintain that to the very highest level of vigilance.”

As the vultures circle athletics before the world championships, the spectre of doping will thrust intense

demands on the sport’s new order, as well as its established heroes.

None more so than Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt, whose rivalry with track’s pantomime villain Justin Gatlin in the 100 metres represents, to many, a battle between light and dark.

Amid the steady dripdrip of doping controversies in recent years, both Coe and his rival for the IAAF presidency, Sergey Bubka, promised a crackdown on drug cheats as they bid to re-

place Lamine Diack.

But the pressure on Bolt will be immense, with the six-times Olympic champion -- one of the most tested athletes in sport -- billed as the saviour of a sport in danger of slipping into a moral abyss.

Gatlin, twice banned for doping offences, is unbeaten over 100 metres since 2013 and recently won a race in Lausanne where no fewer than five of the seven runners had previously tested positive for banned substances.

The notorious 1988 Seoul Olympics final, infamous for Ben Johnson’s steroidfuelled dash to victory, featured six competitors tainted by drugs.

Three decades later, athletics is still fighting the scourge of doping with several high-profile athletes under the microscope, including Bolt’s close friend, Briton Mo Farah, whose coach Alberto Salazar has been hit by allegations he gave his athletes performance-enhancing drugs. AFP

Ginebra, World Balance ink deal TWO of the country’s most well-known entities have just forged a partnership founded on a mutual goal of dishing out their best in every endeavor.

The country’s perennial crowd favorite, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, will now be outfitted by World Balance, a popular activelifestyle brand of footwear and apparel, for the upcoming 41st season of the PBA. “We are happy to announce our partnership with World Balance as our official outfitter for the upcoming PBA season,” said SMC Sports Director and Ginebra Team Governor Alfrancis Chua. “We are very appreciative of World Balance for their all-out support to the Ginebra team.”

“For a brand that’s succeeded against the influx of competitors and cheap knock-offs for so long, this partnership comes at the perfect time as we’ve always shared Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s never-say-die attitude,” said Barnaby Chong, General Manager of World Balance International, Inc. “We also share the long and glorious history when it comes to generations of fans who love and remain loyal to both the team and the brand,” added Chong.

“The new gears the team will be wearing will reflect these shared values. Aside from that, the designs are sleeker, edgier, ultra-light and will surely make a great impression to the whole Ginebra community.”

Founded in 1979 as an expansion team, Ginebra has earned a reputation in the Philippine basketball scene for its passionate fan base, unmatched game day experience and an esteemed list of former and current players.

Jamaica athlete Usain Bolt reacts as he answers a question at a press conference before the Athletics World Championships in Beijing. The Athletics World Championships will open Aug. 22 and run through Aug. 30. AFP

Woods chasing playoff spot GREENSBORO—Tiger Woods will attempt to bounce back from his latest Major disappointment on Thursday when he tees off at the Wyndham Championship hoping for an unlikely victory to catapult him into the Fedex Cup playoffs.

The fallen world number one missed the cut at last week’s PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, the third time this year he has failed to go beyond the halfway stage at a Major tournament.

The early exit left Woods languishing at 286th in the world rankings, and means he will need a near-miraculous performance at Sedgefield Country Club

here this week to force his way into the postseason picture.

A win would guarantee Woods a spot in the first leg of the four-tournament playoffs, although a solo second finish could be enough to elevate him into the top 125 players eligible for the postseason.

A relaxed and smiling Woods showed no sign of the gloom which has enveloped his game this year when he played a pro-am on Wednesday alongside Los Angeles Clippers NBA star Chris Paul.

Woods said the key to his performance in North Carolina this week would be greater consistency. AFP

Embiid’s debut put on hold again PHILADELPHIA (AFP)-Joel Embiid, who was the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA entry draft, will miss a second straight season after undergoing more foot surgery, the Philadelphia 76ers announced Wednesday.

The 21-year-old Cameroon native underwent a bone graft and had two screws re-

placed in his right foot, general manager Sam Hinkie said.

The 2.13 meter (7-foot) Embiid also had surgery on the same foot a year ago that sidelined him for the 201415 NBA season after he was the number three pick in the draft from the University of Kansas.

“If we all do our part,”

Hinkie said, “this will end in a way in which Joel can achieve all his dreams for having a really long, really fantastic NBA career.”

Embiid’s recovery is expected to take five to eight months.

Embiid first injured the foot during his one and only season at Kansas in 2013-14. AFP

WNCAA’s 46th year starts today CENTRO Escolar University opens its bid for a fifth straight basketball crown while host Philippine Women’s University hopes to finish strong as the 46th Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association unfurls today in separate venues.

Ada Milby of the Philippine Lady Volcanoes, the women’s rugby team which took the gold in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore last June, will keynote the kickoff ceremony which begins at 10 a.m. at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Defending junior champion La Salle College Antipolo and De La Salle Zobel then open basketball hostilities at 11:30 a.m., followed by the St. Paul College Pasig versus Poveda clash in the

midgets division at 1 p.m.

CEU jumpstarts its bid at 2:30 p.m. against PWU. “We prepared hard and we expect to retain our title,” said WNCAA vice president Juanita Alamillo of CEU. The CEU Scorpions also took the overall seniors’ title last season after similar title romps in futsal and cheerleading.

Volleyball action opens at nearby St. Scholastica’s College gym with four seniors matches.

Defending seniors champion Rizal Technological University takes on PWU at 12 noon, San Beda College Alabang battles CEU at 1:30 p.m., Assumption tackles Miriam at 3 p.m.and University of Asia & the Pacific meets St. Scholastica at 4:30 p.m.

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‘Pacman can beat Floyd in rematch’

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

EIGHT-DIVISION world champion Manny Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach believes the Filipino would beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. if he got another chance against the undefeated American poundfor-pound No.1.

Although Pacquiao dropped a unanimous 12-round decision to Mayweather in a clash billed as the “Fight of the Cen-

tury” at the MGM Grand Garden Arena last May 2, Sky Sports reported that “Roach reckons Pacquiao would have won that fight

had he not been hampered by a right shoulder injury, and has backed his man to come out on top should they meet again.”

The problem is that Mayweather has repeatedly said that his Sept. 12 showdown against Andre Berto will be his last. SkyBet has Mayweather at 1/100 favorite and a win would tie the 49-0 record of heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano.

Mayweather Promotions chief executive Leonard El-

lerbe also maintained that the Berto fight will be the last for the 38-year-old Mayweather.

However, should Mayweather win as expected, Roach expects him to carry on boxing until at least his 50th fight.

Sky Sports quoted Roach who said: “Manny would do much better in a rematch, if he recovers from the shoulder injury. I do think we can beat Mayweather, 100 percent.”

Pacquiao suffered a tear

in his right shoulder rotator cuff in the fourth round of the Mayweather fight and underwent surgery in Los Angeles on May 7 and has made what has been described by some as an amazing recovery.

Pacquiao is expected to return to the ring sometime early next year and Roach would relish another shot at Mayweather.

Roach told Boxing News: “I don’t know where Mayweather’s going right now.

I don’t think he will stop at 49 fights, I think he’ll fight to 50. I’m hoping that he promotes himself, maybe if he does he can make more money.”

He was confident Manny “would do much better in a rematch, if the shoulder gets better. We were doing well until the shoulder went in the fourth round and we had a tough time after that. I do think we can beat Mayweather, 100 per cent.”

Jones may become a Russian citizen N OTICE Notice is hereby given that ESKAYA BEACH RESORT CORP., with office address at Unit 311, AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave., cor Garnet St., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as an Expanding Operator of Tourist Accomodation Facility (Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa Expansion) on a Non-Pioneer status with project site at Brgy. Tawala, Panglao, Bohol.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) RAFAELITO H. TARUC Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service

(TS-AUGUST 21, 2015)

FOUR-DIVISION world champion Roy Jones Jr. could conceivably become a Russian citizen after president Vladimir Putin said he would be glad to grant his request for Russian citizenship.

Super Sport in South Africa reported that Putin and the American boxer had tea on Wednesday in Crimea’s naval port city of Sevastopol, as shown in photographs released by the Kremlin.

The 46-year-old Jones was

Annex B: Proposed Petition Notice for the Renewal of Permit for Propagation

PETITION NOTICE FOR PERMIT RENEWAL PROPOSAL FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE PERMIT FOR PROPAGATION OF Bt11 x GA21 Corn

1.

Name of Applicant: Syngenta Philippines,Inc.

2.

Address/Telephone & Facsimile Nos./ E-Mail Address

12/F Two World Square, Upper McKinley Road McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguiga City 1630 Philippines Tel. +63 2 3702100; Fax +63 2 8569260; E-mail:http:// www.syngenta.com.ph 3.

Name of Responsible Officer/Authorized Representative

Duong Ba Cau, President and Commercial Unit Head, Philippines Felipe S. dela Cruz, Jr., Regulatory affairs Manager, Seeds Philippines

4.

Description of the Regulated Article for Propagation (mention the crop, transformation event, new trait conferred, name of the gene transferred, method of transformation, and advantages of the trait conferred)

Bt11 x GA21 is a stack corn hybrid developed by conventionally crossing Bt11 and GA21 corn. Both Bt11 and GA21 are BPI registered transgenic corn events developed through modern biotechnology. Bt11 corn has the Bt gene that produces a protein which protects the corn plant against the Asian corn borer (ACB). GA21 corn has the mepsps gene that produces a protein that enables the corn plant to tolerate the herbicide glyphosate. Bt11 x GA21 stack hybrid combines the dual efficacies of ACB resistance and glyphosate herbicide tolerance. Both single events Bt11 and GA21 have BPI approval for propagation.

5.

Countries Where Regulated Article Has Been Approved, Its Approved Uses and Year/s of Approval.

Bt11 x GA21 stack corn is approved for cultivation in Argentina (2009), Brazil (2009), Canada (2005), Colombia (2010), Japan (2007), Philippines (2010), South Africa (2010) and Uruguay (2011).

Bt11 x GA21 stack corn is approved for food use in Argentina (2009), Brazil (2009), China (2011), Colombia (2012), European Union (2010), Japan (2007), Korea (2006), Mexico (2007), Philippines (2007, renewed in 2012), South Africa (2011), Taiwan (2009) and Uruguay (2011).

Bt11 x GA21 stack corn is also approved for feed use in Argentina (2009), Brazil (2009), Canada (2005), China (2011), Colombia (2010), European Union (2010), Korea (2008), Mexico (2007), Philippines (2007, renewed in 2012), South Africa (2011), Taiwan (2009) and Uruguay (2011).

6.

7.

In addition, the possible development of weeds resistant to glyphosate herbicide is being mitigated by the implementation of a 5-year commercial approval monitoring of glyphosate resistant corn in the Philippines.

After 3 years of implementation, the study has so far concluded no evolution of resistant weeds to glyphosate, no changes in weed population and no changes in arthropod population

Overall, Bt11 x GA21 corn is an environmentally sustainable and economical way for growers to control ACB, lower production cost due to reduced labor for manual weeding, and protect yield and grain quality.

8.

Reasons Why a Renewal of the Existing Permit Should Be Granted The Philippines has adopted biotechnology as an option to improve crop productivity. Insect resistance and herbicide tolerance traits that had been introduced into corn offer benefits to growers in terms of higher and better quality of harvest and reduced production cost. Bt11 x GA21 stack corn is being grown commercially since it was approved for propagation in 2010. There is a need to renew the existing permit for propagation so that farmers can continue growing this stack product and enjoy the benefits derived from this technology.

For additional information on the proposed propagation, please contact:

Duong Ba Cau/Felipe S. dela Cruz, Jr. Syngenta Philippines, Inc. 12/F Two World Square, #22 Upper McKinley Road McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1630 Philippines Tel. No. +63 2 3702100; Fax No. +63 2 8569260 E-mail address: ba_cau.duong@syngenta.com felipe.dela_cruz@syngenta.com The public is hereby invited to submit their comments on the proposed renewal of permit for propagation, within fifteen (15) days from the date of publication, to:

Summary of Experiences in the Philippines on the Regulated Article, Including (a) Presence or Absence of Any Adverse Effects, (b) Data on Commercial Planting, and (c) Use Syngenta’s Bt11 x GA21 corn was granted propagation approval by BPI on September 6, 2010. The conditions for approval that it should meet the post approval conditions

Director Bureau of Plant Industry San Andres, Malate, Manila Telephone Number 525-7857 Fax Number 521-7650 E-Mail: bpibiotechsecretariat@yahoo.com

ple love the sport here and I love this place.”

Putin was said to have replied: “If you intend to link a significant part of your life with activities in Russia, then of course we will be glad and will fulfill your request to receive Russian citizenship.”

Boxing promoter Vladimir Khryunov, who works with Jones in Russia, told the Russian news agency Tass that Jones had “no questions at all about traveling here,” despite

Washington’s condemnation of Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

Russia granted citizenship to French actor Gerard Depardieu in 2013, after he expressed his anger over French tax laws.

Putin, who has a black belt in judo, has previously hung out with a number of entertainment stars, including US actor Steven Seagal and Hollywood’s Jean-Claude Van Damme. Ronnie Nathanielsz

such as approved Insect Resistance Management Strategy and possible evolution of weeds developing resistance to glyphosate and changes in pest profile and arthropod have been fully complied with. Reports of these observations are regularly submitted to BPI post approval monitoring team.

There has been no reported adverse effect attributed to Bt11 x GA21 corn since it was approved for propagation.

Bt11 x GA21 corn has been shown to be as safe as the conventional varieties in commercial fields in the Philippines. Continuous arthropod monitoring in Bt11 x GA21 and non-Bt11 commercial fields showed the same diversity of non-target organisms, including beneficial insects. The possible development of resistance of ACB to Bt11 x GA21 corn is currently mitigated by the implementation of a scientifically sound and practical Insect Resistance Management (IRM) strategy.

Syngenta’s Bt11 x GA21 corn currently implements the 90:10 bag-in-a-bag (BIB) refuge strategy in the field.

Narrative Explanation Why the Regulated Article Is As Safe As Its Conventional Counterpart, Including Presence or Absence of Any Adverse Effects Based on compositional/nutritional analyses, allergenicity and toxicity studies specifically conducted to assess their safety and the data currently available from the scientific literature, Bt11 corn and GA21 corn are substantially equivalent to and as safe as conventional corn, except for its built-in resistance against corn borer and tolerance to glyphosate herbicide. In addition, studies have shown that they do not pose risk nor cause harm to non-target insects, animals and humans.

in Crimea to appear as a guest at a boxing show on Sunday.

Jones, who has a record of 62-8 with 45 knockouts, is coming off a sixth-round knockout in a scheduled 10-round bout against Eric Watkings at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut last Aug. 16.

It was reported that Jones, who has branched out into rap and acting in films, told Putin: “If I had a Russian passport … it would be a lot easier for me to come and go, because peo-

Approved for Publication: PAZ J. BENAVIDEZ II Asst. Director for Regulations and OIC-Director Bureau of Plant Industry Date:August August 18, 2015

( T S A U G . 21, 2 015 )

World beach volley. Katrin Holtwick of Germany celebrates a point during the 2015 ASICS World Series of Beach Volleyball at the TrueCar Course at Alamitos Beach in Long Beach, California. AFP

Lady Eagles brace for tough duel vs Chiefs At this stage, Ateneo is a shoo-in for SCORING leader Alyssa Valdez hopes to stay in shape and in top form as At- one of the semis spots with National U, eneo braces for a strong Arellano Uni- Far Eastern U and UST all tied at 3-1 versity comeback when the reigning and La Salle-Dasmariñas staying alive champions of their respective collegiate at 1-3. St. Benilde and UP, with identileagues face off in a key duel at resump- cal 0-4 cards, are virtually out of it all.

Valdez has been dishing out solid tion of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference quarterfinals games since she came back into full action midway in the elims with tomorrow (Saturday) at The Games tomorrow the power-hitting dynamo, Arena in San Juan City.

12:45 p.m. • UP vs UST who punched in 29 hits, includThough the Eagles remain 3 p.m.

• Arellano vs Ateneo ing the last four that finished the lone unbeaten team with a four-set win over the UP Lady Maroons off the Lady Maroons, will again be the last week, the UAAP titlists remain marked player for Ateneo in the 3 p.m. wary of the Lady Chiefs, who are rar- match along with Jhoanna Maraguinot, ing to bounce back from a heartbreak- who has also been turning in consistent ing five-set setback to a resurgent UST games that have installed the Lady Eagles as the heavy title favorites. side, also last week.

But Arellano is out to stop the duo That dropped the NCAA champs to fifth at 2-2 and outside of the semifinal and the rest of the squad with coach circle with the Lady Chiefs needing to Roberto Javier confident of drawing less than a victory to put them back in the best from guest players Carmina the hunt for one of the coveted slots Aganon and Lilet Mabbayad, skipin the Final Four of the mid-season per Cristine Rosario and mainstays tournament of the league presented by Danna Henson, Menchie Tubiera and Angelica Legacion.

PLDT Home Ultera.

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PBA Draft Scenarios WHILE most of the mock drafts that came DENNIS PRINCIPE out online had the SPORTS CHAT idea that this Sunday’s PBA Rookie Draft seems to be just a matter of formality, they may be proven wrong.

It’s already a cinch that Fil-Tongan Moala Tautuaa will be the first pick overall, but the second pick, which will most likely be Troy Rosario, is not bereft of drama.

It has been consistently reported that the KIA franchise, which will carry one of their products’ name—Mahindra Enforcers next season, is set to give up this pick to Talk ‘N Text.

However, sources reveal that KIA is not about to let go of it until draft day, hoping they can maximize the interests of teams, specifically the Texters and Rain or Shine, on their precious pick.

Reportedly, KIA will still tab Rosario and will then pursue talks with a team that could get the services of their preferred player, reportedly, Scottie Thompson.

Rain or Shine, meanwhile, is seriously looking at Chris Newsome, a 6’2” guard who may be the answer to coach Yeng Guiao’s preference of a scorer that can complement the production of Paul Lee and Jeff Chan.

But during the Draft Combine yesterday at the Gatorade Hoops Center, there were rumors the E-Painters have included San Beda’s Art Dela Cruz in their deliberation.

Reports have it though that Guiao may be open to peddle that pick for future draft considerations.

It was obvious the Meralco Bolts were undersized last season and though they had a playoff run that year, coach Norman Black will definitely consider solving that issue via the draft. De La Salle’s Norbert Torres may be a good choice as he is perhaps the most talented player above 6’5” after Tautuaa and Rosario.

But depending on the trade talks that involve the KIA pick, the Bolts may pull off a surprise by choosing Thompson.

Sources from Ginebra have said Thompson is their chosen one, but is also considering Torres. Glenn Khobuntin of the National University is an option should Torres and Thompson won’t be available.

NLEX will look to pick someone whom they will eventually utilize even though the thought of KIA spoiling their plans is a probability. Garvo Lanete is a likely choice knowing his closeness with the franchise during their D-League days though nothing is etched in stone.

Lanete’s reunion with coach Boyet Fernandez may hit a snag now that the former San Beda is bugged by a knee injury.

Depending on their number four pick, Meralco will get someone who will not duplicate the position of their earlier choice and if that would be Torres, Fil-Am Maverick Ahanmisi, Lanete and Dela Cruz may be considered if they remain unpicked by this time.

With reports that Alex Mallari is on his way to Ginebra, a guard could be a decent choice for the Star Hotshots and Roi Sumang or Lanete would be a good fit for rookie coach Jason Webb. But if that Mallari trade won’t materialize, Webb may contemplate on Khobuntin or even UST’s Aljon Mariano.

Blackwater takes its turn at number nine and Fil-ams Jerramy King and Ryan Wetherell, San Beda’s Baser Amer or big man Bradwyn Guinto may be on their priority list.

Meantime, NLEX and Rain or Shine take their turn at number 10 and number 12 respectively and their picks would be determined based on the trades they enter into on draft day but Mariano is one player who’s attitude seemingly fits Guiao’s system.

Alaska is reportedly setting its sights on a big man at number 11th and Guinto would be a high on their list.

The Annual PBA Rookie Draft will be held this Sunday at the Robinson’s Place in Manila.

A15 PBA Draft Combine hopefuls display their wares in an actual game.

No. 2 PBA draft prospect gets confidence boosted

By Jeric Lopez

BEING a highly touted prospect gives prolific big man Troy Rosario more confidence as he sets his sights on the Philippine Basketball Association.

For many experts, Rosario’s name will certainly be called early in the draft as a lot of teams have him on top of their wish list given his size, versatility and ability to play multiple positions as a big man.

With Filipino-Tongan Moala Tautuaa most likely to be taken first by Talk ‘N Text with the No. 1 pick, it’s almost certain that Rosario might be the No. 2 pick for the Mahindra Enforcers, formerly KIA Carnival.

Well aware that he is being projected to go high in the draft, Rosario shared that

such mock drafts further boosts his confidence as he has his eyes set on the the PBA. “Siyempre, naririnig ko na possible nga daw na mag-Top 2 ako sa draft so for me nakaka-taas ng confidence talaga iyon.

It means na people are recognizing what I can do sa court,’’ said Rosario before he left with Smart Gilas Pilipinas in its training camp in Estonia.

Rosario’s stock vastly rose since last year after he had a solid last season in the UAAP by leading the National University Bulldogs to the championship.

From there, he continued to strut his wares in the Philippine Basketball Association D-League and in playing for the National team in the Southeast Asian Games and the SEABA.

LOTTO RESULTS

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

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

A16

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Two-time NBA champion and four-time MVP LeBron James is in Manila to mentor the Nike Rise players, who were chosen after a twomonth search.

James lauds PH’s passion for the game Text and Photo by Peter Atencio

CLEVELAND Cavaliers’ superstar Lebron James said he can relate to the Filipinos’ love for basketball when he met 24 streetballers, mostly teenagers, who made it through the Nike Rise program over the last two months.

“I told them about myself, when I was starting, and how I love the game,” said James following his brief appearance at a press conference held at the Nike House of Rise gymnasium in Mandalu-

‘Pacman can beat Floyd in rematch’ TURN TO A14

yong. “They (Filipino kids) love the game. You can always relate to them about the sport.”

Nike is bringing back the twotime NBA champion and four-time MVP to mentor the Rise players.

James announced members of the final Rise team and will continue to inspire the young athletes to leave their comfort zone and get better in the game like never before.

This time, James will be here for four days to help coach the finalists in the Nike Rise search at the Mall of Asia Arena.

He told the kids how he was raised by his 16-year-old mother, Gloria Marie James. His family moved from apartment to apartment in not so well-off neighborhoods of Akron, while James’ mother struggled to

Doping cloud shadows world tilt TURN TO A13

find steady work.

“It (inspiration) comes from a time when I lived from shelter to shelter,” said James, who came for a day in Manila on his first visit in 2013, playing in an All-Star Game back them.

The three-time Olympian said he had always had a passion to teach kids and make a difference, on the game, coming to terms with on having a difficult experience when he was growing up.

LeBron James broke into the scene during his formative years in high school, growing up with a drive for

greatness like no other. His relentless desire paired with numerous hours in the gym spent practicing and honing his skills, paved the way to basketball superstardom.

In 2003, he was drafted in the professional league and has since lived up to the hype with numerous accolades under his belt, including two championship rings, four MVP Awards, two Finals MVP Awards, and two All-Star MVP Awards. On a global scale, he was the centerpiece of two Olympic Gold Medal runs in 2008 and 2012.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK FRIDAY: AUGUST 21, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

Outstanding bank. Card Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank,, was awarded by Land Bank of the Philippines as one of the 2015 Outstanding Accredited Client-Countryside Financial Institutions on Aug. 14, 2015 at the Centennial Hall of Manila Hotel. Shown holding trophies are Card MRI founder and managing director Jaime Aristotle Alip (fifth from left) and Card Bank president and chief executive Dolores Torres (third from left), with Land Bank president and chief executive Gilda Pico (fourth from left) and other executive committee members of Card MRI and officers of Los Baños LBP Lending.

PSe comPoSite

index

Closing August 20, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,278.98 65.75

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing AUGUST 20, 2015 42

P46.500

43

CLOSE

44 45 46

HIGH P46.265 LOW P46.500 AVERAGE P46.369 VOLUME 699.700M

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

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, August 20, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.3060

Japan

Yen

0.008075

0.3739

UK

Pound

1.568100

72.6124

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128984

5.9727

Switzerland

Franc

1.035947

47.9706

Canada

Dollar

0.762602

35.3130

Singapore

Dollar

0.712809

33.0073

Australia

Dollar

0.733192

33.9512

Bahrain

Dinar

2.651113

122.7624

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266610

12.3456

Brunei

Dollar

0.710278

32.8901

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000072

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.028121

1.3022

UAE

Dirham

0.272257

12.6071

Euro

Euro

1.112600

Korea

Won

0.000845

0.0391

China

Yuan

0.156360

7.2404

India

51.5201

Rupee

0.015352

0.7109

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.243659

11.2829

New Zealand

Dollar

0.656901

30.4185

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030793

1.4259 Source: PDS Bridge

San Miguel eyes P170-b south rail

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Peso dips to 5-year low of 46.50 a dollar

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. has emerged as the first company to purchase bid documents for the P170.7-billion south line of

By Julito G. Rada the North-South Railway Project.

“So far, SMC,” Cosette Canilao, executive director of Public Private Partnership Center, said in a text message when asked about the list of companies that bought bid documents for the project.

More than 30 foreign and local companies attended the prequalification conference for the project held Thursday.

Transportation Department spokesman Michael Arthur Sagcal said interested companies would have until Oct. 15 to buy and submit pre-qualification documents.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Ayala Corp. earlier said they would participate in the auction for the south rail.

The project will revive the oldest rail system in Southeast Asia, beginning with the Manila-Legazpi section plus additional branch lines spanning 653 kilometers.

A two-stage bidding process will be adopted, with the prequalification date targeted in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Opening of bids will be held in January 2016 while awarding is expected in March 2016.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

The winning bidder will operate, maintain and upgrade the south line for 34 years, including the construction period of four years Under the project’s terms, the winning bidder will take charge of designing, constructing, financing, operating and maintaining the 56-kilometer commuter rail service, for daily riders on the Tutuban, Manila to Calamba, Laguna route and the 478-kilometer long-haul rail service, for travelers on the Tutuban, Manila to Legazpi, Albay route.

The long-haul service may also have the extensions from Calamba, Laguna to Batangas City and from Legazpi, Albay to Matnog, Sorsogon.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya earlier said the south line would be the agency’s “biggest project yet.”

“This project will impact directly on a grassroots level. Those who have less in life, especially farmers and fisherfolk, will be given efficient means to expand their livelihood. This is our biggest project yet, and this is for those who need it most,” Abaya said.

THE peso fell to a new five-year low against the US dollar on Thursday, shedding 15 centavos to close at 46.50, after the minutes of the US Federal Reserve meeting showed rising concerns over the health of the global economy.

It was the local currency’s weakest level in five years since settling at 46.50 on May 21, 2010. Total volume turnover reached $699 million Thursday, higher than $555 million a day ago.

“The risk sentiment took a hit from the FOMC [Federal Open Market Committee] minutes. Although the FOMC appears less poised to hike in September, the minutes showed that the Fed was increasingly worried about the global economy, with possible focus on China,” Nicholas Antonio Mapa, research officer of the Bank of the Philippine Islands’ financial markets and treasury division, said in an e-mailed statement.

“With fears of global economic weakness with China growth sputtering, investors snatched up the relative safety of the dollar,” Mapa said.

Mapa said plunging oil prices had also forced dealers to question the sustainability of growth in Asian region.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo earlier ruled out the possibility of a peso devaluation, saying the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals remained strong.

This was his reaction after Vietnam announced the devaluation of the dong for the third time this year.

Guinigundo said the Philippines, from a macroeconomic standpoint, had resilient domestic factors including consumption, private capital formation and public spending.

Mapa said the peso might depreciate further against the dollar to 46.80 by yearend.

Meanwhile, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said current policy settings remained appropriate at the moment, but monetary authorities were ready to tweak them if needed.

FRIDAY: AUGUST 21, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Thursday, augusT 20, 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 0.92 890 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 0.74 625 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

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

2.85 69 100.00 91.25 42.95 2.53 1.35 15.9 20.1 7.27 0.73 755.00 0.385 84.9 0.98 18.90 60.80 91.35 305 38.6 133.1 1500.00 56.50

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 9.4 241 12.5 79 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 6.75 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 238 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3

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 5.34 173 8.65 34.1 33 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.37 3.87 8.45 3 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 161 4.1 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640

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 Jollibee Foods Corp.

Lafarge Rep Liberty Flour 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 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ SPC Power Corp.

Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

43.75 1.53 0.96 1.73 10.3 17.5 26.5 46.5 2.9 1.4 11.4 11.060 9.12 6.50 9.15 1.85 13.2 24.4 74 13.10 5.8 189.70 10.14 30.00 51.00 24 27.6 5.76 291.40 3.99 4.5 8.30 4 11.40 3.30 2.12 2.65 4.10 159 4.49 1.75 0.136 1.12 1.89 192 4.2 0.68

0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 5.29 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 0.0670 1.61 2.99 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837 5.3 49.55 3 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 4.5 0.030 0.550 2.26 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

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

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ 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’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.450 57.5000 20.25 6.80 0.243 0.24 771 7.35 11.88 3.1 4.25 0.185 1290 6.69 68.85 5.6 6.8 0.61 14.16 0.55 5.01 8 0.0500 2.030 2.66 56.00 2.22 989.00 1.20 0.66 77.700 0.2950 0.1700 0.250

10.5 26.95 1.99 1.75 0.375

6.74 12 0.65 1.2 0.192

8990 HLDG 7.170 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 8.39 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.70 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.230 Arthaland Corp.

0.220

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

SHARES 11,924,325 47,802,228 664,157,502 76,495,788 73,697,846 742,601,436 1,617,226,825

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 3.16 2.8 69 68.55 99.95 98.00 91.70 89.70 42.95 42 2.50 2.50 1.35 1.35 15.98 15.6 20.1 19.8 7.87 7.87 0.66 0.66 770.00 755.00 0.385 0.385 84.3 83.5 0.98 0.97 19.20 18.90 62.00 60.80 93.5 93 305 300 39.4 38.7 137 132.7 1520.00 1480.00 57.00 56.00 INDUSTRIAL 43.9 42.95 1.44 1.44 0.97 0.96 1.74 1.71 10.3 10 17.6 17.48 27 25.5 46.5 46.5 2.93 2.79 1.45 1.39 11.7 11.4 11.340 11.06 9.40 9.12 6.55 6.30 9.20 9.08 1.85 1.85 12.98 12.56 24.5 23.75 75.4 73.5 13.10 13.00 5.86 5.7 189.80 182.10 10.16 10.14 30.00 30.00 52.20 50.50 24 23.65 25 23.75 5.89 5.8 290.00 280.00 3.99 3.62 4.41 4.35 8.40 8.15 4 4 11.68 11.68 3.38 3.22 2.18 2.11 2.69 2.55 4.15 4.10 160 155 4.49 4.49 1.91 1.81 0.138 0.135 1.10 1.10 1.94 1.89 193.7 191 4.2 4.2 0.69 0.68 HOLDING FIRMS 0.450 0.440 57.5500 57.0500 20.60 20.00 6.90 6.81 0.245 0.230 0.24 0.24 772 755 7.32 7.12 11.98 11.50 3.2 2.81 4.28 4.28 0.185 0.185 1289 1255 6.50 6.50 69.50 67.35 4.81 4.81 6.89 6.61 0.61 0.6 14.04 13.52 0.56 0.56 5.03 5 7.82 8 0.0580 0.0470 2.040 1.900 2.61 2.6 56.00 55.40 2.20 2.20 900.00 891.00 1.23 1.20 0.67 0.66 77.650 77.550 0.2950 0.2850 0.1690 0.1690 0.245 0.245 PROPERTY 7.200 7.000 7.80 7.80 0.70 0.66 1.200 1.200 0.220 0.220

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.88 69 98.95 89.95 42 2.50 1.35 15.94 19.8 7.87 0.66 755.00 0.385 83.5 0.97 19.20 60.80 93 300 38.7 137 1520.00 56.45

1.05 0.00 -1.05 -1.42 -2.21 -1.19 0.00 0.25 -1.49 8.25 -9.59 0.00 0.00 -1.65 -1.02 1.59 0.00 1.81 -1.64 0.26 2.93 1.33 -0.09

3,011,000 17,510 2,644,400 2,435,290 8,000 37,000 44,000 13,800 861,300 700 28,000 40 10,000 1,891,910 14,000 209,800 31,310 200 11,400 51,600 592,430 160 6,070

43.9 1.44 0.97 1.72 10.02 17.5 26.75 46.5 2.8 1.45 11.4 11.240 9.24 6.32 9.10 1.85 12.98 23.75 73.5 13.10 5.73 185.90 10.14 30.00 52.00 23.65 23.8 5.8 282.00 3.62 4.35 8.19 4 11.68 3.35 2.13 2.6 4.12 155 4.49 1.9 0.138 1.10 1.89 192.5 4.2 0.69

0.34 -5.88 1.04 -0.58 -2.72 0.00 0.94 0.00 -3.45 3.57 0.00 1.63 1.32 -2.77 -0.55 0.00 -1.67 -2.66 -0.68 0.00 -1.21 -2.00 0.00 0.00 1.96 -1.46 -13.77 0.69 -3.23 -9.27 -3.33 -1.33 0.00 2.46 1.52 0.47 -1.89 0.49 -2.52 0.00 8.57 1.47 -1.79 0.00 0.26 0.00 1.47

2,063,300 7,000 75,000 295,000 12,400 93,500 384,100 204,000 3,627,000 303,000 23,600 5,472,600 526,900 16,743,700 138,900 2,000 65,600 2,748,600 99,930 52,000 1,676,800 493,670 388,900 500 2,470 471,700 353,200 10,400 686,910 3,000 114,000 636,400 37,000 2,300 86,000 272,000 1,034,000 389,000 30,670 1,000 3,234,000 1,500,000 20,000 1,556,000 1,516,160 20,000 201,000

0.450 57.5000 20.15 6.85 0.240 0.24 755 7.15 11.60 3.2 4.28 0.185 1264 6.50 69.30 4.81 6.63 0.61 13.72 0.56 5.03 7.93 0.0570 1.910 2.6 56.00 2.20 897.00 1.21 0.66 77.600 0.2900 0.1690 0.245

0.00 0.00 -0.49 0.74 -1.23 0.00 -2.08 -2.72 -2.36 3.23 0.71 0.00 -2.02 -2.84 0.65 -14.11 -2.50 0.00 -3.11 1.82 0.40 -0.88 14.00 -5.91 -2.26 0.00 -0.90 -9.30 0.83 0.00 -0.13 -1.69 -0.59 -2.00

60,000 2,323,720 -122,086,635.00 18,452,600 -41,137,410.00 900 520,000 100,000 24,400.00 280,980 -26,726,320.00 4,900,100 10,138,768.00 7,006,100 -26,471,294.00 180,000 50,000 10,000 354,360 -176,324,220.00 25,000 1,609,070 -17,056,403.50 100 2,257,000 -4,324,769.00 3,000 3,959,900 -14,583,846.00 1,000 26,580,100 41,085,184.00 615,300 -1,975,000.00 585,880,000 177,000.00 5,729,000 134,100.00 13,000 65,820 -1,248,828.50 30,000 303,390 -133,022,260.00 31,000 58,000 4,420 -245,206.00 400,000 310,000 1,010,000

7.100 7.80 0.70 1.200 0.220

-0.98 -7.03 0.00 -2.44 0.00

190,900 400 32,000 10,000 200,000

633,749.50 -70,336,792.00 -64,351,867.00 -75,000.00 -114,548.00 -934,530.00 -30,350.00 33,738,835.50 95,121.00 -1,965,000.00 -777,650.00 2,694,817.00 -7,338.50 8,416,735.00

857,474.00 -2,018,100 44,720.00 -268,012.00 1,118,720.00 -547,456.00 -46,928,359.00 -388,355.00 -52,109,375.00 -78,050.50 -538,410.00 4,865,916.00 -18,875,984.00 -715,220.00 52,000.00 -2,004,115.00 -3,359,760.00 -5,220.00 -39,919,026.00 0.00 -1,566,329.00 27,150.00 6,360.00 -430,040.00 3,565,000.00

3,820.00 -7,051,585.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 4.88 0.180 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 8.59

30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79 0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 2.75 0.090 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 5.73

10.5 66 1.09 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 2.6 7.67 2720 8.41 70.5 1.97 119.5 7 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 1 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 0.63 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 1.6 4.8 1600 5.95 17.02 1.23 102.6 3.01 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 0.650 1.8 6 0.335 0.37 14.54 3 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

Close

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Century Property 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. Primex Corp.

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

11.6 0.85 10 0.490 1.9

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

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Discovery World DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings 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 0.330 12.7 12.8 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 8.2 49.2 4.27 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 0.236 6.5 5.11 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 3.240 18.96 2.11 1.54 0.012 0.013 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

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

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 525 120 515 8.21 111 1060

33 490 500 101.5 480 5.88 101 997

1047 76.9 84.8

1011 74.2 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A 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 757,793,714.36 1,036,911,491.14 1,997,335,493.98 945,249,795.64 794,913,537.85 264,203,628.884 5,803,668,959.85

FINANCIAL 1,587.33 (DOWN) 14.35 INDUSTRIAL 11,076.30 (DOWN) 89.07 HOLDING FIRMS 6,607.50 (DOWN) 45.47 PROPERTY 2,994.90 (DOWN) 32.22 SERVICES 2,001.25 (DOWN) 17.72 MINING & OIL 11,333.90 (UP) 272.90 PSEI 7,278.98 (DOWN) 65.75 All Shares Index 4,158.12 (DOWN) 30.46 Gainers: 63 Losers: 95; Unchanged: 57; Total: 215

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

37.80 3.2 5.04 0.78 1.05 0.110 0.425 12.96 0.830 0.170 1.14 1.93 1.29 4.35 0.092 7.35 28.95 1.6 3.24 20.00 0.7 6.800

37.80 37.10 37.10 3.24 3.19 3.2 5 5 5 0.79 0.77 0.77 1.01 1.00 1.00 0.119 0.110 0.112 0.435 0.415 0.435 12.96 12.6 12.8 0.830 0.820 0.830 0.170 0.170 0.170 1.17 1.14 1.15 1.95 1.89 1.89 1.30 1.26 1.30 4.4 4.25 4.29 0.103 0.092 0.092 7.36 7.35 7.35 28.90 28.40 28.70 1.63 1.6 1.63 3.30 3.25 3.25 20.10 19.94 20.00 0.73 0.72 0.72 6.800 6.530 6.800 SERVICES 10 10.04 9.5 9.53 60.1 61.5 59.5 60 0.570 0.560 0.560 0.560 7.40 7.52 7.15 7.18 0.0690 0.0720 0.0690 0.0690 4.07 4.04 4 4.04 90.3 92.7 90.05 90.05 1.62 1.85 1.85 1.85 4.85 4.94 4.80 4.85 2650 2654 2610 2624 6.48 6.49 6.40 6.45 17.04 17.20 17.20 17.20 1.22 1.23 1.22 1.22 102.6 102.6 101.2 101.5 3.90 5.70 4.50 5.40 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.179 0.186 0.175 0.177 1.3300 1.3800 1.3100 1.3300 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 8.46 8.60 8.30 8.30 2.17 2.64 2.15 2.18 0.630 0.640 0.630 0.630 2 2 1.99 2 6.4 6.41 6.28 6.3 0.305 0.300 0.270 0.300 0.430 0.430 0.430 0.430 19.38 20 19.38 19.98 4.95 5.00 4.90 4.90 100.00 102.90 98.00 98.10 18.42 18.60 18.20 18.60 2770.00 2768.00 2738.00 2750.00 0.630 0.630 0.630 0.630 1.320 1.330 1.280 1.280 34.00 34.30 33.90 33.95 72.00 73.05 71.50 71.50 5.00 5.27 5.05 5.14 7.17 7.30 6.75 6.80 0.63 0.63 0.62 0.62 4.75 4.8 4.69 4.7 0.325 0.330 0.320 0.325 2.470 2.530 2.430 2.470 MINING & OIL 0.0058 0.0060 0.0057 0.0058 2.28 2.50 2.38 2.50 4.62 4.85 4.62 4.70 0.200 0.210 0.188 0.210 6.4500 6.5000 6.5000 6.5000 7.4100 7.2 6.61 7.2000 0.61 0.63 0.6 0.63 0.69 0.7 0.67 0.69 6.32 6.43 6.30 6.33 1.26 1.26 1.22 1.24 0.300 0.300 0.290 0.300 0.185 0.198 0.185 0.192 0.185 0.204 0.204 0.204 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 2.52 2.56 2.5 2.55 8.1 8.25 7.83 8.18 3.49 3.6 3.45 3.6 1.6400 1.6300 1.5800 1.6000 0.0091 0.0091 0.0091 0.0091 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 0.0110 3.99 4.00 3.99 3.99 4.77 5.100 4.770 5.10 1.46 1.530 1.420 1.46 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 127.00 130.00 128.00 128.90 3.04 3.09 2.71 2.73 0.0080 0.0082 0.0080 0.0080 PREFERRED 59 60 59 59 529 525 525 525 530 530 529 530 118 116 116 116 520 520 520 520 6.59 6.57 6.5 6.57 108 108 108 108 1045 1046 1041 1046 1080 1085 1080 1085 1019 1018 1017 1018 75.5 75.45 75.4 75.4 80.05 80.05 80 80 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.470 3.530 3.480 3.520 SME 6.43 5.12 5.12 5.12 10.98 11.08 10.88 10.9 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 119.6 119.6 118.7 118.7

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

-1.85 0.00 -0.79 -1.28 -4.76 1.82 2.35 -1.23 0.00 0.00 0.88 -2.07 0.78 -1.38 0.00 0.00 -0.86 1.87 0.31 0.00 2.86 0.00

15,253,800 2,552,000 18,200 693,000 100,000 1,060,000 2,540,000 623,500 95,000 730,000 1,825,000 12,426,000 1,212,000 21,171,000 2,110,000 24,800 2,516,600 606,000 41,000 7,178,100 142,000 3,136,400

-177,411,585.00 -3,245,440.00 0.00 -95,320.00

-4.70 -0.17 -1.75 -2.97 0.00 -0.74 -0.28 14.20 0.00 -0.98 -0.46 0.94 0.00 -1.07 38.46 0.00 -1.12 0.00 0.00 -1.89 0.46 -1.56 0.00 -1.56 -1.64 0.00 3.10 -1.01 -1.90 0.98 -0.72 0.00 -3.03 -0.15 -0.69 2.80 -5.16 -1.59 -1.05 0.00 0.00

731,800 49,410 164,000 7,549,700 7,560,000 10,199,000 783,050 3,000 86,000 56,490 65,800 100 136,000 408,970 11,000 1,700,000 2,310,000 349,000 10,000 174,200 2,863,000 14,000 60,000 1,357,200 30,000 0 2,300 31,000 950 511,500 77,285 368,000 17,011,000 1,590,000 42,040 7,072,100 8,440,400 415,000 867,000 130,000 78,000

0.00 9.65 1.73 5.00 0.78 -2.83 3.28 0.00 0.16 -1.59 0.00 3.78 10.27 8.33 1.19 0.99 3.15 -2.44 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.92 0.00 0.00 1.50 -10.20 0.00

542,000,000 -1,500.00 85,000 -125,000.00 131,000 -183,250.00 1,020,000 1,000 1,500 1,269,000 -4,200.00 28,000 4,600 4,150,000 142,990.00 250,000 1,950,000 20,000 99,700,000 1,057,000 2,000.00 10,602,400 -14,624,858.00 3,441,000 392,000 2,000,000 2,100,000 23,100.00 25,000 279,000 -50,000.00 91,000 11,100,000 1,052,440 27,507,136.00 4,830,000 787,360.00 55,000,000

0.00 -0.76 0.00 -1.69 0.00 -0.30 0.00 0.10 0.46 -0.10 -0.13 -0.06

107,770 4,280 18,030 16,170 20 204,700 92,000 5,020 2,615 9,960 10,500 80

1.44

44,000

-20.37 -0.73

200 535,900

848,664.00

-0.75

11,600

83,180.00

445,100.00 3,280.00 -574,830.00 -4,209,020.00 -1,290,000.00 -49,431,790.00 -192,580.00 -6,600,245.00 -185,820.00 -73,631,566.00 -18,514,918.00 539,000.00 -194,523.00 -17,904,451.00 -24,250.00 -18,614,580.00

-20,825,199.00 26,850.00 1,330.00 -144,494.00 -70,400.00 2,189,277.00 3,000.00 8,600.00 -38,760.00 -10,954.00 -505,760.00 -69,532,600.00 15,101,650.00 214,620.00 325,876.00 150,300.00 -10,744,011.00 -129,150.00 -1,548,370.00

1,396,871.00

1,318,550.00

21,866.00 7,080,062.50

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Imperial Res. `A'

5.40

38.46

Makati Fin. Corp.

5.12

Discovery World

1.85

14.20

Keppel Holdings `A'

4.81

-20.37 -14.11

Pacifica `A'

0.0570

14.00

TA Petroleum

2.73

-10.20

Lepanto `B'

0.204

10.27

First Abacus

0.66

-9.59

Apex `A'

2.50

9.65

SM Investments Inc.

897.00

-9.30

Splash Corporation

1.9

8.57

Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

3.62

-9.27

Manila Mining `A'

0.013

8.33

Anchor Land Holdings Inc.

7.80

-7.03

Filipino Fund Inc.

7.87

8.25

Prime Orion

1.910

-5.91

Philex `A'

5.10

6.92

Agrinurture Inc.

1.44

-5.88

Basic Energy Corp.

0.210

5.00

SSI Group

6.80

-5.16

FRIDAY: AUGUST 21, 2015

B3

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

At the top

BoI window network. Board of Investments executive director Efren Leaño delivers the welcome

remarks during the soft launching of the B-I-One Window Network on August 19, 2015 at the BoI Penthouse in Makati City. The project is a cloud-based Web portal and mobile application system that enables investors to lodge queries and concerns online and gain access to a databank of information related to business and investments. It also includes a system that can track and monitor the real time status of investor’s inquiry and concerns using personal computers or smart phones.

San Miguel sells $300-m securities

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., a wholly-owned unit of San Miguel Corp., has successfully priced and sold its $300-million undated subordinated capital securities.

“Following investor meetings in Singapore and Hong Kong as well as calls with investors in London, SMC Global Power launched and subsequently priced the deal at 6.75 percent,” San Miguel said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

“Final allocation saw the majority of the deal distributed into Asia at 87 percent with European investors taking the remaining 13 percent,” it said.

San Miguel plans to use proceeds of the issue to finance investments in power related assets, including greenfield ones, and general corporate activities.

Joint lead managers and joint book runners of the Reg S un-

rated perpetual non-call 5.5 year, $300-million securities were ANZ, BofA Merrill Lynch, DBS Bank Ltd., Deutsche Bank, HSBC, ING, Mizuno Securities and UBS. San Miguel earlier mandated the banks to arrange a series of fixed-income investor meetings in Singapore and Hong Kong and investor calls in Europe commencing on August 16.

San Miguel, meanwhile, set the dividend rates for a P33.5-billion preferred shares offering.

San Miguel pegged the dividends at 5.9431 percent a year for the subseries 2-D, 6.3255 percent per annum for the sub-series 2-E and 6.8072 percent for the sub-series 2-F.

The preferred shares have a step-up rate in which the dividend rate will be adjusted if the shares are not redeemed on the optional redemption dates.

San Miguel will issue 446.447 million Series “2” preferred shares at an issue price of P75 per share from Aug. 24, 2015 to Sept. 11, 2015. the Listing date has been set on Sept. 21, 2015.

San Miguel plans to partially fund the early redemption of the company’s outstanding sub series 2-A amounting to P54.08 billion.

“The different between the balance of the redemption price for the sub series 2-A preferred shares and the net proceeds of this offer shall be paid using the available cash of the company,” San Miguel said.

San Miguel earlier hired nine banks to handle the transaction. They are BDO Capital, BPI Capital, China Bank, HSBC, ING, PNB Capital, RCBC Capital, SB Capital, and Standard Chartered Bank.

Stocks slump; Ayala issues decline THE stock market skidded Thursday, dragged lower by heightened concerns about the health of China’s economy after unexpectedly bearish minutes from the US Federal Reserve.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost 65.75 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,278.98 on a value turnover of P5.8 billion. Losers beat gainers, 95 to 63, with 57 issues unchanged.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. declined 2.1 percent to P755, while unit Ayala Land Inc. fell 1.8 percent to P37.10.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. of tycoon George Ty dropped 2 percent P1,264, while Manila Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, tumbled 3.2 percent to P282.

Jollibee Foods Corp., lost 2 per-

cent to P185.90.

Tokyo, meanwhile, closed down 0.94 percent, or 189.11 points, at 20,033.52, as the yen strengthened against the greenback, adding to worries about Japan’s slowing exports.

Sydney fell 1.70 percent, or 91.6 points, to 5,288.6, dragged down by banking and resources shares, while Seoul dipped 1.28 percent, or 24.83 points, to 1,914.55.

Shanghai lost 1.50 percent in mid-afternoon trading after a volatile session the previous day, while Hong Kong continued its downward trend, falling 1.61 percent.

Dealers said markets remained clouded by uncertainties over China’s economy after the shock devaluation of the yuan last week

added to fears it is slowing more than thought.

“The Fed appears to be heading toward a rate hike and this, against the backdrop of deflationary forces globally, is creating intense uncertainty,” Shane Oliver, head of investment at AMP Capital, told Bloomberg News.

“Investors have now grown used to near zero interest rates for more than six years in the US and there is naturally a fear that raising them will threaten the still fragile US and global economies.”

The dollar lost more than one cent against the euro on Wednesday after minutes from the Fed’s most recent meeting said that while conditions for a rate increase were “approaching” they had not yet arrived. With AFP

AS THE country gears up for choosing the next leader for the nation, it seems a good time to think about what makes a good leader.

This question, of course, is important to companies and especially boards of directors who have to choose corporate leaders. It is, however, also important for those who wish to occupy leadership positions.

Fit Perhaps the most obvious way to think about defining the requirements of the person would be to begin with defining the requirements of the job.

The reality is that leadership positions share common requirements. Most important among these is that a leadership gets things done through people. Leaders set the stage and tone of the organization.

There are also, however, things that are unique to each leadership position. The easiest of these unique conditions has to do with technical capabilities. It would be foolhardy to ask a person with no understanding of finance in the position of chief financial officer, much in the same way it would be foolish to put someone with no understanding of military strategy in charge of a military offensive.

In the area of evaluating fit, human resource executives would normally begin with a review of at least three things: educational or professional preparation, relevant work experience and evident potential commitment.

In much easier terms, we can boil this down to what in the vernacular I think of as “Galing at Gusto,” literally “Can and Want,” or competence and preference. When hiring for any position, we wish to hire an individual who will actually get the job done because he has the ability to do the job, and wants to get the job done. Will=Can+Want Disposition Beyond questions of knowledge and skills, however, is the question of leadership disposition. What types of behavior work best in leadership positions? Are there personality traits that are most effective in leadership positions?

One way to answer this question is to consider the key dimensions of personality, often referred to as “OCEAN” or the “big five”: openness to new experiences, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism (the positive converse of which is stability).

An early paper by Robert Kaiser concluded that there is indeed a relationship between the five key personality dimensions and leadership effectiveness in senior corporate executive roles. The relationships, however, were complex.

Kaiser found that assertiveness (a facet of extraversion) is positively related to leadership effectiveness but sociability (another facet of extraversion) is negatively related. What this means is that effective executives are comfortable speaking their mind and tend not to be sociable. This provides fresh insight into the oftrepeated phrase “It’s lonely at the top.” Kaiser’s results indicate that, in fact, these “alone-ness” at the top is part of leadership effectiveness.

Kaiser also found that agreeableness is entirely negatively correlated to effectiveness. This seems self-explanatory. One of the things that is entirely clear to many leaders is that the comment about being lonely at the top has to do with the need to make hard decisions. The reality is that it is next to impossible to make decisions to make everyone happy. The toughest decisions, often also the most important ones, are those that impose tremendous change on organizations. These are also often the most controversial ones. If being liked is of critical importance to a leader, it feeds into his decision-making, often in a less than appropriate way.

In the area of stability, Kaiser found that vulnerability is negatively correlated with effectiveness, and a moderate level of self-acceptance is optimal. Again, this is intuitively appealing. Vulnerability leads to self-doubt and hesitance, which would militate against decisiveness. As to confidence, common sense tells us that overconfidence can be just as bad as lack of confidence.

Kaiser also found conscientiousness to have a curvilinear relationship with effectiveness with the most effective leaders being slightly above the normal adult average. Having worked in heavily analytic work environments I can personally testify to the truth of this. A certain level of conscientiousness is a requirement for getting things done. However, too much conscientiousness often turns into an inability to deal with ambiguity, leading to analysis paralysis, a need for perfect information leading to a failure to move forward.

Rough waters More importantly, a critical component of effective leadership in current business reality is the ability to cope with change.

In a 2011 article, Justin Menkes, author of “Better under Pressure,” points out that there are no longer periods of calm seas for business leaders. Change is a constant reality. Reviewing over 200 candidates for CEO roles at major US firms.

Jenkins found that three key attributes were consistent for top performing (top 25 percent) candidates, regardless of job type or industry. These same three attributes were almost totally absent in the bottom quartile of candidates. These attributes form what Jenkins calls a “highly unusual” set of traits that are “counter to natural human behavior.” They are: realistic optimism, subservience to purpose, and finding order in chaos. What all these traits have in common is that they allow a leader to continue to forge ahead while keeping track of changes. Optimism builds will to work towards the goal but realism ensures that the company is not left to the mercy of chance. A focus on purpose lifts the leader above day-today frustration and builds fortitude. The ability to find order in chaos allows the leader to make rational decisions even in seemingly ambiguous situations.

Leslie Pratch, author of “What looks good on Paper,” also points out that the one thing all leaders must have is the ability to “adapt to the unforeseen.” He says that the one trait to look for in an executive is the ability for “active coping.”

At this point, it should be clear that some personality traits would clearly lend themselves more naturally to a changing environment.

Matt Paese of DDI provides an even more interesting take on the subject. He says that, too often, executives manage--assigning, telling, pushing; when what they really need to do is lead--inspire, stretch, grow. His theses? Because many executives are wired that way.

And here is the crux of the matter. Effective leadership is about skills and knowledge. But it is also about behavior. And the reality is that behavior is drive, at least partially, by personality. And the key components of personality, as any good psychologist will tell you, is often set in late adolescence.

Does this mean that there are personality traits that are less effective in leadership posts? Yes. Does it make it impossible? Not necessarily. But they must be taken into account.

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

FRIDAY: AUGUST 21, 2015

B4

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

Planters Bank merger okayed

By Julito G. Rada

Fatal “PHILIPPINE Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya is probably one of the stupidest public servants under the current Aquino government today. Not only is he seemingly incapable of fixing the traffic congestion and the dismal public transport system in the country, he also has a penchant for insulting the intelligence of both motorists and commuters—those who are forced to endure miserable conditions while traveling on the road every day.”

So goes the opening salvo of Ilda, one of the most-read thought leaders (to simply describe her as a “blogger” would trigger a deluge of irate messages from our drinking buddies who also read her) of the Get Real Philippines community in her latest article titled “5 reasons why traffic congestion can be fatal” (http://getrealphilippines. com/blog/2015/08/5-reasons-why-traffic-congestion-can-be-fatal/).

The latest foot-in-mouth utterance of the Transportation Secretary convinces us that it would be lucrative to put together a book of quotations that would rival our favorite Senator Miriam Santiago’s best sellers, Stupid is Forever and Stupid is Forever More that compile her pick-up lines and funnily memorable quotations, some of which will make you ROFL. We’re not kidding—we can make a killing by immortalizing the quotable quotes of President BS Aquino and his people.

Example: “Buhay ka pa naman di ba?” “He is an Aquino, you are a Romualdez.” “Traffic is a sign of economic growth” (this one has its latest paraphrase from Interior Secretary Mar Roxas who resigned but did not really resign, right?) and now, Abaya’s “not fatal” and “not burdensome” remark which is the height of insensitivity.

But then again, as Ilda’s article put it, “he says a lot of silly things…

It shows his lack of empathy for what millions of Filipinos go through on a daily basis.” But should we be surprised at all? Really, the guy needed an umbrella-carrying assistant to follow him around when he rode the MRT—on the coach reserved for women, children, the disabled and the elderly—with a whole retinue of assistants and of course the requisite media people (photo op, siyempre!).

To his credit though, he did say “‘By riding the train, do I solve the problem? What’s more important is for us to find a solution” – but it looks like it will take forever to find a solution to the MRT problem, unless of course we get a new Transportation chief who will not come from the Liberal Party mold.

“It doesn’t help that Abaya is now very unpopular, so anything he says just makes those annoyed at him want to see him make good on a promise to have himself run over by a train if he doesn’t fix the MRT problems by 2015. A lot of people have been expecting him to resign years ago and, more importantly, a lot have also been calling on President BS Aquino to fire him for his incompetence. For some bizarre reason, BS Aquino can’t even admonish Abaya the way he admonishes public servants who are not allied with him. It’s no wonder Abaya doesn’t make any apologies for his shortfalls and even goes as far as mocking the people who have no choice but to suck up the wretchedness of the Philippines’ decrepit transport system,” Ilda fulminated – her sentiments echoing what millions of Filipinos (even non MRT/LRT riders) feel.

She lists down several reasons why traffic can be fatal: Stress caused by traffic is detrimental to people’s health and wellbeing; prolonged stay on the road exposes people to harmful pollution; being stuck in traffic for hours can result in road rage; traffic congestion can prevent ambulance drivers and emergency crews from saving lives; and being stuck in traffic can lead to loss of livelihood and eventually, death.

On the last one, Ilda points out that “There is a limit to the use of the excuse ‘I was stuck in traffic’ before your boss fires you for being late everyday. We are talking about a country where getting a decent job after being fired is not easy. This can lead to all kinds of problems for the individual that can cause depression and possibly suicide.

“One doesn’t have to be a genius to realize the adverse consequences resulting from being stuck in traffic. But unfortunately, not only do Filipinos have to deal with it; they also have to deal with a hopeless and arrogant man like Abaya. Now that alone can be fatal,” she concludes—and we couldn’t agree more. Just thinking about the insensitivity is enough to cause our blood pressure to skyrocket.

Now that we think about it, perhaps a compilation of the quotable quotes of BS Aquino and his men is not a good business proposition after all – we don’t want to be responsible for fatal consequences as a result of reading those quotes and being reminded about the insensitivity and “disconnect” displayed by this administration.

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

Cheers!

THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, approved the merger of China Bank Savings Inc., a subsidiary of China Banking Corp., with Planters Development Bank.

China Bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the Monetary Board gave its final approval for the merger on Aug. 14.

China Bank Savings will be the surviving entity after the merger.

“China Bank shall recapitalize the surviving entity to meet the minimum capital adequacy ratio requirement and common equity tier 1 under Basel 3,” the Monetary Board said.

The merger shall also be completed within one year from Bangko Sentral’s approval.

Chiina Bank Savings was required to secure the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.’s consent of the merger. China Bank Savings should also submit to Bangko Sentral the articles of merger duly approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The merger between China

Bank Savings and Planters Development Bank would create the largest bank serving the small and medium-sized enterprises.

Bangko Sentral has earlier gave its approval-in-principle for the merger.

The first stage of the merger was the acquisition by China Bank of 84.77 percent of the subscribed capital stock of Plantersbank, which was announced in September 2013, subject to certain requirements, including the execution of relevant documents and approval of regulatory offices.

The acquisition of Plantersbank deal is expected to bolster China Bank’s thrust to expand the middle market/SME portfolio and its network.

Technology show. The Systems Integration Philippines expo showcases the biggest brands in information technology, gifts and promotional products, e-learning technologies, pro-audio, lights, music and movie, signage and multimedia, office products, services and technologies on Aug. 20 to 22 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Shown are leading suppliers and manufacturers of systems integration technologies who gather during the expo.

IN BRIEF GSIS’s profit falls 69% to P30b STATE-RUN pension fund Government Service Insurance System said Thursday net income plunged 69 percent in the first half to P29.6 billion from P94 billion a year ago, following the reclassification of its assets.

“It’s about P64 billion drop, and that billion drop is not really a year-on-year drop because last year we reclassified all our healthy maturity portfolio at market value so we no longer have investments,” GSIS president Robert Vergara said in a news briefing Vergara said revenue in the first half also fell to P70 billion from P135 billion a year earlier.

“We’re sort of struggling in 2015 both with equity market having hit a high in April and ...because our drawdown from peak in April,” he said.

The agency’s claims and benefits and other expenses stood at P41.4 billion, almost the same with last year’s 41.3 billion.

As of end-June, the pension fund investible income stood at P874 billion. Some P217 billion were allocated for loans, P409 billion for fixed income, P158 billion for equity, P31 billion for real estate and P57 billion cash. Gabrielle H. Binaday

Datem readies P4.65-b IPO CONSTRUCTION company Datem Inc. is raising as much as P4.65 billion through an initial public offering in a bid to expand its housing, construction and water ventures.

Datem said in a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission it would sell up to 390 million common shares, including 286.127 million primary and secondary shares and another 42.919 million shares to cover an over allotment option, at an offer price of up to P14.15 apiece.

The company has hired BPI Capital Corp. and First Metro Investments Corp. as lead underwriters for the offering.

Datem said of the expected proceeds from the IPO, it would allocate P1 billion for capital expenditure requirements of its construction arm, including acquisition of various construction equipment and expansion of its pre-cast facilities.

Datem is allotting P1.9 billion for its real estate subsidiary Datem Homes, particularly for housing construction and land banking activities. Jenniffer B. Austria

Emirates wants more flights EMIRATES Airlines said Thursday the revival of third daily flights between Manila and Dubai will be beneficial to overseas Filipino workers and tourists.

“Since the removal of the third daily flight, Emirates’ two daily flights

on the Dubai-Manila route have been operating at 100 percent capacity in economy class on most of the flights – with no seats left for international tourists and overseas Filipino workers,” Emirates said.

This represents a significant gap between supply and demand for seats, the Middle Eastern airline said.

“Taking this into consideration, we are confident that the restoration of Emirates’ third daily flight to Manila will ensure widespread and sustained benefits to all stakeholders,” Emirates said.

Emirates’ said its commitment to the Dubai-Manila route has been a catalyst for growth in the UAE-Philippine bilateral trade and tourism to the Philippines for the last 25 years.

Emirates requested for new air talks between the Philippines and UAE after Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific opposed the extension of Emirates’ third daily flights between Manila and Dubai. Darwin G. Amojelar

PAL hikes ticket charges PHILIPPINE Airlines said Thursday the service charge for domestic tickets purchased through its ticketing offices, contact center and website will increase 49 percent beginning Sept. 1.

The flag carrier said all domestic tickets bought through these channels would be charged P250 each, inclusive of 12-percent value added tax for ticketing service from the current P168.

The ticketing service charge for international flights remains the same at P504 or $12.

Such charges, which apply to all revenue and award tickets, form part of total ticket cost and cover payment for the ticketing process.

The petition, filed by PAL before the Civil Aeronautics Board, was approved on Aug. 13 under Civil Aeronautics Board Resolution No. 95 after the board found the rate increase reasonable and justified.

The move is being carried out to ensure that ticketing service charges are at par with industry standards, PAL said. Darwin G. Amojelar

DMCI qualifies for prison project ENGINEERING conglomerate DMCI Holdings Inc. said it is now qualified to bid for the P50.1- billion Regional Prison Facilities project of the Justice Department.

DMCI was previously disqualified to bid for the project because of “documentary deficiencies”.

DMCI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the Justice Department’s pre-qualifications, bids and awards committee made the declaration in a general bid bulletin dated Aug. 5, 2015.

According to the bulletin, the determination was reached after a thorough deliberation and re-evaluation of the pre-qualification documents submitted by DMCI. Two other companies, San Miguel Holdings Corp. and Megawide-led Mega Structure Construction Corp., had also been pre-qualified to bid for the project.

DMCI president Isidro Consunji said the company now planned to have a joint venture partner for the project. “We want to have an equity partner for this project,” Consunji said. Jenniffer B. Austria

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ceSAR bARRIoqUInTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

850,000 guards for WWII parade BEIJING—Beijing has mobilized 850,000 residents to patrol the city to ensure security ahead of a huge military parade commemorating China’s victory over Japan in World War II, state media reported.

The “volunteers” from “all walks of life” have been trained and will be sent to “every street, every alley” as well as stores and markets, the official Xinhua news agency said late Wednesday, citing a Beijing police spokesman.

They will look for signs of “security hazards” and report them to police, it added.

The Chinese government often uses huge amounts of manpower to strengthen security during major events, such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the following year’s 60th anniversary of the founding of Communist China in 1949.

A series of other measures have also been taken for the parade on September 3, which will mark the 70th anniversary of China’s victory over Japanese forces as well as the broader defeat of the Axis powers in World War II. Communist China generally shies away from the vast annual demonstrations of military might that were a hallmark of the Soviet Union, normally holding such events once a decade to mark the foundation of the People’s Republic.

But Beijing is becoming increasingly assertive in the region and regularly accuses Tokyo of failing to show sufficient contrition for Japan’s 20th-century invasion of China.

Other than Russia’s Vladimir Putin few major foreign leaders have said they will attend, although South Korean officials said Thursday that President Park Geun-Hye would attend the commemorations—but no final decision has been made on whether she will attend the showpiece parade on September 3.

The centerpiece of the parade route is through Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of the Chinese state, and the Tiananmen rostrum on the north side of the plaza has been shut to tourists since the start of this month.

Curfews will be imposed in Tiananmen Square and the nearby Wangfujing shopping centre during rehearsals this weekend and for the actual parade, state media reported previously. AFP

world Thais downplay global terror links to bombing BANGKOK—Thailand said Thursday international terror groups were likely not behind a deadly Bangkok shrine bombing, but appealed for Interpol help in hunting a foreign man accused of being the prime suspect.

Arrival. Actress G. Hannelius arrives at the Premiere Of Lionsgate Premiere’s “She’s Funny That Way” at Harmony Gold on August 19 in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Monday’s attack on the Erawan shrine in a popular tourist hub of Bangkok killed 20 people, mostly Asian visitors, leaving residents and even the military junta leader fearful of further bombings.

The apparent deliberate targeting of tourists and the scale of the explosion had never been seen in the Thai capital and, with no-one claiming responsibility, experts were perplexed over who to blame.

Thai police conceded Thursday they still did not know if a foreign man suspected of planting the bomb at the shrine was in the country or not, nor who he was affiliated with, as they called in help.

“We will seek help from Interpol today (Thursday),” Major General Apichart Suriboonya, the head of Thailand’s Interpol unit, told AFP. Thailand’s national police chief, Somyot Poompanmoung, then gave the most detailed profile of the mysterious group behind the attack, saying more than 10 people were involved and they planned it for at least a month.

But after days of confusing and sometimes contradictory information from Thai authorities over their investigation, they also said they did not believe global terrorist organizations were involved.

“It’s unlikely that it’s the work of an international terrorist group,” Colonel Winthai Suvaree, a junta spokesman, said in a televised update.

He also said: “Chinese people were not the direct target”.

This appeared to be aimed at countering accusations run by some sections of the Thai media that militants representing the ethnic Chinese Uighur minority had carried out the attack.

Adding to the confusion and fears, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said he would not attend a memorial service for the victims at the shrine on Friday because of growing fears for his life.

“I will not go there on the advice of my security.

I am not afraid of dying but I am afraid others may die with me as my risk is increasing day by day,” he said at an official function in Bangkok.

Prayut is a former army chief who has ruled the country as a head of a military junta since overthrowing the democratically elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra in May last year. AFP

‘Longer work hours increase stroke risk by up to 33%’ PARIS—Working 55 hours or more per week is linked to a one third greater risk of stroke compared to a 35-40 hour work week, according to research published Thursday.

Based on a review of 17 studies covering 528,908 men and women followed for an average of 7.2 years, the increased stroke risk remained once smoking, alcohol consumption and level of physical activity

were taken into account.

The study, published in The Lancet, found that compared with people who logged a standard week, those working between 41 and 48 hours had a 10 percent higher risk, while for those working 49 to 54 hours, the risk jumped by 27 percent.

Working 55 hours or more a week increased the risk of having a stroke by 33 percent, the study showed.

The long work week also increased the risk of developing coronary heart disease by 13 percent, even after taking into account risk factors including age, sex, and socioeconomic status, the study showed.

In looking at the link between long hours in the work place and heart disease, Mika Kivimaki, a professor of epidemiology at University College London, and colleagues analyzed data from 25

studies involving 603,838 men and women from Europe, the United States, and Australia who were followed for an average of 8.5 years.

The underlying causes of stroke and heart disease are complex, involving a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

But the researchers suggest that physical inactivity, high alcohol consumption, and repetitive stress all enhance risk.

“The pooling of all available studies on this topic allowed us to investigate the association between working hours and cardiovascular disease risk with greater precision than has previously been possible,” Kivimaki said in a statement.

“Health professionals should be aware that working long hours is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke, and perhaps also coronary heart disease.” AFP

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WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Refugee crisis break cafe owners KOS, Greece—The cafes lining the beach front on Greece’s Kos that would usually be packed with holidaymakers have become the unlikely first port of call for thousands of refugees landing in the resort island.

Struggling to provide basic hospitality and services like toilets, running water, electricity and food, these cafes have tried to adapt and fill in for the remarkable dearth of government assistance to the refugees.

But with many tourists now avoiding the beach front—one of the front lines of Europe’s biggest migrant crisis since World War II—as they choose to dine and party in downtown Kos instead, well-meaning cafe owners have started to turn the refugees away.

Eva Kitrina, who wears her plati-

num blond hair short and owns the Olympia Greek restaurant, says she has tried as much as possible to adapt to the chaos.

“The only way we could find to make this work was to put up a board (advertising) sandwiches we could sell to them (the migrants), because all the tourists were gone from the area,” said Kitrina, who added the Olympia became a “migrant restaurant” last week.

“They came and had some cheap sandwiches, they came and had cheap tea and coffee,” said Kitrina, who holds dual Danish-Greek nationality.

The Olympia is located next to a stadium that Greek authorities used last week to register thousands of refugees and migrants, most of them fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last Tuesday, police used batons and fire extinguishers to beat and spray 2,000 migrants waiting for hours on end in and around the stadi-

um as a stampede threatened to break out, amid a shortage of basic services like food, water and latrines.

“It got out of hand because we only have one toilet, and they are thousands. It’s not enough, we are only three people here: the cook, the lady who cleans and me. So how can we possibly be enough to help all these people?” Kitrina told AFP. Now that Kitrina and her father have stopped selling sandwiches to revert to serving tourists Greek appetizers, pasta and pizza, a young Iraqi refugee asks whether he could use the toilet.

She shows him in.

“It’s not their fault there’s a war, and it’s not our fault we have such a small island,” she said.

A block away, business at the Yacht Cafe is also slow, except for a few journalists, regulars and the occasional migrant family.

Owner Theodore Tzagas, 35, says his profits so far this August―the peak

Republic of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Republic of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources

North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Mines and Geosciences Bureau

Mines and Geosciences Bureau

Tel. No. (+63 2) 920-9120/ 920-9130 / 928-8937 Fax No. (+63 2) 920-1635 E-mail: central @ mgb.gov.ph

Tel. No. (+63 2) 920-9120/ 920-9130 / 928-8937 Fax No. (+63 2) 920-1635 E-mail: central @ mgb.gov.ph

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID Three (3) Units Motor Vehicle (Pick-up) 4x4 M/T Diesel P.R. No. 2015-08-613 1. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2015 intends to apply the sum of Four Million Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP4,200,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Three (3) Units Motor Vehicle (Pick-up) 4x4 M/T Diesel. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected during opening of bids.

2. The MGB now invites bids for the Procurement of Three (3) Units Motor Vehicle (Pick-up) 4x4 M/T Diesel.

Delivery of Goods is required within forty five (45) calendar days upon receipt of Purchase Order (PO). Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II (Instructions to Bidders).

3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST AND TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID PROJECT TITLE: CONSULTANCY SERVICE - SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING FOR THE ONLINE MINERAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ONLINE MRMS) PROJECT 1.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2015 intends to apply the sum of Six Million One Hundred Eighty Thousand Pesos (PhP6,180,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for One (1) Lot Consultancy Service - Software Programming for the Online Mineral Rights Management System (Online MRMS) Project under Purchase Request (PR) No. 2015-08-614. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected during opening of the Financial Proposal.

2.

The scope of this project is to develop a web-based application that will allow the processing of applications, administration of approved mining tenements by MGB, and access for mining tenement information by the mining public.

Implementing Online MRMS requires partitioning the system into modules to achieve specific functionalities to apply the overall function of processing of applications and administration of approved mining tenements.

Please refer to the attached Terms of Reference for the detailed requirements of this project.

3.

Legal Documents Registration certificate from Security Exchange Commission, Department of Trade and Industry for sole proprietorship, or any proof of such registration as stated in the Bidding Documents;

ii.

Mayor’s permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the prospective bidder is located;

iii. Statement of the prospective bidder of all its ongoing and completed government and private contracts, including contracts awarded but not yet started, if any, whether similar or not similar in nature and complexity to the contract to be bid, within the relevant period as provided in the Bidding Documents. The statement shall include all information required in the PBDs prescribed by the GPPB.

Preview of specifications can be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (Phil-GEPS).

5. Bids must be delivered to the address below on September 7, 2015, Monday on or before 1:30P.M. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Securing Declaration or any other bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

i.

Technical Documents

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from August 20 to September 4, 2015 at the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Three Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (PhP3,500.00).

The MGB will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 24, 2015, Monday at 2:00P.M., at the Office of the Bids and Awards Committee, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

The MGB now calls for the submission of eligibility documents for the Conduct of Consultancy Service - Software Programming for the Online Mineral Rights Management System (Online MRMS) Project. Interested contractors with a minimum of at least three (3) years’ experience in the above-mentioned service must submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) and Eligibility Documents on or before August 24, 2015, Monday, 1:30PM. Opening of Eligibility Documents will be on the same day, August 24, 2015 at 2:00PM at the Office of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), MGB Compound, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion. Late submission shall not be accepted. Eligibility documents/forms are available at the MGB-BAC Office.

4. Eligibility Documents shall consist of:

4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from MGB and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours, from 9:00am to 4:00PM.

of the tourist season―are 70 to 75 percent lower than last year.

“It’s really sad and I feel really sorry for them (migrants). I feel sorry, I wish I could help more, and I help as much as I can, but I’ve got wages (to pay), I’ve got taxes,” said Tzagas, who zips around Kos on a scooter.

Asked whether local authorities have offered to help his business recover, he points to the tents lining the beach just across the road and says: “If anybody needs help it’s those people who are waiting over there.”

Echoing calls by the UN refugee agency and aid groups, Tzagas says the Greek government should provide a reception facility for the migrants.

“If those people now had a better place to stay, we would also be okay,” he said. “Tourists would be able to enjoy the beach again. As you can see, the view is amazing.”

Nervously puffing a cigarette, Tzagas also blamed the European Union for the shortfall. AFP

iv. Statement of the consultant specifying its nationality and confirming that those who will actually perform the service are registered professionals authorized by the appropriate regulatory body to practice those professions and allied professions, including their respective Curriculum Vitae (CV).

5.

The MGB-BAC and its Technical Working Group (TWG) shall draw up the short list of consultants from those who have submitted EOI and eligibility documents, determined as short-listed in accordance with the criterion and rating system as follows: • Firm Experience – 50% • Job Capacity – 25% • Qualification of Personnel - 25% Only contractors with a minimum score of 60% shall be part of the shortlist.

6.

Bid opening shall be on September 7, 2015, Monday at 2:00P.M., at the Office of the MGB-Bids and Awards Committee. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Short listed contractors shall be notified in writing and issued bidding documents upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Four Thousand Pesos (PhP4,000.00). Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the IRR of RA 9184.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

6. The MGB 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.

7.

The MGB shall evaluate bids using Quality-Cost Based Evaluation/Selection (QCBE/QCBS) procedure. The MGB shall indicate the weights to be allocated for the Technical and Financial Proposals. The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of bids shall be provided in the Instruction to Bidders.

7. For further information, please refer to:

8.

The contract/s shall be completed within twelve (12) months, upon receipt of the Notice to Proceed.

9.

The MGB reserves the right to accept or reject and 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.

ENGR. ROBERTO D. CASEROS Head, Secretariat Bids and Awards Committee North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Telephone No. 6676700 loc. 153 E-mail: bacems_minesbureauco@yahoo.com Website: www.mgb.gov.ph (SGD) ENGR. JUANCHO PABLO S. CALVEZ Chairman, BAC (TS-AUG. 21, 2015)

10. For further information, please refer to: Engr. ROBERTO D. CASEROS Head, BAC Secretariat Bids and Awards Committee North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Telephone No. 6676700 loc. 153 or 156 E-mail: bacems_minesbureauco@yahoo.com Website: www.mgb.gov.ph (TS-AUG. 21, 2015)

(SGD.) Engr. JUANCHO PABLO S. CALVEZ Chairman, BAC

Control center to tackle gangs CALAIS, France— Britain and France were to announce a new “command and control center” Thursday for tackling smuggling gangs in Calais, where thousands of migrants desperate to cross the Channel are living in slum-like conditions.

The northern French port has dominated the British media this summer as refugees make endless attempts to enter the Channel Tunnel and reach Britain, some paying for it with their lives.

Making her first trip to Calais since the crisis, which first made headlines in 1999, British interior minister Theresa May was due to sign a new accord with her French counterpart Bernard Cazeneuve.

As part of the deal— due to be signed around midday—the Home Office said Thursday that British police officers will be deployed to Calais to combat gangs smuggling migrants and refugees across the Channel.

Led by one British and one French senior commander, the officers will work in a “command and control center” to be built near the Eurotunnel entrance, the Home Office said ahead of May’s visit.

The deal includes extra French policing units, additional freight searches, and making the railhead in Calais more secure through fencing, security cameras, flood lighting and infrared detection technology.

It will also boost humanitarian assistance for the migrants in a bid to ease the desperate conditions in Calais.

Some 3,000 people from Africa, the Middle East and Asia are camped in Calais attempting to get to Britain, where many already have family and work is perceived as easier to find.

At least 10 people have been killed since June trying to make the crossing.

France and Britain have tried to present a united front, but the issue has strained ties with politicians in London criticizing security failings, Paris complaining it is too easy for migrants to work illegally in the UK, thus luring them to its shores. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELL

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MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

B7

Isuzu

branches out into Cebu

Ce-broom: Isuzu lineup of heavy-duty trucks at the showroom.

Text and photo by Olson Camacho

IN AN effort to expand its reach across the archipelago, Isuzu Philippines Corporation recently inaugurated a dealership in the business hub of Cebu City.

In attendance during the ribbon cutting ceremony of Isuzu Cebu Inc held last August 7 were IPC president Hajime Koso, ICI Chairman Emmanuel Aligada and Ayala Automotive Holdings Corp. chairman John Philip Orbeta.

Positioned alongside other Ayala-owned car dealerships, the new Isuzu Cebu branch office is strategically located at A. Soriano

FAST FASTLANE Motul 300V evolution MOTUL, manufacturer of world class lubricants and pioneer of Ester technology, announced the latest evolution of their 300V line of automotive racing oils. Using Esters at the heart of its technology, 300V is recognized worldwide as a leading racing oil product. This new reformulation further improves engine lubrication with its advanced blend of Esters, 100% synthetic base oils and a package of innovative additives.

Today’s highly developed engines make far greater power for their displacement and this places greater demands on the engine’s oil. Knowing these demands, Motul’s R&D department developed the reformulated 300V with two important targets in mind: an increase in engine power – the main focus in competition; and increased engine reliability. The result of comprehensive development is Motul’s newest technology, Ester Core®.

Used exclusively in the reformulated 300V, Ester Core provides an increase of up to seven-

Avenue, North Reclamation Area, City.

According to IPC President, Hajime Koso, the new Cebu City horsepower in comparison with that attained by rival products. Add in extremely low oil consumption and perfect engine protection even in extreme conditions, the 300V range remains the benchmark in motorsports lubricants.

The reformulated 300V line now has eight different product options.

Six viscosities found previously in the line include: 0W20, 5W30, 5W40, 10W40, 15W50 and 20W60.

Two new additional viscosities include: 0W15 for pure performance and 0W40 for power and optimized reliability.

Updated packaging features a redesigned 300V logo and eyecatching, easy-to-read labels. In order to guarantee product integrity, a unique three-dimensional code called Bubble Tag™ is a part of a protective foil tape placed across the cap of every 2-liter container. Bubble Tag™ provides a digital imprint to accurately trace each product from initial production to its final sale and helps to guarantee only authentic 300V racing oil is inside each 2-liter metal can.

For details on how to improve your car’s performance, call Autoplus Sportzentrium at 726-0399 log on to www.motul.com.ph.

Motul oil and lubricants are also available in select dealers nationwide.

branch will be Isuzu’s biggest showroom in the Queen City of the South. Hajime added that IPC will still be maintaining the main dealership in Mandaue, Cebu and its satellite office in Talisay, Cebu despite the new branch inauguration. The IPC president also mentioned that the new facility will give the Isuzus well-loved Cebuanos a bigger and better view of Isuzu vehicles that Cebuanos have trusted over the years.

“We have been planning this relocation a few years back to gain a wider audience, by increasing our visibility in Cebu City, which could yield into better sales out-

put,” said ICI chairman, Emmanuel Aligada. The ICI chairman furthered that with this new facility and the incorporation of ICI’s new marketing strategy, better sales output is being projected.

Both Isuzu executives have expressed confidence that the new facility will generate more sales from walk-in customers as well as from vehicle servicing.

ISUZU TRUCK FEST With the opening of the new Isuzu Cebu branch, the companystaged the 2015 Isuzu Truck Fest hosted by the Isuzu Cebu branch. The truck fest allowed IPC to showcase its line of trucks.

The Isuzu Truck Fest was held from August 8 to 14 showcasing 7 mighty Isuzu trucks varying from light, medium and heavy duty trucks.

The IPC president explaining the company strategy said that, “We know for a fact that Cebuanos love big festivities and that they are hardworking, so we are opening this dealership with our own brand of heavyweights.

Showcasing our options on the trucks section would be one of the countless ways we can show them that Isuzu can be their reliable partner—may it be for business or leisure.”

Johnnies-come-lately spur Honda sales

New kids on the Honda block: HR-V and Mobilio flank the City, HCPI’s bestseller.

WHO would have imagined that the Johnnies-come-lately in Honda’s lineup could become the star performers of the highly competitive auto market? Perhaps not even the executives of Honda Cars Philippines expected this surprise development obscured only by the robust sales growth of the other Japanese carmakers.

Thus, HCPI has all the reasons to be bullish with the second half of 2015 starting strong, founded on its product line attaining exceptional sales and outstanding after-sales service performance.

HCPI records a total of 10,467 vehicle sales from January 2015, 48% more than its retail sales for the same period in 2014. During the month of July, Honda record-

ed 1,732 vehicle sales, a 28% increase as against the same month last year.

Among the Honda vehicles in HCPI’s lineup, the New City remains to be the company’s best seller, contributing half of Honda’s average monthly sales. The 4th Generation City which debuted last year has been updated with a built-in navigation system that addresses customers’ need for a more convenient drive.

Also contributing to the significant increase in vehicle sales are Honda’s recently launched models, the new Mobilio, and the All-New HR-V. The Mobilio is Honda’s first seven-seater Multi-purpose Utility Vehicle (MUV) offering that caters to the needs and expecta-

tions of Filipinos in an affordable family vehicle. Since its launch in April, the All-New Mobilio has been well-received by Filipinos with more than 3,000 reservations in just three months.

The new HR-V on the other hand was launched together with the New City last June. The letters HR-V stands for Hip and Smart Runabout Vehicle that was designed to match the needs of customers who blend and balance career with an active lifestyle. To date, over 700 reservations were already gathered.

HCPI’s aggressive line-up expansion has enabled the company to cater to the needs and desires of the Filipino customers apart from increasing its market presence.

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RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING PEUGEOT’S SOUTHERN SOJOURN

The scenic hills of Pico de Loro provides the perfect backdrop for Peugeot’s latest people mover, the 2008

Text and photos

by Dino Ray V. Directo III

FRENCH car giant Peugeot flexed its muscles and in a dazzling display of force, assembled its full line-up and staged a ride and drive event South of Metro Manila. Dubbed as the “Southern Sojourn”, the event was organized in partnership with CAVITEX, Total Philippines and Pico de Loro leisure resorts. With select members of the motoring media, the participants were able to test the Peugeot variants, with the recently launched 2008 as the star of the French road show.

After a breakfast briefing at the Total Station Newport, the Peugeot convoy commenced the Southern Sojourn experience which also allowed us to enjoy the convenience of driving through CAVITEX and getting to our destination an hour earlier than the usual. Metro Pacific Tollways

The dashboard layout is visually appealing and driver friendly

Corporation took over CAVITEX in January 2013. In the last two years, the CAVITEX concessionaire Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC) has implemented a number of improvements to serve their customers better.

The drive to Pico de Loro was a breeze thanks in part to the driving dynamics of the

2008. At just 4.16m long, the 2008 innovates by uniquely combining the driving characteristics of a hatchback and the strength of a mini SUV with an on-board area, which invites you to enjoy and relish each and every moment inside the vehicle. Equally at ease in town as it is on the open road, the Peugeot 2008 can let you

either enjoy the city or escape from it with confidence due to its extended mobility features.

The new Peugeot 2008 urban mini-crossover rounds out the package with a 1.6-liter petrol engine that delivers 120 hp while providing the best emissions in its class. This latest generation petrol powerplant draws from the very essence of the lightness and proficiency to offer an exceptional driving experience that is both Earth friendly and fuel-efficient.

The highlight of the ride and drive event was the Southern Cook-off Challenge, which saw media participants being “challenged” to come up with their own versions of the Filipino favorite comfort food – adobo. “We wanted the participants of Southern Sojourn to remember this event as one in which more than just driving activities were done.

We wanted them to get to participate in a memorable event that would make the key massage of the entire program – which is ‘comfort’ stick,” explains Manila Times motoring section editor and culinary enthusiast Anjo Perez, who surprised everyone as the night’s celebrity chef.

“This event reflects the heritage of the brand, which provides comfort, convenience, ease of use and quality. These are values shared by Peugeot to its partner brands such as Total and CAVITEX,” says Glen Dasig, President of Peugeot Ph. The new Peugeot 2008 urban mini-crossover is available in Peugeot dealerships nationwide at an introductory price of P1,390,000.

Improved Lexus ES redefines luxury Text and photos

by Dino Ray V. Directo III

Game changer. Lexus ES and Danny Isla

LEXUS Manila recently unveiled another game changer in the form of the improved Lexus ES. With select members of the motoring media, society’s upper crust, high profile businessmen, and Lexus Manila top executives led by its chairman Alfred Ty and Lexus Manila President Danny Isla; Lexus undraped the wraps of the 2016 ES which is packaged in a more daring form, with features that aim to excite by way of progressive styling while managing to maintain the car’s elegant styling cues. “Our development concept was ‘Take the ES to the next level of elegance and progressive luxury.’ We wanted to build on that and make it more elegant, and tailor the car with the latest technology Lexus has to offer. We’re confident that the new Lexus ES will be a leader in its class and attract a lot of attention,” said Toshio Asahi, the Chief Engineer of the new ES. Visible changes can be seen at the re-sculpted front fascia that features Lexus’s trademark

spindle grille, framed in a combination of accentuated brilliant satin chrome, which reflects a sense of luxury and instantly distinguishes it from the crowd. Complimenting the spindle grille is a pair of newly designed headlights, now equipped with LED projector technology, while iconic “L”-shaped arrowhead Daytime Running Lights (DRL) extend outside the headlight element for a distinctive look that links it with other Lexus models. Also, redesigned fog lamps areas have been relocated to the outer lower corners of the front fascia and amplify the wide stance of the vehicle.

The 2016 version of the ES takes luxury to the extreme with a collection of new interior color combinations, with exquisite multi-color themes that exemplify elegance.

The seats are now offered in four different colors: Topaz Brown, Ivory, Moonstone and Black in genuine (embossed) leather.

In addition, four styles of interior trim have been carefully selected to harmonize with the color choice: Bird’s Eye Maple, and new for 2016, Bamboo now has matt finish, and

Shimamoku ornamentation. First appearing in the GS and LS sedans, Shimamoku is a high-end finish of luxurious wood created through a multi-step manufacturing process by highly skilled craftsmen.

For added safety, structural reinforcements were incorporated into the design of the new ES to increase stiffness in the vehicle’s unibody construction. Adapted from the Lexus IS sports sedan, this form of chassis tuning arms the ES with a significantly enhanced ride quality and improved handling. Moreover, the 2016 ES adds a sound-reducing layer behind the dashboard to better isolate engine noise from the cabin.

“With safety technologies, as well as improved performance, and a quieter and thoroughly luxurious interior wrapped in a freshened chiselled body, the new ES builds efficiently on what has made it one of the most popular luxury sedans in the world, and we are confident that this latest version of the ES will build upon its past successes,” said Asahi.

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

ST Y L E & BE AU T Y

LIFE MEN AT WORK

“It is both delusional and stupid to think that clothes don’t really matter and we should all wear whatever we want.

Most people don’t take clothing seriously enough, but whether we should or not, clothes do talk to us and we make decisions based on people’s appearances.”

– G. Bruce Boyer, fashion editor

F

rame that quote and put it up your office lobby. It’s one of the best advice you can give to every man in the office. Whatever industry you are in, it is always good for the company and, well, good to anyone’s eyes when you see a well dressed man. Aside from wit, talent, and reliability, being well dressed earns man respect and confidence from the people around him. He may not be the most punctual or the best employee, but he’s most likely the person you would want to bring to client meetings or to events that require your company’s presence. Most often, these well dressed men are also the ones raking in new clients and getting the interest of women at the workplace.

For most men, dressing well for work is a difficult and challenging task. It is often easier to just throw on the first thing they see when they open their closet. But it shouldn’t be too difficult to dress nicely, as long as you know the basics.

Save up for a decent pair of tailored suit, belts, bags, and shoes – they need not be expensive, they just need to be decent.

This season, we’ve gathered a few of our runway favorites to give men some inspiration on how to dress up for the workplace.

The autumn-winter season may not apply in our country, but these choices are just enough for the aircon in the office or while storming sporadic rain outdoors during rush hour.

With so many looks to choose from this season, you have no excuse not to play up and upgrade your daily corporate ensemble. Don’t be ostentatious though, the key to dressing well is choosing classic versatile pieces. A well dressed man stands out but never sticks out like a sore thumb.

THE CREATIVE EXECUTIVE

Inspired by creative Londoners and the vibrant spirit of Soho in the late ’50s and early ’60s, Dunhill’s A/W 2015 collection is perfect for an office suited-up look. Sure, the coat may be too much for Philippine weather but it wouldn’t hurt to own a trenchie when the rain pours outdoors. And since the scruffy beard has been a hot trend lately, it would be a cool contrast to the tailored suit.

SPORTS AND STYLE MEET THE MODERN GENTLEMAN

For those who can wear casual attire at work, here’s a sporty look to soften the corporate mood. The look is from Salvatore Ferragamo’s A/W 2015, sporty yet CITY SLICKER sophisticated – sportswear fashioned to meet the needs of the modern gentleman. This season, layering seems to dominate For those who have not graduated from a backpack, a leather version is sure the menswear category, so play up with notches above your old college bag. your polo top and layer it with knits.

Plucked from Kenneth Cole’s Fall 2015 collection, their current season’s line is inspired by the New York metropolis creating a sort of urban uniform for the corporate junkie. Jackets and dress pants get a relaxed and fashionable feel in jogger bodies paired with black Oxford shoes.

THE CORPORATE DANDY

We’re sure by now you’ve seen the movie Kingsman. In the movie, Colin Firth battles the bad guys in style. Skills and training make for a great spy but the clothes make the man. In this look from Hackett Menswear, their season’s collection is inspired by the man in the “Boardroom” – an international executive who wants to look and feel good. Checks and colored patterns for ties and hankies add more character to slim fitting style suits made from English wool. Take note: do not shy away from layering, just make sure your office AC can take all that extra coat.

MONSOON AT WORK

The rainy season can be such a drag for the daily commute from house to the office but that doesn’t mean you can just wear the rattiest sweatshirt you rummaged from your trunk.

Here’s a look from Hermès RTW A/W that can be worn for the monsoon season, casual yet still sophisticated.

The sweatshirt in plaid wool makes for an urban sartorial look paired with a turtleneck pullover, narrow trousers for the bottom and sleek Oxford shoes to finish the look.

UTILITARIAN

Dark hues of green is dominant on the runway for this season, making for a utilitarian look. Perfect for employees who go out on the field where engineering or architecture is involved. Tod’s menswear line for fall is very utilitarian yet still exudes a corporate, almost formal appeal.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

THE MAN BAGS YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE

FOLIO

Zara folio

T THE GIST

BY ED BIADO

ricks are for kids, and so are backpacks. If you want people to take you seriously, whether you’re in the office, out on a client meeting, or basically anywhere you are in the city, the bag you’re carrying should never be an afterthought. This is especially true for young professionals – those fresh out of college – who want to ditch the coed look for a more refined and adult image.

That means leaving your school backpack at home and facing the world with any of the better options below.

CROSS-BODY

Also known as an envelope, the folio is the new briefcase. This is as stylish as man bags can get because it’s polished, has clean lines and simply exudes class. The downside is that most variations are thin and can literally only hold documents. But if you look hard enough, you will find boxier options that allow you to stash some bare necessities, like cologne and a power bank.

TOTE

Instead of the more common toiletries pouch, which a lot of people (including myself) use as oversize clutches, why not opt for the more fashionable cross-body bag? It’s available in many versions, such as sporty ones from Adidas, luxurious ones from Louis Vuitton and everything in between. The cross-body is indeed versatile and is the best fanny-pack-alternative.

Original Penguin cross-body

The tote does look a little feminine and it takes a lot to pull it off. It’s a fashion statement but is also a utilitarian choice, given its size. You can throw your laptop in there and fill it up with all sorts of knickknacks you’ll need or won’t need throughout the day. It can even be a weekender. Pro tip: While leather totes are great and have that man-of-theworld quality to them, the ones made of more rugged materials are more masculine and outdoorsy-looking.

Fred Perry tote

LEATHER BACKPACK

Finally, if you simply cannot live without a backpack, make sure it’s the adult kind. The only kind that I can think of is one made of leather. The canvas versions, which are so popular right now, still look pretty juvenile, even with their leather straps. On the other hand, leather backpacks are a fantastic combination of youthful charm and evolved level of taste. And that’s what you should go for.

H&M duffel

DUFFEL

The first kind of man bag you should have is also the safest and most versatile one: the duffel. It’s not as fashion-forward as other trendy bags for men. It’s actually a classic that you can use to the gym as well as to work. Since you can fit a whole lot of things in it (it’s also called a carryall or holdall), it’s a convenient option for the active guy who may or may not have plans of going on a road trip straight from the office.

Shop and win at Shangri-La Plaza’s Fantasy Raffle Promo

S

hopping has never been more enjoyable with worldclass finds at Shangri-La Plaza – one of the top lifestyle destinations in the metro – that offers the treat of a lifetime with its 5x As Fancy Shang Shopping.

Mall visitors get a chance to win a P500,000 shopping spree until October 15. It’s all so simple: every P1,500 cash or charge single official receipt from any shop in ShangriLa Plaza earns the customer one raffle coupon. All you have to do is present the official receipt at the Concierge Counters (located at Level 1 of the Main Wing or Level 1 of the East Wing) to redeem the raffle coupon/s, fill out the entry and

drop at designated drop boxes at the Concierge Counters.

A total of five winners will have the opportunity to indulge in their shopping fantasy of a lifetime in separate raffle dates with the last draw to be held on October 16.

Enjoy great shopping pleasures at the Shang and get a chance to win the retail reward of a lifetime with the 5x As Fancy Shang Shopping Fantasy Raffle Promo.

See flyers for complete promo mechanics. For inquiries, call 3702500 loc. 593 or visit www.facebook. com/shangrilaplazaofficialfanpage.

Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial.

Louis Vuitton leather backpack

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @EdBiado

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

VANITY BOX DEEP HEALING

FREE FROM SENSITIVITY

THE QUEEN OF MOISTURE

Damaged hair abused by over-processing and over-styling needs more than the usual treatment to restore its healthy state. For brittle, dry and lifeless crowning glory that’s been through worse pains, there is Kérastase›s new Resistance Thérapiste range to the rescue.

Kérastase Resistance Thérapiste combines the healing and reviving powers of Kérastase Paris-designed Fibra-KAPS (keratin-associated proteins) and Seve de Résurrection (resurrection sap) from Myrothamnus Flabellifolia leaves into a potent solution for deeply damaged hair. Fibra-KAPS is made of gluco-peptides that supply the follicle with energy to activate KAPs reproduction (lost KAPs leads to further damaged hair), six amino acids that fill in the loss of mass, and a wheat protein derivative that restores uniformity and smoothness.

This new range is composed of four products: Soin Premier Thérapiste (pre-shampoo), Bain Thérapiste (solid gel-like treatment), Masque Thérapiste (hair mask), and Double Serum Thérapiste (hair serum).

It has been Physiogel’s mission to relieve people of the confidence-crushing dry and sensitive skin issues with its range of science-backed products and empowering advocacies to help them go through life without any inhibition.

Physiogel recently launched its Daily Moisture Therapy line, which features the brand’s unique BioMimic Technology that works to soothe and repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Coinciding with the launch of the label’s new look was the introduction of its new brand advocate, Patti Grandidge, a dry and sensitive skin sufferer herself and a devout Physiogel user.

And to free more women (and men, too) from self-doubt and to help them unleash their full potential, Physiogel also debuted its #FreeInMySkin Movement and Freedom List Challenge, the brand’s helpful guide in the form of an online quiz. Log on to www. freeinmyskin.com/ph to take the challenge.

To pay homage to its roots, The Body Shop launches a new limited edition look for its iconic Vitamin E skin care range. Packed with essential ingredients that nourish, protect and moisturize for healthy looking skin, the line now comes in a packaging that features the United Kingdom flag and a crown that represents The Body Shop, connoting true hydration royalty.

A true Queen of Moisture, the Vitamin E line that has stood the test of time for over three decades is composed of Moisture Cream, Aqua Boost Sorbet and Overnight Serum in Oil. Joining these moisturizing icons is Vitamin E Eyes Cube, an anti-fatigue stick that revives and refreshes the appearance of eye area.

With an easy-glide application, Eyes Cube helps diminish the signs of fatigue with one sweep. It is also light enough to use all day.

Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil

Soin Premier Thérapiste

Aqua Boost Sorbet

Body Lotion Bain Thérapiste

Serum Thérapiste

Dermo-Cleanser

Masque Thérapiste

Cream Vitamin E Eyes Cube

Vitamin E Moisture Cream

Smooth is the new sexy

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

B

ack in the early 2000s when rebonding and relaxing treatments were introduced and became popular in the Philippines, many Filipinas trooped to salons to get themselves sleek, straight hair. Straight hair was all the rage then. It still is today, but if truth be told, it’s quite an investment to have the locks straightened at least every six months for a result that looks good for a couple of months – but could leave hair permanently damaged.

This beauty dilemma prompted a group of industry innovators in the US to come up with a new kind of treatment that results in not only beautiful hair, but a healthy one, too. After years of working with leading chemists and industry experts, the brand Keratin Complex was born in 2006.

The treatment is genius considering how it utilizes the essential protein in our hair to produce gorgeous locks without harming them in the process.

“Ninety five percent of our hair is keratin.

As we shampoo, as we blow dry, we lose keratin,” says Mindy Dillan, vice president of international sales for Keratin Complex.

“With the hair, you cannot put something that the hair is used to [and expect it to be restored] but because the hair has keratin to begin with, it will accept the keratin (treatment) anytime.”

Keratin Complex has since changed the face of

the hair industry, thanks to their original smoothing technique that got them the Stylist Choice Award in the US for Best Smoothing Company for six straight years.

According to Dillan, what has really helped the brand get a significant market share is the fact that their product really makes the hair smoother, frizz-free and works to repair the damage.

However, like other treatments, one session is not enough. According to officials, if a person is born with frizzy hair, it will go back to being frizzy, though for a certain period of time it becomes smoother and more manageable because the treatment returns to the hair the keratin it has lost.

Keratin treatment, unlike rebonding and relaxing, does not change the structure of the hair. This means that if a person has wavy or curly crowning glory, it won’t be straightened, but instead tamed. “We’re repairing the damage and making hair look and feel healthier as well as maintaining or defining curl or reducing curl,” explains Dillan.

Brought to the Philippines

by Zulusibs Inc. in 2010, Keratin Complex is now being used by 70 percent of salons in the country.

To further increase awareness about the brand and the treatments it offers, they launched seven different services using Keratin Complex’s innovative products and processes.

Mindy Dillan, director of international sales for Keratin Complex

Leading the lineup is the original Signature Smoothing Solution that gives clients sexy, smooth hair for five months while reducing frizz by 95 percent. The treatment, according to Dillan, lasts for about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the length, texture and density of clients hair. The treatment requires client’s to avoid shampooing for three days.

For “those who have no time to sit for three hours in the salon,” there’s the Express Blowout that cuts the salon time in half from one to one-and-a-half hour. The service lasts up to six weeks and the no-shampoo period gets cut down to eight hours. If shampooing your hair is of utmost importance, there’s the Same Day Smother, whose results last up to three months. Plus, you can shampoo anytime.

Completing the lineup of new services are Smooth Meets Color (color your hair the same day), Curl Tamer (gives curls a boost and gets rid of frizz), Spot Smoother (treats specific areas), and Smooth for Men (sleek finish in less than an hour for men).

Email info@salonstore.ph for more information on Keratin Complex and its services.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

FRAGRANCES FOR ATHLETES My longtime friends and family know how much I enjoy working-out and the amount of effort I make to squeeze in some gym time even with busy schedule.

POP-UP BEAUTY aThrough the

BY JIGS MAYUGA years, working for the airline industry as a flight attendant, dabbling into TV hosting and being a makeup artist for over a decade, maintaining an aura that’s well groomed and presentable has always been a must. And scent always plays a big part in that total package. This

includes making sure you smell decent even during your workouts. I find that I perform better when all of my gear is freshly washed and I have a hint of fragrance before and after the workout. A hot body can be a total turn-on but if your odor is unpleasant, then that “appeal” factor goes down a couple of notches on the scoreboard.

My go-to fragrance for working-out since the early 2000s has been CLINIQUE Happy for Men, a classic fragrance that’s citrusy and fresh with notes of lime, mandarin and very Pinoy kalamansi. It’s a scent that never fails me. My boyfriend loves it,

too! Most recently I’ve also enjoyed spritzing BURBERRY Brit Splash after my workouts. It’s a light and refreshing everyday tonic of watermelon and rosemary with just a hint of musk to add a little spice if you’re headed to an evening affair.

All athletes have different needs in order for them to perform well in their chosen sport, and the right fragrance to suit that active lifestyle is key to always making sure they feel and look their best. I interviewed some of Manila’s most athletic men and women who have made their mark in the field of sports and fitness about their favorite fragrances that keep them smelling like the champs that they are. Here are their picks:

IÑIGO DULAY

CFMNL BGC, Head Coach and Team Captain 2013, 2014 CrossFit Games Asia Regionals Athlete 2015 Manila Throwdown East Sectionals, Third Place, Men’s RX Division 2015 Asia Championships Athlete His Fragrance: BVLGARI MAN EXTREME All Blacks Limited Edition, Rustan’s Makati Notes: Pink Grapefruit, Calabrian Bergamot, Balsa Wood, Haitian Vetiver

MARTHA KING

2006 Open Ladies Wakeboarding National Champion 2007 Top 10 CWC Open International Championships 2015 CFMNL Bootcamp Champion Her Fragrance: DIOR ADDICT Eau Fraîche, SM Makati Notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Orange, Freesia, Lily of the Valley, Lotus Flower, White Musk “Dior Addict Eau Fraîche is definitely addicting.

It’s an all-around fragrance and has a sweet, floral scent but isn’t ‘old fashioned’ smelling.

Feminine and suitable for both day and night.

I use it before, during and after training and I even spray it on my workout clothes and towel because I love the blossomy aroma as I wipe my sweat off.

The scent turns me into a fox instead of the usual beast that I am during competitions.

The scent lingers even after I shower and the hubby likes the flirty, young and sophisticated smell.”

“I love the scent of Bvlgari Man Extreme. It makes me feel and smell fresh during training and is even my go-to fragrance now when I’m headed for a night out.

I like the unique mix of notes that always makes me feel like I have just stepped out of the shower. My girlfriend loves it, too, and describes it as ‘guwapo’!

My friends like the scent, too, and now want a bottle for themselves as well.”

CHRISTOPHER ALLISON

Retired Pro European bike racer Ironman Triathlete Xterra Philippines Age Group Winner Performance Director and Head Coach, Philippine National Cycling Team Program Designer, Saddle Row His Fragrance: SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Acqua Essenziale Colonia, Rustan’s Makati Notes: Bergamot, Aquatic Accord, Lavender, Clary Sage, Orange Blossom “Very fresh and sporty fragrance. I like how the scent stays with me throughout the day and into my nightly 7 p.m. cycling or rowing workouts. It also keeps me fresh on those long haul flights to Europe for bike racing season with the Philippine National Team.”

KAT REAMBILLO

Nike NTC Trainer 2013, 2014 CrossFit Games Asia Regionals Team Competitor Her Fragrance: MICHAEL KORS Sporty Citrus, Rustan’s Shangri-La Notes: Mandarin, Orange Flower, Patchouli “Having worn a vanilla scent for more than 10 years and nothing else, I felt that the Sporty Citrus was a big jump from my usual ‘teenager’ body spray. After having two sprays before my workout, the scent eventually subdues into a nice fresh + musky + citrusy blend. Maybe I can even go so far in saying that it blends well with sweat, at least with mine. The scent is strong enough to last the whole workout but thankfully isn’t overpowering to the nose. It is a versatile scent that you can continue spraying all day from morning meetings to your workout to dinner and to a night out with friends.”

F RIDAY : AUGUST 2 1 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Kaya Scodelario, Dylan O'Brien, Director Wes Ball

Are you reADy to burn witH tHe glADers?

D

ownton Albuquerque, New Mexico has been turned into the scavenged den of a group of survivors throwing the last party on Earth, as part of the production of Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials based on the bestselling YA book series by James Dashner.

In the continuing and heart-stopping action adventure of the Gladers, the production design team have gone to great effort to make the set look like a reveler’s trash can. “This is where you get to see what society is like in a world ravaged by disease,” says producer Wyck Godfrey, who also produced the highly successful young adult film saga Twilight.

The first The Maze Runner movie opened in the US on Sept. 19, 2014 as part of a global rollout that would see it clock up box office receipts in excess of $340 million. With barely a chance to stop and take a breath, its cast, including Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Ki Hong Lee, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, and its tireless director Wes Ball, have gone from press tour to production, charging ahead with plans to adapt all of James Dashner’s bestselling series to the big screen.

“When I made Twilight we shot five movies in three and a half years,” notes Godfrey.

“If we learned anything it’s that a young adult audience, once they’ve hooked their teeth into something, they want it every year. When we started to see the early cut footage of The Maze Runner, I went to the studio and said, ‘Let me start on the second one. Let’s bet on success.’”

Indeed, anyone who has seen the first movie will know that the Gladers are no longer in the maze. Now they’re out in The Scorch, the ruined Earth from which they were being hidden in The Maze Runner. But while the Maze Runners no longer have their maze, there’s still plenty to run from.

“This movie is much more of a physical journey,” notes Godfrey. “You come to understand The Flare; what’s happened to the Earth and why it’s like this. What is the dis-

ease that has ravaged it? You also come face to face with the results of that disease – infected people, who are known as Cranks.”

In Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, Thomas and his friends, life in The Scorch means a whole new set of challenges to face. For Dylan O’Brien, who returns to the role of Thomas, the biggest question for his character is whether he did the right thing by challenging the status quo and leading the Gladers out of the maze. Is freedom in The Scorch worth it? Were the Grievers that terrorized the Glade in the first film the least of their troubles?

“Thomas thought it was over,” notes O’Brien, during a rare moment of pause. “Actually he’s finding out it could be worse. He led them out of the maze – and they’re out, having lost some of their own – but the fact is it’s not what they thought at all, and it’s weighing heavily on him. That does something to a person’s mind, I think.” He continues: “The challenge is, it’s not just the maze and the Grievers, and just solving one thing anymore. They’re kind of lost, and it’s interesting because while they don’t have to stick together anymore – they’re not confined to the same space – they do stick together.”

With more information about The Scorch - and WCKD, the mysterious organization that wiped their memories and put them in the maze to begin with - the Gladers will each start wondering about their place in the world. Out in the real world, the Gladers also meet a plethora of new characters – some friendly and some not so friendly – whose experience with The Scorch means they often have the upper hand.

Returning key cast Thomas Brodie-Sangster sums up the pitch for Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, “We’re a travelling movie now,” he explains. “The first one, they were trapped and confined. Here, there’s a feeling of vastness and space, but they’re very lost. It’s a whole different world.”

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials opens nationwide on Sept. 9 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

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Director Wes Ball and Dylna O'Brien

A scene from Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Chris Evans in romantiC datE moviE

H Chris Evans directs and stars in Before We Go

is directorial debut in the romantic movie Before We Go, Chris Evans also stars opposite Alice Eve opens at Ayala Malls Cinemas on Sept. 2.

Set in Manhattan, the story follows two strangers after their serendipitous meeting in Grand Central. Over the course of one night, they form an unlikely bond and the conflicts in their own lives become the basis for exploration into each other and themselves. Evans stars as Nick Vaughan, a trumpet playing street performer who serendipi-

tously met Brooke Dalton, played

by Alice Eve, in Grand Central Station who got stranded in New York after she has been robbed.

Volunteering to make it through the night, the two spend the wee hours wandering around the city embarking on a night of destiny.

“As a first time director, luckily, I had a great crew that made it a lot easier. I just like movies that have a lot of dialogue and it kinda fits that bill,” Evans shared on his first directorial work in the movie.

Check out the movie’s trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=EL2VhJq0NXc .

F RIDAY : AUGUST 2 1 : 2015

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

PEOPLE

...aRE taLKing aBOUt

Eat BULaga

The long-running noontime show has become a relevant show, thanks to the phenomenal AlDub sensation that has captivated the hearts of many Filipinos (including the people from the other station).

The variety show registered a record-breaking TV ratings based on the data gathered

by AGB Nielsen. At 40.8 percent audience share versus It’s Showtime’s 5.3 percent, the show has just reclaimed its position as the no.1 noontime program. And what’s this we heard that the other network is going mad as hell trying to think of something they can put up against AlDub?

Maria Ozawa

GQ India named the Kapamilya star as one of “The Hottest Actresses in the World” and was described as a “Filipino pop royalty.” KC was featured alongside top celebrities from other countries including Miss World 2001 Agbani Darego and latest Bond girl Stephanie Sigman. Now that she’s enchanted an international audience, it’s about time for her to convince her kababayan that she really deserves such recognition.

Tito, Vic and Joey KC Concepcion

My Faithful Husband's Dennis and Jennylyn

ZEDD PaintS ManiLa With tRUE COLORS tOUR

The Mall of Asia Arena was once again graced by the presence of the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) superstar, Zedd, as he returns for his second tour promoting his most recent album, True Colors.

Filipino fans of rave music have always dreamt of watching Russian - German music producer and DJ Anton Zaslavski’s, more popular-

From left, Chesca Tan (Digital Marketing Manager, UM Philippines),Zedd , MJ Juco (Strategic Marketing Manager, UM Philippines), and Mark Bonifacio (Domestic Marketing Manager, UM Philippines)

ly known by his DJ name “Zedd”, shows. Two Saturdays ago, 12,000 Filipino ravers flocked to the Mall of Asia Arena to finally see and dance along the beats of the much-awaited and sought-after EDM icon.

Neverland Manila, the event producer, gave a night that did not just

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 38 39

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Little kid California fort Wild shrubs Kid in “Aliens” Piece of sugar Emerson’s home Gets with the program (2 wds.)

Stockpile Minor setback Prefix for half Give it the gas

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— turn is it?

Old — (London theater) They often clash Corn Belt state Lose it Short-term (hyph.)

Metallic sounds Colonial dance You, to Yves Nautical direction Wrestling victory Adidas rival Pirate’s plunder Edit, as text Persia, today Sir — Guinness Big Dipper neighbor No longer in disarray Grab a snack Bearded flower Sock hop locales

DOWN 1 Food regimen 2 Dust devil 3 Ooze out 4 Bewails 5 Detroit nickname 6 By itself 7 Watch the flock 8 Indiana Jones quest 9 Took a hike

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Alden Richards

offer the musical talent of Zedd but also shared the music of local DJ Callum David as opening act and the crossover musical project Haywyre.

By the time Zedd was already preparing to dominate the stage, the Filipino audience was already armed with their multicolored glow sticks for them to wave around as the beat sustains their energy. The set included hits from his first and new album starting off with “Beautiful Now”, a mix of “Stay The Night”, “Clarity”, “Spectrum”, “Break Free” and “Find You” from his previous hits and “Transmission”, “Done With Love”, “Papercut”, and his

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

Atmosphere S&L protector Afternoon socials Ease Foul-ball caller Daughter of Hyperion Tibet’s capital Made public Alpha opposite “Stompin’ at the —” — owl Prime-time hour Boat made of skins Miners’ implements School of fish Added a lane Limber up Kind of vaccine Harsh Above, to poets High-rise units Leonardo da — Astronaut — Shepard Go it alone Sock parts Mellow fruit Heavy hydrogen discoverer Polite address Colony members Hosp. scanner

Oh no, we are not going to blame her for Mariel Rodriguez’s second miscarriage. It’s not her fault in the first place. But what is obvious here is that Maria is really dying to be in a mainstream film. She ranted about Robin Padilla being unprofessional for backing off from the movie they were supposed to star together. Of course, people understand, she needs this movie more than anybody else. Has Cesar Montano signed to take Robin’s place in the movie?

Television ratings can bravely tell that Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado don’t excite fans anymore. Amid a series of publicity to promote the show, with the network playing on the possible romance re-brewing between the two, viewers are lukewarm to it. It’s clear that the public likes to see fresh and young tandem, the likes of JaDine, on the boob tube.

aLDEn RiChaRDS

OnE MORE ChanCE

There’s one thing that AlDud is yet to accomplish – to be in a series or a movie that would attract paying viewers. People will agree that John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo tandem is still a force to reckon with on the romcom scene because without any gimmicks, “One More Chance” and “Popoy” went trending for two days following the reports that their massively successful 2007 movie will have a sequel.

MaRia OZaWa

My FaithFUL hUSBanD

KC COnCEPCiOn

Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz in One More Chance

ACROSS 1 Wooded hollow 5 — Hari 9 Roosevelt successor 13 Suggestion 14 Met production 16 Discourteous 17 Holland export 18 Military vehicles with treads 19 Diva’s rendition

...aRE nOt taLKing aBOUt

Right, his career has just reached another height for receiving a boost more than it really needed. And in his surprise love team with Yaya Dub, it’s obvious that he’s the one benefiting from it more. So here comes the network and begins to strike the iron while it’s hot. Alden is now working on a solo album to showcase his singing talent (or actually the lack of it). Okay we get, we are going to have another set of tracks we can put straight to the trash bin.

latest smash hit “I Want You To Know” featuring Selena Gomez. He also included his own mix of Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be”, MAGIC!’s “Rude”, Coldplay’s “Sky Full Of Stars”, Black Eyed Peas’ “Time Of My Life (Dirty Beat)”, and Bastille’s “Pompeii”.

Prior to Zedd’s sold out concert, MCA Music Inc. (Universal Music Philippines) presented the Grammy winner a Gold Record Award in recognition for the outstanding sales performance of his debut album, Clarity (2012). Among those present in the plaque presentation were Strategic Marketing Manager

MJ Juco, Digital Marketing Manager Chesca Tan, and Domestic Marketing Manager Mark Bonifacio.

Proving that he is not just an influential musician but a caring individual as well, he and his management allocated an extra 500 upper-box tickets, despite declaring the show as sold out, for those who can donate assorted food supplies and food donations.

Zedd True Colors album is now available to download via Spnnr. ph and iTunes. Out now in CDs at Astroplus/Astrovision; or stream via Apple Music, Spotify or Deezer. http://getmusic.lnk.to/TrueColors

F RIDAY : AUGUST 2 1 : 2015

C7

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

InspIratIon beyond tV From C8

Since its pilot episode up to its finale airing tonight, Pari ‘Koy has inspired a lot of viewers.

Apart from the audience and netizens, some priests also expressed their acknowledgment of Pari ‘Koy as a breakthrough TV series, showing the life of a priest and how he takes care of his parishioners.

“We have learned a lot. It’s not just a teleserye. It is realistic. Ang comment nga sa akin ng mga kakilala ko, ‘We see ourselves in the teleserye.’ It makes us reflect. Pari ‘Koy teaches us that we don’t have to be hopeless,” says Reverend Erick Santos, a of the consultant of the series.

Every character in the story has significantly mirrored the life and struggles of Filipinos. Some of these characters, portrayed by Gabby Eigenmann, Sunshine Dizon, Chanda Romero, Jeric Gonzales, Carlo Gonzales, JC Tiuseco, Rap Fernandez, Luz Valdez, Dexter Doria, Hiro Peralta, Jojit Lorenzo, Lindsay De Vera, Jillian Ward, and David Remo, were reflections of people we meet on the streets everyday of our lives.

In an interview, Dingdong Dantes reveals his prayers for the continuity of the inspiration that Pari ‘Koy has provided, “Sana magkaroon ng continuity ‘yung inspirasyon na nakukuha namin dito. I hope we can always find the true meaning of being grateful and the true appreciation of our blessings even beyond the show.”

Adding twists in the story are colorful characters including Carla Abellana, Martin del Rosario, Mark Herras, Kris Bernal, Louise delos Reyes, Andrea Torres, and the Superstar Nora Aunor.

As Pari ‘Koy comes to a close, Pinggoy (David) insists on following Father Kokoy (Dingdong) wherever his next assignment asks him to be, and our beloved priest is having a hard time making a choice. What could be Father Kokoy’s final decision?

Pari ‘Koy airs after 24 Oras in GMA Telebabad.

Geli de Belen-Rivera is now in Happy Wife, Happy Life with Danica Sotto-Pingris and LJ Reyes-Alapag

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GellI de belen joIns Happy WIFe, Happy lIFe TV5 happily welcomes Gelli De Belen-Rivera as a mainstay in the daily morning reality/lifestyle show Happy Wife, Happy Life now on its third season. Together with Danica Sotto-Pingris and LJ Moreno-Alapag, Gelli will be sharing with viewers the joys, good vibes, and fulfillment of being a happy wife.

Known for her versatility in acting and hosting, Gelli will bring more flavor to the show as she shares her life’s experiences and stories as a mom and mother. She has done a series of shows

Dingdong Dantes plays a priest in Pari 'Koy

A child learns a simple task

Children interact among themselves for social ability

on TV5, making her one of the most active Kapatid stars. Now that she has joined Happy Wife, Happy Life Season 3, viewers will be able to know more about her and her personal life as a wife, a mother, a career woman, a co-worker, and a friend.

Daily morning TV habit now among Filipino wives, Happy Wife, Happy Life promises to bring new segments that are both entertaining and informative in helping women face the challenges of raising their own families.

As Happy Wife, Happy Life Season 3 continues its tradition bringing good vibes, viewers are in for more treats as the show features new segments such as “Misis Day Out,” “Happy Chat,” “Eats Happy Trip,” “Mommy Alert,” “Budget Friendly Finds” and “Happy Palengke.”

Join the ladies of Happy Wife, Happy Life Season 3, Danica Sotto-Pingris, LJ Moreno-Alapag and Gelli de Belen-Rivera as they spread happiness every 10:15 a.m., Monday to Friday, onTV5.

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MIsterless MIsIs Gets Into on-lIne datInG People say that in these modern times, everything happens and develops in just one click. For the second episode of TV5’s newest weekend sitcom, Misterless Misis touches on the realities of today’s current trend of on-line dating. Does online dating really speed up your chances of finding your Mr. Right or does it just create an illusion of something we want to believe in?

Last week, Kapatid viewers met the fun, energetic and sassy girls of Misterless Misis –Lorna Tolentino, Gelli de Belen, Ritz Azul, with Mitch Valdes and Ruffa Gutierrez, and introducing Andie Gomez.

This weekend, we will see how the ladies all become hooked on online dating as Diana (Ruffa Gutierrez), Lisa (Gelli de Belen), Elsa (Mitch Valdes), Tiny (Andie Gomez) and Mia (Ritz Azul) all try out the latest application being developed by Jenny (Lorna Tolentino), the online dating application called “LoveClicks”.

Ironically, Jenny doesn’t want to explore the potentials of her own project since she is already cynical when it comes to love. But upon the prodding of her friends, Jenny creates her own “LoveClicks” profile, which leads her to meeting someone. Find out if, finally, Jenny will once again believe in the magic of love.

Meanwhile, Lisa uses “LoveClicks” as an avenue to expand her networking business, but just as she starts to appreciate its advantages, the ladies in the neighborhood discover a shocking truth: they find out that Lisa’s husband who is working abroad is also active in this online dating site. Diana, on the other hand, uses her inate investigative (read: “chismosa”) skills in order to help Lisa with her husband and at the same time unravel the truth about Mia’s participation on “LoveClicks”, which has also been bothering Elsa and Tiny.

Join the fiery yet fun crowd of Misterless Misis as they all share their experiences with “LoveClicks”. Be entertained with their witty and memorable lines that are always a hit among viewers.

Under the direction of Mark Meily, Misterless Misis redefines “Girl Power” as the lovable characters show how independent women manage to withstand life’s countless challenges.

Misterless Misis airs every Sunday at 9pm, exclusively on TV5.

Quality learning for Children of all abilities For some children, their life would always be different from the rest of the world. Some cannot find the right words to speak their hearts’ desires, others curiously ask what each color looks like, while some walk to their everyday tasks, trusting the touch of a companion and the friendly sound of nature to lead their way.

They are different, they are unique, and they are unlike anyone else.

Still, like all children in the world, each child is a promise waiting to be fulfilled. A promise of a celebrated and colorful life, experienced and seasoned with everything the world has to offer. Each child has a chance to live and be the person they wish to be—whatever they are capable of doing so, physically and mentally.

One World School in Makati City wishes to be the second home of children of all abilities, their haven in becoming the best individuals they could be, both at the comforts of their families and in the society.

Let One World School be your partner in honing your child’s potentials and grow to be the best versions of themselves with its extensive educational programs carefully planned for every child who yearns to learn.

The Preschool and Elementary (Grades 1 to 4) programs give each child the chance to play and learn with peers and friends who understand and accept them as they are.

Through these programs, each child grows with a diverse group of kids, fostering unity and bolstering social skills.

A child with different abilities learn to draw

Every classroom is only composed of eight to nine students, all of whom have been selected based on their own strengths and challenges, keeping the school’s ambiance intellectual and emotional sensitive. Guided by two specially trained teachers, each child will be given ample attention ensuring both learning and discovery.

A bigger and better community means a wider and bigger horizon for these children to conquer and learn upon. Every child enrolled can help another child to unravel attitudes and skills that make one individual develop holistically. Every child educated is another promise fulfilled.

For more information about One World School’s programs and activities, you may check its website at http://www.oneworldschool.edu.ph/ or like its Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/oneworldschool.

F RIDAY : AUGUST 2 1 : 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

Marimar, the 2015 version stars Tom Rodriguez and Megan Young; The new tandem on GMA 7 is eliciting a lot of buzz and excitement among Kapuso fans

MariMar in Kadayawan 2015 1

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ISAH V. RED Before the launch of the much-anticipated reimagining of Philippine TV’s phenomenal series Marimar, Davaoeños have the chance to meet its lead stars in the flesh as Miss World 2013 Megan Young and one of GMA’s most handsome actors Tom Rodriguez are in the city’s Kadayawan Festival.

Marimar herself and love interest Sergio, played by Megan and Tom, chose Davao as their first stop in the regional promotion of the series for a chance to meet and bond with their supporters. Today, Megan and Tom charm their way to the hearts of the Davaoeños in a Kapuso mall show, 4 p.m. at The Annex Event Center of SM City Davao (Ecoland).

Meanwhile, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Rhian Ramos and Mike Tan, stars of the recently concluded The Rich Man’s Daughter together with My Faithful Husband’s Mikael Daez will be at the Activity Center of Abreeza Mall.

At the Atrium of the Gaisano Mall of Davao at 4 p.m. also on Sunday, stars of Buena Familia – Kylie Padilla, Martin del Rosario,

Now, her hard work has been rewarded. Bea scored 99 percent in the National College Assessment Examination (NCAE).

She was incredulous to learn she placed first among all the students in the National Capital Region.

Meanwhile this beauty and brains shares her joy in receiving this piece of good news, “Hindi ko in-expect, kasi I was just asking about the results of my exam, but [my teacher] told me that I ranked first. Hindi rin ako makapaniwala kaagad. Napakaagang birthday gift nito sa akin.” ➜ Continued on C7

1 Martin del Rosario is in Buena Familia 2 Kylie Padilla is also featured in Buena Familia 3 Rhian Ramos just finished The Rich Man’s Daughter 4 Mikael Daez stars in My Faithful Husband

and Julian Trono will be there.

Musical numbers, fun games, and surprises from the Kapuso stars await the mall’s regular clients.

Oliver Amoroso, GMA’s Head for Regional Strategy and Business Development Division said, “The Kapuso Network, always in full swing in its participation in the different festivals around the country, is bringing to Davao no less than Megan Young and Tom Rodriguez from the highly anticipated remake of Marimar. It is in

Kadayawan Festival where the program holds its first promo tour as a simple gesture of gratitude to the ever-supportive Davaoeños who, like all our Kapusos, deserve only the best from the Network when it comes to quality entertainment.”

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Bea Binene tops nCae Show business is a very demanding industry, and it takes a lot of effort for celebrities to manage their time so they can keep their appointments for the day. Time

management is the way to go for may, yet it is easier said than done.

Take it from GMA Artist Center star Bea Binene who balances her time for school, work, her business venture, and her personal life.

A usual day in the life of Bea includes endorsement commitments, photo shoots, tapings, guest appearances, and even regional tours. But despite all these, Bea was still able to work through her schedule and find time for her school responsibilities.

Marimar herself and love interest Sergio, played by Megan and Tom, chose Davao as their first stop in the regional promotion of the series for a chance to meet and bond with their supporters