The Standard - 2015 November 06 - Friday

VOL. XXIX NO. 267 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 FRIday : NOVEMBER 6, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Marcos, Palace trade barbs on racket

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hoMeless GeT APeC ReNT Dole

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan and Joel E. Zurbano

A CATHOLIC bishop on Thursday slammed the government’s plan to hide the homeless during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit by giving them money to rent a temporary home from Nov. 15 to 20.

In a radio interview, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo confirmed the Department of Social Welfare and Development was distributing P4,000 each to homeless people so they could live elsewhere and be hidden from view during the summit.

Pabillo said it was insensitive of the government to hide away the poor for the benefit of foreign visitors.

“Their solution is temporary. They want to show the visitors that there are no poor people, but why can’t we find a permanent solution for our poor people? One that doesn’t require us to hide them every time

there are visitors?” he said in an interview on the Church-owned Radio Veritas.

The bishop also expressed dismay at the expense—put at P7.9 billion—of hosting the Apec meetings here.

“It is okay if they are spending money for the benefit of the people. If the government is spending money for infrastructure and cleaning the roads just to boast to our visitors, this is such a waste of money,” Pabillo added.

In 1996, when the Philippines hosted for the first time the Apec meeting, Pabillo said, the country only spend P649 million for the event.

The bishop also appealed to the leaders of the 21 member economies of Apec to create programs for poor people, particularly in Asia.

Earlier, Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon said Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman was planning to hide the homeless away in resorts again, like she did during the Pope’s visit.

The Palace immediately came to Soliman’s defense, saying she was not hiding them, but holding workshops about the conditional cash transfer, the administration’s dole program.

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Victims. Porters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport are losing income as a result of the ‘tanim-bala’ scam victimizing travelers. Danny Pata

‘Transport officials launch PR blitz to pass blame’

By Vito Barcelo, Rey E. Requejo, John Paolo Bencito and Maricel V. Cruz ADMITTING that the Aquino administration has taken a beating because of bullet-planting

incidents at the airport, an airport official said transportation officials are undertaking a public relations blitz to divert blame for controversy.

The official, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal, said the operation aims to blame the opposition for causing national

shame in the world community by blowing the matter out of proportion, as claimed by Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

“The almost daily discovery of bullets inside travelers’ luggage seems impossible,” said the official, one of the highest

ranking at the airport.

“The [Office for Transportation Safety] is behind the scheme which is made to appear like part of an opposition demolition job,” he said.

“But it also makes it appear that Filipino travelers are defiant.

They are trying to make Filipino

travelers appear stupid,” the airport source added.

By making Filipinos appear hard-headed, he said, the focus can be diverted from airport officials and agencies.

The PR blitz goes against the initial findings of the National Next page

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Bongbong, Palace trade barbs on ‘tanim’ racket SENATOR Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday that Malacañang should immediately fire Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Jose Honrado for allowing an extortion syndicate to operate on his turf with impunity.

Calls for resignation of Honrado snowballed following the public outcry against incidents of alleged “tanim bala” or the intentional planting of bullets into luggage of passengers, particularly overseas Filipino workers and the elderly to extort money from them.

Marcos said that based on the principle of command responsibility Honrado is clearly accountable for the “tanim bala” extortion racket that persisted despite the focus of media attention and the public outcry against it.

“He should be fired immediately, he’s clearly incompetent. He should never have been put in that job in the first place,” Marcos told the Senate media during the weekly media forum “Kapihan sa Senado.”

In fact, Marcos said that if it were up to him he would never even appoint Honrado as MIAA general manager.

“Why would you put him there when he had no experience? He doesn’t even know the job,” Marcos said.

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Bureau of Investigation that the extortion syndicate was the work of personnel from the Office of Transportation for Security, porters and airport personnel.

Manila International Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado has denied that a syndicate is operating inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“So far we don’t have evidence indicating syndicates are working at the airport,” Honrado said.

A militant labor group slammed the Aquino administration for playing down the bullet-planting racket.

“With the almost daily discovery of bullets planted in the luggage of unsuspecting victims, [how can they say these are] isolated cases? Who are they fooling?” Migrante International said.

The group called for a fullblown investigation on the extortion racket that targeted overseas Filipino workers and foreign travelers.

Edwin Bustillos, sectoral representative of the workers group, said the extortion racket had been going on for years.

“No one has bothered to come forward to publicly spill the beans because it would be inconvenient

The Senator said he believed the “tanimbala” scam could be traced to the penchant of Malacanang to appoint people not based on merit and good qualifications but solely based on their connections with people in power.

“The job of running an airport is very specialized, especially if you are running the main gateway to the Philippines,” Marcos said.

A spokesman for President Benigno Aquino III hit back at Marcos.

“Unlike Senator Bongbong Marcos who continues to deny the abuses of martial law, corruption, impunity and human rights violations that occurred under the Marcos regime of which he was a part as a government official, the President recognizes that there is a problem,” said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a text message to the Malacañang Press Corps.

“The administration is addressing this issue and taking concrete steps so that the travelers will have peace of mind and no passenger will be subjected to unfair prosecution,” Lacierda added.

Marcos earlier slammed Aquino for defending Honrado.

“How can you possibly defend somebody who has allowed this kind of victimization of our overseas Filipino workers to carry on? In the face of public scrutiny, exposure, scandal and clear violations of trust and the law, he is still being defended?” Marcos said.

Marcos said by defending the MIAA and

on their part especially considering the prevailing justice system we have in this country, until now,” the migrant group said in a statement.

He said OFWs have been the “milking cows” of syndicates at Naia for decades.

The National Bureau of Investigation tasked to investigate the extortion scheme on Thursday urged all victims to come forward to expedite the probe and the possible filing of charges against those behind the syndicate.

NBI Anti-Organized Transnational Crime Division Head Agent Manuel Antonio Eduarte said now is the best opportunity for all the victims to come out in the open and help the task force in their investigation.

“If you are a victim, you can come to us at Room 509, 5th floor of the NBI main office or feel free to call us for any assistance at 523-3265,” he added.

The NBI team has been given 15 days to submit a report to Justice Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

Caguioa earlier said the NBI investigation will be independent of other probes by other agencies but would coordinate with them.

Eduarte said they have already coordinated with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to locate pos-

its concerned officers, the Palace is just encouraging unscrupulous individuals behind the scam to go on with their racket.

“The [administration] is saying the problem is that the OFWs are not securing their bags. But the problem is not in the OFWs but in the organization that allows the tanim-bala to carry on even when it is reported in the press. This just breeds impunity,” he said.

Also on Thursday, senatorial aspirant and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez scored the lack of compassion and sensitivity of Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, who said Wednesday the “tanim-bala” incidents were blown out of proportion.

“This administration is so insensitve. Instead of reassuring our fellow Filipinos who frequently pass through our airports, what Secretary Abaya did was to downplay the incidents of “tanim-bala” and say to media that it was blown out of proportion,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez had earlier challenged Honrado to explain the reported sudden surge of alleged “tanim- bala” or bullet planting cases this year in all terminals of the Naia.

“Honrado owes the public an explanation on the sudden spike of cases of alleged bullet planting in 2015 compared to last year.

What has his leadership been doing despite serious allegations that some of his men are allegedly involved in this activity victimizing OFWs and tourists?” Romualdez said.

sible victims of the alleged scam who might be afraid to come out in the open.

“We have also coordinated with the Labor Department as well as OWWA and the POEA. They are also extending assistance to locate possible victims and they would forward the complaints to us,” he said.

The Liberal Party presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II dismissed Migrante’s criticism as “hysterical propaganda.”

Roxas’ spokesman, Akbayan party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez, said Roxas’ position was clear.

There is a need to put an immediate stop to acts that are hurting the country’s image and causing apprehension among travelers.

Gutierrez also reiterated that the government has already taken concrete steps to address the issue.

Roxas has drawn flak for flipflopping on the bullet scare—first blaming passengers for bringing contraband with them, then suggesting that the furor over bullet planting might be a “demolition job” to embarrass the government during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

On Thursday, he acknowledged the incidents of bullet planting had angered many.

“Much anger, fear and embarrassment has been caused by these... incidents,” Roxas said in

a statement. “Our OFW heroes have been victimized along with the image of our country. The syndicates behind this must be held to account. We condemn the greedy and selfish men who victimize our countrymen.”

But on a campaign stop in Isabela, Roxas said travelers must take responsibility for their actions.

“If you bring contraband items into airports, how is that the government’s problem?”

Roxas said.

“Bullets are contraband everywhere in the world, especially in the time of anti-terrorism, especially live ones. The damage to the industry should be placed in the proper context— who really brought these contraband items in, right?”

In saying that the syndicates behind the scam must be held to account, Roxas was also contradicting Abaya and Honrado, who said no syndicate exists.

OTS Administrator Roland Recomono on Thursday also denied that a syndicate was behind the so-called “tanim-bala” extortion racket.

Recomono said that although there is an opportunity for unscrupulous individuals to do something illegal inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport, that doesn’t mean that a syndicate is operating there.

Recomono said he welcomes an investigation into the matter.

With Sandy Araneta

Homeless...

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Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the program was ongoing, and that it was a coincidence that the “workshops” were being held at the same time as the Apec Summit.

During the Pope’s visit earlier this year, the Pasay Social Welfare Department admitted that they will rounded all street children, just before Pope Francis’ visit in January.

About 100 homeless people were taken away from Roxas Boulevard and brought to the Chateau Royal in Batangas—purportedly to attend a seminar on the CCT. On Thursday, the Metro Manila Development Authority advised motorists and commuters to brace for traffic gridlock in Manila and Pasay City from Nov. 16 to 20, saying major thoroughfares will be closed in connection with the Apec Summit.

“Traffic will still be a concern even though there are no classes and government work, because the private sector is still there. Maybe there are some who will volunteer to close their shops and some employees who will take the whole week off for a much-needed vacation,” said Emerson Carlos, chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority.

The MMDA is now conducting traffic simulations given the routes to be used by the heads of state attending the summit.

Carlos said his men have already placed thousands of plastic barriers and cones along the stretch of Edsa and Roxas Boulevard in preparation for the event.

Under the traffic management plan, both directions of Roxas Boulevard from Airport Road in Pasay City to Manila Hotel in Port Area will be closed to traffic as early as Nov. 16 until Nov. 20.

Though Malacañang has declared the Apec duration as nonworking days, Carlos said there are still some employees of companies who will continue to report for work.

During the summit, the two inner lanes of Edsa from Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City all the way to SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City will be exclusive for the use of Apec delegates.

Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras appealed to the public for understanding for the inconveniences during the summit.

“They [Apec delegates] have their own protocols … they are used to a certain amount of security and leniency and flexibility. Thereby that protocol is something we have to give to them when they come here,” he said.

“I am appealing to all the motorists, all the people. We are hosting a very big event. So many important people that we need to make sure are going to be safe and can move around normally in a way they are able to move. So we really like to appeal, if you don’t really have to do anything absolutely urgent in these areas, then [just don’t go there],” Almendras said.

The MMDA will deploy more than 3,000 personnel to provide security for 21 leaders of different countries participating in the meeting.

The Manila International Airport Authority on Thursday confirmed that at least 15 heads of state have already submitted their schedules to the Apec National Organizing Council.

Arrivals will begin on Nov. 16 with most of the leaders arriving on the 17th.

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Grace to undergo new DNA test A DAY after disclosing the DNA test results with two of her possible relatives were negative, Senator Grace Poe on Thursday said she will take another procedure with a new subject to prove that she is a Filipino born of Filipino parents.

Endorsement. Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, leftmost, leads the Makabayan coalition in endorsing the presidential and vice presidential bid of Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero at the Quezon City Sports Club. Ey AcAsio

Santiago-Marcos will also have full slate PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Miriam Defensor-Santiago and her running mate, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said Thursday they will field 12 senatorial candidates in next year’s elections.

Marcos told a breakfast meeting at the Senate they were close to completing their senatorial lineup.

“We’re getting there. We are trying to decide how to handle it—the usual system which is division,” Marcos said.

Marcos said the candidates will include Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

“I have also proposed that [Sarangani Rep.] Manny Pacquiao join us. We have proposed many other candidates, but Senator Miriam also wants her own [candidates to the Senate],” Mar-

cos said.

“That’s why we have to discuss. I think it would be better if we agreed on the 12 rather than both of us having our own six [senatorial candidates].”

Romualdez and Pacquiao also belong to the United Nationalist Alliance of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Moreno is a shared candidate of Senator Grace Poe’s Partido Galing at Puso and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino.

Marcos said the name of OFW advocate Toots Ople, who is included in Poe’s senatorial slate, also came up.

He said there were other names but he could not reveal them yet.

Marcos said they would be advocating good governance.

“And then we like to be specific about our view on the present state of the country—what problems we are facing and how those problems may be solved and what will be the approach.”

Marcos said they still had no slogan.

“None, but it might be ‘High Blood’ because I and Senator Miriam have high blood if we see weak and incompetent [leaders] in the government.”

Marcos said all the candidates for vice president were worthy opponents.

“I know all of them. They are all good politicians. They all have good records to show for themselves. They are all worthy opponents. We approach it in that way.” Macon RamosAraneta

Binay: Eastern Visayas poor growing at alarming pace THE poverty rate in Eastern Visayas has grown to an alarming 54.9 percent from 45 percent three years ago or a year before the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” that devastated the Visayas in 2013, Vice President Jejomar Binay said Thursday.

He said he was saddened by the rising poverty incidence in Eastern Visayas as shown by the recent Annual Poverty Indicators Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

“Based on the APIS report, the poverty incidence here in Eastern Visayas reached 54.9 percent in 2014 compared to 45 percent in 2012,” Binay said. “This means 2.25-million people in Eastern Visayas have no source of income and that results in poverty and hunger.

“It is very unfortunate that, for the past several years under the present administration, poverty and hunger have become prevalent.”

Binay said the coconut farmers were the most affected by Yolanda as 1.1 million of them lost their source of income after the typhoon destroyed 33.82-million coconut trees.

He vowed to develop coconut milk as an alternative to milk so the country would no longer depend on imported dairy products.

“We will use the coconut milk to feed the children under a feeding program for students to prevent malnutrition,” Binay said.

The government should also look into the possibility of planting other high-value crops. Vito Barcelo

Interviewed after the Makabayan Bloc endorsed her presidential bid and that of her running mate Francis Escudero at the Quezon City Sports Complex, Poe reiterated her DNA samples did not match those of her supposed relatives.

“We underwent a DNA test but it did not match. We are thinking of one thing to do so the process continues,” she said.

Poe is expected to appear before the Commission on Elections on Tuesday to answer the disqualification cases filed against her to stop her bid to run for President in the May 2016 polls. Her critics claim she is not a Filipino citizen.

“Although her presence is not required by the Comelec, we decided that she will be there during the hearing,” George Garcia, Poe’s lawyer, said.

Poe will have a new test with a new potential family member whom she refused to name.

“We are doing this process not only to strengthen my defense in the disqualification cases against me but for myself as well,” Poe said The Senate Electoral Tribunal led by Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio is deliberating on the disqualification case against Poe filed by defeated senatorial candidate Rizalito David.

David has also filed an election offense case against Poe for alleg-

edly violating the Omnibus Election Code in relation to her citizenship.

For years, Poe has been trying to find out who her biological parents are even if they apparently abandoned her and was later adopted by actors Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces.

Last June, Poe went to Iloilo and met with family friends who, she said, gave her more information about the possible identity of her biological parents.

Poe, the frontrunner in the presidential surveys, says she has been urged to take out an advertisement in Iloilo, where she was abandoned in a church in 1968.

“A lot of people give suggestions. There are those who suggest that we put ads in Iloilo on whoever wants to approach us. However, we have to undergo another test,” Poe said.

Me a nw h i le , Makabayan president Satur Ocampo has endorsed the presidential candidacy of Poe and the vice presidential candidacy of Escudero.

He cited their commitment to socioeconomic and political reforms, good record as public servants and open-mindedness in cooperation with progressive forces.

“These are the main reasons of Makabayan for endorsing the candidacies of Grace and Chiz,” Ocampo said. Macon RamosAraneta and sara susanne D. Fabunan

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCEMENT

Roadwork. Workers prepare a column for a planned elevated highway to ease the traffic congestion in Metro Manila. AFP

President Benigno S. Aquino III has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the ad interim appointment of MS. LENNA EILLEEN DE DIOS-SISON as Foreign Service Officer, Class I, Department of Foreign Affairs.

The public may submit any information, written report or sworn complaints or oppositions in forty (40) copies on the above appointment to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, 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.

05 November 2015.

ARTURO L. TIU Secretary (TS-NOV. 6, 2015)

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Leyte disaster summit unfolds

By Mel Caspe LOCAL government executives, disaster managers and other stakeholders in the Eastern Visayas region are expected to meet in Tacloban City Friday to discuss lessons to promote resilience two years after Typhoon ‘‘Yolanda,’’ according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

DILG Regional Director Pedro A. Noval Jr. said that the Disasrer Risk Reduction and Management Summit will formally introduce the “Build Back Better Operations Manual” produced by the department with the help of the Australian government.

Noval said the manual was completed by a team of engineers, building managers and local planners from the Australian Volunteers for International Development based mainly at the DILG Regional Office in Tacloban City and at the DILG Central Office.

The Australian volunteers worked with DILG for 10 months on the BBB Operations Manual and they studied Philippine building laws and international standards to help in the ongoing rebuilding program while conducting consultations, training of trainers and inspecting Recovery Assistance on Yolanda projects of DILG.

Carter visits carrier US DEFENSE Secretary Ashton Carter visited an aircraft carrier in the South China Sea on Thursday, amid rising tensions over Chinese sovereignty claims in the disputed waterway.

“There’s a lot of concern about Chinese behavior out here,” Carter said during his three-hour visit to the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

He called the ship’s presence “a sign of the critical role that United States military power plays in what is a very consequential region for the American future”.

The move comes with Washington and Beijing engaged in a big-power face-off over Chinese assertions of sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea and its construction of islands via land reclamation to reinforce its claims.

Last week Washington sent the guided missile destroyer USS Lassen to within 12 nautical miles of at least one of those man-made islands in the Spratlys chain. AFP

Injustice vs lumad.

Two hundred activists along with tribesmen from Mindanao, called lumad, gather at the Department of Justice in Manila Thursday to protest the DoJ’s supposed complicity in a policy of harassment and violence against indigenous people.

JANSEN ROMERO

Yolanda victims still live in high-risk areas

By Christine F. Herrera TWO years after Typhoon “Yolanda” flattened Eastern Visayas, congressional leaders as well as civil society and cause-oriented groups expressed outrage that 205,128 families remain homeless and still live in “high risk zones.”

Citing a National Housing Authority report, Senator JV Ejercito, chairman of the Senate committee on urban development, housing, and resettlement, expressed dismay that the agency was only able to build 16,544 housing units since the disaster struck—way off the agency’s production target.

Consequently, House Independ-

ent Minority Bloc leader Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez demanded that the bulk of the P170 billion allotted for Yolanda-devastated provinces be downloaded to local government units to speed up the reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said some P94 billion has been released for Yolanda projects as of Oc-

tober 2015 while some P46 billion was allocated in the 2016 budget.

But in Panay, a 12-boat fluvial protest along the waters of Panay River in Brgy. Culasi, Roxas City was held Thursday by farmers and fisherfolk belonging to Pamalakaya to dramatize their demand for justice.

Pamalakaya blamed President Benigno Aquino III and presidential candidate Mar Roxas of the ruling Liberal Party for their slow response and inaction to save the Yolanda victims from hunger.

In Manila, some 200 leaders from various environmental groups, spearheaded by Kalikasan, also held a forum on Thursday to demand that government come up with disaster preparedness and management response on climate change.

“Two years after the catastrophe and majority of the victims are still yearning for rehabilitation of their livelihoods and rebuilding their damaged houses caused by the super typhoon,” said Jessica Emperwa, Pamalakaya-Panay secretary-general.

Also, majority of the victims are struggling to survive in the substandard bunkhouses especially the children who are suffering from malnutrition and the worst part is they are dying due to the inhuman condition in the bunkhouses,” Emperwa said.

The fisherfolk group also said Aquino and Roxas should be held accountable for the criminal neglect in helping and providing immediate assistance to the victims of the super typhoon.

AFP: Deport probers

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

Presentation of credentials. Swiss Ambassador Andrea Reichlin presents her credentials to President Benigno S. Aquino III during a reception for new envoys at the Music Room of Malacañan Palace Thursday. MALACAÑANG PHOTO

SECURITY forces have asked the Bureau of Immigration to deport six foreigners who are members of a factfinding mission that looked into the spate of atrocities committed against indigenous people, called lumad, in Mindanao.

“The Army is giving a special attention on the existence of the fake international fact-finding mission composed of six foreign tourists,” said Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao. “If they are found violating our immigration laws, they will be deported and be banned forever from entering our country. The Army is also looking into the legal liability of their cohorts,” Hao said.

Based on the two-page complaint filed before the Bureau of Immigration by the military’s 4th Infantry Division and the PNP Caraga office, the six foreigners—Philip Calles, Dalkiran Metin, Henry Langston, Hans Schaap,

Gill Boehringer, and Jonas Straetmans —were accused of having ties to the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s Army.

The AFP and the PNP claimed Schaap, in particular, helped recruit members for the NPA’s Southern and Western Mindanao guerrilla fronts and has direct contact with NPA leader George Madlos.

The complaint, which also asked the BI and the Department of Foreign Affairs to “conduct a deeper investigation” on the legality of the presence of the mission in Mindanao, was signed by 4th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao and PNP-Caraga police director Chief Supt. Vert Chavez.

“As tourists, they cannot meddle in the internal affairs of the country. Our immigration rules are simple and clear.

They are not authorized to conduct a fact-finding mission as they had no authority from any international organization nor clearance from the DFA,” Hao said.

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16 senators ratify SK reform bill

By Macon Araneta THE Senate on Wednesday ratified the reconciled version of the Sangguniang Kabatan reform bill with strong anti-dynasty provisions after it got support from 16 senators.

The approval came after Senator Ferdinand R. marcos Jr., chair of the committee on local government, presented to the Senate plenary the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill no. 2401, which he had earlier sponsored, and House Bill no. 6043, sponsored by Rep. pedro B. Acharon, his counterpart in the House of Representatives. marcos said the bicameral committee report needs to be signed by Senate and House of Representatives officials, before it is sent to president Benigno Aquino III for signature to become a law.

The bill enhances youth participation in governance, institutes a strict anti-dynasty provision, youth empowerment, and capability building anchored on strong principles for nation building.

It also seeks to organize in every barangay the Katipunan ng Kabataan composed of 15-30 years old Filipino youth who shall elect the SK officials who are at least 18 but not more than 24 years of age for a fixed three-year term of office, unless sooner removed for a cause.

“I changed the current 15-17 age range because they are ineligible to sign contracts. In the first place, the youth under Republic Act 8044 refers to persons whose ages range from 15 to 30 years old,” marcos said.

The senator related that one of the highlights of the measure is the strong anti-dynasty provision under Section 10, which states that officials of the SK “must not be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal, or barangay official, in the locality where he or she seeks to be elected.”

Youth empowerment and wide participation of the youth in local governance are among the provisions expressed in Section 23 which provides for the establishment of the local Youth Development Council, which shall be called provincial Youth Development Council, City Youth Development Council and municipal Youth Development Council.

Another reform introduced by marcos and adopted by the bicam panel is the capability and orientation towards nation building through mandatory and continuing training program to be attended by SK officials, elected and appointed, and members of lYDC to mold them to become better citizens with the values of patriotism, nationalism and honor as a Filipino.

The 16 senators who voted in favor of the “Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015,” were Senate president Franklin Drilon, president pro Tempore Ralph Recto, minority leader Juan ponce enrile, paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Juan edgardo Angara, Joseph Victor ejercito, maria lourdes Binay, Gregorio Honasan, pia Cayetano, Cynthia Villar, Aquilino pimentel III, loren legarda, Francis Joseph escudero, Teofisto Guingona III, manuel lapid, and marcos. Senator Vicente Sotto III abstained.

Students’ protest. Students of the University of the Philippines-Manila picket outside their campus on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2015 in what they call a prelude to a nationwide protest against the upcoming summit of Asia-Pacific nation leaders in Manila on Nov. 18 to 19, 2015. JAnSen RoMeRo

‘Workers’ votes reward for tax cuts okay’

By Sandy Araneta A mIlITAnT labor group demanded lawmakers’ action on the enactment of a pending bill that will exempt fixed and salaried employees earning below p180,000 annually from paying income taxes and in doing so “will be awarded with the votes of the wage earners next year”.

As this developed, the Bukluran ng manggagawang pilipino held a demonstration at the Batasang pambansa urging lawmakers to expedite and put a House proposal to a vote.

To dramatize their demands, the militants brought pairs of improvised scissors to symbolize their demand for tax cuts during

the protest.

“The lawmakers must realize not only the urgency, but also the systematic injustice inflicted upon the ordinary wage earners who stand to be the most taxcompliant sector and act as genuine representatives of their constituents and models of rectitude,” said leody De Guzman, president of the Bmp. The group asserted that the lawmakers’ position on the issue will weigh heavily on the choice of wage earners in the 2016 elections.

“It is their choice if they opt to reap the gratitude or the ire of the workers in the ballots next year,” De Guzman said.

The militants were also quick to caution lawmakers

who think that the proposal would not make it before the 16th Congress adjourns on the fifth of February next year for the electoral campaign period.

“If they are truly peoplecentered, reform-oriented and independent of the far-stretching influence of president noynoy Aquino then the passage of the tax exemption bill remains doable. This is the opportune time to display political will and improve the perception of the public of Congress,” he explained.

The approval ratings of both chambers of Congress has traditionally been very low even more so after pDAF scam in July 2013 were more than 200 past and present

legislators were implicated in the fiasco. meanwhile, party-list coalition Sanlakas secretary-general Aaron pedrosa demanded that government cease granting incentives to foreign multinational corporations, to offset whatever fiscal impact the reduction of income taxes may incur.

Sanlakas also announced that it will launch an online and offline negative campaign against legislators who will impede the passage of the tax exemption bill in Congress.

“Sovereignty resides in the people and it is our most urgent task to remind this democratic pillar to the legislators running for electoral post next year,” pedrosa said.

Death to alien drug offenders eyed

By Maricel V. Cruz

PRC gains. Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon, also a senatorial candidate, discusses the two-year gains of the PRC under his stewardship during a press conference held at the PRC Tower in Mandaluyong City. Wolden Saugeron, ICRC Communication Coordinator, joins the discussion.

A pAnel in the House of Representatives that has approved a measure imposing death on foreign nationals found guilty of engaging in drug-related activities in the country now awaits plenary consideration.

The House committee on dangerous drugs, chaired by Iligan Rep. Vicente Belmonte Jr., referred for plenary action House Bill 1213 which provides stiffer penalties, including death, against alien offenders in the country.

“This means that the imposition of the penalty for drug offenses as prescribed under the national law of the foreign national or the penalty under Republic Act 9165, whichever is higher, is the rule to follow,” the bill’s author, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said.

The measure, if passed into law, will amend Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the ‘‘Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002” by “adopting the higher prescribed penalty, including death, of the national law of an alien found guilty of trafficking dangerous drugs and other similar substances.”

In June 2006, R.A. 9346 was enacted into law prohibiting the imposition of death penalty in the philippines, said Rodriguez, a former immigration commissioner.

“While the rationale for passing the law was very clear and noble, there are some sectors of society who believe that this law is not just and equitable because while foreigners may not be executed in the philippines for drug trafficking, Filipinos who commit the same are executed in other countries with death penalty,” Rodriguez said.

Because of the ban on death penalty, an argument against the law states that many foreign nationals are now emboldened to establish their drug factories in the country because once convicted, they only suffer life imprisonment as opposed to the penalty that they may suffer in their own countries which, in some cases, like death in China, he added.

He also cited constant reports of foreign nationals, including Chinese nationals, being caught selling drugs and operating drug dens and laboratories in the country. And once caught and convicted, the penalty that our courts may impose is only life imprisonment.

F R I D AY : N O V E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

A6

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Bilibid inmates ‘arsenal’ probed

By Sandy Araneta

MALACAÑANG has ordered the Department of Justice to investigate the police raid into the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City that yielded highpowered firearms, illegal drugs, sex toys and other contraband.

“We will defer to DoJ [Department of Justice] to look into the matter as the NBP is under its jurisdiction,” said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, in a text message to the Malacañang Press Corps.

Teams from the Bureau of Corrections-Special Weap-

ons and Tactics unit and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency raided the dormitories of the Commando, Sigue-Sigue and Sputnik gangs, BuCor Director Ricardo Rainier Cruz said.

NBP Superintendent Richard Schwarzkopf Jr. supervised the raid.

Among the gangs in the NBP’s maximum security compound are the Batang City Jail, Batang Samar Leyte, OXO, Bahala Na, Happy Go Lucky, Batang Cebu, Genuine Ilocano, Bicol Romblon Masbate and Batman (or Batang Mandarambong).

Schwarzkopf said the raiders uncovered a cache of firearms—assault rifles, five 12-gauge shotguns, a 30 caliber carbine, .45 caliber pistols, .38 caliber revolvers, gun silencers, 50,000 bullets and 60 improvised bladed weapons —buried under the bunk of the Commando

gang leader, who was earlier transferred to the prison’s high security facility along with 58 other high-value inmates.

The firearms were wrapped in plastic and discovered in the abandoned “kubol” of the gang leader, Cruz said.

Cruz said NBP guards would conduct surprise inspections of the national penitentiary regularly.

“The clearing operations will continue at the prison’s maximum security compound,” he said.

Authorities also seized a civet cat from Palawan, locally known as “musang,”

from the Commando gang dormitory. The animal is the symbol of the gang.

Police also confiscated sex toys, shabu, drug paraphernalia, wooden knuckles, wine-making dispensers and gadgets such as flat screen televisions, refrigerators, mobile phones, chargers and more than P400,000 in cash.

According to the authorities, the raid was the biggest haul of contraband and firearms since late last year when then Justice Secretary Leila de Lima ordered the clearing of the “kubols” of high-profile inmates.

Nineteen convicts were

removed from the NBP and transferred to the National Bureau of Investigation jail in Manila following the raid.

The inmates returned to the NBP recently but were isolated at the prison’s newly built high-security facility with separate detention cells and closed-circuit television cameras.

At least 14,000 convicts are held in the nine-hectare prison facility, Cruz said.

Cruz said the gangs have been grouped into barangaytype communities and their leaders are no longer elected by the inmates.

Delfin Lee urges SC to disbar RTC judge

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has been asked to investigate the executive judge of San Fernando, Pampanga Regional Trial Court for administrative and criminal liability over an alleged extortion.

Detained Globe Asiatique president Delfin Lee has filed before the SC administrative and criminal complaint against San Fernando, Pampanga Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Divina Luz Simbulan, who was pushing for his transfer from the provincial jail to a city jail, for alleged involvement in extortion.

In a five-page verified complaint, Lee asked that Judge Simbulan be dismissed from service for allegedly meddling in the P6.6-billion syndicated estafa case against him pending before the sala of another judge.

Lee accused the judge of gross ignorance of the law for “interfering with the jurisdiction of RTC, Branch 42 of San Fernando, Pampanga presided by Judge Maria Amifaith Fider-Reyes.”

Lee also sought the disbarment of Simbulan for supposed violation of Code of Professional Conduct of Lawyers.

Lee cited Simbulan’s actions of “rendering an opinion that I can be interviewed by the media, an opinion that is contrary to the position of Judge Fider-Reyes; and coordinating with the BJMP officials of Telabastagan for my immediate transfer despite the absence of any lawful order from Judge Fider-Reyes.”

As to the criminal charges, the businessman prayed that the respondent judge be criminally prosecuted for usurpation of authority “because she represented herself to the officials of BJMP Telabastagan that she has the jurisdiction and power to transfer me from the Pampanga Provincial Jail to BJMP Telabastagan that is why she personally coordinated with the BJMP officials for my immediate transfer.”

Beauties of the republic. Winners of the Miss Republic of the Philippines beauty pageant strike their winning poses during the coronation night held at Solaire Resort in Pasay City on Wednesday. Fom left: Miss Visayas Sheila Reyes of Valenzuela, Miss Republic of the Philippines-International Beatrice Valente of Milan, Miss Republic of the Philippines Fermira Diane Ramos of Zambales, Miss Luzon-Joseile Mariano of Cavite and Miss Mindanao Kristie Rose Cequeña of Sta. Rosa, Laguna. DANNY PATA

Anti-INC cases fueling bigotry against members

Globe Asiatique president Delfin Lee

OUTSPOKEN human rights advocate and constitutional law expert Harry Roque on Thursday said that the cases being filed against officials of the Iglesia ni Cristo should not lead “to bigotry and the oppression of the church and its members” considering the INC’s contribution to the country’s history and culture.

Roque, a former full-time professor of international and constitutional law at the University of the Philippines’ College of Law and now Kabayan Party-list first nominee, said that he was alarmed at how “unproven cases have sparked bigotry against INC members that reflects religious intolerance that had hitherto been virtually non-existent among our countrymen.”

“Some INC members have called this bigotry and it’s hard not to agree with them given the comments of some netizens online. Many forget that the accused officials are Filipino citizens and are entitled to the same rights you and I enjoy, including the presumption of innocence,” explained Roque.

“Their being part of a religious minority does not mean they deserve less in law; on the contrary, be-

cause they’re a minority the more they deserve its full protection,” said the UP-trained lawyer.

“Don’t get me wrong. Justice should be served.

However, we should not be quick to condemn the church and its flock based on some TV interviews. What is tragic here is that allegations of wrongdoing are now damaging an institution that is part of Philippine history and culture,” Roque added.

“The INC is a homegrown Filipino church that has started from humble beginnings to attract millions, including non-Filipinos, into its fold all over the world. Wherever it goes, it spreads not only its religious teachings but our language and our culture as well,” stressed Roque.

According to Roque, the INC also promotes “good morality and civic values among its faithful—something the country badly needs now.”

INC officials are facing serious illegal detention charges at the Department of Justice after exminister Isaias Samson Jr. alleged that he and his family were harassed and detained upon their orders. Another former minister, Lowell Menorca II, has made similar accusations.

F r i d aY : n o v e m b e r 6 , 2 0 1 5

A7

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Mindanao continues to suffer blackouts

By Sandy Araneta

Santa on a tree. A resident of Dominican Hill, Baguio City puts up Christmas decorations on his tree. DAVID CHAN

Scientist: Embankment project needs research

By Mel Caspe

SurvivorS of Typhoon “Yolanda” challenged anew the government’s P7.9-billion tide embankment project intended to protect a 27.3-kilometer stretch of shoreline from Tacloban to Tanauan in Leyte province from storm surges, saying that more research is needed to determine the project’s effectiveness given its cost and complexity.

Speaking before 1,000 storm survivors who attended a public forum called “Is the Embankment Good for Us?” organized by the Urban Poor Association on Thursday at the Redemptorist Church in Tacloban City, professor and physical oceanographer at the University of the Philippines Marine Institute Laura David said previous studies showed that no amount of protection at the

coast can significantly reduce the impact of an incoming storm surge.

Dario Magason, a fisherman at Barangay 89, said during the forum: “The tide embankment will make the fisherman suffer. If there is embankment how can we go on fishing?

Where will we put our boats? How can we provide for our families? Embankment is not the solution. We are asking the government that they

should build strong and resilient evacuation centers to keep us safe when there is typhoon.”

Magason asked Dr. David, “will the embankment protect us from storm surge or not?’

Storm survivors say up to 14,000 poor families will be displaced by the project even as only 534 permanent resettlement houses have been built out of the 13,801 houses targeted for Tacloban alone, according to the National Housing Authority.

Estrilla Ambid, vice president of Magallanes Survivors Homeowners Association, said, “The public forum is our way of commemorating the anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda. We lost our homes in Yolanda and almost lost our lives. We will not allow another tragedy of displacement by this government’s project.”

“We are all here today to stand united to challenge the embankment and to call for permanent resettlement sites,” Ambid added.

David added: “The scenario of a seawall amplifies the water level near the rivers and it funnels intense water velocity towards its neighboring areas.

Coastal vegetation reduces sea level height overall but the same scenario showed increased water velocity locally, which means no settlement or essential structure should be placed near the reforested mangroves.”

Denis Murphy, UPA executive director, said, “We are urging the government to listen to the scientists and the poor affected families. Denying the people their right to be heard is a serious offense. Evidently, there is a need for the government to stop the project and to further study the embankment and the plea of the people.”

MALACAÑANG yesterday admitted that Mindanao still experiences power outages due to generation deficiency.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda cited the statement of Department of Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada regarding the outages in the region.

“Per monitoring, the ongoing blackouts in some parts of Mindanao is due to generation deficiency. The distribution utilities which have shortfall in contracts continue to experience brownouts,” said Monsada.

“We note, however, that the recent toppling of 2 transmission towers have reduced available supply by 80-90 MW from Agus 1 and 2 and further expanded the shortfall of distribution utilities drawing power from these plants,” Monsada said.

“This is apart from the continued concern on the growth of vegetation along the right of way of transmission lines which have tripped lines and resulted to brownouts in several instances this year,” the DoE chief said.

“Upon the request of the DoE, the OES has coordinated with DND [Department of National Defense] and DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] to secure clearing operations under the transmission lines.

We join the appeal of the DoE to allow for the clearing operations to ensure stable supply of power,” the DoE secretary also said.

A report posted on the DoE Web site said Davao residents will have to endure more blackouts lasting more than two hours “for more than a week or more.” The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said that it was still completing rehabilitation work on its towers that were severely damaged by a recent bomb attack.

Last Oct. 29, the NGCP reported the bombing and destruction of its towers in Marawi City that transmit 260-MW power from Agus 1 and 2 complexes to various areas in Southern Mindanao.

NGCP said it would take around seven to 10 days to complete the restoration works on the facilities.

Ombudsman charges Lapid over fertilizer fund scam

By Rio N. Araja

THE Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday filed graft charges against Senator Lito Lapid over the fertilizer fund scam when he was then the governor of Pampanga.

Lapid was charged of violating Section 3(e) and 3(g) of Republic Act 3019.

In 2004, Lapid purchases 3,880 liters of macro-micro foliar fertilizer overpriced

by P4.268 million.

The purchase gave undue benefits to Malayan Pacific

Trading Corp. and D.A. Vazquez Macro-Micro Fertilizer Resources.

Also charged were ex-Pampanga provincial accountant Benjamin Yuzon and provincial treasurer Vergel Yabut for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Ma. Victoria AquinoAbubakar and Leolita Aquino, incorporators of Malayan Pacific Trading Corp. and Dexter Alexander Vasquez, proprietor of D.A. Vasquez Macro-Micro

Fertilizer Resources were also charged for the scam.

The Ombudsman said the purchase of fertilizer from MPTC allegedly did not undergo public bidding and the transaction was done with “inordinate speed.”

“Vasquez applied for Product Registration with the Fertilizer Pesticide Authority only on August 15, 2005 after the transaction in May 2004 while MPTC has no Certificate of License to Operate and Product Registration,” the Ombudsman said.

The beach at sunrise. A tourist enjoys the beach in San Narciso, Zambales.

SONNY ESPIRITU

F R I D AY, N O V E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

BAD FOR BUSINESS

[ EDI TORI A L ]

A BILLION-PESO BUSINESS THE Abu Sayyaf has time and again mocked the intelligence capability of the military. The bandit group early this week released a video of four of its captives demanding P1 billion each for the release of two Canadians and a Norwegian kidnapped six weeks ago.

The military up to now cannot confirm the whereabouts of Canadian tourists John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Norwegian resort manager Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Marites Flor, who were seized from yachts at a marina in Davao on Sept. 21.The Abu Sayyaf, meanwhile, has already released two videos showing proof of life and demanding a ransom of P1 billion each for the three foreigners.

How the military could not trace the general location of the bandits and their hostages is perplexing, considering the long distance they traveled in shuttling their hostages from Davao in the easternmost part of Mindanao to Jolo island in the west.

The military’s poor intelligence has emboldened the Abu Sayyaf to snatch more victims and turn the caper into a billion-peso business.

The Abu Sayyaf is known to be holding three other foreigners— two Malaysians and a Dutch man. An Italian ex-priest, Rolando del Torchio, was also abducted from his pizza restaurant in the southern port city of Dipolog last month. The bandit group, as in the case of the two Canadians and the Norwegian, is expected to demand payment for the release of other hostages.

The bandits are taking advantage of the military’s ineffective intelligence and are succeeding in their terroristic activities despite a massive manhunt purportedly being conducted by the Philippines and the US military. The Abu Sayyaf in October last year claimed it received P250 million in exchange for two German hostages they held captive for six months. The information on the payment of the large ransom seems credible.

The Philippine government has publicly said it does not pay ransom for the release of hostages, but many believe that millions or billions of pesos have been paid for the release of the victims. Poor intelligence and the lack of effort to win the hearts of the Muslims in the south have made the Abu Sayyaf a billion-peso business venture.

OUT OF SYNC LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES HOW do you solve a problem like Mar Roxas? Well, you tell him to shut up already—if he can manage that.

For instance, the contribution of the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate in the ongoing controversy about bulletplanting at the Manila airport sounds like a case study on how to lose votes and not influence people. And given how hopped

up a lot of Filipinos are about airport security personnel putting bullets in their luggage, perhaps Roxas should have done what he usually does when the Aquino administration gets into trouble, which is to make himself scarce.

I understand that it must be very hard for Roxas to just keep quiet when practically the entire country is calling for the heads of the people he used to work with in government, before he turned into the fulltime successor-in-waiting of the Tuwid na Daan. But if he really wants to win it all next May, he should check which way the foul

wind from the palace is blowing, the better to stay on course and in sync with his master, President Noynoy Aquino.

If Roxas had merely asked Edwin Lacierda, the Palace spokesman also widely believed to be moonlighting as the LP flack, he would have known that the Palace had already shushed its online Yellow Dobermans from pursuing the line that the political opposition was behind the tanim-bala racket. If he had, there would be no need for the official LP spokesman (as opposed to Lacierda, who is only “double-dipping”) to say that his belated remarks were

A9

Mar may lose anyway, but not because he strayed from the Malacañang line.

“taken out of context.”

Roxas himself would have no need to reverse the hardline stance he had taken against the people arrested for carrying ammo in their bags, to the effect that if you brought bullets into the airport, then that’s your problem, not the government’s.

There would be no need for a kinder, gentler Mar to spin the story right after and say that if only one person was illegally arrested for the purpose of extorting money from him or her, then that is one person too many, as Roxas has.

And here I was thinking that Mar had already learned his lesson when he and other LP bigwigs started predicting that the President would give

in to the growing call for income tax reductions—only to be burned

by Aquino when he told foreign correspondents that he would do no such thing. Just stick to the daang matuwid, Mar, and check the pulse of the Palace repeatedly; you’ll lose anyway, but not because you strayed from the Malacañang line. *** The watchword, when it comes to dreaming about world-class Internet service, should be “manage your expectations.” As an Internet user myself,

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-

I think the enthusiasm of Filipinos regarding the plan of Australian telco provider Telstra to enter the Philippine market should be tempered by a little grounding in reality.

Like most people, I know that Telstra is supposedly deep in talks with diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. to put up a joint venture cellular and mobile Internet provider that will break the duopoly that is keeping local telco costs high and connection speeds slow. But is Telstra, even if it comes in with its war chest of $1 billion, bringing

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

the silver bullet that will bring us, the consumers, to double-digit download speeds at affordable prices?

In theory, more competition can only be good for any industry. Time was when, after all, the telco industry was the monopoly of just one company, PLDT, and the service really sucked.

In another sector of the same industry, cable television, the explosion of players has led to the blossoming of all manner and size of provider. This ultimately benefited the cable consumer.

Continued on A11

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

Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Director of Operations Finance Officer Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

FINANCE Secretary Cesar Purisima has railed against the World Bank for downgrading the Philippines in the global ranking of doing business.

The World Bank report is so damning it destroys the myth that the President BS Aquino government is good for business.

Good maybe for the big conglomerates and for powerful people like the President himself. But for ordinary mortals like you and me, it’s bad.

The Philippines is a deteriorating place for doing business. Its previous ranking in 2015, 97th, was already bad in the first place. Out of 189 countries, being 97th means the Philippines is below average. That’s bad because outside of Indonesia, of those below the Philippines in global rankings, most are countries you wouldn’t even pay attention to— from Africa and the sub-Saharan (one of the most improved regions for doing business). This year, the Philippines is ranked 103rd, down six notches and one of the worst rankings for a country with a big population (No. 12) and big economic size (No. 33).

The World Bank measures government regulations in 11 areas in the life of a business—starting a business, getting construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting loans, paying taxes, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, exporting and importing, dealing with workers, and protecting minority investors.

I have put up three small companies in the past 15 years. Doing it is an ordeal.

The premise seems to be that you are putting up a business because you are up to no good. So you are required to get all kinds of permits and licenses—all of which cost time, motion and money.

The government—the city or town, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue—demand from you all kinds of credentials.

Robbing a bank is a much easier enterprise, although bank robbers probably use their brains more often than do some members of the BS Aquino cabinet.

Although against the law, bank robbery does not need so many signatures, so many permits, and so much paperwork. You just do it. If you are caught, pay a bribe. If you are charged, pay a bribe. If you are about to be convicted, pay a bribe. If you are convicted and are going to prison, pay a bribe so that your sentence is suspended, commuted, or not at all served. In jail, you can always bribe your jailer to extend you certain courtesies. That is how corrupt the system has become.

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

F R I D AY, N O V E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

A8

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ

BAD FOR BUSINESS

[ EDI TORI A L ]

A BILLION-PESO BUSINESS THE Abu Sayyaf has time and again mocked the intelligence capability of the military. The bandit group early this week released a video of four of its captives demanding P1 billion each for the release of two Canadians and a Norwegian kidnapped six weeks ago.

The military up to now cannot confirm the whereabouts of Canadian tourists John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Norwegian resort manager Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Marites Flor, who were seized from yachts at a marina in Davao on Sept. 21.The Abu Sayyaf, meanwhile, has already released two videos showing proof of life and demanding a ransom of P1 billion each for the three foreigners.

How the military could not trace the general location of the bandits and their hostages is perplexing, considering the long distance they traveled in shuttling their hostages from Davao in the easternmost part of Mindanao to Jolo island in the west.

The military’s poor intelligence has emboldened the Abu Sayyaf to snatch more victims and turn the caper into a billion-peso business.

The Abu Sayyaf is known to be holding three other foreigners— two Malaysians and a Dutch man. An Italian ex-priest, Rolando del Torchio, was also abducted from his pizza restaurant in the southern port city of Dipolog last month. The bandit group, as in the case of the two Canadians and the Norwegian, is expected to demand payment for the release of other hostages.

The bandits are taking advantage of the military’s ineffective intelligence and are succeeding in their terroristic activities despite a massive manhunt purportedly being conducted by the Philippines and the US military. The Abu Sayyaf in October last year claimed it received P250 million in exchange for two German hostages they held captive for six months. The information on the payment of the large ransom seems credible.

The Philippine government has publicly said it does not pay ransom for the release of hostages, but many believe that millions or billions of pesos have been paid for the release of the victims. Poor intelligence and the lack of effort to win the hearts of the Muslims in the south have made the Abu Sayyaf a billion-peso business venture.

OUT OF SYNC LOWDOWN JOJO A. ROBLES HOW do you solve a problem like Mar Roxas? Well, you tell him to shut up already—if he can manage that.

For instance, the contribution of the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate in the ongoing controversy about bulletplanting at the Manila airport sounds like a case study on how to lose votes and not influence people. And given how hopped

up a lot of Filipinos are about airport security personnel putting bullets in their luggage, perhaps Roxas should have done what he usually does when the Aquino administration gets into trouble, which is to make himself scarce.

I understand that it must be very hard for Roxas to just keep quiet when practically the entire country is calling for the heads of the people he used to work with in government, before he turned into the fulltime successor-in-waiting of the Tuwid na Daan. But if he really wants to win it all next May, he should check which way the foul

wind from the palace is blowing, the better to stay on course and in sync with his master, President Noynoy Aquino.

If Roxas had merely asked Edwin Lacierda, the Palace spokesman also widely believed to be moonlighting as the LP flack, he would have known that the Palace had already shushed its online Yellow Dobermans from pursuing the line that the political opposition was behind the tanim-bala racket. If he had, there would be no need for the official LP spokesman (as opposed to Lacierda, who is only “double-dipping”) to say that his belated remarks were

A9

Mar may lose anyway, but not because he strayed from the Malacañang line.

“taken out of context.”

Roxas himself would have no need to reverse the hardline stance he had taken against the people arrested for carrying ammo in their bags, to the effect that if you brought bullets into the airport, then that’s your problem, not the government’s.

There would be no need for a kinder, gentler Mar to spin the story right after and say that if only one person was illegally arrested for the purpose of extorting money from him or her, then that is one person too many, as Roxas has.

And here I was thinking that Mar had already learned his lesson when he and other LP bigwigs started predicting that the President would give

in to the growing call for income tax reductions—only to be burned

by Aquino when he told foreign correspondents that he would do no such thing. Just stick to the daang matuwid, Mar, and check the pulse of the Palace repeatedly; you’ll lose anyway, but not because you strayed from the Malacañang line. *** The watchword, when it comes to dreaming about world-class Internet service, should be “manage your expectations.” As an Internet user myself,

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-

I think the enthusiasm of Filipinos regarding the plan of Australian telco provider Telstra to enter the Philippine market should be tempered by a little grounding in reality.

Like most people, I know that Telstra is supposedly deep in talks with diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. to put up a joint venture cellular and mobile Internet provider that will break the duopoly that is keeping local telco costs high and connection speeds slow. But is Telstra, even if it comes in with its war chest of $1 billion, bringing

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

the silver bullet that will bring us, the consumers, to double-digit download speeds at affordable prices?

In theory, more competition can only be good for any industry. Time was when, after all, the telco industry was the monopoly of just one company, PLDT, and the service really sucked.

In another sector of the same industry, cable television, the explosion of players has led to the blossoming of all manner and size of provider. This ultimately benefited the cable consumer.

Continued on A11

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

Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Director of Operations Finance Officer Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

FINANCE Secretary Cesar Purisima has railed against the World Bank for downgrading the Philippines in the global ranking of doing business.

The World Bank report is so damning it destroys the myth that the President BS Aquino government is good for business.

Good maybe for the big conglomerates and for powerful people like the President himself. But for ordinary mortals like you and me, it’s bad.

The Philippines is a deteriorating place for doing business. Its previous ranking in 2015, 97th, was already bad in the first place. Out of 189 countries, being 97th means the Philippines is below average. That’s bad because outside of Indonesia, of those below the Philippines in global rankings, most are countries you wouldn’t even pay attention to— from Africa and the sub-Saharan (one of the most improved regions for doing business). This year, the Philippines is ranked 103rd, down six notches and one of the worst rankings for a country with a big population (No. 12) and big economic size (No. 33).

The World Bank measures government regulations in 11 areas in the life of a business—starting a business, getting construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting loans, paying taxes, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, exporting and importing, dealing with workers, and protecting minority investors.

I have put up three small companies in the past 15 years. Doing it is an ordeal.

The premise seems to be that you are putting up a business because you are up to no good. So you are required to get all kinds of permits and licenses—all of which cost time, motion and money.

The government—the city or town, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue—demand from you all kinds of credentials.

Robbing a bank is a much easier enterprise, although bank robbers probably use their brains more often than do some members of the BS Aquino cabinet.

Although against the law, bank robbery does not need so many signatures, so many permits, and so much paperwork. You just do it. If you are caught, pay a bribe. If you are charged, pay a bribe. If you are about to be convicted, pay a bribe. If you are convicted and are going to prison, pay a bribe so that your sentence is suspended, commuted, or not at all served. In jail, you can always bribe your jailer to extend you certain courtesies. That is how corrupt the system has become.

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

F R I D AY, N O V E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

ARBITRATION, ROUND 1 PENSEES FR. RANHILIO CALLANGAN AQUINO THANKS to Rappler, I gained access to the full-length “Award on Jurisdiction and Admissibility” of the arbitral tribunal that is seised of the case between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China. I went through all the pages, all one hundred sixty plus pages of the judgment. Round 1—that part of the legal joust that settles the question of jurisdiction and admissibility. Clearly, had we not made it through this stage, that would have been the end of recourse to arbitration, and probably would have prejudiced our claims immensely.

There are some who rue our recourse to arbitral proceedings and who insist, quite obtusely, that we should have talked things amicably with China. But we did, and we groveled, and we kowtowed— all to no avail.

What the “Award” makes clear is that arbitration, as the Convention on the Law of the Sea does provide, is the “default setting” when parties have no prior agreement as to how disputes are to be resolved between them. Although an arbitral tribunal is technically not a court, it is not uncommon for judgments of arbitral tribunals to be cited as authority in international law. The “Clipperton Island” and the “Island of Palmas” cases are the best examples of arbitral awards that are read as classics in respect to territorial claims. If there is a pacific and institutional mode of settling disputes, then clearly, that party that resorts to maritime maneuvers, that recklessly reclaims land and constructs structures with abandon in the disputed area is the provocateur. It is the bully. And already, in the wake of the arbitral award that has asserted the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal, nations of the world

have called upon China to desist from bullying. It is the nature of bullies not to buckle down immediately, but they eventually do when it becomes clear that they stand alone in their corner!

But what we cannot litigate before the tribunal is also clear: territorial claims. So we should not expect any pronouncements as to sovereignty over the Kalayaan Islands or that portion of the Spratleys to which we lay claim. That, the tribunal has clearly ruled, is beyond the purview of the dispute-settlement mechanisms provided for by the Convention on the Law of the Sea. Several columns ago I already urged just that: We should be clear about what we claim. Are we asserting sovereign rights, or are we asking for a judgment on our claims to territory? It is now clear that only those acts of the People’s Republic of China that we allege to be in contravention of the conduct exacted of all states in respect to maritime regions can be the subject of the arbitral proceedings. Neither can boundaries and margins be passed upon, because these, by express provision of UNCLOS, have to be negotiated in treaties.

China has stood pat by its decision not to participate— hoping to make of the arbitral proceedings an exercise in futility. It will not succeed. The tribunal has articulated the law: It has jurisdiction, and China, as a state-party to the Convention on the Law of the Sea, is bound by the compulsory dispute settlement mechanisms it provides. The PROC will not now be allowed to throw its weight around in the international arena by refusing to participate in settlement proceedings, hoping thereby to render them effete. No nation will ever be safe if mighty nations are allowed to render dispute settlement nugatory by the expedient of non-participation. The United States too, withdrew its submission to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in the case Nicaragua brought against it for its covert support of the “contras” against the Sandinista government. That did not prevent the ICJ from rendering a judgment that has found its way into tomes and treatises of international law, and that made clear that the US was in the wrong!

In fact, China did participate to some degree and it was not totally unrepresented in this phase of the proceedings —and presumably, in the succeeding episode as well. For the arbitral tribunal rightly re-

FROM STINKY ‘BAGOONG’ TO ‘ANTING-ANTING’ BULLETS THERE was a time when we Filipinos were notoriously known for bringing to the United States stinky bagoong and tuyo which would often end up being confiscated by American airport authorities despite being carefully wrapped in plastic and hidden inside their luggage.

But those caught were never detained. All they had to do was plead that they didn’t know that these items were banned and next time they enter the US they would no longer attempt their harmless smuggling.

Today, the stinky bagoong and tuyo are no longer banned provided they are declared upon arrival. But in their stead, new pasalubong gifts for relatives in the US have become favorite items—chicharon, Magic Sarap products, pirated DVDs, and fake brands T-shirts and designer bags.

These are banned items at US airports, yet our Ninoy Aquino International Airport authorities do not bother to warn our unknowing kababayan about bringing them in. Thus, they are packed in their luggage only to be confiscated like the stinky bagoong and tuyo of yesteryears.

What our airport authorities do now—using their high-tech detection and X-ray gadgets—is go after bullets tidily tucked in the luggage and hand-carried bags of all passengers flying out from Naia.

Why? They are taking seriously the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act that PNoy signed into law on May 29, 2013 and its implementing rules and regulations that former Police Director General Alan Purisima issued a year before the Mamasapano Massacre.

The Act is very clear – “…the State shall provide for a comprehensive law regulating the ownership, possession, carrying, manufacture, dealing in and importation of firearms, ammunition, or parts thereof, in order to provide legal support to law enforcement agencies in their campaign against crime.”

In particular, the Act imposes an imprisonment penalty of six

FILIPINO PENSIONER HORACE TEMPLO to12 years upon any person who unlawfully acquired or possessed any ammunition which it defines as “consisting of a bullet, gunpowder, cartridge case and primer or loaded shell for use in any firearm.”

Efficient and zealous, our airport authorities have caught since January at least 1,200 passengers carrying one or two bullets. They are so impartial that they have caught offenders regardless of nationality— Filipino, American and Japanese —even including a disabled passenger.

Mostly overseas workers, the 1,200 passengers had their flights delayed or cancelled pending their investigation.

Most of the confiscated bullets, however, lacked one or more of the four components and couldn’t be considered ammunition. Thus, only 44 were subsequently charged in violation of the Act. These were disclosed by Naia’s general manager Jose Angel Honrado, who was appointed to his post by PNoy immediately in 2010 after assuming the presidency.

A nephew of Senator Ninoy Aquino and born in Concepcion, Tarlac, he graduated from Ateneo de Manila University but not from the Philippine Military Academy, West Point or US Naval Academy. Still, he was able to enter the Philippine Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and worked his way up from there.

He was with the faculty of the Air Force Officers School when he was made the Commanding Officer of the Presidential Escort, Presidential Security Group immediately after the Edsa Revolution of 1986 until June 30, 1992.

He continued to serve President Cory Aquino as her military assistant and security officer until June 1994 when he left to study at the Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, US.

lied on its declarations, policy But we did, and we groveled, statements, official releases and and we kowtowed—all to no made them part of the records avail. China holds on to its map of the case. Unilateral declara- that places it at the center of the tions, it has been held in in- world, the intractable Middle ternational law, are, under the Kingdom. Why, oh why, would right circumstances, binding it bother for the please of a against the states that make dwarf-state like the Philippines? them.

So we are right in seeking forThere are some who rue our mal dispute settlement and recourse to arbitral proceedings those who take a dim view of the and who insist, quite obtuse- present proceedings are either ly, that we should have talked dim-witted or naively trusting things amicably with China. of China. Nationalist feelings,

Returning in 1995, he was made dean of Academics at the Air Command and Staff College and earned his rank of major general in 2006.

Having apprehended so many bullet-carrying passengers, he now probably believes that he deserves to keep his Naia post until June 30, 2016 when all he has accomplished was deprived OFWs of “antingantings” that they need for protection when they face, alone, a cruel and unknown world outside the country.

These confiscations had little to do with government’s anticrime campaign.

He should put order at the airport that he manages. Wasn’t it voted in 2012 the worst airport in Asia because of “its collapsing ceilings, overcrowding, rampant bribery, and taxi drivers scamming travelers on fares.” Until now, it is still an airport terminal of “disorganized taxi lanes and chaotic atmosphere.”

His inspectors should prevent illegal drugs from being planted or tucked inside the luggage of ignorant Filipino passengers because their failure could result in our countrymen being caught abroad with these drugs and facing the firing squad.

He should also assure us that huge amounts of dollars are no longer being smuggled out through his airport.

Remember—a senator’s wife was arrested in the US in November 2011 bringing $50,000 while a general’s two sons were caught in December 2003 with $100,000 at the San Francisco International Airport. Their violation was the non-declaration of their money.

Soon, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation delegates would come and go.

Like all United Nations employees who have been forewarned about these bullets, they better not take any even if these were anting-anting that have been blessed at Quiapo Church or bullet souvenirs of PNoy’s practice target shooting.

They would surely miss their flights back. it is claimed, will only be fanned in the Chinese populace by the pronouncements of the tribunal adverse to them. Let them be so fanned, and let similar nationalist sentiments be fanned in our own people. it is time to make of the global community a regime of laws and not of men (and women)! rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

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OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

‘TANIM-BALA’

OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ THE “tanim-bala” extortion scam has put the country once more in the radar of the national community. Several of our own kababayan and foreigners transiting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have been victimized by the scheme. It is suspected that Naia security personnel plant bullets in the luggage of unwary passengers, who were then apprehended and made to choose by arresting officers if they want to be criminally charged or “settle the matter” by giving over a large amount of money. This scandal comes at the heels of the recent controversy over the now-aborted policy by the Bureau of Customs to inspect the packages of our overseas Filipino workers.

This issue has become an-

other major national embarrassment, a fact that Malacañang refuses to recognize, to the extent of calling the extortion scam as an “isolated case.”

As former Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan III so clearly stated in his response to the callous and foolhardy statements of Malacañang mouthpiece Sonny Coloma—“it is not a question of how few the incidents are, but the global publicity it gets that sabotages our well-being because of inaction against the root causes of the people’s discontent.” So far this year, there have been a total of 84 incidents of ammunition found in luggage and bags of airline travelers at the Naia alone.

It is not farfetched to conclude that tourists will now think twice before traveling to the country. No less than the

Bad... From A9 That is why retired three- or fourstar generals want to head the National Penitentiary. There is so much business to be done there—on the side.

By the way, if the Supreme Court orders you to cut up your huge hacienda and distribute it to your 10,000 farmers and to compensate them as well, what do you do?

Well, remove the sitting chief justice by bribing the senators who are members of the impeachment court. Having removed the chief justice, President BS Aquino’s Cojuangco family has sold the Hacienda Luisita, in violation of the Supreme Court order. Now, that’s good business.

While you, the small businessman, seek a business permit, the DILG’s Fire Bureau demands to inspect your premises, if you have one (much business now is done online, without need for a formal office) and the LGU demands that you buy insurance (from them, of course). What is the premise? That you are putting up a business because you will burn it. Actually, the fire inspector just wants to sell you fire extinguishers and the LGU licensing unit just wants to make a commission on the fire insurance. They are not actually interested in your business nor are they interested that you succeed in it.

“Negosyo or Bayan?” (Business or Country?) In the movie, General Antonio Luna asks his colleagues those

#FAILOCRACY

United Nations has warned its staff to exercise extra caution when transiting the Naia due to the scam. Many porters at the Naia have also been affected, claiming that since the scam was reported, their income has been cut in half.

What is infuriating is the government inaction and inefficiency to solve this extortion scheme which primarily targets outgoing overseas workers. Obviously our present leaders from de buena familias do not know the hardships that our overseas workers go through just to secure their work abroad.

Although there may have been incidents where tourists have admitted to owning the bullets found in their luggage, these are, in reality, the isolated cases and not the other way around. The recent news showing that some used it as amulets is obvious damage control by

choices in the Cabinet. In today’s milieu, it is neither negosyo nor bayan.

Government people don’t give a damn about your business. Nor do they give a damn about the country. They just want to extort money from you, the small businessman, and enrich themselves.

DoF Chief Purisima thinks the Philippines was unfairly graded by the World Bank.

“The Philippines firmly believes that the Doing Business (DB) survey methodology of collecting sample data from only one or two cities makes it inappropriate to present the report as reflective of the state of doing business for an entire economy. This is considering that starting a business and registering property vary across cities, since local governments have varying procedures and processing times for the various activities involved therein,” Purisima complained in a statement.

The Philippines has improved its act, he claimed. He related: “In time for the 2016 report, the Philippines undertook game changing reforms last April to hasten the process of starting a business—reducing the process from 16 steps and 34 days to 6 steps and 8 days. E-government initiatives launched also last April reduced the number of payroll-related payments from 36 to 13, a marked improvement on the ‘Paying Taxes’ category.

“Reforms were also undertaken to

this administration. To justify it, as Sonny Coloma and the rest of the yellow media propagandists have done, is a direct affront to the intelligence of the Filipino public.

Why the heck would anyone just carry one bullet in their luggage? Also, a whistleblower has already spilled the beans on the syndicate operating the “tanim-bala” racket inside the Naia for some 20 years already.

This would make those involved readily identifiable simply by conducting a lifestyle check. A simple check at their social media accounts would reveal who are living significantly beyond their salary. If government were really serious in protecting our overseas Filipino workers and tourists, why did it take several weeks before Malacañang actually lifted a finger—and only after legislators have joined the public outcry to seek for an

shorten the number of steps and days to process construction permits and registering property, with the latter reduced to seven steps for the issuance of land titles. The same improvements were seen across other indicators, such as getting electricity (reduced to approximately 35 days).”

In rating the Philippines, the World Bank looked into the regulations of one big city and the biggest city, Quezon City, where the red tape and graft are horrendous.

An MBA from Chicago, Purisima should be asked to put up a small business. He is out of touch.

It is not true that starting a business takes only six steps and eight days. Just to verify a business name alone takes 10 days. Getting a business license, on paper, should take only one step. In reality, it takes five signatures. If you are getting a tax identification number and that TIN is registered in say, Trece Martires (Cavite), and you want to do business in Mandaluyong, you are to go personally to Trece Martires, which is more than 40 kms and three hours commute, to make the transfer request. Even then, you have to wait seven days for the BIR to do it. Cannot these things be done online? No, said the BIR. The BIR is one of the top three reasons why Filipinos or foreigners should not do business in the Philippines. biznewsasia@gmail.com

investigation over the matter?

Is this how PNoy wants to repay our OFWs for keeping the country afloat in the last five years under his term?

All these just demonstrate the useless, uncaring and arrogant manner of how government is being run by this administration. Our experience with this administration proves that leaders who grew up with silver spoons in their mouth have a different reality than the rest of us, hence their policies which cater only to the interests of their cabal.

We need not suffer a continuance of this in the coming six years. Let us, without hesitation, champion the plight of our OFWs and that of the entire Filipino people, and put our support behind leaders with a proven track record and a true sentiment and identity with the poor.

Out... From A9 But is Telstra the savior of the retail cellular and wireless data industry, as some are hyping it to be? Maybe, maybe not.

The Web site Philippines Insider, for instance, has published a report quoting the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, Australia’s fair dispute resolution service established by Parliament, which cited Telstra as the most complained about telco in country just last May. The TIO reported that Telstra customers made more complaints about their service provider than any other telco’s users in the last three months, placing the company at the top of the TIO’s complaint list.

Telstra customers also took to social media last month to complain of dismally low speeds when connecting to Apple sites or using their devices to download an app from the App Store, the Insider reported. The complaints on Facebook and Twitter forced Telstra to issue a statement admitting “issues.” “As a result, some customers are experiencing slow service when using mobile devices to download or update apps, or stream music from some providers,” the company said.

Telstra customers across Australia also recently suffered Internet service outages that had them waiting on hold with customer service for hours, the report said. The telco was also targeted by hackers who breached security and gained complete access to e-mails and other systems of Pacnet, a Telstra company.

Telstra may or may not be the white knight that will save the Philippines from slow, costly Internet service. For the moment, I prefer to wait and see.

CHONG ARDIVILLA

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Curry carries Warriors past Clippers Chris Paul (right) of the Los Angeles Clippers drives against Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors at the ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. The Warriors won, 112-108.

AFP

OAKLAND—Stephen Curry rattled in a three pointer with 68 seconds left to lift the Golden State Warriors to a 112-108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in a battle of undefeated teams Wednesday.

It was the seventh three pointer of the contest for the reigning league MVP Curry, who also scored 13 straight points in the win.

There were 17 lead changes in the see-saw contest, with Curry’s three pointer being the final one to make it 108-106.

“We have been through this before,” said Curry, who had a game high 31 points. “Our experience as a team helped us win.

“We are a better team than we were last year. We have got off to a better start and we are a more composed.”

The Warriors improved to 5-0 and have picked up right where they left off last season. They have won their first four games by a record 100 points -- and Curry is proving that his MVP award is no fluke.

Curry and teammate Klay Thompson added two late free throws apiece as the Warriors recorded their eighth consecutive

home win over the Clippers.

Forward Harrison Barnes added 17 points and Thompson 16 for the Warriors, who placed all five starters in double figures.

Point guard Chris Paul had 24 points and nine assists for the Clippers (4-1), and power forward Blake Griffin tallied 23 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Griffin had eight points in the third quarter, which ended with Los Angeles clinging to an 83-82 advantage.

The Warriors played without Aussie center Andrew Bogut, who missed his fourth consecutive game with a concussion.

- James in control LeBron James took over the game in the fourth quarter, finishing with 23 points and five rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the New York Knicks 96-86. AFP

Former IAAF chief Diack charged over corruption ‘Unknown’ MONACO—French police have charged former world athletics president Lamine Diack with corruption over suspicions he took bribes to cover up doping cases, investigators said Wednesday.

The 82-year-old Diack was charged after police had arrived at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) headquarters in Monaco.

Diack stood down from his post in August when Britain’s Sebastian Coe was elected to head the scandal-tainted federation.

Coe asked to be questioned by investigators over the case during the police visit on Tuesday, IAAF spokesman Chris Turner told AFP. The sensational charges were laid ahead of the release this month of a report by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) commission into allegations of widespread substance abuse in Russia, Kenya and among world champions.

The veteran Senegalese official and his legal advisor, Habib

Cisse, were charged with corruption, money laundering and conspiracy, French prosecutors said in a statement.

Later Wednesday, a judicial source told AFP that the IAAF’s former anti-doping doctor, Gabriel Dolle, was also charged with corruption.

All three individuals have been released on bail.

“Emanating from separate ongoing investigations by WADA’s independent commission and the IAAF’s own independent ethics

commission into allegations surrounding its anti-doping rules and regulations, a French police investigation has now commenced,” said an IAAF statement.

“The IAAF is fully cooperating with all investigations as it has been from the beginning of the process.”

The statement added that “police visited the IAAF HQ offices yesterday to carry out interviews and to access documentation.”

AFP

Milo Checkmate Saturday clinics on A SPECIAL series of the yearround Milo Checkmate Saturday-only training program will be held starting tomorrow at three venues in Metro Manila.

The venues and their respective schedules are: San Sebastian College-Recoletos Manila (8 to 11 a.m.); Starmall Edsa Shaw 2F event area in Mandaluyong (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.); and Alabang Town Center promenade area (2:30 to 5:30 p.m.).

Other classes are being held at Grace Christian College in Quezon City and P. Burgos Elem. School in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

For other details, call the organizer Metropolitan Chess Club at 0922-822-6319 and 0935-370-8808.

Kings of rugby. New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team players Keven Mealamu (right) Jerome Kaino (cen-

ter) and Julian Savea attend an official welcome parade and reception for the team in Christchurch, following their Rugby World Cup win against Australia in England on October 31. AFP

Beckham kicks off UNICEF tour

SYDNEY—David Beckham has delighted Papua New Guinean villagers by playing in an exhibition match as part of a global charity tour, although the Pacific nation’s sports minister admitted “a lot of them don’t know who this guy is”.

The football legend and former England captain travelled to Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands province to kick off a seven-nation trip, taking part in a series of games to raise funds and awareness for the United Nations children agency UNICEF. Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko told The National newspaper he was humbled PNG was the first port of call for the 40-year-old superstar, one year before his nation hosts the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. But he added to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that some of the villagers playing with Beckham would not be aware who he is.

“Two local teams from two different villagers here in Mount Hagen will be playing with him,” Tkatchenko told the ABC. “A lot of them don’t know who this guy is and how famous he is.

“But those who have access to social media and that play soccer and have the love for the sport are just over the moon.” AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Major golf champions collide at world meet

Switzerland’s Roger Federer returns the ball to Italy’s Andreas Seppi during their second round tennis match at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 indoor tennis tournament in Paris. AFP

MIAMI—Reigning major champions Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Zach Johnson top the field of 18 for next month’s 17th Hero World Challenge announced Wednesday by injured non-playing host Tiger Woods.

The $3.5 million (3.2 million euros) event will be staged December 3-6 at the 7,267-yard Albany resort in the Bahamas, the first time it will be played outside the United States.

World number one Spieth, 22, is the defending champion, having won last year with a tournament record 26-under par 262 at Florida’s Isleworth resort, as well as winner of this year’s Masters and US Open titles, the US PGA playoff crown and PGA Player of the Year honors.

Australia’s Day captured his first major title at the PGA Championship while Johnson, the 2013 Challenge champion, won his first major crown at this

year’s British Open.

Others chasing the $1 million top prize include India’s Anirban Lahiri, England’s Justin Rose and Paul Casey, Aussie Adam Scott, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama and Americans Rickie Fowler, Bill Haas, Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Jimmy Walker, Brooks Koepka, J.B. Holmes, Patrick Reed, Billy Horschel and Chris Kirk.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase an elite field that, with its international players, represents the success of golf worldwide,” said Woods, who has no timetable for a return to competition after recent back surgery and a follow-up procedure.

The stroke-play event will feature 14 players from last month’s Presidents Cup in South Korea, 10 of them from the triumphant US side that edged the Internationals 15 1/2 - 14 1/2. AFP

Federer, Nadal impress in Paris PARIS—Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both made short work of their second round opponents to reach the last 16 at the Paris Masters on Wednesday.

Between them, the two tennis greats have just one win in what is traditionally the last of the year’s nine Masters 1000 series events, that coming in 2011 when Federer defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final.

Nadal, who has missed the tournament several times through injury, reached the final in 2007, but lost.

But the manner of their

play on Wednesday sent a clear message to their rivals that they are both primed for success this year.

Federer produced a nearperfect display to open his campaign with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Italian Andreas Seppi.

Playing for the first time in the refurbished Paris Bercy indoor stadium where the capacity has been increased to over 20,000,

Federer was sharp from the start.

He led 4-0 after just 10 minutes and had pocketed the first set 6-1 nine minutes later.

It was all too fast and fiery for a bewildered Seppi who dropped his serve again to fall 2-0 down in the second.

It was all one-way traffic as Federer quickly put Seppi out of his misery, winning in just 47 minutes.

He next goes up against John Isner for a place in the quarter-finals, the giant American getting the better of Britain’s Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 7-6 (7/3).

“It’s very pleasant to play matches like this one,” said 17-time major winner Federer.

“Of course I like great battles, playing two, three, four, five hours. But 47 minutes is always very pleasant. You need to focus a lot for the very short time you are on the court, not to make any mistakes.”

Nadal took just 61 minutes to send old foe Lukas Rosol crashing out, defeating the big-serving Czech 6-2, 6-2.

Rosol famously stunned Nadal at Wimbledon in 2012 and he took the Spaniard to a third set tie-

break at the same stage of the tournament in Basel last week.

But he was outplayed from start to finish by the seventh seed, whose struggles in the Paris hardcourt tournament are in stark contrast to his dominance on clay on the other side of the city at the French Open where he has won nine times.

The Spaniard, who has had a testing year with injuries and loss of form, believes that his improving game is still a work in progress with next year in the back of his mind.

AFP

Supergirl Serena chases down phone thief at NY restaurant NEW YORK—Serena Williams chased down a would-be telephone thief at a Chinese restaurant that had the 34-year-old American tennis star comparing herself to Supergirl.

The 21-time Grand Slam singles champion detailed her adventure Wednesday in a Facebook posting complete with her wearing a Supergirl outfit and sending a message for people to channel their inner superhero.

And another message was clear—mess with Serena Williams at your own peril.

“Soooooo yesterday (Tuesday) at dinner the CRAZIEST THING happened to me. I was sitting enjoying some Chinese food and this guy stands next to me,” world number one Williams said.

“And something (I have now dubbed it my SUPER-

HERO sense) told me to watch him. My phone was sitting in the chair but I just didn’t feel right.

“Low and behold, this common petty thief grabbed my phone and swiftly left. I looked at the chair, than shouted ‘Omg that dude took my phone!!’”

“Not thinking I reacted, I jumped up, weaved my way in and out of the restaurant and chased him down. He began to run but I was too fast. I was upon him in a flash!

“In the most menacing yet calm no nonsense voice I could muster I kindly asked him if he ‘accidentally’ took the wrong phone.

While he was thinking of the right thing to say and eventually he said ‘Gosh you know what I did! It was so confusing in there.

I must have grabbed the wrong phone’.”

The matter left Williams

pondering her own super powers.

“Superhero? Maybe? Or HELL YEA!!” Williams said. “I’ve got the speed the jumps, the power, the body, the seduction, the sex appeal, the strength, the leadership and yet the calm to weather the storm. Always listen to your superhero inner voice. Fight for what’s right. Stand for what you believe in! Be a superhero!

“When I got back into the restaurant I received a standing ovation. I was proud. I just showed every man in there I can stand up to bully’s (sted) and other men. It was a win for the ladies! Just because you are a lady don’t be afraid to step up to any challenge and not be a victim but a hero!”

Williams has not played since losing a US Open semi-final to Italy’s Roberta Vinci, costing her a chance at a calendar year Grand Slam. AFP

Music and sports. Recording artist Charles Kelley and Sports Illustrated Cover Model Hannah Davis speak onstage at the 49th annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. AFP

Rio closes airports for sailing events BRASILIA—Rio de Janeiro’s domestic airport will close for four-and-a-half hours a day during the 10day Olympic sailing competition in the Brazilian city’s iconic Guanabara Bay, the government said Wednesday.

Operations at Santos Dumont Airport, which sits at the edge of the bay, must be suspended to clear airspace for helicopters filming the events, said the Rio Olympics committee.

“The cumulative audience for the 2016 Olympic Games is estimated at five billion viewers and the sailing competitions are among the best images of Rio that television broadcasters will show the world,” said Sports Minister George Hilton, the committee’s coordinator.

“It’s important to reconcile the organizational demands with the airport’s needs.”

Sailors had also complained that low-flying planes could disrupt races.

The closures will be in effect from 12:40 pm to 5:10 pm (1440 GMT to 1910 GMT) from August 8 to 18.

They will not affect the international airport, which is farther inland.

Authorities spent months debating whether to close the airport. In September, the Brazilian military had announced that it would be closed, but had not released details. AFP

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SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Eagles boost bid for Final 4 incentive

By Peter Atencio

THE Ateneo Blue Eagles have a shot to boost their stock in the Final Four semifinals.

But with domestic issues and police detention distracting one its players, Nigerian big man Chibueze Ikeh, the Eagles are struggling to remain focused going into their Sunday afternoon showdown with the

La Salle Green Archers.

“We are happy with our situation. But it needs to be done (getting the Final Four incentive),” said Blue Eagles coach Bo Perasol moments after they prevailed over the University of the Phil-

ippines Fighting Maroons, 74-65, and earned the third Final Four slot in the 76th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Eagles now have a shot at a twice-to-beat incentive after the University of the East caught the University of Santo Tomas Growling on its bad day,

posting a 91-77 victory, also Wednesday.

With the loss, UST fell to a 9-4 win-slate.

Ateneo’s chance to earn the no. 2 seeding will come if they hurdle their last two assignments against La Salle and University of the East.

The Blue Eagles are set to clash with the Green Archers at 4 p.m. this Sunday.

With their 8-4 record, the

Blue Eagles joined Far Eastern University and UST in the semis, taking the no. 3 seeding in the Final Four.

But hours later after their win, policemen came to the Big Dome and arrested Ikeh for violating Republic Act 9262, a law penalizing violence against women and their children.

The 6’9” Ikeh spent the night at the Quezon City Police District’s criminal

Lady Maroons on a roll with 4th win

Foton...

From A16

together, now that they have improved their record in fourth spot at 4-3.

“Coming into this week, sunod-sunod ang games. We worked on our intensity,” said de Leon.

“We picked ourselves up in the fourth set,” added Poncede Leon as the Tornadoes avenged their five-set loss to the Lady Slammers in the first round. “Defense was a big factor. I told them before the start of the match that we can win the game by scoring, but we cannot execute without defending. Defense was really the key tonight.”

The Tornadoes continued moving away in the fourth following Santiago’s attack to the left and another drop shot from Stalzer.

Maricar Nepomuceno had 14 points for the Lady Slammers, who absorbed their second setback in six matches.

After Foton took the first two sets, the Lady Slammers came up strong in the second set as they took an 8-4 edge.

Bojana Todorovic scored four points during 7-2 run, which handed Philips an 18-8 lead.

In the first set, Santiago’s frontline game saw Foton taking a 15-5 spread.

It was close in the second set, until an error by Kayla Tiangco and Angeli Araneta’s block put Foton ahead, 23-19.

investigation and detection unit’s detention facility at Camp Karingal and was released after a P24,000 bail was posted.

Ateneo Athletics Director Emmanuel Fernandez told sportswriters, who witnessed Ikeh’s apprehension as he was whisked away to Camp Karingal, that the issue is “a private matter and has nothing to do with Ateneo basketball and the UAAP.”

University Santo Tomas’ Marvin Lee (9) grimaces as he is guarded by University of the East’s Edgar Charco in a UAAP game won by the Warriors, 91-77. BROSI GONZALES

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines continued its remarkable rise from a 25-game losing skid, while defending champion National University extended its perfect run to 11 games Wednesday in the UAAP Season 78 women’s basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle gym.

The Lady Maroons fended off a late University of Santo Tomas fightback to eke out a 61-59 victory, to extend their winning streak to four games, while the Lady Bulldogs overwhelmed Ateneo, 7043.

In other games, early semifinalist De La Salle routed Adamson University, 78-62, for its 10th win in 11 outings, while University of the East nipped Far Eastern University, 44-41, to boost its own semis bid.

Bea Daez hit a free throw and Patricia Pesquera grabbed the crucial rebound in the final 3.5 seconds to help UP preserve the victory.

Reigning MVP Afril Bernardino had 16 points, nine rebounds,

five steals and three steals, while Gemma Miranda tossed in 11 markers as the Lady Bulldogs led by as much as 33 points to prevail.

The Lady Maroons moved in a tie with the Lady Eagles at 4-7, now trailing joint third placers Tigresses and Lady Warriors (5-6) by just a game, bolstering their hopes of making it to the semifinals.

Pesquera had 14 points and 10 rebounds, Daez had 11 points, 10 boards and four assists, while Janenna Tatel returned from a one-game absence to finish with 10 points and 15 boards for UP. Tin Aliermo also had 10 points and pulled down eight boards for the Lady Maroons.

Maica Cortes led UST with 17 points and 16 rebounds while Misaela Larosa added 12 markers.

Danica Jose was the lone bright spot for the Lady Eagles with 16 points and 12 boards.

The Lady Falcons and the Lady Tamaraws dropped to 3-8 and 2-9 records, respectively.

National slalom’s 11th leg on Sunday ROBINSONS Nova Market is hosting the 11th leg of the RACE Motorsports National Slalom Grand Prix Series on Sunday.

Registration starts from 8 p.m. onwards, while the open practice runs are slated from 8 to 10 a.m. A free slalom clinic is offered from 9 to 10 a.m.

The official practice rounds begin at 11 a.m., with the participant given only one official practice session regardless of how many classes or cars he/she is entered into.

Overall and class champions will accumulate points, but contenders must use the specified Federal Tyres for at least nine (75%) of the series and must possess the Automobile Association of the Philippines Clubman license.

All drivers will be charged an additional one-time fee of P300 per leg for the Clubman License.

Winners’ points will be doubled starting in the 11th leg, until the 12th stage, which is set on Dec. 6 at Robinsons Starmills in Pampanga.

The Slalom Invitational, on the other hand, will be held on Nov. 15 at the Robinsons Place, Calasiao Pangasinan.

This slalom event is affiliated with the AAP and FIA and is the longest-running motorsport discipline in the country.

Expected to participate are the series champions, headed by Dr. Peewee Mendiola of Big Chill; Milo, Noel and Estefano Rivera of Tough Gear; Cabanatuan Auto Club; MSM Motorsports; AF Racing Team; Team Makaluma; and Orthodox Racing, among others.

The 2015 National Slalom Grand Prix Series Series is sponsored by Shell Helix Motor Oils, with Pureplus Technology, Federal Tyres, Outlast Battery, Starbright Body Kits, Auto Transporter, Robinsons Nova Market, and media partners Stoplight TV and C! Magazine.

For details, contact Bing Bang O. Dulce at tel. nos. 928-6951, 0922-8165344 or 0917-8119337; e-mail racemotorsportsclub@yahoo.com or like the event’s Facebook page.

Representatives of Federal Tyres are shown enjoying the slalom action.

F R I DAY : N O V E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

LOTTO RESULTS

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

Local boy Li shines among the WGC stars

Joy ride. The lure of sand dunes at the Narvacan Outdoor Adventure Hub (NOAH), which has hosted a slew of national events, is proving irresistible to foreign and local tourists enjoying the ride of their lives. Narvacan Town Mayor Zuriel Zaragoza’s brainchild nestled at Bulanos, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, NOAH, has been emerging fast as the hub of outdoor and extreme sports not only in the province but in Ilocos Region, as well. NOAH operates a bike park, via ferrata, paragliding, kiteboarding and zip line.

Philracom puts up P1m for PCSO Presidential race THE Philippine Racing Commission reaffirmed its support for the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office racing program by entering into an agreement to provide an additional P1 million prize for PCSO’s Presidential Gold Cup race.

The event already has a purse of P3 million from PCSO, bringing the total amount of the prize money to P4 million. This amount is allocated from first to fourth place, with the winning

connections to receive around P2.4 million as their share.

“We want to maintain the prestige of the PCSO Gold Cup,” said Philracom chairman Andrew A. Sanchez,

“and by once more assuring the PCSO and the racing industry that Philracom will continue its financial support for this race, we look forward to an exciting lineup this year.”

Philracom has been providing this additional amount for the past several years to provide an incentive for race participants in cooperation with its fellow government agency PCSO. The agreement signing for

Foton imports enjoying their PH stint

By Lito Cinco FOTON may not be at the top of the standings in the on-going Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix volleyball tournament, a situation that the pair of American imports, returnee Lindsay Stalzer and Kathy Messing, a first-timer here, are looking to remedy and in their last two games.

True enough, the Tornadoes posted back-toback wins in straight sets against RC Cola and erstwhile pacesetter Cignal to even its record at 3-3, but outside the court, these two are enjoying their stint in the country.

According to the 31-yearold Stalzer, who has been playing in Europe the last eight years, the fact that the volleyball season here is short at around three months maximum, was a major factor for her decision to return.

“In Europe, seasons are long, about 8 to 9 months and at 31, I am not as young as I used to be.

Here, it’s shorter and that is one of the attractions for me. Also, here, there is that fun element in playing. In other places, it is a lot of serious work, nonstop training and playing.

Filipino fans are also very caring, very welcoming and helpful, they are superencouraging and it is so easy to gain fans here,” said Stalzer, who has had the opportunity to visit several tourist destinations here.

“I have experienced whale watching in Cebu, visited the Hundred Islands, saw Vigan already, and of course the tiangges in Greenhills. I want to go to Puerto Princesa in Palawan this time,” added the pretty Stalzer.

For Messing, 23, this is her first stint as an import.

She specified to her agent

that she wanted to play in a tournament, where she will have some fun, too, and having heard that women’s volleyball is a growing sport here, she chose to play here. And just before she left for the Philippines, she bumped into Stalzer in an airport in the States and was surprised to learn and they were going to play for the same team in the same league. Right there, she learned a lot about what to expect in the Superliga, and her new teammate.

“I enjoy the crowd involvement here, fans are very supportive. My teammates are fun to play with, they balance hard work with fun, sometimes they are not serious and we all have fun while training.

Like Lindsay, I want to enjoy the outdoors, I want to surf, go up the mountains, see the big whales Lindsay saw, visit places where I can learn local culture. Overall,

this year’s edition of the PCSO Gold Cup was held Oct. 6 at the Manila Golf Club. The other signatories were PCSO Vice-Chairman and General Manager Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II and, from Manila Jockey Club, Chairman Alfonso R. Reyno Jr. and President Alfonso G. Reyno III. The race will be held Dec. 13 at MJC’s San Lazaro Leisure Park in Carmona, Cavite.

SHANGHAI—China’s young rising star Li Haotong once again showed he has the temperament and the talent to compete with the world’s best as he shot a six-under par 66 at the WGC-HSBC Champions Thursday.

It left the 20-year-old in sole possession of eighth place in the world-class 78-man field after a first round in which he thrilled large galleries of local fans at Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai.

Li is three strokes behind leader Branden Grace, but an impressive two shots clear of some of golf’s biggest stars in Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson, who have won eight majors between them.

“Actually, today, before, my feeling wasn’t that good, so I don’t know why, but today I played very well. It’s very exciting,” he told AFP after his opening round in the $8.5 million event.

Li has endured a busy time lately, playing consecutive weeks in Macau, Hong Kong and Turkey after spending most of the summer struggling for form on the US PGA’s second-tier Web.com Tour.

But he finally demonstrated some of his prodigious ability at last week’s Turkish Airlines Open where he finished sevenunder par in a share of 26th place.

The big-hitting youngster also clearly enjoyed Thursday being able to fire into greens that had been softened by two days of rain.

“The greens were way softer than (when I played here) before so this helped a lot. Today, my irons were pretty good, giving me a lot of putts under 10 foot. Also, I made a lot of putts. Very lucky,” he added. AFP

American imports Lindsay Stalzer and Kathy Messing join hands to foil a smash from the opposing team.

it is better than I expected here,” said Messing.

Talking about the game, Stalzer describes the level of volleyball here as Division II category in the United States. “Your players have the skills and the work ethics. What they lack is the size. For our team, I expect us to be in the finals

with Cignal and Petron as the top opponents.”

“With Petron, we know we can play at their level and we will get them next time. For Cignal, we need to adjust to their strengths and weaknesses, a championship will be a very nice Christmas gift for me,” said Messing, who has been de-

scribed by teammates as the more fun-loving one.

She says given the chance, she would like to play again here in the future.

Both Lindsay and Messing respond to fans on social media, but kidded that they do so “only to those who say nice things,” said Messing.

F R I DAY : N O V E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

A16

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

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

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Foton whips Philips Gold Games Saturday (Malolos, Bulacan) 1 p.m. Meralco vs Philips Gold 3 p.m. Cignal vs RC Cola

By Peter Atencio THE Foton Tornadoes stepped up with their defense in the fourth set and whipped the Philips Gold Lady Slammers, 25-24, 25-22, 18-25, 25-18, yesterday in the Philippine Super Liga Women’s Grand Prix 2015 Volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

Jaja Santiago came up with 18 hits as he led the Tornadoes to their third consecutive triumph.

American spiker Lindsay Stalzer had 17 points each with Kathleen Messing, who led the Tornadoes out of a 14-all deadlock with her drop shot and ace.

The Tornadoes then took a four-point advantage, 19-15, off Messing’s kill and block from Santiago and Ivy Perez.

Coach Vilet de Leon said the Tornadoes are finally getting their acts Continued on A14

Alexis Olgard (right) of Philips Gold scores against Foton’s Jaja Santiago and Katie Messing, but the Tornadoes won the game, 25-24, 25-22, 18-25, 25-18. ROMAN PROSPERO

Alaska battles Mahindra 5 in Dubai, eyes share of lead

By Jeric Lopez

ALASKA looks to gain the solo lead in a 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup game in Dubai at the Al Wasl Sports Club today.

Just like last season, the PBA is holding games in Dubai, considered as a basketball hotbed in the Middle East.

Red hot with a 2-0 start, the Aces are looking to keep their act going when they take on two teams who are still in search of a win this conference.

For today, Alaska battles

Curry lifts Warriors past Clippers TURN TO A12

Mahindra (0-2) at 12 midnight, while tomorrow, the Aces will take on Barangay Ginebra (0-2) in the same place and time.

Should the Aces win both games, they will overtake current tournament leader Rain or Shine, who holds a 3-0 card, as they can potentially head back home with a 4-0 slate.

That’s what Alaska coach Alex Compton certainly wants.

“We’re looking to have a good trip and have the best result,” said Compton minutes before heading for a breakfast at the Damac Maison’s Cour Jardin hotel.

“We’re excited to put on a show for the fans here and also produce more wins.

Though Alaska topped Blackwater, 87-79, last week, Compton thought that the Aces didn’t exactly have the best form in that game and wants to see a better showing from his wards.

“We didn’t show our best form in our last game and

I’m hoping we can improve on our mistakes that we learned from,” he said.

So far this season, rising forward Vic Manuel is the one taking the lead for Alaska though most of the team’s usual suspects are doing their part for last season’s runner-ups.

“Barako beat Ginebra, Blackwater beat Meralco. I hope we don’t say Mahindra beat Alaska,” said Compton. “Everybody is getting better. There’s not an easy game.”

The Enforcers put up a good fight in their last game against Talk ‘N Text on Saturday before falling

Federer, Nadal impress in Paris TURN TO A13

short, 101-97.

A huge upset against the Aces is obviously what Mahindra has in mind as it continues to look for its first win.

The promising thing for the Enforcers is the continued emergence of star LA Revilla and the surprise good showing of rookie Bradwyn Guinto.

Revilla dropped 21 points in the said loss, while Guinto had 17 as they led Mahindra in the losing cause.

Game Friday (Al Wasl Sports Club - Dubai, UAE) 12 midnight (PH Time) Mahindra vs. Alaska

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

B1

FRIDAY: NOVEMBER 6, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

PSe comPoSite index Closing November 5, 2015

8000 7700 7400 7100 6800 6500

7,122.45 78.57

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing NOVEMBER 5, 2015 43.50 44.60 45.40

P46.935

46.20

CLOSE

47.00

Bangko Sentral award. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas through Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. (fourth from left) receives the Islands of Good Governance Award from the Institute for Solidarity in Asia, the Institute of Corporate Directors and the National Competitiveness Council. Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. (second from left) holds the special citation, which recognizes the central bank for its contribution to strengthening Filipino institutions, communities and individuals by ushering in greater financial inclusivity through policies and regulations. Also shown are (from left) Bangko Sentral corporate planning office director Helen Montalbo, ICD chairman Francis Estrada, global good governance and anti-corruption champion Robert Klitgaard and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario.

Inflation remains at record low 0.4% More rice imports required next year THE government has increased the rice import target in the first half of 2016 to 1.8 million metric tons, from an initial plan of 1.5 million tons, to ensure adequate supply of the staple, following the prolonged El Niño dry spell and the devastation of typhoon Lando.

Economic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority director general Arsenio Balisacan said the agency proposed the importation of an additional 300,000 metric tons of rice, on top of the original proposal of 1 million MT and the already approved orders for 500,000 MT. “Our recent assessment is that would probably have to be 1.3 million metric tons but that’s not final. We asked the Department of Agriculture. They will also reasses the numbers so we have to compare notes when they have done their homework. But obviously we will need more for the second quarter,” he said.

Balisacan said the agency presented to President Benigno Aquino III the draft for P19.2billion El Niño roadmap which was revised due to typhoon Lando. Gabrielle H. Binaday

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

INFLATION rate stayed at a record-low 0.4 percent in October, on ample food supply and reduced prices of fuel and electricity, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Thursday.

Data from PSA showed inflation rate remained stable at 0.4 percent, the same figure seen in the previous month and lower than 4.3-percent in October last year.

“The current low inflation environment is expected to continue throughout the year. This will largely be due to favorable supply-side factors such as the availability of ample food supply and low international oil prices,” said Economic Planning Secretary Ar-

senio Balisacan.

The October inflation also settled within Bangko Sentral’s forecast of 0.1 to 0.9 percent for the period. Inflation in the first 10 months averaged 1.4 percent, below the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year.

“Our current runs show inflation is possibly bottoming out, and it will gradually move to within target range [2 percent to 4 percent] in 2016 to 2017. While

there seems to be room to ease given the relatively lower inflation at the moment, risks to the outlook remain—El Niño and pending requests for utility rate hikes, for instance,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said in a text message.

Tetangco said as domestic demand was steady, there seemed to be no need for further monetary support. “We need to balance these versus domestic liquidity conditions, especially as market anticipates Fed action towards year-end. We will make adjustments to policy as conditions warrant,” he said.

Data showed that inflation for the food subgroup remained stable in October 2015, due to large price declines in bread and cereal, rice and corn.

HIGH P46.850 LOW P46.960 AVERAGE P46.906 VOLUME 594.400M

P417.00-P640.00 LPG/11-kg tank P35.85-P43.35 Unleaded Gasoline

oPriceS il P today

P24.55-P28.00 Diesel P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, November 5, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar Peso

United States Dollar

1.000000

46.7430

Japan

Yen

0.008229

0.3846

UK

Pound

1.538000

71.8907

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129032

6.0313

Switzerland

Franc

1.007455

47.0915

Canada

Dollar

0.760630

35.5541

Singapore

Dollar

0.713318

33.3426

Australia

Dollar

0.714388

33.3926

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656184

124.1580

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266823

12.4721

Brunei

Dollar

0.710783

33.2241

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000074

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.028193

1.3178

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

12.7282

Euro

Euro

1.086600

50.7909

Korea

Won

0.000880

0.0411

China

Yuan

0.157828

7.3774

India

Rupee

0.015278

0.7141

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.234577

10.9648

New Zealand

Dollar

0.658285

30.7702

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030848

1.4419 Source: PDS Bridge

Metro Pacific buys 20% of Manila Doctors

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE Metro Pacific Investments Corp. said Thursday its hospital unit will acquire a 20-percent stake in Manila Doctors Hospital along United Nations Ave. in Ermita, Manila from the group of tycoon George Ty. Metro Pacific said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its hospital arm Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire a 20-percent equity stake in Manila Medical Services Inc., the company that owns and

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

operates Manila Doctors.

Metro Pacific did not disclose the value of the transaction.

Manila Doctors is a 300-bed tertiary hospital that was established in 1956 by a group of pioneering doctors. It grew under the leadership of the Ty group through an investment by Metrobank Foundation Inc. in 1979.

“We are grateful to Mr. Ty for welcoming us as a partner in their very well respected Manila Doctors Hospital with such a long history of delivering quality healthcare in the city of Manila,” MPHHI president and chief executive Augusto Palisoc Jr. said.

MMSI chairman and president Antonio Abacan Jr. said the entry of MPHHI would help improve the services of Manila Doctors.

“While Manila Doctors Hospital is currently doing very well, we are sure that working with the largest private hospital group in the country will further improve our services, especially now that we are in the middle of an expansion with the near completion of a new medical tower,” Abacan said.

MDH embarked on a P1.2-billion expansion program in 2014, with the construction of a new

18-story building that would provide more diagnostic services, 200 additional patient rooms, 64 more doctors’ clinics and 160 more parking slots.

The transaction is subject to a satisfactory due diligence review and the execution of definitive agreements, and is expected to be concluded before the year end.

Metro Pacific said the deal, once completed, would enable it move another step forward in expanding its nationwide chain of premier private hospitals to 10 throughout the country with a total capacity of 2,600 beds.

FRIDAY: NOVEMBER 6, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Thursday, November 5, 2015

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 2.49 4.2 17 30.45 2.6 1.01 100 30.5 75 91.5 361.2 57 180 1700 124 47 5 1.46 2.36 15.3 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 2.89 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 3.95 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5.25 12.98 6.75 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 238 5.5 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 1.3 26 2.17 0.59 59.2 30.05 7.39 3.4 3.35 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 3.68 4.92 0.66 1455 76 6.5 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 0.0670 2.31 1.61 84.9 974 1.66 1.39 156 0.710 0.435 0.510 10.5 1.99 41.4 5.6 5.59 5.6 1.44 0.201

STOCKS

Close

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.8 2.6 49.35 48.5 101.70 99.60 84.30 82.80 40.8 40 2.45 2.45 1.90 1.76 15.68 15.2 19.76 19.56 1.75 1.70 0.610 0.570 85 83.8 18.20 18.00 23.60 23.60 54.40 53.40 302 300 32 31.5 143 141.8 1540.00 1535.00 57.00 56.80 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp.

41.6 41.8 41.1 1.11 Agrinurture Inc. 1.84 1.86 1.8 1.01 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.88 0.87 0.86 1.86 Alsons Cons.

1.6 1.6 1.54 7.92 Asiabest Group 11 11.16 10.8 15.32 Century Food 17.52 18 17.5 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 23 24 22.7 29.15 Concepcion 46.85 46.85 45.5 1.5 Crown Asia 2.48 2.5 2.43 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.69 1.69 1.65 10.72 Del Monte 10.7 10.5 10.02 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 9.740 9.740 9.34 9.04 Emperador 8.79 8.90 8.73 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 6.52 6.55 6.43 8.86 EEI 7.29 7.29 7.16 1.06 Euro-Med Lab 1.66 1.66 1.66 20.2 First Gen Corp.

25.5 25.5 24.95 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 71.05 71.05 69.7 13.86 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 11.98 11.80 11.70 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 14.00 14.00 14.00 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 6.23 6.27 6.15 2.750 2.480 0.395 Ionics Inc 2.730 173 Jollibee Foods Corp.

207.00 206.80 205.40 LBC Express 12.3 12.3 11.74 2.3 LMG Chemicals 1.98 2.15 2.15 33 Macay Holdings 40.00 39.95 39.00 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 23 23.7 22.85 17.3 Maxs Group 24.15 24.15 23.7 5.88 Megawide 6.56 6.56 6.25 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co `A’ 328.20 328.20 323.00 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.18 4.28 4.17 8.45 Petron Corporation 8.30 8.45 8.29 3 Phil H2O 4.2 4.2 4 10.04 Phinma Corporation 11.94 11.94 11.94 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.65 3.70 3.40 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.06 2.13 2.01 1 Pryce Corp. `A’ 2.46 2.54 2.44 4.02 RFM Corporation 4.14 4.17 4.11 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 136.5 136 135 4.1 SPC Power Corp.

4.09 3.99 3.7 1.55 Splash Corporation 2.28 2.28 2.2 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.161 0.161 0.150 1.02 TKC Steel Corp.

1.20 1.20 1.18 2.21 2.17 2.21 2.09 Trans-Asia Oil 152 Universal Robina 207.6 207.6 205 0.640 Vitarich Corp.

0.68 0.69 0.67 10.02 Vivant Corp.

23.00 22.60 22.60 1.2 Vulcan Ind’l.

1.37 1.38 1.33 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. `A’ 0.395 0.400 0.395 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 56.5000 56.7500 56.1500 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 18.60 18.80 18.60 6.62 Anscor `A’ 6.39 6.40 6.35 0.23 ATN Holdings A 0.250 0.255 0.250 0.23 ATN Holdings B 0.255 0.27 0.250 634.5 Ayala Corp `A’ 789.5 790 774 7.390 Cosco Capital 7.62 7.67 7.48 12.8 DMCI Holdings 12.90 13.00 12.46 2.6 F&J Prince ‘A’ 4.3 4.22 4.2 1.15 F&J Prince ‘B’ 4 4.5 4.5 2.26 Filinvest Dev. Corp.

3.82 3.82 3.80 0.152 Forum Pacific 0.250 0.250 0.250 837 GT Capital 1359 1369 1354 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 74.80 75.05 73.50 3.43 Jolliville Holdings 3.9 3.8 3.8 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp.

7.5 7.65 7.2 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.78 0.78 0.76 12 LT Group 12.42 12.5 12.08 0.580 Mabuhay Holdings `A’ 0.52 0.52 0.52 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 5.43 5.43 5.3 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 9.55 9.59 9.47 0.030 Pacifica `A’ 0.0310 0.0320 0.0310 1.23 Prime Media Hldg 1.190 1.670 1.190 0.550 Prime Orion 1.980 1.980 1.940 59.3 San Miguel Corp `A’ 49.20 51.00 49.45 751 SM Investments Inc. 888.00 890.00 861.50 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.19 1.20 1.20 0.93 South China Res. Inc. 0.85 0.85 0.84 80 Top Frontier 91.500 91.100 83.500 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.3250 0.3300 0.3250 0.179 Wellex Industries 0.2240 0.2330 0.2170 0.310 Zeus Holdings 0.310 0.305 0.300 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 6.350 6.490 6.330 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 1.05 1.07 0.95 30.05 Ayala Land `B’ 36.550 37.000 36.050 3.36 Belle Corp. `A’ 3.57 3.55 3.42 4.96 Cebu Holdings 5.13 5.15 5.07 2.8 Cebu Prop. `A’ 6 6 5.83 0.79 Century Property 0.6 0.6 0.59 0.083 Crown Equities Inc. 0.124 0.127 0.123 2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.97 1.68 12.02 19.6 1.02 0.225 78 17.8 58 62 276 41 118.2 1200 59

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

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

SHARES 24,068,499 75,206,545 63,951,941 124,862,392 185,655,913 365,895,354 843,610,454

2.8 49 101.40 82.80 40.2 2.45 1.80 15.7 19.64 1.69 0.600 84.5 18.16 24.00 53.45 303 31.9 141.9 1535.00 57.00

Close

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.8 49.35 100.20 84.30 40.25 2.45 1.77 15.68 19.7 1.75 0.580 84.2 18.00 23.60 53.50 300 32 141.9 1535.00 57.00

0.00 0.71 -1.18 1.81 0.12 0.00 -1.67 -0.13 0.31 3.55 -3.33 -0.36 -0.88 -1.67 0.09 -0.99 0.31 0.00 0.00 0.00

193,000 8,800 7,575,090 11,842,080 360,400 10,000 1,467,000 13,100 127,100 24,000 568,000 1,632,240 99,200 100 17,940 100 26,000 69,830 40 34,180

41.4 1.81 0.87 1.56 11 18 24 46.3 2.45 1.68 10.5 9.460 8.74 6.52 7.18 1.66 25 69.7 11.80 14.00 6.15 2.480 205.80 11.8 2.15 39.95 23.45 24.1 6.43 325.00 4.17 8.36 4 11.94 3.69 2.07 2.45 4.13 136 3.99 2.26 0.153 1.20 2.17 206.4 0.69 22.60 1.33

-0.48 -1.63 -1.14 -2.50 0.00 2.74 4.35 -1.17 -1.21 -0.59 -1.87 -2.87 -0.57 0.00 -1.51 0.00 -1.96 -1.90 -1.50 0.00 -1.28 -9.16 -0.58 -4.07 8.59 -0.12 1.96 -0.21 -1.98 -0.98 -0.24 0.72 -4.76 0.00 1.10 0.49 -0.41 -0.24 -0.37 -2.44 -0.88 -4.97 0.00 -1.81 -0.58 1.47 -1.74 -2.92

632,500 30,000 143,000 2,179,000 6,200 746,300 225,300 29,900 821,000 662,000 900 14,795,500 1,434,700 5,806,200 4,689,400 25,000 2,248,500 329,070 15,700 400 422,000 15,663,000 152,150 22,600 5,000 1,200 548,300 85,600 23,100 312,620 54,000 2,987,000 6,000 5,000 125,000 792,000 167,000 444,000 29,520 30,000 201,000 12,420,000 100,000 775,000 2,800,760 439,000 900 1,349,000

0.395 56.1500 18.68 6.36 0.255 0.255 787 7.57 12.50 4.22 4.5 3.80 0.250 1362 74.00 3.8 7.57 0.78 12.18 0.52 5.35 9.59 0.0310 1.380 1.950 50.35 870.00 1.20 0.84 83.500 0.3250 0.2330 0.300

0.00 -0.62 0.43 -0.47 2.00 0.00 -0.32 -0.66 -3.10 -1.86 12.50 -0.52 0.00 0.22 -1.07 -2.56 0.93 0.00 -1.93 0.00 -1.47 0.42 0.00 15.97 -1.52 2.34 -2.03 0.84 -1.18 -8.74 0.00 4.02 -3.23

30,000 1,309,800 3,472,200 13,200 920,000 180,000 192,180 314,000 2,623,600 29,000 5,000 167,000 190,000 190,190 852,680 3,000 6,165,300 126,000 4,007,400 63,000 11,507,100 3,827,600 18,800,000 3,536,000 601,000 1,152,800 175,690 156,000 428,000 55,410 1,840,000 550,000 70,000

6.420 0.99 36.500 3.48 5.1 5.83 0.6 0.127

1.10 -5.71 -0.14 -2.52 -0.58 -2.83 0.00 2.42

299,300 28,687,000 7,599,600 484,000 14,700 1,600 1,080,000 50,000

44,800.00 319,990.00 -13,703,969 31,905,019.50 393,535.00 -2,450.00 -9,500.00 -107,920.00 730,514.00 116,000.00 -13,876,709.00 -624,912.50 29,530 7,816,153.00 1,139,179.00 -12,687,375.00 -57,420.00 7,472,246.00 724,840 121,500.00 3,380.00 -37,891,124.00 1,197,813.00 -6,938,178.00 -13,825,952.00 -8,202,685.00 -3,598,668.00 -94,400.00 8,666.00 -5,296,468.00

-1,384,080.00 68,831,338.00 -108,440.00 1,300,486.00 35,000.00 1,606,460.00 -2,582,640.00 55,400.00 415,910.00 207,234,154.00

-10,732,250.00 23,204,476.00

61,212,970.00 1,941,919.00 12,302,166.00

99,066,480.00 27,270,369.00 -10,170,385.00 -3,360,560.00 3,442,954.00 36,150.00

-3,799,060.00 -89,023,470.00 -17,000.00 -1,532,678.50 -32,500.00

1,164,540.00 2,633,950.00 78,559,850.00 448,880.00

52 Weeks

Previous

High Low 0.69 10.96 0.97 2.22 2.1 1.8 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

0.415 2.4 0.83 1.15 1.42 1.27 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 1.09 14.88 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 12.3 7.67 2720 8.41 1.97 119.5 12.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 12.28 3.32 2.53 95.5 1 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 6.41 18 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 0.63 10.5 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 10.14 4.8 1600 5.95 1.23 102.6 8.72 0.011 0.041 1.200 6.5 1.91 1.01 3.1 0.650 1.8 6 0.335 0.37 3 8.8 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

STOCKS

Close

Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Empire East Land Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ 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 APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp.

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

DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IPeople Inc. `A’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp.

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

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

1.14 Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 0.330 12.8 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 0.021 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9 0.016

0.0043 1.72 6.47 0.236 5.11 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 0.013 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67 0.0100

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

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

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

TA Petroleum United Paragon

70 553 525 8.21

33 490 500 5.88

1047 78.95 84.8

1011 74.5 75

1.34

1

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ GMA Holdings Inc. PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F Swift Pref

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

15 88 12.88

3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Makati Fin. Corp.

IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

High

VALUE 1,923,704,351.90 1,254,747,328.66 1,099,407,581.26 788,233,579.35 1,286,101,127.77 99,262,792.105 6,518,567,399.04

FINANCIAL 1,559.98 (down) 1.31 INDUSTRIAL 11,489.76 (down) 58.37 HOLDING FIRMS 6,670.52 (down) 68.24 PROPERTY 3,049.74 (down) 44.93 SERVICES 1,637.17 (down) 45.76 MINING & OIL 11,481.09 (down) 82.54 PSEI 7,122.45 (down) 78.57 All Shares Index 4,108.49 (down) 40.59 Gainers: 48; Losers: 124; Unchanged: 44; Total: 216

Close

0.485 21 0.890 1.26 1.76 1.29 4.83 0.089 0.2850 0.5200 8.41 30.30 1.52 3.22 22.40 0.77 8.18 1.010 5.800

%

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.495 0.480 0.480 21 20.45 20.75 0.890 0.890 0.890 1.32 1.23 1.23 1.75 1.73 1.75 1.29 1.28 1.29 4.82 4.63 4.66 0.089 0.087 0.089 0.2800 0.2650 0.2800 0.5500 0.4900 0.5100 8.45 8.4 8.45 30.75 29.95 30.10 1.52 1.5 1.5 3.09 3.04 3.09 22.30 21.65 21.70 0.77 0.75 0.77 8.18 8.18 8.18 1.050 1.000 1.000 5.900 5.680 5.740 SERVICES 8.92 8.92 8.58 8.62 67.75 68 67.8 67.8 0.600 0.620 0.590 0.590 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2 6.20 6.20 5.73 5.78 0.0560 0.0590 0.0560 0.0560 3.6 3.52 3.49 3.51 88.4 89.25 88.4 88.75 9.99 9.95 9.94 9.94 5.99 5.91 5.70 5.90 2182 2180 2142 2158 7.57 7.57 7.20 7.42 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 73 74 71.6 71.9 11.42 11.42 11.42 11.42 0.012 0.011 0.010 0.011 0.180 0.182 0.180 0.180 1.4100 1.4800 1.3800 1.4800 9.01 9.05 9.00 9.00 3.93 4.93 4.00 4.45 1.15 1.17 1.15 1.15 26.00 30.00 32.00 30.00 0.590 0.590 0.590 0.590 2 2 2 2 3.7 3.7 3.36 3.36 0.280 0.290 0.275 0.275 0.860 0.880 0.830 0.830 4.60 4.89 4.89 4.89 9.01 9.45 9.45 9.45 100.60 104.90 100.50 100.50 19.80 20.10 19.70 20.10 2180.00 2150.00 2100.00 2102.00 0.560 0.580 0.550 0.560 1.130 1.130 1.060 1.080 36.00 36.00 35.10 35.10 75.50 77.95 72.00 72.50 6.23 6.34 6.20 6.27 5.19 5.23 5.00 5.03 0.50 0.50 0.49 0.50 1.5 1.51 1.5 1.5 4.5 4.5 4.32 4.37 0.340 0.350 0.325 0.325 3.970 4.070 3.990 3.990 MINING & OIL 0.0050 0.0049 0.0048 0.0048 2.30 2.30 2.25 2.25 5.87 5.88 5.64 5.55 0.235 0.220 0.210 0.213 5.8600 5.86 5.83 5.8300 0.74 0.75 0.72 0.72 0.68 0.7 0.66 0.67 8.88 8.98 8.75 8.88 0.86 0.87 0.84 0.87 0.305 0.315 0.305 0.315 0.192 0.195 0.190 0.191 0.205 0.205 0.205 0.205 0.0110 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 2.97 3.26 2.95 3.01 8.05 8.1 7.78 7.96 3.1 3.14 3 3.07 0.6400 0.6200 0.6200 0.6200 1.4500 1.4600 1.4400 1.4400 0.0110 0.0110 0.0100 0.0110 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 3.95 3.99 3.81 3.99 5.30 5.340 5.150 5.15 1.56 1.630 1.490 1.52 0.0140 0.0140 0.0130 0.0130 136.80 137.00 136.00 137.00 2.38 2.45 2.35 2.35 0.0090 0.0080 0.0080 0.0080 PREFERRED 67.55 67.6 67.45 67.6 525 524.5 524.5 524.5 525 530 525 525 7.3 7.2 7.15 7.2 1061 1065 1065 1065 1035 1035 1030 1035 79.1 79.1 79 79 83 83.5 83 83 79.2 79.2 79.05 79.05 79.8 79 79 79 80 80.1 80 80 2.3 2.7 2.6 2.7 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.030 3.150 2.190 3.000 SME 2.85 3.1 2.9 2.9 53.05 54.6 52.45 54.6 16.2 16.7 16 16.7 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.6 117.3 116.5 116.5

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

-1.03 -1.19 0.00 -2.38 -0.57 0.00 -3.52 0.00 -1.75 -1.92 0.48 -0.66 -1.32 -4.04 -3.13 0.00 0.00 -0.99 -1.03

3,260,000 422,300 655,000 21,001,000 8,541,000 56,000 25,661,000 730,000 1,270,000 580,000 82,000 4,301,600 252,000 14,000 4,252,000 340,000 402,200 1,721,000 13,084,800

67,700.00 -2,905,890.00

-3.36 0.07 -1.67 0.00 -6.77 0.00 -2.50 0.40 -0.50 -1.50 -1.10 -1.98 0.00 -1.51 0.00 -8.33 0.00 4.96 -0.11 13.23 0.00 -6.25 0.00 0.00 -9.19 -1.79 -3.49 6.30 4.88 -0.10 1.52 -3.58 0.00 -4.42 -2.50 -3.97 0.64 -3.08 -1.00 0.00 -2.89 -4.41 0.50

293,400 16,390 746,000 2,100 15,326,600 35,410,000 83,000 168,170 900 1,934,800 56,625 396,900 16,000 2,429,090 500 38,100,000 600,000 1,230,000 485,700 26,642,000 20,000 4,700 33,000 2,000 9,619,000 440,000 6,046,000 6,000 315,000 40 83,300 208,790 566,000 18,820,000 1,761,300 945,090 1,045,900 11,350,500 2,542,000 50,000 6,738,000 870,000 103,000

-4.00 -2.17 -5.45 -9.36 -0.51 -2.70 -1.47 0.00 1.16 3.28 -0.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.35 -1.12 -0.97 -3.13 -0.69 0.00 0.00 1.01 -2.83 -2.56 -7.14 0.15 -1.26 -11.11

230,000,000 128,000 72,900 -14,802.00 430,000 16,960.00 1,000 1,434,000 -283,360.00 257,000 7,100 25,510,000 1,605,690.00 40,000 -3,050.00 5,200,000 490,000 3,100,000 22,100,000 3,004,000 3,940.00 4,649,900 -8,644,530.00 46,000 31,000 18,000 46,400,000 5,100,000 -46,000.00 36,000 1,371,200 1,137,985.00 927,000 248,430.00 13,800,000 120,140 -3,873,288.00 194,000 1,000,000

0.07 -0.10 0.00 -1.37 0.38 0.00 -0.13 0.00 -0.19 -1.00 0.00 17.39

7,360 1,300 2,000 17,000 1,000 200 22,000 38,650 80,010 37,400 205,500 2,000

-0.99

118,000

1.75 2.92 3.09

2,000 30,900 3,931,200

31,024,970.00

-0.94

5,710

49,138.00

-5,324,650.00 1,944,040.00 11,954,390.00 81,000.00 252,000.00 -13,972,810.00 76,000.00 -51,258,110.00 3,289,996.00 5,391,721.00 16,613.00

5,564,645.00 6,660,097.00 6,633,035.00 -28,808,760.00 -8,400,467.00 -5,500.00 21,600.00 91,330.00 4,024,054.00 256,700.00

3,164,060.00 155,800.00 -4,890.00 -95,690.00 -302,613,780.00 -12,910.00 -1,798,220.00 -5,047,710.00 -5,283,298.00 -206,910.00 -8,529,017.00 -45,640.00 4,684,620.00

150,830.50 -82,080.00

830,808.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Swift Pref

2.7

17.39

United Paragon

0.0080

-11.11

Prime Media Hldg

1.380

15.97

Basic Energy Corp.

0.213

-9.36

Liberty Telecom

4.45

13.23

Melco Crown

3.36

-9.19

F&J Prince 'B'

4.5

12.50

Ionics Inc

2.480

-9.16

LMG Chemicals

2.15

8.59

Top Frontier

83.500

-8.74

PAL Holdings Inc.

4.89

6.30

IP E-Game Ventures Inc.

0.011

-8.33

ISM Communications

1.4800

4.96

Philodrill Corp. `A'

0.0130

-7.14

Phil. Racing Club

9.45

4.88

Bloomberry

5.78

-6.77

Cirtek Holdings (Chips)

24

4.35

Manila Broadcasting

30.00

-6.25

Wellex Industries

0.2330

4.02

A. Brown Co., Inc.

0.99

-5.71

FRIDAY: NOVEMBER 6, 2015

B3

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

SM Prime finalizes P20-b bonds

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SM Prime Holdings Inc. has set the final terms for its planned P20-billion, fixedrate retail bond offering slated this month.

SM Prime in an amended prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pegged the final rate for the five-year bonds due 2021 at 4.5095 percent a year and the 10-year bonds due 2024 at 4.7990 percent per annum.

SM Prime plans to issue P15 billion worth of bonds with an oversubscription option of up to P5 billion to cover overallotment.

The company said it would place the unused portion under shelf registration for issuance within a one-year period as prescribed under the SEC rules, if the oversubscription was not fully exercised, It scheduled the offering period from Nov. 4 to Nov 13 and the issue date on Nov. 25.

SM Prime plans to use proceeds from the bond offering to finance the construction of new shopping malls across the country.

The company said capital expenditures in 2016 would reach P65 billion, higher than the P64-billion programmed spending for this year.

SM Prime would earmark about 52 percent of the 2016 capital spending for shoppings malls, 38 percent for residential, 7 percent for commercial and 3 percent for hotels and convention centers.

“SM Prime plans to fund its capital expenditure through recurring income flows and external financing,” the property developer said earlier.

The company said its mall expansion plans were geared toward major cities outside Metro Manila. It said per capita income and rent per square meter in several cities were already comparable with Metro Manila, as business process outsourcing companies expanded to the provinces.

The group said it still planned to expand in Metro Manila, by developing supercenters, or malls consisting of less than 100,000 square

meters of leasable space.

SM Prime plans to open four to five malls each year over the near term period to achieve its target of 100 malls in the Philippines by 2020.

SM Prime in 2016 will open six new malls in the Philippines—Trece Martires in Cavite province, Commonwealth in Quezon City, San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan, Tuguegarao in Cagayan, Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Urdaneta in Pangasinan and one Tianjin, China.

It also plans to build one mall per year in China, especially in second and third tier cities, over the near term period, subject to market conditions.

SM Prime hired BDO Capital Corp., China Banking Corp., First Metro Investments Corp. and BPI Capital Corp. as joint lead underwriters for the offering Aside from mall expansion, SM Prime plans to expand its office portfolio in key cities in Cebu, Davao and Iloilo, where business process outsourcing companies are currently expanding their operations on favorable labor market.

Parañaque surety fund. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Parañaque City government seal a social covenant that will bring the

city’s micro, small and medium enterprises to economic progress. Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. (second from right) and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez (center) lead the signing of a memorandum of agreement creating the Parañaque City Credit Surety Fund, the 44th in the Philippines and third in Metro Manila. With them (from left) are Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund chief executive Benel Lagua, Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo and Development Bank of the Philippines chairman Jose Nuñez Jr.

Subic Bay zone wins Asia’s best free port award THE Subic Bay Freeport Zone was adjudged Asia’s premier free port by the fDi Global Free Zone awards.

With 79 entries worldwide, Subic bagged the coveted award as overall winner for Asia. Subic also won as the best free port in South and Southeast Asia. It copped the special Bespoke awards for infrastructure development and reinvestment.

The competition gauges each free port zone according to their attractiveness, growth and performance, quality and size of investors in place, investors’ expansion, initiatives to increase number of tenants and locators, infrastructure development and facilities upgrades.

The fDi Global Free Zones of

the Year Awards 2015 acknowledges the best free zones across the world. Now on its 11th year of publication, fDi, a bi-monthly publication of London’s The Financial Times Limited, is known to assist investment portfolio authorities, free zones and various countries in attracting foreign investments from key industries by highlighting key investment incentives and infrastructures available to key regions around the globe.

Fdi noted Subic’s businessfriendly environment, citing its strategic location, ideal corporate policies and reliable security system. fDi also recognized Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s efforts to provide easy access to the free

port through its modal transport hub. The facility provides land, sea, and air transportation to the port, capitalizing on its ideal position in the heart of Asia’s burgeoning markets.

“We’re grateful to have received this award as a validation of all the hard work of our 2,700 employees in pursuing our our strategic initiatives,” said SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia,.

SBMA manages and develops the Freeport’s corporate sector, securing business operations through a various array of initiatives.

Fdi cited that exemptions from local and national taxes, coupled with a fixed 5 percent final gross income tax, were conducive to the

business growth and development of Subic locators. This is complemented by SBMA’s creation of a labor center which fDI credits for focusing on the amicable settlement of worker relations, allowing the port to enjoy a strike free environment for its whole 23-year existence.

The SBMA management was also cited for its round-theclock security measures with its 911 hotline ready to alert the port’s own police force and fire department in cases of emergency. SBMA’s fire department has been elevated to the Gawad Kasalasag Region 3 Hall of Fame for its three consecutive years award as the best government agency in emergency and disaster response.

Market tumbles on rate hike woes THE stock market tumbled Thursday as the odds rose for a US interest-rate increase before the end of the year.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index sank 78.57 points, or 1.1 percent, to 7,122.45 on a value turnover of P6.5 billion.

Losers overwhelmed gainers, 124 to 48, with 44 issues unchanged.

China’s Shanghai Composite Index, meanwhile, entered a bull market as an unprecedented state rescue effort pays off. The Shanghai Composite advanced 1.8 percent, taking its rebound from this year’s low on Aug. 26 to more than 20 percent.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng China Enterprises Index gained 0.6 percent, while Indonesia’s benchmark equity gauge fell after the country’s economic growth missed forecasts. Russia’s ruble weakened the most in more than a week and Malaysia’s ringgit led a decline among emerging Asian currencies.

“The US rate hike is already a foregone conclusion, it’s just a matter of when,” Ang Kok Heng, chief investment officer at Phillip Capital Management Bhd., which manages $630 million, said in Kuala Lumpur.

“China’s market is still uncertain and volatile. Even if it’s a bull market, it’s dominated by retail investors and very sentimentdriven. We are still accumulating stocks and switching some portfolios.”

Bank of the Philippine Islands, the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, lost 1.8 percent to P84.30, while Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the largest telecommunications firm, dropped 3.6 percent to P2,102.

SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy retreated 2 percent to P870, while Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, sank 3.5 percent to P4.66.

Bloomberry Resorts Corp., operator of a casino facility on a reclaimed part of Manila Bay, tumbled 6.8 percent to P5.78.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite index remained at a 10-week high, extending gains from the previous day when the market rallied more than four percent on hopes for economic reforms.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange closed 1.00 percent up, while the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong was flat in afternoon trading.

With Bloomberg, AFP

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FRIDAY: NOVEMBER 6, 2015

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

SCTEx expected to earn P275b

By Jess Malabanan and Darwin G. Amojelar

Negative publicity WE don’t know about you, but we’ve decided to stay away from Naia for the next few weeks not only because it would be difficult to leave anyway, what with all the flight cancellations due to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. We wonder though if there will be any more “laglag bala” or “tanim bala” incidents at the terminals for the duration of the Apec conference with thousands of delegates and participants arriving and leaving intermittently.

This negative publicity has become viral with the news carried by many international papers and networks. No wonder even the UN saw fit to warn its people to make sure their luggage would be fully secured, so there will be no opportunity for vultures to extort from them. Sure, there are dimwits out there who think it’s cute to have a bullet as accessory or some superstitious people regard the bullet as an amulet—and there’s no question they should be haled to jail. But that should not blind the DOTC and its agencies from the glaring truth that there are extortion syndicates operating at Naia who bilk thousands of pesos from hapless victims, who are so afraid that they would agree to pay off just so they get on board the plane.

Trust the Filipino though to still find humor in the situation, with the OFWs posting photos of their bags and luggage mummified with saran wrap and packaging tape to make them “bullet proof.” Some even showed themselves with fake bandoliers and huge bullets, along with a message for the airport security personnel not to bother looking for bullets to plant because the OFWs already have them right on display.

Typically, some Malacañang appointees were indignant at the impression that corruption still exists among government people, insisting that the reports were “blown out of proportion.” (Blame the media, will you?) That’s such a typical kneejerk reaction and people are no longer surprised to hear it from the likes of Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya who has been christened with such unflattering names as Boy Pabaya and Jun Abala (as in annoying disturbance). Even Palace mouthpiece Abigail Valte does not want to comment about Abaya’s statement – and that’s saying a lot.

Hitachi keen on Mega Manila Subway project If there’s one bullet that the Philippines should be trying to “plant,” it should be the Shinkansen bullet trains built by Japanese conglomerate Hitachi Ltd. Instead of destroying lives and taking away livelihood opportunities, having Shinkansen bullets will drive the economy as it will speed up the transport of goods and people.

Unfortunately, we only have the unreliable, decrepit MRT trains that under the term of this administration have deteriorated, with many of the 70-plus units they “inherited” from the Arroyo government now inoperable.

But it will probably take the next century before ordinary Filipinos will get to experience a ride in these bullet trains, what with transport infrastructure spending still very low, with projects put on hold because of legal problems and issues—all of which could become big turn-offs for serious investors.

Fortunately, Hitachi is reportedly eyeing a possible opportunity to invest in railway projects in the Philippines. This is in relation to the recent proclamation of the Philippine government that initial steps have been taken with Japan to establish improvements for Metro Manila transport and infrastructure which includes a possible implementation of the Mega Manila Subway. Following the PH statement, Hitachi Ltd. chairman and chief executive Hiroaki Nakanishi said during a press briefing at the recently held Hitachi Social Innovation Forum in Tokyo, Japan, that there have been discussions on this opportunity.

“We have already started discussions on thinking about making feasibility studies. In the case of the railway systems, Hitachi has a very big advantage to give all of the facilities not just in terms of locomotive vendor, but we also have signal, electric supply and also train management systems so we can cover the whole project. The next step is to know what’s feasible for this project,” Nakanishi said.

Nakanishi also volunteered that apart from transportation projects, the Philippine power grid is an area of interest for Hitachi. “I’m very much interested about the future grid of the Philippines. Philippines has a very specific structure and there are so many islands in the area. We would like to discuss the future grid of the country. The rapid economic growth requires infrastructures. It’s a very important area,” he stated.

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Cheers!

MABALACAT CITY—The government and Manila North Tollways Corp. expect to earn P275 billion over the next 28 years from the operations of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

Manila North Tollways Corp. on Thursday assumed the operations and management of the 94-kilometer toll road, after state-run Bases Conversion Development Authority turned over the project during simple rites in Barangay Dolores here, after six years of negotiations.

Ramoncito Fernandez, president of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the parent firm of MNTC, said his company was “very happy” with MNTC’s takeover of the SCTEX concession.

“The concession further solidifies Metro Pacific’s leadership in the Philippine toll road industry

and MPTC will continue to innovate and pursue technologies to ensure efficient delivery of our mission,” Fernandez said.

MPTC is the largest toll road operator in the country, operating 60 percent of the country’s 320 kilometers of toll roads. It also operates the North Luzon Expressway and Manila Cavite Expressway.

MNTC handed a P3.2-billion check as upfront payment to BCDA, a condition provided under the SCTEx business agreement.

The management takeover would pave way for the toll inte-

gration collection of the North Luzon Expressway and SCTEx. “By December next month, a partial integration of the toll collection system will be implemented and the full integration will be made before the Holy Week next year,” said MNTC president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco.

Under the agreement, MNTC will be the concessionaire of the SCTEx for the next 28 years.

President Aquino approved the supplemental toll operations agreement among BCDA, MNTC and the Toll Regulatory Board on Oct. 16, formally granting MNTC the concession to manage, operate and maintain the 94-kilometer toll road.

BCDA president and chief executive Paciano Casanova said the agreement marked the beginning of a long standing public-private partnership between BCDA and MNTC to provide world-class service to its motorists.

New cranes.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. takes delivery of four new rubber tired gantry cranes for its flagship Manila International Container Terminal. The RTGs are part of ICTSI’s large port equipment order from Cargotec’s Kalmar. They also form part of the MICT’s port equipment upgrading to complement and sustain the multi-million-dollar infrastructure development project at the terminal, which includes the expansion of the container yard.

Shown are the new RTGs at the MICT’s newly built Yard 7.

IN BRIEF Budget deficit hits P22b THE government incurred a budget deficit of P22.1 billion in September, as the 17-percent growth in expenditures outpaced the 6-percent rise in revenues during the month.

Data from the Finance Department showed the budget deficit in September was four times than the P5.2-billion deficit recorded a year ago, but was 31 percent short of the government’s deficit target of P32.3 billion for the month.

The September deficit brought the total budget deficit in the first nine months to P25.5 billion, or 18 percent lower than P31.1-billion shortfall recorded a year earlier and 89 percent short of the P229.5-billion deficit target for the period.

Government revenues in September grew 6 percent to P164.1 billion while public spending increased 17 percent to P186.2 billion.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said spending in the fourth quarter was expected to pick up. “It’s Christmas, there’s greater urgency to get projects done. Secondly, elections is upcoming, so there’s greater pressure to finish [infrastructure projects]. We’ve also dealt with many of the bottlenecks, both implementation and policy bottlenecks. So those three things combined will further boost spending in the last quarter,” Abad said. Gabrielle H. Binaday

GMA closes doors to investors GMA Network Inc. said Thursday it would take a break from entertain-

ing possible investors after the two failed negotiations with businessmen Ramon Ang and Manuel Pangilinan, who both expressed interest to acquire a minority stake in the broadcast network. “ I think at this point it would be better to the shareholders to focus first on the growing business of the company. That means, we will no be entertaining any offers,” GMA Network chairman and chief executive Felipe Gozon told reporters in a news briefing, without providing any additional details.

The Gozon, Jimenez and Duavit families own a combined 79 percent of the network, which airs on Channel 7 on free TV. Majority shareholders of the broadcaster earlier agreed to sell about 30 percent of the company to Ang, but the negotiation was scuttled after more than one year of talks.

Talks with the group of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. also did not push through due to price and regulatory issues.

The network’s net income reached P1.804 billion in the January to September period, up by almost 80 percent over the the same period last year.

GMA Network’s revenues stood at P10.31 billion in the first nine months of the year, or 16 percent higher that in 2014.

“Our company is in a strong financial position as we continue to dominate the nationwide ratings. We expect to sustain this growth and eventually finish the year on a solid note in terms of our revenues and ratings,” Gozon said. Darwin G. Amojelar

PNB’s profit increases 27% PHILIPPINE National Bank said Thursday net income grew 27 percent in the first nine months from a year ago, despite weak trading and foreign

exchange gains.

The bank said net income as of end-September hit P4.7 billion, up from 3.7 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Operating income also increased 5 percent to P20 billion, amid substantial gains from sales of assets and net service fees.

Net interest income, which accounted for 66 percent of total operating income, rose 5 percent from the year-ago level that included one-time gains from the redemption of non-performing assets.

The bank said loans grew 13 percent year-on-year to P329 billion. It said as of end-September, total assets reached P653.5 billion.

Asset quality steadily improved as the non-performing loan ratios declined further to 0.30 percent (net of valuation reserves) and 2.99 percent (at gross) from 1.0 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively, a year ago. Gabrielle H. Binaday

DM Wenceslao’s IPO cleared THE Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday approved the

P21-billion maiden share sale of property developer DM Wenceslao & Associates Inc. in what could be this year’s largest initial public offering.

DM Wenceslao, based on the prospectus filed with the SEC, plans to sell up to 493.54 million shares at P44 apiece this month. Of the total offer shares, 429 million are primary common shares.

DM Wenceslao’s selling shareholder Wendel Holdings Inc. granted the underwriters an option to sell another 64.375 million secondary shares to cover overallotment.

The company tapped BPI Capital Corp., CLSA Limited., Deutsche Bank AG and Maybank ATR Kim Eng Securities Pte. as the joint global coordinators and book runners for the IPO. DM Wenceslao said it planned to use the proceeds from the IPO to fund the development of its pipeline projects, purchase land assets and develop infrastructure at Aseana complex in Parañaque City.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Schneider leads in data center

SCHNEIDER Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation, was cited by Gartner Inc. for the second straight year as a leader in the Magic Quadrant for Data Center Infrastructure Management Tools1 for its StruxureWare for Data Centers software suite.

Schneider Electric said the recognition underscored its ability to deliver a fully integrated solution from the critical facility into the IT room, providing the visibility, control and automation customers require to enable energy and operational expenditure savings, while improving their business performance.

“Businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on digital information, transforming data centers from cost centers into drivers of business. Connecting DCIM with IT Service Management provides a complete view of the data center, and forms the basis of the software-defined data center,” said Soeren Brogaard Jensen, vice president for Global Data Center Software and Managed Services of Schneider Electric.

“We believe being designated as a leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for DCIM supports our ability to help data center managers make informed decisions based on knowledge gained from a broad analytics platform, particularly because the solution is segmented to suit distinct industries,” Jensen said.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK F R I D AY : N O V E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

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cEsAR BARRIOquINtO EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

world

No more space to bury dead MYTILENE, Greece— Since the start of the summer, the Greek island of Lesbos has assumed notoriety as the main gateway into Europe for thousands of desperate refugees.

New book. Actress Drew Barrymore poses with her new book “Wildflower” during a book signing at Barnes & Noble at The Grove on November 4, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Asian collector snaps up $43-m Modigliani painting NEW YORK—An Asian collector splurged nearly $43 million on an Amadeo Modigliani painting in New York, scooping the top prize in an otherwise lackluster evening sale at Sotheby’s that kicked off the autumn auction season.

The auction house sold $377 million worth of art amassed by self-made American billionaire Alfred Taubman, a former Sotheby’s chairman who did jail time for price fixing in 2002.

The two-and-a-half-hour auction saw strong bidding from America and Europe as well, but Asia’s acquisition of the Mod-

igliani portrait underscores increasing purchasing power in the region.

The painting, one of Modigliani’s last and dated 1919, went for $42.81 million—far above presale estimates in excess of $25 million.

“Paulette Jourdain” depicts the maid and later lover of his art dealer, Leopold Zborowski. It came to the auction block for the first time and attracted bidding from five buyers, Sotheby’s said.

Sotheby’s identified the buyer as a private Asian collector.

The second highest lot was a

1976 landscape by Dutch-American abstract expressionist Willem de Kooning, “Untitled XXI,” which sold for $24.89 million, scraping its lowest pre-sale estimate of $25 million.

A Pablo Picasso portrait of his lover Dora Maar, once owned by murdered Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace, sold slightly under budget at $20 million.

Sotheby’s had valued the oil painting, “Femme assise sur une chaise,” at $25 million to $35 million before Wednesday’s auction.

Two other top lots did not sell after failing to attract minimum

bids—”Femme Nue” by Edgar Degas and “Disappearance I” by American painter Jasper Johns, which were both valued at $15-20 million.

Simon Shaw, co-head of Sotheby’s impressionist and modern art, said he was “surprised” the Degas had not sold and expected there would now be a lot of competition to snap it up.

“That was one of the real jewels of this collection. No question that’s the best Degas pastel that has been on the market in quite a significant time,” he told reporters.

AFP

But as the lives lost in the risky Aegean Sea crossing relentlessly rise, the island has a new challenge -- finding space to bury the dead.

Nearly 500 people have died trying to cross the Aegean Sea from neighboring Turkey this year, many of them in the narrow but treacherous stretch separating Lesbos from Turkey.

At least 80 drowned last month, many of them children.

The bodies of another five people including a woman and two children were recovered early on Wednesday, the Greek coastguard said.

Local municipal and church authorities this week declared that the island’s cemetery was full, leaving them no option but to store dozens of bodies in a refrigerated container.

“We hope that the authorities will be able to find a solution quickly,” said Effi Latsoudi, member of a local migrant support group.

The local bishop this week said efforts to create a new burial ground could take years.

“It could take 2-3 years” to release a property near the island hospital suitable for this purpose, Bishop Iakovos told Mega Channel.

Lesbos Mayor Spyros Galinos said he would take up the issue with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras when he visits the island on Thursday.

“We have a problem with the morgue and the cemetery but it is in the process of being resolved,” the mayor said.

Tsipras on Wednesday said he was “ashamed” to be part of a European leadership that had failed to stop the sinkings, which now occur nearly every day. AFP

US: Nepal at risk of humanitarian crisis KATHMANDU—The United States warned Thursday of a looming “humanitarian crisis” in quake-hit Nepal which is facing crippling shortages of vital supplies as protesters block a key checkpoint bordering India.

Scores of trucks have been stranded at a crossing in the southern town of Birgunj for nearly six weeks, cutting off supplies and forcing fuel rationing across the landlocked Himalayan nation.

In a crackdown that dashed hopes of a compromise between the government and demonstrators, Nepali security forces on Monday broke up the blockade for

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

a few hours, sparking violent protests and leading to the death of an Indian man in police firing.

In a statement, the US embassy in Kathmandu said it was “deeply concerned by the increasingly volatile situation along the Nepal-India border, resulting in critical shortages of fuel, medicine, and foodstuffs”.

“Lives are at stake, and we are concerned that a humanitarian crisis may result.”

The blockade that began on September 24 has forced international aid organizations to halt relief operations for tens of thousands of quake victims just weeks before winter.

The protesters, from Nepal’s

Madhesi ethnic minority, want lawmakers to change the country’s new constitution which they say will leave them politically marginalized and under-represented in parliament.

In the embassy statement, the US urged all parties to return to the negotiating table, joining Nepal’s regional ally India in calling for talks to resolve the crisis.

The constitution, the first drawn up by elected representatives, was meant to cement peace and bolster Nepal’s transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability and a 10-year Maoist insurgency. AFP

Pre-launch. Kaia Jordan Gerber, left, and model Cindy Crawford

attend the Balmain x H&M Los Angeles VIP Pre-Launch on November 4, 2015, in West Hollywood, California. AFP

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F R I D AY : N O V E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Beijing using talks as decoy’ BEIJING—Beijing is casting itself as the peacemaker in this weekend’s historic summit with Taiwan, but experts say it is at least partly aiming to draw attention away from its aggressive expansionism in the South China Sea. Cross-strait relations have improved dramatically since Ma Ying-jeou’s election as Taiwanese president in 2008, with the launch of direct flights, trade deals and a tourism boom that have smoothed ties between the once bitter rivals.

But as it has pursued reconciliation with Taipei, Beijing has adopted a more aggressive posture towards its other maritime neighbors, heightening tensions over the territorial disputes with everyone from historical enemy Japan to its fellow Communist country Vietnam.

Chinese state media on Thursday hailed this weekend’s meeting between President Xi Jinping and Ma as a momentous step, the most important since 1974, when Mao Zedong met US President Richard Nixon in Beijing.

“Applause will be heard globally for the victory of peace and rationality,” said the Global Times, a newspaper with close ties to the Communist party, in a rhapsodic editorial.

The “historic, milestone” meeting is “only about securing peace and affirming mutual goodwill”, the government-published China Daily newspaper said.

But the rhetoric belies accusations that Xi is attempting to militarize China’s periphery.

Tensions have run high in recent months over Beijing’s construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea, a critical region whose sea lanes host one third of the world’s petroleum traffic, with the US saying they potentially threaten freedom of navigation.

The summit may be intended “to divert international attention away from the South China Sea tension and show the peace-loving side of China to the world,” said Titus Chen of the Institute of China and Asia-Pacific Studies at Taiwan’s National Sun Yatsen University.

It is meant “to show the world—maritime neighbors and [the] US in particular—that Xi is still in control, and can be pro-active amid the regional security concerns”, he told AFP. Taiwan split from the mainland when the Nationalists fled there in 1949, defeated by Mao’s Communist forces in China’s civil war.

Decades of hostility followed as the selfruled island forged its own identity and developed into a democracy, while Beijing insisted it was still part of its territory, to be reunited by force if necessary.

With this latest peace gesture “Beijing is trying to reassure the region that it is dedicated to stability and willing to sit down and talk”, said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based

academic with the University of Nottingham’s China Policy Institute.

And to do so “even with a Taiwanese leader whom it has been unwilling to meet over the [last] seven years.”

But if that is Xi’s intention, the plan could backfire, according to political analyst Willy Lam of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

By suggesting he is ready to extend an olive branch, “Xi Jinping also risks raising the bar of expectations”, he said.

Beijing has long threatened to use overwhelming force to prevent any bid for formal independence by Taipei, which exists under the aegis of US military power.

It has prepared to make good on its threats with regular, ostentatious military exercises and an estimated 1,600 missiles aimed at the “renegade province”.

In July, state broadcaster China Central Television showed footage of a military exercise that seemed to involve mainland troops training to storm the presidential palace in Taipei. AFP

PORT MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF AGUSAN Port Area, San Francisco Street, Butuan City 8600, PHILIPPINES Tel. No. (+6385) 342-5352,342-6451, 815-3449; Fax No. (+6385) 815-4434; Email: pmo_nasipit@yahoo.com

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE: IMPROVEMENT OF POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM AT NASIPIT PORT The Philippine Ports Authority – PMO AGUSAN, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2015, intends to apply the sum of P13,923,268.62 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the IMPROVEMENT OF POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM AT NASIPIT PORT, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the bid opening.

Required PCAB Registration: SMALL B – “Port, Harbor or Offshore Engineering” The Philippine Ports Authority, PMO-Agusan now invites bids for the following Scope of Works: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

SERVICE LINE AND METERING SYSTEM TRANSFORMER SYSTEM REHABILITATION OF POWER HOUSE RENOVATION OF OLD GUARD HOUSE AND CONVERSION INTO CONTROL/CB ROOM HOUSE GENERATING SYSTEM (STANDBY) REEFER BAY FACILITY

Completion of the Works is required in ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) CALENDAR DAYS. Bidders should have completed, within the last three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a single contract similar and with the same major categories of work to the Project to be bid having a value of at least 50% of the approved budget for the contract to be bid, updated to current prices using the NSO price indices and supported with corresponding certificate of completion/acceptance from project owner/agency.

The Minimum Equipment Requirement (Owned/Leased) for this project are: 1. Bar bender 2. Bar cutter 3. Concrete cutter 4. Concrete mixer (1 bagger) 5. Concrete vibrator (3.5 HP) 6. Electric drill 7. Electric grinder 8. Welding Machine (300A electric driven) Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/ fail criterion as specified in the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (R.A. 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships or organizations with at least 75% interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders are required to submit to the BAC Secretariat of PPA, PMO Agusan machine and original copies of the following documents for authentication before the issuance of Bid Documents: a) Letter of Intent; b) PCAB License; c) Contractor’s Registration Certificate; d) Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) Order Form (Document Request List); e) CY 2014 CPES Rating; f) CY 2014 Income Tax Return (ITR) with Payment Slip thru the BIR Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS), and g) Certification of non-inclusion in the Consolidated Blacklisting Report issued by the GPPB. A complete set of Bidding Documents will be available to interested Bidders from the address below upon payment of a non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (P25,000.00), exclusive of VAT. Only the duly Authorized Representatives are allowed to purchase the Bidding Documents.

This Office is not electronically-ready to handle documents, thus submission of bids/proposals electronically is not allowed.

The schedule of procurement activities is as follows: Procurement Activities

Schedule Time

Period of Availability/ Issuance of Bidding Documents

9:00 AM -5:00 PM

Date

Venue

Nov. 4, 2015 – Nov. 26, 2015

PPA, PMO Agusan Admin Building, Port Area, Butuan City

Pre-Bid Conference

9:00 AM

November 12, 2015

PPA, PMO Agusan Admin Building, Port Area, Butuan City

Deadline of Submission and Receipt of Bids

8:30 AM

November 26, 2015

PPA, PMO Agusan Admin Building, Port Area, Butuan City

Opening & Examination of Bids

9:00 AM

November 26, 2015

PPA, PMO Agusan Admin Building, Port Area, Butuan City

The Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office of Agusan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November 12, 2015 @ 9:00 o’clock in the morning at the PPA, PMO Agusan Administration Bldg., Port Area, San Francisco Street, Butuan City, which shall be open only to all interested bidders who have purchased the Bidding Documents Bidders must submit their bids on the date, time and place specified in the above schedule. Late bid/s will not be accepted. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the forms and corresponding amount stated in the Bidding Documents. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below.

The Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office of Agusan 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. Similarly, the PPA Port Management Office of Agusan assumes no obligation, whatsoever, to compensate or indemnify any bidder of any expenses or loss that said bidder(s) may incur in its participation in the pre-bidding and bidding process nor does it guarantee that an award will be made.

For further information, please refer to: MS. ELEANOR M. DE LA VICTORIA Records Officer A/Acting HRMO III Head, BAC Secretariat-Engineering Projects PPA, PMO-Agusan Port Area, San Francisco Street, Butuan City 8600 Tel. Nos. (085) 342-6451/342-5352 Fax No. (085) 815-4434 Email Address: pmo_nasipit@yahoo.com (SGD) JUANCHO I. TALILI Executive Assistant A/ Acting Manager, Port Services Division BAC Chairperson, Engineering Projects (TS-NOV. 6, 2015)

Onstage. Tae Dye and Maddie Marlow of Maddie & Tae perform onstage at the 49th annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 4, 2015, in Nashville, Tennessee. AFP

Bomb may have downed Russian jet LONDON—The United States and Britain believe a bomb may have downed a Russian tourist plane in Egypt, as London called an emergency cabinet meeting Thursday on how to start repatriating thousands of its holidaymakers.

Britain and Ireland have temporarily suspended flights to and from the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where the plane took off from on Saturday bound for Saint Petersburg before crashing minutes later, killing all 224 people on board.

The Islamic State (ISIL) jihadist group claims it caused the disaster.

“A bomb is a highly possible scenario,” a US official told AFP. “It would be something that ISIL would want to do.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron’s office said: “We have become concerned that the plane may well have been brought down by an explosive device”.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was set to hold talks with Cameron in London on Thursday, during his first visit to Britain since he led the army’s overthrow of his predecessor Mohamed Morsi.

Cameron was also to head a meeting of Britain’s emergencies committee on Thursday.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said Britain was planning emergency measures to repatriate holidaymakers from Sharm el-Sheikh.

He said Britain, airlines and the Egyptian authorities were “putting in place short-term emergency measures that will allow us to screen everything going onto those planes, doublecheck those planes so we can be confident that they can fly back safely to the UK”.

Flights should resume from Friday, he said.

There are an estimated 20,000 Britons currently in the resort.

In Russia, authorities are expected to bury the first victim of the crash—the country’s deadliest air disaster.

Moscow and Cairo both dismissed Islamic State’s initial claim it brought down the Airbus A-321 in Egypt’s restive Sinai Peninsula, but IS on Wednesday again insisted they were responsible and promised to reveal how.

If confirmed, it would be the first time the militant group, which controls vast tracts of Syria and Iraq, has bombed a passenger plane.

The commander of the Russian air force Viktor Bondarev said Moscow sent anti-aircraft missile systems to Syria to back up its air campaign in order to counter “every possible threat”.

“Let’s imagine a military plane is hijacked and taken to a neighboring country and air strikes are aimed at us. And we have to be ready for this,” he told the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper. AFP

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MOTORING

RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

B7

Ford

introduces 1500cc

Ecoboost

Focus

Kay Hart, Ford Group Philippines president (right), with marketing executives Joseph Ayllon and Isa Suarez,takes the wraps off the new Ford Focus with Ecoboost technology.

Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III

FORD’S most popular hatchback, also the brand’s best-selling nameplate, has undergone a makeover and it seems spot on with a new level of refinement and a dynamic set of innovative technologies to give its competitors a run for their money.

Held at the Megatent in Libis, Quezon City, Ford invited motoring journalists for an up close and personal experience with the new Ford Focus. The 2016 version has a sleeker and bolder exterior and sits low to the ground. It has a wider stance that emphasizes the width of the car and a new front fascia that sweeps elegantly towards the signature trapezoidal grille giving the Focus a more muscular presence on the road. Slim, chiseled front headlamps link the aggressive front end to the clean, flowing lines of its sides, which kick up at the rear window. More rectangular, elongated fog-lamps add to the bolder front end. The rear of the

FAST FASTLANE

car has a sleek new fascia and tailgate arrangement, as well as thinner tail lamps, and a sculpted rear spoiler to enhance aerodynamics.

“The new Ford Focus has been created with our customers and their needs in mind,” said Kay Hart, managing director, Ford Philippines. “The sophisticated, energized and progressive new Focus is loaded with the smartest and safest technologies in its segment, making it absolutely more efficient and cleverly designed, all within a more refined package.”

Organizers of the event prepared a test track for the journalist to feel the acceleration and handling qualities of the new Focus. With vet-

eran race car driver George Ramirez leading the pack of lead footed journalists, participants were able to maximize the Focus at the specially designed track. “This is a safer way for you guys to experience the advanced technology of the Focus,” says Ramirez. Honestly, if it the guys at Ford did not bother to inform us about what’s lurking under the hood, this writer would not know that a 1500cc Ecoboost mill was pulling us aggressively around the track. We were surprised to find out later on that it was not a 2.0 liter turbo.” The engine uses the core EcoBoost technologies of turbocharging, high-pressure direct fuelinjection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing to ensure optimum performance. A new aluminum engine block helps to reduce weight, which improves performance and efficiency, adds Hart.

The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is paired to a new modern, lightweight and efficient six-speed automatic transmission, delivering refinement together with excellent

Petron engine oils get product approvals

OIL industry leader Petron Corporation has received important product approvals for its engine oils from the American Petroleum Institute and various original equipment manufacturers.

Petron Rev-X Premium Multi-grade engine oil is designed to surpass the demanding performance requirements of modern diesel engines including off-road vehicles, and can also be used for engines with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) as well as turbo-charged and supercharged diesel engines. In recognition of its world-class quality, it recently received the following certifications: API CI-4/SL Certification. The American Petroleum Institute – Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (APIEOLCS) has granted permission for the use of the API Service Certification mark for Petron Rev-X Premium Multi-grade engine oil. This certifies that the product meets the stringent requirements of API

CI-4/SL for modern, high-speed diesel engines, including off-road vehicles.

MTU Category 2 Approval. MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH, the world’s leading manufacturer of large diesel engines, has granted Category 2 approval for Petron Rev-X Premium Multi-grade engine oil, which is valid for use in all MTU engines (except Series 8000), as well as DDC engine series 2000/4000.

Volvo VDS 3 Approval. This qualifies Petron Rev-X Multi-grade engine oil as suitable for the most severe operating conditions and required specifications of Volvo diesel engines, including D12D and D9A Volvo truck engines.

Mack EO-N Approval. Petron Rev-X Multi-grade engine oil also has approval for Mack’s truck engines requiring Mack EO-N quality level.

Renault VI RLD-2 Approval. Petron Rev-X Multi-grade engine oil is also approved for Renault truck engines requiring Renault VI RLD-2 quality level.

performance and fuel economy.

Paddle shift controls enable drivers to change gears without taking their hands from the steering wheel for an enhanced feeling of performance.

Smart Technology The new Focus also features a host of cutting-edge technology to help drivers stay connected and in control. “The new Focus is one of our smartest cars ever. We wanted to ensure that our customers experience ease, comfort and advantages in usability that these technologies bring,” explains Hart.

The new Focus is available with Enhanced Active Park Assist, which builds upon Ford’s popular Parallel Park Assist with the addition of Perpendicular Park Assist. Once activated, the system scans for available parking spaces alongside other cars. When it finds one, the system takes control of the car’s steering to guide the vehicle into the space while the driver controls the shifting, braking and acceleration.

Perpendicular Park Assist uses two new ultrasonic sensors on the rear of the car, which also enables Park-Out Assist. Park-Out Assist takes the stress out of exiting a parallel parking space by taking control of the steering while the driver operates the brake and accelerator.

In urban driving up to 50 km/h, an improved Active City Stop system can help to mitigate low-speed collisions. Using a windshield-mounted sensor to detect braking, slower-moving or stationary vehicles in front, the system pre-charges the brakes if the car is approaching a vehicle in front too quickly. If the driver fails to take action, the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of a collision.

Prices range from P1,088.000 for the entry level 1.5L Focus GTDi Titanium AT to P1.278M for the high end 1.5L Ecoboost Sport AT. The new Focus Ecoboost hits Ford dealers nationwide this month.

Fontana presents Motorama 2015 FONTANA Hot Spring and Leisure Parks hopes to end the year with a bang as it plays host to Motorama 2015. A popular destination situated at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, Fontana is set to stage an autoshow dubbed as the Fontana Clark Auto-Motorama 2015. To be held at the Whole Convention Center on November 13 to 15, the show’s theme is “Drive more to reach more”. It’s more than just an auto show as it will also feature other exciting activities that will surely catch the fancy of auto enthusiasts and the general public such as the Car Awards Group Inc.’s (CAGI) Car and Truck of the Year Awards.

Other exciting events include Golf Invitational Cup, Formal Auto Show Pool Party, the Grand Finals of the Fontana Dance Showdown, as well as disc jockey and live entertainment, social media challenge for the best photo, sexy models and the JSK Auto Fun Run, which will attempt to set a new world record while promoting camaraderie among car clubs to contribute to Reach Out World Wide Foundation.

The group drive will take off from the Trinoma Mall parking area in Quezon City, cruise along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), and converge at Fontana.

“For several years now, we have always been a great advocate of Reach Out World

Wide Foundation—the same beneficiary supported by the late action star Paul Walker, who starred in the immensely popular Fast and Furious movie series,” said Fontana chief executive officer Manuel Sequeira during a recent press briefing held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

Together with its partners, namely, Clark Development Corp., San Miguel Corp., PLDT Smart Telecommunications, and co-organizers San Miguel Brewery, San Miguel Purefoods, Ginebra San Miguel, Petron, Clark International Speedway, Car Awards Group Inc. and JSK Custom Paints and Autoworks, the Auto-Motorama aims to have 1,500 cars drive along the route from Manila to Clark to promote road safety. Dino Ray V. Directo III

Fontana executives discuss the Motorama 2015 during a press briefing held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

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RAMON L. TOMELDAN EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

MOTORING

Nissan’s 2020 Vision Concept offers a sneak preview of how the next generation GTR will look like.

EYE CANDIES AT THE TOKYO MOTORSHOW

Text and photos

by Dino Ray V. Directo III

T

o say that the cars are the stars at the 44th staging of the Tokyo Motor Show is an understatement.

Apart from giving us a glimpse into the future of mobility, the 2015 TMS has enough eye candies that make car enthusiasts soil their pants in excitement.

Honda Cars Philippines Inc President Toshio Kuwara presents the new Civic Type R. transmission, the Civic Type R embodies the company’s “Soul-shaking Superior Drive” concept. Prior to its launch, the Type R was tested on the North course of the famed Nurburgring circuit in Germany and has set a new world record of seven minutes and 50 seconds lap time, the fastest for any FF production vehicle.

Subaru fans find the next generation Impreza concept car highly impressive.

Held at the massive Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, this year’s highly anticipated launch during the show was that of the new Honda NSX, new Civic Type R, and the Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV). The all-new Civic Type R is expected to hit showrooms across Japan beginning December. Powered by Honda’s newly developed 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine and matted to a six-speed manual

Powerhouse Toyota showcases its subcompact S-FR sports car and the new Prius Hybrid sedan.

Like Honda, powerhouse Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled several concept vehicles including the FCV Plus, a hydrogen powered car with unconventional looks. Toyota also unveiled the S-FR Sports car and the KIKAI, a fusion of retro and futuristic designs.

Nissan on the other hand displayed 2020 Vision Gran Turismo, which gave fans of the mighty GTR a glimpse of how Nissan’s supercar will look like in the near future. Other big launch events which made a buzz were the introduction of the new BMW M4 GTS Sports Coupe, Subaru with their Impreza five-door concept, the beefed up S207 Impreza STi and the 17-car display of Volkswagen which had its Polo R WRC on display.

The Tokyo Motor Show will run until this weekend.

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

ST Y L E & BE AU T Y

LIFE Rajo Laurel with the face of his collection, Monika Sta Maria.

Avon Fashions and Home category head Patricia Rodriguez expresses excitement for the Rajo+Avon collection

Laurel Necklace

Avon Philippines director of communications Faith Fernandez-Mondejar, Rajo Laurel and Avon Fashions and Home category head Patricia Rodriguez

Floral Pop Sling Bag and Wallet

AFFORDABLE FASHION

BY RAJO LAUREL

BY BERNADETTE LUNAS

“I Laurel Bangle

Laurel Earrings

Regalia Bangle Watch Laurel Jewelry - Ring

Floral Pop Tank and Shorts

Floral Pop Bra and Panty

believe that fashion should really be enjoyed by everybody,” declares famous Filipino designer Rajo Laurel.

In his latest collaboration with direct-selling company Avon Philippines, Laurel is able to fulfill his ambition to bring fashion to everyone, regardless of class. “I’ve never believed that style is classist – as if only the rich have the right to be stylish when in truth, we all have the right to be stylish,” he reiterates.

From creating apparel in limited pieces for his boutique fashion house, House of Laurel, the 44-year-old designer known for his fresh and artful designs tracks the opposite path by offering bags, wallets, accessories, lounge wear and lingerie that more people can get hold of and cost less than P1,000.

Laurel shares his design aesthetic and philosophy to more people through the RAJO+AVON collection that is divided into two sub-collections: Regalia and Floral Pop. Classic and sophisticated, the Regalia collection is composed of Bangle Watch, CZ Choker Necklace, Three-pair CZ Earrings Gift Set, Underwire Push-up Dream Bra, Tri-textured Tote Bag and Tri-textured Wallet in rich jewel tones of sapphire, emerald and ruby.

According to Laurel, the conceptualization of the collection started a year ago, and since the items were scheduled to be released in November, the color palette he chose was geared towards the holidays. “It’s called Regalia so I thought that by integrating jewelry, you’ll never go wrong.”

Meanwhile, nature meets art in Floral Pop collection that consists of Bag Set, Tank and Shorts, Underwire Full Cup Bra, 5-in-1 Panty Pack, Laurel Earrings and Necklace Gift Set, Laurel Bangle and Laurel Ring, all of which feature Laurel’s signature prints and motif – the laurel leaf.

“For the Floral Pop collection, I want something light, sassy and a little bit more refreshing. I also wanted something very personal so I designed the print exclusively for Avon,” explains Laurel. He adds that the print was a result of his doodling, “I

Regalia Tri-textured Bag

Regalia Underwire Push-up Dream Bra

asked them (Avon) if they could make it and fortunately they were able to do it.”

‘BESPOKE RELATIONSHIP’

In true personalized fashion, Avon Philippines made sure that they’re not only embedding a name on a product, as each piece has a “touch of Rajo Laurel.” For instance, the Regalia Bangle Watch features Laurel’s penmanship on the markers and his signature on the 12th marker.

Further, all the items come with a note saying, “Especially designed for you.” In Regalia Tri-textured Bag and Wallet, the special message is imprinted. “The personal touch is there, so when you receive this, there’s already a bespoke relationship that’s happening,” enthuses Laurel.

Apart from the personal touch each product possesses, Laurel is confident that the collection “would really sell well” because of “the price point and quality.” In fact, he insists that despite the products’ affordability, they are made well to last.

While some look at accessibility as a diminishing factor to a brand, Laurel is positive that putting his name on pieces that many can experience only makes his label more relevant.

“You’re not relevant if you’re only designing for 50 people. The relevance of your design is when you’re able to touch millions of lives,” he asserts.

Avon Fashions and Home head Patricia de Leon-Rodriguez is likewise excited that

Laurel makes his fashion accessible to all.

“Avon’s collaboration with Rajo is a source of pride and joy because we know that the result of this partnership will enable more Filipinas everywhere to experience fashion as we place this within their reach.”

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Prior to this partnership, Laurel has been collaborating with other companies and brands, ranging from bookstores, shoe labels to social enterprises. And for him, the experience has always been educational. “[Each collaboration] keeps me on my toes. Because of these opportunities, I am able to educate myself more,” he says.

For this collaboration, Laurel tried his hand at making women’s undergarments for the first time.

“I’ve been wanting to create bras,” he reveals. “ And this [collaboration] allowed me to get out of my comfort zone.”

Laurel admits that creating bras was challenging (“because it’s something new for me”), but thanks to Avon’s years of experience in making bras, he learned that the science lies simply on the feel and support. “The number one thing I learned from this was what makes Avon Fashions Intimate Apparel really sell well.”

Avon’s limited edition Regalia and Floral Pop collections is now available through Avon representatives. Visit www.avon.com.ph for more details.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

HOMEGROWN JEWELRY BRAND SHINES IN ASEAN COMPETITION

A

ccessories company Kit Silver Jewelry has been regularly exhibiting at local trade shows in the Philippines, attracting clients here and abroad. But last September was extra special for the Bulacan-born brand as one of its designs won at the ASEAN Jewelry Competition 2015 in Bangkok and was showcased at the 56th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair.

Judges were impressed by “Serpent,” a wearable objet d’art by Filipino designer and entrepreneur Milagros “Mila” Imson.

The jewelry set, handcrafted from brass and embellished with carved lapis lazuli blooms, presents a remarkable, modernized display of delicate jewelry metalwork that is distinctive in its asymmetry and intricacy.

Aside from the opportunity to showcase her creation at the prestigious jewelry fair in Bangkok, Imson, owner of the Kit Silver Jewelry, was also presented with a trophy

Kit Silver Jewelry designs and manufactures gold, silver and brass accessories that are exported overseas

and a study visit to the prestigious jewelry firm John Hardy in Bali, Indonesia.

Organized by the ASEAN Intellectual Property Offices in collaboration with the European Union, the ASEAN Jewelry Design Competition is part of the ASEAN Project on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights conceived to motivate creativity, excellence and research in high-

Kit Silver Jewelry’s unveils vivid and luxurious collection at the 62nd Manila FAME

Milagros Imson founded Kit Silver in 1980 in Meycauyan, Bulacan

class, top-quality fashion jewelry. The creative competition also aims to uphold original, innovative design as a significant marketing instrument in the business community in the region.

Participants to the competition include jewelry designers, artists, professionals in the fashion industry, students and apprentices from ASEAN member-countries Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

From the hundreds of entries sent, five designs were selected as national finalists by the Philippine panel of judges comprised of jeweler Hans Brumman, fashion icon Lulu Tan-Gan, Design Center of the Philippines executive director Myrna Sunico, and Architect Daisy Palattao of De La Salle University – Dasmariñas’ Innovation and Technology Support Office.

From these five jewelry designs that qualified for the regional stage, Imson’s “Serpent” was named by the ASEAN regional judges – composed of experts in the jewelry, design, and fashion industry

from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Spain and Thailand – as the winning entry from the Philippines alongside the winners from other member-countries.

Since its birth in 1980, Kit Silver Jewelry has grown into a trusted name in the industry of jewelry design and manufacturing. Its gold, silver and brass accessories are exported to France, Italy, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

Despite its impressive and still growing list of stable clients abroad, Kit Silver Jewelry regularly exhibits at the bi-annual trade show Manila FAME to showcase new product designs, meet new buyers, open new and promising business networks and opportunities, and discover new design inspirations. In the recently concluded 62nd Manila FAME, Kit Silver Jewelry unveiled a vivid collection of fashion accessories that evoked a sense of luxury and grace.

The 62nd edition of Manila FAME featured fashion apparel and accessories, furniture, home decor and home furnishings, holiday gifts and décor, and lamps and lighting crafted by Philippine SMEs for global export.

VANITY BOX

A makeup range that enhances and nourishes

I

n this day and age when multi-tasking is considered as an indispensable skill, many consumers are drawn to products that promise to do two or more things at once. Celeteque Dermo, has

established itself as a skincare staple with its extensive and customized line of dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic products, hence it took the next step which is to offer a makeup line that fuses cosmetics and skincare.

The Celeteque DermoCosmetics is composed of eight products that provide anti-aging and skin nourishment.

Keep oily skin at bay with Celeteque DermoCosmetics Dual CC Matte Powder (P749).

The Dual CC Matte Powder is packed with collagen peptide, which maintains skin firmness and improves elasticity, and Tocopheryl Acetate, which promotes skin hydration. Clinical studies done on the product show a significant decrease in skin oiliness after

one to two weeks of usage and reduction of fine lines up to 42.87 percent when used for four weeks.

The 24-hour Photoready Foundation (P795) provides a smooth airbrush finish for 24 hours and makes skin more supple and radiant thanks to phytocelltec. The collagen peptide infused in the product is responsible for reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity through regular use.

Meanwhile, the Dark Spot Concealer Stick (P595) does not only hide skin imperfections but also efficiently reduces puffy eyebags within 15 days with the help of Cytobiol Lumin-eye.

Who doesn’t love strong lush eyebrows? With the label’s Eyebrow Nourishing Serum (P595), which has Biotinyl Tripeptide-1, Panthenol and Pro-vitamin B5, the brows grow healthier while the skin become softer and smoother. Make your lashes the talk of the town with the 24-hour Volumizer Mascara (P645), whose

acrylates copolymer promises fuller lashes for 24 hours.

The multi-tasking Cheek Color Stick (P645) moisturizes, highlights, brightens, conditions, and adds color to the cheeks, lips, and eyes thanks to the moisturizing properties of vitamin E and sweet almond oil. The long-wearing Matte Lip Stick (P595) provides easy coverage and a pop of color while providing hydration with the help of Vitamin E and Bisabolol essential oil. Address all contouring needs while nourishing the skin with Blush and Face Contour Kit (P845). The 3-in-1 kit is composed of easy to blend blush powder, cheek luminizer, and contour blush that are packed with mineral gems (diamond, tourmaline, and sapphire) and mica that exfoliate the skin and make it glow.

Céleteque DermoCosmetics is available in select Watsons Beauty Stores.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

Model Grace Elizabeth shown on location inside a Mexican villa in Todos Santos

Guess models Silviu Tolu and Bojana Krsmanovic

GUESS FALL 2015 CAMPAIGN: FLIRTATIOUS AND FREE SPIRITED

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lobal lifestyle brand Guess has come up with an exciting storyline for its Fall 2015 campaign shot in Mexico, with Guess girls infusing Latin flair into their ensembles as they take on playful poses – drawing the attention of Guess guys who feel an instant connection. The campaign features models Grace Elizabeth, Bojana Krsmanovic, Silviu Tolu and Math Trethe in arresting photos shot by fashion photographer Kayt Jones.

Two new revolutionary styles – the Push Up and Shaper – make their debut in this season’s women’s collection, with denims playing a prominent role. Several fashion forward non‐denim silhouettes are highlighted within the delivery including structured shift dresses, maxi cardigans, sweater ponchos with leather trimming and belted

@LIFEatStandard

Stylin’ it in muted hues, models present trendy ensembles arranged by Verniece Enciso

details as well as a vast array of cozy cable knit sweaters for Fall’s cooler temperatures.

At a recent launch event in Glorietta with Bb. PilipinasTourism 2013 winner and Guess influencer Cindy Miranda as host, models paraded in ensembles put together by bloggers Verniece Enciso, Arisse de Santos and David Guison. Denim fashion takes on a different level as jeans are paired with feminine florals in rich red hues and interesting print patterns. The color palette for the Fall collection is suffused with red lacquer and burnt orange with occasional hints of cobalt blue, teal and navy – all very trendy and edgy.

For more information, check out www.GUESS.com, or visit GUESS retail stores at top malls.

Arisse De Santos stops for a quick photo op with her model sporting a very autumninspired look

GUESS models flaunt styles put together by Arisse De Santos Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism 2013 winner and GUESS influencer Cindy Miranda hosted the event launch

GUESS female models show off their looks toting GUESS bags

Michel Stamati, chairman and CEO of Diversion Industries, Inc. and his son Michael

David Guison and his model show how to pull off denim-on-denim with flair

PMAP bares new officers, launches #IAMPMAP campaign

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he Professional Models Association of the Philippines, the only organization run by models themselves, recently inducted its new set of officers at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati.

Taking on the helm as president is Raphael Kiefer, with Girlie Benitez as vice president; Eva Abesamis, secretary; Ana Sideco, treasurer; Natasha Bautista, public relations officer; Paulette Quinto, disciplinary officer; Jarius Ferrer, special projects officer; and Hye Won Jang, junior board officer.

The new PMAP board. Standing from left: Aya Abesamis, Girlie Benitez, Rafael Kiefer and Paulette Quinto. Seated from left: Jairus Ferrer, Hye Won Jang, Natasha Bautista and Ana Sideco,

Established on February 11, 1987 by top caliber models, the PMAP aims to “uplift, protect and professionalize the modeling industry in the Philippines, and to develop and stabilize national and international awareness, participation, involvement and competition in the field of modeling.”

The group was formed in response to what they believed then were conditions in the fashion-modeling industry that needed to be professionalized, among them reasonable working hours and standardized compensation for model bookings. “As a union we are vocal with our rights. As an association, we have a vision of what we want to become in the future,” said one of the original members, Tina Maristela-Ocampo, who

co-founded the organization with co-models Ronnie Asuncion and Robert David.

The PMAP continues to serve as a key force in the development and upgrading of the local modeling industry, with the firm belief that as a united group, models can band and work together for their own protection and progress.

The new officers will build on a twoyear #IAMPMAP campaign to highlight the new generation of models who are smart, well-rounded individuals who can multi-task and are involved with various projects and advocacies – certainly more than just pretty faces. Kiefer for instance is an entrepreneur while Benitez is a jewelry designer. Abesamis, on the other hand, is an artist and pastry maker while Sideco is a financial advisor. Bautista describes herself as a business leader while Quinto is a baller, Ferrer is a socioagricultural entrepreneur and Jang is a Management Engineering graduate.

To know more about PMAP, log on to www.pmap.net.ph or follow Professional Models of the Philippines on Facebook.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

Beauty Neon event, inspired by Jem And The Holograms

POP-UP BEAUTY

BY JIGS MAYUGA

B

@LIFEatStandard

Participating beauty brands in Rustan’s Beauty Neon event

NEON LIGHTS

eauty fanatics, shopaholics, celebrities and personalities were recently spotted at Rustan’s Makati for the launch of the 3rd season of its loyalty card, Rustan’s Beauty Addict. The annual celebration entitled Beauty Neon, inspired

by Jem And The Holograms, was filled with the same energy, magic, fun, and fantasy associated with the iconic ‘80s TV series on which an upcoming film of the same title is also based.

Upon entering the front doors of the store, you are immediately transported to a world of color and brightness with an amazing photo wall of neon lights filled with all the beauty brands that Rustan’s carries and is known for. Everything from the counter makeup lights and mirrors, nail art, the music, fun games and the makeovers all mesh perfectly as the entire Rustan’s Beauty Source complex is transformed into one big ‘80s-themed party packed with color and character. The hallway leading to the atrium of Glorietta was also transformed into a black tunnel filled with neon lights. The setup was indeed magical and beautiful.

HSBC RED and Premier Cards in collaboration with beauty brands in Rustan’s – from Chanel, Clarins, La Prairie, Sisley, Nars, Diptyque, Annick Goutal, Estee Lauder, Clinique, and La Mer to Benefit, Bobbi Brown, Guerlain, Hermes, Murad, Perricone, Lancome, M.A.C, L’Occitane, and Acca Kappa added excitement and fun with

Rustan’s Beauty Addict Membership Card

The columnist getting some neon stripes for his photo souvenir

their own activities, prizes, and workshops.

I had the chance to participate in a lot of the games and I have to say they were actually quite fun. A lot of major brands were giving away cool prizes and goodies, which included bracelets that could be engraved at the end of the evening. Chanel gave away yummy sugar cookies shaped like lips and lipstick tubes. At Clarins, I played a game of “Name That Tune” to win travel sizes of their iconic skincare staples. I also got to play a memory game at Dermalogica and drew some face charts with eyeshadow sticks at Sisley. At the M.A.C. Cosmetics counter, I had some neon stripes painted on my face and had my photo taken and printed out as a souvenir.

And finally, I was able to receive a delicately calligraphed note at Murad that said, “Jigs, Invent the future today – Dr. Murad” which I thought was pretty cool.

To make the event truly a night to remember, guests were

treated to fabulous photographs shot by the extremely talented fashion photographer Shaira Luna in neon bright setups with various lighting effects a la Jem and the Holograms.

DJs, live performances and free flowing drinks from Belvedere were set to make the night truly “Outrageous!”

As with every #RustansBeautyAddict, this year’s “Beauty Neon” gives back.

For every photograph taken at the event uploaded by guests with the hashtag #RustansBeautyAddictGivesBack, P300 was donated by Rustan’s to its chosen charity this year, the Philippine Red Cross, to help with the recent calamities in the country. The season of giving is also about giving to those in need. Now is the perfect time to shop at Rustan’s for your Christmas gift ideas. Why not try the recently launched PERRICONE MD Cosmeceuticals line of “No Makeup Makeup” which is a favorite of stylist Alyanna Martinez? Or get the CLARINS MEN AntiAging Grooming Set for the man in your life.

Beauty Neon also re-launches Rustan’s new Beauty Addict Card, with a lot more

PERRICONE No Makeup Skincare Collection

CLARINS MEN Anti-Aging Grooming Set

Snap!

perks and privileges for cardholders. For every P200 purchase, a member earns a new point and may exchange it later to premium rewards by accessing Rustan’s The Beauty Source website. Membership is complimentary to any customer who has a minimum single receipt purchase of P2,500 at Cosmetics, Perfumery and Toiletries Division. Be among the first to experience limited edition signature brands or deluxe samples, exclusive invites to events and workshops, and receive latest updates on promotions, sales and new products. Discover what it takes to be a Beauty Addict!

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @jigsmayuga

F RIDAY : NOV EMBER 6, 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Tessie Tomas

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Dominic Roco

Dominic Roco, Tessie Tomas win acTing honoRs

Y

oung actor Dominic Roco was recently honored for his outstanding leading man performance in Prime Cruz’s Sleepless.

Roco earned him his first Best Actor award.

The film, an entry to the recently concluded QCinema International Film Festival, tracks the lives of two insomniacs who work in a call center. It won the NETPAC Jury Prize for Best Picture including a P250,000 grant. It was cited ‘for infecting the romantic comedy genre with slacker desperation and delivering a parallel

universe of open endings and a new spirit of non-attachment.’

Roco played one of the insomniacs.

Meanwhile, Water Lemon stars Tessie Tomas and Lou Veloso were named Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.

Lilit Reyes, who wrote two movies in the festival, accepted the award for Best Screenplay for this touching film directed by Lemuel Lorca. The story, set in the sleepy coastal town of Mauban, Quezon follows the story of an aging mother, her brilliant son with Asperger Syndrome, and an old man

who owns a computer shop.

The awarding ceremonies were held at the newly built Quezon City Interactive Museum.

The QCinema Awards Night, hosted by beauty queen Kristine Caballero, was attended by city stakeholders, film personalities, and members of the press.

Other winners included Apocalypse Child, a full-length narrative film starring Sid Lucero, won the Circle Competition Best Picture and P300,000 prize money. It was lauded ‘for its nuanced characterizations in an apparently simple story of friendship, loyalty, and desire

that unravels the fractured nature of identity and delves in how truth can sometimes be the contorted lies people tell about themselves.’

The film’s director Mario Cornejo took home the Best Director award while Annicka Dolonius, one of the members of the cast, won the Best Supporting Actress trophy.

Mihk Vergara’s Patintero: Ang Alamat ni Meng Patalo was tagged as the Audience Choice winner. It was also conferred the Gender Sensitivity award for ‘its portrayal of a young girl empowered to rise above the label given to her as a loser and inspiring her friends and the whole

community to not only honour the rules of the game, but to live their lives accordingly.’ Each award comes with P50,000 cash reward.

The NETPAC Jury Prize for Best Documentary went to Sheryn Dayoc’s Crescent Rising, an indepth film that was praised for ‘being an urgent document in clarifying the current issues of the jihad and the basic law involving the Bangsamoro homeland, and, through risky filmmaking, for conveying a brave summary of a historical moment.’ The group also received P200,000 cash prize along with the trophy.

YoUng aCtors in ‘the horse and his BoY’

w Cast of The Horse and His Boy

Reb Atadero as Shasta

Cara Barredo as Aravis

e can all agree that a show needs a cast. It needs its actors to be able to breathe life into a writer’s words and deliver a director’s vision to the audience. Trumpets has assembled a cast of young, upcoming actors with veterans of the craft for an adaptation of the fifth book from C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, The Horse and His Boy. This part of the book sequel tells a story of how a boy and a horse took an epic ride. The cast of the play experienced the action-filled, physically taxing and hardcore battle scenes. It was truly a test of skills, most especially the ones portraying the horses’ role. Extraordinary demands were twinned with the adventure. These actors were greatly challenged in showcasing the journey of conquering obstacles along the way.

Reb Atadero plays the orphan boy, Shasta. Playing the Talking Horse, Bree, is Joel Trinidad.

A familiar face plays the female lead, Aravis. Cara Barredo, a staple in Repertory Philippines productions, lends her talents in her first major production with Trumpets. Jill Peña has had an interesting journey for the role of Hwin, The Talking Mare. She was first asked to play the part of Queen Susan, then the part of the storyteller, and a few days into rehearsals had to replace Cathy Azanza-Dy as Hwin.

The Horse and His Boy opens today at the Meralco Theater.

For tickets, head to ticketworld.com. ph or call the Trumpets’ office at 9014364.

You can also follow the journey on social media by heading to their Facebook page, The Horse and His Boy by Trumpets, or by using the hashtag #EpicRide.

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PeOPle

SHOWBITZ ...ARE tALKing AbOUt Alden Richards

All-Pinoy girl band 4th Impact

ALDEn RiChARDS Everything he touches now turns gold or in case of his album, platinum. Alden’s Mida’s Touch turned his Wish I May CD into certified platinum in less than a week. Additionally, the record’s carrier single is climbing up the charts ready to take over Juan Karlos Labajo’s single that has been on top of the charts for 7 consecutive weeks. To top it all, his other album that has been around for quite some time now suddenly turned platinum. What else, Alden? Surprise us more.

Kris Aquino

4th imPACt The all-Filipino girl group 4th Impact is safe from elimination after they wowed the crowd and the judges with their rendition of Ariana Grande’s “Problem” in the X Factor UK’s first live show. Their fan base is growing by the minute. In fact, even Lindsay Lohan is one of their avid supporters.

AngEL LOCSin Fans were saddened when the Kapamilya actress had to back out from the big screen reimagining of Darna. But the adage “when a door closes another one opens” happens to favor Angel. She’s just recently been signed up to do a new TV series and a movie that will not require any of her combat skills.

Now, that’s how you make a comeback.

Angel Locsin

...ARE nOt tALKing AbOUt

isahred @ gmail.com

Mariel Rodriguez

Pastillas Girl

KRiS AqUinO In hindsight, she had this good intention when she talked about her flight back to Manila from Hawaii, commending an airline for her “comfortable” trip . But the timing was practically off irking almost everyone who saw her Instagram post. Perhaps her real motive was to divert people’s attention, sadly that didn’t work as it did more harm than good. mARiEL RODRigUEZ She’s back in Kapamilya in a silent fashion. People were a bit surprised when Mariel appeared inside the PBB House.

Obviously, she missed the show a lot but if you were to make a comeback you’ll not do it in a show which viewership is in steady decline. mR. AnD mS. PAStiLLAS The overly hyped Ms. Pastillas and now with her beau Mr. Pastillas has just celebrated their first month together. As we understood it, the couple has taken “the relationship” official in real life. Of course there’s nothing wrong with that since that’s the objective to begin with.

Unfortunately, all the mystery is gone and with that we can now say bye bye to Mr. and Ms. Pastillas.

Louie ignaCio wins Best DireCtor Kapuso director Louie Ignacio won Best Director (Global) for Asintado at the recently concluded International Film Festival Manhattan on Oc. 22 in New York.

“God is so good at speechless ako sa stage when I received the award, nakakatawa! Sana suportahan nating mga Pilipino ang indie films!

The feeling is so overwhelming!” said Ignacio. Aiko Melendez also won her second international Best Actress Award for the film.

Asintado is Ignacio’s first Indie film and his very first Best Director global award for a movie.

It is a story of how a mentally

Director Louie Ignacio

Director Louie Ignacio and other winners at International Film Festival Manhattan

challenged son was pushed to kill a drug dealer by his mother, in order to save his brother who was facing imminent danger for botching a drug deal.

Ignacio was very anxious while waiting for the announcement of winners and he didn’t expect to win at all. “Clueless ako that night

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 45 46 47 50 51 52 53 54 57 62 63 64 65 66 67 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Waited awhile 6 Join, as hands 11 Bench warmer 14 Port near Kyoto 15 Bookstore section (hyph.)

16 Wall Street deg.

17 Quaking — 18 Certain wolf 19 Charged particle 20 Lairs

22 24 28 30 31 32 33 37 38 39 40 43

Kind of bar Dabbing on Noisy Habituated Raw-fish delicacy “Peanuts” kid OK with everything Left Bank pal Welsh dog Flightless bird Some plants Fragment

Revival shouts Old-fashioned hat Tries for a job Wheat, rye, etc.

Having a good physique — Almond of Soft Cell Motel of yore — wave or pool Cagers’ goals Morse signal The upper crust Historical period Kind of system Ballerina painter Third dimension

DOWN 1 Glamorous wrap 2 Soyuz destination 3 Drop bait on water 4 Make do with 5 Fops 6 Cheech’s partner 7 Records 8 Hole puncher 9 Sault — Marie 10 Maserati rival 11 Encouraging look 12 “Das Boot” craft (hyph.)

at kabado sobra because of the result of the Opening night! Aside from the SRO crowd, ang daming positive reactions and comments from different filmmakers around the world. Tapos yung mga Pinoy in New York nalaman nila na may Taong Putik Festival pala sa Nueva Ecija, di ba nakakatuwa sobra!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015

13 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 33 34 35 36 38 41 42 43 44 46 47 48 49 50 52 55 56 58 59 60 61

Toss about, as words Wind up Similar Saffron dish Jung’s inner self Forum wear Play about Capote Ladder steps — spumante Blisters Loose change Frosh, usually Quiz-show VIP Recital offerings Hudson Bay tribe Lofty Failed to include Stole eggs?

Those elected Chilly comment Tolerate Wars against Carthage Bean or horse Freighter hazards — Hari Land in “la mer” Tunnel Unlatch, to a bard Dinny’s rider Interest amt.

Library caution

(Texas) International Film Festival and a Best Rising Star award for Jake Vargas; Official Selection for International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema in London and Sabi ko, ok na kung di manalo sa a Best Actress award for Aiko MeBest Director, at least malakas na lendez; Official Selection for Cairo palakpak and very good com- International Film Festival; Official Selection for 2015 Harlem Inments naman ang balik!

Asintado also garnered many ternational Film Festival; Official international recognitions includ- Selection for Queens International ing a Gold Remi Award ( Best Film Festival; and Official SelecPicture ) for Children’s category tion for Cleveland International at the 48th World Fest Houston Film Festival.

F RIDAY : NOV EMBER 6, 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

ConCert King Martin nievera holds Court at the PalaCe

M

ore than 30 years in the industry, Martin Nievera is still the undisputed Concert King. With numerous concerts here and abroad, he has always been a formidable force on stage that never fails to bring fun to fans with his wacky sense of humor, and lets them experience love and romance with his timeless ballads and OPM hits.

Although currently in the US for a series of shows that let him touch base with his followers there, he will come home this month to bring cheer to his loyal fans this Christmas season.

On Nov. 13, the Concert King will hold a concert at the Palacio de Maynila in Manila. The show is billed The Concert King Rocks The Palace, a title he himself chose.

“I’ll be back on Nov. 12, in time for rehearsal,” Martin says with excitement.

Rested and well energized after his stay in the US, Martin says he has already started rehearsing his songs for the show at Palacio

C7 Martin Nievera is featured in another concert called The Concert King Rocks the Palace

From C8

in between gigs in the US. The singer-host is known for commanding crowds in large venues the likes of the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena. But for The Concert King Rocks The Palace, Martin has envisioned a more intimate setting wherein he can reach out to the audience and make them feel truly a part of the whole experience.

Despite holding the show at a 900-capacity venue, Martin says this one-off performance at Palacio de Maynila will enable him to have bonding moments with his fans. In fact, the venue is perfect for the audience to experience the Martin magic up close and personal – they may actually get the chance to get close to him and even sing some songs with him.

To make this an even bigger treat for Martin’s fans, Palacio de Maynila general manager.

Cristy Nazario says they made sure the ticket prices are affordable to everyone.

“Our VIP Center only costs

P4,000; the VIP-Reserved Seats, meanwhile, are priced at only P3,000. The free-seating area only costs P2,000 so it won’t be a burden on those who want to watch Martin in an intimate show.”

Nazario adds they were able to keep the ticket prices low through the help of a number of generous sponsors.

Fans will surely have a night they won’t forget with Martin, who promises to take the audience down memory lane by singing well-loved classic hits, and then let them enjoy the here and now with the new songs he will perform. It will be a night of fun, and a new experience with Martin that his fans surely won’t forget.

The Concert King Rocks The Palace is on Nov. 13 at the Palacio de Maynila, located along Roxas Boulevard in Malate, Manila. Proceeds of the show will benefit Victory Outreach in San Pedro, Laguna.

For tickets, call Palacio de Maynila at 5247606 and 5273239; or SM Tickets at 4702222.

PH’s no.1 subsCriPtion video-on-demand serviCe Provider reaCHes 300k users

W

PLDT VP and Head of HOME Marketing Gary G. Dujali

e were there during the elaborate launch of the partnership between iFlix and PLDT recently at the Green Sun in Makati and we were a witness to the bigness of this event. That’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise to us to learn that in less than five months since the launch, iflix has established itself as the country’s leading subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) service provider with over 300k subscribers in the Philippines alone. With more than half a million subscribers regionally, including those in Malaysia and Thailand, iflix is hands down SEA’s most popular SVoD service.

According to iflix Co-founder and Group CEO Mark Britt, they will continue to roll out its world-class service to additional key emerging markets globally throughout the coming year.

“We’re thrilled at the outstanding reception iflix has received to date. We are 100% committed to delivering the best content and service available to our rapidly growing, loyal subscriber base across the region, with award winning exclusive programming such as Mr. Robot, Fargo, UnReal and Black Sails, and all new game changing features, to be announced soon. We are currently discussing collaborations with many of leading brands both regionally and worldwide to bring greater value to our customers and theirs,” he said.

With the addition of the critically

acclaimed series Mr. Robot, exclusively available on iflix, to its vast content library, iflix looks to further extend its considerable lead in content viewership. The company recently revealed it has streamed 200 million minutes of the Philippines’ favorite movies and TV programs. This figure is 15 times greater than the reported video-minute consumption of its closest competitor.

“We are also grateful to have PLDT, the Philippines’ broadband leader as a partner to power our content platforms with their strong network. With PLDT HOME’s extensive reach, we are able to bring premium entertainment to millions of Filipinos all over the country,” Britt added.

In partnership with over 50 of the world’s top studios including Disney, MGM, Paramount, Warner Brothers, Twentieth Century Fox and CBS, iflix delivers premium TV programming and the largest library of compelling and family-friendly Hollywood content across a wide range of genres. iflix’s notable TV titles include hits such as The Big Bang Theory, Arrow, Modern Family, American Horror Story, Glee, How I Met Your Mother, Vampire Diaries, Sherlock, Attack on Titan, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Scandal, Once Upon a Time, and Conan.

Its movie library carries classic movie trilogies such as The Godfather, The Lord of The Rings and The Matrix. It also boasts an extensive kids’ library

with titles including Peppa Pig, HI-5, Adventure Time, Dora the Explorer, Spongebob Squarepants, and Ben 10.

K-drama lovers can also enjoy top Korean hits such as Boys Over Flowers, Secret Garden and My Sassy Girl.

PLDT HOME continues to fortify its over 70 percent market share broadband leadership in the country by giving subscribers more reasons to enjoy the finest entertainment at home. It now offers thousands of movies and TV shows from iflix and other content providers bundled with its broadband subscriptions.

PLDT VP and Head of HOME Marketing Gary G. Dujali noted, “We’re proud of how significantly iflix has grown in just a few months. We are confident that with our most trusted brand and the country’s number one broadband, PLDT HOME DSL, we will continue to build the strongest connections at home with our family-sized entertainment offers.”

Subscribers of PLDT HOME DSL Family Plan 1299 and up will have free and unlimited access to iflix as part of their broadband subscriptions across multiple smart devices at home such as laptops, computers, Telpad and the most recent game-changing innovation that transforms HDMI-ready TVs into a full suite PC, the TVolution Stick.

To access iflix using your PLDT HOME DSL subscription, log on to www.pldthome.com.

F RIDAY : NOV EMBER 6, 2015

C8

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

The cast of No Boyfriend Since Birth – from left, Bangs Garcia, Tom Rodriguez, Carla Abellana and Mike Tan

carla wins tom’s heart in

‘No BoyfrieNd SiNCe Birth’ ISAH V. RED The refreshing tandem of Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez returns to the big screen via Regal Entertainment’s latest romantic-comedy offering, No Boyfriend Since Birth, directed by Joey Reyes.

The Carla-Tom tandem became instant favorite in the breakthrough series My Husband’s Lover on GMA-7.

This was followed by the family-drama My Destiny, which sealed the romantic team-up.

The pair gained an even bigger following when they starred in Regal’s So It’s You. This time, in No Boyfriend Since Birth, Carla and Tom share Tom Rodriguez stars as a photographer in No Boyfriend Since Birth

another interesting tale of love filled with hugot lines, from a girl who hopes to spend her life forever with her dream guy from high school.

Carla plays Karina Miranda, who works as an executive assistant in a bridal shop.

She has never been in a relationship, in love as she still is with high school crush Carlo Miranda (played by Tom).

After graduation, Karina and Carlo’s paths cross at a wedding.

Carlo is a wedding photographer who worked in Canada for 10 years. The two get close as they share a common interest.

Unfortunately, it is all work for Carlo unlike Karina, who has fallen deeply for her high school crush again.

Determined to win the man of her dreams, Karina does everyCarla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez are paired anew in new romcom

thing in her power to make Carlo fall for her, too.

But he is one tough nut to crack and so Karina decides to give up hope and spare herself from more pain, until Carlo asks her to be his business partner.

Karina then finds herself in a tight fix once again. Will she accept the proposal or turn it down?

Women in search of love and how to keep it forever can learn a thing or two from Carla’s character in the movie.

No Boyfriend Since Birth is a must-see for women who have never been in a relationship but are in search of love and someone to spend their lives forever with.

No Boyfriend Since Birth opens in cinemas nationwide on Nov. 11 from the same company that produced the blockbuster romantic-comedy film, The PreNup. Carla Ablella is an assistant of a wedding coordinator in new movie

Krissy's new single is now out in the market

HHHHH Krissy at a ‘Distance’ Acoustic artist and YouTube sensation Krissy, releases her new single “Distance” off her debut album Songs About You. “Distance,” which Krissy herself wrote, is similar to her previous heartbreak songs like “We Can’t Be” and “Piece of You”. This heart-rending song bares her soul and will make listeners feel what she went through in her break up. “This song is a lot different from most of my songs and really means a lot to me,” Krissy said.

She wrote the song 2 years ago.

“I had just gotten out of a really bad break up. It was the very first time I had ever been in love like that. It was the kind of break up that came out of nowhere. It was bad for me because I had given a lot to be with him. As with all break ups, you try and do what you can to forget how much you are hurting. I was constantly surrounded by friends, which helped a lot. But at times, when you are alone, it helps reflect on the whole relationship,” Krissy said.

Her friend’s grand piano became a part of the writing process.

“I was at my friend’s place one

day and he had this really big beautiful grand piano in his living room and I just started playing. I usually write my songs on guitar and this had been one of my first few songs on the piano. I let out everything I was feeling and I finally finished writing it in about an hour or so,” Krissy added.

Its music video recently premiered on MYX and featured her playing the piano. The video will also be seen soon on her VEVO channel KrissyVEVO. Songs About You can now be streamed via Spinnr, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer and Guvera and is available through digital downloads via Spinnr and iTunes. The album is also out in CDs at Astroplus and Astrovision outlets.

For bookings and inquiries, contact Sammy Samaniego of MCA Music Artist Management at +632 9162504 local 107, +639178565174 and +639209682991 or email sammy.samaniego@umusic.com or mcabookings@umusic.com. For more new and updates on Krissy, log on to the following sites: www. facebook.com/mcamusic, www. twitter.com/mca_music or Instagram: mca_music. ➜ continued on c7