The Standard - 2015 September 23 - Wednesday

VOL. XXIX NO. 223 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 WEDNESDay : SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

duterte to backers: it’s not happening

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cLueLess on aid Palace still verifying NYT story on $300-m request

By Sandy Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

MALACAÑANG said Tuesday it would verify a report from the New York Times that Washington rejected a Philippine request for $300 million in military aid because it was worried about corruption and Manila’s capacity to handle an influx of resources.

“We have no direct information on that. We need to verify if that report has basis,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

“Such allegations [of corruption] are purely speculative and unfounded. US President Barack Obama himself invited President Aquino to the launching of the US global initiative on good gover-

nance,” Coloma added.

Quoting a senior Philippine official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the NYT story “Warily Eyeing China, Philippines May Invite US Back to Subic Bay” said the request was made in private talks in which Manila argued the need for a substantial buildup of planes and ships to deter Chinese expansionism.

Defense spokesman Peter

Galvez denied that a request for $300 million in aid was made to Washington.

“We are not aware of any request for $300 million. As for the corruption issue, ever since we pursued the modernization program, we have always been transparent in our procurement and we have instituted measures to thwart corruption,” Galvez said. Next page

ROBERT HALL

JOHN RIDSDEL

KJARTAN SEKKINGSTAD

Lacierda told to stop using govt funds for LP

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Crime scene. A private security guard talks to a motorist outside an entrance to the Holiday Ocean View Resort

on Samal Island, where gunmen have kidnapped two Canadian tourists, a Norwegian employee and a Filipina. AFP

Gunmen kidnap 3 aliens at posh resort GUNMEN have kidnapped two Canadian tourists, a Norwegian employee and a Filipina from a luxury resort in Samal Island in Davao del Norte Monday night, police said Tuesday.

The suspects—about 11 men

armed with long and short firearms—sailed two motorboats into a marina and seized the four from aboard yachts just before midnight on Monday, said Supt. Antonio Rivera, a local police spokesman.

Law enforcement boats and he-

licopters were scouring the waters around the island on Tuesday to try to stop the kidnappers from leaving the area, Rivera said.

“They appeared to target the foreigners. They went straight for the Next page yachts,” Rivera said.

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Fisherfolk ask UN to probe China

By Florante S. Solmerin

SIXTEEN fishermen have asked three UN offices to investigate human rights violations committed against them by China, which has deprived them of their traditional source of livelihood by occupying the disputed Scarborough Shoal off Masinloc, Zambales.

Appeal. Members of the Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns and the Save our Schools network appeal for help to the lumad children in front of the Apostolic Nunciature in Malate, Manila. Lino SAntoS

Clueless...

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Coloma also took exception to the statement of Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon, who said it was “traitorous” of the Aquino administration to run to Washington and covertly seek funding for military improvements.

Ridon also slammed the plan of the Aquino administration to reopen the Subic Bay base to the US military allegedly under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

“That is an unfair allegation.

The DND announced from the start the possible use of Subic by the Armed Forces of the Philippines without reference to EDCA

Gunmen...

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“[But] we still don’t have anything. We’re blank. No group has taken responsibility and there is no demand for ransom.”

A police report identified the Canadian tourists as John Ridsdel, 68, and Robert Hall, 50. The Norwegian, Kjartan Sekkingstad, 56, was the manager of the resort.

The 40-year-old Filipina, identified only as Tess, was a companion of one of the foreign tourists. Another Canadian named Steven and his Japanese wife, Kazuka, were able to jump from the kidnapper’s boat.

A woman working at the Holiday Ocean View Resort, which operates the marina, confirmed the incident but declined to comment further.

Reports said 30 more foreign tourists were at the resort at the time of the abductions.

The Canadian and Norwegian embassies in Manila declined to comment.

A Norwegian foreign ministry spokeswoman in Oslo, Lothe Sal-

as this is still being reviewed by the Supreme Court,” Coloma said.

“Having foreign military troops also goes against our Constitution, and the government never commit acts that violate our laws or the Constitution. So that allegation has no basis,” the Palace official added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs also said it would seek to verify the New York Times story.

“I have to check” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said in a text message.

Jose declined to comment on the allegations of corruption.

“Corruption where? In the military? Better ask the DND or AFP to comment,” Jose said.

Lawmakers on Tuesday expressed concern over the US re-

jection of the administration’s $300-million request.

But Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate, said the rejection reflected the “Janus face” of the US. “If the US is sincere about its concern on corruption in the Philippines, it will stop all forms of help, including military aid,” Zarate told The Standard.

Zarate said if the US were truly concerned about the issue on corruption and human rights violations in the Philippines, why was it still helping the country on matters pertaining to counterinsurgency programs?

Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, a member of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance, said the reported rejection would be a black mark on the Aquino admin-

istration.

Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan, also member of the Makabayan bloc, said the US decision only showed that corruption in the Aquino administration was confirmed “by an external entity.”

“So what else is new? It’s a good thing Aquino’s begging expedition was exposed. So shameless!

Their own corruption did them in,” Ilagan said.

The Sept. 19 story in the Times, “Warily Eyeing China, Philippines May Invite US Back to Subic Bay,” had earlier drew a strong reaction from Ridon, a leftist lawmaker, who demanded that the Aquino administration disclose details of the secret aid request as well as plans to reopen the US military base in Subic Bay. With Vito Barcelo

vesen, said the government was investigating the reports of the abductions, but could not confirm any details.

Samal Island, a short boat ride from the southern commercial center of Davao, is famed for powdery white sand beaches and dive spots, with resorts there charging up to $500 a night.

The area, about 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, is a popular stop for foreign tourists who sail around the nation’s many tropical islands.

But the Philippines’ southern region has endured decades of conflict, with Muslim rebels waging a separatist conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Parts of Mindanao are also home to more extreme Muslim militants, the most infamous of which are the Abu Sayyaf. They engage in frequent kidnappings of locals as well as foreigners in often successful efforts to extort ransoms.

The Abu Sayyaf is a ragtag group of several hundred men founded in the 1990s that has withstood US-backed military operations to extinguish it.

In the most recent kidnapping of foreigners, Abu Sayyaf gunmen

seized a German couple in April last year while they were sailing off the far southwestern island of Palawan, a popular tourist destination.

The couple was released six months later, with the Abu Sayyaf claiming it had received all of the P250 million it demanded in ransom.

The Abu Sayyaf is currently holding nine hostages, including four foreigners, in the jungles of Jolo island in Mindanao’s southwest, a local military spokesman said Tuesday.

But police on Tuesday said they were also looking into the possibility the abductors might be communist rebels, because they left a letter in the Ocean View Resort demanding the release of a New People’s Army commander held by the military.

Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad said his soldiers would lend support to the police effort to find the kidnap victims, and that they have already deployed helicopters and naval vessels to help in the pursuit operations.

The Palace said the Philippine National Police was leading the hunt for the kidnappers in coordi-

nation with the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces and other agencies of the government.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the families of the victims have been informed.

Capt. Alberto Caber, the chief of the public affairs office of the Eastern Mindanao Command, confirmed that they have a description of the abductors based on footage from closed-circuit television cameras from the Ocean View Resort.

But investigators could not say if the armed men were part of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group, who attempted to take hostages from Samal Island’s Pearl Farm in 2001.

Despite concerns that a similar incident will take place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in November, Caber said the military has yet to detect any threats connected to the event.

Security on Samal Island, managed by Task Force Samal led by Col. Larry Mojico, the PNP, and various resort security officers, has been tightened since the incident.

Francisco tuyay, Sandy Araneta, AFP

The complaint, filed Sept. 22 through their lawyers Harry L. Roque and Gilbert T. Andres of the Centerlaw Philippines, was submitted to Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Hilal Elver, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food; and Idriss Jazairy, UN Special Rapporteur on the Negative Impact of the Unilateral Coercive Measures on the Enjoyment of Human Rights.

The complaints specifically urged the UN to “direct China and its state agents to respect the human rights—including the right to livelihood, the right to adequate food, and the right to life—of the Filipino fishermen over their traditional fishing grounds and safe refuge in the Scarborough Shoal in accordance with China’s international obligation under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and customary international law.”

The lawyers specifically mentioned China’s state agents as its Coast Guard and maritime agencies.

The complainants stressed that the shoal, about 120 nautical miles west of Zambales and well within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, is within Philippine territory and thus a traditional fishing grounds of Filipino fishermen. The shoal is also the traditional place of refuge for Filipino fishermen from storms.

But when China started to illegally occupy the area using its military might in April 2012 that led to a standoff with the Philippine Navy, it also began to physically harass Filipino fishermen who entered the shoal to fish.

Mario Tabat, 59, one of the complainants, said the shoal had been his livelihood enclave since the 1980s. His daily income derived from fishing in the shoal to feed his family and send his five children to school.

Since the standoff, the Chinese virtually roped off the shoal and their giant ships use water cannons to drive away Filipino fishermen and even destroy their fishing boats from the shoal. Such incidents have been repeated until this day, they said.

Some of the complainants recalled the Chinese were also armed with guns on board speed boats and rammed their fishing boats just to drive them away from the shoal. Some incidents also showed that the Chinese boarded the fishermen’s boats and confiscated their fishing materials.

The fishermen said their daily income from fishing was heavily reduced since the Chinese patrolling and guarding the shoal prohibited them from entering the shoal to fish.

Because of these economic losses, the complainants have appealed to the UN bodies to look into their plight caused by China’s unilateral and excessive claim of its so-called 9-dash line in the South China Sea. They specifically urged the said UN bodies to “to remind, declare, and direct China and its state agents to cease and desist from interfering with the Filipino fisherfolk right to safe refuge over the Scarborough Shoal and to respect the Filipino fisherfolk’s right to safe refuge under international customary law.”

With Sandy Araneta

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Lacierda told: Resign now and join Roxas AN OFFICIAL on Tuesday accused presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda of using government resources to advance the candidacy of Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II. Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz, a member of the independent bloc of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, slammed Lacierda for acting as Roxas’ spokesman and part of his campaign team.

“If he is so committed to the candidacy of Roxas, he should resign,” de la Cruz said, adding Lacierda “is still in the payroll of Malacañang” and so should only be serving one master.

“It is an example of government resources being used for a political party,” De la Cruz said.

He made his statement even as Lacierda on Tuesday accused Senator Francis Escudero of using taxpayers’ money to campaign for a higher office.

Escudero has declared his plan to run as the vice presidential running mate of presidential candidate Grace Poe. “Unlike Senator Escudero, I do not use taxpayers’ money to promote myself and run for a higher office,” Lacierda said.

“I am just doing my role as a spokesperson.”

Earlier, Escudero urged Lacierda to resign if he would be using Malacañang to promote the LP instead of speaking on behalf of the President.

He said Lacierda had no business politicking. Maricel V. cruz and sandy araneta

Forum. Senator Francis Escudero discusses the disqualification case filed against his running mate Senator Grace Poe at a forum in Quezon City. ey acasio

Carpio urged to quit case vs Poe AN OPPOSITION lawmaker on Tuesday asked Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to inhibit himself “out of decency” from the deliberations on the citizenship case against the putative presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe.

Quality awards. President Benigno Aquino III delivers a speech during the 17th Conferment Ceremony of the Philippine Quality Awards in Malacañang. Malacañang Photo Bureau

Carpio heads the Senate Electoral Tribunal that is hearing the case, but Rep. Silvestre Bello III said Carpio could not be impartial because he and Avelino Cruz, the counsel of the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II, were both members of the law office The Firm.

Carpio said Poe was a naturalized Filipino citizen and not a naturalborn citizen by virtue of international law during the oral arguments on the case filed against her by the defeated senatorial bet Rizalito David, but Bello took exception to it.

The Constitution says

only natural-born citizens may run for President, vice president, senator or congressman. This means Poe may not run for President if, as Carpio has said, she is a naturalized Filipino citizen.

“Out of decency he [Carpio] should inhibit himself in order that the decision of SET will not be suspected of being partial,” Bello told reporters.

He made his statement even as Malacañang said it would be unfair to politicize the deliberations on the disqualification case against Poe. George Garcia, one of Poe’s legal counsels, said the senator, a foundling,

I’m not running, Duterte tells his supporters DAVAO CITY—Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte appealed to his supporters Monday night to stop urging him to run for President after some of them announced they would be gathering at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Sept. 26 to urge him to do so.

“Please tell them not to do that as it would complicate matters,” Duterte told reporters at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.

“Stop it. I’m not interested. I won’t be there.”

Duterte again said he could not fill the demands of the presidency given his age, and that his family was against his running for President.

“No president can solve the grinding poverty of our nation,” he said.

“You do not only campaign to promise a change of government; you have to change people’s lives. I’ll be wasting my time there. Even if you elect me tomorrow, I’ll be wasting my time and I cannot promise you anything.’’

Duterte also said he didn’t have the machinery or the money to finance a presidential campaign.

“I don’t want anybody to think I’m waiting for bidders. If you can point to any businessman who will say I asked money from him, I’ll resign first thing tomorrow,” Duterte said.

He advised his supporters in Manila who would be attending the Saturday event to “find another suitable candidate.”

“This is not my destiny,” Duterte said. John Paolo Bencito

is a Filipino citizen from birth. He said the legal presumption that foundlings are natural-born Filipino citizens is the reason Poe need not go through the process of naturalization.

House deputy speaker and Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao, president of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, said Carpio’s position on Poe “suffers a serious defect for shifting the burden of proof to Poe, who is the defendant in the disqualification case.”

“We respect his [Carpio’s] opinion but our reservation in this is that the burden of proof has shifted to Grace. Whoever goes to court carries with him the onus or burden of proof,” Aggabao said.

“David has to show Poe is not a natural-born citizen in order that she can be disqualified from holding her current office,” Aggabao said Maricel V. cruz, rey e. requejo and sandy araneta

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCEMENT President Benigno S. Aquino III has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the nomination and ad interim appointments of the following officials: Department of Foreign Affairs (nomination) Hon. Noel Eugene Eusebio M. Servigon – Chief of Mission, Class I, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces of the Philippines (ad interim appointments) Nolie L. Anquillano, PA and Arturo G. Asiñero, PA (Reserve) - Colonel The public may submit any information, written report or sworn complaints or oppositions in forty (40) copies on the above nomination and appointments to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, DiosdadoMacapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 551-7532, 831-0893, 831-1824, 834-2706, 831-1566 and 834-2713.

22 September 2015.

(TS-SEPT. 23, 2015)

ARTURO L. TIU Secretary

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Senators question SWS poll method

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

Better very late than never. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and National Bureau of Investigation Director Virgilio Mendez speak to journalists as they file charges of murder and robbery theft against 90 people believed to be involved in the Mamasapano massacre last January. DANNY PATA

Palace insists tribal complaints baseless

By Sandy Araneta MALACAÑANG denied on Tuesday that the military had made a “hit list” of tribal leaders and some lawmakers who have been trying to help tribal folk, locally called lumad, who have been victimized by continuing violence in Mindanao.

“The Philippine Army denied today with a strong statement the allegations of having an AFP hit list against lumad advocates,”said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. citing a text message from Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla.

“The hit list allegation is a figment

of the accusers’ imagination,” said Coloma. “There is no such thing as hit list in the AFP. Everybody knows that only the New People’s Army is making a hit list.”

“The AFP is the protector of the Filipino people, whatever his or her social, political or economic leaning,” Coloma said, a day after Senators Teofisto Guingona

III presented to journalists a 16-year-old lumad who claimed that five of his relatives were killed last Aug. 18 in Bukidnon province.

Even Liberal Party member Chito Gascon, chairman of the Commission on Human Rights, said “the situation is getting grave [and] there have been horrendous atrocities and crimes perpetrated by persons who should be identified.”

Guingona, also a leader of the Libreal Party, even enlisted his fellow Senators Koko Pimentel and Bam Aquino to join him on Oct. 1 in an on-site investigation of the recent killings of three lumad leaders and displacement of residents in Surigao del Sur.

Guingona also expressed alarm at the atrocities allegedly committed by paramilitary forces in Bukidnon, Surigao del Sur, North Cotabato and Davao del Norte and charged militiamen of “decimating” the lumad in Mindanao.

Supporters of the Aquino administration have tried to defend the killings by arguing that the lumad were being used by the communist rebel movement against the military.

But another Liberal Party member, Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel, and the local archdiocese said the MagahatBagani force was created by the military for its counterinsurgency drive.

TWO senators who have declared their plan to run for vice president in next year’s elections questioned on Tuesday the methodology used by Social Weather Stations in its latest survey.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he could not understand why SWS asked survey respondents to to name three candidates when their previous surveys only asked whom the respondent would vote for if the elections were held today.

“Until now, I don’t understand the reason why respondents had to choose three. The fight is one-onone why choose three?”

Escudero asked, explaining that the question had a direct impact on the results and credibility of the survey.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV also criticized the survey, saying it only gave false hopes to candidates who are lagging behind.

“It gives false hopes to those who are ranking high if the question is choose one only. So it appears there that all three have chances so they are fooling these candidates. It has no use at all except for propaganda purposes,” Trillanes said.

“You can spin it like Sec. Mar Roxas. They can make it appear that they are neck-toneck, that he had overtaken Binay. But in actual elections, he said there is no such thing as third choice for President,” Trillanes added.

He said the methodology used by SWS in this survey covering the period of Sept.

2 to 5 is not valid if it’s going to be used as a basis for voters preference.

Massacre suspects charged

By Rey E. Requejo AFTER almost eight months after the Mamasapano massacre, the Department of Justice may soon start its preliminary investigation of charges of direct assault with murder against 90 people, including 13 commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, allegedly involved in the incident last Jan. 25.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima made the announcement after the joint National Bureau of Investigation and National Prosecution Service special investigation filed the complaint on Tuesday.

However, De Lima did not identify the 90 respondents pending issuance of subpoenas against them. Each of the respondents is individually charged with 35 counts of direct assault with murder.

The NBI-NPS team explained that the assault on the SAF commandos became complexed with murder when they were

killed by the respondents with qualifying circumstances of treachery and abuse of superior strength under Article 14 of the Revised Penal Code.

The respondents belonged to MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, private armed groups and other unaffiliated individuals.

The 35 police commandos were part of the 55th Special Action Company who were killed at Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano under Articles 148 (direct assault) and 248 (murder), in relation to Article 48 (penalty for complex crimes) of the Revised Penal Code.

The team also recommended the prosecution of the respondents for theft of government property under Article 308 of the Revised Penal Code for their unlawful taking of government-issued firearms, ammunition, communications and navigational equipment, personal protective gear, uniforms, combat boots and even personal effects of the 55th SAC commandos.

Stop the killings. KALUMARAN secretary general Dulping Ogan raises his clenched fist as other leaders of indigenous people, locally called lumad, protest the killing of tribesmen in Mindanao during a press conference at the University of the Philippines campus in Quezon City on Tuesday. EY ACASIO

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Reyeses case tied to Malampaya

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Teofisto “TG” Guingona III on Tuesday expressed relief over the arrest of the Reyes brothers in Thailand, saying that they can shed light on the killing of environmentalist Dr. Gerardo “Doc Gerry” Ortega and on the alleged misuse of P3.9 billion in proceeds from the Malampaya gas project in Palawan.

On BBL. President Benigno Aquino III meets with members of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers in Malacañang to thresh out their concerns regarding certain provisions of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. Members of the delegation include former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa and ret. Gen. Edilberto Adan, AGFO president. At right is Defense chief Voltaire Gazmin.

ROBeRt ViñAs/MALAcAñANg PhOtO BuReAu

Tupas posts bail; arraignment set

By Rio N. Araja FORMER Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. on Tuesday posted a P30,000 bail for his provisional liberty after he was charged with graft over the payment to a private firm for the provincial government’s P4-million unused electricity.

The Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division lifted its arrest warrant on Tupas and set his arraignment on Oct. 21at 8:30 a.m.

Last Monday, the anti-graft court ordered the arrest of Tupas, former assistant department head of the office of the provincial accountant Sandra Bionat and former general services department chief Ramie Salcedo.

The suit arose from a 2007 contract between the Iloilo government and the National Power Corp.. which was later assumed by NPC’s successor Green

Core, for the bulk supply of electricity from Sept. 26, 2007 to Dec. 25, 2011 to facilitate the construction of the Iloilo multipurpose convention center.

The provincial government paid Greencore P5.88 million for the billing period of December 2009 to April 2010, but the Office of the Ombudsman said the actual power consumption of the province only amounted to P1.88 million.

Meanwhile, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada through his lawyer Paul Mar Arias urged the Fifth Division to summon Anti-Money Laundering Council documents relating to state witness Ruby Tuason.

Among the dossier that AMLC must bring in court are the “suspicious transactions reports and covered transaction reports submitted by banks,

non-bank financial institutions, covered institutions [as defined by the Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act 9160], and/or by government offices and agencies concerning financial transactions of Ms. Ruby Chan Tuason, including those pertaining to ‘related accounts’ relative to Ms. Tuason.”

He urged the court to order the AMLC to present the documents today, on Sept. 30 and Oct. 2, 12, 14 and 19.The lawyer said that the AMLC should bring the documents before the court tomorrow, Sept. 30, and Oct. 2, 12, 14, and 19.

Estrada is facing plunder and 11 counts of grafts for allegedly receiving commissions from his pork barrel fund channeled to fake foundations engineered by businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.

Senate President Franklin Drilon sought the immediate extradition of the Reyeses while the National Press Club demanded that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima should resolve a 2011 petition filed by the Ortega family seeking for a review of the DoJ findings of “no probable cause” to indict the Reyes brothers for the killing.

“The long arm of the law has finally caught up with them. The fight has been lengthy and hard for Doc Gerry’s family,” Guingona said.

The senator considered the arrest of former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother, Mario, as a testament that, despite years of waiting and seeming hopelessness, a major development in the case has come to light.

Two years ago, investigations of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Guingona linked the murder of Ortega to the scandal-rocked Malampaya project.

Guingona said that, through the testimonies of several people and NGOs, “it is clear that Gerry Ortega was hitting hard on the corruption of Malampaya funds” before he was killed.

Blue Ribbon investigations showed that 19 road improvement and two bridge construction projects in Palawan worth P420 million were grossly overpriced and failed to conform to government standards.

Drilon said the Philippines can immediately request Thailand to extradite the Reyes brothers.

“There is an extradition Treaty in force between the Philippines and Thailand which was ratified in 1981. The Philippines can seek the extradition of the Reyes brothers on the basis of this treaty in order to facilitate the immediate resolution of the Ortega case,” said Drilon.

“I urge Secretary Leila De Lima to coordinate with her counterpart in Thailand the immediate extradition of the Reyes brothers. The immediate arrest of the Reyes brothers will speed up the resolution of the Ortega case and provide justice to the victim’s family,” said Drilon.

The treaty aims “to make more effective the cooperation of the two countries in the repression of crime and, specifically, to regulate and thereby promote the relations between them in matters of extradition.”

Drilon said that among the crimes specified under the Treaty include the killing or causing death to another person, abduction, kidnapping, corruption, and crimes against the laws relating to narcotics, firearms, and explosives.

Sarmiento, Bautista confirmed

By Macon Araneta THE bicameral Commission on Appointment on Tuesday approved the confirmation of former Rep. Senen Sarmiento as Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government and former PCGG Chairman Andres Bautista as chairman of the Commission on Elections.

Sarmiento’s confirmation came just hours after his nomination was approved without objection during the deliberation of the Committee on Interior and Local Government, Regional Consultative Commissions and Regional Autonomous Governments, chaired

by Senator Ferdinand “Bong-

bong” Marcos Jr. Sarmiento served as congressman of the first district of Samar. His first elective post was as vice mayor of Calbayog City in 1992. In 2001, he ran and won as the city mayor and served a full three-term until 2010.

In his message during the CA plenary, Marcos said it was during Sarmiento’s term as mayor when Calbayog City recorded the highest reduction in poverty incidence among all cities from 2003 to 2009 based on the records of then National Statistical Coordination Board.

It was also during Sarmiento’s term as mayor when the city

received numerous awards and recognitions.

“Therefore, as chairman of the Committee on Interior and Local Government, Regional Consultative Commissions and Regional Autonomous Governments, it is this humble representation’s distinct privilege and honor to move for this commission to give its consent to the appointment of Hon. Mel Senen Sarmiento as secretary of the DILG,” Marcos said.

On the otherhand, Bautista’s appointment was earlier postponed following objections from Senator Juan Ponce Enrile who questioned him over issues during the 2013 elections.

Confirmation. Chairman Andres Bautista (right) of the Commission on Elections and Secretary Senen Sarmiento of the Department of the Interior and Local Government congratulate each other after their confirmation by the Commission on Appointments held at the Senate’s session hall in Pasay City on Tuesday.

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Ebdane seeks blueprint for sustainable mining THE Philippines as one of the largest mining potentials in the world necessitates a blueprint of mine sites toward a sustainable development, Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said on Tuesday.

At the recent three-day Chamber of Mines of the Philippines summit held in Parañaque City, Ebdane took into account the country’s rich mineral resources, particularly gold, copper, nickel, aluminum and chromite, amounting to $1.4 trillion, citing the need for a holistic and well-rounded approach to sustainability.

“May I suggest that mining companies should establish a blueprint of the mining sites with sustainable development for communities,” he stressed in his speech delivered before the biggest annual summit of miners.

The rehabilitation of post-mining areas is very important, he noted.

“This is to ensure that after termination of the [mining] agreement, the community will be able to sustain its existence, given the fact they [miners] have benefitted from the site development,”

he emphasized.

Mining operators must strictly exercise sustainable mining practices, energy and water conservation, recycling, environment-friendly disposal of industrial wastes, safety practices and socio-economic development of the communities, and provision of road infrastructure and scholarship grants as part of their corporate social responsibility, he said.

The governor, however, expressed disappointment over the negligence of some mine operators to minimize and mitigate the envi-

ronmental impact brought about by their mining activities.

“Unfortunately, in the report of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, it claimed that project proponents failed to undertake mine rehabilitation or maintenance,” he lamented.

He said a mine rehabilitation fund shall be established.

“This, aside from the proposed sustainable development, bond fees should also be collected from mining companies in anticipation of possible negative impact of mining in the community,” he suggested.

There is no trade-off between economic growth and socio-environmental footprint, or the risks of mining outweigh the benefits, he said.

“Finally, I am not against mining as mining is one of the incomegenerating industries in Zambales.

However, I will never compromise the health of the people, and the sustainability of our environment and natural resources. Therefore, I am in support of responsible mining in the province and in the entire country,” he stressed.

Romualdez bloc pushes probe into Yolanda aid

By Maricel V. Cruz

The house Independent Minority Bloc will initiate an immediate audit and congressional investigation into the status and disbursements of both local and foreign donations as well as national government assistance to victims of super Typhoon “Yolanda.”

The Bloc’s leader Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez of Leyte said a huge amount of funds had been given to help the Yolanda victims and survivors and yet they are still having a hard time coping.

“Ninety percent of our constituents were materially devastated when ‘Yolanda’ struck almost two years ago.

Billions of local and foreign donations in cash and kind, plus separate allocations from the national government, poured in for the relief and rehabilitation of the survivors,” Romualdez said at a news conference.

“But to this day, not only our constituents but the Filipino people as a whole still don’t have a clear picture of the ‘Yolanda’ aid,” he added.

Romualdez said nobody knows how much exactly are the donations, in cash and in kind, which were sent to the Yolanda survivors. “Nobody knows who got what or how much, what is the exact number of survivors who have received assistance; where, when and on what were the cash donations spent or are being spent and where are the papers proving that all the donations indeed went to or were disbursed for the needs of the survivors,” Romualdez said.

“We are talking of billions here,” Romualdez said, noting that Congress alone approved P14 billion in last year’s national budget for

Yolanda aid and rehabilitation of the survivors.

He said the Commission on Audit has reported in media that P382.072 million in local and foreign cash donations for ‘Yolanda’ victims were kept idle in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s bank accounts.

“The DSWD management replied that it had reduced the idle donations but they admitted that it was still an astronomical P338.519 million as of June 15 this year. They also said DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman has ordered that all cash donations should be spent before July this year. Was this carried out? If yes, where are the records of the disbursements?” Romualdez asked.

Romualdez pointed out it has been almost two years since the Yolanda tragedy in November 2013 happened and yet “no detailed breakdown of the donations has been made public by any disaster relief agency of the government.”

“Instead, what we continue to see are the turtle-like speed of the construction of homes for the survivors, children holding classes in tents because their schools have not been fixed yet, and as much as P141 million worth of relief goods which have expired or are about to expire uncovered in an audit last year by no less than the COA itself. This can’t go on forever,” Romualdez said.

Minority report. Independent Minority Bloc leader Rep. Martin Romualdez of Leyte (left) stresses that his group will initiate an immediate audit and congressional investigation into the status of both local and foreign donations as well as national government assistance to the victims of super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’. Looking on is Buhay Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza. Ver NoVeNo

3 get life term for shabu; task force scores

By Joel e. Zurbano A PARAÑAqUE City judge sentenced to life imprisonment three persons, two of them Chinese nationals, who were arrested during a police raid at their rented apartment in the city six years ago.

Judge Danilo Suarez of Parañaque City Regional Trial Court Branch 259 found the accused—Lam Chee Tat and Samuel Chan —guilty of possession of 200 grams of methampetamine hydro-chloride (shabu).

Apart from the jail term, the foreigners and their Filipi-

no cohort Roseriza Maureen Nicholas were also ordered to pay a fine of P5 million.

Court records showed that the three were arrested by members of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force under the supervision of Sr. Supt. Antonio Gardiola on Oct. 14, 2009.

Gardiola said the recent conviction of the accused serves as morale booster for his team.

“The accused particularly the Chinese nationals belong to a well-organized, high-value foreign national illegal drug group operating in the country and one of

their modus is to marry Filipinas to cover up their illegal drug trade,” he said.

In a 21-page decision, Judge Suarez ruled that “the prosecution has established its evidence against the accused with moral certainty, proven the existence of elements of the offense charged and that the corpus delicti was properly established and preserved.”

Gardiola said that the three accused were arrested inside their rented apartment at 504-B Cernan Street, Moonwalk Village on the strength of a search warrant issued by Judge Aida

Estrella Macapagal.

“This is another triumph for our men and women as well as the community and this is another victory against the drug menace as more convictions of big-time drug lords are expected,” he said.

Gardiola urged the community to be active and support the PNP with its war on drugs and likewise encouraged his men to be inspired by the conviction and strive more to deliver high-value, highimpact operations against illegal drugs and to make a dent on the overall drug problem in the country.

Corona pre-trial reset; lawyers suing for time

Change for the better. A protester holds a plac-

ard on climate change during the filing of complaint of Greenpeace and other civil groups at the Commission of Human Rights in Quezon City on Tuesday. The groups filed a complaint seeking to stop production of fossil fuel that impacts on the climate. JaNseN roMero

THE Sandiganbayan on Tuesday postponed anew the pretrial of former chief justice Renato Corona over a P130.59million forfeiture case.

The Second Division, chaired

by Associate Justice Teresita Diaz-Baldos, ordered the deferment to give state prosecutors and Corona’s lawyer ample time to mark their evidence.

Both camps asked the antigraft court to set five more dates of preliminary conferences to enable them to mark the evidence and witnesses for presentation during the

trial proper.

Diaz-Baldos heeded their request and set the preliminary conferences on Nov. 5 and 17, and Dec. 1, and Jan. 7 and 12 next year.

Corona and his wife Cristina rejected any media interview.

In March 2014, the Office of the Ombudsman filed the civil forfeiture case against the Coronas over allegations that they amassed ill-gotten wealth from 2001 to 2011.

In 2012, the Senate impeachment convicted Corona for the same charges. rio araja

W E D N E S D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

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NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Laguna man kills wife, 2 kids

By Florante S. Solmerin

A JOBLESS man stabbed his wife and two of his four children to death in Barangay Riverside, San Pedro, Laguna on Tuesday morning, provincial police director Senior Superintendent Fernando Saligao said.

Gemalyn Marana, 30, Jhoniel, 6, and Shantal Mae, 4, all died on the spot.

Two younger children— Jhonuel, 3 and Janjan, 2— survived the multiple stab wounds inflicted by their father, who also stabbed himself after hacking his family.

The 31-year-old suspect, Ruel de Castro Marana, is now recovering at the Narra Hospital, Saligao added.

According to Saligao, the killings took place at around 4:30 a.m. Witnesses said the suspect and his wife had a heated argument before the stabbing took place.

Barangay officials reported the incident to the police at 5:55 a.m.

Resourceful. A girl gathers wild edible ferns and sells them for P20 a bundle along the rice paddies of Naguey, Atok, Benguet to augment her school allowance. DAVE LEPROZO

Aviation agency relieves Davao airport manager, dismisses 2 inspectors

By Eric B. Apolonio

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on Tuesday said it had relieved the Davao Airport area manager for failure to address passengers’ complaints about the humid temperature in the terminal.

The CAAP also terminated the contracts of two airworthiness inspectors due to various work ethics violations such as seeking favors from airline companies on

numerous occasions.

In an order dated Sept. 17 CAAP Director-General William K. Hotchkiss III signed the order relieving Davao Area/ Airport manager engineer Agnes Udang and reassigning her to the Aerodrome Development and Management Office.

Replacing Udang is Efren Nagrama, area/airport manager of Laoag Area Center 1.

The former Davao airport

manager failed to address the air-conditioning problem of the airport terminal. It has earned the ire of passengers, airlines and concessionaires alike and these complaints have been aired on social and broadcast media.

The CAAP management initially provided the stopgap measure of air coolers, but these have not been enough especially during peak hours at the terminal.

Meanwhile, a Sept. 18 order

pre-terminated the contracts of the two inspectors in accordance with section III, paragraph 1 of their Contract of Service with CAAP. Davao International Airport or Francisco Bangoy International Airport handles 2 million passengers annually. It began operations in the 1940s with a donation of land in Barangay Sasa, Buhangin district of Davao City

by Don Francisco Bangoy. The

present terminal was inaugurated on Dec. 2, 2003.

Davao International Airport serves domestic flights of PAL, Cebu Pacific, Zest Air, Air Asia, and Tiger Airways. Other domestic routes from Davao are: Bacolod/Cagayan de Oro/Iloilo/Zamboanga/Cebu/and Cotabato while regional flights from Singapore are being served by Singapore Airlines, Silk Air and Cebu Pacific.

Government forces clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu ZAMBOANGA CITY—Government forces clashed with a group of Abu Sayyaf brigands in Sulu, barely two hours after launching a focused military operations there on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said the clash ensued around 8:55 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu.

Arrojado said the clash ensued as troops from the Bravo Company of the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion chanced upon a group of 30 Abu Sayyaf brigands led by Guro Ibrahim while conducting FMO. Arrojado, who is also the commander of the Army’s 501st Infantry Brigade, said the Abu Sayyaf brigands were “on the process of laying IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices)” when chanced upon by the troops.

He said the brigands were believed to have suffered casualties as one of the IEDs

they were carrying prematurely exploded.

He said the firefight lasted for about 35 minutes after which the Abu Sayyaf brigands fled as the troops pounded their positions with artillery fires.

He said the Alpha Company troops of the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion linked up with the Bravo Company personnel during the firefight.

He added that the troops from the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and 2nd Marine Brigade conducted blocking positions to contain the movements of the Abu Sayyaf brigands as the FMO continues.

The Joint Task Group Sulu launched the FMO effective Tuesday targeting the senior Abu Sayyaf brigand leaders and their foreign cohorts in Sulu.

Arrojado disclosed the brigands’ foreign cohorts included Malaysian and Indonesian nationals. PNA

Ingenious. A pedicab driver avoids the traffic in Polangui, Albay by traversing the railway.

DANNY PATA

W E D N E S D AY: S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

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OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO

NATURALIZED, NOT NATURALBORN

[ EDI TORI A L ]

THE STRAIGHTPATH LIE WE have long known that there was something crooked about the Aquino administration’s Daang Matuwid or straight-path platform of governance. Every now and again over the last five years, it would veer abruptly off course to avoid friends and allies of President Benigno Aquino III then move forward again directly and inexorably at his enemies.

But it was facile to dismiss complaints of selective justice as being politically motivated, since most of the criticism usually came from those who opposed the administration.

This is why it is so significant that the Obama administration has rejected a discreet request from President Aquino for $300 million in military aid over “worries about corruption” and the government’s ability to handle the influx of resources.

This revelation was made in the New York Times, which said the request had been made in private talks in which the Philippines argued the need for a substantial buildup of planes and ships to deter Chinese expansionism.

This was not some political rival complaining about corruption in the administration; this was the US government making a hard-nosed assessment of the state of governance under President Aquino—and the verdict found him wanting.

Washington’s concerns about official corruption under this administration lays bare President Aquino’s posturing and holier-than-thou pronouncements about his so-called straight path and reveal them all as lies.

Concerns about the government’s ability to handle the influx of resources also recall how this administration failed miserably to mobilize hundreds of millions of pesos is humanitarian aid from here and abroad to help the victims of 2013’s devastating super Typhoon “Yolanda.”

Earlier this month, the Commission on Audit took the Department of Social Welfare and Development to task for failing to immediately distribute cash donations and food packs to survivors of the killer storm.

In its 2014 audit report, the CoA said P382 million in local and foreign cash donations for Yolanda victims, representing a third of the P1.15 billion that the DSWD received, remained in the agency’s bank accounts. The CoA report also said the DSWD failed to distribute P141 million worth of family food packs for the typhoon victims, leading to the spoilage of the perishable goods.

These failures not only suggest ineptitude but reek of corruption.

Then, as if we needed more reminders of how this administration has corrupted the notion of good governance, one of the President’s shooting buddies who was hounded from office after a video posted online showed her playing the slots at a casino, figured again in the news after she visited the Bureau of Customs trying to expedite the release of 64 shipping containers of smuggled Thai sugar worth more than P100 million. When her request was met with resistance, former Land Transportation Office chief Virginia Torres allegedly dropped the President’s name and intimated that the proceeds from the sale of the smuggled sugar would be used in the 2016 national elections.

Against this backdrop, it is no surprise that the United States has been skeptical about the President’s claims that corruption under his watch has been significantly reduced. What is amazing is that so many people here still believe in Mr. Aquino and his biggest lie—that he and his government truly tread the straight path.

HOW IT BECAME LENI LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES SO IT’S Leni now for Mar. But it almost was Kim—if the Liberal Party had taken her up on her offer.

Last Monday, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad met with Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo at a trendy café at the Podium in Ortigas Center, one the first of a series of formal talks between the Liberal Party and the congresswoman, whom the ruling party wants to bring in

as running mate of Mar Roxas.

It may take some doing to convince Robredo to run for vice president, but at least it’s still easier than if the Liberals had fielded someone like, say, Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares as Roxas’ partner.

Only last week, the Liberal politburo, which includes Abad and the rest of the so-called “Hyatt 10,” called an urgent meeting to settle once and for all the issue of who should be Roxas’ running mate. The discussion was long and heated because the prospects in the LP short list of two, made up of Robredo and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, each

had their own supporters.

The selection process was still deadlocked when someone proposed that, if the choice between Robredo and De Lima was proving to be so difficult, perhaps a third candidate should stand up and offer herself as a compromise. And that someone, according to the proponent herself, was none other than Henares herself.

Henares’ offer to run as the LP’s vice presidential candidate shocked the party leaders into silence, I’m told. In response, they quickly resolved the problem and chose Robredo for Roxas.

“What does she [Henares] think we’re doing here, guaran-

A9

In response to Henares’ offer, the LP quickly resolved the matter and chose Robredo for Roxas.

teeing that Mar loses?” grumbled one of the people at the meeting.

And that’s how the LP solved the problem of whom to field for vice president in the May elections.

Of course, some people are still wondering why it had to be a choice between Robredo and De Lima to begin with. It really has to do with making sure that another Bicolano candidate for the second-highest post, Chiz Escudero, doesn’t get votes in his home region; but that’s another story for another time. *** Some of the retired top generals who recently came out with a statement opposing the Aquino administration’s insistence for Congress to pass the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law

are hopping mad at Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma. See, Coloma declared yesterday that President Noynoy Aquino “convinced” the 19 generals whom he summoned to a meeting at the Palace last Monday to see it his way on the BBL. “Nothing of the sort happened,” said one of the generals. “Coloma was there at our three-hour meeting with the President; he should know better than to report that the President convinced us to back the BBL.” I asked the former officer, but what about the release by Malacañang yester-

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

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

day of the photographs of Aquino’s meeting with the retired generals, showing them all smiling? Wasn’t that Coloma’s reason for saying that a meeting of the minds had taken place?

“We were having merienda after the meeting and pictures were taken,” the retired officer said. “It wouldn’t look good if we looked angry since we were already having snacks and the discussion had already been finished.”

What really happened, according to this retired officer, was that the President explained his support for BBL and ap-

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

pealed for the former generals to do the same. “At least three times, he called on us to trust the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” he said.

To be fair, the President heard the complaints of the generals, especially their concerns about the disarmament of the MILF and their published objections to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which gave birth to the BBL. But he did not budge—and neither did the generals, my Continued on A10 source said.

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

SENATOR Grace Poe may have topped the latest Social Weather Stations survey on presidential candidates but the shadow over her citizenship loomed larger when Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio expressed the opinion Poe is a naturalized Filipino but not natural-born. Justice Carpio heads the Senate Electoral Tribunal currently hearing the citizenship case against Poe. Justice Carpio’s initial opinion carries a lot of weight since he’s senior to the two other SET members—Associate Justices Arturo Brion and Teresita Leonardo Castro. The other members of the SET—Senators Tito Sotto, Paolo Aquino, Nancy Binay, Loren Legarda, Cynthia Villar are non-lawyers. Senator Pia Cayetano is the only lawyer in the group. Aside from the documentary evidence, the non-lawyers will have to be guided by the justices’ interpretation of the law.

Poe is tracing the closest relatives of her parents who are still unknown for possible DNA testing to prove she is natural-born. A foundling adopted by movie stars Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces, she immigrated to the United States, married a Filipino-American and acquired US citizenship. Grace returned to the Philippines, renounced her US citizenship and took her oath as a Filipino to run for the Senate.

Since she has not proven her citizenship, Poe, by Carpio’s opinion, is a naturalized citizen and not natural-born which the Constitution requires of anyone seeking the presidency.

Meanwhile, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said a Leni Robredo versus Francis Escudero contest for vice president would split the Bicol vote with the Camarines Sur congresswoman winning over the Sorsogon senator. Robredo’s tandem with Liberal Party presidential candidate Mar Roxas is almost a done deal and must be giving Escudero sleepless nights. Throw in the women’s votes which will go the way of their “kabaro“ and Chiz could be left holding the shorter end of the stick.

Senator Grace Poe is leading in the latest Social Weather Stations polls with 47 percent while Mar Roxas surged to second place from a low 21 percent to 39 percent, dislodging Vice President Jojo Binay who slipped to third at 35 percent.

The VP race is not just about Leni and Chiz. Binay hinted that Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be his running mate during the 43rd anniversary of the 365 Club at the Hotel Intercontinental last Saturday where he was guest.

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: S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO

NATURALIZED, NOT NATURALBORN

[ EDI TORI A L ]

THE STRAIGHTPATH LIE WE have long known that there was something crooked about the Aquino administration’s Daang Matuwid or straight-path platform of governance. Every now and again over the last five years, it would veer abruptly off course to avoid friends and allies of President Benigno Aquino III then move forward again directly and inexorably at his enemies.

But it was facile to dismiss complaints of selective justice as being politically motivated, since most of the criticism usually came from those who opposed the administration.

This is why it is so significant that the Obama administration has rejected a discreet request from President Aquino for $300 million in military aid over “worries about corruption” and the government’s ability to handle the influx of resources.

This revelation was made in the New York Times, which said the request had been made in private talks in which the Philippines argued the need for a substantial buildup of planes and ships to deter Chinese expansionism.

This was not some political rival complaining about corruption in the administration; this was the US government making a hard-nosed assessment of the state of governance under President Aquino—and the verdict found him wanting.

Washington’s concerns about official corruption under this administration lays bare President Aquino’s posturing and holier-than-thou pronouncements about his so-called straight path and reveal them all as lies.

Concerns about the government’s ability to handle the influx of resources also recall how this administration failed miserably to mobilize hundreds of millions of pesos is humanitarian aid from here and abroad to help the victims of 2013’s devastating super Typhoon “Yolanda.”

Earlier this month, the Commission on Audit took the Department of Social Welfare and Development to task for failing to immediately distribute cash donations and food packs to survivors of the killer storm.

In its 2014 audit report, the CoA said P382 million in local and foreign cash donations for Yolanda victims, representing a third of the P1.15 billion that the DSWD received, remained in the agency’s bank accounts. The CoA report also said the DSWD failed to distribute P141 million worth of family food packs for the typhoon victims, leading to the spoilage of the perishable goods.

These failures not only suggest ineptitude but reek of corruption.

Then, as if we needed more reminders of how this administration has corrupted the notion of good governance, one of the President’s shooting buddies who was hounded from office after a video posted online showed her playing the slots at a casino, figured again in the news after she visited the Bureau of Customs trying to expedite the release of 64 shipping containers of smuggled Thai sugar worth more than P100 million. When her request was met with resistance, former Land Transportation Office chief Virginia Torres allegedly dropped the President’s name and intimated that the proceeds from the sale of the smuggled sugar would be used in the 2016 national elections.

Against this backdrop, it is no surprise that the United States has been skeptical about the President’s claims that corruption under his watch has been significantly reduced. What is amazing is that so many people here still believe in Mr. Aquino and his biggest lie—that he and his government truly tread the straight path.

HOW IT BECAME LENI LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES SO IT’S Leni now for Mar. But it almost was Kim—if the Liberal Party had taken her up on her offer.

Last Monday, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad met with Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo at a trendy café at the Podium in Ortigas Center, one the first of a series of formal talks between the Liberal Party and the congresswoman, whom the ruling party wants to bring in

as running mate of Mar Roxas.

It may take some doing to convince Robredo to run for vice president, but at least it’s still easier than if the Liberals had fielded someone like, say, Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares as Roxas’ partner.

Only last week, the Liberal politburo, which includes Abad and the rest of the so-called “Hyatt 10,” called an urgent meeting to settle once and for all the issue of who should be Roxas’ running mate. The discussion was long and heated because the prospects in the LP short list of two, made up of Robredo and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, each

had their own supporters.

The selection process was still deadlocked when someone proposed that, if the choice between Robredo and De Lima was proving to be so difficult, perhaps a third candidate should stand up and offer herself as a compromise. And that someone, according to the proponent herself, was none other than Henares herself.

Henares’ offer to run as the LP’s vice presidential candidate shocked the party leaders into silence, I’m told. In response, they quickly resolved the problem and chose Robredo for Roxas.

“What does she [Henares] think we’re doing here, guaran-

A9

In response to Henares’ offer, the LP quickly resolved the matter and chose Robredo for Roxas.

teeing that Mar loses?” grumbled one of the people at the meeting.

And that’s how the LP solved the problem of whom to field for vice president in the May elections.

Of course, some people are still wondering why it had to be a choice between Robredo and De Lima to begin with. It really has to do with making sure that another Bicolano candidate for the second-highest post, Chiz Escudero, doesn’t get votes in his home region; but that’s another story for another time. *** Some of the retired top generals who recently came out with a statement opposing the Aquino administration’s insistence for Congress to pass the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law

are hopping mad at Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma. See, Coloma declared yesterday that President Noynoy Aquino “convinced” the 19 generals whom he summoned to a meeting at the Palace last Monday to see it his way on the BBL. “Nothing of the sort happened,” said one of the generals. “Coloma was there at our three-hour meeting with the President; he should know better than to report that the President convinced us to back the BBL.” I asked the former officer, but what about the release by Malacañang yester-

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

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

day of the photographs of Aquino’s meeting with the retired generals, showing them all smiling? Wasn’t that Coloma’s reason for saying that a meeting of the minds had taken place?

“We were having merienda after the meeting and pictures were taken,” the retired officer said. “It wouldn’t look good if we looked angry since we were already having snacks and the discussion had already been finished.”

What really happened, according to this retired officer, was that the President explained his support for BBL and ap-

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

MST ONLINE

can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

pealed for the former generals to do the same. “At least three times, he called on us to trust the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” he said.

To be fair, the President heard the complaints of the generals, especially their concerns about the disarmament of the MILF and their published objections to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which gave birth to the BBL. But he did not budge—and neither did the generals, my Continued on A10 source said.

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

SENATOR Grace Poe may have topped the latest Social Weather Stations survey on presidential candidates but the shadow over her citizenship loomed larger when Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio expressed the opinion Poe is a naturalized Filipino but not natural-born. Justice Carpio heads the Senate Electoral Tribunal currently hearing the citizenship case against Poe. Justice Carpio’s initial opinion carries a lot of weight since he’s senior to the two other SET members—Associate Justices Arturo Brion and Teresita Leonardo Castro. The other members of the SET—Senators Tito Sotto, Paolo Aquino, Nancy Binay, Loren Legarda, Cynthia Villar are non-lawyers. Senator Pia Cayetano is the only lawyer in the group. Aside from the documentary evidence, the non-lawyers will have to be guided by the justices’ interpretation of the law.

Poe is tracing the closest relatives of her parents who are still unknown for possible DNA testing to prove she is natural-born. A foundling adopted by movie stars Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces, she immigrated to the United States, married a Filipino-American and acquired US citizenship. Grace returned to the Philippines, renounced her US citizenship and took her oath as a Filipino to run for the Senate.

Since she has not proven her citizenship, Poe, by Carpio’s opinion, is a naturalized citizen and not natural-born which the Constitution requires of anyone seeking the presidency.

Meanwhile, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said a Leni Robredo versus Francis Escudero contest for vice president would split the Bicol vote with the Camarines Sur congresswoman winning over the Sorsogon senator. Robredo’s tandem with Liberal Party presidential candidate Mar Roxas is almost a done deal and must be giving Escudero sleepless nights. Throw in the women’s votes which will go the way of their “kabaro“ and Chiz could be left holding the shorter end of the stick.

Senator Grace Poe is leading in the latest Social Weather Stations polls with 47 percent while Mar Roxas surged to second place from a low 21 percent to 39 percent, dislodging Vice President Jojo Binay who slipped to third at 35 percent.

The VP race is not just about Leni and Chiz. Binay hinted that Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be his running mate during the 43rd anniversary of the 365 Club at the Hotel Intercontinental last Saturday where he was guest.

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: S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

A10

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

NATURALIZED TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO THIS is a warning to lonely, love-sick and sex-starved women who have been abandoned by their husbands or who have been widowed.

There are so many scammers locally and abroad, and I have heard horror stories about women in their 50s, 60s and 70s being duped through the Internet, especially Facebook.

ABS-CBN reported lately an example of scammers who victimized lonely women, credulous enough to fall victims of a local “I love you honey” scam, where lovesick and widowed women call a line supposedly owned by another lonely man and widowers.

Soon enough, the man asks the woman for some money. At this point, she has become so lovesick that she sends money to an address.

Facebook, supposedly for bonding purposes, is a dangerous social network. It can become a tool for scammers and can every betray one’s self to the BIR for tax evasion purposes. I know that BIR Commissioner Kim Henares has her people watching Facebook users, especially government officials, posting their travels abroad, staying in expensive hotels, and buying signature bags. *** “[Grace] Poe is a Filipino, a naturalized citizen, not natural-born under international customary laws,” Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Antonio Carpio said during the oral arguments in connection with the disqualification case filed against her before the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

To further elucidate his statement, Carpio cited Article 4, Section 1, of the 1935 Constitution that he said should apply to Senator Poe. The fifth paragraph of the constitutional provision considers as citizens of the Philippine “those who are naturalized in accordance with law.” During interpellation, Carpio said “customary international law can be followed so long as it does not violate provisions of the Constitution.

“We do not follow international customary law because our Constitution has primacy. Although under international law, we have a commitment to conform to customary international law by amending the Constitution,” Carpio explained.

He added that in the absence of a law, an international customary law can be applied. Directing his question to the lawyer of the petitioner, Carpio asked: “If right now, there is no law promulgated by Congress that foundlings can be deemed citizens of the Philippines, [can] customary international law supply that gap?” The lawyer of the petitioner gave an affirmative answer.

Going further, “if there is a customary international law saying foundlings can be deemed citizens of the country where they were found, we apply that under the principle of incorporation. It is deemed as municipal law, Carpio said. But you are still a naturalized citizen, not natural-born.

Because if customary international law says a foundling is natural-born, it will violate our Constitution and we cannot have it here,” the justice said.

“So, have we solved the problem, counsel? You will agree with me that Senator Poe... at least [is] a citizen of the Philippines,” Carpio

It is clear— Senator Poe is not naturalborn.

again asked the lawyer of the petitioner, who again answered in the affirmative.

Santa Banana, here’s the kicker when Carpio said that while international convention signed by the Philippines allowed foundlings in the country as Filipino citizens, such process should be considered as a naturalization of citizenship.

Carpio said the principle of “jus sanguinis” (right of blood) will be the sole basis for one to be considered a natural born Filipino, adding that under the Constitution, either of the parents must be a Filipino for her to be a natural born citizen. That is clear enough to understand.

And my gulay, that shifts the burden of proof on Poe to prove she is natural-born.

Carpio said to prove this, foundlings like her must still prove their citizenship through DNA testing, to which the lawyer of Poe said that the process is on its way when alleged siblings of Grace said they were willing to have DNA tests.

My gulay, with the burden of proof now on Poe

POE VS ROXAS VS BINAY (2) ELECTION 2016 is now anybody’s game. The race is a virtual toss-up among Senator Grace Poe, an independent candidate; former Local Governments Secretary Manuel Araneta Roxas of the administration Liberal Party, and Vice President Jejomar Binay of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

None of the three can consider herself/himself a clear winner, yet.

Any one of the three can win the largest and most hotly contested and bruising Philippine presidential elections of the century.

The results of the September 2015 survey of the Social Weather Stations support this conclusion.

In the latest SWS survey conducted Sept. 2-5 among 1,200 respondents, Senator Poe emerged No. 1 or winner with a commanding 47 percent of the vote, followed eight points behind by Mar Roxas, 39 percent, and 12 points behind by Binay, 35 percent.

At first glance, an 8- to 12-percentage point advantage seems substantial. On a voter base of 50 million, 8 percent translates into 4 million votes while 12 percent could mean a 6-million-vote margin.

But the SWS poll has an error margin of plus or minus 3 percentage points—equivalent to 1.5 million votes. Subtract this 1.5 million from 4.0 million and you get just 2.5 million votes. Subtract 1.5 million from 6 million and you get 4.5 million votes.

Thus, Poe’s margin over Roxas could be a paltry 2.5 million while her advantage over Binay is only 4.5 million. These margins can easily be wiped out by an effective public relations gambit or by an efficient machinery. Both Roxas and Binay have concededly far superior machinery over the fledging campaign so far of Poe. I added the 47 of Poe, 39 of Roxas, and 35 of Binay to get 121. So 47 of 121 is 39 percent, 39 of 121 is 32 percent, and 35 of 121 is 29 percent. The total of 39 plus 32 plus 29 is exactly 100.

The resulting ratios cure the SWS survey defect which allows its respondents to name “the three best leaders” to succeed BS Aquino. You vote for only one president, not three. to prove that she had either parents as Filipino citizens, she must explain her 1968 birth certificates, heavily altered, and another one in 2006, both documents now in the possession of the tribunal.

More importantly, Santa Banana, her notarized petition for retention and reacquisition of Philippine citizenship under Republic Act 9225, known as the Dual Citizenship Law, where she stated: “I am a natural-born Philippine citizen, born Sept. 3, 1968 in Iloilo City to Ronald Allan Kelly Poe, a Filipino citizen, and Jesusa Sonora Poe, a Filipino citizen. I became an American national on Oct. 18, 2001, thereby lost my Philippine

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ The differences among the ratings of Poe, Roxas, and Binay become narrower and more realistic—39 percent, 32 percent and 29 percent, respectively. Poe leads Roxas by just 7 percentage points while Roxas leads Binay by an insignificant 3 percentage points.

Factor in the 3-percentage-point margin of error and Poe’s lead over Roxas becomes 4 percentage points (7 minus 3), and Roxas’s lead over Binay is actually nil (3 minus 3).

A lead of 4 percentage points at this stage of the game is meaningless.

More so is zero – the margin of Roxas over Binay with the 3 percent error margin imputed.

If the same approach is applied to the June 2015 SWS survey results, Poe would have 43 percent, Binay 35 percent, and Roxas 22 percent. Apply the same approach to the March 2015 SWS survey and Poe would have 38 percent, Binay 44 percent, and Roxas 18 percent.

Poe actually lost ground. She is down 4 points (from 43 percent in June to 39 percent in September).

Roxas has gained dramatically in voter support, by 10 points (from 22 percent in June to 32 percent in September). Binay has lost only 4 points (from 35 percent to 29 percent), a very manageable, not a worrisome, loss of popularity. On a voter base of 50 million, 4 points is equivalent to 2 million votes while 10 points or percentage is equivalent to 5 million votes.

In a seesawing electoral battle, with eight months to ago, an erosion or gain of between 2 million and 5 million votes is not that meaningful.

Indeed, vote margins in presidential pre-election surveys can swing wildly and vastly before the final outcome.

Recall the 2010 presidential race.

In the September 2009 pre-election survey of SWS for the 2010 race, then Senator BS Aquino had an awesome 60 percent of the possible vote, Senator Manuel Villar commanded 37 percent, and former President

citizenship. Pursuant thereto, I am a holder of a US Passport with Passport No. 01737793, issued on Dec. 19, 2001 in Washington.”

Santa Banana, that’s not only misrepresentation, but an outright lie by somebody who claims to be honest.

She can be jailed for perjury. It’s a smoking gun against her.

While the statements of Carpio as tribunal chairman cannot yet be binding, the wisdom of his opinion on the citizenship of Poe cannot be disputed.

It’s now for Senator Poe to prove that she is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Arturo Brion, a member of the tribunal, said.

Joseph Estrada settled with just 18 percent.

By February 2010, SWS showed Aquino with only 42 percent, down 18 percentage points; Villar 35 percent, down by only two percentage points, and Estrada 13 percent, down 5 percentage points.

The final tally of the May 2010 elections (which is the deciding survey): Aquino 15 million votes or 50 percent (of the total votes among the three); Estrada 9.8 million votes or 33 percent, and Villar 5 million votes or 17 percent.

In effect, between September 2009 and the actual elections of May 2010, Aquino lost three million votes, while Estrada gained nearly 5.5 million votes as his share of the vote rose from 18 percent to 33 percent. Villar slid to a poor No. 3, losing 20 percentage points or almost 6 million votes.

This experience shows voter support can swing wildly, by 18 to 20 percentage points (or by anywhere from 9 to 10 million votes) between and among the aspirants.

In February 2010, Villar could still defeat the widely popular Aquino but he was hobbled by black propaganda, the Villaroyo (Villar-Arroyo) campaign that linked him to the muchdespised outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her husband, Mike Arroyo.

Mar has all the resources and network of the incumbent President BS Aquino III behind him. The President has at his command a national budget of P3 trillion and a government workforce of more than two million.

One thing all three candidates have in common—a rich campaign war chest—Roxas because of the government, Binay because of vigorous fundraising of the past year and formidable wealth, and Poe because of firm backing by among the country’s richest tycoons and corporations.

All three declared candidates are hobbled by issues that could hamper their campaign or mean their defeat, like in experience and citizenship for Poe, corruption for Binay, and incompetence and insensitivity for Roxas.

biznewsasia@gmail.com

How it.. From A9 The meeting between Aquino and the generals was actually the result of an earlier conference held between the retired officers and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin right after the paid advertisement detailing their objections to the BBL. At that earlier meeting, Gazmin (who was also at the Palace meeting together with Coloma, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Hernando Irriberi) promised to bring the matter to Aquino.

Many of the 31 generals who signed the original statement were not sanguine about the chances of Aquino changing his mind about the BBL, which was probably why only 19 of them attended. But majority of them went anyway, secure in the knowledge that they, too, would not give an inch.

In the end, that was exactly what happened. There was no compromise on either side—but they ended up smiling for the cameras brought in by Coloma, even if there was no agreement.

“But Coloma had no call to say that we were convinced, because we were not,” my source said. “And if he continues to say that we were convinced, then he’s not telling the truth.”

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OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

THE PROBLEM WITH GP

SO I SEE LITO BANAYO THIS writer will not comment on the current Senate Electoral Tribunal debate on whether or not a foundling is a natural-born or a naturalized citizen, or “stateless” or whatever. Not being a lawyer, I shall not delve into a legal or constitutional issue that is not within my competence.

Those who follow the articles in this space will note that I have not taken any position on the issue that now bedevils the leading candidate, per the surveys, for the highest post in the land.

In an earlier article (Snapshots, MST, 09 Sept. 2015) I have cautioned the readers about surveys being mere readings of a certain point in time. It can change, as indeed it will change in the course of a yet eight-month period leading to the final voter verdict come May 9, 2016. I do question the SWS methodology that asks 1,200 respondents to name three of the “best leaders” to succeed the present occupant of Malacañang.

Many opinion writers, statisticians as well as political analysts have already questioned this methodology employed by SWS. What is lamentable is how propagandists and media persons so easily influenced by propagandists keep printing or repeating on air the SWS “best three” results as if it were the same as the proper question which is: “If elections

Naturalized... From A9 “Solid North, the Visayan votes plus Mindanao and you have a formidable combination,” hinted Binay whose United Nationalist Alliance party has had a head start in campaigning and organizing at the grassroots level as early as five years ago.

The divided Bicol bloc votes can only favor Bongbong Marcos whose father Ferdinand Edralin Marcos of Ilocos Norte and mother Imelda Romualdez of Leyte have a large following in the northern provinces and Visayas region including Cebu and Mindanao where many

were held today, who among the following names would you vote as president (or other posts)?”

Having given that “survey” my short shrift, for whatever it is worth, let me segue into what disturbs me about the Grace Poe candidacy for the presidency of the Republic.

As I said in the first paragraph, it is not the issue of whether she is a natural-born citizen or what not. I will accept whatever the highest tribunal will eventually state as the law of the land on this unprecedented matter.

What bothers me is how someone who, at one point in her life, threw away her Filipino citizenship to embrace that of a foreign country, can in proper conscience now seek the voter’s approval of her presidential ambition.

I have wrestled with this issue for a long time. I did not know about this matter of taking alien citizenship when she ran for senator. I was doing pre-campaign for a seat in Congress in late November 2012, when Senator Chiz Escudero called me that she and Grace would go to my hometown, Butuan City on December 5, and could I please play the host? Being a close friend of the senator and an admirer of Grace Poe, I said, “ako na ang bahala sa lahat.” But Typhoon Pablo intervened and the trip was cancelled.

A week later, I underwent a medical procedure at the Philippine Heart Center to unclog two major coronary arteries. Two weeks af-

ter, at the insistence of my worried family, I withdrew my candidacy, not in the first district of Agusan del Norte, but at the Comelec head office, with the permission of then-Chair Sixto Brillantes.

The admiration for now-Senator Poe remains. I would be one to defend her status as a naturalborn citizen even if she admits to being a foundling. Not from a legal standpoint, but from a communications point of view. That should be easy, and her supporters are now milking every ounce of sympathy, especially from the target market—the “masa” very, very well.

But sometime after she married an American citizen, Senator Poe renounced her Filipino citizenship, never mind what kind it was, to become a citizen of a foreign land, no matter if it was the United States of America.

She could have easily been granted a permanent residence status, the so-called “green card” because she was the wife of an American who resided with her in Virginia, and she had children who by virtue of America’s “jus soli” definition, were Americans.

But she opted to be an American.

Now read the oath she took: “I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend

the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.” Read that oath and weep. One of my daughters wept when she uttered those words, when she was 21, as her mother is an American citizen. She opted for it because she thought, like many of us, that the land of milk and honey would provide her the proverbial greener pastures. She knew full well that she was turning her back from the land of her birth, that she did it as a matter of choice, for economic reasons, or at least the perception of a better life therein. No one blames any Filipino for doing that. And my daughter has absolutely no plans to seek any elective post in the Philippines. Both by temperament and personality, she knows she will not be one.

Ninoy Aquino’s sister, Ditas, as recounted by her other sister, Sen. Tessie Aquino Oreta, cried when she took that oath, and felt like getting out of the room, precisely because the words “en-

tirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity…” rankled deep into her being.

Still—fine. Grace made a personal choice. Some may say you didn’t have “economic” reasons, living with the King and Queen of Philippine movies in a Greenhills mansion, schooled in the schools of the elite, and as a solo daughter, living the good life that others did not have. Still, we respect that.

Our good friend, Atty. Katrina Legarda explained that you had to follow the citizenship of your husband because that is how a wife should be. Again, fine. That too is a personal choice we voters cannot question.

Now you want to be, in your own words, “our next president.”

Is this country of a hundred million souls so bereft of anyone else that you want us now to consider you to be our supreme leader, simply because you are the “most” popular?

This article is being written but it pains me to do this, Senator Grace.

You renounced us once. We accepted you back with open arms.

We admire you for your thus far good performance as MTRCB head and then as senator of the realm. But in the same way that our past will always hound us, and puts a limit to whatever we desire to be at another point in our life, I submit, most respectfully, that you should not be our “next president.”

So sorry, Senator.

of the voters are Ilocano and Visayan-speaking settlers.

Senator Marcos on his own has established credentials as Ilocos Norte congressman, governor and more recently as a level-headed chairman of the Senate’s local government committee reviewing the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law. By including all the stakeholders in the proposed BBL and cleaning up its constitutional infirmities, Marcos gained many supporters in Mindanao and Luzon.

Bongbong Marcos is only 58 and becoming vice president would put him in a vantage position for the presidency in 2022.

He does not need any preparation, having learned the art of politics and governance at an early age from his father. Being married to lawyer Lisa Araneta has also given him a well-rounded grasp of the law even if he’s not a barrister. He has three sons which makes him complete as a well-grounded family man.

It looks like the Senate Electoral Tribunal, according to SET member Senator Tito Sotto, won’t be able to decide on the case until November. The deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy is on Oct. 12.

Why can’t the SET decide before then? The documentary evidence from petitioner Rizalito

David and Senator Poe have already been submitted and oral arguments started last Monday.

This crucial constitutional issue on Grace Poe’s citizenship should be resolved and not left to the voters in the May 2016 elections. Grace Poe it seems is seeking refuge in the legal maxim “vox populi vox dei (the voice of the people is the voice of god) which is why she announced her candidacy for president to take her case to the voters before the ruling on her citizenship. Vox populi in this country, where the masa choose their candidates based on popularity, is not really the right way as shown when they elected an Erap and

a Noynoy.

There are talks Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero are President Aquino’s “secret candidates” even if he had already anointed Mar Roxas. Fueling the rumors is Grace Poe saying she won’t criticize Aquino during the campaign and that they exchanged text messages shortly before Grace announced her run as an independent candidate. How can she not criticize Aquino when her rival Mar Roxas represents President Aquino’s bankrupt “daang matuwid?” This drew a reaction from Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda that he finds Grace Poe’s statement “confusing.”

#FAILOCRACY

CHONG ARDIVILLA

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Belgian designer to pursue Tokyo logo plagiarism case BRUSSELS—A Belgian graphic designer will press on with a court case against the International Olympic Committee over a logo for the Tokyo 2020 Games despite the withdrawal of a key co-plaintiff, his lawyer said on Monday.

Olivier Debie filed a lawsuit in a Belgian court in August alleging that Japanese designer Kenjiro Sano’s Olympic design was plagiarised from the logo Debie made for a theatre in the Belgian city of Liege.

Late on Monday, just hours before a preliminary hearing, the theatre announced it was dropping out of the case.

“The Theatre de Liege, copyright holder of its logo, has decided to waive the pending procedure in Liege against the IOC,” the theatre company said in a statement.

“After examining the pleas and evidence submitted by the IOC and the definitive withdrawal of Mr. Sano’s logo, (the theatre) acknowledges that the dis-

puted emblem, regardless of any similarity with its logo, is not breaching its rights,” it said.

Debie’s lawyer, Philippe Mottard, however told AFP his client was still pursuing his case.

Mottard said Debie refused settlement “under any circumstances”, as long as the IOC failed to admit to plagiarism.

Last month Tokyo’s Olympic committee dropped the scandal-hit logo, but insisted the move was not in response to the legal action and that the designs were different.

The first hearing of the case is to take place in a civil court in Liege, with a decision due in the coming weeks or months.

In September, Debie told AFP: “Plagiarism is impossible to prove but the facts are there: the layout and the typography are virtually identical. When I see the Tokyo 2020 logo, I say to myself, that’s the logo I created in 2011.” AFP

Short work. Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland hits a return against Coco Vandeweghe of the US during their first round match at the Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament in Tokyo. Radwanska made short work of Vandeweghe, reaching the second round with a 6-3, 6-3 win. AFP

WBO title fight looms for Donaire

By Ronnie Nathanielsz WITH a title fight against Scott Quigg unlikely to happen, Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire’s manager Cameron Dunkin is looking at the possibility of a clash for the vacant World Boxing Organization super bantamweight title against No.1-ranked Cesar Juarez of Mexico.

The five-division world champion Donaire is ranked No. 2 and is a former WBO champion.

Dunkin told The New Standard/boxingmirror.

com that Juarez is the best alternative, to a fight with Quigg as he claimed the WBO title is going to become vacant.

The current champion is

Guillermo Rigondeaux.

Should the clash for the vacant title push through, Dunkin said the fight would most likely take place sometime in December.

Donaire, meantime, continues his strength and conditioning regimen in Las Vegas, while waiting for word on who his next opponent will be and when and where the fight will take place.

His father/trainer Dodong Donaire, who is back in his gym in Oakland, California, said he

plans to return to Las Vegas in mid-October to resume training his son.

The 24-year-old Juarez has a record of 17-3, with 13 knockouts and won the WBO International title by beating Juan Carlos Sanchez Jr. last July 25, dropping Sanchez once in the 10th round.

However, Juarez lost a majority 12-round decision to Hugo Partida in a clash for the World Boxing Council Interim FECARBOX title on Feb. 2, 2013.

Partida is the same fighter, who lost by a first-round

TKO to Filipino Prince Albert Pagara, who dropped Partida three times to score a spectacular victory in a battle for the vacant International Boxing Federation Intercontinental title on June 21, 2014.

Donaire, who is 32 years old, has a record of 35-3 with 23 knockouts and is coming off back-to-back second-round TKO victories over William Prado of Brazil to win the NABF title on March 28 and then repeated the performance over France’s Anthony Settoul on July 18.

Lady Bulldogs take a break at SkyRanch

Members of the National University Lady Bulldogs Volleyball Team are shown.

THE National University Lady Bulldogs Volleyball Team recently took a break from their practice for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Games with a day tour in SkyRanch in Tagaytay.

The SkyRanch Operations Team welcomed the Lady Bulldogs, who were accompanied by their team manager Mariano T. See Diet.

The Lady Bulldogs enjoyed thrilling rides at SkyRanch, including Top Dancer and Super Viking, as well as zooming through the air on the Zipline. They also had a chance to go

horseback riding at The Loop, a popular tourist pastime in Tagaytay. It was a day of fun for the volleybelles, as they were greeted by the SkyRanch marching band and stilt walkers; and were treated to a hearty meal at Uncle Cheffy.

Since it opened in 2013, SkyRanch is the only amusement park in Tagaytay City that has been attracting crowds from Metro Manila and nearby provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon. It has a number of rides that children and adults alike will enjoy.

Noah named Davis Cup captain of France’s team PARIS—Yannick Noah has been named France Davis Cup captain for the third time, the French Tennis Federation announced in a statement on Monday.

The iconic 55-year-old, who was the last Frenchman to win Roland Garros in 1983, captained the team to Davis Cup victory in 1991 and 1996, as he takes over from Arnaud Clement who was sacked last week.

The team were defeated

by Great Britain in the quarter-finals this year and last lifted the trophy in 2001 having lost three finals—against Russia (2002), Serbia (2010) and Switzerland (2014).

Clement had been in charge since 2013.

Noah also captained the French Fed Cup team to victory, the first for the country in 1997.

“On the proposition put forward by French Tennis Federation president Jean Gachassin and national technical director Arnaud Di Pasquale, the federal office of the FFT today named Yannick Noah as captain of the France Davis Cup team for 2016,” read the statement. AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

FIFA executive faces corruption raps PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago—Former FIFA vice president Jack Warner will learn Friday whether he is to be extradited to the United States to face charges linked to a corruption scandal sweeping football’s world governing body.

Warner, a 72-year-old a native of the Caribbean island, was indicted in May by a US grand jury on 12 charges of wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering.

US authorities have charged 14 FIFA officials and sports marketing executives of soliciting and receiving more than $150 million in bribes and kickbacks over two decades.

On July 23 US authorities asked for Warner, a former head of football’s governing body in North America, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), to be extradited to face the charges.

So far only three of those charged are in the jurisdiction of New York.

Trinidad Attorney General Faris Al Rawi on Monday said the extradition case could proceed, and on Friday a magistrate will issue a ruling after hearing arguments.

Warner’s defense is challenging the decision, noting that Al Rawi’s authorization was signed five days after a deadline set by the court.

Warner and nine other defendants are still fighting extradition to the United States—six from Switzerland where they were arrested in a May swoop on a Zurich hotel—two from Argentina, and one from Uruguay.

Swiss media reported in midSeptember that FIFA president Sepp Blatter sold off television rights for the 2010 and 2014 World Cups to Warner at a mere five percent of their true market value.

Warner has claimed that the US case against him is politically motivated and that America is trying to exact revenge because it lost out to Qatar in the vote to host the 2022 World Cup. AFP

New basketball court. San Juan City Cong. Ronny Zamora, Vice Mayor Francis Zamora, City Councilors and Blackwater Elite players headed by coach Leo Isaac are shown at the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the basketball court of Brgy. Pedro Cruz. An exhibition game between the team San Juan All-Stars and Blackwater was played after the ceremony.

Bringing sexy back for Chinese fans SINGAPORE—Badminton’s bid to make women players wear skirts may have been ill-advised, but the sport is again seeking a “sexy” new image to bring in fans and revenue.

Even in China, where badminton has mass participation and world-beating stars, its visibility dims in the glare of more glamorous rivals like NBA basketball, football and tennis.

Now everything is on the table as badminton looks to capitalise on its wide appeal and gain a profile that will bring sponsors running and turn its players into millionaires.

New scoring, new advertising and even new shuttlecocks and court colours are being considered as badminton looks to shed

its staid image and stand out in the digital age.

Owen Leed, who heads the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) new commercial division created last year, said the sport needs cachet if it is to compete.

“That’s one of the challenges we have—how do we make the sport more glamorous in terms of the sport itself being sexier, without that being a naughty word?” he told AFP at last week’s Sports Matters industry conference in Singapore.

“That could cross everything from how we run our events in future to how we present on television to how we profile our stars.”

- Skirting the issue Leed preferred not to discuss the infamous move to gain popu-

larity by making women players wear skirts, which was finally shelved in 2012 following howls of protest.

But he said the players’ appearance was “all part of the picture” and would also be in focus as the sport attempts to modernise.

“As a sport we’re still quite conservative and if we want to grow the sport for the players to have an ability to earn more money... we have to think about how the sport is presented and indeed how the players present themselves,” he said.

Leed said China has 250 million people playing badminton. It also has a stable of athletes which has dominated for years, winning all five Olympic titles in London in 2012. AFP

Box your way to fitness

By Robbie Pangilinan FILIPINOS love boxing, not only as a sport, but also as an effective fitness program.

Box your way to fitness at the Fight Lab South, a mixed sport gym teaching boxing and Muay Thai, and where students of all ages are welcome to learn through one-on-one lessons with the experts.

Gym owner Denise Calayan Brion attributes the Filipinos’ interest in boxing to the fame of boxers such as Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire and Brian Villoria.

“Long time boxing fans and even casual fans started including boxing in their fitness regimens. Boxing has opened up from a fighters’-only sport to an activity that every member of the family can enjoy as a bonding activity, as a hobby or as part of their fitness program,” explained the 25-year-old fitness enthusiast.

Brion added that learning to box is practical as a form of self-defense. She also added Muay Thai or Thai Kick Boxing to the gym’s services for those who want to try something more challenging than boxing. These additional sports are also gaining popularity due to competitions by international fight organizations UFC and ONE FC and the local URCC. “Our lessons are based on the student’s fitness level and skill level. Training time is not restricted,” added Brion, a Students of all ages learn through one-on-one lessons with the Fight Lab South UA&P BS Entrepreneurial Management Program graduate. experts.

PH’s biggest netfest slated PHILIPPINE Columbian Association and its biggest supporter Cebuana Lhuillier continue its partnership to organize the country’s biggest tournament this year by bringing an ITF Futures tournament.

The tournament, which awards 27 Association of Tennis Professionals points to the champion, will provide an opportunity for Filipino players to pit their skills with worldclass players and improve their rankings.

“We’re happy to once again support this year’s PCA Open especially that it will be foreign-laden.

This will be a perfect opportunity for our national players to test their mettle against some of world’s best and at the same time for us to discover up and coming talents who has the potential to be part of the national team in the near future. This is one big step towards our goal of becoming one of the stronger teams in Asia,” said Jean Hernri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier President and Chief Executive Officer and Philta Chariman of the Board.

This ITF Futures is a huge tournament that in terms of available ranking points, being champion here is equivalent to winning 13 local PCA Opens.

W E D N E S D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

A14

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Tour cards up for grabs in ICTSI golf TRECE MARTIREZ, Cavite—The ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour winds up its 2015 season with the P3.5 million ICTSI Tournament Players Championship beginning today at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club here with focus not only on the chase for the top P650,000 purse but also for Tour cards next year.

Only the top 40 players in the money list after the 15leg tour will gain automatic playing rights next season with the rest going through the qualifying school set early next year.

After 14 stops, players

ranked from Nos. 35 to 60 are closely bunched together, ensuring a fierce battle in all four days of the championship with those within the top 40 out to firm up their spots and those from No. 41 below hoping to crash into the elite

Tams vow to limit errors

group with strong finishes.

From among the roster includes Tony Lascuña, who missed extending his reign as the top money earner for the fourth straight year with a failed title bid at ICTSI Open at Wack Wack two weeks ago and a dismal finish at Central Azucarera de Tarlac last week.

Miguel Tabuena ruled both events, the first in comefrom-behind fashion and the other in overpowering style to crown himself the new Order of Merit champion with one leg left in the circuit sponsored by International Con-

tainer Terminal Services Inc. Tabuena has begged off to compete this week to play on the Asian Tour in Japan, along with two-leg winner Angelo Que and Aboitiz Invitational champion Juvic Pagunsan. But the young gun has safely secured the OOM title with earnings of P3,051,917 that included two other victories at Splendido and Rancho Palos Verdes.

Lascuña dropped to second with P2,385,960 and will still fall short of toppling Tabuena even if he wins this week’s event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Clarice Patrimonio gets ready to serve.

Games today (Mall of Asia Arena) 2 p.m. • FEU vs UE (Men) 4 p.m. • NU vs AdU (Men)

By Peter Atencio THE Far Eastern University University Tamaraws vow to take care of the ball when they clash with the University of the East Warriors at 2 p.m. today in the 78th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Tamaraws’ coach Nash Racela noted that the team turned the ball over a lot when they got past the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 75-58, last Sunday.

With the Tams tied in the lead with University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo (3-1), Racela believes they have to be careful in their confrontation with the Warriors.

The Warriors’ pressing game makes them a dangerous team to deal with.

“We are facing teams that like to press. We had 23 rebounds in our last game.

That’s the problem,” said Racela, who added that getting past UE’s pressure defense will be their challenge.

Later, the defending champion National University Bulldogs will go for their first back-to-back win at 4 p.m. against winless Adamson, which will show up with assistant coach Vince Hizon calling the shots.

Adamson coach Mike Fermin is serving out a one-game suspension.

The Bulldogs come into the fight with newfound confidence after ending a three-game slide with a 5554 triumph over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.

The Tams are counting again on the duo of Mac Belo and Mike Tolomia in getting past the Warriors.

Lady Maroons blank UST bets, post 2nd win REIGNING women’s champion University of the Philippines blanked University of Santo Tomas, 5-0, to gain a share of first place in the UAAP badminton tournament over the weekend.

Last season’s MVP Jessie Francisco and top rookie Mary Ann Marañon shone as the Lady Maroons improved to 2-0. They have won nine straight ties dating back from last year.

La Salle joined UP on top with a 4-1 victory over National University.

In other ties, Ateneo overwhelmed Adamson, 5-0, while Far Eastern University routed

University of the East, 5-0.

The Lady Eagles and the Lady Tamaraws rose to 1-1 to tie the Tigresses and the Lady Bulldogs in third place. The Lady Warriors and the Lady Falcons are winless in two starts.

Action resumes today with the women’s ties start at 2:30 p.m., right after the 10 a.m. men’s tie at the Malate venue.

UP and La Salle dispute the solo lead, while other women’s ties scheduled are Ateneo-FEU, UST-NU and Adamson-UE. In the men’s division, titleholder NU plays UP, simultaneously with La Salle-Ateneo, UST-FEU and Adamson-UE ties.

Brawl...

From A16

11 and 10 points, shot nine points in the second period, and his contributions helped the Altas finish the half with a 39-30 advantage. His split free throw in the last 7 minutes allowed the Altas to take their biggest lead, 7441, in the fourth.

Meanwhile, the San Sebastian College Stags struck hard in the last four minutes, upsetting the defending champion San Beda Red Lions, 98-92, Bradwyn Guinto shot 26 points for the Stags, who went on to post their fifth win in 15 games.

The Stags, who posted

“I’ll still go for a win but even without Miguel and Angel, the field remains tough and anybody can win here, especially if the wind come into play,” said Lascuña, who drew Frankie Miñoza and Dutch Guido Van der Valk in the 7:30 a.m. flight on No. 1.

Mars Pucay, who snapped a three-year slump by winning this season-ending event at Southlinks last year, tees off next to Lascuña group along with Gerald Rosales and Elmer Saban while Elmer Salvador and Jay Bayron, Nos. 4 and 5, re-

spectively, in the OOM, will play alongside Michael Bibat at 11:10 a.m. on No. 10.

Bibat served notice of his title bid when he led his team that included Edison Yap, Tess Yap and Aaron Chua to victory in yesterday’s pro-am tournament with an 18-under 54, beating Korean Anthony Kim and partners Arnel Paras, Allan Rubrica and Hiroyuki Makita, who pooled a 56. Rolando Marabe, with Ren Ilagan, Ronald Nuñez and Pablo Capati Jr., also assembled a 56 but in the countback and settled for third.

Patrimonio sisters off to blazing start TOP SEED Clarice Patrimonio got off to a good start with an impressive win against Erika Manduriao, 6-2, 6-1, yesterday in the ladies’ singles division of the 34th Philippine Columbian Association OpenCebuana Lhuillier Wildcard Event at the PCA Open clay courts in Paco, Manila.

Patrimonio’s older sister, Christine, had it easier though, registering a walkover win versus Kimberly Keethler.

“Medyo nagwa-warm up pa lang ako dahil one week rin ako na napahinga. Puro training kasi kami lately then binigyan kami ng one week rest. I hope mas maging maganda laro ko sa next round. I just need to focus more,” said the 21-yearold Clarice, a second year Hotel and Restaurant Management student at National University.

Clarice will meet Crizzabelle Paulino, while Christine duels Lenelyn Milo in the event supported by Cebuana Lhuillier, Puma, Dunlop, The Philippine Star, Head, Babolat, Compass/ IMOSTI and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao.

Paulino decimated Janina Luis, 6-0-6-1, while Milo extinguished a late-charged rally by Jennylyn Magpayo, 6-1, 7-6 (3).

Second seed Marinel Rudas, third pick Edilyn Balanga, No.

their first win in three years over the Red Lions, turned the tables on their foes after Michael Calisaan scored two free throws in the last four minutes and shattered an 83-all deadlock, The loss put the Red Lions in a three-way tie for the lead, sharing the top spot with the Letran Knights and the University of Perpetual Help Altas on the same 11-4 records.

The Stags forced three turnovers in the last 2:32, with Jeick Fabian, Calisaan and Ryan Costelo scoring in succession to put the Recoletos cagers ahead, 93-87, in the final 50.6 seconds.

“Masaya kami. Sabi ko sa kanila, enjoy lang natin ang last five games natin,” said

4 Maia Balce, No. 5 Sjaira Hope Rivera and No. 6 Hannah Espinosa also advanced into the next round via similar victories in the opening day of ladies singles play.

Rudas proved to have more grit than Jana Exconde, 6-0, 6-1; Balanga thrashed Precian Eve Rivera, 6-1, 6-0; Balce routed Princess Castillo, 6-1, 6-1; Rivera pummeled Ana Atangan, 6-1, 6-0; and Espinosa who blew Monica Cortez out of the water, 6-0, 6-0.

In other results, Krizelle Sampaton posted a 6-0, 6-0 shutout win over Shekinah Terrible; Miles Vitaliano clobbered Jana Hernandez, 6-3, 6-3; Frances Santiago outlasted Jana Pages, 7-5, 6-2; and Rafaella Villanueva crushed Crystalyn Sabas, 6-0, 6-0.

Men’s singles action continues today with defending champion Patrick John Tierro squaring off against Noel Damian in the fourth round of the tournament supported by Whilpool/Fujidenzo, Broadway Motor Sales Corp.

Coca-Cola Fesma Philippines, Tyrecorp Incorporated, Pearl Garden Hotel, Metro Global Holdings Corporation, Avida, PVL Restaurant, Mary Grace Foods, Inc., Seno Hardware and Wire Rope Corporation.

Stags coach Rodney Santos.

Olaide Adeogun made 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Red Lions.

In the junior division, reserve players Robi Nayve eked out 12 points, while Eduardo Velasquez and John Lagumen had 10 for the defending champion San Beda Red Cubs, who posted their 15th straight win at the expense of the San Sebastian Staglets, 88-57.

Eiron Calara scored the winning basket at endgame to lift the EAC-ICA Brigadiers to an 83-82 win over the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas, 73-72.

The Brigadiers (8-7) are in fifth, and remained in contention for the Final Four.

W E D N E S D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

A15 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

P0.0 M+ P0.0 M+

MARHO Platinum to be held at Santa Ana Park

Player Carlo Angelo Tigaronita (left) and Carl Montano (right), coach of the Youth Hockey Team (Peewees), display their trophies at the PSA Forum. They are joined by Christopher Sy, President of the Federation of Hockey League in the Philippines. LINO SANTOS

PH ice hockey peewee team wins in Malaysia AFTER three years of trying, the Philippine ice hockey team finally ruled the peewee division of the Malaysia Invitational Ice Hockey tournament last Sept. 11 in Kuala Lumpur.

The Philippine team made up of players aged 13 years and below surprised teams from Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia to bring home the gold medal.

As an icing on the cake, 13-year-old Carlo Angelo Tigaronita was named Best Forward.

In ice hockey, it’s equivalent to being named MVP. “We’re all very happy with the result,” said Tigaronita during yesterday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

Also gracing the forum were

Christopher Sy, president of the Federation of Hockey League in the Philippines; Carl Montano, head coach of the Philippine team; CJ Suarez, former bowling World Cup champion and now head of the SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. sports; and Stephanie Henares, SMLEI public relations and advertising manager.

Last week, the Philippines also ruled the men’s division in the Hong Kong Amateur Hockey Club Invitational Ice Hockey tournament.

“We are proud of these achievements and we’re looking forward

to more victories,” said Sy, who has bigger plans for the sport of hockey in the country.

“We have a vision and a mission. We want to push this sport forward,” he added.

Among the plans are the staging of more ice hockey tournaments in the country and joining more international events. They also plan to bring in foreign coaches from Canada to share their expertise with their Filipino counterparts.

Suarez said the twin victories should serve as a big boost for the development of ice hockey in the country.

The local federation is also seeking recognition from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, and eventually the In-

ternational Hockey League.

“The growth of hockey wasn’t as promising then as it is now. There’s more interest now and we have more fans now. It looks promising,” said Montano, a FilipinoCanadian who also plays the sport.

“Ice hockey is a unique sport where Filipinos can excel. Filipinos may lack in size but they can easily make up for it with speed,” he said.

The SM Group, headed by Hans Sy is throwing its full support on the development of ice and figure skating, ice hockey and eventually speed skating.

In November, SMLEI will stage the Philippine Ice Hockey tournament at SM Mall of Asia and close to 60 teams are expected to participate.

Foreign spikers coming for Fit to Hit tournament EXCITING beach volleyball action, spiced up by teams from Malaysia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the Philippines, will take place on Sept. 25 to 27 at the Sands SM by the Bay. The event put up by Solar Sports is dubbed “Fit to Hit” Philippine Beach Volleyball Invitational. A total cash prize $19,000 will be divided among the eight teams depending on placing.

Three teams from the Philippines will compete against two teams each from Hong Kong and Malaysia and one from New Zealand, according to Solar Sports head Ralph Roy. “We are doing this to promote beach volleyball in the country.

That’s the intention,” said Roy during yesterday’s Philippine

Sportswriters Association Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

There are bigger plans ahead, including a local beach volley circuit that is open to all players with four or five legs per year.

“The intention is to bring beach volleyball all over the country and to places like Bohol. The different local governments can host different legs,” he said.

“The end result is the development of the sport,” Roy added.

Joining the weekly forum are “Fit to Hit” project director Polo Bustamante, and players Bea Tan, Lindsey Dowd, Alexa Micek and Charo Soriano.

Tan will team up with Down while Micek will work with Soriano. The other Filipina pair has yet to be named.

Beach volleyball player Bea Tan (left) answers a query from sportswriters at the PSA Forum about the coming Fit to Hit. She is joined here by fellow spikers (starting second from left) Alexa Milek, Lindsan Dowd, and Charo Soriano. LINO SANTOS

The Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas, Inc. has no participation in the tournament, according to LVPI president Jose Romasanta.

Bustamante said matches will start at 2 p.m. and will be aired

daily on a delayed basis on Solar Sports. He said the eight teams will be divided into two groups.

A single-round robin will lead to the semis and finals and rankings matches.

THE Metropolita n Association of Race Horse Owners announced that its 20th MARHO Championships racing festival will be held on Nov. 7 and 8 at the Philippine Racing Club’s Santa Ana Park in Naic, Cavite.

The now-iconic event founded by the organization in 1996 has become an annual tradition eagerly awaited by participants and fans for its hefty purses, prestigious awards, and interesting races.

Formerly having six championship races—the Classic, 3YO Colt Mile, 3YO Filly Mile, Juvenile Colts, Juvenile Fillies, and Sprint—this year’s edition, dubbed MARHO Platinum, has been streamlined to showcase four major races.

These are the MARHO-San Miguel Beer Classic for horses 4YO and older, the MARHO-Philippine Racing Commission 3YO Colt and Filly Mile, the MARHO-Santa Ana Park Juvenile Colts and Fillies, and the MARHO-Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Sprint.

In other words, the 3YO and 2YO races, formerly segregated as to sex, will now be merged in order for MARHO to provide higher prizes and to ensure larger fields for the races to make them more exciting.

MARHO President Antonio De Ubago Jr. said that a compelling reason for the MARHO Board’s decision to stage the event at Santa Ana Park this year was because it is the venue for the Philippine Racing Commission’s Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Cup, nicknamed the ECJ Cup. Cojuangco founded both MARHO and PHilracom in 1974.

“It is only fitting,” said de Ubago, “that we hold the MARHO Platinum racing festival on these dates and at this track so that we may also honor our founder, more so because this year marks the 20th anniversary of our racing festival.”

The event was launched two decades ago as a platform to encourage and reward horseowners and breeders of localbred horses.

Since then, it has become the arena of champions and is deemed the most prestigious of the major racing festivals, also serving as a model to other organizations that later put up similar events.

In addition to the four MARHO championship races and the Philracom ECJ Cup to be held on Nov. 8, that weekend will also showcase 18 trophy races.

Among the trophy race sponsors are ESICOR, Hideaway Farm, Jade Bros. Farm, Ciara Marie Foundation, and Andok’s. *** PCSO will be staging a 2YO Open maiden race on Sep. 26 at Santa Ana Park. The trial race was held Sep. 11 and won by lawyer Narciso Morales’s filly Hotdog, followed in order by Rocking Hill, Sky Dancer, Bowties and Charms, Bainbridge, Gintong Yaman, Sharp Return, Constantinople.

With these being juvenile runners still honing their skills, it’s anybody’s race, and that’s what makes 2YO events interesting. *** Facebook: Gogirl Racing, Twitter: @ gogirlracing, Instagram: @jensdecember, Blog: http://jennyo.net

A16

W E D N E S D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 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

Brawl mars NCAA game; Lions fall

Road to Rio Olympics starts for Gilas quintet

By Jeric Lopez

SMART Gilas Pilipinas officially opens its campaign in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship as it faces underdog Palestine in the tournament’s opening day.

Games Tomorrow (The Arena in San Juan) 10 a.m. Lyceum vs EAC (jrs) 12 nn LSGH vs San Sebastian (jrs) 2 p.m. Lyceum vs EAC (srs) 4 p.m. CSB vs San Sebastian(srs)

By Peter Atencio PLAYERS from both the University of Perpetual Help Altas and the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals took their fight from the basketball court all the way to the parking lot at the end of their teams’ National Collegiate Athletic Association game at The Arena in San Juan yesterday afternoon.

The management committee of the NCAA is now looking into initial reports that at least four players were involved in the incident.

Eyewitness said the incident took place a few minutes after the Altas’ Nikolo Cabiltes and EAC’s Enrico Diego were ejected at 1:38 of the fourth period for fighting. Also thrown out was EAC’s Raymund Pascua for entering the court.

According witnesses, EAC’s Sidney Onwuberre and Pascua were among those who attacked Cabiltes and his still unnamed teammate.

A free-for-all ensued from there, but it was over as soon as it started as the involved parties quickly dispersed right after event security reached the scene.

The University of Perpetual Help Altas banked on a big third-quarter run to dispose of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 89-59, and move in contention for the top Final Four semifinal slot.

Gerald Dizon led two other teammates in coming up with double-digit outputs, making 18 points as he led the Altas to their 11th win in 15 games.

Dizon, backed up by Prince Eze and Earl Thompson with Continued to A14

Patrimonio sisters off to blazing PCA start TURN TO A14

Ceremonial pitch.

Tyson Chandler of the Phoenix Suns throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the MLB game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. AFP

Title shot looms for Nonito TURN TO A12

T h e Games Today F i l i p i - (Changsha Social Work College’s nos will 9:30 a.m. •Gymnasium) Kuwait vs Hong Kong square 11:45 a.m. • Philippines vs Palestine off with 2:30 p.m. • Iran vs Japan the Pal- 4:45 p.m. • South Korea vs Jordan 7:30 p.m. • Singapore vs China e s t i n - 9:30 p.m. • Taiwan vs Lebanon ians in Group B play at 11:45 a.m. (local time) at the Changsa Social Work College’s Gymnasium in Changsa, China today.

The other members of Group B are Kuwait and Hong Kong, who will play each other today as well.

Only the top three teams in the group will move forward in the second round of the tourney.

Though it is favored to sweep this preliminary round against inferior teams on paper, national team coach Tab Baldwin wants no part of any complacencies from his boys since he knows that every game is valuable for Smart Gilas in its quest to strike gold and the lone Asian berth in the Rio Olympics.

“We need to take every game seriously. These games in the opening round will be important as these should prepare us for the later rounds against the top countries in Asia,’’ said Baldwin.

“Our goal is to win every game and win the gold to make it to the Olympics and that’s what we’re going after.’’

Holdovers from the 2014 World Cup roster are expected to spearhead the Philippine charge as naturalized star Andray Blatche, Jayson Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo, Marc Pingris and Gabe Norwood are all expected to make huge contributions, along with other team members Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Asi Taulava, Sonny Thoss, Dondon Hontiveros, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and JC Intal.

Tomorrow, Gilas Pilipinas will continue its run as it faces Hong Kong at 9:30 a.m. and it will finish off its opening round against Kuwait at 4:45 p.m. Both games will also be played in the same venue.

The Philippines will face a Palestinian squad that will be led by forward Sani Sakakini and slotmen Hamza Yousef and Salim Sakakini.

Right after arriving in Changsa, Smart Gilas already conducted a practice session Monday night for the players to familiarize themselves with the playing court and venue.

B1

WEDNESDAY: SEPTEMBER 23, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Apec forum. Trade Undersecretary and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Small and Medium Enterprise Ministerial Meeting Philippine Delegation head Zenaida Maglaya and Chinese Taipei Small and medium Enterprise Administration Deputy Director General Mei-Hsueh Lin pose with participants of the APEC accelerator network forum at the Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo City. The forum is part of a series of SME-related activities organized at the sidelines of the 22nd APEC Small and Medium Enterprise Ministerial Meeting on September 25.

ADB lowers economic growth forecast to 6%

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

THE Asian Development Bank on Tuesday reduced its 2015 growth forecast for the Philippines to 6 percent from the previous estimate of 6.4 percent, amid the slowdown in China and other trading partners.

The Philippines will see a mild pullback in growth in 2015 before the economy bounces back in

2016 on a pickup in government spending and a likely rebound in exports, ADB said in an update

of its flagship annual economic publication Asian Development Outlook 2015.

It said growth in 2016 would rebound to 6.3 percent, unchanged from ADB’s earlier projection.

Latest Philippine Statistic Authority data showed the economy expanded 5 percent in the first half, the slowest first-semester growth since 2011.

“After a slow start to the year we are now seeing a pick up in fiscal spending which combined with

Business group defends coal plants

By Othel V. Campos THE Federation of Philippine Industries called on policy makers, lawmakers and other concerned stakeholders to support the government’s energy plan, instead of criticizing the construction of coal-fired power plants.

“We are not against the use of and the proposed increase of renewable energy sources in the power mix. What we are saying is that the government should be allowed to pursue coal-fired power projects that are already in the process of construction and then review those that are in the pipeline,” FPI president Jesus Arranza said in a briefing Tuesday in Makati City.

The group cautioned groups that use climate change as platform to condemn government efforts to rely reliable power sources.

The FPI urged the private and public sectors to examine the principle of co-benefit that includes the

APEC-endorsed energy efficiency program, revitalization of renewable energy projects, optimization of natural resources, forestation and traffic management.

Arranza said the group is challenging the government to adopt the proposal in the upcoming Conference on Climate Change in Paris in December this year.

He said the Philippines should not commit to a determined level of greenhouse emission reduction, citing that the country had very little contribution to carbon dioxide emission.

The Philippines is at the bottom list of polluting countries with 147.75 emission values compared with the top three—China, US and the EU with 42,669.7, 9,679.3 and 6,668.8, respectively.

“We need to have not only sufficient but reliable energy sources and this can easily be achieved by coal-fired plants. There are coal technologies that have very little

emission levels and I think that’s what the government is trying to do. This technology will not raise our GHG level,” said Arranza.

The FPI said the government position on greenhouse gas mitigation should be in the context of sustainable development as stipulated in the Rio Declaration.

The Philippines is a signatory to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through co-benefit measures.

The FPI also has a standing petition before the Supreme Court to reverse the directive of the Energy Regulatory Commission to collect a P0.04 per kilowatt-hour feed-in-tariff in advance, it would compromise if not deter foreign investments into the country.

Many manufacturing companies have complained about the advanced collection. They said since the manufacturing industry was a power-intensive industry, the government would raise billions of pesos from the sector alone.

spending linked to the May 2016 elections will help lift the domestic economy,” said ADB country director Richard Bolt.

Bolt said the economic outlook remained favorable despite external headwinds such as the anticipated Unites States Federal rate hike and the recent devaluation of Chinese yuan.

The ADB, however, said growth should be supported by robust household spending and private investments and a pickup in government expenditure.

The report said risks to the outlook were slower than expected economic growth inChina and severe impact of El Niño dry spell which would hurt rural incomes and also impact food and utility prices.

ADB trimmed its GDP growth forecast for China to 6.8 percent in 2015 and 6.7 percent in 2016.

Southeast Asia’s growth forecast was also cut down to 4.4 percent from the 4.9 percent forecast in March. Regional growth for 2016 was also trimmed to 4.9 percent from the 5.3 percent projection.

Among Asean countries, Myanmar was projected to have the highest growth of 8.3 percent followed by Cambodia with 7 percent and Lao People’s Democratic Republic with 6.7 percent growth.

“Southeast Asia is bearing the brunt of the slowdown in the PRC---one of its key markets---as well as subdued demand from industrial countries, with growth in 2015 now seen at 4.4 percent, before bouncing back to 4.9 percent in 2016,” said ADB chief economist Shang-Jin Wei.

PSe comPoSite index Closing September 22, 2015

8000 7700 7400 7100 6800 6500

7,051.23 41.18

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 43.50 44.60 45.40

P46.590

46.20

CLOSE

47.00

HIGH P46.520 LOW P46.590 AVERAGE P46.552 VOLUME 562.750M

P435.00-P640.00 LPG/11-kg tank P36.00-P43.95 Unleaded Gasoline P25.05-P28.40 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P20.75-P21.75 Auto LPG Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Tuesday, September 22, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.5160

Japan

Yen

0.008298

0.3860

UK

Pound

1.550900

72.1417

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129032

6.0021

Switzerland

Franc

1.028807

47.8560

Canada

Dollar

0.755173

35.1276

Singapore

Dollar

0.709069

32.9831

Australia

Dollar

0.712911

33.1618

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655690

123.5321

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266752

12.4082

Brunei

Dollar

0.706564

32.8665

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0032

Thailand

Baht

0.027941

1.2997

UAE

Dirham

0.272331

12.6677

Euro

Euro

1.119700

52.0840

Korea

Won

0.000848

0.0394

China

Yuan

0.157008

7.3034

India

Rupee

0.015232

0.7085

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.234467

10.9065

New Zealand

Dollar

0.630120

29.3107

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030654

1.4259 Source: PDS Bridge

WEDNESDAY: SEPTEMBER 23, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Tuesday, sepTember 22, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low

STOCKS

7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 4.2 17 30.45 10.4 2.6 890 1.01 100 30.5 75 91.5 137 80 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26

2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.68 12.02 19.6 6.12 1.02 625 0.225 78 17.8 58 62 88.35 52 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

2.66 69.25 103.00 83.45 42.65 1.28 15.4 19.8 7.44 1.63 715.00 0.590 84.8 16.80 24.80 53.20 97.5 82.5 300 31.95 141 1415.00 50.50 3.15

47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 20.6 85 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 17 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 238 3.28 0.315 2.65 234 1.3 2.17

35.9 1.11 1.01 1.86 7.92 15.32 20.2 10.08 29.15 1.5 1.5 10.72 9.55 9.04 6.02 8.86 1.06 8.61 20.2 71.5 13.86 13.24 5.34 0.395 173 1.63 33 23.35 17.3 5.88 250.2 3.37 3.87 8.45 10.04 3.03 1.95 1 4.02 1.65 161 1.55 0.138 2.09 152 0.640 1.2

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

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

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

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

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

43.05 1.41 0.92 1.67 10.6 16.98 48 26.5 45 2.74 1.8 10.04 10.800 7.95 6.05 7.80 1.59 14.18 23.5 67 12.50 13.38 5.8 3.000 190.50 6 46.95 23.3 22.5 5.55 295.60 3.94 4.1 6.99 11.20 3.39 1.97 2.2 4.06 2.7 135 2.25 0.143 1.80 190.7 0.72 1.01

0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 911 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 7.5 76 5.29 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 0.0670 2.31 1.61 2.99 84.9 3.5 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510

0.44 48.1 20.85 6.62 0.23 0.23 634.5 260 7.390 12.8 2.6 2.26 0.152 837 5.3 49.55 3 4.84 0.59 12 0.580 4.2 4.5 0.030 1.23 0.550 2.26 59.3 1.5 751 1.13 0.93 80 0.211 0.179 0.310

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

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

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

Minerales Industrias Corp.

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

0.430 57.9500 19.72 6.63 0.236 0.233 779 303.00 6.96 13.16 3.39 4.08 0.201 1270 5.96 70.15 4.68 6.23 0.72 12.28 0.52 5.1 8.3 0.0340 1.310 1.700 2.63 45.10 2.83 890.00 1.30 0.71 65.000 0.3000 0.2100 0.216

10.5 1.99 0.375 41.4

6.74 0.65 0.192 30.05

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’

6.900 0.64 0.220 34.25

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

SHARES 132,556,412 206,824,121 290,227,736 140,080,047 237,947,577 957,646,609 1,976,540,692

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.66 2.6 69.3 67.45 104.70 103.20 84.50 83.10 42.55 42.4 1.36 1.28 15.5 15.5 20.2 19.82 7.50 7.50 1.60 1.60 715.00 715.00 0.880 0.590 84.5 83.5 16.98 16.50 24.75 24.00 54.00 52.50 98.5 97 100 100 300 295.6 31.9 31.2 141.4 138 1451.00 1440.00 51.80 50.50 2.95 2.95 INDUSTRIAL 43.4 42.8 1.51 1.4 0.97 0.92 1.68 1.59 11.5 10.5 17 16.5 50 50 26.5 25.3 44 43.2 3.13 2.75 2.64 2.15 10.18 10.66 10.840 10.66 7.95 7.85 6.19 6.08 7.97 7.85 1.84 1.58 14.2 13.04 23.95 22.9 67.45 65.6 12.50 12.50 13.00 13.00 5.8 5.7 3.250 2.600 191.20 189.00 6.5 5.05 46.95 46.95 23 22.6 21.9 21 5.6 5.5 296.00 293.40 3.70 3.70 4.14 4.09 7.08 6.90 11.40 10.82 3.35 3.20 2.10 1.96 2.2 1.97 4.08 4.02 2.8 2.7 135 131 2.46 2.27 0.150 0.144 1.80 1.79 192 185 0.79 0.73 1.01 1.01 HOLDING FIRMS 0.430 0.400 58.2000 57.5000 19.84 19.56 6.63 6.61 0.241 0.236 0.26 0.255 781 772 450.00 401.00 7.05 6.95 13.16 12.94 3.09 3.09 4.20 4.06 0.270 0.201 1290 1255 5.97 5.96 70.15 69.40 6.78 5.89 6.23 6.08 0.84 0.74 12.36 11.84 0.54 0.53 5.02 4.95 8.36 8.27 0.0360 0.0330 1.400 1.160 1.760 1.700 2.78 2.78 45.80 43.90 3.18 2.83 897.00 886.50 1.32 1.20 0.73 0.70 69.000 63.600 0.4400 0.2950 0.2300 0.2100 0.285 0.216 PROPERTY 6.900 6.800 0.66 0.63 0.240 0.221 34.30 33.80

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.6 69.3 103.60 83.45 42.5 1.29 15.5 20 7.50 1.60 715.00 0.690 83.6 16.70 24.00 52.50 98 100 295.6 31.5 141 1450.00 51.20 2.95

-2.26 0.07 0.58 0.00 -0.35 0.78 0.65 1.01 0.81 -1.84 0.00 16.95 -1.42 -0.60 -3.23 -1.32 0.51 21.21 -1.47 -1.41 0.00 2.47 1.39 -6.35

67,000 30,070 2,921,620 1,214,610 242,200 53,000 1,900 27,800 1,000 10,000 10 116,741,000 10,162,400 112,100 49,300 128,520 20,180 50 1,020 282,100 451,050 260 8,170 28,000

43.05 1.49 0.97 1.64 10.82 16.86 50 26 43.5 2.82 2.34 10.7 10.700 7.94 6.13 7.88 1.84 13.88 22.95 65.95 12.50 13.00 5.72 2.810 190.90 5.05 46.95 23 21.9 5.55 295.00 3.70 4.1 6.92 11.38 3.35 1.99 2.1 4.02 2.8 135 2.33 0.149 1.80 187.9 0.74 1.01

0.00 5.67 5.43 -1.80 2.08 -0.71 4.17 -1.89 -3.33 2.92 30.00 6.57 -0.93 -0.13 1.32 1.03 15.72 -2.12 -2.34 -1.57 0.00 -2.84 -1.38 -6.33 0.21 -15.83 0.00 -1.29 -2.67 0.00 -0.20 -6.09 0.00 -1.00 1.61 -1.18 1.02 -4.55 -0.99 3.70 0.00 3.56 4.20 0.00 -1.47 2.78 0.00

2,486,800 22,000 51,000 1,671,000 13,100 373,100 200 172,300 885,300 5,369,000 52,623,000 7,809,000 7,809,000 569,600 15,719,000 63,600 11,000 27,400 2,204,800 211,570 500 1,000 73,700 81,594,000 245,270 744,700 300 1,154,200 609,300 42,400 299,780 2,000 268,000 4,333,900 3,100 91,000 965,000 3,233,000 425,000 32,000 4,170 4,026,000 4,900,000 1,391,000 3,049,100 8,818,000 83,000

0.430 58.0000 19.60 6.61 0.240 0.255 777 450.00 6.97 13.00 3.09 4.06 0.240 1256 5.97 69.95 6.78 6.1 0.74 11.86 0.54 5 8.35 0.0340 1.370 1.710 2.78 44.00 3.18 890.00 1.21 0.70 63.800 0.3700 0.2100 0.241

0.00 0.09 -0.61 -0.30 1.69 9.44 -0.26 48.51 0.14 -1.22 -8.85 -0.49 19.40 -1.10 0.17 -0.29 44.87 -2.09 2.78 -3.42 3.85 -1.96 0.60 0.00 4.58 0.59 5.70 -2.44 12.37 0.00 -6.92 -1.41 -1.85 23.33 0.00 11.57

170,000 1,365,550 -5,892,637.50 4,294,600 -12,495,872.00 28,300 400,000 30,000 131,300 498,960.00 30 472,700 2,856,536.00 4,969,300 5,268,488.00 15,000 17,000 7,160,000 168,810.00 85,140 -64,846,345.00 161,600 325,916.00 1,750,370 3,413,285.00 26,000 1,681,100 -2,058,276.00 2,191,000 10,922,900 -62,863,180.00 167,000 64,800.00 32,499,600 -72,574,748.00 1,607,200 -161,945.00 58,500,000 68,000.00 52,000 2,518,000 -135,090.00 275,000 512,700 -20,358,185.00 384,000 271,930 6,301,415.00 943,000 -37,800.00 21,000 9,480 -180,972.00 146,760,000 -914,550.00 1,740,000 68,970.00 1,345,860

6.900 0.63 0.221 34.15

0.00 -1.56 0.45 -0.29

1,411,100 321,000 270,000 7,688,700

641,977.00 175,839,559 -34,654,777.50 4,692,045.00

7,150.00 -513,540.00 -10,255,165.50 708,100.00 -1,439,479.50

-2,578,415 -27,879,643.00 231,750.00 -164,090.00 -62,343,420.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 5.6 5.59 1.44 1.97 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 8.4 5.94 0.180 0.470 0.72 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 7.56 1.62 8.59

3.36 4.96 0.79 1.1 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 3.1 4.13 0.090 0.290 0.39 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 3.38 0.83 5.73

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 2.6 7.67 4 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 7 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 1 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 6.41 4 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 1.6 4.8 2.58 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 3.01 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 0.650 1.8 6 0.335 0.37 3 2.28 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

Close

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

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

Phil. Realty `A’ Primex Corp.

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

11.6 0.85 2.95 10 0.490 1.9

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

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

Discovery World DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

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

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

7.59 SSI Group 0.63 STI Holdings 1.71 Transpacific Broadcast 5 Travellers 0.315 Waterfront Phils.

1.14 Yehey

0.0098 17.24 0.330 12.7 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.021 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9

0.0043 6.47 0.236 6.5 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.013 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67

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

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

TA Petroleum

70 553 8.21 12.28 1047 84.8

33 490 5.88 6.5 1011 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

-502,789.00

15 88 12.88

3.5 13.5 5.95

-61,310,100.00

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

-970.00 4,285,114.00 -26,000.00 -2,964,070 16,170.00 -887,460.00 21,155,334.00 21,155,334.00 -1,247,974.00 -22,714,995.00 -12,414.00 -15,703,940.00 -7,551,704.50 340,340.00 -2,894,700.00 2,189,750.00 -21,914,245.00 -93,000.00 32,983,820.00 770,800.00 17,449,883.00 -65,250.00 -333,080.00 837,250.00 372,600.00 9,480.00 1,530.00 -91,800.00 46,635,693.00 -671,810.00

Makati Fin. Corp.

IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

High

VALUE 1,445,591,904.58 1,610,782,581.78 1,392,281,380.15 1,149,030,177.60 1,010,574,900.21 306,437,629.066 7,067,986,182.89

FINANCIAL 1,566.44 (DOWN) 3.37 INDUSTRIAL 10,792.95 (DOWN) 68.00 HOLDING FIRMS 6,582.95 (DOWN) 33.36 PROPERTY 2,882.37 (DOWN) 33.47 SERVICES 1,765.17 (DOWN) 8.29 MINING & OIL 11,139.02 (DOWN) 99.41 PSEI 7,051.23 (DOWN) 41.18 All Shares Index 4,033.56 (DOWN) 21.30 Gainers: 92 Losers: 93; Unchanged: 34; Total: 219

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

3.06 4.87 0.6 1.03 0.102 0.430 22.6 0.800 0.175 1.02 1.76 1.37 3.20 4.45 0.102 0.3000 0.4400 8 28.45 1.5 3.29 21.35 0.71 8.4 0.730 5.450

3.04 3.01 3.02 4.9 4.8 4.9 0.61 0.59 0.6 1.03 0.97 0.97 0.110 0.102 0.109 0.470 0.430 0.460 25.9 18.3 18.42 0.800 0.800 0.800 0.179 0.172 0.179 1.03 1.02 1.03 1.80 1.76 1.77 1.36 1.36 1.36 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.45 4.2 4.25 0.105 0.092 0.098 0.3350 0.2900 0.3100 0.4400 0.4300 0.4300 8.01 7.98 7.98 28.80 28.45 28.50 1.57 1.54 1.55 3.15 3.15 3.15 21.65 20.50 20.90 0.73 0.72 0.72 8.48 8.37 8.37 0.730 0.700 0.710 5.480 5.380 5.380 SERVICES 8.17 8.14 7.8 7.9 59.95 60.15 59.85 59.95 1.07 1.12 1.12 1.12 0.530 0.530 0.510 0.520 6.40 6.40 6.18 6.27 0.0600 0.0610 0.0590 0.0590 3.52 3.87 3.65 3.7 89.5 90.1 88.5 88.9 10 10 10 10 1.75 1.61 1.6 1.6 4.98 5.15 4.81 5.15 3.00 3.26 3.25 3.26 2524 2526 2520 2524 6.40 6.40 6.16 6.29 1.21 1.29 1.21 1.23 86.4 86.4 84.9 85 4.31 4.31 4.31 4.31 0.011 0.011 0.010 0.011 0.180 0.210 0.181 0.198 1.4700 1.5600 1.4400 1.4500 2.03 2.19 2.1 2.18 8.81 8.82 8.65 8.65 2.62 2.93 2.53 2.80 0.600 0.610 0.580 0.610 1.97 2.06 2 2.06 5.37 5.36 5.09 5.13 0.310 0.315 0.310 0.315 0.480 0.590 0.450 0.530 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 2.52 2.53 2.53 2.53 105.00 105.00 105.00 105.00 18.80 18.84 18.60 18.84 2306.00 2350.00 2298.00 2304.00 0.550 0.600 0.580 0.580 1.130 1.140 1.080 1.100 31.80 31.90 31.30 31.30 71.50 73.00 71.00 73.00 7.23 7.63 6.75 6.75 6.84 6.91 6.60 6.60 0.50 0.53 0.50 0.51 1.69 1.67 1.67 1.67 3.37 3.45 3.37 3.38 0.370 0.395 0.340 0.385 2.650 2.690 2.500 2.510 MINING & OIL 0.0059 0.0060 0.0058 0.0059 4.95 4.90 4.90 4.90 0.209 0.209 0.205 0.205 5.6200 6.9900 6.2000 6.9500 0.74 0.75 0.71 0.75 0.65 0.65 0.63 0.64 7.00 8.00 7.00 7.10 1.01 1.03 0.99 1.02 0.295 0.310 0.290 0.305 0.183 0.183 0.179 0.180 0.200 0.200 0.188 0.190 0.010 0.011 0.010 0.010 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.012 2.09 2.08 2.05 2.05 7.24 7.24 6.93 6.97 2.92 3.03 2.87 2.93 0.5500 0.6800 0.5300 0.6200 1.3500 1.3800 1.3400 1.3400 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 5.09 5.060 4.970 4.97 1.38 1.380 1.320 1.33 0.0110 0.0120 0.0110 0.0110 139.00 140.50 138.00 139.40 2.24 2.25 2.13 2.14 PREFERRED 60 60 59.4 60 528 531 530 530.5 6.26 6.49 6.35 6.49 1.07 1.08 1.07 1.07 1018 1027 1020 1022 80.5 82 81 81 77 78.6 78 78 78 78.5 76.5 78 78 78.5 78 78.4 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.110 3.200 3.000 3.200 SME 3.25 3.59 3.28 3.28 55.25 77.5 58 74.9 12 13.34 12.1 12.88 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 115.9 116.4 115.4 115.4

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

-1.31 0.62 0.00 -5.83 6.86 6.98 -18.50 0.00 2.29 0.98 0.57 -0.73 50.00 -4.49 -3.92 3.33 -2.27 -0.25 0.18 3.33 -4.26 -2.11 1.41 -0.36 -2.74 -1.28

845,000 8,000 1,183,000 27,000 2,540,000 12,110,000 12,829,600 72,000 790,000 1,088,000 26,739,000 297,000 14,000 47,016,000 1,220,000 910,000 290,000 908,000 3,276,600 88,000 2,000 10,129,600 1,461,000 16,300 496,000 6,016,700

75,070.00

-3.30 0.00 4.67 -1.89 -2.03 -1.67 5.11 -0.67 0.00 -8.57 3.41 8.67 0.00 -1.72 1.65 -1.62 0.00 0.00 10.00 -1.36 7.39 -1.82 6.87 1.67 4.57 -4.47 1.61 10.42 0.00 0.40 0.00 0.21 -0.09 5.45 -2.65 -1.57 2.10 -6.64 -3.51 2.00 -1.18 0.30 4.05 -5.28

184,200 58,830 1,000 1,165,000 6,959,400 67,790,000 311,000 246,640 4,000 13,000 17,000 28,495 39,000 115,000 914,340 3,000 17,600,000 44,370,000 4,882,000 26,000 196,100 856,000 21,000 179,000 17,984,200 220,000 8,230,000 3,000 9,000 100 31,400 115,865 518,000 14,799,000 1,960,000 510,860 32,832,900 1,043,100 6,235,000 21,000 2,631,000 2,310,000 1,021,000

0.00 -1.01 -1.91 23.67 1.35 -1.54 1.43 0.99 3.39 -1.64 -5.00 -1.00 0.00 -1.91 -3.73 0.34 12.73 -0.74 0.00 -2.36 -3.62 0.00 0.29 -4.46

558,000,000 124,900.00 12,000 -4,900.00 40,000 6,150.00 8,700 471,000 -2,220.00 228,000 97,000 11,760.00 11,209,000 1,026,640.00 1,030,000 11,600.00 10,490,000 1,350,000 -56,740.00 108,500,000 46,300,000 -37,400.00 262,000 5,271,400 -14,163,148.00 702,000 1,777,000 63,500.00 201,000 300,000 691,000 108,548.00 950,000 -182,410.00 207,000,000 1,697,640 -62,380,297.00 853,000

0.00 0.47 3.67 0.00 0.39 0.62 1.30 0.00 0.51

321,560 1,770 65,900 420,000 2,920 103,480 255,010 323,800 1,525,400

2.89

436,000

0.92 35.57 7.33

48,000 118,590 11,087,100 -8,612,394.00

-0.43

4,500

-19,390.00 -1,613,000.00 -41,196,203.00 -148,320.00 1,061,960.00 -54,135,930.00

508,828.00 29,102,370.00 -25,785,825.00 117,180.00 -9,536,723.00 94,600.00

18,279,938.00 231,800.00 -3,487,652.50 -40,000.00

-22,370,110.00 -42,019,501.00 23,000.00 61,920.00 -23,850.00 249,105.00 19,220.00 -230,000.00 68,524,049.00 57,000.00

-13,160,880.00 333,900.00 -7,511,315.00 3,812,438.00 7,567,367.00 -721,541.00 -1,799,580.00 -3,216,720.00 -7,900.00 26,360.00

75,277.00

-2,120,820.00 78,000.00 1,248,000.00

174,450.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Keppel Properties

4.80

50.00

Double Dragon

18.42

-18.50

BHI Holdings Inc.

450.00

48.51

Mabuhay Vinyl

5.05

-15.83

Keppel Holdings `A'

6.78

44.87

F&J Prince 'A'

3.09

-8.85

IRipple E-Business Intl

74.9

35.57

Discovery World

1.6

-8.57

Da Vinci Capital

2.34

30.00

Solid Group Inc.

1.21

-6.92

Benguet Corp `A'

6.9500

23.67

SBS Phil. Corp.

6.75

-6.64

Unioil Res. & Hldgs

0.3700

23.33

Vantage Equities

2.95

-6.35

Philippine trust Co.

100

21.21

Ionics Inc

2.810

-6.33

Forum Pacific

0.240

19.40

Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

3.70

-6.09

MEDCO Holdings

0.690

16.95

City & Land Dev.

0.97

-5.83

WEDNESDAY: SEPTEMBER 23, 2015

B3

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

Market declines; Xurpas, BDO up STOCKS fell for the second day, after the Asian Development Bank reduced its 2015 growth forecast for the Philippines to 6 percent from the previous estimate of 6.4 percent.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, shed 41 points, or 0.6 percent, to settle at 7,051.23 Tuesday. The benchmark was also down 2.5 percent since the start of the year.

The heavier index, representing all shares, fell 21 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 4,033.56, on a value turnover of P7 billion. Losers edged gainers, 93 to 92, while 34 issues were unchanged.

Da Vinci Capital Holdings Inc., a shell company formerly known as Mariwasa-Siam, emerged as the biggest gainer among the 20 most active stocks, as it surged 30 percent to P2.34. Technology solutions provider Xurpas Inc. advanced 7.3 percent to P12.88. BDO Unibank Inc. was up 0.6 percent to P103.60.

DoubleDragon Properties Inc. tumbled 18.5 percent to P18.42. SBS Philippines Corp. slid 6.6 percent to P6.75.

Meanwhile, comments from top Federal Reserve officials suggesting a US interest rate rise is still likely this year pushed the dollar and Asian stocks higher Tuesday, as the Fed sought to ease concern about the state of the global economy.

Another rally in Shanghai also bolstered confidence, with the index seeing a third straight day of gains. But the Asian Development Bank flagged concerns about China’s growth, saying it would act as a drag on regional expansion this year.

World markets had tumbled on uncertainty about the global outlook after the US central bank on Thursday delayed announcing a rise, with its head Janet Yellen citing the threats caused by China’s faltering economy as a key reason.

The news sparked fears about the global outlook and about the strength of the US economy itself, which has been steadily getting back on a recovery track.

However, in an attempt to temper the impact of the news, several regional Fed presidents have since sought to reassure dealers, saying they thought the US was in a fit enough state to see a first rate rise by year-end.

Fed Bank of Atlanta president DennisLockhart said despite recent volatility in world markets—which followed China’s surprise yuan depreciation in August—he was still confident of a rate lift-off before 2016.

“As things settle down, I will be ready for the first policy move on the path to a more normal interest-rate environment,” he said in a speech in Atlanta.

“I am confident the much-used phrase ‘later this year’ is still operative.” With AFP

DMCI completes sale of expressway stake

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DMCI Holdings Inc., the investment company of the Consunji family, said Tuesday it has completed the sale of its entire 25.11-percent stake in the concessionaire of the TarlacPangasinan-La Union expressway for P1.827 billion.

DMCI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the conglomerate and its wholly-owned subsidiary DM Consunji Inc. concluded the sale of their respective shares in Private Infra Dev Corp. to San Miguel-led Rapid Thoroughfares Inc. DMCI’s interest consists of

1,449,681 shares, which correspond to 24.29 percent of PIDC’s outstanding capital stock, while DM Consunji’s interest consists of 49,002 shares, which are equivalent to 0.82 percent of PIDC’s outstanding capital stock.

Data showed that at P1,229 per share, the total value of the trans-

action reached P1.827 billion.

The acquisition will make San Miguel the single biggest shareholder of Private Infra with 70.11-percent stake in the company. Prior to the transaction, San Miguel owned a 45-percent interest in the toll road concessionaire.

The other remaining shareholder of Private Infra is DM Wenceslao & Associates.

TPLEX is an 88.58-kilometer, two-lane toll road stretching from La Paz, Tarlac to Rosario, La Union.

PIDC opened the first section of the project, a 49-kilometer stretch from Tarlac to Gerona on Oct. 31, 2013. Another 14-km stretch from Carmen to Urdaneta was opened to the public in December 2014.

The last section from Urdaneta to Rosario is targeted for completion by end of 2015. Once completed, it will reduce significantly the current travel time from Manila to Baguio.

The entire length of the tollway will have nine exits: La Paz in Tarlac City, Victoria, Gerona, Paniqui and Moncada in Tarlac; Rosales, Urdaneta City, and Pozorrubio in Pangasinan; and Rosario in La Union.

TPLEX is one of several infrastructure projects in SMC’s infrastructure portfolio and its first greenfield tollway project.

TPLEX connects the central and northern Luzon provinces to Manila and beyond through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the North Luzon Expressway.

Quality challenge. The Trade Department through its Competitiveness Bureau brings together individuals and organizations for a day of learning and networking with some of the outstanding small and medium enterprises in the country through the 2015 Philippine Quality Challenge Awarding and Forum held recently at the Midas Hotel in Pasay City. Shown are (from left) PQC consultant Luis Maria Calingo, CB executive director Virgilio Fulgencio, Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative chairman of the board Francisco Paredes, Enchanted Kingdom chief operating officer Cynthia Romero-Mamon, Trade Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo, Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya and Trade assistant secretary Rafaelita Aldaba.

SEC approves P2.88-b share sale of Cirtek Holdings THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved the P2.88-billion share sale of Laguna-based semiconductor manufacturer Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp.

Cirtke said in a filing with the SEC it planned to sell 80 million primary offer shares and an oversubscription allotment of up to 40 million secondary common shares at P24 apiece.

The company said it aimed to use the net proceeds from the share sale for strategic acquisitions, capital expenditures, payment of financial obligations and working capital requirements.

Cirtek said the acquisition strategy would focus on leading

technologies, which would generate higher margins and help accelerate the company’s growth.

“Some of these target acquisitions may include, but are not limited to a company that is involved in advanced satellite technology, a company that provides high-quality mobile devices and solutions, and companies that will give Cirtek the ecosystem and capability to engage in e-commerce and e-finance,” the semiconductor firm said.

Cirtek said it would also use a portion of the net proceeds to fund the expansion of its manufacturing plant in Laguna Technopark.

The company said it planned to construct a three-story build-

ing, which would be an extension of the assembly and test operations of its unit Cirtek Electronics Corp. and to purchase additional manufacturing equipment.

It will also settle P379.3 million worth of long-term financial obligation with Metrobank.

First Metro Investments Corp. and SB Capital are the joint issue managers and lead underwriters for the offering.

Offer period was scheduled on Nov. 9 to 13 while listing date was tentatively set on Nov. 20.

Cirtek, through its subsidiaries, is an independent fullservice solution provider for subcontract manufacturing of semiconductor devices.

The company provides turn-

key solutions that include package design and development, wafer probing, wafer back grinding, assembly and packaging, final testing of semiconductor devices, and delivery and shipment to its customers’ end users.

Cirtek earlier announced that it would introduce a pioneering wafer technology to the market that was expected to significantly increase the company’s revenues.

It also plans to launch in the Philippines the Gallium Nitride wafer technology that is used in various applications such as telecom, wifi, data, network, satcom, broadband and consumer RF applications.

Jenniffer B. Austria

B4 Jazz Mall.

Real estate developer SM Development Corp. launches the Jazz Mall, a retail podium built inside the towering Jazz Residences condominium complex in Bel-Air, Makati City.

At the opening ceremony are (from left) SM Hypermarket operations vice president Arnold Daluz; SM Hypermarket vice chairman Herbert Sy; model and TV host Georgina Wilson; and SM Hypermarket president Robert Kwee. Jazz Mall spans a gross floor area of over 14,000 square meters and offers its residences the convenience of shopping for all of their household needs right at their own residential complex.

Korean company succeeds in Clark

By Othel V. Campos A SOUTH Korean designer and manufacturer of all-season clothing exported millions of apparel to Japan and Taiwan in just over one year of operations in the Philippines.

Pishon Clark Philippines Inc. exported 30.5 million pieces of assorted clothes and apparels since it started operations in January 2014, Clark Development Corp. said in statement.

Pishon Clark president Su Do Choe said the factory was one of the successful Korean companies operating in the Clark Freeport with employment of about 600 workers and an investment of P184 million.

Su said Pishon started formal operations in January 2014, six months after the construction of the factory.

The company plans to export more quality apparels to clienteles in Asia in the coming years, he said.

Pishon manufactures dresses, blouses and children’s clothing for summer, spring, fall and other winter collections.

Su said the company would recommend Clark to other Korean investors because of the sound business climate suitable for manufacturing firms.

“We can recommend Clark to other Korean potential investors here,” he added.

About 70 percent of the designs come from the Pishon laboratory in South Korea, while 20 percent of clothing styles originate from their client-buyers.

The garments company also has plans to expand operations and add manpower soon due to the increasing demand in garments manufacturing abroad.

“If we have some additional order from Japan and other buyers from anywhere in the world, we plan to expand, and if it is successful, we plan to have some more recruitment, build another manufacturing site here in Clark,” Su said.

Pishon also operates factories in South Korea and China.

ADB endorses talks with e-trike supplier

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Department received a no-objection letter from the Asian Development Bank to start negotiations with the winning electric tricycle supplier to help bring down the manufacturing cost.

“We have received the NOL [no objection letter] from ADB on Friday. We will start negotiations with the winning bidder on Monday,” Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos told reporters.

Marcos said the department expects to get a lower offer from lone bidder—Uzushio Electric Co. Ltd. of Japan and local partner BEMAC Electric Transportation Philippines Inc. Uzushio and BEMAC were the

only one among five interested bidders who complied with the requirements of the department to supply and deliver 3,000 e-trikes.

Marcos conceded the bidder offered a high manufacturing cost for the e-trikes, which must be negotiated.

“We want to lower the costs,” he said. Marcos did not say the amount offered by the lone bidder, but sources said it was more than P600,000 per e-trike.

Marcos said one of the options to lower the cost was to take out the five-year after service or maintenance contract term as approved by the National Economic and Development Authority.

The five-year maintenance period was included to ensure the sustainability of the e-trikes.

The department auctioned an initial supply and delivery of 3,000 e-trikes in May as part of the government’s market transformation program through the introduction of energy-efficient electric vehicles project.

The first batch of e-trikes is slated to be rolled out in the National Capital Region and Region 4 A and 4B. Land Bank of the Philippines will serve as conduit of the Asian Development Bank that will collect and repay the multilateral

lending institution for the deployment of the e-trikes.

The project, largely financed by the ADB and the Clean Technology Fund totaling $500 million, will be implemented for five years.

The project is expected to insulate stakeholders from the price volatility of imported petroleum products.

The project aims to deploy 100,000 e-trikes nationwide to replace the same number of traditional gasoline-fed tricycles, reduce the transport sector’s annual petroleum consumption by 2.8 percent (equivalent to 89.2 million liters) per year and achieve 79 percent carbon dioxide foot print avoidance.

Each e-trike unit features a 3-kWh lithium-ion rechargeable battery, can negotiate flat and uphill terrain abd comfortably seat up to five passengers.

GMA Network files complaint against SkyCable

By Darwin G. Amojelar GMA Network Inc. filed a complaint with the National Telecommunications Commission against SkyCable on alleged signal disruption during the airing of Eat Bulaga’s phenomenal Kalye-serye (AlDub) segment.

In a five-page letter dated September 17, the network claimed the signal disruptions were “irresponsible acts” on the part of SkyCable, adding they were not isolated cases.

The network noted the signal loss and degradations were confined to SkyCable Ch.12 [GMA-7] and that there was basis the signal disruptions were aimed to reduce the viewership level of GMA/Eat Bulaga.

GMA Network said the

p[opular show had “enamored “millions of viewers” with its phenomenal AlDub/Kalye-serye segment resulting in the program’s very high ratings.

The Kalye-serye on Sept. 19 featuring the split-screen romance of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, or Yaya Dub, scored another record-breaking feat on Twitter with over 12 million tweets generated for the hashtag #ALDUBMostAwaitedDate in a span of 24 hours.

GMA Network in a new letter to the NTC presented several complaints that were submitted through e-mail, as well as messages posted on GMA’s official Facebook page and viewer feedback reported through GMA’s hotline.

The network also submitted a DVD copy of a recorded video

from a complainant from Pasig City showing the absence of GMA’s signal on SkyCable Channel 12 during Eat Bulaga on September 10, 2015, while its competing program can be seen on SkyCable Channel 8, which the viewer described as sabotaged by SkyCable.

GMA Network requested the commission to investigate the complaints of inconvenienced subscribers and take the appropriate administrative action against SkyCable.

An earlier complaint dated August 25, 2015 has been filed with the NTC seeking an immediate action on the matter.

GMA Network earlier said country’s longest running noontime show Eat Bulaga, driven by the phenomenal success of its Al-

Dub/Kalye-serye segment, led the roster of Kapuso shows across all areas.

For the period August 1 to 31 (with the dates of August 23 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA strengthened its total day advantage over rival networks among Urban Luzon households with 39.8 percent, leading ABS-CBN’s 32.2 percent by 7.6 points and TV5’s 7.5 percent by 32.3 points.

GMA ended the month with an even bigger margin in Mega Manila, where it led across all areas, with 42 percent in household shares, higher than ABS-CBN’s 28.4 percent by 13.6 points and TV5’s 7.9 percent by 34.1 points.

Urban Luzon and Mega Manila account for 77 and 59 percent, respectively, of all urban TV households in the country.

W E D N E S D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

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

VW caught cheating with emissions results GERMAN car manufacturer Volkswagen is facing $18 billion in fines as a result of revelations that it has been fudging its emissions/air pollution results in the US for years. According to reports, the carmaker installed a software called “defeat device” that only functions during official emission testing. The rest of the time however, the cars—about 500,000 unites of Audi and Volkswagen car models (diesel) from 2009 to 2015—emit 10 to 40 times more air pollution than the accepted legal limits, reports said.

Despite a public apology by the chief executive of Volkswagen, the scandal has caused share prices to plummet by as much as 19 percent in Frankfurt, Germany, and has prompted calls for investigation in other countries where VW has a presence. The South Korean government already announced that it will launch an investigation on emissions for the Jetta and Gold models and the Audi A3 cars manufactured since 2014.

For sure, Asian carmakers are not commiserating with the European carmaker since it has been eating into a significant chunk of the market long dominated by local Korean brands like Hyundai for example.

US politicians have been quick to pounce on the issue, announcing that investigations and hearings will start Monday. Meantime, the US Justice Department is also starting an inquiry following VW’s admission that it had been cheating on the emission test results. The recall of more than 480,000 VW and Audi cars has also been ordered by the US government. Apparently, a whistleblower tipped off US authorities following tests that showed a huge discrepancy in the amounts of toxic emissions coming from the German cars which were way above the legal standards.

We share the jaded view of a pollution expert, however, that it might not only be Volkswagen that has been fiddling or manipulating air pollution results as this could be very widespread. Here in the Philippines, car manufacturers don’t even need to bother installing some newfangled software of technology to cheat on emissions tests, because emissions testing centers will gladly help them if the price is right. And guess what—the LTO is very much aware of this practice but are they really doing something about it?

No fondness for Lambingan Bridge We’re happy to note that the Japan International Cooperation Agency is giving funds to have the Guadalupe Bridge and Lambingan Bridge in Sta. Ana undergo seismic retrofitting and rehabilitation with the help of Japanese technology, and this will likely commence by late 2017 or 2018 with target completion date set on January 2021. JICA says it wants to enhance the resilience of the transport network in Metro Manila during major earthquakes by replacing and reinforcing the said bridges with the use of Japanese technology.

That’s very good news, but since it will be two years before the start of the project, perhaps concerned authorities can turn their attention on a more immediate need which is the horrible traffic situation along Lambingan Bridge, especially on the Kalentong side in Mandaluyong.

A 10-minute drive can turn into a one-hour ordeal with all the undisciplined jeepney drivers dropping off or taking in passengers everywhere they fancy. Worse, these jeeps have turned the entire stretch into their terminal and what makes it even more infuriating for motorists is the lack of traffic enforcers from the barangay or whoever should be managing the traffic in the area. If you’re going to Sta. Ana-Paco Manila, there is a police precinct located on the left beside the Don Bosco Tech and traffic is horrible but no one is even pretending to direct the cars, tricycles and other kinds of vehicles trying to turn into that side street.

Contrary to its name, motorists passing by Lambingan Bridge will not feel any tenderness or affection as they go through traffic purgatory.

Adknowledge Asia acquisition And now for some positive news. More companies are beginning to realize the critical role that efficient advertising plays in social media and digital video marketing, and this has made demand surge especially here in the Asia Pacific region. Quick to recognize opportunities, Adknowledge Asia Pacific—a venture between Malaysia-based Axiata Digital Advertising and US-based advertising technology company Adknowledge—recently announced the acquisition of Komli Media Inc.’s Southeast Asia organization.

This latest development adds two new markets—Thailand and the Philippines—to the existing footprint of AA’s footprint in the APAC region with existing teams in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. (Just for clarification, the purchase does not include Komli Media India and RevX.) There’s incredible upsurge and demand in the APAC region and with this deal, we’re investing in additional ‘people power’ to meet it,” remarked acting Adknowledge Asia CEO Ben Legg. “This creates one of the largest, if not the largest—ad tech companies in Asia and rings in an enthusiastic, experienced team and their relationship from across the region,” he added.

The partnership between Axiata and Adknowledge is also pioneering consumer-friendly, brand-safe strategies to use telecom data to better target ads on social media networks across platforms including mobile.

••• 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

PNOC begins tests on Isabela gas find

By Alena Mae S. Flores

STATE-OWNED PNOC-Exploration Corp. is set to complete tests on the commercial viability of the Mangosteen-1 well gas prospect in Santiago City, Isabela.

PNOC Exploration president Pedro Aquino Jr. told reporters the company informed the Energy Department of the six-month test period that would end December.

“We’re asking for six months to make an appraisal of the well, to determine how much the gas reserve we have,” Aquino said.

PNOC Exploration, the oil and gas exploration unit of PNOC declared the gas discovery in July.

“We declared discovery, the next phase is declaration of commerciality, whether its really commercially viable to produce the gas,” Aquino said.

Aquino said the tests would assess the reserves of the Mangosteen-1 gas well. “If we will drill another well, we will know [by then],” he said.

The Energy Department earlier confirmed gas flowed from the Mangosteen-1 well prospect in Santiago City, Isabela but more tests were needed to determine actual recoverable resource.

The department said in a statement the gas that flowed from the Mangosteen-1 well merely confirmed the discovery of gas in the area.

“However, stimulation testing should be conducted to get more accurate estimate of the volume,

optimal flow rate and other relevant reservoir properties and the commercial viability of the prospect,” it said.

Energy Resources Development Bureau director Rino Abad said service contract 37 operator PNOC-Exploration, during seismic studies undertaken in March prior to the drilling of the well, estimated the Mangosteen prospect to contain recoverable resource potential of about 71 billion cubic feet of gas, much higher than the 4 BCF reserve of the San Antonio gas field in the same area.

PNOC Exploration previously operated the San Antonio gas field under SC 37 that produced 3.54 billion cubic feet of gas and supplied the 3-MW San Antonio gas power plant. The power station supplied electricity to about 10,000 households in the towns of Echague, Jones and San Agustin and Santiago City.

DHL Express award. DHL Express Philippines country manager Yati Abdullah (center) receives the

2015 CEO Communication Excellence in Organizations Award from the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines in a ceremony at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental in Makati City.

Abdullah joins the elite roster of winners in the IABC Philippines’ honor program for top-level executives and organization leaders. Shown with her are IABC Philippines chairman Elpi Cuna (left) and other executives.

Government launches online tariff guide Commission chairman Edgardo Abon said the agency completed enhancements to its Philippine Tariff Finder to provide traders an up-to-date information on tariff rates for goods entering the Philippines.

Abon gave an initial presentation of the enhanced PTF to an audience of 250 representatives from the customs administrations of Apec members, the private sector, and various international organizations during the recent AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation Customs-Business Dialogue held in Cebu City.

The free online facility promotes efficiency and predictability in cargo clearance processes by helping Customs and businesses to properly classify imported goods and their corresponding tariff

rates.

Abon said the Philippines was one of very few countries in the world that had developed such a facility.

He said the enhanced PTF would help traders make better longterm business plans, since they can now access information useful for deciding on products and suppliers that attract the lowest tariff rates.

Traders will also save time and resources, since all tariff information they need are now readily available in a single government Web site.

Moreover, the enhanced PTF will serve as an important tool for minimizing confusion among Bureau of Customs front-liners in determining the applicable and correct tariff rates for goods entering the country, and is one of the ways to increase transparency

and expediting customs clearance processes.

The original PTF was launched in 2013. The agency, Customs the United States Agency for International Development last year began updating and augmenting the PTF—features, such as the development of a multi-search function and expansion of the database to include other important information such as applicable tariff rates under the reciprocity arrangements in several free trade agreements and the rules of origin criteria used to determine a product—eligibility for preferential tariff treatment.

The enhanced PTF is hosted on the TC Web site at http://www. tariffcommission.gov.ph/ and is now available to the general public.

WEDNESDAY: SEPTEMBER 23, 2015

B6

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

BSP posted P1-b profit in Q2

By Julito G. Rada

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas posted a net income of P1 billion in the second quarter this year, a reversal of the P3.79-billion net loss it incurred a year ago, led by the increase in interest income.

Trade mission. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima (front row, third from left) and Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo (front row, left) pose with

other members of the Philippine delegation during the trade and investment mission in London organized by the Philippine Trade & Investment Center.

With them are (front row, from left) Lord Stephen Green, UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment and Public-Private Partnership Center executive director Cosette Canilao. Behind them are (from left) former Ambassador to the UK Jesus Tambunting, UK Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad, Trade Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo Jr. and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Gunigundo.

Singapore clears CebuPac-Tiger alliance

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Competition Commission of Singapore has approved the strategic alliance between Cebu Pacific and Tiger Airways Holdings Ltd. that aims to strengthen the network of two airlines in Southeast Asia.

“CEB’s strategic alliance with Tigerair allows both carriers to leverage on each other’s strengths and complementary networks.

CEB offers the largest and most extensive network in the Philippines and Tigerair has an established network in South East Asia and India,” Cebu Pacific president

and chief executive Lance Gokongwei said.

“With the clearance from CCS, our customers can enjoy more options and seamless travel connections,” he said.

Tigerair chief executive Lee Lik Hsin said Tigerair was working closely with Cebu Pacific in areas such as the interline agreement.

“Going forward, we will look in greater depth on how we can combine both our resources to provide even greater connectivity, convenience and value to our customers,” Hsin said.

Cebu Pacific and Tigerair have an existing interline cooperation

as part of the alliance and the CCS approval allows both airlines to build upon the current arrangements.

With both carriers operating complementary networks, the strategic alliance provides greater connectivity to travelers. Cebu Pacific’s passengers, particularly from the Philippines, will be able to enjoy seamless connections onto Tigerair’s established network in South East Asia and India.

Tigerair’s customers, on the other hand, will be able to select from Cebu Pacific’s extensive network in the Philippines and

North Asia.

The approval by the CCS creates greater potential for closer coordination on sales and schedules on relevant routes, which will offer customers more flight options at good value.

Cebu Pacific acquired 100 percent of Tigerair Philippines in 2014, including the 40-percent stake of Tiger Airways owned by Roar Aviation II Pte Ltd. The transaction was valued at $15 million. Cebu Pacific earlier rebranded Tigerair Philippines into “Cebgo” to reflect its acquisition by Cebu Pacific.

Govt rejects bids for re-issued 2022 bonds on high rates

By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE Treasury on Tuesday rejected all bids for re-issued bonds maturing in 2022, as investors sought higher yields, before closing their third-quarter books.

Deputy Treasurer Sharon Almanza, who headed the auction, said the bid rates were much higher than the previous offer.

The 10-year debt papers were undersubscribed, with P13.37billion bids, or just half the government’s original offer of P25

billion.

The rates for the 10-year debt facility would have climbed 27.2 basis points to 3.77 percent from 3.5 percent in the previous auction, if the government accepted the bids.

“The auction committee decided to reject all tenders for the re-issued Treasury bonds with remaining life of 6 years and 11 months on the back of very low demand and higher than expected rates,” Almazan said in a statement after the auction.

The bonds maturing on Sept.

13, 2022 were first auctioned on Sept. 13, 2012.

The national government accepted P237 billion out of the P388 billion tenders in the recently launched domestic debt swap facility.

The Treasury accepted P237 billion exchange offers for 10- and 25-year debt papers.

The transaction helped the government achieve its debt management objectives while also providing investors with new benchmark bonds in exchange for

illiquid bonds.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said the overwhelming response for the bond swap was an unequivocal show of strength and stability on the part of the country.

“With the introduction of two tranches of exit bonds this year, the Republic continues to provide innovative solutions in line with investors’ needs,” Purisima said.

This is the latest debt swap transaction of the Philippines after it approved the P140.4 10-year bonds in August last year.

Data showed the second-quarter figure was also a turnaround from the P3.185-net loss in the first quarter this year.

This trimmed the net loss of Bangko Sentral in the first half to P2.18 billion.

Total revenues in the second quarter climbed to P16.1 billion from P12.961 billion a year ago and P15.3 billion in the first quarter this year.

“Interest income increased by 15.2 percent from the previous quarter’s aggregate level. Net income from branches, likewise, improved by 341.6 percent or P0.6 billion, quarter-on-quarter,” the bank regulator said in its report on economic and financial developments for the second quarter.

Bangko Sentral incurred a net loss of P95.4 billion in 2012, mostly paper losses related to the rapid appreciation of the peso against the US dollar, which deflated the peso value of its huge gross international reserves. The net loss fell to P17.5 billion in 2013 and P10.1 billion in 2014.

Data showed total expenditures in the second quarter increased to P18.5 billion,from P16.01 billion a year ago. It was also P1.2 billion higher than the level posted in the first quarter.

“The quarter-on-quarter increase in expenditures was due mainly to higher interest expense on national government deposits and other expenses,” it said.

Bangko Sentral’s unaudited total assets reached P4.180 trillion as of end-June, 1.1 percent or P46.1 billion higher than the quarter-ago level of P4.134 trillion. It was also higher than P4.028 trillion a year ago.

Bangko Sentral’s liabilities increased by P44.9 billion or 1.1 percent, quarter on quarter, to P4.137 trillion, and by 4.1 percent or P163.8 billion relative to the end-June 2014 level.

The bank’s net worth also increased to P43.2 billion compared to the quarter-ago level of P41.9 billion.

“The increase in the BSP’s assets was due largely to the higher level of international reserves account, which rose to P3,622.1 billion in Q2 2015, an increase of 1.1 percent or P41.0 billion from the previous quarter’s P3,581.1 billion,” Bangko Sentral said.

The uptick was attributed to the increase in the level of reserves along with the mild depreciation of the Philippine peso against the US dollar.

Liabilities increased during the review period as deposits, particularly from the Bureau of Treasury, outpaced the growth of circulated currencies.

W E D N E S D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

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B7

Francis heads for US after Cuba SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba—Pope Francis travels Tuesday from Cuba to the United States, trading the warm welcome he received on the communist island for a slightly chillier reception—at least in some quarters—from its old Cold War foe.

The pope, who played a key role in brokering the two countries’ recent rapprochement, will conclude his trip to Cuba with a mass and a blessing in second city Santiago, then depart for his first-ever visit to the United States.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle are to greet him at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington at the start of

an itinerary that includes landmark speeches to Congress and the UN General Assembly.

Francis, 78, has had a packed schedule since arriving Saturday afternoon in Cuba—three cities, two masses, various blessings and prayer services, countless handshakes with adoring crowds, and meetings with both Fidel and Raul Castro, the brothers who have ruled the Caribbean island since its 1959 revolution.

He has at times looked tired in the tropical heat, but that has done little to dampen the enthusiasm of the fans and faithful who have flocked to see the first Latin American pontiff, who is immensely popular here for his part in fostering the US-Cuban thaw.

The Argentine pope is broadly popular in the United States, as well—66 percent of Americans approve of him, according to one re-

cent poll, compared to 80 percent of Cubans, in a separate poll.

But for some observers, the dominant themes of Francis’ papacy— concern for the poor, his strong stance in favor of action on global warming and his critique of consumerism—can be read as an indictment of the American way of life.

That was underlined ahead of his trip when Republican Congressman Paul Gosar, who is Catholic, declared he would boycott the pontiff ’s historic address to Congress to protest his “leftist” views.

The pope will not have won over such conservative critics with his Cuba visit, during which he has politely refrained from chastising the communist regime for its crackdowns on dissidents and curbs on civil liberties.

In fact, he had what a Vatican spokesman described as a “very informal and friendly” conversation

with 89-year-old Fidel, the leader who defied 10 US presidents across half a century of enmity. In 2006 Fidel handed power over to his brother Raul, now 84.

Francis is expected to be more provocative in the United States as he addresses Congress Thursday and the United Nations Friday.

The Jesuit pope carefully prepared his speeches for Washington and New York all summer long.

His topics will include critiques of the dominance of finance and technology; a condemnation of world powers over the conflicts gripping the planet; appeals to protect and welcome immigrants; and climate change, including a bold appeal for a radical revolution of the energy industry and a slowdown in growth.

His visit will take place under tight security, with US authorities nervous over the complexities of

protecting a pope who insists on traveling in an open vehicle to be close to the masses.

The visit poses a particular security headache in New York, where Francis plans to criss-cross Manhattan at a time when 170 world leaders will be in town for the UN General Assembly.

He will preside over an inter-faith ceremony at Ground Zero in the south, visit a Harlem Catholic school in the north and greet the crowds on a procession through Central Park.

In Philadelphia, his final stop, he will attend an international festival of Catholic families Saturday and Sunday, delivering his final mass of the trip.

The 10,000 tickets for the mass were gone within 30 seconds of going online.

Tickets were also snapped up with dizzying speed for events in New York and Washington. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Department of Agriculture Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines www.philmech.gov.ph INVITATION TO BID SUPPLY OF LABOR AND MATERIALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING OF AGRICULTURAL TRAMLINE SYSTEM IN SAN NICOLAS, PANGASINAN 1.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) through its General Fund intends to apply the below specified sums, being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) as indicated herein to payments under the contract for the Supply of Labor and Materials for the Construction, Installation and Commissioning of Agricultural Tramline System in San Nicolas, Pangasinan. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at Bid opening.

2.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization now invites bids from eligible contractors with at least Small B PCAB license with experience on cabling system for the Supply of Labor and Materials for the Construction, Installation and Commissioning of Agricultural Tramline System in San Nicolas, Pangasinan: PROJECT

Blockade. Masked opponents against a project to build an international airport near Notre-Dame-desLandes hold a blockade and demonstrate on Sept. 22, 2015, in Notre-Dame-des-Landes , northwestern France, to protest the planned arrival of a judge and police to serve some of the opponents with expulsion subpoenas. AFP

Human traffickers sought in Thailand BANGKOK—Thai authorities said Tuesday arrest warrants had been issued for three more military officers over human trafficking, as part of a crackdown that sparked a regional migrant crisis earlier this year.

Previously only one senior officer— Lieutenant-General Manas Kongpan—had been charged over the smuggling of Rohingya Muslim and Bangladeshi migrants through southern Thailand, after successive Thai governments largely ignored the brutal trade.

People-smugglers abandoned thousands of migrants at sea or in jungle camps after a Thai clampdown on the multi-million industry in May, a crisis that eventually forced a belated Southeast Asia-wide response.

Arrest warrants had now been issued for “four military officers—

three from the army and one in the navy”, Paween Pongsiri, a southern deputy regional commander, told AFP. This number includes Lieutenant-General Manas, with Paween declining to name the others.

Manas is accused of being a major kingpin in the lucrative human trafficking and smuggling trade.

Most migrants sought a new life in Malaysia, but many found themselves held captive in dismal camps on both sides of the Thai-Malay border-or on boats— until relatives stumped up ransoms.

Manas’s alleged involvement raised awkward questions for junta chief Prayut Chan-OCha, who has repeatedly justified his coup last year as a much-needed antidote to graft that he says flourished under a series of elected civilian governments. AFP

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ALFREDO ANG was EXTRAJUDICIALLY SETTLED by his heirs KHA TY CHAN, WILLIAM ANG, GEORGE ANG, RICHARD ANG & JOHN ANG as per Doc. No. 102 Page No.22; Book No. XXI, Series of 2015 before Notary Public Atty Geronimo B. Halili. The Extrajudicial Settlement previously executed between the parties last July 27, 2015 and published on August 1, 8, & 15, 2015 has been duly rescinded and revoked.

IN RE: PETITION FOR RECONSTITUTION OF SECOND OWNNER`S DUPLICATE OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE LRC CASE NO. M-6059 No. 219609 OF THE REGISTRY DEEDS OF MAKATI CITY CRISTITA CANTA PANGILINAN, Petitioner. x------------------------------------------------x ORDER A verified petition was filed by the petitioners praying that the Second Owner`s Duplicate copy of Transfer Certificate of Title No. 219609 under the name of the petitioner be reconstituted in accordance with law.

Petitioner likewise prays for such other reliefs and remedies, legal, just and proper in the premises.

Finding the petition sufficient in form and substance, the same is set for hearing on September 29, 2015 at 8:30 o`clock in the morning at the 33rd Floor, Makati City Hall Building, Makati City.

This Court hereby DIRECTS all interested parties to appear on said date, time and place and show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitoners in a newspaper of general circulation nationwide once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, the publication of which shall be assigned after the raffle conducted by the Executive Judge of this Court.

The Register of Deeds of Makati City, the Office of the Solicitor General are furnished with a copy of this Order and the Petition for comment, the same to be filed with this Court on or before the hearing date.

SO ORDERED. City of Makati, July 31, 2015.

(SGD) JOSEFINO A. SUBIA Presiding Judge

ABC

CONTRACT DURATION

PhP 3,889,484.48

150 CD

Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II Instruction to Bidders.

3.

Biddng will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested Bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of PhP 5,000, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB. The method of payment will be in cash. The Bidding Documents shall be received personally by the prospective Bidder or his authorized representative. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the prebid conference and raise or submit written queries or clarification.

6.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization will hold a Pre-Bid Conference open to all interested parties on October 2, 2015, 1:30pm at Executive Lounge, PHilMech Main Office, CLSU Compound Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

7.

Bids and eligibility requirements must be delivered on or before October 16, 2015, 1:30pm at Executive Lounge, PHilMech Main Office, CLSU Compound Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid security in the form and amount stated in the Bid Data Sheet or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency. Late Bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Bid opening shall be on October 16, 2015, 1:30pm at Executive Lounge, PHilMech Main Office, CLSU Compound Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend.All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bid documents.

9.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization 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.

(TS-SEPT. 23,30, OCT. 7, 2015)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 138 CITY OF MAKATI

(TS-SEPT. 9,16,23, 2015)

Supply of Labor and Materials for the Construction, Installation and Commissioning of Agricultural Tramline System in San Nicolas, Pangasinan (1,122 m cable span) Double track cable with 3 intermediate towers

PHILIPPINE CENTER FOR POSTHARVEST DEVELOPMENT AND MECHANIZATION (Formerly BUREAU OF POSTHARVEST RESEARCH AND EXTENSION) Main Office :CLSU Cmpd., Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija Tel. No. (044) 4560287 / 4560213 FAX No. (044) 4560110 Liaison Office : 3F ATI Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. No. 9274019 / 9274029 FAX No. 9268159

(TS-SEPT. 23 & 29, 2015)

(SGD) RAUL R. PAZ BAC Chairman

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B8 Dutch get ready to welcome migrants NIJMEGEN, Netherlands—Deep in a tranquil Dutch forest a transformation is taking place, as the Netherlands scrambles to set up camp for thousands of migrants who will start arriving this week.

Between Wednesday and Friday the first of 3,000 desperate asylumseekers are expected to stream through the gates at Heumensoord outside the eastern Dutch city of Nijmegen on the border with Germany.

Since late last week, teams of soldiers and private contractors have been working furiously to erect the first marquee tents on the grounds, roughly the size of 10 football fields, as low-bed trucks rumbled in and out to the sounds of drills and jackhammers.

The site is an obvious choice: in the summer some 5,000 soldiers camp here to take part in Europe’s largest walk, the Nijmegen Four Day Marches, and infrastructure such as water and power already exists.

In the 1990s it was used twice to welcome hundreds of refugees fleeing the wars that followed the breakup of the former Yugoslavia.

So far, compared to countries like Austria, Hungary and Germany, the Netherlands has been relatively unaffected by the tens of thousands of migrants streaming across the EU’s borders.

“We must give these people shelter, we can’t leave them in the street, especially now with winter coming,” Gerard Brans told AFP after cycling past the camp to watch the construction process.

Behind him, a front-end loader dumped out another pile of steel spikes which teams of workers drove into the soil to set up yet another massive marquee tent.

Dutch authorities say the asylumseeker’s housing will be “simple and humane” with beds, showers, portable toilets, electricity and Internet connectivity.

The campsite is a temporary solution, though: by next June it will have to be evacuated to make place for the annual marches and for use in a paralympic event.

In a country which professes its multiculturalism, most are mobilizing to help with the migrant crisis, despite tightened immigration rules and calls by far-right politician Geert Wilders to “close the gates”. AFP

cESAR BARRioquiNTo EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world Divided Koreans tape messages of regret SEOUL—”I miss you so much,” 70-year-old Kim Ik-Je tells the longlost brother he knows he will almost certainly never see.

On the set. Indian Bollywood actress Diana Penty walks on the set of the film “Happy Bhaag Jayeg” in Amritsar on Sept. 22, 2015. AFP

As he begins to sob, the Red Cross video operator recording his words turns off the camera and allows Kim time to collect himself before filming resumes at his bookstore in Seoul.

Kim, Just one of the more than 65,000 mostly elderly South Koreans on a waiting list for the chance to be reunited with family members in the North, is resigned to the probability it will never happen.

And so he opted for a fall-back service offered by the South Korean government: to tape a video message that his brother, or later generations of relatives, might one day be able to view.

Millions were separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, and many have since died without seeing or hearing from their families on the other side of the border.

A reunion is scheduled for late October in a North Korean mountain resort, but it will be only the second such event in five years, and with just 200 families taking part.

At 70 years of age, Kim is actually in the waiting list’s younger demographic, but like those in their 80s and 90s, he knows the chances of being selected for one of the rare reunions are extremely slim.

Red Cross officials who are implementing the video project say they hope the North might agree to video exchanges for those relatives unable to meet, but the sad reality is that the recordings will most likely be viewed posthumously.

Pyongyang has a lengthy track record of manipulating the divided families’ issue for political purposes, refusing proposals for regular reunions and canceling events at the last minute over some perceived slight.

“Frankly, I doubt this video will be seen by my brother or any other relatives before my death,” Kim told AFP after he finished the recording “But I agreed to do it because it’s the only other way to try and get a message across. It’s so difficult to be picked for the family reunions,” he said.

The second son of a transport company owner, Kim was only five years old when he fled his hometown in the North with his mother and three younger brothers in November 1950, some five months after the war began. AFP

Article on Thai king stops NYT edition BANGKOK—The New York Times said Tuesday that its printer had refused to print the local edition of the international newspaper because it featured a frontpage article on the health of the ailing king.

The condition of 87-year-old King Bhumibol—the world’s longest serving monarch—is a hugely controversial topic in Thailand.

The monarchy is shielded by one of the world’s toughest lese majeste laws and prosecutions have increased dramatically since the military took over last year in a coup.

“Today’s edition of the International New York Times was

not printed in Thailand because it includes an article that our locally contracted printer deemed too sensitive to print,” the newspaper said in a letter to subscribers in the kingdom.

“This decision was made solely by the printer and is not endorsed by the International New York Times,” the paper added.

Attempts by AFP to contact the local printer for comment have proved unsuccessful.

Local and international media have to routinely self-censor when reporting on the monarchy for fear of falling foul of the broadly worded law, which carries up to 15 years

in jail for each count of insulting the king, queen, heir or regent.

The New York Times article, which ran to more than 1,300 words and was on the front page in its Asia edition, looked into the increasingly frail health of Bhumibol and anxieties inside Thailand over his chosen successor, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who does not enjoy his father’s widespread popularity.

It also detailed many of the difficulties in writing about the royal family or gauging its popularity in a country where open debate about its role is all but impossible thanks to the lese majeste law. AFP

Anniversary. Iranian soldiers from the Revolutionary Guards march

during the annual military parade marking the anniversary of the start of Iran’s 1980-1988 war with Iraq on Sept. 22, 2015. AFP

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

H OME & L I V ING

LIFE

Sonia Marine Duvet Set

BETWEEN THE SHEETS

Rhineland Mustard Duvet Set

CALEIDOSCOPE WORLD

BY CAL TAVERA

T

echnology has changed the face of the textile industry, offering us more cuttingedge, smarter and stronger options, but are they really making our lives better? When the products of DwellStudio became available to the local market in 2007, I was intrigued. People are drawn to its collections of beddings, pillows and other accessories because of the beautiful patterns and high thread count. They are found in the homes of stylish mothers such as Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Julia Roberts but there’s more to this brand than its designs. On its website, the company reveals that its products contain no heavy metals or other toxic substances. They are AZO free and formaldehyde free.

Each set is constructed in Portugal in Oeke-Tex certified mills that use low-impact dye. So, why is this all important? To enhance the quality of our health, aside from eating and living well, the sheets you sleep on DO matter.

Treetops Graphic Knit Blanket

Butterly Duvet Set

Safari Play Blanket

Modern Border in Tangerine Duvet Set

DwellStudio claims that none of its products have been treated or manufactured by the following: lead, formaldehyde, Fluorescent Whitening Agents (FWA) or Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs), AZO dyes, disperse dyes and other toxic chemical finishes.

Here is a breakdown on what some of these elements can do to our body and the environment: • Formaldehyde: Studies show that it contributes to allergies, skin irritation, rashes, insomnia, headaches, eye and nose irritation. The vapors are not only toxic, but flammable and explosive.

• L ead: It affects the neurological development of a child.

• Fluorescent Whitening Agents (FWA) or Optical Brighteners (OBAs): They can cause allergies and eye irritation.

• Toxic flame resistance Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether(PBDEs): Research shows their presence affects

Garland Multi Duvet Set

the thyroid function in pregnant women and children, affecting neurological development and causing low birthweights. It also decreases sperm count, impairs memory and hearing deficiencies. After high levels of PBDEs were discovered in breastmilk, the European Union started prohibiting them.

Adding formaldehyde-based resins to the formula is popular in the textile industry for securing wrinkle resistance at low costs.

Formaldehyde helps increase stain resistance and keeps the fabrics from looking old. A majority of consumers look at affordable materials for their products or collections so in the competitive world of textiles, companies try to trim expenses however they can.

While formaldehyde is receiving a lot of negative attention, there are other studies saying that as long as the textiles limit their usage of this chemical, the products are considered acceptable. Still, trading

standards encourage consumers to give these textiles a good wash before usage.

There are still thousands of textile chemicals that are currently used by the industry that have not been tested for our safety. It is a relief to know that the brand DwellStudio does extensive testing on all its items to pass industry standards. Parents will also be pleased to know that DwellStudio also offers a line of bed linens, blankets, bib sets, hooded towels and toys for children.

As consumers, we should constantly educate ourselves about these matters to protect ourselves as well as our families. We can start by reading the labels and thereby avoid these toxic finishes. Look for fabrics that are certified by OekoTex or The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Under the OekoTex standard, the list of toxins is limited from the raw materials to the finished product. Both parties guarantee safe fabric but The Global Organic Textile Standard takes a step further by requiring

water treatment. This is important because the textile industry also happens to be the leading industrial polluter of water. Another safe alternative is to choose textiles produced from organic cotton and silk, natural-fibers that easily absorb natural dyes. While there is no other chemical to take the place of formaldehyde as a flameretardant, people can look at cruelty-free wool as an alternative.

People sometimes tease that I tend to overreact but I can’t help it. Better to be safe about this now than pay for it later. Sleep well!

For more information on DwellStudio products, please visit http://www.quirksmarketingph. com/ for a complete list of retailers.

They are also available at www. milkandhony.ph and www. quirksphonlinestore.com. You may also contact them at 6322454846 or email them at info@ quirksmarketingph.com.

Follow me on Instagram @cal_tavera Sources: www.the-dermatologist.com; www. interaksyon.com; www.edition.cnn.com; www. ec.europa.eu; www.oecotextiles.wordpress. com; www.hearts.com; www.toxicfashion.org; www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz

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THE GIST

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

MANILA TRAFFIC: An ordinary citizen’s view

BY ED BIADO

M

etro Manila’s traffic problem is said to cost the country around P3 billion per day.

The centerpiece of it all is the 23.8-kilometer gate of hell we call EDSA. It’s the thoroughfare that should be avoided at all costs if you want the slightest glimmer of hope that you’ll reach your destination on time.

And no one is safe from the wrath of EDSA. The guy whose job is to manage traffic failed to make a morning TV appearance because he was stuck in traffic. On EDSA, obviously! The story is so laughable that it was even picked up by foreign media. It’s so laughable that no one is laughing.

We all know that EDSA doesn’t have a monopoly on congestion and virtual standstills. Most of the metropolis is notorious for being one massive and unhappy bumper-to-bumper street party during rush hour. And we have to wonder why it seems that no one is putting the most obvious solutions on the table.

I’m not talking about urban planning, wider roads, alternative routes or even doing something about those damn inefficient LRT and MRT systems. That’s really for the experts to figure out. I’m talking about the simplest of things, such as scheduling of roadworks.

It is beyond me why they insist on jackhammering the streets in the middle of the day when everyone’s going to work or school. Can’t they do this at night when vehicle volume is lower? My parents’ house in Muntinlupa is two barangays south

of Alabang. Before the roadworks on the national road were started, it took less than 10 minutes to get from the village to Alabang. Now, the trip takes 45 minutes, sometimes longer.

According to recent reports, choke points on EDSA are being cleared of vendors; some officials are suggesting that illegally parked vehicles be towed; and some jurisdictions are getting stricter with public utility vehicles. My question is, why only now? And why only at select locations?

Everywhere around the metro, there are still PUVs (buses and jeepneys) that linger for minutes on end at intersections, waiting for passengers. Not only that,

plenty of motorists use public roads as their personal garage, rendering one lane useless. And if it isn’t a private vehicle that’s parked on the road, it’s a fleet of taxis. If not, it’s a fleet of sidewalkvendor karitons. Or any combination of the above.

These are all little inconveniences that contribute to the national capital region’s worsening traffic conditions.

It’s a snowball effect – one negligible thing leads to another negligible thing until it all becomes one huge problem affecting the millions of people living in these Metro Manila cities and causing the country to lose billions of pesos every day.

Big loads of laundry no match for LG’s revolutionary turbo washers

Turbo Shot

Turbo Wash

A

And I don’t know if the following statement is sacrilegious but think about it: Maybe it’s time we stop using EDSA as a place for rallies. I’m just saying.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @EdBiado

ll domestic divas can relate when we say that washing laundry is probably one of the most challenging household responsibilities – more so during the onset of the rainy season when clothes pile up – resulting in less oportunity for that longed-for R&R and quality time for the family.

Here’s good news though – the days of battling with that mountainous pile of laundry are over with LG’s washing machines with TurboWash and TurboShot technologies that help harassed mother wash clothes fast and easy.

LG’s revolutionary TurboWash™ Front Load washers reduce washing time on each large load of laundry, without compromising cleaning performance.

With the 3 Way TurboWash™, what normally takes almost an hour to finish for a normal speed course can be done in as fast as 45 minutes. In speed washing function, it takes only 15 minutes to finish a standard one kilogram wash load.

LG’s Top Load washers with the innovative TurboShot technology likewise enable superior washing and rinsing performance, with a rapid drum motion and waterfall-like jets to penetrate deep into fabrics and dissolve detergent more efficiently.

With this technology, stains are

removed faster while saving up on energy and water consumption.

According to LG Electronics Philippines vice president for Home Appliances Youngmin Chae, the company continuall tries to innovate for the benefit of consumers. “For working individuals and married couples, especially those with kids, our washers are like manna from heaven, as it eliminates the need to wash clothes on weekdays after work.

Big loads of family laundry are now more manageable with LG’s state-of-the art washers,” he said.

Additionally, LG’s TurboWash and TurboShot models feature 6 Motion Direct Drive (6 Motion DD) capability that allows you to wash clothes with more care and movement – the closest one can get to hand washing. The TurboWash and TurboShot technologies also work to complement LG’s Biggest Capacity in Front Load and Top Load washers, letting you wash all your clothes at once. Combining the above-mentioned features in LG’s Big Capacity washing machines result in more water pressure and best washing performance.

To learn more about LG TurboWash washing machine, visit www.lg.com/ ph; like LG Philippines’ Facebook page; or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

Host an intimate birthday or engagement party for eight people at the Daily Mirror private room styled by Robert Blancaflor.

@LIFEatStandard

Debuts become extra special when held at La Vanguardia which can sit 20 guests.

Invite 30 of the closest people in your life to your wedding reception at The Manila Times.

ELEGANT CELEBRATIONS

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS PHOTOS BY SONNY ESPIRITU

“W Elegant four-tier cake perfect for 18th Birthdays from Topcakes

Debut cake

Children's Birthday cake

eddings have evolved now,” begins events coordinator Monique Galang. She continues, “Before it’s just the usual thing, the usual program with flowers and all.

Now they have themes: rustic, shabby chic, and more. It’s much better.”

With various additions and little touches that suit and represent the couple, a wedding could now have distinct character and style. This transformation pushed wedding ceremonies and other special events out from the usual church, garden or empty multi-purpose hall and into non-conventional venues that nonetheless maintain the importance of the affair.

This also gives birth to more ideas. “Our creativity really comes out. Even souvenirs are no longer the usual ceramics or figurines.

They’re (clients) now thinking of something their guests can use,” shares Galang.

Concepts and choices are becoming endless as demands from clients increase, and rising up to the occasion is the heritage houseturned-restaurant Casa Roces.

Four years ago, Casa Roces was an abandoned ancestral house of the illustrious Roces clan located in Manila’s genteel San Miguel district and a few steps away from the country’s seat of power, Malacañang Palace. When the opportunity came for Antonia Roces’ daughter Peachy Prieto to restore the Commonwealthera heirloom house to its glorious state, the family decided to transform

it into a restaurant with a vintage and homey appeal.

“They cleaned it, covered it in paint, renovated it, decorated it, and brought in furniture from different houses of the Roces family,” recounts Casa Roces’ Food and Beverage manager Luis Mingues.

The main dining area is located on the ground floor, which is spacious enough to accommodate 100 diners – 150 including the patio.

The ancestral home vibe is apparent through the old photos hanging on

Casa Roces Filipino-Spanish restaurant is the new one-stop venue for special occasions that offers all-in packages including food, venue styling, cake, gown and more.

walls and artifacts in its every nook and cranny.

Meanwhile, on the second floor are five private dining rooms, with varying sizes, named after the publications the Roceses managed in the past: The Manila Times, Liwayway, The Tribune, Daily Mirror and La Vanguardia. The private rooms can host any intimate event, from power meetings to birthday parties, that could use a timeless ambiance courtesy of several artwork of Philippine masters, contemporary artists and members

J&T Plasticware celebrates a milestone

P

l ast ics have made e ver yday life ver y convenient for people.

Since they are lightweight and imbued with high strength, they meet a lot of needs and requirements for homes and even offices. J&T Plasticware, a leading plastic manufacturing company in the country, has been providing the needs of consumers in the last 25 years for quality plasticware products.

Established in 1990, J&T began with plastic consumer items like hangers, clips, baskets, trash cans,

food containers, plates, and other useful household products for the Filipino family. Today, J&T has established a comprehesive product line that includes a variety of kitchen and bedroom items like chest drawers, cabinets, kitchen organizers, functional boxes, plus monobloc chairs and tables, among others.

In keeping with its dictum as the “Pambansang Plasticware,” J&T continues to develop high quality yet affordable plasticware products that cater to the needs of consumers,

of the Roces family, as well as special artifacts and memorabilia of the clan adorning every room.

History and good food come together at Casa Roces, which serves Filipino-Spanish dishes whose recipes came from the Roces’ kitchen. It has established itself as a promising restaurant – in fact, President Benigno Aquino III himself frequents the place for breakfast – that not only serves comfort food but also shares bits and pieces of history. But apart from that, Casa Roces claims that it can also be

continuously improving and innovating its product line-up for total customer satisfaction.

This in turn has reaped awards and recognitions from various consumer groups, among them Superbrands, the international independent authority and arbiter on branding.

On its 25th anniversary, J&T Plasticware continues in its commitment to build a leading brand that will be the consumers’ top choice for quality, convenient and affordable plasticware products.

a regal location for many occasions, from birthdays to proposals to weddings. Yes, even an ancestral house can host a children’s party.

For its latest promotion, Casa Roces gathers a powerhouse of artistic geniuses popular for their contributions in many successful events to transform it into a classy, one-stop venue for all event planning needs.

Debutantes, brides and grooms who will book at the restaurant can ask fashion designers Albert Andrada

or Arnold Galang to create their garb for the ceremony that will be styled by Robert Blancaflor. Layered cakes are courtesy of Top Cakes and Cravings, and the food, of course, will be served

by Casa Roces.

Casa Roces offers seven menu options whose prices range from P1,000 to P1,300 per head.

“We want to show to everybody the potential of Casa Roces and to showcase how beautiful it can be on special days. We want to show what we can do, what we can offer and we expect everybody can see that this is a beautiful and special place with historical memories of the whole Manila,” enthuses Mingues.

To maximize the venue, especially for those planning a big event with more than 100 guests and booking the whole restaurant, Monique recommends setting up different activities in different areas.

“The place is small so what they can do is they can have the cocktail area upstairs, dinner downstairs since it’s more spacious, then we can set up the after-party outside,” suggests Monique.

To complete the experience, Casa Roces also provides entertainment needs such as a string ensemble, flamenco dancers, DJs and live bands, performing within the allowed decibel levels of its neighbor Malacañang.

Casa Roces s located at 1153 J.P. Laurel corner Aguado Street, San Miguel, Manila (in front of Malacañang Palace). It is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations and bookings, call (02) 735-5896 or (02) 488-1929 or 0917-5509743 or emailreservations@casaroces.com

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

MANILA TRAFFIC: What We Can Do (Part 2)

Proposal for a transit-oriented community connected to the Clark Airport. Perspective by Palafox Associates

URBAN MATTERS

BY KARIMA PALAFOX

S

ince the time the first part of this article had been published (read Part 1 on www.manilastandardtoday. com/2015/09/08/manila-trafficwhat-we-can-do), both the Senate and Congress had conducted separate hearings to investigate the worsening traffic in Metro Manila. The Highway Patrol Group has been managing certain choke points in EDSA, and several transport experts have emerged on social media. Writing this column and the events the last two weeks, such as September 8’s “CARmageddon,” allowed me to review previous plans. These include the MMETROPLAN (Metro Manila Transport, Land Use and Development Planning Project) of 1976, Metro Manila Urban Transportation Integration Study of 1999 and the Mega Manila Dream Plan of 2014. All made valid points, and many of the recommendations we hear today are no different. There have been several analyses of causes and recommendations put forward, and many of what I have written in this two-part column are not original.

INVESTMENT LOGIC MAPPING

Despite the studies put forward in the last four decades, our infrastructure seem to function independently of each other. We need to rationalize ALL investments in relation to roads, traffic and land use. Each project, even on minor roads, has a positive or negative effect on the entire road network.

A perfect example is the currently being constructed skyway between NAIA and the casino hub in Pasay.

It has become a safety risk for the thousands of vehicles that pass the roads under it, the urban fabric has been negatively affected, and it has aggravated the congestion and traveling times of people heading to the airport. Several flights have been missed, and visitors have had to walk the people-unfriendly roads with their luggage just to make it to check-in time. By the time those new roads are complete, the number of vehicles would have

caught up with the capacity. Let’s hope those casinos – with their promised social and economic benefits – will be worth it.

Every road construction adds to traffic congestion, and when we build more roads the result is that we get more cars. No city solved traffic by only building more roads. This approach has been likened to “loosening your belt to cure obesity” or “dealing with your weight problem by buying bigger pants.” A perfect example would be the Buendia connection between Bonifacio Global City and Makati.

The rationale for building the flyover years ago was to ease traffic, but today the Buendia bridge is always congested during rush hour. I strongly disapprove of the proposed

example. Private vehicles are parked in these gateways for a much smaller fee than if they entered the city center, and the motorists are given a bus ticket they can use throughout the day.

Public transport should be comfortable and convenient in terms of frequency, duration, predictability and connections.

Apart from the system, designers play a role in encouraging the use of public transportation systems by providing well-designed and inviting spaces linking the stops to key locations.

Some say that the best way to experience a city is to try its public transportation system – what would tourists have to say about ours?

Investment should be put towards the improvement of public transport

The biggest traffic generators include private schools. If our cities were safer, perhaps parents would not feel the need to drive them to and from school. Despite having one of the smallest gender gaps in the world, the Philippines also has the highest crime rates targeted to women. If streets were safer for women and people with special needs – such as the pregnant and handicapped, young children, and elderly – then more of them can be converted to becoming commuters and pedestrians.

NEED FOR BALANCE

Urban planning has a lot to do with balance in land uses, activities, housing types, and between the built and the natural environment. A major thrust of the outdated urban

Public transport stations should be accessible to the most number of people within a 400-meter radius. How do you think the MRT fares?

Buendia tunnel, which will isolate parts of Makati during construction and will not solve congestion.

INTEGRATE TRANSPORT MODES

Jeepneys, tricycles, habal-habal and pedicabs, as crude as they are, add to the convenience of commuters since they integrate disconnected routes and fill the demand-supply gap for public transport. They pose several safety risks though and the first three modes are very pollutive. Anecdotally, 50 percent of commuters ride the jeepney.

We need to have a phasing plan for their upgrade to city buses that are dispatched by a centralized system, and load and unload only at designated stops.

There is a need for intermodal stations that are accessible on foot and by several modes of transport.

Such stations should be present at all entry points to central Manila, and they have to have generous parking spaces for private vehicles to make way for a park-and-ride system. The City of Oxford in the UK is a good

systems as they benefit more people.

Eighty percent of our roads are provided for the less than 20 percent car owners. In the future, reports on the improvement of public transport capacities can be considered a major indicator of progress for the Philippines. It would be exciting to see the day when Manila will have an efficient public transportation system that both locals and tourists will use, such as London’s doubledecker buses or the ferries that cross Sydney Harbor.

ENCOURAGE INCLUSIVE MOBILITY

The objective should be to convert motorists into commuters, such that they do not become dependent on the car. Several studies have shown that the decision to take public transport is directly related to pedestrian-friendly streets. People will most likely leave their cars at home if they know that should the train break down, they can take the bus, a public utility van or jeepney, or a taxi that will not refuse them. When all else fails, they can walk or cycle.

planning thought is very restrictive zoning, such that institutional uses are separate from residential and commercial uses. Urban planners now advocate instead a mix of uses that are directly accessible by walking and public transport.

Locating land uses far apart from each other creates a high demand for car trips. We should avoid single-use zones that cover several hectares in land area. Singapore, for example, has realized that single-use districts should be a maximum of three hectares. In Manila, we have walled military camps and residential subdivisions next to highways and the train stations. Some of them cover hundreds of hectares of land.

This discourages public transport and causes longer vehicle trips for people that cannot enter these gated enclaves. There is also an imbalance of densities in Metro Manila. Following the principles of transit-oriented development, properties closest to transit stations and routes should have high density and be accessible to the most number of people. Looking ahead, the proposed rail routes and

stations for PNR, MRT and LRT should be lined by inclusive places.

We have priced out our key workers from the housing market in Metro Manila, to the point that the only ones who can afford to live within the core are the wealthy and the informal settlers. The poor and the middle class have been priced out in areas near their places of work.

Makati CBD, for example, has a daytime population that is 10 times more than its nighttime population.

Everyday, these workers enter our city centers between 6-9 a.m., and exit between 5-8 p.m. There has to be a way to encourage affordable housing within the city centers, and to provide job opportunities in suburbia.

PROMOTING NEW CENTERS OUTSIDE IMPERIAL MANILA

We have put all our eggs in the one basket that is Metro Manila. Our main airport, seaport, governments, and financial center are all concentrated in this megalopolis.

Cities such as Laoag, Cebu, Davao, Legazpi, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro should be reinforced as economic hubs in the ASEAN. Policies and action that would decongest NAIA and encourage port operations outside of the Manila port should be pushed for many reasons including lessening our traffic congestion.

Places such as Clark and Subic are being positioned as emerging centers that can help to decongest Metro Manila. These former bases are underutilized, and the interest from private developers is lower than expected because of property ownership limits. Why not transfer the seat of government there?

COHERENT PLANNING AND LEADERSHIP

We need to follow and integrate the land use, development and infrastructure plans that have been put forward by professionals, and let them be the basis for decisions, budgets and projects. Because of public clamor, our leaders are starting to work together and promises have been made to prioritize public transport. Our leaders should implement not just the short-term solutions, but more importantly the long-term and possibly unpopular solutions such as controls in car use and ownership, sharing of selected private roads, and an honest regulation of the transport system. Are we ready to follow and be part of the solution?

Follow me on Instagram @karmipalafox

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From left, FDCP Executive Director Teodoro Granados, Maricel C. Cariaga, FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos, Sheryl Andes, Analisa Puod, Mario L. Mendez Jr., Vinson Gabato, and Marvin Gabas **Not present at the ceremony was Mr. Crisanto P. Fuego**

Sineng PambanSa Climate Change SCriPtwriting ConteSt winnerS

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he winners of the Sineng Pambansa Climate Change Scriptwriting Contest were awarded at the Film Development Council of the Philippines on Sept. 17. The top participants of the Full Length Documentary category and the Short Fiction feature category received their Certificates of Award and claimed their prize earnings.

FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos was on hand to present the winners certificates as well as urge them to create more of a discourse on the topic of climate change. Making the contest a yearly program will

strengthen the advocacy. Also, once funds are available, the FDCP will look into the winning scripts to see which are viable for production.

After over 100 scripts were submitted to the contest, a special selection jury deliberated on the winners of the Full Length Documentary category and the Short Fiction feature category.

The winners of the Full Length Documentary category of the contest were: 1st place – Disigisaw (written by Sheryl Rose M. Andes); 2nd place – Environgers (written by Analisa Puod); and 3rd place – The Water Bearers (written by Mario

L. Mendez Jr.). The winners of the Full Length Documentary category received cash prizes of P100,000 for first place, P50,000 for second place, and P25,000 for third place.

As for the Short Fiction feature category, the jury deliberated on a four-way tie, going to the following scripts: Ang Bisikleta ni Lolo Kiko (written by Maricel C. Cariaga), Ang Dalawahan (written by Vinson Lance S. Gabato), The Assignment (written by Crisanto P. Fuego), and Hukay (written by Marvin C. Gabas). The cash prizes for this category, totaling P85,000, were equally distributed amongst the four cho-

sen winners. Each winner of the Short Fiction feature category thusly received a cash prize of P21,250.

The Climate Change Scriptwriting contest encouraged writers to delve into the urgent and concerning topic of climate change which has had its presence felt more than ever in recent years. These scripts are to be the basis of future short films or full length documentaries that inform and capture people’s imagination, rousing them into action.

The themes of the scripts tackled the various complexities of climate change, ranging from scientific explanations to its impact on

the common person. The aim is to instill in the reader, and later on in the viewer, a consciousness that is second nature and urges them to confront such issues.

The contest was conceptualized through FDCP’s Sineng Pambansa program and its belief in the multifaceted effort it takes to transform awareness into action through audiovisual presentations. Cinema, a cultural agent like no other, is adept at evoking urgency on a mass scale and can contribute to inspiring the advocacy of mitigating climate change for the betterment of our communities.

‘ExChangE StudEnt ZEro’ bringS animE to lifE

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hat happens when two animation worlds collide? On Sept.26, Cartoon Network launches Exchange Student Zero, a new original series that offers jam-packed comedy and adventure – as well as Filipino talent.

The show follows two school friends, Max and John, who are obsessed with a fantasy card game called Battle Day Zero.

They inadvertently bring one of the characters, Hiro, to life.

His arrival coincides with that of a Japanese exchange student who he is mistaken for, allowing him to live among the confused townsfolk, but being an anime character in a normal toon world, Hiro becomes the source of confusion and hilarity.

Max and John try their best to keep his true identity a secret until they can work out how to get him back to his own world. But the situation becomes more difficult when the portal between both worlds keeps allowing more and more exotic creatures into John’s and Max’s sleepy town.

The Cartoon Network pro-

duction is a collaborative effort between artists from different countries: the series was commissioned by Cartoon Network based in Hong Kong, produced in Australia, with talent employed in North America and even Argentina. But the series also looked to the Philippines to harness the country’s animation expertise, tapping local animation studio Top Draw Animation, whose talents have worked on world-renowned shows including Monster Beach and My Little Pony.

“One of the great things about working on Exchange Student Zero was being able to fuse the two types of animation, western and Japanese-style anime,” said Nary Jamlig, creative director at Top Draw Animation.

Both western and anime characters get to travel between both “worlds”. For example, the western characters go to various anime universes, which creates an exciting alternate reality but also a unique opportunity for animators.

“Although both styles are exciting to work on, they also present different kinds of challenges.

One episode normally finishes in a thirteen-week turnaround that includes setting up the scene all the way to after-effects,” added Lean Lagonera, Top Draw’s Animation director.

The show’s team also includes three-time Gold Logie Award winner Rove McManus, who lends his voice to four characters in the show including Max and Hiro. The theme music is composed by Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, both from the 70s and 80s American rock band Devo. The brothers were the musical geniuses behind other scores including The Lego Movie and Regular Show.

Exchange Student Zero premieres on Sept. 26, and then Saturdays at 6:45pm only on the number one kids’ channel, Cartoon Network.

Cartoon Network is available on SKYCable Channel 43, SKYCable HD Channel 178, Cignal Channel 35, Cignal HD Channel 110, Destiny Cable (Digital) Channel 43, Destiny Cable (Analog) Channel 51 and Cable Link Channel 26, Dream Satellite Channel 15.

Scenes from the animation series Exchange Student Zero

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YOungest Designer Wins in PrOject runWaY PH Young designer Joy Chicano of Eastern Samar is the winner in the latest season of Project Runway Philippines

nickie Wang Twenty-one-year-old Joy Chicano flew all the way from Eastern Samar to showcase and impress seasoned designers with his own visual idea of what a good wardrobe should look like.

Last Sunday, at the finale of ETC’s Project Runway Philippines, Chicano realized his dream after he was announced winner of this season’s fashionable competition aired Sunday, Sept. 21.

Chicano, who loves to experiment with shapes and patterns to make his design scream “avant-garde,” walked home bagged the cash prize of P250,000.00 (to start his new collection), and as part of the package given to him, he will also get a spread in Mega Magazine to showcase his work.

In an interview with the press, in a lunch organized

by ETC last Wednesday, the budding designer talked about how he discovered his own aesthetic sense and style by playing with patterns.

“I channel my emotions through my work. I guess it would be hard for me to function if it’s the other way around. It allows me to visualize what the piece I’m going to create will look like. In the same sense, all my emotions are translated in my designs and they dictate what the final look of the wardrobe would be,” he told the select members of the press.

This Hotel and Manage-

A scene from She's Funny That Way

British actor Paul Bettany in a photo op with a fan during the APCC's last day at the World Trade Center

Allison Harvard (third from right) with VampyBit Me and Jeremy Shada and his band Makeout Monday

ment student had to defy his parents to pursue his dream of becoming a fashion designer. He said his parents stopped giving his allowance and did not support his education when he decided to drop out of school and enroll at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. True enough, Chicano succeeded in following his gut feeling.

“I went to Manila on my own because I felt that it was the right thing to do, even if it meant rebelling against my parents,” Chicano shared.

The other designers that made it to the Top 3 along with Chicano were Celine Borromeo of Cebu and Jared Servano of Koronadal City.

Bringing geek culture mainstream Renowned artists, celebri-

ties and pop-culture icons came out to participate in the first international convention themed around comics, films, toys, animation, games and cosplay held at the World Trade Center from Sept. 17 to 20.

These big names gladly participated in panel interviews, photo ops, autograph sessions and a meet and greet with fans. Visitors who shared mostly the same interests were treated to programs and competitions lined up for the biggest pop culture convention.

Billed APCC or AsiaPop Comicon, it attracted exhibitors from genres of pop culture and top studios across the globe who brought popular brands and exclusive content for the four-day event.

Leading the pack of pop-

crOssWOrD PuZZle 43 45 46 48 50 51 52 54 58

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Piece of chicken 5 Parroted 9 Asian nannies 14 Erelong 15 Comic-strip hyena 16 Tent supports 17 Prima donna 18 Broad-minded 19 Plain as day 20 Stiff 22 Claims

24 26 27 30 35 36 37 38 39 42

Opposite of most Windy City trains Some dinosaurs Billed Hitch — — Swiss-German artist Ibsen woman Grain holder Wooden in manner “Whole — of Shak in’ Going On”

62 63 65 66 67 68 69 70 71

Is, in Madrid 66 and I-80 Stay More moth-eaten Smoothed a board Wild ox of Tibet Tornado warning Homer’s seafarer That haughty feeling Kiddie-lit author Pocket flaw BBs Free-for-all Bad day for Caesar Tin-can eater Jay’s topper Impudent Coastal flyer

DOWN 1 Crumples up 2 J in JFK 3 Astronomer’s sighting 4 Knotty 5 Island welcomes 6 Diary keeper 7 Map dir.

8 Elcar or Wynter 9 Moonshot mission 10 Unpacks the U-Haul (2 wds.)

ular names to grace the APCC Manila 2015 were British actor Paul Bettany, Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel, and Glee star Mark Salling. They were also joined by singer and voice actor Jeremy Shada, Arrow star Colton Haynes, and America’s Top Model alumni Allison Harvard, who sat as one of the judges in the cosplay competition along with cosplay superstars Alodia Gosiengfiao and VampyBit Me. The cosplay competition known as the Cosplay Authority Global Challenge (The Cage) is considered as the biggest competition of its kind where the winner received a payout of up to $10,000.

Focusing on delivering the ultimate fan experience, APCC aspires to bring geek culture mainstream and stand tall as perfect launch pad to unveil new products and first look of movies for the Asia Pacific region. But ultimately, APCC’s larger purpose is to become a venue for celebrities and brands to interact with their fans on a one-on-one basis.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015

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Not — — to stand on Dog-owner’s shout Mach 1 breakers Yields territory Quay Helms Ruth and Zaharias Kind of potato 1492 vessel Hockey goals Gen. Powell Carve a canyon Asked out Toy with a tail Sidewalk racer Hills and — Ocean trenches Ace, for one Short-legged hound Druid or shaman Lazybones Leatherneck org.

Wanton look Festive log Captain’s command Love, to Claudius Statuesque model Memorandum Poem by Horace

‘She’S Funny ThaT Way’ aT ayala MallS CineMaS From renowned director Peter Bogdanovich, She’s Funny That Way is a screwball comedy featuring the interconnected personal lives of the cast and crew of a Broadway production.

Bogdanovich assembled a stellar ensemble cast, headed by Owen Wilson, Imogen Poots, Kathryn Hahn, Will Forte, Rhys Ifans, and Jennifer Aniston all working together at the top of their form.

The film rolls when established director Arnold Albertson (Owen Wilson) casts his call girl-turnedactress Isabella “Izzy” Patterson (Imogen Poots) in a new play to star alongside his wife Delta (Kathryn Hahn) and her ex-lover Seth Gilbert (Rhys Ifans), a zany love tangle forms with hilarious twists. Jennifer Aniston plays Izzy’s therapist Jane, who is consumed with her own failing relationship with

Arnold’s playwright Joshua Fleet (Will Forte), who is also developing a crush on Izzy.

This is a classic style romantic comedy, with touches of the equally classic screwball comedy, in the best sense of those words. Although completely modern in its characters, situations, and settings, it’s a film that harkens back to the landmarks of the genre from Hollywood’s heyday of the 30s and 40s, with sparkling wit, charm, and sophistication amidst the craziest and zaniest of premises and situations.

The movie also marks the long awaited return to the big screen of Bogdanovich, one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of his generation after a 15-year absence.

She’s Funny That Way opens exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide on Oct.7.

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Zumba parTies

F

Zumba instructor Ron Antonio

From c8

itness, while it’s beneficial to practically everyone is often deemed boring and dificult.

People complain about how hard it is to work out, and fitness classes are generally uninspired affairs with the same boring repetitive music and movements.

No, it’s not when Ron Antonio conducts the classes.

Antonio is a member of the International Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN). He has a license to use the Zumba logo and offer the benefits that go with it.

He has revolutionized Zumba.

Instead of merely following an instructor like in most fitness centers, Antonio turns it into a party.

And, why not?

Antonio is a musician and recording artist. This gives him the edge over other Zumba instructors.

His Zumba parties combine music, dancing and singing, making his performances always explosive and out of the ordinary.

Backing up Antonio is a team made up of a group of talented rappers and a DJ. Mr. Cry, who is based in Cameroon, is a reggae performer. Maria Herrera is an international hip-hop artist.

A trendsetter, Antonio’s recent Zumba events included a collaboration with Jung Da Yeon, Asia’s fitness star from South Korea in April 15 at Market! Market! in Taguig.

On Sept. 25, Antonio will showcase another big event, the Zumba Party Extreme also at Market! Market! in Taguig. There will be live vocal performances by Antonio.

Mr. Cy, and Maria Herrera will also have special participation.

The event will be on a first come, first served basis. To reserve slots, bookings and further inquiries call 09177039546 or 09177167261 o4 622 2419 (Michelle or Richard) or 09065810383 or 09985474159 (Hanzel Villafuerte).

HHHHH Topher, Jess, evan Face oFF The search for online sensation Pastillas Girl’s new inspiration continues on It’s Showtime after three of her admirers faced off in a bid to impress her.

Topher, a member of last week’s studio audience, Jess, who flew in from Bacolod after expressing his attraction to Pastillas Girl on Twitter, and Evan, also from Twitter, have all said they are interested in getting to know Pastillas Girl (Angelica Jane Yap in real life) better and also opened up about their personal lives.

The lads were only three of the many who responded to the call of the show hosts, who volunteered to look for a person who will help Pastillas Girl mend her heartache. This was after she got on the noontime show’s “Advice Ganda” segment where she also shared the story behind her viral video.

In the said segment, Pastillas Girl asked Vice when is the best time to fall in love again after a break-up.

She also revealed that her ex-boyfriend cheated on her with one of her friends.

Would Topher, Jess, and Evan do everything to prove their affection for Pastillas Girl? Will Pastillas Girl feel a real connection with one of them? Who else will appear on the show to see and talk to Pastillas Girl in person?

One of Ron Antonio’s Zumba parties

Topher wants to be Mr. Pastillas

Topher vs Jess for Mr. Pastillas

Evan wants to be Mr. Pastillas too Angelica Jane Yap aka Pastillas Girl

PoPe FranCis bioPiC in theaters

Father Jorge prior to his election to the papacy

D Beda Ocampo Feijoo gives camerman instructions

Dario Grandinetti as Father Jorge

uring his teenage years in Buenos Aires, he discovered his religious calling.

Little did he know that this was the first step that would eventually lead him to the Vatican and become the leader of the Catholic Church and will be known as Pope Francis.

A young Spanish journalist, Ana, meets Jorge Mario Bergoglio at the Papal Concave in 2005. The two start a relationship imbued with warmth, good mood, and wisdom. It is through her that we follow the long, hard, and touching journey of Jorge or Father Jorge, as he always wished to be called.

As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he uses his position to challenge the corruption and abuse of the dictatorship in his country. Ana sees him fighting his toughest battles, lending his voice to the victims of prostitution, slavery and drug trafficking the city’s shantytowns.

The son of humble Italian immigrants, Father Jorge chose Francis as his Papal name when he was elected to the papacy. He says this is in honor of his grandmother

who instilled in himthe values of St,. Francis of Assisi when he was just a young boy.

The name summarizes the life of Father Jorge who uses the gospel in helping the needy.

Papa Francisco is based on Elisabetta Pique’s book Pope Francis: Life and Revolution. Pique is a Vatican correspondent and close friend of the Pope.

Argentinians hailed the book as the most complete portrait of Pope Francis.

The film boasts a cast of thousand including Dario Grandinetti (22012 International Emmy Best Actor) and Silvia Abascal (Best Actress awardee at Toulouse Cinspana in 1999 and Malaga Spanish Film Festival in 20016) who plays the reporter.

Award-winning director Beda Ocampo Feijoo directed the film.

The film was previewed at SM Megamall Cinema 3 attended by VIPs, celebrities, members of the Catholic clergy and other religious groups.

Released by Pioneer Film, Papa Francisco opens Sept. 30 nationwide.

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Yassi Pressman is the latest star of Viva Entertainment group to be launched big time with an album and two movies to boot

SHOWBITZ

Yassi’s tiMe to shine ISAH V. RED She is ready for her close up.

The lovely and talented Viva Artists Agency young star, who rose to prominence in last year’s blockbuster teen romcom Diary ng Panget, is now taking the showbiz spotlight with not just one, not two, but three big projects.

First up is Yassi Pressman’s self-titled debut album, now out on iTunes and Spotify. The six-track record mostly features Yassi in her “Princess of the Dancefloor” mode, a title that was given to her for her excellent dancing skills even before she ventured into recording. Yassi, the album, proves that she is as just as talented as a singer.

And she doesn’t only sing in the album.

In tracks like first single “Hush,” a duet with Diary co-star Nadine Lustre, the Diary soundtrack hit “’Di Ko Alam” with co-star and love team Andre Paras, and current single “Lala” Yassi stakes her claim as pop music’s new rap princess too.

The album boasts a new duet between Yassi and Andre, adoringly

Cover of Yassi Pressman's eponymous debut album

called by fans as Yandre, called “Dahil Sa ‘Yo,” which has the makings of the Valentine Song of 2016 if it were to be released as a single.

Yassi’s second big project is her much-awaited onscreen reunion with Andre. The movie is called Wang Fam and is from blockbuster director Wenn Deramas. The title is short for Aswang Family and Yassi stars as the unsuspecting girlfriend of Andre who is a member of the totally human-friendly and kind-hearted if crazy Wang fam. The movie also stars Pokwang, Andre’s real-life dad Benjie Paras, and new showbiz child wonder Alonzo Muhlach. It hits screens in November.

Wang Fam will then be followed

by Yassi’s launching film as a headlining star. It’s the much-awaited big screen adaptation of the hit romcom novel Girlfriend For Hire, which is one of the biggest hit stories on Wattpad with more than a million reads. The movie will once again pair Yassi with Andre and will serve as the tandem’s major launch vehicle. Adapted for the screen by award-winning veteran writer-director Joey Reyes and overseen by Diary ng Panget director Andoy Ranay as creative producer, Girlfriend for Hire is currently in production and is slated to hit the big screens in early 2016.

Yassi is also very active on TV. She is seen regularly on MTV Pinoy as a VJ on several programs including Yandre’s Playlist and the request and dedication show MTV Shoutout. She is also busy guesting in different top-rating shows on the top networks, aside from being visible as an endorser of a popular food chain.

HHHHH ‘BuBBle Man’ in Manila Bubbles may seem pretty ordinary to the naked eye, but for Louis Pearl, the world’s leading “bubbleologist,” there is more to discover about them.

Offering the Filipino audience a close-up look into his bubbly world, Pearl, popularly known as “The Amazing Bubble Man,” will soon make his first ever visit to Manila as he unravels the art, magic, science, and fun of bubbles in a one-man show running from Sept. 23 to 27 at RCBC’s Carlos P. Romulo Theater in Makati, City.

The wondrous 75-minute spectacle, produced by Lunch Theatrical Productions and Concertus Manila, aims to explore the dynamics of bubbles through entertainment and audience participation, while explaining some fascinating facts about bubbles—bringing science to life and into the realm of fun.

“I saw Louis Pearl’s Amazing Bubble Show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and was absolutely mesmerized. I had no idea you could do so many amazing things with bubbles,” said James Cundall, producer and Chief Executive of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions.

Perfect for family and kids, the educational-themed show will feature a wide range of science-themes, which include subjects such as the colors of bubbles, the physics of soap and water molecules, aerodynamics, and surface tension, among others.

“I went to talk to Louis after his performance about touring internationally. I thought if a producer with 25 years in the entertainment business can be blown away by bubbles then surely people all around the world will be amazed by this incredible show too,” Cundall added.

Pearl, who has been bubbling professionally since 1980, began exploring the different aspects of bubbles when he started his very own Tangent Toy Company. He began performing in 1983 with a show at the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

For nearly three decades, Pearl has performed to more than one million people in hundreds of cities around the world. He is also a favorite at the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where he returned this year for his eighth successive season.

A literature and art graduate, he has written two books about bubbles and has made a video called “Lights, Camera, Bubbles!” and has so far produced 21 fantastic bubble inventions.

For tickets, call Ticket World at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.Find out more by visiting www.facebook.com/ConcertusManila. ➜ Continued on C7