The Standard - 2015 August 25 - Tuesday

VOL. XXIX  NO. 194  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  TUESDAY : AUGUST 25, 2015  www.thestandard.com.ph  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

PH stocks plummet, lose P764b in one day

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TRILLANES READY TO BE PROBED

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Antonio Trillanes IV said Monday he was ready to face an ethics investigation over reports that he paid P1.63 million a month for consultants that included his houseboy, family drivers, media workers, campaign doners, ex-mutineer friends and a brother, who was paid P71,200 a month.

“I would welcome whoever will file the charges,” Trillanes told journalists, after the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay urged the Senate ethics committee to investigate his hiring of consultants.

“The use of public funds for his personal benefit is clearly unethical, immoral and a blatant abuse of his office,” said Rico Quicho, Binay’s spokesman for political affairs. “The taxpayers are paying for his household expenses and his personal ‘debts’.”

“Even his houseboy was included among his consultants. He should stop moralizing and pontificating since the more he talks, the more he is exposed as a hypocrite. We are sure he will again blame the opposition for the exposé. But we did not invent the Senate documents. The senator should explain before he complains,” Quicho added.

Trillanes on Monday accused Binay of being behind the “demolition job” against him and said his office’s consultancy fees were declared “authorized and legal” by the Commission on Audit (COA).

He also insisted that he had committed no irregularity in paying consultancy fees to persons who helped him discharge his duties as a senator.

He admitted that a large chunk of his office expenses in 2014 went to intelligence gathering by his consultants, who included his colleagues at the Magdalo group.

“Of course, you will not hire consultants whom you do not trust,” he said.

Next page

Probers welcome. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV talks to a colleague on the floor of the Senate hall before the start of Monday’s regular session. EY ACASIO

‘Abad is admin’s Apolinario Mabini’

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Aquino: Let Customs open your boxes

By Sandy Araneta, Vito Barcelo and Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III defended the new Bureau of Customs policy to open and inspect balikbayan boxes and to tax those exceeding $500 in value Monday,

despite a firestorm of protest from overseas Filipino workers who regularly send the gift boxes home to their families.

“Let us help Customs do their job,” Aquino said in Cebu, where he was inspecting two major road projects.

Aquino said the balikbayan boxes should be inspected because they

could be used to smuggle contraband such as illegal drugs, firearms, or taxable items such as vehicle parts.

He added that he would meet later Monday with Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima to put safeguards in place against Next page

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news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Pemberton: I choked but didn’t kill Laude

By Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo

US Lance cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton admitted in court Monday that he choked transgender Jennifer Laude in a motel room in October last year, but denied murdering her.

Eight months after he was charged with murder, Pemberton admitted they fought after oral sex because Laude did not have a female organ, his lawyer Rowena Flores said.

Pemberton, 22 at the time, said Laude, 26, also called Jeffrey Laude, slapped him, causing him to respond “in defense,” Flores said.

“After some time, to subdue Jeffrey, Joseph Scott Pemberton held his (Laude’s) head under his armpit. Jeffrey stopped moving. Joseph Scott Pemberton tried to revive him,” Flores added.

The trial is off-limits to the press and court officials do not comment on details of the trial.

Harry Roque, a lawyer representing the victim’s family at the trial, said the

US marine testified he held Laude in an arm lock until he stopped moving.

“He reenacted how he did the armlock on the victim and all that had transpired between them,” Roque told The Standard.

He said Pemberton had taken eight shots of alcohol and six bottles of beer before he and his friends went barhopping, met two women at the Ambyanz bar and proceeded to the Celzone Lodge in Olongapo City on Oct. 11, 2014.

“He told the court that the woman and Laude performed oral sex on him, and that he was about to have actual sex with Laude when he felt his private parts,” Roque said, “Pemberton pushed Laude away, prompting the latter to slap him on the face. Laude earned the ire of

Aquino: From A1...

abuses by inspectors working for the bureau, which is widely seen as the most corrupt government agency.

Despite the President’s defense of the practice, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz urged the Customs bureau to reconsider its policy.

“The balikbayan box is part of Filipino culture and tradition and I don’t think OFWs will abuse this tradition to send in or smuggle contraband that will put them and their families in danger,” Baldoz said.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, on the other hand, defended the authority of the bureau to pursue its new policy.

Workers groups, lawmakers and religious leaders have condemned the new policy as being intrusive and an unnecessary imposition on overseas workers, whose remittances have kept the economy afloat.

But Aquino said there were reports that motorcycles were being stripped and sent as vehicle parts through the gift boxes to avoid paying taxes and duties.

He added that Purisima had told him that X-ray machines would be used to check the boxes, and that only those that looked suspicious would be opened and inspected.

Aquino said “independent observers” from the bureau would also be present during the inspection to guard against theft.

Lina had earlier announced

the suspect, who punched her. A fight ensued between them until Pemberton used the armlock on Laude,” he added.

The US serviceman said he dragged Laude to the bathroom to run water from the shower over her to help her regain consciousness, but there was no water. He then left the room.

“Pemberton, however, denied leaving her for dead.

He told the court Laude was still breathing when he left the place,” Roque said.

In February, the court entered a not guilty plea for Pemberton after he refused to enter a plea.

In May, a US serviceman, LCpl. Jairn Michael Rose, testified that Pemberton admitted choking Laude.

“I think I killed a he or she,” Rose said, quoting Pemberton.

Rose demonstrated how they were trained in the Marines to choke an adversary and do an arm lock.

Roque said Raquel Fortun, a forensic pathologist, will take the witness stand Tuesday to shed light on how Laude was killed.

In May, Maritess Ombao, a pathologist and medico-

that the bureau will issue stricter guidelines on balikbayan boxes

by October in an effort to curb smuggling.

Overseas workers have been complaining loudly, many through social media networks, saying the inspections will be an additional burden and were prone to corruption.

The Partido ng Manggagawa on Monday urged the Palace to scrap the new policy, saying it was antilabor because it assumed all overseas workers were smugglers.

The party’s chairman, Renato Magtubo, said the Customs policy was misguided because smuggled goods are usually found in 40foot containers, and not in 4 cubic-meter balikbayan boxes.

Magtubo also said the new tax could be arbitrarily used against overseas workers who are unaware of the bureau’s valuation procedures.

Overseas workers already pay 5 cents per dollar that they earn when they remit money home, so the new policy was an additional burden, Magtubo added.

The new inspections, he said, would only create new forms of corruption in the most corrupt agency, at the expense of hardworking overseas workers.

Lina on Monday defended his policy.

“We are not after the OFWs or their pasalubong (gifts) to their families. We are after the smugglers who have resorted to using the balikbayan boxes and consolidated shipments to smuggle contraband in,” Lina said.

The bureau will hire additional

legal officer of the Philippine National Police, told the court that Laude died from strangulation and asphyxia by drowning.

Government prosecutors did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Pemberton’s testimony.

Earlier they said Pemberton and Laude had left a bar in Olongapo City and checked in at a nearby motel, where they alleged the American strangled the victim.

Pemberton, who had just taken part in joint US-Philippine military exercises nearby when the alleged murder occurred, was taken to the Olongapo trial court Monday by armed escort from his detention cell at a Philippine military camp in Manila.

He was the second witness for the defense.

His mother, Lisa Pemberton, took the stand a week ago, when lawyers said she identified letters from family friends and relatives attesting to his good character.

The judicial proceedings continue until December.

With AFP

personnel to inspect up to 2 percent of 800,000 balikbayan boxes—or about 16,000 boxes, entering the country every month, he said.

Lina said the balikbayan box is taxable because there are no exemptions for imported goods.

“If you are a balikbayan with the intention of coming back to our country, with your passport and everything, like people who have studied abroad or returning OFWs, these are the only people given the privilege to bring in goods and that will not be taxed if the value of the goods is P10,000 and below,” he said.

In a statement, Lina said that stricter compliance is necessary because the rules on consolidated shipments have been abused.

“It is not the intention of the Customs to abuse the OFWs. What we want is to stop abuses being employed by smugglers,” he said.

“The bureau has paid greatly in revenue losses through these smuggling activities, and more importantly, the affected industries,” the Customs chief said.

Lina said the bureau is not equipped to inspect all incoming boxes, but would use spot checks to stem smuggling.

He asked the public to report any tampered boxes or missing items to the bureau.

Lina said items sent through a balikbayan box would be assessed for duties and value-added tax and Customs inspectors will open the boxes to check the items unless there is a packing list and invoice attached to the box.

Trillanes

From A1...

These were the people he used to gather information and evidence used in the Senate Blue Ribbon hearings on the corruption charges against Binay and his family.

He earlier said he hired his brother as a consultant because he represents him in confidential meetings that he is unable to attend.

Trillanes also said he has received no notice of disallowance from COA. “All we’re doing is authorized and legal based on the guidelines provided by COA,” he said.

He said that the senators sat with auditors and asked what mistakes were made and how these might be remedied.

“But COA said there was nothing illegal or unauthorized in what we are doing because we were given the discretion on how to spend our budget,” he said.

He said he can answer point by point all the allegations being made against him in connection with his consultants.

“The bottom line here is I did not steal government funds. I did not abuse my position,” he said.

He also denied allegations that he had a household help being paid with funds from the Senate.

He said the names mentioned in the Senate report were confidential agents that he used in the ongoing investigation of the Vice President.

“That’s not true. Definitely, there’s no such thing and I don’t give that low pay—P3,500 a month to my kasambahay

But Baldoz said the balikbayan boxes were personal and “close to the heart” of overseas workers and would not be used for commercial transactions.

“Majority of OFWs set aside, and patiently wait for months, whatever material possession they have acquired abroad—clothes, shoes, perfumes, canned goods, home appliances, and personal gadgets—and send these home as gifts and as symbols of their generosity and love, not as items or objects of commerce, hence, their monetary value may not be so high or great to merit BOC’s special interest for revenue generation,” she said.

“I urge the BOC to reconsider this plan,” she added.

De Lima, in contrast, defended the bureau’s authority.

“As the guardians of the country’s trading gates, the BOC has the power to inspect and apprehend contraband or illegal and prohibited goods upon their entry in the Philippine ports. Thus, the discretion largely rests upon them and the DOF (Department of Finance) under Secretary Purisima,” De Lima said in a text message.

But she said the bureau should consider approaches that do not subject the public “to further inconvenience.”

In Congress, the leftist Makabayan bloc filed a resolution calling for a congressional investigation on the bureau’s new policy.

“This move of the Bureau of Customs, with the objective of ensuring proper and lawful tariff collection from imports and exports and preventing the entry

(househodl help),” he said.

He also denied that he allocated more than half of his office’s budget to consultancy fees.

“The point here is we are spending the funds where we believe they’re needed,” Trillanes said.

The former mutineer said he was “prepared for everything” and was ready to answer all the charges being raised against him.

Trillanes has led the Senate investigation against Binay, and has held 23 hearings on the ongoing probe.

Trillanes also said the Binay camp should not be the one to suggest an ethics investigation against him, because “they have no balls.”

“They have no balls to face the Senate investigation,” he said, referring to Binay’s refusal to appear before the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee investigating him. “Vice President Binay has no balls.

He’s courageous in operating, but when it’s face-to-face, he’s nothing,” Trillanes said.

But Quicho challenged Trillanes to explain how doing housework or being a family driver was considered confidential.

“It appears that Senator Trillanes took the concept of the Senate as one of two houses of Congress literally,” Quicho said. “He apparently got his budget for his house from the Upper House, also known as the Senate.”

He also scored Trillanes for using Senate funds to reward two people—Robert Fong and Fabian Go-- who contributed P500,000 each to his campaign in 2013.

of smuggled goods does not tally with their track record, including countless instances of unexplained large-scale entry of luxury items such as sports cars, fake rice, and garbage from overseas,” the bloc’s members, Bayan Muna Reps. Carlos Zarate and Neri Colmenares, said.

The leader of the independent minority bloc, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, also opposed the new Customs policy, saying it imposed an extra burden on overseas workers.

“I appeal for compassion for our OFWs. Why clamp down on their balikbayan boxes when this would only overburden them?

The inspection is counter-productive because this would worsen the already congested ports,” Romualdez said.

The bureau estimates that the country loses P50 million a month or P600 million a year to untaxed imports through the balikbayan boxes.

But the leftist group Bayan said the revenue loss was small compared to the estimated $3.85 billion lost to smuggling every year, according to a study by Global Financial Integrity.

“It is time for the Bureau of Customs and Malacañang to back down,” said Renato Reyes, Bayan secretary general. “The widespread outrage and overwhelming opposition to tighter Customs inspections of balikbayan boxes should now compel the Aquino government to abandon the plan.

Government should read the writings on the wall.” With Rey E. Requejo

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Would-be Presidents storm Cebu CEBU CITY—The top three possible presidential bets in the 2016 elections flocked to Cebu on Monday to go on the stump aware of the province’s 2.5-million registered voters.

They were Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Senator Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Roxas, the Liberal Party’s standard bearer, gave a speech during a Daang Matuwid People’s Dialog at the Cebu Normal University, where he vowed to continue what he claimed was the administration’s reform agenda before an audience that included the beneficiaries of the government’s dole program, civil society members and local government officials.

Roxas also attended an event dubbed “A Gathering of Friends” at the Cebu Coliseum, where he was joined by President Benigno Aquino III who openly campaigned for him.

“We all know that Mar [Roxas] has integrity and experience. We can depend on him,” Aquino said.

“But a lot of people are not aware of Mar’s true character because it is not in his nature to publicize his successes. So our work now is to ensure that the Filipinos realize the truth—that Mar is the best person to continue the Daang Matuwid.”

Poe gave a speech at the

University of San Carlos during its foundation day celebrations, but the event was marred by controversy after the school barred journalists from covering her speech.

Poe, who has yet to make an announcement on her political plans for 2016 but has been topping the recent election surveys, was also belatedly told by school officials that she could no longer deliver a speech.

She was allowed to do so eventually when she talked about the job opportunities for graduates and quality education without media coverage.

Binay also made the rounds in the province, in particular in the remote Barangay Climaco in Toledo City, which is on top of a mountain, as well as in Talisay City.

Residents of Climaco said it was the first time a politician had visited their place.

Cebuano political analyst Anol Mongaya said it was expected of any politician who had eyes on the presidency to woo the residents of Cebu, the Queen City of the South. Sandy araneta and Junex Duronio

Back to normal. The traffic was bumper to bumper on Edsa and Kamuning on Monday afternoon following the downpour brought by Typhoon “Ineng.” Lino SantoS

Aquino: Abad is my Apolinario Mabini CEBU CITY—Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II on Monday said President Benigno Aquino III had likened Budget Secretary Florencio Abad to national hero Apolinario Mabini because Abad was the “brains” of the Aquino administration’s straight path policy.

Roxas made the announcement after he introduced Abad during the People’s Dialogue on Daang Matuwid at the Cebu Normal University

in the presence of Aquino and other cabinet members.

Mabini is known as the brains of the Philippine Revolution against Spain.

“He’s [Abad] the ideologue of daang matuwid [straight path] like Apolinario Mabini. He also makes sure money is used in the “Daang Matuwid” way,” Roxas said quoting Aquino.

Abad was the Liberal Party’s campaign manager during the 2010 presidential election that

brought Aquino to power.

He is also the “chief architect” of the administration’s Disbursement Acceleration Program that the Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional.

With Roxas in Cebu were Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Education Assistant Secretary Rey Laguda, PhilHealth Director Risa

Hontiveros, and presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

Roxas said the foundation of the Philippines as an emerging strong nation had been laid by the current administration through its various poverty alleviation projects.

He said the integrity, transparency and accountability of the Aquino administration had also been instrumental in greatly boosting the country’s economy. John Paolo Bencito

Noy opposes calls for Arroyo’s house arrest

Back in the Senate. Senator Juan Ponce Enrile reported back to the Senate on Monday following the Supreme Court decision granting him bail on the plunder charges against him. Ey acaSio

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Monday opposed the calls from some lawmakers to place former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo under house arrest.

Aquino, who was in Cebu City to inspect two road projects, said Arroyo was already “privileged” enough to be placed under hospital arrest. The rule of law should prevail.

Aquino said the Filipino people were sympathetic, forgiving, understanding and sympathetic

especially to women with a health condition.

“But I would like to ask: What should we show to society and most especially to the next generation?

For me, what is important is, if you committed a crime, you must pay for it,” Aquino said.

Arroyo is facing plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court over her alleged misuse of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds. She is currently under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial

Medical Center.

“In GMA’s case, we must not forget [that] hospital arrest in itself is a privilege, and she is under hospital arrest to ensure that whatever available remedies, cures, therapies, are neede are given in a very timely fashion,” Aquino said.

“Now if she is brought home to her residence, does it mean there is no health issue? If there is no health issue, why is she still in the hospital?

So I think I’ll have to ask for an update but the

way I understand it, all that can be done in the hospital is being done to ensure her good health condition.”

Two leaders in the House of Representatives had earlier urged the Sandiganbayan to put Arroyo under house arrest for humanitarian reasons, but Aquino said Monday it was not enough that charges were filed against any accused person. The conviction of those accused of a crime must be ensured. Sandy araneta

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NEWS

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SC justice balks at critic

By Rey E. Requejo THE author of the Supreme Court decision allowing Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail has demanded on Monday that the high court correct the “gross distortions” that Associate Justice Marvic Leonen suggested in his dissenting opinion.

Mining accident. Rescuers work on the entrance of a tunnel in Mankayan, Benguet on Monday to search for 16 miners who went missing at the height of torrents caused by Typhoon Ineng over the weekend.

Typhoon toll rises to 26

By Florante Solmerin TYPHOON “Ineng” [international name: Goni] killed at least 26 people in landslides and floods and damaged more than P116 million in infrastructure, particularly in Northern Luzon, officials said on Monday.

Although Ineng had already left the Philippine area of responsibility, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration issued a “yellow” alert warning in Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Batangas on Monday due to monsoon rains that the typhoon may strengthen.

Pagasa said only light to moderate rains will affect Pampanga, Rizal, Northern Zambales and portions of Cavite may persist for two to three hours, but Ineng may enhance

the southwest monsoon and cause frequent rain over Bataan, Zambales and Pangasinan.

But as Ineng headed out of the country, rescue teams clawed away at a mountainside near the remote mining town of Mankayan in the country’s north, after recovering the bodies of 13 miners buried by a landslide that struck the area two days earlier.

“The landslide buried miners sheltering in huts used as a rest area. The slope collapsed after being saturated with rain,” Ivy Carasi, a spokeswoman for the civil defense office in the region, told AFP. Officials did not elaborate on how many miners were still missing in the landslide’s wake.

“We don’t really know how many more miners are missing because the numbers compiled by the police and

local government do not tally,” said Carasi.

More than a dozen other people in the mountainous region were killed by landslides, surging waters and a falling tree, the civil defense office in Manila added.

Apart from the unspecified number of missing Mankayan miners, four people were still unaccounted for elsewhere in the country, including a five-year-old girl.

The child disappeared after a river overflowed and swept away her home near the coastal town of Subic late Sunday, killing her two siblings aged two and nine months, Vic Otero, a local civil defense official, told AFP. “The family had been advised to evacuate as early as last week.

Apparently they did not heed the warning,” Otero said, adding their parents survived. With AFP

In a single-page letter to Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno yesterday, Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin asked that the high court again discuss “Justice Leonen’s unprecedented invasion of the autonomy of the majority in arriving at its main opinion and rectification of the gross distortions contained in Justice Leonen’s dissent.”

Bersamin lamented that the claims of Leonen “not only put me in bad light but worse also impugned the integrity of the seven members of the Court who joined my ponencia by claiming that they signed the ponencia without the version they were joining.”

In his dissenting opinion, Leonen questioned what he described as the “surprising” revision of the majority decision penned

by Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin although Leonen never said he would have signed the majority opinion had it not been revised.

In the end, seven other magistrates concurred with Bersamin’s majority opinion while three others agreed with Leonen.

Leonen’s dissenting opinion echoed that of President Benigno Aquino III, who said on Monday that the court’s decision to allow Enrile to post bail was not based on the law.

“There are those who question (the granting of bail of Enrile). I am not a lawyer. I just wanted to repeat what they are asking, that the grounds was not based on law,” said

Aquino, during yesterday’s briefing in Cebu City.

Aquino said, according to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, the charges filed against Enrile is plunder, which is not supposed to be bailable.

The President said that in non-bailable cases, such as plunder, in some instances, the accused could still be granted bail if the evidence is weak.

However, Aquino said the Supreme Court did not base their grounds on granting bail to Enrile on the evidence.

“It is important that we look into the decision of the Supreme Court, that they did not mention anything about evidence and the basis was centered on Senator Enrile’s age and health condition,” said Aquino.

On the other hand, Aquino was confident that even with Enrile’s bail, the case will not be affected.

“Will it be affected? No. Our campaign (against corruption) continues,” he said, adding that the Department of Justice and National Bureau of Investigation just filed the third set of cases of plunder before the Ombudsman.

Aquino also downplayed fears that the reason may have been weak that Enrile was able to bail.

“The decision (of the Supreme Court) did not mention the caliber or quality of evidence. But, the health condition and age of Enrile was cited as basis,” said Aquino.

79 provinces to go dry ABOUT 79 provinces will be hit by El Niño before 2015 ends, according to Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology.

“The El Niño phenomenon will be at its worst this year, worse (El Niño) since 1997,” Montejo announced at Ozamiz City during the first step of the Science Nation Tour in Northern Mindanao last August 20.

Montejo said that starting September, 12 provinces will begin to experience dry conditions that are below normal. “By October, dry spell and drought conditions will affect 29 provinces, and by the end of the year, the number will rise to 79,” he said.

Montejo assured though that the government is preparing for this condition. Food security and health are priority concerns in the government’s preparation for the 2015 El Niño, he told.

DOST’s Science Nation Tour (SNT) is a nationwide information campaign

that aims to make Filipinos, especially those in the countryside, “feel” science and technology integrated in their daily lives.

SNT Northern Mindanao includes activities such as Regional Development Council meetings that looks into aspects how science and technology programs can spur economic development in the region, such as job creation, support to entrepreneurs, and provision of facilities to the industry and even of early warning tools for disasters, among others.

The Tour in Northern Mindanao also includes “Gabi ng Sining at Siyensya”, a celebration that marries science, arts, and culture. Much applauded features were a mini-fashion show that showcased contemporary clothing and garments using indigenous fibers, and a science rock concert by a rising Manila-based rock group called Bob Band. S&T Media Service

Feel for the poor. Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez explains to Davao City

journalists how his constituents in Eastern Visayas are like overseas Filipino workers who now have to deal with unscrupulous Customs personnel who open the balikbayan boxes they sent to their families in the Philippines. Romualdez was in Davao for the city’s 30th Kadayawan Festival. VER NOVENO

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NEWS

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Vegans’ dampener. Vegetable prices more than double at a public market in Commonwealth, Quezon City in the aftermath of Typhoon Ineng that has hampered delivery of supplies. LINO SANTOS

Assess poll threats, Pump prices down by as much as P1.10 PNP, AFP ordered

By Alena Mae S. Flores

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered the police and the military to conduct a security-andthreat assessment before it conducts voters’ registration in far-flung areas and hinterland barangays.

Based on Comelec Minute Resolution No. 15-0537, the commission en banc ordered all election officers (EOs) in municipalities and cities to make a request for the conduct of threat assessment by the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) if deemed necessary.

“When the satellite registration is to be conducted in far-flung/hinterland barangays, the EOs shall first request the PNP or AFP for a security/threat assessment of the area,” a resolution dated July 21 stated.

Once the threat assessment is deemed “not advisable to conduct satellite registration”, the poll body said the EO should not hold one in the concerned barangay any longer.

“In such a case, the EO shall prepare a report on the non-conduct of satellite registration and the reason for not doing so,” the Comelec en banc ordered.

Earlier, the Comelec directed all EOs to conduct at least one satellite registration for every barangay in a bid to ensure wider participation of voters in 2016.

In his recommendation to the en banc, Comelec – Election and Barangay Affairs Department Director Teopisto Elnas said it is imperative for concerned EOs to seek the help of the PNP and AFP in order to ascertain the safety of poll workers set to hold satellite registrations.

“While the conduct of satellite registration at the barangay level is

mandatory, the security issues/concerns is a valid ground for the EOs to refrain from conducting the said activity in the affected areas,” Elnas said.

The recommendation stemmed from the report sent by Malapalan, Sarangani EO Edwin Canadilla to the Comelec – EBAD regarding the satellite registration held in Barangay Kinam in Malapalan last May 22-23.

Canadilla said elements of the New People’s Army were sighted about 200 meters away from the barangay hall, where the satellite registration was being held.

The presence of the NPA members, according to the report, prevented Comelec personnel and their police escorts from pulling out on the evening of May 23 over fears of an ambush.

“In his memorandum, EO Cadanilla expressed the anxiety, fear and risk he and his staff were exposed to during the satellite registration they conducted,” Elnas said.

Registration of voters for the May 2016 elections will end on Oct. 31, 2015, Comelec said.

PUMP prices dropped by as much as P1.10 per liter of gasoline as oil companies carrried out a big time price rollback as a result of an oversupply of oil in the world market.

The oil firms cut prices for the 10th consecutive week. Diesel prices also declined by P0.40 per liter and kerosene, P0.25 per liter.

“There was oversupply. Although there were refinery shutdowns, there was ample oil supply.

Supply outpaced demand,” Energy Department officer-in-charge Zenaida Monsada told reporters at the sidelines of the LPG Philippines Forum 2015.

The oil firms starting implementing the price cut at 6 p.m.

Monday while others followed by other companies at 12:01 a.m.

Tuesday. Among the oil firms who announced the price cuts as of press time includes Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and Seaoil Philippines while others are expected to follow.

Fernando Martinez, Eastern Petroleum Chairman and Chief

Executive, said the price cut for gasoline and diesel reflected the downtrend in world oil prices.

“World oil prices have continued to fall in the midst of oversupply of petroleum products and the sluggish demand in Asia particularly in China. Analysts believe that oil prices are not seen to recover soon as output continues to increase, while global oil demand remains low,” Martinez said.

The International Energy Agency saw global oil demand rising by 1.6 million barrels per day in 2015, up 260,000 bpd from its forecast last month, citing solid economic growth and consumers responding to lower prices.

IEA added that global oversupply will last through 2016.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration, meanwhile, said crude-oil inventories remained at levels not seen for this time of the year for at least eight decades.

Last August 18, most of the oil companies implemented a P0.25 per liter decrease for gasoline and P0.35 per liter increase for diesel.

Kerosene was also increased by P0.20 per liter to reflect the movement in world oil prices.

‘Transport system driving tourists away’

By Maricel V. Cruz POOR infrastructure coupled with a ‘disastrous transportation system’ are some of the reasons the Philippines will highly unlikely reach the 10-million targeted international tourist arrivals by 2016, a militant lawmaker said on Monday.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, during the congressional deliberation for the budget of the Department of Tourism, said the decrepit state of the country’s in-

frastructure and transportation system will discourage tourists from going to the Philippines.

“With the current state of our infrastructure and transportation system, the 10-million arrival target for 2016 will remain like that – a target,” Ridon, member of the Makabayan Bloc, said.

Ridon cited the 2014 annual report of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) which shows that while the Philippines recorded a new high in international tourism arriv-

als in 2014, at 4.8 million, the country still falls behind neighboring countries like Malaysia at 27.4-million tourist arrivals, Singapore, 11.8 million, Indonesia, 9.4 million, and Vietnam, 7.9 million.

Data from UNWTO also show that the Philippines also remains to have only a 1.3-percent share in the total international tourism receipts in the Asia-Pacific Region, with the country earning only a total of USD 4.8 billion in international tourism last year.

Detour. Residents cross a mountainside temporary road after a portion of the national highway was destroyed by landslides due to heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Ineng in Lidlidda town of Ilocos Sur on Aug. 24, 2015. AFP

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

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NEWS

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Deadly virus infects 4 OFWs

By Vito Barcelo FOUR Filipino nurses working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia who were infected with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERSCoV) are now undergoing treatment in a hospital in Saudi Arabia, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

DFA spokesperson Charles Jose on Monday said the Filipinos—three females and one male— work in the same hospital

were exposed to MERSCoV patients in the course of their work.

“Our embassy was assured by the hospital man-

agement that they were given the best treatment possible,” Jose said.

“They have been diagnosed just recently. It was discovered in the early stage. They are in isolation right now,” Jose said.

Since 2013, a total of 10 Filipinos—eight from Saudi and two from the United Arab Emirates—have died from contracting the virus, which is prevalent in the Middle East region.

There are over a million Filipinos working in Saudi Arabia.

Jose declined to identify the four Filipinos but said the male worker is 55 years old and the three others are aged 29, 32 and 50.

He said the two female nurses are currently in the Intensive Care Unit and the level of infection is likely to be in the advanced stage.

“We were assured that they will be given the best

treatment. Many have recovered from MERS-Cov because they were given immediate treatment,” he said.

The other Filipino is in isolation and another one is placed under observation, he added.

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and its consulate general in Jeddah will continue to monitor the condition of the Filipino nurses infected with the disease,

he said.

“Healthcare sector workers are advised to follow the infection prevention protocol in their hospital and to seek medical attention in case they experience any of the disease’s symptoms,” Jose said.

According to the World Health Organization, symptoms of MERS-CoV include fever, cough, shortness of breath and even diarrhea.

Pay hike looms for Taiwan DH

Ambulance donation. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Vice-Chairman and General Manager Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II (second from left) hands over the symbolic key of a brand new ambulance from the PCSO Ambulance Donation Program to League of Municipalities of the Philippines president Mayor Leonardo “Sandy” M. Javier Jr. of Javier, Leyte at the PCSO head office in Mandaluyong City on August 24. With them are (from left) PCSO Assets & Supply Management Department Manager l Reena Yason, Javier Municipal Health Officer Winda Flores, and PCSO Office of the General Manager chief-of-staff Jenny Ortuoste. JOSEPH MUEGO

Bill frees condo buyers from reservation fees

By Maricel V. Cruz

IF A lawmaker gets his way, buyers of real estate and condominium units will no longer have to pay reservation or other fees prior to their submission of documentary requirements.

Congressman Scott Davies Lanete of Masbate, in filing House Bill 5964, seeks to ban reservation fees for real estate and condominium units to ensure the protection of the buyers.

The bill amends Presidential Decree 957 or The Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree, which regulates the sale of subdivision lots and condominiums.

Lanete said the usual practice of developers is to require a prospective buyer to pay a certain amount as a “reservation fee.”

“They require such prospective buyer to submit numerous documents and subject them to various background checks,” Lanete, vice chair of the House committee on appropriations, said.

Lanete said the failure of a prospective buyer to submit the requirements automatically leads to forfeiture of the reservation fee.

“In the end, once a prospective buyer fails to abide by the process, they lose their hard-earned money

through no fault of their own,” Lanete said.

Lanete also disclosed that a number of developers have been constructing real estate and condo projects right above near fault lines and they have been concealing this fact from prospective buyers as a business strategy.

“This has placed a lot of real estate and condo owners/tenants at risk of losing their lives to potentially disastrous earthquakes; same goes when living within a flood-prone and/or calamity-prone are. Thus, a lot of owners/tenants are left at a quandary as to how they will resolve the problem,” Lanete said.

HB 5964 mandates owners or developers to provide the buyer with information, certified by the concerned governmental agency, about the location of nearby fault lines and their exact distance from the real estate or condo project as well as whether said real estate or condo is situated in a flood and/or calamity-prone area.

Under the bill, the buyer shall pay no reservation fee or down payment until all the documentary requirements are processed and accepted by the developer as valid and complete.

The bill provides a fine of not less than P500,000 but not more than P1 million to violators.

Plaridel group’s advocacy. Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista lauded and expressed support for the “Boto mo Future ko” (BmFk) advocacy of the Association of Philippine Journalists Samahang Plaridel Foundation Inc. during the informal presentation of the advocacy by some members of Samahang Plaridel’s BmFk committee. The Comelec chief is shown holding a T-shirt bearing the BmFk logo, presented to him by Samahang Plaridel Director Jimmy Gil of dzBB who was accompanied by Plaridel directors Ariel Ayala (Radio Veritas), Ernesto Tolentino (DWBL) and Twinkle Valdez. Samahang Plaridel’s BmFk committee is chaired by Lito Gagni. The advocacy hopes to raise consciousness among voters to always consider the welfare of their children and the coming generation when voting for personalities or issues during local and national elections.

FILIPINO household workers in Taiwan may receive a salary increase that will reach up to NT$17,000 or P24,270 a month, according to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

The labor chief said she has received a report that Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor has agreed to a salary increase for household service workers proposed by the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam which could very well reach NT$17,000 a month, equivalent to P24,270, or US$521.

“Our labor representative in Taiwan, Llewelyn D. Perez, has reported that there is already an understanding among the four countries sending household service workers to Taiwan, through their representative offices, to accept the proposal of Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor for a minimum salary of NT$17,000 per month, with a commitment to meet with the sending countries annually to discuss a yearly increase,” Baldoz said.

“The current minimum salary of a household worker in Taiwan is NT$ 15,849 a month and with proposed increase of NT$1,160 it would make their pay envelope to NT$ 17,000, she said.

“This is the first increase in the minimum salary of HSWs in the last 18 years,” she said.

Vice Minister Feng Ming-hao will lead the 1st Joint Labor Conference between Taiwan-Indonesia-Philippines-Thailand-Vietnam on Friday, August 28, to finalize the negotiations for the minimum wage of the HSWs, which the four labor-sending countries have earlier demanded.

Baldoz said the Philippines’s made the call to increase the household workers during the 6th Philippines-Taiwan Joint Labor Conference in Taipei last month, which paved the way for the long-delayed wage increase.

“This is an auspicious start similar to the annual wage review we have requested for in countries like Hong Kong and Macau,” said Baldoz.The labor chief said negotiations have continuously been carried out between Taiwan and Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines for the increase on the monthly minimum wages for HSWs. “A favorable agreement is now very near,” according to Labor Representative Llewelyn Perez, adding that pending the final and formal conclusion of the negotiations on 28 August, there is already an understanding among the labor representative offices of the four countries to accept Taiwan’s proposal. Vito Barcelo

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

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Malaysia deports Filipinos

By A. Perez Rimando

Flooding. Residents of Candon City, Ilocos Sur see if some fish were trapped in their fishing nets as Typhoon Ineng brought rain and flooding to Luzon. AFP

Miners poisoned, buried in landslide in Benguet

By Florante S. Solmerin and Dexter A. See

FOUR miners were poisoned to death in two separate incidents Sunday inside two mining tunnels in Barangay Tuding, Itogon, Benguet, Supt. Cherry Fajardo, public information officer of the Police Regional OfficeCordillera, said Monday.

Three of the victims were from Sitio Baguio Gold and were identified as Ismael Sadya-as, 25, Bambi Dongla, 28, and Tula Mateo, 53.

She said that based on

the investigation report, Sadya-as tried to rescue Dongla inside the tunnel at 2 p.m. but he too inhaled the gas that resulted in his death. Mateo entered the same tunnel

at 5:30 p.m. after his companions failed to return.

He died as well.

The bodies of the victims were recovered at 9:30 p.m. of the same day.

In Sitio Reno, 23-yearold Abe Danao Amyao, 23, also died in a tunnel after inhaling a still-unknown kind of gas.

“The victim went inside their mine tunnel at 11 p.m. The victim’s brother, Larry, noticed that his brother was not yet on his bed prompting him together with his co-worker to imme-

diately look for him until they learned that the victim was still inside their mine tunnel,” Fajardo said.

Abe was retrieved unconscious at 2 a.m. and rushed to the Saint Louis Medical Center. He was declared dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, 12 pocket miners are still missing in Mankayan, Benguet after seven shanties within a small-scale mining village of Sitio Elizabeth, Barangay Taneg were buried by a mudslide induced by tropical

cyclone “Ineng”over the weekend.

In the past two days, the bodies of Crispin Ablao, Felimon Adpacan, Armando Dayao and Jasper Olivares, were recovered by rescuers in separate sites within the landslide-affected area.

Supt. Jonathan G. Calixto, commanding officer of the Benguet Provincial Public Safety Company, described the search and rescue operations as challenging. Two hundred rescuers are searching a stretch of more than 270 meters of slope.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga Sibugay—Close to 600 Filipinos from Western Mindanao were deported to this city by Malaysian authorities late last week after they were found to have illegally entered Sabah in search for various jobs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development here said.

Jamila Arasad, chief of the DSWD’s Processing Center for Displaced Persons (PCDP), said most of the deportees were alleged victims of illegal recruiters who, after paying some amount, promised them high-paying works in various establishments in that Malaysian state without necessary travel documents.

The deportees, who were earlier rounded up by Malaysian police, were shipped back by group through two inter-island boats plying weekly the Zamboanga-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi-Sabah-Zamboanga route, Arasad said.

She added that the DSWD has provided them temporary shelters and emergency relief assistance includinghygiene kits, food and medical needs.

Arasad said the PCDP also conducted debriefing and literacy sessions on labor and immigration laws and passport application procedures with the deportees to prevent them from being re-victimized by unscrupulous recruiters.

She stressed that the DSWD, through the initiative of Regional Director Victoria Arevalo, later provided free transportation tickets to the deportees, most of them middle-age women, for their return trips to their home provinces in WM, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Basilan.

High Court affirms malversation conviction of Saranggani official

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has affirmed the conviction of Sarangani official found guilty by the Sandiganbayan for malversation of public funds amounting to P20,000.

The Court’s Second Division through Associate Justice Arturo Brion junked the petition filed by Amelia Carmela Constantino-Zoleta seeking the reversal of the Nov. 5, 2012 ruling issued by the Sandiganbayan.

She will be imprisoned for a maximum of 18 years.

The anti-graft court found Zoleta guilty of malversation of public funds by falsification of public documents defined and penalized under Article 217 in relation to Article 71 (2)

and Article 48 of the Revised Penal Code.

The daughter of the late Saranggani Vice Governor Felipe Katu Constantino, Zoleta was found guilty for conspiring to dupe the provincial government. She was also perpetually disqualified from holding any public office The Sandiganbayan held that the vice governor conspired with her daughter and another private individual, Violita Bahilidad, to use a dummy organization, Women in Progress, to facilitate the malversation.

Besides Zoleta and Bahilidad, other accused in the case were provincial accountant Maria Camanay and provincial board member Teodorico Diaz.

The latter two remain at large.

Bahilidad had earlier been

earlier acquitted by the SC in a separate petition questioning her conviction.

“The connivance between the accused is made more glaring by the fact that the entire transaction —from the letterrequest, to the approval of the disbursement voucher, until the processing and release of the check was completed in only one day,” the SC ruled.

It also noted that the disbursement had been approved even without the required supporting documents such as the Articles of Cooperation and Certificate from the Cooperative Development Authority.

Associate Justices Antonio Carpio, Jose Catral Mendoza, Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Marvic Leonen concurred with the ruling.

Dancing. Students from Macasandig National High School’s performing arts class in Cagayan de Oro show why they are champions. LANCE BACONGUIS

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opinion

ADELLE chuA ediToR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

eaGle eYeS dean TonY la ViÑa

Leni RobRedo’s inspiRing woRds

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Boxed in THIS administration never seems to run out of ideas to make life difficult for ordinary working Filipinos.

Last week, as the public was reeling from recurring problems in public transportation, traffic, and flooding, the Bureau of Customs announced it would open and inspect balikbayan boxes—packages containing gifts sent by overseas Filipino workers to their families—so that it could tax those which exceed $500 in value.

More of these boxes are expected to be shipped here as the Christmas season approaches.

The announcement elicited violent reactions from overseas workers, their families and the general public, who agreed the government is again clamping down on working men and women, instead of running after the big offenders.

True to form, President Benigno Aquino III defended the Customs bureau and exhorted the public to just let it do its job.

But what job? The bureau has always been perceived as one of the most corrupt government agencies. Attempts to reform it have been, at best, halfhearted and sporadic. Smuggling continues to be rampant.

Mr. Aquino precisely wants to get a grip on smuggled items that may be hidden amid household and personal hygiene items and clothes normally contained in these boxes—as if the overseas workers would dare mix contraband with soap and the chocolates for their loved ones.

As if, too, the bureau had the ascendancy to open and inspect the boxes. By sending the boxes, the overseas workers themselves take great risks: items in the boxes are already vulnerable to pilferage or theft, as many have reported before.

The proposal would have had merit if the people who would inspect the boxes could be trusted to report faithfully what they see and levy duties according to policy—nothing else. Unfortunately, Customs does not enjoy such reputation. Far from it.

We wonder then whether the President or even his Justice Secretary, who expectedly defended the measure, realize what they are doing. The Labor Secretary gets the significance of the balikbayan box; they cannot.

Perhaps these officials are so pleased with themselves for coming up with solutions that are “out of the box,” never mind that these are blatantly wrong.

Unfortunately, this kind of thinking leaves the people boxed in. They are driven out of the country because there are no sustainable job opportunities here. And then when they get jobs abroad and toil away to be able to send trinkets to the families they leave behind, their government invents ways to dip its hands into their boxes.

What a shabby way to treat your bosses, Mr. President.

Quit whining lowdown jojo a.

RoBleS DeAr Senator Antonio Trillanes IV: Denying is easy, but getting out of the mess you created by hiring consultants—and allegedly pocketing the bulk of their fees—is not.

There is a very simple way for Trillanes to prove, as he claims, that the millions in government funds that were paid to his consultants were not actually stolen. He can show

the receipts signed by the consultants themselves, showing that they received the actual amounts on a monthly basis that they were supposed to get.

If Trillanes can’t do that, then he’s in deep trouble. Because, contrary to what Senate President Franklin Drilon said in his defense, Trillanes cannot just do what he pleases with the money set aside for consultancy fees.

A very reliable source has told me that only one member of Trillanes’ staff has been receiving, in a lump sum, all the monthly consultancy fees al-

located for his office. All the consultants in Trillanes’ employ have signed special powers of attorney allowing this staff member to receive their salaries for them, which in effect made them agree, as well, that they will be happy to receive whatever the senator’s office eventually gives them after, ahem, deductions.

If these consultants are really so good at what they do that they have been hired to supplement Trillanes’ regular staff, then why can’t they even get their own salaries from the senator’s office, instead of getting it from one staff

A9

Your government does not care about you. So stop whining already.

member who receives all of their money for them? How can drivers, household help and even the senator’s brother qualify as a consultant to his office, when there are rules governing qualifications (a college degree is required, at least) before any such special adviser is hired?

And Trillanes’ record of being the biggest spender in the Senate—even while he was in jail—doesn’t help his credibility in the matter of his hiring so many consultants at all. Prove us wrong, Mr. Senator; or stop whining and own up to your crime. *** Speaking of whining, it’s re-

ally as plain as the nose on Noynoy Aquino’s face: the government doesn’t care about you, so quit whining, pay up and enjoy the fruits of reforms and inclusive growth.

The monstrous traffic jams are a sign of progress, according to Aquino. Quit whining and find a way to get to work, then repeat the process to get home.

The government doesn’t care about your getting stuck in traffic, so quit whining. It inherited a perfectly working commuter rail system that it pro-

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

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

ceeded, over just five years, to almost completely destroy.

The Metro Manila Development Authority has just announced that traffic jams will be our common fate in the next 15 years. Quit whining; it’s not government’s fault that it hasn’t built a single major infrastructure project in Metro Manila using the humongous taxes it collects.

Floods are destroying homes, roads and bridges in the north. The President is in Cebu, campaigning for his un-

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

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MEMBER

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electable chosen replacement.

Quit whining. Vote Liberal.

The stock market is tanking, falling more than 16 percent from its peak in April, shedding almost seven percent yesterday alone and falling almost six percent year-to-date when it closed at 6,791. Quit whining and forget that Aquino predicted a 10,000-point market.

Oh, and yes, Aquino announced that there’s nothing wrong with the Bureau Continued on A10

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

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

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

LAST Saturday, 22 August 2015, the Ateneo de Manila School of Government had its annual commencement exercises.

We graduated 80 Masters in Public Management students and recognized 138 graduates from the joint MPM-rural Development program we had offered with the Development Academy of the Philippines in collaboration with Xavier University and UP College of Social Work and Community Development. Because of the historic number of students we were graduating, and as this was my tenth and last commencement exercise as ASoG Dean, the commencement experience had special significance for me.

What made the occasion more meaningful was that our commencement speaker was rep. Leni robredo of the third district of Camarines Sur. robredo’s husband Jesse, former Naga mayor and Local Government secretary who died in a plane crash in 2012, had been a close ASoG collaborator. He had taught with us, having co-founded the Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance which was incubated and hosted by the school in its early years (it is now a separate entity).

Leni did not disappoint, delivering an inspiring speech that will be remembered not just by our graduates but by everyone who cares about good governance in this country. Her last words spoke not only to our students but to all of us: “The time you have spent in here should be put to good use. Let’s not be contented with just planning. Let us start doing. Collaborate. Discuss. Find ways to work together. There is no time to lose. The country needs every bright mind. Imagine how much our nation will change if all of your bright ideas can be honed and turned into real solutions for our people’s suffering. You are in this place at this time for a purpose. Find it and make it happen.”

Leni did begin her speech on a personal note: “I was just 22 when I got married to Jesse and losing someone who has almost raised me and who has treated me like I was his whole world creates a void that will never go away. But I have come to accept that already. Jesse was not just a husband.

He was my trusted handyman. He was my protector and provider. Most of all, he was my role model in living simply, keeping my feet on the ground, and losing a part of myself so that those who have less can Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

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

A8

opinion

ADELLE chuA ediToR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

opinion

eaGle eYeS dean TonY la ViÑa

Leni RobRedo’s inspiRing woRds

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Boxed in THIS administration never seems to run out of ideas to make life difficult for ordinary working Filipinos.

Last week, as the public was reeling from recurring problems in public transportation, traffic, and flooding, the Bureau of Customs announced it would open and inspect balikbayan boxes—packages containing gifts sent by overseas Filipino workers to their families—so that it could tax those which exceed $500 in value.

More of these boxes are expected to be shipped here as the Christmas season approaches.

The announcement elicited violent reactions from overseas workers, their families and the general public, who agreed the government is again clamping down on working men and women, instead of running after the big offenders.

True to form, President Benigno Aquino III defended the Customs bureau and exhorted the public to just let it do its job.

But what job? The bureau has always been perceived as one of the most corrupt government agencies. Attempts to reform it have been, at best, halfhearted and sporadic. Smuggling continues to be rampant.

Mr. Aquino precisely wants to get a grip on smuggled items that may be hidden amid household and personal hygiene items and clothes normally contained in these boxes—as if the overseas workers would dare mix contraband with soap and the chocolates for their loved ones.

As if, too, the bureau had the ascendancy to open and inspect the boxes. By sending the boxes, the overseas workers themselves take great risks: items in the boxes are already vulnerable to pilferage or theft, as many have reported before.

The proposal would have had merit if the people who would inspect the boxes could be trusted to report faithfully what they see and levy duties according to policy—nothing else. Unfortunately, Customs does not enjoy such reputation. Far from it.

We wonder then whether the President or even his Justice Secretary, who expectedly defended the measure, realize what they are doing. The Labor Secretary gets the significance of the balikbayan box; they cannot.

Perhaps these officials are so pleased with themselves for coming up with solutions that are “out of the box,” never mind that these are blatantly wrong.

Unfortunately, this kind of thinking leaves the people boxed in. They are driven out of the country because there are no sustainable job opportunities here. And then when they get jobs abroad and toil away to be able to send trinkets to the families they leave behind, their government invents ways to dip its hands into their boxes.

What a shabby way to treat your bosses, Mr. President.

Quit whining lowdown jojo a.

RoBleS DeAr Senator Antonio Trillanes IV: Denying is easy, but getting out of the mess you created by hiring consultants—and allegedly pocketing the bulk of their fees—is not.

There is a very simple way for Trillanes to prove, as he claims, that the millions in government funds that were paid to his consultants were not actually stolen. He can show

the receipts signed by the consultants themselves, showing that they received the actual amounts on a monthly basis that they were supposed to get.

If Trillanes can’t do that, then he’s in deep trouble. Because, contrary to what Senate President Franklin Drilon said in his defense, Trillanes cannot just do what he pleases with the money set aside for consultancy fees.

A very reliable source has told me that only one member of Trillanes’ staff has been receiving, in a lump sum, all the monthly consultancy fees al-

located for his office. All the consultants in Trillanes’ employ have signed special powers of attorney allowing this staff member to receive their salaries for them, which in effect made them agree, as well, that they will be happy to receive whatever the senator’s office eventually gives them after, ahem, deductions.

If these consultants are really so good at what they do that they have been hired to supplement Trillanes’ regular staff, then why can’t they even get their own salaries from the senator’s office, instead of getting it from one staff

A9

Your government does not care about you. So stop whining already.

member who receives all of their money for them? How can drivers, household help and even the senator’s brother qualify as a consultant to his office, when there are rules governing qualifications (a college degree is required, at least) before any such special adviser is hired?

And Trillanes’ record of being the biggest spender in the Senate—even while he was in jail—doesn’t help his credibility in the matter of his hiring so many consultants at all. Prove us wrong, Mr. Senator; or stop whining and own up to your crime. *** Speaking of whining, it’s re-

ally as plain as the nose on Noynoy Aquino’s face: the government doesn’t care about you, so quit whining, pay up and enjoy the fruits of reforms and inclusive growth.

The monstrous traffic jams are a sign of progress, according to Aquino. Quit whining and find a way to get to work, then repeat the process to get home.

The government doesn’t care about your getting stuck in traffic, so quit whining. It inherited a perfectly working commuter rail system that it pro-

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

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

ceeded, over just five years, to almost completely destroy.

The Metro Manila Development Authority has just announced that traffic jams will be our common fate in the next 15 years. Quit whining; it’s not government’s fault that it hasn’t built a single major infrastructure project in Metro Manila using the humongous taxes it collects.

Floods are destroying homes, roads and bridges in the north. The President is in Cebu, campaigning for his un-

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

electable chosen replacement.

Quit whining. Vote Liberal.

The stock market is tanking, falling more than 16 percent from its peak in April, shedding almost seven percent yesterday alone and falling almost six percent year-to-date when it closed at 6,791. Quit whining and forget that Aquino predicted a 10,000-point market.

Oh, and yes, Aquino announced that there’s nothing wrong with the Bureau Continued on A10

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

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

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

LAST Saturday, 22 August 2015, the Ateneo de Manila School of Government had its annual commencement exercises.

We graduated 80 Masters in Public Management students and recognized 138 graduates from the joint MPM-rural Development program we had offered with the Development Academy of the Philippines in collaboration with Xavier University and UP College of Social Work and Community Development. Because of the historic number of students we were graduating, and as this was my tenth and last commencement exercise as ASoG Dean, the commencement experience had special significance for me.

What made the occasion more meaningful was that our commencement speaker was rep. Leni robredo of the third district of Camarines Sur. robredo’s husband Jesse, former Naga mayor and Local Government secretary who died in a plane crash in 2012, had been a close ASoG collaborator. He had taught with us, having co-founded the Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance which was incubated and hosted by the school in its early years (it is now a separate entity).

Leni did not disappoint, delivering an inspiring speech that will be remembered not just by our graduates but by everyone who cares about good governance in this country. Her last words spoke not only to our students but to all of us: “The time you have spent in here should be put to good use. Let’s not be contented with just planning. Let us start doing. Collaborate. Discuss. Find ways to work together. There is no time to lose. The country needs every bright mind. Imagine how much our nation will change if all of your bright ideas can be honed and turned into real solutions for our people’s suffering. You are in this place at this time for a purpose. Find it and make it happen.”

Leni did begin her speech on a personal note: “I was just 22 when I got married to Jesse and losing someone who has almost raised me and who has treated me like I was his whole world creates a void that will never go away. But I have come to accept that already. Jesse was not just a husband.

He was my trusted handyman. He was my protector and provider. Most of all, he was my role model in living simply, keeping my feet on the ground, and losing a part of myself so that those who have less can Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

A10 Fallacy exposed The Court had earlier granted Enrile’s petition for a Bill of Particulars, a Emil P. right under the due-projURAdO cess clause of the ConstituI CAnnOt start my col- tion. I had always known umn today without first the Court would eventugiving tribute to my former ally allow him to post bail. student at the Ateneo High The Bill of Rights, ArSchool at Loyola Heights, ticle III of the ConstituButz Aquino. He was a for- tion, specifically provides mer senator and congress- in Section 13 that “all perman, and most important- sons, except those charged ly a street parliamentarian with offenses punishable who organized the August by reclusion perpetua when twenty-One Movement evidence of guilt is strong, that led to the People Pow- shall, before conviction be er Revolution. This event bailable by sufficient sureended the Martial-Law re- ties, or be released on regime of the late strongman cognizance as may be proPresident Ferdinand Edra- vided by law. The right to lin Marcos and restored bail shall not be impaired democracy. even when the privilege of As a young boy of 14 the writ of habeas corpus is or 15, Butz was well liked suspended. Excessive bail by his fellow students and shall not be required.” even his teachers. He was a The bail set for Enrile’s friend to everybody. freedom was P1.4 million.

In fact, Butz was my It is clear from the diselocutionist senting among my opinion of second year Associate students. I Justice Marfollowed his vic Leonen career as a People now see that he did stage actor the so-called not agree and a politiDaang Matuwid with the macian. I was jority. But, for what it is. Santa Baproud of him. nana, that’s I will how it is in miss Butz. the Court of Every time I Last Resort met him, he —the majority rules. always had a joke to share.

Enrile was allowed to The last time I saw him was post bail for humanitarin the wake of the daughter ian considerations—he is of his friend and former 91 and ailing. Soon after, classmate, Reli German, President Aquino’s atformer nAIA general man- tack dog, Justice Secretary ager and now a PR guru.

Leila de Lima, complained Butz was with his wife that the decision sets a Popsy Mendes, also a good dangerous precedent and friend. He was in a jovial brings back the country to mood. When I asked him a banana-republic regime why his nephew, President where the elite ruled.

Aquino, was always comto echo De Lima’s belmitting mistakes, his brief lyaching, now comes Lady answer: “I told you he’s Gaga of Malacañang sayhardheaded, he doesn’t lis- ing that the President is ten to reason.” seeking a review of the Suto the family, my deep- preme Court decision. est condolences.

Palace allies are worried *** that all others in detention I cannot understand who are old or ailing, spethis brouhaha over the cifically former President Supreme Court’s decision Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, granting former Senate would also be granted bail.

President and now Minor- My gulay, who not? Mercy ity Leader Juan Ponce En- and compassion are essenrile bail for plunder. tial components of justice.

TO THE POiNT

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

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

Breeding resentment ARE WE THERE YET? BONG C. AUSTERO WHAt can we make of the fact that the seeming display of conscientiousness on the part of some government officials has been met by a lot of howling? two weeks ago, the initiative of the Land transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to regulate application-based ride-sharing services such as Uber and Grab taxi was met by virulent protests. this happened even when the agency made it clear that it really just wanted to guarantee the safety of the riding public and to ensure that the right taxes were paid by the entrepreneurs behind the new transport services scheme.

And as we settled in for the three-day weekend, social networking sites were ablaze with fiery commentaries directed at the Bureau of Customs over the proposal to open balikbayan boxes to ensure that these are not being used to smuggle goods that would normally be subject to taxes.

In both cases, taxation was submitted as an issue. It is a given that any discussion about taxes is bound to get an emotional response in this country. Everyone agrees, of course, that taxation is the price people have to pay for the privilege of being called responsible citizens. the problem is that most people believe they are already overtaxed; an assertion that is not entirely baseless given that the tax table for working people who are automati-

cally subjected to withholding taxes is higher in this country compared to most of our neighbors.

An even bigger problem is the perception that a huge chunk of taxpayers’ money is lost to corruption, or wasted on projects that are not necessary, or used to support the profligate lifestyles or advance the political careers of favored politicians. So people do have a reason to balk when asked to pay more taxes.

But what’s been riling people up is the fact that government seems more concerned with ensuring tax collection at the expense of more important considerations. In the case of Uber and Grab taxi, a transportation system that actually works even without government intervention! More importantly, it’s a system that has provided a much better alternative to the poorly-run public transport system, which has increasingly become unreliable and unsafe despite regulatory oversight by government.

In the case of the balikbayan boxes, the uproar is due to perceptions of government’s insensitivity to the situation of overseas Filipino workers, misplaced priorities, and well, mistrust in the people who run the Bureau of Customs.

Any Filipino would know that those balikbayan boxes mean more than the goods they contain. those tins of Spam, packets of chocolates, bars of soap and pieces of apparel carry a lot of symbolism; we’re a people that likes rituals, channels affection and emotions through material things and through certain acts, and we find expression in the time-honored traditions of pasalu-

qUiT... From A9 of Customs rifling through balikbayan boxes in search of motorcycles and other highly dutiable contraband. Quit whining and chalk up the loss of the toblerone and the Victoria’s Secret underwear to the industry of the men and women of the customs bureau—they have a hard job, but someone’s got to do it.

Besides, as that stupid spokesman of Malacañang said, who cares about the remittances that Filipino overseas workers bring in? That money doesn’t go to the government anyway, so they’re not directly helping the economy.

(This palace mouthpiece should be put in a balikbay-

Mrs. Arroyo is accused of plunder over that P336million transfer of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office intelligence funds when all she did was to approve it. She never stole a single centavo from it.

The greatest anomaly is that all her co-accused in that case have already been

granted bail. President Aquino really wants her to be the poster girl for his Daang Matuwid mantra.

Straight path, my foot!

It’s a lot of baloney!

Enrile has always had the right to bail despite his plunder case since the evidence against him is not strong.

All the bellyaching

bong, pabaon, and pabilin. A balikbayan box not just a box of goodies, to the people at both ends of the system (sender and receiver) it represents fulfillment of a promise, or validation of one’s worth, or even a form of reassurance.

Given the fact that OFWs are the ones that prop up this country’s economy, surely we can afford to give them a little break. Allowing them and their families some privileges might be warranted. Besides, the value of the goods smuggled through balikbayan boxes may not be really worth the effort; the resources could be spent more productively in pursuit of big ticket items such as luxury cars. It’s basic Pareto Principle at work—why spend inordinate amount of effort on something that yields very little results? there are more reasons to ditch the madcap idea. It’s almost impossible to implement the proposal consistently thereby opening the system to accusations of favoritism and unfairness. And there’s always the possibility of pilferage or corruption.

We can take some comfort in the fact that we have officials who seem to have the drive to implement programs that are unpopular. One wishes, however, that the drive, the initiative, and the political will, be marshaled in support of programs that will truly make the most difference. I think our leaders are wasting precious political capital at this crucial time on the eve of a national election on programs that showcase utter lack of strategic thinking and which breed resentment among the people.

an box and shipped to that landfill that is receiving trash from Canada. And he should be buried underneath all of that imported garbage.)

Unfortunately for all of us, this is not a recitation of all the sins of the Aquino administration. All of this is just what’s in the paper you’re reading today, about events that happened yesterday.

But this is, after all, the government that has given us the unforgettable aphorisms that have become its real slogans: “But you’re still alive, right?”, “Bahala na kayo sa buhay ninyo!” and my current personal favorite, “traffic is not fatal.”

One more time: Your government does not care about you. So stop whining already.

seems to be because the people are now realizing that the Daang Matuwid is a fallacy. *** Enrile was at the 365 Club at Hotel Intercon, swapping jokes and political banter with the other regulars. He used to be a regular, himself,

being the club’s honorary chairman. I am chairman emeritus.

The club had wanted to honor him with a welcome luncheon or dinner but he declined. We respected his decision.

On September 22, the Club will mark its 43rd anniversary.

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A11

Illegal MMDa quake DrIlls; De lIMa’s DIleMMa; OchOa’s IMprOper attIre Chairman Francis Tolentino of the ated by law for the benefit metropolitan manila Development au- of metropolitan manila. thority is already immersed in his cam- There is nothing in the paign for a seat in the Senate in the may mmDa charter, republic 2016 polls, under the administration Lib- act no. 7924, which allows it to operate outside eral Party. the metropolis.

So far, his strategy is simple. moreover, under article 220 of the Tolentino will make the most of his incumbency and the public funds that revised Penal Code, a public officer who go with it to promote his image to the uses public funds or property under his electorate until October 2015—when To- administration to any public use other lentino must resign from the mmDa to than that for which such fund or property launch his official campaign. This way, were appropriated by law, invites a crimiTolentino can save on expenses by financ- nal prosecution. his act also gives rise to ing his partisan political campaign using both a prosecution under the anti-graft law, and an administrative case before the government funds and property. his quest for higher office was evident Office of the Ombudsman. in 2000, the Supreme Court ruled as early as December 2014 when he required all cinema houses in the metrop- that the mmDa cannot perform any act olis to exhibit a film clip about himself not authorized under its charter. Weeks before every film screening during the ago, the Court of appeals held that the metropolitan manila Film Festival. That mmDa cannot enforce anti-smoking ordinances even within metropolitan mawas free publicity for him.

Earlier this year, government seismol- nila. although the mmDa charter authoogy experts announced that many areas rizes the chairman to carry out directives in metropolitan manila and in Bulacan, of the President of the Philippines, those rizal, Laguna and Cavite are likely to be directives must be confined to matters rehit by a devastating earthquake anytime lating to metropolitan manila. in simple soon. naturally, people there were over- language, the President cannot order an official of metropolitan manila to perwhelmed by fear and anxiety.

Tolentino saw an opportunity in the form functions in the provinces. To allow people’s fear and anxiety. his office of- that is to allow the President to amend the fered to hold earthquake drills. Last July mmDa charter. Only Congress is vested 30, the mmDa held earthquake drills in by the Constitution with that power.

Tolentino should be attending to the the metropolis, and Tolentino was featured extensively in the news media. That traffic problem in the metropolis instead was free publicity for him once again. of using government time, funds, and On September 8, the mmDa intends property for his political campaign. So far, to hold earthquake drills in Bulacan and he is unaware that motorcycles traversing Laguna where Tolentino will again be in EDSa and Commonwealth avenue in the public eye. These provincial drills, Quezon City no longer use the designated however, are illegal. The mmDa was cre- motorcycle lane.

LENI... From A9 live more.”

Leni also shared her thoughts about being an empowered woman: “many say to be an empowered woman of our society, you have to stand out and be heard. That all must listen to your voice at every opportunity. many say gender equality is all about being as strong as a man, as important, and as celebrated. in my life at least, it meant knowing when to let go of the limelight and when to step up. it meant knowing when to keep quiet and when to speak.

Being empowered meant understanding that not all kinds of strength are visible and auditory. When you know your true value as a woman, you can sit back with secure knowledge that the man of your dreams values your judgment because you value yours, and that together, you are working on the same goals. You are not in a contest to be heard; you are working on the same team.” applying this insight to her relationship with Secretary Jesse, Leni said: “Ours was truly a team effort. Jesse gave me the chance to do what i loved doing and shared in my experiences in alternative lawyering. he

put value in my advocacy of empowering the marginalized with the belief that when people are empowered and given a chance to sit at the table, they gain ownership of programs, become real stakeholders and these programs have better chances of success. he adopted in City hall many of the concepts i was advocating and thus created spaces for participatory governance.”

The heart of Leni robredo’s commencement speech was, however, these simple messages: First, good governance and successful politics can go together; Second, we can change our country. according to her: “Changing mindsets is the most difficult. But after two years in office, i can say this with all certainty, that if people are given a choice, they will always go for performance over patronage, physical presence over tarpaulins which have our faces and names all over. They become a more collaborative constituency when they know their government is transparent and they are given spaces to engage in all stages of governance.

That when we start building from the ground up and involve people in governance, when we promote fairness in all our dealings, people trust us more.

it’s time Tolentino stopped using government resources for his political campaign. if he wants to be a lawmaker, he should first follow the law. *** a financial mess at the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been exposed. according to state auditors, the Board of Claims of the DOJ has been illegally using the victims compensation fund of the DOJ for honoraria and office expenses. The fund is earmarked for the compensation of victims of unjust imprisonment and victims of violent crimes. So far, the amount misused has reached P136 million. as the head of the Department of Justice, Secretary Leila De Lima must have been aware of this irregularity. Why De Lima allowed this to happen is an irregularity in itself. Graft charges should be filed against her and other DOJ officials involved in this anomaly.

This mess attests that Secretary Leila de Lima has not been diligently attending to her duties at the DOJ. many lawyers complain of the long delay in the resolution of cases pending there. applications for the witness protection program take an eternity to be processed. it took De Lima several years to discover that high profile prisoners at the national penitentiary were enjoying amenities and luxuries in violation of law.

What was Secretary De Lima doing all the while? Like mmDa Chairman Tolentino, De Lima is eyeing a seat in the Senate, and she is occupied with her campaign plans. it will be recalled that Secretary De

Lima was among the many government officials who went to the netherlands last July to attend the hearing on the arbitration case which the Philippines filed against Communist China regarding Beijing’s illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea. De Lima’s presence at the hearing was unnecessary—the Department of Justice is not involved in the international diplomatic row. moreover, De Lima’s legal expertise is in election law, not international law.

So far, Secretary De Lima and other tag-along officials to holland—like house Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Deputy Executive Secretary menardo Guevarra, and deputy presidential spokesman abigail Valte—have not satisfactorily explained their role in the hearing. Obviously, they went on a European junket at government expense. *** it seems that Executive Secretary Ochoa does not have a high regard for the late manuel Luis Quezon, the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth. at the formal ceremony marking the 137th birth anniversary of President Quezon held at the Quezon memorial Shrine last august 19, Ochoa was with President aquino, Quezon City mayor herbert Bautista, house Speaker Belmonte, israeli ambassador Effie Ben matityau, and mrs. Zenaida Quezonavanceña. Everyone was in formal attire appropriate for the occasion—except Ochoa who was in a white short-sleeved shirt. if Ochoa wasn’t in the mood to honor Quezon, he should not have attended the ceremony.

We get more results for every peso of taxpayers money. Jesse was able to convert naga into a “maogmang Lugar”, or our people’s happy place. Good governance, transparency, accountability and people empowerment can also turn the whole country into a happy place.

Jess began in politics with nothing except a sincere desire to make his city better than when he first found it. he committed himself to good governance at whatever cost, even when it meant going against political dynasties and a corrupt system. Even if it meant charting his own course away from the already paved road that reeks of patronage politics. he was able to prove that one can still succeed in politics by just doing the right thing.

That politics is inherently dirty is a fact but it doesn’t have to remain that way if we don’t allow it so. naga’s experience showed that we need to trust our people and they will repay that trust. Jess served as mayor for six terms, winning by landslide elections after elections even when some of his policies went against public opinion. We need to believe that the same can be true in national governance. We need to com-

mit to doing the right thing at whatever cost, believing that in the end, what is right will always win over what is wrong.

That the good will always prevail in the end.” i was shaken as i listened to Leni speak these lines because nearly 10 years ago, in an leadership and election campaign course aSoG had conducted for the 2007 elections, this was exactly what Jesse robredo told our students. it was not a sense of déjà vu that i felt but the certainty of the truthfulness of her words. in our conversation before the ceremony, Leni said she could not imagined an ateneo School of Government without me. i said i could not have imagined her to be where she is now. i told her she will not get any pressure from me on whether to run for national office. i know how challenging that is and how much of a sacrifice that was for her and her daughters. But if she decides to say yes, for sure, many will sign up and walk with her to a Philippines that will become, like naga City, a ‘‘maogmang Lugar”—a happy place, a happy Philippines.

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

Facebook Page: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

Love wins Wyndham; Tiger 10

th

GREENSBORO—Tiger Woods couldn’t end his victory drought, but 51-year-old Davis Love snapped his on Sunday with a one-stroke win in the Wyndham Championship that made him the third-oldest winner in US PGA Tour history.

All eyes were on Woods at Sedgefield Country Club, where the 14time major champion was in contention Sunday for a first US PGA Tour win since 2013.

The former world number one, coming off a missed cut at the PGA Championship that marked his third straight early exit from a major, needed the victory to make the US PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs.

Woods’s chances effectively ended with a triple-bogey seven at the par-four 11th hole. That was followed by a bogey at the 12th, and even a storming finish that included four birdies in his last six holes wasn’t enough.

Woods closed with an even-par 70 for 13-under 267, his tie for 10th his best finish of a disappointing 2015 campaign.

While Woods’s US season is over, Love is headed to the playoffs after grabbing his first US PGA Tour victory since 2008.

“Incredible” was Love’s verdict on the win, achieved with a six-under par final round of 64 that included eagles at both of Sedgefield’s two par-fives.

“Any victory is going to be really sweet when you’re over 50,” Love said.

His 17-under total of 263 gave him a one-shot win over Jason Gore, the overnight leader who carded a one-under 69.

“I’ve been working to try to get my game back,” said Love, who had foot

surgery in March and was out of action for two months. “You just wonder if the body is going to wear out.”

South African Charl Schwartzel carded a 66 for 265 where he was joined by England’s Paul Casey (67) and American Scott Brown (68).

Love’s third Greensboro title—after wins in 1992 and 2006 at Forest Oaks Country Club—was finally secure once Gore missed his 50-foot birdie attempt at the final hole.

“I was nervous,” admitted Gore, whose solo second place finish was enough to retain his tour card. “We weren’t just playing for a tournament, we were playing for a job next year.”

Davis Love III tees off on the second hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina. AFP

Philracom sponsors Bagatsing Cup racing THE Philippine Racing Commission is one of the principal backers of the 7th Mayor Ramon D. Bagatsing racing festival set for Aug. 29 and 30 at the Manila Jockey Club’s San Lazaro Leisure Park.

The Bagatsing Cup, that started as a humble memorial event to honor the late mayor and his contributions to the sport of horseracing, is now an annual tradition eagerly anticipated by racing fans.

Philracom will provide the prize money for two major Bagatsing Cup races to be held on Aug. 30: the P1 million Philracom-Mayor Bagatsing Cup Division I for 4YO and older, and a P400,000 special race for 3YO non-participants in any Philracom or Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office stakes race.

“As part of Philracom’s mandate to promote horseracing,” said Philracom Chairman Andrew A. Sanchez, “we are supporting the Bagatsing festival in order to provide incentives to race participants as well as give racing aficionados an event to remember.”

The declared entries for the Philracom-Mayor Bagatsing Cup Division I are Dixie Gold, to be ridden by PR Dilema; Hagdang Bato (JB Hernandez), Hot and Spicy (JB Cordova), Low Profile (KB Abobo), Messi (JA Guce), Oh Oh Seven (JB Guce), and Penrith (MA Alvarez).

Also to be held on that day is the P1 million Philracom 2YO Colts and Fillies stakes race that will provide this season’s juveniles a chance to show off their talents and gain needed training and experience for their individual 3YO campaigns.

Generals stay in semifinal race with three playdates left in the EMILIO Aguinaldo Games tomorrow quarters of the league backed College went through 1 p.m. – FEU vs UP some anxious moments 3 p.m. – St. Benilde vs NCBA by Mikasa.

5 p.m. – NU vs La Salle UP, which also drew 18 hits in the second set but from Alfred Valbuena and bundled out University of the Philippines in three just the same, seven points from Evan Raymundo, bowed 25-17, 25-23, 25-16, yesterday to keep its out of the semis race with a 1-4 card.

Meanwhile, the National U-St. Besemifinal hopes alive in the Spikers’ Turf Season 1-Collegiate Conference at The nilde match last week will be shown on PTV 4 starting at 3:30 p.m. today while Arena in San Juan City.

Reeling from back-to-back losses to the EAC-UP clash to be aired tomorrow. the St. Benilde Blazers and the Ateneo Games are aired on a delayed basis from Eagles, the Generals vented their ire on Monday to Friday while Saturday telecast the Maroons and fashioned out the win begins at 9:15 p.m., according to the orgathat kept the reigning NCAA champions nizing Sports Vision. in the hunt for the last semis berth in the league presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

After a league-best 41-hit blast against Ateneo, Howard Mojica slowed down with 18 points as the Maroons came through with nine blocks. But the Generals, barely beating the Maroons in spikes, 32-27, pounced on their rivals’ poor service reception and came away with 10 aces.

Hariel Doguna and Kerth Melliza scored EAC Generals’ Israel Encina (9), Roman six hits a piece while Mark Arias and Is- Mendoza (1), Cedrick Cilocilo (12) and Howard Mojica (7) brace for a defensive rael Encina added four markers apiece for stance as Nicco Bihag (8) hits a low-flight the Generals, who stayed at fifth at 3-3 but serve during their Spikers’ Turf clash with just behind NCBA and La Salle’s 2-2 marks the UP Maroons at The Arena in San Juan.

Daquel faces African champ

By Ronnie Nathanielsz FORMER Philippine super flyweight champion Rene “Commander” Dacquel will face South Africa’s flyweight champion Thembelani Nxoshe for the International Boxing Organization international super flyweight title in South Africa on Aug. 28.

The 24-year-old Dacquel, who has a record of 14-5-1 with 5 knockouts lost his Philippine title to Jonas Sultan by a 12-round unanimous decision last July 11 at the Mandaluying City Gym in a fight telecast

by Viva Sports on “The Main Event” over Pinoy Box Office on Sky Cable.

Nxoshe, who has a record of 13-5-1 with 3 knockouts, stunned highly favored Doctor Ntsele to lift the vacant South African flyweight title at the Mdantsane Sports Center last Nov. 10.

Boxing writer Mesuli Zifo reported that “coming to the fight, Nxoshe was a dark horse despite compiling a 20-fight record with only three defeats while Ntsele, who hails from Free State, but has lately made the Eastern Cape his second home, came with a great deal of clout having owned the same title before he was dethroned by Mdantsane’s Lwandile Sityatha.”

Forum tackles boxing ASSOCIATION of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines executive director Ed Picson returns to the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum as he talks about the coming campaign of the national team to the ASBC Asian Confederation Boxing Championships today at Shakey’s Malate.

The Aug. 26 to Sept. 5 meet set in Bangkok, Thailand serves as the qualifier to the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha, Qatar this October.

Together with Picson as guests in the session aired live over DZSR Sports Radio 918 and presented by San Miguel Corp., Shakey’s, Accel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., are the Philippine Powerlifting team and lady bodybuilder Gemmalyn Crosby.

Powerlifting association president Eddie Torres will join coaches Aspi Calagopi and Cirilo Dayao, along with players Jasmine Martine, Jeremy Bautista, and Joan Masangkay to discuss the team’s

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sports sports@thestandard.com.ph

No. 2 Halep in injury scare NEW HAVEN—New world number two Simona Halep has withdrawn from this week’s Connecticut Open with a leg injury, with the US Open just eight days away.

Halep’s announcement came as she lost in Sunday’s final in Cincinnati to Serena Williams 6-3, 7-6 (7/5). She also reached the final in Toronto, retiring in the third set with heat illness.

“I am very sorry that I have to withdraw from New Haven,” the Romanian said. “I love the tournament and obviously have great memories there having won the title before.

“I have had a tough few weeks that have left me with pain in my left leg and unfortunately I can’t force myself to play so close to the US Open.”

Halep was the third seed in Cincinnati but will now be ranked second in the world and Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia to win the men’s singles final at the Western & Southern Open at carry the second seed behind Williams at the US Open. AFP the Linder Family Tennis Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. AFP

Federer’s looking good before Open CINCINNATI—Roger Federer moved into pole position for a US Open title run on Sunday, capturing his seventh Cincinnati Masters with a dominant 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 win over Novak Djokovic.

The 34-year-old Swiss star added the Serbian world number one to a victims’ list which included Andy Murray in the semi-finals, capping a near-perfect week for the 17-time Grand Slam winner.

Federer was playing his first tournament since falling to Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.

He passed up the Montreal Masters won by Murray last week, preferring to rest and prepare at home.

“It’s great, I didn’t expect it, to be quite honest. I knew I had a chance, but I still felt more guys were going to have a better shot than I had because they had played Montreal before,” Federer said.

“Usually that helps. But I’ve realized over all the years that it’s just really difficult to win back-to-

back Montreal and Cincinnati, or Toronto and Cincinnati.

“I chose to roll the dice a little bit and see how things were going to go. If they went great here then it was a great plan.

“If not, I was going to go back and practice and be really motivated for the US Open to start.”

The gamble paid off for Federer, who needed 90 minutes to subdue Djokovic.

With the win he takes back the world number two ranking Murray seized for a week and will be seeded second behind Djokovic at Flushing Meadows for the season’s concluding Grand Slam which starts on August 31.

Federer claimed his 87th career ATP title and his 24th trophy in a Masters 1000 event.

Djokovic, meanwhile, was

thwarted in his bid to become the first man to win all nine of the elite Masters 1000 titles as he endured his fifth final defeat at Cincinnati -- the lone Masters missing from his resume.

The Serbian world number one has now fallen in the final of both of his tune-up events for the US Open, having lost to Murray in Montreal.

He didn’t muster a break point against Federer, whose superiority was clear in the first-set tiebreaker.

Federer’s variety of shots included an aggressive return on selected second serves, in which he advanced almost to the service line to surprise the Serb.

After seizing a 4-1 lead in the second set, Federer gave himself three match points with his seventh ace of the contest and converted on the first to the cheers of a partisan crowd.

The 34-year-old—who wasn’t broken all week—nudged ahead of Djokovic 21-20 in their head-to-head series. AFP

Wilson in coma after IndyCar head injury LONG POND—English driver Justin Wilson was fighting for his life in a coma on Sunday night after suffering a severe head injury in an IndyCar race in Pennsylvania, officials said.

The popular 37-year-old from Sheffield appeared to have been struck in the head by debris from Sage Karam’s car when it crashed in front of him during the final laps on the “Tricky Triangle” of Pocono Raceway during the penultimate race of the season.

Wilson was rushed to a hospital by air ambulance.

“Wilson is currently in a coma and in critical condition while undergoing further evaluation at Lehigh Valley Health Network Ce-

dar Crest Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania,” IndyCar said in a brief statement.

“IndyCar sends its thoughts and prayers to Justin, his family and Andretti Autosport during this difficult time.”

Karam was leading when his Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet spun on lap 179 of the 200-lap race. He was able to exit his car and was treated for a foot injury.

However, a piece of Karam’s car, possibly the nose cone, appeared to strike Wilson, whose car then swerved into a wall.

Wilson’s race-winning Andretti Autosport teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay said he had been told Wilson was “unconscious and not responding.” AFP

Serena captures 2nd straight Cincinnati title CINCINNATTI—Serena Williams continued to work her way up the list of WTA tennis legends, winning her 69th career title with a straight-set win over Simona Halep at the WTA Cincinnati tournament.

The world number one claimed her second straight Cincinnati trophy and moved past Aussie legend Evonne Goolagong into fifth place in the all-time WTA win list in the Open Era. Martina Navratilova heads the list with 167 singles crowns.

The 33-year-old American ral-

lied past third seed Halep 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) on Sunday for her fifth title of 2015.

“I think that playing Simona really tested me, and I felt like I was up for the challenge and up for the test,” Williams said.

“I definitely feel there is room for improvement.”

Halep, who handed Williams one of the worst losses of her career at the 2014 WTA Finals in Singapore, will surpass Maria Sharapova as the second ranked player in the world when the new rankings come out Monday.

Williams will be bidding for history at the US Open as she attempts to complete a rare calendar-year Grand Slam in singles.

She came back from an early firstset deficit to take charge against Halep.

Williams is looking forward to the start of the US Open in eight days.

“I prefer to have this pressure than the pressure of not winning,” she said. “Not everyone can handle that pressure, but I’m OK with it. I would rather be in this position than another one.” AFP

World judo. Japan’s judoka Toru Shishime (white) competes with Mohamed Jafy from Morocco during the men’s qualification match, in the -60 kg category at the the IJF World Judo Championship in Astana. AFP

T ue s day : augus T 2 5 , 2 0 1 5

A14

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Knights take on Red Lions, eye stronger hold on lead

National U, Sto. Tomas pace NCR volley elims NATIONAL University and University of Santo Tomas racked up two victories in straight-set fashions while Adamson pulled off a shock 16-25, 25-19, 25-21 victory over former champion Hope Christian High School in the Shakey’s Girls’ Volleyball League Season 13 NCR leg at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City over the weekend.

The Lady Bullpups thumped Kings’ Montessori School, 2511, 25-18, in the opener then ripped MGC New Life Christian Academy, 25-14, 25-14, to set the early pace in Pool A of the event backed by Mikasa, MyPhone and Asics.

The Junior Tigresses matched NU’s 2-0 start, nipping Escuela De Sophia of Caloocan, 25-23, 25-23, and routing Academy of God’s Children, 25-14, 25-9, to lead Pool B of the two-division, 10-team event sponsored by Shakey’s for the 13th year and organized by Metro Sports headed by Freddie Infante.

The Lady Baby Falcons, meanwhile, came back strong from an opening set setback then held off the HCS spikers’ fightback in the decider to post the reversal that marred the opener of the week-long qualifier among the top high school girls’ volley squads in the Big City.

Meanwhile, Koi Castillo, marketing manager of Shakey’s, La Salle’s Ara Galang and MyPhone vice president Richie DeQuina made the ceremonial serve kicking off Manila the third of eight regional Standard TODAYin the naelims culminating tional finals.

LETRAN College seeks a firmer grip on the solo lead, even as San Beda College looks to bounce back from a loss when they play separate opponents at the start of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the San Juan Arena.

NU’s Sheen Torring (8) and Joyme Cagande foil MGC’s Patti Dino’s attack during their Shakey’s Girls’ Volley League NCR elims clash at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Republic of the Philippines

Bolt...

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF ORIENTAL MINDORO C a milm il, Calapan City 5200. Or iental M indor o

BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE

From A16

INVITATION TO BID IB No. GS-2015-134 -135 The Pro vin cia l Go vern ment o f O rie n t a l Min d o ro in v it e s P h ilG e p s re g is t e r e d s u p p l i e r s ( D e a l e r s / D i s t r i b u t o r s / I m p o r t e r s /A c c r e d i t e d N u r s e r y O p e r a t o r s) t o A p p ly f o r E ligi b i l i t y a n d t o B i d f o r t h e her eun d e r list of item/s.

Item/Description

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

S u p p l y & d e l i ve r y o f C o n s t r u c t i o n Materials and Supplies for Completion o f O f f i c e B u i l d i n g s ( P G S O, PA s O) a t C a p i t a l C o m p l ex , C a l a p a n C i t y, Oriental Mindoro

2.

S u p p l y & d e l i ve r y o f A g r i c u l t u r a l P r o d u c t s (s e e d a , S e e d l i n g s , P l a n t s) f o r u s e o f P r ov i n c i a l A g r i c u l t u r e O f f i c e - A g r o Te c h n o l o g y Re s o u r c e M a n a g e m e n t S e r v i c e s ( H VC D P) o f Oriental Mindoro

Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC)

Bid Document Fee

Source of Funding

7, 3 51, 4 0 0 . 0 0

Php 10,000.00

G e n e r a l Fund 2 015

5 ,74 4 ,70 0 . 0 0

Php 10,000.00 Tr u s t Fu n d DA - H VC D P

The s c h e d u l e o f b i d d i n g a c ti v i ti e s i s a s Advertisement/Posting of ITB Ø Bulletin Board of the PGOM : August 25, Ø PGOM Website : August 25, Ø PhilGEPS Website : August 25, Ø Newspaper of General Nationwide Circulation : August 25, Issuance of Bidding Documents : September Pre-Bid Conference : September Deadline of Submission of Bids : September Opening of Bid in sealed envelope a). Eligibility Requirements and Technical Proposal : September b). Financial Proposal : September

fo l l o ws : 2015 2015 2015 2015 01-21, 2015 07, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at BAC Office 21, 2015 at 9:3 0 a.m. at BAC Office 21, 2015 at 10:0 0 a.m. at BAC Office 21, 2015 at 10:0 0 a.m. at BAC Office

Bi ddi ng will be co n d u cte d thro u g h o p e n c o mp e t it iv e b id d in g p ro c e d u re s u s i n g n o n - d i s c r e t i o n a r y pass/fail crite rio n a s specifie d in R. A . 9 1 8 4 a n d it s I RR o t h e rwis e k n o w n a s t h e G o v e r n m e n t Pr ocure ment Re form A ct.

The comp lete set o f bid d ing d o c u me n t s ma y b e p u rc h a s e d a t t h e B A C Se c r e t a r i a t u p o n p a y m e n t of non-re fundable price of bi d d o c u me n t s in d ic a t e d a b o v e .

Pr e- Bi d Confe rence shall be o p e n e d t o a ll in t e re s t e d p a rt ie s , h o we v e r o n l y t h o s e w h o p u r c h a s e d the Bi ddin g Do cume n ts ma y p a rt ic ip a t e in t h e d is c u s s io n a t s a id c o n f e ren c e .

Al l particula rs re lative to elig ib ilit y re q u ire me n t s a n d s c re e n in g , b i d s e c u r i t y , p e r f o r m a n c e secur ity, pre -bid confe rence , e v a lu a t io n o f b id s , p o s t q u a lif ic a t io n a n d a w a r d o f c o n t r a c t s h a l l b e gover ned b y the p rovision o f R. A . 9 1 8 4 a n d it s I RR. The PGOM reserves the right to accept or reject bid to annul bidding process, and to reject all bids at anytime prior to contract award without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further in formation, ple a s e re f e r t o : M R. JULIO R. ICAL Head, B A C S ecreta ria t Pr ovinc ial Capitol, Camilmil, Ca la p a n Cit y Tel .

(0 4 3 ) 2 8 6 -7120 (0 4 3 ) 2 8 6 -7447 ( S g d .) E NG R . E L M E R V . D I L A Y P ro v i n c i a l E n g i n e e r BAC Chairman (TS-A U G U S T 2 5 , 2015)

As allegations of widespread doping engulfed athletics in the build-up to Beijing, newly elected IAAF president Sebastian Coe, who has promised zero tolerance for drug cheats, admitted a Gatlin victory would make him feel “queasy.”

Gatlin, 33, was banned for eight years after a second positive test in 2006, though that suspension was halved after he cooperated with anti-doping officials.

‘Good vs evil’ While there was symbolic significance at least in Bolt’s onehundredth-of-a-second win, Gatlin’s agent Renaldo Nehemiah said the runner has been

Arum:...

From A16

where he had a private dinner with Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace, followed by a meeting with Khan before flying to Miami, Florida, where he attended the rehearsals for the Miss Universe Beauty pageant, where he was a judge.

In an exclusive story in the Daily Mail Online, Jeff Powell reported that the two popular

The Knights gun for a team’s offensive thrusts second consecutive win and complement the and their ninth overall team’s pressure defense.

The Red Lions, on the when they take on the San other hand, Sebastian Stags will have a at 4 p.m.

Games Today (San Juan Arena) lot of adjustThe Red 10 a.m. • San Beda vs EAC (jrs) Loins, mean- 12 nn. • Letran vs San Sebastian (jrs) ments to do 2 p.m. • San Beda vs EAC (srs) with Adeowhile, will try to make do 4 p.m. • Letran vs San Sebastian (srs) gun, who was slapped with minus suspended big man Olaide a one-game suspension for Adeogun in their 2 p.m. destroying the glass door clash with the Emilio of their locker room during Aguinaldo College Gen- the halftime break of their erals, who share the bot- game against the Arellano tom spot with two other University Chiefs.

Adeogun’s listless play squads.

The Knights, nearly un- was one of the reasons why touchable despite a shock the Red Lions lost to the loss to the Generals in the Chiefs.

San Beda coach Mike Jafirst round, need a win to keep their distance from rin, however, reminded his the Red Lions and the Altas, wards to play on despite the who are tied at second spot loss.

“I told them we had a with similar 7-cards.

“We need to stay hun- chance to separate from gry,” said Letran coach the standings. But we weren’t able to do that.

Aldin Ayo. The Knights will con- But, now we just have to tinue to rely on team cap- get back to the drawing MAGENTA YELL working, keep tain Mark Cruz and Kevin board, keepCYAN Racal, who were both climbing,” said San Beda picked in the PBA Draft coach Jamike Jarin. Peter last Sunday, to lead the Atencio

shaken by the constant references to his murky past.

“He’s not angry, he’s upset about it,” said Nehemiah. “We build people up to break them down, that’s just human nature.

“When you serve a doping ban, usually it’s career-ending.

He’s been able to come back, he’s been proving to people he’s a great talent. A four-year suspension is supposed to ruin your career and it really hasn’t, athletically, for him.”

Gatlin, who had been unbeaten in 28 races over two years before Sunday’s final, vowed to return with a vengeance in the 200 metres, starting on Tuesday.

“I just have to reset, man,” shrugged the American, one of four men in the 100 metres fi-

nal to have served a doping ban.

“Just get ready for the 200 metres, dial back in and be ready for business.”

Bolt, the six-times Olympic gold-medallist, refused to depict the race, described in some quarters as a clash of “good vs evil”, as a morality tale.

“That’s for you guys to write,” he told journalists. “I have shown the world that it is possible (to run clean). I have worked my hardest. I have pushed myself.”

Bolt’s countryman Asafa Powell said bluntly after the race: “No one wanted Gatlin to win.”

The fact Powell has also served a drugs ban underlines just how deep the problem runs in athletics—and how much work the likes of Coe and his old friend Bach have yet to do. AFP

fighters “came across each other again in a tumbledown corner of south east London and began informal, man-to-man discussions about an alternative superbout in case Floyd Mayweather fails to call either of them for his next megafight.”

Powell noted that Pacquiao and Khan are friends and at one time trained together under Freddie Roach, both at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and in the Philippine summer capital of Baguio City. They also sparred

occasionally, before Khan moved over to train with Virgil Hunter.

The two fighters met up at the century-old Fitzroy Lodge Boxing Club in Lambeth.

Powell said Pacquiao and Khan stood in the old ring, which has produced some of Britain’s finest prizefighters, but declined the suggestion of swapping a few punches.

Pacquiao’s longtime adviser Michael Koncz, who accompanied him, said the talks went “great.”

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

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

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

P0 M+ P0 M

Lascuña, Tabuena dispute no. 1,

Miguel Tabuena, winner at Splendido and Rancho Palos Verdes, has piled up P1,846,917 in earnings after 11 legs.

Tautaa vows to improve his outside game for TNT

By Jeric Lopez

FIL-TONGAN Moala Tautuaa, the top overall pick during last Sunday’s 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Draft, will have a lot of proving to do as he starts his Philippine Basketball Association career.

Although coaches and scouts had agreed that the 6’7” Fil-Tongan possesses all the skills needed for him to flourish in the pro league, Tautuaa himself said he still needs to improve his outside game to complement his inside presence against bigger and tougher defenders in the PBA. ‘’When I first came around, what everyone noticed in me

are my athleticism and my inside game. But now, I’m really trying to improve my shooting even more to be better in the PBA,’’ said Tautaa, who returned with the rest of the nationals yesterday after their week-long training camp in Estonia.

Tautuaa acknowledged that his stint in the PBA D-League, where he was named Most

Valuable Player award in the Foundation Cup while playing for Cebuana Lhullier, helped him a lot in getting ready for the PBA, specifically in terms of his perimeter shooting. ‘’I hope I was able to show in the PBA D-League that I have a better outside shooting and better touch now,’’ he said.

And although it was a nobrainer that Talk ‘N Text made him the top pick, Tatuaa said he still feels blessed with the turn of events in his young basketball career. ‘’It’s just pure joy for me. I’m just so excited being the No. 1 pick,’’ said Tautuaa. ‘’All my hard work paid off.’’

And now that he’s expected to carry most of the load in scoring

down low for Talk ‘N Text, Tautuaa, who is also with the Smart Gilas pool, declared himself ready for the coming season. ‘’I’m ready to be in the PBA and help Talk ‘N Text as much as I can when the time comes.’’

Tautuaa’s skills, however, will get a big test against other big men in the PBA, such as two-time MVP June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel, Greg Slaughter of Bgy. Ginebra, Asi Taulava of NLEX and Sonny Thoss of Alaska.

Still, Tautaa’s presence will help ease the pressure off teammates Ranidel Ocampo and Kelly Williams, who can now slide down to their natural power forward positions, where they will be most effective.

MIGUEL Tabuena and Tony Lascuña brace not only for a showdown for the ICTSI Summit Point Classic plum but also for the Order of Merit No. 1 as they banner the field in the P1.5 million event firing off today at the Summit Point Golf and Residential Estates in Batangas.

With current money leader Angelo Que begging off this week, No. 2 Tabuena and the third-running Lascuna dispute the top P270,000 purse and the coveted spot in the OOM derby heading to the last three legs of this year’s circuit sponsored by ICTSI. Tabuena, winner at Splendido and Rancho Palos Verdes, has piled up P1,846,917 in earnings after 11 legs while Lascuna, the reigning three-time OOM winner who scored back-to-back wins late in the season at ICTSI Apo and ICTSI Classic last month, is just behind with P1,814,960.

Que, who dominated the field at Eastridge and Anvaya, leads the pack with P1,937,131 in winnings but is expected to yield the top spot on a victory by either Tabuena or Lascuna this week.

“It will be tough. Miguel is playing great golf but I’m also playing quite well lately. I will be there fighting,” said Lascuna, who rallied with a 65 to salvage a joint ninth finish at Aboitiz. “It will also be a different challenge at Summit with the wind in play in most holes.”

But a slew of others are out to foil Tabuena and Lascuña’s title drives, headed

by Arnold Villanueva, who ended a 27year chase for a pro crown with a playoff win over Tabuena last year.

No. 4 Elmer Salvador, though far behind with P1,145,979 in earnings, is also in the fold, along with Orlan Sumcad, Clyde Mondilla, former OOM winner Jay Bayron, Ferdie Aunzo, Cassius Casas, Charles Hong, Zanieboy Gialon, Rufino Bayron, Marvin Dumandan, Mars Pucay and Michael Bibat.

Sumang: I just want to play LEADING to the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Draft last Sunday, basketball experts and fans thought that University of the East sparkplug Roi Sumang will go high in the draft, either in the first round or early in the second round.

This did not happen, though.

The 5’8” Sumang was passed up in the first two rounds until GlobalPort, surprised that he was still available, used its very first pick in the third round to grab the UE Warrior, who ended up as the 26th overall pick and fourth in the third round.

Despite the “not-so-high” pick, Sumang still took it all in stride, saying that he was happy he got drafted regardless of the order. ‘’Wala naman sa akin kahit anong pick pa ako,’’ said Sumang. ‘’Ang importante sa ‘kin ay na-draft ako at ‘yung magkaroon ng chance na makapaglaro sa PBA pa rin.’’

A PBA insider, like many observers, was surprised that Sumang went that far down and thought that the Batang Pier definitely got a bargain. ‘’We’re not sure what happened and why teams passed up on him, but Sumang can flat-out play.

GlobalPort got a steal,’’ the insider said.

With stars Terrence Romeo, Stanley Pringle, Joseph Yeo and Ronjay Buenafe crowding the talented and loaded GlobalPort backcourt, it will be be interesting how Sumang will find his way in the rotation.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine traded draftee Simon Enciso, the 17th overall pick, to NLEX in exchange for a 2018 second round pick. The deal has already been finalized and the 5’11” Fil-Am guard will now fight for a spot in the roster of the Road Warriors. Jeric Lopez

Beach volley queens. Talita Da Rocha Antunes (left) and Larissa Franca Maestrini of Brazil celebrate winning the Gold Medal Match during the 2015 ASICS World Series of Beach Volleyball at the TrueCar Course at Alamitos Beach in Long Beach, California. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK T UE S DAY : AUGUS T 2 5 , 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

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt celebrates winning the men’s 100 metres athletics event at the 2015 IAAF World Championships at the “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium in Beijing. AFP

Arum: Pacquiao has final say who to fight Ronnie Nathanielsz

TOP Rank promoter Bob Arum said that eightdivision world champion Manny Pacquiao will be the one to decide on whether to face Amir Khan in his comeback fight after his unanimous decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May 2 in Las Vegas.

Arum told Sky Sports in Britain that he had discussions with Khan, who is the World Boxing Council welterweight Silver Champion about a possible showdown with Pacquiao early next year and will pass on the in-

formation to the Filipino.

Arum was quoted by World Boxing Scene as saying: “This takes time and I will present everything to Manny and we’ll see what happens.”

The Top Rank promoter has al-

ready said a fight with Khan (31-3KO 19) can be made and Pacquiao (57-6-2-KO 38) is “not ducking,” him, so it could well come down to the fighter himself.

Pacquiao, who is recovering from surgery for a tear in his right shoulder rotator cuff, which he suffered during the Mayweather fight, is reportedly recovering well and expects to fight in early 2016.

Khan and Arum have both indicated the fight could take place in Dubai, or somewhere else in the Middle East.

Khan, last July 30 said a fight

NU, UST PACE VOLLEY ELIMS

FEDERER WHIPS DJOKOVIC FOR TITLE

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TURN TO A13

against Pacquiao would be “massive.”

Khan told Sports360 in Britain: “I’d love to take that fight. We’re friends but sometimes you’ve got to put friendship to one side.”

“A Pacquiao showdown would be amazing. If that fight does come off it would be towards the end of next year in Dubai. Obviously Dubai has a big Filipino community and a big British and Pakistani community, too. It would be a massive fight.”

The two fighters met in London in January. Pacquiao was in London, Continued on A14

Bolt win reverberates in fight vs doping BEIJING—When the dust settled on Usain Bolt’s stunning world championships victory over two-time doping offender Justin Gatlin in the men’s 100 metres, the natural order of athletics remained intact—just.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach was quick to congratulate Bolt, who had barely completed his lap of honour in Beijing on Sunday, dancing and striking poses with the Jamaican flag draped over his shoulders like a superhero’s cape.

“Congratulations to Usain Bolt for a historic victory,” said the International Olympic Committee president. “It was great to see him winning in the Bird’s Nest stadium again.”

It is hard to imagine that Bach, a supporter of lifetime bans for doping, would have been quite so happy had Gatlin controversially ended Bolt’s reign as the world’s fastest man.

“My aim is to be the best ever, to continue dominating,” said Bolt, one of the most tested athletes in sport. “There is no time to celebrate anything.”

Bolt’s ruthless takedown of Gatlin was a close-run thing.

The Jamaican clocked 9.79 seconds in the final, just one hundredth quicker than his American rival—the finest of margins, but enough to bolster the crisishit sport’s credibility.

His victory would have been warmly welcomed by athletics chiefs, who have been under heavy fire over doping and were uneasy at the prospect of Gatlin being crowned the world 100m champion. Continued on A14

B1

TUESDAY: AUGUST 25, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

PH, global markets plummet

By Jenniffer B. Austria

STOCKS crashed Monday, wiping out P764 billion worth of market capitalization in the local bourse, amid a global sell-off triggered by concerns over the world economy and Chinese yuan devaluation.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, lost 487 points, or 6.7 percent, to close at 6,791.01, the lowest in 14 months. The index is now down 6.1 percent since the start of 2015.

More than $5 trillion, meanwhile, have been sliced from the value of global stocks since China’s shock devaluation of the yuan, spurring declines in currencies across developing nations and fueling capital outflows amid speculation the slowdown in the world’s second-largest economy is worsening. A gauge of commodity prices sank to the lowest level

in 16 years.

The PSEi’s drop Monday was the steepest one-day decline since June 13, 2013 when the index plummeted 6.75 percent. The 487.97-point decline was also the sharpest single-day loss in terms of nominal numbers.

“There is no other way to describe how today’s week-opening trades went. It was a rout--no more, no less. Panic gripped the markets as China’s equities drew the most blood since 2007,” Accord Capital Equities trader Justino Calaycay said.

Among the biggest losers were

Security Bank Corp., Puregold Price Club Inc., Megaworld Corp. and GT Capital Holdings Inc., which saw their stocks fall by more than 10 percent Monday.

The peso also also fell to a new five-year low of 46.815 against the US dollar Monday, its weakest level since settling at 46.83 on June 7, 2010. “[The] peso trading was pretty much in line with the rest of the region. Its total risk-off sentiment right now and panic, fear and hysteria have taken over,” Nicholas Antonio Mapa, research officer of the Bank of the Philippine Islands’ financial markets and treasury division, said in an e-mailed message.

“Markets have turned overly bearish on the market, dumping risk assets as attention has turned to the slowdown in China and its possible effects on the global economy,” Mapa said.

Bangko Sentral deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the

volatilities were caused by greater market uncertainty and negative sentiment. “Investors and fund managers are more driven by safe haven mentality in view of the continuing consolidation of Chinese yuan and equity markets,” he said.

“This aggravated by the general decline in commodity prices and backdropped by the impending lift off by the US Fed,” Guinigundo said.

PSE president Hans Sicat said in a news briefing said the developments in the Philippines reflected the pressures being felt across all emerging markets.

Sicat said while the market suffered a steep decline Monday, it was still nowhere “near the levels we saw when the index declined by 12.27 percent in 2008 due to the global financial crisis.”

Sicat said the macroeconomic fundamentals of the Philippines remained strong, compared to other countries in the region.

PSe comPoSite index Closing August 24, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

6,791.01 487.97

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing AUGUST 24, 2015 42

P46.815

43

CLOSE

44 45 46

HIGH P46.650 LOW P46.845 AVERAGE P46.797 VOLUME 572.500M

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

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monday, August 24, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate

Brokers are working at the stock exchange in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on August 24, 2015. German DAX index falls 3.15 percent at open, drops below 10,000 points as Chinese stocks tumbled with Hong Kong closing at a 15-month low and Shanghai posting its biggest daily fall for eight years as concerns grew about the stalling global economy. AFP

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.3690

Japan

Yen

0.008186

0.3796

UK

Pound

1.570200

72.8086

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129014

5.9823

Switzerland

Franc

1.055632

48.9486

Canada

Dollar

0.759705

35.2268

Singapore

Dollar

0.710076

32.9255

Australia

Dollar

0.733999

34.0348

Bahrain

Dinar

2.649358

122.8481

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

12.3648

Brunei

Dollar

0.707564

32.8090

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000072

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.028050

1.3007

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.6257

Euro

Euro

1.137200

52.7308

Korea

Won

0.000837

0.0388

China

Yuan

0.156526

7.2580

India

Rupee

0.015146

0.7023

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239659

11.1127

New Zealand

Dollar

0.669389

31.0389

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030645

1.4210 Source: PDS Bridge

BSP ready to provide liquidity if peso volatilities turn excessive

By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas is prepared to infuse liquidity into the foreign exchange market, if volatilities become excessive, Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said Monday.

“The local financial markets have recently been greatly affected by external developments, including the shift in the CNY [Chinese yuan] to a more marketinfluenced fx [foreign exchange]

system, further declines in international oil prices, as well as the market interpretations of the intentions of the US Fed Reserve on the path and timing of its policy normalization,” Tetangco said in a text message.

“With the interconnectedness of global goods and financial markets, the local financial markets are often the first to reflect any external developments onshore,” Tetangco said.

The peso fell to a new five-year low of 46.815 against the US dollar Monday from 46.50 on Thursday. It was the local currency’s weakest level since settling at 46.83 on June 7, 2010.

“The near-term outlook continues to be that of more volatility in both the global and local financial markets because of these factors,” Tetangco said.

He said given that these factors that were beyond Bangko

Sentral’s direct control, the bank regulator would continue to allow the exchange rate to adjust to market conditions.

Tetangco said Bangko Sentral would carefully provide liquidity in the market, if the exchange rate volatilities became excessive, disruptive to business planning and “a trigger for the disanchoring of inflation expectations.”

Tetangco said so far, the peso volatility remained within the

middle of the range of the volatilities of regional currencies while inflation expectations were still well-anchored.

“That said, we are keenly aware that we need to also consider these developments with a medium-term lens. The calculated opening up of the Chinese markets and the potential increases in the Fed Funds target rate are part of the global normalization process,” he said.

TUESDAY: AUGUST 25, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Monday, august 24, 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 2.6 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 75 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 0.74 1.02 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 58 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

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

2.88 69 98.95 89.95 42 2.50 1.35 15.94 19.8 7.87 0.66 1.75 0.385 83.5 0.97 19.20 26.00 60.80 93 300 38.7 137 1520.00 56.45 3.24

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 89 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 17 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 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 7.86 7.34 238 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 26 2.17

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 40.3 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 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 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 1.65 5.9 161 4.1 1.55 0.138 1.02 2.09 152 4.28 0.640 10.02 1.2

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Bogo Medelin 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’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc 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 Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings 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.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

43.9 1.44 0.97 1.72 10.02 51.95 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 13.30 13.10 5.73 0.460 185.90 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 1.83 6.25 155 4.49 1.9 0.138 1.10 1.89 192.5 4.2 0.69 23.00 1.10

0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 6.5 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 0.0670 2.31 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 1.6 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837 5.3 49.55 3.43 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 4.5 0.030 1.23 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. Anglo Holdings A 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 Jolliville Holdings Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

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

Minerales Industrias Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg 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 20.15 1.15 6.85 0.240 0.24 755 7.15 11.60 3.2 4.28 0.185 1264 6.50 69.30 3.65 6.63 0.61 13.72 0.56 5.03 7.93 0.0570 1.090 1.910 2.6 56.00 2.20 897.00 1.21 0.66 77.600 0.2900 0.1690 0.245

10.5 26.95 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59 1.44

6.74 12 0.65 1.2 0.192 30.05 3.36 4.96 0.79

8990 HLDG 7.100 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 7.80 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.70 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.200 Arthaland Corp.

0.220 Ayala Land `B’ 37.10 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.2 Cebu Holdings 5 Century Property 0.77

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

SHARES 20,239,094 112,824,231 350,845,429 266,956,469 163,470,189 1,452,642,653 2,369,685,616

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.9 2.5 69 65 97.50 90.90 89.50 85.00 42 40.6 2.42 2.41 1.34 1.32 15.9 15.4 19.4 18.5 7.50 7.10 0.67 0.66 1.75 1.75 0.385 0.375 82.5 75 0.97 0.93 18.60 18.00 25.50 25.00 60.80 57.05 90 85 300 299.4 38 36.6 132 120 1515.00 1515.00 56.40 54.50 3.1 3 INDUSTRIAL 42.55 40.5 1.44 1.33 0.94 0.9 1.7 1.53 10.06 9.3 50.2 50.1 17.3 16.3 26.7 24 46 44.95 2.65 2.3 1.36 1.25 11.4 10.8 10.900 9.72 9.10 8.21 6.05 5.65 9.00 7.75 1.7 1.7 12.48 11.76 23.25 21.3 72 66.25 13.30 13.30 13.02 12.60 5.61 5.11 0.475 0.470 183.00 176.00 10.16 10.14 28.00 28.00 51.50 49.00 23.5 21.3 23.2 21 5.8 5.1 278.00 267.00 3.62 3.62 4.36 4 8.00 7.40 4 3.83 11.50 11.00 3.30 3.04 2.12 1.96 2.49 2.3 4.08 4.00 1.83 1.83 6.25 5.7 150.1 140 4.16 4.15 1.9 1.72 0.134 0.130 1.00 0.84 1.85 1.70 187.6 178 4.2 4.2 0.67 0.6 23.00 23.00 1.10 1.05 HOLDING FIRMS 0.440 0.420 56.8000 53.0000 19.70 18.42 1.11 1.10 6.89 6.60 0.230 0.220 0.24 0.235 744 700 7 6.43 11.40 10.60 2.82 2.82 4.28 4.19 0.185 0.179 1205 1120 6.33 6.00 69.20 61.00 3.9 3.9 6.58 5.9 0.61 0.59 13.2 12.54 0.53 0.53 4.89 4.61 7.7 6.9 0.0540 0.0490 1.080 1.080 1.820 1.590 2.75 2.6 55.40 53.05 2.55 2.20 880.00 810.00 1.21 1.18 0.65 0.61 77.600 73.000 0.2750 0.2600 0.1650 0.1640 0.230 0.220 PROPERTY 6.990 6.000 7.80 7.70 0.65 0.62 1.180 1.160 0.200 0.180 36.00 32.50 3.15 3 5.14 4.9 0.77 0.65

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.5 65.8 95.00 85.35 40.95 2.41 1.32 15.58 18.54 7.13 0.66 1.75 0.375 80.8 0.93 18.00 25.50 57.05 85 299.4 37.5 120 1515.00 54.65 3

-13.19 -4.64 -3.99 -5.11 -2.50 -3.60 -2.22 -2.26 -6.36 -9.40 0.00 0.00 -2.60 -3.23 -4.12 -6.25 -1.92 -6.17 -8.60 -0.20 -3.10 -12.41 -0.33 -3.19 -7.41

107,000 39,220 6,352,950 2,618,070 190,000 320,000 91,000 18,300 582,100 5,600 28,000 4,000 270,000 5,402,640 613,000 193,200 10,000 675,060 11,820 78,380 414,200 1,701,690 15 354,970 151,000

42 1.33 0.94 1.53 9.8 50.1 16.5 26 45.2 2.33 1.26 10.9 9.750 8.30 5.70 7.75 1.7 11.76 22 68 13.30 12.60 5.26 0.475 180.00 10.14 28.00 51.45 21.6 21.7 5.28 268.00 3.62 4 7.69 3.83 11.00 3.17 1.96 2.31 4.03 1.83 5.7 145 4.15 1.73 0.130 0.84 1.72 180 4.2 0.62 23.00 1.05

-4.33 -7.64 -3.09 -11.05 -2.20 -3.56 -5.71 -2.80 -2.80 -16.79 -13.10 -4.39 -13.26 -10.17 -9.81 -14.84 -8.11 -9.40 -7.37 -7.48 0.00 -3.82 -8.20 3.26 -3.17 0.00 -6.67 -1.06 -8.67 -8.82 -8.97 -4.96 0.00 -8.05 -6.11 -4.25 -5.82 -5.37 -7.98 -11.15 -2.18 0.00 -8.80 -6.45 -7.57 -8.95 -5.80 -23.64 -8.99 -6.49 0.00 -10.14 0.00 -4.55

4,457,900 48,000 178,000 1,342,000 6,200 220 1,090,600 414,700 314,200 5,070,000 288,000 789,400 9,013,100 4,357,300 31,427,000 819,100 1,000 94,600 5,101,500 1,252,940 31,500 790,800 2,492,200 100,000 1,053,550 833,000 12,000 1,190 1,461,200 1,661,300 6,045,000 1,734,410 2,000 6,669,000 1,947,900 45,000 7,700 322,000 1,281,000 3,636,000 3,676,000 7,000 6,400 420,770 9,000 633,000 2,240,000 322,000 4,344,000 4,075,710 124,000 667,000 10,000 61,000

0.440 53.6500 18.90 1.10 6.60 0.220 0.235 704.5 6.5 10.90 2.82 4.19 0.179 1136 6.00 64.95 3.9 5.9 0.61 12.7 0.53 4.61 7.1 0.0500 1.080 1.620 2.75 53.30 2.55 840.00 1.19 0.61 73.000 0.2650 0.1650 0.220

-2.22 -6.70 -6.20 -4.35 -3.65 -8.33 -3.69 -6.69 -9.09 -6.03 -11.88 -2.10 -3.24 -10.13 -7.69 -6.28 6.85 -11.01 0.00 -7.43 -5.36 -8.35 -10.47 -12.28 -0.92 -15.18 5.77 -4.82 15.91 -6.35 -1.65 -7.58 -5.93 -8.62 -2.37 -10.20

300,000 3,287,270 13,205,200 20,000 9,100 2,150,000 1,410,000 1,007,480 4,071,000 14,463,900 180,000 107,000 900,000 668,665 102,200 4,600,490 40,000 6,963,300 202,000 7,696,200 325,000 57,485,800 188,100 213,610,000 5,000 11,320,000 197,000 254,930 12,000 648,070 407,000 889,000 25,680 2,600,000 170,000 810,000

6.100 7.70 0.62 1.160 0.180 33.75 3.04 4.9 0.65

-14.08 -1.28 -11.43 -3.33 -18.18 -9.03 -5.00 -2.00 -15.58

3,345,600 12,600 903,000 35,000 470,000 34,368,000 3,000,000 23,300 15,396,000

1,518,301.50 -113,853,402.00 -117,346,640.50 4,034,190.00 1,540.00 584,646.00

21,213,373.50 288,000.00 -288,000.00 252,500.00 -21,311,215.50 -13,615,972.00 8,534,395.00 -89,355,218.00 -17,112,636.50 -56,888,860.00 844,940.00 -168,860.00 134,400.00 -2,253,865 -81,400.00 -425,398.00 -47,347,288.00 1,805,606.00 -120,459,676.00 -976,746.00 -24,236,550.00 46,165,453.50 -1,007,490.00 7,820,543.00 -20,192,035.00 -3,666,490.00 -8,226,270.00 -6,833,360.00 27,244,428.00 34,721,912.00 12,927,480.00 -169,631.00 -19,800.00 158,280.00 1,630,710.00 13,950,556.00 52,200.00 -19,700.00 -230,000.00 28,800.00 -170,287,004.00 504,000.00

30,856,482.00 37,389,294.00

-184,021,485.00 14,512,896.00 -58,380,852.00 -464,805,425.00 500,300.00 -78,531,802.50 1,492,800.00 -15,827,734.00 328,032.00 -416,900.00 -2,040,922.00 -304,392,325.00 -864,407.50 5,200.00

-6,393,064.00 -23,100.00 -546,223,865.00 -1,185,530.00 -861,540.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 1.97 1.48 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 8.4 5.94 0.180 0.470 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

1.1 0.97 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 3.1 4.13 0.090 0.290 0.39 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 2.6 7.67 1700 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 7 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 2.53 3.2 95.5 1 2.46 15.2 1.040 22.8 6.41 4 18 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 1.6 4.8 830 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 3.01 8.72 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.01 1.95 3.1 0.650 1.8 6 0.37 14.54 3 2.28 8.8 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

Close

City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

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

Phil. Realty `A’ Primex Corp.

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

11.6 0.85 2.95 10 0.490 1.9

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

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

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

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Racing Club 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 1.71 Transpacific Broadcast 5 Travellers 0.315 Waterfront Phils.

1.14 Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 25 12.7 12.8 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 9.43 6.5 5.11 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 0.013 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ 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’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Petroenergy Res. Corp.

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 525 120 515 8.21 12.28 111 1060

33 490 500 101.5 480 5.88 6.5 101 997

1047 76.9 78.95 84.8 1.34

1011 74.2 74.5 75 1

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

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

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

88 12.88

13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

High

VALUE 1,584,682,722.02 2,444,329,232.14 3,682,798,838.961 2,540,319,444.13 2,453,187,965.64 296,420,075.857 13,033,487,582.051

FINANCIAL 1,510.35 (DOWN) 76.98 INDUSTRIAL 10,356.54 (DOWN) 719.76 HOLDING FIRMS 6,152.54 (DOWN) 454.96 PROPERTY 2,746.59 (DOWN) 248.31 SERVICES 1,841.56 (DOWN) 159.69 MINING & OIL 10,330.80 (DOWN) 1,003.10 PSEI 6791.01 (DOWN) 487.97 All Shares Index 3,881.70 (DOWN) 276.42 Gainers: 13 Losers: 212; Unchanged: 20; Total: 245

Close

1.03 1.00 0.112 0.435 12.8 0.830 0.170 1.15 1.89 1.30 5.01 4.77 0.092 0.2750 0.3700 7.35 28.70 1.63 3.25 20.00 0.72 7.16 0.800 6.800

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

1.02 1.00 1.00 1.02 1.00 1.00 0.112 0.112 0.112 0.415 0.380 0.380 12.2 10.9 10.98 0.820 0.790 0.790 0.168 0.166 0.167 1.11 1.00 1.02 1.86 1.70 1.70 1.29 1.24 1.26 3.20 3.20 3.20 4.1 3.8 3.8 0.092 0.091 0.091 0.2750 0.2650 0.2650 0.3700 0.3700 0.3700 7.32 7.29 7.31 27.85 26.85 27.10 1.61 1.5 1.5 3.30 3.15 3.15 19.50 18.30 18.70 0.72 0.68 0.68 7.16 7.16 6.8 0.770 0.650 0.650 6.680 6.200 6.210 SERVICES 9.53 8.9 7.1 7.78 60 60 55 55 1.15 1.11 1.04 1.04 0.560 0.540 0.520 0.520 7.18 6.95 6.30 6.50 0.0690 0.0650 0.0600 0.0610 4.04 4.09 3.5 3.8 90.05 88 84.8 85.1 9.88 9.9 9.88 9.9 1.85 1.84 1.6 1.84 4.85 4.94 4.50 4.50 920.5 920.5 920 920 2624 2550 2450 2450 6.45 6.40 6.00 6.00 1.22 1.22 1.15 1.15 101.5 98 93 93.65 5.40 6.50 6.00 6.40 11.88 11.52 11.52 11.52 0.011 0.011 0.010 0.010 0.177 0.177 0.161 0.162 1.3300 1.3300 1.3000 1.3200 2.25 2.11 2.05 2.05 8.10 7.10 7.10 8.30 2.18 2.18 2.03 2.07 1.20 1.21 1.20 1.20 2.05 2.00 1.80 1.80 39.50 35.00 35.00 35.00 0.630 0.630 0.600 0.600 2 2 1.8 1.99 6.3 6.3 5.73 5.8 0.430 0.425 0.410 0.410 19.98 19.38 18.88 18.88 4.90 4.90 4.40 4.40 3 2.9 2.8 2.8 8.65 8.7 8.7 8.7 98.10 100.00 100.00 100.00 18.60 18.56 18.00 18.50 2750.00 2662.00 2536.00 2536.00 0.630 0.620 0.600 0.600 1.280 1.250 1.150 1.160 33.95 33.10 29.80 30.00 71.50 69.00 64.50 64.50 5.14 4.80 4.44 4.44 6.80 6.50 5.90 5.90 0.62 0.61 0.53 0.60 1.7 1.57 1.52 1.52 4.7 4.5 3.96 4.15 0.325 0.325 0.165 0.165 2.470 2.360 2.260 2.260 MINING & OIL 0.0058 0.0058 0.0057 0.0058 2.50 2.45 2.25 2.27 4.70 4.65 4.25 4.25 11.50 11.74 10.00 11.74 6.5000 6.0100 6.0000 6.0100 7.2000 6.78 6.12 6.1200 0.63 0.63 0.56 0.62 0.69 0.68 0.65 0.65 6.33 6.33 5.62 5.62 1.24 1.2 1.03 1.07 0.300 0.300 0.270 0.285 0.192 0.200 0.182 0.187 0.204 0.204 0.190 0.204 0.013 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.012 2.55 2.48 2.1 2.11 8.18 7.8 6.7 6.8 3.6 3.58 3.02 3.19 0.5800 0.5800 0.5500 0.5500 1.6000 1.5700 1.3200 1.4000 0.0091 0.0085 0.0080 0.0080 0.0110 0.0100 0.0095 0.0095 3.99 3.97 3.97 3.97 5.10 5.400 4.940 4.97 1.46 1.450 1.200 1.22 0.010 0.0099 0.0085 0.0090 128.90 126.70 118.00 118.80 2.73 2.45 2.15 2.15 0.0080 0.0080 0.0080 0.0080 PREFERRED 59 57 55 55 525 522 522 522 530 528 527 527 116 116 115.9 115.9 520 520 520 520 6.57 6.32 6 6 1.09 1.1 1.1 1.1 108 107.9 107.9 107.9 1046 1040 1040 1040 1085 1100 1100 1100 1018 1005 1002 1005 75.4 75.7 75.35 75.4 76 79 77.5 79 80 80.95 80 80 1.81 1.83 1.83 1.83 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.520 3.350 2.860 2.860 SME 64 58.05 57.65 58.05 10.9 10.2 8.9 8.93 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118.7 118 110.9 111.2

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

-2.91 0.00 0.00 -12.64 -14.22 -4.82 -1.76 -11.30 -10.05 -3.08 -36.13 -20.34 -1.09 -3.64 0.00 -0.54 -5.57 -7.98 -3.08 -6.50 -5.56 0.00 -18.75 -8.68

4,646,000 5,032,000 40,000 1,640,000 5,651,800 64,000 270,000 4,985,000 58,838,000 1,015,000 2,200 79,402,000 440,000 220,000 310,000 218,500 7,697,300 973,000 44,000 27,362,700 854,000 3,000 491,000 7,754,900

-148,280.00

-18.36 -8.33 -9.57 -7.14 -9.47 -11.59 -5.94 -5.50 0.20 -0.54 -7.22 -0.05 -6.63 -6.98 -5.74 -7.73 18.52 -3.03 -9.09 -8.47 -0.75 -8.89 -14.46 -5.05 0.00 -12.20 -11.39 -4.76 -0.50 -7.94 -4.65 -5.51 -10.20 -6.67 0.58 1.94 -0.54 -7.78 -4.76 -9.38 -11.63 -9.79 -13.62 -13.24 -3.23 -10.59 -11.70 -49.23 -8.50

1,123,300 70,950 22,000 255,000 18,659,600 42,540,000 445,000 2,614,400 700 77,000 48,000 520 204,360 1,793,600 669,000 2,250,080 500 300 11,500,000 2,450,000 2,072,000 32,000 6,288,900 476,000 10,000 257,000 100 207,000 147,000 1,944,500 140,000 13,900 88,000 360,400 10,000 140 197,100 252,835 5,193,000 18,791,000 8,270,000 2,554,740 6,678,100 16,512,400 920,000 36,000 3,486,000 1,580,000 771,000

0.00 -9.20 -9.57 2.09 -7.54 -15.00 -1.59 -5.80 -11.22 -13.71 -5.00 -2.60 0.00 -15.38 -7.69 -17.25 -16.87 -11.39 -5.17 -12.50 -12.09 -13.64 -0.50 -2.55 -16.44 -10.00 -7.84 -21.25 0.00

927,000,000 -256,500.00 20,000 519,000 -185,820.00 2,000 4,200 26,600 -108,200.00 1,397,000 1,030,000 209,700 16,827,000 3,084,970.00 2,360,000 -278,100.00 22,620,000 140,000 106,800,000 102,700,000 999,000 242,070.00 15,794,700 811,426.00 1,173,000 214,000 860,000 -47,700.00 82,000,000 6,600,000 1,000 2,338,400 1,661,078.00 927,000 85,980.00 150,000,000 1,004,770 -29,774,079.00 2,814,000 180,100.00 6,000,000

-6.78 -0.57 -0.57 -0.09 0.00 -8.68 0.92 -0.09 -0.57 1.38 -1.28 0.00 3.95 0.00 1.10

247,030 29,050 1,500 19,300 24,560 1,000,100 1,000 1,400 40 285 690 91,990 6,810 76,020 5,000

-93,500.00 -5,517,046.00 8,000.00 -30,600.00 -52,330,920.00 -65,964,660.00 -26,390.00 370,110.00 3,097,180.00 -117,580,520.00 -32,308,594.00 33,816.00 26,741,961.00 -6,300.00 -15,739,862.00

10,525,360.00 -74,240,795.50 -22,920.00 -187,170.00 -245,750.00 8,120.00

2,032,562.00 -38,160.00 5,000.00 -793,474.00 -204,641,460.00 -1,834,570.00 -90,678,210.00 -23,255,248.50 663,767.00 -10,509,201.00 833,790.00

5,069,502.50

1,444,748.00 313,500.00 50,200.00 -2,157,035.00 1,122,800.00

-18.75

408,000

-60,000.00

-9.30 -18.07

330 2,649,900

-3,486,706.00

-6.32

57,320

1,033,330.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Imperial Res. `A'

6.40

18.52

Waterfront Phils.

0.165

-49.23

Seafront `A'

2.55

15.91

Keppel Properties

3.20

-36.13

Jolliville Holdings

3.9

6.85

TKC Steel Corp.

0.84

-23.64

Republic Glass 'A'

2.75

5.77

TA Petroleum

2.15

-21.25

SMC Preferred B

79

3.95

Megaworld

3.8

-20.34

Ionics Inc

0.475

3.26

LR Warrant

2.860

-18.75

Atok-Big Wedge `A'

11.74

2.09

Suntrust Home Dev. Inc.

0.650

-18.75

Phil. Seven Corp.

100.00

1.94

2GO Group'

7.78

-18.36

PCOR-Preferred B

1100

1.38

Arthaland Corp.

0.180

-18.18

Swift Pref

1.83

1.10

Xurpas

8.93

-18.07

TUESDAY: AUGUST 25, 2015

B3

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

Pilipinas Shell IPO up in 2016

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp., the smaller oil refiner, may list its shares at the Philippine Stock Exchange once it completes a refinery upgrade in Batangas province early next year.

Energy Department director Melita Obillo told reporters at the sidelines of the LPG Philippines Forum 2015 the agency received a letter from Shell explaining the report of its financial advisor for the planned initial public offering.

The Oil Deregulation Law of 1998 requires oil refiners to list at least 10 percent of their shares at the stock market.

Only Petron Corp., the country’s biggest oil refiner, so far has listed at the Philippine Stock Exchange.

The department has asked Shell

to explain the 15-year delay in its planned IPO as mandated by the law.

“May be after they complete their refinery [upgrade] in the first quarter. Definitely not now, it still depends on market, if [there is] continuous pressure,” Obillo said when asked about Shell’s IPO plans.

Energy officer-in-charge Zenaida Monsada confirmed Shell had committed to conduct the IPO. Monsada said Shell must show its profitability to protect the interest of investors once it decided

Phoenix set to issue P2b worth of shares THE board of listed Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. approved the issuance of up to 20 million perpetual preferred shares at a price of P100 apiece or a total of P2 billion through a public offering.

Phoenix Petroleum said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the issuance was subject to registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and listing with the Philippine Stock Exchange. “[Proceeds] is to finance capex and as added working capital,” Phoenix Petroleum vice president for external affairs Raymond Zorrilla said.

The board also approved the registration of the existing short term commercial papers worth P2 billion issued on October 13, 2014 and P1.5 billion on February 23, 2014, which will expire on October 13, 2015.

Phoenix Petroleum’s retail stations grew to 443 stations as of end-June from 418 at the end of 2014, with 158 located in Luzon, 23 in Mindanao and 61 in Visayas.

The company said it would continue to expand its logistics, storage and infrastructure to support both network expansion and commercial and industrial clients.

Phoenix Petroleum reported a 5.8-percent increase in consolidated net income in the first half to P425 million from P401 million year-onyear.

The higher net income was driven by the 25-percent increase in sales volume of petroleum products in the first half.

The company, however, recorded lower gross revenues of P14.4 billion in the first half from P18.5 billion on year due to lower oil prices.

“The growth in sales volume was driven by a 31-percent growth in its retail station sales and a 29-percent growth in its retail station sales and a 29 percent growth in commercial, industrial and aviation sales,” it said.

Phoenix Petroleum attributed the higher sales volume to the company’s strategy to focus expansion in the retail station network and increase same store sales by 12 percent.

Phoenix Petroleum is engaged in the business of trading refined petroleum products and lubricants, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, shipping, logistics and allied activities.

Alena Mae S. Flores

conduct the IPO. Shell expects to register a positive financial turnaround this year as oil prices stabilize.

Shell owns the country’s second largest refinery with a capacity of 110,000 barrels per day in Tabangao, Batangas.

The company is embarking on a refinery upgrade program estimated to cost P6 billion. Shell is also spending another P6 billion for a new import terminal in Mindanao.

Shell’s refinery upgrade will enable the company to meet the new

Philippine National Standards for ‘Euro IV (PH)’ grade diesel and gasoline set to take effect in 2016.

Shell earlier scheduled to commercially operate the modernized and upgraded refinery by late 2015 based on previous communications with the Energy Department.

The actual commercial operations, however, were expected to start by the first quarter 2016 after Shell’s equipment delivery was affected by the port congestion.

Shell country chairman Ed Chua earlier denied that Shell was deliberately delaying the IPO plan.

“You need to understand in 1997 the Asian crisis hit us. The economic landscape was not good for at least six years until 2003. In fact refining margins were negative... After that, there were many issues that cropped up, Pandacan, double taxation,” he said.

B4

Linden Tower completion. SM Prime leisure estate developer Highlands Prime Inc. completes another construction milestone as it tops off the last addition to the luxury condominium community of Woodridge Place - the Linden Tower inside Tagaytay Highlands, the country’s most exclusive mountain resort. Shown during the topping off ceremony are (from left) MCDC area manager Geraldine Rivero, Highlands Prime vice president for sales Zenia Sy, Tagaytay Highlands Club general manager Claire Kramer, Tagaytay Highlands founder Willy Ocier, Tagaytay Highlands Club president Jerry Tiu, Highlands Prime senior vice president for operations Mary Eleanor Mendoza, vice president for project development Imelda Francisco and assistant vice president for project engineering and management Nestor Javier.

AEV raises $400m for cement

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. said Monday it signed a $400-million loan agreement with The Bank of TokyoMitsubishi UFJ Ltd. to partially finance the company’s cement venture.

This is the second fund raising activity conducted by AEV this month, after raising P24 billion through the issuance of P24 billion worth of fixed-rate retail bonds.

“The proceeds of the loan will be used to partially finance

AEV’s investment in holding companies for the purpose of the acquisition of the various Philippine assets and businesses of Lafarge S.A., including the cement production and other cement related businesses and services,” AEV said in a disclosure to the

stock exchange.

AEV-CRH Holdings Inc., a 60:40 joint venture between AEV and Irish cement maker CRH International, reported earlier this month it would acquire listed cement manufacturer Lafarge Republic Inc. for roughly $1.3 billion.

Under the plan, AEV will invest P24 billion in the cement venture.

AEV said it expected the full implementation and completion of the transaction within the second half of 2015, subject to the conditions under the merger of Holcim and Lafarge and the approval of the global sale of La-

farge assets.

AEV-CRH is currently conducting a tender offer to acquire the remaining 11.15-percent interest in LRI, which will require another P6.65 billion in capital spending.

Aside from the cement venture, AEV is also aggressively expanding into infrastructure sector and is currently studying various PPP projects including the bundled airport projects, particularly the Bacolod-Silay Airport (P20.26 billion) and Iloilo Airport (P30.40 billion) as Bundle 1 and the New Bohol (Panglao) Airport (P2.34 billion), Laguindingan Airport

(P14.62 billion) and Davao Airport (P40.57 billion) as Bundle 2.

AEV in partnership with J.V. Angeles Construction Corp. is also building a P10-billion bulk water supply project with the Davao City Water District. The project involves the construction of the country’s largest private bulk water supply facility together with a fully renewable energy powered water treatment plant.

It also recently ventured into remittance business with the acquisition of a 51-percent interest in PetNet, Inc., the largest Western Union agent network in the country.

Resorts World Manila turns to mass market TRAVELLERS International Hotel Group Inc., the operator of integrated resort and casino Resorts World Manila, is now focusing on the mass and premium mass market to boost revenues amid declining gaming revenues due to clampdown in China.

RWM chief operating officer Stephen Reilly said the company was now putting a lot of attention on the foreign and local mass and premium mass market, including players on slot machines and gaming tables on the ground floor, as the VIP market weakened amid rising competition from new integrated resorts and casinos and the decline in tourist arrivals from China.

The mass and premium mass markets accounted for 50 percent of the company’s total revenues while VIP market accounted for 40 percent. The remaining 10 percent of revenues comes from hotels, retail and other commer-

cial developments.

“We have been focusing on the mass and premium mass market because there are a lot of issues there ,because of the clampdown in China and tourist arrivals,” Reilly said.

Reilly said China currently accounted for 12 percent of the company’s revenue.

Resorts World is also adding non-gaming segments into the property to boost foot traffic.

These include building new hotels, expanding commercial space for food and beverage and building convention centre for the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) market.

“Once fully developed, we expect RWM to have a total of 4,500 hotel rooms,” Reilly said.

RWM is currently on the phase 2 of development, which includes the new Belmont Hotel and expansion of Marriott Hotel.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Nutrition project.

Four year-old pre-school pupil Mohaira Mawarao (left) waits for her meal to be served during the launch of ‘Nourishing Minds --- The Filipino Way Program’ at the Manila Day Care Center V & VI in Barangay 649, Baseco, Port Area, Manila. The project is funded by The Hershey Company in partnership with the Manila Department of Social Welfare and Philippine Business for Social Progress.

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

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

B5

GT seals Profriends investment Tweaking the Linux desktop NO operating system is perfect and Linux is no exception.

In contrast to Windows and Mac OS X, however, Linux gives you a lot of choices—some might say, too many choices. DistroWatch.com lists more than 200 active distributions (or flavors) of Linux—and what’s more, each of these distributions allows you to customize the desktop environment.

Although I have dabbled with a few distributions, I have long settled on Ubuntu for a number of reasons, the foremost of which is its user friendliness. These days, other distributions that are based on Ubuntu, such as Linux Mint, are becoming popular as well. I have stuck with Ubuntu, however, because there’s still a lot more online about it than Linux Mint, and this is important when you want more information or help with a particular problem.

Ubuntu is easy to use out of the box, but if, like me, you’d like it to look and feel more like a conventional desktop environment (also called WIMP for windows, icons, menus and pointer) with some pizazz, then you’ll want to use some of the tweaks highlighted here (in bold text). Most of the items can be installed straight from the Ubuntu Software Center. If not, a quick online search ought to point you to a useful guide to installing them.

Like many longtime Ubuntu users, I’ve dumped the built-in Unity interface and opted for something better suited to my needs.

Again, there are many choices available, with Gnome, KDE and Cinnamon being among the more popular choices. Since Unity became the standard interface on Ubuntu, I’ve been using Xfce, a streamlined desktop environment that is highly customizable and that does not use up a lot of system resources.

Because I like a combination of flash and function, I tweak Compiz to jazz up my desktop with some cool special effects and Emerald Theme Manager to dress up my windows. Use the Compiz Config Settings Manager to add cool animated effects such as a 3D cube that spins when you switch workspaces or virtual desktops.

I also chuck out the rudimentary bottom panel of Xfce in favor of Cairo Dock, which gives me a dock that looks and feels much like the one I use on a Mac. Drag your favorite applications to the dock to add them; drag a program’s icon out of the dock to remove it.

Nothing could be simpler.

Xfce comes with its own applications or start menu that you can add to the top panel, but I prefer the more sophisticated and more visually pleasing Whisker Menu. Aside from looking prettier, Whisker also integrates search and run commands into the menu.

The dock and menu are easy and intuitive ways to launch a program, but if you want speed, you can’t beat Synapse, a launcher you can use straight from the keyboard without having to go to your mouse. Synapse works much like Spotlight does on a Mac. CTRLSpace calls it up so you can type the first few letters of the application you want. Then hit enter when Synapse shows the program that you want.

If you want a more heavy duty search utility, try Recoll, which can find key words inside documents as well as file names. It will take Recoll a while to index your hard disk the first time, but once it’s done, it will cough up your search results in a snap. From the search results, just click on the “Open” link to open a document.

To get a quick report on the processor, graphics card, storage, and other hardware information as well as the operating system version on your system, get Sysinfo. If you want even more detailed information , go for hardinfo (which shows up as System Profiler and Benchmark in the main menu). This will enable you to conduct six common benchmarks to test the speed and performance of our system, and generate a report as an HTML or plain text file.

Finally, you might want to keep your system in top running condition by installing and periodically running Bleachbit, a utility that frees disk space, frees up cache memory, deletes cookies, clears your Internet history, shreds temporary files, deletes logs and discards junk that you didn’t know was there.

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

By Jenniffer B. Austria

GT CAPITAL Holdings Inc., the investment company of tycoon George Ty, said Monday it finalized the acquisition of a 22.68-percent interest in mass housing builder Property Company of Friends Inc. for P7.24 billion.

GT Capital also has the option to increase its direct shareholding in PCFI to 51 percent within the next three years.

“The parties have agreed to cede majority control of PCFI to GT Capital,” GT Capital said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

GT Capital president Carmelo Bautista earlier said the acquisition was in line with the conglomerate’s overall plan to serve the rapidly growing mass market.

Bautista said PCFI was in the “sweet spot” in the property de-

velopment sector, as its projects were mostly in the economic and low-cost segments which had the most demand among buyers.

Bautista, citing a study by the University of Asia & Pacific, said total demand for the economic and low-cost housing units was estimated at 2.3 million, a figure expected to reach 6.5 million by 2030.

Bautista said with biggest land bank located in Cavite, PCFI would also benefit in terms of the infrastructure projects that were currently being built in the area,

including LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension, the Cavite-Laguna Expressway and the Integrated Transport System project.

Bautista said the acquisition was consistent with GT Capital’s strategy of focusing on new wave cities. It would also create synergies with GT Capital’s finance, insurance and property development businesses.

It will also expand the group’s presence in the property market as GT Capital’s real estate unit Federal Land is into development of upper- mid to high-end vertical projects.

Established in 1999, PCFI is now one of the country’s leading property developers, focusing on the low-cost and economic housing segments and retail and office space leasing.

PCFI has built and sold over 36,000 affordable homes in the provinces of Cavite and Iloilo.

Oxford report. Punongbayan & Araullo and the law firm SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan signed memorandum of understandings on research with Oxford Business Group for its forthcoming report on the Philippine economy. Shown signing the agreement are SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan managing partner Rafael Morales (left) and Oxford Business Group country director Rosa Piro.

Energy Department endorses LPG bill

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Department is pushing for the passage of the liquefied petroleum gas bill to promote consumer safety and product quality.

Energy officer-in-charge Zenaida Monsada told participants during the two-day LPG Philippines Forum 2015 she expected the bill to be passed before the 2016 national elections.

“For the longest time, we have been working on an LPG bill that protects consumers in terms of the quality and safety of energy products,” Monsada said.

Monsada said consumers were suffering from illegally refilled or dilapidated tanks and “through the bill, we hope that we will avoid such incidents from happening.”

House Bill 5052 or the LPG Industry Regulation and Safety Act is still pending at the Senate and House of Representatives.

“Likewise, this is also our way of strengthening the LPG industry…and [LPG] is part of our energy plan for a sustainable energy sector. We are now seeing LPG in different sectors in the country, in transportation and power, to name a few,” Monsada said.

Monsada said the concern was less on the implementation and more on policy formulation because of the dynamism of the industry which is affected not only by the local industry but also by the international market.

“Because of the recent reforms as well as experiences, we are now slowly diverting our routes to face unconventional but more

practical approaches. The Philippines after all is now economically and socially growing therefore, our methods should adjust to it.

The inclusions of the bill, therefore also evolves with the time,” she said.

Monsada said the LPG industry now included composite tanks and fuel canisters which were already available in the market.

“We are also continuously conducting information and education campaigns in different areas in the country to educate consumers, especially in the household level, about how to safely and efficiently use LPG,” she said.

“We are also constantly reminding the public to avoid buying so called LPG anti-leak devices allegedly endorsed by the DOE,” Monsada said.

TUESDAY: AUGUST 25, 2015

B6

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

Foreign firms push ICT bill

By Julito G. Rada

FOREIGN businessmen urged the House of Representatives to pass a bill that will create the Department of Information and Communications Technology to further consolidate the country’s position as an internationallycompetitive investment destination.

The Joint Foreign Chambers said in a letter to House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. Congress must pass a corresponding measure of the DICT bill, which was already approved earlier by the Senate, to assure its enactment before the end of the 16th Congress.

“The establishment of a DICT will ensure that the Philippine business environment can enjoy the benefits of one more landmark bill before the end of the current administration,” JFC said.

“By establishing a DICT, not only will the Philippines join over 80 percent of countries worldwide which already have dedicated stand-alone government bodies on ICT, but it will also drive the

modernization of business processes at a horizontal level and establish the necessary criteria for the Philippines to remain a global leader in the IT-BPM-KPM sector, through a number of overarching benefits,” it said.

JFC said the e-governance could be implemented more effectively at a national level under a DICT, which could result in increased transparency, efficiency, clarity for foreign investors and a significant decrease in the administrative burden for companies, which will in turn encourage compliance through easier processes.

Another area of concern, JFC said, was data protection, which

was becoming more important as global market trends and stringent international regulations made multinational companies reluctant to risk investment in countries with no data protection framework.

“While the Data Privacy Act was enacted in 2012 in the Philippines, it has still not been implemented. The law mandates the creation of a National Privacy Commission under the DICT,” JFC said.

“While the creation of a DICT is pivotal to the full implementation of the DPA and the establishment of the NPC, there is a legal basis to attach the NPC to the Office of the President, pending the creation of a DICT, pursuant to Section 42 of the DPA. We therefore strongly urge the government to act without further delay on this important provision,” it said.

The group said cybersecurity would also become a priority under the proposed DICT. JFC said the creation of DICT would result in increased efficiency and a reduction of costs for the government.

DHL Express partner. Advocacy group GoNegosyo renews its ties with DHL Express Philippines,

the world’s leading logistics company, as part of a joint commitment to strengthen the Philippine economy by way of supporting small Filipino entrepreneurs. Shown during the renewal contract signingare (from left) DHL Express Philippines head of commercial Jojo Habana, DHL Express Philippines country manager Yati Abdullah, GoNegosyo founding trustee Joey Concepcion and GoNegosyo executive director Ramon Lopez. The partnership is part of DHL’s commitment to support Filipino SMEs by providing them with knowhow on the logistics industry and doing business around the world.

MBDC, judge hit on Uniwide closure UNIWIDE Holdings Inc. and one of the tenants of its shuttered Coastal Mall Plaza in Parañaque City have separately filed civil complaints against Manila Bay Development Corp. and a Metropolitan Trial Court judge for the closure of the 20-hectare shopping complex last year.

Uniwide chairman Jimmy Gow asked the Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 195 to nullify the series of orders issued by presiding judge Ramsey Domingo Pichay of Parañaque MTC Branch 78 leading to the Coastal Mall’s surprise padlocking on Oct. 29 last year.

The company claimed in the complaint the closure was in violation of court procedures on the seizure of assets and a blatant disregard of a preliminary injunction or stay order issued by a superior court. The court orders also led to

the forcible ejection of all mall occupants and unlawful seizure of their properties on the premises, the complaint said.

Gow asked the court to issue a status quo order on account of extreme urgency “to prevent severe and irreparable damages that Uniwide will surely suffer by reason of the unlawful intrusion of the defendants. He petitioned the court to order the release to Uniwide of all its sheriff-seized records and important documents and order the defendants to pay exemplary damages as well as attorney’s fees and litigation expenses.

First Paragon Inc., one of the affected mall occupants, similarly asked the court in a separate complaint to nullify the eviction and seizure orders, on the ground that third-party lessees like them should not have been ejected—

and their properties not confiscated—by the sheriff.

First Paragon said they were not part of the legal dispute between Manila Bay Development and primary lessee Uniwide over the former’s seaside reclamation property along Roxas Boulevard, better known as the Central Business Center Park II. Lawyer Salvador Hababag, president of First Paragon that holds office at the mall, filed the second civil complaint.

Also named respondent in the separate complaints of Uniwide and First Paragon was Branch 78 sheriff Hildo Epres for padlocking the mall and confiscating all official records and other documents as well as cash and other assets belonging to Uniwide and other mall occupants and turning these over to MBDC.

Roman single-handedly rewrites the Constitution THE ability of the citizenry to participate in national decision-making lies at the heart of the democratic system of government. That system’s other name is, after all, representative government.

The thirteen colonies of the British Crown rebelled against London towards the end of the 18th century. The basis of their action was the colonies’ not being represented in the British Parliament. As everyone knows, the rebellion was successful and gave birth to the United States of America.

Most of the inhabitants of the city of Pasig, which was the capital of Rizal province until the Marcos martial-law administration made it a component of what came to be known as Metro Manila, find themselves in the same situation today that the thirteen colonies did two and a half centuries ago. The colonies fought King George IV; Pasig’s citizens are fighting their Representative, third-termer Roman Romulo.

The Americans’ complaint against their colonial masters was very basic. It was encapsulated in their battlecry “No taxation without representation.” There can be nothing more basic than being forced to contribute to the financing of a government without having a say in how the government uses the taxes it collects from the citizenry.

The Pasiguenos’ beef is even more basic. It is premised on one of the provisions of a written and democratically approved Constitution.

The present Constitution states that every province or city with a population of 250,000 is entitled to a seat in Congress. That mandate is clear, straightforward and unqualified. There are no ifs and buts, and there are no exceptions. When the population of a province or city reaches 250,000, it becomes entitled to a Congressional seat.

But Rep. Roman Romulo has decided to singlehandedly re-write the above-cited provision of the 1987 Constitution. Whereas in 2007 he filed a bill calling for more than one Congressional seat for Pasig City--in the bill’s explanatory note he said that “(having more than one Pasig district) would make life easier... two or three districts will make (Pasig) more manageable” --in 2015 Rep. Romulo is opposing the 3-District Movement’s redistricting petition on the basis of an argument that should have been put forward by the director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority, not the Representative of the Lone District of Pasig City. The argument revolves around the relation, as perceived by Romulo, between in-migration and a positive change in the fiscal capability of an LGU. This is what Rep. Romulo has said: “Every time the House of Representatives increases its membership, large chunks of funding are taken from the national government which could otherwise be used to improve the economic situation, especially in the provinces.” For good measure he added: “(B)ecause a huge share of government funds is concentrated in Metro Manila, people migrate to the capital mainly because of better prospects of employment. What we need to do actively is for national funds to be poured into the provinces. We should start developing other centers of development.”

In an additional statement evocative of Vice President Jejomar Binay, Rep. Romulo averred that the 3-District Movement was “designed for political convenience rather than something that will be of help.” Is the Congressman suggesting that 520,000 Pasignueños should remain deprived of Congressional representation--the Philippine statistics authority projects a Pasig population of around 770,000 this year--because of some Pasig citizens’ political aspirations? Romulo would ignore a Constitutional mandate on account of his fear of a challenge to his lone-Congressman power and prestige?

Quite a number of provinces and cities have been granted additional Congressional seats by Congress in recent years in recognition of their population increases--Cavite, now with seven districts, is the most prominent example of this--but the political leaders of those provinces and cities were never heard to oppose the creation of additional Congressional districts on the ground of migration from the provinces to this country’s major cities.

Rep. Romulo is the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Higher Education. Surely, a highly educated man should ever be mindful of respect for the Constitution and of the demands of selfless public service.

My unsolicited advice to Roman Romulo is for him to talk to his father, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo, a worthy member of the Romulo family. I am certain that my friend Secretary Bert will counsel his son to stop playing trapo politics, respect the Constitution and give all the citizens of Pasig City the representation in Congress that is their right.

E-mail: rudyromero777@yahoo.com

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

WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Aussie wines winning in Asia YARRA VALLEY, Australia—Wrapped tightly in sleeping bags to keep them from freezing in frigid conditions, Australian wine maker Sirromet’s bottles slowly make their way across the vast Mongolian landscape on the back of a yak.

The wine’s journey from Queensland state on Australia’s east coast, about 9,500 kilometers as the crow flies, to isolated parts of the sparsely-populated Asian nation is one example of the growing appeal of vintages from Down Under.

Australian wine makers are increasingly finding favor with Asian tastebuds as the region’s burgeoning middle and upper classes search for new gastronomical adventures, fueled by rising incomes.

“It’s really been a rapid change in attitudes towards wine,” Sirromet’s sales director Rod Hill told AFP of the booming demand in Asian powerhouse China.

“Five years ago, it was rare to see people in bars drinking wine.

When I was there seven months ago, I just couldn’t believe the size of the wine lists.”

China is one of Australia’s fastestgrowing markets, with exports jumping 32.1 percent in the year to June, making it the third-biggest export market behind the United States and Britain, according to government body Wine Australia.

And it’s not alone in the region, with demand spiking by double-digit figures over the same period in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand.

With consumption projected to grow strongly in Asia, vintners such as Peter Thompson are going the extra mile by designing wines that cater to local palates, notably by producing lighter and less fullbodied ones.

Thompson, who is based in Margaret River—a renowned wine-growing region on Australia’s southwestern tip—has developed “CEO”, a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine with Merlot and Malbec, with two Hong Kong businessmen. AFP

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France honors ‘heroes’ for train-attack courage PARIS—President Francois Hollande bestowed France’s highest honor on a group of Americans and a Briton on Monday saying the whole world “admires their courage and cool composure” in overpowering a Moroccan gunman on a crowded train.

Anti-terror investigators were questioning the alleged attacker, 25-year-old Ayoub El Khazzani, who boarded the high-speed train in Brussels bound for Paris on Friday armed with a Kalashnikov assault

rifle, a Luger automatic pistol, ammunition and a box-cutter.

Witnesses said he opened fire, injuring a man before being wrestled to the floor and subdued by three young Americans—off-

duty servicemen Alek Skarlatos and Spencer Stone and their student friend Anthony Sadler— and a Briton, 62-yearold business consultant Chris Norman.

Presenting them with the Legion d’Honneur at the Elysee presidential palace on Monday, Hollande said: “A terrorist decided to commit an attack. He had enough weapons and ammunition to carry out a real carnage, and that’s what he would have done if you hadn’t tackled him at a risk to

your own lives.

“You have shown us that, faced with terror, we have the power to resist. You have given a message of courage, solidarity and hope,” Hollande said.

A French passenger who also tackled the gunman was also due to be honored, but has chosen to stay anonymous.

Khazzani is said to have told investigators he is “dumbfounded” by accusations he was intending to carry out a terror attack, and insists he was only trying to

rob passengers.

He said he merely stumbled upon a weapons stash in a park in Belgium and decided to use it to rob passengers, according to Sophie David, a lawyer who was temporarily assigned to his case when he was taken off the train in Arras, northern France.

Khazzani’s father on Sunday described his son as a “good boy” who preferred “football and fishing” to politics.

“I have no idea what he was thinking and I have not spoken to

him for over a year,” Mohamed El Khazzani told British newspaper The Daily Telegraph in Algeciras, Spain.

France’s counterterrorism police can hold Khazzani for up to 96 hours without charge. Intelligence services in Belgium, France, Germany and Spain have previously flagged him as an Islamic extremist.

One of the Americans who overpowered him said if Khazzani had known how to handle guns, he could have killed many people. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Mines and Geosciences Bureau

North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 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 Ten (10) Units Plotter (Large Format Printer) P.R. No. 2015-08-612

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------INVITATION TO BID FOR ONE (1) UNIT BRAND NEW 2 COLOR OFFSET PRINTING MACHINE B2 SIZE WITH PERFECTING

1. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2015 intends to apply the sum of Two Million Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP2,300,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Ten (10) Units Plotter (Large Format Printer). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected during opening of bids.

1.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), through the PCSO Corporate Budget intends to apply the sum of Thirty Million Pesos (P30,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for One (1) Unit Brand New 2 Color Offset Printing Machine B2 Size with Perfecting. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The MGB now invites bids for the Procurement of Ten (10) Units Plotter (Large Format Printer).

2.

The PCSO now invites bids for One (1) Unit Brand New 2 Color Offset Printing Machine B2 Size with Perfecting. Delivery of the Goods is required within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days. Bidders should have completed, within the last ten (10) 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 (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Delivery of Goods is required within sixty (60) 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.

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

4.

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 5:00PM.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on August 25, 2015 (Tuesday) from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (P25,000.00).

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from August 24 to September 18, 2015 at the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (PhP2,500.00).

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

The MGB will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on September 7, 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.

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

5.

The PCSO will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on September 1, 2015 (Tuesday) at 1:30pm, BAC Room, 3/F Conservatory Building, 605 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City, which shall be open to all interested parties.

6.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 10:00am of September 15, 2015 (Tuesday). All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

5. Bids must be delivered to the address below not later than September 21, 2015, Monday at 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.

Bid opening shall be on September 21, 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.

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. For further information, please refer to: 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

Interested bidders may obtain further information from PCSO Bids and Awards Committee and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Bid opening shall be on September 15, 2015, (Tuesday) at 10:30am at BAC Room, 3/F Conservatory Building, 605 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

7.

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

For further information, please refer to: The BAC Chairman c/o The Secretariat PCSO BAC Room 3/F Conservatory Building 605 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City (02) 997-0247 (Telefax) www.pcso.gov.ph

(SGD) CONRADO C. ZABELLA BAC Chairman

(SGD) ENGR. JUANCHO PABLO S. CALVEZ Chairman, BAC (TS-AUG. 25, 2015)

( TS- A U G U S T 2 5 , 2 0 1 5)

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

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cESAr bArrioqUinTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world

S. Korea’s president demands apology SEOUL—South Korea’s president hardened her line with North Korea on Monday, demanding an unequivocal apology for recent provocations as the two rivals struggled to negotiate their way out of a dangerous military standoff.

As grueling talks between top negotiators from both sides entered a third day in the border truce village of Panmunjom, Park Geun-Hye insisted on North Korea making a sincere gesture of contrition for the mine blasts this month that maimed two South Korean soldiers.

North Korea “should make a clear apology... and ensure that there will be no further provocations,” Park said in televised comments to a meeting of senior aides.

Otherwise, she added, Seoul would continue the border propaganda broadcasts that have infuriated Pyongyang and prompted threats of concerted military strikes by the North Korean army.

The current standoff has already triggered a rare exchange of artillery fire across the border, with both sides ramping up the military rhetoric and flexing their weaponry.

In the remarks to her aides, Park stressed that there would be “no retreat” in the face of North Korean threats.

Park has maintained a strong line on North Korea since she came to office, and will push back hard against any compromise that might be seen as rewarding Pyongyang’s provocations.

The talks that began Saturday in Panmunjom between top aides to both countries’ leaders have so far failed to thrash out a mutually acceptable way to de-escalate the situation, despite two all-night sessions.

The North has denied any role in the recent mine blasts and analysts say it will never accede to the apology demand.

“And President Park knows that of course,” said Yang Moo-Jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

“Both sides are really just trying to ramp up pressure on the other, looking for an upper hand in what are clearly very tough negotiations,” Yang said. AFP

Fun on the water. In this photograph taken on May 2, 2015, tourists take part in white-water rafting activities on the Beas River in the Kullu

Valley. Its ski slopes are considered among the best in India while its stunning views are a magnet for hikers, horse riders and paragliders in the summer. But a new ruling by India’s environmental court designed to protect the Kullu Valley from its hordes of visitors now threatens to wipe out the tourist industry at a stroke, according to furious local businesses. AFP

Led by oil, commodity prices dip dramatically SINGAPORE—Oil futures led a dramatic fall in commodity prices on Monday, with US crude trading below $40 a barrel as fears over China’s economy sent investors fleeing to safe havens like gold.

The Bloomberg Commodity Index, which tracks 22 raw materials, lost as much as 1.7 percent to 86.3542 points to its lowest level since August 1999.

Raw materials have slumped this year as concerns have mounted of weakening demand from China, the world’s second-largest economy and the top user of everything from industrial metals and energy to food.

Fears were piqued when China devalued the yuan two weeks ago, a move many took as a signal the economy is in worse shape than

thought, and which could hurt the Asian giant’s purchasing power for dollar-denominated commodities.

Concerns China’s slowdown will also damage the world economy have sent financial markets into a tailspin, with Shanghai stocks on Monday plunging the most in one day since 2007—leading a rout across Asia—while Asia-Pacific currencies tumbled.

Resources stocks tumbled, with BHP Billiton closing down 5.02 percent at A$22.89 while Fortescue lost 14.62 percent to A$1.64 after posting an 88-percent drop in annual profit

on weaker iron ore prices.

“The steep fall in commodities today is all down to bearish sentiment about China with the huge rout in its equities market,” Daniel Ang, investment analyst at Phillip Futures in Singapore, told AFP. “Investors are fearing further price drops in commodities and are channeling funds to safe havens including gold and the Japanese yen.”

Oil prices have been hit particularly hard, with the US benchmark dropping to below $40 for the first time in six years in New York on Friday as investors bet a global oversupply of crude is set to last.

A drop in buying from China, the number one energy importer, could be catastrophic for oil prices at a time when international markets are already heavily oversupplied and

could soon see fresh supplies from Iran after its nuclear deal.

The US crude futures benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for October delivery, was down $1.29 to $39.16 while Brent fell $1.19 to $44.27 in mid-afternoon Asian trade.

Fresh falls in commodities come after weak Chinese manufacturing data on Friday, which showed activity slowed to a 77-month low, sparked a sell-off in London that saw industrial metals and agricultural commodities sag to new multi-year lows.

On the London Metal Exchange, copper lost as much as 2.6 percent to $4,922.50 a metric ton, the lowest since 2009, while aluminum also fell 1.5 percent to its lowest intra-day level in six years. AFP

Abe to skip China during WWII parade

Danger zone. Venezuelan troops patrol a check point close to the

Venezuela-Colombia border in San Antonio, Tachira state, Venezuela, on August 23. Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has ordered part of the frontier with Colombia closed after four people were wounded in an overnight attack along the border. AFP

TOKYO—Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will not visit China next week, the government said Monday, as Beijing prepares for a huge military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of Tokyo’s defeat in World War II. Abe had decided to put off a visit “given the situation in parliament”, said top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga. The prime minister faces a parliamentary backlash over his efforts to expand the role of the country’s military.

But local media said Japan’s government was concerned about the anti-Japanese nature of the planned massive parade through central Beijing and other events to com-

memorate Tokyo’s World War II surrender.

Abe had previously expressed a desire to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in early September, but the talks had not been confirmed.

“We hope to work to further develop the relationship between the two nations by creating opportunities for the leaders to have talks at international conferences and other events,” Suga told reporters.

The announcement confirms that Abe will stay away from the September 3 commemorations in China to mark the end of what Beijing calls the “Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-

Fascist War”.

Japan occupied parts of China from the 1930s until the end of World War II and Beijing says millions died as imperial Japanese troops stormed across Asia.

Xi attended a similar parade in Moscow in May commemorating victory over Nazi Germany. Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to return the gesture by traveling to the Beijing event.

Putin is by far the most prominent world leader committed to attend, with leaders of most Western and Western-allied countries, including the United States, staying away amid concerns over Beijing’s increasingly assertive actions in the region. AFP

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

A RTS, CU LT U RE & T ECH

LIFE Waistband, complex loop-in-loop weave with a rounded selvage effect Ca. 10th – 13th century, Surigao Treasure, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection

Bangle with semi-precious stones, gold, garnet and glass, Ca. 10th –13th century, Surigao Treasure, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection

Repousse Arm Ornaments, Set of 4, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection

Waist Cord Weights, set of 2, Ca. 10th –13th Century, Surigao Treasure, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection

GOOD AS GOLD:

Philippine treasures of old Ear ornament, Eastern Visayas, Ca. 10th – 13th century, 4.2 cm diameter, 0.9 cm thickness, 7.4 grams, Ayala Museum Collection

Ear ornaments, Butuan, Agusan del Norte province, Ca. 10th – 13th century, 6.7 x 4.5 x 8 cm, 9 x 3.5 x 8 cm, 54.5 g, 57 g, Ayala Museum Collection

Ear ornaments, Aras-asan, Surigao del Sur province, Ca. 10th – 13th century, 11.7 x 7.5 cm, 11.5 x 8 cm, 27 g, 27 g, Ayala Museum Collection

Belt, Surigao Treasure, Surigao del Sur province, Ca. 10th – 13th century, 5.5 x 68.3 cm, 564 grams, Ayala Museum Collection Photos of Ayala Museum Collection by Neal Oshima

O

ver 120 spectacular gold objects dated between the 10th and 13th century from the Philippines will take center stage during a groundbreaking gold exhibition in New York between September 11 and early January 2016. Dubbed the “Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms,” the exhibit will feature a spectacular display of pre-colonial gold treasures such as gold necklaces, chains, waistbands, bangles, ritual bowls, implements, and ceremonial weapons on loan from the collections of Ayala Museum and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

This Philippine exhibition will serve to highlight a truly fascinating yet little known aspect about the Philippines’ rich heritage, with the rare artifacts revealing the sophisticated civilizations that flourished before the arrival of the Spaniards on Philippine shores. The gold pieces also portray the thriving maritime trade in the region, exemplifying the influence of people such as Indians, Indonesians, the Chinese and many others on Philippine culture.

An exciting line-up of activities starting with the opening gala dinner on September 10 is scheduled to expand the spotlight on Philippine heritage and culture. Academic lectures, a popup Philippine food bar, musical events, art and design exhibitions, a film festival and live cultural performances are also in the lineup as well as other activities and events organized by Asia Society Philippines in Manila.

Driving the Philippine Gold exhibition are Gala Benefit Committee chairs Doris Masaysay Ho, Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Loida Nicolas Lewis, with support from BSP Governor Amando Tetangco. For this national undertaking, they have entrusted Nina Capistrano-Baker, curator at Ayala Museum, and Adriana Proser, John H. Foster Senior Curator for Traditional Asian Art at Asia Society New York, to co-curate the Philippine gold treasures at the New York exhibition.

(From left) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Amando Tetangco Jr., Asia Society Philippines Board Chair Doris Magsaysay Ho and Ayala Corporation President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala

Asia Society Philippine chair Doris Magsaysay Ho believes the Philippine Gold exhibition is very timely as the country will be hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit this November.

“While the Philippines has a lot of press coming out on economic issues, we thought there could also be a cultural story,” said Magsaysay Ho. “These artifacts are also very little known scholarship-wise, so with the opportunity to bring them to New York, we are holding symposiums that place the collection in the whole realm of historical scholarship in the Austronesian context.”

Ayala Corporation’s Fernando Zobel de Ayala anticipates the pride the exhibition will instill in Filipinos around the world. “We are delighted to have this opportunity to exhibit this exceptional Filipino 10th to 13th century gold from the Ayala Museum and Bangko Sentral collections at the Asia Society in New York,” noted Zobel de Ayala.

“It will give Americans and visitors to New York the opportunity to get to know more about our rich culture and I have no doubt that it will also give Filipino Americans great pride to see these pieces from their country,” he added.

BSP Governor Tetangco, on the other hand, sees the exhibit as “an excellent opportunity to showcase our pre-colonial cultural heritage. This is going to be the first time that the Philippine pre-Hispanic gold will be seen in the States. This is an opportune time for other people to know more about the Philippines and get to know the rich cultural heritage of our country.”

“Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms” is made possible by Ayala Corporation, with additional support provided by exhibition partners Bank of Philippine Islands, Del Monte Foods, Inc., Philippine Airlines, ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel and Tourism Promotions Board Philippines with exhibition benefactors CLSA, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, First Philippine Holdings Corporation, Goldman Sachs Gives, J.P. Morgan, Philam Life, an AIA Company, San Miguel Corporation, UBS AG and Western Union®.

For more information, please visit www.

AsiaSociety.org/Philippines2015. To arrange a group tour of this special exhibition in New York, please call + 1 212.327.9237 or email philippinegold@asiasociety.org.

TUESDAY : AUGUST 25 : 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

HAVE YOU HEARD OF DISPOSABLE EMAIL ADDRESSES? To prevent unwanted messages from reaching our inboxes, major email providers have added THE GIST security features

BY ED BIADO that screen incoming mail and dump suspicious ones to the spam folder.

But no matter how hard we try to be responsible in using our email accounts, we still get spam.

Some of these find their way to the main folder, and who knows what will happen if we happen to click on them?

The reason we get so many unsolicited messages is simple: It’s because we give out our email addresses to different websites. It’s the most basic requirement when signing up for an online service. Even the simplest of activities, such as taking a quiz, needs a valid email address so that your scores or results can be delivered directly to you. And once they have your email, you’re part of the mailing list and they’ll start sending you all sorts of mail, like newsletters and promos.

You’re lucky if those are the only types of mail you get. Some senders are not as kind and will insert viruses and other sneaky little bugs in their messages. To avoid being a victim of this sort of attack – and to lessen the amount

of spam you receive – use a disposable email address instead of your permanent one the next time a web form asks for it.

DEAs can easily be generated for free using one of the many providers available. A cursory Google search will yield results such as Guerrillamail.com, Mailinator.com, Getairmail. com and many, many more. Each services does not require registration and passwords, which means that every address is accessible to anyone. So make sure never to use them for private correspondences.

Once you’ve picked a service, all you have to do is copy the random email address it provides (some providers let you create custom addresses) and input that into the website you’re signing up to. Messages sent to a DEA are temporary and will be deleted automatically after a specified amount of time, some in as little as 10 minutes.

Most DEAs cannot be used to send mail; they can only receive incoming messages. There are those that have sending capability, but they’re usually offered through a paid subscription.

As using a DEA mitigates the effects of email abuse, it is ideal for registering to services that you’re only going to be using for a single time and services that you don’t necessarily trust or would rather not get marketing materials from, like dating, gaming and shopping websites.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @EdBiado

AirMail inbox

Guerrillamail inbox

Mailinator inbox

T EC H TA L K

The New Toshiba Portégé Z20t Detachable Ultrabook with Reversible Dock

I

f you’re a corporate junkie who’s always out on the field, then you know how hard it is to carry around different gadgets for presentation and meetings. You carry your tablets and phones to take notes during meetings, but you still need your trusted laptop to complete presentations and transactions. With the new Toshiba Portégé Z20t Detachable Ultrabook and its Reversible dock, business meetings need not be like going to the gym carrying weights inside your bag.

The PORTÉGÉ Z20t is optimized for business users with a variety of productivity and security features plus the powerful new Intel® Core™ M processors, which support both content creation and consumption with

ease. Designed in lightweight magnesium chassis and in a sleek, thin compartment, the PORTÉGÉ Z20t is a perfect companion for handling business in and out of the office. It is a laptop and a touchscreen tablet in one platform with a Wacom digitizer.

The Wacom digitizer is packed with hand recognition capability for easily jotting down notes during presentations. The pen tool can be stored in a dedicated slot on the tablet to avoid chances of losing it.

The best part of this product is the long battery life that lasts up to 17.4 hours when docked on the keyboard, perfect for going on a business trip. You have an option to charge the tablet alone and it may be used for almost eight hours. For portability and safety, a cable lock port is available which secures the keyboard to desks or other fixed points, and ensures that the tablet won’t be detached either when docked.

While other small tablets and laptops give you lightweight design, some of the connecting ports are sacrificed, as there is minimal or almost

zero connectivity via ports. PORTÉGÉ Z20t, if used as a tablet, has a Micro HDMI port, Micro USB port and microSD slot perfect for connecting to other screens or data transfers. If used with a keyboard, you get more connectivity via RGB, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet and two USB 3.0 ports. Beats buying all those expensive extra devices just to connect to another port.

“Built for professional users, the PORTÉGÉ Z20t offers a slim-line and lightweight device whether it’s used in laptop or tablet mode in any scenario while still satisfying the security and IT management features that are crucial to any organisation in today’s complex business environment,” explains Wong Wai Meng, Senior Manager of Product Strategy at Toshiba Singapore Pte Ltd, Mobile C omput ing Solutions & Devices Division.

The Portégé Z20t includes Toshiba’s EasyGuard suite and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) which safeguards the data on local storage, while Intel® Active Management Technology (AMT) allows the IT department to monitor, maintain, repair, update and upgrade machines remotely.

The new PORTÉGÉ Z20t series comes with a standard 3-year International Limited Warranty (parts and labor). There are also options for expanding the service plan on your notebook. The SelectServ Program has been designed to allow you to customize your notebook’s warranty coverage, depending on your budget and needs.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.pc.toshiba-asia.com.

Connect with Toshiba on Facebook via Toshiba Notebook Pc, or follow them on Twitter @ToshibaNotebook, and YouTube at Toshiba Notebook Pc.

TUESDAY : AUGUST 25 : 2015

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

ARTS AND CULTURE ROUNDUP What’s on in theaters and galleries this week

EXHIBITS Meeting Rivers: Pardo de Leon MO Space, Taguig City Ongoing until September 13 In her latest series, Pardo de Leon pays homage to the art practice that started in 1986, her final year as a student – hence her current collection also serves as a tribute to her mentor, the late Roberto Chabet.

The paintings feature themes, images and styles of old European masters.

Images prevalent in old European art are juxtaposed with different elements that have nothing to do with the major component, but were offset in a way that is seamless and organic. According to De Leon, her current series is like her letter to her younger self, as she intertwined old and new practices to make old and new memories. It is a way of confronting herself, of how she evolved as an artist, as she admits that one can’t look in the same mirror twice – same as one can’t cross the same river twice.

Visit mo-space.net for more details about this ongoing exhibit.

Brendale Asinas Tadeo: The Comfort of Things and Interpretative Problems Casa San Miguel, Zambales Ongoing until September 18

Through visual compositions made of family photographs and various personal objects, Brendale Asinas Tadeo examines the depths and meanings revolving around “structure” as well as the development of one’s self through a series of inter-media artwork.

The Philippine Women’s University-educated artist examines the notion of collection and selection, which are vital factors in creating, projecting and experimenting in his latest series. The finished compositions pose the question: What new meaning can memories and objects create when put in a different context?

For more information, contact 0917 8382752 or visit www. casa-san-miguel.org

The Hunters Enter the Woods: Patricia Perez Eustaquio Silverlens Galleries, Makati City Ongoing until September 19

Patricia Eustaquio continues her quest to delineate the contrast between the agency of craft and the predilections of fine art in her latest exhibit that features her works in painting, sculpture and wrought textile. According to her, her artwork has become a form for questioning tastes and appetites, especially the appetite to possess and to become desirable.

A champion of the crafts of still life, Eustaquio’s paintings of rocks, flowers and dead animals are rendered in black and white – stripped of colors to let the viewers’ imaginations take over. Meanwhile, a brass orchid rising on top of a mound of black salt is a representation of her continuous essay on the mutability of objects.

For more information on this ongoing exhibit, visit www. silverlensgalleries.com Salvador "Dodong" Arellano Gallery Liencio, Taguig City August 29

THEATER Tag-ani 1701 The Little Room Upstairs, Quezon City August 29 to 30 A story about love and being loved but in an odd and fascinating way, TagAni is a tragicomedy that features two characters in their seventies who try to rekindle the joys of love.

First performed in 1975, the story highlights the power of love to bring meaning to one’s existence. The twist in its ending is a piercing truth that resonates the tragedy of those who have experienced love and have lost it, and of those who have never experienced love at all.

Directed by multi-awarded actor Roeder Camanag, the production stars veteran actors, Ermie Concepcion and Ces Aldaba. Tag-ani is presented by the Artist Playground.

For tickets and inquiries, contact 0977 3062924.

CONCERTS Jeffrey Ching Little Theater, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila August 29

The award-winning British contemporary classical composer Jeffrey Ching is set to enthrall Philippine audiences as he premiers his composition “CelestialInfernal Grand Nuptial Rite” as well as transcriptions of Schumann (“Kundiman ni Schumann”) and Wagner (“Wesendonck Sonata”). Joining Ching in this concert are Manila-born soprano and his wife, Andión Fernández, Brazilian cellist Matias de Oliveira Pinto, and multiawarded Japanese pianist Kiai Nara.

This one-night only concert starts at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and inquiries, call the CCP Box Office at (02) 832 3704 or Ticketworl at (02) 891 9999.

LECTURES

Touch Me, Touch Me Not: Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn Silverlens Galleries, Makati City Ongoing until September 19

Rizal Without the Overcoat (with Dr. Ambeth Ocampo) Ayala Museum, Makati City August 29

The current collection of husband-and-wife duo Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn represents that current reality of their art – sculpture. From being just a functional item, pottery has developed into something valued for its practical use and aesthetic quality. The Pettyjohns, who have represented the Philippines in prestigious pottery exhibitions around the world, showcase works that are intended to be handled and used in daily life, and those that are not.

For instance, a bowl made by Jon is pierced with pins, transforming this common household item into a subversive shape. Displayed alongside Jon’s stoneware are Tessy’s porcelain wall installation, among others. The 20-piece collection, viewed together or individually, embodies a certain playfulness, an appreciation of technique, and an unwavering faith in tradition that they have practiced for decades.

For more details, visit www.silverlensgalleries.com

Filipinos and foreigners alike know Jose Rizal through his image on the one peso coin, and from his many monuments that dot the landscape from Aparri to Jolo – always wearing or carrying a heavy winter overcoat that is not appropriate in a tropical country like the Philippines.

In this lecture, Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, who wrote the book Rizal Without the Overcoat (from which the lectured is named after), introduces Rizal in plain clothing, sans the overcoat, making him more relevant to Filipinos of another generation he lived and died for.

Ticket prices range from P275 to P375. Season pass that covers three lectures is also available for P950 and P1,275.

For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 759 8288 local 35 or email education@ayalamuseum.org

Best known for his painting of thoroughbred racehorses and gamefowl, Salvador “Dodong” Arelllano holds his first public exhibit in the Philippines since he left the country for Los Angeles in 1987.

The son of the late architect/painter Juan M. Arellano, Salvador is an accomplished portraitist who has done commissions for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Prince Charles, Sultan Bolkiah of Brunei and Sylvester Stallone, among many other important and prominent personalities. His works have been exhibited in Japan, Singapore, Australia and Dubai, as well as at the Christie’s and Dyansen Galleries, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, Empire Polo Club, and Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club among other places in the US where he is a permanent resident by virtue of his “exceptional ability in the art of painting.”

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

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

New products from Tesoros (clockwise from top left): coconut shells with hand-painted images of indigenous Filipinos; polished carabao horns home décor; contemporary Capiz chandeliers; and table linens with banana embroidery.

FOR THE FUTURE OF PHILIPPINE HANDICRAFTS Tesoros launches commemorative book and ‘Disenyo at Talento’ event series

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esoros is known as the store famous for its Filipinomade gifts and crafts. But apart from being a source of the best classical and contemporary handicrafts, it is also a staunch advocate of sustaining traditional art forms and nurturing and promoting seasoned and up-andcoming Pinoy craftsmen.

As the company prepares for its 70th anniversary in October, Tesoros has lined up activities and programs which, according to Tesoros group chief executive officer Maria Isabel “Being” Tesoro, are aimed at promoting “greater interest in Filipino handicrafts as well as the artists and craftsmen behind them.”

To celebrate its rich legacy of inspiring and supporting the efforts of Filipino craftsmen, Tesoros launched the commemorative book on the life of the co-founder and Tesoros matriarch – Salud Tesoro.

Salud S. Tesoro: The Story of a Successful Entrepreneurial Filipina shares the inspiring tale of an orphan girl who grew up to become the “Mother of Philippine Handicrafts.” The tale recounts how her brilliance, determination, courage and generosity took Tesoros from its first Escolta gift store to its prominent stature today.

“Through this book, one would appreciate Tesoros’ roots and vision,” says Beng, the youngest of the 10 children of Doña Salud. “It relates the core values instilled by our mother. Those values inspire us to constantly bring out the best Filipino works: to sustain traditional art forms by nurturing respected craftsmen, and to expand our reach and relevance by supporting creations of young upcoming designers, all the while maintaining the highest quality standards and hospitable service.”

As noted by Beng, the story of Doña Salud is worth sharing because it is inspiring and moving.

“We believe it will touch many Filipinos, as it should the younger generation – they who dream of making new things of meaning

‘Salud S. Tesoro: The Story of a Successful Entrepreneurial Filipina’ is available only through Tesoros Makati.

and beauty – (so) that they will be motivated, knowing (that) at Tesoros, we support their efforts to create vivid new crafts that enrich the definition of being Filipino and be vindicated as these become appreciated and welcomed as new touch-stones in the landscape of our new cultural heritage,” she added.

In an effort to further strengthen its commitment to Philippine handicrafts and craftsmen, the retail store also recently kicked off its event series “Disenyo at Talento,” showcasing Casa San Pablo Clay Storytellers as an opening salvo. Crafted by former corporate publishing executiveturned-clay artisan An Mercado Alcantara, the brand’s creations mostly reflect the culture and the people of San Pablo City in Laguna.

“Clay is a very forgiving and charming material,” shares An, adding, “It allows me to portray the history and culture of San Pablo City, or represent everyday life in a lighter way – the kind of art that is uplifting and has that capacity to speak to the soul.”

From Casa San Pablo, Laguna, Tesoros now offers the Clay Storyteller Dolls in all its branches nationwide. Part of the total sales will be donated to the care of abandoned and abused children under the San Francisco Terraces Orphanage.

“Part of keeping our heritage always refreshed, enriched and renewed is our commitment to

An Mercado-Alcantara (left) with Mariel and Lex Reyes of Craft MNL

From left: Co-founder of San Francisco Terraces Orphanage Ambassador Romy Manalo (ret.); Department of Tourism CALABARZON regional director Rebecca Labit; and President of the Philippine Tour Operators Association Cesar Cruz

Mia Villanueva flanked by Michelle and Frank Callaghan

constantly uplift and promote the changing Filipino identity.

We hope that through ‘Disenyo at Talento,’ we can give inspiring local artisans the exposure and support they need so that Filipino culture and heritage will continue to grow and evolve,” says Beng.

Casa San Pablo Clay Storytellers creator An Mercado-Alcantara

Tesoros group chief executive officer Maria Isabel “Beng” Tesoro flanked by Nandie Aguilar and Patrick Garcia

Atty. Lulu Tesoro-Castañeda and Alice Tesoro-Guerrero

Boots Alcantara of Casa San Pablo with Reynaldo and Patricia Pacheco

Tesoro’s has outlets at the following locations: Arnaiz Avenue in Makati; A. Mabini Street in Manila; the Filipiniana section of The Landmark in Makati; Bungalow at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Mactan Island, Cebu; Golden Bamboo in D’Mall, Boracay, Aklan;

NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 pre-departure areas, Clark and Boracay International Airports.

To learn more about the company’s new products and upcoming events, email info@tesoros.ph or tesoros@ tesoros.ph or visit www.tesoros.ph/

T UES DAY : AUGUST 25 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

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Homegrown TecH gianT names sTar as endorser T een heartthrob Enrique Gil is the latest big star tapped by homegrown brand CloudFone to join its growing family. The actor, who recently starred in hit small screen and big screen projects, will be joining Xian Lim in the company’s roster of celebrity endorsers.

The mobile technology giant is celebrating its 3rd year in the business with a slew of activities and promos. As part of its strategic positioning this 2015, the brand plans to extend its reach to the youth—one of the strongest markets in terms of technology use.

“CloudFone constantly aims to be on the pulse of the market, and we believe that Enrique embodies the qualities that resonate with our youthful more tech-savvy consumers,” said Eric Yu, president of CloudFone Philippines. “With his vibrant personality and passion for excellence, Enrique represents the best things CloudFone devices can offer such as variety of choices and specs, innovation, and reliability.”

Gil, 23, catapulted to stardom after starring in the primetime hit Forevermore and silver screen blockbuster Just the Way You Are. Versatile and talented, he has made a mark for himself as a dancer and actor, even earning the title of the 2014 Most Promising Male Star of the Year.

The star’s active lifestyle is a perfect reflection of the dynamic and technologically inclined lifestyle of today’s youth. The rising star is expected to bring in a younger demographic for the brand in time for the roll out of its new devices

which are specially designed to enhance users’ enjoyment of mobile apps and social media platforms.

Yu shares, “Tapping him as an endorser means showing this consumer group that there are gadgets that can complement their lifestyle. He embodies what the brand is: current, active, and versatile.”

Enrique recently headlined the last leg of CloudFone’s nationwide mall tour, which also starred fellow endorser Xian Lim and other celebrities like Jason Abalos. The two-month mall tour was part of the brand’s efforts to show its appreciation to its loyal consumers who have supported CloudFone over the years.

The brand ambassadors visited total of 113 stores in 30 malls in 19 cities (Baguio, Tarlac, Clark, Manila, Quezon City, Tagbilaran, Lucena, Legazpi, Naga, Malolos, San Pablo, Marikina, GenSan, Tacloban, Cebu, Dagupan, Batangas, Davao, and Mandaluyong) to entertain its supporters, store dealers, and staff. The stars gave “kilig” performances as a treat to its fans, also given a chance to meet them up close.

In addition to giving away premium items and products, CloudFone is also currently offering a special price-off on its product line. Consumers can now enjoy as much as 25 percent discount on selected smartphones and tablets from the brand.

Yu summarizes, “The youth is a very important market for technology brands. To appeal to them, you have to connect with them. Getting Enrique is our way of relating to this group as we set our sights in providing for their needs and lifestyle.”

Enrique Gil is the newest Coudfone endorser

Executive Queen room at City Garden Makati

Best ‘Kare-Kare’ in town

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ith the unpredictable rains dampening everyone’s high spirits, what could be more soothing than a steaming bowl of kare-kare?

This well-loved Filipino stew of ox tail, tripe and vegetables in thick, peanut-based sauce,

slathered with heaps of bagoong (shrimp paste), is the ideal foil to the wet, dreary days of August – the ultimate comfort food for the hungry soul.

Savor City Garden Hotel Makati’s take on kare-kare at its casual dining restaurant, Le Jardin. Prepared fresh daily by

Kare-kare at Le Jardin, City Garden Makati

executive chef Mario Basig, the dish headlines Le Jardin’s extensive Filipino menu that also includes other family favorites like bulalo, beef kaldereta, fish fillet escabeche and garlic crispy pata.

It’s the kare-kare, however, that has set the blogosphere abuzz.

City Garden Makati’s aromatic,

richly stocked version has been extolled by online foodies as “the best kare-kare in town.”

“But don’t take our word for it,” says Chef Basig, a 30-year veteran of international hotel and cruise line kitchens who retains a fondness for Filipino cuisine. “Let your taste buds decide.”

For reservations, call Le Jardin Restaurant at 899-1111.

Likewise, for affordable room rates, check out the hotel’s current “Rainy Days Promo” for as low as P2,800+ per night on twin sharing. Email makatireserve@ citygardenhotels.com or visit www.citygardenhotelmakati.com.

T UES DAY : AUGUST 25 : 2015

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

BB. PiLiPinaS QUEEnS POSE fOR aRtiStS

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eigning Binibining Pilipinas queens joined as sitters at the recent portrait sketching sessions of the Filipino Portrait Artist Guild (FPAGI at Gateway Gallery.

For the first time, FPAGI, which holds its regular sketching sessions every Thursday, coordinated with Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) to organize a sketching session with beauty queens as inspiration.

Most of the beauty queens were excited to pose for the artists as it was their first time as sitters or models for a sketching session.

The painting sessions were held on separate dates featuring Miss Universe Philippines 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2015 Janicel Lubina, Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational 2015

Beauty queen posing for artists at Gateway Gallery

Rogelie Catacutan, and Bb. Pilipinas 2015 2nd Runner-Up Kimverlyn Suiza.

“There is a need to support our local artists in whatever way possible and exposing their works in BPCI’s future projects will help achieve that direction,” says Binibining Pilipinas chairwoman.

Stella Marquez Araneta who even visited one of the portrait sketching sessions.

The beauties’ portraits will be turned over to BPCI for auction, as part of the foundation’s fund raising campaign.

There was another portrait sketching featuring Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2015 Christi McGarry on Aug.20 with Bb. Pilipinas 2015 1st Runner-Up Hannah Ruth Sison. a multimedia artist instructor at St. Benilde. With the artists, she also sat as a painter.

– EtOn B. COnCEPCiOn

‘Headline news’ on Cnn PHiliPPines

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ith their animated presence on air, one can’t help but wonder where broadcast journalists and working moms Claire Celdran, Claudine Trillo, and Amelyn Veloso get their energy to anchor CNN Philippines’ morning newscast Headline News.

They share the latest local and international stories at 7 a.m. while some of us are about to press the snooze buttons on our alarms at that time. How do they do it?

The three journalists all agree on one thing: enough sleep is essential. Veloso, who has a 13-year old son, shares that she goes to bed at 10 p.m. and wakes up at 3 a.m. just to get enough rest.

Being broadcast journalists demands much of their time. But finding the right balance between work and being a mother seems to come naturally to these three women.

Trillo, a mother of two, explains that striking the balance comes naturally. “It works to our favor because we all sleep early together [and] we all wake up early together so it’s not something that goes against the schedule,” she says.

Celdran, also a mother of two, agrees. “I get to spend some time with [my children] in the afternoon, when I get home early we get to have dinner together, and that’s why we all sleep early together [and] we all wake up early together because they all have to go to school,” she says.

Veloso adds that the morning newscast works well for them because they can do work for CNN Philippines while their children are at school.

The anchorwomen add that busy people can still enjoy watching the morning news despite the morning rush. “Headline news is organized

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Give a high-five 5 10-4 buddy 9 Seattle’s Sound 14 Covers 15 Den or burrow 16 Wife’s brother (hyph.)

17 Unaware of 19 Persona non — 20 Herr in Madras 21 Motor lodges

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Clumps of dirt Regular “The Mammoth Hunters” author Blank space Spotted It may be mounted Mr. Karloff Grade-schooler Lab medium “Cape Fear” star Blondie’s shrieks

39 40 41 42 44 45 46 50 52 53 54 55 57 58 59 60 61 62

In a snit Accord maker Portfolio item Defy orders Address part Browser bookmarks Mr. Kipling Milk producer Leafless Rock’s — Fighters LaBelle or LuPone Not evergreen Standoffish Novelist — Waugh Ponder Jane Fonda’s dad Bad cut Implored

DOWN 1 Walk through puddles 2 Autumn sign 3 Impromptu (hyph.)

4 Tire pressure meas.

5 Gym exercise (hyph.)

6 Kentucky explorer 7 Green-egg layers 8 Legal matter 9 Sow’s young 10 Put down a rug

in such a way that it gives you the news in pieces, it’s not supposed to be lengthy,” Veloso says.

Celdran adds, “It’s fast-paced, because people are getting ready in the morning so they don’t really have time to sit down and focus, concentrate and watch… What we offer is a balance – the whole newscast, even if it is two hours, is a balance of everything because we give the latest in business, technology, entertainment, local news, and international news.”

Besides the day’s top stories, Headline News also offers diverse segments. “PH in Photos” showcases beautiful Philippine sites through viewer-submitted photos.

Bibliophiles are in for a treat with “Between the Bookends” where international and local books and authors are put in the spotlight. On the other hand, theater fans can get the latest on plays, musicals, and

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Pleased Gourmandizes Pan Am rival Indispensable — pie Disney CEO Bob — Heart outlet Stale Just scrapes by Embankment Toast topper I say!

Dry riverbed Ulna and tibia Summer hrs.

Selflessly Catch a glimpse Appall Helped out Wooing one Swiss financial hub Hotfoots it Run — of Shake awake Gave medication Broad lowland Nile sun god Composer — Bartok Cry of disdain Mr. Hammarskjold Ref’s cousin

Claire Celdran, Claudine Trillo, and Amelyn Veloso anchor CNN Philippines' Headline News

concerts in the segment “On Stage.”

Headline News’ daily specials provide info in different aspects of your life. “Medical Mondays” gives helpful tidbits on health and fitness, “Techie Tuesdays” lets you discover state of the art gadgets and technologies, and “Wise Wednesdays” helps you be more financially responsible with shopping and spending tips. “In Theaters” lets you find out what’s showing in local cinemas every Wednesday. On Thursdays, viewers can look forward to

the segment “Throwback” which takes us to the biggest trends and interesting tidbits of the past and “Travel Thursdays” for a glimpse of the world’s top destinations.

“What’s Happening” gives you the best weekend activities – exhibits, concerts, seminars- every Friday.

To see more of Claire, Claudine, and Amelyn and to get your daily dose of quick and reliable morning news, tune into Headline News from Monday to Friday at 7 a.m. on CNN Philippines.

T UES DAY : AUGUST 25 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

MaR and KoRina SuRpRiSe MotheR lily

JaCk TV now 10 years old

From C8

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egal Films matriarch Lily Y. Monteverde or simply Mother Lily to most showbiz folk was ecstatic and overjoyed when Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and wife, TV news anchor Korina Sanchez-Roxas came to greet her “Happy birthday” at her party at Valencia Gardens in San Juan.

Mother Lily, who turned 76 last Wednesday, was not expecting to see Sec. Mar and Koring at her party knowing how busy the couple is with their respective commitments.

Although Mother Lily is very close to other potential candidates in the 2016 presidential race, she is very open and vocal in her support of Roxas.

Mother Lily and Roselle Monteverde-Teo were at the Club Filipino during President Benigno Aquino’s endorsement for Roxas as the standard bearer of the Liberal Party to run as president in Club Filipino last month. In turn, Roxas formally declared he would be seeking the highest elective post in the coming national polls.

“Naniniwala ako sa kalinisan, kakayahan, at karanasan ni Mar na mamuno sa ating bansa,” says Mother Lily.

Korina on the other hand is very grateful for the support and love of Mother for her husband, “Nakakataba naman ng puso na may isang katulad ni Mother Lily na isa sa mga haligi ng industriya ang naniniwala sa kakayahan ng aking asawa. Mahal na mahal niya kami and one thing is for sure, we love her back.”

Roxas is equally happy and honored with Mother’s overwhelming love for him “Napakalaki ng respeto ko kay Mother Lily at pinapahalagahan ko ang kanyang paniniwala sa akin.

Hindi ko sisirain ang tiwala niya sa akin sa pagpapatuloy ko sa daang matuwid.”

The presence of Roxas and Sanchez gave Mother’s party a different color and flavor. They exchanged stories with everyone and gamely obliged with the selfie requests of the guests among whom were movie stars, members of the movie press, the country’s most respected film and television directors, and friends from the film industry.

HHHHH

JoSe MaRi Chan’S ShaReS honoRS with Co-aRtiStS Gold and platinum awards are no strangers to Jose Mari Chan. He has been receiving them, including a recent “dia-

mond” honors for his albums.

In turn Chan did a “first” in the local music industry by sharing the honors with his co-artists, lyricist/composers and musical/vocal arrangers of Going Home To Christmas which has turned platinum (more than 15,000 records sold), his second Christmas album recorded in 2010, roughly 20 years after the first, Christmas In Our Hearts (a “triple diamond,” with more than 1.2 million sold).

“Very few artists reach ‘platinum’ these days,” said Chan at the exclusive Tower Club (atop Philam Life Building in Makati City) where the “sharing” took place. “Before, you had to sell 40,000 albums to reach ‘platinum.’ The number has been lowered to 15,000.”

After two Christmas albums, Joe Mari can’t think of something new to say.

“People have been asking me when I will do another Christmas album,” Chan said, “but I tell them, ‘There’s nothing new to say.’ What, you’ll talk about Santa Claus?”

Chan’s own company, Signature Music, Inc., produced Going Home To Christmas.

At the affair were Chan’s wife Mary Ann and their children Michael, Joe, Franco, and Liza who recorded with her dad on “Christmas In Our Hearts,” which has become a radio favorite (as well as other venues that play recorded carols during the season) every year when the “ber” months set in and until after New Year’s Day. “In the past,” noted Chan “recording companies would give ‘gold’ and ‘platinum’ awards only to the main artists of the albums.

But I feel that the commercial and critical success and recognition of an album is not due largely to the sum of its parts but the quality of each part that goes into the production of the album.

That’s why as a new producer, I’m happy to share with all those who worked hard to create an excellent product that, hopefully will stand the test of time.”

How touching it was when the songs they have written were played as each artist received the award (some were represented by relatives). heRe’S the honoR Roll: Ramona Isabel Bunag Chan (Joe Mari and Mary Ann’s granddaughter), vocalist, “Song of The Firefly;” Pinky Valdez, co-writer, “The Bells At Christmas;” Jimmy Santiago, co-writer, “Pagdating Ng Pas-

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DILG Secretary Mar Roxas came with wife Korina Sanchez to greet Mother Lily Monteverde a happy birthday last Wednesday

Jose Mari Chan shares his gold, platinum, and diamond record awards with his fellow artists who worked on the album Going Home To Christmas

Chan and his brood

ko;” Trina Belamide, co-writer, “Christmas Air” and “Starlight;” Ogie Alcasid, co-writer, “Pinoy Na Krismas;” Lilibeth Tan, co-writer, “It’s Christmas;” Joel Trinidad, co-writer, “Christmas Anyway;” Fr. Johnny Go, SJ, co-writer, “Come Let Us Adore Him;” Freddie Santos, co-writer, “Let Love Be The Gift;” Loren Steele, co-writer, “That Time of Year; “Homer Flores, arranger (“Christmas Air,” “A Christmas Song For You,” “It’s Christmas and Christmas Anyway”); Jun Latonio, arranger (“Come Let Us Adore Him,” “With The Eyes of a Child,” “Starlight and Christmas Story”); Noel Mendez, arranger (“Going Home to Christmas,” “Song of The Firefly” and “Christmas Moments”); Louie Ocampo, arranger (“Let Love Be The Gift”); Rudy Lozano, arranger (“Christmas Memories”); Marvin Querido, arranger (“Ring In The New’); Ria Villena-Osorio, arranger (“Pinoy Na Krismas”); Robert Delgado, arranger (“December 25”); Kahlil Refuerzo, arranger (“Pagdating Ng Pasko”); Gerard Salonga, arranger (“That Time Of Year”); Doming Ama-

rillo, arranger (“A Child Again At Christmas”); Jude Roldan, vocal arranger (“The Bells At Christmas”); Lindie Achacoso, vocal arranger/vocalist (“Ring In The New”); Kitchy Molina, vocal arranger/vocalist (“It’s Christmas” and “Christmas Story”); Moy Ortiz, vocal arranger (“Pinoy Na Krismas” and “Christmas Memories”); The CompanY, vocalists (“Pinoy Na Krismas”); Sheila Valderama, vocalist (“That Time of Year’); Cris Villonco, vocalist (“December 25”); Psalmo 47 Male Chorale, vocalists (“Come Let Us Adore Him”); Hail Mary The Queen Children’s Choir, vocalists (“The Bells At Christmas,” “Christmas Air” and “A Child Again At Christmas”); Hannah Flores, vocalist (“Christmas Anyway”); Noelle Casandra, vocalist (“Starlight”); Teenee Chan, vocalist (“Christmas Story”); Liza Chan-Parpan, vocalist (“Let Love Be The Gift” and “Christmas Moments”); Joe Chan, vocalist (“Christmas Moments”); Michael Chan, vocalist (“Christmas Moments”); Franco Chan, vocalist (“Christmas Moments”); and Junie Devecais, sound engineer.

Jack TV is a 24/7 Filipino cable and satellite television network. It is based in Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City and owned by Solar Entertainment Corporation.

Test launched in May 2005, it officially debuted on July 12, 2005. It has become the home of Western comedy, animation, drama series and reality shows, such as The CW, CBS, FOX, NBC, Bravo, FX, Syfy, E!, TBS, Comedy Central, ABC, USA Network, A&E, WGN America, Oxygen, and Netflix.

Emerging from the Solar USA split into two companies, comedy, drama, and reality shows moved to Jack TV, and the other programming was maintained on the new network C/S (now Solar TV).

However, Talk TV (now CNN Philippines) replaced Solar TV, so Jack TV reverted to its Solar USA programming while keeping some of the programming that made it highly popular in its early years.

Jack TV is now available on SkyCable Channel 51, Destiny Cable (Digital) Channel 51, (Analog) Channel 30, Cablelink Channel 36, G Sat Channel 19 and cable operators nationwide.)

It is also available online via iwantv. com.ph (exclusively available for SkyBroadband, Bayan DSL and ABS-CBNmobile subscribers).

On October 20, 2012, Solar Entertainment launched its secondary channel Jack CITY (now CT) on BEAM Channel 31 (now broadcast on cable since Sept. 1, 2014), replacing CHASE. Solar Entertainment Corporation’s cable channel JackTV marked a milestone in July. It is now on its 10th year of incomparable, quality entertainment to its select Filipino audiences with a taste for good international shows. It appeals to boys and men who think of themselves as real men and women who are highly competitive.

JackTV threw a fabulous party for friends and clients from advertising to a night of fantastic music,food and drinks at Valkyrie at the Palace with performances by Yolanda Moon, DJ Toons, and MC Pao. A new on-air look trumpeted its upcoming programs fresh from the USA to bolster its roster of returning shows, like Empire, The Big Bang Theory, Arrow, The Flash, The Simpsons, Family Guy, and American Horror Story.

To highlight the big JackTV 10th year, 10 gigs have already started rolling.

Kicking these off in July to promote the latest season of Suits, men biked around the Makati area in suits exactly the way the show’s Mike Ross wears them. This was followed by a graffiti art event on Maginhawa Street, Quezon City, then a torrent of gigs around the Metro, and a second year of the much-followed surfing competition Surf Supreme in Baler . All these events climaxed along with JackTV’s music and arts festival Madfest 2 in November, 2014 where no less than the fabulous New Zealand recording artist Kimbra performed to the audience’s delight.

This year, watch out for the Norwegian duo Nico & Vinz to cap your night at the Fest.

T UES DAY : AUGUST 25 : 2015

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ J-PoP Contest at sM CineMa Centerstage 1

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ISAH V. RED Filipino J-Pop enthusiasts had their heyday at the SM Cinema Centerstage in SM Mall of Asia recently.

The Embassy of Japan recently celebrated the annual Philippines-Japan Friendship Month with the J-Pop Anime Sing and Dance Contest Grand Finals. It was ajoint project of the Embassy of Japan, Japan Foundation Manila, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), and SM Cinema.

The event commemorated 59 years of longstanding cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.

The contest had been has been a venue for Filipino amateur performers of all ages who can sing and dance their favorite J-Pop or anime songs in Japanese in the last seven years.

Maychell Hernandez won First Place and an all-expense paid trip to Japan; while Kenichi Go Uang and Lou Angeline Buenaventura Ulanday placed second and third, respectively.

In the dance category, Fluffy Unicorns won the First Place; while Seishun Kakumei, came in Second Place.

Special awards were also given to other finalists: the Bandai’s Best for Lou Angeline Buenaventura Ulanday, the Hero Choice Award for Kenichi Go Uang and Fluffy Unicorn, Toei’s Favorite for Maychelle Hernandez and Seiza, and the Doraemon Special Award for Sachii and Kiss-My-Boys.

Kazuhide Ishikawa, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, graced the annual contest. On the lighter side, the No Plan Band, composed of diplomats at the Japanese embassy, performed anime songs during the event.

Hikari*, who won First Place in the singing contest last year, performed as well. The event also featured a special appearance of Doraemon and friends: Shizuka, Suneo, Nobita, and Takeshi; as well as Koala’s March and Yakult.

The 2015 J-pop Anime Sing and Dance Contest was made possible with the support of All Nippon Airways, Animation International, Ajinomoto Philippines, Bandai Namco Philippines Inc., Bobson, Canon Information Technologies, Inc., Canon Marketing Philippines, Center for Pop Music Philippines, HERO TV, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc., Lotte Confectionery Pilipinas Corporation, Nihongo Center Foundation, Panasonic Philippines Corporation, Sony Philippines, Toei Animation Philippines, Inc., Yakult Philippines, and Yoshinoya.

The J-Pop Anime Sing and Dance Grand Finals is one of the many enriching cultural events at the SM Cinema Centerstage in the SM Mall of Asia. ➜ Continued on C7

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1 Japan Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Kazuhide Ishikawa delivers a speech at the Japan Embassy’s J-Pop Anime Sing and Dance Contest at the SM Cinema Centerstage in SM Mall of Asia 2 Fluffy Unicorns took First Place in the Japan Embassy’s J-Pop Anime Dance Contest 3 Sheishun Kakumei were Second Place winners in the J-Pop Anime Dance Contest 4 Seishun Kakumei was formed in 2011 by a group of friends who share the same passion for Japanese pop culture 5 Maychell Hernandez took the top prize in the Japan Embassy’s J-Pop Anime Singing Contest 6 Kenichi Go Uang was the 2nd place winner in the J-Pop Anime Singing Contest 7 Doraemon (middle) with friends (L-R): Suneo, Takeshi, Nobita, and Shizuka 8 Doraemon (middle) with friends (L-R): Suneo, Takeshi, Nobita, and Shizuka 9 Lou Angeline Buenaventura Ulanday took 3rd place winner in the J-Pop Anime Singing Contest 10 Sachii wins the Doraemon’s Special Award for Singing 11 Sachii, a finalist in the J-Pop Anime Singing Contest 12 Vinar Takumi, another finalist in the J-Pop Anime Singing Contest 13 Kiss-My-Boys wins the Doraemon’s Special Award for Dancing