The Standard - 2015 August 26 - Wednesday

VOL. XXIX NO. 195 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 WEDNESDay : auguSt 26, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Marcos sets sights on higher position

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3 More senators adMit hiring kin

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo

SOME senators admitted Tuesday they have relatives who work for them as consultants, but said there was no prohibition against the practice.

Neophyte senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV and JV Ejercito told The Standard that like Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, they too had hired

relatives as consultants.

Angara said his sister who was a graduate of the London School of Economics is among his consultants. He said she was qualified

to do the job he assigned her, but declined to say what this was.

“She’s a working consultant,” said Angara, adding that there are functions of some consultants whose jobs cannot be revealed for reasons of confidentiality.

“But there’s nothing wrong in getting relatives for consultancy services,” he added.

Aquino said he also has a relative in his pool of consultants, but said

he could not remember exactly how they were related.

“I think it’s a second or third degree relation,” said the senator, who is a cousin of President Benigno Aquino III. Ejercito said he too had a relative among his consultants, but said he was no longer working for him.

Still, he said, there was nothing wrong about employing a relative to work as a consultant as long as

the work is being done.

But the three senators said a senator should not put his household help on the Senate payroll, as Trillanes has been accused of doing.

In a separate interview, the media relations officer of Senator Aquilino Pimentel said his sister Gwen, a lawyer, was his long-time chief-of-staff before her appointment as human rights commissioner in July.

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Relief operation. This undated handout photo released by the Philippine Air Force on Aug. 24 shows an Air Force helicopter unloading relief for the residents in a village in Ilocos Sur that was isolated by the flooding caused by Typhoon “Ineng.” AFP

Mandatory X-ray will replace box opening

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P6b lost to traffic every day in 15 years

By Othel V. Campos and Joel E. Zurbano SENATOR Paolo Benigno Aquino warned Tuesday that the country could lose up to P6 billion a day by 2030 if the government fails to address heavy traffic in Metro Manila.

At present, losses due to traffic congestion is estimated at P2.4 billion daily, he said, citing a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Aquino filed a resolution recently seeking a review of the country’s roadmap for transport infrastructure development to come up with

better ways to address the worsening traffic conditions in Metro Manila.

“Commuters as well as private vehicle owners suffer the monstrous and extremely costly traffic every day in Metro Manila,” Aquino said in his resolution.

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Mandatory X-ray will replace box opening

“We will follow the President’s directive on balikbayan boxes effective immediately,” said Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina.

“Instead of random physical inspections, we will do a mandatory X-ray examination of containers of consolidated shipments and balikbayan boxes at no cost to the sender or OFW,” he added.

Lina said the bureau would seek the help of freight forwarders to install X-ray machines in their own warehouses to expedite the examinations.

The commissioner also urged the public to report Customs employees who conduct unauthorized inspections of balikbayan boxes and to submit photos and videos of these acts to helpdesk@customs.gov.ph.

The President met with Lina and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima Monday

night after their new policy on balkikbayan boxes drew heavy fire from overseas workers and politicians on both sides of the political fence.

“There will be no random or arbitrary physical inspection of balikbayan boxes.

Moving forward, all containers of balikbayan boxes should undergo mandatory X-ray and K-9 examination-at no cost to the sender or the OFW. Only in cases where there are derogatory findings from the X-ray or K-9 examination will there be a physical inspection of goods,” the Finance Department said late Monday.

The Customs bureau continued to draw flak, however.

Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo called the policy of opening and inspecting the balikbayan boxes “a nickeland-dime operation” that targeted overseas workers when

well entrenched smugglers of rice, fuel, sugar, pork, cigarettes and liquor continued to roam free.

Romulo filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the bureau’s use of its intelligence funds aimed at detecting, identifying, and apprehending big-time smugglers.

“We want the (House) ways and means committee to ascertain the manner by which the bureau has been spending its intelligence funds to run after these tax evaders and economic saboteurs,” Romulo said. “If the money is not being used effectively, then we might as well strip the bureau of the funds.”

Vice President Jejomar Binay, who was formerly the presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers affairs, said the workers were not criminals who smuggle goods through balikbayan boxes, which contain gifts they send home to their families.

He said the Customs bureau was following the wrong premise in going after them.

The Palace on Tuesday said the President’s move to stop random inspections was not politically motivated.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., said the move was motivated instead by his concern for the welfare of Filipinos working abroad.

“The President listened to

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“Here, our idea of consultant is always high. That’s not always the case. That’s clear, what kind of job are we gonna give them in relation to our job here. So that’s it. He will just stand there and tell us what time Attorney Quicho leaves, what’s his car, where does he pass.... they can’t understand this because they had never done things like this,” Trillanes said.

Quicho on Tuesday said Trillanes was hiding behind the excuse of confidentiality and Senate President Franklin Drilon.

“He just needs to be transparent and honest,” Quicho said.

“Instead of answering the issue of his consultants, Trillanes angrily faces the media and blamed the Office of the Vice President,” Quicho said.

“Who is Eddie Ybañez, Mr. Senator? Teach our youth to follow the rules by example, Mr. Senator. The rules of the Commission on Audit require that resumes of your consultants be submitted to COA. Can we see Mr. Ybañez’ resume?” Quicho said.

Quicho said aside from Ybañez, the senator should also explain the individual expertise of Bernard Allen Marzan and Jay-Ar Caro and the nature of their work.

According to media reports, the senator also listed as “consultants” his family drivers Marzan and Caro, who were being paid P11,500 and P8,100

a month, respectively.

“All he need to do is answer the questions to end the story,” he said.

Quicho said that Ybañez was getting only P3,500 a month while Trillanes brother Juan Antonio got a hefty P71,200 monthly as a consultant’s fee.

“What kind of confidential consultancy service did Mr. Ybañez provide the senator for P3,500 a month? What is his line of expertise?” Quicho asked.

Quicho cited Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution 000831 which defines a consultant as one “who provides professional advice on matters within the field of his special knowledge or training.”

The General Appropriations Act (GAA) allows consultancy service “when a consultant or expert is an acknowledged authority in his field of specialization” and “when the consultant or expert is hired to perform a specific activity or services that require technical skill and expertise which local labor force cannot provide, or if such expertise is available, the supply is limited.”

Quicho said a press statement from the senator’s office explained that some consultants were doing “auxiliary support services.”

“The senator’s so-called official reply raises more questions. The parameters of

By Vito Barcelo, Maricel V. Cruz and Sandy Araneta

THE Bureau of Customs backed down Tuesday on its policy to conduct random inspections of balikbayan boxes and said they would all be subjected to mandatory X-ray examination instead, after President Benigno Aquino III stepped in to defuse public outrage at the plan.

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Trillanes on Tuesday insisted he never received a notice of disallowance from the Commission on Audit for any of his 63 consultants—the highest number among all the senators.

Asked if it was true that he had more than 60 consultants, Trillanes said he was not aware of the number, but said “they’re many.”

Trillanes also attacked the spokesman of Vice President Jejomar Binay, Rico Quicho, for saying one of his consultants was his household help, receiving P3,500 a month.

“That Mr. Quicho, when he talked about ‘kasambahay,’ as if he has gone to our house.

Did he see him washing the dish? So what’s this? That guy is trying to be popular at my expense. I won’t allow that,” Trillanes said.

He insisted that many of is consultants were confidential agents.

Trillanes also made a veiled threat to have one of them follow Quicho so that he could inform the senator when he arrives at home and when he leaves the house.

“I can give that mission just to prove a point,” Trillanes said.

In that kind of menial work, the consultant doesn’t need a PhD or a law degree, Trillanes said.

the sentiments of his bosses among the OFWs,” Coloma added.

Coloma said, however, that it is the duty of the state to stop the smuggling of contraband.

This is why the President ordered the use of X-ray machines and K-9 units to examine the packages, and open only those boxes that looked suspicious, he said.

But Senator Nancy Binay said it was the Palace’s original instruction for the bureau to implement the random inspections.

Binay said Lina may just be following orders from his superiors.

“Chairman Lina is a good soldier and may just be following orders from his bosses,” she said.

Coloma denied the allegation.

“It is a normal process being done by the Bureau of Customs, the inspection of items being brought to the country (to avoid entry contraband) and ensuring that right taxes are paid on dutiable items. That is the context,” said Coloma.

“There is no truth to the allegations. According to Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina several sectors are trying to take advantage of their use of the balikbayan boxes,” Coloma said. consultancy services are very clear. Consultants are experts, not support service suppliers,” he said.

He added that the term “auxiliary support services” was too vague and general that it could mean being a driver or performing janitorial and maintenance work.

“First, the papers being referred to and quoted are COA and Senate documents so to point finger at the camp of the Vice President is clearly evading the issue,” he added.

“Also, we have to remind the gentleman from Caloocan and Bicol, also a former officer and gentleman, that he is the one being questioned by the COA—not the Vice President —and therefore all he has to do is explain the nature and work of some of his consultants,” he added.

In the House, Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting said Congress should pass a law that will clearly provides guidelines on the hiring of consultants.

Tambunting said he sees nothing wrong with employing relatives as consultants as long as there’s a limit to it.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. said employing relatives as consultants “is an accepted practice in both Houses.”

“Moreover, the positions are considered confidential,” Belmonte said.

Unlike Trillanes, Belmonte said he does not have any consultant who is a relative.

P6b lost

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The “Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and Surrounding Areas” was drafted in coordination with the Transportation and Public Works departments, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other relevant agencies.

The roadmap was approved Sept. 2, 2014 by the National Economic and Development Authority.

Preliminary analysis of the study showed that lower-income households will be the hardest hit when congestion worsens by 2030 as they will spend no less than 20 percent of their monthly household income for transport.

“Without intervention, traffic will likely increase by 13 percent in 2030, and transport cost will be 2.5 percent higher,” Aquino said.

He added that relevant government agencies and local government units must contribute to the crafting of effective strategies and traffic management systems to improve traffic conditions in Metro Manila.

“The MMDA cannot solve the worsening traffic condition alone. The DPWH, Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the private sector must also do their share in solving the [problem],” said Aquino.

Among the factors that contributed to the worsening traffic conditions is the significant population increase in Metro Manila, which now stands at 16.5 million.

The MMDA said Tuesday the government was doing its best to address the worsening traffic problem by following the roadmap, which calls for upgrading urban roads, expressways, urban and suburban rails and road-based public transport and improving traffic management.

“This will be the administration’s guide on what to implement in Metro Manila until 2030,” Tolentino said.

The MMDA chief said Metro Manila still needs an inter-city expressway of 426 kilometers until 2030. He added the metropolis also needs urban and suburban railways of six main lines with 246 kilometers and five secondary lines with 72 kilometers, respectively.

MMDA planning chief Mico Dizon said the government is now planning to construct a subway or the Mass Transit System Loop from San Jose del Monte in Bulacan to Dasmariñas in Cavite, traversing the major business districts of Metro Manila.

“The study is ongoing and if it will be approved, it will be implemented in 2017,” Dizon said.

He added that the construction of the subway will take up until 2025.

Tolentino said the traffic problem would not be solved overnight and entailed longterm solutions.

Emerson Carlos, MMDA assistant general manager for operations, said in a recent interview that the increasing number of vehicles was a major cause of the worsening traffic in Metro Manila.

“It’s really the volume, nothing else. Can you imagine the 2.5-million registered vehicles in Metro Manila? How about other regions like those in Region 4 but who are working in Metro Manila? Our daytime [road] population is 14 million,” he said.

Carlos said among the other reasons motorists continue experiencing monstrous traffic jams are the increasing number of road accidents, undisciplined drivers and the ongoing infrastructure and road projects initiated by the government.

Studies have shown that for a metropolis the size of Metro Manila, 25 percent of the total land area should be allotted for roads.

Based on the MMDA’s records, only 5,000 kilometers of road network is in place instead of the ideal 8,000 kilometers.

Over the weekend, traffic was so bad an 83-year-old Catholic cardinal left his car to direct traffic.

“We were trapped for over an hour and we were rushing to another engagement. I said to myself: ‘we cannot take this anymore,’” said Gaudencio Rosales, the retired Manila cardinal.

With no traffic policemen in sight amid the onslaught of typhoon Ineng, Rosales said he zipped up his raincoat and walked nearly a kilometer to find out what was causing the 1.6-kilometer long snarl, the likes of which have become a daily misery for Filipinos.

“We’re all in a hurry,” he said to the erring motorists, after discovering six cars fighting over two lanes in Santo Tomas town on Manila’s outskirts.

As his boots filled up with rainwater, the hooded old man used hand signals to force the vehicles to back up, freeing up the jam.

The rain later let up to reveal a giant crucifix peeking out of his jacket. The chastened motorists then got out of their vehicles to kiss his ring.

“They were very apologetic,” Rosales said of the culprits.

Rosales, who is one of the four cardinals in the country, said he endured his share of hours-long traffic jams during his eight-year term as archbishop of Manila beginning in 2003. With AFP

Raps filed vs. INC body EXPELLED Iglesia ni Cristo minister Isaias Samson filed on Tuesday illegal detention charges against the members of governing council of the Iglesia ni Cristo, led by INC Auditor General Glicerio Santos Jr., but excluding Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo.

Samson’s lawyer Trixie Angeles said three counts of illegal detention were filed Tuesday afternoon before the Department of Justice in behalf of Samson, his wife Myrna and his son Isaiah who claim to have been confined to their house from August 16 to 22.

“The charges were filed against the entire Sanggunian because

they were all present when my client was summoned to an interrogation where he was accused of being the real Antonio Ebangelista, who exposed irregularities in the Iglesia,” Angeles said in a telephone interview.

The lawyer explained that Manalo was not included in the charges because he is not a member of the Sanggunian and there was no proof that he was involved in preventing the Samsons from leaving their home inside the Iglesia compound in Quezon City.

Angeles said the Samson family was only allowed to leave after Isaias “escaped” from his supposed detention while on his way to a church service.

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Forum. Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discusses the Bangsamoro Basic Law during a forum at the Perpetual Help University in Las Piñas on Tuesday. Danny Pata

Abad as Mabini a ‘desecration’ Arroyo party eyes Roxas as bet THE political party of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is keen on supporting the presidential bid of Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, an administration lawmaker said Tuesday.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, Jr. a National Unity Party (NUP) stalwart, said he was confident the 30-strong NUP in the House would throw its support behind Roxas.

“I have been talking to some of our members and they are supportive of Secretary Mar Roxas,” Barzaga told reporters.

“Secretary Mar Roxas is one of the best Cabinet secretaries I have seen,” Barzaga said.

He made his statement even as the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan blasted the Aquino administration for its “blatant and callous” use of government money and resources in boosting Roxas’ candidacy.

“This unapologetic abuse

of power is supposedly what PNoy [Aquino]and his party fought against, but now they are guilty of the very same evils they once condemned,” Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes said in a statement.

But Malacañang insisted that the out-of-town trips of Aquino, Roxas and other Cabinet members were not political campaign sorties.

“They are performing their duties as officials of the government,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters.

The NUP, formerly the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino or Kampi of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is a member of the Liberal Party-led administration coalition in the House of Representatives.

Aside from its 30 congressmen, the NUP also has five governors and several city mayors.

Barzaga said he believed Roxas was the best public official to continue the legacy of the Aquino admin-

istration and the reforms it had initiated.

He said he had been a public servant for 18 years and only under the present government had he seen “remarkable changes” especially at the local level.

Barzaga said the NUP was set to meet with Roxas Wednesday night for the party members to hear his platform of government for 2016.

“Mar is the only one who can continue what PNoy has started,” Barzaga said.

He earlier said Roxas was the “best shot” to ensure that the people “will be able to continue harvesting the fruits of the seeds that PNoy has sowed.”

“Like PNoy, Roxas has never been tainted with accusations of graft and corruption,” Barzaga said.

“He has had a full training in public service, having been a congressman, a senator and a cabinet secretary in his lengthy political career.” Maricel V. Cruz, John Paolo Bencito and Sandy araneta

Displaced children. Senator Grace Poe reads a story to the children displaced by the siege of Zamboanga City by members of the Moro National Liberation Front and seeks government support for them on Tuesday.

By John Paolo Bencito

THE camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday slammed President Benigno Aquino III for desecrating national hero Apolinario Mabini by likening him to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

Binay spokesman J V Bautista told President Aquino to keep the nation’s heroes out of their foolishness.

“To compare Secretary Butch Abad to our hero Mabini is to desecrate the greatness of our Sublime Paralytic,” Bautista said.

“Mabini was an ethical leader. He wrote and advocated the observance of his Decalogue, while Abad has corrupted our institutions to the core.

“In Aquino’s Daang Matuwid [straight path], Abad is lionized as its chief ideologue.

This will prove how twisted and regressive this hollow slogan masquerading as an ideology really is.

“The Liberals can fool themselves all they want about having an ideology, but please keep our heroes out of their foolish-

ness.”

Bautista made his statement after Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II introduced Abad in a campaign sortie in Cebu.

“As the architect of the DAP, Abad committed the grandest malversation of people’s money,” Bautista said.

“He bribed our senators to convict a chief justice with the use of the unconstitutional DAP.” Abad served as the campaign manager of the Liberal Party during the 2010 presidential campaign that put Aquino in power. He is also Roxas’ campaign manager for the 2016 elections.

“If our hero Mabini were around, he would have promptly expelled Abad from the government,” Bautista said.

Meanwhile, netizens reacted

to the President’s recent statements.

“Nah Abad is not Mabini because Mabini is a cripple. Break Abad’s spine and/or leg first before making comparisons,” said Speaker of Phyrexia.

“Apolinario Mabini is known as “dakilang lumpo” and for very good reason.

He did not allow his physical limitations to get in the way of serving his country, and so was a whole and complete man,” a netizen said.

“Now we have Mr. Aquino and Mr. Abad, two men who do not have any disabilities but continue to fail miserably and are so incomplete, half a man both of them when compared with our hero.”

Said WGBalderamma: “Apolinario Mabini is known as the ‘Brains of the Revolution’ and ‘Sublime Paralytic.’

Since I do not want the good image of a hero of the revolution tainted beyond recognition, let us just call Abad the ‘Brain Paralytic.’ It fits since he has lost the full use of his faculty since he started working for the mentally deficient behind the concept of Daang Matuwid.

Bongbong to seek higher office NACIONALISTA Party Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday he was thinking of running for a higher position in the 2016 elections and was open to being the running mate of Vice President Jejomar Binay in the same elections.

Marcos told Bombo radio that talks were ongoing with his friends in politics, and that they were no longer talking about running for re-election in the Senate.

“We are now talking about running for higher office and no longer about re-election in the Senate,” Marcos said after being told he was being considered in the senatorial slate of Senators Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero who might run for President and vice president, respectively.

Marcos made his statement

even as Binay said he was considering Marcos as his running mate in the 2016 national elections, and that his search committee was now finalizing talks with Marcos.

He told a radio interview that they had already talked to a “warm body” and that he would now have a vice presidential running mate.

Binay, who heads the opposition United Nationalist Alliance party, said his party’s search committee was strongly for Marcos as his running mate, but his spokesman Joey Salgado said there was no final decision yet on the matter.

Marcos said the NP was continuing discussions with different groups and parties.

He acknowledged it would be difficult for a candidate to win in the national elections

without a strong political machinery.

“I think it’s progressive because talks are ongoing. As I’ve said, we are no longer talking about re-election in the Senate but higher office,” said Marcos who is eligible to run for another term in the Senate.

Marcos said everything was possible when asked if he would likely run in partnership with Binay, who has declared his intention to run for President next year.

“This is politics. No definite decision yet but like what I’ve said, we do not discount anything,” Marcos said.

“I have repeatedly said never say never, so you’ll never know what will happen in October during the filing and when it’s 2016.” Macon Ramos-araneta and Vito Barcelo

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Bersamin hits back at Leonen

By Rey E. Requejo

No rice sufficiency. Workers arrange sacks of rice at a warehouse in Taguig City after the Department of Agriculture reported that the five-year growth spurt of the country’s rice production could end this year, dashing the government’s hopes of attaining selfsufficiency in the staple. DANNY PATA

Pemberton defense presents last witness

By Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo THE lawyers of US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton rested its presentation of evidence after a forensic pathologist disputed on Tuesday the official cause of death of transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude who was found dead in an Olongapo City hotel in October 2014.

Pemberton’s lawyers claimed that the testimony of forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun supported the Marine’s claim that Laude was unconscious but still alive when he left her and that another person could have entered the hotel room and killed Laude.

But private prosecution lawyer

Virginia Suarez said the defense failed to establish their assertion and dismissed Fortun’s testimony as incredible because she was paid to testify based on “theories, photographs and documents” without actually examining Laude’s body.

“That’s expected. Fortun admitted the defense paid her

services to testify. How can she be considered credible? The Laude family did not pay the prosecution. She has not seen or touched her remains,” she said.

“You cannot just compare a four-page report of Fortun with a comprehensive examination of the forensic expert from the Philippine National Police who actually dissected and conducted external and internal autopsy on Laude,” Suarez said.

“I must say we cannot compare an apple to an orange,” Suarez said, noting that Pemberton only presented himself, his mother Lisa and Fortun to back his claim that Laude was still alive when he left her.

“But they could not establish their assertion [although] that is a good legal tactic for the defense to convince the court that he had no intention to kill her,” Suarez said.

“We have overwhelming pieces of evidence, more than 300 of them with 28 testimonies,” she added, a day after Pemberton testified that he strangled Laude after a fight, but the transgender woman was still alive when Pemberton left.

After the defense rested its case, Judge Roline GinezJabalde of the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 set closing arguments on September 14 and scheduled December 14 as the deadline of her decision.

THE conflict between two magistrates of the Supreme Court heated up on Tuesday as Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin accused Associate Justice Marvic Leonen of disrespecting other magistrates of the high court.

“Justice Leonen overstepped the bounds of respect for the majority, once the vote was taken, he had absolutely no business implying anything against how the Majority had voted, or how their consensus had been reached,” Bersamin said in a rejoinder he submitted to the court.

Bersamin submitted his rejoinder after Leonen raised concerns over the court’s decision to allow Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail in connection with the plunder case filed against him.

“He (Leonen) was a member of the minority; he should have stayed there. He should have confined himself to expressing his losing views. He should not fret, and assail the process that he could not control from his side of the vote,” Bersamin said.

According to Bersamin, Leonen was just whining with his losing opinion and instead of respecting the majority ruling, he allegedly went out of control and displayed his “self-righteous mindset.”

Bersamin said the allegations of Leonen in his dissent were “false and unreasonable” and also “unfair to me as the ponente and to the seven other Members of the Court who joined me.”

“I could have tolerated the unfairness, except that the comments were published and soon unavoidably became fodder for people of closed minds and clear biases to criticize my intelligence, regionalism, loyalty, and what else. In this age of the internet, I simply cannot be tolerant but must respond,” he said.

The author of the Enrile decision pointed out that there was no deceit or sudden revision in grounds on the ruling circulated to justices after their voting on the case last August 18, as claimed by Leonen.

US admiral arrives today

By Francisco Tuyay THE commander of the United States Pacific Command is scheduled to arrive in the country on Wednesday to discuss security problem involving the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Admiral Harry Harris Jr. will meet top Philippine military officials before flying to Palawan to assess the security situation in the WPS. Harris will be accorded military honors by AFP chief of staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri at Camp Aguinaldo before holding discussions with ranking military officials in Palawan.

“The purpose of the visit is to discuss bilateral security concerns with the Philippines and gain local perspective on the security situation because the Pacific is an area of where his troops are deployed,” AFP Public Affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato said.

“He has to get a very good perspective on what is happening on the ground. That is why he wanted to visit Admiral Alexander Lopez so that he can be personally be brief by the commander,” Detoyato said, noting that the meeting will take place at the Western Command headquarters in

Puerto Princesa City.

The Western Command headquarters is near Philippine Navy bases in Ulugan Bay which are being offered to the US as a base for visiting American forces and vessels under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) the Philippines inked with the US. Harris earlier reiterated US concern over security matters in the West Philippine Sea and said China is “creating a great wall of sand’’ through its land reclamation, causing serious concerns about its territorial intentions.

“But what’s really drawing a lot of concern in the here and now is the unprecedented land reclamation currently being conducted by China,’’ he said. “China is building artificial land by pumping sand onto live coral reefs—some of them submerged—and paving over them with concrete.

China has now created over 4 square kilometers [1.5 square miles] of artificial landmass,’’ he said.

Harris said the region is known for its beautiful natural islands, but “in sharp contrast, China is creating a great wall of sand with dredges and bulldozers over the course of months.’’

Crime scene. Investigators inspect the body of SPO1 Salvador Legaspi who was shot dead while driving a van on Moriones Street in Tondo, Manila on Tuesday.

DANNY PATA

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P50-b prison unnecessary—CBCP and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease.

The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF GINA TAN ANG to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

SCN CASE NO. 000588 x-------------------------- x

PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is GINA TAN ANG , but I have also been known since childhood as N.A. or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) N.A. .

2. My present place of residence is Unit 6 St. Martin Village AS Fortuna St. City/Municipality of Mandaue, Province of Cebu and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) Since childhood-1985-No. 278 Villa Abrille, Davao City 1986-1991- No. 7515 Santillan St., Makati City 1992-1997- Sunset Village, Angeles City 1997-2002 - Metro Green Village, Sta. Lucia, Pasig 3. I was born on Aug. 31, 1996, in Davao City Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of China.

4. My father's name is Eng Tiong Ang and he was born on February 16, 1927, in Amoy, China. He is a citizen or subject of China. My mother's name is Erlinda Lim Tan and she was born on November 27, 1936 in Magallanes, Davao City. She is a citizen or subject of China.

5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is VP-Finance Dept of Virginia Food Inc. and from which I derive an average annual income of P2,000,000.00 , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N.A. and from which she derives an average annual income of P N.A. (Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: N.A., (2) name of school: N.A. and (3) years graduated: N.A.] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is SINGLE , I was married on N.A. in N.A.My wife's/husband's name is N.A. and she/he was born on N.A. in N.A. . She/he is a citizen or subject of N.A. and presently resides N.A. .

7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N.A. granted by N.A.. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N.A. in N.A..

8. I have N.A. child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows: Name N.A.

Date of Birth N.A.

Place of Birth Residence N.A.

Place of School

Dates of Study

Davao Chinese H.S.

Davao City

1972-1975

Davao Chinese H.S. Davao Chinese H.S. Ateneo de Davao University

Davao City Davao City Davao City

1975-1978 1978-1982 1982-1986

Highest Grade Completed Grade 1-3 Grade 4-6 1st yr.-4th yr.

B.S.C. Major in Accounting

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: Cebuano and Bisaya 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of Child

Name and Place of School

N.A.

N.A.

14. My character witnesses are Nenita R. Setenta and Lucy M. Puro both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at Lamac Yati, Liloan, Cebu City and Sarphil Village Bajada Davao City respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box): [ / ] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ / ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ / ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ / ] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [ / ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [ / ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [ / ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ / ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ / ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years 16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: a. NBI b. Police Clearance c. Office of the Provincial Prosecutor-Clearance d. MTC Certification e. RTC Certification f. Barangay Certification PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 23RD day of March 2015.

N.A.

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of School

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to China of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

Date of Enrollment

GINA TAN ANG Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: Unit 6 St. Martin Village AS Fortuna St., Mandaue City Cebu Telephone Number:

Right Thumbmark of Petitioner

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF QUEZON CITY) S.S.

)

I, GINA TAN ANG of legal age and a resident of Unit 6 St. Martin Village AS Fortuna St., Mandaue City Cebu, after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

N.A.

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living.

I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

GINA TAN ANG Name ame and Signature of Petitioner

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success (TS-August 19/26 & September 2, 2015)

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE Catholic Church’s prison ministry is opposing a government plan to build a P50-billion mega prison, stressing that the project is “unnecessary.”

The CBCP Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care said there are other more practical solutions to decongest the national penitentiary.

For one, said ECPPC executive secretary Rodolfo Diamante, the project “is not [in] the best interest of the prison community members.”

“The ECPPC has long opposed the project on the ground that it is not the solution to the problem of the Bureau of Corrections,” Diamante said in a report posted on the CBCP official website.

What is needed, he said, is to improve the existing facilities in seven colonies where inmates of National Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa can be transferred.

“Moreover, there is the law on GCTA (Good Conduct Time Allowance) that if applied would dramatically decongest the jails,” Diamante said.

The law, approved by President Benigno Aquino III in May 2013, reduces the prison terms of inmates for good behavior.

“So there’s really no need to spend P50 billion on what is believed to be a modern Alcatraz,” the priest said.

The new prison facility will rise over the next three years in Nueva Ecija that will house convicts from the NBP. The supposed state-of-theart facility will be built on a 500-hectare complex within Fort Magsaysay, the country’s largest military reservation.

Diamante, however, claimed there seems to be a deeper reason behind the project and that is to give way to commercial development in the NBP area.

“We suspect that the administration wants to satisfy real estate developers who are after the NBP reservation,” he added.

Tribal leaders, elders call for release of detained IPs THE leaders and elders of various indigenous peoples’ tribes in Davao del Norte are calling for the immediate release of their fellow tribesmen who are being held in the Haran compound of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) in Davao City.

In its Resolution No. 2, series of 2015, the Office of the Tribal Assembly of Elders/Leaders of the Langilan Manobo tribe aired its concern about the “miserable situation” of their constituents who, it said, were deceived by militant organizations into going to the Haran compound on Father Selga Street, Davao City.

The notarized resolution, which bears the signatures and thumbprints of 60 tribal leaders and elders, strongly condemned these militant organizations for bringing and padlocking the IPs in Haran.

Specifically mentioned in the resolution were the following organizations: National Democratic

Front (NDF), Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), Karadyawan-Kapalong, Karapatan, Pasaka Regional Lumad Confederation, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP), Gabriela, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Salugpungan Ta Tanu Community Learning Center, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Southern Mindanao Region (KMP-SMR), Mindanao InterFaith Services Foundation Inc. (MISFI) and Exodus.

Pointing out that it is the responsibility of the entire tribe to look after the safety and welfare of its members who are being oppressed, the tribal leaders and elders said their call for their tribesmen’s immediate release was in response to the complaints of their relatives.

In its resolution, the Manobo tribal council said “innocent families were deceitfully brought” to Haran by militant groups “who promised them some remuneration for their attendance in Davao City.”

Valisno bus fate up for resolution Despite the second subpoena on the owner, Rosalinda Cando THE Land Transportation Valisno, she failed to appear in Franchising and Regulatory Board yesterday’s hearing. on Tuesday submitted for resolution Her lawyer told Chairman the possible suspension, revocation Winston Ginez that she is confined or cancellation of the franchise of at the Oriental Mindoro General the entire fleet of Valisno Express Hospital for a hemorrhoidectomy. over a road mishap that killed four The driver of the wayward bus, people on Aug. 12 in Quezon City. George Pacis, was not able to “The board will decide before Sept. attend as “he is still in detention 12, during which the bus firm’s 30-day and could not yet post a bail for the suspension would lapse,” Ariel Enrile- four counts of reckless imprudence Inton Jr., one of the LTFRB board resulting in homicide and multiple members, told The Standard. counts of serious physical injuries “Definitely, we will also impose a he is facing before the court,” penalty. Under the circumstances, Inton said. Pacis tested positive for the company has a liability.” shabu use.

By Rio N. Araja

w e d n e s d ay : a U G U s T 2 6 , 2 0 1 5

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news

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

DA’s P21-b lump sum graft prone —solon

By Maricel V. Cruz THE Department of Agriculture’s proposed budget for 2016 includes a P21billion lump sum which is vulnerable to”corruption,” a militant lawmaker on Tuesday said.

Out of the P53.39-billion total proposed budget of the agriculture department and its attached agencies, about P21 billion can be considered as lump sums that lack details and are vulnerable to “corruption,” including a P7-billion appropriation for farm-to-market (FMR) roads, said Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon.

“When we looked for details for the FMR projects in the 2016 National Expenditure Program (NEP), all we could find is a regional distribution of the P7-billion budget. Essentially, the FMR budget is still a lump sum,” Ridon said.

Apart from the P7-billion FMRs, Ridon said that other lump sums in the DA budget include P586.7 million for the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Program (PAMANA), P500 million for quick response funds, P1.2 billion for “smallscale irrigation projects,” and P2.6 billion for bottom-up budgeting projects, among others.

“Clearly, there are several items in the DA budget that can be tapped by the ruling party for pork funds,” Ridon said.

Ridon also questioned the special provisions on FMRs indicated in the 2016 NEP, which states that the DA “shall ensure that the FMRs to be implemented will lead to arterial or secondary roads.”

“Legislators can work around the said provision by simply writing to DA to request for FMR funds,” Ridon said.

“In the first place, Congress should be the one scrutinizing the details of the FMRs. But how can we fulfill our duty to the public when the FMR budget is just one big lump sum that will only be disaggregated after the GAA is enacted? How do we know if the projects are indeed farm-to-market roads and not farm-to-mayor’s house roads that are being built?”

Ridon asked.

50,629 assault rifles defective—military

By Florante S. Solmerin and Francisco Tuyay

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has 50,629 pieces of M4 assault rifles in its arsenal but these are defective and could not be used by government soldiers, a military spokesman said on Tuesday.

In this file photo, President Benigno S. Aquino III hands over one of the M4 assault rifles to an Army soldier during the ceremonial distribution held at the AFP General Headquarters on August 14, 2014. MALACAñANg PhOTO BuREAu

‘Misuse’ of govt resources for Mar bared THE Aquino administration’s “blatant and callous” use of government resources and people’s money to prop up its chosen presidential candidate is reminiscent of the strategy employed by traditional politicians.

“This unapologetic abuse of power is supposedly what PNoy and his party fought against, but now they are guilty of the very same evils they once condemned,” said Renato “Nato” M. Reyes Jr., secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, or Bayan.

The Bayan leader accused President Benigno Aquino’s ruling Liberal Party of using government resources to raise the profile and increase the exposure of DILG Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, who has lagged in surveys for prospective presidential candidates.

Most recent surveys have Roxas finishing behind Senator Grace Poe, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

“Roxas could have irrevocably resigned out of delicadeza, but it’s obvious

that his resigning and Aquino’s refusal to accept it is all a show, pakitang tao lang para masabi na marangal sya kuno (just for appearances, just to impress upon us that he supposedly has integrity),” Reyes said.

Roxas tendered his resignation as DILG secretary but was reportedly persuaded by the President to extend his stint in the cabinet to complete several unfinished tasks, among which are the modernization of the Philippine National Police and the relocation of informal settlers in Metro Manila.

According to the activist, after his anointment, Roxas has been going around the county in a “pseudo campaign” being billed to taxpayers, the latest of which was a campaign sortie in Cebu attended by the President and members of the Cabinet expected to run for seats in the Senate, such as Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Health Secretary Janette Garin, and MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino.

Apart from the “gatherings” of friends, Roxas’s activities include the distribution of fire trucks and patrol cars to local government units as part of their “capability enhancement.” He has also been visible in the distribution of “emergency funds” for victims of 2013’s Typhoon Yolanda.

“It’s been more than 500 days since Yolanda, the victims have been clamoring for housing, livelihood and financial assistance for years. Now it arrives courtesy of Mar Roxas during the initial stages of preparations for the May 2016 presidential elections.

The timing is obvious.”

“PNoy’s Chosen One is now going around the country acting like Santa Claus carrying loads of goodies. It’s not yet Christmas and definitely too early for the 2016 campaign period.

This is Daang Sira-Sira at Baku-Bako at its finest. There’s nothing Mar-angal about what Secretary Roxas is doing with the people’s money,” Reyes noted.

The rifles valued at P1.9 billion were supplied by the United Statesbased Remington Outdoor Company but the company still has to replace the defective weapons, according to Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP public affairs chief.

In August last year, the military handed 27,000 pieces of M-4 rifles to the Philippine Army and Marines in ceremonies attended

by President Benigno S. Aquino III at Camp Aguinaldo.

After a technical inspection, the military’s acceptance committee rejected the rifles due to defective sights and barrel grooves, Detoyato said. He did not say when Remington would replace the rifles.

“The supplier (Remington) has to correct this before the technical inspection and acceptance committee (TIAC) will give the go signal for us to accept,” Detoyato said.

Of the 50,529 M4 rifles, at least 44,186 rifles were set aside for the Army and another 6,443 for the Marines.

Remington sold theM-4 rifles to the AFP for P38,402 apiece under the Joint Army-Marine Corps. Assault Rifles Acquisition Project.

The military said it saved P1.2 billion from the deal and vowed to use the savings to buy additional weapons as part of the AFP modernization.

The first batch of 100 rifles was delivered on July 5, 2014 and the second batch of 27,200. The remaining 23,329 units were supposed to be delivered in December 2014.

Soldiers of the 7th infantry division based on Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija received an undetermined number of the M-4 rifles which were covered by the recall order, sources said.

‘Expel the absentee lawmakers’

By Maricel V. Cruz

Parody. As the playing field shapes up for the 2016 presidential election, NEWS 5

launches its unique “B.A.Y.A.W. for President” election advocacy campaign on Tuesday at the Manila Hotel. BAYAW stands for Bagong Alyansang Ayaw sa Walanghiya, a parody on Philippine politics. MANNY PALMERO

AN ADMINISTRATION lawmaker on Tuesday urged Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to take drastic actions against absentee lawmakers such as penalties of suspension or expulsion.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., a National Unity Party (NUP) stalwart, said it is about time for the House leadership to come up with rules and regulations against absenteeism, stressing that congressmen must fulfill their lawmaking functions sincerely and religiously.

“We have to take drastic actions by disciplining, reprimanding and expelling lawmakers. We have to enact rules and regulations dealing with absenteelawmakers. A penalty is necessary,” Barzaga, vice president of 30-man NUP, told reporters

at a news conference.

Barzaga made the statement after the House leadership mustered a quorum with 204 lawmakers during Monday’s session, but was cut short after some of lawmakers left the session hall when another roll call was made, leaving the discussions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) untouched.

Barzaga reminded lawmakers of their constitutional duties which include “enacting laws, attending congressional, and committee hearings in aid of legislation.”

He added that the perennial problem on quorum would prevent lawmakers from passing significant pieces of legislation, such as the 2016 national budget, BBL, among others. Barzaga earlier proposed the publishing of names of absentee lawmakers in newspapers.

A8

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR W E D N E S D AY: A U G U S T 2 6 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION [ EDI TORI A L ]

ANSWER THE QUESTIONS, SENATOR TRILLANES IN the spirit of transparency, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV should answer a few questions headon, instead of blaming his enemies for a Senate report that shows he pays his 63 consultants P1.63 million a month, including a houseboy, family drivers, media practitioners, campaign donors, ex-mutineer friends and his brother, who received P71,200 a month in “consulting fees.”

Here, then, are the questions that we would pose to the senator: 1) Can you, Senator Trillanes, show receipts signed by each of the consultants for the money they were allegedly paid? Right here and now, you must put paid to reports that only one member of your staff signed for and collected these fees, on the strength of powers of attorney signed by your 63 so-called consultants. Unless you can show the individual receipts, this could be construed as a sign that you pocketed some or all of the money meant for your consultants.

2) Do you, senator, believe that it is right for Filipino taxpayers to shoulder the cost of your household help, simply because others are doing it? This is not a question of legality but of ethics.

Do you believe it is ethically correct?

3) You claim that you did not hire your household help as consultants. Who then is Eddie Ybañez, who, as Senate documents show, received P3,500 a month from your office?

4) How can you explain or justify paying your big campaign contributors, Robert Fong and Fabian Go, P80,000 a month? Can this not be seen as repaying old debts? What “consulting” expertise did they provide you?

5) Why is it that none of your so-called consultants have resumes that attest to their qualifications for the job? Aside from his affinity to you by blood, what special qualifications warranted a gross monthly pay of P71,200 for your own brother?

6) You claim that a large chunk of your consultancy fees went to investigating the corrupt practices of the Vice President. Is it not self-serving—and therefore unethical—for you to spend millions in taxpayers’ money to fund a campaign whose sole purpose is to rid yourself of a political opponent?

In the past, Senator Trillanes has fended off criticism with bluster, but acting the bully will not do anything to salvage his already tarnished reputation.

In fact, we are reminded of the senator’s own words not too long ago: “No, no, no, you don’t have any reputation to protect. I believe this is the time of reckoning...You better find very good lawyers.”

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KRIS SAVES THE DAY LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES

HERE’S an update on Plan D, the alleged plot of the increasingly desperate and still running mate-less Mar Roxas to draft presidential sister Kris Aquino as his vice presidential candidate under the Liberal Party’s banner: It just got a little more real.

The LP minions who are pushing Plan D are supposedly in the process of claiming as Kris’ handiwork the decision of her brother, President Noynoy Aquino, to reverse the government’s position on the random inspection of the balikbayan boxes of overseas Filipino workers. See, Kris posted a message on her Instagram account (withlovekrisaquino) last Saturday which said that she would work for a reversal of the much-maligned policy announced earlier by the Bureau of Customs.

The post, which garnered tens of thousands of “likes,” read:

“To all the OFWs & relatives/friends of our OFWs, I already forwarded your concerns w/c you very clearly stated on my thread in my previous post to those in a position to not only address them but hopefully study, clarify, and act on policies that have a direct impact on you, your sacrifices, and your love for family that motivates not just you, but all of us to work hard. I make no promises because I’m not in government, but your concerns didn’t fall on deaf ears, and in my own small & humble way I do hope I was able to help.”

The post also included a photograph of a pink doorway with a quote, attributed to American essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, which said: “Be an opener of doors.”

According to the storyline, Kris used her influence on her brother, who had earlier defended the random inspection policy announced by Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina, to reverse Malacañang’s position. This, the

If having Kris wade in to save us all from her brother is found effective, expect more of the same.

narrative went, would portray Kris as a defender of the OFWs and improve her standing in the eyes of the millions of voters who were outraged by Lina’s policy.

(It’s worth noting that Roxas himself never uttered a word on the matter of Customs’ plan for opening balikbayan boxes, probably because he realized that there was nothing to be gained from defending it politically. This was a smart move—if a departure from the program—from the candidate whose only real policy position so far is that he will continue on the

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

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

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

daang matuwid of Aquino.)

Of course, Malacañang yesterday tried its best to spin in its favor the hasty retreat made by Aquino on the matter and his decision to return to the way things were before the issuance of Lina’s order. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said the President decided to “listen to the sentiments of his bosses among the OFWs” after a hastily-called meeting late Monday with Lina and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima.

Politics never entered the equation, Coloma said —which is really a barefaced lie, because Aquino has carefully crafted the image over the years of never allowing himself to be dissuaded from any course of action, once he’s made up his mind. Now, with an election fast approaching and his chosen candidate Roxas still firmly lodged in the cellar, Aquino learns to listen and change his mind on a policy that has millions of voters up in arms? 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

W E D N E S D AY: A U G U S T 2 6 , 2 0 1 5

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OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

TRILLANES LOSES HIS CREDIBILITY TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

IN opposing the house arrest of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President Aquino said: “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.”

The President added that “in GMA’s case, we

This is the height of hypocrisy.

must not forget (that) hospital arrest is itself a privilege, and she is under hospital arrest to ensure that whatever available remedies, cures, therapies, are needed are given in a very timely fashion.”

Santa Banana, this is a perfect example of BS Aquino’s lack of compassion, empathy and sensitivity for the ailing former President. She continues to suffer from a debilitating bone ailment which has made her a mere 90-pounder, having difficulty swallowing food.

I really don’t know why the President is so vindictive towards his predecessor.

Well, we know what they say: What goes around, comes around.

President Aquino will realize that soon enough. *** Speaking of karma, Senator Antonio Trillanes seems to be reminded of it as well.

The senator has become the chief accuser, prosecutor and judge of Vice President Jejomar Binay and his family. Now he has been found to be abusing and misusing his budget to pay an array of consultants.

We heard that his brother gets P71,200 a month in fees. Now he has his houseboy, drivers, media workers, campaign donors and ex-mutineer friends receiving fees as well.

This is hypocrisy of the highest order!

The fact that Trillanes was the Senate’s biggest spender even while under detention tarnishes his image as a crusader of sorts.

The senator doesn’t look too saintly himself now, does he?

Consultancy fees for alleged exposés against the Binays, and intelligence purposes, my foot. That’s a lot of bull.

Trillanes says he’s open to an investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee. That’s also a big joke since many of these who will investigate him are also guilty of abusing and misusing their budget for consultancy fees.

Since the finger of blame points directly to Senate President Frank Drilon, who approved those consultancy fees, we cannot expect the Senate, who has lost all its moral ascendancy to investigate alleged corruption in government by abuses and anomalies committed by senators, to do its job well.

Drilon also should share the blame for the Senate Yellow Ribbon sub-committee headed by Senator Koko Pimentel and attended

by Trillanes himself and his colleagues in the Binay demolition job. *** I was reading the newspapers yesterday when my wife heard me laughing. She asked me why.

I told her that it was because I read that President Aquino de-

B IS FOR BOBO IT SEEMS a flash of serendipity that the name of the President is Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III. Later, he dropped the Cojuangco name to de-emphasize his haciendero heritage and stress that he is an Aquino, after, you know, Ninoy Aquino, the martyr. So his name became President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, which pundits and columnists quickly shortened to BS Aquino III. The letter B has become BS Aquino’s karma. Nearly all his major problems start with the letter B. Like Bagyong Yolanda the strongest typhoon in world history to make landfall and which killed 10,000 (the government claims only 6,200 casualties) in November 2013 and exposed the ineptness and incompetence of the BS Aquino administration in coping with major disasters and also exposed his total lack of empathy towards people in great suffering.

Like the Bangsamoro Basic Bill (or Law), Babala for short, which is an attempt by BS Aquino to give a huge chunk of the archipelago and the republic to Muslim separatists in the guise of regional autonomy and the pursuit of peace in the Philippine south.

The BBL will give three percent of the population, the Filipino Muslims, the right to rule and manage up to 40 percent of the Philippine archipelago as if it were their private fiefdom. Never in the history of this country has a president shown such unbridled enthusiasm in giving away national patrimony, that is huge chunks of valuable territory to a small minority of Filipinos.

Like the Battle of Mamasapano of January 2015 wherein 44 elite commandos of the Philippine National Police died, massacred

by Muslim bandits and insurgents.

Mamapasano Battle betrayed the disturbing attitude of the commander-in-chief towards his soldiers and policemen—that is, these fine men in uniform are nothing more than cannon fodder that can

fended the new Bureau of Customs policy to open and inspect balikbayan boxes and to tax those exceeding $500 in value.

This, despite a firestorm of protests from overseas Filipino workers who regularly send the gift boxes home to their families. “Let us help Customs do their job,” the President said.

This is justifying the surest way for Customs people to abuse and even pilfer goods from those balikbayan boxes.

The President spoke of safeguards with the presence of third parties. Remember that Customs is inhabited by thieves and smugglers.

When I covered

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ be dispensed with in exchange for higher political or selfish personal objectives.

Like the Battle of Zamboanga in September 2013 wherein the Armed Forces of the Philippines burned 10,000 civilian houses in the guise of pursuing some 200 MNLF bandits and renegades. It is the first time in the history of the AFP that the army burned 10,000 houses. Not even during the height of World War II or the NPA-MNLF insurgencies did the army resort to such despicable depredation.

Like bagon ng tren (train coaches) a severe shortage of which is the main problem of the MRT3, Manila’s government-owned but privately maintained elevated railway system for the masses. To be sure, MRT3 was already in a decrepit state when the Aquino administration took over. But his Liberal Party henchmen, led notably by the unlamented DOTC Secretary Emilio Aguinaldo “Pabaya” Abaya, made sure MRT3 maintenance went to party thieves. Being thieves, they went for the money and forgot about maintenance. The result is horrendous daily ordeal for more than 400,000 train commuters. I cannot understand why these thousands of pedestrians, despite their untold misery daily, have not organized themselves, picked up every available crude weapon at their command, and stormed the gates of Malacañang because that is where the buck stops.

Finally, we have the balikbayan boxes which many of our 10 million expats send to their relatives and friends here in the Philippines.

The boxes, measuring no more than two feet by three feet square, contain old clothes or garments bought at sale events, cans of sardines and corned beef, tubes of

Customs during the 60s, 70s and 80s, I knew for a fact that every OFW coming home, especially during the Christmas holidays, had to tuck in a $20 or $50 bill within their passports to enable them to get through Customs with examiners greeting them “Merry Christmas.” This practice has been outlawed after complaints reached Malacañang.

Now, with the random inspection of balikbayan boxes authorized by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Customs Commissioner Bert Lina, comes another form of harassment of overseas workers, who the administration

toothpaste, oversized Nike shoes (so many people can use each pair), bars of soap, and other goodies that are so non-essential it would be ridiculous and small- time for a the lowliest corrupt Customs clerk to pay attention to.

Yet, Customs Commissioner Bert Lina has this bright idea that the 400,000 or so balikbayan boxes shipped by air or by boat by OFWs yearly are being used for smuggling.

Estimated losses from this alleged smuggling: P500 million or less than $10.8 million.

How much do our OFWs remit annually to the Philippines? About $25 billion, through official channels, or P1.15 trillion—ten times what the country gets as foreign investments in a good year. To get $2.5 billion in FDI a year, the government gives away some P400 billion in tax incentives and perks to so-called foreign investors.

Lina wants to tax our biggest foreign investors, namely, the 10 million OFWs, just because they are sending 400,000 balikbayan boxes for which Customs could conceivably collect P500 million.

In the early months of the Aquino administration, 4,000 containers disappeared miraculously from Customs warehouses. Their contents were worth billions.

Some P200 billion worth of oil is smuggled annually into the country. If 12-percent VAT were collected, the government would be richer by P24 billion every year.

Aquino’s agriculture secretary has been linked to smuggling reports of rice, garlic and other rackets in the billions. The President even praised and thanked him during his last SONA. There is another B to describe what Aquino and his men have been doing these past five years and two months. Bobo. (Stupid). Or bano (incompetent). Or both (stupid and incompetent).

What a government! Remember them in 2016. biznewsasia@gmail.com

claims to be “modernday heroes.”

And indeed, they buttressing the economy with their $25-billion annual remittances.

Sure, some OFWs abuse the privilege by tucking into their balikbayan boxes taxable, even contraband items.

But, this is no reason why all the OFWs abroad should be penalized as well. You don’t throw the baby with the bathwater just because the latter is dirty.

Purisima and Lina should instead concentrate on big-time smugglers, which include the brother-in-law of a high Malacañang official identified with one of

the biggest retail chains nationwide. They seem untouchable.

The fact that smugglers continue to meet every Friday afternoon in one of the well-known Remedios, Malate restaurants confirms that rampant smuggling through Customs continues.

Lina seems to be unaware of it. Or is he?

How much are lost in revenues when dutiable items pass through those balikbayan boxes?

Five to six million dollars a month? Santa Banana, that’s nothing when we consider that smugglers rob the government by the billions of dollars.

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO A CBS 60 Minutes TV report has documented the danger posed by Chinese lumber products. The segment aired by CNN Philippines last week exposed formaldehyde-laced lumber used as flooring in many American homes. CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper’s investigative report included a US health standard finding that the Chinese-made flooring exceeded the formaldehyde level allowed by law. Formaldehyde, more known for embalming Corpses, is also used as lumber preservative that gives the laminated flooring material its sheen.

Because of the Anderson Cooper report, the stock of Lumber Liquidators, the biggest US distributor of the Chinese-made flooring material, went bust even after it pulled out the product from the market. Home Depot and Lowe’s , two major US home builder outlets, took them off the shelves after learning of its health hazards. The health risks range from asthma to lung cancer when people are exposed to the carcinogenic substance in the flooring.

Most of these toxic floorings are found in many houses in California and about 100,000 US-wide. Shipped directly from

TOXIC CHINESE PRODUCTS China across the Pacific, the flooring material is a bestseller because of its cheap price. But like most Chinese products, it carries a health risk that may prove more costly in the long run. Many American home owners are now prying off the Chinese-made board flooring and replacing them with USmade material.

This report is relevant to the local construction industry and condominium dwellers. That shiny new flooring in your home may be hazardous to your health. There are reports that some Chinese steel used in the construction of high-rise buildings are substandard and may not be able to withstand a major earthquake like the Big One expected in Metro Manila.

There have been other instances when Chinese products like milk contaminated with melamine, toys and school supplies like pencils and crayolas were found toxic, including rice mixed with plastic.

The deadly explosion in the Chinese port city of Tianjin which killed 114 people was caused by stored chemicals, possibly cyanide. Chinese authorities imposed a news blackout initially but could not keep a lid on the disaster when the explosion was caught on cam-

era by residents. The death toll, which included responding firemen overcome by the deadly fumes, is expected to rise as more people are reported missing.

The question is: Why is China storing such a huge stockpile of cyanide?

Protecting PAL against unfair competition It’s bad enough that foreign airlines are pirating our pilots by offering them higher pay.

But it’s the pilots’ right to seek a better life for their families.

Foreign airlines can afford to pay higher wages because they are subsidized by their governments plus pirating pilots saves them millions of dollars and time in the training of new ones.

With so many regional airlines coming up, it has become a pilot’s market. I have a nephew who had moved airlines three times in the past 15 years, getting a higher pay every time he transferred. If you have a son who’s looking at a college course and a bright future profession, being a commercial pilot is the way to go.

But going back to unfair competition, the August 2728 bilateral air talks between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates bear watching.

National flag carrier Philippine Airlines is asking the Civil Aeronautics Board not to give undue advantage to the Middle East carriers who are applying for additional frequency to fly to Manila PAL claims the additional flights for Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are unnecessary and more than the market can bear. Giving the Gulf carriers additional flights could force PAL and other local airlines to stop flying to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha because of the uneven playing field if the CAB accedes to the Emirates request.

Of more concern to the national interest is that the additional flights being sought by the Gulf carriers would be inimical to PAL which has only recently returned to the Middle East under its entitlement in an existing bilateral air agreement.The additional flights would cut into PAL’s market of mostly overseas Filipino workers. Because the Middle East carriers are heavily subsidized by their governments, they can offer lower fares.

PAL president and Chief Operating Officer Jaime Bautista cited a US Federal investigation of the Gulf carriers for unfair competition and practices after a protest lodged

WHY MUST WE ALWAYS LOSE OUT? SO I SEE LITO BANAYO THIS week, two Middle Eastern airline giants will talk with the Civil Aeronautics Board and press our officials to grant them additional rights to fly to Manila.

At present, Emirates of Dubai and Etihad of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates each have 14 flights per week, competing with our Philippine Airlines with 7 weekly flights to Dubai and another seven to Abu Dhabi, and Cebu Pacific, which has 7 flights per week to Dubai.

The Philippines-UAE market is not really that big if we’re talking businessmen/investors or tourism. It’s profitable only because we have thousands of overseas Filipino workers leaving the country each day in the great Filipino diaspora. And coming back to the country every two years or so, in-between breaks from their work contracts.

But the UAE has of late become a convenient jump-off point for Europe, which is one of the favorite travel destinations of the more affluent Filipinos, as well as the upper middle-class.

The Tourism Infrastructure

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and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), which used to be the Philippine Tourism Authority, has seen its collection of the travel tax treble in the last 10 years because of “cheaper” flights to almost all destinations, whether in Asia or to Europe.

Philippine Airlines has reopened its flights to Europe, with London as its gateway, and soon, if memory serves me right, Paris. That took a long time and great effort on the part of our flag carrier to get, after all European airlines except KLM abandoned the Philippines due to low passenger volume and airport safety concerns.

Now that PAL, and even Cebu Pacific, have begun to expand their services, the UAE-based airlines, Emirates of Dubai, Etihad of Abu Dhabi, and Qatar of Doha, which have been given basically the same frequencies that they have given to PAL and Cebu Pacific, are asking the CAB for much more.

These airlines are heavily subsidized by their governments which form the conglomerated UAE. Etihad and Emirates alone receive as much as 23 billion US dollars worth of subsidies from their oil-rich governments. PAL and Cebu Pacific get nothing by way of subsidy from our “poor” government.

Their bread-andbutter is really the OFW mar-

ket. Now the Arab carriers want to get this market whole hog. Because of their huge subsidies, they can undercut our local carriers, and when these two Filipino airlines go bellyup, unable to compete with the Arab carriers, then they will go for the kill. That’s predatory, but then that is how business operates.

Which is why there is a government agency, in this case, the CAB, which should look not only in terms of immediate “consumer” advantages, but the mediumterm outlook and the survival of our struggling airlines.

The UAE carriers have been quite aggressive in the market in the last few years. They land in almost all major cities of Europe, through their Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi airports, unlike PAL for one which has landing rights only in London and Paris.

Soon, even if it would take a longer flight time, they could poach substantially into the US East Coast market, which PAL got only last year, confined by US authorities for the longest time to just San Francisco and Los Angeles in the West Coast.

Last year, Emirates was fined by the CAB, mismo, for selling illegally, tickets on flights which were not approved by CAB. It slapped the airline with a P1.8-million penalty, peanuts for the Arab carrier,

so why should CAB now entertain their request for additional flights?

Even US airlines are complaining to their government, pointing to the heavy subsidies the UAE carriers are getting, which smacks of unfair competition. Canadian, German, French and Dutch authorities are likewise taking a second look, and some have stopped giving landing rights.

If CAB gives in to the Emirates and Etihad “requests”, nay, “demands”, they will each have 21 flights per week, more frequencies than our airlines get from their Middle-Eastern routes.

Yet here we are, willing to listen, and unless stopped, may give in.

I recall a former legislator and foreign affairs minister who, when apprised of the abuse of some of our women OFWs in the Middle East, facetiously remarked, “If rape is inevitable, better enjoy it.” He was never forgiven for that remark, likely said in jest.

But here in this benighted land, now labeled “banana republic” by no less than its justice secretary, it seems government enjoys being, well…”raped.” Or is it for “millions” of reasons?

Palagi na lang tayong nagpapatalo, nagpapa-daig, nai-isahan. But why must we always lose out?

jointly by Delta, United and American Airlines.

“We hope our government will promote fair competition and support our airlines who have invested much in re-establishing air links to the Middle East and Europe,” said Bautista.

We also hope the CAB panel headed by its chairman, Transportation Secretary Jun “Traffic is not fatal” Abaya, keeps the national interest in mind when deliberating the additional flights for the Middle East carriers. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Air had enough time to make huge profits during all the years PAL was not availing itself of its entitlement to fly to the Middle East.

DOTC Secretary Abaya can redeem himself if he realizes that Gulf carriers’ request could be fatal to the local airline industry which has invested so much to be competitive by buying new planes to refurbish its fleet without government subsidy.

The other members of the CAB are Tourism Secretary Mon “It’s more fun in the Philippines” Jimenez, vice chairman; Carmelo Arcilla, executive director; Porvenir Porciuncula, deputy executive director; and William Hotchkiss, member.

Kris.. From A8

*** Of course, having Kris Aquino claim credit for convincing her brother to back down from the potentially disastrous balikbayan box fiasco adds the final touches to a damage control campaign that at one time threatened to engulf Roxas’ incipient campaign, as well. Because neither the President nor his anointed can convincingly sell themselves as being champions of the ordinary Filipino this late in the day, having Kris step in and “open doors,” as she said, is the closest to a “win-win” solution that the embattled palace could come up with.

But because Roxas has tied his political wagon to the falling star of the Aquino presidency, he can only expect to live or die by whatever his principal does in the remainder of his term. Unlike Barack Obama in 2008, who carefully avoided being identified in any way with his controversial fellow Democrat, former President Bill Clinton, Roxas cannot afford to decouple himself from Aquino.

Mar needs all the votes that Aquino can still bring to his flagging campaign, simply because he can’t afford to lose any. And in the coming months, when Aquino once again comes up with yet another harebrained idea like having Customs men open balikbayan boxes just because they can, Roxas can only keep his head down and his mouth firmly shut.

And if the strategy of having Kris Aquino wade in and save the day, saving us all (Roxas included) from her brother, is found to be effective, well, expect more of the same in the days to come. As Kris herself is fond of declaring, the time is “now na” for Mar Roxas—and, in all likelihood, for her own political plans.

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

PH boxers ready for Bangkok tilt WITH 200 participants from over 30 countries, the Asian Championships in Bangkok is no walk in the park for the five Filipino boxers seeing action starting tomorrow.

Powerlifting Association of the Philippines President Eddie Torres (left), 43-kg Women’s Sub-Junior powerlifter Joan Masangkay (center, 16 years old) and Board Member Aspi Calagopi brief sportswriters on the coming 2015 World Junior and Sub-Junior Powerlifting Championships to be held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5 at Prague, Czech Republic, during their appearance at the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Restaurant in Malate, Manila on Tuesday. They are joined by boxing official Ed Picson (inset) . EY ACASIO

“This tournament is Asia wide with countries from the former Russian Republic, led by Kazahkstan. It will be tough,” said Ed Picson, executive director of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines.

“Boxers from North and South Korea, Thailand and Japan will be there, too. But we’re ready for them,” added Picson during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

The ABAP is fielding entries in five weight divisions in the event that runs up to Sept. 5. They are light-fly Roger Ladon, flyweight Ian Clark Bautista, bantam Mario Hernandez, lightweight Charly Suarez, and welterweight Eumir Felix Marcial.

They will go up against the elite boxers from Asia seeking berths to the World Championships in Doha, Qatar in October where slots to next year’s Rio Olympics will be staked.

The Filipino boxers left for the Thai capital last

Monday, accompanied by coaches Pat Gaspi, Nolito Velasco and Reynaldo Galido.

Action begins Thursday although Picson with the draw scheduled today. From the 200 boxers in the field, 70 of them or seven from each of the 10 weight classes, will make it to Doha.

The ABAP, headed by Ricky Vargas is bent on fielding as many entries to Rio Olympics. The past two Olympics, it was only Harry Tanamor who made it to Beijing in 2008, and then Mark Anthony Barriga in London in 2012.

“We’re taking it step by step, beginning with the Asian Championships and then the World Championships, heading to the Olympics,” said Picson in the same session presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

“We’re very optimistic of our chances in Bangkok.

But remember there’s always the luck or bad luck of the draw. Anything can happen. So, we’re hoping for a good draw,” he added.

The ABAP official is heading to Bangkok to join the team tomorrow, confident that the five boxers will have a solid crack at slots to Doha.

“I don’t like making forecasts. But all our five boxers here have a chance of qualifying to the World Championships—with no exception, ” he said.

CYAN MAGENTA YEL

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Republic of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Republic of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources

North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Mines and Geosciences Bureau

Mines and Geosciences Bureau

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

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

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID Sixteen (16) Units Schmidt Hammer P.R. No. 2015-08-617 1. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2015 intends to apply the sum of Two Million Pesos (PhP2,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Sixteen (16) Units Schmidt Hammer.

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected during opening of bids.

2. The MGB now invites bids for the Procurement of Sixteen (16) Units Schmidt Hamer.

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

3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) 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.

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 from August 25 to September 11, 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).

5. The MGB will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 28, 2015, Friday 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.

6. Bids must be delivered to the address below not later than September 14, 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 14, 2015, Monday at 2:00 P.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.

7. 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.

8. 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

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID One Hundred Seventy One (171) Units Information Technology Parts and Peripherals P.R. No. 2015-08-611 1. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2015 intends to apply the sum of Two Million Thirty Four Thousand Nine Hundred Pesos (PhP2,034,900.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for One Hundred Seventy One (171) Units Information Technology Parts and Peripherals. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected during opening of bids.

2. The MGB now invites bids for the Procurement of One Hundred Seventy One (171 Units Information Technology Parts and Peripherals.

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.

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 from August 25 to September 11, 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).

5. The MGB will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on August 28, 2015, Friday 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.

6. Bids must be delivered to the address below not later than September 14, 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 14, 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

(SGD) ENGR. JUANCHO PABLO S. CALVEZ Chairman, BAC (TS-AUG. 26, 2015)

(TS-AUG. 26, 2015)

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

Viloria’s sparring with Nietes welcomed THE manager of Brian Viloria has welcomed the offer of respected Filipino boxing patron Tony Aldeguer for World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes to spar with the former two-division world champion, who is training at the Wild Card Gym for a massive fight against undefeated pound-for-pound No. 2 Roman Gonzalez of Nicaragua, the reigning World Boxing Council flyweight champion at the Madison Square Garden on Oct. 17.

That is the same day, which Nietes will make his US debut in ALA Promotions’ first major venture at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California.

Aldeguer said that Nietes will also be training in the US and both he and Viloria will benefit if they spar against each other.

In a positive response, Viloria’s manager, the likeable Gary Gittelsohn told The Standard/boxingscene.com: “I read your article about Donnie Nietes’ plans to train in Los Angeles and Tony’s offer to have Donnie move around with Brian.

I like the idea. I would be grateful if you could pass along the contact information for whomever is handling Donnie’s training. Ruben Gomez (longtime trainer and friend of Viloria) would like to see if a sparring schedule can be worked out.” Ronnie

Nathanielsz

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-00 6/42 00-00-00-00-00-00 6 DIGITS 0-0-0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

Cage champs. Officials and players of the Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association, led by Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que (seated fifth from left), Tanduay’s Bong Tan (seated sixth from left), Ironcon Builders’ Jimi Lim (seated sixth from right), Freego’s Eduard Tio (seated fifth from right), Achit Kaw (seated fourth from left), Kenneth Yap, Ching Ka Lee, Morris Lee, Gerry Tee and Johnny Chua, are shown during a recent victory party. FCVBA swept the 60-years’, 50-years’ and 40-years’ titles in the ASEAN Seniors Basketball Tournament in Kuching, Malaysia two weeks ago.

Basketball body hopeful that Fil-Am can play for PH

By Jeric Lopez

WILL Jordan Clarkson be eligible to play for Smart Gilas Pilipinas in the coming FIBA-Asia tournament?

The Filipino-American guard of the Los Angeles Lakers has reportedly expressed his desire to join the team should he be given the chance and clearance to play, even as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said it has high hopes that the newest NBA sensation may be included in the national team.

Upon learning that Clarkson owns a Philippine passport, which he secured before he turned 16 years old, the SBP immediately placed Clarkson in the 24-man player roster, which it sent to the FIBA for the upcoming FIBA-Asia

tiff in hopes to get the world basketball body to approve and declare Clarkson’s eligibility. Also in the pool are Bobby Ray Parks and June Mar Fajardo.

Should the FIBA recognize Clarkson, there will be no need for the country to naturalize the NBA player since he was born to a Filipina mother.

At present, the SBP and Clarkson are working together to file the necessary documents to convince the FIBA that Clarkson is eligible to play for the country.

“His documents are in the process of submission and it will

be evaluated by FIBA,’’ said SBP director Sonny Barrios. “We’re hoping for the best. We’re hoping that he (Clarkson) can be included in our team for the FIBA-Asia.

We have a chance at that since he got his Philippine Passport in his early teens.’’

Clarkson arrived last Monday in Manila to fulfill his duties as the newest Smart endorser, as well as conduct basketball clinics and also attend and observe the Smart Gilas’ practices to provide moral support for the national team which he may join soon if things go according to plan.

Under FIBA rules, a player would be eligible to play for its home country if he or she has secured a passport before turning 16 years old.

With a letter of permission already sent out by the SBP to

FIBA, it will only be a matter of time whether FIBA’s sanctioning body will approve or deny SBPs’ request to have Clarkson play for the Philippines team in the Asian tournament.

Should Clarkson be declared eligible and given the go-signal by the Los Angeles Lakers, he and naturalized star Andray Blatche will form a dynamic one-two, inside-out punch that the National team can use as its primary weapons in the tournament, and will likewise give a big boost to Smart Gilas, which has problems keeping the roster intact because of the departure of some players.

Clarkson is already penciled to attend the next practices of Smart Gilas and will also fly with the team in Taiwan this weekend for the Jones Cup.

PH no. 6 in Asian cycling THE Philippine national cycling team moved closer to earning an Olympic qualifying slot after the national riders, led by Mark Galedo, improved to sixth place in the latest Union Cycliste Internationale Asian ranking it released on its official website.

The national cyclists climbed from eighth to sixth spot with 243 points following their participation in the PhilCycling National Road Championships held last June in Tagaytay.

The latest UCI rankings, which was updated last Aug. 15, also showed that the Philippines is tops among Southeast Asian countries, even ahead of Malaysia, which

placed seventh with 178 points, and Thailand, which is at no. 14 with 147 points.

The Philippines trailS Hong Kong (5th) and South Korea (fifth).

Galeda, the Le Tour de Filipinas runner-up, is no. 20 in the individual rankings with 70 points, while teammates Mark Camingao is at 56th place with 40 UCI points; Ronald Oranza and Rustom Lim are at 98th and 99th places, respectively with 23 points each; Marcelo Felipe is at 115th; followed by Jerry Aquino Jr (130th); Jan Paul Morales (149th); Junrey Navarra (188th) and Mark Bordeous (196th). Peter Atencio

Athletes’ bill now on 3rd reading

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios (right) welcomes the NBA Los Angeles Lakers’ Fil-Am point guard Jordan Clarkson upon his arrival Monday for his second visit this year to the Philippines. (SBP IMAGES)

SENATOR Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said yesterday that Senate Bill No. 2898 also known as the National Athletes, Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act, is now on its third final reading.

Angara, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Games, Amusements and Sports and the bill’s principal sponsor, said the measure seeks to update and raise the amount of cash incentives given to winning athletes and trainers who bring honors to the country in in-

ternational competitions.

He added that the proposed law also seeks to broaden the scope of “national athletes” to include athletes with disaAngara cited Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, a three-time Paralympian, who won 10 gold medals during the ASEAN ParaGames, plus a handful of silver and bronze medals.

Ancheta’s latest feats include her runner-up finish in the women’s powerlifting category in the 2014 ASEAN ParaGames. Peter Atencio

P0.0 M+ P0.0 M+

Hagdang Bato headlines 7th Mayor heading heading Bagatsing heading racefest THE V E TPhilipERAN pine RacingHagrunner Commission dang Bato THEHOARSEWHISPERER (Philracom) leads a starsuspended studded cast in the Metro Manila Turf Club (MMTC) for two the Resorts World-Challenge Champions days, yesterday and today (April 28of and 29) for Cup intothe 7ththe Mayor Ramon Bagatsing failing ensure airing of their liveD. race covMemorial Racing erage last April 23. Festival on Aug. 30 at San The Leisure agency’s Park.

Resolution No. 19-15 states Lazaro that “since the racemeetwinning was not aired the same will The multi-stakes champion caused dissatisfaction and prejudice the pub-Dixie see action over 1,750 meters to against lic which made them loose [sic] their confiGold, Hot and Spicy, Low Profile, Messi, Oh dence in horseracing.”

OhFurther, Seven, and The substantially race is open to “the Penrith. said incident 4YO andthe older and horses. reduced saleslocal of the dayimported and eventually Last the Sunday, Messi a Philippine Racaffects revenue of thewon government. ” sales at MMTC arestakes said torace av- (see ingThursday Commission-sponsored erage P24.2 million, sales on April 23 separate story below)but and could be Hagdang reached onlyformidable P14.96 million.

Bato’s most foe in this race.

For their failure to “maintain adequate Also set for this Sunday are the Philbroadcast coverage and to comply with what racom-Mayor Ramon Bagatsing is incumbent upon it” underD.Philracom rules Cup Division I, for 3YO local Act. (open), and its franchise Republic No. featuring 7978, Breaking Bad,were Dikoridik Gentle MMTC races suspendedKoridak, for two days and the schedule to Santa Ana Park Strength, Icon, transferred Princess Ella, Princess Meili, and San Lazaro Leisure Park. Maxx.

Spicy Time, and Thunder MMTC was said to have in violated PhilraThe declared runners the Philracomcom’s PR 3, section U, thatCup requires racingII for Mayor Ramon Bagatsing Division clubs to provide “such other facilities, devices, 3YO local horsesrequired are Guimaras Island, and instruments by law or by theHola Alonso, Just Surfer’s Philracom to Imagine, raise publicLakan, confidence in theParadise, and Winning Move. sport,Top ” andSecret, RA 7978’ s Sec. 4(j) that requires Thereto aremaintain four other P400,000 races on SunMMTC “modern telecommunications and broadcasting equipment and fa- and day, sponsored

by Philracom, PCSO, MJC, cilities”Hotel for “receiving and transmitting” data Midas and Casino; and five P500,000 related to the betting system, World the actual con- Soraces sponsored

by Resorts Manila, duct of horse races, and the announcements laire Resort and Casino (two), City of Dreams of winning numbers and dividends, among Manila, and San Miguel Corporation. other information.

Saturday, Aug. 29,MMTC will feature an additional Insiders say that was unable to P1 million in added prizes, with P200,000 renew its airing contract with Skyfive Cable in time backed for the April 23 races,(two), although their races

by Stradcom EEG Develsignal was carried

by Cignal that day. opment Corp., DLTB Transport, and SMART * * * Antonio Calixto.

Corp.-Pasay City Mayor The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Other sponsors are Premium Leisure (PCSO) Racing Committee will feature upAmusement, Red Bull, and Fundador. and-coming 3YO in a special maiden race on The latter two will be giving giftspacks to winMay 16 at the Manila Jockey Club’ San Lazaro ning grooms Leisure Park. and other participants.

The of been totaldeclared prizes to this Eightamount horses have runyear over is at 1,400million meters, fillies to carry kgsofand P8.5 for 18 races53out 25colts for the 54.5 kgs. the highest total prize money put weekend, Thethis filliesevent are: Jeci Lapus’s up for thus far. Knights Queen, to be ridden by jockey PR Dilema; Ramon Also on Sunday is the Philracom 1st leg JuOcampo’s Miss Dainty paired with JB Hervenile Fillies and Colts with follownandez; Melanie Habla’sstakes, Golden Cupthe with ing nominated Alki,Degrace Dreamwith Weaver, JA Guce; Divinaentries: Dy’s Divine Homonhon Island,Narciso Killer Hook, Mount LF de Jesus; lawyer Morales’s Sierra Iglit, Lanes with LDPronto, Balboa; Show and Wilbert Tan’s El Port Angeles, the Whip, Sippin Nido Island with FM Jr. Away, Sky Glory, andRaquel Spectrum.

JENNY ORTUOSTE

***** Hard-charging Messi nipped four others at the wire to emerge champion of the Philracom 5th leg Import-Local Challenge held last Aug. 23 at Metroturf Racecourse.

The 4YO stayer owned by Felipe O. Vergara hung back in fifth position for most of the 2,000-meter race, behind Silver Sword, Bentley, Strong Champion, and Macho Machine.

It wasn’t until the far turn that Messi started heating up to steam down the stretch and earn P300,000 for his owner. Silver Sword took second place, followed by Strong Champion and Bentley in that order.

The 4YO colt is by Ready’s Image (USA) out of Salon Lumiere (Aus). ***** Facebook: Gogirl Racing, Twitter: @gogirlracing, Instagram: @jensdecember, Blog: http://jennyo.net

A16

W E D N E S D AY : A U G U S T 2 6 , 2 0 1 5

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

Bayron reaches Summit with 65, leads by 1. Jay Bayron

came charging home with four birdies at the back and sneaked past unfancied Rico Depilo and young turk Keanu Jahns (inset) with a seven-under 65 for a one-stroke lead at the start of the ICTSI Summit Point Classic at Summit Point Golf and Country Club on Tuesday.

PBA draftee carries Lions IndyCar driver Wilson dies

LOS ANGELES—British driver Justin Wilson was declared dead Monday after suffering a severe head injury during an IndyCar race in Pennsylvania, plunging the sport into mourning and triggering calls for a review of safety measures.

Wilson, 37, had been in a coma since Sunday, when a piece of debris from another racer’s car struck his helmet on the final laps of the “Tricky Triangle” at Pocono Raceway in the penultimate IndyCar Series race of the season.

Loved ones of the Sheffieldborn Andretti Autosport racer had flown to be at his bedside at Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital in Allentown earlier Monday before his death was announced.

“This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole,” said Mark Miles, chief executive of the parent company which runs IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“Justin’s elite ability to drive a race car was matched by his unwavering kindness, character and humility—which is what made him one of the most respected members of the paddock.” AFP

By Peter Atencio

ARTHUR de la Cruz opened the second round with a double-double performance of 30 points, a season-high, and 10 rebounds to lead an undermanned San Beda Red Lions past Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 96-84, yesterday in the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the San Juan Arena.

Dela Cruz, however, got plenty of help from former Team B player Amiel Soberano, who scored the crucial points in the fourth quarter which helped carry the Red Lions to their eighth win in 10 games.

Soberano responded with his own explosions after the Generals tried to mount a last-ditch rally, as he sank 16 of his 20 points in the final 10 minutes.

Twelve of Soberano’s points in the fourth were treys, the last one giving the Red Lions a command-

PH boxers ready for Bangkok tourney TURN TO A14

ing 91-71 spread in the last 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

The Generals earlier moved closer with a mini-rally capped by Laminou Hammadou’s free throws for a 61-70 score.

“I told some of the boys that they’re rookies this season. But when the second round comes, they’re not any more,” said Red Lions’ coach Jamike Jarin.

De la Cruz and Soberano picked up the scoring in the absence of Olaide Adeogun, who was suspend-

ed for destroying the glass door of their third win 10 games. their locker room during halftime of Calisaan, who showed the way their previous game against the Arel- with 27 points, sealed the win for lano University Chiefs last week. the Stags when he stole the ball off The Red Lions also missed Jose Mark Cruz and got fouled by Kevin Presbiterio because of typhoid fe- Racal in the ensuing play, setting ver, while Baser Amer is still recov- him up for the freebie. ering from a shoulder injury.

The Knights, who drew 30 The 6’4” De la points from Mark Games Tomorrow Cruz, a first round Cruz, fell to an 8-2 (San Juan Arena) pick in the PBA (no. tie at the top with 10 a.m. • JRU vs Arellano (jrs) 9) had 10 points in 12 nn • Mapua vs Perpetual Help (jrs) the Red Lions.

2 p.m. • JRU vs Arellano (srs) the third canto to help In the junior divikeep San Beda ahead 4 p.m. • Mapua vs Perpetual Help sion, Evan Nelle scored by 10, 70-60.

10 points for the San The win had the Red Lions stay- Beda Red Cubs, who toyed with EACing within striking distance of the ICA, 100-83, for their 10th straight win.

Letran Knights at second place.

In the other juniors’ match, JoMeanwhile, Ryan Costelo vito Tamayo sizzled with 20 points struck with a jumper past Mc- for the Letran Squires, who topped jour Luib in the remaining 9.9 the San Sebastian Staglets, 78-73. seconds, while Michael Calisaan The Squires,who also drew big split his charity shots in the last baskets from Keifer Cordero and 3.8 seconds, sending the San Se- Rhayniel David in the last four bastian Stags to an 89-87 triumph minutes, posted their fourth win in over the Letran Knights, and into ten matches.

SBP hopeful that Fil-Am can play for PH TURN TO A15

B1

WEDNESDAY: AUGUST 26, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

business@thestandardtoday.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

Philam Life-Globe partnership. Philam Life, the country’s premier life insurance company, renews its partnership with Globe

Business, the information and communication technology arm of Globe Telecom Inc., to address its growing connectivity requirements for more efficient operations. Leading the contract signing are Globe senior vice president for enterprise group Nikko Acosta (second from left) and Philam Life chief executive J. Axel Bromley (second from right). They are joined by Globe Business VP for sales Dion Asencio (left) and Philam Life head of information technology Nilo Zantua (right).

June imports soared 22.6% to $5.9b—PSA

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

IMPORTS jumped 22.6 percent in June from a year ago, ending a three-month slump, on the back of a 120-percent increase in electronic shipments, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Tuesday.

“The significant surge of import payments signals improvement in the external environment. The increase in importation of raw materials leads us to expect a sustained growth of domestic production while the acquisition of capital goods indicates positive investor

confidence,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

Data from the PSA showed merchandise imports climbed from $4.8 billion in June 2014 to $5.9 billion in June this year, the highest in 17 months. The growth in imports was also the highest since January

2014’s 25.7-percent increase.

The National Economic and Development Authority said the Philippines ranked first among monitored economies in East and Southeast Asia in terms of imports growth in June 2015. Except for Vietnam, all these countries registered a decline in imports for the said period.

The recovery was due to significant increases in imports of raw materials and intermediate goods (up 49.2 percent), capital goods (23.8 percent) and consumer goods (13.1 percent), which made up for the continuing decline in the import value of petroleum

Chinese stocks extend deep plunge SHANGHAI, China—Equity markets convulsed on Tuesday as Chinese stocks pursued their worst rout in nearly two decades, after concerns of a slowdown in the world’s second-largest economy sparked panic selling around the globe.

Shanghai stocks tumbled on Tuesday, extending their steepest four-day fall since 1996, but European equities rebounded in early trading as investors went bargain-hunting after heavy losses the previous day.

A slump in Chinese shares sparked pandemonium across financial markets on Monday, wiping some $2.7 trillion off global equities as bourses from London to Buenos Aires were caught up in the plunge.

The dollar hit a seven-month low against the yen in New York, prompting a warning from Japan, while US oil finished below $40 a barrel for the first time in six years.

China is the world’s top trading nation and a key driver of global growth, so signs its economy is faltering—particularly when the US Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates for the first time in almost a decade—have created shockwaves.

Shanghai stocks tumbled 7.63 percent, closing below the key 3,000 point mark for the first time this year, piling on losses after their worst daily fall since 2007 on Monday.

Tokyo ended a see-saw session down nearly 4.0 percent, in its sixth straight day of losses, but Hong Kong, Sydney and Seoul managed to eek out gains ahead of an early bounce in London, Frankfurt and Paris.

“There was no clear catalyst for the global stock meltdown,” said Bernard Aw of IG Markets.

“A spate of better economic news may help to allay concerns that global growth is not deterio-

rating. Certainly, improvements in the Chinese economy will be welcomed.”

Slowing growth in Asia’s largest economy has long kept investors on edge but China’s shock devaluation of the yuan two weeks ago, following a string of weak economic data, has riled world markets.

Fears Beijing could taper a massive share market rescue package helped push Shanghai down 8.49 percent on Monday, wiping out the year’s gains.

Capital Economics said investors had been “overreacting about economic risks in China”, arguing that the “the collapse of the equity bubble tells us next to nothing about the state of China’s economy”.

The yuan’s daily reference rate against the dollar was set lower for the first time in nine sessions on Tuesday at 6.3987.

With AFP, Bloomberg

products.

Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and Truck Manufacturers Association showed 9,840 passenger cars were sold in June, up by 19 percent from 8,278 units sold a year ago.

Imports of electronic products surged 120 percent in June to $1.955 billion, data showed.

“The country’s continued robust spending on imported capital goods, particularly office, electrical and telecommunications machines and equipment, bodes well for the growth in capital formation,” Balisacan said.

Data showed that despite the growth in June, total imports in the first half fell 2.8 percent to $30.724 billion from $31.611 billion a year ago.

The strong imports in June pushed the trade deficit to $555 million in the month and $1.838 billion in the first half.

“For the remaining months of the year, domestic demand is expected to prop up imports growth. While there may be a slack in consumer activities during the third quarter of the year due to low seasonal demand for consumer goods, the recovery of government spending should keep imports afloat, particularly on imported capital goods,” said Balisacan.

China was the top source of imports in June with $884 million or 14.9 percent of the total and up by 1.7 percent year-on-year.

Imports from the United States surged 123.8 percent in June to $845.29 million from just $377.75 million a year earlier. Imports from Japan rose 6 percent to $494.12 million.

PSe comPoSite index Closing August 25, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

6,830.34 39.33

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing AUGUST 25, 2015 42

P46.610

43

CLOSE

44 45 46

HIGH P46.610 LOW P46.790 AVERAGE P46.711 VOLUME 765.200M

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 Tuesday, August 25, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.7970

Japan

Yen

0.008435

0.3947

UK

Pound

1.576700

73.7848

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128949

6.0344

Switzerland

Franc

1.072731

50.2006

Canada

Dollar

0.753012

35.2387

Singapore

Dollar

0.709371

33.1964

Australia

Dollar

0.718804

33.6379

Bahrain

Dinar

2.649709

123.9984

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266638

12.4779

Brunei

Dollar

0.706864

33.0791

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.027956

1.3083

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.7422

Euro

Euro

1.160500

54.3079

Korea

Won

0.000839

0.0393

China

Yuan

0.156143

7.3070

India

Rupee

0.014969

0.7005

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.234852

10.9904

New Zealand

Dollar

0.649815

30.4094

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030301

1.4180 Source: PDS Bridge

WEDNESDAY: AUGUST 26, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Tuesday, augusT 25, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 17 30.45 10.4 2.6 1.01 100 75 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124 47 5 2.36 15.3 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 241 12.5 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 238 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 5.28 1.3 2.17 0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 76 6.5 9.25 0.85 17.3 5.53 6.55 0.0670 1.61 84.9 974 390 156 0.710 0.435 10.5 1.99 1.75 41.4 5.6 1.44 1.97 0.201

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.33 2.33 65 64.8 95.00 91.00 85.50 83.80 40.9 40.4 2.45 2.41 15.46 15.3 18.5 18.02 7.17 7.17 1.69 1.69 0.350 0.350 83 77.05 25.50 25.00 61.00 54.00 85 85 299 295 37 36.5 126 119.5 1000.00 1000.00 54.65 52.00 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp.

42 42.3 40 1.11 Agrinurture Inc. 1.33 1.4 1.4 1.86 Alsons Cons.

1.53 1.52 1.41 7.92 Asiabest Group 9.8 9.8 9.2 15.32 Century Food 16.5 16.44 15.98 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 26 27.25 24 29.15 Concepcion 45.2 45 45 1.5 Crown Asia 2.33 2.46 2.25 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.26 1.24 1.15 10.72 Del Monte 10.9 10.78 10.64 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 9.750 10.360 9.28 9.04 Emperador 8.30 8.65 8.20 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.70 5.83 5.45 8.86 EEI 7.75 7.91 7.70 20.2 First Gen Corp.

22 22 21.3 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 68 73 65.5 13.86 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 13.30 13.02 12.50 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 12.60 12.50 12.00 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.26 5.16 5.01 173 Jollibee Foods Corp.

180.00 183.00 175.50 8.65 Lafarge Rep 10.14 10.16 10.14 21.7 21 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 21.6 17.3 Maxs Group 21.7 22.5 21.2 5.88 Megawide 5.28 5.27 5.15 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 268.00 271.00 265.20 3.37 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 3.62 3.60 3.60 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4 4.06 4 8.45 Petron Corporation 7.69 7.96 7.40 10.04 Phinma Corporation 11.00 11.00 11.00 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.17 3.25 2.95 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 1.96 2.00 1.91 1 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.31 2.37 2.2 4.02 RFM Corporation 4.03 4.09 4.03 1.65 Roxas and Co. 1.83 1.83 1.83 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 145 145 140 4.1 SPC Power Corp.

4.15 4 4 1.55 Splash Corporation 1.73 1.8 1.8 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.130 0.130 0.128 1.02 TKC Steel Corp.

0.84 0.84 0.80 2.09 Trans-Asia Oil 1.72 1.70 1.65 152 Universal Robina 180 181 173 4.28 Victorias Milling 4.2 4.2 4.2 0.640 Vitarich Corp.

0.62 0.6 0.6 1.2 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.05 1.00 0.90 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.440 0.440 0.440 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 53.6500 52.1000 50.0500 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 18.90 19.66 18.04 1.6 Anglo Holdings A 1.10 1.10 1.10 6.62 Anscor `A’ 6.60 6.80 6.53 634.5 Ayala Corp `A’ 704.5 724 695 7.390 Cosco Capital 6.5 6.54 6.35 12.8 DMCI Holdings 10.90 10.90 10.40 2.6 F&J Prince ‘A’ 2.82 2.82 2.82 2.26 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

4.19 4.19 4.19 0.152 Forum Pacific 0.179 0.178 0.178 837 GT Capital 1136 1200 1120 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 64.95 65.95 62.00 3.43 Jolliville Holdings 3.9 3.61 3.61 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp.

5.9 6.05 5.14 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.61 0.61 0.58 12 LT Group 12.7 12.68 12 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 4.61 5 4.5 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 7.1 7 6.76 0.030 Pacifica `A’ 0.0500 0.0520 0.0480 0.550 Prime Orion 1.620 1.650 1.540 51.00 59.3 San Miguel Corp `A’ 53.30 53.20 751 SM Investments Inc. 840.00 890.00 801.00 170 Transgrid 140.00 140.00 140.00 80 Top Frontier 73.000 73.500 71.900 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.2650 0.2800 0.2600 0.179 Wellex Industries 0.1650 0.1630 0.1620 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 6.100 6.300 6.010 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.62 0.66 0.66 1.2 Araneta Prop `A’ 1.160 1.200 1.150 30.05 Ayala Land `B’ 33.75 35.20 33.20 3.36 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.04 3.03 2.99 0.79 Century Property 0.65 0.64 0.55 1.1 City & Land Dev. 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.083 Crown Equities Inc. 0.112 0.118 0.111 2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 12.02 19.6 6.12 1.02 0.225 78 58 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank

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

SHARES 14,144,518 51,476,638 143,765,615 200,758,801 51,182,362 2,556,174,173 3,018,714,107

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

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.33 64.85 94.10 85.35 40.9 2.45 15.4 18.04 7.17 1.69 0.350 82.5 25.50 54.00 85 295 36.5 124.8 1000.00 53.50

-6.80 -1.44 -0.95 0.00 -0.12 1.66 -1.16 -2.70 0.56 -3.43 -6.67 2.10 0.00 -5.35 0.00 -1.47 -2.67 4.00 -33.99 -2.10

12,000 59,040 6,382,390 1,641,890 16,100 342,000 10,400 173,300 100 1,000 40,000 2,284,000 10,900 97,970 20 20,480 248,000 660,440 5 19,150

42 1.4 1.48 9.5 16.2 27.25 45 2.34 1.23 10.78 10.360 8.40 5.70 7.71 21.6 68 12.50 12.00 5.16 180.00 10.16 21 22.5 5.21 270.00 3.60 4 7.96 11.00 3.17 2.00 2.32 4.09 1.83 140 4 1.8 0.130 0.84 1.66 180 4.2 0.6 1.00

0.00 5.26 -3.27 -3.06 -1.82 4.81 -0.44 0.43 -2.38 -1.10 6.26 1.20 0.00 -0.52 -1.82 0.00 -6.02 -4.76 -1.90 0.00 0.20 -2.78 3.69 -1.33 0.75 -0.55 0.00 3.51 0.00 0.00 2.04 0.43 1.49 0.00 -3.45 -3.61 4.05 0.00 0.00 -3.49 0.00 0.00 -3.23 -4.76

2,970,000 2,000 986,000 11,400 236,500 382,400 164,400 1,281,000 42,000 84,600 9,505,500 594,300 15,742,400 335,900 2,046,700 331,900 48,000 9,200 415,300 504,730 692,500 1,265,600 45,900 131,300 842,350 37,000 2,366,000 1,150,000 10,800 450,000 348,000 431,000 334,000 5,000 9,590 1,000 13,000 1,940,000 8,000 649,000 3,911,830 111,000 704,000 69,000

0.440 51.9500 19.32 1.10 6.80 717 6.5 10.70 2.82 4.19 0.178 1180 65.45 3.61 5.14 0.61 12.4 4.7 7 0.0500 1.620 52.60 890.00 140.00 71.900 0.2800 0.1620

0.00 -3.17 2.22 0.00 3.03 1.77 0.00 -1.83 0.00 0.00 -0.56 3.87 0.77 -7.44 -12.88 0.00 -2.36 1.95 -1.41 0.00 0.00 -1.31 5.95 0.00 -1.51 5.66 -1.82

20,000 3,117,800 8,435,200 21,000 6,600 787,130 2,073,400 6,635,800 170,000 12,000 30,000 359,615 1,712,050 2,000 1,662,400 2,000 2,602,300 34,957,000 186,000 74,430,000 4,067,000 307,930 268,300 30 6,760 720,000 760,000

6.050 0.66 1.200 33.50 3.02 0.62 1.00 0.111

-0.82 6.45 3.45 -0.74 -0.66 -4.62 0.00 -0.89

1,175,700 1,000 69,000 26,389,600 1,409,000 6,768,000 629,000 420,000

-1,154,064.50 -175,985,590.00 -37,011,292.00 474,010.00 -202,416.00 -14,000.00 -576,187.50 275,000.00 -4,709,292.50 -5,900,952.00 -5,302,490.00 -17,659,030.00

-35,207,655.00

-225,064.00 962,000.00 -666,000 234,000.00 351,062.00 -39,347,595.00 1,189,645.00 -24,751,107.00 -548,651.00 -29,738,280.00 -9,125,381.00

-8,268,511.00 129,034.00 -17,814,430.00 63,750.00 333,822.00 -41,568,476.00 3,879,350.00 1,544,872.00 295,000.00 -35,200.00 635,640.00 -1,179,510.00

-244,879,778.00 88,200.00

-16,535,692.00 -34,072,918.00 -305,307,355.00 1,833,389.00 -20,057,308.00

-61,982,565.00 -52,236,801.50 -8,813,825.00 -22,346,504.00 -18,075,860.00 -464,420.00 -5,152,518.50 -37,672,335.00 -58,240.00

-6,316,730.00 -592,167,050.00 -1,875,830.00 -1,104,730.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 4.88 0.180 0.470 27 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 1.62 8.59

2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 2.75 0.090 0.290 23 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 0.83 5.73

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 7.67 1700 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 7 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 12.28 3.32 2.46 15.2 22.8 6.41 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 4.8 830 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 3.01 0.011 0.041 1.200 6.5 1.91 1.8 6 14.54 3 8.8 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

Close

High

11.6 0.85 2.95 10 0.490 1.9 0.0098 5.45 17.24 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 8.2 49.2 4.27 3.06 0.021 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

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

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `B’ Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Semirara Corp.

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 525 120 515 8.21 111 1060

33 490 500 101.5 480 5.88 101 997

1047 76.9 78.95 84.8

1011 74.2 74.5 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

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

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

15 88 12.88

3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Makati Fin. Corp.

IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

FINANCIAL 1,513.80 (up) 3.45 INDUSTRIAL 10,363.48 (up) 6.94 HOLDING FIRMS 6,269.08 (up) 116.54 PROPERTY 2,754.24 (up) 7.65 SERVICES 1,820.77 (down) 20.79 MINING & OIL 10,302.28 (down) 28.52 PSEI 6,830.34 (up) 39.33 All Shares Index 3,896.32 (up) 14.62 Gainers: 62 Losers: 85; Unchanged: 49; Total: 196

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

11.8 10.48 11.8 0.790 0.790 0.790 0.165 0.160 0.160 1.09 1.00 1.08 1.77 1.68 1.69 1.24 1.24 1.24 4.13 3.76 4.12 0.089 0.088 0.088 0.2650 0.2600 0.2600 19.20 19.20 19.20 7.31 7.29 7.3 27.15 26.75 27.10 1.5 1.5 1.5 3.15 3.15 3.15 18.88 18.10 18.80 0.7 0.64 0.7 0.650 0.650 0.650 6.200 6.000 6.030 SERVICES 7.78 8.2 7.22 7.86 55 60 53 58.9 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 0.520 0.520 0.500 0.520 6.50 6.85 6.29 6.85 0.0610 0.0600 0.0600 0.0600 3.8 4.07 3.56 4.07 85.1 88 83.95 87 4.50 4.60 4.20 4.60 920 970 920 920 2450 2530 2328 2450 6.00 6.25 5.96 6.25 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 93.65 94 90 94 6.40 6.00 6.00 6.00 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.162 0.159 0.149 0.151 1.3200 1.3100 1.3000 1.3100 7.10 7.90 7.10 7.15 2.07 2.05 2.01 2.03 1.99 2 2 2 5.86 5.8 5.87 5.68 18.88 18.38 18.38 18.38 4.40 4.36 4.35 4.35 8.7 8.65 8.65 8.65 100.00 98.00 98.00 98.00 18.50 18.48 17.10 18.00 2536.00 2494.00 2422.00 2430.00 0.600 0.590 0.590 0.590 1.160 1.180 1.120 1.160 30.00 31.50 30.00 30.60 64.50 69.00 63.80 66.00 4.44 4.62 4.16 4.45 5.90 6.30 5.77 6.30 0.60 0.62 0.58 0.58 1.52 1.52 1.47 1.47 4.15 4.1 3.95 4.03 0.165 0.247 0.200 0.247 2.260 2.260 2.220 2.260 MINING & OIL 0.0058 0.0055 0.0048 0.0048 2.27 2.27 2.27 2.27 4.25 4.33 4.20 4.31 0.62 0.65 0.56 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 5.62 5.80 5.28 5.80 1.07 1.11 1.03 1.11 0.285 0.295 0.285 0.285 0.187 0.182 0.180 0.181 0.204 0.203 0.203 0.203 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 2.11 2.11 2.1 2.1 6.8 7.28 6.4 6.7 3.19 3.29 3.05 3.25 1.4000 1.3500 1.1800 1.3500 0.0095 0.0090 0.0090 0.0090 4.97 4.970 4.900 4.95 1.22 1.200 1.150 1.20 0.0090 0.0092 0.0090 0.0091 118.80 122.00 116.50 118.90 2.15 2.27 2 2.25 0.0080 0.0080 0.0080 0.0080 PREFERRED 55 55.9 55 55.05 522 522 522 522 527 527 526 526 115.9 115.5 115.5 115.5 520 516 515 516 6 6 6 6 107.9 107.9 107.5 107.5 1040 1040 1040 1040 1100 1085 1065 1085 1005 1006 1005 1006 75.4 75.4 75.35 75.4 79 79 79 79 80 80.05 79 80 WARRANTS & BONDS 2.860 3.250 2.690 3.000 SME 5.12 5 5 5 58.05 55 55 55 8.93 9.8 8.5 9.8 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 111.2 111.2 107.6 111.2

T op g ainerS VALUE 1,228,841,428.28 1,531,263,116.695 2,022,716,313.093 2,098,429,405.585 1,283,359,902.48 202,153,209.33 8,379,930,543.458

Close

Double Dragon 10.98 Empire East Land 0.790 Ever Gotesco 0.167 Global-Estate 1.02 Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.70 Interport `A’ 1.26 Megaworld Corp.

4.29 MRC Allied Ind. 0.091 Phil. Estates Corp.

0.2650 Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 20.00 Primex Corp.

7.31 Robinson’s Land `B’ 27.10 Rockwell 1.5 Shang Properties Inc. 3.15 SM Prime Holdings 18.70 Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.68 Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 0.650 Vista Land & Lifescapes 6.210

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

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) DFNN Inc. FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Manila Jockey Melco Crown Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings 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

STOCKS

Low

7.47 0.00 -4.19 5.88 -0.59 -1.59 -3.96 -3.30 -1.89 -4.00 -0.14 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.53 2.94 0.00 -2.90

1,967,900 20,000 1,280,000 812,000 30,158,000 20,000 63,880,000 1,100,000 150,000 200 65,600 9,446,200 209,000 1,000 26,968,300 2,831,000 63,000 10,235,600

3,629,164.00 15,800.00

1.03 7.09 0.00 0.00 5.38 -1.64 7.11 2.23 2.22 0.00 0.00 4.17 0.00 0.37 -6.25 0.00 -6.79 -0.76 0.70 -1.93 0.50 1.03 -2.65 -1.14 -0.57 -2.00 -2.70 -4.18 -1.67 0.00 2.00 2.33 0.23 6.78 -3.33 -3.29 -2.89 49.70 0.00

619,800 38,630 250,000 351,000 20,112,000 170,000 363,000 548,490 46,000 2,360 94,220 30,800 5,000 842,580 1,000 2,100,000 5,740,000 106,000 797,000 166,000 5,000 739,900 3,000 4,000 49,000 170 173,600 219,925 799,000 3,597,000 2,711,800 1,273,830 2,679,000 3,967,100 1,048,000 9,000 607,000 60,000 44,000

-17.24 0.00 1.41 4.84 0.00 3.20 3.74 0.00 -3.21 -0.49 9.09 -0.47 -1.47 1.88 -3.57 -5.26 -0.40 -1.64 1.11 0.08 4.65 0.00

2,432,000,000 153,800.00 14,000 253,000 -520,970.00 906,000 148,000 36,100 3,049,000 697,400.00 20,000 5,230,000 30,000 47,500,000 40,000 -16,840.00 13,958,000 14,496,733.00 262,000 1,001,000 1,250.00 21,000,000 189,000.00 362,000 525,000 -16,800.00 27,000,000 687,890 -15,980,636.00 949,000 15,940.00 1,000,000 -8,000.00

0.09 0.00 -0.19 -0.35 -0.77 0.00 -0.37 0.00 -1.36 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00

159,230 1,520 4,180 25,000 3,100 500,100 39,950 100 300 165 27,610 400 41,220

4.90

144,000

-2.34 -5.25 9.74

3,000 120 1,189,500

0.00

19,380

100,000.00 -13,911,440.00 -65,222,780.00 72,160.00

-56,476,465.00 -337,397,696.00 -23,033,328.00

28,867,417.00 -10,200.00 -76,000.00 4,988,078.50 -70,588,720.00 -19,719,303.50 1,000.00 17,220.00 1,530,100.00 -486,939.00

980.00 -1,537,326.00 -347,999,360.00 -1,231,940.00 -3,241,800.00 14,557,673.00 60,590.00 10,080,158.00 -1,405,430.00

1,848,562.00

-600.00 43,400.00 25,150.00

58,376.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Waterfront Phils.

0.247

49.70

Sun Life Financial

1000.00

-33.99

Xurpas

9.8

9.74

Abra Mining

0.0048

-17.24

Manila Mining `A'

0.012

9.09

Lopez Holdings Corp.

5.14

-12.88

Double Dragon

11.8

7.47

Jolliville Holdings

3.61

-7.44

Calata Corp.

4.07

7.11

AG Finance

2.33

-6.80

ABS-CBN

58.9

7.09

Island Info

0.151

-6.79

SSI Group

6.30

6.78

MEDCO Holdings

0.350

-6.67

A. Brown Co., Inc.

0.66

6.45

Imperial Res. `A'

6.00

-6.25

DNL Industries Inc.

10.360

6.26

Ginebra San Miguel Inc.

12.50

-6.02

SM Investments Inc.

890.00

5.95

Phil. National Bank

54.00

-5.35

WEDNESDAY: AUGUST 26, 2015

B3

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

Market slump to postpone IPO plans

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Stocks rebound slightly

STOCKS rose slightly Tuesday, rebounding from a 16-month low registered in the early part of trading, as traders ignored the continuous drop of Chinese stocks and hunted for bargains in the local market in limited trading.

at 3,896.32, on value turnover of P8.4 billion.

Losers outnumbered gainers, 85 to 62, while 49 issues were unchanged.

Property developer Megaworld Corp. emerged as the biggest gainer among the 20 most active stocks, as it jumped 8.4 percent to P4.12. SM Investments Corp., the holding company of tycoon Henry Sy, climbed 6 percent to P8.90 while Bloomberry Resorts Corp., operator of Solaire Resorts and Casino, advanced 5.4 percent to P6.85.

GT Capital Holdings Inc., the investment company of tycoon George Ty, gained 3.9 percent to P1,180 while Alliance Global Group Inc. of businessman Andrew Tan added 2.2 percent to close at P19.32.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., however, fell 4.2 percent to P2,430 while Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. lost 3.2 percent to P51.95.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks were mixed after a see-saw session on Tuesday, with Tokyo and Hong Kong diving as Shanghai extended its worst rout in almost 20 years, while other regional markets bounced into positive territory.

The dollar was weak against other currencies and oil prices remained in the doldrums after finishing Monday below $40 a barrel for the first time in six years.

Tokyo dropped nearly 4.0 percent to close 733.98 points lower at 17,806.70 -- its sixth straight day of falls and the lowest finish since mid-February. With AFP

THE current slump in global equities will likely discourage comTrading at the Philippine information or data slower than panies from conducting initial Stock Exchange was suspended others. public offerings in the short term, for nearly five hours, because of The Philippine Stock ExPhilippine Stock Exchange presi- technical issues in the new sys- change index, the 30-company dent and chief executive Hans Si- tem. benchmark, gained 39 points, or cat said Tuesday.

PSE president and chief execu- 0.6 percent to close at 6,830.34, Sicat said several companies tive Hans Sicat said the “unprec- a day after the gauge lost 487 planning to hold IPOs might de- edented” trading halt was not due points, or 6.7 percent. The index fer their plans, until the volatil- to the current volatility in the was still down 5.5 percent this ity in the stock market improved. equities market. He said trading year.

“The volatility in the market may was halted because of a software The heavier index, representbe a negative factor and this could problem, wherein some front-end ing all shares, also picked up 14 make companies hesitant to pull trading terminals were receiving points, or 0.4 percent, to settle the trigger,” he said.

Sicat said the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals remained REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ERRORS & REGIONAL TRIAL COURT unchanged despite the NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OMISSIONS 3/F, Citibank Center, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, Phillippines 1226 BRANCH 144, MAKATI CITY recent massive sell-off in the Philippine equi- ROXANNE DEL MUNDO ANCHETA, Petitioner, ties market. “The eco-versusSP. RPOC. NO. M-7780 I N V I TAT I O N T O B I D nomic situation now For: Judicial Recognition of Foreign Divorce and/or is different from seven Enforcement of Foreign years ago. The succesThe Governance Commission for GOCCs Judgment sive growth in GDP RAMON JESUSITO MIGUEL V. SILOS III (GCG) invites all interested PhiIGEPS registered Respondent has built solid foundamembers to submit bids for the project below: tion for growth moving x-----------------------------------------------x SUMMON Approved forward. I don’t think Bid RAMON JESUSITO MIGUEL V. SILOS III growth will reverse easPurchase Budget for Document 41 Florida St., Merville Park, Parañaque City ily,” Sicat said.

Greetings: Request Project the Fees Prior to the stock You are hereby required within fifteen (15) days after No. Contract market crash, PSE said service of this Summons upon you, to file with this Court and (Php) serve on the petitioner your Answer to the Petition, copy of (Php) it expected P100 billion which is attached together with the Annexes. You are reminded the provision in the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy worth of capital raising of Guidelines dated March 12, 2002, to observed restraint in filing deals from three to five a Motion to Dismis and instead allege the grounds thereof as 15-07-0115 Procurement of P3,187,500 P 5,000 defenses in the Answer. If you fail to answer within the time IPOs in the short term. fixed, the petitoner will take judgement by default and may be Repairs, Resizing, “I think it is fair to say granted in the relief applied for in the petition.

Reconfiguration that the behavior of the WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court, this 31st and Replacements issuers, in the short term day of March 2015. period, in terms of goof Materials of (SGD) ATTY. JOAN G. BOLINA-SANTILLAN Branch Clerk of Court ing out for deals, will be Work Space muted. You would want to see some stability in The Pre-Bid Conference for the above the market before final- REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) ) projects will be held on 03 September 2015 at izing any deals because it CITY OF MAKATI CITY AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS is hard to price a transthe GCG Conference Room,3rd Floor, Citibank action when there are I, DIANE MADELYN CHING, of legal age, Filipino, married, and with office address at Center, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. All too many parts moving,” 16th Floor, Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo De Roxas, Makati City after being duly sworn to in prospective bidders are encouraged to attend. accordance with law, hereby depose and state that: Sicat said.

1.

I am the Assistant Corporate Secretary of Prime Media Holdings Inc. (formerly First e One of the underwritBank Corporation and herein referred to as the “Corporation”). I am the custodian of A complete set of Bidding Documents may ers handling the P4.65all vital records of the Corporation.

2. On February 2015, all documents and records of the Corporation were transferred be purchased by interested Bidders from the billion initial public offrom Parañaque to Makati in the custody of the undersigned.

3. Upon review of the documents turned over, Stock Certificate No. 3603 for one (1) fering of construction GCG Office at the address given upon payment share issued to First e Bank Corporation, now Prime Media Holdings Inc. by Valley company Datem Inc. Golf and Country Club, Inc. on 20 June 2001 was not included in the files transferred of the non-refundable Bid Document Fees. to the undersigned. Upon verification with the previous custodian, all records of the said the share sale would corporation has already been transferred hence, any document not turned over to the depend on market conundersigned may have been lost.

Opening of Bids and Deadline for the 4. Despite diligent efforts and extensive search, I could no longer locate the said ditions. certificate of stock. Hence, to the best of my knowledge, the same may be considered submission of the Bid/Tender Documents/ “The timing will lost beyond recovery.

5. The lost certificate has not been sold, pledged, mortgaged or in any way encumbered depend on the manForms are on 15 September 2015 at the GCG by the Corporation and that it is free from any lien or encumbrance and as of the execution of this document, the Corporation remains to be the absolute owner of the agement and market Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Citibank Center, shares of stock covered by the said Stock Certificate. conditions,” Maybank 6. The Corporation is willing to post a bond or other security effective for a period of one 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City.

(1) year, for such amount and in such form and with such sureties as may be Investment Bank Bersatisfactory to the Board of Directors of Valley Golf and Country Club Inc. for the had chief executive John issuance of a Certificate of Stock before the expiration of one year from the time of the last publication of the notice of loss as mandated under Section 73 of the Bidding will be conducted through open Chong said in an interCorporation Code. competitive bidding, using a non-discretionary view.

7. In the event that the lost certificate should hereafter be found or located, I undertake to report and surrender the same to the corporation for appropriate action or disposal Also in the pipeline “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Revised 8. I am executing this affidavit for the purpose of securing from Valley Golf and Country Club, Inc. a new certificate to replace the lost stock certificate mentioned above and this year are the P21.7Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to request Valley Golf and Country Club Inc. to take notice of this matter to prevent billion IPO of D.M. the transfer or encumbrance of the said share. of Republic Act No.9184, the “Government Wenceslao & Associates AFFIANT FURTHER SAYETH NAUGHT: Procurement Reform Act”. Bids received in excess Inc. and the P6.1-billion IN WITHNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this AUGUST 14, 2015 at of the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) shall IPO of Metro Retail MAKATI CITY Stores Group Inc. be automatically rejected at the 0pening of Bids.

Only two companies DIANE MADELYN CHING Affiant have conducted IPO this Bidders will be subjected to eligibility criteria year, including Crown SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this AUGUST 14, 2015, 2015 affiant exhibit to determine completeness of bid and post to me her Competent Evidence of Identity by way of ________________ issued at Asia Chemicals Corp., ___________on____________ qualification. which raised P222 million and SBS Philippines Corp., which generated DIR. NOEL P. LUNA P1.15 billion in proBAC Chairman ceeds.

(TS-AUG. 19 & 26, 2015)

(TS-AUG. 19,26, SEPT. 2, 2015)

In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published.

We will not be responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

(TS-AUG. 26, 2015)

B4

Toll road update. Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez (fourth from right) and Manila North Tollways Corp. president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco (third from left) pose with Malabon City officials led by Mayor Antolin Oreta III (center) during a briefing on the NLEx Harbor Link Segment 10 project. The briefing aims to update MNTC’s various stakeholders on the construction, features and benefits of the P10-billion Segment 10 project from MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela to Malabon and C3 road in Caloocan up to Road 10 in Navotas. Also shown are (from left) MNTC senior vice president for legal and regulatory affairs Romulo Quimbo, MNTC VP for construction management services Nemesio Castillo, Barangay Tugatog chairwoman Edna Valenzuela, Barangay Tinajeros chairman Alvin Mañalac, MNTC VP for corporate communications Marlene Ochoa and Malabon City administrator Voltaire Dela Cruz.

S. Luzon toll road operator nets P1.4b THE operator of South Luzon Expressway said Tuesday net income rose 10 percent in the first half of 2015 on higher vehicle traffic.

South Luzon Tollways Corp. posted a net profit of P1.39 billion in the January-to-June period from P1.26 billion on year. , SLTC’s earnings in the second quarter amounted to P712.89 million, up six percent from P670.89 million on year.

Toll revenue increased 9.5 percent to P2.4 billion in the first semester of the year from P2.19 billion on year, due to higher traffic volume. SLTC’s toll revenue amounted to P1.24 billion in the April-to-June period from P1.12 billion on year.

“Majority of vehicles that utilize South Luzon Expressway come from the Class 1 category, which accounts for about 80 percent to 82 percent of total traffic volume indicating high consumer socio-economic activity with SLEX,” SLTC said.

The company added the traffic volume growth for Class 3 vehicles was also observed as shown by a 2-percent increase with the strong activity in Batangas.

SLTC’s expenses amounted to P757.36 million at end-June, up 7 percent from P705.73 million last year.

SLTC, a unit of San Miguel, earlier said it would spend P13.1 billion to extend the South Luzon Expressway from Sto. Tomas Batangas to Lucena, Quezon province.

The project is divided into five sections. Section 1 covers Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Macban, Laguna (10.58 kms); Macban, Laguna to San Pablo, Laguna (12.2 kms); San Pablo, Laguna to Tiaong, Quezon (8.1 kms); Tiaong to Candelaria, Quezon (14.4 kms) and Candelaria to Lucena City, Quezon (12.31-kms).

Darwin G. Amojelar

Skip main airport, ME airlines dared

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PHILIPPINE Airlines and Cebu Pacific challenged Middle Eastern airlines to operate outside Manila to prevent further congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as air talks between Manila and United Emirates push through this week.

PAL and CebuPac in a statement urged “the Philippine government to resist any and all pressure to grant unfair advantage to the airlines of the United Arab Emirates in the form of unjustified and unnecessary disruptive additional rights to serve Manila.”

The Philippines and UAE will hold air talks in Manila on August 27 to 28.

The two carriers appealed to the Philippine air panel to “increase its vigilance against anti-

competitive practices and any attempts to distort competition... ” The dared UAE and other Middle Eastern airlines “to put up direct flights to emerging new gateways in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” instead of further saturating the already congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport.”

Any request from UAE for additional entitlements to Manila had been deemed unnecessary because the supply of airline

seats was well in excess of actual demand for the Philippine-UAE market, a joint statement signed

by PAL president Jaime Bautista and Cebu Pacific president Lance Gokongwei said.

The grant of more flights would provide undue advantage to the government-owned and state-subsidized UAE carriers, they said.

UAE airlines enjoyed as much as $23 billion in subsidies from their government, according to a 2015 US aviation industry report.

PAL and CebuPac also said the air talks should not even be held until all available entitlements to UAE were utilized by Philippine carriers. Entitlements for carriers of the two countries were recently increased significantly.

The two local carriers noted that when Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Oman Air started flying to Manila, they did

not pose any objection “as we are not afraid of competition.”

The Philippine air negotiating panel should understand that granting UAE carriers additional entitlements would “deepen their significant unfair advantage in the marketplace which would result to distorted competition.”

Civil Aeronautics Board hearing division chief Maria Elben Moro said the air talks with UAE would push through despite opposition from local airlines.

“More than the competition among the carriers, we should promote the welfare of the overseas Filipino workers,” Moro said.

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

Norway’s Hexagon Regasco still keen on PH plant

By Alena Mae S. Flores HEXAGON Ragasco of Norway, the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of liquefied petroleum gas composite cylinder, remains open to putting up a manufacturing plant in the Philippines.

Hexagon Regasco global sales and marketing director Frederic Gaussen told reporters at the sidelines of the LPG Philippines Forum 2015 market demand would dictate the possible investment in a manufacturing facility.

“If the market is large enough, yes. If the market is large enough to justify the investment,” Gaussen said.

He said there should be a demand of a “couple of hundred thousands of cylinders per year”

to entice the company to put up the facility.

Gaussen said the Philippines could “hopefully” become the hub for its composite cylinder manufacturing in Asia.

“The Philippines is a very attractive country because English is the official language [which] makes [it] much easier for a European company,” he said.

“We’re selling in 70 countries in the world. In Asia, it was launched in Japan and this will be launched in Taiwan very soon,” Gaussen said.

The official said the Philippines to date was the largest market of Hexagon Ragasco in Asia for composite cylinders.

The company teamed up with Eastern Petroleum Corp. on the EC Gas LPG brand.

“Eastern is doing a very good marketing job in promoting our cylinders and making it visible in the Filipino market,” Gaussen said.

“What we see in every market is it takes time in the beginning before you reach the tipping point where it becomes visible.

We are interested in doing business but most of all we hope that EC Gas will keep increasing its sales,” he said.

The official conceded that Hexagon Ragasco’s cylinders were “safer, lighter, [and] gives a lot of benefits to the end users” although more expensive.

Eastern Petroleum Fernando Martinez earlier said Hexagon Ragasco expressed interest to put up a facility if the Philippine market and Southeast Asia would

have a demand of 500 thousand composite cylinders.

The EC Gas brand is a first in the Philippine market and available in 11-kg tanks. It is made from composite materials, mostly fiberglass, and is 10 kilos lighter against the 26-kilo average weight of the steel LPG. The cylinder is also transparent, allowing the household to see the actual level of LPG and avoiding under-filling.

The composite LPG cylinder is widely used in Europe, north and south America and the Middle East.

“There is no reason why LPGrelated accidents should happen every year,” Martinez said, citing statistics that around 100 LPGrelated fires occur almost annually.

W E D N E S D AY : A U G U S T 2 6 , 2 0 1 5

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

Balikbayan box and the BoC’s barya mentality WE REALLY like the way Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo described the Bureau of Customs’ infuriating directive to go after balikbayan boxes—“nickel-and-diming” it. Barya-barya, in short, reflective of the kind of mentality that seems to be pervasive in this administration to go after the small fish because they can’t (or won’t) go after the big fish.

What a poor excuse from Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina— yes, he of logistics company Air21 from which he claims to have divested his interests—to say that the BOC is after smugglers to rationalize the random opening of padala boxes. Random—meaning it could be anybody’s box—so whatever happened to all that intelligence fund that’s supposed to help them pinpoint those smugglers that they are supposed to be running after? Sure, the Customs bureau may have the mandate to open the boxes and inspect the contents, but the problem is that the government agency has a very big credibility and integrity problem, so much so that people are now calling it the “Bureau of Custong.”

Who hasn’t’ heard these exasperating stories about missing items from the balikbayan boxes? They may “just” be chocolates, a pair of shoes, bars of Ivory or Irish spring soap or maybe some cans of Spam, but every item inside that box represents the sweat and tears and sacrifice of overseas Filipino workers who deprive themselves just so they have something to send to their families here. At least Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz seems to understand what that balikbayan box means to Filipinos, and how it has become part of our culture and tradition to send (or receive) the box of padalas. Just the effort of saving up for the items, painstakingly wrapping and labeling each one to make sure it goes to the intended recipient, carefully packing them in – the box and everything in it represents the love, the sacrifice, the goodwill and the desire to share what little these OFWs have. Baldoz is right, why would Filipinos put their families at risk by sending smuggled or contraband items through the balikbayan box?

But it’s not only the opening of boxes that are making people furious, but also the plan to tax those with values exceeding $500. Can’t blame people if they see this as another “fundraising” scheme of the administration—with the Christmas season just round the corner (‘ber months are coming), there will be an influx of balikbayan boxes so imagine the windfall from the added taxes. (“What, the P450 charged for still non-existent new plates for old vehicles not enough?” one of our sourpuss buddies quipped.) Which reminds us, wasn’t that the reason why John “Sunny” Sevilla resigned as Customs chief —because he refused to take part in the fundraising scheme reportedly of the Liberal Party though the BOC? Even with the reactive directive of President BS Aquino for the Department of Finance and the BoC to stop the random and arbitrary physical inspection of the boxes, this balikbayan box fiasco could potentially backfire on this administration with OFWs and their relatives getting ready for payback time in May 2016. Just imagine, there are about 12 million OFWs and even if not everyone will be able to take advantage of absentee voting, they have immediate family members and relatives scattered all over the country who have the voting power.

As noted by John Bertiz, president of a coalition of overseas Filipino workers groups and advocates (whose members include the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch, the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards Inc., Patnubay Group, LBS Recruitment Solutions Inc., the Global Asia Alliance Consultants Inc., United Filipino Seafarers, Filipino Migrant Workers, OFW Family Partylist, Center for Migrants Advocacy, Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino Inc., Kapisanan ng mga Kamag-anak ng Migranteng Manggagawang Pilipino Inc. and Federation of Associations of Manpower Exporters), “Our OFWs are not looking for special treatment. All they ask is for the government to treat them with respect and dignity. The BOC balikbayan box fiasco shows that our public officials also have much to learn from and about our OFWs.” This latest debacle clearly demonstrates once again how clueless and how disconnected this administration is from the sentiments, the plight and the situation of ordinary Filipinos. Traffic is not fatal, riding the MRT is a matter of choice and we’re still alive, so what the heck are we complaining about, right?

Rep. Romulo says “it is embarrassing for government to resort to a nickel-and-dime operation targeting our OFWs, ostensibly to fight smuggling, when in truth we have countless well-entrenched smugglers—of rice, fuel, sugar, pork, cigarettes, liquor and so on—roaming free.” But why expect any sense of shame from a government that thinks it has a monopoly on the so-called straight path?

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

Cheers!

B5

Semirara, Meralco unit OK supply deal

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SOUTH Luzon Power Generation Corp., a wholly-owned unit of Semirara Mining and Power Corp., signed a power supply agreement with Manila Electric Co.’s local retail electricity supplier.

Semirara disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tuesday South Luzon under the agreement would supply Meralco with a total capacity of 120 megawatts.

The Consunji Group acquired the 600-MW Calaca coal-fired power plant from the government in 2009. The plants have since undergone rehabilitation to ensure reliable delivery of power supply.

South Luzon, the project company, meanwhile, is pursuing the expansion of the Calaca power plant by another 300 MW set for commercial operations this year.

Semirara said the supply deal

between Southwest Luzon and the Meralco unit covered a twoyear period from March 26, 2016 to Dec. 25, 2018 and could be extended up to four years.

Meralco, the country’s biggest power distributor, has over five million customers in its franchise area. The bulk of its supply comes from power supply agreements and independent producers.

Semirara is also pursuing another 350-MW expansion in Calaca, Batangas, which is estimated to cost P22 billion and on top of the 300-MW project now under construction.

Semirara chairman and chief executive Isidro Consunji earlier said the company was in talks with a local company for a possible joint venture in the new 350MW coal project.

Consunji said with a more reliable power generation capacity from the existing and newlycompleted plants, Semirara was facing better financial prospects this year.

He earlier said the company’s net income might reach between P9 billion and P10 billion this year.

Consunji said P1 billion will come from the operations of the 300-MW coal plant expansion in Calaca, Batangas.

“We are optimistic about our prospects for 2015 and onwards with the 2x300 MW in full operation and the coming on-stream of our 2x150 MW CFB power plants starting second quarter of 2015,” Consunji said.

Western Union partner. The Western Union Company, a leader in global payment services, signs

an agreement with Producers Savings Bank Corp. to offer Western Union®Money TransferSM services through any of PSBC’s bank branches and locations in the Philippines. The agreement will strengthen provincial access for Western Union services in the rural areas and offer more channels for the underserved population who have limited access to financial institutions. Shown after the signing ceremony are (from left) Steve Peregrino, director for marketing, Western Union; Patricia Riingen, senior vice president for Southeast Asia and Oceania, Western Union; Andres Cornejo, chairman and chief executive of Producers Savings; and Jeffrey Navarro, business development director, Western Union.

MB closes down Bukidnon rural bank

By Julito G. Rada THE Monetary Board, the policymaking body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, placed Bukidnonbased Xavier-Punla Rural Bank Inc. under the custody of Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. on Aug. 20 for unsound financial condition.

The state-run PDIC as receiver took over the bank on the same day.

It became the tenth closed rural bank this year by the board.

“Notice is hereby given that the Monetary Board... decided to prohibit the Xavier-Punla Rural Bank Inc., from doing business in the Philippines and to place its assets and affairs under receivership...,” the board said in a circular.

The bank, based in Sayre High-

way, Poblacion, Pangantukan, Bukidnon, has two branches.

Prior to Xavier-Punla Rural Bank, the Monetary Board closed down nine rural banks also because of unhealthy financial status.

These were Batangas-based Farmers’ Rural Bank Inc., Rural Bank of Taysan (Batangas) Inc., Surigaobased Siargao Bank (A Rural Bank), Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon), Community Rural Bank of Magsaysay (Davao del Sur) Inc.; the Surigao City-based Surigaonon Rural Banking Corp.; Rural Bank of Labrador (Pangasinan); Rural Bank of Magsingal (Ilocos Sur) Inc.; and Alfonso, Cavite-based Community Bank (Rural Bank of Alfonso Inc.).

The Monetary Board in 2014 placed 14 rural banks under the

custody of PDIC. These were Leyte-based Rural Bank of Burauen Inc., Batangasbased Synergy Rural Bank, Cooperative Bank of Tarlac Inc., Bulacanbased Fil-Agro Rural Bank, Rural Bank of Lobo Inc. in Batangas, Rural Bank of Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte, Cavite-based Banco Carmona Inc. ( A Rural Bank), Rural Bank of Oroquieta (Misamis Occidental) Inc., Asian Consumers Bank (A Rural Bank) in Basista, Pangasinan; Gulf Bank (Rural Bank of Lingayen Inc.), Rural Bank of Pres. M.A. Roxas Inc. in Zamboanga del Norte; Rural Bank of Montevista in Davao del Norte, Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes in Isabela, and the Cavite-based Silangan Savings and Loan Bank.

General Conditions of Carriage mean these General Conditions of Carriage.

IATA (International Air Transport Association) means the International Air Transport Association, created in April 1945 in Montreal, the purpose of which is to encourage the development of safe, regular and economical air carriage and to promote air services and study the problems related thereto.

Identification Form means a tag issued by the Carrier for the sole purpose of identifying Checked Baggage and that includes a portion that is affixed to the Baggage (“Baggage Tag’) and another portion that is issued to the Passenger for the identification of said Baggage (“Baggage Check’).

General conditions of carriage for passengers and baggage

Interior Flight or Domestic Flight means any flight for which the Place of Departure and Place of Destination are within the same State, within territorial continuity.

These General Conditions of Carriage are applicable to all flights, or portions of flights, for which the KLM Designator Code appears in the carrier box of your ticket or of the corresponding Coupon as well as those other situations specified in the General Conditions of Carriage.

International Agreements (IIA and MIA) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) mean the inter-carrier agreements on the liability of air carriers, signed on 31 October 1995 in Kuala Lumpur (IIA) and on 3 April 1996 in Montreal (MIA), which are applicable to carriers that have been members of the International Air Transport Association (see IATA) since 1 April 1997, and that are included in the legal scope ofthe international sources of law on carrier liabilityreferred to under points (a) to (d) of the term“Convention” defined below.

You can obtain a copy of the General Conditions of Carriage from KoninklijkeLuchtvaartMaatschappij N.V. (KLM Royal Dutch Airlines) and its Authorised Agents free of charge, they can be viewed at the website www.klm.nl, or they can be sent to you free of charge upon your request.

ARTICLE 1: DEFINITIONS Within these conditions and except as otherwise provided for herein, the following terms are used with the meaning given below: Actual Carrier (or Operating Carrier) means the carrier who actually operates the flight.

Administration Fees means fees charged, where applicable, to the Passenger by the Carrier and/or its Authorised Agent, such as but not limited to in consideration for the modification (“Modification Fees”), reissue (“Reissue Fees”) or refund (“Refund Fees”) of a Ticket. The Passenger shall be informed by the Carrier of the amount of applicable Administration Fees prior to finalisation of their Reservation.

Agreed Stopping Place means a scheduled stop by the Carrier which is located between the Place of Departure and the Place of Destination as shown in the Schedules.

Air Carriage (or Air Travel) means the carriage of a Passenger and their Baggage on an aircraft.

Article means an article of these General Conditions of Carriage.

Authorised Agent means an individual or legal entity that is authorised by the Carrier to represent the Carrier in the sale of Air Carriage tickets for its services or for the services of another Carrier if said agent is so authorized.

Baggage means both Checked Baggage and Unchecked Baggage, unless otherwise specified.

Baggage Allowance means the maximum quantity of Baggage (in terms of number and/or weight and/or dimensions), if any, determined by the Carrier and with which each Passenger may travel whether or not in return for a payment depending on the fare conditions.

Baggage Check means the portion of the Identification Form issued to the Passenger by the Carrier relating to the carriage of Checked Baggage.

Baggage Tag means the portion of Identification Form that is affixed to the Checked Baggage.

Beneficiary means the Passenger or any person who can claim compensation for or on behalf of said Passenger, in accordance with the applicable law.

Cabin Baggage (see Unchecked Baggage) Carrier means KLM and/or any other carrier for which the Designator Code appears on the Ticket, or a Conjunction Ticket.

Chartering means the operation whereby the Carrier having concluded a Contract of Carriage with the Passenger (“Contractual Carrier”) subcontracted to another carrier (“Actual Carrier”) responsibility for performing all or part of the Air Carriage. This also means the operation whereby any other party that has contracted with the Passenger (for example a tour operator) entrusts the Carrier with performing all or part of the Air Carriage in connection with package travel, package holidays and package tours, including under EC directive 90/314.

The “Contractual Carrier” in this respect is the charterer or touroperator who as a principal enters into an agreement for carriage with the Passenger or another person.

Charter Ticket means a ticket, in electronic form or otherwise, issued pursuant to a Charter Contract.

Checked Baggage means Baggage of which the Carrier has taken custody and for which an Identification Form has been issued.

Check-In Deadlines (CID) means the time limit before which Passengers must have carried out their check-in formalities and received their boarding card, and where applicable the Baggage must have been issued at the check in desk in accordance with Article 10.2.

Code Share (see Code Share Flight) Code Share Flight means a flight operated by an Air Carrier that can be either the Carrier with which the Passenger concluded a Contract of Carriage (Contracting Carrier or Contractual Carrier) or another carrier operating the flight (the Actual Carrier) with which the Contracting Carrier has associated its Designator Code.

Conjunction Ticket means a Ticket the issue of which is rendered necessary because of the large number of Coupons for a primary Ticket.

Contingency Plan for lengthy tarmac delays means the contingency plan adopted by the Carrier in the event of a significant delay of the aircraft on the tarmac at an airport located within the U.S. territory, as described by the U.S. Department ofTransportation (DOT).

Contract of Carriage means the declarations and provisions appearing on the Ticket, identified as such and incorporating these General Conditions of Carriage as well as notices to Passengers.

Contracting Carrier or Contractual Carrier means the Carrier with which the Passenger has concluded a Contract of Carriage and for which the Designator Code appears on the Ticket.

Convention means, as applicable: (a) the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules in Warsaw on 12 October 1929; (b) the Hague Protocol of 28 September 1955, which amended the Warsaw Convention; (c) the Guadalajara Supplementary Convention of 18 September 1961. (d) Montreal Protocols 1, 2 and 4 (1975), which amended the Warsaw Convention; (e) a combination of the aforementioned Conventions and Protocols; (f) the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air, signed in Montreal on 28 May 1999.

Coupon means a paper Flight Coupon or an Electronic Coupon, each of which bears the name of the Passenger who is to take the flight identified on the Coupon.

Damage includes death, injury to a Passenger, delay, loss, partial loss, or other of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with Air Carriage or other services performed by the Carrier incidental thereto.

International Flight means, as defined by the Convention, any flight for which the Place of Departure and Place of Destination and, possibly, the Stopover, are located on the territory of at least two States that are parties to the Convention, notwithstanding Agreed Stopping Places or aircraft changes, or within a single State if a Stopover is scheduled in another State regardless of whether said other State is or is not party to the Convention.

Issue Fees (or Ticketing Fees) means fees charged, where applicable, to the Passenger by the Carrier or its Authorised Agent, in consideration for issuing a Ticket. The amount of said fees is determined by the issues of the Ticket (the Carrier of the Authorised Agent), as appropriate). The Issue Fees charged by KLM, if any, are available from the Carrier and on the KLM Website.

Itinerar y and Receipt (see Travel Memo) KLM means the limited liability company Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V., incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, having its statutory seat and registered office in (1182 GP) Amstelveen, the Netherlands at the Amsterdamseweg 55, registered under number 33014286 in the trade register of the chamber of commerce and industry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

KLM website means the website www.klm.com. Package Travel has the same meaning as “Package”as given in Council Directive 90/134/EE of 13 June 1990on package travel, package holidays and package tours.

Passenger means any person, except members of the crew, carried or to be carried and who is in possession of a Ticket.

Passenger Coupon means the portion of the Ticket, issued by the Carrier or in its name, which is identified as such and must be retained by the Passenger.

Passenger with Reduced Mobility means any person whose mobility when using transport is reduced due to any physical disability (sensory or locomotor, permanent or temporary), intellectual disability or impairment, or any other cause of disability, or age, and whose situation needs appropriate attention and the adaptation to his or her particular needs of the service made available to all Passengers.

Pet means a pet, in the cabin or hold, travelling with a Passenger who is either the owner or an individual assuming responsibility on behalf of the owner during the journey.

Place of Departure means the place of departure as shown on the Ticket (for example airport, railway station or such other place of departure shown on the Ticket).

Place of Destination means the place of destination as shown on the Ticket (for example airport, railway station or such other place of destination shown on the Ticket).

Reservation means any request for carriage by aPassenger recorded by the Carrier or its Authorised Agent.

Schedules or Schedule Indicators means the list of departure and arrival times for the flights, as shown in the schedule guides published by the Carrier, or under its authority, and brought to the attention of the public by electronic means.

Schedule Indicators (see Schedules) Special Declaration of Interest means the declaration made by the Passenger when handing over the Baggage to be checked, which specifies a value that is higher than that fixed as a liability limit by the Convention, against payment of a surcharge.

Special Drawing Right (SDR) means a unit of account of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the value of which is periodically defined by the IMF on the basis of the listed prices of several reference currencies.

Stopovers means the points, with the exception of the Place of Departure and Place of Destination, shown on the Ticket or mentioned in the Schedules as stopovers planned on the Passenger’s itinerary.

Taxes means fees, taxes and charges imposed by governments, an airport operator or any other authority as defined in Article 4 below.

Ticket means a document which may be completed by a Baggage Check or an Identification Form for Checked Baggage, or by equivalent means in a dematerialised form, including electronic, that is issued or authorised by the Carrier or its Authorised Agent. The Ticket evidences the Contract of Carriage, includes the Flight Coupons, the Passenger Coupons, notices to passengers and incorporates these General Conditions of Carriage.

Travel Memo (or Itinerary and Receipt) means one or more documents that the Carrier issues to the Passenger, that confirm(s) the issue of an Electronic Ticket that bears his/her name, information on the flight and notices to Passengers.

Unchecked Baggage or “Cabin Baggage” means all Baggage, other than Checked Baggage. This Unchecked Baggage remains in the custody of the Passenger.

ARTICLE 2: SCOPE OF APPLICATION 2.1 General Provisions (a) Except as provided in Article 2.2 and Article 2.4 below, these General Conditions of Carriage apply to all flights, or portions of flights, for which the KLM Designator Code (“KL”) appears on the Ticket or on the corresponding Coupon. (b) These General Conditions of Carriage also apply to free or reduced-fare carriage, except as otherwise provided for in the Contract of Carriage or in any other contractual document that links KLM to the Passenger. (c) All Carriage is subject to the General Conditions of Carriage to the Carriers’ fare regulations in force at the time of the Passenger’s Reservation. (d) These General Conditions of Carriage have been drawn up pursuant to the Montreal Convention of 28 May 1999 and the European law in force. (e) These General Conditions of Carriage are available from KLM and its Authorized Agents and are accessible on the KLM Website.

2.2 Charters and Code Shares (a) Certain flights provided by the Carrier are subject to a Charter or a Code Share Agreement. (b) The Passenger is informed of the identity of the Actual Carrier(s), at the time when the Contract of Carriage is concluded.

Following conclusion of the Contract of Carriage, a Carrier other than the one specified on the Ticket may operate the Air Carriage in question and the Passenger shall be informed of the identity of the Actual Carrier, once it is known. In all cases, the Passenger shall be informed, at the latest during check-in, or in case of a connection without prior check-in, prior to boarding, in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Days means the calendar days that include the seven days of the week, it being understood that in the event of notice being issued, the dispatch day is not included and that, in order to determine the validity of a Ticket, the date of Ticket issue or the flight departure date are not counted.

2.3 The Contingency Plan for lengthy tarmac delays The Contingency Plan for lengthy tarmac delays applicable within the United States is that of the Carrier actually operating the flight (Actual Carrier).

Denied Boarding the refusal of any Passenger to carry on a flight, although the Passenger reported himself prior to boarding according to article 3, paragraph 2 of the EU Regulation 261/2004, without the deny boarding is being based on reasonable grounds that have to do with reasons regarding health, safety or security or inadequate travel documentation.

2.4 Predominance of the Law These General Conditions of Carriage are applicable to the extent that they are not contrary to mandatorily applicable Conventions, Regulation, laws and regulatory requirements or the rules governing public order, in which case, said laws or rules shall prevail. Any invalidation of one or more provisions of these General Conditions of Carriage shall not have any effect on the validity of other provisions, except where the Contract of Carriage could not continue to apply without the provision that has been declared invalid and ineffective.

Designator Code means the code issued by IATA, which identifies each carrier using two or more alphabetical, numerical or alphanumeric characters and that is shown amongst others on the Ticket.

Electronic Coupon means an electronic Flight Coupon or any other document that has the same value, which is stored in digital format in the Carrier’s computerised reservation system.

Electronic Ticket means the Ticket saved by the Carrier or at its request by a computerised Reservation system and that is evidenced by the Travel Memo (also called the Itinerary and Receipt), the electronic Flight Coupon or any other document that has the same value, issued by the Carrier on its name.

Fares means the fares, charges, levies, costs for a journey charged to the Passenger, for a specified reservation class, for given routes, and, where applicable, flights and dates, and the corresponding fare conditions.

Fare Excluding Tax means the Fare charged to the Passenger, excluding Taxes and Issue Fees.

Fare Including Tax means the Net Fare plus Tax. Flight Coupon means the portion of the Ticket identified as being “valid for carriage’ or, for ElectronicTickets, the Electronic Coupon that shows the exact points between which the Passenger must be carried.

Force Majeure means extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided despite all reasonable due care and attention exercised.

ARTICLE 3: TICKETS 3.1 General Provisions (a) Subject to proof of the contrary, the Ticket evidences the existence, the conclusion and the content of the Contract of Carriage between the Carrier and the Passenger whose name is shown on the Ticket. (b) The Carriage service is only provided to the Passengers named on the Ticket. The Carrier reserves the right to check the identity documents of the Passengers. Passengers must therefore be able to provide the Carrier with proof of their identity, as well as the identity of those for whom they are responsible, at any time during their journey. (c) A Ticket may not be transferred, subject to applicable law and regulations in force, in particular relating to Package Travels. If a person other than the Passenger named on the Ticket presents a Ticket for Carriage or refund purposes, and the Carrier, acting in good faith, carries or refunds the person who presents the Ticket and later on it is established that that person is not the Passenger named on the Ticket, the Carrier shall not be required to carry the Passenger or refund the Passenger and the Carrier shall have no obligation or liability whatsoever towards the Passenger. (d) Certain Tickets, which are sold at specific Fares, are partially or totally non–changeable and/or refundable. It is the Passengers responsibility, when making their Reservation, to consult the conditions applicable to the use of the Fare and, where necessary, to take out appropriate insurance to cover the risks associated therewith. (e) As the Ticket is subject to mandatory formal conditions the Ticket shall at all times remain the property of the issuing Carrier. (f) With the exception of Electronic Tickets, Passengers shall only be carried if they are able to present a valid Ticket that contains

the Coupon that corresponds to the flight concerned and all other unused Coupons, as well as the Passenger Coupon. Moreover, a Ticket that is damaged or has been modified by a person other than the Carrier or one of its Authorized Agents shall not be valid for Carriage. For Electronic Tickets, Passengers must provide proof of identity and shall only be carried on a flight if a valid Electronic Ticket has been issued in their name. (g) In the event of loss of or damage to all or part of the Ticket or nonpresentation of a Ticket containing the Passengers Coupon and all the unused Flight Coupons, the Carrier shall replace all or part of said Ticket on the request of the Passenger. This replacement will be in the form of a newly-issued Ticket, provided that when the request is made, the Carrier has evidence that a valid Ticket was issued for the flight(s) concerned. The Carrier that reissues the Ticket shall charge the Passenger Administration Fees for reissuing their Ticket, unless the loss or damage was due to the negligence of the Carrier, or its Authorised Agent.

If no evidence is provided by the Passenger that a valid Ticket was issued for the flights concerned, the Carrier reissuing the Ticket may require the Passenger to pay the Fare Including Tax of the replacement Ticket. This payment will be refunded when the Carrier has proof that the lost or damaged Ticket was not used during its validity period or, if, during said same period, the Passenger finds the original Ticket and submits it to the Carrier, subject to the reasonable Administration Fees as referred to above. (h) It is the Passenger's responsibility to take all measures which are necessary to ensure that the Ticket is not lost or stolen. (i) If a Passenger benefits from a fare reduction or a Fare that is subject to specific conditions, the Passenger must be able, at all times during their journey, to provide the Carrier's officials or agentswith appropriate supporting documents justifying the granting of this specific Fare, and to prove the validity thereof.

Failing this, a fare readjustment, equating to the difference between the Fare including Tax initially paid and the Fare Including Tax that the Passenger should have paid, will be made or the Passenger will not be allowed to board the aircraft.

3.2 Validity Period (a) Unless otherwise provided for on the Ticket or in these General Conditions of Carriage, and except for Fares that affect the validity period of a Ticket, as stated on the Ticket itself, a Ticket is valid for Carriage: • for one year, as from the date of issue thereof, or, • forone year, as from the date of use of the first Coupon, provided that such use occurs within one year of the date on which the Ticket is issued. (b) If a Passenger in possession of a valid Ticket is unable to travel during the validity period of their Ticket solely on the ground that, when the Passenger requests a Reservation on a flight, the Carrier is not in a position to confirm the Reservation requested by the Passenger: • either the validity of said Ticket shall be extended until the first available flight; • or Fare Including Tax for the Ticket will be refunded, under the conditions provided for in Article 14 (Refunds) below; • or the Passenger will accept a corresponding fare readjustment. (c) If, after having started their journey, a Passenger is prevented, for health reasons, from continuing such journey during the validity period of the Ticket, the Carrier will extend the validity of the Ticket until the date on which the Passenger is once again in theposition to travel or, if later, until the date of the first available flight, upon presentation of an appropriate medical certificate stating the health reasons that prevented the Passenger from continuing their journey and provided that these health reasons were not known when the Reservation was made. Said extension shall only start at the point at which the journey was interrupted and shall be valid for Carriage in the class of the Fare initially paid. The validity of the Ticket shall be extended for not more than three months from the date shown on the medical certificate submitted. In the same way and subject to compliance with the conditions of proof specified above, the Carrier may, on request, extend the validity of Tickets of immediate family members who were accompanying the Passenger at the time such health problems caused the Passenger to discontinue their journey. (d) In the event of the death of a Passenger during a journey, the Tickets of the persons who are accompanying the deceased Passenger shall at written request be changed of such Passengers, either by waiving any minimum stay requirements or by extending the validity period of said Tickets. In the event of the death of an immediate family member of a Passenger whose journey has started, the validity of their Tickets and of those of the members of their immediate family travelling with them shall be changed in the same way. Any change mentioned above may only be made after receipt of a valid death certificate.

The extension mentioned above shall only start at the point at which the journey was interrupted and shall be valid for carriage in the class for which the Fare Including Tax has been paid. Any extension may not exceed forty-five (45) days as from the date of death.

3.3 Force Majeure invoked by a Passenger If a Passenger has a Ticket, as described in Article 3.1 (d) above, which they have not used in whole or in part for reasons of Force Majeure, the Carrier shall provide the Passenger with a credit voucher corresponding to the Fare Including Tax of their non-refundable and/or non-changeable Ticket which is valid for one year, to be used for a subsequent journey on the Carrier’s flights and subject to the applicable Administration Fees, provided that the Passenger informs the Carrier as soon as possible and in any event prior to the date of the flight of such reasons of Force Majeure and provides proof thereof.

3.4 Flight Coupon Order of Use (a) The Fare Including Tax applied on the Ticket issue date is only valid for a Ticket used fully and in the sequential order of Flight Coupons, for the specified journey and on the specified dates.

Any non-compliant use will result in a recalculation of the Fare under the conditions defined below. (b) The Fare, established on the basis of the details, flight dates and routes mentioned on the Ticket, corresponds to a Place of Departure and a Place of Destination, via a Stopover scheduled when the Ticket was purchased and forms integral part of the Contract of Carriage. Any changes herein may lead to changes in the Fare Including Tax. (c) A change of the Place of Departure or a Place of Arrival for the journey by the Passenger (for example, if the Passenger does not use the first Coupon or does not use all the Coupons or if the Coupons are not used in their issue order) will result in a change in the Fare Including Tax initially paid by the Passenger. Many Fares IncludingTax are only valid on the date and for the flights specified on the Ticket. In the event of a change as outlined above,the Fare will be recalculated and the Passenger may, as a consequence of the recalculation, be required to pay an additional Fare [or to be entitled to a refund, as the case may be] equating to the difference between the Fare Including Tax initially paid and the Fare Including Tax that the Passenger should have paid when the Ticket was issued for the journey actually made by the Passenger. In addition, in the event of a change as outlined above, Administration Fees will be applied, where applicable.

When that is the case, the Passenger will be informed thereof when such a change is requested. (d) If the Passenger does not use all their Flight Coupons and prematurely interrupts their journey, the Passenger will be required to pay a fixed amount, in order to be able to retrieve their Checked Baggage.

3.5 Changes Requested by a Passenger Changes that the Passenger wishes to make are subject to the fare conditions attached to their Fare and to payment of the applicable Administration Fees.

3.6 Identification of the Carrier Carrier’s identification may be shown as an abbreviation on the Ticket using its Designator Code (as defined in Article 1). The Carrier’s address is deemed to be that of any one of its registered offices or principal place of business.

ARTICLE 4: FARES, FEES, TAXES AND CHARGES 4.1 Fares Except as otherwise provided for, Fares for Tickets apply solely to Carriagefrom the airport at the Place ofDeparture to the airport at Place of Destination. Fares do not include ground carriage between airports or between airports and town terminals. The Fare shall be calculated in accordance with the Fares in force on the Ticket Reservation date, for a journey scheduled on the dates and for the itinerary shown on said Ticket. Any change in itinerary or journey date may have an impact on the applicable Fare.

The applicable Fares are those published by the Carrier or calculated thereby, in accordance with the fare conditions in force for the stated flight(s) from the Place of Departure to the Place of Destination, for the relevant class of carriage, on the Ticket Reservation date. When making a Reservation the Passenger shall be informed of the Fare Including Tax for the Ticket and the Issue Fees as well as the overall Fare of the Ticket (comprising the Fare Including Tax and the Issue Fees.

4.2 Fees, Taxes and Charges All fees, taxes, or charges imposed by governments, by any other authorities or by the airport operator shall be paid by the Passenger.

To the extent possible when making a Reservation for their Ticket, Passengers will be informed of said fees, taxes, or charges, which will be charged in addition to the Fare Excluding Tax and which, in most cases, will be shown separately on the Ticket. These fees, taxes, and charges may be created or increased by a government, another authority, or by an airport operator, after the Ticket Reservation date.

In this case, the Passenger must pay the corresponding amount.

Inversely, if the fees, taxes, and charges are reduced or abolished, the Passenger may be refunded for the reduced or abolished amounts.

4.3 Issue Fees charged by the Carrier The Passenger may be charged Issue Fees in consideration for issuing a Ticket. Issue Fees differdepending on the type of journey, the Fare and the Ticket distribution channel. These Issue Fees are added to the Fare Including Tax. The Issue Fees charged by the Carrier, where applicable, are non-refundable, except where a Ticket is canceled due to an error on the part of the Carrier.

The Passenger shall be informed of the amount of Issue Fees that will be charged by the Carrier prior to finalization of their Reservation.

The Issue Fees charged by KLM, if any, is available from the Carrier and on the KLM Website.

4.4. Payment Currency The Fares Excluding Tax, Taxes, Issue Fees and Administration Fees are payable in the currency of the country where the Ticket was purchased, unless another currency is specified by the Carrier or its Authorised Agent when the Ticket is purchased or beforehand (for example, due to local currency not being convertible).

Moreover, the Carrier may, at its discretion, accept payments in another currency.

ARTICLE 5: RESERVATIONS 5.1 General Provisions Reservations will only be confirmed when they are recorded in the Carrier’s computerized reservation system. On the request of the Passenger, the Carrier shall provide a Reservation confirmation.

5.2 Reservation Requirements Certain Fares are subject to conditions that limit or exclude the possibility of modifying or cancelling Reservations. If a Passenger has not paid all amounts due for the Ticket before the specified ticketing timelimit indicated by the Carrier or its Authorised Agent, the Carrier shall be entitled to cancel the Reservation without notice and to allocate the seat to another Passenger, without having any further obligation towards the relevant Passenger who had not paid and with any liability on the part of the Carrier.

5.3 Seat Allocation The Carrier shall make reasonable efforts to meet seat allocation requests but cannot guarantee the allocation of a given seat, even if the Reservation is confirmed for said seat. The Carrier reserves the right to change the seat allocation at any time, including after boarding, for operating, security or safety reasons, or for reasons of Force Majeure.

5.4 Service on board The Carrier shall make reasonable efforts to meet Passengers’ requirements regarding the services provided on board the aircraft, in particular drinks, special meals, films, seats etc. However, the Carrier may not be held liable if imperatives relating to operating, safety and security or reasons beyond the control of the Carrier do not allow it to provide suitable services, even if such services are confirmed at the time of Reservation.

5.5 Aircraft type The type of aircraft indicated to the Passenger at the time of Ticket Reservation or subsequently is given for their information purposes only. Imperatives related to safety and security, reasons beyond the control of the Carrier or operating constraints may lead the Carrier to modify the type of aircraft without any liability on its part.

ARTICLE 6: PERSONAL DATA 6.1 Passengers shall provide the Carrier, or its Authorised Agent, with their personal information for the purpose of making a Reservation, obtaining complementary services, facilitating immigration formalities and entering the territory of a State. The personal information disclosed to the Carrier in connection with the conclusion and execution of the Contract of Carriage may be subject to data processing. All personal information is collected and processed in accordance with the Dutch Personal Data Protection Act (Wet Bescherming Persoonsgegevens), based on EU Directive 95/46/EC. 6.2 Information provided by the Passengers is primarily used for the purposes of (i) Reservation and purchase of their Ticket, (ii) provision of specific services in associated with the transportation service, (iii) canvassing, retention, guidance and commercial information, and (iv) performance of statistical studies. It may also be used for the purpose of facilitating the completion of administrative formalities relating to immigration and entering a territory, preventing nonpayment and combating fraud, as well as guaranteeing the security and safety of flights.

6.3 Passengers are advised that any incident occurred during the execution of the Contract of Carriage which could possibly jeopardise the safety or security of a flight will be registered in a computerised system and may be disclosed to the appropriate Government Authorities.

Passengers are informed and accept that the provision of certain specific ancillary services like special meals and/or medical assistance may require the Carrier to record in its data base data that is likely to fall in article16 of the Dutch Personal Data Protection Act. This data is only used for the specific additional services requested by the Passenger.

6.4 The data collected may be made accessible to authorised staff of the Carrier, or its partners (Authorised Agents, Carriers as defined in Article 1 above, etc.) or of its ancillary service providers, as part of the fulfillment of the requested services referred to above.

6.5 In accordance with applicable laws and regulations both in the Netherlands and internationally, the Carrier is also occasionally obliged to make personal data available to authorised Dutch or foreign authorities (e.g. customs, police, immigration, etc.), in particular for the purpose of preventing and combating terrorism or other crimes.

It is stipulated that some of the recipients mentioned above may be based outside the European Union and have access to some or all personal data collected by the Carrier (surname, first name, passport number, travel details, etc.), for the performance of the Passenger’s Contract of Carriage or due to a specific legal authorisation. Data transfers conducted outside the European Union are carried out in accordance with the conditions defined in the Dutch Personal Data Protection Act. 6.6 Under the Dutch Personal Data Protection Act, Passengers have rights to access, correct, remove or object to data collected relating to themselves. These rights are to be exercised by sending a letter to the following address: KLM Privacy Office – AMSPI, P.O. Box 7700, 1117ZL Schiphol, theNetherlands.

6.7 Subject to the regulations in force, the Carrier reserves the right to use Passengers data under theconditions and for the purposes specified in this Article. More information regarding the processing of personal data by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines can be found in the Privacy policy on www.klm.com.

6.8 Unless Passengers object either at the time at which their data is gathered or by writing to the aforementioned address, the Carrier reserves the right to use the Passenger’s data or to pass it on to its partners in order to be able to send the Passenger appropriate commercial offers.

6.9 Where required by law (electronic marketing), a Passenger’s data shall not be used for marketing purposes by the Carrier or its partners unless this Passenger has given their approval for such use when providing their personal data. The Passenger may, subsequently, object to its data being used for such purposes by sending a letter to the address mentioned in Article 6.6.

6.10 It is stipulated that the collection of certain personal data is essential to make the Reservation possible and to fulfill the Contract of Carriage. Passengers can exercise their right to object to the collection and processing of their data, but shall be informed that this may result in cancellation of the flight or inability to receive some of the specific requested ancillary services (e.g. special meals, etc.).

It is also specified that, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations in the Netherlands and internationally, the lack of some personal information or the inaccuracy of the supplied information may lead to a decision to deny boarding or entry into a foreign territory. This without the Carrier incurring any liability as a result.

ARTICLE 7: SPECIAL ASSISTANCE 7.1 The carriage of unaccompanied children, Passengers with Reduced Mobility, and persons with illnesses or any otherpersons who require special assistance, may be subject to special conditions.

In certain situations the carriage shall only be performed subject to the Carrier’s prior consent. The Carrier reserves the right to require a medical certificate with regard to particular medical conditions.

Acceptance for carriage of pregnant women may be subject to prior arrangement with Carrier. The special conditions relating to the carriage of Passengers as referred to in this Article 7.1 are available from the Carrier and its Authorised Agents on request and on the KLM Website.

It is advisable for Passengers to inform the Carrier of their disability or of any need for special assistance when making their Reservation.

Should a request for special assistance be made following Reservation or in accordance with the applicable regulations, less than 48 hours prior to departure, the Carrier will do everything in its power to fulfill the request pursuant to the applicable regulations, taking particular account of the time frame and the specific nature of the assistance requested. Should the Passenger, when checking in or boarding, require special assistance for which a request has not timely and in accordance with this Article been made, then the Carrier has the right to refuse the Passenger pursuant to Article 9 (o).

7.2 If a Passenger requires a special meal, they must enquire as to the availability thereof when making the Reservation (and/or changing a Reservation) or within the time limits published by the Carrier for this purpose. Otherwise, the Carrier cannot guarantee the presence of said special meal on board the flight concerned.

7.3 If a Passenger has a medical background or a specific medical condition which may be affected by travelling in a pressurized cabin, it is recommended that the Passenger consults a doctor before taking a flight, particularly a long-haul flight, and take all necessary precautions for their flight to take place without incident.

7.4 If the Passenger fails to inform the Carrier of a mental or physical condition, or incapacity within the meaning of Article 7.1, and in connection with that condition the Carrier diverts the aircraft to an unscheduled place of destination, the Carrier is entitled to recover the reasonable costs of the diversion and other related costs from the Passenger, unless in case of Force Majeure on the side of the Passenger.

ARTICLE 8: CHECK-IN/BOARDING 8.1 Check-In Deadlines (CID) varyfrom one airport to another.

Passengers must imperatively comply with Check-In Deadlines in order to facilitate their journey and avoid their Reservations being cancelled. The Carrier or its Authorised Agent shall provide Passengers with all requisite information on the Check-In Deadline for their first flight with the Carrier. If the Passenger’s journey includes subsequent flights, it is the Passenger’s responsibility to check they are in possession of all the information relating to Checkin Deadlines for these flights.

8.2 Passengers must arrive sufficiently in advance of the flight in order to be able to carry out all necessary formalities for their journey; in any event, they must comply with the Check-In Deadline.

Should the Passenger fail to do so or should the Passenger not present all the documents allowing them to be checked-in and therefore be unable to travel, the Carrier may cancel Passenger’s Reservation and seat reserved for such Passenger, without having any further obligation towards the relevant Passenger and without any liability on the part of the Carrier.

8.3 Passengers must be present at the boarding gate prior to the boarding time specified at check-in. The Carrier shall be entitled to cancel a Passenger’s Reservation and seat reserved for such Passenger if the Passenger is not present at the boarding gate at the latest by the boarding time specified to the Passenger, without having any further obligation towards the relevant Passenger and without any liability on the part of the Carrier.

8.4 The Carrier shall have no obligation (including, without limitation, no obligation to carry or pay a refund) or liability whatsoever towards a Passenger who has not complied with the conditions of this Article.

ARTICLE 9: REFUSAL AND LIMITATION ON CARRIAGE

The Carrier may refuse to transport Passengers and their Baggage, if one or more of the following cases has occurred or is likely to occur: (a) Carrier in its reasonable discretion determines that such action is necessary in order to comply with any applicable laws, regulations or orders of any state or country to be flown from, into or over. (b) The Passenger has expressed himself in such a way or displayed such behaviour that (i) doubt exists with respect to safety and/or (ii) the Carrier, its crew and/or ground staff, its aircraft/assets and/or property, its services (including any loyaltyprogram of the Carrier) or its Passengers has suffered any damage, either direct or indirect. Such expression or behaviour includes the use of threatening, abusive or insulting language towards ground staff or crew and Passengers threatening to endanger or who have already endangered the safety of one or more persons, goods or the aircraft itself (which includes those who make a hoax bomb threat. (c) The Passenger's physical or mental state, including any condition caused by the consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs or medication, could present discomfort, a hazard or risk to themselves, the other Passengers, the crew or property. (d) The Passenger is, or appears to be in the unlawful possession of drugs. (e) The Passenger has compromised security, order and/or discipline when checking in for the flight or, for connecting flights, during a previous flight and the Carrier has reason to believe that such conduct may be repeated. (f) Immigration and/or customs authorities and/or any other government authority informed the Carrier (either orally or in writing) that the Passenger is not allowed to travel and/or the Carrier has notified the Passenger (either orally or in writing) that the Carrier will not carry the Passenger on his flights, for a certain period or forever. This includes situations in which the Carrier has received a negative travel advice regarding the Passenger from such authority, for example in cases where the Passenger is suspected of (intent to) drug smuggling and situations where the authorities have notified the Passenger in writing that the Carrier shall no longer carry the Passenger on its flights. (g) The Carrier itself has decided in its sole discretion, not to carry the Passenger on its flights for a certainperiod due to the Passenger's (criminal) misbehavior against the Carrier, its crew and/or ground staff, its aircraft/ assets and/ or property, its services (including any loyalty program of the Carrier) or its Passengers, and has informed the Passenger thereof either orally or in writing. (h) The Passenger has refused to undergo the security as outlined in particular in Articles 10.1.3 and 18.6 below or has refused to provide proof of his identity. (i) The Passenger is not in a position to prove that they are the person referred to in the box "Passenger name" box on the Ticket. (j) The Passenger (or the person who paid for the Ticket) has not paid the Fare Including Tax in force and/or the applicable Issue Fees and/or Taxes. (k) The Passenger does not appear to be in possession of valid travel documents, may seek or has sought to illegally enter a country through which he may be in transit, or for which he does not have a valid entry document, has destroyed travel documents during the flight, has refused to allow copies thereof to be made and kept by the Carrier, or the Passenger's travel documents have expired, are incomplete in light of the regulations in force, or appear to be fraudulent or otherwise suspicious (for example: identity theft, forgery or counterfeiting of documents). (l) The Ticket presented by the Passenger: • appears to be invalid, or • was acquired unlawfully or purchased from an organisation other than the Carrier or its Authorised Agent, or • has been reported as stolen or lost document, or • has been forged or appears to be counterfeited, fraudulent or otherwise suspicious, orhas a Flight Coupon that has been damaged or modified by someone other than the Carrier or its Authorised Agent. (m) The Passenger refuses to pay an additional fare and/or the Administrative Fees under the conditions specified in Article 3.4 above. (n) The Passenger refuses to pay a surcharge under the conditions specified in Article 10 below. (o) When checking in or boarding, the Passenger requires special assistance that was not requested when the travel Reservation was made, or in accordance with the applicable regulations, at least 48 hours before the announced departure time of the flight, in accordance with Article 7.1.and which the Carrier cannot reasonably provide. (p) The Passenger has not complied with the instructions and regulations relating to security and/or safety. (q) A Passenger benefiting from a fare reduction or a Fare that is subject to specific conditions, is unable to provide the supporting documents required for the allocation of this specific Fare and refuses to pay the Fare readjustment defined in Article 3.1 (i). In cases (i), (k), (l), (m) and (n) above, the Carrier shall be entitled to cancel the Passenger's Ticket. In the cases of (f), (j) and (l) the Carrier has the right to refuse a refund of the Ticket of the Passenger as defined in Article 14.4 (f).

ARTICLE 10: BAGGAGE 10.1 General Provisions 10.1.1 Passenger's Obligations (a) Passengers declare that they are fully aware of the content of all of their Baggage. (b) Passengers undertake not to leave their Baggageunattended from the moment they pack it and not to accept items from another Passenger or from any other person. (c) Passengers undertake not to travel with Baggage entrusted to them by a third party. (d) Passengers are advised not to include perishable or fragile items in their Baggage. If however the Passenger includes such items or objects in their Baggage, they must ensure that that these are properly and securely packed and protected in suitable containers in order not to damage these items and objects as well as Baggage belonging to other Passengers' Baggage or the Carrier's aircraft.

10.1.2 Prohibited Items Passengers shall not include in their Baggage any items for which carriage is prohibited or restricted by the applicable regulations and the law in force in any departure, arrival or transit State or State over which the aircraft flies, including in particular: (a) Items that are liable to endanger the aircraft, the persons or property on board, such as those specified in the Dangerous Goods Regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and in the Carrier's regulations, as applicable (additional information is available upon request from the Carrier); these items include in particular but is not limited to, asbestos, explosives, pressurised gas, oxidising, radioactive or magnetised substances, inflammable substances, toxic or corrosive substances articles, liquids or other substances which are capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety or property when transported by air. (b) Items which in the reasonable opinion of the Carrier are unsuitable for Carriage because of the weight, dimensions, unpleasant odour, configuration orfragile or perishable nature, make them unsuitable for Carriage, in particular in light of the type of aircraft used. Information on these items shall be provided to Passengers, upon request; (c) Firearms and ammunition other than those intended for hunting or sport which, in order to be accepted as cargo or Checked Baggage, must be unloaded and suitably packed and have the safety catch on. The carriage of ammunition is subject to the ICAO and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, as stated in paragraph (a) above; (d) Cutting weapons, stabbing weapons and aerosols that may be used as attack or defense weapons, antique weapons, replica of weapons, swords, knives and other weapons of this type. This type of weapon may not be transported in the cabin under any circumstances. They may nevertheless be contained as cargo or Checked Baggage, subject to acceptance by the Carrier. (e) Live animals, except as provided for in the provisions of Article 10.4.

Furthermore, additional information on prohibited items which may not be carried as Unchecked Baggage, including but not limited to carriage liquids and gels as well as pointed/edged weapons and sharp objects, blunt instruments and lighters, are available from the Carrier and on the KLM Website.

10.1.3 Right of Search For security/safety reasons, and/or on the request of the authorities, the Passenger may be asked to undergo for themselves and/or their Baggage, a search or any type of scan (using X-rays or another technique). If a Passenger is not available, their Baggage may be scanned or searched in their absence, with a view to checking, in particular, whether it contains the items referred to in Article 10.1.2 above. If a Passenger refusesto comply with such requests, the Carrier may deny them and their Baggage carriage. If said scans damage the Baggage and the contents thereof or cause Damage, the Carrier shall not be liable, unless the Damage is caused by the Carrier’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

10.1.4 Right to Refuse Carriage to Carry Baggage (a) The Carrier may, for security and/ or safety reasons, refuse to carry or continue to carry a Passenger’s Baggage if it contains any of the items listed in Article 10.1.2 above or if the Passenger has failed to comply with the obligations of Article 10.1.1(a), (b) and (c). The Carrier has no obligation to take custody of refused Baggage and/or items. (b) The Carrier may, in particular for security, safety, hygiene and/ or operating reasons, refuse to carry any item that is incompatible with Air Carriage because of its dimensions, shape, weight, contents, configuration or nature, or refuse to continue to carry them should they be discovered during a journey. The Carrier has no obligation to take custody of refused Baggage and/or items. (c) The Carrier may refuse to carry Baggage for which the Passenger has refused to pay the surcharge as defined in Article 10.2.2 (b). The Carrier has no obligation to take custody of refused Baggage or items. (d) The Carrier will not agree to carry animals that do not have the documents required by the applicable regulations such as defined in Article 10.4. (e) The Carrier may refuse to carry in the hold Baggage that has not been handed over by the Passenger to the Carrier prior to the Check-in Deadline under the conditions defined in Article 10.2.1 (a).

10.2 Checked Baggage 10.2.1 General Provisions (a) The Passenger must hand over Baggage at the Carrier’s checkin desk or at the self-service drop off point for the purpose of checking in prior to the Check-in Deadline. (b) As soon as Passengers have handed over their Baggage at check-in, under the aforementioned conditions, the Carrier shall take custody thereof and issue Passengers with a Baggage Check, for each item that of Checked Baggage. (c) Passengers must affix their name to their Baggage.

(d)

(e) (f)

(g)

Carrier will try, as much as reasonable possible, to arrange that Checked Baggage is carried on the same aircraft as the Passenger. Amongst others, for operating or security/safety reasons, the Checked Baggage may be carried on another flight.

In this case, the Carrier will deliver the Baggage to the Passenger, unless the applicable regulations require the Passenger to be present for a customs inspection.

Checked Baggage must be able to withstand normal handling and protect its content.

Passengers are advised not to put in their Baggage currency, jewellery, works of art, precious metals, silverware, securities, or other valuables, optical or photographic equipment, computers, electronic and/ or telecommunication equipment or devices, musical instruments, passports and identity documents, keys, business documents, manuscripts or deeds, whether individualized or fungible etc. In this respect, it is specified that in the event of destruction, loss or damage of Checked Baggage, the Carrier will only be liable to the extent defined by the Convention and Article 19 of these General Conditions of Carriage.

Subject to applicable regulations, Passengers are advised not to carry any medication in their Checked Baggage.

10.2.2 Baggage Allowance (a) Where applicable according to fare conditions the Baggage Allowance corresponds to carriage in the hold of a quantity of Baggage per Passenger limited in number and/or weight and/or dimensions, determined on the basis of the destination and the Fare paid and appearing on the Ticket. (b) Passengers may travel with Checked Baggage that exceeds the Baggage Allowance, subject to payment of a surcharge. The conditions relating to this surcharge are available from the Carrier and its Authorised Agents and on the KLM Website. (c) In all cases, the Checked Baggage may not exceed a maximum number per Passenger. Information relating to this maximum number is available from the Carrier and its Authorised Agents and on the KLM Website. (d) Passengers can obtain all relevant information about the applicable Baggage Allowance, if any, from the Carrier or its Authorized Agent and the KLM Website.

10.2.3 Special Declaration of Interest (a) For all Checked Baggage with a value that exceeds the liability limits in the event of destruction, loss, damage or delay, as defined by the Convention, Passengers can either purchase insurance coverage prior to the journey or, when handing over the Baggage to the Carrier, make a Special Declaration of Interest limited to a certain amount. In this case, a surcharge made known upon request, must be paid by the Passenger. Compensation will be paid in accordance with the provisions of Article 19. (b) The Carrier reserves the right to verify the adequacy of the value declared with the value of the Baggage and the contents thereof. (c) All Special Declarations of Interest must be made by the Passenger to the Carrier prior to the Check-in Deadline. The Carrier may refuse any SpecialDeclaration of Interest if a Passenger does not comply with the afore-mentioned time limit. The Carrier also has the option of capping the level of the declarations. The Carrier also reserves the right to prove, in the event of damage, that the amount declared was higher than the Passenger's genuine interest at the time of delivery. (d) Passengers can obtain all the relevant information regarding this Special Declaration of Interest and surcharge specified in Article 10.2.3 above from the Carrier.

10.2.4 Collection and Delivery of Baggage (a) Subject to the provisions of Article 10.2.1 (d), it is the responsibility of Passengers to collect their Checked Baggage as soon as made available to them at the Place of Destination or Stopover.

If a Passenger does not collect Baggage within three months from the Baggage being made available to them, the Carrier may dispose of said Baggage, without being liable to the Passenger in any way. (b) Only the bearer of the Baggage Check is authorised to collect Checked Baggage. (c) If a person claiming Baggage is not in a position to produce the Baggage Check, the Carrier shall only hand over the Baggage to such person on the condition that he/she establishes his/her rights thereto in a satisfactory manner. (d) Receipt of the Baggage by the bearer of the Baggage Check without complaint is prima facie evidence that the same has been delivered in good condition and in accordance with the Contract of Carriage (subject to proof to the contrary by the Passenger). (e) For the collection of Checked Baggage in the event of prematurely interruption of the journey, the provisions under Article 3.4 (d) apply.

10.3 Unchecked Baggage (a) All Tickets allow for carriage in the cabin of a quantity of Unchecked Baggage which is limited by number and/or weight and/or dimension. Should this information not have been specified to the Passenger, a single Unchecked Baggage item will be accepted and Unchecked Baggage must be able to be placed beneath the seat, in front of Passengers or in a locker provided for this purpose. Should the Carrier be required to check Baggage into the hold as a result of a failure on the part of the Passenger to comply with the above conditions, the Passenger may be required, where applicable, to pay a surcharge, as specified in Article 10.2.2 (b).

Certain Baggage which the Passengers wish to take in the cabin, may, for security and/or safety and/or operation or aircraft configuration reasons, at any time prior to the flight departure, be denied cabin access and must be carried as Checked Baggage. (b) The Baggage/items that Passengers do not wish to carry in the hold (such as fragile musical instruments or other items) and that do not comply with the provisions of Article 10.3 (a) above (excess dimensions and/or weight), may only be accepted for cabin carriage if the Carrier has been duly informed thereof by the Passenger prior to check-in and granted authorization. In this case, the carriage of said Baggage may be subject to a charge, in accordance with the Carrier’s fare conditions, which can be obtained from the latter. (c) Passengers are responsible for personal effects and Unchecked Baggage that they take into the cabin. In the event of destruction, theft, loss or damage of personal effects and Unchecked Baggage, the Carrier may only be held liable if wrongdoing on its part, or that of its officials or agents, is proven, said liability being then limited to the amount defined in Article 19 of these General Conditions of Carriage.

10.4 Animals 10.4.1 General Provisions (a) The carriage of animals travelling with Passengers is subject to the Carrier’s prior and explicit acceptance. (b) The number of animals that can be carried is limited per flight and per Passenger. (c) In accordance with the regulations in force, the carriage of certain categories of animals is prohibited. Information relating to these categories is available on request from the Carrier and its Authorised Agent and on the KLM Website. (d) Passengers must be able to provide all valid documents relating to their animal, required by the authorities in the departure, arrival or transit country, including in particular passports, health and vaccination certificates and entry or transit permits. The Carrier will not agree to carry animals that do not have the requisite documents. (e) Depending on the destination, the carriage of animals can be subject to conditions, in particular age, weight, health checks, which the Passenger may obtain from the Carrier. (f) The animal and its container are not included in the Baggage Allowance; the Passenger must pay a surcharge, the conditions of which are available from the Carrier. (g) Guide dogs, service animals, and if applicable their cages, accompanying Passengers with Reduced Mobility will be carried free of charge, in addition to the applicable Baggage Allowance, in accordance with the Carrier’s regulations, which are available on request. (h) In the event of fraud or the absence or invalidity of the required documents or if the container intended for carrying the animal does not comply with the provisions of Article 10.4.3, the Carrier shall notassume any liability for the injury, loss, delay, illness or death of animals carried (in the event that the animal is refused entry into or passage through any country, state or territory), as a result of these failures, unless this is solely caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Carrier. Passengers traveling with animals who fail to comply with the applicable regulations must reimburse the fines, loss, compensation and all costs and damage incurred by Carrier due to such a situation.

The Carrier shall at all times be entitled to set such additional conditions as it deems appropriate in its discretion. (i) Passengers can obtain all the relevant information regarding the carriage of animals and in particular, the surcharge specified in Article 10.4.1 (f) above form the Carrier and its Authorised Agent and on the KLM Website.

10.4.2 Animals travelling in the cabin (a) Pets and their cages will in no event be accepted in the cabin when exceeding a weight fixed by the Carrier. Information relating to the maximum weight is available on request from the Carrier and its Authorised Agent and on the KLM Website. (b) Pets must be placed in container designed for this purpose, which is closed and fully contains the animal and in which the animal is able to stand up, turn around and breathe easily and freely. (c) Passenger undertakes not to remove Pets, even partially from their containers for the entire duration of the flight.

10.4.3 Pets Travelling in the Hold Pets must be placed in a rigid plastic or fibre glass carry cage approved by the IATA (International Air Transport Association).

ARTICLE 11: SCHEDULES 11.1 The flights and flight Schedules listed in the Schedule Indicators are not binding in any way and thus have no contractual value. These are solely intended to inform Passengers of the flights offered by the Carrier. Said Schedule Indicators are not definitive and are liable to be changed after their publication date.

11.2 On the other hand, the flight Schedules printed on the Ticket are deemed, subject to changes for reasons beyond the control of the Carrier, to form an integral part of the Contract of Carriage.

11.3 It the Passenger’s responsibility to provide the Carrier with their contact details so that they can be contacted in the event of a change in the planned flights as they appear on the Ticket.

ARTICLE 12: DELAYS AND CANCELLATION OF FLIGHTS 12.1 The Carrier will take all reasonable measures to avoid delay in carrying the Passenger and their Baggage. In order to prevent a flight cancellation or delay, Carrier may arrange for a flight to be operated on its behalf by an alternative Carrier and/or aircraft and/or other means of transport.

12.2 In the event of a flight cancellation or delay, the Carrier will implement all the provisions of the applicable regulations. Information relating to passenger rights in case of delays and cancellations is available from the Carrier and its Authorised Agents and on the KLM Website.

ARTICLE 13: DENIED BOARDING AND DOWNGRADING

(b)

13.1 In the event the Carrier decides to deny boarding the Passenger, due to overbooking or other reasons, with the result that the Carrier is not in a position to offer a seat to the Passenger, even though the Passenger has a confirmed Reservation, a valid Ticket and has arrived for check-in and boarding in accordance with the required timeframes and conditions, the Carrier shall grant the Passenger the compensation provided for by the relevant applicable regulations, where applicable.

ARTICLE 19: LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE

13.2 In the event that the Passenger is placed in a lower class than that for which the Ticket was purchased, the Carrier will refund the difference in Fares, under the conditions specified by the relevant applicable regulations. Information relating to passenger rights in case of Denied Boarding and downgrading is available from the Carrier and its Authorised Agents and on the KLM Website.

ARTICLE 14: REFUNDS 14.1 The refund of a Ticket, in whole or in part, will take place in accordance with the conditions defined in this Article 14, in accordance with the Ticket’s fare conditions and all circumstances with the relevant applicable regulations.

14.2 A refund, where it is authorized by the Ticket’s fare conditions, will be paid on the basis of Fare Including Tax paid for the Ticket.

14.3. Request for the refund of a Ticket must besubmitted to the issuer of the Ticket (the Carrier or Authorised Agent, as applicable).

14.4 The Carrier shall refuse to grant a refund: (a) For any Ticket, if the request is made after expiry of the Ticket’s validity period. (b) For a Ticket which meets the legislative or regulatory requirement to possess a Ticket that enables the Passenger to leave the country, unless such Passenger provides sufficient proof to establish that they are authorized to reside in said country or that they will leave using another Carrier, or by any other means of carriage. (c) For a Ticket, in case the holder is not admitted by the authorities of the Place of Destination, Agreed Stopping Place or Stopover, and if the Passenger was returned to their boarding point or to any other destination for this reason. (d) For a stolen, forged or counterfeit Ticket. (e) For Passengers who did not comply with the conditions as stated in Article 8. (f) For Passengers that are refused Carriage by the Carrier pursuant to Article 9 (f), (j) and (l).

14.5 Refunds are subject to applicable regulations in the country in which the Ticket was originally purchased and/or to applicable regulations in the country in which the refund must be paid.

ARTICLE 15: CONDUCT ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT 15.1 On board the aircraft, Passengers must not behave in a way that is liable to inconvenience, threaten or endanger one or more persons, property or the aircraft itself. Passengers must not hinder the crewfrom performing their duties and must comply with the crew´s guidance instructions and recommendations in order to ensure the security and safety of the aircraft, the smooth running of the flight and the comfort of the Passengers.

15.2 For security reasons, the Carrier may prohibit or limit the use on board the aircraft of electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, laptop computers, portable recorders, portable radios, electronic games or transmitting devices, as well as all radio-controlled games and walkie-talkies, except for hearing aids and pacemakers.

15.3 Smoking (including conventional cigarettes, electronic- or other artificial forms of smoking) is strictly prohibited on board the aircraft.

15.4 The Carrier may limit or prohibit the consumption of alcohol on board the aircraft. Consumption of any alcoholic beverages carried into the aircraft by Passengers or consumption of any duty free product bought on board the aircraft is prohibited.

15.5 Recording videos and/or taking photographs other than personal videos and photographs is prohibited on board the aircraft.

15.6 If a Passenger fails to comply with the provisions of this Article, the Carrier may take all the necessary appropriate and reasonable measures, pursuant to legislative and regulatory provisions, in order to prevent such behavior from continuing. To this end, the Carrier may use restraining measures, disembark the Passenger, refuse onward carriage of the Passenger at any point and, or report the Passenger to the local authorities.

15.7 If a Passenger does not comply with the provisions of this Article (and with those of Article 9 relating to carriage refusal and limitation) or commits a criminal or reprehensible act on board an aircraft, the Carrier reserves the right to take legal action against said Passenger and claim damages.

15.8 If as a result of Passenger’s behavior, Carrier diverts the aircraft to an unscheduled place of destination, Passenger must pay the Carrier the reasonable costs of such diversion.

ARTICLE 16: PROVISIONS FOR ANCILLARY SERVICES 16.1 If the Carrier, within the scope of the Contract of Carriage and subject to the applicable law, agrees to provide for ancillary services other than carriage by air, or if the Carrier issues a ticket or voucher for carriage or other services, such as, for example, hotel reservations or car hire, the Carrier will only do so as an agent in the name of and for and on behalf of a third party (unless explicitly agreed otherwise) and will not be the Passenger’s counterparty for these services. The carriage or sale conditions that govern the activities of said third parties will be applicable.

16.2 If the Carrier offers a Passenger ground or sea carriage services (train/ bus/ boat etc.), the Carrier is only acting as an agent in the name of and for and on behalf of a third party, even if such carriage is identified under the Designator Code. Different liability systems may apply to said ground or sea carriage. The conditions of carriage and the liability systems are available, upon request, from the party that provides the ground/ sea carriage. The Carrier is not liable forDamage to Passengers and their Baggage during carriage by rail, road or sea.

ARTICLE 17: SUCCESSIVE AIR CARRIERS 17.1 Air Carriage performed by several successive Carriers, under a single Ticket or a Conjunction Ticket, is deemed to constitute a single operation for purposes of determining the application of the Convention to the transportation.

17.2 Where the Carrier has issued the Ticket or is the Carrier designated first on the Ticket or on a Conjunction Ticket issued for successive Carriage, the Carrier shall not be liable for those parts of the journey performed by other carrier(s), except as provided for in paragraph 3 below.

17.3 In the event of the destruction, loss or delay of, or damage to Checked Baggage, Passengers or their beneficiaries can file a claim against the Carrier that performed the carriage during which the destruction, loss, delay or damage occurred. Passengers can also file a claim against the first and last Carrier.

ARTICLE 18: ADMINISTRATIVE FORMALITIES 18.1 General Provisions (a) Passengers are required, under their own responsibility, to procure all the specific documents, visas and permits required for their journey, and where applicable for that of their minor children and/or passengers for who they are responsible and/ or for animals traveling with them, and mustalso comply with all provisions of law (laws, regulations, decisions, requirements and provisions) of the departure, arrival and transit States, as well as with the Carrier's regulations and the instructions relating thereto. (b) The Carrier shall not be liable for the consequences suffered by Passengers in the event of failure to comply with the obligations referred to in Article 18.1 (a).

18.2 Travel Documents (a) Passengers are required to present entry, exit and transit documents, as well as health and other documents required by the applicable regulations (laws, regulations, decisions, requirements and provisions) in the departure, arrival and transit States. Passengers are moreover required to hand over to the Carrier and/or allow the Carrier to make a copy of said documents, if required, or to record information contained therein. (b) The Carrier reserves the right, in accordance with Article 9, to refuse the Carriage if a Passenger fails to comply with the applicable laws and regulations, if the Carrier has doubts as to the validity of the documents presented, or the Passenger does not permit the Carrier to take and retain copies of any documents or otherwise retain data contained in the relevant documents. (c) The Carrier shall not be liable for losses or expenses suffered by Passengers who do not comply with the provisions of this Article.

18.3 Refusal of Entry If a Passenger is refused entry into a territory, they must pay all the charges or fines imposed on the Carrier by the local authorities, as well as the Fare Including Tax for carriage if the Carrier, due to a government order, isrequired to return the Passenger to his/her departure location or elsewhere. The price of the Ticket purchased for carriage to the destination for which entry to the territory was refused shall not be refunded by the Carrier. For reasons of safety and good order the captain and/or the escorting police may hold the relevant travel documents of the Passenger under its custody during the flight to his place of departure or elsewhere.

18.4 Passenger Liability for Fines, Detention Costs, etc.

If the Carrier has to pay or deposit a fine or penalty or incurs expenses of any kind due to the noncompliance, whether voluntary or involuntary, by a Passenger with the law in force in the countries concerned, or due to their failure to present any required document, or the presentation of invalid documents, the Passenger must, at the Carrier’s first request, reimburse the amounts thus paid or consigned and the disbursements incurred. For this purpose, the Carrier may use any amount paid to it for non-performed carriage or any amount belonging to the Passenger that is held by the Carrier.

18.5 Customs Inspections (a) Passengers may be called on to be present at the inspection of their Baggage (delayed, Checked or Unchecked) on the request of customs officers or any other government authority. The Carrier shall not be liable for Damage or losses suffered by Passengers who fail to comply with this provision. (b) Passengers shall indemnify the Carrier if any action, omission or negligence on their part causes Damage to the Carrier, including, without limitation, any failure to comply with the provisions of this Article or to enable the Carrier to inspect their Baggage.

18.6 Security Checks (a) Passengers are required to undergo the security (and safety) checks required by the government or airport authorities, as well as those requested by the Carrier.

The Carrier cannot be held liable for refusing to carry a Passenger, in particular in the event that such refusal is based on the reasonable view that said refusal is warranted by the applicable law, regulations and/or requirements.

19.1 General Provisions The Carrier’s liability shall be determined by the Contractual Carrier’s General Conditions of Carriage, except as otherwise provided for and brought to the Passenger’s attention. If KLM is the Contractual Carrier the following will apply: 19.1.1 Carriage performed under these General Conditions of Carriage is subject to the liability rules laid down by the Montreal Convention of 28 May 1999, and Regulation (EC) No 889/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 May 2002 amending “Council Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 of 9 October 1997 on air carrier liability in the event of accidents, as regards the carriage of passengers and their baggage”.

19.1.2 To the extent that the following provisions do not conflict with the other provisions in these General Conditions of Carriage, and subject to the Convention, the following will apply: (a) The Carrier’s liability is limited to Damage that occurred during Air Carriage for which its Designator Code appears on the Coupon or the Ticket thatcorresponds to the flight. If the Carrier issues a Ticket for a carriage service performed by another Carrier or if the Carrier checks in Baggage on behalf of another Carrier, the Carrier shall only act as an agent in the name and on behalf of said other Carrier. Provisions in respect of liability in case of successive carriage are laid down in Article 17. (b) The Carrier's liability may not exceed the amount of proven direct Damage and the Carrier shall not be liable, in any way, for consequential Damage or any form of non-compensatory Damage. (c) The Carrier is not liable for Damage that results from compliance by the Carrier with any provisions of the law or regulations (laws, regulations, decisions, requirements and provisions) or a failure to comply with said same provisions by the Passenger. (d) The Contract of Carriage, including these General Conditions of Carriage and all the liability exclusions or limitations contained therein, shall apply to and benefit the Carrier's Authorised Agents, the Code Share partners of the Carrier, its officials, its agents, its representatives, servants and the owner of the aircraft used by the Carrier, as well as the said owner's staff, employees and representatives of said owner and agents. The overall amount recoverable from the aforementioned persons may not exceed the amount of the Carrier's liability. (e) If Carrier proves that the Damage was caused or contributed to by the negligence or other wrongful act or omission of the person claiming compensation or whose rights he/she exercises or from whose rights such person derives its right, the Carrier shall be wholly or partially exonerated from its liability to the extent that such negligence or wrongful act or omission caused or contributed to the Damage. This paragraph applies to all the liability provisions in these Conditions of Carriage, including for the sake of clarity Article 19.2.1. (f) Except as expressly otherwise provided for, none of these provisions constitute a waiver of any exclusion or limitation of the liability of the Carrier, the owner whose aircraft is used by the Carrier, their staff, officials, agents or representatives in accordance with the Convention and mandatory and applicable law.

19.2 Provisions Applicable to International and Interior Flights 19.2.1 Bodily Injury (a) Subject to the remainder of this Article 19.2.1 the Carrier is liable for the Damage sustained in the event of the death or bodily injury suffered by a Passenger if caused by an accident that occurred on board the aircraft or in the course of any embarking or disembarking operations as defined by the Montreal Convention. (b) The Carrier shall not be liable for any Damage in the following circumstances: If a Passenger is carried whose age or mental or physical condition involves any hazard or risk to himself, Carrier shall not be liable for personal injuries such as illness, injury, disability or death, or any aggravation of such illness, injury or disability, provided such personal injuries are attributable solely to such condition. (c) For Damages arising under Article 19.2.1 (a) not exceeding 113,100 SDR's for each Passenger, Carrier shall not exclude or limit its liability. However, Carrier shall be entitled to invoke Article 19.2.1 (e). Carrier shall not be liable for Damages under Article 19.2.1 (a) to the extent that they exceed for each Passenger 113,100 SDR's if the Carrier proves that: (1) such Damage was not caused by negligence or any other wrongful act or omission of Carrier or its servants or agents; or (2) such Damage was solely caused by negligenceor other wrongful act or omission of the claimant, the Passenger whose rights are being exercised or from who the rights are being exercised derive or a third party. (d) The Carrier reserves all rights of recourse and subrogation against all third parties. (e) In the event of death or bodily injury resulting from an aircraft accident, as defined by article 28 of the Convention and pursuant to article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 889/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 May 2002 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 of 19 October 1997, the relevant person(s) referred to herein shall benefit from an advance payment to enable him/her to meet his/ her immediate needs, which advance payment shall be in proportion to the material damage suffered. Said advance shall not be less than the equivalent in euros of 16,000 SDR per Passenger in the event of death. Subject to applicable law, said advance shall be paid within 15 days of the identification of the Beneficiary. Pursuant to article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 889/2002 of 13 May 2002 and article 28 of the Montreal Convention of 28 May 1999, the payment of such advance or any early payment shall not constitute any recognition of liability and said amounts may be offset against any amounts which subsequently become due by the Carrier.

Said advance payment shall not be refundable unless the person who received the advance payment was not the person entitled to compensation or when the damage was caused or contributed to by the negligence or other wrongful act or omission of the person claiming compensation, or the person from whom he or she derives his or her rights.

19.2.2 Damage as a result of Delays (a) Solely proven direct Damage that directly results from a delay is compensable, to the exclusion of all consequential Damage or any other form of Damage other than compensatory Damage.

The Passenger must prove the existence of Damage resulting directly from delay. (b) The liability of Carrier in respect of any Damage caused by delay in the carriage by air of Passengers shall be limited to 4,694 SDR’s for each Passenger. (c) The liability of Carrier in respect of any Damage caused by delay in the carriage by air of Baggage shall be limited to 1,131 SDR’s for each Passenger. To this limit Article 19.2.3 (c) shall be applicable. (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraphs (b) and (c) of this Article, Carrier shall not be liable for any Damage occasioned by delay if Carrier proves that it and its servants and agents took all measures that could reasonably be required to avoid the Damage, or that it was impossible for it or them to take such measures.

19.2.3 Damage to Baggage (a) In accordance with article 17 of the Montreal Convention, the Carrier is liable for Damage caused by loss of, or damage to Checked Baggage, upon condition only that the event which caused the loss or damage took place on board the aircraft or during any period during which the Carrier had custody of the Checked Baggage. (b) Exclusions of the Carrier’s liability: • The Carrier shall not be liable for Damage to Baggage where said Damage results from the nature of or an inherent defect, quality or vice of the Baggage. If Baggage or property contained therein cause damage to another person or the Carrier, the Passenger mustcompensate the Carrier for all losses suffered and costs incurred as a result.

• The carrier shall not assume any liability, other than that provided for in subparagraph (c) below for any Damage and/ or loss caused to fragile, perishable or valuable items or items that are not adequately packed. (c) Amount of the Compensable Damage: • The Carrier's liability in the event of destruction or loss of or damage to Baggage shall b limited to 1,131 SDR per Passenger. If a higher value was declared in accordance with Article 10.2.3(a) the Carrier's liability shall be limited to the value declared, unless the Carrier can provide proof that said value is higher than the Passenger's genuine interest at the time of delivery.

• For Unchecked Baggage allowed on board, the Carrier can only be held liable in the event of a proven fault by the Carrier, its servants or agents.

ARTICLE 20: TIME LIMIT ON CLAIMS AND LIABILITY ACTION 20.1 Notification of Claims for Baggage (a) The receipt of Checked Baggage without complaint is prima facie evidence that the Baggage was delivered and accepted in good condition and in accordance with the Contract of Carriage, unless the Passenger provides proof to the contrary. All missing Baggage must be declared to the Carrier as soon as the flight arrives. Any declarations made subsequently will not be taken into account.In the same way, any item noted as missing from Baggage must be declared to the Carrier as soon as possible.

Any late declaration will not be taken into account. (b) In the event of damage, the person entitled to delivery must complain to the Carrier forth with after the discovery of the damage, and, at the latest, within 7 days from the date of receipt in the case of Checked Baggage. In the event of delay, the complaint must be made at the latest within 21 days from the date on which the Baggage has been placed at his/her disposal. Every complaint must be made in writing and given or dispatched within the times aforesaid. If no complaint is made within the times aforesaid, no action shall lie against the Carrier, save in the case of fraud on its part.

20.2 Liability Actions by Passengers All claims and rights to damages shall be extinguished if an action is not brought within a period of two years reckoned from the date of arrival at the destination or from the date on which the aircraft ought to have arrived, or from the date on which the Carriage stopped. The method of calculating that period shall be determined by the law of the Court seized of the case.

20.3 Claims and Actions to be Submitted in Writing ALL THE CLAIMS OR ACTIONS MENTIONED IN ARTICLE 20 MUST BE MADE IN WRITING, WITHIN THE TIME LIMITS SPECIFIED.

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B8 Slowing Singapore to hold snap polls SINGAPORE—Singapore’s parliament was dissolved on Tuesday, clearing the way for a snap election as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong seeks a new mandate from voters worried over immigration and the high cost of living in a slowing economy.

The People’s Action Party, which has ruled for more than 50 years with a mix of strict political controls and rapid economic progress, is widely expected to keep its overwhelming majority in the 89-seat parliament because of a fragmented opposition.

But the party will be under pressure to improve on its worst electoral performance in 2011, when it won 60 percent of votes—its lowest-ever share—despite retaining 80 seats in a block-voting system.

It will be the first election without the prime minister’s hugely influential father, independence leader Lee Kuan Yew, who died in March.

By law a general election must be held within three months of parliament’s dissolution by President Tony Tan. The date for nomination day, when candidates file their papers, is to be announced separately.

The prime minister, who had until January 2017 to hold an election, sought support in a televised address on Sunday.

“This election will be critical.

You will be deciding who’s governing Singapore for the next five years, but much more than that... you will be setting the direction for Singapore for the next fifty years, you will be determining the future for Singapore,” he said.

Singapore celebrated 50 years of independence on August 9 with a massive parade which highlighted its rapid economic development and stability under PAP rule.

All eyes will be on whether the opposition can gain more than the seven seats it currently holds.

A survey by local research firm Blackbox said the government enjoyed a “satisfaction index” of 76.4 percent in July after peaking at 80 percent in April following Lee Kuan Yew’s death, which triggered an outpouring of national grief and patriotism. AFP

cESAr bArrioqUiNTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world Rival Koreas sign deal, avoiding armed clash SEOUL—South Korea switched off loudspeakers blasting propaganda messages into North Korea after the two rivals reached a compromise deal Tuesday and stepped back from the brink of an armed clash.

An affair in Malibu. Kylie Jenner attends Westime Celebrates Kris Jenner’s Haute Living Cover at Nobu Malibu on August 24 in Malibu, California. AFP

The giant banks of speakers, which had lain silent for more than a decade, were drafted back into action two weeks ago after Seoul blamed Pyongyang for the land mine blasts that maimed two patrolling South Korean soldiers.

The South demanded an apology, while the North denied any involvement and threatened to attack the propaganda units as cross-border military tensions soared.

With the situation pushed to the brink of conflict, the two sides secured an agreement Tuesday morning on ending the crisis after more than 40 hours of intense day-night negotiations.

North Korea “expressed regret” for the mine blasts and the South turned off the loudspeakers at midday (0300 GMT) Tuesday.

South Korea’s defense ministry said troops would remain on high alert until it confirmed that the North had stepped down from a “semi-war state” ordered by leader Kim Jong-Un. “Our side stopped the broadcasts, but we are maintaining our alert posture while we monitor the movement of North Korean troops,” a ministry spokesman said.

“It will take time for them to pull back.”

The crisis had seen a rapid escalation in military movements, with South Korean and US fighter jets flying simulated bombing sorties and North Korea reportedly deploying dozens of submarines and doubling artillery units at the border.

The United States, which has close to 30,000 troops permanently stationed in South Korea, welcomed the decision to de-escalate.

“It was a very tense several days,” US State Department spokesman John Kirby told a regular briefing.

“Now we’re going to have to see how it plays out,” Kirby added.

The final wording of the communique fell short of the complete apology South Korea had sought for the mine blasts, and there was no explicit acceptance of responsibility by Pyongyang, which has repeatedly denied any role in the incident. AFP

Top world leaders shun China parade FROM Belarus to Vanuatu, China on Tuesday issued a list of world leaders attending next week’s huge military parade to mark Japan’s defeat in World War II that was notable for its absences.

The display, a show of strength which comes as Beijing takes a more assertive stance regionally, will see 12,000 soldiers and 500 pieces of hardware roll through Tiananmen Square, with almost 200 aircraft flying overhead.

Chinese officials listed 24 heads of state and government as attending, with Russian President Vladimir Putin, South Korea’s Park Geun-Hye and South Africa’s Jacob

Zuma among the most prominent.

UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon will also go.

Notable among the absentees on the list was North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, who has yet to visit Beijing despite China being his country’s key diplomatic protector.

Pyongyang was sending politburo member Choe Ryong-Hae, officials said.

“It is up to foreign countries to decide on who to send,” said Zhang Ming, a deputy foreign minister.

“As the old Chinese saying goes, ‘anyone who comes is our guest’.

We welcome them all.”

Communist China generally shies away from the vast annual demonstrations of military might that were a hallmark of the Soviet Union, normally holding such events once a decade to mark the foundation of the People’s Republic.

It has struggled to attract worldwide interest for the parade as world leaders are wary of the tone of the event, and the risk of lending it legitimacy.

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

Temporary shelter. A young boy holds a stuffed animal near a sign

reading “Open the borders! Now!!” at a park where migrants have found temporary shelter in the Serbian capital Belgrade on August 25.

A record number of refugees streamed into EU member state Hungary from Serbia on August 24, police said. AFP

W E D N E S D AY : A U G U S T 2 6 : 2 0 1 5

C1

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

H OME & L I V ING

LIFE

FIRE UP THE FUN IN COOKING AT HOME and sodium in the food, and do away with preservatives and other foodstuff that do more harm than good.

While kitchen tools require upfront cost, the investment returns quick as cooking is cheaper than dining out or buying pre-made meals.

Case in point: bringing packed lunch to work helps an individual save thousands of pesos in a month. And most importantly, eating homecooked meals binds a family together. Various surveys show – most notable of which is the one by Columbia University’s – that families that

Pyrex glassware fulfill many kitchen needs, from mixing to baking.

C

ooking at home everyday is no easy task. Ask any homemaker who plans, prepares and whips up meals, not just for one, but for a whole family – seven days a week, two to three times a day.

Feeding your loved ones with food that’s not just cooked in a microwave or boiled in water, served straight out of a pack or handed over by a delivery guy, is a goal mothers (or fathers) aspire to achieve every single day. But we’re not living in a perfect world. In reality, the mere act of planning and preparation make this chore quite a challenge, or at times, almost impossible.

Cooking is exhausting, and not just cooking: when the planning, the preparation, and the actual making of food including cleaning up are taken into account, many domestic divas, especially those who work or have several responsibilities, find it hard to squeeze this task into their schedule. For instance, the study by North Carolina State University reveals that low-income and middleclass mothers who often have erratic work schedules are

overwhelmed by the task of cooking, making it impossible to have regular set meals for the household.

The lack of kitchen equipment and ingredients also hinders many from creating dishes that are nutritious and delicious, or even create anything to begin with. If, according to the study, financially challenged households can’t afford “basic kitchen tools like sharp knives, cutting boards, pots and pans,” what more for many other complex items?

Then there’s the problem of picky eaters. When you have fussy children and a spouse who won’t eat what is served before them, food wastage happens. Never mind cooking.

However, cooking is not without its benefits, and these often trump the challenges; a nudge to moms and dads to continue the tradition of homecooked meals, so to speak.

First, cooking food versus buying it outside or preparing something that is packaged or processed is healthier. Studies reveal that eating out makes an individual consume at least 50 percent more calories than if he dines at home. Cooking also lets you control the sugar

Cooking becomes fun and easy when you have the right tools.

always dine together have lesser problems concerning teen members who smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs.

Kids, on the other hand, perform better in school and are generally happier.

One of the many kitchen brands that help homemakers fire up the fun in the kitchen is Pyrex.

Pyrex is made of pure, natural and non-porous glass that does not retain previous food particles, stains and odors, thus preventing bacterial growth and helping ensure that the food you serve is healthy.

Its non-reactive material does not react with acidic food ingredients, preventing metal residue or toxins from leaching into the dish.

It’s also a smart investment as the products are durable and long lasting, so much so that they can be handed down from one generation to another. Pyrex is ideal for the microwave, freezer and oven, and does not go out of shape compared to traditional metal bakeware and plastic storage items.

Using multiple items is a thing of the past with Pyrex, hence less dishes to

wash. The products come in convenient designs that suit food preparation, baking, cooking, reheating, storing and transporting. The stylish designs also let you serve straight from the oven to the table.

Pyrex is exclusively distributed in the Philippines

by Raffles and Company, Inc. It is available at leading department stores and via authorized dealers and independent distributors nationwide. For details, call (02) 687 5467 or email marketing@raffles.com.ph

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Breast milk may be best best for babies, but when and where should moms give it to their children?

THE GIST

BY ED BIADO

TO BREASTFEED OR NOT TO BREASTFEED IN PUBLIC

E

arlier this month, organizations, mothers and advocates celebrated World Breastfeeding Week. According to the World Health Organization, this is to “encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.”

But a lot of nursing moms don’t breastfeed their babies enough because they can’t do so in public either because of shame or fear of being called out, judged or sexualized.

Breastfeeding in public may or may not be a common thing, depending on where you are. In polite society, it is generally frowned upon because exposed breasts are deemed improper. Some may even say it’s indecent and obscene.

The debate around breastfeeding in public has been so intense lately, partly because of social media, which amplifies each side of the argument. On the one side, moms are asserting their right to feed their babies the natural way when they need to, whether or not the act makes others uncomfortable.

On the other side, critics are saying that there’s a time and place for everything – and a restaurant table is (presumably) not the right place to bring out your boobs.

A survey conducted by the United Kingdom’s Slater and Gordon corroborates this struggle. Among the study’s 800 respondents, all of whom are breastfeeding mothers, 63 percent felt uncomfortable

breastfeeding in public, 14 percent only breastfed their child at home and 20 percent were told to stop breastfeeding in public.

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action hopes for this to change, especially since it promotes discrimination in the workplace.

In its 2015 manifesto, the alliance calls for: • Concerted global action to support women to combine breastfeeding and work, whether in the formal sector, nonformal sector, or at home.

• Ratification and implementation of maternity protection laws and regulations by governments, in line with the ILO Maternity Protection Convention.

• Inclusion of breastfeeding target indicators in the Development Goals.

Sustainable

In the Philippines, this isn’t such a huge issue.

Breastfeeding in public is generally accepted as a normal part of maternity, although it is not as common in business and commercial districts, which are decidedly more westernized, as it is in urban inner streets and rural areas.

However, this debate is far from over. Breast milk may be best for babies, as many an infant formula advertisements say, but is it acceptable in public? Let us know what you think.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @EdBiado

Cagayan LGU, church and private sector hold feeding program for children

S Lazada Philippines reaches out through Bantay Bata 163

L

azada, the Philippines’ online shopping and selling site, recently partnered with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata 163 to reach out to children displaced by recent calamities.

Lazada Philippines and Bantay Bata 163 visited a Bantay Bata site in NHA Calauan, Laguna to bring smiles to over 100 kids.

Lazada Philippines employees together with the company’s CEO, Inanc Balci, shared lunch with the kids and spent an afternoon of games and other fun-filled activities. School supplies and educational toys were also distributed, with Lazada Philippines also pledging its support to the cause of helping Filipino children.

Lazada is also giving everyone the opportunity to help the cause by giving away P300 worth of vouchers for a minimum purchase of P3000. These vouchers will be available every month for a week until October 2015. From July 27 - August 27, those who would like to help may purchase by using the voucher code BANTAYBATA exclusively for the Toys, Kids, and Babies category of items. For every voucher used, P50 will be donated to Bantay Bata 163.

For more information, visit www.lazada.com. ph/bantay-bata-163.

ome 120 children in the villages of ParadaBatu and Casagan in the coastal town of Sta. Ana in the northern tip of Cagayan province became the latest beneficiaries of a supplemental feeding program that has been ongoing since 2008.

The program began when the local parish of St. Anthony de Padua, in collaboration with the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) which hosts Sta. Ana Cagayan (about 640 kilometers north of Metro Manila), local officials and the private sector initiated a supplemental feeding program to help reduce hunger and malnutrition among children in the locality. The pilot feeding program conducted in 2008 at Barangay Centro had 128 children beneficiaries

and to date, some 738 chi ldren have benefited from the activity with improved nutritional status.

“Our objective is to improve the health status of malnourished children and to continuously reduce the incidence of malnutrition in the area,” affirmed Grace Ruiz, Community Relations Specialist of CEZA. The i n it i a l feeding program was followed by similar supplemental activities in six other barangays that included Visitacion, Casambalangan, Rapuli, Palawig, Parada-Batu and Casagan. The program is supported by Eastern Hawaii Leisure Company Limited, Odyssey Foundation Inc., United Laboratories Inc. and Just Add Petroleum Corp.

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MILLENNIAL CITIES There is much interest in the demographic that currently makes up a third of our population, as well as URBAN the largest MATTERS consumer

BY KARIMA PALAFOX group in the world. People born between 1980 and 1995 are referred to as the millennials. We are the first age group to grow up with the Internet, and are also the most educated.

There has been a very broad description of who we are. We’re undeservingly labeled as narcissistic and entitled. Because the “me, me, me generation” grew up at a time when we can get information much easier than the older generations, we are considered to be less patient.

Studies about millennials show that we are delaying marriage and parenthood, and are also apparently more conscious of our health.

We’re eating smarter, exercising more, and smoking and drinking less compared to Gen X and the Baby Boomers. We want to make a profound impact on the communities and society, and it is this intention that attracts us to a career that makes a difference.

The millennial generation’s lifestyles and preferences, as well as our creativity and innovation, will be transforming urban areas in the coming decades.

ECO Modern Flats, award-winning green apartments in Arkansas that embody places that attract Gen Y. Photo courtesy of www.ecomodernflats.com

1. URBAN ‘BURBS

If our parents’ ideals were a big house in suburbia, young professionals nowadays aspire for more practical homes in or near the center of the action.

There is an assumption that millennials will always be content with living in their shoebox apartments in the middle of the city, or stay with their parents. What will happen when they start raising a family? This gave rise to the “urban suburbs.” Millennials are gravitating towards traditionally suburban areas that are being transformed with walkable streets and a mix of land uses.

2. ‘18-HOUR CITIES’

Cities such as Denver and Pittsburgh have been attracting millennials because they provide the cultural diversity and amenities of a big city, but have more affordable housing options and greenery than the likes of San Francisco and New York that are busy 24/7.

In the Philippines, there is growing interest in cities like Iloilo, Laoag, Angeles, General Santos, Dumaguete, and Cagayan de Oro. As a city planner, I see this as a driving force toward decentralizing Metro Manila which can solve many of the headaches that arise from living in a megacity.

Z Hostel, creative reuse of a building into the new benchmark for hostels in Manila.

Photo courtesy of Carlo Ocampo of Z Hoste

3. ACCESS, NOT OWNERSHIP

Millennials value very much being accessible to mobility and amenities, but not so much ownership. The US, for example has seen the lowest rate in driver’s license application for Americans 16-24 years old in the last 50 years. With property values soaring in city centers, there is a trend towards condominiums with smaller units but give access to shared amenities such as gardens and gyms. Some even suggest that dining rooms and kitchens may become extinct for millennial housing with developers providing common facilities instead.

4. SHARING ECONOMY

The “sharing economy” has clearly disrupted industries such as transport and hospitality.

There is evidence that car-sharing apps, such as Uber and GrabCar, help lessen car

Felipe Street in Makati is being taken over by people especially with street hangouts like Tambai. Photo courtesy of Tambai PH's Facebook page.

sales. Twelve car share vehicles can decrease the demand for 30-150 cars. It is also the market’s way of correcting excess capacity.

AirBnb earns extra income for owners of properties that would otherwise be vacant, while providing accommodation options for travellers.

5. ACTIVATING OUR STREETS

In the local scene, we’re seeing streets being transformed by millennials. “Backwell” (back of Rockwell, Makati), or the neighborhood surrounding Burgos Street, used to have a totally different character. My guy friends would say that previously, one could not walk there without being offered a massage or a Viagra. Today, however, that area is dotted by establishments such as Tambai, H&J, El Chupacabra, Senor Pollo and Z Hostel that make up the hipster vibe that adds to the diversified excitement of Makati these days. I hope to see some of those streets pedestrianized soon.

6. FACE TIME

Technology has changed the way we interact with each other. It has made it possible for us to have a relationship with someone in another continent, and strengthen friendships through chats and posts. Contrary to popular belief that social media will replace face-toface interactions, millennials actually spend more face time out with friends and work colleagues (but with eyes still glued to their mobile screens). Retail and the food scene will then continue to do well in years to come.

7. REDEFINING THE WORK PLACE

Offices are veering away from cubicles.

There’s a preference for the open plan layout coupled with huddle rooms and communal areas that encourage exchange of ideas.

Corabes apartments in Cebu will give millennials opportunities to live and work in the same building or community.

An employee occupies a space three times smaller than the average 25 years ago.

While there are more young professionals and entrepreneurs that work outside the traditional office, they are still most effective working within a community. We will be seeing more co-working spaces such as Impact Hub, A Space and Acceler8.

8. QUALITY OF LIFE

Flexible work schedules afford people more time to pursue passions outside work. The inner artist/triathlete/yogi comes out to play, not just on weekends or after work, but during the rush hour or midday. This luxury is factored in when choosing the community where to live.

This generation is more conscious about healthy eating (my parents never heard of quinoa, kale or gluten before); being fit and active. We’re smoking and drinking less (thanks in part to sin taxes and government warnings).

We care more about where we source our food. Tracing farm to plate never mattered a great deal to most pre-millennials. Quality of life amenities like parks and open spaces, public art and better air quality are on our list, too.

---------------------------These links were some of my references and are good reads in understanding millennials: www.goldmansachs.com/our-thinking/ pages/millennials/, www.uli.org/wpcontent/uploads/ULI-Documents/GenY-and-Housing.pdf, www.nation.time. com/millennials, www.adweek.com/news/ advertising-branding/are-these-12-typesmillennials-160688 Follow me on Instagram @karmipalafox

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Designery

@LIFEatStandard

La Europa reception area

THE NEXT DESIGN GENERATION When I traveled to China years ago for a business trip, I frequented buildings CALEIDOSCOPE showcasing all k inds WORLD of luxur y

BY CAL TAVERA furniture, tiles and other home furnishings. I spent the time visiting factories and more design showrooms. It was just so massive that the short period of time I stayed was not enough to cover a fraction of what the country had to offer and I returned, wishing we had something similar to offer our clients.

This was how the Robins Design Center concept came along. On a fortuitous trip to Thailand for a family member’s wedding, the Robins family chanced upon Crystal Design Center, a compound that promises a lifestyle shopping experience for home decoration, exquisite furniture and other architectural finds. They thought it was a good idea to bring back to the Philippines and soon after, the Robins Design Center was developed on a 2400-square meter land in Ortigas. Roxanne Robins, a director of the company, shares, “When we saw that the property in Meralco Avenue was for lease, we seized the opportunity to do a lateral expansion of our family business which was real estate. We thought it was ideal to build in the center of things where it would be accessible for our clients coming from the South and North. After acquiring the lot, we worked with Architect Avery Go and everything else just fell into place.”

Construction commenced July 2014 and the center was launched recently, July 29 of this year, with a list of curated tenants of Interior Designers and brands. Roxanne admits, “We want to offer something special to our clients so we are particular with our tenants. The stores here offer premium items and services exclusive to the Robins Design Center. For example, for our brand La Europa Ceramica, there are specific tile collections that can only be discovered here. On the second floor, customers can purchase 1.5m x 3m tiles, products we do not display in other stores.” La Europa Cermica Tile Center commands the biggest space, offering both European and China floor and wall tiles.

Designery

Design S

Boardroom

La Maison Deco

They have Designery by Primer Group of companies occupying the corner space of one of their wings. This store is a full-print service provider that works on different materials like corkwood, tiles and wallpaper. They also house Harver Hill, a store I featured for their art deco pieces. For furniture, the company makes sure each store is unique to provide variety for the customer.

While Harver Hill’s designs are more glamorous, De Adorno will display furniture inspired by Juan Carlos Soliman’s love for Mid-century and Scandinavian design and Miguel Carlos Aguas’ metal and glass collections. Fornasetti accessories were also brought in by interior designer and owner Rock Robins for his store, La Maison Décor.

This Italian brand displayed in prestigious names like Barneys New York and L’Eclaireur

Harver Hill

Kolor Up

Paris is now ready for collectors in Manila.

The store also offers decorative light fixtures and area rugs. Olympus Home Studio and Robinsons Bank are found in the center as well.

Aside from retail, the center also has a studio wing which is composed of two interior design offices. Homeowners can seek consultation from Design S Co, owned by Interior Designer Stephanie Yan, or Ergo Studio, a company that was founded and spearheaded by Interior Designer Charlyn Nivera-Parpan. There is an events and production house called Kolor Up Entertainment Company and a co-habitual space by Boardroom. Here, you can lease a table or room for your clients and colleagues while being surrounded by furniture from A. Garcia Crafts, outdoor

Ergo Studio

furniture designed by Alex Garcia who is a regular sight at Manila Fame.

Roxanne shares, ”Our parents have been in the real estate industry for the last 25 years but they want to retire soon. We are slowly taking over with new ideas. Most of my other siblings are handling similar businesses.” Even in its early stages, Roxanne confided that if the concept goes well, they will consider expansion in the next two or three years. With innovative, fresh ideas like these, soon, we no longer need to go abroad for sourcing.

Robins Design Center is located at 31 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig. For more information contact them at (02) 6965952.

Photos courtesy of Love Ocampo Follow me on Instagram @cal_tavera

W EDNES DAY : AUGUST 26 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Sebadtian De Souza

Alfie Allen

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Emma Rigby

Will Poulter

Ed Speelers

Hustle. Heist. Repeat.

PLASTIC: FROM REAL TO REEL

H

igh octane from start to finish, Plastic is based on the incredible true story of one of the biggest heists in history.

The film follows the story of four students; Sam (Ed Speleers), Yatesy (Alfie Allen), Rafa (Sebastian De Souza) and Fordy (Will Poulter), who earn a living through committing credit card fraud. They are living the high life and running a very successful enterprise, selling stolen goods for a marked up price and making a profit. But, when you’re stealing credit cards, eventually you’re going to steal from someone you really wish you hadn’t.

When they get into trouble with a terrifying character named Marcel (Thomas Kretschmann) and his two burly henchmen, they are given two weeks to come up with £2 million - or else!

Desperate to pay off their debt with Marcel, they manipulate the beautiful Frankie (Emma Rigby), who works at one of the biggest credit card companies in the world

to help them get to the richest clients. The gang decides to hit Miami, aiming to con five big spenders with millions of dollars. But when that doesn’t happen, they realize they’re going to have to pull off one of the biggest and audacious diamond heists ever in order to break free from the tight grip of Marcel and his dangerous henchmen.

The film is based on real UK Fraudsters from Manchester, who stole £20 million worth of diamonds from jewelers in Beverly Hills back in 1997.

Whilst working on Anuvahood with Terry Stone, producer Dan Toland was introduced to Chris Howard who showed him an early draft of a script he had written called Plastic. He was interested that Plastic was based on a true story and even in its infancy, the script showed real promise. Toland began looking up credit card fraud and realised that it was such a big issue nowadays, almost everyone he’d spoken to had been affected by it at least once in their lives.

They wanted to use the premise of the real story, but change the characters and setting in order to make it more stylish and modern. It wasn’t until the Gilbey brothers, Julian and William, came onto the project that the main characters were changed to younger students to make the film more interesting and relatable.

The look of the film was extremely important to the crew.

They wanted a stylish and sexy feel, but to have an injection of glamour once the story takes the audience to Miami.

As the film is based on a true story, the producers wanted to make sure that they were portraying the crime correctly. Writer and producer Chris Howard went to school

with one of the men from Manchester who was involved in the original (and real) credit card fraud in 1997. It wasn’t until he watched a documentary on the film that he realized that he knew one of the fraudsters. Terry Stone explained that they brought in Chris to oversee how it would work and to iron out any details, in other words to bring authenticity to the story. “ Having the film set in both Miami and England was something everyone agreed on. “What we like about it is that we’ve got the contrast from the cold dark dreary rain-swept England, and then you’ve got the sunny beaches of Miami. So there’s a nice contrast between the two countries. It looks amazing and Peter [Wig-

nall], Julian and William [Gilbey] did a fantastic job.” he says. Stone suggests that the film is Catch Me if You Can meets the Italian Job, but with a British twist.

As Julian Gilbey puts it, Plastic is “an emotive story about five students, who get out of their depth in the shady world of credit card fraud. Toland describes it as hugely entertaining with “Robin Hood themes” running throughout. It’s British filmmaking at its best and features an amazing upand-coming young cast that is set to wow audiences aged from teenagers to adults.

Plastic opens in cinemas today from Solar Pictures.

Link to Trailer: https://youtu.be/ bjxjjNKGDF0

GMa NetwoRk wiNs Gold at loyalty aNd eNGaGeMeNt awaRds 2015

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MA was the only Philippine TV Network to win gold, silver and bronze at the 2015 Loyalty and Engagement Awards, an international marketing competition at Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, Aug.13.

GMA Marketing and Productions, Inc. received the Gold Award in the Best Engagement Strategy for a Female Audience category for the Del Monte Kitchenomics Branded Content and Mobile App. The multi-awarded app makes recipes instantly accessible to viewers of Del Monte Kitchenomics, a five-minute cooking show and established Filipino culinary club which has been providing Filipino

moms with recipes in quick and easy steps for over three decades.

GMA also won a Silver Award in the Best Engagement Strategy by a Media Owner category for its longest-running proof-of-purchase promo Kapuso Milyonaryo. Now spanning seven seasons, the Kapuso Milyonaryo promo has successfully turned Filipinos’ dreams into reality producing 74 lucky Kapuso millionaires to date. Kapuso Milyonaryo also comes with a mobile app that gives users more chances of winning cash prizes. This is the 6th award the campaign has received.

GMA’s Share the Love Station ID won for the Network a Bronze Award in the Best Use of CSR category. This one-of-a-kind station

ID featured veteran broadcaster and GMA Kapuso Foundation EVP and COO Mel C. Tiangco and some of the network’s biggest stars as they gave displaced Yolanda victims in Tacloban an early Christmas gift.

The Loyalty and Engagement Awards is the first of its kind to recognise marketing works in three key areas – loyalty, engagement and relationship marketing. It is open to the whole of Asia Pacific, including South Asia, Southeast Asia and ANZ regions for entries coming from private and public companies, as well as NGOs. The entries came from over 80 client organizations and shortlisted across 26 categories.

The trophies GMA Network won at the Loyalty and Engagement Awards 2015

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ABS-CBN ExhiBitS REStORED CiNEmAtiC jEWELS NiCKiE WANG Four years ago when media giant ABS-CBN realized that there’s a growing demand to restore and archive cinematic treasures, the management initiated a film restoration effort, an advocacy that aimed to create an archive for old films.

Today, the archive housed in ABS-CBN’s ELJ Building is considered as one of the best film archiving facilities in the region. It hosts more than a hundred films that the team behind the film restoration effort has been working on painstakingly for the past four years.

And realizing that archiving and restoration, which are both expensive and meticulously done (each film can cost between P200,000 and P5 million to be repaired), are not enough to preserve these cinematic jewels, ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project, in partnership with Rockwell Cinemas, showcases its digitally restored and re-mastered films via the “REELive the Classics” film exhibition that will run from Aug. 26 to Sept. 1 at Rockwell Cinema 5.

“Our special screenings allow audiences to enjoy the movies as the creators envisioned them. Hopefully this is just the start of more exhibitions,” said Leo Katigbak, head of ABS-CBN Film Archives and Restoration, at a recent media launch.

For the first time, Sarah Ang Munting Prinsesa and Got To Believe will be screened alongside previously restored titles such as Sana Maulit Muli, One More Chance, Oro Plata Mata, T-Bird at Ako, Karnal, Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit, and Tanging Yaman.

Some of the 100 films restored were already screened interna-

tionally at film festivals like Venice, screened locally via red carpet premieres and limited commercial runs, aired on free-to-air and cable television, viewed via payper-view and video-on-demand, distributed on DVD, and downloadable even on iTunes.

“We are exploiting all possible media platform to share these films with all the people who appreciate classic films. It is also our way to educate young generation of moviegoers on the rich cinematic culture that we have,” Katigbak stated.

GiviNG SiLENt OLD fiLmS NEW tWiSt Legendary rock band The Dawn will be part of the International Silent Film Festival’s 9th edition where nine countries are participating for the first time.

Organized by Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes, the Japan Foundation, Manila, the Philippine- Italian Association, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the Embassies of Austria, France, Thailand, and the United States of America, the prestigious film event will be held on Aug. 27 to 30 at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.

The Dawn will accompany Italy’s Gli ultimi giorni di Pompei (The Last Days of Pompeii) from 1913 and directed by Mario Caserini.

Based on Edward George Bulwer-Lytton’s 1834 novel of the same name, the film is set during the final days leading up to the Mount Vesuvius eruption in Pompeii in 79 AD. It is a disaster film, which highlights a dramatic love story set against the backdrop of a doomed city.

“We are fortunate that we’re given the artistic freedom to lay in mood tracks and existing songs of The Dawn rearranged to fit the scenes,” rock icon and The Dawn frontman, Jet Pangan, told The Standard.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 45 46 48 50 51 52 54 58 62 63 65

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Beowulf’s drink 5 Sec’y 9 Kin of argon 14 To boot 15 “Wool” on clay sheep 16 Inner self 17 Skiing mecca 18 Chirp or caw 19 Au pair 20 Fish or turtle 22 Soft leather

24 26 27 30 35 36 37 38 39 42 43

Krishna devotee Lyric poem Verizon rival Unpaved road edge U of U.N. fame Like Beethoven, finally Wrestling style Completely Giant stele Playing-card spot “Keystone” characters

66 67 68 69 70 71

Ogle “Skyfall” singer Museum displays They’re given away Really big tees Beat it!

Marshiest Hot cereal Non-earthling Osaka sashes Unfounded, as rumors Miffed TKO officials Light in a tube New drivers, mostly Facile Lions’ quarry

DOWN 1 Dallas cagers 2 Zest for life 3 — Minor 4 Intelligent mammal 5 Emphasis 6 Pottery fragment 7 Part of RSVP 8 Chalky mineral 9 “Kubla Khan” setting 10 Glossy paints 11 Pedro’s son 12 Old Dodge model

Bloomberg Philippines launched

iPhOtO

Members for the film restoration project

The musician added that music plays an important part in conveying emotions of the characters and hence he and his band mates consider scoring Pompei a big challenge, not to mention that their chosen music must complement the plot and the scenes.

Dubbed as the only one of its kind in Asia, the International Silent Film Festival in Manila will feature the Philippines’ Brides of Sulu with live music from Kjwan and Japan’s series of short silent comedy films, Kokushi Muso (Peerless Patriot), Wasei Kenka Tomodachi (Fighting Friends – Japanese Style), Tokkan Kozo (A Straightforward Boy), and Ishikawa Goemon no Hoji (A Buddhist Mass for Goemon Ishikawa) which will be accompanied by Hidden Nikki.

The festival’s opening film is Austria’s Orlacs Hände (The Hands of Orlac), a 1924 silent horror film based on the fantasy novel of French writer Maurice Renard. Directed by Robert Wiene, the film tells the story of world-famous pianist Paul Orlac, who receives a double hand transplant and later finds out that his new hands belonged to a criminal.

The Orlacs Hände screening on Aug. 27 at the Shang Cineplex will feature a live musical score by The Executives, the Philippines’ oldest Big Band Jazz band founded

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015

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Opposing votes Type of bean Goat feet Of no value Wooden post Summer flower Mr. Nader Wig Fooled “South Pacific” Frenchman Hemp products Bug repellent Utter delight Gold unit Four, squared Changing the headlights Mixtures Overly bold Some buns Toad feature Nadelman or Ducommun “Scrabble” piece Came apart Jeannie portrayer Felipe or Matty Camera’s eye Ms. Arthur of “Maude”

Leo Katigbak heads ABS-CBN Film Archives and Restoration

by the late Senator Raul Manglapus in 1957 Thailand will screen its silent film The Overture on Aug. 29 accompanied by the Royal Thai Navy Traditional Ensemble. Germany’s Berlin, die Sinfonie der Groβstadt (Berlin, Symphony of a Great City) follows Thailand, and will be accompanied by Pierre Oser and the Big Jazz Balloon. Finally, Spain’s Don Juan Tenorio will be shown with the musical performance from The Dingdong Fiel Trio.

Culminating the film festival on Aug. 30 are France’s Paris Qui Dort (The Crazy Ray), accompanied by Ian Lofamia Blues Band, and the USA’s Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans with musical performance from Razorback.

BloomBerg PhiliPPines launChed MediaQuest Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan (center) leads the toast during the grand trade launch of Bloomberg TV Philippines on Aug. 12.

Bloomberg TV Philippines, the first 24-hour business channel in the country, is a joint undertaking between Cignal TV and News5 and global media giant, Bloomberg Television.

Members of the press, industry partners, advertisers as well as the country’s leading business and political leaders join the celebration.

In tphoto are (from left) Shawn Yao, Michael Alimurung, Jean de Castro, Media5 President & COO Jane Basas, Cignal TV COO Oscar A. Reyes Jr., PLDT President and CEO Napoleon Nazareno, Bloomberg Asia Pacific Head of Editorial Jeremy Custance, JP Ong, Rod Nepomuceno, MediaQuest Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, Cignal TV President and CEO Emmanuel C. Lorenzana, MediaQuest Chief Finance Officer Ana Bengson, Regina Lay, Quintin Pastrana and Tony Abad.

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‘TapaTan’ WiTh SuSan RoceS

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hat exactly does “tapat” mean?

This was the question posted by Champion Detergent in a “Tapatan with Ms. Susan Roces” on Aug. 18 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.

Although people define it differently, what holds true across these definitions is that the intent always remains pure and honest – and this transcends both individuals and generations. Just as “tapat” has been relevant before, it remains relevant even today and especially among today’s youth.

And it is this value of katapatan that is shared strongly between Champion Detergent and its longtime brand endorser, Roces.

Roces, who was the perfect speaker for the event, talked about her own views on “katapatan” and how important it is in today’s modern world, especially with the younger generation. And

Susan Roces remains a loyal endorser of Champion

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there was no better person to talk about this topic than the actress who is the undisputed Queen of Philippine Movies, known for always delivering top rate performances and setting the standard upon which young actresses today are measured.

Her new Champion TV commercial, which was also launched on the same day, asked the question, “Ang katapatan, mahalaga pa rin ba sa kabataan?” By the time the 30-seconder TVC ended, we are assured that “katapatan” remains a core value in the Filipino youth. The younger generation still finds it important to be true to one’s self, fight every battle fair and square, and do the best in every job even when nobody’s looking.

We are also assured that “katapatan” remains “uso” and relevant despite the influences of the modern age. In fact, manifestations of “tapat” manage to resurface time

and again among millenials -- in their conversations and in social media. Reaffirming Champion’s belief that “tapat” truly is enduring across generations.

With the tagline, “Tapat po sa inyo,” Champion Detergent hopes to inspire every Filipino to perform every task with honesty and integrity. In the same way that the brand is constantly motivated by its belief in doing the right thing, thereby enabling Filipinas to have cleaner homes and better lives via products with uncompromised quality that they deserve.

Indeed, a Tapatan with the generous and inspirational Susan Roces was a tremendous event that truly upheld Champion Detergent’s principles, further proving what we Filipinos already know about the brand – “Tapat po sa inyo.”

For more information visit the Champion Detergent website at http://championclean.com.ph

‘South PaCifiC in ConCert’ at the nPat

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From left, Jon Meer Vera Perez, Joanna Ampil, director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Ana Andres, and Mark Bautista during the press launch of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific in Concert

esorts World Manila (RWM) turns on the bright lights of its award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) as it stages yet another Broadway classic, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific in Concert.

Scheduled for back-to-back Saturday performances on Sept.

12 and 19, the production features works of renowned musical theater tandem Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II brought to life by lauded thespians Joanna Ampil who plays Nellie Forbush, Jon Meer Vera Perez as Emile de Becque, Mark Bautista as Lt. Joseph Cable, and Ima Castro as Bloody Mary.

The outstanding leads are joined by 20 of the country’s

finest musical talents including Michael Williams, Red Concepcion, Hans Eckstein, and Raymond Concepcion among others accompanied by the music of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Rodel Colmenar and helmed by veteran stage performer and director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.

Based on David Ives’ concert adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel Tales from the South Pacific by James A. Michener, the concert offers all the original music that helps tell a story of love mired with issues of prejudice and race all set on a paradise island in the South Pacific during World War II. The show marks the first time

turbo-Charged ‘tranSPorter 4 refueled’ in CinemaS

T

he Transporter series has set a high bar for action adventure, having delivered some of the most memorable action packed sequences in the genre.

Director Camille Delamarre voices confidence that the latest installment, with its new leading man, revenge-fueled women, brutal street-fighting brawls and metal-bending chase sequences, will more than exceed audience expectations. “The Transporter Refueled is more than a reboot,” he says. “It’s a whole new story.”

As for the new Transporter himself, Ed Skrein takes unabashed pride in his character’s journey through the mean streets of southern France. “Rolling around on the floor wrestling and fighting with bamboo sticks and punching other guys with pads on and fighting in

front of a moving car—the only time you want to be in situations like that is when you’re on a film set,” he says.

“I’m a complete pacifist myself, but when it’s scripted that I get in a fight and win, it’s fantastic.”

When French filmmaker Luc Besson decided to reboot his hugely popular action franchise with a younger cast and a fresh storyline, he turned to longtime collaborator Camille Delamarre, who had just made his feature directorial debut on the dystopian thriller Brick Mansions, to helm the film. “I had edited Transporter 3 and directed action scenes from the ‘Transporter’ television series, so I was already familiar with that world,” says Delamarre. “It’s always been a fun franchise to be involved with because there’s so much action in a colorful setting, but the

new script had even more of a James Bond style than the previous ones.”

The script by Bill Collage, Adam Cooper and Luc Besson offered an entirely new take on the high-octane action series, which centers on a tough, tight-lipped, highly skilled driver-for-hire. “Refueled is more filled out than earlier Transporter movies because we have several layers, several characters, lots of subplots and revelations that get slowly revealed throughout the film,” observes Delamarre. “We developed Frank’s character to be less of a caricature. Instead of the bodybuilding hero who never loses or takes a bad hit, Frank’s character suffers. He hurts. And he also does his fair share of attacking.”

Although it features plenty of the stunt driving, fight scenes and plot twists that have made the franchise

that a concert adaptation of a major musical will be done in the Philippines. Combining the state-of-the-art technical features of the NPAT with the cast’s impressive musical talents, the production offers a new approach to watching stage musicals.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific in Concert is part of RWM’s 6th anniversary celebration, which offers guests a serving of knockout concerts, exclusive events, and big promos all crammed into three months of non-stop thrills beginning this August.

Tickets are now available at all TicketWorld outlets and at the RWM Box Office. Visit www. rwmanila.com or call (632) 9088833 for more details.

Ed Skrein is the new Transporter

an enduring favorite among moviegoers, the action is fueled by intriguing characters with compelling backstories. Frank is haunted by his wartime service and has a tense relationship with his father, a retired spy. Anna, a prostitute since an early age, refuses to remain a victim of her ruthless pimp. “Besides having a new Transporter and lots of sexy elements, Refueled gives the audience a complex story full of new developments,” says Delamarre.

The original Transporter trilogy, released between 2002 and 2008, focused primarily on tough male characters. Refueled expands the scope of the storytelling by including a diverse roster of badass women. “We’ve got four incredibly good- looking female characters who give the Transporter a hard time throughout the film,” Delamarre says.

Transporter 4 Refueled drives in cinemas on Sept. 2 from Pioneer Films.

W EDNES DAY : AUGUST 26 : 2015

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ Julia Montes as Sarah

Julia with her two new leading men Edgar Allan Guzman and Anjo Damiles Ariel Rivera

‘doble KaRa’ hopes to ColleCt gold in ABs-CBn’s dAytime rAtings ISAH V. RED

Carmina Villarroel Julia Montes as Kara

Edgar Allan Guzman

After doing so many roles that are not normal for my age, I can really say that this is the most challenging project that has been given to me.

I have to dedicate not only my heart and soul, but also myself as whole for this series

Rocco Nacino is Avon's ambassador for I Share The Fight Against Breast Cancer

A graduate of nursing, Rocco Nacino knows the nitty gritty of patient care

ABS-CBN’s newest Kapamilya Gold drama series Doble Kara is set to level up the afternoon viewing habit. It premiered last Monday afternoon, and the response to the series seems encouraging. The series stars Julia Montes, known in her turf as the Royal Princess of Drama.

The characters she plays in this series she says is her biggest and most challenging role thus far.

From her remarkable portrayals in top-caliber drama series, like Mara Clara, Walang Hanggan, Muling Buksan Ang Puso, and Ikaw Lamang, Julia’s star could shine brighter as she gives life to the characters of twins Sarah and Kara.

“After doing so many roles that are not normal for my age, I can really say that this is the most challenging project that has been given to me. I have to dedicate not only my heart and soul, but also myself as whole for this series,” shared Julia.

Doble Kara revolves around the story of Sarah and Kara, twin sisters who grow up in a happy family despite being poor. However, when Kara is diagnosed with leukemia, the twins’ mother is forced to sep-

Rocco Nacino as a volunteer nurse awards patients gifts certificates

– Julia Montes, actor

arate the two and give Kara to her real father because they don’t have the money for her treatment.

What will Sarah and Kara do when fate brings them back together after many years? How will the sisters’ relationship change after they grew up having different lives?

The powerhouse cast of Doble Kara includes Carmina Villarroel, Ariel Rivera, Mylene Dizon, Gloria Sevilla, John Lapus, Allen Dizon, and Alora Sasam. Also introduced in the series are Julia’s new leading men Edgar Allan Guzman and Anjo Damiles. Actress Alicia Alonzo will also join the teleserye for a special appearance. It is under the direction of Emmanuel Palo and Jon Villarin.

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Rocco’s day with bReast canceR patients at pGh GMA Artist Center star Rocco Nacino went to the Philippine General Hospital Breast Care Center ward and volunteered as the nurseon-duty for its patients in July.

Rocco, an ambassador for AVON’s “I Share The Fight Against Breast Cancer” campaign, spent the entire day checking the patients’ blood pressure, assisted the outpatients in queue, and became their personal nurse who catered to their needs.

Admired not only for his macho and gallant image, the Kapuso star is also known for his noble profession as a registered nurse and his annual charity works has given him the chance to get in touch with his passion—helping people. He was hands-on to his responsibilities and tried to connect to as many patients as he can during his duty.

“It feels good to see them smile, and doing familiar things such as preparing IVs and doing biopsies were both exciting and fulfilling for me,” shares the Kapuso actor.

It has been Rocco’s priority to help cancer patients ever since his mother survived the battle against breast cancer in 2005. Witnessing the struggles of a cancer patient, Rocco made it his commitment to give back the blessings his family has been receiving and to provide help to those who need it most. ➜ continued on c7